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Capitals' Tom Wilson, Canadiens' Josh Anderson brawl on bench in wild Stanley Cup Playoffs scene
There’s nothing quite like the intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the heat of competition spilled over into a brawl between the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens on Friday night to the point where players were fighting on the bench.
The period had ended in Game 3 of this first-round series, in which the Capitals were up 2-0. Capitals star Tom Wilson, known for being an instigator as much as an offensive threat, and Canadiens’ Josh Anderson were jawing back and forth as they went toward the locker rooms.
Things escalated quite quickly, as they began to fight on the Capitals’ bench, while a linesman attempted to get in between them. But it was to no avail, as the referee was only caught up in the fight pushing its way down the bench, and they eventually fell to the floor.
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Other players started to get involved and going after each other as Wilson and Anderson kept fighting, including Washington’s Lars Eller and Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj.
"I was on my way to walk across the ice . . . so then I had to reverse my course and head back, because there was two large individuals coming through the door that I was trying to exit," Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said about the altercation after the 6-3 loss to the Canadiens.
US NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE BEFORE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF GAME SPARKS OUTRAGE AMONG FANS
"It was just two competitive teams, two competitive guys going at it."
"Things escalated, got out of control there a little bit," Anderson added. "At the end of the day, you’re just trying to stick up for your teammates."
Wilson, who received a 10-minute game misconduct and a roughing minor, the same discipline as Anderson, was seen mocking the Canadiens after the fight was eventually broken up.
The Canadiens led after the second period 3-2, and they didn’t look back to collect their much-needed first win in the best-of-seven series on Friday night.
Tension was felt on the Bell Centre ice before puck drop, as Wilson and Xhekaj were exchanging some words during warm-ups, which began making its rounds on social media.
Again, these are two players known for not only sticking up for teammates, but also ruffling the feathers of opponents whenever they can.
We might see more fireworks between these two squads, as Game 4 on Sunday sees Montreal looking to even it up, while Washington hopes to have a commanding lead with the second round in mind.
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Giants' Abdul Carter denied No 56 by Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor: 'Get another number'
The New York Giants took Penn State's Abdul Carter third overall with the dream that he could one day be in their Ring of Honor, solidifying a spot as one of the best players to wear their jersey.
But that jersey won't feature the number 56 on it as he would like.
The number 56 belonged to perhaps the greatest defensive weapon the NFL has ever seen: Lawrence Taylor. It was retired by the Giants in 1994 to honor the Hall of Fame linebacker, and he intends to keep it that way despite Carter mentioning his desire to wear it.
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Carter, however, is using Lawrence's "get another number" comment as fuel for his own fire heading into his rookie campaign with Big Blue.
"The worst thing he could say was NO!! My stance don’t change, LT is the [goat emoji]. Nothing but respect… This just gonna make me work even harder!! I love it," he wrote on X.
Carter's comment stems from Taylor being asked about the Penn State product's own right after being drafted by New York.
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He spoke to fellow Nittany Lion Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys' star edge rusher, who will now be an enemy. Parsons and Carter both wore No. 11 at Penn State, so the former asked the latter if he would carry that tradition into the NFL.
The problem with that number is that former Giants quarterback Phil Simms saw that retired for him as well, but Carter said he was eyeing Taylor's No. 56 instead, to which Parsons and his Bleacher Report co-hosts reacted in amazement.
The New York Post asked Taylor about Carter’s potential number request, and it was clear he wouldn’t be sharing it.
"I know he would love to wear that number," Taylor said. "But, hey, I think it’s retired. Get another number. I don’t care if it’s double zero, and then make it famous."
The Giants' previous first-round draft pick, wide receiver Malik Nabers, did get the blessing from Ray Flaherty's family this past season to wear his retired number one. So, a request isn't out of the ordinary for the franchise.
But Taylor wants Carter to forge his own path in the NFL, and have Giants fans remember him for his own number on his back.
Of course, Carter would absolutely love to have a career remotely close to Taylor's.
He was a 10-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champion, the 1986 league MVP and three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year over his 13 seasons in the league – all with the Giants.
Taylor racked up 142 career sacks over 184 games after being taken second overall in the 1981 NFL Draft out of North Carolina.
