The U.S. Army has increasingly turned to social media and influencers for recruitment a strategy that has drawn both attention and criticism, according to The Guardian.One of the most prominent examples is social media influencer Steven Kelly, who has more than 1.3 million Instagram followers. In July, Kelly, who is a civilian, posted photos of himself wearing an Army combat uniform during basic training exercises as part of a sponsored partnership with the "@goarmy" account on the platform.Kelly posted two partnered posts with "@goarmy." His post on July 8 was captioned in part, "I partnered with @goarmy to take part in Basic Combat Training. I came in unsure but left with a newfound strength and confidence."To reach younger audiences, the Army is tapping into the power of social media influencers.NAVY RECRUITMENT 'SKYROCKETS' UNDER TRUMP'S LEADERSHIP, OFFICIAL SAYSArmy recruiting spokesperson Madison Bonzo told the Guardian, "These partnerships increase the armys visibility, bring awareness to untapped audiences, and articulate the possibilities of army service in unique and creative ways.""By participating in immersive army experiences alongside real soldiers, these influencers provide firsthand insights into military life and the possibilities of army service," Bonzo added.Kellys post sparked mixed reactions. Some commenters praised the collaboration, but others criticized it. The Guardian reported that some accused Kellys content of being "propaganda" and "distasteful."One commented wrote, "The rich influencing the poor to do the things that they dont want to. Its giving Hunger Games. Its giving Class Wars."Experts say such criticism is not unusual. Robert Kozinets, a professor at the University of Southern California, told The Guardian that influencer marketing is now an established part of culture."Were pretty used to celebrities or personalities who are endorsing particular products," even if they dont use them themselves, said Kozinets, additionally adding, "You dont have to live at Disneyland to do a review of Disneyland."SECRETARY OF THE ARMY DAN DRISCOLL: ARMY UNVEILS MODERNIZATION PLAN BECAUSE, NO LOBBYIST EVER WON A WAR'These efforts come after recruitment was behind in recent years.However, in June, the Army said that it "surpassed" its fiscal year 2025 recruiting goal of bringing in 61,000 recruits with four months left to go.This years goal is more than 10% higher than the 55,000 recruits targeted in fiscal 2024, demonstrating a surge in interest and enthusiasm for Army service. Recent recruiting momentum has seen average contracts per day exceeding last years levels by as much as 56% during the same period.The Army has not reached its recruiting goals this early in the year since 2014, officials said in a statement.Additionally, female military recruits have sharply increased across all service branches so far in fiscal year 2025.Around 7,260 more women have enlisted so far this fiscal year than at this point last fiscal year: from 16,725 to 23,985, according to Pentagon figures seen by Fox News Digital.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREKelly isn't the only influencer posting about the military.Another creator cited in the article is @onexpunchxdad, who posts on TikTok and Instagram poking fun at military life and the reality of service. This highlights active and former military influencers using social media to share their experiences.Breannah Yeh, an extreme sports influencer, also shared a partnered post with the Army, featuring a tandem skydiving jump. "Challenges are what let us grow," said an Army captain said in the video before Yeh jumps out of the plane.Katherine Kuzminski, the director of studies at the Center for a New American Security, was also cited in the article and said, "with more young people at home finishing school remotely because of the pandemic, they had less opportunity for exposure to programs such as the ROTC."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News Digital reached out to Steven Kelly for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Virginia leaders across party lines are condemning a racist sign displayed Thursday outside a Northern Virginia school board meeting where gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears was speaking."Hey Winsome, if trans can't share your bathroom, then blacks can't share my water fountain," the sign in question read.The incident occurred as the state is embroiled in multiple controversies related to transgender students' access to bathrooms and locker rooms across various counties.DNC HIRES NEW TOP EXEC WITH LONG HISTORY OF PUSHING RACIAL GRIEVANCES, LEFTIST IDEOLOGYThe sign was held up while Earle-Sears attended an Arlington County school board meeting on Thursday evening. The press conference came days after the federal Department of Education designated five Northern Virginia schools "high-risk" and placed restrictions on their federal funding. The conference also follows the suspension of two male students in one Northern Virginia county, after they were found responsible