https://meenews.co/post/6a246c1dee6011c3f4eb9b15 Witnesses in Karmelo Anthony murder trial confirm Austin Metcalf's words immediately after attack te 2026-06-06T18:51:09.287Z Witnesses in Karmelo Anthony murder trial confirm Austin Metcalf's words immediately after attack Harrowing new witness testimony shed light on the desperate final moments of 17-year-old Texas high school athlete Austin Metcalf's life following a fatal April 2025 stabbing at a crowded track meet. Taking the stand Saturday during the high-profile trial, a recently graduated 18-year-old from Memorial High School broke down in tears as he recounted the chaotic aftermath of the attack, testifying that he heard Metcalf "screaming for help." A second witness, a 16-year-old Memorial High School student from the class of 2027, told the court that immediately after the attack, some of Metcalf’s final words were, "he f------ stabbed me." SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS FATAL STABBING OF AUSTIN METCALF AT TEXAS TRACK MEET, OFFICIALS SAY The new emotional accounts build on earlier testimony from another student who recalled hearing Metcalf say, "Oh my God," as the reality of the stabbing set in. Karmelo Anthony, 19, faces a first-degree murder charge for the death of Metcalf, who was unable to be resuscitated by high school staff who attempted CPR as he lost consciousness. He later died at a local hospital. Anthony has pleaded not guilty to the charge, with his defense team maintaining that he acted in a "split second of fear and chaos" and stabbed Metcalf in self-defense, Fox News Digital previously reported. According to background details presented by prosecutors, the deadly encounter was sparked by a dispute over seating at the track meet.  Multiple witnesses testified that Anthony arrived uninvited and sat down inside the Memorial High School team tent. Fellow students reportedly asked Anthony to leave the tent as many as 15 times, but he allegedly refused. TRAIN ATTACK VIDEO REIGNITES FURY OVER WITHHELD FOOTAGE OF AUSTIN METCALF KILLING As the situation escalated, witnesses testified that Anthony warned Metcalf, telling him, "Touch me and find out," and "Touch me, see what happens." During the confrontation, Anthony sat with a backpack on his lap and one hand inside it, leading some students to warn Metcalf not to touch him because they suspected he was gripping a concealed weapon. The verbal dispute turned physical when Metcalf reportedly shoved or touched Anthony, prompting Anthony to stand up and stab the high school captain with a 3.5-inch folding knife. Witnesses on Saturday described Anthony as "the aggressor," noting Metcalf was "unwilling to fight." ACCUSED AUSTIN METCALF KILLER WON'T FACE DEATH PENALTY OR LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE: DA Body-camera footage and officer testimony revealed that a cooperative Anthony made admissions to police immediately following the incident.  "I'm not alleged. I did it," Anthony allegedly told a responding school resource officer. He then repeatedly defended his actions to the police, saying, "He put his hands on me. I told him not to." Fox News' Peter Cuddihy and Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a246c09ee6011c3f4eb9b0c Starbucks bringing back viral menu item despite 2017 barista revolt: 'May God save us all' te 2026-06-06T18:50:49.371Z Starbucks bringing back viral menu item despite 2017 barista revolt: 'May God save us all' Starbucks confirmed to Fox News Digital that its viral Unicorn Frappuccino Blended Beverage will be returning to its coffeehouses for one weekend later this summer at a date yet to be announced. Starbucks originally released the drink for five days in April 2017 and caused a frenzy as people rushed to their local Starbucks to get the drink and post about it on social media. The hashtag #unicornfrappuccino racked up more than 150,000 posts on Instagram in 2017, with more on other social-media platforms, the Los Angeles Times reported. In April 2026, Starbucks sponsored the Coachella music festival and announced it would be serving the Unicorn Frap, which it called "an icon," a "fan-favorite" and a "viral sensation," at the event for a few hours each day. Starbucks’ description of the drink at its launch was, "A sweet dusting of pink powder, blended into a crème Frappuccino with mango syrup and layered with a pleasantly sour blue drizzle. It is finished with vanilla whipped cream and a sprinkle of sweet pink and sour blue powder topping," KCUR/NPR reported. AS STARBUCKS CHANGES OPEN-DOOR POLICY, 5 OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WORLD'S LARGEST COFFEE CHAIN Starbucks upped the intrigue of the Unicorn Frap further by announcing it came with "a bit of magic" and would change from pink to purple and from sweet and fruity to tangy and tart as it was stirred. "The more swirl, the more the beverage’s color and flavors transform," the coffee company said. The buzz the Unicorn Frappuccino initially created also came with backlash from baristas who complained about how labor-intensive and messy it was to make and about the strain of so many customers ordering it. Those same sentiments are surfacing as the drink is scheduled for its comeback. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "I have never made so many Frappuccinos in my entire life," barista Braden Burson said in a viral rant posted to Twitter in 2017. "My hands are completely sticky, I have unicorn crap all in my hair and on my nose. I have never been so stressed out in my entire life. If you love us as baristas, don’t order it." The Reddit forum, "Day 1 of Unicorn Frappuccino and I wanna die" drew hundreds of reactions the year the Unicorn Frap debuted. "We're almost out of the blue mucus," wrote one Redditor. "Our cold bar counter is bright purple. One of our blenders shattered while making a unicorn with extra unicorn s***. One of my partners is screaming." "I picked up a shift after my first one today for the hours. I’ve never regretted anything more. Send help," wrote another. Several others celebrated the prospect of running out of ingredients early each day. In another Reddit forum, "Was the Unicorn Frappuccino that terrible?" one user wrote that the stores weren’t sent enough supplies and were understaffed for the volume of people ordering the drink. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "It caused a lot of drama at our store," the Redditor wrote. "People, adults...some adult men cried y'all. I was cursed out. People would literally be in the drive-thru cursing at me. The phone wouldn't stop ringing for WEEKS." "The drink wasn't hard to make, it was the making of hundreds as the customer hordes fell upon our unmanned floors," wrote another. Several Reddit users compared the frap's flavor to a sour candy. One wrote the drink was "enjoyable in the sense that a Warhead candy is enjoyable." In announcing the Unicorn Frappuccino was back, Coachella Magazine wrote in April that it "might become one of the most talked-about drops of the weekend." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "Bright, over-the-top and built for social media, it’s the kind of drink that doubles as an accessory," the magazine said. It also warned festival-goers to expect long lines "once word gets out" and to arrive early if the hyped drink was on their list. "One weekend only, the Unicorn Frappuccino. May God save us all," a Redditor wrote on a post announcing the frap’s slated return. "All Starbucks baristas will be ‘sick’ that weekend," remarked someone else. Starbucks told Fox News Digital that the company is committed to providing the training and support partners need to prepare the Unicorn Frappuccino confidently and deliver an exceptional experience for customers. According to the company, partners have given positive feedback to the Unicorn Frappuccino announcement, and they’re expecting a smooth launch. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a246bf5ee6011c3f4eb9b03 World War II veteran reveals 1-word feeling before D-Day 82 years later te 2026-06-06T18:50:29.370Z World War II veteran reveals 1-word feeling before D-Day 82 years later World War II veteran Arthur Rose read a letter written a few days after June 6, 1944, at a Saturday ceremony in Normandy, France, as part of a commemoration of the 82 years since D-Day. "Dear mom and dad and kids, About a month before we landed, I had a feeling I might be part of the invasion. I couldn't quite believe, though, that I would. I kept thinking, what could I possibly do in an invasion? Pull engines in the middle of a battle? I figured men like me would come along afterwards — after they cleared the wreckage and the damage had passed," Rose read to the crowd. "But two weeks before D-Day, I was told I would go along and do whatever I could. We had moved to the assault port. Thousands of ships and landing craft of every description filled the harbor. Everyone worked day and night preparing fuel, provisions, ammunition and secret material. Everything was checked and rechecked and checked again. You can imagine the confusion and activity," he continued. "Then came the day we began loading supplies for the invasion: food, blankets, ammunition, and all the countless things that would be needed once the men landed in France. We knew then the invasion could not be far. Then came the word: D-Day will be June 6th," Rose read. WORLD WAR II VETERANS TRAVEL TO NORMANDY FOR EMOTIONAL D-DAY COMMEMORATION "I can't describe the feeling exactly. It wasn't fear, and it wasn't excitement. Just a funny feeling — nervousness, expectancy, and wondering what was going to happen next. Then we sailed. The sea was rough, windy, and miserable. I was seasick most of the time. Everyone expected bombing, submarines, battleships, and all hell to break loose at any moment. But the first attempt was called off because the sea was too rough, and we returned to the harbor. That was a real letdown," Rose continued to read. "The next day, we sailed again. Near the coast of France, we could see flashes in the distance and hear the explosions continuously. In went the landing craft. We expected terrible destruction, as there was shelling, and men died. But not all of us," he read. "Then our work truly began: back and forth, day and night, bringing in equipment, medical supplies, and ammunition. What had once been just another stretch of French coast had suddenly become a vast harbor filled with hundreds of ships and thousands of men." At this point, Arthur stopped reading and said aloud, "I don't remember writing this," before continuing. "I will always be grateful to my commander for taking me along. Don't worry about me. I am well, and whole, and happy. Love, Art," he concluded. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a246743ee6011c3f4eb9a40 Kelly Dodd fires back at cancel culture, says she's treated like 'an outcast' in Hollywood te 2026-06-06T18:30:27.940Z Kelly Dodd fires back at cancel culture, says she's treated like 'an outcast' in Hollywood Kelly Dodd says she's still paying the price for speaking her mind. The former "Real Housewives of Orange County" star, who calls herself socially liberal but fiscally conservative, is sounding off on cancel culture, political division and the backlash that has followed her for years, saying she feels isolated for refusing to conform. "I feel like if you don't believe along the same lines they do, they don't like you … I feel like I am an outcast," Dodd said on Jamie Kennedy's podcast. KELLY DODD CLAIMS SHE WAS FIRED FROM 'REAL HOUSEWIVES' BECAUSE SHE'S CONSERVATIVE She added, "I feel that I'm getting politically discriminated against." The reality television personality, who was fired from "Real Housewives" in 2021 after making controversial remarks about the COVID-19 pandemic and being accused of mocking the Black Lives Matter movement, suggested that ideological differences have become increasingly divisive in America, claiming that those with opposing viewpoints are often treated differently. "It's like rules for me but not for thee again," Dodd said. While criticizing what she sees as growing intolerance from the left, Dodd maintained that she respects the rights of people who disagree with her. "If you're a Democrat and you believe in all these things, I don't hate you," she said. "I respect your view. I don't hate you because you lean — you like the policies ... That's your right as an American to feel that way. I don't politically hate you for that." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "But they hate anyone that doesn't think along the lines as them. So it's just so hypocritical. The hypocrisy is real, and I just don't understand that." Dodd also spoke about her time living abroad, and how things she saw during her time in China seem similar to things she's seeing in the U.S. today. WHITNEY CUMMINGS CALLS OUT LIBERAL HYPOCRISY ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND VACCINE MANDATES DURING PODCAST APPEARANCE "I was always a Democrat, my whole life, and then I moved to China and I saw how you're not allowed to speak freely," she said. "On Facebook, they would just watch every one of your moves. And I feel like this is where we're going. We're going into socialist communism territory, I'm telling you right now." Dodd continued by drawing a comparison to developments she believes are occurring in the United States. "And that's what's happening now to our country. Our civil liberties are taken away from us that you don't even realize are happening," she said. "I think once you move away to a communist country, then you realize those policies are being inflicted right now in real time, and it's really freaking scary," she said. "I have changed my perspective on policy … those policies don't work," Dodd said. Her latest remarks come years after she found herself at the center of controversy over social media posts that sparked fierce criticism online. In May 2022, the "Real Housewives of Orange County" alum drew backlash after sharing a message on X comparing discussions about school security following the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting to security measures implemented after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER The post read: "After 9-11 we didn’t ban planes. We secured the cockpits. Secure the schools." The post quickly sparked criticism from social media users, with some arguing that increased school security was not an adequate substitute for changes to gun laws. Following the backlash, Dodd clarified her position in a subsequent post. "I NEVER said we shouldn't have STRICTER gun laws," she wrote at the time. "I believe we should do a BETTER job of keeping WEAPONS out of the hands of CRIMINALS & the MENTALLY ill." She added, "In the meantime, while these people have GUNS & CAN STILL BUY THEM, we need to BETTER PROTECT OUR KIDS." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a246500ee6011c3f4eb99e7 Toronto Tempo look to use home court edge against Chicago Sky in battle of flawed WNBA rosters te 2026-06-06T18:20:48.480Z Toronto Tempo look to use home court edge against Chicago Sky in battle of flawed WNBA rosters It is a bit of a sad day. We don't have any NHL or NBA Playoff games to enjoy tonight. The Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights played last night, and there was an extra travel day for the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks who play Game 3 tomorrow. That leaves us with baseball and women's basketball, but that isn't a complaint. Those bets cash the same as any other. The Chicago Sky are just 4-6 for the season, and were able to grab a win on Friday night, taking down the lowly Connecticut Sun. The Sky are universally considered one of the worst-run franchises in the sport, but I'll give them a bit of credit for at least building a roster with some solid veterans on the team. They added players like Skylar Diggins, who is leading them in points and assists. Natasha Cloud provides solid defense, and Rickea Jackson was playing very well before injury. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Still, you need to wonder what the team is actually searching for this season. At best, they will make the playoffs, but will probably be eliminated without any real shot at winning. At worst, they will finish too high to get a draft pick, but too low to make the playoffs. That is basketball franchise hell. Kamilla Cardoso is the only highly drafted player that the Sky have kept. The rest of the roster looks like pieces they just randomly picked up and hope it works. The Toronto Tempo is in its first year of existence, so expectations are pretty low for them. They have reason to believe there can be success, though. The Golden State Valkyries, for example, made the postseason in their inaugural season last year. They have a solid backcourt in Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey. Both have traveled around the league quite a bit, but are combining to average almost 40 points per game for the Tempo. The rest of the roster is fine as well. You're not going to get overly excited about a lot of the players, but they have some good talent in women like Nyara Sabally and even Kia Nurse. It feels like the team is just very inconsistent, which makes sense considering they are built from discarded pieces of other franchises. In 10 games this season, they either win, or they lose by 10+ points. Their first two losses of the season were by three and four points, respectively, but the past three have been by 28, 19 and 15. The Chicago Sky are not the type of team that will blow you out. They are good, but they aren't great. I don't know that they need everything to go right to win the game, but they do need Cardoso and Diggins to be heavily involved in the game to influence a win. The Tempo can almost always count on either Mabrey or Sykes to be their leading scorer. If both get going in the game, they can compete with almost anyone. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Mabrey used to be on the Sky, and I am not sure it was a very positive experience. She may hold a grudge against them and be ready to rock them tonight. I think the Sky are better defensively, and the rebounding advantage might be on their side. However, I think the Tempo, who have been resting since Wednesday, should have the offensive edge and home-court advantage. In a close one like this, give me the Tempo to cover the -1.5 spread. For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2464e9ee6011c3f4eb99c0 What to expect from WWDC 2026: Siri’s highly anticipated revamp and Apple Intelligence updates te 2026-06-06T18:20:25.450Z What to expect from WWDC 2026: Siri’s highly anticipated revamp and Apple Intelligence updates Apple's WWDC nears: Here's what you can look forward to. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2462b9ee6011c3f4eb9982 Why scammers target retirees in a 6-week summer window te 2026-06-06T18:11:05.366Z Why scammers target retirees in a 6-week summer window Summer feels like freedom. Maybe you have grandchildren visiting, a road trip on the calendar or a beach rental already booked. Scammers see summer differently. For them, it can be one of the best times of year to target retirees. The six-week stretch from Memorial Day weekend to the Fourth of July creates a dangerous mix. Retirees are booking trips, using hotel Wi-Fi, posting vacation photos and spending more time away from home. At the same time, adult children may be busy with camp schedules, cookouts and travel plans, which can make it harder for families to spot trouble quickly. That timing does not happen by accident. It gives scammers a playbook. They can use fake rentals, grandparent scams, public Wi-Fi traps and holiday distractions to make their attacks feel more believable. Here's how that six-week summer fraud window works, what scammers may be watching for and how you can protect yourself before they reach you. INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free, live online class, Kurt the CyberGuy will walk you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do in real time. 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. Register here:CyberGuyLive.com Scammers look for routines they can predict. Summer gives them plenty. Retirees may be booking trips, visiting family, checking accounts from the road and spending more time away from home. They may also post vacation photos before they return, which can reveal where they are and when their home may be empty. Family schedules can also get harder to track. Grandchildren may be out of school, adult children may be juggling camps and holiday plans, and a fake emergency can sound more believable when everyone's routine has changed. That mix gives scammers several openings at once. A fake rental can catch someone before a trip starts. A grandparent scam can create panic. A public Wi-Fi network can steal logins. A holiday weekend can make families harder to reach. That is the window scammers try to use. Here's what their six-week calendar can look like. 10 SIGNS YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING SOLD ONLINE Before you pack a bag, scammers may already have fake vacation listings ready to go. Starting as early as April, fraud operations can post fake rentals on platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. The listing may show a lake cabin, an ocean-view condo or a beach house in the Carolinas priced just below market. The photos may come from a real property. The reviews may look convincing. The "host" may sound friendly and quick to respond. By Memorial Day weekend, those listings may be live and waiting for travelers. The FTC reported that travel, vacation and timeshare fraud led to $274 million in reported consumer losses in 2024. FTC data also shows older fraud victims often reported higher median losses overall, with people ages 70-79 reporting a $1,000 median loss and those 80 and over reporting $1,650. HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA Here's how the scam works: You find the listing. You message the host. They're warm, responsive, and quick to reply. Then comes the ask: pay outside the platform. Wire transfer. Zelle. Gift cards. "The system is having trouble processing cards right now." You pay. You arrive at your destination and discover the house doesn't exist, is already occupied, or belongs to a completely different owner who has never heard of your booking. What they're collecting this week: Your email address. Your phone number. Your travel dates and destination. How many people are traveling with you. Which payment method you were willing to use. All of it goes into a profile that will be used again before summer ends. This is the week professional scammers have been waiting for all year. The grandparent scam — a criminal posing as a grandchild trapped in an emergency — has a very specific seasonal pattern. It spikes when school ends. SPRING CLEAN YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT: WHY RETIREES ARE SCAM TARGETS The reason is behavioral, not calendar-based. When grandchildren are in school, grandparents know their schedule. They know where their grandkids are on a Tuesday afternoon. But the moment summer starts, all of that predictability disappears. A grandchild could be on a road trip. Camping in Colorado. Flying to visit a college roommate. Anywhere. That unpredictability is exactly what a scammer needs to make a fake emergency feel real. The call goes something like this: "Grandma, it's me. I'm in trouble. I was in a car accident and I'm stuck in [city]. My phone got damaged. Please don't call Mom and Dad-I don't want to worry them. I just need $2,000 to get out of here. Can you help?" In 2024, the FTC reported that impersonation scams, of which grandparent scams are a major category, resulted in almost $3 billion in losses. Victims aged 60 and over were disproportionately affected. Here's what most people never realize: The scammer the scammer already knows your grandchild's name before they dial. Their age. Roughly where they might be traveling this summer. They got it from data broker sites, family Facebook posts, and genealogy platforms your family has been building for years. The "emergency" isn't random. It's researched. What they’re collecting this week: Whether a family emergency makes you act quickly, which payment method you might use and whether you followed the "don’t tell your parents" instruction. If you kept the call secret once, scammers may see you as someone they can target again later in the summer. By mid-June, vacation photos start filling social feeds. Beach sunsets. Grandkids at the pool. "Finally made it to Yellowstone!" A dinner photo from a waterfront restaurant 900 miles from home. To friends and family, those posts are memories. To scammers, they can become clues. Here's what a scammer may learn from one public vacation post: GENEALOGY BOOM EXPOSES PERSONAL DATA SCAMMERS CAN EXPLOIT This information does not stay on one post. Public photos, captions and comments can get scraped, saved and connected to other personal details already online. By the time you get home, scammers may know where you went, who traveled with you and roughly when you returned. What they're collecting this week: Your location, travel timeline, family connections, routine changes and financial clues. Scammers can use that information to make future calls, texts or emails feel more personal. Airports, hotel lobbies, resort pools and marina restaurants often have one thing in common: free Wi-Fi. That convenience can also create risk. One common threat is an "evil twin" attack. A scammer sets up a fake Wi-Fi network with a name that looks almost identical to the real one. For example, you might see "Marriott_Guest" instead of the hotel's official network or "Airport_Free_WiFi" instead of the legitimate airport connection. On a small phone screen, those names can look convincing. If you connect to the fake network, scammers may be able to monitor your activity or try to capture sensitive information. That can include passwords, email logins, account details or information entered while using banking, credit card or payment apps. This can be especially risky when you are away from home. You may check your bank account more often, watch for fraud alerts, review travel charges or pay a bill that comes due during your trip. That means you may be handling sensitive information at the exact moment public Wi-Fi risk goes up. Tourist-heavy areas can add another layer of risk because people often connect quickly without checking the network name carefully. What they're collecting this week: Login details, email access, banking clues and account information. Scammers may not use that information right away. They may save it and try again weeks later, when you are home and your guard has dropped. The Fourth of July can create one of the riskiest moments in the summer fraud calendar. For scammers, the holiday brings a predictable distraction window. Families may be spread out, busy with cookouts or traveling between gatherings. Adult children may be focused on their own kids and plans. Older relatives may spend time alone before or after the main celebration. That can make it harder to quickly confirm whether an emergency call or text feels real. FBI WARNS EMAIL USERS AS HOLIDAY SCAMS SURGE This is when impersonation scams can hit harder. A scammer may pretend to be a grandchild, relative or close friend who needs money fast. The story may involve a car accident, an arrest, a lost phone or a travel problem. The timing helps the scam. A line like "Don't call your son right now, he's at a barbecue with the kids" can sound believable during a holiday weekend. Banks may have reduced hours, families may be harder to reach and a fake crisis can feel more urgent when everyone's schedule has already changed. The FBI's IC3 has warned that major holiday periods can bring elevated impersonation and emergency scam activity. Who they're targeting this week: Seniors who live alone, recent widows or widowers and families whose normal communication has been disrupted by holiday plans. Scammers want a moment when someone may act before they can check the story with a trusted relative. Many people think the danger ends when the call ends. Scammers may see it differently. By mid-July, fraud operations may start a follow-up cycle. If you were targeted earlier in the summer, that interaction may have been recorded. That can happen even if you never sent money. Sharing your name, phone number or other details can still make you more valuable to scammers. That information may get added to what scammers often call a "sucker list." In other words, it is a list of people who responded to a scam attempt or appeared likely to engage. Those lists can be sold or shared with other criminals. A week or two later, a new caller may show up with a different story. Some pose as fraud recovery services and claim they can help you get your money back for a small fee. Others use a completely different pitch, phone number or angle, making the second scam harder to connect to the first one. AARP's Fraud Watch Network has documented that people who have been scammed once are significantly more likely to be targeted again within the same calendar year. The summer doesn't close the fraud cycle. It seeds it. What they're collecting this week: Whether you might respond again, how much money you may have paid, whether you reported the scam and whether your family knows. Those details can help scammers decide how to target you next. Every phase of this summer scam calendar depends on the same thing: personal data. The more scammers know about you, the easier it becomes to make a fake rental, emergency call or fraud alert feel real. Many scams now start with research. Before a scammer calls, they may already know your name, home address, relatives, travel habits, marital status or financial clues. That information can come from data broker sites, which collect public records, marketing data, social media activity and family connections into searchable profiles. That is why I personally recommend using a personal data removal service. It can help remove your information from hundreds of data broker and people-search websites, including sites that may list your name, address, relatives, phone numbers and other personal details. When vacation photos get scraped, genealogy details appear online or public records get connected to family information, ongoing removal requests can help keep that information from staying in circulation. You can also run a free exposure scan to see where your personal information may already appear online. Results typically arrive by email within an hour. 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 Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan You don't have to cancel your trip or skip the Fourth of July. But a few specific habits will make you a much harder target across all six weeks.  Book rentals only through platforms with verified buyer protection-never pay via wire transfer, Zelle, or gift cards, regardless of the reason given. Tell your bank your travel dates so unusual activity gets flagged. And wait until you're home to post vacation photos publicly. A beach photo posted after you're back shares a memory. One posted while you're still there shares your location, your timeline, and a signal that your house is empty. Use your phone's cellular data, not hotel or airport Wi-Fi, for anything involving banking or email. If you must use public networks, a VPN encrypts your connection before it leaves your device. Turn off your phone's auto-connect to open networks so it doesn't join unfamiliar Wi-Fi without your permission. 9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU Establish a code word with your grandchildren now, before summer starts. Tell them: if you ever call in an emergency, you'll use it. If the caller doesn't know the word, it's not you. Tell elderly relatives the same thing. Create a simple rule: no one in this family will ever ask for emergency money over the phone from an unknown number, no matter how convincing the story sounds. Check every financial account for activity that happened during your trip. Search your own name on Spokeo or Whitepages and see exactly what a scammer sees. And if you haven't taken steps to remove your personal information from data broker sites, this is the moment to start. Scammers do not take the summer off. They plan around the exact weeks when retirees travel, post photos, use public Wi-Fi and gather with family around major holidays. The six-week stretch from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July can create several openings at once. Fake rentals can appear before trips begin. Grandparent scams can feel more believable once school ends. Vacation photos can reveal who is away, where they are and when they plan to return. The biggest lesson is that these scams run on personal data. Your name, relatives, address, travel habits and financial clues may already sit on data broker sites where criminals can find them. Reducing that exposure and setting family rules before an emergency call comes in can make you a much harder target. Your summer belongs to you. Do not let scammers build their calendar around it. Have you or someone in your family ever been targeted by a vacation, grandparent or holiday scam, and what warning sign do you wish you had noticed sooner? 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/6a2462a5ee6011c3f4eb9979 Washington school board director, sex shop owner host sex-ed event for kids as young as 9 te 2026-06-06T18:10:45.200Z Washington school board director, sex shop owner host sex-ed event for kids as young as 9 A Washington school board director who owns a sex shop is helping host a sex education event for children as young as 9 years old, drawing scrutiny over the program's content and the role of an elected education official in promoting it. Jenn Mason, the owner of WinkWink Boutique, which describes itself as a "woman-owned, inclusive, ‘not creepy’" sex shop in Bellingham, WA, about half an hour from Seattle, is hosting an "Uncringe Academy" for 9- to 12-year-old children on June 24. The event will cover gender and sexual identities, puberty, periods, the "paths to parenthood: the many ways to have a baby," and "defining sex and sexuality," among other topics.  MINNESOTA PLANNED PARENTHOOD ENTICES TEENS AS YOUNG AS 13 WITH GIFT CARDS FOR COMPLETING 'SEX ED SUMMER CAMP' "There's a lot to learn when it comes to bodies, puberty, sex, gender, and relationships," the description for the event reads. "That's why WinkWink created ‘Uncringe Academy’: honest, supportive, and inclusive sex education classes to help young people and their families understand this important part of their life."  The event, which parents can attend, features a 4.5-hour class for kids "that's based in empowerment and information, rather than shame, fear, and judgment." "We use an accepting, informing, and affirming framework," the event description reads. "Our focus is helping young people to feel comfortable around these topics so that they can advocate for their own bodies, health, and well-being."  CALIFORNIA MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL NABBED IN CHILD SEX STING Mason, the owner of WinkWink Boutique, which sells sex toys, candy for oral sex, and "books for love and lust" is also a school board director for Bellingham Public Schools. She was elected to the school board in November 2017 and subsequently re-elected in 2021, according to her bio on the Bellingham Public Schools website, and also has a daughter who attends Bellingham Public Schools. In 2022, Mason’s WinkWink Boutique held a "Queer Youth Open Mic Night"  for "all queer youth (0 to 18 years old)" who were "invited to share poetry, music, or a story at our open mic night. Sign up for a performer spot ahead of time, 5-minute time limit." NEW FEDERAL PROBE EXAMINES WHETHER TAXPAYER DOLLARS FUND CHILD GENDER TRANSITIONS, LEGAL DEFENSES In a statement to Fox News Digital, Mason said, "Uncringe Academy is a voluntary sex education program created in response to requests from parents. The program covers standard sex education topics—including puberty, relationships, consent, and safer sex—with lessons adjusted to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. Parents are always welcome to attend alongside their kids." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a246290ee6011c3f4eb9970 The feud between Trump and Maher is heating up again as HBO host responds to the President’s latest dig te 2026-06-06T18:10:24.799Z The feud between Trump and Maher is heating up again as HBO host responds to the President’s latest dig Bill Maher mocked President Donald Trump on Friday night on "Real Time" after Trump attacked him on Truth Social as a "low-ratings" host with a "fake laughing machine." Maher turned Trump’s ratings jab back on the president by pointing to his own approval numbers. "First of all, low ratings? Yours is 35 percent!" Maher said. The line drew cheers from the studio audience as Maher continued responding to Trump’s post during his monologue. TRUMP TEARS INTO 'JERK' BILL MAHER ON TRUTH SOCIAL, SAYS HOSTING HIM AT WHITE HOUSE WAS 'TOTAL WASTE OF TIME' Maher also pushed back on Trump’s claim that "Real Time" used fake laughter, asking the show to cut to the audience. "And fake, fake laughing machine, can we get a shot of our audience?" Maher said. The show then cut to stock footage of an audience applauding, extending the joke. "There, that should settle that," Maher said. BILL MAHER DEFENDS GRETCHEN WHITMER FOR APPEARING WITH TRUMP, ADVISES HER TO ‘OWN IT’ Maher opened the bit by saying he had grown used to being targeted by Trump online. "I can always tell when the president is in a bad mood, because he starts tweeting about me," Maher said. "I feel it’s an honor always to be in his tweets, even when they’re bad, and they’re always bad." "This week, he said I was ‘low ratings Bill Maher with his fake laughing machine.’" A Fox News poll found Trump's overall approval number at 39%.  Trump mentioned Maher earlier in the week while boasting on Truth Social about political and media figures he claimed had been defeated or sidelined. In the post, Trump said, "My score, for two weeks, is 38-0, with three more limping Late Night Talk Show Hosts, including Low Ratings Bill Maher and his Fake `Laughing Machine’, to go." BILL MAHER DOESN'T RULE OUT TRUMP'S GAZA STRIP PLAN, SAYS WAR-TORN TERRITORY 'COULD BE SOMETHING ELSE' Maher also used the monologue to joke about Trump's reported call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Axios reported Trump angrily confronted Netanyahu over confrontations with Lebanon and Hezbollah. The Times of Israel, citing Axios, reported that Trump was said to have told Netanyahu, "You’re f---ing crazy," while an Israeli source later disputed the most dramatic parts of the account. Maher referenced the reported exchange while tying it back to Trump's criticism of him. "I know he’s in a foul mood," Maher said. "Did you see the phone call he had with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel? Wow, the language." Fox News Digital reached out to the Trump administration for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a246058ee6011c3f4eb9949 City commits $225K for baseball field, staff at SRRHS te 2026-06-06T18:00:56.093Z City commits $225K for baseball field, staff at SRRHS Council unanimously approves tentative budget of $97,963,222 Sedona City Council unanimously set the city’s uppermost spending limit at $97,963,222 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 at its May 26 Tentative Budget meeting, adding a last-minute commitment of $225,000 to maintain the baseball field at Sedona Red Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a24603cee6011c3f4eb991d Airline CEO who counted cards now bets premium perks can win over fliers te 2026-06-06T18:00:28.242Z Airline CEO who counted cards now bets premium perks can win over fliers United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has argued that travelers will pay more for a better overall flying experience, and United’s numbers suggest his theory is correct. Years ago, Kirby was a serious and successful gambler who learned to count cards. He’s still banned from several casinos in Las Vegas, The Wall Street Journal reported. Kirby has worked in the airline industry for decades and still approaches business decisions with a gambler’s mindset, according to the Journal. His strategy for United centers on investing in upgraded aircraft, more premium seating options, improved onboard internet (the company is partnering with Starklink), upgraded food and drink options and a useful mobile app that makes flying less stressful. Kirby spent seven years as president of US Airways (2006–2013) before becoming president of American Airlines following its merger with US Airways in 2013. He later joined United Airlines as president in 2016 and became CEO in 2020. DELTA BRINGS SHAKE SHACK TO FLIGHT PASSENGERS, BUT WILL THE MEAL HAVE A SMOOTH TAKEOFF? While American Airlines remains the nation's largest carrier by passenger volume, Delta has been at the top of industry rankings for years. Forbes Travel Guide named it the best U.S. airline in 2025, citing its food and drink offerings, customer service and complimentary Wi-Fi as reasons for the accolade. Forbes also bestowed Delta with several other "best of" awards for its perks, including some planes' memory-foam-padded recliners, flat-bed seating and toiletry kits. The outlet also named Delta’s One Lounge at JFK Airport the "best U.S. Airline lounge" for its luxurious three-course meals, shower suites, relaxation pods with massage chairs and spa treatments. The Wall Street Journal named Delta the best airline in the U.S. for four consecutive years (2021–2024), though it fell behind Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Air in the Journal's 2025 rankings. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES In taking over United, Kirby announced the "United Next" growth strategy. At the time of its launch in 2021, the company announced in a press release that it would be purchasing 270 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft, "the largest combined order in the airline's history and the biggest by an individual carrier in the last decade." The release also said the initiative included plans for a "nose-to-tail" retrofit of "100 percent of remaining mainline, narrow-body fleet to transform the customer experience and create a new signature interior – a roughly 75% increase in premium seats per North American departure, larger overhead bins, seatback entertainment in every seat and industry’s fastest available WiFi." United touted "the best customer experience in the industry." The company’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella, said the company would "offer the most premium seats in North America, taking a different, more customer-friendly approach." "The more we invest, the more we win," Kirby told the Journal. According to the publication, "United's stock has doubled since 2021, and together United and Delta accounted for more than 90 percent of U.S. airline industry profits last year." Kirby wasn’t always so invested in providing customers with a premium experience, according to the Journal. At US Airways, he reportedly advocated for charging customers for water. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "I can do 180 degrees in a second," Kirby said. "If the evidence changes, I can change my mind." Several Reddit forums are dedicated to discussions comparing United and Delta. Many commentators contrasted the airlines’ credit card rewards and the likelihood of upgrades with each one. "At the end of the day, they’re basically the top two airlines in the country," wrote one Redditor. "It’s entirely your taste... Many of my friends fly for Delta and absolutely love it. I can only say great things about both companies." "I have good experiences with both and not so good to absolutely horrible with both," wrote another. "Air travel these days is a roll of the dice." Kirby himself said he's been surprised at "how much difference you can make by investing in all of those things." Kirby also said he did take inspiration from Delta, "But we long ago stopped copying them." He said he tells United executives, "Your job is wow," meaning he wants the company's initiatives to impress customers. Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian said United copying his company is "smart." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The Journal profile of Kirby said he is "audacious" with "grand ambitions." It noted that he publicly discussed the possibility of a merger with American Airlines, though President Trump said he didn’t like the idea of a merger between the two rivals. "American's public comments make it clear that a merger like this is off the table for the foreseeable future," Kirby wrote in a release issued by United in April. "I do think it's worth taking the time to describe in some more detail what this could have looked like," he added to the lengthy statement. Delta and United will have plenty of opportunity to compete for passengers, it appears. Americans set a record for domestic air travel last year, as TSA screened 2.57 million more passengers in 2025 compared to 2024, FOX Business reported. The Bureau of Transportation reported in May 2026 that aviation fuel in March was up 56.4 percent, consumption increased 19.5 percent, and fuel cost per gallon was up 30.9 percent compared to February 2026. Kirby said in a March interview with Bloomberg TV that ticket prices could consequently surge 15-20%. Fox News Digital reached out to United Airlines for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a245e0dee6011c3f4eb9899 World Series champion John Smoltz reveals what it takes to win the American Century Championship te 2026-06-06T17:51:09.853Z World Series champion John Smoltz reveals what it takes to win the American Century Championship Most people know Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz for his prowess on the mound, but the 59-year-old has also become quite the golfer. Smoltz qualified for the U.S. Senior Open in 2018 and is hoping to do so again this year. He said his game is in the best place it has ever been and credited his health for where it is today. "The game is in its best place. The goal is you always wish you could play tomorrow when the game is in its best place, but that's the beauty of golf. You know, you got to have it when it counts," Smoltz told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "The game is at a point now at 59 where I trust some of the things that I can do because I'm physically more able with two new hips and some procedures done. I'm at a point where I know that if I can continue to get a little bit better around the green, I'm going to play the kind of golf I want to play." Smoltz will be competing in this year’s American Century Championship, which takes place July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. The Atlanta Braves legend has come close to winning, finishing in second place last year to NHL great Joe Pavelski, but has never won. The American Century Championship uses a Modified Stableford scoring system rather than traditional stroke play, which means that instead of counting total strokes, players are instead awarded points based on their score for each hole. An albatross is worth 10 points, a hole-in-one is worth eight points, an eagle is worth six points, a birdie is worth three points, a par is worth one point, a bogey is worth nothing and anything two over par or worse is worth minus two points. HALL OF FAMER JOE MAUER PRAISES MLB FOR THE ABS CHALLENGE SYSTEM, SAYS IT'S BEEN GOOD FOR THE GAME Smoltz said he has not started nearly fast enough in the first round, forcing him to play catch-up. "I get off to a slow start. Every tournament I rally second and third round with too big of a hole. I make a ton of pars. It's so frustrating to say that I make a ton of pars. That would be normally good, but it's not in this tournament. I think at one point I made 29 pars in a row in one tournament and it was nauseating. It was like I'd rather bite the head of my putter off because you only get one point for a par," Smoltz said. Smoltz attributed his slower starts to a conservative mindset and stressed the importance of making birdie putts. "You get three times the value for a birdie. So, like last year, I think I made seven or eight birdies the last round to finish second. Couldn't chase down Pavelski, but I'm like, where has that been? Where's those birdies in the first round?" Smoltz said. "So, I definitely have to get off to a better start. I kind of am too conservative in a first round of a three-round tournament, which always puts me in the mix, but doesn't give me the best fighting chance to maximize a round when I'm hitting the ball pretty good." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Smoltz played in the American Century Championship in 2000, when he underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the whole season, and got permission from his late, legendary manager Bobby Cox to go play. "I had a sneak preview of it when I was playing. I had Tommy John surgery. I had the greatest manager in the world in Bobby Cox. He let me play because I was out all year and that was when it was stroke play back in the day, when Michael Jordan and all those high-level athletes were playing in stroke play. I did okay. I hung my own," Smoltz said. The World Series champion called the event something you mark on your calendar and said it’s a great event. "American Century is unbelievable. They do a great job putting on the event all these years. It's a mark on your calendar and nothing-better-get-in-the-way type event. But I think the biggest thing about the golf course and just the whole thing is I get so excited to play and want to win so bad that I have to temper all of that when I get there," Smoltz said. The tournament has raised more than $8 million for regional and national charities. American Century Investments donates 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and activates fundraising at the tournament to drive direct donations to Stowers each year. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. The eight-time All-Star spent 21 seasons in the big leagues, 20 of those with the Braves. He spent his last season with the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. Smoltz has a career record of 213-155, an ERA of 3.33 and 154 saves, as he converted to a reliever for a few seasons after his Tommy John surgery. 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/6a245df9ee6011c3f4eb9890 Numerous Knicks fans arrested, cop injured during Game 2 NBA Finals celebration near MSG te 2026-06-06T17:50:49.929Z Numerous Knicks fans arrested, cop injured during Game 2 NBA Finals celebration near MSG The NYPD reversed its ban on New York Knicks watch parties for the NBA Finals, but after Game 2, it may be regretting that decision. Fans got so rowdy during the Knicks' Eastern Conference Finals run that the NYPD put a stop to watch parties outside Madison Square Garden. But when the Knicks clinched their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, the department said the party was back on. The Knicks will come home with a 2-0 series lead on Monday, but Game 2's victory, the biggest for the Knicks in a generation, brought about unruly behavior outside the Garden. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM After the Knicks' 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, ABC7 reported that 17 people were arrested, including one on charges of allegedly striking a police officer and injuring him. Police said fans became "increasingly disorderly" as the game went on, the outlet reported. The officer who was injured was the victim of punches by a fan who entered and then refused to leave a restricted area. KNICKS' KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS PRAISES NYPD AMID ROWDY WATCH PARTIES DURING NBA FINALS RUN One person accused of selling counterfeit merchandise was also charged with possessing a loaded firearm. The department said fans stopped traffic on Seventh and Eighth avenues between 31st and 35th streets and climbed on light poles, subway entrances and food vendor carts. Madison Square Garden also hosted watch parties inside the arena for each of the first two Finals games. The Spurs fought back from a 14-point deficit to take the lead in the final minute of the fourth quarter, but with the game tied at 104, Victor Wembanyama threw a pass off an unaware teammate's back and Jalen Brunson stole the ball. Brunson was fouled and hit one of two free throws to take the lead. Wembanyama then took a potential game-winning shot but missed the mark. Game 3 will be Monday night in New York, with President Donald Trump slated to attend. 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/6a245de2ee6011c3f4eb986a Sriram Krishnan is leaving his role as White House AI advisor te 2026-06-06T17:50:26.887Z Sriram Krishnan is leaving his role as White House AI advisor Krishnan is reportedly starting a new institution to continue shaping Trump's AI policy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2456f0ee6011c3f4eb96b0 Boston sends Ranger Suarez to the mound against Yankees reeling from Aaron Judge's absence te 2026-06-06T17:20:48.254Z Boston sends Ranger Suarez to the mound against Yankees reeling from Aaron Judge's absence Major League Baseball had Rivalry Week a few weeks back. However, this weekend is the one where we get the most commonly thought of rivalry in baseball. Two of the most historic franchises square off as we have the Boston Red Sox taking on the New York Yankees. Rumors have it that the Boston Red Sox are expecting to make a push for a playoff spot. We aren't quite at that point where they need to make a decision about their roster, but it wouldn't surprise me to see them make an early splash if they do plan to add to their team. They have a losing record for the season, and I'm not sure this is the division that they can afford to be bad for too long. Everyone in the division considers themselves a contender and has a legitimate chance to make the playoffs — or at least did before the season started. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Tonight, Boston sends out one of their major offseason acquisitions, Ranger Suarez. For the season, Suarez is 2-3 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. I have to imagine the team is pretty happy with his performance overall. On the road, he has allowed just nine earned runs in 27.2 innings over five starts. What's a little wild about Suarez is that he has allowed four or more earned runs in five starts, and zero runs in five starts. He has also allowed one run in one start. A little bit of the all-or-nothing from him. Yankees hitters are solid against Suarez with a .300 batting average collectively. The Yankees have been one of the best teams in baseball this season, but there is reason to be concerned. Aaron Judge is going to miss at least a month of baseball. It is going to be a major issue for the team because in the past four years, without Judge, the team is just 40-49. Additionally, the team drops from 4.9 runs to 3.8 runs per game. It is really simple: There is no replacing his production. However, the team has to hope that they can at least maintain their position and go .500 until he gets back. Looking to give them a good outing here is Will Warren. For the year, he is 7-1 with a 3.22 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He has been worse at home than on the road this season, and has allowed six of his seven homers in Yankee Stadium. Outside of one start in May, he was solid. He turned in three quality starts and allowed three or fewer in five of six outings. Red Sox hitters have had some success against Warren, though, hitting .323 over 31 at-bats. In his last outing against the Yankees, Suarez did allow four earned runs on five hits. He was battling Max Fried, who is significantly better than Warren. Three of those runs also came off of a three-run homer that Suarez allowed. Aaron Judge also scored twice in that game. Warren didn't face the Red Sox when the Yankees swept them earlier in the year. I think this is a game where Suarez can make some adjustments. Not having to worry about Judge in the lineup gives the pitcher a major advantage. I like the Red Sox to win this game. If Boston is going to score runs, it is likely because of stringing together hits, which is harder to do against Warren than hit homers. However, I'm taking the Red Sox 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/6a2456dcee6011c3f4eb96a7 Todd Blanche 'honored and humbled' by Trump's AG nomination after explosive week of federal arrests te 2026-06-06T17:20:28.340Z Todd Blanche 'honored and humbled' by Trump's AG nomination after explosive week of federal arrests Following a wave of high-profile arrests, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said he is "honored and humbled" by President Donald Trump’s decision to nominate him as the permanent head of the Department of Justice. Speaking on "Saturday in America," Blanche outlined the department's efforts to fulfill Trump's campaign promises on public safety and highlighted several recent DOJ arrests. "Look, executing on the president's priorities that he has talked about since he was running for president, and that's making this country safe again. And so we're doing that every day at the Department of Justice," Blanche said. "I'm honored and humbled that President Trump has asked me to become the permanent attorney general." On Wednesday, Trump announced plans to nominate Blanche to permanently lead the DOJ, following the departure of former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles subsequently congratulated Blanche online, writing, "Todd is a friend and I look forward to continuing our work together." TRUMP SAYS HE WILL NOMINATE ACTING AG TODD BLANCHE TO PERMANENTLY LEAD JUSTICE DEPARTMENT Blanche took over the acting role in April following the departure of former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who faced criticism from some conservatives over her handling of the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The news comes as Blanche and the DOJ announced a series of arrests. Among them was the dismantling of a drug-smuggling tunnel stretching from Mexico to California, which Blanche described as "very sophisticated" and equipped with a rail system and electricity. "Now that the borders are closed, they have to find other ways to get drugs in this country. And this was one way they were trying to do it," Blanche said. JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS TRUMP DOJ'S NEARLY $2B 'ANTI-WEAPONIZATION' FUND Blanche also highlighted the recent indictments of three individuals accused of providing support to ISIS, describing their anti-American rhetoric as "very disturbing" while praising the swift work of federal authorities. TODD BLANCHE REVEALS DOJ UNEARTHED CACHE OF JACK SMITH DOCUMENTS INSIDE FORGOTTEN ROOM "It’s a good reminder to the Americans that this fight is not over. There are still a lot of people that want to inject harm into this country and our citizens," he said. Blanche previously served as Trump’s lead criminal defense attorney during multiple cases involving the president, including the New York hush money case and cases brought by former Special Counsel Jack Smith. Earlier this week, Blanche announced the DOJ would not be moving forward with a nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. According to the DOJ, the fund was part of a settlement in President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service after Trump, his family members and the Trump Organization agreed to forgo monetary damages stemming from the release of their tax returns. The fund faced legal challenges, and the DOJ announced Monday it would comply with a court ruling temporarily blocking the fund. At a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing Tuesday, Blanche confirmed the administration would not be pursuing the idea further, saying, "We're not moving forward with the fund, period." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a245489ee6011c3f4eb9659 New law aims to curb squatting in vacant homes te 2026-06-06T17:10:33.531Z New law aims to curb squatting in vacant homes Key Points: A new law should stop squatters faster and allow property owners to get them out in about five days Exact statistics don’t exist for the number of squatter cases per year in Arizona, but law enforcement and real estate agents say it is a problem The new law does not affect rights and remedies under the state’s landlord and tenant act Goldilocks won’t be squatting for long in any Arizona homes after a new law takes effect.  Sen. Wendy Rogers made the fairy tale comparison herself at a press conference on June 1 after her Senate Bill 1426 was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs. The new regulations intend to make it easier for property owners to evict squatters faster.  “It’s like Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” she said. “This is when Goldilocks goes into a home, enters the bears’ home without permission when they’re out. She eats their porridge, sits in and breaks their chairs, sleeps in their beds, making her the classic intruder squatter.” It’s what happened to D’Andrea Turner and her then-husband Keith. D’Andrea had been traveling back and forth to Michigan to take care of her elderly mother and also recovering from surgery after an aneurysm. Keith was a long-haul trucker on the road and when he came back, he discovered squatters in their home.  They tried to remove the squatters, but they kept coming back and eventually, the Turners found out their identities were stolen from documents in their home and their home had been fraudulently sold. Affidavits and forms had been notarized and submitted through Maricopa County and the sale wasn’t stopped until the squatters tried to cash the check in the Turner’s names multiple times but were unsuccessful, according to previous media reports.  Turner said the hardest thing was the identity theft and the property being defrauded, plus losing irreplaceable items in their home, such as photos of her children, a teddy bear and computers. They raised their children and lived in their home for over 12 years, she said.  “I had many tearful nights, many terrible nights because of this,” she said. “As working class people that’s putting our money into mortgages and things that we think is going to sustain us for when we’re done. We buy properties so that we can leave it for generations.” Turner said she’s grateful to Rogers for getting the bill passed. In the Turners’ case, two people were eventually charged with identity theft, forgery and fraudulent schemes. Despite that progress, the Turners are still sorting out the mess with their insurance company.  “I feel very fortunate that someone heard me. It’s like you’re screaming at the top of a mountain and someone can hear you,” she said. “I feel very confident that the senator heard me and she understands that we, as Arizonans, will not accept this.” A squatter is different from a trespasser. Whereas trespassers usually leave after they’re told, squatters can use tactics to make it look like they live at the property or create a false lease to try to prove they have a rental agreement.  The law requires the court to issue a writ of restitution immediately after the court signs any judgement against an unauthorized person, according to the bill language. It outlines conditions that constitute an eviction lawsuit, such as an unauthorized person unlawfully occupying the property and the property owner has directed the person to leave. Another condition is the person did not have a prior verbal or written agreement to cohabitate with the property owner at a residential property. The new law would not apply or modify the rights and remedies available to landlords and tenants as prescribed by the Arizona Residential Landlord Tenant Act. The law will not affect current or former tenants, immediate family members or people who had a verbal or written agreement to live on the property with the owner. The law will take effect 90 days after it was signed. This was Rogers’ third attempt to get the bill passed. The bill originally came to Rogers from a constituent who is a real estate attorney and told her it’s a prevalent problem.  “Arizona is sending a clear message. Unlawful occupation of someone else’s property will not be tolerated,” Rogers said. “Our border is secure, but we still have nefarious actors inside our country who would perpetuate this on property owners.” The game changer this year was an early start in collaboration and most notably, the constables’ support, along with realtors, she said, and added she was pleasantly surprised by the amount of bipartisan support the bill received.  “That’s the way we should get stuff done,” she said.  Tim Beaubian, senior director of government affairs at Arizona REALTORS Association, said the bipartisan support of this bill this year shows what an impact this is going to be for the state of Arizona and that private property rights are a bedrock.  The bill passed with wide bipartisan support in both chambers. Sen. Catherine Miranda cast the lone no vote. She said she understood the need to protect homeowners, but she cited homelessness and a lack of support from the state and the city of Phoenix. “The state isn’t doing enough to help homelessness,” she said. “I’m not willing to attack any efforts that homeless people are trying to make to survive.” In October 2025, Hobbs announced $13.5 million in grant funding in the Arizona Promise budget to support eviction prevention, homelessness response and referral efforts across Arizona, according to a news release. At that time, it put the Hobbs Administration’s total investment in services to over $150 million. Constable Scott Blake, who works in the Hassayampa district in northwest Maricopa County, said the new law should help people remove squatters faster.  Currently, the law says people have to go through an eviction process, starting with a five-day notice, Blake said. A court summons and complaint is required, in addition to showing the judge the “lease” and showing it’s illegitimate. After another few days of waiting, the judge can order a writ and then a constable can come and do the eviction. That whole process takes over two weeks.  “The new law shortcuts all of that, you’re going to be able to get into court and say, ok, this person’s going to have to leave and you’re going to get a writ and somebody’s going to come out there and take care of that,” he said. “I think in less than five days you’d be able to remove somebody who is a squatter and unauthorized occupant.” It will help a small handful of people right now with the possibility of more in the future as things tighten up, he added.  Blake said another trend he has started to see more often is people squatting on vacant, rural land, which is usually owned by the state or a private property owner. Systemic issues like the increased cost of living will likely keep contributing to people looking for places to live, he added.  “I’m not sure that we’ve seen the end of financial difficult times,” he said.  The new law would require a five-day notice to vacate before going to court. If the criteria listed in the law is met, a judge may order the immediate eviction of that tenant, and it gives the property owner a legal hammer too, the spokesperson said. There’s technically two different types of squatters: ones with an agreement to live at the property for a limited time and those who do not have an agreement with the property owner, a spokesperson for the Maricopa County Justice Courts said. Both types of cases come to justices of the peace.  The second type is what the new law speaks to and is rare. If there is no written, verbal or implied tenancy agreement, the case can come to court, but a judge may dismiss it and say the court has no jurisdiction because there’s no agreement. Then it would be a trespassing issue for the police to write a citation, which is a different court process, they said. The data on how many squatter cases happen per year in Arizona does not exist because landlords have to deliver a notice to vacate before they go to the courts. The courts don’t track what type of criminal activity or other breach might have triggered an immediate eviction and essentially, it doesn’t matter once the case reaches court, the spokesperson said. There is a category of evictions called “immediate,” which usually involves a breach of the lease that is not fixable, such as if criminal activity took place. The landlord has to give notice of the breach and may file the court case the same day. If the tenant is found guilty in court a few days later, the judge can order the immediate eviction, which means they have to be out the day following the court appearance.  As for statistics on that type of case, landlords brought 84,805 cases to court and 406 of those were immediate evictions in 2025, but it’s likely few to none of those involved squatters, the spokesperson said. The post New law aims to curb squatting in vacant homes first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a244fe9ee6011c3f4eb9569 Mirra Andreeva, 19, wins French Open to become youngest women's singles champion since 1992 te 2026-06-06T16:50:49.359Z Mirra Andreeva, 19, wins French Open to become youngest women's singles champion since 1992 Mirra Andreeva, a 19-year-old Russian tennis pro, won her first Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating Maja Chwalinska to win the French Open. Andreeva won in two sets, 6-3, 6-2, over the 114th-ranked Polish qualifier. Andreeva became the youngest player to win the women’s singles title since Monica Seles, who was 18 when she won her third straight French Open in 1992. She also became the first Russian woman to win a Grand Slam since Maria Sharapova won the 2014 French Open and became the first teenager to win a Grand Slam title since Coco Gauff did so at the 2023 U.S. Open, when she was 19. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Andreeva also became the first male or female tennis player born in 2005 to reach and win a Grand Slam title. When Andreeva executed a backhand cross-court winner on her first match point, the Russian dropped to her knees on the clay to celebrate. "You’re so young and talented. It’s so annoying," Chwalinska told Andreeva during the awards ceremony. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Andreeva thanked herself for fighting "so many demons" during her title run at the awards ceremony. "For believing in myself, always giving my 100%, even when it’s tough, trying every day to be better as a person and as a player, believing that I can do this, fighting so many demons inside of me," Andreeva said. "Only I know how tough it was for me," Andreeva added. "How nervous I was throughout these two weeks." The match was tied 3-3 in the first set, but Andreeva then won 20 of the next 21 points to win the set and take control of the match. Chwalinska was attempting to become the first qualifier to capture the Roland Garros title. 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/6a244fd3ee6011c3f4eb954b Trump’s Defense Department Sees Growing Espionage Threat From Israel te 2026-06-06T16:50:27.359Z Trump’s Defense Department Sees Growing Espionage Threat From Israel The Defense Department has increased the counterintelligence threat assessment to its highest level, and Israel is believed to have eavesdropped on American negotiations with Iran. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a244b25ee6011c3f4eb9490 Troy player 'Jabe Ruth' proves college sports can be saved with the most patriotic home run you'll ever see te 2026-06-06T16:30:29.529Z Troy player 'Jabe Ruth' proves college sports can be saved with the most patriotic home run you'll ever see I know we've got the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup going on right now. I get it. The Knicks are a pretty big deal at the moment, and rightfully so. But I'm here to open everyone's eyes to the biggest story in America that nobody is talking about. The Troy Trojans, and catcher Jabe Boroff. Drop everything you're doing and start paying attention to what's going on out in Alabama, because it's more electric than anything you're going to see on the court or the ice. IS THIS COLLEGE BASEBALL TANK SHOT REALLY THAT IMPRESSIVE? Boroff, dubbed "Jabe Ruth" by his teammates, has the Trojans on the brink of their first-ever trip to Omaha. That's right. In a world dominated by NIL and the transfer portal, the TROY TROJANS are one win away from the College World Series. A week that began with Nick Saban sounding the alarm on the state of college athletics ended with a team that barely made the NCAA tournament hosting a Super Regional for the first time, shattering attendance records, and going viral for all the right reasons. Troy pummeled Little Rock, 12-2, Friday in Game 1 of the Super Regional. Boroff hit two home runs, including an eighth-inning grand slam into the patriotic bounce house in left field. And if it wasn't a reminder of what college sports should look like, I don't know what is: I've been banging the table for college baseball for years now. I've BEGGED the world to show it more respect. ESPN has the TV deal, and barely shows a game until May. I've long said it's a wasted opportunity. And the first 10 days of this tournament have only added fuel to that fire. We've had major upsets, which you don't get anymore in football or basketball. We've had iconic moments, like all of Morgantown singing "Country Roads" earlier this week when the Mountaineers walked it off in the regional championship. Most importantly, we've had teams like Troy not only win meaningful games, but HOST meaningful games. The Trojans squeaked into the tournament, upset the Florida Gators (twice), and now they're one win away from Omaha. Which brings me to Boroff, who has morphed into "Jabe Ruth" over the past few weeks thanks to an absolutely electric tournament. The junior catcher was hitting .114 with one home run on May 9. Less than a month later, he's hitting .270 with 11 home runs. That's a real stat. Read it again. He's hit six bombs in this tournament alone, with a whopping 18 RBIs in six games. In the program's first Super Regional Friday, he hit two homers and plated half the team's runs. COLLEGE BASEBALL PLAYER SUFFERS GRUESOME LEG INJURY DURING CELEBRATORY HOME RUN TROT Do you understand how impressive that is? Again, it's why college baseball is the best. It's everything we loved about college sports before things started to spiral a few years ago. We loved the upsets and the "moments." We loved the lesser-known players who came from a community college (Boroff spent the first two years at Enterprise State) and simply got a shot. We loved the atmosphere and the feeling that this was "our school" too. College baseball has proven over the first week of this tournament that it's all still possible. It still exists. We saw it in West Virginia on Monday, and at a place called Riddle-Pace Field on Friday. Nobody had heard of that place until this week. Nobody had heard of "Jabe Ruth" until this week. Did anyone here even know Troy had a baseball team until this week? Probably not. We do now, and that's why college baseball is the best. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a24491eee6011c3f4eb942b Victor Wembanyama, well over 7 feet tall, gets away with hard foul after getting boxed out by Jose Alvarado te 2026-06-06T16:21:50.079Z Victor Wembanyama, well over 7 feet tall, gets away with hard foul after getting boxed out by Jose Alvarado It was a rough first half for Victor Wembanyama on Friday night. The San Antonio Spurs' alien-like phenom scored just seven points in the first 24 minutes of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and despite making up ground in the second half, it was not enough as the New York Knicks took a 2-0 series lead. The referees sure seemed tilted toward San Antonio throughout the night, and one moment in the second quarter helped the public's case. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM With San Antonio up 37-32, Dylan Harper drove toward the hoop but missed a contested shot, and the ball was up for grabs. With Wembanyama, listed at 7-foot-4, on the floor, it should surprise nobody if he ever got an offensive rebound. However, he was boxed out by Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, whose minutes come sparingly. Alvarado might have gotten away with some hard contact when initiating the box out, but Wembanyama may have just gotten away with a flagrant foul after wrapping both of his arms near Alvarado's neck and tossing him like a rag doll. Wembanyama then asked for a whistle on Alvarado but never got one. Wembanyama was also ejected for the first time for a flagrant foul in the Western Conference Finals. KNICKS SURVIVE TO TAKE 2-0 NBA FINALS LEAD AFTER JALEN BRUNSON'S CLUTCH SHOT SINKS SPURS Wembanyama scored 22 points in the second half, turning it up in the fourth quarter, but it was all for naught after a costly turnover. After a rebound with less than 15 seconds left, Wembanyama threw a pass to a teammate who was not looking, and it hit his back. Jalen Brunson was able to pick up the ball, draw a foul and knock down a free throw. The Frenchman had the ball in his hands for the potential game-winning basket but missed, giving the Knicks an exhilarating 105-104 victory. No team has ever won an NBA Finals after losing both of the first two games at home, although it is a small sample size - only the 1993 Phoenix Suns and 1995 Orlando Magic did the same. 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/6a24490aee6011c3f4eb9422 SI Swimsuit model Carol Alt was 'on the verge of death' before dramatic health turnaround te 2026-06-06T16:21:30.024Z SI Swimsuit model Carol Alt was 'on the verge of death' before dramatic health turnaround Carol Alt was quietly battling debilitating health issues that left her so drained and weak that the model was convinced she was "on the verge of death." Alt, one of the most recognizable faces of the 1980s, made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in 1981 and landed the cover just a year later. She was featured in the outlet six times between 1981 and 1989. Despite gracing the pages of numerous magazines, including Vogue, the star was dealing with a range of physical challenges. "I had issues my whole life," Alt told fellow Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and friend Kim Alexis, host of the "Unexpired" podcast. "I had allergies as a kid. I would rupture my stomach coughing. Everything made me cough." CHRISTIE BRINKLEY SHARES HER TOP BEAUTY TIP AND SECRET TO FITNESS IN HER SEVENTIES "... I had been praying," she later recalled. "I said, 'I don't feel good.' I was doing a job. I didn't look good. I literally escaped from the job, and it had my name on it. ... Everybody looked better than me. Everybody was feeling better than me, projecting better than me. And I went back to L.A. really depressed, and I just started praying. I was like, 'Something's happening. Let me know what it is. Whatever it is, whatever you need me to do, tell me.'" At the height of her modeling career, Alt was running on empty. She often subsisted on poor nutrition and restrictive eating habits. The constant exhaustion she felt didn't fade; it only intensified over time.  She also struggled with frequent headaches and sinus problems that left her feeling fatigued. Getting by on little sleep during her constant travels, she fueled herself with coffee, sugar and processed foods, leaving her with digestive issues. It was her friend Steve Cantor who suggested Alt consult Dr. Timothy Brantley, whom she described as a major proponent of the raw food diet. WATCH: SI SWIMSUIT MODEL CAROL ALT SAYS CHRISTIE BRINKLEY INSPIRED HER BOLD LOOK The raw food diet focuses on foods that are uncooked and unprocessed, or heated only to relatively low temperatures. Proponents argue that cooking can destroy certain nutrients and natural enzymes found in food. Supporters say the diet can boost energy, improve digestion and promote overall wellness. Health experts generally note that nutrition needs vary from person to person and that no single eating plan works for everyone. "I'm rolling my eyes," Alt told Alexis. "I pretended to take down his number, and then I hung up. ... A little voice inside of me said, 'Hey, you've tried everything. You've been asking for help, and now you throw this away.' Fortunately, it was a really easy number to remember. So I called." When Alt told Brantley about her diet, he laughed, she said. "I was allergic to Irish, whatever they put in the Irish rye or barley, whatever it was," Alt said. "I was allergic to it. So I went to Scotch. But people have to remember that we were traveling all the time. We never knew what time zone we were in. "I would wake up in the morning on my days off, and I would have a Scotch coffee and whipped cream," Alt said. "And when I was working, believe it or not, I would have pizza bread and cappuccino. That would be my breakfast. That was Italy. In France, I'd have a cappuccino and a coffee. And the doctor was like, 'It's the same thing, the sugar and caffeine.'" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "... I really had to dig myself out of a very big hole because, first of all, I was addicted to coffee," she shared. "Second of all, I wanted my Scotch in the morning. I loved my whipped cream. I really had to get myself back on track again and completely swing from this way to that way. Timothy took me through it. When I started with Timothy, I couldn't even go without something to eat every couple of hours." In 1996, at age 35, Alt completely changed her approach to eating. She's never looked back. Alt said the changes didn't happen overnight, but she eventually noticed significant improvements in her energy levels and overall health. The model said she no longer felt constantly exhausted and began feeling stronger and more capable of keeping up with the demands of her career. Brantley encouraged Alt to eliminate heavily processed foods and focus on raw fruits, vegetables and other minimally processed ingredients. "There was no question," she told Alexis. "For me, there was no turning back. And believe me, I've sat at dinners with renal doctors who were taking me through the coals because I was some stupid model. But hey, you know what? I rebuilt my body. I was on the verge of death, and I'm back. So you can't knock me off my pedestal. I'm going to be an orator on this. I'm going to be screaming this from the mountaintops." "... I remember my father dying, saying to me, 'You know, Carol Ann, I should have known something was wrong when I didn't want to go to work,'" she reflected. "And here I was hiding. I'm like, 'There's something wrong. Whatever it is, [God], you've given me a little bit of celebrity. I know I could use it for good. Please let me know.'" Over the years, Alt has written several books on how natural, unprocessed foods can be used to improve overall health, energy levels and aging. "... I think it was more just trying to get people to understand that processed food has so many chemicals, so many preservatives, has so many hidden fats, cooked oils and really bad things. You could have things that were the same, tasted just as good and were just as gratifying that were healthy." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Alt didn't hesitate, saying, "That I was an inspiration and helped people to live better lives, to eat better and to live better." "When you eat better, you feel better," she said. "When you feel better, you're nicer to people. That's really what it's about for me. ... I really want people to be happy, and it's so hard to be happy these days. It really is unless you're at peace with yourself. I find a lot of people just aren't. ... We're not all perfect. We're not all able to do what other people do, but look at your attributes and be happy and joyous in that. Bring that forth to the world because the universe will conspire to find use for you." In 2023, Alt told Fox News Digital she would have done some things differently as a model. WATCH: '80S SUPERMODEL CAROL ALT ON AGING, HOW NOT TO BREAK DOWN LIKE ‘AN OLD CAR’ "I wish when I was 18, 19 years old and somebody said to me, ‘You should eat your vegetables raw,'" she said at the time. "I suffered through my modeling career because I was always tired, I was always malnourished. I was always trying to keep my weight down. I didn't eat, and when I ate, I ate garbage because I really did not know what to eat," she continued. "I didn't know what to eat in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, how much, and what would keep my energy going, and there were so many times I suffered," Alt noted. Alt said that if she had changed how she ate earlier, her modeling career would have been "immensely" different. "I just had no energy left to be cool and groovy," she said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2448f6ee6011c3f4eb9419 Auburn student Weston Higginbotham found dead in Japan after weeklong search, mom confirms te 2026-06-06T16:21:10.080Z Auburn student Weston Higginbotham found dead in Japan after weeklong search, mom confirms The family of James "Weston" Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who vanished during a family vacation in Japan in late May, confirmed Saturday that he has been found dead. In a statement on Facebook Saturday morning, Higginbotham's mother, Nancy, revealed that her son's body was discovered by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto. "Our family is heartbroken," Nancy Higginbotham wrote in the post. "... The grief we feel is impossible to put into words." The family expressed their deep gratitude to the people across the U.S., Japan and the globe who offered prayers and assisted in the search efforts. "The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives," she said, pleading for privacy as the family begins to navigate the loss. "We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like," his mother wrote. "… Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support. We will need them now more than ever. We will always love you, Weston." The update comes after a massive, multinational search.  The 20-year-old hiker was last seen May 29 near Yamashina Station, just east of Kyoto, after being separated from his parents following family "bickering," Fox News Digital previously reported. His parents were able to track him near a river and boarding a train via the Life360 app before his phone location suddenly went dark. The family had previously held out hope that he would be found alive, telling Fox News Digital earlier in the week that he knew how to forage and was "built to endure." Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2448e2ee6011c3f4eb9410 Belmont Stakes 2026 at Saratoga Race Course: Best bets, exotics, 'Pick 5' for the Grade 1 stakes races te 2026-06-06T16:20:50.159Z Belmont Stakes 2026 at Saratoga Race Course: Best bets, exotics, 'Pick 5' for the Grade 1 stakes races This will be the final of three consecutive years that the Belmont Stakes will run at the mecca of horse racing: the Saratoga Race Course. Traditionally held at Belmont Park, the third jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown has been held in Saratoga during Belmont's renovations and will return to its original home next year. As you probably already know, we won’t get a Triple Crown winner. Golden Tempo, the winner of the 2026 Kentucky Derby and third-betting choice in the Belmont Stakes, didn’t run in the Preakness Stakes. Also, Napoleon Solo, the winner of the Preakness, is skipping the Belmont.  Regardless, because it's Saratoga and one of the five biggest horse racing days of the year, I'm going to the window for five Grade 1 stakes races on Belmont Stakes Day 2026. Here is my Pick 5 and best bets for Races 9-13. #1 Governor Sam (12-1 morning-line odds) I’m taking a shot with #1 Governor Sam (12-1) because I like his morning-line odds, given this is a sprint, and he has fast "early speed" and runs out of the No. 1 post. Meaning he should be able to get inside quickly, and maybe he can hold on in this one-turn race. Also, Governor Sam has two wins and a second in three career starts in Saratoga, and four wins, one second and one third in seven races at 5.5 furlongs, which is today's distance. Lastly, he’s gone off as the betting favorite in 10 of his 14 career races, including three times against graded company. #8 Twenty Six Black (12-1) The Horacio De Paz trainee is appealing for similar reasons. He has two wins, three seconds and one third in seven career races at The Spa, and two wins, three seconds and one third in six outings at 5.5 furlongs. Furthermore, Twenty Six Black ran two 100-Beyer speed figure races in Saratoga last year, which would be fast enough to win the Jaipur.  #5 Solitude Dude (6-1)  His 97 Beyer speed figure is tied for the fourth-fastest race in this field with the second-betting choice #7 Englishman (3-1), behind the betting favorite, #6 Crude Velocity (9-5), who ran two 100 Beyers. Hence, Solitude Dude shouldn’t be double the price as Englishman. Before this race, Solitude Dude’s longest price was $3.60 at the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, where he finished third by 2.25 lengths behind two contenders in the Belmont Stakes. But the Fountain of Youth was a two-turn race, and the Woody Stephens is a sprint. Solitude Dude is 4-0 in his four sprints and 2-0 at seven furlongs. Lastly, he has back-to-back blazing-fast workouts in Saratoga heading into the Woody Stephens.  #7 Journalism (5-2) While Journalism’s third at the Grade 2 Oaklawn in his 2026 debut was disappointing, there’s no shame in losing to White Abarrio and Sovereignty. The former was the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic champion, and the latter won the 2025 Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes. Journalism has run a Beyer of 101+ in five races in a row and eight of his last nine, all against graded company. He was the betting favorite for all three Triple Crown races last year. Journalism has the fastest "late speed" in this field, and his neighbor, #6 Knightsbridge, has the fastest "early speed". Essentially, my handicap is that Journalism can draft Knightsbridge around the course and outkick the rest of the field on the closing stretch. #5 Deterministic (7-2) His jockey, Kendrick Carmouche, is popular and profitable in Saratoga during the summer meets, and Deterministic has won four straight races since Carmouche started riding him last year. Those races included the Grade 1 Fort Marcy this year and last, and the 2025 Grade 1 Four Star Dave and the 2025 Manhattan, both at Saratoga. So, Deterministic is a horse for the course coming in with excellent form. #7 Commandment (6-1)  I’m a little sketched out that Commandment is getting another jockey change for a fourth straight race. Otherwise, I love his 6-1 morning-line odds for several reasons. First, Commandment went off at roughly the same price in the 2026 Kentucky Derby, which had a deeper field. Second, he was the betting favorite in the first four of his six career races and the second-betting favorite in the other. CHERIE DEVAUX REFLECTS ON MAKING KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY AS FIRST FEMALE TRAINER TO WIN THE RACE Third, the Brad Cox trainee had a four-race winning streak entering the Derby, including the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth and Grade 1 Florida Derby, where he beat the second-betting choice for the Belmont, #3 Chief Wallabe (3-1). Fourth, Commandment’s 101 Beyer speed figure in the Fountain of Youth is the fastest in this field and his 100 Beyer in the Florida Derby is tied for second. So, at his best, Commandment is the fastest horse in this race and is tied for the fourth-best price in a nine-horse field. #4 Renegade (2-1) If I weren’t philosophically opposed to betting this short of a favorite at Saratoga, the "Graveyard of Champions," then I’d take Renegade here. I’ve heard many horse handicappers who are way sharper than me say that Renegade ran the best race at the Kentucky Derby but got the "worst trip". After all, he ran out of the No. 1 post at the Derby and there have only been eight horses to win from the No. 1 post since 1930, and the last horse was Ferdinand 40 years ago. But Renegade is the rightful favorite in the Belmont, and has hit the board in all six starts: Two wins, three seconds and one third. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! His jockey, Irad Ortiz Jr., is one of the winningest jockeys every year during Saratoga’s summer meet. However, because of his price, I’m only using Renegade in my trifecta and Pick 5.   #9 Golden Tempo (9-2) Lining up on the outside and having the slowest "early pace" in this field will allow Golden Tempo to run his race. Remember, he came from out of nowhere to win the Derby and Golden Tempo could get a similar trip in the Belmont. Or at least that’s my working theory. He is tied for the fastest "late speed" in this race with Renegade, the first-betting choice, and can sneak into the trifecta at the wire.  _____________________________ 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/6a2448caee6011c3f4eb93e7 The Trump administration might take an equity stake in OpenAI te 2026-06-06T16:20:26.495Z The Trump administration might take an equity stake in OpenAI President Donald Trump said he's discussing deals "where the American people can benefit from the success of AI." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a24441eee6011c3f4eb9395 Benjamin Hall tackles grueling One World Trade Center climb on prosthetic legs to honor fallen heroes te 2026-06-06T16:00:30.649Z Benjamin Hall tackles grueling One World Trade Center climb on prosthetic legs to honor fallen heroes Fox News' Benjamin Hall is preparing to conquer more than 2,000 steps to the top of One World Trade Center on Sunday, climbing alongside the very doctor who saved Hall's life when he was critically wounded in Ukraine. Speaking on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Hall and military trauma surgeon Dr. Joe Alderete explained why they're taking on the challenge for the 10th annual Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb. "If I have to crawl to get to the very top, I will crawl to get to the top because we need to show that we're there alongside all these people," Hall said Saturday. On Sunday, Hall will climb to the top of One World Trade Center in New York City to raise money for Gold Star families and the families of fallen first responders. Hall will make the climb, which is more than 2,000 steps and 104 stories, on prosthetic legs to send the message to others facing difficult circumstances that they can keep going. A SEASON OF HOPE: T2T'S GIFT OF INDEPENDENCE AND DIGNITY FOR INJURED HEROES "If I can climb to the top of the skyscraper on prosthetic legs, then maybe that sends a message to anyone else who's gone through something difficult," Hall said. "It doesn't matter if you've been hurt. You pick yourself up, and you can keep climbing." TRUMP ANNOUNCES HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR FOR 9/11 HERO REMEMBERED AS THE 'MAN IN THE RED BANDANA' In March 2022, while covering the war in Ukraine, Hall and his crew were hit by Russian missiles outside Kyiv while traveling in a car. Fox News photojournalist Pierre Zakrzewski and Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Kuvshynova were killed in the attack. Hall was left fighting for his life and required amputations on both legs. Dr. Alderete described Hall after the attack, saying he was different from other severely injured patients he's seen. "Ben had a different look in his eyes that really told Colonel Jennifer Gurney and I, fellow trauma surgeon, that this is somebody who's not [going to] be broken," Alderete said, adding, "So it doesn't surprise me that we're here today." DOG SAVED FROM ISIS BY ARMY VETERAN 'KIDNAPPED' FROM FAMILY YARD BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES The Tunnel to Towers event honors the lives and sacrifices of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The foundation was created in honor of Stephen Siller, an off-duty firefighter who sacrificed his life to save others at the Twin Towers. The climb takes place just months ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Hall and Dr. Alderete will join 1,250 participants who are taking on the challenge to support the organization's mission to provide mortgage-free homes to families of fallen heroes. "My injuries don't matter. It doesn't matter how injured I was. I got back to my family. But these people did not," Hall said. "And so we're raising money for the families of those who did not come home, and so we should all be part of their growing family now." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2442baee6011c3f4eb931c Fuel prices are shaping summer plans as US boaters get ready to hit the water te 2026-06-06T15:54:34.329Z Fuel prices are shaping summer plans as US boaters get ready to hit the water Motorists and airline passengers aren't the only travelers thinking about high fuel prices as summer vacations near. Recreational boaters are feeling a pinch from the Iran war too. The ethanol-free gasoline that many boats prefer is even more expensive than… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2442a4ee6011c3f4eb930a Omega Combat Genesis to bring combat competition to Lake Havasu City te 2026-06-06T15:54:12.327Z Omega Combat Genesis to bring combat competition to Lake Havasu City Lake Havasu City and the surrounding area has many talented fighters looking for the chance to compete in the ring. The chance for local amateurs to compete close to home has now been given with Omega Combat Genesis. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a24428dee6011c3f4eb9301 Lake Havasu City hosts regional emergency vehicle technician training te 2026-06-06T15:53:49.770Z Lake Havasu City hosts regional emergency vehicle technician training Lake Havasu City recently hosted a regional Emergency Vehicle Technician training event, bringing fleet professionals and emergency vehicle technicians from across Arizona, Nevada and surrounding communities together for specialized instruction and certification testing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a244278ee6011c3f4eb92f8 Lake Havasu City plans summer events for America’s 250th anniversary te 2026-06-06T15:53:28.325Z Lake Havasu City plans summer events for America’s 250th anniversary Lake Havasu City will mark America’s 250th anniversary this summer with a slate of recreation programs, patriotic events and family activities in June and July. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a244263ee6011c3f4eb92ef Hikers rescued from SARA Park trails after heat exhaustion te 2026-06-06T15:53:07.286Z Hikers rescued from SARA Park trails after heat exhaustion Lake Havasu City firefighters rescued a group of hikers Wednesday after they became fatigued in extreme heat near SARA Park and could not make it back to the trailhead. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a24424eee6011c3f4eb92e6 Airport runway closure rescheduled as seal coat project enters final phase te 2026-06-06T15:52:46.332Z Airport runway closure rescheduled as seal coat project enters final phase The second and final phase of Lake Havasu City Airport’s runway and taxiway seal coat project has been rescheduled to begin at 5:30 a.m. Friday, June 12, weather permitting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a24421aee6011c3f4eb92bb Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals will continue to see the offenses pepper goalies with shots te 2026-06-06T15:51:54.409Z Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals will continue to see the offenses pepper goalies with shots If you have stopped paying attention to hockey, or just don't enjoy watching it, you are missing out. Hockey has been fantastic in the postseason, as it always is. And the Stanley Cup Final has given us two great games already. I hope this one goes the distance as we have two solid teams duking it out for the Cup. The Carolina Hurricanes were almost down 0-2, and then it was almost like a light switch was flipped on for the team. The Hurricanes were scoreless going into the third period. They went 50 minutes of the game before they started lighting the lamps. Then, when they finally broke through, they turned the home stadium into a frenzy. SETH JARVIS SCORES OVERTIME GAME-WINNER AS HURRICANES STORM BACK FROM 2-0 DEFICIT TO EVEN STANLEY CUP FINAL The team put together three unanswered goals, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead. In overtime, the team capitalized once again on a power play and put the puck in the net to even the series 1-1. It is worth noting that the Hurricanes did a good job of keeping the Golden Knights in a good spot to be able to steal the game. It wasn't pretty, giving up goals in both of the periods, but the defense came through. Frederik Andersen also did his part. Sure, he gave up a late goal, but this was a better performance than in Game 1. The Vegas Golden Knights probably will kick themselves about this game if they do lose the Final. This is one they were in full control of for the majority of the game. The third period turned out to be a disaster. Outside of five minutes in the game, you probably could make a strong case that the Golden Knights were the clear best team in the game. They also had a goal waved off, and that obviously would've changed the course of the game. To their credit, even without the goal issue, they still found a way to tie up the game late. The problem ended up being the power play goals they allowed. It was a tie-breaking goal both times, and in overtime, it was a game-winning goal. What made matters worse in this situation was that because of the goalie interference call that waved off their goal, it allowed that power play to happen. It was essentially a two-goal swing. For Game 3, the series now shifts to Las Vegas. The Golden Knights at home this season are 20-12-9. In the postseason, they've gone 6-2. The Hurricanes haven't lost a game on the road in the postseason. They also haven't looked like quite as dominant of a team in these first two games of the series. Tonight, I think the best look is over 5.5 goals. The first two games have seen nine and seven goals, respectively. Even with the series shifting over to Vegas, I think the teams' offenses will keep rolling. In Game 1, the offenses were clearly in control. In Game 2, even if we take out the two power play goals, there were five in the net, and one additional waved off. I like the over once again. 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/6a244202ee6011c3f4eb9289 Az ‘Honor Flight’ vets reflect on D-Day te 2026-06-06T15:51:30.324Z Az ‘Honor Flight’ vets reflect on D-Day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2441eeee6011c3f4eb9280 A jacket, a coin, a letter − relics of Omaha Beach battle tell story of D-Day 80 years later te 2026-06-06T15:51:10.329Z A jacket, a coin, a letter − relics of Omaha Beach battle tell story of D-Day 80 years later Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2441daee6011c3f4eb9277 D-Day: 5 facts to know te 2026-06-06T15:50:50.405Z D-Day: 5 facts to know Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2441c6ee6011c3f4eb926d D‑day’s secret weapon: How wetland science stopped Normandy landings from getting bogged down te 2026-06-06T15:50:30.410Z D‑day’s secret weapon: How wetland science stopped Normandy landings from getting bogged down Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243f6dee6011c3f4eb922c Test your pop culture: From Hollywood to the Heartland te 2026-06-06T15:40:29.608Z Test your pop culture: From Hollywood to the Heartland The Pop Culture Quiz is your weekly test of what’s making headlines and breaking the Internet, from the Heartland to Hollywood. This week’s quiz spotlights hard launches and Hollywood revelations. Can you get all 5 questions right? For more Entertainment articles, visit www.foxnews.com/entertainment To try your hand at more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click here. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243d61ee6011c3f4eb91c0 AI vs human war has already begun, as robot kicks child in martial arts demonstration in China te 2026-06-06T15:31:45.599Z AI vs human war has already begun, as robot kicks child in martial arts demonstration in China Most of my time as a writer is spent bemoaning the current state of college football or breaking down obscure scenes from "The Sopranos" that no one has thought about for 20 years, but occasionally I like to stray from my lanes and venture into some weird territory. One vertical I have found myself occupying fairly frequently as of late is the artificial intelligence debate and whether we are all doomed to an eternity of servitude under our robot overlords. Yes, much like the guy standing on the corner brandishing the "End Is Near" sign, I have tried my best to warn you all that AI is coming for us all in the end, and earlier this week I received a much-needed piece of validation from China. A robot adorned with a clown wig was putting on quite the martial arts demonstration at a popular tourist destination in Xinjiang, when a young onlooker almost became an unwilling victim of the upcoming war between humans and AI. CHINESE ROBOT'S KUNG FU MOVES WILL MAKE YOUR JAW DROP First and foremost, as was first reported by Shanghai Daily, the child was not seriously injured, so if your first instinct was to fear retribution for laughing at the visual of a humanoid robot doing a Rex-Kwan-Do routine in a clown wig and rocking some little kid in the chest, then worry not. He's fine! I also love the immediate reaction from Jack-AI Chan after making hard contact with the kid's diaphragm. APOCALYPSE NOW? WHY THE MEDIA ARE SUDDENLY FREAKING OUT ABOUT AI It looks like a toddler that just got caught with its hand in the cookie jar, standing perfectly still before realizing what it had done and taking a few steps back before a nervous little dance. I thought that sequence looked familiar, because it's basically what my two-year-old son does every time he knows he did something wrong. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! In fairness to RoboClown, that kid was standing directly in the path of its kicks. Someone probably should have grabbed that kid before he went home with a mechanical footprint stamped onto his rib cage, but all's well that ends well, I suppose. Just remember this video 50 years from now when you're teaching your underground history class to a young team of resistance fighters during the AI Wars. When someone asks who fired the first shots of the conflict, show them the video their history books omitted, and Godspeed to all of you who never say "please" and "thank you" in your ChatGPT prompts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243d4dee6011c3f4eb91b7 Federal agents arrest anti-ICE agitators during chaotic Delaney Hall confrontations caught on video te 2026-06-06T15:31:25.600Z Federal agents arrest anti-ICE agitators during chaotic Delaney Hall confrontations caught on video Shocking video captured the moments at least two anti-ICE agitators were arrested outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, Friday, during riotous confrontations. The chaotic scene unfolded Friday night as a caravan of cars rushed out of the immigrant detention center while agitators blocked them. Cars pushed through the crowd, hitting at least one person as agitators continued banging, kicking and blocking government vehicles. Agitators could be heard shouting, "Let's go coward," "F--- you," "Are you proud of yourself a------" and "quit your f------ job." An agent directly addressed one agitator, saying, "What did you say? You're going to kill me?" before appearing to detain the person. ANTI-ICE AGITATORS THROW WOODEN PALLETS, MATTRESSES AT FEDERAL AGENTS DURING CHAOTIC NJ DETENTION CENTER CLASH ICE agents were attempting to push crowds back to remove barricades that would allow cars to pass through. At least two people were seen on video being detained by authorities. Witnesses confirmed pepper spray was deployed during the incident. WATCH: POLICE ABSENT FROM DELANEY HALL CHAOS AS AGITATORS BLOCK ICE VEHICLES AND AGENTS USE PEPPER SPRAY The night of violence followed a decision Thursday by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to remove law enforcement resources from outside Delaney Hall, beginning Friday. "ICE increased its presence and engaged protesters in ways that escalated tensions and led to unnecessary confrontation," Baraka wrote in a statement. "It is not the responsibility of the Newark Police Division to secure a private facility. We have made clear to the GEO Group, who has its own private security firm, that securing their facility is their responsibility, not the City’s. Our intention was never to protect Delaney Hall or HSI but to bring calm." The mayor went on to call it "a clear contradiction" to remain outside the facility. FAR-LEFT MAYOR ARRESTED AT ICE FACILITY DENIES IMPEDING LAW ENFORCEMENT, SAYS PROTEST 'ABSOLUTELY' EFFECTIVE "We will not continue to spend resources and tax dollars in an already strapped budget to safeguard a privately-owned facility, especially when it places our officers at unnecessary risk," he said. "Nor will we ask our officers to engage in practices that contradict our values of fairness, restraint and respect for human rights." Just over a year ago, in May 2025, Baraka was arrested himself for allegedly storming Delaney Hall alongside New Jersey lawmakers LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez. Baraka was handcuffed, detained for five hours and formally charged with trespassing. Baraka's attorneys at the time maintained that the mayor was exercising his First Amendment rights and "acted throughout with calm, restraint and dignity in a law-abiding manner." The federal trespassing charge was later dismissed by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, who was nominated by President Donald Trump. Despite the arrest, Baraka was reelected by constituents last month, winning more than 50% of the vote. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243d36ee6011c3f4eb9198 The Bidens Are Back, in Bookstores and a South Dakota Speech on Trump te 2026-06-06T15:31:02.571Z The Bidens Are Back, in Bookstores and a South Dakota Speech on Trump The re-emergence of the former first family has been fraught for some Democrats who just want to move on. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243d20ee6011c3f4eb917e Remembering a forgotten World War II story te 2026-06-06T15:30:40.492Z Remembering a forgotten World War II story Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243b45ee6011c3f4eb9140 World Cup stadium workers vote to authorize strike days before tournament citing ICE concerns te 2026-06-06T15:22:45.212Z World Cup stadium workers vote to authorize strike days before tournament citing ICE concerns SoFi Stadium workers have voted to authorize a strike just a week before hosting the United States Men's National Soccer Team for the World Cup. The UNITE HERE Local 11 union has been negotiating with Legends Global amid a stalled deal, and a large concern remains U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's role at the stadium during World Cup games. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said this week the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told him federal authorities would be at the matches to assist with security but not civil immigration enforcement. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Any of that is subject to change, but I have trust that they're giving me the appropriate information because if that starts occurring, we're going to have a whole new host of problems," he added. "What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don’t earn enough to pay the rent and must choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE?" said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. "If we’re forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos." A press release on Friday, according to The Athletic, said negotiations are expected to continue Monday. "Workers must have the right to walk off the job if federal immigration enforcement enters the stadium and creates a reasonable fear for their safety — no worker should have to choose between their job and their freedom," the release said. The union also wants "pay that reflects the true cost of living in Los Angeles, including premium pay for World Cup and other mega-events, and payment to a housing fund to build housing for hospitality workers." MEXICO GOLD CUP SOCCER GAME IN LOS ANGELES SEES ANTI-ICE PROTESTERS DEMONSTRATE OUTSIDE STADIUM Legends Global, which handles hospitality at SoFi, said the company has a long-standing relationship with the union and is committed to reaching an agreement through contract negotiations. "We look forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium," the company said in a statement Wednesday. The union issued a complaint to the California attorney general, stating that workers could be at risk of being targeted by ICE due to FIFA's accreditation process. ICE acting director Todd Lyons has said that it would play a "key part" in ensuring security during the tournament, something Luna confirmed. Community groups in other World Cup host cities such as Atlanta and Miami also have called for a halt to U.S. immigration enforcement during the matches, fearing arrests near stadiums and watch parties could dampen the festivities. SoFi Stadium will host eight matches. 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/6a243b31ee6011c3f4eb9137 Parents who lost children to college hazing spent 4,000 days fighting for federal law in new documentary te 2026-06-06T15:22:25.216Z Parents who lost children to college hazing spent 4,000 days fighting for federal law in new documentary Parents who spent over a decade fighting for justice following the tragic loss of their children in college hazing rituals are telling their story on the world stage in a new documentary. In "4000 Days," three grieving families share how they came together to draw attention to the dangers of hazing and push for legislative reform to protect other students and families from similar heartache. "'4000 Days' is not only a story of loss — it's a testament to love, resilience, and the power of ordinary people to transform tragedy into lasting impact, ensuring no other family has to endure the same pain," the film's synopsis says. The title represents the number of days it took for the parents to get major legislation, the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed into law. VIRAL BODYCAM VIDEO SHOWS DOZENS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS BLINDFOLDED IN BASEMENT OVER ALLEGED HAZING INCIDENT The documentary will be making its world premiere at this year's Tribeca Film Festival on June 10 in New York City. Gary and Julie DeVercelly, one of the families featured in the film, have never stopped telling the story of their son, Gary Jr., who died while pledging a fraternity at Rider University in 2007. Since his death, they have visited Capitol Hill countless times to push for federal hazing legislation. They've also fought for reform at the state level. In 2023, they backed California's AB 299, which would allow hazing victims' families to sue colleges and universities civilly if the institutions knew or "should have known" about dangerous hazing practices. The bill was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, though a revamped version later passed. OHIO HS FACES FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT OVER HAZING, SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS FROM FORMER FOOTBALL PLAYER The DeVercellys told Fox News Digital that even though telling Gary Jr.'s story is painful, it is a price they willingly pay to protect other families and students. "When I think of Gary, I can't help at first just think about his warm, gentle, and loving nature. You know, he had a smile that lit up the room," Julie DeVercelly said. "We miss him dearly." "Early on, we agreed that we would do anything to help prevent other families having to go through what we've gone through," Gary DeVercelly added. "So tearing the wound open, constantly telling our story — we knew that that was going to be part of the package going in. And it was just a price that we were willing to pay." FAMILY OF COLLEGE STUDENT WHO DIED IN NASHVILLE FILES WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT AGAINST FRATERNITY The couple hopes "4000 Days" will expose a wider audience to the tragedies families like theirs have suffered, as well as the uphill battle they've faced trying to pass a federal bill. "I think the world is really going to have their eyes opened in ways that it's never been," Julie DeVercelly said. "And it's just the beginning." Director Daniel E. Catullo III also spoke to Fox News Digital ahead of the film's premiere, noting that his involvement in college hazing projects happened by accident. A music documentary filmmaker for over 20 years, Catullo pivoted after a fraternity death occurred at his alma mater, West Virginia University (WVU). DEADLY WAKE-UP CALL: ALLEGED FRAT HAZING ELECTROCUTION HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT DANGERS IN OFF-CAMPUS HOMES After making an Emmy-winning documentary about the 2014 death of Nolan Burch at WVU, Catullo found himself thrust into a completely new role. "All of a sudden, I became kind of the hazing guy," Catullo said, adding that other grieving parents quickly began reaching out to him for help. As he began documenting their efforts, Catullo realized how much resistance the families faced. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "I want to put a spotlight for parents on how broken the system is, because they were just fighting for something simple, transparency," Catullo said. He credits the parents' perseverance for the eventual legislative victory, adding, "I think they realized these families weren't going anywhere. They were going to keep coming back." Eric and Linda Oakes, whose son Adam died from hazing at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021, and TJ and Kim Burch, whose son Nolan died in 2014, also tell their stories in the film. Both families have created foundations in remembrance of their sons to provide educational resources about the dangers of college hazing. "I think people need to see what real heroes they are," Catullo said of the families in his documentary. "Because I don't know about you, but if my son or daughter died, I don't think I can go out and talk about it every day, and they live in that nightmare every day to help other people." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243b1dee6011c3f4eb912e Tom Hardy's 'Mobland' drama tops Hollywood's most notorious on-set meltdowns and feuds te 2026-06-06T15:22:05.216Z Tom Hardy's 'Mobland' drama tops Hollywood's most notorious on-set meltdowns and feuds Long before reports surfaced about Tom Hardy's alleged behavior on the set of "Mobland," Hollywood had no shortage of stories about stars whose tempers, clashes and behind-the-scenes drama made headlines. Hardy reportedly kept production stalled by staying in his trailer for hours at a time, often leaving co-stars Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren idle on set. "He refused to come out of his trailer for hours at a time," a source told The Hollywood Reporter. "He kept the cast waiting, [which is] a power play. Keeping Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and others waiting is career suicide, I would wager." 'MOBLAND' STAR TOM HARDY REPORTEDLY FRUSTRATED BY LATE SCRIPTS AS SHOW TENSIONS ERUPT While many of the biggest on-set incidents unfolded years ago, the stories have endured, fueled by leaked recordings, public feuds and candid admissions from the stars themselves. From Christian Bale's leaked meltdown to Russell Crowe's reputation for confrontation, some of the industry's biggest names have faced claims that their on-set conduct crossed the line. The latest claims echoed past reports from the set of "Mad Max: Fury Road," where director George Miller later acknowledged friction between Hardy and co-star Charlize Theron during the movie’s grueling shoot. Miller claimed the squabble stemmed from Theron and Hardy being "two very different performers."  "Tom has a damage to him but also a brilliance that comes with it, and whatever was going on with him at the time, he had to be coaxed out of his trailer," Miller said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Whereas Charlize was incredibly disciplined — a dancer by training, which told in the precision of her performance — and always the first one on set. "I’m an optimist, so I saw their behavior as mirroring their characters, where they had to learn to cooperate in order to ensure mutual survival," Miller added. "There’s no excuse for it, and I think there’s a tendency in this business to use great performances as an excuse for other disruption that could be avoided." Bale famously went off on cinematographer Shane Hurlbut while filming "Terminator Salvation" in 2008. The four-minute tirade, that occurred after Hurlbut walked into Bale's eyeline during a scene. was leaked and went viral. He later apologized and chalked his behavior up to a bad week and getting too into character. Although he acknowledged his conduct was "inexcusable." "There is nobody who has heard that tape who has been hit harder than me," he said during an appearance on the Los Angeles radio station KROQ. "The one thing that disturbs me so much is that I've heard a lot of people saying that I seem to think that I'm better than anybody else," he said. "Nothing could be farther from the truth. I am a lucky man, I never forget that, and that is why I put so much into what I do, and why I care so much about it and why sometimes that enthusiasm just goes awry." MERYL STREEP HAD SECRET 'BEEF' WITH GOLDIE HAWN WHILE FILMING 90S' HORROR COMEDY FILM Crowe's reputation was on full display during a recent autograph signing. "Are you listening?" he told the fans in May, per a video obtained by Fox News Digital. "Stay where you are. Don’t f---ing push in on me, I’ll come to you. Give everybody space. As soon as somebody’s a d---, I’m going. You got me? Clear?" Crowe's blunt warning echoed the tough-guy image that has followed him throughout much of his career. However, not everyone has been critical of Crowe's intensity. "Russell has a reputation of being difficult, and what I speculate is that he’s difficult when he’s not trusting," "L.A. Confidential" director Curtis Hanson told Variety in 2010.  By 2024, the "Gladiator" star was able to acknowledge he might have been acting like "a d---" all those years. "I’ve got a s--- ton of regrets," he told GQ. "An angry word, an overreaction, a missed opportunity for friendship — lots of things like that. But all of those things are in perspective, because I’ve done lots of really cool s--- too. My regrets are, in a way, badges of honor. Having the ability to have that introspection and go, ‘You know, the other day you were a f---ing d---, mate. Do your best not to be a f---ing d--- like that again.'" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER LaBeouf reportedly created issues on set filming "Don't Worry Darling" in 2020, leading to reports he had been fired from the movie. "I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work," Olivia Wilde told Variety. "His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions. He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe that is conducive to the best performances. I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work. Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job." However, LaBeouf later claimed he actually "quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time." In emails obtained by Variety, LaBeouf told the director: "You and I both know the reasons for my exit. I quit your film because your actors and I couldn’t find time to rehearse." The claim made by Wilde echoed sentiment shared by Scott Eastwood after filming "Fury" alongside LaBeouf in 2013. "[LaBeouf] got mad at me, and it turned into a volatile moment that Brad Pitt ultimately got in the middle of," Eastwood told Business Insider. "I never think your process as an actor should ever hinder how people are treated on set," Eastwood added. "It should always enhance the production, not take away and put people in a situation where it’s a s----y work environment, or you’re rude or people have to be in an uncomfortable situation. You got to put things in perspective. This is make-believe, it’s fun, and at times it’s serious, and you’re doing emotional work, and you give people space to do that in, but everything has to have its parameters." SHIA LABEOUF 'NOT INTO' REHAB PUSH, CITES 'SMALL MAN COMPLEX' FOR MARDI GRAS BRAWL Murray built up a reputation for being difficult to work with after his spat with "Saturday Night Live" co-star Chevy Chase. He infamously clashed with "Groundhog Day" director Harold Ramis, and production on "Being Mortal" was suspended after complaints were made over Murray's behavior. Murray expressed regret over his behavior during an appearance on CNBC in 2022. "The world is different than it was when I was a little kid. You know, what I always thought was funny as a little kid isn't necessarily the same as what's funny now," he said at the time. "Things change, and the times change, so it’s important for me to figure it out. And I think the most important thing is that it’s best for the other person. I thought about it, and if it’s not best for the other person, doesn’t matter what happens for me." Kilmer, who died in 2025, was notoriously difficult to work with on multiple films, including "Top Gun," "Batman Forever," "Tombstone" and "The Doors." "Batman Forever" director Joel Schumacher told Entertainment Weekly in 1996 that Kilmer was both "childish and impossible" to deal with while filming the 1995 installment. "[Kilmer] was being irrational and ballistic with the first AD, the cameraman, the costume people," Schumacher claimed. "He was badly behaved, he was rude and inappropriate. I was forced to tell him that this would not be tolerated for one more second." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "The Doors" director Oliver Stone later said Kilmer's personality "was not easy to get along with." "Creative people are often self-involved, and there was a fair amount of stuff you’d expect to see from an eccentric young actor in Hollywood — although, even by those standards, Val was pretty out there," the filmmaker claimed to RogerEbert.com in 2025. Before his death, Kilmer admitted his on-set behavior was "foolish." "I understand that now," he added during a 2017 Ask Me Anything session on Reddit. "And sometimes when you are the head of a project and the lead actor is usually the reason a film is being made, unless it’s a superstar director, then it’s only fair to make people feel good and happy they are at work. I was often unhappy trying to make pictures better." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243b09ee6011c3f4eb9125 Bill Maher dismisses tumult at CBS, rejects idea that Scott Pelley was 'a national treasure’ te 2026-06-06T15:21:45.288Z Bill Maher dismisses tumult at CBS, rejects idea that Scott Pelley was 'a national treasure’ Bill Maher pushed back on Sen. Chris Murphy's claims about political influence over "60 Minutes" during Friday's episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher," challenging the Connecticut Democrat's argument that President Donald Trump and his allies are reshaping major media companies to favor the administration. "When I see actual evidence of that, I’ll be on your side," Maher said. The HBO host also downplayed the impact of the tumult at CBS and "60 Minutes," saying, "I don’t feel like Scott Pelley was a national treasure. Companies change hands all the time." He added, "I feel like we see everything through such a partisan lens. ‘Oh my God! ’60 Minutes' has a new cast!’ So does ‘Saturday Night Live!’" Murphy had argued that the controversy surrounding CBS News and "60 Minutes" was part of a larger pattern involving the White House, corporate ownership and media pressure. "Trump is using the powers that he has available as president of the United States to install only friendly ownership at the big media companies," Murphy said. "He’s using regulatory powers to punish people who oppose him." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Fox News Digital also reached out to CBS for comment.  '60 MINUTES' STAFF READY TO MOVE FORWARD FROM PARAMOUNT-TRUMP SETTLEMENT, BUT CONCERNS CARRY ON Maher responded by saying Murphy was making a sweeping statement about one of the most prominent news programs in the country. "That’s a big charge that you just made, that ‘60 Minutes’ itself and CBS itself is now completely MAGA," Maher said. "I don’t see it that way." The senator disputed the host's characterization of "60 Minutes" being totally MAGA.  '60 MINUTES' REPORTER LASHES OUT AT BARI WEISS AFTER SEGMENT ON EL SALVADOR PRISON YANKED AT LAST MINUTE Murphy said his concern was not limited to what viewers see on air, but also what they might not see. "Part of what the allegation is, is that they are killing stories that would be embarrassing for the president," Murphy said. "So it’s hard to know what you’re missing in a censorship environment." Maher, who watches "60 Minutes" regularly, said he had not seen a clear change in the program's reporting. "I watch ‘60 Minutes’ every week. I have since I was a kid," Maher said. "If I didn’t hear all the buzz in the media, if I didn’t read about it all the time, would I ever notice that it was any different? I don’t think I would." When Murphy continued to argue that media institutions were being pressured, Maher said he had seen recent "60 Minutes" segments that were still critical of Trump. CBS ANCHORS SALUTE OUTGOING '60 MINUTES' PRODUCER, SAY EFFORT TO SETTLE TRUMP LAWSUIT TIED TO CORPORATE MERGER Maher also rejected the idea that a change in personnel at the CBS newsmagazine automatically proved political interference. "Companies change hands all the time," Maher said. "People bring in their own people, their new ownership. Just because something changes doesn’t mean, I feel like we see everything through such a partisan lens." Maher then said he was not persuaded that the departure of veteran correspondent Scott Pelley should be treated as proof that the program had been compromised. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Murphy broadened the argument beyond "60 Minutes," saying CBS had also changed in other ways. "It’s not just ‘60 Minutes,’" Murphy said. "They literally took down his chief late night critic. CBS News at 6:30 does sound and feel different." Fellow guest Susan Rice, the former United States ambassador to the United Nations, agreed with Murphy's broader concern. "I feel it, too," she said.  Maher said he agreed with the larger point that Trump posed a threat to the press, but said he was not ready to make that judgment about "60 Minutes" without clearer evidence. "He’s a danger to media. He’s a danger to freedom of speech," Maher said. "But just ‘60 Minutes,’ I don’t know." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243af5ee6011c3f4eb911c Platner supporter Khanna calls Senate hopeful's past relationships 'toxic,' but says he deserves 'redemption' te 2026-06-06T15:21:25.289Z Platner supporter Khanna calls Senate hopeful's past relationships 'toxic,' but says he deserves 'redemption' BAR HARBOR, Maine - Graham Platner's past relationships were "toxic and volatile," Rep. Ro Khanna of California says of the Senate Democratic candidate aiming to unseat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of this year's most crucial ballot box showdowns. But Khanna, a progressive leader from California who along with Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is backing Platner, argued in a Fox News Digital interview on Friday night that Platner is "taking accountability" for his past and "we need that redemption in this country." Platner, the military combat veteran and oyster farmer who is considered the Democrats' presumptive nominee ahead of Tuesday's primary in Maine, has been playing defense amid multiple controversies, ranging from inflammatory online comments made on Reddit, a well-publicized and now-covered up tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol, to new allegations this week from ex-girlfriends of a history of rape fantasies, heavy drinking and violent episodes. The candidate is arguably facing the roughest stretch to date of his campaign against Collins, in a race that is one of a handful across the country which will decide if the Republicans hold on to their slim Senate majority in this year's midterm elections. THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE'S MAJORITY Collins, returning to Maine on Friday after a busy week on Capitol Hill where she reached a milestone by casting her 10,000th consecutive vote in the Senate, was asked by reporters about the latest allegations facing Platner. "The allegations in the latest story are troubling," Collins responded. "And I believe that Graham Platner has a lot of questions to answer." Collins, a moderate Republican who at times votes against President Donald Trump's agenda, is running for a sixth six-year term in the Senate in left-leaning Maine. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Speaking with Fox News Digital ahead of a rally with Platner, progressive gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson and congressional contender Matt Dunlap, which was organized by Khanna, the congressman was asked if he was concerned the latest allegations could sink Platner's campaign and hurt Democrats' hopes of winning back the Senate. "I’m more concerned about making it clear that we’re opposed to misogyny, those relationships were toxic and volatile, there’s no excuse for that," Khanna said. "I talked to Graham and he says he was at a very dark period, he had come back from two tours of duty in Iraq as an infantry man seeing violence and death. That doesn’t excuse it." But Khanna added that Platner said "he really grew as a person when he came back to Maine and he was an oyster farmer and he found peace and he is ashamed of that period. To me that suggests someone taking accountability and improving their lives and we need that redemption in this country. And I agree with a lot of his economic policies, that we should be taxing the billionaires, we should be focusing on the working class." 