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JONATHAN TURLEY: Out-of-control judges, not FBI, appear to have crossed 'red line'
"This is not normal."
Those words from Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., are undeniably true after the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan. However, the reason it is not normal is far more debatable. Dugan is accused of becoming a lawbreaker in seeking to obstruct an effort to arrest a man wanted by federal authorities. If true, that is manifestly not "normal."
As soon as the news of the arrest was reported, Democrats declared another constitutional crisis. Klobuchar added that the arrest "is a drastic move threatening the rule of law" and a "grave step and undermines our system of checks and balances."
That is a curious claim unless Klobuchar believes that the officers are lying. If not, Klobuchar is suggesting that a judge should not be held accountable for actively shielding a wanted person and facilitating their evasion of law enforcement.
Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., also condemned Dugan’s arrest, stating, "If [FBI Director] Kash Patel and Donald Trump don’t like a judge, they think they can arrest them. This is stunning — we must stand up to this blatant power grab. Republicans: How is this not a red line for you?"
Yet, what is the "red line" for judges if the allegations are true? This judge is accused of conduct that has resulted in charges for other citizens. The judicial robe is not some form of invisibility cloak that allows judges to engage in alleged criminal acts.
The Wisconsin media is reporting:
Sources have told the Journal Sentinel that ICE officials arrived in Dugan’s courtroom on the morning of April 18. When they went to the chief judge’s office, Dugan directed the defendant and his attorney to a side door in the courtroom, directed them down a private hallway and into the public area on the 6th floor.
If true, that would be an active effort to help the suspect elude police who were carrying out a lawful function.
According to the criminal complaint, Ruiz allegedly attacked three individuals after an altercation with his roommate about playing loud music. Flores-Ruiz allegedly struck his roommate approximately 30 times with a closed fist and then attacked his girlfriend and a third person. Some of the injuries required hospital treatment.
The evasion of police at the courthouse required officers to chase down Ruiz, which could have resulted in a more serious confrontation on the street.
This is not the first time that a judge has been accused of participating in or directing such obstruction.
I previously wrote about the case of Massachusetts judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph who was charged with allegedly helping an illegal immigrant evade ICE agents in April 2018. Joseph and court officer Wesley MacGregor were charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting and obstruction of a federal proceeding.
I was critical of the handling of the case. While Joseph was suspended for three years, charges were dropped in 2022 during the Biden Administration.
The Dugan case occurred at the same time that a New Mexico judge was arrested for harboring an unlawful immigrant and an alleged TdA gang member.
Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife were arrested on Thursday. Notably, Cano reportedly admitted to officers that he smashed the phone of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez after the 23-year-old was arrested in a raid at the judge’s home.
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As I said on Fox News Channel last night, I am perplexed by Democrats rushing to denounce the arrest of Dugan before we know whether these allegations are supported. If she escorted the suspect to a non-public door to facilitate his escape, that conduct is a shocking abandonment of judicial ethics. She can certainly use her authority to address matters properly before her in the form of judicial orders, but actively assisting in an escape is well beyond the pale.
I have often criticized the reckless rhetoric directed against judges, including those who have ruled against the Trump administration. We need to maintain our civility and respect as we work through these often difficult questions.
However, that works both ways. Judges have to reinforce respect for the judiciary in their own conduct. That includes showing restraint and respect in relation to the countervailing powers of the Executive Branch. It certainly includes avoiding actions that could be viewed as unethical or even criminal in resisting this administration.
That is also a "red line."
Adam Schiff reveals what a San Francisco cashier bluntly told him about Dems, warns party has 'major problem'
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., offered a dire warning to fellow Democrats recalling an exchange he had with a Target cashier in San Francisco, insisting his party has a "major problem."
During a panel discussion on Friday's "Real Time with Bill Maher," Schiff was asked to weigh in on the current state of the Democratic Party and how it governs, particularly in a state like California.
"So we're gonna to have to change how we do business in California," Schiff told Bill Maher. "We're gonna to have to address people's legitimate concerns about crime."