for sexual harassment after complaining about a transgender student using their locker room.Even Earle-Sears gubernatorial opponent, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, called the sign "repulsive.""As I said yesterday, the sign displayed in Arlington last night was racist and abhorrent," Spanberger said in response to the signage. "Many Virginians remember the segregated water fountains (and buses and schools and neighborhoods) of Virginias recent history. And no matter the intended purpose or tone and no matter how much one might find someone elses beliefs objectionable, to threaten a return of Jim Crow and segregation to a Black woman is unacceptable. Full stop."Meanwhile, Spanberger's running mate, current Virginia state senator and Democratic Party candidate for lieutenant governor Ghazala Hashmi called the sign "unacceptable." She also made similar remarks about the incident hearkening back to "Jim Crow-era ugliness."In response to the incident, Republican political leaders also took the opportunity to slam Democrats. "This is the climate Democrats createdsmear, divide, then look away when it turns ugly," said Earle-Sears running mate, GOP lieutenant governor candidate John Reid. "That sign is where their politics of resentment leads."DEMOCRAT CONGRESSMAN HURLS PROFANITY-LACED MESSAGE AT STEPHEN MILLEREarle-Sears added that she was "disgusted, but not surprised" by the racially charged sign. She also took the opportunity to call out her gubernatorial opponent."This is the tolerant left Abigail Spanberger defends," Earle-Sears said following the incident. "Im the sitting lieutenant governor, second in command in the former Capitol of the confederate states. Im an immigrant, a Marine, and above all, a human being. There is no place for this disgusting hatred in our Commonwealth."Earle-Sears added that anyone who refuses to condemn the sign "is complicit in approving it."The press conference that the sign was displayed at drew several other protesters, while supporters of Earle-Sears were present as well. It came just days after five Northern Virginia school districts refused to change their policies around letting students pick which bathroom or locker room they want to use based on their gender identity, as opposed to their biological sex.It also came after one of those Northern Virginia school districts suspended two biological males for complaining out loud about a transgender male who is a biological female using the male's only locker room. The district also held the two male students responsible for sexual harassment.The boys have filed a Title IX appeal, which has temporarily halted their suspension for the time being.

In a political party where politicians who call Florida home have risen to the heights of power, it's no surprise that the new chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) hails from the Sunshine State.Joe Gruters, a longtime ally of Florida resident President Donald Trump, was unanimously elected Friday as RNC chair at the national party committee's summer meeting.Gruters is a Florida state senator, RNC committee member from the Sunshine State, and, briefly, the national party committee's treasurer before stepping down after being elected chair.LONGTIME TRUMP ALLY TAKES OVER AS CHAIR OF REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEEHe's also close with another Floridian, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who was co-campaign manager of Trump's 2024 presidential bid.Gruters succeeded now-former chair Michael Whatley, who stepped down as he runs for the Senate in North Carolina in the blockbuster race to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis.TRUMP BACKED RNC CHAIR JUMPS INTO BLOCKBUSTER SENATE BATTLEA former chair of the Republican Party of Florida, Gruters was co-chair of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign in the state."Congratulations to MAGA Warrior Joe Gruters, who I very strongly Endorsed, on his unanimous Election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee," Trump wrote in a social media post following Gruters' ascension to RNC chair.Trump touted that Gruters "helped us deliver Massive and Historic Victories" in the Sunshine State and "helped us turn Florida, RED AS RED CAN BE!"The election of Gruters, a 48-year-old accountant, as RNC chair is the latest sign of Trump's complete control over the national party committee."This is the president's party. This is the president's vision, overall. The party fully embraces the president," Gruters said as he and Whatley stood for an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.And Gruters is looking to the president as Republicans defend their House and Senate majoritues in next year's midterm elections."We're gonna ride the president all the way to victory in the midterms, and we are going to win big," Gruters said.Gruters has often clashed with another Floridian, two-term Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.Gruters backed Trump over DeSantis in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race.

