pays

ERIC Dane has died aged 53 after a brave battle with ALS.

The Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria actor passed away with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and daughters Billie and Georgia by his side, his rep said in a statement on Thursday, February 19.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement began.

“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. 

“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.

“He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. 

health battle

Eric Dane’s Grey’s co-star reveals ‘heartbreaking’ update on ALS battle

“The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

SCARY DIAGNOSIS

Eric had been battling ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease, since early 2024, when he first began experiencing symptoms.

The star announced his diagnosis in April 2025, which quickly progressed to near full paralysis in the months before his death.

Eric had to bow out of multiple public appearances due to his worsening condition.

In January 2026, he withdrew from the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Cares gala just hours before the event began.

The TV star also missed his scheduled appearance at the Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2025 because of complications from the disease.

In December 2025, Eric shared an update on his health during a virtual panel for IAMALS.org.

At this point, the father of two had lost mobility in his arms, had noticeable changes in his speech, and was confined to a wheelchair.

“I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day,” an emotional Eric shared.

“I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying.”

Despite his drastic health decline, Eric vowed to continue acting and that he wouldn’t give up fighting.

“I’m not about to concede my purpose for some disease. I just am not capable of doing that.

“I’m fairly limited in what I can do physically as an actor, but I still have my brain, and I still have my speech, so I’m willing to do just about anything.”

BRAVE FIGHT

In November 2025, Eric starred in an episode of the NBC medical drama Brilliant Minds, playing a firefighter living with ALS.

“The hardest thing for me to do was separate myself from the character because it was something that was so fresh and it was something that was so real to me,” Eric told the Daily Mail about the role.

“I’ve never played a character who’s going through something, and something that I’m dealing with in real time, in real life as well,” he continued.

“So, it was hard, and there were moments where it was very difficult for me to get the lines out. 

“But overall, I was really grateful for the experience. I found it to be a bit cathartic.”

Eric is also reprising his role as Cal Jacobs in the third season of Euphoria, which will premiere on HBO in April, after a four-year hiatus.

In late January, Eric received praise from his Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Patrick Dempsey, for his bravery since his brutal diagnosis.

“I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing. I think he’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease,” Patrick told Parade in an interview.

He also said that he tried to get Eric on his new crime thriller series, Memory of a Killer, but his condition made it “virtually impossible.”

Eric is survived by his two children, Billie Beatrice, 16, and Georgia Geraldine 14, whom he shares with Rebecca.

The couple separated in 2018, but called off their long divorce once Eric received his diagnosis.

The United Nations announced that the United States has paid approximately $160m towards its nearly $4bn in outstanding dues.

The payment goes towards the UN’s regular operating budget, according to spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

But the shortfall comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump has openly questioned its commitment to the UN and has slashed money earmarked for the international body.

Still, on Thursday, Trump appeared to endorse funding the UN during the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, DC.

“We’re going to help them money-wise, and we’re going to make sure the United Nations is viable,” Trump said. “And I think it’s going to eventually live up to its potential. That will be a big day.”

The UN has indicated that the US owes about $2.196bn to its regular budget, including $767m for the current year. Another $1.8bn is owed for the UN’s peacekeeping operations.

A financial crisis

For years, the UN has faced a financial crisis, with a growing shortfall of contributions. Each of the organisation’s 193 member states is required to contribute, based on its economic ability.

Poorer countries could be asked to contribute as little as 0.001 percent of the UN’s regular budget. Wealthier countries could reach the maximum contribution amount of 22 percent.

But unpaid dues have already forced the UN to slash its spending and reduce its services.

In a stark warning last month, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that the international body faces an “imminent financial collapse” unless its financial rules are overhauled or all 193 member nations pay their dues.

Guterres revealed that the UN’s regular operating budget could be depleted as early as July, a scenario that would severely jeopardise its global operations.

The US is the largest donor to the UN, as the world’s largest economy. But it currently owes billions in unpaid dues.

UN officials have stated that the US accounts for approximately 95 percent of the arrears to the organisation’s regular budget.

‘Empty words’

Since returning to the White House for a second term in January 2025, Trump has elevated concerns that US dues might go unpaid.

The Republican leader has repeatedly criticised the UN as ineffective, even articulating that sentiment at September’s UN General Assembly.

“What is the purpose of the United Nations?” Trump asked the assembly. “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It’s empty words.”

Throughout his second term so far, he has cut foreign aid spending and withdrawn from international commitments. In January, for instance, his government pulled out of 31 UN programmes, including its democracy fund and a body that works on maternal and child health.

But on Thursday, at his Board of Peace meeting, Trump appeared to take a warmer stance towards the UN, saying he planned to work “very closely” with the organisation.

“Someday, I won’t be here. The United Nations will be,” he said, seeming to endorse its longevity.