NBC HOST QUESTIONS ADAM SCHIFF ON WHETHER BIDEN OFFICIALS MISLED THE PUBLIC ABOUT FORMER PRESIDENT
Schiff then recalled an experience he had two years ago in San Francisco when his luggage was stolen out of his car, admitting it was the one time he did not heed warnings from others about not leaving valuables in vehicles while in the city.
"And what was most memorable about the experience for me as I went to this Target in South San Francisco, 10 o'clock at night, and I'm getting the toiletries I'm gonna need for my next two days in the city," Schiff said. "First of all, I had to get the clerk, which is hard to find, to unlock the shampoo or the whatever. So that's one thing."
MAYOR DANIEL LURIE SEES ‘VIBE SHIFT’ IN SAN FRANCISCO AS HE WORKS TO CLEAN UP CITY
"And then I get to the cashier. The cashier asked me if I want one of those Target bags with a little bullseye on it. And I said, ‘Yes, that Target bag is gonna be my luggage for the next two days," Schiff continued. "And she asked me what happened, and I told her, and she basically said in not so many words, ’Yeah, Democrats are a---h---s.' And I thought, you know, if the cashier in South San Francisco at 10 o'clock at night believes that Democrats are a---h---s because the shampoo was locked up and my stuff got stolen out of the trunk, we've got a major problem that we have to address."
"That's an awesome story," Maher reacted. "That says a lot. I hope all the Democrats listen to that story."
Schiff expressed hope in San Francisco's new Democratic mayor Daniel Lurie, who he says is "helping lead the way in how we kind of reinvent how Democrats are doing governance."
Shedeur Sanders remains positive ahead of final NFL Draft day: 'Thank you GOD'
The football world is stunned that Shedeur Sanders remains on the 2025 NFL Draft board, but the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback prospect continues to keep a positive mindset on social media.
Sanders was hopeful that he would be taken on Day 2, but after Rounds 3 and 4 came and went, he still didn't know which NFL team he will begin his career with.
Meanwhile, three other quarterbacks were selected on Friday night in Green Bay after Cam Ward went first overall to the Tennessee Titans, and the New York Giants traded back into the first round to grab Jaxson Dart 25th overall.
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Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints), Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks) and Dillon Gabriel (Cleveland Browns) were all taken before Sanders, and "stunned" was an understatement to describe how analysts and fans alike felt.
But after the final picks were made on Friday, Sanders pointed to his faith with his reaction, saying, "Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING." He had a similar message Saturday morning on X.
"Another day another opportunity to get a chance to play the game I love. Thank you GOD #LEGENDARY," Sanders tweeted.
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There have been 102 prospects taken off the board, and with Round 4 beginning at noon in Green Bay, everyone is wondering which NFL team is finally going to pull the trigger on Sanders.
Why is this happening for Sanders? It’s the question on everyone’s mind, with opinions flying in on all sides. Some feel that his father, NFL great and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, has blame to shoulder. Others believe the reports during the draft process, which stated that Sanders had had bad meetings with teams.
But it's very unusual for someone like Sanders, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, to fall this far, considering what's been on tape the last four years. He's shown elite-level accuracy, a solid arm in the pocket and outside, and the tools to be a good quarterback in the NFL.
"It’s gotta be about more than football," ESPN's Booger McFarland said during the NFL Draft broadcast on the network. "He’s the best pure passer you can draft. When you start to see developmental projects like Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel – and nothing against those guys, but they’re not nearly the player that Shedeur Sanders is. When they go before him, the only thing you can say is that it’s more than football."
McFarland's colleague, Mel Kiper Jr., adds: "I think it’s disgusting. I don’t understand what the heck’s going on with this. . . . Somebody’s gonna have to explain that one to me."
Sanders has been surrounded by friends and family in Texas, awaiting the call that has yet to come. In fact, Sanders had to deal with a prank call, which was caught on his Twitch live stream. He has since ended the live broadcast.
But through this surprising free fall, Sanders has been keeping a positive mindset, at least publicly.
The NFL Draft resumes with Round 4 on Saturday at noon Eastern in Green Bay. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders remain the most intriguing teams to nab Sanders.
Some notable starting quarterbacks in the NFL who have flourished after being selected on Day 3 include Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott and, of course, Tom Brady.
