Chris Stapleton was a guest on the one and only Sesame Street and he sang with Elmo, and it is “awww”-inducing goodness at it’s finest.
Stapleton, who has more awards than a trophy store, graced the kid’s show set with his long locks and slick chops to sing “You Got A Friend In Music.”
That’s a take on the Randy Newman song, “You Got A Friend In Me.”
Elmo begins the clip by introducing Stapleton, who is in his signature “costume,” as he told us he calls it, when he is in his stage attire.
Then Abby slides in and says that the 11-time Grammy Award Winner is there to teach them about music and friendship.
Stapleton then keys in with his three word line that is likely scripted, “That’s right, Abby,” then begins to pluck the strings, and fire up the kid-friendly lyrics:
Music is the sound of your friends gathered around / and the smiles and the frowns on their faces / Music helps you feel feelings true and real / And they’re felt by people in different places.
After the whole song is finished, the Muppets are overjoyed at his performance and thank him to which Stapleton winked at the camera and simply said, “Thank you.”
Stapleton has been lending his golden pipes to others lately as well, including Miranda Lambert, with their new duet, “A Song To Sing.”
Here are the 10 or so others that have in addition.
How Long Has Sesame Street Been On TV?
This ain’t its first rodeo by any means. Sesame Street has been on TV since November 10, 1969, making it one of the longest-running children’s TV shows in history.
25 Chris Stapleton Songs Sure to Bring You to Your Knees
Chris Stapleton has only released four albums, but paring down a list of his 25 best songs is very difficult. These hits and album cuts are sure to make you feel some kind of way.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
13 Country Songs About Wine
Country music is well-known for its drinking songs, but they tend to focus on beer, whiskey and tequila. However, there are still quite a few country songs that mention wine, as you’ll see below.
(The Hill) — Comedian David Letterman on Friday joined the chorus of late-night hosts to bash CBS News after it announced it would sunset “The Late Show” after more than three decades on air, while praising host Stephen Colbert as a “martyr.”
Letterman — the show’s first host — alluded to the recent $16 million settlement between CBS’s parent company Paramount Global and the Trump administration, and its expected merger with entertainment giant Skydance, when he called the decision to nix the program “gutless.”
“I think one day, if not today, the people at CBS who have manipulated and handled this are going to be embarrassed because this is gutless,” he said during a recorded chat with his former “Late Show” producers Barbara Gaines and Mary Barclay. “I only wish this could happen to me. This would have been so great for me.”
Paramount called the move “purely a financial decision” and not related to the show’s performance or content. Letterman, like other press advocates and some Democrats, did not seem satisfied with that answer.
Instead, the “Late Show” veteran cast the blame on who he called the “Oracle twins,” referring to billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison, who is set to lead the “New Paramount” after the Federal Communications Commission gave the greenlight for Skydance to acquire the company. The merger is expected to be completed by Aug. 7.
“There’s no fairness to these goons,” Letterman said, adding “These guys are bottom feeders. That’s exactly what this is.”
“Of course, they know that broadcast television is withering, so now they want, just want to make sure on top of buying something that doesn’t have the same value as it had 30 years ago. They don’t want to be hassled by the United States government,” he continued. “So, they want CBS to take care of all of that mess.”
The comedian also blasted CBS’s decision to settle with Trump after he sued “60 Minutes” over an interview with former Vice President Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign as “pure cowardice.”
Top names in late-night television — such as Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart and Seth Meyers — have defended Colbert, who has openly raised concerns over Paramount’s recent decisions. Letterman was no different.
“Now, for Stephen, I love this. He’s a martyr. Good for him, right?” he told his former producers.
“Now we’ve all got to kiss Stephen Colbert’s ring now,” he quipped later. “And if you listen carefully, you can hear them unfolding chairs at the Hall of Fame for his induction, right?”
Colbert, who took the reins from Letterman in 2015, has gone back-and-forth with Trump in recent days.
“I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings,” the president wrote in a post on Truth Social earlier this week after the company revealed it would end the show in May 2026.
The comedian replied, “How dare you, sir. Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism: ‘Go f‑‑‑ yourself.’”
WASHINGTON — Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said in an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday that he believes there is no way for Israel to safely negotiate an end to the war with Hamas and that Israel would take over Gaza, comparing the move to U.S. actions at the end of World War II.
Graham said he believed Israel has concluded “that they can’t achieve a goal of ending the war with Hamas that would be satisfactory to the safety of Israel.”