Trump also acknowledged the organisation’s financial distress: “They need help, and they need help money-wise.” He did not mention the US arrears.

While the Board of Peace establishment was meant to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, many see it as an attempt by Trump to rival the UN Security Council’s role in preventing and ending conflicts around the world.

Critics have described the board, which Trump chairs, as a “parallel system” that risks undermining the UN’s authority and operations.

Trump himself appeared to position his Board of Peace as an oversight body for the UN in Thursday’s remarks.

The Board of Peace, he said, “is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly”.

EXCLUSIVE: Death in Paradise star Don Gilet has spoken out about new cast member Catherine Garton who plays Sergeant Mattie Fletcher

Death in Paradise’s detective Don Gilet, who portrays Mervin Wilson in the BBC series, has praised new police officer Catherine Garton, who takes on the role of Sergeant Mattie Fletcher.

Mattie is the latest addition to the Saint Marie force and steps into the shoes of Darlene Curtis, previously played by Ginny Holder. Ginny made a quiet exit from the show after only appearing via video link in the Christmas special.

In an exclusive chat with Reach PLC and other media outlets, Don discussed the upcoming series and his experience of welcoming a fresh face to the squad.

He began by stating that Darlene was not replaced, as “you cannot replace that character”. He elaborated, “It was just the new character coming in, just a completely different energy that we weren’t expecting.

“The arrival of Mattie surprises us all as characters, and she’s a very colourful and larger-than-life character as well. So it’s always great,” reports the Express.

“It’s just the same as when new characters come in per episode, it sort of keeps things fresh, keeps the characters on their toes, brings some new and different energy in with a new storyline to go with it.”

He continued, “And again, not giving too much away, but you find out things about Mattie bit by bit as she tries to connect with her colleagues, the same way I tried to connect with my colleagues, and it didn’t happen very easily.

“She’s a great character to work with, and there’s a rebelliousness to the character that Catherine brings, which in some ways is similar to the way that Mervin works.

“So I wonder if there’s just a little tinge of admiration for the way she works that is a bit unorthodox.”

The synopsis for tonight’s episode, available to stream on BBC iPlayer, states: “A reclusive pensioner is shot dead in his home, and a figure matching the description of an unassuming accountant was witnessed fleeing the crime scene.”

It continues: “However, the suspect has a rock-solid alibi. Meanwhile, the commissioner is determined to get the islanders back on side with a community-focused initiative, but tensions rise when Mervin goes rogue during the launch event.”

Death in Paradise airs on Friday at 9pm on BBC One.

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SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom sat onstage at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Friday and described one of the primary ways he is responding as the Trump administration shifts federal climate priorities.

“I’m showing up,” he said.

In recent months, that has meant trips to Brazil, Switzerland and now Germany, where he has repeatedly positioned California as a global climate partner. The travel has also revived a recurring question from critics and watchdog groups: Who pays for those trips?

In many cases, the costs are not borne by taxpayers. The governor’s office said his international travel is paid for by the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit that is funded primarily by corporate donations and run by a board Newsom appoints.

For decades, California governors have relied on nonprofits to pick up the tab for official travel, diplomatic events and other costs that would otherwise be paid with taxpayer funds.

“The Foundation’s mission is to lessen the burden on California taxpayers by reimbursing appropriate expenses associated with advancing the state’s economic and diplomatic interests,” said Jason Elliott, a former high-ranking advisor to Newsom, who the governor added to the foundation’s board.

While the arrangement helps the state’s pocketbook, critics say it is another avenue for corporate interests to gain influence.

“The problem with the protocol foundation and others like it is that donors to these foundations receive access to the politicians whose travel they fund,” said Carmen Balber, executive director of the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog.

When did nonprofits start paying for gubernatorial travel?

The protocol foundation was created as a tax-exempt charity during Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration in 2004.

Similar nonprofits have existed since Gov. George Deukmejian created one in the 1980s. In the early 2000s, Gov. Gray Davis dramatically increased the use of nonprofits to cover travel, housing and political events.

When Schwarzenegger left office, his supporters turned the protocol foundation over to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown’s backers, who in turn handed it over to Newsom’s camp. The foundation describes its mission in federal tax filings as “relieving the State of California of its obligations to fund certain expenditures of the Governor’s Office.”

Newsom appoints members to the foundation board, which then is responsible for determining what expenses to cover in the governor’s office. In its most recent tax filing covering 2024, the foundation lists its board chair as Steve Kawa, who served as Newsom’s chief of staff when he was mayor of San Francisco. The foundation’s secretary in those filings is Jim DeBoo, who was Newsom’s chief of staff in the governor’s office until 2022.

The foundation reported total revenue of $1.3 million in 2024 and, after expenses, had a balance of less than $8,000.