A new report by the Pew Research Center shows that the unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. soared to an all-time high of 14 million in 2023 in the middle of the Biden administration.Released this week, the study shows that the unauthorized immigrant population reached an "all-time high" of 14 million in 2023 after two consecutive years of record growth in 2021 and 2022.According to Pew, the number of unauthorized immigrants present in the country increased from 10.2 million in 2020 to 10.5 million in 2021 to 11.8 million in 2022.Pew said the increase of 3.5 million unauthorized immigrants in two years is the biggest on record.OVER 55 MILLION VISA HOLDERS SUBJECTED TO CONTINUOUS VETTING AMID TRUMP ADMIN CRACKDOWNThe next highest number of unauthorized immigrants recorded in a year was in 2007, with 12.2 million.Further, Pew reported that though 2023 is the most recent year with comprehensive data available, preliminary data indicate continued growth in 2024 and a decrease in 2025, coinciding with the end of former President Joe Bidens term and the beginning of President Donald Trumps second term.Pew posits that the decline in unauthorized immigrants could be as much as 1 million, which it attributes in part to increased deportations and reduced protections under the Trump administration. Nonetheless, the center said that the unauthorized immigrant population likely remains above 2023 levels.The study defines an unauthorized immigrant as an immigrant who is not a naturalized citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, temporary legal resident, or former unauthorized immigrants granted legal residence under the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act.TRUMP EXPANDS DEPORTATION DEALS AS MORE COUNTRIES AGREE TO TAKE MIGRANTSOf the 14 million total unauthorized immigrants, Pew said 6 million have some type of protection from deportation, while 8 million do not. Pew said those with some protection from deportation are aliens who are asylum applicants, have temporary immigration parole, are victims of crimes, have temporary protective status or are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients or border releases.Simon Hankinson, a senior research fellow in the Border and Immigration Center at the Heritage Foundation, commented on the study, saying it "shows the scope of the illegal immigration disaster President Biden created and which President Trump is now trying to clean up.""Bidens massive abuse of immigration parole, release of aliens caught entering illegally at the border, and shackling of enforcement ballooned the number of people living here illegally to record proportions," he added.Besides, unauthorized immigrants, Hankinson said the percentage of foreign-born residents in the U.S. is currently the highest in the countrys history at nearly 16 percent. He posited that "without assimilation and integration," these levels of immigration "are socially and fiscally unsustainable."DHS TO SCREEN IMMIGRATION APPLICANTS FOR 'ANTI-AMERICAN IDEOLOGIES'On the other end of the spectrum, Hankinson commented that the report shows "what can be achieved with the right policies."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"In only six months, they estimate that over a million illegal aliens unauthorized immigrants left the U.S. The vast majority of these did so on their own," he said, adding, "As we see the hysterical press coverage of interior immigration enforcement, lets remember that the simplest, easiest, hassle-free way to avoid detention and deportation is to never enter or remain here illegally. The second easiest is to go home."

Nearly three decades after their 1996 conviction for the parents murders, the Menendez brothers built momentum trying to carve a new path toward possible freedom this time, with the help of Hollywood.From Netflixs "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," which received an eyebrow-raising 11 Emmy nominations, to viral podcasts, the media spotlights have reignited public debate over their case and set the stage for resentencing and parole bids.Critics argue the newfound attention is less about justice and more about entertainment."The resentencing of the Menendez brothers speaks directly to the power and influence that social media and new media have on our society," Adam Guillette, the president of Accuracy in Media, told Fox News Digital."Why did the elected Los Angeles district attorney revisit this case? Was it suddenly an urgent public safety issue for his constituents? No, but it received a ton of attention on podcasts and on Netflix."ERIK MENENDEZ DENIED PAROLE BY CALIFORNIA BOARD IN BEVERLY HILLS MURDER CASESupporters of Erik and Lyle Menendez see the spotlight differently, arguing that renewed public interest has shed light on the childhood abuse and trauma that the brothers say they endured in their gilded Beverly Hills upbringing.Their attorneys say that the series, movies and podcasts have created space for a more sympathetic view of the brothers shotgun murders in 1989 and bolstered a push for second chances.The brothers, who were 18 and 21 at the time of the murders, have long been acquainted with the media frenzy. Their first trial in the 1990s was a televised spectacle that drew millions, and in the years since, the brothers story has been reimagined on screen repeatedly.The Lifetime movie "Menendez: Blood Brothers" offered one dramatization, while most recently, Netflixs "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik MenendezStory" introduced the case to a new generation of viewers.The cultural resonance has extended beyond scripted dramas, with reality star Kim Kardashian publicly voicing interest in the case.Following the Netflix series, Kardashian visited the brothers in their San Diego prison. Following her visit, Kardashian penned in an op-ed that: "They are not monsters. They are kind, intelligent, and honest men."MENENDEZ BROTHERS CONFRONT PAROLE BOARD BEFORE GOV NEWSOM DECIDES WHETHER TO SET KILLERS FREEFollowing the May decision that allowed Erik and Lyle Menendez to be resentenced for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kardashian took to social media to congratulate the pair."Thank you, George Gascon, for revisiting the Menendez brothers case and righting a significant wrong. Your commitment to truth and fairness is commendable," she wrote of the then-Los Angeles district attorney."To the brothers family, friends and millions who have been vocal supporters your voices were heard," she added.WATCH MENENDEZ BROTHERS: MONSTERS OR MISUNDERSTOOD? EXCLUSIVELY ON FOX NATIONThe 44-year-old socialite has been a vocal advocate of prison reform, who previously workedwith the Trump White Houseto reduce sentences for several convicts found guilty of non-violent offenses.The Menendez brothers path toward resentencing began in 2023, when their defense team filed a habeas corpus petition that presented new evidence of long-alleged abuse.Among the submissions was a 1988 letter from Erik Menendez referencing his fathers abuse, along with claims from former Menudo member Roy Rossell, who alleged that Jos Menendez had sexually assaulted him years earlier.By October 2024, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascn seized on the petition, recommending the brothers sentences be reduced from life without parole to 50 years to life.His decision, which would make the men eligible for parole under Californias youthful offender laws, came at a moment when his own reelection campaign was struggling and his poll numbers were faltering.The resentencing process proved turbulent, with the hearing postponed several times due to scheduling conflicts and the devastating California wildfires.After Gascn lost reelection, the newly-elected, tough-on-crime District Attorney Nathan Hochman attempted to reverse course, arguing the brothers had never taken full responsibility for their crimes and were not remorseful.ERIK MENENDEZ HOSPITALIZED WITH KIDNEY STONES AS ATTORNEY DEMANDS RELEASE BEFORE PAROLE DECISIONBut in April 2025, a judge ruled that the process would move forward despite Hochmans objections. On May 13, the Menendez brothers were formally resentenced to 50 years to life, opening the door to parole consideration.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThroughout the process, the brothers' extended family has been steadfast in backing their release.On Thursday, the parole board denied Erik Menendez's bid for release in San Diego. On Friday, the parole board also denied Lyle Menendez's bid for release.Fox News' Brie Stimson contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump kicked off the week meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House just days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and said he has roughly two weeks to determine how the U.S. will proceed in the ongoing negotiations.A primary focus of the meetings was discussing various security measures to prevent Russian aggression against Ukraine again, after the Trump administration reported that Putin was on board with permitting the U.S. and its European allies to provide additional protection for Ukraine, akin to protections included in NATOs Article 5 mutual defense clause.RUSSIANS MADE CONCESSIONS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, TRUMP ENVOY SAYS OF PUTIN SUMMITHowever, Trump said Tuesday that sending U.S. troops to Ukraine to bolster security in the region was off the table.Meanwhile, Trump told reporters Friday that hell have a better sense of whether a deal that ends the conflict is feasible and what kind of actions the U.S. should take moving forward on negotiations in the coming weeks."We'll see what happens. I think over the next two weeks, we're going to find out which way it's going to go," Trump told reporters Friday."It's going to be a very important decision," Trump said. "And that's whether or not it's massive sanctions or massive tariffs, or both. Or do we do nothing and say, It's your fight?"Heres what also happened this week:Trump also joined law enforcement and National Guard troops in Washington Thursday evening amid his administration's federal takeover of the city and efforts to crackdown on crime."We've had some incredible results and results have come out and it's like a different place," Trump told the police and National Guard troops Thursday. "It's like a different city."Vice President JD Vance visited National Guard troops in Washington's Union Station Wednesday.TRUMP JOINS POLICE AND MILITARY FORCES IN WASHINGTON STREETS"We are seeing really substantial effects because these guys are busting their a--," Vance said Wednesday."Right here in Union Station, you have vagrants, you have drug addicts, you have the chronically homeless, you have the mentally ill who harass, who threatened violence, who attacked families," Vance said. "And they've done it for far too long. This should be a monument to American greatness."Trump initially mobilized 800 D.C. National Guard troops as part of his effort to reduce crime in Washington on Aug. 11. Since then, National Guard troops from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee also have been tapped to support the Trump administrations effort.Trump also unveiled plans with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Oval Office Friday to hold the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center Dec. 5. During the event, FIFA will divyy up all the teams into 12 different groups.TRUMP ANNOUNCES KENNEDY AS FIFA WORLD CUP DRAW VENUE"On Dec. 5 of this year, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center. Some people refer to it as the Trump-Kennedy Center, but we're not prepared to do that quite yet maybe in a week or so," Trump said."But right here in Washington, D.C., it's a tremendous honor to bring the global event and this incredible group of people and these unbelievable athletes the best athletes in the world to the cultural center of our nation's capital," Trump said.