“I think President Trump has come to believe, and I certainly have come to believe, there’s no way you’re going to negotiate an end of this war with Hamas,” Graham said.
“They’re going to do in Gaza what we did in Tokyo and Berlin, take the place by force and start over again, presenting a better future for the Palestinians, hopefully having the Arabs take over the West Bank and Gaza,” he later added.
His comments come as Israel is facing mounting international pressure over a growing hunger crisis in Gaza, where at least 133 people have died by starvation, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. On Sunday, Israel announced a pause in fighting in parts of Gaza to facilitate aid delivery.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said that Israel was “moving toward full control” of Gaza. Ceasefire discussions have stalled in recent days, and the White House’s special envoy Steve Witkoff last week brought home the U.S. negotiating team, which had been participating in talks in Qatar.
Asked whether a takeover of Gaza would mean hostages would not come home alive, Graham said, “I hope not.”
“I think there are people maybe in the Hamas organization that would accept safe passage if they release the hostages,” Graham said. “If I were Israel, I’d make that offer to Hamas fighters: ‘You can leave safely. We want our hostages back.’”
Graham continues advocating for special counsel to investigate Obama claims
Graham on Sunday advocated for a special counsel to investigate Republicans’ claims that President Barack Obama tried to influence an intelligence assessment about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
These claims came to the fore last week when Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard alleged during a press briefing that the former president participated in a “treasonous conspiracy” to harm Trump’s campaign.
Obama spokesperson Patrick Rodenbush has said that the “bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.” NBC News has also reported that former CIA officer Susan Miller, who helped lead the team that produced a report on Russia’s actions during the 2016 election, defended the report and said the White House was “lying” about it.
Graham said Sunday that “the best way to handle this is if there is evidence of a crime being committed, or suspected evidence of a crime being committed, create a special counsel to look at it.”
A special counsel had previously been appointed during the first Trump administration to examine the origins of the Russia probe, and in 2023, then-special counsel John Durham argued that certain FBI personnel “displayed a serious lack of analytical rigor toward the information they received.”
A 2020 Senate report backed up the assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, with the then-chair of the Senate intelligence committee, a Republican, saying: “The Committee found no reason to dispute the Intelligence Community’s conclusions.”
In recent days, critics have accused Republicans of trying to turn the spotlight on Obama to distract from mounting criticism of the White House’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Asked whether he was trying to rewrite history to distract from the Epstein news, Graham said: “At the end of the day, I’m not calling for prosecution against President Obama for treason, but I am calling for an investigation.”
Two weeks ago, Lottie Woad was the world’s No. 1 amateur. On Sunday, the 21-year-old Englishwoman became an LPGA Tour champion in her professional debut.
Woad won the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open by three strokes, matching her age at 21-under par after closing with a 4-under 68 at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire, Scotland.
“It’s a pretty good outcome, I guess,” Woad said. “Definitely wasn’t expecting to win my first event, but I knew I was playing well.”
Woad capped a remarkable month with her fifth birdie of the day at the par-5 18th hole. She won the Women’s Irish Open on the Ladies European Tour as an amateur three weeks ago and missed a playoff by one shot the next week at the Evian Championship major before deciding to skip her senior season at Florida State and turn pro.
Woad, who held the lead after the second and third rounds, started strong Sunday with birdies at Nos. 2 and 3. After nine consecutive pars, she birdied Nos. 13 and 14 before a lone bogey at the par-4 16th.
“There aren’t that many scoreboards out, there to be honest,” Woad said. “… I knew it was probably quite tight because I was only a couple under at the turn, but then when I had the two birdies early on the back nine, I’d knew I’d gotten a bit of a lead by then.”
Woad matched the rare accomplishment by Rose Zhang, who in June 2023 became the first player in 72 years to win in her LPGA Tour debut at the Mizuho Americas Open. Beverly Hanson won the Eastern Open in her debut in 1951.
Woad collected $300,000 in her first pro payday and will carry a mountain of momentum into next week’s fifth and final major, the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl in Wales.
“Trying to just be up there really,” Woad said of her expectations next week after tying for 10th place last year at St. Andrews. “That’s all you can ask for.”
South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim matched Woad’s 68 on Sunday to finish in solo second place at 18-under. She reached 20-under with a birdie at the 14th but fell back with consecutive bogeys at Nos. 15 and 16.
Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez shot the round of the day with a 7-under 65 to finish in a tie for third at 14-under with South Korea’s Sei Young Kim (73), who closed with a costly double bogey at the 18th.
“My game was in a very good place, very consistent,” Lopez Ramirez said. “I played under par every day. I think honestly that’s a success and growing my game, and I’m excited for having the opportunity to play next week and to show up again.”
World No. 1 Nelly Korda (71) claimed fifth place at 13-under. Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen (76) began the day tied for second but slipped to sixth at 11-under after a triple-bogey at No. 18.
Thomas Finch, a drum tech for metal band Slaughter To Prevail, made a statement earlier this week that alleged far from ideal, and legal, working conditions at the hands of the band’s management while on tour.
Finch stressed that it was in no way the band’s fault, or in any way related to the treatment he received from Slaughter To Prevail, who are “all WONDERFUL, fun, loving humans,” rather it is “about the leadership set in place.”
A Word of Caution to My Fellow Crew, Techs, and Industry Colleagues Regarding Slaughter to Prevail
This isn’t about the band personally – they are all WONDERFUL fun loving humans. This is about the current leadership set in place. New band manager and current TM.
After years of touring, working hard, and running a business that supports artists and musicians, I’ve never felt the need to post something like this — until now.
I recently stepped away from a tour with Slaughter to Prevail as a drum technician due to an overwhelming amount of disorganization, mismanagement, financial instability, and blatant disrespect toward crew members. I’m sharing this not out of bitterness, but out of responsibility to protect others in our community who might be approached by this camp for future work.
⸻
It Started With Red Flags
I was never asked for my banking information before being flown out. I had toured with them while with MarilynManson, so there was a bit of history, trust and friendship there. When I sent my invoice and banking info after the first few shows, I received zero response. I was told the manager was “traveling” and didn’t have email access.
After weeks, eventually I was promised payment by the business manager. It didn’t show. I made it clear I would not continue working for free. The tour manager (TM) brought that to the band’s manager, whose response was:
“Tell him to get f***ed.”
And that I was “unprofessional” for demanding payment and being willing to walk away.
I then approached the band’s guitarist and owner directly (as instructed)— and suddenly, payment showed up. I chose to stay and honor my commitment, but unfortunately, the problems only escalated.
⸻
What Followed Was Complete Breakdown
• Crew forced to book their own return flights
• TM using the cheapest, failing transportation available
• No working band credit card on days off — no food, no support, nothing
I bought pizza for the crew out of my own pocket, which was expressed as gratefulness by TM, as all they had was a bag of left over popcorn. Then was told by the TM that the band would likely refuse to reimburse me. And I am now battling them via email over PIZZA, in order to get my invoice paid.
• $128,000+ blown on inflatable stage props that were never used because they didn’t fit the venues. Meanwhile, the crew was left with no food, no basics and worry about receiving pay.
Hotel rooms on a day off promised for crew were taken by the band and manager after the bus broke down
When the TM confronted management, he was told: “If crew needs a room that bad, they can go get their own $100 hotel somewhere.” Or so the TM told us, was said.
Only after multiple crew members (myself included) threatened to exit the tour did rooms “miraculously” appear.
⸻
No Pay Schedule, No Clarity — Just Excuses
One of the most dangerous aspects of this operation is the lack of any clear pay schedule. You’re told to submit your invoices by Thursday for payment the following Monday. And Monday never comes. Other crew were told different dates to submit and the confusion set in. So while you’re on the road, it becomes clear that you are expected to float your expenses — flights, hotels, food — with no contract, no payment timeline, and no accountability. All PDs are put into your paycheck, which seemingly never arrives And when you ask the TM when you’re getting paid? You’re told:
“You’ll get paid when they’re dam good and ready to pay you.”
This is exactly what was told to our lighting tech (infront of the entire crew) who recently stood up for the box truck driver — a vendor who STILL hasn’t been paid and has been covering tour costs out of pocket, went into the negative… and another truck driver helped him financially with gas and food. The TM’s response?
“That’s his problem. He should’ve been prepared financially.”
After speaking with the truck driver, it was made clear that he was never told he would have to front money and invoice for it. He was expected to be paid like everyone else.
This kind of thinking is not only disrespectful — it’s dangerous.
⸻
To the Touring Community
I’ve worked with dozens of bands, venues, and crews around the country and the world. I know how hard we all work to keep the wheels turning, and how important trust, communication, and professionalism are in this industry.