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Wayfair's Way Day sale: Save up to 80% off on the perfect sofa
Wayfair's Way Day is back! From April 26 to 28, shoppers can enjoy exclusive savings on all kinds of furniture, including living room sofas.
The sale includes sleeper sofas and modular designs in corduroy and leather. Plus, over the three-day period, customers get free shipping on everything. So, for a living room refresh, now is the perfect opportunity to grab these exclusive discounts.
Here are nine styles on sale now that get great reviews from customers:
Original price: $2,699
This sleeper sofa is modern and all about functionality. It features plush chenille upholstery and clean lines that blend into any space for a modern update. It is durable and comfortable enough to host your overnight guests without worrying about saggy mattresses or uncomfortable sleeping setups.
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Original price: $2,272
This sophisticated mid-century sofa features a sleek silhouette. The wooden frame and metal bracket legs provide stability, while tall arms and reversible cushions surround you for extra comfort and support. Elevate your living space in an instant with this choice.
Original price: $1,499
This genuine leather sofa will give your living room a well-deserved upgrade. The sleek and stylish mid-century modern sofa fits into any room. It is crafted from solid and engineered wood and features thin tapered legs with a brown finish for a minimalist touch. The sofa is wrapped in genuine weathered leather in a honey-brown hue.
Original price: $589.99
This soft corduroy sleeper is the ultimate accessory for cozy nights. The sofa features reversible cushions that provide excellent support and plush pillow-style armrests that are the perfect place to perch your feet. Plus, this sofa easily converts into a spacious bed, giving flexibility for overnight guests or relaxing naps.
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Original price: $1,459.99
This spacious corduroy modular sectional can be tailored to fit your living room. The L-shaped frame is made from solid wood wrapped in corduroy upholstery. The cushions have great padding for excellent support. This is an oversized sectional, so measure your space to see if it can accommodate it. The sofa also comes with an ottoman.
Original price: $1,199
This sleeper sofa has a classic design that easily fits into any room decor. It features Serta technology with softly rolled arms and square legs, making it equally comfortable to lounge on as it is to get a good night's rest.
Original price: $949.99
This sofa-and-chaise sectional will become the centerpiece of your living area. It is spacious enough to stretch out and enjoy binge weekends of your favorite shows or to share while visiting with family. The sofa features a wooden frame wrapped in textured corduroy fabric and comes with five accent pillows.
Original price: $2,539
This modern modular sectional sofa has a large ottoman and seven toss pillows. It is sturdy and ultra-comfortable and is wrapped in hard-wearing corduroy fabric. It's a perfect sofa for a large family to enjoy movie nights.
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Original price: $709.99
This two-piece chaise sectional is smaller and perfect if you have limited living room space but don’t want to skimp on comfort. The sofa is roomy enough for two people to really stretch out. It comes with four accent pillows.
Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft freefall has sports world in shock: 'This is disgusting'
When quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders fell out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, there were some who couldn’t believe he hadn't been picked by an organization, although it wasn’t considered a total shock.
But with Friday night seeing three more quarterbacks not named Sanders come off the draft board, the reaction was pure shock.
Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback who was a Heisman Trophy finalist this past college season, remains available heading into the third and final day of the NFL Draft. There have been 102 prospects taken off the board, and with Round 4 beginning at noon in Green Bay, everyone is wondering which NFL team will finally pull the trigger on Sanders.
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Surprise and shock might not even be the words to describe this fall down the draft board, arguably being the biggest we’ve seen in recent memory for someone whom many considered to be, at the very least, a Day 2 selection.
Why is this happening for Sanders? It’s the question on everyone’s mind, including ESPN’s Booger McFarland, who thinks the answer lies beyond the tape.
GET FULL 2025 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE WITH REAL-TIME PICKS, EXPERT ANALYSIS AND CAN'T-MISS MOMENTS
"It’s gotta be about more than football," he said during the NFL Draft broadcast on the network. "He’s the best pure passer you can draft. When you start to see developmental projects like Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel – and nothing against those guys, but they’re not nearly the player that Shedeur Sanders is. When they go before him, the only thing you can say is that it’s more than football."
Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints), Milroe (Seattle Seahawks), and Gabriel (Cleveland Browns) were all selected on Friday night in respective order. Gabriel, especially, was the icing on the cake for those who were baffled that Sanders hadn't gone off the board, as some experts didn’t have him on their top five quarterback rankings heading into the draft.
Mel Kiper Jr., the longtime NFL Draft analyst with ESPN, has been adamant about Sanders’ talent, ranking him the highest-graded prospect on his big board. He was vocal about Sanders making it out of the first round on Thursday night, but he was appalled to see what happened the next day.
"I think it’s disgusting," he said during a lengthy rant after Day 2 came and went. "I don’t understand what the heck’s going on with this. . . . Somebody’s gonna have to explain that one to me."
Joel Klatt, who called several Buffaloes games this past college season for Fox Sports, has seen what Sanders can do for a football program in person.
During NFL Network’s broadcast, Klatt pointed the finger at the narratives that were built about Sanders during the pre-draft process as to a reason why he’s slipping.
"Shedeur represents everything I dislike about the NFL Draft, and it’s only one thing: it’s narratives. It’s narratives that are built up, lazy, and quite frankly, trash. When you come out as an anonymous source about some meeting that you had, and you don’t think that some kid measured up to what you wanted him to be when he walked in your room, I think that’s trash.
"Shedeur Sanders is going to be a good quarterback in the National Football League, and I think he’s going to go make some head coach and some fan base very happy, because he’s already done that in his career in what I think is a very difficult spotlight for his dad at the University of Colorado and a program that was nothing before he got there for two decades."
At the same time, Klatt also believes this is time for Sanders to reflect, because the analyst feels it isn’t the tape that’s causing this freefall.
"His play on the field would suggest he should already have been selected," Klatt explained. "There were some quarterbacks, their play on the field probably doesn’t warrant a selection over his play on the field.
"The reason he’s undrafted at this point is because of the person that sat with those teams and did not, for whatever reason, jell with them."
It’s not just the analysts opining about Sanders’ draft situation – even President Donald Trump jumped into the mix to say how crazy it was.
"What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID? Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith called it "a damn disgrace." Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who already has a young quarterback after taking Bo Nix in the first round last years, admitted his surprise and even the Buffaloes football account on X posted 10 minutes worth of Sanders highlights, just to remind everyone of how good he can be on the gridiron.
These reactions are just the tip of the iceberg, as the football world continues to be bewildered at Sanders being available heading into the fourth round on Saturday.
After the final pick was made in Round 3, Sanders, who has been surrounded by friends and family at home, including his father and Colorado coach Deion Sanders, posted on X.
"Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING," he wrote.
Of the teams still in search for a potential new quarterback on the depth chart, the Pittsburgh Steelers, believed to be an option in Rounds 1 and 3, remain a frontrunner, as do the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Reporter's Notebook: From John Paul II to Francis, covering two historic papacies
Two popes . . . Francis and John Paul II . . . their deaths separated by almost exactly twenty years. Both world-renowned figures and similar in personal approach . . . but the two were different, as well. I had the honor of covering both.
The news of the death of Pope Francis came just as I was returning to London from a long Easter weekend in the States. While Francis had been seriously ill, he also seemed to be on the mend, so his quick and quiet death at his modest apartment in the Santa Marta guesthouse caught many by surprise. A planned "catnap" by me at home turned into a quick dash to our UK studio.
In a series of "live shots," I talked about a man who seemed so familiar to all. They called him the "People’s Pope." And no wonder. The first from the Americas. For 12 years a champion of the downtrodden, victims of war, hunger and poverty. Taking on big global issues like inequality and global warming. Tangling, with degrees of success, with issues inside the Roman Catholic Church like sex abuse and the roles of women and gays. All with a personal, humble and humorous touch.
FOX NEWS TO AIR SPECIAL LIVE COVERAGE OF POPE FRANCIS' FUNERAL ON SATURDAY
And at the same time, in my mind, there were memories of the passing of Pope John Paul II. I was there in Vatican City on a chilly night in April 2005, reporting with the Fox News team. The pope was literally on his deathbed in his Apostolic Palace apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands had gathered in a mass vigil. And then the lights went out.
