Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich marks 14 months wrongfully detained by Russia

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich marked 14 months wrongfully detained in Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo Prison on Wednesday.

The beloved 32-year-old American reporter has been detained in Russia since March 29, 2023, on espionage allegations that the U.S. government and his employer have called absurd. President Biden has called repeatedly for Gershkovich's release to no avail, and the journalist recently lost another appeal to end his pretrial detention and will remain behind bars until at least June. 

"It’s hard to fathom that today marks 14 months since Evan was seized by authorities in Russia simply for doing his job as a journalist. So many months of not seeing his family and friends and not honing his tremendous talent as a journalist. He cannot be released soon enough," Wall Street Journal chief digital editor Grainne McCarthy sent in a memo to staffers. 

Gershkovich, the American-born son of Soviet immigrants, was detained during a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg, the fourth-largest city in Russia. He was accredited by Russia's Foreign Ministry to report in the country at the time.

EVAN GERSHKOVICH MARKS ONE YEAR IMPRISONED IN RUSSIA AS FRIENDS CAN ONLY WAIT FOR 'NIGHTMARE' TO END

Gershkovich, who has been designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department, was named the 2024 Daniel Pearl Awardee for Courage and Integrity in Journalism by the L.A. Press Club last week. 

"We are extremely pleased to see the Daniel Pearl Award being awarded to Evan Gershkovich who, like Danny before him, has come to symbolize Press Freedom and the importance of truthful reporting," said Judea Pearl, the father of American journalist Daniel Pearl, who was killed by terrorists in 2002.

"We hope this award brings hope and encouragement to Evan as he is awaiting justice," Pearl added. "And sends a strong message to the Russian Government that, despite attempts to disrupt world orders, the free world still holds the safety of journalists as a sanctuary of civilized society."

Wall Street Journal editor Paul Beckett, who will receive the award on Evan’s behalf at the SoCal Journalism Awards Gala next month, has dedicated himself to raising awareness for Gershkovich’s horrific situation. 

FOX NATION'S ‘PRISONER OF PUTIN’ EXAMINES EVAN GERSHKOVICH’S LIFE, RESILIENCE WHILE DETAINED IN RUSSIA

"There is nowhere Daniel Pearl’s legacy looms larger than The Wall Street Journal, and we’re incredibly grateful to the Los Angeles Press Club for recognizing Evan and for highlighting what’s at stake at a time when many are emboldened to silence journalists simply for doing their job," Beckett said. 

WALL STREET JOURNAL HOPES ONE-YEAR MARK IS ‘LAST MILESTONE’ THAT EVAN GERSHKOVICH SPENDS IN RUSSIAN PRISON

The Wall Street Journal has arranged numerous events to keep its cherished reporter in public consciousness, with barbecues, runs, social media storms, Read-A-Thons, and various other efforts. The Wall Street Journal’s corporate office even added an "Evan burger" to its cafeteria menu featuring the reporter’s favorite toppings. 

Experts and people familiar with the case have told Fox News Digital that the best hope of freedom for Gershkovich — and fellow American held in Russia Paul Whelan — is likely a high-profile prisoner swap.

Anyone interested in learning more about Gershkovich can visit WSJ.com/evan and FreeGershkovich.com.

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Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman and David Rutz contributed to this report. 

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Darius Rucker breaks silence, explains 'crazy thing' about drug arrest

Darius Rucker broke his silence on his February arrest, saying, "It is what it is."

Tennessee authorities took Rucker, 58, into custody Feb. 1 after the "Wagon Wheel" singer turned himself in. He was charged with two counts of simple possession/casual exchange of a controlled substance and one count of a violation of the state's vehicle registration law, Fox News Digital previously confirmed.

"I went down, and we handled it," Rucker said during an appearance Tuesday on the "Today" show. "My lawyers are taking care of it. It is what it is."

Fox News Digital reached out to a representative for Rucker.

DARIUS RUCKER CAUGHT WITH MARIJUANA AND PSYCHEDLIC PILLS WHEN HE WAS PULLED OVER IN TENNESSEE: POLICE

"It was funny because I was going to a friend’s house, they were moving and asked me to take some stuff," Rucker told the outlet. "And I did and got pulled, got stopped. And the crazy thing was, they let me go."

"And it was a year later that I get a phone call that said there was a warrant for my arrest," he continued. "So I went down. Fifty-seven years, I’ve never seen the inside of a jail cell."

Rucker was originally pulled over by the Franklin Police Department in February 2023 for expired tags, Officer Ryan Schuman told Fox News Digital at the time of the country music star's arrest.

During the stop, police noticed a strong odor of marijuana and found a jar of un-stamped pills. Rucker handed over a small marijuana blunt before officers searched him. Rucker said he didn't know what the pills were as they were given to him by his girlfriend, according to authorities.

Rucker was released during the 2023 traffic stop, pending identification of the unmarked pills. The pills were later identified as psilocin, otherwise known as magic mushrooms, by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. A warrant was issued for his arrest in December and Rucker turned himself in nearly a year after the initial traffic stop.

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Rucker claimed the drugs found on him during the traffic stop belonged to his friends.

"They were moving and couldn’t fly with it," he explained to the "Today" show. "They said, ‘Can you take this?’ and I said, 'Yeah.'"

Rucker's lawyer, Mark Puryear, said the musician was "fully cooperating" with authorities, in a statement shared with Fox News Digital at the time of the arrest.

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Rucker's career success began when he was a member of Hootie & the Blowfish. The group reunited for a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the album "Cracked Rear View," which began in May. According to Rucker, "Cracked Rear View" is one of the "top 10-selling studio records of all time."

After releasing four more albums with Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker embarked on his solo journey as the group took a hiatus in 2008.

Since his transition into the country music world, Rucker has released many hit songs, including "Wagon Wheel," "Come Back Song," "Alright" and "Don't Think I Don't Think About It."

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Netanyahu responds to strike that killed Hamas terror leaders, civilians: 'Investigating the incident'

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his nation’s military on Monday flatly refuted claims that the country’s air force aimed to harm civilians in its strike that eliminated two senior Hamas terrorist leaders on Sunday, the same day Hamas launched its most recent barrage of missiles into densely populated areas of Israel.

There are mixed reports about the number of civilians killed in the Rafah strike. The Hamas-run health ministry claimed at least 45 people died, and other outlets have quoted up to 50 deaths.

According to Reuters in a speech to the Israeli parliament on Monday, Netanyahu said, "In Rafah, we already evacuated about one million non-combatants residents and despite our upmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong. We are investigating the incident and will reach conclusions because this is our policy."

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A statement released by a spokesman for the Biden administration's National Security Council on Monday said, "The devastating images following an IDF strike in Rafah last night that killed dozens of innocent Palestinians are heartbreaking."

The statement continued, "Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians. But as we’ve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians. We are actively engaging the IDF and partners on the ground to assess what happened, and understand that the IDF is conducting an investigation."

Hamas does not differentiate between civilians and terrorists. Fox News Digital reported in March that an Ivy League statistician argued that Hamas’ death toll numbers are not trustworthy.

"Before the strike, a number of steps were taken to reduce the risk of harming uninvolved civilians during the strike, including conducting aerial surveillance, the deployment of precise munitions by the IAF, and additional intelligence information. Based on these measures, it was assessed that there would be no expected harm to uninvolved civilians," said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement, which added, "In addition, the strike did not occur in the Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi, to which the IDF has encouraged civilians to evacuate."

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The IDF's statement continued, "The incident is under the investigation of the General Staff's Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism, which is an independent body responsible for examining exceptional incidents in combat. The General Staff's Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism is investigating the circumstances of the deaths of civilians in the area of the strike. The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved civilians during combat."

The military advocate general, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, directed the General Staff’s Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism to investigate the strike carried out in Rafah, noted the IDF statement.