If you’re approached to work with this camp:
• Get a contract
• Demand a written payment timeline
• Do not pay out of pocket unless you want to fight for reimbursement
• Walk away if you sense even a hint of the behavior described above
There are too many great artists out there who DO take care of their people.
⸻
After a very heated and firey conversation with the bands manager, everything became very clear and the writing was on the wall. I could not and will not move forward another day swimming in this chaos.
I’m now heading home to my girlfriend, pups, and business — with peace of mind knowing I stood my ground and did what was right. I have no regrets about leaving, only a broken heart for leaving the drummer as he is an amazing person and I liked him very much. Even helped land him an Evans endorsement.
I’ll continue supporting artists who treat their crew with the professionalism and respect we all deserve. With that said, if you need help with gear, a rack build, endorsement guidance, or just support as a fellow crew member — I’ve got your back.
Much love and respect,
Finch
PS – Yes, I sufficient undismissable proof of everything stated above. Upon my exit of the tour, they are now making people sign NDAs as to not have this information out there. And I have been paid, minus the pizza/crew food purchase since my convo with management and making this post.
At about midnight EST this past Saturday night into Sunday morning, Finch posted yet another statement, buckling down on his claims, and reaffirming his stance that the band was not at fault in this situation.
Official Statement from Finch // FDS Drum Services
After stepping away from the recent Slaughter to Prevail tour, I want to provide final clarity on why I made that decision — and I want to stress this again: my issue was never with the band themselves. My decision to exit the tour early was due to consistent failures in leadership — specifically the current tour manager, who overshared the bands private information, encouraged crew activities against the bands “dry” rules of touring, and more. Although the bands current/new managers business acumen and demeanor were no better in an attempt have an adult and professional conversation, it just didn’t sit right out of the gate.
From the start, I experienced disorganization, delayed communication, no clear pay schedule, and a refusal to take accountability. I had to fight to receive payment during production rehearsal, that had already been promised by the business manager. Crew (silent as they may be) and vendors — faced the same. At one point, the majority of the crew over heard the LD being told (while packed into a Ford Expedition) asking about the box truck drivers pay….
“Your problem is that you’re used to a schedule. Every week, or two weeks…You’ll get paid when they’re damn good and ready to pay you.”
Even while urgent financial matters were pending, asking about my own pay…the business manager went on vacation, and my bank was ignored. His excuse later was that “his people never told him.”
The crew wasn’t in a position to safely speak up. One tech was on his very first tour, he didnt know any better. Another, the only Russian speaker, stayed silent. And the LD and quick hire merch guy left after the second to last show.
And today, at their Vans Warped Tour performance in California, they had removed the custom bass drum heads I designed and created for them (which they paid for) — a final message, I guess.
Through all this, I’ve remained respectful and withheld names, not because I’m protecting anyone, but because I believe the story speaks for itself. If it sparks internal reflection or change, great. If not, then at least others in the touring community are now aware.
This will be the last public comment I make on the situation.
I’m returning my full focus to FDS Drum Services — to serving the drummers of Nashville, and the greater music community, with professionalism, passion, and honesty. That’s where my heart is. And that’s what deserves my energy.
Thank you to everyone who has shown support. Keep speaking up. We all deserve better out there.
Respectfully, Finchino
Thomas Finch is a drum technician who has worked alongside names like the aforementioned MarilynManson, Paramore, Daughtry, BreakingBenjamin, Incubus, and BonJovi. He’s currently an active member of the US Military in the Army branch as an Infantryman.
Slaughter To Prevail have yet to publicly acknowledge the situation, but they are currently on tour throughout the US. They played Warped Tour yesterday, with their next show being in Cincinnati. You can check out their touring schedule here.