'MAINE, YOU HAVE MY BACK' - PLATNER BLASTS NEW ALLEGATIONS AS 'FALSE ACCUSATIONS' AS HE THANKS SUPPORTERS After Christine Blasey Ford accused then-Supreme Court justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault in 2018, Khanna tweeted, "I stand with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Brett Kavanaugh is not fit to sit on the Supreme Court. #BelieveSurvivors." Back on home turf on Friday, the rally was held in this resort town next to Acadia National Park that is close to Platner's hometown of Sullivan, Maine, the candidate thanked a large crowd of supporters for having his back and charged the incoming fire he's facing is "politically motivated." "When hurtful things I said on the internet a decade ago came out into the public as I shared my personal journey through PTSD and darkness of recovery and accountability and growth. Maine had my back," Platner said at a rally. "Now, as every single piece of that past and journey gets dug up, litigated, and weaponized, you have my back. And when politically motivated, serious and false, false accusations are made against me. Maine, you have my back." Platner, who has acknowledged his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder from his multiple tours of duty in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, apologized for his controversial Reddit posts after they made headlines last fall soon after he launched his Senate campaign. And Platner has said he got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007 while drinking with fellow Marines stationed in Croatia. He said that he covered up the tattoo with a new design after learning last year that it resembled a Nazi symbol. But new allegations raise questions about Platner's timeline regarding knowledge of the tattoo. ‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN Platner is facing plenty of incoming political fire from Republican groups. A super PAC aligned with Collins has been blasting Platner, running ads spotlighting his multiple controversies. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), in a social media post following Friday night's rally, took aim at Platner, charging he's "a fraud" "He's preaching about living a small but decent life growing up in Maine. The truth? Graham Platner is an elitist whose parents sent him to boarding school in Connecticut and bought him a house," the NRSC wrote. And the Republican National Committee (RNC) also targeted Platner. "Graham Platner says his violent and erratic past is being "weaponized" against him. Platner said he would rape someone to show his dominance and "rape was about power," the RNC research team wrote on X, as it pointed to new allegations against the candidate. Platner, as he runs for the Senate, is pushing an economically populist agenda as he takes aim at corporate influences and advocates for the working class. "I agree with a lot of his economic policies, that we should be taxing the billionaires, we should be focusing on the working class," Khanna told Fox News Digital. Platner is considered the all-but-certain Democratic nominee after two-term Gov. Janet Mills, who was backed by longtime Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Party establishment, dropped out of the race earlier this spring after significantly trailing Platner in fundraising and polling. Mills, in a recent interview, noted that her name remains on the ballot. And a source in her wider political orbit confirmed to Fox News that the governor is receiving calls urging her to get back in the race amid Platner's controversies. But there's no active campaign effort on behalf of Mills. Asked about Mills, Khanna told Fox News Digital: "the great thing about democracy, you can run full steam ahead, you can kind of run ambiguously like Janet Mills, you can keep your name on that campaign. That's why I love American democracy." But he predicted that "Platner is going to come out victorious. And we need to unite and realize that the goal is defeating Susan Collins. And everyone from Schumer to Sanders is unified around that goal. Platner's campaign said that more than 600 people attended the rally. And they touted that they had raked in $200,000 in fundraising the past 24 hours, which they said was their strongest fundraising day since Mills suspended her campaign. WATCH: Maine residents weigh in on Platner amid mounting controversies: Maine voters that Fox News Digital spoke with ahead of the rally were divided on whether Platner's controversies will impact their opinions of the candidate. Jeff from Waterboro, Maine, said, "it's not a good situation" as he pointed to Platner. "I think it's somebody who shouldn't' be in the mix. I am a conservative but he's just got so much damage, if the Democrats want to have a winner, they're going to have to find somebody else. He's not the guy. It's just too much." Ellen from Acton, Maine, who said she is a registered Republican, said, "is he a perfect person? Heck no." But she added, "I think he will go in and do a good job." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243adeee6011c3f4eb90f3 Beyond Instagram: Introducing the next generation of social apps te 2026-06-06T15:21:02.248Z Beyond Instagram: Introducing the next generation of social apps These newer social apps offer alternatives to Big Tech’s feeds, focusing on interests, creativity, and community. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a243ac8ee6011c3f4eb90e4 ‘The first wave went through hell’ – how the 16th Infantry Regiment’s heroism helped bring victory on D‑Day te 2026-06-06T15:20:40.248Z ‘The first wave went through hell’ – how the 16th Infantry Regiment’s heroism helped bring victory on D‑Day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2433b9ee6011c3f4eb900f National Park Service ranger dies after falling into crevasse on Mount McKinley during climbing patrol te 2026-06-06T14:50:33.286Z National Park Service ranger dies after falling into crevasse on Mount McKinley during climbing patrol A seasonal National Park Service mountaineering ranger died Thursday afternoon after falling into a crevasse on Mount McKinley, marking the latest deadly incident on the treacherous Alaskan peak. The ranger has been identified as Robin Pendery, of Enumclaw, Washington, according to a statement from the National Park Service (NPS). Agency officials said Pendery was conducting a climbing patrol when she suffered a fatal fall near the mountain's 14,000-foot camp at about 2 p.m. local time. TRAGEDY STRIKES AT POPULAR NATIONAL PARK AS CLIMBER MEETS FATAL END ON MOUNTAIN Pendery was actively helping to run the operations at the 14,200-foot camp alongside another ranger, according to a previous park update. NPS personnel launched an immediate rescue effort, but Pendery did not survive the fall.  Authorities said the exact circumstances of the fatal fall are under investigation. FIVE HELICOPTERS NEEDED TO SAVE INJURED SOLO CLIMBER ON CALIFORNIA'S SECOND-HIGHEST PEAK "We are heartbroken by the loss of a member of our Denali family," Denali National Park superintendent Brooke Merrell wrote in a statement. "Our mountaineering rangers dedicate themselves to serving visitors and helping others in one of the most challenging environments in the world. Today, we mourn the loss of a valued colleague, friend and teammate." Pendery had been working as a seasonal mountaineering ranger at Denali National Park and Preserve since 2024, dedicating her time to emergency response, climber safety and high-altitude operations, according to the agency.  Pendery’s death at Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, comes just one week after a separate disaster claimed the lives of three Latvian climbers. RISING CLIMBING STAR PLUNGES TO DEATH FROM YOSEMITE'S EL CAPITAN MID-LIVESTREAM During the prior incident, four members of a seven-person expedition plummeted near Denali Pass, which is known as one of the most hazardous stretches of the mountain. Three climbers — Inese Puceka, Vija Olte and Renars Kunigs-Salaks — died in the fall, while a fourth survived in critical condition, Fox News Digital previously reported.  Rescuers had to use a complex long-line helicopter extraction to save the survivor from a basin at 17,200 feet, as brutal weather conditions and rugged terrain prevented a standard landing. HIKER’S WILDERNESS ADVENTURE ENDS IN TRAGEDY AT POPULAR PARK DESTINATION Towering 20,310 feet above sea level, Denali is considered one of the most challenging climbs in North America. Each year, only about 1,000 to 1,200 climbers attempt to summit the mountain, typically during the peak May and June season. Fewer than half of those who made the attempt last year successfully reached the top. Throughout the national park's history, more than 130 people have died on the mountain. Fox News Digital's Kelly McGreal contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a242f07ee6011c3f4eb8f2b Belmont Stakes 2026: What to know about the final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown te 2026-06-06T14:30:31.042Z Belmont Stakes 2026: What to know about the final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown The 158th running of the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, will be run on Saturday. However, like the Preakness Stakes, it will not be run at its usual track. The race known as "The Test of the Champion" will be run at Saratoga Race Course for the third straight year, as Belmont Park began undergoing major renovations in 2024. Because the race is being run at an alternate course, it has a shortened distance of 1 1/4 miles, compared with the usual 1 1/2-mile distance at Belmont Park. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Returning to the Belmont Stakes is Golden Tempo, who won the Kentucky Derby. Golden Tempo did not run in the Preakness Stakes. Napoleon Solo won the Preakness Stakes but will not be running in the Belmont Stakes. None of the horses that raced in the Preakness Stakes will race in the Belmont Stakes, meaning no horse will have competed in all three legs of the Triple Crown. Nine horses will compete for the $2 million purse. CHERIE DEVAUX REFLECTS ON MAKING KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY AS FIRST FEMALE TRAINER TO WIN THE RACE Renegade, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby and is trained by Todd Pletcher, has the best odds at 2-1. Emerging Market, who is trained by Chad Brown, and Commandment, who is trained by Brad Cox, are both at 5-1. Golden Tempo, who won the Kentucky Derby and is trained by Cherie DeVaux, is at 9-2. Chief Wallabee, who is trained by Bill Mott, is at 6-1. Golden Tempo is coming off a five-week break after winning the "Run for the Roses". It is the second straight year that the Kentucky Derby winner skipped the Preakness but ran in the Belmont Stakes, as Sovereignty did last year. Sovereignty ended up winning last year’s Belmont Stakes. GOLDEN TEMPO TRAINER CHERIE DEVAUX CALLS CRITICISM OF PREAKNESS DECISION UNFAIR: 'THE HORSE IS NOT A MACHINE' Golden Tempo arrived in Saratoga last weekend. If Golden Tempo follows in Sovereignty’s footsteps — or hooves in this case — DeVaux will become the first female trainer to win multiple legs of the Triple Crown in the same year. Jena Antonucci made history in 2023 when she became the first female trainer to win the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first female trainer to win a leg of the Triple Crown. Five horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby will run in the Belmont Stakes: Golden Tempo (winner), Chief Wallabee (fourth place), Renegade (second), Commandment (seventh) and Emerging Market (10th). There is a chance of rain in the forecast for Saturday afternoon in Saratoga. 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/6a242ce9ee6011c3f4eb8eb0 California lawmaker aims to protect reparations payments to Blacks from taxation te 2026-06-06T14:21:29.608Z California lawmaker aims to protect reparations payments to Blacks from taxation A California lawmaker is trying to make sure reparations payments to Black residents do not get taxed if the effort becomes a reality. "For generations, descendants of formerly enslaved people have been denied both justice and economic opportunity," Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, a Democrat representing Inglewood district, said in a statement announcing the bill aiming to establish the measure. "Reparations are meant to repair harm, not be partially taken back through taxation." Assembly Bill 2186, introduced by McKinnor, would protect future reparations payments or benefits from the state’s personal income taxes, assuming that federal, state or local reparations programs are approved.  CHAOS ERUPTS AT NY REPARATIONS HEARING AS ‘FOUNDATIONAL’ BLACK AMERICANS CLASH WITH LEFT-LEANING GROUPS Per the bill, the measure would apply for "taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and before January 1, 2032, gross income shall not include any reparations benefit or payment received by a taxpayer during the taxable year."  The bill also states that a "reparations benefit or payment means any monetary payment, grant, trust distribution, debt forgiveness, or other financial compensation…" McKinnor did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The measure was sent to the California Senate for further review. If passed by the Senate, it would be considered by Gov. Gavin Newsom.  "California is actively preparing for the implementation of reparations programs," McKinnor said. "We must ensure that recipients receive the full benefit of these efforts." Black residents in Evanston, Illinois received payments of $25K to cover housing expenses. Progressive Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich, in March revived the effort for reparations on the federal level through a bill that would set up a commission to "study and distribute land reparations" for the descendants of slaves in the U.S.  CHICAGO MAYOR JOHNSON HOPES TO ENLIST POPE IN REPARATIONS FIGHT AFTER HE APOLOGIZED FOR 'SCOURGE OF SLAVERY' Thanedar, who led an impeachment suit against President Donald Trump and other Trump administration officials, is an original cosponsor of a similar reparations bill introduced by former "Squad" progressive Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., which was not advanced in the GOP-controlled House in 2023. Other cities and states are developing measures to issue reparations in some form, whether that be direct cash payments or any compensation that seeks to rectify historical injustices and discrimination. California was the first in the U.S. among many states and municipalities to establish a reparations commission to study history and issue recommendations on how to compensate Black Americans for slavery. The future of reparations in California appears to be precarious as well, after Newsom rejected several bills to avoid legal issues and none of his potential successors appear to champion reparations in the gubernatorial race.  MAYORS WANT TO KEEP HANDING OUT FREE CASH AFTER FEDERAL FUNDS DRIED UP Lisa Holder, a civil rights attorney and a former member of the state’s Reparations Task Force, reportedly said that advancing reparations would be a long process while advocates search for a champion of the cause.  "You can’t legislate yourself out of 400 years of inequality and injustice. You have to do an entire body of laws to change the systems that have been disparately affecting Black folks for decades," Holder told KQED on Jan. 19. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a242cd5ee6011c3f4eb8ea7 Viral boy band insists it's real as immigration fight puts internet fame to government test te 2026-06-06T14:21:09.609Z Viral boy band insists it's real as immigration fight puts internet fame to government test A viral boy band born online is trying to prove it's more than an internet stunt, not just to their fans, but to U.S. immigration officials. After a packed New York City show, Evan Papier, Anthony Key and Zachary Sobania of the famous TikTok group known as Boy Throb told Fox News Digital that their quest to bring bandmate Darshan Magdum from India to America is far more serious than a viral bit. Boy Throb, a pop outfit that boasts 1.3 million followers on TikTok and 916,000 on Instagram, has made it its mission to win a Grammy. The group's social media pages are full of videos of the members singing and dancing to covers of popular songs, plus a few originals, as well as immigration updates set to familiar tracks. They typically appear wearing pink tracksuits and bright yellow sneakers, with Magdum joining the videos via green screen or a cutaway. DRUMMER DETAINED BY CBP BEFORE FLIGHT TO EUROPE FOR BAND'S TOUR But before Boy Throb brings home the golden gramophone, they want to ensure Magdum can join the others on U.S. soil. Known for posting covers of American radio hits in front of a green screen, Magdum submitted his petition for an O-1 nonimmigrant visa and was met with a request for evidence (RFE), an official notice stating that his application needed clarification before a final decision can be made. The band wrote the song "Number One Boy," which it called a "love letter to America," in response. Other releases include the breezy "Can't Stop The Throb" and the anti-bullying anthem "Finger." But to prove their fans were real, the members wanted to bring their performance off social media and into the real world, they said. Thus, "Throbchella presented by Air," in collaboration with Air Creative Operations platform, was born, in a bid to prove to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that they are a legitimate musical ensemble, the boys told Fox News Digital. It was their second-ever live show — their first was at a nursing home. The group's fans, known as "throbbers" or the "throb mob," filled Manhattan's Bowery Ballroom to capacity at the free-to-enter Throbchella in mid-May. "They're waiting for further evidence from us that we're a real band. Do you need that line to go any farther to get further evidence?" Papier said, referencing the line of throbbers wrapped all the way around the block before and during the show. DOCTORS WARN OF ‘LOOKSMAXXING’ DANGERS AFTER INFLUENCER’S LIVESTREAM EMERGENCY "That was the idea, you know, putting this show together. It was to prove that we're a real band, and we had yet to prove that," said Key. "Everything was kind of social media-based, and it's like, 'You know what, let's go to New York City, the home of immigration, and let's put on a show.'" The O-1 visa is intended "for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements," according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Fox News Digital reached out to USCIS for comment but did not immediately receive a response. USCIS is not the only group Boy Throb is trying to convince of its legitimacy; many fans remain skeptical as well. The humor resulting from the combination of apparent authenticity, slick social media editing and a compelling mission has prompted speculation among onlookers about the band's true origin. Fans on Reddit and other social media sites theorize that Boy Throb may be propped up by someone established within the industry, like content creator Anthony Po or comedian Nathan Fielder. The boys say they're genuine in their pursuit. The insinuation that Boy Throb is some sort of plant directly harms their mission to prove their legitimacy to the government, Sobania said. DHS OPEN TO DUCK DYNASTY PRODUCER'S PITCH FOR IMMIGRANT-BASED REALITY SHOW: 'HAPPY TO REVIEW' "It's honestly kind of offensive, but we understand that there's going to be all kinds of speculation," Key added. "The authenticity is here with us, and it's something that you can see in all our faces and our performances when we're on stage," Papier said. "It feels like we're in the pop star life right now. I don't think we've realized it ourselves somewhat until right now, like, that we're really making it," he continued. He expressed pride in his bandmates for pushing through scrutiny from many sources. "I just can't believe we've gotten to here today. And I can't wait to see where we go next." Asked whether they had given any thought to how the dynamic might change if Boy Throb achieves their goal of bringing Darshan to the U.S., the boys acknowledged that it might take some getting used to. "I do get worried about that stuff," Papier said. "And I think we have built such a great rapport in person that we know if we're going to be honest, it's going to take a second for us to adjust in person to working together, singing together, dancing together. But we know that it's gonna work. It just takes time." "I just want to say that when he does get here — not if, when — when he gets into America to join us here, we want to make sure that he's welcome. I don't ever want him to feel that he's like the other guy," Key said. "He is a brother with us, even though we haven't even met him personally," he added. "He's such an awesome guy, and I know that he is going to put 110% in, how we all do." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a242cc1ee6011c3f4eb8e9e Could Noah's Ark remains be buried in Turkey? New findings revive age-old debate te 2026-06-06T14:20:49.686Z Could Noah's Ark remains be buried in Turkey? New findings revive age-old debate A researcher who believes he's identified the remains of Noah's Ark points to new soil data to support his claims. Andrew Jones, a researcher with Noah's Ark Scans, said in a recent appearance on "Fox & Friends" that the team believes a site in Turkey contains the buried remains of the biblical vessel. The formation, located at the Durupinar site in eastern Turkey, has been studied since it was first identified in the 1950s — and has long been the subject of spirited debate. ANCIENT RITUAL COMPLEX UNEARTHED AT SITE TIED TO BIBLICAL CITY IN EZEKIEL: ‘STILL HOLDS MANY SECRETS’ Some geologists argue the "ark" is a naturally occurring formation — yet other researchers say the latest findings offer new support for the biblical vessel theory. One source of the skepticism: A 1996 paper published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Geoscience Education argued the formation was a natural geological structure, not the remains of Noah's Ark. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Jones said he believes the new results "are perhaps the most compelling evidence for a man-made origin." He added, "The differences between the 'inside' and 'outside' samples are statistically staggering. Organic matter was three times more inside the boat shape versus the soil just right outside." That difference in organic matter, he said, suggests a "massive concentration of decayed carbon-based material" — such as wood, resin or animal matter. ANCIENT ESTATE TIED TO GROUP IN THE BIBLE UNEARTHED WITH ‘FASCINATING’ TREASURES IN ISRAEL But in the 1996 paper, authors Lorence Gene Collins and David Franklin Fasold described previous Noah's Ark claims as "bogus," writing that the site was instead "a natural rock structure." The latest findings center on a newly released soil analysis, which researchers say points to chemical differences consistent with decayed organic material beneath the surface. The soil samples were collected in 2024 and have been analyzed in the months since. "If it was random mountainside earth that came down around a rock, then the soil would be the same," Jones said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Researchers found 38% more potassium inside the boat shape, which is associated with wood ash, as well as an eight-times difference in pH level. Jones said a radical shift in pH "suggests the internal environment has a different chemical history than the surrounding mountainside soil." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "An eight-times difference in pH and three times the organic matter suggests a 'closed system' where biological materials decayed over time, leaching minerals into the surrounding earth and permanently altering its chemistry," he said. The findings will likely fuel further debate over the Durupinar formation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES But the new data, Jones said, "suggests an internal complexity that is difficult to attribute to natural geological processes." Jones said the team is asking Turkish scientists to do further testing, including core drilling and advanced 3-D mapping. Said Jones, "We’ve moved from asking 'Does it look like a boat?' to 'Why is there a three-layered, right-angled inside structure, carbon-rich boat formation the exact length of Noah's ark given in the Bible buried in the middle of a mountainside in the mountains of Ararat?'" He has also pointed to scan data showing subsurface features within the formation. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Jones told "Fox & Friends" that research has shown "there are tunnels about four meters down and about two meters high, going down the center of the boat and on the inside edge of the hull shape. "We really believe that this layout ... would suggest that it's a man-made object and not just a natural formation," he said. Fox News Digital previously reported on Jones' earlier analyses of potential organic material and anomalies beneath the formation. The research builds on previous 3-D ground penetrating radar scans from 2019 that "struck subsurface features," and found anomalies.  Max Bacall of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a242cadee6011c3f4eb8e95 'Teacher's Pet' star Mamie Van Doren says she felt 'used' as young actress navigating Hollywood's dark side te 2026-06-06T14:20:29.762Z 'Teacher's Pet' star Mamie Van Doren says she felt 'used' as young actress navigating Hollywood's dark side Mamie Van Doren isn’t done spilling secrets. The actress and sex symbol has written a new memoir, "You Thought I Was Dead," in which she lays bare her decades-long career in showbiz. The 95-year-old is also the subject of a new documentary about her life that’s currently in production. In her latest tell-all, the star addresses Hollywood's notorious casting couch and how it continues to impact stars today. DENISE RICHARDS PRESSURED TO KEEP SILENT ABOUT ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT TO AVOID HOLLYWOOD BLACKLIST "Predatory brutes like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein have been ousted, tried and punished by the #MeToo movement," Van Doren wrote. "Women can, and should, feel empowered by the support of their sisters. ... Young women being preyed upon and seduced by rapacious Hollywood producers, stars and studio heads is a tired cliché, but like all clichés, it is based on reality. The casting couch was, and is, part of Hollywood's shameful legacy." "But through all the tears and fears, I am living proof that it is survivable," Van Doren added. Van Doren painted a picture of Hollywood where young actresses were often vulnerable to powerful men. "It was a classic example of the predatory environment in the movie industry during the so-called Golden Age," she wrote. "A new starlet in her first movie was like blood in the water to the male sharks at the studio." WATCH: NEW MARILYN MONROE PHOTOS TAKEN BY CLOSE FRIEND REVEALED IN BOOK Van Doren knows the subject firsthand. Recalling her early years in Hollywood, she described feeling "used" and "guilty," writing, "I was now part of that multitude of stories about the casting couch." "Now I felt drained and exposed. And worst of all, used," she wrote. "How many more lies would I have to tell before I got what I wanted? As I drove home, I asked myself if this was the way I wanted to become a movie star. Tonight, the answer had clearly been that I would f--- for it. But there was a cold, sick knot in the pit of my stomach, signaling that my conscience was weighing in." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "So, did I want to continue this?" she wrote. "'Well, I'm in it now,' I told myself. ... 'Let's see what the next move will be.' I was learning a hard lesson about Hollywood's promise and threat: You may be allowed to reach the heights, but at the same time, you may be cursed or feel powerless and unprotected — and slightly sullied." WATCH: CANDICE DELONG CALLS PLAYBOY PLAYMATE DOROTHY STRATTEN'S KILLER A ‘PSYCHOPATH’ In the book, Van Doren portrays Hollywood as an industry that could be exploitative and disappointing, even after achieving stardom. She described how fellow blonde bombshells, like Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Stratten, met grim ends, their dreams "swept away and turned into nightmares." "That, boys and girls, is Hollywood," she wrote. "I wake up every day to a new obituary. I have been blessed with a long life. When you reach this point in the hill climb, it's only natural to see one's contemporaries fall by the wayside. Father Time doesn't miss. ... I'll dare to quote the Book of Job, King James Version, 1:15. 'And I only am escaped alone to tell thee.'" Van Doren’s memoir also focuses on experiences far removed from Hollywood, including her time entertaining troops during the Vietnam War. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "The rain started again, but I did my whole show," she recalled. "When it was over, all of us were soaking wet. Everyone was grinning. As the soldiers straggled back ... one stopped me and said something that I would hear a lot in the next few months: 'Mamie,' he told me gratefully, 'I can't believe you're here.'" "And there was a part of me that couldn’t believe it either. Vietnam so far had been like a fever dream," she wrote. "I couldn’t escape the alarming sense of being out of control, no longer in charge of my life, but at the mercy of authorities I didn’t know, in service of a war I didn’t understand. "... I got into bed that night clutching my little brown Bible next to my heart, praying to somehow survive the forces swirling around me, praying that I would live to see my son again, and praying that I would manage to bring something worthwhile to the combat soldiers' dark world." Van Doren described meeting Charlie, an 18-year-old Marine from Toledo. As a gift, he gave her his "lucky charm," a scratched and dented Zippo cigarette lighter. Van Doren initially refused, but he insisted. When she asked him about his luck, he grinned and said, "I got matches to light my smokes. And I got an M-16 for the rest." Days later, Van Doren learned Charlie had been killed in an ambush. "I flicked Charlie’s Zippo again and stared at the flame," she wrote. "I closed it and extinguished the flame. ‘Goodbye, Charlie. May angels sing you on to heaven.’" In 2020, Van Doren told Fox News Digital she loved her life outside of Hollywood in her later years. "I got away from all the bad stuff that was going on," she said at the time. "This was around the ‘60s when I left. There were a lot of drugs. Marilyn [Monroe] died. Jayne [Mansfield] died. A lot of my contemporaries were gone. I just thought it was time to leave Hollywood. It just wasn’t agreeing with me." "And I had a son," she pointed out. "I wanted to give him a better life than Hollywood. And he got interested in boats. I took a different turn and a different lifestyle from what I was used to. I kept some of my friends. I didn’t have that many friends in Hollywood to begin with. I shy away from going to parties so much. I had stacks of invitations, and I just never used them." Despite her tumultuous past, she had no qualms about still being recognized as a sex symbol. "I think I was born with it," said Van Doren. "I certainly opened a lot of doors during a postwar time when things were very conservative. I was way ahead of my time. ... I wasn't going to be playing nun roles, that's for sure." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a242a85ee6011c3f4eb8e3f City of Flagstaff moves forward with purchase of downtown property te 2026-06-06T14:11:17.442Z City of Flagstaff moves forward with purchase of downtown property The city is planning to purchase the entire lot for $6.3 million, or the equivalent of $70 per square foot. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a242a56ee6011c3f4eb8e13 Victor Wembanyama admits to harsh truths after costly mistake at end of NBA Finals game te 2026-06-06T14:10:30.408Z Victor Wembanyama admits to harsh truths after costly mistake at end of NBA Finals game Victor Wembanyama took full blame for his San Antonio Spurs' loss in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, making them the third team in NBA history to lose each of the first two Finals games at home. The Spurs had an epic comeback and an epic disaster in the same fourth quarter, falling to the New York Knicks 105-104 — after a finish that Wembanyama likely won't be able to forget anytime soon. San Antonio was down by 14 midway through the final quarter, after already squandering a double-digit lead of its own, then went on a 14-0 run to tie the game, then briefly took the lead when Wembanyama had a three-point play with just under a minute left. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The score was tied with about 14 seconds remaining and it was best vs. best as the Knicks' Jalen Brunson went against the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in Wembanyama. Brunson took a jumper from about 16 feet, but it hit the back of the rim, and Wembanyama got the rebound. Wembanyama saw Spurs teammate Stephon Castle and sent a pass his way. But Castle wasn't looking, and it bounced off his back. Brunson wound up with the ball and Wembanyama fouled him, sending the Knicks' hero to the line. "I need to have more poise," Wembanyama said. "More control over the game." Brunson missed one of the two free throws and the Knicks led by one. Wembanyama then took a potential game-winning jumper but missed, and the Knicks took a 2-0 series lead. KNICKS SURVIVE TO TAKE 2-0 NBA FINALS LEAD AFTER JALEN BRUNSON'S CLUTCH SHOT SINKS SPURS "I threw that one away. I messed up," Wembanyama said. "We didn’t play great as a team. We needed to win that game. This game was ours. But at this point, it’s done. Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely." Wembanyama also admitted to perhaps being a bit too "high" from winning an exhilarating seven-game Western Conference Finals against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, it's the Knicks with every ounce of momentum, as Madison Square Garden will host an NBA Finals game for the first time this millennium. Game 3 on Monday night is now tracking to be the most expensive sporting event of all time, with the get-in price on the secondary market around $12,000. The two other teams to fall to a 2-0 deficit at home — the 1993 Phoenix Suns and 1995 Orlando Magic — were unable to come back and win a title. 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/6a242818ee6011c3f4eb8db8 Stage 1 fire rules now in effect te 2026-06-06T14:00:56.560Z Stage 1 fire rules now in effect USFS, fire agencies, municipalities impose restrictions to reduce wildfire risk Local fire agencies and municipalities and the U.S. Forest Service imposed Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the morning of May 21, and the rules are anticipated to remain in place for the foreseeable future because of the pe Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2425a3ee6011c3f4eb8d1e Danica Patrick kicks off summer by racing around Italy on a beautiful yacht, Bears fans are furious & steak! te 2026-06-06T13:50:27.840Z Danica Patrick kicks off summer by racing around Italy on a beautiful yacht, Bears fans are furious & steak! We get Saturday Screencaps rolling this morning with the sun shining, the birds chirping, the humidity rising and that smell of summer in the air. I can't stop thinking about those road trips. Those golf scrambles where your phone magically doesn't work for 4 1/2 glorious hours. No work calls. No Zooms. Just one with nature. That's what Danica Patrick is up to on this Saturday morning. From the look of things, she took off for Italy where she's on a yacht doing what people do on yachts. No work calls. No late-Friday Slack messages to address. She's just out there living life after making a boatload of money in her career. This is how you celebrate summer. Bikinis. Shrimp buffets (or whatever seafood she's eating). Late-night DJ sets in some Italian coastal city. Great wine. Bottomless mimosas. Sun. Surf. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Personally, I'm going to celebrate summer this weekend by making good on my wedding anniversary promise to Mrs. Screencaps that we'll go to one of our favorite stores — a local rock store — to pick out decorative rocks for her garden. Then, I'll probably sit by the pool. Hopefully for hours. No phones. No Zooms. No Slacks. Those are the rules after this column is put to bed. Someone literally paid for a plane to fly a banner over the field with the words "call verbal diarrhea divorce attorney" flying for everyone to see. And the plane circled the fields. Crazy, right? Earlier this week, on our local Facebook page, some guy was complaining about a local divorce attorney he hired for his divorce, but the man was mad that his attorney destroyed his ex-wife in the case. The newly divorced man was actually mad at how bad his attorney had fleeced his ex-wife. JUDGE CAUGHT IN EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIR WITH AN OFFICER IN HER CHAMBERS, HOPELESS ROMANTIC MARRIES HERSELF & MORE Is that why the banner flew last night? I don't know. What I do know is that people seem to have some money they should spend on a nice weekend getaway. That would be Cal Poly vs. West Virginia (noon, ESPN2) with a trip to Omaha on the line for the Mountaineers. This would be a first in school history and would be a shot in the arm to Jell-O shot sales in Omaha, that's for sure. We need programs like West Virginia playing in Omaha in mid-June. We need them singing John Denver's song at least once in Omaha like they're the Savannah Bananas of college baseball. Imagine 30,000, or how many ever they can get into Omaha, singing along to a song released in 1971. These are the sports moments that are just meant to be. Let's see if the sports gods can dial it up on a Saturday afternoon. WEST VIRGINIA'S EPIC WALK-OFF SPARKS EMOTIONAL 'COUNTRY ROADS' CELEBRATION THAT DEFINES COLLEGE SPORTS – Bill offers up this one: Got one for you, Joe.  Many years ago I was playing the Purdue University course in Lafayette, Indiana with a couple of friends. McCormick Road runs right behind one of the holes with the green very close to the road. On that hole I hit a five iron second shot but overcooked it and flew the green. I watched as my ball hit the asphalt of the road, then bounced up and hit a passing red pickup truck.  With a REALLY loud bang. The driver gets out after screeching to a stop and he’s pissed. My buddy and I hid behind a tree so he couldn’t see who hit the ball.  He looks around for a few moments and then gets back into his truck and leaves. Here’s the key to the story - after bouncing on the road, then hitting the passing truck my ball was deflected right back into the middle of the green. Which is probably why the dude left. All he saw was a golf ball in the middle of the green and that couldn’t have possibly been the one that hit his truck, right?I kept that golf ball for a long while because it had a nice red paint scrape on it. Missed the birdie putt but came away with a four and I call that a quality up-and-down, pickup truck deflection style. PAIGE SPIRANAC HAS SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZING OVER HER LATEST GOLF ATTIRE, IOWA FAN PUKES HER BRAINS OUT & CRAB HASH – Eric P., who recently ripped me for my Screencaps effort only to say he was sorry, writes: I was playing in a tournament at a course south of Seattle a number of years ago. On the practice green, my playing partner was revisiting a story about how lucky I had been on a trip to Vegas we took prior; which I of course denied and said the green zeros on a roulette table are a green light for skilled chip stackers. I mean, who doesn’t know that if you stack your chips at one corner of the said number, it will increase the chance of the ball falling on your number by 20%??  Duh..  So we are on the first tee and I hook my driver so far left, it goes over a fence towards the road. It’s a 375 yard dog leg left, and it looks like it will hit a truck that’s headed away from us’ the ball hits the back of the truck as it continues down the road; rattles around and the bounce out of the back, over the fence and stops fifty yards from the green in the fairway.  My playing partner just looked at me and said congratulations, one shot in and we know who’s going to win this weekend.On a side note, on another trip to Vegas, we were leaving the Circus Circus Steakhouse, which most people wouldn’t try, but don’t know that it is one of the highest rated steak houses in Vegas, and the same friend mentioned my proclivity for luck, and this time, all I could do was bend over and pick up a 50.00 pay out voucher that someone had dropped off the floor, and say " so you are saying this doesn’t take skill?, I’ll pay for the cab." These sound far fetched, but I swear  they are absolutely true. – Jim in Raleigh writes: Many years ago, I was playing in a qualifier for the NYS (New York State) Men's Amateur when I was 16 (I was scratch back then). We played in threesomes, and the 1st tee was along a four lane road to our left. First guy gets up, & duck hooks one into the road. We hear the windshield smash, then the inevitable screeching of brakes getting slammed on.  He gets up again to hit shot three, and does the exact same thing. He grabbed his bag & quit, without ever getting off the 1st tee. I had to hit next, & I blocked it right about 40 yards. Impossible to follow that ! – Jack in Missouri is a first-time emailer: Saw article on Foxnews.com. I never believed in these Nest and similar thermostats precisely because they could allow outside control of them: BY THE CHINESE GOVT! and then the local power company. Electronic door locks, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.  Too many people letting device populate their homes and over which they have little to no control.  I believe lot-Tech is best tech.  I do worry about my pacemaker: is the telemetry functionality made in China, and can China tell me: You are terminated? – Drew in Katy, TX checked in on smart meters and thermostats: I’m not claiming to be an expert here . . . but the company that I was working for in the mid-1980s which used a considerable amount of electricity in Texas signed up for interruptible power contracts.   The company’s base electricity rate was reduced in exchange for the willingness to shut down their electricity use if the utility required that load reduction.   Google AI gives a pretty good summary of the process if you type in "industrial interruptible power contract to save money".   BTW – I never remember the power actually getting cut to our company. DANICA PATRICK IMPRESSES THE MAHA CROWD BY TAKING UP TENNIS AS HER NEWEST FITNESS WORKOUT, BAT DOGS & MEAT! It’s interesting to see the power distributors now tricking individuals to sign up for interruptible power with no real benefit to the consumer.  I would think that the bigger impact would still be from shutting off major industrial users.  But that would require the power distributors to pay the financial incentives for the privilege to do that.  So, the next question as the AI data centers blow the roof off of U.S. electrical demand, why not require that they be the swing load in the grid instead of individuals ???  What will it hurt if your child suddenly can’t use AI to do his/her homework to get to travel ball practice on time ?  – Candler in Duluth, GA writes: Hey, Joe. It’s been a while, but you should know that we are still mowing on Thursdays and spreading the word of the league far and wide. It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since I started sending in mowing reports and pictures of my sons mowing. They are about to be seniors, and as the grandmothers always told us, it sure does go by fast. To the reader last week who asked whether or not he should let the kids tear up his yard playing wiffle ball (Millennial Brandon I think), absolutely let them tear it up! We still play wiffle ball in the backyard with my sons and their friends, and I’m suspicious that those will be some of their favorite memories from their growing up years. THURSDAY NIGHT MOWING LEAGUE WANTS 40 MILLION AMERICANS TO STOP WASTING WEEKENDS ON THEIR LAWNS  I meant to send you this earlier in the week, but last weekend we went to see YOUR Reds play MY Braves in Cincinnati. It was a lot of fun, and we thought the ballpark was really cool overlooking the river. My sons’ best friend (in the middle of the picture) just graduated, so we made this trip his graduation celebration.  It was fun seeing the mowing reports today. Suzanne continues to excel and impress! We’ll be sure to send in a few reports this summer. The Dawgs first pitch is at 11am tomorrow, and it feels good to have the yard work done and a WIDE OPEN Saturday! Enjoy the weekend! Kinsey: They truly do grow up fast. On my Gmail, I have photos of the Candler B boys tearing up their yard with big wiffle ball games and other moments of kids being kids. It hit me this morning of just how long I've been doing this at OutKick. I even missed my sixth anniversary with the company on June 1. If you would have told me all those years ago (six years on the Internet is like 20 years of a normal career) that all of this stuff would've happened to me over that span, I would've thought you were insane. I now have a 100 gig Gmail account that is 76% full. I have heard from tens of thousands of readers over those six years. I've had some incredible moments along the way. None of that would've been possible without the vision that Clay Travis laid out to me early in 2020 as the world was about to go mad. What a run it has been. SUNBURN, SKY-HIGH ELECTRIC BILLS, AND OTHER AWFUL THINGS THAT MAKE SUMMER QUIETLY TERRIBLE ################## That is it this morning. I have to get outside and #RespectSummer. You only get so many of them in life. Just think of how many June weekends you get to enjoy in life. That is why we MUST get out, get our feet into the grass and soak it in. Take care and I'll see you guys on Monday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241ea2ee6011c3f4eb8baf Dodgers break out annual Pride Night hats, drawing brutal reactions te 2026-06-06T13:20:34.493Z Dodgers break out annual Pride Night hats, drawing brutal reactions It's June, which means the baseball world will be on edge for the next 25 days or so. A tradition unlike any other in this country! For those who don't know (and that's none of you, because it's everywhere), June is Pride Month. Haven't you heard?! You know in October when the NFL wears pink for a month? That's June in Major League Baseball, except it's rainbow hats and social media posts. And, of course, the Texas Rangers angering half the country because they don't do any of it. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! They're having a "Faith & Family Night" June 18 instead, for those wondering. Incredible. Most based team in America, by a wide margin. On the other side of the aisle, you have the Los Angeles Dodgers. Just to keep things balanced, they step up every year and really lean into things this month. Don't forget, this was the team that hosted anti-Catholic drag nuns three years ago during this very month. While they didn't do that Friday night, the Dodgers did break out some pride hats for their game against the Angels. Naturally, MLB fans were QUICK to notice: I could go on and on. Seriously. The comments are endless, and they are, for the most part, brutal. Again, we do this every year with the Dodgers. I'm numb to it at this point. I also expect nothing less from any franchise located in California. DODGERS' WORLD SERIES HERO WILL SMITH DESCRIBES TEAM'S MINDSET DURING DRAMATIC VICTORY OVER BLUE JAYS Is it a little much? Maybe. You wanna make a social media post? That's probably fine. But now we're having players wear the gear on during games? I don't know. Clayton Kershaw famously wrote a Bible verse next to his pride hat when he was on the team. Remember this? Amazing: That was one year ago! Man, time flies. Anyway, we nearly had something similar last night with reliever Blake Treinen, who entered the game in the top of the ninth looking like it was just another day at the ballpark: Treinen, by the way, is deeply religious and has been extremely open about his relationship with God. Don't forget, last fall he honored Charlie Kirk with his hat, which went over about as well as you'd expect. No idea if that played a role in this, or if he simply grabbed the wrong hat, but you can probably piece the two together. Regardless, Treinen threw just one pitch, got out of the jam, and then Freddie Freeman walked it off in the bottom of the ninth. See? How can you not be romantic about baseball?! As for the Dodgers' yearly Pride Night ... like I said, I'm numb to it at this point. At least they didn't have drag nuns this time. There is still a lot of June left, though. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241cf0ee6011c3f4eb8b45 Flagstaff Event Almanac for June 6 te 2026-06-06T13:13:20.255Z Flagstaff Event Almanac for June 6 June 6 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241cdaee6011c3f4eb8b3c Carpenter's Column: Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be te 2026-06-06T13:12:58.818Z Carpenter's Column: Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be This week's column from Tom Carpenter, the longtime humorist for the Arizona Daily Sun. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241caaee6011c3f4eb8b15 Top House Democrat says there's 'no way' Platner didn't know tattoo's Nazi origins te 2026-06-06T13:12:10.889Z Top House Democrat says there's 'no way' Platner didn't know tattoo's Nazi origins A senior House Democrat is joining the growing chorus of critics questioning Senate candidate Graham Platner’s claim that he was unaware of his tattoo’s Nazi origins. "There's no way he didn't know what the tattoo was," Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., said Friday in remarks reported by Punchbowl News. "Own it and move on." "He's not willing to do that," Schneider, the chairman of House Democrats' largest caucus, lamented. Schneider’s comments make him one of the most high-profile Democrats to criticize the Maine Senate hopeful, who has also faced mounting scrutiny over sending sexually-explicit messages to other women while newly married, a decades-long history of offensive social media posts and alleged abuse in previous romantic relationships. DEMOCRAT CONGRESSMAN SLAMS GRAHAM PLATNER'S NAZI-LINKED TATTOO AS 'DISQUALIFYING' Platner, a far-left populist, is vying to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in one of the most hotly contested races of November’s midterm elections. He is Maine Democrats' presumptive nominee, though some party insiders have expressed doubts about the viability of his candidacy amid a string of scandals. Schneider’s public criticism came after The New York Times reported Thursday that several of Platner’s ex-girlfriends said the Senate hopeful knew about his tattoo’s Nazi-linked design. One of the women, Lyndsey Fifield, told The Times that Platner taught her the words behind the black skull-and-crossbones tattoo, referring to it as "my Totenkopf." "He would joke about it being a Nazi tattoo," Fifield said, adding that Platner said he chose the tattoo because of his belief that his unit shared similarities to the Nazi SS paramilitary forces. Platner vigorously denied Fifield's account during an interview with MS NOW's Chris Hayes on Thursday. But he struggled to answer when pressed about how Fifield sent a text to friends saying he had a Nazi-linked tattoo in August 2025, when he first publicly disclosed it two months later during an October podcast episode of "Pod Save America."  "How does she know it’s a Nazi tattoo in August of last year, and you don’t know it’s a Nazi tattoo in August of last year?" Hayes asked Platner. "I can’t say why," Platner said, adding that he was not a recipient of Fifield’s message. "I certainly didn't know, and the text messages she’s sending to friends may have recognized it. They didn’t tell me that." Fifield also alleged that Platner assaulted her at one point during their relationship — an allegation that Platner said was false.  GRAHAM PLATNER ACCUSER HITS NYT FOR ALLEGEDLY SOFTENING ALLEGATIONS, SAYS COVERAGE WAS 'GIFT' TO DEMOCRAT Platner has since had the tattoo covered up after it became a campaign issue in late 2025. He wore it for nearly two decades after he said he got it during a night of drinking with his fellow Marines while stationed in Croatia in 2007. Amid Democrats’ divisions over Platner’s candidacy, Schneider indicated that he would struggle to support him at the ballot box if he were a Maine voter. "I'll leave it to the people of Maine to elect who they want," he said, in remarks reported by Punchbowl News. "I'm grateful I don't have to make that choice. I wouldn't want to have to make that choice." Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., have also sharply criticized Platner’s statements related to his since-covered-up tattoo. "All I'm saying is when I was growing up, if someone had a clear Nazi tattoo on them, you probably could conclude that they’re a Nazi sympathizer," Fetterman told CNN earlier this week. "Are you going to continue to defend that or dismiss that?" Schneider's New Democrat Coalition is the largest caucus among House Democrats, with more than 100 members. Fox News Digital reached out to the Platner campaign before publication. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241c96ee6011c3f4eb8b0c Can alkaline water actually improve your health? Experts separate fact from fiction te 2026-06-06T13:11:50.890Z Can alkaline water actually improve your health? Experts separate fact from fiction Alkaline water has entered the conversation as an arguable alternative to regular drinking water. Numerous celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston, have touted alkaline water in brand campaigns — but is there a real benefit? Experts report that the science is uncertain. Bottled water that’s sold as alkaline water may have added minerals like calcium and magnesium, which help the water reach an alkaline pH, according to Mayo Clinic. A pH of 7 is neutral, while a level greater than 7 is alkaline and less than 7 is acidic. THE HIDDEN REASON SCIENTISTS SAY BOTTLED WATER MAY NOT BE THE CLEANER CHOICE Plain tap water has a lower pH than alkaline water, which has led some to claim that drinking alkaline water can neutralize acidity in the body. There have also been claims that alkaline water can help prevent certain health conditions, like cancer and stroke, Mayo Clinic mentioned. Some studies have also shown that alkaline water may help slow bone loss, perhaps due to the added calcium. Other research suggests that alkaline water combined with a plant-based Mediterranean diet may help relieve acid reflux. Several studies have suggested that alkaline water alone could improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Mayo Clinic stressed that more research is necessary to support these claims and to confirm whether these benefits continue over time. In a Harvard Medical School publication, Howard E. LeWine, MD, chief medical editor of Harvard Health Publishing, confirmed that benefits potentially exist, but only temporarily. "Because the fluid in the stomach is so acidic, once regular or alkaline water gets down to your stomach, there will be little difference in the resulting stomach fluid pH," he wrote. "You could potentially raise the stomach fluid pH by drinking a lot of alkaline water, but it would only be temporary. Even if you drank enough alkaline water to slightly raise the pH of your blood, your kidneys would quickly go into action to rebalance your blood pH." As an example, alkaline water may provide heartburn relief from acid reflux, but the effects would not be long-lasting. LeWine considered that there are "much more effective options," such as antacids. The doctor warned that drinking alkaline water could be dangerous for people who take PPIs, or stomach acid production blockers. Mayo Clinic added that alkaline water has been linked to safety concerns, especially when the water’s pH is higher than 9.8. This can lead to high levels of potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. LeWine expressed the same concern that alkaline water "might result in an increased blood pH, which can alter the normal blood levels of chemicals like potassium, especially [for people with] kidney disease." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ In an interview with Fox News Digital, certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco confirmed that there is "no strong evidence" that alkaline water provides "meaningful long-term health benefits." While infusing the water with minerals can be beneficial for reducing acidity in the body, the best way to do so is by following "foundational" dietary habits, according to the expert. This includes eating meals based in real foods and eliminating excess sugar, caffeine, processed and fried foods, as they can "aggravate acidity in the body," she said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "Vegetables, fruit, good fats, like the omega-3 fats, lean protein, fiber — those are the things that really help to keep acid out of the body," DeCicco added. For those who have acid reflux complications, she recommends seeing a doctor and adopting helpful habits like eating consistently throughout the day, not lying down after eating and avoiding highly acidic foods. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241c82ee6011c3f4eb8b03 YouTuber Amir Odom challenges Black Americans to reject victimhood and reclaim their future te 2026-06-06T13:11:30.968Z YouTuber Amir Odom challenges Black Americans to reject victimhood and reclaim their future Popular YouTube content creator Amir Odom is speaking out about the challenges facing young Black Americans, arguing that a culture of victimhood is at the root of what he sees as the community's struggles. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Odom said he believes progress begins with rejecting that mindset and embracing a determined one. "There's a large group of Black people who don't feel that way because of the mainstream media and the constant victimhood mentality that they're pressing them on, and I want them to grow from that. I want them to have that mindset that actually, I can be anything. I can do it if I want to do, but that's hard when you constantly have other Black people and other forms of mainstream media constantly telling them that they can't." Odom talks about many cultural issues, including race, on his YouTube channel, @amirxodom, which has over 800,000 subscribers. WHEN THE 'VICTIM NARRATIVE' TAKES OVER MINORITIES AND THE AMERICAN DREAM "There's this new culture of just people acting crazy and it's not cool, and I call it out because it doesn't reflect people who look like me in a good light," he said, referring to public fights that go viral online. Among issues Odom addresses in his videos are what he calls "tough topics from a rational perspective," including race relations and LGBTQ issues. He's also spoken out on the importance of the two-family parent structure and Black inner-city youth issues. Odom emphasized the need to get to the root of the issues among Black youths in troubled communities. "You have to teach them. You have to lean in on them. You have to give them other tools and other resources to look at. And it's not so much as like, 'oh, we need more equipment for just more books and laptops in the schools'. No, it needs to be an ingrained cultural difference that needs to happen." THE CHILDREN WE LEFT BEHIND: A RECKONING WITH AMERICA'S GROWING FATHERLESSNESS CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE IS DROWNING IN EXCUSES, DEPENDENCY AND DECAY On Odom's videos where he discusses issues related to the Black community, he shares social media clips from other Black creators who also share the same concerns as Odom. Odom believes there is a "quiet counterculture" occurring among Black Americans, speaking out about resonant cultural issues. However, Odom shared that people fear being canceled for speaking out over political correctness and name-calling, adding this is why he believes fewer people trust mainstream media. "We're seeing mainstream media, all across the board, just decline because more people want this authenticity, more people just want the truth for what it is. And for us to call out everything across the landscape and they see that kind of fakeness clear as day, when the mainstream media is ignoring certain aspects of what's going on in our world and not openly calling out certain things." HOW A BLACK GAY INFLUENCER WENT FROM MARCHING WITH BLM TO 'SHAKING DONALD TRUMP'S HAND IN THE WHITE HOUSE' Odom revealed he had to overcome victimhood messaging growing up for being both Black and gay. "I fell into that trap," said Odom. "Growing up, I was told I have two oppression points." Odom said it impacts the way you see yourself and what you can accomplish when you are spoken to as if you are a victim. "That does something to your mental [sic] when you don't believe in yourself," he told Fox News Digital. Odom also believes Black Americans today have an "equal playing field" to White people. BLACK GAY CONSERVATIVE INFLUENCER ROB SMITH SLAMS GQ ARTICLE: 'JOIN THE REST US IN 2025' "It is a disgrace to think that in America I'm in today is some American my papa grew up in in the 50s and 60s," he told Fox News Digital. "No, I have every right afforded to me as any White person out there." Odom said it is "unfortunate" that this mindset is not among all Black Americans, "constantly telling them they're going to have other hurdles to go through. And in life, we all have things we're going to be fighting through." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241c6eee6011c3f4eb8afa 'Power Ballad' Review: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas deliver crowd-pleasing music dramedy te 2026-06-06T13:11:10.967Z 'Power Ballad' Review: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas deliver crowd-pleasing music dramedy Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas go head-to-head in the latest music dramedy from Irish writer/director John Carney. "Power Ballad" follows Rick Power (Rudd), an American wedding singer living in Ireland who yearns for the good old days as the frontman of rock band, a life he turned away from after marrying his Irish bride and having a daughter. When Rick wants to play one of his old songs (a total mood killer), his drummer has to remind him, "We're not rock stars, Rick. We're human jukeboxes." His band, The Bride and Groove, lands a gig where one of the attendees, a friend of the groom, is Danny Wilson, a former boy band singer who has failed as a solo artist, unlike his ex-bandmates. The groom asks the band if Danny can join them for a song or two. He and Rick hit it off immediately. ‘PRESSURE’ REVIEW: BRENDAN FRASER IS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER IN GRIPPING WWII DRAMA ON RUN-UP TO D-DAY Rick and Danny clearly have a lot in common as musicians struggling to grapple with the reality that their glory days may be behind them. They wind up having an impromptu jam session as Danny is currently working on his next album. Both share their tunes, give each other tips to improve the songs. Danny in particular was blown away by one Rick had been working on, "How to Write a Song Without You." Danny heads back to LA. He hands over his tracks to his manager, Mac (Jack Reynor), except he tells Danny that none of them are hits and that if he can't deliver one, he'll have to give up his luxurious lifestyle. LOW-BUDGET HORROR FLICK ‘OBSESSION’ SHATTERS BOX OFFICE EXPECTATIONS AS NEW STAR WARS FILM COMES UP SHORT Fast-forward several weeks later, Rick is wandering at the mall and suddenly hears a familiar tune. It's Danny Wilson's new smash hit, "How to Write a Song Without You." What unfolds is a roller coaster music battle as Rick tries to seek credit for the song responsible for reviving Danny's career — even if he lacks any evidence — all of which upends his work and family life. ‘OBSESSION’ REVIEW: AN INNOCENT WISH TURNS INTO A NIGHTMARE IN A HORROR FLICK FROM TALENTED UP-AND-COMERS Rudd and Jonas are both reliable performers and hit every note they're supposed to (no pun intended). Beth Fallon also has an endearing on-screen presence as Rick's teen daughter Aja. Carney, who co-wrote the original songs, continues his decades-long trend of making music-tinged movies. His latest doesn't rise to the level of his heartfelt 2006 breakout film "Once" or his charming 2016 coming-of-age dramedy "Sing Street," but "Power Ballad" is still a crowd-pleaser. While Carney's third act meanders a bit, he remarkably sticks the landing so much so that the audience I saw the film with broke out in applause as the credits began to roll. That's no easy task. 'THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU' REVIEW: AN ENTERTAINING BUT FORGETFUL RETURN TO THE 'STAR WARS' UNIVERSE "Power Ballad" offers decent laughs and solid music but falls short of Carney's best. Nonetheless, it maximizes the talents of Rudd and Jonas and audiences will walk away thoroughly entertained. "Power Ballad" is rated R for language throughout and some drug use. Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes. In theaters now. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241c5aee6011c3f4eb8af1 Henry Nowak’s killing exposes Britain’s dangerous two-tier justice system te 2026-06-06T13:10:51.039Z Henry Nowak’s killing exposes Britain’s dangerous two-tier justice system Before George Floyd, before Michael Brown, there was Trayvon Martin. Back in 2012, the 17-year-old was shot and killed during a struggle with another young man in a Florida gated community. The tragedy that day was discussed in the national media and eventually adjudicated in a court of law. When the trial was over, President Barack Obama said: "When Trayvon Martin was first shot, I said that this could have been my son." Last December, an 18-year-old college student was stabbed by another young man in Southampton, England. The victim’s name was Henry Nowak. The American press ignored the story. The British press and politicians largely did too. TRUMP ADMIN SLAMS 'TWO-TIERED' POLICING AFTER BRITISH COPS CUFFED DYING MAN DEEMED RACIST BY KILLER Like Obama, I thought: this could have been my son. Martin and Nowak were killed by private citizens, not in encounters with the police. There are many differences between the two cases — the races of both killers and victims; the locations, the motives. But while the tiny Sanford, Fla., police station was merely accused of "sloppy work" by the New York Times in handling the Martin case, many in Britain believe that woke police bias contributed to Nowak’s death. Britain has admitted millions of immigrants in a short time. As late as 2001, the "White British" (English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh) were over 90% of the population. Today, at most 75% are. Last year, only 53% of births were to women described as "White British." With huge demographic change has come an equally abrupt cultural change. 200,000 SMALL BOAT ARRIVALS LOOM AMID UK RAISING THREAT LEVEL TO ‘SEVERE’ FOLLOWING RECENT TERROR ATTACK Despite being home to the "mother of parliaments," where the oratory of William Pitt and Winston Churchill once rang, Britain is now one of the most repressive Western countries when it comes to speech. The Times newspaper reported 12,183 arrests for offensive online messages in 2023. Freedom House rates the UK only 76 out of 100. At Speakers’ Corner in London’s Hyde Park, you’d be risking your life today to say anything "transphobic" or derogatory about Islam. British police have become highly attuned to the sensitivities of race and gender minorities. In 2005, the national College of Policing started recording "non-crime hate incidents," which are based entirely on the perceptions of a claimed victim, who needs produce no actual evidence. WE NEED THE MORAL COURAGE TO TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT CINCINNATI RACIAL ATTACK The UK National Police Chiefs Council’s "Police Anti-Racism Commitment" advocates a "commitment to racial equity" that "means [p]roducing equality of policing outcomes for people from different ethnic groups by responding to individuals and communities according to their specific needs, circumstances and experiences, with understanding that these will be racialised and with the aim of reducing harm." In plainer language, the guidance says that anti-racism "does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colour blind’ (racial equality)." It means "equity." With guidance like this, it is not surprising that police on Nowak’s murder scene appeared "more concerned with accusations of racism" by the convicted stabber Vickrum Digwa "than they were in helping a dying man," as Chris Philp, a member from the Conservative Party, said in Parliament. The police officers took Digwa’s accusation seriously but scoffed at Nowak’s repeated cries that he’d been stabbed. POLICE, UK PM ACCUSED OF DOUBLE STANDARD AS SUSPECT INDICTED FOR KILLING 3 GIRLS FACES TERROR RELATED CHARGE Philp mentioned another case where a paranoid schizophrenic with a violent past, Valdo Calocane, was not placed in a mental institution involuntarily because health workers were concerned about "an overrepresentation of young black males in mental health detention." In 2023, Calocane stabbed three people to death in Nottingham, England. In today’s Britain, mass demonstrations for Gaza or LGB+ causes are generally tolerated by authorities, while flying the English flag is considered suspect. Standing with your eyes closed too close to an abortion provider can get you arrested under a "Public Spaces Protection Order." Speaking against mass migration to the West from the "global South" is considered "far right," and got Dutch commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek banned from the country. Social media is full of complaints about "two-tier" policing, the accusation that indigenous British people and conservatives are treated worse in criminal law than illegal immigrants and leftists. "Woke" official bias has been alleged in several high-profile criminal cases. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION When he was leader of the Labor Party in opposition, current Prime Minister Keir Starmer kneeled in support of the Black Lives Matter movement after the death of George Floyd, thousands of miles away in America. He also championed the release of a foreigner whose speech "would usually be considered criminal under English law," according to the Wall Street Journal, yet had nothing to say in 2024 when an English young mother was jailed for over a year for one offensive tweet she quickly removed. Nigel Farage, head of the new but surging Reform party, has accused Starmer of a double standard, where harsh punishments are meted out to right-wing speech compared to the far-left. Starmer is nicknamed "Two-Tier Keir" by critics. His unpopular Labor government is desperate not to alienate recent immigrants it depends on for votes. But its simultaneous attempts to placate the outrage of a (barely) native majority are unconvincing. Without serious attempts to roll back "equity" initiatives and restore equal treatment in crime and punishment, Starmer and Labor are sitting on a steadily boiling pot. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM SIMON HANKINSON Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241c47ee6011c3f4eb8ae8 Spencer Pratt's unexpected political rise from MTV villain to Karen Bass challenger te 2026-06-06T13:10:31.127Z Spencer Pratt's unexpected political rise from MTV villain to Karen Bass challenger Spencer Pratt's journey from reality television villain to Los Angeles mayoral contender has taken another unexpected turn as the former reality star appears positioned to face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in a runoff election. Bass, who has served as mayor since 2022 and faced scrutiny over her handling of the devastating LA fires, advanced to a runoff after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday's primary. The top two vote-getters will now compete in November. Pratt, who is best known for starring on MTV's "The Hills" and has never previously run for political office, is currently running in second place ahead of LA council member Nithya Raman. SPENCER PRATT SURGES TO RUNOFF IN LA MAYOR'S RACE AFTER ANGRY VOTERS SEND MESSAGE TO KAREN BASS "God wanted five more months of me exposing all the failures of our mayor," Pratt said while speaking with reporters outside his election watch party on Tuesday night. "So it's going to be a fun ride," he continued. "I hope she's ready." When asked if he was ready, Pratt responded, "I mean, I was born for this, clearly." Pratt's mayoral bid was initially met with widespread skepticism, with many observers viewing the TV personality as a long-shot celebrity candidate. LA BUSINESS LEADER SAYS CRIME, WILDFIRE FALLOUT FUELING PRATT SURGE AS VOTERS SEEK CHANGE: 'PEOPLE ARE ANGRY' However, as his campaign gained traction online, attracted support from high-profile figures and tapped into voter frustration over issues such as public safety, homelessness and wildfire recovery, perceptions began to shift, and national media outlets started treating his candidacy as a serious political effort. In recent weeks, Pratt's unlikely candidacy has continued to gain traction due to several viral campaign ads and widely-praised debate performance against Bass and Raman. From reality television fame and viral social media stardom to his surprisingly competitive mayoral campaign, Pratt has reinvented himself more than once. Now, as he looks poised for a showdown with Bass for the leadership of LA, here's what to know about Pratt. SPENCER PRATT'S SISTER NOW BACKS HIS LA MAYOR CAMPAIGN MONTHS AFTER SAYING HE DOESN'T BELONG IN THE GOVERNMENT Throughout his campaign, Pratt has highlighted his LA roots, arguing that he has firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing the city and its residents. Born and raised in LA, Pratt is the son of dentist William "Skip" Pratt and Janet Pratt. He grew up alongside younger sister Stephanie Pratt, who also found fame on "The Hills," and has an older half-sister, Kristin, from his mother's previous marriage. SPENCER PRATT FACES HARSH FAMILY OPPOSITION IN LA MAYORAL BID DESPITE GROWING COMMUNITY SUPPORT Pratt attended the Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica, a private high school known for its many famous alumni, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Jack Black and others. "The Hills" stars Brody Jenner and Whitney Port also attended Crossroads alongside Pratt and Stephanie. In February, Stephanie slammed Pratt's mayoral run, claiming a vote for him was a "vote for stupidity." Last week, Stephanie revealed that she was now supporting her brother’s campaign. "I admit I was the first person to tell people that they were idiots if they voted for my brother," Stephanie told Vanity Fair in an email related to a profile on him. She added, "Wow, was I wrong. He has spent every day since the fires finding the facts, the mistakes, the negligence, and uncovering the truth that they never wanted us to know." Long before launching a mayoral campaign, Pratt earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Southern California (USC) in LA. After graduating from high school, Pratt enrolled as a political science major at USC in 2003. Pratt left college to pursue television projects which led to his career in reality TV. In 2011, he re-enrolled at USC to finish his degree and graduated in 2014. Pratt's supporters, including Brody, have previously pointed to Pratt's degree when critics dismissed him as "just a reality star." Pratt's reality television career began in 2005 with Fox's short-lived series "The Princes of Malibu," a series he co-created and executive produced that followed Brody and his brother Brandon Jenner's lives in Malibu. Brody and Brandon's mother, songwriter and actress Linda Thompson, and their then stepfather, Grammy Award-winning musician David Foster, also starred. In May, Foster and his wife Katharine McPhee hosted an exclusive, star-studded fundraiser at their Brentwood Park home for Pratt's mayoral run. Pratt also made appearances in "The Princes of Malibu," which was canceled after one season. He later became a household name after he began dating "The Hills" star Heidi Montag in 2006. At the time, Montag was starring alongside Port, Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge in the show which premiered in May 2006. Pratt joined "The Hills" during its second season in 2007, where the couple's relationship quickly became central to the show’s drama. Pratt, who has previously spoken out about how he carefully cultivated his "villainous" TV persona for attention, quickly became a disruptive presence, often clashing with Conrad and the existing friend group. While appearing on the show, Pratt and Montag teamed up to become the reality TV power couple known as "Speidi." The duo established themselves as fixtures of the tabloid era, known for staging paparazzi photos, fueling feuds and embracing the attention that came with being reality television’s most famous pair. By the late 2000s, the couple's fame reached its peak. Pratt and Montag married in 2008 and held a televised ceremony the following year which aired on "The Hills." After "The Hills" ended in 2010, the duo faced financial hardship as their income began to dwindle, and they struggled to maintain their celebrity status. After blowing through their $10 million reality TV fortune, the couple downsized significantly and moved in with Pratt's parents at one point as they tried to rebuild their lives. The two continued to pursue opportunities in reality television, appearing on shows including "I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!," "Marriage Boot Camp" and the U.K.'s "Celebrity Big Brother." Pratt and Montag made their full-time return to reality TV when they starred in "The Hills" revival series "The Hills: New Beginnings" from 2019 to 2021. The couple's first son Gunner, who they welcomed in 2017, appeared on the show, reflecting a reinvention that saw Pratt and Montag move away from their former reality TV personas and toward a more grounded, family-oriented life. SPENCER PRATT SHARES HEARTBREAKING MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE TO HEIDI MONTAG FROM THEIR FIRE-DESTROYED LA HOME In 2022, Montag gave birth to their second son, Ryker. In January 2025, Pratt and Montag lost their Pacific Palisades home in the devastating California fires, which destroyed more than 16,200 structures. Days after the fire, Pratt asked fans of the couple for their help. CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: HEIDI MONTAG SKYROCKETS TO NO. 1 ON ITUNES AFTER LOSING PACIFIC PALISADES HOME  n an effort to support the pair, fans catapulted Montag's 2010 debut album "Superficial," which was initially a commercial flop, to the top of the iTunes charts, where it secured the No. 1 spot for both song and album. The experience marked a personal turning point, shifting public perception of Pratt and Montag from former tabloid fixtures to a family navigating real hardship. The tragedy also transformed Pratt into one of Bass' most vocal critics and ultimately helped propel him into politics. SPENCER PRATT ENLISTS SEN. RICK SCOTT FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE Following the fires, Pratt, whose parents also lost their home, led a social media crusade against California leadership he has accused of mismanagement, corruption and "criminal negligence" in their response to the disaster.  In August 2025, Pratt traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials, including former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.  SPENCER PRATT ANNOUNCES LA MAYOR RUN ON ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF PALISADES FIRE THAT DESTROYED HIS HOME Pratt announced that he was running for mayor of LA at a "They Let Us Burn!" protest in the Pacific Palisades near the remains of his home Jan. 7, the one-year anniversary of the LA fires. From the start of his campaign, Pratt has positioned himself as an outsider candidate challenging City Hall and establishment politicians. "The system in Los Angeles isn’t struggling; it’s fundamentally broken," Pratt said while announcing his mayoral run, according to US Weekly. "It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with while the rest of us drown in toxic smoke and ash," he continued. "Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and I’m done waiting for someone to take real action. That's why I am running for mayor." "But let me be clear, this just isn't a campaign," Pratt added, via the BBC. "This is a mission, and we are going to expose the system." "We are going into every dark corner of LA politics and disinfecting the city with our light." WHY SPENCER PRATT’S LOS ANGELES CAMPAIGN HAS AMERICA PAYING ATTENTION Despite lacking traditional political experience, Pratt emerged as one of the most talked-about candidates in the race. The former reality star's mayoral bid has attracted national attention, earning coverage from major political and entertainment outlets as he emerged as an unexpectedly competitive challenger to Bass. THE CELEB ENDORSEMENTS BOOSTING SPENCER PRATT'S CHANCES OF BECOMING THE NEXT LA MAYOR Pratt's celebrity status, viral social media strategy and outsider message have helped turn what was expected to be a relatively routine LA mayoral race into a national political spectacle. His campaign has also gained additional attention as celebrities have spoken out about their views on his candidacy. In the months since Pratt launched his campaign, his run for mayor has become a Hollywood flashpoint, as celebrities rally behind the former reality star while others openly push back. Paris Hilton, Dennis Quaid, Joe Rogan, James Woods, Jamie Kennedy, Billy Bush, Adam Carolla and Joanna Krupa are among Pratt's supporters, as well as several of his former "The Hills" co-stars Brody, Audrina Patridge and Kristin Cavallari. Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer attended Foster and McPhee's fundraiser for Pratt while Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss donated the maximum allowed amount to his campaign. Meanwhile, celebrities who have expressed opposition to Pratt's run include Jimmy Kimmel, Drew Carey, Jane Fonda, Chelsea Handler, Lisa Rinna and Yvette Nicole Brown. Pratt has centered his mayoral campaign on a series of quality-of-life issues that he argues have been neglected by city leaders. Pratt has emphasized issues such as homelessness, public safety, wildfire response and infrastructure. Public safety has emerged as one of the cornerstones of Pratt's platform. He has called for increased funding for the Los Angeles Police Department and stronger enforcement against crimes. SPENCER PRATT SEIZES ON HOMELESSNESS REMARKS BY KAREN BASS, BLASTS DEMOCRAT FOR FAILURES Pratt has also focused heavily on homelessness. The candidate has criticized the city's handling of the homelessness crisis and advocated for a more effective approach to addressing encampments and connecting people with services. He also made disaster readiness a key campaign issue, calling for stronger emergency planning, infrastructure improvements and wildfire prevention efforts across Los Angeles. In addition, Pratt has highlighted infrastructure concerns, including road conditions, traffic congestion and city maintenance. SPENCER PRATT REVEALS THE ONE MAJOR ISSUE MADE HIM DECIDE TO RUN AS A REPUBLICAN Though Pratt is a registered Republican, he is running as an independent in the nonpartisan race and has attempted to distance himself from party politics. He has often described himself as a "community advocate" focused on local issues rather than national ideology. During an appearance on NBC News, Pratt rejected being labeled a "MAGA" candidate by Raman. He emphasized that LA mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan and that a mayor is "supposed to represent all Angelenos." TRUMP SAYS HE HOPES SPENCER PRATT DOES WELL IN LA MAYORAL RACE, BLASTS CALIFORNIA'S 'RIGGED' ELECTIONS Pratt also noted that many members of his family and people he meets on the campaign trail are Democrats. "I do not represent a party. I don’t have a campaign manager, I don’t have campaign consults. There’s no political party backing me," he said.  After President Donald Trump praised Pratt last month, the former reality star explained that he was not seeking endorsements from politicians. "I don’t need anyone’s endorsement but mothers’. That’s who’s getting me elected," he told NBC News. "My race is a local race. I don’t care what’s going on in the national politics, in other states. I am running for a local position." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Social media has been central to Pratt's public image long before he entered politics. After "The Hills" ended, he successfully reinvented himself online in 2016 when he began cultivating a widespread following on Snapchat, sharing content about his daily life and his obsession with hummingbirds and crystals. He later became one of the platform's top personalities, winning Snapchatter of the Year at the 10th Annual Shorty Awards in 2018. Over the past decade, Pratt has continued to build his social media following across Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and X. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS By the time he launched his mayoral run, Pratt already had a built-in audience that he leveraged to promote his campaign directly to voters without relying solely on traditional advertising or media appearances. Instead of running traditional television or radio ads, Pratt's campaign strategy has focused entirely on social media and viral AI-generated videos. Pratt frequently posts videos discussing local issues, responding to critics and sharing campaign updates. He has also appeared in a series of campaign videos that were widely shared and made national headlines. Pratt's videos include a spoof on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," a wildfire-themed spot tied to the loss of his Pacific Palisades home, and a homelessness-focused clip that highlighted conditions on city streets. In addition, Pratt has reposted grassroots, viral AI-generated videos created by social media users, including one by filmmaker Charlie Curran that depicted LA as a dystopian city in decline, with the former reality star cast as a Batman-like figure stepping in to restore order. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241797ee6011c3f4eb88e2 Maxx Crosby plans to attend America 250 UFC fight, talks White House, Fernando Mendoza, Tom Brady and Olympics te 2026-06-06T12:50:31.449Z Maxx Crosby plans to attend America 250 UFC fight, talks White House, Fernando Mendoza, Tom Brady and Olympics Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby told Fox News Digital he plans on attending the UFC fight at the White House on June 14 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. "I've never been to the White House," Crosby said. "I'm excited, I like history... "It's incredible that we all have an opportunity to celebrate our country and just be part of a historic event... we live in the greatest country in the world and it should be celebrated." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For Crosby, as a highly successful NFL star, the celebration represents an opportunity to recognize the freedoms and opportunities he appreciates most as an American. "You have an opportunity every day to chase your passion," Crosby said. "Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but in this country you have a choice every day to chase what you love and what you aspire to do. People don't say the American Dream for no reason. It's the greatest country because it's opportunity. It's a land of opportunity." Crosby also revealed who he's rooting for at the event. "I think everyone knows how much I love Justin Gaethje," Crosby said. "Justin Gaethje is one of the greatest fighters to ever do it, and he's an absolute legend. He's also a great friend, so I'll definitely be biased for him. I want to see him go to the White House and do his thing for sure." The fight, slated for the South Lawn, came about after Donald Trump casually leaned over to Dana White during a live UFC match and suggested they "do a fight at the White House". White immediately agreed, and logistics were set in motion days later. "Dana White is like family to me. He always does it big, and he always does it the biggest and best way. He's always going to put on an incredible show," Crosby said. "I’ve met Trump a couple times, and he’s been incredible to me," Crosby later added. "I know Dana [White] thinks nothing but the world of him and has a lot of respect for him. But you know we’ve met a couple times, and he’s always been great to me. So, going to the White House, and being there, is going to be a lot of fun for sure." Crosby also said he would welcome the opportunity to represent the United States in flag football when the sport makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. "Oh, no doubt," Crosby said when asked whether he would consider playing. "I think it'd be incredible." While Crosby noted that his family has roots in the Balkans, he made clear where his allegiance would lie if given the opportunity to compete on the international stage. TEAM USA FLAG FOOTBALL STAR WANTS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE OLYMPIC TEAM AMID NFL PARTICIPATION "My mom's side, I've got a Yugoslavian background, so I've got some Serbian and Albanian in me over there," Crosby said. "I'm sure they'd give me a call as well, so it'd be an interesting decision." Still, the Raiders star said his heart remains with the country where he was born and raised. "Everyone knows my heart's here," Crosby said. "This is the country I've been raised in, born and raised, so yeah, it would definitely be special." Crosby was also asked whether he would try to recruit Raiders minority owner Tom Brady to play quarterback for Team USA if he joined the Olympic squad. "I don't think he would do that," Crosby said with a laugh. "I think he's retired and there's a lot of great quarterbacks right now. But I wouldn't be mad at Tom Brady coming back. It's a great time." Crosby also had high praise for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is adjusting to life at the NFL level after a successful college career. "He's a young guy and he's coming in off an incredible season and an incredible college career," Crosby said. "But when you get to the NFL, you've got to start from square one." The veteran defensive end said Mendoza has impressed him with his willingness to learn and fit into the locker room. "I think he's done an incredible job of just being one of the guys, being humble, being a sponge, just learning from everybody and asking questions," Crosby said. WHO IS FERNANDO MENDOZA? THE NFL DRAFT SENSATION NO ONE COULD HAVE PREDICTED But Crosby won't be taking it easy on the fresh-faced rookie in practice. "There's no taking it easy," Crosby said with a laugh. "We play this game one way, and I'm going to go out there and do what I do. It's going to help him in the long run and making him better. I want to push all my teammates. That's how teams improve — by pushing each other and making each other better on a daily basis." While many young quarterbacks are immediately compared to established NFL stars, Crosby said Mendoza should be given the opportunity to carve out his own identity. "A lot of times people try to make comparisons," Crosby said. "People just need to allow Fernando to be Fernando. I think he's going to be a really special player." Crosby also spoke about the unique opportunity to play for an organization that includes NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner. "Tom has had one of the greatest careers, if not the greatest career, of anybody," Crosby said. "He's an incredible player and won at the highest level." While Brady isn't involved in the day-to-day operations of the franchise, Crosby said having someone with his experience around the organization is a valuable resource. "Anybody you get around an organization that has done it at that level, I think is a positive," Crosby said. "He's not there all the time, but he is a resource for people in that building. I think his winning mindset is only a plus." Crosby only played Brady once before Brady retired. "I wish we could have had a couple more swings at it," Crosby said. Crosby's appearance with Fox News Digital came as part of a partnership with SAXX Underwear, a brand he said immediately caught his attention for more than one reason. "Obviously, everyone knows I make a living sacking quarterbacks, so the name alone drew me in," Crosby joked. "The double X was a bonus, too." But beyond the name, Crosby said he became a fan of the product itself. Crosby said the product has become part of his everyday routine. "I literally wear it every single day," Crosby said. "I wear it during workouts, I wear it around the house, I literally wear it everywhere I go." Still, while Crosby wears it to workouts, he won't be wearing it during games. "It's not NFL certified yet," he said. "But I wear it to the games, for sure." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a241541ee6011c3f4eb8873 Martina Navratilova says wide-open French Open is good for tennis: ‘You need suspense’ te 2026-06-06T12:40:33.042Z Martina Navratilova says wide-open French Open is good for tennis: ‘You need suspense’ The French Open is about to crown new champions. That alone makes this Roland Garros feel different. No Carlos Alcaraz defending his title. No Jannik Sinner, the world’s No. 1 player. No Novak Djokovic. No Iga Swiatek, who had won four of the previous six French Opens. No defending champion Coco Gauff, either. And no Aryna Sabalenka, after the women's world No. 1 lost to Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals. There's no obvious script. And Martina Navratilova thinks tennis could use a little of that. MARTINA NAVRATILOVA SAYS SHE TRIED TO WARN KAMALA HARRIS' CAMPAIGN ABOUT TRANS ATHLETES: 'NOBODY WOULD LISTEN' Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and one of the greatest players in tennis history, told OutKick in a recent interview that the chaos in Paris has made this year’s French Open fascinating heading into championship weekend. "I think it’s amazing," Navratilova said. At the time, Swiatek, the four-time French Open champion, had already been knocked out of the women’s draw by Marta Kostyuk. Defending champion Coco Gauff was already gone, too. On the men’s side, Alcaraz withdrew prior to the tournament with a right wrist injury, Sinner’s stunning second-round loss blew a hole in the top of the draw, and Djokovic’s third-round exit removed the last familiar giant from the field. Just like that, Roland Garros became something very different. "So it’ll be a new women’s champion and a new men’s champion," Navratilova said. "It’s kind of a changing of the guard, but there’s just a lot more players that can win these days." That’s the fun part. Tennis has spent decades leaning on dominant stars. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic carried the men’s game for nearly two decades. Serena Williams did the same on the women’s side. Swiatek has owned Paris in recent years, and Alcaraz and Sinner have looked like the next two-man rivalry ready to grab the sport by the throat. But sometimes, a Grand Slam needs a little madness. TIAFOE'S HEARTBREAKING FRENCH OPEN COLLAPSE ENDS AMERICA'S LAST HOPE AT ROLAND GARROS This one got plenty of it. Navratilova said Alcaraz’s absence, Sinner’s loss and the rest of the chaos changed the entire feel of the tournament. "All of a sudden, everybody’s champing at the bit," Navratilova said. "‘Oh, I can win this tournament,’ because those two guys are not there anymore." Add Djokovic to that list, and the point becomes even stronger. For years, winning a major on the men’s side meant going through at least one tennis monster. Federer. Nadal. Djokovic. Then Alcaraz. Then Sinner. Maybe two of them. Maybe three. At Roland Garros, that grip has been even tighter. Since Stan Wawrinka won in 2015, every men’s champion in Paris has been Nadal, Djokovic or Alcaraz. Not this time. That does not mean tennis is better without stars. It means tennis is better when fans don’t already know how the movie ends. "Most of all, you need rivalries. You need suspense," Navratilova said. "It’s not fun when it’s a given." That is the balance tennis is always trying to strike. Dominance creates history. Rivalries create emotion. Uncertainty creates appointment viewing. Navratilova pointed to Nadal’s absurd run at Roland Garros as the kind of dominance that deserves to be celebrated. Nadal won the French Open so many times that, for years, the only question in Paris was whether anyone could make him sweat. "I mean, it’s amazing how many times Rafa Nadal has won this, no matter who was on the other side of the net," Navratilova said. "So you honor that, but it’s best when you’re not sure who’s going to win. That’s what makes it beautiful." That’s what this French Open has now. The final weekend is not about watching an inevitable champion finish the job. It’s about finding out who can handle the moment when the draw suddenly says yes. Navratilova said that kind of uncertainty is what pulls fans into the sport. "That’s what made that last final here between Alcaraz and Sinner so compelling, because you didn’t know who was going to win until the match was over," she said. "And so you need rivalries. You need the contrasts and the personalities and for people to get involved emotionally behind the player. And that’s what really makes the sport tick, I think." That point ties into something Chris Evert told OutKick earlier in the tournament. After Sinner left the court during his second-round loss to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Evert said tennis has to be honest about two things at once. CHRIS EVERT SAYS JANNIK SINNER 'SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ALLOWED' TO LEAVE COURT DURING FRENCH OPEN CONTROVERSY Top players drive the sport. They carry television windows, ticket sales and interest through a two-week Grand Slam. Evert told OutKick that those players have earned some consideration when it comes to scheduling and recovery. But Evert also said Sinner "shouldn’t have been allowed" to leave the court if the issue was cramping and dehydration, because muscle cramping alone is not grounds for a medical timeout under Grand Slam rules. That's where Navratilova’s answer lined up with Evert’s broader point. Navratilova was asked whether tennis’ biggest names get advantages that other players do not. She did not hesitate. "Of course, the top players get preferential treatment," Navratilova said. "I mean, some of them literally say, ‘This is when I need to play, and what day, and what time,’ and they get that." That's not exactly shocking. Tennis is a star-driven sport. The biggest names sell tickets. They drive television windows. They create the matchups that capture the attention of casual sports fans. Navratilova said those players have earned some of that treatment. "At the same time, they kind of earned it," Navratilova said. "But yeah, you can take it too far, obviously." That's the same uncomfortable middle ground Evert identified. Nobody reasonable wants Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff or the sport’s other biggest stars treated like anonymous qualifiers. They are not anonymous qualifiers. They carry the sport. But there is a difference between giving stars the best courts, best windows and best recovery opportunities before a match, and letting fans wonder whether they’re getting a softer interpretation of the rulebook once the match starts. In Sinner’s case, Navratilova noted the controversy did not save him. "At the end of the day, he lost anyway," she said. "So whatever help he might have gotten didn’t help." True. But that does not make the larger conversation go away. If anything, it fits the theme of this French Open perfectly. The sport still needs stars. It also needs suspense. And it needs fans to believe the same rules apply once the match starts. That is what made this French Open so strange and so compelling. The biggest names were supposed to define the tournament. Instead, the tournament became more interesting because so many of them disappeared. Now tennis gets a championship weekend with fresh faces, new pressure and no obvious ending. Navratilova does not see that as a problem. "I think it’s great to see the new blood coming in and taking charge," she said. For tennis, that might be exactly what Roland Garros needed. A little new blood. A little suspense. And for once, no coronation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a24108fee6011c3f4eb877f A wheeled robot may beat humanoids into your home te 2026-06-06T12:20:31.280Z A wheeled robot may beat humanoids into your home A new wheeled robot could help people at home before many humanoid robots are ready for everyday use. That is the big idea behind Hello Robot's Stretch 4. While many companies are developing human-shaped robots that walk, balance and try to act like us, Stretch 4 takes a different route. It rolls. That may sound less exciting at first. However, inside a real home, wheels may make more sense than legs. Homes have rugs, cords, pets, narrow hallways, tight corners and furniture that always seems to get in the way. A robot that can move carefully through that mess and reach for useful objects could become more helpful than one that looks impressive in a social media video. HOME ROBOT AUTOMATES HOUSEHOLD CHORES LIKE ROSIE FROM 'THE JETSONS' Stretch 4 focuses on safe movement, reaching and practical assistance in homes and workplaces. That could make it one of the more realistic ways to build a robot that actually helps people where they live. Stretch 4 is a mobile robot designed to help indoors. It looks more like a slim rolling assistant than a humanoid robot. That design choice is intentional. The robot has a wheeled base, a lifting column and an arm that can reach for objects. It is built with tools for mapping, navigation, self-charging and VLM grasping demos. Hello Robot presents Stretch 4 as calibrated, portable and deployable. However, its technical sheet also says it is currently intended for research, development and laboratory use. Researchers and enterprise customers can buy it now. The company also plans home pilot deployments. That real-home testing is important. A staged demo can look great online. A hallway with a rug, a laundry basket and a dog is a much better test. HUMANOID ROBOTS ARE GETTING SMALLER, SAFER AND CLOSER Humanoid robots get plenty of attention because they look familiar. They also make it easy to imagine a machine moving through your home like a person. However, legs add risk and complexity. A bipedal robot has to balance. It has to manage many moving parts. It also has to avoid falling near people, furniture and pets. Stretch 4 takes a simpler route. It uses wheels. That choice makes sense for many homes, especially homes adapted for people with mobility challenges. If someone already uses a wheelchair, the home may already work well for a robot that rolls. So the question becomes pretty simple. Why make a robot walk if rolling works better? WHEELED WONDER ROBOT DOG SHOWS OFF CRAZY DANCE MOVES IN ALL KINDS OF TOUGH TERRAIN One of the biggest upgrades in Stretch 4 is its omnidirectional base. That means it can move in any direction without turning first. That could make a big difference in tight rooms. Think about a robot trying to move near a bed, chair, kitchen island or wheelchair. A machine that can slide sideways may be easier to control. It may also be safer to position. Hello Robot spent months developing this new base. The company used newer omnidirectional wheel technology that came from powered wheelchairs. That connection fits the mission. A home assistive robot should borrow from designs that already help people move. THE NEW ROBOT THAT COULD MAKE CHORES A THING OF THE PAST Stretch 4 also gets a more advanced sensor setup. Earlier versions had a smaller moving head. Stretch 4 now uses lidar and cameras with a wider field of view. It also has a wrist-mounted depth camera to help with reaching and grabbing. Those sensors help the robot understand what is around it. They also help it avoid obstacles and handle objects with more care. Hello Robot appears to be choosing richer data over a cheaper camera-only setup. That could help the robot work more safely in homes, where things change constantly. A cord may cross the floor. A rug may bunch up. A threshold may get in the way. A useful home robot needs to see enough to react. Stretch 4 includes autonomous features, but Hello Robot keeps a human involved. That can mean direct control. It can also mean a person supervises while the robot handles certain actions on its own. That approach feels realistic for home care. Fully autonomous home robots still face a tough road. Homes are personal, unpredictable and often cluttered. People also need time to trust a machine that works near them every day. With Stretch 4, a person can stay involved. That could make early home use safer and more practical. Stretch 4 may have its strongest early impact with people who have severe mobility impairments. That is where a home assistive robot could offer real value. Picking up a dropped item can become a big deal when someone has limited movement. The same goes for moving an object across a room or reaching something on a shelf. Small tasks can affect independence. Hello Robot has worked with Henry Evans, who is paralyzed and cannot speak. Evans uses a computer to control robots and has tested assistive robots in his home for years. His view cuts through the hype. For someone who cannot walk, a robot with legs may offer little benefit. A stable wheeled robot may do the job better. Safety may decide which robots actually make it into our homes. A robot in a factory works in a controlled space. A robot in your home works near people, pets, furniture and medical equipment. That raises the stakes. Stretch 4 includes safety features such as force limiting, collision avoidance, tilt avoidance and a dedicated runstop button. A humanoid robot faces a harder problem. If it loses balance or stops suddenly, it could fall. That creates a real concern around older adults, caregivers and people who cannot move quickly. That risk may explain why a less flashy robot could reach homes sooner. A robot that helps safely beats a robot that looks cool on video. Stretch 4 costs $29,950. That is a lot of money, especially if you are thinking about it as something for the average home. However, this version is not aimed at everyday folks just yet. Hello Robot says Stretch 4 is currently only certified for laboratory and research use while the company works toward additional certifications. The company also notes that some purchases may be restricted under the DoD 1260H designation, depending on the use of certain government funds. For now, Stretch 4 is more likely to appeal to researchers, care organizations and pilot programs that want to test what a wheeled robot can actually do. BERKELEY LAUNCHES A LIGHTWEIGHT OPEN-SOURCE HUMANOID ROBOT Those early deployments could help Hello Robot improve the system before a future version reaches our homes. The first truly helpful home robot may look nothing like an actual person. It may roll into the room. It may use one arm. It may look more like a tool than a character from a cartoon. That could all be a good thing. A home assistive robot should help with real tasks. It should move safely, reach carefully and work in the spaces people already use. For families caring for someone with limited mobility, that could become meaningful. A robot that helps someone grab an item or complete a simple task could support more independence at home. For the rest of us, Stretch 4 is a reminder that the first useful home robot may not be the one that looks the most human. It may be the one that can safely help with the small tasks that make daily life easier. Stretch 4 will not win a robot beauty contest. It will not walk through your house like a person. It will not look like the humanoid robots taking over social media feeds. Yet it may be closer to what you actually need. Hello Robot seems focused on a more grounded goal: build a robot that can help safely inside real homes. That may sound less exciting than a humanoid helper. However, it could mean far more to someone who needs daily help. And if Stretch 4 proves itself in homes, humanoid robot companies may have to answer a tougher question. Would you rather have a robot that looks human or one that can safely help you at home? 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/6a240ef7ee6011c3f4eb870d Trump says it's 'shocking' Major League Baseball still hasn't implemented a salary cap te 2026-06-06T12:13:43.199Z Trump says it's 'shocking' Major League Baseball still hasn't implemented a salary cap There's a lot of talk about whether the MLB needs to adopt a salary cap, and now President Donald Trump is giving his opinion on the matter. And he is quite firmly in the salary cap camp. OutKick's Dan Zaksheske asked the president about the MLB's current situation aboard Air Force One. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "If you don't have a salary cap, you don't have a sport," Trump said. "They can't help themselves. In sports, they can't help themselves. Football has a salary cap." MLB OWNERS COUNTER PLAYERS' UNION'S PROPOSAL WITH SALARY CAP FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1994-95 STRIKE Not only does the NFL have a salary cap, so too do the NHL and the NBA, leaving the MLB as the only one of the four major North American professional sports leagues without one. "They should've done it a long time ago," the president said. "I know so much about sports, they should've done it a long time ago." Trump then mentioned his administration's efforts to enact laws regarding NIL, something he likened to a salary cap in professional leagues, and pointed to major schools losing hundreds of millions of dollars. "You can't have that," he said. "Nobody can afford that." The president circled back to baseball. "Major League Baseball — it's shocking, frankly, that they didn't put a cap on years ago," he said. "They had a chance to do a cap, and they blew it." The MLB and MLBPA are in the early stage of collective bargaining talks, and the first proposal for any kind of salary cap came this week. The league proposed a salary cap of $245.3 million for 2027. This season, the league's highest Opening Day payroll belonged to the Los Angeles Dodgers at $415.2 million, while the lowest belonged to the Miami Marlins at $81.8 million. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a240ee3ee6011c3f4eb8704 Former Indiana Rep Stephen Buyer receives full pardon from Trump for 2023 insider trading conviction te 2026-06-06T12:13:23.201Z Former Indiana Rep Stephen Buyer receives full pardon from Trump for 2023 insider trading conviction The White House recently announced President Donald Trump on Thursday exercised his authority under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution to grant a "full, complete, and unconditional pardon" to former Republican Indiana Rep. Stephen Buyer, who was convicted of profiting from insider information. The pardon absolves Buyer of a 2023 federal conviction that resulted in a 22-month prison sentence.  Buyer, who chaired the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and served as a House prosecutor during former President Bill Clinton's 1998 impeachment trial, was found guilty by a jury of operating off nonpublic, insider information after he left office. GOP LAWMAKER JOINS DEMOCRAT-LED EFFORT TO LIMIT TRUMP'S PARDON POWER The White House proclamation praised Buyer's "distinguished and highly productive" career, citing his service as a judge advocate general in the U.S. Army and his 1993–2011 tenure as a U.S. representative from Indiana. The pardon was supported by the "complete and total endorsement" of more than 50 current and former lawmakers, the White House said. Among those who endorsed the pardon included Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Roger Wicker and former House Speaker John Boehner. Other supporters were former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., former Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, former Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., former Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, and former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr. The proclamation directed Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to "administer and effectuate the immediate issuance of a certificate of pardon" for Buyer. DEM CONGRESSMAN PARDONED BY TRUMP ACCUSES BIDEN-ERA DOJ OF WEAPONIZING INDICTMENT Buyer's conviction stemmed from allegations that he purchased stock in a management company called Navigant just weeks before one of his own clients, Guidehouse, acquired it. He was then accused of buying shares of Sprint after secretly learning about the company's unannounced plans to merge with T-Mobile. During the proceedings, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman, a Clinton nominee, argued the former congressman obstructed justice by giving the court false explanations for why he made the trades. TRUMP PARDONS 5 FORMER NFL STARS FOR WIDE-RANGING CRIMES Buyer's legal team pushed for a sentence of home confinement and community service rather than prison time, arguing that despite Buyer once earning up to $2.2 million in a single year, the cost of litigation had financially ruined him. According to his lawyers, Buyer and his wife were forced to sell their home, condo and two cars, and his wife had to re-enter the workforce at 65 years old. Despite the defense’s efforts, Berman sentenced Buyer to 22 months in prison, ordered him to forfeit the $354,027 he made from the illegal trades and imposed an additional $10,000 fine.  Federal prosecutors also pushed for Buyer to pay $1.4 million to cover the legal fees for both sides, but the judge ruled against the request. Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a240ecfee6011c3f4eb86fb Inside the California city where democratic socialists are testing their 'anti-business' agenda te 2026-06-06T12:13:03.209Z Inside the California city where democratic socialists are testing their 'anti-business' agenda Just 30 minutes from San Francisco sits the city of Richmond, Calif., which has quietly become one of the country's most unusual political experiments. It's a city where an activist coalition that includes democratic socialists has exercised influence over local government for years. From the outside, Richmond looks like any other working-class California city with a massive Chevron refinery looming over the shoreline and immigrant-owned businesses lining 23rd Street. Politically, however, Richmond stands apart. The Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA), which was formed in the early 2000s, has played a major role in the city's government for more than two decades. The group's website states it was initially started to "challenge corporate power, oppose the Iraq War, and fight for fair housing and rent control." Its influence has only grown over the years, leaving many Richmond residents concerned about City Hall's relationship with local businesses and its openness to economic development. WILL SOCIALISM SAVE SEATTLE? CITY ADVOCATES STRUGGLE TO FIND SOLUTIONS AS HOMELESS, DRUG ADDICTS FLOOD STREETS The RPA's influence is perhaps most evident in City Hall, where Mayor Eduardo Martinez, who is aligned with the coalition and openly affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), leads the progressive-leaning city council. Martinez has championed policies focused on environmental justice and reducing corporate influence. However, critics say that the city has become increasingly hostile to businesses overall, both big and local. "Richmond embraces elements of progressive governance, but like the rest of America, we are not defined by any single ideology," Martinez told Fox News Digital. "We are a diverse community with a range of political perspectives, united by a commitment to serving our residents. While we may disagree on certain issues, I am encouraged by our ability to find common ground on priorities such as addressing homelessness, creating living-wage jobs, maintaining a clean city, and ensuring government works for the people." When asked about the influence the RPA has in Richmond, Martinez told Fox News Digital that the group "serves as an alternative to traditional, business-dominated politics. It seeks to empower communities that have historically been marginalized by providing meaningful opportunities for residents to participate in shaping the decisions that affect their lives." AS SOCIALIST MAYOR BATTLES ICE, SEATTLE POLICE AND CRIME VICTIMS SAY REPEAT OFFENDERS ARE TERRORIZING THE CITY "When I first ran for city council and was elected back in the early 90s, I was considered to be the most, let's say, the most liberal person on the city council. And since then, if anything, I've gotten even more liberal and progressive. But when I left, I wasn't considered the most conservative person on city council, so I didn't change that much. But the city council changed dramatically," former Richmond Mayor Tom Butt told Fox News Digital. Butt was the longest continually serving person on the City Council and played a consequential role as mayor. Now, he's concerned about the direction of Richmond under the RPA's influence. "When the first RPA people got elected — although I wasn't one of them and I had some suspicions of them — I found them very helpful to get things done I wanted to do," Butt said, adding that the group was helpful in tackling issues such as climate change and energy. "I enjoyed the help I got from those RPA folks. And then as they gained more power in the mid-2010s, they pivoted," he said. The shift in the RPA's impact on Richmond occurred amid the city's efforts to curb Chevron's influence in local politics. The energy giant runs a massive refinery in Richmond and remains one of the city's largest sources of tax revenue. While RPA leadership argued that the company should pay more to address environmental and community impacts, critics warned that if the city alienated Chevron, it could lead to disastrous economic results. Supporters of the RPA point to the coalition's victories in the city's fight against Chevron, arguing that the group has helped hold the company accountable. However, Butt said that City Hall's tension with business owners goes beyond Chevron. "I've seen a lot of changes here in Richmond. It's not a business-friendly place, it really isn't," Butt said. "If you're in business, you're pretty much on your own. The city of Richmond's not going to help you." THE SOCIALIST CRIME BLUEPRINT BEGINS: NYC LEADERS PULL BACK THE CURTAIN ON MAMDANI'S VISION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY Martinez pushed back on the idea that Richmond City Hall was adversarial with local business owners. "I would challenge the notion that Richmond is hostile to business. We support responsible corporate behavior and work effectively with companies that respect the city, the environment, their workers, and neighboring communities," he told Fox News Digital. "Those who characterize City Hall as hostile often do so because they have caused harm — or failed to prevent harm — to one of those stakeholders. It is our responsibility to protect residents, workers, and the environment from corporate negligence or abuse." Local business owners echoed similar concerns when speaking with Fox News Digital. Among the most vocal critics was Kevin Brown, the former president and CEO of Riggers Loft Wine Company, who believes the RPA is pushing a strictly "anti-business" agenda.  Brown said he invested approximately $2 million in transforming a former shipyard building into a waterfront winery, tasting room and event space that drew visitors from across the Bay Area. However, after a dispute with the city over deferred COVID-era rent payments, Brown's business was ultimately closed down. He told Fox News Digital that his conflict with the city underscored local leadership's broader hostility towards business owners. "We were, in our estimation and the estimation of many other people, a valuable business and kind of a calling card for Richmond, but when the city decided they wanted to change directions, they were just looking for, 'How do we get rid of them?,'" Brown said. The city disputed Brown's characterization of events, saying in a statement that his company accumulated nearly $400,000 in unpaid rent and violated its lease despite receiving accommodations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city said it made "multiple efforts to find a resolution," but Richmond's Surplus Property Authority was ultimately forced to file two unlawful detainer cases in an effort to reclaim the property. WASHINGTON BUSINESS OWNERS FEAR SOCIALIST ‘MILLIONAIRES TAX’ IS DRIVING BUSINESSES OUT — AND THEY’RE NEXT According to Brown, the city's animosity towards businesses goes beyond political labels and ideology. "Eduardo Martinez says he's a social democrat. I'm not one way or the other. But you need a certain amount of business to help generate revenues and to be an attraction for people to come to the city. And you also need to have a great quality of life for the citizens," he said. Though, Martinez said that, in his view, "ideology is an essential component of elected leadership." "Voters choose representatives whose values and priorities align with their own. Our beliefs serve as a moral compass when making decisions and determining how best to serve our residents," he added. Similar frustrations were expressed by owners of businesses that are far removed from Richmond's political battles with Chevron. Along 23rd Street, an area of Richmond full of immigrant-owned businesses, Raul Ramirez built Tacos El Rulas. After emigrating from Mexico, Ramirez started with an ice cream cart before expanding to Mexican treats, food trucks and eventually a full-service restaurant that draws diners looking to try unique creations, like Mexican sushi. Despite building a successful business, the Ramirez family said that dealing with City Hall is often frustrating. IS MAMDANI'S SOCIALIST PUSH FOR RENT CONTROLS ABOUT TO WRECK THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING MARKET? "The city council should actually pay attention to small businesses, because that's the next generation," Angel Ramirez, Raul's son, said. Angel said that small businesses in Richmond were struggling to get permits and claimed that some applicants had not received permits from the city, despite paying for them. "They always say a lot of stuff, but it never really gets done," he said. Brown, like other business owners and residents who spoke with Fox News Digital, said that Richmond's leadership was guided more by ideology than practical concerns. "They have a vision and ideology, and it's full speed ahead. That's what they're going to do," Brown said. The RPA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Butt said he believes Richmond has become something larger than a local political dispute. "I think they're all frustrated that they can't change the United States to fit their vision of how government should work. But they certainly can do that in Richmond," he said. Martinez said his city is not an experiment, but rather "a shining example of working people recognizing their ability to govern themselves without being beholden to corporate influence or large financial interests." "We serve as an incubator for grassroots democracy, nurturing inclusivity, compassion, and responsible industry. We believe this reflects the purest expression of government of the people, by the people, and for the people." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a240ebbee6011c3f4eb86f2 Jeff Bartos says UN reform is no longer an 'oxymoron' after $570M in cuts te 2026-06-06T12:12:43.211Z Jeff Bartos says UN reform is no longer an 'oxymoron' after $570M in cuts UNITED NATIONS — When Jeff Bartos appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2025 for his confirmation hearing, he was warned that the job he was seeking might not exist.  The Pennsylvania businessman, former political candidate and endurance athlete had been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador for United Nations Management and Reform — a title that has long sounded aspirational in a building famous for bureaucracy. During his confirmation hearing, Bartos recalled being greeted with a dose of skepticism. "UN reform? That's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one," lawmakers told him. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION COULD LEAD TO BUDGET CUTS, LEADERSHIP SHAKEUP AT UN Less than a year later, Bartos believes the impossible is beginning to happen. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the Trump administration official laid out an ambitious campaign to reshape an institution critics say has become bloated, inefficient and increasingly disconnected from its founding mission. The effort comes at a pivotal moment for the United Nations. The stakes extend well beyond budgets. As the U.N. confronts a cash crunch, prepares to choose its next secretary-general and faces growing scrutiny from the administration, the debate over reform has become a battle over the institution's future: whether it remains on its current course or undergoes its most significant restructuring in decades. UN FACES SEVERE CASH CRISIS AS TRUMP ADMIN RAMPS UP PRESSURE ON WORLD BODY Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly warned of a growing liquidity crisis as the organization struggles with delayed member-state payments, including billions owed by the United States. At the same time, the Trump administration has made clear that future funding and support will be increasingly tied to reforms. Bartos argues that pressure is already producing results. Sitting at the U.N. headquarters, he points to what he calls historic achievements: roughly $570 million cut from the U.N.'s regular budget and 2,900 positions eliminated through negotiations among all 193 member states. "Again, never happened before in 80 years," Bartos said. "$570 million cut to the regular budget, approximately 3,000 posts cut. Unanimity. That's by consensus. All 193 countries had to come together." For Bartos, the achievement is particularly striking because many diplomats viewed meaningful reform as impossible. AMBASSADOR MIKE WALTZ LAYS OUT ‘AMERICA FIRST’ VISION FOR US LEADERSHIP AT THE UN "I promised you we wouldn't let you down," he recalled telling Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch months after his confirmation. The reforms represent only what Bartos describes as a "down payment." The next phase is already underway. As member states negotiate peacekeeping budgets for the coming year, the administration is pushing to reduce spending, streamline missions and eliminate programs it believes no longer serve their intended purpose. One example, Bartos said, involves changing how the U.N. reimburses countries that contribute equipment to peacekeeping missions. Previously, reimbursement was largely based on whether equipment was present. "The methodology that the U.N. used to reimburse troop-contributing countries for equipment was: 'Is it there?'" Bartos said. The United States pushed for a simple change: "You get reimbursed when the equipment is put into action to do work." The reform could save roughly $30 million annually, according to U.S. estimates. For Bartos, however, the dollar figure matters less than what it represents. "It's a culture change," he said. "Being efficient, being respectful of every dollar, thinking about the taxpayers who fund all this." That mindset is driving the administration's next major targets: employee compensation and pensions. Bartos argues that the U.N.'s pension system and benefits structure consume resources that could otherwise be directed toward humanitarian operations. Not everyone at the United Nations agrees with Bartos' assessment. U.N. officials argue that many of the reforms predate the Trump administration and were already being pursued under Secretary-General António Guterres. "From day one, the Secretary-General has been committed to reforms," U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told Fox News Digital and added, "A few days ago, on 28 May, the Secretary-General told Member States that they need to act on structural reform, saying, "Genuine reform requires tough choices. This is no time for complacency, self-interest, or foot-dragging." The UN80 initiative is Guterres' flagship reform effort, aimed at cutting duplication, reviewing mandates and making the UN system more efficient. Still, Bartos argues the pace and scope of reform changed dramatically once the United States began applying pressure through budget negotiations and funding discussions. "The U.N. is at a decision point," Bartos told Fox News Digital. The debate comes as the organization faces mounting financial pressure. Dujarric said Guterres remains deeply concerned about ongoing liquidity challenges caused by delayed payments from member states, including the United States. "Unlike a government, the U.N. cannot borrow or print money," Dujarric said, warning that the organization is expected to execute programs with funds it has not received while also returning unused funds at the end of the year. Earlier in 2026, Guterres urged member states either to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time or overhaul the U.N.'s financial rules to prevent what he described as the risk of financial collapse. The reforms are unfolding as the U.N. begins preparing for one of the most consequential transitions in years: the search for a successor to Guterres, whose term expires at the end of 2026. According to Bartos, reform has become a central topic in discussions with prospective candidates. The administration hopes the next secretary-general will embrace efforts to reduce bureaucracy and return the institution to what Bartos repeatedly describes as a "back-to-basics" approach. The challenge, he acknowledges, is enormous. Yet Bartos insists the experience has prepared him in unexpected ways. Before entering government, he completed two Ironman triathlons while balancing work and family life. "It's discipline, planning, prioritization," he said. "It's not dissimilar to budget negotiations." The comparison may sound unusual, but it reflects how Bartos views the job: not as a sprint, but as an endurance race requiring patience, persistence and long-term thinking. The mission also carries a personal dimension. TRUMP REMOVES US FROM UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, BANS UNRWA FUNDING After two unsuccessful statewide campaigns in Pennsylvania — first as the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018 and later as a candidate in the state's 2022 Republican Senate primary — Bartos said he had largely stepped away from politics before returning to public service following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.  Bartos recalled his wife urging him to get involved: "You've spent your life working on these issues. You need to do something." He ultimately joined efforts to help elect Trump and later accepted the U.N. role. Now, after tackling what many considered the first impossible mission — reforming the United Nations — Bartos is preparing for what may prove an even harder challenge. Bartos said he was recently tasked by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz with helping lead efforts to combat what the administration views as entrenched anti-Israel bias across the U.N. system, including agencies, special rapporteurs and investigative bodies. The debate intensified following the publication of the U.N. secretary-general's annual report on conflict-related sexual violence, which added Israeli security forces to the report's blacklist of parties credibly suspected of patterns of sexual violence in armed conflict. Israel rejected the allegations and announced it would suspend engagement with Secretary-General António Guterres' office. ISRAEL ACCUSES UN OF PLACING IT ON SAME SEXUAL VIOLENCE BLACKLIST AS HAMAS TERRORISTS, SEVERS TIES Responding to the report, Waltz told Fox News Digital that the UN has failed to address what he described as a longstanding pattern of institutional antisemitism. "The U.N. was built in the wake of World War II and the Holocaust, and yet, remarkably, it continues to be weaponized against the Jewish people and Israel," Waltz said. "Whether it's a U.N. official regularly referencing Israel as a 'stain on humanity' and attacking American companies for doing business with Israel, or reports that spread misinformation and propaganda, this antisemitism is completely unacceptable." "It's been over a year since the secretary general signed off on an 'action plan' to fight antisemitism at the institution — it would be nice if the institution actually used it," he added. Bartos argues that anti-Israel bias has become embedded across multiple U.N. bodies and says the administration is working to dismantle what he calls that infrastructure through diplomacy, funding decisions and engagement with the next generation of U.N. leadership. "There is not a day that goes by that we're not working on that," Bartos said. The United Nations rejects accusations that it has ignored antisemitism within its ranks. Dujarric told Fox News Digital that the secretary-general launched a formal Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism in January 2025 aimed at tracking antisemitism within U.N. structures and evaluating whether the organization's policies and actions are effectively addressing the problem. Dujarric also disputed suggestions that Guterres directly controls some of the U.N. bodies most frequently criticized by Israel and its supporters.  "The U.N. mechanisms that you allude to, including human rights mechanisms, are created by and accountable to Member States," Dujarric said. "The Secretary-General has no authority over them." "It is very important for Member States to actively engage in these mechanisms if they have concerns about their content and tone," he added. "The U.N. is at a decision point," Bartos concluded.  Whether the institution changes enough to satisfy its largest financial contributor remains one of the most consequential questions facing the organization — and the man charged with answering it insists the work is only beginning. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a240ea7ee6011c3f4eb86e9 Michigan athlete lured by Snapchat message before being shot, dumped in lake while still alive te 2026-06-06T12:12:23.289Z Michigan athlete lured by Snapchat message before being shot, dumped in lake while still alive Tiffany Valdez still vividly recalls hearing what sounded like gunfire before learning her beloved brother had been killed. In the early hours of June 7, 2018, Emilio Valdez left his mother's home and entered a Pontiac Grand Prix parked outside a neighbor's house. Moments later, police said he was shot inside the vehicle. Investigators later determined the 20-year-old suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and the back of the head. The episode stated that Emilio was still alive when he was thrown into Osmun Lake. GRIEVING MOMS DIG WITH ‘BARE HANDS’ TO UNEARTH THE DARK TRUTH BEHIND THEIR MISSING AND MURDERED CHILDREN Valdez and her family appeared in Investigation Discovery's true crime series, "Bodies in the Water," which examines homicide investigations in which waterways became crime scenes. Each episode explores how investigators used forensic evidence to bring killers to justice. "I heard the gunshots," Valdez told Fox News Digital. "I ran outside, and the car I had just watched him get into was speeding away with music playing loudly. When I last spoke to him, it was nighttime. He called me to open the door because he didn't have his key. He was coming home after hanging out with friends. He was going back out to spend time with friends." "We had been trying to get ahold of him all night and all morning," she recalled. "We learned [on social media] that a body had been found in Osmun Lake. We didn't want to believe it was him. But then my sister and I had to identify his body." WATCH: DYLAN ROUNDS' MOTHER EXPLAINS HOW MISSING SON'S CELLPHONE HELPED BREAK CASE AND LED TO SQUATTER'S ARREST Emilio grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, in a large, close-knit family. A star athlete, he was known for his easygoing nature and ability to make friends wherever he went. "We were always proud of him," said Valdez. "When he was in middle school, there was a boy in his class who was being bullied because his family didn’t have much money, and he didn’t have nice clothes. Emilio stuck up for him and took the shoes, brand-new Jordans, right off his feet and gave them to the kid. I remember him coming home with no shoes, but he was so excited and grateful to help that kid." "But that was my brother," Valdez continued. "He was kind and so giving. He loved meeting new people, and he loved his family. Every day, he woke up with a smile on his face. He was spontaneous and fun. He was a good person." Emilio rarely went long without posting to Snapchat. But on the morning he disappeared, the steady stream of updates stopped. Valdez said that during the final months of his life, her brother increasingly gravitated toward a new group of friends. The episode described them as a rougher crowd than the longtime friends and teammates he had traditionally surrounded himself with. Investigators said Emilio was carrying a bag of marijuana and a shoebox when he left home. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "We knew very little about this new group of friends until after Emilio’s death," said Valdez. "And in those early days, we had no idea who would want to do this to our precious brother." Emilio's bloody clothes were found by two fishermen near a dock at Osmun Lake. Authorities said the clothing appeared to contain a bullet hole. According to the episode, investigators also found a trail of blood, tire tracks and drag marks nearby. A vehicle appeared to have struck several benches. Emilio's body was later recovered from the lake. Evidence suggested he had been dragged toward the water. "We kept our faith that we would find out who did this, but it was rough," said Valdez. "It took years to make an arrest. Before then, it was difficult knowing someone had committed this horrific crime and was still walking free. But we kept our faith that we would get answers. We never stopped fighting for Emilio." The episode revealed that a Grand Prix containing blood, a spent shell casing and Emilio's phone was later found submerged a few miles away. It was reported stolen by Guadalupe Maria Davila-Rodriguez. She noted that her son, Angel Jose Alvarez, would borrow her vehicle. Police questioned Alvarez, who had a criminal background. He denied any involvement in Emilio's disappearance. Valdez told Fox News Digital she had never heard of Alvarez before investigators identified him as a suspect. For nearly four years, the case remained unsolved. Then, in 2022, a new team of detectives reopened the investigation. After reviewing Emilio's Snapchat activity in the hours before his death, investigators found a message reading, "You comiin?!" that had been sent shortly before he left home. Detectives later linked the account to Alvarez. SIGN UP TO GET THE TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Phone records also showed Alvarez contacted his brother and mother after Emilio's killing. Investigators said Alvarez's mother later reported the Grand Prix stolen after receiving a call from her son. After constructing a timeline, investigators concluded that Emilio had been lured to meet Alvarez shortly before his disappearance. Phone records showed Alvarez making calls to his brother and mother after the killing. Detectives believed Alvarez called his brother to pick him up from Osmun Lake, where Emilio's body was later found, and then contacted his mother, asking her to report the Grand Prix he had been driving as stolen. Alvarez, his brother and his mother were arrested later that year. "I broke down in tears from gratitude," said Valdez. "It was such a relief and a win for the family." The episode suggested that, in Emilio's final years, his popularity, appearance and close friendships with women may have fueled jealousy and resentment among some of his peers. "I believe [jealousy] was the case wholeheartedly," said Valdez. "I feel they were jealous of the fact that Emilio was hanging out with all the girls. Emilio grew up with five sisters, so he knew how to treat women. He knew how to respect women. He was capable of showing love to his female friends on a platonic level. And when my family and I saw Angel’s interrogation tape, he tried to paint himself the picture of who Emilio actually was." SIGN UP TO GET THE TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Authorities have never publicly identified jealousy as a motive, and prosecutors did not offer a definitive explanation for why Emilio was targeted. Prosecutors presented a timeline supported by phone records and vehicle evidence during the trial. A jury ultimately convicted Alvarez of second-degree murder in June 2024. He was sentenced the following month to 36½ to 80 years in prison. His brother, Juan Diego Hernandez, and mother, who were initially charged as accessories after the fact, later pleaded no contest to reduced charges of lying to a police officer during the homicide investigation. Hernandez received a six-day jail sentence, while Davila-Rodriguez was also convicted on the reduced charge. The motive behind Emilio's killing remains unclear. "Angel never owned up to what he did," said Valdez. "We still have that open question of why, but we sort of know why. We’re hopeful that one day Angel will own up to what he did and hopefully turn his life around. But first, he has to admit what he did. For the family, the hardest part is not really living with unanswered questions but dealing with the fact that my brother’s killer won’t just admit it. Just say what you did and be sorry." GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Today, Valdez and her family hope their pursuit of justice will inspire other grieving families. But Emilio's story also carries a warning. "Be careful who you call a friend," said Valdez. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a240e93ee6011c3f4eb86e0 I found my cousin nearly $30,000 in ‘lost’ money. Then I discovered who was holding it te 2026-06-06T12:12:03.296Z I found my cousin nearly $30,000 in ‘lost’ money. Then I discovered who was holding it A few months ago, I was poking around Colorado’s unclaimed property database when I spotted a familiar name: my cousin Jonathan. The listing was maddeningly vague. It showed his name, an old address and one slippery little phrase: "over $250." That could mean $251. It could mean $2,500. Or, as it turned out, it could mean nearly $30,000. ‘FILTHY FORTUNES’ STAR SAYS MILLIONS OF AMERICANS ARE UNKNOWINGLY SITTING ON $10K–$20K JACKPOTS IN THEIR HOMES I sent the listing to Jonathan and forgot about it. Weeks later, he called me stunned but happy. The money was real. It was a forgotten tax refund that had been sitting in state custody for years. His first question was the obvious one: How could I not have known about this? The answer should make every American angry. EXCLUSIVE: MARINE CORPS WIFE, MOM BLASTS BLUE STATE FOR WRONGFUL LEVY ON SAVINGS: ‘LEFT US WITH PENNIES’ Because the system is not really built to make this money easy to find or easy to get back. That one phone call sent me down a rabbit hole. I started digging through state records, audits, government databases and public documents. What I found was not some cute local-news story about forgotten cash. It was what amounts to a national scandal hiding in plain sight. CONDUENT DATA BREACH HITS MILLIONS ACROSS MULTIPLE STATES Across America, state governments are sitting on more than $100 billion in unclaimed money. That includes forgotten bank accounts, old paychecks, uncashed tax refunds, insurance payouts, unused gift cards, abandoned securities, utility deposits and money owed to dead relatives whose heirs never knew it existed. New York alone is holding more than $20 billion. California has about $15 billion. Texas is sitting on about $10 billion. This is not government money. It is your money. My cousin’s money. Your parents’ money. Your dead grandmother’s money. Your old employer’s money. Your forgotten tax refund. I'M OHIO'S STATE AUDITOR — MEDICAID FRAUD IS NOT JUST A WASHINGTON PROBLEM The government calls it "unclaimed property." I call it what it is: a tax on forgetfulness. And states love it. Officially, these programs exist to protect consumers. The idea sounds reasonable enough. If a bank, insurance company or corporation owes you money and cannot find you, the money eventually goes to the state, which is supposed to safeguard it until you claim it. That is the theory. The reality is much uglier. Once the money lands in state custody, it becomes a quiet source of cash flow. States use it to plug budget holes, fund programs and make their books look better. They get to hold private money, earn interest on it in many cases, and spend large portions of it while waiting for people to come forward. But most people never come forward because they have no idea the money exists. That is the trick. This is one of the sneakiest ways governments make ends meet. No tax increase. No angry voters. No ugly campaign ad. No bill in the mail. Just take custody of money people lost track of, make the search process confusing, make the claim process annoying and count on millions of people never showing up. In Delaware, unclaimed property has become one of the state’s largest revenue sources. In Virginia, lost money helps fund teacher pensions, literacy programs and police. Connecticut uses it to help finance public election campaigns. Ohio officials have even looked at using unclaimed property money to help pay for a domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns. Think about that. Money that belongs to ordinary people can end up helping politicians, pension funds, police budgets and football stadium dreams, all while the rightful owners are left in the dark. If a private bank did this, regulators would be kicking down the door. When states do it, they call it public finance. And the games start before you even file a claim. Many states refuse to show the exact amount of money owed. Instead, they use vague labels like "over $250." That was the label on my cousin’s claim. It made a nearly $30,000 tax refund look like a minor errand. That is not a small detail. It changes behavior. If you think a claim might be worth $12, you may ignore it. If you know it is worth $12,000, you will move heaven and earth to get it. States know this. Some states go even further. New Jersey does not publicly list claims below $100, even though those small claims add up to hundreds of millions of dollars. Michigan has kept claims under $50 out of public view. In North Dakota, a state audit found that searches for claims worth $10,000 or more could return "no results found," even though such claims existed. Let that sink in. You could search for your money, be told there are "no results," and still have thousands of dollars sitting in government custody. Then there is the paperwork. Even after people find their money, getting it back can be a bureaucratic obstacle course. Some claims require notarized forms, mailed documents, death certificates, probate records, old IDs, proof of address and layers of paperwork that feel designed to make people give up. Yes, states need to prevent fraud. Nobody wants scammers draining legitimate claims. But there is a difference between protecting people and exhausting them. Every extra form, every vague database entry, every missing dollar amount, every mailed document, every notarization requirement increases the chance that someone walks away. And when they walk away, the state keeps the money longer. That is the incentive problem at the heart of the whole system. The harder the money is to claim, the longer it stays with the government. The longer it stays with the government, the more useful it becomes. The more useful it becomes, the less eager politicians are to fix the system. This is why the happy TV segments like ABC’s "Show Me The Money" bother me. You have seen them. An anchor announces that a viewer has found $500. A state treasurer, or one of his minions, beams for the camera. Everyone celebrates the government for giving someone their money back. But that is like praising a man who borrowed $100, returned $3, and asked for a medal. New York brags that it returns millions of dollars a day. What it mentions less often is that it still holds more than $20 billion. Nationally, states return only a small fraction of what they hold each year, while the total pile keeps growing. That is not success. That is failure with good public relations. And it gets worse. Some states keep the interest earned on your money. California, for example, charges companies steep penalties if they fail to turn over unclaimed money on time, but pays rightful owners no interest when the state holds their money for years. So, the state can punish companies for being late, hold your money, earn from it and then give you back only the original amount. Nice work if you can get it. This is not some theoretical consumer issue. It hits people who can least afford it. People who move often. Retirees. Families handling estates. Workers who changed jobs. People who lost a parent. People who had medical bills, old insurance policies, forgotten refunds or closed bank accounts. The average claim is often meaningful. Some claims are small, but others are enormous. In 2022, Illinois agreed to pay $11 million to the heirs of a Chicago man named Joseph Stancak, who died without a will. The lesson is obvious: the money is real. My cousin’s nearly $30,000 was real. But the system depends on people assuming it is not worth checking. That is why reform is finally getting attention. Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Warren has demanded answers from state treasurers. Members of Congress have introduced reform legislation. Hearings may be coming. Good. But the fix does not require a moonshot. It requires basic honesty. States should publish exact dollar amounts. They should list every claim, even small ones. They should stop hiding behind vague ranges. They should use tax records and other government databases to automatically match people with their money. They should make claims simple and digital. They should pay interest when they earn interest. And they should measure success by how much money they return, not how much they hoard. Most importantly, states should stop pretending this is free money. It is not. A forgotten tax refund is not a budget tool. A widow’s insurance payout is not a slush fund. A dead man’s bank account is not stadium financing. A worker’s old paycheck is not government revenue. It is private property. My cousin was lucky. I happened to search. I happened to recognize his name. He happened to follow through. A vague "over $250" listing turned into nearly $30,000. But luck should not be the system. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The government says it is holding this money for us. Fine. Then give it back. Because unclaimed does not mean unwanted. And forgotten does not mean forfeited. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a240e7fee6011c3f4eb86d7 Americans say tipping practices 'have become ridiculous' as digital prompts push higher gratuities te 2026-06-06T12:11:43.362Z Americans say tipping practices 'have become ridiculous' as digital prompts push higher gratuities Americans may be reaching a tipping point with tipping screens. A recent Popmenu survey found that 78% of consumers believe tipping practices "have become ridiculous," while nearly three-quarters of people — or 74% — say they've noticed restaurants raising the suggested gratuity amounts displayed on digital payment screens.  When faced with those prompts, 59% of the 1,000 adults surveyed in March said they feel compelled to leave a tip. AMERICANS ARE FED UP WITH TIPPING CULTURE AS NEARLY 9 IN 10 SAY IT'S COMPLETELY 'OUT OF CONTROL' Even as consumers push back against what many call "tip creep," restaurant owners say diners still largely support traditional tipping when service is being provided. "It's kind of ingrained in American culture that if you go out to dinner at a restaurant, and you sit down and you're served, I think that a 20% tip is a good tip," said Vicki Parmelee, owner of Jumby Bay Island Grill in Jupiter, Florida. What customers increasingly dislike, Parmelee said, are screens that put pressure on customers to tip in situations in which gratuities were once optional or uncommon. "It is pretty annoying to go up to a service counter and order a coffee, and then have them turn around a terminal and expect a tip just for handing you a coffee," she told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Derek Simms, CEO of Texas-based Simms Hospitality Group, which operates eight restaurants in the Dallas area, said even people inside the restaurant business sometimes feel uncomfortable with modern tipping screens. "Even I give pause, and I'm in the restaurant business," Simms said — calling it "a very awkward moment." The survey found that many consumers are bypassing the preset options altogether.  More than a third — 36% — said they typically enter a custom tip rather than selecting one of the suggested amounts shown on restaurant payment screens. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Both restaurateurs said businesses should be careful not to make customers feel pressured into leaving gratuities. "I tell my staff that a tip is always something that's earned," Parmelee said. "It's not something they should ever expect." Simms warned that restaurants risk damaging customer loyalty if tipping prompts feel forced. "I don't want to lose a customer over some weird manipulation," he said. The survey suggests many consumers are drawing a distinction between tipping at full-service restaurants and being asked to tip for every transaction.  While 42% said they're becoming more comfortable with skipping gratuities in certain situations, many continue to tip restaurant servers at traditional levels. "When you get good service, you want to reward that," Parmelee said.  TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "And even though most people will tip about 20% on average, if you have an exceptional server, an exceptional experience, sometimes they tip a little bit more." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a240e6bee6011c3f4eb86ce Fox News AI Newsletter: Sanders bill would seize 50% of stock in OpenAI, Anthropic for sovereign wealth fund te 2026-06-06T12:11:23.372Z Fox News AI Newsletter: Sanders bill would seize 50% of stock in OpenAI, Anthropic for sovereign wealth fund IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER: - Bernie Sanders unveils plan to take 50% stake in AI companies for government wealth fund - College grads expect to earn $80,000 a year, but the math isn’t mathing - Jensen Huang says Nvidia's new RTX Spark chip will reinvent the PC SOCIALIST SHARE-UP: Democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is arguing that the federal government should establish a sovereign wealth fund that's financed by taking possession of half of the stock in AI giants like OpenAI, Anthropic and xAI, among others. PAPER CHASE: If you want to understand what's broken about higher education in America, look no further than one statistic. According to a recent survey, the average college student expects to earn $80,000 a year shortly after graduation. The reality? The average starting salary is closer to $56,000. That's a 30% gap between expectation and reality before a graduate even receives their first paycheck. THE AGENTIC ERA: Nvidia on Monday unveiled a new chip that will bring artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities onto laptops and desktop computers. The new AI chip, known as RTX Spark, was built as part of a collaboration between Nvidia and Microsoft to make personal computers that are built to power AI tools. CRACKED IN DAYS: Apple devices have earned a reputation for being tough to break into. That comes from Apple's tight control over the hardware, software and many of the protections standing between you and an attacker. However, a new claim from security startup Calif shows how quickly the cybersecurity world may be changing. FINANCIAL DYNAMITE: Billionaire Jeff Bezos just detonated a financial hand grenade in the middle of America’s tax debate. The Amazon founder recently suggested that the bottom half of American earners should pay zero federal income tax. Not lower taxes. Not a temporary rebate. Zero.  BIG BROTHER BOSS: The NewsGuild of New York has accused The New York Times of using artificial intelligence technology to monitor and surveil the performance of unionized tech workers in violation of their collective bargaining agreement. Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Health Fox News Go 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/6a24003dee6011c3f4eb7fbc WATCH: Mackenzie Shirilla’s father calls her ‘a dumb 18-year-old’ while berating police in bodycam video te 2026-06-06T11:10:53.049Z WATCH: Mackenzie Shirilla’s father calls her ‘a dumb 18-year-old’ while berating police in bodycam video Newly released bodycam footage shows Mackenzie Shirilla’s father calling her "a dumb 18-year-old" while berating police and demanding they not question her after her arrest in a crash that killed two people.  The Ohio murder case for Shirilla, dubbed "hell on wheels," is back in the spotlight following the release of Netflix’s true-crime documentary "The Crash." Shirilla, now 21, is serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life in prison for killing her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend, Davion Flanagan, 19, after prosecutors said she deliberately slammed her Toyota Camry into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, on July 31, 2022. Bodycam video obtained by Fox News Digital captures Shirilla’s father, Steven Shirilla, arriving at the Strongsville Police Department on Nov. 4, 2022, after his daughter was arrested. FATHER-TO-BE WAKES FROM COMA, TELLS POLICE GIRLFRIEND CRASHED CAR ON PURPOSE BEFORE HE DIES "I need to speak to my daughter," Steven Shirilla is heard telling officers. "You guys aren’t allowed to speak with her at all, that’s from the lawyer. He does not want you guys speaking to her." "It's unbelievable, I mean she's 18," Steven tells the officer. When officers told him Mackenzie Shirilla was 18 and could speak for herself, he shot back: "Yeah, but she’s a dumb 18-year-old that just turned 18." FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X When his wife, Natalie Shirilla, protested, he added: "All the kids nowadays are dumb." Steven Shirilla repeatedly insisted police were "not allowed" to question his daughter and said he needed to speak with her so she understood not to say anything to investigators. As officers left the station's lobby, he yelled, "Don’t ask her any questions!" FOX NEWS TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER: BRYAN KOHBERGER'S NEW TARGET, LUIGI MANGIONE'S 'RED FLAGS,' BRIAN WALSHE TRIAL WATCH: Police bodycam captures grim wreck scene after Mackenzie Shirilla crash The body camera video offers a new glimpse at the frantic moments after Shirilla’s arrest. Other body camera video captured the aftermath of the fatal crash, with officers sifting through the annihilated vehicle as they pieced together the case. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Police records reviewed by Fox News Digital show Strongsville officers responded around 6:15 a.m. on July 31, 2022, after the Camry struck the PLIDCO building at 11792 Alameda Drive in Strongsville. Shirilla, then 17, was removed from the driver’s seat and flown to MetroHealth Medical Center. Russo and Flanagan were pronounced dead after being mechanically extricated from the wreckage, records show. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB A grand jury presentation reviewed by Fox News Digital said Life360 data showed the vehicle traveling 90 mph in a 35 mph zone, while Event Data Recorder information showed the accelerator fully engaged and no service brake applied in the seconds before the devastating crash. A later police request to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office said the deaths were initially classified as accidental, but investigators believed the evidence showed the crash was "not an accident, but an intentional act." Police asked the medical examiner to conduct a secondary review and change the manner of death to homicide. SEND US A TIP HERE Prosecutors argued at trial that Shirilla drove into the building to end her toxic relationship with Russo, and that Flanagan was an unintended victim who happened to be in the car. Shirilla's case is back in the limelight after Netflix's new series, "The Crash." Shirilla has maintained the crash was not intentional. Fox News Digital has reached out to Shirilla's attorneys for comment. Since the Netflix series, Fox 8 learned that Steve Shirilla will not be returning to his teaching position at Mary Queen of Peace School. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "Catholic school personnel decisions are the purview of each school in the Diocese of Cleveland. Due to privacy considerations, neither the schools nor the Diocese ordinarily discuss personnel issues publicly," Catholic Diocese of Cleveland told Fox News Digital. "However, we can confirm that Mr. Steve Shirilla will not be returning to Mary Queen of Peace School." Fox News Digital has reached out to Mary Queen of Peace School for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a240029ee6011c3f4eb7f9b Trump moves to slash intelligence office ahead of permanent chief's arrival te 2026-06-06T11:10:33.052Z Trump moves to slash intelligence office ahead of permanent chief's arrival President Donald Trump said he wants soon-to-be acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to begin shrinking the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) before a permanent nominee takes over — signaling a potentially aggressive effort to reduce the size of the agency responsible for coordinating the nation's intelligence community. Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he has privately instructed Pulte to begin what he described as a broader effort to streamline ODNI, calling the office "unnecessary and/or too big" and saying he wants the acting intelligence chief to "start the process" of reducing personnel before a permanent director is confirmed. "I'd like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn't be there," Trump said, pointing to holdovers from the Obama and Biden administrations. Asked whether he wants Pulte to fire employees, Trump said he wants the acting intelligence chief to "start the process," adding that his eventual nominee to permanently lead the office should continue that work. TRUMP NAMES BILL PULTE ACTING DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard abruptly announced her resignation May 22, effective June 30, citing her husband's bone cancer diagnosis.  The president named Pulte, who currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to the acting role in early June. Because the position is temporary, Pulte does not require Senate confirmation and can serve for up to 210 days. Trump suggested Pulte's acting status could make it easier for him to carry out changes before a permanent director is confirmed. "You're less shackled," Trump said. "It sort of gives you more power, you know, for a somewhat limited period of time." The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital's questions on whether Pulte would be put up for confirmation as permanent director of national intelligence.  SENATE PUSH TO REAUTHORIZE NATION’S SPY POWERS STUMBLES OVER CONTROVERSIAL TRUMP DECISION "Frankly, it might be good for him to shake it up before people come," Trump added. "Because, if he reduced the size, in conjunction with me ... and in conjunction with possibly the person coming in ... he can do a lot of the hard work and we wouldn't have to saddle somebody that goes in." Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton quickly endorsed the effort, arguing the office has expanded beyond its original purpose and renewing his longstanding support for dramatically downsizing — or even eliminating — the office. "President Trump is right: the ODNI has grown far beyond its original mandate," Cotton wrote on X. "I've long advocated for downsizing, if not outright eliminating, this bureaucracy." TOM COTTON SLAMS ‘PARTISANS AND OBSTRUCTIONISTS’ IN DOD REPORTEDLY PLOTTING TO BLOCK TRUMP PLANS "Time to return these officers back to their home agencies to focus on actual intelligence work. I support President Trump in this effort." ODNI was established in 2004 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission and was designed to improve coordination among U.S. intelligence agencies after failures to share critical information ahead of the terrorist attacks. The office oversees and coordinates the work of the nation's 18 intelligence agencies and components. Cotton has long been among lawmakers who argue the agency has grown beyond its original mission. Earlier in 2026, he introduced legislation that would cap ODNI at 650 employees.  The office had roughly 1,800 employees at the start of the second Trump administration, though outgoing Director of National Intelligence Gabbard has said she reduced the workforce by about 25%.  Trump's latest comments suggest the administration could pursue a more far-reaching restructuring effort than previously outlined — and that Pulte may be tasked with beginning that process before a permanent nominee is in place. The president's selection of Pulte as acting DNI surprised many lawmakers and national security observers because the Federal Housing Finance Agency director has no intelligence or national security background. Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell raised concerns about the appointment shortly after it was announced. "Anyone performing this role of such immense public trust must have the extensive national security experience required by statute, and no nominee who falls short of this requirement will earn my vote," McConnell said. "Trump thinks that Bill Pulte can be both director of the mortgage regulators and director of national intelligence," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a video posted to X. "You can't do both jobs ... this is outrageous."  Trump, however, has suggested that Pulte's temporary status is precisely what makes him well-suited to carry out the administration's plans for the office. The president said he hopes Pulte can begin reducing the size of ODNI before a permanent nominee takes over, allowing the acting chief to complete much of the "hard work" associated with the effort. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23f254ee6011c3f4eb7ba6 Delaney Hall snack purchases cast doubt on hunger strike reports, DHS says te 2026-06-06T10:11:32.887Z Delaney Hall snack purchases cast doubt on hunger strike reports, DHS says EXCLUSIVE: Revenue figures from the Delaney Hall ICE detention center’s commissary may undercut Democrats’ claims that a reported "hunger strike" is rippling through the Newark facility, as commissary spending surged during the reported strike period. A slew of Democrats have toured the facility and reported allegedly dire conditions and rotten food, but a source familiar with Delaney Hall’s operations disputed their claims. The source said Delaney Hall’s commissary — where inmates can purchase snacks and sundries — saw its revenue triple during the time period characterized by a hunger strike. When asked about the claim, the Department of Homeland Security backed it up and shared revenue data with Fox News Digital that supported the argument that detainees continued purchasing substantial amounts of food from the commissary during the reported hunger strike period. DAVID MARCUS: 5 BLATANT LIES DEMOCRATS ARE SPREADING ABOUT DELANEY HALL AND ICE Regional news outlets like Gothamist reported that men housed at Delaney Hall had begun a hunger and labor strike around May 23. Soon after, Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., went to the center, echoed those reports and was later caught in pepper-spray crossfire when outside agitators sparred with ICE agents guarding the entrance. Other lawmakers like Reps. Robert Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson-Coleman, D-N.J., made similar assertions. On Thursday, a DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital the claims have been a "hoax" and provided data that lined up with what the source familiar had said. On May 26, Delaney Hall housed 724 individuals and its commissary took in $11,498 in revenue for the prior week. As the hunger strike period progressed, that number shot up week over week. FOX NEWS GOES INSIDE NEW JERSEY ICE FACILITY STORMED BY DEMOCRATS On June 1, the population inside had decreased to 621, but the commissary recorded weekly sales topping $30,000. Despite a 14% drop in detainee population, commissary revenue nearly tripled, and DHS officials suggested that detainees involved in the "strike" were instead eschewing their scheduled meals in exchange for snacks. "The hunger strike hoax was actually just Delaney Hall detainees trading nutritious meals for Honey Buns and Hot Cheetos," Deputy Press Secretary Lauren Bis said. "It’s time for sanctuary politicians to drop the political theater and work with us to get criminal illegal aliens out of our communities." Bis was backed up by her boss, Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who testified before Congress that much of the dispute stemmed from inmates balking at Americanized fare that did not match foods from their home countries. Mullin quipped that Delaney Hall is not intended to be a "Holiday Inn." ANTI-ICE PROTESTERS CLASH WITH AGENTS OUTSIDE NEW JERSEY DETENTION CENTER AS GOV. SHERRILL DENIED ENTRY A commissary menu provided by DHS showed scores of items inmates are able to purchase, including lotions, birthday cards, Cheetos, summer sausage and Hawaiian Punch. Characterizations of the facility's conditions were also less pointed this week after Rep. Herb Conaway Jr., D-N.J., discussed his Wednesday tour with neighboring Rep. Donald Norcross, D-N.J. Conaway, who represents Kim’s former Burlington County district, said in a statement he was "horrified and outraged" by reports of inhumane conditions and alleged lack of due process. Conaway — who is a physician — said he and Norcross toured the mess hall and infirmary, and while he demanded ICE shut the facility down until Trenton officials can conduct a formal inspection and review, he did not witness "major concerns" during the visit. "I had the opportunity, along with Congressman Norcross, to meet with about 20 women. Some have been here for over a year. Others have been a certain several months. Many of them had concerns, a lot of concerns. Some regarding their health. Most had family members, children; loved ones outside of this facility and certainly they miss them very deeply and want to get back to their lives," Conaway said in a separate recorded statement outside the gate.  "It’s critical that the appropriate state authorities get into this building and get into this right away, do their job, and then let the public understand what's going on. I think that'll be better for everybody if that's done." Last week, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., joined other lawmakers on a separate tour and offered a different assessment: Nadler began speaking out against conditions at the center before he even reached the microphone, alleging the "food is very sparse" and that inmates eat only at 4 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. "And very often, they eat maggots in the food," he said, making an allegation denied by DHS officials. He also claimed medical services were limited and that inmates were waiting a long time for treatment, an allegation protesters also shouted at ICE agents later in the day. However, ambulances from a local Newark hospital regularly arrived throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday, appearing to contradict claims that detainees were not receiving treatment. With lawmakers like Nadler alleging sparse food and unsanitary conditions, DHS officials argued that the commissary figures undercut claims that detainees were broadly refusing food during the reported hunger strike. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23f240ee6011c3f4eb7b9d Sex offender busted on Roblox mid-call with child as Louisiana declares war on online predators targeting kids te 2026-06-06T10:11:12.893Z Sex offender busted on Roblox mid-call with child as Louisiana declares war on online predators targeting kids LAS VEGAS — When Livingston Parish deputies executed a search warrant at a suspect's home, they discovered him actively using voice-changing technology to pose as a teen girl while communicating with a real child online— exactly the crime they had come to arrest him for. "He had a 14-year-old girl on the phone, he was basically disguising his voice, and that's what's so scary with these devices out there, these apps, that it will have no consequences," said Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard. "And this kid had no idea they were talking to a 40-something-year-old man." Investigators say the suspect was actively on Roblox, an online gaming app popular with children, according to authorities. And the suspect, a registered sex offender, shouldn't have been using it. Roblox says its platform does not include any kind of voice modulation, but the case is part of the state's lawsuit against the game company. 'TO CATCH A PREDATOR' HOST CHRIS HANSEN WARNS ROBLOX DANGERS FAR WORSE THAN PAST ONLINE CHATROOMS A statewide crackdown on child sex predators led to the arrest and highlights a disturbing national trend, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told Fox News Digital last weekend at CrimeCon Las Vegas. "This is not a victimless crime," she said. "There are children who are being victimized to produce pornography that's being traded, and there are children who are getting raped and hurt in a number of ways." She described cases where children are lured from their homes hundreds or thousands of miles away before they are rescued. 205 ARRESTED IN FBI CHILD SEX OPERATION, PATEL AND BONDI ANNOUNCE Murrill said Louisiana is on track to receive 90,000 tips about online child exploitation this year alone, with 30,000 already processed by the end of May. And police across the state have made hundreds of arrests. In many cases, the parents are blindsided and don't know what to look out for. "When we all grew up, we always look for the white van, the ice cream truck, things of that nature," said Ard, who was also at CrimeCon, where the attorney general joined former "To Catch a Predator" host Chris Hansen for a panel on fighting child sex crimes. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "Now we have this internet-based platform," Ard continued. "That device that we now have in our hands that we give in our children is the white van, right? That is the white van. It is now at your dinner table. It's now in your bedroom." The Louisiana crackdown has targeted known, registered sex offenders — predators who aren't allowed to be using social media or gaming apps, authorities said. But they make their way online anyway, because that's where the victims are. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "These big companies, like Roblox, they're not doing anything about it," Ard said. "So we have to take the initiative to do what we can to stop this." MEXICAN ILLEGAL ALIEN ALLEGEDLY USED ROBLOX CURRENCY TO SOLICIT EXPLICIT CONTENT FROM KIDS UNDER 10 Roblox is not the only app that authorities allege predators are using to harm children; however, it is wildly popular among kids and teens. SEND US A TIP HERE The company has also been named in several lawsuits — including one Murrill herself filed last summer — which allege that the platform is an environment where predators can target vulnerable children. Roblox disputed the characterization of its platform as unsafe, telling Fox News Digital that the allegations "fundamentally misrepresent how our platform works and fail to take into account the extensive, proactive measures we are pioneering and implementing to set a new standard in online safety." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Last year, Roblox CEO David Baszucki told FOX Business the company had implemented more than 100 new safety features to protect its users — about 40% of whom are under age 13. "Video and image sharing between users has always been prohibited on Roblox," a spokesperson said Wednesday. "Roblox’s technology makes it impossible for users to share images or videos in chat." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB The company also relies on a blend of AI-powered detection and human moderators to prevent users from exchanging personal information, and the spokesperson said Roblox cooperates with law enforcement around the country and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). Roblox chats are unencrypted and monitored around the clock, according to the spokesperson. "Earlier this year, Roblox became the first online gaming platform to require age checks for all users to access chat features so that younger users are limited to chatting only with peers by default," the spokesperson said. "Chat is disabled by default for users under nine." Fox News' Daniella Genovese contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23f22cee6011c3f4eb7b94 GOP victor in CA House primary cites major momentum shift in deep blue state: ‘Californians are tired’ te 2026-06-06T10:10:52.959Z GOP victor in CA House primary cites major momentum shift in deep blue state: ‘Californians are tired’ Republican congressional candidate and CAL DOGE Director Jenny Rae Le Roux says pushback on decades of Democratic control is fueling a political shift in deep-blue California, which was on display Tuesday with strong performances by gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton and LA mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt. "Californians are tired of one-party rule," Le Roux told Fox News Digital after her Tuesday night primary victory that sent her into a head-to-head match up with incumbent Democrat Dave Min in California's 47th Congressional District. "They know that the reason we’re suffering in this state and people are leaving California is because Democrats have been in charge for 60 years, and they’re up to no good." Le Roux argues that Min has not done enough to represent people across the district, saying her campaign has "already started doing the job that he’s not doing." CALIFORNIANS EXPERIENCING A ‘RED SHIFT’ OF LOCAL DEMOCRATS BECOMING REPUBLICANS AMID MIGRANT CRISIS, CRIME "It’s just to do the thing that Dave Min is not doing, which is to represent the district," she said. "We are out in every community. We have a precinct-by-precinct operation. Anyone who wants to meet with us, we will meet with them." Le Roux said residents unable to get answers from Min’s office on fraud, veterans’ concerns or housing issues are turning to Republicans like her for help. "People are frustrated by his office," she said. "They’re not responsive. They ask us for help with fraud issues, issues with HUD and veterans’ issues, and we’re making calls and getting things done for the people in the district." In a statement to Fox News Digital, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Anna Elsasser defended Min, saying his office has helped constituents recover over $5 million from federal agencies. "Jenny Rae Le Roux’s lame attacks reflect both a lack of familiarity with Dave Min’s office, which has brought back over $5.7 million to constituents, and with the issues that Orange County families care about," Elsasser said. The Cook Political Report ranks the race between Min and Le Roux as "Solid D" as Republicans try to hold onto their razor-thin margin in the House. Democrats’ decades-long control of California has come under scrutiny as the Trump administration investigates alleged fraud involving healthcare, homelessness spending and nonprofit groups, issues Le Roux says are driving residents out of the state and pushing voters toward Republicans. HOUSE COMMITTEE LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO 'RAMPANT' CALIFORNIA HOSPICE FRAUD Last month, federal officials suspended 800 California hospice and home health providers in a Medicare fraud crackdown tied to foreign-linked criminal networks accused of stealing more than $1 billion from taxpayers. Le Roux said her team at CAL DOGE, a private-sector initiative founded by Hilton, is uncovering more fraud in the state and "taking down not just the systems, but actually each one of the criminals that are going to be indicted over the course of the next six months." SCOOP: DEMOCRATIC VIRGINIA GOV SPANBERGER'S REPUBLICAN COUSIN AIMS TO FLIP KEY CALIFORNIA HOUSE SEAT RED "We’re finding the fraud that’s happening through Sacramento," she said. "They’ve been completely silent about it. They haven’t fought it themselves because they’re in on it." Since launching in early 2026, CAL DOGE says it has uncovered nearly $700 million in misused taxpayer funds. Le Roux said she will continue working with Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton to root out fraud. "We’ve got some fraud-fighting on our hands, and I’ll work with Steve up and down the state to make sure our money is being spent wisely before either one of us is in office," Le Roux said. Despite her criticism of Democrats, Le Roux said "it’s really important to keep relationships with people in other parties." Le Roux is the cousin of Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, and she told Fox News Digital the two "faithfully messaged each other after campaigns" and despite having "completely different opinions," we "really love each other." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23f218ee6011c3f4eb7b8b West Virginia woman battling stage 4 cancer crosses Taco Bell grand opening off her bucket list at age 86 te 2026-06-06T10:10:32.969Z West Virginia woman battling stage 4 cancer crosses Taco Bell grand opening off her bucket list at age 86 An 86-year-old West Virginia woman who long dreamed of seeing a Taco Bell open in her hometown recently got to cross the grand opening off her bucket list after wondering whether she would live long enough to see it happen. The ‘Taco Bell Queen’, said she had hoped for years that the town, a suburb of Charleston, would get its own location. "I was always wanting a Taco Bell here in this little town of Sissonville," Monk said. When her son told her the restaurant was finally coming, Monk mentioned she was thrilled.  "My son…had been working trying to get one," she said. "He [came] to me one day and he said, ‘Mom, I finally got them to come. They’re coming. They are going to be here for you.’" But around the same time, Monk received devastating news. After coming down with a virus and visiting her doctor, she said medical tests revealed that she had stage 4 cancer. Monk said doctors told her she had a few months to live. 104-YEAR-OLD WOMAN CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY BY FULFILLING MOST UNUSUAL WISH "Out of nowhere, we found out that I had stage 4 cancer," she said. As construction continued on the Taco Bell, Monk remarked that she found herself wondering whether she would live to see the restaurant open. "As I went up and down the road in front of the Taco Bell, they were working, and I’m just trying to guess and figure out, is the Lord going to let me stay here long enough to be able to see that Taco Bell open?" she questioned. "They were supposed to be for me, and now I may have to leave this world before I get to see it open." Not much later, the Taco Bell’s construction was completed in her town. On opening day, Monk said she was brought in early to celebrate. Her son, who helped advocate for the restaurant, was expected to cut the ribbon, so he brought Pauline with him. The moment quickly turned into something bigger than a restaurant opening. The Sissonville resident became a local legend and an internet sensation.  THE LATEST FAST-FOOD ODDITY — A MOUNTAIN DEW PIE FROM TACO BELL — SPARKS FRENZY ONLINE "They all hollered," Monk mentioned of the people waiting outside. "They said, ‘She’s the Taco Bell queen.’ So now I’m known everywhere I go as the queen of Taco Bell." Pauline explains that the go-to Taco Bell order is a Nachos BellGrande or a chicken quesadilla, and enjoys cinnamon twists for dessert. Her family has leaned into her new title, too. Though the Taco Bell story has brought Monk unexpected and wonderful attention, she said there is more to her life than her love for the fast-food chain. Monk said she grew up with 7 siblings in a local country town and has always tried to be giving. For years, she said, she baked pies for people in her church and community. "Since I’ve been a young girl, I’ve always attended church and been a Christian over the years," Monk said. "I gave, and I was happy and joyous to give people pies and apple pies." SOCIAL MEDIA STAR 'THE FOOD NANNY' REVIVES HEIRLOOM RECIPES, ANCIENT GRAINS AND SIT-DOWN DINNERS Now, she said, that kindness is being returned. "Everybody at church, everybody I knew got pies," she noted. "And now they’re giving it back. I’m getting food from everywhere." Monk mentioned she is being cared for by her loving husband and family. "I’ve got a good husband," she said. "My husband has been so good to take care of me." She said her faith has helped her remain at peace as her cancer has progressed. "I know the Lord and the Lord knows me," Monk insisted. "I feel like when he’s ready for me to come home, he’ll take me, and I’m ready to go." Monk mentioned that doctors advised against chemotherapy because of her age. She said she later learned the cancer had spread to her lungs. "It’s just a matter of time," she said. "But while I’m here, I want to spread the word of God and be thankful and help people whatever way I can." As her story continues to make people smile, Monk said she is grateful for the love she has received from her family, her community and strangers who have heard about the "Taco Bell queen." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23eb0eee6011c3f4eb7a14 Raúl Castro makes first public appearance since Trump administration charged him with murder te 2026-06-06T09:40:30.801Z Raúl Castro makes first public appearance since Trump administration charged him with murder Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro made his first public appearance Friday since the Trump administration charged him with murder over the 1996 shoot-down of planes operated by a Cuban exile group. Castro appeared on state television during an Interior Ministry celebration in Havana, according to Reuters. The appearance came weeks after the Department of Justice unsealed an indictment accusing Castro of playing a role in the downing of two aircraft operated by the Miami-based exile organization Brothers to the Rescue nearly 30 years ago. Castro was charged with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft and four counts of murder. DOJ, TREASURY INVESTIGATE NONPROFITS AND LEADERS ALLEGEDLY COORDINATING WITH CUBA IN INFLUENCE CAMPAIGN Castro, who turned 95 on Wednesday, was last seen publicly during May Day celebrations in Havana, days before the indictment was unsealed. Prior to his May Day appearance, Castro had remained out of public view for months, appearing only at a public ceremony in Cuba's capital in January honoring 32 Cuban soldiers killed during the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The indictment centers on a February 1996 incident in which Cuban military aircraft allegedly shot down two unarmed civilian planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, killing four men: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña and Pablo Morales. OBAMA’S BASEBALL OUTING WITH CASTRO REIGNITES FURY AFTER TRUMP DOJ DROPS HAMMER ON CUBAN LEADER Prosecutors allege the aircraft were flying outside Cuban territory when they were destroyed. The indictment came amid rising tensions in the Caribbean and a series of comments from Trump and his surrogates hinting at possible regime change in the island nation. President Donald Trump previously praised the indictment, saying Cuban Americans whose families suffered under the communist regime had waited decades for accountability. TRUMP DECLARES NATIONAL EMERGENCY OVER CUBA, THREATENS TARIFFS ON NATIONS THAT SUPPLY OIL TO COMMUNIST REGIME "We have big news on Cuba, as you know, with the indictment of Castro," Trump said. "A lot of people have suffered very big, very, very, at levels that few people would understand." Trump also suggested tensions with Cuba would not escalate following the indictment. "There won’t be escalation," he said. "We won’t have to." MADURO'S CAPTURE IS 'BEGINNING OF THE END' FOR CUBA'S REGIME, HOUSE INTELLIGENCE CHAIR SAYS Still, the decision to indict Castro fueled comparisons to the pressure campaign Trump previously used against Maduro. "At the very least, it means symbolically that he is now set up just as Nicolás Maduro was," Christine Balling, a Cuba expert at the Institute of World Politics and former advisor to U.S. Special Operations Command South, previously told Fox News Digital. The U.S. indicted Maduro on narco-terrorism charges while tightening sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector, backing opposition efforts to remove him from power and increasing military operations in the Caribbean. "I don't think that we are necessarily going to conduct the same operation," Balling said. "Raúl Castro is 94 years old. It might not be worth the trouble." Still, Balling argued that the indictment sent "a very straightforward message that we are 100% behind the fall of the Castro regime." Fox News Digital's Robert McGreevy, Greg Wehner and Morgan Phillips, along with Fox News' David Spunt, Bill Mears and Jake Gibson contributed to this report. Reuters also contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23e453ee6011c3f4eb78f9 Paxton’s Senate Bid Raises the Stakes in His War on Latino Voting Groups te 2026-06-06T09:11:47.607Z Paxton’s Senate Bid Raises the Stakes in His War on Latino Voting Groups The Texas attorney general has mounted an all-out effort to prove Democratic Hispanic groups have been corrupting elections. Now he could be the beneficiary of his own attacks. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23e43fee6011c3f4eb78f0 As Trump Pushes Deportations, a Skyrocketing Caseload Strains Immigration Courts te 2026-06-06T09:11:27.606Z As Trump Pushes Deportations, a Skyrocketing Caseload Strains Immigration Courts A federal surge has more than doubled caseloads within some immigration courts nationwide. Lawyers say the tactic is causing errors and confusion. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23e42bee6011c3f4eb78e7 Dallas’s Halperin Park Seeks to Reconnect Oak Cliff Decades After Highway Divided Neighborhood te 2026-06-06T09:11:07.613Z Dallas’s Halperin Park Seeks to Reconnect Oak Cliff Decades After Highway Divided Neighborhood Built atop a freeway that once split a historic Black neighborhood, Halperin Park attempts to reconnect communities divided by midcentury highway construction. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23e417ee6011c3f4eb78de YouTuber and Wife Ended Pregnancy After Down Syndrome Diagnosis. They Got Death Threats. te 2026-06-06T09:10:47.687Z YouTuber and Wife Ended Pregnancy After Down Syndrome Diagnosis. They Got Death Threats. After Jesse Ridgway, a popular YouTuber, and his wife, Ashley, revealed the news, death threats followed. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23e403ee6011c3f4eb78d5 Deluged With Mail Ballots, California Takes Its Time Counting Votes Again te 2026-06-06T09:10:27.689Z Deluged With Mail Ballots, California Takes Its Time Counting Votes Again Experts say speeding up the count in California would take more resources, but also scaling back rules that expand voting access. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23dfa3ee6011c3f4eb7821 Sen. Farnsworth Honors Don Bolles On 50th Anniversary Of Assassination te 2026-06-06T08:51:47.119Z Sen. Farnsworth Honors Don Bolles On 50th Anniversary Of Assassination By Ethan Faverino | Senator David Farnsworth (R-LD10) paid tribute to the life and courageous work of investigative reporter Don Bolles, earlier this week, marking the 50th year anniversary of his assassination and reaffirming the enduring importance of journalistic integrity and accountability. On June 2, 1976, Bolles, a reporter for the Arizona Republic and one of the founding members of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), was mortally wounded when a bomb detonated beneath his vehicle in a Phoenix parking lot. He succumbed to his injuries 11 days later on June 13, 1976 at age 47. Prior to the attack, Bolles had been lured to a downtown hotel by a source promising information on land fraud linked to organized crime, in which the source never appeared. Bolles dedicated his career to exposing organized crime, political corruption, and influence peddling in Arizona. His murder sent shockwaves across the nation and galvanized the journalistic community. In the wake of his assassination, IRE members launched a major collaborative investigation not only into Bolles’ killing but into deeper systemic corruption that enabled such violence against a reporter in broad daylight. Their efforts underscored a powerful message: assassinating a journalist would not silence the press but would instead amplify scrutiny of the powerful interest involved. “Don Bolles paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the truth. Fifty years later, his sacrifice still serves as a reminder that corruption thrives when good people look the other way,” stated Senator Farnsworth. “Don Bolles may not have succeeded in rooting out every instance of crime and corruption he set out to expose, but he succeeded in something equally important: he opened the eyes of countless Arizonans to the fact that corruption existed and demanded attention.” In March, Senate Republicans advanced legislation to honor Bolles’ legacy alongside that of Charlie Kirk. SB 1686, sponsored by Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD15), would rename Wesley Bolin Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza. The bill would also authorize the placement of memorials commemorating both Kirk and Bolles within the plaza. It is currently pending in the Arizona House of Representatives. “In many ways, I am serving in the legislature because of Don Bolles and the awareness his work created,” added Farnsworth. “His story instilled in me a belief that public service comes with a responsibility to challenge corruption wherever it exists and to demand accountability from those entrusted with power. Fifty years later, I still feel obligated to do my part.” The legislation includes specific provisions for the memorials, emphasizing private funding: No public monies are authorized for the costs of either memorial. All fundraising and contracts for design and construction are the responsibility of private proponents. The authorizations include delayed repeal provisions effective after September 30, 2029. Fifty years after his death, Don Bolles is remembered not only as a victim of violence but as a martyr for truth whose work helped elevate public awareness of corruption and reinforced the vital role of a free and independent press in safeguarding democracy. Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post Sen. Farnsworth Honors Don Bolles On 50th Anniversary Of Assassination first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23df8bee6011c3f4eb7818 Arizona State Troopers Association Endorses Warren Petersen For Attorney General te 2026-06-06T08:51:23.531Z Arizona State Troopers Association Endorses Warren Petersen For Attorney General By Ethan Faverino | The Arizona State Troopers Association, representing more than 1,200 troopers and 750 civilian employees of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, has endorsed Warren Petersen for Attorney General, delivering a significant boost to the challenger in Arizona’s race. The endorsement marks the latest in a series of high-profile law enforcement backing for Petersen, who has earned support from multiple major police organizations and elected officials across the state and country. “Throughout his time in the Arizona Legislature, Warren Petersen has always been a friend to the Troopers and to law enforcement around the state,” stated President of the Arizona State Troopers Association, Jeff Hawkins. “Arizonans – and the men and women who serve in law enforcement – deserve an Attorney General who stands with and fights for them against the lawlessness that threatens to overcome our society. I know that Warren will continue to do just that as our next Attorney General, just as he has over his time in public service.” The Arizona State Troopers Association is the sole organization dedicated to representing the interests of Arizona Department of Public Safety employees. Its endorsement highlights Petersen’s longstanding commitment to supporting those who protect Arizona communities. Petersen expressed gratitude for the backing and highlighted his record of partnership with law enforcement: “I’m honored to earn support from the Arizona State Troopers Association,” said Petersen. “It has been an honor to work with the association to advance the interests of the men and women who serve our state in the Department of Public Safety. Our State Troopers sacrifice their lives and time with their family to keep Arizona safe. As Attorney General, I look forward to continued partnership with our men and women in uniform. I will always fight for law enforcement and our Arizona State Troopers.” Petersen’s support for law enforcement includes consistent advocacy for securing funding for specialized task forces, strengthening officer recruitment and retention efforts, and ensuring the aggressive prosecution of violent offenders. With this latest endorsement, Petersen now holds the backing of Arizona’s largest police organizations — including the Arizona Police Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association, and now the Arizona State Troopers Association — a level of unified support for a challenger to the incumbent Attorney General that is unprecedented in state history. The growing coalition of law enforcement leaders supporting Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General also includes: Utah Attorney General Derek Brown Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita Yavapai County Sheriff Ross Teeple Gila County Attorney Brad Beauchamp Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio Border Patrol Veteran Art Del Cueto Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post Arizona State Troopers Association Endorses Warren Petersen For Attorney General first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23df76ee6011c3f4eb7806 Arizona Supreme Court Deals Major Blow To Attorney General Mayes’ Trump Electors Case te 2026-06-06T08:51:02.107Z Arizona Supreme Court Deals Major Blow To Attorney General Mayes’ Trump Electors Case By Staff Reporter | Attorney General Kris Mayes sustained a fatal blow in her case against the 2020 alternate electors for President Donald Trump.  Mayes doesn’t plan on giving up, though.  The Arizona Supreme Court denied Mayes’ appeal of lower court rulings in State v. Ward this week. This means that Mayes must start over to continue prosecution of the alternate electors.  Mayes’ spokesman Richie Taylor confirmed the attorney general plans to return to the grand jury to seek another indictment; he would not provide further comment.  Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) said Mayes’ persistence to prosecute despite the rejection of multiple courts proved her to be “completely unhinged” and in need of sanctioning. “She’s wasting Arizona taxpayers’ money on her obsessive, Ahab-like pursuit of patriotic Arizonans who served as alternate electors after the stolen 2020 election,” said Hamadeh. “Her first sham indictment was already laughed out of every court in the state.” Illegitimate @KrisMayes is completely unhinged. She’s wasting Arizona taxpayers’ money on her obsessive, Ahab-like pursuit of patriotic Arizonans who served as alternate electors after the stolen 2020 election. Her first sham indictment was already laughed out of every court in… — Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) June 4, 2026 Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14) — who is running to unseat Mayes this November — said Mayes was the poster child of a “rogue” attorney general. “This is what a rogue AG looks like,” said Petersen. “Loses at every level and still not tired of losing.”  This is what a rogue AG looks like. Loses at every level and still not tired of losing. https://t.co/UKhjcfDPZx — Warren Petersen (@votewarren) June 4, 2026 Mayes has sustained a series of losses in her attempt to prosecute the Trump electors, each court ruling increasingly diminishing the life of her case until it reached the point where it lies now — effectively on life support as it awaits another grand jury indictment that may not come. Last September, the Arizona Court of Appeals rejected Mayes’ appeal of a ruling issued last May by the Maricopa County Superior Court. The latter court remanded Mayes’ case back to a grand jury, ruling that she violated the due process of the alternate electors by failing to give the grand jury a document critical to the indictment, the Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887. The ECA is a federal law outlining the legal process for casting and counting electoral votes in presidential elections. It was modified recently in 2022 under the Biden administration through the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 (ECRA).  The ERCA, in part, limited the vice president’s involvement in electoral certification to a ministerial role, raised the congressional threshold for elector objections to one-fifth of Congress, and made state governors the authority for submitting the certificate of electors. Key to the defense of the electors was the argument that they acted in good faith in accordance with the ECA.  Mayes has also been accused of receiving payment to prosecute the alternate electors, according to a whistleblower complaint filed last November.  That complaint alleged that States United Democracy Center (SUDC) paid around $200,000 to have prosecutorial influence over the alternate electors case. It was SUDC who advised Mayes’ office in a summer 2023 letter to prosecute Trump’s top supporters from the contentious 2020 election and its aftermath. Mayes’ office has denied the impact of the SUDC letter on their decision to prosecute the alternate electors. Hamadeh asked the Department of Justice to investigate this alleged “pay-to-play” scheme. That DOJ investigation is ongoing.  In April, a court of appeals judge ruled in another case that Mayes illegally withheld communications between her office and SUDC. Trump has pardoned these alternate electors and supporters of the federal charges against them, but state charges like Mayes’ remain. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Arizona Supreme Court Deals Major Blow To Attorney General Mayes’ Trump Electors Case first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23d84dee6011c3f4eb7688 WATCH: Maine voters divided on Platner as scandals shadow Democratic primary te 2026-06-06T08:20:29.919Z WATCH: Maine voters divided on Platner as scandals shadow Democratic primary MAINE — A new round of explosive allegations has put Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner back in the spotlight ahead of Tuesday’s primary, but voters who spoke to Fox News Digital were split on whether the scandals would affect their vote. "It's not a good situation," said Jeff from Waterloo, Maine, one of the residents interviewed outside a shopping plaza in Biddeford, adding that choosing the "lowest common denominator" should not be the answer. "I am a conservative, but he's just got so much baggage that I think if the Democrats want to have a winner, they're going to have to find somebody else because he's not the guy, just too much," he said. ‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN Sheila from Harrison, Maine, said the scandals would "absolutely" weigh on her vote. She said Platner lacks the judgment and values she expects from someone serving in Congress. "Anyone who's representing our country or representing us in Congress needs to be held to a higher standard, and I don't think he's got any standards," she said. Just days before Maine's Democratic Senate primary, former girlfriends told The New York Times that Platner engaged in heavy drinking, experienced violent episodes and discussed rape fantasies, accusations Platner has denied. DEMOCRATIC MAINE SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER CONFRONTED BY MS NOW HOST ABOUT TATTOO CONTROVERSY The Marine Corps veteran also faced criticism over a string of controversies, including reports that he sent sexually explicit messages to younger women, a Nazi-linked tattoo and online comments mocking a Purple Heart veteran. While some voters said Platner raised red flags, others remained unfazed. Asked whether Platner's comments about women bothered her, Ellen from Acton, Maine, said, "When it comes to my vote, no." SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER SENT EXPLICIT TEXTS TO MULTIPLE WOMEN WHILE MARRIED, WIFE SAYS: REPORT "I trust his wife," she said. "She knows him better than anybody. He is far from perfect. Most of this, my understanding, happened during a tough time in his life. The recent accusations, yes, they're more recent, but again, I trust her to know who he is morally. "I do think that, as a representative of Maine, aside from what he may do in his marriage, he's going to do a good job for me," she added. Jane from Wells, Maine, said her plans to vote for Platner haven’t changed. "I still like him," she said. "Oh yes. I love him." Jessica from Biddeford, Maine, said she was not following the controversy surrounding Platner because she ignores the news, arguing that the media distracts people from "the issues that are important." "We're better together as one instead of fighting each other over things that don't matter," she said. Platner will appear on the ballot alongside David Costello in Maine's Democratic Senate primary on June 9, with the winner advancing to face incumbent five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23d5f4ee6011c3f4eb760c WATCH: Hawley fumes after 4 GOP senators help sink Trump-backed voter ID law te 2026-06-06T08:10:28.335Z WATCH: Hawley fumes after 4 GOP senators help sink Trump-backed voter ID law Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., criticized four fellow Republicans who joined Democrats to block an effort to add the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to the Senate's reconciliation package, saying "you can't explain it to me why you wouldn't vote for voter ID." During Thursday's vote-a-rama, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., voted with Democrats to defeat an amendment that would have attached the election-integrity measure to the GOP's budget package. "I guess it's frustration," Hawley told Fox News Digital. "Listen, we've been doing this in Missouri for years. I mean voters in my state put it in our constitution." FOUR SENATE REPUBLICANS AGAIN UNITE WITH DEMS TO BLOCK TRUMP'S SAVE AMERICA ACT "Voter ID is the most popular thing out there," he continued. "There's a reason for that. People want their elections to be safe, they want them to be fair. And to me, you can't explain it to me, why you wouldn't vote for voter ID. I just don't understand it." Republicans, yet again, failed to pass the legislation Thursday night through the Senate, despite months debating the importance of attaching it to the roughly $70 billion budget reconciliation package to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. REPUBLICANS FAIL TO ATTACH SAVE AMERICA ACT TO PARTY-LINE FUNDING PACKAGE Many senators who voted to block the SAVE act argued that a bill dedicated to voter ID laws and protecting election integrity should be determined at state-level, and should not have federal jurisdiction. Hawley rejected arguments that election rules should be left solely to the states, arguing Congress has long played a role in regulating federal elections. "We make federal rules all the time for elections, you know," Hawley said. "I mean all the time we do. And there's nothing more basic than protecting the integrity of the ballot and that's what this is about." PENCE URGES SENATE TO ‘RESTORE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE’ WITH NATIONWIDE VOTER ID LAW Congress has enacted numerous election-related laws over the years, including the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022, which revised procedures for certifying presidential election results. The SAVE Act would require applicants to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and would require voters to present photo identification when casting a ballot in federal elections. "37 states have voter ID already including several blue states," Hawley said in response to the idea that election rules should be left to the state. "So I think this idea that this is like ‘this is weird, this is exotic, this is out there,’ no it's not. Like most of our states do it."  "Sooner or later this is going to happen because I think the American people are going to demand it." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23b2c9ee6011c3f4eb67e6 Trump Pardons Former Congressman Convicted of Insider Trading te 2026-06-06T05:40:25.288Z Trump Pardons Former Congressman Convicted of Insider Trading Stephen Buyer, a former Republican representative from Indiana, was convicted of trading stock related to two deals before they were made public. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23a715ee6011c3f4eb62bd Meet Scoop! Eduardo R. Burrow the Sentinel newshound digs into Tucson's stories te 2026-06-06T04:50:29.931Z Meet Scoop! Eduardo R. Burrow the Sentinel newshound digs into Tucson's stories Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a239dcbee6011c3f4eb6104 OJ Simpson-era attorney sees familiar warning signs as Karmelo Anthony case fuels clash over race and justice te 2026-06-06T04:10:51.527Z OJ Simpson-era attorney sees familiar warning signs as Karmelo Anthony case fuels clash over race and justice As the Karmelo Anthony murder trial heads into its third day of testimony Saturday, the attorney who successfully fought to keep cameras in the courtroom during O.J. Simpson's murder trial says he sees troubling parallels between the public reaction to both cases, particularly when it comes to race. Royal Oakes, a California-based media attorney who represented news organizations seeking courtroom access during the Simpson trial, told Fox News Digital that the same cultural and racial tensions that surrounded O.J.'s case in the 1990s appear to be resurfacing as Anthony's case unfolds in Texas. "We're likely to see the exact same dynamic developing in this case that we saw in the O.J. Simpson murder trial," Oakes said. "A huge cultural and racial divide." Anthony is accused of fatally stabbing fellow student Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a Texas track meet. He has pleaded not guilty, and his defense team is expected to argue he acted in self-defense. KARMELO ANTHONY TRIAL IGNITES RIVAL CAMPS THAT THREATEN TO GET IN JURORS’ HEADS IN TRACK MEET STABBING: EXPERT The case has sparked intense debate online and drawn supporters to the courthouse, with discussions often extending far beyond the facts of the case itself. When asked whether the Anthony case is evolving into a broader conversation about race in America, Oakes said, "This case absolutely is going to hit so many hot buttons. The issue of race in America, the critical question of self-defense." 📩 Have a story tip? Email me at stepheny.price@fox.com. 📸 Captured a newsworthy photo? Send it to me on Instagram at @fndstephprice. 🎥 Witnessed breaking news or recorded compelling video? Reach out on X at @Stephenyprice. 🚨 See something happening in your community? I welcome tips, photos, and videos that help tell important stories. Oakes noted that public opinion during the Simpson trial often broke sharply along racial lines, with polls showing dramatically different views among Black and White Americans. AMERICA STILL CAN'T PUT DOWN THE RACE CARD. AND IT'S THE SHAME OF OUR NATION "And so you could see the same kind of thing duplicated in this case as well," he said. The attorney said the greatest risk in any high-profile case is allowing race or politics to overshadow the evidence presented in court. KAREN READ JURY SELECTION: DOZENS IN POOL ALREADY HAVE AN OPINION ON THE CASE "It is certainly possible that racial narratives can overshadow the actual facts in a case," Oakes said. GOT A TIP? At the same time, Oakes downplayed the impact of demonstrations and supporters gathering outside courthouses, arguing that Americans have become accustomed to strong public expressions of opinion. Still, he acknowledged there is a point where activism surrounding a case can become problematic. FOLLOW US ON X "There is a danger that public demonstrations, if they are just so exuberant, if they get so far out of hand, will start to influence people," Oakes said. He pointed to the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict in Los Angeles as an example of how public pressure can affect perceptions surrounding criminal proceedings. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Unlike the Simpson trial, Oakes said today's debate is unfolding through a constant stream of viral clips, social media posts and commentary that can shape opinions before the full story emerges. "Today, it's so different," Oakes said. "I don't think you're going to get anybody to sit down and watch eight hours a day of a trial. Instead, you're going to see 800 snippets on social media." O.J. SIMPSON PROSECUTOR MARCIA CLARK DISSECTS EVOLVING MEDIA'S IMPACT ON TRIALS AND TRUE CRIME That rapid-fire information environment, he said, may make it even harder for the public to separate facts from narratives. "The big mistake that people made in evaluating the O.J. Simpson trial is that they went in with biases," Oakes said. "Either in favor of Simpson or against him, in favor of the cops or against them, and they didn't have an open mind to see what happened." CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS For Oakes, the similarities between the two cases ultimately come back to one concern: whether Americans are forming conclusions before hearing all of the evidence. "The prime comparison between the O.J. Simpson case and this case is that people do tend to take sides along racial lines," he said. "The important thing is that whoever is picked on a jury can convince the lawyers and the judge that they will be objective." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a239db7ee6011c3f4eb60fb Knicks survive to take 2-0 NBA Finals lead after Jalen Brunson's clutch shot sinks Spurs te 2026-06-06T04:10:31.680Z Knicks survive to take 2-0 NBA Finals lead after Jalen Brunson's clutch shot sinks Spurs The New York Knicks will return to Madison Square Garden just two wins away from ending their long championship drought. Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead free throw in the closing seconds Friday night, lifting the Knicks to a 105-104 win over the Spurs in Game 2. Moments earlier, Victor Wembanyama missed a jumper that could have swung the game in San Antonio’s favor. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 20 for the Knicks. They have won 13 straight, the second-longest streak by any team in NBA playoff history. The Knicks are now just the third team to win the first two games of a finals on the road, joining Michael Jordan and the 1993 Chicago Bulls, and Hakeem Olajuwon and the 1995 Houston Rockets. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a239b60ee6011c3f4eb6084 Graham Platner blasts new allegations as 'false accusations': 'Maine, you have my back' te 2026-06-06T04:00:32.334Z Graham Platner blasts new allegations as 'false accusations': 'Maine, you have my back' Facing arguably the roughest stretch to date of his campaign for the U.S. Senate, Democratic candidate Graham Platner, back on home turf, thanked a large crowd of supporters for having his back and charging the incoming fire he's facing as "politically motivated." Platner, the military veteran and oyster farmer who is aiming to oust longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in this year's midterm elections, has been playing defense amid multiple controversies, ranging from inflammatory online comments made on Reddit, a well-publicized and now covered-up tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol, to new allegations last week from ex-girlfriends of a history of rape fantasies, heavy drinking and violent episodes. "When hurtful things I said on the internet a decade ago came out into the public as I shared my personal journey through PTSD and darkness of recovery and accountability and growth. Maine had my back," Platner said at a rally Friday. "Now, as every single piece of that past and journey gets dug up, litigated, and weaponized, you have my back. And when politically motivated, serious and false, false accusations are made against me. Maine, you have my back." Collins, a moderate Republican who at times votes against President Donald Trump's agenda, is running for a sixth six-year term in the Senate in left-leaning Maine in a race that's one of a handful across the country that will determine whether Republicans keep control of their slim Senate majority. THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE'S MAJORITY Platner, who is supported by progressive champions Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Rep. Ro Khanna of California, is pushing an economically populist agenda as he takes aim at corporate influences and advocates for the working class. He is considered the all-but-certain Democratic nominee after two-term Gov. Janet Mills, who was backed by longtime Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Party establishment, dropped out of the race earlier this spring after significantly trailing Platner in fundraising and polling. Platner, who has acknowledged his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder from his multiple tours of duty in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, apologized for his controversial Reddit posts after they made headlines last fall soon after he launched his Senate campaign. And Platner has said he got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007 while drinking with fellow Marines stationed in Croatia. He said that he covered up the tattoo with a new design after learning last year that it resembled a Nazi symbol. But new allegations raise questions about Platner's timeline regarding knowledge of the tattoo. Friday's rally, which also included speeches by progressive gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson and congressional contender Matt Dunlap, was organized by Khanna. In an interview with Fox News Digital ahead of his appearance on stage, Khanna was asked whether he's concerned if the current allegations, and any futures ones, could sink Platner's campaign and sink Democrats' hopes of winning back the Senate. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB "I’m more concerned about making it clear that we’re opposed to misogyny, those relationships were toxic and volatile, there’s no excuse for that," Khanna said. "I talked to Graham and he says he was at a very dark period, he had come back from two tours of duty in Iraq as an infantry man seeing violence and death. That doesn’t excuse it." But Khanna added that Platner said "he really grew as a person when he came back to Maine and he was an oyster farmer and he found peace and he is ashamed of that period. To me that suggests someone taking accountability and improving their lives and we need that redemption in this country. And I agree with a lot of his economic polices, that we should be taxing the billionaires, we should be focusing on the working class." Collins, returning to Maine on Friday after busy week on Capitol Hill where she reached a milestone by casting her 10,000 consecutive vote in the Senate, was asked by reporters about the latest allegations facing Platner. "The allegations in the latest story are troubling," Collins responded. "And I believe that Graham Platner has a lot of questions to answer." ‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN Meanwhile, an outside political group aligned with the senator has been blasting Platner, running ads spotlighting his multiple controversies. The Republican National Committee (RNC), in a social media post following Friday's rally, took aim at Platner. "Graham Platner says his violent and erratic past is being "weaponized" against him. Platner said he would rape someone to show his dominance and "rape was about power," the RNC research team wrote on X, as it pointed to new allegations against the candidate. Mills, in a recent interview, noted that her name remains on the ballot. And a source in her wider political orbit confirmed to Fox News that the governor is receiving calls urging her to get back in the race amid Platner's controversies. But there's no active campaign effort on behalf of Mills. Asked about Mills, Khanna told Fox News Digital "the great thing about democracy, you can run full steam ahead, you can kind of run ambiguously like Janet Mills, you can keep your name on that campaign. That's why I love American democracy." But he predicted that "Platner is going to come out victorious. And we need to unite and realize that the goal is defeating the the Susan Collins. And everyone from Schumer to Sanders is unified around that goal. Platner's campaign said that over 600 people packed a theater in this resort town next to Acadia National Park, not far from the candidate's hometown of Sullivan, to attend the rally. And they touted that they had raked in $200,000 in fundraising the past 24 hours, which they said was their strongest fundraising day since Mills suspended her campaign. Maine voters Fox News Digital spoke with ahead of the rally were divided on whether Platner's controversies will impact their opinions of the candidate. Jeff from Waterboro, Maine said "it's not a good situation" as he pointed to Platner. "I think it's somebody who shouldn't' be in the mix. I am a conservative but he's just got so much damage, if the Democrats want to have a winner, they're going to have to find somebody else. He's not the guy. It's just too much." But Ellen from Acton, Maine, who said she is a registered Republican, said "is he a perfect person, heck no." "I think he will go in and do a good job," she added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a239926ee6011c3f4eb6031 Troy Anthony Gallegos te 2026-06-06T03:51:02.087Z Troy Anthony Gallegos On May 19, 2026, Troy Anthony Gallegos unexpectedly received his wings to watch over us. Born on Feb. 6, 1964, to Stanley Montoya and Alice Montano Gallegos.       Troy was always a rambunctious child that followed the beat of his own drum. He excelled in all that he did, including football and exceptionally fast in track while attending Holbrook High School, class of 1982.  After high school, he attended DeVry Institute of Technology majoring in electronics. He returned home to partner with his parents in running the family business created by grandparents — Joe & Aggie’s Café.       The first to step up to the plate, he could always be relied upon to help anyone in need. Troy enjoyed working in the garage making a tool or recreating a part for broken items that someone had asked him to repair. If Troy couldn’t fix it, it was truly broken. You always knew where you stood with him, as could be counted upon to say exactly what was on his mind.       Troy’s greatest treasure was his daughter, Noreen Alisea Bridges and granddaughter, Ashlynn Marie Bridges-Luna. He is also survived by one brother, Stanley Steven and two sisters, Kimberley Ann (Tammie) and Sharlene Guttery (John). Additionally, he is survived by nephews, nieces and a very large extended family.       Celebration of his life will be held starting with praying the rosary at 10 a.m. on June 27, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Holbrook. The post Troy Anthony Gallegos first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2391fcee6011c3f4eb5e9d Fox News Campus Radicals Newsletter: Pride flags removed, DEI back under fire, TV host's Cali criticism te 2026-06-06T03:20:28.653Z Fox News Campus Radicals Newsletter: Pride flags removed, DEI back under fire, TV host's Cali criticism COLORS STRUCK: Chicago college removes LGBTQ pride flag over institutional neutrality concerns LOST IN TRANSLATION: Chicago high school faces outcry after axing Arabic program COVER BLOWN: Justice Department launches Title VI investigation into DEI programs at Arizona State University FAIRNESS FIGHT: Department of Education rips AP for 'inaccurate, dangerous' claim that it neglects Black students GOLDEN STATE FAIL: Bill Maher blasts California's education results, cites two surging red states Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23889cee6011c3f4eb5cd7 Knicks center Mitchell Robinson seems to be fired up about playing Game 3 in front of President Trump te 2026-06-06T02:40:28.482Z Knicks center Mitchell Robinson seems to be fired up about playing Game 3 in front of President Trump There's no question that, to put it mildly, President Donald Trump tends to divide the room. That will be the case when he rolls into Madison Square Garden on Monday for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. However, there's at least one player who seems to be a little fired up about the prospect of playing in front of the commander in chief. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! A TikTok started making the rounds, joking that Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will be playing extra hard with Trump in attendance. It's a great video, but it turns out that is what Robinson — a 2018 second-round pick out of Western Kentucky who has spent his entire career with the Knicks — has planned. He commented on the video and basically said it was on the money. Man, flag emoji and everything. He is fired up. It seems like it would be hard not to be, whether you're a fan of the president or not. You're already playing on the biggest stage the NBA has to offer (yes, it's still bigger than the in-season tournament) for one of the most popular franchises in the league in one of the most talked-about Finals matchups in years. NYPD LIFTS BAN ON KNICKS WATCH PARTIES OUTSIDE MSG FOR GAME 1 OF NBA FINALS AFTER FANS WERE TOO ROWDY As if that isn't enough to garner some attention, let's add the President of the United States to the equation. There's a correct response in this situation, and it's to be fired up like Robinson is. What you don't want is a player who gets nervous with all of this attention or goes, "The president is here? Well, then I'm going to let him know how I feel about ICE," because you want players focused on the game and not scoring political brownie points. As for how Trump will be received by the fans at MSG, well, that's anybody's guess. OutKick showed that this week while talking to Knicks fans in New York. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a238642ee6011c3f4eb5c45 Trump Greets Farmers in Wisconsin, but Says He Could Be Home Watching TV te 2026-06-06T02:30:26.719Z Trump Greets Farmers in Wisconsin, but Says He Could Be Home Watching TV President Trump was in Wisconsin to reassure farmers who have been stung by his tariff policies and rising fuel prices from the war in Iran. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a238193ee6011c3f4eb5ac8 Amid Mounting Democratic Concern, Platner Says His Past Is Being ‘Weaponized’ te 2026-06-06T02:10:27.040Z Amid Mounting Democratic Concern, Platner Says His Past Is Being ‘Weaponized’ The presumptive Democratic Senate nominee in Maine said the state would have his back in the face of accusations he has denied Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a237ce2ee6011c3f4eb59d5 'Jumanji' actor James Handy's girlfriend's son charged with murder after actor found stabbed to death te 2026-06-06T01:50:26.880Z 'Jumanji' actor James Handy's girlfriend's son charged with murder after actor found stabbed to death James Handy's girlfriend's son has been charged with murder, after the actor was found stabbed to death outside his home in Tarzana. According to a press release from the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, Michael Gledhill, 44, is facing up to 26 years to life in prison if he is convicted as charged. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, issued the following statement: "This is not how anyone's life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home. The victim, James Handy, deserved to live out his later years enjoying what he had worked so hard for and enjoying it with those he loved and cared about." The statement continued, "Like all murder victims, his life mattered and the person who inexplicably and violently took it must be held accountable for his actions." ACTOR JAMES HANDY, KNOWN FOR 'JUMANJI' AND 'TOP GUN: MAVERICK,' ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY GIRLFRIEND'S SON The press release stated that Gledhill was charged with one count of murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Handy, an actor known for various roles in films like "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick," was killed early Wednesday morning. According to police, a 911 caller stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." When officers arrived, they found Handy, 81, unconscious in the front yard suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Authorities said Handy was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS According to investigators, Gledhill flagged down officers as they arrived and told them he was the person they were looking for. Police said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend. Gledhill was arrested and booked into the Van Nuys Jail on a murder charge. Bail was set at $2 million. Fox News Digital's Michael Sinkewicz contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a237a8cee6011c3f4eb5958 Popular cruise line’s bikini crackdown could surprise passengers at island ports te 2026-06-06T01:40:28.253Z Popular cruise line’s bikini crackdown could surprise passengers at island ports Carnival Cruise Line is cracking down on bikini wearing at a popular South Pacific destination, reminding passengers that local dress code expectations may be stricter than what is typically allowed onboard. Guests aboard Carnival Splendor received a notice ahead of the ship's stop in Lifou, an island in New Caledonia, advising travelers to follow local customs and dress conservatively while ashore, according to the blog Cruise Hive. The reminder was issued before the ship's June 2 visit to the island as part of an eight-night sailing from Sydney. BEACH TOWN CRACKS DOWN ON HALF-NAKED TOURISTS WITH HEFTY FINES FOR INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE Passengers were advised to avoid wearing G-strings, thongs, monokinis and mankinis while visiting the island. Topless sunbathing is also prohibited, the publication noted. Fox News Digital reached out to Carnival Cruise Line for comment. The dress code applies not only to beaches, but also to public areas such as markets, churches and community gathering spaces. The swimwear crackdown reflects guidance that Carnival already shares with guests on its website. "We kindly ask guests to respect the local culture and rules in the ports we visit," Carnival states in its dress code guidelines. CRUISE PASSENGERS BLAST NEW DINING DRESS CODE ON MAJOR CRUISE LINE The cruise line specifically identifies Lifou as a destination in which local customs call for more conservative attire. "Some destinations, such as Lifou, which is a tribal island, are populated by proud indigenous people whose culture is based on respect, and in many cases are highly religious," Carnival states. "The communities in these locations also request visitors to wear traditional one-piece or full-piece swimsuits and refrain from wearing bikini or monokini-type swimsuits [while] at the beach," the website says. Carnival reportedly warned that failing to respect local customs could affect future visits to the island. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Guests were reminded that noncompliance could jeopardize the cruise line's ability to continue including Lifou on future itineraries, Cruise Hive said. The dress code reminder comes as cruise lines continue emphasizing destination-specific rules that may differ from onboard policies. While Carnival generally allows casual resort wear during the day, guests are expected to ensure their clothing is respectful to fellow travelers and appropriate for the setting, according to its website. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Carnival's swimwear policies have long been a topic of discussion among passengers online. "Wear what you want," one Reddit user wrote. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Another traveler argued that revealing swimwear is already common aboard many sailings, saying, "There [are] people wearing that type of swimwear on deck 24/7." Others felt guests should be more mindful in family areas. "Maybe wear it at adult-only excursions and the adult-only hot tub," one commenter suggested.  "Carnival is for families, and there are a lot of kids on these cruises." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2375dcee6011c3f4eb584b Trump Says Bill Pulte, His New Intelligence Director, Should Slash Staff te 2026-06-06T01:20:28.159Z Trump Says Bill Pulte, His New Intelligence Director, Should Slash Staff The president suggested that employees who worked for previous Democratic presidents were among those who should be fired. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a237381ee6011c3f4eb5655 Park Ranger Dies After Falling Into a Crevasse on Mt. McKinley te 2026-06-06T01:10:25.120Z Park Ranger Dies After Falling Into a Crevasse on Mt. McKinley Robin Pendery, 33, who was part of a climbing patrol, was near a camp at about 14,000 feet on the mountain in Alaska when she fell, the National Park Service said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a237142ee6011c3f4eb52dc Trump green lights new DNI Pulte to 'start the process' on mass intelligence firings te 2026-06-06T01:00:50.719Z Trump green lights new DNI Pulte to 'start the process' on mass intelligence firings President Donald Trump says he wants incoming Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Bill Pulte to "start the process" of firing intelligence community officials, he told the Wall Street Journal in an interview published Friday. Trump on Tuesday tapped Pulte to take over for the current DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned in May after her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Pulte, who will take over in the interim when Gabbard's resignation becomes official on June 30, has apparently been tasked with reducing the number of employees at the 18 intelligence agencies over which the DNI presides. "I’d like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there," Trump told the Wall Street Journal, referring to the intelligence community. TRUMP NAMES BILL PULTE ACTING DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE The selection of Pulte, who currently serves as Trump's Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has reportedly irked a swath of lawmakers, including former Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., who publicly criticized the move. "We don't need a weaponized DNI. We need professionals there," Thune said. But Pulte's outsider status was explicitly what made Trump inclined to pick him the first place, he explained to the Wall Street Journal. GABBARD LAUNCHES 'ODNI 2.0,' WITH PLAN TO CUT WORKFORCE BY 40% "You’re less shackled," he told the outlet. "It sort of gives you more power, you know, for a somewhat limited period of time." Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump assuaged concerns that Pulte would have difficulty being confirmed by the Senate if picked for the role on a permanent basis. He ensured the public that an active search for a permanent replacement was ongoing and that Pulte's interim status would benefit him. "Frankly, it might be good for him to shake it up before people come," Trump said. "Because, if he reduced the size, in conjunction with me…and in conjunction with possibly the person coming in…he can do a lot of the hard work and we wouldn’t have to saddle somebody that goes in," Trump told the Wall Street Journal. TULSI GABBARD CHANGES TUNE ON CONTROVERSIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOL FOLLOWING GOP LOBBYING Pulte, who also chairs the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac government-sponsored entities (GSEs), has already affected legislative outcomes. After six Senate Republicans joined with the Democrats to block a bill reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., warned that Democrats would not vote for the reauthorization as long as Pulte was in charge of intelligence. "I don't see how you get the necessary Democrat votes… that would get them to 60," Warner said. Fox News Digital contacted the offices of Leader Thune and Senator Warner and reached out to Bill Pulte for further clarity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23712eee6011c3f4eb52b8 Trump expands TrumpRx prescription drug discount program to more than 800 medications te 2026-06-06T01:00:30.650Z Trump expands TrumpRx prescription drug discount program to more than 800 medications President Donald Trump on Friday announced a major expansion of his administration's initiative aimed at helping Americans access discounted prescription medications. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the government-backed website TrumpRx.gov has added 160 prescription drugs, bringing the total number of discounted medications available through the program to more than 800. "I am pleased to announce that TrumpRx.gov is adding another 160 Prescription Drugs, at highly discounted prices, for a new total of over 800 of the most commonly-used Prescription Drugs," Trump wrote. "TrumpRx.gov will now provide clear, transparent, and DISCOUNTED offerings for FOUR OUT OF FIVE of every prescription filled by Americans," he added. TRUMP ENDS BIDEN’S DRUG PRICE NIGHTMARE — AMERICANS GET REAL RELIEF WITH TRUMPRX Trump unveiled the initiative in February, arguing that Americans have long paid more for prescription drugs than consumers in many other countries. The website was launched after the administration finalized agreements with 16 major pharmaceutical companies under so-called "most-favored-nation" pricing arrangements. Under the agreements, participating drugmakers received tariff-related exemptions while agreeing to lower prices for certain medications and extend discounted pricing to eligible cash-paying consumers through TrumpRx, according to the administration. MARK CUBAN SHOOTS DOWN PRESIDENTIAL BID AS HE TEAMS UP WITH TRUMP ADMIN TO CUT HEALTHCARE COSTS Companies including Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are participating in the program and have agreed to reduce prices on popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications. Administration officials have also highlighted discounts on a range of other products, including inhalers, HIV treatments, diabetes medications and fertility drugs. TrumpRx.gov allows users to search for discounted medications, view estimated savings and generate coupons for participating prescriptions. SOARING MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES TARGETED IN TRUMP'S NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER Trump said the initiative builds on efforts from his first term to reduce prescription drug costs. "I was proud to make History during my First Term when we lowered Drug Prices, even if by a tiny percentage, because this amounted to a HUGE change compared to other presidents only raising Drug Prices, endlessly and significantly, every year," Trump wrote. "Then, during my Second Term, I decided to go BIG with Most Favored Nations Pricing — That is to say, we pay no more or, ideally, less than any other Country for the same exact Drug," he continued. "Now we are cutting Prices, and cutting them by a LOT, sometimes by 400 or 500 or 600 Percent!" HERE'S HOW TRUMP'S TARIFFS ON CHINA COULD IMPACT DRUG PRICING AND OTHER HEALTHCARE COSTS Trump also claimed the program has generated significant savings for consumers. "These Most Favored Nations Deals have already, in fact, saved American Patients over 400 Million Dollars since the launch of TrumpRx.gov," he said. The president further argued that tariffs played a key role in securing the pricing agreements. "Of course, Most Favored Nations would not be possible without my use of TARIFFS, which are getting other Countries to 'pay up' instead of relying on American Patients getting ripped off, as they were for decades until I ordered an immediate 'stop' to this very unfair and, frankly, foolish situation," Trump wrote. "This is all great news, and I have instructed my Administration to secure more Most Favored Nations Deals, more Partnerships, and Lower Prices for every American Patient," he added. Fox News Digital's Emma Bussey contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a236c91ee6011c3f4eb4f56 Virginia gun sales spike ahead of July 1 assault weapons ban signed by Gov. Spanberger te 2026-06-06T00:40:49.446Z Virginia gun sales spike ahead of July 1 assault weapons ban signed by Gov. Spanberger Gun sales in Virginia have surged in recent months ahead of a July 1 ban on the sale of assault weapons, according to data from the FBI. Democrat-sponsored bills that would ban the sale of semi-automatic rifles or pistols that have a magazine capacity of more than 15 rounds were introduced in the legislature in January and Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed it into law last month. Since January, the number of background checks done for the purchase of a firearm has gone up exponentially, with 75,376 background checks in May alone, more than double the amount in May 2025, during which only 37,167 were done, according to FBI statistics. The high so far this year was in March when 79,846 backgrounds checks were done compared to only 47,069 last year, and in April, 72,011 were done compared to 40,343 in 2025. A total of 347,167 background checks were run through the end of May this year, which is on track to trounce the 521,283 done in all of last year. VIRGINIA DEMS SEND SWEEPING GUN BAN TO SPANBERGER AS WEST VIRGINIA WEIGHS EXPANDING MACHINE-GUN ACCESS "For the last, I’d say, three months, we’ve been running hard," James Sprouse, a manager at Ginger Mafia Tactical, told WDBJ-TV recently. "The second we get them in, they’re out the door." Trey Boyd, co-owner of Tactical Operations Vault, said he's selling out of components for making AR-15-style rifles. "Like this cabinet... this is where I generally keep my stripped lowers," he told WDBJ. "Usually every rack is completely full, front to back, and about every week, it’s completely wiped out." VIRGINIA SENATORS WANT TO INFLICT THEIR TYRANNICAL GUN STRATEGY ON ENTIRE COUNTRY He added, "Firearms that have a magazine capacity of more than 15 rounds, we won’t be able to have anymore, which is a majority of your weapons nowadays. So it’s going to affect us big-time." Boyd said he hoped the law would be overturned by the courts. Under the law, it will be a misdemeanor to buy, sell, transfer, or make an "assault firearm," State Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Dunn Loring, who introduced the bill earlier this year, told FairfaxNow that there are "so many assault weapons in circulation" and that his bill will "gradually" take them off the street but stop short of retroactively criminalizing possession of any of the slew of newly-categorized "assault weapons." "Firearms designed to inflict maximum casualties do not belong on our streets," Spanberger said in a statement after she signed the law. "We are taking this step to protect families and support the law enforcement officers who work every day to keep our communities safe." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a236c7dee6011c3f4eb4f4d Maya Hawke says mom Uma Thurman practiced 'witch-adjacent' remedies te 2026-06-06T00:40:29.530Z Maya Hawke says mom Uma Thurman practiced 'witch-adjacent' remedies Maya Hawke is shedding some light on how she was raised with Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke as parents. On NPR's "Wild Card with Rachel Martin," Maya dove into "witch-adjacent" remedies her mom instilled in her as a child. "My mother really taught me to love and respect nature... like herbal remedies to things," she began. "It's sort of like 'witch-adjacent.' It's not toil and trouble, but it's wickenary." She went on to explain that one she still remembers from her childhood is a pineapple skin tea that her mom would have her drink if she had a cold. "Because the enzymes in the pineapple skin is good to get rid of a cold," she added. UMA THURMAN REVEALS WHY SHE NEVER LIVED IN LOS ANGELES Maya explained that her dad is "magic in a different way." "He's a magical thinker. I wouldn't say he's witchy, but he used to do like treasure hunts for me when I was a kid," Maya added. "He's crafty and magical, but he's not witchy." The "Stranger Things" star noted that she grew up between Manhattan and Upstate New York. Maya explained that Uma loves nature and that she is a "gorgeous gardener." Maya explained that growing up, she didn't know how "big of a deal" her parents were because her mom spent most of her time with her in her garden, "on her knees," finding ingredients to make soups out of. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Maya comes from one of Hollywood's most famous families. Of course, Ethan is best known for his roles in "Dead Poets Society," "Training Day," "Boyhood," and the "Before" trilogy, while her mother, Uma, rose to fame through iconic roles in "Pulp Fiction" and Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" films. Ethan and Uma married in 1998 after meeting on the set of "Gattaca" and divorced in 2005. Maya followed in her parents' footsteps and has built a successful career as both an actress and singer-songwriter, earning widespread recognition for her role as Robin Buckley in Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Maya has four siblings in total. She has one full sibling, her younger brother, Levon Roan Thurman-Hawke. Through her father's marriage to Ryan Shawhughes, Maya has two half-sisters, Clementine Hawke and Indiana Hawke. Through her mother's relationship with financier Arpad Busson, she has another half-sister, Luna Thurman-Busson. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2367e1ee6011c3f4eb4e0a Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra advances to California governor general election, AP projects te 2026-06-06T00:20:49.847Z Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra advances to California governor general election, AP projects California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra advanced to the state's general election Friday night, according to an Associated Press race call. The AP called the race for Becerra at 7:50 p.m. EDT, sending the former U.S. health secretary and ex-California attorney general into the November contest to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. Becerra, a longtime Democratic figure in California politics, served as President Joe Biden's secretary of Health and Human Services before launching his bid for governor. California's gubernatorial race is expected to be among the most closely watched contests of the 2026 election cycle, with Democrats seeking to maintain control of the governor's office in the heavily Democratic state. Additional details on Becerra's general election opponent were not immediately available. This is a developing story; check back later for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2367c7ee6011c3f4eb4dca Tucson School for the Blind opens in August, aims to fill gap after ASDB closure te 2026-06-06T00:20:23.450Z Tucson School for the Blind opens in August, aims to fill gap after ASDB closure From the third floor, teacher Kasey Hopper will take students who are blind or visually impaired down the stairs or use an elevator. Once out the door, out on Stone Avenue in downtown Tucson, students may head to the Pima County Library or maybe across the street to a bus or the SunLink streetcar. Navigating the world — big and small — is Hopper’s job as a certified orientation and mobility instructor. Starting in August, he will do it at the Tucson School for the Blind, a new nonprofit private school for students who are blind or visually impaired. The idea for the school at 149 N. Stone Ave. was born in February after the Board of Directors for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind voted to close its west side Tucson campus — sending students who are deaf or hard of hearing 15 miles away to Oro Valley and telling blind and boarding students they must mainstream into their neighborhood schools. The Tucson School for the Blind will serve grades K-12 beginning Aug. 3 and has about 14 students registered, nearly all former ASDB learners. The school has nine staffers so far — from speech and occupational therapists to instructional aides and full-time teachers — many of whom have worked for ASDB, which last spring also laid off about 60 employees here. “The idea of this is very uplifting because these students need that individual instruction with the Braille, with the orientation and mobility, with the teachers of the visually impaired and to be with their peers in an environment where they feel successful and not stuck in a corner,” Hopper told Arizona Luminaria. Hopper taught at ASDB for 14 years. The experience made him a better instructor, person and dad, he says. And while he brings that goodness with him, he also carries the experience of being a student who is blind. The third floor of 149 N. Stone will house the new Tucson School for the Blind in downtown. It opens Aug. 3. Credit: Esa Simonson “Being legally blind myself, I get it,” he said. “I get the stress, the anxiety, the fear of large populations of students and being left behind. So success for the school is ensuring these students are not left behind, that they are given a voice and given a purpose in life.” School director Kate Scally echoes that objective. “We feel very, very strongly about building independence in our students,” said Scally, who was a music teacher at ASDB and taught there for 15 years. “That’s the dream, right?” That vision could eventually incorporate about 30 students and more staff, Scally says. The school currently accepts students with Empowerment Scholarship Accounts only, Scally said, and it is working to become state-certified so it can eventually take public school students who are referred there by their neighborhood school. Scally began exploring the idea of the school in February, when it was clear ASDB would close and she was to be laid off. At that point, 15 families sued ASDB saying they the administration moved forward with plans to close programs for students who are blind or visually impaired while “maintaining or prioritizing programming for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.” “I think we all were still hoping there was some sort of recourse at that point,” Scally told Arizona Luminaria. “That we could perhaps advocate for sustaining the opportunity for the students to stay together as a community.” That unity and those relationships are most valuable to parent Sierra Vinson. “As a parent, it means everything to know my child will be learning in an environment where the teachers are not only highly qualified, but genuinely passionate about helping students succeed,” said Vinson, whose daughter Elena, 11, will transfer from ASDB to the new school. “The opening of Tucson School for the Blind gives families like ours confidence that our children will be supported, encouraged, and given every opportunity to thrive and continue to learn and grow with the peers they’ve been with,” Vinson said. ASDB had about 30 blind or visually impaired students who needed a new school. Some could switch to schools in the Tucson Unified District. Southern Arizona’s largest school district has worked with ASDB for years. Transfer students would be incorporated into the cooperative sites of Pueblo High School and Morgan Maxwell K-8. At a meeting in April, TUSD addressed a plan for bringing in new students — including a model, site modifications, services, providers and $815,000 in funding. The new school’s leaders hope to preserve a community, but Hopper says the impact can be measured one student at a time. “For me as an orientation mobility specialist, success would be just changing the life of at least one student,” he said. “And that’s the thing. If we can change the life of one student to give them a future that they couldn’t get in another learning environment that is success. Because if you can change one life, then another one will come and then another and then another. It’s a snowball effect.” The post Tucson School for the Blind opens in August, aims to fill gap after ASDB closure appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2365e7ee6011c3f4eb4dab 'Angels Are Everywhere': Uber driver credited with stopping scammers targeting Sedona senior te 2026-06-06T00:12:23.289Z 'Angels Are Everywhere': Uber driver credited with stopping scammers targeting Sedona senior The woman was asked to hand over debit cards to a courier, that turned out to be a retired police officer Uber driver. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23658bee6011c3f4eb4d70 Spencer Pratt fires back at Jimmy Kimmel's mockery by resurfacing host's blackface controversy te 2026-06-06T00:10:51.048Z Spencer Pratt fires back at Jimmy Kimmel's mockery by resurfacing host's blackface controversy Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel mocked Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt on Wednesday night’s show, and the former reality TV star responded by bringing up one of Kimmel’s most embarrassing controversies. Pratt is one of the contenders attempting to replace incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Pratt, 42, has been a vocal champion for LA residents since losing his home during the deadly 2025 Palisades wildfire. He launched his mayoral campaign in January with a focus on ousting Bass due to her alleged mishandling of the LA fires. "It could take a while for Democrats here in Los Angeles to figure out which of their friends secretly voted for Spencer Pratt," Kimmel quipped, riffing on California taking a long time to tally votes in recent elections. "Barring a late ballot buzzer-beater, it appears Mayor Karen Bass will advance to a runoff against the former reality show villain." JIMMY KIMMEL ATTACKS FIRE VICTIM SPENCER PRATT AS 'SCREAMING JERK,' LECTURES LA VOTERS ABOUT MAYORAL ELECTION "Sixty percent of the vote has been counted. If that holds, it means in November Los Angelenos are going to have to choose between a woman named Karen and a man who is one," he said, referencing the "Karen" slur for a demanding, middle-class White woman. "Spencer Pratt should not be a top-two finalist for mayor. He should be DJing the worst New Year’s Eve party in Reno right now," Kimmel said. "He’s unlikely to win. In fact, he’s already filming a reality show about his run for mayor, so he definitely has his priorities in order." In response, Pratt replied by sharing an image of Kimmel’s now-infamous moment when the talk show host wore blackface during "The Man Show" in the early 2000s, most notably while impersonating former NBA star Karl Malone. Kimmel has apologized for this skit in recent years, saying he intended for it to be just another celebrity impression. "We hired makeup artists to make me look as much like Karl Malone as possible. I never considered that this might be seen as anything other than an imitation of a fellow human being, one that had no more to do with Karl’s skin color than it did his bulging muscles and bald head," he said in a past statement to Fox News. TED DANSON SAYS HE WANTS TO 'APOLOGIZE FOREVER' FOR DOING BLACKFACE AT WHOOPI GOLDBERG ROAST He added further, "I’ve done dozens of impressions of famous people, including Snoop Dogg, Oprah, Eminem, Dick Vitale, Rosie and many others. In each case, I thought of them as impersonations of celebrities and nothing more. Looking back, many of these sketches are embarrassing, and it is frustrating that these thoughtless moments have become a weapon used by some to diminish my criticisms of social and other injustices." "I won’t be bullied into silence by those who feign outrage to advance their oppressive and genuinely racist agendas," Kimmel vowed, later adding, "Thank you for giving me an opportunity to explain and to those I’ve disappointed, I am sorry." Fox News’ Joseph Wulfsohn contributed to this report. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a236577ee6011c3f4eb4d67 The history behind the U.S. competition with China te 2026-06-06T00:10:31.048Z The history behind the U.S. competition with China President Richard Nixon paved the way for a new relationship with China in the 1970s, but it came at a time as Beijing’s influence was growing globally. "I think China's rise is inevitable. It's not rising. It's already risen. But the question is how China would behave," said former People’s Liberation Army Senior Colonel Zhou Bo. Zhou is now a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University. He began his service with the PLA in 1979, a time when China’s military was experiencing rapid changes. "I think the United States military is definitely the strongest in the world," Zhou said. "When China celebrates its centenary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, that is the goal for us to become world-class military by 2049. That means we believe we can only catch up with the United States militarily by that time." Throughout Chairman Mao Zedong’s leadership, China’s military grew in troop size to as many as 6.5 million. As Deng Xiaoping became China’s paramount leader, he put an emphasis on quality over quantity and began reducing troop numbers while pushing to advance technology. Over the next several decades, China would build up its naval forces, nuclear warhead stockpile and missile arsenal to rival the U.S. RELATED: CHINA’S GRIP ON RARE-EARTH MAGNETS COULD CRUSH US DRONE INDUSTRY BEFORE IT GROWS "I would say between the two countries there is an element of competition," said Zhou. "I believe even in the military field, China's strength is growing. And is closing with that of the United States." The military threat has paved the way for the new space race and U.S. questions over the close relationship between China’s space program and its military. "I think the Chinese position is very easy to understand. We have so many troubles on Earth, and why should we even have weapons in the space to strike on our own homeland? It sounds so, so silly, right?" Zhou said. "So far, no country has claimed that they have placed weapons in space. But I think it is not a secret that this is another domain for space superiority." In 2007 the PLA destroyed a defunct weather satellite in low Earth orbit using a ground-based anti-satellite missile. "We definitely have this kind of capability, called ASAT capability, of launching missiles to target on the satellites," Zhou said. "In space, the question is, it's very difficult to say what is a weapon and what is not." The Defense Intelligence Agency determined the PLA may have ASAT capability against even higher orbits and are working to develop a range of counterspace capabilities. "We're not talking about strategic rivalry anymore, we talk about strategic stability and China and the U.S. should achieve strategic stability not only for the benefit of both countries but for the world," said Henry Wang, founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization. When it comes to technology, President Donald Trump is pushing to keep the U.S. ahead of China. RELATED: CHINA DEPLOYED 100 VESSELS NEAR TAIWAN IN WAKE OF TRUMP-XI SUMMIT, TAIWAN SECURITY OFFICIAL CLAIMS "We're leading China," President Trump said on Special Report during his trip to Beijing. "We're leading China by a lot." This week President Trump signed an executive order on Artificial Intelligence that could allow the federal government to review advanced systems before they are publicly released. He had postponed a similar policy less than two weeks earlier over concerns it would hurt U.S. firms in the A.I. race with China. "The U.S. has a system that really works well in the U.S., but China has a system that works well in China, but doesn't mean the two systems cannot parallel develop," Wang said. RELATED: AI BOOM: DEMAND FOR DATA CENTERS DRIVES INNOVATION BY ENERGY, TECH INDUSTRIES TO PRODUCE NEW POWER SOURCES China sees its efforts to track and monitor citizens as a benefit to training A.I. models. "You have 1.4 billion people, 1.4 billion smartphone users. And also, a large application scene. So, I think in terms of data generating, China probably is the richest," Wang said. "We do have some advantages. But of course, the U.S. has also a lot of innovation, several of the largest A.I. companies are based in the U.S." Experts inside China also believe the U.S. should work with other countries on regulating A.I. development. "That's the uncharted territory and right now we don't have anything to regulate," Wang said. Zhou agrees, saying the U.S. and China need to find consensus at the top level. Voters in the U.S. are split on the issue. According to a recent Fox News Poll, 51% of registered voters preferred coordination with other countries, while 49% wanted the U.S. to act independently. "It’s a little hard to say, ‘oh gee, let's put on – we’re competing with each other and we're gonna put guard rails.’ It really doesn't work that way too much," President Trump said on Special Report in Beijing. "But A.I., if you look at medicine, some of the things that are coming up with medicine, some of cures they're coming up with that people would have never gotten there. It's gonna be mostly a good thing." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a236334ee6011c3f4eb4ceb Washington teacher charged with incest after allegedly having sex with two teenage boys she adopted te 2026-06-06T00:00:52.970Z Washington teacher charged with incest after allegedly having sex with two teenage boys she adopted A Washington state teacher has been charged in connection with having sexual relationships with two teenage boys she adopted. Amber Swain, 35, of Newport, was booked into jail Tuesday on charges of first- and second-degree incest following an investigation, the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office said. Swain worked as a teacher and director at Pend Oreille River School, the Newport School District’s alternative high school. She was placed on administrative leave after the district learned of her arrest, The Spokesman-Review reported. "While we cannot say much at this time, we can unequivocally and firmly state that we take these matters very seriously," the district said in a statement. "We are working closely with law enforcement as they continue their investigation into this matter." The sheriff's office said it was contacted on May 18 by the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families regarding the possible sexual abuse of two male teens, who were 17 and 18 when the alleged abuse started several months ago, the newspaper reported. SEATTLE TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD WARNS WASHINGTON STATE PRIORITIZES ACCUSED TEACHERS OVER CHILD SAFETY Both teens were interviewed by investigators, as was Swain, authorities said. One of the boys told authorities that he and Swain had sex "plenty of times," including a few days before his interview with investigators, KREM-TV reported. After speaking with Swain, detectives found probable cause to arrest her, the sheriff’s office said. The investigation began in May when law enforcement was shown text messages between Swain and one of the teenage boys, the news station reported. Swain initially denied having sex with the teen when she was interviewed by investigators, but later admitted she did have a relationship with one of the boys in February, which would have been after he turned 18, the station reported. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOWN INAPPROPRIATE IMAGES IN TEACHER'S SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION "I could have my timeline messed up," she reportedly told investigators. The other teen victim told detectives that he touched Swain multiple times in May while they were in bed together, but said Swain put a stop to it before the incident escalated further. Prosecutors requested that Swain be barred from contacting the teens after she allegedly reached out to one of them from jail while under arrest, KREM-TV reported. Pend Oreille County Prosecuting Attorney Dolly Hunt asked a judge to impose $50,000 bail for Swain, citing public safety concerns. Swain's public defender, Brett Billingsley, asked that his client be released, citing her lack of a prior criminal history and arguing that concerns about public safety could be addressed by Swain living in a separate residence from the teens. Fox News Digital has reached out to Billingsley for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23631eee6011c3f4eb4cc8 Xavier Becerra Advances in California Governor Race te 2026-06-06T00:00:30.488Z Xavier Becerra Advances in California Governor Race Mr. Becerra was long dismissed in the contest until the abrupt departure of Eric Swalwell created a surprise path for an experienced Democrat. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2360c7ee6011c3f4eb4c58 Americans warned popular travel routes this summer could carry crime and kidnapping risks te 2026-06-05T23:50:31.212Z Americans warned popular travel routes this summer could carry crime and kidnapping risks The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Americans who are planning international trips this summer, including those expected to attend matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The updated advisory, issued May 29, applies to Mexico, one of three countries hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The advisory remains at a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" warning, citing concerns about terrorism, crime and kidnapping. AMERICAN TOURISTS WARNED OF ARREST, JAIL TIME FOR TAKING PHOTOS, POCKETING SOUVENIRS IN LOCALE Mexico is set to host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey during the tournament. The advisory warns that in some areas, violent crime remains a concern, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and robbery. It also notes that the U.S. government's ability to provide emergency assistance can be limited in certain regions, particularly in remote areas where emergency services may be unavailable. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Risk levels vary significantly across the country. Six states remain under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Several additional states, including Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato and Jalisco, are classified as Level 3, meaning Americans should reconsider travel. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Among the World Cup host locations, Mexico City remains under a Level 2 advisory, while Nuevo León, home to Monterrey, is also listed as Level 2. Jalisco, where Guadalajara is located, is currently designated a Level 3 advisory. The State Department advises travelers to avoid traveling between cities after dark, use dispatched taxis or app-based ride services and avoid traveling alone in remote areas. Officials also urge travelers to comply with security checkpoints. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed," the advisory states. Americans traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows the U.S. Embassy to provide security updates and contact travelers during emergencies. The State Department also recommends reviewing local laws and customs, monitoring embassy alerts and purchasing travel insurance before departure. Officials encourage Americans planning to attend World Cup matches to review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy before traveling. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235ebbee6011c3f4eb4c07 Chicago’s World Cup opt‑out in focus as US hosts Germany in final tune‑up te 2026-06-05T23:41:47.686Z Chicago’s World Cup opt‑out in focus as US hosts Germany in final tune‑up CHICAGO – Chris Brady didn’t need long to explain what it would mean to play for the U.S. men’s national team when it hosts Germany in a pre-World Cup exhibition match at Soldier Field on Saturday in his hometown. “It would be incredible,” the Chicago Fire goalkeeper said. “A lot of pride, a lot of excitement and a lot of energy for me for sure.” Brady, 22, grew up in suburban Naperville, came through the Chicago Fire Academy and is now set to represent the United States on home soil in his first World Cup. Unfortunately for Brady, his rise has unfolded in a city that eight years ago declined to host the tournament.  For Chicago’s former leadership, what is considered the pinnacle of soccer and the largest sporting event on the globe was deemed a risk not worth taking. That contrast highlights the complicated relationship between the sports mecca of Chicago and the tournament that will help define the future of the world’s game in 2026. Chicago withdrew its bid in 2018, with then‑mayor Rahm Emanuel framing FIFA’s requirements as financially untenable.  “The guys from international soccer wanted us to underwrite their sporting event,” Emanuel said in a statement. “I am not going to write a company a blank check that can fleece the taxpayers.” Matthew McGrath, Emanuel’s spokesman, echoed that stance in a statement, citing “major unknowns that put our city and taxpayers at risk” and pointing to FIFA’s “inflexibility and unwillingness to negotiate.”  