We detailed, too, that night, the life of this man who had captured the spirit of the world. A strong voice for freedom and democracy. Who had played a big role in bringing down communism in his homeland of Poland and elsewhere. John Paul II tried to bring the world together as he kept church rulings in line. I had covered him for 26 years, starting as a "cub" producer at his conclave in 1978.
After both deaths, the same words were used by Vatican officials to describe the "trip" the Popes took on those fateful days: "He has returned to the house of his father."
The passing of a pope is just the beginning of a lengthy process when the Vatican turns over the keys to the church of 1.3 billion global followers to a new leader. A massive ceremony-laden funeral is then followed by the drama of the selection of a new pope, the conclave with its black smoke for no decision . . . white smoke for a new Pope. And then their inauguration.
The cardinals who gathered in the wake of the passing of John Paul II chose Pope Benedict XVI a more conservative and more elderly leader than they’d picked before. He would only serve for eight years. His resignation (he died in 2022) paved the way for another conclave, which chose the Argentinian Pope Francis.
POPE FRANCIS REVEALED BURIAL WISHES JUST DAYS AFTER BECOMING POPE IN 2013
Both John Paul II and Francis were thought to be long-shot outsiders. Speculation is now building about the choice to be made in the upcoming papal "election." Will it return the papacy to Italian dominance or spread its reach to a new country and continent? Will the new pope revive a more conservative approach to the church or stay in the modern spirit of Francis?
The coming days will tell.
Many of us carry our own reminders of those who have passed. In my case, literally. In 2005, a Vatican insider gave me rosary beads blessed by John Paul II. I’ve kept them with me on all my sometimes-rough travels since. From Afghanistan and Iraq . . . to the Mideast and Ukraine.
I also keep with me the memory of my late mother. She was a big fan of the Polish pontiff. She died of Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS, which ravages the body. Similar to some of the effects of Parkinson’s disease that contributed to John Paul II’s death.
Born of humble stock, I know Mom would also have liked the simple faith of Pope Francis. And how he passed. There are some who say he held off his "departure" until the Monday after the events of Easter, so as not to spoil that most holy day in the Roman Catholic calendar.
Just like some in my family think, my mother held off her passing until the day after my April birthday. Considerate of others to the end.
Rest in Peace Francis. Although I’m sure you’ll have a lot of catching up to do with all your friends "upstairs"!
Trump delivers different message on Gaza when recapping call with Netanyahu
President Donald Trump apparently pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Gaza during their latest conversation. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he told Netanyahu "You’ve got to be good to Gaza" because the people there "are suffering."
"There's a very big need for food and medicine, and we're taking care of it," Trump told reporters. Trump also noted that Netanyahu "felt well" about the push to get more aid into Gaza.
WITH TRUMP'S BACKING ISRAEL PUSHES DEEPER INTO GAZA AS PRESSURE BUILDS FOR HOSTAGE DEAL
This message seems to mark a departure from the more aggressive stance he has taken in the past. Before he returned to office, Trump warned Hamas there would be "hell to pay" if the hostages were not released. In February, when Netanyahu visited the White House, Trump suggested that the U.S. take over the Strip and turn it into a "riviera."
A few days after Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, Trump said Israel should "let all hell break out" if Hamas failed to release all remaining hostages by the U.S. president’s noon deadline. Hamas did not free the hostages, but Israel held off on resuming the war until March 18. Before ground operations restarted, 33 hostages were freed.
TRUMP: WE'RE WORKING REALLY HARD TO GET THE HOSTAGES OUT OF GAZA
Aid trucks have not entered Gaza since March 2, and there has been international uproar over the growing crisis inside the Strip. While Trump is seemingly pushing Netanyahu to change his approach to Gaza, Israel has said it would not let aid enter the Strip until the remaining hostages are released.
There is concern and frustration in Israel over allegations that aid has gone to Hamas terrorists instead of the people of Gaza. In November 2024, the Associated Press reported that prices in Gaza skyrocketed after nearly 100 trucks of food and humanitarian aid were looted by armed men.
