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Franklin Graham shares hope message in exclusive interview on Easter special: 'God hasn’t forgotten them'

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Franklin Graham shares hope message in exclusive interview on Easter special: 'God hasn’t forgotten them'

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In a powerful Easter message filmed from the smoldering remains of fire-ravaged neighborhoods in California, Rev. Franklin Graham is calling the nation to remember that even in devastation, hope is not lost.

Filmed in the ashes of homes lost to the Southern California wildfires, “Easter from the Ashes” premieres at noon ET Sunday on Fox News.

“Can there be hope in the place of ashes?” Graham asks in the special, standing amid the rubble of the Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles. “This is a message of hope for people who feel forgotten.”

The program, which also features performances by Grammy-winning worship leader Michael W. Smith and artist Charity Gayle, was recorded in and around areas still scarred by flames. 

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PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP HOSTS EASTER DINNER WITH ‘WORSHIP AND PRAYERS’

The music portion was filmed on the campus of Pepperdine University, just miles from neighborhoods that were leveled.

The broadcast is the latest in a long tradition of Easter messages from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, but this one is grounded quite literally in the ashes of loss — speaking not only to spiritual need, but also to physical and emotional pain felt across the country in the wake of natural disasters.

Volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse search for meaningful personal items for members of the Alvarado family in the rubble of their home which burned in the Eaton Fire on Feb. 5, in Altadena, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

In just the last several months, Americans have endured a string of catastrophes: wildfires on the West Coast, floods and tornadoes across the Midwest and South, and Hurricane Helene in the Southeast. In each case, Samaritan’s Purse — the international relief organization led by Graham — has mobilized to help.

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“Easter is not the same for many people this year,” Graham told Fox News Digital. “So many have gone through devastating tragedy and loss. But I want people to know that God hasn’t abandoned them.”

Samaritan’s Purse has deployed disaster relief teams across the U.S. to provide everything from physical labor to moral support. 

TRUMP HOSTS FAITH LEADERS FOR EASTER PRAYER DINNER, SLAMS EFFORT TO RID AMERICA OF CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES

In California, volunteers have been helping families sift through ashes to recover treasured belongings. In one especially memorable case, a woman was searching for a porcelain vase — her grandmother’s heirloom brought from overseas. The team found it unbroken, tucked in a basement corner under piles of ash.

“It wasn’t cracked. It wasn’t chipped,” Graham said. “To anyone else, it was just a vase. But to her, it was priceless. That’s the kind of healing we’re trying to bring.”

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In other parts of the country, Samaritan’s Purse has helped restore mobility and shelter by replacing cars and rebuilding homes. Partnering with Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Automotive Group, the organization has been supplying vehicles to families who lost everything.

“When people lose their cars in a disaster, they’re stuck,” Graham said. “We’ve seen people walking to the store or relying on neighbors. We just felt called to help however we could.”

Currently, Samaritan’s Purse has more than a dozen homes under construction, with plans to continue rebuilding for at least the next three years.

While physical rebuilding is vital, Graham’s Easter message centers on spiritual renewal through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He draws attention to the biblical reality of both heaven and hell — a theme often overlooked, but one Graham said he believes is urgently needed today.

“In this special, I talk about how Jesus preached on hell. And how He also gave us a way out,” Graham said. “He died for our sins. He was buried. And on the third day, He rose again. That’s the hope we have.”

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Volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse pray with Manuel and Emma Alvarado after helping them search for personal items in the ashes of their home in Altadena, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

He recounted stories from disaster survivors who described their experiences as near-death or even miraculous. One woman, caught in a flood, managed to grab a branch that later couldn’t be found —something she believes was divine intervention.

“Some people say angels saved them,” Graham noted. “Things happened that just don’t make sense otherwise.”

Graham also spoke about his recent visit to the White House during Holy Week, where he joined around 40 pastors for a private dinner and worship service with President Donald Trump. He described the President’s remarks as “the clearest gospel message I’ve ever heard from a U.S. president.”

“I don’t think we’ve heard anything like it since maybe George Washington,” Graham said. “He not only believes, but he’s not afraid to say it.”

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“We have a president that is not afraid of his faith,” Graham said Friday on The Ingraham Angle. “He doesn’t shy away from it. He’s very bold about it and clear about what he believes.”

Graham described Trump’s message at the dinner as one of the clearest public affirmations of the Gospel he has heard from any U.S. president. “He talks about Jesus Christ, talks about his own faith,” he said. “He’ll tell you that when that bullet went through his ear in Butler, Pennsylvania, it was God who spared his life.”

Volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse pray with Manuel and Emma Alvarado, both 86, after helping them search for personal items in the ashes of their home which burned in the Eaton Fire, Feb. 5, in Altadena, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

The day after the dinner, Graham participated in a service for White House staff, including lawyers and administrative professionals, joined by Pastor Greg Laurie and Pastor Jentezen Franklin, who administered communion. “It was a wonderful time of worship,” he recalled.