Hamas said in a statement that the terrorist organization sought to hit Israel’s Mediterranean metropolis: "We fired a large salvo at Tel Aviv in response to the Zionist massacres of civilians."

The EU and U.S.-designated terrorist movement Hamas has for over a decade launched rockets at civilians in Israel, triggering a series of mini-wars with the Jewish state.

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According to the IDF, "Yesterday, IAF aircraft conducted an intelligence-based strike in the area of Rafah against significant terror targets, including senior terrorists in Hamas’ Judea and Samaria Wing who directed terror attacks in Judea and Samaria and carried out murderous attacks against Israeli civilians."

The IDF added, "The strike was carried out based on prior intelligence information regarding the presence of the senior Hamas terrorists at the site of the strike."

The two Hamas leaders killed  were Yassin Rabia, the commander of Hamas’ leadership in Judea and Samaria (the biblical name for the West Bank), and Khaled Nagar, a senior official in Hamas who oversaw the Judea and Samaria wing.

The IDF statement, with a possible view toward alleged Hamas propaganda, also said, "Claims that the strike was conducted using seven munitions weighing a ton are false. The strike was conducted using two munitions with a reduced warhead aimed specifically for a strike of these types of targets."

Tor Wennesland, the U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, condemned the strike in a statement issued Monday. "I condemn last night’s Israeli airstrikes which hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and have tragically led to the reported loss of more than 35 Palestinian lives, including women and children, and dozens of injuries."

He continued, "While the IDF said it struck a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants in the strikes, I am deeply troubled by the deaths of so many women and children in an area where people have sought shelter."

IDF spokesman Peter Lerner took to X to debunk a Hamas source who appeared in media reports to inflate the number of casualties and claimed the strike unfolded in the humanitarian area. 

Lerner wrote, "Muhammad Abu Hani, quoted is a Hamas official. He appears to be the source of the widely reported claim that the IAF targeted the humanitarian zone. Is he also the source of the reports from the same ‘civil defense’ of 50 people killed in the strike? A number published by many of the world media. Fact: The strike never took place in the designated humanitarian zone."

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Biden visits daughter-in-law's home ahead of her expected testimony in Hunter Biden trial

President Biden paid a visit to his daughter-in-law's home Sunday night, days before the ninth anniversary of the death of his son Beau Biden, who was her husband.

The president's brief visit to Hallie Biden's home also comes before she is expected to testify as a witness in Hunter Biden's gun crime trial next month. The first son is charged with making false statements on a federal form when purchasing a firearm in 2018.

A source with knowledge of the Oct. 23, 2018, police report told Fox News that it indicated that Hallie, who was in a relationship with Hunter at the time, threw a gun owned by Hunter Biden in a dumpster behind a market near a school.

She is likely to be required to testify in the upcoming trial.

HUNTER BIDEN PRETRIAL HEARING ON GUN CHARGES SET FOR FRIDAY IN DELAWARE

A reporter for NBC News faced heavy criticism for pointing out her connection to the trial on social media. Biden allies argued there was nothing inappropriate about the visit.

The court in Hunter Biden's case met for its final hearing before jury selection begins on June 3. Fox News has previously reported that prosecutors planned to use portions of his book and laptop, including photos, to convince a jury that the first son is guilty of making false statements on a federal form when he purchased a revolver in 2018, while actively using narcotics. Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Judge Maryellen Noreika said Special Counsel David Weiss must show Hunter Biden was addicted to drugs, but not necessarily using drugs the day he purchased the gun.

In court documents, Hunter Biden's defense attorneys asked the court to block certain salacious details of his life from being shown to the jury to avoid "significant risk of unfair prejudice."

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In what is called a "motion in limine," Hunter Biden asked the court "to exclude reference to the child support proceedings in Arkansas and reference to his discharge from the Navy." This is in reference to the child he fathered out-of-wedlock with ex-stripper Lunden Roberts, whose daughter is President Biden's grandchild.

Acknowledging that some of the evidence prosecutors wish to bring forward may be relevant to the case, including purported drug purchases, ATM withdrawals and the purchase of the revolver, Hunter Biden's lawyers said other details like references to money allegedly spent on "adult entertainment, online chat rooms, or escort services are not relevant to the charges."

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report

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NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton dead at 71 after battle with cancer

Bill Walton, the Hall of Fame center and two-time NBA champion, is dead at 71 years old after a battle with cancer, the NBA announced Monday. 

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement regarding Walton’s death on Monday. 

"Bill Walton was truly one of a kind," Silver said. "As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans. But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events – always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.

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"As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him," Silver continued. "My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues."

As Silver mentions in his statement, Walton redefined the way centers played the game of basketball, as he dominated at UCLA under legendary head coach John Wooden. Walton, who could pass as well as score, which wasn’t common for a center at the time, won three straight national player of the year awards from 1972-74 before becoming the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Walton’s impact on an NBA court was quick, as the Trail Blazers would go on to win the 1978 NBA Championship, where Walton was named Finals MVP and the league MVP for that season.

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Walton would have to wait almost another decade before he would capture his second NBA championship, this time playing for the Boston Celtics in what would be his final season in the league. 

Walton dealt with foot injuries throughout his time in the Association, as he missed four separate seasons because of it, including back-to-back from 1980-82. He also missed the 1978-79 season after winning MVP. 

Following his time in Portland, Walton moved on to the then-San Diego Clippers, where he spent four seasons including his final one when they moved to Los Angeles. He joined the Celtics for the 1985-86 season, helping them to the NBA title that year, where he was named the league’s Sixth Man of the Year as well.  

Walton finished his career averaging 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game over 468 contests. He was named to the 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams for the NBA as well. 

Following his Hall of Fame career, "Big Red" got into broadcasting and his charismatic personality that was seen on and off the court filled the homes of many during games where he was wearing the headset. 

Walton’s color commentary was exceptional, as he would always keep viewers – and his play-by-play partners – on their toes with wild stories from his playing days, while providing excellent analysis and insight on the game at the same time. 

He initially joined CBS in 1990, and then he was calling games for NBC and the Clippers up until 2002 when he joined ESPN. 

Walton spent 2002 to 2009 broadcasting games for ESPN before eventually leaving, citing back problems that dated to an injury he suffered in college. He underwent back surgery and would return courtside to call Sacramento Kings games part-time for two seasons. 

ESPN welcomed back Walton in July 2012, when they announced alongside the Pac-12 Network that he would be a full-time analyst for their college basketball coverage. 

Walton was also a huge Grateful Dead fan, and he had his own satellite radio show called "One More Saturday Night" on Sirius Radio’s Jam On and XM Radio’s Grateful Dead channels.

Walton was also a father who passed the game down to his children, including Luke Walton, who won back-to-back NBA Finals with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010 during his playing days. Luke currently serves as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers after previously head coaching the Lakers (2016-19) and Kings (2019-22).

Chris Walton (San Diego State), Nate Walton (Princeton) and Adam Walton (LSU, Pomona College, College of Notre Dame) all played college basketball as well. 

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Rafael Nadal gets emotional after losing first round in possible last French Open: 'Not 100% sure'

Rafael Nadal has owned the clay court at Roland Garros throughout his career, but in what could be his final appearance in the French Open, he lost in the first round in straight sets. 

Alexander Zverev, the No. 4-ranked men’s tennis player in the world, took down the Spanish legend that is Nadal, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3, to move on to the second round. 

Nadal, 37, was unsure if he would be competing in the tournament last month as he’s continuously battled injuries while trying to extend his illustrious career, which includes 22 Grand Slam titles. He’s won the French Open 14 times, owning an outstanding career record of 112-4 after the loss to Zverev. 

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Zverev is just the third tennis player ever to beat Nadal at Roland Garros, as Novak Djokovic did it twice – both in the final in 2015 and 2021 – and Robin Söderling in 2009 in the fourth round. 