What is the foundation paying for?

Publicly available records are vague, but annual financial disclosure forms show the foundation paid more than $13,000 for the governor’s 2024 trip to Italy, where he delivered a speech on climate change at the Vatican.

That same year, the foundation paid nearly $4,000 for his trip to Mexico City to attend the inauguration of Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. The cost of both trips included flights, hotel and meals for his “official travel,” according to the disclosure records, which are filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission and known as Form 700s.

Newsom has reported receiving $72,000 in travel, staff picnics and holiday events from the protocol foundation since he took office in 2019, according to the disclosures.

The foundation paid $15,200 for the governor’s 2023 trip to China, where he visited five cities in seven days during an agenda packed with meetings, sightseeing and celebrations, including a private tour of the Forbidden City.

In 2020, the foundation paid $8,800 for Newsom to travel to Miami for Super Bowl LIV — where he said he was representing the state as the San Francisco 49ers faced the Kansas City Chiefs.

The governor’s office said it did not yet have the amount picked up by the foundation for Newsom’s travel to Brazil to attend the United Nations climate summit known as COP30 or to Switzerland for the World Economic Summit.

Who are the donors behind the foundation?

In some cases, the well-heeled funders behind the foundation’s cash flow are easy to identify on state websites.

Donations to the foundation that are solicited directly or indirectly by Newsom are recorded with the Fair Political Practices Commission as behested payments. A behested payment occurs when an elected official solicits or suggests that a person or organization give to another person or organization for a legislative, governmental or charitable purpose.

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation donated $300,000 in a 2023 behested payment earmarked for the California delegation traveling to China for the meetings on climate change. UC Berkeley gave $220,000 for the governor’s office’s trip to the Vatican in 2024.

Most donations simply indicate that they are directed for “general operating support” of the foundation. That includes two donations from the Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox Inc. cumulatively worth $80,000.

Two charities set up to pay for Newsom’s inaugurations in 2019 and 2023 moved more than $5 million to the protocol foundation since 2019. The financial backers behind those inaugural charities include powerful unions, corporations, tribal casino interests, trade associations and healthcare giants — organizations with significant financial stakes in state policy decisions.

Past spending by the foundation has been criticized

During Schwarzenegger’s administration, his office avoided fully disclosing $1.7 million in travel costs paid for by the foundation, instead relying on vague internal memos and, in some cases, oral accounting, according to a 2007 Los Angeles Times investigation.

Schwarzenegger’s expenses picked up by the foundation included leased Gulfstream jets costing up to $10,000 per hour and suites going for thousands of dollars a night. The Times’ investigation found among the costs was $353,000 for a single round trip to China on a private jet in 2005.

The foundation also paid for Schwarzenegger’s travels to Japan, Europe, Canada and Mexico.

At the time, Schwarzenegger’s representatives told The Times the governor did not have to report the travel costs on his annual disclosure forms because the payments for the jets and suites were gifts to his office, not to him.

Newsom’s office said the governor travels commercially, not on private jets.

The show remembered a late producer as it returned on Friday (February 6)

Gogglebox paid tribute to a TV producer who died after battling a brain tumour as it returned for a new series.

The Channel 4 favourite was back on screen with its 27th series on Friday night (February 6).

As it ended, a picture of Jonathan Clough was displayed on screen, along with the words: “In memory of Jonathan Clough” and the dates 1989 to 2025.

The producer had been diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma in 2024, at the age of 35.

A fundraising campaign had been established to support Jonathan, whose TV also credits included Strictly Come Dancing and The Apprentice, in accessing specialist treatment. Actor Sam Swainsbury established the GoFundMe campaign following an appeal launched by the family.

The producer and his partner, Tracy Martin, both had to leave their careers and relocate with their two young children from London to Wigan to stay with her parents following his diagnosis.

Writing on the GoFundMe page, Tracy explained how their lives had changed after Jonathan suddenly collapsed due to a seizure in March 2024.

She wrote: “Two months after that, the results of an MRI brought our world crashing down. Our brilliant Jonathan, at only 35 years old, was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma — an extremely aggressive and incurable brain cancer.”

Jonathan underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but subsequent scans disclosed a regrowth that doctors deemed inoperable.

In January, Sam posted a message on Instagram saying that Jonathan had died on Boxing Day.

“He saw his daughter’s first day at school,” he said. “He then made it to her first play. He then made it to Christmas. He then sadly passed on Boxing Day. He fought for every last second. He exceeded all expectations. He was extraordinary.”

“I don’t have many more words than that,” he said. “I still can’t believe it.”

Former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton was among those to pay tribute to Jonathan, who was a producer on the BBC ballroom show from 2017 to 2019.

Sharing photos of Jonathan on social media, he wrote: “An amazing friend, an amazing man, an amazing father and a heck of a fighter for his amazing family. I will miss you forever [heartbroken emoji].”