While speaking to the United Nations Security Council, freed Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi said his captors often had boxes of supplies with U.N. logos on them in the tunnels. Sharabi, who weighed just 97 pounds when he was released, said the hostages were starved while "Hamas eats link kings."
The Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an Israeli agency, said that when the hostage deal was in place, 25,200 trucks entered Gaza carrying 447,538 tons of humanitarian aid.
First lady Melania Trump turns 55: Her life in photos, from Slovenia to White House
Melania Trump is celebrating her birthday on April 26 as she's been resuming her White House duties for the second time.
To commemorate the first lady's 55th year, Fox News Digital takes a look back at her path from growing up in Slovenia to stepping into her role in the White House.
Trump was born on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, at Splošna bolnišnica Novo mesto General Hospital, to parents Viktor and Amalija Knavs, according to public records.
The first lady was christened at the Church of St. Lawrence in Novo Mesto, where she was given her name, Melania.
She reportedly spent the first few years of her life living in an apartment in Sevnica.
Her family then relocated to a home in the same town.
The Knavs family attended services at the Church of St. Nicholas in Sevnica.
Fox News Digital also spoke with the first lady’s fifth-grade teacher, Milena Krajnc.
Krajnc shared that Trump was a good student and was always willing to help classmates who were falling behind.
Srečko Ocvrik, the mayor of Sevnica, told Fox News Digital that the Knavs family were pleasant and actively involved in the community.
"While I did not know the family personally, local narratives consistently portray the Knavs family warmly, highlighting their positive influence and presence in the community," said Ocvrik.
FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP SHARES GOOD FRIDAY MESSAGE AHEAD OF EASTER
The mayor shared that it would have been an "undoubtedly happy time for those who were young" growing up in the 1970s and '80s, "as economic progress was evident."
"We must consider that Slovenia and Sevnica are part of Central Europe, characterized by a quality of life that is inclusive and hardworking," he went on.
FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP OPENS WHITE HOUSE GARDENS TO ALL AMERICANS
At the time that Melania Trump was growing up, the area was part of the former country of Yugoslavia, which dissolved in the 1990s, according to the mayor.
"Slovenia, as the westernmost republic of Yugoslavia, was significantly more aligned with Western culture and standards compared to the southern republics," he added.
A local bakery in Sevnica, Okusne Dobrote, created apple pies named in honor of Melania Trump to mark her birthday.
At age 16, the first lady began a successful modeling career, marked by many high-profile advertising campaigns and various philanthropic works, according to the White House website.
MELANIA TRUMP, AMAZON PARTNER TO RELEASE NEW FILM ABOUT HER LIFE IN THEATERS WORLDWIDE
She moved to New York in 1996 and became a citizen of the United States 10 years later, records show.
She married President Donald Trump on Jan. 22, 2005, at The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, followed by a reception at Mar-a-Lago.
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On March 20, 2006, the couple welcomed their son, Barron William Trump.
In 2010, Melania Trump launched her own jewelry collection, Melania Trump Timepieces and Jewelry.
Last year, she penned a memoir, "Melania," a No. 1 New York Times bestseller.
Melania Trump is the second first lady to be born outside the U.S. — the first was Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams from London, wife of John Quincy Adams.
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Thus far, Melania Trump the only first lady to become a naturalized citizen.
During her first tenure as first lady, she launched "BE BEST," focusing on the biggest issues impacting children in America.
The initiative has "the goal of encouraging children to BE BEST in their individual paths, while also teaching them the importance of social, emotional and physical health," the mission statement notes.
"BE BEST will concentrate on three main pillars: well-being, online safety and opioid abuse."
She also established Fostering the Future, a BE BEST initiative that provides college scholarships to youth in foster care.
She also raises funds through her platforms on melaniatrump.com and usamemorabilia.com, using blockchain technology to generate revenue for scholarships.
Melania Trump has held several philanthropic roles, serving as chairwoman of the American Heart Association, honorary chairwoman of the Boys’ Club of New York, and honorary chairwoman of the Martha Graham Dance Company, among many others, according to the White House website.
Most recently, the first lady celebrated the victory of the "Take it Down Act," a bill that safeguards children from online threats such as deepfakes.
Karlo Pastrovic of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.