If you’ve bought a Frigidaire mini fridge in the last few years—especially from Walmart or Amazon—you may want to take a closer look. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a major recall affecting approximately 634,000 units due to serious fire and burn hazards.The recalled fridges were sold nationwide and online between January 2020 and December 2023, priced at around $36 to $40. While a space-saving convenience for dorm rooms and offices, these mini fridges have reportedly caused over $700,000 in property damage, according to the CPSC. At least 26 incidents have been reported, with units sparking, overheating, melting, catching fire, and in some cases causing smoke inhalation injuries. The issue stems from faulty internal electrical components that can short-circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing. The recall specifically affects Frigidaire-brand models holding six or nine cans. As for the impacted models, they include:EFMIS129 (A2001 to A2308, EFMIS129-B and EFMIS129-C excluded)EFMIS137 (A2001 to A2312)EFMIS149 (A2001 to A2308)EFMIS175 (A2001 to A2310)To determine if your appliance is part of the recall, locate the model and serial numbers on the label affixed to the back of your unit.If your mini fridge matches any of the above, the CPSC urges you to stop using it immediately. Unplug it, cut the power cord, write “Recall” on the front in permanent marker, and dispose of the fridge per local regulations.Consumers are eligible for a full refund by submitting a claim through their recall website. If you have any questions, Curtis International, the manufacturer, is available at 1-888-727-0198 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
If you’ve bought a Frigidaire mini fridge in the last few years—especially from Walmart or Amazon—you may want to take a closer look. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a major recall affecting approximately 634,000 units due to serious fire and burn hazards.
The recalled fridges were sold nationwide and online between January 2020 and December 2023, priced at around $36 to $40. While a space-saving convenience for dorm rooms and offices, these mini fridges have reportedly caused over $700,000 in property damage, according to the CPSC. At least 26 incidents have been reported, with units sparking, overheating, melting, catching fire, and in some cases causing smoke inhalation injuries.
The issue stems from faulty internal electrical components that can short-circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing. The recall specifically affects Frigidaire-brand models holding six or nine cans. As for the impacted models, they include:
EFMIS129 (A2001 to A2308,EFMIS129-B and EFMIS129-C excluded)
EFMIS137 (A2001 to A2312)
EFMIS149 (A2001 to A2308)
EFMIS175 (A2001 to A2310)
To determine if your appliance is part of the recall, locate the model and serial numbers on the label affixed to the back of your unit.
If your mini fridge matches any of the above, the CPSC urges you to stop using it immediately. Unplug it, cut the power cord, write “Recall” on the front in permanent marker, and dispose of the fridge per local regulations.
Consumers are eligible for a full refund by submitting a claim through their recall website. If you have any questions, Curtis International, the manufacturer, is available at 1-888-727-0198 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
The following is the transcript of an interview with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot that aired on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on July 27, 2025.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We turn now to French Foreign Minister, Jean‑Noël Barrot, who joins us this morning from Paris. Welcome to “Face The Nation.” I want to begin on what is happening in Gaza with those horrific images that we are seeing of starvation overnight, Israel has begun air drops. We know Jordan, other states are looking to organize more aid. Are you exploring any further avenues to bring aid into Gaza?
FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER JEAN-NOËL BARROT: What’s happening in Gaza right now is appalling. Gaza is- is- is now in the brink of a full catastrophe, and we’ve been working out, over the months, to try and relief the sufferings of the Palestinian people. We actually have 52 tons of humanitarian help stuck in El-Arish in Egypt, a few kilometers away from Gaza. So we’re exploring all options to seize the opportunity offered by the Israeli government by opening the skies of Gaza, but we call for immediate, unhindered, and massive access by all means of humanitarian help to those who need it most.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Has Israel responded to your calls?
BARROT: We have, with the European Union, started tough discussions with the Israeli government, who have made first commitments that have not been fulfilled yet. In the next few days, the European Commission will make clear what our expectations are. We expect the Israeli government to stop the operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that has caused bloodbath in humanitarian help distribution lines in Gaza. We expect them to pay the 2 billion euros they owe to the Palestinian Authority and to lift the financial blockage that is now preventing the Palestinian Authority to implement its most basic missions. We also expect the Israeli government to bring to a stop its latest settlement projects, the E1 projects with 3400 housing units that might split the West Bank in two pieces and prevent the emergence of a political, a two state solution. But what we call for is, of course, the immediate cease-fire, the liberation of whole hostages of Hamas, that needs to be disarmed. And the entry, the massive entry, of humanitarian help in Gaza.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You are headed to New York, to the United Nations, to help lead a summit to talk about a two state solution. Your president announced France will formally recognize the state of Palestine at the UN in September. More than 100 countries recognize Palestine, but France is the first western UN Security Council member to do so, and the United States opposes what you are saying. Secretary of State Rubio called it “reckless.” He says it serves Hamas propaganda, sets back peace, and considers it “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7.” In your government’s view, why is he wrong?
BARROT: So the reason why President Macron made this decision is that it was absolutely necessary to restart a political process, the two state solution process that was- that is today threatened, more threatened that it- it has ever been. And the conference that will take place in New York tomorrow and Tuesday is a very significant milestone, because by- by- by recognizing, or announcing the recognition of Palestine, France has been able, alongside Saudi Arabia, that has- that will be co chairing this conference with us, to collect very significant historic commitments by all stakeholders, including the Palestinian Authority president and Arab countries, in favor of the two state solution, and guarantee security guarantees for Israel. The two state solution is very simple, and I think everyone can understand what we mean by that. The only way to bring peace and stability back in this region is to have two state, the state of Israel and the state of Palestine, living side by side in peace and in security. This perspective is now threatened, and it’s why the- the dynamic that we have initiated was so important, and this is why the conference that will take place in New York is such an important milestone. All these efforts are very, very complementary to the efforts that the U.S. have done in the region since the first term of President Trump. We share the short-term objective: immediate cease-fire, liberation of all hostages of Hamas that needs to be disarmed. We share the long term objective: peace and stability in the region. And what we’re doing, by bringing the Palestinian Authority leader to recognize seventh of October as a terrorist attack, by calling the Hamas- the disarm- for the disarmament of Hamas and the liberation of hostages, by committing to deep reform of the Palestinian Authority, and by committing to elections within one year, by bringing the Arab countries for the first time to condemn Hamas and call for its disarmament, we are creating, or recreating, the conditions for this political solution that, again, is the only path forward, and we are paving the way. We’re paving the way for the future Abraham Accords that the U.S. administration might lead. So I see our effort as very complementary to the U.S. administration’s effort, rather than substitutes.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Minister Barrot, the president of the United States dismissed what President Macron said, the U.S. Ambassador mocked it. Do you believe that your plans can succeed without U.S. support?
BARROT: Again, our efforts are very complementary . We share the short term objective, cease-fire, liberation of all hostages of Hamas, and the long term objective, peace and stability in the region. In fact, we will welcome any further efforts led by the U.S. to implement the Abraham Accord logics. And what we’re doing now with this very significant conference that will take place in New York will pave the way for such accords. But in the meantime, until the U.S. administration provides, through the Abraham Accord logics, a political horizon for this crisis, we need to act in order to facilitate the- or create an off ramp for the catastrophe ongoing in Gaza. Now the terms, we will welcome and support future Abraham Accords, but in the meantime, inaction is not an option.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to ask you briefly about an incident that has gained a lot of attention this past week involving some young French citizens who were removed from a flight from Spain. The airline claims they were kicked off for being disruptive. The Israeli government came out though and said the French students were removed because they’re Jewish. Have you determined whether this was indeed an act of antisemitism?
BARROT: I have called the CEO of this company, who has- to express our- our serious preoccupation. She has confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing. My team has been reaching out to the ambassador of Spain in- in France, and we’ve made the same request. We’ll keep following this situation as it unravels
MARGARET BRENNAN: So too- too early to say, despite what the Israeli government is indicating.
BARROT: I cannot comment on that at this point. We’ve taken action as- as soon as we got, you know, as we got notice of what was happening, we offered support on location through our embassy to this group. We then reached out to the- the airline company, to the Spanish authorities, and we’re now following the results of these investigations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: France has been very active diplomatically on a number of fronts. It was just five weeks ago when the United States and Israel bombed Iran. Since that time, France has talked to the Iranian government, along with other European powers, about what remains of Iran’s nuclear program. How concerned are you that after these bombings, Iran may now covertly attempt to make a weapon, and the world won’t know?
BARROT: This is still a risk that we are facing, and alongside Germany and the UK, we have been very clear, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and we’ve been, over the past few months, reaching out to the Iranian authority in close coordination with U.S. authorities in order to express what our expectations are. Ten years ago, we reached a deal on the nuclear program that allowed for a significant rollback of Iranian nuclear capacity. Of course, things has changed. Still then, and since then, Iran has violated all commitments it had taken at the time of signing this agreement. We now want a more comprehensive agreement that would encompass both the nuclear dimension of Iranian destabilization activities, but also it’s the ballistic component, as well as the regional destabilization activities that Iran has been conducting, unless we- unless a new and robust and durable and verifiable agreement is reached by the end of the summer, France, Germany and the UK will have no other choice but to reapply the global embargoes that were lifted 10 years ago when the nuclear agreement with Iran was signed, embargoes on weapons, on nuclear equipment, and on banking.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So France is ready to snap back sanctions on Iran as soon as August. Are you asking Iran to speak directly to the United States in order to avoid that fate?