A blunt memo circulated Friday urges Democrats to ditch "elitist" jargon that is alienating to voters if they want to defeat President Donald Trump's agenda.In the message titled, "Was It Something I Said?," Democratic think tank Third Way warned Democratic officials against using language packed with progressive framing, labeling such terms as "therapy-speak," "seminar room language," and "organizer jargon," among others.The memo highlighted 44 words and phrases seen as divisive, including "privilege," "safe space," "existential threat," "the unhoused," "birthing person," "Latinx," and "incarcerated people."Third Way argues these terms make Democrats appear like radical "enforcers of wokeness" to the average American.OBAMA BROS CONFRONTED ON DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S INTOLERANCE PROBLEM, HISTORY OF EXCLUDING PEOPLEThird Way stressed it is not policing language. The group even admitted using some of these terms in its own papers. However, it urged Democratic officials to reflect before using such terms."Before you draft your angry tweet thread, think about conversations with persuadable voters in your own lifeespecially friends, family, and co-workersand consider whether the use of the language above would help or hurt your case," the Third Way memo said.The group argued that these terms raise red flags for many Americans, not because they are bigoted, but because they fear cancellation for speaking freely around liberals who use these terms.Matt Bennett, Third Way's executive vice president of public affairs, told Fox News Digital the memo was intended for "everyone in Democratic politics who has a public-facing role."CARVILLE SAYS DEMS 'BETRAYED' WORKING-CLASS VOTERS BY NOT INCLUDING THEM IN 'TOO-COOL-FOR-SCHOOL' COALITION"When elected officials, candidates, and high-profile spokespeople use this kind of language, it is deeply alienating. And while it might be well-intentioned, by empowering the right, it ends up hurting the very people its intended to shield," he said.The group adds its messaging push stems from frustration with what they view as "damaging, self-defeating language being weaponized against our allies.""Even after the terrible losses in November, too many on the left have not gotten the message that they live in a bubble and that folks outside of that bubble think that kind of language is somewhere between silly and offensive," Bennett added.The memo aligns with broader concerns raised by prominent Democrats since the November election.Former Democratic Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel warned in June that Democrats needed to stop worrying about identity politics and become a big-tent party again if they wanted to win elections."Why do Democrats have a problem?" he told "The Bulwark" host Tim Miller. "Because we're punks, and we not only talk like punks, we talk down to people, we get caught up in a set of issues that aren't relevant."On "Inside Politics" on Friday, CNN's John King said that Third Way had a point about Democratic messaging resonating with voters."A lot of people used to be Democrats who are now Trump voters," King said. "They do think the Democratic Party speaks a different language."King said politicians and journalists should talk about things that are relevant to most of America, not just those in "New York or San Francisco.""But I do think people in middle America think that the elitists have lost their way and speak a language that they dont understand," he continued.