Graham credited the Trump administration with helping cut through bureaucratic red tape that often slows recovery efforts in disaster zones.

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“California has been very difficult,” he said. “We’ve faced a lot of delays at the state and local level. But the President pushed FEMA to act faster. That helped open doors.”

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As the interview closed, Graham returned to the core message of the season.

“Easter is a very special time because Jesus Christ conquered death,” he said. “He took our sins to the cross. He died. He was buried. But on the third day, He rose from the dead. And He will come into any heart that is willing to accept Him by faith. That’s the miracle of Easter.”

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Bryan Kohberger trying to buddy up with serial killers from behind bars, source says

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Bryan Kohberger trying to buddy up with serial killers from behind bars, source says

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Between filing complaints about the prison food and taunts from fellow inmates, convicted killer Bryan Kohberger has been trying to get in touch with serial killers from around the country, according to a former homicide investigator with knowledge of the situation.

Chris McDonough, the director of the Cold Case Foundation and a retired detective, said he has insider knowledge of Kohberger’s behavior in the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna.

When asked if Kohberger has made any friends behind bars so far, he said his source told him Kohberger’s been making overtures to other high-profile killers and “sees himself above everyone around him.”

“He’s tried reaching out to other serial killers, but I don’t know whether any relationships have formed,” McDonough told Fox News Digital. “Both inside and outside — he’s trying to communicate with people outside the walls.”

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BRYAN KOHBERGER FIGHTS $27K RESTITUTION FOR VICTIMS’ FAMILIES WHILE TAKING MONEY BEHIND BARS

Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse for his sentencing hearing, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, for brutally stabbing four University of Idaho students to death. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool)

Kohberger was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology at Washington State University when he drove 10 miles away for a 4 a.m. home invasion massacre at the nearby University of Idaho. 

He stabbed four undergrads to death in an off-campus house — Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. 

Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves’ final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram)

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He left scant evidence behind — but dropped a Ka-Bar knife sheath with his DNA on it. The case dragged on for more than two years, and he finally pleaded guilty when his attempts to have the potential death penalty taken off the table failed. 

IDAHO KILLER BRYAN KOHBERGER. COMPLAINS TO GUARDS ABOUT INMATE TAUNTS WITH TARGET ON HIS BACK: REPORT

He received four consecutive sentences of life without parole, plus another 10 years, after pleading guilty to avoid the firing squad. 

The Pennsylvania native entered Idaho prison with a target on his back, experts previously told Fox News Digital, due to the notoriety of the crime and the callous selection of victims, whom he had no known ties to.

This still image taken from surveillance video of an Albertson’s supermarket in Lewiston, Idaho, shows Bryan Kohberger shopping hours after the Idaho student murders. He is now reportedly complaining about his prison food. (Moscow Police Department)

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In a little over four months in prison, he’s already filed official complaints claiming he’s been mistreated, harassed and threatened by his fellow inmates.

“He’s desperately trying to get transferred out of J-Block because of relentless taunting from other inmates,” McDonough told Fox News Digital. “Recently, his big complaint has been food, especially the bananas, because he’s a vegan. He didn’t like the type or quality of the food being prepared.”

However, complaining about that won’t help, with food services run by fellow inmates, McDonough explained.

BRYAN KOHBERGER’S APARTMENT, ESSAYS REVEALED IN HUNDREDS OF PHOTOS RELEASED BY IDAHO POLICE

This image shows the recreation yard at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, where Bryan Kohberger sees only one hour of exercise a day while housed in the facility’s secure J Block unit. (IDOC)

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“It wouldn’t be surprising if the inmates intentionally give him the worst bananas — ‘Give this one to Kohberger,’” he said.

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Although the J-Block cell keeps Kohberger physically isolated for 23 hours a day, minimizing a risk that any other inmate could make good on threats of violence, Kohberger doesn’t like it and wants to be moved, McDonough said.

“His latest issue is that he’s implied that if they don’t move him out of J-Block — complaining his cell is too small and so on — he’ll harm himself. No one knows what that means. It could be a manipulation tactic, almost like a toddler having a tantrum, to get himself into a better unit.”

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San Francisco honors legendary photographer Jim Marshall with street named in his memory

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San Francisco honors legendary photographer Jim Marshall with street named in his memory


This week, San Francisco is set to honor a legendary photographer, the late Jim Marshall, by officially commemorating a street in his honor. 

On Friday, officials, including San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, will be on hand to reveal a new street sign for the 3600 block of 16th Avenue.  

The tiny stretch becomes a big landmark for music lovers, historians, and photography buffs. This stretch of 16th will also be known as Jim Marshall Way.

“Finally, Jim Marshall gets his name in San Francisco history, ” proclaimed photographer Amelia Davis. 

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For years, Davis was the assistant and editor for Marshall.

Marshall documented and photographed San Francisco history – the music scene, social unrest and protests

Included in his portfolio is a rare photograph of Janis Joplin on top of her psychedelic Porsche, a famous portrait of John Coltrane, discussing an imminent change in his music, at the Berkeley home of jazz critic Ralph Gleason;  a very intimate photo of Johnny Cash and June Carter, at their home in Tennessee; Miles Davis in the boxing ring; Bob Dylan kicking a tire down a New York City street; and the final public concert played by the Beatles at Candlestick Park.

Fifteen years ago, when he died, the San Franciscan left his entire portfolio to Davis.  She explained how Marshall, who was childless, called his photographs his children.

“That’s what he loved and protected his whole life,” noted Davis.

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Marshall was on hand to capture the Grateful Dead’s last free show on a flatbed truck in the Haight. 

He was also on hand in Times Square in Manhattan to capture the grief following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

His photographs of poverty in Appalachia are part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian.

“Jim Marshall always called himself a reporter with a camera and Jim’s work did document pieces of history, whether it was music, civil rights, or protests,” said Davis.

Marshal had a tumultuous personality and struggled with addiction. 

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After his death, he was the subject of an award-winning documentary called “Show Me The Picture.”

He was the first photographer to receive a Grammy.

Now, a street where the photographer lived for 28 years will be named in honor

“Little did they know you have this legend living right in the middle of the street here,” exclaimed Justin Fichelson.

Fichelson grew up a few doors away from the photographer, where his parents still live. 

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He says the honor of renaming the street is a reminder that the city was iconoclastic way before tech and the AI flood.   

“The idea of San Francisco, which is a crazy place where people come from all over the world to reinvent themselves, Jim really captured that in an incredible way,” noted Fichelson.

Marshall grew up in the Western Addition, went to Lowell High School, raced fast cars and loved the city. Now, the city is loving him back. 

The ceremony to honor Marshall is on Friday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. at the corners of Noe, Market, and 16th. A commemorative sign will be placed beneath the 16th Street sign. Those who wish to attend are asked to bring any old Leica cameras to honor the late photographer. 

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Denver, CO

Where do Packers stand in NFC playoff picture after loss in Denver?

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Where do Packers stand in NFC playoff picture after loss in Denver?


The Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) dropped from first to second in the NFC North and from the second seed to the seventh seed in the NFC after losing to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Significant injuries suffered against the Broncos will mean lasting implications are felt past Sunday. The Packers are also now a long shot to catch the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and it’ll take a win next Saturday night in Chicago to retake control in the NFC North.

But the Packers are still in a good spot in terms of making the postseason field, especially after the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys all lost on Sunday.

NFC playoff picture after Week 15

  1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3, 6-3 vs. NFC)
  2. Chicago Bears (10-4, 6-3 vs. NFC)
  3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5, 7-3 vs. NFC)
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7, 5-5 vs. NFC)
  5. Seattle Seahawks (11-3, 6-3 vs. NFC)
  6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4, 8-2 vs. NFC)
  7. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1, 7-2-1 vs. NFC)

Others: Lions (8-6), Panthers (7-7), Cowboys (6-7-1)

According to The Athletic’s NFL playoff simulator, the Packers have a 92 percent chance of making the postseason with three weeks to go. They become all but guaranteed of a playoff spot if they can beat the Bears in Chicago in Week 16. In fact, just one win over the final three weeks could be enough for the Packers to get in.

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The NFC North winner looks like a coinflip. The Athletic’s model gives the Packers a 48 percent chance of winning the division right now, and it would go up to 82 percent with a win over the Bears on Saturday. Chicago took down the Cleveland Browns with ease in bitter cold temps at Soldier Field on Sunday.

The Athletic’s model also gives the Packers a 98 percent chance of being the No. 2 seed if Matt LaFleur’s team can win out. That will be much easier said than done without Micah Parsons (and potentially Christian Watson) down the stretch.

Two very possibilities for the Packers: Win the NFC North and host the Bears in the NFC Wild Card Round, or get in as the No. 7 seed and go to Chicago to play the Bears in the NFC Wild Card Round. A third round of the rivalry is increasingly possible in January.

Packers remaining games

Nothing easy here. The Bears, Ravens and Vikings all won Sunday. The Bears and Ravens won comfortably; the Vikings upset the Cowboys — who desperately needed to win — in Dallas. The Bears and Ravens are both playing to win division titles. The Vikings are a dangerously talented spoiler team, and winning at U.S. Bank Stadium is never easy. The Athletic’s model gives the Packers roughly a 40 percent chance of making the postseason even with an 0-3 finish. The Lions are the biggest threat to pass the Packers in the event they finish 0-3.

It appears the Packers can clinch a playoff spot next week with a win over the Bears and a Steelers win over the Lions.

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