In 1974, Ian Ball attempted to kidnap Princess Anne and her then-husband, Mark Phillips. In the failed abduction, Ball shot four men while trying to get to the Princess Royal. But according to the New York Post, he recently said he was "more scared" of her than she was of him.

Ball, who was released from a psychiatric facility six years ago, recently opened up about the incident in an interview.

"I had good reason to believe the gunpowder had been taken out of the bullets and another girl had been substituted for Princess Anne," he told DailyMail.com.

He went on to insist that the kidnapping was meant to be a "hoax" staged with a friend on the police force.

"The whole idea of performing the hoax was to get the publicity so I could write my autobiography and I expected to get £10,000 in royalties," he said. "I'm an innocent, sane man."

Ball continued to assert that the princess was never in danger, in spite of the fact that he shot multiple people. "[Anne] wasn't bothered on the night. I didn't scare her. I was more scared than she was," he said.

Princess Anne, for her part, has said that she was "furious at this man who was having a tug of war with me."

Her father, Prince Phillip, remarked of the failed kidnapping, "If the man had succeeded in abducting Anne, she would have given him a hell of a time in captivity."

The idea of buying a boat has stirred your mind! Here, you automatically get divided between two popular choices, namely, traditional and inflatable boats. In recent times, the use of new-age materials, design advancements and motor compatibility have made the latter the most coveted choice amongst customers.

Gone are the days when an inflatable boat used to be a mere backup. Today, people are investing in them for leisure activities near water and even fishing. However, are you still wondering which is a better choice? If so, this article will discuss a few points focusing on both options to help you choose wisely.

Affordability and expense

Undoubtedly, the inflatable boats are reasonably priced compared to a traditional boat. Typically, you can buy it between a range of $500 and $5,000 based on its features and sizes. On the other hand, an aluminium or fiberglass traditional boat might cost you three times more. This is more so when you consider storage and trailers. This price gap is what makes people choose this boat instead of a traditional one. Also, it is considered to be an environmentally friendly boating option.

Durability and maintenance

Even though a traditional boat is said to be long-lasting, there is a need for frequent upkeep. You have to constantly look into anti-fouling paint and hull cleaning. Compared to that, inflatable boats are cheap and are much easier to maintain. Since the principal materials to build them are PVC and Hypalon, these boats can last more than a decade, almost 15 years, with good care.

However, you need to know that an inflatable one is vulnerable to punctures. Multiple chambers and patch kits add to their safety. These features also make any kind of repair easier than before.

Versatility and performance

Although traditional boats provide high-quality performance when it comes to speed and load capacity, the inflatable ones are no less. Even when the waters are rough, the traditional ones offer stability. For water sports, cruising and deep-sea fishing, these boats are a great choice for adventure lovers.

The reason why inflatable boats are a tough contender is that they have advanced profoundly over the past few years. Today, they come with high-pressure and aluminum air floors. Even the V-shaped hulls ensure they perform well in both shallow and calm waters.

Therefore, if you intend to explore rivers, lakes and coastal areas, this is a good choice for you. To know more about this, you can browse furthercustoms.com and check the advanced models that are available. This will help you make an informed decision.

Currently, inflatable boats provide good value to intermediate or casual users. These boats can be stored easily and cost-effectively. Even maintaining them wouldn't cause a dent in your savings. Even though traditional boats have their demand in place, inflatable boats score high for the all-round value they offer. It blends in very well with the modern-day environment-conscious and flexible lifestyle.

Summing it up

Often, boaters are confused about whether to invest in an inflatable or traditional boat. The latter has its demand in place. But when it comes to ease of use, maintenance, quality and affordability, inflatable boats are gaining more popularity than ever.

Donald Trump is threatening to take over Washington, D.C.

After a former member of the Department of Government Efficiency was attacked by a group of teenagers in the nation's capital, the president took to Truth Social to make it clear he's not afraid to overhaul the city.

"Local 'youths' and gang members, some only 14, 15 and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming and shooting innocent citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released," he wrote.

"They are not afraid of law enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it's going to happen now! The law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these 'minors' as adults and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14," Trump continued. "The most recent victim was beaten mercilessly by local thugs. Washington, D.C., must be safe, clean and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the world to see."