IN TODAYS NEWSLETTER:- Trump administration strikes deal with Google to use AI platform across federal agencies- Trump's AI plan is a bulwark against the rising threat from China- How AI is now helping hackers fool your browser's security toolsAI MEETS DC: The General Services Administration (GSA) on Thursday announced a new agreement with Google to deploy its suite ofartificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services across the federal government.DIGITAL ARMS RACE: In July, some of the brightest minds in American technology descended on Washington to celebrate a major milestone: the launch of President Donald Trump's bold initiative to ensure the United States remains the world's unrivaled leader in artificial intelligence (AI).DIGITAL DECEPTION: Cybercriminals continually seek new ways to expose you to phishing and scam sites designed to steal your credentials or install malware that can compromise your personal data and system. Although browsers and search engines like Chrome and Google Search actively scan and take action against spam and malicious sites, they rely on automated tools to manage the huge volume of threats.AI FOR ALL: Meta CEOMark Zuckerberg on Wednesday announced the tech giant will focus on developing a personal superintelligence for everyone, which will further enable creative and leisurely pursuits.FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterLinkedInSIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERSFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News HealthDOWNLOAD OUR APPSWATCH FOX NEWS ONLINEFox News GoSTREAM FOX NATIONFox NationStay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox Newshere.

Alan Hamel was mourning the loss of his wife, Suzanne Somers, when he crossed paths with a familiar face.The former television host recently confirmed his new romance with "Blade Runner" actress Joanna Cassidy, who was a guest on his show decades ago. Cassidy, 80, also starred with Somers in the 1985 miniseries "Hollywood Wives." According to Hamel, 89, the pair ran into each other months ago."There was that connection," he told Fox News Digital. "And weve spent a lot of time being with each other, which is great. And Im almost 10 years older than her, so Im Joannas older man. Shes always wanted an older man. And I came along We have both been very active in the entertainment business most of our lives, so neither one of us has anything to prove. Weve both relaxed into what I refer to as the cocktail hour of our lives."SUZANNE SOMERS' WIDOWER FINDS ROMANCE WITH LATE WIFE'S 'HOLLYWOOD WIVES' COSTARSomers, who famously starred as Chrissy Snow in the sitcom "Threes Company," died in 2023 at age 76. The actress battled breast cancer for over 23 years. She and Hamel were married from 1977 until her death.Hamel admitted that "it was odd" stepping into the dating scene after enjoying a happy marriage for so long."Suzanne and I used to go out on dates once a week, sometimes twice," he shared. "Wed get dressed up, go to a nice restaurant, order a nice bottle of wine, and sit there, enjoying the evening and each other. That went for 55 years, even before we were officially married. So, I was used to dating. I love dating. So, when I felt ready to date again, I did not want some gossip [magazine] saying, Alan is now dating."WATCH: SUZANNE SOMERS REFLECTS ON BUSINESS SUCCESS IN LAST IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW"So, what I did was invite a lot of female friends," he shared. "Im not romantically involved with any of them, but I would invite two of them who know each other really well to go on a date with me. The three of us went on a date. If someone looked at the three of us, obviously, they knew it wasnt a romantic date. But those were the first dates I took on. And it felt good. I remembered how much fun dating was."As Hamel quietly grieved, he was encouraged to meet up with Cassidy. The connection was instant."It was quite natural," Cassidy told Fox News Digital about their first date. "I found myself falling into a place that felt very comfortable. I felt very much at ease... I think our first date lasted three days.""I also believe that, energetically, you can draw the right people to you," she shared. "I mostly dont call Alan Alan. I call him Ah. It also happens to be his initials. It just seems like the right name for our mystical get-togetherness. And look, I was quite prepared to move along. Ive lived alone for a long time. Ive met people, but no one really floated my boat like Alan did. I just met him, and I went, Wow, this is a solid connection. This is great."Hamel is also fulfilling a promise he made to his late wife during the last days of her life."When we knew the end was near, she said to me, Once Im gone, I dont want you to mope around," Hamel recalled. "I want you to live your life. I told her OK. But then she looked at me and said, Im serious. I dont want you to mope around. Again, I said OK."