The message Emanuel’s administration portrayed was clear: Becoming a host city presented too much downside for its residents and too little certainty that Chicago would benefit. Neil deMause is the creator, founder, and writer of the stadium-watch website ⁠Field of Schemes. He also co-authored the original book upon which it is based, with Joanna Cagan. DeMause said Emanuel’s logic aligns with decades of research on mega‑events. Hosting, he noted, often brings unpredictable costs, logistical strain on residents and minimal economic return. He said it is a common pattern that has played out across other domestically hosted events such as the Olympics.  “I don’t want to say it’s surprising,” deMause said of Chicago’s decision. “There have certainly been plenty of cities that have turned down these sorts of mega-events because they feel like the cost would be too high.” He pointed to the financial model that comes with hosting modern sports mega‑events. “It’s pretty common practice with all of these kinds of events,” he said. “If you’re going to host the Super Bowl, then the NFL wants some money for that. If you’re going to host the NFL Draft, the NFL wants money for that. The Olympics, obviously, is infamous for requiring billions of dollars in local spending because all additional costs have to be covered by the local city, and there are always additional costs.” DeMause said the promised economic benefits rarely materialize for host cities.  “There isn’t a whole lot of upside as much as FIFA tries to sell it,” he said. “There’s decades of research at this point of people finding that the positive impact of a sports mega‑event is really – it’s not nothing, but it moves the decimal place over one from what the games are.” DeMause said the burden often falls on residents who see little direct benefit.  “We are going to gain nothing from it being in New York except for lots of traffic because we can’t afford to go to the games,” he said of his own city. “There’s like entire days that the New Jersey commuter rail system is going to be closed during rush hour because they have to use all the trains to take people to the World Cup matches. “These events are not for regular people. They’re for people with a lot of money. For everyone else, it’s just a pain.” DeMause also noted that FIFA’s negotiating position leaves cities with little wiggle room.  “It’s kind of a shame that the U.S., Canada, and Mexico didn’t drive a harder bargain,” he said. “They could have just tried to say, ‘Hey, look, be happy with the fact that you’re going to gouge on ticket prices like never before.’ But that sort of negotiation should never happen.” Chicago’s decision reflects the dichotomy between the economics of hosting and fan interest in popular events. Chicago resident and soccer fan Jimmy Milas understands that fragile balance. “The way I’ve seen other cities handle FIFA and the World Cup, I’m glad to give Chicago a little breathing room,” Milas said. Despite electing not to host, the Windy City continues to have a direct impact on the national team and the nation’s soccer culture. Former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter’s son, Sebastian Berhalter, is further proof. “Chicago, I call it home,” said Berhalter, whose dad now coaches the Fire. “It’s where my family lives. It’s great coming back here. Last time I was here, I made my debut for the national team. So yeah, I’m super excited to be here.” The U.S. will open its official World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12, and Brady said the magnitude of the event still hasn’t fully hit him.  “I’m sure it’ll set in in that first game when I hear the national anthem,” he said. Before that moment arrives, the U.S. faces one final test in Chicago against Germany in the last tune‑up before the World Cup kicks off. While it’s considered an exhibition on paper, Brady dismissed the idea that the match is a friendly. “This is the furthest thing from a friendly game,” he said. “It’s the last one to prepare for the biggest stage in the world. We’re going to go out there and just look to kill our opponent any way we can with the ball, without the ball.” The U.S. enters the match still sorting out its goalkeeper hierarchy, with Brady competing for the top spot in an experienced group that remains unsettled heading into the tournament.  For Brady, the possibility of playing in Chicago, even in a stadium that won’t see further World Cup action, carries an immense weight. “It’s a familiar place,” he said. “A lot of pride, a lot of excitement.” The U.S. won’t be playing a World Cup match here, and Chicago won’t be hosting any others, but the moment still carries weight. And while Chicago may not be present on the tournament schedule, for Brady, Berhalter and the national team, it remains a key part of the story. The post Chicago’s World Cup opt‑out in focus as US hosts Germany in final tune‑up appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235e6eee6011c3f4eb4bbe Passenger allegedly boards flight with fake boarding pass, forcing plane back to gate te 2026-06-05T23:40:30.241Z Passenger allegedly boards flight with fake boarding pass, forcing plane back to gate A Houston man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he used a fraudulent boarding pass to board a United Airlines flight at George Bush Intercontinental Airport before the aircraft was forced to return to the gate, according to court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital. Abdulrahman Oluwatumike Oriyomi, 25, has been charged with impairing or interrupting the operation of a critical infrastructure facility in connection with the May 18 incident, according to a criminal complaint filed in Harris County. Prosecutors later sought a $25,000 bond, arguing that the alleged incident delayed a flight carrying a full plane of passengers for approximately three hours and prompted responses from multiple agencies, including the Houston Police Department, the FBI, Houston Airports and the Transportation Security Administration. "The Defendant delayed a flight for 3 hours with a full plane," prosecutors wrote in a motion reviewed by Fox News Digital. JORDANIAN NATIONAL ARRESTED AFTER BOARDING FLIGHT IN ARIZONA WITH INVALID TICKET, PROMPTING EVACUATION According to the complaint, Oriyomi entered Bush Airport and passed through a TSA checkpoint before attempting to board a flight bound for Los Angeles. Investigators allege Oriyomi first attempted to scan a boarding pass at one gate but was unsuccessful. He then walked through the airport before approaching another gate where United employees were checking passengers' boarding passes. The complaint alleges Oriyomi waited until airline employees were distracted before proceeding down the jetway and boarding United Flight 469. FLIGHT PASSENGER MISTAKENLY BOARDS WRONG PLANE, LANDS IN SURPRISING COUNTRY AFTER MANY HOURS A passenger told investigators Oriyomi initially sat next to her before moving around the aircraft. The witness later realized the seat had already been assigned to another passenger, according to the complaint. The aircraft had already begun taxiing away from the gate when flight attendants were notified that someone was inside a restroom on board. Flight attendants eventually made contact with Oriyomi and determined he did not have an assigned seat on the flight. A flight attendant later checked the passenger manifest and allegedly discovered no authorized passenger was listed under the name Oriyomi had provided. DRIVER PLOWS THROUGH AIRPORT GATE ONTO AIRFIELD, SNEAKS ONTO PLANES BEFORE POLICE TAKEDOWN, BODYCAM SHOWS The plane returned to the gate, prompting a response from multiple law enforcement and security agencies. Investigators later reviewed a boarding pass image recovered from Oriyomi's phone and determined it appeared fraudulent because key information and a QR code were missing, the complaint states. A Bush Airport representative concluded the document was fake, according to the filing. Investigators determined Oriyomi could not have obtained a valid boarding pass without first paying for his reservation, according to court records reviewed by Fox News Digital. EVERYDAY BEHAVIORS BY FLIGHT PASSENGERS THAT ARE RED FLAGS FOR TSA AND MIGHT GET YOU HELD UP AT THE AIRPORT Prosecutors also requested several bond conditions, according to court records reviewed by Fox News Digital, including surrendering any passports or travel documents, avoiding Bush Intercontinental Airport and other airports, refraining from possessing firearms and submitting to electronic monitoring if ordered by the court. It was not immediately clear whether all requested bond conditions were ultimately imposed. Court records reviewed by Fox News Digital did not immediately identify an attorney representing Oriyomi. United Airlines, Houston Airports and the Transportation Security Administration did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment. The case is pending in Harris County's 180th District Court. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235c5eee6011c3f4eb4b5c Scene pkg June 5 te 2026-06-05T23:31:42.972Z Scene pkg June 5 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235c13ee6011c3f4eb4b1b Two men shot at Trump's Butler rally sue federal government over Secret Service 'preventable failures' te 2026-06-05T23:30:27.848Z Two men shot at Trump's Butler rally sue federal government over Secret Service 'preventable failures' Two men who were shot at the Pennsylvania rally where a gunman tried to assassinate Donald Trump are suing the federal government. James Copenhaver and David Dutch alleged in separate but similar lawsuits filed Monday in the Western District of Pennsylvania that the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were grossly negligent in their failure to secure the event premises in Butler, Pennsylvania. The lawsuits specifically cite the AGR Complex roof used by the shooter, Thomas Crooks. The lawsuits name the United States government as the defendant, and the plaintiffs are joined in the legal action by their wives. "Congressional investigations also reviewed the USSS’s failures on the day of the assassination attempt, including Senate findings which concluded that the USSS’s failures directly led to the shooting complained of herein, including, but not limited to, that the USSS’s conduct consisted of a "cascade of preventable failures," the lawsuit states. Dutch was shot in the abdomen and underwent multiple surgeries. Copenhaver was struck by two bullets in the abdomen and left arm, and fragments remain lodged in his body following the shooting, according to his complaint. CRITICAL SECURITY LAPSES BY SECRET SERVICE EXPOSED IN NEW REPORT ON TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT The shooting occurred on July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds. Crooks grazed Trump's ear with a bullet and was killed by a Secret Service sniper seconds after he opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief who attended the event, was killed while shielding his family. The lawsuits detail a "cascade of preventable failures" by the Secret Service that allowed the shooting to occur, specifically pointing to the failure to secure the complex roof despite warnings that it was a vulnerability. TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: SECRET SERVICE KNEW AIRSPACE PROTECTION WOULD END WITH FORMER PRESIDENT ONSTAGE "The defendant United States of America, by and through the [Secret Service], committed egregious failures and failed to abide by and adhere to various protocols, policies and procedures which directly and proximately caused the shooting and/or allowed it to occur," the lawsuits read. "The assassination attempt on President Trump’s life was entirely preventable and was caused, in whole or in part, by the failures of the USSS in the days leading up to the event as well as on the day of the assassination attempt," the complaints continued. In addition to security failures, the complaints argue that the Secret Service created an environment where critical information could not be shared because it established fragmented, separate command centers rather than a single unified post. TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: SECRET SERVICE ACTING DIRECTOR REVEALS 'NUMEROUS CHANGES' AGENCY HAS IMPLEMENTED Agents also relied on inadequate communication methods, the lawsuits state, such as using cellphones to pass messages between trailers instead of utilizing centralized radio channels, which "severely impeded" the transmission of safety information. The legal filings also note that authorities observed Crooks acting erratically, using a range finder, and becoming the subject of a search in the hours leading up to the shooting. The Secret Service has essentially admitted to these failures, the lawsuits argue. "Indeed, the [Secret Service] has itself acknowledged that its failures included ‘breakdowns in communication, technological issues, and human failure’ all of which contributed to the shooting, and that its conduct constituted 'an operational failure that the Secret Service will carry as a reminder of the critical importance of its zero-fail mission and the need for continuous improvement,'" they state. "Further, numerous agents were held accountable for their acts and omissions, including suspension without pay, and those individuals were placed on restricted duty and/or moved into non-operational positions." Both lawsuits seek $150,000 in damages, as well as interest and attorney fees. Fox News has reached out to the White House, Secret Service and DHS for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2359baee6011c3f4eb4a7e Iran Fired Attack Drones Toward Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Official Says te 2026-06-05T23:20:26.647Z Iran Fired Attack Drones Toward Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Official Says The latest violence between the United States and Iran threatened a cease-fire and risked further stoking tensions in the region. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235765ee6011c3f4eb4a25 Pennsylvania Dem rep claims Graham Platner 'has disqualified himself' from Maine Senate race te 2026-06-05T23:10:29.528Z Pennsylvania Dem rep claims Graham Platner 'has disqualified himself' from Maine Senate race Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., said Friday on "News Central" that Graham Platner "has disqualified himself" from Maine's U.S. Senate race after co-anchor Boris Sanchez asked whether she supported the Democratic candidate's Senate campaign. "I think it’s so distressing," Dean said. "All of the stories that are coming out, and they’re more and more, it seems, by the hour. I’m not a voter in Maine, but he has disqualified himself. In my eyes. He is not qualified to be a representative, a senator. We’ll see what Maine does about it. And I know Gov. Mills remains on the ballot, but he has disqualified himself." Platner, an oyster farmer and combat veteran, is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge veteran Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Fox News Digital reported that Lyndsey Fifield, a former girlfriend, told The New York Times that Platner repeatedly grabbed her hard enough to leave marks, pulled her from a cab and, in one incident, twisted her arm behind her back and held her in a room when they dated more than a decade ago. Platner acknowledged personal failings in a statement to the AP while denying the broader allegations. THE GROWING LIST OF CONTROVERSIES THREATENING DEMOCRAT GRAHAM PLATNER'S MAINE SENATE BID "Any characterization beyond that is false," Platner said, adding that he believed the allegations were "politically motivated." The scrutiny around Platner has extended beyond the latest allegations. He previously faced revelations about sexually explicit text messages he exchanged with married women, a skull tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol that he said he did not understand until the campaign and past Reddit posts dismissive of military sexual assault and using homophobic slurs, for which he has since apologized. Dean’s comment also came as Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who suspended active campaigning, remains on the ballot for Tuesday’s Democratic primary. WGME reported that Maine’s deputy secretary of state said Mills did not officially withdraw from the election and that votes for her will be counted. FORMER PRIMARY RIVAL RESURFACES TO CHALLENGE SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER IN MAINE SENATE RACE Mills has said voters can still choose her because she only "suspended active campaigning" and is "still on the ballot." The comments came at the end of a wide-ranging interview with Dean, a House Foreign Affairs Committee member, who first criticized Trump administration diplomacy on Iran. She said U.S. policy should focus on ending hostilities and preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Dean said the administration should rely more heavily on diplomats as it seeks a deal with Iran. "What I wish we would do is work with diplomats," Dean said. "You’ve seen that the president has not relied upon diplomats." ANTI-ICE LAW SET TO TAKE EFFECT IN MAINE AS GOVERNOR FACES INCREASED CRITICISM FOR ALLOWING IT AMID SENATE RUN Dean also said the U.S. should not unfreeze Iranian assets without concessions. "We mustn’t unfreeze those assets without actually getting some sort of justice and a deal," Dean said. Asked about an immigration enforcement bill moving through Congress, Dean said Democrats would oppose the administration’s proposed $1.8 billion "weaponization fund." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "We will do everything in our power to try to block it," Dean said. She also criticized additional funding for ICE, saying the agency should not receive more money. "ICE doesn’t need another dime," Dean said. "In fact, we need to pull back money from ICE." Fox News Digital reached out to Platner for comment, but did not immediately hear back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235587ee6011c3f4eb49d9 Eastbound US 60 closed in Apache Junction due to crash involving dump truck te 2026-06-05T23:02:31.767Z Eastbound US 60 closed in Apache Junction due to crash involving dump truck A dump truck with a blown tire crossed the median on US 60 near Ironwood Drive, colliding head-on with another vehicle, causing serious injuries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235546ee6011c3f4eb49c3 Proposed Swanson Avenue townhome development heads to city council with approval from Planning & Zoning te 2026-06-05T23:01:26.733Z Proposed Swanson Avenue townhome development heads to city council with approval from Planning & Zoning A proposed development of 68 townhomes and a new traffic signal are one step closer to reality after Lake Havasu City's planning and zoning commission recommended a rezone approval Wednesday morning. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235515ee6011c3f4eb4995 US, Shield of the Americas condemn 'ongoing efforts' to overthrow Bolivia's elected president amid unrest te 2026-06-05T23:00:37.370Z US, Shield of the Americas condemn 'ongoing efforts' to overthrow Bolivia's elected president amid unrest The United States, along with the other countries that make up the Shield of the Americas, condemned the "ongoing efforts" in Bolivia to "overthrow the legitimately and overwhelmingly elected" government of President Rodrigo Paz on Friday. "The member countries of Shield of the Americas denounce ongoing efforts to overthrow the legitimately and overwhelmingly elected government of President Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia," the statement read. "We stand with Paz’s democratic government as it fights back against attempts to drag Bolivia backwards through cynical efforts to prevent the delivery of food, medicine and other vital supplies to the Bolivian people through fake road blockades." The statement added that "Mob rule cannot replace the decision that a majority of Bolivians made at the ballot box to turn the page on two decades of corrupt governments." It also said that anyone who is funding protests with "dirty money" from drug trafficking and transnational crime "should be held accountable. Those who have legitimate grievances should take advantage of the government’s willingness to dialogue, and denounce those who would abuse their causes to regain power." PETE HEGSETH WARNS NARCO-TERRORISTS AS U.S. BACKS BOLIVIA'S GOVERNMENT AMID COUP WARNINGS The State Department made the joint statement along with Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. The statement comes as Bolivia's capital, La Paz, has been rocked by weeks of social unrest as mass protests have blocked streets in major cities amid economic inflation and rising fuel prices. Bolivian Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas resigned Tuesday. Upon taking office, Paz supported a land reform bill to boost agribusiness that Indigenous farmers said put them at risk of eviction. He further scrapped fuel subsidies, sending prices surging by nearly 90%. Motorists complained that the gasoline was contaminated and ruined their cars. PETE HEGSETH MAKES HOMELAND SECURITY TOP MISSION IN FIRST INTERVIEW AS SECRETARY OF WAR The Trump administration has said drug traffickers are responsible for inciting the mass unrest. Meanwhile, former President Evo Morales of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, the country's first Indigenous president who ruled for an unprecedented 14 years, is calling for early elections. "Paz only has two paths left: a suicidal decision like militarization or ... an election in the next 90 days," he wrote on X. For almost two years now, Morales has been hiding out in Bolivia's central coca-growing Chapare region, evading an arrest warrant on human trafficking charges relating to allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old girl. He rejects the allegations as politically motivated. On Thursday, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post on X, that the War Department and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), a recently established multinational military and political alliance, reject all attempts to overthrow the government of Rodrigo Paz Pereira six months into his term. "The United States is watching. Bolivia must not allow itself to fall prey to the old status quo of narco-terrorist dominance in the region," Hegseth wrote. "We will continue to support our A3C partners like Bolivia to ensure that narco-terrorists are deterred from profiting on death and destruction in our hemisphere." Fox News' Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235088ee6011c3f4eb48b5 Popeyes takes over famous $150 chicken tender tower at Hamptons celebrity hotspot te 2026-06-05T22:41:12.573Z Popeyes takes over famous $150 chicken tender tower at Hamptons celebrity hotspot The Surf Lodge in the Hamptons is famous for its chicken tender tower, and now the celebrity hotspot has teamed up with Popeyes to bring an "elevated" Louisiana-style eating experience to guests. The partnership marks a "first-of-its-kind" collaboration between Popeyes and The Surf Lodge for summer, according to a news release from the fast-food chain. Recently, the Lodge's $150 chicken tender tower — served with fries and dipping sauces — attracted a cult following. A reviewer on TikTok raved last year that it was "amazing," "might be the best chicken tender I've ever had" and was "worth every penny." HOT DOG TOWERS ARE A BUDGET-FRIENDLY REPLACEMENT FOR SEAFOOD TOWERS The Surf Lodge is a combination hotel, restaurant and live music venue in Montauk on Long Island, having attracted celebrities from Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow to Leonardo DiCaprio and Snoop Dogg. "Guests at The Surf Lodge will find the Louisiana chicken brand at the heart of every social gathering, featuring hand-breaded, hand-battered, crispy Louisiana chicken tenders that have flavor in every bite," Popeyes said.  "These tenders will be stacked in a multi-level tower and served alongside a flight of Popeyes dipping sauces, creating a premium culinary experience designed for the spotlight." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The $150 price tag will stay "to align with The Surf Lodge's premium hospitality experience," Popeyes said. Chicken tender boxes, including dipping sauces, will also be available starting at $40 for two people. Popeyes said the tower will be "the most-photographed food moment of the summer." The Surf Lodge's summer concert series, which runs now through Labor Day, will include several big-name acts, including Snoop Dogg and Teddy Swims, Rolling Stone reported. Popeyes said its partnership with the Lodge will place the brand "at the heart of the East Coast's premier music venue where the world's top performers and most vibrant summer social scene collide." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "We're excited to bring the bold flavor and energy of Popeyes to one of the most iconic destinations in music and culture," Matt Rubin, chief marketing officer of Popeyes for North America, said in a statement. "Our exclusive partnership with The Surf Lodge and the debut of the chicken tender tower allows us to show up for guests in a fresh, unexpected way, where great music, culture and craveable food come together to create a uniquely elevated Popeyes experience." Popeyes will also offer signature menu launches, special drops and exclusive custom merchandise throughout the summer. "We are always trying to create magic for our community," Jayma Cardoso, founder and creative director of The Surf Lodge, said in a statement. "It's an iconic collaboration that brings our signature chicken tender towers together with the unmistakable taste of Popeyes. It feels very special and just takes it to another level. It's fun, unexpected, unforgettable, and it really reflects what makes The Surf Lodge so unique. This is the kind of partnership that just makes sense and I'm excited about this one." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The Surf Lodge opened in 2008 and expanded with The Snow Lodge in Aspen, Colorado, in 2019.  Its summer concert series has featured such acts as John Legend, Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Wyclef Jean and more. The chicken tender tower's popularity has extended beyond Montauk, drawing attention across social media and becoming one of the venue's signature menu items. Montauk is featured on the Bravo reality television show "Summer House," now in its 11th season. A Reddit forum about the show includes a thread, "I think it's hilarious how often the cast orders chicken tenders." Redditors chimed in with their theories about why chicken tenders are so prominent. The cast members are often drinking alcohol, some pointed out, and chicken tenders are "the most reliable food especially when you're drunk," wrote one person. "Surf Lodge chicken tenders and fries are awesome," wrote one user. "As a Long Island gal, yes this is the correct answer," replied another. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a235072ee6011c3f4eb4894 Patel Said to Have Fired Five F.B.I. Analysts Over Memo on Catholic Extremists te 2026-06-05T22:40:50.080Z Patel Said to Have Fired Five F.B.I. Analysts Over Memo on Catholic Extremists It is the administration’s latest effort to force out law enforcement personnel it accuses of “weaponizing” the government against President Trump and his supporters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23505cee6011c3f4eb487b Reid Hoffman is leaving Microsoft’s board to go ‘founder mode’ with startup Manus te 2026-06-05T22:40:28.571Z Reid Hoffman is leaving Microsoft’s board to go ‘founder mode’ with startup Manus After a very profitable decade on Microsoft's board, Reid Hoffman is stepping down to focus on his AI drug discovery startup Manus. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234e7eee6011c3f4eb4848 AHS campus expands veterinary services te 2026-06-05T22:32:30.496Z AHS campus expands veterinary services With the April reopening of Arizona Humane Society’s Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic in Sunnyslope, twice as many owned pets are expected to receive affordable veterinary care in the community each year (photo courtesy of AHS). At an April 24 event, the Sunnyslope community celebrated the grand re-opening of Arizona Humane Society’s (AHS) Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic, located at 9226 N. 13th Ave. The renovation of the clinic was completed thanks in part to $1.3 million in grants from PetSmart Charities®. This grant supported the expansion of the clinic at AHS’ Sunnyslope Campus into a full-service clinic, which is expected to help twice as many owned pets receive affordable veterinary care in the community each year. This year, AHS says that it expects more than 22,000 owned pets will receive lifesaving care including spay/neuter, vaccination and microchip services at this veterinary clinic location. As the cost of living continues to rise, the expanded, full-service offered at a lower cost will fill appointments, filling an incredible need according to a 2025 PetSmart Charities-Gallup Report. According to the report, 94 percent of veterinarians surveyed listed clients’ financial considerations often limited their ability to give pets the care they need. In turn, pet parents’ inability to afford accessible veterinary care is taking a huge toll on shelters as more families are forced to make the difficult decision to surrender their pets. When pets can’t get affordable care – such as wellness exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, dental cleanings, treatments for illness and care for injuries – families can face impossible decisions, AHS said. The Sunnyslope clinic transformation ensures affordable, high-quality pet care remains accessible to the growing community for decades to come. “Over the last few years, the Arizona Humane Society has been able to make critical improvements to continue helping even more pets in need here in our community by increasing access to affordable veterinary care,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, Arizona Humane Society president and CEO. “Thanks to PetSmart Charities’ incredible generosity, our new state-of-the-art veterinary clinic offers expanded equipment, technology, staffing and more to help us keep pets in their loving homes where they belong and out of already overcrowded shelters.” The Sunnyslope Veterinary Clinic is open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between noon and 1 p.m.). For additional information, call 602-997-7585 or visit www.azhumane.org/sunnyslope-veterinary-clinic. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234e6aee6011c3f4eb483f Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory – June 5-8 te 2026-06-05T22:32:10.569Z Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory – June 5-8 The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that closures or lane restrictions for improvement projects are scheduled along several Phoenix-area freeways this weekend, June 5-8. Drivers should allow extra travel time and use detour routes as needed for these weekend freeway restrictions: Southbound State Route 51 closed between Indian School Road and Interstate 10 from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (June 8) for pavement improvement project. Southbound on-ramps closed at Glendale Avenue, Bethany Home Road and Highland Avenue. Detours: Consider taking Seventh or 24th streets to reach I-10 and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) or using southbound Interstate 17 as an alternate freeway route.  Eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) closed between Price Road and Arizona Avenue from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (June 8) for widening project. Southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) ramps to eastbound Loop 202 closed. Detours: Alternate routes include Chandler Boulevard and Germann Road. Northbound Interstate 17 closed between Cactus and Union Hills roads from 11 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday (June 8) for overhead sign maintenance. Northbound I-17 on-ramps closed at Dunlap and Peoria avenues. Note: Access from I-17 to east- and westbound Loop 101 will be unavailable during the closure.  Detours: Traffic can use the northbound frontage road and re-enter via Union Hills Road. Drivers may consider exiting ahead of the closure and using 19th or 35th avenues to access Loop 101. Southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and US 60 from 9 p.m. Friday to 2 p.m. Saturday (June 6) for pavement repairs. Detour: Consider westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to southbound SR 143, eastbound I-10 and eastbound US 60 as an alternate freeway route. Click on the Weekend Travel Advisory map graphic or visit the ADOT website for a complete listing of restrictions for this weekend. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234e56ee6011c3f4eb4836 Museum hosts Foam Zone te 2026-06-05T22:31:50.645Z Museum hosts Foam Zone The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is bringing back its popular summertime attraction, the Foam Zone, for another season of larger-than-life bubbly fun. Children, and their grown-ups, can dive into mountains of foam, dance through clouds of bubbles and cool off in one of the Valley’s most unforgettable summer experiences. Open seven days a week all summer long, the Foam Zone transforms the museum into a foam-filled playground perfect for beating the Arizona heat. The attraction will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with giant bursts of foam happening intermittently throughout the day to keep the excitement going. Guests are encouraged to bring towels, sunscreen and a change of clothes because things are guaranteed to get delightfully messy. Foam Zone is included with paid Museum admission of $19 per person. Museum Members and children under age one receive free admission. Beyond the bubbles, families can enjoy a full day of indoor adventure at the museum, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From soaring through the Climber and exploring the whimsical Noodle Forest to creating masterpieces in the Art Studio, the Museum offers hands-on fun and imagination-filled experiences for children ages birth to 10. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is located in the historic Monroe School Building at 215 N. 7th Street in downtown Phoenix. Visit www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org for more information. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234e0eee6011c3f4eb47f1 Justice Dept. Promises to Drop Trump’s $1.8 Billion Fund te 2026-06-05T22:30:38.176Z Justice Dept. Promises to Drop Trump’s $1.8 Billion Fund It was the department’s clearest statement to date that it was pulling back from a plan to use taxpayer money to make payments to people who claimed to have been politically persecuted. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23497eee6011c3f4eb4715 Washington father arrested after allegedly killing 4-year-old son and burying body under his house: reports te 2026-06-05T22:11:10.883Z Washington father arrested after allegedly killing 4-year-old son and burying body under his house: reports A father from Washington state was arrested Thursday after allegedly killing his 4-year-old son and burying the child's body underneath his house. Jacob Bevins, 36, is charged with felony second-degree murder, felony first-degree manslaughter, unlawful disposal of remains and making a false or misleading statement to a public servant, according to a report from affiliate FOX 13 Seattle. Aberdeen police officers first made contact with Jacob Bevins, 36, on May 12 when his 6-year-old daughter was reported missing, the outlet reported. FATHER ARRESTED ON DRUG, WEAPONS CHARGES AS 4-YEAR-OLD SON FOUND DEAD AFTER NEW YEAR'S DISAPPEARANCE While police found the girl was safe with her mother, they noticed the other child, Aiden Bevins, 4, appeared to be missing. Jacob Bevins initially told investigators the boy was with family in another state, but relatives denied having seen the child, FOX 13 reported. During subsequent questioning, the father admitted to striking the 4-year-old on the head and killing him, local outlet KING 5 reported. He later changed his story, claiming he was chasing his son to the bathroom and he fell and hit his head. OHIO MOTHER CHARGED WITH MURDERING TWO DAUGHTERS FOUND BURIED IN SUITCASES NEAR CLEVELAND Remains belonging to the child, who had been missing for about a year, were found May 15 inside a garbage bag underneath the house, according to the outlet. "My daughter said she saw dirt between the tree and the house," Tammy Pratt, who lives in a nearby duplex, told FOX 13. "I have grandkids that come here and play too. I won’t let them go back there." Officials found the child's injuries resulted from blunt force trauma, inconsistent with the father's story, KING 5 reported. Both children had previously been in the foster care system before being returned to their biological parents, former foster parents Gary and Magali Lopez told the outlet. They cited concerns about the children's health and safety, noting they contacted Child Protective Services multiple times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23496aee6011c3f4eb470c James Carville endorses 'f---ed up' Platner, compares him to US allying with Stalin to win WWII te 2026-06-05T22:10:50.890Z James Carville endorses 'f---ed up' Platner, compares him to US allying with Stalin to win WWII Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville compared supporting Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to the United States allying with Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin during World War II. Carville praised Platner for his military service, contrasting it with other politicians, saying, "He’s f---ed up, he’s been shot at, he’s a veteran, he’s a little bit weird, he’s an oysterman." "Then his opponent, I can hardly say her name without the utter contempt dripping, Susan Collins, whose spine reminds me of a blueberry jelly from Maine," he said. "Maybe we need a combat veteran right on that Senate floor who is f---ed up." "If you believe, as I do, that the country is in imminent peril — I mean imminent peril — who is most likely to slow this criminal in charge? Susan ‘Blueberry Jelly’ Collins, or five degrees off dead center Graham Platner?" Carville asked. "I think it's Graham Platner." MORNING GLORY: DEMS' BERNIE-BACKED OYSTER FARMER HANDS SUSAN COLLINS A MASSIVE 2026 ADVANTAGE "And you know if Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill could work with Joseph Stalin — who, by the way, well, I'll tell you this, he was a bad guy, a really bad guy, alright — then I can overlook a tattoo," Carville added. Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee in Maine’s Senate race, has been dogged by scandals ranging from allegedly having sent sexually explicit messages to multiple women while married to his wife Amy Gertner, to having had a tattoo for decades that resembled the Nazi SS Totenkopf skull and crossbones insignia associated with concentration camp guards. One of his ex-girlfriends, Lyndsey Fifield, told The New York Times how Platner would poke fun at his chest tattoo and that he and other members of his military unit chose it because of parallels between them and the Nazi German SS — in that "they were a death unit... killers," which appears to contradict his narrative that he did not know the tattoo was associated with the Nazi emblem. She also accused him of physical misconduct that he has since disputed.  "There are some allegations in this piece that I just want to be kind of unequivocal about, are simply not true. Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who’s politically motivated," Platner told MS NOW host Chris Hayes on Thursday. Fifield, in turn, has said that The New York Times coverage was actually too soft on the Democratic candidate, and failed to use evidence she provided. DEMOCRATIC MAINE SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER CONFRONTED BY MS NOW HOST ABOUT TATTOO CONTROVERSY "I don’t know how to tell The New York Times this, but boy puts hand on girl’s t---y, girl moves hand, boy walks away rejected and despondent. It happens," Carville said in response to the report.  "If you committed a crime, then charge him. And then throw his a-- in jail. But so far, we have none of that! We got a f---ed up guy, who, he could be a hundred times more f---ed up than he is. He’d never be as f---ed up as what we got in Washington now anyway," he continued.  "Abraham Lincoln had to suspend habeas corpus, why? Because he had to win a Godd--- war, OK?" Carville added. "We got to win this." ‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN Carville also argued that Platner's military service would provide some perspective that would contrast with Collins, who he said voted in favor of wars as Platner actually fought in them. "Maybe they need to look at this guy before they start sending young people off to fight wars and see what the consequence of it is," he said. "The tattoo is very troubling," Carville admitted, "but f---, people get drunk." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Fox News Digital reached out to Collins and Platner but did not receive an immediate response. Fox News’ Charles Creitz, Leo Briceno, and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234954ee6011c3f4eb46ec Ebola Cases May Top 20,000 in Three Months, C.D.C. Says te 2026-06-05T22:10:28.329Z Ebola Cases May Top 20,000 in Three Months, C.D.C. Says Still, the risk to people in the United States remains low, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report Friday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234768ee6011c3f4eb468c President Donald Trump reacts to Spurs star Victor Wembanyama folding his arms during the anthem te 2026-06-05T22:02:16.087Z President Donald Trump reacts to Spurs star Victor Wembanyama folding his arms during the anthem There's a lot of buzz around the NBA Finals just because it pits the New York Knicks against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Of course, there's another reason it's catching some buzz: President Donald Trump plans to be at Madison Square Garden when the series shifts to New York for Game 3. Well, we've already got a crossover because the president has reacted to Wembanyama's actions during the national anthem ahead of Game 1 in San Antonio. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The third-year player from France was seen standing with his arms folded while "The Star-Spangled Banner" played. VICTOR WEMBANYAMA CROSSING HIS ARMS DURING U.S. NATIONAL ANTHEM IS A PROBLEM FOR THE NBA | BOBBY BURACK Obviously, Wembanyama isn't an American, but it left many wondering if he was using the Finals to make a political statement. Of course... no one asked him about it after the game. However, OutKick's own Dan Zaksheske did ask President Donald Trump for his thoughts on the situation while aboard Air Force One. "I did not see that; is that what he did?" the president said. "What did he mean by that?" President Trump was then informed that no one had asked him about his intent. "Well, I guess you have to ask him," he replied. President Trump also said he watched Game 1 and offered his thoughts on the game. "I thought it was amazing," he said. "I think the Knicks have an amazing team. The way they play; it started slow, and it's just gotten stronger and stronger. "Wemby looks like he's going to be a great player, but (the Knicks) really played well." The Knicks lead the series 1-0 after winning a Game 1 thriller by a score of 105-95. Game 3, which the president is indeed set to attend, will take place on Monday night, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234754ee6011c3f4eb4683 Breakthrough pancreatic cancer drug shows survival gains that surprise experts te 2026-06-05T22:01:56.167Z Breakthrough pancreatic cancer drug shows survival gains that surprise experts → People taking common sleep drug may not realize they're too impaired to drive → New ways to prevent flu revealed in 'accidental' lab breakthrough → Novel pancreatic cancer pill nearly doubles survival time in breakthrough trial → Everyday task may help detect early dementia signs before diagnosis → Veterans face surprising threat after cancer diagnosis, study reveals → Single infusion of controversial drug changed severe depression symptoms within hours CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES → Just 5 minutes of prayer could have surprising health benefits → What to do if someone is having a stroke, after Jill Biden's debate-night fears → New cancer vaccine delivers stunning result against deadly skin cancer Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234740ee6011c3f4eb467a Eric Schmitt rips Hirono over denaturalization bill: 'You're damn right we're deporting' criminals te 2026-06-05T22:01:36.493Z Eric Schmitt rips Hirono over denaturalization bill: 'You're damn right we're deporting' criminals Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., criticized Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, during Wednesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing after she accused the Trump administration of "terrorizing immigrant communities" during a session focused on the denaturalization of individuals convicted of fraud and other crimes. Hirono, a naturalized citizen, remarked on the SCAM Act, or the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation Act, during the hearing, titled "Protecting American Citizenship III: Denaturalization and its Constitutional Limits." She argued that the bill would impose stricter requirements on naturalized citizens than those born in the United States. "I happen to be the only naturalized citizen sitting on this committee, and I am horrified by the implication that naturalized citizens basically get second-class citizenship," she said. "As a naturalized citizen, I’m proud of it. I can’t think of a more undemocratic, un-American thing to do to someone who chooses to become a U.S. citizen than to hold this over their heads and treat us like second-class citizens." EMMER INTRODUCES NEW BILL TO STRIP CITIZENSHIP FROM FRAUDSTERS AND TERRORISTS: 'YOU'RE GOING HOME' "We can talk about people 10 years later who commit murder or heinous acts, but the SCAM Act also allows people to be prosecuted for welfare fraud," she added. Schmitt subsequently accused Hirono of defending criminals—including rapists, murderers, and fraudsters—who he said were ripping off taxpayers. "What I'm saying in this bill is if you do those things to the American people, if you take advantage of taxpayers… if you commit a terrorist act, if you commit wholesale welfare fraud, within 10 years, you're damn right we're deporting you," he shot back. "If you are convicted in a court of law of these crimes, absolutely we should not only convict you, but we should deport you. Gone. And if you think that's some sort of negative assertion toward me, I'll take it. I love it." The Trump administration has claimed that anti-fraud efforts have uncovered billions of dollars, enough to potentially balance the budget. WHITE HOUSE-BACKED GOP BILL WOULD REVOKE CITIZENSHIP AFTER SOMALI FRAUD SCANDAL "Vice President JD Vance and Republicans are doing a great job hunting down Fraud in the various States," Trump wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. "Billions of Dollars is being found, and we've just started!" Republicans have called for naturalized U.S. citizens to be stripped of their citizenship if they are convicted of certain crimes, including fraud. Schmitt recalled the case of Mirsad Ramic, who refused to recite the oath of allegiance and instead recited an Islamic oath and cursed non-Muslims at his 2009 naturalization ceremony. Ramic later joined the Islamic State terror group. Schmitt also noted that Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the suspected gunman in the Old Dominion University shooting who killed one person and injured two others, was also a naturalized U.S. citizen who had previously been convicted of providing material support to ISIS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234729ee6011c3f4eb465b Amid Graham Platner Controversy, Where Does the Maine Senate Race Go Next? te 2026-06-05T22:01:13.135Z Amid Graham Platner Controversy, Where Does the Maine Senate Race Go Next? New revelations about Graham Platner have left Democrats anxious. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234715ee6011c3f4eb4652 Justice Dept. Promises to Drop $1.8 Billion Fund te 2026-06-05T22:00:53.130Z Justice Dept. Promises to Drop $1.8 Billion Fund It was the department’s clearest statement to date that it was pulling back from a plan to use taxpayer money to make payments to people who claimed to have been politically persecuted. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234502ee6011c3f4eb460d Free fishing at Dead Horse State Park te 2026-06-05T21:52:02.092Z Free fishing at Dead Horse State Park The waters will be freshly stocked with channel catfish at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, where the Free Fishing Fun Day runs from 8 a.m. to noon, making Saturday, June 6, making it a great time to introduce your friends to the sport of fishing. As part of National Free Fishing Day, the Arizona Game [ Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2344bdee6011c3f4eb45da Cadillac F1 team's new motorhome is so nice, it was worth demolishing an elementary school te 2026-06-05T21:50:53.362Z Cadillac F1 team's new motorhome is so nice, it was worth demolishing an elementary school The streets of Monaco are practically synonymous with Formula 1, and while they've been making it work for decades, there's not a ton of extra space. So, when you need to add an additional team — which means gaining space for their motorhome, hospitality areas and garages — you need to make some space. And what was the answer? Bulldoze an elementary school. What else were they supposed to do? ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Hey, before you flip out, just remember that every kid's dream is to see their school getting bulldozed. Having it replaced with maybe the nicest motorhome F1 has ever seen is just the icing on the cake. It had never really dawned on me that adding Cadillac to the Formula 1 grid would require some serious construction — and destruction — at certain tracks, and Monaco was one of them. According to F1 photographer Kym Illman, work on demolishing a school and a kindergarten started the day after last year's race ended. Which I kind of dig. I'm not pro-bulldozing schools, but I do like that Monaco is so all-in on hosting this race. CADILLAC UNVEILS ONE-OFF STARS-AND-STRIPES LIVERY AHEAD OF THE TEAM'S FIRST-EVER RACE ON U.S. SOIL Of course, these kids aren't going without book learnin'; they were simply moved to different schools so that Cadillac could bring in their spectacular modular motorhome, which requires 21 trucks to haul. I mean, that is pretty spectacular, and these motorhomes play an important role in F1. It's where teams eat, meet and have offices. It's also where they host — and impress — sponsors. While Cadillac has some of the nicest digs in Monaco this weekend, their first day of on-track action didn't end on a high note. While Sergio Perez ended FP1 a fairly solid P14, his FP2 session was cut short by a brake fire that sent smoke into the cockpit. Which, in case you're new to Formula 1, you do not want. But, hey, if he was able to navigate his way back to the paddock, there was a pretty cool place on the site of a former school to hang out. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2344a5ee6011c3f4eb45aa Founders share VC horror stories, and some are naming names te 2026-06-05T21:50:29.768Z Founders share VC horror stories, and some are naming names A massive viral conversation sharing VC horror stories has taken place this week on X. Some are weird. Some are infuriating. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a234250ee6011c3f4eb4547 Driver accused of killing 82-year-old in head-on crash claims her dog seized the steering wheel beforehand te 2026-06-05T21:40:32.250Z Driver accused of killing 82-year-old in head-on crash claims her dog seized the steering wheel beforehand A Minnesota woman accused of causing a fatal head-on crash that killed an 82-year-old woman told investigators her dog grabbed the steering wheel before the collision, according to court records. Shauna Rae Dokken, 43, was charged Monday in Roseau County District Court with criminal vehicular homicide while operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner. The charge stems from a June 27 crash on Minnesota Highway 11 that left Barbara Lee Welberg, 82, dead. According to a criminal complaint, multiple motorists reported Dokken driving erratically before the crash. One witness told investigators he called 911 and attempted to follow Dokken's pickup after seeing it cross completely into oncoming traffic. DOG SHOOTS OWNER AFTER JUMPING ON BED DURING GUN CLEANING ACCIDENT IN PENNSYLVANIA HOME Authorities allege Dokken's Ford F-250 later crossed the center line and collided head-on with Welberg's Kia Sorento. Welberg was pronounced dead at the scene. Dokken was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Investigators said Dokken gave varying accounts of what led to the crash. According to the complaint, she told investigators at one point that her dog interfered with the vehicle and grabbed the steering wheel before the collision. Troopers responding to the crash also noted that Dokken appeared to have slurred speech, according to court records. REPEAT DRUNKEN-DRIVING OFFENDER ACCUSED OF KILLING HONORS COLLEGE STUDENT HEADING HOME FROM WEDDING The complaint states that Dokken told investigators she had taken prescription medications that day, including Buspar, lorazepam and Adderall. She denied consuming alcohol, and a preliminary breath test registered 0.00, according to the complaint. Authorities later obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, which was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis. The investigation remains ongoing pending laboratory testing, according to the Roseau County Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said additional charges could be filed depending on the results of the analysis. WOMAN INDICTED ON CHARGES FROM CRASH THAT KILLED VIKINGS PLAYER, 2 OTHERS IN CAR CRASH Court records also cite statements from Dokken's significant other, who told investigators she had previously misused prescription medications. The allegations outlined in the complaint have not been proven in court. Dokken remained in custody Monday after a detention order was signed by Roseau County District Judge Tamara Yon. A representative for the Roseau County Attorney's Office told Fox News Digital all criminal defendants are accompanied by a public defender at their initial court appearance, but it was not immediately clear whether Dokken would continue to be represented by a public defender or retain private counsel. Fox News Digital reached out to the Minnesota State Patrol for additional information. The Roseau County Attorney's Office confirmed the investigation remains ongoing pending testing and said additional charges could result depending on the findings. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233db2ee6011c3f4eb4437 Stephen A Smith begs Trump not to attend NBA Finals Game 3 at MSG: "I don't want him there" te 2026-06-05T21:20:50.646Z Stephen A Smith begs Trump not to attend NBA Finals Game 3 at MSG: "I don't want him there" Stephen A. Smith would like the public to know that he does not want President Donald Trump attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. "He's coming to Game 3 of the Finals, and I don't want him there," Smith said unprompted on his radio show while discussing the president's plans to attend Monday night's Knicks-Spurs matchup. "It has nothing to do with politics, policy, or anything like that. It has everything to do with him disrupting and contributing at the same time to the chaos that's going to exist at Madison Square Garden. If it were Barack Obama coming to the Garden, I would say, 'Stay home.' Stay at the White House." KNICKS FANS WOULD SAVE MONEY FLYING TO SAN ANTONIO FOR NBA FINALS GAMES INSTEAD OF BUYING MSG TICKETS On Wednesday, OutKick confirmed through a source familiar with the plans that Trump is expected to attend Game 3. "I think I'll be going to one of the games," Trump said last week when asked about the Knicks' playoff run. Trump also said he had planned to attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals before New York wrapped up the series early with a four-game sweep of Cleveland. Monday night is expected to be one of the biggest nights in New York Knicks history. The franchise will host an NBA Finals game for the first time in 27 years. Though originally underdogs against the Spurs, the Knicks have won 12 straight playoff games and currently lead the series 1-0. New York has not lost a game since, wait for it, April 23. VICTOR WEMBANYAMA CROSSING HIS ARMS DURING THE U.S. NATIONAL ANTHEM IS A PROBLEM FOR THE NBA | BOBBY BURACK According to Smith, New York City will be hectic enough without Trump in attendance. "You don't understand what Monday is going to be like in New York City," Smith said. "The subways will never be more packed. Don't drive your cars in Midtown. It will be a parking lot. There is nothing short of madness that is coming the way of everybody come Monday. You don't understand. I have been covering sports for over 30 years. "And I'm telling you right now, come Monday, for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, I expect to see an environment I have never seen in my entire career covering sports." As important as Smith believes he is, we don't expect his plea to change Trump's plans. Notably, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver views Trump's attendance as a positive. "We're seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I'm thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knicks team," Silver said this week. We suspect other members of the media will also complain about Trump attending the game. Perhaps former MSNBC host Joy Reid will give up her Knicks fandom, as she claimed to do with the New York Giants after quarterback Jaxson Dart introduced the president on stage last month. For us, this is simple. There is nothing political about the president attending a basketball game. Nor is there anything political about associating with or shaking hands with the president. The idea that welcoming Trump to a game or on stage constitutes a partisan statement is flawed. In fact, holding that view is the partisan position. And no, we don't believe Smith when he says his objection to Trump attending the game is not politically motivated. This appears to be another example of Smith pandering to his audience, as he so often does. As for how Knicks fans feel about Trump coming to the game, OutKick asked them about that on the streets of New York City this week: "It’s great to see," Trump said about the team's run. "The Knicks have really suffered for years." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233d9cee6011c3f4eb4415 Pentagon Cuts 180 Religious Identities From Military Personnel Records te 2026-06-05T21:20:28.158Z Pentagon Cuts 180 Religious Identities From Military Personnel Records The new policy, which the Pentagon framed as a largely administrative action, leaves just 31 religious categories to choose from, 22 of which are Christian. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233b89ee6011c3f4eb43d0 National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warning for Flagstaff on Sunday te 2026-06-05T21:11:37.858Z National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warning for Flagstaff on Sunday The Fire Weather Watch for the Flagstaff area and much of the rest of northern Arizona begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday through 8 p.m. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233b59ee6011c3f4eb43a4 Ex-Florida Gators coach Billy Napier ripped to shreds by former player during podcast appearance te 2026-06-05T21:10:49.531Z Ex-Florida Gators coach Billy Napier ripped to shreds by former player during podcast appearance If you've been following my work since arriving at OutKick last May, you are well aware of how I feel about former Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier. The current James Madison football coach was the subject of many articles written by yours truly venting my frustration regarding his coaching tactics, and for good reason. By the time he departed Gainesville in October of last year, Napier compiled a 22-23 record as the head coach of the Gators, becoming the first full-time Florida coach since 1950 to finish his tenure at UF with a losing record. That's just the tip of the iceberg, but suffice to say, I don't need any help when it comes to finding reasons to deem his coaching job with the Gators a failure. FLORIDA FIRES FOOTBALL COACH BILLY NAPIER I will, however, welcome any and all post-mortem stories regarding Billy Napier's shortcomings at Florida, and that is exactly what we got from former Gators tight end Jonathan Odom. Odom played at the University of Florida under both Napier and current UNLV head coach Dan Mullen, and discussed the differences between the two while appearing on "The Elliott Caldwell Podcast." The whole episode is fascinating, so be sure to check it out, but the juicy stuff for college football fans begins around the 13-minute mark. When explaining why Mullen and Napier were both eventually fired from Florida, Odom talks about the respective weaknesses that plagued his former head coaches, saying that while Mullen was successful in the short term, he ended up getting burnt out due to "off the field" tasks. The former Gators tight end was not as kind to Napier. "Napier, he just didn't have the mindset," Odom explained. "He would fold anytime we got into pressure situations... and we just became super predictable." FLORIDA GATORS COACH JON SUMRALL SAYS HE WOULDN'T HAVE LEFT TULANE IF HE WASN'T ALLOWED TO COACH PLAYOFF TEAM That's a brutal assessment, but it gets even worse. Odom goes on to call the offense a "bland tasting food" and even said everyone on the other sideline knew what was coming. "If I’m a defensive coordinator watching our film... I could predict everything that was going to happen." FLORIDA COACH JON SUMRALL'S LATEST COMMENTS PROVE HE'S JUST AS PSYCHO AS HIS FANBASE This lines up with what multiple defensive coordinators were quoted as saying both before and after facing the Gators and Napier, who famously refused to give up play-calling duties while in Gainesville. In another clip, Odom calls Napier "a micromanager," saying he would never "let coaches coach." "He wanted to have his hands on everything," Odom said. "He wanted to be the one controlling everything: offense, defense, special teams." FLORIDA STAR QUARTERBACK TO ENTER TRANSFER PORTAL Perhaps the most damning indictment of Odom's appearance with Caldwell came from a story he told in which he would relay what he saw on the field to his position coach, only to have Napier shut it down for deviating too far from the gameplan. "We would come off the sidelines... I would tell the tight end's coach 'hey, they're doing this, maybe we should do this," Odom recalled. "The tight ends coach would get on the headset and go, 'hey, Napier. Odom says they're doing this at the line, maybe we should try this.' And he'd be like 'we're not changing what we're going to do for one gap.'" "It was his way or the highway." FLORIDA COACH JON SUMRALL REVEALS EARLY CAREER STRUGGLES, LIVING IN SLUMS OF SAN DIEGO AND 'CARRYING A GLOCK' Pretty wild stuff from Odom, and anyone who knows about Napier and his coaching style can probably believe every word he is saying. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! It's worth noting that Odom transferred out of the program at the end of Napier's second season in 2023, so perhaps this is all sour grapes from a scorned ex-player, but I highly doubt it. Odom is also a double-legacy at Florida, and his dad is even in the UF Hall of Fame as a former offensive lineman. The ties to Florida run deep in the Odom family, so Napier had to have done something to really upset Jonathan in order for him to transfer. What's done is done, both Odom and Napier are obviously no longer at Florida, but it is fascinating to hear from an ex-player just a small sample size of what went wrong for his former coach. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233b45ee6011c3f4eb439b Americans warned World Cup travel routes could carry crime and kidnapping risks te 2026-06-05T21:10:29.606Z Americans warned World Cup travel routes could carry crime and kidnapping risks The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Americans who are planning international trips this summer, including those expected to attend matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The updated advisory, issued May 29, applies to Mexico, one of three countries hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The advisory remains at a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" warning, citing concerns about terrorism, crime and kidnapping. AMERICAN TOURISTS WARNED OF ARREST, JAIL TIME FOR TAKING PHOTOS, POCKETING SOUVENIRS IN LOCALE Mexico is set to host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey during the tournament. The advisory warns that violent crime remains a concern in some areas, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and robbery. It also notes that the U.S. government's ability to provide emergency assistance can be limited in certain regions, particularly in remote areas where emergency services may be unavailable. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Risk levels vary significantly across the country. Six states remain under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Several additional states, including Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato and Jalisco, are classified as Level 3, meaning Americans should reconsider travel. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Among the World Cup host locations, Mexico City remains under a Level 2 advisory, while Nuevo León, home to Monterrey, is also listed as Level 2. Jalisco, where Guadalajara is located, is currently designated a Level 3 advisory. The State Department advises travelers to avoid traveling between cities after dark, use dispatched taxis or app-based ride services and avoid traveling alone in remote areas. Officials also urge travelers to comply with security checkpoints. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed," the advisory states. Americans traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows the U.S. Embassy to provide security updates and contact travelers during emergencies. The State Department also recommends reviewing local laws and customs, monitoring embassy alerts and purchasing travel insurance before departure. Officials encourage Americans planning to attend World Cup matches to review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy before traveling. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233700ee6011c3f4eb4217 Man in 'extremely critical condition' after falling at South Mountain te 2026-06-05T20:52:16.489Z Man in 'extremely critical condition' after falling at South Mountain Phoenix firefighters were dispatched Friday to South Mountain after a man fell a "significant distance." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2336cfee6011c3f4eb41e8 Thursday Night Mowing League wants 40 million Americans to stop wasting weekends on their lawns te 2026-06-05T20:51:27.919Z Thursday Night Mowing League wants 40 million Americans to stop wasting weekends on their lawns As we prepare our drinks, our piles of meat and our brains to enjoy the first weekend in June, I'm reminded of why we put in the work on Thursdays. I'm reminded of that feeling on Fridays when the workweek ends and there's this weight that is lifted off our shoulders. According to a 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, "more people engaged in housework on weekend days than on weekdays, on average -- 41%, compared with 36%. However, people were slightly more likely to do food preparation and cleanup on weekdays than weekend days -- 64%, compared to 62%." Let this sink in: Those same government statistics say approximately 11.5% of Americans are performing lawn and garden activities on weekends, up from 9.2% during the week. That is a stat that needs to flip. Yes, I understand you're busy. I get that you have to work and there are kid activities, but Thursday Night Mowing League is more than just some online mowing group. It's a movement. Based on those stats, 40 million Americans are spending their time off working on their yards instead of enjoying the fruits of their labor. OLIVIA DUNNE & MILLER LITE BRING THE FUN WHILE BUD LIGHT CONTINUES TO FLOUNDER, NANCY MACE SHOOTS A GUN & MEAT What is the TNML? It is a grassroots, online cultural movement created to turn a routine chore into a ceremonial sport. The motto from day one has been that we mow on Thursdays so our weekends are wide open. TNML is a celebration of hard work, taking pride in property and community and the camaraderie created when league members unlock a stress-free weekend. How do we determine a winner? By the end of the summer, it's typically pretty clear who lived up to the standards that the legends of the TNML have stood for. Joining the TNML is a small, but mighty, step toward changing your life for the better. Trust me. Not only are your taxes sky-high, but then, as you're about to enter the first full weekend of June, the utility companies roll in to tear up your lawn. I know Tyler. He'll bounce back, but this is going to eat at him. Remember: Brighter days are ahead. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! This is why we do it. Dave's child is happy. Dad's weekend is wide open. Never forget that lawn care was considered a status symbol during the Middle Ages (I learned that via a Google Search). Psychologists point to a freshly mowed as a barometer to our financial success and stability in life. A 2024 National Institutes of Health study points to the benefits of touching grass and how it reduced "systolic and diastolic blood pressure." You guys are literally lowering your blood pressure each time you're out mowing and becoming one with your grass. Anxiety levels drop. Physiological and psychological stress can also be reduced by touching grass. Look at this boy's face. That field can be a soccer field. It can be a kite-flying launch pad. It can be the best dog-chasing-a-stick track in town. It's home. What a feeling. This is where I remind some of you that you sent me TINY return envelopes that will not fit the 4" TNML stickers. I will have to spend part of a day addressing envelopes and then buying postage to send the stickers. Please hang with me as I attempt to maintain a job-life balance. Remember when I pushed the "Come and Take It" mower shirts? We need a blower version. Yes, I own a gas-powered blower. No, I don't use it. Why not? Because it's dirty and the battery-powered blowers are extremely cheap and I don't have enough work for the gas blower. Would I ever turn in a neighbor for using one? Hell no. Absolutely not. But, that's how these super LIBS in Ann Arbor roll. They are the Big Brother you should be afraid of. These LIBS would turn you in in a heartbeat over the littlest of things. Trust me, I'm about 50 minutes south of that LIB hellhole. This is how you win national titles. Vacations happen. Vacations are encouraged. Remembering to take your TNML on the road is never forgotten by league administrators and voters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2336bbee6011c3f4eb41df New York Times reporter under scrutiny as Biden accuser says she had similar experience as Graham Platner's ex te 2026-06-05T20:51:07.852Z New York Times reporter under scrutiny as Biden accuser says she had similar experience as Graham Platner's ex EXCLUSIVE — Tara Reade, who came forward with a sexual assault accusation against Joe Biden during the 2020 election cycle, said her experience with The New York Times mirrors that of a woman who alleged abusive behavior in a Times report Thursday against Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner. "This is all what I went through ... This is all my same experience," Reade told Fox News Digital in an interview Friday. Lyndsey Fifield, an ex-girlfriend of Platner's who spoke to the Times about her relationship with the candidate, took to X on Friday to call out The Times for the story it ran and what she claimed it did and did not include.  "After the story went up I began to ask them … wait, where are the stories from the other women? Where are their accusations of sexual assault? Why am I the focus? Why are there 11 paragraphs dedicated to detailing my work history (more than has been published about Graham’s by far)?" Fifield wrote. "Why does it say 'nobody could corroborate' when I offered them sources that COULD corroborate?" GRAHAM PLATNER ACCUSER HITS NYT FOR ALLEGEDLY SOFTENING ALLEGATIONS, SAYS COVERAGE WAS 'GIFT' TO DEMOCRAT Reade called it "déjà vu" after she came forward in 2020 with an accusation that Biden had once digitally penetrated her when she was a staffer in his Senate office in 1993. Reade had previously accused Biden of unwanted touching but later made her more serious charge.  "I told multiple family members and friends about what Biden did to me through the years. They downplayed that or left it out. When my friends would give direct quotes, they wouldn't put it in the story," Reade said. New York Times reporter Lisa Lerer, one of the two journalists who authored the Platner story, led the paper's coverage of Reade when she came forward with her assault claim in the spring of 2020. Biden flatly denied the allegations, and he went on to win the presidency. In Lerer's report, she wrote, "While five people have said Ms. Reade shared all or part of her account of sexual harassment with them around the time she says it happened, corroboration of the assault charge is shakier." Like Fifield, Reade said she was assured that her claims would be part of a broader story that included accusations from other women — several had come forward in 2019 to accuse Biden of inappropriate touching, although none as serious as Reade's allegation. She also said she was told by Lerer not to speak to other reporters, specifically Ronan Farrow, known for his bombshell reporting on Harvey Weinstein and other powerful figures accused of sexual misconduct. "She called yelling at me when she thought I was talking to Ronan Farrow," Reade said. TARA READE'S TIMELINE: FROM 1990S BIDEN STAFFER TO CENTER OF POLITICAL FIRESTORM Reade identified with how the Platner story dedicated substantial ink to Fifield's professional history in conservative politics, saying Lerer combed through both her work and personal life. "She literally went over every single relationship I had, called my high school boyfriend from when I was 15 years old. And my high school boyfriend defended me," Reade recalled. Reade also related to Fifield's claim that Lerer's story included an "out of context quote" from a friend of hers jokingly telling her she shouldn't call her ex. "That's what my family called me crying about. They would take quotes out of context," Reade said. Reade's account received extensive attention, and most legacy outlets offered critical coverage of her and her background. A Politico report at the time described Reade in its headline as "manipulative" and "deceitful" based on interviews with some of her past acquaintances. Other outlets at the time interviewed past Biden staffers from his Senate days who said they hadn't witnessed untoward behavior. CLIP SURFACES OF BIDEN ACCUSER TARA READE'S MOTHER PHONING INTO 'LARRY KING LIVE' IN 1993 ALLUDING TO CLAIM In her 2020 memoir, "Left Out: When the Truth Doesn't Fit In," Reade recalled her early interactions with Lerer, leaving the impression she was "nice and normal sounding" and that she "always came off as reasonable and cajoling." But in the end, Reade said Lerer used her disarming personality to her advantage. Speaking with Fox News Digital, the Biden accuser claimed Lerer played politics in an attempt to discredit people like her and Fifield. "They try to get your trust to open up in a very dishonest way, like they're not doing what they say they're going to do," Reade told Fox News Digital, saying the story was biased and about why she shouldn't be believed. "I didn't know I would have a whole, just basically a hit piece on me." A spokesperson for The New York Times told Fox News Digital, "We published accounts provided by several women who were in romantic relationships with Graham Platner. Our story accurately presents each of these accounts as told to our reporters and according to our standards. We stand by our reporting of the accounts from Ms. Fifield and the other women, who provided a revealing look at the behavior of a major candidate for the U.S. Senate." Lerer did not respond to a request for comment. 'HE HATED WOMEN': EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN The Times' report included Fifield's accusation of domestic abuse, where she stated Platner "twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom and held the door closed from the other side so she couldn’t get out, telling her to remain there until she ‘calmed down.’" According to the report, Fifield said she fell asleep and left the next morning. However, Fifield slammed the Times for what she said the report ultimately omitted, writing, "It dawned on me that this really was a set-up all along. The journalists I trusted who convinced me to share a story I never wanted to tell methodically delayed and twisted this into a gift to the Platner campaign. Violating the trust of his victims. Shattering the trust I placed in them with the most vulnerable story of my life." Platner denied the abuse allegations, telling MS NOW host Chris Hayes on Thursday, "There are some allegations in this piece that I just want to be kind of unequivocal about are simply not true. Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who’s politically motivated in this piece." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2336a8ee6011c3f4eb41d6 Richard Gere says US is in 'darkest moment' he's experienced te 2026-06-05T20:50:48.401Z Richard Gere says US is in 'darkest moment' he's experienced Richard Gere is warning the Democratic Party as to what could happen when they stop paying attention. When speaking at the Oslo Freedom Forum in Norway on Tuesday, the 76-year-old actor reflected on the state of the United States and how it got there, noting, "we're living in the darkest moment that I've experienced on this planet" under President Donald Trump. "How is this even possible? Because we went to sleep. We didn't care. We didn't vote. We didn't really listen," he said. "Of course, I didn't vote for this guy, but I didn't do enough work to skillfully convince people around me, close to me, not close to me, that this was insane to elect this person as President of the United States." He went on to call President Trump a "maniac," who has "dismantled almost everything that was good about the U.S. government and the U.S. people." He admits that while the country "has never been a perfect place," it has always been able to be "self-corrective." DIRECTOR JUDD APATOW CLAIMS ‘WE’RE IN A DICTATORSHIP NOW’ DURING GOLDEN GLOBES REMARKS Later in his monologue, Gere reflected on his recent visit to the concentration camp Dachau, using it as a warning for "how quickly our world can be taken from us if we fall asleep," urging everyone to "see the cues." "We can't sit back and go, 'Ah, life is good. I'm fine. You know, I've got food. I got money. Blah blah blah. I got my house. I got another car. I'm thinking about this. I'm OK. I know he's a bad guy, but it's OK,'" Gere said. "But it's not OK. It's not OK. It's never OK." "We have to see the cues, this dictatorship of the monsters, how quickly it happens," he added. "We have to be vigilant." The "Pretty Woman" actor previously spoke to Variety in December 2025, after hearing the Dalai Lama, who he called a close friend, speak. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER He told Variety that the experience made him think about how the United States was on the "very wrong track," adding he doesn't know how anyone could explain what President Trump "has done to this country" or "what it feels like to be an American now," calling it "astonishing." "If we want a world a certain way, then we have to elect leaders who have a similar vision to us and will lead us towards this higher level of possibility — who we are as individuals and how we can create a world, a society where people can live with each other rather than this battlefield every day, all day long, with the craziness," Gere said. "Especially, as I say, coming from this very crude mentality that is now in our leadership." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, moved to Spain at the end of 2024, with the actor telling Vanity Fair Spain that he thought of the move as "a great adventure" because he had never lived outside the United States. He explained that the move was good for his wife, because "her family, her lifelong friends and her culture" are there, and it was a good trade-off since "she was very generous in giving me six years living in my world." When speaking with the Daily Mail in April 2025, Silva explained that the move is not permanent, noting "For a few years [we’ll live in Spain], and then come back. But we're always coming back." "I'm with my family... I missed them a lot. But I miss the U.S. So we come back and forth," she told the outlet. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23368fee6011c3f4eb4197 Judge blocks Trump’s sweeping freeze on immigration benefits for 39 countries te 2026-06-05T20:50:23.445Z Judge blocks Trump’s sweeping freeze on immigration benefits for 39 countries Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233465ee6011c3f4eb4127 Reporter's Notebook: GOP bets on fraud crackdown as economic woes surge ahead of midterms te 2026-06-05T20:41:09.691Z Reporter's Notebook: GOP bets on fraud crackdown as economic woes surge ahead of midterms The GOP’s campaign message about a porous border resonated with voters in 2024. Voters routinely listed border security as the first or second most important issue to them in multiple polls ahead of the last election. But how about ahead of the midterms? Well, the border is sealed. The nation’s economic outlook is shaky as the war in Iran drags on. Gas prices are skyrocketing. And the hallmark of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda — The One Big Beautiful Bill — hasn’t materialized as a campaign juggernaut. HEALTHCARE, ECONOMY AND THE 'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL': WELCOME TO THE MIDTERMS So Republicans are seeking an issue they hope will connect with voters this fall. They may have settled on fraud. And returned to a favorite old punching bag. "I'm just going to give you a couple facts," declared House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., at the GOP’s weekly press conference Wednesday morning. "The Biden Administration thought it was really important to spend $20 million for Sesame Street in the Middle East. They gave $8 million to make mice transgender." McClain continued about the Biden Administration providing "free housing and cars for illegals," adding that "under Biden federal agencies handed out taxpayer dollars with weak oversight, loose control and almost no accountability." The government weaponization fund waylaid Congressional Republicans. They’re still trying to figure out what to shove into some sort of an economic package which they can pitch to the voters this fall. So for now, Republicans are focusing on fraud. "Crazy says fraudsters should be protected. Crazy says the American people's hard earned tax dollars should be given to criminals who are stealing their money. That's crazy," said McClain. TRUMP SAYS ANTI-FRAUD EFFORTS ARE UNCOVERING BILLIONS IN WASTE, CLAIMS SAVINGS COULD BALANCE BUDGET House Republicans planned debate on three bills this week to root out fraud in government programs. One bill would enhance oversight over childcare block grants. Another bill would help prevent people from bilking a program which provides emergency aid to society’s most needy. A third measure would target "ghost students" and crack down on fraud in student aid programs. "The integrity of the programs matter because the taxpayers are not going to support them when they're filled up with fraud. And it doesn't matter if it's child care or SNAP. The American citizens want the fraud eliminated from the system," argued Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga. Some Democrats found the anti-fraud message to be a little absurd. "They’re not dealing with affordability. The President is saying he’s not concerned. Second, all of us are against fraud. I've yet to meet any politician who, when asked ‘Are you for fraud?’ says ‘Yes." We're all against it," said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Another Democrat believes Republicans are focusing on the wrong things with fraud. "What I would love to see is an investigation of fraud and corruption involving the Trump administration, and the Trump family. There's not a day that goes by that there's another story about Trump kids benefiting from some government contract," said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. On Wednesday, Republicans launched a hearing probing alleged Medicaid fraud in Ohio. This came after they unearthed various forms of fraud in Minnesota. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, claims that bad actors from the Somali community operate in both states. I'M OHIO'S STATE AUDITOR — MEDICAID FRAUD IS NOT JUST A WASHINGTON PROBLEM "You've got the largest Somali population in the United States is in Minnesota. The second largest in the United States is in Ohio. Now, it's not politically correct to say, but the reality is this fraud is coming predominantly from that community," said Gill.  At the hearing, Gill charged that Somalis "are moving from Ohio to Minnesota and back to Ohio." He added that "it certainly seems to have some overlap." Gill tangled with Democrat Ohio State Sen. Nickie Antonio. "Would you like to see more immigration from Somalia?" Gill asked the state lawmaker. "As far as I'm processing your question, I have to say that I was almost brought to tears just now," replied Antonio. The two yelled over one another. "Seventy percent of Somali immigrants are on welfare," said Gill. "The rate and the level of hateful rhetoric is based on false information is shocking to me," responded Antonio. "They're defrauding your state at an astounding rate. Most Ohioans have a problem with that," piled on Gill. But Antonio pushed back, arguing that Republicans have controlled key positions of power in the Buckeye State for the past 15 years. "[Republicans] hold the House, the Senate, the governor's office and four statewide offices. If there is fraud in Medicaid, it has happened on the Republican majority's watch. Perhaps it's time to clean Ohio's house," rebutted Antonio. MINNESOTA FRAUD HEARING SPARKS IMMIGRATION CLASH AS GOP LAWMAKER SPOTLIGHTS SOMALI WELFARE DATA A recent Fox poll found that more than 70 percent of those surveyed believe fraud is "very common" in government welfare programs. Since it’s an election year, Republicans hoped to dare Democrats to oppose their anti-fraud efforts when the bills hit the floor. "For some of the Democrats who might vote against the fraud bills today, will you guys try to weaponize and boomerang those on members who vote no today?" yours truly asked House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. "I think their own voters are going to be questioning that," replied Scalise. "If Democrats vote no on that, it's going to a hard vote to explain." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y, opposed the GOP’s anti-fraud efforts. But he gave Democrats from battleground districts a wide berth to decide what to do. "Democrats are going to make a decision based on what's the right thing to do for the district that they represent. And I trust every single Democrat, particularly those who are in swing districts, to do the right thing for the people that they're privileged to represent," said Jeffries. On Wednesday afternoon, the House passed the childcare fraud bill. Only four Democrats voted yea. GOP MUST RACE FOR NEW 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' TO SLASH COSTS BEFORE MIDTERMS, TOP HOUSE REPUBLICANS WARN But Republicans yanked the bill focused on fraud in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) bill. The reason? One senior House GOP leadership source said the bill lacked the votes and "needed a little work." Another Republican source said attendance issues among Republicans might inhibit passage of the bill. So what about the ghost student bills? Well, that measure was a legislative phantasm. The House didn’t conduct votes until Wednesday this week. The House then ghosted everyone on Friday, leaving the Capitol a day earlier than planned. This trio of fraud measures are "messaging" bills in Congress. It’s doubtful that these plans will become law. But the leadership believes it’s important to "message" a subject like this to voters. And also point to votes where Democrats opposed such efforts. But for all of the focus on fraud by House Republicans, they only managed to pass one of their three messaging bills this week. That’s a .333 average. Baseball old-timers Paul Waner and Eddie Collins both boasted .333 batting averages for their career. They’re in the baseball Hall of Fame. But a .333 average isn’t Cooperstown-worthy on Capitol Hill. That said, Republicans will tee up several other anti-fraud measures next week. So there’s a reprieve. However, if the GOP doesn’t bat 1.000 on their fraud bills next week, some voters may designate them for assignment. Or maybe ghost them at the polls. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233451ee6011c3f4eb411e Broncos star Jonathan Cooper arrested on domestic violence charges te 2026-06-05T20:40:49.765Z Broncos star Jonathan Cooper arrested on domestic violence charges Denver Broncos star Jonathon Cooper and his girlfriend were both arrested on domestic violence charges on Friday. Both Cooper and his girlfriend were held on suspicion of two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief, according to Douglas County jail records. An argument broke out between the two over cheating allegations, according to TMZ. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The pair, who have been seeing each other on and off for years, were hanging out at Cooper’s residence when she confronted him over his alleged infidelity. The woman grabbed Cooper’s phone and threw it against a wall, and then eventually regained control of the device to go through it, the arrest affidavit said, according to TMZ. Cooper and the woman then struggled for the phone, which Cooper eventually retrieved after a physical struggle. He then demanded that the woman leave his home, or he allegedly told her he would break her cell phone, the probable cause affidavit said, per TMZ. After the woman did not leave, he bit down and broke the screen on the iPhone, according to the affidavit. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Cooper had a hearing at 9:45 a.m. in a Douglas County courtroom, and a follow-up hearing will be held on Monday, when Cooper is expected to enter a plea, according to 9NEWS. Following the hearing, Cooper was released on a personal recognizance bond, according to 9NEWS’ report. Fox News Digital reached out to the Broncos and Cooper’s agency for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Cooper, 28, has been with the Broncos since they drafted him out of Ohio State in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, and he has spent all five seasons of his career with Denver. In 17 games last season, Cooper recorded 50 tackles and eight sacks and was a key member of the Broncos’ stout defense. In his career, Cooper has played 81 games, recording 266 tackles and 31.5 sacks. The Broncos signed him to a four-year, $60 million contract extension in November 2024. 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/6a233439ee6011c3f4eb40e9 Former cyber executive turned whistleblower accuses IBM of covering up several data breaches te 2026-06-05T20:40:25.693Z Former cyber executive turned whistleblower accuses IBM of covering up several data breaches IBM and two of its subsidiary companies were allegedly breached during the mid-2010s, which a lawsuit filed by a former cybersecurity executive accuses IBM of not disclosing and actively covering up. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233252ee6011c3f4eb40b7 Mohave County morgue project moves closer to reality te 2026-06-05T20:32:18.246Z Mohave County morgue project moves closer to reality Mohave County’s long-planned medical examiner’s office has moved closer to reality, with building plans now submitted to the City of Kingman for a $4 million renovation project. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a233221ee6011c3f4eb408c Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals Game 3 at Madison Square Garden could become most expensive sporting event on record te 2026-06-05T20:31:29.287Z Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals Game 3 at Madison Square Garden could become most expensive sporting event on record The first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden this millennium has the potential to be the hottest ticket of all time. The New York Knicks are aiming for their first title in 53 years, and they will host Game 3 of the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 on Monday. Knicks games are always a pricey ticket, but this one trumps all. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM At the time of publishing, SeatGeek's current get-in price was $9,990 to sit in the nosebleeds — there were just two listings below $10,000. StubHub's cheapest 100-level ticket was $13,115. It is, by far, the most expensive NBA game ever. According to the New York Post, citing further information from SeatGeek, the average ticket price of $7,149 for Madison Square Garden games during this Finals (Games 3, 4 and 6) has shattered the all-time record of $1,965 from 2024 in Dallas. NBA STAR HITS BACK AT NYC MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI FOR BLAMING HIM OVER EXPENSIVE PLAYOFF TICKETS Only Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers had a higher average price ($10,497) than the Knicks' home games this series. President Donald Trump said he will be in attendance for Monday's game. The Knicks won Game 1 on the road in San Antonio, prompting a tremendous spike in prices as Finals fever got even more real than it already was. So, if the Knicks can snag Game 2 on the road and come back home with a 2-0 series lead, prices could rise even further. Game 2 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET. 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/6a23320dee6011c3f4eb4083 Democrat Hakeem Jeffries rips Trump for "ruining" Knicks' first NBA Finals game in 27 years te 2026-06-05T20:31:09.286Z Democrat Hakeem Jeffries rips Trump for "ruining" Knicks' first NBA Finals game in 27 years President Donald Trump, a lifelong New York Knicks fan, and arguably the most famous New Yorker of all time, has Democrats like minority leader Hakeem Jeffries in a tizzy after announcing he will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.  On Friday’s CNN News Central, anchor John Berman asked Jeffries about how he believed the Knicks fans would react when Trump is introduced. "I’m not sure it’s going to be a good reception for him," Jeffries replied before trying to shame the president. Hakeem Jeffries shredded over ‘disgustingly violent’ call for Dems to break spirit of MAGA "Why does Donald Trump always have to ruin a good thing? Like literally, the Knicks haven’t been in the NBA finals for 27 years. The city is trying to celebrate this. We’ve embraced this team, and this guy has to inject himself," Jeffries unloaded while failing to recognize that Trump has been a fan of the Knicks for his entire life, attending many games over the decades.  Heck, even Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver both recognized Trump was a dedicated Knicks fan, who should be welcomed. Silver stated, "Before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan," adding that Trump attended many Knicks games and NBA Drafts at Madison Square Garden over the years. While Mamdani said Thursday at a press conference, "We look forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited about the Knicks to have that chance to win a championship." TRUMP EXPECTED TO ATTEND KNICKS-SPURS NBA FINALS GAME 3 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Mayor Mamdani confirmed he would be at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 as well to support the Knicks, noting that he would be sitting "in a very different section" from Trump. Jeffries went on to say, "I mean, come on, seriously, give us a break. Why doesn’t this guy just focus on trying to improve the quality of life of the American people? Because the Trump economy has been a disaster." Jeffries, who isn’t planning on attending a game himself, as he stated on CNN, should probably focus on his own political career that has been best known for allowing men in women’s sports and other nonsensical policy decisions and virtue signaling.  Personally, I think the reception will be a mixed bag, but with more applause and cheers than insults and boos. New Yorkers either love or hate the guy. There's no gray area. No matter what though, it will be historic. When Trump attends Game 3, it will be the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended an NBA Finals game. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2331f9ee6011c3f4eb407a Karen Read says she gets free meals and discounts everywhere after not guilty verdict te 2026-06-05T20:30:49.290Z Karen Read says she gets free meals and discounts everywhere after not guilty verdict Acquitted of murder and other charges in the death of her former boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, Karen Read says she no longer has to pay for meals when out on the town. Responding to a question from co-host Craig Melvin on the "Today" show Friday, Read said the response to the jury's verdict has been overwhelmingly positive. "You have to know that when you walk down the street, there are lots of people who look at Karen Read and think, 'Oh, there's that woman who got away with killing her ex-boyfriend who's a cop,'" Melvin said. "How do you go through life knowing that there are lots of people who, despite what the jury said, still think you got away with it?" KAREN READ TELLS PROSECUTORS 'YOU LOST BIG TIME' IN FIRST PUBLIC INTERVIEW SINCE ACQUITTAL Read said she hasn't met many people who feel that way. "I have no interactions [like that] no matter where I go — the grocery store, a restaurant, Newbury Street in Boston, any hotel or restaurant I eat at, I don't pay for meals," she said. "I get discounts everywhere. My parents get help taking groceries to go." In fact, she said the large turnout of supporters outside the Dedham courthouse during her trial is just a sampling. FATHER OF VINDICATED KAREN READ WARNS CONCERNED AMERICANS 'THE NEXT KAREN READ COULD BE YOU' IN NEW INTERVIEW "It's throughout Massachusetts," she told Melvin. "And it happens when I travel." Still, she admitted that her professional license has not been restored — and she's still out of work. "I'm back working on the case," she said. "And, you know, we've brought in civil lawyers but this case is so comprehensive that we need all hands on deck." FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Massachusetts prosecutors took Read to trial twice in connection with O'Keefe's January 2022 death outside a colleague's home during a blizzard. They accused her of hitting him with her Lexus SUV and fleeing the scene, where he was found dead the following morning under a sheet of snow. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Her defense pointed to a flawed investigation, which involved a lead detective who lost his job, Michael Proctor, over rude and lewd text messages he sent about Read to people who should not have received confidential information on an active case. LEAD DETECTIVE’S TEXT MESSAGES CAST SHADOW OVER KAREN READ MURDER TRIAL The first time around, jurors deadlocked. SEND US A TIP HERE The second time, they found her not guilty of all homicide-related charges related charges and convicted her only of drunken driving. Read's still not done in court, however. She's suing the Massachusetts State Police and the Canton Police Department over their handling of the O'Keefe investigation as well as what her attorneys have called a culture of "bias and corruption" involving not only allegations of misogyny, racism and antisemitism, but also that investigators tried to frame her for O'Keefe's death. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST "This was always our plan," she said of the lawsuit. "I had to save my own life first. I can't do anything if I'm not free." Her Los Angeles-based attorney Alan Jackson added that the goal of the lawsuit is to bring to light "institutional corruption that permeates the Massachusetts law enforcement system." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB "That's what this lawsuit's gonna do, ultimately," he said. "What Karen wants, you cannot write on a check." Read is also facing a wrongful death lawsuit from O'Keefe's family. When asked by co-host Laura Jarrett if she had anything to say to the family, she said no. "I don't have anything to say to his family," she said. "I interacted with them for several years. John and I had actually dated a long time ago, when we were in our early 20s, and I was caring and I believe generous with them, with my time. And we did spend a lot of time together. And they experienced who I am." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2331e5ee6011c3f4eb4071 California election limbo fueled by 4 pressure points dragging out vote count, expert says te 2026-06-05T20:30:29.373Z California election limbo fueled by 4 pressure points dragging out vote count, expert says California’s still-unsettled election results are the consequence of the state’s vote-by-mail system, according to election law expert Hans von Spakovsky, who said the process can keep ballots moving through verification and counting for days and even weeks after Election Day. The Golden State is continuing to count ballots cast in its June 2 primary elections, a process that has extended beyond Election Day due to the state's election laws, administrative procedures, and vote-counting policies, said von Spakovsky. The delay is not the result of an isolated incident or unexpected complication but stems from the structure of its electoral system before final results can be certified.  "There are four reasons why California takes so long," von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow at Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital on Friday. "First of all, it's almost entirely a mail election now." The Los Angeles mayoral race has captured the nation's attention as Republican-aligned candidate Spencer Pratt awaits a tally determining if he or Democrat-aligned Nithya Raman will advance to the runoff election in November against incumbent Democrat Karen Bass. While former Health and Human Services secretary under the Biden administration, Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer are still duking it out for the top two spots in the state's jungle primary process ahead of the general election in November.  LA TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBER DEFENDS CALIFORNIA'S SLOW VOTING PROCESS AS 'ELECTION INTEGRITY' IN ACTION Von Spakovsky identified what he said are the four causes for the delay in final tallies: mass mail voting, a seven-day post-Election Day ballot receipt window, a 22-day cure period for signature issues, and high volumes of provisional ballots that must be individually investigated. Of the four causes of the delay, von Spakovsky said California’s mail-ballot rules cause the greatest concern because it dramatically slows the counting process. With the vast majority of ballots cast by mail, election officials must spend additional time verifying and processing those ballots before they can be counted, extending the timeline for final results. "You can go vote in person, but like in the 2024 election, out of 16 million votes that were cast in the presidential election, 13 million were by mail. It takes much longer to process a mail-in ballot than a ballot that's cast at a polling place," he said. Mail-in ballots allow voters to cast their ballots from home, avoid long lines and grew in popularity during the pandemic. Ballot drops are still rolling in and once they do, counties then have additional time to process, verify and tabulate those ballots, with counting expected to continue through June 15. CALIFORNIA REPUBLICANS LAUNCH VOTER ID BALLOT PUSH, NEED 875K SIGNATURES BY DEADLINE Von Spakovsky pointed to postmarks on ballots as a key vulnerability in counting ballots. "California law says, ‘We'll count absentee ballots or mail-in ballots received up to seven days after Election Day if they're postmarked by Election Day. But if the postmark's missing, or it's blurry, and we can't read it, we will just go by whatever date the voter wrote inside the envelope,’" he said. He said the state's election rules are too permissive, pointing to policies such as not requiring voter ID, automatic voter registration, and lengthy post-election ballot processing periods, which he argued invite fraud or irregularities. California is one of eight states, along with Washington, D.C., that automatically sends mail ballots in to all active registered voters in their universal vote-by-mail policy.  President Donald Trump singled out the state's election process this week, announcing that U.S. attorneys are looking into Los Angeles as the mayoral race remains pending. "Without commenting on any specific investigation, my office has multiple election fraud investigations underway in coordination with @FBILosAngeles," First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli wrote on X Thursday.  "We will follow the evidence wherever it leads and prosecute any violations of federal election law to the fullest extent." "The state has stonewalled every effort to verify that only eligible U.S. citizens are registered to vote. This case is now before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. My office will not look the other way. We will investigate and prosecute. Every legal vote deserves to be counted. Every illegal vote cancels one out," he added. Democrats have played down concern over the process to count the ballots, including Becerra saying those who bemoan the amount of time it takes are working "to undermine confidence in our elections." "We count every ballot. Thank you for your patience as we give democracy time to work," Steyer wrote on X, citing Trump's recent comments on the election.  HILTON SAYS SPENCER PRATT CAMPAIGN REFLECTS GROWING REVOLT AGAINST CALIFORNIA'S 'ONE-PARTY RULE' Viral rumors have spread across social media since June 2, including claims that Pratt did not receive a single vote out of about 24,000 Los Angeles ballots that rolled in.  "That’s a lie," the California Attorney General’s Office told Fox News Digital, pointing to an X statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office debunking the claims as "disinformation" and a "lie."  The California governor sent a letter to state election officials in May calling on them to swiftly tabulate the upcoming elections, while focusing the letter on building and maintaining confidence in voting.  "We must continue building confidence in our elections and ensure not only that every vote is counted, but that every vote is trusted. We must acknowledge that the longer the voting count takes, the more mis- and disinformation spreads. That means we must do all that we can to tabulate votes quickly and accurately. Time is of the essence in preventing election lies from taking hold," he wrote.  Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office for additional comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232fb8ee6011c3f4eb4019 Federal judge: Trump freeze on asylum applications from 39 countries violates federal law te 2026-06-05T20:21:12.651Z Federal judge: Trump freeze on asylum applications from 39 countries violates federal law A federal judge on June 5, 2026, struck down several Trump administration policies that halted processing for asylum-seekers following a shooting in Washington, D.C. of two members of the National Guard deployed to the nation's capital. In this photo, tourists pass by members of the guard stationed outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Rhode Island Friday struck down several Trump administration policies that halted processing for asylum seekers following a shooting in Washington, D.C., that left one West Virginia National Guard member dead and another seriously injured. In a searing opinion, Judge John J. McConnell Jr. said the Trump administration “threw the lives of countless immigrants living in the United States into indeterminate legal limbo” when it directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to pause asylum applications and green card paperwork for immigrants hailing from 39 African, Asian, Latin American and Middle Eastern countries subject to the president’s travel ban.  The policy was announced in November after the two National Guard members were shot. Authorities later charged Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who was granted asylum, with the shooting. He has pleaded not guilty in federal court. A status conference is set for June 10 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. McConnell, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama, said the policy “violated the very immigration laws that Congress has charged it with administering.” USCIS is an agency within the Department of Homeland Security that oversees processing of legal immigration, ranging from asylum seekers to work authorization forms. “USCIS’s hold on adjudications cannot be attributed to anything that these individuals did wrong; rather, it arises solely by the happenstance of their birth,” McConnell wrote. He added that “the Court is reminded of a line often repeated in discussions around immigration policy: If people wish to immigrate to the United States, they ought to ‘follow the law’ and ‘do things the right way.’ This case serves as a perfect example of immigrants doing just that.” New policy paused processing  Labor unions and immigration advocacy groups in Rhode Island sued the Trump administration over the policies. They brought the suit on behalf of their members, immigrants who had the processing of their work visas and travel documents paused after the new policy following last year’s shooting in Washington, D.C. After the November shooting, on the eve of Thanksgiving, one guard member, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was critically wounded, but recovered.  One of the groups that sued, Democracy Forward, praised the decision.  “This ruling reaffirms a basic principle: the federal government cannot shut down lawful immigration pathways or discriminate against people based on where they come from,” Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said in a statement. “These unlawful policies caused enormous harm to families, workers, asylum seekers, and communities across the country who were left in limbo, unable to work, access protections, or move forward with their lives.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232f9fee6011c3f4eb3fdd Trump Arch Will Need Red Lights, F.A.A. Says te 2026-06-05T20:20:47.127Z Trump Arch Will Need Red Lights, F.A.A. Says The Federal Aviation Administration advised that if the Trump administration adds red obstruction lights to the arch design, it is likely to pose no risk to local aviation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232f88ee6011c3f4eb3fb9 SAVE America Act fails in U.S. Senate as GOP defections doom Trump’s voting restrictions te 2026-06-05T20:20:24.642Z SAVE America Act fails in U.S. Senate as GOP defections doom Trump’s voting restrictions Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232d90ee6011c3f4eb3f8c Coconino Community College adds men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field te 2026-06-05T20:12:00.423Z Coconino Community College adds men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field The Comets will add a track and field team starting in the 2026-27 year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232d5eee6011c3f4eb3f45 Trump Arch Will Need Red Lights, F.A.A. Says te 2026-06-05T20:11:10.328Z Trump Arch Will Need Red Lights, F.A.A. Says The Federal Aviation Administration advised that if the Trump administration adds red obstruction lights to the arch design, it is likely to pose no risk to local aviation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232d48ee6011c3f4eb3f2b Startup Battlefield 200 applications officially close in 3 days te 2026-06-05T20:10:48.806Z Startup Battlefield 200 applications officially close in 3 days Applications for Startup Battlefield 200 officially close on June 8, 11:59 p.m. PT. Now’s not the time to wait any longer. Secure your shot at competing on the Disrupt Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 this October at San Francisco's Moscone West. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232d32ee6011c3f4eb3f1b 10 classic films about D‑Day, recommended by a war historian te 2026-06-05T20:10:26.963Z 10 classic films about D‑Day, recommended by a war historian Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232ae0ee6011c3f4eb3ee5 War of words ignites over Trump admin rebuke of British police after teen bled to death in handcuffs te 2026-06-05T20:00:32.558Z War of words ignites over Trump admin rebuke of British police after teen bled to death in handcuffs A war of words has erupted between U.S. and British officials after a young Briton with a bright future bled out in handcuffs as police took him into custody on suspicion of making racial remarks, only to learn later that his killer fabricated the allegation.  The State Department issued a harsh rebuke Thursday night amid online outrage stemming from the stabbing of Henry Nowak, and Vice President JD Vance was quick to pile-on, claiming the incident proves that western civilization is at risk. "Ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing are glaring symptoms of civilizational decline," the State Department wrote Thursday in a viral post on X. "They must be rejected across the West. The United States sends our condolences to the family of Henry Nowak and the people of the United Kingdom at this troubling time." It was the first time the Trump administration commented publicly on the horrific stabbing. In December 2025, Nowak was returning home from a night playing soccer with friends in the southern England city of Southampton when he encountered 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, a British Sikh man of Indian heritage wearing a turban and carrying a long ceremonial knife. Nowak was later handcuffed by police after Digwa claimed the student was racist against him, and police refused to believe him when he said he was stabbed. He died while in police custody. "Henry Nowak died the same way a civilization dies: abandoned, handcuffed by authorities who neither trusted nor cared for him, and accused of hate crimes he did not commit," Vance wrote on X in a lengthy post addressing the overseas crime. "His murder is as tragic as it is enraging," the vice president continued. "He should still be alive today, and he would be if the last few generations of European elites had stood their ground against the politics of self-hatred and the mass invasion of migrants, many of whom despise the West and the people who love it." He reiterated how a top priority of the Trump administration is working to preserve western civilization by stopping mass migration. ENGLISH COPS CUFFED TEEN STABBING VICTIM AFTER ATTACKER CLAIMED RACIAL ASSAULT Vance's post drew an immediate response from across the pond.  "In recent days we have seen people trying to interfere in our democracy and seeking to stir up division on our streets," a Downing Street spokesperson said.  "The Nowak family are grieving after Henry’s horrific murder. They have said they do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We should be respecting their wishes," the statement continued. "Our politics should bring people together even in the most terrible of circumstances. That is who we are as a country." Nowak filmed the initial encounter before his death, where he called Digwa a "bad man." "I am a bad man," Digwa replied, taking offense to the comment. He then stabbed the student five times, including a fatal wound to his chest. What came next sparked worldwide outrage while Digwa, now convicted of murder, was on trial in May. Body cameras worn by officers show Digwa alleging racial abuse and claiming Nowak removed his turban. The police took Digwa's word, and handcuffed Nowak when they located him. Footage shows Nowak lying on the ground, repeatedly telling officers he couldn't breathe. When Nowak told officers he had been stabbed, one is heard dismissing him with: "Don't think you have, mate." The young student bled to death in police custody. DAN GAINOR: THE ENGLAND WE LOVE IS LOST. IF WE DON’T CHANGE, AMERICA WILL BE, TOO It was later revealed that Digwa called his mother, Kiran Kaur, who arrived at the crime scene before the police so she could take the murder weapon to their family home and hide it. She was recently found guilty of assisting an offender and will be sentenced July 17. Digwa was sentenced on June 1 to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. UK ACTOR IDRIS ELBA SUGGESTS KITCHEN KNIVES BE BLUNTED, OTHERS BANNED TO PREVENT STABBINGS Carrying knives in Britain is a heavily regulated practice, and certain types of knives are banned entirely. Digwa's knife was considered an exception due to his religious beliefs, which also fanned the flames of the controversy surrounding the murder. British law has a provision allowing Sikhs to carry kirpans, which are ceremonial religious knives. In Digwa's case, he was carrying an eight-inch blade. The country's tightening speech laws have also come to the forefront, with critics arguing that police in Nowak's case were too blinded by the report of racism to notice he had been mortally wounded. Since the Online Safety Act of 2023 took effect, swaths of Britons have been jailed for internet posts deemed racist by authorities. AMERICA STILL CAN'T PUT DOWN THE RACE CARD. AND IT'S THE SHAME OF OUR NATION Police eventually apologized for the way the stabbing was handled. "I want to say that I am sorry that Henry couldn't be saved that night. I'm sorry that he was handcuffed and arrested in the moments before he lost consciousness," Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France of the Hampshire Constabulary said, according to Sky News. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Miss., also responded amid the controversy. "Britain has a regime willing to jail people for tweets, but unwilling to protect its own citizens from bleeding out in the street," he said in response to the State Department's post. "Henry Nowak deserved better. That is what civilizational decline looks like. This is the future the Left is trying to import. We have to stop it." So did SpaceX founder and former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk, who posted multiple times about the case. "Send the video to everyone you know showing how heinously Nowak was treated by the police in his dying moments and how the police cravenly kowtowed to his murderer," he said in one post that was viewed 28 million times. "Legacy mainstream media, same ones who wrote about George Floyd millions of times, are dead silent about Nowak." "The West has created an utterly evil state religion where an accusation of 'racism' is the gravest offense that can be committed, even worse than rape or murder!" he said in another, "So if police show up at a crime scene and a British boy is bleeding out and an immigrant says the British boy is racist the cops will cuff the dying British boy." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2328edee6011c3f4eb3e59 'Love Island USA' contestant slammed by Pennsylvania mayor after he quit police force to join the reality show te 2026-06-05T19:52:13.514Z 'Love Island USA' contestant slammed by Pennsylvania mayor after he quit police force to join the reality show A Pennsylvania police department is down another officer — and city leaders say reality television is to blame. "Love Island USA" contestant Sean Reifel is under fire after resigning from the Bethlehem Police Department to join Season 8 of the hit dating show, leaving behind a force already grappling with staffing shortages and triggering frustration among local officials who say taxpayers invested thousands in his training. The controversy exploded after Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott publicly acknowledged her disappointment over Reifel's departure, revealing the department is now facing 16 officer vacancies. ‘LOVE ISLAND USA’ CONTESTANT EXITS SHOW AFTER RACIST SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS RESURFACE "Officer Reifel recently resigned from the Bethlehem Police Department to pursue a unique personal opportunity. We respect his decision and wish him success in this next chapter of his life," Kott said in a statement to Fox News Digital. But the chief made clear the resignation comes at a difficult time for the department. "At the same time, I would be less than candid if I didn't acknowledge my disappointment in losing another police officer. Law enforcement agencies across the United States continue to face significant recruiting and retention challenges, and every vacancy affects our organization and the community we serve. With Officer Reifel's departure, we now have 16 officer vacancies that we are actively working to fill." Kott added that while she was disappointed to lose a "trained and experienced officer," she understands that "people have personal and professional goals that sometimes lead them in different directions." The chief also thanked Reifel for his service to the department and wished him success moving forward. But Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds delivered a different response. JENNA ORTEGA URGES FOLLOWERS TO 'BE ANGRY' OVER LOS ANGELES IMMIGRATION RAIDS The mayor blasted the 29-year-old reality TV contestant for walking away from the force less than a year after being sworn in, arguing the city invested significant taxpayer resources into preparing him for the job. "Our police department spent a lot of time training, and we paid thousands of taxpayer dollars to send him to the police academy," Reynolds told local outlet WHTM. "We are disappointed he left as we now have another vacancy in our department that is impossible to fill until next year." Reynolds then took direct aim at Reifel's decision to swap police work for reality television. "I never thought I'd see the day in America where reality show participation wins out over being a police officer." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER The remarks quickly ignited backlash from some "Love Island" fans, who accused the mayor of publicly shaming Reifel for pursuing a new opportunity. "I don't understand why this mayor took time to give an interview about this. Is he riding on the popularity of LI? Even if he did leave the force, he is not the only officer across the country who has left being an officer," one commenter wrote. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Another defended Reifel's choice, writing, "I went to the mayors Instagram and I left a comment because this is simply outrageous. I'm sorry, but people have the right to leave a job for a better opportunity for themselves and from what we've seen so far, Sean has only spoken favorably about his position as a police officer." A third commenter accused Reynolds of using the reality star hopeful as a scapegoat. "Regardless of whether it was approved leave or not being the mayor of a city and dragging this guy [through] the mud is just a way to deflect blame when he can't do his job." Fox News Digital has reached out to Mayor Reynold’s office for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2328d9ee6011c3f4eb3e50 Sophie Cunningham turned heads off the court before dominating Angel Reese, Spurs-Knicks ticket price & Saban! te 2026-06-05T19:51:53.522Z Sophie Cunningham turned heads off the court before dominating Angel Reese, Spurs-Knicks ticket price & Saban! We did it! We made it to another Friday. To the first weekend of June. Whew. Everyone can exhale now. And hey! For June, we have a pretty loaded weekend on tap. Honestly? It's not the worst lineup you'll see this summer. We're also experiencing a rare June cold front down here in Florida, which is nice. By "cold front," I mean it's 82 instead of 92, but that makes a big difference this time of year. So, yeah, we're rolling right now. A lot of momentum. Let's pump out one final class this week and get on outta here. Welcome to a Friday Nightcaps — the one where Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark dominate Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream, both on and off the court. You'll see. What else? I've got the best of the rest from a loaded week of #content, Scottie ripping his caddie a new one after a water ball off the tee, and more Nick Saban talk in June. HERE'S WHY NICK SABAN AND NOTRE DAME'S PETE BEVACQUA ARE WRONG ABOUT NIL RUINING COLLEGE FOOTBALL OK, grab you a veggie burger for National Veggie Burger Day — throw it straight into the trash and get a Bubba Burger instead — and THEN settle in for a Friday 'Cap! Let's spin the wheel and start with ... the WNBA! That's right. Look, I normally wouldn't do it, but when Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham and Angel Reese are all on the floor at the same time, I sort of have to. I'm nothing if not a sucker for the Google Algo. The Fever won the first game of something called "The Commissioner's Cup" last night over Reese and the Dream. For those who don't know, that now makes Caitlin Clark 6-1 against Reese since the infamous finger-point in college, which I'm sure will delight most of you. There were a few newsy moments from the game, most notably this little sequence in the first half that I reckon will now be used whenever an Angel Reese fan tries to say she's better than Caitlin Clark: Lordy. Not great! Why is Angel Reese anywhere near the three-point line? Seems silly to me, but I admittedly ain't the biggest basketball fan. The box score tells me that Reese finished with a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds), while Clark finished with 17 but shot just 6 of 17 from the floor. For those interested in the +/- stat, Reese was a -2, while Caitlin was a +2. They all paled in comparison to Sophie, who finished with eight points off the bench and a +11 on the court. WNBA'S SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM'S LATEST VIRAL ATTIRE CELEBRATES HER LOVE OF BBQ, CORNHOLE GOLF COURSE & HOT STEAKS! That's our girl! Remember where you met Sophie Cunningham first, boys and girls. Right here, in these spaces, last year. She became famous last summer when she defended Clark after a hard foul, and it's been off to the races ever since. Perhaps we should've known she was primed for a big game when she got to the arena dressed like someone ready to bash some skulls. Choose your fighters, America: SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM BELTS OUT A GARTH BROOKS CLASSIC IN HER SHREDDED JORTS AT INDY BAR, PGA BEER PRICES & MEAT Yeah, I mean ... it was curtains the second those two showed up looking like that. All is well in Fever Land. Phew. We can now move on with our lives and have a big weekend. But first, let's recap a big week of #content that might've slipped through the cracks. First up? Let's head on back to 1994 and check in on OJ! What a week. A solid, solllllllllllid, week of internet #content out of everyone. Well done. A couple thoughts ... Speaking of ... let's rapid-fire this Friday class into a big weekend. I know this happened yesterday, but, Lordy, it deserves a look in this class: Goodness gracious. On one hand, it's relatable, because Lord knows if there's water to be found off a Par-3 tee shot, I will find it. Every single time. Without a doubt. On the other hand, it's NOT relatable because I couldn't imagine talking to someone like that after a golf shot. Really, I couldn't imagine a world where I'm ever good enough to talk down to someone like that after a shot. Scottie has seemed off to me all year. He just seems ... miserable. Right? He sounds like Brooks Koepka from 2023-25. That ain't a category you wanna be in. Chin up, Scottie. It's golf. Let's have some fun! Finally ... it appears everyone here agrees with Nick Saban after his latest Capitol Hill rant on the current state of NIL in college sports. The OutKick inbox is flooded with emails about it. Most of you are mad at Ian for attacking Saban, which I find funny. Ian, by the way, is a good dude. Don't let his anti-SEC nonsense fool you! From Owen K. in Arkansas! I played football in the SWC/SEC in the late 80’s early 90’s (University of Arkansas) and my son just graduated from a BIG12 school (Kansas) where he also played. The college game has naturally changed over the decades, but the NIL has does something completely different. It has transformed it into a transactional business.  Coach Saban is stating the obvious, but he also benefited from having the best players at every position sometimes three deep. I don’t believe that was fair either.  My alma mater gave me the opportunity to get a degree and play football. I knew I always wanted to be a physician and my college experience opened those doors for me to become an orthopedic surgeon. It is not the Alabama’s of this world that are getting hurt by the NIL. They can cry me a river. It’s the Arkansas’s and Kansas’s that get hurt. The opportunity to win big is solely based on money now…not team chemistry, fortunate breaks, or 'diamonds’ in the rough that pan out. Those diamonds are scooped up by the big money teams now. Thanks, Owen! Hard to argue with any of that. Recruiting is now a relic. It doesn't matter. It's all about how deep the pockets are at Booster Club HQ, and how deep they are willing to get. That's it. Will I still watch on Saturdays? Hell yes. You betcha. Will it feel the same? Not really. It is what it is. By the way, 84 days till Week 0. See you Monday. OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots). Does watching college football still feel the same? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2328c5ee6011c3f4eb3e47 Video shows Marine veteran wrestle armed teen to ground after alleged robbery attempt te 2026-06-05T19:51:33.534Z Video shows Marine veteran wrestle armed teen to ground after alleged robbery attempt "I was fearing for my life," Jheyco Borda said. Surveillance video captured the moments the Marine veteran fought off a group of teens who allegedly approached him, with one of them pointing a gun at his face. Borda wrestled the teen to the ground after the suspect pointed a gun at him in Oxon Hill, Maryland Wednesday afternoon. A gunshot was heard toward the end of the recording. Fox News Digital spoke with Borda, who said, "I was just fixing my car — a normal day for me and I saw the teens [come] by. The guy took a pistol up to my head and started asking me for the car keys, phone, everything, all the valuables basically that I had." FOLLOW US ON X Borda said a total of six teens attacked him, four of them were male and two of them female. During the scuffle, he said, the teen's gun went off with the gunshot fired through the back of his truck. Miraculously, no one was hit. As for how he was able to stop the attack before things got more violent, he said, "I just got prepared and adrenaline kicked in and some training." GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Borda served in the Marine Corps and credits his combat training for saving his life. AMERICAN CAR THEFTS SURGE AS TEENAGE BANDITS, INTERNATIONAL CRIME RINGS SHIP STOLEN VEHICLES OVERSEAS He said his brother also stepped in to stop the attack by confronting the teens, which was also seen on that video. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS Borda said this is not the first time a crime like this happened on his street. He said two years ago a group of teens or possibly young adults stole a vehicle — in the identical location. "It was right where my car was as well," he said. Prince George's County Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that two of the teens, both males, have been arrested and they are still investigating the involvement of the other four teens in relation to the crime. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2328aeee6011c3f4eb3e23 First U.S. Screwworm Case Since 1960s Prompts Texas Emergency Response te 2026-06-05T19:51:10.489Z First U.S. Screwworm Case Since 1960s Prompts Texas Emergency Response After a screwworm infestation was confirmed in a South Texas calf, officials launched an aggressive effort to prevent the parasite from spreading in the nation’s largest cattle-producing state. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232897ee6011c3f4eb3e03 Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through U.S. Senate, with no limits on ICE te 2026-06-05T19:50:47.926Z Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through U.S. Senate, with no limits on ICE Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232884ee6011c3f4eb3dfa Randall: Pima County Jail shouldn't close door on GED classes for inmates te 2026-06-05T19:50:28.007Z Randall: Pima County Jail shouldn't close door on GED classes for inmates Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232669ee6011c3f4eb3d84 Civil war at '60 Minutes' as top stars choose to stay but issue explosive ultimatum te 2026-06-05T19:41:29.279Z Civil war at '60 Minutes' as top stars choose to stay but issue explosive ultimatum Longtime "60 Minutes" correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim have decided to stay with the program following a wave of high-profile firings, while warning in a joint statement to colleagues that "newsrooms are not supposed to be run like dictatorships." The trio of veteran journalists admitted they are still "deeply upset" by the recent shakeups at the program. The past two weeks have seen the firings of several top correspondents and producers from the venerated show. "We have had a hard time deciding whether to stay," the group wrote, ultimately noting that they chose to remain with the embattled newsmagazine because they "don’t want to see ‘60 Minutes’ die." The long-running program has faced significant upheaval following the firings of producers Tanya Simon and Draggan Mihailovich, correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, among others. This week, Scott Pelley was terminated a day after he exploded on network leadership at a meeting with new "60 Minutes" executive producer Nick Bilton.  '60 MINUTES' MELTDOWN: SCOTT PELLEY FIRED, PRAISED, SCOLDED FOR ATTACKING BARI WEISS, CHARGES BIAS Bilton was brought in by embattled CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss to be the new "60 Minutes" head honcho. He got a rude welcome from Pelley, who told him he had "slender" qualifications and had harsher words for Weiss, who was not present at the meeting. According to Stahl, Whitaker and Wertheim, no explanation was offered for the departures of Simon and Mihailovich, whom they described as "strong leaders who everyone respected." "As far as we can tell – because no explanation has ever been offered, they were expelled because they fought for our ‘60 Minutes’ values and stood up to protect our independence and integrity," they said. "We want to express how sorry we are that these principled, fair and honest journalists were treated so shabbily, with such indecency. Tanya deserves to be celebrated, not cruelly cast off. Draggan too. It’s been heartbreaking," the group later added. The statement comes days after Pelley challenged the show’s new leadership, accusing Weiss of "murdering" the program, which debuted in 1968. SCOTT PELLEY FIRED AT CBS NEWS AFTER BLOWUPS WITH BARI WEISS, NEW '60 MINUTES' PRODUCER The correspondents also addressed Pelley’s departure and those of other former "60 Minutes" staffers. "This goes for Sharyn, Cecilia and Scott as well, all at the top of the world of TV journalism who exemplified 60 Minutes’ ethos of tough questions and honest storytelling," they wrote. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Despite the turmoil, Stahl, Whitaker and Wertheim confirmed their intention to stay on and "try to repair and preserve our reputation." They said they were concerned the decision could be "construed as an endorsement of the existing power structure," but added that is "categorically not the case." They said the decision is not final and that they are willing to leave if the show strays further from independent journalism, adding, "If we can continue doing the work that made this show what it is — committing acts of independent, fearless journalism and storytelling — we’re here for it. If not, we leave." CBS previously pushed back against Pelley’s allegations of politics influencing the show’s decisions.  "There is no political interference at CBS News, not from ownership, not from Bari Weiss," a network spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "The only 'interference' is the normal back and forth between editor and correspondent that happens in every newsroom." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232655ee6011c3f4eb3d7b The Great American Road Trip: 8 places to travel (and stay) to celebrate America 250 this summer te 2026-06-05T19:41:09.287Z The Great American Road Trip: 8 places to travel (and stay) to celebrate America 250 this summer America turns 250 on the Fourth of July, and communities across the country are marking the milestone with a yearlong lineup of concerts, fireworks, festivals and historical events. From California to Boston, destinations are building special travel experiences around the Semiquincentennial, making this a memorable time to hit the road. We rounded up eight destinations worth adding to your itinerary for America's 250th anniversary, including iconic historical landmarks and a few lesser-known stops. Read on to start planning your trip, and the gear we recommend you take with you along the way.  READ MORE: America 250 is coming: What to know and the best commemorative gear to buy No destination is more closely tied to America's 250th anniversary than Philadelphia. The city is marking the milestone with the Wawa Welcome America Festival, a multi-day celebration running June 19 through July 4 that includes six days of fireworks and culminates in a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, The Roots and more. Visitors can also explore the First Bank of the United States, which reopens to the public July 1 for the first time in decades. Penn's View Hotel is an Italian American family-owned boutique property housed in an 1828 brick building in Philadelphia’s Old City. Guest rooms blend historic character with modern comforts, and many feature fireplaces and views of the Delaware River. The hotel also sits within walking distance of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other major historic sites. For a quieter stay outside the city, consider the Hotel Warner in nearby West Chester. But in general, if you're planning a trip around the anniversary celebrations, book early, as Philadelphia hotels are expected to fill quickly. Boston is celebrating America's 250th anniversary with a yearlong lineup of events under its Boston 250 initiative, including reenactments, museum exhibits and waterfront programming throughout the summer. The centerpiece is the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Fourth of July along the Charles River Explanade, including expanded viewing areas and performances by Lainey Wilson and Chance The Rapper, among others. Visitors can also catch the return of Sail Boston, which brings tall ships and military vessels back to Boston Harbor for the first time since 2017. Stay at the Revere Hotel Boston Common, which has created a Revolution 250 package featuring complimentary tickets to the Paul Revere House, a Freedom Trail map and welcome cocktails. It's right at the foot of plenty of historical sites in the area. A more premium option if you want an elevated stay is the Liberty Hotel, housed in the former Charles Street Jail, offering a Fourth of July package that includes prime views of the Charles River fireworks.  One of the most unique events on the summer 2026 calendar is the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. On Aug. 22 and 23, the NTT INDYCAR Series will race on the National Mall for the first time, using a 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit that passes landmarks including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. General admission is free, and the Sunday race will air live on FOX. While you're in the capital, consider adding a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which is planning special programming tied to America's 250th anniversary. The Viceroy Washington DC blends modern amenities with locally inspired design in the heart of the 14th street corridor. Its location offers easy access to the National Mall during race weekend, while also placing guests near Logan Circle's popular restaurants and nightlife. For a stay even closer to the action, Hotel Washington puts visitors within walking distance of the race and many of the city's most recognizable landmarks. If your ideal America 250 celebration centers more on music than fireworks, consider a trip to New York's Hudson Valley. The Hudson River Music Festival returns to Croton Point Park on June 21, continuing a tradition rooted in the folk music championed by Pete and Toshi Seeger in the 1960s. The all-ages event features performances across three stages set along the Hudson River, bringing together a diverse lineup of artists in one of the country's most historic landscapes. For a casual stay, consider The Roundhouse in nearby Beacon, which pairs a boutique hotel experience with scenic waterfall views. For a more elevated stay, check out the Tarrytown House Estate, a historic property with Gilded Age architecture. It offers access to walking trails overlooking the Hudson River. READ MORE: The FOX News Wine Shop lets you sip American wines at home — here's how it works Celebrate the end of summer on the Southern California coast at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa's Labor Day Festival on Sept. 5, featuring a headline performance by country musician and "Yellowstone" star Luke Grimes. For a dose of history, drive about 30 minutes south to Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, which commemorates the first recorded European landing on the West Coast. Families can also add a stop at nearby Legoland California to round out the trip. Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa, offers one of the more accessible beachfront stays in the area, perched above the shoreline just south of Carlsbad Village. The property features ocean-view dining and easy beach access, while its location places guests about a 15-minute drive from Omni La Costa Resort & Spa for festival events. Few destinations capture the spirit of the American road trip quite like South Dakota’s Black Hills. During the summer, Mount Rushmore National Memorial hosts nightly lighting ceremonies that include ranger-led programs, recognition of veterans and the illumination of the monument after sunset. Visitors traveling over the Fourth of July can also enjoy a full day of special programming, including presidential re-enactors, Indigenous cultural demonstrations and a performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band. Round out the trip with a visit to the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial and a drive through Custer State Park, where scenic roads offer opportunities to spot bison, wildlife and some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes. For a glamping experience near Mount Rushmore, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers safari-style tents on the site of a former gold-mining settlement. Guests get amenities like king-size beds and private bathrooms, making it a comfortable alternative to traditional camping. For a more personal experience, consider Eagle Landing Lodge, a family-owned farmhouse about 20 minutes from Custer State Park. Each morning begins with homemade breakfast, best enjoyed on the front porch when the weather is good.  READ MORE: Celebrate America's 250th with these patriotic keepsakes and collectibles, from $16 Yellowstone National Park became the nation's first national park in 1872, making it a fitting destination during America's 250th anniversary year. Visitors can watch Old Faithful erupt at regular intervals, see the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring — the largest hot spring in the United States — and explore one of the country's most iconic landscapes. Wildlife viewing is another major draw, with bison roaming Hayden Valley and elk frequently spotted near park lodges and roadways. Located about 20 minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance, Island Park Lodge offers a quieter and often more affordable base for exploring the park. Guests can choose between traditional hotel rooms and modern rustic cabins, both designed with easy access to Yellowstone in mind. For a more immersive stay inside the park, consider the historic Old Faithful Inn, a National Historic Landmark known for its soaring timber architecture, massive stone fireplace and views of the famous geyser from select rooms. Located just south of Astoria, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park preserves Fort Clatsop, the reconstructed winter camp where the Corps of Discovery spent the winter of 1805-06 after reaching the Pacific Ocean. During the summer, visitors can explore living history programs, paddle portions of the Lewis and Clark River or join ranger-led hikes through the surrounding landscape. Nearby, the Astoria Column rewards those willing to climb its 164 steps with sweeping views of the Columbia River and Pacific Coast. For even more coastal scenery, Cannon Beach and its iconic Haystack Rock sit about 25 minutes away. Painstakingly restored in the early 2000s, Hotel Elliott offers a boutique stay in downtown Astoria within easy reach of the waterfront. Guests can take in views from the rooftop terrace while staying close to attractions. For a more upscale experience, Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa sits directly over the Columbia River and features private balconies with views of passing ships and the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Guests also receive a complimentary glass of wine at check-in. READ MORE: Shopping for America 250? Here's what's actually made in the USA — and what's imported From a carry-on suitcase and passport holder to a soft-sided cooler for road-trip snacks, these are the travel essentials we’d pack for any of these America 250 destinations. The Béis Carry-On Roller is an editor-favorite thanks to its built-in compression system and hidden trolley sleeve that lets it stack securely on larger luggage. Associate Production Editor Jaclyn Kaufman praised the spinner wheels, noting that they "glide effortlessly" through the airport. It also comes in a variety of distinctive colors that are easy to spot at baggage claim. This Italian Nappa leather passport holder delivers a premium look and feel for less than $30. Inside, it features four card slots, a pocket for boarding passes and RFID-blocking lining designed to help safeguard personal information. It's also available in several bright colors, which one five-star reviewer noted makes it easy to "find in a handbag."  Original price: $200   The YETI Hopper Flip 12 holds up to 11 cans plus ice and is built to keep drinks cold throughout a full day outdoors. Its closed-cell foam insulation delivers impressive temperature retention, while the leak-resistant zipper helps prevent spills and messes during travel. The compact design also makes it easy to bring along for road trips, beach days and outdoor events. READ MORE: Save 40% or more on linen shirts, cooling fans and more on Amazon ahead of Prime Day A good neck pillow can make long flights and road trips far more comfortable by helping support your head and neck while you rest. This Cabeau travel pillow uses memory foam for added cushioning and includes straps that attach to most headrests to help keep the pillow securely in place. Original price: $69.99 This Anker power bank can top off your phone and earbuds on the go with enough capacity for multiple device charges. The built-in cable means there's one less accessory to dig out of your bag before a trip. For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals Original price: $26.98 Don't let an overstuffed suitcase limit your packing options. These packing cubes compress to help organize and condense clothing. The set includes one large cube, two medium cubes, two small cubes and a drawstring shoe bag, providing plenty of room for an entire vacation wardrobe. Find even more products on Amazon and get your packages ASAP when you become an Amazon Prime member. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232641ee6011c3f4eb3d72 Bondi’s replacement saddled with Epstein baggage as he awaits grueling confirmation battle te 2026-06-05T19:40:49.289Z Bondi’s replacement saddled with Epstein baggage as he awaits grueling confirmation battle Former Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that Todd Blanche, who at the time was second in command at the Justice Department, was put in charge of the release of the millions of documents from the Epstein files during her closed-door hearing before Congress late last month.  "As the head of a large department with broad responsibilities, I did not lead every aspect of this effort nor conduct that document review myself," Bondi said during the hearing. "I delegated that oversight over this process to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche."  The House Oversight Committee released its transcript from Bondi's May 29 hearing just a day after President Donald Trump announced he intended to nominate Blanche as his permanent attorney general nominee, potentially complicating Blanche's confirmation as senators on both sides of the political aisle have heavily criticized the files' rollout. Blanche has been serving as Acting Attorney General since April 2, when Trump announced Bondi's dismissal. LAPSED EPSTEIN DEADLINE UNDERSCORES CHALLENGE OF REVIEWING TROVES OF FILES IN 30 DAYS The release of the transcript, which placed responsibility for the Epstein files rollout squarely on Blanche's shoulders, comes just days after Blanche announced during a hearing that the Justice Department will be eliminating its controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund, which was created to compensate alleged victims of politicized prosecution and labeled a "slush fund" for Trump and his supporters by critics. The Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files and the Anti-Weaponization Fund, both overseen by Blanche, has drawn concern from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Bondi's testimony revealed that Blanche had been her point man on the Epstein files and was tasked with briefing her on the release of the Epstein files. The former attorney general found herself in hot water last July following a joint release by the Justice Department and FBI finding that there was no evidence that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who is alleged to have hundreds of underage victims, had kept a client list. BONDI SAYS EPSTEIN CLIENT LIST 'SITTING ON MY DESK RIGHT NOW', AND IS REVIEWING JFK, MLK FILES The joint statement, which Bondi said during May's hearing was penned by Blanche and not her, comes after months of the Trump administration teasing the release of the Epstein files. In February 2025, Fox News' John Roberts asked Bondi about the release of Epstein's "client list," which Bondi responded by saying that it was "sitting on her desk." Bondi and the White House clarified after the fact that she was referring to the files as a whole and not Epstein's "client list." Members of Congress asked Bondi why Blanche interviewed Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, who was in prison, weeks after the joint memo release. Bondi replied by saying Blanche "was leading the Epstein matter and the release of everything from the beginning." Once Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November 2025, Bondi stated Blanche oversaw the release of millions of documents, which entailed overseeing the redaction process, including its protocols and guidelines, determining which documents were privileged and making corrections to redactions. DOJ’S EPSTEIN DISCLOSURE DRAWS FIRE FOR WEBSITE GLITCHES, MISSING DOCUMENTS, REDACTIONS "He was in charge of the process and the entire release of the Epstein files," Bondi said. But the Justice Department faced scrutiny over failures to redact all identifiable information from some of Epstein's victims, allegations that some redactions were heavy-handed and that some documents were completely missing, prompting a bipartisan group of senators to send a letter in March requesting that the Government Accountability Office lead an investigation into the Justice Department's redaction process. "Not only has DOJ withheld files, but those records that were disclosed are largely information that was already public," the letter stated. "Even those records are so heavily redacted that there are serious questions as to whether the Department is properly applying the limited exceptions for redaction that are permitted under the Act. Moreover, several records appear to have been removed, without explanation, from the files the Department did release." SENATE REPUBLICAN DEMANDS STATE, FEDERAL COURTS 'IMMEDIATELY UNSEAL ALL' EPSTEIN DOCS However, Bondi said during the hearing that she was not blaming Blanche and that the error rate for the redaction was 1%, which was what Blanche had told her. "He managed this investigation — and it was a Herculean task — with very little error," Bondi said during the hearing. "And Todd did an excellent job, in my opinion, and is doing an excellent job as our Attorney General." Following her closed-door testimony, Bondi pushed back on allegations from Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., that she is pushing the blame of the Epstein Files rollouts on Blanche. "NOT TRUE," Bondi posted on X. "I praised Acting AG Blanche’s management of this Herculean task. I said his ethics are beyond reproach and that he is an incredible Attorney General." A White House spokesperson said that Blanche was doing an "excellent job" and will continue to perform well. "Todd Blanche is an American patriot who fearlessly fought on behalf of President Trump against the Democrats’ illegal and unprecedented lawfare campaign," said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman. "The President’s entire team at the Department of Justice is doing a great job advocating for sanity, law and order, and policies that keep Americans safe." Blanche's nomination is also expected to face scrutiny from Democrats who have questioned whether the former Trump defense attorney can serve as an independent attorney general. Last month, Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., launched a Senate Judiciary Committee inquiry based on allegations that Blanche disregarded ethics guidance advising him to recuse himself from matters at the Justice Department involving Trump, who he previously served as a personal lawyer to. Fox News Digital reached out to Senate Judiciary Committee leadership and the Justice Department for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23262dee6011c3f4eb3d69 NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett, legendary driver and broadcaster, dies at 93 te 2026-06-05T19:40:29.440Z NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett, legendary driver and broadcaster, dies at 93 It has been a difficult stretch for the NASCAR community, and now it is mourning another loss, as legendary driver and broadcaster Ned Jarrett has passed away. He was 93. Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina. A celebrated driver and broadcaster, he was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! He raced in the Cup Series from 1953 to 1966, first taking up racing while working on his family's farm and sawmill when Hickory Speedway opened. "I played a little basketball and baseball in high school (and) thought I had some athletic ability," he said, according to NASCAR. "When they opened the speedway, I ran the first race they ever run there. I was hooked." Jarrett is still No. 1 on the all-time wins list for Ford drivers. He won 43 races behind the wheel of a car with a Blue Oval on the front, and his position on that list seems safe for quite some time. The highest active driver on the list is Team Penske's Joey Logano, who has 35 of his 37 career wins with Ford. Jarrett is also remembered for his career in broadcasting that began after he retired from driving. He began as a pit reporter on radio for Motor Racing Network (MRN), then moved into TV with CBS and ESPN. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There's likely no moment of his broadcasting career as memorable as the 1993 Daytona 500 in which he called a late-race battle between his son, NASCAR great Dale Jarrett, and Dale Earnhardt Sr. that ended with his son taking the win. "You know who I’m pulling for, it’s Dale Jarrett. Bring her to the inside, Dale, don’t let him get down there," Jarrett said during the broadcast. "He’s gonna make it! Dale Jarrett’s gonna win the Daytona 500! Alright!" Jarrett's sons — the aforementioned Dale and brother, Glenn — both followed in their old man's footsteps by going into broadcasting after their racing careers were over. Martha, his wife of 67 years, died in 2023. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a232191ee6011c3f4eb3c81 United Airlines jet flew too low and too slow before striking light pole and truck near Newark airport: NTSB te 2026-06-05T19:20:49.369Z United Airlines jet flew too low and too slow before striking light pole and truck near Newark airport: NTSB A United Airlines flight was flying too low and too slow when it barreled into a light pole and a tractor-trailer last month just before landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, the National Transportation Safety Board said. Flight 169 was traveling from Venice, Italy, to New Jersey when it struck the pole and a Schmidt Bakery truck during its descent at around 2 p.m. on May 3. Dashcam video showed the moment the Boeing 767-400 passenger jet struck the bakery truck on the New Jersey Turnpike. All 231 crew members and passengers were unharmed, and the plane landed safely following the incident. The truck driver sustained minor injuries. BAKERY TRUCK DRIVER STRUCK BY UNITED JET THOUGHT HE WOULD BE KILLED, FATHER SAYS The aircraft was descending toward the airport when the crew experienced multiple runway changes before finally being assigned to runway 29, an 11-page preliminary report states. The NTSB noted that the flight was "normal until the descent." As the plane neared the runway, its airspeed began to decay, prompting the first officer to warn the captain that the aircraft was "still slow and a little low." The airplane descended dangerously low, reaching just 18 to 19 feet above ground level as it crossed over the Turnpike. It then struck a 15-foot-tall light pole on the turnpike just seconds before landing, the report said. FAA INVESTIGATING AFTER UNITED, DELTA FLIGHTS NEARLY COLLIDE BEFORE LANDING AT PHOENIX AIRPORT The captain reported hearing a "thump," while flight attendants in the back heard a "loud bang" just before touchdown. After the plane parked at the gate, an onsite examination revealed three punctures to the lower left aft fuselage and slash marks on one tire, the report states. When asked about the report, a United spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "We don't have anything to share." Following the accident, United Airlines issued a safety alert explicitly warning pilots about using visual glideslope indicators—the lighting systems designed to provide visual guidance during approach and landing to let pilots know if they are flying too high or too low along their descent path. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23217dee6011c3f4eb3c78 Which head coach's seat is hotter heading into 2026 season: Shane Beamer or Mike Norvell? te 2026-06-05T19:20:29.452Z Which head coach's seat is hotter heading into 2026 season: Shane Beamer or Mike Norvell? With the college football season still a few months away, many fans are looking for anything to latch onto in the offseason. Narratives start to pop up and talking points get put under a microscope, but one of the most popular topics of conversation is the "hot seat" one. There are several coaches who should sleep with one eye open heading into the 2026 season, but the two that seem to be the most talked about in this regard are South Carolina's Shane Beamer and Florida State's Mike Norvell. Many college football talking heads have put Beamer and Norvell at the top of their hot seat rankings, including Brooks Austin, who made an entire video and graphic about the two embattled coaches, going so far as to say that the latter is already "fried like chicken." DEION SANDERS COMPARES SPATE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL FIRINGS TO 'MAIL-ORDER BRIDES' AND BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFTS It looks like Austin is placing Norvell ahead of Beamer in hot seat rankings, but is he right? It might shock you, considering some of the things I've written about Norvell and the Seminoles in the past, but I might have to disagree with Austin on this one. I think Beamer is in even hotter water than Norvell, and there are many reasons this is the case. FIVE SEC TRAP GAMES IN 2026 THAT COULD UPEND THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF RACE, FROM LSU TO GEORGIA For starters, if we are looking at this through the lens of the 2026 season, South Carolina has a positively brutal schedule coming down the pike, especially compared to Florida State's slate. The Gamecocks have to play road games against Alabama, Florida and Oklahoma in conference, as well as a non-conference game against Clemson in Death Valley. That doesn't even factor in home games against College Football Playoff hopefuls Tennessee, Texas A&M and Georgia. SEC FANS WOULD TRADE EVERY NON-REVENUE SPORT TO EVEN SNIFF A FOOTBALL NATIONAL TITLE, AND THEY AREN'T WRONG Conversely, Florida State's schedule, while not exactly a cakewalk, has some spots to breathe. The Noles travel to Miami and Alabama, but most of their toughest matchups come at home. I see six solid shots at wins on their schedule just to my naked eye. If Norvell can eek out two more wins out of the other six questionable matchups, then eight wins would show marked improvement and would almost guarantee safety for 2027. There's also infinitely more pressure on Beamer relative to the talent he's amassed for this coming season. As Austin opines in his video, if Beamer can't get eight or nine wins in 2026 with the likes of LaNorris Sellers, Nyck Harbor, Dylan Stewart and transfer offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak all likely heading to the NFL after season's end, then he may never reach that peak again. And, of course, there is the $60 million elephant in the room (give or take a few greenbacks). Norvell's contract makes it so that unless he has an absolute dumpster fire of a season, the powers that be in Tallahassee won't have the monetary support to pull the plug on his coaching tenure. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There is a world where 6-6 keeps Norvell in garnet and gold for at least another season. I'm not sure if anyone can say the same about Beamer. In reality, though, we are splitting hairs. These are a couple of coaches who are sitting on blazing hot seats, and the odds are good that both are out of their respective jobs by the end of the year. Which would be a shame for their career trajectories, but they would then assume the greatest job in America: fired coach with an eight-figure buyout. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231f7eee6011c3f4eb3c29 Sedona marks America250, cards for vets te 2026-06-05T19:11:58.089Z Sedona marks America250, cards for vets Volunteer Sedona & the Verde Valley is helping kick off America250 this Saturday, June 6, with a drop-in letter-writing event at Community Library Sedona, with the goal of crafting 50 heartfelt messages of thanks to local veterans. The event, co-hosted by JustServe and Love Cottonwood, runs from noo Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231f51ee6011c3f4eb3c11 EVIT is willing to make sacrifices to transport students and save educational opportunity te 2026-06-05T19:11:13.049Z EVIT is willing to make sacrifices to transport students and save educational opportunity Chad Wilson Compromise and sacrifice for the greater good. That was the thinking behind the East Valley Institute of Technology’s (EVIT) decision to offer $2 million, half the cost of transportation, to help ensure high school students can continue accessing our central campuses next school year.  We made this offer because the stakes are too high to do otherwise. EVIT provides students with hands-on, high-quality career and technical education that prepares them for college, careers, and the workforce. For many students, these programs are not available anywhere else.  Without reliable transportation, access to these life-changing opportunities is put at risk. EVIT has stepped forward with a meaningful commitment and a willingness to share the burden. We hope our district partners will do the same. At some point, the debate over transportation costs must give way to a shared commitment to students. Their futures are worth the investment. The bus stops here — hopefully. EVIT did not create the current transportation crisis that now threatens students’ ability to access our programs. Several school districts involved in litigation against EVIT recently informed families that they would no longer provide transportation to EVIT’s central campuses, a service they had provided for years. Those notifications arrived just as students were preparing for final exams, creating understandable anxiety and uncertainty for families who had already committed to attending EVIT next school year. The impact falls hardest on families with limited financial resources, many of whom rely on district transportation to access educational opportunities. Without reliable transportation, students may lose access to career and technical education programs that prepare them for high-demand careers as electricians, construction professionals, medical assistants, and other skilled trades. At a time when Arizona employers are facing significant workforce shortages and demand for skilled workers continues to grow, restricting access to career training is a step in the wrong direction. Our students deserve better. They deserve the opportunity to gain the skills, certifications, and experience that will prepare them for successful careers and strengthen Arizona’s workforce for years to come. To make sure those students are able to get the education they need, and deserve, EVIT will delay planned renovations and expansion projects at its Main Campus. Admittedly, that money would have better served ALL the students within the EVIT Career Training Education District by improving the Main Campus. But we feel making the sacrifice is worth ensuring all who want to attend EVIT can do so. We hope the East Valley school districts will respond in kind. Unlike many school districts, EVIT has not asked voters to approve a bond or budget override, nor do we receive state funding for transportation. Yet when students’ access to education was threatened, we stepped forward. We are willing to delay projects and redirect resources to help cover transportation costs because ensuring students can access career and technical education is more important than any project on our wish list. This is not an easy decision, but it is the right one. However, EVIT cannot solve this problem alone. To keep buses rolling and students learning, our member districts must be willing to do their part and work with us to resolve the crisis their decisions created. It is time to put learning ahead of litigation and students ahead of politics. The districts suing EVIT have approximately $50 million provided by taxpayers within the EVIT Career Technical Education District and authorized by the EVIT Governing Board for transportation purposes. Rather than use those funds to transport students to EVIT, they are choosing to keep the money in district accounts while denying students access to transportation.  Several of those districts have used these dollars for transportation to the Central Campus in previous years as reported in their Annual Financial Report submitted to the Arizona Department of Education.  Last year, nine member districts sued EVIT after negotiations over a new intergovernmental agreement (IGA) reached an impasse. The districts are seeking a larger share of EVIT funding and greater discretion over how voter-approved career and technical education dollars are spent. EVIT has taken a different position. We believe more of those funds should remain focused on their intended purpose: supporting students and strengthening career and technical education programs. That includes investing in teachers, improving student achievement, enhancing financial oversight, and strengthening data collection and program accountability in district-operated satellite programs. These are priorities that align with recommendations made by the Arizona Auditor General’s Office and are designed to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively and transparently to benefit students. It’s a complicated issue. But not when it comes to transportation. Students should not have to suffer. We are willing to make sacrifices. We ask the involved school districts to do the same, put their differences aside, put the students first, and get those buses rolling next year.  Chad Wilson is superintendent of the East Valley Institute of Technology. The post EVIT is willing to make sacrifices to transport students and save educational opportunity first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231f38ee6011c3f4eb3bec FBI arrests 3 men who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS, funded drone attacks targeting US troops overseas te 2026-06-05T19:10:48.967Z FBI arrests 3 men who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS, funded drone attacks targeting US troops overseas The FBI arrested three men Friday in Kansas and California after they allegedly conspired to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California, were arrested on a complaint filed in the District of Kansas after allegedly conspiring to provide material support to terrorism after collectively providing more than $2,000 to a person they understood to be a member of ISIS, according to a news release from the Department of Justice (DOJ). FBI Director Kash Patel said the suspects allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS, plotted multiple attacks and targeted U.S. service members. "This FBI stopped them cold," Patel said. "The success of this op shows once again this FBI’s continued record of stopping terrorist attacks before they happen, simply the best way to defend the homeland — and shows we’ll stop at nothing to defend Americans from those who seek to do us harm. I want to thank our teams in Kansas City, San Diego, Sacramento, Newark and Richmond, and the Counterterrorism Division for their outstanding efforts on this investigation and commitment to mission." FORMER IRAQI REFUGEE LIVING IN TEXAS PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRING TO SUPPORT ISIS Officials said that from February 2025 to about June 2026, the suspects communicated about several plans to support ISIS, including through the provision of personnel, services and money. Through Discord chats, voice calls and other messaging platforms, they allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader, according to the complaint. They are also accused of exchanging messages in social media groups promoting violence in furtherance of ISIS. Ghafoor allegedly said it would be "sick" if his name could be written on the drone used in an attack on Americans, while Dzayee allegedly suggested that targets of drones should include U.S. Special Forces, according to the DOJ. In other exchanges, court documents note Shamsaldeen "expressed a desire" to stab and injure a U.S. service member, and Ghafoor confessed to having always wanted to kill a female soldier by beheading, adding, "I wish I could kill 300,000,000 Americans."  Officials said Ghafoor’s name was written on a projectile of a rocket-propelled grenade which terrorists were planning to use in an overseas attack to kill U.S. service members. KASH PATEL DELIVERS FIERY WARNING AFTER FBI DISRUPTS MASS SHOOTING TERROR PLOT TARGETING MILITARY Shamsaldeen allegedly provided financial resources for the purpose of purchasing drones to attack and kill U.S. service members deployed overseas, according to the complaint. The DOJ claimed the suspects, along with others, also communicated their desires to travel outside the U.S. to fight on behalf of ISIS.  In some of the communications, officials said they expressed a willingness to die on behalf of ISIS. FBI REMAINS ON HIGH ALERT, DHS MEMO WARNS OF LONE WOLF ATTACKS AMID WAR WITH IRAN "This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice," Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote in a statement. "Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks — anywhere. Thanks to the vigilance of the FBI, their alleged scheme was dismantled and further acts of violence against U.S. service members were prevented." U.S. Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas added that for years, the DOJ has been encouraging Americans that if they see suspicious activity, they should report it to law enforcement. "That’s because long gone are the days where terrorist threats and attacks are incidents that only take place far away on foreign soil," Kriegshauser said. "Unfortunately, we must face the reality of bad actors living within our borders clandestinely conspiring on ways to create fear and havoc. The only way to root out and prevent terrorism plots is through collaboration among all levels of law enforcement and across jurisdictions. Collaboration is which is what facilitated the arrests of these three suspects." The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in the Kansas City, San Diego and Sacramento field offices investigated the cases, with assistance from FBI field offices in Richmond and Newark. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231f24ee6011c3f4eb3be3 WNBA player says the league shouldn't wear USA 250 patches for the All-Star Game because of slavery te 2026-06-05T19:10:29.009Z WNBA player says the league shouldn't wear USA 250 patches for the All-Star Game because of slavery In case you forgot, it’s a monumental year for America. We’re celebrating our 250th anniversary as a country. It’s a tremendous occasion, which includes recognition from America’s professional sports leagues. The way those leagues have shown appreciation and recognition of this historic achievement is by wearing USA 250 patches on jerseys. The WNBA hasn’t quite made up their minds, though. That should be of little to no shock to any of you that know about this league. The Seattle Storm officially endorsed Kamala Harris for president during the 2024 election cycle, Brittney Griner and other athletes wore "Kamala Harris For the Culture" t-shirts during warm-ups, and the league is objectively the most left-leaning professional sports league in America. They’ve made that very clear, which would make sense of why they aren’t too fond on the idea of being excited and all-in on the idea of commemorating the country’s birthday.  On Thursday, after an article from Sportico announced America 250 patches would be worn by players during the July 25 WNBA All-Star Game hosted by the Chicago Sky, it caused quite the uproar from players, fans and media. The WNBA then provided further clarity about nine hours after it was published saying, "Like other major sports leagues, we are exploring how best to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary. Nothing has been finalized at this time," the league said.  The most notable criticism was from Las Vegas Aces forward Brianna Turner, treasurer of the WNBA player’s association. Turner claimed that slavery should cause the league to refrain from using the patches. AMERICA250 JOINS NFL AT SUPER BOWL TO MARK NATION’S 250TH BIRTHDAY IN RED, WHITE AND BLUE "Whoever called for the WNBA all star uniforms to have the USA 250 patch should have thought that through considering no WNBA players would have been free 250 years ago. The majority wouldn’t even have their freedom 100 years ago," Turner wrote on X.  It’s true that blacks weren’t free as the nation was founded as they are now, but this just tells me that Turner doesn’t care about the progress made throughout our nation’s history and is unwilling to educate herself on the history of the Democratic Party, which stifled much of that progress toward freedom.  Yes, women weren’t allowed to vote when America was founded, but I doubt her "freedom" fixation was on voting rights, if I had to take a guess. NATASHA CLOUD WARNS AGAINST WNBA'S DECLINING ACTIVISM EDGE, RECALLS PIVOTAL 2020 SEASON: 'WE SAVED DEMOCRACY' But hey, you don't have to worry about having to wear the patch, Brianna. Players that average just over one point per game don't make the All-Star team, so you don't have anything to worry about. As Sportico stated, "The WNBA was not part of the formal January announcement when the NBA, NFL, MLB, UFC and NASCAR—among others—announced that they would feature the patch on uniforms or the 250 logo in venue during various big events." As you tune into the NBA Finals, you'll clearly see the players on both the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks wearing the USA 250 patches. Sports should be, and in large part, have been the best place to come together as Americans, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. These patches show pride in a country that is the gold standard for justice, peace, freedom and prosperity the world has ever seen. If the WNBA can’t get on board with that, they are just furthering the political divide and come across as being opposed to Trump, rather than coming together to recognize the semiquincentennial of America. We’ve come a long way as a country, and we can go further if league’s lay down their liberal arms and come together to unite America under the flag. Just as the national anthem before games is a time to come together and recognize the blessing it is to live and play a kid’s game freely, these patches should be a simple way to recognize those facts for one weekend. Do the right thing, WNBA. Wear the patches. Honor the nation that allows you the freedom to play the game you love. This isn't about partisan politics. The WNBA has not responded to emails about Turner’s comments or about whether they have made up their mind about the patches. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231d54ee6011c3f4eb3b99 Suspect pleads guilty to murder of New River pastor in court te 2026-06-05T19:02:44.886Z Suspect pleads guilty to murder of New River pastor in court Adam Sheafe pled guilty to first-degree premeditated murder, trespassing and burglary following the death of a New River pastor. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231d20ee6011c3f4eb3b6c Scientists unveil 'living bandage' that could dramatically speed wound healing te 2026-06-05T19:01:52.494Z Scientists unveil 'living bandage' that could dramatically speed wound healing A new "living bandage" could soon revolutionize how doctors treat serious injuries by accelerating the healing process, according to new research reported by SWNS. The high-tech patch was developed by researchers at Rice University in Texas. It acts like an around-the-clock mini factory, continuously delivering healing proteins directly to different types of wounds, the same source noted. Caring for chronic wounds is often a challenge for doctors, as it's difficult to deliver steady, localized signals that tell the body to repair its own tissue, the researchers said.  POPULAR FRUIT MAY HELP PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS The body naturally relies on small chemical messengers called cytokines to control inflammation and healing. However, traditional treatments like ointments or injections usually fail, as fragile proteins break down too quickly or wash away from the injury site. To solve the problem, the research team created a cell-based patch that stays on top of the wound. Inside the device, scientists placed engineered cells programmed to manufacture and secrete three specific healing cytokines, known as IL-10, IL-12 and Transforming Growth Factor-beta. These cells are safely housed inside protective material that acts like a shield — letting vital nutrients and therapeutic proteins pass through to the skin while keeping the body's immune system from attacking the engineered cells inside. The system also uses a special hydrogel that helps the patch blend naturally with the wound, SWNS reported. It may be updated eventually, the research team indicated, to work alongside electronic components. HEART ATTACK DAMAGE REVERSED WITH INJECTABLE RNA THERAPY, STUDY FINDS In lab tests on rodents and pigs, the patch successfully accelerated wound healing. By analyzing the genetic material of the cells, the researchers confirmed the treatment successfully activated the processes needed for tissue repair. Professor Omid Veiseh, faculty director of the Rice Biotech Launch Pad and leader of the laboratory development, said the animal trials showed strong potential for the approach. "The findings show how continuous, localized cytokine delivery can support key biological pathways involved in tissue repair," Veiseh said, according to SWNS. SURGEONS KEEP MAN ALIVE WITHOUT LUNGS, PAVING NEW PATH TO TRANSPLANT "By maintaining a consistent presence of these signaling molecules at the wound site, we can more effectively engage the body’s natural healing response." CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES He said genetic analysis "revealed coordinated upregulation of genes associated with tissue regeneration and immune modulation, providing a mechanistic basis for the functional improvements observed." The platform is fully customizable, so the engineered cells can easily be adapted to produce different combinations of proteins and growth factors, depending on what each individual patient needs. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Study co-author Christian Schreib, Ph.D., noted that "the ability to tune both the type and timing of cytokine delivery opens the door to more precise control over the healing process." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Schreib said that "future work will focus on expanding the flexibility of the platform, including approaches such as optogenetic control" — using light to control cell activity — "to regulate cytokine secretion in real time." The technology is still in an early stage and has not yet been tested on human patients.  Further research is needed to understand how the technology will be used on humans. The study was published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231d0cee6011c3f4eb3b63 WATCH: AOC leaves door open to 2028 White House bid: 'Maybe, maybe not' te 2026-06-05T19:01:32.647Z WATCH: AOC leaves door open to 2028 White House bid: 'Maybe, maybe not' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., refused to rule out a 2028 presidential run, but said expanding healthcare remains more important than pursuing higher office. "Could I be president?" Ocasio-Cortez said. "Could I not be president? Maybe, maybe not." She repeatedly steered the conversation away from her own political future and back toward policy outcomes, arguing that the value of holding office depends on what can be accomplished with it. She suggested that achieving universal healthcare would be a greater measure of success than securing any particular title, including the presidency. "What matters more is that we guarantee healthcare in this country," she told Fox News Digital. AOC DODGES QUESTIONS ON ABUSE ALLEGATIONS, NAZI TATTOO CLAIMS ROCKING PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN Speculation about Ocasio-Cortez's political future has grown as some Democrats view her as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential race. While she has never formally announced a 2028 campaign, she has also declined to rule one out. "I mean the answer is the answer," she said when asked whether she was considering a run. Ocasio-Cortez framed her response around expanding healthcare access, suggesting policy outcomes matter more than holding office and questioning whether the presidency would be the best path to achieving universal healthcare. "There’s a world where in order to do that, I shouldn’t have that job," Ocasio-Cortez said. "There’s a world where, maybe. But the most important thing is getting everyone healthcare in this country." WHAT THE FOUNDING FATHERS WOULD TELL AOC ABOUT THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez has addressed questions about a potential White House bid. During a conversation with Democratic strategist David Axelrod at an event in Chicago last month, she said her ambitions extend beyond holding a particular office, arguing that her "ambition is to change this country." "Presidents come and go; Senate, House seats, elected officials come and go, but single-payer healthcare is forever," she said to Axelrod. "A living wage is forever. Workers’ rights are forever. Women’s rights, all of that." Speculation about a potential 2028 bid intensified after she reposted a Verasight poll on X in December that showed her narrowly ahead of Vice President J.D. Vance — 51% to 49%. AOC PREDICTS TRIUMPH OVER JD VANCE IN HYPOTHETICAL 2028 MATCHUP: 'LET THE RECORD SHOW: I WOULD STOMP HIM' Her initial comment in the repost was "Bloop!" She later made a second comment on the poll, stating she would "stomp him" if the two went head-to-head in an election. Ocasio-Cortez is among a growing list of Democrats whose names have surfaced in early discussions about the party's 2028 presidential field, alongside figures such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231cf8ee6011c3f4eb3b5a Sharon Stone admits the brutal moment she knew her marriage was over te 2026-06-05T19:01:12.639Z Sharon Stone admits the brutal moment she knew her marriage was over Sharon Stone opened up about the devastating moment she knew her marriage was over. Stone recently revealed that while facing a frightening health scare, she found herself at odds with her husband. His reaction to her decision ultimately became the breaking point in their relationship. The now 68-year-old actress recalled being warned that doctors believed suspicious masses in her breast could be cancerous. Stone did not mention her ex-husband by name but did share that he was a journalist. The actress was married to Phil Bronstein from 1998 until 2004. At the time, Bronstein was a prominent newspaper executive. Her first husband was television and film producer and writer Michael Greenburg; she was married to Greenburg from 1984 until 1990. "And one of them was bigger than the size of my entire left breast," she said during an appearance on "The Person Who Believed In Me" podcast. "It was all the way up into here. And the doctor had come out to my house and said, 'Look, we think you should have a bilateral mastectomy. This is really bad. And we usually, when they're all the way up into here, we know before we go in that they're cancer.' And I said, 'I don't have cancer.' And he said, 'You don't get to decide that.' And I said, 'I do, I do get to decide that I'm deciding. But I am deciding that I will have a bilateral because I'm not f--king around." JOHN TESH SAYS 'FAITH-FILLED' WIFE SAVED HIS LIFE AFTER DOCTORS GAVE HIM 18 MONTHS TO LIVE Stone claimed her husband's response was immediate and negative: "...my husband said, 'Wow, this is ridiculous.' And got up and left the room." The "Basic Instinct" star explained that her then-husband was "furious" that she would choose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. Stone recalled the doctor defending her decision and reminding her husband that the choice belonged to her. "And so the doctor said to him, 'If I had more patients like her, we'd have more women alive today. You need to sit down.' And I said, 'I make the decisions. Not you.'" "That was the end of the marriage," Stone recalled. "That was it. He was done with me. Then it was over." Stone clarified that a decision to end the marriage wasn't necessarily made that day. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "It was just over in the room," Stone said. "You could just tell it was over." "He thought I was ridiculous," she claimed. "He thought I was foolish. He thought I was making too many decisions myself." Stone was right and doctors discovered her tumors were benign during a biopsy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231ce2ee6011c3f4eb3b36 Graham Platner Controversy Deepens Democratic Unease Before Maine Senate Primary te 2026-06-05T19:00:50.566Z Graham Platner Controversy Deepens Democratic Unease Before Maine Senate Primary The party’s politicians, officials and strategists wrestled with how to respond to new reporting about Graham Platner, with worries rising about his vulnerabilities in a general election. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231cccee6011c3f4eb3b1b Google will pay SpaceX $920M per month for compute te 2026-06-05T19:00:28.571Z Google will pay SpaceX $920M per month for compute The companies announced the deal on Friday, just one week ahead of SpaceX's historic IPO. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231ab7ee6011c3f4eb3af9 State treasurer seeks ESA vendor to track misspending, fraud te 2026-06-05T18:51:35.292Z State treasurer seeks ESA vendor to track misspending, fraud Key Points:  Treasurer, Department of Education review ESA vendors amid program concerns   State seeks stronger auditing, automation and oversight to curb misspending Current vendor to participate but could face competition in contract renewal School choice financial platform vendors are likely to file into Arizona over the following weeks to give their pitch for how best to house and manage the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program in the face of rapid expansion and reported misspending. State Treasurer Kimberly Yee recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess the market, with the aim of improving operations in the ESA program in the face of inadequate auditing and improperly spent funds.  The vendor inquiry is the first step in the Request for Proposal (RFP), in which the state could either stick with its current vendor, ClassWallet, or opt to ink a contract with a new company next year.  ESA leadership has emphasized the need for a platform with a robust auditing system, data dashboards, and new technologies to detect misspending and fraud.  “Arizona’s needs have evolved so rapidly in this ESA space, and so we really are excited to see what opportunities all of these platform providers can show us,” ESA Director John Ward said. “ESA is always in the headlines. I think there are many groups that want to keep us there, and so we always want to ensure that we are evolving.”  Enrollment and funding continues on an upward trek all while administrators are continuing to contend with reports of inadequate auditing practices from the auditor general and an ongoing public monies investigation by the attorney general.  As of June 1, 101,128 students are enrolled in the ESA program, shaking out to more than $1 billion in scholarship awards.  The Department of Education continues to operate under a policy automatically allowing any item or service under $2,000, with plans to audit after the fact. And though the department reported auditing 25% to 30% of those purchases, a report from the auditor general found the percentage of transactions actually assigned for audit flexed from 6.5% to 23.8% from September to November.  The report also noted the department failed to include all transactions that should have been subject to audit, and, as “a result, expenditure transactions for explicitly unallowable items such as amusement park tickets, airline tickets, hotels, meals, and other travel expenditures were purchased using Program monies.”  As program administrators work to get a tighter grip, Yee announced she would be putting out a RFI to assess current and prospective financial vendor capability.  “That platform, I believe, can be improved. We are trying to find what those improvements are,” Yee said. “We’re asking questions of the Department of Education. What are your deficiencies? What are your needs? What’s working?”  The final RFI, published by the Arizona Treasurer’s Office on May 27, seeks input on account set-up, functionality, funding processes, user experience, transaction processing, cashflow management, data dashboard tools, audit management tools, emerging automation technologies, customer support, pricing and cost.  Ward said the department helped shape the inquiry by putting together a wish list of what he, his managers and staff would like to see in a platform provider. He identified audit management as the first priority, noting no such function exists currently on ClassWallet.  “We document all of our audits in scores and scores of spreadsheets, we need to not do that,” Ward said. “We actually need an audit management software system that’s either built into a platform. And if that doesn’t work, then we’re going to have to go out and get that from someone else. But we absolutely need that.”  Ward said automated tools to assist in curbing misspending and fraud remains top of mind.  Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said the department was working with ClassWallet to automate purchase review and improve auditing, claiming the program would be “perfect” after rolling out the new artificial intelligence tool.  Though Ward confirmed he was working with and pressuring ClassWallet on automated assistance, implementation is still a ways out. And in any case, he warned against AI as a cure all.  “Everyone assumes that AI is some type of easy silver bullet or panacea, but the reality is AI is still an evolving technology,” Ward said. “AI tomorrow is not going to solve all of our problems, but we need a vendor that is going to be placing a lot of resources on leveraging AI to the greatest extent possible for us.”  The RFI is in search of information on the “current options available to handle the continuous growth of the program” with a RFP to follow after the fact.  ClassWallet was first awarded the contract uncontested in 2019. In 2023, the state treasurer again awarded the company a contract stretching until the next fiscal year.  During the last RFP process, three additional companies entered the running: Odyssey, Student First Technologies and Merit International Inc. And as state school choice programs have expanded, as have the four companies.  ClassWallet operates ESA programs in Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio, South  Carolina, North Carolina and New Hampshire, and administers grants or tax-credit programs in Idaho, Texas, Georgia,  Alabama, Missouri and Virginia.  Odyssey covers ESA, tax credit and scholarship programs in Texas, Utah, Iowa, Georgia, Louisiana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri and Florida. The company previously administered a program in Idaho, too, but lost business to ClassWallet after ongoing issues with payments to vendors and customer service.  Student First Technologies operates in Tennessee and West Virginia but has run into trouble with technical glitches with their platform. Merit International Inc. previously partnered with Ohio to administer a tax credit act, and worked on the since-shuttered Kansas Education Enrichment Program.  Odyssey, Student First Technologies and Merit International did not respond to an inquiry on whether they planned to participate in Arizona’s RFI. But Jason Hart, a spokesperson for ClassWallet, confirmed the company would respond.  “We welcome this RFI and view it as the perfect opportunity to showcase the unmatched depth of our compliance infrastructure, our technological strength, and our ongoing investment in product innovation,”  Hart said. “We are proud to have supported Arizona families since 2019, and remain fully prepared and deeply committed to the continued success of the program.”  The deadline for responses to the vendor inquiry is July 29.  The post State treasurer seeks ESA vendor to track misspending, fraud first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231aa2ee6011c3f4eb3af0 Legislation to protect historic neighborhoods still draws opposition te 2026-06-05T18:51:14.883Z Legislation to protect historic neighborhoods still draws opposition Key Points: Phoenix lawmaker maneuvers to keep is bill alive Some opponents say the issue should be left to the cities to decide Homebuilders are among key opponents An attempt to enact legislation to protect historic neighborhoods failed in the House this week, but bill supporters are working to quickly bring it back before the legislative session ends. There were multiple bills introduced this session to enact legislation to protect historic homes. Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoneix, introduced a bill earlier this session that passed the House but didn’t get a Senate hearing. With no Senate movement on his measure, he kept the idea alive with a striker amendment on Senate Bill 1118 that rewrote the bill to be similar to his House legislation. But the House on June 1 voted 25-30 against SB 1118. Now, Gress is motioning for the bill to be introduced later for reconsideration, but time is running out this session as budget talks are close to finalizing.  The House version of the bill originally called for an exemption for historic neighborhoods to the state’s middle housing law that went into effect at the beginning 2026. The law requires cities of a population of 75,000 or more to allow the development of middle housing options like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes, within a mile of a city’s central business district. The proposal has since been amended with SB 1118, which now clarifies middle housing may be developed in historic areas if the new construction is designed to be compatible with the historical character of a neighborhood.  Save Historic AZ, a group of historic neighborhood associations that have supported Gress’ bill this session, said in a June 2 news release that the bill would return next week to the House floor for another vote since some key supporters were absent and some House members who originally voted yes on the House bill flipped their votes on the Senate version.  “The opposition, sensing defeat, pulled out all stops to stall 1118 until next week,” Save Historic AZ said in its news release.  Gress also sarcastically congratulated the lobbying efforts of the Arizona Housing Coalition and the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona on the House floor when it was clear he didn’t have the votes to pass the bill. He specifically called out former Republican state Sen. Steve Kaiser, who is now a lobbyist on behalf of the housing coalition, and the homebuilders’ Vice President of Legislative Affairs Spencer Kamps, who both were sitting in the gallery to observe the House vote on the bill. “This issue is not over,” Gress said. “We will continue to advocate for communities and neighbors and historic preservation.” Kaiser declined to comment on Gress’ words on the floor and Kamps did not respond to a request for comment from the Arizona Capitol Times. Both their organizations have supported the state’s middle housing law and have called Gress’ bill an attempt to undermine the law.  It was a bipartisan group of lawmakers who voted against the bill, with more than half of House Republicans and 10 Democrats opposed to the measure.  Rep. Sarah Liguori, D-Phoenix, has faced some controversy from constituents in her central Phoenix district over her opposition to the idea. She was one of the 10 Democrats who voted against it. She called for cities to enact their own local policy to apply the state’s middle housing law to extend further than just a central business district so more neighborhoods could see middle housing options.  “Historic neighborhoods were built on middle housing principles, and I think that more neighborhoods and more accessibility with housing types is what we as a body should be doing for Arizonans — not retracting backwards on it,” Liguori said. Rep. Kevin Volk, D-Tucson, said he saw Gress’ bill as an attempt to protect Phoenix historic neighborhoods since there are several within the city’s central business district. He also said expanding the middle housing law to cover the entire city would drastically increase the number of properties eligible for middle housing, although he said he was interested in a bill that more broadly protects historic buildings. Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, also voted against the bill and said she was bothered that it could give residents of historic homes different rights than non historic neighborhood residents, although she said she was open to working on the bill in the future.  “The rule for thee is not the rule for me and I hate that kind of attitude,” Martinez said. The post Legislation to protect historic neighborhoods still draws opposition first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231a89ee6011c3f4eb3acb Ex-SJSU volleyball player speaks out on alleged scholarship deception by coach during trans scandal te 2026-06-05T18:50:49.119Z Ex-SJSU volleyball player speaks out on alleged scholarship deception by coach during trans scandal Elle Patterson never planned to go to San Jose State and end up as a figure in a federal Title IX investigation. Patterson originally committed to Fairfield on a full scholarship for women's volleyball. But then she found out the coach who recruited her, Todd Kress, was leaving Fairfield to take the job at San Jose State. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Patterson was then already looking to find a new place to play now that the coach who recruited her was switching jobs. Then Kress came calling with a similar offer that made her choose Fairfield to begin with. "I had a phone call with Todd and he said, 'yes, it will be a full ride again,'" Patterson told Fox News Digital of why she decided to follow Kress to San Jose. "I was an out of state kid, so I didn't want to have to be paying a lot for my school when I went somewhere to get it paid for. So he confirmed that to me verbally." But she claims she never saw a single penny of that scholarship. Instead, she says her family paid out of pocket for one full year, while Patterson played a back-up role behind a trans athlete in her freshman season. She said her family was "not prepared" to take on that financial burden at the time, because she had three siblings they also had to provide for. But they found a way to make it work, believing the scholarship would go into effect the next year. FORMER SJSU VOLLEYBALL STAR OPENS UP ON LIVING WITH TRANS TEAMMATE WITHOUT KNOWING ATHLETE'S BIOLOGICAL SEX She claims she was told by Kress, "We will not be covering your first year. But we will be covering your last three." Patterson agreed in the moment. And then once the first year passed, she never ended up getting the scholarship for those last three years, she claims. In 2023, as a true freshman, right out of high school, Patterson found herself suddenly as a non-scholarship backup, rehabbing an injury and sharing playing time at right-side hitter with junior Blaire Fleming. At the time, she didn't even know Fleming was transgender. Patterson says her locker was just three away from Fleming's in the locker room, and she had changed in front of the trans teammate multiple times. "I felt pretty betrayed especially since I was in the same position as the man that was on my team," she said. And as she started to play more for Kress at SJSU in 2023, she came to believe he was not quite the coach she thought she was getting based on her recruitment experience. "He didn't seem like the type of coach and the person who recruited me when he was actually coaching at San Jose," Patterson said. "The way in which he went about certain situations and just playing was more along the lines of just completely tearing you down as a person and not building you back up. But it definitely felt like he had certain people, one being the man on our team, that he would have done anything for... but it didn't feel like he had the support and belief in some of the other girls on our team." Fox News Digital obtained the Education Department's written findings of its Title IX investigation into SJSU in 2025 and 2026. The findings were provided by SJSU in response to a public records request. SJSU and CSU have filed a lawsuit to challenge the Education Department's investigation. SJSU AND CSU SUING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER TITLE IX INVESTIGATION INTO TRANSGENDER VOLLEYBALL SCANDAL Most individuals referenced in the findings are identified only by anonymous titles. Fox News Digital reasonably believes those individuals to be Patterson (Student 2), Kress (Coach 2) and Fleming (Student 1). Patterson recounted to Fox News Digital the moment she was told she wouldn't get her scholarship, and claims the excuse she was given was an injury she suffered, as she missed a few games rehabbing her freshman year. "We go through the entire season. I get to my end of the year meeting with them. And that is when I was sitting in the office with him and the assistant coach at the time and they said that they weren't going to give me a scholarship anymore," Patterson said. "They tried to say that it was because of [my injury]. And because I wasn't like back to where I had been before." However, Fleming, who was also injured that year, missed even more games, only playing in 17 while Patterson played in 20. The findings reference this fact. "Student 2, a woman on the volleyball team, lost her scholarship when she was injured during the 2023 season, yet Student 1, a man on the women’s volleyball team, was permitted to retain his scholarship when he was also injured during the 2023 season, despite Student 1 missing more games than Student 2," the findings state. "Student 2 was wrongfully refused a women’s volleyball scholarship while Student 1 was permitted to maintain a women’s volleyball scholarship." The findings go on to state that SJSU has not provided additional information related to the matter requested by the Education Department. "OCR (Education Department's Office for Civil Rights) has requested additional information regarding these matters from the University in order to make an informed determination, but, despite having ample opportunity to provide it, the University refused to provide all of the requested information," the findings state. Patterson said she shared some good memories with Fleming as a teammate. She met Fleming the first day she got to campus in summer of 2023. "Very nice, great person... very outgoing," Patterson said of her first impressions of Fleming. "I was never really around Blaire, that much outside of practices and stuff. But as a person definitely warm, like the first couple months of being there, I had fun. I enjoyed being around Blaire, nothing against Blaire as a person." Fleming lived in a four-bedroom apartment alongside three female teammates, which included former co-captain Brooke Slusser, who leads a lawsuit over the experience against SJSU and the California State University system (CSU), that Patterson is also a plaintiff in. The apartment, nicknamed "the villa," has since become a key location in the scandal, as Slusser lived alongside Fleming there for multiple months before learning Fleming was a biological male. Slusser previously told Fox News Digital that Kress suggested that she live in the apartment with Fleming without informing her that Fleming was male. Patterson said she only visited "the villa" once, when she first arrived on campus in July 2023. "I enjoyed it, it was fun. We were all just teammates hanging out. It was summertime when we'd been over there because the apartment that they lived in had a pool, so that's kind of we'd go over there," she said. Patterson competed with Fleming for playing time throughout that 2023 season. It was a challenge she wasn't used to. "I was definitely kind of like taken aback for a second just at the pure like athletic ability that Blaire had. And I just felt like I had a lot of work to do to get to that point at where Blaire was at," Patterson said. "'How am I going to get there?'" Then came the day when Patterson heard the chants from the crowd. "I remember going to play at [Sacramento State] in like a preseason tournament, and there were people on their bench there that had been yelling all these random things at us," she said. "They were yelling about boys on our team, and as us freshman, we had no clue why these things were being said." Patterson said she and other freshmen then asked the upperclassmen about the chants after the game. "'People are saying random stuff, just ignore it,'" Patterson claims the older players told her. Patterson said she learned of Fleming's biological sex early in that 2023 season, months before Slusser knew for sure, when one of the older players finally told her in September. "One of the older players was like, 'Yes, but don't really say anything about it,'" Patterson said. "We were not supposed to bring light to it, make Blaire feel uncomfortable, even though that might have made me feel uncomfortable. I know it made some of my other teammates uncomfortable." Patterson said she and the other freshman who found out followed those instructions. FORMER WYOMING VOLLEYBALL STAR REVEALS HOW THE SJSU TRANS SCANDAL PERMANENTLY RUINED FRIENDSHIPS ON HER TEAM "We're not trying to get in trouble, as the freshman on the team that had just gotten there and like, make people turn against us," she said. Patterson said the locker room became a different place for her and the other freshman after that. "The couple of us freshmen, would kind of just go in there, keep to ourselves," she said. Still, at that point, Patterson said she changed in front of Fleming "more times than I can count," and that their lockers were only three lockers away. "I was like, 'oh my gosh, I've been changing in front of a man for the past two months,'" she said. "I didn't know how to feel about it because it wasn't something that I had ever thought I'd be in that situation." Still, Patterson kept her head down, played her backup role, and her family continued paying all the bills for it. Once she found out she wasn't getting the scholarship she was allegedly verbally promised, Patterson made the quick decision to transfer, without much thought. She returned home to Indiana to play for Division I Indiana University, Indianapolis. She has been a regular starter there since 2024, and will return for her senior season later this fall. Patterson even spoke about her experience at an event hosted by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun in March 2025, when Braun signed a state executive order to ban trans athletes from women's sports. And as a plaintiff in Slusser's lawsuit against SJSU and CSU, Patterson and the other women fighting back will get an update this month, when the U.S. Supreme Court rules on two other cases related to trans athletes in women's sports. In March, Colorado District Judge Kato Crews dismissed all the plaintiffs' claims against the Mountain West Conference, but did not dismiss claims of Title IX violations against CSU. Crews deferred his ruling on whether to dismiss those claims to after the decision in the ongoing B.P.J. v. West Virginia case in the U.S. Supreme Court on the issue of trans athletes in women’s sports and the Title IX implications, which is expected to come this month. Fox News Digital has reached out to SJSU, CSU, Kress and Fleming for comment, but has not received a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231a75ee6011c3f4eb3ac2 Mastermind of nanny love triangle murders defiantly rips sentencing as judge condemns 'evil' plot te 2026-06-05T18:50:29.128Z Mastermind of nanny love triangle murders defiantly rips sentencing as judge condemns 'evil' plot The Virginia man convicted of killing his wife and another man to hide his affair with the family’s Brazilian au pair will spend the rest of his days behind bars after he was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  Brendan Banfield, a former IRS law enforcement officer, was found guilty earlier this year on two counts of aggravated murder, one count of using a firearm in committing a crime and child endangerment stemming from the 2023 murders of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan in the family’s home in Herndon, Virginia.  The couple’s au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges and received a sentence of 10 years behind bars for her involvement in the plot to cover up her and Banfield’s extramarital affair. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "The level of cruelty, calculation and inhumanity in this case reflects something far deeper than anger or impulse – it reflects evil," Judge Penney Azcarate said as she handed down Banfield’s sentence. "Which is why I carry no burden and find no hesitation in sentencing you to life." NANNY SUSPECT IN SUBURBAN DOUBLE MURDER STRIKES PLEA DEAL AS TAX AGENT EMPLOYER FACES TRIAL Banfield addressed the court ahead of his sentencing and remained defiant while maintaining his innocence. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "I'm not trying to diminish in any way what [Christine’s] life was," Banfield said. "She truly was a caring mother, caring wife, loving nurse. But I am not responsible. I am not responsible for her death. This is not a knife that I ever held in my hand, and I never stabbed her."  The convicted murderer added he was "greatly disappointed in the legal system," while maintaining that authorities "never truly looked into Joe Ryan." SEND US A TIP HERE The court also heard from several loved ones of Christine Banfield and Ryan, including Christine’s sister, Danielle, who spoke tearfully from the podium.  "He could have divorced and moved on, but divorce would have required relinquishing control – and control was always the priority. His actions were not driven by love, but a desire for power, deception and a complete disregard for the lives he destroyed." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Ryan’s mother, Deirdre Fisher, also spoke directly to her son’s killer while appearing virtually. VIRGINIA NANNY TESTIFIES AFFAIR, ALIBI PLAN ENDED IN BLOODSHED AFTER LOVE TRIANGLE TORE APART AFFLUENT FAMILY "Joe wasn’t just the disposable caricature he was made out to be," Fisher said. "He had a face, he had a name, he had a life. But Brendan Banfield shot his face, soiled his name and treated his life as disposable." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Throughout Banfield’s trial, prosecutors revealed he and Magalhães orchestrated an elaborate plot to lure Ryan to the family’s home under the guise of a consensual rape fantasy after posing as Christine on a fetish website on Feb. 24, 2023. The scheme was carried out in an effort to make his wife’s death appear as though she was being attacked by a home intruder, authorities said.  During Banfield’s trial, Magalhães testified the pair took the Banfields’ young child to the basement before entering the master bedroom, fatally shooting Ryan and stabbing Christine Banfield to death with a knife brought by Ryan. According to the prosecution, Banfield staged the crime scene to appear as though it was a home invasion, with Magalhães then calling 911 to tell authorities Ryan was an intruder who had stabbed his wife.  "Your actions were deliberate, self-serving and demonstrated a profound disregard for human life," the judge said Friday. "So let’s get straight: You do not deserve anything other than incarceration and a life of reflection on what you have done to the victim and his family. May it weigh heavily on your soul." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231832ee6011c3f4eb3a4a World Cup announcer says FIFA's grass mandate will be a 'huge conversation' regarding NFL's turf fields te 2026-06-05T18:40:50.410Z World Cup announcer says FIFA's grass mandate will be a 'huge conversation' regarding NFL's turf fields Seven NFL stadiums are installing grass fields to comply with FIFA regulations for this summer's World Cup, and Fox Sports' Stu Holden believes there could be a ripple effect. 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." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM In a media availability on Friday, Tretter said the grass fields will be "a huge conversation" after the tournament, namely in the NFL. "The fields will play so well that you're gonna have the NFL players continuing to make more noise about why they don't have grass in their stadiums and there's turf, because it can be done," Holden told reporters on Zoom. "And FIFA has the most stringent, detailed, you know, strict process on what these fields have to play like, because they understand that the grass and the playing surface are the most important part of the game being good. "If you don't have a good grass field, that makes it hard to see a good product on the field." The NFLPA has released several polls and studies showing that grass has been safer than turf, and Holden can apparently see why that is the case. STEELERS CAPTAIN CALLS HOME FIELD 'S---' AS PLAYERS COMPLAIN TO NFLPA ABOUT PLAYING SURFACE "There's nothing that can replicate what real grass fields, the watering the right way, that for a player is a dream, and something that we all just, you know, turf will never be able to replicate that from a grass perspective." It was announced late last year that each NFL team will be provided with "a library of approved and accredited NFL fields" before the 2026 season begins. Any new field will immediately have to meet those standards, and all teams will have two years to achieve them. Both grass and synthetic turf fields will be subject to the new standards. The NFL has no plans to require natural grass fields. The league’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, said there are no "statistically significant differences" in lower-extremity injuries or concussions that can be attributed to the type of playing surface or a specific surface**, despite** widespread preferences by players for grass fields and complaints about surfaces such as the one at MetLife Stadium, where the New York Giants and Jets play. Fox News' Chantz Martin contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231819ee6011c3f4eb3a0e Biden’s clean drinking water plan is being rebranded as MAHA te 2026-06-05T18:40:25.607Z Biden’s clean drinking water plan is being rebranded as MAHA Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2315c4ee6011c3f4eb39c6 Chicago Bears take major step toward leaving city after more than a century as franchise makes Indiana plans te 2026-06-05T18:30:28.967Z Chicago Bears take major step toward leaving city after more than a century as franchise makes Indiana plans We could be seeing the end of an era unfold in real time as a legacy NFL franchise with a century of history in its signature American city is moving forward with plans to leave town: The Bears are advancing their stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana. The team announced Friday afternoon that it has taken this significant step toward pulling up stakes from Chicago and even the state of Illinois. The Bears' board of directors met on Thursday, into the evening, and voted to advance the stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana — with an exact stadium site to be selected. "We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana and the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across the neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city," Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement. BEARS INCH CLOSER TO INDIANA AFTER KEY STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE CLEARS STADIUM MEASURE "It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses." This is the first time the team's board has voted on a stadium site. So this is notable and significant, but an NFL source told Fox News there is a chance Illinois might still be able to convince the team to stay in the state. Those chances were characterized as requiring "a Hail Mary" political effort. And this: That Hail Mary, even if it were to work, will still move the club out of Chicago with the only site in Illinois as a likely landing spot being in Arlington Heights, Ill. PRITZKER HITS CHICAGO MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON FOR HAVING 'NO PLAN' TO KEEP THE BEARS IN THE CITY The NFL has been meeting with both the Bears and officials from both Illinois and Indiana in the last six months, and the league's Stadium Committee is aware of the latest decision by the club. "The club has kept the stadium committee and league office apprised of all developments," NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told ESPN in a statement. The NFL apparently has no stated qualms about the Bears moving out of Chicago. The New York Giants moved out of New York and across state lines to New Jersey. They were followed by the New York Jets. The Raiders left Oakland for Los Angeles, then left Los Angeles, and are now in Las Vegas. The Rams, similarly, left Los Angeles for St. Louis, then returned to L.A. And the St. Louis Cardinals are now the Arizona Cardinals. New, shiny, money-producing stadiums have a way of luring NFL teams. Chicago, and to a lesser degree, Illinois has not exactly been keen on helping the Bears build a new, shiny, money-producing stadium within their borders. A "megaprojects" bill died in the Illinois senate last Sunday. The proposal would have allowed the Bears to negotiate payments in lieu of paying property taxes on the Arlington Heights, Illinois, property they currently own. At 11 p.m. Sunday, Illinois state Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) introduced the legislation that would allow Cook County cities with more than 70,000 residents (like Arlington Heights and Chicago) to create their own sports stadium authority. The Bears would have then paid for the construction of the new stadium, which the franchise has dedicated $2 billion in funding toward. INDIANA TAKES FIRST ACTION IN LONG-SHOT PLAN TO ACQUIRE PARTS OF ILLINOIS The bill would have given the team property tax certainty but it did not succeed. Indiana passed similar legislation for the Bears in February, and the bill was signed into law by Governor Mike Braun. So as it stands now, Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson and J.B. Pritzker look, well, pretty bad. They are the politicians who have either through inaction or poor planning failed to push through legislation to help keep the Bears, first, in Chicago, and secondly, in the state at all. They could quite possibly go down as the politicians who oversaw the departure of a franchise founded in Illinois in 1920 that was moved to Chicago by Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and owner George Halas in 1921. Here we are over a century later, and the Bears have one foot out the door of both Chicago and Illinois. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2313cbee6011c3f4eb3968 Here are your Best of the Capitol winners for 2026! te 2026-06-05T18:22:03.598Z Here are your Best of the Capitol winners for 2026! We can think of no better way to celebrate the Arizona Capitol Times’ 120th anniversary than by honoring the individuals and organizations acting as the state’s chief changemakers. From legislators to Capitol staff, from nonprofit advocates to chief legislative lobbyists, these are the figures working publicly and behind the scenes to make the plays shaping our state every day. Sourced from your nominations and selected by your votes, they represent your picks for the very best of our Capitol. Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners. Best Bill Sponsor: Shawnna Bolick (SB 1141), Arizona Senate  Shawnna Bolick Fiercely principled. Commitment-driven. Unshakeable. That’s how those closest to Sen. Shawnna Bolick describe the Phoenix Republican. She earned the title of Best Bill Sponsor this year for her work on Senate Bill 1141, a “plan B” measure intended to amend presidential elector procedures by requiring electors to cast votes for the winning presidential and vice presidential candidates and create a fallback plan for a successor if a winner dies, withdraws or becomes incapacitated before the electoral vote. Bolick has ushered the measure through the Senate, earning two unanimous and bipartisan votes for approval in the Senate Federalism Committee and the Senate’s third read hearing as it advances toward the governor’s desk. In an era of divided government, Bolick stands on principle, engaging constituents in their homes when possible and staying late when needed. With considerable acumen honed through years of experience, she stands as proof that good ideas garner bipartisan support — especially when good people lead the way.   Best Capitol Hidden Talent: Adrian Fontes (mariachi), Secretary of State  Adrian Fontes The Capitol often draws many skillful politicians, lawyers, speechwriters and lobbyists, but it can also attract those with certain, less visible talents. One such hidden talent belongs to Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. Born in Nogales, Arizona, and steeped in the state’s cultural pan-American melting pot, Fontes built his career around state public service, law and election administration. He’s also, apparently, a pretty big mariachi artist. He’s been photographed posing with mariachi fans, recorded himself performing mariachi hits and even sung alongside the NHS Mariachi Apache and Ballet Folklorico in celebration of the City of Nogales. Though we at the Arizona Capitol Times have not yet witnessed one of these legendary performances, the people have spoken, and they believe he’s got the stuff.   Best Capitol Staff Member: Larry Sandigo, Office of Gov. Katie Hobbs  Larry Sandigo Behind every suit-clad power player at the Arizona Capitol is a group of unseen staffers backing them up. They coordinate the meetings, they make the calls, they get the coffee and they deal with the interns. They are the well-oiled cogs keeping the Capitol alive, and no member of the Capitol class could do their job as efficiently (or get to sleep before midnight) without the hours these often-overlooked figures clock. This year, readers have selected Larry Sandigo of the Office of Gov. Katie Hobbs as Best Capitol Staff Member. As deputy chief of staff for Arizona’s highest office, Sandigo has proven himself to be an exemplary public servant. He handles delicate situations with care, focus and attention. He makes himself available for every high-pressure call. He knows just the way the governor likes it done, and he isn’t shy about it. This one’s for never losing sight of the goal, no matter how many curveballs get thrown your way.   Best Committee Chair: Jeff Weninger, Arizona House of Representatives, Commerce Committee  Jeff Weninger After a piece of legislation is introduced in the chambers, it inevitably has to make its way to and through committee. And for most legislators, a good committee chair means the difference between seeing hard work pay off and having to start over next year. This year, your Best Committee Chair is Rep. Jeff Weninger, R-Chandler. Weninger, proud chairman of the House Commerce Committee, has built a reputation at the Capitol as a strong, effective and thoughtful overseer of legislation on Arizona’s businesses, commercial laws and economic policy. He has a proven track record of managing often-opposing perspectives during policy discussions and vetting long and complex policies for legal and political faux pas. Simply put, he stands out. In a world of division, Weninger has built a name by being ethical, fair and effective. Above all, he’s made the Commerce Committee a place for genuine, constructive debate and dialogue in Arizona government. What else could you want?   Best Committee Ranking Minority Member: Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, Arizona House of Representatives, Appropriations Committee  Stephanie Stahl Hamilton In the world of politics, power is pretty much king. And though that power usually lies with the majority party, some rise above to prove themselves as more-than-capable underdogs. This year, that person is Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, whom readers voted as Best Committee Ranking Minority Member. The Tucson Democrat sits on the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee, where her party has charged her with playing devil’s advocate over all matters of money. She represents those causes and people who largely go unheard, unnoticed and unrepresented in the Capitol. With experience in the Senate and the House, Stahl Hamilton is one of the few-and-far-betweens who can find bipartisan solutions that bring people and parties together, rather than tear them apart.   Best Debater, Democrat: Analise Ortiz, Arizona Senate  Analise Ortiz What does it take to be the spokesperson for the underdog? What does it take to stand up against the majority to fight for what you and your constituents believe in? These are the questions asked every day by Arizona’s minority Democratic Party — and answered, occasionally, by the ones who stand above the rest. This year, that figure is Sen. Analise Ortiz, D-Phoenix. A former multimedia reporter turned state representative and then senator, Ortiz has quickly earned popularity and respect from her Democratic colleagues in her short few years in the Legislature. She garnered both national GOP criticism and her nomination this year for her protest of this year’s federal immigration raids in Phoenix. A major winner at the Arizona Capitol Times 2025 Best of the Capitol awards ceremony, Ortiz continues to prove year in and year out that speaking to your principles beats party politics for Arizona’s Democrats.    Best Debater, Republican: J.D. Mesnard, Arizona Senate  J.D. Mesnard Being the voice of the majority means translating power into policy. From sponsoring bills to ensuring a strong party voting record and handling news coverage, these individuals transform political force into public focus by moving the party’s directives on the chamber floors and beyond. This year, that voice comes from Sen. J.D. Mesnard. Now in his fourth term as a state senator following eight years as a House representative, the Republican from Chandler brought cross-chamber expertise that served as a bedrock for the GOP’s efforts during this year’s legislative session. In addition to his work to reform state taxes and revenue as head of the Senate Finance Committee, Mesnard has been on the frontline of the majority party’s efforts to bolster election integrity and address public safety concerns. With several measures already approved in both chambers and ongoing sponsorship or co-sponsorship of more than 50 measures, Mesnard proves every day that change demands more than action — it needs a strong voice.   Best Dressed Gentleman: Ryan Boyd, Arizona Department of Public Safety  Ryan Boyd Sharp ideas demand sharp attire, and no one understands that better than our Best Dressed Gentleman, Ryan Boyd. Beyond the creased slacks, tailored jackets and signature glasses, Boyd is known for his bold use of color. Few can stand proudly in a pink tie and yellow socks while diving deep into policy, and even fewer can do it well. Boyd deftly does both, with four more carefully planned outfits already waiting in his closet for the week ahead. Officially, Boyd has been the chief legislative liaison at the Arizona Department of Safety since May 2023 and at the Arizona Department of Homeland Security since January 2024. Unofficially, we’re pretty sure he’s been moonlighting Parisian runways.   Best Dressed Lady: Yassamin Ansari, U.S. House of Representatives  Yassamin Ansari Finding time for fashion while holding one of the nation’s highest elected offices is no easy feat, but U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari does it daily. As the Best Dressed Lady this year — and last — Ansari has developed a reputation locally and nationally as one of the most polished members of Congress. Her appearance blends professionalism and power with a modern, approachable aesthetic, offering a refreshing contrast to the traditionally austere image of politicians. As the youngest woman in the 119th Congress and the first Iranian American Democrat elected to Congress, Ansari presents herself with the confidence and style of a political star.   Best Elected Official, Republican: Thomas Galvin, Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Thomas Galvin Every level of government has them: those who rise above the chaos to effect real change, those whose unique blend of legal, policy and real-world expertise defines the momentum of the year. For Arizona Republicans, that person is Thomas Galvin. As a current member — and former chairman — of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Galvin has played a critical role in advancing GOP policy objectives in the state’s largest county. A former land and real estate attorney, he has built his reputation on — and earned the title of Best Elected Official for — his ability to bridge the gaps in Arizona’s many public and private sectors, particularly in economic development, property rights, election integrity and county planning and development. Galvin is a lifelong Republican whose first taste of political life came at 18 while working on a mayoral campaign. Today, he says his top priority is protecting county taxpayers and “being a fiscally responsible steward” of Maricopa County resources.   Best Elected Official, Democrat: Analise Ortiz, Arizona Senate  Analise Ortiz This isn’t the first Best of the Capitol award Sen. Analise Ortiz has won, and it won’t be the last. The reporter-turned-state legislator swept last year’s competition for her impact, reputation and popularity among Arizona Democrats, and this year is no different. Since being elected to the state House of Representatives in 2022 and to the Senate in 2024, Ortiz has worked tirelessly to create affordable housing, invest in public schools and protect civil rights. Most notably, her efforts to alert her community about federal immigration enforcement efforts this year brought a firestorm of both criticism and praise across the state. A staunch advocate of Arizona’s Latino communities, the Phoenix Democrat wields a personality and talent for public appearances that have generated new momentum for the state’s minority party. Notable efforts this year include her work to limit homeowners associations’ authority and reform campaign finance penalties, along with other joint efforts to improve the healthcare workforce and allow traditional healing services in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.   Best Government Lobbyist: Jen Marson, Arizona Association of Counties  Jen Marson Arizona’s lobbyists don’t sell products — they sell ideas. And there’s no better marketer of principles — or a more effective purveyor of policy — than Jen Marson, this year’s pick for Best Government Lobbyist. As executive director of the Arizona Association of Counties, she has worked tirelessly to advocate and coordinate policy on behalf of the state’s 15 county governments. In addition to overseeing the association’s daily operations, lobbying and government affairs, she works alongside county officials, sheriffs, recorders and others to bring power to the people she represents. Known for her expertise in elections, criminal justice, county courts and local policy, she influences Arizona’s behind-the-scenes political zeitgeist. Most recently, Marson was a driving force pushing earlier primary dates in the Legislature, a move she successfully persuaded two-thirds of state lawmakers to back on behalf of her constituents.   Best Media Personality: Barrett Marson, Marson Media  Barrett Marson Information runs on media, and nobody knows media better than this year’s Best Media Personality, Barrett Marson. A veteran of Arizona’s newsrooms as a reporter and the Arizona House of Representatives as director of communications, Marson brings a unique, approachable and versatile skill set that has made him a go-to resource for brands looking to elevate their state campaigns or manage local crises with a steady hand. A self-described news junkie, Marson makes frequent trips to the many media hubs across the Valley to talk politics with some of the state’s finest reporters, editors, public relations specialists and campaign personnel. A fearless advocate for his clients and an active voice on X, Barrett works both in real time and across digital platforms to shape debates before they unfold, and knows when and how to put the right people in front of the camera. He’s also no stranger to interviews, public speaking or emcee duties at the occasional awards ceremony, so we hear.    Best Industry Trade & Professional Association: League of Arizona Cities and Towns  Perhaps no industry in the state is more important to the average resident than housing, and no trade and professional association is more important to the state’s housing industry than the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. As one of the state’s most influential local government organizations, the League serves as the chief advocate for Arizona’s many cities, urban spaces and rural communities. The association’s staff stands at the forefront of short-term rental debates, historic neighborhood reforms and property tax battles in the Legislature, wielding heavy influence with state officials and city constituents. Beyond lobbying, the League works diligently to train and support Arizona’s next generation of city officials, councilmembers, mayors, attorneys and city managers, helping them navigate the complex legal systems and municipal policies that shape governance at the grassroots level. Founded in 1937, the League has served the needs of Arizona’s many municipal officials for over 80 years, more than earning its spot as this year’s Best Industry Trade & Professional Association.   Best Lobbying Firm: HighGround, Inc.  There is no advocacy without lobbyists, and there are no lobbyists without lobbying firms. And this year, the Best Lobbying Firm award lands on HighGround Inc. A state staple since 1996, HighGround has become one of Arizona’s most established and politically influential public affairs firms. Founded by political strategist Chuck Coughlin, the Phoenix-based firm has remained at the forefront of Arizona politics as a major force in campaign management, public relations, polling and government affairs. With over three decades of experience working alongside state and county governments, HighGround has become more than a strategy juggernaut — it’s become a staple. And few political battles unfold at the Capitol without one of the organization’s staffers, advocates, pollsters or lobbyists working behind the scenes. With a proven track record and strong public reputation, HighGround has established itself as far more than a lobbying firm — it’s a fundamental pillar of Arizona’s political infrastructure.    Best Lobbyist: Adrian Bakke, Matters of State Strategies  Adrian Bakke Lobbying isn’t just about advocacy; it’s about turning uphill battles into meaningful, lasting wins. And this year, your pick for Best Lobbyist is Adrian Bakke. As senior advisor at Matters of State Strategies, Bakke has established himself as a lobbyist with that rare blend of strategic foresight, political acumen and expertise that delivers results. From hearing out his clients and building relationships with elected officials to shaping policy outcomes, he works at every stage of the political process to advance his clients’ goals. Bakke has set himself apart from the crowd this year through his work protecting Arizona’s historic neighborhoods from newly enacted housing laws, with his nominator highlighting his “strategic mastery” and “deep commitment to the people he represents” as Bakke’s dual tools for success in lobbying.    Best Lobbyist Under 40: Jimmy Arwood, Arizona School Boards Association  Jimmy Arwood They say politics is an old man’s game. What they fail to mention is that every great figure was once young, too. And in the game of political lobbying, where speed, outreach and messaging are king, youth may be more of an asset than a liability. That’s a lesson to learn from Jimmy Arwood, this year’s Best Lobbyist Under 40. As director of governmental relations for the Arizona School Boards Association, Arwood is the good and faithful liaison for all those at the intersection of education, government and policy. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Arwood is recognized by his peers for his empathy, strong leadership and ability to listen thoughtfully and effectively. He brings a natural curiosity and humility to his work, qualities that make his advocacy deeply genuine and highly effective for his clients. Whether he’s working with a local school board member or a veteran community advocate, Arwood ensures everyone gets a fair shake at making their big idea a reality in Arizona.    Best Mentor: Joaquin Rios, Arizona Education Association  Joaquin Rios Mentors do more than teach. They light the path for the rest of us to follow. Treading trails never trodden before, these figures recognize talent for what it is and, more important, take the time to nurture it. This year’s Best Mentor is Joaquin Rios, a leading progressive voice in Arizona education advocacy and the political scene. With over 20 years embedded in state politics, Rios earned this honor for his commitment to cultivating and uplifting the next generation of leaders around him. Recognized primarily for his work with often underrepresented newcomers and grassroots advocates, many of whom might become his future rivals, Rios is a model political citizen — someone who plants trees he knows he will never rest under. Now the executive director of the Arizona Education Association, Rios has used his time in the Arizona Democratic Party, with Community Legal Services of Arizona and as chief of staff to then-Councilwoman Kate Gallego to build bridges, shape ideas and expand opportunities for the benefit of future generations of Arizonans.    Best Nonprofit Advocacy Group (tie): Children’s Action Alliance & The Center for the Rights of Abused Children Sharing the spotlight can be challenging in politics, but not for the two Best Nonprofit Advocacy Group winners. A first-of-its-kind tie this year between the Children’s Action Alliance and The Center for the Rights of Abused Children shows that Arizona cares about the little guy — pun intended — and isn’t afraid to show it.  Founded in 1988, the Children’s Action Alliance has spent nearly four decades advocating for policy to improve children’s healthcare, child abuse and neglect law, early care and education, juvenile justice, immigration and more. The group stands firm as a voice for the voiceless, an advocate for the most vulnerable and a pillar in the political community for its relentless pursuit to make tomorrow brighter for Arizona’s youngest. With a public commitment to action, truth and community, the Children’s Action Alliance is the man in the corner for the Grand Canyon State’s children. Since its founding in 2017, The Center for the Rights of Abused Children has developed a multilayer system of support aimed at protecting Arizona’s children from abuse and neglect. It works within foster care and legal systems to assist children and families in navigating complex processes. Grounded in principles of family, justice, accountability and moral clarity, the organization seeks to strengthen systems serving vulnerable children in Arizona.    Best Nonprofit Advocate: Marisol Garcia, Arizona Education Association  Marisol Garcia Politics is no stranger to the powerful or those willing to sell their influence to the highest bidder. Less visible, and far fewer in number, are those who advocate for causes purely on principle. Free from commercial incentives, these nonprofit advocates hold the torch for the downtrodden and the voiceless. This year, your pick for Best Nonprofit Advocate is Marisol Garcia. As president of the Arizona Education Association, Garcia has been at the forefront of the state’s education debate, tackling issues like school vouchers, public school funding, teacher retention and racial equity in the classroom. She has remained a tireless advocate of raising teachers’ pay and benefits, as well as a staunch supporter of increased state investment in the public school system. With her work far from over, Garcia continues to advocate as the face of Arizona’s educators at press conferences, rallies, protests and other efforts, aiming to raise awareness and find solutions to the issues facing Arizona’s public schools.    Best PR Firm: HighGround, Inc.  Recognition is not sold; it is earned, day by day, by those who place achievement and excellence above all else. And while many may seek that recognition, few organizations achieve it as consistently as this year’s Best PR Firm, HighGround Inc. One of the state’s longest-established public affairs firms, HighGround has built its reputation over 30 years of work in lobbying, campaign management, polling and public relations. Deeply embedded in Arizona’s political landscape, the firm wields influence and information impactful at nearly every level of state policy. Led by a team of experienced professionals headed by political legend (and past Best of the Capitol award ceremony emcee) Chuck Coughlin, HighGround continues to demonstrate that public relations remains one of Arizona’s most powerful means to political action — and public recognition.   Best PR Person: Matthew Benson, Veridus  Matthew Benson It takes a particular set of skills to navigate the power politics and players who populate Arizona’s many Capitol backrooms; it takes another entirely to sell those ideas to the public. And while politicians may take the credit for passing policy, it is the public relations professional who quietly moves mountains. This year’s pick for Best PR Person is Matthew Benson. At the prominent public affairs firm Veridus, he advises corporations, trade associations, nonprofit organizations and political clients on communications strategy, media relations, crisis response and government affairs for all things Arizona. He has been one of Veridus’ leading figures in PR and communications for over 15 years, joining the firm after stints at various newspapers and a term as the communications director and chief spokesperson for Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. This award marks Benson’s fifth recognition as Arizona Capitol Times’ Best PR Person, underscoring his standing as both an industry leader and a trusted figure among the state’s most notable politicos.    Best Political Action Committee: Yes on 409 (Behavioral Health & Emergency Care Bond)  While state lawmakers work to pass policy on the chamber floor, political action committees work to pass it in voters’ hearts and minds. This year, your pick for Best Political Action Committee is Yes on 409, a key player in the landmark movement uniting healthcare professionals, business leaders, community advocates and political leaders of all stripes to pass a measure securing nearly $900 million to expand behavioral health services, hospital capacity and community health centers across the Valley. Backed by HighGround, Inc. and Agave Strategy, this campaign succeeded in a tight-budget election cycle where many thought common ground among power players was impossible. Yes on 409 proved the doubters wrong when it said yes to improving mental health and healthcare systems in Arizona.    Best Political Lawyer: Roy Herrera, Herrera Arellano  Roy Herrera Politics often doesn’t end on the chamber floor but in the courtroom. And for every policy passed, a legal expert must back it up. This year’s Best Political Lawyer is Roy Herrera. A founding partner at Herrera Arellano LLP, Herrera has played a leading role in Arizona’s most significant political and legal questions in 2026. He advises candidates, elected officials, nonprofits, political organizations and nearly every other level of state official on the most pressing election issues and legal matters related to state government. Described by his nominator as the leading Democratic attorney in the state, Herrera earned this year’s nod for challenging the No Labels Party’s attempted rebrand to the Arizona Independent Party and battling Rep. Austin Smith over admitted signature forgery. With a track record of work for notable Democrats like Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, Herrera proves year in and year out that making an impact in Arizona demands a reliable lawyer — and preferably someone on speed dial.    Best Political Rising Star: Ellie Pérez-Pawloski, Arizona Education Association  Ellie Pérez-Pawloski Every legislature has its seasoned stars, and every chamber has its rookie MVP. While fans may credit only the veterans for the day-to-day, the coaches know the real action comes from the rookies — the players striving every day to make a name for themselves. This year’s Best Political Rising Star is Ellie Pérez-Pawloski, a first-generation American from Mexico, a DREAMer and one of Arizona’s fastest-rising political talents. As senior director for public affairs at the Arizona Education Association, Pérez-Pawloski brings her roots and 14 years of local government experience to the center of some of the state’s most contentious education debates. A key strategist behind the AEA’s efforts to reform Arizona’s $1 billion school voucher program, she earned this year’s recognition for strengthening the union’s electoral campaigning efforts. With stints as labor organizer for UFCW Local 99 and as senior staff for the first Congressional campaigns of Ruben Gallego and Greg Stanton, Pérez-Pawloski shows that it doesn’t take decades to be a star if you’ve got the right stuff.    Best Polling Firm: HighGround Inc.  With more than 30 years of experience at the center of Arizona politics, few organizations are closer to the pulse of public opinion than this year’s Best Polling Firm, HighGround Inc. In addition to earning honors this year as Best PR Firm and Best Lobbying Firm, HighGround has become the Capitol community’s go-to source for polling, research and public opinion analysis. Through detailed data, thoughtful strategy and in-depth reporting, the firm has cemented itself as a dominant force at the intersection of polling, public relations and lobbying. With research that often shapes the pace of media coverage, policy debates and public response, HighGround continues to prove that good ideas deserve good tools — and even better teams — to back them up.    Best Power Broker: Nick Ponder, HighGround Inc.  Nick Ponder Politics is a game of compromise, negotiation and knowing who to call. You can’t make a deal if you don’t have the chips, and you can’t steal the show if you can’t get through the doorman. Every good cause needs a fixer, someone who can pick up the phone, bring stakeholders together and make things happen. This year, that person is Nick Ponder. As the Best Power Broker of 2026, Ponder unites the Capitol’s most influential voices on issues ranging from groundwater and housing to broader public affairs. With over 13 years of experience in state and local policy, the senior vice president for governmental affairs at HighGround Inc. has repeatedly earned recognition in categories such as Best Lobbyist Under 40 and Best Government Lobbyist. This year, Ponder solidified himself as one of the state’s top dealmakers — the person political players call when it’s time to turn conversations into action.    Calmest Under Pressure: Joe Kubacki, Sergeant at Arms, Arizona Senate  Joe Kubacki It’s one thing to keep calm in the face of fierce political debate; it’s another entirely to stay calm in the face of screaming protesters, angry lobbyists and frustrated citizens. They say pressure makes diamonds, and this year it made Joe Kubacki the winner of Best of the Capitol’s Calmest Under Pressure. As the Arizona Senate’s sergeant at arms, Kubacki has stood guard over more than 30 legislative sessions, serving as a steady presence inside one of the state’s most high-pressure environments. His impact extends far beyond the chamber doors, keeping the Capitol safe, orderly and accessible to everyone participating in state government. This year, he’s being recognized not just for his steady head as the Senate’s sergeant at arms but also as a mentor and a friend to staffers and freshman legislators navigating life under the dome. Since joining the Senate in 1995, Kubacki has built a reputation defined by respect, institutional knowledge and unwavering steadiness.    Most Respected Legislator Across the Aisle: T.J. Shope, Arizona Senate T.J. Shope Before a piece of legislation can make its way through Arizona’s Legislature and onto the governor’s desk, it must survive a minefield of opposing political ideas. That process requires more than votes — it requires trust, credibility and the ability to work across ideological lines. In an increasingly polarized political climate, it’s important to recognize lawmakers who can build consensus and maintain respect on both sides of the aisle. This year’s winner for Most Respected Legislator Across the Aisle is Sen. T.J. Shope. The Coolidge Republican is in his 13th year in the Legislature after first being elected to the House in 2013 and later winning a Senate seat in 2021. His bicameral experience has placed him at the center of major policy decisions involving public safety, water and healthcare. Over the years, Shope has earned a reputation as a levelheaded lawmaker capable of working with colleagues from across Arizona’s political spectrum. Whether navigating contentious legislation or building bipartisan coalitions, he brings a steady hand — and his trademark cowboy hat — to the Capitol. If Arizona politics has proven anything, it may be that cooler heads really do prevail.  The post Here are your Best of the Capitol winners for 2026! first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2313b6ee6011c3f4eb395b First-time homebuyers face hurdles despite gradual improvement te 2026-06-05T18:21:42.569Z First-time homebuyers face hurdles despite gradual improvement Ty and Allisha Setty pose with the two-bedroom house in suburban Cincinnati they bought in May for $170,000. Unlike many new homebuyers, the couple didn't need family help with the purchase. (Photo courtesy of Ty and Allisha Setty) The idea started with a sermon Micah Longmire heard at his Presbyterian church in Ogden, Utah, about the importance of grandparents in a child’s life. Longmire, now 31, exchanged a look with his mother-in-law. “We were like, ‘I’d be OK living with you after that sermon,’ and the ball rolled downhill from there,” Longmire said. Both families are now living in a house they bought together in Chattanooga, Tennessee, after a two-year nationwide search. Their partnership is an example of the lengths first-time homebuyers have gone to this year amid stubbornly high home prices and interest rates. “I make $200,000 and I wouldn’t have been able to buy a house by myself. That’s ridiculous,” Longmire said. His wife’s parents contributed $200,000 from selling their own home in Utah and retired to live with them in a 3,500-square-foot house that cost $585,000. Home prices rose this year, though not as much as inflation, so affordability increased in all regions as of April compared with a year before, according to the National Association of Realtors. But prices are settling at a high level. After inflation adjustment, they’re still less than 4% below the 2022 peak, though some areas with large-scale building, mostly in Florida and Texas, have seen prices drop, according to real estate analyst Bill McBride’s CalculatedRisk newsletter. Help from family and even shared living arrangements are becoming the norm in higher-priced areas. “The family now has accumulated so much equity that they’re able to help their kids make these downpayments. Many people like to live in multi-generational households for reasons of culture and also cost,” said Nadia Evangelou, senior economist for the National Association of Realtors. Nationally a typical single-family home cost $422,300 in April, up $4,300 from a year before, according to the National Association of Realtors. But the typical family made about $6,000 more in that time, and mortgage rates came down a little, so affordability improved. But a shortage of affordable starter homes is slowing the market and keeping it hard to buy for first-timers. Last year the median age of first-time buyers reached a record 40 years old, while the median repeat buyer was 62, as the housing market became dominated by repeat buyers who could sell a house at today’s high prices. “Affordability today is still nowhere near what it was for much of the last decade,” Evangelou said. Between 2009 and 2016, the typical family had about 70% more income than it needed to buy the typical median-priced house, while today it’s a much smaller margin of about 11% as of April. Quotation Many young households still face the most challenging home-buying environment in decades. – Nadia Evangelou, senior economist, National Association of Realtors San Francisco is an extreme example: The artificial intelligence boom has driven median home prices to a record $2.15 million, according to the real estate brokerage firm Compass. So Charlie and Nettie Culp felt lucky to get a 1,500-square-foot condo for $1.5 million. The couple, both 32, work in finance and tech and saved for years with some family help, putting down $500,000 and taking a $1 million mortgage in May. “That’s a lot of money for what you get, but that’s the market and it’s a beautiful city,” Charlie Culp said. He has lived in the city since 2015, at times sharing rent among as many as four people while saving money. “I saw the AI boom coming in San Francisco, so we decided to reach out to our landlord and ask if she was willing to sell,” he said. First-time buyers are particularly hard-pressed: They lack profits from a previous house, and the smaller houses they can buy are in short supply.  The number of houses on the market is rising, but mostly at the high-priced end. “Many young households still face the most challenging homebuying environment in decades,” Evangelou said. “The question isn’t simply whether more homes are coming into the market, the question is whether those homes that are available for sale are at price points that local households can actually afford.” The nation needs another 311,000 houses selling for less than $261,000 to meet the needs of middle-income families — buyers earning around $75,000 — according to a May report that Evangelou co-authored. Several states considered legislation this year aimed specifically at creating more starter homes. A New Mexico law signed in March by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham creates no-interest loans of up to $75,000 for down payments to first-time buyers with moderate income. The loans are meant as an incentive for builders to create smaller houses. Several states moved to curb minimum lot sizes, seen as an impediment to starter homes and other affordable housing, often drawing opposition from cities. Colorado considered a measure this year allowing smaller lots for building, hoping to “expand attainable homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers.” It was opposed by the Colorado Municipal League, which said it “removes community planning and public input from the decision-making process.” The bill passed the state House but was killed in a state Senate committee. Florida also considered smaller lots and other incentives for starter homes in a bill this year that died in committee after opposition from the Florida League of Cities. A similar bill that would limit minimum lot sizes, aimed at creating more starter homes and other affordable housing, was under consideration this year in Hawaii but did not pass after clearing a state Senate committee. Democratic state Sen. Stanley Chang, the bill’s sponsor, told Stateline that “some version of the concept” will be considered in future sessions. The Midwest continues to have the highest affordability, according to the National Association of Realtors report. Ty Setty, 29, and his wife, Allisha, 32, had been renting for six years near Cincinnati, but they needed no family help to buy their new $170,000 house, a two-bedroom in suburban Delhi Township, Ohio. “We had been looking at houses for a few years and just couldn’t afford them, or we let ourselves think that,” Ty Setty said. After two weeks of looking on Zillow and touring nine houses, they saw this house as a new listing and “fell in love. We put an offer on it that night,” Ty Setty said. “They accepted the next morning. That was a long 12 hours.” For the Longmire family in Chattanooga, the partnership between parents raising children and grandparents needing their own affordable housing has worked out well. “Grandparents want to live with their grandchildren, and you know parents need a babysitter on date night,” Micah Longmire said. “The story that we’re telling through our life right now is, that if you can work with your family, don’t give in to the pressure of the world to go it alone.” Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@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/6a23139fee6011c3f4eb393b Ex-counterterrorism official Joe Kent endorses GOP Senate primary challenger as Trump backs Lindsey Graham te 2026-06-05T18:21:19.452Z Ex-counterterrorism official Joe Kent endorses GOP Senate primary challenger as Trump backs Lindsey Graham Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent endorsed South Carolina U.S. Senate primary candidate Mark Lynch, calling incumbent GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham a "war hawk, neocon." South Carolinians who would like to "stop sending billions of dollars overseas" and "stop us from getting entangled in endless foreign wars in the Middle East," have the opportunity "to do all of us a great service and vote to get Lindsey Graham out of office this Tuesday, June 9th," Kent declared in part of a video message posted to social media on Thursday. "Vote for Mark Lynch," Kent urged, calling Lynch "the America First candidate" and asserting that Lynch "is the best postured right now to get the war hawk, neocon, Lindsey Graham out of office." Graham campaign press secretary Abby Zilch said in a statement to Fox News Digital, "Mark Lynch is touting an endorsement from a man that President Trump called a 'SLEAZEBAG,' 'LEAKER,' and a 'LOSER.'" EX-COUNTERTERRORISM CHIEF WARNS OF 'MAJOR PROBLEM' THAT COULD FORCE US 'BACK INTO THE WAR ON IRAN'S TERMS' "This is to be expected since Lynch wants 'more Massies' in Congress," Zilch wrote. "Senator Graham is proud to have the complete and total endorsements of President Trump, Governor McMaster, Senator Tim Scott, Congressman Russell Fry, Congressman Joe Wilson, Congressman William Timmons, National Right to Life, SC Citizens for Life, Tea Party Express, and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America." Fox News Digital reached out to Lynch's campaign on Friday. The candidate noted in a Thursday post on X that he was "honored" to have Kent's endorsement. Trump, who endorsed Graham for re-election last year, blasted Lynch in a Truth Social post earlier this year. "Senator Lindsey Graham is doing a fantastic job. He is running against a LUNATIC named Mark Lynch, who supports perhaps the Worst Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie, of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky. I don’t have to go into great detail, but needless to say, Mark Lynch would be a DISASTER for the Republican Party, and Lindsey Graham just, GETS THE JOB DONE. VOTE FOR LINDSEY ALL THE WAY. MAGA!" Trump declared in the April Truth Social post. Lynch has previously expressed support for Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who lost his GOP primary in Kentucky last month. "We need more MTGs and Gaetzes and Massies. Zero question about it," Lynch wrote in a March post on X, referring to former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, former Rep. Matt Gaetz and Massie. Massie, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since late 2012, lost the Republican congressional primary in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District last month to Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL. In part of a Thursday Truth Social post, Trump declared, "This Tuesday, June 9th, all Republicans in South Carolina should vote for Lindsey Graham — HE HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT, AND WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!" FOUR SENATE REPUBLICANS AGAIN UNITE WITH DEMS TO BLOCK TRUMP'S SAVE AMERICA ACT Kent quit his government post back in March, citing his opposition to the Iran war. "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," Kent wrote in his resignation letter. Trump said in part of an April Truth Social post that Kent "was really a SLEAZEBAG, and some would say, on top of it all, A LEAKER!" The president added he didn't "know whether or not that was true" and called Kent "a LOSER." LINDSEY GRAHAM WARNS REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS TRYING TO 'DESTROY' TRUMP IS A LOSING GAME AFTER CASSIDY DEFEAT Graham has served in the U.S. Senate since 2003. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23138bee6011c3f4eb3932 It only took a couple of days, but some tech bro has already ruined 82-0 internet game te 2026-06-05T18:20:59.453Z It only took a couple of days, but some tech bro has already ruined 82-0 internet game It's easy to be cynical in today's day and age of unfettered access to technology. The wonder and excitement of the early days of video games and computer programs have been sapped from us thanks to artificial intelligence and coding wizards peeling the curtain back a little too far. One man said enough, and gifted every sports fan an online game that tried to answer the age-old question: which starting five of NBA players across all time would go a perfect 82-0 during the regular season. The game is weaponized fun and has gripped the internet completely, as fans all over social media have posted their best 82-0 team combinations while lamenting the ones who don't land them a perfect record. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TO FEATURED IN VIDEO GAME AS PART OF CENTENNIAL SEASON Many started to speculate what the criteria were for a perfect team as it pertains to the game, though. In the same way that kids wonder how their video game works, fans were often bewildered when a starting five of LeBron, Jordan, Kobe, Bird and Moses Malone didn't net them an 82-0 record. Most of us chalked it up to witchcraft or something and went about our days, but one account on X decided to use the old standby of AI and take all the mystery out of the game entirely. ANTHROPIC'S MYTHOS AI FOUND OVER 2,000 UNKNOWN SOFTWARE VULNERABILITIES IN JUST SEVEN WEEKS OF TESTING "I reverse engineered," is basically the new "I asked Grok," and both are equally annoying in their own unique ways. Here we were, having a grand old time putting our ball knowledge to the test and living in the moment, and this "anirudh" has to come along with his spreadsheets and algorithms and ruin all the fun for the rest of us. Judging by his X profile banner photo, it looks like he lives in San Francisco, too. KNICKS STAR JOSH HART LEAVES KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS BEWILDERED WITH HILARIOUS ANALYTICS ANALOGY Because of course he does! Classic tech bro. Analytics has taken a lot of the fun out of modern basketball these days anyway, so leave it to some nerd to also take the fun out of a hypothetical basketball game as well. And if you think I'm the only "old man yelling at cloud" here, think again. 'DUDE PERFECT' GETS BLASTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR RIPPING OFF COMEDIAN'S DRAFT DAY SKIT Check out all the angry X users getting mad at Mr. Silicon Valley Spreadsheet for sucking the fun out of our beloved internet game. The whole fun of this new game was figuring out what combinations worked best on your own, something anirudh clearly doesn't understand. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! This would be like if you had a Pokémon Red Version Game Boy cartridge on the playground when you were six years old and some other kid showed you the debug and coding menus. "And this right here says that if you use flamethrower on a grass type, the code tells the game to apply super effective damage snort snort." Doesn't sound so cool, does it? The next time someone comes out with a unique and whimsical idea for an internet game that captivates an entire subset of social media, can the nerds wait at least a month before they deconstruct the whole thing before our very eyes? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231372ee6011c3f4eb38f7 Every Cochise County police agency will soon use the same iris scanners ICE deploys te 2026-06-05T18:20:34.805Z Every Cochise County police agency will soon use the same iris scanners ICE deploys Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231181ee6011c3f4eb38e3 La tradición de las estampas de Panini sigue prosperando mientras el Mundial de 2026 impulsa la demanda. te 2026-06-05T18:12:17.688Z La tradición de las estampas de Panini sigue prosperando mientras el Mundial de 2026 impulsa la demanda. PHOENIX – La primera estampa de Panini que Andrés Martínez vio en su vida no era suya. Tenía 12 años y vivía en Chihuahua, México, cuando un amigo llevó a casa un álbum desde Ciudad de México. Solo tenían unas cuantas estampas, pero observaban cada página con detenimiento. Ahora profesor de la Universidad Estatal de Arizona y autor de The Great Game, Martínez recuerda con claridad aquel primer encuentro. “Todos estábamos fascinados con el Mundial”, dijo. “Las estampas eran más difíciles de conseguir donde vivíamos en ese entonces, así que simplemente contemplábamos cada página con admiración. Él solo tenía unos cuantos sobres, pero fue mi primer contacto con la fiebre de Panini”. Antes de internet, antes de las ligas de fantasía y antes de que la Copa Mundial se convirtiera en un espectáculo seguido por miles de millones de personas, existían las estampas. En 1970, mientras México se preparaba para albergar la primera Copa Mundial transmitida globalmente por televisión, una editorial italiana llamada Panini lanzó un pequeño y discreto álbum lleno de espacios en blanco. Cada espacio estaba numerado y esperaba ser completado con la estampa del retrato de un jugador. Niños de toda Italia compraron sus primeros sobres por unas pocas liras, los abrieron y comenzaron una tradición basada en encontrar a las estrellas, intercambiar las estampas repetidas y completar un álbum que, sin saberlo, trascendería generaciones. Los orígenes de esta tradición tienen un significado especial para Martínez. “Eso es algo muy interesante para mí, siendo mexicano”, afirmó. “Y parece apropiado porque, en muchos sentidos, México 70 fue un Mundial histórico. Fue el primero transmitido a nivel global en color y marcó el capítulo final de aquel extraordinario equipo de Brasil liderado por Pelé, que ganó su tercera Copa ese verano. También es bonito que haya sido el torneo que dio origen a los álbumes de Panini”. La idea se expandió rápidamente. A finales de la década de 1970, los álbumes de Panini ya formaban parte de la vida de los niños cada cuatro años, desde Milán hasta Montevideo. Para la década de 1980, se habían convertido en un fenómeno mundial y en una tradición consolidada dentro de las celebraciones de la Copa Mundial. Más de 50 años después, el ritual sigue siendo el mismo, aunque el mundo que lo rodea ha cambiado. Según declaraciones de la empresa, Panini imprime millones de sobres de estampas al día durante los meses previos a cada Copa Mundial. Con la expansión del torneo, los álbumes se han vuelto más grandes y ambiciosos. La edición de Catar 2022 incluyó 670 estampas, mientras que el álbum de 2026, vinculado al primer Mundial celebrado en Norteamérica desde 1994, se ampliará a 980 estampas, convirtiéndose en la colección más grande en la historia de Panini. Como explicó D.J. Kazmierczak, vicepresidente sénior de ventas y desarrollo de productos de Panini América: “Estamos pasando de 32 a 48 selecciones… El álbum en sí aumentará un 50 % simplemente por esa razón”. Lo que comenzó como un pasatiempo infantil local en Italia ahora se distribuye en más de 150 países, y su público también ha cambiado. Panini estima que aproximadamente el 40 % de sus coleccionistas son ahora adultos, un cambio significativo respecto a las primeras décadas, cuando los álbumes estaban dirigidos casi exclusivamente a un público más joven. El auge de las redes sociales ha acelerado esta tendencia, ya que los videos de apertura de sobres en TikTok suelen acumular millones de visualizaciones, mientras que los grupos de intercambio en línea se han convertido en comunidades globales. Kazmierczak ha sido testigo de esta transformación de primera mano. “La diferencia es enorme incluso en comparación con 2014”, afirmó. “La cantidad de eventos y de comercios que ahora participan y muestran interés ha crecido tanto que resulta difícil de cuantificar”. El negocio de Panini en Estados Unidos comenzó a acelerarse significativamente en 2014, sentando las bases para el auge que este pasatiempo experimenta en la actualidad. Los minoristas también han percibido ese cambio. En Showtime Sports Cards and Gaming, en Tempe, su propietario, Peter Liu, ha visto repetirse este ciclo durante 35 años. “Es un mundo diferente”, dijo. “Y es un grupo distinto de coleccionistas. Son aficionados apasionados al fútbol”. Con la Copa Mundial de 2026 celebrándose en Estados Unidos, México y Canadá, espera que la demanda aumente considerablemente. “We’re expecting sales to be better than in the past.” As for collectors, the culture surrounding the hobby has also grown. “A lot of people who collect and do the Panini sticker books, they go to trade nights, especially the kids,” said Jacob Schneider, a newsletter writer for Men in Blazers and a longtime collector. “Those trade nights, they’re hosted all around the country. “You’ll bring all your excess stickers. Say you have like two Tyler Adams and you only need one. You’ll trade your Tyler Adams for a Willian Pacho to fill out your Ecuador section. If you go to those, it’s a great opportunity for you to experience what the hobby is about and experience what these sticker books mean to people.” Exclusive color variations of stickers featuring legends such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be playing in their last tournament, or current-generation stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, can sell for hundreds of dollars on resale platforms. Furthermore, retailers in the United States reported sellouts during the 2022 cycle as a result of the growing chase, and with the hobby reaching new heights in popularity, especially in the United States, many expect even higher demand as the 2026 tournament approaches. A pesar del creciente alcance de los álbumes de estampas, su atractivo sigue siendo algo atemporal y tangible. En una era dominada por la afición digital, impulsada por los resúmenes en streaming, los algoritmos diseñados para captar la atención y las tarjetas coleccionables virtuales, los álbumes de Panini ofrecen una experiencia física, pausada y basada en la comunidad. Los coleccionistas pueden sostener las estampas, hojear las páginas e intercambiarlas con un familiar, un amigo o incluso un desconocido. La tradición conecta generaciones. Padres que coleccionaban en la década de 1990 ahora coleccionan junto a sus hijos, y aficionados que nunca han asistido a una Copa Mundial pueden sentirse parte de ella meses antes de que se dispute el primer partido. Schneider observa el mismo atractivo intergeneracional. “Muchas veces, es un proyecto familiar”, explicó. “Quizás un padre lo hacía con su abuelo y ahora lo hace con su hijo. Esa es la esencia de la tradición”. Liu vive esa experiencia en cada ciclo. “Recibimos a padres porque su hijo o hija está buscando estampas del Mundial”, comentó. “El niño llega con 20 dólares y quiere comprar 20 sobres. El padre y el hijo completan el álbum juntos y reaccionan diciendo: ‘¡Nos faltaba esta estampa! ¡La conseguimos!’”. Incluso ha visto a madres e hijos coleccionando juntos, algo que, según él, “no es muy común”, pero que resulta “realmente bonito de ver”. Martínez observa lo mismo en su propio hogar. “Prácticamente he completado estos álbumes en cada Copa Mundial desde 1982”, afirmó. “En los torneos recientes, ha sido una gran tradición compartir esta experiencia con mi hijo y mi hijastro. ¡Incluso he logrado que mis suegros también se involucren!”. Como lo describe Kazmierczak: “Es algo reconfortante. Sigue siendo lo mismo que siempre ha sido… un recordatorio de que este evento ocurre cada cuatro años y de que es algo especial”. Durante más de medio siglo, los álbumes han sobrevivido a cambios culturales, crisis económicas, revoluciones tecnológicas y a la globalización del propio deporte. Y ahora, mientras la Copa Mundial se prepara para celebrar su edición más grande de la historia, la tradición de Panini no solo sigue viva, sino que está más fuerte que nunca. La relación de Panini con el fútbol se remonta incluso a antes de la creación del álbum oficial de la Copa Mundial. “Panini ha estado produciendo estampas de fútbol literalmente desde el año en que nací, 1961”, señaló Kazmierczak. “Así de antigua es la empresa”. En términos generales, el negocio de las estampas de Panini para la Copa Mundial es hoy más de 100 veces más grande de lo que era en 1970, una clara muestra del crecimiento sostenido de este pasatiempo a lo largo de las décadas. Sin embargo, con la Copa Mundial de 2026 encaminada a convertirse en la más grande de la historia, esa expansión por sí sola obligó a Panini a replantearse los límites físicos del álbum. “Tuvimos que considerar el tamaño del álbum, la encuadernación… si podrían soportar tantas páginas”, explicó Kazmierczak. “Ha sido prácticamente el mismo durante décadas, y ahora está cambiando”. Martínez señaló que el formato ampliado incluso afectó el calendario de producción. “La publicación final tuvo que retrasarse un poco esta vez porque, con el torneo ampliado, no conocimos a todos los participantes de la Copa Mundial hasta los repechajes de marzo”, afirmó. “En el pasado, Panini podía finalizar los álbumes para la fecha del sorteo del Mundial, es decir, aproximadamente seis meses antes del inicio del torneo”. El negocio ha crecido de manera igualmente impresionante. El álbum de Catar 2022 fue el producto más vendido en la historia de Panini… hasta ahora. “Hemos proyectado vender cuatro veces más producto esta vez que en aquella ocasión”, afirmó. “Es un negocio que mueve varios millones de dólares, y ahora será cuatro veces más grande de lo que era”. Pero esta expansión tiene un costo, literalmente. Schneider, quien ha intentado completar varios álbumes, señaló que la barrera económica se está volviendo imposible de ignorar. “Completar el álbum este año costará alrededor de 2,500 dólares”, explicó. “Es una cifra muy alta y, sinceramente, puede desanimar a algunas personas, especialmente a quienes no cuentan con ese dinero extra para gastarlo en este pasatiempo”. Sin embargo, minoristas locales como Liu señalaron que su tienda vende sobres individuales por entre 1.25 y 1.50 dólares, además de ofrecer descuentos a quienes compran en grandes cantidades, lo que ayuda a reducir parte del gasto. “Si los compras por caja, cada sobre cuesta un dólar”, dijo. “Y además incluimos el álbum sin costo adicional”. A pesar de esta oportunidad de crecimiento, Panini tomó la decisión deliberada de no aumentar el precio de las estampas. “Nos aseguramos de que el costo por estampa se mantuviera igual que hace cuatro años”, explicó Kazmierczak. “Ya iba a costarle a la gente un 50 % más completar el álbum simplemente por el aumento en el número de selecciones”. Aun así, Schneider se muestra preocupado por la sostenibilidad de esta tendencia. “Sinceramente, no sé si es sostenible”, afirmó. “Si el torneo sigue expandiéndose, uno esperaría que Panini y la FIFA encuentren una manera de facilitarles las cosas a los coleccionistas”. Por ahora, ya está considerando alternativas. “Tal vez reúna a algunos amigos y completemos un álbum entre todos”, comentó. “Podría convertirse en una especie de proyecto grupal”. Los minoristas también tienen sus propias expectativas para el futuro. Liu señaló que le gustaría que Panini experimentara con distintos niveles de rareza, de manera similar a lo que ocurre con las tarjetas coleccionables. “Siempre hemos querido que incluyan estampas de tiraje limitado”, dijo. “Quizás una por cada mil cajas. Algo que motive a la gente a seguir buscándolas”. Sin embargo, para muchos coleccionistas, el atractivo de este pasatiempo es emocional, no económico. “Cuando era niño, mi abuelo y mi tío me enviaban cajas de tarjetas antiguas de béisbol”, recordó Schneider. “Nunca me gustó el béisbol, pero siempre me atrajo la idea de coleccionar”. Esa sensación de progreso, de completar una página, terminar una selección y finalmente llenar todo el álbum, es parte de lo que hace que esta tradición perdure en el tiempo. “Con un objeto físico es un poco más fácil ver realmente el progreso que estás logrando”, explicó Kazmierczak. Schneider considera que el álbum de estampas representa un recorrido simbólico a través del torneo. “Al coleccionar todas las selecciones y completar el álbum, de alguna manera emprendes un viaje a través de cada equipo”, afirmó. “Vas comprendiendo más. Vas adquiriendo conocimiento”. La propia Copa Mundial amplifica ese significado. “La Copa Mundial solo se celebra cada cuatro años”, señaló Schneider. “Estos álbumes simbolizan lo que representa el torneo: una mezcla de culturas y una unión de tradiciones de todo el mundo”. Estados Unidos se ha convertido en uno de los mercados de más rápido crecimiento para Panini, y gran parte de ese crecimiento inicial provino de las comunidades inmigrantes. “Muchas personas han llegado desde América Latina y han traído consigo esta tradición”, explicó Kazmierczak. “La han transmitido de generación en generación”. Con un crecimiento tan marcado en popularidad, los coleccionistas perciben ese cambio directamente. “Antes podías entrar a una tienda Target y encontrar prácticamente cualquier producto que buscaras”, comentó Schneider. “Ahora incluso encontrar algo disponible se ha convertido en una carrera”. Ha visto filas frente a las tiendas los días en que se reabastecen los productos, un fenómeno que antes solía estar reservado para lanzamientos de zapatillas deportivas o consolas de videojuegos. “La gente espera durante horas en las filas frente a Target y Walmart”, señaló. “Es una muestra de la rapidez con la que este pasatiempo está creciendo”. La visibilidad que aportan las celebridades también ha acelerado esta tendencia. “Ves a Kim Kardashian llevando a sus hijos a partidos de fútbol y abriendo sobres de la MLS”, señaló Schneider. “Si lo ves en todas partes, eso solo contribuye a que el interés siga creciendo”. Como resultado de este crecimiento, Panini ha aprovechado el impulso mediante eventos de intercambio, álbumes promocionales y campañas de marketing educativo. “Distribuimos una gran cantidad de álbumes promocionales”, explicó Kazmierczak. “Es la teoría de la cuchilla de afeitar. Si te doy un álbum vacío y un par de sobres, en teoría volverás para seguir comprando más”. La compañía también lanzó una importante colaboración con Coca-Cola para 2026, incorporando estampas en más de mil millones de botellas de 20 onzas de Coca-Cola y Coca-Cola Zero Azúcar en todo el mundo. “Debajo de la etiqueta de las botellas de 20 onzas hay una estampa”, comentó. “Son estampas exclusivas y habrá una sección especial en el álbum dedicada a esas 12 estampas”. Panini ya posee los derechos de licencia para la Copa Mundial de 2030 y la empresa se prepara para una expansión aún mayor mientras la FIFA evalúa futuros formatos del torneo. La competencia está aumentando, pero la estrategia de Panini sigue basada en la accesibilidad y la tradición. “Una de las cosas que hemos hecho en los últimos años es mejorar nuestros esfuerzos para informar a la gente dónde puede encontrar el producto”, explicó Kazmierczak. “Esa es la mitad de la batalla”. Al mismo tiempo, Panini se está adaptando a una audiencia más joven y cada vez más digital. “No soy tan ingenuo como para pensar que la mayoría de nuestros coleccionistas pertenecen a mi generación”, afirmó. “Por eso tratamos de asegurarnos de que nuestras estrategias de marketing tengan eso en cuenta”. Schneider espera que el futuro traiga una mayor accesibilidad para los coleccionistas. “Las estampas son puramente coleccionables”, señaló. “Sería fantástico que fueran más accesibles para más personas”. A pesar de todo el crecimiento, las alianzas comerciales, las versiones exclusivas, las expansiones en los puntos de venta y las nuevas iniciativas, la esencia del álbum del Mundial sigue siendo la misma que en 1970: un álbum, un sobre de estampas y la esperanza de que la siguiente sea justo la que falta para completar la colección. “Somos plenamente conscientes de la importancia de esta tradición”, afirmó Kazmierczak. “Queremos que todos se sientan cómodos cuando vuelvan a formar parte de ella”. Schneider comparte esa misma sensación. “Los álbumes de estampas forman parte de la tradición”, señaló. Cada cuatro años, millones de personas en todo el mundo abren su primer sobre y experimentan la misma emoción que sintieron los coleccionistas hace medio siglo: una satisfacción sencilla pero especial que los conecta con el evento deportivo más grande del planeta. The post La tradición de las estampas de Panini sigue prosperando mientras el Mundial de 2026 impulsa la demanda. appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231152ee6011c3f4eb38c3 SAVE America Act fails in the Senate as GOP defections doom Trump’s voting restrictions te 2026-06-05T18:11:30.567Z SAVE America Act fails in the Senate as GOP defections doom Trump’s voting restrictions Montanans stand in line to register to vote at the Lewis and Clark County Elections Office on Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller/Daily Montanan) The U.S. Senate rejected the SAVE America Act on Thursday, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump’s efforts to impose voting restrictions ahead of the November midterm elections. Senators voted 48-50 against advancing an amendment that would have incorporated Trump’s top legislative priority into an immigration-focused spending bill. The vote offered the clearest sign yet that despite pressure from the president, a handful of Republican senators continue to resist advancing the bill, which critics say would unleash immense chaos ahead of elections this fall. The SAVE America Act would require voters to offer documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, proving their citizenship when registering to vote. It would also mandate voters show photo ID when casting a ballot and restrict where voters can register, effectively eliminating voter registration drives. Democrats and voting rights groups have assailed the bill, saying it would disenfranchise voters and upend the midterms because the new rules would take effect immediately. Trump and the bill’s GOP supporters say it’s needed to combat noncitizen voting, an extremely rare phenomenon. Since taking office last year, Trump has made a series of attempts to shape how elections are run. An executive order that would limit voting by mail remains in effect for now as opponents challenge it in federal court, and the Department of Justice continues to seek to force states to hand over sensitive voter data, so far unsuccessfully. The Senate amendment, offered by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, also included restrictions on sports participation by transgender athletes. On social media after the vote, Graham called the SAVE America Act “one of the most consequential” pieces of legislation developed by Trump and his team. “All Democrats voted no, and they will eventually pay a price,” Graham wrote. Republicans also vote no But the proposal fell short among a small group of Republicans, too. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined Democrats in voting no. Collins is seeking reelection in what is one of the most competitive Senate races in the country. McConnell and Tillis have both opted against seeking reelection, while Murkowski has said the bill would set up barriers for voters in her large, rural state. Sixty votes would have been needed to advance the amendment — the same threshold to overcome a filibuster.  The vote came after the Senate spent weeks debating the SAVE America Act earlier this year before moving on to other business without a vote. Trump has urged Republicans to abandon the filibuster to pass the bill, without success. “We will squash this blatant attempt at voter suppression,” Sen. Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, wrote on social media after the vote. The Senate also rejected, 50-49, a separate amendment offered by Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, that included a different version of the SAVE America Act. According to Lee, the amendment was the version of the bill passed by the House, which didn’t include provisions on transgender athletes.  Collins voted in favor of the amendment after earlier opposing Graham’s amendment. California Both amendments failed hours after Trump asserted, without evidence, that Democrats were stealing “the vote” in California. The state held primary elections earlier this week, but vote counting is often slow in the state, meaning vote totals reported on election night don’t always reflect the final outcome of a race. Trump linked California’s elections to his push for the SAVE America Act, writing on social media that “I hope Republicans are watching” so they could pass the legislation. “They found a lot of mail-in ballots last night, shockingly,” Trump said at an unrelated Oval Office event on Thursday. “So we don’t want that.” With the Senate unwilling to advance the SAVE America Act, some GOP lawmakers have begun offering alternative election-related bills. Republican Reps. Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota and Laurel Lee of Florida on Thursday introduced the SAVE America Through REAL ID Act, which would create a grant program to help states provide REAL ID-compliant driver’s license and identification cards to residents for free to low-income Americans. On Tuesday, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, and Graham introduced the Election Security Partnership Act, designed to encourage states to submit their voter rolls to a computer program operated by the Department of Homeland Security that can identify possible noncitizens.  States can already upload voter data to the program, called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements or SAVE, but the legislation would provide $20 million in grants for states to offset any costs related to using SAVE. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23113bee6011c3f4eb38a4 Bill replacing 'mother' and 'father' with gender-neutral terms passes in New York, heads to Hochul's desk te 2026-06-05T18:11:07.039Z Bill replacing 'mother' and 'father' with gender-neutral terms passes in New York, heads to Hochul's desk New York Democrats recently passed a bill that would remove the words "mother" and "father" from parts of state law, sending the legislation to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk for final approval. Under the new bill, targeting state child custody and parental laws, "mother" becomes "gestating parent," "father" becomes "non-gestating parent," and "paternity" becomes "parentage." It passed in the state Senate this week after progressing through the Assembly in March. WISCONSIN GOVERNOR'S PUSH TO ERASE GENDERED LANGUAGE FROM STATE LAW IGNITES DEBATE Democrats who drafted the legislation claimed the wording shift would promote "inclusivity," while critics claim the change is unnecessary, with the legislative session having ended for the year on Thursday, FOX 5 New York reported. Hochul said during a news conference that she isn’t familiar with the proposal, but promised to review it. "I have until the end of the year to review them and make a decision, so I won't be commenting on pending legislation," Hochul said. 80% OF AMERICANS OPPOSE GENDER CRAZINESS BUT THE LEFT STILL CLING TO IT Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman shared multiple posts responding to the bill on social media Friday. "In Kathy Hochul’s New York, 'mom' is now defined as 'gestating parent,'" Blakeman wrote. "Not when I’m Governor! I’ll stand up for moms and dads against this insanity." "This bill is a continuation of Hochul’s war on families, and I won't stop fighting until we take New York back," he added. Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., reacted to the bill on X Thursday, saying, "The party that can’t define a woman is now rewriting New York law to erase mothers and fathers. Only in Albany could 'mom' and 'dad' become too controversial." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231127ee6011c3f4eb3892 Trump admin slams 'two-tiered' policing after British cops cuffed dying man deemed racist by killer te 2026-06-05T18:10:47.049Z Trump admin slams 'two-tiered' policing after British cops cuffed dying man deemed racist by killer The Trump administration issued a sharp rebuke amid online outrage stemming from the murder of a young British student who died in custody while police tended to his killer who made false complaints of racism against the victim. "Ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing are glaring symptoms of civilizational decline," the State Department wrote Thursday in a viral post on X. "They must be rejected across the West. The United States sends our condolences to the family of Henry Nowak and the people of the United Kingdom at this troubling time." It was the first time the Trump administration commented publicly on the horrific stabbing, and Vice President JD Vance weighed in not even 24 hours later to claim the killing and treatment of Nowak proves that western civilization is at risk. In December 2025, Nowak was returning home from a night playing soccer with friends in the southern England city of Southampton when he encountered 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, a British Sikh man of Indian heritage wearing a turban and carrying a long ceremonial knife. Nowak was later handcuffed by police after Digwa claimed the student was racist against him, and police refused to believe him when he said he was stabbed. He died while in police custody. "Henry Nowak died the same way a civilization dies: abandoned, handcuffed by authorities who neither trusted nor cared for him, and accused of hate crimes he did not commit," Vance wrote on X in a lengthy post addressing the overseas crime. "His murder is as tragic as it is enraging," the vice president continued. "He should still be alive today, and he would be if the last few generations of European elites had stood their ground against the politics of self-hatred and the mass invasion of migrants, many of whom despise the West and the people who love it." He reiterated how a top priority of the Trump administration is working to preserve western civilization by stopping mass migration. ENGLISH COPS CUFFED TEEN STABBING VICTIM AFTER ATTACKER CLAIMED RACIAL ASSAULT Nowak filmed the initial encounter, where he called Digwa a "bad man." "I am a bad man," Digwa replied, taking offense to the comment. He then stabbed the student five times, including a fatal wound to his chest. What came next sparked worldwide outrage while Digwa, now convicted of murder, was on trial in May. Body cameras worn by officers show Digwa alleging racial abuse and claiming Nowak removed his turban. The police took Digwa's word, and handcuffed Nowak when they located him. Footage shows Nowak lying on the ground, repeatedly telling officers he couldn't breathe. When Nowak told officers he had been stabbed, one is heard dimissing him with: "Don't think you have, mate." The young student bled to death in police custody. DAN GAINOR: THE ENGLAND WE LOVE IS LOST. IF WE DON’T CHANGE, AMERICA WILL BE, TOO It was later revealed that Digwa called his mother, Kiran Kaur, who arrived at the crime scene before the police so she could take the murder weapon to their family home and hide it. She was recently found guilty of assisting an offender and will be sentenced July 17. Digwa was sentenced on June 1 to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. UK ACTOR IDRIS ELBA SUGGESTS KITCHEN KNIVES BE BLUNTED, OTHERS BANNED TO PREVENT STABBINGS Carrying knives in Britain is a heavily regulated practice, and certain types of knives are banned entirely. Digwa's knife was considered an exception due to his religious beliefs, which also fanned the flames of the controversy surrounding the murder. British law has a provision allowing Sikhs to carry kirpans, which are ceremonial religious knives. In Digwa's case, he was carrying an eight-inch blade. The country's tightening speech laws have also come to the forefront, with critics arguing that police in Nowak's case were too blinded by the report of racism to notice he had been mortally wounded. Since the Online Safety Act of 2023 took effect, swaths of Britons have been jailed for internet posts deemed racist by authorities. AMERICA STILL CAN'T PUT DOWN THE RACE CARD. AND IT'S THE SHAME OF OUR NATION Police eventually apologized for the way the stabbing was handled. "I want to say that I am sorry that Henry couldn't be saved that night. I'm sorry that he was handcuffed and arrested in the moments before he lost consciousness," Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France of the Hampshire Constabulary said, according to Sky News. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Miss., also responded amid the controversy. "Britain has a regime willing to jail people for tweets, but unwilling to protect its own citizens from bleeding out in the street," he said in response to the State Department's post. "Henry Nowak deserved better. That is what civilizational decline looks like. This is the future the Left is trying to import. We have to stop it." So did SpaceX founder and former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk, who posted multiple times about the case. "Send the video to everyone you know showing how heinously Nowak was treated by the police in his dying moments and how the police cravenly kowtowed to his murderer," he said in one post that was viewed 28 million times. "Legacy mainstream media, same ones who wrote about George Floyd millions of times, are dead silent about Nowak." "The West has created an utterly evil state religion where an accusation of 'racism' is the gravest offense that can be committed, even worse than rape or murder!" he said in another, "So if police show up at a crime scene and a British boy is bleeding out and an immigrant says the British boy is racist the cops will cuff the dying British boy." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a231113ee6011c3f4eb3889 Top Democrats back Platner despite abuse allegations after demanding accountability in Kavanaugh fight te 2026-06-05T18:10:27.052Z Top Democrats back Platner despite abuse allegations after demanding accountability in Kavanaugh fight Prominent Democrats who once argued misconduct allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh warranted investigation and public scrutiny are taking a different approach after abuse allegations surfaced against Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. Multiple former girlfriends of Platner, who is running to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, described troubling conduct to The New York Times, with one former girlfriend accusing him of physical aggression during their relationship. Platner has denied the allegations and called them politically motivated. Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of Platner's highest-profile supporters, declined to comment on the allegations, while Sen. Chris Coons said to CNN on Thursday he was extending Platner "a measure of grace" while adding, "I think it's important that anyone who is a candidate to serve in the Senate, or who serves in the Senate, be held accountable for their conduct." GRAHAM PLATNER DENIES DAMNING NEW REPORT ALLEGING ABUSE AS 'SIMPLY NOT TRUE' Other top Democrats have either remained silent or continued backing Platner's campaign despite the allegations. The response marks a contrast from prior years, when many of the same Democratic lawmakers argued allegations against Republican figures, including Kavanaugh and President Donald Trump, warranted public scrutiny, investigation and accountability. According to the New York Times report, former girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield alleged that Platner regularly grabbed her by the shoulders, sometimes hard enough to leave marks, and on one occasion yanked her from a taxi by her wrist. Fifield also alleged that during an argument, Platner twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom and held the door shut so she could not leave. DEM SENATOR BANKROLLING PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN RIPPED FOR DOWNPLAYING ABUSE ALLEGATIONS FROM EX-GIRLFRIEND "There are some allegations in this piece that are simply not true. Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of somebody politically motivated," Platner told MS Now Thursday. "That is not true." Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who is scheduled to campaign with Platner on Friday, reaffirmed his support. Before the latest allegations surfaced, reports already had revealed Platner had exchanged sexually explicit messages with multiple women while married. Rather than distancing themselves from the candidate, top Democrats continued to support his Senate bid. SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER SENT EXPLICIT TEXTS TO MULTIPLE WOMEN WHILE MARRIED, WIFE SAYS: REPORT "At the beginning of our marriage, I made mistakes, and Amy held me accountable for them," Platner said of the messages, referring to his wife, Amy Gertner. Platner flew to Washington Tuesday to meet with Democratic senators and address the sexting scandal. "I'm very optimistic we're going to win Maine," Gillibrand, who leads the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), said after meeting with Platner. Democrats reportedly asked Platner during a closed-door meeting whether any other controversies would emerge about his personal life, and Platner said they would not. The physical abuse allegations did not become public until Thursday.  "He lied to everybody," Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., told reporters. "He said that there wasn't any after his Nazi tattoo situation, and now there's more and more other things." "So I assume, you know, it's like they say, for every ranch you see in Texas, there are 50 that you haven't seen. So I'm sure there are plenty more ranches in P Hustle's life." After Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault in 2018, Sanders argued the allegation was serious and warranted further investigation before a Senate vote. "The Senate should not vote on this nomination until that investigation is completed," Sanders said at the time. Sen. Elizabeth Warren similarly demanded scrutiny of allegations against Kavanaugh, arguing Ford deserved to be heard and calling for a delay in the confirmation process. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, one of the Senate's most outspoken advocates on sexual misconduct issues, also backed Ford's allegations being fully examined during the confirmation fight. Gillibrand said at the time that Ford's account raised serious concerns about Kavanaugh's fitness for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer likewise called for Kavanaugh's confirmation process to be delayed after Ford's allegations became public, arguing the claims warranted additional scrutiny before the Senate proceeded with a vote. Schumer repeatedly sidestepped questions about the sexting controversy after meeting with Platner in Washington, responding, "We're going to beat Susan Collins and take back the Senate." When pressed further, Schumer declined to elaborate and asked reporters, "Any other subject?" Fox News Digital has reached out to the above Democratic senators and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for comment on the latest allegations and none replied before publication of this story. Platner's campaign also did not return a request for additional comment. Not all progressives have stood by Platner. Cheyenne Hunt, leader of the youth advocacy group Gen Z For Change, withdrew her endorsement of Platner after the allegations became public.  Hunt, who previously organized against former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., over sexual assault allegations, said political considerations should not outweigh accountability. "We have the responsibility to do what is right even when it's politically inconvenient," Hunt said in a video posted to social media. "Women cannot be an acceptable sacrifice for the next election." Platner has maintained that he did not know the tattoo resembled the Nazi-linked Totenkopf symbol until reporters began scrutinizing it during his Senate campaign in 2025.  Fifield, who dated Platner from 2013 to 2015, told The New York Times that Platner referred to the tattoo as "my Totenkopf" and was aware of its meaning years earlier. Platner has denied that claim. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230f3cee6011c3f4eb382e Eli Straub becomes youngest Sedona Canyons 125 finisher, sets sights on Cocodona 250 te 2026-06-05T18:02:36.490Z Eli Straub becomes youngest Sedona Canyons 125 finisher, sets sights on Cocodona 250 The 15-year-old looks to break age records in more races after finishing the Sedona Canyons 125. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230f26ee6011c3f4eb3825 National Weather Service issues Fire Weather Watch for Flagstaff on Sunday te 2026-06-05T18:02:14.973Z National Weather Service issues Fire Weather Watch for Flagstaff on Sunday The Fire Weather Watch for the Flagstaff area and much of the rest of northern Arizona begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday through 8 p.m. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230ef7ee6011c3f4eb37ff Kyle Busch's wife, Samantha, breaks silence two weeks after NASCAR driver's stunning death te 2026-06-05T18:01:27.373Z Kyle Busch's wife, Samantha, breaks silence two weeks after NASCAR driver's stunning death Samantha Busch, the wife of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, made her first public comments Friday, just over two weeks after his stunning death. Busch, 41, died May 21 after a battle with pneumonia turned into sepsis. The two-time NASCAR champion collapsed during a simulator session ahead of the Coca-Cola 600, and was rushed to the hospital. He died the next day. A private memorial was held for Busch earlier this week. Samantha Busch took to Instagram Friday for the first time since her husband's death, thanking fans for their support in a lengthy post: NASCAR, RACING WORLD REACTS TO KYLE BUSCH'S SHOCKING DEATH AT 41: 'CANNOT COMPREHEND THIS NEWS' "As a family, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives. While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you. "The love that has surrounded our family during this unimaginable time has brought comfort in the middle of so much pain. Knowing the impact Kyle had on others and seeing how they are honoring him through each unique act of generosity is a true testament to how special Kyle is to so many people. "There are moments when the weight of this loss feels impossible to carry, yet time and time again God, through you all, has shown us we are not alone. From family and friends to fans and complete strangers, thank you for showing up for us. Thank you for loving our family so well. Thank you for loving Kyle. Thank you for honoring him. "We may never find the words to fully express what your support has meant to us, but please know that we are deeply grateful." Busch was a two-time Cup champion and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer. He'd been in the Cup Series since 2004, making 762 career starts with 63 wins. The 41-year-old won the championship in 2015 and 2019, and had 234 victories across all three NASCAR national series. Busch is the all-time record-holder for wins in both the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (102) and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (69). Busch's 234th and final NASCAR win came at Dover one week before his death, when he led 147 laps in a dominating Truck Series victory. "You never know when the last one is," Busch said after the win. Busch made his mark in NASCAR during his time with Joe Gibbs Racing, where he spent the majority of his career and won the two championships. He left JGR for Richard Childress Racing after the 2022 season, and won three times during his first season. Busch's last Cup Series win came in June 2023. While he struggled for much of this season, he did start on the pole in February's Daytona 500 and was coming off a season-best finish of eighth four weeks ago at Watkins Glen. Kyle's 11-year-old son, Brexton, returned to the racetrack earlier this week for the first time since his dad's death. Richard Childress Racing announced last month that Busch's No. 8 would be suspended permanently unless Brexton wanted to use it should he enter the series. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230edeee6011c3f4eb37c5 Az man accused of threatening the president made similar threats, trial witness says te 2026-06-05T18:01:02.491Z Az man accused of threatening the president made similar threats, trial witness says Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230ecaee6011c3f4eb37bc Former Trump adviser John Bolton to plead guilty to classified documents charge te 2026-06-05T18:00:42.495Z Former Trump adviser John Bolton to plead guilty to classified documents charge Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230c8eee6011c3f4eb376c Sunny Hostin breaks with 'The View' co-hosts, calls America a ‘failed experiment’ te 2026-06-05T17:51:10.733Z Sunny Hostin breaks with 'The View' co-hosts, calls America a ‘failed experiment’ Sunny Hostin said America was a "failed experiment" Friday on "The View" as the panel debated President Donald Trump, national pride and America's approaching 250th anniversary. Hostin said her criticism went beyond embarrassment with the current administration. "Why I am conflicted about this country because I feel that it is at this point a failed experiment, quite frankly," Hostin said. "I am also discouraged by how this country is viewed by the rest of the world." The comment came after the co-hosts discussed Trump's plan to host a UFC event on the White House lawn as part of America's 250th birthday celebration. The conversation turned to whether Americans could be ashamed of Trump and his policies while still feeling proud of the country. WHOOPI GOLDBERG ARGUES AMERICA IS 'DE-BALLED' AND UNSERIOUS ON THE WORLD STAGE Hostin listed several reasons she said she was embarrassed by the United States. "I’m embarrassed at our government," Hostin said. "I’m embarrassed at our lack of healthcare. I’m embarrassed on the assault on the press. I’m embarrassed of our Congress. I’m embarrassed by the criminal felon president that is in the Oval Office that has a UFC cage on the White House lawn." She said the country's global standing was also part of her concern. "I’m embarrassed about all those things and I’m also embarrassed at how America is now seen across the globe," Hostin said. SUNNY HOSTIN BLAMES AMERICA AFTER CRITICS SAY SHE BRINGS UP RACE TOO OFTEN: 'EVERYTHING IS ABOUT RACE' "I don’t think that many Americans understand that we are part of a wonderful global community, and when you look at our ally, our allies are now giving us a one-star rating as a country." Alyssa Farah Griffin pressed Hostin on whether she believed the country could recover. "You think it’s beyond redemption at this point?" Griffin asked. Hostin reiterated that the country was not merely struggling, but failing. COMEDIAN SAYS AMERICAN PRIDE IS BACK: 'IT FEELS LIKE WE HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO IS PUTTING AMERICA FIRST' "I think at this point it is failing," Hostin said. When Griffin asked whether elections or a change in leadership could bring the country back, Hostin referenced a private conversation with former President Bill Clinton. "I spoke to President Clinton when he was here off camera, and he believes that it’s going to take this country decades to recover from what has been done," Hostin said. Hostin's comments contrasted with the rest of the panel, who criticized Trump and the government but said they remained proud of America. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Ana Navarro said she could separate her view of the country from her view of the current government. "I think you can separate feeling proud of America, feeling proud of being an American, feeling proud of the exceptionalism and resilience of this country and feeling really ashamed and embarrassed and horrified by the American government right now," Navarro said. "So, yes, yes, dammit, I am ashamed of it, but I will never stop being proud of being an American," Navarro said. Sarah Haines also said she remained proud of the country while calling it imperfect. "It’s an imperfect social experiment and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else," Haines said. Griffin said she counted herself among Americans who were proud of the country. "Count me among the two-thirds of Americans who are very proud to be American," Griffin said. "I don’t think that means you can’t acknowledge our country has tremendous flaws and call this country an experiment in democracy because it’s not guaranteed." The White House responded to Hostin's remarks in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Sunny Hostin is an extremely unlikable, talentless hack with a poorly rated TV show who clearly suffers from a severe and incurable disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome," White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said. "I lose brain cells every single time I have the displeasure of hearing her speak." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230c76ee6011c3f4eb3735 GM’s electric future depends on a new battery — and this building te 2026-06-05T17:50:46.654Z GM’s electric future depends on a new battery — and this building GM wants to slash EV prices by deploying new battery tech up to a year earlier than planned. This building is key to making that happen. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230c61ee6011c3f4eb3729 Tucson DACA recipient's removal proceedings dismissed by judge te 2026-06-05T17:50:25.220Z Tucson DACA recipient's removal proceedings dismissed by judge A Tucson DACA recipient who was detained without a warrant and held for three days returned home after an immigration judge dismissed her removal proceedings, but her attorney warned the fight is not over. Karla Toledo was taken from her home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on May 18 without a warrant. Toledo was temporarily held at the regional ICE field office for 12 hours before being transferred to the Eloy Detention Center. Toledo returned home after being in detention for three full days. While Toledo was in custody, the Department of Homeland Security released a statement claiming Toledo entered the country illegally and that she assaulted an officer while being detained. Toledo's attorney, Mo Goldman, disputed both claims during a Tuesday news conference, citing documentation that allowed Toledo to travel outside the U.S. and noting that available video footage from her home showed no clear evidence of an assault on an ICE officer. "What I hold here is an order from the immigration judge, signed by Judge Irene Feldman, that says that Karla Toledo's removal proceedings have been dismissed," Goldman said. Goldman had filed a motion Monday to dismiss removal proceedings against Toledo, while ICE was in the process of filing a separate motion to dismiss the case without prejudice. "That means they can come back and get her again. We cannot stand for that," Goldman said. "(Karla) was the victim of circumstance. She was a year old when she came to the United States. She's had DACA protection since October 31, 2012. She is everything that is right about this country. She's somebody that we need in this country." Your membership pays emerging journalists to cover Southern Arizona the way it deserves. Karla Toledo and attorney Mo Goldman after the dismissal of her removal proceedings Tuesday, June 2. Topacio "Topaz" Servellon / Tucson Spotlight. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, recipients have protection from deportation and two-year-renewable work permits if said recipients maintain a clean criminal record. While Toledo has valid DACA paperwork for now, it is set to expire next month and her renewal paperwork is still processing. "I am full of emotion," Toledo said Tuesday. "I'm really grateful to my community, who have shown up for me, but I'm still really nervous about the outcomes." The current immigration landscape in the U.S. continues to shift unexpectedly. The Trump administration recently announced that individuals applying for a green card must leave the country and reapply through their American consulate, unless they have an "extraordinary" exception. Goldman said the Trump administration has argued that DACA recipients have no legal protections against deportation, claiming that the "deferred action" portion of the DACA acronym explicitly states the deferment of deportation. "DACA applications are being dragged. They have tens of thousands of applications for new DACAs that they're not processing. They're just sitting on these applications. It's a shame. We need to put more and more pressure on the government to do the right thing," Goldman said. Goldman said an expired DACA leaves Toledo without legal protections and potentially unable to work legally, forcing people into situations the government claims to oppose. He called it bad policy that harms both individuals and the broader community. Toledo spoke about her experience being processed at the Eloy Detention Center. "I was in a room with 33 women, and one bathroom. Your privacy ends when you enter detention," Toledo said. "I was there for 18 hours. There are only a few benches, no bed or blankets. We slept on the floor or on the benches. They never told us how long we'd be there. If they would have told us we'd be there for a day, then the anxiety wouldn't have been so high." Tucson City Councilmember Kevin Dahl shows his support for Karla Toledo at a rally demanding her release. Topacio "Topaz" Servellon / Tucson Spotlight. Toledo said treatment from correction officers varied, with some less welcoming toward detainees who didn't speak English, a gap she filled by interpreting for the women she met there. Eloy Detention Center's Voluntary Work Program offers detained individuals $1 a day to work jobs including laundry and food service. Toledo said that dollar-a-day wage is often the only way detainees can afford to contact their families. "The conditions, apart from the way they treated us, were horrible," she said. Despite her ordeal, Toledo said she plans to continue her work with the Tucson Language Justice Collective. “Being involved in the community, helping those as well that helped me. There's a lot of opportunities for being that voice for people,” Toledo said. Executive Director of Scholarships A-Z Carolina Silva was present at the May 18 rally demanding Toledo's release and again at her court hearing Tuesday. "It feels like a huge relief, of course, but I think part of me is really hesitant to celebrate this one, because I feel that they could continue to come after her," Silva said. "While I am glad at the moment, I don't necessarily know if the battle is over, and I'm really terrified for the rest of our community that is also right in limbo, also waiting for their DACA to be renewed. I feel like we're always having to look over our shoulders and continue being vigilant." Local representatives also expressed their support for Toledo, including Tucson City Councilmember Kevin Dahl, whose ward Toledo lives in. "Karla is a valued member of our community. She's been in my office doing Spanish-English translations for nonprofit groups that are trying to improve the lives of people in my ward," Dahl said. "These (individuals) are not deplorables, they're not criminals. (ICE is) getting rid of some of the best citizens (and) they're doing it indiscriminately. I'm with the group that says 'ICE out.' They're not doing us any favors." A card displayed in the spokes of a bicycle at La Rosa Ride, a FUGA solidarity event supporting Karla Toledo and those detained at the Eloy Detention Center. Topacio "Topaz" Servellon / Tucson Spotlight. U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva echoed that sentiment in a press release. "While I am very happy for Karla and her family, they should have never had to go through this incredibly traumatic ordeal," Grijalva said. "Karla's case underscores the cruelty of this administration's mass deportation agenda, which is now targeting DACA recipients … We should be providing DREAMers like Karla with a clear pathway to citizenship. Instead, this administration is terrorizing our communities, separating families, and targeting people who have spent their lives contributing to the only country they have ever called home." Community support for Toledo extended beyond the rally and press conference. Last Friday, bike-riding group Familias Unidas Ganando Accesibilidad (Families United Gaining Accessibility), or FUGA, turned their monthly Friday Southside bike ride into an opportunity to support Eloy detainees. La Rosa Ride coincided with a Spanish-language book drive to be donated to the Eloy Detention Center, hosted by groups including the office of Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, Sunnyside Foundation and Common Defense. Members of the ride wore red, "a symbol of dignity, remembrance, resistance, and love beyond borders," according to FUGA's Instagram post. "We came together in July of 2018 during the time of the first Trump administration, and there was so much fear … a lot of mistrust between our community, and we wanted to use the bicycle as a way to connect, as a way to organize, as a way to dream," said Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz. "We see the continued attacks on our communities, the continuation of violence against our immigrant families, against our mixed status families … we're going to continue to stand up." Toledo was at the event, expressing gratitude to the community and urging other DACA recipients to keep proof of their status readily accessible, including character letters, education certificates and other documentation stored somewhere like Google Drive. "I have received a lot of support from the community ... Everyone stepped up and showed (me) what community is, and I love that about Tucson," Toledo said. "It is really hard to just act like nothing happened, but … being active in the community, being with the community, I feel like that's going to keep me going." Topacio “Topaz” Servellon is a reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact them at topacioserve@gmail.com. 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/6a230a0aee6011c3f4eb36b6 As VC-backed e-bike startups went bankrupt, bootstrapped Lectric grew te 2026-06-05T17:40:26.484Z As VC-backed e-bike startups went bankrupt, bootstrapped Lectric grew Lectric, which says the U.S. market is ripe for competition and choice, has launched three new brands in the past six months. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23058aee6011c3f4eb360a 2026 NBA Finals: New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs Game 2 best bets for the total and a player prop te 2026-06-05T17:21:15.024Z 2026 NBA Finals: New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs Game 2 best bets for the total and a player prop The New York Knicks stole Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals by rallying back from a 14-point second-half deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 Monday. San Antonio is a heavy favorite to even the series. At FanDuel, the Spurs have a -225 moneyline and are -6.5 (-106) favorites on a 215.5 total as of 12:45 p.m. ET Friday. If I had to take a side, I’d take New York +6, down to +5. Since I gave out NYK to win the title (+170), and by at least 1.5 games (+270), before the 2026 NBA Finals started, I’m not betting San Antonio as a favorite in any game this series. KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS CREDITS LATE MOTHER FOR CALM FEELING HE HAD IN THRILLING GAME 1 OF NBA FINALS What’s holding me back from taking the points with the Knicks is the profitable trend of betting the heavy home favorite in Game 2 after they lost the series opener. Usually, the home team rolls in Game 2. Nevertheless, I decided to handicap the total, and I’m betting the UNDER 215.5 for Knicks-Spurs Game 2, down to +212, and here is why. Look, I understand the logic behind betting the Over in Game 2. You’re zigzagging on the Game 1 result, which went way Under the 217.5 total with the Knicks winning 105-95. The "zigzag theory" is an old-school NBA playoff handicapping angle where you bet the opposite of what happened in the game before. SPURS EXPECTED TO BOUNCE BACK IN GAME 2 AGAINST KNICKS AFTER BLOWING LATE LEAD IN SERIES OPENER Also, maybe both teams had the jitters in Game 1 and will shoot better in their second night in the same gym for Game 2. The series opener had a fast pace, and better shooting should help the Over Friday. Yet, Game 1 going Under despite its fast pace has more to do with these teams playing championship-level defenses than shooting variance. There were 50+ points scored in just one of the four quarters Monday. San Antonio forced Jalen Brunson into difficult shots. New York bigs Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson defended Victor Wembanyama well. These teams have elite defensive wings who played a big role in Brunson and Wemby shooting poorly in the series opener. NYK wings Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, a.k.a. Wingstop, lock down Spurs wing Stephon Castle and PG De’Aaron Fox. They swipe at the ball whenever Wembanyama tries to beat one of their teammates off the dribble. Castle and San Antonio forward Julian Champagnie trade possessions defending Brunson. Plus, I see these games turning into "rock-fights" more than "shootouts" as this series progresses. While I cannot "coach my own bets," I can tell you that the Spurs are better off slowing these games down. Their offense isn’t good enough to get into a shootout with the Knicks, who will be content to slow it down because they have a much better half-court offense. NBA STAR LONZO BALL DECLARES JALEN BRUNSON 'THE BEST KNICK TO DO IT' AMID NEW YORK'S NBA FINALS RUN There won’t be a lot of "easy buckets" either. Both have low offensive turnover rates and high defensive rebounding rates, which should reduce the points off turnovers and second-chance points. Finally, I’m waiting until closer to tip-off before locking in a bet on the Under. The total might go up further because the public likes to bet Overs, and most of the action comes in the hour before the game. This is one of the few NBA games where the public moves the number since it’s the finals and the Knicks are in it. _____________________________ _____________________________ 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/6a230577ee6011c3f4eb3601 YouTuber sparks outrage after announcing he and wife terminated pregnancy over Down syndrome diagnosis te 2026-06-05T17:20:55.122Z YouTuber sparks outrage after announcing he and wife terminated pregnancy over Down syndrome diagnosis YouTuber Jesse Ridgway and his wife revealed this week they terminated a pregnancy after learning their unborn child had Down syndrome, sharing an emotional account of what they described as one of the most difficult decisions of their lives. Ridgway announced the diagnosis and their decision in a Wednesday post on X, saying they wrestled with the choice after doctors informed them their baby was likely to be born with the genetic condition.  "This week, my wife and I made the very difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy due to Trisomy 21," Ridgway wrote. "The choice was not made lightly. We really appreciate all of the personal stories that you guys shared with us, especially the unconditional support we received from fans with no matter what we decided."  Ridgway, whose YouTube channel McJuggerNuggets has more than 4 million followers, had kept followers in the loop during his wife Ashley's pregnancy. He posted a video to his personal channel where they read the confirmation of the Trisomy 21 diagnosis, and his wife wept over the news. FAMILY WITH DOWN SYNDROME SON WENT FROM SHOCK TO GRATITUDE: 'LOST THE AIR IN MY CHEST' He acknowledged that some fans might be disappointed to hear that his wife had an abortion, and thanked others for their support. "I know some of you may be very disappointed to hear this news," Ridgway wrote. "We are devastated. This has been extremely traumatic for both of us, especially Ashley. She underwent the procedure earlier this week and is on the mend. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, but emotionally we are drained."  He listed Down syndrome statistics, saying that half of babies with the condition have heart defects, 75% have hearing issues, and that half will also have eyesight challenges, adding that "impaired immune function, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, delayed physical development, poor muscle tone, structural issues with face, decreased lifespan," are also challenges.  "Sadly, the list is long, feel free to look it up… Down Syndome [sic] isn’t a ‘blessing,’ it is objectively s----y from a health perspective," Ridgway wrote. POP STAR ZARA LARSSON SPARKS OUTRAGE AFTER JOKING ABOUT FAN'S ABORTION The announcement went viral on X, formerly Twitter, prompting an onslaught of concern and pushback.  In a Friday post on X, House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote, "In 29 days, we will celebrate the 250th birthday of our exceptional nation, which became the greatest of all because we were the first to declare the self-evident truth that all people are created equal by God. Not ‘born equal.’ We are ‘CREATED equal.’ Because God made us all in His image, it means EVERY SINGLE PERSON has inestimable DIGNITY and VALUE—and our value is not related in any way to the color of our skin, what zip code we live in, what our talents are, our health condition, or any other factor."  Johnson added, "Our value is inherent, because it is given to us by our loving Heavenly Father. When a culture devolves to the point of depravity where ‘influencers’ can go online and so casually dismiss the deliberate murder of their own precious child, the survival of that culture itself is at risk." NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK SPARKS OUTRAGE FOR CALLING ABORTION A ‘SUPERPOWER’ Former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson shared her dismay in a Thursday reply on X. "Holy crap. Just out here boasting about murdering a beautiful child with no remorse," Johnson said. "Your baby was brutally and torturously murdered in his mother’s womb… the place that should have been the safest," she added. "I hope you think about his fear as he was torn apart. I hope you think about his pain. Meanwhile, you’re saving your dog with cancer. What a monster of a man you are." The Babylon Bee's Kyle Mann called him "evil." ROGAN WARNS OF US ‘POPULATION COLLAPSE’ DUE TO TOXIC CHEMICALS AND DELAYED PARENTHOOD TANK BIRTH RATES Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, replied to Ridgway’s post where someone responded, "Who are you to judge?" and Hemingway replied, "Just a human who cares about human rights." Wrote another user: "My son has Down syndrome and he's one of the best things that ever happened to me. The list of conditions sounds terrifying at first, but modern medicine can do so much for them. If you ever get a positive screening, I promise you won't regret welcoming your child." While some responses expressed sympathy to the Ridgways, the overwhelming amount of comments on YouTube and X to Ridgway appeared to show anger and grief. In a post responding to critics, Ridgway wrote in part, "I’ve never seen such hate and vitriol for two people grieving the loss of their unborn child and making an impossible decision. The last 24 hours have exposed a side of humanity that is deeply disturbing. Being called 'murderous pieces of s---, evil, compared to Hitler' and receiving NON-STOP DEATH THREATS." He added, "The reason this blew up is quite simple: IT’S BECAUSE NOBODY TALKS ABOUT IT. I can’t blame people for not talking about these vulnerable experiences publicly because you see the disgusting backlash that ensues. It’s very divisive. Luckily, after 20 years on the Internet, this is par the course for me taking on the crazies, so I’m glad I can help further the conversation." Fox News Digital reached out to Ridgway for additional comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23055fee6011c3f4eb35ca The most interesting startups right now want to get you off your phone te 2026-06-05T17:20:31.041Z The most interesting startups right now want to get you off your phone While the AI fundraising machine keeps breaking its own records, some founders are building in the other direction.  Mirror founder Brynn Putnam just raised money for Board, a startup focused on bringing people together through in-person games and social experiences. Cyberdeck creators are going vir Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23032eee6011c3f4eb3587 Spencer Pratt loses ground to Democrat while Hilton maintains lead in latest California ballot batch drop te 2026-06-05T17:11:10.492Z Spencer Pratt loses ground to Democrat while Hilton maintains lead in latest California ballot batch drop Former reality star Spencer Pratt’s lead over Councilwoman Nithya Raman in the Los Angeles mayoral contest narrowed Thursday, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton maintained a lead over Democratic candidates Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. Following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, California’s key elections have taken on national significance, serving as critical testing grounds for the future of progressive leadership. Pratt, a registered Republican, remains behind incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass for a chance to advance to the November general election. Bass has already secured enough votes to advance. With 163,549 votes in Los Angeles' latest tabulation, Pratt maintains a near 6% lead on Raman, who has 130,473 votes, according to the Thursday vote count from Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder and the County Clerk. A Fox News Digital review of an archived version of Los Angeles' official vote tally shows that Raman gained over 10,000 votes in the latest count compared to under 6,000 for Pratt. At the previous count, Pratt had 157,116 votes compared to Raman's 119,809. LA CITY COUNCILWOMAN PREVIOUSLY BACKED BY DSA RUNNING FOR MAYOR IN PRIMARY CHALLENGE TO BASS CALIFORNIA ELECTION RESULTS STILL UNDECIDED AS LOS ANGELES BEGINS COUNTING BALLOTS In the governor's race, Republican Steve Hilton maintained a slim lead over former Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. Hilton has 1,533,435 votes as of Friday afternoon, according to the California Secretary of State. Becerra is behind with 1,470,100 votes. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer trails both with 1,139,517 votes.  HILTON, BECERRA IN THE LEAD WITH VOTES STILL BEING COUNTED IN BATTLE FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR Like the mayoral race, if no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the gubernatorial race, the top two candidates will advance to a November runoff. While California's polls closed on June 2, it could take weeks for results to be final. The state did not have its official final results from the 2024 election until state Secretary of State Shirley Weber certified the election results in December, 38 days later. A bipartisan bill has since passed in 2025 requiring "non-problematic" votes to be counted within 13 days. The state leads the nation in mail-in ballots, with 81% of voters sending their choices by post in 2024, nearly double the national average of 43% for 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. EDITOR'S NOTE: This report has been updated with statewide vote totals in the California governor's race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a23031aee6011c3f4eb3570 Schumer rips Senate Republicans for passing billions in ICE and Border Patrol funding in late-night vote te 2026-06-05T17:10:50.080Z Schumer rips Senate Republicans for passing billions in ICE and Border Patrol funding in late-night vote Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., slammed Senate Republicans after most of them voted to pass a bill to green light billions of dollars in funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The measure passed 52-47, mostly along party lines, though one Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined Democrats in voting against passage. "Tonight, Senate Republicans passed a rotten bill that makes their priorities painfully clear: more money for Donald Trump, more power for Donald Trump, and nothing to lower costs for working families. Republicans refused to permanently outlaw Trump’s $2 billion slush fund, leaving taxpayers to rely on nothing more than a promise from Donald Trump’s personal fixer. That is not accountability. That is a permission slip," Schumer said in a statement. TRUMP SCORES VICTORY DESPITE GROWING GOP DIVIDE AFTER SENATE PASSES $70B ICE, BORDER PATROL FUNDING PACKAGE "They pumped another $70 billion into Trump’s personal police force, defended Trump’s corrupt ballroom, and protected his slush fund for cop-beaters— all while voting against Senate Democrats’ efforts to lower the cost of housing, health care, gas, and childcare," Schumer continued. "The Republican agenda is now written in black and white: a slush fund for Trump, tax dodges for Trump, a ballroom for Trump, and a private militia for Trump. For hard-working Americans? Nothing. Democrats are fighting to put money back in Americans’ pockets. Republicans are fighting to put more power, more money, and more weapons in Donald Trump’s hands." The Justice Department said in a statement last month "that as a part of the settlement agreement in President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, the Attorney General established 'The Anti-Weaponization Fund' to provide a systematic process to hear and redress claims of others who suffered weaponization and lawfare." The DOJ explained, "The Fund will receive $1.776 billion and will come from the judgment fund, which is a perpetual appropriation allowing DOJ to settle and pay cases." DOZEN GOP REBELS FAIL TO PERMANENTLY KILL TRUMP'S CONTROVERSIAL $2B FUND During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said that the DOJ will never move forward with the plan for the anti-weaponization fund, which he said had not been "set up yet," noting that no commissioners had been named and no claims had been made yet. ACTING AG BLANCHE REVEALS FATE OF TRUMP'S 'ANTI-WEAPONIZATION FUND' UNDER PRESSURE FROM HOUSE LAWMAKERS "After tonight’s vote, it’s clear to Americans that Republicans refused to outlaw Donald Trump’s $2 billion slush fund," Schumer said in another statement released by Senate Democrats. "Now the whole country can see the truth: Republicans fought like hell to protect Donald Trump and his slush fund but didn’t lift a finger to help working Americans lower their costs." "Senate Republicans tried to bury their radical agenda in the dead of night, but Democrats forced them to answer for it — amendment after amendment, vote after vote. Republicans voted against building 7 million new affordable homes, against lowering gas prices, against cracking down on health insurance companies that deny Americans coverage, against making childcare more affordable, and so much more. Again and again, Republicans chose Trump instead. While families are struggling to get ahead, Senate Republicans just voted to help Trump bleed them dry," Schumer added. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. The package would still need to clear the House of Representatives before heading to President Donald Trump. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a230300ee6011c3f4eb3532 Sunnyside High students unveil environmental justice mural te 2026-06-05T17:10:24.253Z Sunnyside High students unveil environmental justice mural Students at Sunnyside High School unveiled a mural last month that turns a classroom question about land and water into a permanent statement about environmental justice on Tucson's south side. The mural, titled "Our Future is the Land and Water," represents the importance of water on native land and aims to raise awareness of environmental issues that have long affected Tucson's south side. It serves as a reminder of the community's relationship with the land, a theme that carried through speeches at the May 5 unveiling and a video series documenting the mural's creation. Muralist Celina Corral, known as La Loteria, guided students through the painting and design process. The project was supported by the University of Arizona College of Education and Youth of United New Generations, with funding from the office of Ward 1 Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz. At the start of the process, students were asked what land and water meant to them, then worked together to translate each answer into a section of the mural. Sunnyside High School Principal Stephanie Ponce told attendees she was grateful to the students, teachers and partner organizations for their work on the project. "They're all amazing kids in their own right, they all come from different backgrounds and interests but when they come together there's something beautiful," she said. Southern Arizona news written by journalists who live it. Free in your inbox. Sunnyside High School students work on "Our Future is the Land and Water" under the guidance of muralist Celina Corral, known as La Loteria. Courtesy of Sunnyside Unified School District. A student named Marco who participated in the project called it a "life lesson" and expressed gratitude to Caren Zimmerman, a Sunnyside teacher who was the driving force of the project. "I love it and hope you guys can, too," Marco said of the mural. "I saw it as a different experience for me because I was used to being removed from anything that had to do with creative ideas." University of Arizona College of Education Dean Regina Deil-Amen congratulated students on their work, reminding attendees of the importance of creative arts in education. "You are all an inspiration to me when I think about what you've produced," Deil-Amen said. "You identified a challenge, a problem, an issue in your community and you decided to research it and take action. This art is a representation of that action." Ward 1 Community Outreach Coordinator Giselle Taylor said when students submitted their proposal roughly a year and a half ago, the team was drawn to the project's focus on process and community building. "At its core, environmental justice means that everyone, regardless of income, race, or neighborhood has equal access to clean air, water and a healthy environment," Taylor said. "What this team has done is really powerful, they took something that can often feel very invisible and made it visible." The mural will be on permanent display in the Sunnyside High School auditorium, serving as a symbol of the class of 2026's commitment to community and creativity. Emma Diaz is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist based in Tucson. 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/6a2300ccee6011c3f4eb34db How much baggage will Democrats accept from Maine's Graham Platner? te 2026-06-05T17:01:00.335Z How much baggage will Democrats accept from Maine's Graham Platner? How much are Democrats willing to take to continue their support of Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner? So far, they’ve accepted that he has a Nazi tattoo. They’ve accepted that he has posted in online forums in 2013 that rape victims should take accountability and in 2020 called rural Americans "stupid" and "racist." As late as 2019, he was posting that U.S. Army Pfc. Ted Daniels, who had been shot in Afghanistan, didn’t deserve to live and openly rooted for the Taliban. About those comments he said, "I’m proud that I got through a dark period in my life, and I’m proud of the life that I live now." When did that dark period end, exactly? In a story from a few days ago, Platner’s wife told campaign staff that he had been sending sexually explicit messages to several women as recently as last year and using the questionable messaging app Kik. Is that part of the dark period too? Now a New York Times story exposes more about Platner’s personality and none of it is good. The story itself is a very soft touch, careful not to say anything too terrible about the likely Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Maine. But the fact that the liberal outlet decided to run the story at all is evidence that there is something there. DEMOCRATS 'SELLING THEIR SOUL' TO EMBRACE PLATNER ARE IN FOR RUDE AWAKENING WITH MAINE VOTERS: GOP LAWMAKER The Times interviewed several women, including Lyndsey Fifield, who dated Platner from 2013 to 2015. Fifield is specifically described as "a Virginia conservative who has worked for right-leaning groups and Republican campaigns" as if that context means her claims can be dismissed. They shouldn’t be. Fifield says that Platner knew his tattoo had Nazi origins and, in fact, his unit chose that tattoo specifically for that reason. "Ms. Fifield said he told her that he and other members of his unit selected the tattoo because ‘they were like a death unit, they were killers,’ and saw a parallel between their unit and the Nazi Schutzstaffel, or S.S., unit, that used the skull-and-crossbones image. ‘They literally, deliberately, selected it because it was relevant to their military unit,’ she said." This is in direct contrast to the story Platner tried to tell since October 2021, the same month he finally got it removed, that he just got a cool-looking tattoo while on leave. Fifield told friends about the Nazi tattoo in August. How could she have known about it before he did? The reality is he knew it was a Nazi tattoo all along and Democrats are still standing by him. GRAHAM PLATNER DENIES DAMNING NEW REPORT ALLEGING ABUSE AS 'SIMPLY NOT TRUE' Fifield also alleges that Platner was often rough with her. She’s careful not to say that he hit her, "But she said he regularly grabbed her by the shoulders — sometimes hard enough to leave marks — and, on one occasion, yanked her out of a cab by her wrist after an argument when she wanted to stay in the car. During one argument, she recalled, he twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom and held the door closed from the other side so she couldn’t get out, telling her to remain there until she was ‘calm.’ Eventually, Ms. Fifield said, she fell asleep and left the next morning." The New York Times calls this "unsettling behavior" but in most other contexts it would rightly identify this as abuse. Answering for the accusations, "Mr. Platner said he had ‘too often self medicated with alcohol, and was a far from perfect boyfriend’ during what he described as a ‘very dark period of my life.’" CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Maybe it would be easier for Platner to point to a time in his life that hasn’t been a "dark" period. The day before the Times story hit, Platner met with Democratic senators and assured them there were no other negative stories to be told about him. The Wall Street Journal reported, "Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who also attended the meeting, followed up and said there is a big difference between marital issues and allegations of sexual assault, the people said. Platner agreed and denied any credible allegations of assault were forthcoming." It’s sad that a Nazi tattoo and all the rest haven’t been enough for Warren to pull support, but interesting that she would make such a specific query about sexual assault. Platner’s answer about "credible" allegations also makes it seem as if he knows more stories are possibly in the works. It’s only early June and so many damning allegations and details about Platner have already surfaced. The primary hasn’t even happened yet. How much more will Democrats accept in the service of trying to defeat the intensely moderate Republican Susan Collins? Can they be confident the New York Times story is the last of it after they were already assured there would be no more? Or is it that once they’ve decided they can accept a candidate with a Nazi tattoo who had minimized rape victims and mocked military members in combat there’s nothing they can’t accept? CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM KAROL MARKOWICZ Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2300b8ee6011c3f4eb34d2 Katie Couric admits Bari Weiss ‘had no choice’ but to fire Scott Pelley after CBS clash te 2026-06-05T17:00:40.400Z Katie Couric admits Bari Weiss ‘had no choice’ but to fire Scott Pelley after CBS clash Liberal journalist and former CBS anchor Katie Couric admitted Thursday that CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss had little choice but to fire longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley after his explosive confrontation with network leadership, even as she expressed sympathy for his frustrations over changes at the storied newsmagazine. "I don't think that Bari Weiss had any choice but to let Scott Pelley go," Couric said on her online show. "I mean, I think it's a classic definition of insubordination." The remarks came days after Pelley was fired following a contentious staff meeting in which he harshly criticized Weiss and her management of "60 Minutes," amid a broader shake-up at CBS News under new ownership. Couric, who worked at CBS News for five years, said she understood why Pelley was angry but argued that the way he aired those grievances left management with few options. '60 MINUTES' MELTDOWN: SCOTT PELLEY FIRED, PRAISED, SCOLDED FOR ATTACKING BARI WEISS, CHARGES BIAS "I admired that he stood up for his principles," Couric said. "I just think perhaps the way that he did it and the way he expressed himself might have been handled differently." Pelley was incensed over last week's firings of senior "60 Minutes" figures, including executive producer Tanya Simon and reporters Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi.  "I think that Scott was really, really angry first and foremost about that," Couric said, adding that concerns about what she described as "creeping" editorial interference also fueled tensions inside the program. CBS NEWS IN TRANSITION: WHO'S IN AND WHO'S OUT AFTER A TUMULTUOUS YEAR AT THE NETWORK Media reporter Oliver Darcy, who runs the left-leaning newsletter Status, agreed with Couric that Pelley likely knew he was risking his job. "I think he knew he was daring management to fire him," Darcy said. "If they weren't going to fire him for this pretty obvious act of insubordination, then it would be very difficult, I think, to fire people in the future." Both Couric and Darcy criticized how CBS leadership handled the broader overhaul of "60 Minutes." Couric said the dismissals of key staff members had generated deep resentment within the newsroom. Pelley's firing has drawn outrage from numerous left-wing media figures, as well as some prominent Democrats, leading conservatives to argue it proves their point about the show's institutional biases. MS NOW host Rachel Maddow even invited Pelley to join the progressive cable network. CONNIE CHUNG CONDEMNS CBS NEWS, SAYS ‘GREEDY’ LEADERSHIP CAUSED HER FORMER NETWORK TO ‘CRASH INTO CRUMBLES’ "A friend of mine wrote me this morning and said, ‘For better or for worse, Bari Weiss is in charge at CBS News,’" Couric said. "You can quit and protest or express your anger, but it's not a surprise to me that he was fired almost immediately." Pelley challenged Weiss during a staff meeting after a series of personnel changes that followed the installation of Nick Bilton as executive producer at "60 Minutes." Following his dismissal, Pelley forcefully disputed Weiss' characterization of the events leading to his firing. He has also claimed he was instructed to insert "falsehoods" into his reporting. A CBS spokesperson told Fox News Digital this week that there was no political interference at the company. "There is no political interference at CBS News, not from ownership, not from Bari Weiss. The only 'interference' is the normal back and forth between editor and correspondent that happens in every newsroom," the spokesperson said. Fox News Digital reached out to CBS for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22fc50ee6011c3f4eb3407 Arizona Supreme Court lets ruling tossing fake elector indictment stand te 2026-06-05T16:41:52.650Z Arizona Supreme Court lets ruling tossing fake elector indictment stand PHOENIX -- Attorney General Kris Mayes is going to have to start from scratch if she hopes to charge — much less convict — those involved in the “fake elector” scheme, including former Arizona State Senator Kelli Ward of Lake… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22fc1aee6011c3f4eb339b Supabase doubles valuation to $10B in 8 months te 2026-06-05T16:40:58.411Z Supabase doubles valuation to $10B in 8 months Supabase, an example of an open source project becoming a fast-growing company, has greatly benefited from AI tools like Claude, Codex, and other vibe-coding platforms. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22fbf8ee6011c3f4eb338c Oro Valley weighs Sprouts, road fixes near Rancho Vistoso te 2026-06-05T16:40:24.572Z Oro Valley weighs Sprouts, road fixes near Rancho Vistoso An Oro Valley intersection known for crashes and a failed development proposal is back in the spotlight, this time with plans for road improvements and a possible new shopping center anchored by a Sprouts Farmers Market. The Oro Valley Town Council discussed proposed improvements to the intersection of Tangerine Road and Rancho Vistoso Boulevard during its May 20 study session, with several residents in attendance to voice their concerns. The study session came after a three-hour meeting that addressed several other issues, including the adoption of the Oro Valley Leisure Travel Management Plan. Town engineer Paul Keesler presented plans for the proposed improvements to the intersection, which sees frequent collisions due to high traffic volumes exiting the Safeway parking lot east of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, the sole southern access point to a nearby residential area. "We have five to six accidents a year out there, and that's not good," Keesler said. The improvements would cost $750,000 and include the installation of a traffic light where Rancho Vistoso Boulevard meets the northern access road to the parking lot, adding a two-stage left turn to the intersection of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Woodburne Avenue, and adjusting medians and traffic lanes on the curved section of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard to give more turn space to people exiting the Safeway. After Keesler's presentation, two representatives from commercial real estate firm W.M. Grace Companies shared plans for a proposed shopping center called Vistoso Marketplace that is projected to cost an additional $750,000. Senior Vice Presidents Tom Grace and Mike Pearlstein outlined plans for the nearly 10-acre lot anchored by a Sprouts Farmers Market and featuring a 12,000-square-foot retail strip mall. They presented two layout options for the southern section of the site, one with two small retail pads and another with a gas station and convenience store, along with renderings of what the finished Vistoso Marketplace might look like. Tucson Spotlight is free for every reader because donors make it possible. Join them. A satellite view showing proposed road improvements at Tangerine Road and Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. Courtesy of the Town of Oro Valley. Some residents were skeptical in the wake of the failed Avilla Rancho Vistoso development in the area, which would have turned 88 acres of land around the intersection into a residential zone and was rejected in 2024 due to traffic concerns. While public comment is not usually permitted during study sessions, Mayor Joe Winfield made an exception and allowed residents to provide feedback on both projects. Rick Bolash said he didn't like that the plans would give traffic access to Woodburne Avenue from a commercial area, saying residents currently use it to take their children to school. "Woodburne Avenue would become a raceway for people to sneak into whatever this development is going to be," Bolash said. Shirl Lamonna, who previously advocated against Avilla Rancho Vistoso, said she is worried that a large commercial lot near the area would increase traffic congestion. "We love Sprouts," Lamonna said. "We wouldn't mind having that there, but the entire shopping center puts it into a whole different ball game." Some citizens took a harder line. Marilyn Rego, a resident of the adult living community Sun City and president of the Sun City Oro Valley Republican Club, said she didn't want to see any changes to the area. "I really don't want to see any more stop lights coming in," Rego said. "I really disapprove of any new road development in the area." Council members expressed reservations about the traffic Vistoso Marketplace and the new light could generate but were more receptive to the proposals overall. A rendering of the proposed Vistoso Marketplace, which would be anchored by a Sprouts Farmers Market. The Oro Valley Town Council discussed the project during its May 20 meeting. Courtesy of W.M. Grace Companies. Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett said she worried about the stoplight being placed on a curved road, suggesting it be moved to the Woodburne intersection to prevent backups. "It feels like we did all this work, and we came back with the same proposal that the citizens had spoken strongly against," Barrett said. Keesler defended the improvements as based on a commissioned traffic study but acknowledged that past development decisions on Rancho Vistoso had limited their options. "I think there were some short-sighted decisions that were made in the past that have now adversely impacted us today," Keesler said. "That's the bottom line, and we will strive to do as much as we can from a holistic standpoint." Councilmember Josh Nicolson, who requested the study session, said he was interested in the economic potential of Vistoso Marketplace and the revenue it could bring to the town. He said Sprouts stores usually generate about $15 million a year, which would mean $375,000 a year in government revenue under Oro Valley's new 2.5% retail sales tax adopted in January. "It's a four-year payback on our 1.5 million (dollar) investment, which is pretty good for government," Nicolson said. He defended his decision to address these issues in a study session, saying it was a way to give the developers more time to discuss potential plans with the council instead of having to pitch the project in a single day after having already made financial commitments. Grace and Pearlstein both emphasized that their plans for Vistoso Marketplace were preliminary and subject to change. "The biggest reason we wanted to do (the presentation) is to get a read from you folks, because as councilmember Nicolson alluded to … we have to spend a lot of money to get to the next steps," Pearlstein said. Councilmember Mary Murphy said the two most common businesses requested by residents are Sprouts and Chick-fil-A. "If you could make that happen, I think there'd be a lot of happy people in this town," Murphy said. 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/6a22f9e3ee6011c3f4eb3335 Rachel Morin's mom shares the detective's advice that kept her going before her daughter's killer was caught te 2026-06-05T16:31:31.049Z Rachel Morin's mom shares the detective's advice that kept her going before her daughter's killer was caught For eight months, Patty Morin worried her daughter's killer might never be caught — then a detective pulled her aside and said something that changed her perspective. Two months later, Victor Martinez-Hernandez was in custody. Now, 16 weeks into the Nancy Guthrie investigation, Morin has the same message for another family facing agonizing uncertainty. "Four months and they have nothing — they have nothing that they've shared with us," said Morin, the mom of Maryland mother of five Rachel Morin. "It doesn't mean that they don't have anything, especially if they're working with multiple agencies." NANCY GUTHRIE CASE: SHERIFF NANOS SAYS 'WE ARE' CLOSER TO SOLVING 84-YEAR-OLD'S ABDUCTION Her 37-year-old daughter was killed on a Maryland running trail by a man who fled his native country of El Salvador while suspected of killing another woman. He went on to allegedly rape another mother and her 9-year-old daughter in a California home invasion, leaving a DNA trail. Police ultimately captured him at a bar in Tulsa, Oklahoma. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Monday marked four months since Guthrie's unsolved abduction. She is the 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, and there have been no publicly identified suspects. MULTIPLE SUSPECTS ARE POSSIBLE IN NANCY GUTHRIE'S ABDUCTION For Morin, two months before police announced a suspect and an arrest, she said the lead detective quietly inspired confidence when he pulled her aside. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "By the time it was eight months, we had people saying it was a cold case, and I had networks and associations that wanted to do documentaries on this cold case and give her all that kind of stuff," she said. "And for him to just say, 'I understand how you're feeling, but just have hope. Don't let your emotions get carried away with you' — it was really encouraging." From that moment, she said, when she didn't have the answers she wanted, she repeated the line to herself. SEND US A TIP HERE "I just need to trust the process and have hope, and lucky for our family, we have an amazing sheriff's department," she said. "Everyone that worked on the case, it was multiple agencies, they treated our family like we were their family." Now, she's offering that same advice to the Guthrie family. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST "Just have hope," she said. "I mean, the process is long. It takes, sometimes it takes up to a year to have DNA returned back to you." PIMA COUNTY SHERIFF WARNS IN NBC INTERVIEW DNA TECH ISSUES IN NANCY GUTHRIE CASE MAY TAKE ‘MONTHS’ TO RESOLVE Investigators are working on at least two DNA samples connected to the Guthrie case, although it's unclear whether either will lead them to a suspect. There is a mixed sample, which Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said is complicated to untangle, as well as a hair sample that was transferred from a private lab in Florida to the FBI last month. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Separately, sources with knowledge of the investigation told Fox News Digital last week that the FBI is working on bringing new technology into the investigation, which has already seen the use of a state-of-the-art Bluetooth signal detector and the groundbreaking recovery of surveillance video from a missing Nest doorbell camera. There is a combined reward of over $1.2 million for information that cracks the case. Anyone with information is asked to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anonymous tips can be called into Tucson's 88-Crime hotline at 1-520-882-7463. "I would say no tip, nothing is too small to share, and you never know if that's the little linchpin that holds all the stuff together," Morin told Fox News Digital. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22f9cfee6011c3f4eb332c Bessent flips script on shouting Democrat: 'No wonder people are leaving' his blue state te 2026-06-05T16:31:11.135Z Bessent flips script on shouting Democrat: 'No wonder people are leaving' his blue state Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was shouted at during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing this week by a Chicago-area Democrat amid a heated exchange over the Trump economy. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., followed several other Democrats in condemning rising prices during the Iran conflict, while Bessent repeatedly pushed back on assertions about his policies by pointing to higher commodity prices during the Biden administration. At one point in the exchange, Bessent slammed Schneider's Democrat-run Illinois for driving people away through its own economic policies — a comment that incensed the lawmaker. Bessent first jabbed at Schneider after the Democrat asked whether he wanted to "correct the record" on a prior statement about the Iran conflict being "ended," asking the secretary whether Iran was no longer a threat to Israel or U.S. allies and whether its offensive weaponry had been destroyed. TOP FIERY MOMENTS AS DEMOCRATS CLASH WITH TREASURY SECRETARY BESSENT IN CHAOTIC HILL HEARINGS Bessent smiled and asked if that meant Schneider was "in agreement" with President Donald Trump — as the Democrat had listed off all of the president’s goals otherwise ridiculed by critics. "Unless an American life is lost, he does not believe that he will have to restart the kinetic attacks," Bessent said. Schneider became increasingly agitated and reclaimed his time as the back-and-forth grew heated. Schneider connected the Iran conflict with increased commodities prices, saying that the cost of living is continuing to rise and blamed Bessent and his boss for overseeing such spikes. Bessent countered that the Treasury calculated the current core inflation rate at 2.8%, close to the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal, and quipped to Schneider that "you can list off the most expensive groceries that have had the biggest price increases." HOW TRUMP HANDED THE DEMOCRATS A GIFT BY SEEMING TO DISMISS FINANCIAL WORRIES OF AMERICANS When Schneider responded that Bessent was out of touch and reiterated that he blamed Trump tariffs for commodity spikes for his Chicago-area constituents, Bessent smiled and offered him an invitation on how to fix that. "Well, you Democrats should know — no wonder so many people are leaving Illinois. Why don't you come see me in South Carolina?" Bessent said, as Schneider continued in an elevated tone and claimed people were not leaving the Land of Lincoln. "You're saying Illinois doesn't have net outbound migration?" Bessent quipped. Schneider then changed the subject to Trump’s settlement with the IRS over former Booz Allen Hamilton contractor Charles Littlejohn’s leak of his and others’ tax returns. When Schneider fumed that no one including Trump is "above the law," Bessent said that the president is also not "beneath the law" and blamed Schneider’s party for "weaponizing the system." "His taxes should never be leaked. No taxpayer information should be leaked…" Schneider began before Bessent injected his dry humor again. "Then, congressman, would you like to apologize to the president right now on behalf [of your party]?" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22f9bbee6011c3f4eb3323 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star Anthony Head dead at 72 te 2026-06-05T16:30:51.128Z 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star Anthony Head dead at 72 Anthony Head, an actor best known for starring in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died. He was 72. Head, who more recently appeared in the hit show "Ted Lasso," died from complications from pneumonia, The Associated Press reported. His family shared the news Friday, adding that he was at home and surrounded by loved ones when he died. "Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind, but we know his legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them," his daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, said. "How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us." This is a developing story. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22f9a4ee6011c3f4eb32fb Man Who Schemed With Au Pair to Kill His Wife Is Sentenced to Life te 2026-06-05T16:30:28.656Z Man Who Schemed With Au Pair to Kill His Wife Is Sentenced to Life Brendan Banfield of Herndon, Va., was found guilty of murdering his wife and another man, who was lured in through a fetish website. The plan involved his lover, who is now serving 10 years in prison. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22f752ee6011c3f4eb32be Telehealth access to abortion pill is lifesaving for domestic violence survivors, some say te 2026-06-05T16:20:34.490Z Telehealth access to abortion pill is lifesaving for domestic violence survivors, some say Kaelah Oberdorf, 24, had a medication abortion in 2023 when she discovered she was pregnant while still recovering from the debilitating postpartum depression she had after giving birth to her daughter. Oberdorf said she was in an emotionally abusive relationship and didn't want her daughter or herself to be tied to that partner for life. (Courtesy of Kaelah Oberdorf) Carrie Frail was in the process of leaving an abusive relationship when she discovered she was pregnant. Her partner told her he could hit her in the stomach until she had a miscarriage, and it would save some money. “I firmly believe he would have killed me at some point, whether accidentally or intentionally,” Frail said. She had a medication abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2008 while serving in the U.S. Air Force. She was relieved to have the option of using medication instead of a procedure, and it let her take less time off work. It wasn’t an easy decision, she said, but she knew if she hadn’t done it, she never would have been able to get away from that partner. “I was too wrapped up mentally and emotionally in my life with him that … I needed to be able to leave without giving him a phone number or letting him know where I was,” Frail said. “I still believe that an abortion saved my life.” Carrie Frail, a U.S. Air Force veteran who lives in Missouri, had a medication abortion in 2008 that she said saved her life when she was still with a partner she said was abusive. (Courtesy of Carrie Frail) Access to telehealth prescriptions of mifepristone, one of two drugs used to terminate a pregnancy in the first trimester or to treat miscarriages, is threatened by an ongoing lawsuit in Louisiana. That state government has sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, trying to strike down the agency’s 2023 rule allowing the medication to be dispensed without an in-person visit. Researchers, advocates and survivors of domestic violence say it’s vital to keep telehealth access available for people in abusive relationships who need discreet abortion options. The Louisiana lawsuit, however, argues in part that mifepristone has been weaponized against pregnant women in abusive relationships and shouldn’t be available by telehealth. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked the FDA’s 2023 rule in early May, making in-person visits required for mifepristone prescriptions for two days before the U.S. Supreme Court paused that decision on emergency appeal. The court, with the exceptions of Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, decided to keep the rule in place while the appeals case proceeds. But the rule could still be struck down again later, and the full case may end up in front of the Supreme Court. Data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey from 2023-24 showed about 34% of women and 17% of men experienced physical or sexual violence or stalking by an intimate partner. Those figures could be higher because of hesitance to report incidents of abuse. States with high rates of violence include many with near-total abortion bans, including Arkansas, Indiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia — meaning residents who are victims of reproductive coercion have less access to abortion medication. Pregnancy is a time of heightened risk in a relationship with domestic abuse, according to research, and intimate partner violence is a leading non-obstetric related cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women. Those risks are highest among Black and Indigenous people in the United States. Reproductive coercion  The lawsuit over mifepristone access includes Louisiana resident Rosalie Markezich as a plaintiff, who says the availability of the drug without an in-clinic visit allowed her boyfriend to order the pills in 2023 and pressure her to take them. In her written statement in the case, Markezich said the pressure caused ongoing trauma, and that if she’d had to see a doctor beforehand, she could have told the provider she didn’t want an abortion and the pills would never have been prescribed. Anti-abortion groups, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Family Research Council, submitted amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court about the type of coercion Markezich said she experienced. The telehealth option prevents in-person screenings for coercion, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said, and the in-person requirement provided “a line of defense” against reproductive coercion. Family Research Council also argued that because the FDA’s initial approval of the telehealth provision did not include a thorough study of how it could be used for coercion, it should be struck down. Liz Tobin-Tyler, professor of health services, policy and practice at the Brown University School of Public Health, said people in abusive relationships very commonly experience what researchers call reproductive coercion. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, that includes situations in which a partner tries to control when and how pregnancy occurs, either by intentionally causing a pregnancy or forcing someone to end it, as with Markezich. Coercion can also occur when a partner interferes with contraceptive methods, such as trying to force the use of a certain method or intentionally failing to use contraception. Tobin-Tyler said sometimes the abusive partner attends medical appointments to try to influence decisions related to birth control and other medical care discussions. “It all comes back to that aspect of control,” she said. Robin Turner, Montana director at gender equity organization Legal Voice, said what happened to Markezich was terrible, but that Louisiana could prosecute Markezich’s partner under existing laws, including harm induced by drugs. She said reinstating the in-person requirement for mifepristone would harm many other people because it would apply nationwide. “It’s not a reasonable or proportional way to address what happened to the client,” Turner said. “We have to take what happened to the plaintiff seriously — and understand that taking that (access) away is not effective.” Turner co-authored a brief for Legal Voice submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court during the emergency appeal proceedings that centered on the importance of access to mifepristone for people in relationships marked by domestic violence. “A lot of what being in these relationships is about is your world getting smaller, and we don’t want our systems to imitate the dynamics of abuse. But that’s what happens when the government takes away the access to the healthcare that they need,” Turner told Stateline. Safety planning for hotline callers Kaelah Oberdorf, 24, said she was on birth control when she discovered she was pregnant in 2023 in upstate New York. She was in an emotionally abusive relationship, struggling financially and still recovering from the postpartum depression she experienced after having her first child when she was 20, despite thinking that she couldn’t get pregnant because of a medical condition. The depression was so severe she had to be hospitalized. She decided that ending the pregnancy was the right thing to do for her mental health and the daughter she already had. “I didn’t want to be tied to him for life, I didn’t want my daughter, or any of my children, to be tied to him for life,” said Oberdorf, who now lives in Georgia. “I already had a living child who did not need to be kept in that situation, and if I’d had another one, even if I left him, I mentally would not have been able to handle it.” Research also shows that pregnant and postpartum women in rural areas experience higher rates of intimate partner violence, possibly because they’re farther from in-person medical care, which could contribute to lower rates of preventive screenings for abuse. Elizabeth Ling, associate director of legal services at nonprofit hotline If/When/How, which offers reproductive legal aid, estimated the hotline receives between five and 10 calls a week from people who talk about experiencing intimate partner violence, whether it’s physical, emotional or some form of coercion. She said callers in rural communities are some of those who need access to medication abortion by telehealth and via mail because they are often the furthest away from a clinic and can’t travel because a partner is actively watching their movements. If/When/How talks callers through their legal options and counsels them about legal risks, which Ling said is a top concern for people in abusive relationships. It’s common for them to be fearful of their partner reporting them for having an abortion, which can bring unwanted attention from police and investigations even if it doesn’t result in charges. The hotline also helps people make a safety plan for receiving abortion medication, talking through steps such as where medication will be mailed, who has access to that mailbox and how to navigate a situation with a partner tracking their movements. “Abortion pills really are a lifeline for those who call and share their experiences with us,” Ling said. Frail, who still lives in Missouri, now has a daughter and a son who are in their 20s. She has left many voicemail messages recently for Republican U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, who have advocated for the withdrawal of FDA approval for mifepristone and called for federal investigations into drug manufacturers. In her messages, she says that being able to choose when she had her children made her a better parent. “I know if I had not had an abortion, I would not have ever been able to get away from that abusive partner,” Frail said. 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/6a22f548ee6011c3f4eb321c GOP senators torch scandal-plagued Platner while Dems stay silent on candidacy te 2026-06-05T16:11:52.719Z GOP senators torch scandal-plagued Platner while Dems stay silent on candidacy As scrutiny of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner mounts ahead of Tuesday’s primary, Republican senators are openly denouncing his candidacy while many Democrats are declining to weigh in. The reluctance by many Senate Democrats to publicly defend Platner comes as the Maine candidate faces mounting scrutiny days before Tuesday's primary, with new allegations and controversies emerging. "I think it is really sad when you have someone who's a self-described communist, who put a Nazi tattoo on himself, to see so many Senate Democrats supporting him," Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital. "That should be beyond the pale." When Fox News Digital asked Democratic senators whether they still supported Platner, some were reluctant to weigh in, while others said the decision belongs to Maine voters. When asked if he would continue to back Platner, Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., responded, "Who told you I was supporting him?" When asked if he does support him, he replied, "I don’t vote in that state." SEE IT: DEM SENATORS DODGE ON BACKING PLATNER AS MAINE CANDIDATE’S SCANDAL CLOUDS FINAL DAYS BEFORE PRIMARY "The people of Maine are going to have to make up their minds," Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said. Other Democrats refused to comment on the situation altogether, claiming to not have given the Maine election much thought.  "I’m gonna take a look at the race," Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said. "I hadn’t paid any attention. We’ve been busy on other fronts so, but I will look at it now." "I don’t know," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said when asked his thoughts on the race in Maine. "I have a few other things on my mind." PLATNER CONTROVERSIES FUEL SPECULATION ABOUT LITTLE-KNOWN MAINE BALLOT REPLACEMENT PROVISION These responses come after a string of allegations and revelations about Platner were made public, and continue to emerge: sexting scandals while married, openly mocking a wounded American soldier in a Taliban attack and crude sexual Reddit posts. Most recently, allegations have also come forward of disturbing behaviors in his past relationships. A recent report from the New York Times features explosive excerpts from Platner’s ex-girlfriends, who alleged that he hates women, detailed fantasies about both rape and killing, and was aware that his chest tattoo resembled the Totenkopf, a symbol used by Nazi death camp guards, despite having previously denied knowing about the association. ‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., shared his hope that Maine voters will take action at the voting booths on Tuesday to not allow Platner to be elected as Maine’s Senate Democrat nominee. "I think it’s going to be interesting to see if the voters of Maine are able to see through the lies that Graham Platner is planting," Hagerty said. "He’s trying to excuse himself for behavior that is totally unconscionable." "You got to really feel sorry for the true Democrats in this country," Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said. "They have no representation. Now they're taking these people who absolutely have no business representing anybody." Despite the plethora of scandals and allegations coming out nearly daily on Platner, he still remains the frontrunner in Tuesday's Democratic primary.  Many Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., continue backing Platner as Democrats view Maine's Republican-held Senate seat as one of their top pickup opportunities in the midterms. If elected, Platner and the incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, will face off in November’s midterms. "I can't imagine that Mainers want to be represented by somebody like that," Hagerty said. "When they have an option to continue working with Susan Collins, who is working her heart out to represent Maine every day. "This Platner guy can’t beat Susan Collins, number one," Tuberville said. "But to even have him in the race is embarrassing — to me — for Maine and for our country." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22f534ee6011c3f4eb3213 Mariners vs. Tigers preview: Why Seattle's Bryan Woo should dominate Detroit's struggling offense te 2026-06-05T16:11:32.726Z Mariners vs. Tigers preview: Why Seattle's Bryan Woo should dominate Detroit's struggling offense We’ve completed more than enough baseball games at this point to make some accurate conclusions about the teams. As with any season, some are underperforming, and others are overperforming. Then there is a group in the middle that will be most interesting down the stretch, and they have to make a decision on which direction they intend to go at the trade deadline. Tonight, we have the Mariners taking on the Tigers, two teams that will make important decisions very soon. The Seattle Mariners were within outs of making it to the World Series last year, but came up short. Since then, they’ve gone just 33-30. The offseason wasn’t filled with a ton of moves, and it probably didn’t need to be. Why tinker with a team that proved successful? They haven’t been great to start this season, though, and I think they will need to bolster the club with something at the deadline. The good news for them is that no one has performed well in their division, and the Mariners are still the favorites to win it. What can the Mariners do to improve? Their pitching staff is solid, so it is likely their offense that will need to get a boost. I don’t want to break my arm patting my back, but there is no surprise here that Cal Raleigh is terrible this season. In slight defense, he has been injured since May 13, but he was still really bad before the injury. There aren’t a lot of areas to upgrade. Maybe guys, like Raleigh, just need to hit closer to their average. One guy who has been great is Bryan Woo, and throwing the way he has won’t require him to need much help offensively. He is 5-3 for the year with a 3.44 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. Woo has seen his worst performances on the road this year, but the truly bad ones are few and far between. Tigers hitters are also just 6-for-35 against him. Red Sox pitcher gets rocked, throws incredible tantrum, gets dealt immediate reality check by organization The Detroit Tigers are one of the bigger disappointments of the season. They are in one of the worst divisions in baseball, but they have the means and the talent to deliver a strong season. They were actually ousted by the Mariners in the playoffs last year. The expectations were high for Detroit, but the offense has been low this season. Additionally, they lost Tarik Skubal from their rotation, and he was the main guy keeping them from prolonged losing streaks. The other arm they invested in, Framber Valdez, starts today, but he’s already had some issues on the Detroit roster. His numbers, 2-4 with a 4.39 ERA, and a 1.32 WHIP, aren’t horrendous, but they aren’t exactly great either. He has struggled in Detroit, with a 5.14 ERA. The Tigers also lost all five of his May starts, and he only had two quality starts in five outings. Mariners hitters are very familiar with him from his time with Houston. They are 38-for-155 against him, but no one pops out as being great against him, either. This should be a win for the Mariners. Unfortunately for Tigers fans, the more reliable pitcher is Woo. Valdez is normally a lock for six innings and two or three earned runs allowed. That hasn’t been the case this season. I don’t know that you can count on him for that any longer. Additionally, the Tigers are offensive on offense. Woo navigates tough lineups with ease. Why wouldn’t he be able to do that against a Tigers team that is struggling to score runs? Give me the Mariners to win this.  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/6a22f520ee6011c3f4eb320a Norway's World Cup Viking themed team photo is potentially the greatest team photo of all time te 2026-06-05T16:11:12.727Z Norway's World Cup Viking themed team photo is potentially the greatest team photo of all time By the looks of it, Team Norway is headed to the United States for the World Cup as the warriors of old. As an ode to the Vikings of over a thousand years ago that made the trek across the Atlantic Ocean, the entire team was outfitted with gear that makes them look like they are fresh out of the 'Vikings' television show. The photoshoot architect was well-known UK photographer David Yarrow. "I like to take people outside of how they’re normally photographed," Yarrow told The Athletic. "I knew it might get some criticism, but I wanted to play on that sense of journey that goes back to the Vikings, as if they’re setting sail for America." Honestly, anyone criticizing this can kick rocks.  Just look at Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker looks almost as good as he does on the pitch. He’s decked out in classic Viking attire with sword and shield in hand. WORLD CUP TEAMS FINALIZE US BASE CAMPS AS HOST CITIES PREPARE FOR GLOBAL CROWDS "Norway is coming" the caption reads on the collaboration between the official Instagram handle of the Norway football team and Yarrow. And it’s been a long time coming at that. For the first time in 28 years, Norway has qualified for the World Cup, making it only the fourth time they have ever qualified for the prestigious tournament. The funny thing is, when you compare this team photo to their Group I counterparts, France, you can see just how great this photoshoot really is. On one hand, Norway looks intimidating and creative, while France looks bland, boring, and quite frankly, awkward. I mean, come on. What is happening here, Rayan Cherki? The Manchester City midfielder looks like he had one too many crepes. I honestly can’t believe this photo was released like this. They did Cherki wrong. This team photo is a stroke of genius, in my opinion. It may have topped Yarrow’s early-America photoshoot featuring the European Ryder Cup team with the caption, "From Broadway to Bethpage Black, New York was built on the backs of Europeans." It was a creative shot at the U.S., and though that loss still stings to this day, the photo is epic. Norway will kick off their World Cup campaign against Iraq on June 16 at Foxborough, Mass. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22f507ee6011c3f4eb31cf Google and FBI warn of ransomware group that sends fake IT workers to hack victims in person te 2026-06-05T16:10:47.765Z Google and FBI warn of ransomware group that sends fake IT workers to hack victims in person Cybercriminals, part of a gang known as Silent Ransom Group, have sent people pretending to be IT support employees to law firms' offices, where the criminals have stolen data using USB drives or remote access tools. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22f4f1ee6011c3f4eb31c0 Foro en Tucson presenta candidatos de los distritos 17 y 20 te 2026-06-05T16:10:25.295Z Foro en Tucson presenta candidatos de los distritos 17 y 20 Leer en inglés El Foco de Tucson y Arizona Luminaria vuelven a reunir a candidatos y a la comunidad este mes de junio; en esta ocasión, para las contiendas por la Cámara de Representantes y el Senado estatales que darán forma a la agenda legislativa de Arizona durante los próximos dos años. Ambas redacciones organizan conjuntamente un encuentro no partidista con candidatos a la Cámara y al Senado estatales el miércoles 10 de junio, de 5:30 p.m. a 7 p.m., en el campus de la Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, ubicado en el 5409 E. Broadway Blvd. El evento cuenta con el respaldo de Press Forward Southern Arizona, un programa de la Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. Se ha invitado a asistir a todos los candidatos que figuran en la boleta de las elecciones primarias de los Distritos Legislativos 17 y 20. Consulte la página del evento para obtener la información más actualizada sobre los participantes confirmados. El formato está diseñado para superar las limitaciones de los foros tradicionales de candidatos. Los asistentes se agruparán por distrito legislativo, el 17 o el 20, para escuchar breves presentaciones de los candidatos, seguidas de conversaciones informales en grupos reducidos. Sin paneles, sin moderadores, sin declaraciones ensayadas. Simplemente votantes y candidatos sentados a la misma mesa. Este evento se basa en un modelo que ambas redacciones pusieron a prueba el verano pasado. En julio de 2025, Tucson Spotlight y Arizona Luminaria organizaron un encuentro con candidatos al Concejo Municipal en el mismo recinto, atrayendo a más de 60 miembros de la comunidad para mantener conversaciones distrito por distrito con los candidatos de los Distritos 3, 5 y 6. Los asistentes comentaron que el formato informal, grupos reducidos, sin paneles ni límites de tiempo, facilitó la posibilidad de interpelar a los candidatos sobre los temas que más les importaban. Varias conversaciones se prolongaron hasta el vestíbulo y el estacionamiento una vez finalizado el horario oficial del evento. Ambos distritos abarcan zonas de Tucson y del Condado de Pima. El Distrito Legislativo 17 (LD17) incluye Oro Valley, Marana, el lado este de Tucson y Vail. El Distrito Legislativo 20 (LD20) abarca el lado oeste de Tucson y el centro de la ciudad. La entrada es gratuita, pero el aforo es limitado y se requiere confirmación de asistencia. No se permitirá el acceso a quienes acudan sin haberse registrado previamente. Regístrese aquí. 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/6a22f29eee6011c3f4eb3163 Judge Says Trump Officials Must Restart Asylum and Immigration Processing te 2026-06-05T16:00:30.492Z Judge Says Trump Officials Must Restart Asylum and Immigration Processing The judge invalidated policies the Trump administration enacted last year that halted asylum grants, as well as the processing of immigration benefits for people from 39 countries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22f048ee6011c3f4eb310e Caitlin Clark reveals she vomited during halftime of Fever's win, powered through illness te 2026-06-05T15:50:32.167Z Caitlin Clark reveals she vomited during halftime of Fever's win, powered through illness If you watched Caitlin Clark on Thursday night and thought she looked a little different in the second half of the Indiana Fever’s win, you’d be correct. Clark told reporters after the Fever’s 83-71 victory over the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse that she vomited during halftime and didn’t spare any of the nauseating details. "I haven't puked that much in a really long time," Clark said, via ESPN. "But then I felt fine. I felt light. So, I was running around feeling good in the second half, but [I] feel OK. Obviously, I'm losing my voice a little bit. But I'll be good." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Clark powered through the illness, finishing with 17 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. She also tied her own WNBA record in the process. During the win, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 150 points and 50 assists in a season. She first achieved the feat last season. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The win was a needed one for the Fever. Head coach Stephanie White and Clark became the talk of the WNBA after a video of their heated sideline exchange went viral. The win snapped a two-game losing streak and brought them back to over .500, at 5-4. Clark said everybody this week looked in the mirror and found ways to improve. "A lot of people have called and asked me how I am, and I said, 'What do you mean? I'm great,'" Clark said. "I think a lot of self-reflection from everybody (this week), like look yourself in the mirror and find ways to get better. That's certainly what I did." Clark will try to overcome her illness when the Fever look to build on their positive momentum against the New York Liberty on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. 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/6a22edf0ee6011c3f4eb308a Spencer Pratt, Steve Hilton lose ground to Democrats in latest California ballot batch drop te 2026-06-05T15:40:32.879Z Spencer Pratt, Steve Hilton lose ground to Democrats in latest California ballot batch drop Former reality star Spencer Pratt’s lead over councilwoman Nithya Raman in the Los Angeles mayoral contest narrowed Thursday, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton slid behind Democrat Tom Steyer. Following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, California’s key elections have taken on national significance, serving as critical testing grounds for the future of progressive leadership. Pratt, a registered Republican, sits far behind incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass for a chance to advance to the November general election. Bass has already secured enough votes to advance. With 163,549 votes in Los Angeles' latest tabulation, Pratt maintains a near 6% lead on Raman, who has 130,473 votes, according to the Thursday vote count from Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder and the County Clerk. A Fox News Digital review of an archived version of Los Angeles' official vote tally shows that Raman gained over 10,000 votes in the latest count compared to under 6,000 for Pratt. At the previous count, Pratt had 157,116 votes compared to Raman's 119,809. LA CITY COUNCILWOMAN PREVIOUSLY BACKED BY DSA RUNNING FOR MAYOR IN PRIMARY CHALLENGE TO BASS CALIFORNIA ELECTION RESULTS STILL UNDECIDED AS LOS ANGELES BEGINS COUNTING BALLOTS In the governor's race, billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer surged past Republican candidate Steve Hilton after the latest count. The batch boosted the billionaire, adding nearly 24,000 votes to his count, almost double the 12,309 votes that Hilton received. HILTON, BECERRA IN THE LEAD WITH VOTES STILL BEING COUNTED IN BATTLE FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR Both candidates trail frontrunner Xavier Becerra, the former Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary under President Joe Biden. Becerra saw his vote total jump from 390,154 to 418,130 in the county registrar's Thursday count. Like the mayoral race, if no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the gubernatorial race, the top two candidates will advance to a November runoff. While California's polls closed on June 2, it could take weeks for results to be final. The state did not have its official final results from the 2024 election until state Secretary of State Shirley Weber certified the election results in December, 38 days later. A bipartisan bill has since passed in 2025 requiring "non-problematic" votes to be counted within 13 days. The state leads the nation in mail-in ballots, with 81% of voters sending their choices by post in 2024, nearly double the national average of 43% for 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e96cee6011c3f4eb2fef NJ taxpayers on the hook for $12M more as Dem governor protects illegal aliens battling deportation te 2026-06-05T15:21:16.247Z NJ taxpayers on the hook for $12M more as Dem governor protects illegal aliens battling deportation New Jersey's Democratic governor announced Thursday night that the state will pour millions more taxpayer dollars into a legal slush fund protecting illegal aliens from deportation. "We are increasing funding for the Detention Deportation Defense Initiative by $12 million – for a total of $20.2 million," Gov. Mikie Sherrill wrote on social media. She also announced the new Rapid Legal Response Initiative to "expand statewide legal capacity for emergency immigration defense." The program provides free counsel to migrants in the state who are subject to removal proceedings. Sherrill excused the multi-million-dollar move as a way to protect human rights of those in the U.S. illegally. "These actions will help ensure more people in New Jersey's communities receive due process under the law and more New Jersey attorneys are mobilized to stand up for the fundamental human rights of detainees and their families," she said. BLUE STATE GOVERNOR ROASTED AS ‘ARSONIST’ PUTTING OUT HER OWN FIRE AS SHE BLAMES OUTSIDE AGITATORS AT 'SIEGE' The announcement comes after nearly two weeks of violent clashes between rioters and immigration authorities outside the Delaney Hall illegal alien detention facility in Newark. New Jersey state police joined their federal counterparts to help quell rioters earlier this week. The latest round of interference with federal immigration enforcement operations featured far-left agitators forming human blockades at the entrance of the facility, impeding agents' abilities to enter and exit. Rioters scrummed and hurled death threats at law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced several arrests stemming from the clashes. GOV. MIKIE SHERRILL ACCUSES ICE OF DENYING HER ACCESS TO NEWARK DETENTION FACILITY DELANEY HALL Detainees at the facility were reportedly on a hunger strike inside the facility. Sherrill's actions to further protect immigrants in the country illegally drew sharp rebukes from conservatives. "Once again, using the tax dollars of Americans to benefit illegals," Fox News and Outkick host Tomi Lahren said in reply to Sherrill's post on X. "At least Democrats are finally admitting it. Shameless traitors. All of you." "The Governor spending over $20 million for a defense fund for illegal aliens is outrageous at a time when the budget is a disaster and the residents of New Jersey are struggling with one of the highest tax burdens in the nation," New Jersey Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger said. "As a NJ taxpayer: nothing says 'priorities' like blowing another $12M of our money on lawyers for people who shouldn’t be here in the first place," said another X user. "How about fixing our roads, schools, and property taxes for actual New Jerseyans instead? Clown show." Fox News Digital reached out to Sherrill's office but did not hear back by time of publication. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e955ee6011c3f4eb2fc8 Chuck Schumer Privately Backs Haley Stevens in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary te 2026-06-05T15:20:53.759Z Chuck Schumer Privately Backs Haley Stevens in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader, has remained officially neutral on the race, but in conservations with donors, he has been clear about which candidate he supports. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e940ee6011c3f4eb2fad NASA briefly sheltered space station astronauts in SpaceX’s Dragon due to leaks te 2026-06-05T15:20:32.241Z NASA briefly sheltered space station astronauts in SpaceX’s Dragon due to leaks The space agency said Roscosmos discovered new leaks in the Russian service module. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e6e6ee6011c3f4eb2f63 Military veteran’s painful walk across airport tarmac sparks strangers to raise over $135K te 2026-06-05T15:10:30.657Z Military veteran’s painful walk across airport tarmac sparks strangers to raise over $135K A viral video showing an airport worker and military veteran struggling to walk across a California tarmac has inspired thousands of strangers to donate more than $135,000 to help cover the man's medical expenses and daily living costs. The footage, recorded at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, has been viewed nearly 6 million times on TikTok and sparked an outpouring of support online. Passenger Lacinda Thackeray said she filmed the worker after noticing he appeared to be in significant pain while performing his duties. TEACHER SAYS BESTSELLING AUTHOR JACK CARR INSPIRED STUDENTS TO EMBRACE PATRIOTISM AMID VALUES DEBATE "Watching him work so hard — he could barely move — truly broke my heart," Thackeray said. "I know there has to be a way we can help him retire." The worker was later identified as James Blair, a U.S. Navy veteran who spent a decade working as an aircraft mechanic before beginning a career refueling planes. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Years of physically demanding work have taken a toll on his body, particularly his knees, Blair told CBS News. Despite the chronic pain, he continued working while also helping care for his 90-year-old mother, who is receiving hospice care. After the video was shared online, viewers began donating money to help Blair with his medical expenses and other needs. The fundraiser has since surpassed $135,000 toward a goal of $200,000. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "When I first saw the video and the money started going up, I started laughing," Blair told the outlet. "I’ve been doing this job for 20 years, and I just didn’t think anybody actually cared." Blair said the donations have been life-changing for him, and will help ease some of the financial burden associated with his medical challenges. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The video's comments section quickly filled with messages of support from people who knew Blair and strangers who were moved by his story. Several commenters described him as a hardworking employee who had spent years putting others before himself. "That’s my coworker James," one user wrote. "I have been working alongside him for five years now and talking to him is the best part of my shift." Others pointed to Blair's military service and decades of work at the airport, saying he deserved the support he was receiving. "Our vets deserve so much better," one user wrote. Many commenters also celebrated the success of the fundraiser, with one writing, "This is how we honor our veterans." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e4d9ee6011c3f4eb2f08 NAU grad Anahi Solei Gonzales’ mission for better care te 2026-06-05T15:01:45.360Z NAU grad Anahi Solei Gonzales’ mission for better care Over the course of Gonzales’ four years at NAU, she has consistently involved herself in local social work, mentorship and not just networking with her community, but connecting with it as well. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e4c4ee6011c3f4eb2eff For Northern Arizona University grad Beau Ortiz, a future of creation and culture te 2026-06-05T15:01:24.335Z For Northern Arizona University grad Beau Ortiz, a future of creation and culture Originally from Mexico, Ortiz has been in Flagstaff for nearly nine years and has been able to combine his Mexican heritage with the passion for creation he found here in the United States. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e4a6ee6011c3f4eb2ed7 Cops arrest 14-year-old accused of gunning down business school graduate on way to ballgame te 2026-06-05T15:00:54.820Z Cops arrest 14-year-old accused of gunning down business school graduate on way to ballgame Police have made an arrest in the killing of 23-year-old Brett Scrogham, an Indiana University Business School graduate who was shot in Indianapolis on May 28. Investigators say a 14-year-old suspect gunned down Scrogham inside his car in a downtown parking garage while on his way to an Indianapolis Indians Minor League baseball game. The suspect has not been named by police. It is possible for the teen to be charged as an adult, but it would require a waiver of jurisdiction according to Indiana state law. The teen was arrested on Wednesday. POLICE HUNT SUSPECT AFTER RECENT BUSINESS SCHOOL GRADUATE KILLED IN DOWNTOWN SHOOTING Officers arrived on scene to find Scrogham inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound; he later died at the hospital. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS In a statement IMPD Chief Tanya Terry said, "While today’s [Wednesday] arrest is significant, my heart breaks for everyone impacted by this tragedy. A young man lost his life, and another now faces allegations that will change his life forever." In a social post, Seth Davis, a man who described himself as a friend of Scrogham's, said: "My friend, Brett Scrogham, was murdered this past week in a parking garage in broad daylight in downtown Indianapolis while meeting up with his family for an Indians game in a random act of violence. He had graduated as a top 100 student at the IU Kelley School of Business just weeks ago, was well spoken, smart, loved Christ, incredibly kind, and had just started his new job as a property development analyst. He was exactly the kind of person the world needs more of." WTHR reported Marion County Indiana Prosecutor Ryan Mears will be providing a possible update in the case Friday morning. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e490ee6011c3f4eb2eb1 Casting Her 10,000th Vote in a Row, Collins Sets a Senate Record te 2026-06-05T15:00:32.320Z Casting Her 10,000th Vote in a Row, Collins Sets a Senate Record The Maine Republican, who is in the middle of a tumultuous re-election race, became the first senator in history to reach the threshold without missing a vote. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e273ee6011c3f4eb2e48 MLB stars leave divisional game after scary collision at first base leaves both injured te 2026-06-05T14:51:31.606Z MLB stars leave divisional game after scary collision at first base leaves both injured Two MLB players left a divisional matchup on Thursday night after a scary collision at first base. Arizona Diamondbacks' Ildemaro Vargas and Los Angeles Dodgers' Max Muncy both crashed down to the infield dirt after a bang-bang play. Muncy hit a ball up the line in the fifth inning and Vargas, seeing pitcher Ryne Nelson wouldn’t get to the bag in time, charged toward first. Muncy beat him to the bag, but the players collided and flew into the air. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Both lay on the field for several minutes while trainers worked on them in a hushed stadium. Muncy got to his feet first and slowly headed to the dugout, while Vargas got up with help and walked to his dugout. Muncy left with shortness of breath and was evaluated for, but avoided, a concussion. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he wouldn't play Friday against the Angels — it was already a scheduled day off — but could be available over the weekend. Vargas suffered bruises all down his left side — thigh, ribs and neck. X-rays were negative, and he told manager Torey Lovullo he would be ready to play on Friday, if needed. FAMILY WHOSE CHILDREN WERE KILLED BY WORLD SERIES CHAMPION'S FORMER LOVER AWARDED $176 MILLION Muncy told reporters he was a little banged up but will be all right. "I really hope Vargas is OK — I sent something over to him," he said. "I’m hoping he’s doing all right and he’s not too bad. But just bad situation that looks like neither of us knew which direction to go." Vargas told reporters, through an interpreter, that his "whole body" felt like he "ran into a truck." "Those are the types of things that you see on the baseball field when two players are lying on the dirt after trying to make a hustle play," Lovullo said. "It's tough to see, but they both got off the field." The game was the completion of a four-game set in Arizona that they split. Arizona salvaged losing the series with a 3-2 victory after the frightening moment. 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/6a22e25fee6011c3f4eb2e3f Seattle mayor admits breaking Starbucks boycott after urging residents to shun coffee giant te 2026-06-05T14:51:11.614Z Seattle mayor admits breaking Starbucks boycott after urging residents to shun coffee giant Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, who last year urged residents to boycott Starbucks, acknowledged that she recently purchased a latte from the company but declined to say whether she still believes others should shun the coffee giant. "I had the pleasure of visiting the Pike Place Market Starbucks a little while ago, and I ordered, I think it was a blueberry muffin latte that was like a staff creation," Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said during an interview published Wednesday with FOX 13 Seattle co-anchor Hana Kim, who had asked Wilson if she still supports a boycott of Starbucks.  "I guess I broke my boycott," Wilson added. "And yeah, but I, you know, I don’t know. What do you want me to say about that?" SEATTLE MAYOR’S STARBUCKS BOYCOTT CALL SLAMMED BY LOCAL RADIO HOST AS COFFEE GIANT ADDS NASHVILLE-BASED ROLES However, when pressed further by Kim further, Wilson said, "I absolutely support unions." Kim then said that she had seen that question come up from the crowd but that they would move on from it.  Last year, Wilson declared a boycott of Starbucks at a barista picket line, saying "I am not buying Starbucks, and you should not either," according to The Seattle Times. In a recent interview however, Wilson admitted that her comments "caused more harm than good" as criticism continues to mount over Seattle’s business climate. SEATTLE DEMOCRAT REJECTS WEALTH 'EXODUS’ CONCERNS AS BUSINESSES BLEE FOR LOWER-TAX STATES Starbucks has appeared to lessen its Seattle presence, confirming in March that it will be closing five additional stores in the city. That follows several closures in 2025, including the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill.  In a recent op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz blasted Seattle’s leadership, accusing Wilson of pushing "socialist rhetoric" that vilifies businesses. "Seattle’s mayor, Katie Wilson, has chosen to cast business as a foil rather than a partner," Schultz wrote in his op-ed. "Her socialist rhetoric vilifies employers, even while she continues to rely on them for revenue. She has encouraged residents who disagree with her policies to leave." BLUE-STATE TAX BURDEN FUELS AMERICANS FLEEING TO REPUBLICAN-LED SOUTHERN STATES Starbucks announced in an April press release that it is investing $100 million and bringing 2,000 new jobs to Nashville.  On May 11,  KOMO News reported that Starbucks was laying off 61 employees due to the reorganization of its technology department at its corporate headquarters.  Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e247ee6011c3f4eb2e07 NASA tells astronauts to shelter in SpaceX Dragon due to new ISS leaks te 2026-06-05T14:50:47.058Z NASA tells astronauts to shelter in SpaceX Dragon due to new ISS leaks The space agency says Roscosmos has discovered new leaks in the Russian service module that it is trying to repair. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22e232ee6011c3f4eb2dfe The token bill comes due: Inside the industry scramble to manage AI’s runaway costs te 2026-06-05T14:50:26.568Z The token bill comes due: Inside the industry scramble to manage AI’s runaway costs "The whole conversation shifted from tokenmaxxing and 'go fast' to 'we need guardrails, how do we control this?'" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22dff6ee6011c3f4eb2dca Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE te 2026-06-05T14:40:54.402Z Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE The U.S. Senate early June 5, 2026, passed a package of $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement. Majority Leader John Thune, seen speaking on March 3, 2026, said GOP leaders were forced to draft the package after Democrats “walked away” from negotiations that could have placed restrictions on federal immigration agents. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate approved a nearly $70 billion package early Friday, moving Republicans one step closer to funding immigration and deportation activities for the next three years without negotiating new constraints on federal agents with Democrats.  The 52-47 mostly party-line vote sends the measure to the House, where GOP lawmakers in that chamber could send it to President Donald Trump for his signature as soon as next week.  Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to vote no. Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet did not vote.  Majority Leader John Thune said GOP leaders were forced to draft the package after Democrats “walked away” from negotiations that could have placed restrictions on federal immigration agents.   “Republicans are going to continue to ensure that these agencies have the funding that they need to fulfill their national security responsibilities,” the South Dakota Republican said.  Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., argued the measure shows that Republicans are more focused on funding deportations than lowering the cost of living.  “Apparently, Republicans think we cannot afford a single penny to help Americans cover the skyrocketing costs of gasoline, of healthcare, of housing, of food, of energy, you name it,” he said. “But somehow we can afford to give another $70 billion to Trump’s rogue agencies.” Senate approval followed a marathon amendment voting session that stretched throughout Thursday and overnight as Democrats sought to challenge Republican senators on policy differences just months before the November midterm elections. No amendments were approved.  Building on “big,beautiful” law The bill would provide a second hefty cash infusion to the agencies carrying out the president’s immigration crackdown, building on the $170 billion Republicans included in their “big, beautiful” law.  This legislation would provide:  $38.53 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement $26.02 billion for Customs and Border Protection $5 billion for the Secretary of Homeland Security. The money would be available through Sept. 30, 2029, the end of the fiscal year. Republicans decided not to include any new guardrails on federal immigration agents.  The measure Republican senators approved was somewhat different from the original version released in early May, which included $1 billion for the Secret Service to make security upgrades associated with the president’s ballroom, dubbed the East Wing Modernization Project. Republicans also removed $1.46 billion that would have bolstered funding for several Justice Department programs. Additionally, GOP lawmakers bolstered ICE funding by $350 million compared to the earlier version of the bill.  Republican leaders are moving the package through the complex budget reconciliation process, avoiding the need to secure Democratic votes in the Senate that would otherwise be required to end debate on the measure.  GOP leaders opted to use the special legislative maneuver after they were unable to broker agreement with Democrats to place constraints on federal immigration officers.  Democratic lawmakers said new guardrails, including body cameras and preventing the use of masks, were necessary after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.  The impasse led to a 76-day shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security that didn’t end until late April, when Congress approved the annual spending bill without funding for ICE or the Border Patrol.  June 1 deadline missed The reconciliation process comes with several strict rules that require each section of the legislation to address federal revenue, spending, or the debt limit. Proposals also cannot be deemed “merely incidental” to the federal budget.  Trump wanted Congress to approve the funding package ahead of a self-imposed June 1 deadline. But work on the measure ground to a halt after the administration announced plans to establish a $1.776 billion fund to pay people who believe they were wrongly prosecuted by the Justice Department.  Floor debate on the bill resumed again this week after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before a House subcommittee Tuesday the administration was “not moving forward with the fund, period.” Trump, however, muddied the waters a bit Wednesday when asked during an Oval Office event whether the fund was “dead or on hold.” “I’d have to ask my lawyers. I don’t know,” he said. “Are you talking about the weaponization fund? The weaponization fund, as far as I’m concerned, was a beautiful thing.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22dfdaee6011c3f4eb2d77 NSA said to be readying Anthropic’s Mythos for use in cyber operations te 2026-06-05T14:40:26.570Z NSA said to be readying Anthropic’s Mythos for use in cyber operations The U.S. eavesdropping agency is reportedly preparing Anthropic's Mythos for use in cyberattacks, despite a federal ban on using the AI model maker. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22db2eee6011c3f4eb2caa Spurs expected to bounce back in Game 2 against Knicks after blowing late lead in series opener te 2026-06-05T14:20:30.800Z Spurs expected to bounce back in Game 2 against Knicks after blowing late lead in series opener I suppose most people are enamored with the Spurs because there is a giant alien out on the court. On the other side is one of the shorter guys in the league. Both are superstars, and both delivered to a certain extent on Wednesday night in the series opener. If you want to give me a bit of credit, I'll take it as well, because I hit on the Knicks covering, and I hit on the under. Let's try and do it again. If you want to flash back to the NBA Cup, this game was fairly similar. The Spurs were the better team for three-quarters of that game, and then the Knicks destroyed them late in the game. If the San Antonio legs are tired from playing in seven games against the Thunder, don't expect them to get any fresher here. If it was just being young and not realizing they needed to close out a game, that might be an easier adjustment to make. The problem is that when Jalen Brunson does get going, there are very few things you can do to stop him. I've said that I don't think he is as good as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and he may make me eat my words if he keeps hitting shots like he did in the final two minutes of Game 1. The first half was all Spurs, which makes sense -- the crowd energy of a home game, and when your fatigue does set in after all the games, the second half is where it hits. The second half is also where the Knicks hit. They were down 14 at one point in the fourth quarter when New York decided that was enough. They got it into gear and won the quarter by seven points, tying it up going into the fourth. To open that quarter, OG Anunoby came alive. He scored eight straight for the Knicks with Brunson on the bench. Then Brunson came back and took over, scoring 11 straight for the Knicks and 13 in the quarter. NBA FINALS BETTING GUIDE: WHY JALEN BRUNSON AT +140 IS THE BEST POINTS LEADER VALUE IN THE SERIES The Spurs grabbed the lead with about two minutes to go, but a Brunson three led to an 11-0 run to close out the game. So what adjustments can be made for the Spurs to win here? They shot poorly and were two minutes away from being up 1-0 in the series. They shot 36% overall and 26% from deep. Kudos to the Knicks defense, but the Spurs should shoot better here. They won the rebounding battle, but lost the turnover battle. I expect the team to look for more ways to force the Knicks into help and fouling situations with Victor Wembanyama. Look for them to throw it to him in the paint instead of having him settle for outside shots. He was 3-for-10 from deep and 4-for-9 from the paint. He wasn't overly efficient, but still effective. The same can be said for Brunson. At a certain point, I fully expect the Spurs to employ an "anyone but him" approach to the Knicks' scoring. If that means letting guys shoot open threes, the Spurs will let it happen. I'm taking the Spurs tonight because I do expect a bounce-back game. The Knicks are locked in, but the Spurs know they have to win this game, and I also think they weren't that far off from winning the game. Call it zigzag, call it whatever you want, but I'll back the Spurs -5.5 here. I also think the game goes over as the teams will be a little more liberal on offense after feeling each other out in Game 1. 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/6a22d8ebee6011c3f4eb2be5 Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun take their red-hot romance to the streets of New York te 2026-06-05T14:10:51.683Z Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun take their red-hot romance to the streets of New York Scooter Braun and Sydney Sweeney are putting their romance on full display. The music executive shared video clips from the couple's latest New York City adventure, offering fans another peek into a relationship that has steadily grown more public in recent months. "When you’re in bed at 11pm and your girl says 'I’ve never been to Times Square….'" Braun captioned the Instagram post. Braun filmed the two riding Citi Bikes to Times Square incognito to get a glimpse of the actress' latest American Eagle ad campaign. Sweeney and Braun seemed to stop into a Shake Shack for a quick bite to eat, with the music executive filming "The Housemaid" star enjoying a burger. The social media update is the latest public milestone in the couple's increasingly high-profile relationship. Braun recently gushed over Sweeney during an appearance on the "Second Thought" podcast. SYDNEY SWEENEY GOES INSTAGRAM OFFICIAL WITH SCOOTER BRAUN IN COZY STAGECOACH SNAPS "I've met an extraordinary woman, kind and generous and smart and real and down to earth," he said. Braun seemed delighted by his growing relationship with Sweeney, calling it "one of the biggest surprises ever." Sweeney, 28, and Braun, 44, first broke the internet when she was photographed with the music executive in the summer of 2025. The two were first seen together Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos' wedding in Venice, Italy, and were photographed spending time together throughout September 2025, and through February 2026. She then brought Braun with her as her date to the Season 3 premiere of "Euphoria" in April and later went Instagram official when she shared a photo of them from the premiere on her stories with a white heart over it. Originally it was reported the two were "casually" hooking up, but by December insiders hinted the relationship was more serious. "Scooter and Sydney are going strong and things between them are great," a source told People magazine at the time. "They're in a committed relationship and things are serious." SYDNEY SWEENEY STUNS IN WHITE SWIMSUIT DURING FLORIDA KEYS WEEKEND WITH SCOOTER BRAUN Sweeney and Braun hard-launched their relationship on Instagram on May 1 after spending the weekend together at Stagecoach. The actress posted a series of pictures of the two of them at the music festival, captioning the post, "cowboy kind of weekend ♥️." The photos showed the two of them enjoying music at the festival, including some of her on his shoulders and him carrying her in front of the stage. Braun shared his own Instagram post, featuring many of the same photos, captioning the post, "Stagecoach delivered a lucky cowboy." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER The relationship also appeared to extend beyond the couple themselves, with Braun spending time alongside Sweeney's family. As the two became more serious, Braun and Sweeney were joined by the actress' parents during a date night at Universal Studios Hollywood in late September. The two were spotted walking hand-in-hand alongside her mom and dad, Page Six reported. Advertisement Sweeney's mom was later caught catching a ride on Braun's private jet right before Valentine's Day, according to Page Six. Lisa Sweeney was photographed taking a flight out of Los Angeles. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Sweeney's relationship with Braun began months after the "Euphoria" star called off her engagement to film producer Jonathan Davino in March 2025. Sweeney's relationship with Davino had been "rocky for a long time," People magazine reported. Insiders claimed Sweeney had been "overwhelmed" by her relationship and wedding planning while finally finding the "magical career" she had been dreaming of. "She's not ready to settle down," the source told the outlet at the time. "They only lasted for this long because it was hard for her to break it off. They didn't split because there is no love. They split because she just wants to focus on her career right now." Braun was previously married to entrepreneur and activist Yael Cohen from 2014 until their divorce was finalized in 2022, and they share three children. Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22d8d4ee6011c3f4eb2baa Spelman College Names Ayanna Howard, an A.I. Expert, as President te 2026-06-05T14:10:28.571Z Spelman College Names Ayanna Howard, an A.I. Expert, as President The appointment of Ayanna Howard, a roboticist, was a departure for the top-ranked H.B.C.U., which has a liberal arts focus. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22d6b1ee6011c3f4eb283d Uptown Garage wall facade under review te 2026-06-05T14:01:21.047Z Uptown Garage wall facade under review The completion status bar in front of the Uptown Parking Garage will not be hitting 100% anytime soon. Sedona Deputy City Manager Andy Dickey said on Friday, May 29, that an installation problem with the garage’s decorative serpentine exterior wall facade is under structural engineering review, with Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22d47aee6011c3f4eb23fa The Decision by Paul R. Wiesenfeld Delivers a Powerful Story of Redemption, Loyalty, and the Life-Changing Consequences of Choice te 2026-06-05T13:51:54.168Z The Decision by Paul R. Wiesenfeld Delivers a Powerful Story of Redemption, Loyalty, and the Life-Changing Consequences of Choice Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22d463ee6011c3f4eb23d6 US Based PlatinaData.AI Launches India Centre of Excellence with ZettaMine te 2026-06-05T13:51:31.999Z US Based PlatinaData.AI Launches India Centre of Excellence with ZettaMine Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22d1d3ee6011c3f4eb1ed0 Golden Knights defenseman hospitalized after taking 87 mph shot to face in horrifying scene te 2026-06-05T13:40:35.366Z Golden Knights defenseman hospitalized after taking 87 mph shot to face in horrifying scene A terrifying scene briefly interrupted Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final Thursday night, as a player took a shot directly to the face, resulting in a hospitalization. Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb skated off the ice, covering his face after being in direct line of an 87 mph shot. A slap shot from Carolina’s Nikolaj Ehlers hit McNabb square in the face just past the midway point of the first period. McNabb dropped his stick, went down to the ice and grabbed his nose as he skated immediately off and down the tunnel. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The ESPN broadcast reported early in the second period that McNabb had left the arena and gone to a local hospital. McNabb was coming off the first three-assist performance of his NHL career in Game 1. He is one of three original Golden Knights players who have been around for the franchise's entire nine-year existence and are in the final for a third time. "You lose a guy like Nabber who logs heavy minutes, such a good teammate, plays the game so hard, it’s tough," captain Mark Stone said. "They battled as hard as they could." SETH JARVIS SCORES OVERTIME GAME-WINNER AS HURRICANES STORM BACK FROM 2-0 DEFICIT TO EVEN STANLEY CUP FINAL "Any time you see that happen to a teammate, especially to a guy like Nabber who is a huge part of this team, a leader, it’s tough," fellow D-man Noah Hanifin said. "It’s hard to see that happen to any guy on the ice. We’re just hoping for the best for him." Head coach John Tortorella said he did not have an update after the game. The Golden Knights were up 2-0 in the third period but squandered their lead quickly. After tying it with less than two minutes to go, Carolina Hurricanes' Seth Jarvis found the back of the net to tie the series at one before both teams head west. 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/6a22cf98ee6011c3f4eb1a9d Smokin' Charley Hull gets off to a fast start at U.S. Women's Open before fading, Stephen A weight loss & MEAT te 2026-06-05T13:31:04.652Z Smokin' Charley Hull gets off to a fast start at U.S. Women's Open before fading, Stephen A weight loss & MEAT Welcome in to another edition of Friday Screencaps where I address my 16th wedding anniversary with Mrs. Screencaps and we check in with Smokin' Charley Hull at the U.S. Women's Open to see if she's returned to smoking cigs at a tournament as the pressure mounts. First, I would be a complete moron if I didn't mention the anniversary thing. Last week, Mrs. Screencaps and I started to build a plan for the evening and where we might want to go to dinner with our boys. Then, she took a look at the GameChanger app and realized Screencaps the III has a 6 p.m. first pitch this evening. So much for that plan. Now we'll be lucky to get home at 8:30. Such is life. This is what you older Gen Zs and Millennials have to look forward to. I think the new plan might be to pivot the dinner to Saturday and maybe we'll go buy some new rocks. That's the stage of life we're at. Special moments are spent picking out hardscaping. The elite suburban wives might think that's ridiculous, but I guarantee Mrs. Screencaps will be up for it. SMOKIN' CHARLEY HULL IS BACK TO PROMOTING NICOTINE AFTER GIVING UP THE CIGS, METS BOOTH MESS & STEAK TACOS! Let's quickly pivot to SPORTS and Charley Hull at the U.S. Women's Open at Riviera Country Club where Charley Hull got off to a fast start before falling back a bit in her first round. Why is Hull worth mentioning this morning? It was two years ago when Hull went viral for smoking cigs at the 2024 U.S. Open. For many of us, that was our introduction to Hull. In 2025, she took a bet that she would never smoke again and here we are through one round at Riviera and there's no evidence she's broken her promise to stay away from the Marlboro Lights. Good for Charley, bad for Screencaps. When Charley was smoking away on the course, readers were completely fascinated. She's +2 heading into her Friday round. DANICA PATRICK IMPRESSES THE MAHA CROWD BY TAKING UP TENNIS AS HER NEWEST FITNESS WORKOUT, BAT DOGS & MEAT! 📩 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 – LA Don writes: Ok sir, I am finally back home… got back Sunday ngt from Cabo, all to turn around Monday morning to catch a flight out to Denver for a speaking engagement I was asked to be a part of, now back home in So Cal, ready to share my $700 golf excursion (actually $1300 all in)… Okay, so here’s the scoop for our Outkick golfers: I’m a bit better than your average golfer, with a handicap of about 12. I absolutely love beautiful courses. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than waking up early, feeling the sunrise on your back, enjoying a good cup of coffee, lighting up a 1964 Anniversary Padrón cigar, and all while playing a fantastic course. Recently, I was invited to a destination wedding in Cabo. The location was the Montage Los Cabos, and I had heard about their semi-private (members and hotel guests only) course, Montage, called Twin Dolphin. A couple of friends had played it and said it was nice. So, once we booked our room, I booked a round with three other players who were also attending the wedding. We all decided we wanted to try this course, and I made reservations and was pleased to get a great morning slot for the four of us this past week. Although I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time of booking, I didn’t realize we had booked a round that charges $700 green fees per player. When I saw that price, I thought, "What in the world does this course offer to charge us more than Pebble Beach charges (Pebble is now about $695 a round). Being from So Cal, I’ve played about every course worth playing in California, AZ, NV and OR (both private and public course). So, I’m well-versed in what a quality course is. Still, I kept wondering what this Freddie Couples course offers to charge such an insane amount?" Well, here’s my take in a nutshell… The course is lovely, but it doesn’t quite match the price tag. Cabo del Sol (Ocean Course) was much better, and it even has holes that play by and over the ocean! Cabo del Sol (Ocean Course, not Desert Course) has since also become semi-private and is now called ‘The Cove Club’ (members and resort patrons of the four seasons can play it) I really miss that Jack Nicklaus course; it was truly epic until they removed their signature hole, as you literally would hit over the ocean onto an almost island green (par 3, 17th hole). Now, it’s a resort pool for the Four Seasons and Cabo del Sol residents. I think that was a terrible decision, actually criminal. But hey, thats business.   Okay, back to Twin Dolphin… The course is pretty, but it’s a bit far from the ocean. The layout is nice, but the greens had some kind of turf disease/fungal issues. They played true, but the optics weren’t good. Thankfully, we had caddies because it was hard to find the tee boxes, and there were lots of blind spots, and ‘no idea what happens around that dog leg right’ issues. So, after spending almost $1300 in 4.5 hours (green fees, food/beverage, shirt/hat, cigars), I have to say that while it wasn’t a complete waste of money, it was way too much for the course. I’m not sure the course will survive charging these fees in the long run. But, why not when you have gringos like me coming down willing to spend that kind of money? More power to Freddie Couples and his Mexican counterparts! Bottom line here… The course is lovely, but it’s definitely not worth $700. You can play a better course like Chileno Bay (another semi-private at around $500 a round) or Tiger Woods course, Diamanté (another private and about $550 a round). Also, Quivira Golf Club is gorgeous, about $400 a round… but when it comes to public courses in Cabo, ‘La Puerto’ Los Cabos is hands down my favorite. It offers 3 nine-hole courses and just gorgeous playing through the hills, down to the beach… all for about $350 a round. – Larry S. says: I saw your article today and want to tell you about 53 years ago, when I was about 15, I was in a foursome with 3 other teenagers. One of the teens hit a shot wild right that went through some trees toward the road that was along the hole. A couple minutes later a man emerged through the trees. He was about 5'2", 250 pounds and very angry.  The golf ball went though the window of his truck, which was rolled down, and hit him in the cheek. ARE PEOPLE WHO PARK ON STREETS FACING THE WRONG WAY THE WORST PEOPLE ON EARTH? And he thought we'd done it on purpose. I thought he was gonna kill the kid that hit it. I had my 4-iron out in my hand in case we needed to fight the guy. And back then we didn't have  cell phone to call the pro shop or cops. We finally got him calmed down and to understand we didn't do it on purpose. – Reagan B. tells us: I live in a very humid and hot part of the country, so I have a 1.6 gallon dehumidifier that I run full time positioned right in front of my air return.  It saves me 50-100 a month on my power bill and makes the house much more comfortable and since the HVAC runs much less, it also saves on the wear and tear of the unit.  For reference purposes, I pull out 3+ gallons of water a day on 4100 sqft.  Yes, I have to empty it twice and sometimes even 3 times a day during the most humid times, but it is well worth it to me.  Because the air it blows out is hotter than the ambient temperature and it is positioned under my thermostat, the rest of the house is 5-6 degrees cooler than what the thermostat registers.  For those worried about, or already facing, power companies changing their thermostats, this is a way to keep your house much cooler than what the thermostat registers while also saving money and staying more comfortable. Regarding AI, I use it quite a bit for my projects and I have found it to be both helpful and very, very wrong on the same projects.  I recently built a thin floating type shelf in our laundry room and not only did it get the load path wrong, when I questioned it, it got the fundamental physics wrong (ie it said a member was supporting compression/tension when it was clearly shear forces).  A very useful tool, but still prone to potentially catastrophic errors (if I had used it's structural recommendation, the shelf would have collapsed as soon as I put a load on it). – Tom T. emails: No,  I do not allow any other humans to control my thermostat.  I had to get a new AC unit a couple of years ago.   The installer offered to put a new, digital thermostat in.  I thought about it, then said "no, thanks, this one still works pretty well" . – Cindy F. in Kansas checks in: Like you, I set the A/C at 69 degrees.  I keep the heat at 62-65. Shouldn't the electric company give me credits for saving energy during the cold months then use them to subsidize my higher energy use during the summer.  It seems to me they are happily accepting the savings from the lower heat usage in the cold months.  They'll tell you they are using the lower usage to help people who can't afford heat in the winter. You know darn well they turn around and sell the 'extra' electricity, most likely at an inflated rate.  Am I right? – Dean in Fond du Lac, WI checks in: I had the option offered years ago by my power utility to have a "smart thermostat" installed to save me money during times of high energy usage.  I read their spiel and realized that this gave the utility the ability to control my thermostat any time that they wanted without me having a say in return for a "lower" utility bill.  This could mean the A/C is controlled in the summer and the heat in the winter.  Umm, no thanks.  This same utility used to beg their customers to pay more for electricity that was generated by solar and wind.  The utility must have thought that their customers had just fallen off of the turnip truck with that offer.  No way in hell was I going to pay more for "green" generated electricity when every penny already counted in our family budget. I spent almost 40 years in the IT world (I am now retired).  I am well aware how IT equipment can be abused (anything with a microchip in it with an internet connection is a computer of sorts).  No way am I going to get anything that is labeled as "smart" and connected to the internet if I can help it.  Why would I want a refrigerator or a garage door opener that is connected to the internet?  These things can be hacked and abused by outside entities.  The only thing that I have that is considered "smart" is my Ring doorbell (#not sponsored) only so I can 1) see who is at my door in case I don’t want to answer it, and 2) make sure that I have a video record of porch pirates stealing my packages that were delivered before I could get them into the house. – Todd in Columbus, OH says: No one asked but can we bring back paper, punch out ballots for the MLB All Star game? I looked up why MLB did away with the paper ballots. In 2015 there were more than 16 million unused paper ballots so MLB did away with it. Fine. But if was the commissioner I would reinstate the paper ballots and sell them at all the ballparks in organized professional baseball for $1 each. Have the proceeds benefit Stand Up To Cancer and ALS charities.  Print up only 2 million or so.  There was nothing better than literally punching out a small box by your favorite players name to get them on the all star team and then dropping it into a ballot box. It was an 8 year old's introduction into voting. So I hope someone sees this at MLB HQ and runs with this.  Thanks, Joe. ################ And that is it this morning. Mrs. Screencaps agreed that dinner and visiting the rock store sounds like a great plan, so that's our 16th anniversary plan. Go have a great first weekend in June. Enjoy those patios. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22cf81ee6011c3f4eb1a4e Trump Keeps Immunity from I.R.S. Audits, Even as $1.8 Billion Fund Falls Away te 2026-06-05T13:30:41.609Z Trump Keeps Immunity from I.R.S. Audits, Even as $1.8 Billion Fund Falls Away Even as they rebelled against a $1.8 billion fund for President Trump’s allies, Republicans looked the other way as his administration granted him potentially lucrative tax protections. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22cd51ee6011c3f4eb1600 Senate Passes $70 Billion G.O.P. Immigration Bill te 2026-06-05T13:21:21.686Z Senate Passes $70 Billion G.O.P. Immigration Bill It was a victory for President Trump and his party, though the debate exposed fissures between Republican senators and Mr. Trump on a variety of issues. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22cd3aee6011c3f4eb15b5 Raman Gains on Pratt in L.A. Mayor Race But Many Ballots Remain te 2026-06-05T13:20:58.719Z Raman Gains on Pratt in L.A. Mayor Race But Many Ballots Remain Nithya Raman’s vote count still remains well behind Spencer Pratt’s, but hundreds of thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Los Angeles over the next few weeks. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22cd25ee6011c3f4eb1582 Deal to Renew FISA Surveillance Law Falters in the Senate Over Pulte te 2026-06-05T13:20:37.931Z Deal to Renew FISA Surveillance Law Falters in the Senate Over Pulte Democrats who had been expected to supply the votes necessary to advance it balked after President Trump named Bill Pulte to head the intelligence apparatus. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22cb1cee6011c3f4eb123d Ella Langley has the internet buzzing after her black outfit and performance at CMA Fest in Nashville te 2026-06-05T13:11:56.492Z Ella Langley has the internet buzzing after her black outfit and performance at CMA Fest in Nashville Ella Langley put on a show Thursday night at CMA Fest. As our loyal readers know, Langley is one of the few true superstars in the world of country music. Anyone who says something different has no idea what they're talking about. She's built an incredible career that recently included absolutely dominating at the ACM Awards with seven awards. Now, she's run off and done it again! COUNTRY MUSIC STAR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH SPICY SWIMSUIT PHOTO Langley performed Thursday night in Nashville at CMA Fest, and she has the internet buzzing after the fact. She rocked a black outfit that immediately spun up plenty of attention. She also did it while performing "Here for the Party" with Gretchen Wilson. You can check out the video shared by Whiskey Riff below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. COUNTRY STAR ELLA LANGLEY SAYS 'VERY SCARY' ALABAMA CHURCH HAUNTED HOUSE LED TO HER GETTING 'SAVED AGAIN' The incredibly talented singer also went viral for her performance of her mega-hit song "Choosin' Texas," which has been dominating the charts and the industry since its release. It's always great to watch someone blow up in the music industry when they're actually unique and interesting. The days of pop country are dead, and that's good news for everyone. Langley is the face of a new era, and she's perfectly built to lead country music forward. She's also incredibly authentic. The "Nicotine" singer is very open about her faith and Christian beliefs. You love to see it! Let me know what you think of Langley's incredible rise and career at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22cb04ee6011c3f4eb120f John Fetterman’s fall from hero to heretic exposes Democrats’ hard left turn te 2026-06-05T13:11:32.003Z John Fetterman’s fall from hero to heretic exposes Democrats’ hard left turn In 2016, when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was mixing cocktails at a bar in Union Square, John Fetterman, then the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, was one of the original Bernie Bros. During his first unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate, Fetterman was a lonely voice supporting Bernie Sanders' upstart primary challenge against Hillary Clinton. In his endorsement video, Fetterman stated that he and Sanders "stand together as the most progressive candidates in our respective races." A decade later, Fetterman may not have changed, but his political party cannot say the same. Today, Fetterman is a Democratic U.S. senator from Pennsylvania. Once again, he is on a political island for a very different reason. Despite voting 91% of the time with his party, the brash, outspoken former progressive darling enjoys higher marks among Republican voters (73%) than Democratic ones (22%) in his own state. KNIVES OUT FOR FETTERMAN AS DEMOCRATS TURN ON ONE-TIME PROGRESSIVE STAR He has become a political outcast. Fellow members of the Pennsylvania delegation are musing about a primary challenge in 2028. Speculation is running high about Fetterman switching parties, an idea he has poured cold water on. Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez is the talk of the town for a different reason. She is endorsing left-wing candidates across the country. She and Sanders have barnstormed the nation on their so-called "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, which, according to media reports, relies on private jets and chauffeured limousines to get around. Her name is rising fast on lists of potential 2028 presidential candidates. How did the script flip so fast in 10 years? DAVID MARCUS: SANDERS-AOC COMEDY TOUR IS SIGN OF FAR-LEFT DESPERATION For clues, look to Fetterman’s so-called "sins." He has stressed the need for a secure southern border. He took his party’s reflexive anti-Trump positioning to task, noting, "The president could come out for ice cream and lazy Sundays, and my party would suddenly hate them." Fetterman has not only been outspoken in his support for Israel — especially since the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, 2023 — but has gone a step further and called out the "rot in my party standing with pro-Hamas people." JOHN FETTERMAN SLAMS ANTI-ISRAEL 'ROT' IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY, REJECTS AOC CLAIMS OF GAZA 'GENOCIDE' The Democratic Party, meanwhile, has a different perspective. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, someone who has been working hard to raise his national profile, has encouraged the party to rethink its "reflexive and unconditional support for Israeli governments." Sanders has not only stood by his support of Graham Platner, the scandal-plagued and embattled Maine Senate candidate, but also rushed to his defense. Fetterman has taken a different approach, calling it "crazy" that "the guy who’s going to win the primary in Maine … has a Nazi tattoo on his chest, and that's no problem for a lot of voters." FETTERMAN COMPARES DEMS' DEFENSE OF 'TACKY AND GROSS' PLATNER TO DISGRACED EX-LAWMAKER Platner, for his part, has returned the favor, describing Fetterman as the "bane" of his existence. Therein lies Fetterman’s challenge. He has said his "values have not changed." But his party's values have. Take a quick look at some of their policy ideas. DEMOCRATS PAID THE PRICE FOR ABANDONING MODERATE CLINTON-ERA POLICIES Last decade’s "Fight for $15" on the minimum wage has morphed into New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s quest for "$30 by 2030." Barack Obama’s "rock solid" commitment to the people of Israel in 2012 has given way to Sanders accusing Israel of "committing genocide in Gaza." CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Obama’s praise of the fracking revolution and natural gas yielded to Ocasio-Cortez's "Green New Deal" and the push to eliminate fossil fuels. And John Fetterman, one of the original Sanders backers when almost everyone else in his party was with Clinton, has become an outright pariah. These days, Democratic primary voters are much more aligned with Ocasio-Cortez's "Tax the Rich" philosophy than Fetterman’s hoodies and shorts. As the party's center has moved leftward, common sense and practicality are nowhere to be found. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM COLIN REED Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22cadaee6011c3f4eb11ee James Handy, Actor in ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ Is Found Stabbed to Death te 2026-06-05T13:10:50.652Z James Handy, Actor in ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ Is Found Stabbed to Death The 81-year-old actor had parts in films including “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Arachnophobia.” The son of his girlfriend was arrested and charged with murder. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22cac4ee6011c3f4eb11c9 AirTrunk commits $30B to build 5GW of AI data centers in India te 2026-06-05T13:10:28.563Z AirTrunk commits $30B to build 5GW of AI data centers in India The Australian data center operator plans to set up 5GW of capacity in India. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22c8e4ee6011c3f4eb11a5 US Based PlatinaData.AI Launches India Centre of Excellence with ZettaMine te 2026-06-05T13:02:28.970Z US Based PlatinaData.AI Launches India Centre of Excellence with ZettaMine Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22c8d0ee6011c3f4eb119c How to Move on a Budget This Summer: 5 Packing Tips for Big Savings te 2026-06-05T13:02:08.088Z How to Move on a Budget This Summer: 5 Packing Tips for Big Savings (StatePoint) Summer is peak moving season—and peak pricing season, too. In fact, nearly half of all U.S. moves take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends each year, according to U-Haul, and, with gas prices on the rise, costs… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22c8baee6011c3f4eb1193 How to Move on a Budget This Summer: 5 Packing Tips for Big Savings te 2026-06-05T13:01:46.974Z How to Move on a Budget This Summer: 5 Packing Tips for Big Savings Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22c8a6ee6011c3f4eb1186 Our View: Arizona should not hand over private voter data te 2026-06-05T13:01:26.012Z Our View: Arizona should not hand over private voter data Arizona voters should not have to give up their privacy to prove their elections are fair. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22c884ee6011c3f4eb114d Zelenskyy issues open letter to Putin proposing meeting as US 'fully focused' on Iran te 2026-06-05T13:00:52.648Z Zelenskyy issues open letter to Putin proposing meeting as US 'fully focused' on Iran In an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed meeting to reach a resolution to the years-long war between their two nations. "We see that the United States is fully focused on the issue of Iran, and it would be wrong to simply wait until the war in Europe returns to the center of its attention. Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you. I am proposing a meeting," Zelenskyy said in the letter. "There are countries that have traditionally hosted leaders to resolve issues of war and peace. Switzerland, Türkiye, the countries of the Arab world — many are able and willing to host such a meeting. It is leaders who resolve the key issues. That has always been the case, and it always will be," he asserted. 18 HOUSE REPUBLICANS DEFY TRUMP TO PASS UKRAINE AID PACKAGE HEADED FOR VETO FIGHT Zelenskyy suggested that Europe and the U.S. should also be involved in the peace process. "Since the war is taking place in Europe, and since Ukraine needs security guarantees, while you also seek security guarantees for yourself, it would be logical to involve those who can genuinely serve as guarantors. We believe Europe should be part of this process — those who truly have the capacity to influence the situation. We also believe that the United States must be part of the process. This is what could help shape a new security architecture for our part of the world," he said. HOUSE REPUBLICAN DON BACON SAYS HE WANTS 'PARIAH STATE' RUSSIA BOOTED FROM UN SECURITY COUNCIL He indicated that Ukraine would agree to a ceasefire during the proposed negotiations. "Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations. This is standard practice, and current developments around Iran only reinforce that point. An attempt to establish real silence is the best way to begin talking to one another. We believe it would not simply be an attempt, but a real ceasefire — if that is what you want," he noted. He also suggested a prisoner swap between the two nations, noting, "Ukraine is ready for an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, and this could become a good prologue to ending the war. Serious steps must be taken to return civilians and children who were taken away during the war." PENTAGON SLASHES NATO COMBAT COMMITMENTS AS TRUMP PUSHES EUROPE TO DEFEND ITSELF "If you do not personally come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue fighting for its existence. We will have those who support us. But you, too, will have to fight much harder for your own existence — not Russia’s, but your own. And this is not a threat from me or from Ukraine. It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows tired, change comes," Zelenskyy warned Putin. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22bcf0ee6011c3f4eb0f3b USPS reveals shocking number of dog attacks on mail carriers, issues urgent warning to pet owners te 2026-06-05T12:11:28.011Z USPS reveals shocking number of dog attacks on mail carriers, issues urgent warning to pet owners The United States Postal Service (USPS) is issuing an urgent warning to Americans to keep their dogs secured during mail deliveries after more than 5,200 postal workers were attacked by canines last year. The warning comes as the USPS kicks off its annual Dog Bite Awareness campaign, a month-long June initiative aimed at reducing attacks on mail carriers and promoting responsible pet ownership. "Every single day, our postal employees serve their communities across dynamic, fast-changing environments," Leeann Theriault, employee safety and health awareness manager for USPS, said in a statement. USPS POSTMARK TIMING MAY CHANGE FOR SOME MAIL, SHIPPING PRICES ALSO SET TO RISE "Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance." Even dogs that are typically calm and well-behaved, the USPS said, can react unpredictably when they feel threatened or become protective of their territory. The agency is urging pet owners to secure dogs before opening their doors. They should also keep animals leashed during delivery hours and avoid accepting mail directly from carriers while pets are nearby. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Postal officials also warned that dog attacks can carry significant financial consequences for owners — including medical expenses, lost wages, replacement costs and other damages. The agency highlighted the experience of San Antonio letter carrier Fiona Hudson as an example of the dangers mail carriers can face on the job. "I was walking my route when a dog jumped the fence and lunged at me," Hudson said in a statement. "I was rushed to the hospital bleeding, with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and was barely able to move," she also said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "While my physical wounds have healed, the trauma of that vicious attack stays with me." Hudson urged customers to take responsibility for securing their pets during delivery hours. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The USPS noted that failing to do so can have consequences for mail service. "When a carrier feels unsafe because of a roaming dog, mail service can be temporarily suspended," USPS said. In some cases, residents may be required to pick up their mail at a local post office until the situation is resolved.  If a dangerous dog issue persists, homeowners could be required to rent a post office box to continue receiving mail. "If a dog is roaming the neighborhood, the pet owner's neighbors also may be asked to pick up their mail at the area’s post office," the USPS says on its website.  The city of Los Angeles recorded the highest number of reported dog attacks on mail carriers last year, with 70 incidents, according to USPS data. Dallas ranked second with 50 incidents — followed by Denver with 45, Houston with 44 and Chicago with 43. Fox News Digital reached out to the USPS for further comment. "The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority," the USPS says. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22bcdcee6011c3f4eb0f32 Randy Travis' health crisis began with 'congestion' and ended in a five-month hospital stay te 2026-06-05T12:11:08.013Z Randy Travis' health crisis began with 'congestion' and ended in a five-month hospital stay Randy Travis' intense health journey started with a symptom of the common cold. During a recent interview with Fox News Digital while at The Nashville Palace — where a celebration took place on June 3 in honor of the 40th anniversary of his first album "Storms of Life," the 67-year-old and his wife, Mary Travis, spoke about a time in his life where he leaned on his faith the most, noting he initially went to the doctor after having issues with "congestion," but ended up finding something much more serious. The "Forever and Ever, Amen" singer was hospitalized in 2013 for congestive heart failure tied to viral cardiomyopathy.  A blood clot that formed in his heart then caused a massive stroke, which left him with partial paralysis and affected his speech. "Obviously, during the stroke, that was probably the closest life or death, if you will, situation," she said. "We were there for five and a half months. We left home one morning thinking we were just going to go to the critical care and get something for congestion that he had, and we didn't walk back in the house for five and a half months." RANDY TRAVIS' WIFE DEFIED MEDICAL ADVICE TO 'PULL THE PLUG' DURING COUNTRY STAR'S STROKE RECOVERY BATTLE While in the hospital, Mary shared that Randy spoke with the Lord "all the time," saying that while Randy has "always been close to the Lord," they "leaned hard on the Lord" in those moments. WATCH: Randy Travis went to the doctor for congestion and ended up in the hospital for five months When looking back at that time, Mary said, "We hit that brick wall at 100 miles an hour, and things changed overnight," but said that in terms of their relationship, it "definitely made it stronger." "There was never any question that we were gonna go in any other direction. It concreted it, is what it did. I knew that I was put in his life and he was put my life right where we were, how we were," she said. "Everything was in a plan, and it strengthened it because I needed him more than anything, and he needed me more than anything. And you know what? That was a great place to be for both of us." After going through his health crisis together, Mary urges others not to "take for granted the people closest to them." "I think that's what we've learned is just embrace every single one," she said. "I tell people, I say, put the phone down, turn the TV off, go out to the country, sit by a stream, eat peaches, enjoy life, and thank God for more life." CARRIE UNDERWOOD'S TRIBUTE TO RANDY TRAVIS MOVES GRAND OLE OPRY AUDIENCE TO TEARS The event will not only celebrate the country legend's debut album, but will also include a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the naming dedication of our Randy Travis Room at the venue. WATCH: Mary Travis admits her husband Randy Travis' health crisis made their marriage 'stronger' "I think what amazes us is when he and Kyle Lehning finished putting that album together, they agreed that if they sold 40,000 copies of it that maybe Warner would let him make a second album," she said. "Of course, that followed up with 'Always and Forever,' so we know what happened with that. That was even bigger than 'Storms of Life.'" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER While Randy has gone on to become one of the most legendary performers in country music, Mary explains, "He had no plan to be the legend that he has become," and had never planned on being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and just thought "if I could make a living maybe out of making music, that'll be okay with me." "He just came by it naturally because of his God-given natural talent," she said. WATCH: Randy Travis is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his debut album 'Storms of Life' Throughout his 40 years in country music, Randy has won seven Grammy Awards, 11 ACM Awards, 10 American Music Awards and many others, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. He has also had four albums go platinum, one go double platinum, another go triple platinum and a third go Quintuple Platinum. "I think every artist dips their paintbrush deep down into their soul, and then they paint on their palette their own different way, and they hope that it touches somebody's life somewhere along the line. Boy, Randy, he did that. He had a string of masterpieces, if you will, with his music and his songs, and Storms of Life, there's not a bad song on it." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS She continued: "There's three or four of them that became hits, but if you take any of those songs, they could all be hits, if there was just room enough for that many hits. So Randy got to pick a lot of the great music that he wanted to pick because he was singing traditional country music and most of the artists weren't singing that. So he said, ‘I had pick of the litter as far as the music.’ He said, ‘My time was just right.’" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22bcc8ee6011c3f4eb0f29 Red Sox pitcher gets rocked, throws incredible tantrum, gets dealt immediate reality check by organization te 2026-06-05T12:10:48.084Z Red Sox pitcher gets rocked, throws incredible tantrum, gets dealt immediate reality check by organization In a season full of absolute misery, the Boston Red Sox finally did something right following another embarrassing home loss Thursday. The organization demoted starting pitcher Brayan Bello after another horrific outing, coupled with a postgame tantrum with the media. You can be awful at your job. You can be a clown. But — and this is important — you cannot be bad at your job AND be a clown. We'll get to the postgame interaction here in a minute, but first, some quick context ... THE ORIOLES POUNDED THE PATHETIC RED SOX INTO THE GROUND SO BADLY THEY RAN OUT OF HOME RUN FIREWORKS Bello has been, by far, Boston's worst starting pitcher this season. Things got so bad, interim manager Chad Kelly actually started using him as a "bulk" pitcher as of late, meaning the team would use an opener in the first inning or two, and then bring Bello in for the rest of the game. That actually worked. In games where Bello would simply not pitch the first inning or two, he was excellent. In games where he actually had to start, he was literally incapable of not getting rocked. I'm serious. He could not NOT give up multiple runs in the first inning. Baffling stuff. Anyway, the Sox had Bello start once again Thursday against Baltimore, he gave up five (!!!) runs in the first inning, promptly yelled at the media about it after the game, and was then sent down to Worcester. What a day! Amazing. What a miserable season. Look, I was ready to hop on today and berate the Red Sox for starting Bello again. I couldn't believe Kelly had the gall to throw this kid back out there Thursday when he had been so good out of the "bulk" role. And I mean GOOD: I mean, just night and day. Uncanny. So, yes, I was prepared to rip the Red Sox today for once again starting him against the Orioles ... and then Bello had the audacity to say all of that after getting rocked, and I completely changed my tune. Who does this guy think he is? The team is in the middle of an absolute embarrassing season, you've been among the worst starting pitchers in all of baseball, and you have the stones to stand there and berate the media because they asked about your role? After THAT outing?! What world am I living in here? I've got a newsflash for anyone that hasn't followed the Red Sox this year (lucky you!): Brayan Bello ain't worth that headache. The Red Sox are pretty awful in every single area, but starting pitching actually isn't one of them. That's probably the only area they're good in. I'd argue they have too many starting pitchers. If I were them, I'd not only leave Bello in Worcester for the rest of the season, I'd try to ship him out of Boston for good before next month's trade deadline. They do not need him. RED SOX RAISE DOXXING CONCERNS TO POLICE AFTER RAFAEL DEVERS TRADE, OFFICIALS SAY Frankly, nobody needs a starting pitcher with an ERA hovering around double-digits. Nobody. Again, let me reiterate this ... Brayan Bello has the WORST ERA of any qualified starter in Major League Baseball. He's currently 2-6 with a 6.34 ERA. Teams are hitting .310 off of him, which is also worst in the league. And he's going to have the audacity to tell us to "stop talking about the bullpen-starter crap because when I'm pitching well as a starter nobody talks about it"? Buddy ... you haven't pitched well ALL SEASON LONG. It's June! You STINK when you have to actually do your job and pitch in the first inning. Enjoy Worcester, pal. Get comfy. Make friends with the locals. Get a summer membership at the local course. Get one of those punch cards at Madulka's so you get a free ice cream every fifth order. Most importantly, get a grip — both on and off the mound. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22b818ee6011c3f4eb0e5a Graham Platner accuser hits NYT for allegedly softening allegations, says coverage was 'gift' to Democrat te 2026-06-05T11:50:48.969Z Graham Platner accuser hits NYT for allegedly softening allegations, says coverage was 'gift' to Democrat Lyndsey Fifield, an ex-girlfriend of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, hit The New York Times for allegedly softening her allegations of abuse, saying coverage was a "gift" to the Democrat's campaign. After speaking to the New York Times about Platner's history of being a "narcissistic abuser," Fifield claims the outlet failed to include corroboration from other women that she offered and left out screenshots and other evidence she provided. "Why does it say ‘nobody could corroborate’ when I offered them sources that COULD corroborate?" she wrote on X. "Where were the screenshots they’d said they would use? Or the mention that I’d supported local democrats and that most of my family (and husband) are liberal? The editors said it was too much, they explained. The Times also failed to include any mention that I DID confide in multiple friends through the years that Graham had been abusive — long before he was running for office. Those friends confirm they told the Times so." This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22b5c0ee6011c3f4eb0dec Democrat bankrolling Graham Platner's campaign ripped for downplaying abuse allegations and more top headlines te 2026-06-05T11:40:48.320Z Democrat bankrolling Graham Platner's campaign ripped for downplaying abuse allegations and more top headlines 1. Democrat downplays Graham Platner's abuse allegations  2. Senate passes $70B ICE, Border Patrol funding package 3. ‘Jumanji’ actor James Handy allegedly killed CLEAR DECISION — Trump says only US, China have capability to retrieve enriched uranium from Iran. Continue reading … DANGEROUS WATERS — Coast Guard intercepts overloaded migrant vessel carrying 240 people. Continue reading … JURY SCRAMBLE — Murdaugh’s murder retrial may crack open secret ‘egg juror’ transcripts. Continue reading … DOUBLE LIFE EXPOSED — American admits spying for China, infiltrating US political circles for over $100K. Continue reading … BACKSEAT TAKEOVER — Handcuffed man slips cuffs, hijacks Dallas police cruiser with cop inside: video. Continue reading … -- PARTY LIKE IT'S 1776 — Trump announces massive new DC rally to kick off America's 250th celebration. Continue reading … PARTY LINE CROSSED — House passes Ukraine aid package despite Trump's veto threat as GOP rebels break ranks. Continue reading … UNRAVELING FAST — AOC dodges questions on abuse allegations, Nazi tattoo claims rocking Platner's campaign. Continue reading … RED HANDED — Rubio sanctions alleged Cuban influence operation that cultivated ties with US groups. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   EQUAL PLAYING FIELD — Education Department fires back at AP for framing civil rights probes as racial. Continue reading … RESCUE MISSION — Senate passes $108.5M to hire 200 new agents fighting child sex trafficking. Continue reading … CAMPAIGN UNDER FIRE — Graham Platner calls his ex a liar over wrist-grab in first national interview. Continue reading … THE COMEBACK — Nike CEO Elliott Hill outlines sports-focused strategy to revive iconic sportswear company. Continue reading … JOHN TILLMAN — AOC’s billionaire attack sells Gen Z a smaller, sadder American Dream. Continue reading … DOUGLAS MACKINNON — Danny DeVito's 1991 film warned about communists 'waiting in the bushes' and now they're here. Continue reading … -- CRACKED FOUNDATION — Aaron Judge diagnosed with stress fracture in rib, out indefinitely for Yankees. Continue reading … FOUNDING FLAVOR — George Washington's 'small beer' recipe from 1757 now brought back to life. Continue reading … DUST SETTLED — Caitlin Clark's emphatic chest bump with coach speaks louder than any critic. Continue reading … DIGITAL'S NEWS QUIZ — Think you followed this week's headlines? Put your knowledge to the test. Take the quiz here ... DANIELLE ALVAREZ – Democrats stick by Graham Platner as new allegations rock campaign. See video … KURT KNUTSSON – New AI teddy bear risks and selfie fingerprint hacking. See video … Tune in as FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream discusses the controversies surrounding Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Plattner. 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/6a22b382ee6011c3f4eb0d82 Carnival breach may put your travel data at risk te 2026-06-05T11:31:14.646Z Carnival breach may put your travel data at risk Carnival Corporation has confirmed a data breach affecting nearly 6 million people, and the fallout could reach travelers who may not think of themselves as Carnival customers. The company says the incident involved a social engineering attack on a single user account. In other words, someone fooled an employee and gained access to part of Carnival's IT system. For cruise customers, the real concern starts after the breach. Stolen personal details can help scammers write messages that feel far more believable. Here is what may have been exposed, what Have I Been Pwned found in the leaked data and what you can do now to protect yourself. MAJOR CRUISE LINE HACK EXPOSES SENSITIVE DATA OF NEARLY 6 MILLION TRAVELERS Carnival Corporation says the breach began with a social engineering attack on a single user account. An unauthorized actor gained access to a limited part of the company's IT system. Carnival says it immediately blocked the activity, brought in third-party security experts and alerted law enforcement. A Carnival Corporation spokesperson told CyberGuy, "In April, we identified unauthorized access to a limited part of our IT system caused by a social engineering attack on a single user account. We immediately blocked the activity, engaged third-party security experts and alerted law enforcement. Our investigation found certain personal information was illegally accessed. We're notifying affected individuals and deeply regret any concern this causes. Protecting the privacy and security of personal data is a priority for us and we've added new layers of security and monitoring on top of the comprehensive protections already in place. We'll also continue advancing our defenses against evolving threats." State breach reporting shows 5,995,277 people were affected. Carnival says the impacted data varies by individual. However, the company says the information known to be involved includes names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and government-issued identification numbers, such as driver's license numbers and passport numbers. Have I Been Pwned also analyzed the data published by ShinyHunters and said it contained 8.7 million records with 7.5 million unique email addresses. That data appeared tied to Holland America's Mariner Society loyalty program and included names, dates of birth, email addresses, genders, geographic locations, salutations and loyalty program details. That means this breach could affect you even if you think of yourself as a Holland America customer, not a Carnival customer. Even without a credit card number, this type of data can create problems. Criminals can use it to build fake emails, texts and calls that sound like they came from a real cruise brand. For example, a scammer could mention loyalty points, an upcoming trip, a refund or a cabin upgrade. That one familiar detail may be enough to get you to click. Carnival has not publicly confirmed that ShinyHunters carried out the attack. However, the extortion gang claimed responsibility in April 2026 and said it stole millions of records and internal corporate data. ShinyHunters has also been tied to broader data theft and extortion activity involving Salesforce customers. The group often pressures companies by threatening to leak or sell stolen information. The FBI has warned victims not to pay ransom demands from the group. Paying does not guarantee stolen data will be deleted. It also does not stop criminals from trying to extort victims again. For you, the concern is what happens next. Once your data leaks, scammers may try to use it in emails, texts or calls that sound more believable than the usual junk. Travel scams work because they catch you when you are excited, rushed or distracted. Maybe you booked a cruise years ago. Maybe you joined a loyalty program and forgot about it. Maybe you sailed with Holland America, Princess Cruises or another Carnival-owned brand. That old account can still have value to criminals. Carnival has also dealt with several cybersecurity incidents before. The company disclosed breaches in March 2020 and June 2021 after attackers accessed employee email accounts. Ransomware incidents in August 2020 and December 2020 also exposed personal information tied to Carnival customers and employees. That history does not mean every Carnival customer will face fraud. But it does show why old travel accounts deserve attention. A loyalty account can reveal more than points. It can connect your name, email, birthday, travel history and brand preferences. That gives scammers more ways to sound convincing. A fake email may claim your loyalty points are expiring. A text may say you qualify for a refund. A caller may say your account needs verification. Those tricks can lead to stolen passwords, malware, fake payment pages or identity theft attempts. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY AND SECURITY ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE VACATION If you receive a Carnival breach notice, read it closely so you know what information may have been involved. Some impacted data may include government-issued identification numbers, so take these steps to lock down your accounts, spot fake cruise messages and reduce the chances that scammers can use your personal details against you. Carnival says it is offering eligible U.S. individuals two years of complimentary credit monitoring. If you receive a notice, use the contact details in that notice or Carnival's official breach webpage. Do not trust random links in emails, texts or search ads claiming to help you enroll. Go directly to the official website or app. Do not click a link from an email or text. Use a strong, unique password for every travel account. A password manager can help you create and store better passwords. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection. Even if someone steals your password, they still need a second approval. Use an authentication app when possible. Text codes help, but they can be weaker if a scammer tries a SIM swap attack. Be suspicious of messages about refunds, loyalty points, upgrades, cancellations or account verification. Scammers love urgent wording. They want you to click before you think. Instead, go straight to the company's website or app. Check your account there. A data removal service will not undo the Carnival breach. However, it can help remove your personal information from data broker and people-search sites. That can make it harder for scammers to combine leaked breach data with your home address, phone number, relatives' names or other details found online. 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 Breaches often lead to phishing emails with dangerous links or attachments. Strong antivirus protection can help block malicious websites, scam pages and malware before they do damage. Also, keep your phone, tablet and computer updated. Security updates close holes that criminals try to exploit. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com If someone calls and claims to represent a cruise line, do not give out your date of birth, payment details or login codes. Hang up and call the company using a number from its official website. 10 SIGNS YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING SOLD ONLINE Check your statements for charges you do not recognize. Small test charges can show up before larger fraud attempts. Report suspicious activity right away. Many banks also let you lock a card from the app while you investigate. A credit freeze can block criminals from opening new credit accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit for free with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can also lift the freeze when you need to apply for credit. Check your credit reports for accounts, addresses or inquiries you do not recognize. You can get free weekly credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Because Carnival says some impacted data may include driver's license or passport numbers, be extra cautious with messages asking you to "verify" your identity. Do not upload a photo of your ID through a link in an email or text. Go directly to the official company, bank or government website instead. Identity theft protection can help monitor your personal information, credit files and financial activity for warning signs of fraud. Some plans also include breach or dark web monitoring, which can alert you if your email address or other personal details appear in known leaks. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com Keep a copy of any notice you receive from Carnival. It may explain what information was involved and what support the company offers. Be careful with fake settlement or claim websites. Scammers often create lookalike pages after major breaches. The Carnival data breach shows why travel accounts need the same care as banking, shopping and email accounts. A cruise may last a week, but the data you shared can stick around for years. Take a few minutes now to tighten your accounts. Change reused passwords, watch for cruise-themed scams and consider freezing your credit if you want stronger protection. Have travel companies earned enough trust to keep collecting so much personal data, or should loyalty programs start asking for far less? 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/6a22b36eee6011c3f4eb0d79 Olympians unite to speak out against Iran for the execution of the country's star athletes te 2026-06-05T11:30:54.571Z Olympians unite to speak out against Iran for the execution of the country's star athletes A coalition of athletes, including several Olympians, have signed a letter advocating against Iran for its history and plans to execute star athletes, as the planned execution of Iranian boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani looms. Sani is a boxing champion, coach and political prisoner who is currently facing an imminent risk of execution in Iran by the Ayatollah. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM He was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in March 2020 following his participation in the November 2019 nationwide protests, which were initially sparked by a sudden hike in gas prices. The Iranian judiciary charged him with "corruption on earth," which is a capital offense in the country. The Olympians, headlined by women's tennis legend Martina Navratilova and British swimming gold medalist Sharron Davies, call on world governing powers and sports bodies to intervene to prevent the execution. "Currently, Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, a 31-year-old boxing champion and coach, remains on death row," the letter states. "We call on the United Nations, international sports federations, and governments to act immediately to save the lives of Iranian dissidents, including athletes. The world must not stand by while Iran silences its champions. We stand with the victims. We stand for justice." 'KILLING OFF THE COUNTRY': IRAN EXECUTES DOZENS, ARRESTS 4,000+ IN WAR CRACKDOWN The letter also pointed to past incidents of Iranian execution of star athletes in the country, including 19-year-old champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, whose execution sparked a global uproar in March. "Since mid-March, Iran has witnessed a horrific spree of executions of political dissidents, marking one of the most severe crackdowns in the past three decades. Dozens of people have been executed following unfair trials and coerced confessions. The theocratic regime, fearing another uprising, has exploited the cover of war to suppress growing dissent. Several victims of these executions were protesters arrested during the January 2026 uprising. Among them were Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old national wrestling champion, and Sasan Azadvar Joonaghan, a 21-year-old karate champion," the letter states. "Tragically, Iran has a grim history of executing athletes for their beliefs, including Habib Khabiri, the captain of Iran’s national football team, who was executed for his affiliation with the PMOI, and Forouzan Abdi, captain of Iran’s national women’s volleyball team, who was executed alongside 30,000 political prisoners during the 1988 massacre. In 2020, Iranian wrestling champion Navid Afkari was executed after participating in peaceful protests in 2018." The letter includes a total of 24 athlete signees, including nine Olympians and five Iranians. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22aecdee6011c3f4eb0caf China’s grip on rare-earth magnets could crush US drone industry before it grows te 2026-06-05T11:11:09.839Z China’s grip on rare-earth magnets could crush US drone industry before it grows Modern battlefields consume drones the way 20th-century conflicts consumed artillery shells: by the thousands, every day, with no end in sight. Ukraine built 5 million drones last year. Russia launched 805 in a single night against Ukrainian cities. In this kind of warfare, victory doesn’t go to the side with the most sophisticated weapon but to the defense industrial base that continues manufacturing at scale. And production, in the age of drone warfare, starts with a permanent magnet. Every motor in every drone flying over Ukraine and Iran today contains at least one. China makes almost all of them. President Donald Trump's June 6, 2025, executive order on drone dominance directed every federal agency toward American-made platforms and gave the industrial base a clear demand signal to organize around. Traditional acquisition timelines have been compressed from years to months, with vendors competing in field evaluations that move directly to production contracts. The Pentagon's Drone Dominance Program has committed $1 billion to purchasing more than 200,000 drones by 2027, with a staggering escalation to 340,000 systems by 2028. But translating that ambition into durable production capacity requires following the supply chain below the motor. America consumes approximately 50,000 tons of permanent magnets annually, nearly all imported from China. The magnet is not a smart component. It carries no data. It cannot surveil. It generates the magnetic field that drives lift and torque, and when it stops arriving, the program stops scaling. T.S. Allen, who ran the Pentagon's rapid drone fielding program before leaving the Defense Innovation Unit last year, told a Brookings Institution forum last year that scaling drone production to battlefield demand requires "figuring out … the batteries and all the critical components that will need to be produced at scale." The underlying challenge, he said, was singular: "Almost the only processing for most critical minerals is occurring in China and Malaysia." CHINA WEAPONIZED SCIENCE AGAINST THE US. WE'VE FIGURED OUT A KEY ELEMENT THEY MISSED China's rare-earth dominance was carefully constructed through state subsidies and below-cost pricing that bankrupted Western competitors over the course of decades. The same leverage enables price manipulation as easily as export restrictions. Rare earth prices have swung by triple digits within single years. Iron and nitrogen, the two domestically abundant and low-cost inputs used to create iron nitride permanent magnets, carry none of that exposure. Both are globally traded commodities with no government controls as strategic exports, making the cost of scaling predictable in a way that rare-earth inputs never will be. In April 2025, China imposed export licensing requirements on seven rare earth elements and the permanent magnets derived from them, targeting materials that flow directly into defense and industrial motor supply chains. Within weeks, fewer than a quarter of export license applications had been approved. Chinese rare earth magnet shipments fell roughly 75% year-over-year in May before a partial recovery. Motor-G, Europe's largest drone motor producer at nearly 100,000 units a month, still draws every magnet from Chinese rare earth supply. Ukraine crashed into the same wall when it tried to localize its motor production: it has mineral reserves but lacks the magnet-manufacturing infrastructure to convert them into finished products at scale. Scaling Western rare-earth capacity is not the only path to permanent magnets. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Allen estimated that meeting the full demands of battlefield attrition would require producing roughly 10 times what Replicator delivered, a program that itself aimed for thousands of drones. At that scale, every input to the drone supply chain gets stress-tested in ways smaller programs never encounter. A fleet of hundreds tolerates a magnet shortage. A fleet of hundreds of thousands does not. In wartime, losing access to a single critical material can halt production across an entire class of drones. Iron nitride is already being deployed across a variety of commercial sectors. Neither input of iron nor nitrogen carries export license risk, and neither can be embargoed. The magnets deliver competitive performance at elevated temperatures and reduced weight, two characteristics that matter directly to drone motor design. American university research developed the underlying science, and American manufacturers are scaling production to meet growing demand. Incorporating iron nitride into the drone motor supply chain extends a proven commercial technology into a sector where the stakes are already enormous and growing. Attrition warfare is a production contest. The side that keeps producing wins. Supply chains break under the pressure of disruptions, diplomatic crises and export controls that arrive without warning. Every critical input in the drone motor supply chain needs a source no adversary can shut off. The magnet is the one that does not yet have one. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JONATHAN ROWNTREE Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22aeb9ee6011c3f4eb0ca6 'I thought I had the flu': Mom nearly died after dismissing deadly sepsis symptoms te 2026-06-05T11:10:49.846Z 'I thought I had the flu': Mom nearly died after dismissing deadly sepsis symptoms In the wake of NASCAR star Kyle Busch’s death from sepsis, a Virginia Beach mother who almost lost her life to the deadly condition is sharing her harrowing experience to raise awareness. In 2015, Audrey Wiggins was a healthy 31-year-old when she thought she’d come down with the flu. Instead, her condition spiraled into a severe case of sepsis that left her in the ICU for 10 days, including five days in a medically induced coma.  Now recovered, Wiggins – who is married to professional golfer Marc Leishman – is dedicated to raising awareness about the condition through her nonprofit organization, the Begin Again Foundation. She has also written a children's book aimed at helping families recognize the warning signs. NASCAR CHAMPION KYLE BUSCH’S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED BY FAMILY Wiggins’ ordeal began when she began to feel ill one evening while caring for her sons, then 19 months and 3 years old, while her husband was traveling. "I had never actually had the flu before, but I was achy, feverish and cold. And so I thought, this seems like the flu," she told Fox News Digital during an on-camera interview. As the days went on, Wiggins started to feel worse. Her fever spiked higher and she developed severe stomach issues. CATHOLIC INFLUENCER'S 5-YEAR-OLD SON DIES AFTER 11-DAY FLU BATTLE FOLLOWED BY THOUSANDS "At one point, I actually thought I was going a little bit crazy, because my right elbow and left big toe started hurting – it was the most random thing. I hadn't injured myself," she said. "I was really confused as to what was going on." When Wiggins became too weak to care for her sons and started to have nosebleeds, her friend insisted that she see a doctor. At urgent care, Wiggins’ temperature and heart rate were abnormally high, and her blood pressure was dangerously low. She was taken by ambulance to the emergency room. While today’s hospitals have "come a long way" toward sepsis awareness and recognition, Wiggins noted that wasn’t the case in 2015. "They took a very long time to figure out what was going wrong with me," she said, adding that doctors at first thought she was afflicted with autoimmune diseases.  INVASIVE STREP THROAT STRAIN HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN US, REPORTS CDC "They kept testing me for different things. Eventually, they admitted me, and I was in the ICU for a total of 10 days – five of which were in a medically induced coma." The sepsis ultimately turned into acute respiratory distress syndrome. "I very much remember not being able to breathe," Wiggins recalled. "That was by far the scariest part. It got to the point where I had to pause between every word to take a breath, and it was basically like sipping air." At one point, she later learned, there was a "good chance" she wasn't going to wake up from the coma. "When I finally did wake up, it was quite the process of relearning how to walk again, dealing with at-home physical therapy and being on a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter)," Wiggins shared. The first year of recovery was "very difficult," she said. "My immune system was so compromised that I was sick constantly." WOMAN WITH 5% CHANCE OF SURVIVAL AFTER SKI ACCIDENT MAKES 'MIRACLE' RECOVERY Today, Wiggins says she is healthy, but that her memory "is not what it used to be" and that she gets fatigued more often. The original cause of her sepsis remains unclear, she said, but it may have been linked to her recent IUD removal. "I did have the diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome, but I also had tonsillitis, strep throat, a UTI and pneumonia," she said. "I was a very, very sick person." In severe cases, infection can spread into the bloodstream, triggering the widespread, life-threatening inflammatory response that is sepsis.  It can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death if not treated right away, according to Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel. "The body reacts by making inflammatory chemicals. It’s the immune system revving up … but it can hurt more than help," he previously told Fox News Digital. Wiggins explained the response with an analogy: "Instead of your body sending out the Navy SEALs, it sends out the entire U.S. Armed Forces." As sepsis worsens, it can cause a drop in blood pressure and interfere with the delivery of oxygen to the body’s tissues, potentially leading to lactic acidosis — a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. Organ failure is a serious risk, particularly affecting the kidneys, Siegel warned. "The kidneys fail, toxins from the kidneys build up, blood pressure goes down, fever goes up, the lungs fail — something called ARDS," he said. ARDS — acute respiratory distress syndrome — occurs when inflammation causes fluid to leak into the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. Common warning signs of sepsis can include high fever, confusion, rapid breathing, extreme weakness, low blood pressure, fast heart rate and bluish or mottled skin, per the CDC. Patients can also feel very cold and experience extreme pain, Wiggins added. After Wiggins was discharged from the hospital, she was struck by how little people knew about sepsis, which led her to start the Begin Again Foundation. "I had never heard of sepsis – and I realized that was why I almost died," she shared. "If I had known what the symptoms were and what to look out for, I would have sought treatment earlier." CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES The expensive medical costs – for everything from home healthcare to antibiotics to a walker and other equipment – were also shocking. "I learned that sepsis is the most expensive hospitalization bill there is," Wiggins said. "I remember thinking, ‘What if we didn't have the money to afford this?’" "In a time when people are struggling, if I can help ease that burden – even just the tiniest bit, so they can focus more on the recovery – it is my absolute passion and honor to continue to do that. And that is the main focus of the organization." Wiggins’ children’s book, "Katie Koala's Biggest Bite," focuses on a young girl who gets injured and becomes ill, then her mother takes her to the doctor soon enough to catch sepsis before it becomes life-threatening. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "My goal for this book is that it will be in both little hands and their parents' bigger hands … and that by reading this story, they learn about what sepsis is and what symptoms to look out for," she said. "I've read too many stories of parents who did seek treatment, who took their child to the doctor, and were told it was just a virus." Wiggins said the simplest thing parents can do is to ask the doctor: "Could this be sepsis?" "Just asking that question could lead them on the path to run a different lab panel or look at the symptoms in a different way," she added. Every hour that sepsis goes untreated, the mortality rate increases by up to 8%, Wiggins noted. "Time truly is the most important thing – and getting that early treatment can prevent you from even being hospitalized." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ One of the most important things people should know, according to Wiggins, is that sepsis can happen from any infection.  "The most common causes are respiratory infections, UTIs and kidney stones, but it can happen from a cut. It can happen from strep throat, the flu," she warned. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22ac62ee6011c3f4eb0c3c Republicans face ticking midterm clock as Iran fallout keeps pressure on gas prices te 2026-06-05T11:00:50.656Z Republicans face ticking midterm clock as Iran fallout keeps pressure on gas prices As the Trump administration weighs diplomacy and military pressure against Iran, a political clock is ticking at home. Even if the Strait of Hormuz — the global oil choke point largely shuttered since the conflict with Iran due to Iranian attacks — reopened immediately, it could take months for oil flows to return due to logistical bottlenecks involving trapped tankers, swollen inventories and damaged oil infrastructure, according to Kpler oil analyst Matt Smith, pushing normalization of global energy markets closer to the Nov. 3 midterm elections.  "It's then going to take until the fourth quarter of the year for things to return to normal," Smith said. The question facing Republicans is whether the economic consequences of the conflict will outlast the conflict itself. While the White House continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution with Iran, strategists and energy analysts say disruptions to global energy markets could linger long after any agreement is reached, leaving voters with months of elevated costs heading into the midterms. TRUMP CONFIRMS ‘CRAZY’ NETANYAHU CLASH AS QUESTIONS MOUNT OVER PUSH TO HOLD FIRE ON HEZBOLLAH TERRORISTS The economic effects are already visible.  The national average price of regular gasoline stood at $4.241 per gallon Thursday, according to AAA, up from $3.144 a year earlier — an increase of nearly 35%. Moody's Analytics estimates the conflict has cost American households roughly $100 billion throughout the past three months, or about $750 per household, through higher fuel, transportation and related costs. To some, the conflict already has gone on long enough to create lasting political consequences. "There is a timeline and we've already passed it," GOP strategist Doug Heye told Fox News Digital. The White House rejected the notion that the conflict could become a long-term political liability, arguing that any economic disruption would be temporary. "President Trump remains laser-focused on keeping the American people safe, lowering costs for working families, and making our country greater than ever before," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Fox News Digital. "The President and his energy team anticipated short-term market disruptions, communicated them openly to the American people, and implemented an aggressive plan to mitigate any impacts." Rogers said Trump "will never allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon" and argued that "when the President forces this conflict to a successful end, gas prices will drop back to multi-year lows and global energy markets will be much more stable in the long term." "We were promised that this would be a short operation, and repeatedly told it would all be over in 24–48 hours," he went on. "This is no longer a blip." Others see a narrow window remaining. "I think that it really needs to be resolved by July Fourth," Republican strategist John Feehery told Fox News Digital. "If it's not resolved by July Fourth, I don't think the economy is going to have time to really kind of get going on all levels." Feehery's July 4 benchmark coincides with a period in which the White House hopes to shift public attention toward the kickoff of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The administration has alternated between signaling that a deal is near and warning that military action remains possible. More recently, Trump has expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations, saying they had become "very boring" and that he "couldn't care less" if the talks collapsed because Iran was taking too long, while also predicting that oil prices would "be dropping like a rock" in the near future and maintaining that a deal remains possible. But regardless of how the negotiations conclude, strategists argue that economic relief must arrive soon if Republicans hope to avoid carrying the conflict's fallout into the midterms. Republicans enter the midterms defending a narrow House majority that many analysts view as vulnerable to the traditional midterm backlash against a president's party. The Senate landscape is more favorable to Republicans, though several races in states such as North Carolina, Maine, Ohio and Texas are expected to be closely watched. Feehery argued that the political impact of the conflict ultimately will have less to do with uranium stockpiles, enrichment levels or the details of any final agreement than with whether voters feel economically secure. "They don't care about that," Feehery said when asked about the substance of a potential deal. "From the voters' minds, they're not worried about far-flung issues. They're worried about the economy at home." TRUMP THREATENED TO 'BLOW UP' OMAN — WHY THE TINY GULF KINGDOM IS CAUGHT BETWEEN DC AND IRAN "George H. W. Bush kicked Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait and his approval ratings were around 91%, and he lost the next election," Feehery said. Even if a diplomatic breakthrough comes in the coming weeks, Americans may not see immediate relief at the pump. Smith said the U.S. has been insulated from the worst supply disruptions because of its own domestic production, but the country is increasingly serving as an energy supplier to regions cut off from Middle Eastern flows. "We're likely going to be seeing higher prices coming through in the U.S. because of that because, you know, we're getting to a scarcity issue," Smith said. As Asian countries replace lost Middle Eastern crude and Europe seeks alternative sources of jet fuel, overseas buyers are increasingly competing for American energy exports, he said. "Countries outside of the U.S. are bidding up U.S. prices," Smith said. For Republicans, the concern is that the economic fallout could outlast the conflict itself. "Even if this were all over tomorrow, prices won't immediately come back to normal and if or when they do, voters don't get a refund from the high bills they've already paid," Heye said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22a7b0ee6011c3f4eb0bd3 Dept of Education rips AP for 'inaccurate, dangerous' claim that it neglects Black students te 2026-06-05T10:40:48.409Z Dept of Education rips AP for 'inaccurate, dangerous' claim that it neglects Black students The Department of Education (ED) on Thursday clapped back at the Associated Press’ (AP) story accusing the administration of neglecting Black students, saying its headline was "inaccurate and dangerous." "It’s typical of @AP to cast ED’s important civil rights investigations as black vs. white issues when we see students of ALL races struggle academically," the ED posted on X. The AP wrote that the federal government has historically attempted to remedy "systemic discrimination against Black people and other people of color." The report took issue with the current ED stripping "funding from some districts that used it to create magnet schools intended to be more diverse." TRUMP ADMIN CRACKS DOWN ON COLORADO SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT ALLEGEDLY PUT UP TO 61 MALES ON GIRLS' SPORTS TEAMS The reporter noted that the Department of Justice "pressed schools to desegregate" and that the "Department of Education worked to promote equal opportunity and held schools accountable for racial bias." However, according to AP, the administration is reversing that work in education as "civil rights lawyers describe the Republican administration’s actions as a complete inversion of legal history." "But under the Trump administration, efforts to address deep-rooted inequities for students of color are being cast as discriminatory against white students. Programs that have long withstood legal scrutiny are now quick to be deemed ‘illegal DEI’ — diversity, equity and inclusion — by the White House. Schools that do not comply have faced threats to their funding, and in some cases, lost federal grants," the AP wrote. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ZEROES IN ON UCLA FOR ALLEGED ILLEGAL DEI ADMISSIONS AS ELITE SCHOOL CRACKDOWN EXPANDS The AP report went on to cite the investigations opened by the Trump administration into the Chicago Public Schools and Los Angeles Unified School District’s programs geared toward Black students.  Chicago Public Schools (CPS) was probed by the administration for its Black Student Success Program, resulting in $20 million in federal funding being withheld over the program. ED Secretary Linda McMahon posted on X in September last year that the department’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a letter to CPS saying that the district violated anti-discrimination laws through its "exclusionary Black Student Success Plan," which they noted solely serves Black students.  Los Angeles was probed for creating a similar program called the Black Student Achievement Plan. "In 2023, Defending Education, a Virginia-based conservative group, filed a complaint to the Education Department, alleging discrimination against non-Black students. The district said it would no longer consider Black enrollment and instead focus solely on metrics such as high absenteeism and low test scores, emphasizing that all students could take part," the AP wrote. FEDS OPEN PROBE INTO NEW YORK CITY'S PRO-PALESTINIAN TEACHERS The ED responded on X that the headline was "inaccurate and dangerous," arguing that such programs are an infringement upon basic fairness all students are entitled to. "To allocate resources disproportionately to students of one race at the expense of others is not only a violation of civil rights law, but an infringement upon the basic fairness to which all students are entitled," the department added. The AP did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22a560ee6011c3f4eb0b66 DHS has only 7 child exploitation analysts, Hawley measure would fund 200 investigators te 2026-06-05T10:30:56.011Z DHS has only 7 child exploitation analysts, Hawley measure would fund 200 investigators The Department of Homeland Security has just seven forensic analysts dedicated to child exploitation investigations nationwide, according to Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., whose proposal to fund 200 additional investigators and analysts is becoming law. The measure, included in the massive $70 billion reconciliation package to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, which passed Friday, would invest $108.5 million in child trafficking and exploitation enforcement. Hawley's office said it would be the largest federal investment ever made to combat child trafficking.  "The Senate just passed my legislation with Tim Tebow to rescue thousands of children trapped in sex trafficking," Hawley told Fox News Digital in a statement.  HAWLEY LAUNCHES GOOGLE INVESTIGATION AFTER 'SHOCKING' CHILD TRAFFICKING TESTIMONY AT SENATE HEARING  "That’s two hundred new law enforcement officers to find and rescue kids trafficked by predators and a new initiative to coordinate local, state, and federal enforcement," he added. "This is the biggest surge against child trafficking ever by the federal government. Let’s go rescue these kids." The provision, according to Hawley’s office, was inspired in part by former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, who testified March 3 during Hawley’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism on exposing the widespread child trafficking.  During his testimony, Tebow said that 338,000 unique IP addresses have downloaded, shared or distributed child rape images in the United States in a matter of months, but only a select few get investigated.  MORE THAN 300 ARRESTED IN SPRAWLING CALIFORNIA CRACKDOWN ON CHILD EXPLOITATION CRIMES The provision, based off of the Renewed Hope Act, seeks to give Homeland Security Investigations the resources to hire 40 new forensic analysts at the Victim Identification Laboratory at the Child Exploitation Investigations Unit of HSI, as well as 30 new child exploitation investigators at the Victim Identification Laboratory of the Child Exploitation Investigations Unit of HSI. Additionally, it aims to give HSI the ability to bring on 130 additional forensic analysts and child exploitation investigators, as well as create a dedicated training program in victim identification for federal, state, and local law enforcement to collaborate more effectively on investigations.  LUXURY BLUE-CITY LANDLORDS ACCUSED OF LOOKING THE OTHER WAY AS HIGH-END BUILDINGS TURN INTO CRIME HUBS Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and Tebow for comment but did not immediately receive responses. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22a301ee6011c3f4eb0b02 Dem senator bankrolling Platner's campaign ripped for downplaying abuse allegations in bombshell report te 2026-06-05T10:20:49.999Z Dem senator bankrolling Platner's campaign ripped for downplaying abuse allegations in bombshell report A sitting Democratic Senator, who is one of Graham Platner’s top donors, is now drawing backlash for shrugging off the most recent allegations of misconduct that have followed the controversial Maine Senate candidate. Platner has received $10,000 in the form of two $5,000 donations from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's, D-R.I., leadership PAC, according to Federal Election Commission records reviewed by Fox News Digital. One donation from Whitehouse’s Ocean PAC came in March of this year. Another one was made last October. Notably, the most recent donation was made before former governor Janet Mills, a second Democratic candidate for Senate, suspended her campaign at the end of April. Although Whitehouse’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, the donations show the high degree of confidence lawmakers like Whitehouse have in Platner's ability to unseat the moderate Republican incumbent, Susan Collins, R-Maine, currently holding office in a blue-leaning state. WATCH: DEM SENATORS EXCUSE PLATNER'S CONDUCT AT CRISIS HUDDLE WITH EMBATTLED MAINE CANDIDATE Whitehouse has been among Platner’s most constant supporters among lawmakers in the U.S. Senate, calling the controversial candidate "wonderfully appealing" in an interview with Politico. "He’s off to a really strong start and has a wonderfully appealing local background and story," Whitehouse said. Whitehouse has remained supportive of Platner even as troubling details have emerged of Platner’s past web history, views and personal conduct. Most recently, reporting for the New York Times chronicled accounts from several of Platner's former romantic interests, including allegations of rape fantasies, heavy drinking and violent episodes. Despite the troubling allegations, Whitehouse told reporters he wasn't alarmed by the reporting. "Seems like a lot of nothing. I mean, the only one who had anything to say that seemed ‘unsettling’ was a woman who works for right-wing political operations," Whitehouse reportedly told NOTUS after reading the article. His reaction drew immediate backlash online. "Whitehouse is the guy who grilled Brett Kavanaugh about 'boofing.' Just unreal," Washington Free Beacon reporter Chuck Ross wrote in a post to X, recalling Whitehouse's grilling of President Donald Trump's 2018 Supreme Court Justice nominee over high-school slang in a search for possible improprieties. SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER SENT EXPLICIT TEXTS TO MULTIPLE WOMEN WHILE MARRIED, WIFE SAYS: REPORT "To the people just now learning that Sheldon Whitehouse is an amoral cretin, your ignorance to this point has been a choice," GOP consultant Luke Thompson wrote on X. "Is there a more contemptible man in the Senate than Sheldon Whitehouse?" TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet wrote on X. ":Sheldon Whitehouse, ringleader of the smearing of Kavanaugh, is a very bad person," Capital Research investigative researcher Parker Thayer wrote on X. "What an absolute dirt bag," Republican operative Matt Whitlock wrote on X. "Dismissing a vivid account of physical abuse because it happened to a Republican operative is the most [Sheldon Whitehouse] thing I’ve ever heard." Amber Duke, the Editor-in-chief of the DailyCaller, also blasted Whitehouse's seemingly uneven application of scrutiny. "What happened to this energy, Sen?" Duke said, highlighting a Tweet Whitehouse had put out during Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing. "Today I stand with women who are brave enough to come forward with their stories of abuse and mistreatment. They deserve to be heard and credible allegations must be investigated. We must believe survivors, not bully them," Whitehouse had written at the time. "Sheldon Whitehouse is the same guy who accused Brett Kavanaugh of being a rapist because he wrote ‘boofing’ in his yearbook," conservative writer Bonchie wrote on X. Apart from the Thursday report, Platner has received backlash for making off-color remarks on sexual abuse, race and terror, for a tattoo associated with Nazi imagery, and, most recently, for potentially interacting with several women outside his marriage in inappropriate ways. Platner has also called himself a "communist" in previous posts online. Among other resurfaced comments, Platner once blamed rape victims for failing to protect themselves in a now-deleted Reddit post. "How about people just take some responsibility for themselves and not so f---ed up when they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to?" Platner wrote in 2013. Whitehouse has his own controversial past, including details about his family having a membership at the exclusive Bailey’s Beach Club, formerly known as Spouting Rock Beach Association, rumored to have an all-White clientele. "I think the people who are running the place are still working on that, and I'm sorry it hasn't happened yet," Whitehouse said in 2017, referring to allowing minority members. "It's a long tradition in Rhode Island, and there are many of them. And we just need to work our way through the issues." SENATE DEM CANDIDATE WHO WROTE HE 'BECAME A COMMUNIST' NOW SAYS HE WAS JOKING Platner, who looks poised to take the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, met with senators earlier this week, reassuring them about his prospective candidacy. Maine will hold its Senate primaries next Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22a10cee6011c3f4eb0a9e North Carolina mountain community braces for hurricane season two years after Helene's brutal impact te 2026-06-05T10:12:28.886Z North Carolina mountain community braces for hurricane season two years after Helene's brutal impact As hurricane season approaches, people in the mountain communities of Western North Carolina are bracing for any impacts nearly two years after Hurricane Helene unleashed its wrath on the region. Residents say they're "traumatized" after Hurricane Helene's brutal attack, which claimed over one hundred lives and tore thousands of homes and businesses to pieces.  "We still have nightmares, flashbacks," said Jackie Fenstermacher, while sitting next to her sister Cynthia Dunn in Fairview, North Carolina. The small town sits in a valley beneath the mountains just outside of Asheville.  Fenstermacher moved to the mountains thirty years ago. Before Helene hit, she was still moving into her new home with her sister, Cynthia. HOW BUSINESSES IN SPRUCE PINE, NC ARE BOUNCING BACK AFTER HELENE Unfortunately, there's nothing left of the sister's home.  On the morning of Sept. 27, 2024, the water from the creek nearby was rising rapidly, Fenstermacher said, and before she knew it, logs from a nearby sawmill began pummeling her new home.  "It was like the house was being bombed," she said, "and then the whole - the bedroom just ripped apart." LAKE LURE REFILLS AFTER HELENE DESTRUCTION Fenstermacher immediately put her sister and their dog on a bed. Their home was torn to pieces and the three of them floated for miles downstream. The bed eventually broke and they were crammed into a pile of debris.  "All you could hear is giant trees snapping, glass breaking, cars going by," Fenstermacher said. Volunteers found them two days later stuck in the pile of debris.  Over the last twenty months, the sisters have lived in FEMA housing, campers, and sheds. On their property is a shed-turned-temporary-home, but it has no insulation.  With help from the local organization, Divine Disaster Relief, the sisters are staying in Airbnb's until they can raise enough money for a new home.  "We’re all still playing catch up, you know, and figuring it out," said Divine Disaster Relief case manager Celestiel Balson. "But there are so many people still in campers, still in temporary housing, still in sheds." WHAT CAUSED HURRICANE HELENE TO MOVE FAR INLAND? Balson is helping the sisters raise the funds needed to get them into a safe new home.  The sisters say they don't want to stay on the same property, as even the sound of rain is haunting.  "So we just kind of freak out a little bit because we don't know if we're going to have a house in a minute or two," Cynthia Dunn said. They're not the only ones in the region still feeling the impacts of Helene. Buncombe County's Assistant Manager, Timothy Love said, "I think for a long time, folks might have felt that we were immune to some of, some of these concerns, but if we look in history, we're not." On June 2, the county's commissioners approved funding to turn an old JCPenney building in the Asheville Mall into the county's first standalone emergency operations center.  "It's really important to have dedicated space," Love said, "Because, you know, you unfortunately, you don't know when a disaster is going to strike. And the scope of it." Love said the communication between local, state and federal partners needs to be seamless if a disaster hits the area again.  CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The new emergency operations center will not be open for a couple of years, but will integrate all aspects of emergency services.  "Additional uses are Emergency Management Services Group as well as our public safety communications or 911. That'll be located there," Love said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22a0f8ee6011c3f4eb0a95 The key strategy red states are using to lower housing costs revealed te 2026-06-05T10:12:08.886Z The key strategy red states are using to lower housing costs revealed Texas, Florida and other booming red states aren't just winning the migration race because of lower taxes and warmer weather — they've also embraced an anti-regulation housing strategy that many high-cost states have resisted. As Americans and businesses continue pouring into southern states, the influx is testing whether fast-growing regions can add enough homes and infrastructure to keep pace. And southern states are keeping up by decreasing regulations that put roadblocks up for faster construction of new builds. Housing industry leaders say southern states that have prioritized new construction have been better positioned to accommodate growth, while markets burdened by restrictive zoning rules, lengthy permitting processes and other regulatory hurdles have struggled to add supply and keep home prices in check. ONE SOUTHERN CITY YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF IS GROWING FASTER THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN AMERICA That willingness to build has become a competitive advantage, according to Jim Tobin, president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders. "Those economies are wide open. They are inviting more businesses, they're generally low-tax states and they've made housing a priority," Tobin told Fox News Digital. "They've got the land and the will and courage to let builders build in those areas to meet the housing demand for those new jobs." The strategy is becoming increasingly important as Americans continue relocating from high-cost coastal markets to lower-tax states. While rapid population growth can strain roads, utilities and public services, housing experts say states that pair infrastructure investments with homebuilding efforts are better equipped to accommodate newcomers without worsening housing shortages. ONE TYPE OF PROPERTY IS QUIETLY SAVING AMERICANS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS But rapid growth comes with its own challenges, particularly when infrastructure fails to keep pace with new development. "One of the main complaints is that infrastructure does not keep up with that influx of population or housing growth," Tobin said. "States that find themselves ahead of the curve are planning those two critical components, infrastructure and housing, together and are going to be better prepared for growth in the future." Even states that have prioritized homebuilding continue to face cost pressures that can drive up home prices. According to the National Association of Home Builders, government regulations account for roughly 24% of the cost of a typical single-family home, adding nearly $95,000 to the average price of a new house. For multifamily housing, the burden is even higher. Tobin said regulations account for roughly 41% of the cost of a typical apartment or multifamily unit, underscoring the role government rules can play in shaping housing affordability. AMERICA'S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE MAY BE RISING IN RED-STATE TERRITORY The costs have drawn renewed attention from policymakers in Washington searching for ways to increase housing supply and improve pricing. Tobin pointed to a bipartisan housing package moving through Congress that aims to encourage local governments to reduce regulatory barriers to development and adopt policies that make it easier to build new housing. The legislation comes as housing affordability remains a top concern for many Americans, with elevated mortgage rates and limited inventory continuing to put homeownership out of reach for many first-time buyers. The issue has also taken on greater political significance ahead of the midterm elections, as voters continue to rank the cost of living among their top economic concerns. "The answer to the housing crisis in the country is more supply," Tobin said. "This bill will absolutely help us build more supply affordably." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22a0e4ee6011c3f4eb0a8c Murdaugh murder retrial could crack open sealed court records tied to infamous ‘egg juror’ te 2026-06-05T10:11:48.959Z Murdaugh murder retrial could crack open sealed court records tied to infamous ‘egg juror’ The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office is asking the state Supreme Court to unseal secret court transcripts tied to the removal of Alex Murdaugh’s "egg juror," arguing the records should be made public now that the disgraced legal scion has been granted a new murder trial. In a motion filed Thursday, prosecutors asked the high court to retract the state’s previous objection and lift restrictions for the on-camera hearing transcript that led to the dismissal of Juror 785, identified in prior filings as Myra Crosby, before deliberations in Murdaugh’s 2023 double-murder trial. The motion marks the latest twist in the fallout from the once-powerful South Carolina attorney’s overturned convictions for the June 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie, and their younger son, Paul, at the family’s sprawling Moselle hunting estate. Crosby became known as the "egg juror" after she was removed from the panel. As Judge Clifton Newman dismissed her from the case, Crosby asked if she could retrieve her purse and a dozen eggs that another juror had brought to court to give away, prompting laughter in the courtroom. ALEX MURDAUGH MURDER SAGA LANDS RIGHT BACK WHERE IT STARTED BEFORE NEXT LOWCOUNTRY COURTROOM BATTLE The South Carolina Supreme Court reversed Murdaugh’s two murder convictions on May 13. The remittitur was issued May 29, formally sending the murder case back to the lower court for further proceedings. Prosecutors noted that, as of the filing, no circuit court judge had yet been appointed to preside over Murdaugh's new murder proceedings. According to prosecutors, the sealed transcript details a private hearing where Newman removed Crosby from the jury for allegedly discussing the case prematurely. Those records were initially sealed and restricted under protective orders entered by Newman and later continued by retired South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal, who was assigned to preside over Murdaugh’s bid for a new trial after allegations surfaced against former Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca "Becky" Hill. The state said those restrictions previously barred publication or dissemination of the transcript, even though attorneys for the parties and Crosby’s counsel were permitted to review the material. MURDAUGH TRIAL COURT CLERK PLEADS GUILTY TO SHOWING SEALED CRIME SCENE PHOTOS TO PHOTOGRAPHER Crosby has continued to request that the transcripts be unsealed. In September 2024, prosecutors objected, arguing the request was premature because the appeal had not yet been resolved. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X The state's Supreme Court once again denied Crosby’s request in October 2024. But prosecutors now say the posture of the case has changed dramatically. FORMER SOUTH CAROLINA CLERK IN MURDAUGH MURDER TRIAL ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONIES "Here, a new trial has been granted to Appellant," the filing states. "There should be no prejudice to any party at this time. Consequently, the scales should now tip to unsealing and removing restrictions." SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER The state’s motion says the request is "not about litigation" but instead about public access to court records maintained by the state's Supreme Court. SEND US A TIP HERE The filing asks the Supreme Court to allow the previously protected transcripts from Newman’s private proceedings "supporting the removal of Juror 785" to be filed as a supplement to the public appellate record. Prosecutors also asked the court to declare prior restrictions on sharing, discussing or disclosing the contents of the transcript moot, which would allow the parties and Crosby to speak publicly about the matter without violating earlier court orders. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST MURDAUGH DEFENSE FIGHTS OVER DEATH PENALTY, VENUE CHANGE AND EVIDENCE – WHAT COULD CHANGE IN SECOND TRIAL The motion comes just weeks after Crosby separately fought to crack open sealed investigative records related to the jury-tampering scandal that helped upend Murdaugh’s convictions. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB In that filing, Crosby argued that the public interest would be best served by transparency now that prosecutors have acknowledged the jury-tampering investigation into Hill did not result in criminal charges. Hill was accused by Murdaugh’s defense team of improperly influencing jurors to secure a guilty verdict. She has denied tampering with the jury. Murdaugh’s attorneys have argued that Hill’s alleged conduct, including her interactions with jurors, deprived him of a fair trial. The defense has also alleged Crosby’s dismissal was part of a broader effort that affected the makeup of the jury before deliberations. Toal rejected Murdaugh’s request for a new trial in January 2024 after an evidentiary hearing, finding that although Hill made improper comments to jurors, the defense had not proven that her conduct affected the verdict. The South Carolina Supreme Court later took up the case and ultimately granted Murdaugh a new trial based on Hill’s interactions with jurors. Murdaugh, 57, remains imprisoned after pleading guilty to a series of financial crimes that exposed years of theft from clients, his former law firm and the estate of his late housekeeper. His murder case, however, is now headed back to court. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22a0d0ee6011c3f4eb0a83 Will a four-armed robot replace astronauts in space? te 2026-06-05T10:11:28.968Z Will a four-armed robot replace astronauts in space? Space changes the rules for almost everything, including how a robot should move. On Earth, legs help us stand, balance and walk across a room. In microgravity, those same legs lose much of their purpose. That is why Orbit Robotics, an academic spinout from ETH Zurich, took a different approach with Helios. The robot was built with four arms so it can grip, brace and work inside a spacecraft. Two arms can hold on while the other two handle tools, cargo and equipment. It is a smart design for a place where floating is easy and staying steady is the real challenge. Here is how Helios works and why it could change the way astronauts get help in orbit. IS THIS SPACE CAPSULE HOW WE WILL LIVE AND WORK IN ORBIT IN THE FUTURE? Helios uses two pairs of arms with different jobs. One pair can anchor the robot to interior surfaces. The other pair can handle tools, unload cargo, move equipment or perform other work inside a spacecraft. That setup is important because stability and work need to happen at the same time in orbit. A floating robot cannot casually plant its feet, bend over and pick something up. It needs to hold on while it works. That is where Helios makes sense. Two arms can keep it steady while the other two get the job done. In microgravity, legs become extra hardware unless they can grip, brace or manipulate objects. Helios skips that problem by turning the whole body into a tool for movement and work. Orbit Robotics says Helios uses a tendon-driven system. Instead of placing motors at every joint, the robot keeps many of those motors closer to the shoulders. Cables and pulleys then transmit force through the arms. That design can reduce weight at the ends of the limbs. In space, heavy limbs can create awkward movement. A robot also needs control, especially when it is holding cargo or tools near expensive equipment. Helios also uses a rolling-contact elbow joint. That may sound like a tiny detail. In orbit, it can make a big difference. A sudden jerk could destabilize the robot. It could also send whatever the robot is carrying drifting across a spacecraft. Smooth movement becomes a safety feature. Before Helios, the team built an earlier robot platform called IKARUS. That project helped test ideas such as teleoperation, imitation learning and dual-arm manipulation. In other words, IKARUS gave the team a way to learn how a robot could move, copy tasks and handle objects in a space-like setting. Those lessons helped shape Helios. That is important because space hardware rarely gets a second chance. A robot designed for orbit has to be reliable, compact and useful in cramped conditions. It also has to behave predictably around humans. Helios builds on that earlier work with a body that better fits the environment. QUADRUPED ROBOT PLAYS BADMINTON WITH YOU USING AI Orbit Robotics says its mission is to free astronauts, not replace them. That sounds reassuring. It also makes practical sense. Astronauts are highly trained people doing some of the most expensive labor imaginable. Yet a major chunk of crew time aboard the International Space Station goes toward maintenance. Some estimates put maintenance at roughly 35% of crew time. At an estimated $140,000 per astronaut-hour, basic logistics can become shockingly expensive. That means sorting supplies, moving equipment or handling routine work can carry a huge price tag. Helios does not need to be a genius to help. It needs to move through narrow corridors, stay stable without gravity and manipulate objects with care. That is the point of the design. The first job for Helios appears focused on interior spacecraft work. That could include unloading cargo, helping manage supplies, moving gear and assisting with routine maintenance. Those jobs may sound boring. In orbit, boring tasks still take time, training and attention. Over time, Orbit Robotics sees a broader role for robots like Helios. That could include satellite servicing. It could also include in-space construction as commercial stations and orbital habitats become more common. If launch costs keep falling, more equipment will head into orbit. More hardware means more maintenance. More stations mean more logistics. That creates a clear opening for robots like Helios, built for space from the start. Human spaceflight still captures the imagination. It always has. However, the human body has serious limits in space. Astronauts can face radiation exposure, bone loss, vision problems and cognitive effects linked to fluid shifts in the brain. Those risks grow during longer missions. Robots do not need air, food, sleep or radiation protection in the same way humans do. They can also take risks that would be unacceptable for astronauts. That does not make astronauts obsolete overnight. Still, it changes the conversation. If machines can handle more work in orbit, humans may spend less time on routine tasks and more time on science. That could mean more attention on research tied to aging, cancer treatments, organ bioprinting and other experiments that benefit from microgravity. CHINA'S COMPACT HUMANOID ROBOT SHOWS OFF BALANCE AND FLIPS If commercial space stations grow, they will need constant care. Cargo will need to be sorted. Equipment will need to be moved. Structures may need inspection or repair. Satellites may need servicing. Future habitats may need robots that can assemble, maintain and adapt. That is where a machine like Helios becomes more than a cool prototype. It could become part of the labor force that keeps space infrastructure running. The big question is whether humans remain at the center of that work or move into a more selective role. We may still send astronauts into orbit, but their jobs could change dramatically. Instead of doing every task by hand, they may supervise robots built for a place where the human body struggles. Engineers are starting to design machines for specific environments instead of forcing them into human-shaped bodies. That shift could affect more than space exploration. On Earth, robots already work in warehouses, factories, hospitals and disaster zones. In each case, the best design may not look human. It may look strange, specialized and a little unsettling. Helios shows why that can be a good thing. A robot built for its environment can work more efficiently. It can also take on risky jobs and help humans focus on work that needs judgment, creativity or science training. For space, that could mean safer missions. It could also mean fewer astronauts spending precious hours on routine maintenance. Helios stands out because it was built for the place it is meant to work. In orbit, walking offers very little help. Gripping, bracing and handling equipment become much more important. That is what makes the four-armed design so practical. It gives the robot a way to hold on while it works, which is exactly what astronauts need in microgravity. Orbit Robotics says Helios is meant to help astronauts, not replace them. Still, this robot raises a bigger question. As machines grow more capable, they could take on more of the risky and repetitive work beyond Earth. That could give astronauts more time for science, discovery and decisions that need human judgment. It could also change how we think about sending people into space in the first place. Would you rather see astronauts doing the work in orbit, or robots taking over the risky stuff? 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/6a22a0bcee6011c3f4eb0a7a Fox News Digital's News Quiz: June 5, 2026 te 2026-06-05T10:11:08.967Z Fox News Digital's News Quiz: June 5, 2026 Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz, featuring major primary races in certain states, a photo of a Democratic candidate wearing only a towel and a fired "60 Minutes" correspondent. Looking for another challenge? Former first lady Jill Biden's concerns for former President Joe Biden's performance in a high-stakes event and actor Russell Crowe's bitter confrontation outside a Paris hotel were featured in last week's News Quiz. Test your knowledge of remarkable grocery giants, Lincoln landmarks 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/6a22a0a9ee6011c3f4eb0a71 Scientists say you've been throwing away perfectly good meat because of one common mistake te 2026-06-05T10:10:49.043Z Scientists say you've been throwing away perfectly good meat because of one common mistake Scientists are rethinking the dates consumers see on food packaging — and their research could help reduce not only food waste but also economic losses and environmental impacts tied to discarded food. "The average American wastes more than 1,000 pounds of food each year," according to Auburn University researchers. Part of the reason is that sell-by dates are overly conservative, the researchers said in a news release announcing their work to predict spoilage more accurately.  VIRAL GROCERY SHOPPING METHOD PROMISES TO SLASH SPENDING: 'WAY EASIER, WAY CHEAPER' The findings could help consumers make more informed decisions about food safety while reducing unnecessary waste throughout the supply chain. "This research is far more significant than a discussion about meat discoloration or shelf life," Darin Detweiler, a food safety policy expert and professor at Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies, told Fox News Digital. "It is an example of how data, microbiology and artificial intelligence may help transform food systems from managing failure after it occurs to predicting and preventing inefficiencies before they happen," he said. (Detweiler was not involved in the new research.) The Auburn study focuses on meat sell-by dates, which are commonly used by retailers to indicate how long products should remain on store shelves. Sell-by dates for meat are typically four days after packaging, the news release said.  