"If D.C. doesn't get its act together and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the city and run this city how it should be run and put criminals on notice that they're not going to get away with it anymore," the right-winger threatened. "Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago, then this incredible young man and so many others, would not have had to go through the horrors of violent crime."

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, former DOGE employee Edward Coristine was in downtown Washington, D.C., with a female companion when a group of teenagers approached the two near their car and made "a comment about taking the vehicle."

"At that point, for her safety, [Coristine] pushed his significant other into the vehicle and turned to deal with the suspects," the police report claimed. "The suspects then began to assault [Coristine]."

Two teenagers were arrested for their involvement in the attack.

Ex-DOGE specialist and former Trump confidant Elon Musk spoke out about the attack on X. "A few days ago, a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car at night in DC. A @Doge team member saw what was happening, ran to defend her and was severely beaten to the point of concussion, but he saved her. It is time to federalize D.C.," he wrote, though his description of events differs slightly from the police report's.

Downtown D.C. has seen a rise in violent crime in the last few years. During a town hall meeting in 2024, District At-Large Councilmember Robert White Jr. said, "We see a surge of young people engaging in serious crime. We are seeing kids as young as nine and ten getting involved in carjackings."

Meghan Markle's half-sister, Samantha Markle, is once again taking legal action against the Duchess of Sussex. In the Suits star's explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the actress made disparaging comments about her family being fame-hungry, angering Samantha, who is 17 years her senior.

Samantha went on to sue Meghan for defamation, and while her case was dismissed with prejudice, she has the opportunity to make an oral argument in September as part of her attempt to appeal the dismissal. Now there are concerns that the legal back-and-forth could negatively impact Meghan's relationship with her husband, Prince Harry, and his attempts to reconcile with his estranged family.

"More legal disputes between Meghan and Samantha could break the fragile links between Harry and Meghan, trying to establish a way forward," royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News. "The royals are hyper-sensitive toward any legal issues in America, resulting in any more secrets coming out to the detriment of the royals in the U.K."

"This could be misconstrued as a timely action by Samantha Markle as she sees her half-sister on the ropes regarding [her show on] Netflix and a glimmer of hope to be reconnected with the royal family," Turner continued.

Echoed royal expert Hilary Fordwich, "There is nothing good about this for Meghan Markle. Her reputation is tarnished further by her own sister making such allegations. Whether true or not, it doesn't matter, as neither way does it reflect well."

Samantha has accused Meghan of making "demonstrably false and malicious statements" about their dynamic. She alleges that Meghan's comments about their relationship have caused her to face both "humiliation and hatred." While a judge initially sided with Meghan over her, Samantha is now appealing the case in Florida.

Samantha's lawyer, Peter Ticktin, told Fox News, "The District Court judge, an Obama appointee, dismissed the lawsuit brought by Samantha Markle against her sister Meghan Markle, finding that there was no case. This decision was wrong, and now, we are tasked with convincing a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals of how our case was solid."

"Of course, we differ from the District Court judge, or we would have never brought the case in the first place," he continued. "We are hoping and somewhat expecting that the panel of three judges on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals will see the error by the lower court and reverse the dismissal."

While Samantha continues to drag her sister in court, Meghan is busy building her As Ever brand and social media following.

Kristi Noem announced plans for a new migrant detention center.

The Homeland Security Secretary revealed Donald Trump and his administration are working closely with Indiana Governor Mike Braun to build another facility to hold illegal immigrants called "The Speedway Slammer."

"Today, we're announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds," Noem wrote in an update shared on X. "Thanks to [Indiana Gov. Mike Braun] for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana's Speedway Slammer."

The right-wingers' efforts to put a new correctional facility in Indiana come after Braun vowed to "fully partner with federal immigration authorities" to curb illegal immigration and arrest offenders.

"We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership," the former United States senator said in a statement. "Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states."

The Indiana Department of Corrections will be collaborating with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to free up nearly 1,000 beds at Miami Correctional Facility by moving detainees to Indiana.

Earlier this year, Trump and Noem toured the migrant holding facility in Florida's Everglades that they dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. The former governor of South Dakota called the establishment the "model" for other centers.

"The locations we're looking at are right by airport runways that will help give us an efficiency that we've never had before," Noem explained in a statement. "Most of them are interested."

By: Matthew Kayser

When people hire a lawyer after an injury, they want someone who will fight for them. Tirelessly. Not just someone who files paperwork or negotiates with insurance companies. They want someone who will go to court if needed. Someone who takes their case seriously.

