https://meenews.co/post/6a35cef11972385678338755 Scene pkg June 19 te 2026-06-19T23:21:21.720Z Scene pkg June 19 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35ccad19723856783386f2 New images show murder weapon, fatal injury in Texas high school track meet stabbing of Austin Metcalf te 2026-06-19T23:11:41.619Z New images show murder weapon, fatal injury in Texas high school track meet stabbing of Austin Metcalf New images released Friday show the fatal wound Austin Metcalf sustained when Karmelo Anthony stabbed him with a knife during a confrontation at a Texas high school track meet. The photos were made public Friday by Collin County court. This story is breaking. Please check back for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35cc9a19723856783386e9 Australia World Cup manager Tony Popovic calls out referee after big loss to Team USA te 2026-06-19T23:11:22.171Z Australia World Cup manager Tony Popovic calls out referee after big loss to Team USA Australia coach Tony Popovic shared his thoughts on a referee after Friday's 2-0 loss to the U.S. in Seattle. "I think today was, I wouldn’t say the best day for the referee," Popovic told reporters after the game. A controversial moment came when the Americans appeared to score their second goal. The play was initially called back for offside, but after a VAR review, officials determined the goal was valid and let it stand. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE The U.S. found the back of the net at the end of the 43rd minute after a free kick was stopped, and then Alex Freeman, the son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, headed a ball in. The score was immediately protested by the Australians, who felt their goalkeeper had been impeded or there was an offside. After a VAR review, the call stood, and the goal was awarded. Tensions boiled over late in the match when a physical altercation broke out. Australia's Harry Souttar grabbed the USA's Folarin Balogun in what commentators described as a "rear naked choke." Zwayer regained control by issuing yellow cards to Balogun, Souttar and Australia's Jacob Italiano. Australia received four yellow cards, while the U.S. received three. Popovic was seen approaching German match official Felix Zwayer after the game, with urgency. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE Zwayer also pulled up with a cramp towards the end of the USA’s win. The German official, 45, required help from both the USA’s Folarin Balogun and Australia's Aiden O'Neill, who stretched out his left leg after Zwayer fell to the turf. Still, the manager did give credit to the Americans and admitted his players looked "sluggish" on Friday. "I don't know if it's the occasion, but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged ... They won every duel, they won every second ball and when you do that, it makes it very difficult to gain any momentum. And then we conceded two soft goals," he said. "When you think, you know, this noise here — host nation — I think the players show how good they are in the second half, but obviously at this level, you can't give away that much in the first." With its 2-0 record, the United States is in first place with six points, while Australia remains with three and in second place. Both Paraguay and Turkey, who face off on Friday to potentially determine the USA's group fate, are winless with zero points. The United States would clinch a Group D victory, and a favorable draw in the Round of 32, if Paraguay either beats or ties with Turkey — that game kicks off at 11 p.m. ET. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35ca4119723856783386a2 Michigan trio allegedly beat, strangled and gagged man at Las Vegas hotel to collect on gambling debts te 2026-06-19T23:01:21.837Z Michigan trio allegedly beat, strangled and gagged man at Las Vegas hotel to collect on gambling debts Three Michigan men face a slew of charges related to the violent kidnapping of a man at a Las Vegas hotel who allegedly owed gambling debts, according to reports. Issa Hamade and Ahmad Harb, both 32, and Sobhi Sobh, 33, were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree kidnapping, extortion, conspiracy, battery with intent to commit mayhem, robbery or grand larceny, and coercion with force or threats, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. During court proceedings in Clark County, Hamade was identified as a dentist from Dearborn, Michigan, while Harb works as a disc jockey and Sobh works as a physical therapist. The trio allegedly lured Naved Azim, a New York resident, to a hotel room at the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip, according to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department report cited by the newspaper. SIX OHIO SUSPECTS ACCUSED OF TORTURING MAN IN WEEKLONG HOTEL KIDNAPPING: 'EXTREMELY DISTURBING' Azim was then beaten, strangled, suffocated with a pillow, gagged, and stuffed in a closet. The men then demanded $185,000 from Azim's father to cover gambling debts owed to Harb, police said. However, Harb subsequently told investigators that the amount owed to him was $325,000. A short video call was made to Azim's father to show him his badly beaten son on his knees, the report states. "Listen, your son scammed me of 185K in fake sports bets. I want my money, period," the message said, according to police. LOOKING BACK AT THE SPORTS GAMBLING CONTROVERSIES THROUGHOUT 2025, WITH NBA AND MLB INVESTIGATIONS LEADING WAY "The males began taking photos of Naved's family and friends' locations, contact information, and addresses," police said. "The males stated that they would hurt his family and friends if Naved did not pay back what was owed." During Wednesday's court hearing, Hamade's attorney, Michael Troiano, said his client was an upstanding citizen and that Azim was involved in what he described in court as a fraudulent gambling scheme, the newspaper reported. "My client had absolutely zero involvement whatsoever in the bets, the conspiracy, essentially any of the alleged facts other than he was supposedly in this hotel room," Troiano said. PRO TENNIS PLAYER REVEALS SCARY MESSAGE FROM SPORTS BETTOR: 'I WILL COME AFTER YOU' Sobh's attorney, Ryan Helmick, said "there's going to be a lot to uncover" regarding the facts of the case. A representative of the Clark County public defender's office said Harb has no criminal record, the newspaper reported. Fox News Digital has reached out to the LVMPD, as well as the legal teams for Hamade and Sobh and the Clark County public defender's office, for comment. Azim told authorities he made sports bets with a "promoter/bookie," which led to him meeting Harb. At one point, Harb asked Azim to place a $2,300 bet on a New York Knicks basketball game, which eventually had a payout of $20,000. NBA MEMO SHEDS LIGHT ON LEAGUE'S INTEGRITY CONCERNS AFTER GAMBLING-RELATED ARRESTS Azim never placed the bet but told Harb that he did, he allegedly told police, according to the report. "Naved did not tell Harb that the bet was never placed and decided to create a fake DraftKings sports betting ticket to reflect the bet," police said. Harb continued to place bets with Azim, who failed to make the wagers due to a lack of funds, police said. Harb continued to believe that he had tallied up to $100,000 in winning bets. "Naved believed that Harb would eventually lose a bet which would help cover up his lie of placing the bets; however, that did not happen," police said. All three suspects were each granted $100,000 bail and ordered to have no contact with Azim. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35c7d31972385678338638 Driver arrested on suspicion of impairment following SR95 crash that left 3 dead te 2026-06-19T22:50:59.918Z Driver arrested on suspicion of impairment following SR95 crash that left 3 dead The driver of a vehicle involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, June 16, has been arrested on suspicion of impairment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35c7ab1972385678338623 Encryption, spyware, and now Mythos: History shows why cyber export control doesn’t work te 2026-06-19T22:50:19.989Z Encryption, spyware, and now Mythos: History shows why cyber export control doesn’t work For the last 30 years, stopping the flow of cybersecurity-related software has proven to be ineffective. It's unclear why it would work now with Anthropic’s cybersecurity model Mythos. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35c59319723856783385fe Folarin Balogun coaches referee through stretches after official cramps up during USA vs Australia match te 2026-06-19T22:41:23.323Z Folarin Balogun coaches referee through stretches after official cramps up during USA vs Australia match The U.S. Men's National Team is 2-0 at the 2026 World Cup after a gutsy 2-0 win over the Socceroos that certainly wasn't easy at times. Not even for the officials. It was a hot day in Seattle, and it looks like that may have been a factor in German referee Felix Zwayer going down momentarily late in the game with what looked like a cramp. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE And, in a scene you don't see every day, got a little assistance from Australia's Aiden O'Neill and U.S. star Folarin Balogun — who scored two goals in the opener against Paraguay and opened the scoring against Australia by setting up an own goal from Cameron Burgess — who coached him through some stretches. Now, that's not something you see every day... Zwayer was back on his feet after stretching with the help of Balogun and FIFA medical staff, plus another official ran over with a mystery liquid — judging by his reaction, I'm thinking it was maybe pickle juice — that he gulped down. I'm sure Zwayer was a little embarrassed having to go down on the field and have an anti-cramp potion rushed out to him, but he shouldn't be. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE All that was was a reminder of how insanely fit soccer referees have to be. Referees running many miles every single game is one of the fun facts you hear from time to time and then forget about until the next time you hear it, then you say, "Yeah, that's right, I did hear that somewhere." Well, there's a prime example of the physicality involved with the job. It's not just jotting notes on the back of a card you just held in some dude's face. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35c33a19723856783385b1 Body found in South Carolina ID’d as missing fitness trainer who told friend she was 'scared for her life' te 2026-06-19T22:31:22.878Z Body found in South Carolina ID’d as missing fitness trainer who told friend she was 'scared for her life' The body discovered earlier this week in Lexington County, South Carolina, has been positively identified as missing fitness trainer Elena Katherine Moore, authorities announced Friday. The Lexington County Coroner's Office said the body of a white female found near Old Cherokee Road and Northlake Drive on June 17 was identified as Moore, 39, who disappeared after leaving a Planet Fitness gym in Lexington on June 11. Notably, the autopsy will not be conducted by the Lexington County Coroner's Office. Instead, Moore's body is being transported to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, where a forensic autopsy is scheduled for Saturday. Additional information regarding Moore's cause and manner of death is expected to be released Monday, June 22, according to the coroner's office. MISSING WOMAN FOUND DEAD AFTER GETTING IN STRANGE CAR: 'SOMEBODY KNOWS SOMETHING' Officials cautioned that determining a final cause and manner of death is a thorough process that could take several days or weeks to complete. Until then, authorities said no further information regarding the investigation will be released. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is leading the investigation, and all inquiries regarding the case have been directed to the agency. GOT A TIP? The identification comes two days after authorities discovered a body in a wooded area near Old Cherokee Road and Northlake Drive following a tip that led investigators to a new search location. MISSING SOUTH CAROLINA TEEN MACKENZIE DALTON FOUND SAFE AFTER MONTHLONG SEARCH LEADS TO ARREST At the time, Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green said the body matched the clothing description of Moore, who was last seen after leaving a Planet Fitness on Whiteford Way on the evening of June 11. FOLLOW US ON X "The body found was wearing a similar green outfit" to the clothing Moore was seen wearing in surveillance footage before her disappearance, Green said. Moore's disappearance drew widespread attention after friends described her behavior in the weeks leading up to her disappearance as unusual. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL In an interview with Fox News Digital, close friend Sondra Campbell said Moore told her she was "scared for her life" during their last in-person meeting on May 31. "She was scared for her life. She actually said those words to me," Campbell told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS Campbell said Moore indicated she wanted to discuss the matter privately but never had the chance. Moore was last seen walking through the Publix parking lot at 100 Old Cherokee Road after leaving Planet Fitness. Friends also said she had been unusually inactive on social media for about a month before she vanished. The Lexington County Coroner's Office extended condolences to Moore's family and encouraged anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact SLED directly. Fox News Digital's Adam Sabes and Bonny Chu contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35be4d19723856783384fc James Bradley, Co-Author of ‘Flags of Our Fathers,’ Dies at 72 te 2026-06-19T22:10:21.269Z James Bradley, Co-Author of ‘Flags of Our Fathers,’ Dies at 72 His best-selling book celebrated the servicemen in the stirring photograph of the U.S. flag-raising on Iwo Jima. One, it was long believed, was his father. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bce119723856783384cd North Carolina furniture manufacturer allegedly kills business partner hours after losing contract dispute te 2026-06-19T22:04:17.159Z North Carolina furniture manufacturer allegedly kills business partner hours after losing contract dispute A North Carolina furniture manufacturer allegedly shot and killed his business partner this week after a court ruled against him in a contract dispute. Willard Gary Black, 85, has been charged with second-degree murder in the Wednesday fatal shooting of Robert Roger Arguelles, who was struck in the chest and back, Queen City News reported. The shooting happened at the Old Hickory Tannery, where Arguelles and Black were co-owners of the business. Court records show that earlier that day, Black was ordered to pay Arguelles $310,882.74 after a contract dispute between the two men, Court TV reported. TEXAS GUNMAN KILLS 2, WOUNDS 3 DURING TARGETED BUSINESS MEETUP: POLICE In 2018, Black sold Arguelles 49.9% of the stock in his business. However, Arguelles said he had loaned Black $280,000, of which only $23,876.19 was ever repaid, the news outlet reported. Both men reached an agreement to settle the lawsuit for $310,882.74, but after filing the paperwork with the court, Black sought to withdraw his consent. On Wednesday, a judge denied his request and ordered Black to pay Arguelles, 59, the amount of the original agreement. FATHER OF NC COLLEGE STUDENT 'FURIOUS' AFTER CAREER CRIMINAL ALLEGEDLY KILLS DAUGHTER IN USC HOUSE BURGLARY Hours later, both men got into an argument at the business, which led to the shooting, authorities said. Police officers arrived and attempted to save Arguelles, who died at the scene. Arguelles had served as an Alexander County Schools board member since 2022. In a statement, District Superintendent Bill Griffin described Arguelles as an "amazing father, husband, and board member who has faithfully supported our school system for almost four years." "In honor of his memory, our district fully supports and respects the family’s privacy as they navigate this profound loss," he added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bccd19723856783384c4 City of Seattle proves liberal newspaper wrong in patriotic display for US Men's National Team te 2026-06-19T22:03:57.704Z City of Seattle proves liberal newspaper wrong in patriotic display for US Men's National Team Everything went right for the U.S. Men's National Team on Friday during their 2-0 win against Australia. The win guaranteed the United States would move on to the knockout stages with their second victory in as many games. While the story is all about another standout performance on the field, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the performance from the fans in (and outside) the stadium. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE Fans showed up and showed out in Seattle to cheer on the American men as they clinched another trip to the knockout rounds of the World Cup, but for some, they were expecting a different outcome in the stands. Publications like The Seattle Times predicted the atmosphere would be less than patriotic, presumably due to fans' conflicted feelings about President Donald Trump. Before the game even kicked off, fans of the Stars and Stripes showed up in droves and flooded the FOX broadcast desk outside Seattle Stadium, prompting Rob Stone to declare he had "never seen anything like this in American soccer." Listen to the roar of that crowd. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE The game hadn't even started yet, but the American Outlaws were already full-throated in support of the U.S. The raucous behavior only intensified after things got underway, and reached a fever pitch in the 11th minute after the U.S. went up 1-0 courtesy of an Australian own goal. Then, the second goal happened (after a quick VAR session), and the celebration was truly on from that point forward. It's always nice to see liberals be proven wrong time and time again by Americans who couldn't care less about politics when it comes to supporting their country, and The Seattle Times is just the latest victim of a patriotic dunking. I'd like to think this USMNT would have won against Australia no matter the venue and crowd support, but it just makes it even sweeter that the fans made it a point to make this one of the best soccer environments ever seen on American soil. This World Cup has been a windfall for the country, and we haven't even made it out of group play yet. Now that the U.S. is on to the knockout stages, we might see a whole new sense of national pride. By the end of this tournament, it might be time to start calling America a soccer nation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bc7c19723856783384a2 Juneteenth reminds us of Black Americans’ long struggle for education following end of slavery te 2026-06-19T22:02:36.812Z Juneteenth reminds us of Black Americans’ long struggle for education following end of slavery Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bc691972385678338499 What’s open, what’s closed for Juneteenth in Tucson te 2026-06-19T22:02:17.351Z What’s open, what’s closed for Juneteenth in Tucson Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bc551972385678338490 Supreme Court shuts down Trump push to disarm Texas man for smoking weed te 2026-06-19T22:01:57.896Z Supreme Court shuts down Trump push to disarm Texas man for smoking weed Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bc421972385678338487 Family planning organizations sue Trump administration over Title X funding announcement te 2026-06-19T22:01:38.439Z Family planning organizations sue Trump administration over Title X funding announcement Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bc2e197238567833847e Arizona Court of Appeals pauses judge’s ruling on election dispute in Maricopa County te 2026-06-19T22:01:18.988Z Arizona Court of Appeals pauses judge’s ruling on election dispute in Maricopa County Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bc1b1972385678338475 Education Department changes are leaving millions of vulnerable students at risk te 2026-06-19T22:00:59.530Z Education Department changes are leaving millions of vulnerable students at risk Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bc08197238567833846c More than 770,000 children no longer receiving SNAP benefits after changes to federal food program te 2026-06-19T22:00:40.071Z More than 770,000 children no longer receiving SNAP benefits after changes to federal food program Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35bbf41972385678338463 Press Room: Homelessness in Tucson, Trump targets Dreamers, state budget breakdown & governor's race te 2026-06-19T22:00:20.621Z Press Room: Homelessness in Tucson, Trump targets Dreamers, state budget breakdown & governor's race Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b9ec1972385678338433 Double endorsement drama: Trump backs second candidate in red state’s GOP gubernatorial runoff te 2026-06-19T21:51:40.444Z Double endorsement drama: Trump backs second candidate in red state’s GOP gubernatorial runoff President Donald Trump is making an 11th-hour endorsement in the final stretch ahead of Tuesday's high-profile Republican gubernatorial runoff in solidly red South Carolina, saying he "can't hurt one of them by only Endorsing the other." Trump on Friday took to Truth Social to say that he was supporting longtime South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the battle for the GOP nomination in the race to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. The endorsement of Wilson appears to be a move by Trump to hedge his bets, because Trump is already backing Evette, who is also supported by McMaster, a longtime top ally of the president. The South Carolina runoff had been viewed as the latest test of Trump's immense grip over the GOP and the power of his endorsements in Republican nominating contests. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB And his decision to back both Evette and Wilson isn't the first time he's made dual endorsements in the same Republican race. He's already backing both Gina Swoboda and Jay Feely in next month's Republican primary in Arizona's 1st Congressional District. Most famously, Trump endorsed "ERIC" in the 2022 GOP Senate primary in Missouri, where the two major candidates were Eric Schmitt and Eric Greitens. Both candidates claimed the endorsement, with Schmitt ultimately winning the nomination. In South Carolina, Trump endorsed Evette late last month, a week and a half before the gubernatorial primary. Evette finished on top of a crowded field of contenders in the primary election, with Wilson second. The field also included Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, and multimillionaire businessman Rom Reddy. Since no candidate won a majority of the vote, as the top two finishers, Evette and Wilson advanced to the June 23 runoff. Mace and Norman endorsed Wilson after failing to advance to the runoff. And Wilson was also backed a week ago by Sen. Ted Cruz, the conservative firebrand from Texas. The runoff between Evette and Wilson has become combustible, and in Tuesday's final debate both candidates launched personal attacks and accused each other of lying and misrepresenting their records. Wilson has worked to contrast his tenure as attorney general with what he's argued is Evette’s largely ceremonial role as lieutenant governor. And he has spotlighted his experience as a combat veteran, prosecutor, and the state’s top law enforcement official. Evette has showcased herself as an outsider and a Trump-endorsed businesswoman, while casting Wilson as a career politician. It's been 28 years since a Democrat won a gubernatorial election in South Carolina, and the winner of the GOP runoff will be considered the clear favorite in the general election against Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson, a state representative. The brute force of the president's endorsement power has been on display in GOP primaries over the past two months, with his candidates ousting incumbents he targeted in showdowns in Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky and Texas that grabbed plenty of national attention. But Trump's endorsement streak in statewide and congressional Republican primaries was snapped three weeks ago when his last minute endorsement of Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa in the race to succeed retiring GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds wasn't enough to propel the three-term congressman to victory. Feenstra was narrowly edged by Zach Lahn, a businessman, farmer and former political strategist who was backed by the political wings of MAHA — the acronym for the Make America Healthy Again movement aligned with Trump Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — and Turning Point USA, the powerful conservative organization co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk. Trump rebounded a week later, as Evette finished first in the GOP gubernatorial primary and longtime Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina won a majority of the vote in the Republican Senate primary, and avoided a runoff. Graham, who was endorsed by Trump, was facing primary challenges from five candidates, including conservative businessman Mark Lynch, who took aim at the senator over his support for the war in Iran. Lynch was backed by some MAGA leaders who have been critical of the president. And a couple of days ago, Trump-backed candidates won two of the three top races in Georgia and Alabama, with the one setback coming against a billionaire businessman who shelled out over $100 million of his own money to boost his campaign. Rep. Barry Moore, a House Freedom Caucus member and longtime Trump supporter who was endorsed by the president, comfortably defeated rival Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL sniper who was supported by some top names on the right, in solidly red Alabama's GOP Senate runoff. In battleground Georgia's Republican Senate runoff, an 11th hour endorsement by Trump this past weekend helped boost Rep. Mike Collins, a MAGA champion, to victory over former college football coach Derek Dooley, who was backed by popular conservative Gov. Brian Kemp. Collins will face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the general election in a race that's among a handful that will likely decide if the GOP holds its slim majority in the chamber in the midterms. Jones regularly showcased his Trump endorsement, but Jackson, who launched his bid in February long after the president had endorsed Jones, repeatedly said that Trump had inspired him to run. But in Georgia's GOP gubernatorial runoff, the candidate Trump backed, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who was also endorsed by Kemp this past weekend, was defeated by Rick Jackson, who ran as an outsider. A Trump political operative, pointing to Tuesday's loss by Trump-backed Jones, noted that "Rick Jackson set a record for spending in a statewide Republican primary. He spent Tom Steyer level money in a state a fraction of the size of California. That's going to have an impact." And the operative, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely, also emphasized that "Rick bearhugged Trump. All of his ads and material was about how he's going to be Trump's favorite governor. So the race was not really a referendum on Trump." Fox News' Luke Trevisan contributed to this report Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b99c1972385678338408 Go eyes robotaxis and acquisitions after Japan’s biggest IPO of 2026. Here’s why it matters te 2026-06-19T21:50:20.064Z Go eyes robotaxis and acquisitions after Japan’s biggest IPO of 2026. Here’s why it matters Go’s IPO — Japan’s biggest so far this year — has done more than provide a much-needed boost to the country’s languishing listing season. It has also supplied the taxi-hailing app with the capital required to address an existential issue: Japan’s shortage of drivers. Go, which went public Tuesday, p Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b79519723856783383e4 Los Angeles proposal to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections sparks online backlash te 2026-06-19T21:41:41.287Z Los Angeles proposal to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections sparks online backlash The Los Angeles City Council advanced a proposal Wednesday to give voters a say in November over whether city leaders may authorize noncitizens to vote in municipal and school board elections, drawing backlash from Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, GOP senators and conservative commentators. "They have imported voters to win," Musk said on X. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also criticized the proposal, tying it to Los Angeles officials’ opposition to federal immigration enforcement. "The LA City Council wants to give local voting rights to illegals for the explicit purpose of empowering them against ICE and immigration enforcement," Lee said. ELECTIONS WATCHDOG URGES SENATE GOP TO CLOSE NONCITIZEN VOTING LOOPHOLE The proposal was introduced by Los Angeles City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martínez, and seconded by Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, both Democratic socialists. The council approved the noncitizen voting provision on a 10-5 vote as part of a broader charter reform package headed toward the November ballot. The city clerk's file says the measure would ask the city attorney to prepare documents for a November 2026 charter amendment giving the council authority to later introduce an ordinance authorizing noncitizen voting. During the council debate, Soto-Martínez said a noncitizen parent who has lived in Los Angeles for years could have less electoral influence than a citizen who recently arrived for work. "It just does not make sense to me that someone who moves to Los Angeles for a temporary job has more of a voice than a parent who has been here for decades raising their children through public schools," Soto-Martínez said. KAREN BASS REFUSES TO GIVE 'YES OR NO' ANSWER ON WHETHER NONCITIZENS SHOULD VOTE IN LA: 'IT DEPENDS' Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said the Los Angeles vote fit into his broader concerns about California elections and federal voter eligibility legislation. "Nobody should be surprised. They’ve always wanted illegals to vote, and they want fraud. That’s why I asked the DOJ to investigate what’s going on with California’s elections, and it’s EXACTLY why Democrats REFUSE to support the SAVE America Act," Scott said. RealClearPolitics White House and national political correspondent Susan Crabtree said the vote showed why national Republicans should invest more heavily in California voter registration and turnout operations. "On my podcast last week, LA GOP Chair Roxanne Hoge said the national Republicans need to stop using California as a punching bag and a bank (donations from deep-pocketed donors) and start investing in voter registration drives and turn-out operations," she said. "Now we see why. The LA City Council just took steps to make illegal immigrant voting legal." MORE THAN 500,000 CALIFORNIANS DEMAND VOTING OVERHAUL, BACK ‘STRAIGHTFORWARD’ ID LAW Elizabeth Barcohana, California GOP Jewish engagement chair, said the vote placed the issue on the same ballot as a statewide voter ID fight. "It happened. LA City Council voted 10-5 to include giving illegals the right to vote in the City Charter reform referendum that will be on the November ballot," Barcohana said. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, one of five members who opposed the provision, questioned whether Los Angeles County had been consulted on how it would implement a noncitizen voting system, according to CBS Los Angeles. "I don’t even know that the county has actually been consulted in their ability to implement such a concept," Rodriguez said. Rodriguez also warned that city leaders could be advancing the proposal before knowing whether it could be carried out. "I have apprehension of making false promises that give the suggestion that we’re able to advance something without even further vetting the ability to implement this," Rodriguez said, according to the New York Post. "I don’t want to pretend that people are going to take away from this that this is going to be available to them, and it’s not, because it’s not been baked out." Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, while the Los Angeles proposal would be limited to city and Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education races. Fox News Digital reached out to council members Hugo Soto-Martinez and Ysabel Jurado for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b78119723856783383db Two-train crash leaves victims bloodied as emergency crews rush to chaotic scene: report te 2026-06-19T21:41:21.837Z Two-train crash leaves victims bloodied as emergency crews rush to chaotic scene: report Authorities are responding after two passenger trains crashed into each other Friday near Bedford, England. The Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were responding to an "incident on the railway" just south of Bedford. Videos from the scene showed bloodied victims on the train floor, according to a report from The Telegraph. Fox News confirmed there were serious injuries on board. 2 TRAINS COLLIDE IN DENMARK, LEAVING 5 PEOPLE CRITICALLY INJURED It is unclear how many people were wounded, and whether there were any fatalities. MULTIPLE STABBED IN UK TRAIN ATTACK NEAR CAMBRIDGE AS POLICE ARREST 2 SUSPECTS Sources told The Telegraph the train driver was on the phone with maintenance staff discussing a safety issue at the time of the crash. "Please avoid the area," fire officials wrote in a statement on X. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b564197238567833838b Schiff silent on Biden-era Newsom probe report as California AG claims DOJ 'weaponization' te 2026-06-19T21:32:20.194Z Schiff silent on Biden-era Newsom probe report as California AG claims DOJ 'weaponization' California Attorney General Rob Bonta doubled down on Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims that the Trump administration is weaponizing the Justice Department after being pressed on reports that the federal probe involving Newsom and his wife originated in California and was not opened by the Trump Administration in Washington, D.C. "I know what I've concluded is that this is highly dubious — there's no trust in it," Bonta said. "This is someone who's weaponized the U.S. DOJ time and time again. I think he's doing it now." Newsom took to X on Monday to publicly announce his uncovering that he and his wife, Jen Siebel Newsom are being investigated by the DOJ, claiming President Donald Trump directed the DOJ to investigate them and that they’ve joined "Donald Trump’s hit list."  GAVIN NEWSOM CLAIMS TRUMP ORDERED DOJ PROBE TARGETING HIM AND HIS WIFE He is also widely claiming that Trump is targeting him because of recent speculation of Newsom as a promising 2028 presidential bid. "Newsom is the governor for the biggest state, the bluest state in the nation, the fourth largest economy in the world," Bonta said "Everyone knows that he could be president of the United States. So you put that situational awareness and context into this, and what do you conclude?" Bonta told Fox News Digital that Trump has "weaponized" the Justice Department, saying it has shifted from pursuing criminal prosecutions to conducting "political persecutions against political enemies." FORMER GAVIN NEWSOM CHIEF OF STAFF CHARGED IN $225K FRAUD AND CORRUPTION SCHEME, DOJ SAYS He also claimed that Trump ordered former Attorney General Pam Bondi "to go after his political enemies." "If that doesn't destroy trust and make you doubt the intent behind this probe, I don't know what else I can tell you," Bonta said. Bonta claimed Trump has used the DOJ to commit "political persecution" of his enemies, including a specific reference to "shifty Schiff." Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., declined to answer questions from Fox News Digital about reports that the probe was opened by federal prosecutors in California rather than the administration in Washington. ATTORNEY GENERAL BONDI CALLS OUT GAVIN NEWSOM FOR NOT PROTECTING CITY, VOWS TO PROSECUTE LOOTERS AND RIOTERS Sources familiar told Fox News that the investigation has been ongoing since 2025 and that the probe is based on whistleblower complaints related to Newsom and his wife's personal finances. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento.  A source also said that Washington was not involved in the decision to open the probe, according to the Associated Press. An investigation launched last year under then-President Joe Biden resulted in corruption charges against Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson. She pleaded guilty to lying about sharing internal information with a former associate. Newsom was not involved in the probe personally. It is reported that Newsom’s office believes the Trump administration’s federal investigators widened the efforts of the probe to also look into Newsom. The Governor’s office announced on Monday that it filed a public records request to the DOJ seeking documents that mention Newsom or his wife during Trump’s second term, including messages to and from Justice Department leaders. Fox News' David Spunt, Jake Gibson and Olivia Palombo contributed to this story. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b527197238567833836d Phoenix can’t afford political theater with a police department in crisis te 2026-06-19T21:31:19.779Z Phoenix can’t afford political theater with a police department in crisis Anne Matlock Ender Phoenix is facing a public safety crisis that city leaders can no longer afford to ignore. The Phoenix Police Department is currently operating hundreds of officers below authorized staffing levels. While the department is authorized for more than 3,100 officers, only 2,461 sworn officers are currently available to serve a city of 1.7 million residents spread across 515 square miles. To put that into perspective, Phoenix had 2,534 officers in 1996 when the city was smaller, less populated and still expanding through annexation. This staffing shortage is not merely a statistic — it is a growing threat to public safety. Fewer officers mean reduced patrol coverage, longer response times to emergency calls, heavier caseloads for detectives, and increased burnout among the officers who remain. Yet instead of focusing on recruitment, retention, and support for law enforcement, the Phoenix City Council has chosen to devote significant time and taxpayer resources to the so-called Community Transparency Initiative (CTI) — a proposal that is legally questionable, a drain on city resources, and disconnected from the realities facing public safety in Phoenix. Let’s start with the law. Arizona Revised Statutes 11-1051(A) clearly states that no city or political subdivision may “limit or restrict the enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent permitted by federal law.” Any attempt by the city of Phoenix to create policies that discourage or interfere with cooperation between local and federal law enforcement places the city on uncertain legal ground and invites unnecessary litigation risk at the taxpayers’ expense. Then there is the cost. A multilingual “Know Your Rights” campaign would require substantial taxpayer funding for translation services, media purchases, digital outreach, printed materials and ongoing updates. Additional costs include training city employees on new protocols, implementing compliance procedures across departments, and maintaining the administrative infrastructure necessary to support the initiative. None of these expenditures address the city’s most pressing challenge: rebuilding the ranks of the Phoenix Police Department. At a time when every available resource should be focused on strengthening public safety, CTI represents a solution in search of a problem. It diverts attention, money, and energy away from the urgent task of recruiting and retaining the officers Phoenix desperately needs. Unfortunately, the misplaced priorities do not stop there. Rhetoric from certain members of the Phoenix City Council has reflected a troubling direction. During the February 18th City Council meeting, one councilmember described funding for training pilots in the department’s aviation unit as “war-like tactical aviation” and criticized what they characterized as the “continuation to militarize Phoenix police.” A few weeks later, Phoenix police helicopters were shot at on two separate occasions within a two-week period. In the second incident, officers were forced to make an emergency landing in a Walmart parking lot while responding to reports of gunfire. This is an alarming escalation that underscores the very real dangers involved in protecting this city. Sadly, apart from Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, there have been no other local leaders that addressed or condemned these egregious actions. What message do you think that sends to our officers? Operation Blue Ribbon and other public safety advocates greatly appreciate the county attorney and her office’s leadership on this. Leadership matters. Tone matters. And when elected officials publicly downplay or recklessly mock the tools and personnel responsible for public safety, it sends a message — not just to officers — but also to those who seek to harm them. The message coming from City Hall should be clear: Phoenix supports the men and women who risk their lives to protect our neighborhoods. The city needs to focus on improving officer morale, increasing the number of recruiters, reversing retention trends, and ensuring officers have the resources necessary to keep residents safe.  Instead, too often, officers hear partisanship while facing mounting workloads, increasing dangers and shrinking ranks. This is the real crisis. This is the real emergency. And it demands the attention of city leaders. Anne Matlock Ender is president of Operation Blue Ribbon, a law enforcement advocacy group.  The post Phoenix can’t afford political theater with a police department in crisis first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b5141972385678338361 Lee Barnes, Havasu Pioneer and first Havasu High football coach, dies te 2026-06-19T21:31:00.323Z Lee Barnes, Havasu Pioneer and first Havasu High football coach, dies Lee Barnes, Lake Havasu High School’s first varsity football coach, has died, according to Westlawn Chapel and Mortuary in Willcox, Ariz. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b4ec1972385678338348 Trump Shifts Stance in South Carolina After Losses in Governor’s Races te 2026-06-19T21:30:20.904Z Trump Shifts Stance in South Carolina After Losses in Governor’s Races On Friday the president made the unusual move of endorsing both candidates in the Republican runoff for South Carolina governor. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b2e5197238567833830b Transgender former New Hampshire state representative sentenced to 33 years for child sex abuse: report te 2026-06-19T21:21:41.304Z Transgender former New Hampshire state representative sentenced to 33 years for child sex abuse: report A transgender former New Hampshire state representative will spend more than three decades in federal prison after admitting to receiving nude photos of children at a Massachusetts daycare. Stacie Marie Laughton, 41, of Nashua was sentenced to more than 33 years behind bars after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of children, according to a report from local outlet WCVB.  Laughton received the explicit images from his former intimate partner, Lindsay Groves, 40, of Hudson, New Hampshire, who was sentenced earlier this month to 22 years in prison, according to the report. FORMER SUBSTITUTE TEACHER AND BOYFRIEND FACE 38 CHILD SEX CHARGES AS BOND NEARS 9 MILLION Groves, who previously pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography, was employed at the Creative Minds daycare in neighboring Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. Authorities said that between May 2022 and June 2023, Groves took multiple photos of prepubescent children in a private bathroom during routine diaper and pull-up changes prior to nap time.  WASHINGTON STATE TEACHER CHARGED WITH INCEST AFTER ALLEGEDLY HAVING SEX WITH TWO TEENAGE BOYS SHE ADOPTED Groves then sent the photos to Laughton via text message, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A forensic review of Laughton and Groves’ cellphones uncovered more than 10,000 text messages sent between the two over a one-month period in 2023. Court documents revealed the messages included discussions about and transfers of explicit images of children, including victims as young as 3 to 5 years old. The U.S. Attorney's Office confirmed all the children in the case were identified, and their families were contacted by law enforcement. Hillsborough County jail officials confirmed to NH Journal that Laughton has been housed in the male population. Creative Minds Early Learning Center and the U.S. Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b2d11972385678338302 USA World Cup team clinches spot in knockout stage after another historic performance vs Australia te 2026-06-19T21:21:21.854Z USA World Cup team clinches spot in knockout stage after another historic performance vs Australia A dream start for the United States Men's National Team continued on Friday, and the dream will continue into the next round. The United States World Cup team clinched a spot in the knockout stage with its 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle on Friday afternoon, its second win in as many games in this World Cup. It's the first time since the inaugural World Cup in 1930 that the United States has won back-to-back World Cup games. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The United States' second World Cup match got off to an awfully familiar start. Flo Balogun’s pass hit Australia's Cameron Burgess and was directed into the net, resulting in an own goal in the 10th minute and giving the Americans an early lead in the group stage matchup. It was the first time in World Cup history in which a team benefited from own goals in back-to-back games. The field stayed tilted after the first goal, with the Stars and Stripes getting plenty of chances. Amazingly enough, though, they did not have a shot on goal for roughly 43 minutes. But the U.S. found the back of the net at the tail end of that 43rd minute after a free kick was stopped, and then Alex Freeman, the son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, headed a ball in. Officials initially ruled it offside, but a VAR check reversed the call, sending Seattle’s Lumen Field into a frenzy and giving Freeman, the youngest player on the roster at just 21 years old, his first World Cup goal. Through 71 minutes, the United States had possession of the ball for over 60% of the time as opposed to nearly 30% for Australia. The United States is now 11-2-1 when scoring first in the World Cup. It was announced before the game that Christian Pulisic would not play in the game after suffering a calf injury last week. However, the team sufficed quite well without him. VIRAL GERMAN SOCCER FAN FREDDY INVITED FOR WHITE HOUSE VISIT AS FAIRY-TALE TRIP ACROSS AMERICA CONTINUES The team already has six goals in group play, tying its group stage record. With its 2-0 record, the United States is in first place with six points, while Australia remains with three and in second place. Both Paraguay and Turkey, who face off on Friday to potentially determine the USA's group fate, are winless with zero points. The United States would clinch a Group D victory, and a favorable draw in the Round of 32, if Paraguay either beats or ties with Turkey - that game kicks off at 11 p.m. ET. However, a Turkey loss may actually not affect the United States too negatively. Sure, they would be in last place in the group by three points; but the U.S. would be able to rest a lot of its players - namely Pulisic - to give Turkey a favorable matchup to potentially snatch a Round of 32 spot. The top two finishers from each of the 12 groups advance, as well as the eight-best third-place finishers. So while the U.S. may be able to sit comfortably for its own sake, it could certainly be involved in some mayhem. No matter the case, the United States will take the pitch back in Los Angeles against Turkey next Thursday. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b0b519723856783382a5 New Air Force One takes flight as Trump unveils revamped presidential aircraft te 2026-06-19T21:12:21.921Z New Air Force One takes flight as Trump unveils revamped presidential aircraft President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a newly refurbished presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, touting its size, luxury and updated red, white and blue paint scheme as the Air Force prepares the jet for service. The Boeing 747-8i, donated by the government of Qatar and modified for presidential use, is expected to serve as an interim Air Force One while Boeing continues work on two delayed VC-25B replacement aircraft. Standing alongside Air Force leaders and service members, Trump said the aircraft's most noticeable feature is its size. "The biggest difference is the difference in size. It's like virtually double the size," Trump said. AIR FORCE ONE SCRAPS ICONIC KENNEDY-ERA PAINT SCHEME FOR TRUMP-APPROVED RED, WHITE, BLUE DESIGN The Air Force said the aircraft will soon begin commissioning flights, a final phase of testing before entering operational service. "The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority," Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said. "From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission." Trump said he sought the aircraft after becoming frustrated with delays to Boeing's Air Force One replacement program and growing comparisons between the aging U.S. presidential fleet and newer aircraft operated by foreign governments. "I asked the Emir if we could use the brand new 747," Trump said, noting the aircraft had relatively few flight hours and describing the current presidential fleet as aging. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO: THE QATAR AIR FORCE ONE JET "Our country has to be represented properly," he added. The aircraft features Trump's preferred red, white and dark blue color scheme, replacing the light blue-and-white design that has defined presidential aircraft since the Kennedy administration. Earlier this year, the Air Force confirmed the updated paint scheme would become the standard across the presidential and executive airlift fleet, including the VC-25B aircraft currently under development. Trump also praised the aircraft's interior craftsmanship and described it as "considered the world's most luxurious plane." Trump said the aircraft could also play a prominent role in next year's America 250 celebration, predicting it would lead a July 4 flyover over Washington featuring fighter jets and other military aircraft. The president called it "a flyover like no flyover" and said the display could include F-22s, F-35s and other aircraft from across the U.S. military. The Pentagon accepted the Qatari aircraft last year and has spent recent months preparing it for presidential service. Officials have said the timeline moved more quickly than the broader Air Force One replacement effort because the aircraft's interior required fewer modifications than the VC-25B program. The jet is expected to bridge the gap until Boeing delivers two next-generation Air Force One aircraft, which are not expected to be completed for roughly two more years. Trump thanked the more than 250 personnel involved in preparing the aircraft for service and called the project an example of modernizing a presidential fleet he said had fallen behind newer aircraft used by foreign leaders. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b0a2197238567833829c WATCH: Boozy boaters unleash wild riverfront brawl as fists fly at popular South Carolina sandbar te 2026-06-19T21:12:02.461Z WATCH: Boozy boaters unleash wild riverfront brawl as fists fly at popular South Carolina sandbar A popular South Carolina river hangout erupted into chaos when a massive brawl broke out, with shocking video showing dozens of people crowding around as punches flew and fighters grappled in the water. Videos from the June 6 incident at the 601 Sand Bar on the Congaree River in Calhoun County show multiple fights breaking out simultaneously while large crowds gathered to watch. In one video, several people can be seen throwing punches while others attempt to separate those involved. Another clip shows people wrestling and exchanging blows in knee-deep water as bystanders shout and record the chaos on their phones. The violent confrontation has now led to six arrests and a continuing investigation by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. FLORIDA SHERIFF RIPS 'REPREHENSIBLE' LAKE BRAWL AFTER 8 ARRESTED Investigators previously told WIS-TV that more than 20 people were involved in the fight and that at least three people suffered injuries ranging from swollen eyes to head injuries. 🔍 Help us uncover what's happening in your community. 📩 Email: stepheny.price@fox.com 📸 Instagram: @fndstephprice 🎥 X: @StephenyPrice Your tip could become our next story. "The injuries were severe," Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers told the outlet. Authorities have not publicly identified what sparked the violence, but Summers said alcohol was a factor and that deputies identified numerous cases of underage drinking. GOT A TIP? "To see that many people swinging, fighting, it could have been really, really bad and I'm sure there are injuries that we haven't heard about. That's just the nature of that type of beast," Summers told WIS. FOLLOW US ON X "The water and drinking don't mix," he added. "It could be a family setting. Obviously, this would not be a good place to take your children if you wanted to because of things like this." WATCH: Chaotic sandbar fight spills into water during massive riverfront brawl GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL The fight occurred during the annual Sparkleberry Duck Run, an event that draws boaters and outdoor enthusiasts to the Congaree River each year, according to WIS. ORANGE CRUSH FESTIVAL RETURNS TO TYBEE ISLAND AS POLICE BRACE FOR 50,000 PARTIERS AFTER TEEN TAKEOVER, GUNFIRE According to the sheriff's office, six people have been arrested in connection with the brawl. Authorities identified the suspects as Brendan Bonds, Hunter Dalzell, Lucas Scott, Edward Scott, Austin Mizzell and Taylor Knudson. The suspects face various assault and breach-of-peace charges stemming from the incident. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS The sheriff's office said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are expected as detectives continue reviewing video and information submitted by the public. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office for additional comment. In announcing the arrests, Summers said authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators. "This kind of behavior will not be tolerated," the sheriff said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b051197238567833826e Ruling in Missouri Restores Access to Medication Abortions te 2026-06-19T21:10:41.565Z Ruling in Missouri Restores Access to Medication Abortions The court found that dozens of state laws undermined a state constitutional amendment that guaranteed reproductive rights. The state vowed to appeal the finding. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35b03c197238567833825b Aura’s impressive e-ink photo frame doesn’t even look digital te 2026-06-19T21:10:20.581Z Aura’s impressive e-ink photo frame doesn’t even look digital What’s the most cliche possible gift you can give a relative? A digital photo frame, displaying a rotating slideshow of family photos. Now Aura has completely refreshed this product space with its gorgeous Aura Ink frame, which uses e-ink to create a display that doesn’t even look digital. Digital f Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35ae4a1972385678338236 World Cup fans obsessed with ranch just got the solution they've been craving, but there's a better one te 2026-06-19T21:02:02.039Z World Cup fans obsessed with ranch just got the solution they've been craving, but there's a better one The United States is a tapestry of various condiments. Mustards of endless varieties, ketchups, sauces and aiolis, and you can slather as much of it on your food as you want (although I do have a theory about a correlation between extreme condiment usage and low IQs, but that's a topic for another day). But no condiment has captured the minds and taste buds of World Cup visitors quite like ranch dressing, and the folks at Kraft worked overtime in the lab to make sure fans can mule their calorie-packed bounty back home. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE The TSA made a (kind of) tongue-in-cheek post reminding travelers that ranch dressing is subject to the agency's carry-on liquid restrictions. Well, Kraft has a solution: TSA-compliant ranch packets. It is not going to be a fun day to be at Hidden Valley HQ when they realize they got beaten to the punch on this. The post says that the image is partially AI-generated, but they're working on the real deal. Now, I love bespoke equipment that solves a very specific problem, but there's another solution that I think everyone is forgetting. So, Hidden Valley folks, listen up... You need to set up pop-up ranch stores in airport terminals after TSA. That way, fans can just stick it in their carry-on. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE I also think you'd move more of it because people would see it and make an impulse buy. Maybe some German fans would be like, "This stuff was great! Perhaps it would be good on mein schnitzel, ja?" I call this the "Hudson News" strategy. You walk in there and magically leave with bags of pretzels and a Stephen King book you didn't want but bought because you were bored. Hell, it was this phenomenon that led to me buying a Lebanon bologna one time and flying with it in my backpack (that was actually a very good decision in retrospect, and it made my backpack smell delicious). So, while I like where the Kraft heads are at, I think there are a few more weeks of World Cup action that could see record airport terminal ranch sales if companies play their cards right. Let's get on that. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35adf91972385678338209 Israel Is Likely to Continue Attacks in Lebanon, U.S. Intelligence Concludes te 2026-06-19T21:00:41.140Z Israel Is Likely to Continue Attacks in Lebanon, U.S. Intelligence Concludes The new cease-fire between the United States and Iran calls for an end to fighting in Lebanon, but U.S. intelligence officials do not expect Israel to halt its strikes on Hezbollah. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35ade519723856783381fc Rock Canyon Fire reaches 10% containment as growth slows te 2026-06-19T21:00:21.691Z Rock Canyon Fire reaches 10% containment as growth slows The Rock Canyon Fire grew less than 200 acres since the previous update on Thursday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a9851972385678337fdb Male breast cancer survivor shares warning after unexpected diagnosis te 2026-06-19T20:41:41.495Z Male breast cancer survivor shares warning after unexpected diagnosis → Former wrestler, actor reveals breast cancer diagnosis: 'One in 750 men' → TV news anchorman reveals he has Alzheimer's during final night helming broadcast FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK → Nightly glass of wine may not be as harmless as many people think, study suggests → Bride in full wedding gown makes 2-hour hospital trip to see mother before ceremony → Weekly weightlifting sweet spot may be linked to longer life, study finds → Americans to get new sunscreen option already used abroad for decades CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a95d1972385678337ebc Jack Randolph Lee te 2026-06-19T20:41:01.563Z Jack Randolph Lee Long time Winslow resident Jack Randolph Lee passed from this life on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the age of 83 at the Prescott VA. Jack was born Aug. 31, 1942, in Winslow and was the middle child of three boys.       He was raised in Keams Canyon and graduated from Holbrook High School. Afterwards, he enlisted in the navy to be a machinist. He served four years and then headed to Arizona State College. Later he bought Mancos Creek Trading Post to run. During this time he met and married his first wife, Cindy. After a daughter was born Jack decided he did not want to raise a family the same way he was raised. While looking for another occupation he had a son. He eventually obtained a job with Coca-Cola in Winslow as a repair man and moved his family back to Winslow.       Jack became a prominent member of the Winslow Elks Lodge throughout his life and loved serving in the Catholic Church. Jack and Cindy divorced after 10 years of marriage. Jack eventually married the love of his life, Maureen Schamp. Together they enjoyed the outdoors, bowling tournaments and family until her death.       Jack retired from Coca-Cola but continued to work for a short time as a janitor for the Winslow Unified School District, running Beclabito Trading Post, and eventually becoming a security guard for the pig farm in Snowflake.       After almost dying from a medical condition in the early 2000’s, Jack began to live with his daughter so she could help care for him. Jack developed dementia and had severe COPD. Jack and his daughter spent a lot of time together including going on many day adventures as often as they could. During Jack’s life he loved to hunt, fish, camp, play his guitar, be around friends, gardening, frequent Rocky Point, always spoke the Navajo language and most importantly making people laugh.       Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Sammie; both brothers, Kenneth and Richard (Snick).       Jack is survived by his daughter, Dawnna (Bill) and son, Raymond (Jennifer). Jack has seven grandchildren along with four great-grand-children.       A private tribute for Jack will be held at the Winslow Elks lodge No. 536 on Thursday, June 25, while services for the public will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24, at the Prescott VA Cemetery, 1405 State Route 69. The post Jack Randolph Lee first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a7401972385678337e63 Tensions flare on 'The View' after Sunny Hostin claims Joy Behar 'in love' with JD Vance te 2026-06-19T20:32:00.297Z Tensions flare on 'The View' after Sunny Hostin claims Joy Behar 'in love' with JD Vance Co-hosts of "The View" grilled Joy Behar on Friday about being a courteous host to Vice President JD Vance when he appeared on the liberal daytime talk show on Tuesday, and she argued she was simply following the example of the late Barbara Walters. "It’s like with JD. He was here the other day," Behar said as the panel looked back on the interview with Vance. "I respect the office. I believe in reaching across the aisle. I do." Moments later, co-host Sunny Hostin asked, "But I want to know, why were you so in love with JD Vance?" "I wasn’t in love. I’m not in love with him, and I’m not in love with this administration," Behar replied. WHOOPI GOLDBERG CLAIMS TRUMP'S ACTIONS IN IRAN ARE MEANT TO DISTRACT FROM NANCY GUTHRIE CASE During a press conference on Wednesday, Vance addressed skepticism about his skills in "hostile, high-stakes negotiations" with Iran by joking that his appearance on "The View" was all the proof anyone needed. "I would point those progressive critics to the fact that just two days ago, I spent over an hour on ‘The View,’ so I actually have great experience in very hostile negotiations," he quipped. "Look, Joy Behar is way tougher than the Iranians, and she and I are best friends now." A clip of that moment was played on "The View" on Friday, getting laughter from the audience and co-hosts alike, as co-host Sunny Hostin asked, "What!? We were more difficult to deal with than the Iranian government?" "He’s being funny, I think," Behar replied, as co-host Ana Navarro replied and wished that Behar could be the one negotiating with the Iranian government. JOY BEHAR CLAIMS UNDER OBAMA THERE WAS 'NOTHING TO MAKE FUN OF' FOR COMEDIANS "He came in strategically prepared to disarm us with niceness. He came in being affable and laughing easily and being very nice," Navarro said in reference to Vance. "It worked on you. Didn’t work on me," she then said to Behar.  "It didn’t work on me either," Hostin added. "It did not ‘work’ on me," Behar said, appearing visibly annoyed that she was being accused of being swayed. "It did not. I respect the office. I’m a civilized human being, and when someone comes on my show, then you treat them like a human being." "Barbara Walters did say that," Hostin admitted. "I learned under Barbara Walters," Behar said, as she and Hostin both spoke about the late creator and founder of "The View." Hostin remembered that when she first came on the show as a guest co-host years ago, Walters had advised, "When someone comes to your house, you treat them well. She did tell me that." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE While some of the co-hosts were skeptical about Vance’s political changes over the years, Behar defended him, "You know what? I believe people are redeemable. I remember when he wrote the ‘Hillbilly Elegy.’ He grew up poor. It was a really good book. He was not the person he is now. I agree with that, maybe he’ll go back to that. Who knows? I can only hope!" Behar confirmed that she told Vance during a commerical break on Tuesday that he had a good vibe "for a Republican" and suggested he should run for president. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a72c1972385678337e50 New Simulation Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital helps healthcare workers prepare for emergencies te 2026-06-19T20:31:40.330Z New Simulation Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital helps healthcare workers prepare for emergencies PHOENIX — A group of visitors gathered around a crib to watch a plastic dummy move its arms and legs. They were surprised to see how the manikin – called a SimBaby – responded like a real infant. “They look so lifelike,” Lisa Seery, one of the visitors, observed. “The way their eyes follow and blink is so amazing.” This Simulation Center is the newest addition to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. It is a training facility designed to provide hands-on learning for healthcare professionals, according to a press release.  According to Dr. Matt Carter, medical director for simulation at PCH, these extremely realistic manikins give nurses, physicians, residents and fellows a chance to practice rare but high-risk situations before they encounter them in real life. Carter said simulation has become an essential part of pediatric education because it provides clinicians with a controlled environment to build confidence.  This type of training is especially important when it comes to emergency care –  when doctors and nurses need to act quickly under pressure. Dr. Matt Carter, medical director for simulation at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, explains the mechanics of a simulator to Lisa Seery inside the Simulation Center on June 12, 2026. (Photo by Samad Khan/Cronkite News) “It’s very critical that people respond quickly and appropriately,” he said. “And if you haven’t had the chance to practice that a lot, that’s a big ask.” PCH recently opened the center, which features five simulation suites –  two adapted for intensive care, three for acute care, five debriefing rooms and a control room to make it look like a real hospital environment. The facility is equipped with advanced technology and different types of simulators. The manikins have been assigned names like Premature Infant Paul, SimNewB, Advanced Pediatric Hal, SimMan Critical Care and Nursing Anne. “It was interesting to watch seemingly human characteristics,” Dinessa Solomon, senior director at PCH Foundation, said. Simulation lab technologist Jason Prochnow operates a manikin using a laptop at Phoenix Children’s Hospital on June 12, 2026. (Photo by Samad Khan/Cronkite News) The center has high-fidelity, medium-fidelity and low-fidelity manikins to support clinical training.  The simulators come in different types. High-fidelity manikins are the most realistic ones. They can simulate patient responses like changes in breathing, heartbeat and other vital signs. Medium-fidelity manikins are less advance but still mimic some patient vital signs. Both are operated under the supervision of a Sim Educator.  The low-fidelity manikins are primarily used to perform basic procedures like CPR and ventilation. Every room has cameras and microphones that record scenarios, which allows instructors to review their performance during debriefings. Staff members inside a Phoenix Children’s Hospital control room that records live simulation of manikins in training rooms on June 12, 2026. “The control room allows learners to see everything from start to finish,” said Lindsay Metzger, clinical education specialist at PCH. (Photo by Samad Khan/Cronkite News) Simulation program manager Amber Senetza explains that the instructors monitor training sessions through live audio and video recordings from patient rooms to enhance their understanding of patient care.  “Coming to this space to be able to practice those skills, critical thinking skills or procedural skills, and then to be able to leave with confidence to take better care of patients, I think is a truly incredible thing,” Senetza said. The center also offers educational services, equipment rentals and curriculum support. Staff can train with infant, pediatric and adult simulators as well as specialized task trainers for vascular access, CPR and wound care. Clinical research coordinators Ava Gustafson, left, and Chelsea Jarvis watch as Roxanne Sandoval practices CPR technique on a manikin named Resusci Junior QCPR at Phoenix Children’s Hospital on June 12, 2026. (Photo by Samad Khan/Cronkite News) Lindsay Metzger, clinical education specialist at PCH, said simulations create safe environments where medical professionals learn from their mistakes and promote better collaboration among clinical teams.  “It is a bit more muscle memory when they encounter a real patient,” Metzger said. “And it’s less anxiety-provoking because they’ve already seen it in a safe space and a calm environment.” The post New Simulation Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital helps healthcare workers prepare for emergencies appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a6ef1972385678337e3d Arizona deserves the truth about data centers te 2026-06-19T20:30:39.923Z Arizona deserves the truth about data centers Russ Walker Arizona communities deserve an honest conversation about data centers, and right now, they aren’t getting one. Residents have genuine concerns about how data centers affect their water supply, electricity costs and quality of life. Those concerns deserve to be answered with transparent, accurate information. Instead, a vacuum of trustworthy facts has been filled by misinformation, leaving voters with a distorted picture of what data centers do and what they mean for local communities. A technology quietly powering nearly every aspect of modern life has become one of the most misunderstood industries in America. The polling bears this out. A new national survey by the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy finds that data centers currently sit at just 29% favorable with American voters. But here is the critical finding: that opposition is not deeply held. When voters are given accurate facts, support jumps dramatically across every issue tested. When voters learned that modern data centers recycle water, continuously recirculating the same water through closed-loop cooling systems with minimal freshwater input, support shifted by a net 31 points — the single largest swing the Rainey Center has recorded across three waves of polling. When voters learned that data centers trigger significant grid infrastructure upgrades benefiting all residents, 42% became more supportive — a net shift of +38 points. The opposition isn’t rooted in facts; it’s rooted in ignorance. On energy, the same pattern holds. When voters learned that data centers generate their own power under Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge rather than drawing from local electricity supplies — a pledge Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI have already signed — support jumped again. Your utility bill isn’t going up because a data center moved in. That’s not an opinion. It’s what these companies have committed to deliver, and 61% of Americans want Congress to make that commitment binding federal law. What is going up is your community’s tax base. Data centers pay substantial property taxes, funding schools, fire departments and road repairs. When respondents learned about these tax benefits, support rose by a net 36 points. Sixty-six percent of Americans also support requiring mandatory community benefits agreements, local hiring, infrastructure upgrades, direct payments to the community, before construction begins. These are exactly the accountability measures that turn skeptics into supporters. But the stakes go well beyond tax revenue. When you send an email, store a photo, make a video call, or check your bank balance, where do you want that data to live? In a facility on American soil, subject to American law, or in a data center in China, accessible to a government that has demonstrated its willingness to exploit foreign data for espionage and economic advantage? The Rainey Center found that 66% of Americans say it is extremely or very important that their personal data not be stored in China or other adversary nations. If we don’t build here, it gets built there. The Rainey Center poll found that every single piece of accurate information about data centers moved voters toward support. The path forward isn’t complicated: give Arizonans the facts, and they’ll make the right call. Russ Walker, vice president of policy for the Rainey Center for Public Policy and executive director of the Rainey Freedom Project. The post Arizona deserves the truth about data centers first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a4c31972385678337dfb 'Political stunt' prosecution of ICE agent for 'road rage' provokes heated DHS response te 2026-06-19T20:21:23.484Z 'Political stunt' prosecution of ICE agent for 'road rage' provokes heated DHS response The Department of Homeland Security is accusing Minnesota officials of staging a "political stunt" as federal and state authorities square off over whether an ICE agent accused of pointing a gun at motorists should be prosecuted in state or federal court. The dispute centers on Gregory Morgan Jr., an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent charged with two counts of second-degree assault after prosecutors said he pointed a handgun at motorists during a traffic confrontation while returning from a federal immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. Morgan's attorneys, backed by federal officials, argue he is protected under legal doctrines stemming from the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal law supersedes conflicting state laws. Courts have recognized that federal officers may, in certain circumstances, be shielded from state prosecution for actions taken in the course of their official duties. But Minnesota prosecutors say those protections do not apply here, arguing Morgan's alleged conduct fell outside any legitimate federal law-enforcement function. The case has grown into a broader fight over the legal protections afforded to federal officers. Hennepin County prosecutors are seeking to keep the matter in state court, while the federal government has joined Morgan's effort to move it to federal court. Earlier this week, the Department of Justice filed a notice seeking to have Senior Trial Attorney Paul Quast appear on behalf of the United States in the case. "These actions by Minnesota sanctuary politicians are nothing more than a political stunt," a DHS spokesperson said in a statement. "States do not have the authority to charge a federal law enforcement officer while performing his official duties." COLORADO DA PURSUES ASSAULT CHARGE AGAINST FEDERAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER, DHS CONDEMNS 'POLITICAL STUNT' The statement came as Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's office urged a federal judge to reject Morgan's request to transfer the case out of Minnesota state court. In filings submitted this week, prosecutors argued Morgan is attempting to "transform his moment of road rage — committed on a state highway against Minnesota victims — into a federal enforcement action." The filing, submitted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office along with the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and the Washington Litigation Group, contends there is no meaningful connection between the alleged assault and Morgan's responsibilities as an ICE agent. According to prosecutors, Morgan's authority to arrest and detain individuals suspected of violating immigration laws did not extend to confronting motorists on a Minnesota highway. MINNESOTA SUES TRUMP ADMIN OVER SWEEPING IMMIGRATION RAIDS IN TWIN CITIES "There is no evidence of any job-related circumstance requiring the defendant to rush to his destination or to drive on the highway shoulder to get there," the filing states. "It was the defendant's decision to drive illegally on the shoulder to avoid the inconvenience of rush-hour traffic, and to draw and point his firearm at motorists who got in his way." Morgan's attorney, Ryan Pacyga, filed the removal petition last week, arguing the alleged conduct occurred while Morgan was performing federal law enforcement duties and that both he and his partner feared "imminent bodily harm" during the encounter. According to court records, Morgan was returning to the Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling on Feb. 5 after participating in Operation Metro Surge when the incident occurred on Highway 62 near the Interstate 35W interchange. Prosecutors say Morgan and another ICE agent were driving on the highway shoulder during rush hour when a Cadillac moved over and blocked their path. Authorities allege Morgan then pulled alongside the vehicle, drew a handgun and pointed it at the occupants. ICE AGENT SHOOTS VENEZUELAN NATIONAL IN MINNEAPOLIS AFTER SHOVEL ATTACK DURING AMBUSH: DHS One of the motorists called 911 and reported that a man had aimed a Glock at his face, while both occupants later told investigators they feared for their safety. Morgan was charged with two counts of second-degree assault and was released after posting $100,000 bail. Morgan's case is not the only prosecution stemming from Operation Metro Surge. Moriarty's office later charged another ICE agent, Christian Castro, with multiple assault counts in connection with the alleged shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, an incident that sparked protests in north Minneapolis. Fox News Digital reached out to the Justice Department, Moriarty's office and Pacyga for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a2a61972385678337d90 Simone Biles fires back at Instagram users who mocked her near-death experience, reveals medical emergency te 2026-06-19T20:12:22.045Z Simone Biles fires back at Instagram users who mocked her near-death experience, reveals medical emergency Simone Biles found time to respond to Instagram users with very few followers this week, after the users commented mocking the gymnast for posting vacation photos days after revealing an apparent near-death experience. The users commented on one of Biles' recent posts showing photos of the gymnast on vacation, just two weeks after Biles revealed she had a near-death experience in a post where she wrote she "almost died." Biles has not revealed specifics about the incident. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Almost died but look at these traveling selfies," one user, with just over 2,200 followers, wrote on Tuesday. Biles responded to the comment on Thursday. "Ugh, these comments make me sad. A little over two weeks ago, I experienced a serious medical emergency that could have ended very differently, and this trip has been part of allowing myself to heal and appreciate being here. I hope you understand that life-changing experiences can shift your perspective and that you're able to extend a little more grace to other moving forward," Biles wrote. Another user, with fewer than 200 followers, wrote, "almost died but on vacation drinking?" Biles responded to that comment too, writing, "I don't owe you anything, but have you heard of non-alcoholic drinks?" OLYMPIAN SIMONE BILES FACES FIERCE BACKLASH AFTER CLASH WITH RILEY GAINES OVER TRANS ATHLETES DEBATE Another user, also with fewer than 200 followers, wrote, "You look good for someone who almost died." Biles responded to that comment as well, writing, "Two weeks bedrest." On her Instagram story on June 6, Biles shared vague details about the near-death experience, without recounting any specifics, with the background just being a photo of her hand. "I'm not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today's age. But almost dying wasn't on my bingo card this week," Biles wrote. "This was one of, if not the scariest experience of my life, especially since Jonathan was in Indy for practices. I've been in bed resting this week. I'll explain sooner or later, but [shoutout] to my close circle who reached out, checked in, visited & or sent flowers." Biles has declined to reveal specifics about what happened. "Not ready to talk about it just yet," she wrote in a reply to a comment earlier this week. Biles is married to Jonathan Owens, who is a safety for the Indianapolis Colts. The couple has been married since 2023, though Owens' NFL career has occasionally forced them to spend time apart. Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018, he has played for five different teams. The two met while Owens was with the Houston Texans in 2019. Biles lives in Texas, where the couple has built a massive home together. Since his time in Houston, Owens has also played for the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and now the Colts. Back in November, Biles revealed that she had recently undergone three plastic surgeries. "I've had three plastic surgeries and two of them you would never be able to tell," she said in a TikTok video that month. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a2921972385678337d87 USMNT takes early lead over Australia after second straight match featuring an own goal te 2026-06-19T20:12:02.591Z USMNT takes early lead over Australia after second straight match featuring an own goal The U.S. men's national team and Australia kicked off at 3 p.m. ET from Seattle Stadium. The United States' second World Cup match once again got off to a dream start when Australia's Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 10th minute, giving the Americans an early lead in the group stage matchup. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Fans inside the packed Seattle stadium roared as the USMNT seized the early 1-0 advantage. Benefiting from an own goal at the World Cup is rare. But capitalizing from one in back-to-back matches is unprecedented. Friday’s match against Australia marked the first time in FIFA men's World Cup history that the same team gained an advantage from own goals in consecutive games. Across the tournament’s history, only France has benefited from more own goals than the United States. In the 42nd minute, Alex Freeman scored to increase the American's lead to 2-0. When: Friday, June 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET Where: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington TV: FOX Stream: Watch on FOX One and FOX Sports. This is a developing story, check back for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a27f1972385678337d7e Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Gilgo sentencing, a warning from 'Happy Face,' Mangione psychs himself out te 2026-06-19T20:11:43.133Z Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Gilgo sentencing, a warning from 'Happy Face,' Mangione psychs himself out Suffolk County authorities say they couldn't get Rex Heuermann off Long Island fast enough, shipping him upstate to rot in prison the morning after he received the maximum possible punishment for the Gilgo Beach murders under New York law. The 62-year-old former New York City architect received three consecutive sentences of life without parole, to be followed by four terms of 25 to life, after District Attorney Ray Tierney says he built a "Dexter"-style kill room in his basement, where he killed seven of his eight known victims. "The sentence is appropriate for his crimes, and obviously he got what he deserved," his ex-wife Asa Ellerup said through her attorney, Bob Macedonio. PSYCHED OUT: Accused assassin Luigi Mangione's defense team floated a psychiatric defense in court this week, then backtracked a day later. The former Ivy Leaguer would have had to concede that he did shoot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the back to deploy an "extreme emotional disturbance" defense under New York law, experts say. If successful, it would have dramatically reduced his potential sentence upon conviction at the state level — but could've put him at risk in his federal trial, slated for next year. FOX TRUE CRIME IS NOW ON FACEBOOK BECKY'S BACK: The former court clerk whose misconduct helped overturn Alex Murdaugh's murder conviction is now asking a federal judge to toss his $600,000 lawsuit against her. Lawyers for Rebecca Hill argued in a filing Thursday that Murdaugh has no right to recover the money he spent defending himself during a 2023 trial over the murders of his wife and son. ‘TOSSED TO THE WOLVES’: "Happy Face" killer Keith Jesperson has some prison advice for fellow serial murderer Rex Heuermann, warning the "ogre"-like monster that "little guys work out too, to beat up us big guys." Heuermann can expect to get in some prison fights, he says. WHERE'S NANCY GUTHRIE?: The mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie remains missing more than 135 days after her suspected abduction from her Tucson home. Some cybersecurity experts believe she may have been the victim of a "wrench attack," where a hacker coordinated with local thugs to try and extort bitcoin from her daughter. The trend is on the rise, experts say, and increasingly involves vulnerable victims related to wealthy targets, rather than the earners themselves.  GET TO WORK: "Hell on Wheels" killer Mackenzie Shrilla is now serving up prison meals. The 21-year-old, convicted of slamming her Toyota Camry into a building on purpose and killing her boyfriend, 20-year-old Dominic Russo, and their 19-year-old friend Davion Flanagan in 2022, has landed a job behind bars. Aside from prison food, she is serving concurrent sentences of 15 years to life behind bars. Fox True Crime is now on Facebook. Give us a follow. UP NEXT: Karen Read is due in court for three separate hearings next week connected to the O'Keefe family's wrongful death lawsuit. Read was acquitted a year ago this week of all homicide-related charges stemming from her ex-boyfriend John O'Keefe's frigid death during a 2022 blizzard. Tyler Robinson will also hear from Judge Tony Graf, who is expected to rule on a defense motion to punish prosecutors for making extrajudicial remarks about the case against Charlie Kirk's accused assassination. Barry Morphew is also due back in court in Colorado in connection with the death of his wife, Suzanne. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35a26b1972385678337d75 Russell Crowe says 'Gladiator II' failed because it lacked original film's 'moral core' te 2026-06-19T20:11:23.684Z Russell Crowe says 'Gladiator II' failed because it lacked original film's 'moral core' Russell Crowe is opening up about his career-defining role and why he thinks efforts to replicate the magic of the film with a sequel failed. During a panel at the Taormina Film Festival, the 62-year-old actor spoke about the sequel to "Gladiator," noting he believed it was unsuccessful because it was missing the "moral core" of the original 2000 movie, per Variety. "When we were shooting that film, there was a lot of pressure. The studio, the producers [thought] there should be sex between Maximus and the female characters. I kept pushing back," he said of the original film. "This is the story of a man avenging the death of his wife and his child. There cannot be a moment in that journey where he stops and has sex with somebody. It doesn’t make any sense because that destroys the journey." He explained that director Ridley Scott agreed with him that an intimate scene between him and Connie Nielsen would take away from the "emotional core" of the film and excluded it from the movie. 'GLADIATOR' STAR RUSSELL CROWE DONATES THOUSANDS TO HELP SAVE STUNTMAN'S LEG The "Les Misérables" star went on to say he found it interesting for executives "to destroy that moral centre" in the 2024 sequel. "It’s very interesting because the second movie barely took the same box office that the first movie took. That’s 20 years later," he said. "When you apply how much of a change there’s been on the value of a dollar, they failed. They failed because they didn’t understand why [the original movie] was successful — it had a moral core." The original film brought in about $465.5 million at the global box office in 2000, while the second earned about $462.1 in 2024, but adjusted for inflation, the original film's gross box office number would have been much more. Crowe explained that while the studio didn't know why the film was such a success, he realized that "from the second week of release globally, there were always more women in the theaters than men." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "You think that on the surface ‘Gladiator’ is a movie for men, but if it was a movie for men, it would be about revenge, but it’s not about revenge. It is a movie for women because it is about vengeance," he explained. "[‘Gladiator’] was successful because it had a moral core. In a way, we all want to be that guy who can stay that strong, if you’re a man. And if you’re a woman, we all want a man to love us in that way." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The original film followed Crowe as Maximus, a once-powerful general who is sold into slavery and trained as a gladiator after the emperor's son gets jealous of him and kills his family. It went on to become the second-highest grossing film of 2000 and won five Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor for Crowe. The second film stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Maximus, who returns to Rome as a prisoner and is trained to be a gladiator for Macrinus, a former slave played by Denzel Washington, who has plans to overthrow the twin emperors. "All we had to do was put the clothes on and start talking," Washington said at a Los Angeles screening of the movie in October 2024. "I’m serious. What Ridley did, which was great, is he built Rome… When we would walk around, you were in Rome [with] 10,000 extras and horses. I mean, it was make-believe, it was play." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a359fd51972385678337cfe Californians Get Stingier at the Ballot Box as Costs Rise te 2026-06-19T20:00:21.153Z Californians Get Stingier at the Ballot Box as Costs Rise Voters rejected more local taxes than usual in the June election, a sign that they are feeling the pinch from rising costs. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a359de21972385678337ccf Sofia Vergara turns heads in her World Cup outfit, golfer throws tantrum at US Open & Knicks fan vs cops! te 2026-06-19T19:52:02.093Z Sofia Vergara turns heads in her World Cup outfit, golfer throws tantrum at US Open & Knicks fan vs cops! We made it to another Friday. To another weekend. A BIG weekend. We're here. We won. Congrats to all who stuck it out this week! The payoff will be huge. We've got three straight days of U.S. Open coverage from a toothless Shinnecock Hills. Quit watering the greens, you crooks! We've got that pesky USA soccer game today. We've got College World Series championship game action starting on Saturday. Most importantly, of course, we have Father's Day — also known as the day all the dads in America watch golf for 12 straight hours and mix in a nap before the leaders tee off in the afternoon. My greatest Father's Day memory? Watching the final round of the 2008 U.S. Open nearly 20 years ago with my dad. Twenty years! Goodness, time flies. JENA SIMS GIVES BROOKS KOEPKA A CHEEKY SEND-OFF BEFORE BRUTAL US OPEN, BASEBALL MANAGER GOES INSANE & BEER! For those who forget, that was arguably the greatest U.S. Open ever ... certainly in my lifetime. Tiger Woods vs. Rocco Mediate. Tiger's ACL was scrambled the whole tournament, and he somehow pulled it off. Chills: Gets me every time. Welcome to a Friday Nightcaps — the one where Sofia Vergara cheers on Colombia in the FIFA World Cup. What else? I've got Joaquín Niemann throwing an absolute tantrum in Southampton, Jazz Chisholm taking a foul ball off the worst possible place on the male body, and we had a couple Hall of Fame moments from yesterday's Knicks parade. One guy nearly died, a girl got rag-dolled off a stoplight, and another dude may have earned himself a spot on an NFL roster later this summer. You'll see. OK, grab you a protective cup just in case one of Joaquín Niemann's clubs comes barreling your way, and settle in for a Friday 'Cap! We're gonna have fun today. We're gonna keep it light. And, most importantly, we're gonna get outta here EARLY because it's a Friday and a lot of folks are watching the USA fellas anyway. So, let's begin ... with Joaquín Niemann apparently throwing an absolute TANTRUM yesterday in Southampton. According to boots on the ground (and the USGA), Niemann launched an iron "approximately 50 yards" during a meltdown on the sixth hole. Niemann, as you can see in the graphic above, went OB on his first two drives, and then attempted to get relief from ... fire ants. Gabby Herzig, a golf writer for The Athletic, spoke to a volunteer who saw the whole thing unfold. No, there is no video of the incident, which seems impossible in 2026 but here we are. According to the volunteer, Niemann got angry after NOT getting fire ant relief, kicked a white flag, kicked some sand, and then proceeded to launch his iron into the fescue area. The USGA later assessed Niemann with a two-stroke penalty for acting like a child. He finished with an 11 on the hole. "This act was determined to be serious misconduct under Rule 1.2b," per the USGA. Incredible. What a meltdown! Now, to his credit, Niemann rebounded in a big way this morning, carding a billion birdies (7) and probably setting himself up to play the weekend. Good for him. It's not about the fall, but how you get up. PS: 50 yards? Light work. I've thrown clubs twice as far at the local muni. Moving on ... Let's get to the best #content from a BIG week, starting with a pair of major leaguers taking respective foul balls off their ... groins ... last night. Always wear a cup! What a week. Nice work, everyone. As always, you nailed it. Never a doubt. Couple takeaways ... OK, let's rapid-fire this Friday class into a big weekend. First up? We had a couple all-time moments during the Knicks parade yesterday, including toe-sucking and juking cops out of their shoes. New York City celebrates Knicks' first NBA championship in 53 years What a day: Incredible move by that dude. Right or wrong (wrong), you have to respect the agility. You try that on the MetLife turf, and you're out for a year. No idea what to think about the toe-sucking, but I know I don't love it. The one-arm throw by the woman to remove the other woman from the stoplight was impressive. I'm sorry you all had to see what came next. What a day. What a scene. Thank GOD I live in Florida. I will never, ever, leave this place. Ever. OK, that's it for today — and this week. Good work, everyone. Here's Sophie Cunningham dominating another pre-game entrance before an unfortunate loss to Angel Reese last night. See you Monday. OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots). What's the furthest you've launched a golf club? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a359dce1972385678337cc6 NHL star Jonathan Toews announces retirement after 16-year career and three Stanley Cups te 2026-06-19T19:51:42.633Z NHL star Jonathan Toews announces retirement after 16-year career and three Stanley Cups After 16 NHL seasons, three Stanley Cups and a couple of Olympic gold medals, Jonathan Toews has announced that he's calling it a career. Toews spent last season with the Winnipeg Jets — his hometown team — after sitting out for two full seasons. At a press conference on Friday, the future Hall of Famer officially hung up his skates. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "I'm way more nervous than I thought I would be," Toews said after stepping up to the podium. "I just want to recognize, first of all — it's a privilege to be standing up here to say goodbye to the game of hockey and the NHL. I think there's a lot of great players out there that don't get this opportunity. "So, [I] just want to be cognizant of that. Thank you all for coming today." Well, Toews is hanging 'em up the way he played: with class. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM And what a career it was. I mean, the hardware — which also includes a Conn Smythe, a Selke and a Mark Messier Leadership Award — speaks for itself, but look at these numbers. Of course, Toews is best remembered for his 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. They drafted him in 2006, and he went on to lead them to three Stanley Cups in 2010 (when they ripped this Flyers fan's heart out of his chest), 2013 and 2015. But one of the most admirable things about Toews' career is how he battled back after two years out of the league due to inflammatory and immune-system issues that also affected his last couple of years with the Blackhawks. What a career. Those early 2010s Blackhawks teams were nasty, and they were all led by Toews. There's no question that he'll be getting a call from the Hockey Hall of Fame in a few years. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a359d7d1972385678337c97 Jackson Clouse named AIA Comeback Player of the Month te 2026-06-19T19:50:21.228Z Jackson Clouse named AIA Comeback Player of the Month Clouse earned the honor following his return from a torn ACL and MCL in 2024. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a359b751972385678337c5c 5 glaring reasons why major league baseball should immediately stop celebrating Pride Night te 2026-06-19T19:41:41.585Z 5 glaring reasons why major league baseball should immediately stop celebrating Pride Night For years, Major League Baseball has promoted Pride Nights as a way to celebrate and support the LGBTQ community. After multiple teams in the early 2000s held "gay days" and LGBTQ awareness nights at their ballparks, including the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, by 2016 more than a dozen MLB teams were hosting official Pride Nights. Now every team except the Texas Rangers hold a Pride Night each season. Pride Nights became a norm in MLB as a way to acknowledge the acceptance of gay marriage under the law and culturally as a nation, though there were many Americans that still opposed it. Over the past decade, Pride Nights have morphed into something much larger, radical and sinister, in my opinion. Teams promote and affirm multiple sexual preferences, lecture fans on preferred pronouns and even endorse the idea that children can change their biological sex, with some teams even providing resources to explore irreversible gender reassignment surgeries.  SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS HOST GAY COUPLES RENEWING VOWS WITH DRAG QUEEN IN VIRTUE-SIGNALING PRIDE NIGHT CEREMONY I’d argue Pride Nights were radical from the start, but there’s no denying they have been increasingly radicalized every year since. LGBTQ-identifying fans and allies argue these events foster inclusion and make baseball more welcoming to everyone. Yet many conservative Christians, like myself, view these celebrations very differently.  Pride Nights have become a cultural lightning rod, especially in the aftermath of four Christian San Francisco Giants pitchers, who decided to protest their team’s Pride Night. There has been much debate about how the league, team, fans, teammates, politicians and other players around the league should respond. I believe we should do away with Pride Nights altogether. Here are five reasons why: Baseball has long been known as America's pastime. It’s a place where people from all backgrounds can come together and enjoy a game. You root for this team. I root for that team. That’s it. I’ve said for my entire career in sports media that sports should be the ultimate unifier and an outlet away from politics, but leagues and teams have unfortunately dived headfirst into divisive political positioning, especially since 2020. I firmly believe that sports leagues should remain neutral on controversial social issues rather than taking institutional positions. But time and time again, the league has chosen to cater to and even promote left-wing politics. Baseball has supported Black Lives Matter, moved the 2021 MLB All-Star Game from Atlanta because Georgia was requiring ID to vote and Joe Biden laughably claimed it was "Jim Crow in the 21st Century" and "an atrocity," and more politically divisive nonsense. Here’s the main issue: When Major League Baseball promotes a particular social cause, it alienates fans who disagree with that cause. They then operate as a political entity when they should stick to being an entertainment company. Rather than serving as a unifying force, an outlet away from politics, which fans crave and have cherished for decades, the league can, and has become another battleground in America's ongoing culture wars. Many fans simply want to watch baseball without being confronted by political or ideological messaging. MLB ACCUSED OF 'DOUBLE STANDARD' AFTER CALLING OUT PLAYERS' BIBLE MESSAGES DESPITE BACKING BLM IN 2020 Let’s face the facts. Far too many athletes have been pressured, and even coerced into  participating in Pride Nights and other LGBTQ-related events/promotions, though these political and ideological campaigns conflict with their personal beliefs.  Remember Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass? In 2023, he was paraded in front of reporters and forced into apologizing to the LGBTQ community because he simply shared a video from a Christian content creator about boycotting Target and Bud Light because of their promotion of transgenderism. The next day, the Blue Jays designated him for assignment, releasing him hours before their Pride Weekend celebration. The team claimed the move was a "baseball decision," but that is too much of a coincidence for me to buy that. That is just one example of many Christian and conservative athletes have been unfairly punished because of their religious and political beliefs because Major League Baseball and its teams have decided what political and religious beliefs are acceptable. They essentially want all players to be walking billboards of the LGBTQ agenda and movement, or stay silent about their opposition. That’s not freedom. That’s not the America our Founding Fathers envisioned. This is not the country men and women have fought and died for over the centuries.  Professional baseball players are hired to play baseball, not to serve as spokesmen for social justice movements, especially when it is antithetical to their political and religious belief systems. While players should be free to support causes they personally believe in, league-sponsored Pride events have put relentless pressure on athletes to conform and have shown that there is a complete and utter intolerance to contrary beliefs about LGBTQ-identifying fans and their movement. US SOFTBALL LEGEND LEAH AMICO OPENS UP ON MLB PRIDE NIGHT CONTROVERSY, BACKS CHRISTIAN PLAYERS No player should have to compromise or denounce their faith and foundational values, in order to support the LGBTQ movement. All fans are welcome. They have been welcome, and the idea that LGBTQ Pride Nights are essential to push the narrative that these fans are welcome, is just pure virtue signaling. You don’t need a player to wear the colors and symbols of your movement to feel welcome. If you’re a Giants fan, you’re welcome at Oracle Park. If you’re a LGBTQ-identifying person of another team, or just happen to be going to a game, you’re welcome. No one is discriminating against you.  If you need a player who respectfully disagrees with your lifestyle choices to wear the colors and symbols of your community in order to feel welcome, the problem lies with you. These players are not your political pawns, though you have bent over backwards to shame them for not falling in line with your agenda. At the heart of this debate is a fundamental disagreement about sexuality, morality and identity. Christianity teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman and that God's design for human sexuality is rooted in biological sex. You don’t have to look past the first few chapters of the Bible (Genesis) to understand that. LGBTQ Pride Nights are contrary to what Jesus said during His earthly ministry and The Bible as a whole.  As a result, many Christians, such as Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker, the San Francisco Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on their Pride hats, and Sam Hentges who refused to wear the hat at all, see MLB's endorsement of Pride Nights not as a neutral act of inclusion but as an endorsement of ideas that conflict with their faith. They are being unfairly pressured into conformity of a political movement or put into a position where they need to proclaim that their religious beliefs don’t align with what their team and the league are endorsing. They should just be focused on performing their duties as baseball players on the mound. Though these Christian players support treating all people with dignity and respect, as Jesus calls them to, that love they show for their fellow man is not an acceptance of what The Bible calls sin.  Let’s put it this way, if there was ever a stadium-wide Christian Night, though I have no desire for a team to have one because we don’t need a Christian Night to feel seen, heard, and accepted, I wouldn’t expect non-Christians to wear a hat with a cross on it and a jersey that stated "Christ is Lord." I sure as heck wouldn’t consider a player opting out of wearing the gear or writing "Love is Love" on their cap hateful, bigoted, or consider it some sort of act of inciting violence on the Christian community. I’d disagree with them, but I wouldn’t want them to lose their job, get demoted, or have any harm done to them. The same can’t be said to the LGBTQ community’s response to these players from the Giants over the last week.  MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL FACES BACKLASH FOR ITS STANCE ON CHRISTIANS WRITING BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE CAPS No parent should be forced into a conversation about sexual ethics with their kids because of what is promoted at MLB games during Pride Nights. Sporting events should remain focused on the game itself rather than social causes involving sexuality and biology. Just as I believe elementary schools should not be lecturing children about LGBTQ lifestyles, sports shouldn’t either.  When MLB and its teams decide to endorse LGBTQ themes and promote the lifestyle through Pride Nights, you are not only alienating fans but also stealing innocence from children. What used to be a family-friendly environment is now filled with drag queens, definitive political and ideological statements about sexuality, and mascots decked out in the colors and symbols of that movement. RED SOX FANS TREATED TO DRAG SHOW AT FENWAY AS TEAM PROMOTES 'INCLUSIVITY' DURING PRIDE NIGHT EVENT This is no longer about "making sure LGBTQ folks feel welcome", this is about evangelizing fans to that cause, even children, when they shouldn’t have to be subjected to those conversations in the first place. Parents, not sports leagues, should determine how and when conversations about sexuality and gender take place with their children. For families attending games, baseball should provide a family-friendly environment, absent of adult sexual content. Baseball games should be centered on competition, teamwork, and entertainment.  Now this may be my most controversial and debated stance about Pride Nights and the LGBTQ movement. I believe the modern-day LGBTQ Pride movement has evolved beyond a civil-rights movement and now functions similarly to a religious worldview.  It has its own symbols, sacred observances, moral teachings, and beliefs about human identity. Holiday-like celebrations (Pride Month), rainbow flags, public affirmations, government recognition, and expectations of participation/acceptance all serve as functions resembling religious practices. Interestingly, LGBTQ Pride and Christianity often offer competing answers to the same fundamental questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? Where does my identity come from? Because these worldviews frequently arrive at different conclusions, obviously on the polar opposite of each other, Christians don’t see Pride Nights as solely a political debate, but a theological one as well. LEFT-WING SPORTSWRITER ANGRILY CRITICIZES GIANTS PLAYERS FOR PROTESTING PRIDE NIGHT HATS: 'DO BETTER' What I’m ultimately trying to do as we continue this discussion around Pride Nights in the aftermath of the controversy involving multiple Giants pitchers, is to get Christians, non-Christians and those on every side of the political aisle to recognize that Pride Nights are indeed divisive and aren’t actually about tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion. They have done the opposite, actually. Pride Nights and radical members of the LGBTQ community, including Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow, have shamed, and even ostracized millions of fans and many players who don’t align with their ideology. EMOTIONAL MLB BROADCASTER THROWS A FIT OVER PITCHERS WEARING BIBLE VERSES ON HATS DURING PRIDE NIGHT This whole debate obviously reflects a larger national conversation about faith, identity and the role of major institutions in cultural debates. MLB and teams like the Giants are unfairly expecting ideological endorsements, which objectively divides fans, pressures players and conflicts with traditional Christian beliefs. It’s completely avoidable.  For many conservative Christians, the issue is not whether LGBTQ individuals should be treated with dignity. We believe every person is created in the image of God and deserves respect. Rather, the question is whether Major League Baseball should use its platform to celebrate a worldview that many of its fans, players and families do not share. Take notes from the National Hockey League. They did away with players wearing specialty jerseys a few seasons ago after multiple Christian players refused to participate. They saw the divisiveness and unnecessary vitriol it caused to the players and fans. This is my official call for MLB to end Pride Nights. Enough is enough. If anything, the league should downgrade them to a "community night" just like Faith & Family Nights. Those promotional nights are not stadium-wide like Pride Nights are currently. It’s relegated to a specific section of the ballpark, where groups can purchase tickets that usually come with a community-specific giveaway. That way these teams still reach these fans, just like they do Christian groups. If they went this route, players, coaches and staff would no longer be put in uncomfortable positions to publicly display allegiance to an ideology or not through their uniforms. Players who wanted to show support could do that after the game just like Christian players do by gathering with fans at Faith & Family Night. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a359b241972385678337c31 What to Know About the Storm That Brought Deadly Flooding to the South te 2026-06-19T19:40:20.693Z What to Know About the Storm That Brought Deadly Flooding to the South An early-season storm that in some places dumped around two feet of rain also killed three people. Louisiana and Mississippi were hit hard. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3596c91972385678337bae Twice-deported illegal immigrant charged with flying drone in restricted airspace during FIFA Fan Festival te 2026-06-19T19:21:45.657Z Twice-deported illegal immigrant charged with flying drone in restricted airspace during FIFA Fan Festival A twice-deported illegal immigrant with a long criminal history has been charged with flying a drone in restricted airspace in Atlanta during a FIFA Fan Festival, authorities said. Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez was allegedly operating the unmanned drone on June 12 in restricted airspace near Centennial Olympic Park during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta while standing in a nearby parking area and recording video of the event, federal prosecutors said. NY PROSECUTOR SIDESTEPS SANCTUARY LAW AND COORDINATES ICE ARREST OF GUATEMALAN CHILD RAPE SUSPECT He was taken into law enforcement custody after he was approached by FBI agents, who determined he was in the United States illegally after asking for his identification. He was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the next day. "This criminal illegal alien dangerously flew a drone in restricted airspace near a FIFA event in Atlanta, Georgia," said Acting Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Lauren Bis. "His lengthy criminal history includes drug trafficking, stolen property, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and driving under the influence. The Trump Administration will not allow illegal aliens to threaten the safety and security of the American people." KASH PATEL REVEALS FBI'S TOP SECURITY CONCERNS AHEAD OF WORLD CUP Rojas-Martinez, 37, a Mexican citizen, is charged with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien. Rojas-Martinez told investigators he first illegally entered the U.S. through Texas in 1999 and was deported in 2013. He was deported from the U.S. again in 2019 after re-entering illegally, DHS said. Authorities don't know when he made his third illegal trip across the southern border. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established "No Drone Zones" over stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events across the U.S. During match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, will be prohibited within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums listed below, unless otherwise authorized by air traffic control, according to the FAA. Drone operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization can face fines of up to $100,000, confiscation of their aircraft, and federal criminal charges. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3596b61972385678337ba5 Poison centers link growing Benadryl abuse among teens to dangerous social media trends te 2026-06-19T19:21:26.209Z Poison centers link growing Benadryl abuse among teens to dangerous social media trends America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records. A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a "concerning rise" in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19. Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory. PEOPLE TAKING COMMON SLEEP DRUG MAY NOT REALIZE THEY'RE TOO IMPAIRED TO DRIVE, STUDY FINDS From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%. But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike. The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year. According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned. Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness. To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully. "Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning," the notice suggested. "Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications." Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the "health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority." "The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately," a Kenvue spokesperson said. "Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products." CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES "We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading," they added. "We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine." Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report "deeply concerning." "OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products," she told Fox News Digital. "When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness." "Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information." Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions," the spokesperson added. Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3594a81972385678337b2e Nebraska sheriff exposes how DACA loophole put Trump and the nation in crosshairs of UFC terror plot te 2026-06-19T19:12:40.840Z Nebraska sheriff exposes how DACA loophole put Trump and the nation in crosshairs of UFC terror plot A Nebraska sheriff whose agency helped capture the alleged White House terror plot ringleader is calling out the immigration policies that allowed the suspect to stay in the country, arguing he "never should have been here to begin with." Speaking Friday on Fox News' "America’s Newsroom," Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson detailed what led to the high-stakes arrest, and what he found most "frustrating" about the case. "Alvarez never should have been here to begin with. He shouldn't have been in Omaha or in Nebraska. He was an illegal immigrant who overstayed a visa in 2001," Hanson said Friday. DEMS UNMOVED AS WHITE HOUSE REVEALS DHS CONCESSIONS IN SHUTDOWN BATTLE "Unfortunately, he was granted DACA status by the Obama administration in 2014, and I think we're seeing now how that policy ultimately placed our nation and my community at risk," he added. Abraham Alvarez, identified in federal documents as the alleged "ringleader" of a plot to carry out a mass casualty event at a White House UFC event on June 14, is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who overstayed his visa, according to Homeland Security information previously obtained by Fox News Digital. Earlier this week, the FBI and its law enforcement partners announced they disrupted the plot, which targeted the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn of the White House over the weekend. Major figures, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, were in attendance. 'DERANGED MESSAGE' ON NATIONAL MALL SPARKS POLICE PROBE AS TRUMP SECURITY FEARS MOUNT Authorities have made several arrests in connection with the plot, which they say included using explosive drones to force a chaotic evacuation and steer crowds toward a waiting team of snipers. "I mean, this terrorist plot could have endangered the lives of multiple people at the UFC 250 event at the White House that day, and it could have even endangered the life of the president," Hanson added. The sheriff revealed that the FBI had been alerted to the alleged terror plot days before it was scheduled to occur. Immediately upon realizing there was a Nebraska connection, the local FBI field office activated a Douglas County sheriff's deputy embedded with the Joint Terrorism Task Force. FBI’S ICONIC MOST WANTED LIST ENTERS NEW ERA WITH UNPRECEDENTED ADDITION "It was almost around the clock surveillance on Alvarez and the location at which he was staying, as well as other companion investigations which are occurring," Hanson added. He noted that authorities have identified more than 20 suspects potentially involved in the nationwide plot and that a follow-up investigation is underway to determine whether Alvarez was collaborating with anyone else locally or nationally. "This could have been a terrible terrorist attack on our nation. And we want to make sure that not only our nation, but here in Nebraska, that our people are safe as well," Hanson said. Fox News Digital’s Robert Schmad and Katelyn Caralle contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3594951972385678337b25 Rosie O'Donnell pushes conspiracy theory that Trump didn't really win 2024 election, says ‘I think Kamala won’ te 2026-06-19T19:12:21.384Z Rosie O'Donnell pushes conspiracy theory that Trump didn't really win 2024 election, says ‘I think Kamala won’ Rosie O'Donnell claimed in an interview Wednesday that President Donald Trump didn’t actually defeat former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.  O'Donnell, a longtime critic of Trump, fled the country after he won the 2024 election and moved to Ireland. She said she was "astonished" that Trump occupies the White House before suggesting his victory wasn’t legitimate.  "I mean, part of the reason that I left is I never in a million years thought we would put a convicted felon, who tried to start an insurrection, back in office. How did that happen? I don't think it happened. I think Kamala won. I do," O'Donnell told former CNN host Jim Acosta on his podcast.  "Interesting," Acosta, who was known for his antagonistic reporting at CNN when he was White House correspondent during the first Trump administration. Trump in turn often attacked Acosta and called him "fake news." ROSIE O'DONNELL QUIETLY RETURNS TO US AFTER ABANDONING COUNTRY OVER TRUMP'S VICTORY "I think that we're going to find all this out, it’s going to come out. I'm not the first person to say this. There are all these researchers who are saying it. I read it online again today," O'Donnell said before pondering whether Elon Musk somehow influenced the election. O'Donnell failed to offer evidence that Trump did not actually win the election.  Acosta offered only mild pushback, saying it’s "hard to believe" that Trump won but insisting he typically trusts American democracy because he’s "old-fashioned."  "I would never think that something like that can happen, so I tend to trust it," Acosta said. "But I do worry he’s going to try to steal the next one."  Acosta is one of several former mainstream media figures who now hosts openly left-wing independent programs; he recently compared Trump's name coming off the Kennedy Center to the falling of the Berlin Wall. ROSIE O’DONNELL SAYS DAUGHTER BLAMES TRUMP FOR FORCING THEIR FAMILY'S MOVE OUT OF AMERICA O'Donnell, who also pushed additional anti-Trump conspiracy theories during the lengthy interview, predicted that Trump will "come up with some big tragedy" in order to cancel the 2028 presidential election so he can remain in power.  "We’re going to have an event here in the United States, maybe another assassination attempt, and he’s going to declare that the elections are off," she said, making the quote symbol with her fingers as she said "assassination attempt."   When asked for comment, the White House directed Fox News Digital to a June 6 Truth Social post that said O'Donnell is "obsessed" with the president.  Acosta has long been fiercely critical of Trump's frequent claims of election fraud in the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden. While Trump's 2024 victory was not a historic landslide as he often claims, he won decisively, winning both the popular vote and a convincing majority in the Electoral College over then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump also captured all major battleground states en route to becoming the second president to win non-consecutive terms. ROSIE O'DONNELL CALLS TRUMP A CONMAN, NARCISSIST AND A PSYCHOPATH IN RARE PUBLIC APPEARANCE The bad blood between O'Donnell and Trump dates back decades, when she criticized him while on "The View." They have continued to throw jabs at each other over the years, with O'Donnell telling the Irish radio show "Sunday with Miriam," "He uses me as a punching bag and a way to sort of rile his base." Fox News Digital’s Rémy Numa contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3594811972385678337b1c Ultimate X participants set for TNA X Division Championship match at Slammiversary te 2026-06-19T19:12:01.938Z Ultimate X participants set for TNA X Division Championship match at Slammiversary The Ultimate X match for the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) X Division Championship at Slammiversary on June 28 was set on Thursday night’s "Impact." Cedric Alexander, the current X Division champion, knew he was going to defend the title against Leon Slater already. But the four new challengers were announced. Frankie Kazarian, KC Navarro, Mr. Elegance, Fabian Aichner and Amazing Red joined the fray. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Alexander defeated Slater for the X Division Championship a few weeks ago, thwarting Slater’s chance at becoming the longest reigning X Division champion of all time. Aichner made his presence known after the match and threw his hat in the ring weeks later. Kazarian has been in and out of TNA since 2003 and has been the X Division champion six times. KC Navarro and Mr. Elegance have yet to win any titles in TNA, but are poised to get their hands on gold. Meanwhile, Amazing Red is a TNA original and he was announced for Slammiversary earlier in the week. He could have been challenging Mustafa Ali for the TNA International Championship, but is now in one of TNA’s most innovative matches. It’s sure to be one of the most exciting matches on the card for Slammiversary. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Mustafa Ali puts his title on the line. Mustafa Ali has been the TNA international champion since Rebellion in April. He’s has been one of the more dominant champions on the roster, only rivaling TNA world champion Mike Santana, and with the Order 4 behind him, the sky seems to be the limit. TNA announced that Ali will have to put his title on the line at Slammiversary as one of the six championships being defended on the card. It will be in an open challenge format. So, for now, Ali’s opponent remains a mystery. But there’s not a shortage of potential challengers who could step up and grab the championship from Ali’s grasp. TNA’s transactions While those who have departed TNA received a ton of coverage over the course of the week, TNA announced a slew of re-signings as well. Tasha Steelz and Trey Miguel both re-signed with the company, TNA announced. The company also announced it officially signed Allie. The announcements bolster the TNA roster as the company appears headed for a new era after Slammiversary. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35946d1972385678337b09 The day Arizona State beat a major league baseball team te 2026-06-19T19:11:41.969Z The day Arizona State beat a major league baseball team PHOENIX – Lou Piniella had a question. The 1969 American League Rookie of the Year and future manager stood on first base during a March spring training exhibition game between the Seattle Pilots and Arizona State at Tempe Stadium in 1969.  “How come you guys run everywhere?” then-ASU first baseman Jeff Osborne recalled Piniella asking. Osborne explained that running was simply coach Bobby Winkle’s always-in-motion philosophy. Piniella followed with another question. “Don’t you guys ever get tired?” “No,” Osborne said. For a few unique moments, a major leaguer and a college player chatted casually between pitches. By the end of the afternoon, Arizona State had done something even more rare. The Sun Devils had beaten the Pilots 5-4. Former Arizona State baseball coach Bobby Winkles was at the helm of a team that beat Major League Baseball’s Seattle Pilots in 1969. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics) Fifty-seven years later, the victory remains one of the most remarkable afternoons in program history. It gave ASU a chance to measure itself against professional baseball, reinforced the confidence of a team that would become national champions months later and exposed cracks within a Seattle franchise that would last only one season. “It was a big accomplishment for our program to not only play a major league team during spring training but to beat them,” Osborne said. This wasn’t ASU’s first time playing a major league club. Roger Detter, the captain of the team, remembered hearing stories about earlier games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the early 1960s. “Players talked about Dodgers slugger Frank Howard hitting a home run over the palm trees beyond right-center field near our old ballpark,” Detter recalled. Now the 1969 Sun Devils had their shot. “We were excited about the opportunity,” Detter said. “Playing at that stadium was a big deal because our home field wasn’t anything like the spring training facilities.” This new setting, now known as Tempe Diablo Stadium, made an impression. “I remember the crowd being larger than what we normally drew on campus,” Detter said. “The field was in terrific condition, and I remember wondering why we didn’t play more games there.” Amid the excitement was uncertainty. “There was definitely some apprehension because we were facing professional players,” Detter said. “The Pilots were an expansion team, so they weren’t one of the top teams in Major League Baseball, but they still had talented players.” Outside of Piniella, Seattle featured several established veterans such as Diego Seguí, Jim Bouton, Tommy Davis, Wayne Comer and Tommy Harper. For Osborne, facing Seguí became one of the lasting memories of the day. “What I remember most is that I went 3 for 4 that day,” Osborne said. “One of those hits was off Seguí, which was the first time I had ever faced a major league pitcher, either as an amateur or professional player.” That at-bat taught him a lot about how different major league pitching was. “What stood out about Seguí was his command,” Osborne said. “He never threw anything down the middle. He was always painting the corners. I just remember how outstanding his control was.” While Arizona State’s offense was holding its own, the biggest contribution came from a future 12-year major leaguer. “What stands out most is the performance of freshman pitcher Craig Swan,” Detter said. “He came into the game around the fifth inning and pitched the rest of the way. He was outstanding, and a key reason why we won.” The results of the game and the way in which ASU handled itself impressed the Pilots players. “We don’t have to make any alibis for losing this one,” Pilots infielder Rich Rollins said during a postgame radio interview. “We were beaten by a fine team.” Pilots outfielder Jim Gosger agreed. “Arizona State had a very good team,” Gosger said. “I was impressed with them. They had talented players, a strong program and a great environment.” The organization viewed the loss differently. Seattle made several roster moves in the days afterward, and Bouton later criticized the reaction in his 1970 book “Ball Four,” arguing that a spring training defeat should not have carried such weight.  “That’s what (Marvin) Milkes and (Joe) Schultz should have done about losing to Arizona State – laugh,” Bouton wrote. “Or at least not take it so damn seriously.” Bouton understood why the team was concerned. “They probably think that the fans and writers are going to draw a lot of conclusions about a game like this and, alas, they’re probably right,” he wrote. “You can’t educate everybody about baseball in two weeks.” Bouton’s point was that spring training exhibitions rarely mean much in the grand scheme of a season. But the loss still rattled the Pilots and reinforced concerns about an expansion club that would struggle throughout its lone season in Seattle.  Looking back, Gosger believes the reaction reflected larger issues within the franchise. “Joe Schultz, the manager, wasn’t very good,” Gosger said. “He didn’t have the enthusiasm or drive to win games. It felt more like participation than competition.” According to Gosger, talent was not Seattle’s biggest problem. “The frustrating thing was that we actually had some talented players,” Gosger said. “We had a good group, but Schultz wasn’t the right person to lead the team.” The contrast between the two teams was striking. Arizona State was a national powerhouse in college baseball, while the Pilots were an expansion franchise searching for an identity. The Pilots finished their lone season in Seattle with a record of 64-98-1, and financial problems ultimately forced a sale of the franchise at the end of the season. The team relocated to Milwaukee in 1970 and became the Brewers. Seattle would not have another major league franchise until the Mariners played their first game in 1977. While the loss became a source of frustration in Seattle, it served as validation for Arizona State.  “We definitely used it as an opportunity to prove that we could compete with professional players,” Detter said. The team noticed the difference in how the Pilots went about playing the game compared to other college programs they’d faced. “They were older and more mature,” Detter said. “Everything they did was more businesslike. College teams played with excitement and energy, but the Pilots approached the game in a very professional manner. The way they prepared and the way they conducted themselves was more polished.” Arizona State never felt out of place or overwhelmed. “We knew who many of those players were, and we respected what they had accomplished,” Detter said. “But we believed we belonged on the same field.” The win reinforced that belief. “We felt pretty good after the game,” Osborne said. “It was a big win.” More importantly, it helped shape the remainder of Arizona State’s season. “That game came right before conference play, and I think it helped establish our confidence,” Osborne said. “We went into conference play feeling very good.” That confidence definitely showed. Arizona State won the conference, defeated BYU for the conference championship, captured the regional and advanced to the College World Series, ultimately becoming champions after defeating Tulsa. “Sometimes one game can make a difference,” Osborne said. “That game may have helped us peak at the right time.” Ironically, the game happened in the middle of a rough stretch of games.  Detter noted that Arizona State lost a doubleheader to San Fernando State the day before facing Seattle. The Sun Devils then beat the Pilots before losing to San Fernando State again that night and dropping another game two days later. “So, in a span of a few days, we lost four games,” Detter said. “We only lost 11 all season, and that was the only time all year we lost consecutive games. “I’ve often wondered whether we were so focused on the Pilots game that we lost some focus in those other contests.” Still, when players from that team look back today, they see the fingerprints of the coach who built Arizona State baseball. “Ultimately it all comes back to Bobby Winkles,” Detter said about the coach who died in 2020. “He made Arizona State baseball what it was and laid the foundation for what it became. He had a unique ability to help every player become the best version of themselves.” All of these years later, this game is still a unique chapter in baseball history. For the Pilots, it became an embarrassment that sparked criticism and roster moves. For Arizona State, it became something far more valuable. It was proof that the Sun Devils could compete with anyone on a baseball field, whether they were wearing college uniforms or major league ones. The post The day Arizona State beat a major league baseball team appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3594311972385678337af6 Arizona governor receives bill to end several criminal court fees te 2026-06-19T19:10:41.048Z Arizona governor receives bill to end several criminal court fees Key Points:  Bill ends court fees for trials, appeals and public defense Proponents say court costs create unequal justice system Counties warn revenue loss from bill could strain budgets Criminal defendants may no longer have to pay for court-appointed counsel, jury trials and appeals if a bipartisan bill passed this session receives a signature from the governor.  House Bill 2265, sponsored by Rep. Neal Carter, R-San Tan Valley, passed through with sweeping support from both chambers and both sides of the aisle. Its passage marks another legislative effort to curb the practice of shifting costs to defendants.  “They’re being charged hundreds of dollars just to have a jury trial, they’re being charged hundreds of dollars if they want to appeal their verdict,” Rebecca Gau, executive director for Stand for Children Arizona, said. “It puts a price tage on justice.”  As the legislation awaits a final say from the governor, counties have braced for a potential impact to their own budgets in anticipation of another revenue stream cut with no appropriations to fill the gap.  “The issue isn’t whether a particular fee should exist,” Jacob Emnett, legislative director for the County Supervisors Association of Arizona, said in a statement. “The issue is that Arizona has built a court system that relies on fines, fees and county tax dollars, and lawmakers are increasingly reducing court-system revenues without replacing them.”  Carter introduced House Bill 2265 early in session, with support from Stand for Children Arizona, Justice Action Network and Fines and Fees Justice Center.  In launching the legislation, Carter said fees due for accessing a trial or an appeal essentially created two justice systems, with one reserved for those “rich enough to pay for access, and another that operates for the rest of us.”  The effort to remove certain court fees for adult defendants follows a successful push in 2023 to eliminate costs for juvenile defendants.  Gau said making the case for the adult system differed due to a “little less grace, and to some degree, understandably so.”  But she noted how the fee-based system can deter a defendant from taking a case to trial and effectively restrict access to the justice system.  “Essentially your access to ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is dependent upon your income,” Gau said. “You’ve got to be able to have a free and fair chance to prove your innocence in order for us to trust the justice system, and fortunately I think that message made sense to legislators on both sides of the aisle.” Under the current system, if a defendant requests or requires public defense, county courts first levy a maximum $25 fee to assess whether a defendant is indigent.  Defendants are then required to repay “a reasonable amount” to the county to reimburse for legal services costs. In deciding a “reasonable amount,” courts take into account a person’s resources and prospective financial burden.  All funds collected from fees go back into the public defense budget, though state law requires the assessments to “supplement, not supplant” funding for public legal services.  County courts can also charge jury fees and filing fees. And on appeal, the Arizona Supreme Court charges fees for each filing, appearance, answer and response.  As introduced, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee projected HB 2265 would result in a $3.7 million reduction in court revenue.  Emnett noted the state already relies heavily on county governments to fund its court system.  “The Association believes that as the state makes policy choices that increase court expenses or reduce court revenues, it should appropriate resources to support those decisions rather than simply shifting the burden to the county taxpayer,” Emnett said.  But Emily King, senior advocacy and campaigns strategist at the Fines and Fees Justice Center, noted the $3.7 million does not take into account the amount of time, manpower and money necessary to collect the $3.7 million.  “It only told half of the story,” King said.  King said stakeholders sought information from the counties on how much is being spent to obtain the $3.7 million but only heard back from Maricopa County, which reported collecting no funds from counsel, jury and appeals fees in the past five years.  “All signs pointed to this not being as big of a budget hit as it looked like on paper,” King said. “Because the cost savings argument was not eliminated or included.” Proponents noted how the fees can stack up and become an even heavier debt, complicating reentry and undermining the idea of a steady revenue stream for courts.  “These are folks with the least ability to pay,” Gau said. “So you’re not actually funding these things you think you’re funding.”  Gau noted, too, the fees cut here have nothing to do with restitution or fees associated with the crime itself and can work to hamper reentry in the process.  “Philosophically, they’ve paid their fines, they’ve paid their debts, but now they still owe thousands of dollars that keep them hounded by collection agencies,” Gau said. “That means wage garnishment, that means you can’t get an apartment, your credit is screwed. How are we expecting these people to get back on their feet?” The bill passed on June 10 and is now awaiting a final action from the governor.  The post Arizona governor receives bill to end several criminal court fees first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3592011972385678337aae Florida woman pleads guilty in scheme to sell thousands of fraudulent nursing diplomas te 2026-06-19T19:01:21.839Z Florida woman pleads guilty in scheme to sell thousands of fraudulent nursing diplomas A woman pleaded guilty this week to selling nearly 3,000 fraudulent nursing diplomas through schools she owned and operated in South Florida. Carleen Noreus, 52, took a plea deal after a two-week trial, during which prosecutors showed the jury dozens of exhibits, including some of the fake diplomas and transcripts given to people who had not completed the training to become registered nurses, per court records reviewed by Fox News Digital. "Nursing licenses must be earned through education, training, and demonstrated competence, not purchased through fraud," Jason A. Reding Quiñones, the U.S. attorney in Florida's southern district, said in a statement. "By selling thousands of fraudulent diplomas and transcripts, the defendant undermined the integrity of the nursing profession and our healthcare system," Quiñones continued. "The Southern District of Florida remains committed to holding accountable those who profit by corrupting professional licensing processes and placing the public at risk." WOMAN ACCUSED OF TREATING THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS AS A FAKE NURSE Noreus, who has been a registered nurse since 2002, sold the phony diplomas from April 2018 to October 2025, prosecutors said. The documents she sold enabled these people to sit for the national nursing board examinations without needing to go to nursing school, according to prosecutors. Nearly 2,300 people who obtained diplomas or transcripts from Noreus got licenses by passing the board exams and went on to work as nurses across the country, court documents said. Both of the schools she founded as avenues to sell the diplomas were named after her and were subsequently shut down by state authorities. She was the president of Carleen Home Health School, Inc., in Plantation and vice president of Carleen Home Health School II, Inc., in West Palm Beach. MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR HEALTHCARE FRAUD SCHEME INCLUDED GIVING PEOPLE 'UNNECESSARY' SKIN GRAFTS: DOJ Prosecutors said Noreus collaborated with others in the wide-ranging, multi-year scheme. In a statement of fact Noreus signed on Monday, she said Stanton Witherspoon, who was president of Carleen Home Health School II, paid her to falsify diplomas for entry-level nurses, registered nurses and bachelor's-level nurses. Additionally, Noreus admitted that she backdated transcripts issued to students to make it look as though they had received their degrees before her schools had been terminated by the state. Noreus pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to money laundering. She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each count. Noreus was one of 13 defendants charged in the second phase of Operation Nightingale, a nationwide investigation to uncover fraudulent nursing diploma mills. The first phase concluded in 2023, resulting in 30 defendants being charged and convicted. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358faa1972385678337a5a Man accused of killing wife on wedding night brought back to US after years on the run in Mexico te 2026-06-19T18:51:22.454Z Man accused of killing wife on wedding night brought back to US after years on the run in Mexico A Mexican man who had been on the run for more than a decade before his arrest in his native country last year for allegedly killing his wife on their wedding night in Illinois has been returned to the United States, the FBI said Thursday. Arnoldo Jimenez was brought back to the U.S. more than a year after he was captured on Jan. 30, 2025, by Mexican authorities working with U.S. law enforcement in Monterrey, Mexico. Jimenez had been on the FBI's Most Wanted list of fugitives. At the time he was taken into custody, he was the fourth-most wanted fugitive in the U.S. TRUMP ADMIN TELLS SENIOR FBI RANKS TO RESIGN OR BE FIRED "Thursday marks an important milestone for [FBI Chicago] — our personnel have successfully brought back FBI Most Wanted fugitive Arnoldo Jimenez from Mexico," the FBI said in a statement posted on X. "No matter how much time has passed or where a criminal may be in the world, the FBI will never stop in our pursuit of justice." FUGITIVE ON FBI'S MOST WANTED LIST FOR KILLING HIS BRIDE IN ILLINOIS CAPTURED IN MEXICO Authorities said Jimenez killed Estrella Carrera, 26, on their wedding night. Her body was found in the bathtub of her Burbank, Illinois, apartment on May 13, 2012, less than 48 hours after the couple married. Jimenez was charged with first-degree murder, and a state warrant was issued for his arrest on May 15, 2012. A federal warrant was issued two days later after Jimenez was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killing or a date for his first court appearance. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358da019723856783379ff EXCLUSIVE: Colin Cowherd explains why he stuck to sports as ESPN became 'rudderless' during Trump's presidency te 2026-06-19T18:42:40.207Z EXCLUSIVE: Colin Cowherd explains why he stuck to sports as ESPN became 'rudderless' during Trump's presidency When Colin Cowherd left ESPN for Fox Sports and iHeartRadio in 2015, there was an expectation that he would delve more deeply into politics. At the time, ESPN had mostly avoided political discourse on air. Instead, the opposite happened. Several commentators at ESPN used their platforms to spread political messaging following Donald Trump's candidacy and eventual presidency. Meanwhile, Cowherd largely avoided politics on his new show. To this day, Cowherd is one of the few major sports commentators whose political leanings and views on Trump remain largely unknown. EXCLUSIVE: Colin Cowherd Opens Up About Selling The Volume, Scaling Back Three-Hour Show, and Retirement Cowherd sat down with OutKick this week for a wide-ranging interview. Among the topics, we discussed why he chose to stick to sports when much of the industry did not. "Well, I always said I love Bill Maher, but I don't want to hear his football picks. I think Ben Shapiro is smart. I don't want to hear his picks either," Cowherd said. "My broadcast corporate executives pay me to talk sports." "I've always thought I was sort of a radical centrist. Sort of left on social programs, kind of center-right on fiscal policy. That's how I viewed myself," he explained. "Like a lot of my friends, I think there have been times since COVID when there's been Democrat overreach in policy and certain cultural shifts I don't necessarily agree with. There are times on the right where I don't think every time Trump gets on a plane and goes overseas I'd rather he not make a deal for himself and his family. I don't love that." "I think I'm critical of both, and I defend both." Specifically, Cowherd said, "Conservatives and Trump do a better job on our borders. I think their messaging is very clear on the economy and crime." "There are other things where I would move left," he cautioned. When asked about ESPN's shift toward politics and then away from it, Cowherd pointed to changes in leadership. "When [John] Skipper left, the first thing you noticed was ESPN started talking way more NFL, Bobby. They stopped talking politics." HERE IS HOW PAT MCAFEE HAS SURPASSED STEPHEN A SMITH AS THE FACE OF ESPN | BOBBY BURACK "I thought the company got kind of rudderless for a while," he explained. "It was like, guys, your audience wants football. They want sports. That's what they want." As for ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, Cowherd said he has helped steer the company back toward serving its audience. "I think Jimmy Pitaro has done a really good job. I think he's really bright, and I think they now talk about the right sports. They've got the right personalities. I think Fox's leadership and ESPN's leadership right now are very strong." Check out our full interview with Colin Cowherd on OutKick.com and YouTube. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358d8c19723856783379f6 Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland trade barbs, Forbidden Door 12-man tag team match set and more from 'Dynamite' te 2026-06-19T18:42:20.751Z Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland trade barbs, Forbidden Door 12-man tag team match set and more from 'Dynamite' Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland met face-to-face ahead of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament final at All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) Forbidden Door pay-per-view on June 28. The winner will earn an AEW World Championship shot at All In at Wembley Stadium. Ospreay has vowed to finally wrap the top AEW title around his waist. Strickland is hoping to get the taste of gold once more as he’s been on as big of a hot streak as Ospreay. Strickland said he hadn’t been liking what he’s seeing from Ospreay, adding that Ospreay has changed. Ospreay said that something changed in Strickland. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "It’s the way you’re looking at me. Do we have a problem? Do we need to have a chat about something" Ospreay asked. Strickland recalled him and Ospreay fighting against The Death Riders and now Ospreay is loosely aligning himself with the faction to get back in shape. He demanded an explanation about why Ospreay was surrounding himself with that team. Ospreay maintained he hasn’t forgiven or forgotten what The Death Riders did to him. Ospreay said people like Kenny Omega, The Opps and Darby Allin were trying to get him out of the cage as The Death Riders levied their assault on him but Strickland was hurt and nowhere to be found. Ospreay said he was going to help Adam Page get the AEW World Championship at All In: Texas before he was injured. But he saw Strickland have Page’s back. "Where were you and why didn’t you help me?" Ospreay asked Strickland. Before Strickland could answer, Ospreay slapped the mic out of his hand and said he didn’t need to hear what Strickland had to say. He pointed to the Forbidden Door sign and said that was bigger than any explanation that Strickland could offer. He reminded Strickland of his dream to perform at Wembley Stadium and he was one match away from being able to achieve his dream and that Strickland was standing in his way. Strickland said he wasn’t going to let anyone step over him to get the championship – not even Ospreay. He said Ospreay has never been able to beat him and things weren’t going to change at Forbidden Door. Ospreay hit Strickland with a forearm, sending him to the mat. Strickland was handed a chain and he started to whip it across the ring. Then, The Death Riders came out and appeared to have Ospreay’s back. "You’re wrong, Will. You really have changed," Strickland said, getting the last word. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM AEW world champion MJF opened "Dynamite" ripping the potential challengers to his title, including Swerve Strickland, Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega. He then turned his attention to Mark Brisoe, who he will lead a team against in a 12-man tag team steel cage match at Forbidden Door. "Do you know what the difference is between you and everyone I just mentioned on this list? Everyone I just mentioned is a top act, a star. You are not," MJF said. "They love you, Mark. You wanna know what they love you? They feel bad for you because your brother died. That’s horrible man. "To be honest, that’s not why I feel bad for you. I feel bad for you because you’re actually delusional enough to think you have a prayer at obtaining the triple B. Tonight, none of those prayers will be answered but all of ours will because we have concocted the most dangerous team that has ever existed." Don Callis then named the members of his faction who will be in support of MJF for the match: Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher, Jake Doyle, Kazuchika Okada and Andrade El Idolo. Andrade appeared to be upset he was chosen to be included. Later, Briscoe responded "I heard what you said. You said I ain’t suited to be world champ. Well, I’ve heard it before, Max," Briscoe said. "People say, Mark Briscoe, you got a glass ceiling. Well, that gives me all the more motivation to bust right through that thing." Briscoe said he will team with Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, Konosuke Takeshita and Darby Allin. If Briscoe’s team wins at Forbidden Door, he will earn a title shot against MJF. Mercedes Moné burst back onto the AEW scene as a wildcard entry into the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament. She defeated Alex Windsor in the first round and faced Hazuki in the semifinals. On Wednesday night, Moné topped Hazuki to become the first person in the women’s final. Moné is an accomplished wrestler but has never held the AEW Women’s World Championship. She’s the longest reigning TBS champion and been one of the biggest stars in the industry for several years. Adding the AEW Women’s World Championship to her list of accomplishments would put her in a different stratosphere among women’s professional wrestlers. Moné will face the winner of the Maya World and Athena in the final. The winner gets a shot at the women’s world title at Forbidden Door. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358d7919723856783379ed Viral German soccer fan Freddy invited for White House visit as fairy-tale trip across America continues te 2026-06-19T18:42:01.301Z Viral German soccer fan Freddy invited for White House visit as fairy-tale trip across America continues Freddy, the German soccer fan who has gone viral live-tweeting his fairy-tale experience in the United States, has another major visit on his docket. Ambassador Nick Adams, who is the Special Presidential Envoy for American, Tourism, Exceptionalism and Values in the Trump administration, confirmed to Fox News Digital that Freddy has been invited to the White House. Adams said he caught wind of Freddy early on during his trip to America and immediately became a "massive fan." Adams called Freddy’s journey to the United States a "fabulous thing for our country." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Freddy is one of hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to the USA and experiencing the incredible hospitality and generosity of the American people," Adams told Fox News Digital in a recent interview over the phone. "There is no place like America. We are the largest, loudest and most exciting destination on earth. And the things like unlimited chips and salsa, Buc-ee's, Bass Pro Shops, Route 44s at Sonic delivered by young men and women on roller skates delivered right to your car door. These are all experiences and opportunities that you can't get anywhere else. We are one country, but really the 50 states are like 50 different countries." Adams said he knew he had to reach out when Freddy declared his love for Country Music star Ella Langley. "I think it was the Ella Langley declaration that he was a big Ella Langley fan. So am I. And I thought this is exactly the kind of kind of guy that is taken to America. What a great ambassador for our country. What a great person to have representing what America is really like," Adams said. WHO IS THE GERMAN TOURIST WHOSE WORLD CUP ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE AMERICAN SOUTH IS WINNING OVER THE INTERNET Freddy was invited to Langley’s concert on Thursday night and got to meet her. Visiting with Langley was one of many surreal experiences the German soccer fan has gotten to experience during his trip to America. The German soccer fan and his two friends have been given tours of the New Orleans Saints’ and New Orleans Pelicans' facilities, been put up in a hotel by Houston Texans great J.J. Watt, took a tour of LSU and Tiger Stadium, hung out with the Houston Police Department, met the mayor of Houston, and took a tour of the International Space Station with NASA. Adams, who has family that is German and speaks the language fluently, said that he was able to connect with Freddy and invite him for a tour of the State Department, the White House, and an opportunity to see the "most beautiful capitol of the world" in Washington, D.C. Adams said it was important to recognize Freddy as someone who isn’t from America but loves the country nonetheless. "I think it's really important that we recognize people that truly love and appreciate our country that are not Americans. People that genuinely come here and feel a great affection for the American people and the American way of life, and all of the things that make us so unique and so exceptional," Adams said. "Americans are the most hospitable people and, as the ambassador for tourism, the tourism minister of the United States, the onus is on me to exemplify that very hospitality by extending an invitation for Freddy to come and have an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience to see up close and personal the inside of the White House." WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE Adams said he has not spoken with President Donald Trump about Freddy yet but knows the German fan will be "very welcome." "I haven't had an opportunity to speak to the president yet about it, but the president is usually aware of a lot of what's going on. That much I can assure you. I think that Freddy is going to be very welcome. Freddy is one of many fans who are having an incredible first experience in America through their World Cup trip. Adams is thrilled that the world is now getting an unfiltered view of what foreigners think of America. "No one puts on a spectacle like America, and no one is as friendly and as welcoming and as hospitable as the American people. I'm just so happy that the defamation of America and the American people by a lot of the international news media and by people with a vested interest to attack America that are envious of us, that now through social media, which is a direct unfiltered view into what people really think," Adams said. "We're getting the true story and the true sentiments of everyday people from around the world about America and about the American people." FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE Adams called America’s hospitality the "industry gold standard," and said the World Cup has helped dispel so many notions about the country. "That American hospitality is the industry gold standard. That rather than hearing through fake news narratives about how awful America is and how unsafe it is and how expensive it is, and how inhospitable and unwelcoming Americans are to people from other countries. We always knew that was absolute nonsense. And now we have very solid proof and evidence by these Japanese tourists, by these German tourists, by people from every country that have come over here to experience the World Cup," Adams said. "We're unrivaled. We're unmatched. We're unparalleled in landscapes and offerings. Whatever you're into, whatever you like, America's got it." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358d6519723856783379e4 NYPD officer shot, gunman killed after armed barricaded standoff in Brooklyn: police te 2026-06-19T18:41:41.840Z NYPD officer shot, gunman killed after armed barricaded standoff in Brooklyn: police A 15-year veteran of the New York City Police Department (NYPD)’s Emergency Service Unit (ESU) was shot in the leg Friday morning during an hours-long standoff with an armed barricaded man in Brooklyn, authorities said. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the incident unfolded at about 5:45 a.m. local time when officers from the 79th precinct responded to a 911 call reporting multiple shots fired inside a two-story home in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The gunman, identified as Lamin Simmons, 48, allegedly fired roughly 20 rounds throughout the standoff, Tisch said. NYPD RELEASES DRAMATIC BODY CAM FOOTAGE OF OFFICERS TACKLING ALLEGED TEEN GUNMAN IN BROOKLYN CHASE Drone footage allegedly captured Simmons wielding a handgun, and at about 8:30 a.m., he hurled large items — including a microwave, lamp and pots and pans — out of a window at officers staged in the backyard below. While Simmons' wife and son safely escaped the house and told police about his history of mental illness, an elderly couple remained trapped on the floor above, Tisch said.  Police determined the incident initially stemmed from a dispute involving the couple. MAMDANI CALLS ON DA TO NOT PROSECUTE MENTALLY ILL MAN SHOT BY POLICE DURING KNIFE ATTACK At 8:52 a.m., ESU officers entered the home and encountered Simmons at the top of the stairs, Tisch said. He allegedly ignored multiple direct police orders to drop his gun and opened fire on the officers, striking detective Matthew Gale in the left leg. At least four officers returned fire, striking Simmons, who was later taken to Woodhull Hospital and pronounced dead, police said. Investigators recovered two weapons at the scene: a Jimenez Arms .380 caliber handgun and a Beretta handgun equipped with an extended magazine, Tisch said. NYC SHOOTING: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SHANE TAMURA, GUNMAN WHO KILLED 4 INCLUDING NYPD COP IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN Simmons did not have prior documented history with the NYPD. Gale suffered a tibial fracture but remains in stable condition and in "good spirits" at Kings County Hospital, where he is expected to survive, according to authorities. Tisch praised the wounded detective and the ESU for consistently handling the city's most volatile assignments, saying they "met that danger with uncommon valor." "What happened this morning is a reminder that the men and women of the NYPD routinely place themselves between danger and the people that they serve. They enter situations that are uncertain and volatile and often life-threatening," Tisch said. "This morning, detective Gale put his life on the line doing exactly that." "We like to say that when the public needs help, they call the police, and when the police need help, they call ESU," she continued. "Today, once again, they met that danger with uncommon valor." New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the hospital to thank the medical staff and commend Gale's bravery, noting, "He put on his uniform, he left his house, he said goodbye to his family, and he went to his job to keep our city safe." "When New Yorkers call 911, they expect someone to show up," Mamdani said. "What this officer, and so many others, [did] today was exactly that. I want to thank the first responders and the officers who acted so swiftly in the aftermath of this shooting, and I know that all New Yorkers will join me in wishing detective Gale a full and speedy recovery." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358d2819723856783379c8 New prison mail policy sparks constitutional concern over inmate privacy te 2026-06-19T18:40:40.408Z New prison mail policy sparks constitutional concern over inmate privacy Key Points:  New prison mail barcode policy sparks concerns from inmates, attorneys Advocates warn changes will hinder self-represented litigants’ access to the courts  Corrections officials defend the policy as lawful, necessary to curb contraband Advocates are flagging constitutional and confidentiality concerns over a new state prison policy requiring specialized bar codes and additional scrutiny over inmates’ legal mail.  The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry maintains the policy change to legal mail processing will help prevent the introduction of illicit drugs and contraband banned by the department — items like sexually explicit materials and descriptions or depictions of drugs, violence and criminality. It also claims it will do so while keeping the confidentiality of legal mail intact.  But those advocating for incarcerated individuals see it differently, with a national and state group now considering legal challenges against the order.  “The state and the Department of Corrections are very vulnerable to litigation,” Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, said.  Kendrick said the ACLU National Prison Project was reviewing the policy internally and contemplating the best path forward for legal challenge. Donna Hamm, executive director of Middle Ground Prison Reform, said the organization was in the process of securing attorneys to take the case.  The ADCRR maintains the new policy is legally sound. “ADCRR is fully confident in the appropriateness, legality, and constitutionality of the changes being made,” a spokesperson for ADCRR said in a statement.  In December, the department took its first step toward implementing the new policy by redirecting all general mail to a facility in Texas tasked with digitally scanning and uploading inmates’ letters to the tablet system. A month later, all packages, publications and official government mail started going straight to a central address for security scanning.  With the dawn of digitization, the department signaled future change to legal mail, too. And on June 8, the department fulfilled its promise, laying out the new system and a new definition for the term “legal mail.”  Beyond correspondence from an inmate’s attorney, a judge or the court, the definition of legal mail accounted for pro se or pro per litigants, or people representing themselves.  But in the new order, the department cut out those who assist pro se litigants in making their case, and are now sending letters from paralegals, private investigators and private process servers through digitization. Hamm said by limiting the legal mail definition, the department has “completely decimated the ability for proper inmates, of whom there are thousands within the Department of Corrections, to appropriately and effectively litigate their claims.”  Those claims can include inmates pursuing criminal appeals, post-conviction relief petitions, medical claims dealing with gross negligence and deliberate indifference and mistreatment inside prison walls.  She noted the lack of confidentiality in the digitization process, the delays in receiving mail and the instances where mail heads to the wrong inmate’s tablet.  “I can list a dozen potential problems with that, and they’re all directly related to access to the court,” Hamm said. “That is supposed to be sacrosanct.”  She added that inmates have limited access to law libraries and legal assistance under the U.S. Supreme Court decision Lewis v. Casey. The case, which originated out of Arizona, affirmed inmates’ right of access to the courts but found that unless the inmate is substantially harmed by the deficiency, that right is not violated by a lack of access to legal research or help.  “It’s long been said that rights without remedies are no rights at all, and so there has to be a remedy for a pro per inmate who has an equal right to access the court as one who’s represented by a lawyer,” Hamm said.  John Fabricius, executive director of Praxis Initiative who was formerly incarcerated in ADCRR, echoed the same, noting the existing difficulties in litigating sans an attorney.  He noted troubles in navigating short deadlines set in the grievance process and getting a claim in front of a court in the first place.  “The courts are the only and last remedy that inmates have in there when the state is oppressing them and harming them and hurting them,” Fabricius said. “Now what the director has done is he has effectively shut the door to the courthouse.”  Beyond violations of right of access to the court, Kendrick claimed the policy raised potential violations of the First Amendment rights of attorneys as well.  As one of the attorneys leading on the ongoing healthcare class action lawsuit against the department, Kendrick said she and her co-counsel receive and respond to hundreds of letters from incarcerated people reporting problems related to compliance with the healthcare injunction.  “We can’t use the tablet system because those emails are all scanned and read and cataloged by the department. Ethically, we cannot communicate with our clients in a way that is not confidential,” Kendrick said. “This is just creating huge burdens on us as advocates, but also on incarcerated people who are trying to provide information to us or to the court.”  In a statement provided by a spokesperson, Dave Byers, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, said the judiciary would not be able to implement the policy as proposed by ADCRR. “ADCRR just recently contacted AOC to inform us of their new policy. We explained that we would need to discuss with our 180 trial courts and have been coordinating with them. We are meeting with the presiding judges,” Byers said. “In addition, we have offered alternative means to help accomplish their goal as we would not be able to meet or execute their policy as proposed.” The Clerk of the Court for the federal court in the District of Arizona did not respond to inquiries regarding input and implementation of the legal mail policy. The department maintains it “will continue its regular, transparent, and collaborative communication with Arizona’s legal community, various court systems, and judicial stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition as these updates go into effect.” Per the department, the policy will take effect July 13 with a 30-day grace period. After the 30 days, though, all mail missing a barcode or sent directly to a prison complex instead of a central facility will be returned to sender.  The post New prison mail policy sparks constitutional concern over inmate privacy first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358ad11972385678337968 Chanting and Celebrating, U.S. Soccer Fans March to the Match te 2026-06-19T18:30:41.870Z Chanting and Celebrating, U.S. Soccer Fans March to the Match Adopting a tradition from Europe, thousands of caffeinated and beer-fueled fans marched through Seattle to the contest between the United States and Australia. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358abe197238567833795d Two-time Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year joins NAU transfer class te 2026-06-19T18:30:22.419Z Two-time Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year joins NAU transfer class Dylan Anderson returns to his home state after stops at Arizona, Boise State and Murray State. He joins a sizable NAU transfer class. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3588791972385678337903 Judge asked to dismiss Arizona fake electors case, allow future refiling te 2026-06-19T18:20:41.146Z Judge asked to dismiss Arizona fake electors case, allow future refiling PHOENIX -- Attorney General Kris Mayes is dropping the criminal charges against the "fake electors'' and their allies -- for now. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35864b1972385678337788 Fox News AI Newsletter: Bezos predicts labor shortage te 2026-06-19T18:11:23.069Z Fox News AI Newsletter: Bezos predicts labor shortage IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER: - Jeff Bezos predicts AI will create a labor shortage, not replace human workers across the economy - OpenAI faces multistate investigation into data handling and chatbot behavior - AI-designed 'universal vaccine' passes first human clinical trial, could prevent future pandemics WORK IN PROGRESS: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) won't lead to the replacement of humans in the workforce and will instead create labor shortages. UNDER SCRUTINY: OpenAI faces a multistate investigation led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, scrutinizing its data handling, minor safety and chatbot behavior. This comes as the company reportedly slashes product prices and prepares for a potential IPO, amid accusations from Florida's AG regarding unsafe product releases. FUTURE-PROOFED: A vaccine created using artificial intelligence that could potentially provide broader protection against multiple coronaviruses and help prepare for future outbreaks has passed its first human clinical trial. POWER STRUGGLE: As data center projects continue to get shut down across the country, "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary and other investors are warning that the facilities are needed to compete with China in the artificial intelligence race. TABLES TURNED: As artificial intelligence (AI) companies race toward IPOs and scramble to construct data centers, a new Fox News Poll finds voters now view Big Tech — not Big Government — as the greater threat to the nation's future, a striking turnaround from seven years ago. PERSONAL SHOPPER: Amazon Alexa and Echo VP Daniel Rausch discusses the extensive A.I. overhaul of Alexa, now dubbed Alexa+. He explains new capabilities like personalized shopping assistance for Prime Day and more. Rausch emphasizes the vision to make customers' lives easier, announcing global expansion into over 10 additional countries, including Brazil, while supporting devices up to eight years old. AUTOPILOT WARFARE: We are watching a fundamental restructuring of how military power works, and most of the institutions responsible for governing it are still thinking in the previous century. And this is all due to how AI is rapidly changing warfare. RESTORING INDEPENDENCE: In honor of America's 250th birthday, Meta is donating Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to every legally blind veteran. Army veteran Don Overton, who served in the 82nd Airborne, describes how the glasses have restored his independence and dignity. Meta President Dina Powell McCormick highlights Don's collaboration with Meta to optimize features for blind veterans. SILICON SHIELD: The Senate Banking Committee convened a hearing June 11 around a question that cuts to the core of American competitiveness and the American Dream: Can the United States ensure that rapid advances in artificial intelligence support "innovation, affordability, and American dominance? CYBERCRIME BUST: The FBI, Google and Black Lotus Labs helped disrupt a massive China-based phishing-as-a-service operation known as Outsider Enterprise. Authorities say the operation powered fake websites built to steal credit card numbers, passwords and other personal information. FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook Instagram YouTube X LinkedIn SIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Health DOWNLOAD OUR APPS Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE Fox News Go STREAM FOX NATION Fox Nation Stay 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 News here. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35842e1972385678337744 Video of Sedona Mayoral and City Council candidate forum at SPAC te 2026-06-19T18:02:22.121Z Video of Sedona Mayoral and City Council candidate forum at SPAC Sedona voters heard directly from local candidates during the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Mayoral & City Council Candidate Forum, hosted in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona and the Sedona Lodging Council, at Sedona Red Rock High School’s Sedona Performing Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35841a1972385678337724 Brooks Nader flaunts her toned abs in black bikini while filming her reality show te 2026-06-19T18:02:02.154Z Brooks Nader flaunts her toned abs in black bikini while filming her reality show Brooks Nader is showing off her toned abs on social media. In a series of photos shared on her Instagram stories, the 29-year-old reality star gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at filming the upcoming second season of her hit reality show, "Love Thy Nader." The model posed for photos in a black bikini paired with red sweatpants with white stripes on the sides, as she stood in front of a swimming pool. One of the photos showed her looking at the pool from behind, while the other featured her facing the camera. She accessorized the look with a large gold statement cross necklace and a pair of black sunglasses, and styled her hair in a messy bun. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT MODEL BROOKS NADER MAKES A SPLASH IN SKIMPY GOLD BIKINI FOR 7TH APPEARANCE Cameramen and other crew members are visible behind her in one of the photos. Another photo showed Nader sipping on a cup of coffee as crew members relax in the background, tagging @lovethynader. Another showed the dashboard of a car with a camera propped on it. "Love Thy Nader" stars the model and her sisters, Sarah Jane, Grace Ann and Mary Holland, with the first season following the foursome as they moved to New York City from Louisiana to pursue careers in fashion. "I will not say it has been easy," she told The Hollywood Reporter in August 2025 about being on reality TV. "The biggest adjustment, I think, wasn’t even the cameras. It was me having lived with my ex[-husband from] 18 to 27 and then going back to square one and moving in with all my sisters, and the chaos that follows that. That was the biggest adjustment, more so than being on television." Nader met her ex-husband, Billy Haire, who is 11 years her senior, in 2015, when she was 19 years old, and the two got married in 2019, and were together for around five years when they announced their divorce in 2024. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER During a season one episode of the reality show, Nader's parents revealed they still keep in touch with their former son-in-law, with her father telling her, "You and Billy have your own relationship, I have my own relationship." "It’s a part of my story. It’s a part of what shaped me," she said on "The Viall Files" podcast in August 2025. "It was a really, really hard decision to get a divorce just because you don’t love somebody. That’s why I did it." In addition to filming the second season of her hit reality show, Nader is filming the first season of the "Baywatch" reboot, which also stars Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, Jessica Belkin and others. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Nader is set to play Selene, a captain of the Zuma Beach Lifeguards, who often clashes with Amell's character, Hobie Buchannon, her fellow co-captain. While she was excited to be a part of the project, some critics slammed the casting choice online, calling it "influencer casting, not acting" and slamming the project as "a JOKE" with an "awful cast," after she was announced as part of the cast. "I think that the times are different, and everyone is so multi-hyphenate now. And you can be both an actor and an influencer and have influence," Nader told the Daily Mail in March. "And that's the beauty of the culture that social media has created." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a358406197238567833771b Florida AG launches civil rights investigation into MLB's warning to Christian pitchers over Pride Night caps te 2026-06-19T18:01:42.697Z Florida AG launches civil rights investigation into MLB's warning to Christian pitchers over Pride Night caps The attorneys general from Missouri and Florida have reacted strongly to the controversy stirred when Major League Baseball warned three San Francisco Giants players about inscribing a Bible verse on their Pride Night caps, and that reaction includes MLB being served with a subpoena that signals the launch of an official investigation. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched his investigation on Friday by serving MLB with a subpoena to investigate whether it is violating the civil rights of players based on their religious beliefs. The general purpose and scope of Florida's investigation "extend(s) to possible civil rights and deceptive and unfair trade practices violations in matters of employment concerning the business practices, policies, and procedures of Major League Baseball," per the subpoena obtained by Fox News Digital. In a letter from Uthmeier to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred, the AG warns that "a pattern or practice of selectively enforcing its rules to benefit favored secular beliefs over disfavored religious beliefs would not only potentially violate Florida civil rights law, but it would also violate the League’s own policies. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL FACES BACKLASH FOR ITS STANCE ON CHRISTIANS WRITING BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE CAPS "And a practice of claiming not to discriminate based on religion while discriminating based on religion could further amount to an unfair or deceptive trade practice in violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act." Uthmeier is particularly troubled by the fact MLB said its warning had nothing to do with the players' religious beliefs but rather was strictly because of a violation of the league's uniform code. It should be noted MLB said in a follow-up statement to its initial warning to the players that it was merely enforcing its uniform codes and the warning had nothing to do with Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker writing a Bible verse on the team's Pride Night Cap most of the other players wore. MLB ACCUSED OF 'DOUBLE STANDARD' AFTER CALLING OUT PLAYERS' BIBLE MESSAGES DESPITE BACKING BLM IN 2020 Uthmeier noted that doesn't ring true and presented in his letter a handful of examples where MLB has been absolutely fine with players adding to their uniform. "In 2019, for example, a Cincinnati Reds player wrote on his cap in tribute to a nearby mass shooting," Uthmeier wrote to Manfred. "And in 2020, MLB evidently added new, sweeping exceptions to its uniform rules by allowing players to 'support social justice and diversity and inclusion.' These policy changes included permitting players to add Black Lives Matter patches to their sleeves. "MLB therefore appears to applaud — even change its rules for — the ideological beliefs it prefers, but targets players who express religious views the League doesn’t like." The Florida subpoena, issued under the Florida Civil Rights Act, demands action from MLB on July 23, 2026, at 9 a.m.. At that time, MLB must deliver to the AG's office documents including: Uthmeier is thus joining Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, who recently wrote a letter to Manfred asking the commissioner to confirm that no player who has chosen to refrain from "wearing Pride Month paraphernalia or included Bible verses on Pride Month hats" will not be disciplined in any way. Hanaway's letter states that if Manfred fails to answer by June 25 or does not confirm that no discipline will be levied, she too will open an investigation of MLB. The two attorneys general have authority over their individual states. But it affects four MLB teams. Florida is home to two MLB teams — the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins — while Missouri is home to the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3583f3197238567833770d EXCLUSIVE: Vice President JD Vance To Speak With Arizonans In Tucson te 2026-06-19T18:01:23.255Z EXCLUSIVE: Vice President JD Vance To Speak With Arizonans In Tucson By Staff Reporter | Vice President JD Vance will appear next week in Tucson to deliver remarks and speak with Arizonans about America’s future.  Vance will speak at Roche Tissue Diagnostics in Oro Valley on Monday. The vice president will discuss the future of the Republican Party and its next steps to continue putting America first. Arizona Republican Party Chairman Sergio Arellano told AZ Free News that Vance has been very involved in electing solid candidates across the country, and that this event would be an opportunity for Arizonans to participate in that effort.  “I am thrilled to invite my fellow Republicans to join us as we hear from our great vice president of the United States,” said Arellano. “The vice president and President Trump have done a remarkable job of bringing peace and prosperity to the globe. I am excited to hear about his plans to make sure that Republicans can continue to make America great again.” Vance will address Arizonans fresh from handling the rapidly evolving effort to secure peace in the Middle East, after a tentative ceasefire agreement and the cancellation of anticipated talks between the U.S. and Iran on Friday. The vice president was scheduled to visit Switzerland for those talks, but that trip was postponed.  During a Thursday press briefing at the White House, Vance warned Israel against criticizing President Donald Trump’s memorandum of understanding with Iran. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled opposition — reportedly expressing it more frankly in private — to the president’s peace plan.  “Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time,” said Vance. “If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.” WATCH IN FULL: @VP speaks to reporters in the White House Press Briefing Room pic.twitter.com/mOVTSaD8bp — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 18, 2026 Trump has promised in talks with reporters and on social media that the U.S. remains focused on achieving peace through a complete ceasefire. Vance has not ruled out a presidential run altogether. The vice president revealed in an interview with CBS earlier this week that the fate of his presidential aspirations would be tied to future conversations with his wife following the midterm elections later this year.  “[T]he way that I make decisions is that I try not to make them until I absolutely must,” said Vance. Under Arellano, the Arizona Republican Party has focused its involvement in issues relevant at both the local and national scale, like bolstering election integrity and combating the homeless epidemic.  The Arizona Republican Party also hosted the head of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, last month in Mesa to address the waste, fraud, and abuse of Medicaid funds, another pressing topic for taxpayers concerned with the adequacy of government program oversight.  The Tucson speaking event with the vice president is scheduled for Monday, June 22. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., with programming to begin at 11:30 a.m. Individuals interested in attending must register in advance, with one ticket available per person on a first-come, first-serve basis. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post EXCLUSIVE: Vice President JD Vance To Speak With Arizonans In Tucson first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35819b19723856783376ae Christian Pulisic out for United States' World Cup game against Australia as calf injury lingers te 2026-06-19T17:51:23.050Z Christian Pulisic out for United States' World Cup game against Australia as calf injury lingers Christian Pulisic tried to get healthy in time for the United States Men’s National Team’s second World Cup game, but one week was not enough time. After injuring his calf in the World Cup opener and hardly practicing all week, the United States will not have its superstar on the pitch against Australia.  Manager Mauricio Pochettino announced the news on FOX Sports' pregame show, saying Ricardo Pepi will be in the starting lineup instead. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, suffered a calf injury that led to him being subbed out after the first half last week. Pochettino was asked constantly about Pulisic’s status for Friday and stayed mum for the most part – evidently, understandably so. On Thursday, Pochettino said his star player was "much better" than when he suffered the injury and would at the very least be available for their final group stage game next week against Turkey. Pochettino said the staff and Pulisic would meet Thursday night – apparently, if that meeting happened, it was not promising. Pochettino added that Pulisic was making a "massive effort trying to be ready," understanding that the U.S. star wants to be out on the pitch with the rest of his teammates. HOW TO WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA: LIVE STREAM THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP During the team’s practice on Thursday, Pulisic did much of what he’s been seen doing all week – performing a modified training session and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion. Sebastian Berhalter came on at halftime for Pulisic in the opener, while starting midfielder Malik Tillman raised his already impressive game in Pulisic’s absence. With Australia defeating Turkey in its first World Cup match, this bout between these two teams will determine who takes sole possession of first place in Group D. With a victory, it would be the first time since the very first World Cup that the United States won back-to-back games in the tournament. The winner of this match will clinch a spot in the Round of 32. But with Pulisic out, the mountain to climb just got a little higher. Fox News’ Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a357f42197238567833764d Medal of Honor recipient James Capers Jr. says recognition is bittersweet after losing 'so much' te 2026-06-19T17:41:22.518Z Medal of Honor recipient James Capers Jr. says recognition is bittersweet after losing 'so much' Nearly six decades after leading his Marines through a brutal ambush in Vietnam, retired Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor Thursday by President Donald Trump. The 88-year-old, who is widely recognized as the "father of Marine Corps Special Operations," dedicated the medal to the young men who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. "I can't say I'm happy to be here, because this award belongs to a lot of young men who followed me and died in battlefields around this world for a country that we honor this flag," Capers said Friday on "Fox & Friends." TRUMP SIGNS MEDAL OF HONOR ACT TO RAISE PENSIONS FOR AMERICA'S MILITARY HEROES The ceremony conferred the nation’s highest military award upon three veterans — two from the Vietnam War and one from the Afghanistan War. Trump honored retired Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery and presented the award posthumously to Marine Col. John W. Ripley, who died in 2008. Capers served in the Vietnam War, where he heroically saved his fellow Marines in combat. In 1967, his unit was ambushed in the jungle. Several service members were gravely injured that day, including Capers himself. Even after suffering a stomach wound, a broken leg and heavy bleeding, he refused to quit. Capers continued leading his men, holding off the enemy until a medevac helicopter could reach them. He explained that what drove him through those difficult moments was his fellow Marines. ROB RIGGLE EXPRESSES 'DEEP PATRIOTISM,' LOVE FOR THE COUNTRY WHILE DISCUSSING TIME IN MARINE CORPS "When your men [are] in peril, and you have an opportunity to save your men, then that's what I chose to do, to get off the helicopter, to lighten the load so that my men can survive," Capers said. Capers was also the first African American to lead a Marine recon company and receive a battlefield commission. He has now been officially inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, though Capers admitted he has felt a sense of survivor's guilt over the praise. "It was a difficult time for me because I felt a little guilty because I didn't really [feel] like I deserved it. But all of the men and women that served, and I get to do something like this, it's a wonderful day, and I'm honored," Capers said. GARY SINISE SAYS VETERANS DAY IS A REMINDER THAT THE MISSION NEVER ENDS FOR THOSE WHO SERVE He explained the heavy toll that his service took on himself, his family and those around him. "I lost a lot of good men in battlefields and I fought two wars and suffered 19 bullet holes and along the way out of the battle zones. My son died in my arms of appendicitis and my wife of 50 years died of cancer," he said. "So I had to survive that on top of losing wonderful Marines, Special Operations Marines, in combat. So there's no real satisfaction in getting a medal when I've lost so much." Despite the immense personal loss he has endured, he credited the military community for stepping up to support him in his moments of need. "Well, that's what the military does. We're one unit, and when one falls, somebody else has to replace that person who fell," Capers said. "So I feel honored to have the support that I find today. I'm honored, and I give gratitude to the ones who made this happen." During the White House ceremony, Trump thanked the three veterans for their unparalleled service, saying, "We will never, ever forget you." Capers' story of heroism is retold in "The Iron Major: James Capers Jr.," streaming now on Fox Nation. Last November, Capers was recognized at the seventh annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards, receiving the "Salute to Service Award." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a357cfe19723856783375fa English fans take over Billy Bob's honky tonk in Fort Worth following win over Croatia te 2026-06-19T17:31:42.287Z English fans take over Billy Bob's honky tonk in Fort Worth following win over Croatia Following its 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, TX, on Wednesday, England had every reason to breathe a huge sigh of relief While it didn't win them a trophy, the win allowed the Three Lions to exorcise some demons from eight years ago, when the Croatians knocked England out of the tournament in the semifinals, denying them an opportunity to capture their first World Cup since 1966. The players were certainly elated following the performance, but the fans may have been even more excited, as they took to the streets of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, partying into the wee hours of the morning. The celebration eventually made its way to Billy Bob's, the "world's largest honky tonk," located in the historic stockyards of Fort Worth. BRITISH WORLD CUP FANS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF AMERICAN HOT DOGS DURING THE TOURNAMENT, BUY A BOND BIKE & MEAT! And, if you know anything about Texans, they are always super welcoming, taking the Brits in with open arms and even playing their unofficial soccer theme song, "Three Lions (It's Coming Home)." I can't think of anything more beautiful than a bunch of Texans opening their doors to English soccer fans and joining in their revelry. I've been to Billy Bob's several times in my life, and I can't say I would have ever seen this coming. THE VERDICT IS IN: EUROPEANS ARE OBSESSED WITH RURAL AMERICA DURING 2026 WORLD CUP STAY Sure, Texans are very hospitable, but playing anything other than country music over the speakers is normally considered sacrilege in that establishment. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE It's nice to see the cowboys and the limeys coming together and celebrating as one, which is exactly what this World Cup has been all about. No department of tourism could ever recreate the genuine awe we are seeing from everyday fans on social media experiencing the United States for the first time. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE From Japanese fans discovering barbecue to the Scots making a pilgrimage to Buc-ee's, the love all these foreign visitors keep showing to America is heartwarming, to say the least. Just don't go winning the whole thing on American soil, okay, England? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a357cea19723856783375f1 Reporter's Notebook: How Trump's surprise move on DNI confirmation upended key Senate deal on FISA te 2026-06-19T17:31:22.837Z Reporter's Notebook: How Trump's surprise move on DNI confirmation upended key Senate deal on FISA They didn’t know what to do. Just before 4 a.m. ET on Wednesday, President Trump blindsided everyone in the U.S. Senate. In a post on Truth Social, the president declared he was "cancelling the Senate hearing" for his Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton. Moreover, the President said he would withhold Clayton’s nomination from "going forward until Jamie McDonald is approved to be U.S. Attorney." If confirmed, Clayton would vacate his post as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. That’s the slot for which the President is nominating McDonald. TRUMP SAYS SENATE HEARING ON DNI NOMINEE IS CANCELED UNTIL US ATTORNEY REPLACEMENT CONFIRMED So what would happen with the hearing? Lawmakers and aides scrambled as they woke to the news Wednesday morning. After all, Trump is the president. He doesn’t have the authority to cancel a Senate hearing. "Yeah. I don't think that's his call," said Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., a member of the Intelligence Committee. One senior source told Fox News they presumed that Clayton’s confirmation hearing would forge ahead. Another told Fox the fate of the hearing was "undetermined." On one hand, lawmakers and aides had to first digest what was happening. Was the President withdrawing Clayton’s nomination? Was he saying he just wasn’t allowing Clayton to testify? Did the head of the executive branch really believe he could bigfoot a congressional hearing? Or was this the president flexing his political muscle, testing Senate Republicans to see how compliant they might be with his intimation — and potentially cancel the hearing on their own? So was Clayton’s hearing on or off? "Are we going to have an Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing today?" yours truly asked panel Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., as he slid behind a backdoor to a hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Silence from Cotton. SCOOP: TOP GOP SEN. COTTON TO MEET WITH EMBATTLED TRUMP DEFENSE NOMINEE AS DOUBTS SWIRL "Do you know the answer?" I followed up. "Do you think the President overstepped his bounds, saying he was canceling the hearing?" I continued. By that point, Cotton was well behind the doorway and it closed. "I have never seen anything quite like this," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., one of the longest-serving members on the Intelligence Committee in Senate history. "Everybody else is going to have to keep guessing for a while." It was Washington whiplash. "Things change around here pretty quick, Chad," quipped Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. But a bit later, Cotton finally weighed-in when he posted on X that the hearing would proceed. The Arkansas Republican then materialized again in the hallway, heading for an elevator bank. "To be clear, you will proceed with the hearing and you expect Jay Clayton to be there despite what the President said?" I asked. A steel-faced Cotton stared straight ahead at the green elevator door. "Chad, you have our statement," said a terse Cotton. But an hour later, Cotton ditched the hearing after the President blocked Clayton from testifying. "It's regrettable that the President has directed Jay Clayton not to appear at his confirmation hearing today," said Cotton in a new statement on X. "While today's hearing is now unfortunately postponed, I look forward to proceeding with his confirmation in the near future." The stunning reversal left everyone trying to grasp what happened. And what might be next. SPRINT TO CONFIRM TRUMP NOMINEES KICKS OFF IN JANUARY "I am not sure whether Jay Clayton has simply been postponed or withdrawn," mused Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the Vice Chairman of the Intelligence Committee. "I wonder whether Jay Clayton knows whether he has been postponed or withdrawn." Democrats and Republicans brokered a fragile agreement weeks ago to renew FISA Section 702. The intelligence community argues that program is the powerful tool in the American arsenal to track and combat potential terrorism. Congress repeatedly punted a full renewal for months. But with both bodies on the precipice of reauthorizing the program, President Trump announced he would install housing czar Bill Pulte as interim DNI. Democrats balked at Pulte, noting he had no intelligence experience. Plus, they viewed him as a political hack who would run roughshod over America’s intelligence apparatus. So Democrats pulled their support from the FISA compromise. Most Republicans weren’t exactly enamored with Pulte, either. And those worried about the nation’s security pushed to block Pulte from entering the DNI’s office. That’s why Cotton scheduled Clayton’s confirmation hearing so quickly. It was thought that the Senate might be able to pivot after the hearing and confirm Clayton on the floor late this week or early next. Rapid confirmation of Clayton was essential. Such a scenario would unlock Democrats' votes to reauthorize FISA Section 702 after the program’s congressional blessing expired a week ago. That was the plan. At least until the president initiated the firestorm over Clayton’s confirmation hearing this week. "Another Trump victory gets upended by an impulse," vented Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. "It's frustrating." WHY TRUMP PICKED BILL PULTE TO LEAD US INTELLIGENCE AS CRITICS QUESTION HIS QUALIFICATIONS But wait. There’s more. President Trump inserted another chestnut — or hot potato — into his pre-dawn Truth Social screed. Especially if you thought the president was going to make it easy for Congress to hastily re-up FISA as soon as the Senate confirmed Clayton. "To add a slight bit of intrigue but, for the Good of the Nation, and the People of our Country, I will not approve FISA without THE SAVE AMERICA ACT going along with it," Trump said. He added that his plan was for Pulte to "remain as the Acting Director of National Intelligence" and declared that "Republicans fell into a trap." The SAVE America Act is the touchstone of President Trump’s 2026 legislative agenda. It requires proof of citizenship to vote. However, the bill has never garnered even 50 yeas in the Senate on two previous test votes. "We've got to pass the SAVE America Act and conditioning passage of FISA on the prior passage of SAVE America would be a great thing," said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. Other Senate Republicans were more realistic, based on the legislative history of the SAVE America Act. "You can't always get what you want," said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. "I mean, I want a Porsche for my birthday. I'm not going to get it." TRUMP, THUNE CLASH ON VOTER ID ULTIMATUM AS GOP REMAINS DIVIDED ON PATH FORWARD Democrats seethed about national security as Republicans squirmed. "We had a path forward as of yesterday (on FISA) and today we don't," said Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. "This has become a complete debacle and now it's up to the White House to figure out a path forward here." No one knows what’s next for Clayton. Or McDonald. Or FISA. And there’s high skepticism anything happens on the SAVE America Act. So it’s all in a cryogenic Congressional freeze. Regardless, Clayton’s confirmation hearing never happened. Such hearings are the responsibility of the legislative branch. But by the end of the day, there was no question who canceled it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a357aa5197238567833759d DOJ warns former red state is becoming the next California as governor embraces ICE limits te 2026-06-19T17:21:41.786Z DOJ warns former red state is becoming the next California as governor embraces ICE limits The Department of Justice (DOJ) is warning that Virginia risks becoming "the next California" in the Trump administration's fight against resistance to federal immigration enforcement after filing a new lawsuit last week. "We are suing Virginia to prevent Virginia from becoming the next sanctuary jurisdiction, just like California," DOJ Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Brett Shumate told Fox News Digital in a Zoom interview. The lawsuit, first shared with Fox News Digital earlier in June, argues Virginia is violating the Constitution by trying to regulate federal law enforcement operations, including restrictions on agents' masks, identification requirements and conditions on local cooperation with ICE. "Under our Constitution, the states do not get to regulate or dictate how the federal government performs its duties, and that is especially the case when it comes to law enforcement. Virginia passed two bills in this newest session, one that restricts the ability of law enforcement officers to wear facial coverings and requires officers, federal agents, to wear identification badges," said Shumate. FIRST ON FOX: DOJ SUES SPANBERGER’S VIRGINIA OVER LAWS KNEECAPPING FEDERAL AGENTS AS MASK WAR ESCALATES He said the other bill "restricts cooperation agreements between local law enforcement agencies, like sheriffs, and ICE to voluntarily cooperate with federal immigration enforcement." The lawsuit names Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and left-wing Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano — who was previously backed by groups connected to George Soros.  While DOJ has not heard back from state officials, Shumate shared that the department feels confident about the previous case due to precedent. FEDERAL COURT BLOCKS NEWSOM’S BID TO SHACKLE ICE IN TRUMP IMMIGRATION WIN "We brought a nearly identical lawsuit against California earlier this year, and we won that case," he said. In April, a federal appeals court handed the Trump administration a legal victory over Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. The court blocked California from requiring federal immigration agents to display identification during operations. He says they are asserting the same legal theory in this case. NEWSOM ON COURTROOM COLLISION COURSE WITH TRUMP OVER ICE MASK BAN "Under the Constitution, the Supremacy Clause in particular, the states do not get to regulate or discriminate against the federal government," said Shumate. "That's exactly what Virginia has done. They have attempted to regulate how the federal goes about its business. They do not have the authority to do that under the constitution." The two Virginia laws are set to take effect July 1 and Shumate shared the DOJ plans to move quickly to a district court judge to enjoin these laws from taking effect. Virginia was previously a solidly red state, voting for Republicans in nearly every presidential election for decades before shifting to the left in the last roughly 20 years.  "We will be filing very quickly in the district Court in Virginia to seek an injunction to stop these laws from taking effect, which these laws have criminal penalties that put federal agents at risk, not only of criminal prosecution, but also at risk of doxing and harassment," he added. ICE has defended the practice of agents concealing their identities during operations, saying last summer as Trump's intensifying immigration crackdown prompted anti-ICE protests and riots that rhetoric on the left had caused a spike in "threats and assaults against [agents'] families." Shumate shared the department is looking at several bills in other states that are considering mask restrictions. "Any state that's considering passing this type of bill is on notice that we will file a lawsuit and we will ask for an injunction to block those laws from taking effect," said Shumate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a357a921972385678337594 Comedian Carlos Mencia hit with 12 felony counts in alleged massive tax dodge te 2026-06-19T17:21:22.338Z Comedian Carlos Mencia hit with 12 felony counts in alleged massive tax dodge Comedian Carlos Mencia was taken into custody earlier this week on a dozen felony charges for failing to report or pay taxes on more than $8 million in earnings, according to California authorities.  Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the arrest at a news conference Thursday, where he referred to the charges against the 58-year-old stand-up comic as "one of California’s biggest tax scofflaws," according to The Associated Press.  Hochman added that Mencia owes more than $300,000 in state taxes on income reaching $8.7 million.  The case is one of the first to be filed under Hochman’s Business Tax Fraud Unit that was established last month. SUPREME COURT LITIGATOR CONVICTED OF TAX EVASION  Mencia was arrested at his Los Angeles home Thursday morning and remained in custody through the evening on $250,000 bail.  He was charged with six felony counts of failure to file personal income tax with the intent to evade taxes — one for each year from 2019 to 2024 — and six similar counts for corporate taxes. If convicted, Mencia could face a maximum sentence of more than 11 years behind bars. He would also be required to pay the full tax bills, including interest that could nearly double the total amount. CALIFORNIA TAX EXPERT ADMITS ROLE IN ILLEGAL ALIEN'S MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR FRAUD SCHEME  Mencia regularly paid taxes before 2019 and was previously sent 78 notices from the state of California regarding his delinquency bills, Hochman said.  The comedian allegedly did not respond to any of the notices and the state has not been advised by the IRS regarding the comic’s federal tax standing, the district attorney added.  Mencia has not yet entered a plea in the case. COMEDIAN JEFF DUNHAM SAYS TRUMP VICTORY IS ‘A WEIGHT OFF’ COMICS' BACKS SO THEY CAN GET BACK TO OLD JOKES Mencia — whose real name is Ned Arnel Holness — rose to fame in the 1980s after he began performing stand-up in clubs throughout the City of Angels.  His career skyrocketed in the 2000s when he premiered his own show, "Mind of Mencia," on Comedy Central in 2005. However, his stardom hit a snag when he was accused by several high-profile comics of plagiarism. Notably, podcaster Joe Rogan confronted Mencia on stage regarding the allegations in a now-viral video published in 2007. At the time, Mencia appeared on Marc Maron’s podcast, telling the host that while he never outright stole jokes from other comedians, he may have absorbed others’ material.  Mencia regularly performs on small stages throughout the area and is set to appear in a series of live shows throughout Southern California next week. While speaking to reporters Thursday, Hochman pointed to a 2007 clip in which Mencia said, "Maybe I’m different, but I think taxes are a good thing." Fox News Digital reached out to Mencia’s publicist and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a357876197238567833753a CHRISTINE ACCURSO: I Ran Arizona’s ESA Program. Here’s What the Critics Won’t Tell You. te 2026-06-19T17:12:22.739Z CHRISTINE ACCURSO: I Ran Arizona’s ESA Program. Here’s What the Critics Won’t Tell You. By Christine Accurso | I have sat at the desk where the reimbursement requests come in. I have reviewed the accounts flagged for misuse. I have personally picked up the phone and called parents when something did not look right. I ran Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program as its Executive Director, and I am here to tell you that the public conversation about this program is missing something critical: the truth about how it actually works. You have heard the complaints. Fraud. Waste. No accountability. What you have not heard, because no one is saying it, is that robust accountability mechanisms already exist in this program and they are working. There have been plenty of op-eds, news reports, and counter-claims about ESA fraud. But very few of them come from someone who managed the program from the inside, day to day, and watched those guardrails operate in real time. I did. And this is what they look like. Every parent who receives an ESA signs a legally binding contract. They must verify their child’s identity and their own Arizona residency before a single dollar is approved. Every purchase requires documentation: an invoice or a receipt. No documentation, no payment. If misuse is suspected, the account is immediately suspended and reviewed. If a parent attempts to bypass that suspension by going directly to the digital wallet vendor, that act is classified as fraud and results in immediate termination. Confirmed fraud is referred to the Attorney General for investigation and potential prosecution. And critically, all of that account holder’s ESA contracts may be terminated, not just the one in question. Misused funds must be repaid. Offenders can be permanently barred from the program. The contract also prohibits account holders from concurrently accepting ESA funds and a School Tuition Organization scholarship in the same contract year. Reselling any item purchased with ESA funds is strictly prohibited. Tutors and instructional providers must have no disciplinary action pending before the State Board of Education for immoral or unprofessional conduct. These are not suggestions. They are enforceable contract terms with real consequences. Every morning, an automated report runs at the Arizona Department of Education, cross-referencing every ESA student against public school enrollment rosters. Any student found enrolled in both loses their ESA account that same day. No warnings, no exceptions. Parents agree to cover core subjects: reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science. All school staff with unsupervised access to students must be fingerprinted. Cash withdrawals are prohibited. Televisions, video game consoles, and non-educational equipment are explicitly unallowable. Incomplete documentation triggers a formal audit. And any unused funds that roll over may only be used after graduation for post-secondary tuition, textbooks, and fees. Nothing else. When I personally called parents about suspicious requests, the answer was the same every time: they had made an honest mistake. They did not know the rule. They were informed, they returned the funds, and they continued in the program. The guardrails caught it. The system worked. The fraud rate in this program is among the lowest of any government program in Arizona. Every confirmed case of fraud has been referred for investigation or prosecution. The fact that you can find those cases in the news is not evidence the program is broken; it is proof the oversight is doing its job. And beyond all of the formal protections sits the most powerful accountability of all: these are parents who chose to be here. They made a deliberate decision to take responsibility for their child’s education. There is no bureaucrat, no administrator, and no government program that will ever advocate for a child the way their own parent will. That is not a weakness in the program’s accountability. That is its greatest strength. Arizona’s ESA students are thriving. The program is accountable, it is lawful, and it is working. Before you accept the narrative that it isn’t, ask yourself why you have never heard any of this before, and who benefits from you not knowing. Christine Accurso is the State of Arizona’s former ESA executive director, a long time school choice advocate, and the leader of the very successful Decline to Sign movement when the parents won the ESA fight in 2022 ushering in the Universal ESA program for all AZ students. The post CHRISTINE ACCURSO: I Ran Arizona’s ESA Program. Here’s What the Critics Won’t Tell You. first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a357861197238567833752f 32 years later, US Soccer looks to replicate 1994 success te 2026-06-19T17:12:01.231Z 32 years later, US Soccer looks to replicate 1994 success IRVINE, Calif. – A lot can change in 32 years. Since 1994, the United States has had five different presidents, the New England Patriots won six Super Bowls and the Internet was just about to take off. The U.S. soccer landscape changed as well. Thursday marked 32 years since the U.S. Men’s National Team played its opening game of the 1994 World Cup on home soil, fighting to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland to secure its first World Cup point since 1950. Since then, U.S. soccer has seen huge changes to its structure, domestic leagues and national team. As the country hosts its first World Cup since that 1994 edition – and meets Australia in its second match of the tournament Friday – it’s another opportunity to measure how far the sport has come. The USMNT drew over 18 million viewers on FOX in its opening 4-1 win against Paraguay, making it the most-streamed English-language USMNT World Cup match in history. Fifteen players on the 1994 roster didn’t have professional contracts entering the tournament. Now? Thirteen of the 26-man roster play in Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga). It’s a monumental shift from just over 30 years ago. “We needed to build a team,” said Alan Rothenberg, the former U.S. soccer president from 1990 to 1998. “Since our players couldn’t get jobs abroad, we created a 16-month residency camp in Mission Viejo and played a ton of friendly matches so the team would get ready.” It’s a night and day comparison when it comes to soccer infrastructure. In 2026, the federation opened the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center near Atlanta. The near $200 million training facility will now operate as the main base for the national team, something which is common for top nations in the world. “It’s going to let us do what France has done, what Spain has done,” Rothenberg said. “Our players are always going back to the same place so even when they scatter, they know each other, they play together, and we’ll develop, I think, an American style.” And those are just some of the noticeable changes since 1994. Two years after the 1994 World Cup, Rothenberg and others launched Major League Soccer, America’s newest top tier of professional soccer. Though it had some difficulties in the early beginnings – nearly going bankrupt in 2001 – MLS rebounded and now has seven franchises in the top 30 most valuable soccer clubs in the world, according to Forbes. MLS also put in place the foundations for youth development. Current USMNT players such as Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Giovanni Reyna and others played for MLS academies before signing professionally in Europe. The academies, which compete in the highest level of youth soccer in the country (MLS NEXT), offer a direct pathway for development into the professional game and the national team. “The players today are much better than the players back then,” said L.A. Times soccer reporter Kevin Baxter, who has covered eight World Cups. “They’re more skilled, they understand the game better, they’ve experienced things that players back then didn’t.” In the United States’ last World Cup appearance, the team secured a goalless draw with England and defeated Iran to advance out of Group B, which ultimately ended with a round of 16 defeat. But without any particular iconic moments – excluding Christian Pulisic’s sole goal in the win against Iran – Baxter said it was hard to sell it as a major success to the casual fan. In past World Cups, the U.S. captured the imagination of the nation with unforgettable moments, such as Landon Donovan’s stoppage time winner against Algeria in 2010, Jermaine Jones’ super strike against Portugal in 2014 or Tim Howard’s record 16 saves in the round of 16. This poses a big challenge for the national team this time. To have a lasting legacy on the casual fan, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will likely need to do something more that hasn’t been done. “Something in the knockout round where they beat an accomplished team or play well against an accomplished team,” Baxter said on what will hook the casual fan. “At least one moment of brilliance, at least one kind of Landon Donovan versus Algeria goal that plays over and over again on social media.” It’s a golden opportunity for players to showcase the team in a home World Cup. “When you dream of this as a kid, you dream of moments like this,” USMNT midfielder Cristian Roldan said. “So I’m soaking it all in.” Having already put on a show in their opener, the Stars and Stripes would secure top spot in Group D with a victory against Australia in addition to Turkey failing to win.  This tournament feels like three decades in the making, which the team looks to seize the moment 32 years on from its famous point against Switzerland. The post 32 years later, US Soccer looks to replicate 1994 success appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35784d1972385678337526 Diamondbacks infielder LuJames Groover determined to make the most of MLB call-up te 2026-06-19T17:11:41.776Z Diamondbacks infielder LuJames Groover determined to make the most of MLB call-up PHOENIX – LuJames “Gino” Groover III needed only one word to describe his first 24 hours as a Major League Baseball player: “Surreal.” Getting the call was the culmination of his life’s work and the realization of a dream. For his family, it started out as a nightmare.  “First thing I thought something was wrong, because I was in the bed asleep,” his father, LuJames Groover II, said on the Diamondbacks’ June 6 broadcast. Like any parent, the Groovers thought a 2 a.m. phone call from their son meant disaster. Fortunately, this call was the opposite. “My wife jumped up, came running in the room hollering,” Groover II said. “I jumped up and I said, ‘What’s wrong now?’ She said, ‘Gino just got called up.’” The brief panic was immediately replaced with celebration. “I said, ‘You got to be kidding me,’ and then he was on the phone,” he recalled. “He said, ‘Y’all ready to come to the game?’ I said, ‘Man, we already coming to the game.’” The family made the trip to Phoenix for Groover III’s June 5 debut, just like they’ve done every step of the way. “(They) came to support me all throughout college, they’ve been to Hillsboro, they’ve been to Amarillo, came to Reno,” Groover III said. “They came to every stop at least once and they were able to come here as well, in the biggest stage I can play on.” He called it “a blessing” to give his parents the news, knowing how much they’ve sacrificed throughout his career. “I think I owe just as much to them as I do for myself,” Groover III said. “They deserve all the credit. Driving me to places, spending their time, money, effort, making sure I had the best equipment. They’ve supported me my whole life on this journey that we’ve been on.” His parents were more nervous watching his MLB debut than he was playing. “I might’ve been a little bit nervous for him because I know how hard he worked to get to this point,” his father said. “I just wanted him to be successful, and come out and give the fans something that they’re looking for.” Throughout the game, Groover III was able to slow things down. “Taking the field, I think I was a little nervous,” he said. “Everything’s happening so fast, but after you get that first play out of the way, it calms down a little bit. You remember it’s the same game. Just go out there and have fun, because that’s what makes it worthwhile.” After a wrist injury delayed his first full pro season, the Diamondbacks’ No. 10 prospect spent all of 2025 in Double-A Amarillo, where he earned a selection to the MLB All-Star Futures Game in his home state of Georgia. Groover III began this season in Triple-A Reno, where he forced the club’s hand to call him up. “It was a situation where Groove pushed his way into this opportunity,” manager Torey Lovullo told reporters ahead of Groover III’s debut. “Sometimes things happen through injury, there’s other reasons for call-ups, but this was a situation where he was really progressing on both sides of the baseball, and we felt like it was a really good opportunity to get him here and show us what he’s able to do.” The situation might be the fact that Groover III reached base safely in 36 straight games from April 3 to May 17, the third-longest streak in professional baseball this season. The Diamondbacks are confident his bat-to-ball skills will translate to the major leagues. “We feel like he’s very capable of going out and stringing some real quality at-bats and games together,” Lovullo said. “He’s here to get at-bats, he’s not here to sit on the bench. If that was the case, we’d still develop him in Triple-A.” These skills have always been on display, going back to Groover III’s college days. “The first thing that stood out to me was, obviously, his ability to hit,” said J.T. Jarrett, his teammate at North Carolina State in 2022. “It’s kind of effortless how well and consistently he can drive the ball to all fields. “He doesn’t try to do too much. I remember always thinking that Gino’s work was never overdone, it was just pretty simple and straightforward. The simplicity of it, the fundamentals of his swing, and approach, and training and practice, it speaks for itself because that’s how you get a 36 game on-base streak.” Groover III had a 24-game and 27-game hit streak that season alone. An incoming transfer from UNC Charlotte, he instantly became a key member of the Wolfpack on and off the field. “When everyone shows up in August, there’s a decent chunk of the team that is new and have never really met each other,” Jarrett said. “But with Gino, kind of instantly he’s cutting up, and loud, and smiling and laughing.” Groover III is making the same connections in the pros. “He’s my day one,” outfielder Tommy Troy said. Troy was the Diamondbacks’ first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, when Groover III was the team’s second-round selection. Although Troy debuted shortly before Groover III, their connection has never wavered. “We both got drafted together, got really close really quickly and it’s nice to see we’re both working our way up together and here in the big leagues,” Troy said. While Groover III has recorded just five hits through his first 31 at-bats, he has hit the ball hard 52% of the time and squared it up 37% of the time. Both metrics would be considered “great” by Baseball Savant with a qualifying number of plate appearances. He acknowledges the challenges of not seeing immediate results and knows they are just part of the process. “Trying not to get frustrated as a player, you know, maybe you’ve done something a certain way your whole entire life, and you’ve got to make adjustments,” he said. “It feels like it needs to happen so fast, you probably want it instantaneously, but development’s not linear.” He can feel the improvement as he reaches two weeks in the big leagues. “As you just go out there, you continue to play, you continue to get more reps under your belt, more games under your belt, more at-bats, things like that, you start to find things that work,” Groover III said. Although Groover III’s first career MLB hit didn’t occur in his first career game, it made it more special when he got it the day after. June 6 also happens to be the birthday of his grandfather, LuJames Groover. The corner infielder is ready to make his name a staple of the lineup. “I’m really just trying to go out there and focus on controllables,” Groover III said. “You know, control the zone, swing at good pitches, hit the ball hard, things like that and let everything take care of itself as we continue to adjust. “I’m definitely more comfortable out there,” he said. “Finally get to relax a little bit and realize, ‘OK, I belong here as well.’” The post Diamondbacks infielder LuJames Groover determined to make the most of MLB call-up appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3577fc1972385678337509 Inside Trump’s Stock Trading Surge te 2026-06-19T17:10:20.894Z Inside Trump’s Stock Trading Surge Documents show the president outsourced trading decisions to brokers. But bucking tradition, his assets are not in a blind trust, exposing him to concerns about conflicts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3575f519723856783374c3 When teens drive less, they don’t register to vote. Here’s how civic groups are adapting. te 2026-06-19T17:01:41.660Z When teens drive less, they don’t register to vote. Here’s how civic groups are adapting. Open Democracy, a New Hampshire voting rights group, has spent several years working to improve the registration rate among 18-year-olds. Shown are New Hampshire voters. (Photo by Will Steinfeld/New Hampshire Bulletin) American teens are driving less than in previous decades, prompting civic advocates to warn that fewer young people may register to vote. Yet at least one state — New Hampshire — offers insight into how civic groups can work around a lack of registration opportunities to ensure young people can register, as well as the challenges that remain. Since Congress passed the National Voter Registration Act in 1993, nearly all states must allow residents to register to vote at motor vehicle offices. But fewer teens are obtaining driver’s licenses today, translating into fewer trips to the local Department of Motor Vehicles and more missed chances to register. More than 7.5 million people ages 16 to 18 don’t have a driver’s license, according to data compiled by The Civics Center, a nonpartisan group focused on boosting youth voter registration. Three million of those youth will be old enough to vote this year and all will be eligible by 2028, the organization said in a June research report on how declines in teen driving, spurred in part by the rising cost of obtaining a license, could affect voting. Young people represent a large pool of potential voters for candidates ahead of the midterm elections this November and the presidential election in 2028. Still, voting advocates worry barriers to registration will keep many of them from the polls. “Our goal is to help people debunk these myths that it’s somehow young people’s fault that these systems aren’t working well for them,” said Laura Brill, founder and CEO of The Civics Center. Low registration rates In recent years about 60% of 18-year-olds have held driver’s licenses, according to the Federal Highway Administration. By contrast, in 1994, the year after the National Voter Registration Act was passed, about 74% had licenses. Even without declining visits to the DMV, registration rates among the youngest voters are low. During midterm election years, the percentage of 18-year-olds registered to vote typically remains under 30%, according to The Civics Center, compared to about 75% of Americans 45 and older.  Some civic groups are pushing for more in-person voter registration drives, including in high schools, which may help offset the effects of fewer trips to the DMV. Without significant action, they fear registration rates will dip even lower.  The League of Women Voters announced a partnership with The Civics Center in April to promote high school voter registration. The groups are offering state-specific training and toolkits to help members of the League, which has hundreds of chapters across the country, help students, teachers and school administrators hold registration drives. They also want states to provide teens more time to register before they can vote. About half of teens currently live in states that allow voter pre-registration at 16 or earlier, according to The Civics Center.  These states include California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia and Washington. “Young people have a very short window of opportunity,” said Jeanette Senecal, chief of civic learning and impact at the League of Women Voters. “So when we increase that window of opportunity to allow for preregistration at 16 and 17, there’s a much longer kind of runway in order for us to get them registered to vote for that first election.” The focus on voter registration drives reflects, in part, an acknowledgement that online voter registration isn’t a panacea for fewer in-person DMV visits. Thirty-six states either offer no online voter registration option or allow voter registration only with a driver’s license or state-issued identification, according to information compiled by The Civics Center. “Paper forms, typically you only need a Social Security number and not a driver’s license. That’s one of the reasons that in-person efforts can be so effective,” Brill said. SAVE America Act Voter registration drives are under threat, however. President Donald Trump’s signature election legislation, the SAVE America Act, would effectively prohibit drives held by third-party organizations like the League of Women Voters because it would require individuals to present documents proving their citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to government officials in person to register to vote.  The bill has stalled in the U.S. Senate amid opposition from Democrats and a handful of Republican senators. Trump is still urging lawmakers to pass the measure and posted on social media recently that he opposes unrelated foreign surveillance legislation unless it also includes the SAVE America Act. As of late 2024, 24 states and the District of Columbia placed no restrictions on third-party voter registration drives, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a Colorado-based think tank. An additional 24 states impose some limits, while Wyoming and New Hampshire prohibit them. What worked in New Hampshire Because of its voter laws in the early 1990s, New Hampshire is one of six states exempt from the National Voter Registration Act, or NVRA, along with Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The exemption means New Hampshire isn’t required to offer voter registration at motor vehicle offices. In New Hampshire, everyone — teens and older adults alike — registers in person with election officials and can also register at the polls on Election Day. Open Democracy, a New Hampshire voting rights group, has spent several years working to improve the registration rate among 18-year-olds.  The organization hired an employee focused on high school voter registration and held 41 high school voter registration drives in 2024, said Olivia Zink, the group’s executive director. To hold the drives, it had to assure election officials were present to accept paperwork. In December 2023, an election off year, just 9% of New Hampshire 18-year-olds were registered. After the November 2024 election, nearly 64% of 18-year-olds were registered, according to data compiled by The Civics Center. Zink acknowledged that the presidential election was a major motivator, but she emphasized the importance of registering students every year.  State laws can play a major role. Registrations plummeted last year, Zink said, after state lawmakers removed the ability of residents to sign an affidavit as proof of citizenship. She attributed the drop to students not regularly carrying their birth certificates or other documents proving citizenship with them. “Even with education and posters that are hung up at school and announcements and letters home to parents — we still saw so many fewer students register to vote in 2025 due to that law,” Zink said. In May, a federal judge blocked the New Hampshire law after a coalition of voting rights groups, including Open Democracy, challenged the measure.  As part of her decision, Judge Samantha Elliott, a Biden appointee, found that Open Democracy registered fewer students in 2025 compared to 2023, even though the organization at that time didn’t have a full-time staff member dedicated to high school registration.  Zink said that even in the first few weeks since the judge’s decision, she had heard of high school students once again registering by signing affidavits.  Despite persistent barriers, Senecal cast the work of registering young people as critical. Each time someone votes, they’re more likely to vote again, she said. “So the earlier we can engage those people, we really help create these lifetime habits of voting,” Senecal said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3575a41972385678337495 Every fusion startup that has raised over $100M te 2026-06-19T17:00:20.258Z Every fusion startup that has raised over $100M Fusion startups have raised $7.1 billion to date, with the majority of it going to a handful of companies. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3573b41972385678337025 Sedona mayoral candidates Brian Fultz and Henry Silbiger speak to voters at forum te 2026-06-19T16:52:04.047Z Sedona mayoral candidates Brian Fultz and Henry Silbiger speak to voters at forum Sedona mayoral candidates Henry Silbiger and Vice Mayor Brian Fultz made their cases to about 125 voters at a candidate forum jointly held by the League of Women Voters of Arizona, the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau and the Sedona Lodging Council at the Sedona Performing Arts Ce Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3573751972385678336ecb How major US stock indexes fared Thursday 6/18/2026 te 2026-06-19T16:51:01.595Z How major US stock indexes fared Thursday 6/18/2026 Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, taking back most of their losses from a day earlier. The S&P 500 rose 1.1% Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 1.9%. Crude oil prices wavered after… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3573611972385678336ec1 Milling, paving work to affect traffic on Acoma Boulevard next week te 2026-06-19T16:50:41.622Z Milling, paving work to affect traffic on Acoma Boulevard next week Motorists traveling through western Lake Havasu City can expect detours and delays next week as crews complete a key phase of roadway improvements on Acoma Boulevard. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35715a1972385678336e74 Exclusive: Harmeet Dhillon says MLB might face legal consequences for warning Giants players: 'Un-American' te 2026-06-19T16:42:02.537Z Exclusive: Harmeet Dhillon says MLB might face legal consequences for warning Giants players: 'Un-American' The San Francisco Giants have made themselves the center of the baseball world over the last week since their Pride Night game on June 12. As they've done the past few seasons, the Giants wore specific hats with a rainbow-colored logo. This season though, several players, in some fashion, objected. One, Sam Hentges, apparently refused to wear it at all, appearing in the traditional cap the Giants wear the other 161 games. Several others wrote Bible verses on the hat in a form of silent protest. Starting pitcher Landen Roupp, as well as relievers Ryan Walker and J.T. Brubaker, wrote Genesis 9:12-16 on their hats. Those verses discuss the rainbow representing God's covenant. After the game, Roupp said the message was meant as a statement of his faith, "That's just kind of something I believe in, and I stand firm in that. And I'm thankful we live in a country where, you know, we have the freedom to believe what we want...and express what we want." Except the reaction from Major League Baseball didn't seem to suggest that's true. At least for some. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL WARNS SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS PLAYERS FOR WRITING BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE NIGHT HATS The league issued a warning to the three players who wrote on their caps that any further writing would be subject to punishment. Immediately, several prominent figures noticed that this warning had seemingly not been applied to other, similar, situations where players altered uniforms to make specific statements. Particularly with pro-Black Lives Matter messages during the 2020 season. Two of those prominent figures were Sen. Josh Hawley and Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Harmeet Dhillon. Dhillon on Tuesday posted on X about the league's warning, saying, "The USEEOC (US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and state labor laws govern private employer disputes such as these. Time to lawyer up!" Then, on Thursday, she took action. In a letter to Commissioner Rob Manfred, Dhillon said that the USEEOC will be investigating whether the league's warnings constitute religious discrimination. "Swing and a miss!," the post reads. "Major League Baseball encouraged players to wear 'Black Lives Matter' on their uniforms but reportedly threatened Christians who write Bible verses on their hats. USEEOC will investigate whether this amounts to religious discrimination." After the blowback to their warning, the league issued a new statement claiming that this type of warning is commonplace and not specific to the text or meaning of the writing. MLB ACCUSED OF 'DOUBLE STANDARD' AFTER CALLING OUT PLAYERS' BIBLE MESSAGES DESPITE BACKING BLM IN 2020 "To be clear, this routine verbal warning not to wear the hat in future games is not disciplinary and had absolutely nothing to do with the content of the message," the updated statement reads. "We respect players’ right to free expression. However, writing of any kind, with any message, is prohibited per Major League Baseball’s uniform regulations which provides in part that, ‘(a) player may not write, attach, affix, embroider or otherwise display nicknames or messages on apparel or playing equipment…’ "We have given the same warning numerous times in the past to players for messages such as ‘Dad,’ ‘Happy Mother’s Day, I Love Mom’ and names of family members." In the letter, though, Dhillon explains how MLB's conduct may have been a violation of the Civil Rights Act. And that their explanation might not stand up to scrutiny. "The Civil Rights Act prohibits MLB and its franchises from unreasonably burdening the rights of players with religious objections to serving as the League’s vehicle for pro-Pride messages. Federal law is clear: employers must modify their uniform requirements to reasonably accommodate their employees’ exercise of religion," it reads." "MLB has asserted that its warning to the Giants players 'had absolutely nothing to do with the content of the message' and that it merely is enforcing a policy that prohibits writing on uniforms. Yet, MLB has allowed players to wear uniform patches reading 'Black Lives Matter.' This double standard—under which players may not inscribe Bible verses on hats for one game only but may wear 'Black Lives Matter' patches for one game only—calls MLB’s true motives into question and raises serious concerns about MLB’s compliance with Title VII. Employers may not use facially neutral policies as 'a pretext for discrimination.'" OutKick exclusively spoke to Dhillon on Friday morning about the letter, MLB's actions, and what happens next. When asked whether she'd received a response to her letter highlighting the apparent difference in policy depending on the message in question, Dhillon said nobody from MLB has answered. And they likely won't. Though she clarified that the letter was intended to warn the league that the Civil Rights Division does not approve of how they handled this situation. "No, and I would not expect Major League Baseball to respond to me. The reason I put out a letter is, I have parallel jurisdiction over Title VII by statute with the EEOC. We kind of share that responsibility and I focus on public employers and they focus on private employers. But I had a number of United States senators and prominent lawyers, public and private practice, reach out to me concerning this matter, and I wanted to make it clear that we disapprove of this practice, we believe it's illegal, and also that the EEOC has the primary jurisdiction over this. "So we did refer it to the EEOC, as they have the primary jurisdiction since it's a private employer. You know, I can publicly say I referred something. The EEOC has a little different rules. They cannot say whether they're investigating anything or not. But, I think this is a sufficiently high level of interest, that you have senators engaging on it. And so I thought it was important to make the public and sports franchise aware that their workers have rights, just like other American employees have rights." If a potential EEOC investigation finds that MLB has violated the players' Title VII rights, there would be an immediate case for a lawsuit. "So first of all, any individual player whose rights were violated, could have a private employment lawsuit," she said. "This Title 7 has a particular statutory scheme that says that you first have to file a claim with a local — that is to say, a state employment agency, and/or the EEOC, and then they do an investigation. They do an investigation, and then they give you a right to sue letter if they're not going to pursue it themselves. If the EEOC is going to pursue it themselves, on behalf of an individual or a group, then they start a negotiation process — a discovery process, negotiation process — with the employer. And then the case either resolves or there's a lawsuit by the EEOC or by the private party. So there are a number of different options." If the players did decide to file a lawsuit in the state of California, it could be done through a state employment agency in a matter of weeks. Even while the EEOC continues a potential investigation. "That's the risk for them," she continued. "The penalty for the Major League Baseball employer that is discriminating on the basis of religion against its employees is attorney's fees, back pay if any, and there can be punitive damages under some statutes. So that's what it would be for private party litigation, and in the case of the EEOC, it's typically more of a back pay type of remedy. "And so at this point, nobody has been fired, nobody has been fined, so that might be premature, and I hope nobody gets fired or fined, because they shouldn't be forced to utter phrases that are at odds with their religious beliefs. And they shouldn't be punished for doing behavior that in a different context, i.e. Black Lives Matter, employees were allowed to put whatever messages they wanted that the leagues preferred and liked. But then they're not allowing them to do so on this message. That means they're enforcing their uniform rules — which is what they're relying on in this case, unevenly, and that is illegal." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! As to whether teams are allowed to tell employees to wear a specific symbol that could be viewed as a political statement as part of their uniform, Dhillon said it's a "novel area" under the law. But that the players having a religious objection to making those statements opens the league up to legal consequences. "This is kind of a novel area because, you know, it is appropriate for an employer in a job where a uniform is required to have certain messaging on the uniform. But forcing them to utter phrases about homosexuality...I think it goes beyond a little bit, and particularly, I don't think employees generally have a free-flowing right to not go along with their employer's preferred messaging unless they have a good reason, like a religious objection. And that is a good reason under the law. "So I think think that is why you're seeing these players who have these bona fide objections. You know, they're stating very clearly what their objection is by the phraseology that they're, I think, very discreetly applying to their hats. So, my prediction here is that Major League Baseball is going to do nothing to discipline these players, frankly, because they're going to get sued if they do. And that will be very foolish and it will cause a PR backlash, because I think the number of Americans who think it's appropriate to force players to fly political propaganda on their hats is smaller than the number of Christians who watch Major League Baseball." Between this warning and how the Washington Nationals handled the Trevor Williams case, it seems like the league has created a clear pattern of disparate treatment for people of faith. And Dhillon said this is a growing problem across elite American institutions. "Oh yeah, I think there's a contempt for people of faith, generally in this country among elites, and, not among most Americans, but among the elites," she said. "And, it is unfortunate, it is foolish, it is un-American. So that's a problem for them, for sure." This investigation is long overdue, and ideally, would lead to changes in policy for the league and teams like the Giants and Dodgers who've created Pride Night hats. Players should not be a vehicle for organizations to make political statements. And despite the warnings, it wouldn't be surprising if these types of "protests" become more frequent moving forward. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3571471972385678336e6b China's brain chip breakthrough raises big questions te 2026-06-19T16:41:43.065Z China's brain chip breakthrough raises big questions A coin-sized brain chip in China could help people with paralysis control devices using their thoughts. China has approved a brain-computer interface called NEO for commercial medical use in certain patients with paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries. That moves brain-chip technology out of research trials and closer to real-world medical care. Developed by researchers at Tsinghua University and Shanghai-based Neuracle Technology, NEO sits under the skull but rests on the brain's protective outer layer rather than piercing deep into brain tissue. That design could make it less invasive than some competing implants. For patients who have lost movement, this kind of technology could be life-changing. It could help restore a level of independence that once felt out of reach. But here's where we need to slow down a bit. If a brain chip can turn your brain signals into digital commands, we need to ask who controls that data and how well it is protected. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report BRAIN IMPLANT ENABLES ALS PATIENT TO COMMUNICATE USING AI NEO is a brain-computer interface, often called a BCI. These systems read brain activity and translate it into commands for an external device. In this case, the implant uses sensors placed near the brain's motor-control area. Those signals can help a patient operate equipment such as a robotic glove or computer interface. What makes NEO especially notable is its placement. Brain-computer interfaces can be designed in different ways, and some go deeper into the brain than others. The company most people know in this space is Neuralink, the brain-chip startup co-founded by Elon Musk. Its implant uses tiny threads that enter the brain's cortex. NEO takes a less invasive approach by placing electrodes on the dura mater, which is the protective membrane around the brain. That design matters because every brain implant carries medical risk. Surgery can cause bleeding, swelling, infection or tissue damage. Even a small complication in the wrong part of the brain can affect speech or movement. China's approval does not mean brain chips are suddenly available for anyone who wants one. This remains a medical device for a narrow group of patients. Right now, the focus centers on helping people with severe paralysis regain some digital or assisted movement control. The medical upside here is hard to deny. More than three billion people worldwide live with neurological conditions, according to the World Health Organization. That includes people dealing with stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and other serious conditions. For someone who has spent years unable to move freely or communicate easily, even a small amount of restored control could feel enormous. That is why brain-computer interfaces are getting so much attention. They could give some patients a new way to interact with the world around them. Neuralink has already shown what that can look like in real life. Audrey Crews, a Neuralink trial participant who has been paralyzed for years, publicly shared that she wrote her name using the implant by controlling her computer. ELON MUSK SHARES PLAN TO MASS-PRODUCE BRAIN IMPLANTS FOR PARALYSIS, NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE Elon Musk's Neuralink has attracted most of the public attention in the U.S. brain-chip race. Musk has talked openly about restoring movement, helping people communicate and one day addressing vision loss. Neuralink received approval to begin human trials, and more than 20 people have reportedly received its implant through testing. However, it has not received broad FDA approval for general commercial use. China's NEO approval puts a different kind of pressure on the field. It shows that China wants to move brain-computer interface technology into its health system and build a major industry around it. This also fits a larger pattern. China has made BCI development part of its strategic technology push. The country wants breakthroughs by 2027 and a globally competitive brain-computer interface industry by 2030. We already worry about phones listening, apps tracking location and smart TVs collecting viewing habits. Brain-computer interfaces take that concern to another level. A BCI collects signals from the nervous system. Today, that may mean decoding movement intent, such as whether a patient wants to move a cursor left or right. But as the technology improves, the data could become more sensitive. That raises some big questions. Who owns the brain data? Can it be sold, shared or used to train AI systems? Could an insurer, employer or government ever demand access? What happens if a company changes its privacy policy after the implant becomes part of someone's daily life? Those questions sound dramatic until you remember how many connected devices began as conveniences and turned into data pipelines. A brain chip designed for medical help should not become another ad platform, another surveillance tool or another database waiting to be breached. YOUR HEALTH DATA IS BEING SOLD WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT This is where the whole brain-chip conversation gets very serious. Any device that connects to a computer raises security questions. A brain-computer interface raises even bigger ones because it deals with signals from your body and, in some cases, the devices that help you move or communicate. The concern here is someone getting access to neural data, device settings or the commands moving between the implant and outside equipment. Think about that for a second. If a brain chip helps someone control a robotic hand, a wheelchair or a communication device, a security failure could affect far more than privacy. It could affect that person's independence and safety. That to me is scary. Companies building these devices need to treat cybersecurity like part of the surgery, not some software update they figure out later. Encryption, strict access controls, medical-grade testing and clear update policies should be baked in from day one. And because a brain implant may stay inside a person's body for years, long-term support has to be part of the deal. No one should end up with an outdated implant in their head because a company moved on to the next big product launch. For now, this technology is geared toward patients with serious medical needs. So, no, most of us are not lining up for a brain chip anytime soon. But this should still get your attention. We already give up a lot of personal data through our phones, watches, cars and smart home devices. A brain implant takes that to a whole different level because the data comes from inside the body. That is about as personal as it gets. Before this technology moves beyond hospitals and medical trials, patients need plain answers before they agree to anything. They should know who can access the data, how long it gets stored, whether it can be shared and whether it can help train AI systems. The medical potential here is incredible. Helping someone regain control or communicate again could change a life. But the privacy protections need to be just as strong as the technology itself. NEURALINK BRAIN IMPLANT HELPS ARIZONA MAN REGAIN CONTROL OF HIS LIFE Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com China's NEO brain chip could be a huge step forward for people living with paralysis. If this technology helps someone regain control or communicate again, that is powerful. But I also think we need to be very careful here. Once a device connects your brain signals to outside technology, the privacy stakes change fast. We are talking about data tied to your nervous system. That to me is the line we need to watch closely. Brain chips could do incredible good. But companies and governments need clear limits before this technology moves any further into everyday life. The promise is real. So are the risks. And when the data comes from inside your own head, "trust us" will never be enough. Would you ever consider a brain implant if it could restore movement or communication, or does the privacy risk feel too personal to accept? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3571331972385678336e62 Gabbard spotlights Fauci, COVID-origin questions in final act as intelligence chief amid succession fight te 2026-06-19T16:41:23.618Z Gabbard spotlights Fauci, COVID-origin questions in final act as intelligence chief amid succession fight Just before leaving office amid a contentious battle over who will succeed her, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard used one of her final acts atop the U.S. intelligence community to spotlight Dr. Anthony Fauci's role in discussions surrounding the government's COVID-19 origins review.  While much of the material is familiar, Gabbard's release underscores her effort to make questions surrounding Fauci, COVID origins and federal support for virus research part of her closing legacy atop the intelligence community. As Gabbard fired her final broadside, Bill Pulte, who has received bipartisan criticism over his lack of intelligence experience, is set to take the reins at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence while Trump’s permanent nominee remains stalled. Jay Clayton, an attorney and former SEC chairman whom Trump nominated to permanently lead ODNI, has seen his confirmation process delayed after the president said he was holding up the nomination to pressure Congress to pass a voter identification measure. WHY TRUMP PICKED BILL PULTE TO LEAD US INTELLIGENCE AS CRITICS QUESTION HIS QUALIFICATIONS Pulte is a construction businessman and housing official who served as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. His tenure at the housing agency has drawn controversy over allegations that he used FHFA authority to target Trump’s political opponents, an allegation amplifying concerns among key senators that he may attempt to weaponize the intelligence community at the behest of the president during his interim tenure. "We don’t need a weaponized DNI, we need professionals there," Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune said of Pulte. Other powerful congressional Republicans, such as Sens. Cornyn, Cassidy, Murkowski, Collins and Tillis, have also voiced opposition to or concern over Pulte taking over ODNI. Senate Democrats share many of the same concerns as their GOP colleagues. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Dick Durbin, Sheldon Whitehouse, Richard Blumenthal, Gary Peters, Adam Schiff, Mark Warner and Ron Wyden have all expressed concerns that Pulte would weaponize America’s intelligence apparatus against Trump’s enemies. Similar to many Republicans, they’ve criticized him for a lack of intelligence experience as well. TRUMP DNI PICK BRACES FOR SENATE GRILLING AS TEMPORARY STAND-IN FUELS DEM PRESSURE Political observers believe that Clayton would face far less opposition from the Senate over his confirmation. However, the upper chamber has so far proven unwilling to move on the president’s voter identification legislation, complicating his advancement and setting the stage for a showdown between the White House and Congress. While lawmakers and the president go back and forth over the fate of ODNI, Gabbard has sought to spotlight the Fauci documents on her way out. The documents she released Thursday night include some information that was already known to the public as well as others that do not appear to have been publicly reported. ANTHONY FAUCI MAY BE DEPOSED AS GOP INTENSIFIES COVID INVESTIGATIONS IN NEW CONGRESS Gabbard’s release contains newly declassified documents that show intelligence officials considered but ultimately rejected Fauci as an outside reviewer of their COVID-19 origins assessment, warning he would be seen as having a conflict of interest.  In a different exchange, intelligence officials tasked with analyzing the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic debated whether to take Fauci’s recommendations on who to interview for their study. "For those who don’t know me, I’m the [REDACTED] and, as such, leading the [intelligence community’s] 90-day POTUS COVID origin study," one official wrote in an email. "Per below, Dr Fauci recommended that the IC reach out to the below individuals who were coauthors of the attached paper as part of the study." TOP 4 EXPLOSIVE MOMENTS FROM CIA WHISTLEBLOWER'S TESTIMONY ON ALLEGED COVID-19 LAB LEAK COVER-UP Another official questioned whether it was prudent for the intelligence community to take the advice of a "policymaker" like Fauci when conducting internal affairs, "particularly given the various strong views on the subject and statements regarding their own conclusions." An intelligence official responded by arguing that Fauci should not be considered a policymaker in this context, but rather an important subject-matter expert. "In this particular case, given Dr Fauci’s background we absolutely would like to follow-up on his outreach suggestions," they wrote. "In this case he’s not a policymaker….he’s a SME with a wealth of knowledge about current and historical research who probably knows better than most who the real Coronavirus experts are." A CIA whistleblower previously claimed that Fauci exerted undue influence over the intelligence community’s assessment of COVID-19’s origins, claims that Gabbard now seeks to amplify with her release. During the COVID-19 era, conservatives alleged that Fauci and other public health officials downplayed or helped steer scrutiny away from the lab-leak theory despite American financial links to coronavirus research in Wuhan, where the disease originated. Gabbard has framed her trove of documents as a look into how the intelligence community incorporated information from people like Fauci while investigating the virus' origins. "Fauci worked with politicized career leadership in the Intelligence Community (IC) to suppress the truth about his actions, the virus’ lab-leak origins, and his role in directing U.S. funding for this dangerous research that caused immeasurable harm and countless lost lives," ODNI’s press release accompanying the documents asserts. "These documents expose Fauci’s direct role in influencing and manipulating IC assessments on COVID-19, and how Fauci lied to Congress in 2024, when under oath he denied knowledge of or participation in discussions with intelligence officials about viral research." Gabbard left her role at ODNI to care for her husband, who has a rare form of cancer, Fox News Digital first reported. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a356eee1972385678336e09 Israel–Hezbollah ceasefire becomes first test of Trump Iran framework after talks delay te 2026-06-19T16:31:42.122Z Israel–Hezbollah ceasefire becomes first test of Trump Iran framework after talks delay A U.S.-backed ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah was set to take effect Friday afternoon, as Washington tried to salvage a broader regional framework with Iran after talks scheduled for Switzerland were abruptly postponed. The Israel–Hezbollah ceasefire was set to take effect 9 a.m. Eastern Time/4 p.m. local time, both a senior U.S. and an Israeli official told Fox News Digital, but whether the ceasefire formally took effect remains disputed.   The White House has not publicly commented on whether the ceasefire has formally taken effect.  A Hezbollah spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the group would abide by the ceasefire if Israel does, but "reserves the right to respond" to any violation. The spokesperson said Hezbollah did not yet view the ceasefire as having taken effect, claiming Israel was still carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon more than an hour after it was supposed to begin. ISRAEL MOVES TOWARDS CEASEFIRE DEAL WITH HEZBOLLAH: REPORTS Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video after the 4 p.m. local start time that he said showed Israel Defense Forces striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. It is unclear when those reported strikes took place, and Fox News Digital could not independently verify their timing. "As I instructed - the IDF struck powerfully 150 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and eliminated dozens of terrorists," he wrote on X.  IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin said Hezbollah had killed four Israeli soldiers in overnight strikes early Friday.  Still, an Israeli official said Israel intends to honor the ceasefire agreement. "If Hezbollah doesn’t shoot, we won’t shoot. If they shoot — we will respond," the official told Fox News Digital. The agreement came after negotiations between the U.S. and Iran scheduled to take place this weekend in Switzerland were abruptly postponed. The White House has not publicly provided a reason for the delay. Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Netanyahu over the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.  "Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon," Trump said to reporters Tuesday at the G7 conference in France. "Too many people are being killed, and you don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody, because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses, and they’re not all Hezbollah, that I can tell you." "I’m not saying they shouldn’t protect themselves," he added Wednesday during separate remarks to reporters. "I’m saying when two drones are shot into the desert and drop harmlessly, you don’t have to knock down buildings in Beirut. They could behave better, and frankly, they could do a better job." Hezbollah is an Iran-backed Shiite militant group and political movement based in Lebanon that the U.S. has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Its conflict with Israel dates back decades, but the latest fighting has centered on Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks from Lebanon and Israeli strikes aimed at pushing the group back from the border and protecting northern Israeli communities. "As the Vice President said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the U.S. delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity," a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now the Vice President is not departing tonight. We will let you know as soon as we have a concrete update about next steps."   The Iranian foreign ministry on Friday denied reports claiming Iran had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz.  "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have taken the necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on the End of the War dated 18 June 1405, and shipping is underway in this route," foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a statement posted to Telegram. A separate Iranian official told Fox News Digital Friday that traffic was moving "slowly" through the strait due to mine-clearing operations.  HORMUZ CHOKE POINT PERSISTS AS IRAN HALTS OIL TRAFFIC DESPITE TRUMP CEASEFIRE U.S. officials have described the memorandum signed Wednesday as a 60-day framework for negotiations toward a final agreement largely focused on Iran's nuclear program. They have said any U.S. force withdrawal from areas near Iran would be tied to a final deal, not required immediately under the initial agreement. The agreement also declared the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon," according to U.S. officials. U.S. officials have said the memorandum also includes immediate oil sanctions waivers for Iran, an end to Iranian threats to the Strait of Hormuz and a process for lifting the U.S. blockade, and future talks over Iran’s nuclear program, including the fate of its enriched uranium stockpile. Fox News Digital reached out to the Pentagon, Israeli Prime Minister's Office and Iranian Foreign Ministry for additional comment and had not received responses by publication. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a356eda1972385678336e00 Reporter's Notebook: How Trump's surprise move on DNI confirmation upended key Senate deal on FISA te 2026-06-19T16:31:22.673Z Reporter's Notebook: How Trump's surprise move on DNI confirmation upended key Senate deal on FISA They didn’t know what to do. Just before 4 a.m. ET on Wednesday, President Trump blindsided everyone in the U.S. Senate. In a post on Truth Social, the president declared he was "cancelling the Senate hearing" for his Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton. Moreover, the President said he would withhold Clayton’s nomination from "going forward until Jamie McDonald is approved to be U.S. Attorney." If confirmed, Clayton would vacate his post as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. That’s the slot for which the President is nominating McDonald. TRUMP SAYS SENATE HEARING ON DNI NOMINEE IS CANCELED UNTIL US ATTORNEY REPLACEMENT CONFIRMED So what would happen with the hearing? Lawmakers and aides scrambled as they woke to the news Wednesday morning. After all, Trump is the president. He doesn’t have the authority to cancel a Senate hearing. "Yeah. I don't think that's his call," said Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., a member of the Intelligence Committee. One senior source told Fox News they presumed that Clayton’s confirmation hearing would forge ahead. Another told Fox the fate of the hearing was "undetermined." On one hand, lawmakers and aides had to first digest what was happening. Was the President withdrawing Clayton’s nomination? Was he saying he just wasn’t allowing Clayton to testify? Did the head of the executive branch really believe he could bigfoot a congressional hearing? Or was this the president flexing his political muscle, testing Senate Republicans to see how compliant they might be with his intimation — and potentially cancel the hearing on their own? So was Clayton’s hearing on or off? "Are we going to have an Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing today?" yours truly asked panel Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., as he slid behind a backdoor to a hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Silence from Cotton. SCOOP: TOP GOP SEN. COTTON TO MEET WITH EMBATTLED TRUMP DEFENSE NOMINEE AS DOUBTS SWIRL "Do you know the answer?" I followed up. "Do you think the President overstepped his bounds, saying he was canceling the hearing?" I continued. By that point, Cotton was well behind the doorway and it closed. "I have never seen anything quite like this," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., one of the longest-serving members on the Intelligence Committee in Senate history. "Everybody else is going to have to keep guessing for a while." It was Washington whiplash. "Things change around here pretty quick, Chad," quipped Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. But a bit later, Cotton finally weighed-in when he posted on X that the hearing would proceed. The Arkansas Republican then materialized again in the hallway, heading for an elevator bank. "To be clear, you will proceed with the hearing and you expect Jay Clayton to be there despite what the President said?" I asked. A steel-faced Cotton stared straight ahead at the green elevator door. "Chad, you have our statement," said a terse Cotton. But an hour later, Cotton ditched the hearing after the President blocked Clayton from testifying. "It's regrettable that the President has directed Jay Clayton not to appear at his confirmation hearing today," said Cotton in a new statement on X. "While today's hearing is now unfortunately postponed, I look forward to proceeding with his confirmation in the near future." The stunning reversal left everyone trying to grasp what happened. And what might be next. SPRINT TO CONFIRM TRUMP NOMINEES KICKS OFF IN JANUARY "I am not sure whether Jay Clayton has simply been postponed or withdrawn," mused Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the Vice Chairman of the Intelligence Committee. "I wonder whether Jay Clayton knows whether he has been postponed or withdrawn." Democrats and Republicans brokered a fragile agreement weeks ago to renew FISA Section 702. The intelligence community argues that program is the powerful tool in the American arsenal to track and combat potential terrorism. Congress repeatedly punted a full renewal for months. But with both bodies on the precipice of reauthorizing the program, President Trump announced he would install housing czar Bill Pulte as interim DNI. Democrats balked at Pulte, noting he had no intelligence experience. Plus, they viewed him as a political hack who would run roughshod over America’s intelligence apparatus. So Democrats pulled their support from the FISA compromise. Most Republicans weren’t exactly enamored with Pulte, either. And those worried about the nation’s security pushed to block Pulte from entering the DNI’s office. That’s why Cotton scheduled Clayton’s confirmation hearing so quickly. It was thought that the Senate might be able to pivot after the hearing and confirm Clayton on the floor late this week or early next. Rapid confirmation of Clayton was essential. Such a scenario would unlock Democrats' votes to reauthorize FISA Section 702 after the program’s congressional blessing expired a week ago. That was the plan. At least until the president initiated the firestorm over Clayton’s confirmation hearing this week. "Another Trump victory gets upended by an impulse," vented Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. "It's frustrating." WHY TRUMP PICKED BILL PULTE TO LEAD US INTELLIGENCE AS CRITICS QUESTION HIS QUALIFICATIONS But wait. There’s more. President Trump inserted another chestnut — or hot potato — into his pre-dawn Truth Social screed. Especially if you thought the president was going to make it easy for Congress to hastily re-up FISA as soon as the Senate confirmed Clayton. "To add a slight bit of intrigue but, for the Good of the Nation, and the People of our Country, I will not approve FISA without THE SAVE AMERICA ACT going along with it," Trump said. He added that his plan was for Pulte to "remain as the Acting Director of National Intelligence" and declared that "Republicans fell into a trap." The SAVE America Act is the touchstone of President Trump’s 2026 legislative agenda. It requires proof of citizenship to vote. However, the bill has never garnered even 50 yeas in the Senate on two previous test votes. "We've got to pass the SAVE America Act and conditioning passage of FISA on the prior passage of SAVE America would be a great thing," said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. Other Senate Republicans were more realistic, based on the legislative history of the SAVE America Act. "You can't always get what you want," said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. "I mean, I want a Porsche for my birthday. I'm not going to get it." TRUMP, THUNE CLASH ON VOTER ID ULTIMATUM AS GOP REMAINS DIVIDED ON PATH FORWARD Democrats seethed about national security as Republicans squirmed. "We had a path forward as of yesterday (on FISA) and today we don't," said Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. "This has become a complete debacle and now it's up to the White House to figure out a path forward here." No one knows what’s next for Clayton. Or McDonald. Or FISA. And there’s high skepticism anything happens on the SAVE America Act. So it’s all in a cryogenic Congressional freeze. Regardless, Clayton’s confirmation hearing never happened. Such hearings are the responsibility of the legislative branch. But by the end of the day, there was no question who canceled it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a356c811972385678336da2 Jazz Chisholm Jr. exits Yankees game after fouling pitch directly into his groin in painful scene te 2026-06-19T16:21:21.839Z Jazz Chisholm Jr. exits Yankees game after fouling pitch directly into his groin in painful scene Jazz Chisholm Jr. might be a little sore. The New York Yankees second baseman had found his groove following early-season struggles, but now, he might not have any type of groove at all. Chisholm's night was cut short in the fourth inning on Thursday after he fouled a pitch off that took a direct shot in his man area. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM He fouled a breaking ball off that hit the dirt surrounding home plate and bounced directly back at him. After the ball made contact, he collapsed and was tended to by trainers while clearly in some serious pain. Apparently, the injury was not a quick fix, as Anthony Volpe took his spot in the lineup. In his first 21 games, Chisholm struggled after boldly claiming he'd hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, hitting .164 with a .498 OPS and zero homers. But in his last 49 games, while 50-50 might be a far cry, he is hitting .254 with an .811 OPS, both of which are above his career numbers and extremely similar to last year's .242/.813. PRO BASEBALL TEAM FORFEITS PRIDE NIGHT GAME AFTER PLAYERS REFUSE TO WEAR THEMED JERSEYS, ORGANIZATION SAYS The Yankees have been hit with the injury bug this season, as Aaron Judge is out with a broken rib, and Giancarlo Stanton "reinjured" a bothersome calf recently. Trent Grisham was also placed on the injured list, while Cy Young candidate Max Fried is also on the shelf. However, the team has been able to more than tread water without them and are in first place in the American League East by 3.0 games. The Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians and Seattle Mariners are the only teams in the American League that are above .500, so New York has been able to take advantage. But they can only survive so many injuries to All-Stars. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a356a511972385678336d32 Kevin O'Leary warns China is winning the AI race because U.S. states are slowing data center production te 2026-06-19T16:12:01.912Z Kevin O'Leary warns China is winning the AI race because U.S. states are slowing data center production As data center projects continue to get shut down across the country, "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary and other investors are warning that the facilities are needed to compete with China in the artificial intelligence race. Data centers are at the forefront of the continued development of AI, serving as the hardware for the large amount of electricity and infrastructure needed to improve response time and data storage. But opponents cite utility costs to local residents and environmental concerns in their efforts to block development of new centers. "If everybody talks about data centers, too much heat, too much noise, too much water, all that, that was 20 years ago," O’Leary told Fox News Digital. "Today's technology is completely different in terms of the heat profile, in terms the water profile, in terms how big these buildings have to be and where they have to be, because we've got air-cooled technology and obviously the chip technology's advanced." TRUMP SAYS EVERY AI PLANT BEING BUILT IN US WILL BE SELF-SUSTAINING WITH THEIR OWN ELECTRICITY O’Leary said China is focused on improving its power grid, which is needed in order to support the massive electricity demands of running a data center. He noted that data centers can function using varied energy sources. "Most of it is coming from burning nat[ural] gas, which is very clean now, with turbines," he said. "Hopefully nuclear power one day, some solar, some battery, all of it together. I think the key is that they're beating us because they're getting more power sooner, and then they're building these data centers to train their own AI. The country that has the best AI will have the best economy and the best defense, the best military, and win all the wars because it's going robotically." REPORT: CHINESE PROPAGANDA, SINGHAM NETWORK, FOREIGN DARK MONEY LINKED TO CAMPAIGNS AGAINST DATA CENTERS President Donald Trump has pushed hard for new data center production. Last July, he signed an executive order titled "Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure" which directed agencies to reduce the regulatory burdens that have been slowing data center development. Earlier this week, Fox News Digital obtained a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche from Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., calling for federal investigators to examine whether foreign actors are attempting to shape U.S. public opinion and policy against data centers and AI development as Washington and Beijing compete for dominance in artificial intelligence. "Recent reports show that Communist China is attempting to influence our policy and public opinion on data centers. The reason is obvious: They want to kneecap our processing power to win the AI race," Cotton told Fox News Digital. SEN BERNIE SANDERS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS COMING FOR THE WORKING CLASS. WE MUST FIGHT BACK Despite the push to put U.S. production ahead of Beijing, some liberals in Congress have been reluctant to get on board with data center development. In March, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., introduced the Intelligence (AI) Data Center Moratorium Act. "Congress has a moral obligation to stand with the American people and stop the expansion of these data centers until we have a framework to adequately address the existential harm AI poses to our society," Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement about the legislation. "We must choose humanity over profit." But some experts tie data center production to economic gains, saying that the jobs created from the facilities benefit communities and local economies. STEVE FORBES: THE AI COLD WAR HAS BEGUN AND AMERICA CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE "In the first six months Trump was in office, over 90% of all economic growth came from new computer and AI investment, and much of it came from data centers," Judge Glock, director of research and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, told Fox News Digital. "Without continued growth in data centers, we would have higher unemployment and lower incomes. Data centers also bring big gains to local communities." Leading voices in AI also noted China’s ability to construct data centers at a much faster rate than the U.S. Last November, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the communist country’s building capabilities far exceed that of the U.S. "If you want to build a data center here in the United States, from breaking ground to standing up an AI supercomputer is probably about three years... they can build a hospital in a weekend." O’Leary said the competition with China should alarm Americans, adding that if the U.S. falls too far behind, Beijing could gain the ability to devastate the U.S. economy and national security. While production capabilities are in question, widespread data shows that the U.S. currently has a significantly higher number of functional data centers already built compared to the number reported in China. According to Statista, the U.S. has more than 4,000 facilities as of April, while China has just over 300 — fewer than the United Kingdom and Germany. Still, O’Leary warned that China could outpace the U.S. over the long term if the U.S. slows development. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a356a3e1972385678336d29 World Cup Betting Preview: Team USA faces Australia in World Cup clash that should be low scoring te 2026-06-19T16:11:42.456Z World Cup Betting Preview: Team USA faces Australia in World Cup clash that should be low scoring Happy Juneteenth to everyone out there. I'm sure those words will irk a few readers, but to be honest, I'll take any federal holiday, as it means we get some time to enjoy anything we want. I know not every company is observing, but who doesn't want a day off in the middle of June? Today is even a bit more special because we get a USA World Cup game as well. My first-ever soccer article was about the USA World Cup team, and not only did the team win, but we won. I was wrong about the final score, but I was correct about Team USA winning. They were able to take down Paraguay. What I think was most enjoyable about the game -- aside from the victory -- was that the crowd was genuinely into the game. I know it is easy when goals are being scored and the team is winning, but America is not a soccer country. So, seeing the crowd going crazy and giving the team more energy was fun to watch. Now they have a test against Team Australia. This should be a win for Team USA if we are going to base it on a recent game they've had in an international friendly competition. They played back in October, so the teams are largely the same. Those games aren't always predictive, though. In order to keep the momentum coming, Team USA will need to remain aggressive in its attack. If they can strategically push the ball downfield, they should get a few good looks at a goalie that can be beaten. Team Australia had a nice outcome in their first game as well, having won the first contest against Turkey. I don't hate the Turkish team. They have some decent talent as well. Some games of the World Cup can just be dismissed because there is a huge mismatch. That isn't the case here. Australia was methodical in its attack and won the game 2-0. PATRIOTISM IS GREAT, BUT MAKING MONEY IS BETTER: 'FADE THE PUBLIC' IN TEAM USA VS AUSTRALIA IN WORLD CUP 2026 If you look at the stats from their first game, there is a big argument that Australia got lucky to win the game. They had half the shots on goal of Turkey, and they had possession of the ball for just 28% of the time. So, they were able to make the most of their opportunity. They had 12 fouls compared to just four on Turkey. I suppose there should be a fair amount of credit given to the Australian defense, considering they were able to stop all eight shots on goal, and if their opponent had the ball that often, it means they had to consistently stop the pressure. If Australia can slow the game down against America, they might have another chance. I don't think this is the most impressive team in the tournament, but they look like they don't make a lot of mistakes. Will the kangaroo clan be able to capitalize on the USA's mistakes today? It is possible. The USA was the beneficiary of an own goal to start the scoring, then they got two more in the first half. They did create some great opportunities, but missed some of those chances. Their defense only faced one real attack, and their goalie stopped the ball. Australia needs to be more aggressive than they were in the first game, but I don't think that's their nature. I expect Team USA to win, but I think this is going to be a lower-scoring game. Give me the under 2.5. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3569ed1972385678336cf0 Is the US government’s Anthropic ban accidentally helping the brand? te 2026-06-19T16:10:21.055Z Is the US government’s Anthropic ban accidentally helping the brand? Just as last week was ending, the US government forced Anthropic to pull its two newest models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, citing national security concerns after Amazon researchers allegedly found a way to bypass Fable 5’s guardrails.  Cybersecurity researchers have since signed an open letter calling t Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35658d1972385678336c77 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces potential leadership challenge from newly-elected Andy Burnham te 2026-06-19T15:51:41.844Z British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces potential leadership challenge from newly-elected Andy Burnham Andy Burnham has officially won his special election and regained a seat in Parliament, setting him up to challenge the deeply unpopular Keir Starmer as the leader of the Labour party and as prime minister. Burnham, currently the mayor of Greater Manchester in northwest England, won a seat in Makerfield and came away with 55% of the vote in a field of more than a dozen candidates, according to The Associated Press. The runner-up was Rob Kenyon of Reform UK, a right-wing populist party, who received more than 9,000 fewer votes than Burnham. Burnham last served as a member of Parliament in 2017 but strongly implied in his victory speech that he is returning with the intention to lead the United Kingdom. "Everyone knows that politics isn’t working. Everyone can feel that the country isn’t where it should be. Tonight could, just could, be the turning point," he said, according to the AP. "This result will bring about a country that works fairly for everywhere and for everybody." TRUMP ALLY NIGEL FARAGE DEALS MAJOR BLOW TO STARMER IN LOCAL UK ELECTIONS AS RESIGNATION CALLS MOUNT This special election, called by-elections in Britain, was unusually significant because the area's Labour MP, Josh Simons, intentionally resigned to allow Burnham to win the seat and pursue leadership. The potentially outsized impact of this election was juxtaposed with the strange scene that unfolded when all the candidates gathered on Friday morning to hear the results. Burnham stood in between an independent candidate dressed in a fox costume and another candidate known as "Count Binface". As his name suggests, "Count Binface," whose real name is Jonathan David Harvey, was wearing a trash can on his head and regularly runs in U.K. elections to advocate for increased voter turnout. Starmer congratulated Burnham in a social media post on X, saying voters "chose Labour’s campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate." When asked about Burnham's intentions to oust him as leader, Starmer said he will fight to remain prime minister, a position he has held for nearly two years. "I’ve said repeatedly I’m not going to walk away from that," Starmer told reporters. AS EPSTEIN-LINKED APPOINTMENT SPARKS BACKLASH, UK PM STARMER FACES PARTY REVOLT AMID RESIGNATION CALLS Starmer led the Labour party to a landslide victory in July 2024 and ever since, his popularity has been eroding thanks to a persistently high cost of living, an anemic economy and a scandal over his willingness to accept gifts from wealthy donors. Last September, Starmer was slammed for appointing Peter Mandelson as the British ambassador to the United States, when it was known as early as 2019 that Mandelson had a friendship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Following an enormous public backlash, Mandelson was quickly dismissed from his post. With Starmer as leader, Labour is increasingly losing liberal-minded voters to the Green Party, while also facing stronger challenges by Reform UK, a Nigel Farage-led party that advocates against mass migration and in favor of tighter border controls. Farage, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, said he was disappointed by Burnham's victory. Burnham is expected to head to London to be sworn in as soon as Monday. Under the British parliamentary system, the governing party can hold leadership elections in the middle of the term. The winner of such a contest can become prime minister without there having to be a national election. Under Labour rules, a lawmaker can challenge the leader if they win the backing of a fifth of their party's members in the House of Commons. Burnham has enough lawmakers on board to trigger a leadership contest, according to a report from The New Statesman. According to the AP, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Burnham and Starmer will "have a conversation about what comes next" in the next few days. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35657a1972385678336c6e WATCH: Would-be second-term President Biden left searching for family on stage after Obama Center opening te 2026-06-19T15:51:22.398Z WATCH: Would-be second-term President Biden left searching for family on stage after Obama Center opening Former President Joe Biden was caught in an awkward moment when he drifted back toward the stage as the dedication ceremony for President Barack Obama’s presidential library wrapped up Thursday. Video shows Biden pulling down his sunglasses and peering into the crowd as his wife, Jill Biden, and Obama exited the stage, leaving him behind. At one moment, Biden shouted, "where’s my granddaughter?’" A person familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital that Biden was searching for his granddaughter, who was sitting in the audience. OBAMA LEADING BIDEN OFF STAGE BY THE HAND 'REALLY PISSED ME OFF,' HUNTER BIDEN SEETHES The moment came at the conclusion of a star-studded event celebrating the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, which brought together Obama, Biden, Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Kamala Harris and a host of entertainers and political figures. The incident also follows renewed scrutiny of Biden's health and his initial decision to seek a second term in 2024. During an appearance at New York's 92nd Street Y this week, Hillary Clinton called Biden's reelection bid a "terrible mistake," arguing that Democrats may have been better positioned had there been a competitive primary process before the 2024 election. HILLARY CLINTON HAMMERS JOE BIDEN FOR 2024 REELECTION BID DESPITE SUPPORTING CAMPAIGN: 'TERRIBLE MISTAKE' "Very sadly, I believe whoever emerged from that contest, whether it was the vice president or a governor or a senator or anybody else, would have beaten Donald Trump," Clinton said. "So I think it was a terrible miscalculation on the part of President Biden." Biden faced major pressure from Democratic Party leadership to drop out of the presidential race following his disastrous debate performance against Trump. Despite opinion pieces and public calls for him to exit the race, Biden remained in the contest for more than three weeks after the debate. Meanwhile, former first lady Jill Biden recently wrote that she feared her husband may have been suffering a stroke following his widely criticized debate performance against then-candidate Donald Trump in June 2024, and suggested he should not have continued his re-election campaign. The former president is also locked in a legal battle with the Justice Department over the release of audio recordings from his interviews with former Special Counsel Robert Hur, whose investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents fueled additional questions about his age and memory. In those audio recordings, Hur described then sitting president Biden as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," a characterization that became a flashpoint in the debate over Biden’s mental fitness for the job. The 83-year-old former president is currently battling Stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3563361972385678336c10 ATP fines tennis player Corentin Moutet $40,000 for profane interview following HSBC Championships win te 2026-06-19T15:41:42.734Z ATP fines tennis player Corentin Moutet $40,000 for profane interview following HSBC Championships win Tennis fans may have found the sport's next "bad boy," but an R-rated on-court interview may have that outlaw's wallet feeling a little lighter. Following a win at the HSBC Championships on Monday, French tennis player Corentin Moutet was interviewed at center court and unleashed a flurry of F-bombs into the reporter's microphone. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE It was obviously meant as a joke, but several fans and officials didn't treat it as a laughing matter, including the ATP. SUNS GUARD'S CELEBRATION WITH TEAMMATE COSTS HIM $25K AFTER DROPPING F-BOMB DURING LIVE TV INTERVIEW In an official statement sent to OutKick Friday morning, the ATP communications office revealed that Moutet is being fined $40,000 for his profane outburst on Monday. "Following the use of profane language by Corentin Moutet during his post-match interview after his first-round match at the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club in London this week, the player has received a fine of $40,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct," ATP officials said. "Moutet has confirmed that he will appeal the fine in accordance with ATP rules. The appeal will be reviewed by the ATP Tour Compliance Committee. No further comment will be made while the appeal process is ongoing." AMERICAN TENNIS STAR SPARKS ROW WITH FRENCH PLAYER AFTER ACCUSING HIM OF GETTING FLIRTY WITH HER It looks like Moutet will be fighting tooth and nail to avoid any sort of punitive action, and who could blame him? ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Moutet would have to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament to come out in the black, and unfortunately, his run at the Queen's Club in London came to an end on Thursday in a straight-sets loss to Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. For his efforts, Moutet will head home with roughly $23,000 after his first-round win, but the fine alone will negate any of that. Talk about an expensive mistake! I'm not sure if Moutet will tone down his bad-boy image, but I can guarantee you he will swallow those F-bombs the next time there is a microphone in his face. His checking account will thank him. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3563231972385678336c07 Jimmy Kimmel reveals he asked major Trump critic to guest host while he's on vacation as a 'special treat' te 2026-06-19T15:41:23.289Z Jimmy Kimmel reveals he asked major Trump critic to guest host while he's on vacation as a 'special treat' Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel said during his show on Thursday that he asked Rosie O'Donnell if she would guest host his show during his two-month vacation, among others, framing the choice as a "special treat" for President Donald Trump. "I hope you’re paying attention this summer. I will be taking the next two months off, this time voluntarily," he said, referring to his brief hiatus from the air in September of 2025. "We have assembled a potent group of hosts to fill in for me beginning with Tiffany Haddish, Colman Domingo, Ike Barinholtz, Anthony Anderson, Jelly Roll and as a special treat for our commander in chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites — Rosie O’Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming," Kimmel said. TRUMP TAKES SWIPE AT JIMMY KIMMEL'S TALENT WHILE HONORING KENNEDY CENTER RECIPIENTS IN OVAL OFFICE Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.  O'Donnell attacked Trump in a rare public appearance at the Tony Awards this month, calling him a conman, narcissist and a psychopath in an interview with Variety. TRUMP THREATENS TO STRIP ROSIE O'DONNELL'S U.S. CITIZENSHIP AS HE SAYS SHE'S A 'THREAT TO HUMANITY' "If you grew up in New York, you knew he was an a--hole and a liar from day one. And I am 64 years old and have lived my whole life here. So, I remember when his planes were repossessed off the runways at LaGuardia. I remember when he was broke. I remember when he would call up places and pretend to be his own publicist," O'Donnell said. "He is a conman. He is a narcissist. And he is a psychopath, if you ask me," she said. O'Donnell moved to Ireland after the president won the 2024 election. O'Donnell, who once vowed to never get plastic surgery, recently opened up about battling guilt and shame after undergoing cosmetic surgery earlier this year. ROSIE O'DONNELL QUIETLY RETURNS TO US AFTER ABANDONING COUNTRY OVER TRUMP'S VICTORY "I used to feel very strongly about facelifts," she wrote on Substack. "Not casually — morally. I had assigned myself as head of all women who would never — ever. I thought it was a betrayal. Of feminism. Of aging. Of our team of women worldwide. And then I lost 50 pounds..." O'Donnell sat down with former CNN host Jim Acosta for an interview on his podcast, "The Jim Acosta Show," on Thursday. She told Acosta that she believed former Vice President Kamala Harris won the election and that evidence would come out eventually. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "Part of the reason that I left is I never in a million years thought we would put a convicted felon who tried to start an insurrection back in office. How did that happen? I don't think it happened. I think Kamala won. I do," she said. "And I think that we're going to find all this out. It's going to come out and it, I'm not the first person to say this. There are all these researchers who were saying it. I read it online again today." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3560a11972385678336b90 Demining the Strait of Hormuz te 2026-06-19T15:30:41.745Z Demining the Strait of Hormuz Our reporter John Ismay, who served as a Navy explosive ordnance disposal officer and deep-sea diver for eight years, explains why mines in the Strait of Hormuz may outlast the war. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35608c1972385678336b6e Billionaire Ambani wants AI in every call, app, and home te 2026-06-19T15:30:20.761Z Billionaire Ambani wants AI in every call, app, and home Reliance is weaving AI into telecom services used by more than 500 million people. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a355e871972385678336a06 Trump-Meloni spat grows over claim Italian PM 'begged' for photo: 'astonished' te 2026-06-19T15:21:43.560Z Trump-Meloni spat grows over claim Italian PM 'begged' for photo: 'astonished' A simmering rift between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni burst into the open Friday after the G7 summit, exposing growing tensions between two leaders whose close political alliance had long positioned Meloni among Trump's closest allies on the world stage. "Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don't ‌know why ⁠the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover," Meloni said Friday, according to Reuters. Trump told an Italian news outlet that Meloni "begged" him to take a photo with her during the G7 earlier this week, which sparked strong rebuke from the prime minister and Italian diplomats. Before the recent strain over Iran, Meloni was widely viewed as one of Trump's strongest allies on the world stage, even attending his 2025 presidential inauguration as the only European leader present. "She wanted a picture with me so ​badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her," Trump said to La7 TV channel. "She's probably happy I talked to her. I didn't have to talk to her." WHO IS GIORGIA MELONI? TRUMP HOSTS ITALIAN PM AT MAR-A-LAGO Meloni fired back: "I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same determination with the enemies of the West and of the United States, whose leaders he instead treats with far greater indulgence." "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg," she added. Representatives from the prime minister’s office told Fox News Digital they have no comment at the moment. Fox News Digital also reached out to the White House. RUBIO MEETS MELONI AS TRUMP–POPE CLASH ESCALATES US STRAINS WITH KEY EUROPEAN ALLY There have been looming tensions between the two leaders after Meloni recently distanced herself from the U.S. amid mounting domestic and political pressure over the widening Middle East conflict. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly canceled his U.S. visit Friday following Trump's remarks over the photo.  "The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June," Tajani wrote on X. TRUMP TROOP CUTS IN EUROPE COULD BE BLOCKED BY CONGRESS — HERE’S HOW HE MIGHT GET AROUND IT Tajani was set to attend the Italy–U.S. Business, Investment, Science and Innovation Forum in Miami, Florida. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to deliver remarks at the conference on Monday. Rubio recently traveled to Italy last month to smooth over previous tensions with Meloni and Pope Leo XIV. Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment. As Trump urged world leaders to take a more active role in the Iran conflict, Meloni notably stayed on the sidelines, underscoring an emerging rift between the longtime allies. Meloni has previously said she would not support any effort to reduce the U.S. military presence in Italy, drawing a contrast with Trump’s broader push to reposition American forces in Europe. Italy remains a key U.S. security hub in Europe, hosting nearly 13,000 active-duty American troops across six bases as of the end of 2025. Fox News Digital’s Courtney Walsh and Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a355e7419723856783369fd Trump administration opens four Title IX investigations into Michigan and North Carolina school districts te 2026-06-19T15:21:24.116Z Trump administration opens four Title IX investigations into Michigan and North Carolina school districts The United States Department of Education announced this week that it has opened four new investigations into Title IX violations - three in Michigan and one in North Carolina. Two districts, Ann Arbor Public Schools and Monroe Public Schools, are being investigated for allegedly allowing biological males to compete against girls. Ann Arbor and the Chippewa Valley School District are also being investigated for allegedly allowing student-athletes use the opposite biological gender's locker room, the Department of Education said Thursday. Announced Wednesday, the Buncombe County Schools district in North Carolina said a "concerned parent" reported to the Department of Education that female students in the district "are being forced to share their female-only restrooms with biological men." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "The convoluted practice of allowing students to participate on sex-segregated athletic teams and make use of locker rooms based on ‘gender identity’ is not only known to be unsafe for students, but is a direct violation of federal law," Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in Thursday's release. "The Trump Administration has consistently upheld Title IX, as it was written and intended by Congress, enforcing the law to protect students across America from discrimination on the basis of sex rather than to perpetuate a radical ideology that risks the safety and wellbeing of students. We will continue to fight for what is right, fully investigate these alarming allegations, and enforce the law to the fullest extent."   "Since Day One, the Trump Administration has steadfastly enforced Title IX according to its intended purpose – to protect young women and girls from discrimination on the basis of sex. Even so, we still receive countless complaints from distressed parents who cannot trust school officials with the education and wellbeing of their children," Richie said Wednesday. So long as adults flout the law and twist it in the pursuit of radical political ideologies, the Trump Administration will launch investigations, hold schools accountable, and ensure the safety of female students across America." KNICKS OWNER APPEARS TO TAKE SWIPE AT MAMDANI AT NBA CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION, STIFFS PHOTO OP WITH HIM The Ann Arbor school district is alleged to have allowed a biological male to compete on the girls' volleyball team and use the girls' locker room. The school district "allegedly maintains policies allowing males to compete on women’s sports teams," according to the Department of Education. The Monroe school district, the release said, "allegedly discriminated against female students by requiring the girls’ volleyball team to compete against a team with a biological male and forced female athletes to share locker rooms with the male athlete. Parents report that Monroe Public Schools failed to respond appropriately to their concerns about legal violations and the risk of their children being put in inappropriate, unsafe situations." The Chippewa Valley School District is accused of allowing a to female use the male locker room. The North Carolina school district said it "follows the law regarding students' rights ensuring that all students have access to safe restrooms, locker rooms, and other school facilities." "Our schools work with all students and families to ensure that every student has access to facilities that meet their needs in a safe and private manner. The school system will fully cooperate with the U.S. Department of Education on its inquiry," Buncombe County Schools said in a statement, via WYFF. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Monroe Public Schools said it "is dedicated to fostering a secure and nurturing educational setting for every student and operates in full compliance with all state and federal regulations. A prior, thorough review of this matter by an independent investigator determined that Title IX violation claims against the district were unsubstantiated. We welcome the opportunity to coordinate with federal officials and are working in full cooperation with the Office for Civil Rights." The other two districts did not immediately respond to emails from Fox News Digital. The Supreme Court is expected to rule this month on two key hearings regarding transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a355c1919723856783369a6 American League Central showdown: How to bet series opener between White Sox and Tigers te 2026-06-19T15:11:21.659Z American League Central showdown: How to bet series opener between White Sox and Tigers A 1-1 day on the diamond yesterday isn't exactly what I wanted, but I'll take it, as it is always better than losing both plays. The one win on the Twins was pretty sweat-free and no issues. The loss on the Red Sox was a little more frustrating. Trey Yesavage, to his credit, threw a great game, but the Red Sox tied it up and then blew it late. Oh well, let's go to the AL Central for this one. The American League Central Division leader plays in this game, only it isn't who any of us expected. As I've said about other teams, this isn't the time to start printing playoff tickets. However, it is very cool that the Chicago White Sox are leading their division when they were expected to be a bottom-feeder this season. They are 39-34 for the year, and giving South Side fans a reason to cheer for the first time in a bunch of years. It would be shocking to see them finish this out, but it also would be equally surprising to see if the White Sox make a splash in the next month via trade. They will almost certainly need some pitching if they want to close this out. If they want to make a full push for a trophy, they will need a couple of arms, a bat and maybe something else. Today, they are using journeyman Erick Fedde as their starter. He has been okay for the team, but nothing special. He is 2-5 for the year with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. One major reason for concern today is that Fedde has been awful on the road with a 6.18 ERA in five starts. He did have a solid win against the Tigers in late May, going four innings and allowing four hits and two earned runs. The Detroit Tigers are making the news today because of their starting pitcher. We are all well aware of the fact that Tarik Skubal is likely to make a boatload of money this offseason, but we are equally aware that he may be traded before the deadline. He said yesterday that if the Tigers don't improve, it is probably more than just him who will be traded. For a team that has made the postseason two years in a row, they look very bad at the moment. They are 14 games under .500, and are 27 games under since August 23 of last year. TIGERS INCREASINGLY LIKELY TO TRADE TARIK SKUBAL BEFORE DEADLINE AS PLAYOFF HOPES FADE, REPORTS SAY We know that Skubal is on the wish list of any team, but if I am acquiring him, I do want to see that he will be healthy for the remainder of the year. This will be just his second start back since landing on the injured list. He went 4.2 innings against the Guardians, allowed five hits and gave up three runs (two earned). He hasn't faced the White Sox this season, but has seen them quite a bit over the seasons. They are batting just .209 against him, but Randal Grichuk has actually succeeded, going 4-for-11 against him. Any time Skubal takes the mound, the books are going to skew the moneyline in his favor. It makes sense; he gives the Tigers a very good chance to win every five days. However, I'll likely never pay that type of price for a baseball game. The value is on the White Sox as Skubal needs to figure out his pitching again after missing some time. I won't bet that either, though. I don't hate the Tigers -1.5 at -105. Instead, I'm taking the under 8 in this game. The reason is that Skubal may not be quite as crisp, but if he is, we will see no runs from the White Sox. The Tigers are averaging just four runs per game, and the White Sox offense is giving up just about that amount as well. Most of the Tigers' games are low-scoring. The White Sox have given up a lot of runs lately, but I just don't see the Tigers getting there, even against Fedde. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3559fc1972385678336937 Gilgo Beach serial killer's ex-wife says he 'got what he deserved' after he gets max sentence for 8 murders te 2026-06-19T15:02:20.752Z Gilgo Beach serial killer's ex-wife says he 'got what he deserved' after he gets max sentence for 8 murders RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Asa Ellerup, the ex-wife of convicted Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann, said through her attorney Friday that the 62-year-old architect "got what he deserved" when a New York judge hit him with the maximum possible sentence this week for a string of murders between 1993 and 2010. "She believes the sentence is appropriate for his crimes, and obviously he got what he deserved," said Ellerup's attorney, Bob Macedonio. "You can’t kill eight people. She’d never condone any of that." Heuermann has not yet been in contact with his ex-wife or children since being transferred out of the Suffolk County Jail Thursday, Macedonio said. He was being processed at Green Haven Correctional Facility in Stormville, New York, but it was not immediately clear where he will serve his sentence. FOLLOW FOX TRUE CRIME ON FACEBOOK Ellerup infamously revealed that she now sleeps in the room where her ex tortured and killed seven of the eight victims in the latest episode of "The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets" docuseries on Peacock. "The brutal truth is that Rex Heuermann said he dismembered the bodies in this room," she says in the episode. "That is the brutal truth. OK. Now. There's me. I'm in this room. And I'm here because I do feel spiritual. I am trying to say spiritually, in my own way, that I am really sorry for what these victims went through." Judge Timothy Mazzei ripped into the hulking Heuermann at sentencing Wednesday, calling him a "coward" and "small man" for the "despicable" murders of eight women, all around 100 pounds and 5 feet tall. GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER REX HEUERMANN SLAMMED AS ‘SMALL MAN’ AS JUDGE GIVES MAX SENTENCE FOR MURDER SPREE "Mr. Heuermann, as Mr. Tierney said, I know that you're sorry you got caught. I assume that you're sorry for what you've done to your wife and children. Are you a little bit sorry for what you did to these poor, innocent women?" Mazzei asked. "Eight women that you strangled to death — at least eight, that we know of. Are you at least a little bit sorry for that? Yes?" SEND US A TIP HERE "Yes, I am," Heuermann responded. "You know what, you've been described as a very big man, but you're a disgusting and despicable small man, if you're a man at all," an audibly emotional Mazzei replied. "And you're a coward." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST He sentenced Heuermann to three consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, to be followed by four consecutive terms of 25 years to life. After dismissing three lesser charges, Mazzei ordered the bailiffs to "Get him out of here." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said afterward that local authorities expected to be rid of Heuermann before the end of the week. He was gone the following morning. Ellerup filed for divorce shortly after Heuermann's arrest outside his Manhattan office on July 13, 2023. Police soon descended on the family's Massapequa Park home, the only ramshackle house in an otherwise upscale suburban neighborhood about 35 miles east of New York City. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Since his 2023 arrest, Heuermann was charged with the murders of seven women, and he confessed to killing an eighth during a change-of-plea hearing on April 8. Tierney has declined to speculate about whether there are more victims, saying what he thinks "doesn't matter" — and that if investigators obtain more evidence, it would be presented to a grand jury in pursuit of a new indictment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3559e8197238567833692e Freddy, the viral World Cup tourist, links up with country singer Ella Langley and the internet loves it te 2026-06-19T15:02:00.910Z Freddy, the viral World Cup tourist, links up with country singer Ella Langley and the internet loves it World Cup sensation Freddy dipped his toes into the country music world in epic fashion. Freddy, a German tourist, has taken the internet by storm ever since arriving in America for the World Cup. The man's real name isn't known, but his content is gold as he chronicles life in America. The X account has gained a following of nearly 700,000 people, and he discovered one of the best entertainers in America on his road trip: Country star Ella Langley. INTERNET FALLS IN LOVE WITH GERMAN SOCCER FAN DISCOVERING AMERICAN SOUTH AHEAD OF 2026 WORLD CUP Freddy tweeted earlier in June that he was becoming a big fan of the "Choosin' Texas" singer, and intended to go to one of her concerts. Well, it happened Thursday night in Oklahoma City. Freddy and his entourage met up with the talented singer for a photo that is already making serious waves online as of Friday morning. ELLA LANGLEY HAS THE INTERNET BUZZING AFTER HER BLACK OUTFIT AND PERFORMANCE AT CMA FEST IN NASHVILLE Langley responded on X by tweeting, "So nice meeting y’all 🫶🏼 Hope you enjoyed the show!!" This might be one of the biggest moments of worlds colliding in recent history for the site. We're big fans of Ella Langley, the World Cup is taking everyone by storm and Freddy has become a social media star. Now, all three came together for the kind of content you simply can't buy. WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA ON FOX ONE To tell you how amped up Langley was to have Freddy and his crew at the show, she made sure his hotel room was covered with goodies. There's going to be a great documentary made someday about Freddy, and I can't wait to watch. Simply electric content, and I can't wait to see what comes next. Hit me with your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3559d51972385678336925 Maine Democrats reject Platner-backed candidate in blow to scandal-plagued Senate hopeful te 2026-06-19T15:01:41.327Z Maine Democrats reject Platner-backed candidate in blow to scandal-plagued Senate hopeful Hannah Pingree, the former speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, clinched the Democratic nomination in Maine's 2026 gubernatorial race. Pingree defeated a crowded field of primary challengers in the blue-leaning state's Democratic primary, according to The Associated Press.  Former Maine State Senate President Troy Jackson, an economic populist backed by embattled U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, was also viewed as a top contender for the party's nomination. Jackson’s loss is a blow to Platner as he seeks to unseat U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in November’s midterm elections. Former Biden public health official Nirav Shah was also viewed as a top contender for the Democratic nomination. The results come as Jackson and Platner campaigned together on multiple occasions ahead of the June 9 primary. The two were seen embracing Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during a "Fighting Oligarchy" rally in late May. Sanders, a progressive leader, has endorsed both candidates. GRAHAM PLATNER BLASTS NEW ALLEGATIONS AS 'FALSE ACCUSATIONS': 'MAINE, YOU HAVE MY BACK' Jackson, a logger who has served in both chambers of the state legislature, has largely stood by Platner’s candidacy despite mounting fallout over allegations of abuse in past relationships with women and questions over whether he was aware of a tattoo with Nazi origins that he later covered up. He appeared with Platner during a fiery rally in Bar Harbor on Friday during which the Senate candidate slammed "politically motivated, serious and false, false accusations" that have been levied against him. The gubernatorial hopefuls are running to succeed Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, who was term-limited. Mills, 78, suspended her Senate campaign in April after struggling to raise money and falling behind in polling. Mills endorsed Pingree, D-Maine, to be her successor. Pingree is the daughter of Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, and is associated with the party’s establishment wing. The state's ranked-choice voting system required voters to rank candidates in order of preference. That structure meant the candidate who received the most initial support — in this case Shah — ultimately lost to a candidate backed by a broader coalition of voters in Pingree.  Platner said he ranked Pingree and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, D-Maine, after Jackson, his top pick. The three Democratic candidates urged their supporters to rank each other highly on their ballots, likely in an attempt to blunt Shah’s momentum. THE GROWING LIST OF CONTROVERSIES THREATENING DEMOCRAT GRAHAM PLATNER'S MAINE SENATE BID "I think we're the three people in this race who have voted time and time again on behalf of Maine people, on behalf of working people, on behalf of universal healthcare, on behalf of the environment, on behalf of more housing for Maine people," Pingree said at a joint press conference with Jackson and Bellows in late May in remarks reported by Maine Public Radio. "I think you can trust the three of us to get the job done."  Pingree thanked her competitors in a Friday morning statement, praising the civility of a ranked choice campaign before pivoting to the citizens of Maine. "After a year-long campaign and a careful count, the results are in. I’m grateful, I’m ready and there is no time to waste. I've spent nearly 25 years serving the people of Maine and the last year really brought home what that service is about — because Mainers show up for each other, in cities and towns, and they never give up on their neighbors. Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, donated, or opened their doors to talk with me about what matters to them, and what’s at stake in this election," the statement read. Shah, an epidemiologist, spearheaded Maine’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included daily televised briefings. Before Mills tapped him to lead the state’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, his ties to the Pine Tree State appeared to have been minimal. He previously served as director of the Illinois Department of Public Health between 2015 and 2019 and was raised in Wisconsin and Kentucky. An outside spending group backing Shah highlighted Jackson’s previous opposition to abortion rights in negative advertising. Early in Jackson’s career in the state legislature, he received a 100% rating from the Maine Right to Life. On the Republican side, six candidates vied for the party’s nomination, with former Bush administration official Bobby Charles defeating the crowded field that included Jonathan Bush, a businessman who is a cousin of former President George W. Bush. Democrats will likely have an edge in the open contest with the party holding nearly all statewide offices. The nonpartisan Cook Political report rates the contest as "likely Democrat." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3559c1197238567833691c SEE IT: Dem senator downplays security threat of illegal immigration after White House terror plot te 2026-06-19T15:01:21.880Z SEE IT: Dem senator downplays security threat of illegal immigration after White House terror plot A longtime Senate Democrat declined to directly condemn illegal immigration as a national security threat after it was revealed the terror plot to ambush the UFC White House event Sunday night was schemed by an immigrant from Mexico. Abraham Alvarez is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who overstayed his visa, according to Homeland Security information first obtained by Fox News Digital. He was identified as the alleged "ringleader" of a network of 23 individuals who planned to carry out a "mass casualty event" with explosive drones striking the White House on June 14. After reports surfaced that Alvarez was the architect of the failed terror attack, Fox News Digital asked Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., if she views illegal immigration as a threat to the national security of the homeland.  "We have to have good national security grid watch, and we have to stop terrorist attacks," the Washington Democrat replied, keeping it ambiguous. SMILING SUSPECT STANDS OUT AS AUTHORITIES RELEASE MUGSHOTS OF 5 ACCUSED IN ALLEGED WHITE HOUSE UFC ATTACK PLOT "I’ll look more into the specific details. Don’t know about it," she continued.  Alvarez, 31, failed to leave the country when his B2 visitor visa expired in 2001 after coming to the U.S. as a child. He was granted Dreamer status — deportation relief — by the Obama administration in 2014 through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and has remained in the U.S. ever since under that program. Cantwell is not one of the Democrats who has adopted a particularly hard-line immigration stance in Congress. She has, however, repeatedly condemned aggressive immigration enforcement, particularly under the Trump administration. DEM BORDER REP BRAGS ABOUT VOTING AGAINST LAKEN RILEY ACT Cantwell has voted several times since President Donald Trump took office to challenge some efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) related to alleged racial profiling by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. She has encouraging immigration enforcement to not detain pregnant illegal immigrants and has backed investigation into the conditions of detention centers. She also voted against the Laken Riley Act in January 2025, which requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain illegal immigrants who have been charged with certain crimes including theft, assault, burglary, shoplifting and more. Along with Alvarez, five additional individuals have been arrested this month for assisting in the alleged terror plot to attack the White House UFC event over the weekend. WHITE HOUSE UFC TERROR PLOT 'RINGLEADER' IS A MEXICAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, DHS CONFIRMS Federal authorities said the motivation of the attack was related to government corruption, Israel’s influence on American politics and the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Alvarez, when asked in messages about explosive drones by a co-conspirator, said he wanted "as many and as deadly as we can get." Investigators also noted the suspect's goal was to target "capitalist elites," billionaires and politicians funded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Of the 23 identified in planning the terror attack, 18 have still have not been charged. Each suspect could face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine, with a potential additional five years if also convicted of planning to carry out violence on White House grounds. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3555121972385678336855 Jack Osbourne tells critics to 'shut the f--- up' after backlash over White House UFC fight attendance te 2026-06-19T14:41:22.786Z Jack Osbourne tells critics to 'shut the f--- up' after backlash over White House UFC fight attendance Jack Osbourne is defending his choice to attend the UFC fight at the White House over the weekend, saying that some critical comments he’s gotten have been "completely insane and like what the f---?" The former reality star shared a video on his YouTube channel to discuss backlash he's received, and shared several examples of social media comments that said things like "So disappointed" and "This is kinda devastating not gonna lie." "I went to a sporting event. That’s it," he clarified. "I didn’t go and throw my hat in the ring for political office. I wasn’t there going to endorse a politician or some kind of, you know, foreign affairs issue. Nothing. I literally went to the White House to go see UFC." Osbourne explained that he’s been interested in combat sports his entire life, including doing taekwondo at 6 years old, studying Muay Thai in Thailand in his late teens and early twenties, and doing jiu-jitsu in his 30s. "I have also attended UFC and PRIDE fights going back to the early 2000s. It is something that has been a part of my life since I can remember," Osbourne said. COUNTRY STAR ZAC BROWN DEFENDS UFC WHITE HOUSE PERFORMANCE SAYING 'F--- ALL THE DIVISION' He said when he was invited by President and CEO of UFC Dana White, "of course I would go. Any person out there who would get an invite would have gone. I’m sorry, there’s no one I could think of that would have been like, ‘No, I’m not going to that ‘cause I don’t approve of Orange Man’ or whatever the f---." He called the backlash "ridiculous," stressing it was "not a political event — or in my eyes it was not. It was a f---ing fight at the White House. Who gives a s---?" The 40-year-old said he told his wife at the event it would be great if there were more sporting events at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and pointed out that some past presidents held events on the White House lawn. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER The "Night of Terror" host took umbrage over fans who said that his father, the late Ozzy Osbourne, would disapprove of his attendance. "You did not know my father. You did not know where he stood with things," Osbourne said. "Yes, he wrote a song called ‘War Pigs,' sure. Anti-war song. He wasn’t anti-UFC. He wasn’t anti-going to an event at the White House. He was anti-war." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS He pointed out that his dad attended a White House Correspondents Dinner during the Bush administration and showed a video of him jumping up excitedly when he got a shoutout from the former president. Ozzy also did USO tours and went to visit wounded service members at Walter Reed Medical Center, his son explained. "So, shut the f--- up, basically," he added. "To bring my father into this to say he would or wouldn’t’ve approve is completely insane. I simply attended a sporting event for a sport that I have a great amount of respect for and something that’s been a part of my life since I can remember." He added, "So, deal with it, and I’m sorry you weren’t invited." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3554ff197238567833684c Pro wrestling star Austin Aries talks getting back in the ring, upcoming MLW title match vs Blue Panther te 2026-06-19T14:41:03.337Z Pro wrestling star Austin Aries talks getting back in the ring, upcoming MLW title match vs Blue Panther Pro wrestling star Austin Aries is looking for gold. Aries will go up against Blue Panther for the Major League Wrestling (MLW) National Openweight Championship on "MLW Fusion" on Saturday night in one of his biggest matches since he returned to the ring. He told Fox News Digital in a recent interview he planned to leave the ring with the title around his waist and that he had respect for Blue Panther for being able to compete for so long. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "I mean that’s the plan. I mean, listen, talk about longevity right? I’m 48 years old and I’m like I’m doing pretty good. I’m still in there competing at a high level and then you see Blue Panther. And he’s like (65), and he’s diving out of the ring," Aries said. "The amount of respect I have for him – not just what he’s meant for Lucha Libre over the course of his career but just as a man to watch another man at (65) years old still take the risks, still compete because he loves it. "So, it’s gonna be a little bittersweet to have to take the old man out back and take his championship from him. But that’s the nature of the game, right? When you’re the champ, you got a target on your back, everybody wants what you have. And for me, to win the openweight championship and I’m not gonna call it the national openweight championship. I’m gonna start referring to it as the world openweight championship because I’m world class and I want to take this championship around the world once I defeat Blue Panther. For me, it just solidifies me as one of the pillars of MLW and as long as I have a championship title around my waist, they gotta keep booking me." Aries returned to the ring against Paul London at Slaughterhouse last year and was recently in the ring against Trevor Lee to start the new season of "MLW Fusion." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM He said getting back in the ring initially was a test to see if his body could hold up. "It’s been great. Stepped in there to be a color commentator and kinda got the itch a little bit," he recalled. "They asked me if I was interested in doing the Opera Cup last year. And so, yeah, stepped in to do the Opera Cup and there was some real top talent – guys like Kushida and Paul London and Místico. "It was a real test for me to see where I was at physically at this stage of my career. I felt good. I felt like I had plenty left in the tank. I can still perform at the high level I expect from myself. So I have been able to parlay that into the last year and I’m back as a full-time wrestler with MLW and it’s been a lot of fun." Aries has been banged up in his career and being out of the ring for nearly three years may show signs of ring rust or open up the opportunity for a greater injury. But Aries said he competitive mindset was one of the reasons why he wanted to try again. "I’m a competitor. I’m an athlete. And we all have that realization after that we all have a day where that window shuts and it can’t be re-opened," he said. "So, I’m very blessed even 26 years in. I don’t have any real nagging injuries. I’ve been really lucky in that way. I certainly have my share of injuries over the years but I’ve remained relatively healthy considering the certain style that I wrestle and you don’t take for granted that you’re always going to be able to do this and so when the opportunity presented itself and, hey, let first see if my body responds and can I still perform at a high level. "And once I knew those things were capable of being accomplished, I figured let’s go full steam, let’s go 100%. I say as long as I’m enjoying it and as long as someone is willing to pay me, let’s keep doing it." Major League Wrestling is one of many promotions vying for pro wrestling fans’ attention. With top athletes and interesting matches, MLW has been able to capture an audience looking for something they may not be getting from top companies. Aries said MLW being free for viewers is a huge factor. "I think the cool thing about MLW is the accessibility," he told Fox News Digital. "We now have a few different platforms you can watch it and it’s free. Nowadays, it’s hard to get good, free content. More and more, it’s kinda pay to play so to speak. You can go to the MLW YouTube channel to watch Saturday night, 6:05 ET, a new episode of ‘Fusion.’ We’re on the streaming service Veeps. We’re also still on beIN Sports and now we just announced that we’re on New Japan World. "And then, the live events. Fifteen-dollar tickets to get started. It’s getting more and more expensive to go to live events in any type of entertainment. So, it’s really important to us that our product is accessible for your average family of four." Aries also pointed to a star-studded roster that includes wrestlers from Mexico and Japan and the MLW roster that includes Killer Kross, Matt Riddle, Paul Walter Hauser and others as well as the ability to keep fans interested. "What I think MLW is doing really good right now is really, A, presenting pro wrestling in a way that, for me, I can appreciate the art of pro wrestling but it’s also just a good mix. We got relationships with CMLL with the Luchadores, with Stardom and a lot of the Japanese talent. We got a great tag division. We got some familiar faces that you’ll remember from WWE or other companies," he said. "We got a lot of new up and coming guys who are trying to make a name for themselves. We have legends like Blue Panther. We have crossover with guys like Paul Walter Hauser. So, we have a little something for everybody. "If you want your great professional wrestling match bell to bell, that’s what Austin Aries does. If you want big, meat-slapping guys, you got guys like Hammerstone. We got MMA-mixed guys with Matt Riddle. We got a guy like Killer Kross right now who’s the world champion. We really have something for everybody and I’d like to think we don’t insult the intelligence of the viewer. We try to keep the suspension of disbelief that I think makes pro wrestling great." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3552bb19723856783367e6 YENDI PARKER: The Protect Education Act Doesn’t Protect Education te 2026-06-19T14:31:23.927Z YENDI PARKER: The Protect Education Act Doesn’t Protect Education By Yendi Parker | Eight years ago, the United States Marine Corps moved my family to Arizona. Since then, my husband and I have used Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program to help provide the education our three children need to succeed. As both a mother and a teacher, I have seen firsthand the difference educational choice can make in a child’s life. That is why I oppose the so-called Protect Education Act. Despite its name, this measure does not protect education. It limits educational opportunities and restricts parents’ ability to choose the learning environment that best fits their children’s needs. My own children have benefited from ESAs, and many students at the high school where I teach attend through the program as well. These are real children with unique learning styles, goals, and challenges. The ESA program empowers parents to make decisions based on what is best for their child, not what is most convenient for a government system. Critics often claim that ESA programs drain funding from public schools. The reality is that the typical ESA award is only a fraction of the combined state and local tax dollars spent on a student in the public school system. When a student leaves a public school and uses an ESA, the state generally spends less on that individual child. Opponents also point to isolated examples of misuse within the ESA program. No government program is perfect, but the Arizona Department of Education reports that the overwhelming majority of ESA families follow the rules. State analyses have found that truly egregious fraud accounts for approximately 0.3% of ESA spending. By comparison, federal SNAP benefits experience improper payments and fraud estimated in billions of dollars annually, representing a far larger percentage of total program spending. Yet no one argues that food assistance should be eliminated because a small number of people break the rules. The answer is accountability, not fewer choices for families. Arizona has become a national leader in educational freedom because we trust parents. Whether a family chooses a public school, charter school, private school, homeschool, or another educational option, that decision should remain with the people who know the child best: their parents. The Protect Education Act would move Arizona in the wrong direction. It would limit options, create new barriers, and make it harder for families like mine to access the educational opportunities our children need. For the sake of educational freedom, parental rights, and student success, I encourage Arizonans to look beyond the title and reject the Protect Education Act. Yendi Parker is an English teacher at Yuma Catholic High School. She also serves as the Eastern Arizona Director for Our America and 3rd Vice President for the Arizona State Federation of Republican Women. The post YENDI PARKER: The Protect Education Act Doesn’t Protect Education first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35527d19723856783367c9 Inside Hegseth’s War on Diversity and Blocked Promotions of Women and Black Officers te 2026-06-19T14:30:21.466Z Inside Hegseth’s War on Diversity and Blocked Promotions of Women and Black Officers A Black admiral fixed one of the Navy’s worst messes. Mr. Hegseth blocked his promotion anyway. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35504f197238567833678a Jay Leno calls Joe Rogan 'the new Johnny Carson' as he reflects on what changed in late-night television te 2026-06-19T14:21:03.169Z Jay Leno calls Joe Rogan 'the new Johnny Carson' as he reflects on what changed in late-night television Jay Leno is teasing the future of late-night television by declaring an unlikely new frontman in a sit-down interview with Deadline published Wednesday.  "I mean, podcasts really are the new talk show. Joe Rogan is the new Johnny Carson," Leno told the outlet.  While crowning the new king of talk, Leno pointed to Rogan’s ability to host interviews that included meaningful conversations — something that he believes is lacking in modern-day television shows. "Joe talks to everybody about everything," Leno told Deadline, adding, "There’s no FCC to step in and say what you say and can’t say, so you really do get an unfiltered idea of what everybody thinks. So yeah, I mean, to me, that’s what’s also changed late-night." JOE ROGAN'S FIVE MOST NOTEWORTHY MOMENTS THAT SHAPED AMERICA IN 2024 Although Leno departed the "Tonight Show" in 2014, the comic said he has remained busy while adapting to the changing media landscape — including hosting the YouTube show, "Jay Leno's Garage."  "The day ‘The Tonight Show’ ended, I was back on the road the next night in Florida for five nights, and that’s what I do now," Leno said. " So for me, nothing really has changed. People always think, ‘How’s retirement?’ Well, I’m not retired. I do 200 dates a year, and I do think I do a good show. I’ve got a few other things going on, like the ‘Garage’ show, that I enjoy. I have a good life after late-night." JAY LENO LAMENTS THAT MODERN COMEDY IS OVERSHADOWED BY THE 'OUTRAGEOUS' SOCIETY WE LIVE IN Leno blames the loss in popularity of late-night television partially on the amount of ads aired during each show.  "Here’s the thing that I think hurt late-night the most: too many commercials," Leno said.  "They passed some new rules before my tenure at ‘The Tonight Show,’ that after 11:30 at night you could add another five or six minutes to the hour," he continued. "It came in waves, but by the end of my time [at ‘The Tonight Show’], instead of doing like 48 minutes of show, it was only like 42 and broken up more." 'SNL' LEGENDS SAY COMEDY HAS BECOME BIGGER, ‘SNARKIER’ AND MORE POLITICAL "Yeah, so when I turn on late-night now, regardless of how I’m watching, if I see Jake from State Farm again, I’m gonna shoot myself in the f---ing head," Leno said.  Leno also brushed off Republicans who criticized him over his cozy interviews with political figures, like Joe Biden, while speaking to "Deadline." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "They’ll write and say, ‘I will never watch your program again,’" Leno said. "Yeah, I got it." "But here’s the thing, first of all, it’s free on YouTube. I don’t really care if you watch it or not, you know? But there’ll be all these people that you know will go on that Biden’s a crook, blah blah. That I just had his point of view on Trump, it wasn’t the whole gamut. Whatever. It’s just us driving around. I don’t really worry about it." However, Leno acknowledged that while times have changed regarding the public’s tolerance level for political comedy, the sentiment does not bother him as he tries to stick to his roots.  "Like I said, we used to brag about the fact that Johnny and I would try to make fun of both sides equally," Leno said. "Looks like that doesn’t work anymore. The audience is all over the place. I just think the most important thing is to remember [that] funny is funny." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a354df71972385678336702 Goldie Hawn sounds the alarm on childhood celebrity culture: 'All I can say is it's a nightmare' te 2026-06-19T14:11:03.868Z Goldie Hawn sounds the alarm on childhood celebrity culture: 'All I can say is it's a nightmare' Goldie Hawn is sounding the alarm on a celebrity culture that rewards young people with attention before achievement. During a conversation with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt at the cultural and community center 92NY, the 80-year-old actress was asked to share her thoughts on children and teenagers finding early fame as social media influencers. "It's a nightmare," Hawn said. "All I can say is it's a nightmare." "The First Wives Club" star argued that children and teenagers are ill-equipped to process fame and public scrutiny because they are still developing emotionally and cognitively. JACK NICHOLSON'S DAUGHTER CALLS OUT HOLLYWOOD'S STATUS-CHASING ELITE IN SCATHING NEW ESSAY ABOUT MODERN L.A. "They don't have the ability to have the vision," she said. "They're not taught that. They don't have the witness." "And I can tell you they have no tools," Hawn added. Hawn contrasted today's young aspiring stars with her longtime partner Kurt Russell, 75, arguing that the years that he spent working to become both an actor and a professional baseball player helped give him the discipline and perspective needed to withstand fame. KURT RUSSELL SAYS 'THE MADISON' LOVE STORY 'HIT ME REALLY HARD' BECAUSE OF HIS ROMANCE WITH GOLDIE HAWN "Kurt Russell is an exception," she said. "He's been acting since he was nine-years-old. He's also a baseball player. He doesn't believe in all this stuff. He's very strict on all of it, on the way he looks at life." "But most kids today — not then — are really susceptible," Hawn continued. "And they're susceptible because of the very things we're talking about. They have been given zero tools to understand how to handle it. Not just that, but to know the beauty and the fragility of — as we learn as an adolescent." Hawn, who began pursuing acting and dance at a young age, noted that like Russell, she also learned early that success had to be earned. The "Overboard" star expressed her concern over how social media turns teenagers into influencers and ordinary users into celebrities overnight. GOLDIE HAWN CHAMPIONS PARENTING PHILOSOPHY THAT TEACH 'KIDS HAVE TO STRUGGLE' "It's a false world," Hawn said. "I always believed that I could only do as good as I could be. And it wasn't anything. And I look at this and I think, 'What happens to children who didn't feel they earned it?' They're not earning it. They didn't dance every weekday." "They didn't take voice lessons," she continued. "They didn't take ground balls. They didn't have the grit to understand that you have to work for your accolades. It just doesn't happen like that." Hawn shared an anecdote about a piece of advice that her mother gave her when she was a young aspiring performer. The Washington D.C. native recalled that at the time, she was living alone in New York City for a month while working as a dancer at the 1964 World Fair. ‘BRADY BUNCH’ STAR SHARES THE SIMPLE WORD THAT SAVED HER FROM HOLLYWOOD TRAPS She remembered that she was hoping to be discovered by someone in the entertainment industry when a man claiming to work for famed cartoonist Al Capp approached her. Hawn, who has previously shared that she never considered herself attractive when she was younger, explained she appreciated that the man didn't try to flatter her. "I love that he said that I wasn't beautiful because I wasn't," Hawn said. "I was weird-looking. And he said, 'You're interesting-looking.' And I thought, well, he's telling me the truth." BROOKE SHIELDS REFLECTS ON BEING MADE A 'SEX SYMBOL' AT A YOUNG AGE AND HOW SHE TURNED THE PAGE ON FAME "So he told me all this story. At the end of the day, I said, 'OK,'" she remembered. Hawn said that the man dropped her off "somewhere" and told her that she would be auditioning for Capp. The actress has spoken publicly about her encounter with Capp before, including in her 2005 memoir "A Lotus Grows in the Mud." In the book, she recounted being 19-years-old when Capp allegedly propositioned her and exposed himself during what she thought was a professional meeting. FORMER PLAYBOY MODEL HOLLY MADISON BLASTS HOLLYWOOD AS DARK PLACE TEEMING WITH ‘LEECHES’ Hawn later opened up about the experience with Capp, who died in 1979 at age 70, during a 2017 interview with People magazine. "I was 19. I went up for the ‘meet,’ and it was so scary," she claimed to the outlet. "He took off his business clothes and came in, like, a dressing gown. I got the picture, and I thought, ‘I’m in trouble. Where’s the door?’" Hawn said she was briefly put at ease by what she perceived as honest feedback about her audition performance from Capp, but she soon realized he had ulterior motives. PAULINA PORIZKOVA SAYS MODELING TAUGHT HER TO 'DO AS YOU'RE TOLD' INCLUDING TAKING OFF HER CLOTHES "I went, ‘Wait a minute. He knows what he’s talking about,’" she claimed. "I said, ‘OK, so I’ll do it, like, more quiet, more real.’ Then he wanted me to show my legs, and I said, ‘You know, Mr. Capp, I don’t know. I don’t think so,’ and then I sat down and he wanted me to give him a kiss, and I went, ‘I don’t do this. I’m sorry.’" Hawn has said that the late "Li'l Abner" creator became angry after she refused his advances and allegedly told her that she was "never gonna make anything in your life" and she should "go and marry a Jewish dentist." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "I was crying and I didn’t have any money to go back to the World’s Fair, where I was dancing, and so he threw me $20 for a taxicab," Hawn recalled. "It wasn’t a good day." KURT RUSSELL, GOLDIE HAWN’S BLUNT WARNING TO DAUGHTER KATE HUDSON ABOUT SURVIVING HOLLYWOOD FAME Hawn said that after being cast on the sketch comedy show "Laugh-In" in 1968 and winning an Academy Award for 1969's "Cactus Flower," she sent Capp a pointed note letting him know she hadn't needed to "marry a Jewish dentist" after all. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS During her conversation with Haidt, Hawn explained that her story illustrated a lesson her mother taught her during her early career. "My mother wrote me a letter to be careful of the casting couch," Hawn recalled. "She said to me, 'I want you to understand something. Know that a producer cannot make you a star. Know that they can only put you in front. If you are not ready and you have not honed your craft enough, then you are not ready. And you have to make sure that that's who you are, because a casting couch will get you nowhere.'" "I'll never forget that," she added. "And that was saying, 'Be the best you can be at what you do.' And these kids that are out there now wanting to be stars — it's frightening because they have an inflated sense of self until they crash, right?" "That's upsetting." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a354ba019723856783366a6 Fultz, Silbiger speak to voters te 2026-06-19T14:01:04.481Z Fultz, Silbiger speak to voters Sedona mayoral candidates Henry Silbiger and Vice Mayor Brian Fultz made their cases to about 125 voters at a candidate forum jointly held by the League of Women Voters of Arizona, the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau and the Sedona Lodging Council at the Sedona Performing Arts Ce Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a354266197238567833651c Rob Gronkowski calls AJ Brown the 'X factor' to put Patriots back in Super Bowl contention te 2026-06-19T13:21:42.455Z Rob Gronkowski calls AJ Brown the 'X factor' to put Patriots back in Super Bowl contention A.J. Brown is already putting in work with his New England Patriots teammates after months of trade rumors led to the Philadelphia Eagles finally shipping the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver to Foxborough. It’s a marriage that both sides were seeking, with Brown’s frustrating 2025 campaign coming to an end with a Wild Card Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers at home. Now, he slots right in as the team’s top receiver with Stefon Diggs out after just one year. The Patriots are the reigning AFC champions, though they were unable to notch another ring after the Seattle Seahawks beat them in Super Bowl LX earlier this year. But they’re hoping the addition of Brown, to go along with their young, dynamic roster, is what they need to get back. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM One Patriots legend believes he is the key to at least getting them back in contention. "I think he’s going to be the X factor to put the Patriots back into contention of being in the Super Bowl," Rob Gronkowski, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, told Fox News Digital, while highlighting his partnership with Ryde: "I mean, it’s so hard to claim you’re going to the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl. But I would say he’s the X factor of getting them in contention of being Super Bowl contenders again. AJ BROWN TRADE OUTCOME: DIANNA RUSSINI PAID A HEAVY PRICE WHILE MIKE VRABEL EMERGED UNSCATHED "That’s all you can ask for going into the preseason. That’s all you can ask for going into the season, there’s no doubt about that. To go back to the Super Bowl, you’ve got to upgrade your roster, and no doubt A.J. Brown is the upgrade that they needed." "Gronk" has already been brought up when it comes to Brown in a Patriots uniform, although they don’t play the same positions. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who utilized Gronkowski extremely well during their time together in New England, said recently that Brown is the "closest thing" he’s ever seen to Gronkowski. "There’s a force to the way he plays the game…maybe the closest thing I’ve seen is Gronk," McDaniels told reporters earlier this month. "This is a big guy." Brown’s ability to win contested catches has been a calling card of his, and why he has consistently said he’s always open even if a defender is draped all over him. That physical play is something the Patriots can utilize, as well as Brown’s route-running prowess that has led to four straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards receiving. Gronkowski also saw a change in the Patriots when they landed a receiver named Randy Moss in 2007, which the tight end also sees a key similarity with. "The only similarity I would say he has to Randy Moss – they’re two totally different players. Built totally different," Gronkowski explained. "But both great No. 1 wide receivers. They kinda had a down year – I wouldn’t really say a down year. And then they both wanted to go to the New England Patriots. That’s the similarity I see between Randy Moss and A.J. Brown. "I think he’s going to be really focused. This is a dream team for him. He’s always been a fan of the New England Patriots, even when he was on the Philadelphia Eagles. He came out and admitted it as well. So, I think he’s going to be tuned in and ready to go. He’s young enough still to give it his all, go out there and produce at the highest level. "It was a huge upgrade, a huge get for the Patriots. I really like the move." Quality sleep is a must for Gronk It was back in high school where Gronkowski realized how underrated quality sleep was for a budding athlete. He needed to take naps before every basketball game he played after school, and it was a habit that followed him throughout college and into his professional football career. After all, someone like Gronkowski, an animal on and off the field, needs to be well rested and recovered to keep at it all these years. It’s why Gronkowski was excited to partner with Ryde: the functional well-being brand, and help preach how good their new, two-ounce SLEEP wellbeing shot is for users looking to fall asleep faster at night, while supporting sleep quality. "It just fits my lifestyle," Gronkowski said. "It’s a very organic opportunity that aligns with my daily goals. It’s all about being balanced. It’s all about the recovery as well, and that’s what this SLEEP shot does for me. You gotta get sleep if you want to recover, if you want to go hard all day, and you want to do it again the next day and the next day. You gotta get your sleep and that’s why Ryde: SLEEP comes into play to help me recover." Between the SLEEP and fan-favorite FOCUS shots, Gronkowski knows he’s putting natural ingredients in his body, emphasizing that he’s "all about natural." SLEEP uses melatonin, GABA, L-theanine and chamomile to help users unwind, and Gronkowski finds it perfect for his daily routine. "This is my first time really talking about being a sleep advocate and I truly believe in it," he said. "I always took naps because I believe in sleep that much. If I get a full night’s sleep, I don’t need to really take naps as much. That’s where Ryde: SLEEP comes into play. I can sleep through a whole night and be ready to go the next day." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35422919723856783364f8 City of Flagstaff to close multiple facilities in honor of Juneteenth te 2026-06-19T13:20:41.511Z City of Flagstaff to close multiple facilities in honor of Juneteenth A look at closures on Friday in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35421519723856783364ef Community group hopes to save bikes from Flagstaff landfill te 2026-06-19T13:20:21.551Z Community group hopes to save bikes from Flagstaff landfill The CATS on Wheels program is seeking permission to reclaim discarded bikes from the Cinder Lake Landfill in order to repair them for distribution or salvage usable parts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35402119723856783364b2 Texas sheriff rescues RV full of Swedish World Cup fans who needed a helping hand, buy Burrow's Bronco & MEAT te 2026-06-19T13:12:01.335Z Texas sheriff rescues RV full of Swedish World Cup fans who needed a helping hand, buy Burrow's Bronco & MEAT The sun is shining the brightest it has shined this summer. The flowers are opening by the minute. The U.S. Open is on TV. And we get another U.S. men's soccer match this afternoon. Guys, if there was ever a day to skip work after lunch, this is it. But, first, let's dive into Friday Screencaps. By now, you've seen it all from the European & Japanese World Cup fans traveling around the U.S. But you haven't seen a Texas sheriff having to save the day until this morning. Let's go to Atascosa County, Texas where an RV full of Swedish soccer fans needed the help of Deputy Chief Eric Kaiser after a minor accident along I-37 south of San Antonio. "It's World Cup time, and it turns out these five Swedes flew into Dallas, picked up an RV, and have been chasing their national team across North America — already caught a match in Monterrey, Mexico, with stops in Houston and Los Angeles still ahead. Talk about dedication to your nation's team!" the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook. "Good news: everybody was okay. Texas DPS Troopers and our Deputy Chief made sure they were safe and squared away before they got back on the road," the sheriff's department added. WORLD CUP FANS ARE BLOWN AWAY BY 'FREE REFILLS' IN THE UNITED STATES, GEN Z HITS MASSIVE VEGAS POT & MEAT! "They told us that back home, Texas and our Deputy Sheriff's are something they'd only seen in the movies...they didn't expect to find the genuine article out here in Atascosa County." Another day, another great story about a summer that the United States, and the world, will never forget. It's mornings and stories like this one that make me smile because it's exactly what jerkoff Greg in Nebraska hates. Greg's email appeared in yesterday's edition of Screencaps – British World Cup fans can't get enough of American hot dogs during the tournament, buy a Bond bike & MEAT! BRITISH WORLD CUP FANS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF AMERICAN HOT DOGS DURING THE TOURNAMENT, BUY A BOND BIKE & MEAT! He goes to bed at night hoping for stories of Europeans trashing the U.S. Instead, he's getting these stories. Tough luck, Greg. – Scot O in CO writes: As for Greg, he does not have to agree with everything (including trying to ruin it for the rest of us), but constant outrage is a tough way to live rent-free in your own head. On to the World Cup, I will preface by saying that the "flopping" has to go.   For those that do not understand or enjoy the sport of soccer , please understand the level of athleticism with some of the world’s best athletes.  Kyle Rote Jr. (Dallas Tornado) stepped into ABC’s "Superstars" in the 1970s and competed across 10 disciplines against talent from the NFL, MLB NHL and NBA including Olympians. He didn’t just hold his own; he won the competition three times (’74,76 and ’77). The format was simple: pure, all-around athleticism—speed, strength, endurance and coordination across multiple events,   That’s it, world class athletes, world-class effort worth the watch.   Lets go USA!  – Phil in Florida takes a shot at Greg and Sarah, who think they're going to roll in here and tell me how things are going to run: Good morning sir. On Greg and Sarah: they suck. Why are they going to sites and reading articles that they know are going to make them mad? Does the left NEED to spew hate? I don’t click anything with an nbc or cnn logo. Much less read the article I disagree with, then contact the writer. I just avoid things I don’t like. Why can’t the left figure this out too? It baffles me that they will seemingly hunt down something they don’t like just to make loud angry noises. – Paul in South Dakota writes via the legacy email address: Karen, I mean Greg W, is a perfect example of the gaslighting crew who can’t stand that their narrative of the world hating America doesn’t hold water.  "The same few boring tweets…" Really? Perhaps he should expand his algorithm. The "State Media"…that is funny to me.  When someone breaks out the all-caps and refers to people they don’t agree with as "your kind," you already know you won the discussion. I am waiting for Karen/Greg W to respond with accusations of Kevin G being a white supremacist next. Albeit that is pretty easily predicted. NASCAR SENDS LOUD MESSAGE TO AMERICA-HATING LOSERS, BLACK DRIVER'S CONTROVERSIAL PAINT SCHEME & DRUNK JIMMIE! I have been to Central America, Europe, Australia, and North Africa.  I know an Iraqi who was an interpreter for the US Army for four years and had to be rescued by private citizens because the evac plan had a seat on a helicopter for him, but not his wife and daughters…ya let me leave them behind to ISIS and Sharia Law to be raped and trafficked.  He loves America. Everywhere I have been, I have encountered FAR MORE, that was for Karen/Greg W., people who completely embraced me, treated me well, several who treated me like family.  So I guess there are "your kind" of people all over the world, which would be quite concerning if you are K/GW. Kilted up, I survived a 5-day trip to Scotland for a friend’s wedding, who was marrying a lovely woman from Edinburgh. 3 days at  Dalhousie Castle for the wedding and post-wedding party.  The Scots adopted me, the only other American besides the groom.  There were English, French, Australian, and Canadian people in the group… during the World Cup, and we were all one big happy family.  I spent a couple of extra days with the maid of honor and then decided to go to Belfast just because I could.  Oddly enough, no one hated me there either. UFC RING GIRL CHRISSY BLAIR STOLE THE SHOW AT THE WHITE HOUSE, WILD HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL RULING & LINDSEY VONN  I bet K/GW hated UFC 250.  Keep up the good work, Joe.  Reading the column and chuckling about things that I would have talked with my Dad about makes me smile, even though he passed a few months ago. God bless our troops, our first responders, and ALL Americans, even if they think I am one of those "your kind" of people.  What others think of me is none of my business, and if I live their head because of what I believe and the things I actually do….well, that is their problem. THURSDAY NIGHT MOWING LEAGUE WANTS 40 MILLION AMERICANS TO STOP WASTING WEEKENDS ON THEIR LAWNS – Dan from AZ is all over Greg: Greg sounds like yet another in the increasingly long list of boring losers who have allowed their hatred of a single man they’ve never met to consume their entire lives and identities. Believe it or not Greg, not everyone in this country (or others) bases all of their thoughts and opinions on who currently resides in the White House. Are you scared that some Europeans are coming over here and discovering the many wonderful parts of our country without focusing on "orange mad bad"? The continental US is about twice as large as the EU in land mass and our total populations aren’t all that different. It’s amazing to think about how different our two continents are just geographically, imagine coming over here and experiencing that for the first time.Go out and touch some grass Greg. But I bet he won’t tonight. Is there any doubt in your mind this dude mows on Saturday afternoons? 📩 Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com Send photos, stories, tips, rants—whatever you've got. 📰 Screencaps Page: 👉 Read the latest Screencaps ▶️ YouTube: Screencaps with Joe Kinsey Subscribe for videos, rants, and behind-the-scenes. 🐦 Twitter/X: @JoeKinseyexp Tag me or drop a DM. 📸 Instagram: @OutKickScreencaps You guys need to start tagging me on content you're seeing. 📘 Facebook Page: Screencaps on Facebook 👥 Facebook Group: Join the Screencaps Community 📬 Mail (Thursday Night Mowing League): 27072 Carronade Dr, Unit A 155 Perrysburg, OH 43551 🗞️ Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe here Trust me, it wasn't easy to get our 3rd party vendor to design a shirt like I wanted it designed, but it finally got done and Jay B. in Jacksonville says the shirts turned out so nice that he should've bought one for himself. BUY THIS LOOK – HERE! I would expect about 0.005% of Screencaps dads to be the kind of guys who expect some sort of gift on Father's Day. I told Mrs. Screencaps and the kids that if they really want to get me something, Ace Hardware is selling five-gallon buckets that are perfect. (#notsponsored) Guys, I know you don't want anything, but it's just a $5 bucket. Embrace it. Let's go out and have a great Father's Day with low stress, maybe an hour of sitting in silence on the patio and some reflection on this life you've built. – Father's Day perspective from my buddy Diesel on what makes for a nice Father's Day: To be honest…that has changed for me over the years. When I was younger I wanted to spend time away from everyone. It was my day and I loved it. As I progress in years, my priorities have changed. I want to be surrounded by my family! Time is not guaranteed so enjoy the little things and right now to me that is my small circle of friend and my family! As we close out another week, I wanted to brag on Mrs. Screencaps for a minute. She's worked her butt off to make our patio life incredible. The flowers are entering the height of their year and all I keep thinking is that it looks like walking into something that AI would create. This right here is why I don't go to patio bars in the summer. There's no need. This is also why I hate mowing on weekends. I would rather be enjoying this life. ##################### Go forth and have an incredible weekend of life. I have rocks to move. Big rocks. Heavy boulders. With a golf trip on the horizon, my main mission this weekend is to not throw out my back. But, there's work to do and it's going to get done. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35400d19723856783364a9 SEN PETER WELCH: Trump is leading us into another unnecessary war. This time it’s Cuba te 2026-06-19T13:11:41.876Z SEN PETER WELCH: Trump is leading us into another unnecessary war. This time it’s Cuba The writing on the wall is unmistakable: President Donald Trump is leading us into another reckless war, this time with Cuba. Since the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, the White House has been tightening the screws on Cuba in the hope that Cuba’s leaders will either capitulate or the Cuban people will rise up and overthrow them. Three months ago, Trump said Cuba "is going to fall pretty soon … they want to make a deal so badly … and we’ll see how that works out." Like the president’s many mistaken predictions, there’s no sign of a deal and Cuba hasn’t fallen. Instead, the U.S. oil blockade has paralyzed Cuba’s economy and plunged the Cuban people into darkness and misery. If the tables were turned, we would denounce the blockade as an illegal act of war. On May 20, the Justice Department announced the indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro, who is 95 years old, and that same day another U.S. aircraft carrier battle group arrived in the Caribbean Sea. RAÚL CASTRO MAKES FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE SINCE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CHARGED HIM WITH MURDER Cuba is a bankrupt country about the same size as Virginia that has neither the capacity nor intention to threaten the United States. Even before the Trump administration cut off its oil, Cuba’s economy was barely functioning. Today, electricity is unavailable across the entire island. Hospitals, schools and factories have ground to a halt. By causing Cuba’s economy to collapse and leaving millions of Cubans without enough food or access to medical care, the White House hopes to create a "national security emergency" to justify regime change, including, if necessary, by using military force. There is plenty of blame to go around for how we got to this point. Cuba’s leaders, whose priority is holding onto power, have systematically violated the rights of the Cuban people and aligned themselves ideologically with some of the world’s worst regimes. The Cuban military’s corrupt grip on the economy has practically ruined the country. RUBIO SANCTIONS CUBAN GROUPS WITH TIES TO US NONPROFIT NETWORK FUNDED BY COMMUNIST DONOR NEVILLE ROY SINGHAM For our part, the U.S. has tried to overthrow the Cuban regime by armed invasion, assassination, financing Cuban dissidents and imposing a web of punitive sanctions with extraterritorial reach. After 65 years the U.S. embargo has not achieved any of its goals, while only compounding the suffering of the Cuban people. There is no doubt that political and economic change in Cuba are long overdue. The Cuban people — 90% of whom were born after the 1959 revolution — want leaders who accept the need for fundamental changes in how to govern, with greater participation of the people, greater transparency, greater freedom and real accountability. But no matter what hyperbolic or false accusations are used as a pretext for attacking Cuba, the country poses no credible threat to the United States. Instead of starting another unnecessary war, the U.S. and Cuba can and should negotiate a deal that simultaneously puts our national interests and the needs and aspirations of the Cuban people first. TRUMP EXPANDS CUBA SANCTIONS BEYOND US COMPANIES IN MAJOR CRACKDOWN ON FOREIGN ENABLERS The key elements of a deal are obvious: Trump needs to end restrictions on the right of Americans to travel to Cuba. He should call on Congress to repeal the failed embargo so reconstruction and U.S. investment in private enterprises can begin. The president should remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, which has no credible legal or factual basis, no other country agrees with and which prevents Cubans from obtaining desperately needed international bank financing. RUBIO HOLDING SECRET TALKS WITH RAUL CASTRO’S GRANDSON OVER CUBA’S FUTURE: REPORT The only prudent choice for Cuba’s leaders is to make a deal. They need to end the military’s control of the economy and take steps for U.S. companies to invest in Cuba and help rebuild the country’s broken infrastructure. Cuba’s leaders must release all political dissidents and accept the right of the Cuban people to express themselves freely, without fear of persecution. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION With these actions, the two countries could finally put the last vestige of the Cold War in this hemisphere behind us. But that is not where Trump is leading us, and like Maduro, Cuba’s leaders have always cared more about their own power and privilege than their people. Nobody in Cuba, or in America, should be under any illusions: an unauthorized, unjustified, reckless war with Cuba is where we are heading. And there is no Plan B if things don’t go as predicted, no plan for what comes next, and no plan for how to pay for it. An attack by the U.S. would pose real risks for our troops and for the Cuban people. It would be condemned in this hemisphere and around the world. Assuming Cuba’s leaders would eventually flee or be captured or killed, who would govern Cuba? Who would prevent the country from descending into lawlessness? Who would be responsible for public services? There is no Cuban Delcy Rodriguez, nor any organized political opposition. The American people would be saddled with the immense cost of securing and rebuilding Cuba, while millions of Cubans would likely abandon the island to seek refuge here in the United States. The American people do not want a war with Cuba, especially not after the costly, ill-conceived debacle in Iran, which has defied all the administration’s rosy predictions. Rather than causing more suffering and chaos in Cuba and triggering another refugee crisis 90 miles from Florida, President Trump should seek to make history through effective deal-making, not by a violent "takeover" financed by American taxpayers. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM PETER WELCH Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a353ffa19723856783364a0 Should you change your phone number after a hack? te 2026-06-19T13:11:22.427Z Should you change your phone number after a hack? Getting hacked once is scary enough. But getting hacked again after changing carriers, replacing cards and trying to recover your accounts can make it feel like the criminals are always one step ahead. That is exactly what happened to Lela in Ohio, who reached out after a frightening string of account takeovers. "All my accounts have been hacked," Lela said. "I had my phone number transferred to another carrier, AT&T, and I'm experiencing it again. They have hacked my phone number again." She said criminals accessed her checking accounts, credit cards and even started charging new cards before she received them. Then she asked the question anyone in her situation would be asking: "Should I be just getting a new phone number instead of trying to recover the number I've had for 20 years?" The answer is maybe, but changing your number should rarely be the first move. A new number can help in some cases. However, if hackers still control your email, bank login, recovery settings or wireless account, they may keep breaking back in. SCAMMERS TARGET WIRELESS CUSTOMERS IN NEW PHONE SCHEME Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Your phone number may feel harmless. After all, it is how friends, family, doctors and businesses reach you. But today, that number is also connected to some of your most important accounts. It may be tied to your bank accounts, credit cards, email accounts, Apple ID, Google account, medical portals, shopping accounts and password resets. That makes it valuable to criminals. If a scammer takes control of your number, they may receive your calls and text messages. That includes security codes meant only for you. From there, they can reset passwords, break into email, access financial accounts and keep returning even after you think you fixed the problem. A SIM swap scam happens when a criminal tricks your mobile carrier into moving your phone number to a SIM card or eSIM they control. A port-out scam happens when they move your number to another carrier. Once that happens, your phone may suddenly lose service. Meanwhile, the scammer may start receiving your calls and texts. That can give them access to verification codes for email, banking, credit cards and other accounts. In some cases, victims do not realize what happened until money disappears or accounts get locked. Maybe, but not immediately. If Lela gives up her long-time number too fast, she could lose access to accounts that still use that number for recovery. Even worse, if a criminal still controls the old number, they may continue receiving password reset codes for accounts tied to it. Before changing the number, she should secure the number she has and update her most important accounts. A new number may make sense if the number keeps being targeted despite carrier protections. It may also help if hackers keep using it to reset accounts, the carrier confirms unauthorized SIM swaps or too many accounts tied to that number have already been compromised. A new number may also be worth considering if the old number is widely exposed on the dark web or data broker sites. Still, keeping the number may be safer for now if she needs it to recover critical accounts. Lela should call AT&T directly using the official number on AT&T's website or on her bill. She should avoid numbers from texts, emails or voicemails. She should ask AT&T to check for SIM swap attempts, port-out requests, unauthorized account changes, new devices, call forwarding, number transfer activity and unknown authorized users. Then she should ask AT&T to add stronger protections, including a strong account PIN, port-out freeze or number transfer lock, SIM lock if available and extra account verification. She should also remove any unknown authorized users. This makes it much harder for criminals to move her number again. Your email is often the master key to your digital life. If a hacker controls your email, they can reset passwords for banks, credit cards, shopping accounts and social media. Before changing every password, Lela should make sure her main email account is clean and secure. She should change her email password from a safe device, sign out of all sessions, check recovery email addresses, review recovery phone numbers and remove unknown forwarding rules. She should also review connected apps and devices and turn on stronger two-factor authentication (2FA). If email remains compromised, a hacker can keep undoing every recovery step. Text message codes are better than having no protection. However, they become risky when criminals target your phone number. For important accounts, use an authenticator app, a security key or passkeys where available. This matters most for email, banking, credit cards, Apple ID, Google account, social media, password managers, tax accounts and government accounts. This makes your accounts much harder to break into, even if a criminal gets control of your phone number. ARE BANK TEXT CODES ENOUGH TO PROTECT YOU? If your phone, tablet or computer has malware, changing passwords from that device may hand the new passwords right back to the hacker. Before resetting passwords, make sure the device is safe. Update the operating system. Delete unknown apps. Run strong antivirus protection. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com. Avoid links in suspicious texts or emails. Then use a password manager to create unique passwords for every important account. Never reuse old passwords after a hack. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com. Since Lela said criminals charged new cards before she received them, she should treat this as possible identity theft or account takeover. She should call each bank and credit card company directly and ask for the fraud department. She should explain that her accounts, phone number or identity may have been compromised. Ask each bank to cancel compromised cards, issue new card numbers, review recent activity, add verbal passwords or extra verification and remove unknown devices from online banking. She should also turn on transaction alerts and ask whether wire transfers, Zelle or other payment tools need temporary limits. Finally, she should check whether criminals opened any new accounts in her name. If criminals have enough information to keep attacking your accounts, a credit freeze can help stop them from opening new credit in your name. Place a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can also place a fraud alert. Then file an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov. That report can help create an official recovery plan. It can also provide documentation if banks, lenders or credit bureaus need proof. If scammers already have your phone number, email, address, date of birth or other personal details, they may use that information to impersonate you. A data removal service can help reduce the amount of personal information exposed on people-search sites and data broker sites. Data removal will not fix a hacked account by itself. Still, it can reduce the information scammers use to target you again. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com. Even after you lock things down, keep watching for signs that criminals are still trying to use your number or accounts. These red flags should get your attention fast. If your phone switches to SOS mode, loses service or stops receiving calls and texts, contact your carrier right away. That can be a sign of a SIM swap or port-out attempt. Random security codes can mean someone is trying to break into one of your accounts. Do not share the code with anyone. Go directly to the account website or app and change your password from a safe device. Take any wireless account alert seriously. This includes alerts about a new SIM, eSIM, device, PIN change or number transfer request. HOW SIM SWAPPING LED TO A $1.8M CYBER FRAUD CASE Watch for small test charges, declined transactions, new payees or changes to contact information. Criminals often test an account before making bigger moves. Check recent login activity, connected devices, forwarding rules and recovery options. If anything looks unfamiliar, remove it and change your password. If the warning signs keep showing up after you lock things down, then changing your number may be worth considering. Changing the number may help if the current number remains a constant attack path. But before switching, Lela should update her phone number on critical accounts first. That includes email, bank accounts, credit cards, Apple ID, Google account, Social Security account, IRS account, password manager, medical portals, insurance accounts, investment accounts, utilities and shopping accounts. Then she should remove the old number from account recovery settings wherever possible. A common mistake after a hack is changing the password but forgetting the recovery options. If the scammer added their email, phone number or device, they may still be able to get back in. Check every important account for recovery phone numbers, recovery email addresses, trusted devices, backup codes, linked apps, forwarding settings, authorized users and payment methods. Remove anything unfamiliar. A new phone number can help, but it is no magic fix. If hackers still have access to Lela's email, bank logins, recovery settings or personal information, they may keep getting back in even with a new number. The smarter order is to lock down the wireless account first. Then secure email, stop using text codes, change passwords from a safe device and protect bank accounts. After that, freeze credit, file an identity theft report and remove exposed personal information from the web. Only then should you decide whether changing your number is necessary. Your phone number may feel personal, especially if you have had it for 20 years. But once criminals use it as a doorway into your life, the real goal is cutting off every way they can use it against you. Have you ever had your phone number, email or bank account hacked? What was the first sign that something was wrong? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a353fbc1972385678336465 The CEO of Allbirds’ new AI biz has a plan, but no employees te 2026-06-19T13:10:20.472Z The CEO of Allbirds’ new AI biz has a plan, but no employees Call it a startup with a sole founder and a very large seed round, but what's next is less clear. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a353d7819723856783363ec New Arizona budget deal includes no tax on tips te 2026-06-19T13:00:40.736Z New Arizona budget deal includes no tax on tips The deal incorporates full federal tax conformity provisions, meaning that Arizona taxpayers will not have to refile their tax returns. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a353b3719723856783363a5 Trump leaves Netanyahu endorsement hanging with pointed warning ahead of crucial election te 2026-06-19T12:51:03.742Z Trump leaves Netanyahu endorsement hanging with pointed warning ahead of crucial election President Donald Trump signaled he is likely to back Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel’s upcoming elections, dangling a potentially powerful endorsement even as he has been at odds with the Israeli leader publicly over the tensions in Iran and Lebanon. "I’ll have to look at who’s running, but I like Bibi very much. I would be most likely to endorse him," Trump said in an interview with Israeli public broadcaster KAN News, using Netanyahu’s nickname, the Jerusalem Post reported Thursday. "But I need to see who is running," Trump added. "I have a good relationship with Bibi, but he needs to be more rational. I am willing to meet with him. He’s doing a very good job; he’s got to be a little bit more rational." 'BIBI'S HAIR ON FIRE': TRUMP-NETANYAHU PUBLIC 'RIFT' MASKED UNIFIED FRONT AGAINST IRAN, ANALYST SAYS The remarks came as Trump has offered increasingly pointed criticism of his longtime political ally, while the U.S. pushes ahead with Middle East diplomacy involving Iran and Lebanon. Axios reported earlier this month that Trump lashed out at Netanyahu during a call over Israel’s actions in Lebanon, with one U.S. official summarizing Trump’s message as calling the Israeli leader "f---ing crazy." Trump later confirmed in an interview on the New York Post’s "Pod Force One" podcast that he made the remark, while also saying he likes Netanyahu and works "very well" with him. The tensions flared again after an Israeli strike in Beirut nearly complicated the signing of the U.S.-Iran deal. Trump told Axios he was "so pissed off" over the strike and said Netanyahu had "no f---ing judgment," while still insisting the Iran agreement remained on track. On Wednesday, Trump described recent tensions between he and Netanyahu as a "little dispute" over Lebanon and suggested the Israeli leader "gets a little excited sometimes," according to the report. VANCE WARNS IRAN THAT 'ANOTHER OPTION ON THE TABLE' IF NUCLEAR DEAL NOT REACHED "I say you can do a little softer touch, maybe you don’t need to bring down a building every time a Hezbollah member walks into it," Trump also said Wednesday about the Israeli leader. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has repeatedly highlighted his relationship with Trump in official remarks, calling him "our great friend" and "my personal friend," and saying the two leaders "speak almost every day" and "decid[e] together," according to statements released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. Vice President JD Vance addressed concerns over Iran in an interview with The New York Times published Thursday, saying the U.S. would not lift sanctions if Tehran continues funding terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah. "They assume that everything that is contemplated that is good for Iran will happen — but that will happen without the Iranians changing any behavior," Vance said, referring to what he described as a "weird panic" in Israel over the Iran deal. "That’s not how the deal is written," Vance added. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and the Israeli embassy for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3538f3197238567833634a Angel Reese mocks Caitlin Clark after clear push as WNBA's best rivalry hits new gear te 2026-06-19T12:41:23.059Z Angel Reese mocks Caitlin Clark after clear push as WNBA's best rivalry hits new gear Angel Reese took down Caitlin Clark in Thursday night's latest edition of the WNBA's best rivalry, and -- you'll be stunned to know this -- it didn't come without drama. I know. Drama in an Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark game? Unheard of! Reese led the Dream with 21 points on a surprising 8 of 14 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and only four mebounds. Clark was good (26 points), but this night belonged to Reese and the Dream. Fair is fair, and we have to be fair here. I know folks won't like it, but I'm nothing if not an honest reporter. I call 'em like I see 'em, and Angel Reese had a night. CAITLIN CLARK DROPS 26 POINTS IN NEW NIKE SIGNATURE SHOES, BUT FEVER DREAM ENDS WITH 17 COSTLY TURNOVERS She was also feeling herself, especially in the second quarter when she A) appeared to push Clark, leading to a whistle, and then B) mocked her reaction to it. Take a look: First of all, that looks like a foul. Sure, Caitlin Clark sold it, but that's just what basketball is at this point. Frankly, it's why I can't stand it. It's all just flopping and acting. Constant whistles. Constant fouls. It's horrible. As for Angel Reese's reaction to it ... I'd say it's probably fair, too. This was a big game, and a big moment, and emotions are all over the place. I'd be p---ed, too, if I thought someone was selling a foul. Again, though ... it was probably a foul. I've certainly seen the whistle blown for far less. SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM TELLS ANGEL REESE TO 'MOVE ON' AFTER SHE REPOSTED BOYFRIEND DUNKING ON RUMORED EX Angel wasn't done, by the way. A few possessions later, she went at it with Sophie Cunningham: That's the look of someone who has been owned by Caitlin Clark since the two left college a few years back. Ever since the infamous finger-wag at LSU, Clark has dominated Angel Reese. It's been no contest since the two joined the WNBA. Clark and Cunningham took the first showdown last week. Angel Reese got one back last night. Luckily, we get a rematch on Saturday. That's right. Tomorrow! Can't wait. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3538df1972385678336341 Republican congressman will end months-long absence from DC after missing 135 roll call votes te 2026-06-19T12:41:03.609Z Republican congressman will end months-long absence from DC after missing 135 roll call votes After more than 100 days away from Capitol Hill, Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., is set to return to Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks. Kean, 57, will be present for votes during the June 30 session, a spokesperson for the congressman confirmed to Fox News Digital. The two-term New Jersey lawmaker has been sidelined for months with a personal health issue and has yet to disclose the nature of the ailment.  Kean has pledged to be transparent about his illness once he is back in Washington. The New Jersey Globe first reported the timing of Kean’s expected return. He previously told the outlet his medical issue did not affect his cognitive health and will not have any chronic complications that could impair his ability to seek a third House term. HOUSE REPUBLICAN MISSES ANOTHER WEEK OF VOTES AS HEALTH ABSENCE STRAINS THIN MAJORITY The embattled lawmaker has not been seen in public or cast a vote on the House floor since early March, amounting to 135 missed roll call votes, according to GovTrack. Kean’s office has still continued to introduce legislation and post on social media.  The New Jersey Republican is expected return to Washington ahead of November's midterm elections will be relatively short-lived. With just over 30 legislative days remaining, lawmakers are scheduled to spend nearly all of August and October back home campaigning for reelection.  DEMS PICK CHALLENGER FOR GOP CONGRESSMAN WHO VANISHED FROM PUBLIC VIEW AMID HEALTH MYSTERY Thursday’s announcement comes as Kean is facing a significant reelection challenge from former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett in one of the country’s most competitive House battleground districts. Bennett, who is expected to lean into her national security background on the campaign trail, defeated several Democrat primary challengers in May to advance to the general election. She has largely refrained from criticizing Kean during his absence, but said he must be transparent with voters about his health issue. Kean, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, ran unopposed for the GOP nomination, but his future in Congress remains unclear amid his absence and health concerns.  The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the New Jersey contest in the suburban swing seat as a "toss-up." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35368619723856783362e4 Dem justices slap Soros-backed Philly DA with power strip in stunning decision: 'Not reliable' te 2026-06-19T12:31:02.716Z Dem justices slap Soros-backed Philly DA with power strip in stunning decision: 'Not reliable' A divided Pennsylvania Supreme Court, including two Democrat justices, ordered Soros-backed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office to face new outside scrutiny over its post-conviction concessions, after the state’s high court found the office’s handling of one convicted murderer’s case was unreliable and said similar problems extended beyond just that single case. Justice Kevin Dougherty wrote the 4-3 opinion in the case of Levar Brown, a Philadelphia man whose murder convictions became the centerpiece of a broader legal fight over Krasner’s Conviction Integrity Unit and the office’s willingness to concede relief in serious criminal cases. Dougherty was joined by Justice Daniel McCaffery, another Democrat judge on the state's Supreme Court, and two other Republican judges. The dissenters were all Democrats.   The 4-3 decision reversed a Philadelphia post-conviction order granting Brown a new trial after Krasner’s office conceded his conviction should not stand and a Philadelphia judge approved the request. It also ordered that, going forward, Philadelphia judges handling post-conviction challenges must notify the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and allow the office to intervene before granting relief in any case where Krasner’s office concedes that a conviction should be overturned. FETTERMAN TELLS PHILADELPHIA DA TO ‘LIGHTEN UP, FRANCIS’ AFTER HEATED ICE REMARKS The ruling stops short of handing control of the cases to the state attorney general, but it creates a new court-ordered check on Krasner’s office in future post-conviction matters. "The prosecutor does not decide whether a defendant is entitled to relief under the Post Conviction Relief Act," Dougherty wrote for the majority, emphasizing that a judge must independently determine whether a conviction should be overturned even when prosecutors agree with the defense. The majority concluded that Krasner’s office’s concession in Brown’s case "was not reliable," finding that Krasner's office conceded relief when it was not warranted by the existing record, withheld material evidence from the court, submitted a false stipulation of fact, misstated facts in its pleadings, failed to conduct a reasonable investigation and opposed a required evidentiary hearing. The court suggested that if its concerns in the Brown case were confined to just that case alone, it would not have justified a broader remedy. But the majority opinion said the concerns were evident in other post-conviction cases as well. PHILLY DA'S ‘HUNT YOU DOWN’ WARNING TO ICE DRAWS CALLS FOR DOJ CRIMINAL PROBE Since 2018, the Philadelphia DA’s office has conceded relief "well over 100 times," mostly in murder cases, according to the opinion. The court also said there are apparently more than 1,000 cases still waiting to be reviewed by the office’s Conviction Integrity Unit. The case was brought to the high court by family members of murder victims Michael Richardson and Robert Crawford. Brown was convicted by a Philadelphia jury in the 2004 murder of Richardson and convicted by another Philadelphia jury in the 2005 murder of Crawford, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Two decades later, Krasner’s office conceded that Brown should receive a new trial and argued that relief was due without an evidentiary hearing, the attorney general’s office said. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday praised the ruling, saying his office will now be able to serve as a check on the process for Philadelphia residents and victims’ families. "As prosecutors, our role is to advocate for victims of crime, for public safety, and for justice," Sunday said in a statement. "Centuries of experience teach that the best way to achieve that justice is through the adversarial process, with vigorous representation for both sides." PHILADELPHIA DA GOES INTO TIRADE ABOUT 'FASCIST' TRUMP, 'HITLER' WHEN CONFRONTED AT PARK IN VIRAL VIDEO Sunday’s office said the court concluded the Philadelphia DA’s concession in Brown’s case was "not reliable" and "recognized that similar concessions in numerous other cases also appeared to be unreliable." "The Court directed judges to notify the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General of any concessions before granting relief, and to permit the Office of Attorney General to intervene in future cases where the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office attempts to concede a conviction," the office said. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office said it is still assessing what the ruling will mean for its workload, budget and personnel. "We are assessing what yesterday’s Supreme Court of Pennsylvania order will mean for our office’s workload and what impacts it may have on our budget and our personnel," the OAG Press Team said. "Given the many unknowns involved, including the number of cases concessions will be made in and our response to those concessions, it may be difficult to fully assess these impacts until the process truly begins." The office added that it appreciates the court allowing the AG’s office to "serve as a check on this process for the citizens of Philadelphia and ensure that the interests of victims’ families are represented." SOROS-BACKED DA KRASNER THREATENS ICE AGENTS AT PHILLY AIRPORT: ‘I WILL PUT YOU IN HANDCUFFS’ Krasner’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. But Krasner posted a video response online defending his reform agenda and attacking the ruling as an anti-democratic move that treats Philadelphia differently from other counties. The video featured images of civil rights icons Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. as Krasner framed criminal justice reform as part of a broader social justice movement. "Reform can be scary to those who need it," Krasner said in the video. "Which part don’t you like? The safety or the freedom?" Krasner said Philadelphia has not had better numbers for "safety" or "freedom" in his lifetime and argued that critics are fighting a national criminal justice reform movement. "The truth is that criminal justice reform is a national social justice movement," Krasner said. "And like all other social justice movements, it follows a certain pattern. First they ignore you. We’re past it. Then they laugh at you. We’re past that. Then they fight you. And we have been fighting for eight and a half years. And then the next step – we got to get there – is you win." Krasner said the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in a "close decision," ruled that when his office supports a defense position that someone deserves a new trial or release from custody, "we need to have the attorney general’s office looking over our shoulder unlike every other county." "Does that help democracy? No," Krasner said. "It actually undermines the value of a vote in Philadelphia as compared to every other county." The majority opinion, however, said the order does not strip Krasner’s office of prosecutorial discretion. Instead, the court said the DA’s office remains free to litigate cases as it sees fit, but that the attorney general’s independent assessment and participation will "enhance the reliability" of post-conviction proceedings and their subsequent decisions. In dissent, Justice David Wecht warned that the majority was injecting the attorney general into local post-conviction proceedings and interfering with the discretion of Philadelphia’s elected prosecutor. But the majority rejected that argument, saying the attorney general’s role would not override the DA’s discretion and would instead give courts the benefit of an adversarial process before convictions are overturned. The ruling sends Brown’s case back to the Pennsylvania post-conviction court for further proceedings and sets a new process for future cases where Krasner’s office seeks to concede relief. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a353210197238567833622b Jelly Roll, Bunnie Xo 'still having a baby together' despite divorce: everything we know about the split te 2026-06-19T12:12:00.292Z Jelly Roll, Bunnie Xo 'still having a baby together' despite divorce: everything we know about the split Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo's split may have shocked fans, but signs of trouble had reportedly been surfacing for months. Bunnie went into detail about her side of the story during a June 18 episode of her podcast, "Dumb Blonde," in which she cleared up rumors, shed some light on their relationship and revealed some surprising future plans.   Jelly Roll filed for divorce on May 18 in Williamson County, Tennessee, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. The 41-year-old country star listed the date of separation as May 9 and cited irreconcilable differences. During her podcast, Bunnie shared details about what had transpired ahead of Jelly's filing, explaining the couple had a fight on Mother's Day which led to her telling him, "Well, then file the f---ing divorce papers."  JELLY ROLL'S DAUGHTER CALLS FANS OUT OVER DIVORCE CHATTER AS BUNNIE XO POSTS CRYPTIC SONG LYRICS "I packed a bag and I left and I didn't talk to my husband for, I don't know, weeks after that. And during that, you know, he was so mad, and we were so emotional that he ended up doing exactly what I told him to do, and filing the divorce papers," she said.  "Was I blindsided and was this divorce mutual? No, I was not. It was not mutual. Even though I told him to file the divorce papers, I was speaking out of anger and just frustration," she added.  Bunnie spoke about what led to the distance between them on her podcast, revealing the two were trying to have a baby through IVF, which turned her into "a shell of the person I was."  She revealed that the two underwent three transfers and ultimately lost four embryos, which led to a breakdown in their communication and put a strain on their marriage. WATCH: JELLY ROLL REVEALS SECRET TO HIS STRONG MARRIAGE TO BUNNIE XO "We stopped communicating together in the past year and a half," she shared on the podcast. "And I think that it's safe for me to say that I always loved my husband a little bit more than he loved me. I was like always protecting him and always making sure he was okay and like always chasing him and I literally was the glue that held us together." Despite the divorce, Bunnie said the pair are "still having a baby together." "So, we have been the most unconventional couple that you guys have ever encountered," Bunnie shared. "We're going to co-parent together. J is my best friend. Like, this isn't what you guys think this is. Nobody cheated on the other person. It's literally just we served our purpose for each other." During his show in Saratoga Springs, NY on Thursday, Jelly spoke of the "liars" on the internet spreading false rumors about his relationship.  "Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends," he told the crowd. "We just got off the phone earlier today. Nobody cheated on nobody. She just did a whole podcast about it. You can go watch it. Every word of it is the truth." "That will be my best friend forever," he continued. "This is the only time I will ever speak about it. Bunnie, I love you, baby. Thank you for those ten years. They were incredible. Thank you for the next 10 years of friendship and 20 beyond that." The pair, who wed in 2016, have reportedly "always had a complicated dynamic" throughout their relationship. "When they first got together, they were both in a very different place in their lives," a source told People. "There was a lot of chaos, ups and downs, and they built a life together through all of that." JELLY ROLL'S WIFE SLAMS TROLLS WHO CRITICIZED HER FOR TRASHING COUNTRY MUSIC SCENE The source noted that Jelly — who has been on a weight-loss journey — has "changed a lot." "He's very focused on his future, his health and being around for a long time," the source said, adding that "there wasn't a moment where everything fell apart." Other sources claimed that the divorce had been building for years. JELLY ROLL'S WIFE BLASTS TROLLS WHO QUESTION HER FAITH AFTER RECEIVING BACKLASH FOR SKIMPY HALLOWEEN COSTUME "A lot of people want to point to one thing, but it was really a combination of issues that had been building for years," a source told Page Six. "They came from similar worlds when they met and bonded over surviving difficult circumstances, but over time their lives started moving in different directions." "Jelly has changed tremendously over the last few years. His focus shifted to his health, faith, family and the long-term legacy he wants to leave behind," the source added.  WATCH: JELLY ROLL CONFESSES BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF LOSING WEIGHT Prior to the announcement of the split, fans noticed they'd both seemingly sent subtle messages via social media. From cryptic song lyrics to ditched wedding rings, the signs were there — they just went largely unnoticed. BUNNIE XO CONFRONTS HER TROUBLED PAST IN RAW MUGSHOT REVEAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA On May 20, two days after Jelly Roll's filing, Bunnie took to TikTok to share some intuitive thoughts. "Women’s intuition when that s--- don’t add up" she captioned the video. JELLY ROLL'S WIFE BODY SLAMS HIM IN PLAYFUL TIKTOK VIDEO AFTER SINGER SHEDS 200 POUNDS "She been dropping hints this whole time and we missed it lol," one fan commented, after the divorce news broke. "Bunnie was dropping the tea in real time and we all did not clock it," another added. On June 4, Jelly Roll performed at CMA Fest in Nashville without his wedding ring. One day later, Bunnie shared a video of herself riding a horse in the countryside. She accompanied the video with Aerosmith's "What It Takes" and a caption that read, "Wild hearts can’t be broken." The lyrics from the portion of the song she chose were, "There goes my old girlfriend / There's another diamond ring / And all those late night promises I guess they don't mean a thing / So baby, what's the story? Did you find another man?" WATCH: JELLY ROLL AND BUNNIE XO WALK THE RED CARPET TOGETHER AT THE 2025 ACM AWARDS JELLY ROLL ADMITS TO CHEATING ON WIFE BUNNIE XO IN RARE PUBLIC CONFESSION On June 6, Bunnie posted another video of herself enjoying the serene outdoors with some girlfriends. She paired the video with lyrics from the Goo Goo Dolls' hit "Name." "Did you lose yourself somewhere out there / Did you get to be a star? / And don't it make you sad to know that life / Is more than who we are?" Hours before the divorce news went public on Monday, Bunnie posted a video of herself lip-syncing the lyrics to Nickelback's "How You Remind Me." Bunnie's wedding ring was visibly missing.  "It's not like you didn't know that / I said, 'I love you,' and I swear, I still do / And it must have been so bad / 'Cause living with me must have damn near killed you." Fans quickly added meaning to Bunnie's post, with rumors swirling online that she was having an affair with Nickelback founding member, Chad Kroeger, a claim she denied on the podcast. "I post a Nickelback song because Nickelback is like one of my favorite bands…I post this Nickelback song, not thinking anything of it. Not a shot at J in any sort of way, not even realizing that it's a breakup song. It's trending on TikTok," she said, also acknowledging the other videos she posted involving the band.  "So there's three f---ing videos…which it does look like overkill, and I get where people are trying to put puzzle pieces together, but you're putting a puzzle together with missing pieces, and it's not even like that. I am not with Daddy Chaddy. There's no f---ing way in hell that that would even be a thing. And no, I did not cheat on my husband and leave him for Chad. Like none of that." Representatives for Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo have not responded to Fox News Digital's requests for comment. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER This isn't the first time the pair have weathered tough times. In her memoir, "Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic," Bunnie detailed her husband's 2018 affair and explained how it impacted their relationship. "When I found out about [Jelly's affair], I was devastated," she told Fox News Digital in February. "I was hurt because I didn’t think he would be the one person to do that. I thought he was different. And at that moment, my heart was broken. But instead of getting mad at him, I asked myself, ‘Why do I keep attracting these kinds of men?’" LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Bunnie admitted she hadn’t envisioned a conventional marriage. "I think a lot of people need to realize that coming into this marriage, we weren’t a traditional bride and groom," she explained. "I was a working girl, and he was an ex-drug dealer — a gangster-turned-struggling artist. There’s a different set of rules on the street than there are in what I’d call traditional marriages. If you’ve never lived that lifestyle, you’re not going to understand. But of course, cheating is wrong across the board — it doesn’t matter." In 2018, Bunnie shared her vulnerability on social media amid the breakup. "I'm sure by now you guys know that J and I have separated," she said in a YouTube video. "It's been hard and for the best. I'm not going to talk about why we separated. He has his version, I have my version and hopefully one day we'll be able to be friends." "My whole point of doing this vlog is to have a little bit of therapeutic release," she added. "Everybody goes through heartbreak at some point in their life ... I'm a f---ing hot mess. I literally can't make it through the day with wanting to cry... break ups f---ing suck." While Bunnie isn't quite ready to date yet, she shared on her podcast that Jelly Roll has already started seeing other people. "He is ready, rearing and ready to go," she said. "He's all hopped up on testosterone, let me tell you. Um, and he's ready to go. So, he's even started dating, which is great. I love that. Um, so his DMs are open. Go to freaking his Instagram, uh, JellyRoll615 if you don't know, and go send that mother f---er a DM. Like, you guys don't be scared. Everybody go hit him up. Shoot your mother f---ing shot." Fox News Digital's Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3531fc1972385678336222 Disgraced Murdaugh trial clerk who helped blow up murder conviction claims protection from payback lawsuit te 2026-06-19T12:11:40.835Z Disgraced Murdaugh trial clerk who helped blow up murder conviction claims protection from payback lawsuit The former court clerk whose conduct helped overturn Alex Murdaugh's murder conviction is now asking a federal judge to toss the disgraced lawyer's lawsuit against her. In a motion filed Thursday, former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill asked a federal court to dismiss Murdaugh's lawsuit seeking $600,000 in damages, arguing he has no legal right to recover the money he spent on his defense during his 2023 double-murder trial. Hill is asking the judge to dismiss the case on multiple grounds, including claims of immunity, arguing she was acting in her official role as clerk of court when the alleged conduct occurred. "Most critically, even if Plaintiff states a compensable claim, Defendant is nonetheless entitled to Eleventh Amendment immunity, quasi-judicial immunity, and qualified immunity, all of which bars Plaintiff’s suit," her lawyers wrote. ALEX MURDAUGH LAWYERS FILE APPEAL ALLEGING OUSTED SOUTH CAROLINA COURT CLERK SWAYED JURY The filing marks the latest legal clash between Hill and Murdaugh after the South Carolina Supreme Court threw out his murder convictions, finding Hill's conduct deprived him of his constitutional right to a fair trial. According to the lawsuit, Murdaugh claims he withdrew $600,000 from his retirement account to pay for his murder-trial defense and now wants Hill to reimburse him through a federal civil rights lawsuit. Hill's lawyers argue Murdaugh would have paid those legal bills whether Hill ever spoke to jurors or not. "Whether guilty or not, the Plaintiff would have most certainly incurred the exact same amount of attorney's fees he now seeks to recover," Hill's attorneys wrote. WATCH: Becky Hill walks into Colleton County Courthouse The filing repeatedly describes Murdaugh's lawsuit as advancing a "novel theory" that has never been recognized by courts in the Fourth Circuit. Hill's lawyers argue that while Murdaugh succeeded in winning a new trial, that does not automatically entitle him to recover the costs of defending himself against murder charges. 🕵️ What story should we investigate next? 📩 Email: stepheny.price@fox.com 📸 Instagram: @fndstephprice 🎥 X: @StephenyPrice We're listening. Your tip could spark an investigation. According to the motion, Murdaugh has already received the relief he was entitled to when the South Carolina Supreme Court threw out his convictions and granted him a new trial. Hill's defense team argues Murdaugh got exactly what he asked for, a new trial, and should not receive a financial payout on top of it. The filing contends the proper remedy for an unfair trial was a retrial, which he is receiving. FORMER SOUTH CAROLINA CLERK IN MURDAUGH MURDER TRIAL ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONIES The motion also challenges whether Hill's alleged conduct caused the damages Murdaugh is seeking. Prosecutors and a grand jury, not Hill, brought the murder charges against Murdaugh and required him to stand trial, according to the filing. Her lawyers argue those legal expenses would have existed regardless of any comments allegedly made to jurors. The filing further argues Murdaugh lacks standing to pursue the claim because the damages he seeks are not traceable to Hill's conduct. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Her attorneys also point to former South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal's original decision rejecting Murdaugh's request for a new trial, arguing it demonstrates that reasonable legal minds disagreed about whether Hill's actions rose to the level of a constitutional violation. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER The filing comes months after Hill pleaded guilty to obstruction, perjury and misconduct charges tied to her handling of the nationally watched murder trial. She received a sentence of probation and later resigned as Colleton County clerk of court. ALEX MURDAUGH'S DOUBLE MURDER CONVICTION UNANIMOUSLY OVERTURNED BY SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT Murdaugh's convictions for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, were overturned in May after the South Carolina Supreme Court found Hill engaged in a "breathtaking and disgraceful effort" to influence jurors. He remains behind bars, however, because of separate state and federal financial-crimes convictions. SEND US A TIP HERE The filing lands as Murdaugh's defense team continues preparing for a potential retrial. In a new interview on "Crime & Justice with Donna Rotunno," defense attorney Dick Harpootlian said Murdaugh's team has a strategy for addressing the infamous kennel video that prosecutors used to place him near the scene of the murders. WATCH: Alex Murdaugh lawyer says defense has strategy for infamous kennel video LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST "We absolutely do, we absolutely do," Harpootlian said when asked whether the defense had a plan for dealing with the video. "Yes, and we understand that's an issue and it's got to be dealt with." Harpootlian also said it remains unclear whether Murdaugh would testify again if the case is retried, calling that choice a "game-day decision." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB The veteran defense attorney predicted a second trial would be significantly shorter and reiterated his belief that prosecutors face challenges proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt. "We don't have to prove him innocent," Harpootlian said. "We have to show and argue that the state did not prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." A federal judge will now decide if Murdaugh's lawsuit can proceed or if Hill's bid to have it dismissed succeeds. A representative for Hill declined further comment, telling Fox News Digital, "We stand by the legal authority and arguments asserted in our pleadings filed with the Court today." Harpootlian did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3531e91972385678336219 'Dig of the century' beneath Notre Dame reveals mysterious markings, ancient secrets te 2026-06-19T12:11:21.378Z 'Dig of the century' beneath Notre Dame reveals mysterious markings, ancient secrets Archaeologists excavating Notre Dame cathedral in Paris have uncovered centuries of buried history, including a 1,700-year-old Roman coin and baffling markings that experts still can't explain. The excavation, which has been in the works for years, began after the cathedral was rebuilt in the wake of a devastating 2019 fire. The latest results were reported earlier in June by the Associated Press (AP).  Digging in the cathedral's forecourt, archaeologists have searched roughly 13 feet below ground for remnants of the city's past. 'HERMETICALLY SEALED' ROMAN SARCOPHAGUS FROZEN IN TIME FOR 1,700 YEARS FINALLY OPENED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS Among the finds are a 4th-century coin bearing the face of Emperor Constantine, as well as medieval pottery fragments bearing markings archaeologists have not yet deciphered. One image shows a medieval pottery fragment recovered during the excavation, one of several ceramics unearthed beneath Notre Dame. Archaeologist Valentine Breloux told the AP it's "rare to find complete ceramics," adding that the most astonishing discoveries were mysterious reddish markings painted inside pottery fragments — which experts have yet to decipher. ANCIENT 'SEATED' SKELETONS UNEARTHED BENEATH MODERN SCHOOL SITE, PUZZLING ARCHAEOLOGISTS The excavation, which French media has called the "dig of the century," has also yielded hundreds of other objects, including whole jugs and cups that were thrown into a latrine. The latrine, which doubled as a garbage pit, also contained broken plates and animal bones. Archaeologists also uncovered medieval grain pits, which were used to preserve harvested grain, from the sixth to the 10th centuries. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER A Roman-era doorstep was also discovered at the site, which archaeologists said had been removed from a larger structure, flipped upside down and repurposed as road paving. Lucie Altenburg, a conservator with the Paris archaeology unit, told the AP the excavation is a "rare opportunity." "The hope is that we are able to go back in time even further than we’ve ever been before," she said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES The project gives archaeologists a chance to "work on something that’s tangibly going to make a difference to the history of Paris," added Altenburg. The Roman finds are among the artifacts archaeologists value most, the AP reported, though the team hopes to uncover evidence of the Gauls, who predated the Romans in the area. "Here you can see the layers — medieval Paris, Roman Paris, maybe even before that," archaeology student Yasmine Benali told the AP. Benali added, "It makes the city feel less like a postcard and more like something still being discovered." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The dig is tied to a broader renovation of the Notre Dame square, which is expected to add trees and other visitor-friendly features by 2028, according to Altenburg. Emily Carter, a tourist from Manchester, told the AP that the excavation "makes Notre Dame feel alive again." "You come to see the cathedral, then realize there’s another city under your feet," she said.  "That’s almost more moving." The Associated Press contributed reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3531d51972385678336210 Golf fans fume at pathetic US Open course conditions as USGA takes the teeth out of Shinnecock te 2026-06-19T12:11:01.933Z Golf fans fume at pathetic US Open course conditions as USGA takes the teeth out of Shinnecock They've taken the teeth out of Shinnecock Hills. Or, at the very least, they've given her some dentures. That's the sentiment a majority of golf fans share after Thursday's opening round of the 126th U.S. Open, which was suspended by darkness at around 8:30 p.m. Yes. The USGA is under fire, again, in Southampton — eight years after the infamous 2018 U.S. Open, where I'm fairly certain Zach Johnson is somehow still complaining about the course. 2026 US OPEN TEE TIMES: MOST NOTABLE PAIRINGS FOR THE OPENING TWO ROUNDS AT SHINNECOCK HILLS Before we dive into the anger, let's give some context. It's important, you know? A tricky weather forecast this weekend at Shinnecock spooked the USGA. A combination of high winds and low humidity (particularly after today) forced them to play it safe ahead of the tournament. For example, the greens were slowed down before yesterday's opening round. I don't feel like getting into the technical aspect of green management around a golf course — trust me, you don't, either — so just know that this is the "slowest" U.S. Open in the past 30 years. The real kicker? The folks at Shinnecock decided to "syringe" the greens between each round both yesterday and, presumably, today. "Syringe" is just a fancy term for "water the greens." That's essentially what it is. Why they don't just call it that, I have no idea. Maybe they thought they'd fool the fans. They ... did not. OK, are we all caught up now? Good! Now, let's see if those easily fooled golf fans noticed: Here's the thing ... I understand why the USGA was gun-shy coming into this tournament. I do. They were accused of "losing the course" the last time this event was held here, and they weren't going to let it happen again. But here's the biggest problem with yesterday's cautious approach: It backfired, big time. They watered the greens between the morning groups and afternoon groups in anticipation of high winds, and they never really came. Shocker! The weatherman was wrong again. A tale as old as time. So, already-soft greens were made even softer for the afternoon wave of players, and they absolutely manhandled Shinnecock. Just destroyed her. They did things to a U.S. Open golf course that should be illegal. Wyndham Clark, in particular, was throwing darts all day. He currently leads at 6-under, which is a stark difference from the even-pars and 1-unders we saw in the morning. The argument, of course, is that the U.S. Open is supposed to be the toughest challenge in golf. That's what it's always been billed as. That's what this tournament is all about. The best in the world going against the best, toughest, most challenging courses on the planet. In the best, toughest, most challenging conditions. And when the USGA starts to manipulate those conditions, things get ... tricky. Fans get angry. You're playing with fire, trusting a weather forecast. Again, never a good idea. Golf course officials have already said they are sticking with their plan today, which makes sense. They have no choice. The groups will flip when Round 2 begins at some point this morning, and those who played yesterday afternoon will play this morning. Those who fought through Thursday morning's brutal conditions will now be in the afternoon, presumably after the greens get another mid-round bath. They have to play it both ways today, and they will. It's only fair. Dumb, but fair. But tomorrow? Rip the dentures out and let the boys play. Make them play. This is the U.S. Open. Not a member-guest. Let Shinnecock bite back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a352f8019723856783361b9 Michelle Obama’s ‘me’ answer about next chapter draws social media backlash te 2026-06-19T12:01:04.165Z Michelle Obama’s ‘me’ answer about next chapter draws social media backlash Former first lady Michelle Obama drew criticism from conservatives after telling ABC's "Good Morning America" that the next chapter of her life could be summed up in one word during a joint interview with former President Barack Obama at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Co-anchor Robin Roberts asked the former first couple to describe their next chapter in one word during a lighthearted segment about their lives after the White House. Barack Obama answered first. "Fun," he said. OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER BREAKS SILENCE OVER CONTROVERSIAL BUILDING DESIGN ‘YEAH, I SAVED A LIFE’: MICHELLE OBAMA CASUALLY REVEALS SHE RESCUED A CHOKING FRIEND AT DINNER "Me," Michelle Obama said. Roberts reacted favorably to the former first lady's answer. "That’s what you call drop the mic," Roberts said. MICHELLE OBAMA SAYS AMERICA GOING THROUGH ITS 'JANKY' ERA Barack Obama joked that Roberts appeared to be judging his wife's answers more generously after her response. "You seem to be grading her higher on her answers," he said. WATCH: SHANE GILLIS REJECTS UFC FIGHTER’S CRUDE MICHELLE OBAMA JAB AFTER WHITE HOUSE WIN The clip prompted a series of reactions from conservative accounts on X, with some accusing the former first lady of being self-centered. MICHELLE OBAMA CLAIMS 'NO WAY' TRUMP ADMIN BEHAVIOR WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE FROM 'FIRST BLACK FAMILY' IN WH Spectator contributing editor Stephen Miller, who posts under the handle @redsteeze, also responded to the exchange. SUBCONTRACTORS SAY THEY’RE OWED MILLIONS, FACE FINANCIAL RUIN, AFTER HELPING BUILD OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER "Man, she really hates him," Miller said. Commentator and TV personality Danny De Urbina criticized Michelle Obama's answer in a post accusing her of being self-focused. "So, in case you didn’t know this... Michelle Obama thinks about herself a lot," De Urbina said. "So much of a person’s intelligence can be measured by the degree they are able to think about the world around them instead of themselves," De Urbina said. "This is the precise narcissism that has plagued our culturally suicidal ruling class for decades." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE The ABC interview centered on the Obama Presidential Center, a 19.3-acre campus on Chicago's South Side that includes a museum, public spaces and a replica of the Oval Office. "As a consequence, a little girl born on the South Side of Chicago and some mixed kid, you know, born in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, you know, could end up being part of the process of building and making better the greatest country on Earth," Barack Obama said. The Obama Foundation said the center's grand opening ceremony was scheduled for June 18, with the campus and museum opening to the public June 19. Opening weekend events continue through June 21. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a352d261972385678336144 Iranian and Israeli athletes react to memorandum of understanding to end US-Iran war te 2026-06-19T11:51:02.251Z Iranian and Israeli athletes react to memorandum of understanding to end US-Iran war As Americans remain divided on the memorandum of understanding to end the war in Iran, star athletes who represent two of the countries most impacted by the deal have shared their thoughts. The memorandum establishes a 60-day negotiating period during which the United States and Iran will attempt to reach a more comprehensive deal. The agreement also includes provisions aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and provides limited sanctions waivers tied to continued negotiations. Several of the most contentious issues, including the long-term future of Iran's nuclear program, are expected to be addressed in subsequent talks. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM But the current regime in Iran will remain in power, for the time being. Former Iranian youth wrestling champion Sardar Pashei, who won the Asian Youth Wrestling Championship in 1998 for Iran, expressed disappointment with the current regime's survival. "Many believed that under President Trump, the Islamic Republic would become history. Instead, it was handed one of the greatest opportunities in its history to survive. The regime gained financial lifelines and political breathing room while millions of Iranians sank deeper into poverty, unemployment, and uncertainty," Pashei told Fox News Digital. "This agreement gives the regime room to rebuild its machinery of repression—new centers for arrest, torture, and intimidation. When an agreement offers nothing to the Iranian people, why would the regime hesitate to intensify its crackdown? "Some claim that regime change has already occurred in Iran. What change? Has power been transferred to the people? Have executions ended? Have women been freed from the regime’s chains? Until then—not because commanders were killed or ships were sunk—we cannot speak of a new Iran. And what did this agreement bring the Iranian people? IRANIAN REGIME CRITIC WARNS TRUMP DEAL COULD BE 'LIFELINE' FOR REGIME, CLAIMS PEOPLE ARE 'NERVOUS' "Despair, abandonment, and the feeling of being left alone with a regime that knows no moral limits. A regime not weakened, but emboldened—one that can now use billions to build more prisons, raise more gallows, and silence more voices." Meanwhile, Israelis have been among the harshest critics of the deal, warning the agreement does not do enough to safeguard Israel's security. Team Israel skeleton and bobsled Olympian AJ Edelman, who is American-born but represented Israel in the 2026 and 2022 Winter Olympics, called the deal "a disgrace." "We emboldened the regime," Edelman told Fox News Digital. "If Democrats needed to own Obama's 'red line,' Republicans and Trump have to own 'help is on the way.' Arguably, the latter was far worse, because we actually engaged and all but won. It was the cost of gas and Summer AC bills that stranded the Iranian people. "How did you lose the Iran War? Literally a Tomahawk missile at Kharg Island would have toppled the regime. Trump's been talking tough on it for 40 years! Gas prices rose, summer was about to get brutal. Midterms. America. It's hard to believe. "It was an act of extraordinary political courage to engage. It is a shame and stain on the image of America First exceptionalism to pull defeat from the jaws of victory because of gas prices." Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment. President Donald Trump has described the arrangement as a means of avoiding a wider conflict while pursuing what he called a "great settlement" with Tehran. He has also argued that the agreement could help stabilize energy markets by reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, while creating an opportunity to negotiate additional restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities. The president added that he agreed to a settlement to avoid "economic catastrophe."  "I didn't want to see economic catastrophe. If you kept this going, that could have happened," he told reporters at the G7 Summit in France.  Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance scrapped plans to travel to Switzerland on Friday for the next round of U.S.-Iran talks, the White House confirmed Thursday night, highlighting ongoing uncertainty over the timing and logistics of the negotiations with Tehran. "As the vice president said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the U.S. delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity," the spokesperson said. "But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now, the vice president is not departing tonight," they added. "We will let you know as soon as we have a concrete update about next steps. We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible." The remarks came in the wake of a newly signed memorandum of understanding, with negotiators originally planning to finalize a deal between the U.S. and Iran within 60 days. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a352af519723856783360d2 Managed Landscapes Help Combat Summer’s Biggest Challenges te 2026-06-19T11:41:41.604Z Managed Landscapes Help Combat Summer’s Biggest Challenges TurfMutt Foundation Highlights How Well-Cared-For Green Spaces Cool, Clean and Protect Communities Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a352ae119723856783360c9 Managed Landscapes Help Combat Summer’s Biggest Challenges te 2026-06-19T11:41:21.634Z Managed Landscapes Help Combat Summer’s Biggest Challenges Well-cared-for green spaces cool, clean and protect homes, companies and communities. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a352acd19723856783360be Our View: Mohave County needs regional economic development done right te 2026-06-19T11:41:01.675Z Our View: Mohave County needs regional economic development done right Mohave County supervisors asked the right questions this week about the county’s Economic Development Department. The challenge now is making sure they arrive at the right answer. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3528761972385678335d5b Switzerland confirms talks with the US and Iran are postponed and more top headlines te 2026-06-19T11:31:02.106Z Switzerland confirms talks with the US and Iran are postponed and more top headlines 1. Switzerland confirms talks with the US and Iran are postponed 2. Obama Center's opening ceremony ridiculed for far-left ritual 3. Vance shares the 'fascinating' reason people can't fool Trump GONE TOO SOON — Dems raked in millions from employees at firms newly identified as ‘Chinese military companies.’ Continue reading … LEGAL SHUFFLE — Another lawyer joins Karmelo Anthony's appeal as killer claims he cannot pay for counsel. Continue reading … PSYCH OUT — Luigi Mangione makes major defense move in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case. Continue reading … DEEP POCKETS — Joe Rogan drops bombshell claim about who targeted his podcast during pandemic. Continue reading … COURT OF OPINION — Knicks owner fires back at Mayor Mamdani on stage after fan credentials questioned. Continue reading … -- CAUGHT OFF-GUARD — Ex-Rep Elaine Luria ambushed on camera over 2000% net worth spike during tenure. Continue reading … NO TURNING BACK — Activist exposes Planned Parenthood's lack of help for detransitioning patients. Continue reading … DIGGING UP DIRT — Maine lawmaker says Platner has 'a whole graveyard' of skeletons as new posts surface. Continue reading … LOADED QUESTION — Supreme Court unanimously limits federal gun law used against Hunter Biden. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   SWING & MISS — Fans call foul on MLB after league warns players over Bible verses on Pride caps. Continue reading … SAFE SPACES — Minneapolis city council hear arguments in favor of legalizing adult bathhouses for LGBTQ community. Continue reading … OUT OF LEFT FIELD — Tom Hanks jokingly jabs MS NOW while speaking with reporter live on the network. Continue reading … PRECARIOUS POSITION — Whoopi Goldberg reveals exactly why she wants the Knicks to visit the White House. Continue reading … RICK MCDANIEL — I've been to 45 countries and all 50 states. Here are 5 things that make America great. Continue reading …  REBECCAH HEINRICHS — Ukraine is advancing. Now is the perfect time for Trump to strengthen NATO. Continue reading … -- DIAMOND DEFIANCE — Pro baseball team forfeits Pride Night game after players refuse to wear rainbow jerseys. Continue reading … SWEET SPOT — Cutting sugar completely may trigger hidden health problems. Continue reading … WARNING SIGNS — Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo's divorce was a 'combination of issues' that had been building for years: reports. Continue reading … DIGITAL'S NEWS QUIZ — Which Bible verse appeared on this pitcher's cap? What happened to this unusual family? Take the quiz here … VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE — Trump has old-fashioned rules for suits and shoes. See video … SEN. JOHN KENNEDY — Iran is a hurting puppy. See video … Tune in for a look at the hard-fought middle years of the Revolutionary War and the pivotal battles that helped shape America’s path to independence. Check it out ... What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…   Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn      Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Entertainment (FOX411) Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi Fox News Go Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Monday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35267f1972385678335cff Progressive Michigan Senate candidate's staffer raged at white women in unearthed posts te 2026-06-19T11:22:39.313Z Progressive Michigan Senate candidate's staffer raged at white women in unearthed posts FIRST ON FOX: The communications director for Michigan's controversial U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has a history of anti-white social media posts, directing most of her vitriol towards white women. Fox News Digital unearthed posts made by Roxie Richner in 2019 and 2020 on X, then called Twitter, where she directed most of her vitriol towards white women. In the posts, some of which were made during the violent far-left riots after the death of George Floyd, she accused white woman of trying to get black people killed and called them "failures." "I don’t care if it’s scary or makes you uncomfortable," Richner posted on May 26, 2020, the day after Floyd died. "Black people are being murdered by the police and white women are making shit up trying to get Black people killed. snap [the f---] out of it and start taking action." DEM GOV'S NEW CAMPAIGN MESSAGE MAN ONCE SAID 'RELIGIOUS RIGHT' UNITED BY 'WHITE SUPREMACY' She followed that post with another that said, "all white women are policy failures." On the same day, she said: "fellow white people: one of the most powerful anti-racist acts is having those tough conversations with your loved ones. I make it a point to speak with my family about dismantling white supremacy almost every day. people are willing to learn, but you HAVE to make the effort." On June 4, 2020, during the height of the rioting and destruction in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following Floyd's death, Richner mocked white people who were concerned about the chaos and violence in their neighborhoods. MICHIGAN SENATE CANDIDATE ABDUL EL-SAYED DODGES QUESTION ON WHETHER HE STILL SUPPORTS DEFUNDING THE POLICE "[I]f one more white ann arbor person dms me asking why i’m 'dEFeNdiNG LoOtiNG' i’m seriously gonna explode. your racism is showing. check yourselves. I’m not holding back on this s-— anymore, i’m dropping names if u keep it up," she said. The day after the November 2020 presidential election, Richner responded to a video posted by an activist celebrating President Joe Biden's win. ""!!! POC youth really carried us [purple heart emoji] and let's be very clear not ALL youth.. very disappointed in white youth and white women," she said in the post. SWING-STATE DEM CANDIDATE'S 'DISGUSTING' COMMENTS ABOUT JD, USHA VANCE'S 'BROWN CHILDREN' SPARKS OUTRAGE In 2019, she chastised white people for defending then-candidate Joe Biden's "racist a-- comments." "'[E]veryone said stuff like that back then' is not at all an excuse for being straight-up racist. period," the post said. In another post, she mocked that idea that white Americans could ever face racial discrimination. MICHIGAN SENATE CANDIDATE DELETED THANKSGIVING TWEET CALLING FOR INDIGENOUS REPARATIONS: REPORT Other posts from Richner indicate that she's been working with El-Sayed since at least 2018. During that year, the progressive Democrat ran for governor, but finished second in the Democratic primary behind Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. His platform then was similar to the one he is running on today, including calls to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and establish universal healthcare. SANDERS-ENDORSED SENATE CANDIDATE KNOCKED FOR ALLEGED FLIP-FLOP TO 'HAVE IT BOTH WAYS' ON KEY ISSUE Beyond the controversies surrounding his top communications aide, El-Sayed is also no stranger to scandal and criticism. He has defended his decision to campaign with extreme far-left social media influencer Hasan Piker, who at different points said "America deserved 9/11," that his favorite flag is that of the terrorist group Hezbollah and equated Hamas with Israel. Just last week, Mariam Odeh, a former El-Sayed staffer, was indicted along with seven others for alleged threats made against University of Michigan officials, private businesses and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit related to the conflict in Gaza. It occurred as the the defendants attempted to get the school to divest investments in Israeli-tied companies. Odeh was charged with conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate and foreign commerce. The campaign said it wasn't aware of Odeh's activities when it hired her. Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed's campaign for comment, but did not hear back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35266b1972385678335cf6 Ex-House Dem who ripped congressional stock trading ban as 'bullsh--' changes her tune in comeback bid te 2026-06-19T11:22:19.855Z Ex-House Dem who ripped congressional stock trading ban as 'bullsh--' changes her tune in comeback bid Former Congresswoman Elaine Luria’s record on congressional stock trading — and a net worth that skyrocketed during her time in office — is clashing with the stance she’s touting as she pursues office in one of the country’s most competitive districts. Luria, the Democrat who previously represented Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District from 2019 to 2023, told attendees at a recent candidate forum that she would "support" legislation to ban members of Congress from owning or trading stocks. "I will say that this is an issue where I’ve changed my opinion over time. I will support the STOCK Act," Luria said, referring to proposals to limit trading for lawmakers. She framed her position as a matter of public trust. WATCH: DEM CANDIDATE GRILLED ON STOCK TRADING AFTER BEING DUPED WITH SELFIE REQUEST "At first, I thought, well, you know, you elect people to Congress, they make important decisions. Don’t you trust them? And will you trust them with personal finances? And I came to see that, over time, really everything that Congress is doing has eroded that trust." The position stands in stark contrast with her own past comments on the issue and highlights how candidates in competitive districts are being forced to grapple with the issue. When asked about a stock ban proposal in 2022, Luria told reporters that the "whole concept is bull----." Luria’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her changed stance. At the time she left office, she had a number of documented financial positions, including $250,000 in stocks with Alibaba, a Chinese company — the most of any Democrat in the House of Representatives in 2021. MARINE VET TAKES AIM AT TRUMP, MUSK IN VIDEO LAUNCH FOR KEY SWING HOUSE SEAT In another instance, Luria’s husband purchased between $1,000 and $15,000 in Tesla Inc. stock as President Joe Biden’s signature Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was making its way through Congress, according to disclosure records. Among other provisions, the bill appropriated $7.5 billion in funding for electric vehicle charging stations, aiming to incentivize buyers away from combustion engines and reduce carbon emissions. According to disclosures, Luria’s husband made the purchase in March of 2021 — eight months before Luria ultimately voted for the bill and before Tesla’s stock jumped nearly 50%. In total, Luria’s net worth skyrocketed during her time in Congress, going from $1.13 million to more than $22 million. HOW MIKIE SHERRILL’S FAMILY MADE MILLIONS AFTER SHE WAS ELECTED TO CONGRESS Luria’s time in office came to an end when she lost in a 51.6% to 48.2% bid against Republican challenger Jen Kiggans. Luria and Kiggans will face off again in the 2026 general election on Nov. 3. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3526581972385678335ced Walz approval rating craters to lowest level ever and trails Trump amid massive fraud scandal: 'Tired of it' te 2026-06-19T11:22:00.399Z Walz approval rating craters to lowest level ever and trails Trump amid massive fraud scandal: 'Tired of it' Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s approval rating in his state has plummeted to a level below President Donald Trump as the state's top executive continues to face blowback from the massive fraud scandal that erupted under his watch.  Walz, who is leaving office in January after announcing he will not run for re-election, has an approval rating of 39% in the state and a disapproval rating of 53% with 8% not sure, according to a new poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy Inc. for KARE 11, the Minnesota Star Tribune, and the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The poll surveyed 800 Minnesota registered voters likely to participate in the November general election via live telephone interviews from June 8-10, 2026 and the numbers represent Walz’s lowest approval rating since taking office six years ago. On the fraud issue, 45% of voters say they trust Republicans to fix it compared to 38% who chose Democrats and 14% who said neither party. FINAL WALZ FRAUD REPORT RIPS ‘CULTURE OF TOLERANCE’ AS MINNESOTA TAXPAYERS FACE BILLIONS IN ALLEGED LOSSES The same polling unit registered Trump's approval rating in the state at 41% this week, which conservatives on social media took notice of. "Tim Walz has a lower approval rating than President Trump in deep blue Minnesota right now," Townhall columnist Dustin Grage posted on X. "That’s how toxic the fraud has become for Democrats." Over the past year, the Trump administration has taken a major interest in Minnesota and unleashed its fraud task force into the state resulting in raids, arrests, and further investigations into how the fraud was able to grow so quickly in the state. Another contentious issue revealed by the poll is Minnesota’s new state flag, supported by Walz, that 50% of voters say they disapprove of.  The state’s new flag has become a cultural and political flashpoint in a state already reeling from one of the largest fraud scandals in U.S. history, heavily involving the Somali immigrant community. The flag was approved by a 13-member commission created by the Democratic-controlled legislature in 2023. Critics of the flag say it is overly simplistic and some have even knocked it as bearing a resemblance to Somalia’s national flag.  MINNESOTA LAWMAKERS UNLOAD ON WALZ'S 'LEGACY' AFTER HE TOUTS FRAUD RECORD IN FINAL ADDRESS: 'RIDICULOUS' "Two issues that unite a majority of Minnesotans are the rejection of Tim Walz and his failed policies and our hatred for the Minnesota Somali state flag," Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, who represents Minnesota's 6th Congressional District, told Fox News Digital. "The flag is an embarrassment and good on the cities who are actively removing it from their city halls and communities."  "President Trump is more popular than Tim Walz in his home state because Minnesotans are sick and tired of Walz siding with illegal aliens and Somali fraudsters over his hardworking, taxpaying constituents." he continued. "The legacy of Tim Walz will be the fires that destroyed Minneapolis, the fraud that he allowed to be stolen under his watch, and his failures that have harmed our great state."  Fraud appears to have played a significant role in Walz's cratering approval, which is evidenced by a 10-point drop in his support since last year as the fraud scandal has dominated headlines. Only 1% of Republicans in the state say they approve of the job Walz is doing to go along with 73% of Democrats and 32% of Independents. "America rejected Tim Walz in 2024," Republican Minnesota State Sen. Michael Holmstrom told Fox News Digital. "Now Minnesotans are following suit. The good news for Tim is that, now that his record is on full display, he could soon be the most popular guy in the jailhouse." Republican State Sen. Mark Koran told Fox News Digital that the polls "really tell you what Gov. Walz has done to himself." "He let his fraud crisis blow up and didn’t do anything to fix it while he was busy shoving all this radical stuff into state government," Koran said. "After years of extreme far-left ideology and policies that don’t help normal people, Minnesotans have had enough. His legacy is going to be the fraud crisis and desecrating the state flag. Minnesota is just tired of it." Fox News Digital reached out to Walz’s office for comment.  Fox News Digital’s Peter Pinedo contributed to this report Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3526441972385678335ce4 Weight-loss drugs linked to 'Ozempic ears' and other cosmetic complaints, surgeons say te 2026-06-19T11:21:40.943Z Weight-loss drugs linked to 'Ozempic ears' and other cosmetic complaints, surgeons say As the popularity of GLP-1 drugs continues to climb, significant weight loss associated with the medications has been linked to a growing list of cosmetic concerns. Some surgeons report that more patients are seeking treatments for so-called "Ozempic earlobes," which reportedly appear thinner, longer or more sagging after the loss of facial fat. "The use of semaglutides causes you to lose fat across your body, including the small, fat pads of the earlobes," facial plastic surgeon Sachin S. Parikh, MD, told New Beauty. OZEMPIC, OTHER SEMAGLUTIDES LINKED TO HAIR LOSS: HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW "It’s important to note that semaglutides do not damage ear tissue or affect hearing in any way, so any intervention would be purely cosmetic," added the California-based doctor. Some of the potential treatments for "Ozempic earlobes" may include dermal filler, fat transfer, laser treatments or surgical earlobe reduction, according to the report. Dr. Mohammed Asif from Duly Health and Care in Naperville, Illinois, said that while he hasn't personally noticed an uptick in ear surgeries, he has seen a rise in other procedures due to GLP-1-triggered weight loss. Some of those include panniculectomies (Ozempic skin removal surgery) and abdominoplasties (tummy tucks). PLASTIC SURGERY TRENDS TAKE A SURPRISING TURN, AS DOCTORS SEE MORE PATIENTS 'SIZING DOWN' "There has been a significant increase in body contouring procedures among patients with GLP-1 weight loss," Asif told Fox News Digital.  "In my practice, I've seen a significant surge in breast lifts, panniculectomies (skin removal surgery), abdominoplasties (tummy tucks), brachioplasties (arm lifts) and thighplasties due to weight loss." TOP COSMETIC PROCEDURES REVEALED IN NEW REPORT: WHAT'S TRENDING AND WHY Healing and recovery is "far greater and less complicated" than with bariatric surgery weight loss, Asif noted. "This is due to the gradual weight loss achieved over time with GLP-1s." "Ozempic breast" is another common complaint, according to Dr. Michael Omidi, a double board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Beverly Hills. "Women in their 30s and 40s would not typically need a breast lift, but when you’re taking drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy that cause rapid weight loss, women can see gravity take its toll on their breasts," he told Fox News Digital.  "When women, especially younger ones, lose fat too fast, it causes the breasts, which are comprised of fat, glandular tissue and skin, to lose volume," he went on. "The skin and supporting ligaments don't always bouce back at the same rate as the weight loss, resulting in breasts that can appear saggy and deflated." NEW OBESITY TREATMENT MAY HELP PRESERVE MUSCLE DURING WEIGHT LOSS Dr. Samuel Golpanian, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, said he has seen "dozens" of patients – men and women alike – seeking treatments for so-called "Ozempic butt" after significant weight loss. "This is an unintended consequence of taking GLP-1s," he told Fox News Digital. "Such dramatic weight loss in a short period of time causes the skin not to tighten quickly enough to keep up with the body's changes. Our buttocks have a large amount of fat, so when that volume disappears quickly, you’ll develop a flatter, saggier behind." Kristy Hamilton, MD, a Houston-based surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), agreed that a growing number of patients are seeking skin-tightening procedures after losing large amounts of weight with GLP-1s. "We're absolutely seeing more of those patients, and I expect that trend to continue," said Hamilton in an ASPS report. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES "People are losing as much as 100 pounds on this medication – and when you're losing that amount, that's significant. You're certainly going to have excess skin afterward." The ASPS lists the following body-contouring procedures as the ones most frequently performed after substantial weight loss. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Experts say adequate protein intake and resistance training can help minimize the loss of lean muscle mass that often accompanies rapid weight loss, which could reduce some of the cosmetic concerns. Goldpain also emphasized the importance of eating enough protein. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "It can be harder since your appetite is suppressed, but it’s so important to consume at least 110 grams of protein a day while taking a GLP-1 drug," he advised.  "Also, I say this to my patients all the time: You have to lift weights to keep your muscles from atrophying. Strength training can help build muscles and preserve your glutes." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3526311972385678335cdb Fans call foul on MLB after league warns players over Bible verses on Pride caps te 2026-06-19T11:21:21.489Z Fans call foul on MLB after league warns players over Bible verses on Pride caps Baseball fans accused Major League Baseball (MLB) of dropping the ball after the league threatened to discipline San Francisco Giants players who wrote Bible verses on their caps for the team's "Pride Night." Fox News Digital spoke to Texas Rangers fans at the team's "Faith and Family" game Thursday to get their reactions as Major League Baseball faces mounting backlash over its response, with critics arguing the league's embrace of progressive social causes is alienating its fanbase. The Rangers are currently the lone holdout among MLB franchises to not host an official Pride Night, choosing instead to host their annual Faith & Family Night event at Globe Life Field. Many in attendance celebrated the family-friendly event centered on community. "I'm so thankful that the Rangers are recognizing family, faith, and everything good about this country," said Terry from Bedford, Texas. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS PITCHER WRITES BIBLE VERSE ON HAT IN DEFIANCE OF PRIDE NIGHT However, the ongoing controversy surrounding the San Francisco Giants was top of mind for many Texas fans. The backlash follows an incident last Friday where three Giants players — Landen Roupp, J.T. Brubaker, and Ryan Walker — wrote a passage from Genesis 9 on their franchise "Pride Night" caps. The verses reference the rainbow as a sign of God's covenant with humanity to never again flood the world, as described in the Bible. Major League Baseball issued a statement following the incident, asserting that the players had violated uniform rules and warning them against future violations. The San Francisco Giants also issued a statement reaffirming the team's support for Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community, apologizing for its players' actions and claiming they "caused pain and anger to many in the LGBTQ+ community." Rangers fans expressed strong support for the Giants players' right to express their faith. "I don't think that they should be punished for putting Bible verses on their hat when they're being told to put on Pride logos on their hat already," Nathan said. NHL'S SEATTLE KRAKEN RECEIVE MIXED REACTIONS TO PRIDE-THEMED LOGO AND JERSEYS DODGERS PITCHER CLAYTON KERSHAW DISPLAYS BIBLE PASSAGE ON HAT DURING PRIDE NIGHT Todd from Waxahachie, Texas, agreed with the players' faith message and felt the league should be supporting free speech. "I think it's about re-centering on what a rainbow means; It's a promise from God that he would never flood the earth again," he said. "So, I think that it also supports freedom of speech as well." Other fans from across the Lone Star State echoed those sentiments. Chance from Dallas said he didn't support punishing players for expressing their personal beliefs. "I don't think they should be fined for it or anything," he said. "I hate how they are getting in trouble for doing that," Zant, from Midland, agreed. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Rangers fans also expressed concerns that the league was unfairly targeting Christian players. "Everyone has their own belief system, their own faith system, whether it's for Pride Month or for religious beliefs," Emily from Rockwall, Texas, said. "And I think we all should be allowed to support what we believe in." Christopher from Fort Worth called MLB's actions "unfair," while Todd from Waxahachie, felt the league was caving to "societal pressures." "In a sense, I feel like they're folding to societal pressures," he said. "I think if we truly believe in living in the land of the free, home of the brave, people should be brave enough and free enough to stand up for what they believe in." Terry added that baseball should stick to — well — baseball. "Let's keep these controversies out of sports. We're all here to enjoy baseball as it should be." MLB and the Giants did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment. MLB isn't the only professional baseball league drawing attention for its conflicts with athletes over its "Pride Night" events this month. On Thursday, the York Revolution of the professional baseball Atlantic League said it was forfeiting its Thursday game after players refused to wear LGBTQ-themed jerseys for the league's Pride Night. The team also issued a scathing statement criticizing its players who refused to wear the jerseys and said it would be donating $10,000 to an LGBTQ organization, "as a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners." Fox News' Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi and Adam Pack contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35261e1972385678335cd2 Another lawyer joins Karmelo Anthony's appeal as killer claims he cannot pay for counsel te 2026-06-19T11:21:02.062Z Another lawyer joins Karmelo Anthony's appeal as killer claims he cannot pay for counsel FRISCO, Texas – Karmelo Anthony has secured another lawyer in his fight to appeal his murder conviction. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to 35 years behind bars earlier this month for stabbing and killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. He has since filed a notice of appeal. Collin County court records indicate criminal defense attorney Lara Bracamonte Davila is his current court-appointed lawyer. JEFF METCALF SPEAKS OUT ABOUT LOSING SON AUSTIN AND HOW HIS FAMILY IS MOVING FORWARD Before Bracamonte Davila was appointed, Fox News Digital learned that the court briefly appointed criminal defense attorney Donny Perales. He is no longer representing Anthony. While Bracamonte Davila is the current court-appointed appellate attorney, in an email to Fox News Digital, Perales said, "It is expected that the Anthony family will be retaining an attorney for the appeal." GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Court records indicate days after his June 9 murder conviction, Anthony applied for what is known as a TDFA Indigent Packet in his appeal, which, according to the Texas Fair Defense Act, is where a defendant can apply for a court-appointed attorney if he or she is eligible. FOLLOW US ON X To qualify, a defendant must prove he or she cannot afford legal representation. Anthony said he was "penniless, destitute, and indigent person, too poor to employ counsel to represent me on the appeal," in a court document he filed on his own. WATCH:  Austin Metcalf’s father remembers his son’s childhood CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS Fox News Digital previously reported that records indicate the Anthony family was tied to several businesses in Louisiana and Texas, and even opened a business weeks after their son murdered Metcalf. Despite the appeals process, the Anthonys have yet to speak to the Metcalf family following the verdict, according to Austin's father, Jeff Metcalf. Metcalf said in a sit-down interview with Fox News Digital, "I don't forget what he did to my son." He went on to say, "I don't have sympathy, but I gave him forgiveness, and the forgiveness was for me, of course, so I don't carry the rage and the hate." WATCH: Austin Metcalf's father says the Anthony family has yet to speak to him Fox News Digital has reached out to Bracamonte Davila and the Anthony family for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a351cbe1972385678335b79 Gov Sanders reveals 'major breakthrough' on education as red state positions itself as 'blueprint' for nation te 2026-06-19T10:41:02.378Z Gov Sanders reveals 'major breakthrough' on education as red state positions itself as 'blueprint' for nation EXCLUSIVE: As Democrats across the country criticize education programs in red states, Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is touting a major achievement in her state she hopes will serve as an education blueprint for all states, regardless of politics, nationwide. "The thing we're most excited about is the fact that so many Arkansas students are doing better now than they would have been doing pre-LEARNS legislation," Sanders told Fox News Digital on the day her office announced a "major breakthrough" on education following implementation of a 2023 Republican backed statewide education overhaul, known as the LEARNS Act. The law also raised the minimum teacher salary from $36,000 to $50,000, created performance-based teacher bonuses, boosted literacy support, funded school safety initiatives, and banned critical race theory and classroom teachings related to critical race theory, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexually explicit materials. Arkansas public school students are seeing sharp gains on a new statewide exam, with proficiency rates rising more than 7%  across all grades and subjects in just three years under the state’s conservative education reforms. Since 2024, student proficiency has increased by more than 7% and by more than 5% since 2025, according to the governor’s office. MISSISSIPPI'S SCHOOL MIRACLE SHAMES FAILING CHICAGO LEADERS ON EDUCATION "We want our kids to do well," Sanders said. "We love the fact that kids in Arkansas are learning, that they're moving up. The growth and achievement that we're seeing from our kids is exactly what we want to happen." In 2026, 42.2% of students met proficiency standards, up from 36.9% in 2025. Mathematics proficiency increased from 36.4% in 2024 to 44.2% in 2026, science proficiency rose from 35.6% to 44.0%, and English language arts proficiency climbed from 33.8% to 39.5%. Students performing at the lowest levels also fell across all subjects, dropping from an average of 27.3% in 2025 to 23.1% in 2026. Reading performance among third-graders improved as well, with proficiency rising from 36% in 2024 to 43% in 2026. Students in kindergarten through second grade, the first to learn under the state's education reforms, exceeded 50% proficiency in nearly every subject and grade level, while maintaining upward momentum. Sanders said transformational reform is driven by better teaching and a unified focus on student needs, saying "a comprehensive aligned approach" makes a difference. "Not any one thing, but it's the collective process of really transforming the way that we approach education," Sanders said. "Realizing that every single kid can learn when given the right environment, when given the right tools, and letting failure not be an option." TEXAS’ LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT SEES TEST SCORES SOAR AFTER STATE TAKEOVER DESPITE RACISM CLAIMS Democrats in recent years, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and prominent teachers' union officials, have targeted red-state education policies, but Sanders told Fox News Digital she hopes the education program sends a message across the country. "I'm hopeful absolutely that red states will use what we're doing here as a blueprint, but I also hope that blue states will look at the success that you're seeing in places like Arkansas, Mississippi and others and try to follow suit because we want all kids to do well," Sanders said. "Seeing kids achieve and do better and be successful, that's not a red state or blue state issue. That's something everybody should care about." WHY AMERICA’S ONLY SCHOOL CHOICE SUPER PAC IS PUTTING SOME REPUBLICANS IN THE HOT SEAT Sanders said the results are "showing what works," adding there is no need to "reinvent the wheel." "We know that raising the bar, providing those resources and support for our students, for our teachers, for our superintendents makes a difference," Sanders said. "We've got a recipe here that's working and absolutely hope it not only changes the conversation but frankly changes the system, changes the culture and education." "The LEARNS Act was a bold, innovative, and comprehensive approach to improve education," Jacob Oliva, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education, said in a press release. "It was built on research, urgency, and the desperate need for change. These scores prove that listening to teachers, administrators, and parents wasn’t just valuable but also essential. The plan is working. Arkansas students are reading, learning, and benefitting." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a351a651972385678335b1a Patriotism is great, but making money is better: 'Fade the public' in Team USA vs Australia in World Cup 2026 te 2026-06-19T10:31:01.938Z Patriotism is great, but making money is better: 'Fade the public' in Team USA vs Australia in World Cup 2026 The 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up this Friday, June 19, as the United States faces Australia in a crucial Group D clash. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET at Lumen Stadium in Seattle, Washington, where a raucous home crowd awaits. Both nations enter this matchup riding high after multi-goal victories in their World Cup openers. Yet, BetMGM has the Americans as -165 favorites, the Socceroos as +400 underdogs and the draw +320 with a total of 2.5 goals. U.S EARNS HISTORIC WIN IN WORLD CUP OPENER AFTER BEATDOWN OF PARAGUAY AS THE LEGEND OF FOLARIN BALOGUN IS BORN Can Team USA maintain its momentum, or will the Aussies pull off another massive shocker? Here are my main factors for the United States vs. Australia, followed by a best bet. American attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic left after the first half of the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup opener because of a calf injury. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE According to SICscore.com, Pulisic has a history of calf issues, and he didn’t practice with the team this week. Calf problems can lead to more serious injuries, such as a torn Achilles tendon. Meanwhile, this is the first World Cup with a 48-team field, and the knockout round now has 32 teams instead of 16. Between more teams making the knockout round this year and Pulisic’s injury history, there is a 70/30 chance Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino rests Pulisic on Friday. HOW DO TEAMS ADVANCE IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP? TIEBREAKER RULES AND ROUND OF 32 FORMAT EXPLAINED That matters. In fact, my buddies, who bet on soccer much more often than I do, are saying there has been "load managing" in group play this year because there are more knockout-stage spots available. Three of America’s goals against Paraguay came in the first half while Pulisic was on the pitch. I’m expecting the USA’s offense to be less explosive against Australia if Pulisic doesn’t play. Furthermore, the United States only had 1.42 expected goals against Paraguay, and America scored off an own goal. Also, the Aussies shut out Türkiye 2-0 in their World Cup opener. However, they only had 1.18 expected goals and possessed the ball just 28% of the game. Since Australia was a +425 underdog against Türkiye, the Socceroos essentially stole three points in group play. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! They also had the worst betting odds to win Group D, so with that in mind, the Socceroos will be happy to earn one point by tying the United States on Friday. Ultimately, this is an old-school "fading the recent result" handicapping angle, with Team USA looking amazing in its first game. Per BetMGM’s John Ewing, 80% of the money is on the Over 2.5 goals at that sportsbook as of Wednesday evening. Nonetheless, the Under is pricier at the market-making operations, such as Circa Sports in Las Vegas and the offshore oddsmaker Pinnacle Sportsbook. Look, I want America to win as much as the next guy. But, more importantly, I’m trying to make money. And UNDER 2.5 goals (-115) at BetMGM is the sharper look in this game. _____________________________ Follow me on X @Geoffery-Clark, and check out my "OutKick Bets Podcast" for more betting content and random rants. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35186f1972385678335ac8 Red Lobster's 37-year-old CEO betting on nostalgia, AI to fuel chain's comeback after bankruptcy te 2026-06-19T10:22:39.154Z Red Lobster's 37-year-old CEO betting on nostalgia, AI to fuel chain's comeback after bankruptcy Red Lobster closed dozens of locations nationwide in May 2024 before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Now, the seafood chain's 37-year-old chief executive officer says he's planning "the greatest comeback in the history of the restaurant industry." Damola Adamolekun, former CEO of P.F. Chang's, became Red Lobster's new CEO in September 2024. Before that, he worked with Fortress Investment Group as it prepared to acquire the Florida-based restaurant chain. Prior to filing for bankruptcy, Red Lobster reportedly went through five CEOs in five years.  RED LOBSTER'S SUMMER SEAFOOD BOILS GO VIRAL AS CUSTOMERS DEBATE WHETHER WORTH THE HYPE While at Fortress, Adamolekun visited a variety of Red Lobster restaurants in secret to assess them. "It's very easy for staff to disengage and check out," he told Vanity Fair in an interview this month. "But they hadn't. I saw people that'd been there 10, 20, 30, 40 years. There was a lot of love for the brand. What they needed was a north star." He reportedly told 30,000 employees at a town hall that the company was "going to execute the greatest comeback in the history of the restaurant industry," setting the tone for an aggressive turnaround effort. Many analysts and media reports have cited the company's decision to make its endless shrimp promotion a permanent offering as one factor behind its financial troubles. Endless shrimp did return to select Red Lobster locations earlier this year, but Adamolekun made it clear in a statement to Fox 13 in Florida that it would be for a limited time only. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Prior to its bankruptcy filing, Red Lobster was also dealing with "the fallout from a 2014 move that sold off ownership of the chain's real estate and saddled the company with lease payments," FOX Business reported. In May, a Red Lobster restaurant touted as the chain's oldest continuously operating location shut down in Florida after 56 years. "As part of the normal course of business, Red Lobster continuously evaluates restaurant performance and lease terms and may, from time to time, choose to close or relocate select restaurants," Red Lobster told Fox News Digital at the time. In addition to streamlining operations and closing underperforming restaurants, Adamolekun and Red Lobster are engaging with customers and indulging their nostalgia. As a high-profile figure, the CEO also often appears on podcasts, in magazines, on television and social media. Under Adamolekun's leadership, P.F. Chang's began generating revenues of approximately $1 billion a year, according to Goldman Sachs. "The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of adaptability," he told the investment firm. Consumers' emotional connection to the brand has become a central part of Red Lobster's turnaround strategy, Adamolekun said. "I underestimated the impact of these emotional connections, which became a guiding principle in our decision-making, from menu changes to ambiance redesigns." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Red Lobster has reintroduced popcorn shrimp and hush puppies, seafood boils, $19.99 shrimp deals and $20 lobster rolls, as Fox News Digital previously reported. The young CEO has also promoted happy hour and appetizer deals. "One thing that won't be changing," he said in an advertisement, "these Cheddar Bay biscuits. We got that right the first time. Welcome back." On the "Black Money Tree" podcast, Adamolekun said he wants Red Lobster to become "the most AI-forward restaurant company that exists." He added, "One of the advantages of being young is that I understand the technology pretty well," noting that he uses AI regularly in his own work. Red Lobster has long been popular among Black consumers. By 2015, about one in six diners were Black, a higher share than any other major casual chain, according to Vanity Fair. The chain also became a springboard for Black managers and culinary talent, many coming through historically Black colleges and universities. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Red Lobster is projecting positive net income by the end of the fiscal year under Adamolekun's leadership, according to the Vanity Fair profile. "We're growing mid-single digits to low-double digits on certain weeks, which is good," he told the publication. "More people are ordering delivery than they [did] in the past. We're growing, [but] we still have work to do to reclaim where we were." Fox News Digital reached out to Red Lobster for comment; it declined to offer any additional insights at this time. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35185b1972385678335abf Fox News Digital's News Quiz: June 19, 2026 te 2026-06-19T10:22:19.697Z Fox News Digital's News Quiz: June 19, 2026 Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz, featuring San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp wearing a Bible Verse on his cap, and a Florida couple making an announcement after an alleged baby mix-up. Looking for another challenge? Dirty sodas sparking health concerns and a Texas mom's Facebook arrest claim were featured in last week's News Quiz. Test your knowledge of revolutionary recipes, celebrity challenges and more in this week's American Culture Quiz. If you're looking to play even more, you can find all of our quizzes by clicking here. Check back next week for the latest News Quiz from Fox News Digital. Thanks for playing! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3518481972385678335ab6 Trump's $300B Iran investment fund may be 'close to impossible' due to IRGC sanctions law, expert warns te 2026-06-19T10:22:00.244Z Trump's $300B Iran investment fund may be 'close to impossible' due to IRGC sanctions law, expert warns A proposed $300 billion investment fund for Iran included in the U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding may face major legal obstacles under existing U.S. sanctions law, raising questions about whether the plan is workable even if both sides move toward a final agreement. The memorandum, digitally signed Wednesday by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, is aimed at ending the war and restoring traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. As part of the 14-point plan, the U.S. agreed to lift sanctions on Iran, allow Tehran to increase its oil revenue and regain access to parts of the international banking system, among other measures. But one of the most ambitious parts of the framework — a proposed $300 billion private investment fund for Iran’s reconstruction and development — may collide with a longstanding U.S. determination that Iran’s construction sector is controlled directly or indirectly by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The issue is not just technical. It goes to whether one of the central economic promises of the Trump-Iran framework can realistically be executed under current U.S. law. If the $300 billion fund depends on investment in sectors Washington has already identified as IRGC-controlled, experts say the administration may be forced to rely on temporary waivers or new licenses — a legal structure that could make long-term investors wary and complicate any final deal. TOP SENATE REPUBLICAN RIPS INTO TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL, SAYS $300 BILLION MAKES OBAMA DEAL LOOK LIKE 'A PITTANCE' The State Department formally determined in 2020, and again in May 2025, that Iran’s construction sector was controlled directly or indirectly by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act, known as IFCA, that finding creates sanctions risks for people or companies doing business in the sector. Miad Maleki, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control executive, told Fox News Digital that the legal and sanctions-related problems surrounding the fund are more complicated than simply asking whether Congress would have to approve it. "I think Congress is unavoidable for a durable version of that investment," Maleki said. "If we have a final deal and now as part of this commitment, the U.S. government and allies are going to have to go in and help Iran to set up this fund or get access to such a fund." Maleki said the president has meaningful unilateral authority to begin easing restrictions. Trump could revoke relevant executive orders, direct the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to issue general licenses and waive some congressional sanctions laws. But he said that does not mean the fund would be durable enough to attract serious investors. "Technically, the fund could be switched on through some kind of an executive action plan alone, but it would be on paper and it would have to be renewed every 180 days," Maleki said, referring to waivers for mandatory sanctions tied to Iran’s construction sector. JD VANCE REVEALS DETAILS OF US-IRAN DEAL, ADDRESSES WHETHER TAXPAYER MONEY WILL GO TO TEHRAN "If you’re anyone who is in an investment-type business, it’s hard to find someone who would be investing in construction-type projects that take time," he added. "These projects are not like 180-day projects." The concern, Maleki said, is especially acute in Iran, where investors would face sanctions uncertainty, political risk and an unreliable partner. "It’s hard to find someone who would be investing ... based on something that could not just be renewed if Iran, especially in the context of Iran, where you don’t really have a reliable partner, where things can blow up any minute," he said. TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL 'GIVING A LOT MORE TO GET A LOT LESS' THAN OBAMA'S, SENATOR SAYS That structure raises a broader question about whether negotiators were truly expecting the memorandum to mature into a final, durable agreement. "The more I’ve been digging into this memorandum of understanding, sanctions paragraphs of this memorandum, the more I have come to this kind of doubt that the negotiators really were counting on a final deal to be reached," Maleki said. "If you do get to a final agreement and you’re looking into actually meeting the commitments that you made, this $300 billion investment fund, it’s not something you can really set up," he added. "I think it would be almost close to impossible to get something that would materialize." READ IT: THE FULL TEXT OF THE US-IRAN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: Maleki said one possible explanation is that the U.S. side may view its role as limited to providing sanctions relief, while leaving Iran and potential investors to sort out whether the fund can actually be built. "We’re going to give them the waivers that they need. If they can’t find investors to invest in this, that’s their problem," he said, describing one possible view of the negotiators’ approach. The Treasury Department and the Iranian mission to the U.N. did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The issue could become a congressional flashpoint. Because IFCA waivers are limited to 180 days and require justification to Congress, any long-term investment framework for Iran could force the administration to repeatedly defend why sanctions tied to an IRGC-controlled sector should be suspended. The legal obstacles also come as critics warn the pact gives Iran major economic benefits while leaving some of the most difficult nuclear and security questions for future negotiations. Maleki said the U.S. had already built significant leverage over Iran through sanctions, military pressure and the blockade, but may now be trading that leverage for the reopening of Hormuz. "We reached a point that we had leverage that no U.S. president has ever had with Iran," Maleki said. "Yet we gave that away for this, for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz." He argued that Iran is likely to use the process to delay rather than rush toward a final agreement. "Iran is going to go back to its playbook of dragging, buying time with the sanctions relief-type incentives that I’m seeing in this package," Maleki said. "I do not think that the Iranian regime is going to rush to get to a deal." John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America and a former national security adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, warned that any economic windfall from the agreement could help the IRGC rebuild. "It’s almost certain that the IRGC will use any economic windfall granted by this MOU to reconstitute as much of their conventional military as possible as fast as possible — especially the vast missile and drone arsenal that the IRGC believes proved critical to the strategic successes they achieved during the war," Hannah told Fox News Digital. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3518341972385678335aad Obama center opens after years-long saga as locals warn ‘monstrosity’ could price them out te 2026-06-19T10:21:40.788Z Obama center opens after years-long saga as locals warn ‘monstrosity’ could price them out The Obama Presidential Center is opening to the public on Friday morning following an expensive and controversy-laden construction history.  Former President Barack Obama’s presidential center was initially estimated to cost $350 million; however, after a slate of setbacks and delays, the price of the project has more than doubled to a staggering $850 million. As construction was ongoing in Chicago, the center faced an array of controversies, including opposition from locals, anger over the use of tax dollars to support surrounding infrastructure, critiques of the building’s design, alleged failure to pay contractors and even a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination. Unlike a traditional presidential library, the Obama Presidential Center is designed as a broader civic campus, with a museum, public plaza, forum, Chicago Public Library branch, recreation space, gardens and community programming.  "It’s a monstrosity. It’s over budget, it’s taking way too long to finish and it’s going to drive up prices and bring headaches and problems for everyone who lives here," one Chicago resident who grew up in the area near the campus' location told the Daily Mail. "It feels like a washing away of the neighborhood and culture that used to be here." CHICAGO RESIDENTS CALL OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER A 'MONSTROSITY,' FEAR THEY'LL BE DISPLACED: REPORT One of the most prominent lines of criticism levied against the new presidential center was that its construction materially harmed those it was seeking to serve.  Beyond its museum exhibits and planned displays of presidential records and artifacts, the Obama Presidential Center features prominent exhibits on slavery, racism, the civil rights movement and African American history. Additionally, the Obama Foundation wanted the center to be a boon for the local community, billing it as an "economic engine for South Side residents."  To accomplish this, the center prioritized locals for contracting and staffing while also promising to provide workforce development services to surrounding communities. These moves, however, were not enough to assuage the concerns of some residents that the racial justice-infused center would ultimately displace many predominantly Black American locals by increasing the value of nearby lots, thereby raising rents and driving up property taxes. OBAMA’S LEGACY PROJECT OFFERS LITTLE HOPE FOR CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE RESIDENTS "What we got was a lease saying you have to pay $2,450 a month to stay in your home," a lifelong resident of a neighborhood near the center told the Chicago Sun-Times, recounting how his rent had gone up after construction began. "My home that they had let fall into disrepair, my home that they had decided wasn’t worth caring for. So we had to move … our beautiful Black beach neighborhood was no longer ours to enjoy." Numerous residents have shared similar stories with the press, prompting Chicago to set aside $6 million to develop affordable housing in the area and providing residents with property tax relief.  Further complicating the Obama Presidential Center’s mission of racial justice was a lawsuit filed by a local subcontractor against one of the firms managing its construction in early 2025. OBAMA LIBRARY, BEGUN WITH LOFTY DEI GOALS, NOW PLAGUED BY $40M RACIALLY CHARGED SUIT, BALLOONING COSTS One African American-owned concrete and rebar company working on the project alleged that the company overseeing structural engineering and design on the Obama Presidential Center unfairly singled out black-owned firms for errors.  The lawsuit alleged that those in charge of the presidential library’s construction "directly undermined the Obama Foundation's DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) goals and commitments and mission to bring transformative change to the construction industry and local community," a claim that was strongly denied by management.  Management argued that many of the subcontractors were "questionably qualified" and that they regularly underperformed or displayed inexperience, factors that contributed to the presidential library’s ballooning costs. The Obama Foundation emphasized hiring black-owned businesses when seeking out subcontractors for its center. PROTESTERS RAGED, CRITICS MOCKED — NOW OBAMA SAYS HIS LIBRARY’S ACTUALLY OPENING In yet another snag, many subcontractors who worked on the center are claiming that they have yet to be paid for their work on the Obama Presidential Center.  A Fox News Digital investigation previously identified multiple firms that say they haven’t received payments, with outstanding invoices ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions. "I haven't had eight hours or six hours sleep in over a year," one African American subcontractor told Fox News Digital. "I'm cooked emotionally. I feel like an aluminum can that's been thrown in front of a steamroller. We're crushed. And I have to fight for my company and for my people." When pressed by Fox News Digital, the Obama Foundation passed the blame onto Lakeside Alliance, its primary contractor, stating that it was responsible for handling payments to subcontractors. Lakeside Alliance, meanwhile, said projects of this size are complex matters and that it is working to resolve all loose ends. "That's a bad signal to put out the fact that seven to eight to maybe 10 of our contractors in our community are going to be eliminated from doing business because of the debt that they incurred on this particular project," Omar Shareef, the president of the African American Contractors Association, previously told Fox News Digital. "If they would have known it was a Trojan horse or a Pandora’s box, I don't know if they would have raced as much as they did to be a part of it." Fox News Digital could not independently verify claims that firms had been forced to shutter due to their work on the Obama Presidential Center. OBAMA CENTER TAKES HEAT AS CRITICS CRY FOUL OVER ID RULES FOR FREE ENTRY — WHILE DEMS BLAST VOTER ID LAWS While most of the Obama Presidential Center’s rocky history was privately funded, taxpayers were on the hook for the infrastructure surrounding it.  Illinois has so far spent over $120 million on infrastructure improvements in South Chicago to accommodate the presidential center, with the total public cost estimated to reach around $200 million.  Even with roughly $1 billion spent on its construction and design, the appearance of the Obama Presidential Center has proven controversial, drawing comparisons to everything from a maximum security prison to a garbage can. OBAMA DRAGGED FOR 'HEADACHE'-INDUCING PRESIDENTIAL CENTER UPDATE THAT HAS VISITORS SQUINTING "The building has an ominous presence, its mostly windowless heft recalling a menacing sci-fi headquarters," The Guardian’s architecture critic wrote of the structure. One person dubbed it the "Obamalisk." Some, however, have pushed back on these critiques. "Today’s punchline may become tomorrow’s civic treasure," Justin Kaufmann, writing for Axios Chicago, said. He pointed to the center’s blending of modern architecture with the design language of classic civic buildings. The Obama Presidential Center did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Thursday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3518211972385678335aa4 JD Vance reveals Trump's 'unbelievable ability' that behaves like a 'spiritual dimension' te 2026-06-19T10:21:21.331Z JD Vance reveals Trump's 'unbelievable ability' that behaves like a 'spiritual dimension' Vice President JD Vance provided an intimate glimpse into President Donald Trump’s character, revealing a trait Americans may not know he has during an appearance on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity." "He has the best instincts about human beings of anybody I've ever met," Vance said in a new episode of Hannity's podcast. "There's an almost like, spiritual dimension of where he understands whether somebody's telling him the truth or not." Vance said he is consistently stunned by the president’s ability to read people and discern their genuine intentions. "He understands whether somebody is trying to pull one over on him or not… it's fascinating to me," he said. JONATHAN TURLEY: WHY TRUMP WENT OFF SCRIPT ON VENEZUELA AND WHY IT WON'T MATTER The vice president said the many powerful figures who meet with Trump, including corporate CEOs and world leaders, are no match for the president’s instincts. "He's the President of the United States, right? You have people who are constantly coming into the White House and asking for things," Vance explained. "And he has this unbelievable ability to sniff out whether this person wants this thing because it's good for America or he wants it because it’s good for him." Vance also opened up about a period of his life when he believed he knew everything and how experience ultimately changed his perspective. "I became arrogant about what I knew," he explained. "My grandmother, who, again, was the smartest person I've ever met, devout Christian, but not an educated woman by any means, I sort of thought of her as a simpleton, as a bumpkin." COLLEGE MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES DEPARTMENTS ARE BROKEN — SHUT THEM DOWN TO END CAMPUS RADICALISM "I called myself an atheist at the time, and I sort of had this arrogance about me that I knew everything and people like my grandmother didn't know things." The vice president criticized elite organizations, including colleges and universities, for encouraging people to sport a "hyper-rational" attitude and set aside instincts and experience. He claimed those same elites, like military and economic experts who operate on rationale, damaged the country. "I think that so many of the things that people said about Donald Trump… it was experts who assume they knew everything about economics. It was military experts who assume they know everything about foreign policy," Vance said. "If you look back on it, it was a bunch of people who screwed up the country but didn't learn a single lesson from it." Hannity’s full, wide-ranging interview with Vance on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" – covering his upbringing in Appalachia, the 2028 presidential election and more – is available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35180d1972385678335a9b Fitness trainer told friend she was 'scared for her life' weeks before body with matching clothing found te 2026-06-19T10:21:01.881Z Fitness trainer told friend she was 'scared for her life' weeks before body with matching clothing found Weeks before a body matching her description was found, a missing South Carolina fitness trainer told her best friend she was "scared for her life." A person fitting the description of Elena Katherine Moore, 39, was found dead on Wednesday afternoon in Lexington, South Carolina, after she went missing on June 11. She was last seen after leaving a Planet Fitness gym in Lexington. While the body hasn't yet been identified, the Lexington Police Department said the body "fits the clothing description of our missing person." Sondra Campbell, who was close friends with Moore, told Fox News Digital that something felt "very different" the last time she saw her on May 31. MISSING SOUTH CAROLINA TEEN MACKENZIE DALTON FOUND SAFE AFTER MONTHLONG SEARCH LEADS TO ARREST "She was scared for her life. She actually said those words to me," Campbell said. "Elena is one of my best friends. I've known her over probably 10 years now. We're really close like tell each other everything. She's been that person for me for a long time." When Campbell asked what was wrong, Moore said she wanted to discuss it in private. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "I can't talk to you right now. There's too many people around. She's like, but we've got to talk one-on-one," Campbell recalled Moore saying. TEEN GIRL VANISHES FROM SOUTH CAROLINA HOME, POLICE FEAR SHE'S IN SERIOUS DANGER AFTER MONTHLONG SEARCH Campbell said she missed a call from Moore on June 4, and tried to call and text her back with no response. She also said it's unlike Moore to be walking alone at night. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "Elena was such a good person and I think we're just all just trying to wrap our head around this, but my friend would not be alone walking at night time. She just wouldn't be, it's not her," Campbell said. Since police found a body, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been tasked with determining the cause of death. SEND US A TIP HERE According to LPD Chief Terrence Green, authorities found the body Wednesday after getting a tip that led investigators to a new search location. "At approximately 2:48 p.m. we found an unidentified body that fits the clothing description of our missing person. We are still waiting on the coroner to identify her," Green said. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST The body found was wearing a "similar green outfit" that matched what Moore was wearing as she was seen on security video before she went missing, Green added. MICA MILLER CASE: FBI CONDUCTS SEARCH OF SOUTH CAROLINA PASTOR HUSBAND'S HOME Formal identification will be released by the coroner, he said. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Moore was last seen walking through the Publix parking lot at 100 Old Cherokee Road in Lexington on the night of June 11. Before she went missing, her social media was inactive for around a month, which Lauren Beasley, a friend of Moore's, said isn't normal. "She is very active on social media so her going radio silent for the last month is out of character," she said. Fox News Digital's Bonny Chu contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3515b51972385678335a44 How to watch USA vs Australia: Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup te 2026-06-19T10:11:01.808Z How to watch USA vs Australia: Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup The United States men’s national team made a statement to open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, routing Paraguay 4-1 last week behind two goals from Folarin Balogun. The U.S. struck less than seven minutes in, taking a 1-0 lead when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla redirected the ball into his own net. Fans inside the packed stadium in Inglewood, California, roared as the USMNT seized an early advantage. The result gave the United States its largest World Cup victory margin since 1930, when the Americans won twice by 3–0 scores in the tournament’s inaugural edition. After opening the tournament in Southern California, the USMNT will stay on the West Coast, shifting north to Seattle for their next group-stage match against Australia at 3 p.m. ET. WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA ON FOX ONE Australia opened its World Cup campaign last week with a 2-0 win over Türkiye. Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT entered the tournament as the No. 17 team in the FIFA World Rankings. FIFA determines its world rankings using the Elo rating system, which rewards teams for wins and penalizes them for losses while also factoring in the strength of the competition. Team USA's star midfielder Christian Pulisic's availability remains a question after he was substituted out of last week’s win over Paraguay with a left calf issue. Pulisic said the move was precautionary after he took a kick to the calf, adding that he was "really hoping that it’s nothing." Pochettino said he will consult the medical staff before deciding whether Pulisic can play in a pivotal Group D matchup. The result of the match could go a long way toward determining which team sits atop the group next week. "Tonight – the day before the game – we have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess the whole group, the players and tomorrow we will communicate on the things that we cannot agree [on] tonight," Pochettino told reporters on Thursday. "He's involv[ed], he's much better from Friday. We'll see." WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA This year's World Cup features an expanded field of 48 teams. Here's how to watch the game, including start time, TV information and streaming options. When: Friday, June 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET Where: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One, Watch free on Tubi, FOX Sports. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a350c55197238567833586d ICE urges New York not to release Salvadoran national accused of raping 16-year-old girl on Long Island te 2026-06-19T09:31:01.887Z ICE urges New York not to release Salvadoran national accused of raping 16-year-old girl on Long Island Federal immigration officials are urging New York authorities not to release a 59-year-old Salvadoran national accused of raping a 16-year-old girl on Long Island, warning that he should be turned over to ICE if released from local custody. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Thursday that it lodged an immigration detainer against Aureliano Antonio Melendez Reyes, who is charged in Suffolk County with rape, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. According to prosecutors and DHS, the alleged assault occurred on June 6 as the girl was walking home in Huntington. Authorities said Reyes repeatedly approached the girl and asked for her phone number. After she refused, he allegedly forced her into an alley and sexually assaulted her. NY PROSECUTOR SIDESTEPS SANCTUARY LAW AND COORDINATES ICE ARREST OF GUATEMALAN CHILD RAPE SUSPECT The girl was eventually able to break free and call 911 while running from Reyes, who was allegedly chasing her, according to DHS. Responding officers took Reyes into custody. "The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement. ILLEGAL MIGRANT BABYSITTER ACCUSED IN 5-YEAR-OLD ATTACK NOW FACES MAJOR CHARGES "A 16-year-old girl should be able to walk safely without being targeted, pursued, and brutally assaulted. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who pose serious threats to our community’s safety, especially our children." According to DHS, Reyes entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 1998. "This sexual predator NEVER should have been in our country and able to prey on this innocent girl," DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement. DHS DEMANDS LETITIA JAMES TAKE ACTION OVER NEW YORK'S REFUSAL TO HONOR ICE DETAINERS "DHS is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and her fellow sanctuary politicians in New York to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail and to turn him over to ICE," Bis continued.  "New York sanctuary politicians must not release criminals from jail into New York communities," she added. DHS said New York jurisdictions have released nearly 7,000 criminal illegal immigrants since Jan. 20, 2025. Many of those individuals were accused of violent crimes, including homicide, assault, burglary and drug offenses, according to the agency. DHS also said more than 7,000 individuals currently in New York custody are the subject of active federal immigration detainers. Fox News Digital has reached out to Hochul's office and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35085519723856783357b2 Elite colleges are losing America’s trust. Community colleges can win it back te 2026-06-19T09:13:57.453Z Elite colleges are losing America’s trust. Community colleges can win it back For decades, so-called top academic schools dominated the cultural conversation about higher education. But inflation and a tough economy have devastated many families’ savings, making affording four-year schools difficult, on top of the AI monster that seems to be eating white-collar jobs alive.  This perfect storm has crushed trust in "elite" schools. But what’s bad news for Harvard and Yale is a fantastic opportunity for community colleges and certification programs across the country to position themselves as the best solution to young Americans’ financial and career concerns.  Elite schools still command prestige, of course. They boast extensive professional networks and deep pockets that can drastically lower six-figure annual prices, and many government and private loans promise college access in exchange for higher incomes as one’s career progresses. QUARTER OF US COLLEGES COULD CLOSE IN THE COMING YEARS, UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT WARNS OF MAJOR TRANSFORMATION Here’s what education leaders and communicators told me that higher education institutions of all types can do to make their value crystal-clear to students and parents. Comms needs a strong foundation for success The first thing all higher ed institutions need to do is prove concrete value to prospective students and their parents. The easiest way to do this is to build relationships with high schools that influence student decisions.  Indianapolis Public Schools Spokesman Marc Ransford told me that he’s had the "privilege of telling a story of real transformation" built on a $410 million "strategic redesign" of the entire school district. "Rebuilding Stronger created infrastructure improvements from elementary school to graduation," said Ransford. "And it worked. Nearly two-thirds of our recent graduates pursue college or a trade program, and students earn 9,000 dual-credit hours annually that create real savings for them."  Ransford also pointed to partnerships that make sure intent matches outcomes: "Any student with a 3.0 GPA" is automatically enrolled at IU Indianapolis, plus "internships and apprenticeships at Eli Lilly and IU Health," that "create seamless pathways from our classrooms into careers." Erin Parkhurst is former Vice President of Strategic Communications at Benedictine Schools of Richmond. She said the two single-sex Catholic high schools under its umbrella communicate to all stakeholders — parents, students, faculty and higher education institutions — that student needs come first.  "A systematic, individualized approach to college counseling makes the difference for students and families," she said. "Starting in 9th grade, students explore their academic and career interests to find the right fit. This means that every student and their family makes decisions with a clear understanding of financial commitments and career opportunities." Higher education institutions have to demonstrate concrete value customized to each student’s needs and goals, said Parkhurst. "With a 100% acceptance rate among the students applying to college, graduates can be selective" — which means colleges and universities are fighting to stand out to students.  Remember that the comms strategy is downstream from the raw material. Without data proving that Indianapolis’ students are seeing more opportunity, Ransford couldn’t prove anything to stakeholders across the city and Indiana. Likewise, institutions that build partnerships with high schools like those Parkhurst previously worked at will have a far easier path to reach stakeholders.  The AI threat triple-threat to four-year schools THE AI REVOLUTION THREATENS OFFICE JOBS, BUT REVIVES DEMAND FOR SKILLED TRADES Most students can’t attend the big school and coast into a job on "connections." We  make it on solid skills, which is why blue-collar jobs are having a rebound. AI can take white-collar jobs built on debt-filled education; it won’t take roofing, electrician, and plumber jobs anytime soon.  But there are other AI threats, like the program Antonio Delgado, Vice President of Innovation and Technology Partnerships, oversees at Miami Dade College. The school has over 100,000 students, many of whom are there  to learn AI skills that can keep them in the modern workforce.  "Most companies can’t afford AI engineers who have Master’s/Ph.D.s.," said Delgado. "They need someone with a middle level of AI skills. We developed this applied AI program before ChatGPT came on the market, so we had the right program at the right time. We are filling the gap by acting as an affordable, accessible workforce asset that is set up in a way that many four-year and other higher-level education programs are not." CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION TVP Communications Vice President Kristine Maloney said the AI threat to white-collar jobs is overstated. However, this leads to the third AI challenge: changing public perception. "Many families and students are particularly concerned about AI replacing entry-level jobs for new graduates. The reality is a lot more nuanced and in many cases, it’s not true at all." Maloney urged four-year schools to "do a better job correcting the record on the ROI they provide to their alumni. And the time to fight for their reputation and enrollment is now. The longer headlines about AI killing entry-level jobs go unanswered, the more ingrained this thinking becomes." Communicating customization Think Big Managing Director Aaron Walker is a crisis expert who has helped a lot of higher education institutions recover from self-inflicted damage. He says the entire industry ignored the growing affordability issue. I’M A UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT. TRUMP IS RIGHT TO MAKE COLLEGES DELIVER FOR STUDENTS "Students and families are waking up to a painful reality: Tuition costs have skyrocketed while job placement guarantees remain nonexistent. Unlike most industries, higher education has largely escaped accountability for its core promise. That’s changing, and institutions that don’t get ahead of this will find themselves in a trust crisis they’re not equipped to manage." That’s why my alma mater is dialing into a single distinct message: "specific, applicable skills and experience" to be "career-ready upon graduation," said Plymouth State University Director of Development and Alumni Relations Rodney Ekstrom. No boiling the ocean here, because PSU isn’t just competing against New Hampshire schools. It’s also competing against students not going to school at all. Can you reach an audience that finds you — and only you — as the solution to a financially successful launch into a validating career that will last? That’s the communications challenge facing four-year schools, and the opportunity facing institutions that have historically been demeaned. If not, both have a rough road ahead. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35084119723856783357a9 ALEX BERENSON: Gentle parenting can't replace the strength of a good dad te 2026-06-19T09:13:37.998Z ALEX BERENSON: Gentle parenting can't replace the strength of a good dad It’s time to speak up for fatherhood. For decades, the media, cultural, and academic elite have mocked and derided fathers as part of a broader assault on traditional masculinity. Feminist academics repeat the tired stereotype that men don’t do a fair share of housework or child-rearing, even as surveys show that millennial and Generation X dads are much more involved in raising their kids than their baby boomer fathers were. Television shows, ads, and children’s books endlessly portray fathers as irresponsible and stupid, while mothers are wise, all-knowing, and competent. FATHERS PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE FOR DAUGHTERS’ MENTAL HEALTH, SONS’ SCHOOL BEHAVIOR, STUDY FINDS And the heavily promoted "gentle parenting" trend encourages endless negotiating with children – and discourages fathers from even basic discipline, like sending misbehaving kids to their rooms. Masculine virtues like stoicism, self-discipline, and respect for authority are nowhere to be found in this vision of parenthood. In gentle parenting, the only good dad… is a mom. With three kids of my own (7, 10, and 13), I find the negative noise around fatherhood more than a sideshow. Undercutting dads hurts not just them and their families, but all of society. As the United States faces a worsening baby bust, it discourages some men from having children. Even if they do, our cultural denial that fathers matter keeps them from teaching boys (and girls) the virtues of a serious and stoic masculinity. And so boys seeking powerful role models may be drawn to influencers like Andrew Tate, who offer a toxic and misogynistic caricature of masculinity. Boys must learn to become men. And fathers must teach them. Yet our cultural elites seemingly don’t even trust fathers to talk about fatherhood. The New York Times has run several opinion pieces about fatherhood and masculinity lately. They have one thing in common. Fathers have not written them. (Try to imagine the liberal response if the Times had run multiple pieces by white people about being black in America.) So, for this Father’s Day, I decided to write THE FATHERHOOD MANIFESTO. This is a slim book – really a booklet – that combines a ringing defense of fatherhood with 50 practical tips to help dads be the best fathers they can be. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Tips like #17: Don’t scare your kids about existential, future of humanity issues. And don’t let the media scare your kids about them either. Not about Covid or whatever the pandemic du jour is. Not about climate change. And ideally not about school shootings, though those unfortunately are hard to avoid talking about, especially with schools regularly running shelter-in-place drills. The correct response if your children ask about any existential threat is: sure, X might be a problem, but human beings are imaginative and inventive. We have figured out ways to solve serious crises in the past, and we will again. I can’t emphasize enough: Whatever your private feelings might be about any particular problem, this attitude is the only proper response for any preteen child. Your kids will have plenty of time to worry about the future. Your job is to keep those fears from them for as long as possible. If you are openly anxious, you are sentencing them to a lifetime of anxiety. -- Not all of these tips will work for every father, or every family. Nor do I pretend that they are necessarily revolutionary. Some of them are fairly obvious. That’s intentional. The revolution isn’t what I’m saying – it’s that I’m saying anything at all, that I am standing up to a culture that has devalued fathers so completely that we hardly even notice what it’s done anymore. We need to speak up for fathers and parental authority not just on Father’s Day – but the other 364 days a year too. Or our sons – and daughters – will pay the price. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ALEX BERENSON Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35082e19723856783357a0 Ukraine is advancing. Now is the perfect time for Trump to strengthen NATO te 2026-06-19T09:13:18.542Z Ukraine is advancing. Now is the perfect time for Trump to strengthen NATO The Iran war has understandably been the focus of international attention. But Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to rage, and there are signs of a positive shift in the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump had a positive meeting at the G7 summit in France, and afterward Trump said, "Russia needs to make a deal." Trump also said sanctions on Russian oil can go back on now that the Strait of Hormuz may soon see more ships traverse safely. Right before he left for France, Trump welcomed Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight champion of the world, into the Oval Office ahead of the UFC fight on his birthday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a "strategic disaster." Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the U.S. will "find a way" to help Ukraine defend itself, and Ambassador Dan Negrea representing the United States told the United Nations that, "Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been a strategic disaster" and "Moscow cannot achieve its goals on the battlefield." The cause of this recent shift is likely twofold. First, Zelenskyy visited Gulf states during Operation Epic Fury to offer to help defend against Iranian Shahed drones, the same ones that Russia fires on Ukraine. The boldness and timing of the visit were a compelling advertisement for what Ukraine can offer the United States and its allies in modern warfare against the China-Russia-North Korea-Iran alignment. 'PURE HELL' IN MOSCOW AS UKRAINIAN DRONES STRIKE MAJOR REFINERY SUPPLYING CAPITAL'S FUEL MARKET And second, Ukraine is making battlefield gains, holding off Russian advances, and even incrementally taking back territory. Ukraine has the momentum and is an asset to its allies in the democratic world. Trump loves a team player and a winner – Ukraine is both. But Ukrainian gains carry risks. When Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield, Russia often threatens NATO to pressure members to slow or stop support for Kyiv. Russia did this when Ukraine had the momentum in June 2024 and in November 2024 when Ukraine began to successfully strike military targets deep inside Russia. It is essential right now for the Trump administration to show a commitment to NATO to deter further Russian aggression and compel Moscow to finally abide by a ceasefire. U.S. credible commitments can signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he cannot coerce the U.S. and its NATO allies to relax support to Ukraine and that the risks of threatening NATO are far too great. FINLAND’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS UKRAINE ‘IS NOW HOLDING THE CARDS’ AS RUSSIA SIGNALS TALKS And deterring Putin will ensure Europeans can safely continue to provide the bulk of Ukrainian weapons by purchasing them from American companies. A strong U.S. commitment to NATO may be the most likely way to achieve a ceasefire along the current lines of contact. It would be a great diplomatic achievement for Trump. But if the Trump administration weakens NATO by withdrawing U.S. forces, stopping key weapons deliveries to Europeans who are willing to buy them, and canceling deployment of a U.S. weapon system out of fear of "provoking" Russia, it courts disaster. This is why it is alarming that, according to media reports, a staffer in the Department of War recently told NATO allies that the United States will be significantly reducing the number of strategic bombers, fighter jets, drones, submarines and warships dedicated to NATO. DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT PRESIDENT TRUMP MAY HAVE SAVED UKRAINE. JUST ASK THE RUSSIANS This is a departure from Trump’s commitment after the 2025 NATO Summit when he said of the alliance, "It’s not a rip-off, and we’re here to help them" touting the indispensable role the United States still has in the alliance. This report follows similar news of the Pentagon’s decision to remove 5,000 American troops from Germany and to cancel its deployment of long-range strike weapons to the country. It also follows the cancellation of a rotational brigade in Romania, and the cancellation (and subsequent reversal upon Trump’s intervention) of a deployment of additional U.S. troops to Poland. The Biden administration’s reactions to Russian threats were to delay and restrict U.S. and NATO support to Ukraine. Concerns about provoking Russia had the perverse effect of rewarding Russia’s dangerous threats, including Russian nuclear saber-rattling. The result was a long war of attrition. HEGSETH WARNS RUSSIA AS SIGNS POINT TO MOSCOW SHARING INTEL WITH IRAN  Trump has shown on occasion better instincts, including when he sent a nuclear submarine toward Russia after admonishing Russian mouthpiece Dmitry Medvedev for threatening the United States with nuclear weapons. But he has also called for U.S. troop withdrawals as punishment when allies criticize or oppose other U.S. efforts like the war against Iran. But withdrawing U.S. forces undermines U.S. interests and therefore isn’t a good punishment. It's also opposed by Congress. After announcing withdrawals from Germany, Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, Mike Rogers and Roger Wicker, issued a joint statement, noting that "Germany has stepped up in response to President Trump’s call for greater burden sharing, significantly increasing defense spending and providing seamless access, basing, and overflight for U.S. forces in support of Operation Epic Fury." Shifting the burden of Europe’s defense so that it is better distributed among American allies is a prudent move, especially as the United States must, for the first time, deter two major nuclear adversaries — China and Russia. But the risk of China seizing a moment of opportunity and acting aggressively against vital U.S. interests in the Pacific is more likely if deterrence fails in Europe and Putin foolishly attacks a smaller European nation in NATO’s front. UKRAINE’S BATTLEFIELD IS TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF NATO Deterring war in Asia then, is directly linked to strengthening Ukraine and deterring further Russian aggression against NATO. And while Europeans are now providing the bulk of support to Ukraine due to Trump’s urging, and Ukraine is asking for relatively little from the United States beyond interceptors for the Patriot system, that ally support can only continue if those Europeans are also secure. Backing away from Europeans now risks undermining NATO rather than rebalancing it. While Europeans are stepping up, the Pentagon would be wise to maintain its troop levels in Europe, but shift numbers to NATO’s front: Poland, Romania and the Baltic nations. At the same time, while the United States is assessing its inventory of Tomahawk missiles, it should ensure Germany ranks high on the list for receiving these weapons. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Russia will insist the sale is provocative while simultaneously deploying hypersonic and nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles, with a range that spans all of Europe. Countering Russia’s threats with Tomahawk deployments, is stabilizing. And if the United States wants allies to purchase arms from American companies, it has to be a reliable and willing seller. Trump should also reverse the Pentagon’s effort to cancel the U.S. deployment of a long-range strike brigade. Trump withdrew the United States from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 in response to Russian treaty violations. This timely decision enables the United States to deploy this category of weapons. The State Department has been pursuing strategic stability talks with Russia since the expiration of the New START treaty. The Pentagon’s decision to cancel the planned deployment of long-range strike weapons undermines those efforts without securing Russian concessions. The 2026 NATO Summit is approaching. Trump should embrace the alliance while encouraging allies to continue investing in defense, especially now that Ukraine has the momentum. The president rightly lauds the value of peace through strength. That means rejecting calls from inside his own administration to retreat or embracing the excessive risk aversion that characterized his predecessor and led to more war.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM REBECCA HEINRICHS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35081b1972385678335797 I've been to 45 countries and all 50 states. Here are 5 things that make America great te 2026-06-19T09:12:59.095Z I've been to 45 countries and all 50 states. Here are 5 things that make America great On Saturday, July 4, the United States of America celebrates our Semiquincentennial. We have been an independent republic for 250 years. That is a long time but not for certain countries. Egypt, India and Greece have existed for thousands of years longer than America. But 250 years is still a long time. And one where we have had the same form of government our entire existence. Something that cannot be said for many other countries across the world. And our Constitution has significantly influenced the development of constitutions of various other countries. I’ve had the opportunity to visit every state in America. And I have traveled to six continents and visited 45 countries around the world. This has given me a broad perspective on the uniqueness of America. And what it is that makes us truly special. NEW DIRECTOR'S CUT OF 2024 ‘REAGAN’ BIOPIC WILL RETURN TO THEATERS FOR AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY America is a very religious nation. The interest in faith is greater than in many other Western nations. Church attendance is especially high. Christianity has enormous influence over virtually every aspect of American life. You can hardly watch an awards show or interview of an athlete without hearing about God. There are around 370,000 churches in America. That is a church for every 940 Americans. America has some of the largest churches in the world and the greatest number of large churches anywhere on earth. South Korea has the largest church, while Brazil and Nigeria have many large churches, but there is nowhere like America. We have a church whose building is a former NBA arena! Followers of Jesus have made a huge positive impact on America. From education to healthcare, from caring for the poor to saving souls, Christians have served this country. And the blessing of God has been upon us for the good works done here and around the world. AMERICA 250: FINAL DECISION America is a huge country. Our land mass is the fourth-largest in the world. The two largest, Russia and Canada, have large amounts of uninhabited land, 70% or higher, but America has less than 50%. The variety of American landscape is plentiful. We have it all. Hundreds of miles of beaches, many mountain ranges, lakes and rivers in almost every state. Visit any national park, and you’ll be blown away by the beauty. Even our state parks are beautiful. It is an embarrassment of riches. When I talk to people from other countries, they always remark on how vast America is. Many countries have beauty; we just have so much more because of our size. WHY AMERICA’S NEXT 250 YEARS CAN BE GREATER THAN ITS FIRST 250 America has the third-largest population in the world. It is not just our numbers but our diversity that matters. You can meet immigrants from virtually any country. We are truly a melting pot of races and ethnicities. The strengths of many cultures make America great. America is the land of endless opportunity. If you have a dream, you can pursue it. There is simply no other place on earth to be, to do or to become like America. There are a multitude of educational and trade options. You can easily and affordably pursue almost any job or vocation. ENES KANTER FREEDOM: I CAME HERE FOR MY BASKETBALL DREAM. I STAY FOR FREEDOM AND THE AMERICAN DREAM If you want to own your own business, it’s almost impossible in many countries, but in America it is positively possible. We have the Small Business Administration to help, a variety of banks and credit unions to lend money and far fewer regulations and taxes. It won’t be easy, but if you want it bad enough, there is nothing that can stop you. As the 36 million small business owners in America can attest. America is the beacon of freedom for the world. We have inspired so many to love freedom, to pursue freedom, to fight for freedom. We fought our War of Independence for freedom, we fought our Civil War over freedom, we fought world wars to preserve freedom. Americans are freedom-loving people. We defend the rights of people that we disagree with. Even when people say and write things we vehemently object to, we support their right to do it. I was in London recently and people were telling me how bad it is with their hyper surveillance and restrictions on free speech. I told them that could never happen in America, we simply value freedom too much to allow it. Sports are incredible unifiers. People can have many differences but if they support the same team, it brings them together. Sports bring great joy and fun to so many people. And the origins of three popular sports can be traced back to America. Baseball was invented in New York, basketball in my wife’s hometown of Springfield, Mass., and football down the road from where I grew up in Connecticut. Walter Camp became the father of football at Yale University. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION All are worldwide sports with great appeal, but the greatest by far is football. A uniquely American game combining toughness, strength, speed and strategy. It is easily the most popular sport in America. I’ve met thousands of Americans from every state. I’ve seen the beauty and uniqueness of many countries. There is simply no place on earth like America. The United States of America is not perfect; it’s made up of millions of imperfect people. But it is exceptional. Happy 250th anniversary America! Here’s to many more years of blessings, growth, progress and impact. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM PASTOR RICK MCDANIEL Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3507de1972385678335773 The Ageless and Undefeated Champs of Tulsa’s Wii Bowling League te 2026-06-19T09:11:58.158Z The Ageless and Undefeated Champs of Tulsa’s Wii Bowling League The U.V. Okies have dominated a competition with other senior living facilities for six seasons, but they’re not just there to win. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3507ca197238567833576a How the Nashville Zoo Became the Latest Face of Data Center Opposition te 2026-06-19T09:11:38.701Z How the Nashville Zoo Became the Latest Face of Data Center Opposition Outcry over plans to build a large data center next to the zoo has energized support for new restrictions in Nashville. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3507b71972385678335761 Trump’s Military Budget Hits Snags Amid Questions on Iran War Costs te 2026-06-19T09:11:19.256Z Trump’s Military Budget Hits Snags Amid Questions on Iran War Costs Republicans and Democrats alike are casting doubt on a push for the largest military budget in history as the administration declines to disclose the cost of the war with Iran. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3507a31972385678335758 Scots Have Invaded Boston’s Bars for the World Cup te 2026-06-19T09:10:59.789Z Scots Have Invaded Boston’s Bars for the World Cup Thousands of Scottish soccer fans have been spotted across the city. The locals are charmed. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a350790197238567833574f World Cup Puts Spotlight on L.A.’s Mexican-Korean Kinship te 2026-06-19T09:10:40.335Z World Cup Puts Spotlight on L.A.’s Mexican-Korean Kinship The bond between the two communities was on show at a packed Koreatown watch party for the match between South Korea and Mexico on Thursday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a35077c1972385678335746 The Costs of the Iran War: Thousands of Lives and Billions of Dollars te 2026-06-19T09:10:20.884Z The Costs of the Iran War: Thousands of Lives and Billions of Dollars The human toll and economic costs mounted rapidly after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34f77b197238567833549f Hamadeh Introduces Bills To Ensure No Americans Or U.S. Military Equipment Are Left Behind Overseas te 2026-06-19T08:02:03.955Z Hamadeh Introduces Bills To Ensure No Americans Or U.S. Military Equipment Are Left Behind Overseas By Ethan Faverino | Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) has introduced two new pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening America’s commitment to recovering U.S. citizens abroad and ensuring military equipment is properly secured during overseas withdrawals. The measures, the No American Left Behind Act and the No Equipment Left Behind Act of 2026, were recently approved as amendments to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by unanimous voice vote in the House Armed Services Committee. The legislation is expected to be considered by the full House in late June. The No American Left Behind Act seeks to establish a formal “No American Left Behind Doctrine” to guide future U.S. policy and planning regarding Americans detained or stranded overseas. The legislation was inspired in part by the release of American citizen Dennis Coyle from Taliban custody earlier this year and Congressman Hamadeh’s ongoing efforts to recover the remains of Arizona humanitarian worker Kayla Mueller from Syria. Congressman Hamadeh said the legislation is designed to improve coordination among federal agencies involved in hostage recovery and citizen repatriation efforts. The bill calls for reviews of collaboration between the Department of War, the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, and other government partners to strengthen whole-of-government response. Hamadeh has made the recovery of Kayla Mueller a central focus of his congressional service. Mueller, a humanitarian aide worker from Prescott, Arizona, was abducted by terrorists in Syria in 2013 after leaving Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo. Before taking office, Hamadeh pledged to work toward returning Mueller’s remains to her family. When he was sworn into Congress in January 2025, he honored Mueller’s memory by using her family’s Bible during his oath-of-office ceremony, attended by her parents. That effort continued in August 2025 when Hamadeh made a trip from Jerusalem to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. According to the congressman’s office, the discussions focused on ongoing efforts to bring Americans home and advance “Peace Through Strength” foreign policy agenda. The legislation also draws from Hamadeh’s efforts to secure the release of Dennis Coyle. Coyle was detained by the Taliban in Afganistan in January 2025 and held in solitary confinement without charge or due process. Hamadeh publicly called for Coyle’s immediate release in February and Coyle was freed the following month. “The bottom line is clear: the United States is finally making real progress in bringing Americans home,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “This bill locks in those efforts — strong, coordinated, and enduring. Every American abroad must know that their country will never stop fighting for them. No exceptions. America First means no American left behind.” The second proposal, the No Equipment Left Behind Act of 2026, addresses concerns stemming from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and previous incidents in Iraq where American-funded military equipment was captured by hostile forces following the collapse of partner governments and security forces. According to the Department of War findings cited in the legislation, at least $7.1 billion worth of U.S.-funded military equipment was left behind following the Afghanistan withdrawal. The report also found that the Taliban gained access to approximately $57.6 million in U.S. government funds and captured thousand of U.S.-provided vehicles and military assets after Afghan security forces collapsed. The legislation further references similar events in Iraq in 2014 when ISIS seized large quantities of U.S.-provided military equipment, including hundreds of armored vehicles that were later weaponized against coalition and partner forces. Hamadeh’s bill would establish enhanced reporting requirements, risk assessments, and accountability measures intended to ensure military assets are properly tracked, secured, transferred, or destroyed during future military withdrawals. “The American people should never again be forced to watch billions of dollars in military equipment fall into the hands of our enemies,” added Hamadeh. “We’re still haunted by the shameful images of the Biden Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan — weapons scattered across the battlefield, abandoned to terrorists and our adversaries. Those failures exposed dangerous gaps in leadership, accountability, and planning. Our service members and taxpayers deserve far better — and with this bill, we’re ensuring it never happens again.” Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post Hamadeh Introduces Bills To Ensure No Americans Or U.S. Military Equipment Are Left Behind Overseas first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34f7671972385678335496 Election Integrity Lawyer James Rogers Seeks Arizona House Seat te 2026-06-19T08:01:43.476Z Election Integrity Lawyer James Rogers Seeks Arizona House Seat By Staff Reporter | An attorney with America First Legal (AFL), the nonprofit created by President Donald Trump’s policy chief Stephen Miller, is running for a seat in the Arizona House.  AFL senior counsel James Rogers is gunning to represent LD10. For the past five years he has been in court challenging faulty election processes and other red-meat Republican issues. With that history heavily promoted, Rogers campaigns as one with the potential to be the foremost election integrity expert in the legislature. Rogers’ platform also focuses on what he calls “straightforward” conservative issues: affordability to encourage family growth, election integrity, purging gender ideology from schools, protecting the unborn, stopping illegal immigration, and defending gun ownership rights. Since Republican State Rep. Ralph Heap won’t be returning to represent LD10 — he’s running for the Arizona Corporation Commission — Rogers and State Rep. Justin Olson are running together as a slate.  There’s a third Republican candidate in the mix: Ciara Anderson, who moved to Arizona in 2021 from Washington state. Anderson has served as a Republican precinct committeeman and LD10 executive board member, and founded a mothers-focused coalition through Turning Point Action.  Two are running on the Democratic side: Brian Calaway and Helen Hunter. The No Labels party has one candidate: David Scott. Rogers, a sixth-generation Arizonan, takes credit for drafting key Republican-led legislation like Proposition 314, the Secure the Border Act approved by voters in the 2024 election. The law criminalized illegal migration into the state and gave the state authority to act on immigration matters: state and local law enforcement may arrest illegal aliens, and state judges may order deportations.  A similar law in Texas, Senate Bill 4, has been challenged in federal court and would determine the fate of Arizona’s law. So far, Texas’s law has withstood legal challenges.  Rogers was senior litigation counsel at the solicitor general’s office for former Attorney General Mark Brnovich during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 to 2022. In that time, Rogers led on lawsuits against former President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates and border policies.  Prior to serving under Brnovich, Rogers was a foreign service officer with the State Department from 2015 to 2021. According to his April 2025 testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Intelligence, Rogers endured retaliation for whistleblowing.  Rogers alleged that State Department leadership ignored Trump on policy to more thoroughly vet visa applicants during his first term, but that he complied and was punished for it through a denial of tenure. Rogers also reported that his rate of problematic visa issuances, such as overstays, was more than 50% lower than his colleagues’ while following the directive of Trump rather than his supervisors.  Rogers estimated that the number of visa overstays was two to four times higher than it would have been had State Department leadership complied with Trump’s orders.  “[T]he malfeasance of State Department consular managers during that time likely caused 900,000 to 1.4 million extra overstays that were easily avoidable. Most foreigners who overstay their visas do so with the intent of illegally immigrating and remaining in the United States long-term,” said Rogers. “To put that in perspective, ten U.S. states have populations of 1.4 million or less. In other words, consular managers working to subvert President Trump’s policies managed to add an entire state population’s worth of illegal aliens in just four years.”  Since joining AFL in 2022, Rogers has led on cases challenging the Biden administration, such as the alleged diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) discrimination that occurred within the federal government.  Rogers also testified before the House Judiciary Committee last March to discuss court-ordered immigration policy made through the landmark Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe (1982), which determined that states must permit children of illegal aliens to attend public school. Rogers argued that the decision was wrong, and that the legal framework used by the Supreme Court to overrule Roe v. Wade through Dobbs v. Jackson could be applied to overrule Plyler v. Doe.  “The Court’s role is to interpret the Constitution, not to serve as a policymaking body filling in the gaps left by legislative inaction,” said Rogers. “Where the Constitution’s text, history, and precedent all point in the same direction — and where the Court’s own analytical concessions compel application of a standard under which the challenged law would clearly survive — the Court must follow the law, not its own policy preferences.” AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Election Integrity Lawyer James Rogers Seeks Arizona House Seat first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34f752197238567833548d Arizona Ballot Measure Would Ban Foreign Election Spending, Expand Voter ID Requirements te 2026-06-19T08:01:22.996Z Arizona Ballot Measure Would Ban Foreign Election Spending, Expand Voter ID Requirements By Staff Reporter | This November, voters will decide on a resolution amending the Arizona Constitution to further prevent noncitizen voting and foreign influence in elections.  House Concurrent Resolution 2001 passed the legislature along party lines last week. The Arizona Secure Elections Act, also known as the FAST Election Results Act, will appear on the general election ballot. The resolution would amend the state constitution to repeat an existent declaration that only U.S. citizens may register and vote in Arizona elections. The resolution would also ban foreign nationals from contributing or expending money or anything of value to influence an Arizona election, and would require voters to show valid government-issued proof of identity for all voting methods prior to casting their ballot — including mail voting. Republican State Sen. Alexander Kolodin (LD3), the resolution sponsor and secretary of state candidate, issued a press release describing the legislation as an opportunity for voters to establish better safeguards for elections by enshrining these proposed rules in the state constitution.  “For years, Arizonans have watched the same election problems repeat while trust in the system has eroded,” said Kolodin. “Election laws should be written by Arizonans, not dictated by bureaucrats, activists, or outside interests.” Democrats and Republicans argued over the impact of the resolution during the Senate vote last Friday.  Senate Democrats criticized the legislation as redundant at best and a fatal threat to voting by mail at worst.  State Sen. Lauren Kuby (D-LD8) claimed the resolution was a “backdoor attempt” to end mail-in voting. Kuby accused Republicans of being stooges for President Donald Trump’s election policy preferences at the expense of Arizona voters.  “It’s disturbing to see the legislature put the desires of a sad, desperate man above their very own constituents,” said Kuby.  State Sen. Priya Sundareshan (D-LD18) called the bill “unnecessary” and filled with “vague” language, saying the state constitution’s present voter ID and citizenship proof requirements were enough.  State Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-LD24) said the bill was “voter suppression” and “a state-level SAVE Act.” Ortiz argued the resolution would enable lawmakers to repeal mail-in voting in the future. Ortiz claimed Trump was “plotting to meddle in the 2026 midterms.” “The real goal of this is to make it harder for eligible voters to vote,” said Ortiz. “Our democracy is being systemically dismantled across the country.” State Sen. Mitzi Epstein (D-LD12) said the legislation’s declaration that only citizens were eligible to vote was not only redundant and unnecessary, but that the other provisions would create an undue burden on mail-in voters.  “This bill opens the door to no more mail-in ballots,” said Epstein.  State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie (D-LD6) claimed the resolution was a template to “lay the groundwork for Project 2025.”  Republicans countered that existing voter registration requirements already require proof of citizenship, and that voters already anticipate security measures when casting ballots.  Majority Leader John Kavanagh (R-LD3) accused Democrats of “confusing the issue” and misleading voters.  “You’re only scaring people and creating a false argument,” said Kavanagh.  State Sen. David Farnsworth (R-LD10) said an increasing number of Arizonans have lost faith in their elections, and that this resolution was the means of remedying that sentiment.  “Our motive is not to make it more difficult to vote, but to make our elections more secure so that all of us can have confidence that those who vote their votes will be counted properly, and that those who win the most votes will be elected,” said Farnsworth.  State Sen. Jake Hoffman (R-LD15) argued that the “overwhelming majority” of Arizonans support these proposed provisions within the resolution. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Arizona Ballot Measure Would Ban Foreign Election Spending, Expand Voter ID Requirements first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34f714197238567833545b The US says ASML’s top chip tool may be in China. ASML says it isn’t te 2026-06-19T08:00:20.024Z The US says ASML’s top chip tool may be in China. ASML says it isn’t There's a commercial logic that cuts against the idea that ASML would risk its export license to arm a Chinese customer. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34f2b619723856783353c4 Gas prices June 19 te 2026-06-19T07:41:42.431Z Gas prices June 19 National average: $4.03 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34f2a219723856783353bb Best Bets: Friday, June 19, 2026 te 2026-06-19T07:41:22.462Z Best Bets: Friday, June 19, 2026 Today Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34f28e19723856783353b2 Davis Dam releases for June 19 te 2026-06-19T07:41:02.512Z Davis Dam releases for June 19 Saturday Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34e7261972385678335042 World Cup Pilgrimage: Soccer fandom runs deep for members of American Outlaws te 2026-06-19T06:52:22.259Z World Cup Pilgrimage: Soccer fandom runs deep for members of American Outlaws LOS ANGELES – Philip Labas checked the odometer when he and his friend Logan Pederson arrived in Santa Monica. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34e7121972385678335039 World Cup Pilgrimage: Soccer fandom runs deep for members of American Outlaws te 2026-06-19T06:52:02.292Z World Cup Pilgrimage: Soccer fandom runs deep for members of American Outlaws Fans wave the flag en route to their march to SoFi Stadium. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34e6fe1972385678335030 Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Beck works to earn trust in quarterback competition te 2026-06-19T06:51:42.350Z Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Beck works to earn trust in quarterback competition TEMPE – For the past six weeks, Carson Beck’s routine has centered on football and sleep. The Arizona Cardinals quarterback has spent long days at the team facility learning a new offense, building chemistry with teammates and picking the brains… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34e6ea197238567833501e Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Beck works to earn trust in quarterback competition te 2026-06-19T06:51:22.356Z Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Beck works to earn trust in quarterback competition Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck smiles as discusses his focus on earning the respect of teammates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34e6d61972385678335003 NAU ROUNDUP: Men's basketball to play at Kentucky in November te 2026-06-19T06:51:02.394Z NAU ROUNDUP: Men's basketball to play at Kentucky in November The Lumberjacks will play at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky on Nov. 13. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34bca71972385678334292 Caitlin Clark drops 26 points in new Nike signature shoes, but Fever dream ends with 17 costly turnovers te 2026-06-19T03:51:03.075Z Caitlin Clark drops 26 points in new Nike signature shoes, but Fever dream ends with 17 costly turnovers The biggest rivalry in the WNBA delivered. Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream squad rolled into Indy and handed Caitlin Clark a brutal 108-101 reality check. If you took the over, go buy yourself a drink. Let's start with the ATL Barbie. Reese looked cooked after picking up four quick fouls in the first half, spending way too much time riding the pine. SOUTH CAROLINA COACH DAWN STALEY WEIGHS IN ON CAITLIN CLARK-ANGEL REESE RIVALRY: ‘IT’S GREAT FOR THE WNBA' But ultimately, Reese finished with an impressive 21 points and 11 rebounds. With 23 seconds left, she bullied her way to a clutch and-one layup to seal the deal. Meanwhile, Clark looked flashy rocking her brand-new signature Nike kicks, dropping 26 points and seven assists. The problem? Indiana treated the basketball like a live grenade down the stretch. The Fever coughed up 17 turnovers. Atlanta's starting five was also a total buzzsaw. Every single starter scored 16 points or more points. Jordin Canada, Naz Hillmon, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard joined Reese in the scoring parade, combining for a ridiculous 89 points. Good luck stopping that. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! However, Indiana did not go quietly into the night. Kelsey Mitchell poured in 26 points and hit her 700th career three-pointer, sparking a wild fourth-quarter run to tie it late. Aliyah Boston tallied 23 points as well. But a brutal late-game Indy turnover led to an easy fast-break bucket that sucked the life right out of the arena. The Dream move to an impressive 10-4, while the Fever drop to 9-6. Clark can sell out arenas and look good in her own signature shoes, but if Indy cannot protect the rock, they won't go far this year. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34b3461972385678333ff9 Caitlin Clark shows off Nike Caitlin 1s during tunnel walk as debut signature shoe launch date nears te 2026-06-19T03:11:02.874Z Caitlin Clark shows off Nike Caitlin 1s during tunnel walk as debut signature shoe launch date nears Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark turned the pregame tunnel into a reveal moment Thursday, arriving at Gainbridge Fieldhouse all smiles while carrying her first signature shoe in her right hand. Her hoodie also featured the phrase "Shoot more threes." The Fever shared a photo and video from Clark’s tunnel walk on the team’s verified social media accounts ahead of tipoff against the Atlanta Dream. The post on X quickly drew tens of thousands of views Thursday. Nike gave women's basketball fans their first look at the Caitlin 1 sneakers Wednesday, ahead of their scheduled October release. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The first colorway will be available in an all-blue silhouette that also features Clark's new signature logo. The Nike Caitlin 1s are scheduled to launch Oct. 1 through the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers. The shoes will be priced at $140 in North America, while international customers should expect to pay the equivalent of $135. With the official Caitlin 1 reveal, Clark joins four other active WNBA players with signature shoes from major brands. Angel Reese with Reebok, Breanna Stewart with Puma, Sabrina Ionescu with Nike and A’ja Wilson with Nike are the other active WNBA stars with signature sneakers. Clark and Indiana entered Thursday's contest riding a five-game winning streak, but the Dream ended it with a 108-101 win in Indianapolis. Clark posted a team-high 26 points and seven assists, while Reese led Atlanta with 21 points and 10 rebounds to secure a double-double. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34ac511972385678333ee5 Christian Pulisic is 'evolving' as USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino weighs options ahead of Australia match te 2026-06-19T02:41:21.307Z Christian Pulisic is 'evolving' as USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino weighs options ahead of Australia match As the U.S. men's national soccer team looks to build on its emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay when it faces Australia on Friday, the biggest question surrounding the Americans is whether "Captain America" will be on the pitch at Lumen Field in Seattle. Christian Pulisic’s injury status has loomed large over this team despite their strong start on home soil for the tournament. Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, suffered a calf injury that led to him being subbed out after the first half last week. USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was asked once again about Christian Pulisic's status ahead of Friday's match, but he offered little insight into the condition of the star's left calf. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE "He’s evolving," Pochettino responded, per the New York Post. "He’s much better from Friday. We’ll see. "I think at the moment, we think if he’s not available for tomorrow, he’ll be available for the next game." Pochettino added that Pulisic was "doing a massive effort trying to be ready," understanding that the U.S. star wants to be out on the pitch with the rest of his teammates. He will meet with the training staff on Thursday night to discuss Pulisic’s status. "I think for every player that loves his country, it’s an amazing opportunity to enjoy and help the team win games," he said. "When this type of thing happens, always it’s painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality, and doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready." FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE During the team’s practice on Thursday, Pulisic did much of what he’s been seen doing this week – performing a modified training session and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion. Pochettino wouldn't say who would replace Pulisic if he's unable to play against Australia on Friday, although Malik Tillman shifted to the left wing after Pulisic exited against Paraguay, while Sebastian Berhalter moved into the midfield role in the second half. "I will tell tomorrow if that is the situation," Pochettino said. "At the moment, we are evaluating all the possibilities just in case. And then we will decide when we have the confirmation in one or another direction tonight." There’s no doubt Pulisic playing would give the Americans their best chance of defeating Australia, but fellow star Weston McKennie gave a glimpse at the team’s thought process. "Either way, just trying to give good spirits and hopefully he can be there tomorrow," McKennie said. "I know he really wants to be, and he’s doing everything that he can, and the staff is doing everything that they can as well. But that’s also another question that’s better to ask him rather than me. I’m in my own la-la land."  With Australia defeating Türkiye in its first World Cup match, this bout between these two teams will determine who takes sole possession of first place in Group D. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34ac3d1972385678333edc US military kills three 'narco-terrorists' in latest lethal strike on vessel in the Eastern Pacific te 2026-06-19T02:41:01.853Z US military kills three 'narco-terrorists' in latest lethal strike on vessel in the Eastern Pacific The U.S. military carried out a lethal strike Thursday on a vessel it said was involved in drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, killing three men the command described as "narco-terrorists," according to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). "On June 18, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations," SOUTHCOM said in a statement. "Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations," the statement continued. The military said three men it described as "narco-terrorists" were killed in the strike. SOUTHCOM did not say whether anyone survived. US MILITARY ANNOUNCES ANOTHER DEADLY STRIKE AGAINST 'NARCO-TERRORISTS' No U.S. military personnel were harmed, the command said. SOUTHCOM also released a brief video showing a vessel speeding through the water before erupting in flames. Additional footage appeared to show debris floating in the aftermath of the strike. SOUTHCOM did not identify the location of the operation beyond saying it occurred along known narcotics-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. VIDEO CAPTURES US STRIKE ON SUSPECTED NARCO VESSEL IN EASTERN PACIFIC, COAST GUARD SEARCHES FOR 3 SURVIVORS The strike was the latest in a months-long campaign launched by the Trump administration aimed at dismantling cartel-linked trafficking networks. According to The Associated Press, the latest operation brings the number of people killed in U.S. military strikes targeting vessels since September to at least 211. The action comes after SOUTHCOM said Tuesday that it carried out a strike in the Eastern Pacific that killed one person it described as a "narco-terrorist." Two other individuals survived that attack, the military said. THREE SUSPECTED NARCO-TERRORISTS KILLED IN US MILITARY STRIKE ON DRUG-TRAFFICKING VESSEL IN EASTERN PACIFIC Last week, President Donald Trump announced that SOUTHCOM had "delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike" that killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as Niño Guerrero, the alleged leader of Tren de Aragua. The U.S. Department of State had previously offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the 42-year-old Venezuelan's arrest or conviction. While the military has released videos and statements describing the targeted vessels as linked to designated terrorist organizations, it has generally not publicly released evidence identifying those killed or demonstrating that the vessels were carrying narcotics. WAR ON CARTELS? WHITE HOUSE SAYS IT HAS AN IRON-CLAD CASE TO STRIKE NARCO-TERRORIST GROUPS The campaign has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, legal experts and human rights groups who have questioned the legal basis for using lethal military force against suspected traffickers outside a traditional battlefield. The Eastern Pacific remains a key corridor for narcotics trafficking, with criminal organizations frequently using small vessels to move drugs toward North America. SOUTHCOM has played a central role in the Trump administration's expanded campaign against cartel-linked trafficking networks and transnational criminal organizations. Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34ac141972385678333ea5 Union Behind California Billionaire Tax Offers to Reduce the Rate te 2026-06-19T02:40:20.404Z Union Behind California Billionaire Tax Offers to Reduce the Rate The health care workers’ union that made it to the ballot with its plan to impose a 5 percent tax on billionaires’ wealth told Gov. Gavin Newsom it would accept a 2 percent levy instead. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34a9d11972385678333e40 ICE Spent $700 Million on 7 Warehouses. Now It Wants to Get Rid of Them. te 2026-06-19T02:30:41.779Z ICE Spent $700 Million on 7 Warehouses. Now It Wants to Get Rid of Them. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to sell or give away most of the 11 warehouses it bought to detain migrants, reversing course on a signature initiative. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34a9be1972385678333e37 L.A.P.D. Officer Kills Knicks Fan’s Dog After Celebration te 2026-06-19T02:30:22.328Z L.A.P.D. Officer Kills Knicks Fan’s Dog After Celebration Marie Marseille had waited her entire life to see the New York Knicks win the N.B.A. championship. Her elation ended in tragedy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34a78e1972385678333983 WWE NXT champ Tony D'Angelo believes challenger may be 'second-guessing himself' ahead of Great American Bash te 2026-06-19T02:21:02.805Z WWE NXT champ Tony D'Angelo believes challenger may be 'second-guessing himself' ahead of Great American Bash Tony D’Angelo has held the WWE NXT Championship for a few months and his upcoming title defense at The Great American Bash may prove to be his biggest test yet. Naraku burst onto the NXT scene in May and immediately declared his intention to win the championship. He earned the right to be the No. 1 contender when he defeated fellow NXT newcomer Mason Rook. On June 28, D’Angelo and Naraku will square off with the title on the line. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! D’Angelo suggested to Fox News Digital in a recent interview that he’s keeping his antenna up after his latest interaction with Naraku. The challenger presented the official match contract to him unsigned. D’Angelo signed his name on the dotted line but was told he would have to wait a bit longer before Naraku signed his name. "I mean, kinda. But I also took it as he might be second-guessing himself," he said. "He might be a little afraid of Tony D. He doesn’t know himself if he wants to step in the ring with me, yet. Yeah, that’s a possibility." D’Angelo said he expected Naraku to go after him immediately given his reputation. Naraku came to NXT from New Japan Pro-Wrestling where he wrestled under the name Evil and was the IWGP heavyweight champion, IWGP intercontinental champion and a four-time Never openweight champion. Naraku’s reputation precedes him. "I’ll just say I’m not surprised. He came in from Japan. I don’t think he would make that long trek just to hang out. Of course, he’s gonna come for the big dog," D’Angelo told Fox News Digital. "I get it. To be expected, but the thing that threw me off, I’ll be honest, is the whole, oh he was trying to protect me and my title. I didn’t quite understand it but after going home and thinking about it, I was like, OK, this is just mind games. That he’s messing with me, trying to portray the honorable guy as (opposed) to, ‘If I’m gonna beat you, I want to beat you at your best,’ thing. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "I’m not quite sold on that yet, especially this past Tuesday where he brought me to his place of business and went to sign a contract and he hadn’t even signed it himself, which … sketch. We’ll see. He said next week, in due time. So, I got my head on a swivel, to say the least." D’Angelo said he’s expecting some kind of shenanigans going into the match given that Naraku was a part of the House of Torture. D’Angelo, who was the don of NXT at one point, has now proven he can do it alone. He put the challenge to Naraku to prove it as well. "Absolutely," he said when asked about any funny business potentially coming his way. "I wouldn’t be surprised if something like that happens. Like I said, this isn’t new to me. I have a past life. I used to be the boss of a family and maybe, I was a part of some shenanigans like that a time or two. I’d be a fool not to expect that. I’m fully aware of his little minions that he had in his past life. I’m expecting the unexpected." D’Angelo and Naraku’s title match is one of a few matches on the card. Lola Vice will put her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Kendal Grey, Myles Borne will defend the NXT North American Championship against Tavion Heights, Wren Sinclair will face a challenger for the WWE Women’s Speed Championship and Saquon Shugars takes on Dion Lennox. The Great American Bash will be the first NXT premium live event exclusively on the CW Network at 8 p.m. ET. "I think it’s great. Like you said, it’s the first ever PLE on the CW Network," D’Angelo said. "We’ll be reaching a larger audience. I think that kind of stuff is very important for WWE but also NXT – us being the ‘third brand’ in my opinion, ‘developmental’ in others. I think it’s good to get the up and coming talent in front of as many faces as we possibly can." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34a5361972385678333812 Judge orders ICE to free Wisconsin mosque leader over 'substantial' free speech claim after criticizing Israel te 2026-06-19T02:11:02.319Z Judge orders ICE to free Wisconsin mosque leader over 'substantial' free speech claim after criticizing Israel A federal judge on Thursday ordered immigration officials to free the Palestinian president of Wisconsin's largest mosque from custody, ruling that the man raised a "substantial" free speech claim that he was targeted for speaking out in support of Palestinian rights. Sarsour, a legal permanent resident in the U.S., was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on March 30, with federal officials arguing he is a foreign policy threat. But attorneys for Sarsour contend that he was detained for speaking out against Israel. U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon, a nominee of President Donald Trump, wrote that attorneys for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not offer enough evidence to disprove Sarsour's allegations of retaliation for free speech and that the government also failed to explain why Sarsour was deemed a threat after more than three decades of legal residency in the country. PALESTINIAN ACTIVIST ACCUSED OF EXPRESSING DESIRE TO 'KILL JEWS' WINS DEPORTATION CASE "The mere invocation of foreign relations concerns does not automatically trump First Amendment rights," Hanlon wrote. The judge ordered officials to release Sarsour from the Indiana county jail where he was being held, allowing him to return to his home in Milwaukee while his immigration case continues. He was released just a few hours after Hanlon's ruling. "I am so relieved to be with my family. For 80 days, I haven't been able to step outside and breathe fresh air," Sarsour said in a statement. "This experience is a reminder to all of us that we must fight together for our right to be a voice for the silenced. I will never stop speaking for Palestine and humanity, wherever I am." Sarsour has Type 2 diabetes and lost more than 30 pounds while he was in custody. His attorneys said his blood sugar levels were only checked once a month in the jail, putting him at risk of organ failure or even death. His legal team said in a statement that they were ecstatic about his release and that he never should have been detained. They said the ruling is "a sober reminder that, if the government can target Mr. Sarsour, everyone's free speech rights are at risk." DHS described Sarsour as "a terrorist who was convicted of throwing Molotov cocktails" and any allegations of discrimination by ICE agents are false. Sarsour has no criminal record in the U.S., but the agency appeared to be referring to his conviction by the Israeli Ramallah Military Court in 1989 for throwing a Molotov cocktail and stones at Israeli army forces. He was later convicted by the same court in 1995 of attempting to hold weapons and ammunition. Sarsour has denied committing those crimes. The Israeli military courts have faced criticism over the years surrounding allegations of limited due process and high conviction rates of Palestinians, although Israel has pushed back on those accusations. Hanlon wrote that the federal government has been aware of the charges against Sarsour for 25 years and considered them at least four times when evaluating his eligibility for naturalization. Despite this, the judge wrote that the government did not detain Sarsour until this year. TRUMP ADMIN PUTS ALLEGED 'BIRTH TOURISM' SCHEME ON NOTICE AS EXPERT DELIVERS WARNING TO HOSPITALS Attorneys for DHS and ICE Sarsour does not have the same First Amendment rights as U.S. citizens, but Hanlon rejected that argument, writing that people who enter the U.S. lawfully are invested with the same rights guaranteed by the Constitution to everyone residing in the country. The judge additionally said that Sarsour's deep ties to the community and his health concerns were also considered in ruling in favor of his release. Sarsour has a spouse, six children and nine grandchildren who are all U.S. citizens. "We’re getting our dad back!" Salah’s son, Kareem Sarsour, said in a statement. "This experience has been a nightmare to wake up to every day, with his health at risk in a cruel basement cell simply for speaking up for Palestine. But we know who my dad is, he’s a voice for the voiceless and the heart of our family and our community. I can’t wait to hug him, and I hope everyone like him will be released." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34a2de19723856783337ab Jelly Roll's wife Bunnie Xo breaks silence on divorce, gets emotional about final fight te 2026-06-19T02:01:02.264Z Jelly Roll's wife Bunnie Xo breaks silence on divorce, gets emotional about final fight Bunnie XO is setting the record straight about her divorce from Jelly Roll. In a recent episode of her podcast, "Dumb Blonde," the 46-year-old podcaster spoke out about her divorce from the country music superstar, letting fans in on the intimate details which led to the shocking decision, dispelling rumors there was any infidelity. "On Mother's Day we had a little bit of an argument which I don't think the details are necessary, and in that argument, I was so fed up and so tired that I just looked at him and I said, 'Well, then file the f---ing divorce papers,'" she said. Following the argument, she recalled packing a bag and leaving the home, noting, "I didn't talk to my husband for, I don't know, weeks after that." JELLY ROLL'S WIFE SLAMS TROLLS WHO CRITICIZED HER FOR TRASHING COUNTRY MUSIC SCENE "During that, he was so mad, and we were so emotional that he ended up doing exactly what I told him to do and filing the divorce papers," she said. "Was I blindsided and was this divorce mutual? No, I was not. It was not mutual. Even though I told him to file the divorce papers, I was speaking out of anger and just frustration. But was it necessary for us to have a wakeup call and to actually start having these real conversations? Absolutely." After finding out that Jelly Roll had filed for divorce, Bunnie XO said she began taking hormone replacement therapy and going to therapy, saying she recalled thinking, "I've got to f---ing pull myself out of this hole." She revealed that she still considers Jelly Roll her best friend and no matter "how f---ed up our relationship was" or how bad their communication skills were, she had hope, saying, "I felt like we deserved a chance to go to therapy and figure s--- out. He didn't feel that way and I respect it." Elsewhere in the podcast, Bunnie revealed she and Jelly Roll are still trying to have a baby despite the divorce through IVF for the past two years, explaining they had three transfers and lost four embryos, which put a strain on their relationship. "We're still having a baby together," Bunnie Xo said on her podcast. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "We stopped communicating together in the past year and a half. And I think that it's safe for me to say that I always loved my husband a little bit more than he loved me. I was like always protecting him and always making sure he was okay and like always chasing him and I literally was the glue that held us together." "I was always the chaser," she added. "In a twin flame relationship, there's a runner and a chaser. He's the runner. I'm the chaser. So in this past year and a half, because I felt like he wasn't pouring into me and I wasn't pouring into him and we just weren't communicating. We just weren't on the same page. I stopped chasing him." News of the couples divorce broke earlier this week. According to court records viewed by Fox News Digital, the country star filed the paperwork on May 18 in Williamson County, Tennessee, listing the date of separation as May 9. Following the news breaking, rumors of infidelity on both sides began circulating on social media. Bunnie dispelled those rumors, saying, "Nobody cheated on the other person. It's literally just we served our purpose for each other. Many believed she had left the country singer for Chad Kroeger, a founding member of the band Nickelback, because she happened to post a few videos on social media with the band's songs. "I post a Nickelback song because Nickelback is like one of my favorite bands…I post this Nickelback song, not thinking anything of it. Not a shot at J in any sort of way, not even realizing that it's a breakup song. It's trending on TikTok," she said, also acknowledging the other videos she posted involving the band. "So there's three f---ing videos…which it does look like overkill, and I get where people are trying to put puzzle pieces together, but you're putting a puzzle together with missing pieces, and it's not even like that. I am not with Daddy Chaddy. There's no f---ing way in hell that that would even be a thing. And no, I did not cheat on my husband and leave him for Chad. Like none of that." As for her love life nowadays, Bunnie said she is currently single, joking, "Your girl is not going to ever be in another relationship," and that she is "about to be a player." While she isn't seeing anyone, she shared that Jelly Roll is currently out there dating, something she is very supportive of. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "He is ready, rearing and ready to go," she said. "He's all hopped up on testosterone, let me tell you. And he's ready to go. So, he's even started dating, which is great. I love that. His DMs are open. Go to freaking his Instagram. JellyRoll615 if you don't know, and go send that mother f---er a DM. Like, you guys don't be scared. Everybody go hit him up. Shoot your mother f---ing shot." Bunnie, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, and Jelly Roll tied the knot in August 2016 during a whirlwind Las Vegas ceremony, after meeting the year prior. She became a stepmom to the country singer’s daughter, Bailee, and son, Noah. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a349e1b19723856783336c9 Keith Mitchell has one of the wildest rounds in US Open history as Wyndham Clark jumps out to early lead te 2026-06-19T01:40:43.512Z Keith Mitchell has one of the wildest rounds in US Open history as Wyndham Clark jumps out to early lead The first round of the 126th U.S. Open kicked off on Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, with several big storylines making pre-tournament headlines. A win for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler would secure the career Grand Slam, literally on his 30th birthday. Rory McIlroy, after securing the Grand Slam himself in 2025, already has another Masters win under his belt in 2026. A second major win this year would give him seven for his career and put him alongside even more impressive historic company. Only Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen and Harry Vardon have ever won exactly seven majors. And would put him behind just Tom Watson, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Walter Hagen, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus all time. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The field has one of the best amateur groups in recent history, with NCAA Men's Division I Champion Preston Stout, 17-year-old Miles Russell, and Auburn star Jackson Koivun. Shinnecock is also widely viewed as one of the toughest tests in golf, and the forecast for extremely high winds led the USGA to put out a statement on their intention to "syringe" the greens with water to ensure the course doesn't get away from them. And yet, with all those narratives and top players to track, the golfer with the wildest day was undoubtedly ... Keith Mitchell? Mitchell started his day on the 10th hole, and promptly made double bogey after pulling his drive into the rough. He then made bogey on the 11th hole. And the 13th. And 14th. And then the 16th too, for good measure. All told through his first nine holes, the back nine at Shinnecock, he was six over par with a 41. Sounds like a recipe for a missed cut, right? Except after making the turn to the front nine, Mitchell transformed into peak Tiger Woods. He birdied the first hole, then birdied the third. And the fourth. On the par-five fifth, Mitchell made one of just two eagles on the day. Then he finished out the front nine with yet another birdie on the 479-yard par four. Six shots over par on the back nine, then six under par on the front nine. SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER TELLS ONE TRUTH AND A LIE AHEAD OF WHAT COULD BE A HISTORIC US OPEN AT SHINNECOCK HILLS That's a 41-29 card for an even-par 70. One of the wildest rounds in U.S. Open history. Incredibly, of all the many thousands of rounds played in the U.S. Open, it was just the seventh time in tournament history someone carded a 29 over nine holes. According to The Athletic's Justin Ray, it was the first time ever that a player had a round in the 40s and 20s in a U.S. Open. And you can see the toll it took on Mitchell by the way his hair looked after removing his trademark visor. As for the other big names, Scheffler had an atypical roller coaster of a round. Four bogeys and a double bogey, to go with four birdies for a two over 72. McIlroy bogeyed 18 to finish at one under, squarely in the hunt, considering the tough conditions limited scoring. "I think with the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score," he said after the round. "It was a day to really just keep yourself in the tournament and not shoot yourself out of it." But former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, who missed the cut at the PGA Championship, only to win a week later, has shockingly jumped out to a four-shot lead by going six under through 16 holes. A remarkable accomplishment, considering the difficulty of the course. If there's one thing we know from major championship golf, though, it's that things can change quickly. And as Keith Mitchell's Thursday showed, expect the unexpected. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a349e041972385678333699 Firm Tied to Trump Donor Got No-Bid Contract to Clean Reflecting Pool te 2026-06-19T01:40:20.664Z Firm Tied to Trump Donor Got No-Bid Contract to Clean Reflecting Pool A White House spokeswoman said the president was not involved in selecting Greenwater Services, the business owned by a trust led by John J. Cafaro. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34997e19723856783335f1 Canada's Ismaël Koné suffers horrific injury as Qatar's Assim Madibo gets red card for poor tackle te 2026-06-19T01:21:02.256Z Canada's Ismaël Koné suffers horrific injury as Qatar's Assim Madibo gets red card for poor tackle Canada’s 6-0 thrashing of Qatar in its second FIFA World Cup match would’ve been perfect on Thursday afternoon if not for an injury to Ismaël Koné that can only be described as horrifying. Koné was carted off the field after a brutal tackle by Qatar’s Assim Madibo in the second half, which led to immediate displeasure from the Canadian players and coaches on the sideline. The tackle came from behind, and it was clear that Koné suffered something very serious. As players huddled around Koné, replay showed the poor tackle by Madibo, with the Canadian's left leg bent at an angle not for the faint of heart. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE Koné was in straight shock when the injury occurred, holding his leg at first and then placing his hands on his head. After VAR review, referees upgraded Madibo’s foul to a red card, which marked the second for Qatar in the match after Homan Ahmed received one in the 33rd minute. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE Madibo, though, did have his hands on his head, clearly distressed after seeing what occurred to Koné as players, coaches and medical staff surrounded the 24-year-old on the pitch. A round of applause from the home country’s fans at BC Place in Vancouver poured down from the stands, as Koné was stretchered off the field. Based on the appearance of the injury, it’s more than likely his World Cup appearance for Canada has ended prematurely. Nathan Saliba came in for Koné in the 57th minute, and he scored just seven minutes later. As a celebration, he raised Koné’s jersey to the loud roar of the fans, as the score moved to 4-0. Mohammed Manai knocked an own goal in during the 75th minute to add insult to injury for Qatar, but Canada’s takeover started with the man-advantage in the first half. Jonathan David had a hat trick in this match, scoring in the 29th minute and stoppage time before the first half closed. Then, he scored in stoppage time again, this time in the 92nd minute to cap a fun afternoon aside from Koné’s injury. Cyle Larin got the party started for Canada with a goal in the 16th minute as well. After tying its first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, this 6-0 domination was the country’s first-ever World Cup victory, which also earned them the top slot in Group B. Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday also gave them four points, with both teams determining who will win the group on June 24. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3496fc197238567833353b Telegram ban in India sparks a rush to VPNs, rival apps te 2026-06-19T01:10:20.283Z Telegram ban in India sparks a rush to VPNs, rival apps Telegram argues India should block specific content, not an entire platform used by millions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3494a519723856783334ce Source: Elastic agrees to buy CRV-backed DeductiveAI for up to $85M te 2026-06-19T01:00:21.178Z Source: Elastic agrees to buy CRV-backed DeductiveAI for up to $85M DeductiveAI, a startup that uses AI to catch and resolve bugs in software, was founded just three years ago. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a348ff419723856783333ef Trump’s Intelligence Pick Renews Debate: Is the Director of National Intelligence Needed? te 2026-06-19T00:40:20.764Z Trump’s Intelligence Pick Renews Debate: Is the Director of National Intelligence Needed? The director of national intelligence’s office was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. Now some lawmakers want to shrink it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a348dc71972385678333399 Top GOP lawmaker rallies around conservative school board member facing calls to resign te 2026-06-19T00:31:03.471Z Top GOP lawmaker rallies around conservative school board member facing calls to resign House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., rebuked a school board in Richmond, Michigan, after some of its members tried to remove a conservative colleague for missing meetings while on military deployment to the Middle East. Ray Steir, who received an American flag and a copy of the Congressional Record from McClain on Thursday as a commendation of his work, had been on deployment, attending board meetings remotely, but eventually lost virtual access. That’s when the board called for his removal, citing a "disservice" caused by his absence. "One of the board members’ family was taking to social media and putting out misinformation about myself and my wife and things that were not factually accurate and then ultimately calling for my resignation and prompting others to reach out to the district to call for my recall," Steir recounted. PARENTS SAY THEY'RE RUNNING FOR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO FIGHT 'POISONOUS' CRITICAL RACE THEORY The moment is just the most recent clash between Republicans and school boards over policies that, in their view, are gatekeeping schools against diversity of thought and accountability. "I think education is extremely important and vital," McClain told Fox News Digital. "And educators and administrators need to teach children how to think, not what to think. It's about time that administrators begin to get held accountable for their actions. Good actions and bad actions." McClain’s meeting with Steir comes on the heels of a congressional hearing last week where she grilled a superintendent from Virginia over student privacy policy, probing if those policies were being unevenly applied to favor transgender students. VIRGINIA SCHOOL DISTRICT SLAPPED WITH COMPLAINT ALLEGING NEW CLAIMS IN VIRAL TRANS LOCKER ROOM FIGHT "The victims got a 10-day suspension and the biological female that did the filming got a one-day suspension," McClain said, referring to an incident at Stone Bridge High School in Loudoun County where students had been reprimanded for filming in a locker room. "How does that make sense?" In Steir’s case, McClain questioned whether the board had targeted Steir on account of just his deployment overseas. Steir had clashed with the board after learning that some of the district’s bathroom policies would have allowed fourth-grade students to use the same bathroom as transgender eighth-grade boys. "Prior to him filling the seat, the seat was open for two months," McClain observed. So that logical argument doesn’t exactly make sense to me; it doesn’t really hold a lot of water." MICHIGAN PARENT WANTS TRUMP TO ACT AFTER DAUGHTER SHARES LOCKER ROOM WITH TRANS-ATHLETE For his own part, Steir believes his case will refocus attention on the importance of the school board and its membership. "My goal is to continue being an advocate for the community. One of the good things that I think came out of this was that it got so much attention that some of the community members who were unaware of the dynamics that were not being brought to light," Steir said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a348b59197238567833331d Lake Havasu City voters receive insight at 2026 Primary Election Candidate Forum te 2026-06-19T00:20:41.957Z Lake Havasu City voters receive insight at 2026 Primary Election Candidate Forum Candidates and their constituents nearly filled the Performing Arts Center at Lake Havasu High School Wednesday night, coming together for the 2026 Primary Election Candidates Forum. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34891719723856783332ca Minneapolis city council hear arguments in favor of legalizing adult bathhouses for LGBTQ community te 2026-06-19T00:11:03.551Z Minneapolis city council hear arguments in favor of legalizing adult bathhouses for LGBTQ community The Minneapolis City Council received widespread support for repealing the longstanding ban on venues, such as bathhouses, ahead of an upcoming vote on Wednesday. The council held its second public hearing regarding ordinances that would repeal the ban on venues where consenting adults can engage in sexual activity and provide new regulations regarding their business. At the hearing, council members heard from over 30 residents on repealing the ban with several LGBTQ activists speaking in favor of ending the ban, which they claim targeted people in same-sex relationships and individuals with HIV and AIDS. GALLUP POLL FINDS AMERICANS' SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ ISSUES SLIDING BACKWARD AMID CULTURAL SHIFT "Our task is not to eliminate places where people have sex but bring people out of the shadows where we can give them the tools that we have in place. Research has shown that pushing sexual activity into less visible spaces does not eliminate the risk. It makes outreach and education more difficult," Aliveness Project researcher Jay Orne said at the hearing. Another LGBTQ activist, Patrick Scully, spoke about living during the time of the original ban in 1988. "I have lived most of my life criminalized and excluded by the system. Discrimination against me was legal until I was almost 40 years old in Minnesota. Sex was a crime in Minnesota until I was in my 50s. Marriage was not an option until I was in my 60s," Scully said. "So don’t expect me to live my life like you live your life if you’re a heterosexual. You forced me to find other ways to live my life." TRANSGENDER MINNESOTA LAWMAKER PUSHES BACK ON ADULT SITE AGE VERIFICATION BILL OVER FEARS OF OVERREACH Other speakers promoted the benefits repealing the ban could have on the tourism industry. Activists with the Safer Sex Spaces Coalition also argued that repealing the ban could help promote healthy practices and give LGBTQ communities a safe space for sex. Though Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey did not consider the ban to be a top priority for his administration, he indicated to MPR News that he would sign a repeal if it were passed by the city council. Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor's office for comment. While LGBTQ+ advocates are pushing for the 1988 ordinance to be reversed, the first openly gay member of the Minneapolis City Council, Brian Coyle, helped pass the law, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. The outlet noted that Coyle said at the time that many members of the LGBTQ+ community supported the ban. Coyle was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 but did not publicly acknowledge it until 1991, the same year that he died of AIDS-related complications at age 47, the Tribune reported. GAY JOURNALIST SAYS LGBTQ MOVEMENT HAS GONE FROM CIVIL RIGHTS SUCCESS TO 'MADNESS' Council Member Jason Chavez, the only out LGBTQ+ member of the council, pushed back on the idea that overturning the ban would be disrespecting Coyle's legacy. "I have deep respect for Brian Coyle, and I know when he did this vote it was because of an epidemic that was impacting my community. But, at the same time, there were folks who supported the efforts to ban this because of homophobia. Because they did not believe in the existence of LGBTQ+ people, and that can not be removed from history," Chavez said. The city council will hold a vote on the ordinance next week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3486d21972385678333263 Almost everyone had Colts star Sauce Gardner's birthday of years and now he's setting the record straight te 2026-06-19T00:01:22.473Z Almost everyone had Colts star Sauce Gardner's birthday of years and now he's setting the record straight You'd think that one of the easiest pieces of personal information to nail down on a pro athlete would be their birthday, but, for some reason, almost everyone has totally whiffed on Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner's birthday. For years, a huge swath of the Internet, including Wikipedia (which of course gets things wrong all the time), ESPN, Pro Football Reference and The Athletic have all reportedly listed Gardner's birthday as Aug. 31, 2000, which would make him 25 years old. However, the NFL star says he's not 25. He's 24. "I’m 24!" Gardner said at Colts minicamp, per The Athletic. "It’s crazy that I’m even being asked this." When asked if he was sure, he said yes and that if anyone needed further proof, they could ask his mom. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Of course, they could also check his ID, passport or any official documents since he entered the league because those all say he was born on Aug. 31, 2001, which would make him 24. Yet somehow, most people have gotten this wrong for years, even "Madden." "It’s wrong in Madden, too? That’s crazy because I never checked," Gardner said. "Because when it comes to the paperwork and everything I’ve signed, it all says ’01. So, I don’t know where or how it got messed up unless people just get it straight from Google." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! This is wild. I mean, it's not like it's a huge deal. He's not some 16-year-old trying to make people think he's 12 so he can play in the Little League World Series; parking blocks away from the field so no one knows he drove there and shaving between innings to maintain appearances. It's just a goofy quirk that goes to show that even in the age of the Internet and AI, things are messed up all the time. Even simple things like this. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3486bf197238567833325a Man fired by firm after viral video shows him scolding dad for taking young daughters into women's restroom te 2026-06-19T00:01:03.026Z Man fired by firm after viral video shows him scolding dad for taking young daughters into women's restroom An irate customer who went viral for scolding a father inside a gas station's women's restroom while he was helping his two young daughters has been fired by a Mississippi real estate firm. In a social media post, the Starkville, Mississippi-based Overstreet Properties said it was aware of videos circulating online showing a man who worked as an independent contractor for the firm. "The conduct depicted in the video does not reflect the values of Overstreet Properties or the standards we expect of those who represent our organization," the post stated. "Our focus remains on providing quality service to our clients, partners, and community." The company added that it is no longer associated with the unidentified man, which was first reported by TMZ. EAGLES FAN SEEN IN VILE TIRADE AGAINST FEMALE PACKERS SUPPORTER LOSES JOB AT DEI-FOCUSED NJ COMPANY The video was captured by Tyler Brodsky, an Oklahoma dad traveling with his two daughters. Brodsky had stopped at a QuikTrip gas station in Alabama and took his daughters into the women's restroom. Moments later, the video shows a man yelling and demanding that Brodsky leave the facility. "I knocked and announced that I'm coming in with two girls, which, at this time, the bathroom was empty," Brodsky recounted on "Fox & Friends First." "This guy comes in, starts yelling, demanding that we need to leave, I should have taken them to the men's restroom, which I disagreed with," he added. "I've personally been in men's restrooms. I just didn't feel like it was a good place to take two little girls." MICHIGAN FATHER SUES SCHOOL DISTRICT AFTER ‘NO TRESPASS’ ORDER OVER PRIDE FLAG VIDEO The man was seen standing in the doorway of the bathroom, scolding Brodsky as he helped his girls wash their hands. The bystander was also seen speaking into his own phone, explaining that his wife and "very ill" mother-in-law had reported a man being inside the women's restroom. One of Brodsky's young daughters was seen crying as the ordeal continued. A QuikTrip manager eventually closed the door on the shouting bystander and apologized to Brodsky and the girls. "It's a scary thing for little girls, so I tried to just do the best I could in the moment and keep them calm. But they're doing well now," Brodsky told "Fox & Friends First" co-host Todd Piro. In a separate TikTok video, Brodsky noted that three police officers eventually arrived at the scene and assured him he had done nothing wrong. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3484841972385678332ffe TSA sounds alarm after World Cup fans pack their bags with American staple te 2026-06-18T23:51:32.557Z TSA sounds alarm after World Cup fans pack their bags with American staple The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is issuing a serious warning to international World Cup visitors: Don't pack ranch dressing in your carry-on luggage. As the World Cup brings millions of international visitors to the United States, many fans are trying out American staples — and, apparently, rushing to take them back home with them. One European wrote on X, "Why did no one tell me ranch sauce is like crack? EUROPE WE NEED RANCH ASAP." AMERICANS WARNED POPULAR TRAVEL ROUTES THIS SUMMER COULD CARRY CRIME AND KIDNAPPING RISKS The enthusiasm hasn't gone unnoticed by U.S. officials. On June 16 on Instagram, the TSA alluded to international travelers transporting bottles of ranch salad dressing through airport security. "If you’re visiting for a very large sporting event & you happen to discover RANCH while you’re here ... please pack it in your CHECKED BAG on the way home," the post read. The post added, "Days since the last airport ranch incident: 0." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER On X, the TSA issued a similar warning and shared a photo of assorted oversized liquids — including a bottle of ranch dressing — next to a sign reminding travelers of the agency's 3.4-ounce liquid rule. Many Americans got a kick out of the TSA's ranch warning. "We should tell them about Chick-fil-A sauce that you can buy in large bottles, too!" one person said. "Powdered ranch, guys! Powdered ranch," another Instagram user said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES A third person said, "This is the most American thing I’ve read today! God Bless America." Others were stunned that the ranch dressing wasn't available abroad. "Ranch in Europe is rare?! Poor Europeans," one person said. "Who's going to start the ranch pipeline to Europe? Instant business opportunity." Fox News Digital reached out to the TSA for comment. The ranch craze is just one example of how international visitors have embraced American culture during the World Cup. Earlier this week, Norwegian soccer fans went viral for performing synchronized "Viking rows" on Boston escalators. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Also in Boston, Scottish World Cup supporters impressed locals after reportedly drinking several bars dry. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3484711972385678332ff5 Lindsey Vonn all smiles as she's able to return to dumping out actual workout content again te 2026-06-18T23:51:13.109Z Lindsey Vonn all smiles as she's able to return to dumping out actual workout content again What a month it has been for Lindsey Vonn. She went from getting around with the help of crutches to wearing her first skin-tight dress in public, a major milestone in her recovery, to doing what she loves when she isn't skiing: sharing workout content. The buildup to this moment has been weeks in the making. She was abs out at F1 earlier this month, just days out from putting the crutches down. She then, as mentioned, had her big moment in a dress for the first time in public. Vonn's scars from destroying her leg in a horrific crash earlier this year were visible in the dress. She needed to cross that bridge in order to eventually get back to full strength. She would also need to cross the bridge to put in an actual workout in the gym. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! That came this week, and the look on her face knowing that she would be able to slip into her form-fitting workout gear and post it on social media again says it all. "The face I make when I can actually workout in the gym!" Vonn wrote. "Makes me so happy and excited I can’t even put it into words!" This is vintage Lindsey Vonn. A devastating leg injury wasn't about to keep her from getting back to this. The wait is over, the content is back and all is right with the world once again. We'll have to wait and see if the 41-year-old ever skis again. Back in March, she didn’t even want to entertain the idea of retirement. She'll quit the sport she loves when she damn well feels like it. Thank you very much. The skiing legend, who avoided having her leg amputated, will for now continue to focus on her recovery and sweat-inducing gym content that has helped make her a legend off the slopes. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3482351972385678332f8b Obama Center's opening ceremony ridiculed for far-left ritual before star-studded show te 2026-06-18T23:41:41.799Z Obama Center's opening ceremony ridiculed for far-left ritual before star-studded show At Thursday’s ceremony marking the beginning of the Obama Presidential Center’s opening weekend, the master of ceremonies began with a left-wing "land acknowledgment ritual," for which the entire event was promptly mocked.  Valerie Jarrett, the former senior advisor to Obama when he was president and the current CEO of the Obama Foundation, kicked things off. "We’d also like to take a moment to recognize the original inhabitants of the land upon which we are gathered today," she said. "We honor the Anishinaabe, the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, the Odawa and the Potawatomi nations." Land acknowledgments have been mocked as performative left-wing routines completed to commemorate the Native Americans who once lived on the land where an event is happening. OSCARS FEATURES INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ROASTED AS 'PERFORMATIVE NONSENSE' ON SOCIAL MEDIA  They are an extension of the belief that the United States exists on "stolen land." But as many keen online observers noted, Democrats hosting the Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening have no intention of returning the land to the people they believe are its rightful owners.  "Wouldn’t they prefer you just give them their land back?" conservative commentator Steve Deace asked sarcastically. CARVILLE REBUKES DNC OVER WOKE ‘LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT’ LAMENTING TREATMENT OF NATIVE AMERICANS "Land acknowledgements are funny because the real message is ‘I want to say I care, but I don’t really care or I wouldn’t have built this on land which I just said is yours,’" said Beth Anne Mumford of Americans for Prosperity. "So you just went ahead and built on that land anyway, huh," said conservative commentator Stephen Miller  Townhall senior strategist Siraj Hashmi weighed in with a reference to infamous Chicago rapper Chief Keef. REWARDING RACISM: HOW TRIBAL POLITICS IS TEARING AMERICA APART "Pretty disrespectful for the Obama Presidential Center to not acknowledge the current tribe leader of the South Side of Chicago: Chief Keef," he quipped. An anonymous user balked at the logic, or apparent lack thereof, of building "a communist monument" on "stolen land" that the new owners refused to give back. "The mental hurdles are Olympics level," the user said. OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER'S $470M SAFETY NET UNDER SCRUTINY AS SUBCONTRACTORS SAY THEY'RE OWED MILLIONS Thursday’s event featured high-profile Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, along with A-list performers like John Legend, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen who put on a concert. Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, David Letterman and others were also present. The presidential center itself, which cost nearly $1 billion to build and has been embroiled in controversy, will officially open on Friday. It was initially estimated to cost about half that amount. Despite the explicitly stated goal that the center would help uplift minority-owned contracting businesses by hiring them to work on high-profile projects, some claim they’ve been stiffed and are facing financial ruin, according to a Fox News Digital investigation.  One subcontractor says his firm is owed $4 million for work it completed on the center. The project was announced in 2015, and the site — Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side — chosen in 2016, but the groundbreaking was delayed until 2021 due to bureaucratic red tape. The project required numerous local and federal approvals to build on the location, which is a historic preservation site, multiple environmental reviews and was subject to several lawsuits. After construction began, the price tag on the project continuously skyrocketed. The center was scheduled to open in March 2025, but was delayed for another year Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3482221972385678332f7f Emotional MLB broadcaster throws a fit over pitchers wearing Bible verses on hats during Pride Night te 2026-06-18T23:41:22.346Z Emotional MLB broadcaster throws a fit over pitchers wearing Bible verses on hats during Pride Night Longtime San Francisco Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow is throwing a fit because a group of MLB players included Bible verses on their hats during Pride Night. "I think when you’re a player and you come into this environment, it’s your responsibility to know just how sensitive this city is in regards to that cultural freedom and religious freedom, and just the way that you live your life," Krukow said on KNBR. "And I think they were in for a rude awakening with the response, and it wasn’t just from the gay community; it was from the Northern California community that supports the gay community." Krukow was referring to Giants pitchers Ryan Walker, Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Sam Hentges. DIAMONDBACKS PITCHER RYAN THOMPSON DEFENDS GIANTS PLAYERS WHO WROTE BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE NIGHT HATS The broadcaster then defended the Giants organization, citing the franchise's long history of supporting the LGBTQ community. "There’s an irony too because the Giants organization is getting dumped on as well, and that hurt me," Krukow added. "It hurt me because I saw in 1994 that they were the first team to ever take on the challenge of going against public opinion and the outrage of even associating with the gay community, and they openly went out and said, ‘We support the gay community. We support until there’s a cure day. We are going to raise money to fight AIDS. We support the community.’ And they did it with love." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For the record, Krukow had no such issue when Colin Kaepernick disrespected the military community by kneeling during the national anthem in his city of San Francisco. Elsewhere, MLB threatened to discipline San Francisco Giants players for inscribing Bible verses on their Pride hats. The league says the players' actions violated its uniform policy, which prohibits "writing of any kind" on uniforms. "To be clear, this routine verbal warning not to wear the hat in future games is not disciplinary and had absolutely nothing to do with the content of the message," the league said in a statement. "We respect players’ right to free expression. However, writing of any kind, with any message, is prohibited per Major League Baseball’s uniform regulations, which provide in part that, ‘(a) player may not write, attach, affix, embroider or otherwise display nicknames or messages on apparel or playing equipment...’" Of course, that is not exactly true. As OutKick reported earlier this week, MLB previously allowed political messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Of course, that is not exactly true. As OutKick reported earlier this week, MLB previously allowed political messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Put simply, as much as people like Mike Krukow might enjoy it, there is no reason for MLB to hold Pride Nights in 2026. And no player should have to participate in them. The league is grandstanding. As Vice President JD Vance joked this week about MLB's warning to the Giants players who wore Bible verses on their hats. "Trump won we don’t have to do this anymore" Vance posted on X. We suspect Mike Krukow is about to throw another fit, this time over Vance's post. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34820d1972385678332f68 Arizona voters will decide 10 GOP-backed ballot measures in November on schools, elections, taxes te 2026-06-18T23:41:01.880Z Arizona voters will decide 10 GOP-backed ballot measures in November on schools, elections, taxes Illustration by Niyazz | iStock / Getty Images Plus When Arizona voters go to the polls in November to decide who will be the next governor and hold the other statewide offices, they’ll also get to weigh in directly on some of the policy priorities of the Republicans who currently run the state legislature. In all, legislators sent 10 measures to this year’s ballot, where voters will get the final say. Half of those proposals seek to amend the Arizona Constitution, which requires voter approval. The other half make changes to state law, but were sent to the ballot to avoid a veto from Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat who has shattered the state’s record for vetoes during her four years in office. Voters may also get to weigh in on competing ballot measures that would regulate Arizona’s universal private school voucher program and guarantee a right to vote by mail. Those citizens’ initiatives have until next month to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Here are brief summaries of the 10 measures that the Arizona Legislature sent to the ballot; each will be given its own proposition number later this summer. Education and schools HCR 2048 (2026) — Military families’ ESA scholarship protection Amends the Arizona Constitution to bar the state from “confiscating” Empowerment Scholarship Account money belonging to children of military families. But it does far more than what Republican backers said: Buried in the proposal is a clause voiding any law or voter-approved measure taking effect on or after Nov. 1, 2026 that conflicts with it — a poison pill aimed at the initiative to rein in private school vouchers that is being pushed by the Arizona Education Association and to block any future reforms to the system.  HCR 2040 (2026) — School districts and labor unions Amends the Arizona Constitution to ban school districts from using public money or resources to support a labor union, and it prohibits school district employees from recruiting for the union using school email or on school grounds. It also would bar school districts from deducting voluntary union dues from employees’ paychecks. And labor advocates say a provision tucked into the amendment could ban all public sector union negotiations across Arizona, not just in school districts. The proposal was developed by Republicans to punish the Arizona Education Association for launching an initiative campaign to reform the state’s universal school voucher program. SCR 1032 (2026) — 60% direct-instructional-spending mandate Amends state law to require large school districts (those with at least 7,500-plus students) and all districts in Maricopa and Pima counties to spend at least 60% of operational dollars on direct classroom instruction, phased in over several years, with escalating cuts to a district’s Classroom Site Fund if it doesn’t comply. The Auditor General reported that, on average, 52.1 cents of every dollar currently ends up classified as instruction, the lowest in two decades of that report. Elections and voting HCR 2001 (2026)— “Fast Election Results Act” Amends the Arizona Constitution to include a series of election reforms: only citizens may vote; foreign nationals may not contribute anything of value to influence an Arizona election; and every voter must show government-issued ID before casting a ballot “whether voting in person or by any other method.” The provisions limiting voting to citizens and requiring voter ID at polling places are already in state law; it is unclear how voters would show their ID if they vote by mail, as more than 70% of voters do. DEI and gender HCR 2044 (2026) — Anti-DEI amendment Amends the Arizona Constitution to add prohibitions targeting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. It would bar public institutions from compelling endorsement of race-based preferences or DEI/intersectionality tenets, and from spending public money on offices that promote race-based preferential treatment. It includes carve-outs for coursework, research, student groups and instruction about events like slavery and the Holocaust. HCR 2003 (2026) — Anti-trans “Protect Girls’ Sports Act”  Amends state law to expand the existing statute banning transgender students from playing on the gender-appropriate K-12 or college sports team to require that teams be designated by biological sex (per original birth certificate) beginning in 2027. Additionally, the law would be expanded to bar schools from letting transgender students use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, something Republican lawmakers have failed to add to state law for more than a decade. The provisions would now also apply to “athletic associations,” not just Arizona schools. Public safety and law enforcement HCR 2055 (2025)— Drug cartels as terrorist organizations Amends state law to declare drug cartels terrorist organizations and direct the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to act against them. The text includes a clause stating nothing in it supports an alien’s asylum claim, and ties its findings to Proposition 314, which voters approved last year, and the “actually invaded” constitutional language. SCR 1004 (2026) — Photo-enforcement voter approval Amends state law to require local governments and agencies to win voter approval to keep operating speed- and red-light cameras, unless under contract by Dec. 31, 2026. If voters approve the cameras, that authorization lasts for 10 years, after which voters must once again vote on their use.  Taxes and government finance HCR 2021 (2025) — Cap on local grocery taxes Amends state law to cap municipal sales taxes on food for home consumption at 2% and requires voter approval for new or increased taxes; cities and towns already above 2% are frozen at their current rate rather than rolled back. SCR 1004 (2025) — Ban on vehicle-miles-traveled taxes Amends the Arizona Constitution to bar all levels of government from imposing a tax or fee based on vehicle miles traveled, or monitoring those miles. The proposal seeks to preemptively eliminate possible replacements to the gas tax that currently pays for road construction and maintenance, but which is underfunded both because the tax has not increased in decades and the proliferation of electric vehicles and fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3480051972385678332f0e Obama Presidential Center's opening ceremony ridiculed for 'land acknowledgment' before star-studded show te 2026-06-18T23:32:21.001Z Obama Presidential Center's opening ceremony ridiculed for 'land acknowledgment' before star-studded show At Thursday’s ceremony marking the beginning of the Obama Presidential Center’s opening weekend, the master of ceremonies began with a left-wing "land acknowledgment ritual," for which the entire event was promptly mocked.  Valerie Jarrett, the former senior advisor to Obama when he was president and the current CEO of the Obama Foundation, kicked things off. "We’d also like to take a moment to recognize the original inhabitants of the land upon which we are gathered today," she said. "We honor the Anishinaabe, the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, the Odawa and the Potawatomi nations." Land acknowledgments have been mocked as performative left-wing routines completed to commemorate the Native Americans who once lived on the land where an event is happening. OSCARS FEATURES INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ROASTED AS 'PERFORMATIVE NONSENSE' ON SOCIAL MEDIA  They are an extension of the belief that the United States exists on "stolen land." But as many keen online observers noted, Democrats hosting the Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening have no intention of returning the land to the people they believe are its rightful owners.  "Wouldn’t they prefer you just give them their land back?" conservative commentator Steve Deace asked sarcastically. CARVILLE REBUKES DNC OVER WOKE ‘LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT’ LAMENTING TREATMENT OF NATIVE AMERICANS "Land acknowledgements are funny because the real message is ‘I want to say I care, but I don’t really care or I wouldn’t have built this on land which I just said is yours,’" said Beth Anne Mumford of Americans for Prosperity. "So you just went ahead and built on that land anyway, huh," said conservative commentator Stephen Miller  Townhall senior strategist Siraj Hashmi weighed in with a reference to infamous Chicago rapper Chief Keef. REWARDING RACISM: HOW TRIBAL POLITICS IS TEARING AMERICA APART "Pretty disrespectful for the Obama Presidential Center to not acknowledge the current tribe leader of the South Side of Chicago: Chief Keef," he quipped. An anonymous user balked at the logic, or apparent lack thereof, of building "a communist monument" on "stolen land" that the new owners refused to give back. "The mental hurdles are Olympics level," the user said. OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER'S $470M SAFETY NET UNDER SCRUTINY AS SUBCONTRACTORS SAY THEY'RE OWED MILLIONS Thursday’s event featured high-profile Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, along with A-list performers like John Legend, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen who put on a concert. Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, David Letterman and others were also present. The presidential center itself, which cost nearly $1 billion to build and has been embroiled in controversy, will officially open on Friday. It was initially estimated to cost about half that amount. Despite the explicitly stated goal that the center would help uplift minority-owned contracting businesses by hiring them to work on high-profile projects, some claim they’ve been stiffed and are facing financial ruin, according to a Fox News Digital investigation.  One subcontractor says his firm is owed $4 million for work it completed on the center. The project was announced in 2015, and the site — Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side — chosen in 2016, but the groundbreaking was delayed until 2021 due to bureaucratic red tape. The project required numerous local and federal approvals to build on the location, which is a historic preservation site, multiple environmental reviews and was subject to several lawsuits. After construction began, the price tag on the project continuously skyrocketed. The center was scheduled to open in March 2025, but was delayed for another year Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347ff11972385678332f05 'Elf' and 'Friday' actor Faizon Love arrested in Florida and held without bond on contempt charges te 2026-06-18T23:32:01.545Z 'Elf' and 'Friday' actor Faizon Love arrested in Florida and held without bond on contempt charges Actor and comedian Faizon Love was arrested in Florida this week on outstanding warrants and is being held without bond, according to jail records. Love, 58, whose film credits include "Elf," "Friday" and "Couples Retreat," was booked into the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office jail system on June 16 after his arrest by local authorities. Records show Love is being held at Falkenburg Road Jail in Tampa on two contempt of court charges. Both charges are listed as warrants tied to the same case number, with one identified as criminal contempt of court. Jail records indicate he remains in custody without bond. According to booking records, Love was arrested at approximately 10:48 p.m. Tuesday and booked into the jail less than an hour later. The charges stem from an alleged offense date of May 15, 2026. ‘ISLAND BOYS’ RAPPER FRANKY VENEGAS ARRESTED IN FLORIDA ON GUN, DRUG CHARGES TMZ reported that the actor allegedly missed a child support hearing, leading to the warrants. Court records associated with the arrest identify the case as a domestic relations matter. Additional details about the underlying allegations were not immediately available. Love is expected to appear before a judge in Hillsborough County on Friday. 'FAMILY MATTERS' STAR DARIUS MCCRARY DENIED BAIL AFTER BIZARRE COURT APPEARANCE The actor is perhaps best known for portraying department store manager Wanda in the 2003 holiday comedy "Elf," starring Will Ferrell. He also appeared in the cult classic "Friday" alongside Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, as well as films including "The Replacements," "Made," "Blue Crush" and "Couples Retreat." The arrest marks the latest legal issue for Love, who has faced previous criminal allegations during his career. In 2017, Love pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from an altercation with a valet at John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio. According to reports, the actor was fined $500 and received a 180-day suspended jail sentence. HALLMARK STAR ERIC MABIUS ARRESTED FOR BATTERY IN FLORIDA AFTER HE ALLEGEDLY ‘KNOCKED’ WOMEN TO GROUND AT BAR More recently, Love was accused of felony assault following an August 2024 incident at a San Diego hotel. According to a criminal complaint, Love allegedly became upset after a hotel employee informed him that a room he booked through a third-party app was unavailable and suggested he seek a refund. Police alleged that Love ripped a credit card reader from its mount and threw it at the employee, striking her in the head and breaking her glasses. The employee later filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages for medical expenses as well as alleged physical and emotional suffering. The status of that case was not immediately clear. Fox News Digital reached out to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for additional comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347fde1972385678332efc US softball legend Leah Amico opens up on MLB Pride Night controversy, backs Christian players te 2026-06-18T23:31:42.091Z US softball legend Leah Amico opens up on MLB Pride Night controversy, backs Christian players Three-time Team USA Olympic softball gold medalist Leah Amico says she believes she would have written a Bible verse on a Pride Night cap if she had been made to wear one in a game. "I believe I would," Amico told Fox News Digital when asked if she'd write a Bible verse on the cap. "I believe that in some ways I feel like it would be similar to saying everybody should have to wear a cross on their jersey, but I would never expect that with my teammates that don’t believe the same thing," she added of the players having to wear the Pride-themed caps. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The comments from Amico, a three-time Olympic gold medalist with USA Softball and a three-time NCAA national champion at Arizona, came after Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verses on their Pride Night caps during San Francisco’s June 12 game at Oracle Park. Roupp wrote "Gen 9:12-16" on his cap, with part of the Bible reference overlapping the rainbow-colored "SF" logo used for the team’s Pride Night uniform. The passage refers to the rainbow as a sign of God’s covenant. MLB later issued a warning, saying the issue was not the content of the message but that writing of any kind on uniforms violates league rules. Amico said she viewed the players’ decision as a statement of religious conviction rather than hostility. "Of course, as a fellow Christian, I thought it was a bold statement for them to be able to say, ‘Hey, I have a belief that is different than the reason that I’m being asked to wear this symbol,’" Amico said. "I support that freedom to be able to have religious freedom in a way, to share their values, at a time where athletes are being asked to then partake in something that maybe goes against their value system." The Giants’ Pride Night caps were part of a tradition the organization helped pioneer. In 2021, the Giants announced they would become the first MLB team to incorporate Pride colors into on-field uniforms, including a Pride patch and a custom cap with Pride colors in the "SF" logo. But this year’s event became a flashpoint. MLB said its warning to the Giants players was a "routine verbal warning" and "not disciplinary," adding that the league has issued similar warnings for uniform messages such as "Dad" and "Happy Mother’s Day, I Love Mom." The Giants later said they remained "proud to support Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community," while also acknowledging that individual players’ choices had caused "pain and anger" among many LGBTQ+ fans. Amico said she would encourage the Giants players not to back down from their faith. "I’m sure they are probably in a tough situation, wanting to be part of the team and what they’re asked to do," Amico said. "But for them, I think I just want to encourage them. At the end of the day, they answer to God above all else, above an employer, above somebody that pays them, and above a coach or a teammate." "Our value system is based on God’s word," she added. "It’s encouraging to see people being bold, to say, ‘We just want to share that this is our view and our value system.’" SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS PITCHER WRITES BIBLE VERSE ON HAT IN DEFIANCE OF PRIDE NIGHT Amico said her objection is not to individual athletes or fans expressing support for Pride, but to the expectation that every player on a team wear the same symbol. "I would never want them to be put in that position, to have to wear something that symbolizes maybe something that they are not passionate about," Amico said of teammates who do not share her Christian beliefs. "At the end of the day, I think I would literally just feel like, why is this in sports?" Amico said she has seen a different model in international softball, where some athletes wear rainbow-colored armbands without the entire team being required to do the same. "There are players that actually wear an armband that has rainbow colors on it," Amico said. "It’s not something the entire team wears. I support that, right? Players being able to go out and represent who they are and what they believe and what they feel. But I just don’t think it’s necessarily right to force an entire team." The controversy has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and some San Francisco leaders, while also prompting pushback from conservative politicians who argued that MLB’s response raised questions about religious freedom. Vice President JD Vance and Sen. Josh Hawley were among those criticizing MLB after the league’s warning. Amico said Christians in sports can face a difficult balance during Pride Month: wanting to be good teammates while also feeling pressure to publicly endorse something that conflicts with their faith. "I think it could put them just in a tough situation if they care about the people who maybe agree, maybe have that lifestyle," Amico said. "They probably love them. They should love them if they’re a Christian. I had many teammates who lived in that lifestyle, and I love them. I love them as people. They were my teammates." Still, she said, a team is made up of individuals, and sports organizations should leave room for players to differ. "I always felt strongly that we are a bunch of individuals on a team," Amico said. "Maybe how do we find ways to have individual values shared within being part of the team?" For Amico, the answer is choice: fans and individual players can participate in Pride celebrations, while other athletes should be allowed to wear the standard uniform without being treated as if they are betraying the team. "I think a core point of all of this is maybe allow the fans to take part in something like this, but on the field and for the players, allowing them to have the ability to say, ‘Yes, I prefer to wear my hat with the rainbow branding on it,’ and then other players to say, ‘I’m going to wear my everyday hat,’" Amico said. "I think there should just be that freedom in that situation," she added. "Because I think if you have that freedom and it’s okay to be a little different, then I think that would go a long way." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347fca1972385678332ef3 Elizabeth Hurley poses in nothing but a 'GOD' hoodie in campaign shot by son Damian te 2026-06-18T23:31:22.632Z Elizabeth Hurley poses in nothing but a 'GOD' hoodie in campaign shot by son Damian Elizabeth Hurley went pantless in a new campaign for a clothing line. In a recent Instagram post, the 61-year-old actress shared a photo from her new campaign with Doors of Perception, a consciousness-raising clothing brand selling ethically sourced and sustainable items. The photo features Hurley standing on the edge of a cliff with the ocean behind her, as she sports nothing but an orange hoodie with God written across it. "My new campaign for @doorsofperception_ibiza 🧡 shot by @damianhurley1 (and yes, I stole the hoodie after the shoot) 🧡🧡🧡🧡," she captioned the post. HALLE BERRY GOES PANTSLESS IN INSTAGRAM POST CELEBRATING NEW MOVIE In the photo, she's giving the camera a serious expression as she poses with her thumbs in the center pocket and the hood over her head. Hurley's son, Damian, and her boyfriend, Billy Ray Cyrus, celebrated her in the comments section, with her son writing, "loved shooting this xxxx," and Cyrus adding, "Love it and LOVE YOU ❤❤❤." "It would be better to write 'goddess,' one fan wrote in the comments section. Another added, "God what a natural beauty 💕🔥." The actress recently celebrated her 61st birthday by posting a photo of herself in a bright yellow string bikini while holding up a large tie-dye flag and smiling big for the camera, with a picturesque view of the ocean behind her. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS In the caption, she wrote that she "used to fear" getting older, adding she was worried her "life might get less exciting and I’d get more and more world weary" with age. "But I’m pleased to tell you that if you hang on in and keep your chin up, nothing could be further from the truth. I am LOVING my life today 🩷 I’m truly blessed and grateful to be surrounded by the most extraordinary friends and family, all of whom make my life a whole lot better and whom I love with all of my heart 🩷." She ended by thanking all her fans, saying, "This year has been a helluva ride already and I can’t wait to see what’s next 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻." In the past year, Hurley debuted her relationship with Cyrus, surprising everyone on Easter Sunday in April 2025 with an Instagram photo of her and Cyrus in which he is giving her a kiss on the cheek. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "I think people found Billy and I being together a little surprising. It’s not surprising to me because we’re actually quite similar and get on extremely well," she told Page Six in May 2025. "We both like to laugh a lot, and we both love the country," she added. "And we both love country music, both love movies. We’ve got a lot in common — and cowboy boots, definitely." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347f8d1972385678332ec9 James Talarico Attacks Ken Paxton Over Child Abuse Case te 2026-06-18T23:30:21.711Z James Talarico Attacks Ken Paxton Over Child Abuse Case The case, which resulted in a short jail sentence despite years of alleged abuse, has drawn outcry in Texas. So have the attempts to politicize it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347d891972385678332e89 Hunter Biden bemoans Joe Rogan defending White House UFC fight, adding 'some public spaces are sacred' te 2026-06-18T23:21:45.679Z Hunter Biden bemoans Joe Rogan defending White House UFC fight, adding 'some public spaces are sacred' Former President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, pushed back on podcast host Joe Rogan's defense of the UFC White House event, claiming that the White House was a "sacred" space. During Wednesday's episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," Rogan called out critics of people who attended the UFC Freedom 250 spectacle on the White House South Lawn in the run-up to America’s 250th anniversary. "Like they're mad at people for being there," Rogan said. "Like, 'Oh, you support Trump.' Like, it's a f---ing fight at the White House. Doesn't mean you endorse foreign policy. Like, shut the f--- up. Just please. Just please stop." DANA WHITE DENIES AMERICA 250 UFC FIGHT AT WHITE HOUSE WILL BE 'POLITICAL,' 'NOT AT ALL' ABOUT POLITICS Though Biden called the event a "once-in-a-lifetime spectacle" that he did not blame anyone for attending, he attacked the event itself and President Donald Trump's alleged attempt to usurp the "People's House." "My problem is that I believe some of our public spaces are sacred," Biden wrote on Thursday. "And unlike many of the great powers that came before us, these American monuments belong to all of us. Not to whoever happens to hold power at the moment. The White House does not belong to Donald Trump. It does not belong to any President. It belongs to the people." He continued, "To treat it as Caesar treated the Colosseum is antithetical to everything our founding fathers fought for. This is not Rome. Presidents are not emperors doling out bread and circuses for the peasants. The White House is the People’s House. This ‘celebration’ could have happened in any stadium within a stone’s throw of the South Lawn. No one would have had an issue with it. But that was obviously Donald Trump’s whole point." LEFT-WING HISTORIAN LIKENS UFC WHITE HOUSE EVENT TO LYNCHINGS ERA Biden clarified that he was not attacking UFC head Dana White, calling the brand "a bona fide American success story," but referred to the event as an "exhibition of imperial domination" by Trump rather than a celebration of the nation. "The White House is not Buckingham Palace. It is not the Palace of Versailles. It is not the Forbidden City of Beijing. It does not belong to an emperor, or a king, or a commissar," Biden wrote. "The White House belongs to us. All of us. The person who sits behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office is nothing more than an honored guest. A temporary caretaker. The President is our servant. Not our Caesar."  In a comment to Fox News Digital, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said, "This was one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history, and President Trump hosting it at the White House is a testament to his vision to celebrate America’s monumental 250th anniversary. Anyone who finds a problem with that clearly suffers from a severe and incurable disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome." CAPEHART, BROOKS SNEER AT WHITE HOUSE UFC FIGHT NIGHT AS 'DEGRADING,' SAY US IS 'IN CULTURAL DECLINE' Fox News Digital also reached out to Rogan and UFC for comment but did not immediately receive responses. Biden's post received backlash from some conservative commentators, reminding him about scandals surrounding the White House under the Biden administration. "Dear Hunter, Your dad let a transgender flash their fake breasts on the White House Lawn. I don’t think you have any high ground to be offended about this," conservative activist Robby Starbuck wrote. RedState writer Bonchie wrote, "Hunter Biden lecturing on ethics. Incredible." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347d4c1972385678332e61 During Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, Minnesota Protester Remained Shackled in Hospital for Days te 2026-06-18T23:20:44.762Z During Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, Minnesota Protester Remained Shackled in Hospital for Days The story of one progressive activist arrested in Minnesota in January shows what critics say is the aggressive nature of the Trump administration’s response to those who have protested its immigration crackdown. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347d391972385678332e58 Vance’s Defense of Iran Deal Rests on Vague and Misleading Claims te 2026-06-18T23:20:25.300Z Vance’s Defense of Iran Deal Rests on Vague and Misleading Claims The vice president said the United States had leverage to dictate the outcome of the next round of negotiations. But he claimed incorrectly that Iran got no new benefit from the lifting of oil sanctions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347af01972385678332de2 Trump changes pregnancy-prevention program to promote childbearing te 2026-06-18T23:10:40.285Z Trump changes pregnancy-prevention program to promote childbearing Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a347adc1972385678332dd8 2 men die in past week in Pima County Jail te 2026-06-18T23:10:20.836Z 2 men die in past week in Pima County Jail Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3478d61972385678332d8c Florida man indicted for allegedly plotting mass shooting targeting Jewish employees at advocacy organization te 2026-06-18T23:01:42.067Z Florida man indicted for allegedly plotting mass shooting targeting Jewish employees at advocacy organization A Florida man has been indicted for allegedly plotting a mass shooting targeting Jewish employees at a pro-Israel nonprofit organization, the Justice Department said. Forrest Kendall Pemberton, 27, of Gainesville, is charged with an attempted hate crime, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a short-barreled rifle. Federal prosecutors said that on Dec. 23, 2024, Pemberton attempted to carry out a shooting at an office belonging to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a group that lobbies the U.S. government in support of Israel, in the South Florida city of Plantation. He was reportedly armed with an AR-15-style rifle equipped with a silencer. The Palm Beach Post previously reported that AIPAC was the targeted group. Court documents didn't specify the nonprofit. Critics of AIPAC have said the group defends the actions of conservative Israeli governments, including expansionist settlement policies in the West Bank and aggressive military campaigns, while opposing conditions or restrictions on U.S. military aid to Israel. MAN FACES HATE CRIME CHARGES OVER 'HUNDRED PLUS' EXPLOSIVES, THREATS OUTSIDE CATHEDRAL AHEAD OF SCOTUS EVENT If convicted, Pemberton faces up to life in prison on the attempted hate crime count, a mandatory consecutive sentence of up to 30 years in prison on the firearm count, and up to five years in prison on the possession count. Investigators traced Pemberton using cellphone geolocation technology. He allegedly planned to volunteer for AIPAC in an effort to gain access to the group and carry out a deadly attack. Authorities said he left his home on Dec. 22, 2024, with two rifles and a pistol after leaving a note for his family. However, when he arrived at the building he believed to be the AIPAC headquarters, the structure was empty, The Palm Beach Post previously reported. Law enforcement initially became involved in the case when Pemberton's father called the Gainesville Police Department out of concern over his son’s disappearance. The newspaper reported that Pemberton left a letter apologizing to his family and discussing his "adversity to authority" and the "flaws of modern day." SUSPECT IN BOULDER TERROR ATTACK TARGETING PRO-ISRAEL DEMONSTRATORS CHARGED WITH FEDERAL HATE CRIMES "Living in a flawed system haunts me in ways I cannot describe," he allegedly wrote. "I am breaking the loop." Pemberton was pulled over in Tallahassee on Christmas Day 2024 while driving a rideshare vehicle. His abandoned pickup truck was subsequently found by authorities on the side of a road. At the time, Pemberton allegedly told authorities that he was on his way to Alabama to deliver one of his guns to an acquaintance. No arrest was made during that traffic stop. Pemberton’s father was notified, traveled to Tallahassee, and brought his son back to Gainesville. On Dec. 26, 2024, Pemberton agreed to be interviewed by investigators, who asked if he had intended to commit an act of violence. "Um, I really don’t know if I was gonna end it with my life or not," he allegedly said. "I hadn’t gotten that far yet. It entirely depended if I ended up getting caught. If caught, that was the way out." Pemberton was arrested the following day. Fox News Digital has reached out to ZAIPAC. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3478c21972385678332d83 Major League Baseball owners propose massive changes to draft structure: 'flat out bad for baseball' te 2026-06-18T23:01:22.610Z Major League Baseball owners propose massive changes to draft structure: 'flat out bad for baseball' Major League Baseball is in the midst of negotiating with the MLB Players Association over the future of the collective bargaining agreement between the two sides. Commissioner Rob Manfred, who, not long ago, praised the league's competitive balance, is now fully committed to pushing for a salary cap to ensure owners can pocket more in profit. But as a new report on Thursday has revealed, those efforts aren't limited exclusively to reducing spending on player salaries for those currently in the big leagues. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Thursday that the owners had proposed a key change in the CBA that would severely impact the MLB Draft moving forward. Currently, players are eligible after finishing their high school career, and players in international markets are signed through a separate system and bonus pool removed from the draft process. Under this new proposal, high school players would no longer be eligible to enter the draft, and the owners would get their long-dreamed-of wish of an international draft. MLB OWNERS AND PLAYERS BEGIN CBA NEGOTIATIONS IN NEW YORK AS SALARY CAP FIGHT LOOMS OVER 2026 SEASON While the draft, for years, went well past 50 rounds, the current format has shortened it to 20. The owners' proposal would shorten it further, to just 12 rounds. And here's the most important factor for MLB and the ownership groups: The amateur signing bonus pool would be cut, nearly in half, to $200 million. The numbers are even more stark considering international signings. Last year, per The Athletic, domestic amateur players received "about $402 million" in bonuses. International amateurs received "about $197 million." Between the two pools of talent, that's nearly $600 million in bonuses. This proposal would save owners $400 million in its first year, since the league is proposing skipping an entire class of international amateur players before starting a second, 12-round draft. Moving forward, it would amount to an annual savings of around $200 million. Over seven years, that's a total savings of $1.6 billion. SMALL MARKET MLB TEAMS ARE OUTPERFORMING BIG PAYROLLS, UNDERMINING OWNERS' PUSH TO CANCEL 2027 SEASON The league also wants to raise the age of players who are eligible for the draft, with domestic amateurs needing to turn 20 by Sept. 1, as well as two years removed from high-school graduation. International players would need to be 18, when the current rule is 17. As if the obvious money savings weren't motivation enough, it's clear the league intends to use college baseball as a form of pre-minor league development. "Over the last several years, college baseball has undergone a remarkable transformation," the league said in a statement. "Today’s top programs provide players with resources, competition, and national exposure that were unimaginable a decade ago. "By creating a draft system centered around college-aged players and making most college players eligible one year earlier, more players will benefit from both a college education and an elite development environment while reaching professional baseball — and ultimately the major leagues — more quickly." Reaching the major leagues quickly, as the league puts it, is code for, "we can save more money on player development, waste less money on prospects who never pan out, and move some of those costs away from the teams and toward colleges." Unsurprisingly, the Players Association did not respond well. "Today, MLB made another set of proposals that are flat out bad for baseball, ones that would cripple the next generation of players and damage the future of our game," MLBPA said in a statement. "Players remain committed to bargaining in good faith and leaving baseball better than they found it – the league’s proposals fall woefully short." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There's certainly some merit to the league's proposals; the minors are filled with players who will never reach the big leagues, and the more physical development a player undergoes, the easier it is to scout. But MLB is not the NFL. There are young high schoolers who are able to quickly reach the big leagues. Arbitrarily limiting that possibility has nothing to do with bettering the game and everything to do with limiting what ownership spends. As it relates to college baseball, the owners are clearly intending schools to shoulder some of the financial burden. But there's a limit to what programs and outside collectives are willing to spend. And if top high schoolers, like, say, pitcher Seth Hernandez or No. 1 overall draft pick Eli Willits, are forced to go the college route, it's going to push budgets higher and take spots away from other athletes who want to play. Owners have enjoyed the benefit of public support in this process, as misplaced fears of competitive balance have led to widespread demand for a salary cap. Hopefully this proposal, and its obvious motivation of reducing spending and maximizing profits, will lead to more baseball fans realizing that owners' only goal in this process is keeping more of the money they make. That doesn't make them evil. Or villains. But these savings aren't going to be redistributed to players, since owners have already proposed spending less on MLB talent as well. It doesn't go to fans through reduced ticket prices, parking fees or concession costs. It goes directly into real estate investments near stadiums to make more revenue. Salary caps won't fix baseball, not that it needs fixing, and neither will giving owners more license to spend less. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3478af1972385678332d7a DOJ cracking down on MLB for potential religious discrimination after Pride Night caps controversy te 2026-06-18T23:01:03.164Z DOJ cracking down on MLB for potential religious discrimination after Pride Night caps controversy The U.S. Department of Justice has referred Major League Baseball to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for further investigation after the league warned San Francisco Giants players who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night caps. The controversy began after Giants starter Landen Roupp and relievers JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verses on their Pride Night caps during San Francisco’s June 12 game against the Chicago Cubs. Roupp wrote "Gen 9:12-16" on his cap, with part of the reference overlapping the rainbow-colored "SF" logo used for the event. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM MLB issued a warning about future uniform violations, saying the issue was not the content of the Bible verses but the act of writing on a game uniform. The league later clarified that the warning was "not disciplinary" and "had absolutely nothing to do with the content of the message," adding that its uniform rules prohibit writing or displaying personal messages on apparel or equipment unless authorized by the league. Now, in a June 18 letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division accused the league of potentially burdening the religious rights of the Giants players. The letter, posted by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, states that the department has "referred this matter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for further investigation." Dhillon pointed to MLB’s 2020 decision to allow players to wear "Black Lives Matter" patches on their jersey sleeves during Opening Day games, as well as related social justice messages on league-authorized apparel. "This double standard—under which players may not inscribe Bible verses on hats for one game only but may wear ‘Black Lives Matter’ patches for one game only—calls MLB’s true motives into question," the DOJ letter says. ROGER CLEMENS QUESTIONS MLB'S WARNING TO GIANTS PITCHERS WHO WROTE BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE NIGHT HATS "The Civil Rights Act prohibits MLB and its franchises from unreasonably burdening the rights of players with religious objections to serving as the League’s vehicle for pro-Pride messages." The department framed the matter as a potential Title VII issue. Under EEOC guidance, federal law requires employers to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs or practices unless doing so would create a substantial burden in the context of the employer’s business. The EEOC also says religious accommodation can include exceptions to workplace dress and grooming rules. "Federal law is clear: employers must modify their uniform requirements to reasonably accommodate their employees’ exercise of religion," the DOJ letter says. "The Department of Justice will use all available means to hold employers accountable for violating the religious rights of their employees." For now, MLB has not announced fines or suspensions connected to the Giants caps. But with the DOJ’s referral to the EEOC, the controversy is no longer limited to baseball’s internal rulebook. It is now a federal religious-accommodation matter centered on the collision between Pride Night participation, league uniform control and players’ rights under Title VII. Roupp addressed his reasoning for writing the verse after Friday's game, saying that the verse is about representing "God's covenant." "It's just about God's covenant and a promise that He makes to us that, you know, His faithfulness and His mercy," Roupp told reporters. "That's just kind of something I believe in, and I stand firm in that, and I'm thankful we live in a country where, you know, we have the freedom to believe what we want ... and express what we want. "There's no hate at all. It’s just what I stand for, and what I stand in. I believe in God." Gen 9:12-16 is a passage from the Bible. The passage states that God established the rainbow as a perpetual token of the covenant made with Noah and every living creature. It goes on to state that when God sees the rainbow, He will remember His "everlasting covenant" to preserve all life on earth from another global flood. Fox News Digital has reached out to MLB for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3476901972385678332d00 Luigi Mangione bails on psychiatric defense in UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination case te 2026-06-18T22:52:00.846Z Luigi Mangione bails on psychiatric defense in UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination case Luigi Mangione has abruptly withdrawn the psychiatric defense that threatened to become a central battleground in his upcoming murder trial over the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to new court filings obtained Thursday. In a one-sentence letter to the court, Mangione's attorneys informed Judge Gregory Carro that they were withdrawing a previously filed notice signaling plans to pursue a psychiatric-based defense in his state case. The filing offered no explanation for the sudden reversal. The move comes two weeks after court proceedings focused on the defense strategy were conducted under seal, sparking objections from media organizations seeking public access to the records. In a separate order issued Thursday, Carro ruled that the court's previous sealing order covering certain transcripts, emails and documents will remain in effect now that Mangione has withdrawn his notice about pursuing a psychiatric defense. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB The reversal marks a dramatic shift in a case that had raised the prospect of an "extreme emotional disturbance" defense — a strategy that, if accepted by jurors after a conviction, could reduce a murder verdict to first-degree manslaughter under New York law. 🔍 Have information the public should know? 📩 Email: stepheny.price@fox.com 📸 Instagram: @fndstephprice 🎥 X: @StephenyPrice Tips. Documents. Photos. Video. Your information could lead our next investigation. Legal observers previously told Fox News Digital that pursuing such a defense would have required Mangione's attorneys to convince jurors that he experienced a loss of self-control stemming from an intense emotional disturbance at the time Thompson was gunned down outside a Manhattan business conference. Prosecutors, meanwhile, have alleged that Mangione meticulously planned the killing for months, documenting his thoughts in journals and traveling across the country before ambushing Thompson in New York City. The withdrawal leaves unanswered questions about what evidence or evaluations may have been developed behind closed doors — records that will now remain sealed under the judge's order. Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty and faces both state and federal prosecutions in the high-profile case. His New York murder trial is scheduled to begin in September, with federal proceedings expected to follow next year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34767d1972385678332cf7 Olivia Wilde breaks silence on Harry Styles fans and their brutal reaction to their 10-year age gap romance te 2026-06-18T22:51:41.391Z Olivia Wilde breaks silence on Harry Styles fans and their brutal reaction to their 10-year age gap romance Olivia Wilde revisited the firestorm that engulfed her romance with Harry Styles, revealing fans were "f---ing p-----" about the 10-year age gap relationship. Wilde and Styles began a whirlwind romance after meeting on the set of "Don't Worry Darling" in 2020. The two dated for nearly two years before going their separate ways in November 2022. Wilde reflected on the intense scrutiny that surrounded her relationship with Styles, arguing that fans' strong reactions stemmed in part from the pop star's uniquely passionate fan base. Wilde suggested the backlash wasn't simply about her personally, but reflected the unique challenges that come with dating one of the world's biggest pop stars. "I think that it also had a lot to do with the kind of parasocial relationship people had with, have with him, which is a burden that is very weighty and not something I envy, and he carries it with grace," Wilde said during an appearance on "Call Her Daddy." "I think that is an enormous responsibility that all those stars have to carry that’s f---ing impossible. I don't know. It's wild." OLIVIA WILDE SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THE EXACT MOMENT SHE KNEW RELATIONSHIP WITH JASON SUDEIKIS WAS OVER Despite the backlash the two faced, Wilde claimed she and Styles had the "loveliest relationship" that was "so sweet and so beautiful and really, actually, very domestic and kind and lovely." "I think that we existed in this, like, little bubble and the judgment never really got into that bubble, which was a miracle and testament to us making that happen," Wilde added.  Advertisement "I think that people were mad," she continued. "It’s almost like the happiness made them mad. I would go to shows and dance, and people were like, ‘You s--t! How dare you dance and smile?’ It really did upset people, though." The backlash she experienced while dating Styles was part of the intense scrutiny she endured while doing press for her film "Don't Worry Darling." On the heels of her split from Sudeikis, the "Deadfall" star battled speculation of tension on set while juggling the focus on her new relationship with Styles. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER The chaotic press tour spawned a series of viral controversies, including the infamous "Spitgate" speculation involving Styles and co-star Chris Pine. Wilde described the time in her life as "f---ing bananas." "It was so strange. The world was also in a weird place because it was COVID. So like everything was topsy-turvy weird," Wilde recalled. "But I've never felt more disconnected from the person that people were talking about. Like, I was like, 'What? Who are they talking about? Who is that girl?' It was also very strange to see complete fiction traded as fact." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Wilde admitted the constant speculation left her eager to set the record straight, but she said doing so would have only fueled the frenzy. "I wanted to be like, ‘Can I just talk to people?’ Can I just go and say like, ‘That’s not true?’ And it was like, ‘No, that won’t help.’ I was also responsible for promoting a movie...I was like, 'It's not about me. It's about this movie that everyone worked so hard to make.' And I felt like I was working on behalf of hundreds of people who had worked through COVID to make something really difficult. And I felt frustrated that I couldn't defend myself, but it also felt like, 'OK, it's not about you. It's not about you, just get the movie out.' And the pummeling that I took was so insanely disproportionate." While she felt battered by the public narrative, Wilde said she found comfort in the life she was living away from the headlines. "There was all this public madness, but my private life was very far from it and very actually kind of like wholesome and sweet...I had a lot of like real joy and love and happiness during that time," she claimed. "It was like the tornado was right outside the door and if you were inside you were like, 'It's so nice.' And then you'd open the door and be like, 'Ah, like a f---ing like cow and a tractor would fly by." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34763f1972385678332ccb Guía para votantes de las elecciones primarias 2026 para superintendente de instrucción pública de Arizona: qué opinan los candidatos sobre temas clave te 2026-06-18T22:50:39.954Z Guía para votantes de las elecciones primarias 2026 para superintendente de instrucción pública de Arizona: qué opinan los candidatos sobre temas clave Read in English PHOENIX — Los votantes pronto decidirán quién dirigirá el Departamento de Educación de Arizona y ocupará el cargo de superintendente de instrucción pública. Supervisar el Departamento de Educación de Arizona se ha convertido en una labor muy distinta en los últimos cuatro años, a medida que el Departamento de Educación de Estados Unidos ha sido desmantelado, las Cuentas de Becas de Empoderamiento (ESA, por sus siglas en inglés) han crecido de forma acelerada y las políticas de diversidad, equidad e inclusión han sido objeto de un mayor escrutinio. Los cuatro candidatos que buscan el cargo quieren hablar sobre las ESA, y la mayoría propone regular quién puede utilizarlas y cómo se emplean esos fondos. El republicano Tom Horne, actual superintendente y creador del programa ESA en 2012, busca un segundo mandato consecutivo (y un tercero en total) frente a la republicana Kimberly Yee, actual tesorera estatal de Arizona, quien no busca la reelección a ese cargo este año. Por el lado demócrata, el trabajador de salud mental Brett Newby y la ex presidenta de Glendale Community College, Teresa Leyba Ruiz, se enfrentarán en las elecciones primarias. La elección se celebrará el 21 de julio y la votación anticipada comenzará el 24 de junio. Los candidatos ganadores de cada partido se enfrentarán en las elecciones generales del 3 de noviembre. Al final del segundo mandato de Tom Horne como superintendente de instrucción pública de Arizona, en 2011, el Estado del Gran Cañón se convirtió en el primero del país en crear el programa de vales educativos conocido como Cuentas de Becas de Empoderamiento (ESA, por sus siglas en inglés). Las ESA redirigen dinero de los contribuyentes hacia la educación privada, con un vale promedio de aproximadamente 7,400 dólares por estudiante. En 2024, los gastos menores a 2,000 dólares eran aprobados automáticamente. Para el ciclo escolar que concluyó en 2025, había 1.1 millones de estudiantes inscritos en escuelas públicas y escuelas charter de Arizona, según el Departamento de Educación de Arizona. En ese momento, alrededor de 87,000 estudiantes participaban en el programa ESA. A partir de 2025, los estudiantes de ESA representaban casi el 8% de los estudiantes de K-12 elegibles en Arizona, y el programa fue financiado por la Legislatura el año pasado con casi mil millones de dólares, es decir, el 5% del presupuesto estatal total. Eso equivale aproximadamente al 8% de todo el financiamiento de K-12, según el Common Sense Institute Arizona. Al 15 de junio, el número de estudiantes inscritos en el programa ESA era de 100,713. En 2022, la cifra era de aproximadamente 12,000 estudiantes. Guía para votantes 22 de junio — Fecha límite para registrarse para votar 24 de junio — Comienza la votación anticipada 10 de julio — Último día para solicitar una boleta por correo 14 de julio — Se recomienda enviar la boleta por correo a más tardar este día 17 de julio — Último día para votar anticipadamente en persona 21 de julio — Día de la elección Calendario electoral Portal del votante Llame al 520-724-4330 Votantes independientes: Si está registrado como independiente, puede votar en las contiendas de los partidos Demócrata, Republicano o No Labels. Los partidos Verde y Libertario tienen elecciones primarias cerradas. El programa ESA permite que los estudiantes utilicen fondos públicos para cubrir prácticamente cualquier necesidad educativa, incluyendo colegiaturas en escuelas privadas, tutorías, educación en casa o materiales educativos. El programa fue creado originalmente para estudiantes de K-12 con necesidades especiales, que vivían en tierras tribales, cuyos padres pertenecían a las fuerzas armadas, que asistían a escuelas públicas con bajo desempeño o que formaban parte del sistema de cuidado temporal. El programa ESA de Arizona ha sido señalado tanto por críticos como por partidarios, quienes afirman que algunas familias abusaron del sistema al utilizar los fondos para comprar lencería, realizar viajes, adquirir motocicletas todoterreno y otros gastos. La fiscal general Kris Mayes mantiene una investigación sobre estos casos. Tres de los cuatro candidatos a superintendente estatal han pedido una mayor supervisión del programa ESA. Horne solicitó a la Legislatura que asignara 4 millones de dólares en el presupuesto estatal para contratar más personal encargado de monitorear y auditar el programa. Sin embargo, no se añadió financiamiento adicional al presupuesto. Existen alrededor de 76 programas de elección escolar en 35 estados, además de Washington D.C. y Puerto Rico. Hace casi un año, el Congreso aprobó el primer programa nacional de vales escolares como parte del paquete legislativo de política interna del presidente Donald Trump. Los estados deben decidir si participan en el programa, que comenzará en enero de 2027. A mediados de abril, la gobernadora Katie Hobbs vetó un proyecto de ley que habría convertido a Arizona en uno de los 28 estados participantes en ese programa nacional de vales escolares. “Existen costos fijos incorporados en ambos sistemas (de opciones educativas)”, dijo Deven Carlson, profesor de la Universidad de Oklahoma y director asociado de educación en el Instituto para la Investigación de Políticas Públicas. “Cada vez que se comprometen recursos para financiar dos sistemas educativos distintos, será más costoso operar un solo sistema educativo”. ¿Qué está en juego? El futuro de las Cuentas de Becas de Empoderamiento (ESA, por sus siglas en inglés) y su acceso universal está bajo escrutinio. Preguntas pendientes: • ¿Podrían las ESA volver al modelo de 2022, que limitaba quiénes podían utilizarlas? • ¿Podría variar el monto otorgado a cada estudiante según los ingresos de su familia? • ¿Deberían someterse a una mayor supervisión o restricciones los artículos adquiridos bajo la categoría de “herramienta o propósito educativo”? Para los votantes del sur de Arizona, es especialmente importante el acceso de los estudiantes con necesidades especiales que dependen de estos fondos para recibir servicios. Tras el cierre de las Escuelas Estatales para Sordos y Ciegos de Arizona (ASDB, por sus siglas en inglés) en esta región, algunos estudiantes tuvieron que inscribirse y buscar servicios en otras escuelas. Las ESA pueden utilizarse para cubrir esos costos. Medidas contra DEI — La diversidad, equidad e inclusión (DEI, por sus siglas en inglés) en las aulas y en los materiales educativos fue objeto de una orden ejecutiva emitida por la Casa Blanca durante el último año. En diciembre, la Junta Estatal de Educación de Arizona votó a favor de revisar los estándares educativos estatales, dando el primer paso para eliminar el lenguaje relacionado con DEI. Se sabrá hacia dónde se dirige este proceso en septiembre, cuando la junta analice los borradores propuestos por los comités. Según Horne, no eliminar ese lenguaje podría provocar la retención de aproximadamente 866 millones de dólares en fondos federales. Desmantelamiento del Departamento de Educación — ¿Está Arizona preparado para enfrentar la desaparición del Departamento de Educación federal, considerando que quienes más dependen de esos recursos —estudiantes con discapacidades, de bajos ingresos y de zonas rurales— podrían ser los más afectados? Los cambios previstos incluyen modificaciones en las políticas y recortes presupuestarios, mientras que el Departamento de Trabajo administraría importantes fondos escolares, incluido el financiamiento del Título I destinado a estudiantes de bajos ingresos. La brecha en el financiamiento de infraestructura escolar — El año pasado, un juez determinó que las escuelas de Arizona estuvieron sub financiadas por casi 3 mil millones de dólares entre 2009 y 2022. La prolongada batalla judicial presentó como evidencia escuelas deterioradas, con problemas de moho, y autobuses escolares envejecidos, ejemplos de una falta de financiamiento que el tribunal consideró inadecuada e inconstitucional para las escuelas públicas del estado. Según la resolución, la Legislatura debe destinar más recursos a los distritos escolares para el mantenimiento de edificios, la compra de equipo adecuado y otras necesidades. Hasta este mes, la Legislatura controlada por los republicanos había apelado para retrasar el financiamiento ordenado por el tribunal, pese a que la corte estableció que un plan y los recursos correspondientes debían estar listos para noviembre. Si el estado no presenta un plan constitucionalmente aceptable, la tesorera estatal podría verse impedida de distribuir fondos a todas las escuelas y el sistema de educación K-12 podría quedar paralizado, según informó Arizona Capitol Times a principios de este mes. La importancia de estas decisiones y de esta responsabilidad es la razón por la que Arizona Luminaria elaboró esta guía para ayudar a los votantes que desean conocer mejor a los candidatos que buscan supervisar la educación pública en Arizona. Seguiremos escuchando las inquietudes de los votantes. Si tiene preguntas o ideas para historias, puede escribir a: sconner@azluminaria.org o info@azluminaria.org. ¿Qué hace el superintendente de instrucción pública? El superintendente de instrucción pública de Arizona forma parte del poder ejecutivo estatal y es elegido para dirigir el Departamento de Educación. Los superintendentes están limitados a dos mandatos consecutivos y cada periodo dura cuatro años. Su función consiste en hacer cumplir las políticas de la Junta Estatal de Educación y desarrollar y aplicar los estándares académicos estatales (como las evaluaciones escolares) para todas las escuelas públicas de Arizona. También distribuye los fondos educativos estatales a los condados, certifica a los maestros, determina los planes y programas de estudio, administra el presupuesto para el transporte escolar, audita las cuentas de funcionarios escolares junto con la oficina del auditor general y supervisa la distribución de materiales y suministros educativos. Cada estado tiene una autoridad principal encargada de la educación K-12, aunque el título del cargo varía. Sólo 12 estados eligen a su superintendente mediante votación popular; los otros 38 lo designan por nombramiento. Arizona paga el salario más bajo del país a su superintendente de instrucción pública: aproximadamente 85,000 dólares al año. El salario más alto corresponde a Maryland, con alrededor de 337,000 dólares anuales, según datos de 2023. ¿Quiénes son los candidatos? Tom Horne Republican Incumbent Campaign Website Campaign X Tom Horne fue superintendente de instrucción pública de Arizona de 2003 a 2011 y posteriormente se desempeñó como fiscal general del estado. Además de impulsar la creación y expansión de las Cuentas de Becas de Empoderamiento (ESA, por sus siglas en inglés), también se ha pronunciado en contra de la teoría crítica de la raza y sostiene que los esfuerzos relacionados con diversidad, equidad e inclusión son una extensión de esa teoría bajo otro nombre. Horne, de 81 años, también está defendiendo una demanda que impugna una ley estatal que prohíbe a los niños biológicos participar en equipos deportivos femeninos. El caso continúa su curso en los tribunales. Según documentos que su campaña presentó este año ante la Secretaría de Estado, Horne afirma que “es el único funcionario estatal que lucha por lo normal frente a lo absurdo”. Kimberly Yee Republican Challenger Campaign Website Campaign Facebook Campaign X Kimberly Yee ha sido tesorera de Arizona desde 2018. Fue la primera mujer asiático-estadounidense en servir en la Legislatura de Arizona, donde formó parte de la Cámara de Representantes y posteriormente del Senado entre 2010 y 2018. Originaria de Arizona, Yee tiene 52 años. Apoya una mayor supervisión del programa ESA y desea que continúe siendo de acceso universal. También está considerando explorar otros proveedores para administrar el programa ESA, después de solicitar una petición de información para evaluar el mercado y mejorar las operaciones del programa tras salir a la luz problemas de auditoría y uso indebido de fondos. Durante el debate republicano del mes pasado, Yee citó un informe de la Oficina del Auditor General de Arizona que reveló una supervisión limitada del programa para familias que optan por escuelas privadas o educación en casa. Desde diciembre de 2024, el Departamento de Educación procesó automáticamente alrededor de 654 millones de dólares en transacciones del programa ESA. Brett Newby Democrat Challenger Campaign Website Campaign Facebook Campaign Instagram Brett Newby, de 43 años, es padre de dos hijas en edad escolar que asisten a escuelas públicas del área de Phoenix. Es originario de Arizona. Comenzó su carrera trabajando con estudiantes con necesidades especiales y afirma que reconoce la necesidad de las ESA para esos estudiantes. Es analista de conducta certificado por la junta y trabaja en el área de la salud mental. Newby apoya la intención original del programa ESA y dice que le gustaría que ayudara a las familias que más lo necesitan. La educación preescolar de jornada completa es una de sus prioridades, y también se enfoca en ampliar la Proposición 123, que financia la educación mediante la venta de tierras estatales. Terry Leyba Ruiz Democrat Challenger Campaign Website Campaign Facebook Campaign Instagram LinkedIn Terry Leyba Ruiz es la única candidata a superintendente de instrucción pública que cuenta actualmente con una licencia estatal de enseñanza. Ha trabajado en educación durante 35 años: primero como maestra de matemáticas y, más recientemente, como presidenta de Glendale Community College. Arizonense de tercera generación, es madre de dos hijas que están en sus veintes. Ambos padres de Leyba Ruiz se graduaron de Pueblo High School. Leyba Ruiz afirma que regularía el programa ESA y pide una mayor transparencia mediante un panel de control del programa ESA para dar seguimiento al gasto, poner fin a la aprobación automática de gastos inferiores a 2,000 dólares y solicitar una auditoría del programa. Apoya la educación preescolar universal y afirma que quiere retener a más maestros mediante mejores salarios y un mayor acceso a la educación, además de ampliar las oportunidades de educación y capacitación posteriores a la preparatoria, al considerar que la educación impulsa el crecimiento económico. Posturas de los candidatos Para ayudar a los votantes del condado de Pima a distinguir entre los candidatos en una contienda concurrida, Arizona Luminaria les hizo preguntas clave a cada uno de ellos. Los candidatos demócratas Brett Newby y Terry Leyba Ruiz participaron en entrevistas con Arizona Luminaria. La candidata republicana Kimberly Yee aceptó responder únicamente por correo electrónico y confirmó que contestó las seis preguntas que se le enviaron por esa vía. El superintendente estatal de instrucción pública, Tom Horne, no respondió a cinco correos electrónicos, dos mensajes de texto ni dos llamadas telefónicas solicitando una entrevista, incluidos dos correos electrónicos que contenían seis preguntas. Sus respuestas fueron editadas por motivos de extensión y claridad. ¿Apoya el acceso universal a las ESA? ¿Cómo ve el futuro de este programa? Terry Leyba Ruiz — Nuestra propia Oficina del Auditor General ha dicho: “Saben, no hay controles internos. No hay un proceso documentado”. Lo que significa que no están haciendo lo que Tom Horne dice. No están realizando auditorías posteriores. Esta tecnología ya existe. Esto no es nuevo. Simplemente tomaríamos un sistema e implementaríamos algo que otras agencias ya están utilizando. Así que eso es algo que podemos hacer de inmediato: proteger los recursos de los contribuyentes. Cada dólar que no se está gastando en la educación de nuestros niños es un dólar mal gastado. Y nos tomamos eso muy en serio. Como presidenta de Glendale Community College, fui responsable de un presupuesto muy grande. Sé cómo ser transparente. Sé cómo ser responsable y rendir cuentas. Rindo cuentas a los contribuyentes y al público por el uso de recursos públicos. Eso es lo que falta en este momento en el Departamento de Educación. Brett Newby — Yo diría que necesitamos volver a la base original de las ESA y trabajar para determinar: ¿es viable? ¿Es asequible? En este momento no lo es, pero ¿sigue siendo válida la intención original respecto al dinero y los fondos que se destinaron a ello? ¿Sigue siendo algo apropiado para financiar? ¿Y existen mejores recursos y mejores cosas que podamos hacer ahora? Y creo que eso es algo que, como superintendente, sería una de mis principales plataformas para analizar: ¿es viable para el futuro? ¿O necesitamos hacer esos cambios y trabajar con la Legislatura para realizar esos cambios y realmente analizar si podemos construirlo mejor para el futuro, de manera que tenga permanencia y esté enfocado localmente en los niños que lo necesitan, en lugar de tener que transportarlos en autobús durante horas cada día hasta donde necesitan ir.  Kimberly Yee — La libertad de elección escolar permite a los padres elegir el entorno educativo que mejor se adapte a las necesidades únicas e individuales de sus hijos. Apoyo a todas las escuelas, incluidas las escuelas públicas de distrito, las escuelas chárter, las escuelas privadas, la educación en casa y las escuelas tribales. Como ex integrante de la Legislatura, fui patrocinadora principal de la primera legislación que creó las Cuentas de Becas de Empoderamiento (ESA) para estudiantes con discapacidades. Posteriormente ayudé a ampliar las ESA para apoyar a familias de bajos ingresos, familias de acogida y familias militares. Las ESA universales brindan a las familias la oportunidad de elegir escuela, con aproximadamente la mitad del financiamiento por estudiante que recibe cada estudiante de una escuela pública de distrito. Como superintendente estatal, garantizaría una mejor administración del programa ESA, tanto en el aspecto fiscal como operativo, utilizando tecnología más actualizada para la plataforma financiera que proporciona el mercado educativo para las familias ESA, creando un sistema fácil de usar para las familias participantes y, al mismo tiempo, garantizando la rendición de cuentas sobre el uso de los recursos de los contribuyentes. Si resulta electo, ¿cómo se vería el éxito como superintendente estatal dentro de dos años? Terry Leyba Ruiz — Que los educadores sean vistos y respetados. Que destaquemos todas estas grandes cosas que están ocurriendo en todo nuestro estado. Veo muchísimos ejemplos maravillosos; que realmente estemos siendo buenos administradores de los recursos de los contribuyentes al no permitir que se aprueben gastos que no son educativos, que pongamos fin a eso. Estamos ahorrando dinero y podemos demostrar ese retorno de inversión. Así que es una hermosa combinación de: “Seamos responsables con los recursos de los contribuyentes. Destaquemos lo que está funcionando bien. Hagamos llegar los recursos a nuestros educadores. Mejoremos nuestros resultados en lectura y matemáticas”, porque bajo Tom Horne estos han disminuido, y debemos revertir esa tendencia. Y eso significa trabajar estrechamente con nuestra Legislatura. Financiemos la educación pública. Hagamos una campaña masiva en todo el estado. Nuestros niños merecen estar en escuelas bien financiadas. En este momento no lo están. Creo que eso es el éxito. Brett Newby — Creo que el superintendente realmente necesita ser ese pegamento que une, esa pieza colaborativa. Yo sería un defensor total de eso y pisaría el acelerador, pero ¿va a tomar años poder reconstruirlo? Probablemente. …Como superintendente, quiero convertir la oficina en un centro de apoyo para los padres. Realmente siento que, como superintendente de instrucción pública para todos los niños de Arizona, necesitamos ser ese apoyo. Esté uno de acuerdo o no, podemos educar a las personas y proporcionarles las herramientas y los recursos para tomar mejores decisiones, en lugar de decirles lo que deberían hacer y lo que no deberían hacer, y como comunidad aceptar a todos como seres humanos y como arizonenses, y poder ayudarles a obtener una educación de calidad con compasión, empatía y el apoyo de la comunidad que los rodea. Kimberly Yee — Debemos mejorar el rendimiento académico en lectura y matemáticas. Los niveles de competencia lectora de Arizona se encuentran en el percentil 25 en cuarto y octavo grado, según el Nation’s Report Card. Esto no es aceptable. Promovería una enseñanza sistemática de la lectura basada en la fonética. Necesitamos volver a los fundamentos de las matemáticas tradicionales. El éxito también incluye ampliar y promover la educación vocacional y los oficios, así como recuperar las clases de economía doméstica y talleres prácticos en nuestras escuelas. La retención de maestros se abordaría mediante un sólido programa de mentoría docente a través del Departamento de Educación. La escasez de maestros se atendería mediante vías alternativas para incorporarse a la docencia, invitando a profesionales jubilados a ayudar a enseñar en áreas con escasez de personal, como la soldadura. Seguiría siendo una defensora de los padres para escuchar sus preocupaciones e ideas sobre cómo mejorar nuestras escuelas. Los recursos financieros se priorizarían y dirigirían al nivel del salón de clases para maestros y estudiantes, donde más importan. Créditos Traducción: Beatriz Limón Mantén informada a Arizona El equipo de Arizona Luminaria está trabajando incansablemente para ofrecerte reportajes en profundidad sobre las elecciones de Arizona 2026. Ayúdanos a continuar con esta labor tan importante donando hoy a nuestra sala de redacción sin fines de lucro. The post Terry Leyba Ruiz appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34762c1972385678332cc2 Your 2026 Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction primary voter guide: Where candidates stand on the issues te 2026-06-18T22:50:20.504Z Your 2026 Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction primary voter guide: Where candidates stand on the issues Leer en español PHOENIX — Voters will soon decide who will lead the Arizona Department of Education and elect the superintendent of public instruction. Overseeing the Arizona Department of Education has become a different job in the last four years — as the U.S. Department of Education is dismantled, as Empowerment Scholarship Accounts have boomed and as diversity equity and inclusion policies are scrutinized. The four candidates running for superintendent all want to talk ESAs, most want to regulate who can use them and how the funds are used. Incumbent Republican Tom Horne, who engineered the ESA program in 2012,  is running for his second consecutive term (and third overall) against Republican challenger Kimberly Yee, who is Arizona State Treasurer and not running again this go around.  Mental health worker Brett Newby and former Glendale Community College president Teresa Leyba Ruiz will face off in the Democratic primary. The election is July 21 with early voting beginning June 24. The top candidates from each party will run against each other in the Nov. 3 general election. At the end of Tom Horne’s second term as Arizona’s superintendent of public instruction in 2011, the Grand Canyon State became the first in the country to create the Empowerment Scholarship Account voucher program. ESAs redirect taxpayer money to private education with an average voucher of about $7,400 per student. Expenses under $2,000 were automatically approved in 2024. For the school year ending in 2025, there were 1.1 million public and charter school students in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Education. At that point, about 87,000 students were enrolled in the ESA program. As of June 15, the number of ESA students was 100,713. In 2022, it was about 12,000 students. The ESA program allows a student to use taxpayer funds for anything they need, including private school tuition, tutoring, homeschooling or education materials. The program was created for K-12 students with special needs, who lived on tribal lands, whose parents were in the military, who attended failing public schools or were in the foster care system. Voting FAQs Here’s what you need to know to participate in the primary election in Arizona in 2026. Key dates June 22 — Voter registration deadline June 24 — Early voting begins July 10 — Last day to request ballot by mail July 14 — Last day to mail back ballot July 17 — Last day to vote early in-person July 21 — Election Day Register to vote or check your registration details Use this tool to check whether you’re registered to vote, which party you’re registered with, whether you need to update your address, or whether you’re on the early voting list. You must have registered to vote by June 22 to participate in the primary election. Get a ballot On June 24, ballots are mailed to eligible voters on the Active Early Voting List and other eligible voters who have requested a one-time ballot by mail.  July 10 is the last day to request a ballot by mail — go to the Arizona Voter Information Portal. If you’re in Pima County, you can request a ballot by mail from the county recorder’s office. Find links for all counties. Mail back your ballot by July 14. You can also drop off a mail-in ballot to be counted on primary election day. Find a polling place You can vote early in-person June 24 – July 17. See early voting locations in Pima County. You can also vote in-person on primary election day, July 21. Use this tool to find a polling place using your address and remember to bring ID. Arizona’s ESA program has been flagged by both opponents and supporters who say families abused the system, using the money for lingerie, trips, dirt bikes and more. Attorney General Kris Mayes is investigating. About 76 school choice programs exist in 35 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Nearly a year ago, Congress passed the first national school voucher plan as part of President Donald Trump’s domestic policy bill. States must opt into the program, which will begin in January 2027. Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill in mid-April that would have made Arizona one of 28 states in that national voucher plan. “There are fixed costs baked into both (school options),” said Deven Carlson, a University of Oklahoma professor and associate director for education at the Institute for Public Policy Research.  “Any time you are committing to funding two different education systems, it’s going to be more expensive than just running one education system.” What’s at stake? The future of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts and their universal access is under scrutiny. Lingering questions: • Could ESAs revert to the 2022 model, which restricted who can use them? • Could the amount for each student vary according to a family’s income? • Should items labeled as an “educational tool/purpose” be more scrutinized and/or restricted? Important for Southern Arizona voters is the access for students with special needs who rely on these funds to get services. After the closure here of the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, some students were sent to enroll and find services at other schools. They can use ESAs to do this. DEI crackdowns — Diversity, equity and inclusion in classrooms and teaching materials was the focus of an executive order from the White House in the last year. The Arizona State Board of Education voted in December to examine state teaching standards, taking the first step towards stripping DEI language. We will know where this is headed by September, when the board considers the draft material proposed by committees. Failure to remove the language could result in withholding an estimated $866 million in federal funds, Horne says. Dismantling of Department of Education — Is Arizona equipped to deal with the dissolution of the Department of Education as those who most rely on federal money (students with disabilities and who are low-income and those in rural areas) could be most affected by the shutdown? Sweeping changes likely include policy shifts and funding cuts, while the Department of Labor will manage big funds for schools, including Title I money for low-income students. The capital funding gap — A judge ruled last year that Arizona schools were underfunded by almost $3 billion between 2009 and 2022. The yearslong court battle showed crumbling, moldy schools and aging school buses as examples of inadequate and unconstitutional underfunding for Arizona’s public schools — which, according to the court, requires the Legislature to pay more money to school districts for building maintenance, purchasing adequate equipment and more. As of this month, the Republican-led Legislature appealed to delay the court-required funding — when it said a plan and funding should be in place by November. If the state does not provide a constitutionally acceptable plan, the state treasurer could be blocked from distributing funds to all schools and shut down the K-12 system, the Arizona Capitol Times wrote earlier this month. Those stakes and that responsibility are why Arizona Luminaria built this guide to serve voters who want to know more about the candidates as they campaign to be the person overseeing public education in this state. We’ll continue to listen to what voters want to know, so please reach out with questions and story ideas: sconner@azluminaria.org or info@azluminaria.org What does the Superintendent of Public Instruction do? The Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction is part of the executive branch of state government and is elected to head the Department of Education. Superintendents are limited to two consecutive terms and serve four years for each term. Their job is to enforce the State Board of Education’s policies and create and achieve state standards (think testing) for all Arizona public schools, distribute state education funds to counties, certify teachers, determine the course of study and instruction, budget for school transportation, audit school officials accounts with the auditor general and issue school materials and supplies. Every state has a chief official who heads K-12 instruction and the title varies by state. Only 12 states elect their superintendent. The other 38 appoint the position. Arizona pays its superintendent the least in the country — about $85,000 a year. Maryland is the highest at $337,000 as of 2023. Who are the candidates? Tom Horne Republican Incumbent Campaign Website Campaign X Tom Horne was the superintendent of public instruction from 2003 to 2011 and then was Arizona’s attorney general. In addition to starting and growing Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, he also advocates against critical race theory and says diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are an extension of critical race theory by another name.  Horne, 81, is also defending a lawsuit challenging a state law that prohibits biological boys from playing on girls’ sports teams. The case is still working its way through the courts. He says he “is the only state official fighting for the normal against the crazy,” according to paperwork his campaign filed earlier this year with the secretary of state. Kimberly Yee Republican Challenger Campaign Website Campaign Facebook Campaign X Kimberly Yee has been Arizona treasurer since 2018. She was the first Asian-American woman to serve in the Arizona Legislature, where she was in the House and then the Senate from 2010 to 2018. A native Arizonan, Yee is 52. She supports oversight of the ESA program and would like it to remain universal. She is moving toward exploring other vendors of the ESA program after asking for a request for information to assess the market and improve ESA operations after poor auditing and misspent funds came to light. In the Republican debate last month, Yee cited an Arizona Auditor General report, which revealed little oversight of the program for private and home-school families. The Department of Education automatically processed about $654 million in ESA transactions since December 2024. Brett Newby Democrat Challenger Campaign Website Campaign Facebook Campaign Instagram Brett Newby, 43, is a father of two school-age daughters in Phoenix-area public schools.  He is a native Arizonan who began his career working with special-needs students and says he sees the need for ESAs for those students. He is a board certified behavior analyst and works in mental health. Newby supports the original intent of the ESA program and says he would like to see it help families who most need it. Full-day kindergarten is a priority and expanding Proposition 123 — education funding from the sale of state land  — is also a focus for him. Terry Leyba Ruiz Democrat Challenger Campaign Website Campaign Facebook Campaign Instagram LinkedIn Terry Leyba Ruiz is the only superintendent of public instruction candidate with a current state teaching license. She has worked in education for 35 years — first as a math teacher and most recently as president of Glendale Community College. A third-generation Arizonan, she is a parent of two daughters in their 20s. Both her parents graduated from Pueblo High School.  Leyba Ruiz says she would regulate the ESA program — reverting to its original intent before it was universal and calls for more transparency with an ESA dashboard to track spending, end the automatic approval of expenses under $2,000 and ask for a program audit. She would immediately create an office of rural and small schools for a direct connection with the superintendent’s office, she said. She supports universal pre-K and wants to retain more teachers through higher pay and increased educational access, expanding post-secondary education and training, saying education drives economic growth. Where the candidates stand To help Pima County voters differentiate between the candidates in a crowded race, Arizona Luminaria asked each of them key questions.  Democratic candidates Brett Newby and Terry Leyba Ruiz sat down for interviews with Arizona Luminaria. Republican candidate Kimberly Yee agreed to an email interview only and confirmed she answered the six questions submitted to her via email. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne did not respond to five emails, two texts and two phone calls requesting an interview, including two emails with six questions. Their responses were edited for length and clarity. Do you support universal access for ESAs? What do you see as the future of this program? Terry Leyba Ruiz — Our own Auditor General’s Office has said, “You know, there’s no internal controls. There’s no documented process.” Which means they’re not doing what Tom Horne says. They’re not auditing on the back end. This technology already exists. This isn’t new. We would simply take a system and implement something that other agencies are already using. So, that’s something we can do right away: Protect taxpayer resources. Any dollar that’s not being spent on education for our children is a dollar misspent. And we’re very serious about that. As the president of Glendale Community College, I was responsible for a very large budget. I know how to be transparent. I know how to be responsible and accountable. I’m accountable to taxpayers and the public with public resources. That’s missing right now at the Department of Education. Brett Newby — I would say that we would need to dial it back to the original foundation of the ESA and work to figure out — is it plausible? Is it affordable? Right now it’s not, but is the original emphasis in the money and funds that went to it? Is it still an appropriate thing to fund? And are there better resources and better things that we can do now? And I think that’s something as superintendent, that would be one of my main platforms to look at: Is it feasible for the future? Or do we need to make those changes and work with the Legislature to make those changes in those sort of things and really looking at can we build it better for the future so that it’s long staying and it’s localized for the kids that need it versus having to bus the Kimberly Yee — School choice allows parents to choose the best education setting that fits their child’s unique and individual needs. I support all schools, including district public schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschools and tribal schools. As a former member of the Legislature, I was a prime sponsor of the first legislation creating Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) for students with disabilities. I later helped expand ESAs to support low-income families, foster care families and military families. Universal ESAs give families the opportunity to have school choice, with about half of the funding per child that is given to each public district school child. As State Superintendent, I would ensure better management of the ESA program, both fiscally and operationally, using more updated technology for the financial platform that provides the educational marketplace for ESA families — creating a user-friendly system for participating ESA families while ensuring accountability of our taxpayer dollars.   If elected, what does success look like as state superintendent in two years? Terry Leyba Ruiz — That educators are seen and respected. That we’re highlighting all of these great things that are happening around our state. I see so many wonderful examples, that we’re really being good stewards with taxpayer dollars by not allowing these expenses to go through that are not educational, that we put an end to that. We’re saving money and we’re able to show that return on investment. So it’s a beautiful combination of ‘Let’s be responsible with taxpayer dollars. Let’s highlight what’s working well. Let’s get the resources to our educators. Let’s improve our reading scores and our math scores’ because under Tom Horne they have declined to turn that tide. And that means that means working closely with our Legislature. Let’s fund public education. Let’s do a mass statewide campaign. Our kids deserve to be in well-funded schools. Right now they’re not. I think that’s success. Brett Newby — I think the superintendent really needs to be more of that glue, being that collaborative piece. I would be a full advocate of that and be on the gas pedal, but is it going to take years to be able to redo that? Probably.  … As the superintendent, I want to build the office as a hub for parents. I feel really as a superintendent of public education for all kids in Arizona, that we need to be the support. Whether you agree with it or not, we can educate folks and give them the tools and resources to make better decisions versus telling them what they should be doing and what they shouldn’t be doing and as a community accepting everybody as a human and as an Arizonan and being able to help them get a quality education with compassion, empathy, and support of their community around them. Kimberly Yee — We must improve academic achievement in reading and mathematics. Arizona’s reading proficiency scores are at the 25th percentile in fourth and eighth grades, according to the Nation’s Report Card. This is not acceptable. I would promote systematic, phonics-based reading instruction. We need to get back to the basics with traditional mathematics. Success also includes expanding and promoting vocational education and the trades, and bringing back home economics and shop classes to our schools. Teacher retention would be addressed with a strong mentor teacher program through the Department of Education. Teacher shortages would be addressed with alternative pathways to teaching, inviting retired professionals to help teach in shortage areas such as welding. I would continue to be an advocate of parents to listen to their concerns and ideas for improving our schools. Financial resources would be prioritized and directed at the classroom level for teachers and students, where it matters most. In Southern Arizona, we are facing the school closure of the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind — as the deaf students move to a shuttered elementary school 15 miles away and the blind and boarding students are told to find services with their local schools (across the state). What can these families do to get support and resources from the state? Does the state superintendent have any role in the closure of a state school? Terry Leyba Ruiz — Well, it feels like the state has a responsibility. This is a state agency. So the state has a responsibility. Again, silence from the superintendent. Nothing. As an educator, we spend our career lifting students and helping students excel. And we do that because we were drawn to making a difference that way. I see serving in the role superintendent as just a continuation. Rather than for my classroom, the whole state. And this current superintendent, I have crickets. He should be shouting about this. We’re talking about children’s futures and they’re not their needs are not going to be met. And yes, that might have been the original intention of the ESAs, for our special needs (students) But if you’re living in our Tribal Lands or or in our rural communities, there are no other options. And the state has a responsibility. And so I would be advocating at the Legislature. I would be advocating and talking loudly. I would look for help to find a solution for these students and their families. Brett Newby — I didn’t really know that there was a boarding program and I didn’t know that there were kids from all over the state going there. That’s so terrible. It’s really really tough. Well, I can say that for me as a superintendent, that would be, you know, one of the top things on my list is to be able to be a support for those families. Especially for the rural families and those areas typically did never had services that were appropriate for those types of students and so that’s why they were sent to and accepted into a program like that and so I I think it really needs to look at “What happened?” How can we fix it? What accommodations could be made to make things better or different?” But I think too for me is really getting the school funding formula fixed and really working with like-minded legislators whether they’re Republican, Independent, or Democrats. But really people that are vested in education of really fixing it because you know when a school closes especially a specialized school like that it’s detrimental for the community it’s detrimental for the families the students and it just should never happen in my opinion and so as a superintendent, I would be a full advocate for that. I want to bring people that are in marginalized areas, in specialized groups and different people that we really need our Department of Education needs to be representative of the people of Arizona. Kimberly Yee — School choice allows parents to choose the best education setting that fits their child’s unique and individual needs. I support all schools, including district public schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschools and tribal schools. As a former member of the Legislature, I was a prime sponsor of the first legislation creating Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) for students with disabilities. I later helped expand ESAs to support low-income families, foster care families and military families. Universal ESAs give families the opportunity to have school choice, with about half of the funding per child that is given to each public district school child. As State Superintendent, I would ensure better management of the ESA program, both fiscally and operationally, using more updated technology for the financial platform that provides the educational marketplace for ESA families — creating a user-friendly system for participating ESA families while ensuring accountability of our taxpayer dollars. Keep Arizona Informed Arizona Luminaria’s staff is working tirelessly to bring you in-depth reporting on Arizona’s 2026 elections. Help us continue this important work by donating to our nonprofit newsroom today. The post Terry Leyba Ruiz appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3471cf1972385678332c27 Beat the heat: Here are some of the best tips to avoid heatstroke during a hike this summer te 2026-06-18T22:31:43.004Z Beat the heat: Here are some of the best tips to avoid heatstroke during a hike this summer With summer quickly approaching, the days are starting to get warmer and longer, which means you'll be spending more time outside. Hiking, fishing, swimming, along with many other outdoor activities will surely dominate your schedule as we shift into the summer months. With that increased time in the sun, you will no doubt have to keep an eye out for heatstroke. Growing up in South Florida, I've had several first-hand experiences with extreme heat and have even seen what heatstroke looks like (spoiler: it ain't pretty). HEATSTROKE TRAGEDIES SPARK URGENT NATIONWIDE WARNING ABOUT SAFETY PRACTICES It can sneak up on you if you don't know what you're looking for, so here are a few tips to help you beat the heat and avoid a trip to the emergency room so you can enjoy your summer to the fullest. Heat exhaustion is a serious issue, and it may even be a precursor to heatstroke if you aren't careful, but actual heatstroke is a condition that often requires emergency medical attention. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial, so here are some key differences between the two. WEARABLE HYDRATION MONITOR COULD HELP PREVENT HEATSTROKE, SCIENTISTS SAY Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke The key difference and one of the tells of heatstroke is a change in mental state, so if a friend is acting confused or disoriented, call 911 immediately. It could be a matter of life and death. You've probably heard the saying, "it's not the heat, it's the humidity." That's not just an old wives' tale. The humidity can often play just as much of a factor as the temperature. I've hiked in both South Florida and the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the middle of summer, and the former has presented way more of a challenge climatically than the latter, even while DFW was pushing 110 degrees. The reason is that South Florida is way more humid in the summer months than almost anywhere else in the U.S., and the higher the humidity, the harder it is for your sweat to evaporate properly, thus reducing your body's ability to cool itself. I've often compared Florida's heat to a sauna, while Texas' heat feels more like a hair dryer. Both are dangerous, but that humidity will get you every time, so be mindful of that. If you're planning on hiking in the summer months, how you prepare could be the difference between a successful trek and an early exit. People are always cognizant of how much water they bring or how many snacks they pack, but what if I told you it's more important how much you eat and drink beforehand? That's right! If you aren't properly hydrated before your hike, it won't matter how many jugs or camelbacks you bring, you'll never catch up. Most people are already slightly dehydrated before their activity even starts, so make sure you drink enough water leading up to any outdoor excursion. The same goes for food. Hunger can derail your entire hike, so make sure you've fueled up properly before leaving for the day. Salty foods can help your body retain water better, while high-protein meals can help you recover quicker. If you start feeling any symptoms listed above, don't try to "tough it out." Start an aggressive cool-down period almost immediately after you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Some of the best ways to quickly cool down would be to find a shady area, apply a cold, wet rag to your head and neck, and start drinking fluids (don't guzzle). In a pinch, remove excess clothing and, if you have any, apply ice to your armpits, neck and groin area. It may sound weird, but that is one of the fastest ways to rapidly cool down after overheating. HIKER DIES ON ICONIC ARIZONA PARK TRAIL DURING EXTREME SUMMER HEAT It doesn't take much to go from heat exhaustion to full-on heatstroke, so the minute you start to exhibit even one of the symptoms, alert your hiking partners and take a break. You could be a couch potato or a lifelong triathlete -- heatstroke comes for us all the same. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! You can be as in shape as possible and still feel the effects of overheating. Hell, look at LeBron James cramping up against San Antonio in the 2014 NBA Finals. Heatstroke doesn't discriminate, and every year, elite athletes, military personnel and weekend warriors fall victim to overheating. Just because you are "in shape" doesn't mean the same rules don't apply to you as well. Follow all of these rules and guidelines, no matter your athletic profile, and you will be fine. It doesn't take much to ruin your day and end up in the emergency room (or worse), so stay cool this summer! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3471bb1972385678332c1e WATCH: Dem candidate grilled on stock trading after being duped with selfie request te 2026-06-18T22:31:23.551Z WATCH: Dem candidate grilled on stock trading after being duped with selfie request What began as a selfie request quickly turned into an ambush pressing former Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., on her personal finances and stock trading while serving in Congress, according to a video posted by a top staffer for Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va. "Elaine Luria, how much money did you make insider training?" the unidentified man in the video asked. "Your net worth went over, over 2000%," he continued. "It's a shame. You're so corrupt." MACE SOUNDS OFF ON STOCK TRADING IN CONGRESS, PELOSI REMAINS SILENT: ‘SOMETHING DOESN’T ADD UP’ The man repeatedly questioned Luria about the growth of her net worth during her four years in Congress. "How do you explain it, Elaine Luria? You were in Congress for four years, and your net worth went over 2,000%. Explain that, Elaine, Luria. Explain it.  Financial disclosure records show Luria entered Congress with substantial investment holdings. No major controversies over a spike in her personal finances during her time serving in Congress have been reported on. SPANBERGER DENIES ‘DEAL’ WITH SWING-DISTRICT DEMOCRAT AS GERRYMANDERING CLAIMS ABOUND STATEWIDE In 2022, as support grew for legislation banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, Luria loudly opposed these proposals. She argued that the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, signed into law in 2012, already provided safeguards against insider trading by lawmakers and federal officials. "This whole concept is bullsh--," Luria said in 2022 about banning members of Congress from stock trading. The confrontation comes as scrutiny of lawmakers' stock trading has remained a bipartisan issue on Capitol Hill, with members of both parties often facing questions about whether Congress should be permitted to buy and sell individual stocks while serving in office. Proposals to tighten or ban congressional stock trading have been brought to the floor over the last decade, but lawmakers have yet to enact any prohibition. SPANBERGER DENIES ‘DEAL’ WITH SWING-DISTRICT DEMOCRAT AS GERRYMANDERING CLAIMS ABOUND STATEWIDE The video also comes as Luria is seeking a political comeback in Virginia's competitive 2nd Congressional District. Luria served in the House from Jan. 2019 to Jan. 2023 representing Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, and is running in the upcoming primary to be the Democratic nominee to face Kiggans, the current incumbent, in the midterm elections. A general-election matchup between the two would be a rematch of the 2022 race, when Kiggans defeated Luria and flipped the seat for Republicans. Luria’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3471a71972385678332c05 Arizona Court of Appeals pauses judge’s ruling on election powers in Maricopa County te 2026-06-18T22:31:03.077Z Arizona Court of Appeals pauses judge’s ruling on election powers in Maricopa County Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap speaks at a Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Phoenix. On Friday, May 22, 2026, Heap referred 207 voters who he claims are noncitizens to the Arizona Attorney General's Office after weeks of sparring. (Sasha Hupka/Votebeat) The Arizona Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked a ruling that was favorable to Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap in his long-running legal battle with the board of supervisors over control of the swing county’s elections. Two of its three justices ruled to stay enforcement of a lower court’s order in the case to avoid disrupting the upcoming state primary. The other — Justice Brian Furuya, who was appointed to the bench in 2021 — dissented and said he would not have ordered the stay. The ruling puts the fiery feud within county government on ice just days before voting begins in a high-stakes primary election. The dispute has been ongoing since Heap took office and contended that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors usurped much of his power in a deal they struck with his predecessor. Heap, a Republican, sued over the matter last year. After months of back-and-forth in court, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney ruled largely in Heap’s favor on April 16, issuing an injunction that ordered the majority-GOP board to return control of several election-related functions and information technology staffers to Heap’s office. The board appealed that ruling, arguing it was too close to the primary to implement the court’s directives without risking a tumultuous election. In the meantime, the officials have continued to butt heads. Last month, Heap asked Blaney to hold the supervisors in civil contempt of court, accusing them of flouting his earlier ruling. He also sought to stop a special prosecutor’s investigation into whether his employees broke the law by removing a scanner from the county’s vote tabulation center amid a local election earlier this year. Ultimately, the appellate court sided with the board, issuing a majority opinion that leaned heavily on the so-called Purcell principle. That legal guideline, named after former Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell, calls for avoiding rule changes in the immediate leadup to an election. Justices Andrew Jacobs and James Morse wrote that Blaney’s ruling mandated changes that could result in “concrete, operational impacts on the public’s voting experience.” “The practical impacts of these changes, and even the injunction’s claim to mitigate practical harms for the voter, all demonstrate that this is no mere backroom dispute over accounting principles or organizational charts,” their ruling read. “It is, by everyone’s assessment, a live conflict hurtling toward real-world consequences in elections about to begin.” What does the appellate court’s decision mean for the Arizona primary? Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee, a Republican, said in a statement that the court’s decision was “a win” for voters. “Simply put, this court order averts potential chaos at the polls that may have resulted from the lower court decision, which sought to force the county to enact broad changes in election administration in the middle of one election and on the eve of another,” she said. A spokesperson for Heap did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. But the decision appears to halt his efforts to hold the board in civil contempt and avert investigation into the scanner removal incident at the county’s election center. Blaney said in a June 15 hearing that his authority to address those matters would evaporate if the appellate court issued a stay in the case. After that hearing, Blaney also ordered the parties to attend a mediation session. Spokespeople on both sides did not immediately respond to a question from Votebeat about whether that meeting would proceed as scheduled on June 22. It’s also unclear what the decision means for a separate grievance filed by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, who contends that Heap’s legal team is encroaching on her duties as the county’s top lawyer. Spokesperson Erin Pellett told Votebeat on Thursday that Mitchell and her legal team were “still evaluating the impact on their case.” This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346d471972385678332b63 New poll reveals where Americans stand after Trump agreement with Iran te 2026-06-18T22:12:23.561Z New poll reveals where Americans stand after Trump agreement with Iran FIRST ON FOX: Americans are nearly evenly split between favoring Iranian regime change and a negotiated U.S. settlement with Iran, according to a new survey.  Some 39% of respondents favor a negotiated settlement where Iran’s current government remains in place, with verifiable limits on its nuclear and missile programs, according to the findings of the Reagan Institute Summer Survey, while 36% favor replacing Iran’s current government with one more favorable to the U.S.  Another 16% favor a weakened regime where the current government stays in place but is significantly diminished militarily and economically, and 8% responded that they don’t know.  The findings underscore the political challenge facing President Donald Trump as his administration pursues a newly signed memorandum of understanding with Iran. While the agreement seeks to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions through negotiations, Americans remain divided over the ultimate objective of U.S. policy toward the Islamic Republic. AMERICANS AGREE WITH TRUMP THAT IRAN POSES THREAT TO UNITED STATES: POLL Republicans who responded to the survey favored replacing Iran's government by a 2-to-1 margin over a diplomatic deal.  Republicans were far more likely than Democrats to favor a more aggressive outcome in Iran. Half of Republican respondents said they would prefer to see Iran's current government replaced with one more favorable to the United States, compared to 25% who said they would favor a negotiated settlement that leaves the regime in place in exchange for verifiable limits on its nuclear and missile programs. The findings were nearly identical among self-identified MAGA Republicans, 51% of whom favored regime change while 25% backed a negotiated settlement. SHARP PARTISAN DIVIDE EMERGES OVER IRAN STRIKE, TRUMP'S STRATEGY: POLLS Democrats, meanwhile, largely favored diplomacy. A majority, 52%, said they would prefer a negotiated settlement with Iran's current government, while 25% favored regime change. Another 14% favored leaving the regime in place but significantly weakened militarily and economically. The Reagan Institute Summer Survey was conducted May 26 through June 3 among 1,555 respondents nationwide and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. The survey used a mixed-mode methodology that included live telephone interviews, an online panel and text-to-web responses. To better reflect the U.S. population, the results were weighted using demographic benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey, including age, gender, race, region and education levels. The poll also included an oversample of 331 MAGA Republicans under age 30, a group with a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points. The Reagan Institute is a Washington-based policy organization that advocates the Reagan foreign-policy tradition of "peace through strength" and sustained American leadership abroad. The findings come as Trump has defended a newly signed memorandum of understanding with Iran as a way to reduce tensions and create a pathway toward a broader agreement addressing Tehran's nuclear program. The memorandum establishes a 60-day negotiating period during which the United States and Iran will attempt to reach a more comprehensive deal. The agreement also includes provisions aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and provides limited sanctions waivers tied to continued negotiations. Several of the most contentious issues, including the long-term future of Iran's nuclear program, are expected to be addressed in subsequent talks. Trump has described the arrangement as a means of avoiding a wider conflict while pursuing what he called a "great settlement" with Tehran. He has also argued that the agreement could help stabilize energy markets by reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, while creating an opportunity to negotiate additional restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities. The president added that he agreed to a settlement to avoid "economic catastrophe."  "I didn't want to see economic catastrophe. If you kept this going, that could have happened," he told reporters at the G7 Summit in France. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346d341972385678332b5a Fox News Poll: Move over Big Brother, voters see Big Tech as greater threat to US te 2026-06-18T22:12:04.104Z Fox News Poll: Move over Big Brother, voters see Big Tech as greater threat to US As artificial intelligence (AI) companies race toward IPOs and scramble to construct data centers, a new Fox News Poll finds voters now view Big Tech — not Big Government — as the greater threat to the nation's future, a striking turnaround from seven years ago. By a 5 percentage-point margin, more see Big Tech as the greater threat to the outlook of the country rather than big government (52% vs. 47%). That’s a 28-point reversal since 2019 — three years before ChatGPT burst onto the scene — when more were concerned about the government (58%) than tech companies (35%). FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS DOUBT NEW AGREEMENT WILL STOP IRAN FROM DEVELOPING NUKES The swing toward a greater dread of Big Tech can be seen across most groups, with only a few exceptions, like very conservative voters (by 11 points) and moms (+8), who view big government as the bigger villain. Republicans and independents are split on which is worse. "As AI integrates into daily life, voters are reevaluating where power resides," says Democratic pollster Chris Anderson, whose firm Beacon Research conducts the poll with Republican Daron Shaw. "Concerns about government overreach are shifting toward tech companies, as voters question whether rapid growth has concentrated too much power in institutions largely outside of public accountability." Feelings on AI remain a mixed bag. Equal numbers describe it as either innovative or helpful or a bad idea (14% each). Another 12% are cautious, 10% say afraid or dangerous, 9% have mixed feelings, while excitement and curiosity/interested sit at 7% each. Fewer mention threats to jobs (5%), general confusion (4%), potential for abuse (3%), more research and privacy and regulation issues (2% each), fears of science fiction (1%), and preventing data centers (1%). FOX NEWS POLL: MOST RATE THE ECONOMY NEGATIVELY, INCLUDING HALF OF REPUBLICANS The share saying they’re afraid of AI, or it is dangerous has dropped from 16% in 2023 to 10% today, as most demographics feel less negative about AI. The clear exception is voters ages 65 and up, who mostly still feel afraid, concerned, or just don’t like it. There is also a modest rise in those who feel cautious or distrust the booming technology: from 8% in 2023 to 12% today. On the flip side, the number saying they find AI to be innovative and helpful has doubled from 7% in 2023 to 14% today. While most demographics feel more positive toward AI compared to 2023, this tendency is especially pronounced among voters under age 30 and nonwhite voters, each seeing double-digit increases in positive sentiment. Daily AI usage is on the rise: 18% of voters say they use the technology every day, up from 11% last June. The increase mainly comes from more men (+10 points since June 2025) and independents (+13) saying they use AI daily. Despite their skepticism, voters 65 and over say they are using it more as well (+4). Daily usage for voters under 30 is up 8 points since last summer. Still, many say they rarely (21%) or never (32%) use it, roughly the same as last summer. Voters balk at building AI infrastructure in their backyard. Two-thirds (67%) oppose having data centers in their area, including 43% who strongly oppose it, while one-third favor it (32%). Most groups oppose data centers, but the strength of opposition varies. Fewer than 6 in 10 men, Hispanic voters, voters under 30, and Republicans oppose them, while opposition increases to roughly 7 in 10 or more among women, White voters, those ages 65+, and Democrats. Some of the only groups to favor data centers being built are those who find AI innovative (68% favor) and those who use AI at least weekly (54%). CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE "AI data centers emerging as a political issue is one of the most intriguing storylines of 2026," says Shaw. "Opposing them is a short-term win, but attitudes about AI efficacy and regulation remain fluid." Even with mixed views on AI, a large majority remain confident they control technology (79%), rather than tech controlling them (20%) — the same as nearly 30 years ago. Women, voters ages 65+ and Republicans are slightly more likely to feel they have a grip on technology compared to men, those under 30, and Democrats. Conducted June 12-15, 2026, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,002 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (101) and cellphones (644) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (257). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the most recent American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis, and voter file data. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346d201972385678332b51 Dems raked in millions from employees at firms newly identified as 'Chinese military companies' te 2026-06-18T22:11:44.650Z Dems raked in millions from employees at firms newly identified as 'Chinese military companies' Democrats, among them some of the most recognizable names in politics, have accepted millions of dollars in campaign contributions from top employees at firms the Pentagon recently designated as "Chinese military companies" operating in the U.S. The Department of War on June 8 designated Alibaba, Baidu and BYD as "Chinese military companies," meaning that the three firms, in the eyes of the U.S. government, are providing assistance to the People’s Liberation Army through its military-civil fusion strategy or other means. Senior employees at these companies, including executives, have donated roughly $2.6 million to Democratic political committees since 2020, a Fox News Digital review of campaign finance filings has found. Notable individuals and organizations that received contributions from top staffers at these firms include Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic National Committee.  Donors to Democratic committees from the trio of firms include executives, top-level lawyers, lobbyists and, to a much lesser extent, rank-and-file employees working in areas such as engineering or management. The staffers made some contributions to Republicans as well, though the overall sum was far lower than what Democrats received. PLATNER’S ANTI-CORPORATE CRUSADE HITS AWKWARD SNAG AS RECEIPTS TELL ANOTHER STORY  The review included direct contributions, earmarked contributions and donations to joint-fundraising committees reported in campaign finance filings. It did not identify corporate donations from Alibaba, Baidu or BYD to the federal committees. "American politicians should no longer accept campaign cash from any Chinese companies. Politicians who have been taking campaign cash from companies like Baidu, Alibaba and BYD now realize they were supported by blacklisted Chinese Military Companies," Michael Lucci, CEO of the national security organization State Armor, told Fox News Digital. "The reason the Pentagon's list of sanctioned CCP companies keeps expanding is because the Chinese Communist Party imposes a 'civil-military fusion' mandate upon all Chinese companies, forcing them to assist in modernizing China's military with the goal of defeating America." "They all end up working to support the PLA. They should all be cut off from U.S. politics," he added.  The Pentagon’s Chinese military company designation via its 1260H list does not function as a traditional sanction, as Americans can continue to do business with the company. Biden-linked committees and joint fundraising vehicles were by far the biggest beneficiaries of the funds, taking in roughly $850,000 from employees at the trio of firms between 2020 and 2024. The DNC, meanwhile, had a haul of around $500,000 while Harris-linked committees brought in roughly $140,000. TOP CALIFORNIA DEM RUNNING FOR OFFICE TIED TO CHINESE SCHOOL ACCUSED OF US DIPLOMA SCANDAL Various state Democratic parties also received five-figure support from employees at Baidu, BYD and Alibaba. Newsom, per state campaign finance records, accepted $50,000 from an executive at BYD, an electric-vehicle manufacturer that his administration later awarded a contract.  Fox News Digital reached the offices of Biden, Harris, Schiff, Pelosi, Newsom and the DNC on Sunday for comment and has not heard back as of publishing. Pentagon officials are legally required to release a list of what it determines to be Chinese military companies every year. The first such list was released in June 2021 under President Joe Biden. The Pentagon’s 1260H list identifies Chinese companies the Defense Department says are "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States. Required by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the list is intended to warn U.S. businesses and investors about firms tied to China’s military-civil fusion strategy, though inclusion does not automatically trigger sanctions. New defense laws, however, have given the list more bite in recent years. The Pentagon will be barred from directly contracting with companies on the list starting June 30 and is currently banned from contracting with companies who lobby on behalf 1260H-listed firms. In 2027, the ban will be expanded to prevent indirect procurement of goods manufactured by Chinese military companies through supply chain intermediaries. WALL STREET BANKS HELPED CHINESE MILITARY-LINKED FIRM RAISE BILLIONS DESPITE RED FLAGS, LAWMAKERS FIND While Alibaba, Baidu and BYD only recently earned formal designations as Chinese military companies, their links to the CCP have been widely reported for years. The Wall Street Journal, for instance, reported in 2017 that Alibaba was assisting the Chinese government in its surveillance efforts against dissidents, and Chinese state media reported in 2018 that the firm had a large CCP presence within it. Some sources within the company told Reuters in 2019 that the firm had developed an app designed specifically to increase ideological alignment with Chinese President Xi Jinping.  Alibaba, however, has come out strongly against its inclusion on the Pentagon’s list of Chinese military companies. NATIONAL SECURITY EXPERTS RAISE CONCERNS AFTER MICROSOFT PROGRAM EXPOSED AS POSSIBLE AVENUE FOR CHINESE SPYING "There’s no basis to conclude that Alibaba should be placed on the Section 1260H List," a company spokeswoman told Fox News Digital. "Alibaba is not a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion strategy. We will take all available legal action against attempts to misrepresent our company." That statement also appears in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing made by Alibaba shortly after it was added to the Pentagon’s list. "Inclusion in the CMC List will not affect the Group’s ability to conduct business as usual in the United States or anywhere in the world because the Group does not do business related to U.S. military procurement," the SEC filing adds. "The CMC List does not impose any other export controls or sanctions, nor does it prohibit any persons (other than the U.S. Department of Defense) from business dealings with the Group or transacting in the securities of the Company." RICKETTS, FETTERMAN TEAM UP FOR CRACKDOWN ON CHINA'S ATTEMPTS TO PURCHASE US FARMLAND As early as 2015, outlets like Bloomberg News were reporting that the Chinese government was heavily subsidizing BYD. Wang Chuanfu, the founder and CEO of the firm, is a member of the Chinese Communist Party and an ally of Xi.  BYD did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Monday. In Baidu’s case, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology named the company as part of the country’s "national team" for AI development in 2017, with it later appointed by the CCP’s National Development and Reform Commission to lead China’s first national lab on deep learning technologies, according to state media. The firm, which primarily operates a search engine, reportedly assists the Chinese government in carrying out censorship.      "We categorically reject the inclusion of Baidu on the list, and there is no credible justification for adding Baidu to the list," a Baidu spokesperson told Fox News Digital "The suggestion that Baidu is a military company is entirely baseless. We will not hesitate to use all options available to us to have the company removed from the list." The Pentagon has defended its additions to the list. "After the Department conducted its due diligence, it identified 188 entities that meet the statutory requirement for inclusion on the most recent 1260H List," a Department of War spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346d0d1972385678332b48 Pennsylvania medical school hit with civil rights complaint over allegedly discriminatory scholarships te 2026-06-18T22:11:25.193Z Pennsylvania medical school hit with civil rights complaint over allegedly discriminatory scholarships Pennsylvania's Thomas Jefferson University and its Sidney Kimmel Medical College are facing allegations that several scholarship programs discriminate based on race, according to a newly filed federal civil rights complaint. On Thursday, the Equal Protection Project filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, alleging that Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) and its Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) operate or promote five scholarship programs that unlawfully discriminate based on race, color and/or national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. The complaint argues that because TJU receives federal funding, including grants from the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, the university is subject to federal civil rights laws governing recipients of federal funds. The complaint lists the Jackson-Minton Scholarship, Dominique "Rem'mie" Fells Scholarship, Visiting Medical Student Diversity Scholarship, Otolaryngology Research Fellowship Scholarship and the Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Inclusive Excellence as scholarships it alleges are unlawfully discriminatory and violate Title VI, the Affordable Care Act, Pennsylvania nondiscrimination statutes and TJU's own policies. WE ARE PULLING THE PLUG ON MED SCHOOL DEI AND MAKING US ALL HEALTHIER AS A RESULT Citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, the EPP argues that race-based programs in education should be put under the strictest scrutiny. "Equal access to medical education and training should be based on individual merit, qualifications, and potential to serve patients — not racial or ethnic group membership," the complaint states. "Discriminatory practices undermine public trust in medicine, fairness, and the integrity of the healthcare workforce undermining HHS’s nondiscrimination requirements and policy goals." A NEW YORK UNIVERSITY FACES JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION OVER 'BLACK MALE INITIATIVE' The Jackson-Minton scholarship is intended to benefit Black male students, and the Fells scholarship was developed for transgender or gender "nonconforming" BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students at the university, according to the TJU website.  Some scholarships are open to all qualified applicants, but the university specifically advertises prioritizing or seeking students from racially diverse backgrounds. The Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Inclusive Excellence says it is open to all qualified students, including those "who identify as African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander, LGBTQ or from a disadvantaged background." Similarly, the Otolaryngology Research Fellowship is available to qualified students, but the university advertises awarding one scholarship a year to a research fellow "who self-identifies as being from a group historically underrepresented in medicine." The university website for the Visiting Medical Student Diversity Scholarship also describes the goal of the program as being to "increase the recruitment of diverse trainees into the specialty of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation" and to support "those who identify as an "Underrepresented Minority." The EPP argues these scholarships may be open to all but, at the same time, they identify eligibility based on certain racial and ethnic groups. OVER 100 CALIFORNIA COLLEGES ACCUSED OF DISCRIMINATING AGAINST US-BORN STUDENTS IN NEW DOJ COMPLAINT "The scholarships that claim to be open to all but simultaneously identify eligibility to certain racial and ethnic groups signal to students not identified that they are not eligible," the EPP argued. "Here, TJU’s and SKMC’s racial and ethnic signaling is not subtle, but even subtle messaging can convey discriminatory preferences." The Equal Protection Project is asking the OCR to open an investigation into TJU and SKMC and "impose whatever remedial relief is necessary," including fines, termination of financial assistance and/or referring the case to the Department of Justice, to address the alleged violations. The complaint also asks the DHHS to open a formal investigation and impose remedial relief. "Discrimination in an institution devoted to training health professionals is extremely serious," William A. Jacobson, President and Founder, Equal Protection Project, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "HHS, which provides funding, has a duty to ensure that federal funding is not used to support – directly or indirectly – practices that violate the civil rights law." "Discrimination based on race or ethnicity at institutions receiving federal funding is unlawful regardless of which group is targeted or benefits," he added. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ZEROES IN ON UCLA FOR ALLEGED ILLEGAL DEI ADMISSIONS AS ELITE SCHOOL CRACKDOWN EXPANDS CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Thomas Jefferson University told Fox News Digital it "has not received notice of a complaint or pending investigation." On June 9, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into the City University of New York following a complaint filed by The Equal Protection Project in May. The investigation was opened after reports that the CUNY Black Male Initiative program discriminates based on race in violation of Title VI. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346cf91972385678332b3f Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Ivy student blasted after nixing 'working for a Jew' te 2026-06-18T22:11:05.743Z Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Ivy student blasted after nixing 'working for a Jew' Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world. IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER: - Ivy League student investigated after alleged antisemitic internship rejection - Israeli flag confiscated at Iran World Cup game while Palestinian flags remain - Israel launches 'Biblical Highway' amid campaign to erase Jewish history TOP STORY: Cornell University has launched an investigation into student Austin Franco after he aggressively rejected an internship interview with startup VryfID, explicitly stating, "Not interested in working for a Jew." The university swiftly condemned the antisemitism, referring the blatant discrimination to its Office of Civil Rights. VIDEO: Eight suspects were charged for alleged threats against University of Michigan leaders, businesses and a local Jewish federation. WATCH HERE: STADIUM BIAS: A viral video from the Iran-New Zealand World Cup match at SoFi Stadium shows security confiscating a fan’s Israeli flag while leaving nearby Palestinian flags untouched. Staff claimed they were following FIFA orders for the fan’s "safety." The incident has sparked outrage over an alleged anti-Jewish double standard, as tournament rules explicitly ban all unapproved political displays. SACRED ROAD: Israel has officially designated Route 60 as the "Biblical Highway," transforming the 4,000-year-old road into a historic tourist destination from Nazareth to Beersheba. Passing through foundational landmarks like Hebron and Jerusalem, the Route 66-style initiative aims to bring Scripture to life while firmly anchoring the nation's ancient Jewish identity against attempts to erase biblical history. GUEST EDITORIAL: Amjad Taha, a political strategist from the United Arab Emirates, writes that Iran's favorite export isn't oil, it's antisemitism. He argues Western protesters play into Tehran’s hands by targeting Jews following Iranian missile strikes against Arab and Israeli civilians. By contrast, the UAE champions the Abraham Accords, proving that regional coexistence, shared trade, and mutual protection offer the ultimate weapon against the regime's corrosive ideology. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "I was stating why I was not interested after you had asked to interview 3 times. I found out you were Jewish after the fact. My experiences with Jews have not been pleasant, both in person and online. This is not to say I haven't had positive experiences, but on the aggregate that is not the case." - Cornell University student Austin Franco, explaining his anti-Semitic rejection of an internship interview. - Looking for more on this topic? Find more antisemitism coverage from Fox News here. - Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe to additional newsletters from Fox News here. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346ac51972385678332ae0 TSA tells World Cup fans with newfound love of ranch to pack it in their checked luggage te 2026-06-18T22:01:41.429Z TSA tells World Cup fans with newfound love of ranch to pack it in their checked luggage The United States is a land of many condiments, and it wasn't until this year's World Cup that I realized we've kind of been gatekeeping ranch dressing from the rest of the world. Well, they've found out, and the TSA is issuing a reminder to fans flying around the country: bottles of ranch are not exempt from rules about liquids in carry-ons. The TSA shared a tweet that has been drawing plenty of attention, offering a helpful reminder to World Cup fans who may have developed a taste for ranch. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE Someone did point out a workaround that any ranch aficionados will be familiar with. Social media has been rife with stories of fans visiting the United States and discovering ranch, along with some of America's most calorie-laden condiments. And, can you blame them? I'm a born and bred (and very handsome) American, and I've even been overwhelmed by our condiment selection. You walk into a grocery store, and you see all kinds of condiments and any permutations of those condiments mixed with mayo. Forget Niagara Falls. Take a visitor to the condiment aisle at Walmart, and it'll bring a tear to their eye. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE Honestly, I've never been a huge ranch guy. I'm on record saying that once you turn 12 it's time to graduate to blue cheese. However, I forgot to grab some of my preferred blue cheese recently to go with hot wings, so I had no choice but to dip into my Wisconsin-native wife's ranch supply. I'm not going to lie: it was pretty damn good. Not sure I would mule a bottle of it to Europe, but I understand the impulse. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! I just fear for these new ranchophiles on their next trip to the United States, because we all know they're coming back to get their fix. Original ranch is the gateway to harder forms of ranch like Chipotle ranch and Buffalo ranch, and they'll want to take it home with them no matter the cost. All I'm saying is I'd hate to see someone getting strip-searched at the gate because they wanted to spike their in-flight meal with some Hidden Valley. That's rock bottom. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346ab11972385678332ad7 Tom Hanks jokingly swipes MS NOW's viewership while appearing live on-air with reporter te 2026-06-18T22:01:21.974Z Tom Hanks jokingly swipes MS NOW's viewership while appearing live on-air with reporter Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks took a swing out of left field Thursday to poke fun at MS NOW while appearing live on the network. MS NOW correspondent Jacob Soboroff was reporting live from the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, where some of the the biggest names in politics and entertainment gathered to launch the opening of former President Barack Obama's library and museum. Soboroff eyed the "Forrest Gump" star, who was busy hobnobbing with other attendees but eventually offered his time to the reporter. MS NOW LEANS INTO ITS LIBERAL IDENTITY BY ROLLING BACK ON STRAIGHT NEWS PROGRAMS, INSIDERS SAY "What can I do for the 800 people watching MSNOW?" Hanks asked Soboroff. "Alright, add a zero if you need to," Hanks then quipped. Soboroff took the joke in stride, responding, "I would say millions now that you're on our air." RACHEL MADDOW INVITES FIRED CBS CORRESPONDENT SCOTT PELLEY TO JOIN HER NETWORK AFTER '60 MINUTES' EXIT After the two discussed the Obama Presidential Center, Soboroff thanked Hanks for "adding the zero to our ratings today." "I gotta tell ya, I can hear the clicks happening before my very eyes," Hanks joked before walking away. Soboroff then turned to MS NOW anchor Katy Tur, appearing amused by the exchange. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS "Alright, thanks Tom. Appreciate that," Tur reacted with a grin. "He has been very supportive of the press, at least in the past," Tur jokingly added before referencing Hanks' donated coffee machine to White House reporters in 2017. A representative for MS NOW declined to comment. Hanks cheekily undercounted MS NOW's viewership, which averaged 691,000 total day viewers and 1.1 million primetime viewers in the first quarter of 2026. The liberal network, however, trailed behind Fox News Channel's 1.7 million average total day viewers and 2.6 million primetime viewers during the same period. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346a751972385678332aac Trump Redirects Millions From Secret Service Amid White House Construction te 2026-06-18T22:00:21.052Z Trump Redirects Millions From Secret Service Amid White House Construction The White House insists that private donations are paying for a new ballroom, but the administration is using taxpayer money for a series of security upgrades. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34681d1972385678332a07 Monday deadline to register to vote in Arizona primaries te 2026-06-18T21:50:21.347Z Monday deadline to register to vote in Arizona primaries Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3465ef19723856783329c0 Armie Hammer compares his Hollywood exile to being crucified: 'The nails are in my hands' te 2026-06-18T21:41:03.049Z Armie Hammer compares his Hollywood exile to being crucified: 'The nails are in my hands' Armie Hammer is comparing his exile from Hollywood to being crucified.  In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the "Call Me by Your Name" star — who was canceled after accusations of sexual assault and cannibalistic fantasies surfaced in 2021 — opened up about how the aftermath completely derailed his career and explained how he managed to push past the downfall.  Hammer was accused of sexual assault in 2021 by a former girlfriend, who also claimed the actor raped her "violently" and "for over four hours." Hammer, who was married to wife Elizabeth Chambers at the time of the alleged assault in 2017, was seemingly exiled from Hollywood following a series of text messages that allegedly detailed sexual fantasies, including references to rape, physical and psychological violence and cannibalism. ARMIE HAMMER 'GOT ZERO MONEY' FROM RICH FAMILY, LIVES IN SMALL APARTMENT AFTER CANNIBAL ALLEGATIONS: REPORT They were leaked online by his ex-girlfriend, Efrosina Angelova. In April 2023, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office confirmed there was an ongoing investigation, but the DA said there ultimately was not sufficient evidence to charge him with any wrongdoing. In his interview with THR, Hammer recalled the moment his father, Michael, urged him to take a stand against the accusations. "He was furious," Hammer said. "‘I’m going to call this person, I’m going to do this, we have to make sure they know this.’ He really wanted to go on the offensive." "I said, 'Look, dude, I'm already on the cross. The nails are in my hands. I'm not getting off this cross no matter what we do,'" Hammer, who had fled to the Cayman Islands at the time, recalled saying to his dad. "And the more I struggle, the longer I'm going to be up here." JOHNNY DEPP SAYS HE WAS A 'CRASH TEST DUMMY FOR METOO,' ACCUSES HOLLYWOOD PALS OF ABANDONING HIM TO 'GO WOKE' In order to cope, said Hammer, he had to accept his reality. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "That which you resist persists. That which you accept transforms," he said. "There was nothing I could say that was going to fix anything for me." "There was a period where I was obsessively reading what people were saying," he continued. "And then it hit critical mass, and I thought: There is no nutritional value in this for me. This is almost not even the real world. I realized I could just focus on myself and my kids and staying healthy and growing as a person. You can make that your purpose." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS During his interview, Hammer did take full responsibility for the scandal. "I made these problems for myself. This didn't happen to me by a fluke accident," Hammer told the outlet. "I didn't do what people are saying I did. But I brought very dangerous and unsafe people into my life, and I p----d off people in my life — and here we are." "I remember the emotional state and the mental state I was in before all that happened. Healthy people don't act the way I was acting. I would have loved if I could have had an opportunity to do it in a little bit more of a gentle way. But at the end of the day — you get what you get." His ex-wife, Chambers, filed for divorce in 2020, months before abuse, rape and cannibalistic fantasy allegations against Hammer publicly came to light. Their divorce was finalized in 2023. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34636c1972385678332918 AI inference startup Baseten reportedly raising $1.5B months after its last mega round te 2026-06-18T21:30:20.456Z AI inference startup Baseten reportedly raising $1.5B months after its last mega round Startup Baseten is reportedly close to finalizing a $1.5 billion round at a $13 billion as the “inference gold rush" marches on. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34616519723856783328f5 Off-duty ICE officer relies on 'sixth sense' to save drowning child before delivering message to critics te 2026-06-18T21:21:41.283Z Off-duty ICE officer relies on 'sixth sense' to save drowning child before delivering message to critics An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer is being praised for diving fully clothed into a Florida community pool to rescue an unconscious 6-year-old child from drowning. Speaking on "Fox & Friends First," ICE officer Gregory Simmonds described the moment he knew something was wrong and delivered a message to those who oppose his agency. "There was kind of a sixth sense going on," Simmonds said. "I jumped in the pool, swam over as quick as I could. When I picked up the kid, his body condition at that time, I knew immediately that this kid's [going to] need some sort of CPR." Simmonds was attending his son’s end-of-year soccer party in Pasco County, Florida, when he noticed a pool attendant pointing at something in the water. After asking one of his son’s teammates to check on the child, Simmonds realized something was wrong. He leaped into action to get the child out of the water, performing life-saving CPR. WATCH: ICE OFFICER MAKES HEROIC RESCUE AFTER 6-YEAR-OLD HAS POOL EMERGENCY "I was absolutely relieved. I mean I was at the right place at the right time. I'm just glad this kid gets a second chance at life. It was truly remarkable," he said. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted about Simmonds’ actions online, calling him "heroic" and noting that the child is expected to make a full recovery. "Officer Simmonds’ quick thinking, decisive actions, and willingness to place himself into action during a critical incident truly demonstrates the exceptional courage and selflessness of our ICE law enforcement," DHS wrote Tuesday. GIVING THANKS: REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS EXPRESS GRATITUDE FOR ICE WORKERS IN DHS VIDEO DHS also released surveillance footage of the rescue, which shows Simmonds jumping into the water and dragging the motionless child from the pool before beginning CPR. Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis connected the rescue to recent anti-ICE sentiment, noting that officers put their lives on the line to help others. 15 ANTIFA RADICALS INDICTED, 12 ARRESTED IN SWEEPING FEDERAL PROBE INTO MINNEAPOLIS ANTI-ICE OPERATIONS "This officer swiftly sprung to action and delivered life-saving medical care to this 6-year-old who drowned," Bis said.  "Our agents truly are the best of the best. They put their lives on the line to arrest the worst of the worst. Instead of demonizing ICE law enforcement, sanctuary politicians should be thanking them for removing criminals from their communities," she added. Simmonds echoed those comments, saying he and his fellow officers are simply trying to keep the country safe. "We're just trying to protect communities. You know, protecting the national security threats that are presented to us and a lot of the public safety threats for our communities," Simmonds said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34615119723856783328ec Knicks owner appears to take swipe at Mamdani at NBA championship celebration, stiffs photo op with him te 2026-06-18T21:21:21.825Z Knicks owner appears to take swipe at Mamdani at NBA championship celebration, stiffs photo op with him Last week, New York Knicks owner James Dolan and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani got into a war of words regarding team watch parties. Well, the two came face-to-face at City Hall to conclude the team's championship parade, and there sure appeared to be some tension on stage. During the watch party battle, Dolan said in an interview that Mamdani was not a real Knicks fan. Perhaps the mayor took that to heart during his speech at City Hall as, standing mere feet from Dolan, he rattled off some of the team's best memories while name-dropping obscure and legendary players alike — including Charles Oakley, whom Dolan banned from MSG after their notorious brouhaha in 2017. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Mamdani spoke for roughly eight minutes in a fiery speech about the history of the team, the grind to the championship, the heartbreaking seasons and the perseverance necessary to finally bring a title to New York after 53 years. Dolan, though, was short and sweet. "I don't need your vote. I don't need to quote to you what happened. If you're real Knick fans you know it already," Dolan said. Mamdani then issued keys to the city to staff and players, including Dolan and his son, both of whom seemed severely uninterested in a photo op. Both Dolans had handshakes with the mayor. MAYOR'S OFFICE HANGS EWING'S RETIRED NUMBER FOR KNICKS PLAYER WHO BARELY SAW COURT AT NBA FINALS PARADE The Dolan-Mamdani beef is hardly new. The spat began during the election cycle when Mamdani used the Knicks logo for his campaign, and the team issued a cease-and-desist letter. The White House then used the Knicks logo in a post shortly after last year's election to say, "Trump Is Your President." The Knicks reached out to the White House who then removed the post. "The Knicks remain neutral on political matters," the team said in a statement at the time. "We hope all our elected officials, whether current or recently elected, do a great job in office." Before the City Hall portion of the celebration, Mamdani, in a Knicks jersey, was on Karl-Anthony Towns' and OG Anunoby's float that traveled up Broadway. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34613d19723856783328d2 Family planning organizations sue Trump administration over Title X funding announcement te 2026-06-18T21:21:01.355Z Family planning organizations sue Trump administration over Title X funding announcement Various birth control pills available at a Planned Parenthood in Austin, Texas. The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and a family planning organization in Pennsylvania sued the Trump administration on Thursday alleging that it is politicizing the Title X grant funding program. (Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune) The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and a family planning organization in Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Health and Human Services agency on Thursday alleging that it is politicizing the Title X grant funding program and violating the intent of the law. Attorneys from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the national organization are representing the national family planning association and the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. The Family Health Council is a network of 19 service providers across 24 counties in central Pennsylvania that provide family planning services to more than 31,000 low-income residents every year, according to the complaint. Clare Coleman, president and CEO of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, told Stateline on Thursday that the organization chose the Pennsylvania network to participate in the lawsuit in part because it has been a grantee of funds since the beginning of the Title X program in 1970 and serves a large number of people.  “We’re very grateful that they were willing to stand with us,” Coleman said. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Yvette Kane, an appointee of former Democratic President Bill Clinton. Title X, established by Congress and signed by former Republican President Richard Nixon, is a grant program prioritizing low-income or uninsured people, including those who make too much to qualify for Medicaid, who may not otherwise have access to family planning and reproductive health services. That includes services such as contraception, pregnancy tests, testing for sexually transmitted infections and wellness exams. Abortion services cannot be covered by Title X dollars. The complaint takes issue with the 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Title X, which was released in April. Potential awardees must submit applications by January for consideration in the next funding cycle. The funding opportunity language states that all applicants must first meet an “alignment review” to determine their eligibility for a grant. That alignment is based on the priorities laid out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and the Office of Population Affairs. Those priorities include ending diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and gender-affirming care. The complaint notes that the decision regarding an applicant’s eligibility cannot be appealed. Contraception services dropped after ‘defunding’ provision hit clinics Coleman said those priorities directly conflict with the ones that were laid out in the last funding round under former President Joe Biden, whose administration emphasized the importance of health equity efforts and the inclusion of gender-affirming care for transgender patients. Coleman said that means it could be impossible for some applicants to be awarded funds, and that it would favor new applicants. “We believe that the funding announcement is designed to favor the kind of providers the administration would rather see in the program,” Coleman said, which could include clinics with a religious mission, such as crisis pregnancy centers or major Catholic healthcare organizations. The complaint also says those requirements directly conflict with the Title X statute, which mandates that HHS consider factors such as how many patients will be served, how much the services are needed locally and whether the applicant can make rapid and effective use of grant funds. The family planning organizations say the new application process is meant to further the Trump administration’s political agenda instead of fulfilling Congress’ mandate to “offer a broad range of acceptable and effective family planning methods and services” to patients. The guidance associated with the funding notice also shifts the focus of the Title X grants from expanding access to services like contraception to strengthening “family formation” and assisting clients in “achieving healthy pregnancies.” Clinics are instructed to prioritize and promote natural methods of family planning, such as menstrual cycle tracking, which is less effective at preventing pregnancy than contraception, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “The (funding notice) enables defendants to pick winners and losers based on political alignment, as opposed to merit and the ability to provide high-quality Title X services,” the complaint reads. “This is not how federal grants should be awarded, and, specifically, this is not how Congress instructed defendants to make Title X grants.” A hearing for the case will likely be scheduled in the coming weeks. Stateline reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris can be reached at kmoseley@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Arizona Mirror, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345f0e1972385678332873 'The View' co-hosts fret over Knicks owner accepting White House invitation te 2026-06-18T21:11:42.691Z 'The View' co-hosts fret over Knicks owner accepting White House invitation "The View" co-hosts fretted over the New York Knicks owner accepting an invitation for the team to go to the White House, arguing it put too much pressure on the players. "This puts the players in a precarious position merely because Jim Dolan is admittedly a good friend of Donald Trump's and to now put that on the players, your boss, the owner of the team you play for, is extending this offer, accepting this offer," co-host Sara Haines said. "I know you might get people that refuse to go, I just think it's not fair to take any of the flowers and the beauty of this moment and its unity, and try to then place it on the players' back," she added. The New York Knicks have received and accepted an invitation to visit the White House to celebrate their NBA championship, owner James Dolan confirmed Wednesday. TRUMP HYPES JALEN BRUNSON AFTER KNICKS SECURE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP: 'A SUPERSTAR WAS BORN' Goldberg defended the team going and explained why. "I want them to go," she said. "I want all those Black men to stand in our house and remind all of those people, as we try to remind the vice president, that when you try to destroy one part of history, you're destroying all of our histories. And they, as champions, not only as amazing basketball players, but as people who were down and came back up." "This is what this looks like," Goldberg continued. "So I want them to go. I want them to go. If only so the kids know that nobody, nobody can keep you down if you are rising up." Co-host Sunny Hostin said there was a reason why other NBA teams refused to go while Trump was president. "I think there's a reason why every single — the previous five NBA champions crowned during the Trump administration refused to go. I think there's a reason for it, and that's because he politicizes the events that come before him. That's one of the problems. I don't think you can separate Trump from the White House, even though we would like to, because it is the people's house," she said. "I remain very conflicted over it because I do think it puts a lot of pressure," she continued. "These players and a lot of pressure on the captain of the team, Jalen Brunson. I think it puts a lot of pressure because Jose Alvarado, the Puerto Rican player, was already approached and asked, 'Will you go to the White House?' And he said, 'I will do whatever my team decides.'" Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.  JALEN HURTS MAINTAINS HE 'WASN'T AVAILABLE' FOR EAGLES' WHITE HOUSE VISIT "We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted," Dolan said on WFAN New York's "The Carton Show." He said they "Still have to figure out the details, but, yes, of course, I invited the president to come down to the game, right? He is a friend. I've known him for 30 years, and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House." President Trump attended the Knicks' Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. It turned out to be the only loss for the Knicks, who went on to win the NBA Championship Series 4-1. The details of the Knicks' visit have yet to be finalized. "The View" co-hosts discussed Trump attending Game 3 earlier this month and noted that many blamed Trump for the loss. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "This man comes in, and he’s a fan, OK, but my goodness!" Goldberg said at the time. "And they are blaming him for ending the Knicks’ winning streak last night." Many members of the audience cheered that line, but Goldberg warned that they should blame the team, not Trump. "No, no, no, now, come on now. They were not playing great ball. That was on us," she said. "I have to just reiterate the fact that this man does not have that kind of power. We have to remind people. He doesn’t have the power." Hostin insisted Trump brought bad "juju" to the team by attending. Fox News' Armando Salguero contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345efb197238567833286a Rob Gronkowski offers advice for Patriots to silence noise around Mike Vrabel controversy ahead of 2026 season te 2026-06-18T21:11:23.241Z Rob Gronkowski offers advice for Patriots to silence noise around Mike Vrabel controversy ahead of 2026 season An offseason scandal isn’t what a team fresh off a Super Bowl appearance needs as they try to build momentum into the next season, but that’s where the New England Patriots find themselves ahead of the 2026 campaign. It doesn’t need to be detailed what happened with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini, as their relationship took center stage in NFL news earlier this offseason. And though the Patriots are trying to gear up for a grueling training camp, heading into a season as the reigning AFC champions, the questions, columns, talk shows and more are likely to continue. It’s never easy dealing with outside noise, and as much as players say they’re not focused on it, ignoring it altogether is quite the challenge. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM But one legendary Patriots player, Rob Gronkowski, is no stranger to dealing with outside noise from reporters and fans alike. Through years of success in New England, he’s had to deal with rumored turmoil in the locker room, the Aaron Hernandez scandal and more. "Gronk" is the perfect person to ask how his former team can deal with this type of cloud overhead to start a season, and he was quick to answer. DRAKE MAYE VOICES SUPPORT FOR PATRIOTS COACH MIKE VRABEL AS OFF-FIELD CONTROVERSY CONTINUES TO SWIRL "It’s as easy as this: win. You win," he told Fox News Digital, while highlighting his partnership with Ryde and its launch of SLEEP, the brand’s newest functional wellbeing shot. "You come together as a team. You work together, you work your butt off." Is it as simple as winning? History has shown, especially up in Foxborough, that is the case. No matter what was happening off the field, in meeting rooms or in the locker room, winning cures all. Winning shows a team is still getting the job done and has what it takes to overcome adversity such as Vrabel’s scandal this offseason, which can take away from the task at hand. "Everyone has to show that they’re accountable during training camp. That they’re accountable during the preseason. Once the regular season comes, you gotta win baby," Gronkowski added. "If you win, it solves all problems. It really does. It’s crazy how winning in the NFL, it truly does and you’re good to go there. You gotta win, baby." While Vrabel and his staff are staying in place for the 2026 season, the team is also returning much of their roster that led them back to the Super Bowl. And quarterback Drake Maye has a new top wide receiver in the building, as a trade for A.J. Brown finally got done with the Philadelphia Eagles to bring him north following the departure of Stefon Diggs. Again, it’s easier said than done when it comes to winning in the NFL. "Any given Sunday" is a phrase for a reason. But it’s perhaps even more crucial for the Patriots to keep doing so like they did in 2025 – New England going 14-3 to tie for the best record in the conference – to silence the inevitable noise that will begin in training camp next month. QUALITY SLEEP IS A MUST FOR GRONK It was back in high school where Gronkowski realized how underrated quality sleep was for a budding athlete. He needed to take naps before every basketball game he played after school, and it was a habit that followed him throughout college and into his professional football career. After all, someone like Gronkowski, an animal on and off the field, needs to be well rested and recovered to keep at it all these years. It’s why Gronkowski was excited to partner with Ryde, the functional well-being brand, and help preach how good their new, two-ounce SLEEP wellbeing shot is for users looking to fall asleep faster at night, while supporting sleep quality. "It just fits my lifestyle," Gronkowski said. "It’s a very organic opportunity that aligns with my daily goals. It’s all about being balanced. It’s all about the recovery as well, and that’s what this SLEEP shot does for me. You gotta get sleep if you want to recover, if you want to go hard all day, and you want to do it again the next day and the next day. You gotta get your sleep and that’s why Ryde SLEEP comes into play to help me recover." Between the SLEEP and fan-favorite FOCUS shots, Gronkowski knows he’s putting natural ingredients in his body, emphasizing that he’s "all about natural." SLEEP uses melatonin, GABA, L-theanine and chamomile to help users unwind, and Gronkowski finds it perfect for his daily routine. "This is my first time really talking about being a sleep advocate and I truly believe in it," he said. "I always took naps because I believe in sleep that much. If I get a full night’s sleep, I don’t need to really take naps as much. That’s where Ryde SLEEP comes into play. I can sleep through a whole night and be ready to go the next day." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345cb5197238567833280b Cape Verde goalkeeper rockets past sports greats in Instagram followers after World Cup heroics te 2026-06-18T21:01:41.821Z Cape Verde goalkeeper rockets past sports greats in Instagram followers after World Cup heroics When you think of the star power that is present at this year's FIFA World Cup, some of the best and biggest names surely come to mind. Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, among others, are some of the most recognizable names in the world for both casual and hardcore fans alike. But there's one player that you may be forgetting. A man who has rocketed to superstardom practically overnight based on the merits of his performance against a global soccer superpower. That man is none other than Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose scintillating seven-save masterpiece against Spain earlier this week has grown his social media follower count from one measured in the thousands to tens of millions in a little more than three days. CAPE VERDE SHOCKS SPAIN WITH SCORELESS DRAW AT WORLD CUP As of writing, the 40-year-old has over 13.5 million followers on Instagram alone, making him one of the most recognizable social media presences in the world. Truly mind-bending stuff for a guy no one outside a few pockets of the soccer world knew about just seven days ago, but it gets even crazier when you realize just how popular he is, as well as the stars he's passed up along the way. As I wrote about earlier this week, Vozinha surpassed Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes and his 6.4 million Instagram followers just 24 hours after guiding Cape Verde to a 0-0 draw against Spain. LIONEL MESSI'S GREATNESS SHINES WITH WORLD CUP HAT TRICK AGAINST ALGERIA What you may not know is that he also has a sizable follower lead on guys like NBA champion Jalen Brunson, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and world No. 1 tennis star Jannik Sinner. At this rate, he's even on pace to catch the great Tom Brady, who sits at a staggering 15.4 million followers on Instagram. Vozinha might be one of the few people on the planet whose follower count is higher than the total population of his home country (roughly 530,000 residents). WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE It will be quite some time before he catches the likes of Messi or Ronaldo, whose combined Instagram following exceeds 1 billion, but nevertheless, Vozinha's rise to a global household name has been impressive. If he can lead Cape Verde out of their group, who knows what that could mean for his social media presence? FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE In the meantime, I'm sure the only thing Vozinha is worried about is his next match against Saudi Arabia. He could focus on being an influencer at any point in the future. Right now, his country needs another heroic performance from him. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345ca21972385678332802 Climbing El Capitan while nearly blind: why Eitan Armon refused to sit around waiting for a cure te 2026-06-18T21:01:22.362Z Climbing El Capitan while nearly blind: why Eitan Armon refused to sit around waiting for a cure We spend a lot of time negotiating with ourselves. We'll start that project next month. We'll take that trip next year. We'll get in shape when work slows down. We'll try something new when life gets a little less busy, a little less stressful, a little more convenient. But imagine what we could accomplish if we let go of those petty excuses. Enter Eitan Armon. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE When Eitan was 20 years old, he went to an eye appointment expecting to get glasses. Instead, a doctor walked into the room, looked down at his chart and delivered a life-altering diagnosis. "So you're going blind, there's nothing we can do to help." Eitan remembers walking back to his car and crying — not just because of what he was losing, but because of everything he suddenly wasn't sure he would ever have. "How would I be a professional? How would I be a husband? How would I be a father?" he recalled during an interview with OutKick Outdoors. "There was definitely a transition period." For a while, anger and uncertainty were unavoidable. But eventually, Eitan began asking a different question. Instead of focusing on what was being taken away, he started thinking about the values that mattered most to him: challenging himself, spending time with good people, contributing to something larger than himself and finding adventure wherever he could. Fast forward a few years, and that mindset led him to Yosemite National Park, where he set out to climb El Capitan — the iconic 3,000-foot granite monolith that looms over Yosemite Valley and serves as the backdrop for the new documentary "Looking Up." The feat would be remarkable for anyone. It was even more remarkable for Eitan, who had never attempted anything like it before and was doing so with only about 5% of his vision remaining. Think of it like looking through a cocktail straw. "I like being outside. I love skiing and hiking and that kind of stuff," he said. "There was definitely a trial-and-error process and a training process because I hadn't done something like this before." The climb required far more than physical preparation. Eitan and his team developed systems that would allow him to safely navigate the wall despite having only about 5% of his vision remaining. Pieces of equipment were marked with textured tape so he could identify them by touch. Every detail was considered. What surprised him most wasn't the danger. In fact, Eitan joked that one of the biggest challenges was learning how to relieve himself on the side of a mountain. "Definitely going to the bathroom on the wall by far," he laughed when asked about the steepest learning curve. Watch Eitan Armon's full interview with OutKick Outdoors here: As for the fear factor? Well, being nearly blind may have actually helped. "A lot of times when people ask me about the climb, they want to know, 'Were you scared?'" Eitan said. "I think not being able to see actually is an advantage from that perspective because if you can't see how far you're going to fall, then there's actually less to be concerned about." That doesn't mean there weren't moments when reality set in. On the second day of the climb, Eitan found himself suspended high above Yosemite Valley, needing to unclip a piece of gear before moving to the next anchor point. "My heart was racing very, very fast," he said. "I had to go, 'Okay, I'm going to trust the system. I'm going to trust the gear. I'm going to trust myself.'" He took a breath and kept climbing. That ability to acknowledge difficulty without surrendering to it seems to define Eitan's approach to life. One of the most powerful moments in the documentary "Looking Up" comes when Eitan says that sitting around waiting for something to change shows a lack of appreciation for what he already has. It's a philosophy that sounds simple, but one he admits took years to develop. "I think initially there was some anger and there was some regret," he said. "But understanding that there were still ways that I could find things that I was passionate about ... it means that I have a lot in my day-to-day to be grateful for." HIKING ETIQUETTE RULES THAT SHOULD BE COMMON SENSE BUT APPARENTLY NEED TO BE SPELLED OUT That doesn't mean he's positive all the time. Nearly a decade after his diagnosis, there are still moments that sting. He misses details while watching sports. He occasionally trips over things or breaks something around the house because he didn't see it. "When those things happen, it stinks," he said. "When something hard happens, it's important to say, ‘This is hard, and this is challenging.’ And then also to recognize that hard and challenging things are part of life. Everyone has limitations. This happens to be mine." What separates Eitan isn't that he never gets frustrated. It's that he doesn't stay there. During filming, director Elena Neuman found herself struck not only by Eitan's resilience but also by the way he navigates the world. In one scene, the crew drives into Yosemite, where towering granite walls and sweeping vistas leave most visitors speechless. Eitan couldn't fully see it. "I said to him off camera, 'It makes me sad that you can't see this,'" Elena recalled. His response has stuck with her ever since: "Don't be sad. I can imagine it." Maybe that's the lesson. Not that we should all go climb El Capitan, of course. Most of us probably shouldn't. The mountain was never really the point. The point is that life rarely unfolds the way we planned it. Sometimes the future we imagined for ourselves disappears. Sometimes doors close. Sometimes our limitations arrive uninvited. Eitan's gift isn't that he learned how to ignore those realities. It's that he learned how to embrace them and keep moving anyway. "Focus on what you can control, and let go of what you cannot." Love all things adventure and outdoors? Follow OutKick Outdoors on Instagram and TikTok! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345c8e19723856783327f9 Obama knocks Founders at presidential center debut before America’s 250th: ‘Fell terribly short’ te 2026-06-18T21:01:02.908Z Obama knocks Founders at presidential center debut before America’s 250th: ‘Fell terribly short’ Former President Barack Obama said during the dedication of his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday that America’s Founders fell "terribly short" of the Declaration of Independence’s promise, while casting the nation’s story as one of generations coming together to make the union "more perfect." "The success of this experiment was never a given," Obama said in his speech, referring to the nation's founding just days before America celebrates its 250th anniversary on the 4th of July.  "In forming our union, the founders fell terribly short of the Declaration's promise, leaving slavery intact, allowing states to restrict the franchise to white men who owned property. But in drafting a Constitution and a Bill of rights, they did have the foresight, the genius, to provide us with a framework that allows each generation to make our union more perfect." The 44th president devoted much of his speech Thursday to outlining the work he believes America still has ahead, echoing themes he has emphasized in past appearances on the campaign trail and during his time in the White House. BIDEN CLAIMS CONSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS ARE BEING 'TRAMPLED ON' AHEAD OF AMERICA'S 250TH While the Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public Friday, the dedication featured a slew of former diplomats, officials and celebrities, such as former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, Steven Spielberg, Hillary Clinton, and former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden.  "And over more than two centuries, through petitions and protests, marches and strikes, moral appeals from the pulpit and conversations at the family dinner table – men and women from all walks of life, of every color, every faith, every region took up the cause of democracy and made it their own. Until, we the people, came to include not just some of us, but all of us. And that's why the story we tell in this building begins not with Michelle's origins or my origins, but with our nation's," he continued.  Obama also used the speech to champion what he described as shared American values and the importance of finding common ground across the political spectrum.  "Every president here today, as different as we are, has tried our best to uphold the values that John McCain and Mitt Romney believed in no less than I did," said Obama, naming the two Republicans.  "It is our greatest inheritance. The story of America at its best, because it reflects a basic faith in the decency of our fellow citizens and the possibility that, despite all of our differences, we can see each other and understand one another and make common cause together. That's what I hope every visitor to this center takes away from their experience," he said.  TOM HANKS, OPRAH, STEVEN SPIELBERG TURN OBAMA'S PRESIDENTIAL CENTER OPENING INTO HOLLYWOOD'S HOTTEST TICKET The presidential museum features an Oval Office replica, along with America’s founding and civil war artifacts. Among the historical artifacts featured in the museum are a print of the Declaration of Independence, a pen and ink stand used by Frederick Douglass, Lincoln's Bible, and a pamphlet by journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells. The center’s opening Friday follows a decade of planning and construction while facing scrutiny over rising costs, construction delays and public infrastructure spending. Taxpayers footed hundreds of millions of dollars in public infrastructure costs for Obama’s museum that constructed roads, transit, and utility updates around the campus. Overall construction costs were reported to be $830 million in 2021 and have likely climbed past the $1 billion mark. A recent Fox News Digital investigation identified multiple construction firms claiming losses ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345a361972385678332778 ‘Todos estaban completamente eufóricos’: Little Tokyo, en Los Ángeles, une cultura y comunidad durante una reunión para seguir la Copa Mundial. te 2026-06-18T20:51:02.720Z ‘Todos estaban completamente eufóricos’: Little Tokyo, en Los Ángeles, une cultura y comunidad durante una reunión para seguir la Copa Mundial. LOS ÁNGELES – Los cánticos resonaban por todo el distrito. Los aromas de los platillos tradicionales llenaban el ambiente y el orgullo se hacía sentir durante toda la jornada. La tarde del domingo, Little Tokyo, en el centro de Los Ángeles, se transformó de un histórico distrito cultural en un escenario de fervor y entusiasmo. Lo que a simple vista parecía una reunión para ver un partido se convirtió en una celebración de la comunidad y la cultura mientras Japón se enfrentaba a los Países Bajos en lo que terminó siendo uno de los mejores encuentros hasta ahora de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026. Desde el Valle de San Fernando hasta Ohio e incluso desde Japón, los aficionados abarrotaron los restaurantes y tiendas temporales del distrito en una muestra de aprecio por la cultura japonesa. Aunque, como ocurre en muchas comunidades urbanas, existen preocupaciones relacionadas con la gentrificación, en esta ocasión Little Tokyo fue el corazón del centro de Los Ángeles. La Copa Mundial simplemente elevó aún más la intensidad. “Ver a la comunidad reunirse y congregarse con un mismo propósito para ver el partido es algo realmente especial”, dijo el aficionado Bryce Townsend. Aunque la comunidad se unió para este partido de fútbol, otro aficionado, Rick Shimada, destacó la convergencia de diversas culturas. “No todos somos japoneses”, comentó Shimada. “Tenemos muchos amigos de ascendencia japonesa mixta, personas que vienen de Japón y personas como yo, cuyos padres llegaron a este país. Todos nos reunimos en Little Tokyo por el amor que sentimos por esta cultura y esta comunidad”. Otra aficionada, Ai Kusayanagi, consideró que Little Tokyo representaba un soplo de aire fresco. “Estuve estudiando en una universidad de Japón durante los últimos cuatro años”, señaló Kusayanagi. “Es agradable ver cuánto ha crecido este lugar con el paso de los años, especialmente con toda la gente que está aquí hoy”. Ai Kusayanagi y una amiga posan frente a la reunión para ver el partido mientras apoyan a Japón el domingo. (Foto de Tony Carter/Cronkite Noticias) Little Tokyo fue fundado en 1885, cuando un marinero japonés abrió un restaurante en First Street. Para 1900, varios negocios más habían abierto sus puertas y la comunidad japonesa experimentó un notable crecimiento. Hoy en día, más de 170,000 japoneses-estadounidenses viven en Los Ángeles, según el Pew Research Center, lo que convierte a la ciudad en el segundo lugar con mayor población de japoneses-estadounidenses después de Honolulu. De esos 170,000 residentes, al menos 40,000 viven en Little Tokyo. Al ser consultado sobre la evolución de Little Tokyo, Townsend atribuyó su crecimiento a la diversidad de culturas que visitan el distrito. “Little Tokyo solía estar muy, muy vacío y ser muy tranquilo”, dijo Townsend. “Desde que he ido creciendo, se ha vuelto mucho más popular. Personas de diferentes culturas de todas partes vienen aquí, y es genial ver que todos lo disfrutan”. El impacto de la Copa Mundial en el turismo es significativo, especialmente en Los Ángeles. Aficionados se reúnen para ver el partido entre Japón y los Países Bajos en la Copa Mundial. (Foto de Tony Carter/Cronkite Noticias) “Cada vez viene más gente”, dijo Townsend. “Están buscando lugares para ver el partido y, además, es muy divertido”. Kusayanagi comentó que le parecía “genial ver distintos negocios siempre llenos de gente”. Shimada trabaja en Little Akihabara, un centro de cultura pop ubicado en el corazón de Little Tokyo que alberga numerosas tiendas temporales, y ha notado una diferencia. “Contamos la cantidad de personas que entran a nuestra tienda y ayer recibimos muchas más de lo habitual”, señaló Shimada. “Definitivamente está atrayendo a más gente”. La comunidad japonesa de Los Ángeles siempre ha tenido una gran afinidad por el béisbol, especialmente desde que la superestrella Shohei Ohtani juega con los Dodgers de Los Ángeles. Sin embargo, Townsend y Shimada consideran llamativo que, en esta ocasión, la atención de los aficionados esté centrada en el fútbol y en la Copa Mundial. “Todos sienten una enorme pasión cuando se trata de nuestras selecciones nacionales, ya sea que vivan en Japón o aquí”, afirmó Townsend. “Aunque sea un deporte más pequeño para nosotros, creo que estamos más concentrados y somos más apasionados”. Shimada cree que “gracias a los Dodgers, Little Tokyo se ha convertido en un punto de referencia cultural para todos, y ahora el fútbol y la Copa Mundial están reforzando esa dinámica. Ambos generan un impacto positivo entre sí”. Tras una primera mitad sin goles, el partido se transformó en un festival ofensivo durante la segunda parte. Perdiendo 2-1 en el minuto 88, el mediocampista japonés Daichi Kamada empató el encuentro. Un rugido ensordecedor estalló entre los aficionados japoneses para poner el broche de oro a un gran partido de fútbol. “Fue un partido increíble”, dijo Shimada. “Todos estaban completamente eufóricos”. Aunque Little Tokyo es un centro de la cultura japonesa en Los Ángeles, el domingo se convirtió en un puente que unió a personas de distintas culturas. “La gente ve la pasión que sentimos y también termina enamorándose de la cultura”, comentó Townsend. “Aunque no sean japoneses, están aquí apoyando y disfrutando”. “De eso se trata todo esto”. The post ‘Todos estaban completamente eufóricos’: Little Tokyo, en Los Ángeles, une cultura y comunidad durante una reunión para seguir la Copa Mundial. appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3457b419723856783326e9 Snap spins off AI video team into new company, Dotmo, due to costs te 2026-06-18T20:40:20.157Z Snap spins off AI video team into new company, Dotmo, due to costs The Snapchat maker is spinning off yet another internal unit. Dotmo will be comprised of current Snap staff who are leaving the social media company to focus on AI video development. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34559a1972385678332112 As Trump’s immigration dragnet grows, so do complaints of ICE detention center conditions te 2026-06-18T20:31:23.000Z As Trump’s immigration dragnet grows, so do complaints of ICE detention center conditions The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Farmville Detention Center in Virginia, pictured in December 2019. (Photo: Screenshot of ICE courtesy video) WASHINGTON — When the overhead lights turn off at the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia, it not only means that night has arrived for Aliaksei Scharbachenia, but that panic attacks will soon follow. The attacks, which started after his detention began last August, he said, have only grown worse, stemming from the fear that he will be returned to his country of Belarus and face persecution due to his opposition to the authoritarian government. “With the panic attacks, I was able to take care of myself before,” he said in Russian. “But now it’s kind of getting worse, so I really need some medication, which will help me.” States Newsroom interviewed Scharbachenia over Zoom with the help of an interpreter. As the Trump administration increases the scale of its immigrant detention program, now up to 68,000 immigrants in custody, reports have surfaced of inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities like the one housing Scharbachenia. Congress recently boosted funding for immigration enforcement by $70 billion over three years, through the end of President Donald Trump’s term. ICE acknowledged receiving, but did not respond to, a detailed list of questions from States Newsroom regarding Scharbachenia’s treatment at Farmville. Ailments ignored The front entrance to the ICE Farmville Detention Center in 2010. (Photo by Paul Caffrey/ICE) The nightly panic attacks, and the lack of medication to treat them, are not the only health issues that 37-year-old Scharbachenia said he has brought to medical staff at the Virginia facility. He’s lost feeling in his right pinky and ring fingers, which he attributes to an-egg sized mass that developed on the back of his biceps during his 11-month detention. The few items that he purchased at the center – earplugs and a small blanket – were confiscated after he spent two weeks in solitary confinement after sharing know-your-rights information to newly arrived immigrants, he said.  “I totally understand that’s another way of punishment to beat me, you know, so I will be quiet,” Scharbachenia said of his two weeks in solitary confinement. Scharbachenia told States Newsroom that on May 20,  ICE agents tried to deport him to Belarus, despite his active legal petition challenging his detention. He said he was eventually placed on a deportation flight back to the United States from Turkey, his hands and feet bound for the nine-hour journey, and returned to the Farmville detention.   States Newsroom could not independently verify the May 20 deportation attempt, and ICE did not respond to questions about it. Poor conditions at multiple facilities  Scharbachenia’s complaints fit a pattern of reports from independent government inspectors that have found unsafe conditions and inadequate medical care provided to immigrants detained in facilities in Texas and Louisiana.   A recent report from the Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog found a detention center in Louisiana failed to ensure sanitary conditions, properly store perishable food, report use-of-force incidents and maintain medical records of detainees.  Congress this month passed the three-year, $70 billion immigration enforcement package that contains no restraints on ICE activities. The tens of billions in funding is on top of roughly $170 billion provided to DHS last year for detention and deportations.  Democratic lawmakers conducting oversight visits at some facilities have raised concerns about poor conditions and lack of medical care provided.  U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a New York Democrat who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said during a recent press conference that the additional $70 billion in funding will only continue a “detention and deportation industry that profits from human suffering.”  New Jersey facility Delaney Hall in New Jersey. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor) Civil rights groups have filed two major lawsuits charging poor and inadequate conditions at detention centers in Texas and New Jersey run by ICE and private contractors. In New Jersey, Sen. Andy Kim called for the Delaney Hall facility to be shut down after detained immigrants went on a hunger strike to protest their conditions. While Kim and dozens of advocates demonstrated at the facility, he was hit with pepper smoke deployed by immigration officers.  “At Delaney Hall, we learned of unsanitary living conditions, lack of adequate medical care and unhealthy food,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said after conducting oversight at the facility. “The situation is unacceptable. Delaney Hall must be shut down immediately.” In response to the criticism of poor conditions at Delaney Hall, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin argued before lawmakers that the detention centers have higher standards than jails and prisons. He described the complaints about food as detainees wanting “ethnic food.” With House Democrats in the minority, the authority to make unannounced oversight visits at any federal facility that houses immigrants is one of the few tools they have. The power is codified in a 2019 appropriations law, but the Trump administration has not adhered to that policy.  Democrats have sued to regain access in a case now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Outbreaks at Farmville Prior to Trump’s current deportation push, lawmakers had raised concerns about issues at the detention center where Scharbachenia is held. In 2019, a mumps outbreak started at the facility, and in 2020, 93% of the detained population contracted the coronavirus. Roughly now three-quarters of the immigrants detained at Farmville, nearly 500, have no criminal record, according to the most recent government data. On the campaign trail, the president vowed to focus enforcement on immigrants with criminal records, but those in detention are there on a civil charge of violating U.S. immigration law.  Virginia Democrats have continued to conduct oversight of the facility.  U.S. Sen. Mark Warner went last August to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was transferred to Farmville after the Trump administration brought him back to the U.S. after erroneously deporting him to a brutal mega-prison in El Salvador. Warner also raised concerns about the facility during the coronavirus outbreak in 2020.  During his August visit, Warner’s office said he “secured a commitment from the facility’s private operator to work with legislators to address concerns regarding food quality and access to health care.” Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine also visited the facility in March and his office said he “continues to track conditions there closely.” Scharbachenia, who is still detained at Farmville, has a pending habeas corpus petition, which is challenging his detention.  He has a final order of removal from an immigration judge, but said if he is removed back to Belarus, the country’s special police force will be waiting for him, “along with electric shock torture and death.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3455711972385678332106 Arizona’s utility watchdog has become the utilities’ guard dog te 2026-06-18T20:30:41.532Z Arizona’s utility watchdog has become the utilities’ guard dog Abhay Padgaonkar The Arizona Corporation Commission is supposed to protect customers from monopoly utilities, but a blistering new Arizona Court of Appeals decision shows the opposite happened in a major APS rate case. The commission’s hearing process helped create, defend and preserve a utility-friendly solar charge that APS itself had not requested. That is a troubling sign of regulatory capture reaching into the commission’s own courtroom. APS proposed the same rate increase for solar and nonsolar residential customers. It also said the cost study later used to justify the solar charge was meant for future cases. Administrative Law Judge Sarah Harpring recommended the charge anyway.  The court described it as “something no one asked for.” Harpring introduced the charge after the hearing was over. Customers had not been told it was under consideration and had no fair chance to challenge it. That is not neutral judging. The commission grudgingly ordered a rehearing, acknowledging that challengers needed another opportunity to be heard and present evidence. But the second hearing was a farce. Administrative Law Judge Belinda Martin treated the key cost study as largely untouchable. She limited challenges to the commission’s reasoning, allowed reliance on testimony that could not be meaningfully cross-examined and put the burden on customers to prove why the charge should be removed. The state Court of Appeals forcefully rejected that approach. Due process, it said, is “a right, not a favor.” The court threw out both the solar charge and the second decision approving it. This case is about more than rooftop solar. Commission staff and administrative judges are supposed to test the commissioners’ decisions against the facts and the law — not help build a desired result and then block challenges to it. The same pattern has appeared elsewhere. On renewable-energy and energy-efficiency rules, the commission chose the result first and directed staff to carry it out. On formula rates, it pushed toward more automatic utility rate increases while fighting over whether normal public protections applied. The issue is how an agency with exclusive ratemaking authority behaves: decide first, narrow public input, and treat legal safeguards as obstacles. And the commissioners cannot blame the judges. Harpring and Martin made recommendations. The elected commissioners turned them into official orders. They approved a surprise charge after being warned that nobody had proposed it and customers had never had a fair chance to fight it. Then they approved a second process that protected the first decision instead of honestly reconsidering it. They also used the commission’s public platform to sell the result. In a December 2024 news release, then-commissioner and now Chairman Nick Myers declared that rooftop-solar customers paid less than 70% of their cost of service and were being subsidized by non-solar customers. He said the rehearing confirmed that conclusion and called the charge “just and reasonable.” But the court found that the rehearing was not the fair test the commission claimed. The key study was shielded from full reconsideration, evidence challenging it was restricted, and the burden was wrongly placed on customers instead of APS. The commission promoted a disputed result as settled fact while the process beneath it remained deeply flawed. It used one flawed decision to protect another. A regulator is captured when it stops asking whether a monopoly has proved its case and starts asking how the monopoly’s advantage can be saved. An administrative court is captured when legal procedure becomes the tool for saving it. A captured regulator is dangerous. A captured hearing process is worse – it gives favoritism the appearance of law. Arizona ratepayers deserve utility watchdogs, not judicial robes placed on utility guard dogs. Abhay Padgaonkar is a management consultant and longtime consumer advocate.  The post Arizona’s utility watchdog has become the utilities’ guard dog first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34532e19723856783320b7 NYPD officers stop Knicks player Tyler Kolek during championship parade in viral moment te 2026-06-18T20:21:02.896Z NYPD officers stop Knicks player Tyler Kolek during championship parade in viral moment All types of law enforcement and security were present on the streets of New York City on Thursday, as the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals victory parade sent the Big Apple into a frenzy of celebration. The main goal? Keep everyone safe and make sure things don’t go overboard like several watch parties and post-win celebrations did during the team’s historic playoff run. Unfortunately for a couple of NYPD officers, they have now gone viral for not recognizing one of the Knicks’ players. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Tyler Kolek, a second-year guard who played around 12 minutes per game during the regular season and appeared toward the end of eight games during the team’s playoff run, was spotted running along the barricades down Broadway, high-fiving fans who were eager to see him and celebrate together. But, as Kolek was running, one officer stepped in his way, grabbing his arms and seemingly telling him to stop running. Another cop also put his hand on Kolek’s arm before someone stepped in, likely telling the officers that he is on the championship roster. FORMER PROSECUTOR ADAM LEVY SENDS WARNING FOR KNICKS PARADE SAFETY AFTER NYC CHAOS In the officer’s defense, Kolek isn’t the most recognizable Knicks player on the roster, especially considering how little he played during the year. But he wasn’t too pleased after being stopped, as one could understand. However, Kolek kept it lighthearted on X when someone tweeted, "Security almost tackled Tyler Kolek lmao." "I swear I’m on the team bro," he wrote over the tweet with laughing emojis. Security was being vigilant despite getting this one wrong, as tens of thousands of Knicks fans flooded the streets along the "Canyon of Heroes" for the title parade, which began in Battery Park and ended at City Hall where the team addressed the crowd alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and more. And even at City Hall there was a snafu for the parade, as the Mayor’s Office hung Patrick Ewing’s retired No. 33 for a Knicks player who barely saw the court. Every player on the championship roster had their number and last name displayed on banners, but Dillon Jones, who played just 39 minutes all season for the Knicks, had No. 33 on his banner. Jones wore No. 1 with the Knicks, but the roster lists him with Ewing’s retired No. 33. The parade was the first down the Canyon of Heroes for a team in the four major professional sports leagues since the New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3450fd1972385678332052 From bear hugs to handshakes: How India lost its edge with Trump while Pakistan quietly gained ground te 2026-06-18T20:11:41.346Z From bear hugs to handshakes: How India lost its edge with Trump while Pakistan quietly gained ground This week, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came face-to-face at the G7 summit in France, their first such encounter since February 2025. Rather than his trademark bear hug, Modi greeted Trump with a smile and handshake. Then on Wednesday, the two held a bilateral meeting. It was a friendly chat, but one that came against a backdrop of compounding tensions. As India works at restoring its relationship with Washington, its arch-foe Pakistan has expanded its own diplomatic profile, complicating India's campaign against its nuclear-armed rival. COMMERCE SECRETARY HOWARD LUTNICK MAKES QUIET TRIP TO INDIA DAYS AFTER TARIFF SETBACK For years, India built an international case against Pakistan, projecting it as an isolated or destabilizing state. This hardline stance appeared to be working, with Modi declaring to Pakistan, "India has been successful in isolating you, and we will intensify those efforts."  But a decade later, Pakistan is rapidly emerging as a key global player in the region and beyond. While Modi initially tried to engage Pakistan, his government’s approach eventually hardened around the mantra that "terror and talks cannot coexist." In Washington, India has typically been favored, with Presidents Trump, Biden, Obama and George W. Bush all making visits during their time in office. Modi built a rapport with Trump during his first term in office and was one of the first world leaders invited to the White House after Trump’s inauguration. But over the past year, that relationship has come under strain as Islamabad quietly clawed its way back to credibility. "India misjudged Trump in term two, banking on once friendly relations," Sid Dubey, a visiting professor at Bennett University in India, told Fox News Digital. "They have yet to start recovering from that." PRESIDENT TRUMP, INDIA'S MODI TO TACKLE TRADE, TARIFF TENSIONS AT HIGH-STAKES MEETING The shift first became apparent in May 2025, when President Trump announced he had secured a ceasefire between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. The fighting had come over India-administered Kashmir and was the worst in decades. Islamabad promptly praised Trump for ending the deadly dispute and even nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. New Delhi, however, rejected the claim, insisting the ceasefire was the result of direct bilateral talks with Pakistan. The response reflected India’s long-standing sensitivity to third-party involvement in what it fiercely maintains is a bilateral dispute. In the months that followed, frictions only deepened. President Trump hit India with some of the steepest tariffs imposed on any major economy. Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions pressure on Russian oil rattled energy import-dependent India, while disputes over H-1B visas added further strain. Analysts say Trump’s America First agenda increasingly overshadowed the friendship Modi had cultivated during Trump’s first term. "When Trump unfortunately said the May 2025 clash ended because of him personally, that upset India a lot, and they made that known," Dubey said. "Then the tariffs were another slap in India’s face. Meanwhile, Pakistan took advantage, leaving India at a bit of a loss. From there, relations fell further with the Iran conflict." India is among the countries most indirectly affected by the strategic fallout from the Iran war, facing economic pressure and mounting energy concerns. IRAN WAR FUELS ASIA ENERGY CRUNCH AS INDIA, JAPAN, OTHERS FEEL STRAIN Last week, a U.S. strike further exacerbated tensions after three Indian seafarers became collateral damage in the conflict. They were the first and only seafarers confirmed killed as part of the U.S. blockade, sparking outrage across India. New Delhi instantly summoned Washington’s Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks, expressing deep concern over the renewed attacks and arguing that its nationals were becoming casualties in a war not their own. India also warned of the broader humanitarian, economic, and energy consequences of the conflict, which are expected to linger even as an agreement has now been reached. All the while, Pakistan was gaining diplomatic visibility, finding itself in the unusual position of currying favor in Washington while maintaining deep ties with China, Iran and the Gulf states. Pakistan’s prominent role in recent months highlighted how Islamabad has been more nimble in its diplomacy than India," Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Sadanand Dhume told Fox News Digital. "Additionally, Pakistan decisively outmaneuvered India’s quixotic bid to isolate Pakistan on the world stage." Regional dynamics have also been reshaped by the two rivals' competing strategies. India has deepened its strategic partnership with the U.S. through alliances such as the Quad partnership with the U.S., Australia, and Japan and has expanded cooperation across South Asian states, including a burgeoning relationship with Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s growing regional relevance has been reflected in its strengthened ties with China, improved relations with regional partners like Bangladesh and expanded security cooperation with Gulf states. RUBIO VISIT TO INDIA PUSHES DEEPER ENERGY TIES AS IRAN CONFLICT RATTLES GLOBAL OIL MARKETS Additionally, Trump, who accused Pakistan of "deceit and lies" during his first term, has since repeatedly praised its leadership. In June 2025, the president invited Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir to the White House for a high-profile lunch meeting. Munir was the first Pakistani military chief who was not also president to be hosted by a U.S. president. He also led the war effort against India earlier that year.  Trump described Munir as his "favorite Field Marshal" and an "exceptional human being."  Their relationship has been further reflected in trade deals and, most recently, Pakistan’s role as a principal mediator in restoring diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran. "India tried to make Pakistan an international pariah. Instead, Pakistan has wormed its way into Trump’s good books through a combination of concrete co-operation with the U.S. and outrageous flattery of the president, leading to Trump elevating Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as heroes," Dhume said. India, meanwhile, has maintained close ties with Israel while generally sticking to more measured messaging.  TRUMP’S FAVORITE FIELD MARSHAL: WHO IS PAKISTAN’S POWERFUL ARMY CHIEF ASIM MUNIR WITH DEEP INTEL TIES On June 15, upon the agreement of a deal with Iran, Modi released a statement, saying, "India hopes that the implementation of this understanding will help restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce." "Hats off to Pakistan. They worked really hard to bring this awfully disruptive war with Iran to an end," Dubey told Fox. "India unfortunately lost out by not seeking to be a problem solver like Pakistan. It could have played its cards better as a peacemaker, given its traditionally strong relations with Tehran." Still, analysts caution these are rapidly evolving dynamics. There is no guarantee that Pakistan’s current moment will last, and the tide for India could still turn. "Pakistan’s mediation role has allowed it to substantially reset its international image. It has positioned itself as a responsible international actor rather than a rogue state responsible for both nuclear proliferation and exporting Islamic terrorism. How long this lasts depends in large measure on two things: will Pakistan find a way to remain in Trump’s good books, and will it be able to change its behavior sufficiently to convince the world that it has indeed turned over a new leaf," Dhume told Fox News Digital. Meanwhile, India is working to regain its position and show the U.S. it is still a reliable partner. Marco Rubio visited India last month, his first since becoming Trump’s top diplomat last year, which was widely seen as an attempt to reset ties.  Trump and Modi's G7 meeting marked another significant step.  Trump praised Modi as "calm, cool and totally killer" and said he would be traveling to India "sometime in the future." India has been pressing Trump for a visit, potentially as part of a broader meeting involving Japan and Australia. Trump also said the United States would defend India. "If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there," Trump said, referring to Modi. "Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it." The Pakistani and Indian governments did not respond to Fox News Digital requests for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3450e91972385678332049 Planned Parenthood offered hormones but had no answers when detransitioner sought help, undercover probe finds te 2026-06-18T20:11:21.901Z Planned Parenthood offered hormones but had no answers when detransitioner sought help, undercover probe finds FIRST ON FOX: Detransitioner Chloe Cole says Planned Parenthood clinics across multiple states had few answers when she sought help reversing the effects of a gender transition, according to a new undercover investigation obtained by Fox News Digital. The investigation, conducted by pro-life advocacy group Live Action in partnership with Cole, involved calls to Planned Parenthood locations in Idaho, Alaska, New York and Washington, D.C., among other jurisdictions. In the calls, Cole posed as a patient seeking information about detransitioning after previously undergoing a gender transition. Across multiple conversations reviewed by Fox News Digital, employees described services available for patients seeking gender-affirming care but did not identify detransition-specific programs, treatment pathways or clinical resources when asked about options for individuals seeking to reverse course after transition-related medical treatment. In one call reviewed by Fox News Digital, Cole asked whether Planned Parenthood offered services for patients attempting to stop or reverse a transition. UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION: PLANNED PARENTHOOD PRESCRIBING HORMONES TO MINORS WITH MINIMAL OVERSIGHT "We only have gender-affirming care services, like for hormones, but not to detransition," a Planned Parenthood employee told Cole. When Cole asked whether the organization offered help addressing fertility concerns or other effects associated with prior transition-related treatment, the employee responded: "As in right now, it's a no, I don't think we do that type of healthcare." The calls form the basis of a new campaign by Live Action urging lawmakers to continue restrictions on federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which the organization says has expanded its transgender-related healthcare services in recent years. I WAS 15 AND TRUSTED THE 'EXPERTS' ON GENDER CARE. TURNS OUT, THEY WERE WINGING IT For Cole, the issue is personal. "My name is Chloe Cole. When I was 12 years old, I began the process of trying to change my gender from female to male," she says in the investigation video. "At age 15, I even had both of my breasts surgically removed. But I realized that what I was doing was actually harming my body. So at age 16, I began to detransition." Cole said she launched the investigation because she wanted to know what resources existed for patients seeking help after regretting a transition. "I know firsthand the pain of being pushed down the path of transition," Cole told Fox News Digital in a statement. "In this investigation with Live Action, I wanted to see what Planned Parenthood would do when someone came back asking for help to detransition." 'LOSING THEIR HEALTH': DETRANSITIONER SOUNDS ALARM ABOUT SEX-CHANGE SURGERIES NEGATIVELY IMPACTING CHILDREN "What I found was horrifying: Planned Parenthood was ready to help people start transitioning, but had no real answers, no meaningful support, and no services to help them reverse course," she said. During the calls, Cole raised concerns about fertility, the effects of cross-sex hormones, breast reconstruction and other questions related to detransitioning. According to the investigation, employees referred her to outside providers, said they were unfamiliar with detransition-related care or stated they were not aware of such services being offered through Planned Parenthood. In one exchange, Cole told a Planned Parenthood employee, "I had surgery, I've been on the drugs, and I need help recovering the things I've lost," while asking what resources might be available to patients seeking to detransition. DETRANSITIONER TOUTS $2-MILLION LANDMARK MALPRACTICE RULING AS GOOD START, BUT ‘NOT NEARLY ENOUGH’ The employee replied that Planned Parenthood could schedule an appointment with a provider but added, "I don't think we do that type of healthcare." At another point during the call, a staff member said Planned Parenthood facilities typically see patients who are "getting started on gender-affirming care." The findings follow a separate undercover investigation reported by Fox News Digital in May that found some Planned Parenthood locations said minors as young as 16 could obtain cross-sex hormones through the organization's informed-consent model with limited requirements for therapy or mental-health evaluations. CHLOE COLE ACT AIMED AT BLOCKING MINORS FROM UNDERGOING LIFE-ALTERING TRANSGENDER SURGERIES, GOP LAWMAKER SAYS At the time, Live Action released recordings from calls to Planned Parenthood facilities in multiple states in which employees allegedly said cross-sex hormones could be prescribed at an initial appointment. The new investigation focuses instead on what support is available for individuals seeking to discontinue treatment or detransition. Live Action founder and president Lila Rose said the calls revealed what she described as a one-sided system. "Live Action's undercover investigation with detransitioner Chloe Cole exposed Planned Parenthood's one-way body destruction pipeline," Rose said in a statement. "Planned Parenthood is willing to prescribe cross-sex hormones and push vulnerable people further into dangerous so-called 'gender-affirming care,' but when someone comes back seeking help to detransition, Planned Parenthood has no answers, no support and no services to help reverse the damage." Planned Parenthood's website states that many of its health centers provide gender-affirming care and lists services including hormone therapy, puberty blockers, surgery referrals and "transition support (social, legal)." The website does not specifically reference detransition-related services on its gender-affirming care page. Not all Planned Parenthood health centers offer the same services, according to the organization. The organization is using the investigation as part of a broader effort urging Congress and the Trump administration to continue restricting federal funding for Planned Parenthood after current limitations expire. According to Planned Parenthood's most recent annual report, the organization received hundreds of millions of dollars in government reimbursements and grants while continuing to provide reproductive healthcare and other medical services nationwide. Fox News Digital asked Planned Parenthood whether any of its health centers provide detransition-related services, referrals, counseling or medical support to patients seeking to discontinue or reverse prior gender-related medical treatment, and whether it disputes any findings contained in the investigation. Planned Parenthood did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Fox News Digital's Peter Pinedo contributed to this reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3450d51972385678332036 Still not satisfied: US men’s soccer team ready for World Cup match against Australia te 2026-06-18T20:11:01.930Z Still not satisfied: US men’s soccer team ready for World Cup match against Australia LOS ANGELES — When asked if the United States’ next World Cup match against Australia would be an easy win, Tyler Adams shut it down fast. Teammate Haji Wright was not far behind, echoing the same principles. “It’s not going to be a layup,” Adams said. “If anything, it’s going to be one of the most difficult games that we play. We saw a team that went out against Turkey and competed at a very, very high level. They’re combative, they’re smart. Tactically, they were unbelievably sound.” The U.S. will face Australia on Friday in the second match of group play, a matchup that has the capability of deciding both countries’ fates for the remainder of the World Cup. Both teams sit at 1-0 after the first week of games. Australia defeated Turkey on Saturday 2-0, but Adams and Wright made it clear that their attitude and focus does not waver. “Turkey kind of came into the game a bit overconfident, and I think we won’t make that same mistake,” Wright said. “We know everything in the tournament is a good team, and they deserve to be here.” The United States faced off against Australia in a friendly match back in October. The U.S. won 2-1.  Wright scored both goals in the match and recalled how challenging the Australian defense was. “They were laying in tough challenges, and we kind of had to match the intensity,” Wright said. “I remember going to halftime, the coach wasn’t too happy with letting them punch us without punching back. Not going into this game, we’ll be able to prepare a bit more knowing how they’re going to be.” Adams echoed Wright’s sentiment, praising the defensive evolution Australia has made since that friendly. “It was a really combative game in that friendly as well,” Adams said. “Defensively, they were really, really sound. They didn’t give up a ton of chances. Winning duels, combative.” While the squad is laser-focused for Friday, its dominant performance against Paraguay granted them a day off. Following the 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday, the teams did not come in for training on Sunday. The four goals scored against Paraguay were the most scored in a single game in USMNT history. It also topped the total goals that they scored in the 2022 World Cup, in which they scored three. A day off during the World Cup is extremely rare, and the players understand this. “To have a day completely off in a tournament is rare,” Adams said. “The fact that they gave us that day off shows the work that we’ve put in throughout the past few weeks in order to earn that. We don’t take it lightly.” Something to monitor ahead of the match is the health concern of star player Christian Pulisic. Pulisic, who had an assist in the first half, exited the game in the second half due to a calf injury. When asked about his availability for the match against Australia, Adams gave no doubt that Pulisic will play. “Christian will be ready, everyone,” Adams said. “Let’s relax. I think he picked up a knock a few days before the game, and I think he got kicked in the same spot again during the game. When you go into halftime, things obviously get tight but he’ll be fine.” The players know the steps needed to win on Sunday. Watching film and breaking down what Turkey failed to do is at the top of their list during training. “They’re tough to break down,” Wright said. “They’re dangerous on counter attacks. They have good players on top of the pitch, and they were able to be effective and damage Turkey.” Wright also added that they need to be aggressive early. “If we go into the game clinical and able to take our chances early, I think we’ll be able to come out with the win,” he said. If they have any chance to win, the U.S. players know to keep their foot on the gas. During halftime of the friendly match between Australia, cameras caught coach Mauricio Pochettino encouraging his players to bring the intensity “They come and they fight,” Pochettino said. “When are we going to fix that? … Match their aggressiveness.” The post Still not satisfied: US men’s soccer team ready for World Cup match against Australia appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344ece1972385678331fd9 Knicks fans climb on police cars, sanitation trucks as countless others unable to get into jam-packed parade te 2026-06-18T20:02:22.876Z Knicks fans climb on police cars, sanitation trucks as countless others unable to get into jam-packed parade New York Knicks fans made sure they got the most out of their 53-year wait -- at least, those who were able to get inside the parade. Millions gathered in New York's Canyon of Heroes, as many fans were turned away well before the parade started due to crowds. But those who got in had quite a grand old time -- while others certainly pushed the boundaries. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Before the Knicks took part in the parade, several fans were seen climbing on top of police cars, while others gathered on top of a sanitation truck and building awnings. Subway stations were packed near sunrise, including some in which hopeful attendees were unable to even exit. Roads and entry points to the parade were closed, leaving countless people out of the parade route. In total, 72 vehicles were driven up Broadway to celebrate the team's first title since 1973, and 10,000 officers were deployed. NYPD DEPLOYING 10,000 OFFICERS FOR HISTORIC KNICKS CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE The Knicks won each of the first two games in San Antonio before losing Game 3 and then completing the largest comeback in NBA Finals history in Game 4, battling back from down 29 points. Game 5 took place in San Antonio, where the Knicks, once again, overcame a double-digit deficit -- twice. Numerous watch parties took place throughout the playoff run that resulted in arrests, resulting in the parties being temporarily canceled. Owner James Dolan announced on Wednesday that his team will visit President Donald Trump at the White House -- no NBA championship team has done so in either of his terms. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344eba1972385678331fc6 Make Music Phoenix returns in June te 2026-06-18T20:02:02.903Z Make Music Phoenix returns in June Rosie’s House will host a Make Music Phoenix kickoff event on Sunday, June 21, as the nonprofit music academy once again hosts the city-wide celebration of music (photo courtesy of Rosie’s House). Rosie’s House music academy for children is bringing music back to the Phoenix area once again this year through its annual, city-wide, all-day celebration of music and community: Make Music Phoenix. The city will transform into one big stage on Sunday, June 21, as more than a dozen venues host (mostly) free music performances throughout the day. Last year, Make Music Phoenix served more than 5,700 community members across 13 ZIP codes, in collaboration with 18 museums, libraries, local businesses, artists and volunteers. This year, music will come alive at venues such as Arizona Opera’s Wittcoff Black Box theater. Events include a music pop-up at Monsoon Market; Valley Metro will offer a Ride the Rails, Hear the Music experience; there will be Taiko drumming and family dance classes on Grand Avenue; and Strip Mall will host a vinyl pop-up. In addition, Rosie’s House will host a kickoff celebration and celebrate 30 years of music from 9 a.m. to noon, where residents can start Make Music Phoenix with music, games, and fun at this lively morning of performances, activities, free breakfast and Valley Metro passes (while supplies last). To explore the full lineup of performances, times and locations, visit https://rosieshouse.org/events/make-music-phoenix. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344e7e1972385678331fa5 Here’s What Barack and Michelle Obama Said at His Presidential Center Opening te 2026-06-18T20:01:02.485Z Here’s What Barack and Michelle Obama Said at His Presidential Center Opening The Obamas each took to the microphone, delivering speeches before a crowd of dignitaries, elected officials and Democratic supporters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344e681972385678331f84 The 11 standout startups from YC’s Demo Day, according to VCs te 2026-06-18T20:00:40.468Z The 11 standout startups from YC’s Demo Day, according to VCs TechCrunch spoke to investors to find the hottest startups in the Spring 2026 YC batch. Some of them commanded valuations of over $175 million, VCs said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344e541972385678331f7b OpenAI is bringing on some big guns in the lead-up to its IPO  te 2026-06-18T20:00:20.509Z OpenAI is bringing on some big guns in the lead-up to its IPO  OpenAI is bulking up before its IPO, landing Transformer co-inventor Noam Shazeer from Google DeepMind and former Trump AI policy official Dean Ball in the same week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344bfc1972385678331bae Three Medals of Honor to Be Awarded to Vietnam and Afghanistan Veterans te 2026-06-18T19:50:20.444Z Three Medals of Honor to Be Awarded to Vietnam and Afghanistan Veterans Two Force Recon Marines are set to receive the medal on Thursday for their actions more than 50 years ago, alongside an Army officer who showed exceptional bravery in 2012. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3449e31972385678331b5e Jena Sims gives Brooks Koepka a cheeky send-off before brutal US Open, baseball manager goes insane & BEER! te 2026-06-18T19:41:23.210Z Jena Sims gives Brooks Koepka a cheeky send-off before brutal US Open, baseball manager goes insane & BEER! Over the hump and safely onto the other side of the week. We made it. Now, all eyes are on the weekend. We're almost there, folks. Hold tight! And we've got a BIG few days ahead of us, too. US open. College World Series championship series. FIFA, if you're into that sort of thing. I believe we even have Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark tonight, which means we have to write about it, per the WNBA rulebook. See? A lot of action for late(ish) June. And hey! The longest day of the year is this Sunday, which means we'll get to milk this weekend for all it's truly worth. What a blessing. Welcome to a Thursday Nightcaps — the one where golf WAG Jena Sims gives Brooks Koepka a cheeky send-off before battling the elements at Shinnecock Hills. What else? I've got plenty of early #content from the opening round of the US Open, an all-time meltdown from a minor league manager, and some comforting reader mail on my day-drinking dilemma from earlier this week. Sound good? Good! Let's roll. Grab you a windbreaker just in case you're in the Southhampton area today, and settle in for a Thursday 'Cap! Soak it all in, folks. This is the second-to-last golf major of the season. They fly by, don't they? We've got three more rounds of the US Open, and then four rounds of the British Open (yes, it's the British Open), and then it's curtains until next April. Shinnecock Hills, by the way, is electric. I LOVE this place. For those who don't remember, it last hosted a U.S. Open back in 2018 when Fox (!!!) had the rights. Naturally, we got one of the all-time hot mic moments in the history of microphones (NSFW!!!!): Amazing. It's all amazing. Joe Buck on the call. Tiger and Phil in the field. All was right in the golf world. JENA SIMS PUTS IN WORK, SEA LION LAUNCHES ITSELF INTO A CANOE, AND THEY DON'T BUILD STATUES LIKE THEY USED TO Tiger, by the way, missed the cut. Phil finished T-48 at a measly +16. It's always carnage at this place, and it looks like this weekend will be no different. Oh yeah! You know who won that event? Brooks Koepka! We'll get to Brooksie in a minute, but first, let's check in with wife, Jena Sims, who appears unfazed by the weather in New York: What a run right now from Jena Sims. The Sports Illustrated model has been everywhere since Brooks rejoined the PGA Tour, and it's been quite a scene. Now, the only thing left is for Brooksie to win another major. It's been a WHILE since our guy won one of these (2023 PGA), but I feel it coming. I've said it all season. I think Brooks is close. What a comeback it would be, too! Come on, Golf Gods. Play ball with us this weekend. OK, let's head back out to Shinnecock and check in on how the course is playing today: JENA SIMS PICKS OUT HER PGA CHAMPIONSHIP BIKINI, KAY ADAMS SUCKS DOWN SOME FRIES & NFL DRAFT WAGS! It's early (really, really, really early), but as of 12:30 p.m. today, Brooks was leading. I assume by the time this publishes he'll be a billion strokes back and looking miserable again, but at least we have this moment. PS: I hate bunker shots. Hate 'em, hate 'em, HATE 'em. If I'm ever lucky enough to get one out, and the ball proceeds to do what it did to Brandon Wu in that last clip, I'd snap my club in half and call it a day. No shot I'm continuing to play after that. None. Zero. What a beautiful game. OK, let's rapid-fire this Thursday class into a big Thursday night. First up? Yesterday, I told everyone about my poor showing earlier this week at lunch with the First Lady. I had two beers and came home and felt like I needed a nap. A NAP. After two lunch beers. My biggest fear, naturally, was that I'm simply getting too old for lunch beers. Luckily, a couple Nightcaps veterans calmed my nerves. From Chris B: It happens to the best of us. Let’s just call it a bad day What did you do the day/night before? Did you sleep well? Can you blame it on anything? If it’s a pattern then you need to worry, especially if it starts effecting other day drinking activities. From John J: I'll be 53 in less than a month. I think you're ok, just had an off day. The meal in the middle of the day would put me to sleep through. And, from Eric P: The only place day drinking will not affect you at your age and beyond, is Europe.  Brats and beer in Munich..  Pizza and Aperol Spritz in Florence..  A couple beers at a local place in the states and your asking for a nap. Not sure if Eric was taking a shot at me or not, but I do appreciate all the reassurances. Calms me a bit, but I'll have to (and certainly will) experiment again this weekend to see if this is a pattern or just an off day. As for Chris B.'s question about how I slept the night before ... I have two kids. I haven't slept well since the early days of the Biden Administration. I assume my body is used to that by now. Finally, on the way out, let's do what any great American should be doing this summer and check out the local baseball scene: "Fris might lose his mind. He wants an explanation. Fris may get tossed ... yeah, he's done." I know that ABS and instant replay have both been upgrades to this great game. I fought ABS for a bit, but, obviously, it's a good thing. But, man, do I miss a good ejection over a blown call. Gone are the days of Bobby Cox getting tossed in the first inning for the 300th time. You just don't see it anymore, mainly because there are so few chances for umpires to actually get something wrong. Sure, they still do, because they are generally horrible, but still. This ain't your daddy's game. We're lucky if we see one or two real freakouts a year at this point. They used to be a dime a dozen in this league, especially during the glory years when Cox, Lou Piniella and Tony La Russa were all coaching at the same time. I believe that special era took place from 1990 to 2002, and it was beautiful. Oh well. Thank goodness for James Frisbie. At least someone still has some fire in the belly! Great execution on the base toss, too. That can be tricky, but Fris nailed it. Absolute pro. OK, that's it for today. Good work, everyone. Here's 20 minutes of Bobby Cox getting ejected to take us home. See you tomorrow. OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots). What would you shoot at Shinnecock today? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3449a51972385678331b34 Large Waves Sweep Napping Beachgoers in California Into the Sea te 2026-06-18T19:40:21.776Z Large Waves Sweep Napping Beachgoers in California Into the Sea Two college students lying on a Santa Cruz beach were swept as massive waves and dangerous rip currents inundated the coastline in recent days. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34474d1972385678331a9e Governor Overruled His Own Clemency Board to Release an Election Denier te 2026-06-18T19:30:21.114Z Governor Overruled His Own Clemency Board to Release an Election Denier Two members of Gov. Jared Polis’s board that reviews commutation requests came forward to say the secretive panel had twice rejected the release of Tina Peters, convicted of election tampering. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3445091972385678331a43 Man Charged With Hate Crime Over Burning Cross in Chicago Park te 2026-06-18T19:20:41.268Z Man Charged With Hate Crime Over Burning Cross in Chicago Park A former university student, Merlin Lu, 21, has claimed that he set the cross on fire in Grant Park to protest the Trump administration, not as an act of racism. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3444f41972385678331a23 Rivian owners file lawsuit alleging false promises on self-driving features te 2026-06-18T19:20:20.816Z Rivian owners file lawsuit alleging false promises on self-driving features Plaintiffs in the class action complaint allege Rivian falsely promised for years it would bring hands-free driving to its first-generation R1 vehicles. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3443011972385678331933 Senate advances landmark Protect College Sports Act, ignoring SEC and Big Ten opposition with clock ticking te 2026-06-18T19:12:01.425Z Senate advances landmark Protect College Sports Act, ignoring SEC and Big Ten opposition with clock ticking In a landmark moment for the Senate Commerce Committee, the Protect College Sports Act is now moving to a full vote that has already started the lobbying. As leaders from across college sports watched from afar, Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) held court during a markup session on Thursday that ultimately took aim at those within the SEC and Big Ten conferences that have opposed the bill in its current form. "What we did today was say we’re not going to let the most powerful, richest conferences dictate to the rest of America what’s going to happen to 500,000 athletes," Cantwell said after a 19-9 vote was secured. CRUZ AND CANTWELL REFUSE TO BEND TO SEC AND BIG TEN CONCERNS IN REVISED COLLEGE ATHLETICS LEGISLATION There have been numerous leagues that have gotten behind the bill, while those representing the athletes have opposed. But, garnering the support from those within the Big Ten and SEC footprint is clearly not an aspect of this process that both Cantwell and Cruz are worried about. On Thursday morning, the SEC and Big Ten released a joint statement on the legislation, making it clear they were not on board with giving it their support. "From the outset, we identified a set of essential revisions to the PCSA necessary for the long-term sustainability of college athletics," both conferences noted. "We have worked with both majority and minority staff to advance those revisions, which focus on better supporting student-athletes and stabilizing the college sports environment. We continue to believe revisions are needed to secure our support for the bill. "Despite our sustained engagement and good faith efforts, these critical revisions have not been accepted. We are encouraged that several Commerce Committee members share our concerns and support these recommendations." TED CRUZ, MARIA CANTWELL UNVEIL BIPARTISAN COLLEGE ATHLETICS BILL AMID NIL CHAOS, LAWSUITS, 'LANE KIFFIN RULE' For the first time ever, a college sports bill has passed through a committee vote that will now send it to the floor for a potential landmark passage. "No one got everything they wanted. But, we did create a framework that stabilizes college athletics," Cruz noted on Thursday. As for the SEC and Big Ten opposing the bill, this comes down to a number of different issues, including the 'voluntary' pooling of media rights. Also, the legislation taking aim at both for potentially forming a 'Super League.' But, in a concession on Wednesday night, that changed. IOWA STATE AD SAYS HE DOESN'T CARE IF SEC, BIG TEN LEAVE OTHER P4 CONFERENCES BEHIND: 'LET THEM BREAK AWAY' The anti-expansion provision in the bill now includes the Big 12 and ACC, with the senators changing the language that now includes conferences that bring in $700 million in revenue from not being allowed to join forces like the Avengers. This was a decrease from the $1 billion previously proposed in the legislation. There will continue to be opposition from the two biggest conferences in college athletics, but Senator Cantwell made it clear on Thursday that they would not be deterred from pressing on, even if the SEC and Big Ten opposed. Will this ultimately work? Potentially, but there will be plenty of lobbying over the next month that could ultimately change the trajectory of this legislation. There are plenty of issues that remain to be discussed. But, there were also a number of changes in the new legislation that was revised this week. Olympic and women's sports were separated from the media rights pooling provision, which now sits by itself. This would set a minimum scholarship and roster size limit, that isn’t tied into the revenue generated from television deals. Before it was revised, these necessary protections would only be enacted if the media rights were actually pooled together. As we have noted numerous times over the past few weeks, there is going to be pushback on this bill on multiple fronts. There is language in the legislation that limits player compensation and the ability to transfer. Given that, those opposed to the bill are already preparing lawmakers for an increase in lawsuits that would come if you try to put a specific guardrail around player movement. Also, there has been pushback from many regarding unions that oppose collective bargaining for student-athletes. Either way, the vote on Thursday was historic in this current era of college athletics. For years, the House tried to push the SCORE Act through, but came up short multiple times, ultimately ending with the legislation failing to make it to the floor for a vote. Now, with the Senate Commerce Committee opening up the opportunity for the Protect College Sports Act to be voted on Senate floor, this college athletics bill has essentially passed the historic point. But, with 50 days until Congress goes into recess for the summer, the clock is ticking for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring this to the floor for a vote. Can Cruz and Cantwell drum up enough support for this to pass? That is ultimately just one part of this process, with the House waiting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3442ed197238567833192a Arnold Schwarzenegger and younger girlfriend Heather Milligan turn heads in rare public appearance te 2026-06-18T19:11:41.965Z Arnold Schwarzenegger and younger girlfriend Heather Milligan turn heads in rare public appearance Arnold Schwarzenegger turned heads in Vienna on Tuesday when he appeared alongside longtime girlfriend Heather Milligan, marking one of the couple's rare public appearances together. The 78-year-old action star and former California governor stepped out with Milligan, 51, at the Austrian World Summit together on the world stage. Schwarzenegger and Milligan posed for photos at the event alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER SHOWS OFF WORKOUT ROUTINE WITH PHYSICAL THERAPIST GIRLFRIEND While Schwarzenegger is regularly seen at red carpets, conferences and public appearances around the globe, his relationship with Milligan has largely remained out of the spotlight despite the couple having dated for more than a decade. GISELE BÜNDCHEN PREGNANT WITH JIUJITSU INSTRUCTOR: STARS WHO FELL FOR NON-CELEBRITIES In 2025, the couple was spotted at an Oktoberfest event together and at the season 2 premiere of Schwarzenegger’s Netflix show "Fubar." Their latest appearance offered a rare glimpse at the woman who first entered Schwarzenegger's life not through Hollywood, but through physical therapy. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Before she became the actor's longtime partner, Milligan was helping him recover from a shoulder injury. The couple first met in 2012 after Schwarzenegger underwent shoulder surgery while preparing to film "Escape Plan" with Sylvester Stallone. Stallone reportedly recommended Milligan, an accomplished physical therapist, to help get his co-star back into fighting shape. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Years later, Schwarzenegger revealed he still credits Milligan with helping keep him healthy. "Heather Milligan is not only my girlfriend, she’s also a great, if not the best, physical therapist in the world," Schwarzenegger said during a 2024 appearance on his Pump Club YouTube channel. "That’s actually how we met. She fixed my shoulder, but we’re not here to talk about our relationship, we’re talking here about physical therapy. And since she has been treating people, thousands of patients: football players, basketball players, UFC fighters, boxers, track and field athletes, young kids, old kids, anyone and everybody, I’m talking about thousands, she knows how to take care of joints." The actor split from ex-wife Maria Shriver in 2011 after more than two decades of marriage. The former couple shares four children: Katherine, Christina, Patrick and Christopher. Schwarzenegger is also the father of Joseph Baena, whom he shares with former housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3442b01972385678331904 GOP candidates pitch themselves as the person to beat Arizona’s Democratic governor te 2026-06-18T19:10:40.522Z GOP candidates pitch themselves as the person to beat Arizona’s Democratic governor PHOENIX (AP) — The two Republican congressmen running for Arizona governor pitched themselves at a debate Wednesday as the only candidate with broad enough voter appeal to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs amid the state’s affordability struggles. U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, who is the GOP primary’s front-runner and has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, portrayed himself as being able to cross party lines and having the right experience to be the state’s chief executive. “There’s not a doubt in my mind, if you look at the polling data that you’re going to find, I am the most competitive with Katie Hobbs of anybody on this stage in any Republican in the state,” Biggs said. U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, who has survived three tough Democratic challenges in recent years, believes his focus on government finances and his drive to bring new business to the state make him the singular Republican candidate. “These are wonderful people, but they’ve never actually been in the great battle,” Schweikert said of Biggs and two other Republican opponents. Businessman Scott Neely, who ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 2022, said after the debate that if Biggs wins the primary, Republicans will lose the election. The winner of the July 21 primary will face Hobbs, who’s running unopposed in the primary. Biggs has served five terms in the U.S. House, representing a heavily GOP district in the eastern Phoenix suburbs and serving at one time as chairman of the conservative U.S. House Freedom Caucus. Before that, Biggs served in the Arizona Legislature from 2003 through 2016, including four years as president of the state Senate. He battled with then-Republican Gov. Jan Brewer on a Medicaid expansion in 2013 and pushed school choice measures and bills targeting abortion providers. Biggs is one of Trump’s top defenders in Congress and supported Trump’s false claims the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him. Schweikert, a budget hawk known for railing against government debt, has represented an affluent district that includes parts of northeast Phoenix and Scottsdale for eight terms. He served in the Arizona House in the 1990s and as Maricopa County’s treasurer in the 2000s. Schweikert has focused his congressional career on sounding the alarm about the federal budget deficit and the ballooning U.S. debt, often in late-night speeches to a nearly empty House chamber and bleary-eyed C-SPAN viewers. Schweikert has praised Trump’s 2017 tax cuts but has called for more spending cuts to reduce federal borrowing. His reputation was tarnished by ethics scandals. In 2022, he received a $125,000 fine by the Federal Election Commission for misappropriating campaign funds. Two years prior, he agreed to pay a $50,000 fine and accept 11 campaign finance violations after an investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics. In his last three general campaigns for Congress, Schweikert staved off challenges from Democrats. Biggs voiced support for Arizona’s recent passage of a three-year moratorium on tax incentives for new data centers — a move Hobbs also has touted. “They shouldn’t be given a break,” Biggs said, noting the large amounts of power and water that data centers use. Schweikert bemoaned Arizona’s unfavorable affordability rankings as “pretty miserable,” but said consumer prices don’t come down magically. He vowed to aggressively recruit businesses to Arizona and push for wage growth. Both congressmen were asked about the expired healthcare subsidies for those getting coverage under the Affordable Care Act. “We’re going to have to deal with the reality of subsidization of everything in the economy is not going to work,” Schweikert said. Biggs said he introduced legislation in Congress to bring down healthcare costs and also voiced support for Trump’s proposal to send money directly to Americans for health savings accounts so they can handle insurance and health costs as they see fit. The post GOP candidates pitch themselves as the person to beat Arizona’s Democratic governor appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34429d19723856783318fb Federal government aims to nearly triple Marana ICE detention capacity, new document shows te 2026-06-18T19:10:21.066Z Federal government aims to nearly triple Marana ICE detention capacity, new document shows The federal government aims to nearly triple the capacity of a former prison in Marana slated to become an immigration detention center, moving the building to 1,300-bed capacity from 513 through the use of temporary beds. The facility could also begin housing people even as construction moves ahead, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice alerting the public to possible construction in a floodplain.  “There is also potential for 600 additional temporary beds, bringing the total expandable capacity to over 1,300. Renovations would occur in phases, allowing portions of the facility to become incrementally operational as improvements are completed,” the notice says.  Comment by end of day June 18: icesustainability@ice.dhs.gov That information was shared as part of a “Final Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain,” a public statement made in response to an executive order instructing federal agencies to mitigate the impact of federal development in a floodplain.  The proposed immigration detention center in Marana has been at the center of a regional organizing effort in opposition to the project since last fall, when a community meeting brought out hundreds of people to discuss the federal government’s plans.  The building, formerly a state prison, is to be run by private prison operator Management and Training Corporation, or MTC. Previously, immigration officials said they planned to increase the capacity from 500 to 775 people.  Pima Resists I.C.E., a group created specifically to resist the detention center, said it was disappointed to learn about the increased capacity plan stated in the floodplain notice, and pointed the finger at Marana officials, who it said promised to keep residents updated on any movements.  “The community has not been able to have a meaningful conversation with their elected officials, nor ICE, nor MTC about how they will do this safely and in an environmentally sound manner,” Daniela Ugaz, an attorney working with the group, said in a statement. “Town officials have robbed the community of precious time in which MTC and ICE could have been held to account.” Immigration authorities said they had no detention service contracts to announce at this time for the Marana facility. “It should not come as news that ICE will be making arrests in states across the U.S. and is actively working to expand detention space,” said the statement, attributed to “ICE spox.”  On Feb. 25, the federal government shared a procurement memo for an operator to run the detention center in Marana for two years. The federal procurement order named MTC as the operator most likely to run the immigration detention facility: “Management & Training Corporation is the sole owner and operator of the Marana detention facility that meets ICE requirements in the timeframe.” Emily Lawhead, director of communications for MTC, said there was no contract with ICE in place at this time. If the contract was awarded, the company would focus on restoring local jobs and human treatment of detained people. “ICE and DHS are the appropriate sources for questions regarding procurement requirements, contract scope, and any potential future use of the facility,” she said.  In an email response to PRICE, Marana town manager Terry Rozema said he reached out to an MTC representative who said they would consider growing to house 700+ people, but not 1,300. “That number was not part of their proposal and is not a part of any plans for the facility,” Rozema said.  Marana town council member Patrick Cavanaugh said he was troubled to learn about the proposed capacity increase for the building, Cavanaugh told Luminaria. “I am very disturbed and I know most citizens in Marana are very disturbed about this ICE detention center,” he said.  Immigration officials, MTC and other Marana Town Council members did not respond to a request for comment.  Last summer, Congress approved $45 billion for immigration detention, part of an increase in spending for immigration enforcement that experts say has significantly grown America’s immigration enforcement apparatus. Under the second Trump administration, the death rate in immigration detention centers has more than doubled.  The Marana detention center is one of a number of planned new or renovated facilities where local advocates have waged months-long campaigns against the opening of a detention center in their communities. That includes Surprise, where activists have most recently launched an effort for the county to take over the city’s governance, arguing city leaders didn’t do enough to protect or inform residents around the detention center proposal.  Leaders in Surprise, much like in Marana, said they had few tools to stop the federal government’s plans.  The notice also comes amid concerns about overcrowding in other Arizona ICE facilities in recent weeks.  People held in immigration detention at a temporary staging facility in Florence reported overcrowding including 200 to 300 men held in rooms designed for about 100 people, according to a June report from The Florence Project, a Tucson-based legal advocacy group.  Despite plans to increase the number of people detained, the notice says the Marana facility will not construct new buildings or add any large paved areas. “There are no planned large-scale expansions intended to increase the facility’s overall footprint,” the notice said.  Among the changes proposed are:  Expanding medical and intake areas, including additional exam rooms, observation cells, a triage room and a dental area  Adding a second perimeter fence 12 feet high  Improving infrastructure, including modifying the wastewater treatment plant to make sure there is potable water for the larger population The post Federal government aims to nearly triple Marana ICE detention capacity, new document shows appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34411d1972385678331853 Tom Hanks, Oprah, Steven Spielberg turn Obama's presidential center opening into Hollywood's hottest ticket te 2026-06-18T19:03:57.136Z Tom Hanks, Oprah, Steven Spielberg turn Obama's presidential center opening into Hollywood's hottest ticket Former President Barack Obama opened his long-awaited presidential center with a star-studded celebration that drew some of Hollywood’s biggest names. The star-studded guest list underscored Obama’s enduring influence beyond politics. Actors, musicians, athletes and public figures joined the former president to celebrate the opening of the center, which will house a museum, public gathering spaces and programs aimed at developing future generations of leaders. Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono were all slated to perform at the dedication ceremony. Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were among the high-profile guests who joined Barack Obama in Chicago for the opening of his presidential center. OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER TO ADD AUTOGRAPHED MUHAMMAD ALI BOXING GLOVES Here's a look at the stars who attended: Oprah Winfrey was known as one Obama's earliest celebrity supporters during his 2008 presidential campaign. After endorsing him for president, Winfrey campaigned with Obama in key primary states and hosted fundraisers. Steven Spielberg is known as one of Obama's most important supporters. Over time, the relationship between the filmmaker and politician evolved into a genuine friendship. Spielberg has participated in Obama-related events and was among the prominent guests celebrating the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in 2026. Obama has also visited Spielberg personally, including a surprise visit to one of his film sets. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been consistent supporters of former President Obama. Obama also awarded Hanks the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have developed a genuine friendship with the Obamas over the years. The couple attended White House events during Obama's presidency and have maintained ties with the politician and his family afterward. Reports have described them as part of the Obamas' broader circle of celebrity friends. OBAMA CHOOSES SUPPORTER STEPHEN COLBERT FOR DEBUT INTERVIEW AT CONTROVERSIAL PRESIDENTIAL CENTER Tyler Perry was a significant supporter of Obama during the former president's reelection campaign. The filmmaker hosted major fundraising events throughout this time and later built a personal friendship with the politician. Conan O'Brien's relationship with Obama is less political and more media-oriented. Obama appeared on Conan’s late-night show before becoming president and later joined Conan’s podcast, "Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend," for a lengthy discussion after leaving office. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER LL Cool J's connection to Obama stems primarily from cultural and civic engagement. During Obama's presidency, LL Cool J participated in White House events and initiatives that highlighted arts, education, and community service. He was among a group of entertainers who frequently collaborated with Obama-era outreach efforts. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The center, located near where Obama lived and began his political career, is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually. The campus includes a towering museum that covers the political and personal realms of the nation’s first Black president and first lady, while public spaces include a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a playground and athletic center, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills. The tower’s design is meant to depict four hands coming together in solidarity. Wrapped around one side are 5-foot-tall concrete capital letters, an excerpt of Obama’s 2015 speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery march. It begins, "You are America." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344109197238567833184a NHL completes investigation into Mike Babcock's time with Blue Jackets, won't restrict him from working te 2026-06-18T19:03:37.684Z NHL completes investigation into Mike Babcock's time with Blue Jackets, won't restrict him from working The NHL says it has concluded its investigation into coach Mike Babcock's conduct during his brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the summer of 2023. Its findings? That there's no reason he can't return to action in the National Hockey League. This clears the way for Babcock to potentially sign on to lead the Edmonton Oilers. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith," the league said in a statement released early Thursday afternoon. "Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League." The alleged conduct had to do with claims that Babcock had asked members of the Blue Jackets to show him personal photos on their phones. No investigation was done at the time, because before one could start, Babcock resigned from the team. Now, with the Edmonton Oilers seemingly circling the Stanley Cup-winning coach, it looks like they've got the all-clear from the league to put pen to paper. If that happens... boy, maybe keep an eye on Edmonton because it's going to get interesting. CONNOR MCDAVID DELIVERS MESSAGE OILERS FANS WON’T WANT TO HEAR It had been previously reported that an NHL investigation would not be conducted if Babcock backed out of a deal with the Oilers, and since one just wrapped, it stands to reason that he's the guy. Babcock's Cup win with Detroit in 2008 is a big selling point for him, but he was never able to win a playoff series during his time in Toronto. There, he had time to develop some superstar young players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander. But in Edmonton, they will have to be successful in year one by either winning the Cup or coming very close. That's because the team needs to show captain Connor McDavid that they can win now, or he might skip town. Bringing in Babcock seems like a bit of a Hail Mary to find some success, but he still doesn't solve the team's issues with depth and goaltending. In the early going especially, he's likely going to face some intense media scrutiny, and that's not something that's going to be great for the team. Personally, I think the better option would've been Bruce Cassidy, but we all know now that Vegas blocked them from interviewing him (which is kind of bush league, but I also kind of respect the gamesmanship). They could've also looked for a somewhat off-the-board choice, which is what Toronto and Vegas just did with Jim Hiller and Ryan Craig, respectively. Nope. They seem to be taking a big swing, and only time will tell if it'll lead to a Cup or if they'll completely whiff. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3440cc1972385678331826 Texas Report Finds That 39 Adults Could Have Helped Girls at Camp Mystic te 2026-06-18T19:02:36.752Z Texas Report Finds That 39 Adults Could Have Helped Girls at Camp Mystic The finding was part of a growing case against the camp’s leadership, which state investigators said did not organize an evacuation in time “despite ample opportunity.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3440b91972385678331817 Tucson arson, murder convict denied Arizona meeting records he says could clear his name te 2026-06-18T19:02:17.295Z Tucson arson, murder convict denied Arizona meeting records he says could clear his name Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3440a5197238567833180e In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down te 2026-06-18T19:01:57.839Z In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3440921972385678331805 Western Democrats challenge Trump using $90M in national park fees for D.C. beautification te 2026-06-18T19:01:38.382Z Western Democrats challenge Trump using $90M in national park fees for D.C. beautification Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34407e19723856783317fc ‘Be ready to be deported’: GOP AG hopeful Petersen pledges to help deport Arizona Dreamers te 2026-06-18T19:01:18.930Z ‘Be ready to be deported’: GOP AG hopeful Petersen pledges to help deport Arizona Dreamers Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34406b19723856783317f3 Everything you need to know about how to vote in Arizona’s primary election te 2026-06-18T19:00:59.469Z Everything you need to know about how to vote in Arizona’s primary election Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34405819723856783317ea To end war he started, Trump is poised to send $300 billion to Iran & end sanctions te 2026-06-18T19:00:40.021Z To end war he started, Trump is poised to send $300 billion to Iran & end sanctions Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34404419723856783317ca Almost half of U.S. singles feel negatively about AI in dating, Match says te 2026-06-18T19:00:20.049Z Almost half of U.S. singles feel negatively about AI in dating, Match says About 47% of singles look negatively at the use of AI in dating -- but, many dating app users are open to AI helping with profile punch-ups and conversation starters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a343dec19723856783313c0 Tariq El Sawah, Guantánamo Prisoner Sent to Bosnia, Dies at 68 te 2026-06-18T18:50:20.500Z Tariq El Sawah, Guantánamo Prisoner Sent to Bosnia, Dies at 68 He spent nearly 14 years in U.S. custody and never had a day in court even as his deteriorating health drew scrutiny. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3439c819723856783311b7 White House seizes on delayed Obama presidential center opening to crown Trump ‘Builder-in-Chief’ te 2026-06-18T18:32:40.607Z White House seizes on delayed Obama presidential center opening to crown Trump ‘Builder-in-Chief’ The White House took aim at former President Barack Obama ahead of Friday's grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center, contrasting President Donald Trump's government construction projects to the 44th president's. "President Trump continues to implement long-overdue and necessary renovations to beautify Washington, D.C., and our nation’s treasured monuments as we approach our historic 250th anniversary of independence. Thanks to the Builder-in-Chief, these projects are being completed on time and under budget — a stark contrast to the errantly run Obama administration, which overspent and underdelivered," White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital when asked for comment about the museum. The Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the public Friday following a decade of planning and construction, has faced scrutiny over rising costs, construction delays and public infrastructure spending. The White House seized on those criticisms as Trump promotes a series of renovation and construction projects. "President Trump is ensuring our nation’s capital will be properly honored and maintained in excellent condition for generations to come," Ingle added. BUREAUCRATS HIDE TRUE PRICE OF OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER AS TAXPAYERS HIT WITH INFRASTRUCTURE BILL An Obama Presidential Center Dedication held Thursday featured a slew of former diplomats, officials and celebrities such as former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, Oprah, Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, and Steven Spielberg. Taxpayers footed hundreds of millions of dollars in public infrastructure costs for Obama’s museum that constructed roads, transit, and utility updates around the campus.  Overall construction costs were reported to be $830 million in 2021 and have likely climbed past the $1 billion mark. A recent Fox News Digital investigation identified multiple construction firms claiming losses ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions. SUBCONTRACTORS SAY THEY’RE OWED MILLIONS, FACE FINANCIAL RUIN, AFTER HELPING BUILD OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER Meanwhile, Trump has been on a mission to fulfill last year’s executive order titled, "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful." "I will take care of our cherished Capital, and we will make it, truly, GREAT AGAIN! Before the tents, squalor, filth, and crime, it was the most beautiful Capital in the world. It will soon be that again," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post in August. Obama, along with democratic officials, have taken swipes at Trump over his renovations to Washington, D.C., the White House and America 250 projects, criticizing them as frivolous. PHOTOS: THE MAKING OF TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM, A LOOK AT THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS Trump "has been focused on critical issues like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and gold plating the Oval Office and building a $300 million ballroom," Obama said during a rally in October. Trump directed the addition of stone pavers in October to the Rose Garden lawn, a change designed to better accommodate press conferences and ceremonial events. There has also been construction at the White House as workers build a ballroom expected to be done before 2028. "It’s shameful that Trump is building his fancy ballroom while working families struggle to afford a basic meal during the holidays," wrote former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. TRUMP PULLS BACK CURTAIN ON WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM’S FORTRESS-LIKE DEFENSES ABOVE AND DEEP BELOW Trump previously said the future White House ballroom will not just be an event venue, but serve as a hardened security structure designed to support presidential operations and large gatherings. He has also planned installation of a Memorial Circle 250-foot arch for America’s 250th birthday that will be gilded. "Your taxes might be going up. But don't worry — at least $15 million of it is going toward Trump's arch project," posted California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office on X.  Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3439b519723856783311ae Video captures moment a moose runs straight into a vehicle while chasing dogs through the wilderness te 2026-06-18T18:32:21.167Z Video captures moment a moose runs straight into a vehicle while chasing dogs through the wilderness Turns out that moose don't care where your car is located when it's on the move. As the loyal readers are aware, nature is among the most unpredictable things you will ever encounter in life. Can it be like a Disney movie at times? Sure. There are some incredibly beautiful things in nature. No doubt about that. It can also be complete chaos, and that's what brings us here today. DEER CAUGHT ON CAMERA 'THRASHING AROUND' 103-YEAR-OLD WOMAN’S APARTMENT BEFORE ESCAPING THROUGH GLASS DOOR Instagram user @joshcaldwell4 recently posted a video of a massive female moose running into a vehicle while appearing to chase some dogs. Whiskey Riff reported the exact location of the incident is unknown. "Big momma decided that wanted a ride in the Toyota today!!! I have had a few run in with moose over the years but usually if you just stop and go the other way they leave you alone!!! Today was a different story," @joshcaldwell4 captioned the video. You can give it a watch below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. HERE’S HOW TO DO THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS WITHOUT TRAFFIC AND CROWDS People are fired up in the comment section, with many assigning blame. One person wrote, "Leave that thing alone." Another wrote, "Get your dogs in the vehicle!!!!!!" However, we don't know how fast this moose appeared or what the backstory is. You can hardly blame the dogs if they were just running around in the wild. Who leashes their dog out in the woods? That's ridiculous. Things just like this happen, and in this case, it was caught on video. What do you think of the footage? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3439781972385678331179 Scores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine Optional te 2026-06-18T18:31:20.224Z Scores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine Optional The defense secretary described the vaccine requirement, which he lifted in April, as an “absurd, overreaching” mandate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a343964197238567833116e Rock Canyon Fire surpasses 4,500 acres te 2026-06-18T18:31:00.769Z Rock Canyon Fire surpasses 4,500 acres Road and area closures are in effect on both Bureau of Land Management and Kaibab National Forest lands affected or threatened by the fire. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3439501972385678331165 Gardening Etcetera: The wonder of sunflowers te 2026-06-18T18:30:40.802Z Gardening Etcetera: The wonder of sunflowers This week's edition of the Gardening Etcetera column, written for the community by certified Master Gardeners of the University of Arizona's Coconino County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34393c1972385678331145 Amazon hopes to challenge Nvidia more directly by selling its AI chips te 2026-06-18T18:30:20.337Z Amazon hopes to challenge Nvidia more directly by selling its AI chips AWS is in talks to sell its chips to other data centers. CEO Andy Jassy has said this represents a $50 billion opportunity for the company. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3437221972385678331122 Couple set mood for Guns N' Roses by hooking up on a Ferris wheel & best friend's wife sends birthday suit pic te 2026-06-18T18:21:22.204Z Couple set mood for Guns N' Roses by hooking up on a Ferris wheel & best friend's wife sends birthday suit pic We’re back for another round of True Romance. It is with a heavy heart… or not as heavy of a heart as it once was? Whatever the mechanics of how it works are, there’s a heavy heart somewhere because of the Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo divorce news. I didn’t want to start this week off with a tough breakup, but it keeps coming up. How could this formerly overweight singer and his wife, who left prostitution to become the "Trailer Park Barbara Walters," have their marriage end due to irreconcilable differences? Truthfully, I don’t want to know. But something’s not adding up. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! If anyone was supposed to make it, it was these two. I’d prefer to live in a world where these two make it. It’s a weakness of mine. A soft spot in my cold heart. But apparently they weren’t meant to be. The world will keep going, and we’ll steer this week’s adventure from the dark back to the light. There are romantic hopefuls still out there. Couples who are willing to climb into Ferris wheels at festivals and decide that Guns N' Roses needs the proper mood to be set before hitting the stage. They had to know that other festival goers could see them, and they made the sacrifice anyway. SIBLINGS CATCH THEIR PARTNERS SLEEPING TOGETHER, A CORRECTIONS EMPLOYEE LOVE STORY & UNHINGED NON-NEGOTIABLES It doesn’t get much more romantic than that. Let’s get to the rest of this circus, shall we? Go follow True Romance on Twitter and Facebook. Send your emails here: sean.joseph@outkick.com (anonymously if you prefer). Last weekend, at the Download Festival over in the UK, a couple were spotted on a Ferris wheel giving their fellow festival goers a show. It reportedly took place on Saturday night as people were waiting for Guns N’ Roses to take the stage. FAMILY-FRIENDLY GOLF COURSE PUTS CHEATING COUPLE ON BLAST OVER PARKING LOT AFFAIR: NOT ‘JERRY SPRINGER' The romantics were in a transparent pod in full view of those on the ground below. There is, as you might expect, a video of the mood-setting performance that made its way onto social media. "Originally, for the first rotation of the wheel, people thought he was just standing behind her with his arms around her, looking at the view," a witness who is a regular at the festival said, according to news.com.au. "I have never seen anything like this. They were literally in a glass pod above everyone’s heads at the busiest point of the night, just before Guns N’ Roses were due on." OFFICER'S ROMANTIC OUTINGS IN PATROL CAR LEAD TO TROUBLE, NAUGHTY CRUISE SETS SAIL & UNCONVENTIONAL ATTRACTION Now here’s where the mood was set. The couple brought the crowd waiting to see the band together. "It sort of brought everyone together in a weird way, before they were spotted the atmosphere was nervous apprehension because they’re always late on. As soon as the cameras came out and word started getting around about what happened the atmosphere completely changed – they made the night," the witness continued. "All I can think is they thought the glass was tinted, but it wasn’t at all, it was actually spotless, you could see everything. I just hope they cleaned the cabin after they got out of it." DOCTOR ACCUSES YOUNG EX-MISTRESS OF SENDING NUDES TO WIFE AFTER AFFAIR, PROPOSED PARTNER SWAP & CELEB CHEATING That’s all anyone could hope for. Now these two romantics, who remain at large, are being looked for by the Leicestershire Police. As we all know, no good deed goes unpunished. Follow True Romance on Twitter and Facebook. The panicked call from his best friend’s wife came after he received a naked picture from her out of the blue. He’s now convinced that she’s into him. SPURNED SPOUSES CASH IN AS NORTH CAROLINA’S 'HOMEWRECKER' LAW TURNS CHEATING INTO A COURTROOM JACKPOT She made the call, begging him to destroy the evidence, and claimed it was a mistake after he responded to the nude with "Are you serious?," he wrote to the Daily Star. What he described as a blind panic didn’t have him convinced that it was an accident. Her husband’s best friend now thinks she might even want to have an affair with him. "But was it a mistake? Was she simply testing the water to see if I’m interested? Does she secretly fancy me and want an affair?" he finds himself asking. THIS ONE VALENTINE'S DAY THING CAN SUPERCHARGE YOUR LOVE LIFE He doesn’t want to delete the birthday suit pic. He wants more and is wondering what his next move should be. This is an easy one, if he’s really her husband’s best friend. You see how far she’s willing to take it, then let your buddy know that you’re in a relationship with his wife and make a complete mess of everything. That’s how this guy wants it to play out and, strictly from a romance perspective, I get it. By the way, this is exactly how a couple ends up with irreconcilable differences. WELCOME TO THE DATING RECESSION: WHY YOUNG AMERICANS ARE GIVING UP ON LOVE The question of whether a wedding ring prevents others from hitting on you was posed to women on Reddit recently, and the short answer to the question is no. That's not nearly as entertaining as some of the longer answers to the question. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There are lessons to be learned from this. One of those lessons is that the wedding ring doesn’t always prevent married women from taking those who hit on them up on their offer. Best of luck to those who do not respect wedding rings. ------------- That is it for this quiet Thursday in the middle of June. We'll do it again next week. Hopefully, we aren't faced with another heartbreaking and completely unexpected split like Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo. If we are, we'll get through it. There are always couples out there willing to take a chance on each other and willing to set an example for others, even on a Ferris wheel at a music festival. Feel free to reach out, anonymously if you prefer, at sean.joseph@outkick.com. Send me whatever you want. I get plenty of hate mail as it is and yours will be a welcomed addition to the pile. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34370e1972385678331119 Iran hardliner behind US deal warns Tehran won’t honor agreement if Trump fails to deliver te 2026-06-18T18:21:02.759Z Iran hardliner behind US deal warns Tehran won’t honor agreement if Trump fails to deliver Iran’s hardline parliament speaker and key negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would not honor its commitments under a newly signed memorandum with the U.S. if Washington fails to uphold its side of the deal, according to the media arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.  "If the United States does not honor its commitments, there is no way Iran will honor its own commitments," Ghalibaf said, according to the outlet. Ghalibaf’s warning was echoed Thursday by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, who threatened the U.S. in remarks translated by MEMRI TV, saying, "Americans should know their place and avoid confronting the Muslims."  Qaani added that "Trump is trembling" and warned that the U.S. "should fear not only Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, but many other locations as well." MEET IRAN'S HARDLINE SPEAKER WHO THREATENED TO BURN US FORCES — REPORTEDLY TEHRAN'S POINT MAN FOR TALKS The warnings came after President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Wednesday digitally signed a copy of the memorandum aimed at ending the war and resuming the flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The memorandum gives Iran major economic relief while leaving some of the most difficult nuclear questions for a final agreement to be negotiated throughout the next 60 days. Under the 14-point plan read by a senior U.S. official, Washington agreed to begin lifting its naval blockade, work with regional partners on a $300 billion reconstruction and development plan for Iran, and terminate U.S., U.N. and other sanctions on an agreed schedule as part of a final deal.  The memorandum also says all licenses, waivers and permissions needed for related financial transactions would be granted by the United States. In return, Iran reaffirmed that it "shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons," and the two sides agreed to resolve the fate of Iran’s stockpiled enriched material under a future mechanism, with the minimum method being on-site down-blending under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.  The agreement defers many of the hardest questions — including how to wind down Iran’s nuclear program — until the 60-day negotiation period for a final deal. But the Iranian figure at the center of the deal is not a diplomat known for moderation.  Ghalibaf, a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and longtime regime insider, has threatened American forces, vowed Trump would "pay the price" and built his career through loyalty to Iran’s security establishment. The new warning underscored what experts say is the central risk of the agreement: Washington may be entering a deal with officials who can enforce Iran’s commitments, but who have shown little sign of changing the regime’s long-term posture toward the U.S., Israel or the region.  Ghalibaf, 64, is a product of Iran’s security establishment. He rose through the ranks of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq War, eventually becoming commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air force.  He later served as Iran’s national police chief, overseeing internal security forces responsible for suppressing protests, including the 1999 student uprising, alongside Qassem Soleimani. After transitioning into politics, Ghalibaf attempted to run for president multiple times but failed. He instead built his career through loyalty to the system, serving as Tehran’s mayor for more than a decade before becoming speaker of parliament in 2020. FAMILIES OF IRAN'S ELITE LIVE LAVISHLY ABROAD WHILE ORDINARY CITIZENS SUFFER AT HOME "Ghalibaf doesn’t have an independent line. His strength is that he is a ‘yes man,’" Beni Sabti, an Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, previously told Fox News Digital. "If he is told to shake hands with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, he will do it. If he is told to escalate, he will. It is not about moderation, it is about who gives the orders." "His name has also been linked to multiple corruption allegations, including misuse of oil revenues and sanctions evasion networks involving his family. His sons have reportedly been involved and are under sanctions," Sabti said, adding, "There have also been public scandals involving family members traveling abroad and making luxury purchases, including widely circulated images of them arriving with numerous high-end Gucci suitcases." Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the image of Ghalibaf at a signing ceremony with a senior U.S. official would be a propaganda victory for the regime. "There was a time when the Islamic Republic would have been terrified to be seen signing such a thing," Ben Taleblu told Fox News Digital. "Post-war, this is a sign of the regime’s opportunism, and no one identifies that opportunism better than someone like Ghalibaf, who comes from the IRGC, who is a corrupt politician and is a wheeler and dealer." But Taleblu warned that Washington should not confuse Ghalibaf’s opportunism with moderation.  "The mirage is the myth of Iranian military moderation and the myth that, with time, this regime will integrate and put aside all the things that have kept it on the sidelines for so long," he said. "Transforming Iran via a deal — that is a huge lift." Ghalibaf’s wartime statements reflect the hardline posture inside Iran’s leadership. In remarks aired on Iranian television on Jan. 12 and translated by MEMRI, he warned that U.S. forces would face catastrophic consequences if they confronted Iran. "Come, so you can see what catastrophe befalls American bases, ships and forces," he said, adding that American troops would be "burned by the fire of Iran’s defenders." TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT More recently, he warned that "the blood of American soldiers is the personal responsibility of Trump," and vowed Iran would "settle accounts with the Americans and Israelis," adding that "Trump and Netanyahu crossed our red lines and will pay the price." John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America and a former national security adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, said Ghalibaf’s expected role reflects the reality of who holds power inside Iran.  "If you’re going to sign an agreement with Iran, those are the forces in charge and calling the shots, presumably with the approval of the new Supreme Leader," Hannah told Fox News Digital. "If the U.S. harbors hope that Iran will ever implement any of their obligations under the MOU, these are the people — odious as they are — capable of making it happen." But Hannah said the central question is whether Iran’s leadership sees compliance as useful, or whether the agreement is simply a tactical pause. "The big question is whether they see it in their interest to do so, or are they only buying time, rebuilding their power and preparing for the next round of conflict," he said. Ben Taleblu was even more blunt, warning that even a seemingly favorable agreement would not change the nature of the regime. "Even if you’ve got the perfect deal, with this kind of regime, with this kind of mentality, they will escalate," he said. "I thought we would have learned by now what the regime did after the JCPOA. It built a vast missile arsenal. It literally built an empire of terror proxies that took Israel years of blood, effort and money to dismantle, backed by American support." "If we engage in pay-to-play with these guys," he added, "I’m sorry to sound the alarm bell like this — but something tells me this is bad either way." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34350419723856783310c5 'The Ring' actress Daveigh Chase dead at 35: report te 2026-06-18T18:12:20.088Z 'The Ring' actress Daveigh Chase dead at 35: report Daveigh Chase, known for roles in "The Ring" and "Lilo & Stitch," died Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to NBC News. She was 35. Her father, John Schwallier, told the outlet via text that his daughter "died of complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection." Additionally, he said that Chase "was suffering from severe malnutrition." OLIVER TREE MADE EERIE COMMENTS ABOUT HIS WILL WEEKS BEFORE FATAL HELICOPTER CRASH IN RIO DE JANEIRO Her former manager, John Ryan Jr., disputed claims made in a recent crowdfunding campaign published before reports of Chase's death began circulating. "Daveigh’s estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation," Ryan said in a statement to Deadline. "John is next of kin and never signed any paperwork over to this so called boyfriend." TMZ was first to report Chase's death through her alleged boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh," Ryan told the outlet. "Myself, her father, her uncle and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page.  "This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn’t let any of the family know until she passed so he can control the dialogue. Daveigh’s actual family is handling all arrangements, we have contacted go fund me to let them know this man started this page on his own under Daveighs name when she was already unresponsive and urging people to report the page and not donate." Chase was born in Las Vegas and began singing and dancing at a young age before landing her first role in a Campbell's Soup commercial. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Her star power continued to rise when she was cast to voice Lilo at only eight years old, and worked alongside Tia Carrere and Chris Sanders to bring the Oscar-winning animated Disney film to life. In addition to voicing Lilo in the film, Chase recorded more than 60 episodes of "Lilo & Stitch: The Series," and voiced the character in various video games and multimedia projects. The same year, Chase earned legions of fans in another demographic after her chilling role as "Samara" in the DreamWorks classic horror, "The Ring." In 2003, the young actress earned the best villain award at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards, and beat Mike Myers, Colin Farrell, Willem Dafoe and Daniel Day-Lewis to win the trophy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3434f019723856783310bc Oklahoma dad who took daughters into women's restroom reacts after confrontation goes viral te 2026-06-18T18:12:00.632Z Oklahoma dad who took daughters into women's restroom reacts after confrontation goes viral An Oklahoma family's routine bathroom stop during a trip home from Florida turned into an unexpected confrontation that went viral online. Tyler Brodsky was traveling with his two young daughters when he stopped at an Alabama gas station and took them into an empty women's restroom. Moments later, a bystander objected, leading to a heated exchange and a call to police. "I knock and announced that I'm coming in with two girls which, at this time, the bathroom was empty," Brodsky recounted on "Fox & Friends First." CALIFORNIA WOMAN SAYS GYM REVOKED HER MEMBERSHIP FOR CALLING OUT MAN IN WOMEN'S LOCKER ROOM "This guy comes in, starts yelling, demanding that we need to leave. [He said] I should have taken them to the men's restroom, which I disagreed with. I've personally been in the men restrooms. I just didn't feel like it was a good place to take two little girls." Video of the incident captured by Brodsky showed the man standing in the doorway scolding Brodsky as he stood near the sink, helping his daughters wash their hands. The bystander can be seen speaking into his phone, describing how his wife and "very ill" mother-in-law had reported that a man was inside the women's restroom. One of Brodsky's young daughters was seen crying as the ordeal continued. The QuikTrip manager eventually closed the door and apologized to Brodsky and the girls. UK TO BAN TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA APPS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 16, STARMER SAYS "Initially, they [my daughters] were upset. They were scared, seeing a grown man yelling like that at their dad and towards them," Brodsky told co-host Todd Piro. "It's a scary thing for little girls, so I tried to just do the best I could in the moment, and keep them calm. But they're doing well now." Brodsky shared the video on TikTok, which quickly went viral and sparked an online debate over bathroom etiquette. In a follow-up TikTok, Brodsky shared that three officers later arrived on scene to de-escalate the situation and told him he had done nothing wrong. The officers eventually asked the other man to leave and took time to reassure Brodsky's daughters, he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3434b4197238567833109b Takeaways From ‘Regime Change,’ Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s Book on Trump’s White House te 2026-06-18T18:11:00.217Z Takeaways From ‘Regime Change,’ Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s Book on Trump’s White House The book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan of The New York Times, “Regime Change,” reveals a host of details and surprising exchanges as President Trump pushed to drastically expand his power. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3434a0197238567833107c Mivo’s new app takes a mindful approach to managing screen time te 2026-06-18T18:10:40.247Z Mivo’s new app takes a mindful approach to managing screen time Doomscrolling on social media is a very common problem and can feel like an endless loop of constantly losing track of time. Instead of tackling this issue with strict limits, a new mindful screen time app called Mivo Scrolling is trying to shake things up. Launched last month, Mivo doesn’t look sup Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34348c1972385678331073 Rivian owners sue over false promises on self-driving features te 2026-06-18T18:10:20.287Z Rivian owners sue over false promises on self-driving features Plaintiffs in the class action complaint allege Rivian falsely promised for years it would bring hands-free driving to its first-generation R1 vehicles. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a343234197238567833102e Philadelphia Cannot Force Mention of Slavery at Historic Home, Court Rules te 2026-06-18T18:00:20.464Z Philadelphia Cannot Force Mention of Slavery at Historic Home, Court Rules A three-judge appeals panel threw out a lower court’s order requiring the federal government to restore a memorial and historical display at George Washington’s former house. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34301a1972385678330fe0 Trump Iran framework gambles on diplomacy despite warning Tehran will 'lie and cheat' te 2026-06-18T17:51:22.665Z Trump Iran framework gambles on diplomacy despite warning Tehran will 'lie and cheat' The Trump administration's new framework with Iran grants Tehran immediate oil sanctions waivers while postponing the most consequential nuclear questions for future negotiations, a gamble officials acknowledge carries risks because they expect Iran may not comply.  "We come in with the full expectation that they will lie and they will cheat," one senior U.S. official said on a call with reporters Wednesday, arguing that any final agreement would require a verification and enforcement mechanism capable of detecting violations. The agreement, which establishes a 60-day negotiating period, rests on a bet that Iran can be deterred from violating its commitments through monitoring and enforcement. Administration officials say any sanctions waivers can be clawed back if Iran fails to comply, while critics argue the U.S. is giving up leverage before the toughest nuclear issues have been resolved. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT The memorandum of understanding, unveiled by administration officials on a call with reporters Wednesday, says the Treasury Department will immediately issue waivers allowing Iran to export crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives, as well as access associated banking, insurance and transportation services.  But the agreement does not immediately require Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, surrender its enriched uranium stockpile or end enrichment. Instead, the deal says the U.S. and Iran will negotiate the "disposition" of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, with down-blending on site under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision identified as the minimum methodology. Administration officials defended that language as an early nuclear concession, saying the U.S. continues to push for more. "Of course that's a flaw and we will push for more than that. But the fact that they're conceding to that is a major, major win for the United States of America," one senior U.S. official said on the call. "They're saying we will destroy the enriched stockpile, and this is how we're going to do it at a minimum." Down-blending would reduce the enrichment level of the material, but would not remove it from Iran.  Trump has defended the framework as necessary to avoid a prolonged conflict, closed shipping lanes and a market shock. "If we didn't do this deal, we could have dropped more bombs for another three weeks, two weeks, four weeks, two years," Trump said Wednesday at the G7 summit in Évian, France. "You would never have the Hormuz Strait open … Your market would have, instead of going up, would go down at levels that nobody ever saw before, maybe except for 1929."  TRUMP DEFENDS WAR DEAL IN MARATHON PRESSER, USING SEMANTICS ON WHY IRAN IS GETTING $300 BILLION "I did not want to see economic catastrophe," Trump added. The framework drew support from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a prominent Iran hawk who said after speaking with special envoy Steve Witkoff that he thought the 60-day agreement would be "beneficial." "Whether or not the United States can reach an acceptable, verifiable deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program and other issues is yet to be determined, but I see little downside to trying," Graham said. Others criticized the deal for offering sanctions relief before Iran had agreed to anything concrete on the nuclear front. "How do you expect Iran to agree to anything in the future, let alone within 60 days, when you've given up all your leverage?" Blaise Misztal, vice president for policy at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, told Fox News Digital. Broader sanctions relief, a withdrawal of U.S. forces and a $300 billion reconstruction fund are also contemplated as part of a final deal if both sides can reach one within 60 days. Those who opposed the war now argue that the memorandum is the best deal the U.S. can get after the conflict and blockade. "The U.S. bargaining position was hurt by the war, not helped by it," Rosemary Kelanic, director of the Middle East program at Defense Priorities, told Fox News Digital. Kelanic said Trump is now "buying off Iran to return to something approaching the pre-war status quo" by offering immediate sanctions waivers and unfreezing assets tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. She argued that the immediate waivers are the price Trump has to pay to convince Iran he is serious about diplomacy after launching strikes during negotiations. "This is like earnest money, right?" Kelanic said. "It's like upfront cash that shows that he really means it. It's a costly signal that Trump essentially forced himself to have to make by breaking off negotiations and bombing Iran in the middle of them." Iran has framed the memorandum as a test of whether Washington is prepared to act first, rather than simply offer assurances. "Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that Iran’s deep mistrust of the United States stems from a long history of wrongdoing by American leaders," Iran foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday in a press briefing. "The United States still has a long way to go before it can earn the trust of the Iranian people." The memorandum leaves the key nuclear mechanics to be worked out during the 60-day period, as well as key issues like ballistic missile production and proxy funding.  "What we have in this deal already suggests that if there is a deal in 60 days on the nuclear issue, that deal is going to be weaker than the JCPOA," Misztal said, referring to the Obama-era nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Under the JCPOA, Iran was required to sharply reduce its uranium stockpile, including by removing excess material from the country. Misztal said the new agreement’s minimum standard of down-blending on site suggests Iranian uranium may remain inside Iran. "That means first of all, no uranium is leaving Iran, which happened under the JCPOA," he said. The agreement also guarantees toll-free commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days while Iran, Oman and Gulf states discuss a longer-term framework for administration and maritime services in the waterway. Behnam Taleblu, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned that the provision raises concerns that Iran could gain a role in regulating a critical international waterway after demonstrating its ability to disrupt global shipping. "I mean, not just charge a toll, but regulate the crucial international waterway," Taleblu said. "There can be no doubt over the fact that the Strait of Hormuz needs to be open and open to all, not just whomever Iran and Iran plus its friends can pressure others into." "If there is no guarantee of freedom of navigation, the Islamic Republic is going to salami slice the resolve of the Gulf countries and basically try to throw its weight around in this strait again," he added. The agreement also calls for the U.S. and regional partners to develop a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran worth at least $300 billion. U.S. officials have stressed that the provision does not require American taxpayer money, but critics said any funding stream could free up regime resources for other priorities. "It doesn't matter if it's Chinese money or American money or [United Arab Emirates] money," Taleblu said. "The more they have access, the less they have to compete over resources and more they can fund what they want to fund."  If negotiations collapse during the 60 days, Trump has left resuming military pressure back on the table. "If we think that they're just dragging us along and kind of bulls**ting us, then we’ll be very quick to pull the plug," a senior administration official said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342fdc1972385678330fa6 AI data centers just got a government-mandated fast lane to the grid te 2026-06-18T17:50:20.725Z AI data centers just got a government-mandated fast lane to the grid FERC told grid operators to give data centers a fast lane for interconnections, but it failed to address electricity supply shortages. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342e231972385678330f7c Dem Senate hopeful under fire for resurfaced comments calling cops 'opportunistic cowards' te 2026-06-18T17:42:59.880Z Dem Senate hopeful under fire for resurfaced comments calling cops 'opportunistic cowards' Embattled Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing backlash for calling law enforcement "opportunistic cowards" in a since-deleted Reddit post.  Platner, a far-left populist vying to become Maine’s next senator, made the comments in June 2020 in response to a post criticizing the Hancock County Sheriff's Department for seeking approval to purchase "riot gear." At the time, Black Lives Matter protests were spreading around the state, with some demonstrations turning violent, including vandalized storefronts and looting. Platner, then 35, dismissed the sheriff’s request as "ridiculous." "I guess the Sheriffs [sic] Department is so full of overweight pansies that they now need taxpayer dollars to protect themselves from George Stevens Academy sophomores and aging hippies," he wrote. VETS TORCH DEM SENATE HOPEFUL WHO CALLED ARMY ‘FAT, LAZY TRASH,’ MOCKED SOLDIER SHOT FOUR TIMES "Cops are opportunistic cowards," he continued.  The post, which is available in The Maine Monitor’s archive of Platner’s since-deleted messages, but has not been previously reported, was published under Platner’s handle "P-Hustle" on the Reddit forum R/Maine. The comment is the latest in a string of anti-law enforcement remarks Platner made well into adulthood that have raised questions about his fitness for office as he seeks to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.  "It just shows a complete lack of understanding of the way law enforcement operates," state Rep. Donald Ardell, R-Maine, told Fox News Digital in an interview. "They have to be prepared for eventualities." Ardell, a retired federal special agent and criminal investigator, said conversations with current law enforcement officers and former colleagues reflected widespread disgust with Platner’s comments disparaging men and women in uniform.  "It's a series of consistent bad decisions, and it seems to be continuing," Ardell said.  Also in June 2020, Platner denounced a Maine police chief as "thin blue line trash" for declining to kneel with demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd. That month, he wrote "all cops are bastards" in remarks first reported by CNN. In April 2021, Platner questioned whether there is a problem within policing "that extends into the profession as a whole" in a since-deleted post.  Platner has also faced scrutiny over comments declaring himself a communist, disparaging rural White people as "racist" and "stupid" and mocking a female teenager’s suicide attempt. FROM #METOO TO MAINE? DEM EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON HOW PLATNER'S RISE TESTS PARTY STANDARDS: 'PULLING THE PLUG' Platner has said many of his comments were taken out of context and attributed some of them to struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder after multiple overseas deployments. "You should read the comments in context. It's very clear I'm joking," he previously told Fox News Digital when asked about them. "It's called s---posting. It's when you argue with people on the internet and try to bother them." Ardell questioned whether Platner, who was largely in his 30s during the nearly decade-long period of online trash-talking, could have "made such a quick turnaround" in the past six years.  "If Graham Platner is interested in sort of working on himself, he can do it on his own time — not on Mainers' time, and not in the U.S. Senate," Ardell said. The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment. The newly resurfaced Reddit post comes as Platner is attempting to weather mounting scrutiny over his past treatment of women, including an allegation of abuse from former girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield. In May, the campaign acknowledged a period of infidelity during Platner’s marriage to Amy Gertner — whom he wed in 2023 — which involved sending sexually explicit texts to at least half a dozen women. Platner also maintained an active account on the private messaging platform Kik, an app widely used for sexual encounters. His campaign said he had long deleted it from his phone. Adding to Platner’s troubles, he has not provided a clear explanation for why several ex-girlfriends knew about his since covered-up Nazi-linked tattoo prior to the candidate publicly disclosing it last year.  A former girlfriend who dated Platner in 2021 showed The New York Post text messages she sent in September 2025 that discussed the "Nazi tattoo on his chest." The Senate hopeful has said he first learned about the black skull-and-crossbones tattoo’s links to Nazi SS units in October 2025. He wore it for nearly two decades after getting it while out drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia. Asked if more negative information about Platner would come to light before November, Ardell did not hesitate.  "This is not a guy that has a skeleton in the closet," he said. "This is a guy that has a whole graveyard." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342e101972385678330f73 Drone intercepted over Team Korea World Cup training camp ahead of game against Mexico te 2026-06-18T17:42:40.428Z Drone intercepted over Team Korea World Cup training camp ahead of game against Mexico The Mexican military intercepted a drone that was flying over the South Korean national soccer team’s training camp ahead of its World Cup match against Mexico on Wednesday. South Korea and Mexico are both 1-0 and will be facing off for the lead in Group A. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The Mexican forces used specialized equipment to detect an "unregistered drone" near the South Korean camp, prompting them to "neutralize" it, a Mexican federal agent told The Associated Press. It wasn’t clear if the drone was trying to spy on the South Korean team ahead of Thursday’s match between the teams. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo called the incident "unfortunate." "Yesterday (Tuesday), during our training, there was a drone in the sky that we came to know about the fact," Hong said through a translator. "But fortunately, it was right before we practiced our tactics, so it did not impact us. But while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing, so what happened was unfortunate." The Mexican operation was part of a security plan involving military and local police forces for the soccer tournament, which kicked off last week in Mexico City and is being co-hosted by the United States and Canada through July 19. In March, Mexican authorities announced a World Cup security operation known as "Plan Kukulkán," involving about 100,000 personnel from federal and local military and police forces. The plan includes early warning systems, security measures at stadiums, airports, roads and hotels, and protection protocols for teams, officials and fans. US INVESTIGATING WHETHER CHINESE CITIZEN CHARGED WITH FLYING DRONE OVER BASE COMMITTED 'MORE SERIOUS OFFENSES' In Canada, authorities have banned unauthorized drones from flying over World Cup stadiums and several training sites in Vancouver and Toronto as a security measure. The restrictions remain in effect until July 7 — the date of the last game scheduled to be staged in the country. In 2024, the Canadian women’s national team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session in the days leading up to their opening match at the Paris Olympics, triggering a spying scandal that led to sanctions against Canada. The scandal led to the suspension of two coaching staff members and head coach Bev Priestman, who was subsequently dismissed by Canada Soccer. The Canadian women’s team — the reigning Olympic champions from the Tokyo Games — was deducted six points from its group standings in France. Canada Soccer later determined that the incident was not an isolated error but part of a pattern of insufficient oversight within the national teams. Mexico won its opening Group A match at the World Cup on Thursday while South Korea beat the Czech Republic later that same day. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342dfc1972385678330f6a James Carville doubles down on viral prediction that Trump 'will resign next spring' te 2026-06-18T17:42:20.974Z James Carville doubles down on viral prediction that Trump 'will resign next spring' Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville doubled down on his controversial comments, insisting President Donald Trump "will resign next spring," on Wednesday.  In a video for Politicon, Carville rejected claims that he was making the forecast to gain attention.  "People said, ‘Oh, that’s very clever, you got a lot of pick-up. You know, you like to say kinda crazy a-- things,’" Carville said. "I want to be very clear on something. I’m not doing this as a crazy a-- prediction, I’m doing that because I genuinely think that he will resign next spring." Carville pointed to Trump’s alleged health deterioration and increasing political pressures as key factors in his prediction. JAMES CARVILLE SUGGESTS THE SPECIFIC HOLIDAY BY WHICH PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL RESIGN "Everybody around you is being subpoenaed for everything that you can imagine," Carville continued, seeming to address Trump directly. "Your life is miserable."  He added that he believes Trump has been on the "decline" in his second term, and is no longer interested in governing.  "You can look at him and just see how fat and unhealthy he is," Carville said. JAMES CARVILLE CALLS PRESIDENT TRUMP 'FAT, SORRY, SACK OF S---' IN PRE-SOTU RANT In another jab at the president, Carville compared Trump to Bill Clinton, insisting that any attempt to claw back popularity over a hypothetical midterms loss would be unfeasible.  "He doesn’t have the stamina," Carville said. "Yeah, [Bill] Clinton came back, but Clinton — frankly, it was the greatest mismatch in maybe American political history — Bill Clinton versus Newt Gingrich. Well, guess what? Donald Trump is not the Bill Clinton of 1995."  He concluded by suggesting Trump would request a pardon from would-be President JD Vance as he departs office. "He’s going to JD Vance," Carville said. "His lawyers are going to say, ‘Look, you can stay, you can pardon yourself — there’s some uncertainty as to whether you can do that. There’s no uncertainty as to whether a President Vance can pardon you and your family,’" he said. "So I’m sticking with my prediction." CARVILLE DOUBLES DOWN ON THEORY TRUMP WILL 'WALK AWAY' FROM OFFICE AFTER MIDTERMS, GET PARDON FROM JD VANCE The veteran political strategist’s original claims, made on Sunday’s episode of "Politics War Room," suggested Republicans are gearing up to oust Trump after the upcoming midterm elections.  "Trump has no earthly idea of what's coming," Carville previously said. "They're not telling him. The vote against him in November is going to be, like, breathtaking." "He's already bored," Carville added. "He can't stay awake. He says he's bored with the Iran war. He's — and I'm telling you, this guy by Easter of 2027 is just going to walk away from this job. Just gonna f---ing walk away because he doesn't have any idea of what it's going to be like when he comes to grips with the massive — I mean it's going to be massive rejection of him, anybody that has anything to do with him, anything that he has anything to do with." In a statement to Fox News Digital, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle condemned Carville's prediction. "James Carville is a stone-cold loser who suffers from a severe and incurable disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome, and it has rotted his peanut-sized brain," Ingle said.   In the fall of 2024, Carville wrote a New York Times op-ed predicting a Kamala Harris victory: "America, it will all be OK. Ms. Harris will be elected the next president of the United States. Of this, I am certain." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342de91972385678330f61 Mets TV reporter has a heck of a time trying to get through a Skyline Chili dog on-air te 2026-06-18T17:42:01.520Z Mets TV reporter has a heck of a time trying to get through a Skyline Chili dog on-air When you think of grub that comes from Cincinnati, Ohio, there's an almost 100% chance that you think of Skyline Chili. And while it's the city's most famous culinary export, it's also one of the most divisive, as evidenced by the New York Mets reporter Steve Gelbs trying to choke down a Coney dog topped with the famous chili. Let's just say we can put him firmly in the "not a fan camp." You could tell Gelbs was trying to talk himself up to take a bite, like someone who's trying to jump off the high diving board at a community pool so they don't get bullied by their friends for the entire summer and the following school year. GAS STATION FOOD IS 'EXTRAORDINARY' AND 'HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT,' SAYS TOP CHEF He took a bite, and the returns were not stellar. "I’m not trying to be hyperbolic," he said. "I’d rather have a vending machine burrito. I’m not kidding. That sound you just heard was Cincinnatians sharpening pitchforks. I love chili. In fact, I remember at one point after high school thinking about becoming a firefighter, because from what I've seen on TV, a lot of the time in between fires is spent perfecting chili recipes. I love a Coney dog too, but, dammit, I can't seem to wrap my head around Skyline Chili. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There's a location not too far from where I live, and I'm always like, "I should try that," but then I remember people telling me it tastes like cinnamon and you have to get it served over spaghetti and I get the yips. The other problem is that I need the right conditions before diving into an unfamiliar chili. One time my wife suggested we get Skyline for dinner, but it was the night before I had an early morning flight. That was a complete non-starter. That's just a recipe for certain disaster. So, I'm still trying to talk myself into getting a loaded-up Coney (by the way, that's too much cheese and not melting it is wild), but Steve Gelbs' foray into the world of Skyline Chili is not helping me get over the hump. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342dd61972385678330f58 Joe Rogan claims former presidents threw 'a lot of money' at Spotify removal effort over COVID controversy te 2026-06-18T17:41:42.064Z Joe Rogan claims former presidents threw 'a lot of money' at Spotify removal effort over COVID controversy Podcast host Joe Rogan made new allegations on Wednesday that several critics, including former U.S. presidents, "spent a lot of money" attempting to remove his hit show from Spotify after he was accused of spreading misinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  On "The Joe Rogan Experience," Rogan sat down with behavior expert and author Chase Hughes to discuss social media and the importance of influence on various platforms while dealing with critics. During the interview, Rogan revealed that his show lost a significant number of sponsors during the pandemic — despite having such a large following — over various statements he made about vaccines and lockdowns.  KATHY GRIFFIN BLASTS JOE ROGAN AS ‘RIGHT-WING’ INFLUENCER WHO KEEPS FANS FROM GETTING VACCINATED "Well, the position that I was in during the COVID thing was very unique," Rogan said. "I had already — I’d gotten such a head start. I was so far ahead of them," he added. "They didn’t realize my ability to say, ‘Wait, this is — this doesn’t make any sense.’ Like, none of this makes any sense."  Rogan was previously accused of spreading misinformation during the pandemic after he told listeners he would not receive the shot if he was young and in good health, while also criticizing COVID-19-era lockdowns.  At the time, Rogan claimed to have successfully used a cocktail of medications — including ivermectin — after he was diagnosed with the virus. BIDEN SPENT MILLIONS ON ‘MISINFORMATION’ RESEARCH. THE DETAILS ARE EVEN MORE DISTURBING THAN YOU THINK The podcast host’s remarks set off a media firestorm in the midst of the pandemic, with Rogan revealing this week that a slew of PACs and several other groups pressed Spotify and his sponsors to remove his show from the Sweden-based company’s platform.  "Thank God I was on Spotify, and thank God Spotify is not an American company," Rogan said. "And also, it helped that I was number one in, like, 90 countries and not number 90 in one country, you know? That helped. That helped a lot."  Rogan went on to claim during Wednesday’s episode that even former presidents were involved in the alleged takedown. ZUCKERBERG TELLS ROGAN BIDEN ADMIN WOULD 'SCREAM' AND 'CURSE' AT HIS EMPLOYEES, DEMANDING CENSORSHIP "I can’t even talk about it, but there [were] presidents involved — and former presidents involved — that were contacting Spotify," Rogan said. "[They were] trying to get me removed for vaccine misinformation. And it turned out to be right. All of it. Not a single [person] apologized."  "I lost a lot, a lot during those days," he added.  Rogan did not reveal which public officials or PACs were involved in the alleged attempt to derail his show. He added "there was a lot of coordination" behind the efforts to remove his show, but said, "I don’t talk about it too much because it’s — it’s pretty — it’s pretty deep." "It was nuts, but it didn’t work, right?" Rogan continued. "But they tried. They spent a lot of money. A lot of money. It wasn't a small amount of money, it wasn't a small amount of people. It was a lot of people, and a lot of money. That part was spooky." Following the 2022 backlash surrounding Rogan’s portrayal of the pandemic and vaccines, Spotify announced it would "add a content advisory to any podcast episode that includes a discussion about COVID-19." Fox News Digital reached out to Spotify for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342d981972385678330f37 In revitalizing the Colorado River Delta, a little goes a long way te 2026-06-18T17:40:40.617Z In revitalizing the Colorado River Delta, a little goes a long way In revitalizing the Colorado River Delta, a little goes a long way stolte Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 18:49 In revitalizing the Colorado River Delta, a little goes a long way Today Today's Colorado River Delta is a far cry from the lush waterway Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342d841972385678330f2c This UA program treats anxiety with art and theater te 2026-06-18T17:40:20.659Z This UA program treats anxiety with art and theater When a University of Arizona student sees a campus health provider for anxiety or depression, they might leave with a prescription. Not for medication, but for a night at the theater or an afternoon at a museum. The UA just wrapped up the first academic year of its Arizona Arts Rx program, a partnership with Social Rx that connects students to arts and culture activities, on and off campus. Social Rx, formerly Art Pharmacy, is a national organization focused on mental health. The program, which dates to 2022 nationally, launched at UA last year after Andrew Schulz in the arts department approached the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine about bringing it to campus. The initiative is led by Arizona Arts in partnership with the Weil Center, Student Affairs, Campus Health and Student Success and Retention Innovation. The UA is the first university in the Southwest to offer services through Social Rx. Students referred by their Counseling and Psych Services provider are connected with a Social Rx care navigator, who helps match them with activities based on their interests, from painting and theater to museum visits and zoo trips, and can reserve a ticket for them and a friend at no cost. The program drew 126 referrals in its first year and was used primarily to address anxiety, depression and loneliness, Campus Health Executive Director David Salafsky told Tucson Spotlight. "Something we've seen in more recent years is that we're more connected through our phones and technology, but sometimes students are feeling like it's more difficult to find that group of friends," Salafsky said. "Sometimes that can be a challenge and we want to offer opportunities for students to make it happen." Share Tucson Spotlight with a friend. Every signup earns you a raffle entry to win a gift card to a local Tucson favorite. Four winners drawn August 1. The arts offer more than entertainment, Salafsky said. They provide perspective and a shared social experience that can reframe how students relate to their own struggles. "Art gives us perspective on the human experience," he said. "People think, what do anxiety and loneliness have to do with the arts? But it's part of the human experience and reframing what that means." Salafsky said the program also addresses something deeper than social connection: the stress that underlies so much of what campus health providers see. That's an observation Dr. Stephen Dahmer, executive director of the Weil Center, shares. Dahmer estimates that stress is a factor in 80% of what he sees and treats as a primary care physician. He said the program fits within integrative medicine's broader goal of treating the whole person. "Stress is an underlier for a good chunk of what we see. I believe Social Rx hits this on a deep level," Dahmer said. "In no way does this take away from (traditional mental health treatment). It's an adjunct that can work in conjunction with anything else that is currently being offered." He added that arts prescriptions can reach students earlier than traditional interventions and work alongside other forms of care. "Healthcare isn't just about caring for the sick or only about pharmaceuticals," Dahmer said. "We're going to treat you as a whole person. And we can look outside the box for other interventions." UA Campus Health Executive Director David Salafsky and Dr. Stephen Dahmer, executive director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Courtesy of UA. A national movement The UA program is part of a broader national shift, said Julia Hotz, a solutions journalist and author of "The Connection Cure," the first book to document the science and spread of social prescribing. Social prescribing is now practiced in more than 30 countries, but the U.S. has lagged behind, in part because its fragmented healthcare system makes systemic adoption harder, Hotz said. That's beginning to change. "Social prescribing really has jumpstarted in the U.S.," Hotz said. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey was among the first insurers to buy in, offering arts prescriptions of up to six months to at-risk members through cultural partners in Newark. When she completed the draft of her book in early 2023, Social Prescribing USA, a grassroots hub for practitioners, was just starting to find its footing. The group held its first national conference earlier this year. It was also awarded a National Academy of Medicine Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award to run what it says will be the first social prescribing pilot at Kaiser Permanente, launching in Oakland and Berkeley, California, this year. "Social prescribing in the United States is really hard to compare to other countries that have it because our healthcare systems are so fractured," Hotz said. But there are entry points, she said. Medicare, Medicaid and health maintenance organizations like Kaiser have long focused on prevention, operating on the logic that supporting a patient's whole health saves money down the line, making them natural early adopters of the social prescribing model. Julia Hotz, author of "The Connection Cure," has documented the global spread of social prescribing, a model the University of Arizona adopted last year through its Arizona Arts Rx program. Courtesy of Julia Hotz. Universities, Hotz said, are a natural proving ground. "The kneejerk response might be, 'What do you mean we need social prescribing in universities? Aren't they filled with clubs and social opportunities and opportunities to engage with the arts?'" Hotz said. "But sometimes people need that extra accountability. And sometimes there are also barriers, like transportation or funding. This is about connecting the dots to what already exists on campuses, but also about setting a good foundation for later in life." Students who learn early that arts and culture can reduce stress and anxiety may carry that habit into their working lives, Hotz said. By the numbers The UA's first-year numbers suggest students are taking the prescription seriously. Of those who completed intake, roughly 80% showed up to their activity, said Chad Herzog, executive director of Arizona Arts Live, which coordinates the program's community partnerships. Even when people buy their own concert tickets, Herzog noted, no-show rates hover around 15%. "Students who have been prescribed these are not just sitting on that prescription. They're actually showing up," Herzog said. "And think about the number of times people are prescribed something by a doctor and never pick it up." What students chose to do also shifted as the year went on. Early on, roughly 65% to 70% attended performances and exhibitions as audience members. By mid-year, that flipped: 60% to 65% were signing up for participatory experiences, including glassblowing at the Sonoran Glass School, jewelry making, and more. "Instead of watching things happen, they were getting their hands dirty with glassblowing or classes at a writing center," Herzog said. The program now counts more than 60 Southern Arizona organizations as partners, from the Center for Creative Photography and the UA Museum of Art to the Fox Tucson Theatre and Congress. Importantly, those partners are paid for tickets, classes and time, rather than asked to donate services. "So often when you work in the arts, you're asked to do things for free," Herzog said. "We're not asking our partners to do that. We're asking them to be there as organizations and provide opportunities for students to participate." Chad Herzog, executive director of Arizona Arts Live, helped build Arizona Arts Rx's network of more than 60 Southern Arizona cultural partners in the program's first year. Courtesy of UA. That detail matters, Hotz said. One of the structural challenges facing social prescribing in the U.S. is building a model that doesn't burn out the community organizations at its center. "In the UK, they designed a new position to take care of this, a link worker who works alongside the doctor and patient as a bridge to the community," Hotz said. "Instead of a 15-minute visit, the link worker has up to 60 minutes to really understand what matters to this person." Social Prescribing USA is already training link workers for the Kaiser pilot, with sessions underway in Oakland ahead of the program's launch. The response from Tucson's arts community surprised even the program's organizers. When Arizona Arts put out an open call for partners last summer, the volume of organizations that responded caught Social Rx off guard. "It blew people away," Herzog said. "Social Rx couldn't believe how strong our partners were and how quickly they came and wanted to participate." What's next Heading into year two, the program plans to expand its referral pipeline beyond CAPS, training academic advisors to make referrals alongside counselors. Herzog said the goal is to reach 100 partners and explore a well-being add-on pathway for students who want additional support. Prescriptions will continue through the summer, including virtual options for students who have gone home. The program is entirely funded through a philanthropic gift to Arizona Arts, which has committed to a three-year run. "This generation is not afraid to talk about mental health, but at the same time, it's still something we have to be talking about," Herzog said. "Now we're thinking about whether there can be some kind of well-being add-on so students can get further support through additional pathways." The UA-specific outcome data is still being compiled, with a full report expected later this summer. But early self-reported results are notable: 70% of participants reported improved well-being, more than 50% reported reduced anxiety and more than 60% reported lower loneliness scores after engaging with activities. Through Arizona Arts Rx student prescription options include learning an instrument, taking in a movie, making digital art and more. Photos by Mindi Acosta), Julius Schlosburg and Mike Moore. Hotz said those are the right things to be tracking, but programs that want to build a durable case should also consider measuring what drove early adoption in the UK: reduced utilization of healthcare. "The UK pilot showed reduced emergency room visits, hospitalizations and visits to primary care physicians," Hotz said. "Over time, in a healthcare system that's government-funded, that led to a reduction in spending. If someone is interested in this from a cost-saving perspective, that could be the thing to measure." Dahmer said he's watching for UA-specific data that will help identify which students benefit most and how to find them earlier. "I do believe that there will be students and patients that gravitate towards this more than others, so if we can find students that really might thrive in this, they'll hone in on that in the future," Dahmer said. That future, he said, also includes rethinking what a healthcare intervention is allowed to look like. "Sometimes we forget that not too many of our interventions are fun," Dahmer said. "Hedonia (the pursuit of pleasure and well-being) is not a bad thing to include in an intervention for students who may be struggling." For Hotz, the larger opportunity isn't just what the program does for students now, it's what it teaches them about their own health. "The tagline of social prescribing is to replace the question 'What's the matter with you?' with 'What matters to you?'" she said. "It's about mixing science with patient choice and making it another option on the healthcare menu." Salafsky put it more simply. "Sometimes you just need that nudge to get access to some of these world-class performances and events, and if you don't get that little push, sometimes you can miss it," he said. "That's the great thing about the university community. We have so many things available. It's just getting people that first nudge to get them connected." Caitlin Schmidt is Editor and Publisher of Tucson Spotlight. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342b691972385678330ee6 11 suspected illegal immigrants among 15 arrested in $1.4M benefits fraud crackdown in Massachusetts, DOJ says te 2026-06-18T17:31:21.889Z 11 suspected illegal immigrants among 15 arrested in $1.4M benefits fraud crackdown in Massachusetts, DOJ says A nationwide welfare fraud crackdown reached Massachusetts this week, as federal authorities announced the arrests of 15 people — 11 of them illegal immigrants — accused of stealing more than $1.4 million in American taxpayer-funded benefits. The defendants are accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits through programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance, MassHealth, Social Security disability payments, housing assistance and unemployment benefits, according to the Department of Justice. "Alarmingly, 11 of the 15 charged defendants are suspected illegal aliens, some of whom assumed stolen identities to steal these taxpayer-funded benefits and avoid detection," Acting Assistant Attorney General Colin MacDonald said during a Thursday press conference in Boston. Officials said one defendant, Heriberto Rodriguez of Framingham, Massachusetts, is accused of carrying out more than $546,000 in benefit fraud involving MassHealth, Social Security, housing assistance and SNAP benefits. Several other suspects allegedly obtained tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded assistance through false statements, identity theft and other fraud schemes. STOLEN IDS SOLD FOR ‘HAPPY MEAL’ PRICES FUEL BILLIONS IN US BENEFIT FRAUD MacDonald argued the alleged crimes did more than drain public coffers, saying some Americans were effectively locked out of programs intended to help them because their identities had already been used by fraudsters. "In some cases, the victims of these crimes, the rightful beneficiaries of these funds, could not access benefits they needed," MacDonald said. "American citizens were boxed out of these programs because illegal aliens took their names to then take their money." U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said the arrests represent only the latest phase of a broader federal effort targeting fraud across Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS AUDITOR TAKES TRANSPARENCY FIGHT TO HIGH COURT AFTER ALLEGED $12M FRAUD UNCOVERED According to Foley, federal prosecutors have charged more than 65 defendants in fraud-related cases since January, alleging more than $56 million in losses. Combined with previously announced cases, authorities say they have charged roughly $63 million in alleged fraud losses over the last seven months. Foley described the cases announced Thursday as evidence of "unchecked, unbridled, rampant fraud" across the Commonwealth. "There isn't any place else in the world where you can go and be handed free food, free housing, free healthcare and free monthly checks while being in the country illegally," Foley said. "However, it appears that you can come to Massachusetts and steal as many benefits as you want without fear and without any accountability." Federal officials said the investigation was conducted with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and multiple inspector general offices. They vowed additional arrests and charges are forthcoming as investigators continue examining benefit programs for fraud. "The further we look, the more fraud we find," MacDonald said. "And this is just the beginning of our work." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342b2c1972385678330ec3 Ask a Ranger: When Flagstaff was under the sea te 2026-06-18T17:30:20.966Z Ask a Ranger: When Flagstaff was under the sea This week's Ask a Ranger column, from the NPS/USFS Roving Rangers. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34295f1972385678330e7d FOX's Kasper Schmeichel compares England to Dallas Cowboys, so who are their other sports analogs? te 2026-06-18T17:22:39.734Z FOX's Kasper Schmeichel compares England to Dallas Cowboys, so who are their other sports analogs? FOX Soccer analyst Kasper Schmeichel came prepared for this year's World Cup on American soil. The former Danish goalkeeper may not be from around these parts, but that didn't stop him from dropping an eerily accurate comparison between two overconfident but long-suffering sports programs. With England and Croatia warming up inside AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Schmeichel decided he would roast two fanbases with one stone, comparing the Cowboys to the Three Lions with a hilarious one-liner. Funny, but also painfully true if you're a supporter of either team. COWBOYS LEGEND DIGS DEEP INTO THE TEAM'S MISSING 'FIBER' THAT'S RESULTED IN SUPER BOWL DROUGHT I made a comparison last week between the English national team and Notre Dame, but Schmeichel got me thinking, who are the sports analogs to England from the four major North American leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA)? Today, I will be doing exactly that, including giving a slightly better NFL comp than the Cowboys (shocking, I know). Without further ado, let's piss off our neighbors from across the pond. FROM 4 STRAIGHT SUPER BOWL LOSSES TO JOSH ALLEN'S PATRICK MAHOMES PROBLEM, BILLS MIGHT BE CURSED While the Dallas Cowboys are a fine comparison for the English national soccer team, I think I can do one better. Schmeichel mentioned that England "won it once and have never stopped talking about it," and although the second part of that statement applies to both, the Cowboys are five-time Super Bowl champions, having won it most recently in January 1996, a good three decades after England. If you really want a team that more accurately mirrors the hard luck of the English, it would have to be the Chicago Bears. 3 HISTORIC NFL FRANCHISES FIND THEMSELVES IN SAME BOAT SINCE TURN OF THE CENTURY They have one Super Bowl win to their name, which came 40 years ago, and really don't have much else to show for it. Also, having lived in the DFW area for the better part of a decade, I can confidently say Cowboys fans are a little too arrogant and cocky to be compared to the English. Sure, England will say things like "it's coming home," but they are far more self-deprecating and aware of their faults, even nihilistic in some cases. The Bears hang onto their history because they know things will inevitably go bad for them on the biggest stage. Speaking of which... The Toronto Maple Leafs actually line up with England more closely than either fanbase would like to admit. While the Leafs have a litany of Stanley Cups to their name, their most recent win was back in 1967, less than a full year after England won their first and only World Cup. As far as expectations go, both constantly go into their respective tournaments with the weight of the world on their shoulders, only to come crashing down in the most horrific ways imaginable. For the Leafs, it comes in the form of blowing big leads in the playoffs, while English fans and players alike can't even hear the words "penalty kicks" without having a mental breakdown. England and Toronto are both long-suffering cities, but their fans keep showing up expecting a different outcome. Insanity? No, just sports fandom. This one would have been an even better comparison if the New York Knicks hadn't gone and won the whole damn thing this year, but these two sports teams are still eerily similar. WHY THE KNICKS, DISRESPECTED BUT CLAWING BACK, TOUCHED A RAW NERVE IN NEW YORK CITY AND ULTIMATELY THE COUNTRY Think of the Knicks' 2026 NBA Championship run as a window into what it would look like if England captured a World Cup (on American soil, no less). Before this year, the Knicks famously had not won a Larry O'Brien trophy in over 50 years, yet they were still considered one of the "blue bloods" of the NBA. Decades of heartache didn't change that; it only made their fans more insufferable, but their triumph earlier this month in the NBA Finals exorcised all those demons. THE ATHLETIC BEWILDERINGLY CELEBRATES 'ZOHRAN MAMDANI SPORTS SUMMER' AFTER NEW YORK KNICKS WIN NBA FINALS A win in the World Cup Finals would probably do the same for England fans, as you could probably feel that sigh of relief from the other side of the Atlantic. Hello again, New York. The Big Apple certainly has its fair share of winners, but it also has plenty of franchises that are aching to make a trip back down the Canyon of Heroes, none more so than the Mets. Year after year, the Mets are near the top of MLB in terms of spending, with little to show for their efforts. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE They won a World Series back in 1986 and have been chasing that high ever since. The common thread between England and the Mets (along with all the other teams on this list) is expectations relative to results, and it seems like the Mets are sort of a Schrödinger's baseball franchise in that regard, expected to both compete for a World Series with their high-priced talent and flame out in spectacular fashion all the same. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE England always has flashy players heading into World Cup play, but the results haven't been there, and they've often been sent home in brutal fashion, offering a great parallel to the Mets' clockwork-like midsummer swoons and late-season meltdowns. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34294c1972385678330e74 Top Senate Republican rips into Trump's Iran deal, says $300 billion makes Obama deal look like 'a pittance' te 2026-06-18T17:22:20.284Z Top Senate Republican rips into Trump's Iran deal, says $300 billion makes Obama deal look like 'a pittance' Republicans aren’t taking President Donald Trump's deal with Iran well.  While Congress has still not received the actual memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Trump and Iranian officials, lawmakers have seen the reports circulating in the media.  And one of the top Republicans in the Senate warned that while he supported the war’s initial objectives, he feared that the current agreement would undermine those same objectives.  Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., shredded the MOU in a statement on Thursday, in which he cautioned that the agreement "negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the president's goals." TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL 'GIVING A LOT MORE TO GET A LOT LESS' THAN OBAMA'S, SENATOR SAYS "Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran — though not funded by U.S. taxpayers — would make Iran's payoff under President Obama's 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison," Wicker said.  The proposed $300 billion fund has given Republicans heartburn as details have emerged in recent days, with some comparing it to the billions that flowed to Iran under former President Joe Biden.  The agreement stipulates that the U.S. would coordinate with regional partners to develop the fund, which would be finalized as part of the 60-day deal. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT Wicker also took issue with lifting sanctions on Iran and forcing Israel to stand down against Hezbollah, "an Iranian-backed terrorist organization that continues to attack Israel on its northern border."  "The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal — ‘Death to America, Death to Israel,’" Wicker said. "The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim." "President Trump has pursued peace through strength," he continued. "I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective." Wicker isn’t alone in his fear that Iran will turn around and use the funds for nefarious efforts.  REPUBLICANS BAT DOWN BID TO HANDCUFF TRUMP’S WAR POWERS AS PEACE DEAL NEARS Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, warned that "giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is an exceptionally bad idea."  "And I think, unfortunately, the president is receiving some really bad advice on this deal," Cruz told reporters.  Cruz compared the fund to billions shipped to Iran under the Biden administration, which he charged was the "most catastrophic foreign policy" decision made during the prior administration, and that the "money funded terrorism across the globe in a very real sense." "If we give billions of dollars to Iran, that money will be used to murder Americans," he said. "And so I don't believe we should do that. And the idea that we would have effectively a Marshall plan for Iran and come in and rebuild Iran after they've been the leading state sponsor of terrorism for 47 years — they've murdered nearly a thousand Americans — I don't think that makes any sense." Vice President JD Vance, who has become the public face of the deal, defended the fund during a press briefing at the White House on Thursday, contending that the only way Iran could access that funding, which he vowed was not coming from taxpayers, was "if they comply fully and change their behavior."  "So you really have a win-win situation for the United States of America," Vance said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3429381972385678330e6b Pro baseball team forfeits Pride Night game after players refuse to wear themed jerseys, organization says te 2026-06-18T17:22:00.826Z Pro baseball team forfeits Pride Night game after players refuse to wear themed jerseys, organization says A professional baseball team in Pennsylvania will be forfeiting a game on Thursday that was scheduled to be the team's Pride Night after players refused to wear LGBTQ-themed jerseys, the team announced. The York Revolution of the Atlantic League, the same league where Trevor Bauer currently plays, said the decision "was not reached lightly" in announcing the forfeit to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Wednesday. The team was not afraid to throw its players under the bus in a rather scathing statement, saying it was "deeply troubled and profoundly disappointed by the decisions of these few players." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "To be clear; this action by the players is completely inconsistent with our vision as the Most Welcoming Place in York," the team's statement continued. The jerseys, which would have been worn on the team's 11th annual Pride Night, had rainbow sleeves. The team announced it would be making a $10,000 donation to the Rainbow Rose Center "as a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners ... to support and further their work in making sure the York community is as inclusive as we strive to make WellSpan Park in York, Pennsylvania." MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL WARNS SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS PLAYERS FOR WRITING BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE NIGHT HATS Despite no game being played, the Revolution will still hold a "free and fun celebration of recognition and inclusion" on Thursday and offer exchanges for any remaining 2026 regular-season home game, subject to availability. The team did not immediately respond to an email asking who the players were, whether the players would speak to Fox News and whether there would be further punishment for the players. The team will host a "Juneteenth Celebration" on Friday. The Revolution have won the Atlantic League in each of the last two years and currently feature former MLB relief pitcher Joely Rodriguez. The forfeit comes less than a week after San Francisco Giants players wrote Bible verses on their Pride hats, which resulted in warnings from Major League Baseball. York is currently 28-22, four games behind the North Division lead. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3429241972385678330e52 9 Senate races to watch as Democrats eye an uphill path to the majority in November te 2026-06-18T17:21:40.345Z 9 Senate races to watch as Democrats eye an uphill path to the majority in November Maine's Graham Platner is the Democratic candidate for what's considered one of the nation's most competitive battles for the U.S. Senate. Platner, who is challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, is shown at a rally at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland on April 18, 2026. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Democrats are growing hopeful they can recapture the U.S. Senate in this fall’s midterm elections amid President Donald Trump’s plummeting approval ratings.  But they still need nearly everything to break their way against a map that put them at a starting disadvantage, analysts and campaign officials say. At the outset of this election cycle, Republicans appeared highly likely to hold their majority. Democrats would need to flip four seats, and competitive races this year are in states that are more Republican than average.  (Getty Photos) But as election watchers increasingly expect a blue tint to the November midterms, the question is now whether it will be blue enough to put Democrats back in the Senate majority, where they are now at a 53-47 disadvantage. Democrats are mounting competitive campaigns in Republican-run states typically seen as stretches, including Texas and Iowa. But analysts say scandals surrounding the party’s nominee in Maine, Graham Platner, have exposed how dependent Democrats are on a rising tide of voter anger with Trump and Republicans to lift their candidates to victory.  “Is 2026 gonna be a mildly blue lean year, like 2018, or a kind of tsunami blue year, like 2006 or 2008?” J. Miles Coleman, the associate editor at Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a University of Virginia-based election forecaster, said. “I think the answer to that question is still kind of, we’ll see.” Strong candidates, high prices Thirty-five Senate seats will be on the ballot during the November midterm elections.  Of the nine deemed most competitive — Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas — that will likely decide control of the chamber, Trump won all but Maine and New Hampshire in 2024. Democrats would have to retain their current seats and flip others in some combination of seven of those Senate races to take over control of the chamber.  But Democrats have also offset their geographic disadvantage by fielding strong candidates in a few of the most important races, making pink-to-red states such as Alaska, Ohio and North Carolina ultra-competitive. Democrats’ optimism comes as Trump has made a series of moves they believe could prove toxic for Republicans. Potentially most damaging, the war with Iran sent gas prices soaring and inflation rising, calling into question his handling of the economy as voters continue to rate affordability as a top issue.Trump has signed a ceasefire agreement and gas prices are dropping, but the question is whether there’s enough time left to erase the damage.  The president’s approval rating was near 50% when he won the 2024 election, Coleman said, but has since sunk as the cost of living keeps rising.  U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about the war in Iran from the Cross Hall of the White House on April 1, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images) Trump continues to turn off voters, with elections now less than five months away. A New York Times daily average of polling placed the president’s approval rating at 39% as of June 17. A switch in Senate control would have major implications for the remainder of Trump’s term.  Democratic senators, assuming they vote together, would have the power to block any U.S. Supreme Court nominees put forward by Trump in the final two years of his term, as well as executive branch nominees and federal judges, and to shut down major party-line legislation enacted by Republicans twice already in the past year through the budget reconciliation process. The combination of an unpopular president and a strong crop of candidates gives Democrats a fighting chance to win the majority, even if they still face long odds, Coleman said. “If you asked me a year ago if Democrats had a path to the Senate, I would have said the chances aren’t zero, but they’re very hard,” Coleman said. “Now, I think there are several paths that the Democrats have to take the Senate, but I think the Republicans just have an easier path holding it.” Moderates put red states in play Alvin Tillery, a Democratic pollster and consultant who is also a professor in Northwestern University’s political science department, said strong candidates in North Carolina, Ohio and Alaska give his party the edge in those states Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and former Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola are “moderates who have won statewide,” Tillery said. Though the Democratic candidates in those states are establishment-friendly, Tillery said Democrats generally should look to motivate younger voters and voters of color by leaning in to issues that the No Kings protests have elevated, as well as keeping affordability in focus. But, despite the apparent quality of Democratic candidates, those states are still purple at best. Trump has won each state in each of his three White House runs. The president’s drooping approval may not be as big a factor as Democrats need, a national Republican campaign operative said. “Yes, approval ratings, obviously, have gone down,” the operative, who declined to be identified by name, said. “However, when it comes to the Republican base, they are still showing up for Trump, and he will make sure to turn them out … At the end of the day, we have an advantage when it comes to the state-specific electorates that we’re looking at.” Control of the Senate may come down to the Democratic candidates’ strength against the overall partisan lean of the states in play. “They’ve by and large done a good job of recruiting the candidates they need to to put those states in play,” Coleman said of Democrats. “It’s just a question of: Are those states too red?” Democrats are also defending open seats in Michigan and New Hampshire, while Sen. Jon Ossoff is seeking reelection in Georgia. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates the Michigan race as a toss-up and the contests in New Hampshire and Georgia, where Ossoff will face Trump-endorsed Rep. Mike Collins after his win in the June 16 GOP primary, as leaning toward Democrats. A Maine street fight On paper, Maine could be seen as the bluest state on the map this year because of its state’s record in presidential elections. But its Senate race also may be the most immune from the national environment, with a battle-tested Republican incumbent running in a lightly populated state where retail politics can still swing an election. The matchup, which may be the single most competitive in the country, pits a controversial newcomer in Platner against Sen. Susan Collins, a moderate and powerful Republican with proven electoral appeal who has occasionally criticized the president during the Trump era but also voted for conservative Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner rally together in Portland, Maine, on May 25, 2026. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star) Democrats are betting that Maine voters want more full-throated opposition to Trump. Primary voters formally made Platner the nominee in June after Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, seen as a more establishment candidate, suspended her campaign.  Platner, a gruff-looking oyster farmer and Marine veteran, has connected with voters with a populist, outsider message. But he has faced an array of flaps, including over a tattoo with Nazi associations and that Platner had sexted several women while married. The New York Times also reported on women who said they were disturbed by Platner’s behavior while dating him. He faces a difficult matchup with Collins, who has won other races in the face of significant national headwinds. In 2020, even as Trump lost the presidential election nationwide and in Maine, Collins won reelection while outperforming Trump by 18 points. Senate math The president’s party typically does poorly in midterm elections. Republicans are seen as likely to lose the House, though gerrymandering may make the fight for control of that chamber tighter than before. Republicans losing the Senate, too, would be seen as a stinging rebuke of Trump and GOP lawmakers. In Ohio, Republican Sen. Jon Husted is seeking election after he was appointed to the Senate last year to replace JD Vance, who resigned to become vice president. Brown is running against Husted after losing reelection in 2024 to Sen. Bernie Moreno.  Brown, who promotes a populist message, hearkens back to an earlier era of Ohio politics, when Democrats were more popular. President Barack Obama won the state in 2008 and 2012 but Republicans have since become ascendant, with Trump winning the state all three times he’s run for president. While Husted hasn’t won a Senate race, he’s won statewide races for lieutenant governor and secretary of state.  In North Carolina, Cooper is now favored in a contest with Republican Michael Whatley, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Sabato’s Crystal Ball and the Cook Political Report have said the race leans Democratic, though another forecaster, Inside Elections, rates it as a tossup. They are battling to flip the seat and succeed Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican who chose not to run for reelection after repeatedly clashing with Trump. He has publicly said Trump is harming Republican chances in November. “We need Republicans to do well in November, but the stupid stuff is killing our chances!” Tillis wrote on social media in late May. Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola at a July 28, 2022 ceremony at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Alaska’s Senate race pits two well-known politicians in the state against each other. Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is facing Peltola, who was the state’s lone U.S. House member for more than two years. Peltola represents a hope by Democrats that a familiar face will resonate with voters in a state where the party has struggled. She was the first Democrat to win statewide in Alaska since 2008. Peltola, who was first elected to Congress in a 2022 special election, lost her race for reelection in 2024. Sullivan’s campaign got a boost after Alaska election officials disqualified a different Dan Sullivan from appearing on the ballot. Alaska Elections Division Director Carol Beecher wrote that the other Sullivan had filed “with a purpose to confuse or mislead” voters. In Iowa, Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek, a state representative, are running for an open seat created after Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican, declined to run for reelection. Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek celebrated his primary election victory to become the Democratic nominee for Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat at an Iowa Democratic Party election night party in Des Moines June 2, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa was once a major swing state and home of long-serving Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, and helped power President Barack Obama’s rise in 2008. It has since become solidly Republican, but anger over Trump’s tariffs and concerns that the war in Iran will send fertilizer prices rising have potentially created an opening for Democrats. Lone Star longing After Maine, no race has perhaps attracted as much attention as Texas. Republicans are emerging from a bruising primary battle between Sen. John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, the scandal-plagued and previously indicted state attorney general. Paxton won and will face Democrat James Talarico, a state lawmaker and seminary student who speaks openly about his faith, a progressive form of Christianity. A Democratic victory would represent a political earthquake. Democrats haven’t won a Senate seat in Texas since the 1980s and haven’t won a statewide election since the 1990s. Trump won 56% of the vote in Texas in 2024. A Talarico victory — a statewide Democratic victory — would open up the possibility that the party might one day again compete at the presidential level in Texas, the state that sent President Lyndon B. Johnson to Washington. Texas has 40 Electoral College votes, the second-biggest prize after California’s 54. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3428e71972385678330e2a Texas government data breach allowed hackers to steal 3 million driver’s licenses and passports te 2026-06-18T17:20:39.413Z Texas government data breach allowed hackers to steal 3 million driver’s licenses and passports A data breach involving government-issued ID documents affects over three million people in Texas. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3428d31972385678330e21 The smartphone era created an attention crisis. Slowtech is fixing it te 2026-06-18T17:20:19.965Z The smartphone era created an attention crisis. Slowtech is fixing it “People just really want to take back control of their time, their lives, their attention... They’re down for whatever helps them do that.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3426f41972385678330e00 6 in 10 identity crimes now begin with a new account te 2026-06-18T17:12:20.538Z 6 in 10 identity crimes now begin with a new account For years, two women in Bremerton, Washington opened credit cards and lines of credit in other people's names, working from documents they pulled out of stolen mail. Emily Vranic and Heather Marquis redirected the new accounts' statements to an address they controlled, so no bill ever reached the victims.  They pleaded guilty in federal court this month to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme prosecutors say stole nearly $229,000 from banks and bank customers. If you have ever worried about a credit card opened in your name, this case shows how quickly stolen mail can turn into a much bigger identity theft problem. Opening a new account is the leading form of identity misuse reported to the Identity Theft Resource Center. In its latest data, 62.1% of attempted misuse cases began with a new account application rather than the takeover of an account the victim already held. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. WARNING SIGNS YOUR MAIL HAS BEEN FRAUDULENTLY REDIRECTED When people picture an account opened in their name, they may imagine a checking account at a bank they have never set foot in. The more likely target is a credit card. Credit cards made up 41% of attempted account misuse reported to the ITRC last year. Checking accounts came to 17.7% and personal loans to 8.5%. A credit card is one of the easier accounts to open in someone else's name, and the reason is in how the application is cleared. A lender matches the submitted name, date of birth, address and Social Security number (SSN) against the bureau file. When those details fit a record that already exists, an automated system can approve the application with no one confirming that the applicant is the person being described. Assemble enough of someone's information from breaches and stolen mail, and the check clears. Vranic and Marquis did not stop at one account per victim. Once they controlled someone's identity, they activated existing cards, opened new credit lines and moved money out of bank accounts tied to the same name. This is common. The ITRC found that 25.6% of victims are now handling two or more identity incidents at once, up from 23.5% the year before. The same stolen details, including name, date of birth, address and SSN, can open the next account as easily as the first. DON’T LET THIS CREDIT CARD FRAUD NIGHTMARE HAPPEN TO YOU A new account does not announce itself. It reaches your credit report only after the first statement closes, which puts the first record 30 to 60 days behind the opening. Banks report to the bureaus monthly, and the bureaus need up to two weeks more to post the change. The first paper notice goes wherever the application is listed. Vranic and Marquis had the statements mailed to their own address, not the victims'. When the mail reaches the right house, it may read like a routine offer or a card no one ordered, which makes it easy to set aside. By the time a denied loan or a collections call makes the account impossible to ignore, it has been open and drawing money for weeks. WHY THAT $4 CHARGE ON YOUR STATEMENT COULD BE FRAUD Move quickly, because every day an account stays open gives a thief more time to spend money, damage your credit or try the same information somewhere else. Call the credit card company or lender that opened the account and tell them the account is fraudulent. Ask them to close or freeze the account, stop any pending charges and send written confirmation that you are not responsible for the debt. Go to IdentityTheft.gov. The Federal Trade Commission's site generates an Identity Theft Report and recovery plan to help you report identity theft, limit the damage and fix your credit. Your FTC Identity Theft Report is usually the key document for disputing fraudulent accounts. Some lenders, banks or debt collectors may also ask for a police report. If that happens, file one with your local police department and keep a copy for your records. Keep copies of account statements, collection letters, emails, dispute letters, FTC reports, police reports and confirmation numbers. A clear paper trail can make it easier to prove the account was fraudulent if a creditor, credit bureau or debt collector questions your claim. Dispute the fraudulent account directly with the lender that opened it, in writing. Also dispute it with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion if it appears on your credit reports. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, companies that furnish information to credit bureaus have a duty to investigate disputed information. Place a freeze at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to help block the next application. Freezes have been free since 2018 and can be lifted online when you need to apply for credit. A credit freeze blocks access to your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, and that bureau must notify the other two. If you believe stolen mail helped someone open the account, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the Postal Service. You can report mail theft, identity theft, fraudulent change-of-address requests, fraudulent mail holds and fake Informed Delivery accounts at mailtheft.uspis.gov. If your Social Security number was used, request an IRS Identity Protection PIN at irs.gov/ippin. This helps keep a thief from filing a tax return in your name. Change the passwords on your bank, credit card and email accounts, especially if your email address was part of the fraud. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each account, so one exposed password cannot unlock the rest of your financial life. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) where available. Then review recent transactions, saved payment methods and automatic payments for anything you do not recognize.  Cleaning up identity theft can mean dealing with creditors, credit bureaus, debt collectors and repeat follow-ups. Keep copies of every report, dispute letter, confirmation number and account closure notice so you have a clear paper trail if the fraud resurfaces. No service can prevent every account opened in your name. Continuous three-bureau credit monitoring may alert you to new accounts as they are reported, rather than weeks later when a lender turns you down or a collections notice arrives. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com A stolen credit card account can quietly grow into a much bigger identity theft mess before you ever see a bill. That is what makes this Washington case so alarming. The victims were not ignoring warning signs. The statements were being sent somewhere else. The best move is to make it harder for thieves to open the next account. Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, watch for hard inquiries and check your credit reports for accounts you do not recognize. If something appears, go straight to IdentityTheft.gov, file a report and dispute the account in writing with the lender. Credit monitoring can also give you a faster heads-up when a new account or inquiry hits your file. It will not stop every scam, but it can shorten the time between the fraud starting and you finding out. Have you ever found a credit card, loan or account on your credit report that you did not open? Let us know how you discovered it and what it took to fix it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3426e11972385678330df7 Socialist Surge: Mamdani flexes growing political muscle as he takes on Dem establishment te 2026-06-18T17:12:01.078Z Socialist Surge: Mamdani flexes growing political muscle as he takes on Dem establishment One year after sending political shock waves across the country with his New York City Democratic primary victory en route to winning election as mayor of the nation's most populous city, Zohran Mamdani is testing the limits of political power as he takes on the party establishment. The 34-year-old democratic socialist mayor is teaming up with longtime progressive champion and two-time Democratic presidential nominee runner-up Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at a get-out-the-vote rally in the New York City borough of Brooklyn on Thursday, less than one week before crucial primary elections. Mamdani and Sanders are aiming to boost a slate of candidates backed by the mayor, including two who are running against Democratic congressional incumbents, as part of their bid to mold a more progressive party. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The left-wing candidates endorsed by Mamdani include political organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is primary challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair, in New York’s 13th U.S. House District, which covers the northern third of Manhattan and a sliver of the Bronx. Espaillat is supported by a slew of party leaders, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The mayor is also backing former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who ran against Mamdani last year in the crowded primary field but became one of his biggest backers. Lander is challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District, which includes lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. Goldman's supporters include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And in New York’s 7th, which covers parts of Brooklyn and Queens, Mamdani's endorsed socialist state Assembly Member Claire Valdez, who is battling Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who is backed by retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D.N.Y. The outcomes of the races Mamdani weighed-in on will put to test whether his popularity among New York Democrats translates to coattails in elections. HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS COVERAGE, ANALYSIS, AND OPINION ON MAMDANI "This is the team. This is our year. It’s up to all of us to get them over the finish line," Mamdani emphasized in a social media post spotlighting Thursday's rally. The socialist has been a darling of the far-left for a year and a half. But six months into his tenure as New York City mayor, he can also count former critics within the Democratic Party, including Hochul, as allies. And he's even earned praise from President Donald Trump. Trump last year repeatedly claimed Mamdani was a "communist lunatic," but during an Oval Office meeting in November that grabbed tons of national attention, the president lauded the then-mayor-elect as a "very rational person" who would do a "really good job." "It's crystal clear that Mamdani understands power and how to leverage it," longtime Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo told Fox News Digital. "He remains incredibly popular and it appears he also understands that may not always be the case. That's why I think you see him flexing his political muscle now. It's smart politics," added Caiazzo, a veteran of the 2016 and 2020 Sanders presidential campaigns. The candidates Mamdani's backing, including some running for state legislative offices, are mostly showcasing the mayor's platform of focusing on affordability in a city with one of the nation's highest costs of living. Sanders, a New York City native who last year appeared at rallies on Mamdani's behalf and swore in the mayor at his January inauguration, highlighted on social media, "Now more than ever, we need leaders in Congress who understand firsthand the struggles working people face." Mamdani's support for the trio of congressional candidates, along with Thursday's rally with Sanders, gives Republicans, who have long cast the mayor as a radical, more ammunition to use him as a cudgel as they work to hold their razor-thin House majority in this year's midterm elections. "Zohran Mamdani’s socialist brand is as toxic as it comes," National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) National Press Secretary Mike Marinella told Fox News Digital. "And during a time when Democrats don’t have a leader or a message, he’s exactly the kind of bogeyman we can use against Democrats to truly show who is leading their party and the crazy policies they all support." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3426cd1972385678330dee No sex for 10 weeks? Championship team's playoff strategy raises eyebrows te 2026-06-18T17:11:41.620Z No sex for 10 weeks? Championship team's playoff strategy raises eyebrows No sex for the win? This was the advice given to this year’s NBA champions. New York Knicks owner James Dolan addressed the now-champs as they headed into the playoffs in April 2026, acknowledging their high potential to eventually win the championship. "I don’t know if you understand what it would mean for you to win a championship this year … It would be life-changing," he said. "It will stick with you the rest of your lives, and if you don’t win, you’ll be thinking about it the rest of your lives." MALE FERTILITY RATES CRASH AS DOCTORS REVEAL HEALTH THREATS: 'SOMETHING VERY WRONG' As Dolan’s inspirational speech to the team went on, he explained how the next 10 weeks would require each player to make sacrifices – watching their diets, getting proper sleep and perhaps even abstaining from sex. "You need sacrifice and you need to eliminate all the distractions around you," he said. "I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks," the owner said. "You don't have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks – but, like the Spartans … They denied themselves, so that they can have an edge. Get the edge." This received a few snickers from the team, and Dolan responded, "Don’t tell [your wives and girlfriends] you’re not going to have sex and don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this is going to be like … and how they’re going to have to sacrifice, too." DOCTORS WARN SOME POPULAR FOODS AND DRINKS COULD BE SECRETLY SABOTAGING MEN'S TESTOSTERONE LEVELS Dr. Anna Elton, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist in Massachusetts, confirmed that this belief has been around for centuries, dating back to the ancients Spartans and early Olympic competitors. Avoiding sex can preserve energy, increase aggression and sharpen focus, according to Elton. But modern research has found little evidence that consensual sexual activity negatively impacts strength, endurance, reaction time or athletic performance when it occurs at least 10 hours before competition, the doctor countered. However, "activity very close to competition may affect recovery measures," she added. What may be more important, according to Elton, is the psychological value of abstinence. "Choosing to abstain can reinforce discipline and total commitment to a larger goal," she said. "In those cases, the advantage may come more from mindset and focus than from any physical effect." "Whether the sacrifice is alcohol, social activities, favorite foods or sex, the message is often the same: ‘We are all in.'" This discussion has historically focused on men, which Elton said is often based on "misconceptions about testosterone and energy depletion." CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES "Research has not demonstrated that normal sexual activity causes a meaningful decline in athletic performance, and concerns about testosterone depletion have not been consistently supported by the evidence," she said. "For women, sexual activity may have additional benefits related to stress reduction, emotional regulation and relationship satisfaction." In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men's health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, echoed Elton's assessment that research largely does not support abstinence as a performance enhancer. This is despite a small amount of evidence that suggests engaging in sexual activity within two hours of competition could pose a risk to cardiovascular recovery. WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD IMPACT SEXUAL HEALTH IN UNEXPECTED WAYS "Unfortunately, nearly all studies (99%) have been conducted in males aged 20 to 40, so there is virtually no data on female athletes, older athletes or diverse populations," said the Puerto Rico-based expert. "We know what to tell the Knicks, but we are not sure what to recommend for the New York Liberty." Elton said abstinence may still offer psychological benefits for some competitors. "For some athletes, it can become part of a pre-competition ritual that enhances confidence," she told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Meanwhile, some benefits of sexual activity can include stress reduction, improved sleep, mood enhancement, emotional connection with a partner and relief from performance-related tension. "Strong, supportive relationships are associated with better psychological resilience, which can be valuable during high-pressure competitions," Elton said. "Ultimately, there is no universal rule," she went on. "What helps one athlete perform at their best may not help another." Elton stressed that sleep, recovery, nutrition, stress management and support from loved ones are universal performance boosters. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Athletes devote tremendous attention to training their bodies, while overlooking the importance of their personal relationships," she cautioned. "A supportive partner can be one of the greatest assets during a demanding season." "If competition requires temporary sacrifices, make those decisions together and keep communication open." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3426ba1972385678330de5 McDonald’s AI drive-thru may take your next order te 2026-06-18T17:11:22.167Z McDonald’s AI drive-thru may take your next order The next time you pull up to a McDonald's drive-thru, the voice taking your order may not be human. McDonald’s is testing a new AI-powered system called ArchIQ at five U.S. locations. The company has not said where those restaurants are located. The voice assistant, nicknamed Archy, can take drive-thru orders and has shown it can handle both English and Spanish. For anyone who has repeated "no pickles" into a speaker box more than once, this could sound helpful. However, if you remember McDonald’s last AI drive-thru experiment, you may also wonder whether your burger order could somehow turn into a bag full of surprise McNuggets. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. WOULD YOU EAT AT A RESTAURANT RUN BY AI?  ArchIQ is McDonald's new AI system for restaurants. It can take drive-thru orders and also help with operations behind the scenes. In a post on X, McFranchisee, an anonymous McDonald's franchisee account, said the system is currently in five test stores and has processed more than one million transactions. The account also said about 90% of orders were completed without a human stepping in. That number sounds promising. Still, McDonald's has not confirmed a nationwide launch date. For now, this remains a limited test. The system also appears to connect with a bigger McDonald's plan called "McDonald's > NEXT." CEO Chris Kempczinski described the strategy as a way to bring in more customers and improve restaurant productivity. The plan also includes menu changes, restaurant redesigns, technology upgrades and more focus on hospitality. Drive-thrus can get chaotic fast. Someone changes an order after the total appears. A child calls out from the back seat. Road noise makes the speaker hard to hear. Then the driver remembers the extra sauce after everything has already gone through. That is the type of pressure McDonald's wants AI to handle. If ArchIQ works well, it could help restaurants move cars through the line faster. It may also reduce mistakes during busy hours. Workers could then focus more on preparing food, handling payments and helping customers who need a real person. ArchIQ also appears to have a management role. In the same X post, McFranchisee described Archy as a tool that could alert managers to bottlenecks or other issues before they slow down operations.  STARBUCKS USES CHATGPT TO SUGGEST DRINKS BASED ON MOOD AS EXPERT WARNS OF HIDDEN DOWNSIDES This new test follows McDonald's earlier AI drive-thru experiment with IBM. That program involved more than 100 restaurants. McDonald's ended the test in 2024 after customers complained about order accuracy. Some mistakes also went viral, creating an embarrassing moment for McDonald's and raising questions about whether the technology was ready for the drive-thru. Customers reported wrong items, strange quantities and other order mix-ups. That history is why this new test will get extra attention. This time, McDonald's is working with Google technology. McFranchisee also claimed every McDonald's in the U.S. is getting Google Edge Cloud hardware in anticipation of the rollout. McDonald's seems to believe the newer system can perform better than the last one. The real test will come when regular customers use it during real drive-thru rushes. If McDonald's gets this right, the most obvious benefit is speed. An AI ordering system does not get tired during a long shift. It may also help more customers order in the language they prefer. That could make a busy drive-thru feel less frustrating, especially during breakfast or late-night hours. The system may also ask clearer follow-up questions and catch missing details before the order reaches the kitchen. That would be a win for customers who want to get in, get their food and get on with the day. The biggest concern is accuracy. AI can still misunderstand people. That gets frustrating fast when you are trying to grab lunch between errands or get your kids fed from the back seat. A wrong order wastes time. It also puts workers in the position of fixing a mistake the machine made. There is also the customer service side. Some people like hearing a real person at the speaker. Others may find an AI voice cold or annoying, especially if the system gets confused. Then there is the privacy question. If an AI system takes your order, customers may wonder what gets collected, how long it is kept and who can access it. McDonald’s has not publicly explained those specifics for this current ArchIQ test. ALEXA+ LETS YOU ORDER FOOD LIKE A REAL CONVERSATION Before you leave the drive-thru, take a moment to check the order screen. Make sure the items match what you said. Listen when the system repeats your order. Keep your receipt until you confirm the food is right. Also, avoid sharing extra personal details at the speaker box. Your order should only require your food choices and payment. If the AI gets confused, ask for a crew member. You do not need to keep going back and forth with a machine over fries. For now, you probably will not notice a change at your local McDonald's. The ArchIQ test appears limited to five U.S. restaurants, and the company has not said when it could expand. Still, this gives customers a preview of where fast food may be heading. AI could soon play a bigger role in how restaurants take orders and manage the kitchen. That may speed up the line, though it could also make the experience feel less personal. Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com McDonald’s clearly wants AI to play a bigger role in its restaurants. From a business point of view, the idea makes sense. Shorter drive-thru lines could help franchisees and customers. Better restaurant data could also help managers fix problems faster. But I still want the human backup. Food orders can be messy because people are messy. We change our minds. We talk over each other. We forget the extra ketchup until the last second. AI may handle much of that one day. For now, I would treat it like any busy drive-thru interaction. Speak clearly. Check the order. Do not pull away until you know your food is right. Would you trust an AI voice to take your McDonald’s order, or do you still want a real person on the other end of the speaker? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34267c1972385678330dc3 Volunteers keep desert water stations alive for migrants te 2026-06-18T17:10:20.226Z Volunteers keep desert water stations alive for migrants On a spring morning in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, Monroe Velazquez knelt beside a blue 55-gallon barrel, dipped a meter into a paper cup of water and checked for impurities, a small act in a years-long effort to keep migrants alive in one of the deadliest stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border. Velazquez is a University of Arizona student from Phoenix who volunteers with Humane Borders, a nonprofit that maintains water stations in the desert south of Tucson, where migrant activity has historically been high. "I was just looking at ways to get involved within the community here down in Tucson," she said. Humane Borders was founded in 2000 by several Christian denominations, including Disciples of Christ, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians and the Society of Friends, in response to rising migrant deaths on the border. It has maintained several resources over the years, including an online map of migrant deaths. From 2010 to 2026, the number of migrants found dead in the desert annually ranged from 100 to more than 200, reaching a high of 229 in 2021. Border activity has decreased dramatically in the past year — 108 sets of remains were discovered in 2025, the lowest number since 2010. Tucson Spotlight is free for every reader because donors make it possible. Join them. Scott Smith waits as he empties the truck’s water tank on a Humane Borders water run near the southern Arizona border on April 21, 2026. Benjamin DePue / Tucson Spotlight. Border Patrol checkpoints that Humane Borders trucks regularly pass through have been abandoned in recent months, said Scott Smith, a volunteer driver. "Routinely, there would probably be at least three or four Border Patrol agents checking vehicles," he said. "But over the last three or four months, those have disappeared, at least down here." Since the start of the 2026 fiscal year in October, 42,757 migrants have been apprehended by Border Patrol, according to the Washington Office on Latin America, a non-governmental organization based in Washington, D.C. If the rate remains similar in the second half of the year, 2026 will have the lowest number of migrant apprehensions since 1967. Another 20,975 migrants were encountered at official ports of entry by Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations, a pace on track to be the lowest recorded since 2012, the earliest year for which data is available. According to WOLA, 443,671 migrants were apprehended by Border Patrol or encountered at points of entry in the 2025 fiscal year. That number was over 2 million in the 2024 fiscal year. "It is the case that since the Trump administration's second term began, there's been a reduction in a number of interactions at the border," said Alex Braithwaite, professor and director of the UA's School of Government and Public Policy. He said there are likely two factors at play: The Trump administration has increased the detention and deportation of migrants, which could be acting as a deterrent. And the administration has also allocated fewer agents to official ports of entry, which could result in fewer recorded interactions. Still, Braithwaite said he could only speculate. "I'm just not sure that we have enough data to be able to reach a definitive conclusion," he said. Even as border activity decreases, Humane Borders remains dedicated to providing water for migrants. The organization continues to recruit new volunteers, including Velazquez. While still early into her volunteer work, Velazquez said she felt her first experience went well. "It's estimated, I believe, four to five hours for the specific route I took," she said. "I think we did it just in about three and a half, and the weather was really nice that week. It was during Easter." For Velazquez's second run, which started at 7 a.m. to avoid the heat, she was joined by two experienced volunteers, Smith and Steve Wojciechowski. Both are retirees who got involved with Humane Borders a few years ago. Smith navigated the truck down bumpy dirt roads to reach the water stations, which are marked with flags for easy visibility. Steve Wojciechowski rescrews a spigot on a 55-gallon barrel on a Humane Borders water run near the southern Arizona border on April 21, 2026. Benjamin DePue / Tucson Spotlight. At each stop, the volunteers ensure the barrels haven't been damaged by vandals, then test the water for impurities. If everything looks good, they fill any emptied barrels and drive to the next station. The barrel was scheduled for replacement at the third and final stop of the day, the trio taking off the spigot and letting the water pour out onto the sandy ground. They hauled the barrel to the truck and replaced it with an empty one, which Velazquez refilled with a hose connected to a tank on top of the truck holding hundreds of gallons of water. The day's water run took about four hours, but some routes can take longer. Work like this takes commitment, especially in the summer, when temperatures climb and many volunteers leave for cooler states. But some volunteers remain dedicated to the cause. "I've been living on the border now for the ten most political years," Wojciechowski said. "I would periodically take a day or so and travel around the different places just to see for myself what was going on." He eventually met a volunteer who told him about the interactive map Humane Borders maintains on its website. "I was so shocked by that," Wojciechowski said. "Ever since then, about three years ago, I've been doing this." Benjamin DePue is a University of Arizona student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact him at bdepue@arizona.edu. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3424391972385678330d4b Erika Kirk’s Message for Women at Turning Point USA te 2026-06-18T17:00:41.275Z Erika Kirk’s Message for Women at Turning Point USA Our reporter Vivian Yee details what she saw at this year’s Turning Point USA Women’s Leadership Summit in San Antonio. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3424241972385678330d2d ‘Queer Eye’s’ life coach Karamo Brown launches Kē, a wellness app featuring his AI digital clone te 2026-06-18T17:00:20.798Z ‘Queer Eye’s’ life coach Karamo Brown launches Kē, a wellness app featuring his AI digital clone Karamo Brown, famous for his pep talks on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” has jumped into the wellness and AI space with his new app, Kē. After spending a year and a half focusing on his own journey—from fitness and nutrition to meditation, sobriety, relationships, and personal growth—Brown wants to help oth Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34221f19723856783308c3 Luigi Mangione's emotional disturbance defense may have huge impact in his other case: lawyer te 2026-06-18T16:51:43.278Z Luigi Mangione's emotional disturbance defense may have huge impact in his other case: lawyer Lawyers for Luigi Mangione, the 28-year-old former Ivy Leaguer accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, indicated he could use an "extreme emotional disturbance" defense, which, if successful, could reduce a murder conviction to first-degree manslaughter if jurors find him guilty after his September trial. Mangione is also facing a federal trial slated for early next year. "It's too early to say exactly how it will affect the federal prosecution, and he could theoretically pursue a different defense strategy there," said Randolph Rice, a Maryland-based attorney and legal analyst who is following the case. "But from a practical standpoint, if you're standing in a state courtroom arguing that you shot someone because you were under extreme emotional distress, you may be handing federal prosecutors a significant admission that they can point to later." The move could significantly reduce the maximum sentence in the state case, if, at the end of the trial, jurors accept the defense but still believe prosecutors proved that Mangione killed Thompson. Murder would be reduced to first-degree manslaughter under New York law upon conviction, resulting in the maximum punishment going from life in prison to a max of 25 years. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER The "extreme emotional disturbance" defense requires his lawyers to convince jurors of three things at trial under New York law: JUDGE REVEALS LUIGI MANGIONE WILL PURSUE PSYCHIATRIC DEFENSE IN UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO ASSASSINATION CASE First, Mangione must show whatever emotional distress he faced at the time of Thompson's murder caused an intense "loss of self-control." SEND US A TIP HERE Second, he must have a "reasonable" explanation or excuse for having suffered this distress. And third, he must have been under this distress at the time of the murder. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST "The defense is going to focus the jury on the precise moment of the shooting, not just what happened in the weeks or months leading up to it," Rice told Fox News Digital Thursday. "Prosecutors will argue that journals, planning, travel and an alleged ambush show calculation, not loss of control." Mangione is accused of meticulously plotting Thompson's assassination and traveling across the country to ambush him outside a business conference in New York City, where neither of them lived. Mangione did not know Thompson and was not a UnitedHealthcare customer. According to prosecutors, however, he allegedly wrote journals about the plot months before the murder. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB "Ultimately, this defense rises or falls on whether jurors believe Mangione was experiencing such intense emotional distress at the moment of the murder that he lost self-control, or whether this was simply a planned and deliberate killing," Rice said. His defense in the New York case is not related to the separate federal trial looming ahead, which could send him to prison for life without the possibility of parole if he is convicted there. "The defense has to balance any benefit they gain in the state case against the possibility that they're giving the federal government evidence on a silver platter," Rice said. His defense team has already won a series of legal victories in both cases. He could have faced life without parole in New York if they hadn't convinced a judge to toss terrorism-related charges, and in his federal case, the judge agreed to take the potential death penalty off the table ahead of trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The state trial is scheduled to begin in September, with the federal trial to follow early next year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3421f519723856783307cc Schweikert challenges Biggs’ electability in Arizona GOP governor debate te 2026-06-18T16:51:01.291Z Schweikert challenges Biggs’ electability in Arizona GOP governor debate PHOENIX -- The four Republicans hoping to be their party's nominee for governor squabbled Wednesday night over tax policy, vouchers and mail-in voting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3421e119723856783307c3 California man rejects plea deal in Havasu drug case te 2026-06-18T16:50:41.320Z California man rejects plea deal in Havasu drug case One of three people charged in a Lake Havasu City drug bust rejected a proposed plea agreement that was detailed during a June 12 hearing in Kingman. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3421cd19723856783307ba Lake Havasu City sets July 8 groundbreaking for Fire Station No. 7 te 2026-06-18T16:50:21.359Z Lake Havasu City sets July 8 groundbreaking for Fire Station No. 7 Lake Havasu City will break ground July 8 on its planned Fire Station No. 7, marking the start of a project city officials say will expand emergency response coverage for the community. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341d4b19723856783306d8 Mike Brown sports '10 Weeks' shirt for Knicks' championship parade after James Dolan's abstinence joke te 2026-06-18T16:31:07.678Z Mike Brown sports '10 Weeks' shirt for Knicks' championship parade after James Dolan's abstinence joke It appears that James Dolan's pre-playoff speech had an impact on Mike Brown. The New York Knicks' head coach showed up to Thursday's ticker-tape parade to celebrate the team's NBA title, rocking a t-shirt with '10 Weeks' written on the back of it. The word 'Sacrifice' was seen under the Knicks' logo across the front of his shirt. The shirt is in reference to the Knicks' owner's lengthy speech he delivered to the team before the NBA playoffs got underway about making a 10-week sacrifice. One of the sacrifices Dolan mentioned in his speech was staying abstinent. "I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks," Dolan told the Knicks on April 3. "You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks, but like Spartans — do you know what Spartans are? — they denied themselves to gain an edge. Get the edge." The Knicks went on to lose just three games during their championship run. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Brown was not the first high-profile player within the organization to joke about Dolan's joke. Guard Mikael Bridges mentioned Dolan's comments about not having sex during an Instagram live session alongside his dog earlier in the week. Brown was hired to take over the Knicks in July 2025 after the franchise's surprising decision to let go Tom Thibodeau as head coach. With Brown leading New York to its first title since 1973, it can now be deemed as the correct move. VICTOR WEMBANYAMA BOLDLY CLAIMS SPURS 'DOMINATED' KNICKS AFTER LOSING NBA FINALS IN FIVE GAMES The Knicks took care of the San Antonio Spurs in just five games despite the Spurs holding a lead of at least 12 points in each contest of the series. New York clinched the series with a 94-90 win in San Antonio, but most would agree the series was won in Game 4 when the Knicks somehow erased a 29-point deficit at Madison Square Garden. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341d2219723856783306bb Biggs, Schweikert skip the fireworks in tame GOP governor debate te 2026-06-18T16:30:26.211Z Biggs, Schweikert skip the fireworks in tame GOP governor debate Key Points: Two Republican frontrunners largely avoided attacking each other on the debate stage Congressman Andy Biggs is the clear GOP favorite and emerged unscathed Congressman David Schweikert maintains he’s the stronger general election candidate Those tuning in to the Republican gubernatorial primary debate on June 17 expecting to see two frontrunners at each other’s throats likely left disappointed. Instead, Congressmen Andy Biggs and David Schweikert shared their allotted time courting independent voters, “geeking out” on state budget math and taking shots at incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.  Biggs, who entered the race in early 2025, is expected by many to handily defeat Schweikert in the July 21 Republican primary. Polling numbers, political donations and local endorsements have all leaned in Biggs’ favor, and he also nabbed the coveted blessing from President Donald Trump.  Political consultants told the Arizona Capitol Times in a post-debate briefing that Schweikert did not do much to shift those tailwinds in his direction. “Schweikert seems to be content with second place,” said GOP public relations consultant Barrett Marson. Schweikert continues to run a campaign that vexes political consultants and dedicated GOP voters. Despite polls suggesting otherwise, the congressman maintains that he is the only Republican in the race who can defeat Hobbs in the Nov. 3 general election, even when pressed on the issue by reporters after the debate. “I do pretty darn well with independents in one of the toughest congressional districts in America, and have election after election after election,” Schweikert said, referring to the 1st Congressional District in northeast Phoenix and Scottsdale.  Schweikert has lobbed an occasional attack against Biggs, criticizing his relationships with far-right groups and personalities. But he did not come out swinging on the debate the way many expected he might. “He didn’t swing at all,” Marson said. “Going in, I thought it was going to be a heavyweight bout, I thought it was going to be a little scrappy MMA fight between Schweikert and Biggs, and it wasn’t.” Schweikert saved his criticism for the end of the debate, instead focusing more on the negative impact of Turning Point USA on Republican politics in Arizona. In contrast, Biggs frequently touts the endorsement of late TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, and the group’s political action committee has already spent nearly $500,000 to bolster his campaign. “When you’re wholly owned by Turning Point, and you’ve lost election and lost election and lost election, it puts everything in our future at risk,” Schweikert said in his closing remarks.  After the debate, Biggs told reporters that “TPUSA and I are not what I would call bedfellows,” but acknowledged that they are significant backers of his bid for the Ninth Floor.  Biggs has largely avoided going on the attack against Schweikert, with the exception of the occasional quip teasing his fellow congressman for not having a direct line to the president. During the June 17 debate, Biggs spent more time name-dropping Democrats he has worked alongside in Congress than he did his Republican opponent. “The fact that Biggs is trying to present himself as a bipartisan moderate means he’s that confident he’s getting out of the primary,” said Democratic consultant Stacy Pearson. “He name-checked (U.S. Rep.) Greg Stanton, (former U.S. Sen.) Kyrsten Sinema, (U.S. Rep.) Hakeem Jeffries. I mean, he went through the who’s who of Democrats.” Biggs also shed more light on his policy goals, some of which were slightly surprising. He pledged to eliminate tax incentives for data centers, expand Arizona’s already-universal school voucher program and use the state land trust to fund education.  Hobbs secured a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, a compromise that Biggs attributed to legislative Republicans. However, GOP members of the Legislature fought back against repealing the data center tax incentive entirely, arguing it would send the wrong message to investors eyeing the state for development.  All of the candidates on the debate stage, including long-shot contenders Scott Neely and Ken Miceli, expressed uncertainty about the security and efficacy of Arizona’s mail-in voting system. Biggs pledged to sign the “Florida-style” election reform bill introduced by GOP state lawmakers, while Schweikert claimed his deceased mother received ballots in the mail for several years after her death. Marson and Pearson criticized Citizens Clean Elections’ debate moderators for not asking the candidates about the results of the 2020 elections. In 2021, Biggs voted against certifying Arizona’s election results, which helped elect former President Joe Biden, while Schweikert voted against certifying Pennsylvania’s election results.  Hobbs has not yet committed to debating her eventual Republican opponent after skipping the 2022 debate with then-GOP nominee Kari Lake, citing Lake’s promotion of conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election. Pearson said Hobbs should skip a debate with Biggs unless he can acknowledge that Biden won in 2020.  “She owes the voters (an) appearance in front of the voters, she doesn’t owe (participation in) a format that allows for him to sidestep questions,” Pearson said. “They weren’t even asked about the (January 6th) insurrection, which I thought was slightly terrifying.” Marson argued Hobbs would only stand to lose from participating in a debate with Biggs because he would “destroy” her, which is why she likely won’t agree to face off against him. Mail-in ballots for the July 21 primary election are set to go out to voters on June 24.  The post Biggs, Schweikert skip the fireworks in tame GOP governor debate first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341b15197238567833065a Supreme Court unanimously limits use of gun law used to prosecute Hunter Biden te 2026-06-18T16:21:41.409Z Supreme Court unanimously limits use of gun law used to prosecute Hunter Biden The Supreme Court sided Thursday with a "habitual" marijuana user who challenged a federal law banning anyone who uses illegal drugs from legally possessing a firearm, a Second Amendment case that tested the limits of restricting gun ownership. The court ruled the law, which was used to prosecute Hunter Biden, was overbroad and improperly deprived the man at the center of the case of his right to possess a firearm in his home. But the high court also said in its narrow ruling the law limits but does not end government power to take guns from drug users. "We do not address efforts to ban addicts, or those presently intoxicated, from possessing a firearm," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority. The case involved a Texas man charged with a felony after FBI agents raiding his home found a handgun he kept for self-defense and he admitted to smoking marijuana every other day. SUPREME COURT UNANIMOUSLY STRIKES DOWN GUN LAW USED TO PROSECUTE HUNTER BIDEN In an opinion written by Gorsuch, the court held that the government's prosecution of Ali Hemani under a federal law prohibiting firearm possession by unlawful users of controlled substances violated the Second Amendment. Justices Samuel Alito and Elena Kagan concurred only in the judgment. The government argued that people who regularly use illegal drugs could be disarmed based on historical laws that restricted the rights of so-called "habitual drunkards," but the court said the old laws the government relied on were too different from the modern gun restriction to justify it. "The government's analogy fails under every measure it asks us to consider," Gorsuch wrote. "The historical laws on which it relies targeted different kinds of people, did so for different reasons, and operated in different ways." The court said the old laws focused on people whose substance abuse left them unable to manage their lives, while the federal law broadly covered regular drug users regardless of whether they posed a threat to anyone. GUNS AND GANJA: SUPREME COURT SKEPTICAL OF FEDERAL LAW BANNING FIREARM POSSESSION FOR REGULAR MARIJUANA USERS Gorsuch noted that under the government's interpretation of the law, the ban could extend beyond marijuana users to "a college student who routinely uses a friend's Adderall to cram for exams" and "a husband who regularly takes his wife's prescription Ambien to sleep." The court found that prosecutors never alleged Hemani was addicted to marijuana, had used a firearm while intoxicated, threatened anyone, or posed a danger to himself or others. Instead, the government relied solely on his admission that he used marijuana "about every other day." The opinion also questioned the government's argument that marijuana users are categorically dangerous, pointing to the federal government's own actions in reducing marijuana enforcement and efforts to move marijuana to a less restrictive drug schedule. The court noted that most states now permit some form of marijuana use. SEVERAL GROUPS SAY CANNABIS MAY HELP AGING AMERICANS MANAGE PAIN "Whatever one thinks of these developments, the federal government has not just tolerated them; it helped fuel them," Gorsuch wrote. The court warned that accepting the government's theory would grant officials excessive authority to strip constitutional rights from broad categories of people. "Affording the government 'broad power to designate any group as dangerous and thereby disqualify its members from having a gun' would risk allowing it to 'quickly swallow' the Second Amendment." 'THE VIEW' HOSTS DEFEND GUN OWNERSHIP AS CHECK TO TYRANNY AFTER YEARS OF SHOW CRITICIZING GUN RIGHTS Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, praised the ruling as a significant victory for gun rights. "It’s a good day for the Second Amendment when all nine justices can agree to protect gun rights," Severino said. "The mere fact of illegal drug use, without more, isn’t enough to justify prosecution for gun ownership. Historically, ‘habitual drunkards’ who habitually lost use of their reason could have their rights restricted, but not just regular drinkers — even including Founding Fathers like John Adams, who drank ‘a tankard of hard cider’ with breakfast, or James Madison, who ‘consumed a pint of whisky daily.’" "Hemani, who used marijuana a few times a week, doesn’t fit the historical mold of a ‘habitual drunkard’ whose rights can be limited on those grounds alone," Severino added. ALEX BERENSON: I WARNED ABOUT CANNABIS DANGERS 7 YEARS AGO AND NOBODY WANTED TO LISTEN In a separate opinion, Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Elena Kagan, agreed with the outcome but said the government failed to prove that Hemani resembled the severely impaired "habitual drunkards" regulated under historical laws. "The mismatch between the Government's historical analogues and the theory on which the Government defends the constitutionality of §922(g)(3) as applied to respondent is clear," Alito wrote. Tyler Yzaguirre, president of the Second Amendment Institute, also welcomed the decision, saying the ruling reaffirmed that constitutional rights cannot be set aside by the government without historical justification. "While the justices offered different legal reasoning, they unanimously agreed that applying this federal gun ban to Hemani violated the Second Amendment," Yzaguirre said. "This ruling reinforces the principle that firearm restrictions must be consistent with our nation’s historical tradition of gun regulation, not modern political preferences." The justices emphasized that their ruling was limited to Hemani's case and did not address whether the government can bar firearm possession by addicts, people who are intoxicated, felons, or drug users shown to be dangerous. "Gun control activists will inevitably claim that the sky is falling. It isn’t," Amy Swearer, senior legal fellow at Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital. "The ruling still leaves the government room to disarm addicts or prosecute people who possess firearms while actively intoxicated." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341b011972385678330643 Seattle mayor announces crackdown on crime-plagued neighborhood after years of complaints te 2026-06-18T16:21:21.951Z Seattle mayor announces crackdown on crime-plagued neighborhood after years of complaints Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a crackdown on open-air drug dealing Wednesday, declaring the city will "no longer tolerate" public drug sales, public drug use and the sale of stolen goods in two neighborhoods that residents and business owners say have been plagued by crime and disorder for years. "We will no longer tolerate open-air drug sale and use and vending stolen goods," Wilson said in the Wednesday press release. "We are expanding police personnel in the area to engage directly with individuals participating in these activities, explain that the behavior is no longer tolerated, and help ensure that the sidewalk and transit stops are safe and accessible for all." Wilson said Seattle's Little Saigon, the easternmost part of the Chinatown–International District, primarily centered around 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street, would be the target of the enforcement crackdown. INSIDE SEATTLE’S OPEN-AIR DRUG CRISIS AS FENTANYL RAVAGES CITY AND ACTIVISTS BAIL OUT ALLEGED CRIMINALS "The community has worked together to do what they can, but city leaders have failed to act with the necessary focus and determination to sustain a meaningful change in everyday conditions," Wilson said. "We must disrupt the drug dealing, public disorder, and other illegal activity that has destabilized this community." In April, Westside Seattle reported that the Seattle Public Safety Committee of the Seattle City Council met on April 28 to discuss what Chair Robert Kettle called the "alarming" standstill in fixing Little Saigon’s public safety crisis. According to data reviewed by city staff, Seattle Police Department arrests for drug use and possession increased from 633 in 2024 to 942 in 2025, a 47% jump. During the same period, post-arrest referrals to the LEAD diversion program fell by 30%. SEATTLE POLICE UNION CONDEMNS NEW SOCIALIST MAYOR'S DRUG ENFORCEMENT APPROACH AS 'SUICIDAL EMPATHY' During the April 28 hearing, Westside Seattle reported that the 12th and Jackson area was described as the "epicenter" of the public safety crisis, and that "residents and business owners reported ‘open air drug use’ and ‘stolen goods markets’ that continue to flourish despite current city efforts." "I’m committed to ending the perception that illegal activity in Little Saigon and North Beacon Hill is acceptable," Wilson said in her announcement. "I’m also committed to making sure that people can get the treatment and support they need to change their lives. This is a data-driven, evidence-based approach that fulfills both of these goals." INSIDE SEATTLE’S OPEN-AIR DRUG CRISIS AS FENTANYL RAVAGES CITY AND ACTIVISTS BAIL OUT ALLEGED CRIMINALS She added that she will be allocating $1.1 million of one-time funding for services for the area which include "neighborhood outreach staff to support service navigation, mobile overdose treatment and prevention teams, community activations to support neighbors and businesses, and more." Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson for additional comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341aee197238567833063a 'Pure hell' in Moscow as Ukrainian drones strike major refinery supplying capital's fuel market te 2026-06-18T16:21:02.502Z 'Pure hell' in Moscow as Ukrainian drones strike major refinery supplying capital's fuel market Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, striking a major oil refinery in the Russian capital and sending thick black smoke over parts of the city, according to Russian officials and multiple reports. The Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya — one of the capital region’s key fuel facilities — was hit overnight Thursday, marking the second reported strike on the site in three days. Videos circulating online showed large flames and black smoke rising from the facility, while Russian officials said air defenses intercepted waves of incoming drones. Kyiv says its strikes deep inside Russia are evidence that it is turning the tide of the war — a message President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took this week to President Donald Trump and other G7 leaders at a summit in France.  The latest strikes underscore a new phase of the war, with Ukraine increasingly able to hit high-value targets deep inside Russia while Moscow struggles to prevent drones from reaching politically sensitive and economically important sites near the capital.  'A NEW KIND OF WAR': INSIDE UKRAINE'S HIDDEN FACTORIES MASS-PRODUCING COMBAT DRONES "This is pure hell, I’ve never felt such terror," one Moscow resident said after the attack, according to East2West News.  Another resident, according to the outlet, asked: "Why won’t this madman stop his crazy and pointless war and end the death and destruction?" East2West also reported that a heavy security presence was deployed around the Kremlin, with Red Square sealed off and machine-gunners positioned on towers, ramparts and near Bolsheviks' founder Vladimir Lenin’s Mausoleum.  Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said air defenses shot down more than 130 drones approaching the city. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed more than 550 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight across several regions, though battlefield claims from either side could not be independently verified. PUTIN RESIDENCE ATTACK VIDEO SLAMMED AS US OFFICIALS SAY UKRAINE DID NOT TARGET LEADER The attack disrupted daily life across Moscow, forcing temporary flight suspensions at major airports and traffic restrictions near the refinery. Russian officials said debris also fell near the Sadovod shopping center, damaging a building. The Moscow region governor said 16 people were injured in the broader attack. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha mocked the confusion in Moscow, writing on X: "One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is ‘What is going on?’ I can answer. Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Now that you know what’s going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it." The strike appeared to expose vulnerabilities in Moscow’s heavily promoted air defense network, bringing the war deeper into the Russian capital even as the Kremlin continues its long-range missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. RUSSIA SAYS UKRAINIAN DRONES HIT NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DURING INDEPENDENCE DAY STRIKES The Kapotnya refinery is a strategically significant target. A prior Ukrainian drone strike damaged part of the refinery in recent days, according to Reuters, and forced a halt in some operations.  East2West reported that the refinery supplies 40% of Moscow’s fuel market and 70% of the surrounding region’s gasoline and aviation fuel needs. Ukraine increasingly has targeted Russian energy infrastructure in an effort to undermine Moscow’s war machine and increase the domestic cost of the war inside Russia. Kyiv has described such strikes as part of its campaign of "long-range sanctions" against Russia’s oil and military infrastructure. The Moscow attack came as President Vladimir Putin hosted leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc in Kazan, Russia. Ukraine also reportedly struck targets linked to Russia’s supply routes to occupied Crimea, including road and rail infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said isolating Crimea is a key military objective as Kyiv seeks to weaken Russia’s hold on the peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014. Russia, meanwhile, continued its own strikes on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported Russian attacks on energy and oil facilities in the Poltava region and near Kyiv. East2West reported that Russia was moving Tu-95MS strategic bombers across the country, raising concerns that Moscow could be preparing another major strike on Ukraine in the coming days. Zelenskyy has said the war could end if Putin agrees to genuine peace talks, while accusing Moscow of prolonging the conflict and using negotiations as cover for continued attacks. Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341ac519723856783305f6 Flagstaff Event Almanac for June 18 te 2026-06-18T16:20:21.028Z Flagstaff Event Almanac for June 18 June 18 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3418bd1972385678330499 'The View' co-host admits to 'tense' moment with 'annoyed' Whoopi Goldberg during Vance interview te 2026-06-18T16:11:41.796Z 'The View' co-host admits to 'tense' moment with 'annoyed' Whoopi Goldberg during Vance interview "The View" co-host Ana Navarro acknowledged the "tense" moment between her and co-host Whoopi Goldberg during the liberal talk show's interview with Vice President JD Vance on her podcast Wednesday. Navarro said during her show, "Bleep! with Ana Navarro," that Goldberg was annoyed with her as she tried to press Vance on something else before Goldberg — who moderates "The View" — broke for commercial. "I also want to say there was like a tense moment between Whoopi and I where I wanted to get in a question," Navarro said. "I wanted to get him — as we were talking about the racism of this administration precisely on that topic — I wanted to get him to answer whether Michelle Obama being called a man by a UFC fighter at the White House Sunday night is something that he, JD Vance, would condemn." "We were running out of time," she continued. "Whoopi was annoyed that I was trying to push him on that as we were trying to wrap and get to commercial break. These things happen on live TV." LIBERAL JOURNALIST RECOUNTS TIME KAMALA SCOLDED HER OVER QUESTION THEY LAUGHED ABOUT IN PRIVATE Goldberg scolded Navarro as she tried to get a final question in with Vance during the Tuesday interview, saying, "Don't do that!" Navarro said during her podcast, "Let me just say Whoopi Goldberg and I are very close friends. I lean on her for so much. I count on her for for advice and these things happen on live TV. I have never taken it outside of the studio and neither has Whoopi. Believe me, we are good." The co-hosts of "The View" pressed Vance on several topics, including Jeffrey Epstein, immigration policy, his past criticism of President Donald Trump and more. 'VIEW' CO-HOST WHOOPI GOLDBERG DEFENDS BILL CLINTON, CLAIMING HE HASN'T BEEN 'ACCUSED' BY EPSTEIN VICTIMS Goldberg accused the Trump administration of stigmatizing people of color. "What did Black people do to this administration that has allowed it to really stigmatize folks of color? And you know how hard it is. You have folks of color in your family," she said to Vance. "So when you … see, you know, things, the Emmett Till stuff coming down, or them doing all kinds of removal of information of Black heroes, how do you — how does that sit with you?" "What exactly are you talking about?" Vance asked, asking for "her actual point." They both then began to speak over each other as Vance asked for specific examples. Goldberg did not provide context for what "Emmett Till stuff" was, but she may have been referring to monuments like the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, sites designated as national monuments by former President Joe Biden, which may be at risk amid the Trump administration’s DEI budget cuts. Emmett Till was a Black youth who was lynched at age 14 in Mississippi in 1955. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "In a lot of the museums, just, there’s so many, I just, I, you know," Goldberg said as she failed to name specifics. "Where they're taking down the actual history that happened in this country. Slavery happened. All kinds of stuff happened, and it seems that it has been very easy for this administration to remove that and also to denigrate Black folks who have worked their behinds off to get this American dream." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3418aa1972385678330490 WATCH: Cruz sounds alarm on Trump Iran deal, warns against handing billions to 'theocratic lunatics' te 2026-06-18T16:11:22.338Z WATCH: Cruz sounds alarm on Trump Iran deal, warns against handing billions to 'theocratic lunatics' A bipartisan group of lawmakers voiced strong skepticism about President Donald Trump's newly signed Iran peace deal, arguing the agreement leaves Iran in a stronger position while questioning whether the United States secured enough in return. Prior to Trump signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, offered some of the sharpest criticism among lawmakers, arguing the deal rewards "theocratic lunatics" of a hostile regime.  "Giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea," Cruz told Fox News Digital. "I think the president, unfortunately, is receiving bad advice on this deal." Other Republicans stormed off when confronted about the new terms. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT The MOU provides immediate sanctions relief, including waivers on Iranian oil exports and access to frozen funds, while establishing a framework for more than $300 billion in reconstruction and economic development. It also sets a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a final accord on Iran's nuclear program — provisions critics like Cruz argue would provide Tehran with billions in economic benefits. Democrats were even more brazen in their criticism of the Republican president. "Iran is now going to be able to export their oil and gas, rake in billions more. It's going to get access to its frozen assets," Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said. "And what is Iran giving up for this? Nothing." "This is a great deal for Iran," he told Fox News Digital. "I just don’t understand the thinking at all." NUCLEAR EXPERTS WARN IRAN’S URANIUM ‘RIGHT’ IS A MYTH, SAY TRUMP IS RIGHT TO HOLD FIRM Several lawmakers also questioned whether the agreement secures meaningful concessions on Iran's nuclear program, the issue that drove the conflict in the first place. "I think when it comes to the development of nuclear weapons, the language is the same," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said. "We went to war for what?" "Are you kidding?" Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., shot-back when asked about the quality of the deal. "Look, everything about this says that Iran is better off now than it was before this war started." Other lawmakers questioned whether the agreement could credibly be viewed as a win for the U.S. after months of war. "My biggest fear is I don't know how anyone, even as good a salesman as Donald Trump can be, can sell this as a win for the United States," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said. Not every lawmaker opposed the agreement. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., shared a brief but supportive stance, saying: "Peace is better than war." TRUMP AGAIN SAYS DEAL IS CLOSE, THEN CONFIRMS A LAST-MINUTE AGREEMENT WITH IRAN, BUT DETAILS STILL SECRET Several lawmakers also compared the agreement to the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal Trump withdrew from during his first term. "The public reporting to me suggests we're giving up an awful lot more to get a lot less than the JCPOA," Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said. Warren argued the outcome of the conflict had effectively brought the administration back to a deal similar to the one Trump once rejected. "Remember this whole nuclear deal now?" Warren asked. "No better than what we had back in 2015, back when Barack Obama cut the deal.  "And that's where Donald Trump winds us up after all of this?" she continued. "What an embarrassment." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3418961972385678330487 EXCLUSIVE: Colin Cowherd opens up about selling The Volume, scaling back three-hour show, and retirement te 2026-06-18T16:11:02.886Z EXCLUSIVE: Colin Cowherd opens up about selling The Volume, scaling back three-hour show, and retirement EXCLUSIVE: Five years ago, Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd founded The Volume, a digital media and podcast network that includes shows with Richard Sherman, Sophie Cunningham, and rapper Fat Joe. The company has a chance to surpass $75 million in revenue this year and has emerged as one of the largest independently owned sports media companies in the industry. This week, Cowherd joined OutKick for an hour-long discussion covering a range of topics, including the intersection of sports and politics, Donald Trump, religion, happiness, retirement, ESPN, and the future of his company. Specifically, Cowherd addressed whether he plans to sell his media company, like Dave Portnoy, Bill Simmons, and others who have done so before him. "We have had people interested," Cowherd told OutKick. "It would have to be the right fit." VICTOR WEMBANYAMA ISN'T GOOD OR MATURE ENOUGH TO BE THE FACE OF THE NBA, AT LEAST NOT YET. "It wouldn't necessarily have to be a broadcaster," Cowherd said about a potential buyer for The Volume. "I think I have enough knowledge in broadcasting that I can handle that side. I don't necessarily need guidance there." "It would have to be something that works for our employees. Bobby, when it comes to The Volume, I don't lose sleep at night if I have a bad show. I lose sleep because I have 60 employees, and they have families. "Any decision I make would have to involve a partner who understands that. It would have to be a partner that respects my executive team and respects our broadcasting ability. I'm not in a hurry to do it. Also, it's really fun having control. Cowherd said he has sought advice from people in finance who have advised him to sell "only a small portion of the company." "If I were going to sell, I don't know if I would sell all of it." He also discussed the importance of a potential buyer having the right synergies. "Synergies don't always work. I'll give you an example. Airline mergers usually work. You keep one executive team, and one of the airlines brings expanded routes. When Alaska and Virgin merged, that seemed to work. The consumer won. "In media, I think Fox buying Roku has enough overlap that it's going to work. A lot of times I'll watch Fox and see what they do, their patterns, and their history. Lachlan is very aggressive in pursuing acquisitions. "If I get the right synergy and they treat my employees right, we can talk and scale." HERE IS HOW PAT MCAFEE HAS SURPASSED STEPHEN A SMITH AS THE FACE OF ESPN | BOBBY BURACK If you ask most executives and agents in sports media, they would tell you that the three biggest needle-movers in the industry are Cowherd, Pat McAfee, and Stephen A. Smith, in some order. But that does not last forever. In this industry, very few people go out on top. Most hang on far too long. Right now, Skip Bayless is playing a side character on Gilbert Arenas' podcast network. Rich Eisen and Dan Patrick are doing another podcast discussing their legacies in the 1990s. We asked Cowherd how much longer he plans to do this. "Well, I'm in my early 60s. I have two years left on my contracts [Fox Sports and iHeart]. I still think I have a fastball. "I think maybe at some point, Bobby, instead of a three-hour TV show, which is a long television show, I scale it back. PTI is great, but think about this: it's a half-hour show. Multiply that by six, and I'm doing it mostly solo. "I've talked to Fox about whether I should cut it down to two hours for my next contract. That's a possibility." He then explained how retiring too early can cause people to age more quickly. "I've read stories, Bobby, about people aging more quickly when they don't wake up with a mission or a purpose. And my wife does not want me around the house all day. She's got her life. She'd be like, 'You're following me around the house like a cat.'" "So I don't think retirement is in the near term, but when that seven starts getting close as the first number, when I'm about 70, we're probably around the corner." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34186c1972385678330442 Fiscalía de Arizona: acusaciones de perjurio contra Nanos te 2026-06-18T16:10:20.906Z Fiscalía de Arizona: acusaciones de perjurio contra Nanos Leer en inglés La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Pima votó por unanimidad remitir a la Oficina del Fiscal General de Arizona las acusaciones de perjurio contra el sheriff Chris Nanos, sin llegar a destituirlo de su cargo. En marzo, la junta había votado por unanimidad exigir a Nanos que respondiera bajo juramento a preguntas sobre su historial disciplinario, la gestión del departamento y su conducta en el cargo. Nanos no asistió a la audiencia del 21 de abril; en su lugar, envió a su abogado y una carta de 12 páginas en la que abordaba cuestiones sobre su trayectoria previa en las fuerzas del orden, el presupuesto del departamento y la colaboración de la agencia con las autoridades federales de inmigración. Los supervisores debatieron la situación durante la reunión del 12 de mayo; el supervisor del Distrito 4, Steve Christy, propuso de inmediato declarar vacante el puesto de sheriff del Condado de Pima e iniciar el procedimiento de sustitución. La moción de Christy no prosperó al no contar con ningún respaldo adicional. Tras semanas de deliberaciones sobre si el testimonio incompleto de Nanos podía constituir motivo de destitución según la legislación estatal, la junta finalmente siguió el consejo de su asesoría jurídica, lo que derivó en dos decisiones. La junta no tomó medidas para declarar vacante el cargo y remitió las acusaciones de perjurio a la Oficina del Fiscal General de Arizona. La junta no se pronunció sobre si Nanos había cometido perjurio; la votación fue de 4 a 0, con la abstención de Christy. La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Pima votó 4 a 0 a favor de remitir las acusaciones de perjurio contra Nanos a la Oficina del Fiscal General de Arizona. El supervisor del Distrito 1, Rex Scott, señaló que su principal preocupación era la aparente falta de voluntad de Nanos para generar confianza dentro del departamento; citó una moción de censura de la organización de ayudantes del sheriff del Condado de Pima que obtuvo más de 250 votos a favor y 60 abstenciones, sin que se registrara ni un solo voto de confianza en el liderazgo de Nanos. "Eso es muy revelador respecto al clima laboral y al sentir de los empleados de primera línea sobre la gestión del departamento," dijo Scott. "Igualmente reveladores son los correos electrónicos y las cartas que las oficinas de la Junta han recibido de empleados actuales y anteriores del Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Pima, quienes han expresado no tener fe ni confianza en el liderazgo del sheriff. Han ofrecido ejemplos muy concretos de mezquindad, favoritismo y toma de decisiones precipitadas." Scott mencionó que algunas cartas de empleados del departamento expresaban apoyo a Nanos, pero afirmó que este debe unir a todos y tomar medidas concretas para reconstruir la cultura del departamento; esto incluye reconocer lo que Scott llamó "lo obvio,” que existe una crisis interna de confianza en su liderazgo y acercarse pública y privadamente a los demás para buscar un diálogo honesto y restablecer la confianza. "Basándome en el asesoramiento legal, no creo, y obviamente la mayoría de la Junta coincide, que tengamos la facultad de destituir al sheriff o declarar vacante el cargo. Él cumplió con sus obligaciones según la ley, pero considero importante que remitamos el asunto a la oficina del fiscal general,” dijo Scott. "Y lo más importante es que el sheriff tome medidas inmediatas para reparar el extraordinario clima de desconfianza y falta de fe en su liderazgo.” El supervisor del Distrito 5, Andrés Cano, reconoció la preocupación de los miembros de la comunidad respecto a la seguridad pública y su desánimo ante un sheriff cuyos valores no comparten. Compartió su experiencia como estudiante universitario residente en el Condado de Maricopa bajo el mandato del sheriff Joe Arpaio, cuando se aprobó la ley SB 1070. La ley SB 1070, aprobada por la Legislatura de Arizona en 2010, obligaba a las fuerzas del orden a verificar el estatus migratorio de cualquier persona detenida o interceptada si existía una sospecha razonable de que se encontraba ilegalmente en el país, y tipificaba como delito estatal el hecho de estar en Arizona sin documentación. "Lo sé porque lo viví en carne propia,” dijo Cano. "A pocas calles de mi residencia estudiantil, vi a familias e inmigrantes vivir con miedo y, lo que es más importante, vi a vecinos perder la fe en lo que se suponía que debía significar la seguridad pública.” Cano comentó que aprendió que destituir a Arpaio no era competencia de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Maricopa, sino responsabilidad de los votantes a través de un proceso de revocación de mandato. Cano señaló que el sheriff, a diferencia del jefe de policía, es elegido por votación popular en lugar de ser designado y no puede ser destituido fácilmente; asimismo, mencionó que la junta había utilizado lo que él denominó un "estatuto de alcance limitado" para interrogar a Nanos, antes de que la asesoría jurídica les informara sobre sus limitaciones. Cano afirmó que, de ahora en adelante, la junta se centraría en escuchar las inquietudes de los residentes sobre la seguridad pública y en invertir en el personal del departamento del sheriff. Jennifer Allen, supervisora ​​del Distrito 3, declaró que los residentes de su distrito, predominantemente rural, dependen del departamento del sheriff para obtener una respuesta rápida, justicia y rendición de cuentas. "Quiero agradecer al departamento por haber dado un paso al frente. Imagino que este ha sido un proceso increíblemente difícil y que seguirá siéndolo. El liderazgo es sumamente importante, y el liderazgo de nuestro sheriff lo es aún más," dijo Allen. "Espero que, en el camino que tenemos por delante, veamos un liderazgo auténtico que vele por los intereses de todo el equipo y de todos los residentes del Condado de Pima, y ​​que restablezca la confianza necesaria en nuestra comunidad hacia el departamento del sheriff." Ian Stash es egresado de la Universidad de Arizona y periodista independiente radicado en Tucson. Puede contactarlo en istash@arizona.edu.  Esta nota fue traducida por Diana Ramos, exalumna de la Universidad de Arizona, Directora de Iniciativas Bilingües y reportera del Foco de Tucson. Contáctala en diana@tucsonspotlight.org.    El Foco de Tucson es una sala de prensa comunitaria que ofrece oportunidades remuneradas a estudiantes y periodistas emergentes del sur de Arizona. Por favor, considera apoyar nuestro trabajo con una donación deducible de impuestos. Donar a El Foco Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34163e19723856783303f9 Trump overhauls federal birth control program to promote ‘family formation,’ fertility awareness te 2026-06-18T16:01:02.881Z Trump overhauls federal birth control program to promote ‘family formation,’ fertility awareness A couple sits with their newborn inside their Bentonville, Arkansas, home. The Trump administration is shifting the federal Title X program, which has traditionally provided access to contraception, toward an emphasis on childbearing. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) A federal poverty-fighting program focused on reducing unintended pregnancies is about to undergo a major overhaul. Reproductive health clinics use Title X federal grant money to provide birth control, cancer screenings and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections to people with little or no health insurance. Title X money cannot be used for abortions. The Guttmacher Institute estimates that Title X, which was signed into law by Republican President Richard Nixon in 1970, has prevented almost 20 million unintended pregnancies and 9 million abortions. It has also helped reduce child poverty, according to the group, which supports abortion rights. But President Donald Trump has taken aim at the program, which has long been a target for abortion opponents. Since regaining the White House, Trump has temporarily blocked and then restored grants to certain reproductive health clinics, and proposed a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services budget with no funding for the program. The department’s recently issued funding guidelines for Title X grants represent a significant mission shift. Instead of expanding access to contraception, the focus of Title X will be “to strengthen family formation and assist clients in achieving healthy pregnancies,” according to the new guidance. That will align the program with the administration’s efforts to increase the U.S. birth rate. The new rules say Title X will prioritize educating Americans about natural methods to avoid pregnancy and overcome infertility, and will promote “body literacy education” and “informed, preventive, and restorative approaches to reproductive health.” Some conservative groups tout an obscure alternative treatment for infertility called “restorative reproductive medicine,” which is based on the idea that the underlying causes of infertility can be treated through lifestyle changes and improving a person’s overall health. The guidance directs Title X clinics to promote “fertility-awareness-based methods,” such as period-tracking apps, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says can be helpful for getting pregnant but less effective at preventing pregnancy. It also calls on clinics to offer counseling on male fertility issues and to address environmental causes of infertility, including pornography use. And it includes a prohibition on DEI efforts and warns grantees that federal money cannot be used to “facilitate or incentivize illegal immigration.” Anti-abortion groups support the changes, but many health policy researchers say they will disproportionately harm low-income and minority women, who are more reliant on Title X services and are more likely to have unintended pregnancies. Researchers also say the new guidelines are unlikely to achieve the administration’s “pronatalist” goal of reversing declining birth rates. Corinne Rocca, an epidemiology professor at the University of California, San Francisco, said the way to do that would be to spend more on childcare subsidies and other social programs to help new parents. “Policies that help people and families feel supported to meet their childbearing preferences … would actually help people who are open to the prospect of childbearing to do so,” Rocca said. Rocca co-authored a study published in JAMA Network Open last fall suggesting Black and Hispanic women are less likely than other racial groups to be able to choose if, when and how to start a family. Clinics must reapply for funding under these new guidelines by Jan. 9, 2027. HHS did not respond to a request for comment. During his first term, Trump banned Title X clinics from referring patients to other providers for an abortion or even mentioning it as an option. He also prohibited grantees from offering family planning services and abortions in the same building. As a result, many grantees quit the program, including about a dozen state health departments and all participating Planned Parenthood chapters. The program served about 844,000 fewer patients in 2019 than it did in 2018, when it served 3.9 million patients, according to HHS. About 225,000 fewer patients received oral contraceptives; about 50,000 fewer received hormonal implants; and about 86,000 fewer received IUDs. The reframing of Title X that is reflected in the new guidelines was a recommendation laid out in the controversial blueprint known as Project 2025, created by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation as a guide for the second Trump administration. In line with Project 2025’s recommendations, HHS says Title X grantees will no longer be required to counsel or refer for abortions, and tells applicants that relationship counseling should encourage marriage as a precursor to having children. “In a time when we are facing a rapidly declining birth rate that falls far short of the replacement fertility rate, we should be doing all we can to encourage and support family formation and fertility,” Dr. Christina Francis, CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, told MedPage Today in April. “Women deserve accurate information about their fertility and their health — and this includes highlighting the many benefits of pregnancy and motherhood.” Some abortion opponents have criticized Title X for promoting certain forms of contraception, such as IUDs, that they view as abortifacients. A spokesperson for the National Right to Life Committee said the organization does not take a stance on contraception that prevents fertilization, “however, National Right to Life does oppose any device or drug that would destroy a life already created at fertilization.” “If there is any doubt, we recommend that a woman speak with her doctor to determine if an agent would cause an abortion,” the spokesperson said in an email. But Leonard Lopoo, a professor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University who has studied fertility and family policies for the past three decades, said the federal government could help families achieve their family planning goals by expanding pregnancy prevention and infertility treatments at all income levels. “When you’re trying to take away the funding for someone who doesn’t want to have a child, that’s not the same as providing funding to support someone who does,” Lopoo said. As a Black woman and researcher focused on Black maternal health at Ibis Reproductive Health, Terri-Ann Thompson is better informed than most on the ways having children can be disproportionately more dangerous and less affordable for women who look like her. But she says what she wasn’t expecting to uncover — during research for a study she co-authored in the journal Frontiers in Public Health this spring — is how much the fear of negative medical and criminal justice outcomes makes many Black women in Georgia and North Carolina scared of pregnancy. “I was very surprised to see that folks were actually thinking about the context within which a Black child is born and raised well before they even contemplated starting a family,” Thompson said. “We had a lot of, just, stories of folks saying, ‘Why would I want to bring a child into this context; how does one prepare Black women to bring a child into this context?’” Thompson said her team’s findings show how much Black women depend on low-cost access to long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUDs. “We have people who drove very, very far just to get a sliding scale to either get an IUD placed, an IUD removed, or to even get on birth control pills,” Thompson said. “If the administration moves forward with these restrictions, what we are doing is we are removing access to contraceptives for a population that is at higher risk.” Stateline reporter Sofia Resnick can be reached at sresnick@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Arizona Mirror, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34161519723856783303c9 Many World Cup Fans Would Rather Skip the Hydration Breaks te 2026-06-18T16:00:21.926Z Many World Cup Fans Would Rather Skip the Hydration Breaks It’s hot in North America in June, but fans are griping that the breaks that have been added to each half are an excuse for the networks to show more ads. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3413fa197238567832fe86 Amanda Seyfried doubles down on Charlie Kirk comments as unapologetic stance leads to bodyguard protection te 2026-06-18T15:51:22.809Z Amanda Seyfried doubles down on Charlie Kirk comments as unapologetic stance leads to bodyguard protection Amanda Seyfried feared for her life after dubbing the late Charlie Kirk as "hateful" last year.  In an interview with British GQ, the actress — who sparked backlash for her comments shortly after Kirk's murder in September 2025 — revealed she hired a bodyguard over safety concerns. "A, I’m allowed to f---ing voice my feelings, and B, do it in a way that’s not unkind necessarily," she told the outlet. "But there’s just an outsized fear and hatred and impulse to bash and to tear down. And I experienced a very small fraction of that." ACTRESS AMANDA SEYFRIED SAYS SHE'S ‘NOT F---ING APOLOGIZING’ FOR CHARLIE KIRK POST CALLING HIM HATEFUL "I want my kids to be able to feel safe to voice their opinions as long as they’re not harmful," she continued. "So I’m like, ‘What do I do? What do I say?’ And then all of a sudden I find myself with a f---ing bodyguard at the airport and I’m like, ‘This is crazy.’" After the backlash in September, Seyfried wrote in an Instagram post: "We’re forgetting the nuance of humanity. I can get angry about misogyny and racist rhetoric and ALSO very much agree that Charlie Kirk’s murder was absolutely disturbing and deplorable in every way imaginable." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS MAHER BLASTS HOLLYWOOD LIBERALS FOR NOT ACKNOWLEDGING CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION AT THE EMMYS "No one should have to experience this level of violence," she added. "This country is grieving too many senseless and violent deaths and shootings. Can we agree on that at least?" In her caption to the post, she appeared to address her previous controversy, writing, "I don’t want to add fuel to a fire. I just want to be able to give clarity to something so irresponsibly (but understandably) taken out of context. Spirited discourse- isn’t that what we should be having?" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Shortly after the backlash, Seyfried doubled down and said she would not apologize for calling Kirk "hateful." Speaking with "Who What Wear" in an interview published in December, the "Mean Girls" actress spoke about the backlash she faced but refused to back down from her original comments. "I'm not f---ing apologizing for that," Seyfried said. "I mean, for f---'s sake, I commented on one thing. I said something that was based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes. What I said was pretty damn factual, and I'm free to have an opinion, of course. Thank God for Instagram. I was able to give some clarity, and it was about getting my voice back because I felt like it had been stolen and recontextualized — which is what people do, of course." She added how she has to remember to "keep [her] head on" regarding politics. "It's always hard to see people who are tricky and harmful have success — like our gorgeous president, the best possible example of that," Seyfried said while sitting in a restaurant with her interviewer. "It's so weird to sit in a civilized restaurant. People are serving us food. You can't unpack it too much, or else you'll go f---ing insane. Like, how is the world still spinning?" In a comment to Fox News Digital at the time, Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said Seyfried is free to say what she wants, but "deserved whatever backlash she gets." "Amanda Seyfried obviously knows nothing about who Charlie Kirk actually was. She’s a victim of her own algorithm and echo chamber. But if your reaction to an innocent husband and father being assassinated in cold blood is to pile on and call him ‘hateful’ instead of offering condolences, or just remaining silent — I know wild concept — then you are the hateful one," Kolvert said. Fox News Digital's Lindsay Komick contributed to this post. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3413d0197238567832fe25 MapTap, a daily geography game, is my new Wordle te 2026-06-18T15:50:40.824Z MapTap, a daily geography game, is my new Wordle MapTap is a phone game that will make you feel smarter after you play it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3413bc197238567832fe1c Apple opens up App Store to new competition in Brazil te 2026-06-18T15:50:20.863Z Apple opens up App Store to new competition in Brazil Apple’s grip on iPhone app distribution is loosening in another major market: Brazil. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341182197238567832fde1 Senate Republican pushes merit-based military promotions, targets Biden-era DEI policies te 2026-06-18T15:40:50.434Z Senate Republican pushes merit-based military promotions, targets Biden-era DEI policies FIRST ON FOX: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has made it his priority to carve out "woke" policies from the Pentagon, and a Senate Republican is backing him up in Congress’ annual defense authorization bill.  As the Senate moves forward with the perennial National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), one of the annual must-pass bills in Congress that authorizes eye-popping sums of taxpayer funding for the Pentagon, Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., scored a quiet win in Hegseth’s fight.  Banks secured an amendment to the $1.15 trillion policy package that aims to reverse Biden-era diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies that seeped into hiring, communication and training at the Pentagon.  TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL 'GIVING A LOT MORE TO GET A LOT LESS' THAN OBAMA'S, SENATOR SAYS "President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are turning the Pentagon around by getting rid of the Biden-era DEI nonsense that hurt morale and took focus away from the mission," Banks said in a statement. "Our military should be focused on winning wars, not pushing political agendas," he continued. "I’m proud to have fought for this amendment to reinforce these reforms." Banks’ amendment, first shared with Fox News Digital, includes three provisions targeting DEI practices at the Pentagon.  HEGSETH QUIPS '99.9%' OF DEI INITIATIVES ARE GONE FROM THE MILITARY UNDER TRUMP’S WATCH It would nix prioritizing diversity for active-duty warrant officers, active-duty officers and reserve officers seeking promotions, and instead press promotion boards in their deliberations to focus on merit, qualifications and leadership. Hegseth has pushed for the Pentagon to focus more on lethality and merit rather than diversity standards.  "Real toxic leadership is endangering subordinates with low standards. Real toxic leadership is promoting people based on immutable characteristics or quotas instead of based on merit," Hegseth said last year. TRUMP’S CRACKDOWN ON TRANS TROOPS: NEW ORDER NIXES PREFERRED PRONOUNS AND RESTRICTS FACILITY USE Banks’ amendment would also repeal provisions that bar the Pentagon from banning the use of gender identifiers or personal pronouns in official communications, such as emails, in accordance with an executive order from President Donald Trump last year that stated, "expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for Military Service." The add-on to the NDAA would also shift focus from DEI training to instead emphasize instruction on military values, like honor, courage, commitment, integrity and excellence. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340f65197238567832fd6e Fraudsters accused of ripping off America’s grandparents face new crackdown under GOP bill te 2026-06-18T15:31:49.282Z Fraudsters accused of ripping off America’s grandparents face new crackdown under GOP bill FIRST ON FOX: Florida Republican Sen. Ashley Moody introduced two bills that would follow the Trump administration's crackdown on fraud, waste, and abuse to protect America’s youngest and oldest, Fox News Digital has learned. "I’ve fought fraud since my days as Attorney General, and I’ve continued that fight as a Senator. Serving as an [attorney general] gave me an awareness of the pervasiveness of schemes and emboldened my determination to hold scammers accountable," Sen. Moody told Fox News Digital. "It also opened my eyes to where gaps exist between state and federal law enforcement. I’m closing that divide, and introducing targeted legislation to address holes within current law that make it easier for bad actors to exploit vulnerable citizens and programs." The proposals follow a growing focus in Washington on combating fraud as the Trump administration moves to strengthen oversight of federal spending and public assistance programs. Moody's two bills would strengthen safeguards against fraud in childcare programs and help law enforcement authorities go after scammers who prey on seniors. DR OZ NAMES 5 STATES IN FRAUD CRACKDOWN AS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TARGETS MEDICAID ABUSE The Stop Child Scams Act aims to strengthen oversight of federal childcare programs by requiring states to improve program integrity measures, submit corrective action plans if payment error rates exceed 5%, and increase federal monitoring of high-risk states. The bill would require states to detail internal controls, fraud-investigation and recovery processes, sanctions for fraudulent clients or providers, and procedures to verify eligibility. DAVID MARCUS: FLORIDA SENATOR'S WAVE OF ANTI-FRAUD BILLS SHOULD BE SLAM DUNK It also permanently bars individuals convicted of childcare fraud from participating in certain federal childcare programs. The push comes amid heightened focus on large-scale fraud cases, including Minnesota’s $250 million "Feeding Our Future" scheme, which became a national flashpoint after surfacing in 2022 and has led to a wave of convictions in recent years. Federal agents issued search warrants at various day care and autism centers in Minnesota last month to investigate "fake" facilities allegedly taking federal money. Moody also introduced a second fraud bill, STOP Scams Against Seniors Act, which would help states create elder justice task forces to coordinate investigations into financial exploitation, scams and fraud targeting Americans age 60 and older. The bill incentivizes states to go after fraudsters through federal grant money to establish task forces. The task forces would coordinate closely with state and local police departments, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and other federal law enforcement agencies. The program also requires reporting on the number of cases opened and completed, the number of victims assisted, the types of scams identified, the methods used to contact victims, and any indicators of organized or transnational criminal involvement. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340f51197238567832fd65 Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen weighs in on league's two biggest controversies heading into 2026 te 2026-06-18T15:31:29.825Z Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen weighs in on league's two biggest controversies heading into 2026 The NFL is facing two major issues as the 2026 season approaches: how fans are watching the games, and the ongoing discussion of playing surfaces. The former has been the subject of controversy, so much so that there was a hearing earlier this month regarding the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, as fans are paying up the wazoo to watch games exclusively on streaming sites. Former NFL tight end-turned-FOX analyst Greg Olsen, however, understands that the league is a money-making business. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "I get it. From a high-level, nonbiased perspective, I understand it. I understand the frustrations and why this conversation is out there. The amount of different streamers and subscriptions, and I need to have cable to go along with my cable. I get all of that -- I'm also a realist," Olsen said recently to Fox News Digital. "While I may not have designed it this way and may not always agree with it, I do believe that we just have to operate within the rules in which we're all living. This is the modern era, and I think people are going to adjust. I think networks are going to pivot and adjust, I think cable channels are going to pivot and adjust, no different than how these streamers will continue to evolve. At some point, it'll all settle itself out." GREG OLSEN SAYS TIGHT ENDS' 'BLUE-COLLAR' ROOTS MAKE THEM THE RIGHT GROUP FOR ANNUAL TRAINING EVENT The playing surface conversation is being heightened this summer, as 11 NFL stadiums are hosting FIFA World Cup games, which must take place on grass. Out of those 11 venues, six of them use turf but were forced to make the switch to accommodate FIFA's regulations. Half the league’s stadiums use turf, despite NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell saying that 92% of the league’s players prefer grass. Despite NFL players begging for grass and being told no, the stadiums had no choice but to, as NFLPA head J.C. Tretter once said, "roll out the green carpet of grass." However, Olsen pushed back a bit on the "interesting" conversation. "When they get injured, they don't like playing on turf. And when they play on bad grass in the rain, and they play on bad grass up in the Northeast and Midwest in the winter late in the season, footing's bad, it's sloppy and nobody can run, the skill guys don't feel fast, they can't figure out their shoes, they also complain about that. So I do think there's an element where you're never going to make everyone happy," Olsen begrudged. "If they made a rule that everybody was turf, people would be in outrage. If every field had to be traditional, natural grass, I think everybody south of the Mason-Dixon would be fine. I think late in the season, northeast games would be very difficult... Just mother nature. It is what it is." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340f3e197238567832fd5c Palisades Fire suspect allegedly driven by 'societal revenge,' behavioral analyst testifies in court te 2026-06-18T15:31:10.378Z Palisades Fire suspect allegedly driven by 'societal revenge,' behavioral analyst testifies in court The man accused of starting the New Year's Day fire in 2025 that helped fuel the deadly Palisades inferno allegedly had behavior that matches someone who sought "societal revenge," according to an expert who testified in court. Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested in October 2025 and charged with destruction of property by means of fire and pleaded not guilty after being charged in connection with the Palisades Fire in January 2025. He's currently facing trial in California. Behavioral analyst Kevin Kelm testified that he believes Rinderknecht's behavior is similar to someone who is driven by "societal revenge." Kelm said in cases of societal revenge, the individual focuses on personal problems such as finance, relationships, work, lifestyle or anything they're not capable of dealing with on a daily basis. He previously worked as a supervisory special agent at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST One of the ways Kelm said these kind of individuals don't cope with these issues, and in this case, the act of setting a fire gives them some kind of emotional relief from the problems they face. PALISADES FIRE SUSPECT HIT WITH NEW CHARGES IN GRAND JURY INDICTMENT Kelm also said the defendant's use of ChatGPT was to make a "dystopian image" of the world, where he designed an image representing a barrier between rich people and other individuals who don't have as much money. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB He said, however, ChatGPT wasn't responding how Rinderknecht wanted, which frustrated him and shows he's not able to deal with stresses. Kelm's assessment of a possible "societal revenge" motive stemmed from witness statements, video, pictures, academic literature and more. Rinderknecht is charged with destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire. Fox News Digital reached out to his lawyers for comment. Fox News' Amanda Gillilan contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340f0c197238567832fd03 General Intuition in talks to raise $300M at around $2B valuation te 2026-06-18T15:30:20.758Z General Intuition in talks to raise $300M at around $2B valuation General Intuition is in talks to raise around $300 million at a roughly $2 billion valuation from backers including Jeff Bezos. The startup trains AI agents on spatial-temporal reasoning. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340ce4197238567832fcd6 Hurricanes star Andrei Svechnikov reflects on years of playoff heartbreak before finally winning Stanley Cup te 2026-06-18T15:21:08.314Z Hurricanes star Andrei Svechnikov reflects on years of playoff heartbreak before finally winning Stanley Cup Andrei Svechnikov will be celebrating this Stanley Cup victory for a long time. In their eighth consecutive playoff appearance, the Carolina Hurricanes finally got over the hump and brought the Cup back to North Carolina for the first time since 2006. The first stop on Svechnikov's celebration tour was a Raleigh Raising Cane's, where he got to take pictures, sign autographs and serve up some combo boxes to some Caniacs, both the food and the team. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The fans had waited a long time and suffered years of season-ending heartbreak before having the Cup back, while Svechnikov had a front-row seat to it all. The second overall pick by the Canes (not the Raising ones) in the 2018 NHL Draft, Svechnikov has never missed the playoffs. But he always lost his last game of the season. Three times, that came in the Eastern Conference Final; another three times, it was in the semis, and the other time came in the first round. Of course, Svechnikov would be appreciating this title no matter when it came. But knowing he had been so close so many times, he's definitely taking it in a bit more. HURRICANES LEGEND TURNED COACH ROD BRIND'AMOUR MAKES HISTORY AS TEAM WINS STANLEY CUP OVER GOLDEN KNIGHTS "Just thinking about how much we went through, how much hard work we went through and, you know, we've been knocked out in every playoff, pretty much, it was kind of a kick in the butt every time," Svechnikov told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "But we knew at some point we were going to win the Stanley Cup, and this was the year. So you know, very excited and we did it this year." It did not come easily -- the Vegas Golden Knights took a 2-1 series lead and looked well on their way to their second Cup in their brief history. But there was never a doubt for Svechnikov. "We just knew what we had in the locker room, in each other. We were supporting each other, the coaching staff did such a good job of preparing us for each game, and we kind of took off after that." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340cb4197238567832fc7d A tech worker-backed PAC is bringing a $5M knife to Big Tech’s $100M gunfight  te 2026-06-18T15:20:20.159Z A tech worker-backed PAC is bringing a $5M knife to Big Tech’s $100M gunfight  Guardrails positions itself as a populist political movement that runs on small donations from people in the trenches of the AI boom. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340aa1197238567832fc5a Mayor's Office hangs Ewing's retired number for Knicks player who barely saw court at NBA Finals parade te 2026-06-18T15:11:29.783Z Mayor's Office hangs Ewing's retired number for Knicks player who barely saw court at NBA Finals parade The 53-year wait is over for New York Knicks fans, as Lower Manhattan streets have been filled since sunrise. The Knicks' championship parade will conclude at City Hall, where fans will be met with a glaring mistake. The building is filled with banners similar to the ones that hang from the Madison Square Garden rafters for retired numbers, including one for each player. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The starting five of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart hang in the main view, with other role players on the sides. One banner was given to Dillon Jones, who played just 39 minutes for the team this season and did not step on the court in the playoffs. CHAOS UNFOLDS IN NEW YORK CITY AFTER KNICKS WIN FIRST NBA CHAMPIONSHIP IN DECADES However, despite his limited time on the floor, Jones, who wore No. 1 with the Knicks, was somehow given the honor of having his name above No. 33 on his banner. ESPN lists Jones as wearing No. 33, but the number, of course, has been retired since 2003 for Patrick Ewing. With the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, he wore No. 3, and according to @NBA_NewYork on X, Jones only wore No. 33 during the 2024 Summer League and in preseason with the Washington Wizards. But apparently, two-time NBA champions get treated a bit differently in New York. The parade will run down the Canyon of Heroes for the first championship parade for New York in the four major leagues since 2012 after the NFL's New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340a8e197238567832fc51 Democratic socialist poised to lead DC after opponent concedes, setting stage for clashes with Trump te 2026-06-18T15:11:10.328Z Democratic socialist poised to lead DC after opponent concedes, setting stage for clashes with Trump Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist member of the Washington, D.C. City Council described as "D.C.'s version of [New York City Mayor] Zohran Mamdani," is set to become mayor of the nation's capital after her opponent conceded the race Thursday morning.  In a city that leans overwhelmingly left and with no real challengers on the ballot, Lewis George will likely win November's general election for mayor. Her main opponent was former City Council member-at-large Kenyan McDuffie, who conceded the race two days after the primary election, and five other candidates who polled very low: Rini Sampath, Gary Goodweather, Ernest Johnson, Hope Solomon and Vincent Orange. Lewis George is poised to replace current Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser, who on occasion worked with President Donald Trump over the last two years but ultimately opted not to pursue a fourth term at the city's helm. With a more adversarial approach to the current administration, Lewis George's victory tees up a potential showdown with Trump as the president made cleaning up D.C. during his second term a main goal, maintains a deployment of the National Guard to the nation's capital and has threatened repeatedly to end home rule for the district. Opposing Trump's deployment of the National Guard to D.C. was a central tenet of Lewis George's platform on the council and during her campaign. DSA-LINKED DC COUNCILMEMBER MOUNTS MAYORAL BID TO SUCCEED BOWSER "Like many of you, I am shocked and outraged that President Trump has announced he is weaponizing the Home Rule Act by deploying the National Guard and exercising authority over the Metropolitan Police Department. This is a direct attack on the 700,000 residents of DC and we will not stand for it," she said in a statement when Trump announced the move last August. While Bowser offered cooperation with the Trump administration on the crime crackdown, which has been focused heavily on juvenile incidents, Lewis George insisted that "federal troops" and "masked ICE agents" were the real threat to the city's youth. MAMDANI-STYLE DC MAYORAL HOPEFUL DRAGGED OVER 'EXACTLY BACKWARDS' RESPONSE TO VIOLENT TEEN MOBS "Right now, using the curfew as a tool for our young people is dangerous," she said during a primary debate. "It is dangerous because we have federal troops who are in our city, masked ICE agents who are in our city, and these are the people enforcing this law and our young people." "And these are not individuals who are trained in de-escalation, they are not accountable to D.C. residents." "As mayor," she continued, "I think it's important that we use the right tools, and we don't put the risk of our youth being harmed or killed without the real oversight that's necessary." Instead, Lewis George plans to offer even more "youth programming" to keep young people out of trouble. She has touted a plan to expand universal access to childcare in D.C., "so that no family is spending more than 7% of their income on childcare." As a self-described democratic socialist, Lewis George is expected to take the district even further left as Trump and Republicans call for a crackdown on left-leaning policies that they say are ruining the nation's capital. The candidate has supported the defund police movement and was endorsed by progressive groups like Black Lives Matter, the Working Families Party and the Metro D.C. chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Trump has suggested that he'd order another federal takeover of Washington D.C. if the "crazy socialist" mayoral candidate was elected. "I wouldn’t like it — and maybe we take back Washington, run it on the federal basis," Trump said when asked by reporters how he'd respond if a self-described Democratic socialist D.C. council member were to win her bid. "We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses," Trump said last week during a press briefing from the White House. Fox News Digital's Peter Pinedo contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340a5f197238567832fc11 McCarthy Aide’s Tell-All Book Recounts Trump’s Expletive-Filled Threats to G.O.P. te 2026-06-18T15:10:23.870Z McCarthy Aide’s Tell-All Book Recounts Trump’s Expletive-Filled Threats to G.O.P. A new book by John Leganski, the floor manager for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, offers a rare behind-the-scenes account of how President Trump wields his power through threats and intimidation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340808197238567832fb97 Centrist Democrat Concedes to Socialist in D.C. Mayoral Primary te 2026-06-18T15:00:24.430Z Centrist Democrat Concedes to Socialist in D.C. Mayoral Primary President Trump’s grip on the capital loomed over the race, and he threatened to tighten it if Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George is elected. The Associated Press has not called the race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3405e0197238567832fb48 Ali Larter defends Taylor Sheridan's writing of female characters, calling criticism a 'false narrative' te 2026-06-18T14:51:12.413Z Ali Larter defends Taylor Sheridan's writing of female characters, calling criticism a 'false narrative' Ali Larter isn't interested in hearing people bash Taylor Sheridan's writing. Sheridan has become the most powerful creative visionary in all of entertainment, and there's not a close second. He built the "Yellowstone" universe, "Landman," "Lioness," "Mayor of Kingstown" and plenty of other good works. However, one idiotic criticism that Sheridan has faced over the years is that he can't write female characters. I've always found it a bit of an outrageous claim, and one of his biggest stars is now coming to his defense. ALI LARTER’S RISE FROM SHOCK ‘VARSITY BLUES’ WHIPPED CREAM BIKINI MOMENT TO ‘LANDMAN’ LEADING LADY Ali Larter, who is a major "Landman" star, recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter and was asked point-blank about the notion that Sheridan can't write female characters. The talented actress didn't hold back with her response. "It’s just a false narrative… I also feel like what he does is, you just don’t see a lot of women in film and television that embrace their sexuality. It just stops at a certain age. I’m always amazed at how shocked people are by it [on Landman], and I’m thrilled, because it’s ridiculous," Larter told the outlet. TAYLOR SHERIDAN'S HIT CIA/MILITARY SERIES 'LIONESS' GETS OFFICIAL SEASON RELEASE DATE ON PARAMOUNT+ Like I said above, the criticism that Sheridan can't write female characters makes absolutely no sense to me. One of his best shows is "Lioness" and it's dominated by female characters. My theory is the criticism stems from Emily Blunt's character in "Sicario." However, what people making that claim miss is that her character in "Sicario" is supposed to be ignorant to what's happening by design. That's why she was chosen to be a part of the secret anti-cartel unit. They needed an FBI agent who wouldn't know enough to ask questions or interfere with the real plan. It wasn't poor writing. It was actually genius writing that flew over some people's heads. Sheridan's new deal with NBCUniversal is reportedly worth more than $1 billion. He didn't get the deal by being bad at his job. The "Yellowstone" creator got it by being the best in the game. Agree? Disagree? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3405b1197238567832fafe Centrist Democrat Concedes to Socialist in D.C. Mayoral Primary te 2026-06-18T14:50:25.826Z Centrist Democrat Concedes to Socialist in D.C. Mayoral Primary President Trump’s grip on the capital loomed over the race, and he threatened to tighten it if Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George is elected. The Associated Press has not called the race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340384197238567832fabd Lawmakers scramble after Trump derails bid to revive key counterterrorism tool days after FBI thwarts UFC plot te 2026-06-18T14:41:08.903Z Lawmakers scramble after Trump derails bid to revive key counterterrorism tool days after FBI thwarts UFC plot The Senate was nearing a resolution to a key hurdle to revive the nation’s most valuable counterterrorism tool, until President Donald Trump blew it up. The last-minute wrench into the Senate’s march toward reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) comes just days after a domestic terror plot was foiled in Washington, D.C. It’s a program that its champions and critics say is critical to thwarting terror plots abroad, and one heavily used by the FBI, which over the weekend foiled a plan to use bomb-laden drones and snipers to potentially kill thousands at Trump’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) birthday celebration.  The Senate was on its way to confirming Trump’s pick to be the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Jay Clayton, in a bid to get one step closer to reauthorizing Section 702, but Trump’s eleventh-hour decision to call off Clayton’s confirmation hearing halted all momentum. SPY PROGRAM CREDITED WITH STOPPING TAYLOR SWIFT TERROR PLOT BARRELS TOWARD EXPIRATION "It is the single most important program in terms of maintaining national security, and putting Mr. Clayton into the Department would have eliminated an obstacle for having that happen," Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said. "I'm not sure. I think it's a mistake for the president to have done this, and hopefully, he'll change his mind."  FISA reauthorization has long been a policy-based issue on the Hill. Boiled down, the Section 702 program allows the U.S. government to collect intelligence on foreigners abroad who are using U.S. communication systems, and it serves as a major part of Trump’s daily intelligence briefing. But it also sweeps up communications from Americans who are talking to foreign suspects, and proponents pushing reforms argue that loopholes in the program allow for the surveillance of Americans on U.S. soil. But it’s now morphed into a deeply political issue on the Hill — Democrats recoiled weeks ago when Trump tapped his Housing director, Bill Pulte, to serve in the interim as DNI. His nomination of Clayton was seen as an olive branch to restart talks.  TRUMP'S DNI PICK WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR HIS CONFIRMATION HEARING AFTER TRUTH SOCIAL BOMB Now lawmakers say they’re back at the starting line after Trump halted Clayton’s confirmation hearing and demanded that his SAVE America Act be attached to the unrelated bill. "This is why I'm making the case you have to have permanent reform, because you can't count on any of these people to be there for a very long time, and that's what we saw today," Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said. "I'm the longest serving member on the committee, and I have never seen anything quite like this." Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., contended that Trump’s current position is to "up the ante."  "I mean, he's putting 702 [reauthorization] almost out of reach," Tillis said. "But he's got to consciously recognize he's doing that. We were close before the Pulte announcement. We were back on the right track with the Clayton announcement. Now we're back to square one." Senate Democrats raged at the latest development, and argued that Trump couldn't care less about the nation’s security. REPUBLICANS QUESTION TRUMP'S 'PRIVATELY FUNDED' BALLROOM AFTER REPORT POINTS TO TAXPAYER BURDEN "Look, Trump's actions overnight make it clear he is undermining our national security," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. "He doesn't give a damn about the American people’s safety, plain and simple. And every action he takes undercuts our safety for his own ridiculous, sometimes even indiscernible political motivation."  What was already a difficult issue based on policy alone has turned into a political slugfest with jabs, parries and haymakers dealing stiff blows to the process.  Some Republicans believe that Democrats made the issue political and own the current situation. "They're just looking for some other reason to pin the tail on the donkey here, but it's sort of — the ball’s in their court, but a lot of important issues at stake for sure," Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., said.  Some privacy hawks don’t see the current situation as entirely doom and gloom. While the current compromise three-year reauthorization waiting in the wings can pass if the stars align and the political firestorm abates, there are lawmakers that want another bite at the apple to push for more reforms and see the delay as an opportunity.  "I welcome the opportunity to, at the very least, to get rid of ridiculous provisions that say that, you know, if you have Wi-Fi in your home or building, that they may then be a FISA obligated provider," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said. "I mean, what in the world?" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340371197238567832fab4 DAVID MARCUS: Americans learn to view time like soccer fans te 2026-06-18T14:40:49.457Z DAVID MARCUS: Americans learn to view time like soccer fans It is often said of the American Jazz pianist Thelonius Monk that what made him great was not the notes that he played, but the notes that he didn’t play. It turns out that American sports are similar, and until recently, this has been an obstacle to soccer’s success in the U.S.. America’s two greatest homegrown sports are baseball and football. In each, after a pitch or a play, there is a break during which the fan considers what just happened and what it means for what is about to happen. The majority of the time invested in viewing these sports isn’t really spent watching the action at all. It takes place not on the field, but between the ears of the viewers, as they contemplate the relative benefits of going for it on fourth down or trying to steal second base. Once the result of a pitch or play is recorded, another break, more time to think. UNITED STATES SHATTERS WORLD CUP VIEWERSHIP RECORD IN FIRST MATCH VS PARAGUAY IN LOS ANGELES Even basketball, the pace of which is more similar to soccer, falls into this familiar American sports pattern as the last minute of important games often take an eternity with fouls to give and timeouts. In these instances on the hardcourt, Americans are once again left with no action, just thoughts. The mental experience of watching a soccer match is completely different, and frankly, very unfamiliar to the American mindset. In the rest of the world’s football, the action almost never stops: It sweeps and swells, ebbs and flows, but it basically just keeps going, relentlessly. DAVID MARCUS: WHY EUROPEAN SOCCER FANS ARE GOING KEROUAC ON THE AMERICAN ROAD One way to think about the core difference here is through the experience of reading. One can actively read a book while simultaneously thinking about what they are reading, but that is very different from putting down the book, looking up and thinking about it. The former is dreamlike and liminal, the latter far more concrete. Foreign soccer fans often think that the constant breaks in American sports are just an excuse for more commercials, and that's not entirely off base. Americans like commercials. In fact, the Super Bowl, our biggest sports event, basically has a whole separate best commercial contest. But the reasons for the breaks run much deeper than capitalism and speak to a much broader difference in how Americans and others look at the world around us. USMNT CAPTAIN TYLER ADAMS SAYS FIFA WORLD CUP CAN 'BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER' DESPITE 'CRAZY' TIMES IN WORLD The philosophers Henri Bergson and Gilles Deleuze thought of time as two distinct concepts, the Chronos and the Aion. The former is sequential, one moment building on another, and measurable with a past and future. The latter, the Aion, is an eternal moment in which all happens, or seems to, at once. The American lives by the Chronos, cause and effect building, with everything measurable. This is why baseball involves more statistics than an AP math course. Only in recent years have complex stats entered the world of soccer. Europeans live in the Aion. Their culture is thousands of years old, timeless and stretching to both past and future at once. This becomes manifest on the soccer field by the fact that the fans actually have no idea how much time is left. Only the referee knows. LANDON DONOVAN RECALLS LIFE-CHANGING WORLD CUP MOMENT AMID PLAYERS' 'RESPONSIBILITY' OF GROWING GAME IN USA Americans have been getting better at experiencing the timeless flow of soccer matches, at letting the subtle changes wash over them slowly, rather than spending three hours engaged in constant mental calculations. Honestly, it's relaxing. This is not to say that soccer is boring. On an emotional level, it can provide every bit of the anguish and joy of any American sport. But it isn’t mentally taxing. In the end what Americans may love most about the constant breaks in our sports is the illusion of control that they give us. No matter what actually occurs on the field, in those moments you are the coach or the manager, and it feels very real. It turns out that back in 1960s, Europeans loved Thelonius Monk. They flocked to his staccato, one finger at a time, jazz piano that was unlike anything they had ever heard before. In its own way, soccer is returning the favor, offering Americans a new way to experience time and beauty. I don’t expect that Americans will ever give up our love of sports stoppage time. It's in our DNA. But after all, it is summer, so why not spend some time lost in the dream of World Cup soccer glory? CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DAVID MARCUS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340155197238567832fa41 Americans crown a new fast-food favorite in annual satisfaction study te 2026-06-18T14:31:49.288Z Americans crown a new fast-food favorite in annual satisfaction study → After more than a decade on top, one fast-food giant has finally been unseated in the latest customer satisfaction study. → A flood of beer-loving soccer supporters in one city created an unexpected challenge for bars scrambling to keep up. → Restaurants in World Cup cities are rewriting the gratuity playbook — and diners are keeping score. → Researchers say one bite could be enough to change minds about bug-based foods. → An abrupt closure marks the end of an era for a longtime Tex-Mex favorite. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER → One state's love affair with ice cream is leaving the rest of America in the freezer. → Customers are lining up for hours to get their hands on these fast-selling treats. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOOD AND DRINK NEWS Premium ingredients, intense prep and runaway demand are forcing chefs to set strict limits. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340141197238567832fa38 Jack Leiter's struggles at home give Minnesota Twins a pitching edge in American League clash te 2026-06-18T14:31:29.833Z Jack Leiter's struggles at home give Minnesota Twins a pitching edge in American League clash Every year, I feel like I end up locking on certain pitchers and teams and bet them more than others. It almost never is intentional; usually, I find a team or player I like, we win with them consistently, and I ride the horse until it is time to get off. That's a bit of how I feel with both the Twins and Rangers who battle in this one. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE I have said that the Chicago White Sox are the biggest surprise in all of baseball, but the Minnesota Twins might be willing to make a strong argument about it. This was a year that the Twins were supposed to be garbage and be more likely to trade people away (like they did last year) than they would be looking to make a move for the club. I can't say it is entirely due to Byron Buxton, one of the names floated in trade rumors last year and in the offseason, but he is having a great campaign and has the Twins just five games below .500. One of the other guys that you can attribute the success of this year to is today's starter, Joe Ryan. If the Twins do decide to take Ryan to the market, he will have many suitors and should bring back a big haul. Ryan has posted a 4-3 record with a 3.17 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. He has been slightly worse on the road than at home, but it hasn't been a significant issue. He was great in May, posting a 1.73 ERA, but June has seen him make three starts and allow eight earned runs, including four homers. Rangers hitters have struggled significantly against him, hitting just .143 against him. The Texas Rangers are still in the mix for the American League West division. Before you say, "Well, yeah, it's only the middle of June." I bring this up because they are just two games back of the Mariners, and the Rangers really haven't played all that well this season. I think there is a lot of potential for this team to add a bat, and he could make a major difference. If they added Buxton, for example, the Rangers might be the favorite to win the division given how everyone else is playing. I'm not trying to discuss hypothetical trades, though. The pitching staff might be enough to carry them to a Wild Card or division title anyway. Today's starter, Jack Leiter, isn't the best on the roster, but he's been good. Leiter is 3-6 with a 4.86 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. At home, he has been okay, going 2-2 with a 4.14 ERA. He has allowed four or more earned runs in seven of his 14 outings. Twins hitters are batting .417 against Leiter in just 12 at-bats, with Buxton going 2-for-2 with a double, a homer and three RBIs. I think it probably makes sense to play Buxton to get 2+ bases here today. I get that he probably did all of this damage to Leiter in one game, but it is still worth seeing if he can get it done. He is having a good season, and Leiter isn't a guy who is going to make you nervous very often about throwing zeroes. I also think we probably should play the game overall. I think the Twins are the correct side in this game. There are a lot of times that I'd back the Rangers, as I think they have the better overall team, but in this one, the pitching mismatch is too strong. Give me the Ryan-led Twins, through five, on the moneyline. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34012e197238567832fa2f Supreme Court unanimously strikes down gun law used to prosecute Hunter Biden te 2026-06-18T14:31:10.377Z Supreme Court unanimously strikes down gun law used to prosecute Hunter Biden The Supreme Court unanimously struck down a law banning "habitual" marijuana users from owning firearms on Thursday. The court ruled the law, which was used to prosecute Hunter Biden, was overbroad and improperly deprived individuals of their right to have a weapon in their homes.  The case involved a Texas man charged with a felony when FBI agents raiding his home found a handgun he kept for self-defense, and he also admitted to smoking marijuana every other day. This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3400ff197238567832f9e5 Supreme Court Narrows Law Banning Drug Users From Owning Guns te 2026-06-18T14:30:23.280Z Supreme Court Narrows Law Banning Drug Users From Owning Guns A Texas gun owner who faced criminal charges after admitting to marijuana use argued that a federal gun law violated the Second Amendment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fcbb197238567832f93e Registration runs home for Sedona summer softball te 2026-06-18T14:12:11.954Z Registration runs home for Sedona summer softball Field upgrades move softball season to July Batter up! Registration is open until Friday, July 3, for the 2026 city of Sedona Adult Softball League at Posse Grounds Park with Sedona Jeep Tours out defending their league championship against tentatively eight different teams. Games are played on Thur Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fca5197238567832f91f Red Sox pitching ace Sonny Gray eyes another home win as Blue Jays send struggling Trey Yesavage te 2026-06-18T14:11:49.939Z Red Sox pitching ace Sonny Gray eyes another home win as Blue Jays send struggling Trey Yesavage If you haven't been watching this baseball season, I think you'd be pretty surprised to see where some of the teams are. Not only that, but I think we should have a very intriguing stretch run. I'm sure some teams will pull away from the pack, but there are 23 teams that are all within six games of .500 or better. Sure, a lot of them have losing records, nine to be exact. However, there is still hope, and that might be all you need heading into July. The Toronto Blue Jays are one of those teams that have a losing record, but still have a lot of hope. They are a team that isn't necessarily filled with top-tier names or talent (although they do have Vlad Guerrero Jr.), but they made a big statement last year and are still looking for their footing this season. Part of the struggle, or probably most of it, has been the struggles of their pitching staff. The team has gotten 15 starts from Kevin Gausman, 13 from both Dylan Cease and Patrick Corbin, but nine or fewer from Trey Yesavage, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber. Injuries are always an issue for any team, but when your starters are unavailable, it magnifies basically everything else. Yesavage goes today, and he will be making his 10th start of the season. After a solid run through about the middle of May, he has struggled. Since May 25, he has allowed 17 earned runs over 22.1 innings. This is the first stretch of struggle for Yesavage in his career. Is this just a blip, or has the league figured him out? I think it is fair to question. He faced the Red Sox in his debut this year and allowed four hits in five scoreless innings. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE The Boston Red Sox have reports that they have a lot of hope in the remainder of the season, but it is hard to see where that is coming from. They are currently in last place in their division with 15.5 games of space between them and the Yankees. What is most concerning, at least in my opinion, is how bad they've been at home this year. They are just 12-24 for the season. They were 38-43 at home in 2024, so it isn't exactly like a very long time since they last posted a losing home record. Still, this one stands out. Today, they have a guy who has done well for them at home, Sonny Gray on the mound. We bet Gray's last start, and it was a no-sweat victory. Overall, Gray is 8-1 with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. I expect his season to likely include an All-Star appearance and probably a different uniform at some point. He probably won't want to leave Fenway Park, because at home, he is 4-0 with a 2.32 ERA. Overall, the Red Sox have won nine of his 12 starts this season, and he owns five of the 12 wins at Fenway this year. Gray hasn't faced Toronto this season, but they've had some decent success against him in past games. No one in particular stands out more than anyone else as being great aside from maybe Andres Gimenez who has three extra-base hits against Gray in 20 at-bats. Vlad Guerrero Jr. might be worth fading as he is 0-for-7 against Gray. The bet here doesn't need to be on a player prop, though. The best thing we can do right now is just continue backing Gray in starts at home. Additionally, Yesavage has looked really bad lately, so it is worth fading him until we see he can make the needed adjustments. Give me the Red Sox at -125. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fc92197238567832f916 Vance admits infamous 'childless cat ladies' comment distracted from his message to Americans te 2026-06-18T14:11:30.484Z Vance admits infamous 'childless cat ladies' comment distracted from his message to Americans Vice President JD Vance admitted his controversial "childless cat ladies" comment was "dumb" phrasing that distracted from his message to American families. Speaking on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast, Vance revealed the impact the insult had and the message he was actually trying to convey with it. "I mean, it was dumb, because it offended so many people they didn't actually listen to the point," Vance said. "The point that I was making is like, when a politician, a political leader, when a media figure speaks, you're trying to illuminate and trying to make people think. It pissed so many people off that it turned off the thinking part of their brain," he added. JD VANCE WALKS BACK CONTROVERSIAL ‘CHILDLESS CAT LADIES’ COMMENT ON 'THE VIEW' BUT DEFENDS FAMILY MESSAGE Vance originally made the remark in 2021 when he argued the country was being run by Democrats and "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made, and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too." He also called out then-Vice President Kamala Harris, then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, arguing that the party's future was being shaped by people without children. Harris is the stepmother of two. Buttigieg welcomed twins later that year. At the time, the comments sparked fierce backlash from liberal women, including Taylor Swift, who later endorsed Harris for president as a self-described "Childless Cat Lady." FAMILY MATTERS: HOW VP VANCE, WIFE DELIVER 'NORMALCY TO THE KIDS IN A VERY ABNORMAL SITUATION' Vance told Hannity that the point of the remark was that the country had become "very hostile to families, especially families with young kids." He referenced his own struggles being a parent, and the attitude he sees toward his young family in spaces like airplanes or restaurants. JD VANCE WINS GRUDGING PRAISE FROM JOY BEHAR ON 'THE VIEW,' WHO TELLS HIM TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT "You see how people scoff at young moms on an airplane, or I've seen this in a number of different ways. It's hard at this point to take, even with all of the benefits that we have being vice president, it's kind of a pain to take three kids to a restaurant," he said, adding, "It's [going to] be a lot harder to take four kids to a restaurant." The vice president also referenced mask mandates for young children during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were still prevalent at the time he made the original comment. "Why did we keep on masking toddlers? Like, I'm not saying two months into it. A year and a half into the pandemic, when we knew it was affecting their developmental, their learning, their language. Why do we do it?" Vance asked. "Because we didn't have the perspective of young parents in our country's leadership." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fc7f197238567832f90d College World Series delivers more magic as brothers on rival teams share surreal moment during home run te 2026-06-18T14:11:11.028Z College World Series delivers more magic as brothers on rival teams share surreal moment during home run The Oklahoma Sooners continued their unprecedented run in Omaha on Wednesday, defeating the Georgia Bulldogs to punch their ticket to the championship series. Oklahoma, a relative nonfactor in the SEC during the regular season, has been on a tear over the past month. The Sooners lost their opening game of the SEC tournament in May, but have lost just once since, cruising through the NCAA tournament en route to the program's first title game appearance since 2022. Now that all the background is out of the way, let's get down to business. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE During the ninth inning of Wednesday's blowout loss to Oklahoma, Bulldogs shortstop Kolby Branch belted a home run in his final collegiate at-bat. His brother, Kyle, is an infielder for the Sooners, and was at second base for his brother's final blast. The two then shared a surreal moment during Kolby's trot: "Unbelievable, you can't script it up any better," Kolby said after the game. "It’s a good moment, high-fived him, which is kinda cool, and then I wished him luck in the National Championship." I've said it all tournament long — college baseball is the last of a dying breed in terms of college athletics. It's sad, but true. We live in the (miserable) era of NIL and the transfer portal. It's been that way for a few years now, and we've certainly lost a little of the magic. Cinderellas are all but dead. School loyalty is a thing of the past. Recruiting is all based on how big a program's checkbook is. It's just a mess. GEORGIA PLAYER HITS MAMMOTH GO-AHEAD HOME RUN, PROMPTLY GETS EJECTED FOR EXCESSIVE CELEBRATION DURING TROT But college baseball, unlike football or basketball, still has a pulse. We've seen throughout this tournament that all of that is still alive. "Country Roads" at West Virginia. Mid-majors (Troy) making a run. Upsets, Cinderellas and bracket-busters. We've gotten all of it over the past month, and this moment between the Branch Brothers — with the entire family in attendance — was just the latest example. What a tournament. Sadly, we're near the end. Oklahoma and North Carolina will face off in a best-of-three series starting Saturday. There's still time for a little more CWS magic. If the past month has been any indication, we'll probably get it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fc4c197238567832f8aa Spotify’s reserved ticket sales to music superfans are now going live te 2026-06-18T14:10:20.198Z Spotify’s reserved ticket sales to music superfans are now going live Spotify is launching "Reserved," a new system that will hold two concert tickets for an artist's superfans before they're on sale to the public. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33f31e197238567832f733 Trump praises major announcement about golf ball rollback that has the sport divided te 2026-06-18T13:31:10.670Z Trump praises major announcement about golf ball rollback that has the sport divided President Donald Trump has shared his opinion about the recent announcement regarding rolling back the golf ball, and as is often the case, his opinion on the topic at hand doesn't necessarily align with the majority. The USGA and R&A — two governing bodies of golf — originally shared a plan in 2023 that golf ball development would change, making balls travel up to 15 yards shorter at the professional level and up to five yards shorter for amateurs. This was a direct approach to combat distance, and the opinion that it has gotten out of hand with new technology. The original announcement nearly three years ago involved a staggered start that would take effect at the professional level in 2028 and all other golfers in 2030. TEENAGE PHENOM MILES RUSSELL MAKES ENTIRE GOLF WORLD FEEL OLD WITH EYE-POPPING QUOTE AHEAD OF US OPEN DEBUT On the eve of the 2026 U.S. Open on Wednesday, the USGA and R&A announced that plans for a golf ball rollback have been paused until at least 2030. Trump praised the decision to pause the efforts to roll back the golf ball in a Truth Social post on Wednesday evening. "Congratulations to Commissioner Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour, and the Governing Bodies, and also, the Great U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, for a BIG VICTORY where the USGA wanted to roll back the distance of a Golf Ball, for whatever reason, and now they are precluded from doing so, at least for a long number of years," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "It was a ridiculous idea, that nobody wanted, especially PGA Tour Players, and people that don’t want to go to a Course to be told that their drives will be going 20 yards shorter. What the USGA should do is agree that, far into the future, they will not allow the current ball to go further. In other words, they will keep the ball the same! The game of Golf is "hot as a pistol." The last thing we should do is tell people that, for no reason whatsoever, you will not be able to hit a ball as far as you used to. Has anyone ever heard of anything so ridiculous?" ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Trump's suggestion that "nobody wanted" golf ball technology to change to combat distance isn't true. The debate in golf, especially at the professional level, is completely divided. Many, if not the majority, of folks involved with golf recognize that the technology in both golf balls and modern drivers has gotten out of hand. Several golf courses have become "too short" for elite and professional players. As for the approach golf's governing bodies have taken to address the issue, well, that's where opinions differ even more. The "how" of effectively reining in the distance golf balls possess nowadays is the million-dollar question, and this delay proves the powers that be need time to tinker as well. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33f30b197238567832f72a READ IT: The full text of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding te 2026-06-18T13:30:51.220Z READ IT: The full text of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding The memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran was released Wednesday detailing the terms of the deal hashed out by the Trump administration. President Donald Trump signed the deal after the G7 wrapped up at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday with a formal signing ceremony set for Friday. His signature put the 60-day ceasefire and negotiation framework into effect.  Read the full text below.  TRUMP ANNOUNCES PEACE DEAL WITH IRAN, DECLARES STRAIT OF HORMUZ WILL REOPEN: 'LET THE OIL FLOW!' 1. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war by signing this MOU declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts including in Lebanon and other provisions of this paragraph. 2. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs. 3. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in maximum 60 days extendable with mutual consent. VANCE SAYS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S KEY OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN REACHED IN US-IRAN DEAL 4. Immediately upon the signing of this MOU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. During this period, the traffic of vessels will be in proportion to the numbers of prewar traffic being restored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal. 5. Upon the signing of this MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa. The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start and, considering the needs for removing the technical and military obstacles and demining by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be instated within 30 days. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz. 6. The United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive mutually agreed plan with at least USD 300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The mechanism for the implementation of this plan will be finalized as part of a final deal within 60 days. All required licenses, waivers and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America. TRUMP MAY HAVE WON A STRATEGIC PAUSE IN IRAN. NOW COMES THE HARD PART 7. The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, IAEA Board of Governors resolutions and all unilateral U.S. sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed upon schedule as part of the final deal. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue above mentioned and express their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. 8. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpile enriched material pursuant to a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon in accordance with the schedule mentioned in Paragraph 7 with the minimum methodology to be downblending on site under the supervision of the IAEA. The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final deal. The final deal will confirm the provisions of this paragraph. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues above mentioned and express their intention to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. 9. Pending the final deal, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree to maintain the status quo. The Islamic Republic will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region. JD VANCE REVEALS DETAILS OF US-IRAN DEAL, ADDRESSES WHETHER TAXPAYER MONEY WILL GO TO TEHRAN 10. The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of this MOU and until the termination of sanctions the U.S. Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives and all associated services including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc. 11. The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this MOU. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree on the procedures related to the release of these funds during the negotiations. Such funds, whether retained in the original account or transferred shall be made fully usable for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designated by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America undertakes to issue all necessary licenses and authorizations accordingly. 12. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree that an executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MOU and the future compliance of the final deal. 13. After signing this MOU and subject to the beginning of the implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11 of this MOU, and the continuing implementation of these measures, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively on the other paragraphs. 14. The final deal will be endorsed by binding UNSC resolution. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33f0b2197238567832f6b0 British World Cup fans can't get enough of American hot dogs during the tournament, buy a Bond bike & MEAT! te 2026-06-18T13:20:50.622Z British World Cup fans can't get enough of American hot dogs during the tournament, buy a Bond bike & MEAT! The sun is out, the U.S. Open is underway, the World Cup continues to be the perfect sporting event at the perfect time on U.S. soil and here we go with another edition of Thursday Screencaps in the middle of June. A day after the England fans tried to wrap their brains around the idea of "free" refills, we get the day rolling with the Brits appreciating our hot dogs. Skylar Skye, one of the many English fans experiencing the United States for the first time, is in Texas where she tried a real American hot dog for the first time and let's just say it was a life-changing moment. "Anyone know if these are good for you because I want one everyday now," she wrote on Twitter. Who are we to tell Skylar to watch her sodium intake? Over the years, I've seen plates of traditional British food sent in by Screencaps readers. It's no wonder Skylar is blown away by the food available in Texas. Imagine going your whole life eating those British baked beans for breakfast. I still can't believe some of you go over to England and claim an English breakfast is great. I know you're just trying to not be classified as an ugly American traveler. Let's get back to the World Cup visitors. While the English fans are going nuts in Texas, let's check in with the Scots in Boston who are drinking the city dry. Literally. These guys show up to bars looking to have a couple and four hours later, they've each had 20 beers and these bars are scrambling for stock to keep these guys happy. WORLD CUP FANS CAN'T STOP SMILING AFTER A MASSIVE WEEKEND OF FUN ACROSS THE US, TIME CAPSULES & BRISKET! Scotland plays Morocco Friday at 6 p.m. This one has all the makings to be wild. Buckle up. And, finally, let's stop and think about that major date on the calendar that us Americans have circled. America's birthday. 250. The day we told the British to kiss our ass. Despite what you might've read by the #fakenews bots on Facebook, the U.S. cannot face England on the Fourth of July. The teams are on different sides of the World Cup knockout brackets. If you have Brits staying in an Airbnb next to you, make sure you welcome them in as you celebrate freedom. Show them why this is the greatest country Earth has ever known. SHAKIRA BODY DOUBLE CONSPIRACY GOES VIRAL AFTER WORLD CUP PERFORMANCE, JOBA IS BACK & WORLD'S BIGGEST PIZZA 📩 Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com Send photos, stories, tips, rants — whatever you've got. 📰 Screencaps Page: 👉 Read the latest Screencaps ▶️ YouTube: Screencaps with Joe Kinsey Subscribe for videos, rants and behind-the-scenes. 🐦 Twitter/X: @JoeKinseyexp Tag me or drop a DM. 📸 Instagram: @OutKickScreencaps You guys need to start tagging me on content you're seeing. 📘 Facebook Page: Screencaps on Facebook 👥 Facebook Group: Join the Screencaps Community 📬 Mail (Thursday Night Mowing League): 27072 Carronade Dr, Unit A 155 Perrysburg, OH 43551 🗞️ Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe here – Here we go with the deranged LIBS finding Screencaps. Greg W. is the male version of Sarah who emailed a few weeks back. Greg writes: What is it with the media hacks and "amazed foreigners" stories? I am seeing the same few boring tweets from the same few boring Japanese tourists in articles across the media garbagescape. Is State Media that desperate to convince Americans that the rest of the world doesn’t hate them? Sad. And yes, pathetic. But no, it’s not America bashing to point out the Jan Brady vibes, It’s Trump bashing. And 100% deserved. Kinsey: I replied, "You want the Europeans to trash the U.S. so bad, Greg. It's sad." Greg fired back with a bunch of Fox News-hating nonsense. Kinsey: I replied, "Stay mad, Greg. Have a great summer." Greg: You bet - so many of us are so very mad! You know why. Not because we "hate America". My dad, George W., USMA 1958, 2 tours in Vietnam under crooked Nixon certainly did not. I do not, after celebrating the (real) 250th birthday of the US Army in his memory, here in the Nebraska media. Something you DO NOT understand, something your kind never will.  Kinsey: The facts are that Greg, and people like Greg, wanted the foreigners, especially the Muslim World Cup fans to come here and say how badly they've been treated and how horrible the U.S. is, blah, blah, blah as part of their culture war crusade against the United States. Now, Greg is screwed because, one week in, everyone is having a great time. Imagine spending your life with Greg's brain. It's sad. – Jim in East Peoria, IL reacts to Cuck Ken claiming OutKick didn't save Cracker Barrel: Just a quick note today on Moron Ken.  Yes you DID break this story, repeatedly hammered them, brought ScreenCaps and Outkick nation down on them, and they realized their mistake.  This stupid f--k has got to be closely related to Sara. Sorry, tried to keep it clean but couldn't help myself. Keep on doing what you're doing - great job!! – Bill in Mesa, AZ writes: I love how the World Cup fans are falling in love with America. They are experiencing things we take for granted. This is the greatest country on earth.For all those who say negative things about the USA, they need to visit another country. I have been to Peru, Germany and India. I enjoyed the different cultures but I couldn’t wait to get back to the U S of A. We have so many freedoms and conveniences that we take for granted. Freedom of speech, press and questioning your government. These are not common. Wide streets, central air conditioning, all night dining. Just some of the things we take for granted. I have traveled but I would never live in another country. America is the greatest. LIVVY DUNNE GETS EMOTIONAL AFTER PAUL SKENES' INCREDIBLE GESTURE TO BASEBALL KIDS, SPURS FAN BEATEN & MEAT – Edward H. says: In spite of all the negative nonsense that the left  news spews constantly i always smile when I come across your column. – Kevin G. has an idea: America might be a perfect spot for Europeans to relocate to after their countries have been destroyed by immigration.Let’s encourage mass migration of white Europeans to America, damn that’s a good idea. My idea is, let’s send disenfranchised  Americans over to Europe because they support immigration and they should get to live in the sewer of their own making. – Brian makes an observation about tomorrow's federal holiday: Don't forget Juneteenth. Dems must have know usmnt would be playing Friday the 19th back in 2021. Now all federal workers can enjoy the beautiful game. What has this world become? My kids ride their bikes across that bridge. There are Screencaps readers who walk across that bridge. This pooper MUST BE STOPPED. – Drew in Katy, TX shares perspective: I grew up in a very strict Christian home.  We moved around, so I attended three very strict high schools.  I raised my boys right, but not as strict as I grew up.  Their high schools were strict too.  But the action by these school administrators over few cigars after graduation in Massachusetts is way over the top stupid even to someone like me.  This was not weed.  This was not cocaine.  https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/graduation-cigar-saga-involving-hs-lacrosse-team-boils-school-officials-family-attorney-trade-barbs This is what drives kids to say, "What the heck.  If we are going to get punished severely for nothing, let’s go ahead and break all of the rules."  I’ve seen kids break away from overly strict homes and go crazy in college.  That’s not the goal.  There are these concepts called mercy, forgiveness, and teachable moments .  . . without the drama and ridiculous penalties that will stick in these kids’ memories for life . . . and not in a good way.     Max Velocity had a BIG night covering storms last night. Thankfully, the tornadoes stayed off to our west this time. It did pour, but that was no big deal compared to what some of you went through. – J Shep says PE won't destroy the Hut: I don't think you have to worry that much about stores closures. PH is heavily franchised — I think there are fewer than 100 corporate stores. The new owner will want even more franchisee locations — that way they can rake in the royalties, marketing fund $, etc. Of course, PH's network is so built out that expansion likely will be to the detriment of existing franchisee locations. Where there will be cuts are in overhead, corporate labor, etc. Given the franchise model, I'm guessing 95 cents of every $1 saved goes directly to the bottom line.  ###################### And that is it this morning. The emails are really rolling in right now. Let's keep the train rolling. I need you guys responding to that idiot Greg. Have you interacted with the World Cup fans? Have you gone to a match? Speak up. Let's get rolling. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33eed0197238567832f63d Charlie Sheen has blunt response to questions about his health and finances te 2026-06-18T13:12:48.804Z Charlie Sheen has blunt response to questions about his health and finances Charlie Sheen wasn’t about to open his books — or his medical chart. The "Two and a Half Men" alum recently sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss his Netflix documentary, "aka Charlie Sheen." While the actor doesn't flinch at questions about his decision to tell his story on camera, which he describes as a "love letter" to his father, Martin Sheen, he does get "annoyed" with the reporter when asked about his health. CHARLIE SHEEN ADMITS PRESIDENT TRUMP WAS RIGHT ABOUT DOOMED MARRIAGE TO BROOKE MUELLER "I think my presence answers those questions," he remarked to the outlet. When asked about his finances, the actor shot back, "Would you ask me that question at a dinner party in front of my parents?" "I’m fine," he insisted. WATCH: CHARLIE SHEEN TALKS GETTING SOBER: I HAD TO DO IT FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY In 2015, the 60-year-old publicly revealed he is HIV-positive. For Sheen, telling his story wasn’t about revisiting his scandals. It was about examining both the highs and lows of a life that has long fascinated the public. "I have been approached a couple of times, but it never actually got to an in-person meeting," the star said. "It was just a couple of phone calls, or I'd read a pitch breakdown for how somebody thought they should document my history, and none of that spoke to me at all." "I saw a guy that wasn't interested in a lot of the [tabloid] c---," he said, referring to director Andrew Renzi. "I saw a guy that wasn't there to exploit anything, that was there to celebrate the cool s--- and to be sensitive — but honest and thorough — with the not-so-cool s---." Sheen's brother, Emilio Estevez, and their father declined to participate in the docuseries. Renzi brought a rough cut of "Part One" to both of them in hopes it would encourage them to change their minds. It didn't. "Dad had such a specific reaction to it," Sheen said. "He said, 'You don't need me. You don't need the me of today. You've got the really interesting, handsome me. That's how I want to be in the doc.'" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Previously, Sheen told Fox News Digital that he's maintained his sobriety for nearly eight years — an achievement he said he's proud of after decades of public battles with addiction. "Dope and booze, at those levels, that's a young person's game," said Sheen. "That's not for us AARP types." "There really aren't challenges with sobriety," he said. "I'm not connected to the people of the past. If I were to go back to those choices to numb myself, get out of my head, or feel differently, I have so much evidence that it's only going to make things worse and more complicated. I'd suddenly be steeped in shame. And with that comes deceit and manipulation. All that c--- doesn't fit in anymore." After high school, Sheen followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in Hollywood. Following a small role in 1986's "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," Sheen quickly rose to superstardom. During the 1980s and 1990s, he developed an appetite for drugs, alcohol and sex. He grew reliant on cocaine and turned to liquor to calm his stutter. At one point, Sheen recalled how he was cut off by the cartel because they suspected he was dealing. In 2003, Sheen landed a starring role in the sitcom "Two and a Half Men." The show made him the highest-paid male actor on television, reportedly earning him $1.8 million per episode during its eighth season, according to The Associated Press. Production was halted in 2011 when Sheen entered rehab for the third time. That season was eventually canceled, and Sheen’s contract was terminated. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Sheen described being at the center of seven family interventions, countless affairs, legal battles and messy divorces. He finally got sober for good in December 2017. "When I finally decided that I was going to make AA a place that I passed through and not wound up in, that's when I felt like I was the captain of my own ship," Sheen said. "That’s when I knew that I was going to make a promise to myself and honor it." Sheen said he couldn’t recall a moment when he realized that chasing extremes could kill him. "I was never a guy that saw this stuff as life-threatening," he explained. "If I did, I probably never would’ve done it. That’s the reason why I never did heroin, because I knew that I would do it once and die, or do it every day for the rest of my life until I died. There is that first intervention on my dad’s 50th birthday. That was a moment where I was actually grateful for that intervention." "And then later on, I was married to Denise [Richards]. The show was going great. We had a nice new house and a baby on the way. And then I just made the completely ill-advised decision to start taking pills because I could do them. Nobody can smell pills on your breath." "How stupid that was," he chuckled to himself. "That turned into a thing." "I would get away for a minute, and then I’d pull it back. It was a constant back and forth of either coming out of detox or looking forward to the next dose. And if you’re constantly living between those two moments, then you’re never really in the present." In his book, Sheen described being consumed by what he called the "holy trinity" — mixing cocaine, cigarettes and porn. "[Why?] First and foremost, because of how good it felt," he said. "Anyone who's struggled with addiction ... a lot of them will tell you the same thing. I wouldn't have done it at that level, in those combinations, if the majority of it didn't feel awesome." Sheen still experiences what he calls "shame shivers" — sudden feelings of guilt over his past. He previously said he spent his 50s apologizing to those he hurt. "What I tell myself is I can’t go back to that moment, regardless of the wreckage, and bring a simple item from it into the present," he said. "It doesn't mean it should be completely forgotten. I keep a lot of that stuff close. ... The shame shivers, they just come out of nowhere. But they're spaced out these days a lot more than they used to be. I also think being honest with yourself takes the power out of those memories and those feelings. We're all flawed." CHARLIE SHEEN ADMITS 'BETRAYAL' BEHIND LOSING ICONIC VIETNAM FILM ROLE TO TOM CRUISE "The hardest things in life that I’ve either accomplished or overcome, I’ve handled alone primarily. And so, I was going to apply that same tenacity, that same grit. And then I knew if I’d done it myself [get sober], then I had completely earned it. The stuff that we earned is the stuff that we truly own." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33eebd197238567832f634 AI is making huge changes in how wars are fought. We aren’t ready for what comes next te 2026-06-18T13:12:29.357Z AI is making huge changes in how wars are fought. We aren’t ready for what comes next There is a new golden rule of combat: The side that controls the data pipeline controls the war. Picture a soldier on the battlefield. They spot an enemy target, analyze. Think through a plan, and its ramifications. Then, they react. Those crucial few minutes of human cognitive process — the power over life and death — are being dramatically reduced from hours to seconds, day by day. When that cycle runs faster than a human adversary can think, we stop making decisions. Combat on autopilot. We see that cycle with Iran, and what has been happening in Ukraine for the past four years. We are watching a fundamental restructuring of how military power works, and most of the institutions responsible for governing it are still thinking in the previous century. And this is all due to how AI is rapidly changing warfare. For decades, military strategists have understood war through a succinct lens: observe, orient, decide, act. This routine was elegant and ruthless. The side that moves through that cycle faster forces its adversary into a permanent reactive posture. For most of the 20th century, the bottleneck in that cycle was human cognition. How fast could analysts process intelligence? How quickly could commanders coordinate a response? Those limits defined the pace of conflict. SEN TOM COTTON URGES DOJ TO PROBE CHINESE BID TO 'KNEECAP' AMERICAN AI AI has removed that bottleneck entirely. What’s left is a speed advantage that no human institution, legal framework or command structure was designed to handle. Ukraine was the first large-scale example. It built its own data advantage from the ground up. One Ukrainian nonprofit collected over 2 million hours of battlefield drone footage since 2022, storing five to six terabytes of new data daily from active fighting. That data was used to retrain AI targeting models on real-world conditions. By March 2026, drones accounted for 96% of Russia's battlefield casualties in a single month, with Ukrainian drones killing or seriously injuring more than 240,000 Russian soldiers in 2025 alone. 'A NEW KIND OF WAR': INSIDE UKRAINE'S HIDDEN FACTORIES MASS-PRODUCING COMBAT DRONES This is what the defense community calls decision dominance: the ability to analyze and act on vast, messy sensor streams faster and more reliably than an adversary can. The side that achieves it fights better, of course, but, moreover, it also sets the terms of the fight entirely. Data pipelines are the real competition, the real arms race of our time. Platforms are visible. Training datasets are not. Who has collected more real-world conflict data? Who has labeled it correctly? Who has continuously retrained models on evolving battlefield conditions? These questions are the ones that will determine military outcomes in the next decade. China understands this. Russia has been learning it the hard way in Ukraine. The United States has institutional advantages in AI infrastructure but faces a structural problem: its data acquisition and model development cycles still largely operate within procurement timelines designed for hardware rather than software. That mismatch will compound in the years to come. FEDERAL APPEALS COURT REJECTS ANTHROPIC BID TO BLOCK PENTAGON BLACKLIST IN AI DISPUTE Speed, however, is not comparable to wisdom. This is a crucial distinction. When decision cycles compress to machine speed, the legal and moral architecture of warfare faces a structural stress it was never designed to absorb. A system optimized to compress time will, under operational stress, compress human judgment along with it. What’s more concerning too, is that the international community knows what it's watching. It just doesn’t yet know what to do about it. That ambivalence is dangerous. The absence of clear governance means accountability collapses under pressure. Whether any specific account is verified or not is beside the point. The underlying structural risk is real, and it is going to recur in every future conflict where these systems are deployed at scale. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The next military power to take on a battlefield will be the one that assumes its institutional experience and physical prowess are sufficient substitutes for data infrastructure. This advantage is invisible until it suddenly, and decisively, isn’t. The states and institutions that understand this, not as a procurement challenge but as a fundamental rethinking of how information, decision-making and accountability interact, will be the ones that shape what comes next. States should be investing in data infrastructure with the same urgency as weapons development. Building governance frameworks before the next conflict, not during it. We must also acknowledge honestly that once decision cycles reach machine speed, the chain between intelligence, action and accountability will collapse under strain, and that we need brave and proactive governance to address it. The ones that don’t grasp this will find themselves, perpetually, a decision cycle behind. At machine speed, that is not a recoverable position. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM OMRI RAITER Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33eea9197238567832f62b Pride flags spark controversy after being displayed with veterans' tribute banners in Long Island town te 2026-06-18T13:12:09.894Z Pride flags spark controversy after being displayed with veterans' tribute banners in Long Island town A dispute over Pride flags and veterans' tribute banners has sparked controversy in a Long Island village after officials removed some Pride flags following complaints about their placement alongside banners honoring local military veterans. Northport Mayor Donna Koch said she had the Pride flags removed after concerns were shared by the Northport American Legion over the Pride flags being displayed above "Hometown Heroes" banners honoring veterans, CBS News reported. "I had the Pride flags removed. It had nothing to do with my feelings about the Pride community. I support them 100%. I also support our veterans," Koch said. SCHUMER PUSHES BILL TO GIVE PRIDE FLAG SAME STATUS AS US, MILITARY FLAGS ABC’s Eyewitness News reported Monday that American Legion Commander William McKenna told the outlet, "They were putting the pride banners above my veterans, and that does not work, sorry." "If you put a pride flag by one of my veterans, I'm taking every one of them down," McKenna said. ABC’s Eyewitness News reported that McKenna sent a letter to Koch and the village board which said, in part, "The concern being expressed is not at the pride flags themselves, nor is it intended to diminish the importance of recognizing any group within our community. Rather, many veterans and families feel that placing another banner above the veterans' banners diminishes the recognition and prominence that was originally intended for those who served our country." PITTSBURGH LGBTQ PRIDE PARADE IN JEOPARDY AFTER CORPORATE SPONSORS PULL FUNDING Jeff Cusick, treasurer for Northport Pridefest, called the situation "very offensive" in a quote published by CBS News. "We love and support our vets, but the Hometown Heroes program was apparently given the rights to these lamp posts from May to November, which is the entire outdoor season, and that doesn't leave room for other community members. We believe it's a point to leverage patriotism for discrimination against us," Cusick added. The outlet reported that the Pride flags and veterans' tribute banners are now being displayed separately, and that PrideFest organizers said they would hang the removed Pride flags on the vacant flagpoles at Village Hall during Tuesday night's meeting, with the mayor saying that the village would cover the cost of the necessary hardware. US ARMY RAISES ENLISTMENT AGE TO 42 AND EASES MARIJUANA POLICIES TO BOLSTER RANKS CBS News reported that Army veteran Bruce Adams said he has no issue with the Pride flags, but added, "The American flag should be superior to all other items. I looked up and saw my lamp post bare." Resident Angel Deleva told CBS News, "Pride flags should not be above our veterans because they risked their lives for us." Fox News Digital attempted to reach Koch, the Northport American Legion, and Northport Pridefest for comment but did not immediately receive responses. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ee7b197238567832f5f0 Kansas City Police Seek Gunman in Spree of Five Roadway Shootings te 2026-06-18T13:11:23.812Z Kansas City Police Seek Gunman in Spree of Five Roadway Shootings The attacks, which killed one and injured four, played out as the city was preparing to host its first World Cup match. An Uber driver taking Argentina fans to the stadium was among the victims. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ee67197238567832f5e6 Barack Obama Presidential Center Opens in Chicago te 2026-06-18T13:11:03.329Z Barack Obama Presidential Center Opens in Chicago Today’s opening is expected to draw four former presidents, as well as Bruce Springsteen, Bono and Jennifer Hudson. Chicago has seen years of planning and legal fights. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ee53197238567832f5dd Student Cheating Is Becoming Impossible to Detect in an A.I. Era te 2026-06-18T13:10:43.874Z Student Cheating Is Becoming Impossible to Detect in an A.I. Era Big tech companies and small start-ups are using social media to hype new tools that allow students to trick teachers and A.I. detectors. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ee3c197238567832f5ba Adobe adds its AI assistant to Premiere, Illustrator and InDesign te 2026-06-18T13:10:20.842Z Adobe adds its AI assistant to Premiere, Illustrator and InDesign Adobe is updating its Firefly AI assistant with new chops, and adding it to Premiere, Illustrator, InDesign and Frame.io. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea6d197238567832e95b Steep decline for minority and female leads in film, UCLA Hollywood diversity report finds te 2026-06-18T12:54:05.984Z Steep decline for minority and female leads in film, UCLA Hollywood diversity report finds Representation for women and minorities in movies dropped drastically in 2025, according to UCLA's latest Hollywood Diversity Report. Since 2014, UCLA has released an annual report examining diversity among lead talent, writers and directors for widely-released theatrical films and movies on streaming services. Part 1, which focused on theatrical films, was released in March while Part 2, which focused on streaming-only films, was released Wednesday. Regarding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) representation, UCLA found that minority representation continued a steady decline in lead roles compared to 2024. BILL MAHER SLAMS OSCARS, SAYS HOLLYWOOD IS 'A SECRET CABAL OF PEOPLE TERRIFIED OF LOOKING LIKE RACISTS' "After peaking in 2023, the BIPOC share of lead roles in top theatrical films continued to decline," the report read. "Compared to the year before, this share dropped almost two percentage points to 23.1 percent in 2025. The share of theatrical film leads played by BIPOC actors reached only slightly more than half of what would be required for proportional representation relative to their 45.2 percent share of the U.S. population in 2025." Female representation also dropped from a peak of 47.6% in 2024 to 37% in 2025 with similarly low rates across director and total cast representation. ISSA RAE SAYS DEI HAS BECOME A 'BAD WORD' IN HOLLYWOOD AS EXECUTIVES OF COLOR 'TIPTOE' TO KEEP JOBS "Constituting slightly more than half of the population, women remained underrepresented in all major employment arenas for theatrical film in 2025," the report read. Minority representation also saw a significant decline in streaming film lead roles released in 2025 after previously reaching a record high in 2024. "The share of BIPOC leads in films from major streamers dropped sharply to 36% in 2025 after reaching a high of 51% in 2024. Given that 45.2% of the U.S. population was BIPOC in 2025, BIPOC lead actors fell below proportionate representation (by 9.2 percentage points) for the first time in three years," the report read. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE By contrast, women were overrepresented as the leads in streaming films, even though they saw a decline from 61% to 58.4% in 2025. The report ended on the importance of increasing opportunities for minority actors and filmmakers not only to increase profit but to benefit society as well. "People want stories they can relate to and connect with in the movies they watch. In a society where people increasingly do not interact with each other in person, film affords people the opportunity to connect with others who they may never come in contact with in real life and helps them to understand their shared humanity. This is why meaningful representation in film is so vital and why Hollywood must adapt to meet this need," the report concluded. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea57197238567832e940 SEEKINK Unveils Full Product Portfolio of E-Paper Solutions at Infocomm 2026, Powering Commercial, Workplace, Consumer Electronics, Smarter Transit Applications te 2026-06-18T12:53:43.970Z SEEKINK Unveils Full Product Portfolio of E-Paper Solutions at Infocomm 2026, Powering Commercial, Workplace, Consumer Electronics, Smarter Transit Applications From the Prism 3S tiled decorative wall to small tags - ePaper Innovation Scales Across Every Surface Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea44197238567832e937 SEEKINK Unveils Full Product Portfolio of E-Paper Solutions at Infocomm 2026, Powering Commercial, Workplace, Consumer Electronics, Smarter Transit Applications te 2026-06-18T12:53:24.007Z SEEKINK Unveils Full Product Portfolio of E-Paper Solutions at Infocomm 2026, Powering Commercial, Workplace, Consumer Electronics, Smarter Transit Applications SEEKINK Booth No. C8679 at Infocomm 2026 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea30197238567832e92e Penguin Travel Launches “Day Tours From Sofia,” Putting Riders in the Saddle of the Balkan Mountains in Under an Hour te 2026-06-18T12:53:04.032Z Penguin Travel Launches “Day Tours From Sofia,” Putting Riders in the Saddle of the Balkan Mountains in Under an Hour Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea1c197238567832e925 Penguin Travel Launches “Day Tours From Sofia,” Putting Riders in the Saddle of the Balkan Mountains in Under an Hour te 2026-06-18T12:52:44.063Z Penguin Travel Launches “Day Tours From Sofia,” Putting Riders in the Saddle of the Balkan Mountains in Under an Hour Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea08197238567832e91c Alconost Launches QACAT: QA That Gets Smarter Over Time te 2026-06-18T12:52:24.096Z Alconost Launches QACAT: QA That Gets Smarter Over Time A QA platform that learns from human reviewers, refining its checks, prompts, and models over time. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e9f4197238567832e913 Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the Next Industrial Revolution te 2026-06-18T12:52:04.127Z Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the Next Industrial Revolution Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e9e0197238567832e90a Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the Next Industrial Revolution te 2026-06-18T12:51:44.163Z Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the Next Industrial Revolution Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e9cc197238567832e901 Robert J. Smith, MFA Releases Number One Best Selling Book That Turns His Acclaimed Forbes Articles Into a Complete Business Growth Playbook te 2026-06-18T12:51:24.192Z Robert J. Smith, MFA Releases Number One Best Selling Book That Turns His Acclaimed Forbes Articles Into a Complete Business Growth Playbook Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e9b8197238567832e8f8 Robert J. Smith, MFA Releases Number One Best Selling Book That Turns His Acclaimed Forbes Articles Into a Complete Business Growth Playbook te 2026-06-18T12:51:04.231Z Robert J. Smith, MFA Releases Number One Best Selling Book That Turns His Acclaimed Forbes Articles Into a Complete Business Growth Playbook Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e2f0197238567832e824 Spanberger taps LGBTQ activist who fought girls' bathroom protections for state board te 2026-06-18T12:22:08.079Z Spanberger taps LGBTQ activist who fought girls' bathroom protections for state board Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger appointed an LGBTQ activist who pushed back against efforts to bar biological males from girls' bathrooms and locker rooms to a state advisory board that helps shape recommendations on LGBTQ-related policies. Spanberger's appointment of Kellen MacBeth on May 22, who previously led the LGBTQ nonprofit Equality Arlington, follows a gubernatorial campaign during which she ran as a moderate and sidestepped questions about transgender participation in women's sports and access to female-only spaces. MacBeth, the founder of Equality Arlington, has become one of Northern Virginia's most visible LGBTQ advocates. Under his leadership, Equality Arlington has urged Virginia school districts to implement policies allowing transgender students to use bathrooms that align with their "gender identity" and has encouraged local governments to resist efforts to reverse those protections. The organization also advocated for preserving transgender-inclusive policies in Arlington Public Schools despite federal pressure to change them. MacBeth has also opposed Virginia legislation that would require schools to notify parents when a student identifies as transgender or permit parents to exempt their children from classroom instruction involving LGBTQ-related topics. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROBING SOME VIRGINIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS OVER GENDER IDENTITY POLICIES Northern Virginia became ground zero in the nation's debate over transgender bathroom and locker-room policies after several school districts adopted rules allowing students to use facilities that align with their gender identity rather than their biological sex. Some parents and conservative critics argue that gender-inclusive school policies have, in some cases, compromised the privacy and safety of female students, pointing to incidents such as a ninth-grade girl being sexually assaulted in a school bathroom by a biological boy who identified as transgender. Last month, federal investigators launched a probe into Loudoun County Public Schools over allegations that a transgender student secretly filmed dozens of students in school restrooms. FORMER ROANOKE WOMEN'S SWIMMER RIPS SPANBERGER FOR REFUSING TO COMMIT TO PROTECTING WOMEN'S SPORTS During the campaign, when Republican opponents repeatedly pressed Spanberger to say whether transgender students should be permitted to participate in girls' sports or use girls' bathrooms, she declined to embrace broad statewide mandates. Instead, she argued that decisions should be made with local input and on a case-by-case basis. "I’m the mom of three daughters in Virginia public schools, and they participate in all activities across the board," Spanberger told reporters in September. "I recognize the concern that families and community members might have about the safety of their own kids, about competitiveness, about fairness." "And I think the process that was in place for 10 years was one that was working," Spanberger continued. "It was one that took individual circumstances and individual communities into account, and I think that is the process that Virginia should continue to utilize." That approach drew criticism from both sides. Conservatives accused Spanberger of refusing to provide a clear answer on transgender policies, while LGBTQ advocacy groups generally viewed her as supportive of anti-discrimination protections despite her more cautious rhetoric. Asked about the appointment, a spokesperson for Spanberger pointed to the governor's record on school safety. "As the parent of three daughters in Virginia public schools, Governor Spanberger believes all kids should be safe, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive in and out of the classroom," the spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Governor Spanberger has signed dozens of bipartisan bills into law focused on strengthening school safety, investing greater resources into classrooms, and empowering parents to be more involved in their child's education.  "The Governor will continue to prioritize the voices of Virginia parents and educators as she works with leaders in both parties to make Virginia schools the best in the nation and set up all kids for success." The Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board serves as an official advisory body to the governor and was created in 2021. The board's mission is to advise the governor on economic, educational, professional, cultural and governmental issues affecting LGBTQ Virginians. The board does not create laws or regulations, but it can recommend policy priorities, identify concerns within the LGBTQ community, issue reports and provide guidance that may influence future legislative and executive branch decisions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e2da197238567832e808 LDS church celebrates delivering 6.5M meals across all 50 states for America250 anniversary te 2026-06-18T12:21:46.573Z LDS church celebrates delivering 6.5M meals across all 50 states for America250 anniversary The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped deliver more than 6.5 million meals to families in need nationwide as part of a massive America250 hunger-relief effort that has sent 250 truckloads of donated food to communities across all 50 states. The nationwide initiative, launched through America250's "America Gives" campaign and the Church's JustServe volunteer platform, is one of the largest service projects tied to the country's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. The effort reached a major milestone this month when deliveries were completed in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. In Boston, one of the nation's most historic cities, Catholic Charities Boston on Wednesday received a fully loaded semi-truck carrying more than 37,000 pounds of donated food to be distributed to families and community organizations throughout Greater Boston. As Americans prepare to mark the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, organizers say the project is designed to turn the historic anniversary into an opportunity for service. EXCLUSIVE LOOK INSIDE AMERICA 250 TIME CAPSULE REVEALS ARTIFACTS PRESERVING US HISTORY "America's 250th celebration is a unifying moment for our country, and the Church's efforts are a beautiful example of the American spirit — neighbor caring for neighbor in service and generosity," America250 Chair Rosie Rios said. "We are immensely grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' collaboration and its continued support for this historic celebration." America250 Commissioner Cathy Gillespie pointed to the role faith-based groups play in volunteer service across the country. "More than 30% of all volunteer hours in the United States are generated by faith-based organizations," Gillespie said. "Service can unite us. It invites people from every background to work side by side, regardless of political or religious views." LIBERTY AND UNITY: WHAT AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY ASKS OF US TODAY Church leaders echoed that message, describing the nation's upcoming 250th birthday as an opportunity to bring Americans together through community service and gratitude. "As we mark this historic milestone, we hope to foster a spirit of unity, peacemaking, and goodwill," said Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "The anniversary is an opportunity for all to come together, serve together, and express gratitude for the freedoms that have allowed all faiths — including ours — to flourish." The Church leveraged its nationwide volunteer network, humanitarian food resources and established distribution infrastructure to support the initiative, which involved partnerships with nonprofits, faith groups, community organizations and local leaders across the country. Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church's Welfare and Self-Reliance Services department, said the project reflects the Church's longstanding commitment to helping individuals and families in need. "Following the example of Jesus Christ, we strive to love our neighbor," Maxfield said. "Each of us can have an impact in our own communities through service." Organizers hope the food donation campaign will inspire Americans to participate in volunteer efforts leading up to the nation's 250th anniversary, using service to celebrate the country's history while meeting needs in their own communities. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e2c7197238567832e7ff Minor league baseball manager launches first base into orbit during epic meltdown after getting tossed te 2026-06-18T12:21:27.124Z Minor league baseball manager launches first base into orbit during epic meltdown after getting tossed While ABS and instant replay have greatly improved the quality of play in Major League Baseball, they've really ruined one of the great joys we get from watching a game ... The managerial ejection. Gone are the days of Bobby Cox getting tossed in the first inning for the 300th time. You just don't see it anymore, mainly because there are so few chances for umpires to actually get something wrong. Sure, they still do, because they are generally horrible, but still. This ain't your daddy's game. Heck, this is barely even your granddaddy's game anymore. BLUE JAYS MANAGER JOHN SCHNEIDER EJECTED AFTER FACE-TO-FACE, FIERY ARGUMENT WITH UMPIRE IN LOSS TO DODGERS We're lucky if we see one or two real freakouts a year at this point. They used to be a dime a dozen in this league, especially during the glory years when Cox, Lou Piniella and Tony La Russa were all coaching at the same time. I believe that special era took place from 1990 to 2002, and it was beautiful. Anyway, for those who need their fix, here's a blast from the past. James Frisbie, the manager of the Lincoln Saltdogs, got tossed Wednesday night and promptly launched first base into the abyss during a nearly two-minute post-ejection masterpiece: "Fris might lose his mind. He wants an explanation. Fris may get tossed ... yeah, he's done." Perfect. 10/10. No notes. Hats off to James Frisbie. We salute you! We commend you. We appreciate you. Feels good to watch that again, doesn't it? Again, I understand we live in a new era and technology is always advancing and AI is taking over. I get it. I loathe it, but I've accepted it. I know that ABS and instant replay have both been upgrades to this great game. I fought ABS for a bit, but, obviously, it's a good thing. But, man, do I miss a good ejection over a blown call. Frankly, I'm not even sure this was a blown call. We only see the one replay, but I couldn't tell if he was on the bag or not. It didn't look that egregious. James Frisbie was NOT having it, though. The former MLB assistant for both the Tigers and Nationals needed to blow some steam, and he saw blood in the water over this call at first. TWO FREAK PLAYS IN ONE MLB NIGHT LEAVES ANNOUNCERS, FANS STUNNED A perfect bag-toss, too. That's an art, by the way. Only the greats have really executed it over the years, and I've got no qualms about now putting James Frisbie on that list. It's always a risky move because you never know how stuck that sucker's gonna be when you go to pick it up, but Frisbie gave it a couple wiggles and out she popped. A huge sigh of relief for the 53-year-old. Mix in a couple well-timed dirt-kicks, finger-points and some near-contact towards the end of the session, and this was a masterclass from James Frisbie. What a show for the Lincoln Saltdog fans, too. This is what it's all about. Well done, Fris. Well done. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e095197238567832e770 Restaurants are selling gourmet burgers so popular they have to cap orders te 2026-06-18T12:12:05.967Z Restaurants are selling gourmet burgers so popular they have to cap orders Some luxury restaurants in America's biggest cities are offering burgers with ingredients so premium they're limiting the number they sell at a time. The burger at Bar Avoja in Los Angeles is made with a prime brisket patty, Tillamook cheddar, dill pickles, onion fonduta and herb rémoulade on a brioche bun, Food & Wine reported. It costs $38, and only 20 burgers are offered each Thursday. Eddie Sanchez, known by his Instagram handle @hungrinla, posted a video of himself eating the exclusive menu item and called it "one of L.A.'s most legendary burgers." FAST-FOOD GIANT DETHRONED AS CUSTOMER STUDY CROWNS AMERICA'S NEW FAVORITE RESTAURANT CHAIN Chef Evan Funke created the burger for another restaurant in 2010, according to Food & Wine. "For years, it lived on as one of those 'you had to be there' bites that L.A. food people never stopped talking about," Sanchez wrote. Funke's creation, Sanchez wrote, predated the "smashburger wave of the 2020s, back when burgers were big, bold and unapologetically gourmet." The hype is real, Sanchez added. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "I'm not trying to do a supreme drop or anything like that," Funke told Food & Wine. "It's honestly just constrained by the output of the kitchen." Kitchen constraints are the reason James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina said his Boston restaurant, Common Craft, only serves 35 of its black-pepper cheeseburgers each night. The menu states that the burger is made with house-ground chuck, brisket, marrow, flank, Vermont cheddar, special sauce, house pickles and a house-made bun.  It costs $28, and there's an option to add house bacon for $4, a fried egg for $4 or foie gras for $19. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "We put a cap on how many we have every night just because we don't want to just be a burger restaurant and, frankly, the labor involved in making this burger is gruesome, so we're trying to not kill ourselves making only burgers," Messina told Fox News Digital. The restaurant opened with the burger on the menu, Messina said, "but we very quickly realized that we needed to put a cap on it because people were just coming in for that, and we just couldn't keep up with the demand." Curating the meat and grinding it in-house are what make the "fun burger" labor-intensive, Messina said. He added that neither he nor his chef cut corners. "The inspiration was not necessarily to be on trend with having a limited-time, specialty burger," Messina said. "We just wanted to make a good burger, and then we had to do what we had to do to keep up with it." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Messina is in the process of opening another restaurant, this one in L.A., where high-end burgers seem to be all the rage. Bar 109, in East Hollywood, serves its Australian wagyu burger exclusively on Tuesdays.  Customers can start ordering it after 8:30 p.m., according to Food & Wine. Content creator Chad Savage said in a TikTok video of himself sampling it that it was one of the best burgers he's had in L.A., and if it weren't past 10 p.m., he would have gotten another one. Lord's in New York only offers its $26 Welsh rarebit cheeseburgers at dinnertime. "It's kind of a pain to make," Lord's co-owner Ed Szymanski told Food & Wine. "Also, we don't want to be known as a burger restaurant." Szymanski said he doesn't "begrudge anyone who wants to come and eat the burger." He added, "It's an awesome show of their commitment to dining out, but I don't think the burger should be the whole story of Lord's." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e082197238567832e767 Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann kept 'Dexter'-style kill room but wasn't as smart as he thought: DA te 2026-06-18T12:11:46.511Z Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann kept 'Dexter'-style kill room but wasn't as smart as he thought: DA RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Rex Heuermann, who will spend the rest of his life in prison after admitting to being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, had a "Dexter"-style kill room in his basement, according to the top prosecutor on the case. "Very evocative of that, and I think when we realized what it was, you know, that was some of the comments that were made," said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, who was personally part of the prosecution team that secured Heuermann's guilty plea. "We were actually able to recreate that, in the basement, in the exact location." And that's the room where Heuermann's ex-wife now sleeps, according to a new docuseries, "The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets," where she said so herself. Heuermann received the maximum possible sentence from Judge Timothy Mazzei Wednesday — three consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by four consecutive terms of 25 years to life in prison. GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER REX HEUERMANN SLAMMED AS ‘SMALL MAN’ AS JUDGE GIVES MAX SENTENCE FOR MURDER SPREE "You’re a disgusting and despicable small man, if you’re a man at all," Mazzei told the defendant. "And you’re a coward." Moments later, he told the court officers to "get him out of here." Heuermann is expected to be in state prison before the end of the week, Tierney said. In an interview with Fox News and Fox News Digital after the sentencing hearing, Tierney explained why investigators returned to Heuermann's basement long after they'd arrested him and spent days searching the house. They recovered a deleted document that Heuermann labeled "HK," which Tierney said stood for "hunt-kill." Although Heuermann had made and deleted multiple versions of it over time, investigators could only recover one. Prosecutors have described it as a planning document. He noted the locations of traffic cameras to and from the places he dumped victims' bodies. He wrote down supplies he'd need for the murders and reminded himself to be well rested and mindful of screams. SUSPECTED SERIAL KILLER'S 1980S SUMMER JOB MAY HAVE BEEN ROAD MAP TO MURDERS: PROSECUTORS He also discussed the merits of using tape vs. pins to hang drop cloths in the basement where he is believed to have killed seven of the eight victims. "He was hanging plastic sheets from the ceiling and on the walls," the district attorney said. "That's what the document talks about, and then what he says is don't use push pins, because it ruins the ceiling. Use tape." When detectives returned to the home with infrared and ultraviolet lights, they found more evidence. WATCH: Judge blasts Gilgo Beach killer before handing down life sentence GILGO BEACH SUSPECT REX HEUERMANN LOSES BID TO TOSS DNA EVIDENCE AT UPCOMING MURDER TRIAL "We could see the adhesive stains on the wall," Tierney said. "And then what we are able to do is we were able to see that they made a perfect square — and that's where, we believe, the crimes occurred." Heuermann, described as an "ogre" by the only eyewitness in the case, stands at about 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs close to 300 pounds. The victims were all around 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, and in the "HK" document, he noted that "small is good." FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X The victims were Sandra Costilla, 28, found in North Sea; Karen Vergata, 34, found on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach; Valerie Mack, 24, found in Manorville and along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach; Jessica Taylor, 20, found in Manorville and along Ocean Parkway — and the so-called Gilgo Four, who were all found just east of Gilgo Beach in the brush north of Ocean Parkway. They were Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25; Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27. NEW YORK POLICE ID MURDER VICTIMS LINKED TO GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER INVESTIGATION Investigators believe Heuermann's known killings spanned from Costilla's 1993 murder through the 2010 disappearance of Costello. Before Heuermann was sentenced, relatives of his victims delivered emotional statements about the decades of pain and loss left behind by the killings. Mack's adoptive parents were among the first to address the court. Her father told Heuermann that despite the brutality of his crimes, "you never touched her soul," adding that "Valerie is the one who is free today, and you are not." Taylor's relatives recounted the anguish of learning that only some of her remains had initially been recovered and the pain of seeing the case repeatedly return to public attention over the years. One cousin mocked Heuermann's efforts to evade capture, telling him he had created elaborate plans to get away with murder but still left behind evidence that led investigators to him. The most emotional testimony came from the family of Brainard-Barnes, one of the so-called Gilgo Four. Her sister, Melissa Cann, recalled the last conversation they shared before Brainard-Barnes disappeared. "The last words she said to me were, 'I love you. I'll see you tomorrow,'" Cann told the court. Cann described years of survivor's guilt and said she dedicated herself to helping ensure the killer was eventually identified and brought to justice. Brainard-Barnes' daughter, Nicolette, said she was just 7 years old when her mother was killed and is now older than her mother was at the time of her death. She said the victims "mattered infinitely more" than Heuermann and described him as "a coward who takes out his own shortcomings on others." SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Heuermann pleaded guilty to seven murders on April 8 and confessed to Vergata's 1996 slaying, which he had not been charged with. Asked if there may be more victims, Tierney declined to speculate. If the evidence ever indicates there were, he said, he'd bring it to a grand jury and seek a new indictment. SEND US A TIP HERE He revealed that prosecutors have more evidence against Heuermann that has not yet been made public and described how Heuermann evolved over the years from a "disorganized" killer to an "organized" one. Tierney said Heuermann appeared more disorganized early in his criminal career before becoming increasingly methodical and deliberate over time, as shown by the planning document, his evolving modus operandi and digital evidence that showed he was scouring news reports for updates on the murders he'd committed. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST At some point, he also picked up the book "Mindhunter" by famed FBI analyst John Douglas. WATCH: Defense lawyer reveals the 'two parts' of serial killer Rex Heuermann GILGO BEACH VICTIM’S SON CLAIMS SUSPECTED SERIAL KILLER’S FAMILY TURNED HORROR INTO PROFITS AHEAD OF PLEA "If you're a high school football player and you get, Peyton Manning's book, you want to become a better quarterback," he said. "So he took that book, not to gain insight, but to become a better serial killer, specifically not to get caught." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB As part of the plea deal, Heuermann has agreed to sit down with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit to be analyzed clinically, Tierney said. Douglas, a pioneer of criminal profiling, had been chief of the FBI's Behavior Science Unit, the BAU's predecessor. "That was a suggestion of mine," Tierney revealed. "I'm a former federal prosecutor. I'm familiar with the work of BAU. I know I knew about the 'Mindhunter' book by this defendant. I knew that that was something that he was interested in, so I thought it would be a good opportunity." Investigators could potentially learn from Heuermann in a clinical setting and use the knowledge to assist in new cases as they come up, he said. Fox News' CB Cotton and Kirill Clark contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e02d197238567832e720 Pixi’s new iOS app turns text messages into interactive AR experiences te 2026-06-18T12:10:21.012Z Pixi’s new iOS app turns text messages into interactive AR experiences Forget stickers, GIFs, and emoji reactions. Pixi is betting that the next evolution of messaging is interactive augmented reality (AR). Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ddd5197238567832e6c9 Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis to stop them driving into highway construction zones te 2026-06-18T12:00:21.370Z Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis to stop them driving into highway construction zones The company has identified at least 13 instances where its robotaxis drove into highway sections closed for construction. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33dbaa197238567832e699 Unearthed clip exposes more anti-police rhetoric as El-Sayed gets grilled for deleting social media posts te 2026-06-18T11:51:06.555Z Unearthed clip exposes more anti-police rhetoric as El-Sayed gets grilled for deleting social media posts Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, once accused the state’s police of profiling in a campaign speech. "We have a system of policing that seems to want to police on top of people rather than police with people," El-Sayed said during a gubernatorial bid in 2018 in an address before Harvard. "The probability of closing a murder in Detroit is extremely low. And yet the cops will pick on you because you look a particular kind of way." El-Sayed’s comments persist despite efforts to scrub his social media of posts championing criticisms against law enforcement, providing a look at his views on Michigan police that preceded the widespread criticisms of police that would emerge in the "Defund the Police" movement. TLAIB-BACKED SENATE CANDIDATE IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER DELETING 'DEFUND THE POLICE' SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS Despite rejecting political language that pits "left" against "right" and "progressives" against "conservatives," El-Sayed has raised eyebrows nationally for messaging that pushes the edges of his party’s messaging on key issues. Among other notable positions, El-Sayed has made increasing the role of government a key part of his campaign. In addition to calling for lowering housing costs, he’s advocated for Medicare for All, opposes corporate tax carve-outs and supports tuition-free access to higher education. He’s also called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But, like most Democrats, El-Sayed has taken pains to back away from criticisms about local police — retreating from the "defund the police" stance that rose to prominence in the wake of the death of George Floyd in 2020. Although the movement rallied Democrats around increased accountability measures for law enforcement officers, it became a political liability following crime spikes in cities that embraced the idea like Minneapolis, Portland and Seattle. END OF DEFUND POLICE ERA? CRIME, PROSECUTORIAL CRACKDOWN IN BLUE AND PURPLE STATES SIGNALS SHIFT, EXPERTS SAY El-Sayed has taken pains to clear ties to the movement on his social media. "Most major US cities spend WAY TOO MUCH on police departments to police poverty & WAY TOO LITTLE on public schools, health departments, recreation departments, & housing to eliminate poverty. Fixing that is what the #Defund movement is about," El-Sayed wrote in one June 2020 post on X, just several weeks after the death of George Floyd. He has since deleted the post and declined to explain why he removed them. Although many of his posts about defunding the police have been removed, some of El-Sayed’s comments from his gubernatorial bid demonstrate that his concern about police behavior preceded George Floyd’s death. UNEARTHED VIDEO SHOWS DEM CANDIDATE SUPPORTING 'REALLOCATION' OF POLICE FUNDING TO SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS "We incarcerate 11% more people in the state of Michigan than the national average. We’re way better at violating people’s bodies for petty crime than we are in policing violations of their bodies for serious crime," El-Sayed said in his Harvard address. El-Sayed’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d966197238567832e643 Hegseth announces 6-month review of American forces in Europe, blasts NATO allies for putting troops 'at risk' te 2026-06-18T11:41:26.330Z Hegseth announces 6-month review of American forces in Europe, blasts NATO allies for putting troops 'at risk' War Secretary Pete Hegseth had harsh words for NATO allies during an address to his European counterparts on Thursday, announcing a six-month review of U.S. force deployment on the continent. Hegseth said the review's outcome will depend on how quickly European nations act to support themselves militarily. "This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe," he told NATO officials in Brussels. Hegseth also lashed out at European countries for refusing to assist U.S. forces in the war against Iran, particularly those that withheld use of military bases. TRUMP PRESSES NATO PARTNERS ON SUPPORT AS HEGSETH BLASTS HESITATION "These allies, they put America’s sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them the predictable access, basing and overflight that never should have been in question at all," he said. Hegseth then launched a more general critique of European policy, referencing migration and an emphasis on social policy over defense. "Instead of tanks and fighters and air defenses, the focus has been on gender equity and climate change and defense austerity. Europe’s borders flew wide open, welfare states expanded, defense budgets cratered. Along with Europe’s belief in itself and its civilization," Hegseth said. GERMANY PLEDGES TO BUILD EUROPE'S STRONGEST ARMY AS NATO ALLIES ANSWER TRUMP PRESSURE The wake-up call comes just days after Germany pledged to become a more powerful military force inside NATO, with Berlin’s ambassador to Washington telling Fox News Digital that the country is ready to assume greater responsibility for European security after decades in which the United States carried much of the alliance’s military burden. "Germany is stepping up — we heard the call!" German Ambassador to the United States Jens Hanefeld told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Germany’s armed forces should become the strongest conventional army in Europe, a goal Hanefeld said is now backed by Berlin’s new military strategy. "Russia’s illegal war of aggression has shaken old certainties in Europe and Germany as the international rules we have relied on are being challenged," Hanefeld said. "This changes the strategic environment we operate in." "Today, Germany is Ukraine’s largest supporter," Hanefeld said. "Germany’s decision to become Europe’s strongest conventional army, well anchored in the NATO alliance, is an ongoing commitment." Fox News' Efrat Lachter and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d952197238567832e63a Trump personally signs Iran deal in major diplomatic breakthrough and more top headlines te 2026-06-18T11:41:06.877Z Trump personally signs Iran deal in major diplomatic breakthrough and more top headlines 1. Trump personally signs Iran deal in diplomatic breakthrough 2. Platner faces dire warning from within his own party over mounting scandals 3. City deploys 10,000 officers to lock down New York Knicks' parade DEADLY TRIP — Teen killed after horse-drawn carriage bolts and flips near popular tourist destination. Continue reading … SWAPPED — Couple reaches agreement with daughter's biological parents after alleged IVF mix-up. Continue reading … TROUBLING FIND — Grim discovery made in search for missing SC trainer, major crimes unit joins probe. Continue reading … DANGER ZONE — Americans urged to keep low profile across historic region as threat level escalates. Continue reading … WORKERS STIFFED — Minority firms face financial ruin after building Obama Presidential Center. Continue reading … -- ‘PULLING THE PLUG’ — From #MeToo to Maine? Dem experts weigh in on how Platner's rise tests party standards. Continue reading … WHO GETS THE AXE — Trump’s firing power faces twin Supreme Court tests, but one agency may get special treatment. Continue reading … KEEP CALM, CARRY ON — Court strikes down concealed carry ban for 18-to-20-year-olds as unconstitutional. Continue reading … CRUDE ADVANTAGE — How one red state could overtake Texas and Florida as the most tax friendly. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   LAW & DISORDER — Knicks title frenzy torches buses as Judge Judy's son warns no mercy. Continue reading … PAPER CUTS — Jeff Bezos reportedly told Trump the Washington Post was his ‘worst investment’ before staff cuts. Continue reading … TALE OF TWO CITIES — Seattle mayor defends payroll tax after damning report on lost property value. Continue reading … TAKE IT EASY — Joe Rogan tells critics of UFC White House event to ‘shut the f--- up.’ Continue reading … HUGH HEWITT — Morning Glory: GOP’s top job now is rebuilding America’s defenses fast. Continue reading …  LAUREL LIBBY — Democrats want us to focus on Graham Platner’s policies. He fails Maine there, too. Continue reading … -- DANGER ZONE — US State Department warns Americans of growing security risks in historic region. Continue reading … KEEPING IT FAIR — Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras. Continue reading … PLATES AND PINTS — World Cup visitor from England goes viral describing ‘best beef ever.’ Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on revolutionary recipes and celebrity challenges. Take the quiz here … VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE — Trump has an unbelievable ability to read people. See video … VICTOR DAVIS HANSON — Iran will open the Strait of Hormuz because they're just about broke. See video … Tune in as we examine whether a new U.S.-Iran agreement signals strategic diplomacy or a troubling shift toward appeasement in American foreign policy. Check it out ... What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…   Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn      Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Entertainment (FOX411) Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi Fox News Go Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Friday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d4a2197238567832e58f Deion Sanders wanted more from his son, Shedeur Sanders, but backs development plan after Myles Garrett trade te 2026-06-18T11:21:06.607Z Deion Sanders wanted more from his son, Shedeur Sanders, but backs development plan after Myles Garrett trade The Cleveland Browns entered last season with one of the NFL's more crowded quarterback rooms. Shedeur Sanders took over as starting quarterback in Week 12 last season, and after two more starts, he was named the starter for the remainder of the season. Sanders’ stunning slide to the fifth round of the 2025 draft set the stage for him becoming one of the most scrutinized rookies in recent memory. Few know Shedeur's game better than Deion Sanders, his father and former college coach. On Wednesday, the two-time Super Bowl champion reflected on his son’s rookie season. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM After Shedeur endured an uneven rookie season for the 5-12 Browns, the Colorado football coach said he hoped for more from his son but also pointed to the support young quarterbacks need early in their development. "I would have wanted him to perform a little better, but that's not just an individual thing, that's a team thing," Sanders told Covers while speaking on behalf of his partnership with Depend. "A quarterback needs help tremendously from the offensive line, from the receivers, from the running game, from the coordinators as well. "It's not just a singular thing, like a defensive back. I don't care what the pass rush is, (the DB) has got to do his job. It's a little different with a quarterback. He needs several things to go right for him to be successful." BROWNS GM ANDREW BERRY WON'T COMMIT TO SHEDEUR SANDERS AS 2026 STARTER DESPITE ROOKIE'S PROGRESS Sanders also weighed in on Cleveland’s decision to trade the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, a move that underscored the Browns' rebuild. "I'm happy with Mr. Berry, the GM, and what he's doing, I'm not going to question his direction of what he's bringing to the table," Sanders said of Browns general manager Andrew Berry. "I'm not there, so I don't know all the intangibles that provoked that trade. I'm happy with what they got, and I can't wait to see how it plays out." Sanders finished his rookie season 3-4 as a starter, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d2c0197238567832e53d UConn basketball coach floats potential game at White House after UFC event te 2026-06-18T11:13:04.019Z UConn basketball coach floats potential game at White House after UFC event UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley floated the idea of the team playing a game at the White House given the success of the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn. Hurley was in Washington, D.C., and approached by TMZ, which asked him if he’d like to see a Huskies basketball game played on the White House lawn next. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "That would be good," Hurley said. "I think UConn should definitely be in it, UConn-Duke. … Yeah, it’d be pretty cool. I’m definitely down." The UFC fights coincided with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The estimated 4,300 in attendance, which included about 1,200 active-duty service members, greeted the president with loud cheers as the occasional "Happy Birthday" was shouted from the crowd. The event kicked off with the Marine Band’s performance of the national anthem, sung by Zac Brown, and was capped off with a flyover by the Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds. "It was beyond anything that anybody's ever seen in sports," the president briefly remarked to reporters as he departed the White House ahead of Monday’s G7 summit in France. Many of the fighters thanked Trump for having the "courage" to put on the spectacle, while the majority of victors jogged ringside to shake his hand or have a word after their respective bouts. The patriotic atmosphere set the tone for the remaining America 250 celebrations to come in Washington, D.C., later this summer. Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d2ac197238567832e534 How North Dakota could overtake Texas and Florida as the most tax-friendly state te 2026-06-18T11:12:44.564Z How North Dakota could overtake Texas and Florida as the most tax-friendly state When Americans think of low-tax policies, states like Florida and Texas usually come to mind. But another Republican-led state has quietly joined the club: North Dakota. Tax cuts, strong finances and billions in oil revenue have combined to create one of the nation's most competitive tax environments in the Great Plains state while other states across the country grapple with budget shortfalls and debates over tax hikes. The issue is likely to remain front and center for governors and state lawmakers as they look to attract residents, businesses and investment in the years ahead. While most states do not sit atop one of the nation's largest oil formations, tax experts say the broader lesson is applicable almost anywhere. Strong revenues can be used to lower tax burdens and strengthen state finances rather than fuel spending increases. BLUE-STATE TAX BURDEN FUELS AMERICANS FLEEING TO REPUBLICAN-LED SOUTHERN STATES The payoff for North Dakota has been straightforward — residents keep more of what they earn, businesses face fewer tax burdens and the government remains on solid financial footing. And while tax policy is only one piece of the equation, Nicole Fox, senior policy analyst at the nonpartisan Tax Foundation told Fox News Digital that the group's analysis of IRS migration data points to a clear trend. "States that have experienced net in-migration are states with more competitive tax structures and lower overall costs of living," Fox said. While North Dakota ranks second in tax collections per capita, it remains one of the country's more tax-friendly states — a welcome contradiction for the state's government and residents. Unlike New York and California, blue states that heavily rely on income taxes to fund government operations, North Dakota generates billions of dollars from oil and gas production. That energy wealth has given lawmakers greater flexibility to cut taxes for its residents while maintaining healthy state revenues. This dichotomy was highlighted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who during a meeting with the Petroleum Club of Houston last week compared California to deep red Texas and praised domestic energy production and dominance. "In California, I saw firsthand what years of failed governance looks like: a tax system that is hostile to ambition. A regulatory state that smothers enterprise. An economic climate indifferent to consequence," he said in remarks first shared with Fox News Digital. "Here in Texas, meanwhile, the contrast is so striking that it begins to feel like a tale of two states." Bessent said: "More than strengthen an economy, energy abundance also secures a nation. Economic security is national security." TAX FIGHT PUTS CALIFORNIA ON COLLISION COURSE AS BILLIONAIRES LEAVE FOR RED STATES The numbers help explain how North Dakota has pulled off raking in revenue while keeping taxes low. According to the latest available U.S. Census Bureau data, North Dakota ranked second in the nation for state and local tax collections per capita in 2023, bringing in $9,834 per resident. That might sound more like a high-tax state than a tax-friendly one. The difference is where the money comes from. AMERICA'S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE MAY BE RISING IN RED-STATE TERRITORY North Dakota collects more tax revenue per resident than almost every other state, but much of that money comes from oil and gas production rather than from residents' paychecks. Of the $7.72 billion collected by state and local governments that year, roughly $3.17 billion came from severance taxes on oil and gas production — accounting for about 41% of total tax revenue. While North Dakota collects all major tax types, including property, sales and income taxes, it relies far less on income taxes than many other states. Individual income taxes accounted for just 6.4% of total revenue in 2023, while corporate income taxes made up 4.2%. Put simply, North Dakota collects a lot of revenue without heavily taxing residents' incomes. That revenue mix allows North Dakota to generate billions for government services while placing a relatively smaller burden on residents and businesses than states that rely more heavily on income taxes. While few states can replicate North Dakota's oil wealth, advocates argue its success shows that revenue windfalls can be used to lower tax burdens and strengthen state finances rather than expand government spending. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d299197238567832e52b Arizona Republicans give teachers union an education lesson they won’t forget te 2026-06-18T11:12:25.113Z Arizona Republicans give teachers union an education lesson they won’t forget In the closing hours of the legislative session, Arizona Republicans delivered targeted blows to teachers union power plays. Lawmakers advanced two constitutional amendments to the November ballot that defend parental choice and limit the ability of unions to tap taxpayer resources for their operations. The Arizona Education Association union is actively circulating petitions for its Protect Education Act, which would impose a host of regulations and restrictions on Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program. All K–12 students in Arizona are currently eligible for a scholarship, but the initiative would impose an income cap so low that it would kick out the children of a typical firefighter married to a registered nurse. More than 100,000 Arizona students now use ESA scholarships to attend schools that best fit their needs. The income restriction would strip eligibility from tens of thousands of current participants and block future families from the same opportunity. In public, the union has been bullish about its chances, but behind the scenes, it appears worried. During the last day of the legislative session, the union reportedly explored a legislative compromise with Republican leadership. ARIZONA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER APPEARS TO MOCK PRESIDENT WITH NAZI SALUTE DURING CONTENTIOUS PUBLIC MEETING Union representatives offered to halt their signature drive if lawmakers agreed to add new regulations to the scholarship program (which originally included mandated standardized testing), a cap on the amount of funds families can roll over from year to year and restrictions on what families can purchase with scholarship funds. A version of the proposed deal reached the Senate floor, but it failed narrowly. The union’s willingness to cut such a deal points to doubts about reaching the required signatures by the deadline or worries that its initiative could face successful legal challenges even if it qualified. A similar ballot initiative to restrict the scholarship program in 2022 failed to gather enough signatures due to the "decline to sign" campaign waged by school choice supporters. Late night on June 12, Republicans passed a separate measure that would protect the scholarship program. House Concurrent Resolution 2048 proposes a constitutional amendment for voters to consider on the ballot in November. It passed the Senate 16-13 and the House 31-22 along party lines. Because it is a legislative referral to the voters, it does not require the signature of Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. NEW YORK JOINS FEDERAL SCHOOL CHOICE INITIATIVE DESPITE TRADITIONAL DEMOCRAT OPPOSITION The amendment protects scholarship accounts for children of military families. It prohibits the state from confiscating or redirecting funds from those accounts. It further declares that any ballot measure or law violating this protection is void in its entirety. If voters approve the constitutional amendment in November, the entire Protect Education Act would be invalidated because it would conflict with the new protection for military families. Lawmakers also passed along party lines a second constitutional amendment to the November ballot. This measure would prohibit the state from using its payroll system to collect dues or other payments for teachers unions. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The reform treats union financing like any other political or advocacy activity that does not automatically receive state collection assistance. If the union doesn’t like that, it will now need to divide its campaign resources across three separate ballot initiatives. These two Republican-backed amendments protect Arizona’s universal school-choice program while curbing union access to taxpayer-supported collection tools. These measures prioritize families over union demands. Arizona families now have clear choices on the November ballot. One path preserves education freedom and choice for all students. The other path returns power to the same organizations that have fought parental empowerment every step of the way. Voters will decide which direction serves children best. Corey DeAngelis is a research fellow at The Heritage Foundation and a senior fellow at Americans for Fair Treatment. Jason Bedrick is a senior research fellow at Heritage. Jason Bedrick is a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY JASON BEDRICK CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY COREY DEANGELIS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d285197238567832e522 White House UFC terror plot 'ringleader' is a Mexican illegal immigrant, DHS confirms te 2026-06-18T11:12:05.654Z White House UFC terror plot 'ringleader' is a Mexican illegal immigrant, DHS confirms FIRST ON FOX: Abraham Alvarez, identified in federal documents as the alleged "ringleader" of a plot to carry out a mass casualty event at the UFC White House event on June 14, is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who overstayed his visa, according to Homeland Security information first obtained by Fox News Digital. Alvarez came to the United States as a child and was granted by the Obama administration in 2014 deportation relief through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after he failed to leave the country when his B2 visa expired in 2001. Five co-conspirators were arrested so far this month for allegedly planning with others to use drones equipped with explosives to force an evacuation from the White House event on Sunday and, in the ensuing chaos, a team of snipers was allegedly set to open fire on the crowds. Federal investigators claim Alvarez was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the planned attack. Court records ousted Alvarez as a foreign national considering he consented to a consular notification after his arrest this weekend, though the documents provided no information on his specific immigration status nor his country of origin.  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer for Alvarez following the FBI's arrest. Alvarez was arrested by the FBI on the day of the fight in Omaha, Nebraska. The White House and FBI declined to comment when asked by Fox News Digital about the whereabouts of the other individuals involved in the group chat, with the former directing the inquiry to a DOJ press release. "This illegal alien from Mexico should never have been allowed in our country," DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement to Fox News Digital on the attack. "He was the ringleader of a failed terror attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House." "He will face justice and swiftly be removed from our country," she added of Alvarez. If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, each plotter faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Planning to carry out violence on White House grounds carries an additional maximum penalty of five years in prison.   DAN BONGINO REVEALS HOW THE FBI STOPPED AN ALLEGED TERROR PLOT BUILT FOR 'UNIMAGINABLE' CASUALTIES After plans for the initial attack on Sunday, federal authorities claim the plotters planned a "second wave" where they would storm the White House gate. The co-conspirators purportedly sought to jump-start a revolution in the U.S. with the violence, citing grievances such as government corruption, the handling of the Epstein files, data centers using water and the influence of Israel over domestic politics.  Alvarez allegedly used the name "Shepherd" in a group chat dedicated to planning the attack. He was "responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the planned attack," according to a DOJ press release.  "As many and as deadly as we can get," Alvarez allegedly responded when asked by a fellow plotter when asked about making drones with explosives. Authorities say that he claimed to have had a working drone.  Investigators have identified 23 individuals who were part of the alleged terror planning network, however; as of publishing, only five arrests have been announced in connection with the plot. It is unclear why the UFC event proceeded with many of those involved in the plot still seemingly at large.  Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, a Mexican illegal alien, was arrested by the FBI on the day of the fight in Omaha, Nebraska. The White House and FBI declined to comment when asked by Fox News Digital about the whereabouts of the other individuals involved in the group chat, with the former directing the inquiry to a DOJ press release. The State Department did not respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital regarding whether or not it would revoke Alvarez’s DACA immigration status if he is found guilty of involvement in the plot. "This illegal alien from Mexico should never have been allowed in our country," DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement to Fox News Digital on the attack. "He was the ringleader of a failed terror attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House." "He will face justice and swiftly be removed from our country," she added of Alvarez. If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, each plotter faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Planning to carry out violence on White House grounds carries an additional maximum penalty of five years in prison.   VANCE WARNS LEFT-WING POLITICAL RHETORIC FUELING VIOLENCE AFTER FBI FOILS ALLEGED WHITE HOUSE UFC TERROR PLOT   Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that the alleged plans to attack the White House event were "not that advanced," noting that the plot was relatively undeveloped when it was caught and that none of the suspects "weren’t in town" during the event. "The FBI, our law enforcement partners and our U.S. Attorneys did what they do every day to make America Safe through quick response and vigilance in investigating, disrupting and dismantling this alleged plan before it could be carried out," Acting Attorney General Todd was quoted as saying in a DOJ press release "We will take immediate and aggressive action to identify and prosecute those who incite and plan acts of violence." FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNT UFC CEO Dana White claimed that multiple threats were made against the White House event, noting that "these are the kind of events that bring the nuts out, this is normal stuff," President Donald Trump has faced a string of security threats since he was wounded in an attempted assassination during a July 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.  These have included  a second assassination attempt at his Florida golf club two months later, an alleged Iran-linked murder-for-hire plot, am armed man rushing the White House Correspondents Dinner and a flood of threats made against his life from disgruntled citizens — all of which underscore the persistent threat environment surrounding Trump’s public appearances. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d272197238567832e519 Zero sugar, more problems? Study reveals surprising gut health effects te 2026-06-18T11:11:46.197Z Zero sugar, more problems? Study reveals surprising gut health effects Eliminating sugar from your diet may seem like the key to healthy eating, but research suggests it could have unintended effects on digestive health. A study presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, suggests that a total lack of sucrose, or table sugar, may harm gut health and disrupt the body's natural metabolism. To explore how the total absence of dietary sugar impacts the body, researchers at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait City conducted a 16-week study on two groups of mice. Both groups were placed on a low-fat diet, but with one critical difference. COMMON CHEMICALS FROM FOOD ADDITIVES TO PESTICIDES MAY BE WRECKING YOUR GUT HEALTH, STUDY SAYS One group consumed a low-fat diet that included a standard amount of sucrose, while the other group ate a low-fat diet that was completely sugar-free, according to the study's press release. Throughout the trial, the scientists monitored a wide variety of physiological factors, including the animals' weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, internal inflammation and the specific composition of their gut bacteria. The study outcome suggested that completely removing sugar caused several unexpected health problems. "Completely removing sucrose from a low-fat diet may unexpectedly disrupt gut health and promote inflammation and metabolic dysfunction," Rasheed Ahmad, principal scientist and head of the Immunology & Microbiology Department at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, said in the release. AMERICANS' HIGH SUGAR CONSUMPTION PROMPTS URGENT WARNING FROM HEALTH LEADERS Even though the mice on the sugar-free diet did not gain any extra weight compared to the control group, their internal health indicators deteriorated. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The animals that lacked sucrose developed an imbalance in their gut microbes and increased inflammation within the intestines and liver. They also showed signs of poor glucose regulation, insulin resistance and cellular changes associated with fatty liver disease, according to the research. "The findings suggest that complete removal of sucrose from a low-fat diet may negatively affect gut microbiota and metabolic health," Ahmad concluded. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER While the risks of high-sugar diets are well-established, the researchers noted that little attention has been given to the effects of completely eliminating sugar from low-fat meals. Scientists say these new findings highlight that dietary carbohydrates play a valuable role in supporting balance between the immune system and the gut microbiome. Because this research was conducted on mice over a relatively short 16-week period, further clinical trials are necessary to determine whether a completely sugar-free diet causes the same gut and liver inflammation in humans. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Additionally, the study focused specifically on removing sucrose from low-fat meals, meaning the results might not apply to people eliminating sugar while following higher-fat or ketogenic eating plans, the researchers noted. The team believes that future dietary guidelines may shift away from strict, absolute sugar restrictions and instead place a greater emphasis on maintaining a diverse, healthy population of gut bacteria through balanced nutrition. "In the long term, these findings could help improve strategies for preventing and managing metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease and chronic inflammatory conditions," Ahmad said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d25e197238567832e510 MLB accused of 'double standard' after calling out players' Bible messages despite backing BLM in 2020 te 2026-06-18T11:11:26.747Z MLB accused of 'double standard' after calling out players' Bible messages despite backing BLM in 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) is facing mounting backlash over threatening to discipline San Francisco Giants players for inscribing Bible verses on their Pride hats — a move critics say reflects the league’s growing embrace of progressive social causes at odds with its fan base. MLB said the players' actions violated its uniform policy, which prohibits "writing of any kind" on uniforms, despite the league previously allowing political messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The league’s warning came after three Giants players — Landen Roupp, J.T. Brubaker and Ryan Walker — wrote a passage from Genesis 9 on the franchise’s "Pride Night" caps. The verses in white lettering detailed the Christian understanding of the rainbow as a covenant between God and every living creature after the worldwide flood described in the first book of the Bible. GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., are demanding answers, citing a "pattern of discrimination" against Christian players in the league. DAN DAKICH RIPS MLB FOR WARNING GIANTS PLAYERS WHO WROTE BIBLE VERSES ON THEIR PRIDE HATS: 'SHUT UP' "The freedom to live out one’s faith does not end at the ballpark gate," Hawley wrote in a letter to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred on Tuesday. The three Giants players have not yet been fined or punished by the league. But if the league decides to pursue disciplinary action, Hawley said in an interview with "The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show" Wednesday that he would subpoena Manfred to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee and examine the league’s antitrust exemption.  Hawley argued that the league’s enforcement of its uniform policy during the "Pride Night" episode stands in sharp contrast to its encouragement of players to embrace the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. That year, several franchises in the league inscribed pitcher’s mounds and jersey patches with messages stating "Black Lives Matter" and "United For Change."  Hawley also noted the league suspended its own uniform rules, allowing players to write progressive social messages on their cleats. The league’s account also tweeted a picture of Giants players kneeling for the national anthem and endorsed the move with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. "While they bent over backwards for BLM messaging in 2020, they’re cracking down on religious freedom in 2026," Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, wrote on social media Wednesday. "This isn’t neutrality, it’s political discrimination against faith." "Americans see the double standard," he added. NATIONALS' TREVOR WILLIAMS RECALLS FIGHTING ANTI-CATHOLIC MOCKERY WHEN DODGERS HOSTED DRAG NUN GROUP In 2021, the league pulled the 2021 All-Star Game and MLB draft out of Atlanta, Ga., in protest of a Republican voting law. The measure enacted new restrictions on mail-in voting, which Democrats argued would make it harder for Black Georgians to vote. Former President Joe Biden and former Democratic Georgia gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams endorsed the league’s decision.  Hawley also pointed to a recent scandal involving a Washington Nationals executive alleging that anti-Christian discrimination in the league is not an "isolated incident." Washington Nationals Director of Community Relations Sean Hudson said the franchise did not include pitcher Trevor Williams in certain social media promotions over his religious objections to the Los Angeles Dodgers honoring a drag group that satirizes Christianity at its 2023 "Pride Night." "That executive has since been fired, but not before the anti-Christian bigotry was exposed," Hawley said, adding that the league "needs to course correct immediately." "MLB has a sweetheart deal from the federal government," he said. "They play by different rules than any other business in America. But now MLB is using its power to target Christians and trample free speech. It’s anti-American." MLB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon has also warned the league that it risks litigation if it moves to punish outspoken Christian players. "Time to lawyer up!" she wrote on social media Tuesday. Fox News' Ian Miller and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33cff3197238567832e4b6 Giants' Cam Skattebo vows to maintain violent playing style after gruesome ankle injury te 2026-06-18T11:01:07.089Z Giants' Cam Skattebo vows to maintain violent playing style after gruesome ankle injury There’s been a lot of chatter around New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and changing his playing style to avoid getting injured in a game. But it’s been less so for running back Cam Skattebo, who is entering his second season in the NFL after having his rookie year cut short when he suffered a gruesome ankle injury. Skattebo said Wednesday he has no plans to change his playing style either. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "It ain’t gonna change who I am," he said on NFL Network’s "The Insiders." "I had an injury, it is what it is. I still got plenty of football left, plenty of life left. I’m not going to let this little ankle thing bother me. "I’m gonna get back (to) running people over. It’s going to be normal Cam Skattebo from here on out." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Skattebo’s smashmouth style of play earned him praise from Giants fans during the 2025 season. If there was another bright spot outside of Dart’s emergence, it was Skattebo. He had 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns as well as 24 catches for 207 yards and two receiving touchdowns in eight games for New York. During his time on the sideline, he did receive criticism for getting mixed up with WWE star JD McDonagh during an episode of "Monday Night Raw." As time has passed, Skattebo is expected to be on the field and stay on the field to help the Giants get back to glory, well, at least into playoff contention, in 2026. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33cb41197238567832e40b NYPD deploying 10,000 officers for historic Knicks championship parade te 2026-06-18T10:41:05.952Z NYPD deploying 10,000 officers for historic Knicks championship parade The New York Police Department plans to deploy 10,000 police officers to secure the New York Knicks’ ticker-tape parade on Thursday as the city celebrates the team’s first title in 53 years. The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to capture the NBA championship. It will the first parade for the franchise as the city didn’t throw a parade for when the team won twice in the 1970s. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "There will be performances, there will be New Yorkers, there will be the team and there will be history," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday. The parade is set to start at 10 a.m. ET near Battery Park and make its way up Broadway through the Canyon of Heroes and end at City Hall. Alicia Keys is set to perform at the event. "We want people to enjoy this moment," New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. "But public safety comes first." Knicks fans were already on NJ Transit and PATH trains Thursday morning to get into the city as officials told reveling fans to come early and be prepared. Officials said all attendees will be screened and pens were set to open at 6 a.m. ET. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM No bags, glass or metal water bottles, bats/batons, bicycles or scooters, chairs or coolers will be allowed in the event. Those working in office buildings along the parade route will be able to enter them with proper identification as well as those who live in the area as well. The City Hall ceremony will be for ticketed fans only. In addition to the above restrictions, no pets, backpacks, strollers, umbrellas or weapons will be permitted. Fans and residents were told that Bowling Green, Fulton, Brooklyn Bridge, Chambers and Park Place subway stations will be open while Wall Street and City Hall stops will be closed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c8e8197238567832e396 AUGMENTED WORLD EXPO ANNOUNCES 2026 AUGGIE AWARD WINNERS, BEST IN SHOW AND XR HALL OF FAME LEGENDS te 2026-06-18T10:31:04.405Z AUGMENTED WORLD EXPO ANNOUNCES 2026 AUGGIE AWARD WINNERS, BEST IN SHOW AND XR HALL OF FAME LEGENDS AWE Celebrates Innovation and Legacy in a Landmark Year for the XR Industry Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c488197238567832e300 Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras te 2026-06-18T10:12:24.108Z Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras FRISCO, Texas – Austin Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, says he "100%" stands by the judge's decision in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial to keep cameras out of the courtroom. Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court went on the record previously to say the decision was essentially imperative to keep the trial fair. In a sit-down interview with Fox News Digital, Jeff Metcalf said, "You have minors that had to testify. It's hard enough for them because they've witnessed a trauma. They will have permanent memories. I mean they're all in counseling. It was hard enough to watch them get up on the stand and have to testify and be asked the tough questions." Metcalf's son was fatally stabbed in the chest by Anthony at a high school track meet in April 2025. Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. WATCH: Austin Metcalf’s father remembers his son’s childhood Metcalf, who was under a gag order imposed by the judge throughout the trial, said he wants to speak face-to-face with the Anthony family. He said he has yet to hear from the parents of the man who killed his son. JUDGE PRESIDING IN CASE OF SLAIN TEXAS TEEN AUSTIN METCALF TARGETED IN ALLEGED DOXXING HOAX; FBI INVESTIGATING "If they would have taken accountability and showed remorse, I truthfully believe, I don't think he would have got that many years that he received," he said about the Anthony family. WATCH: Austin Metcalf's father says the Anthony family has yet to speak to him Fox News Digital has reached out to the Anthony family for comment. Anthony has since filed a notice of appeal to challenge his conviction. AUSTIN METCALF'S DAD EXPRESSES EMPATHY FOR KARMELO ANTHONY AS KILLER'S PARENTS SAY 'THEY DID A NUMBER ON US' Metcalf has had death threats sent to him and his family, he said. Frisco Police are investigating. In a message to people threatening his family and the Anthony family, Metcalf said, "You're soulless, you don't have compassion or empathy, and I mean, what are you, a sociopath?" He went on to say, "I wish both sides would quit. It's not needed. Both these boys, especially mine, mine's never coming back." AUSTIN METCALF FAMILY FACING THREATS, FINANCIAL STRAIN AS KARMELO ANTHONY FUNDRAISING DRAWS SCRUTINY As for Anthony and his family specifically, Metcalf said, "There's consequences for actions and he got the consequences. But there's no need to dogpile on this other family just because he got convicted." While daily headlines are published about the verdict and trial, Metcalf's home has become a shrine of all things Austin. GOT A TIP? Fox News Digital got an up-close look at a plethora of photos and mementos throughout Metcalf's home. The feeling inside the house is quiet and somber. SLAIN TEXAS TEEN AUSTIN METCALF’S HOME SWATTED HOURS AFTER TENSE PRESS CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN In many of those photos, Austin's twin brother, Hunter, is also seen. FOLLOW US ON X Metcalf said his twin boys were so close they chose to share a bedroom despite plenty of other rooms in his home. They were "attached at the hip," he said. "Hunter is probably the strongest individual I've ever seen in my life. To carry what he has to carry, to do what he did from the death of his brother to this day has shown absolute strength that I don't believe I myself even carry. I couldn't be more proud of him," he said. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Austin was seen as the "big brother" even though the two are twins; Austin was born minutes earlier than Hunter. "Both of them would go back to the [Staley Middle School] and talk to the incoming freshmen about what football is and what it means to play at Memorial and what it's going to take," Metcalf said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS Hunter completed his senior year and recently graduated without his beloved brother by his side. He accepted his brother's posthumous diploma, Metcalf said. The twin boys would have celebrated their 19th birthday together this July. In the fall, Hunter will begin his first year of college. Speaking about Austin and Hunter, Metcalf said "I couldn't ask for a better son, or sons." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c474197238567832e2f7 Trump’s firing power faces twin Supreme Court tests, but one agency may get special treatment te 2026-06-18T10:12:04.636Z Trump’s firing power faces twin Supreme Court tests, but one agency may get special treatment Two high-stakes Supreme Court battles over President Donald Trump's authority to remove federal officials could reshape the balance of power in Washington, but legal experts say the justices may draw a sharp line between the cases. At the center of the debate are Slaughter v. Trump, involving the firing of Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, and Trump v. Cook, involving Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. While both cases touch on presidential removal power, legal scholars say the disputes present fundamentally different legal questions. In Slaughter, the administration is directly challenging statutory restrictions on the president's ability to remove FTC commissioners, arguing that limits on the president's authority to fire commissioners violate his Article II executive powers. But in Cook, the central question is whether Trump met the Federal Reserve Act's "for cause" removal requirement. Trump has argued that Cook's alleged misconduct involving mortgage disclosure documents justified her removal for cause. Catholic University of America law professor Joel Alicea said Solicitor General John Sauer's approach during oral arguments in Slaughter differed significantly from his strategy in Cook. The Trump administration argued in Slaughter that the FTC Act's removal limit — which allows the president to fire commissioners only for reasons such as inefficiency, neglect of duty or misconduct — unconstitutionally restricts the president's Article II authority. "In the Slaughter case, they are making the explicit constitutional argument that it doesn't matter what the statute says, the president gets to fire the FTC commissioners at will," Alicea said. SCOTUS TAKES UP TRUMP’S BID TO FIRE FTC COMMISSIONER AT WILL — A SHOWDOWN THAT COULD TOPPLE 90-YEAR PRECEDENT The administration was far more cautious in Trump v. Cook. "The president's team chose not to raise the constitutional argument in Cook," Alicea explained, suggesting the Court has already indicated that the Federal Reserve presents a distinct set of constitutional issues rooted in historical precedents involving the nation's early banking system. In its recent emergency ruling in Trump v. Wilcox, the Supreme Court allowed removals involving NLRB and Merit Systems Protection Board officials to take effect while the litigation continued.  But the Court rejected the argument that its decision would necessarily call into question the Federal Reserve Board's tenure protections, stating, "we disagree," and explaining that the Federal Reserve is a "uniquely structured, quasi-private entity" with a distinct historical tradition dating back to the First and Second Banks of the United States. SUPREME COURT APPEARS READY TO KEEP LISA COOK ON FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD DESPITE TRUMP EFFORTS TO FIRE HER Many legal experts, including Erin Hawley, chair of Lex Politica's Supreme Court and Appellate Practice, expect the Court to be more receptive to the administration's argument in Slaughter than in Cook, where the Fed's longstanding independence may weigh heavily. "The Supreme Court has signaled that it believes the core function of the Fed — setting monetary policy — be unique in that it has a historical analogue in the First Bank," Hawley told Fox News Digital. "Based on history, that core function may well satisfy constitutional separation of powers." While Hawley noted that the Federal Reserve also engages in rulemaking and other activities that could be characterized as exercises of executive power, the Court is not being asked in Trump v. Cook to decide the broad constitutional validity of the Fed's removal protections in the same way it is being asked to evaluate the FTC's protections in Slaughter. The Cook dispute has also drawn opposition from a bipartisan group of former Federal Reserve chairs, former Treasury secretaries and economists, who warned that allowing presidents greater control over Federal Reserve governors could undermine central-bank independence and create economic instability.  "There is broad consensus among economists, based on decades of macroeconomic research, that a more independent central bank will lead to lower and more stable inflation without creating higher unemployment," a brief filed by a bipartisan group to the Court stated. SUPREME COURT SETS DATE TO HEAR FTC SLAUGHTER CASE IN TEST OF TRUMP'S FIRING POWERS Slaughter v. Trump, meanwhile, has become a major test of the unitary executive theory, the view that Article II gives the president control over officials who exercise executive power. The justices have agreed to consider whether to overrule or narrow the 1935 precedent Humphrey's Executor v. United States, which upheld statutory limits on the president's ability to remove FTC commissioners. "This isn't about Trump's power so much as it is about the power of the president generally — the same authority over the executive branch in this case is going to apply to the next president as well," said Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network. "Indeed, President Biden was very aggressive in using the firing power, and maybe if he had a second term, he would have gotten down to firing this level of officers as well," Severino continued. Another issue emerging from Slaughter concerns the remedies available to courts when an agency head is allegedly removed unlawfully. "The idea that the federal courts get to order the president to reinstate an executive officer he has fired? That's actually a novel question," Alicea said. "It's not something that has been adjudicated before when you're dealing with an agency head." The Court could therefore face not only whether Trump had authority to remove officials but also whether judges possess the power to compel their reinstatement. Critics of expanding presidential removal authority warn that a ruling for Trump in Slaughter could weaken the independence of agencies Congress intentionally insulated from political pressure. CONGRESS EXPANDED THE EXECUTIVE—ONLY FOR TRUMP TO QUASH MUCH OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE Constitutional law expert Robert McWhirter argued that supporters of broader presidential power should consider how that authority might be used by future administrations. "The underlying policy issues to be considered is let's say that you're all pro-Donald Trump and you think he should have that power," McWhirter said. "Well, do you really want to make sure that any president has that power?" McWhirter also defended independent boards as valuable safeguards that remove certain decisions from day-to-day partisan politics. He argued that many executive powers ultimately derive from congressional delegations, giving Congress significant authority to structure agencies as independent entities. "So, if you think about anything, Trump's immigration enforcement policies, he only has that power because Congress passed the Immigration Nationality Act," McWhirter said. "He acts under acts of Congress, delegation of power from Congress, and he has a duty to faithfully execute." Supporters of broader presidential removal power see the issue differently, arguing that the president should have the power to remove heads of independent agencies because they cannot be thrown out by voters in elections. "A ruling for the president in the Slaughter case would be very significant. It would ensure that the president is able to direct and control independent agencies, even those with multi-member heads," Hawley said. "Were the rule otherwise, that would mean that unelected bureaucrats would be calling the shots." "Such a result is not only anti-democratic but inconsistent with the Constitution's allocation of power." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c461197238567832e2ee Prince William refuses to quit hobby that terrifies Kate Middleton: experts te 2026-06-18T10:11:45.181Z Prince William refuses to quit hobby that terrifies Kate Middleton: experts Kate Middleton’s inability to get Prince William to give up riding motorcycles despite her efforts is "something most married couples can definitely relate to," Christopher Andersen, author of "Kate!," told Fox News Digital. "Kate's inability to get her husband to give up an activity he loves is something most married couples can definitely relate to—whether it's smoking, drinking, skydiving, whatever," Andersen said. " On the other hand, William's situation is unique. He is a future head of state.  So if he is injured or worse in a motorcycle accident, far more than just his family is impacted." He added that he finds it a "little ironic that someone whose mother was killed in perhaps the most famous car crash in history would take what seem like unnecessary risks on the road." What has always appealed to the Prince of Wales the most about motorcycles is it "enables him to maintain some degree of anonymity while at the same time bonding with other bikers," Andersen said. PRINCE WILLIAM SHOWS NO DIVA BEHAVIOR AS HE'S FORCED TO GIVE UP WELL-KNOWN HOBBY: EXPERT "He has always gotten a tremendous kick out of pulling up alongside cars at intersections and, while waiting for the light to change, looking over at the other drivers," he added. "‘They have absolutely no idea that it's me beneath the helmet, so they just behave naturally,’ he has said. ‘It's a great feeling for someone like me not being recognized.’" William’s hobby has long "terrified" the Princess of Wales, and dates back to when Princess Diana had go-karts brought to Kensington Palace so he and Prince Harry could speed around the driveway, according to Andersen. Hilary Fordwich, a British royal expert, agreed that "while Princess Catherine has a lot of influence" she "hasn’t been able to squash her husband’s passion for his motorcycle." KATE MIDDLETON'S FRUSTRATION WITH BEING FASHION TRENDSETTER LEADS TO NEW PALACE POLICY "Obviously, like many marriages Prince William listens to his wife and her loving concerns yet yielding fully is a bridge too far, rendering them even more relatable as a regular couple at least in this regard," Fordwich added. "Given all he does for his nation it’s hard to begrudge him this private pleasure. It’s far less destructive than being a philanderer like so many of his predecessors." Andersen added that "hiding under a helmet" gives William a "sense of freedom, and I think Kate understands that. It's a form of escape, especially for someone who is so famous and under so much pressure 24–7." William got two of the most powerful motorcycles at the time — a Yamaha R1 and a Honda CBR 1100XX Blackbird — in 2006 that could reach speeds of more than 160 mph. PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON MOVE TO FOREST LODGE DESPITE PREVIOUS PRIVACY AND SAFETY CONCERNS "After watching him tear across the countryside churning up dust while his Royal Protection officers tried to keep up, Kate begged William to be more careful," Andersen said. "Queen Elizabeth shared Kate's concern and asked Charles to persuade her grandson to give up motorcycles altogether." The late queen once told a motorcyclist during a walkabout: "Prince William rides them and it frightens me," Andersen said. "’Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous," William once conceded, "but so can lots of things. My father is concerned that I'm into motorbikes but he doesn't want to keep me wrapped up in cotton wool. So you might as well live if you're going to live,’" he said. KATE MIDDLETON WAS GIVEN CHAINSAW FOR CHRISTMAS, SHOWS OFF HOME IMPROVEMENT SKILLS ON ROYAL TRIP For a time after William first became a father, Middleton appeared to make "some headway" into getting him to stop riding, Andersen said. "Of course at the time, William was an air ambulance pilot busy rescuing hikers stranded in the mountains and plucking heart attack victims from offshore oil platforms," Andersen explained. "One can assume that risky job was enough to satisfy his need to confront danger.  Given all the mayhem he witnessed on the roads—one of his main responsibilities was to transport people badly injured or killed in auto accidents to hospitals and morgues—one might think William might have had more than enough excitement for one lifetime." He added, "Don't forget—William is 43, has been in the same relationship for 25 years, and if that doesn't scream male midlife crisis, I don't know what does." KATE MIDDLETON HAILED AS THE MONARCHY'S 'SAVING GRACE' AFTER CANCER BATTLE TRANSFORMED HER ROYAL ROLE: EXPERTS He said that Middleton isn’t likely to tolerate any of her three children: Prince George, 12; Princess Charlotte, 11; Prince Louis, 8; taking up motorcycles any time soon. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "That said, I doubt very much if she would stand in the way of any of her children who wanted to play polo, another somewhat risky sport that the royal family has always embraced." The 44-year-old princess also has her own hobbies, cold water swimming, Padel, a racquet sport, and scuba diving, all of which William joins her in — although Fordwich said he thinks the cold plungers are a little "bonkers."  LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "If he objects to anything, it is the way Kate and the rest of the Middletons play board games," he said. "Kate's parents and siblings are highly competitive, and things get so heated he often excuses himself from the action to ‘go walk the dog.’" Last week, William toured Norfolk Blood Bikes, a charity that transports blood, breast milk and medical supplies to support the U.K.’s National Health Service. "I love bikes. I do still ride now and again, quietly," William said while looking at the bikes owned by the charity, People magazine reported, adding that the prince donated a bike to the charity last year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c44d197238567832e2e5 Jeff Bezos reportedly told Trump the Washington Post was his ‘worst investment’ before staff cuts te 2026-06-18T10:11:25.733Z Jeff Bezos reportedly told Trump the Washington Post was his ‘worst investment’ before staff cuts Amazon founder Jeff Bezos told then-President-elect Donald Trump at a December 2024 dinner that The Washington Post was his "worst investment" months before he authorized sweeping staff cuts at the newspaper, according to a forthcoming book by New York Times journalists Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman. Bezos reportedly vented to Trump about the people running the Post's business side after the newspaper lost more than $100 million that year. "The people there are terrible," Bezos told Trump, according to an excerpt obtained by The California Post. The book, "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," claimed Bezos contrasted the Post with his other companies while telling Trump that newspaper leaders were not following his direction. TRUMP CLAIMS BEZOS FRETTED TO HIM ABOUT 'OUT OF CONTROL' PEOPLE AT WASHINGTON POST "They don’t listen. My other companies, they listen," Bezos said. Trump, who had repeatedly criticized the Post's coverage of him, complained directly to Bezos about the newspaper during the dinner, according to the book. "This Washington Post is really unfair. You’ve got to take better care," Trump told Bezos. Swan and Haberman wrote that Bezos and Trump found common ground over their complaints about the paper, although they were frustrated for different reasons. WASHINGTON POST'S TOP EDITOR BACKS JEFF BEZOS AS CRITICS LASH OUT OVER STRUGGLING PAPER'S LAYOFFS "Bezos commiserated with Trump over their December dinner, indicating that he, too, was deeply frustrated with the Post, though for a different reason," the authors wrote. Trump told the authors that he had once believed Bezos personally controlled the Post’s coverage during his first administration. "He said they write stories about him. And I didn’t believe him the first time, first term. And I hated him for it," Trump said. "And then I believed him." The book said Trump claimed Bezos told him that buying the Post had cost him friendships, though the authors wrote that Bezos later said people close to him had urged him to sell the newspaper. BACKLASH BUILDS AGAINST BEZOS AS NON-ENDORSEMENT SPARKS HUGE SURGE IN CANCELLATIONS The dinner came after the Post withheld an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, a decision that prompted subscriber cancellations and internal backlash. Bezos defended the move in an October 2024 opinion piece, saying presidential endorsements hurt media credibility. "Presidential endorsements do nothing to tip the scales of an election," Bezos wrote. "What presidential endorsements actually do is create a perception of bias." In February 2025, Bezos announced that the Post’s opinion section would focus on "personal liberties and free markets," and the Post reported that opinion editor David Shipley resigned after the shift. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets," Bezos wrote in a note to staff. The Post laid off one-third of its staff in February 2026, eliminating its sports section, books coverage and several foreign bureaus, according to the Associated Press. "We can’t be everything to everyone," executive editor Matt Murray told staff in a note. A Washington Post spokesperson declined to comment to The New York Post. Will Lewis, the paper’s former publisher and CEO, stepped down days after the layoffs. Jeff D’Onofrio, the Post’s chief financial officer, was named interim CEO and publisher. Fox News Digital reached out to The Washington Post for comment, but did not immediately hear back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c43a197238567832e2d7 From #MeToo to Maine? Dem experts weigh in on how Platner's rise tests party standards: 'Pulling the plug' te 2026-06-18T10:11:06.274Z From #MeToo to Maine? Dem experts weigh in on how Platner's rise tests party standards: 'Pulling the plug' Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner's scandal-plagued rise is causing rifts within the Democratic Party, and several Democratic strategists who spoke to Fox News Digital warned of the long-term implications of the party embracing him. "Anyone paying attention to the intersection of culture and politics knows that my party pushed #MeToo well beyond the bounds of common sense long before Graham Platner's rise," Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to first lady Jill Biden, said about whether the #MeToo movement rings hollow within the party now that top Democrats have rallied behind Platner. "But the reflexive partisan instinct to circle the wagons around him is the political equivalent of pulling the plug on whatever credibility Democrats had left as the self-appointed champions of women." "If the standards disappear the moment they're politically inconvenient, they were never standards at all." JONATHAN TURLEY: WHEN JOURNALISTS WHINE ABOUT #METOO, THEY DON’T MEAN PLATNER, TOO Former adviser to President Bill Clinton and Democratic strategist Doug Schoen argued that Democrats are choosing power and Senate control over serious concerns about Platner's past, and that could hurt them in 2028. "In the short term, for some Democrats, those on the progressive left, it's the right decision, a practical decision," Schoen said. "To me, it's a very sad one and certainly undermines the moral legitimacy of the Democratic Party as a whole." "Certainly, I think they've left themselves vulnerable vis-à-vis Platner's extreme left-wing positions, his toxicity as a person, the issues with relationships, arguably lying about his Nazi tattoo," Schoen said. "I certainly think this creates issues for the Democrats where none needed to exist." Platner has denied allegations from former girlfriends who told The New York Times that he discussed rape fantasies, drank heavily and had violent episodes, while also facing mounting criticism over sexually explicit messages allegedly sent to women shortly after getting married, a Nazi-linked tattoo and online comments mocking a Purple Heart veteran. Despite new controversies emerging days before Maine’s Democratic Senate primary, Graham Platner won with more primary votes than any Democrat in state history.  Democratic strategist Mally Smith told Fox News Digital he doesn't believe that the Platner campaign is necessarily the "death" of the #MeToo movement, but that Democrats who have "more fully embraced" his campaign are "going to have some trouble when it comes to making the case on the Epstein files or any general claims of believe all women." "So maybe Democrats don't have the advantage on the issue anymore, but I would say that it's not like Republicans have an advantage either," Smith added. "I think voters are just gonna say, well, both parties are willing to live with the baggage of their candidates." Looking ahead to 2028, LaRosa said that Democrats could be haunted by their ties to Platner for years. "If he wins, you'll still have to explain why you stood with him," LaRosa said. "If he loses, you'll have nothing to show for it except the association. Either way, he's someone you'll be answering for." Smith explained Platner's rise by citing voters that are "unhappy with the status quo" to the point where there's an "element, whether it's Republican voters supporting President Donald Trump or Democratic voters supporting Graham Platner in Maine, where they say these elites attacking him is actually evidence that he's on the right track." For others, the controversies are still too big for voters to ignore. LaRosa said that voters "reward guts, not willful blindness" when judging a candidate with Nazi imagery tattooed on his chest, adding that the Democratic leaders are lacking that same "courage." DEMOCRATS BREAK WITH SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER, WARN OF 'CIVIL WAR' IN PARTY "We look pretty vapid, unprincipled and hypocritical to look the other way when it comes to any candidate accused of any level of violence against women just because it is politically inconvenient," LaRosa said. "Never again should voters trust us or take our moral arguments seriously. Principles only mean something when they're applied across the board, even when it's politically uncomfortable." For over a decade, Democrats have used the "Nazi" attack line against President Donald Trump, but have nevertheless mostly rallied around Platner, despite the Nazi imagery tattooed on his body for 18 years. "They’re seeing all of these lunatics, like the guy in Maine...for ten years they’ve been calling me a 'Nazi,' and now they have a Nazi running. He’s got a tattoo on him," President Trump said during a Thursday news conference. Schoen argued Democrats have now weakened their case against Republican scandals, pointing to Texas Attorney General and Senate candidate Ken Paxton. "For every criticism that they level at Ken Paxton in Texas, they will be greeted by criticism of Graham Platner in Maine, which to me makes their job more difficult," Schoen said. Smith made a similar point, saying both parties are dealing with candidates causing "their own version of heartburn" that can be used against them politically. Trump-backed Paxton prevailed in the primary against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, after he was impeached by the Texas House, a federal investigation into allegations that he abused his office to aid a donor and cheating allegations. LaRosa said the "uncomfortable truth" is that Democrats have reduced Platner to a simple political equation, viewing him as "just another number, another vote, another seat, another data point on a spreadsheet" instead of focusing on whether he is the right person for the job. PLATNER CONTROVERSIES FUEL SPECULATION ABOUT LITTLE-KNOWN MAINE BALLOT REPLACEMENT PROVISION November may provide a clearer test, Schoen said. He said Platner's victory does not mean he shed his political baggage, adding Platner has left the party to grapple with problems "where none needed to exist." "With Graham Platner, there are literally immediate, multiple sources of concern that are ongoing, and it isn't clear to me that he will necessarily survive and succeed," Schoen said. Ultimately, Smith said that Maine voters will be focused on the economy and that concerns about Platner will likely only be a major issue within the state rather than nationwide. "Voters are unhappy with the economy, and I think most people are going to be voting on whether they believe the economy is better than when Trump was inaugurated, and the answer to that is a resounding no," Smith said. "So I think as much as news stations like to talk about Graham Platner and what this means for Democrats overall, or vice versa, Ken Paxton and Republicans overall, most voters are not going to think about Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo outside of Maine. So I think this is more of a localized Maine problem." Fox News Digital reached out to the Platner campaign for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b86a197238567832dbc5 She Saw Her Skydiving Plane Burn. Would She Jump Again? te 2026-06-18T09:20:42.934Z She Saw Her Skydiving Plane Burn. Would She Jump Again? Lacy Reynolds was waiting to catch the next flight when the aircraft crashed in Butler, Mo., killing 11 passengers and a pilot. She wasn’t sure she could keep skydiving. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b857197238567832dbbc Why Extreme Sports Enthusiasts Keep Jumping After a String of Tragedies te 2026-06-18T09:20:23.485Z Why Extreme Sports Enthusiasts Keep Jumping After a String of Tragedies Often considered thrill seekers looking for the next adrenaline hit, participants say they’re actually drawn to control and a sense of time slowing down. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b678197238567832db6b America’s chip advantage is essential to protecting the American Dream te 2026-06-18T09:12:24.782Z America’s chip advantage is essential to protecting the American Dream The Senate Banking Committee convened a hearing June 11 around a question that cuts to the core of American competitiveness and the American Dream: Can the United States ensure that rapid advances in artificial intelligence support "innovation, affordability, and American dominance?" Those three goals are inseparable, and they all hinge on a single variable: ensuring that the world’s most advanced chips stay in American hands and out of China’s. President Ronald Reagan understood this logic during the Cold War, when his administration moved aggressively to deny the Soviet Union access to cutting-edge Western technology — not because the Soviets lacked talent, but because denying them the tools was itself a strategic weapon. The same principle applies today. Indiana Republican Sen. Jim Banks and Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast understand the stakes. The "AI Overwatch Act" they are advancing in the House and Senate is the right answer. China already has world-class AI talent fielding competitive models. However, it lacks reliable access to the highest-end chips, a gap that keeps Beijing behind. The AI Overwatch Act codifies the prohibition on exporting our most advanced chips to China — making permanent a policy the Trump administration has enforced and that must outlast any single administration. TRUMP’S CHINA THAW LEAVES TAIWAN DECISION LOOMING AS EX-NBA STAR WARNS ISLAND HOLDS KEY TO US AI RACE It would create a simple test, ensuring sales will not strengthen an adversary’s military, intelligence, surveillance or cyber capabilities and would not erode our technological lead. Importantly, it would also fast-track trusted exports to allies and partners, so that we could export the full American AI stack to friends who gain access to top-tier capability, while ownership and oversight would stay with the United States. The measures are not just common sense — they are the precondition for every goal the Senate Banking Committee named. Export controls on chips are vital but not sufficient given the scale of China’s effort to overtake the United States. China’s parallel path to closing the gap is building advanced chips domestically, which is why Sens. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and Andy Kim, D-N.J., introduced the bipartisan and bicameral "Match Act." HOW US CEOS QUIETLY TEAMED UP WITH TRUMP TO GAIN LEVERAGE OVER CHINA The bill bars the sale and servicing of the most essential chipmaking tools to facilities in China, locks restrictions on Huawei, SMIC and other Chinese Communist Party-linked chipmakers into law and presses our allies to align their own export controls so that American toolmakers aren’t simply undercut by foreign competitors selling Beijing the same equipment. Together, the Overwatch and Match Acts close both doors: China can neither buy our best chips nor buy the tools to make them.  Start with innovation. In April, the White House accused China of running industrial-scale campaigns to copy American frontier models, using tens of thousands of fraudulent accounts and jailbreaking techniques to siphon proprietary capabilities and release cheaper knockoffs stripped of the safeguards our companies build in. Beijing is already pilfering our AI advantage because it cannot yet train frontier models at scale without our hardware. To hand Beijing our hardware advantage on top of that would be unilateral disarmament, allowing state-subsidized Chinese firms to match American products at a lower price and box our companies out of global markets just like they have done in solar, steel and electric vehicles. You do not protect an innovation lead by selling your rival the engine — or the factory that builds it. CHINESE MONEY REPORTEDLY TIED TO AI DATA CENTER OPPOSITION Then there is affordability. The dividend of AI leadership is supposed to land here at home, in new industries, good jobs and the broad prosperity that makes the American Dream attainable. That dividend disappears the moment we hand Beijing the tools to undercut us. I have spoken with executives across multiple sectors who understand that the AI supply chain and compute infrastructure — chips, fabs, data centers and the energy to run them — have become the new industrial base. America’s technology advantage is the engine of that prosperity. Losing it is not an abstraction — it is lost jobs, lost leverage and a dimmer American Dream. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION And there is dominance. The country that leads in the most capable models, the chips that train them, and the energy to run them will set global standards and decide whose values are embedded in the defining technology of this century. That is the line between AI that serves a free people and AI that powers a surveillance state. President Donald Trump’s AI Action Plan names the stakes plainly, calling it imperative that America and its allies win this race, and the current administration has held the line by keeping our most capable chips out of China and tightening enforcement against those who try to route them there anyway. There is no doubt China recognizes that compute power is the bottleneck in this race. In March, federal prosecutors in New York charged three people tied to the server maker Super Micro, including a co-founder, with diverting roughly $2.5 billion in Nvidia-powered servers to China through a front company in Southeast Asia, using falsified paperwork and dummy units to fool both internal compliance teams and federal inspectors. The Super Micro prosecution is only the most recent proof that Beijing will not stop trying. China is running a long game — economic, cyber and intelligence operations aimed at closing the gap we have spent decades building. The United States must run a longer one. America’s chip advantage is not just a technology story; it is the foundation of the American Dream — the engine of the industries, the jobs and the national power that make self-governance worth defending. By passing the Overwatch and Match Acts, Congress can turn a fragile policy advantage into durable American law. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b665197238567832db62 MORNING GLORY: GOP’s top job now is rebuilding America’s defenses fast te 2026-06-18T09:12:05.327Z MORNING GLORY: GOP’s top job now is rebuilding America’s defenses fast The single, most urgent priority of the House and Senate GOP ought to be passing Reconciliation 3.0 and thus funding not just President Donald Trump’s request of $1.5 trillion, but also the out-years when a likely Democratic majority in either the House or the Senate will not support the military we must have and especially address the munitions gap the battle with Iran has exposed.  The United States simply does not have the stockpile of interceptors we need in the age of missiles and drones. Whatever the definition of a "crash program" is, that definition ought to be put aside in favor of something far more ambitious.  We need enough interceptors for our own stockpiles, as well as enough for our allies in Israel, the Gulf States and Taiwan. Our Arab allies will pay cash on the barrel. From Israel, we should expect ongoing and expanding cooperation between the robust defense industry of the Jewish state and the Pentagon’s acquisition process. Taiwan already has a backlog of orders waiting to be filled.  US DRAINS CRITICAL MISSILE STOCKPILES IN IRAN WAR AS YEARSLONG REBUILD LOOMS "Our procurement system is not designed for serious war fighting," Dr. Eliot A. Cohen told Aaron MacLean on the latter’s recent edition of the "School of War podcast. "You can see in this conflict the consequences of having had effortless superiority for a long time," Cohen added. Dean Cohen is the 9th Dean of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University and a widely admired national security strategist and former Counselor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during the second term of President George W. Bush.  Cohen was an original "Never Trumper" who admits in this podcast his regret at having been so absolutist in his opposition to President Trump, but does not relent in an objective assessment of the battle with Iran to date.  Give the entire episode a listen but focus on the quotes above.  We have enjoyed complete air superiority in every conflict since the start of the First Gulf War. That era is over because of missiles and drones. We could not suppress enough of Iran’s firepower to protect our Arab allies' infrastructure on land or ships passing through the Strait. Perhaps we did not try hard enough to do so, but after demolishing the remnants of the nuclear weapons program still left standing after 2025’s Operation Midnight Hammer as well as obliterating more than 75% of the defense industrial base of the Islamic Republic via tens of thousands of strikes by American and Israeli forces, the equation changed to favor the pause in kinetic battle envisioned by the MOU.  (I expect the negotiations to extend at least past November’s elections. It is very reasonable to expect a return to combat similar to Richard Nixon’s order for the Christmas Bombings of 1972 following Henry Kissinger’s declaration that "peace was at hand" in October of that year. If the junta atop the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps does not, in fact, deliver on the destruction or removal of all of their enriched uranium as well as inspection and destruction of Pickaxe mountain, I expect the battle to resume.) In the meantime, we have to surge more defensive capabilities to our allies in the Gulf and Israel while also preparing our own military to open and keep open the Strait for as long as Iran attempts to close it in the future. That’s an expensive proposition. The good news is that innovations in technology are surging through the West’s defense industries, including Ukraine’s, Israel’s and our own. But, Congress must send the unmistakable demand signal of the enormous uptick in spending and double or triple down on that signal with out-year appropriations just as it has just done with the Department of Homeland Security.  This is actually the most important reveal of the 40 days of combat beginning on February 28 and the week of renewed hostilities after Iran hit our Apache helicopter. (The second burst of combat should have told the Iranians that they will receive ten times back for every blow they attempt to land during the talks.) CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION But while the American negotiators are at the (likely fruitless) effort to pin down Iranian negotiators on an actual disarmament and denuclearization plan, House and Senate Republicans have to put aside every home-grown and long-held belief about the size and nature of military spending.  They have to act in the national interest and at a pace we have rarely seen in Congress. Just as the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on Senator Susan Collins and (then) Senator Marco Rubio to rush the Paycheck Protection Plan through the process surrounding the emergency response to COVID-19 that was the CARES Act that was passed by Congress on March 25, 2020, and signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020, so now Leader Thune should task Senator Collins and another senior senator or two to blitz the problems revealed by the battle with Iran and get the heavy lifting in defense spending for the balance of the Trump presidency done in weeks — not months or through "regular order." What has been revealed by the collision with Iran is that "regular order" will not do for this moment. We have had an enormous, consequential "reveal" about America’s military strengths, but also about our weaknesses and the gaps in our own and our allies’ defense.  Leader Thune, can rely on the trio of Collins Cotton and Wicker or others to come up with the design for Reconciliation 3.0, and Speaker Johnson can rely on their counterparts in the House. There is no mystery as to what they have to do if they want to provide for the common defense. It will be an enormous failure if a Republican House and Senate miss their moment to provide for that defense at least through the end of 2028.   Hugh Hewitt is a Fox News contributor and host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show" heard weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. ET on the Salem Radio Network and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hugh drives Americans home on the East Coast and to lunch on the West Coast on over 400 affiliates nationwide and on all the streaming platforms where SNC can be seen. He is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel’s news roundtable, hosted by Bret Baier weekdays at 6 p.m. ET. A son of Ohio and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, Hewitt has been a Professor of Law at Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law since 1996, where he teaches Constitutional Law. Hewitt launched his eponymous radio show from Los Angeles in 1990. Hewitt has frequently appeared on every major national news television network, hosted television shows for PBS and MSNBC, written for every major American paper, has authored a dozen books and moderated a score of Republican candidate debates, most recently the November 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four Republican presidential debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt focuses his radio show and his column on the Constitution, national security, American politics and the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. Hewitt has interviewed tens of thousands of guests, from Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump over his 40 years in broadcasting. This column previews the lead story that will drive his radio/ TV show today. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM HUGH HEWITT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b651197238567832db59 Democrats want us to focus on Graham Platner’s policies. He fails Maine there, too te 2026-06-18T09:11:45.869Z Democrats want us to focus on Graham Platner’s policies. He fails Maine there, too Now that Graham Platner is officially the Democratic Party’s chosen candidate to face Sen. Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins this November, his campaign staff and the far-left establishment that back him will undoubtedly spend the next five months trying to contain the fallout from his personal history. They will ask voters to look past the domestic abuse allegations, the rhetoric glorifying political violence, the racially charged comments and the Nazi tattoo. They will argue that those controversies are distractions and urge Mainers to focus instead on the issues facing our state. As a Republican serving in the Maine House, I wholeheartedly agree. Because when Mainers look beyond the colorful Platner headlines and turn their focus to his policies, they will find an extreme version of the same progressive agenda that has already made life harder for working families across our state. GOP LAWMAKER WARNS VOTERS THAT PLATNER'S 'EXTREME' POLICIES JUST AS CONCERNING AS HIS BAGGAGE: 'STAY AWAY' The past eight years of Democrat leadership in the capital of Augusta have created a cost-of-living crisis where nearly half of Mainers struggle to make ends meet. In just eight years, the state budget has nearly doubled from $6.7 billion to $12 billion while Mainers have been hit with 32 new or higher taxes and fees to pay for it. Platner’s answer to the rising cost of living is even more taxes. And not just one or two targeted increases. No, his plan includes an entire platform built around new wealth taxes, higher taxes on investment income, expanded payroll taxes, new federally funded programs and a dramatically larger role for Washington in managing the economy. As wealth flees the state under this oppressive tax model, more middle-class Mainers will be stuck paying the difference.  Another reason Maine has become so expensive is energy. Maine ratepayers pay 63% more for electricity than the average American, in large part because of Augusta Democrats’ relentless push for energy policies that force consumers to subsidize unreliable wind and solar, regardless of cost. Those subsidies alone add $275 a year to the average household’s electricity bill, with ratepayers also on the hook for the expensive grid investments needed to support them. WASH POST EDITORIAL BOARD ACCUSES MAINE PROGRESSIVE GRAHAM PLATNER OF OFFERING VOTERS 'FANTASTICAL SOLUTIONS' In lockstep with the progressive fringe, Platner wants more of these Green New Deal-style mandates, which have already resulted in higher costs and less reliable energy not only in Maine, but also in states across the country. In healthcare, Platner’s answer to challenges largely created by government overreach and years of unchecked MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program) expansion is even more government-run healthcare. Today, Maine taxpayers are funding nearly twice as many MaineCare enrollees as they were a decade ago, the predictable result of years of expansion pushed by politicians who insist government-run healthcare is the answer. It clearly is not. Access to healthcare has only deteriorated under this system. Thirteen of Maine’s 16 counties are federally designated healthcare shortage areas, thanks to overreaching government regulations like Certificate of Need laws that allow government regulators to block new facilities and services. In education, Augusta’s policies have led to Maine spending more than ever at roughly $26,000 per pupil. And yet, the state ranks 41st nationally in K-12 education, with reading and math scores at their lowest levels in three decades. Maine families are left with no recourse because state Democrats, the majority party responsible for those outcomes, refuse to support school choice. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Platner’s answer to our failing schools is unsurprisingly more power for the same education establishment that produced those failures in the first place, and less power for families whose kids need real alternatives. Platner’s policy platform is simply a continuation, and in many cases a more radical version, of the same policies that have burdened Mainers for the better part of a decade. Those unhappy with the cost of living, energy bills, healthcare and education in Maine will find little comfort in Platner’s agenda. On nearly every major issue, he calls for more of the same policies that helped create these problems in the first place. That is the debate Maine voters should be having. Yes, Graham Platner’s controversies raise serious questions about his judgment and fitness for office. But the question before voters is not only whether they approve of his personal conduct. It is whether they believe the policies that have produced Maine’s current challenges at home deserve to be elevated to the United States Senate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b63e197238567832db50 US State Department warns Americans of growing security risks in historic region te 2026-06-18T09:11:26.414Z US State Department warns Americans of growing security risks in historic region American travelers in the Middle East are being urged to stay alert as U.S. officials warn that security conditions remain volatile across the region, even as Washington, D.C., and Tehran move toward a tentative agreement aimed at easing the latest crisis. The warning comes as U.S. officials describe a draft agreement with Iran that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, allow some Iranian oil sales to resume and restart talks over Tehran’s nuclear program, as Fox News Digital has reported — developments that could ease some travel and energy disruptions if the deal holds. The agreement, however, remains uncertain. U.S. officials said Iran has not publicly released the draft language, and the arrangement would still leave major questions unresolved, including broader nuclear limits, sanctions relief and whether the pause in hostilities can hold. AMERICAN TRAPPED IN DUBAI DESCRIBES HOTEL FRIGHT AND ‘SHOCK WAVES’ AS IRAN LAUNCHES AIRSTRIKES Even with the potential diplomatic movement, U.S. officials are still urging Americans abroad to exercise increased caution, warning that airspace closures, demonstrations and threats to locations associated with the United States could disrupt travel with little notice. In an early June security alert, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said the security environment in the Middle East remains "complex" and could change quickly, urging Americans in the region to monitor breaking developments. The embassy said the State Department’s Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning remains in place for Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen, while Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisories remain in place for Bahrain, Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The latest diplomatic movement could affect travelers because the Strait of Hormuz has been a major flashpoint in the region.  MIDDLE EAST CRUISE NIGHTMARE DEEPENS AS IRAN AIRSTRIKES LEAVE PASSENGERS STRANDED U.S. officials said the draft agreement would allow toll-free passage through the strait for 60 days, while sanctions waivers would allow Iranian oil sales to resume temporarily, as Fox News Digital previously reported. The advisories cover countries that are home to major cultural and tourist destinations, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Persepolis in Iran, Babylon in Iraq, Palmyra in Syria and the Old City of Sana'a in Yemen to popular stops in Level 3 countries, including Petra in Jordan, Jerusalem's Old City and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. "Be aware of your surroundings," the alert warned.  "Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Americans in the affected countries were also urged to avoid areas with a heavy police presence, follow the instructions of local authorities and "keep a low profile." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The State Department also advises Americans abroad to follow alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, confirm flights and routes directly with airlines and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, to receive security updates. Notably, the release did not mention Egypt or Turkey, which both sit at Level 2, according to the State Department's website. The warning is one of many issued by U.S. officials regarding travel this season. In April, U.S. officials advised Americans to reconsider traveling to Azerbaijan, a growing destination for adventure and cultural tourism. The country borders Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. The same month, the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago warned Americans to reconsider travel to the Caribbean nation. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Authorities say the Trinidad and Tobago advisory was spurred by "a spike in violent criminal activity that could threaten public safety." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b62a197238567832db47 Former prosecutor Adam Levy sends warning for Knicks parade safety after NYC chaos te 2026-06-18T09:11:06.965Z Former prosecutor Adam Levy sends warning for Knicks parade safety after NYC chaos The New York Knicks may have won the NBA Championships, but Judge Adam Levy said the celebrations went too far when the city descended into chaos and violence. Some Knicks fans in New York City responded to their team’s win by lighting school buses on fire, climbing scaffolding, light poles and statues, and getting violent. Witnesses reported gunshots in Times Square that the NYPD told Fox News Digital left a 17-year-old wounded. The New York Police Department also had their hands full a few nights before, when the Knicks pulled off the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history. They arrested several people on charges stemming from a watch party gone wild in Bryant Park. Levy, the son of Judge Judith Sheindlin who will soon be starring in the new show "Adam’s Law," said enough is enough, noting that the law-abiding citizens were the ones most impacted by Saturday's onslaught. TEEN SHOT IN TIMES SQUARE AS KNICKS CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATIONS TURN CHAOTIC "Well, I would focus on the thousands of fans who celebrated peacefully," Levy told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "So the vast majority of people who went to watch the game in New York City when the Knicks won were peaceful. They celebrated. And that's the way it's supposed to be. They took pictures, they hugged strangers, and they went home. They were raised to understand the difference between celebration and destruction. The minority, a very small number of individuals, are the ones that the NYPD and prosecutors should be focusing on." Sixty-three individuals were arrested in Saturday’s postgame disorder. Levy hoped they'll face swift justice. "And out of that 63, the prosecutors should be focusing on the repeat offenders to dedicate their resources against," he said. "There should be nobody at this point - none of the 63 should walk away with a slap on their wrist." JUDGE JUDY HAS SCATHING MESSAGE FOR CITIES ENGULFED IN BRAZEN CRIME, PINPOINTS 'RIDICULOUS' POLICIES Levy said there are a number of factors that could have contributed to the lawless environment, starting at home. "I say that the fish stinks from the head down and that when I say that, it's not just one group, it's just not one fish," he said. "You have parents who failed their kids. You have schools that failed the kids and you get the government who failed - when I say kids, I mean the rioters - and the government failed them. It's a trifecta, that parents for whatever reason are failing to teach morality in the home, responsibility in the home. Schools are focused on things other than reinforcing that. And the government is most certainly responsible for looking the other way and putting law-abiding citizens' safety and lives at risk, by failing to enforce and prosecute those who violate the law. And the results are exactly what you see with these 63 nutballs." Levy, a former district attorney in New York’s Putnam County, has plenty of experience with criminals. "Twelve years I defended knuckleheads like this," he said. "And for 13 years, I prosecuted them. So I know the difference between just stupid mischievous kids, and those who really need a swift kick in the a--. And who needs a weight of the criminal justice system weighing over them. So, they don't become hardened criminals. It's not rocket science." Levy warned that authority figures need to remember to lay down the law and not be too concerned with being cool or of the potential fallout of doing their jobs properly. "And when you have people in charge - when you have parents and school personnel and government officials who want to be the kid's friend, who are afraid of being called names by, you know, by members of the public who completely have a wrong view of parenting and schooling and teaching and government's responsibility to protect law-abiding citizens. When you have those people who are afraid of getting called names. You know, 'You're a, you're a Nazi. You're, you know, you want to throw everybody in jail.' It's not, and refusing to make excuses for the kids. 'It's not their fault, it's their environment. It's not their fault, they had a tough upbringing. It's not their fault.' It's got to stop." JUDGE JUDY WEIGHS IN ON THE DEBATE OVER RAISING CHILDREN: 'YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE FRIENDS' Levy's mom, who starred on "Judge Judy" for 25 seasons, had similar advice for parents in a 2024 Fox News Digital interview. "Parents sometimes run into trouble when they say, 'we just want to be our kids' buddy,'" she said. "But children require rules, just as the adults do. I mean, the country is in the state it's in now because the rules get blurred." "And if you don't, then this is the result," Levy said of those potentially shirking responsibility in the Big Apple. "I mean, to think of all the tens of thousands of people that were there that behave themselves, that came from the very same backgrounds as these knuckleballs, as these knuckleheads, who got arrested. How is it that 99.9% of everybody else there is able to follow the law, is able to celebrate peacefully, but these people aren't? And by simply giving them a slap on the wrist... Sends the wrong message to them and others who are going to look at how they were treated and just engage in similar conduct. Repeat, you know, they're going to do the same thing at the next celebration." And the next celebration has already arrived. Thursday marks the Knicks victory parade through New York City, giving Levy pause that the scenes will be similar to Saturday. "I'm concerned for the people who are going down there, the law-abiding citizens who want to go down with their families, with their children, and to celebrate their team's win," he said. "Because they're the ones directly placed at risk by parents who refuse to parent, schools who refuse teach, and government officials who refuse to hold people accountable when they break the law. That's the problem." The politicians, he noted, don’t usually have to deal with the mayhem. "The government officials, they're not standing in the crowds," he noted. "Government officials are nice, they're separated, they're safely away, looking from elevated platforms. They're not going to get hit in the head with a bottle. They're not going to be stabbed in the back by some crazy person. They're not going to have their bags stolen, because they're safe." "Put the politicians with the regular people, force them to co-mingle, force them to feel unsafe," he continued. "Force them to think twice about bringing their own children, for fear that their children will get trampled, set on fire, stabbed, shot. Because it's not until that happens that politicians will change. Every politician has a plan, until they get punched in the face or until their child gets punched in the face." Levy’s new show "Adam’s Law," from CBS Media Ventures, will premiere on in national syndication on Sept. 14. The show is produced by Judy Sheindlin’s Queen Bee Productions. Levy previously starred on Amazon's reality court show "Tribunal Justice." Fox News' Hanna Panreck contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33a603197238567832cef9 Judge Orders Maricopa County Supervisors, Recorder Into Settlement Talks Over Election Powers te 2026-06-18T08:02:11.025Z Judge Orders Maricopa County Supervisors, Recorder Into Settlement Talks Over Election Powers By Staff Reporter | A court has ordered Maricopa County officials to participate in a settlement conference next week to determine election powers. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney issued the order in response to Recorder Justin Heap’s request for contempt sanctions against the board.  The settlement conference is scheduled for Monday, June 22. The contempt hearing will remain scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 unless the board of supervisors and recorder resolve their dispute.  In the order issued last week announcing the contempt hearing, Blaney stated that the supervisors would be required to explain their “willful, continuing, and escalating noncompliance” with his order to restore certain election responsibilities, personnel, and technology to Heap.  Heap says the board has failed to return resources to include IT personnel, servers, databases, and websites, as well as refused to authorize the use of state and federal funds. The superior court ordered the board of supervisors to restore those resources to Heap back in April.  The board has refused to comply. They say the ruling would cause problems with the administration of the upcoming primary and general elections. “[T]he ruling creates more confusion than clarity,” said the board. “The Board of Supervisors has purchased equipment and planned to provide tabulation of early ballots in the 2026 Primary and General Elections. However, the ruling calls into question who is responsible for overseeing and executing this option for voters.” Instead, the board has established an independent resource page to provide “just the facts” about the ongoing lawsuit and the Shared Services Agreement (SSA) negotiations that determine the distribution of election authority between the recorder and board.  SSAs distinguish election responsibilities between the board and recorder. Heap’s predecessor, Stephen Richer, coordinated with the prior board of supervisors to reduce the recorder’s scope of responsibilities in his final months in office in 2024.  The board appealed the superior court ruling with the Arizona Court of Appeals last month.  The board maintains that it has “consistently negotiated in good faith” with Heap. Several efforts to settle on a new SSA have failed. The board claims that Heap has made inconsistent demands and “at least twice” rejected their proposed new SSAs.  Also last week, a months-old incident involving employees within the recorder’s office resurfaced following a public announcement by Heap. Heap accused the board of retaliation over a criminal investigation into two of his employees for alleged theft of election equipment. Board Chair Kate Brophy McGee accused Heap of perpetuating “a parade of falsehoods, misrepresentations and strawmen.” The board responded that Heap’s employees had no right to remove and later return an envelope scanner from the Maricopa County Election and Tabulation Center during the Tempe Jurisdictional Election. According to the board, that equipment was replaced due to the alleged security compromise.  NEW: Chair @KateMcGeeAZ responds to latest falsehoods from Recorder @azjustinheap 1/2 pic.twitter.com/m54IlA5gtK — Maricopa County (@maricopacounty) June 12, 2026 Heap countered that the equipment belonged to his office and was therefore under the purview of his employees. Heap claimed the board ignored the alleged incident for months and dismissed their narrative as “baseless allegations.”  🚨 UPDATE: RECORD CORRECTS THE BOARD'S MANUFACTURED SCANDAL AND MALACIOUS SLANDER. The Board spent 3 months sitting on these baseless allegations. Then, after losing in court again and facing contempt proceedings, it launched a smear campaign against career election employees… https://t.co/FRSwQb27ml — Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap (@azjustinheap) June 12, 2026 AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Judge Orders Maricopa County Supervisors, Recorder Into Settlement Talks Over Election Powers first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33a5ee197238567832cef0 Arizona’s Second-Busiest Border Crossing Faces Delays From Ongoing Green Construction te 2026-06-18T08:01:50.542Z Arizona’s Second-Busiest Border Crossing Faces Delays From Ongoing Green Construction By Staff Reporter | The federal government says delays are bound to occur with impending construction on Arizona’s second-busiest border entry point.  The 16-acre San Luis I Land Port of Entry, established in 1984, will undergo another series of renovations beginning June 20 to improve its operations and infrastructure. Construction on this leg of the project will last approximately four to five months per Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  The forthcoming construction is part of a greater $356 million expansion and modernization project which pledges to make San Luis I Land Port of Entry an “eco-friendly gateway” as the “first fully electric, net-zero energy land port of entry” in the country. Construction work on the port of entry began in 2023 and is scheduled to conclude in the spring of 2029.  The port expansion and modernization project was announced in 2024 under former President Joe Biden as a major “green expansion” initiative for his Investing in America agenda. Nearly $100 million of the total project funding came from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) subsidies for “low-embodied carbon construction materials and emerging and sustainable technologies.” IRA funds also went to 37 other land port of entry projects. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) both endorsed the project and its net-zero approach. The IRA appropriated $3.4 billion for GSA to institute net-zero emissions infrastructure reforms in federal facilities across America by 2045.  The General Services Administration (GSA) has stated in its public project summary for the port of entry that the current infrastructure has proven inadequate to handle traffic volumes and CBP mission requirements.  “The modernization and expansion project will improve efficiencies and traffic flows, reduce wait times, increase CBP processing capacity and operational security by effectively deploying the latest technology to identify high risk activity and shipments and combat drug trafficking,” stated the GSA. In March, the GSA announced the San Luis I Land Port of Entry opened 16 new northbound vehicle lanes, doubling the previous capacity, covered with two shade canopies spanning 16,000 square feet.  The expansion and modernization project also includes a secondary vehicle processing area, additional pedestrian inspection lanes, and a new administrative facility. It further expands southbound privately owned vehicle operations with upgraded primary and secondary inspection and processing buildings, as well as expanded employee parking. Last July, the Office of the Inspector General notified the GSA that contractors who hadn’t undergone the required security screening had worked on the port of entry expansion and modernization project. Travelers seeking passage through the San Luis I Land Port of Entry should review border wait times on the CBP website or the mobile app, Border Wait Times.  The San Luis I Land Port of Entry encounters three million drivers and 2.5 million pedestrians annually, per GSA data.  The GSA awarded the design-build contract for the expansion and modernization effort to Hensel Phelps Construction Company in 2022, which is based out of Colorado and one of the biggest general contractors and construction managers nationwide. Community stakeholder and civic leader briefings on the port of entry occurred in the spring of 2024. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Arizona’s Second-Busiest Border Crossing Faces Delays From Ongoing Green Construction first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33a5da197238567832cee7 Fortify AZ Calls Off ESA Reform Ballot Initiative te 2026-06-18T08:01:30.063Z Fortify AZ Calls Off ESA Reform Ballot Initiative By Staff Reporter | One of two ballot initiatives to reform school choice in Arizona has been called off. This week, Fortify AZ ceased collecting signatures to qualify for the November ballot with their initiative to reform the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program filed in March, The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Reform and Accountability Act. The proposed ballot initiative would have required the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to establish an online marketplace payment system next year for all ESA purchases with approved vendors, and would have eliminated the current reimbursement and debit card system.  The initiative would also have further restricted allowable expenditures, and required valid fingerprint clearance cards for qualified tutors and school personnel. Any parents who intentionally misuse funds would have been disqualified permanently from the ESA program.  Under the canceled initiative, the ESA program would have had to submit quarterly reports addressing vendor payments, disqualifications, and recovered funds to the attorney general as well.  Fortify AZ was supported in its signature-gathering efforts with millions from the American Federation for Children (AFC). Arizona campaign finance records reflected $1.2 million to their political action committee, but AFC said they invested over $5.3 million into the ballot initiative.  AFC said the proposed reforms were aligned with best policy practices implemented in other states: Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Utah, Tennessee, New Hampshire, and West Virginia.  In a press release issued on Tuesday, AFC CEO Tommy Schultz said their organization backed the ballot initiative as the “best opportunity to save school choice in Arizona,” which they say is under threat by school choice opponents behind the other proposed ballot initiative which would end universal school choice, the Protect Education Act. “After a small number of individuals acted to sabotage this chance for the school choice-gutting petition to be pulled and commonsense reforms enacted, we are evaluating our best next steps to ensure the union-backed petition does not rip school choice away from thousands of Arizona students overnight and fundamentally break the program for the rest,” said Schultz.  As the Arizona Agenda reported, Republican lawmakers and the Arizona Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, nearly reached a secretive school choice reform deal to end both the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Reform and Accountability Act as well as the Protect Education Act. However, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club raised concerns over the impact of the secretive deal on the ESA program.  🚨 Message from @azfec regarding ESAs: Don't Cut a Deal that Kills ESAs — Lawmakers are negotiating a secret bargain with teacher unions tonight. Over 100,000 Arizona students hang in the balance. https://t.co/dToo9ac4uQ — AZ Women of Action (@AZWomenofAction) June 12, 2026 Ultimately, lawmakers voted against the proposed deal.  Matthew Nielsen, founder of the Educational Freedom Institute, called the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Reform and Accountability Act an “ill-conceived, and now ill-fated […] waste.” It was ill-conceived, and now ill-fated. What a waste. https://t.co/Oj6AwejftZ — Matthew Nielsen (@matthewnielsen) June 16, 2026 The other ballot initiative to end the universality of the ESA program will continue. The Protect Education Act would place a $150,000 income cap for ESA program enrollees.  Additionally, this initiative would not only require qualified tutors and schools to have valid fingerprint clearance, it would subject them to Arizona State Board of Education discipline and require them to pay a fee and register annually with ADE. Protect Education, Accountability Now, the political action committee behind the still-active ballot initiative, has spent about $2.7 million of the nearly $4.6 million it has raised.  98% of those funds (more than $4.4 million) came from the National Education Association, a national teachers’ union and the largest labor union in the nation.  As of this report, the ESA program has over 100,700 students enrolled. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Fortify AZ Calls Off ESA Reform Ballot Initiative first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33a5c5197238567832cede WARREN PETERSEN: Arizona Should Lead America’s Golden Age—Not Prosecute It te 2026-06-18T08:01:09.078Z WARREN PETERSEN: Arizona Should Lead America’s Golden Age—Not Prosecute It By Sen. Warren Petersen | Earlier this spring, a federal judge in Phoenix had to step in and protect law-abiding Americans from a prosecutor who had lost all sense of limits. He struck down Kris Mayes’s case against the prediction market Kalshi and, in doing so, exposed one of the more reckless abuses of government power our state has seen in recent memory. The story should alarm every Arizonan, regardless of whether you have ever placed a trade. In March, Mayes made Arizona the first state in the nation to bring criminal charges against a federally regulated exchange—twenty counts against an American company operating under the direct supervision of the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission. And she didn’t stop at the criminal docket, either; her allies in the state government pressed a parallel civil campaign to choke an American innovator out of existence. It took a respected federal judge, appointed by President Trump, to end the spectacle. In finding that federal law leaves “no room for state regulation” of these markets, he warned against precisely the “inconsistent regulatory patchwork that Congress intended to avoid,” and that Mayes tried to foist on Arizonans. Mayes’s crusade was doomed from the start, and any honest lawyer in her office could have told her so. Instead, she torched your tax dollars and Arizona’s reputation, all to chase a headline. This is what the weaponization of a prosecutor’s office looks like. We have watched the radical left turn the law into a club against the people they dislike: parents, police, people of faith, and President Trump himself. Mayes has now turned that club on the future. Prediction markets let ordinary citizens put their own judgment, and their own money, behind what they actually believe will happen in the economy and the world. They cut through the noise of the mainstream media and pundit class, and they are one piece of a sweeping wave of financial innovation that is remaking the global economy in real time. President Trump understands this in his bones. While Mayes was busy criminalizing the future, the President was busy building it. His CFTC Chairman, Michael Selig, has led the charge, defending federal authority in courtrooms across the country, advancing clear and sensible national rules, and declaring that America’s financial markets are ready for a new Golden Age. The President has been emphatic that the CFTC must retain exclusive authority over these markets, and he is right. That is America First leadership: clear rules, room to grow, and the confidence that fifty different prosecutors won’t be allowed to strangle American innovation in its crib. Arizona ought to be racing to the front of that parade. Instead, our Democratic officials keep stomping on the brakes. I led the fight to make Arizona the first state in the country with a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, only for Governor Katie Hobbs to veto it. I pushed to let Arizonans pay their taxes in digital currency. Again and again, the message from this state’s Democrats has been the same: if you dare to build something new, we will tax it, ban it, or drag you into court. Innovators don’t flee to Texas and Florida by accident. They flee politicians who treat builders like criminals. I have spent fourteen years at the Capitol doing the opposite—defending the Constitution, guarding taxpayers, and standing up for the right to build without first begging permission from the government. As your attorney general, I will never turn the power of that office into a weapon against a company for the crime of innovating. I will use it to defend Arizonans, to enforce the law as it is actually written, and to show Washington’s worst instincts, and our own state’s, exactly where the line is drawn. This task is too important to leave to my opponent in the Republican primary. Rodney Glassman didn’t merely vote for Democrats, he ran for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat at the request of another liberal Democratic attorney general, Terry Goddard. So, ask yourself: when the radical left comes for innovation, for crypto, for free markets—and they will come—who do you want holding the line? A proven conservative who has already taken the arrows, or a man who spent the prime of his career carrying the other team’s banner and discovered his “convictions” only when trying to grab President Trump’s coattails? The attorney general’s job is not to chase headlines by prosecuting the future. It is to be the wall that protects the rights, the savings, and the freedom of Arizonans. Kris Mayes tore that wall down. I intend to rebuild it. President Trump is leading America into a Golden Age of growth, opportunity, and renewed confidence. Arizona belongs at the front of that charge, but is instead being dragged from behind, handing out indictments to the people who create our jobs. Give me the honor of serving as your attorney general, and I’ll make sure that our great state is exactly where it should be. Warren Petersen is the President of the Arizona State Senate and represents Legislative District 14. He is currently running to be Arizona’s next Attorney General. The post WARREN PETERSEN: Arizona Should Lead America’s Golden Age—Not Prosecute It first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a339a1e197238567832cd3e Florida couple reaches agreement with daughter's biological parents after alleged IVF mix-up te 2026-06-18T07:11:26.072Z Florida couple reaches agreement with daughter's biological parents after alleged IVF mix-up A Florida couple who welcomed a child genetically unrelated to them after an alleged embryo mix-up at a fertility clinic they subsequently sued will raise the child as their own after reaching an agreement with the child's biological parents, according to the couple. Tiffany Score and Steven Mills welcomed a daughter, Shea, in December of last year. Later, genetic testing revealed that the baby was related to another set of parents, according to a lawsuit filed earlier this year against the now-defunct fertility clinic IVF Life, Inc., which operated as Fertility Center of Orlando before shuttering last month. Score and Mills said they have come to a "mutually devised custody agreement" with Shea's biological parents, and plan to develop "a relationship of friendship and trust" together, according to ABC News. The pair will continue to raise Shea as their own and will remain her custodial parents, according to the custody agreement filed on June 12, the outlet reported. ROBOTS POWER BREAKTHROUGH IN PREGNANCY RESEARCH, BOOSTING IVF SUCCESS RATES Jack Scarola, an attorney for the couple, said Score and Mills appreciate how news of their mix-up helped connect them with Shea's biological parents. "Tiffany and Steve recognize the public interest in the details of their IVF experience, and they appreciate the role the news media has played in bringing them and Shea to the point where Shea's genetic parents were able to be identified and fears about Shea's future have been settled," Scarola said in a statement to ABC News. "Tiffany and Steve are committed to respect[ing] the privacy concerns of Shea's genetic parents with whom they have begun and intend to continue to foster a relationship of friendship and trust. They are also committed to protecting Shea from harmful intrusion on her privacy," Scarola added. In their lawsuit against IVF Life, Inc. and Dr. Milton McNichol, who led the fertility clinic before its closure, Score and Mills said they solicited the services of the clinic to assist them in the IVF process and contracted with the clinic for "cryogenic storage of three viable embryos," according to ABC News. The couple claimed that the clinic then implanted an embryo in Score's uterus in March of last year that "was not one of the embryos produced by" her and her partner. When their daughter was born in December, Score and Mills — who are both White — said their daughter "displayed the physical appearance of a racially non-Caucasian child." They then used genetic testing and confirmed the baby was not biologically related to them. They called on the clinic to bring the lawsuit to the attention of "all of its patients who had embryos in storage" to determine whether they may have received an embryo belonging to Score and Mills. Score and Mills also demanded that the clinic cover the cost of "genetic testing for all patients and the children of all patients whose birth resulted from embryo implantation through [the clinic's] services during the past five years," which is the time span when the clinic had their embryos. The pair also urged the clinic to disclose any discrepancies in parentage. HOW AI IS MAKING IVF MORE PREDICTABLE In last week's custody filing, Score and Mills said they learned about the "embryo history of Plaintiffs and other patients" that "revealed laboratory-clinic errors that would substantiate claims for damages against the present defendants and others without the need to satisfy medical malpractice lawsuit prerequisites." They said they decided to store one of their embryos at a different facility. IVF Life, Inc. previously said it was "actively cooperating with an investigation to support one of our patients in determining the source of an error that resulted in the birth of a child who is not genetically related to them." "Multiple entities are involved in this process, and all parties are working diligently to help identify when and where the error may have occurred," the clinic said in January. "Our priority remains transparency and the well-being of the patient and child involved. We will continue to assist in any way that we can, regardless of the outcome of the investigation." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a339a0a197238567832cd35 Trump defends war deal in marathon presser, using semantics on why Iran is getting $300 billion te 2026-06-18T07:11:06.639Z Trump defends war deal in marathon presser, using semantics on why Iran is getting $300 billion President Trump yesterday spoke about Iran, Barack Obama, artificial intelligence and Herbert Hoover. He also talked about immigration, drugs, Ebola, "lunatic" Graham Platner, California’s electricity problems, Ukraine and Joe Biden hiding from the press.   He also said the 2020 election was "rigged." He said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is a good but "very scared woman." 'TRUMP SHOULD RENEGE': IRAN DEAL FACES BACKLASH FROM CONSERVATIVE ALLIES And he complained about "fake news," said the media have "so little credibility," singling out CNN and the New York Times, and calling ABC "horrible" and NBC and CBS "terrible." For more than an hour, from the G7 summit in France, the president of the United States kept on talking, some of it rambling or stream-of-consciousness, and ending with a joke that had some truth to it. IRAN’S REGIME SPINS NUCLEAR AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEAL WITH TRUMP AS VICTORY OVER US, ISRAEL When Fox’s Peter Doocy asked why he wasn’t attending Friday’s deal signing in Switzerland, Trump said he might but that the plan was to send JD Vance. "If it works out, I’ll take the credit," Trump said. "If it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming JD!" This was striking because Marco Rubio, who opposed the agreement behind the scenes and is a possible 2028 rival to the vice president, has remained strikingly silent about the deal for two days. Before I get to the substance, I have to point out one thing. For all the repetitions and boasting – did you know that our country was a laughingstock two years ago and is now widely respected? Trump showed an extraordinary command of the material. It was extemporaneous, with the president only occasionally glancing at notes. I mention this because of the recent focus on Trump turning 80 and sometimes closing his eyes or briefly nodding off in meetings. I know this because in our last hour-long interview, he also handled whatever I threw at him. So let’s cut the dementia chatter. Trump was on the defensive about the memorandum of understanding. He said if Iran doesn’t behave, "we’ll hit them with Patriots."  In a presser devoted to a path to peace, he was again threatening to bomb his new partner. Trump said the final two days of combat were "brutal" because he had dropped $200 million worth of bombs on the terror state, and believes that’s what persuaded the Iranians to sign the memo, prompting him to cancel the third day of bombing. TRUMP RECALLS NETANYAHU'S FAILED PUSH TO KILL OBAMA IRAN DEAL, SAYS HE FINISHED THE JOB Pressed by reporters on whether the war had achieved his ambitious goals, Trump explained that he had accomplished regime change – which he’s recently claimed wasn’t his goal – by killing the first two levels of Tehran’s leadership. But the greatest friction was about money. The idea that Iran would receive $300 billion has not previously been disputed by the White House. This has driven the most negative political attacks and media coverage, across the ideological spectrum, that I’ve seen since the final days of Watergate. "We’re not putting up 10 cents," Trump insisted.  But this was mere semantics. The U.S. has frozen $300 billion in Iranian assets, so Trump says it’s "their" money and should be returned. He also said that he’s not concerned with Iran having ballistic missiles, because other countries have them and therefore it would be unfair to deprive the Iranians. Keep in mind that other countries don’t kill tens of thousands of their own people and fund terror groups that have murdered hundreds of thousands of others. Republicans have led the charge against putting off talks about Iran’s longtime goal of building nuclear weapons. Trump said Iran has agreed to never develop such weapons, but, of course, the Iranians are known for lying, cheating and breaking agreements. TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL 'GIVING A LOT MORE TO GET A LOT LESS' THAN OBAMA'S, SENATOR SAYS Critics also say that reopening the Strait of Hormuz just gets us back to where things were before the war. Only "stupid people" would say he should have continued bombing, the president proclaimed. He said he had avoided an "economic catastrophe" and that "we stopped a holocaust."  Iran had endured $2 trillion in damages, Trump said, and it would take 15 to 20 years to rebuild. And besides, oil prices are rapidly dropping. Trump wrongly said of Israel’s reaction: "I think they’re happy." The truth is that Israel is furious about the arrangement, and Bibi Netanyahu has said "it’s his decision" but told reporters "we have our interests." Trump cursed out Netanyahu for his continued attacks in Lebanon and made sure everyone knew it. Don’t forget that this memorandum is only a page and a half, and even Trump described it as a sort of outline for further negotiations. So it’s not really a "deal" as much as a mutual agreement to keep talking. The president did make news on one other front, although who knows if we’ll hear anything about it again. He said he wanted to start "denuclearization" talks with Russia and China to reduce nuclear stockpiles. "We don’t need to be able to blow up the world several times over." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33907c197238567832c6a1 NASA picks Eric Schmidt’s rocket company for Mars mission, setting up a race with SpaceX te 2026-06-18T06:30:20.832Z NASA picks Eric Schmidt’s rocket company for Mars mission, setting up a race with SpaceX Relativity Space—a rocket maker acquired by former Google executive chair Eric Schmidt last year after stumbling on the path to orbit—might just beat SpaceX to Mars. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33826f197238567832c467 Billionaire Tax Officially Has Enough Signatures for California Ballot te 2026-06-18T05:30:23.036Z Billionaire Tax Officially Has Enough Signatures for California Ballot A proposed wealth tax on billionaires is headed to the ballot unless Gov. Gavin Newsom and other opponents reach a deal with backers to remove it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a338040197238567832c419 In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down te 2026-06-18T05:21:04.026Z In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down Rep. Andy Biggs (left), Ken Miceli, Scott Neely and Rep. David Schweikert debate in the 2026 AZ Clean Elections governor primary debate at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale on June 17, 2026. (Pool photo by Diannie Chavez/The Arizona Republic) Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs told Arizonans on Wednesday evening that he’s got the best chance of beating Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in November.  Biggs’ chief opponent in the Republican primary for Arizona governor, U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, countered that he is the better, more moderate candidate to appeal to the state’s growing share of independent voters.  GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE Joining the two most prominent candidates for the Citizens Clean Elections debate were builders and businessmen Scott Neely and Ken Miceli.  Biggs, who is the favorite to win the July 21 primary election, made clear that he already has his eyes on the general election, often comparing his own plans and viewpoints to Hobbs’ instead of his GOP opponents. Schweikert has come under fire from the Maricopa County Republican Party for his ads accusing Biggs of having ties to antisemitism and white nationalism.  During the debate, Schweikert continued to paint Biggs as too extreme to win in November, saying that he was “wholly owned by Turning Point” USA. Turning Point Action, the political arm of the far-right organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, is putting its power and money behind Biggs in the primary.  “In every poll that’s been released, I am the most competitive Republican in the entire state with Katie Hobbs,” Biggs said.  Biggs, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, said he also has a history of reaching across the aisle, citing his work with Democrat-turned-independent Kyrsten Sinema and the late John McCain as examples. Biggs also mentioned his work in 2018 alongside Democratic U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on an anti-corruption bill, which he used to segue into accusations that Hobbs engaged in a pay-to-play scheme, which Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes is investigating.  Schweikert argued that he, unlike Biggs, has a history of winning in competitive districts, and said he knows how to market conservatism for voters.  “We have to explain that prosperity is moral,” Schweikert said. “Voting for ‘conservative’ is how we bring prosperity back to Arizona.”  Rep. Andy Biggs debates with his Republican opponents in the 2026 AZ Clean Elections governor primary debate at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale on June 17, 2026. Pool photo by Diannie Chavez/The Arizona Republic) Water As Arizona battles with the other states that rely on Colorado River water in an incredibly dry year, even amid a 25-year drought, both Schweikert and Biggs agreed that Arizona is not running out of water.  Each argued that the Grand Canyon State instead has a water management and water allocation problem.  Schweikert said the state needs to take an “all in” approach to water management, saying that everything from desalination to fixing leaky pipes would probably be necessary.  Biggs said that he agreed with Hobbs’ three-year moratorium on new tax breaks for the data centers needed to run artificial intelligence, but he thanked the Republican-led Arizona Legislature for the legislation.  Hobbs signed the moratorium into state law via the annual budget that she negotiated with legislative leaders, but the moratorium was included at the insistence of Hobbs and legislative Democrats.  Biggs said that, if he’s elected, taxpayers will not pay for infrastructure for data centers, and he will force data centers to produce their own energy.  Affordability Both congressmen said that aggressively recruiting businesses to the state would help solve increased prices paired with stagnant wages.  Biggs said a major part of his recruitment strategy would be elimination of the state’s income tax, something he would pay for by cutting out waste and fraud in the state’s Medicaid program. Arizona, he said, is losing business to places like Texas and Florida, which don’t have state income tax.  Schweikert said that he would put some of Arizona’s state trust land on the market to help with the housing crisis that has helped drive a higher cost of living.  Rep. David Schweikert debates with his Republican opponents in the 2026 AZ Clean Elections governor primary debate at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale on June 17, 2026. Pool photo by Diannie Chavez/The Arizona Republic) Healthcare Schweikert and Biggs both said they would deal with the increasing costs of healthcare by encouraging Arizonans to make healthy choices.  Too much of the spending for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s version of Medicaid, is used to treat obesity-related illnesses, Schweikert said.  “Should we give someone an EBT card to buy onion rings?” Schweikert asked. “Why can’t we help you on the nutrition side, through gamification, actually participate in a healthier lifestyle.”  He said his plan, which would also cut down on waste, would save the state between $400 million and $500 million per year.  Biggs said he had a similar plan, with a focus on Health Savings Accounts that Arizonans could use to save money to pay for medical expenses.  “And you’re going to provide incentives for better diets, making sure that you can get some exercise, so you don’t get sick,” he said.  Education Schweikert and Biggs both expressed firm support for the state’s inversal K-12 school voucher program.  They both repeated the false statement that the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program saves money compared to public schooling.  “We should be expanding it fully,” Biggs said of the ESA program. Exactly what he meant was unclear, however: Republicans expanded the voucher program to be available to every K-12 student in 2022.  Elections If Biggs were governor, he said he would have signed a piece of legislation proposed last year that would have made Arizona’s elections more like Florida’s. The proposal was designed to speed up the reporting of election results, but critics said it would make voting more difficult for some people, especially those in rural areas.  Schweikert said that Republicans need to come to terms with the fact that Arizonans love voting by mail, which some in the legislature have attempted to ban, but that updated identification verification and maintenance of voter rolls was necessary. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a337974197238567832c327 WNBA to expand to 50-game schedule for teams next season te 2026-06-18T04:52:04.275Z WNBA to expand to 50-game schedule for teams next season NEW YORK — The WNBA is expanding its schedule to 50 games per team next season — the most in the league's 30-year history. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a337960197238567832c31d Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig to head coach from AHL te 2026-06-18T04:51:44.306Z Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig to head coach from AHL LAS VEGAS — After having previously hired established head coaches, the Vegas Golden Knights this time stayed within the organization and promoted Ryan Craig on Wednesday from its American Hockey League affiliate in suburban Henderson. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33794c197238567832c312 SPORTS-BKL-WNBA-SEASON-FILEPIC-GET te 2026-06-18T04:51:24.338Z SPORTS-BKL-WNBA-SEASON-FILEPIC-GET Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball against Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 9, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a337938197238567832c309 SPORTS-MCCRIMMON-TORTORELLA-WANTED-COACH-KNIGHTS-1-LV.jpg te 2026-06-18T04:51:04.375Z SPORTS-MCCRIMMON-TORTORELLA-WANTED-COACH-KNIGHTS-1-LV.jpg Henderson Silver Knights head coach Ryan Craig chats with forward Shane Smith (74) during first day of Golden Knights rookie camp at City National Arena, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a336b29197238567832c125 Florida court says 18-year-olds have same gun rights as other adults te 2026-06-18T03:51:05.528Z Florida court says 18-year-olds have same gun rights as other adults A Florida appeals court ruled Wednesday that the state's ban on concealed carry by adults ages 18 to 20 violates the Second Amendment, finding that young adults are entitled to the same constitutional protections as law-abiding adults over the age of 20. In a sweeping opinion, the court said 18-year-olds can serve in the military and defend the nation but face restrictions on their ability to exercise the same self-defense rights available to older adults. "Eighteen- to 20-year-olds can defend the country without restriction but can only utilize their Second Amendment right to self-defense with severe restrictions," Judge Spencer D. Levine wrote for a unanimous three-judge panel of Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeals. "Restricting 18- to 20-year-olds — members of the same 'political community' as other law-abiding adults — from rights to self-defense would make the Second Amendment a 'second-class' right," Levine wrote. FEDERAL JUDGE APPROVES COLORADO LAW BANNING PEOPLE UNDER 21 FROM BUYING A GUN The ruling comes after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier declined to defend the law earlier this year. "In another win for the unalienable rights of Floridians, the 4th DCA agreed with our position that Florida's law banning adults under 21 from conceal carrying a firearm is unconstitutional," Uthmeier wrote on X. "We will not seek further review and will work with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to implement the court's order," he wrote. STAY IN YOUR LANE: FLORIDA AG FIRES NEXT VOLLEY AGAINST JUDGE HALTING STATE IMMIGRATION LAW The case stemmed from the 2024 arrest of Jaylen Eubanks, who was 18 at the time. According to the opinion, officers responding to a report of a person displaying a handgun detained Eubanks and found an unholstered firearm on his waist. He was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and improper exhibition of a firearm. Eubanks challenged the concealed-carry charge, arguing Florida's age restriction violated the Second Amendment. The restriction was enacted following the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed. A trial court rejected Eubanks' argument, but the appellate court reversed. Citing Supreme Court precedent including Heller, Bruen and Rahimi, the court said adults ages 18 to 20 are among "the people" protected by the Second Amendment and that Florida failed to identify a historical tradition supporting the restriction. GUNS AND GANJA: SUPREME COURT SKEPTICAL OF FEDERAL LAW BANNING FIREARM POSSESSION FOR REGULAR MARIJUANA USERS The panel also pointed to founding-era militia laws requiring many 18-year-old men to serve while bearing arms. "That young adults had to serve in the militia indicates that founding-era lawmakers believed those youth could, and indeed should, keep and bear arms," the opinion states. The court rejected arguments that concerns about firearm misuse among younger adults justified the restriction, saying Florida failed to identify a historical tradition supporting the law and that adults ages 18 to 20 could not be treated like categories historically subject to firearm restrictions, such as felons or the mentally ill. "All those who reach the age of 18 are able, and encouraged, for example, to join the military to defend our country," Levine wrote. "Yet those very same law-abiding adults are burdened in their ability to exercise the same Second Amendment rights that other adults have." The court reversed Eubanks' concealed-carry conviction and remanded the case for further proceedings. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33643f197238567832c00d Roger Clemens questions MLB's warning to Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats te 2026-06-18T03:21:35.905Z Roger Clemens questions MLB's warning to Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats Major League Baseball drew a line when players wrote Bible verses on their Pride hats. During a San Francisco Giants Pride Night game, pitchers Landon Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verses on their team-issued hats. The players referenced Genesis 9:12-16, a passage on the rainbow covenant. MLB issued a warning to the players, stating the markings violated league uniform policies. DAN DAKICH RIPS MLB FOR WARNING GIANTS PLAYERS WHO WROTE BIBLE VERSES ON THEIR PRIDE HATS: 'SHUT UP' Former player Roger Clemens addressed the situation during an appearance on "The Will Cain Show," questioning the league's enforcement of uniform rules. Clemens noted that players modify gear without receiving discipline from the league. "We alter our uniforms all the time with numbers or somebody that has passed away," Clemens told Cain. "I know one time in Boston, Larry Bird retired. I put his hat on. They put 33, silver marker on the hat to honor Larry Bird. I did it for my mom and grandmother." Clemens argued that players should be permitted to display symbols of faith on the field. "I love it that these guys show the blessings that the Lord has given them to be out there on that field," Clemens stated. "That's the way it was for me." To resolve the issue, Clemens suggested MLB apply the same rules it uses for footwear customizations. EX-VIKINGS CAPTAIN CALLS ON MLB PLAYERS TO DOUBLE-DOWN ON FAITH AMID PRIDE NIGHT CAP CONTROVERSY "They do the special cleats where you can paint, do your cleats how you want it," Clemens said. "Maybe they do something like that and guys can have a hat with a Bible verse. They feel strongly about it." The warning from MLB sparked a response beyond the diamond. U.S. Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, demanding a justification for the warnings and questioning the league's stance on religious expression. Clemens concluded by addressing the friction between league initiatives and the personal values of the players on the field. "Whatever floats your boat. Go for it," Clemens said. "Don't bring your ideas towards me then too." Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3363ff197238567832bfe6 Monsoon, memories & masterpieces: Your Tucson weekend guide te 2026-06-18T03:20:31.983Z Monsoon, memories & masterpieces: Your Tucson weekend guide Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a335a9a197238567832b952 Despite 'sun-maxxing' trend, there's no such thing as a healthy tan te 2026-06-18T02:40:26.139Z Despite 'sun-maxxing' trend, there's no such thing as a healthy tan Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a335394197238567832b82c San Francisco Giants ready to sell star players ahead of trade deadline as Buster Posey's rebuild unravels te 2026-06-18T02:10:28.437Z San Francisco Giants ready to sell star players ahead of trade deadline as Buster Posey's rebuild unravels We're not halfway through the 2026 Major League Baseball season, and already, the San Francisco Giants are ready to throw in the towel. The Giants, even after a win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday afternoon, are just 30-43. They're a whopping 17 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers. Incredibly, even with the addition of a third wild-card spot, they're eight games back of the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals, who currently sit in that position. Even worse, they'd have to pass the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Marlins, Reds and Mets just to reach that third wild-card spot. Put differently, only the lowly Colorado Rockies have a worse record than the Giants in the National League. So it's not surprising, then, that several new reports have said that San Francisco's front office is essentially open for business ahead of the league's trade deadline. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, ESPN's Buster Olney and The Athletic have all said, to varying degrees, that the Giants are ready to sell. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Feinsand and Olney specifically mentioned some of the team's most expensive players, including first baseman Rafael Devers, shortstop Willy Adames and third baseman Matt Chapman, among those the Giants are looking to deal. Star pitcher Logan Webb and several of the team's young major leaguers, however, are not expected to be put on the block. Less than two years ago, in October 2024, the Giants' ownership group announced they'd appointed Buster Posey as president of Baseball Operations. Posey is a Giants franchise legend, and has a wealth of experience in and around the organization. But he also had little experience in the analytically driven evaluation methods most commonly favored in modern baseball. That was viewed as a point in his favor among baseball purists when he took over for the more data-driven Farhan Zaidi. Zaidi joined the Giants' front office after helping build the Dodgers into a juggernaut, and despite winning 107 games in 2021, he was fired after three consecutive years of San Francisco playing .500 baseball. Well, in Posey's first year on the job, they went ... 81-81. In his second year, they're tracking to be far worse. Even playing in the large San Francisco market and increasing payroll from $175 million in 2024 to $210 million in 2026. Maybe it's time to admit that the Buster Posey experiment has already failed. Not all of San Francisco's current predicament is on him, of course, but it's also clear that some of his biggest moves haven't worked. Matt Chapman signed his extension before Posey took over, but his first big move was bringing in free-agent shortstop Willy Adames. And while Adames was a well-above-average player in 2025, his plate discipline has cratered in 2026 and his defensive metrics have taken a huge step backward too. He was worth 4.8 wins above replacement in 2024, 4 in 2025 and -0.3 thus far in 2026 while making $26 million per year through 2031. RED SOX SEND STAR RAFAEL DEVERS TO GIANTS IN SHOCKING BLOCKBUSTER TRADE: REPORTS Then there's Rafael Devers. Devers developed into a star in Boston, but fell out with the front office over being asked to move positions. The Giants swooped in, trading several prospects to the Red Sox with the intention of building around him through the end of his contract in 2033. Instead, Devers has just nine homers in 2026, is hitting .234 with a .294 on-base percentage, has been a below-average hitter this season and has been worth -0.1 wins above replacement. And now he's on the trading block. That's bad enough. But the players Posey traded away make it much worse. The key to the trade was former top prospect Kyle Harrison. Harrison was flipped to the Brewers in the offseason, and, surprise, surprise, has immediately excelled. He's struck out 80 hitters in 65 innings with a 2.47 ERA and just 18 walks. Devers has negative WAR, Harrison is +1.7, per FanGraphs. He's making just $782,000 this year, and doesn't reach arbitration until 2028. Devers is making nearly $29 million per year through 2033. James Tibbs III was the other headliner in the Devers trade, eventually also traded away, this time to the Dodgers. He, too, has turned himself back into a top prospect, hitting .305/.423/.609 in Triple-A, with 19 home runs in 67 games. Keith Law ranked him as the 24th-best prospect in baseball in his latest update. It's not all doom and gloom; Bryce Eldridge looks to finally be delivering on his promise, and 18-year-old Josuar Gonzalez could become a star down the road. Luis Arraez has been a pleasant surprise, and Casey Schmitt has turned himself into an everyday player. But their pitching staff has been disappointing to awful, and there's little help coming from the farm system. And therein lies the problem. The Giants, despite their market size and budget, have not been able to build a complete roster. The Dodgers, as a comparison, are currently missing Will Smith and Teoscar Hernandez, while Tommy Edman just played his first game of the season. Blake Snell has pitched three innings this season, and Tyler Glasnow is on the 60-day IL with a back injury. Edwin Diaz had an ERA over 10 before going down with an arm injury. And LA is 48-27 and headed toward yet another division title. How are they doing it? With Alex Call, Ryan Ward, Emmett Sheehan, Dalton Rushing, Justin Wrobleski, Will Klein and Kyle Hurt. LA excels at having a farm system full of talent at Triple-A, ready to step in for injured stars. They build quality depth and backups at key positions. Use analytics to put together the best defensive positioning of any team in the league. And they find bullpen pieces in unexpected places. Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, Klein, Hurt, Jack Dreyer, Edgardo Henriquez. All have played major roles. Posey, meanwhile, whiffed on the franchise-changing Devers trade. Gave away Kyle Harrison and James Tibbs. Signed Adames, only for him to fall off a cliff. And now is looking to dump salary and rebuild yet again. It's a mess, and it's what separates the best organizations from the rest. The Giants right now are squarely below even what we'd call "the rest." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334ef9197238567832b73b LaGuardia shuts down runway for second time in weeks after pavement issue resurfaces te 2026-06-18T01:50:49.846Z LaGuardia shuts down runway for second time in weeks after pavement issue resurfaces LaGuardia Airport temporarily closed one of its two main runways Wednesday after inspectors discovered a pavement "depression" near the airstrip, marking the second time in less than a month the New York City airport has suspended operations on the runway over pavement concerns. Airport officials said the depression, which is approximately 2 inches deep, was identified adjacent to Runway 4/22, one of LaGuardia's two primary runways. "During an airfield inspection at LaGuardia Airport, an approximately two inch depression adjacent to Runway 4/22 was identified," the airport said. The airport said the closure was made proactively and out of an "abundance of caution," while stressing that the issue does not pose an "immediate safety concern." LA GUARDIA AIRPORT RUNWAY SHUT DOWN AFTER SINKHOLE DISCOVERED DURING ROUTINE MORNING INSPECTION Arrivals at LaGuardia are currently delayed by an average of 48 minutes but are decreasing, according to FlightAware flight-tracking data. ABC 7 previously reported 174 delays earlier Wednesday, citing the platform. Runway 4/22 is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. and is expected to remain shut until Thursday morning as repair crews work overnight to conduct additional testing, identify the cause of the issue and perform any necessary stabilization work. "Our goal is to complete the assessment and any necessary repair work overnight and return the runway to service as soon as it is safe to do so," the airport said. AIR CANADA PASSENGER SAYS PILOT 'DID THE BEST THING HE COULD,' DESCRIBES DEADLY IMPACT During the closure, operations will be shifted to LaGuardia’s remaining main runway, 13/31, beginning at 5 p.m. and are expected to continue until repairs are completed. LaGuardia said passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for flight status. The incident marks the second time in less than a month that the same section of pavement has required emergency engineering work. The runway was previously closed after a sinkhole formed around the Memorial Day travel rush. Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334ee5197238567832b732 DHS moves all detainees out of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid hurricane concerns te 2026-06-18T01:50:29.885Z DHS moves all detainees out of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid hurricane concerns All detainees at "Alligator Alcatraz," a migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, have been transferred to other facilities, according to the Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns about the hurricane season. The agency said that all detainees at the facility had been transferred, although it did not specify how many were taken. Some of these detainees will be transferred to "Deportation Depot," another ICE facility in Sanderson, Florida, set up in the northern part of the state. DHS also did not address if the migrants would stay at the new facilities long term or if the transfers were only temporary. "As we enter into hurricane season, ICE and the state of Florida have moved illegal aliens from the soft-sided facility. For the safety of the illegal alien detainees, we transferred them to other facilities," a DHS spokesperson told Fox News in a statement. GUARDS AT 'ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ' BEAT, PEPPER-SPRAYED DETAINEES, LAWYER SAYS The hurricane season lasts six months, from June through November. "Alligator Alcatraz" opened on July 3, 2025, just one month after the start of last year's hurricane season, which ended without any storms making landfall in the Sunshine State. Shortly after the migrant transfer announcement, the National Hurricane Center said that the first tropical storm of this year's hurricane season had formed off the Texas coast. The controversial state-run detention center has been hailed by President Donald Trump but criticized by lawyers and human rights groups over its harsh conditions and mistreatment of detainees. Detainees at the facility have reported a lack of access to lawyers and poor physical conditions, including worms in the food, toilets that do not flush, floors flooding with fecal waste and insects everywhere. "Transferring people out of this cruel facility is an important step, but it does not erase the harm that has already been done," Amy Godshall, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union who filed a lawsuit against the state and the federal government over detainees' alleged lack of access to legal representation, said in a statement. "The state and federal government must permanently close this facility and commit to never detaining people there again." The facility, surrounded by alligator-filled swamps in the Florida Everglades, was constructed by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to support Trump's plan to mass detain and deport migrants. Trump toured the facility just two days before it was opened last summer. The facility has processed and deported more than 20,000 detainees since its opening. DeSantis said last month that the detention facility was always meant to be temporary. FUTURE OF RON DESANTIS' CONTROVERSIAL 'ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ' ICE HOLDING FACILITY REVEALED Immigration advocates and lawyers said the hurricane season is just an excuse and not the real reason why the detainees have been transferred. They said they noticed an increase in the number of transfers of detainees to other facilities over the past few weeks and that they lost contact with dozens of detainees during these transfers. "That’s a nonsense excuse because they opened in the middle of the worst part of hurricane season last year," said Arianne Betancourt, a community advocate at the non-governmental group The Workers Circle who has spent months connecting detainees with attorneys. "They are all gone," Blankenship added. "They have been moved and disappeared into the system and are unavailable to family or counsel, typically for a period of about a week." Fox News' Bill Melugin and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334aa6197238567832b625 Tohono O’odham sue DHS over border wall that would divide tribal land along 62-mile frontier with Mexico te 2026-06-18T01:32:22.244Z Tohono O’odham sue DHS over border wall that would divide tribal land along 62-mile frontier with Mexico WASHINGTON – The Tohono O’odham Nation has filed a lawsuit to stop the Department of Homeland Security from building a border wall across its territory, claiming that would violate tribal sovereignty. The nation, which straddles 62 miles of Arizona’s border with Mexico, has long opposed construction of a wall on its land.  Tribal leaders say they have long worked with DHS both to secure the border and to identify alternatives to a physical barrier that would cut off thousands of tribal members on either side. “We have tried to work with the department on the border wall issue, but it insists on rushing forward with construction. We have been left with no other choice but to file suit to protect our land, our culture, and our rights,” Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose said in a statement Wednesday announcing the lawsuit, which was filed the previous day in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  Jose highlighted the tribe’s uses of vehicle barriers, technology and personnel in coordination with federal immigration officials. The Trump administration struck a conciliatory tone but made no indication it would back down. The DHS issued a response noting Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s Indigenous heritage.  “Secretary Mullin is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and made clear during his confirmation hearing that he respects tribal sovereignty,” the statement said. “DHS is committed to ongoing coordination with stakeholders, including tribal nations, throughout planning and construction activities. DHS values its relationship with the Tohono O’odham Nation and remains focused on open communication and minimizing impacts.” Until about 20 years ago, the federal government focused construction of fencing around urban areas, such as San Diego and El Paso. President Donald Trump made building a border wall a central campaign promise in 2016. The remote span covered by the Tohono O’odham reservation was relatively low priority, and not a huge magnet for smuggling of drugs or migrants. The push for a new section of wall across the tribe’s land comes despite the Trump administration’s boasts that illegal border crossings per month have dropped by as much as 95% in the last year. When Trump signed the Secure America Act on June 10, providing Homeland Security funding through the end of his term, he asserted that his administration has created the “most secure border in history.” The Tohono O’odham emphasized in its court filings that, thanks in part to its own efforts, border detentions have dropped on tribal land by 95% as well.  The Gadsden Purchase of 1854 placed about half of the tribe’s territory south of the border, without the tribe’s input.  Until the creation of the Border Patrol in 1924, tribal members were able to move freely across the border on tribal land. The lawsuit notes that thousands of members live on tribal land south of the border, in 17 communities.  “Nation members regularly cross the border at multiple points (with the Department’s knowledge) for important religious, family, and practical reasons,” it says. The lawsuit asserts that a wall would reduce the tribe’s territory, and offers details about the many measures the tribe has taken to support border security. Since 1974, the tribe has allowed federal border authorities to operate from permanent installations on its land. Customs and Border Protection has installed 160-foot towers at 10 sites since 2012 with surveillance cameras, night vision, thermal sensors and ground sweeping radar. CBP also operates all-terrain pickup trucks on tribal land. Federal authorities maintain vehicle checkpoints on the main highways between the reservation and Phoenix and Tucson. “In 2006, the Nation agreed to the construction of vehicle barriers and a patrol road along the vast majority of the border, with the exception of those areas where vehicle access is impossible due to mountainous terrain,” the lawsuit says. “The vehicle barriers have eliminated unauthorized vehicle transit across the border. More generally, the measures that the Nation and Border Patrol have put in place on the Reservation have proven to be highly effective in preventing, deterring, and intercepting illegal crossings and smuggling within the Reservation.” The chairman called the lawsuit a last resort. “We would prefer to be using our precious resources to improve the lives of our Nation members,” he said.  At a 2024 congressional hearing on cartel operations in Indian country, Jose cited the $3 million in funds the tribe spends annually on border security. “Working in concert with CBP, our own Tohono O’odham law enforcement officers are regularly involved in drug interdiction and immigrant apprehension actions,” he testified. “We have supported CBP efforts on our reservation by providing lands for a checkpoint, forward operating bases, and integrated fixed towers to facilitate critical electronic surveillance efforts.” In its lawsuit, the tribe told the court it has taken such measures in part to preclude the need for a wall. “We are hopeful that DHS will reconsider moving forward with a border wall and instead implement modern border protection measures,” Jose said. “But if they insist on an illegal wall, we will stand up for what is right.” The nation, which straddles 62 miles of Arizona’s border with Mexico, has long opposed construction of a wall on its land.  Tribal leaders say they have long worked with DHS both to secure the border and to identify alternatives to a physical barrier that would cut off thousands of tribal members on either side. “We have tried to work with the department on the border wall issue, but it insists on rushing forward with construction. We have been left with no other choice but to file suit to protect our land, our culture, and our rights,” Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose said in a statement Wednesday announcing the lawsuit, which was filed the previous day in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  Jose highlighted the tribe’s uses of vehicle barriers, technology and personnel in coordination with federal immigration officials. The Trump administration struck a conciliatory tone but made no indication it would back down. The DHS issued a response noting Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s Indigenous heritage.  “Secretary Mullin is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and made clear during his confirmation hearing that he respects tribal sovereignty,” the statement said. “DHS is committed to ongoing coordination with stakeholders, including tribal nations, throughout planning and construction activities. DHS values its relationship with the Tohono O’odham Nation and remains focused on open communication and minimizing impacts.” Until about 20 years ago, the federal government focused construction of fencing around urban areas such as San Diego and El Paso. President Donald Trump made building a border wall a central campaign promise in 2016. The remote span covered by the Tohono O’odham reservation was relatively low priority, and not a huge magnet for smuggling of drugs or migrants. The push for a new section of wall across the tribe’s land comes despite the Trump administration’s boasts that illegal border crossings per month have dropped by as much as 95% in the last year. When Trump signed the Secure America Act on June 10, providing homeland security funding through the end of his term, he asserted that his administration has created the “most secure border in history.” The Tohono O’odham emphasized in its court filings that, thanks in part to its own efforts, border detentions have dropped on tribal land by 95%, as well.  The Gadsden Purchase of 1854 placed about half of the tribe’s territory south of the border, without the tribe’s input.  Until the creation of the Border Patrol in 1924, tribal members were able to move freely across the border on tribal land. The lawsuit notes that thousands of members live on tribal land south of the border, in 17 communities.  “Nation members regularly cross the border at multiple points (with the Department’s knowledge) for important religious, family, and practical reasons,” it says. The lawsuit asserts that a wall would reduce the tribe’s territory, and offers details about the many measures the tribe has taken to support border security. Since 1974, the tribe has allowed federal border authorities to operate from permanent installations on its land. Customs and Border Protection has installed 160-foot towers at 10 sites since 2012 with surveillance cameras, night vision, thermal sensors and ground sweeping radar. CBP also operates all-terrain pickup trucks on tribal land. Federal authorities maintain vehicle checkpoints on the main highways between the reservation and Phoenix and Tucson. “In 2006, the Nation agreed to the construction of vehicle barriers and a patrol road along the vast majority of the border, with the exception of those areas where vehicle access is impossible due to mountainous terrain,” the lawsuit says. “The vehicle barriers have eliminated unauthorized vehicle transit across the border. More generally, the measures that the Nation and Border Patrol have put in place on the Reservation have proven to be highly effective in preventing, deterring, and intercepting illegal crossings and smuggling within the Reservation.” The chairman called the lawsuit a last resort. “We would prefer to be using our precious resources to improve the lives of our Nation members,” he said.  At a 2024 congressional hearing on cartel operations in Indian country, Jose cited the $3 million in funds the tribe spends annually on border security. “Working in concert with CBP, our own Tohono O’odham law enforcement officers are regularly involved in drug interdiction and immigrant apprehension actions,” he testified. “We have supported CBP efforts on our reservation by providing lands for a checkpoint, forward operating bases, and integrated fixed towers to facilitate critical electronic surveillance efforts.” In its lawsuit, the tribe told the court it has taken such measures in part to preclude the need for a wall. “We are hopeful that DHS will reconsider moving forward with a border wall and instead implement modern border protection measures,” Jose said. “But if they insist on an illegal wall, we will stand up for what is right.” The post Tohono O’odham sue DHS over border wall that would divide tribal land along 62-mile frontier with Mexico appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334a78197238567832b5f7 Man killed after horse-drawn carriage bolts and flips near popular New York City tourist destination te 2026-06-18T01:31:36.452Z Man killed after horse-drawn carriage bolts and flips near popular New York City tourist destination An 18-year-old man was killed Wednesday after a horse-drawn carriage became startled and bolted through New York City's Central Park before colliding with another carriage and overturning, according to the Central Park Conservancy. A New York City Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson told Fox News Digital an "investigation remains ongoing." Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist visiting NYC from India, suffered the fatal injuries after falling from the carriage during the afternoon incident near Cherry Hill at West 72nd Street and West Drive. Authorities said a horse-drawn carriage carrying passengers broke free and raced down West Drive before striking another carriage and flipping over near Tavern on the Green. EAGLES FAN, 18, DIES AFTER FALL FROM LIGHT POLE DURING CELEBRATION PIX11 News previously reported that Mahajan was transported to a local hospital in critical condition following the crash. "We are absolutely devastated to learn that Romanch Mahajan, the 18-year-old visitor injured in today's carriage incident, has died," a Central Park Conservancy spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "On behalf of everyone at the Central Park Conservancy, our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this unimaginable time." Officials have not said what caused the horse to become spooked. The fatal crash prompted renewed scrutiny of New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry, with both the union representing carriage drivers and the Central Park Conservancy calling for changes following the incident. CARNIVAL RIDE PASSENGERS LEFT DANGLING IN CARRIAGE AFTER MALFUNCTION AT HIGH SCHOOL EVENT: VIDEO Alexander Kemp of TWU Local 100, the union representing horse-drawn carriage drivers and owners, said preliminary information alleges the driver may have stepped away from the horse to take a photo before the animal took off. "It appears the driver was at least at arm's length from his horse to take a photo of his passengers in the carriage," Kemp told Fox News Digital in an earlier statement. "This is unacceptable. A driver is not supposed to leave the carriage to take photos – ever." The union said it supports a full investigation into the incident and called for enhanced driver training, tougher examinations and additional rules governing the introduction of new horses into the business. FATAL NYC HELICOPTER CRASH PROMPTS GOP LAWMAKER TO CALL FOR ENDING POPULAR TOURIST FLIGHTS The Central Park Conservancy, which has long opposed horse-drawn carriages in the park, said Mahajan's death underscored its concerns about public safety. "This is the tragedy we feared when we first called last year for horse carriages to be banned from Central Park due to the risks they pose to public safety and public health," the spokesperson said. "A young man came to enjoy our park and lost his life. That is not an acceptable cost of an antiquated industry operating in the middle of one of the most heavily used public spaces in America." HORSE DIES AFTER CROSSING THE FINISH LINE IN HIS FIRST CAREER RACE IN TRAGIC START TO PREAKNESS WEEKEND The conservancy renewed its call for New York City officials to pass Ryder's Law, which would ban horse-drawn carriages and provide transitional job placement services for drivers. "Every day horse carriages are in the park is a day the safety of New Yorkers and visitors is in jeopardy," the spokesperson said. According to the conservancy, Wednesday's crash was the eighth horse-related incident in and around Central Park during the past 13 months. The incident came just days after a carriage horse named Deniz collapsed and died near West 72nd Street and West Drive while pulling tourists through the park. Another carriage reportedly overturned in May after a horse became spooked and struck a second carriage. Fox News Digital has reached to the NYPD and TWU Local 100 for additional comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334a63197238567832b5ee 'Top Gear' star Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' cancer diagnosis after health scares te 2026-06-18T01:31:15.971Z 'Top Gear' star Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' cancer diagnosis after health scares TV host Jeremy Clarkson revealed that he is battling cancer during the latest episodes of his hit show "Clarkson's Farm." In the final two episodes of the Prime Video documentary series' fifth season, the 66-year-old British television personality shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer while speaking to his co-stars Charlie Ireland and Kaleb Cooper, according to the BBC and the Guardian. "I had a medical, remember, back in May?" Clarkson said, per the Guardian. "I disappeared off the other week and I had a biopsy, and it is cancer, and it's aggressive, but it's really early." The "Top Gear" star said that he had known about his diagnosis "since May." According to the Guardian, the episodes, which dropped on Wednesday, were filmed last year. 'ALL MY CHILDREN' STAR COLIN EGGLESFIELD DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER FOR THIRD TIME "I promise I'll be fine," Clarkson told Ireland and Cooper. According to the U.K. outlet The Independent, Clarkson said that he would be undergoing surgery in the coming weeks and would be "slightly out of action." "If I hadn’t have got myself checked out and they hadn’t caught the problem early, this could well have been my last harvest," Clarkson shared, per the Guardian. "It’s only because they did catch it early, there’s every hope that I’ll be harvesting this farm for many, many years to come." ESPN ANCHOR JAY HARRIS REVEALS PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS In the following episode, Clarkson told Cooper that he underwent a procedure during which a part of his prostate was removed. "The prostate, 10% of it is dead, the 10% where the cancer is," he said, according to Sky News. In a later scene, Clarkson told co-star Gerald Cooper that he "had the op." JAMES VAN DER BEEK MISTOOK CANCER SYMPTOMS FOR PROBLEMS WITH HIS DIET "Just fingers crossed it's worked, we don't know yet," he said, according to the BBC. In the final scene of the episode, which was the season five finale, Clarkson was seen at a hospital. "We started season five with me in a hospital bed, and here we are at the end of season five and I'm back in the hospital bed," he said, according to the BBC. BARRY MANILOW, 82, GIVES UPDATE ON HIS CANCER BATTLE AS HE CANCELS MORE TOUR DATES "Some of the treatment's gone a bit awry, let's say, so I'm going to be here for a little while," Clarkson continued. "I'm nil by mouth, I don't know what's going to happen." "But if this is all successful, I'll see you for season six, and if it isn't, I won't," he concluded. "Take care everyone." According to the Independent, the opening episodes of the fifth season centered on Clarkson's October 2024 heart health scare and his recovery from emergency surgery. JAMES VAN DER BEEK IS IN 'HEALING PHASE' OF CANCER BATTLE On Tuesday, Clarkson shared an Instagram video in which he told his fans that he had some "somber news" to share regarding the new episodes of "Clarkson's Farm." "Ordinarily, we try to keep the show bucolic and charming and cheerful, but the final two episodes which drop in the middle of the night tonight … they're none of those things really," Clarkson said. "They're a difficult watch," he added with a sigh. "They're really, really difficult." JAMES VAN DER BEEK'S VIRAL MESSAGE ABOUT FAITH, CANCER BATTLE INSPIRES VIEWERS AFTER ACTOR'S DEATH AT AGE 48 In a 2025 column for The Sunday Times, Clarkson shared that he undergoes health screenings every couple of years and regular prostate exams. The "Grand Tour" host also urged men not to avoid prostate exams out of embarrassment. "I've had too many friends go down with prostate cancer, and all it takes to get on top of the situation early is a moment or two of being a bit cross-eyed," he wrote. "You get the all-clear and the doc goes home happy. What's not to like?" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Clarkson opened up about his previous health scare and emergency heart surgery in a 2024 column for The Sunday Times. He recalled that his doctor told him that he might have been "days away" from a life-threatening cardiac event. MEDICAL EXPERT 'ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED' BY TIMING OF BIDEN'S PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS The TV personality wrote that he experienced a "sudden deterioration" in his health after returning from a vacation. He described feeling "clammy," having a "tightness in my chest" and "pins and needles in my left arm." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS After testing at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, Clarkson underwent emergency heart surgery and received two stents. "It seems that of the arteries feeding my heart with nourishing blood, one was completely blocked and the second of three was heading that way," he wrote. Clarkson recalled reflecting on how close he came to having a heart attack following the procedure. "The next morning I went home, and here I am, two hours later, writing this and sort of thinking, 'Crikey, that was close,'" Clarkson wrote. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334a50197238567832b5e5 Tim Howard says USMNT gained momentum after dominating Paraguay win, USA to 'play Australia off the park' next te 2026-06-18T01:30:56.033Z Tim Howard says USMNT gained momentum after dominating Paraguay win, USA to 'play Australia off the park' next The U.S. Men's National Team has officially found its footing. Former U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard told OutKick that the Yanks' dominant win over Paraguay proves just how dangerous this squad can be ahead of their matchup with Australia. And the rest of the country is clearly bought in. The 4-1 blowout drew a massive 24.9 million viewers on Friday, shattering records as the largest soccer audience in U.S. history. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE But for Howard, the most encouraging takeaway was the feeling that the Americans left even more goals on the table. "So many good things, so many contributions," Howard told OutKick. "It's really good to win a game and say, 'Gosh, I wish we almost had six.' That's a good place to be." Howard pointed to Folarin Balogun's two-goal performance, Christian Pulisic's influence in attack and a strong defensive showing as reasons for optimism as the tournament progresses. "There's a lot to build on," Howard said. "The substitutes came in and played well. Balogun got his two goals. Christian Pulisic was outstanding. I thought defensively we were good." FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE After Matt Freese got the nod over veteran Matt Turner, Howard said he no longer views the goalkeeper competition as an open one. "I don't think there's any competition now," Howard said. "I think Matt Freese is the goalkeeper. We sort of saw that going into the tournament over the last year. That played itself out. Matt Freese is the U.S. No. 1, end of story, I think." Looking ahead to Australia's challenge, Howard expects a far different type of match than the one the Americans faced against Paraguay. He warned that Australia's physical style could create problems if the U.S. allows itself to be knocked out of rhythm. "It's going to be a physical game," Howard noted. "I think the Australian team plays that way, but I think they also realize that if they get into the U.S. team and disrupt their rhythm, they give themselves a good chance." UNITED STATES SHATTERS WORLD CUP VIEWERSHIP RECORD IN FIRST MATCH VS PARAGUAY IN LOS ANGELES Still, Howard likes the matchup for the Americans. "From a footballing standpoint, if you're asking me right now, the U.S. team will play the Australians off the park," he said. "They just need to be able to match that physicality." And Howard is expecting goals. "If the U.S. matches that physicality, then I think the rest will take care of itself," Howard said. "The U.S. scores three and wins. Maybe 3-1, maybe 3-0." Off the pitch, Howard said supporters will have a major role to play as the U.S. builds momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil. He highlighted partnerships like Jim Beam's Home Field Advantage campaign, which aims to cultivate a deeper soccer culture around the national team and further energize supporters. "There's a cultural and togetherness aspect of soccer," Howard said. "We need to build this culture and hype around this team and help propel them, as best we can, on and off the field, toward greatness." Howard said the atmosphere surrounding the team could prove just as important as the momentum being generated on the field. "They're going to use the home-field advantage. They're going to use that momentum as best they can. But it's up to us as fans to provide that." Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334a2f197238567832b59d How to turn off AI in your Google Docs te 2026-06-18T01:30:23.752Z How to turn off AI in your Google Docs Here's what you need to do to get those pesky "write with Gemini" pop-ups to go away. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334819197238567832b55b Downtown Seattle lost 30,000 jobs, billions in office value since 2020 payroll tax: new report finds te 2026-06-18T01:21:29.504Z Downtown Seattle lost 30,000 jobs, billions in office value since 2020 payroll tax: new report finds A new report from Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) claimed that Seattle lost thousands of jobs and significant property value in the years since implementing the "JumpStart" payroll tax in 2020. Monday's report compared Seattle's status with its neighboring city, Bellevue, which has no comparable payroll tax or social housing tax, and found that while Seattle's workforce and property values have shrunk, Bellevue's has remained resilient. "[S]ince 2020, what we have seen in downtown Seattle is not a 'jump start,' but instead, a slowdown," the report read. "Since being implemented, downtown Seattle has lost around 30,000 jobs. The office vacancy rate increased to 32% in the downtown core. And more than $10 billion in office value has been lost." SEATTLE ABOUT TO GET NY'S HAMMER-AND-SICKLE TREATMENT. SOCIALISM IS COMING YOUR WAY It continued, "Meanwhile, in Bellevue, dating back to 2020, the city has seen more jobs come to its core, lower office vacancy, and the stability of office building values. This provides a stark tale of two cities and two tax environments just miles apart." The DSA reported that Bellevue experienced a 7% increase in assessed value compared to the 48% decrease seen in Seattle office properties. Though both cities have a sizable office vacancy rate since 2020, Seattle's rate is also significantly higher at 32% compared to Bellevue's 24%. SEATTLE DEMOCRAT REJECTS WEALTH 'EXODUS’ CONCERNS AS BUSINESSES FLEE FOR LOWER-TAX STATES In addition to having no payroll or social housing tax, Bellevue also has a smaller property tax millage rate compared to Seattle in 2026. This, the DSA report claimed, presented Bellevue as a more favorable environment for business owners. "When comparing business tax burdens and broader tax trends in Seattle and Bellevue, the contrast is clear: Bellevue’s more favorable tax climate has made it increasingly attractive to employers and investment relative to Seattle," the report concluded. In a comment to Fox News Digital, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson defended the city's JumpStart Payroll Expense tax as a bedrock for Seattle's resilience during hard economic times. "Seattle's JumpStart Payroll Expense Tax is a key reason why the city was able to successfully bounce back from the worst economic impacts of COVID. Because of Seattle's ongoing economic strength, this tax on the highest salaries paid by the largest corporations has raised far more money over the past several years than originally projected," the mayor said. SEATTLE DEMOCRAT REJECTS WEALTH 'EXODUS’ CONCERNS AS BUSINESSES FLEE FOR LOWER-TAX STATES She continued, "JumpStart revenue is the key reason why the city has been able to avoid the negative impacts of the deep budget cuts which would have otherwise been necessary over the past few years, and which would have been a massive drag on our local economy." The JumpStart Payroll Expense Tax was first passed by the Seattle City Council in 2020 and implemented a tax on Seattle businesses earning $7 million or more on annual payrolls. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334800197238567832b51f UA's Monsoon Fantasy Forecast returns for 6th year with new weekly tournament te 2026-06-18T01:21:04.561Z UA's Monsoon Fantasy Forecast returns for 6th year with new weekly tournament Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3347ec197238567832b513 Distemper outbreak at PACC halts adoptions, restricts intake te 2026-06-18T01:20:44.599Z Distemper outbreak at PACC halts adoptions, restricts intake Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3347d8197238567832b50a ICE moves forward on using Marana prison to hold immigrants, plans to double facility te 2026-06-18T01:20:24.634Z ICE moves forward on using Marana prison to hold immigrants, plans to double facility Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334586197238567832b4b3 SLED joins probe as body matching missing South Carolina personal trainer's description found te 2026-06-18T01:10:30.051Z SLED joins probe as body matching missing South Carolina personal trainer's description found South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which serves as the state’s major crimes unit, joined an investigation in South Carolina on Wednesday, after authorities said they discovered a body in a wooded area where a missing woman was last seen nearly one week ago. The discovery came following a six-day search for Elena Katherine Moore, 39, a personal trainer who officials said disappeared Thursday evening after leaving a Planet Fitness gym in Lexington. The Lexington Police Department (LPD) said the body has not yet been formally identified but "fits the clothing description of our missing person." The case has since been classified as an active death investigation, prompting SLED to assist in determining the cause of death and confirming the identity. SOUTH CAROLINA PERSONAL TRAINER GOES MISSING, LAST SPOTTED WALKING TOWARD WOODED AREA According to LPD Chief Terrence Green, authorities located the body Wednesday after receiving a citizen tip that led investigators to conduct a targeted search. "At approximately 2:48 p.m. we found an unidentified body that fits the clothing description of our missing person. We are still waiting on the coroner to identify her." MISSING MISSOURI MOTHER FOUND DEAD, BOYFRIEND CHARGED WITH MURDER: POLICE The body was reportedly wearing a "similar green outfit" consistent with what Moore was seen wearing on surveillance footage the night before she disappeared. Officials said they are still awaiting formal identification from the coroner. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy will be scheduled in the coming days and that the process is expected to take some time. POLICE INVESTIGATING AFTER HIKER FINDS BADLY DECOMPOSED BODY HUNDRED OF YARDS DOWN CALIFORNIA CLIFFSIDE "In reference to the body found in Lexington in the area of Old Cherokee Road and Northlake Drive. Coroner Margaret Fisher can confirm the body of a female matching the clothing description of the missing person, Elena K. Moore has been found," the office said in a statement. "No positive identification has been made as of this time. We will await positive identification before any further information is released. No cause of death has been determined" When asked if foul play was suspected, the police said, "Again, it's an active investigation and we are having SLED investigate that." Moore was first reported missing last Friday, prompting a large-scale search that included multiple agencies and the deployment of a drone. She was last seen Thursday night in surveillance footage walking through the Publix parking lot at 100 Old Cherokee Road. In the video, she is seen wearing an olive-green zip-up hoodie and black athletic pants, the same outfit she was reportedly wearing when she left Planet Fitness. Authorities said that in the days leading up to her disappearance, Moore exhibited behavior that was out of character, including a sudden absence and an abrupt change in social media presence, according to ABC News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334348197238567832b41e Knicks owner confirms championship celebration invite to White House while Seahawks visit on back burner te 2026-06-18T01:00:56.321Z Knicks owner confirms championship celebration invite to White House while Seahawks visit on back burner The New York Knicks have received and accepted an invitation to visit the White House to celebrate their NBA championship, owner James Dolan confirmed Wednesday. Meanwhile, a Seattle Seahawks visit appears to be on the back burner months after the team won the Super Bowl. "We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted," Dolan said on WFAN New York's "The Carton show." "Still have to figure out the details, but, yes, of course, I invited the president to come down to the game, right? He is a friend. I've known him for 30 years, and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House." President Donald Trump attended the Knicks' Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. It turned out to be the only loss for the Knicks, who went on to win the NBA Championship Series 4-1. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The details of the Knicks' visit have yet to be finalized. As Dolan noted, that includes a date for the trip, the size of the traveling party and how many players will attend. And while the White House got to work immediately on the Knicks visiting, the Seahawks visit is apparently another matter. Seattle beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, but the team visiting the White House for a celebration is in limbo. "We don’t have anything to share at this time," the White House press office told Fox News Digital this week. "Check back in with us later!" JALEN HURTS MAINTAINS HE 'WASN'T AVAILABLE' FOR EAGLES' WHITE HOUSE VISIT Time is running out. The Philadelphia Eagles, the last NFL team to visit the White House, celebrated their Super Bowl LIX victory on the South Lawn with President Trump on April 28, 2025. That timing made sense because it happened during the team's offseason program. Seattle's offseason program is over following the conclusion of mandatory minicamp on June 11. That means players, staff and coaches are off to parts unknown enjoying their summer break. The next time the whole organization is expected to be together is the final week of July, just prior to the beginning of training camp. So the best opportunity for a Seahawks visit to Washington, D.C. has passed because successfully rallying players from all across the country and wherever they are vacationing is practically impossible. And no team is going to break away from training camp to fly across the country to visit the White House. That raises the distinct possibility the Seahawks will not be celebrating their Super Bowl win with a White House visit at all. If that is the case, the obvious question is: Why? Did the White House reach out through back channels only to be rebuffed by the team? It would not be unprecedented. A similar situation occurred with the Eagles in 2018. There appears to be only one way to salvage a Seahawks visit to the White House, if one happens at all: scheduling it during the NFL regular season. Seattle visits the Washington Commanders on Sept. 27 and that provides a small opportunity for a visit should the team fly to Washington a day earlier than usual, visit the White House, then play the Commanders two days later. Is that likely? No. NFL coaches traditionally are not big fans of upsetting their normal travel schedules and portray those games away from home as business trips rather than a pleasure trip — even if a White House visit is involved. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33432c197238567832b3ea Before Making a Deal, Trump Demanded Iran’s Surrender. He Got a Surprise. te 2026-06-18T01:00:28.029Z Before Making a Deal, Trump Demanded Iran’s Surrender. He Got a Surprise. While the Iranians suffered substantial losses in the war, they emerged from a confrontation with the world’s most powerful military having proved they can use economic chaos as a weapon. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3340ea197238567832b387 Jillian Michaels says leaving the left felt like 'Neo in the Matrix' and warns it 'comes for everyone' te 2026-06-18T00:50:50.423Z Jillian Michaels says leaving the left felt like 'Neo in the Matrix' and warns it 'comes for everyone' Jillian Michaels described evolving her political views as like Neo in "The Matrix." "Honestly, it felt a bit like Neo in the Matrix at first because I really did think that, you know, when you're on the left, like you're the empathetic one, you're the good guy, you're the one that cares about people," the 52-year-old fitness icon told Dave Rubin on his "The Rubin Report" podcast. Part of her evolution involved marrying a conservative "who let me know that that wasn’t the case," she added. "We had very many fights early on in our relationship." After that, she said she watched the "world invert. Up was down. Right was left. Literally. And being obese became beautiful and healthy and then COVID happened and that was another crazy moment for me. And then I started learning that all the news I had been ingesting was a lie. COVID did not come from a bat in a wet market and it just --- Russia, Russia, Russia wasn’t real." JILLIAN MICHAELS SHREDS 'RIDICULOUS' DEMS FOR TURNING ON SETH MOULTON: THIS IS WHY YOU GOT YOUR 'BUTTS KICKED' Michaels admitted that she worries about political issues "all the time. Mostly selfishly because I have two kids. And I was talking to my son today. He’s only 14 but he’s very political. I think about the kids and the world that we’re leaving them, and I know it sounds cliché, but I was telling my son if this happens with Nithya Raman and Becerra. That’s it." Michaels was referring to Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and former head of U.S. Health and Human Services under former President Biden Javier Becerra. Raman is running for mayor of L.A. and Becerra is running for California governor. She said she asked where they wanted to go to college, saying she wanted to buy them a house there now. COMEDIAN JEFF DYE ON LEAVING LOS ANGELES AND THE POLITICS DRIVING COMEDY’S NEW DIVIDE "I want to get the kids set up. I worry about them. I worry about them making a living in this environment," she admitted. "I worry about the political climate. I worry about all of it all the time actually. It’s terrible." Michaels and her wife moved their family from California to Wyoming in 2021. Later in the podcast, she mused on liberals believing the "right is evil." MAHER PRAISES NEWSOM'S 'TACK TO THE CENTER' AS DEM GOV SPEAKS OUT AGAINST TRANS ATHLETES IN WOMEN'S SPORTS "All the news they watch tells them that," she said. "Everything they read, everything they see is ‘We are fascists, we are racists, we are Nazis. ‘Oh, you want voter ID? Because you’re racist.’" She said when people hear that enough, it’s hard to get across that "this is totally corrupted. They look at you like you’ve got a tinfoil hat on, and you went all the way down the rabbit hole." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER She said what she thinks "converts a person on the left, is when it comes for them … It comes for everyone. Let’s just hope it’s not too late." NEWSOM PUSHES THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO BE 'MORE CULTURALLY NORMAL' IF THEY WANT TO WIN And while she said it’s important to be aware of what’s going on in the world, "everything is a balance. Because if you don’t know what’s going on — I think Jesse Kelly said this to me — if you’re paying attention, you’re destined to be ruled over by idiots and monsters. And that’s unacceptable." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS But she said simultaneously, "That can’t just be your media diet. And sometimes I will forcibly change my algorithm and watch people do incredible deeds for each other." She added that she’s started to add people from different walks of life helping each other to the end of her podcast "Keeping it Real." "And it reminds you that the vast majority of us are good people," she said. "We just have different ideas of how to achieve similar goals. And we’ve got to keep seeing the humanity in each other, and forcing, literally forcing the algorithm to show us those things instead of just ‘Look at this dumba—on the left and look at this racist on the right. That’s engineered. Fight back against that algorithm. It is designed to engage us in a horizontal fight, so we never look up and fight the real enemy." She added, jokingly, "which is Gavin Newsom, by the way, in case you were wondering." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3340d1197238567832b353 Trump’s Deal With Iran Opens New Rifts in G.O.P. te 2026-06-18T00:50:25.548Z Trump’s Deal With Iran Opens New Rifts in G.O.P. Some in the president’s party were skeptical about whether the agreement he reached included adequate concessions from Iranian officials. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3339e0197238567832b214 Finland's parliament votes to lift decades-old ban on nuclear weapons in historic NATO defense shift te 2026-06-18T00:20:48.568Z Finland's parliament votes to lift decades-old ban on nuclear weapons in historic NATO defense shift Finland’s parliament on Wednesday voted to lift a decades-old ban on nuclear weapons, approving a major defense policy shift aimed at aligning the country more closely with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) deterrence strategy. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said a strong majority backed the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act, calling it a "historic reform" that strengthens Finland’s security and that of the alliance. "The Parliament approved the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act with a strong 2/3 majority," Häkkänen said in a post on X. "This historic reform strengthens the security of Finland and of NATO as a whole. In April 2023, Finland joined NATO in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ending decades of military non-alignment. The move, aimed at securing Finland’s collective defense, roughly doubled NATO’s border with Russia. ANOTHER NATO ALLY SIGNS ONTO EUROPEAN NUCLEAR UMBRELLA AS CONTINENT BOOSTS SELF-DEFENSE "The overall nuclear weapons policy has been one of the most challenging issues in the Ministry of Defence during this parliamentary term. Years of study, discussions with nuclear-weapon states and other allies, and assessments of how Finland's security can best be strengthened in NATO," Häkkänen said. The measure repeals provisions in Finland’s 1987 Nuclear Energy Act that banned the import, production, possession and detonation of nuclear explosives. If enacted, the legislation would allow nuclear weapons to be transported, supplied or possessed in Finland where the country’s military defense requires it. FINLAND’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS UKRAINE ‘IS NOW HOLDING THE CARDS’ AS RUSSIA SIGNALS TALKS According to Euro News, 125 deputies backed the government proposal, 61 voted against it and 13 abstained. The bill now moves to the president for final approval. "I thank all the Members of Parliament who supported our legislative proposal for their strong backing," Häkkänen said. "Thank you to the defense administration professionals at home and abroad for their high expertise also in this project." Despite the bill passing, the proposal has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who warned it could escalate tensions, make Finland a potential primary target, and break from regional norms, noting that several neighboring countries have rejected hosting or permitting nuclear weapons. The introduction of the proposed law also provoked a strong reaction from Russia last March, according to Reuters. "This is a statement that leads to an escalation ​of tensions on the European continent," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "This statement adds to Finland's vulnerability, a ​vulnerability provoked by the actions of the Finnish authorities. The fact is that by deploying ⁠nuclear weapons on its territory, Finland is beginning to threaten us. And if Finland threatens us, we take appropriate measures." Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3339cc197238567832b202 Olivia Wilde speaks out about the exact moment she knew relationship with Jason Sudeikis was over te 2026-06-18T00:20:28.603Z Olivia Wilde speaks out about the exact moment she knew relationship with Jason Sudeikis was over Olivia Wilde revealed that a striking comment from Jason Sudeikis during a birthday-night drive home crystallized what the former couple had been struggling to admit: their relationship was over. The "Don't Worry Darling" star offered a rare glimpse into the private struggles behind her split from Sudeikis, revealing the heartbreaking exchange that ultimately confirmed what the couple had been reluctant to admit. Wilde said the breakup ultimately informed her creative process, helping shape the relationship themes at the center of her new film, "The Invite." "It's no surprise to me that I ended up making a movie about relationships and the complexity of determining whether a relationship is over because it is not an overnight process," she said during an appearance on "Call Her Daddy." "It's very difficult." Wilde recalled a conversation on March 10, 2020, after she and Sudeikis had been experiencing a "real bumpy, bumpy ride" in their relationship. OLIVIA WILDE WOULD RATHER HER WORK BE 'CONTROVERSIAL THAN BORING' "And we were driving home from my birthday party, my friends had had. And I said, 'Did you get me a birthday present?' And he said, 'What would I get you, Olivia? I don't know you,'" Wilde revealed. "And he wasn't wrong. We didn't know each other anymore." Wilde said the exchange forced them to confront how disconnected they had become in their relationship. "And this is the thing that made me wanna make ['The Invite'] because, or one of the things, because you can get to a place in a relationship where you stop engaging in the knowing of each other in the curiosity about each other," she explained. "And you find yourself in a place where you're like, 'I don't even know you.' And that was a point, that was when we realized it was over, and it was f---ing tough. And it brought us to the place of like, 'OK, this is done. We're gonna end this.' And then, literally two days later was lockdown COVID." JENNIFER GARNER DETAILS SACRIFICES AND CHALLENGES OF CO-PARENTING WITH BEN AFFLECK Wilde and Sudeikis met at a "Saturday Night Live" after-party in 2011 and were engaged by 2013. They never married but spent nearly a decade together and had two children, Otis and Daisy. Although the romance ended, Wilde emphasized that their shared commitment to parenting never disappeared. "Once you are sharing custody with someone, it shifts the way you think about parenting," Wilde said, calling Sudeikis a "very capable co-parent." The actress said sharing parenting responsibilities allows both parents to be fully present with their children when it's their time together. "I feel like I'm like a superhero, not because of my skills, but because of the switching in between identities. Because my version of like going into the phone booth and putting on the suit is like going to work and being like a hundred percent hardcore available to work 24/7. But everyone in my life knows that then when I'm with my kids, it's the opposite." SOPHIE TURNER SLAMS PARENTING POLICE AFTER BEING CRITICIZED FOR ATTENDING OASIS CONCERT WITHOUT HER KIDS "And sometimes that's challenging. You have to find the balance. But I actually find this kind of divvying up of responsibility in a way can allow for really amazing parenting. Because we are always our best with our kids. They get the best of us." For Wilde, the benefits of that approach extend beyond scheduling and logistics. "I really wanna tell people, you can be an incredible parent even if you are not with them a hundred percent of the time, and you're sharing them with their other parent. It doesn't mean you won't be as good of a parent. You might even be a better parent." Despite finding stability as co-parents, Wilde said one post-split incident remains among the most difficult experiences she has endured: being served custody papers while presenting onstage at CinemaCon in 2022. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Wilde noted that CinemaCon is one of Hollywood's most important industry gatherings, bringing together studio executives, theater owners and members of the press. The high-stakes presentation left her feeling particularly vulnerable when the incident unfolded in front of the crowd. "One of the most f---ed up things that I went through among so many was that I was served papers on stage. And I'll just say that now, with enough space behind it, the part that I can laugh at is that obviously it was incredibly traumatizing. There's so many elements to that. But I get through it because, weirdly, as women, we're taught to muscle through the most insane experiences, I was like, 'Just finish your speech.' Got through it, went backstage, completely like dissolved into a puddle." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS She later learned footage of the incident made it online despite there being no phones allowed at the event. Reflecting on the controversy years later, Wilde said the "Ted Lasso" star told her he was unaware she would be served publicly. "Jason has told me that he did not know. And I need to believe that in order to continue. And you know, I think that lawyers can be super f---ed up and do f---ed up things, and I'm aware of that." Although she called the incident "so f---ed up in so many ways," Wilde said she believes it also strengthened her resilience. "...it was like, I cannot f---ing believe this is happening to me here," she recalled. "And yet, you know, the crazy thing is like once you make it through things like that, you kind of feel like you can make it through anything." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333774197238567832b185 Hillary Clinton dodges endorsing Graham Platner, calls his scandals 'bumps on the road' te 2026-06-18T00:10:28.793Z Hillary Clinton dodges endorsing Graham Platner, calls his scandals 'bumps on the road' Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton avoided directly answering whether she supported Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner when asked on Monday. "I feel about him the way I feel about any candidate," Clinton said at 92NY. "I want to see what kind of candidate he actually turns out to be." During her answer, she also appeared to downplay Platner's ongoing scandals as "bumps on the road" for his character. HILLARY CLINTON BREAKS WITH DEMOCRATIC CRITICS BY BACKING TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN AS THE 'ONLY GAME IN TOWN' "The bumps on the road that he has experienced and some of the things he has said..." Clinton said. "Bumps on the road?" The New Yorker editor David Remnick asked skeptically. "Yeah, clearly bumps on the road in terms of his prior behavior, some of his prior statements. And I will tell you, I served with [Maine Sen.] Susan Collins, she is going to be very hard to beat. It's going to be a tough election. So I'm reserving," Clinton said. SUSAN COLLINS GETTING REELECTED IS BIGGER CONCERN THAN GRAHAM PLATNER ALLEGATIONS, TEXAS DEMOCRAT CLAIMS "But if you were a Mainer, where would you pull the lever?" Remnick asked. "I’m not a Mainer. I’m a New Yorker," Clinton joked. Clinton then shifted to discussing the importance of the Democratic Party regaining control of the House of Representatives in 2026. Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign for comment. 'THE VIEW' ERUPTS AFTER HOSTIN DECLARES 'I WOULD HOLD MY NOSE' AND VOTE FOR SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER Platner has been rocked by several controversies since his campaign began, ranging from sexually explicit messages to other women and offensive social media posts to a Nazi-linked tattoo and campaign staff upheaval. The controversies reached a new level after a New York Times report earlier this month described new allegations of violent episodes and questionable behavior with ex-girlfriends. Despite his ongoing scandals, several Democratic politicians have chosen to stand and defend Platner's campaign, while many have declined to disavow him. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333576197238567832b0fc 'Something big': Feds reveal how relatives of suspects in foiled White House UFC plot saw warning signs te 2026-06-18T00:01:58.776Z 'Something big': Feds reveal how relatives of suspects in foiled White House UFC plot saw warning signs Family members of two men charged in an alleged plot to attack the White House UFC event last weekend saw warning signs before authorities foiled the plot, including a mother who alerted police days before the plan was supposed to take place to her son's concerning online communications and an unusually large stockpile of weapons he recently obtained. Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, allegedly told a family member that one day they would wake up and he would be gone, and that he intended to travel to Washington, D.C., where "something big" would happen, according to a federal complaint filed in the Central District of California.  On June 10, just days before the controversial event at the White House, that family member woke up and found that Roa, an amateur mixed martial arts fighter himself, had left, according to the complaint. Roa’s relatives considered reporting him after he left but did not contact police before he returned home, the complaint notes. Meanwhile, on the same day Roa disappeared from his family, law enforcement officers in Ohio were dispatched to the home of Tycen Proper, after his mother reported concerns about his recent firearms purchases and online communications, according to a separate federal complaint. Law enforcement made contact with Proper, who was transported to a local hospital due to homicidal ideations, prosecutors said.  DAN BONGINO REVEALS HOW THE FBI STOPPED AN ALLEGED TERROR PLOT BUILT FOR 'UNIMAGINABLE' CASUALTIES Fox News Digital reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Cincinnati and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio, where Proper's case is playing out, to inquire whether the call to law enforcement from Proper’s mother was at all a factor in the investigation, or in preventing the alleged plot from coming to fruition. Both declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI's Los Angeles office as well with similar questions about Roa, but officials cited similar constraints. However, a spokesperson did confirm that their investigation "is very much ongoing." Multiple family members told law enforcement that Roa had been planning a trip to Washington, D.C., and believed he intended to commit an act of violence during the trip because of his increased time spent shooting weapons and a noticeable change in behavior, including increased anxiety, irritation and seclusion, according to the complaint from the Central District of California. Federal investigators also said Roa’s family members told law enforcement that, within the last three months, he had begun spending more time with a new group of online friends. Other relatives told investigators that Roa became "extremely agitated" when he experienced mechanical difficulties with his vehicle during the week of June 9, something that ultimately forced Roa to head back home after attempting to drive to the nation's capital, according to the complaint. Roa’s family considered reporting him to police after he left but did not do so before he returned home, investigators said. Roa later told law enforcement that he had planned to attend UFC Freedom 250 as a protester, but that his vehicle malfunctioned and he had to return home, according to the complaint. Federal investigators said traffic cameras showed Roa’s registered vehicle in Barstow, California, on June 11. OBAMA JUDGE RULES ON EFFORT TO BLOCK AMERICA 250 EVENTS AT WH AND LINCOLN MEMORIAL In Ohio, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a residence in Danville on June 10 after Tycen Proper’s mother reported concerns about her son’s recent conduct, including firearms purchases and communications with concerning people online, according to the complaint. A family member told deputies that Proper, 19, had recently met random people online and had been planning "recons" with them, according to the complaint. The family member said Proper planned to leave the weekend of June 13 to meet the online contacts and had recently acquired camping gear, food, ballistic plates, a new shotgun, a rifle, "lots" of ammunition, extra magazines and plate carriers. Proper allegedly spent about $3,000 of his graduation money on the equipment, according to the complaint. The family member also told authorities that Proper had recently quit his job in preparation to meet the online contacts to conduct "missions" and "recons." The Ohio encounter helped draw the FBI into the case the next day, according to the California complaint. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI on June 11 as a result of its interactions with Proper, and federal investigators interviewed him later that day at a mental health center in Columbus, the complaint says. Authorities later photographed equipment acquired by Proper, including several boxes of ammunition, two plate carriers with AR-style magazines, and rifles painted with an American flag, according to the complaint. The equipment was voluntarily turned over to law enforcement by the family. VANCE WARNS LEFT-WING POLITICAL RHETORIC FUELING VIOLENCE AFTER FBI FOILS ALLEGED WHITE HOUSE UFC TERROR PLOT Federal complaints allege Roa, Proper and three others planned to use drones laden with explosives near the north side of the White House UFC event to create panic and force attendees and "high value targets" to evacuate south, where snipers and additional shooters would be positioned to fire on members of the crowd as they fled. Investigators also alleged the group discussed tiered roles for participants, including shooters, drone operators, getaway drivers, logistics support, funders and social media influencers. The Justice Department announced Tuesday that Proper; Roa; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Missouri; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, were charged in connection with an alleged plot targeting U.S. officials and others attending the UFC Freedom 250 fight held at the White House last Sunday. The complaint says the alleged conspirators communicated through encrypted messaging apps, and discussed tactical plans, role assignments, escape routes and potential targets. Roa and Thomas were charged in the Central District of California with conspiracy to commit murder. Proper was charged in the Southern District of Ohio with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, attempted murder of a U.S. officer or employee, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and receipt or transfer of a firearm used to commit a felony. Eskridge was charged in the Western District of Missouri with conspiracy to commit murder, while Alvarez was charged in Nebraska with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and conspiracy to murder, according to court documents. A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Fox News Digital reached out to the Justice Department, but the agency also declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333562197238567832b0f2 Trump-endorsed congressional candidate pledges entire $174K salary to wounded Iraq War veteran's family te 2026-06-18T00:01:38.295Z Trump-endorsed congressional candidate pledges entire $174K salary to wounded Iraq War veteran's family Trump-endorsed Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino says he will donate $174,000 — the equivalent of one year’s congressional salary — to the family of Sgt. Eddie Ryan, a wounded Iraq War veteran, regardless of whether he wins his race in New York’s 21st Congressional District. Constantino, the CEO of Sticker Mule, made the surprise pledge on June 10 at a campaign event in Queensbury, New York, handing Ryan’s family a handwritten note promising the donation, according to local news outlet The Daily Gazette. "I planned to give away my entire congressional salary from day one," Constantino told Fox News Digital. "My team presented a few options and I immediately thought of Sgt. Eddie Ryan because he inspired me to fight harder early in this race."  BLUE STATE CEO WHO PUT UP 100-FOOT PRO-TRUMP SIGN TO SPEND $2.6 MILLION ON CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS Constantino added, "I want this to become a symbolic gesture that encourages more Americans to fight, fight, fight for a better future while simultaneously inspiring other people of means to support our great Veterans." Ryan, a former U.S. Marine Corps sniper, was severely wounded by friendly fire in Iraq in 2005. He was shot twice in the head, suffered a traumatic brain injury and now faces lasting mobility and speech challenges, The Daily Gazette reported. Constantino said he first met Ryan and his family earlier this year outside a Warren County Republican Committee meeting. The exchange lasted less than a minute, but he said it left a lasting impression. "Sgt. Ryan is a role model for loving America and staying positive in the face of adversity. He was severely wounded in combat and proudly says he would do it again with a big smile," Constantino said. RACE TO SUCCEED REP. ELISE STEFANIK IN UPDATE NEW YORK HEATS UP WITH NEW CHALLENGER Ryan said he was stunned by the announcement.  "I’m still floored," Ryan said after the pledge was revealed, according to The Daily Gazette. Constantino is running against state Assembly Member Robert Smullen in the June 23 Republican primary to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District.  He has spent millions of dollars of his own money on the campaign and has cast the race as a fight against the political establishment. "It’s an opportunity to move the country in a positive direction in a big way," Constantino said. "Once I saw first hand how bad the swamp that President Trump talks about so much really is, I felt I had no choice but to use my resources to fight it to create a better future for America." BRIAN MAST: I’M A WOUNDED WARRIOR. I’VE SEEN DONALD TRUMP CARE FOR VETERANS. THAT’S WHY I’M VOTING FOR HIM Earlier this year, President Donald Trump endorsed Constantino — who previously fought local officials to keep a massive pro-Trump sign on his factory — in the race to fill Stefanik’s seat. "It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Anthony Constantino, who is running to represent the fantastic people of New York’s 21st Congressional District," Trump wrote on Truth Social in April. Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33354e197238567832b0e9 Trump switches support in Oklahoma congressional race as formerly endorsed pastor candidate suspends campaign te 2026-06-18T00:01:18.331Z Trump switches support in Oklahoma congressional race as formerly endorsed pastor candidate suspends campaign President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Oklahoma GOP congressional candidate Jackson Lahmeyer on Wednesday, and threw his support behind Republican rival Mark Tedford, a dramatic reversal that came shortly before Lahmeyer publicly announced he was suspending his campaign. Lahmeyer told Fox News Digital, however, that he made the decision to end his campaign the night before and informed his wife and campaign team before Trump's endorsement switch. "I made my decision to drop out of the race last night," Lahmeyer told Fox News Digital. "I decided to choose my wife over my ambition. I informed my wife about my decision late last night and then my campaign team early this morning. My decision did not take place because of the decision of POTUS this afternoon." AP results showed Tedford finishing first with 32.2% and Lahmeyer second with 25.9%, advancing both Republicans to a runoff election to succeed Rep. Kevin Hern, who is running for the U.S. Senate. TRUMP DROPS MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE ENDORSEMENT, CALLS HER A ‘RANTING LUNATIC,' HINTS AT BACKING PRIMARY RIVAL Trump had previously endorsed Lahmeyer as a "MAGA Warrior" and longtime ally, making Wednesday's endorsement switch one of the more notable reversals of the 2026 midterm cycle. At approximately 2:23 p.m., Trump announced on Truth Social that he was backing Tedford. "I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer's hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, and I will always be with him," Trump wrote. "But, when it comes to the current Congressional race for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District, I will be supporting America First Patriot, Mark Tedford." SNUBBED BY TRUMP, GOP CANDIDATES FIGHTING FOR RE-ELECTION ACT LIKE THEY HAVE HIS BACKING ANYWAY The president described Tedford as "Pro Trump and MAGA all the way" and said the state lawmaker had his "Complete and Total Endorsement." At approximately 2:32 p.m., Lahmeyer announced on X that he was suspending his campaign. "After prayerful consideration with my wife, Kendra, and my team over the last twenty four hours, I've made the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for Congress," Lahmeyer said. "I do not want to be a distraction to my family, my church, and the great people of Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District, who deserve a strong conservative voice representing them in Washington." Fox News Digital reached out to Lahmeyer, Tedford and the White House for comment. A White House official referred Fox News Digital to Trump's Truth Social statement and did not provide additional comment. INSIDE STEFANIK’S EXIT AND HOW THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT THAT NEVER CAME WAS 'BIGGEST PIECE' OF THE 'PUZZLE' Trump's decision marked a sharp turn from his earlier endorsement of Lahmeyer, whom he praised before Oklahoma's June 16 primary. The endorsement reversal came after a turbulent stretch for Lahmeyer's campaign. The Daily Mail published reports regarding Lahmeyer's communications with former Miss Oklahoma USA Caitlin Simmons Key.  Lahmeyer later acknowledged that he had crossed "a boundary line through text messaging" while disputing what he described as a misleading characterization of the situation. Neither president Trump nor the White House publicly explained the reason for the endorsement change. Tedford is now positioned as the likely Republican nominee in the strongly GOP district. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333533197238567832b0ac Pueblo High staffers claim misconduct by principal, call for firing te 2026-06-18T00:00:51.125Z Pueblo High staffers claim misconduct by principal, call for firing Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33351f197238567832b0a3 Watch: Az GOP gubernatorial contenders Biggs & Schweikert debate ahead of July primary te 2026-06-18T00:00:31.168Z Watch: Az GOP gubernatorial contenders Biggs & Schweikert debate ahead of July primary Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/home