BARROT: We’ve been speaking with Special Envoy Witkoff, Secretary Rubio, on a weekly basis on this topic that is highly important for the U.S., as for Europeans. We- we have supported U.S.-led efforts to enter into discussions with Iran. We have pressed Iran, after the 12 day war, to go back to a discussion with the U.S., and we’ll keep pressing them to do so, because indeed, if there is no solid agreement that can be found by the end of August, we will have no other option but to snap back, meaning to reapply those global embargoes, and we are ready to do that.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Minister Barrot, thank you very much for your time this morning.
The Dallas Cowboys locked up one of their rising offensive stars, reaching a deal with tight end Jake Ferguson on a four-year, $52 million contract extension that includes $30 million in total guarantees, according to Ian Rapoport. The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus and keeps Ferguson under contract through the 2029 season.
Ferguson, a fourth-round pick in 2022 out of Wisconsin, showed promise early in his career. His rookie season saw solid production as he adjusted to the professional level. In 2023, Ferguson took a significant step forward, setting career highs with 71 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches made him a reliable target in Dallas’ offense.
However, Ferguson’s numbers dipped somewhat in 2024, as the Cowboys’ offensive scheme evolved and other players took on larger roles. Last season, he caught 59 passes for 494 yards and did not record a touchdown.
Ferguson dealt with a knee sprain and a concussion, which impacted his performance. Despite the down year, there is strong confidence in Ferguson’s value to the team. Quarterback Dak Prescott praised Ferguson’s work ethic and leadership during the offseason.
“He wants to win, has high standards,” Prescott said, via Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris. “I know a year like that is only pushing him. I’ve seen it in the way that he’s approaching this offseason and attacking everything, the details, the questions he’s asking. Our relationship is only growing. He’s a talented guy. He’s an enforcer on this offense and we need him.”
Ferguson’s new contract makes him the NFL’s seventh highest-paid tight end and the highest-paid in Cowboys franchise history.
Just a day after Ozzy Osbourne passed on July 22nd, on July 23rd, the Daily Mail – whether not the reader deems them credible is up to them – reported that apparently paramedics spent two hours trying to revive Ozzy Osbourne on the morning of his passing.
According to the Daily Mail and locals who had noticed a helicopter hovering in the area, an air ambulance arrived near the Osbourne‘s property at approximately 10:30 am on Tuesday morning. Thames Valley Air Ambulance said to MailOnline that they could “confirm that our helicopter was dispatched to provide advanced critical care at an incident near Chalfont St Giles yesterday.” They do not explicitly state whether or not it was for OzzyOsbourne due to local data protection laws.
After spending approximately two hours at the residence, eyewitnesses saw the air ambulance take off at about 12:30 pm on that same Tuesday.
An unnamed source describes seeing the helicopter approach Ozzy‘s house, worrying that it was to do with Ozzy‘s health before later in the evening discovering the neighbours’ worst fears had been confirmed – OzzyOsbourne had passed away that morning.
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WILL COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) — The Illinois landlord convicted of killing a 6-year-old Muslim boy and injuring his mother in a brutal hate crime attack in October 2023 has died in custody just months after he was sentenced to more than 50 years in prison.
73-year-old Joseph Czuba died Thursday while in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections, officials from the Will County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Saturday.
Earlier this year, Czuba was found guilty of killing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and wounding his mother, Hanan Shaheen, after he attacked them over their Islamic faith.
Czuba’s death comes less than three months after a judge handed him a 53-year sentence for the deadly attack.
Court sketch on Feb. 26, 2025 showing Joseph Czuba, 73,who is charged with and on trial in the fatal stabbing of a Palestinian American boy
Will County Deputy Victoria Janovyak testifies in the trial against Joseph Czuba on Feb. 25, 2025.
In court, prosecutors said the attack was a response to the war between Israel and Hamas, which had escalated greatly following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.
Czuba had been renting rooms to the pair in his home at the time of the attack.
Wadee al-Fayoumi and his mother, Hanan Shaheen
The mother and son were Joseph Czuba’s tenants in this home in unincorporated Plainfield township
Evidence at trial included harrowing testimony from Shaheen and her frantic 911 call, along with bloody crime scene photos and police video. Jurors deliberated for less than 90 minutes before handing in a verdict.
Authorities have not provided details on Czuba’s cause of death.