Gabriel Levin knows this. He has built his entire practice around it. "I don't just settle cases, I prepare them as if each one will go before a jury," explains Levin, founder of the Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers. "That mindset allows me to uncover details and build cases that insurance companies take seriously."

The Trial Mindset

Levin practices in Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale, representing injured clients in a range of cases, from minor crashes to life-altering injuries. He describes himself first and foremost as a trial attorney. "I'm directly involved in every phase of litigation," he says. "Unlike many firms, I never hand off a case to an associate or paralegal. If you hire me, you get me, from start to finish."

He makes that clear from the beginning of each case. "My clients know that when they hire me, they're getting a fighter who treats their case like it's my own."

Building a Firm That Feels Different

Levin started the Levin Firm with a simple idea: make injury law personal again. "I saw too many people being treated like numbers by insurance companies, or worse, by their attorneys," he says.

He wanted to build a firm where clients are never left in the dark. That means answering calls. That means keeping people informed. "I overcame early challenges by making myself personally available to every client. That built trust and helped to change the perception that lawyers are too busy to care."

Trial as a Strategy, Not a Last Resort

Insurance companies often expect attorneys to avoid a trial. Levin flips that script. "Where other attorneys view trial as a last resort, I see it as the foundation of any serious claim strategy," he explains.

That strategy gets results. Levin recalls a case involving a construction worker with a serious back injury. "I worked closely with medical experts to build an airtight narrative."

The result?

"We secured a multi-million dollar settlement."

Staying Grounded in the Work

Levin has tried and resolved hundreds of cases. He has recovered millions for his clients. But his focus stays on the individuals behind the files: "We don't treat cases like statistics at the Levin Firm. We treat them like people's lives, because that's what they are."

Levin brings the same approach to every case, whether it settles or goes to court. "Every injury, every lost paycheck, every anxious night matters to us."

Expanding While Staying Focused on What Matters

Levin sees growth ahead for his firm. "I see the Levin Firm reaching more communities while maintaining our core value: personalized, elite legal representation. My dream is to expand without losing our soul, to always be the firm where clients feel seen, heard and fiercely represented."

He also wants to mentor the next generation. "I'd like to mentor younger attorneys who share my passion for justice and client care."

That kind of commitment isn't flashy. But for Levin, it's everything. "If you want to tell the story of a relentless trial attorney who blends heart with strategy, then you're telling the right story."

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.

While Prince George is only 12, the young royal is reportedly "undoubtedly aware" of his future as the next Prince of Wales and, ultimately, King of England. Historian Marlene Koenig told Us Weekly that Prince William and Kate Middleton have prepared the youngster for the "changes" that are inevitable with his future.

George was able to serve as a trainbearer during King Charles III' coronation, and the historic moment was special for the Wales brood.

"George is the first member of the Royal Family to have such a role in the service," Koenig said. "If the young prince was nervous, he didn't show it."

Charles and William's presence gave George a glimpse into his future and progression as a royal.

"The Coronation provided the young prince with the knowledge that he, too, would one day be crowned in a coronation ceremony," Koenig explained. "George may be a 12-year-old schoolboy who loves sports, but he is most certainly aware of his future."

While becoming king is further down the line for George, the New York Post reported the prince is soon expected to attend the prestigious Eton College, which his father and uncle Prince Harry also attended.

From playing a royal to heading to the dark side.

The Crown alum Matt Smith has signed on to play the villain in the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter film alongside Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth. The flick is slated to hit theaters on Memorial Day Weekend in 2027.

The movie will be directed by Deadpool & Wolverine's Shawn Levy. His frequent collaborator, The Adam Project screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, handled the script. No further information has been revealed about Smith's role, and plot details are currently under wraps. The film will go into production this fall.

According to reports, the new movie is set five years after the events of Disney's sequel trilogy, which concluded with 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Smith received an Emmy nomination for playing Prince Philip on Netflix's series centered around the British royal family. The 42-year-old is currently playing Daemon Targaryen on HBO Max's House of the Dragon, which will air its third season in 2026.

Gosling is set to star in Star Wars: Starfighter. "The reality is that this script is just so good. It has such a great story with great and original characters," he said in an interview. "It's filled with so much heart and adventure and there just really is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn."