https://meenews.co/post/6a3471cf1972385678332c27 Beat the heat: Here are some of the best tips to avoid heatstroke during a hike this summer te 2026-06-18T22:31:43.004Z Beat the heat: Here are some of the best tips to avoid heatstroke during a hike this summer With summer quickly approaching, the days are starting to get warmer and longer, which means you'll be spending more time outside. Hiking, fishing, swimming, along with many other outdoor activities will surely dominate your schedule as we shift into the summer months. With that increased time in the sun, you will no doubt have to keep an eye out for heatstroke. Growing up in South Florida, I've had several first-hand experiences with extreme heat and have even seen what heatstroke looks like (spoiler: it ain't pretty). HEATSTROKE TRAGEDIES SPARK URGENT NATIONWIDE WARNING ABOUT SAFETY PRACTICES It can sneak up on you if you don't know what you're looking for, so here are a few tips to help you beat the heat and avoid a trip to the emergency room so you can enjoy your summer to the fullest. Heat exhaustion is a serious issue, and it may even be a precursor to heatstroke if you aren't careful, but actual heatstroke is a condition that often requires emergency medical attention. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial, so here are some key differences between the two. WEARABLE HYDRATION MONITOR COULD HELP PREVENT HEATSTROKE, SCIENTISTS SAY Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke The key difference and one of the tells of heatstroke is a change in mental state, so if a friend is acting confused or disoriented, call 911 immediately. It could be a matter of life and death. You've probably heard the saying, "it's not the heat, it's the humidity." That's not just an old wives' tale. The humidity can often play just as much of a factor as the temperature. I've hiked in both South Florida and the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the middle of summer, and the former has presented way more of a challenge climatically than the latter, even while DFW was pushing 110 degrees. The reason is that South Florida is way more humid in the summer months than almost anywhere else in the U.S., and the higher the humidity, the harder it is for your sweat to evaporate properly, thus reducing your body's ability to cool itself. I've often compared Florida's heat to a sauna, while Texas' heat feels more like a hair dryer. Both are dangerous, but that humidity will get you every time, so be mindful of that. If you're planning on hiking in the summer months, how you prepare could be the difference between a successful trek and an early exit. People are always cognizant of how much water they bring or how many snacks they pack, but what if I told you it's more important how much you eat and drink beforehand? That's right! If you aren't properly hydrated before your hike, it won't matter how many jugs or camelbacks you bring, you'll never catch up. Most people are already slightly dehydrated before their activity even starts, so make sure you drink enough water leading up to any outdoor excursion. The same goes for food. Hunger can derail your entire hike, so make sure you've fueled up properly before leaving for the day. Salty foods can help your body retain water better, while high-protein meals can help you recover quicker. If you start feeling any symptoms listed above, don't try to "tough it out." Start an aggressive cool-down period almost immediately after you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Some of the best ways to quickly cool down would be to find a shady area, apply a cold, wet rag to your head and neck, and start drinking fluids (don't guzzle). In a pinch, remove excess clothing and, if you have any, apply ice to your armpits, neck and groin area. It may sound weird, but that is one of the fastest ways to rapidly cool down after overheating. HIKER DIES ON ICONIC ARIZONA PARK TRAIL DURING EXTREME SUMMER HEAT It doesn't take much to go from heat exhaustion to full-on heatstroke, so the minute you start to exhibit even one of the symptoms, alert your hiking partners and take a break. You could be a couch potato or a lifelong triathlete -- heatstroke comes for us all the same. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! You can be as in shape as possible and still feel the effects of overheating. Hell, look at LeBron James cramping up against San Antonio in the 2014 NBA Finals. Heatstroke doesn't discriminate, and every year, elite athletes, military personnel and weekend warriors fall victim to overheating. Just because you are "in shape" doesn't mean the same rules don't apply to you as well. Follow all of these rules and guidelines, no matter your athletic profile, and you will be fine. It doesn't take much to ruin your day and end up in the emergency room (or worse), so stay cool this summer! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3471bb1972385678332c1e WATCH: Dem candidate grilled on stock trading after being duped with selfie request te 2026-06-18T22:31:23.551Z WATCH: Dem candidate grilled on stock trading after being duped with selfie request What began as a selfie request quickly turned into an ambush pressing former Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., on her personal finances and stock trading while serving in Congress, according to a video posted by a top staffer for Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va. "Elaine Luria, how much money did you make insider training?" the unidentified man in the video asked. "Your net worth went over, over 2000%," he continued. "It's a shame. You're so corrupt." MACE SOUNDS OFF ON STOCK TRADING IN CONGRESS, PELOSI REMAINS SILENT: ‘SOMETHING DOESN’T ADD UP’ The man repeatedly questioned Luria about the growth of her net worth during her four years in Congress. "How do you explain it, Elaine Luria? You were in Congress for four years, and your net worth went over 2,000%. Explain that, Elaine, Luria. Explain it.  Financial disclosure records show Luria entered Congress with substantial investment holdings. No major controversies over a spike in her personal finances during her time serving in Congress have been reported on. SPANBERGER DENIES ‘DEAL’ WITH SWING-DISTRICT DEMOCRAT AS GERRYMANDERING CLAIMS ABOUND STATEWIDE In 2022, as support grew for legislation banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, Luria loudly opposed these proposals. She argued that the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, signed into law in 2012, already provided safeguards against insider trading by lawmakers and federal officials. "This whole concept is bullsh--," Luria said in 2022 about banning members of Congress from stock trading. The confrontation comes as scrutiny of lawmakers' stock trading has remained a bipartisan issue on Capitol Hill, with members of both parties often facing questions about whether Congress should be permitted to buy and sell individual stocks while serving in office. Proposals to tighten or ban congressional stock trading have been brought to the floor over the last decade, but lawmakers have yet to enact any prohibition. SPANBERGER DENIES ‘DEAL’ WITH SWING-DISTRICT DEMOCRAT AS GERRYMANDERING CLAIMS ABOUND STATEWIDE The video also comes as Luria is seeking a political comeback in Virginia's competitive 2nd Congressional District. Luria served in the House from Jan. 2019 to Jan. 2023 representing Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, and is running in the upcoming primary to be the Democratic nominee to face Kiggans, the current incumbent, in the midterm elections. A general-election matchup between the two would be a rematch of the 2022 race, when Kiggans defeated Luria and flipped the seat for Republicans. Luria’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3471a71972385678332c05 Arizona Court of Appeals pauses judge’s ruling on election powers in Maricopa County te 2026-06-18T22:31:03.077Z Arizona Court of Appeals pauses judge’s ruling on election powers in Maricopa County Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap speaks at a Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Phoenix. On Friday, May 22, 2026, Heap referred 207 voters who he claims are noncitizens to the Arizona Attorney General's Office after weeks of sparring. (Sasha Hupka/Votebeat) The Arizona Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked a ruling that was favorable to Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap in his long-running legal battle with the board of supervisors over control of the swing county’s elections. Two of its three justices ruled to stay enforcement of a lower court’s order in the case to avoid disrupting the upcoming state primary. The other — Justice Brian Furuya, who was appointed to the bench in 2021 — dissented and said he would not have ordered the stay. The ruling puts the fiery feud within county government on ice just days before voting begins in a high-stakes primary election. The dispute has been ongoing since Heap took office and contended that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors usurped much of his power in a deal they struck with his predecessor. Heap, a Republican, sued over the matter last year. After months of back-and-forth in court, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney ruled largely in Heap’s favor on April 16, issuing an injunction that ordered the majority-GOP board to return control of several election-related functions and information technology staffers to Heap’s office. The board appealed that ruling, arguing it was too close to the primary to implement the court’s directives without risking a tumultuous election. In the meantime, the officials have continued to butt heads. Last month, Heap asked Blaney to hold the supervisors in civil contempt of court, accusing them of flouting his earlier ruling. He also sought to stop a special prosecutor’s investigation into whether his employees broke the law by removing a scanner from the county’s vote tabulation center amid a local election earlier this year. Ultimately, the appellate court sided with the board, issuing a majority opinion that leaned heavily on the so-called Purcell principle. That legal guideline, named after former Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell, calls for avoiding rule changes in the immediate leadup to an election. Justices Andrew Jacobs and James Morse wrote that Blaney’s ruling mandated changes that could result in “concrete, operational impacts on the public’s voting experience.” “The practical impacts of these changes, and even the injunction’s claim to mitigate practical harms for the voter, all demonstrate that this is no mere backroom dispute over accounting principles or organizational charts,” their ruling read. “It is, by everyone’s assessment, a live conflict hurtling toward real-world consequences in elections about to begin.” What does the appellate court’s decision mean for the Arizona primary? Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee, a Republican, said in a statement that the court’s decision was “a win” for voters. “Simply put, this court order averts potential chaos at the polls that may have resulted from the lower court decision, which sought to force the county to enact broad changes in election administration in the middle of one election and on the eve of another,” she said. A spokesperson for Heap did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. But the decision appears to halt his efforts to hold the board in civil contempt and avert investigation into the scanner removal incident at the county’s election center. Blaney said in a June 15 hearing that his authority to address those matters would evaporate if the appellate court issued a stay in the case. After that hearing, Blaney also ordered the parties to attend a mediation session. Spokespeople on both sides did not immediately respond to a question from Votebeat about whether that meeting would proceed as scheduled on June 22. It’s also unclear what the decision means for a separate grievance filed by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, who contends that Heap’s legal team is encroaching on her duties as the county’s top lawyer. Spokesperson Erin Pellett told Votebeat on Thursday that Mitchell and her legal team were “still evaluating the impact on their case.” This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346d471972385678332b63 New poll reveals where Americans stand after Trump agreement with Iran te 2026-06-18T22:12:23.561Z New poll reveals where Americans stand after Trump agreement with Iran FIRST ON FOX: Americans are nearly evenly split between favoring Iranian regime change and a negotiated U.S. settlement with Iran, according to a new survey.  Some 39% of respondents favor a negotiated settlement where Iran’s current government remains in place, with verifiable limits on its nuclear and missile programs, according to the findings of the Reagan Institute Summer Survey, while 36% favor replacing Iran’s current government with one more favorable to the U.S.  Another 16% favor a weakened regime where the current government stays in place but is significantly diminished militarily and economically, and 8% responded that they don’t know.  The findings underscore the political challenge facing President Donald Trump as his administration pursues a newly signed memorandum of understanding with Iran. While the agreement seeks to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions through negotiations, Americans remain divided over the ultimate objective of U.S. policy toward the Islamic Republic. AMERICANS AGREE WITH TRUMP THAT IRAN POSES THREAT TO UNITED STATES: POLL Republicans who responded to the survey favored replacing Iran's government by a 2-to-1 margin over a diplomatic deal.  Republicans were far more likely than Democrats to favor a more aggressive outcome in Iran. Half of Republican respondents said they would prefer to see Iran's current government replaced with one more favorable to the United States, compared to 25% who said they would favor a negotiated settlement that leaves the regime in place in exchange for verifiable limits on its nuclear and missile programs. The findings were nearly identical among self-identified MAGA Republicans, 51% of whom favored regime change while 25% backed a negotiated settlement. SHARP PARTISAN DIVIDE EMERGES OVER IRAN STRIKE, TRUMP'S STRATEGY: POLLS Democrats, meanwhile, largely favored diplomacy. A majority, 52%, said they would prefer a negotiated settlement with Iran's current government, while 25% favored regime change. Another 14% favored leaving the regime in place but significantly weakened militarily and economically. The Reagan Institute Summer Survey was conducted May 26 through June 3 among 1,555 respondents nationwide and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. The survey used a mixed-mode methodology that included live telephone interviews, an online panel and text-to-web responses. To better reflect the U.S. population, the results were weighted using demographic benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey, including age, gender, race, region and education levels. The poll also included an oversample of 331 MAGA Republicans under age 30, a group with a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points. The Reagan Institute is a Washington-based policy organization that advocates the Reagan foreign-policy tradition of "peace through strength" and sustained American leadership abroad. The findings come as Trump has defended a newly signed memorandum of understanding with Iran as a way to reduce tensions and create a pathway toward a broader agreement addressing Tehran's nuclear program. The memorandum establishes a 60-day negotiating period during which the United States and Iran will attempt to reach a more comprehensive deal. The agreement also includes provisions aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and provides limited sanctions waivers tied to continued negotiations. Several of the most contentious issues, including the long-term future of Iran's nuclear program, are expected to be addressed in subsequent talks. Trump has described the arrangement as a means of avoiding a wider conflict while pursuing what he called a "great settlement" with Tehran. He has also argued that the agreement could help stabilize energy markets by reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, while creating an opportunity to negotiate additional restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities. The president added that he agreed to a settlement to avoid "economic catastrophe."  "I didn't want to see economic catastrophe. If you kept this going, that could have happened," he told reporters at the G7 Summit in France. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346d341972385678332b5a Fox News Poll: Move over Big Brother, voters see Big Tech as greater threat to US te 2026-06-18T22:12:04.104Z Fox News Poll: Move over Big Brother, voters see Big Tech as greater threat to US As artificial intelligence (AI) companies race toward IPOs and scramble to construct data centers, a new Fox News Poll finds voters now view Big Tech — not Big Government — as the greater threat to the nation's future, a striking turnaround from seven years ago. By a 5 percentage-point margin, more see Big Tech as the greater threat to the outlook of the country rather than big government (52% vs. 47%). That’s a 28-point reversal since 2019 — three years before ChatGPT burst onto the scene — when more were concerned about the government (58%) than tech companies (35%). FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS DOUBT NEW AGREEMENT WILL STOP IRAN FROM DEVELOPING NUKES The swing toward a greater dread of Big Tech can be seen across most groups, with only a few exceptions, like very conservative voters (by 11 points) and moms (+8), who view big government as the bigger villain. Republicans and independents are split on which is worse. "As AI integrates into daily life, voters are reevaluating where power resides," says Democratic pollster Chris Anderson, whose firm Beacon Research conducts the poll with Republican Daron Shaw. "Concerns about government overreach are shifting toward tech companies, as voters question whether rapid growth has concentrated too much power in institutions largely outside of public accountability." Feelings on AI remain a mixed bag. Equal numbers describe it as either innovative or helpful or a bad idea (14% each). Another 12% are cautious, 10% say afraid or dangerous, 9% have mixed feelings, while excitement and curiosity/interested sit at 7% each. Fewer mention threats to jobs (5%), general confusion (4%), potential for abuse (3%), more research and privacy and regulation issues (2% each), fears of science fiction (1%), and preventing data centers (1%). FOX NEWS POLL: MOST RATE THE ECONOMY NEGATIVELY, INCLUDING HALF OF REPUBLICANS The share saying they’re afraid of AI, or it is dangerous has dropped from 16% in 2023 to 10% today, as most demographics feel less negative about AI. The clear exception is voters ages 65 and up, who mostly still feel afraid, concerned, or just don’t like it. There is also a modest rise in those who feel cautious or distrust the booming technology: from 8% in 2023 to 12% today. On the flip side, the number saying they find AI to be innovative and helpful has doubled from 7% in 2023 to 14% today. While most demographics feel more positive toward AI compared to 2023, this tendency is especially pronounced among voters under age 30 and nonwhite voters, each seeing double-digit increases in positive sentiment. Daily AI usage is on the rise: 18% of voters say they use the technology every day, up from 11% last June. The increase mainly comes from more men (+10 points since June 2025) and independents (+13) saying they use AI daily. Despite their skepticism, voters 65 and over say they are using it more as well (+4). Daily usage for voters under 30 is up 8 points since last summer. Still, many say they rarely (21%) or never (32%) use it, roughly the same as last summer. Voters balk at building AI infrastructure in their backyard. Two-thirds (67%) oppose having data centers in their area, including 43% who strongly oppose it, while one-third favor it (32%). Most groups oppose data centers, but the strength of opposition varies. Fewer than 6 in 10 men, Hispanic voters, voters under 30, and Republicans oppose them, while opposition increases to roughly 7 in 10 or more among women, White voters, those ages 65+, and Democrats. Some of the only groups to favor data centers being built are those who find AI innovative (68% favor) and those who use AI at least weekly (54%). CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE "AI data centers emerging as a political issue is one of the most intriguing storylines of 2026," says Shaw. "Opposing them is a short-term win, but attitudes about AI efficacy and regulation remain fluid." Even with mixed views on AI, a large majority remain confident they control technology (79%), rather than tech controlling them (20%) — the same as nearly 30 years ago. Women, voters ages 65+ and Republicans are slightly more likely to feel they have a grip on technology compared to men, those under 30, and Democrats. Conducted June 12-15, 2026, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,002 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (101) and cellphones (644) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (257). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the most recent American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis, and voter file data. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346d201972385678332b51 Dems raked in millions from employees at firms newly identified as 'Chinese military companies' te 2026-06-18T22:11:44.650Z Dems raked in millions from employees at firms newly identified as 'Chinese military companies' Democrats, among them some of the most recognizable names in politics, have accepted millions of dollars in campaign contributions from top employees at firms the Pentagon recently designated as "Chinese military companies" operating in the U.S. The Department of War on June 8 designated Alibaba, Baidu and BYD as "Chinese military companies," meaning that the three firms, in the eyes of the U.S. government, are providing assistance to the People’s Liberation Army through its military-civil fusion strategy or other means. Senior employees at these companies, including executives, have donated roughly $2.6 million to Democratic political committees since 2020, a Fox News Digital review of campaign finance filings has found. Notable individuals and organizations that received contributions from top staffers at these firms include Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic National Committee.  Donors to Democratic committees from the trio of firms include executives, top-level lawyers, lobbyists and, to a much lesser extent, rank-and-file employees working in areas such as engineering or management. The staffers made some contributions to Republicans as well, though the overall sum was far lower than what Democrats received. PLATNER’S ANTI-CORPORATE CRUSADE HITS AWKWARD SNAG AS RECEIPTS TELL ANOTHER STORY  The review included direct contributions, earmarked contributions and donations to joint-fundraising committees reported in campaign finance filings. It did not identify corporate donations from Alibaba, Baidu or BYD to the federal committees. "American politicians should no longer accept campaign cash from any Chinese companies. Politicians who have been taking campaign cash from companies like Baidu, Alibaba and BYD now realize they were supported by blacklisted Chinese Military Companies," Michael Lucci, CEO of the national security organization State Armor, told Fox News Digital. "The reason the Pentagon's list of sanctioned CCP companies keeps expanding is because the Chinese Communist Party imposes a 'civil-military fusion' mandate upon all Chinese companies, forcing them to assist in modernizing China's military with the goal of defeating America." "They all end up working to support the PLA. They should all be cut off from U.S. politics," he added.  The Pentagon’s Chinese military company designation via its 1260H list does not function as a traditional sanction, as Americans can continue to do business with the company. Biden-linked committees and joint fundraising vehicles were by far the biggest beneficiaries of the funds, taking in roughly $850,000 from employees at the trio of firms between 2020 and 2024. The DNC, meanwhile, had a haul of around $500,000 while Harris-linked committees brought in roughly $140,000. TOP CALIFORNIA DEM RUNNING FOR OFFICE TIED TO CHINESE SCHOOL ACCUSED OF US DIPLOMA SCANDAL Various state Democratic parties also received five-figure support from employees at Baidu, BYD and Alibaba. Newsom, per state campaign finance records, accepted $50,000 from an executive at BYD, an electric-vehicle manufacturer that his administration later awarded a contract.  Fox News Digital reached the offices of Biden, Harris, Schiff, Pelosi, Newsom and the DNC on Sunday for comment and has not heard back as of publishing. Pentagon officials are legally required to release a list of what it determines to be Chinese military companies every year. The first such list was released in June 2021 under President Joe Biden. The Pentagon’s 1260H list identifies Chinese companies the Defense Department says are "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States. Required by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the list is intended to warn U.S. businesses and investors about firms tied to China’s military-civil fusion strategy, though inclusion does not automatically trigger sanctions. New defense laws, however, have given the list more bite in recent years. The Pentagon will be barred from directly contracting with companies on the list starting June 30 and is currently banned from contracting with companies who lobby on behalf 1260H-listed firms. In 2027, the ban will be expanded to prevent indirect procurement of goods manufactured by Chinese military companies through supply chain intermediaries. WALL STREET BANKS HELPED CHINESE MILITARY-LINKED FIRM RAISE BILLIONS DESPITE RED FLAGS, LAWMAKERS FIND While Alibaba, Baidu and BYD only recently earned formal designations as Chinese military companies, their links to the CCP have been widely reported for years. The Wall Street Journal, for instance, reported in 2017 that Alibaba was assisting the Chinese government in its surveillance efforts against dissidents, and Chinese state media reported in 2018 that the firm had a large CCP presence within it. Some sources within the company told Reuters in 2019 that the firm had developed an app designed specifically to increase ideological alignment with Chinese President Xi Jinping.  Alibaba, however, has come out strongly against its inclusion on the Pentagon’s list of Chinese military companies. NATIONAL SECURITY EXPERTS RAISE CONCERNS AFTER MICROSOFT PROGRAM EXPOSED AS POSSIBLE AVENUE FOR CHINESE SPYING "There’s no basis to conclude that Alibaba should be placed on the Section 1260H List," a company spokeswoman told Fox News Digital. "Alibaba is not a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion strategy. We will take all available legal action against attempts to misrepresent our company." That statement also appears in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing made by Alibaba shortly after it was added to the Pentagon’s list. "Inclusion in the CMC List will not affect the Group’s ability to conduct business as usual in the United States or anywhere in the world because the Group does not do business related to U.S. military procurement," the SEC filing adds. "The CMC List does not impose any other export controls or sanctions, nor does it prohibit any persons (other than the U.S. Department of Defense) from business dealings with the Group or transacting in the securities of the Company." RICKETTS, FETTERMAN TEAM UP FOR CRACKDOWN ON CHINA'S ATTEMPTS TO PURCHASE US FARMLAND As early as 2015, outlets like Bloomberg News were reporting that the Chinese government was heavily subsidizing BYD. Wang Chuanfu, the founder and CEO of the firm, is a member of the Chinese Communist Party and an ally of Xi.  BYD did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Monday. In Baidu’s case, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology named the company as part of the country’s "national team" for AI development in 2017, with it later appointed by the CCP’s National Development and Reform Commission to lead China’s first national lab on deep learning technologies, according to state media. The firm, which primarily operates a search engine, reportedly assists the Chinese government in carrying out censorship.      "We categorically reject the inclusion of Baidu on the list, and there is no credible justification for adding Baidu to the list," a Baidu spokesperson told Fox News Digital "The suggestion that Baidu is a military company is entirely baseless. We will not hesitate to use all options available to us to have the company removed from the list." The Pentagon has defended its additions to the list. "After the Department conducted its due diligence, it identified 188 entities that meet the statutory requirement for inclusion on the most recent 1260H List," a Department of War spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346d0d1972385678332b48 Pennsylvania medical school hit with civil rights complaint over allegedly discriminatory scholarships te 2026-06-18T22:11:25.193Z Pennsylvania medical school hit with civil rights complaint over allegedly discriminatory scholarships Pennsylvania's Thomas Jefferson University and its Sidney Kimmel Medical College are facing allegations that several scholarship programs discriminate based on race, according to a newly filed federal civil rights complaint. On Thursday, the Equal Protection Project filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, alleging that Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) and its Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) operate or promote five scholarship programs that unlawfully discriminate based on race, color and/or national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. The complaint argues that because TJU receives federal funding, including grants from the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, the university is subject to federal civil rights laws governing recipients of federal funds. The complaint lists the Jackson-Minton Scholarship, Dominique "Rem'mie" Fells Scholarship, Visiting Medical Student Diversity Scholarship, Otolaryngology Research Fellowship Scholarship and the Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Inclusive Excellence as scholarships it alleges are unlawfully discriminatory and violate Title VI, the Affordable Care Act, Pennsylvania nondiscrimination statutes and TJU's own policies. WE ARE PULLING THE PLUG ON MED SCHOOL DEI AND MAKING US ALL HEALTHIER AS A RESULT Citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, the EPP argues that race-based programs in education should be put under the strictest scrutiny. "Equal access to medical education and training should be based on individual merit, qualifications, and potential to serve patients — not racial or ethnic group membership," the complaint states. "Discriminatory practices undermine public trust in medicine, fairness, and the integrity of the healthcare workforce undermining HHS’s nondiscrimination requirements and policy goals." A NEW YORK UNIVERSITY FACES JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION OVER 'BLACK MALE INITIATIVE' The Jackson-Minton scholarship is intended to benefit Black male students, and the Fells scholarship was developed for transgender or gender "nonconforming" BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students at the university, according to the TJU website.  Some scholarships are open to all qualified applicants, but the university specifically advertises prioritizing or seeking students from racially diverse backgrounds. The Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Inclusive Excellence says it is open to all qualified students, including those "who identify as African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander, LGBTQ or from a disadvantaged background." Similarly, the Otolaryngology Research Fellowship is available to qualified students, but the university advertises awarding one scholarship a year to a research fellow "who self-identifies as being from a group historically underrepresented in medicine." The university website for the Visiting Medical Student Diversity Scholarship also describes the goal of the program as being to "increase the recruitment of diverse trainees into the specialty of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation" and to support "those who identify as an "Underrepresented Minority." The EPP argues these scholarships may be open to all but, at the same time, they identify eligibility based on certain racial and ethnic groups. OVER 100 CALIFORNIA COLLEGES ACCUSED OF DISCRIMINATING AGAINST US-BORN STUDENTS IN NEW DOJ COMPLAINT "The scholarships that claim to be open to all but simultaneously identify eligibility to certain racial and ethnic groups signal to students not identified that they are not eligible," the EPP argued. "Here, TJU’s and SKMC’s racial and ethnic signaling is not subtle, but even subtle messaging can convey discriminatory preferences." The Equal Protection Project is asking the OCR to open an investigation into TJU and SKMC and "impose whatever remedial relief is necessary," including fines, termination of financial assistance and/or referring the case to the Department of Justice, to address the alleged violations. The complaint also asks the DHHS to open a formal investigation and impose remedial relief. "Discrimination in an institution devoted to training health professionals is extremely serious," William A. Jacobson, President and Founder, Equal Protection Project, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "HHS, which provides funding, has a duty to ensure that federal funding is not used to support – directly or indirectly – practices that violate the civil rights law." "Discrimination based on race or ethnicity at institutions receiving federal funding is unlawful regardless of which group is targeted or benefits," he added. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ZEROES IN ON UCLA FOR ALLEGED ILLEGAL DEI ADMISSIONS AS ELITE SCHOOL CRACKDOWN EXPANDS CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Thomas Jefferson University told Fox News Digital it "has not received notice of a complaint or pending investigation." On June 9, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into the City University of New York following a complaint filed by The Equal Protection Project in May. The investigation was opened after reports that the CUNY Black Male Initiative program discriminates based on race in violation of Title VI. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346cf91972385678332b3f Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Ivy student blasted after nixing 'working for a Jew' te 2026-06-18T22:11:05.743Z Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Ivy student blasted after nixing 'working for a Jew' Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world. IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER: - Ivy League student investigated after alleged antisemitic internship rejection - Israeli flag confiscated at Iran World Cup game while Palestinian flags remain - Israel launches 'Biblical Highway' amid campaign to erase Jewish history TOP STORY: Cornell University has launched an investigation into student Austin Franco after he aggressively rejected an internship interview with startup VryfID, explicitly stating, "Not interested in working for a Jew." The university swiftly condemned the antisemitism, referring the blatant discrimination to its Office of Civil Rights. VIDEO: Eight suspects were charged for alleged threats against University of Michigan leaders, businesses and a local Jewish federation. WATCH HERE: STADIUM BIAS: A viral video from the Iran-New Zealand World Cup match at SoFi Stadium shows security confiscating a fan’s Israeli flag while leaving nearby Palestinian flags untouched. Staff claimed they were following FIFA orders for the fan’s "safety." The incident has sparked outrage over an alleged anti-Jewish double standard, as tournament rules explicitly ban all unapproved political displays. SACRED ROAD: Israel has officially designated Route 60 as the "Biblical Highway," transforming the 4,000-year-old road into a historic tourist destination from Nazareth to Beersheba. Passing through foundational landmarks like Hebron and Jerusalem, the Route 66-style initiative aims to bring Scripture to life while firmly anchoring the nation's ancient Jewish identity against attempts to erase biblical history. GUEST EDITORIAL: Amjad Taha, a political strategist from the United Arab Emirates, writes that Iran's favorite export isn't oil, it's antisemitism. He argues Western protesters play into Tehran’s hands by targeting Jews following Iranian missile strikes against Arab and Israeli civilians. By contrast, the UAE champions the Abraham Accords, proving that regional coexistence, shared trade, and mutual protection offer the ultimate weapon against the regime's corrosive ideology. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "I was stating why I was not interested after you had asked to interview 3 times. I found out you were Jewish after the fact. My experiences with Jews have not been pleasant, both in person and online. This is not to say I haven't had positive experiences, but on the aggregate that is not the case." - Cornell University student Austin Franco, explaining his anti-Semitic rejection of an internship interview. - Looking for more on this topic? Find more antisemitism coverage from Fox News here. - Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe to additional newsletters from Fox News here. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346ac51972385678332ae0 TSA tells World Cup fans with newfound love of ranch to pack it in their checked luggage te 2026-06-18T22:01:41.429Z TSA tells World Cup fans with newfound love of ranch to pack it in their checked luggage The United States is a land of many condiments, and it wasn't until this year's World Cup that I realized we've kind of been gatekeeping ranch dressing from the rest of the world. Well, they've found out, and the TSA is issuing a reminder to fans flying around the country: bottles of ranch are not exempt from rules about liquids in carry-ons. The TSA shared a tweet that has been drawing plenty of attention, offering a helpful reminder to World Cup fans who may have developed a taste for ranch. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE Someone did point out a workaround that any ranch aficionados will be familiar with. Social media has been rife with stories of fans visiting the United States and discovering ranch, along with some of America's most calorie-laden condiments. And, can you blame them? I'm a born and bred (and very handsome) American, and I've even been overwhelmed by our condiment selection. You walk into a grocery store, and you see all kinds of condiments and any permutations of those condiments mixed with mayo. Forget Niagara Falls. Take a visitor to the condiment aisle at Walmart, and it'll bring a tear to their eye. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE Honestly, I've never been a huge ranch guy. I'm on record saying that once you turn 12 it's time to graduate to blue cheese. However, I forgot to grab some of my preferred blue cheese recently to go with hot wings, so I had no choice but to dip into my Wisconsin-native wife's ranch supply. I'm not going to lie: it was pretty damn good. Not sure I would mule a bottle of it to Europe, but I understand the impulse. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! I just fear for these new ranchophiles on their next trip to the United States, because we all know they're coming back to get their fix. Original ranch is the gateway to harder forms of ranch like Chipotle ranch and Buffalo ranch, and they'll want to take it home with them no matter the cost. All I'm saying is I'd hate to see someone getting strip-searched at the gate because they wanted to spike their in-flight meal with some Hidden Valley. That's rock bottom. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346ab11972385678332ad7 Tom Hanks jokingly swipes MS NOW's viewership while appearing live on-air with reporter te 2026-06-18T22:01:21.974Z Tom Hanks jokingly swipes MS NOW's viewership while appearing live on-air with reporter Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks took a swing out of left field Thursday to poke fun at MS NOW while appearing live on the network. MS NOW correspondent Jacob Soboroff was reporting live from the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, where some of the the biggest names in politics and entertainment gathered to launch the opening of former President Barack Obama's library and museum. Soboroff eyed the "Forrest Gump" star, who was busy hobnobbing with other attendees but eventually offered his time to the reporter. MS NOW LEANS INTO ITS LIBERAL IDENTITY BY ROLLING BACK ON STRAIGHT NEWS PROGRAMS, INSIDERS SAY "What can I do for the 800 people watching MSNOW?" Hanks asked Soboroff. "Alright, add a zero if you need to," Hanks then quipped. Soboroff took the joke in stride, responding, "I would say millions now that you're on our air." RACHEL MADDOW INVITES FIRED CBS CORRESPONDENT SCOTT PELLEY TO JOIN HER NETWORK AFTER '60 MINUTES' EXIT After the two discussed the Obama Presidential Center, Soboroff thanked Hanks for "adding the zero to our ratings today." "I gotta tell ya, I can hear the clicks happening before my very eyes," Hanks joked before walking away. Soboroff then turned to MS NOW anchor Katy Tur, appearing amused by the exchange. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS "Alright, thanks Tom. Appreciate that," Tur reacted with a grin. "He has been very supportive of the press, at least in the past," Tur jokingly added before referencing Hanks' donated coffee machine to White House reporters in 2017. A representative for MS NOW declined to comment. Hanks cheekily undercounted MS NOW's viewership, which averaged 691,000 total day viewers and 1.1 million primetime viewers in the first quarter of 2026. The liberal network, however, trailed behind Fox News Channel's 1.7 million average total day viewers and 2.6 million primetime viewers during the same period. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a346a751972385678332aac Trump Redirects Millions From Secret Service Amid White House Construction te 2026-06-18T22:00:21.052Z Trump Redirects Millions From Secret Service Amid White House Construction The White House insists that private donations are paying for a new ballroom, but the administration is using taxpayer money for a series of security upgrades. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34681d1972385678332a07 Monday deadline to register to vote in Arizona primaries te 2026-06-18T21:50:21.347Z Monday deadline to register to vote in Arizona primaries Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3465ef19723856783329c0 Armie Hammer compares his Hollywood exile to being crucified: 'The nails are in my hands' te 2026-06-18T21:41:03.049Z Armie Hammer compares his Hollywood exile to being crucified: 'The nails are in my hands' Armie Hammer is comparing his exile from Hollywood to being crucified.  In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the "Call Me by Your Name" star — who was canceled after accusations of sexual assault and cannibalistic fantasies surfaced in 2021 — opened up about how the aftermath completely derailed his career and explained how he managed to push past the downfall.  Hammer was accused of sexual assault in 2021 by a former girlfriend, who also claimed the actor raped her "violently" and "for over four hours." Hammer, who was married to wife Elizabeth Chambers at the time of the alleged assault in 2017, was seemingly exiled from Hollywood following a series of text messages that allegedly detailed sexual fantasies, including references to rape, physical and psychological violence and cannibalism. ARMIE HAMMER 'GOT ZERO MONEY' FROM RICH FAMILY, LIVES IN SMALL APARTMENT AFTER CANNIBAL ALLEGATIONS: REPORT They were leaked online by his ex-girlfriend, Efrosina Angelova. In April 2023, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office confirmed there was an ongoing investigation, but the DA said there ultimately was not sufficient evidence to charge him with any wrongdoing. In his interview with THR, Hammer recalled the moment his father, Michael, urged him to take a stand against the accusations. "He was furious," Hammer said. "‘I’m going to call this person, I’m going to do this, we have to make sure they know this.’ He really wanted to go on the offensive." "I said, 'Look, dude, I'm already on the cross. The nails are in my hands. I'm not getting off this cross no matter what we do,'" Hammer, who had fled to the Cayman Islands at the time, recalled saying to his dad. "And the more I struggle, the longer I'm going to be up here." JOHNNY DEPP SAYS HE WAS A 'CRASH TEST DUMMY FOR METOO,' ACCUSES HOLLYWOOD PALS OF ABANDONING HIM TO 'GO WOKE' In order to cope, said Hammer, he had to accept his reality. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "That which you resist persists. That which you accept transforms," he said. "There was nothing I could say that was going to fix anything for me." "There was a period where I was obsessively reading what people were saying," he continued. "And then it hit critical mass, and I thought: There is no nutritional value in this for me. This is almost not even the real world. I realized I could just focus on myself and my kids and staying healthy and growing as a person. You can make that your purpose." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS During his interview, Hammer did take full responsibility for the scandal. "I made these problems for myself. This didn't happen to me by a fluke accident," Hammer told the outlet. "I didn't do what people are saying I did. But I brought very dangerous and unsafe people into my life, and I p----d off people in my life — and here we are." "I remember the emotional state and the mental state I was in before all that happened. Healthy people don't act the way I was acting. I would have loved if I could have had an opportunity to do it in a little bit more of a gentle way. But at the end of the day — you get what you get." His ex-wife, Chambers, filed for divorce in 2020, months before abuse, rape and cannibalistic fantasy allegations against Hammer publicly came to light. Their divorce was finalized in 2023. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34636c1972385678332918 AI inference startup Baseten reportedly raising $1.5B months after its last mega round te 2026-06-18T21:30:20.456Z AI inference startup Baseten reportedly raising $1.5B months after its last mega round Startup Baseten is reportedly close to finalizing a $1.5 billion round at a $13 billion as the “inference gold rush" marches on. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34616519723856783328f5 Off-duty ICE officer relies on 'sixth sense' to save drowning child before delivering message to critics te 2026-06-18T21:21:41.283Z Off-duty ICE officer relies on 'sixth sense' to save drowning child before delivering message to critics An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer is being praised for diving fully clothed into a Florida community pool to rescue an unconscious 6-year-old child from drowning. Speaking on "Fox & Friends First," ICE officer Gregory Simmonds described the moment he knew something was wrong and delivered a message to those who oppose his agency. "There was kind of a sixth sense going on," Simmonds said. "I jumped in the pool, swam over as quick as I could. When I picked up the kid, his body condition at that time, I knew immediately that this kid's [going to] need some sort of CPR." Simmonds was attending his son’s end-of-year soccer party in Pasco County, Florida, when he noticed a pool attendant pointing at something in the water. After asking one of his son’s teammates to check on the child, Simmonds realized something was wrong. He leaped into action to get the child out of the water, performing life-saving CPR. WATCH: ICE OFFICER MAKES HEROIC RESCUE AFTER 6-YEAR-OLD HAS POOL EMERGENCY "I was absolutely relieved. I mean I was at the right place at the right time. I'm just glad this kid gets a second chance at life. It was truly remarkable," he said. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted about Simmonds’ actions online, calling him "heroic" and noting that the child is expected to make a full recovery. "Officer Simmonds’ quick thinking, decisive actions, and willingness to place himself into action during a critical incident truly demonstrates the exceptional courage and selflessness of our ICE law enforcement," DHS wrote Tuesday. GIVING THANKS: REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS EXPRESS GRATITUDE FOR ICE WORKERS IN DHS VIDEO DHS also released surveillance footage of the rescue, which shows Simmonds jumping into the water and dragging the motionless child from the pool before beginning CPR. Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis connected the rescue to recent anti-ICE sentiment, noting that officers put their lives on the line to help others. 15 ANTIFA RADICALS INDICTED, 12 ARRESTED IN SWEEPING FEDERAL PROBE INTO MINNEAPOLIS ANTI-ICE OPERATIONS "This officer swiftly sprung to action and delivered life-saving medical care to this 6-year-old who drowned," Bis said.  "Our agents truly are the best of the best. They put their lives on the line to arrest the worst of the worst. Instead of demonizing ICE law enforcement, sanctuary politicians should be thanking them for removing criminals from their communities," she added. Simmonds echoed those comments, saying he and his fellow officers are simply trying to keep the country safe. "We're just trying to protect communities. You know, protecting the national security threats that are presented to us and a lot of the public safety threats for our communities," Simmonds said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34615119723856783328ec Knicks owner appears to take swipe at Mamdani at NBA championship celebration, stiffs photo op with him te 2026-06-18T21:21:21.825Z Knicks owner appears to take swipe at Mamdani at NBA championship celebration, stiffs photo op with him Last week, New York Knicks owner James Dolan and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani got into a war of words regarding team watch parties. Well, the two came face-to-face at City Hall to conclude the team's championship parade, and there sure appeared to be some tension on stage. During the watch party battle, Dolan said in an interview that Mamdani was not a real Knicks fan. Perhaps the mayor took that to heart during his speech at City Hall as, standing mere feet from Dolan, he rattled off some of the team's best memories while name-dropping obscure and legendary players alike — including Charles Oakley, whom Dolan banned from MSG after their notorious brouhaha in 2017. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Mamdani spoke for roughly eight minutes in a fiery speech about the history of the team, the grind to the championship, the heartbreaking seasons and the perseverance necessary to finally bring a title to New York after 53 years. Dolan, though, was short and sweet. "I don't need your vote. I don't need to quote to you what happened. If you're real Knick fans you know it already," Dolan said. Mamdani then issued keys to the city to staff and players, including Dolan and his son, both of whom seemed severely uninterested in a photo op. Both Dolans had handshakes with the mayor. MAYOR'S OFFICE HANGS EWING'S RETIRED NUMBER FOR KNICKS PLAYER WHO BARELY SAW COURT AT NBA FINALS PARADE The Dolan-Mamdani beef is hardly new. The spat began during the election cycle when Mamdani used the Knicks logo for his campaign, and the team issued a cease-and-desist letter. The White House then used the Knicks logo in a post shortly after last year's election to say, "Trump Is Your President." The Knicks reached out to the White House who then removed the post. "The Knicks remain neutral on political matters," the team said in a statement at the time. "We hope all our elected officials, whether current or recently elected, do a great job in office." Before the City Hall portion of the celebration, Mamdani, in a Knicks jersey, was on Karl-Anthony Towns' and OG Anunoby's float that traveled up Broadway. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34613d19723856783328d2 Family planning organizations sue Trump administration over Title X funding announcement te 2026-06-18T21:21:01.355Z Family planning organizations sue Trump administration over Title X funding announcement Various birth control pills available at a Planned Parenthood in Austin, Texas. The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and a family planning organization in Pennsylvania sued the Trump administration on Thursday alleging that it is politicizing the Title X grant funding program. (Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune) The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and a family planning organization in Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Health and Human Services agency on Thursday alleging that it is politicizing the Title X grant funding program and violating the intent of the law. Attorneys from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the national organization are representing the national family planning association and the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. The Family Health Council is a network of 19 service providers across 24 counties in central Pennsylvania that provide family planning services to more than 31,000 low-income residents every year, according to the complaint. Clare Coleman, president and CEO of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, told Stateline on Thursday that the organization chose the Pennsylvania network to participate in the lawsuit in part because it has been a grantee of funds since the beginning of the Title X program in 1970 and serves a large number of people.  “We’re very grateful that they were willing to stand with us,” Coleman said. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Yvette Kane, an appointee of former Democratic President Bill Clinton. Title X, established by Congress and signed by former Republican President Richard Nixon, is a grant program prioritizing low-income or uninsured people, including those who make too much to qualify for Medicaid, who may not otherwise have access to family planning and reproductive health services. That includes services such as contraception, pregnancy tests, testing for sexually transmitted infections and wellness exams. Abortion services cannot be covered by Title X dollars. The complaint takes issue with the 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Title X, which was released in April. Potential awardees must submit applications by January for consideration in the next funding cycle. The funding opportunity language states that all applicants must first meet an “alignment review” to determine their eligibility for a grant. That alignment is based on the priorities laid out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and the Office of Population Affairs. Those priorities include ending diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and gender-affirming care. The complaint notes that the decision regarding an applicant’s eligibility cannot be appealed. Contraception services dropped after ‘defunding’ provision hit clinics Coleman said those priorities directly conflict with the ones that were laid out in the last funding round under former President Joe Biden, whose administration emphasized the importance of health equity efforts and the inclusion of gender-affirming care for transgender patients. Coleman said that means it could be impossible for some applicants to be awarded funds, and that it would favor new applicants. “We believe that the funding announcement is designed to favor the kind of providers the administration would rather see in the program,” Coleman said, which could include clinics with a religious mission, such as crisis pregnancy centers or major Catholic healthcare organizations. The complaint also says those requirements directly conflict with the Title X statute, which mandates that HHS consider factors such as how many patients will be served, how much the services are needed locally and whether the applicant can make rapid and effective use of grant funds. The family planning organizations say the new application process is meant to further the Trump administration’s political agenda instead of fulfilling Congress’ mandate to “offer a broad range of acceptable and effective family planning methods and services” to patients. The guidance associated with the funding notice also shifts the focus of the Title X grants from expanding access to services like contraception to strengthening “family formation” and assisting clients in “achieving healthy pregnancies.” Clinics are instructed to prioritize and promote natural methods of family planning, such as menstrual cycle tracking, which is less effective at preventing pregnancy than contraception, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “The (funding notice) enables defendants to pick winners and losers based on political alignment, as opposed to merit and the ability to provide high-quality Title X services,” the complaint reads. “This is not how federal grants should be awarded, and, specifically, this is not how Congress instructed defendants to make Title X grants.” A hearing for the case will likely be scheduled in the coming weeks. Stateline reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris can be reached at kmoseley@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Arizona Mirror, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345f0e1972385678332873 'The View' co-hosts fret over Knicks owner accepting White House invitation te 2026-06-18T21:11:42.691Z 'The View' co-hosts fret over Knicks owner accepting White House invitation "The View" co-hosts fretted over the New York Knicks owner accepting an invitation for the team to go to the White House, arguing it put too much pressure on the players. "This puts the players in a precarious position merely because Jim Dolan is admittedly a good friend of Donald Trump's and to now put that on the players, your boss, the owner of the team you play for, is extending this offer, accepting this offer," co-host Sara Haines said. "I know you might get people that refuse to go, I just think it's not fair to take any of the flowers and the beauty of this moment and its unity, and try to then place it on the players' back," she added. The New York Knicks have received and accepted an invitation to visit the White House to celebrate their NBA championship, owner James Dolan confirmed Wednesday. TRUMP HYPES JALEN BRUNSON AFTER KNICKS SECURE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP: 'A SUPERSTAR WAS BORN' Goldberg defended the team going and explained why. "I want them to go," she said. "I want all those Black men to stand in our house and remind all of those people, as we try to remind the vice president, that when you try to destroy one part of history, you're destroying all of our histories. And they, as champions, not only as amazing basketball players, but as people who were down and came back up." "This is what this looks like," Goldberg continued. "So I want them to go. I want them to go. If only so the kids know that nobody, nobody can keep you down if you are rising up." Co-host Sunny Hostin said there was a reason why other NBA teams refused to go while Trump was president. "I think there's a reason why every single — the previous five NBA champions crowned during the Trump administration refused to go. I think there's a reason for it, and that's because he politicizes the events that come before him. That's one of the problems. I don't think you can separate Trump from the White House, even though we would like to, because it is the people's house," she said. "I remain very conflicted over it because I do think it puts a lot of pressure," she continued. "These players and a lot of pressure on the captain of the team, Jalen Brunson. I think it puts a lot of pressure because Jose Alvarado, the Puerto Rican player, was already approached and asked, 'Will you go to the White House?' And he said, 'I will do whatever my team decides.'" Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.  JALEN HURTS MAINTAINS HE 'WASN'T AVAILABLE' FOR EAGLES' WHITE HOUSE VISIT "We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted," Dolan said on WFAN New York's "The Carton Show." He said they "Still have to figure out the details, but, yes, of course, I invited the president to come down to the game, right? He is a friend. I've known him for 30 years, and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House." President Trump attended the Knicks' Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. It turned out to be the only loss for the Knicks, who went on to win the NBA Championship Series 4-1. The details of the Knicks' visit have yet to be finalized. "The View" co-hosts discussed Trump attending Game 3 earlier this month and noted that many blamed Trump for the loss. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "This man comes in, and he’s a fan, OK, but my goodness!" Goldberg said at the time. "And they are blaming him for ending the Knicks’ winning streak last night." Many members of the audience cheered that line, but Goldberg warned that they should blame the team, not Trump. "No, no, no, now, come on now. They were not playing great ball. That was on us," she said. "I have to just reiterate the fact that this man does not have that kind of power. We have to remind people. He doesn’t have the power." Hostin insisted Trump brought bad "juju" to the team by attending. Fox News' Armando Salguero contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345efb197238567833286a Rob Gronkowski offers advice for Patriots to silence noise around Mike Vrabel controversy ahead of 2026 season te 2026-06-18T21:11:23.241Z Rob Gronkowski offers advice for Patriots to silence noise around Mike Vrabel controversy ahead of 2026 season An offseason scandal isn’t what a team fresh off a Super Bowl appearance needs as they try to build momentum into the next season, but that’s where the New England Patriots find themselves ahead of the 2026 campaign. It doesn’t need to be detailed what happened with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini, as their relationship took center stage in NFL news earlier this offseason. And though the Patriots are trying to gear up for a grueling training camp, heading into a season as the reigning AFC champions, the questions, columns, talk shows and more are likely to continue. It’s never easy dealing with outside noise, and as much as players say they’re not focused on it, ignoring it altogether is quite the challenge. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM But one legendary Patriots player, Rob Gronkowski, is no stranger to dealing with outside noise from reporters and fans alike. Through years of success in New England, he’s had to deal with rumored turmoil in the locker room, the Aaron Hernandez scandal and more. "Gronk" is the perfect person to ask how his former team can deal with this type of cloud overhead to start a season, and he was quick to answer. DRAKE MAYE VOICES SUPPORT FOR PATRIOTS COACH MIKE VRABEL AS OFF-FIELD CONTROVERSY CONTINUES TO SWIRL "It’s as easy as this: win. You win," he told Fox News Digital, while highlighting his partnership with Ryde and its launch of SLEEP, the brand’s newest functional wellbeing shot. "You come together as a team. You work together, you work your butt off." Is it as simple as winning? History has shown, especially up in Foxborough, that is the case. No matter what was happening off the field, in meeting rooms or in the locker room, winning cures all. Winning shows a team is still getting the job done and has what it takes to overcome adversity such as Vrabel’s scandal this offseason, which can take away from the task at hand. "Everyone has to show that they’re accountable during training camp. That they’re accountable during the preseason. Once the regular season comes, you gotta win baby," Gronkowski added. "If you win, it solves all problems. It really does. It’s crazy how winning in the NFL, it truly does and you’re good to go there. You gotta win, baby." While Vrabel and his staff are staying in place for the 2026 season, the team is also returning much of their roster that led them back to the Super Bowl. And quarterback Drake Maye has a new top wide receiver in the building, as a trade for A.J. Brown finally got done with the Philadelphia Eagles to bring him north following the departure of Stefon Diggs. Again, it’s easier said than done when it comes to winning in the NFL. "Any given Sunday" is a phrase for a reason. But it’s perhaps even more crucial for the Patriots to keep doing so like they did in 2025 – New England going 14-3 to tie for the best record in the conference – to silence the inevitable noise that will begin in training camp next month. QUALITY SLEEP IS A MUST FOR GRONK It was back in high school where Gronkowski realized how underrated quality sleep was for a budding athlete. He needed to take naps before every basketball game he played after school, and it was a habit that followed him throughout college and into his professional football career. After all, someone like Gronkowski, an animal on and off the field, needs to be well rested and recovered to keep at it all these years. It’s why Gronkowski was excited to partner with Ryde, the functional well-being brand, and help preach how good their new, two-ounce SLEEP wellbeing shot is for users looking to fall asleep faster at night, while supporting sleep quality. "It just fits my lifestyle," Gronkowski said. "It’s a very organic opportunity that aligns with my daily goals. It’s all about being balanced. It’s all about the recovery as well, and that’s what this SLEEP shot does for me. You gotta get sleep if you want to recover, if you want to go hard all day, and you want to do it again the next day and the next day. You gotta get your sleep and that’s why Ryde SLEEP comes into play to help me recover." Between the SLEEP and fan-favorite FOCUS shots, Gronkowski knows he’s putting natural ingredients in his body, emphasizing that he’s "all about natural." SLEEP uses melatonin, GABA, L-theanine and chamomile to help users unwind, and Gronkowski finds it perfect for his daily routine. "This is my first time really talking about being a sleep advocate and I truly believe in it," he said. "I always took naps because I believe in sleep that much. If I get a full night’s sleep, I don’t need to really take naps as much. That’s where Ryde SLEEP comes into play. I can sleep through a whole night and be ready to go the next day." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345cb5197238567833280b Cape Verde goalkeeper rockets past sports greats in Instagram followers after World Cup heroics te 2026-06-18T21:01:41.821Z Cape Verde goalkeeper rockets past sports greats in Instagram followers after World Cup heroics When you think of the star power that is present at this year's FIFA World Cup, some of the best and biggest names surely come to mind. Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, among others, are some of the most recognizable names in the world for both casual and hardcore fans alike. But there's one player that you may be forgetting. A man who has rocketed to superstardom practically overnight based on the merits of his performance against a global soccer superpower. That man is none other than Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose scintillating seven-save masterpiece against Spain earlier this week has grown his social media follower count from one measured in the thousands to tens of millions in a little more than three days. CAPE VERDE SHOCKS SPAIN WITH SCORELESS DRAW AT WORLD CUP As of writing, the 40-year-old has over 13.5 million followers on Instagram alone, making him one of the most recognizable social media presences in the world. Truly mind-bending stuff for a guy no one outside a few pockets of the soccer world knew about just seven days ago, but it gets even crazier when you realize just how popular he is, as well as the stars he's passed up along the way. As I wrote about earlier this week, Vozinha surpassed Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes and his 6.4 million Instagram followers just 24 hours after guiding Cape Verde to a 0-0 draw against Spain. LIONEL MESSI'S GREATNESS SHINES WITH WORLD CUP HAT TRICK AGAINST ALGERIA What you may not know is that he also has a sizable follower lead on guys like NBA champion Jalen Brunson, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and world No. 1 tennis star Jannik Sinner. At this rate, he's even on pace to catch the great Tom Brady, who sits at a staggering 15.4 million followers on Instagram. Vozinha might be one of the few people on the planet whose follower count is higher than the total population of his home country (roughly 530,000 residents). WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE It will be quite some time before he catches the likes of Messi or Ronaldo, whose combined Instagram following exceeds 1 billion, but nevertheless, Vozinha's rise to a global household name has been impressive. If he can lead Cape Verde out of their group, who knows what that could mean for his social media presence? FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE In the meantime, I'm sure the only thing Vozinha is worried about is his next match against Saudi Arabia. He could focus on being an influencer at any point in the future. Right now, his country needs another heroic performance from him. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345ca21972385678332802 Climbing El Capitan while nearly blind: why Eitan Armon refused to sit around waiting for a cure te 2026-06-18T21:01:22.362Z Climbing El Capitan while nearly blind: why Eitan Armon refused to sit around waiting for a cure We spend a lot of time negotiating with ourselves. We'll start that project next month. We'll take that trip next year. We'll get in shape when work slows down. We'll try something new when life gets a little less busy, a little less stressful, a little more convenient. But imagine what we could accomplish if we let go of those petty excuses. Enter Eitan Armon. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE When Eitan was 20 years old, he went to an eye appointment expecting to get glasses. Instead, a doctor walked into the room, looked down at his chart and delivered a life-altering diagnosis. "So you're going blind, there's nothing we can do to help." Eitan remembers walking back to his car and crying — not just because of what he was losing, but because of everything he suddenly wasn't sure he would ever have. "How would I be a professional? How would I be a husband? How would I be a father?" he recalled during an interview with OutKick Outdoors. "There was definitely a transition period." For a while, anger and uncertainty were unavoidable. But eventually, Eitan began asking a different question. Instead of focusing on what was being taken away, he started thinking about the values that mattered most to him: challenging himself, spending time with good people, contributing to something larger than himself and finding adventure wherever he could. Fast forward a few years, and that mindset led him to Yosemite National Park, where he set out to climb El Capitan — the iconic 3,000-foot granite monolith that looms over Yosemite Valley and serves as the backdrop for the new documentary "Looking Up." The feat would be remarkable for anyone. It was even more remarkable for Eitan, who had never attempted anything like it before and was doing so with only about 5% of his vision remaining. Think of it like looking through a cocktail straw. "I like being outside. I love skiing and hiking and that kind of stuff," he said. "There was definitely a trial-and-error process and a training process because I hadn't done something like this before." The climb required far more than physical preparation. Eitan and his team developed systems that would allow him to safely navigate the wall despite having only about 5% of his vision remaining. Pieces of equipment were marked with textured tape so he could identify them by touch. Every detail was considered. What surprised him most wasn't the danger. In fact, Eitan joked that one of the biggest challenges was learning how to relieve himself on the side of a mountain. "Definitely going to the bathroom on the wall by far," he laughed when asked about the steepest learning curve. Watch Eitan Armon's full interview with OutKick Outdoors here: As for the fear factor? Well, being nearly blind may have actually helped. "A lot of times when people ask me about the climb, they want to know, 'Were you scared?'" Eitan said. "I think not being able to see actually is an advantage from that perspective because if you can't see how far you're going to fall, then there's actually less to be concerned about." That doesn't mean there weren't moments when reality set in. On the second day of the climb, Eitan found himself suspended high above Yosemite Valley, needing to unclip a piece of gear before moving to the next anchor point. "My heart was racing very, very fast," he said. "I had to go, 'Okay, I'm going to trust the system. I'm going to trust the gear. I'm going to trust myself.'" He took a breath and kept climbing. That ability to acknowledge difficulty without surrendering to it seems to define Eitan's approach to life. One of the most powerful moments in the documentary "Looking Up" comes when Eitan says that sitting around waiting for something to change shows a lack of appreciation for what he already has. It's a philosophy that sounds simple, but one he admits took years to develop. "I think initially there was some anger and there was some regret," he said. "But understanding that there were still ways that I could find things that I was passionate about ... it means that I have a lot in my day-to-day to be grateful for." HIKING ETIQUETTE RULES THAT SHOULD BE COMMON SENSE BUT APPARENTLY NEED TO BE SPELLED OUT That doesn't mean he's positive all the time. Nearly a decade after his diagnosis, there are still moments that sting. He misses details while watching sports. He occasionally trips over things or breaks something around the house because he didn't see it. "When those things happen, it stinks," he said. "When something hard happens, it's important to say, ‘This is hard, and this is challenging.’ And then also to recognize that hard and challenging things are part of life. Everyone has limitations. This happens to be mine." What separates Eitan isn't that he never gets frustrated. It's that he doesn't stay there. During filming, director Elena Neuman found herself struck not only by Eitan's resilience but also by the way he navigates the world. In one scene, the crew drives into Yosemite, where towering granite walls and sweeping vistas leave most visitors speechless. Eitan couldn't fully see it. "I said to him off camera, 'It makes me sad that you can't see this,'" Elena recalled. His response has stuck with her ever since: "Don't be sad. I can imagine it." Maybe that's the lesson. Not that we should all go climb El Capitan, of course. Most of us probably shouldn't. The mountain was never really the point. The point is that life rarely unfolds the way we planned it. Sometimes the future we imagined for ourselves disappears. Sometimes doors close. Sometimes our limitations arrive uninvited. Eitan's gift isn't that he learned how to ignore those realities. It's that he learned how to embrace them and keep moving anyway. "Focus on what you can control, and let go of what you cannot." Love all things adventure and outdoors? Follow OutKick Outdoors on Instagram and TikTok! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345c8e19723856783327f9 Obama knocks Founders at presidential center debut before America’s 250th: ‘Fell terribly short’ te 2026-06-18T21:01:02.908Z Obama knocks Founders at presidential center debut before America’s 250th: ‘Fell terribly short’ Former President Barack Obama said during the dedication of his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday that America’s Founders fell "terribly short" of the Declaration of Independence’s promise, while casting the nation’s story as one of generations coming together to make the union "more perfect." "The success of this experiment was never a given," Obama said in his speech, referring to the nation's founding just days before America celebrates its 250th anniversary on the 4th of July.  "In forming our union, the founders fell terribly short of the Declaration's promise, leaving slavery intact, allowing states to restrict the franchise to white men who owned property. But in drafting a Constitution and a Bill of rights, they did have the foresight, the genius, to provide us with a framework that allows each generation to make our union more perfect." The 44th president devoted much of his speech Thursday to outlining the work he believes America still has ahead, echoing themes he has emphasized in past appearances on the campaign trail and during his time in the White House. BIDEN CLAIMS CONSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS ARE BEING 'TRAMPLED ON' AHEAD OF AMERICA'S 250TH While the Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public Friday, the dedication featured a slew of former diplomats, officials and celebrities, such as former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, Steven Spielberg, Hillary Clinton, and former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden.  "And over more than two centuries, through petitions and protests, marches and strikes, moral appeals from the pulpit and conversations at the family dinner table – men and women from all walks of life, of every color, every faith, every region took up the cause of democracy and made it their own. Until, we the people, came to include not just some of us, but all of us. And that's why the story we tell in this building begins not with Michelle's origins or my origins, but with our nation's," he continued.  Obama also used the speech to champion what he described as shared American values and the importance of finding common ground across the political spectrum.  "Every president here today, as different as we are, has tried our best to uphold the values that John McCain and Mitt Romney believed in no less than I did," said Obama, naming the two Republicans.  "It is our greatest inheritance. The story of America at its best, because it reflects a basic faith in the decency of our fellow citizens and the possibility that, despite all of our differences, we can see each other and understand one another and make common cause together. That's what I hope every visitor to this center takes away from their experience," he said.  TOM HANKS, OPRAH, STEVEN SPIELBERG TURN OBAMA'S PRESIDENTIAL CENTER OPENING INTO HOLLYWOOD'S HOTTEST TICKET The presidential museum features an Oval Office replica, along with America’s founding and civil war artifacts. Among the historical artifacts featured in the museum are a print of the Declaration of Independence, a pen and ink stand used by Frederick Douglass, Lincoln's Bible, and a pamphlet by journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells. The center’s opening Friday follows a decade of planning and construction while facing scrutiny over rising costs, construction delays and public infrastructure spending. Taxpayers footed hundreds of millions of dollars in public infrastructure costs for Obama’s museum that constructed roads, transit, and utility updates around the campus. Overall construction costs were reported to be $830 million in 2021 and have likely climbed past the $1 billion mark. A recent Fox News Digital investigation identified multiple construction firms claiming losses ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a345a361972385678332778 ‘Todos estaban completamente eufóricos’: Little Tokyo, en Los Ángeles, une cultura y comunidad durante una reunión para seguir la Copa Mundial. te 2026-06-18T20:51:02.720Z ‘Todos estaban completamente eufóricos’: Little Tokyo, en Los Ángeles, une cultura y comunidad durante una reunión para seguir la Copa Mundial. LOS ÁNGELES – Los cánticos resonaban por todo el distrito. Los aromas de los platillos tradicionales llenaban el ambiente y el orgullo se hacía sentir durante toda la jornada. La tarde del domingo, Little Tokyo, en el centro de Los Ángeles, se transformó de un histórico distrito cultural en un escenario de fervor y entusiasmo. Lo que a simple vista parecía una reunión para ver un partido se convirtió en una celebración de la comunidad y la cultura mientras Japón se enfrentaba a los Países Bajos en lo que terminó siendo uno de los mejores encuentros hasta ahora de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026. Desde el Valle de San Fernando hasta Ohio e incluso desde Japón, los aficionados abarrotaron los restaurantes y tiendas temporales del distrito en una muestra de aprecio por la cultura japonesa. Aunque, como ocurre en muchas comunidades urbanas, existen preocupaciones relacionadas con la gentrificación, en esta ocasión Little Tokyo fue el corazón del centro de Los Ángeles. La Copa Mundial simplemente elevó aún más la intensidad. “Ver a la comunidad reunirse y congregarse con un mismo propósito para ver el partido es algo realmente especial”, dijo el aficionado Bryce Townsend. Aunque la comunidad se unió para este partido de fútbol, otro aficionado, Rick Shimada, destacó la convergencia de diversas culturas. “No todos somos japoneses”, comentó Shimada. “Tenemos muchos amigos de ascendencia japonesa mixta, personas que vienen de Japón y personas como yo, cuyos padres llegaron a este país. Todos nos reunimos en Little Tokyo por el amor que sentimos por esta cultura y esta comunidad”. Otra aficionada, Ai Kusayanagi, consideró que Little Tokyo representaba un soplo de aire fresco. “Estuve estudiando en una universidad de Japón durante los últimos cuatro años”, señaló Kusayanagi. “Es agradable ver cuánto ha crecido este lugar con el paso de los años, especialmente con toda la gente que está aquí hoy”. Ai Kusayanagi y una amiga posan frente a la reunión para ver el partido mientras apoyan a Japón el domingo. (Foto de Tony Carter/Cronkite Noticias) Little Tokyo fue fundado en 1885, cuando un marinero japonés abrió un restaurante en First Street. Para 1900, varios negocios más habían abierto sus puertas y la comunidad japonesa experimentó un notable crecimiento. Hoy en día, más de 170,000 japoneses-estadounidenses viven en Los Ángeles, según el Pew Research Center, lo que convierte a la ciudad en el segundo lugar con mayor población de japoneses-estadounidenses después de Honolulu. De esos 170,000 residentes, al menos 40,000 viven en Little Tokyo. Al ser consultado sobre la evolución de Little Tokyo, Townsend atribuyó su crecimiento a la diversidad de culturas que visitan el distrito. “Little Tokyo solía estar muy, muy vacío y ser muy tranquilo”, dijo Townsend. “Desde que he ido creciendo, se ha vuelto mucho más popular. Personas de diferentes culturas de todas partes vienen aquí, y es genial ver que todos lo disfrutan”. El impacto de la Copa Mundial en el turismo es significativo, especialmente en Los Ángeles. Aficionados se reúnen para ver el partido entre Japón y los Países Bajos en la Copa Mundial. (Foto de Tony Carter/Cronkite Noticias) “Cada vez viene más gente”, dijo Townsend. “Están buscando lugares para ver el partido y, además, es muy divertido”. Kusayanagi comentó que le parecía “genial ver distintos negocios siempre llenos de gente”. Shimada trabaja en Little Akihabara, un centro de cultura pop ubicado en el corazón de Little Tokyo que alberga numerosas tiendas temporales, y ha notado una diferencia. “Contamos la cantidad de personas que entran a nuestra tienda y ayer recibimos muchas más de lo habitual”, señaló Shimada. “Definitivamente está atrayendo a más gente”. La comunidad japonesa de Los Ángeles siempre ha tenido una gran afinidad por el béisbol, especialmente desde que la superestrella Shohei Ohtani juega con los Dodgers de Los Ángeles. Sin embargo, Townsend y Shimada consideran llamativo que, en esta ocasión, la atención de los aficionados esté centrada en el fútbol y en la Copa Mundial. “Todos sienten una enorme pasión cuando se trata de nuestras selecciones nacionales, ya sea que vivan en Japón o aquí”, afirmó Townsend. “Aunque sea un deporte más pequeño para nosotros, creo que estamos más concentrados y somos más apasionados”. Shimada cree que “gracias a los Dodgers, Little Tokyo se ha convertido en un punto de referencia cultural para todos, y ahora el fútbol y la Copa Mundial están reforzando esa dinámica. Ambos generan un impacto positivo entre sí”. Tras una primera mitad sin goles, el partido se transformó en un festival ofensivo durante la segunda parte. Perdiendo 2-1 en el minuto 88, el mediocampista japonés Daichi Kamada empató el encuentro. Un rugido ensordecedor estalló entre los aficionados japoneses para poner el broche de oro a un gran partido de fútbol. “Fue un partido increíble”, dijo Shimada. “Todos estaban completamente eufóricos”. Aunque Little Tokyo es un centro de la cultura japonesa en Los Ángeles, el domingo se convirtió en un puente que unió a personas de distintas culturas. “La gente ve la pasión que sentimos y también termina enamorándose de la cultura”, comentó Townsend. “Aunque no sean japoneses, están aquí apoyando y disfrutando”. “De eso se trata todo esto”. The post ‘Todos estaban completamente eufóricos’: Little Tokyo, en Los Ángeles, une cultura y comunidad durante una reunión para seguir la Copa Mundial. appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3457b419723856783326e9 Snap spins off AI video team into new company, Dotmo, due to costs te 2026-06-18T20:40:20.157Z Snap spins off AI video team into new company, Dotmo, due to costs The Snapchat maker is spinning off yet another internal unit. Dotmo will be comprised of current Snap staff who are leaving the social media company to focus on AI video development. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34559a1972385678332112 As Trump’s immigration dragnet grows, so do complaints of ICE detention center conditions te 2026-06-18T20:31:23.000Z As Trump’s immigration dragnet grows, so do complaints of ICE detention center conditions The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Farmville Detention Center in Virginia, pictured in December 2019. (Photo: Screenshot of ICE courtesy video) WASHINGTON — When the overhead lights turn off at the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia, it not only means that night has arrived for Aliaksei Scharbachenia, but that panic attacks will soon follow. The attacks, which started after his detention began last August, he said, have only grown worse, stemming from the fear that he will be returned to his country of Belarus and face persecution due to his opposition to the authoritarian government. “With the panic attacks, I was able to take care of myself before,” he said in Russian. “But now it’s kind of getting worse, so I really need some medication, which will help me.” States Newsroom interviewed Scharbachenia over Zoom with the help of an interpreter. As the Trump administration increases the scale of its immigrant detention program, now up to 68,000 immigrants in custody, reports have surfaced of inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities like the one housing Scharbachenia. Congress recently boosted funding for immigration enforcement by $70 billion over three years, through the end of President Donald Trump’s term. ICE acknowledged receiving, but did not respond to, a detailed list of questions from States Newsroom regarding Scharbachenia’s treatment at Farmville. Ailments ignored The front entrance to the ICE Farmville Detention Center in 2010. (Photo by Paul Caffrey/ICE) The nightly panic attacks, and the lack of medication to treat them, are not the only health issues that 37-year-old Scharbachenia said he has brought to medical staff at the Virginia facility. He’s lost feeling in his right pinky and ring fingers, which he attributes to an-egg sized mass that developed on the back of his biceps during his 11-month detention. The few items that he purchased at the center – earplugs and a small blanket – were confiscated after he spent two weeks in solitary confinement after sharing know-your-rights information to newly arrived immigrants, he said.  “I totally understand that’s another way of punishment to beat me, you know, so I will be quiet,” Scharbachenia said of his two weeks in solitary confinement. Scharbachenia told States Newsroom that on May 20,  ICE agents tried to deport him to Belarus, despite his active legal petition challenging his detention. He said he was eventually placed on a deportation flight back to the United States from Turkey, his hands and feet bound for the nine-hour journey, and returned to the Farmville detention.   States Newsroom could not independently verify the May 20 deportation attempt, and ICE did not respond to questions about it. Poor conditions at multiple facilities  Scharbachenia’s complaints fit a pattern of reports from independent government inspectors that have found unsafe conditions and inadequate medical care provided to immigrants detained in facilities in Texas and Louisiana.   A recent report from the Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog found a detention center in Louisiana failed to ensure sanitary conditions, properly store perishable food, report use-of-force incidents and maintain medical records of detainees.  Congress this month passed the three-year, $70 billion immigration enforcement package that contains no restraints on ICE activities. The tens of billions in funding is on top of roughly $170 billion provided to DHS last year for detention and deportations.  Democratic lawmakers conducting oversight visits at some facilities have raised concerns about poor conditions and lack of medical care provided.  U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a New York Democrat who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said during a recent press conference that the additional $70 billion in funding will only continue a “detention and deportation industry that profits from human suffering.”  New Jersey facility Delaney Hall in New Jersey. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor) Civil rights groups have filed two major lawsuits charging poor and inadequate conditions at detention centers in Texas and New Jersey run by ICE and private contractors. In New Jersey, Sen. Andy Kim called for the Delaney Hall facility to be shut down after detained immigrants went on a hunger strike to protest their conditions. While Kim and dozens of advocates demonstrated at the facility, he was hit with pepper smoke deployed by immigration officers.  “At Delaney Hall, we learned of unsanitary living conditions, lack of adequate medical care and unhealthy food,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said after conducting oversight at the facility. “The situation is unacceptable. Delaney Hall must be shut down immediately.” In response to the criticism of poor conditions at Delaney Hall, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin argued before lawmakers that the detention centers have higher standards than jails and prisons. He described the complaints about food as detainees wanting “ethnic food.” With House Democrats in the minority, the authority to make unannounced oversight visits at any federal facility that houses immigrants is one of the few tools they have. The power is codified in a 2019 appropriations law, but the Trump administration has not adhered to that policy.  Democrats have sued to regain access in a case now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Outbreaks at Farmville Prior to Trump’s current deportation push, lawmakers had raised concerns about issues at the detention center where Scharbachenia is held. In 2019, a mumps outbreak started at the facility, and in 2020, 93% of the detained population contracted the coronavirus. Roughly now three-quarters of the immigrants detained at Farmville, nearly 500, have no criminal record, according to the most recent government data. On the campaign trail, the president vowed to focus enforcement on immigrants with criminal records, but those in detention are there on a civil charge of violating U.S. immigration law.  Virginia Democrats have continued to conduct oversight of the facility.  U.S. Sen. Mark Warner went last August to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was transferred to Farmville after the Trump administration brought him back to the U.S. after erroneously deporting him to a brutal mega-prison in El Salvador. Warner also raised concerns about the facility during the coronavirus outbreak in 2020.  During his August visit, Warner’s office said he “secured a commitment from the facility’s private operator to work with legislators to address concerns regarding food quality and access to health care.” Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine also visited the facility in March and his office said he “continues to track conditions there closely.” Scharbachenia, who is still detained at Farmville, has a pending habeas corpus petition, which is challenging his detention.  He has a final order of removal from an immigration judge, but said if he is removed back to Belarus, the country’s special police force will be waiting for him, “along with electric shock torture and death.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3455711972385678332106 Arizona’s utility watchdog has become the utilities’ guard dog te 2026-06-18T20:30:41.532Z Arizona’s utility watchdog has become the utilities’ guard dog Abhay Padgaonkar The Arizona Corporation Commission is supposed to protect customers from monopoly utilities, but a blistering new Arizona Court of Appeals decision shows the opposite happened in a major APS rate case. The commission’s hearing process helped create, defend and preserve a utility-friendly solar charge that APS itself had not requested. That is a troubling sign of regulatory capture reaching into the commission’s own courtroom. APS proposed the same rate increase for solar and nonsolar residential customers. It also said the cost study later used to justify the solar charge was meant for future cases. Administrative Law Judge Sarah Harpring recommended the charge anyway.  The court described it as “something no one asked for.” Harpring introduced the charge after the hearing was over. Customers had not been told it was under consideration and had no fair chance to challenge it. That is not neutral judging. The commission grudgingly ordered a rehearing, acknowledging that challengers needed another opportunity to be heard and present evidence. But the second hearing was a farce. Administrative Law Judge Belinda Martin treated the key cost study as largely untouchable. She limited challenges to the commission’s reasoning, allowed reliance on testimony that could not be meaningfully cross-examined and put the burden on customers to prove why the charge should be removed. The state Court of Appeals forcefully rejected that approach. Due process, it said, is “a right, not a favor.” The court threw out both the solar charge and the second decision approving it. This case is about more than rooftop solar. Commission staff and administrative judges are supposed to test the commissioners’ decisions against the facts and the law — not help build a desired result and then block challenges to it. The same pattern has appeared elsewhere. On renewable-energy and energy-efficiency rules, the commission chose the result first and directed staff to carry it out. On formula rates, it pushed toward more automatic utility rate increases while fighting over whether normal public protections applied. The issue is how an agency with exclusive ratemaking authority behaves: decide first, narrow public input, and treat legal safeguards as obstacles. And the commissioners cannot blame the judges. Harpring and Martin made recommendations. The elected commissioners turned them into official orders. They approved a surprise charge after being warned that nobody had proposed it and customers had never had a fair chance to fight it. Then they approved a second process that protected the first decision instead of honestly reconsidering it. They also used the commission’s public platform to sell the result. In a December 2024 news release, then-commissioner and now Chairman Nick Myers declared that rooftop-solar customers paid less than 70% of their cost of service and were being subsidized by non-solar customers. He said the rehearing confirmed that conclusion and called the charge “just and reasonable.” But the court found that the rehearing was not the fair test the commission claimed. The key study was shielded from full reconsideration, evidence challenging it was restricted, and the burden was wrongly placed on customers instead of APS. The commission promoted a disputed result as settled fact while the process beneath it remained deeply flawed. It used one flawed decision to protect another. A regulator is captured when it stops asking whether a monopoly has proved its case and starts asking how the monopoly’s advantage can be saved. An administrative court is captured when legal procedure becomes the tool for saving it. A captured regulator is dangerous. A captured hearing process is worse – it gives favoritism the appearance of law. Arizona ratepayers deserve utility watchdogs, not judicial robes placed on utility guard dogs. Abhay Padgaonkar is a management consultant and longtime consumer advocate.  The post Arizona’s utility watchdog has become the utilities’ guard dog first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34532e19723856783320b7 NYPD officers stop Knicks player Tyler Kolek during championship parade in viral moment te 2026-06-18T20:21:02.896Z NYPD officers stop Knicks player Tyler Kolek during championship parade in viral moment All types of law enforcement and security were present on the streets of New York City on Thursday, as the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals victory parade sent the Big Apple into a frenzy of celebration. The main goal? Keep everyone safe and make sure things don’t go overboard like several watch parties and post-win celebrations did during the team’s historic playoff run. Unfortunately for a couple of NYPD officers, they have now gone viral for not recognizing one of the Knicks’ players. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Tyler Kolek, a second-year guard who played around 12 minutes per game during the regular season and appeared toward the end of eight games during the team’s playoff run, was spotted running along the barricades down Broadway, high-fiving fans who were eager to see him and celebrate together. But, as Kolek was running, one officer stepped in his way, grabbing his arms and seemingly telling him to stop running. Another cop also put his hand on Kolek’s arm before someone stepped in, likely telling the officers that he is on the championship roster. FORMER PROSECUTOR ADAM LEVY SENDS WARNING FOR KNICKS PARADE SAFETY AFTER NYC CHAOS In the officer’s defense, Kolek isn’t the most recognizable Knicks player on the roster, especially considering how little he played during the year. But he wasn’t too pleased after being stopped, as one could understand. However, Kolek kept it lighthearted on X when someone tweeted, "Security almost tackled Tyler Kolek lmao." "I swear I’m on the team bro," he wrote over the tweet with laughing emojis. Security was being vigilant despite getting this one wrong, as tens of thousands of Knicks fans flooded the streets along the "Canyon of Heroes" for the title parade, which began in Battery Park and ended at City Hall where the team addressed the crowd alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and more. And even at City Hall there was a snafu for the parade, as the Mayor’s Office hung Patrick Ewing’s retired No. 33 for a Knicks player who barely saw the court. Every player on the championship roster had their number and last name displayed on banners, but Dillon Jones, who played just 39 minutes all season for the Knicks, had No. 33 on his banner. Jones wore No. 1 with the Knicks, but the roster lists him with Ewing’s retired No. 33. The parade was the first down the Canyon of Heroes for a team in the four major professional sports leagues since the New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3450fd1972385678332052 From bear hugs to handshakes: How India lost its edge with Trump while Pakistan quietly gained ground te 2026-06-18T20:11:41.346Z From bear hugs to handshakes: How India lost its edge with Trump while Pakistan quietly gained ground This week, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came face-to-face at the G7 summit in France, their first such encounter since February 2025. Rather than his trademark bear hug, Modi greeted Trump with a smile and handshake. Then on Wednesday, the two held a bilateral meeting. It was a friendly chat, but one that came against a backdrop of compounding tensions. As India works at restoring its relationship with Washington, its arch-foe Pakistan has expanded its own diplomatic profile, complicating India's campaign against its nuclear-armed rival. COMMERCE SECRETARY HOWARD LUTNICK MAKES QUIET TRIP TO INDIA DAYS AFTER TARIFF SETBACK For years, India built an international case against Pakistan, projecting it as an isolated or destabilizing state. This hardline stance appeared to be working, with Modi declaring to Pakistan, "India has been successful in isolating you, and we will intensify those efforts."  But a decade later, Pakistan is rapidly emerging as a key global player in the region and beyond. While Modi initially tried to engage Pakistan, his government’s approach eventually hardened around the mantra that "terror and talks cannot coexist." In Washington, India has typically been favored, with Presidents Trump, Biden, Obama and George W. Bush all making visits during their time in office. Modi built a rapport with Trump during his first term in office and was one of the first world leaders invited to the White House after Trump’s inauguration. But over the past year, that relationship has come under strain as Islamabad quietly clawed its way back to credibility. "India misjudged Trump in term two, banking on once friendly relations," Sid Dubey, a visiting professor at Bennett University in India, told Fox News Digital. "They have yet to start recovering from that." PRESIDENT TRUMP, INDIA'S MODI TO TACKLE TRADE, TARIFF TENSIONS AT HIGH-STAKES MEETING The shift first became apparent in May 2025, when President Trump announced he had secured a ceasefire between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. The fighting had come over India-administered Kashmir and was the worst in decades. Islamabad promptly praised Trump for ending the deadly dispute and even nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. New Delhi, however, rejected the claim, insisting the ceasefire was the result of direct bilateral talks with Pakistan. The response reflected India’s long-standing sensitivity to third-party involvement in what it fiercely maintains is a bilateral dispute. In the months that followed, frictions only deepened. President Trump hit India with some of the steepest tariffs imposed on any major economy. Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions pressure on Russian oil rattled energy import-dependent India, while disputes over H-1B visas added further strain. Analysts say Trump’s America First agenda increasingly overshadowed the friendship Modi had cultivated during Trump’s first term. "When Trump unfortunately said the May 2025 clash ended because of him personally, that upset India a lot, and they made that known," Dubey said. "Then the tariffs were another slap in India’s face. Meanwhile, Pakistan took advantage, leaving India at a bit of a loss. From there, relations fell further with the Iran conflict." India is among the countries most indirectly affected by the strategic fallout from the Iran war, facing economic pressure and mounting energy concerns. IRAN WAR FUELS ASIA ENERGY CRUNCH AS INDIA, JAPAN, OTHERS FEEL STRAIN Last week, a U.S. strike further exacerbated tensions after three Indian seafarers became collateral damage in the conflict. They were the first and only seafarers confirmed killed as part of the U.S. blockade, sparking outrage across India. New Delhi instantly summoned Washington’s Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks, expressing deep concern over the renewed attacks and arguing that its nationals were becoming casualties in a war not their own. India also warned of the broader humanitarian, economic, and energy consequences of the conflict, which are expected to linger even as an agreement has now been reached. All the while, Pakistan was gaining diplomatic visibility, finding itself in the unusual position of currying favor in Washington while maintaining deep ties with China, Iran and the Gulf states. Pakistan’s prominent role in recent months highlighted how Islamabad has been more nimble in its diplomacy than India," Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Sadanand Dhume told Fox News Digital. "Additionally, Pakistan decisively outmaneuvered India’s quixotic bid to isolate Pakistan on the world stage." Regional dynamics have also been reshaped by the two rivals' competing strategies. India has deepened its strategic partnership with the U.S. through alliances such as the Quad partnership with the U.S., Australia, and Japan and has expanded cooperation across South Asian states, including a burgeoning relationship with Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s growing regional relevance has been reflected in its strengthened ties with China, improved relations with regional partners like Bangladesh and expanded security cooperation with Gulf states. RUBIO VISIT TO INDIA PUSHES DEEPER ENERGY TIES AS IRAN CONFLICT RATTLES GLOBAL OIL MARKETS Additionally, Trump, who accused Pakistan of "deceit and lies" during his first term, has since repeatedly praised its leadership. In June 2025, the president invited Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir to the White House for a high-profile lunch meeting. Munir was the first Pakistani military chief who was not also president to be hosted by a U.S. president. He also led the war effort against India earlier that year.  Trump described Munir as his "favorite Field Marshal" and an "exceptional human being."  Their relationship has been further reflected in trade deals and, most recently, Pakistan’s role as a principal mediator in restoring diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran. "India tried to make Pakistan an international pariah. Instead, Pakistan has wormed its way into Trump’s good books through a combination of concrete co-operation with the U.S. and outrageous flattery of the president, leading to Trump elevating Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as heroes," Dhume said. India, meanwhile, has maintained close ties with Israel while generally sticking to more measured messaging.  TRUMP’S FAVORITE FIELD MARSHAL: WHO IS PAKISTAN’S POWERFUL ARMY CHIEF ASIM MUNIR WITH DEEP INTEL TIES On June 15, upon the agreement of a deal with Iran, Modi released a statement, saying, "India hopes that the implementation of this understanding will help restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce." "Hats off to Pakistan. They worked really hard to bring this awfully disruptive war with Iran to an end," Dubey told Fox. "India unfortunately lost out by not seeking to be a problem solver like Pakistan. It could have played its cards better as a peacemaker, given its traditionally strong relations with Tehran." Still, analysts caution these are rapidly evolving dynamics. There is no guarantee that Pakistan’s current moment will last, and the tide for India could still turn. "Pakistan’s mediation role has allowed it to substantially reset its international image. It has positioned itself as a responsible international actor rather than a rogue state responsible for both nuclear proliferation and exporting Islamic terrorism. How long this lasts depends in large measure on two things: will Pakistan find a way to remain in Trump’s good books, and will it be able to change its behavior sufficiently to convince the world that it has indeed turned over a new leaf," Dhume told Fox News Digital. Meanwhile, India is working to regain its position and show the U.S. it is still a reliable partner. Marco Rubio visited India last month, his first since becoming Trump’s top diplomat last year, which was widely seen as an attempt to reset ties.  Trump and Modi's G7 meeting marked another significant step.  