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER"When Suzanne passed, I was suddenly living alone," he said. "But I have this incredible family. Theres not one dud among them three kids and six grandkids. I see some of them weekly And after Suzanne passed, they made sure I was never alone for the first two and a half months. We would sit around, tell stories about Suzanne, have all the big laughs, look back at photographs and hundreds of hours of tapes. Its been wonderful And along came Joanna. She has been my only date since she arrived on the scene, which Im grateful for.""If a relationship is long and happy, and suddenly your partner disappears, I think there can still be hope," he reflected.Hamel noted the modern approach to dating has never felt right to him."Ive never been on a dating site," he said. "What I keep hearing is that theyre dangerous. People put pictures of themselves that were taken 40 years ago. Its hard to believe anything anybody says on a dating site. Now Im sure there are legit sites, but I have no interest in them at all."And Cassidy is different, he chuckled."Joanna is very active in things that I would never attempt to do, like air bungee. She also takes these classes where shes inside a silk envelope upside down, suspended in the air doing yoga. Who thinks this stuff up? Meanwhile, Im into relaxing. Im an expert at sitting still. I love putting my brain in neutral and just staring. When people say, What are you thinking about? The answer is nothing. But Joannas brain is the antithesis of mine. Its going 24/7. The expression, ants in your pants,' applies to her. Shes constantly in motion. She never stops. Im just sitting."LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS"I have a landscaping business," Cassidy boasted. "Im a photographer, designer, gardener, animal rescuer, and I still work in show business. I have a movie coming out in October, "Killing Faith" with Bill Pullman. And I just finished a film with Beverly DAngelo Its very hard for me to sit still. I have to constantly keep busy, constantly be in motion. And there are lots of things that I love to do, things that bring my life joy every day. I think thats very important to have. And Alan knows that."Hamel also keeps busy making sure Somers legacy is kept alive. He and his family are hands-on in running SuzanneSomers.com, where fans can purchase her beauty and wellness products. They're active on her social media accounts and share her words of wisdom when it comes to health. They are also in the process of launching a "Suzanne AI" where fans can "interact with her one-on-one."Hamel and Cassidy are happily enjoying their blossoming romance. They remained coy when asked if love was in the air."I love love," said Hamel. "I cherish love all kinds of love. I have friends I love. There are so many different kinds of love. But in terms of romantic love, I dont think there could be anything greater than when two people suddenly find that theyre attracted to one another in many different ways. Theres an uncovering of layers.""I think that love is when youre willing to really put yourself aside and make that other person your focus," chimed Cassidy. "I think it has to do with the ego going away and dissolving. Its about really being able to listen to someone else. I find that you go into a state of awe. Ill go, Wow, I am really present with this person. And you wont hear me say the word love a lot. I am very quiet about that. Its because it means so much to me. It has to be really true."And its never too late to embark on a new romantic journey, she insisted."Dont give up," she said. "There are billions of people on the planet. Its difficult to trust people. But I think if you stay in a very hopeful place and have positive thoughts, life can open up to you in unexpected ways."

A Florida judge on Saturday denied bond to Rajinder Singh, an illegal migrant trucker from India accused of causing a deadly crash in Fort Pierce that killed three people.St. Lucie County Judge Lauren Sweet ruled that Singh is an unauthorized alien and a substantial flight risk.Sweet also found probable cause for all six charges against Singh and classified them as forcible felonies under Florida law.ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TRUCK DRIVER ACCUSED IN DEADLY FLORIDA CRASH GOT BIDEN WORK PERMIT AFTER TRUMP DENIAL: DHS"There are no conditions of release that will ensure your appearance at trial," Sweet said. "Therefore, sir, Im setting your bond on each charge at no bond."Singh, who appeared virtually from the St. Lucie County Jail, with the help of an interpreter, was arrested on two warrants charging him with three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of manslaughter for the deadly Aug. 12 crash.Investigators say Singh attempted an illegal U-turn in his semi-truck, causing his truck to jackknife, blocking the northbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike. A minivan then slammed into the trailer, killing all three people inside.FLORIDATRAGEDYSHOWSWHYTRUMPSTRUCKING LICENSECRACKDOWNISNEEDEDSweet said that both arrest warrant affidavits were previously reviewed by a judge. Each judge found probable cause at that time for each of the six charges."This court finds there is probable cause to believe you committed a forcible felony for all six charges," Sweet said.Singh hesitated when asked if he wanted an attorney before Sweet provisionally appointed the public defenders office to represent him.Singh was arrested in Stockton, California, last week and extradited back to Florida. Harjinder Singh, who crossed into the United States illegally in 2018 via the southern border, obtained a commercial driver's license in California. He attempted to obtain work authorization, but it was rejected by the first Trump administration on Sept. 14, 2020, according to Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security assistant secretary for public affairs.