The emotions for Nadal were understandably high after the match, as the crowd roared despite his quick exit. 

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"It’s difficult for me to talk," he said after saluting the crowd in French. "I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time that I’m going to be here in front of all of you. Honestly, I’m not 100% sure. But if it’s the last time, I enjoyed it. 

"The crowd has been amazing during the whole week of preparation and today. Yeah, the feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. But, for me, it’s so special to feel the love from people in the place I love the most."

While Zverev dominated the match as a whole, there were vintage "Rafa" moments throughout, including an incredible forehand on the run after a Zverev overhand that should’ve resulted in a point. Instead, Nadal shot it back down the line and the crowd roared with the lefty having a chance to come back as the third set was tied 3-3 at the time. 

Zverev was a gentleman after the match as well, giving Nadal his flowers as he explained the emotions for him going into the match. 

"To be honest, I don’t know what to say," the 27-year-old Zverev began. "First of all, thank you, Rafa, from all of the tennis world. It’s such a great honor. I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood, and I was lucky enough to play Rafa when I became professional. I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court. 

"Today is not my moment – it’s Rafa’s moment."

Nadal has battled "body limitations," as he called it, due to knee, feet, ankle, abdomen and wrist problems. They caused him to miss 11 major tournaments throughout his career. He also missed most of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 with a hip injury. 

But Nadal made it a point to want to say goodbye to tennis on the court, and if this is his final French Open, he fulfilled that goal on Monday.  

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‘Mary Poppins,’ 'It’s a Small World’ songwriter Richard M. Sherman dead at 95

Richard M. Sherman, one half of the prolific songwriting duo with his brother Robert Sherman, has died at 95.

The Walt Disney Company announced the news on their website on Saturday.

"Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, half of the Academy Award-winning songwriting team of the Sherman Brothers (with his late brother, Disney Legend Robert B. Sherman), passed away Saturday, May 25, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, due to age-related illness. He was 95 years old," their statement read.

It continued: "Generations of moviegoers and theme park guests have been introduced to the world of Disney through the Sherman brothers’ magnificent and timeless songs. Even today, the duo’s work remains the quintessential lyrical voice of Walt Disney."

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Sherman, with his brother Robert, earned two Oscars and a Grammy for their work on "Mary Poppins," best score and best original song, for "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Disney’s statement also notes that the film’s song "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" was a pop hit in 1965, and "Feed the Birds" was one of Walt Disney’s personal favorites.

He and his brother also wrote music for the theme park, including "There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" and "It’s a Small World."

Born on June 12, 1928, in New York City, Sherman and his brother followed in their songwriter father Al Sherman’s footsteps. The family moved to Beverly Hills in 1937, and he attended Bard College, majoring in music. 

Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served as the conductor for the Army band and glee club from 1953 to 1955.

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According to Disney’s website, Gene Autry was the first to record a Sherman brothers song in 1951, with "Gold Can Buy You Anything But Love," and they got their big break through Mouseketeer Annette Funicello, who recorded their song "Tall Paul."

At Disney, they wrote over 150 songs, including the soundtracks for such films as "The Sword and the Stone," "The Parent Trap," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Jungle Book," "The Aristocats" and "The Tigger Movie."

In the 1970s, the duo moved away from Disney and wrote music for other family films, including "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Charlotte’s Web" and "The Slipper and the Rose."

"Something good happens when we sit down together and work," Richard Sherman told The Associated Press in a 2005 joint interview with his brother. "We’ve been doing it all our lives. Practically since college we’ve been working together."

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Robert died in London in 2012.

The Sherman brothers’ other honors include 23 gold and platinum albums, induction into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2005, and the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President George W. Bush in 2008 for music that "has helped bring joy to millions."

They also hold the distinction of being the only Americans to win first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for their musical "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in 1973.

Disney confirmed a private funeral service will be held on Friday, May 31, followed by a "celebration of life" to be held at a later date.

"Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf, and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, as well as her two children and three grandchildren," the company noted.  

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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