Gogglebox airs on Channel 4

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PHIL COLLINS’ daughter Lily has paid a sweet tribute to him on his 75th birthday after the star revealed he has a 24-hour live-in nurse.

The Emily in Paris star, 36, took to Instagram to share a series of pictures to commemorate the special occasion.

In the first snap, the father and daughter duo are seen smiling for the camera, while in another photo, polaroids of the pair are seen laid out onto the floor.

In the third picture, a baby Lily is seen being held by her suave looking dad in the sweet throwback.

Alongside them, she penned: “Yesterday dad turned 75 and I feel so grateful to have celebrated together.

“For all you’ve accomplished, all the joy you’ve brought so many all over the world for ALL these years, all the lessons we’ve learned, all the memories we’ve shared, and all the new ones to come, thank you.

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“I count myself so lucky to have hugged you, laughed with you, reminisced with you on such a monumental day.

“Proud is an understatement. Love you to the moon and back again…”

Her followers and fans of the iconic singer flocked to the comments section as one gushed: “Your dad’s music has brought so much joy to my life and fans worldwide.”

Another person wrote: “Love this @lilyjcollins – and such a great pic of you two!!”

While a third added: “Glad you could celebrate such a special birthday together.”

The Netflix star’s tribute to her dad comes after he gave a major health update following health woes in recent years.

He revealed that he now has a 24-hour live-in nurse after five knee surgeries and his kidneys also “packing up”.

During a conversation with Zoe Ball for Eras – In Conversation for BBC Two, the hitmaker divulged: “Yeah, it’s an ongoing thing. You know I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should do. 

“I’ve had challenges with my knee, I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me.

“I got COVID in hospital – my kidneys started to back up, you know, everything that started that could, all seemed to converge at the same time.

“I had five operations on my knee now – I’ve got a knee that works and I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever.”

But despite his ongoing health issues, the musician is keeping optimistic about the future.

He told the presenter: “The things that are ahead for me would be, apart from just being back to being totally mobile and healthy, is go in there and have a fiddle about and see if there’s more music ’cause you know, you tend to sort of feel, that’s it, I’ve done that.

“But you’ve gotta start doing it to see if you can do it. Otherwise you don’t do it. So that is something on my horizon.”

Phil’s music career started in 1970 when he became the drummer for Genesis.

While remaining with the band, he also had a solo career in the 1980s which included hits such as Against All Odds and Two Hearts.

The Good Morning Britain presenter was showered in support after posting a touching message to her close friend.

Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid has paid tribute to her close friend Carol Kirkwood, who announced her exit from BBC Breakfast earlier today (Tuesday 27 January).

After joining the BBC in 1998, Carol confirmed she would be leaving the corporation in April, during an emotional interview with Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.

Holding back tears, she said she had “loved every minute”, adding: “This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away. I’ll carry with me the most wonderful memories.”

Carol went on: “My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute. From early starts and all manner of forecasts, I’ve shared it with incredible colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and programmes across the BBC. I’d like to thank them for their support and friendship which has meant the world.”

She concluded: “To those watching and listening at home – thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years, being part of your mornings has been a joy.”

Carol went on to say she plans on spending more time with her husband Steve, writing her books and travelling, and choked up as she told Sally and Jon: “It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job. I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I’ve worked with, and of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years. But it’s great! I don’t want to be coming in on my Zimmer frame, going, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!'”

Since announcing the news, Carol has been showered in support from fans and friends alike.

Susanna was among those paying tribute on social media, writing: “CAROL KIRKWOOD! The gorgeous force of nature @carolkirkwood is leaving BBC Breakfast. Let me tell you a few things about Carol, having been lucky enough to have worked with her (and shared a hotel room with her on a hen weekend)

“1. I have NEVER seen her in a bad mood. 2. She sends cards EVERY birthday and Christmas. 3. She ALWAYS has a giggle with every viewer who recognises her off air – and everyone does.

“Good luck Carol – enjoy your well-deserved lie-ins. Love you.”

Susanna was a co-presenter on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2014 alongside Bill Turnbull and Charlie Stayt before she joined Good Morning Britain.

Her post was showered in support, with one follower writing: “Absolutely fabulous picture. Good luck with your new venture, beautiful lovely @carolkirkwood.”

Another said: “What a lovely pair,” as a third added: “This has genuinely been made me sad.”

Former BBC Breakfast star Dan Walker also marked the “end of an era”, as he wrote on X, alongside several pictures with Carol: “I still get asked what Carol is like in real life and she is just the same lovely person you see on the telly.

“She was always so kind, generous and funny on and off screen and she will be hugely missed on @BBCBreakfast

“Throw that alarm clock away Carol. Long may she reign.”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.