They're "based on when the beef will start to lose its bright pink color, rather than when it becomes unsafe to eat." A change in color doesn't necessarily mean meat is unsafe to eat, however. "If a consumer sees that on day three their meat is brown, and it's around the 'sell by' date, they might think it's spoiled, but in fact it's just quality degradation," said Isabella Gafanha, an Auburn master's student who was involved in the research. "It's still fine to eat." The Auburn researchers used a machine to track changes in microbial communities in packages of ground beef over the course of 14 days. The goal was to "associate those changes with key changes in the meat quality and indicators of spoilage." Researchers monitored microbial activity in ground beef packages over a two-week period, using predictive modeling to identify patterns that could signal spoilage before it becomes visible to consumers. The microscopic activity of the bacteria in the microbial community is complex. Ultimately, though, the researchers were "able to determine that spoilage patterns could be predicted, demonstrating the concept can work," the release said. Researchers plan to continue their work to create more accurate sell-by dates while reducing the pounds of meat unnecessarily discarded each year. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES The economic implications of the research are "enormous," Detweiler said.  When meat is discarded, producers lose out on costs associated with animal feed, transportation, processing, packaging and more. Retailers also lose when they are forced to remove unsold products from their shelves. "If predictive microbial modeling allows shelf life to be extended safely by even one or two days, the cumulative impact across the beef industry could represent hundreds of millions of dollars in recovered value annually," Detweiler said. "From a leadership perspective, this represents a rare opportunity where profitability and sustainability may align rather than compete," he added. The research could also benefit the environment in a major way, he said. "Food waste is one of the largest hidden environmental burdens in the food system," Detweiler said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "Every pound of beef discarded represents wasted water, land, feed, energy and transportation emissions. Beef production has one of the highest environmental footprints among food commodities." The domino effect of the Auburn research has the potential to help people facing food insecurity, Detweiler said. "While extending shelf life alone will not solve hunger, reducing avoidable waste contributes to a more efficient and responsible food system," Detweiler said. Consumers may also benefit, he said, from reduced food costs if food producers and retailers are able to safely reduce waste-related losses. To ensure food safety is prioritized and consumers are protected, companies must apply this research and technology beyond increasing profits, Detweiler said. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "A longer shelf life must still be validated through rigorous food safety science and regulatory oversight," he said. The researchers indicated that additional work is needed before predictive spoilage modeling could be broadly adopted by the meat industry, but they believe the early results demonstrate the technology's potential to improve food dating practices and reduce unnecessary waste. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229e58ee6011c3f4eb0a0d Senate push to reauthorize nation’s spy powers stumbles over controversial Trump decision te 2026-06-05T10:00:56.080Z Senate push to reauthorize nation’s spy powers stumbles over controversial Trump decision The Senate failed to move one step closer to extending the nation’s spy powers amid brewing consternation against President Donald Trump's pick to lead the nation’s intelligence agencies.  Nearly every Senate Democrat, and six Senate Republicans banded together to block a procedural hurdle to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in the wee hours of Friday morning. The stumble comes as the deadline to make a move on the spy powers next week rapidly approaches.  What would have likely been a bipartisan vote was marred by Trump's pick to oversee the nation’s intelligence agencies as Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Bill Pulte.  CONGRESS EXTENDS CONTROVERSIAL SPY LAW FOR 45 DAYS AFTER SENATE REJECTS HOUSE BILL Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., argued that Congress couldn’t "afford to go dark" by not reauthorizing FISA, and hoped that Senate Democrats could have a change of heart on the matter next week when the upper chamber returns.  Complicating matters for Thune is that, given Republicans who outright dislike the program, he will need Democrats to reauthorize FISA.  "We need some help from Democrats, obviously, and I think it's a terrible irresponsible position that they've taken," Thune said. "But we'll find out if that changes. Pulte currently serves as the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and was tapped by Trump earlier this week to fill in for ex-DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who exited the position last month. HOUSE PASSES FISA RENEWAL IN BIPARTISAN VOTE, PUTTING PRESSURE ON SENATE BEFORE LOOMING DEADLINE The choice left Republicans scratching their heads, and elicited fury among Democrats.  Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned that Democrats wouldn’t support reauthorizing FISA if Pulte were in charge.  "I don't see how you get the necessary Democrat votes… that would get them to 60," Warner said. Lawmakers are concerned because Pulte has no experience in the intelligence field, and in the role of DNI, would be charged with overseeing the country’s 18 intelligence agencies.  HOUSE PUNTS TRUMP SPY POWERS EXTENSION AFTER CONSERVATIVES BLOCK DEAL, FORCING END-OF-MONTH SHOWDOWN "I know what he's been doing in the housing sector," Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said. "I'm not so familiar with why the president would have selected him." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., charged that Trump’s move to pick Pulte "appears to have been a hastily considered backroom deal based on loyalty to Trump, not the security of our nation." "The timing of this announcement could not be worse, with just over a week until FISA 702, authorities expire," Schumer said. "This announcement and its timing clearly make passing an extension of FISA much harder."  Meanwhile, Senate Republican leadership hopes to have their bipartisan bill completed and shipped to the House before the June 12 deadline.  Pulte’s appointment further complicates a fight over FISA that has, so far, led to Congress punting twice on the issue, particularly over disagreements with the controversial Section 702. The spy law fight is one of the few horseshoe issues in Congress that blends Democrats and conservatives in a push for stronger privacy protections. Section 702 allows the government to spy on foreign nationals abroad.  However, nothing in the law prevents it from collecting data on Americans if they happen to be involved in those communications. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229795ee6011c3f4eb08d6 Bill Allowing Courts To Redesignate Certain Felonies As Misdemeanors Heads To Hobbs’ Desk te 2026-06-05T09:32:05.854Z Bill Allowing Courts To Redesignate Certain Felonies As Misdemeanors Heads To Hobbs’ Desk By Matthew Holloway | Legislation allowing courts to redesignate certain lower-level felony convictions as misdemeanors after successful completion of a sentence passed the Arizona Legislature unanimously. It now awaits action from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. House Bill 2749, sponsored by State Rep. Tony Rivero (R-LD27), would establish a process allowing eligible individuals convicted of certain Class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to petition a court to have those convictions redesignated as Class 1 misdemeanors five years after completing all terms of their sentences. According to the Arizona House Republican Caucus, the measure received unanimous support in both legislative chambers before being transmitted to the governor’s desk. “HB 2749 is about accountability, redemption, and common sense,” Rivero said in a statement announcing the bill’s passage. “When someone commits a nonviolent, victimless offense, pays their debt, completes every requirement ordered by the court, and proves for years that they are living the right way, Arizona should not force that person to carry a felony label forever.” Under the legislation, eligibility would be limited to individuals convicted of non-dangerous offenses that did not involve a victim and who have no prior felony convictions. Applicants must also successfully complete all terms of their sentence before petitioning the court for redesignation. The bill would not apply to dangerous offenses, offenses involving victims, or individuals with prior felony convictions. According to the Senate fact sheet, the legislation would permit a court to redesignate an eligible felony conviction as a Class 1 misdemeanor if the court determines the person meets the statutory requirements and redesignation is appropriate. The measure does not provide for automatic redesignation and leaves the final decision to the court. Rivero said the legislation is intended to help individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation overcome barriers that can remain long after completion of a sentence. “This bill protects public safety, excludes victim crimes, and gives deserving people a fair chance to work, find housing, support their families, and fully rejoin their communities,” he said. According to the legislative fact sheet, the bill applies only to a limited category of felony convictions and requires individuals to affirmatively petition the court for relief. Courts would retain discretion in determining whether redesignation is warranted in each case. Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com. The post Bill Allowing Courts To Redesignate Certain Felonies As Misdemeanors Heads To Hobbs’ Desk first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229780ee6011c3f4eb08cd Maricopa County Supervisor Stewart Calls For Cooperation Following Recorder’s Contempt Filing te 2026-06-05T09:31:44.400Z Maricopa County Supervisor Stewart Calls For Cooperation Following Recorder’s Contempt Filing By Matthew Holloway | Maricopa County Supervisor Mark Stewart on Wednesday called for better communication and cooperation between county leadership and the Recorder’s Office after Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap asked a court to hold county officials in contempt. The request is the latest development in an ongoing dispute over election administration authority. Stewart said the Recorder’s request for contempt findings may reflect a broader breakdown in communication and trust between county officials and the Recorder’s Office. My statement on the Recorder's recent contempt filing. Read here: https://t.co/TekX9ZYGNM pic.twitter.com/iauG0H76A8 — Mark Stewart Maricopa County Supervisor District 1 (@MarkStewart_AZ) June 3, 2026 “The Recorder’s request for contempt findings may be more aggressive than necessary, but it is likely a symptom of the breakdown in communication and trust that has been building for some time,” Stewart said. Heap argued in an Application for Order to Show Cause that the Board continues to exercise powers that the court determined belong to the Recorder’s Office and has refused to return critical election personnel, systems, and resources to the Recorder’s office. “The Court settled these issues 43 days ago,” Heap said. “Since then, the Board has refused to comply, continued exercising powers the Court ruled it does not possess, and even interfered with Recorder personnel carrying out their lawful duties at Recorder-operated election sites.” 🚨 MARICOPA ELECTIONS UPDATE 43 days ago, the Court ruled the Board of Supervisors was acting in violation of the law. 43 days later, they still haven't returned the IT staff, systems, and resources the Court ordered restored. Instead, they continued interfering in election… pic.twitter.com/whIXbRzWh6 — Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap (@azjustinheap) May 30, 2026 Stewart said county officials should accept the court’s ruling in the dispute and focus on implementing the decision ahead of Arizona’s upcoming primary election. “My view is straightforward. We should accept the court’s ruling, implement it, and move forward,” Stewart said. “As we move forward with implementation, county leadership should carefully consider and prepare operational timelines to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the upcoming primary election.” The statement follows continued legal disputes between the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors regarding election administration responsibilities. Stewart said his priority is supporting implementation of the court’s judgment and ensuring county staff have the guidance needed to administer elections effectively. “The court has ruled. My priority is supporting the execution of the judgment and providing staff with the operational clarity they need to administer elections effectively,” Stewart said. According to Stewart, he has previously encouraged direct discussions between county leadership and the Recorder’s Office in an effort to reach a negotiated resolution. “I have worked to encourage direct discussions between county leadership and the Recorder to reach a negotiated solution,” Stewart said. “In my experience, most long-term solutions are achieved around a table, not in a courtroom.” Stewart said those efforts did not result in a resolution and that the dispute has continued to escalate. While acknowledging the Recorder’s concerns, Stewart said he does not believe contempt proceedings are the best path forward. “While I understand the Recorder’s frustration, I believe pursuing contempt findings is not helpful at this stage,” Stewart said. “The public is tired of litigation. Voters want their elected officials focused on administering elections, solving problems, and delivering results.” Stewart reiterated his support for direct discussions between the parties and said long-term success will require rebuilding trust and improving communication between county officials. “Litigation may resolve legal questions, but lasting solutions and successful operations require communication, trust, and a willingness to work together,” Stewart said. The supervisor also expressed support for efforts by Supervisor Debbie Lesko to facilitate public discussions between county leadership and the Recorder’s Office. “I am encouraged that my colleague, Debbie Lesko, is working to bring the parties together for direct public discussions,” Stewart said. “This is something I have been advocating for since early 2025.” Lesko posted to X on May 29 criticizing Recorder Heap’s decision to request a contempt finding. “I am once again disappointed that Recorder Heap turns to the court instead of meeting with the Board of Supervisors to resolve our differences in order to run the upcoming elections,” she wrote.  “It’s been 9 days since our last invite to meet and we still haven’t heard back from him.” Stewart concluded by stating that his focus remains on election administration and restoring working relationships between county officials. “My responsibility is not to relitigate the past,” Stewart said. “My responsibility is to establish secure, transparent, and efficient elections while rebuilding the professional working relationships necessary for long-term success. The voters deserve nothing less.” Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com. The post Maricopa County Supervisor Stewart Calls For Cooperation Following Recorder’s Contempt Filing first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22976aee6011c3f4eb08c4 Arizona Democratic Congressional Candidate Called For Decriminalizing Prostitution In Resurfaced Clip te 2026-06-05T09:31:22.886Z Arizona Democratic Congressional Candidate Called For Decriminalizing Prostitution In Resurfaced Clip By Staff Reporter | A Democratic candidate for Congress in Arizona advocated for decriminalizing prostitution in a since-deleted clip. JoAnna Mendoza, candidate for the 6th congressional district, said in an uncovered 2020 interview that prostitution needed to be decriminalized, especially for marginalized communities like transgender women of color.  That was the year Mendoza made an unsuccessful bid for the 11th legislative district in the Arizona State Senate. Mendoza lost against Republican State Sen. Vince Leach, now representing the 17th legislative district.  Mendoza said in a now-deleted video interview with the executive director of Equality Arizona at the time, Michael Soto, that social services and healthcare needed to replace arrests. Mendoza reframed prostitution as a means of income, not a crime.   “[We need to be] eliminating the discriminatory practices and laws so that every individual has the opportunity to be able to provide for themselves. We need to stop criminalizing people for their situations,” said Mendoza. The National Republican Congressional Committee first released the found footage. ⚠️Arizona Democrat Joanna @Mendoza4AZ said “YES” to legalizing prostitution to benefit “trans women of color.” Mendoza in 2020 interview with far-left group: “Yes…we need to stop criminalizing people for their situations.” Mendoza’s far-left agenda would make crime worse. pic.twitter.com/tgN7usgkf6 — NRCC (@NRCC) June 3, 2026 Mendoza also supported the decriminalization of marijuana, and the reduction of funding to police during her 2020 run. The latter issue Mendoza addressed in a Clean Elections Commission town hall event. Mendoza said police funding should be reallocated to social service programs, such as those that would provide economic stability, environmental safety, healthcare, housing, and public education. “I support the reallocation of funding to programs that would allow people to live their best lives,” said Mendoza. Mendoza’s current campaign denied that her support for reallocating police funding was equivalent to defunding the police. Last week, Mendoza reportedly held a closed-door campaign event with an organization that has advocated for the defunding of police, Reproductive Freedom For All, who has endorsed Mendoza. Mendoza’s current platform doesn’t mention decriminalizing prostitution or marijuana, nor does it mention defunding the police. Mendoza’s platform provides a general focus on costs, jobs, healthcare, policing, climate, government accountability, veterans, and foreign relations.  Mendoza did provide some specifics on policy in her platform. On immigration, Mendoza advocates for legal pathways to citizenship for those who enter the country illegally while limiting deportations to violent criminals. Mendoza also supports increased government subsidization in renewable energy and healthcare.  Mendoza is running to unseat incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani, a Republican. She’s pulled a number of key Democratic endorsements, including Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, Reps. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), former Reps. Gabby Giffords and Tom O’Halleran, former Arizona Democratic Party Chair Raquel Teran, and former Democratic congressional candidate Kirsten Engel. The political action committee founded by Gallego’s former best friend and former Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell, has also provided campaign support to Mendoza.  So far, Mendoza has raised over $5.3 million for her congressional run per Federal Election Commission records.  Beyond the political action committee founded by Swalwell, Mendoza has a slate of other top progressive organization endorsements, including EMILY’s List, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Equality PAC, Jewish Dems, and VoteVets. Part of Mendoza’s popularity with the LGBTQ+ advocacy groups stems from her personal identity as a bisexual woman. Mendoza formerly worked for former Democratic Rep. Tom O’Halleran. Mendoza served in the Marines from 1999 to 2013.  Mendoza has also worked for the Arizona Center for Economic Progress and VetsForward.  AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Arizona Democratic Congressional Candidate Called For Decriminalizing Prostitution In Resurfaced Clip first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22974cee6011c3f4eb0895 Historic Big Boy steam locomotive draws crowds as America 250 tour heads east te 2026-06-05T09:30:52.641Z Historic Big Boy steam locomotive draws crowds as America 250 tour heads east Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, is making its first tour of the East Coast as part of celebrations leading up to America's 250th birthday. The locomotive arrived in Illinois this week as part of Union Pacific's America 250 tour, a multi-state journey that will take the historic engine through Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania before arriving in Philadelphia ahead of Fourth of July celebrations. Rail enthusiasts lined the tracks in Sterling, Illinois, on Tuesday to watch the locomotive pass through during one of many whistle-stops planned along the route. JACK CARR REFLECTS ON SACRIFICES THAT SHAPED AMERICA AHEAD OF 250TH BIRTHDAY "I've always loved trains. It's just the history of it," one visitor told Fox News. Others traveled across state lines for the chance to see the locomotive in person. "It's huge. It's beautiful," said Wisconsin resident Brandon Becker. Big Boy No. 4014 was built in 1941 to haul heavy freight through the mountains of the American West. Union Pacific says 25 Big Boy locomotives were originally built, but No. 4014 is the only one operating today. The locomotive weighs nearly 1.1 million pounds and stretches more than 130 feet long. It was restored to operating condition in 2019 after spending decades on public display. Visitors were also able to get an up-close look at the locomotive during a public display event in West Chicago on Wednesday before it continued east. TRUMP FLOATS REPLACING 250TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT WITH MASSIVE MAGA RALLY AFTER ARTISTS PULL OUT "I took the day off just to see the train because I just love it," Marcia Simler said. The locomotive's route is part of Union Pacific's broader effort to commemorate the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary. According to the railroad, the America 250 tour includes more than 50 whistle stops and public display events across 10 states. Inside the cab, crew members monitor pressure, water and fire systems that power the massive steam engine. The locomotive continues to operate using steam technology first developed more than a century ago while drawing crowds of modern-day rail enthusiasts at each stop. For many visitors, the attraction is equal parts engineering and history. AMERICA 250: ST. LOUIS ARCH "Stirring patriotic feelings in me, that's for sure," John Bollig said. Union Pacific says the eastern leg of the tour is being conducted in partnership with Norfolk Southern and marks the first time Big Boy has traveled to the East Coast. The tour is scheduled to continue through Pennsylvania before arriving in Philadelphia, where the locomotive will participate in events tied to the nation's semiquincentennial celebration. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229396ee6011c3f4eb07e8 Davis Dam releases for June 5 te 2026-06-05T09:15:02.235Z Davis Dam releases for June 5 Saturday Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229381ee6011c3f4eb07df Gas prices June 5 te 2026-06-05T09:14:41.343Z Gas prices June 5 National average: $4.26 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22936cee6011c3f4eb07d6 Best Bets: Friday, June 5, 2026 te 2026-06-05T09:14:20.790Z Best Bets: Friday, June 5, 2026 Today Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229357ee6011c3f4eb07cd Arizona lottery results for Friday, June 5, 2026 te 2026-06-05T09:13:59.827Z Arizona lottery results for Friday, June 5, 2026 Powerball - June 1 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229336ee6011c3f4eb079b Massive Mexico-California border busts uncover eye-popping amount of drugs: 'Remain vigilant' te 2026-06-05T09:13:26.872Z Massive Mexico-California border busts uncover eye-popping amount of drugs: 'Remain vigilant' In the span of a day, Customs and Border Protection stopped two separate vehicles and confiscated over $300,000 worth of narcotics. The apprehensions continue to demonstrate the high volume of narcotics that smugglers are attempting to bring across the southern U.S. border, even as immigration numbers have plummeted in recent months. On Sunday, May 17, agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry referred a 2013 Honda Civic for secondary inspection. After an imaging system detected anomalies in the car’s firewall, they discovered six packages of white fentanyl powder worth roughly $113,600 along with 8.4 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $161,600. CBP OFFICERS SEIZE OVER $14M OF ALLEGED METHAMPHETAMINE AT SOUTHERN BORDER That same day at the Calexico East Port of Entry, about 100 miles away, a 2011 Nissan Cube was also sent to secondary inspection. Agents there discovered 63 packets of methamphetamine after a scan of that vehicle detected anomalies in its flooring. Officials praised both detections. "Sunday may be a day of rest for many, but criminals don’t take days off, and neither do our CBP officers," San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki said "Our officers remain vigilant around the clock, and these significant seizures are a direct result of their commitment to keeping dangerous drugs like these from entering our country." SOUTHERN BORDER APPREHENSIONS PLUNGE MORE THAN 90% FROM YEAR AGO IN APRIL, CBP SAYS The agency believes its operations are a continuation of efforts laid out by President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, even as immigration border crossings have come down. Since the end of 2024, border crossings have plummeted, going from over 144,000 encounters in December 2024 to just 10,000 in April. Even so, CBP has reported several high-profile smuggling attempts that have sought to bring weapons, narcotics and humans across the U.S. border. ARREST OF GANG MEMBER CONVICTED OF MURDER PUTS DEM STATE’S SANCTUARY POLICIES ON BLAST Recently, CBP has released reports on how it had prevented a car carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher from crossing the border, detected dozens of immigrants crammed into a semi-truck and even detained a boat off the coast of the Dominican Republic with the help of a Black Hawk helicopter. "CBP officers along the southwest border stop illegal activity, including the smuggling of drugs and humans, and facilitate lawful entry for millions of legitimate travelers into the United States," CBP said in a statement. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229322ee6011c3f4eb0792 The anti-communism movie quote that spells doom for the Democrats in the midterms te 2026-06-05T09:13:06.876Z The anti-communism movie quote that spells doom for the Democrats in the midterms For years, I have told various people in politics, the media and the financial world that the most impressive investment CEO I have ever encountered is fictional. One who came from nothing; identified with the working-class over the elites; established a persona deliberately meant to be underestimated by his snobbish competitors; and truly prized morality over money. That fictional CEO being Lawrence Garfield. The lead character played to perfection by Danny DeVito in the 1991 film "Other People’s Money." Within the body of the movie, the New York City-based Garfield character shouts out an amazingly prescient warning as if envisioning the coming capitalistic-destroying and liberty-robbing edicts of far-left, socialist- and communist-embracing politicians such as New York City Democrat Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Democratic Socialist Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson. While dressing down a conference room full of lawyers he has on retainer, the fictional billionaire CEO lectures in part: "Congratulations. You're destroying the capitalist system. While everybody else in the world is embracing it, my boys and girls are f---ing it up! You know what happens when capitalism gets f---ed up? The communists come back. They come out of the bushes. Don't kid yourself. They're waiting in there…" Thirty-five years ago, Garfield saw the danger cresting over the horizon. Today, his fictionalized warning in the defense of capitalism, a free-market system, and our very Republic has become a horrifying reality. BISHOP BARRON SLAMS 'BORDERLINE COMMUNISTS' SANDERS, MAMDANI AHEAD OF TRUMP PRAYER EVENT: 'ECONOMY THAT KILLS' The "communists" are no longer waiting in the bushes. They are back. They are among us. We deny this treacherous blossoming reality at our own peril.  Fortunately – and to the outright despair of the Democratic Leadership – an increasing number of Americans across a broad political, socioeconomic and age spectrum are suddenly opening their eyes to the job-, education-, safety-, city- and nation-destroying effects of socialist and communist mandates forced upon the people by far left elites existing in bubbles of entitlement. Elites who seek to smear or cancel Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin while singing the praises of despots such as Lenin, Stalin, Marx, and Mao.   For older Americans, the increasingly strident pronouncements from the likes of Mamdani, AOC and Wilson are a stark reminder of the often brutal – and failed – regimes of East Germany, the Soviet Union and a collapsing Cuba. Older Americans who witnessed those nations crumble into anarchy as the socialist and communist controlled "Nanny States" deprived citizens of the right to think for themselves; to do what was in the best interests of them and their families; or even escape the dystopian landscapes created by totalitarian ideologies. FROM SOVIET REFUGEE TO AMERICAN PATRIOT: WHY WE MUST GUARD AGAINST SOCIALISM'S DANGEROUS CREEP INTO OUR CITIES In another stroke of bad news for the Democratic leadership, many of these "older" Americans are now taking the time to educate the younger Americans in their lives – be they children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, or work, faith, or social colleagues – about the dangerous pitfalls of socialism and communism. Younger Americans who do not yet know that the "free is for me" mantra is a power-and-control grab masquerading as a utopian paradise. Fortunately, along with the older Americans in their lives who witnessed the evils of socialism and communism, are millions of Americans who lived it and fled to our shores. Naturalized Americans who escaped the Soviet Union, China, East Germany, Venezuela, Cuba and even North Korea. Wise and patriotic Americans only too happy to tell those ignorant of the dangers of socialism and communism the cold, hard, and life- and nation-saving truth. And now, thanks to Mamdani, AOC, Wilson and other far-left Democrats, they have multiple real-time Bolshevik examples to flag. CRITICS SAY MAMDANI’S VOW TO SWAP ‘RUGGED INDIVIDUALISM’ WITH ‘WARMTH OF COLLECTIVISM’ HAS SINISTER UNDERTONE From now until the November midterms, Americans who either witnessed or escaped the menace of socialism and communism will be explaining what "collectivism" really means. Why the taking of money and property from those who earned it and built it is anti-American. And why homeownership is not only not "racist," but the epitome of the American dream.  To that "racist" point, in a piece for The Hill headlined, "Mamdani introduces New York to socialism, ‘block by block’" legal scholar Jonathan Turley quoted Mamdani aide Cea Weaver who was only too happy to spell out the "collective" pain coming our way. Via a past post, she declared in part: "Private property including and [sic] kind of ESPECIALLY homeownership is a weapon of White supremacy masquerading as ‘wealth building’ public policy." Wow. The overriding dictate of the narratives being embraced by Mamdani, AOC, Wilson and a number of Democratic leaders being: "You will bend and break for the greater good of the collective ... or else." CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION With growing frequency, we are seeing this "Free is for Me … Demonize the Rich" tactic take root in New York City, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles and multiple other cities controlled by the left. How fast is it spreading?  According to a recent piece in Politico titled "Socialism's next test: Swing states," the answer is … very fast. That acknowledged, the good news is that only a small number of Americans – along with seemingly the entire Democratic leadership – have bought into the false promises and outright lies of socialism and communism. Over three decades ago, the fictional New York City-investment CEO Lawrence Garfield saw the red tide of communism rising and screamed out a warning. Back in today’s real world, an increasing number of Americans are finally starting to see the poisonous brew of socialism and communism being peddled by AOC, Mamdani, Wilson and the greater Democratic Party for what it is. The word is spreading like wildfire and come November, during the 250th Anniversary year of our founding, the American people should soundly reject socialism and communism. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DOUGLAS MACKINNON Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22930eee6011c3f4eb0789 STEPHEN MOORE: This tariff is an expensive gift to China and our families will pay for it te 2026-06-05T09:12:46.944Z STEPHEN MOORE: This tariff is an expensive gift to China and our families will pay for it I’m a free trader, but I also understand that for competitiveness and strategic reasons, President Trump’s trade tariffs are used as leverage to help make trade freer and fairer. He’s a master negotiator, who has used the tariff threat to force other nations to play by the rules and level the playing field.  But some specific tariffs don’t make sense, and instead of saving jobs, they raise prices for consumers – especially when there is no viable domestic producer here at home.   In these cases, the "affordability" issue – real and in some cases imagined - is made worse for families.  Many grocery items have risen by 25 to 30% in recent years, and the price of canned goods – from peas to peaches – has risen 40 percent during the same period. If these prices keep rising, voters will get angrier and Republicans will feel the wrath of the voters in November.  Which brings us back to tariffs. Canned goods are more expensive today in no small part because of the tariff on imported "tinplate steel" for metal cans of fruits and veggies and those costs get passed on to prices paid at the grocery check-out line. Short-sighted trade policy is largely to blame. WHITE HOUSE ‘LASER FOCUSED’ ON AFFORDABILITY AS TRUMP SOFTENS TARIFF STRATEGY U.S. steel manufacturers have been scaling back tinplate production in recent years, which has forced U.S. can makers to source more tinplate from abroad. The can makers import approximately 70 percent of the tinplate steel they use, up from 42 percent eight years earlier.   Tinplate steel was subject to President Trump’s 25 percent tariff in 2018. And since last June, the tariff has risen to 50 percent. Those tariffs have driven up costs for the domestic canned food industry. And those costs ultimately get passed along to consumers, in the form of higher food prices. You may not think these cost increases are a big deal, but the reality is roughly one-third of the wholesale price of canned fruits and vegetables is connected to just the cost of the can. The higher cost of cans has meant that canned fruits and vegetables are rising at almost three times the pace of all foods. But there is no offsetting benefit. The tariffs are meant to spur more domestic production. Maybe. But U.S. Steel isn’t planning on resuming production of tinplate steel, until next year at the earliest and that’s only a facility. And even if additional domestic production is brought on line next year, the volume will not come anywhere near to meeting the needs of American can manufacturers and food producers. Nor have the tariffs led to more production of American-grown canned foods. They have had the opposite effect. Even worse, as costs for the U.S. canned food industry have increased, American producers are being undercut by foreign-filled canned goods imported from countries like China. This has produced a race to the bottom for U.S. retailers. And it means that the tariffs may be costing American jobs, not saving them. In January 2026, Del Monte Foods announced it would be shuttering its operations at a fruit cannery in Modesto, California. That meant a loss of 600 full-time jobs and 800 to 900 seasonal jobs. A union representative for the workers blamed the steel tariffs, saying their impact was to "increase the cost of canned foods, making it that much more difficult for them to compete in the market against imported peaches that come in already canned." CHINA THREATENS OUR FARMERS AND FOOD SUPPLY. STATES NEED TO STEP UP So, foreigners are undercutting the prices of better American-grown and -made canned food products. Last year, more than two billion pre-filled cans of food were imported into the United States.    This growing dependence on China to meet American consumer needs creates food insecurity for those who need it most, as well as uncertainty for U.S. farmers who can’t compete on price with lower-quality Chinese food imports.   Because of the tariffs, American consumers are left with an unfortunate choice: paying more for American-made canned food or paying less for foreign canned food that is often lower quality and less safe. That is the opposite of America First. So the tariff on cans is bad for American farmers. Bad for steelworkers and American steel companies. Bad for consumers. And bad for iconic domestic brands and products like Campbell’s soup, Green Giant corn, and Red Gold tomatoes.  It’s good for China and other American rivals.   That’s why President Trump should repeal the tinplate steel tariffs immediately. It’s a policy, to borrow a phrase from Campbell’s soup, that is "mmm, mmm BAD." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM STEPHEN MOORE Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2292fbee6011c3f4eb0780 Rep. Brandon Gill backs Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race and defends viral Ohio Medicaid fraud questions te 2026-06-05T09:12:27.027Z Rep. Brandon Gill backs Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race and defends viral Ohio Medicaid fraud questions In an interview with the Ruthless Podcast, Representative Brandon Gill (R-Texas) gave a behind-the-scenes look at his recent viral fraud hearing and the Senate race in his home state. "I mean, we’re literally talking about people who are like finding people off the street, working with fraudulent LLCs to funnel your tax dollars to people to provide services that are not being provided," Gill said in an interview released Friday morning. "I don’t like being called racist, but I dislike seeing our tax dollars burn every single day a whole lot more." During a hearing of the Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses, Gill asked an Ohio legislator whether Somali immigration has been positive for the Buckeye State. State Senator Nickie Antonio responded to Gill by saying that his question "nearly brought [her] to tears." HOUSE GOP LAUNCHES NEW TASK FORCE, PROBES ALLEGED MEDICAID FRAUD IN OHIO Medicaid fraud in Ohio has come to the forefront after the Daily Wire’s Luke Rosiak uncovered fraud in the state. Vice President JD Vance’s White House Anti-Fraud Task Force and Republican nominee for governor, Vivek Ramaswamy, have emphasized the need to combat government abuse in the state. Ramaswamy told Ruthless in an interview last week that the state and federal governments have approximately $1.1 trillion in improper payments. JAMES COMER TO ACCUSE TIM WALZ OF BEING 'ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL' AT FRAUD HEARING Known for his excellent questions during hearings, Gill made headlines in April for asking a pro-choice activist what her favorite method of abortion was. Podcast co-host Josh Holmes, who spent decades advising members of Congress, highlighted Gill’s unique approach to testimony and how it's resonating with Americans. "I know all of you that are listening and watching this have seen this gentleman performing magic tricks," Holmes said. "It seemed like, when you were yelling at your TV screen for 10 years, like, ‘why aren't they asking?’ ‘Why aren't they pinning down?’ It's like, you don't even get the words out of your mouth, and you’re like, ‘yup, now he's doing the thing.’ It’s incredible." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE In an interview with Ruthless in April, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) highlighted Gill’s rising profile due to his creative approach to congressional hearings In recent weeks, Gill flexed his political muscles in the Lone Star State by endorsing Attorney General Ken Paxton ahead of last week’s runoff and speaking at the victory party. "I feel pretty good about it," Gill said of Paxton’s chances. "Trump’s name is not on the ballot. We're going to do everything we can to nationalize the election because the people are with the president. Paxton is somebody that the American people, the people of Texas, are really excited about." Paxton joined Ruthless in an episode released Thursday morning and told the Fellas that Republicans are uniting behind him ahead of a competitive general election. Both Gill's and Paxton's interviews took place as part of the Ruthless Midterm Interview Series, an ongoing initiative to interview major candidates across the country. The hosts have already interviewed candidates in 15 states, with more scheduled ahead of the November midterms. Texans will head to the polls for the general election on November 3rd. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2292e6ee6011c3f4eb0777 AOC’s billionaire attack sells Gen Z a smaller, sadder American Dream te 2026-06-05T09:12:06.953Z AOC’s billionaire attack sells Gen Z a smaller, sadder American Dream Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been roundly and rightly mocked for her recent claim that "you can’t earn" a billion dollars. But with respect to my fellow conservatives and free-marketeers, the real problem with her latest anti-billionaire broadside isn’t that it’s economically illiterate. The bigger issue — by far — is that AOC is subtly dismissing the innate human drive to strive and succeed. She isn’t just saying that billionaires are illegitimate. She’s effectively saying that becoming a billionaire is impossible, so don’t even try. This fundamental rejection of entrepreneurship’s power is the greatest danger of the socialist worldview rising on the left, of which AOC is the foremost tribune. By now, every American knows what policies and programs the socialists want — more wealth distribution, more government welfare, more care and feeding at the benevolent hand of Big Brother or Sister. But the heart of this ideology isn’t simply the idea that people should get more from others. The corresponding belief is that people should also give less to others. While it’s tempting to chalk this up to laziness or envy, the real message is one of self-doubt. Socialism teaches its followers that entrepreneurship is doomed to fail — that entrepreneurs themselves are deluded and in denial. Who would want to take a road they’ve been told can only dead-end? AOC CALLED OUT FOR CLAIM THAT BILLIONAIRES 'CAN'T EARN' THEIR WEALTH AS SHE DOUBLES DOWN ON REMARKS This is nothing less than a frontal assault on the human spirit. America became the world’s most prosperous and equal country precisely because people aimed to become rich — millionaires, hundred millionaires, and now billionaires. Not by leeching off society, but by lifting up society. The essence of entrepreneurship is the idea that you can improve your life by helping others improve their lives. The most successful entrepreneurs have done that in spades, becoming rich by enriching daily life for countless others. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Science buttresses this phenomenon. Abraham Maslow — the founder of humanistic psychology — argued that humans can achieve what he called "synergy." Our innate selfishness fuses with our capacity for unselfishness, pushing us to succeed by fostering success in our community. Entrepreneurs embody this way of thinking, and in America more than anywhere else on earth or in history, start-up founders and basement tinkerers have proved that Maslow’s synergy is both achievable and awesomely beneficial for every level of society. But nobody benefits when fewer people strive to make a billion dollars. No one wins if would-be entrepreneurs deny their own ability to make a difference. Such fear and self-loathing are especially likely among younger generations, especially the 62% of Americans under 30 who hold a favorable view of socialism. Politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are all but telling them to ignore the better angels of their nature — to neglect their own incredible capacity for excellence, achievement, and contribution. The good news is that human nature is hard to suppress. Even as Gen Z is the most likely to support AOC-style socialism, its members are increasingly embracing their inner entrepreneur. A recent survey found that 43% of Gen Z is considering starting a business or side hustle in 2026, beating Millennials and Gen X. But there’s no guarantee that younger generations make good on this desire. Loud voices — like AOC — are encouraging them to put their faith in the state instead of themselves. The battle for Gen Z’s soul is very much up in the air. This is a battle that free-marketeers must win. We won’t reach Gen Z by merely mocking AOC or maligning her admittedly awful ideas. No, we have to appeal directly to the very spirit she’s dismissing — the innate human drive to rise and thrive. It’s not enough to say in the abstract that billionaires are good for the rest of us. Far more important is the message that you could be the best billionaire yet. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JOHN TILLMAN Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2292d3ee6011c3f4eb076e Trump scores victory despite growing GOP divide after Senate passes $70B ICE, Border Patrol funding package te 2026-06-05T09:11:47.032Z Trump scores victory despite growing GOP divide after Senate passes $70B ICE, Border Patrol funding package Senate Republicans managed to stitch together a unified front to advance President Donald Trump's roughly $70 billion immigration enforcement package, but divisions over the president’s agenda were laid bare after a marathon day of votes.  Passage of the budget reconciliation package geared toward funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for the next three and a half years closes a long, drawn out chapter in the Senate that began during the longest shutdown in history.  It’s a point that Senate Republicans tried to return to throughout the day, reiterating that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democrats had forced their hands after refusing to fund immigration operations without a plethora of reforms.  DOZEN GOP REBELS FAIL TO PERMANENTLY KILL TRUMP'S CONTROVERSIAL $2B FUND "Democrats would not agree to anything, and eventually they walked away altogether, presumably because they thought that it would serve them better to have an issue for November," Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said. But the day, and preceding weeks, were dominated by a growing rift between Senate Republicans and the Trump administration that threatened to blow up the process altogether.  First, it was the inclusion of $1 billion in funding for security upgrades to Trump’s ballroom, which was later stripped out.  Then, it was the Department of Justice's (DOJ) announcement that a nearly $2 billion "anti-weaponization" fund was being launched to allow people who felt targeted by the government to make a claim from the pot of taxpayer money. GOP ADVANCES ICE FUNDING PACKAGE AFTER FORCING TRUMP'S CONTROVERSIAL $2B FUND INTO RETREAT Several Senate Republicans worried that the money could be accessed by Jan. 6, 2021, rioters who were convicted of assaulting police. Schumer and Democrats leaned into that open wound and spent much of the marathon, "vote-a-rama" vote series trying to spell a permanent end to the fund, despite acting Attorney General Todd Blanche vowing that the administration would no longer pursue it.  "Do we believe that Donald Trump, who has lied to us day in and day out, do we believe that he will be able to resist getting his sticky fingers in the slush fund when it would benefit himself and his family? No way, no way," Schumer said. GOP LEVERAGES ICE FUNDING PACKAGE TO MAKE TRUMP'S CONTROVERSIAL $2B FUND 'NEVER EXIST'  Many of the amendments pushed by Democrats placed Republicans in tough bids for reelection, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Jon Husted, R-Ohio, and Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, into politically challenging positions.  Republicans tried to kill it, too, causing tensions on the Senate floor to rise.  "It's not that tense," Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said. "I mean, I've seen worse. Nobody's stabbed anybody yet." Still, the process nearly came to a grinding halt because of the fund at the start of the marathon vote series when Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and others wanted to ensure that GOP attempts to end the fund would get a vote, too.  "I just wanted to optimize the chances of success," Cassidy said of the delay.  Ultimately, despite a dozen Republicans voting for Sen. Thom Tillis’, R-N.C., amendment, and X voting for Cassidy’s, all attempts to thwart future bids to revive the fund failed.  The ballroom also came back into the picture when six Republicans joined Senate Democrats to prevent construction on the colossal structure from going forward without congressional approval. Then there was an attempt by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to attach the SAVE America Act to the reconciliation package, which met Republican resistance and ultimately failed, too.  The package now heads to the House, where Republicans are expected to pass it by the end of the week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2292abee6011c3f4eb0763 Many Trump Voters Are Unhappy With Handling of Iran, Economy and More Issues te 2026-06-05T09:11:07.104Z Many Trump Voters Are Unhappy With Handling of Iran, Economy and More Issues The president’s base is thought to be unmovable. But one-third of these voters say they are unhappy about certain issues and are not knee-jerk loyalists. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229297ee6011c3f4eb075a Appeals Court Panel to Hear Arguments Over Trump’s Ballroom te 2026-06-05T09:10:47.194Z Appeals Court Panel to Hear Arguments Over Trump’s Ballroom A three-judge panel will consider whether a lower court erred in ordering construction stopped until President Trump secured the support of Congress. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a229283ee6011c3f4eb0751 They Shut the Golden Gate Bridge for 4 Hours. Now They Face Up to 15 Years in Prison. te 2026-06-05T09:10:27.112Z They Shut the Golden Gate Bridge for 4 Hours. Now They Face Up to 15 Years in Prison. Activists blocked the iconic span to protest the spending of American tax dollars on Israeli military efforts in Gaza. San Francisco’s prosecutor is now seeking a strict punishment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a228937ee6011c3f4eb05f4 Actor James Handy, known for 'Jumanji' and 'Top Gun: Maverick,' allegedly killed by girlfriend's son te 2026-06-05T08:30:47.982Z Actor James Handy, known for 'Jumanji' and 'Top Gun: Maverick,' allegedly killed by girlfriend's son James Handy, an actor known for various roles in films like "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick," was allegedly killed by his girlfriend's son this week, police said. The Los Angeles Police Department said officers responded to a residence in the 19200 block of Erwin Street on Wednesday morning. According to police, a 911 caller stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." When officers arrived, they found Handy, 81, unconscious in the front yard suffering from a stab wound to the chest. 'HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER' ACTOR NICK PASQUAL SENTENCED TO DECADES IN PRISON FOR STABBING EX-GIRLFRIEND Authorities said Handy was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. LAPD identified the suspect as Michael Gledhill, 44, of Tarzana. According to investigators, Gledhill flagged down officers as they arrived and told them he was the person they were looking for. ROB REINER AND WIFE MURDERED: TIMELINE SHOWS ARGUMENT WITH SON NIGHT BEFORE DEATHS Police said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend. Gledhill was arrested and booked into the Van Nuys Jail on a murder charge. Bail was set at $2 million. Handy amassed nearly 150 acting credits over a career spanning roughly five decades, according to IMDb. In addition to film roles, he made guest appearances on numerous television shows throughout his career, including "The West Wing," "9-1-1," and "NCIS: Los Angeles." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a228487ee6011c3f4eb0549 Handcuffed suspect allegedly slips restraints, steals Dallas police cruiser with officer trapped in back seat te 2026-06-05T08:10:47.446Z Handcuffed suspect allegedly slips restraints, steals Dallas police cruiser with officer trapped in back seat A routine traffic stop spiraled into chaos when a handcuffed suspect allegedly commandeered a Dallas police cruiser, drove off with an officer in the back seat and bailed out while the vehicle was still moving, authorities said. Newly released body camera and dash camera footage captured the moments leading up to the suspect's escape from his restraints and the dramatic chain of events that followed. Police said the incident began around 5:35 p.m. on May 30 after two officers conducted a traffic stop in the 2300 block of South Marsalis Avenue. Stacey Huffman, 37, was arrested and placed in the back seat of a patrol car while handcuffed. WATCH: VIDEO SHOWS SUSPECT PUSH TROOPER TO GROUND BEFORE STEALING PATROL CRUISER ON CHRISTMAS DAY Video recorded inside the vehicle appears to show Huffman slipping his left hand out of the handcuffs before concealing his hands behind his back. As officers began transporting him to jail, Huffman allegedly attempted to open the locked rear door and removed his seatbelt. Officers stopped the squad car on Interstate 35 around 6:10 p.m. to further restrain Huffman, according to police. ILLINOIS MAN'S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IN KEY WEST WAS DERAILED AFTER HE WENT BAR HOPPING IN A STOLEN POLICE CAR Moments later, as both officers exited the vehicle, Huffman allegedly climbed into the driver's seat and sped away. One officer managed to enter the back seat before the vehicle took off and deployed his Taser, but police said it was ineffective after Huffman pulled the wires away. The officer can be heard repeatedly shouting, "Stop the car!" as Huffman allegedly continued accelerating. WILD VIDEO SHOWS MASKED RUFFIANS ATTACKING POLICE CRUISER WITH OFFICER INSIDE DURING ILLEGAL STREET TAKEOVER Police said the officer then drew his duty weapon and struck Huffman on the side of the head after he accelerated the vehicle. Video shows the officer being violently tossed around the back seat as the patrol car swerved down the roadway. Authorities said Huffman opened the driver's-side door while traveling at approximately 50 mph and jumped from the moving vehicle. WILD VIDEO SHOWS MAN SWIPE DELIVERY TRUCK WITH FEMALE EMPLOYEE STILL INSIDE The patrol car traveled roughly 1,000 feet during the incident, according to police. The video indicates that Huffman was in control of the vehicle for about 30 seconds. Immediately after Huffman exited the vehicle, the officer lunged into the front seat and regained control of the patrol car, avoiding a potential crash. Huffman was rendered unconscious and taken back into custody, officers said. Both Huffman and the officer were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Huffman is expected to face charges including driving while license invalid, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and escape from custody. The incident remains under investigation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a227678ee6011c3f4eb0330 Why Trump changes his tune after aides convince him to stick to a script as Republicans defect te 2026-06-05T07:10:48.305Z Why Trump changes his tune after aides convince him to stick to a script as Republicans defect A very high-ranking Trump White House official once told me the key to the president's behavior. It happens when his advisors talk him into something that he doesn't particularly want to do. The next time he's around reporters, this person says, President Trump will blurt out what he really thinks. He'll either walk it back, soften the language, create confusion or flatly contradict what he said a couple of days before. It's his way of rebelling against being handled. And, of course, he'll lash out at Republicans who disagree with him, post insulting messages, or endorse their primary opponents. To Trump, that's just counterpunching. RELATED: TRUMP SUFFERS RARE HOUSE DEFEAT AS BIPARTISAN VOTE MOVES TO WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM IRAN CONFLICT After the House narrowly voted Wednesday to invoke the War Powers Act, to force an end to the Iran conflict, four Republicans — Thomas Massie, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Barrett — broke with their party. Trump's Truth Social response: "Yesterday, in a meaningless vote, the House voted, 4 bad Republicans and all of the Democrats, to limit my War Powers, right in the middle of my final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote. "Who would do such an unpatriotic thing? They know where the negotiations stand. The Democrats are fueled by Trump Derangement Syndrome. They would rather have our Country fail than give me another, of many, victories. The four Republicans, that's a whole other story – They're GRANDSTANDERS! They should be ashamed of themselves." And I'm sure there will be more to come. Even if the 215-208 vote is followed by Senate approval, Trump can simply veto it. And there is a legal dispute about whether Congress can actually undermine the commander-in-chief, given that presidents of both parties have waged undeclared wars. An even sharper example involves the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund that triggered on-the-record outrage from Republicans as well as Democrats. The idea that the bulk of the money would go to the Jan. 6 rioters who beat up cops and threatened lawmakers struck a very deep chord among members who were in the Capitol on that dark and depressing day in 2021. Trump could see this was a losing issue — or was persuaded of that — and after a leak that he was considering abandoning the project, he said it was dead. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said it was dead. RELATED: GOP ADVANCES ICE FUNDING PACKAGE AFTER FORCING TRUMP'S CONTROVERSIAL $2B FUND RETREAT But the next time he saw reporters, he pried open the crypt door he had supposedly shut. He absolutely unloaded on CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins for asking why he had changed his mind about what everyone was calling a slush fund — in other words, doing her job. "So, I love it. I think it's so important… What happened to great people, great American people, the way they were victimized, the way they were savaged, you have suicides, they killed themselves. They were bankrupt. They were weaponized by the Biden administration, by a bunch of thugs, including Obama people. And like nobody's probably ever been. I mean, I can think of maybe two instances in this country where they've had it to somewhere [at] that extent. I'm not even sure if it was so much," Trump said. "They were put in jail for long periods of time. They were accused of things that never happened. They had prosecutors that were radical lunatics, and their lives were destroyed. And frankly, we had a lawsuit that, against us on the weaponization where the judge, a radical left judge, ruled against it. And we'll see how that all works out. But a radical left judge ruled against it." We'll see how it all works out. Is it dead? "I'd have to ask the lawyers," Trump said. Uh, the lawyers work for him. The president wasn't done. "But these people, their lives have been destroyed. Their families have been destroyed — many of them. I'm not just talking about a few people," he said. "Many have been destroyed, many of them. I'm not just talking about a few people. Many of them. I'm one of them, I look, they raided my house, Mar-a-Lago. That never happened. Nobody ever thought of anything like that." And then it got really personal. "They're crooked as hell. CNN's a very corrupt organization, but, with a corrupt reporter standing right there. Never smiles. You never— she's a young, beautiful woman. Never smiles, I never see a smile off her face, I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes. She has hatred because we have borders, because we have a strong military, because we cut our taxes, because we do things that everybody wanted. And then we win our election in a massive landslide. We win 87 percent of the counties in this country," Trump said. CNN's response: "Kaitlan Collins is an exceptional journalist, reporting every day from the White House and the field with real depth and tenacity. She skillfully brings that reporting to the anchor chair and CNN platforms every day, which audiences around the world know they can trust." So is the fund again showing signs of life? Who knows? Trump was just saying what he really believed all along. The Senate failed Thursday by one vote to ban any attempt to revive the fund. The tally was held open for hours as the leadership tried to count noses. They have the option of trying again to drive a stake through the project. These guys want it in writing. The larger takeaway is that Trump's iron grip on the party has loosened just a bit. After 16 months in which GOP lawmakers gave him virtually anything he wanted, the slush fund prodded them into realizing they could chart their own path and (mostly) survive — and that sentiment seems contagious right now. What's more, while Trump's MAGA support remains rock solid, the swing vote in the midterms will be independents as well as disillusioned Republicans. And that's why putting a little distance between themselves and the president seems like a sensible course of action. At least until the next Trump controversy erupts, any moment now. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a225a43ee6011c3f4eafe45 Mira Murati steps back into the spotlight, carefully te 2026-06-05T05:10:27.747Z Mira Murati steps back into the spotlight, carefully In the current environment, remaining heads down has diminishing returns; at some point, you have to make some noise just to remind the market you exist. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a225804ee6011c3f4eafdf3 Overcrowded migrant vessel with 240 people on board intercepted near Turks and Caicos te 2026-06-05T05:00:52.471Z Overcrowded migrant vessel with 240 people on board intercepted near Turks and Caicos An overcrowded migrant vessel carrying 240 people and taking on water was intercepted near the Turks and Caicos Islands after authorities raced to prevent a potential maritime disaster. The U.S. Coast Guard said it conducted a joint operation Sunday with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) to stop a vessel carrying hundreds of migrants who claimed Haitian nationality. According to a Coast Guard news release, authorities received a report of "an unlawful migrant voyage" approximately 15 miles south of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Video released by the Coast Guard shows responding crews assisting local authorities as they secured and towed the overcrowded vessel. TURKS AND CAICOS TRAVEL WARNING ISSUED AS MIGRANTS DESCEND ON POPULAR VACATION SPOT IN DROVES The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force later took custody of the vessel and its passengers, the Coast Guard said. More than 140 personnel participated in the operation, according to the agency. "The successful interdiction and safe removal of these individuals from a perilous situation was made possible by the close collaboration and swift response of the Coast Guard, CBP AMO personnel, and authorities from the Turks and Caicos Islands," Lt. Chelsea Garcia, deputy director of Coast Guard Operations Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, said in a statement. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS STORM US BEACHES AS COAST GUARD BATTLES MIGRANT SURGE THAT ROSE UNDER BIDEN "We strongly advise anyone considering participating in an unlawful maritime migration attempt to reconsider," Garcia continued. "These journeys are extremely hazardous, frequently involving severely overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels that are often taking on water and lack basic life-saving equipment." Garcia encouraged would-be migrants to pursue "safe, legal, and orderly avenues" rather than "risking their lives at sea." The Department of Homeland Security also reacted to footage of the operation on social media. COAST GUARD CUTTER INTERCEPTS BOAT WITH 16 MEXICANS OFF COAST OF CALIFORNIA "OUR BORDERS ARE CLOSED," the agency wrote on X. "Whether by land or sea — if you try to enter our nation illegally, we will hunt you down and find you." U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott shared images from the interdiction and praised the cooperation between the Coast Guard and its international partners. "The overcrowded vessel was taking on water and in danger of sinking," Scott wrote on X.  "Our personnel helped prevent what could have been a catastrophic loss of life while stopping yet another illegal migration attempt," he continued. "The message remains clear: illegal maritime migration is dangerous, it is not worth the risk, and you will not gain entry into the US." The operation comes months after the Coast Guard and CBP intercepted multiple suspected smuggling vessels off the California coast, resulting in the apprehension of 60 people aboard three boats. Fox News Digital's Robert McGreevy contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a225108ee6011c3f4eafcc8 Data center 'heat waste' puts strain on nearby houses and drives up their AC bills, ASU researcher says te 2026-06-05T04:31:04.472Z Data center 'heat waste' puts strain on nearby houses and drives up their AC bills, ASU researcher says A heat engineer says local “heat waste” from data centers strains nearby home AC units, potentially raising residential power bills "several percentage points." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a224ea5ee6011c3f4eafc3b Karmelo Anthony defense, prosecutors wage first-impression war as emotions rock opening of trial: expert te 2026-06-05T04:20:53.203Z Karmelo Anthony defense, prosecutors wage first-impression war as emotions rock opening of trial: expert Jurors in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial heard a frantic 911 call, watched surveillance footage and listened to emotional testimony Thursday from coaches and trainers who tried to save Austin Metcalf after the Texas teenager was stabbed at a high school track meet. Anthony, 19, has pleaded not guilty to murder in the April 2025 stabbing death of Metcalf and maintains he acted in self-defense. The case has drawn national attention and intense public scrutiny since the fatal encounter. Texas defense attorney and legal analyst Jeremy Rosenthal told Fox News Digital that the first day of testimony highlighted the central battle jurors will have to resolve — whether Anthony's actions were criminal or legally justified as self-defense. "The defense is accepting part of the burden here because if they want the jury instructed on self-defense, they have to prove up that split-second statement," Rosenthal said. KARMELO ANTHONY TRIAL IGNITES RIVAL CAMPS THAT THREATEN TO GET IN JURORS’ HEADS IN TRACK MEET STABBING: EXPERT Rosenthal also noted that opening statements can have an outsized impact on jurors. "Eighty percent of jurors make up their mind at opening statement and they never change it," he said, citing trial advocacy studies. Controversy has engulfed the case, and tensions rose after a jury was selected on Wednesday with no Black jurors. On Thursday, supporters of both Anthony and Metcalf sparring in a shouting match outside the courthouse, holding signs, yelling profanities and antagonizing each other. WATCH: Crowds rally outside courthouse during Karmelo Anthony trial Collin County prosecutor Bill Wirskyke called the stabbing a "provoked unjustified murder" and told jurors, "This case has nothing to do with race. This case is not self-defense." Defense attorney Mike Howard argued Anthony reacted in a "split second of fear and chaos" and urged jurors to focus on the evidence rather than the public narrative that has developed around the case. 🔎 Know something we should investigate? 📩 Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com 📸 Share photos on Instagram: @fndstephprice 🎥 Submit compelling video and breaking news footage on X: @Stephenyprice 🗞️ Your information could help uncover the next big story. Jurors viewed surveillance footage from multiple cameras around Kuykendall Stadium and later listened to a 911 call placed in the moments after the stabbing. The caller reported that CPR was underway and that an athlete had been stabbed and was losing consciousness. TRAIN ATTACK VIDEO REIGNITES FURY OVER WITHHELD FOOTAGE OF AUSTIN METCALF KILLING NBC 5 reported that voices in the background could be heard urging Metcalf to keep fighting, while another person said, "There's a lot of blood. He's not breathing." The outlet reported that Metcalf's final gasp for air could be heard on the recording. TEXAS TRACK MEET STABBING SUSPECT TOLD AUSTIN METCALF ‘SEE WHAT HAPPENS’ AS TENT DISPUTE TURNED DEADLY: DOCS As the call played, Metcalf's family could be heard crying. Anthony had his eyes closed during most of the 7-minute call. MOURNING MOTHER, TWIN BROTHER OF SLAIN TEXAS TEEN SPEAK OUT: 'LOST MY BEST FRIEND IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE' Rosenthal said the surveillance footage could become one of the most important pieces of evidence presented during the trial. "In the 21st century, I think jurors really expect there to be some type of video evidence, either surveillance or cell phone," he said. TEXAS JURY RETURNS VERDICT IN 2022 STABBING DEATH OF HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATE: REPORT "You've got a bunch of teenagers and nobody seems to have any cellphone video of this, which is in some ways surprising," he added. "A picture's worth a thousand words." WATCH: Heated exchanges erupt outside Karmelo Anthony murder trial Memorial High School athletic trainer Tiffany Whiteaker testified that she rushed to help Metcalf and performed CPR until paramedics arrived. She said she saw a commotion and heard screaming in the stands, and a student ran up to her saying, "he stabbed him and threw the knife in the stands," pointing at Anthony. Whitaker testified that she got in front of Anthony, put her hands up and told coach Vincent Hooper to not let him leave. She said she performed CPR and used an AED until paramedics arrived and Metcalf was taken to hospital, where he later died. GRIEVING TEXAS FATHER SPEAKS OUT AFTER SON WAS STABBED TO DEATH AT HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET The state later called Joshua Rebmann, an Army veteran and football coach who was among the first adults to reach Metcalf. Rebmann used his military training to try to save the teen before concluding he would not survive. GOT A TIP? "Stay with me, Austin. Stay with me, Austin," he was heard saying in the background of the 911 call, FOX 4 reported. "Come on, Austin. Come on, Austin." KARMELO ANTHONY FAMILY REP DOUBLES DOWN ON ATTACKING AUSTIN METCALF’S FATHER: ‘IT’S INAPPROPRIATE’ Jurors were shown the blood-stained jacket Rebmann used while trying to stop the bleeding. WATCH: Father speaks out after son was stabbed to death at track meet FOLLOW US ON X Heritage High School coach Vincent Hooper testified that Anthony told him, "He put his hands on me. I stabbed him." Hooper also testified that Anthony became emotional after he warned him that if Metcalf died, he would have changed his life forever. "Well you know if he dies you change your life for the rest of your life," Hooper said he told Anthony. "He won’t die," Anthony replied, according to Hooper. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Memorial High School track coach Robert Starr became emotional while describing finding Metcalf wounded. "You just don't go into someone else's tent uninvited," Starr testified, referring to team tents at track meets. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS As testimony resumes Friday, Rosenthal said one of the key questions will be whether witnesses closest to the confrontation tell a consistent story. "I sort of view this case like a rock thrown into a pond," Rosenthal said. "You've got the epicenter, and then you've got all the ripples out." "What's going to be interesting is, what's the one person who gets up there and goes against the grain and says something that nobody else has said?" he added. Additional witnesses are expected to testify Friday as prosecutors continue building their case and jurors continue weighing Anthony's self-defense claim. Fox News' Brooke Taylor, Sarah Alegre, and Peter Cuddihy contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a224c4dee6011c3f4eafbd9 Rubio sanctions Cuban groups with ties to US nonprofit network funded by communist donor Neville Roy Singham te 2026-06-05T04:10:53.505Z Rubio sanctions Cuban groups with ties to US nonprofit network funded by communist donor Neville Roy Singham Secretary of State Marco Rubio put U.S. organizations on notice: they can no longer do business with a key Cuban organization that has spent over six decades since the launch of Fidel Castro's communist revolution in 1959, cultivating relationships with U.S. activists and groups, many of them now funded by communist American tycoon Neville Roy Singham. The sanctions target the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, known by its Spanish acronym ICAP, an organization founded by Castro in 1960 to spread Marxist ideology and support for Cuba. Long ago, U.S. officials and intelligence assessments concluded ICAP is a key component of Cuba's intelligence apparatus. "For decades, Cuba has been the world capital for radical left-wing terrorism," Rubio said. "The regime in Havana has recruited, trained and backed violent Marxist and third-worldist movements across our hemisphere and beyond." REVOLUTIONARY TOURISM: INSIDE THE $600M MARRIAGE OF DARK MONEY AND FAR-LEFT AGITPROP Earlier this year, ICAP worked with U.S. nonprofits, including the People's Forum, Progressive International and CodePink — to organize a March "convoy" that included controversial Marxist streamer Hasan Piker landing in Cuba to support Cuba's communist party. The trip has since attracted federal scrutiny, with CodePink cofounder Medea Benjamin confirming she received questions from federal officials about the trip, investigating whether she violated sanctions. Late last month, Fox News Digital published a three-part series, reporting that federal investigators are examining Cuba's alleged malign foreign influence operation in the U.S., investigating a network of 145 groups with collective revenues of about $1 billion, promoting Cuba's agenda and communist ideology. "Today, we are targeting the network that enables and funds Cuba's subversive and radical operations," Rubio said. The groups working closely with ICAP include the People's Forum, CodePink, BreakThrough News and Tricontinental, funded by Singham, a Marxist tech tycoon living in Shanghai. As reported, Singham has pumped $285 million into nonprofits since 2017 in these nonprofits that have built very close relationships with ICAP and the communist government of Cuba. Singham is married to CodePink co-founder Jodie Evans. INSIDE CUBA’S FOREIGN INFLUENCE CAMPAIGN: FROM THE VENCEREMOS BRIGADE OF THE 1960S TO SATURDAY IN A UNION HALL ICAP is today led by Fernando González Llort, one of five former Cuban intelligence officers, known as the "Cuban Five," convicted in the U.S. years ago on espionage-related charges and released after spending time in jail. Critics say ICAP acts as aa gateway for revolutionaries from around the world to get embedded in the propaganda, organizing tactics and strategic goals of the Communist Party of Cuba. ICAP has denied wrongdoing and says it's a civil society organization. ICAP was one of five entities that Rubio designated as off-limits under sanctions authorities established by President Donald Trump's Cuba executive order. The sanctions also target Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), Minera La Victoria S.A. and the state-run tourism company Amistur Cuba S.A., which has arranged trips to Cuba with U.S. nonprofits in the Singham network. Experts said the move signals that the Trump administration is focused not only on the Cuban government but also on U.S. institutions that U.S. officials believe help project Cuban influence internationally. A declassified CIA report from the Cold War era, "Cuba: Castro's Propaganda Apparatus and Foreign Policy," described Cuba's international propaganda and influence activities as a central component of Castro's foreign policy strategy. The report named ICAP among organizations that act as important instruments for cultivating sympathetic political movements abroad and extending Cuban influence beyond the island. DOJ, TREASURY INVESTIGATE NONPROFITS AND LEADERS ALLEGEDLY COORDINATING WITH CUBA IN INFLUENCE CAMPAIGN One of the most notable examples was the Venceremos Brigade, a Cuba solidarity program established in 1969 that brought generations of American activists to the island through exchanges organized with Cuban authorities and institutions including ICAP. The program became one of the most visible pipelines connecting American activists to the Cuban revolutionary government. Today, the Venceremos Brigade operates as a fiscally-sponsored project of People's Forum. Lawmakers and federal authorities are examining whether organizations funded by Singham have acted on behalf of foreign interests without properly registering and have helped amplify messaging favorable to the Chinese Communist Party and the Communist Party of Cuba. HOW A RHODES SCHOLAR WITH TIES TO CUBA'S PRESIDENT ORGANIZED THE CONVOY THAT BROUGHT HASAN PIKER TO HAVANA During the recent convoy in March, Progressive International co-founder David Adler appeared alongside Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and ICAP President González at an official event hosted by ICAP. Years ago, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass participated in Venceremos Brigade trips, a connection that her mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt resurfaced during her campaign. Bass has denied any wrongdoing. Supporters of such exchanges describe them as educational and humanitarian programs intended to foster international understanding. Critics argue they function as political influence operations designed to build support for the Cuban regime and its ideological objectives. The Cuban government condemned Rubio's sanctions shortly after the announcement. President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused the United States of escalating economic pressure against Cuba and attempting to intensify tensions between the two countries. "The Treasury Department has added new names of Cuban leaders, organizations and companies to an illegitimate sanctions list," Díaz-Canel wrote on social media. "They are aimed at reinforcing the blockade measures and the scenario of conflict between Cuba and the United States." Rubio's warning extended beyond the sanctioned entities. The action signals that the administration is increasingly focused on the networks, partnerships and influence channels that U.S. officials believe have helped advance Cuban interests abroad long after the Cold War officially ended. "Anyone providing services to these sanctioned actors is at risk of sanctions themselves," he said. "Foreign banks and other companies that provide services to these entities should freeze those activities." Fox News Digital's Reagan Schroeder contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2249f2ee6011c3f4eafb41 Seth Jarvis scores overtime game-winner as Hurricanes storm back from 2-0 deficit to even Stanley Cup Final te 2026-06-05T04:00:50.552Z Seth Jarvis scores overtime game-winner as Hurricanes storm back from 2-0 deficit to even Stanley Cup Final The Carolina Hurricanes have evened up the Stanley Cup Final in thrilling fashion, coming back from down 2-0 to win in overtime, 4-3. It was Seth Jarvis, who has been criticized for not having his usual production in the playoffs, hammering home a power-play one-timer to send the crowd into a frenzy as the Hurricanes salvaged a home game before heading on the road.   This game looked like another chapter in Brett Howden's surprising playoff run. The Golden Knights forward scored just 12 goals during the regular season, but his two-goal performance in this contest brought his postseason total to 13. He is in clear contention for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM His first goal of this game was from a nifty Mitch Marner floater down ice. It’s unknown if he was trying to find Howden on the other end, or just clearing his own zone, but it worked out as Howden settled the puck and was quick to snap a wrister past Frederik Anderson. Then, just after a power play ended for Vegas, Ivan Barbashev, who scored in Game 1’s victory, found Howden streaking toward the offensive zone and put the puck right on his stick. Howden, riding high throughout these playoffs, made a tremendous move and deked out Anderson for his second goal of the game. NHL STANLEY CUP FINALS BETTING GUIDE: WHY THE HURRICANES ARE THE PICK TO BEAT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS The Lenovo Center crowd was silenced, as Howden’s heroics gave the Golden Knights a 2-0 lead heading into the third period. But the Stanley Cup Playoffs have a way of getting weird, and Game 2 was proof of that with a back-and-forth battle between these two teams. Midway through the third, the Hurricanes got the goal they needed from Logan Stankoven on a hard-fought battle behind the net for a puck, which he turned into a wraparound shot past Carter Hart. It got the crowd back into the contest, and Carolina used it to their advantage. It was Mark Jankowski getting his first goal of the playoffs joining a rush similar to Marner’s flip down ice to Howden earlier in the game. Eric Robinson was trying to get the puck to William Cartier, and a pinball effect saw it land right in front of Jankowski, who fired it off the right post and into the net. Just like that — tie game in Carolina. With the game hanging in the balance, both teams pressed for the winner. Vegas was trying to grab a 2-0 series lead before returning home for Games 3 and 4, while Carolina was looking to protect home ice and avoid heading on the road down two games. It looked as if Carolina was going to fulfill the comeback, as Jordan Staal tipped home a shot from Shayne Gostisbehere during a power play that came after the Golden Knights challenged a potential goal on a sprawling save by Anderson. It was a risky move by head coach John Tortorella, and it backfired with 4:35 left in the game as Carolina took the 3-2 lead. DESPITE POTENTIAL RATINGS NIGHTMARE FOR NHL, VEGAS-CAROLINA STANLEY CUP FINAL STILL HAS PLENTY OF INTRIGUE But Vegas found itself on the power play shortly thereafter. However, the ‘Canes played it perfectly, with the Golden Knights only getting one shot off before killing it and getting back to even strength. Vegas had no choice but to pull Hart from the net, allowing them the extra skater. Then, Mark Stone, the Golden Knights’ captain, said not so fast, batting a puck past Anderson following a Marner shot to tie the game at three apiece with less than two minutes to play in the game. And upon video replay, it was Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin who accidentally hit the puck into Anderson, bouncing it off his shoulder and pushing it into the net. Overtime was needed as a result, and the first break in the extra period came after Tomas Hertl, the game-winning goal scorer in Game 1, was called for tripping, sending the Hurricanes to the power play once again. Carolina made it hurt, and now Game 3 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas should be a fun one to watch as this series has gotten off to a high-octane start. 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/6a223e99ee6011c3f4eaf933 Russell Wilson announces move to CBS in apparent retirement video te 2026-06-05T03:12:25.515Z Russell Wilson announces move to CBS in apparent retirement video SEATTLE — Former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson made it official Wednesday that he is joining CBS Sports to serve as an analyst on the NFL Today. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a223e84ee6011c3f4eaf92a SPORTS-FBN-WILSON-RETIREMENT-FILEPIC-SE te 2026-06-05T03:12:04.471Z SPORTS-FBN-WILSON-RETIREMENT-FILEPIC-SE Quarterback Russell Wilson take the field for a game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a223e6dee6011c3f4eaf916 Remains of teenage girl identified almost four decades later te 2026-06-05T03:11:41.955Z Remains of teenage girl identified almost four decades later Bullhead City Police found skeletal remains of a teenage girl in May 1989. In May 2026, investigators positively identified the victim. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a223e4fee6011c3f4eaf8e8 Aaron Judge officially out indefinitely with stress fracture in huge blow to Yankees' title hopes te 2026-06-05T03:11:11.749Z Aaron Judge officially out indefinitely with stress fracture in huge blow to Yankees' title hopes The New York Yankees might be the best team in the American League in 2026. First baseman Ben Rice has been one of the best hitters in baseball through the first third of the season. Gerrit Cole is finally back on a big league mound for the first time since 2024. Cam Schlitter has been outstanding, Cody Bellinger has been excellent in his second season in the Bronx. But it's no secret that the Yankees will only go as far as Aaron Judge takes them. The all-world superstar, early on in the season, looked like he might be on his way to another record-setting season. But he slumped, at least by his standards, in May, putting up "just" an .805 OPS. On Thursday, we might have found out why. NEW YORK YANKEES GET BAD NEWS ON AARON JUDGE'S MYSTERIOUS INJURY: 'WE JUST WANT CLARITY' Judge, for the first time this season, didn't play in Tuesday's game. And the Yankees weren't exactly forthcoming as to why. On Wednesday, Aaron Boone admitted there was some uncertainty as to what exactly the problem was. "He’s going back for some more imaging," the Yankees manager told reporters after Wednesday's game. "They just want to get some more specific spots, and so we’ll have more on that later." "We just want clarity on what we’re exactly dealing with," he added. "Then we can set the course of action and kind of have an idea what the timeline is going to be." On Thursday, they got that clarity. And while it could have been worse for New York, it also could have been much better. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The Yankees announced late Thursday evening that Judge had been diagnosed with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side. It's expected to keep him out indefinitely, though he'll be re-examined in around 4-6 weeks to see how he's progressing. Not ideal. But the silver lining for the Yankees organization and their fans is that "Judge is expected to return at some point this season," per the team's statement. New York has the advantage of playing in a weak American League, all but guaranteeing a postseason spot. Even without Judge for much of the rest of the season. But the surprising Tampa Bay Rays are holding on to first in the AL East, and losing out on the division could jeopardize a potential first round bye. And of course, if he doesn't heal as hoped, this could turn into a season-ending injury. Still, if Judge recovers and makes it back before October, he instantly makes the Yankees favorites to make a deep run. Even injured, he was one of the best hitters in baseball. Healthy? He's a monster. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a223e35ee6011c3f4eaf8a4 Pima County joins new lawsuit over Trump's changes to Obamacare te 2026-06-05T03:10:45.830Z Pima County joins new lawsuit over Trump's changes to Obamacare Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a223e21ee6011c3f4eaf89b GED, other adult ed programs ending at Pima County Jail te 2026-06-05T03:10:25.905Z GED, other adult ed programs ending at Pima County Jail Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a223975ee6011c3f4eaf7dd Caitlin Clark ties her own WNBA record as Fever move past drama with win over Angel Reese, Dream te 2026-06-05T02:50:29.437Z Caitlin Clark ties her own WNBA record as Fever move past drama with win over Angel Reese, Dream Looks like the fire's been put out in Indiana. Caitlin Clark delivered another historic performance Thursday night, helping lead the Indiana Fever to an 83-71 victory over Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream while tying a WNBA record she already held herself. With 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, Clark became the fastest player in league history to reach 150+ points and 50+ assists in a season. The player CC tied? Herself, matching the ridiculous pace she established last year. CAITLIN CLARK REWRITES RECORD BOOKS AGAIN, BUT BRITTNEY GRINER'S DREAM HOLD OFF FEVER'S LATE COMEBACK The milestone came just days after Clark and Fever head coach Stephanie White became the talk of the WNBA following a heated exchange during Indiana's loss to the Portland Fire. White drew heavy backlash for sitting Clark down in a game where the star guard was largely ineffective, and the optics of benching the face of the league sparked so much backlash that some fans even began calling for the coach's job. Before taking the court Thursday, Clark sought to quiet the noise. CAITLIN CLARK FANS ERUPT AT HEAD COACH STEPHANIE WHITE AFTER FEVER BLOWOUT LOSS TO PORTLAND FIRE "Personally, I’m doing great. I don’t really read that stuff. I know everybody can have an opinion and people make me aware. … But I’m not sitting on Twitter or social media reading those things," Clark said ahead of tip-off. Still, the noise from that bad Portland loss loomed large as the Fever took the floor at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to face longtime nemesis Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. That tension briefly resurfaced when fans on social media grew frustrated with White after she failed to challenge a questionable foul call on Clark. But when it mattered most, Clark sent a clear message. While the Fever were putting together a 16-3 run to build a 58-46 lead, Clark rushed over to White and gave her an emphatic chest bump, a public show that things appear just fine between player and coach. That second-half surge helped propel Indiana to an 83-71 win over Atlanta. Clark benefited from dominant performances by teammates Kelsey Mitchell (25 points) and Aliyah Boston (19 points). On the other side, despite shooting a paltry 4-of-9 from the field, Angel Reese still managed to secure a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. With the victory, Clark improved her career WNBA record to 5-1 against Reese. The moment with Clark during a historic bounce-back performance was about as good an outcome as Stephanie White could have hoped for in quieting critics. However, the pressure hasn't evaporated entirely. The win brings the Fever to a modest 5-4 through 9 games, leaving some to still wonder if White's schemes are maximizing the full potential of Indiana's loaded roster. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22372fee6011c3f4eaf74d Court Reverses Convictions of Paramedics in Elijah McClain’s Death te 2026-06-05T02:40:47.912Z Court Reverses Convictions of Paramedics in Elijah McClain’s Death A Colorado appeals court ordered new trials for Peter Cichuniec and Jeremy Cooper, convicted in 2023 after injecting Mr. McClain with ketamine. The court cited errors in jury instructions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22371bee6011c3f4eaf744 Platner Denies Hurting Ex-Girlfriend and Says He Will Not Quit Senate Race te 2026-06-05T02:40:27.989Z Platner Denies Hurting Ex-Girlfriend and Says He Will Not Quit Senate Race In an interview after The Times reported on his treatment of women he had dated, Graham Platner acknowledged “not exactly acting with the best behavior” after his military service. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2234c4ee6011c3f4eaf6cd Murder Charge Dropped for Arkansas Man Nominated for Lonoke County Sheriff te 2026-06-05T02:30:28.633Z Murder Charge Dropped for Arkansas Man Nominated for Lonoke County Sheriff A judge dismissed the charge against Aaron Spencer, the Republican nominee for Lonoke County sheriff, citing missing evidence and misconduct by law enforcement officials. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22301eee6011c3f4eaf636 Valley police chiefs aim to curb teen violence this summer te 2026-06-05T02:10:38.874Z Valley police chiefs aim to curb teen violence this summer Some chiefs linked recent trouble to teen takeovers happening across the valley. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22290eee6011c3f4eaf4cd 'I don't know what to do': Scottie Scheffler goes after his caddie during rare meltdown at the Memorial te 2026-06-05T01:40:30.226Z 'I don't know what to do': Scottie Scheffler goes after his caddie during rare meltdown at the Memorial Scottie Scheffler is the best golfer in the world, and rapidly heading towards all-time greatness. But even the best of the best have their days. Thursday was one of them for the world No. 1. Scheffler's 2026 season, while hardly disastrous, has yet to reach the heights of his previous two years. In 2024, it seemed like he won every time he started, bringing home The Players, The Masters, the Memorial Tournament, the Tour Championship, and of course, Olympic gold. He followed that up in 2025 by winning two majors, the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and The Open Championship at Royal Portrush. While he won his first start in 2026, The American Express in Palm Springs, his results since have been a frustrating mix of top-5s and near misses. He was T3 at the WM Phoenix Open. T4 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Finished a solo second at The Masters by shooting 65-68 on the weekend. Lost in a playoff at the RBC Heritage, then finished second at the Cadillac Championship. While he was squarely in the mix at the PGA Championship, his 71-71 on Friday and Saturday meant he fell short of defending his 2025 win. He then followed that up with a third place at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson. PGA TOUR 2026: BEST BETS, 'ONE-AND-DONE' PICK FOR THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT AT MUIRFIELD VILLAGE GOLF CLUB But this week is the Memorial at Muirfield Village, a course renowned for its difficulty, which typically allows the best players, like Scheffler, to separate from the field. Unsurprisingly, he's won two years in a row and finished third in 2023 and 2021. Thursday's opening round started strong, with Scheffler finishing the front nine at -2. But the back nine was a struggle, and on the par 3 16th hole it boiled over. He bogeyed 10 and bogeyed 14 to sink back to even par, then stared down a difficult pin on 16. But in a rare sight for Scheffler, he came up well short, with his tee shot bouncing into the water. He'd eventually make double bogey, but most surprising was his immediate reaction and frustration with caddie Ted Scott. Scheffler was clearly agitated, then was heard yelling after Scott, "I don't know what to do. I can't hear a word you're saying. I feel like that was a good shot, now I'm in the water." He was also overheard saying "I absolutely flush a seven iron, and we get the wind wrong, and I'm in the water." "I don't think you understand how frustrating that is," he added. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "I don't understand. I really don't. I mean, it was 5 yards short of the green. Flush 7-iron...I've hit good shots and dropping from hazards because we got the wind wrong," he said. Even after hitting his shot from the drop zone, Scheffler kept going, though with less audible audio. After the round, he explained his frustration to reporters. "That's just another really good iron shot, and the wind switched from down off the right to pretty significantly in off the right," Scheffler said. "If it's down off the right, that ball's probably where I hit my wedge shot to. So just don't really know what I'm supposed to do there outside of trying to hit a good shot, and then it's frustrating when it doesn't work out, especially when it doesn't work out in that direction. "I would rather get gusted in off the left, not in off the right there. All you can do is just try to hit good shots. It can be very frustrating sometimes when you feel like you're hitting good shots and then you're going to the drop zone." Scheffler did wind up with birdie on the par 4 17th hole, carding a +1 on the day, putting him six shots back of the leaders. Guess it's encouraging to know that even the best in the world gets this frustrated with golf. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2226b6ee6011c3f4eaf45b New Jersey man accused of killing wife with barbell allegedly confessed in messages to relatives: report te 2026-06-05T01:30:30.474Z New Jersey man accused of killing wife with barbell allegedly confessed in messages to relatives: report A New Jersey man accused of killing his wife with a barbell allegedly admitted to the slaying in messages to family members, detailed a "long-simmering hatred" toward her in an email and then attempted suicide after fleeing the scene, according to court records. Michael A. Kless, 67, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, 66-year-old Stacy E. Kless, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced last Friday. According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Monmouth County, Ocean Township police received a call at approximately 9:32 a.m. on May 27 from an individual who reported that Kless had contacted him and said he had killed his wife and intended to kill himself. A second caller contacted police about 14 minutes later and reported that Kless had sent an email admitting he had murdered his mother, the affidavit states. NEW JERSEY NURSE GUNNED DOWN AT WORK BY ESTRANGED HUSBAND IN MURDER-SUICIDE: POLICE Investigators later reviewed the email and said it described a "long-simmering hatred" toward Stacy Kless, referenced a new romantic relationship with a woman from Central America and included details of the killing that matched evidence found at the scene, according to the affidavit. The affidavit states that workers scheduled to perform repairs at the residence arrived at approximately 9:05 a.m. and encountered Kless outside the home. Investigators said the workers observed a scratch and blood on Kless' face. He allegedly refused to allow them inside and asked that the appointment be rescheduled. 'GO BIG OR GO HOME': DISTURBING CONFESSION FROM HUSBAND WHO ALLEGEDLY MURDERED WIFE AND CONCEALED HER BODY Ocean Township police officers responded to the couple's home on Seward Drive and forced entry into the residence to check on the occupants' welfare. Officers found Stacy Kless dead in the basement with a barbell resting across her neck and throat, according to court records. She was pronounced dead later that morning. DOCTOR’S WIFE TESTIFIES HE BEAT HER WITH ROCK, TRIED TO FORCE HER TOWARD CLIFF EDGE DURING HIKE Along with first-degree murder, Kless has been charged with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Prosecutors identified the weapon as a barbell. Court records indicate investigators classified the case as involving domestic violence and determined Kless allegedly attempted to or did strangle the victim during the incident. Authorities allege Kless fled the residence after the killing. Investigators tracked his vehicle traveling north on the Garden State Parkway before he allegedly contacted another individual and said he was attempting to overdose on medication at a rest stop, according to the affidavit. HUSBAND ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE SAYS HE HEARD LAUGHTER, THEN SCREAMS BEFORE FINDING HER DYING The couple's two adult children later provided investigators with text messages that authorities said contained admissions from their father regarding their mother's death. Court records also show investigators seized multiple electronic devices, including phones, during the investigation. Kless remains hospitalized and is in the custody of the Monmouth County Jail, according to Santiago. Despite the charges, Kless is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22245eee6011c3f4eaf3e3 Trump announces 'rally to end all rallies' in DC to celebrate America's 250th anniversary te 2026-06-05T01:20:30.149Z Trump announces 'rally to end all rallies' in DC to celebrate America's 250th anniversary President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will hold a massive rally in Washington, D.C., later this month to kick off the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. Trump said in a Truth Social post that the event would feature guest speakers and musical performances as part of what he described as a "rally to end all rallies." "On Wednesday, June 24th, at 7 P.M., in magnificent Washington, D.C., now totally beautified, and one of the Safest Cities anywhere in the World, and in celebration of our Country’s 250 Year History, we will be bringing you, LIVE, the Greatest Rally, EVER!" Trump wrote. "It will be special at every level — A Rally to end all Rallies!" Trump continued. "We don’t want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep, we’ve told them all to stay home. All we want is you, me, a few speakers, and the Greatest Music ever played, the same Music you have listened to for years!" TRUMP-BACKED MEGA EVENT TO BRING ALL 50 STATES TO DC IN WORLD’S FAIR-STYLE BASH The announcement comes days after Trump floated the idea of replacing a planned Freedom 250 concert with a MAGA rally after several performers withdrew from the event. Trump previously suggested scrapping the Freedom 250 concerts, which are part of the Great American State Fair, a 16-day festival scheduled to run from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall as part of the nation’s America 250 celebrations. The fair is being organized by Freedom 250, a nonprofit aligned with Trump and working alongside the White House Task Force 250. MARTINA MCBRIDE CALLED A 'COWARD' AFTER DROPPING OUT OF AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION While the concerts have not been canceled, Freedom 250 previously announced that Trump would headline the opening ceremony. After the lineup was unveiled in May, several performers — including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, The Commodores and Morris Day — announced they would no longer participate. Other artists, including Vanilla Ice, have publicly reaffirmed their plans to perform. VANILLA ICE DOUBLES DOWN ON FREEDOM 250 AFTER ARTIST EXODUS: 'ONCE YOU COMMIT, YOU DON'T QUIT' In an interview with Fox News Digital this week, Vanilla Ice said he remains "100%" committed to the event and that criticism directed at participating performers has only strengthened his resolve to take part. Trump also announced that country singer Lee Greenwood would introduce him at the rally and perform his hit song, "God Bless the U.S.A." Opera singer Christopher Macchio is expected to perform several songs, including "Nessun Dorma," "Hallelujah," "Ave Maria" and "God Bless America," Trump said. The president added that multiple military ensembles will also perform. "The Rally will also be featuring the wonderful U.S. Army Band 'Pershing’s Own' and Armed Forces Choir, and 'The President’s Own' Unites States Marine Band, with the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, all of your favorite Hits, PLUS a fine and highly dignified gentleman known as, President DONALD J. TRUMP!" he wrote. Fox News Digital's Ashley Hume and Larry Fink contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22221cee6011c3f4eaf371 Hailey Bieber shows off toned abs in behind-the-scenes photos from new Rhode beach campaign te 2026-06-05T01:10:52.232Z Hailey Bieber shows off toned abs in behind-the-scenes photos from new Rhode beach campaign Hailey Bieber is soaking up the sun in behind the scenes photos from her new campaign for Rhode. In a recent Instagram post, the 29-year-old model posted a campaign for her skincare and beauty brand, Rhode, featuring photos of her on the beach in a bikini with some of her products. Among the campaign photos, Hailey also included a behind the scenes picture of her laying down on the sand in a brown bikini, which highlighted her toned abs. She paired the bikini with a dark brown cropped long-sleeve cover-up, and gave the camera a serious look as she flashed a thumbs up. HAILEY BIEBER ROCKS YELLOW BIKINI IN SUMMER PHOTOS AHEAD OF JUSTIN BIEBER'S REPORTED ALBUM RELEASE "It’s hailey’s world and we’re just living in it 🤎," one fan wrote in the comments section. Another added, "the most beautiful in the world 🤎." "She really does just get more iconic everyday and more gorgeous and radiant, HAILEY BIEBER YOU ARE THAT GIRL," a third follower wrote. Hailey launched Rhode in June 2022 with three products: the Peptide Glazing Fluid, the Barrier Restore Cream and the Peptide Lip Treatment. She has gone on to release other makeup and skincare products. It quickly grew in popularity and was acquired by e.l.f. in May 2025, with Bieber staying on as chief creative officer and head of innovation. "When I launched @rhode in 2022, I always had big dreams for the company, and the most important thing to me is to keep bringing rhode to more spaces, places, and faces globally," she announced on Instagram. "So today I am so incredibly excited and proud to announce that we are partnering with e.l.f. Beauty as we step into this next chapter in the world of rhode." This is far from the first time Hailey dared to bare, as she walked the red carpet at the Australian premiere of "Wuthering Heights" in February in a figure-hugging lacy sheer black floor-length Saint Laurent dress that showcased her underwear. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Most recently, Hailey cheered her husband, Justin Bieber, on as he headlined at Coachella in April. Critics online panned Justin's performance, calling it his "worst performance." Fans took issue with the second half of his act, which featured him singing along to his old songs as he played their music videos on YouTube. "I'm crying this might actually be the worst performance i’ve ever seen. He’s literally just playing music videos from youtube… zero effort, just pure laziness," one user wrote on X. "What the hell is justin bieber doing bro you’re telling me he was the highest paid to do this bulls---?" another added. Justin was reportedly paid $10 million to headline the festival. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Despite the criticism, some fans praised the artist for his stripped-down performance. "These 8 minutes of Justin Bieber singing his old songs, I'm going to treasure them in my heart for the rest of my life," one fan wrote. "THANK YOU JUSTIN, THANK YOU." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a222203ee6011c3f4eaf34b What to Know About California’s Top Election Races te 2026-06-05T01:10:27.827Z What to Know About California’s Top Election Races The Republicans Steve Hilton, who is running for governor, and Spencer Pratt, running for Los Angeles mayor, have shown early strength, but that could fade as more ballots are counted. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a221fafee6011c3f4eaf2d7 Feds say US citizen gathered information on American targets for Chinese Communist Party te 2026-06-05T01:00:31.914Z Feds say US citizen gathered information on American targets for Chinese Communist Party An American citizen admitted to working on behalf of Chinese intelligence operatives for years, helping gather information on U.S. targets and attempting to penetrate American political circles, according to federal authorities. Thomas Weir Pauken II, 50, pleaded guilty Thursday to acting inside the U.S. as an agent of the People's Republic of China without notifying the attorney general, the Department of Justice announced. The guilty plea prompted a stark warning from the FBI, which said the case demonstrates how far the Chinese Communist Party is willing to go to collect intelligence and influence activities inside the U.S. "By his own admission, not only did Thomas Pauken attempt to infiltrate U.S. political circles at the direction of China's Ministry of State Security, but he gathered intelligence on his American targets and reported it back to his Chinese intelligence handlers," FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky said. CALIFORNIA MAYOR ACCUSED OF SECRETLY WORKING FOR CHINA, SPREADING PROPAGANDA WHILE IN OFFICE: FEDS Federal prosecutors said Pauken maintained relationships with multiple China-based contacts who tasked him with identifying and cultivating people in the United States capable of providing information of interest to Chinese intelligence services. According to court filings, Pauken acted as an intermediary between those contacts and individuals in the U.S., facilitating communications and relaying information gathered from his targets. Authorities allege he was compensated more than $100,000 for his efforts and made repeated trips from China to the U.S. over several years as part of the operation. CHINA'S SPYING IN CUBA SPARKS ALARM ON CAPITOL HILL AFTER FRESH SATELLITE IMAGES SHOW SURVEILLANCE BUILDUP Prosecutors also said Pauken prepared research and reporting for other China-based contacts he believed were connected to the Chinese government. In addition, investigators said he provided information to a group based in Wuhan that sought insights into American technology and the Justice Department and was interested in locating expertise that could support cyber operations. HOW CHINA'S CYBERESPIONAGE HAS CHANGED Rozhavsky said the case serves as a reminder that foreign intelligence services continue to target American institutions. "This case illustrates the lengths to which the Chinese Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions and degrade our political freedoms, but it also demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to defend the homeland from threats to our national security," he said. "Let this plea serve as a clear warning: If you attempt to help a foreign adversary as an unregistered agent in the U.S., the FBI will find you and bring you to justice." Pauken is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 1. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, though his final sentence will be determined by a judge. The case was investigated by the FBI's Philadelphia and Washington field offices. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a221d7dee6011c3f4eaf23b Graham Platner denies damning new report alleging abuse as 'simply not true' te 2026-06-05T00:51:09.912Z Graham Platner denies damning new report alleging abuse as 'simply not true' Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner denied the latest allegations against him on Thursday in his first national media interview since the scandal broke. Prior to the interview, Graham Platner’s ex-girlfriends spoke out in a damning New York Times report, which chronicled new allegations of rape fantasies, heavy drinking and violent episodes. Among them included an alleged public encounter where Platner purportedly pulled an ex-girlfriend out of a taxi by her wrist during an altercation and pushed her into a bedroom holding the door shut. Platner asserted that this and other allegations were "not true" and "did not" happen when asked on MS NOW's "All In with Chris Hayes." GRAHAM PLATNER AVOIDS MAINSTREAM PRESS AS SCANDALS SURROUNDING MAINE DEMOCRAT GROWS "No, it did not," Platner said. "There are some allegations in this piece that I just want to be kind of unequivocal about are simply not true. Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who’s politically motivated in this piece." He continued, "There’s a lot about my struggling not being a good boyfriend, certainly self-medicating with alcohol. And I’ve been very up front since the beginning of this campaign that that was a pretty dark period of my life after I came back from my combat service. And that’s what that combat, that’s what that kind of life looks like. And so there are things in this that I absolutely will take responsibility for and have been speaking about openly for months now, but those serious allegations are just not true." FETTERMAN DARES PLATNER TO RELEASE MESSAGES WITH MYSTERY WOMEN, SAYS HE'LL 'WEAR A SUIT EVERY DAY' IN RETURN "You did not grab her by the wrist. You did not put your hands on her shoulders. You did not push her into a room that you closed the door on. She's lying about that is what you’re saying?" Hayes asked. "Yes. That is not true," Platner said. In a statement to Fox News Digital after the story originally broke, Platner's campaign previously criticized one of the witnesses, Lyndsey Fifield, as a "lifelong GOP operative who’s dedicated her career to electing Republicans." 'THE VIEW' ERUPTS AFTER HOSTIN DECLARES 'I WOULD HOLD MY NOSE' AND VOTE FOR SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER Platner has been involved in several controversies since launching his Senate campaign. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Platner had a now-covered-up tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol. In the weeks that followed, he faced backlash over past Reddit comments with several controversial statements, including where he claimed a wounded soldier "didn’t deserve to live." Last week, reports also revealed that Platner had sent explicit messages to at least six women while he was married. The Wall Street Journal reported that Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, informed a campaign aide about the text exchanges shortly after he launched his Senate bid as staffers were assessing potential political liabilities. Gertner later released a video defending her husband and his campaign. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a221d69ee6011c3f4eaf232 Waka Flocka Flame picks Trump over Kamala Harris, compares choice to Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James te 2026-06-05T00:50:49.991Z Waka Flocka Flame picks Trump over Kamala Harris, compares choice to Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James President Trump’s flock of supporters features one very famous rapper: Waka Flocka Flame. For millennials who spent the 2010s blasting "No Hands," Waka Flocka is a rap legend. As the first-ever rapper to guest on OutKick’s "Tomi Lahren Is Fearless," Flocka kept it 100 percent real with Tomi in a no-holds-barred interview. NICKI MINAJ STANDS UP FOR TRUMP AGAINST ‘BULLYING,’ SAYS SHE ‘COULDN’T HANDLE’ HOW HE WAS BEING TREATED Before discussing Trump, Lahren asked Waka about the backlash some artists face for expressing conservative views. WATCH: "You think the way they turned on Nicki Minaj? I guess she came out, she did some things with President Trump. She supports the president," Lahren said. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "Her main thing that got her into it is supporting the Christians in Nigeria who were being murdered and slaughtered, and that kind of got her into it. She did a couple of events. She introduced the president and then it seemed, well at least Jay-Z now and then others, they want her canceled. "Nicki Minaj in the genre has been a huge influence on female rappers." Lahren then asked Waka about Trump. "I support him over Kamala Harris 100 percent. Why is that? Because of her. S---, he's better, in my opinion," Waka declared before comparing it to Kobe Bryant versus LeBron James. "Just like I supported Kobe Bryant over LeBron, because hey, Kobe Bryant's a better basketball player to me, but LeBron's the best right now. That's just, that's what it is." ICE CUBE GROANS OVER BACKLASH HE RECEIVED FOR WORKING WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP: 'HAVE A NICE LIFE' However, Waka quickly clarified that his endorsement doesn't mean he's drinking the political Kool-Aid. "Now when people use the word support, that mean you stand for everything a one stand for, and that ain't what it is." "So you didn't vote for Donald Trump?" Tomi asked. "I never vote for nobody, s---. Never in my life voted," Waka shot back. "Where I'm from, man, we call it the hood, the trenches, the ghetto. Votes don't matter for people like us. They never did, and never will." "The only thing I learned from Trump was how to delegate my capital and how to structure my business," the rapper admitted. When Lahren asked, "You weren't a fan of Kamala, though?" Waka didn't hesitate. "Hell no," he responded. Waka also discussed preparing to welcome his first biological son and the responsibility that comes with fatherhood. The gravity of the situation isn't lost on the rap star, though he's taking it one day at a time. "Another human is gonna be in the house and I got a strong responsibility," Waka said before adding: "Nothing is real to me till it's real." Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a221d55ee6011c3f4eaf229 AOC dodges questions on abuse allegations, Nazi tattoo claims rocking Platner's campaign te 2026-06-05T00:50:29.994Z AOC dodges questions on abuse allegations, Nazi tattoo claims rocking Platner's campaign Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., says she needs time to review new reporting surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner before giving her thoughts on new allegations of aggressive behavior. "This all kind of just came out. I've been doing legislative business on the floor, so I need to dig into everything further before commenting on it," Ocasio-Cortez said. "I don't want to speak before I've dug into a lot of, you know, to before I've dug into what's out there. So, I just want to be respectful of that man," she added. Ocasio-Cortez’s caution comes as the New York Times released a report on Thursday, detailing the experience of multiple women who had been romantically involved with Platner in years past. SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER SENT EXPLICIT TEXTS TO MULTIPLE WOMEN WHILE MARRIED, WIFE SAYS: REPORT Some of them recounted allegations of rape fantasies, heavy drinking and violent episodes. Platner, who has acknowledged his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder from his time in the military from his time in the military, told Fox News Digital that he has "been open about what was a very dark period of my life where I struggled with undiagnosed PTSD." "Throughout this campaign, I’ve been open about what was a very dark period of my life where I struggled with undiagnosed PTSD, too often self-medicated with alcohol and was far from a perfect boyfriend," Platner said in a statement. Notably, Ocasio-Cortez has yet to give Platner, a fellow progressive, her endorsement as he looks to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. PLATNER CONTROVERSIES FUEL SPECULATION ABOUT LITTLE-KNOWN MAINE BALLOT REPLACEMENT PROVISION The new reporting adds to a growing pile of concerns surrounding Platner’s candidacy. Platner has received criticism for making off-color remarks on sexual abuse, race and terror, for a tattoo associated with Nazi imagery and for potentially messaging with several women outside of his marriage in inappropriate ways. Among other resurfaced comments, Platner, in one Reddit post, once blamed rape victims for failing to protect themselves. "How about people just take some responsibility for themselves and not so f---ed up when they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to?" Platner wrote in 2013. ‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER’S CAMPAIGN Platner, who looks poised to take the Democratic nomination to challenge Collins, R-Maine, met with senators earlier this week, reassuring them about his prospective candidacy. Maine will hold its Senate primaries next Tuesday. Charles Creitz contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a221afdee6011c3f4eaf1b8 18 House Republicans defy Trump to pass Ukraine aid package headed for veto fight te 2026-06-05T00:40:29.834Z 18 House Republicans defy Trump to pass Ukraine aid package headed for veto fight The Republican-led House on Thursday passed a sweeping security package providing new military aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia, delivering a sharp rebuke to the Trump administration, who opposed the measure.  Eighteen Republicans crossed party lines to support the Democrat-authored legislation in a vote of 226-195. California Rep. Kevin Kiley, an independent who caucuses with Republicans, also supported the legislation. Meanwhile, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was the lone Democratic lawmaker to vote against the bill. House GOP leadership and the vast majority of Republicans opposed the legislation aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defenses amid a surge in Russian missile and drone strikes as the conflict enters its fifth year. The measure now heads to the Senate, where it faces an uphill battle to clear the chamber. The White House said the legislation would undermine President Donald Trump's goal of ending the prolonged conflict and that he would veto the measure, according to a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: GOP REBELS DEFY TRUMP AS CONGRESSIONAL GRIP CONTINUES TO WEAKEN ACROSS MULTIPLE VOTES "The bill seeks to tie the President’s hands by mandating a wide-ranging U.S. response to the Russia-Ukraine war while adding hundreds of millions in unfunded authorizations," the White House document reads, in part.  The security package would reaffirm U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO, authorize more than $1.5 billion in new security assistance and $8 billion in direct loans, and extend a Pentagon program that procures weapons and military equipment for Ukraine.  The legislation would also target the Kremlin's energy profits, which are central to keeping Russia's war effort going, as well as organizations and companies that do business with sanctioned Russian entities. The White House warned that the legislation’s mandatory sanctions would "plunge the global economy into chaos." But Republicans who supported the measure said its passage should not be viewed as defying the president.  "President Trump has been the leader to support the people of Ukraine, and so I'll be voting for the people of Ukraine, continuing the Trump tradition of support," Wilson, a South Carolina lawmaker, told Fox News Digital in an interview. When asked about GOP opposition, Wilson said, "Putin needs to know that the American people stand with the brave and courageous people of Ukraine." PRO-UKRAINE GOP REP. BACON DECLARES 'REAL REPUBLICANS KNOW THAT PUTIN’S RUSSIA HATES THE WEST AND FREEDOM' Still, several Republicans who opposed the measure said their opposition should not be viewed as a lack of support for Ukraine.  "This bill is not about helping Ukraine. This is not about standing up to Vladimir Putin," Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., said. "This is about engaging in Trump Derangement Syndrome as President Trump tries to bring this [conflict] in for a landing." Others in the GOP conference voiced firm opposition to additional U.S. aid for the country. "I oppose further funding of Ukraine," Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., told Fox News Digital. The successful vote came after the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., had languished in the House Foreign Affairs Committee for more than a year after being introduced in early 2025.  But the measure gained momentum after a handful of defecting Republicans signed a Democrat-authored discharge petition that triggered a vote over the objections of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who controls the floor. Most Republicans are reluctant to support legislation that comes to the floor via a discharge petition, which is often seen as undermining GOP leadership and aiding Democrats in the minority. "Democrats have repeatedly governed in the minority as if we were in the majority, and we're going to do so again this week," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Tuesday. Some GOP lawmakers also argued the Ukraine measure was poorly drafted and outdated.  For example, the bill calls on NATO countries to increase defense spending to 2% of their economic output, but Trump secured a 5% commitment from allies in 2025. "This bill literally moves us backwards, and a decrease of NATO defense member spending would be the result," Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., said. The legislation also proposes a lower figure for training and equipping Ukraine's military than what Congress authorized last year in annual defense policy legislation. "It's increasingly obvious that this [war] will end, and when it ends, it will be through negotiation," Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, said during debate on the House floor. "If you support this bill, then clearly you are not interested in peace, because the consequences would tie the hands of this president and could lead to future hostilities that would bleed over into Europe." But the legislation's proponents fired back that Ukraine is in desperate need of military aid amid stalled efforts to end the war. "This is our Churchill moment or our Chamberlain moment," Bacon, who is not running for reelection, said. "By God, I want to choose Churchill, and this House better choose Churchill." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a221661ee6011c3f4eaf0c6 Model Penny Lane's work on the SI Swimsuit runway last weekend still has the internet talking te 2026-06-05T00:20:49.674Z Model Penny Lane's work on the SI Swimsuit runway last weekend still has the internet talking To nobody’s surprise in the OutKick Culture Department, Penny Lane has officially become a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit superstar thanks to a runway walk Kate Upton would be proud of. The 31-year-old model’s work on the brand’s Miami Swim Week runway last weekend still has the internet talking. Her viral strut and subsequent bounce were reposted on Twitter and is approaching 20 million views in just a couple of days. See that video here, if you'd like. It’s those kinds of numbers that have lifted Penny from just another SI Swimsuit veteran with three appearances in a row under her string bikini to another level. The long hours of perfecting her runway walk have paid off. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! She made her childhood dream come true and much more, and people have taken note. Here are some of the reactions to her viral work on the runway: BILL BELICHICK'S OUTFIT AT JORDON HUDSON'S DANCE SHOW WAS A DOOZY, BRITTANY MAHOMES GOES COWGIRL & ALINA HABBA The incredible amount of views and the response from social media wasn’t the only seal of approval Penny Lane received. Other models were more than happy to give her some flowers. The Cavinder Twins, who had themselves a weekend in their own right talking boob jobs and adding a triplet, put her in a "twin sandwich" and gave her another viral run on TikTok. Yet another sign of her ascendance to superstardom. You have to imagine that there will be a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine in the not-too-distant future with Penny Lane on the cover. It's only a matter of time, right? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22164bee6011c3f4eaf0a0 House Passes Ukraine Aid in Defiance of Republican Leaders te 2026-06-05T00:20:27.113Z House Passes Ukraine Aid in Defiance of Republican Leaders Eighteen G.O.P. lawmakers broke with their party and joined Democrats to deliver yet another blow to the president’s foreign policy agenda. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a22141eee6011c3f4eaf031 FIFA bans refillable water bottles from World Cup stadiums despite original rules stating otherwise te 2026-06-05T00:11:10.466Z FIFA bans refillable water bottles from World Cup stadiums despite original rules stating otherwise FIFA’s rules for match days across the United States, Mexico and Canada for the World Cup are much more strict than regular sporting events, and that only continued on Thursday. With just one week until the first match kicks off, FIFA has now banned refillable plastic water bottles from being allowed inside stadiums. This is a turn from the original rules, which stated refillable bottles were allowed if the weather was hot enough to justify it. Now, FIFA is saying no bottles no matter the case. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff," FIFA told Reuters. "FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees." WORLD CUP TEAMS FINALIZE US BASE CAMPS AS HOST CITIES PREPARE FOR GLOBAL CROWDS It was previously believed that the refillable water bottles were going to be a good use for soccer fans attending matches because FIFA had told Free Lions, a traveling fan embassy for England’s national squad, shared that the governing body promised access to free water. "In all of our discussions, free water accessibility in stadiums was a key one and we were assumed by FIFA that this would be the case, and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle," Free Lions wrote on social media, while also showcasing a graphic that said refillable bottles would be allowed. FIFA is also blaming certain stadiums being used for the World Cup, saying it is simply applying rules that are already in place there. Since the World Cup is in the middle of the summer, hot conditions are one of the biggest question marks, especially since some of these players participated in the Club World Cup last year. The final at MetLife Stadium, now named New York/New Jersey Stadium for the World Cup, was a scorcher last summer. While this new rule is in effect, FIFA had also previously told NPR it would provide "additional cooling capacity, including shaded areas, misting systems, cooling buses, and expanded water distribution" in case of extreme heat. It’s unknown if that is still in effect ahead of the tournament. For fans, there remains this question, but players will see a mandatory three-minute cooling break near the 22nd minute of each half to ensure they are not facing heat exhaustion. It will also help that matches at night as well as domed stadiums like SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The World Cup final, though, will be held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19 at 3 p.m. ET, which will be peak temperature for the day at first whistle. 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/6a22140aee6011c3f4eaf028 Army vet dad running for sheriff gets murder charge dismissed in shooting of daughter's alleged predator te 2026-06-05T00:10:50.486Z Army vet dad running for sheriff gets murder charge dismissed in shooting of daughter's alleged predator An Arkansas judge has dismissed the murder charges against a local sheriff candidate and Army veteran accused of gunning down a man who allegedly sexually assaulted his teenage daughter.  Aaron Spencer was initially charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 67-year-old Michael Fosler in Lonoke County in October 2024.  According to court records obtained by Fox News Digital, Special Circuit Court Judge Ralph Wilson Jr. dismissed the charges against Spencer on Thursday.   Prosecutors previously alleged Spencer discovered Fosler alone with his teenage daughter inside Fosler’s pickup truck in the wee hours of the night on Oct. 8, 2024. Authorities said Spencer allegedly forced the vehicle off the road before calling 911 to report he had shot the 67-year-old. GOT A TIP? The judge cited law enforcement’s mishandling of dash-camera and SD card evidence from Spencer’s truck, adding a dismissal is "an extraordinary and extreme remedy" in any criminal case.   "However, based on the totality of the circumstances and the unique, specific, and particular facts and circumstances of this case, the Court finds that conduct by law enforcement was so egregious that dismissal of this case is warranted," the judge wrote. FOLLOW US ON X Spencer’s defense team argued that law enforcement lost the SD card possibly containing footage of the altercation, and did not provide documentation regarding when the item went missing or details surrounding its disappearance. STORE OWNER HELD WITHOUT BOND FOR 3 YEARS ACQUITTED OF MURDER IN TEEN'S SHOOTING DEATH The judge ruled that "the loss or destruction of the internal SD memory card of the dash camera has adversely impaired the Defendant's ability to defend himself pursuant to these defenses, and thus his right to a fair trial," according to court documents. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL  Fosler had previously been charged with "numerous sexual offenses" against Spencer’s teenage daughter and was out on bond at the time of the shooting, court records indicated. In February, Spencer emerged as the winner of the Republican primary for Lonoke County sheriff after defeating the incumbent, in which he vowed to reform the county’s law enforcement agency. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS "Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court," Spencer said in a previous campaign video. "And I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures."  While Spencer admitted to gunning down Fosler, he pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. The case was set to go to trial on June 22. Details regarding how the dismissal could impact his candidacy for sheriff have not yet been released.  Fox News Digital reached out to the Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office and Spencer’s defense team for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a2213f2ee6011c3f4eaefef Founders Fund launches game show starring Sam Altman, Palmer Luckey, and other tech elites te 2026-06-05T00:10:26.472Z Founders Fund launches game show starring Sam Altman, Palmer Luckey, and other tech elites The debut episode, moderated by Founders Fund Chief Marketing Officer Mike Solana, included a star-studded cast of current tech luminaries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/home