Trump praised Modi as "calm, cool and totally killer" and said he would be traveling to India "sometime in the future." India has been pressing Trump for a visit, potentially as part of a broader meeting involving Japan and Australia. Trump also said the United States would defend India. "If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there," Trump said, referring to Modi. "Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it." The Pakistani and Indian governments did not respond to Fox News Digital requests for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3450e91972385678332049 Planned Parenthood offered hormones but had no answers when detransitioner sought help, undercover probe finds te 2026-06-18T20:11:21.901Z Planned Parenthood offered hormones but had no answers when detransitioner sought help, undercover probe finds FIRST ON FOX: Detransitioner Chloe Cole says Planned Parenthood clinics across multiple states had few answers when she sought help reversing the effects of a gender transition, according to a new undercover investigation obtained by Fox News Digital. The investigation, conducted by pro-life advocacy group Live Action in partnership with Cole, involved calls to Planned Parenthood locations in Idaho, Alaska, New York and Washington, D.C., among other jurisdictions. In the calls, Cole posed as a patient seeking information about detransitioning after previously undergoing a gender transition. Across multiple conversations reviewed by Fox News Digital, employees described services available for patients seeking gender-affirming care but did not identify detransition-specific programs, treatment pathways or clinical resources when asked about options for individuals seeking to reverse course after transition-related medical treatment. In one call reviewed by Fox News Digital, Cole asked whether Planned Parenthood offered services for patients attempting to stop or reverse a transition. UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION: PLANNED PARENTHOOD PRESCRIBING HORMONES TO MINORS WITH MINIMAL OVERSIGHT "We only have gender-affirming care services, like for hormones, but not to detransition," a Planned Parenthood employee told Cole. When Cole asked whether the organization offered help addressing fertility concerns or other effects associated with prior transition-related treatment, the employee responded: "As in right now, it's a no, I don't think we do that type of healthcare." The calls form the basis of a new campaign by Live Action urging lawmakers to continue restrictions on federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which the organization says has expanded its transgender-related healthcare services in recent years. I WAS 15 AND TRUSTED THE 'EXPERTS' ON GENDER CARE. TURNS OUT, THEY WERE WINGING IT For Cole, the issue is personal. "My name is Chloe Cole. When I was 12 years old, I began the process of trying to change my gender from female to male," she says in the investigation video. "At age 15, I even had both of my breasts surgically removed. But I realized that what I was doing was actually harming my body. So at age 16, I began to detransition." Cole said she launched the investigation because she wanted to know what resources existed for patients seeking help after regretting a transition. "I know firsthand the pain of being pushed down the path of transition," Cole told Fox News Digital in a statement. "In this investigation with Live Action, I wanted to see what Planned Parenthood would do when someone came back asking for help to detransition." 'LOSING THEIR HEALTH': DETRANSITIONER SOUNDS ALARM ABOUT SEX-CHANGE SURGERIES NEGATIVELY IMPACTING CHILDREN "What I found was horrifying: Planned Parenthood was ready to help people start transitioning, but had no real answers, no meaningful support, and no services to help them reverse course," she said. During the calls, Cole raised concerns about fertility, the effects of cross-sex hormones, breast reconstruction and other questions related to detransitioning. According to the investigation, employees referred her to outside providers, said they were unfamiliar with detransition-related care or stated they were not aware of such services being offered through Planned Parenthood. In one exchange, Cole told a Planned Parenthood employee, "I had surgery, I've been on the drugs, and I need help recovering the things I've lost," while asking what resources might be available to patients seeking to detransition. DETRANSITIONER TOUTS $2-MILLION LANDMARK MALPRACTICE RULING AS GOOD START, BUT ‘NOT NEARLY ENOUGH’ The employee replied that Planned Parenthood could schedule an appointment with a provider but added, "I don't think we do that type of healthcare." At another point during the call, a staff member said Planned Parenthood facilities typically see patients who are "getting started on gender-affirming care." The findings follow a separate undercover investigation reported by Fox News Digital in May that found some Planned Parenthood locations said minors as young as 16 could obtain cross-sex hormones through the organization's informed-consent model with limited requirements for therapy or mental-health evaluations. CHLOE COLE ACT AIMED AT BLOCKING MINORS FROM UNDERGOING LIFE-ALTERING TRANSGENDER SURGERIES, GOP LAWMAKER SAYS At the time, Live Action released recordings from calls to Planned Parenthood facilities in multiple states in which employees allegedly said cross-sex hormones could be prescribed at an initial appointment. The new investigation focuses instead on what support is available for individuals seeking to discontinue treatment or detransition. Live Action founder and president Lila Rose said the calls revealed what she described as a one-sided system. "Live Action's undercover investigation with detransitioner Chloe Cole exposed Planned Parenthood's one-way body destruction pipeline," Rose said in a statement. "Planned Parenthood is willing to prescribe cross-sex hormones and push vulnerable people further into dangerous so-called 'gender-affirming care,' but when someone comes back seeking help to detransition, Planned Parenthood has no answers, no support and no services to help reverse the damage." Planned Parenthood's website states that many of its health centers provide gender-affirming care and lists services including hormone therapy, puberty blockers, surgery referrals and "transition support (social, legal)." The website does not specifically reference detransition-related services on its gender-affirming care page. Not all Planned Parenthood health centers offer the same services, according to the organization. The organization is using the investigation as part of a broader effort urging Congress and the Trump administration to continue restricting federal funding for Planned Parenthood after current limitations expire. According to Planned Parenthood's most recent annual report, the organization received hundreds of millions of dollars in government reimbursements and grants while continuing to provide reproductive healthcare and other medical services nationwide. Fox News Digital asked Planned Parenthood whether any of its health centers provide detransition-related services, referrals, counseling or medical support to patients seeking to discontinue or reverse prior gender-related medical treatment, and whether it disputes any findings contained in the investigation. Planned Parenthood did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Fox News Digital's Peter Pinedo contributed to this reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3450d51972385678332036 Still not satisfied: US men’s soccer team ready for World Cup match against Australia te 2026-06-18T20:11:01.930Z Still not satisfied: US men’s soccer team ready for World Cup match against Australia LOS ANGELES — When asked if the United States’ next World Cup match against Australia would be an easy win, Tyler Adams shut it down fast. Teammate Haji Wright was not far behind, echoing the same principles. “It’s not going to be a layup,” Adams said. “If anything, it’s going to be one of the most difficult games that we play. We saw a team that went out against Turkey and competed at a very, very high level. They’re combative, they’re smart. Tactically, they were unbelievably sound.” The U.S. will face Australia on Friday in the second match of group play, a matchup that has the capability of deciding both countries’ fates for the remainder of the World Cup. Both teams sit at 1-0 after the first week of games. Australia defeated Turkey on Saturday 2-0, but Adams and Wright made it clear that their attitude and focus does not waver. “Turkey kind of came into the game a bit overconfident, and I think we won’t make that same mistake,” Wright said. “We know everything in the tournament is a good team, and they deserve to be here.” The United States faced off against Australia in a friendly match back in October. The U.S. won 2-1.  Wright scored both goals in the match and recalled how challenging the Australian defense was. “They were laying in tough challenges, and we kind of had to match the intensity,” Wright said. “I remember going to halftime, the coach wasn’t too happy with letting them punch us without punching back. Not going into this game, we’ll be able to prepare a bit more knowing how they’re going to be.” Adams echoed Wright’s sentiment, praising the defensive evolution Australia has made since that friendly. “It was a really combative game in that friendly as well,” Adams said. “Defensively, they were really, really sound. They didn’t give up a ton of chances. Winning duels, combative.” While the squad is laser-focused for Friday, its dominant performance against Paraguay granted them a day off. Following the 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday, the teams did not come in for training on Sunday. The four goals scored against Paraguay were the most scored in a single game in USMNT history. It also topped the total goals that they scored in the 2022 World Cup, in which they scored three. A day off during the World Cup is extremely rare, and the players understand this. “To have a day completely off in a tournament is rare,” Adams said. “The fact that they gave us that day off shows the work that we’ve put in throughout the past few weeks in order to earn that. We don’t take it lightly.” Something to monitor ahead of the match is the health concern of star player Christian Pulisic. Pulisic, who had an assist in the first half, exited the game in the second half due to a calf injury. When asked about his availability for the match against Australia, Adams gave no doubt that Pulisic will play. “Christian will be ready, everyone,” Adams said. “Let’s relax. I think he picked up a knock a few days before the game, and I think he got kicked in the same spot again during the game. When you go into halftime, things obviously get tight but he’ll be fine.” The players know the steps needed to win on Sunday. Watching film and breaking down what Turkey failed to do is at the top of their list during training. “They’re tough to break down,” Wright said. “They’re dangerous on counter attacks. They have good players on top of the pitch, and they were able to be effective and damage Turkey.” Wright also added that they need to be aggressive early. “If we go into the game clinical and able to take our chances early, I think we’ll be able to come out with the win,” he said. If they have any chance to win, the U.S. players know to keep their foot on the gas. During halftime of the friendly match between Australia, cameras caught coach Mauricio Pochettino encouraging his players to bring the intensity “They come and they fight,” Pochettino said. “When are we going to fix that? … Match their aggressiveness.” The post Still not satisfied: US men’s soccer team ready for World Cup match against Australia appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344ece1972385678331fd9 Knicks fans climb on police cars, sanitation trucks as countless others unable to get into jam-packed parade te 2026-06-18T20:02:22.876Z Knicks fans climb on police cars, sanitation trucks as countless others unable to get into jam-packed parade New York Knicks fans made sure they got the most out of their 53-year wait -- at least, those who were able to get inside the parade. Millions gathered in New York's Canyon of Heroes, as many fans were turned away well before the parade started due to crowds. But those who got in had quite a grand old time -- while others certainly pushed the boundaries. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Before the Knicks took part in the parade, several fans were seen climbing on top of police cars, while others gathered on top of a sanitation truck and building awnings. Subway stations were packed near sunrise, including some in which hopeful attendees were unable to even exit. Roads and entry points to the parade were closed, leaving countless people out of the parade route. In total, 72 vehicles were driven up Broadway to celebrate the team's first title since 1973, and 10,000 officers were deployed. NYPD DEPLOYING 10,000 OFFICERS FOR HISTORIC KNICKS CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE The Knicks won each of the first two games in San Antonio before losing Game 3 and then completing the largest comeback in NBA Finals history in Game 4, battling back from down 29 points. Game 5 took place in San Antonio, where the Knicks, once again, overcame a double-digit deficit -- twice. Numerous watch parties took place throughout the playoff run that resulted in arrests, resulting in the parties being temporarily canceled. Owner James Dolan announced on Wednesday that his team will visit President Donald Trump at the White House -- no NBA championship team has done so in either of his terms. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344eba1972385678331fc6 Make Music Phoenix returns in June te 2026-06-18T20:02:02.903Z Make Music Phoenix returns in June Rosie’s House will host a Make Music Phoenix kickoff event on Sunday, June 21, as the nonprofit music academy once again hosts the city-wide celebration of music (photo courtesy of Rosie’s House). Rosie’s House music academy for children is bringing music back to the Phoenix area once again this year through its annual, city-wide, all-day celebration of music and community: Make Music Phoenix. The city will transform into one big stage on Sunday, June 21, as more than a dozen venues host (mostly) free music performances throughout the day. Last year, Make Music Phoenix served more than 5,700 community members across 13 ZIP codes, in collaboration with 18 museums, libraries, local businesses, artists and volunteers. This year, music will come alive at venues such as Arizona Opera’s Wittcoff Black Box theater. Events include a music pop-up at Monsoon Market; Valley Metro will offer a Ride the Rails, Hear the Music experience; there will be Taiko drumming and family dance classes on Grand Avenue; and Strip Mall will host a vinyl pop-up. In addition, Rosie’s House will host a kickoff celebration and celebrate 30 years of music from 9 a.m. to noon, where residents can start Make Music Phoenix with music, games, and fun at this lively morning of performances, activities, free breakfast and Valley Metro passes (while supplies last). To explore the full lineup of performances, times and locations, visit https://rosieshouse.org/events/make-music-phoenix. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344e7e1972385678331fa5 Here’s What Barack and Michelle Obama Said at His Presidential Center Opening te 2026-06-18T20:01:02.485Z Here’s What Barack and Michelle Obama Said at His Presidential Center Opening The Obamas each took to the microphone, delivering speeches before a crowd of dignitaries, elected officials and Democratic supporters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344e681972385678331f84 The 11 standout startups from YC’s Demo Day, according to VCs te 2026-06-18T20:00:40.468Z The 11 standout startups from YC’s Demo Day, according to VCs TechCrunch spoke to investors to find the hottest startups in the Spring 2026 YC batch. Some of them commanded valuations of over $175 million, VCs said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344e541972385678331f7b OpenAI is bringing on some big guns in the lead-up to its IPO  te 2026-06-18T20:00:20.509Z OpenAI is bringing on some big guns in the lead-up to its IPO  OpenAI is bulking up before its IPO, landing Transformer co-inventor Noam Shazeer from Google DeepMind and former Trump AI policy official Dean Ball in the same week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344bfc1972385678331bae Three Medals of Honor to Be Awarded to Vietnam and Afghanistan Veterans te 2026-06-18T19:50:20.444Z Three Medals of Honor to Be Awarded to Vietnam and Afghanistan Veterans Two Force Recon Marines are set to receive the medal on Thursday for their actions more than 50 years ago, alongside an Army officer who showed exceptional bravery in 2012. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3449e31972385678331b5e Jena Sims gives Brooks Koepka a cheeky send-off before brutal US Open, baseball manager goes insane & BEER! te 2026-06-18T19:41:23.210Z Jena Sims gives Brooks Koepka a cheeky send-off before brutal US Open, baseball manager goes insane & BEER! Over the hump and safely onto the other side of the week. We made it. Now, all eyes are on the weekend. We're almost there, folks. Hold tight! And we've got a BIG few days ahead of us, too. US open. College World Series championship series. FIFA, if you're into that sort of thing. I believe we even have Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark tonight, which means we have to write about it, per the WNBA rulebook. See? A lot of action for late(ish) June. And hey! The longest day of the year is this Sunday, which means we'll get to milk this weekend for all it's truly worth. What a blessing. Welcome to a Thursday Nightcaps — the one where golf WAG Jena Sims gives Brooks Koepka a cheeky send-off before battling the elements at Shinnecock Hills. What else? I've got plenty of early #content from the opening round of the US Open, an all-time meltdown from a minor league manager, and some comforting reader mail on my day-drinking dilemma from earlier this week. Sound good? Good! Let's roll. Grab you a windbreaker just in case you're in the Southhampton area today, and settle in for a Thursday 'Cap! Soak it all in, folks. This is the second-to-last golf major of the season. They fly by, don't they? We've got three more rounds of the US Open, and then four rounds of the British Open (yes, it's the British Open), and then it's curtains until next April. Shinnecock Hills, by the way, is electric. I LOVE this place. For those who don't remember, it last hosted a U.S. Open back in 2018 when Fox (!!!) had the rights. Naturally, we got one of the all-time hot mic moments in the history of microphones (NSFW!!!!): Amazing. It's all amazing. Joe Buck on the call. Tiger and Phil in the field. All was right in the golf world. JENA SIMS PUTS IN WORK, SEA LION LAUNCHES ITSELF INTO A CANOE, AND THEY DON'T BUILD STATUES LIKE THEY USED TO Tiger, by the way, missed the cut. Phil finished T-48 at a measly +16. It's always carnage at this place, and it looks like this weekend will be no different. Oh yeah! You know who won that event? Brooks Koepka! We'll get to Brooksie in a minute, but first, let's check in with wife, Jena Sims, who appears unfazed by the weather in New York: What a run right now from Jena Sims. The Sports Illustrated model has been everywhere since Brooks rejoined the PGA Tour, and it's been quite a scene. Now, the only thing left is for Brooksie to win another major. It's been a WHILE since our guy won one of these (2023 PGA), but I feel it coming. I've said it all season. I think Brooks is close. What a comeback it would be, too! Come on, Golf Gods. Play ball with us this weekend. OK, let's head back out to Shinnecock and check in on how the course is playing today: JENA SIMS PICKS OUT HER PGA CHAMPIONSHIP BIKINI, KAY ADAMS SUCKS DOWN SOME FRIES & NFL DRAFT WAGS! It's early (really, really, really early), but as of 12:30 p.m. today, Brooks was leading. I assume by the time this publishes he'll be a billion strokes back and looking miserable again, but at least we have this moment. PS: I hate bunker shots. Hate 'em, hate 'em, HATE 'em. If I'm ever lucky enough to get one out, and the ball proceeds to do what it did to Brandon Wu in that last clip, I'd snap my club in half and call it a day. No shot I'm continuing to play after that. None. Zero. What a beautiful game. OK, let's rapid-fire this Thursday class into a big Thursday night. First up? Yesterday, I told everyone about my poor showing earlier this week at lunch with the First Lady. I had two beers and came home and felt like I needed a nap. A NAP. After two lunch beers. My biggest fear, naturally, was that I'm simply getting too old for lunch beers. Luckily, a couple Nightcaps veterans calmed my nerves. From Chris B: It happens to the best of us. Let’s just call it a bad day What did you do the day/night before? Did you sleep well? Can you blame it on anything? If it’s a pattern then you need to worry, especially if it starts effecting other day drinking activities. From John J: I'll be 53 in less than a month. I think you're ok, just had an off day. The meal in the middle of the day would put me to sleep through. And, from Eric P: The only place day drinking will not affect you at your age and beyond, is Europe.  Brats and beer in Munich..  Pizza and Aperol Spritz in Florence..  A couple beers at a local place in the states and your asking for a nap. Not sure if Eric was taking a shot at me or not, but I do appreciate all the reassurances. Calms me a bit, but I'll have to (and certainly will) experiment again this weekend to see if this is a pattern or just an off day. As for Chris B.'s question about how I slept the night before ... I have two kids. I haven't slept well since the early days of the Biden Administration. I assume my body is used to that by now. Finally, on the way out, let's do what any great American should be doing this summer and check out the local baseball scene: "Fris might lose his mind. He wants an explanation. Fris may get tossed ... yeah, he's done." I know that ABS and instant replay have both been upgrades to this great game. I fought ABS for a bit, but, obviously, it's a good thing. But, man, do I miss a good ejection over a blown call. Gone are the days of Bobby Cox getting tossed in the first inning for the 300th time. You just don't see it anymore, mainly because there are so few chances for umpires to actually get something wrong. Sure, they still do, because they are generally horrible, but still. This ain't your daddy's game. We're lucky if we see one or two real freakouts a year at this point. They used to be a dime a dozen in this league, especially during the glory years when Cox, Lou Piniella and Tony La Russa were all coaching at the same time. I believe that special era took place from 1990 to 2002, and it was beautiful. Oh well. Thank goodness for James Frisbie. At least someone still has some fire in the belly! Great execution on the base toss, too. That can be tricky, but Fris nailed it. Absolute pro. OK, that's it for today. Good work, everyone. Here's 20 minutes of Bobby Cox getting ejected to take us home. See you tomorrow. OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots). What would you shoot at Shinnecock today? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3449a51972385678331b34 Large Waves Sweep Napping Beachgoers in California Into the Sea te 2026-06-18T19:40:21.776Z Large Waves Sweep Napping Beachgoers in California Into the Sea Two college students lying on a Santa Cruz beach were swept as massive waves and dangerous rip currents inundated the coastline in recent days. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34474d1972385678331a9e Governor Overruled His Own Clemency Board to Release an Election Denier te 2026-06-18T19:30:21.114Z Governor Overruled His Own Clemency Board to Release an Election Denier Two members of Gov. Jared Polis’s board that reviews commutation requests came forward to say the secretive panel had twice rejected the release of Tina Peters, convicted of election tampering. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3445091972385678331a43 Man Charged With Hate Crime Over Burning Cross in Chicago Park te 2026-06-18T19:20:41.268Z Man Charged With Hate Crime Over Burning Cross in Chicago Park A former university student, Merlin Lu, 21, has claimed that he set the cross on fire in Grant Park to protest the Trump administration, not as an act of racism. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3444f41972385678331a23 Rivian owners file lawsuit alleging false promises on self-driving features te 2026-06-18T19:20:20.816Z Rivian owners file lawsuit alleging false promises on self-driving features Plaintiffs in the class action complaint allege Rivian falsely promised for years it would bring hands-free driving to its first-generation R1 vehicles. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3443011972385678331933 Senate advances landmark Protect College Sports Act, ignoring SEC and Big Ten opposition with clock ticking te 2026-06-18T19:12:01.425Z Senate advances landmark Protect College Sports Act, ignoring SEC and Big Ten opposition with clock ticking In a landmark moment for the Senate Commerce Committee, the Protect College Sports Act is now moving to a full vote that has already started the lobbying. As leaders from across college sports watched from afar, Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) held court during a markup session on Thursday that ultimately took aim at those within the SEC and Big Ten conferences that have opposed the bill in its current form. "What we did today was say we’re not going to let the most powerful, richest conferences dictate to the rest of America what’s going to happen to 500,000 athletes," Cantwell said after a 19-9 vote was secured. CRUZ AND CANTWELL REFUSE TO BEND TO SEC AND BIG TEN CONCERNS IN REVISED COLLEGE ATHLETICS LEGISLATION There have been numerous leagues that have gotten behind the bill, while those representing the athletes have opposed. But, garnering the support from those within the Big Ten and SEC footprint is clearly not an aspect of this process that both Cantwell and Cruz are worried about. On Thursday morning, the SEC and Big Ten released a joint statement on the legislation, making it clear they were not on board with giving it their support. "From the outset, we identified a set of essential revisions to the PCSA necessary for the long-term sustainability of college athletics," both conferences noted. "We have worked with both majority and minority staff to advance those revisions, which focus on better supporting student-athletes and stabilizing the college sports environment. We continue to believe revisions are needed to secure our support for the bill. "Despite our sustained engagement and good faith efforts, these critical revisions have not been accepted. We are encouraged that several Commerce Committee members share our concerns and support these recommendations." TED CRUZ, MARIA CANTWELL UNVEIL BIPARTISAN COLLEGE ATHLETICS BILL AMID NIL CHAOS, LAWSUITS, 'LANE KIFFIN RULE' For the first time ever, a college sports bill has passed through a committee vote that will now send it to the floor for a potential landmark passage. "No one got everything they wanted. But, we did create a framework that stabilizes college athletics," Cruz noted on Thursday. As for the SEC and Big Ten opposing the bill, this comes down to a number of different issues, including the 'voluntary' pooling of media rights. Also, the legislation taking aim at both for potentially forming a 'Super League.' But, in a concession on Wednesday night, that changed. IOWA STATE AD SAYS HE DOESN'T CARE IF SEC, BIG TEN LEAVE OTHER P4 CONFERENCES BEHIND: 'LET THEM BREAK AWAY' The anti-expansion provision in the bill now includes the Big 12 and ACC, with the senators changing the language that now includes conferences that bring in $700 million in revenue from not being allowed to join forces like the Avengers. This was a decrease from the $1 billion previously proposed in the legislation. There will continue to be opposition from the two biggest conferences in college athletics, but Senator Cantwell made it clear on Thursday that they would not be deterred from pressing on, even if the SEC and Big Ten opposed. Will this ultimately work? Potentially, but there will be plenty of lobbying over the next month that could ultimately change the trajectory of this legislation. There are plenty of issues that remain to be discussed. But, there were also a number of changes in the new legislation that was revised this week. Olympic and women's sports were separated from the media rights pooling provision, which now sits by itself. This would set a minimum scholarship and roster size limit, that isn’t tied into the revenue generated from television deals. Before it was revised, these necessary protections would only be enacted if the media rights were actually pooled together. As we have noted numerous times over the past few weeks, there is going to be pushback on this bill on multiple fronts. There is language in the legislation that limits player compensation and the ability to transfer. Given that, those opposed to the bill are already preparing lawmakers for an increase in lawsuits that would come if you try to put a specific guardrail around player movement. Also, there has been pushback from many regarding unions that oppose collective bargaining for student-athletes. Either way, the vote on Thursday was historic in this current era of college athletics. For years, the House tried to push the SCORE Act through, but came up short multiple times, ultimately ending with the legislation failing to make it to the floor for a vote. Now, with the Senate Commerce Committee opening up the opportunity for the Protect College Sports Act to be voted on Senate floor, this college athletics bill has essentially passed the historic point. But, with 50 days until Congress goes into recess for the summer, the clock is ticking for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring this to the floor for a vote. Can Cruz and Cantwell drum up enough support for this to pass? That is ultimately just one part of this process, with the House waiting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3442ed197238567833192a Arnold Schwarzenegger and younger girlfriend Heather Milligan turn heads in rare public appearance te 2026-06-18T19:11:41.965Z Arnold Schwarzenegger and younger girlfriend Heather Milligan turn heads in rare public appearance Arnold Schwarzenegger turned heads in Vienna on Tuesday when he appeared alongside longtime girlfriend Heather Milligan, marking one of the couple's rare public appearances together. The 78-year-old action star and former California governor stepped out with Milligan, 51, at the Austrian World Summit together on the world stage. Schwarzenegger and Milligan posed for photos at the event alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER SHOWS OFF WORKOUT ROUTINE WITH PHYSICAL THERAPIST GIRLFRIEND While Schwarzenegger is regularly seen at red carpets, conferences and public appearances around the globe, his relationship with Milligan has largely remained out of the spotlight despite the couple having dated for more than a decade. GISELE BÜNDCHEN PREGNANT WITH JIUJITSU INSTRUCTOR: STARS WHO FELL FOR NON-CELEBRITIES In 2025, the couple was spotted at an Oktoberfest event together and at the season 2 premiere of Schwarzenegger’s Netflix show "Fubar." Their latest appearance offered a rare glimpse at the woman who first entered Schwarzenegger's life not through Hollywood, but through physical therapy. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Before she became the actor's longtime partner, Milligan was helping him recover from a shoulder injury. The couple first met in 2012 after Schwarzenegger underwent shoulder surgery while preparing to film "Escape Plan" with Sylvester Stallone. Stallone reportedly recommended Milligan, an accomplished physical therapist, to help get his co-star back into fighting shape. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Years later, Schwarzenegger revealed he still credits Milligan with helping keep him healthy. "Heather Milligan is not only my girlfriend, she’s also a great, if not the best, physical therapist in the world," Schwarzenegger said during a 2024 appearance on his Pump Club YouTube channel. "That’s actually how we met. She fixed my shoulder, but we’re not here to talk about our relationship, we’re talking here about physical therapy. And since she has been treating people, thousands of patients: football players, basketball players, UFC fighters, boxers, track and field athletes, young kids, old kids, anyone and everybody, I’m talking about thousands, she knows how to take care of joints." The actor split from ex-wife Maria Shriver in 2011 after more than two decades of marriage. The former couple shares four children: Katherine, Christina, Patrick and Christopher. Schwarzenegger is also the father of Joseph Baena, whom he shares with former housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3442b01972385678331904 GOP candidates pitch themselves as the person to beat Arizona’s Democratic governor te 2026-06-18T19:10:40.522Z GOP candidates pitch themselves as the person to beat Arizona’s Democratic governor PHOENIX (AP) — The two Republican congressmen running for Arizona governor pitched themselves at a debate Wednesday as the only candidate with broad enough voter appeal to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs amid the state’s affordability struggles. U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, who is the GOP primary’s front-runner and has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, portrayed himself as being able to cross party lines and having the right experience to be the state’s chief executive. “There’s not a doubt in my mind, if you look at the polling data that you’re going to find, I am the most competitive with Katie Hobbs of anybody on this stage in any Republican in the state,” Biggs said. U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, who has survived three tough Democratic challenges in recent years, believes his focus on government finances and his drive to bring new business to the state make him the singular Republican candidate. “These are wonderful people, but they’ve never actually been in the great battle,” Schweikert said of Biggs and two other Republican opponents. Businessman Scott Neely, who ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 2022, said after the debate that if Biggs wins the primary, Republicans will lose the election. The winner of the July 21 primary will face Hobbs, who’s running unopposed in the primary. Biggs has served five terms in the U.S. House, representing a heavily GOP district in the eastern Phoenix suburbs and serving at one time as chairman of the conservative U.S. House Freedom Caucus. Before that, Biggs served in the Arizona Legislature from 2003 through 2016, including four years as president of the state Senate. He battled with then-Republican Gov. Jan Brewer on a Medicaid expansion in 2013 and pushed school choice measures and bills targeting abortion providers. Biggs is one of Trump’s top defenders in Congress and supported Trump’s false claims the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him. Schweikert, a budget hawk known for railing against government debt, has represented an affluent district that includes parts of northeast Phoenix and Scottsdale for eight terms. He served in the Arizona House in the 1990s and as Maricopa County’s treasurer in the 2000s. Schweikert has focused his congressional career on sounding the alarm about the federal budget deficit and the ballooning U.S. debt, often in late-night speeches to a nearly empty House chamber and bleary-eyed C-SPAN viewers. Schweikert has praised Trump’s 2017 tax cuts but has called for more spending cuts to reduce federal borrowing. His reputation was tarnished by ethics scandals. In 2022, he received a $125,000 fine by the Federal Election Commission for misappropriating campaign funds. Two years prior, he agreed to pay a $50,000 fine and accept 11 campaign finance violations after an investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics. In his last three general campaigns for Congress, Schweikert staved off challenges from Democrats. Biggs voiced support for Arizona’s recent passage of a three-year moratorium on tax incentives for new data centers — a move Hobbs also has touted. “They shouldn’t be given a break,” Biggs said, noting the large amounts of power and water that data centers use. Schweikert bemoaned Arizona’s unfavorable affordability rankings as “pretty miserable,” but said consumer prices don’t come down magically. He vowed to aggressively recruit businesses to Arizona and push for wage growth. Both congressmen were asked about the expired healthcare subsidies for those getting coverage under the Affordable Care Act. “We’re going to have to deal with the reality of subsidization of everything in the economy is not going to work,” Schweikert said. Biggs said he introduced legislation in Congress to bring down healthcare costs and also voiced support for Trump’s proposal to send money directly to Americans for health savings accounts so they can handle insurance and health costs as they see fit. The post GOP candidates pitch themselves as the person to beat Arizona’s Democratic governor appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34429d19723856783318fb Federal government aims to nearly triple Marana ICE detention capacity, new document shows te 2026-06-18T19:10:21.066Z Federal government aims to nearly triple Marana ICE detention capacity, new document shows The federal government aims to nearly triple the capacity of a former prison in Marana slated to become an immigration detention center, moving the building to 1,300-bed capacity from 513 through the use of temporary beds. The facility could also begin housing people even as construction moves ahead, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice alerting the public to possible construction in a floodplain.  “There is also potential for 600 additional temporary beds, bringing the total expandable capacity to over 1,300. Renovations would occur in phases, allowing portions of the facility to become incrementally operational as improvements are completed,” the notice says.  Comment by end of day June 18: icesustainability@ice.dhs.gov That information was shared as part of a “Final Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain,” a public statement made in response to an executive order instructing federal agencies to mitigate the impact of federal development in a floodplain.  The proposed immigration detention center in Marana has been at the center of a regional organizing effort in opposition to the project since last fall, when a community meeting brought out hundreds of people to discuss the federal government’s plans.  The building, formerly a state prison, is to be run by private prison operator Management and Training Corporation, or MTC. Previously, immigration officials said they planned to increase the capacity from 500 to 775 people.  Pima Resists I.C.E., a group created specifically to resist the detention center, said it was disappointed to learn about the increased capacity plan stated in the floodplain notice, and pointed the finger at Marana officials, who it said promised to keep residents updated on any movements.  “The community has not been able to have a meaningful conversation with their elected officials, nor ICE, nor MTC about how they will do this safely and in an environmentally sound manner,” Daniela Ugaz, an attorney working with the group, said in a statement. “Town officials have robbed the community of precious time in which MTC and ICE could have been held to account.” Immigration authorities said they had no detention service contracts to announce at this time for the Marana facility. “It should not come as news that ICE will be making arrests in states across the U.S. and is actively working to expand detention space,” said the statement, attributed to “ICE spox.”  On Feb. 25, the federal government shared a procurement memo for an operator to run the detention center in Marana for two years. The federal procurement order named MTC as the operator most likely to run the immigration detention facility: “Management & Training Corporation is the sole owner and operator of the Marana detention facility that meets ICE requirements in the timeframe.” Emily Lawhead, director of communications for MTC, said there was no contract with ICE in place at this time. If the contract was awarded, the company would focus on restoring local jobs and human treatment of detained people. “ICE and DHS are the appropriate sources for questions regarding procurement requirements, contract scope, and any potential future use of the facility,” she said.  In an email response to PRICE, Marana town manager Terry Rozema said he reached out to an MTC representative who said they would consider growing to house 700+ people, but not 1,300. “That number was not part of their proposal and is not a part of any plans for the facility,” Rozema said.  Marana town council member Patrick Cavanaugh said he was troubled to learn about the proposed capacity increase for the building, Cavanaugh told Luminaria. “I am very disturbed and I know most citizens in Marana are very disturbed about this ICE detention center,” he said.  Immigration officials, MTC and other Marana Town Council members did not respond to a request for comment.  Last summer, Congress approved $45 billion for immigration detention, part of an increase in spending for immigration enforcement that experts say has significantly grown America’s immigration enforcement apparatus. Under the second Trump administration, the death rate in immigration detention centers has more than doubled.  The Marana detention center is one of a number of planned new or renovated facilities where local advocates have waged months-long campaigns against the opening of a detention center in their communities. That includes Surprise, where activists have most recently launched an effort for the county to take over the city’s governance, arguing city leaders didn’t do enough to protect or inform residents around the detention center proposal.  Leaders in Surprise, much like in Marana, said they had few tools to stop the federal government’s plans.  The notice also comes amid concerns about overcrowding in other Arizona ICE facilities in recent weeks.  People held in immigration detention at a temporary staging facility in Florence reported overcrowding including 200 to 300 men held in rooms designed for about 100 people, according to a June report from The Florence Project, a Tucson-based legal advocacy group.  Despite plans to increase the number of people detained, the notice says the Marana facility will not construct new buildings or add any large paved areas. “There are no planned large-scale expansions intended to increase the facility’s overall footprint,” the notice said.  Among the changes proposed are:  Expanding medical and intake areas, including additional exam rooms, observation cells, a triage room and a dental area  Adding a second perimeter fence 12 feet high  Improving infrastructure, including modifying the wastewater treatment plant to make sure there is potable water for the larger population The post Federal government aims to nearly triple Marana ICE detention capacity, new document shows appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34411d1972385678331853 Tom Hanks, Oprah, Steven Spielberg turn Obama's presidential center opening into Hollywood's hottest ticket te 2026-06-18T19:03:57.136Z Tom Hanks, Oprah, Steven Spielberg turn Obama's presidential center opening into Hollywood's hottest ticket Former President Barack Obama opened his long-awaited presidential center with a star-studded celebration that drew some of Hollywood’s biggest names. The star-studded guest list underscored Obama’s enduring influence beyond politics. Actors, musicians, athletes and public figures joined the former president to celebrate the opening of the center, which will house a museum, public gathering spaces and programs aimed at developing future generations of leaders. Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono were all slated to perform at the dedication ceremony. Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were among the high-profile guests who joined Barack Obama in Chicago for the opening of his presidential center. OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER TO ADD AUTOGRAPHED MUHAMMAD ALI BOXING GLOVES Here's a look at the stars who attended: Oprah Winfrey was known as one Obama's earliest celebrity supporters during his 2008 presidential campaign. After endorsing him for president, Winfrey campaigned with Obama in key primary states and hosted fundraisers. Steven Spielberg is known as one of Obama's most important supporters. Over time, the relationship between the filmmaker and politician evolved into a genuine friendship. Spielberg has participated in Obama-related events and was among the prominent guests celebrating the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in 2026. Obama has also visited Spielberg personally, including a surprise visit to one of his film sets. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been consistent supporters of former President Obama. Obama also awarded Hanks the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have developed a genuine friendship with the Obamas over the years. The couple attended White House events during Obama's presidency and have maintained ties with the politician and his family afterward. Reports have described them as part of the Obamas' broader circle of celebrity friends. OBAMA CHOOSES SUPPORTER STEPHEN COLBERT FOR DEBUT INTERVIEW AT CONTROVERSIAL PRESIDENTIAL CENTER Tyler Perry was a significant supporter of Obama during the former president's reelection campaign. The filmmaker hosted major fundraising events throughout this time and later built a personal friendship with the politician. Conan O'Brien's relationship with Obama is less political and more media-oriented. Obama appeared on Conan’s late-night show before becoming president and later joined Conan’s podcast, "Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend," for a lengthy discussion after leaving office. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER LL Cool J's connection to Obama stems primarily from cultural and civic engagement. During Obama's presidency, LL Cool J participated in White House events and initiatives that highlighted arts, education, and community service. He was among a group of entertainers who frequently collaborated with Obama-era outreach efforts. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The center, located near where Obama lived and began his political career, is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually. The campus includes a towering museum that covers the political and personal realms of the nation’s first Black president and first lady, while public spaces include a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a playground and athletic center, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills. The tower’s design is meant to depict four hands coming together in solidarity. Wrapped around one side are 5-foot-tall concrete capital letters, an excerpt of Obama’s 2015 speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery march. It begins, "You are America." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a344109197238567833184a NHL completes investigation into Mike Babcock's time with Blue Jackets, won't restrict him from working te 2026-06-18T19:03:37.684Z NHL completes investigation into Mike Babcock's time with Blue Jackets, won't restrict him from working The NHL says it has concluded its investigation into coach Mike Babcock's conduct during his brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the summer of 2023. Its findings? That there's no reason he can't return to action in the National Hockey League. This clears the way for Babcock to potentially sign on to lead the Edmonton Oilers. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith," the league said in a statement released early Thursday afternoon. "Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League." The alleged conduct had to do with claims that Babcock had asked members of the Blue Jackets to show him personal photos on their phones. No investigation was done at the time, because before one could start, Babcock resigned from the team. Now, with the Edmonton Oilers seemingly circling the Stanley Cup-winning coach, it looks like they've got the all-clear from the league to put pen to paper. If that happens... boy, maybe keep an eye on Edmonton because it's going to get interesting. CONNOR MCDAVID DELIVERS MESSAGE OILERS FANS WON’T WANT TO HEAR It had been previously reported that an NHL investigation would not be conducted if Babcock backed out of a deal with the Oilers, and since one just wrapped, it stands to reason that he's the guy. Babcock's Cup win with Detroit in 2008 is a big selling point for him, but he was never able to win a playoff series during his time in Toronto. There, he had time to develop some superstar young players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander. But in Edmonton, they will have to be successful in year one by either winning the Cup or coming very close. That's because the team needs to show captain Connor McDavid that they can win now, or he might skip town. Bringing in Babcock seems like a bit of a Hail Mary to find some success, but he still doesn't solve the team's issues with depth and goaltending. In the early going especially, he's likely going to face some intense media scrutiny, and that's not something that's going to be great for the team. Personally, I think the better option would've been Bruce Cassidy, but we all know now that Vegas blocked them from interviewing him (which is kind of bush league, but I also kind of respect the gamesmanship). They could've also looked for a somewhat off-the-board choice, which is what Toronto and Vegas just did with Jim Hiller and Ryan Craig, respectively. Nope. They seem to be taking a big swing, and only time will tell if it'll lead to a Cup or if they'll completely whiff. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3440cc1972385678331826 Texas Report Finds That 39 Adults Could Have Helped Girls at Camp Mystic te 2026-06-18T19:02:36.752Z Texas Report Finds That 39 Adults Could Have Helped Girls at Camp Mystic The finding was part of a growing case against the camp’s leadership, which state investigators said did not organize an evacuation in time “despite ample opportunity.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3440b91972385678331817 Tucson arson, murder convict denied Arizona meeting records he says could clear his name te 2026-06-18T19:02:17.295Z Tucson arson, murder convict denied Arizona meeting records he says could clear his name Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3440a5197238567833180e In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down te 2026-06-18T19:01:57.839Z In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3440921972385678331805 Western Democrats challenge Trump using $90M in national park fees for D.C. beautification te 2026-06-18T19:01:38.382Z Western Democrats challenge Trump using $90M in national park fees for D.C. beautification Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34407e19723856783317fc ‘Be ready to be deported’: GOP AG hopeful Petersen pledges to help deport Arizona Dreamers te 2026-06-18T19:01:18.930Z ‘Be ready to be deported’: GOP AG hopeful Petersen pledges to help deport Arizona Dreamers Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34406b19723856783317f3 Everything you need to know about how to vote in Arizona’s primary election te 2026-06-18T19:00:59.469Z Everything you need to know about how to vote in Arizona’s primary election Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34405819723856783317ea To end war he started, Trump is poised to send $300 billion to Iran & end sanctions te 2026-06-18T19:00:40.021Z To end war he started, Trump is poised to send $300 billion to Iran & end sanctions Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34404419723856783317ca Almost half of U.S. singles feel negatively about AI in dating, Match says te 2026-06-18T19:00:20.049Z Almost half of U.S. singles feel negatively about AI in dating, Match says About 47% of singles look negatively at the use of AI in dating -- but, many dating app users are open to AI helping with profile punch-ups and conversation starters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a343dec19723856783313c0 Tariq El Sawah, Guantánamo Prisoner Sent to Bosnia, Dies at 68 te 2026-06-18T18:50:20.500Z Tariq El Sawah, Guantánamo Prisoner Sent to Bosnia, Dies at 68 He spent nearly 14 years in U.S. custody and never had a day in court even as his deteriorating health drew scrutiny. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3439c819723856783311b7 White House seizes on delayed Obama presidential center opening to crown Trump ‘Builder-in-Chief’ te 2026-06-18T18:32:40.607Z White House seizes on delayed Obama presidential center opening to crown Trump ‘Builder-in-Chief’ The White House took aim at former President Barack Obama ahead of Friday's grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center, contrasting President Donald Trump's government construction projects to the 44th president's. "President Trump continues to implement long-overdue and necessary renovations to beautify Washington, D.C., and our nation’s treasured monuments as we approach our historic 250th anniversary of independence. Thanks to the Builder-in-Chief, these projects are being completed on time and under budget — a stark contrast to the errantly run Obama administration, which overspent and underdelivered," White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital when asked for comment about the museum. The Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the public Friday following a decade of planning and construction, has faced scrutiny over rising costs, construction delays and public infrastructure spending. The White House seized on those criticisms as Trump promotes a series of renovation and construction projects. "President Trump is ensuring our nation’s capital will be properly honored and maintained in excellent condition for generations to come," Ingle added. BUREAUCRATS HIDE TRUE PRICE OF OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER AS TAXPAYERS HIT WITH INFRASTRUCTURE BILL An Obama Presidential Center Dedication held Thursday featured a slew of former diplomats, officials and celebrities such as former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, Oprah, Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, and Steven Spielberg. Taxpayers footed hundreds of millions of dollars in public infrastructure costs for Obama’s museum that constructed roads, transit, and utility updates around the campus.  Overall construction costs were reported to be $830 million in 2021 and have likely climbed past the $1 billion mark. A recent Fox News Digital investigation identified multiple construction firms claiming losses ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions. SUBCONTRACTORS SAY THEY’RE OWED MILLIONS, FACE FINANCIAL RUIN, AFTER HELPING BUILD OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER Meanwhile, Trump has been on a mission to fulfill last year’s executive order titled, "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful." "I will take care of our cherished Capital, and we will make it, truly, GREAT AGAIN! Before the tents, squalor, filth, and crime, it was the most beautiful Capital in the world. It will soon be that again," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post in August. Obama, along with democratic officials, have taken swipes at Trump over his renovations to Washington, D.C., the White House and America 250 projects, criticizing them as frivolous. PHOTOS: THE MAKING OF TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM, A LOOK AT THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS Trump "has been focused on critical issues like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and gold plating the Oval Office and building a $300 million ballroom," Obama said during a rally in October. Trump directed the addition of stone pavers in October to the Rose Garden lawn, a change designed to better accommodate press conferences and ceremonial events. There has also been construction at the White House as workers build a ballroom expected to be done before 2028. "It’s shameful that Trump is building his fancy ballroom while working families struggle to afford a basic meal during the holidays," wrote former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. TRUMP PULLS BACK CURTAIN ON WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM’S FORTRESS-LIKE DEFENSES ABOVE AND DEEP BELOW Trump previously said the future White House ballroom will not just be an event venue, but serve as a hardened security structure designed to support presidential operations and large gatherings. He has also planned installation of a Memorial Circle 250-foot arch for America’s 250th birthday that will be gilded. "Your taxes might be going up. But don't worry — at least $15 million of it is going toward Trump's arch project," posted California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office on X.  Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3439b519723856783311ae Video captures moment a moose runs straight into a vehicle while chasing dogs through the wilderness te 2026-06-18T18:32:21.167Z Video captures moment a moose runs straight into a vehicle while chasing dogs through the wilderness Turns out that moose don't care where your car is located when it's on the move. As the loyal readers are aware, nature is among the most unpredictable things you will ever encounter in life. Can it be like a Disney movie at times? Sure. There are some incredibly beautiful things in nature. No doubt about that. It can also be complete chaos, and that's what brings us here today. DEER CAUGHT ON CAMERA 'THRASHING AROUND' 103-YEAR-OLD WOMAN’S APARTMENT BEFORE ESCAPING THROUGH GLASS DOOR Instagram user @joshcaldwell4 recently posted a video of a massive female moose running into a vehicle while appearing to chase some dogs. Whiskey Riff reported the exact location of the incident is unknown. "Big momma decided that wanted a ride in the Toyota today!!! I have had a few run in with moose over the years but usually if you just stop and go the other way they leave you alone!!! Today was a different story," @joshcaldwell4 captioned the video. You can give it a watch below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. HERE’S HOW TO DO THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS WITHOUT TRAFFIC AND CROWDS People are fired up in the comment section, with many assigning blame. One person wrote, "Leave that thing alone." Another wrote, "Get your dogs in the vehicle!!!!!!" However, we don't know how fast this moose appeared or what the backstory is. You can hardly blame the dogs if they were just running around in the wild. Who leashes their dog out in the woods? That's ridiculous. Things just like this happen, and in this case, it was caught on video. What do you think of the footage? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3439781972385678331179 Scores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine Optional te 2026-06-18T18:31:20.224Z Scores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine Optional The defense secretary described the vaccine requirement, which he lifted in April, as an “absurd, overreaching” mandate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a343964197238567833116e Rock Canyon Fire surpasses 4,500 acres te 2026-06-18T18:31:00.769Z Rock Canyon Fire surpasses 4,500 acres Road and area closures are in effect on both Bureau of Land Management and Kaibab National Forest lands affected or threatened by the fire. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3439501972385678331165 Gardening Etcetera: The wonder of sunflowers te 2026-06-18T18:30:40.802Z Gardening Etcetera: The wonder of sunflowers This week's edition of the Gardening Etcetera column, written for the community by certified Master Gardeners of the University of Arizona's Coconino County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34393c1972385678331145 Amazon hopes to challenge Nvidia more directly by selling its AI chips te 2026-06-18T18:30:20.337Z Amazon hopes to challenge Nvidia more directly by selling its AI chips AWS is in talks to sell its chips to other data centers. CEO Andy Jassy has said this represents a $50 billion opportunity for the company. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3437221972385678331122 Couple set mood for Guns N' Roses by hooking up on a Ferris wheel & best friend's wife sends birthday suit pic te 2026-06-18T18:21:22.204Z Couple set mood for Guns N' Roses by hooking up on a Ferris wheel & best friend's wife sends birthday suit pic We’re back for another round of True Romance. It is with a heavy heart… or not as heavy of a heart as it once was? Whatever the mechanics of how it works are, there’s a heavy heart somewhere because of the Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo divorce news. I didn’t want to start this week off with a tough breakup, but it keeps coming up. How could this formerly overweight singer and his wife, who left prostitution to become the "Trailer Park Barbara Walters," have their marriage end due to irreconcilable differences? Truthfully, I don’t want to know. But something’s not adding up. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! If anyone was supposed to make it, it was these two. I’d prefer to live in a world where these two make it. It’s a weakness of mine. A soft spot in my cold heart. But apparently they weren’t meant to be. The world will keep going, and we’ll steer this week’s adventure from the dark back to the light. There are romantic hopefuls still out there. Couples who are willing to climb into Ferris wheels at festivals and decide that Guns N' Roses needs the proper mood to be set before hitting the stage. They had to know that other festival goers could see them, and they made the sacrifice anyway. SIBLINGS CATCH THEIR PARTNERS SLEEPING TOGETHER, A CORRECTIONS EMPLOYEE LOVE STORY & UNHINGED NON-NEGOTIABLES It doesn’t get much more romantic than that. Let’s get to the rest of this circus, shall we? Go follow True Romance on Twitter and Facebook. Send your emails here: sean.joseph@outkick.com (anonymously if you prefer). Last weekend, at the Download Festival over in the UK, a couple were spotted on a Ferris wheel giving their fellow festival goers a show. It reportedly took place on Saturday night as people were waiting for Guns N’ Roses to take the stage. FAMILY-FRIENDLY GOLF COURSE PUTS CHEATING COUPLE ON BLAST OVER PARKING LOT AFFAIR: NOT ‘JERRY SPRINGER' The romantics were in a transparent pod in full view of those on the ground below. There is, as you might expect, a video of the mood-setting performance that made its way onto social media. "Originally, for the first rotation of the wheel, people thought he was just standing behind her with his arms around her, looking at the view," a witness who is a regular at the festival said, according to news.com.au. "I have never seen anything like this. They were literally in a glass pod above everyone’s heads at the busiest point of the night, just before Guns N’ Roses were due on." OFFICER'S ROMANTIC OUTINGS IN PATROL CAR LEAD TO TROUBLE, NAUGHTY CRUISE SETS SAIL & UNCONVENTIONAL ATTRACTION Now here’s where the mood was set. The couple brought the crowd waiting to see the band together. "It sort of brought everyone together in a weird way, before they were spotted the atmosphere was nervous apprehension because they’re always late on. As soon as the cameras came out and word started getting around about what happened the atmosphere completely changed – they made the night," the witness continued. "All I can think is they thought the glass was tinted, but it wasn’t at all, it was actually spotless, you could see everything. I just hope they cleaned the cabin after they got out of it." DOCTOR ACCUSES YOUNG EX-MISTRESS OF SENDING NUDES TO WIFE AFTER AFFAIR, PROPOSED PARTNER SWAP & CELEB CHEATING That’s all anyone could hope for. Now these two romantics, who remain at large, are being looked for by the Leicestershire Police. As we all know, no good deed goes unpunished. Follow True Romance on Twitter and Facebook. The panicked call from his best friend’s wife came after he received a naked picture from her out of the blue. He’s now convinced that she’s into him. SPURNED SPOUSES CASH IN AS NORTH CAROLINA’S 'HOMEWRECKER' LAW TURNS CHEATING INTO A COURTROOM JACKPOT She made the call, begging him to destroy the evidence, and claimed it was a mistake after he responded to the nude with "Are you serious?," he wrote to the Daily Star. What he described as a blind panic didn’t have him convinced that it was an accident. Her husband’s best friend now thinks she might even want to have an affair with him. "But was it a mistake? Was she simply testing the water to see if I’m interested? Does she secretly fancy me and want an affair?" he finds himself asking. THIS ONE VALENTINE'S DAY THING CAN SUPERCHARGE YOUR LOVE LIFE He doesn’t want to delete the birthday suit pic. He wants more and is wondering what his next move should be. This is an easy one, if he’s really her husband’s best friend. You see how far she’s willing to take it, then let your buddy know that you’re in a relationship with his wife and make a complete mess of everything. That’s how this guy wants it to play out and, strictly from a romance perspective, I get it. By the way, this is exactly how a couple ends up with irreconcilable differences. WELCOME TO THE DATING RECESSION: WHY YOUNG AMERICANS ARE GIVING UP ON LOVE The question of whether a wedding ring prevents others from hitting on you was posed to women on Reddit recently, and the short answer to the question is no. That's not nearly as entertaining as some of the longer answers to the question. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There are lessons to be learned from this. One of those lessons is that the wedding ring doesn’t always prevent married women from taking those who hit on them up on their offer. Best of luck to those who do not respect wedding rings. ------------- That is it for this quiet Thursday in the middle of June. We'll do it again next week. Hopefully, we aren't faced with another heartbreaking and completely unexpected split like Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo. If we are, we'll get through it. There are always couples out there willing to take a chance on each other and willing to set an example for others, even on a Ferris wheel at a music festival. Feel free to reach out, anonymously if you prefer, at sean.joseph@outkick.com. Send me whatever you want. I get plenty of hate mail as it is and yours will be a welcomed addition to the pile. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34370e1972385678331119 Iran hardliner behind US deal warns Tehran won’t honor agreement if Trump fails to deliver te 2026-06-18T18:21:02.759Z Iran hardliner behind US deal warns Tehran won’t honor agreement if Trump fails to deliver Iran’s hardline parliament speaker and key negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would not honor its commitments under a newly signed memorandum with the U.S. if Washington fails to uphold its side of the deal, according to the media arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.  "If the United States does not honor its commitments, there is no way Iran will honor its own commitments," Ghalibaf said, according to the outlet. Ghalibaf’s warning was echoed Thursday by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, who threatened the U.S. in remarks translated by MEMRI TV, saying, "Americans should know their place and avoid confronting the Muslims."  Qaani added that "Trump is trembling" and warned that the U.S. "should fear not only Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, but many other locations as well." MEET IRAN'S HARDLINE SPEAKER WHO THREATENED TO BURN US FORCES — REPORTEDLY TEHRAN'S POINT MAN FOR TALKS The warnings came after President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Wednesday digitally signed a copy of the memorandum aimed at ending the war and resuming the flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The memorandum gives Iran major economic relief while leaving some of the most difficult nuclear questions for a final agreement to be negotiated throughout the next 60 days. Under the 14-point plan read by a senior U.S. official, Washington agreed to begin lifting its naval blockade, work with regional partners on a $300 billion reconstruction and development plan for Iran, and terminate U.S., U.N. and other sanctions on an agreed schedule as part of a final deal.  The memorandum also says all licenses, waivers and permissions needed for related financial transactions would be granted by the United States. In return, Iran reaffirmed that it "shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons," and the two sides agreed to resolve the fate of Iran’s stockpiled enriched material under a future mechanism, with the minimum method being on-site down-blending under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.  The agreement defers many of the hardest questions — including how to wind down Iran’s nuclear program — until the 60-day negotiation period for a final deal. But the Iranian figure at the center of the deal is not a diplomat known for moderation.  Ghalibaf, a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and longtime regime insider, has threatened American forces, vowed Trump would "pay the price" and built his career through loyalty to Iran’s security establishment. The new warning underscored what experts say is the central risk of the agreement: Washington may be entering a deal with officials who can enforce Iran’s commitments, but who have shown little sign of changing the regime’s long-term posture toward the U.S., Israel or the region.  Ghalibaf, 64, is a product of Iran’s security establishment. He rose through the ranks of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq War, eventually becoming commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air force.  He later served as Iran’s national police chief, overseeing internal security forces responsible for suppressing protests, including the 1999 student uprising, alongside Qassem Soleimani. After transitioning into politics, Ghalibaf attempted to run for president multiple times but failed. He instead built his career through loyalty to the system, serving as Tehran’s mayor for more than a decade before becoming speaker of parliament in 2020. FAMILIES OF IRAN'S ELITE LIVE LAVISHLY ABROAD WHILE ORDINARY CITIZENS SUFFER AT HOME "Ghalibaf doesn’t have an independent line. His strength is that he is a ‘yes man,’" Beni Sabti, an Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, previously told Fox News Digital. "If he is told to shake hands with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, he will do it. If he is told to escalate, he will. It is not about moderation, it is about who gives the orders." "His name has also been linked to multiple corruption allegations, including misuse of oil revenues and sanctions evasion networks involving his family. His sons have reportedly been involved and are under sanctions," Sabti said, adding, "There have also been public scandals involving family members traveling abroad and making luxury purchases, including widely circulated images of them arriving with numerous high-end Gucci suitcases." Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the image of Ghalibaf at a signing ceremony with a senior U.S. official would be a propaganda victory for the regime. "There was a time when the Islamic Republic would have been terrified to be seen signing such a thing," Ben Taleblu told Fox News Digital. "Post-war, this is a sign of the regime’s opportunism, and no one identifies that opportunism better than someone like Ghalibaf, who comes from the IRGC, who is a corrupt politician and is a wheeler and dealer." But Taleblu warned that Washington should not confuse Ghalibaf’s opportunism with moderation.  "The mirage is the myth of Iranian military moderation and the myth that, with time, this regime will integrate and put aside all the things that have kept it on the sidelines for so long," he said. "Transforming Iran via a deal — that is a huge lift." Ghalibaf’s wartime statements reflect the hardline posture inside Iran’s leadership. In remarks aired on Iranian television on Jan. 12 and translated by MEMRI, he warned that U.S. forces would face catastrophic consequences if they confronted Iran. "Come, so you can see what catastrophe befalls American bases, ships and forces," he said, adding that American troops would be "burned by the fire of Iran’s defenders." TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT More recently, he warned that "the blood of American soldiers is the personal responsibility of Trump," and vowed Iran would "settle accounts with the Americans and Israelis," adding that "Trump and Netanyahu crossed our red lines and will pay the price." John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America and a former national security adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, said Ghalibaf’s expected role reflects the reality of who holds power inside Iran.  "If you’re going to sign an agreement with Iran, those are the forces in charge and calling the shots, presumably with the approval of the new Supreme Leader," Hannah told Fox News Digital. "If the U.S. harbors hope that Iran will ever implement any of their obligations under the MOU, these are the people — odious as they are — capable of making it happen." But Hannah said the central question is whether Iran’s leadership sees compliance as useful, or whether the agreement is simply a tactical pause. "The big question is whether they see it in their interest to do so, or are they only buying time, rebuilding their power and preparing for the next round of conflict," he said. Ben Taleblu was even more blunt, warning that even a seemingly favorable agreement would not change the nature of the regime. "Even if you’ve got the perfect deal, with this kind of regime, with this kind of mentality, they will escalate," he said. "I thought we would have learned by now what the regime did after the JCPOA. It built a vast missile arsenal. It literally built an empire of terror proxies that took Israel years of blood, effort and money to dismantle, backed by American support." "If we engage in pay-to-play with these guys," he added, "I’m sorry to sound the alarm bell like this — but something tells me this is bad either way." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34350419723856783310c5 'The Ring' actress Daveigh Chase dead at 35: report te 2026-06-18T18:12:20.088Z 'The Ring' actress Daveigh Chase dead at 35: report Daveigh Chase, known for roles in "The Ring" and "Lilo & Stitch," died Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to NBC News. She was 35. Her father, John Schwallier, told the outlet via text that his daughter "died of complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection." Additionally, he said that Chase "was suffering from severe malnutrition." OLIVER TREE MADE EERIE COMMENTS ABOUT HIS WILL WEEKS BEFORE FATAL HELICOPTER CRASH IN RIO DE JANEIRO Her former manager, John Ryan Jr., disputed claims made in a recent crowdfunding campaign published before reports of Chase's death began circulating. "Daveigh’s estate has plenty of means to pay for the cremation," Ryan said in a statement to Deadline. "John is next of kin and never signed any paperwork over to this so called boyfriend." TMZ was first to report Chase's death through her alleged boyfriend, Roy Hernandez. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "That GoFundMe is not going toward ANY expenses for Daveigh," Ryan told the outlet. "Myself, her father, her uncle and all of us close friends who knew her for decades are encouraging people not to donate to this page.  "This man making these claims brought her into the hospital in terrible condition and didn’t let any of the family know until she passed so he can control the dialogue. Daveigh’s actual family is handling all arrangements, we have contacted go fund me to let them know this man started this page on his own under Daveighs name when she was already unresponsive and urging people to report the page and not donate." Chase was born in Las Vegas and began singing and dancing at a young age before landing her first role in a Campbell's Soup commercial. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Her star power continued to rise when she was cast to voice Lilo at only eight years old, and worked alongside Tia Carrere and Chris Sanders to bring the Oscar-winning animated Disney film to life. In addition to voicing Lilo in the film, Chase recorded more than 60 episodes of "Lilo & Stitch: The Series," and voiced the character in various video games and multimedia projects. The same year, Chase earned legions of fans in another demographic after her chilling role as "Samara" in the DreamWorks classic horror, "The Ring." In 2003, the young actress earned the best villain award at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards, and beat Mike Myers, Colin Farrell, Willem Dafoe and Daniel Day-Lewis to win the trophy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3434f019723856783310bc Oklahoma dad who took daughters into women's restroom reacts after confrontation goes viral te 2026-06-18T18:12:00.632Z Oklahoma dad who took daughters into women's restroom reacts after confrontation goes viral An Oklahoma family's routine bathroom stop during a trip home from Florida turned into an unexpected confrontation that went viral online. Tyler Brodsky was traveling with his two young daughters when he stopped at an Alabama gas station and took them into an empty women's restroom. Moments later, a bystander objected, leading to a heated exchange and a call to police. "I knock and announced that I'm coming in with two girls which, at this time, the bathroom was empty," Brodsky recounted on "Fox & Friends First." CALIFORNIA WOMAN SAYS GYM REVOKED HER MEMBERSHIP FOR CALLING OUT MAN IN WOMEN'S LOCKER ROOM "This guy comes in, starts yelling, demanding that we need to leave. [He said] I should have taken them to the men's restroom, which I disagreed with. I've personally been in the men restrooms. I just didn't feel like it was a good place to take two little girls." Video of the incident captured by Brodsky showed the man standing in the doorway scolding Brodsky as he stood near the sink, helping his daughters wash their hands. The bystander can be seen speaking into his phone, describing how his wife and "very ill" mother-in-law had reported that a man was inside the women's restroom. One of Brodsky's young daughters was seen crying as the ordeal continued. The QuikTrip manager eventually closed the door and apologized to Brodsky and the girls. UK TO BAN TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA APPS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 16, STARMER SAYS "Initially, they [my daughters] were upset. They were scared, seeing a grown man yelling like that at their dad and towards them," Brodsky told co-host Todd Piro. "It's a scary thing for little girls, so I tried to just do the best I could in the moment, and keep them calm. But they're doing well now." Brodsky shared the video on TikTok, which quickly went viral and sparked an online debate over bathroom etiquette. In a follow-up TikTok, Brodsky shared that three officers later arrived on scene to de-escalate the situation and told him he had done nothing wrong. The officers eventually asked the other man to leave and took time to reassure Brodsky's daughters, he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3434b4197238567833109b Takeaways From ‘Regime Change,’ Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s Book on Trump’s White House te 2026-06-18T18:11:00.217Z Takeaways From ‘Regime Change,’ Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s Book on Trump’s White House The book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan of The New York Times, “Regime Change,” reveals a host of details and surprising exchanges as President Trump pushed to drastically expand his power. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3434a0197238567833107c Mivo’s new app takes a mindful approach to managing screen time te 2026-06-18T18:10:40.247Z Mivo’s new app takes a mindful approach to managing screen time Doomscrolling on social media is a very common problem and can feel like an endless loop of constantly losing track of time. Instead of tackling this issue with strict limits, a new mindful screen time app called Mivo Scrolling is trying to shake things up. Launched last month, Mivo doesn’t look sup Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34348c1972385678331073 Rivian owners sue over false promises on self-driving features te 2026-06-18T18:10:20.287Z Rivian owners sue over false promises on self-driving features Plaintiffs in the class action complaint allege Rivian falsely promised for years it would bring hands-free driving to its first-generation R1 vehicles. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a343234197238567833102e Philadelphia Cannot Force Mention of Slavery at Historic Home, Court Rules te 2026-06-18T18:00:20.464Z Philadelphia Cannot Force Mention of Slavery at Historic Home, Court Rules A three-judge appeals panel threw out a lower court’s order requiring the federal government to restore a memorial and historical display at George Washington’s former house. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34301a1972385678330fe0 Trump Iran framework gambles on diplomacy despite warning Tehran will 'lie and cheat' te 2026-06-18T17:51:22.665Z Trump Iran framework gambles on diplomacy despite warning Tehran will 'lie and cheat' The Trump administration's new framework with Iran grants Tehran immediate oil sanctions waivers while postponing the most consequential nuclear questions for future negotiations, a gamble officials acknowledge carries risks because they expect Iran may not comply.  "We come in with the full expectation that they will lie and they will cheat," one senior U.S. official said on a call with reporters Wednesday, arguing that any final agreement would require a verification and enforcement mechanism capable of detecting violations. The agreement, which establishes a 60-day negotiating period, rests on a bet that Iran can be deterred from violating its commitments through monitoring and enforcement. Administration officials say any sanctions waivers can be clawed back if Iran fails to comply, while critics argue the U.S. is giving up leverage before the toughest nuclear issues have been resolved. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT The memorandum of understanding, unveiled by administration officials on a call with reporters Wednesday, says the Treasury Department will immediately issue waivers allowing Iran to export crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives, as well as access associated banking, insurance and transportation services.  But the agreement does not immediately require Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, surrender its enriched uranium stockpile or end enrichment. Instead, the deal says the U.S. and Iran will negotiate the "disposition" of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, with down-blending on site under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision identified as the minimum methodology. Administration officials defended that language as an early nuclear concession, saying the U.S. continues to push for more. "Of course that's a flaw and we will push for more than that. But the fact that they're conceding to that is a major, major win for the United States of America," one senior U.S. official said on the call. "They're saying we will destroy the enriched stockpile, and this is how we're going to do it at a minimum." Down-blending would reduce the enrichment level of the material, but would not remove it from Iran.  Trump has defended the framework as necessary to avoid a prolonged conflict, closed shipping lanes and a market shock. "If we didn't do this deal, we could have dropped more bombs for another three weeks, two weeks, four weeks, two years," Trump said Wednesday at the G7 summit in Évian, France. "You would never have the Hormuz Strait open … Your market would have, instead of going up, would go down at levels that nobody ever saw before, maybe except for 1929."  TRUMP DEFENDS WAR DEAL IN MARATHON PRESSER, USING SEMANTICS ON WHY IRAN IS GETTING $300 BILLION "I did not want to see economic catastrophe," Trump added. The framework drew support from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a prominent Iran hawk who said after speaking with special envoy Steve Witkoff that he thought the 60-day agreement would be "beneficial." "Whether or not the United States can reach an acceptable, verifiable deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program and other issues is yet to be determined, but I see little downside to trying," Graham said. Others criticized the deal for offering sanctions relief before Iran had agreed to anything concrete on the nuclear front. "How do you expect Iran to agree to anything in the future, let alone within 60 days, when you've given up all your leverage?" Blaise Misztal, vice president for policy at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, told Fox News Digital. Broader sanctions relief, a withdrawal of U.S. forces and a $300 billion reconstruction fund are also contemplated as part of a final deal if both sides can reach one within 60 days. Those who opposed the war now argue that the memorandum is the best deal the U.S. can get after the conflict and blockade. "The U.S. bargaining position was hurt by the war, not helped by it," Rosemary Kelanic, director of the Middle East program at Defense Priorities, told Fox News Digital. Kelanic said Trump is now "buying off Iran to return to something approaching the pre-war status quo" by offering immediate sanctions waivers and unfreezing assets tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. She argued that the immediate waivers are the price Trump has to pay to convince Iran he is serious about diplomacy after launching strikes during negotiations. "This is like earnest money, right?" Kelanic said. "It's like upfront cash that shows that he really means it. It's a costly signal that Trump essentially forced himself to have to make by breaking off negotiations and bombing Iran in the middle of them." Iran has framed the memorandum as a test of whether Washington is prepared to act first, rather than simply offer assurances. "Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that Iran’s deep mistrust of the United States stems from a long history of wrongdoing by American leaders," Iran foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday in a press briefing. "The United States still has a long way to go before it can earn the trust of the Iranian people." The memorandum leaves the key nuclear mechanics to be worked out during the 60-day period, as well as key issues like ballistic missile production and proxy funding.  "What we have in this deal already suggests that if there is a deal in 60 days on the nuclear issue, that deal is going to be weaker than the JCPOA," Misztal said, referring to the Obama-era nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Under the JCPOA, Iran was required to sharply reduce its uranium stockpile, including by removing excess material from the country. Misztal said the new agreement’s minimum standard of down-blending on site suggests Iranian uranium may remain inside Iran. "That means first of all, no uranium is leaving Iran, which happened under the JCPOA," he said. The agreement also guarantees toll-free commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days while Iran, Oman and Gulf states discuss a longer-term framework for administration and maritime services in the waterway. Behnam Taleblu, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned that the provision raises concerns that Iran could gain a role in regulating a critical international waterway after demonstrating its ability to disrupt global shipping. "I mean, not just charge a toll, but regulate the crucial international waterway," Taleblu said. "There can be no doubt over the fact that the Strait of Hormuz needs to be open and open to all, not just whomever Iran and Iran plus its friends can pressure others into." "If there is no guarantee of freedom of navigation, the Islamic Republic is going to salami slice the resolve of the Gulf countries and basically try to throw its weight around in this strait again," he added. The agreement also calls for the U.S. and regional partners to develop a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran worth at least $300 billion. U.S. officials have stressed that the provision does not require American taxpayer money, but critics said any funding stream could free up regime resources for other priorities. "It doesn't matter if it's Chinese money or American money or [United Arab Emirates] money," Taleblu said. "The more they have access, the less they have to compete over resources and more they can fund what they want to fund."  If negotiations collapse during the 60 days, Trump has left resuming military pressure back on the table. "If we think that they're just dragging us along and kind of bulls**ting us, then we’ll be very quick to pull the plug," a senior administration official said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342fdc1972385678330fa6 AI data centers just got a government-mandated fast lane to the grid te 2026-06-18T17:50:20.725Z AI data centers just got a government-mandated fast lane to the grid FERC told grid operators to give data centers a fast lane for interconnections, but it failed to address electricity supply shortages. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342e231972385678330f7c Dem Senate hopeful under fire for resurfaced comments calling cops 'opportunistic cowards' te 2026-06-18T17:42:59.880Z Dem Senate hopeful under fire for resurfaced comments calling cops 'opportunistic cowards' Embattled Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing backlash for calling law enforcement "opportunistic cowards" in a since-deleted Reddit post.  Platner, a far-left populist vying to become Maine’s next senator, made the comments in June 2020 in response to a post criticizing the Hancock County Sheriff's Department for seeking approval to purchase "riot gear." At the time, Black Lives Matter protests were spreading around the state, with some demonstrations turning violent, including vandalized storefronts and looting. Platner, then 35, dismissed the sheriff’s request as "ridiculous." "I guess the Sheriffs [sic] Department is so full of overweight pansies that they now need taxpayer dollars to protect themselves from George Stevens Academy sophomores and aging hippies," he wrote. VETS TORCH DEM SENATE HOPEFUL WHO CALLED ARMY ‘FAT, LAZY TRASH,’ MOCKED SOLDIER SHOT FOUR TIMES "Cops are opportunistic cowards," he continued.  The post, which is available in The Maine Monitor’s archive of Platner’s since-deleted messages, but has not been previously reported, was published under Platner’s handle "P-Hustle" on the Reddit forum R/Maine. The comment is the latest in a string of anti-law enforcement remarks Platner made well into adulthood that have raised questions about his fitness for office as he seeks to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.  "It just shows a complete lack of understanding of the way law enforcement operates," state Rep. Donald Ardell, R-Maine, told Fox News Digital in an interview. "They have to be prepared for eventualities." Ardell, a retired federal special agent and criminal investigator, said conversations with current law enforcement officers and former colleagues reflected widespread disgust with Platner’s comments disparaging men and women in uniform.  "It's a series of consistent bad decisions, and it seems to be continuing," Ardell said.  Also in June 2020, Platner denounced a Maine police chief as "thin blue line trash" for declining to kneel with demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd. That month, he wrote "all cops are bastards" in remarks first reported by CNN. In April 2021, Platner questioned whether there is a problem within policing "that extends into the profession as a whole" in a since-deleted post.  Platner has also faced scrutiny over comments declaring himself a communist, disparaging rural White people as "racist" and "stupid" and mocking a female teenager’s suicide attempt. FROM #METOO TO MAINE? DEM EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON HOW PLATNER'S RISE TESTS PARTY STANDARDS: 'PULLING THE PLUG' Platner has said many of his comments were taken out of context and attributed some of them to struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder after multiple overseas deployments. "You should read the comments in context. It's very clear I'm joking," he previously told Fox News Digital when asked about them. "It's called s---posting. It's when you argue with people on the internet and try to bother them." Ardell questioned whether Platner, who was largely in his 30s during the nearly decade-long period of online trash-talking, could have "made such a quick turnaround" in the past six years.  "If Graham Platner is interested in sort of working on himself, he can do it on his own time — not on Mainers' time, and not in the U.S. Senate," Ardell said. The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment. The newly resurfaced Reddit post comes as Platner is attempting to weather mounting scrutiny over his past treatment of women, including an allegation of abuse from former girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield. In May, the campaign acknowledged a period of infidelity during Platner’s marriage to Amy Gertner — whom he wed in 2023 — which involved sending sexually explicit texts to at least half a dozen women. Platner also maintained an active account on the private messaging platform Kik, an app widely used for sexual encounters. His campaign said he had long deleted it from his phone. Adding to Platner’s troubles, he has not provided a clear explanation for why several ex-girlfriends knew about his since covered-up Nazi-linked tattoo prior to the candidate publicly disclosing it last year.  A former girlfriend who dated Platner in 2021 showed The New York Post text messages she sent in September 2025 that discussed the "Nazi tattoo on his chest." The Senate hopeful has said he first learned about the black skull-and-crossbones tattoo’s links to Nazi SS units in October 2025. He wore it for nearly two decades after getting it while out drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia. Asked if more negative information about Platner would come to light before November, Ardell did not hesitate.  "This is not a guy that has a skeleton in the closet," he said. "This is a guy that has a whole graveyard." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342e101972385678330f73 Drone intercepted over Team Korea World Cup training camp ahead of game against Mexico te 2026-06-18T17:42:40.428Z Drone intercepted over Team Korea World Cup training camp ahead of game against Mexico The Mexican military intercepted a drone that was flying over the South Korean national soccer team’s training camp ahead of its World Cup match against Mexico on Wednesday. South Korea and Mexico are both 1-0 and will be facing off for the lead in Group A. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The Mexican forces used specialized equipment to detect an "unregistered drone" near the South Korean camp, prompting them to "neutralize" it, a Mexican federal agent told The Associated Press. It wasn’t clear if the drone was trying to spy on the South Korean team ahead of Thursday’s match between the teams. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo called the incident "unfortunate." "Yesterday (Tuesday), during our training, there was a drone in the sky that we came to know about the fact," Hong said through a translator. "But fortunately, it was right before we practiced our tactics, so it did not impact us. But while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing, so what happened was unfortunate." The Mexican operation was part of a security plan involving military and local police forces for the soccer tournament, which kicked off last week in Mexico City and is being co-hosted by the United States and Canada through July 19. In March, Mexican authorities announced a World Cup security operation known as "Plan Kukulkán," involving about 100,000 personnel from federal and local military and police forces. The plan includes early warning systems, security measures at stadiums, airports, roads and hotels, and protection protocols for teams, officials and fans. US INVESTIGATING WHETHER CHINESE CITIZEN CHARGED WITH FLYING DRONE OVER BASE COMMITTED 'MORE SERIOUS OFFENSES' In Canada, authorities have banned unauthorized drones from flying over World Cup stadiums and several training sites in Vancouver and Toronto as a security measure. The restrictions remain in effect until July 7 — the date of the last game scheduled to be staged in the country. In 2024, the Canadian women’s national team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session in the days leading up to their opening match at the Paris Olympics, triggering a spying scandal that led to sanctions against Canada. The scandal led to the suspension of two coaching staff members and head coach Bev Priestman, who was subsequently dismissed by Canada Soccer. The Canadian women’s team — the reigning Olympic champions from the Tokyo Games — was deducted six points from its group standings in France. Canada Soccer later determined that the incident was not an isolated error but part of a pattern of insufficient oversight within the national teams. Mexico won its opening Group A match at the World Cup on Thursday while South Korea beat the Czech Republic later that same day. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342dfc1972385678330f6a James Carville doubles down on viral prediction that Trump 'will resign next spring' te 2026-06-18T17:42:20.974Z James Carville doubles down on viral prediction that Trump 'will resign next spring' Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville doubled down on his controversial comments, insisting President Donald Trump "will resign next spring," on Wednesday.  In a video for Politicon, Carville rejected claims that he was making the forecast to gain attention.  "People said, ‘Oh, that’s very clever, you got a lot of pick-up. You know, you like to say kinda crazy a-- things,’" Carville said. "I want to be very clear on something. I’m not doing this as a crazy a-- prediction, I’m doing that because I genuinely think that he will resign next spring." Carville pointed to Trump’s alleged health deterioration and increasing political pressures as key factors in his prediction. JAMES CARVILLE SUGGESTS THE SPECIFIC HOLIDAY BY WHICH PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL RESIGN "Everybody around you is being subpoenaed for everything that you can imagine," Carville continued, seeming to address Trump directly. "Your life is miserable."  He added that he believes Trump has been on the "decline" in his second term, and is no longer interested in governing.  "You can look at him and just see how fat and unhealthy he is," Carville said. JAMES CARVILLE CALLS PRESIDENT TRUMP 'FAT, SORRY, SACK OF S---' IN PRE-SOTU RANT In another jab at the president, Carville compared Trump to Bill Clinton, insisting that any attempt to claw back popularity over a hypothetical midterms loss would be unfeasible.  "He doesn’t have the stamina," Carville said. "Yeah, [Bill] Clinton came back, but Clinton — frankly, it was the greatest mismatch in maybe American political history — Bill Clinton versus Newt Gingrich. Well, guess what? Donald Trump is not the Bill Clinton of 1995."  He concluded by suggesting Trump would request a pardon from would-be President JD Vance as he departs office. "He’s going to JD Vance," Carville said. "His lawyers are going to say, ‘Look, you can stay, you can pardon yourself — there’s some uncertainty as to whether you can do that. There’s no uncertainty as to whether a President Vance can pardon you and your family,’" he said. "So I’m sticking with my prediction." CARVILLE DOUBLES DOWN ON THEORY TRUMP WILL 'WALK AWAY' FROM OFFICE AFTER MIDTERMS, GET PARDON FROM JD VANCE The veteran political strategist’s original claims, made on Sunday’s episode of "Politics War Room," suggested Republicans are gearing up to oust Trump after the upcoming midterm elections.  "Trump has no earthly idea of what's coming," Carville previously said. "They're not telling him. The vote against him in November is going to be, like, breathtaking." "He's already bored," Carville added. "He can't stay awake. He says he's bored with the Iran war. He's — and I'm telling you, this guy by Easter of 2027 is just going to walk away from this job. Just gonna f---ing walk away because he doesn't have any idea of what it's going to be like when he comes to grips with the massive — I mean it's going to be massive rejection of him, anybody that has anything to do with him, anything that he has anything to do with." In a statement to Fox News Digital, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle condemned Carville's prediction. "James Carville is a stone-cold loser who suffers from a severe and incurable disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome, and it has rotted his peanut-sized brain," Ingle said.   In the fall of 2024, Carville wrote a New York Times op-ed predicting a Kamala Harris victory: "America, it will all be OK. Ms. Harris will be elected the next president of the United States. Of this, I am certain." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342de91972385678330f61 Mets TV reporter has a heck of a time trying to get through a Skyline Chili dog on-air te 2026-06-18T17:42:01.520Z Mets TV reporter has a heck of a time trying to get through a Skyline Chili dog on-air When you think of grub that comes from Cincinnati, Ohio, there's an almost 100% chance that you think of Skyline Chili. And while it's the city's most famous culinary export, it's also one of the most divisive, as evidenced by the New York Mets reporter Steve Gelbs trying to choke down a Coney dog topped with the famous chili. Let's just say we can put him firmly in the "not a fan camp." You could tell Gelbs was trying to talk himself up to take a bite, like someone who's trying to jump off the high diving board at a community pool so they don't get bullied by their friends for the entire summer and the following school year. GAS STATION FOOD IS 'EXTRAORDINARY' AND 'HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT,' SAYS TOP CHEF He took a bite, and the returns were not stellar. "I’m not trying to be hyperbolic," he said. "I’d rather have a vending machine burrito. I’m not kidding. That sound you just heard was Cincinnatians sharpening pitchforks. I love chili. In fact, I remember at one point after high school thinking about becoming a firefighter, because from what I've seen on TV, a lot of the time in between fires is spent perfecting chili recipes. I love a Coney dog too, but, dammit, I can't seem to wrap my head around Skyline Chili. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There's a location not too far from where I live, and I'm always like, "I should try that," but then I remember people telling me it tastes like cinnamon and you have to get it served over spaghetti and I get the yips. The other problem is that I need the right conditions before diving into an unfamiliar chili. One time my wife suggested we get Skyline for dinner, but it was the night before I had an early morning flight. That was a complete non-starter. That's just a recipe for certain disaster. So, I'm still trying to talk myself into getting a loaded-up Coney (by the way, that's too much cheese and not melting it is wild), but Steve Gelbs' foray into the world of Skyline Chili is not helping me get over the hump. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342dd61972385678330f58 Joe Rogan claims former presidents threw 'a lot of money' at Spotify removal effort over COVID controversy te 2026-06-18T17:41:42.064Z Joe Rogan claims former presidents threw 'a lot of money' at Spotify removal effort over COVID controversy Podcast host Joe Rogan made new allegations on Wednesday that several critics, including former U.S. presidents, "spent a lot of money" attempting to remove his hit show from Spotify after he was accused of spreading misinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  On "The Joe Rogan Experience," Rogan sat down with behavior expert and author Chase Hughes to discuss social media and the importance of influence on various platforms while dealing with critics. During the interview, Rogan revealed that his show lost a significant number of sponsors during the pandemic — despite having such a large following — over various statements he made about vaccines and lockdowns.  KATHY GRIFFIN BLASTS JOE ROGAN AS ‘RIGHT-WING’ INFLUENCER WHO KEEPS FANS FROM GETTING VACCINATED "Well, the position that I was in during the COVID thing was very unique," Rogan said. "I had already — I’d gotten such a head start. I was so far ahead of them," he added. "They didn’t realize my ability to say, ‘Wait, this is — this doesn’t make any sense.’ Like, none of this makes any sense."  Rogan was previously accused of spreading misinformation during the pandemic after he told listeners he would not receive the shot if he was young and in good health, while also criticizing COVID-19-era lockdowns.  At the time, Rogan claimed to have successfully used a cocktail of medications — including ivermectin — after he was diagnosed with the virus. BIDEN SPENT MILLIONS ON ‘MISINFORMATION’ RESEARCH. THE DETAILS ARE EVEN MORE DISTURBING THAN YOU THINK The podcast host’s remarks set off a media firestorm in the midst of the pandemic, with Rogan revealing this week that a slew of PACs and several other groups pressed Spotify and his sponsors to remove his show from the Sweden-based company’s platform.  "Thank God I was on Spotify, and thank God Spotify is not an American company," Rogan said. "And also, it helped that I was number one in, like, 90 countries and not number 90 in one country, you know? That helped. That helped a lot."  Rogan went on to claim during Wednesday’s episode that even former presidents were involved in the alleged takedown. ZUCKERBERG TELLS ROGAN BIDEN ADMIN WOULD 'SCREAM' AND 'CURSE' AT HIS EMPLOYEES, DEMANDING CENSORSHIP "I can’t even talk about it, but there [were] presidents involved — and former presidents involved — that were contacting Spotify," Rogan said. "[They were] trying to get me removed for vaccine misinformation. And it turned out to be right. All of it. Not a single [person] apologized."  "I lost a lot, a lot during those days," he added.  Rogan did not reveal which public officials or PACs were involved in the alleged attempt to derail his show. He added "there was a lot of coordination" behind the efforts to remove his show, but said, "I don’t talk about it too much because it’s — it’s pretty — it’s pretty deep." "It was nuts, but it didn’t work, right?" Rogan continued. "But they tried. They spent a lot of money. A lot of money. It wasn't a small amount of money, it wasn't a small amount of people. It was a lot of people, and a lot of money. That part was spooky." Following the 2022 backlash surrounding Rogan’s portrayal of the pandemic and vaccines, Spotify announced it would "add a content advisory to any podcast episode that includes a discussion about COVID-19." Fox News Digital reached out to Spotify for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342d981972385678330f37 In revitalizing the Colorado River Delta, a little goes a long way te 2026-06-18T17:40:40.617Z In revitalizing the Colorado River Delta, a little goes a long way In revitalizing the Colorado River Delta, a little goes a long way stolte Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 18:49 In revitalizing the Colorado River Delta, a little goes a long way Today Today's Colorado River Delta is a far cry from the lush waterway Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342d841972385678330f2c This UA program treats anxiety with art and theater te 2026-06-18T17:40:20.659Z This UA program treats anxiety with art and theater When a University of Arizona student sees a campus health provider for anxiety or depression, they might leave with a prescription. Not for medication, but for a night at the theater or an afternoon at a museum. The UA just wrapped up the first academic year of its Arizona Arts Rx program, a partnership with Social Rx that connects students to arts and culture activities, on and off campus. Social Rx, formerly Art Pharmacy, is a national organization focused on mental health. The program, which dates to 2022 nationally, launched at UA last year after Andrew Schulz in the arts department approached the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine about bringing it to campus. The initiative is led by Arizona Arts in partnership with the Weil Center, Student Affairs, Campus Health and Student Success and Retention Innovation. The UA is the first university in the Southwest to offer services through Social Rx. Students referred by their Counseling and Psych Services provider are connected with a Social Rx care navigator, who helps match them with activities based on their interests, from painting and theater to museum visits and zoo trips, and can reserve a ticket for them and a friend at no cost. The program drew 126 referrals in its first year and was used primarily to address anxiety, depression and loneliness, Campus Health Executive Director David Salafsky told Tucson Spotlight. "Something we've seen in more recent years is that we're more connected through our phones and technology, but sometimes students are feeling like it's more difficult to find that group of friends," Salafsky said. "Sometimes that can be a challenge and we want to offer opportunities for students to make it happen." Share Tucson Spotlight with a friend. Every signup earns you a raffle entry to win a gift card to a local Tucson favorite. Four winners drawn August 1. The arts offer more than entertainment, Salafsky said. They provide perspective and a shared social experience that can reframe how students relate to their own struggles. "Art gives us perspective on the human experience," he said. "People think, what do anxiety and loneliness have to do with the arts? But it's part of the human experience and reframing what that means." Salafsky said the program also addresses something deeper than social connection: the stress that underlies so much of what campus health providers see. That's an observation Dr. Stephen Dahmer, executive director of the Weil Center, shares. Dahmer estimates that stress is a factor in 80% of what he sees and treats as a primary care physician. He said the program fits within integrative medicine's broader goal of treating the whole person. "Stress is an underlier for a good chunk of what we see. I believe Social Rx hits this on a deep level," Dahmer said. "In no way does this take away from (traditional mental health treatment). It's an adjunct that can work in conjunction with anything else that is currently being offered." He added that arts prescriptions can reach students earlier than traditional interventions and work alongside other forms of care. "Healthcare isn't just about caring for the sick or only about pharmaceuticals," Dahmer said. "We're going to treat you as a whole person. And we can look outside the box for other interventions." UA Campus Health Executive Director David Salafsky and Dr. Stephen Dahmer, executive director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Courtesy of UA. A national movement The UA program is part of a broader national shift, said Julia Hotz, a solutions journalist and author of "The Connection Cure," the first book to document the science and spread of social prescribing. Social prescribing is now practiced in more than 30 countries, but the U.S. has lagged behind, in part because its fragmented healthcare system makes systemic adoption harder, Hotz said. That's beginning to change. "Social prescribing really has jumpstarted in the U.S.," Hotz said. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey was among the first insurers to buy in, offering arts prescriptions of up to six months to at-risk members through cultural partners in Newark. When she completed the draft of her book in early 2023, Social Prescribing USA, a grassroots hub for practitioners, was just starting to find its footing. The group held its first national conference earlier this year. It was also awarded a National Academy of Medicine Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award to run what it says will be the first social prescribing pilot at Kaiser Permanente, launching in Oakland and Berkeley, California, this year. "Social prescribing in the United States is really hard to compare to other countries that have it because our healthcare systems are so fractured," Hotz said. But there are entry points, she said. Medicare, Medicaid and health maintenance organizations like Kaiser have long focused on prevention, operating on the logic that supporting a patient's whole health saves money down the line, making them natural early adopters of the social prescribing model. Julia Hotz, author of "The Connection Cure," has documented the global spread of social prescribing, a model the University of Arizona adopted last year through its Arizona Arts Rx program. Courtesy of Julia Hotz. Universities, Hotz said, are a natural proving ground. "The kneejerk response might be, 'What do you mean we need social prescribing in universities? Aren't they filled with clubs and social opportunities and opportunities to engage with the arts?'" Hotz said. "But sometimes people need that extra accountability. And sometimes there are also barriers, like transportation or funding. This is about connecting the dots to what already exists on campuses, but also about setting a good foundation for later in life." Students who learn early that arts and culture can reduce stress and anxiety may carry that habit into their working lives, Hotz said. By the numbers The UA's first-year numbers suggest students are taking the prescription seriously. Of those who completed intake, roughly 80% showed up to their activity, said Chad Herzog, executive director of Arizona Arts Live, which coordinates the program's community partnerships. Even when people buy their own concert tickets, Herzog noted, no-show rates hover around 15%. "Students who have been prescribed these are not just sitting on that prescription. They're actually showing up," Herzog said. "And think about the number of times people are prescribed something by a doctor and never pick it up." What students chose to do also shifted as the year went on. Early on, roughly 65% to 70% attended performances and exhibitions as audience members. By mid-year, that flipped: 60% to 65% were signing up for participatory experiences, including glassblowing at the Sonoran Glass School, jewelry making, and more. "Instead of watching things happen, they were getting their hands dirty with glassblowing or classes at a writing center," Herzog said. The program now counts more than 60 Southern Arizona organizations as partners, from the Center for Creative Photography and the UA Museum of Art to the Fox Tucson Theatre and Congress. Importantly, those partners are paid for tickets, classes and time, rather than asked to donate services. "So often when you work in the arts, you're asked to do things for free," Herzog said. "We're not asking our partners to do that. We're asking them to be there as organizations and provide opportunities for students to participate." Chad Herzog, executive director of Arizona Arts Live, helped build Arizona Arts Rx's network of more than 60 Southern Arizona cultural partners in the program's first year. Courtesy of UA. That detail matters, Hotz said. One of the structural challenges facing social prescribing in the U.S. is building a model that doesn't burn out the community organizations at its center. "In the UK, they designed a new position to take care of this, a link worker who works alongside the doctor and patient as a bridge to the community," Hotz said. "Instead of a 15-minute visit, the link worker has up to 60 minutes to really understand what matters to this person." Social Prescribing USA is already training link workers for the Kaiser pilot, with sessions underway in Oakland ahead of the program's launch. The response from Tucson's arts community surprised even the program's organizers. When Arizona Arts put out an open call for partners last summer, the volume of organizations that responded caught Social Rx off guard. "It blew people away," Herzog said. "Social Rx couldn't believe how strong our partners were and how quickly they came and wanted to participate." What's next Heading into year two, the program plans to expand its referral pipeline beyond CAPS, training academic advisors to make referrals alongside counselors. Herzog said the goal is to reach 100 partners and explore a well-being add-on pathway for students who want additional support. Prescriptions will continue through the summer, including virtual options for students who have gone home. The program is entirely funded through a philanthropic gift to Arizona Arts, which has committed to a three-year run. "This generation is not afraid to talk about mental health, but at the same time, it's still something we have to be talking about," Herzog said. "Now we're thinking about whether there can be some kind of well-being add-on so students can get further support through additional pathways." The UA-specific outcome data is still being compiled, with a full report expected later this summer. But early self-reported results are notable: 70% of participants reported improved well-being, more than 50% reported reduced anxiety and more than 60% reported lower loneliness scores after engaging with activities. Through Arizona Arts Rx student prescription options include learning an instrument, taking in a movie, making digital art and more. Photos by Mindi Acosta), Julius Schlosburg and Mike Moore. Hotz said those are the right things to be tracking, but programs that want to build a durable case should also consider measuring what drove early adoption in the UK: reduced utilization of healthcare. "The UK pilot showed reduced emergency room visits, hospitalizations and visits to primary care physicians," Hotz said. "Over time, in a healthcare system that's government-funded, that led to a reduction in spending. If someone is interested in this from a cost-saving perspective, that could be the thing to measure." Dahmer said he's watching for UA-specific data that will help identify which students benefit most and how to find them earlier. "I do believe that there will be students and patients that gravitate towards this more than others, so if we can find students that really might thrive in this, they'll hone in on that in the future," Dahmer said. That future, he said, also includes rethinking what a healthcare intervention is allowed to look like. "Sometimes we forget that not too many of our interventions are fun," Dahmer said. "Hedonia (the pursuit of pleasure and well-being) is not a bad thing to include in an intervention for students who may be struggling." For Hotz, the larger opportunity isn't just what the program does for students now, it's what it teaches them about their own health. "The tagline of social prescribing is to replace the question 'What's the matter with you?' with 'What matters to you?'" she said. "It's about mixing science with patient choice and making it another option on the healthcare menu." Salafsky put it more simply. "Sometimes you just need that nudge to get access to some of these world-class performances and events, and if you don't get that little push, sometimes you can miss it," he said. "That's the great thing about the university community. We have so many things available. It's just getting people that first nudge to get them connected." Caitlin Schmidt is Editor and Publisher of Tucson Spotlight. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342b691972385678330ee6 11 suspected illegal immigrants among 15 arrested in $1.4M benefits fraud crackdown in Massachusetts, DOJ says te 2026-06-18T17:31:21.889Z 11 suspected illegal immigrants among 15 arrested in $1.4M benefits fraud crackdown in Massachusetts, DOJ says A nationwide welfare fraud crackdown reached Massachusetts this week, as federal authorities announced the arrests of 15 people — 11 of them illegal immigrants — accused of stealing more than $1.4 million in American taxpayer-funded benefits. The defendants are accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits through programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance, MassHealth, Social Security disability payments, housing assistance and unemployment benefits, according to the Department of Justice. "Alarmingly, 11 of the 15 charged defendants are suspected illegal aliens, some of whom assumed stolen identities to steal these taxpayer-funded benefits and avoid detection," Acting Assistant Attorney General Colin MacDonald said during a Thursday press conference in Boston. Officials said one defendant, Heriberto Rodriguez of Framingham, Massachusetts, is accused of carrying out more than $546,000 in benefit fraud involving MassHealth, Social Security, housing assistance and SNAP benefits. Several other suspects allegedly obtained tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded assistance through false statements, identity theft and other fraud schemes. STOLEN IDS SOLD FOR ‘HAPPY MEAL’ PRICES FUEL BILLIONS IN US BENEFIT FRAUD MacDonald argued the alleged crimes did more than drain public coffers, saying some Americans were effectively locked out of programs intended to help them because their identities had already been used by fraudsters. "In some cases, the victims of these crimes, the rightful beneficiaries of these funds, could not access benefits they needed," MacDonald said. "American citizens were boxed out of these programs because illegal aliens took their names to then take their money." U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said the arrests represent only the latest phase of a broader federal effort targeting fraud across Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS AUDITOR TAKES TRANSPARENCY FIGHT TO HIGH COURT AFTER ALLEGED $12M FRAUD UNCOVERED According to Foley, federal prosecutors have charged more than 65 defendants in fraud-related cases since January, alleging more than $56 million in losses. Combined with previously announced cases, authorities say they have charged roughly $63 million in alleged fraud losses over the last seven months. Foley described the cases announced Thursday as evidence of "unchecked, unbridled, rampant fraud" across the Commonwealth. "There isn't any place else in the world where you can go and be handed free food, free housing, free healthcare and free monthly checks while being in the country illegally," Foley said. "However, it appears that you can come to Massachusetts and steal as many benefits as you want without fear and without any accountability." Federal officials said the investigation was conducted with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and multiple inspector general offices. They vowed additional arrests and charges are forthcoming as investigators continue examining benefit programs for fraud. "The further we look, the more fraud we find," MacDonald said. "And this is just the beginning of our work." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a342b2c1972385678330ec3 Ask a Ranger: When Flagstaff was under the sea te 2026-06-18T17:30:20.966Z Ask a Ranger: When Flagstaff was under the sea This week's Ask a Ranger column, from the NPS/USFS Roving Rangers. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34295f1972385678330e7d FOX's Kasper Schmeichel compares England to Dallas Cowboys, so who are their other sports analogs? te 2026-06-18T17:22:39.734Z FOX's Kasper Schmeichel compares England to Dallas Cowboys, so who are their other sports analogs? FOX Soccer analyst Kasper Schmeichel came prepared for this year's World Cup on American soil. The former Danish goalkeeper may not be from around these parts, but that didn't stop him from dropping an eerily accurate comparison between two overconfident but long-suffering sports programs. With England and Croatia warming up inside AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Schmeichel decided he would roast two fanbases with one stone, comparing the Cowboys to the Three Lions with a hilarious one-liner. Funny, but also painfully true if you're a supporter of either team. COWBOYS LEGEND DIGS DEEP INTO THE TEAM'S MISSING 'FIBER' THAT'S RESULTED IN SUPER BOWL DROUGHT I made a comparison last week between the English national team and Notre Dame, but Schmeichel got me thinking, who are the sports analogs to England from the four major North American leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA)? Today, I will be doing exactly that, including giving a slightly better NFL comp than the Cowboys (shocking, I know). Without further ado, let's piss off our neighbors from across the pond. FROM 4 STRAIGHT SUPER BOWL LOSSES TO JOSH ALLEN'S PATRICK MAHOMES PROBLEM, BILLS MIGHT BE CURSED While the Dallas Cowboys are a fine comparison for the English national soccer team, I think I can do one better. Schmeichel mentioned that England "won it once and have never stopped talking about it," and although the second part of that statement applies to both, the Cowboys are five-time Super Bowl champions, having won it most recently in January 1996, a good three decades after England. If you really want a team that more accurately mirrors the hard luck of the English, it would have to be the Chicago Bears. 3 HISTORIC NFL FRANCHISES FIND THEMSELVES IN SAME BOAT SINCE TURN OF THE CENTURY They have one Super Bowl win to their name, which came 40 years ago, and really don't have much else to show for it. Also, having lived in the DFW area for the better part of a decade, I can confidently say Cowboys fans are a little too arrogant and cocky to be compared to the English. Sure, England will say things like "it's coming home," but they are far more self-deprecating and aware of their faults, even nihilistic in some cases. The Bears hang onto their history because they know things will inevitably go bad for them on the biggest stage. Speaking of which... The Toronto Maple Leafs actually line up with England more closely than either fanbase would like to admit. While the Leafs have a litany of Stanley Cups to their name, their most recent win was back in 1967, less than a full year after England won their first and only World Cup. As far as expectations go, both constantly go into their respective tournaments with the weight of the world on their shoulders, only to come crashing down in the most horrific ways imaginable. For the Leafs, it comes in the form of blowing big leads in the playoffs, while English fans and players alike can't even hear the words "penalty kicks" without having a mental breakdown. England and Toronto are both long-suffering cities, but their fans keep showing up expecting a different outcome. Insanity? No, just sports fandom. This one would have been an even better comparison if the New York Knicks hadn't gone and won the whole damn thing this year, but these two sports teams are still eerily similar. WHY THE KNICKS, DISRESPECTED BUT CLAWING BACK, TOUCHED A RAW NERVE IN NEW YORK CITY AND ULTIMATELY THE COUNTRY Think of the Knicks' 2026 NBA Championship run as a window into what it would look like if England captured a World Cup (on American soil, no less). Before this year, the Knicks famously had not won a Larry O'Brien trophy in over 50 years, yet they were still considered one of the "blue bloods" of the NBA. Decades of heartache didn't change that; it only made their fans more insufferable, but their triumph earlier this month in the NBA Finals exorcised all those demons. THE ATHLETIC BEWILDERINGLY CELEBRATES 'ZOHRAN MAMDANI SPORTS SUMMER' AFTER NEW YORK KNICKS WIN NBA FINALS A win in the World Cup Finals would probably do the same for England fans, as you could probably feel that sigh of relief from the other side of the Atlantic. Hello again, New York. The Big Apple certainly has its fair share of winners, but it also has plenty of franchises that are aching to make a trip back down the Canyon of Heroes, none more so than the Mets. Year after year, the Mets are near the top of MLB in terms of spending, with little to show for their efforts. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE They won a World Series back in 1986 and have been chasing that high ever since. The common thread between England and the Mets (along with all the other teams on this list) is expectations relative to results, and it seems like the Mets are sort of a Schrödinger's baseball franchise in that regard, expected to both compete for a World Series with their high-priced talent and flame out in spectacular fashion all the same. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE England always has flashy players heading into World Cup play, but the results haven't been there, and they've often been sent home in brutal fashion, offering a great parallel to the Mets' clockwork-like midsummer swoons and late-season meltdowns. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34294c1972385678330e74 Top Senate Republican rips into Trump's Iran deal, says $300 billion makes Obama deal look like 'a pittance' te 2026-06-18T17:22:20.284Z Top Senate Republican rips into Trump's Iran deal, says $300 billion makes Obama deal look like 'a pittance' Republicans aren’t taking President Donald Trump's deal with Iran well.  While Congress has still not received the actual memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Trump and Iranian officials, lawmakers have seen the reports circulating in the media.  And one of the top Republicans in the Senate warned that while he supported the war’s initial objectives, he feared that the current agreement would undermine those same objectives.  Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., shredded the MOU in a statement on Thursday, in which he cautioned that the agreement "negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the president's goals." TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL 'GIVING A LOT MORE TO GET A LOT LESS' THAN OBAMA'S, SENATOR SAYS "Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran — though not funded by U.S. taxpayers — would make Iran's payoff under President Obama's 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison," Wicker said.  The proposed $300 billion fund has given Republicans heartburn as details have emerged in recent days, with some comparing it to the billions that flowed to Iran under former President Joe Biden.  The agreement stipulates that the U.S. would coordinate with regional partners to develop the fund, which would be finalized as part of the 60-day deal. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT Wicker also took issue with lifting sanctions on Iran and forcing Israel to stand down against Hezbollah, "an Iranian-backed terrorist organization that continues to attack Israel on its northern border."  "The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal — ‘Death to America, Death to Israel,’" Wicker said. "The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim." "President Trump has pursued peace through strength," he continued. "I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective." Wicker isn’t alone in his fear that Iran will turn around and use the funds for nefarious efforts.  REPUBLICANS BAT DOWN BID TO HANDCUFF TRUMP’S WAR POWERS AS PEACE DEAL NEARS Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, warned that "giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is an exceptionally bad idea."  "And I think, unfortunately, the president is receiving some really bad advice on this deal," Cruz told reporters.  Cruz compared the fund to billions shipped to Iran under the Biden administration, which he charged was the "most catastrophic foreign policy" decision made during the prior administration, and that the "money funded terrorism across the globe in a very real sense." "If we give billions of dollars to Iran, that money will be used to murder Americans," he said. "And so I don't believe we should do that. And the idea that we would have effectively a Marshall plan for Iran and come in and rebuild Iran after they've been the leading state sponsor of terrorism for 47 years — they've murdered nearly a thousand Americans — I don't think that makes any sense." Vice President JD Vance, who has become the public face of the deal, defended the fund during a press briefing at the White House on Thursday, contending that the only way Iran could access that funding, which he vowed was not coming from taxpayers, was "if they comply fully and change their behavior."  "So you really have a win-win situation for the United States of America," Vance said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3429381972385678330e6b Pro baseball team forfeits Pride Night game after players refuse to wear themed jerseys, organization says te 2026-06-18T17:22:00.826Z Pro baseball team forfeits Pride Night game after players refuse to wear themed jerseys, organization says A professional baseball team in Pennsylvania will be forfeiting a game on Thursday that was scheduled to be the team's Pride Night after players refused to wear LGBTQ-themed jerseys, the team announced. The York Revolution of the Atlantic League, the same league where Trevor Bauer currently plays, said the decision "was not reached lightly" in announcing the forfeit to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Wednesday. The team was not afraid to throw its players under the bus in a rather scathing statement, saying it was "deeply troubled and profoundly disappointed by the decisions of these few players." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "To be clear; this action by the players is completely inconsistent with our vision as the Most Welcoming Place in York," the team's statement continued. The jerseys, which would have been worn on the team's 11th annual Pride Night, had rainbow sleeves. The team announced it would be making a $10,000 donation to the Rainbow Rose Center "as a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners ... to support and further their work in making sure the York community is as inclusive as we strive to make WellSpan Park in York, Pennsylvania." MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL WARNS SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS PLAYERS FOR WRITING BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE NIGHT HATS Despite no game being played, the Revolution will still hold a "free and fun celebration of recognition and inclusion" on Thursday and offer exchanges for any remaining 2026 regular-season home game, subject to availability. The team did not immediately respond to an email asking who the players were, whether the players would speak to Fox News and whether there would be further punishment for the players. The team will host a "Juneteenth Celebration" on Friday. The Revolution have won the Atlantic League in each of the last two years and currently feature former MLB relief pitcher Joely Rodriguez. The forfeit comes less than a week after San Francisco Giants players wrote Bible verses on their Pride hats, which resulted in warnings from Major League Baseball. York is currently 28-22, four games behind the North Division lead. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3429241972385678330e52 9 Senate races to watch as Democrats eye an uphill path to the majority in November te 2026-06-18T17:21:40.345Z 9 Senate races to watch as Democrats eye an uphill path to the majority in November Maine's Graham Platner is the Democratic candidate for what's considered one of the nation's most competitive battles for the U.S. Senate. Platner, who is challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, is shown at a rally at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland on April 18, 2026. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Democrats are growing hopeful they can recapture the U.S. Senate in this fall’s midterm elections amid President Donald Trump’s plummeting approval ratings.  But they still need nearly everything to break their way against a map that put them at a starting disadvantage, analysts and campaign officials say. At the outset of this election cycle, Republicans appeared highly likely to hold their majority. Democrats would need to flip four seats, and competitive races this year are in states that are more Republican than average.  (Getty Photos) But as election watchers increasingly expect a blue tint to the November midterms, the question is now whether it will be blue enough to put Democrats back in the Senate majority, where they are now at a 53-47 disadvantage. Democrats are mounting competitive campaigns in Republican-run states typically seen as stretches, including Texas and Iowa. But analysts say scandals surrounding the party’s nominee in Maine, Graham Platner, have exposed how dependent Democrats are on a rising tide of voter anger with Trump and Republicans to lift their candidates to victory.  “Is 2026 gonna be a mildly blue lean year, like 2018, or a kind of tsunami blue year, like 2006 or 2008?” J. Miles Coleman, the associate editor at Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a University of Virginia-based election forecaster, said. “I think the answer to that question is still kind of, we’ll see.” Strong candidates, high prices Thirty-five Senate seats will be on the ballot during the November midterm elections.  Of the nine deemed most competitive — Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas — that will likely decide control of the chamber, Trump won all but Maine and New Hampshire in 2024. Democrats would have to retain their current seats and flip others in some combination of seven of those Senate races to take over control of the chamber.  But Democrats have also offset their geographic disadvantage by fielding strong candidates in a few of the most important races, making pink-to-red states such as Alaska, Ohio and North Carolina ultra-competitive. Democrats’ optimism comes as Trump has made a series of moves they believe could prove toxic for Republicans. Potentially most damaging, the war with Iran sent gas prices soaring and inflation rising, calling into question his handling of the economy as voters continue to rate affordability as a top issue.Trump has signed a ceasefire agreement and gas prices are dropping, but the question is whether there’s enough time left to erase the damage.  The president’s approval rating was near 50% when he won the 2024 election, Coleman said, but has since sunk as the cost of living keeps rising.  U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about the war in Iran from the Cross Hall of the White House on April 1, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images) Trump continues to turn off voters, with elections now less than five months away. A New York Times daily average of polling placed the president’s approval rating at 39% as of June 17. A switch in Senate control would have major implications for the remainder of Trump’s term.  Democratic senators, assuming they vote together, would have the power to block any U.S. Supreme Court nominees put forward by Trump in the final two years of his term, as well as executive branch nominees and federal judges, and to shut down major party-line legislation enacted by Republicans twice already in the past year through the budget reconciliation process. The combination of an unpopular president and a strong crop of candidates gives Democrats a fighting chance to win the majority, even if they still face long odds, Coleman said. “If you asked me a year ago if Democrats had a path to the Senate, I would have said the chances aren’t zero, but they’re very hard,” Coleman said. “Now, I think there are several paths that the Democrats have to take the Senate, but I think the Republicans just have an easier path holding it.” Moderates put red states in play Alvin Tillery, a Democratic pollster and consultant who is also a professor in Northwestern University’s political science department, said strong candidates in North Carolina, Ohio and Alaska give his party the edge in those states Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and former Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola are “moderates who have won statewide,” Tillery said. Though the Democratic candidates in those states are establishment-friendly, Tillery said Democrats generally should look to motivate younger voters and voters of color by leaning in to issues that the No Kings protests have elevated, as well as keeping affordability in focus. But, despite the apparent quality of Democratic candidates, those states are still purple at best. Trump has won each state in each of his three White House runs. The president’s drooping approval may not be as big a factor as Democrats need, a national Republican campaign operative said. “Yes, approval ratings, obviously, have gone down,” the operative, who declined to be identified by name, said. “However, when it comes to the Republican base, they are still showing up for Trump, and he will make sure to turn them out … At the end of the day, we have an advantage when it comes to the state-specific electorates that we’re looking at.” Control of the Senate may come down to the Democratic candidates’ strength against the overall partisan lean of the states in play. “They’ve by and large done a good job of recruiting the candidates they need to to put those states in play,” Coleman said of Democrats. “It’s just a question of: Are those states too red?” Democrats are also defending open seats in Michigan and New Hampshire, while Sen. Jon Ossoff is seeking reelection in Georgia. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates the Michigan race as a toss-up and the contests in New Hampshire and Georgia, where Ossoff will face Trump-endorsed Rep. Mike Collins after his win in the June 16 GOP primary, as leaning toward Democrats. A Maine street fight On paper, Maine could be seen as the bluest state on the map this year because of its state’s record in presidential elections. But its Senate race also may be the most immune from the national environment, with a battle-tested Republican incumbent running in a lightly populated state where retail politics can still swing an election. The matchup, which may be the single most competitive in the country, pits a controversial newcomer in Platner against Sen. Susan Collins, a moderate and powerful Republican with proven electoral appeal who has occasionally criticized the president during the Trump era but also voted for conservative Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner rally together in Portland, Maine, on May 25, 2026. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star) Democrats are betting that Maine voters want more full-throated opposition to Trump. Primary voters formally made Platner the nominee in June after Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, seen as a more establishment candidate, suspended her campaign.  Platner, a gruff-looking oyster farmer and Marine veteran, has connected with voters with a populist, outsider message. But he has faced an array of flaps, including over a tattoo with Nazi associations and that Platner had sexted several women while married. The New York Times also reported on women who said they were disturbed by Platner’s behavior while dating him. He faces a difficult matchup with Collins, who has won other races in the face of significant national headwinds. In 2020, even as Trump lost the presidential election nationwide and in Maine, Collins won reelection while outperforming Trump by 18 points. Senate math The president’s party typically does poorly in midterm elections. Republicans are seen as likely to lose the House, though gerrymandering may make the fight for control of that chamber tighter than before. Republicans losing the Senate, too, would be seen as a stinging rebuke of Trump and GOP lawmakers. In Ohio, Republican Sen. Jon Husted is seeking election after he was appointed to the Senate last year to replace JD Vance, who resigned to become vice president. Brown is running against Husted after losing reelection in 2024 to Sen. Bernie Moreno.  Brown, who promotes a populist message, hearkens back to an earlier era of Ohio politics, when Democrats were more popular. President Barack Obama won the state in 2008 and 2012 but Republicans have since become ascendant, with Trump winning the state all three times he’s run for president. While Husted hasn’t won a Senate race, he’s won statewide races for lieutenant governor and secretary of state.  In North Carolina, Cooper is now favored in a contest with Republican Michael Whatley, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Sabato’s Crystal Ball and the Cook Political Report have said the race leans Democratic, though another forecaster, Inside Elections, rates it as a tossup. They are battling to flip the seat and succeed Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican who chose not to run for reelection after repeatedly clashing with Trump. He has publicly said Trump is harming Republican chances in November. “We need Republicans to do well in November, but the stupid stuff is killing our chances!” Tillis wrote on social media in late May. Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola at a July 28, 2022 ceremony at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Alaska’s Senate race pits two well-known politicians in the state against each other. Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is facing Peltola, who was the state’s lone U.S. House member for more than two years. Peltola represents a hope by Democrats that a familiar face will resonate with voters in a state where the party has struggled. She was the first Democrat to win statewide in Alaska since 2008. Peltola, who was first elected to Congress in a 2022 special election, lost her race for reelection in 2024. Sullivan’s campaign got a boost after Alaska election officials disqualified a different Dan Sullivan from appearing on the ballot. Alaska Elections Division Director Carol Beecher wrote that the other Sullivan had filed “with a purpose to confuse or mislead” voters. In Iowa, Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek, a state representative, are running for an open seat created after Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican, declined to run for reelection. Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek celebrated his primary election victory to become the Democratic nominee for Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat at an Iowa Democratic Party election night party in Des Moines June 2, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa was once a major swing state and home of long-serving Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, and helped power President Barack Obama’s rise in 2008. It has since become solidly Republican, but anger over Trump’s tariffs and concerns that the war in Iran will send fertilizer prices rising have potentially created an opening for Democrats. Lone Star longing After Maine, no race has perhaps attracted as much attention as Texas. Republicans are emerging from a bruising primary battle between Sen. John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, the scandal-plagued and previously indicted state attorney general. Paxton won and will face Democrat James Talarico, a state lawmaker and seminary student who speaks openly about his faith, a progressive form of Christianity. A Democratic victory would represent a political earthquake. Democrats haven’t won a Senate seat in Texas since the 1980s and haven’t won a statewide election since the 1990s. Trump won 56% of the vote in Texas in 2024. A Talarico victory — a statewide Democratic victory — would open up the possibility that the party might one day again compete at the presidential level in Texas, the state that sent President Lyndon B. Johnson to Washington. Texas has 40 Electoral College votes, the second-biggest prize after California’s 54. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3428e71972385678330e2a Texas government data breach allowed hackers to steal 3 million driver’s licenses and passports te 2026-06-18T17:20:39.413Z Texas government data breach allowed hackers to steal 3 million driver’s licenses and passports A data breach involving government-issued ID documents affects over three million people in Texas. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3428d31972385678330e21 The smartphone era created an attention crisis. Slowtech is fixing it te 2026-06-18T17:20:19.965Z The smartphone era created an attention crisis. Slowtech is fixing it “People just really want to take back control of their time, their lives, their attention... They’re down for whatever helps them do that.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3426f41972385678330e00 6 in 10 identity crimes now begin with a new account te 2026-06-18T17:12:20.538Z 6 in 10 identity crimes now begin with a new account For years, two women in Bremerton, Washington opened credit cards and lines of credit in other people's names, working from documents they pulled out of stolen mail. Emily Vranic and Heather Marquis redirected the new accounts' statements to an address they controlled, so no bill ever reached the victims.  They pleaded guilty in federal court this month to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme prosecutors say stole nearly $229,000 from banks and bank customers. If you have ever worried about a credit card opened in your name, this case shows how quickly stolen mail can turn into a much bigger identity theft problem. Opening a new account is the leading form of identity misuse reported to the Identity Theft Resource Center. In its latest data, 62.1% of attempted misuse cases began with a new account application rather than the takeover of an account the victim already held. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. WARNING SIGNS YOUR MAIL HAS BEEN FRAUDULENTLY REDIRECTED When people picture an account opened in their name, they may imagine a checking account at a bank they have never set foot in. The more likely target is a credit card. Credit cards made up 41% of attempted account misuse reported to the ITRC last year. Checking accounts came to 17.7% and personal loans to 8.5%. A credit card is one of the easier accounts to open in someone else's name, and the reason is in how the application is cleared. A lender matches the submitted name, date of birth, address and Social Security number (SSN) against the bureau file. When those details fit a record that already exists, an automated system can approve the application with no one confirming that the applicant is the person being described. Assemble enough of someone's information from breaches and stolen mail, and the check clears. Vranic and Marquis did not stop at one account per victim. Once they controlled someone's identity, they activated existing cards, opened new credit lines and moved money out of bank accounts tied to the same name. This is common. The ITRC found that 25.6% of victims are now handling two or more identity incidents at once, up from 23.5% the year before. The same stolen details, including name, date of birth, address and SSN, can open the next account as easily as the first. DON’T LET THIS CREDIT CARD FRAUD NIGHTMARE HAPPEN TO YOU A new account does not announce itself. It reaches your credit report only after the first statement closes, which puts the first record 30 to 60 days behind the opening. Banks report to the bureaus monthly, and the bureaus need up to two weeks more to post the change. The first paper notice goes wherever the application is listed. Vranic and Marquis had the statements mailed to their own address, not the victims'. When the mail reaches the right house, it may read like a routine offer or a card no one ordered, which makes it easy to set aside. By the time a denied loan or a collections call makes the account impossible to ignore, it has been open and drawing money for weeks. WHY THAT $4 CHARGE ON YOUR STATEMENT COULD BE FRAUD Move quickly, because every day an account stays open gives a thief more time to spend money, damage your credit or try the same information somewhere else. Call the credit card company or lender that opened the account and tell them the account is fraudulent. Ask them to close or freeze the account, stop any pending charges and send written confirmation that you are not responsible for the debt. Go to IdentityTheft.gov. The Federal Trade Commission's site generates an Identity Theft Report and recovery plan to help you report identity theft, limit the damage and fix your credit. Your FTC Identity Theft Report is usually the key document for disputing fraudulent accounts. Some lenders, banks or debt collectors may also ask for a police report. If that happens, file one with your local police department and keep a copy for your records. Keep copies of account statements, collection letters, emails, dispute letters, FTC reports, police reports and confirmation numbers. A clear paper trail can make it easier to prove the account was fraudulent if a creditor, credit bureau or debt collector questions your claim. Dispute the fraudulent account directly with the lender that opened it, in writing. Also dispute it with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion if it appears on your credit reports. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, companies that furnish information to credit bureaus have a duty to investigate disputed information. Place a freeze at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to help block the next application. Freezes have been free since 2018 and can be lifted online when you need to apply for credit. A credit freeze blocks access to your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, and that bureau must notify the other two. If you believe stolen mail helped someone open the account, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the Postal Service. You can report mail theft, identity theft, fraudulent change-of-address requests, fraudulent mail holds and fake Informed Delivery accounts at mailtheft.uspis.gov. If your Social Security number was used, request an IRS Identity Protection PIN at irs.gov/ippin. This helps keep a thief from filing a tax return in your name. Change the passwords on your bank, credit card and email accounts, especially if your email address was part of the fraud. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each account, so one exposed password cannot unlock the rest of your financial life. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) where available. Then review recent transactions, saved payment methods and automatic payments for anything you do not recognize.  Cleaning up identity theft can mean dealing with creditors, credit bureaus, debt collectors and repeat follow-ups. Keep copies of every report, dispute letter, confirmation number and account closure notice so you have a clear paper trail if the fraud resurfaces. No service can prevent every account opened in your name. Continuous three-bureau credit monitoring may alert you to new accounts as they are reported, rather than weeks later when a lender turns you down or a collections notice arrives. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com A stolen credit card account can quietly grow into a much bigger identity theft mess before you ever see a bill. That is what makes this Washington case so alarming. The victims were not ignoring warning signs. The statements were being sent somewhere else. The best move is to make it harder for thieves to open the next account. Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, watch for hard inquiries and check your credit reports for accounts you do not recognize. If something appears, go straight to IdentityTheft.gov, file a report and dispute the account in writing with the lender. Credit monitoring can also give you a faster heads-up when a new account or inquiry hits your file. It will not stop every scam, but it can shorten the time between the fraud starting and you finding out. Have you ever found a credit card, loan or account on your credit report that you did not open? Let us know how you discovered it and what it took to fix it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3426e11972385678330df7 Socialist Surge: Mamdani flexes growing political muscle as he takes on Dem establishment te 2026-06-18T17:12:01.078Z Socialist Surge: Mamdani flexes growing political muscle as he takes on Dem establishment One year after sending political shock waves across the country with his New York City Democratic primary victory en route to winning election as mayor of the nation's most populous city, Zohran Mamdani is testing the limits of political power as he takes on the party establishment. The 34-year-old democratic socialist mayor is teaming up with longtime progressive champion and two-time Democratic presidential nominee runner-up Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at a get-out-the-vote rally in the New York City borough of Brooklyn on Thursday, less than one week before crucial primary elections. Mamdani and Sanders are aiming to boost a slate of candidates backed by the mayor, including two who are running against Democratic congressional incumbents, as part of their bid to mold a more progressive party. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The left-wing candidates endorsed by Mamdani include political organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is primary challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair, in New York’s 13th U.S. House District, which covers the northern third of Manhattan and a sliver of the Bronx. Espaillat is supported by a slew of party leaders, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The mayor is also backing former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who ran against Mamdani last year in the crowded primary field but became one of his biggest backers. Lander is challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District, which includes lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. Goldman's supporters include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And in New York’s 7th, which covers parts of Brooklyn and Queens, Mamdani's endorsed socialist state Assembly Member Claire Valdez, who is battling Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who is backed by retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D.N.Y. The outcomes of the races Mamdani weighed-in on will put to test whether his popularity among New York Democrats translates to coattails in elections. HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS COVERAGE, ANALYSIS, AND OPINION ON MAMDANI "This is the team. This is our year. It’s up to all of us to get them over the finish line," Mamdani emphasized in a social media post spotlighting Thursday's rally. The socialist has been a darling of the far-left for a year and a half. But six months into his tenure as New York City mayor, he can also count former critics within the Democratic Party, including Hochul, as allies. And he's even earned praise from President Donald Trump. Trump last year repeatedly claimed Mamdani was a "communist lunatic," but during an Oval Office meeting in November that grabbed tons of national attention, the president lauded the then-mayor-elect as a "very rational person" who would do a "really good job." "It's crystal clear that Mamdani understands power and how to leverage it," longtime Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo told Fox News Digital. "He remains incredibly popular and it appears he also understands that may not always be the case. That's why I think you see him flexing his political muscle now. It's smart politics," added Caiazzo, a veteran of the 2016 and 2020 Sanders presidential campaigns. The candidates Mamdani's backing, including some running for state legislative offices, are mostly showcasing the mayor's platform of focusing on affordability in a city with one of the nation's highest costs of living. Sanders, a New York City native who last year appeared at rallies on Mamdani's behalf and swore in the mayor at his January inauguration, highlighted on social media, "Now more than ever, we need leaders in Congress who understand firsthand the struggles working people face." Mamdani's support for the trio of congressional candidates, along with Thursday's rally with Sanders, gives Republicans, who have long cast the mayor as a radical, more ammunition to use him as a cudgel as they work to hold their razor-thin House majority in this year's midterm elections. "Zohran Mamdani’s socialist brand is as toxic as it comes," National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) National Press Secretary Mike Marinella told Fox News Digital. "And during a time when Democrats don’t have a leader or a message, he’s exactly the kind of bogeyman we can use against Democrats to truly show who is leading their party and the crazy policies they all support." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3426cd1972385678330dee No sex for 10 weeks? Championship team's playoff strategy raises eyebrows te 2026-06-18T17:11:41.620Z No sex for 10 weeks? Championship team's playoff strategy raises eyebrows No sex for the win? This was the advice given to this year’s NBA champions. New York Knicks owner James Dolan addressed the now-champs as they headed into the playoffs in April 2026, acknowledging their high potential to eventually win the championship. "I don’t know if you understand what it would mean for you to win a championship this year … It would be life-changing," he said. "It will stick with you the rest of your lives, and if you don’t win, you’ll be thinking about it the rest of your lives." MALE FERTILITY RATES CRASH AS DOCTORS REVEAL HEALTH THREATS: 'SOMETHING VERY WRONG' As Dolan’s inspirational speech to the team went on, he explained how the next 10 weeks would require each player to make sacrifices – watching their diets, getting proper sleep and perhaps even abstaining from sex. "You need sacrifice and you need to eliminate all the distractions around you," he said. "I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks," the owner said. "You don't have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks – but, like the Spartans … They denied themselves, so that they can have an edge. Get the edge." This received a few snickers from the team, and Dolan responded, "Don’t tell [your wives and girlfriends] you’re not going to have sex and don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this is going to be like … and how they’re going to have to sacrifice, too." DOCTORS WARN SOME POPULAR FOODS AND DRINKS COULD BE SECRETLY SABOTAGING MEN'S TESTOSTERONE LEVELS Dr. Anna Elton, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist in Massachusetts, confirmed that this belief has been around for centuries, dating back to the ancients Spartans and early Olympic competitors. Avoiding sex can preserve energy, increase aggression and sharpen focus, according to Elton. But modern research has found little evidence that consensual sexual activity negatively impacts strength, endurance, reaction time or athletic performance when it occurs at least 10 hours before competition, the doctor countered. However, "activity very close to competition may affect recovery measures," she added. What may be more important, according to Elton, is the psychological value of abstinence. "Choosing to abstain can reinforce discipline and total commitment to a larger goal," she said. "In those cases, the advantage may come more from mindset and focus than from any physical effect." "Whether the sacrifice is alcohol, social activities, favorite foods or sex, the message is often the same: ‘We are all in.'" This discussion has historically focused on men, which Elton said is often based on "misconceptions about testosterone and energy depletion." CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES "Research has not demonstrated that normal sexual activity causes a meaningful decline in athletic performance, and concerns about testosterone depletion have not been consistently supported by the evidence," she said. "For women, sexual activity may have additional benefits related to stress reduction, emotional regulation and relationship satisfaction." In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men's health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, echoed Elton's assessment that research largely does not support abstinence as a performance enhancer. This is despite a small amount of evidence that suggests engaging in sexual activity within two hours of competition could pose a risk to cardiovascular recovery. WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD IMPACT SEXUAL HEALTH IN UNEXPECTED WAYS "Unfortunately, nearly all studies (99%) have been conducted in males aged 20 to 40, so there is virtually no data on female athletes, older athletes or diverse populations," said the Puerto Rico-based expert. "We know what to tell the Knicks, but we are not sure what to recommend for the New York Liberty." Elton said abstinence may still offer psychological benefits for some competitors. "For some athletes, it can become part of a pre-competition ritual that enhances confidence," she told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Meanwhile, some benefits of sexual activity can include stress reduction, improved sleep, mood enhancement, emotional connection with a partner and relief from performance-related tension. "Strong, supportive relationships are associated with better psychological resilience, which can be valuable during high-pressure competitions," Elton said. "Ultimately, there is no universal rule," she went on. "What helps one athlete perform at their best may not help another." Elton stressed that sleep, recovery, nutrition, stress management and support from loved ones are universal performance boosters. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Athletes devote tremendous attention to training their bodies, while overlooking the importance of their personal relationships," she cautioned. "A supportive partner can be one of the greatest assets during a demanding season." "If competition requires temporary sacrifices, make those decisions together and keep communication open." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3426ba1972385678330de5 McDonald’s AI drive-thru may take your next order te 2026-06-18T17:11:22.167Z McDonald’s AI drive-thru may take your next order The next time you pull up to a McDonald's drive-thru, the voice taking your order may not be human. McDonald’s is testing a new AI-powered system called ArchIQ at five U.S. locations. The company has not said where those restaurants are located. The voice assistant, nicknamed Archy, can take drive-thru orders and has shown it can handle both English and Spanish. For anyone who has repeated "no pickles" into a speaker box more than once, this could sound helpful. However, if you remember McDonald’s last AI drive-thru experiment, you may also wonder whether your burger order could somehow turn into a bag full of surprise McNuggets. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. WOULD YOU EAT AT A RESTAURANT RUN BY AI?  ArchIQ is McDonald's new AI system for restaurants. It can take drive-thru orders and also help with operations behind the scenes. In a post on X, McFranchisee, an anonymous McDonald's franchisee account, said the system is currently in five test stores and has processed more than one million transactions. The account also said about 90% of orders were completed without a human stepping in. That number sounds promising. Still, McDonald's has not confirmed a nationwide launch date. For now, this remains a limited test. The system also appears to connect with a bigger McDonald's plan called "McDonald's > NEXT." CEO Chris Kempczinski described the strategy as a way to bring in more customers and improve restaurant productivity. The plan also includes menu changes, restaurant redesigns, technology upgrades and more focus on hospitality. Drive-thrus can get chaotic fast. Someone changes an order after the total appears. A child calls out from the back seat. Road noise makes the speaker hard to hear. Then the driver remembers the extra sauce after everything has already gone through. That is the type of pressure McDonald's wants AI to handle. If ArchIQ works well, it could help restaurants move cars through the line faster. It may also reduce mistakes during busy hours. Workers could then focus more on preparing food, handling payments and helping customers who need a real person. ArchIQ also appears to have a management role. In the same X post, McFranchisee described Archy as a tool that could alert managers to bottlenecks or other issues before they slow down operations.  STARBUCKS USES CHATGPT TO SUGGEST DRINKS BASED ON MOOD AS EXPERT WARNS OF HIDDEN DOWNSIDES This new test follows McDonald's earlier AI drive-thru experiment with IBM. That program involved more than 100 restaurants. McDonald's ended the test in 2024 after customers complained about order accuracy. Some mistakes also went viral, creating an embarrassing moment for McDonald's and raising questions about whether the technology was ready for the drive-thru. Customers reported wrong items, strange quantities and other order mix-ups. That history is why this new test will get extra attention. This time, McDonald's is working with Google technology. McFranchisee also claimed every McDonald's in the U.S. is getting Google Edge Cloud hardware in anticipation of the rollout. McDonald's seems to believe the newer system can perform better than the last one. The real test will come when regular customers use it during real drive-thru rushes. If McDonald's gets this right, the most obvious benefit is speed. An AI ordering system does not get tired during a long shift. It may also help more customers order in the language they prefer. That could make a busy drive-thru feel less frustrating, especially during breakfast or late-night hours. The system may also ask clearer follow-up questions and catch missing details before the order reaches the kitchen. That would be a win for customers who want to get in, get their food and get on with the day. The biggest concern is accuracy. AI can still misunderstand people. That gets frustrating fast when you are trying to grab lunch between errands or get your kids fed from the back seat. A wrong order wastes time. It also puts workers in the position of fixing a mistake the machine made. There is also the customer service side. Some people like hearing a real person at the speaker. Others may find an AI voice cold or annoying, especially if the system gets confused. Then there is the privacy question. If an AI system takes your order, customers may wonder what gets collected, how long it is kept and who can access it. McDonald’s has not publicly explained those specifics for this current ArchIQ test. ALEXA+ LETS YOU ORDER FOOD LIKE A REAL CONVERSATION Before you leave the drive-thru, take a moment to check the order screen. Make sure the items match what you said. Listen when the system repeats your order. Keep your receipt until you confirm the food is right. Also, avoid sharing extra personal details at the speaker box. Your order should only require your food choices and payment. If the AI gets confused, ask for a crew member. You do not need to keep going back and forth with a machine over fries. For now, you probably will not notice a change at your local McDonald's. The ArchIQ test appears limited to five U.S. restaurants, and the company has not said when it could expand. Still, this gives customers a preview of where fast food may be heading. AI could soon play a bigger role in how restaurants take orders and manage the kitchen. That may speed up the line, though it could also make the experience feel less personal. Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com McDonald’s clearly wants AI to play a bigger role in its restaurants. From a business point of view, the idea makes sense. Shorter drive-thru lines could help franchisees and customers. Better restaurant data could also help managers fix problems faster. But I still want the human backup. Food orders can be messy because people are messy. We change our minds. We talk over each other. We forget the extra ketchup until the last second. AI may handle much of that one day. For now, I would treat it like any busy drive-thru interaction. Speak clearly. Check the order. Do not pull away until you know your food is right. Would you trust an AI voice to take your McDonald’s order, or do you still want a real person on the other end of the speaker? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34267c1972385678330dc3 Volunteers keep desert water stations alive for migrants te 2026-06-18T17:10:20.226Z Volunteers keep desert water stations alive for migrants On a spring morning in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, Monroe Velazquez knelt beside a blue 55-gallon barrel, dipped a meter into a paper cup of water and checked for impurities, a small act in a years-long effort to keep migrants alive in one of the deadliest stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border. Velazquez is a University of Arizona student from Phoenix who volunteers with Humane Borders, a nonprofit that maintains water stations in the desert south of Tucson, where migrant activity has historically been high. "I was just looking at ways to get involved within the community here down in Tucson," she said. Humane Borders was founded in 2000 by several Christian denominations, including Disciples of Christ, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians and the Society of Friends, in response to rising migrant deaths on the border. It has maintained several resources over the years, including an online map of migrant deaths. From 2010 to 2026, the number of migrants found dead in the desert annually ranged from 100 to more than 200, reaching a high of 229 in 2021. Border activity has decreased dramatically in the past year — 108 sets of remains were discovered in 2025, the lowest number since 2010. Tucson Spotlight is free for every reader because donors make it possible. Join them. Scott Smith waits as he empties the truck’s water tank on a Humane Borders water run near the southern Arizona border on April 21, 2026. Benjamin DePue / Tucson Spotlight. Border Patrol checkpoints that Humane Borders trucks regularly pass through have been abandoned in recent months, said Scott Smith, a volunteer driver. "Routinely, there would probably be at least three or four Border Patrol agents checking vehicles," he said. "But over the last three or four months, those have disappeared, at least down here." Since the start of the 2026 fiscal year in October, 42,757 migrants have been apprehended by Border Patrol, according to the Washington Office on Latin America, a non-governmental organization based in Washington, D.C. If the rate remains similar in the second half of the year, 2026 will have the lowest number of migrant apprehensions since 1967. Another 20,975 migrants were encountered at official ports of entry by Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations, a pace on track to be the lowest recorded since 2012, the earliest year for which data is available. According to WOLA, 443,671 migrants were apprehended by Border Patrol or encountered at points of entry in the 2025 fiscal year. That number was over 2 million in the 2024 fiscal year. "It is the case that since the Trump administration's second term began, there's been a reduction in a number of interactions at the border," said Alex Braithwaite, professor and director of the UA's School of Government and Public Policy. He said there are likely two factors at play: The Trump administration has increased the detention and deportation of migrants, which could be acting as a deterrent. And the administration has also allocated fewer agents to official ports of entry, which could result in fewer recorded interactions. Still, Braithwaite said he could only speculate. "I'm just not sure that we have enough data to be able to reach a definitive conclusion," he said. Even as border activity decreases, Humane Borders remains dedicated to providing water for migrants. The organization continues to recruit new volunteers, including Velazquez. While still early into her volunteer work, Velazquez said she felt her first experience went well. "It's estimated, I believe, four to five hours for the specific route I took," she said. "I think we did it just in about three and a half, and the weather was really nice that week. It was during Easter." For Velazquez's second run, which started at 7 a.m. to avoid the heat, she was joined by two experienced volunteers, Smith and Steve Wojciechowski. Both are retirees who got involved with Humane Borders a few years ago. Smith navigated the truck down bumpy dirt roads to reach the water stations, which are marked with flags for easy visibility. Steve Wojciechowski rescrews a spigot on a 55-gallon barrel on a Humane Borders water run near the southern Arizona border on April 21, 2026. Benjamin DePue / Tucson Spotlight. At each stop, the volunteers ensure the barrels haven't been damaged by vandals, then test the water for impurities. If everything looks good, they fill any emptied barrels and drive to the next station. The barrel was scheduled for replacement at the third and final stop of the day, the trio taking off the spigot and letting the water pour out onto the sandy ground. They hauled the barrel to the truck and replaced it with an empty one, which Velazquez refilled with a hose connected to a tank on top of the truck holding hundreds of gallons of water. The day's water run took about four hours, but some routes can take longer. Work like this takes commitment, especially in the summer, when temperatures climb and many volunteers leave for cooler states. But some volunteers remain dedicated to the cause. "I've been living on the border now for the ten most political years," Wojciechowski said. "I would periodically take a day or so and travel around the different places just to see for myself what was going on." He eventually met a volunteer who told him about the interactive map Humane Borders maintains on its website. "I was so shocked by that," Wojciechowski said. "Ever since then, about three years ago, I've been doing this." Benjamin DePue is a University of Arizona student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact him at bdepue@arizona.edu. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3424391972385678330d4b Erika Kirk’s Message for Women at Turning Point USA te 2026-06-18T17:00:41.275Z Erika Kirk’s Message for Women at Turning Point USA Our reporter Vivian Yee details what she saw at this year’s Turning Point USA Women’s Leadership Summit in San Antonio. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3424241972385678330d2d ‘Queer Eye’s’ life coach Karamo Brown launches Kē, a wellness app featuring his AI digital clone te 2026-06-18T17:00:20.798Z ‘Queer Eye’s’ life coach Karamo Brown launches Kē, a wellness app featuring his AI digital clone Karamo Brown, famous for his pep talks on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” has jumped into the wellness and AI space with his new app, Kē. After spending a year and a half focusing on his own journey—from fitness and nutrition to meditation, sobriety, relationships, and personal growth—Brown wants to help oth Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34221f19723856783308c3 Luigi Mangione's emotional disturbance defense may have huge impact in his other case: lawyer te 2026-06-18T16:51:43.278Z Luigi Mangione's emotional disturbance defense may have huge impact in his other case: lawyer Lawyers for Luigi Mangione, the 28-year-old former Ivy Leaguer accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, indicated he could use an "extreme emotional disturbance" defense, which, if successful, could reduce a murder conviction to first-degree manslaughter if jurors find him guilty after his September trial. Mangione is also facing a federal trial slated for early next year. "It's too early to say exactly how it will affect the federal prosecution, and he could theoretically pursue a different defense strategy there," said Randolph Rice, a Maryland-based attorney and legal analyst who is following the case. "But from a practical standpoint, if you're standing in a state courtroom arguing that you shot someone because you were under extreme emotional distress, you may be handing federal prosecutors a significant admission that they can point to later." The move could significantly reduce the maximum sentence in the state case, if, at the end of the trial, jurors accept the defense but still believe prosecutors proved that Mangione killed Thompson. Murder would be reduced to first-degree manslaughter under New York law upon conviction, resulting in the maximum punishment going from life in prison to a max of 25 years. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER The "extreme emotional disturbance" defense requires his lawyers to convince jurors of three things at trial under New York law: JUDGE REVEALS LUIGI MANGIONE WILL PURSUE PSYCHIATRIC DEFENSE IN UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO ASSASSINATION CASE First, Mangione must show whatever emotional distress he faced at the time of Thompson's murder caused an intense "loss of self-control." SEND US A TIP HERE Second, he must have a "reasonable" explanation or excuse for having suffered this distress. And third, he must have been under this distress at the time of the murder. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST "The defense is going to focus the jury on the precise moment of the shooting, not just what happened in the weeks or months leading up to it," Rice told Fox News Digital Thursday. "Prosecutors will argue that journals, planning, travel and an alleged ambush show calculation, not loss of control." Mangione is accused of meticulously plotting Thompson's assassination and traveling across the country to ambush him outside a business conference in New York City, where neither of them lived. Mangione did not know Thompson and was not a UnitedHealthcare customer. According to prosecutors, however, he allegedly wrote journals about the plot months before the murder. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB "Ultimately, this defense rises or falls on whether jurors believe Mangione was experiencing such intense emotional distress at the moment of the murder that he lost self-control, or whether this was simply a planned and deliberate killing," Rice said. His defense in the New York case is not related to the separate federal trial looming ahead, which could send him to prison for life without the possibility of parole if he is convicted there. "The defense has to balance any benefit they gain in the state case against the possibility that they're giving the federal government evidence on a silver platter," Rice said. His defense team has already won a series of legal victories in both cases. He could have faced life without parole in New York if they hadn't convinced a judge to toss terrorism-related charges, and in his federal case, the judge agreed to take the potential death penalty off the table ahead of trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The state trial is scheduled to begin in September, with the federal trial to follow early next year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3421f519723856783307cc Schweikert challenges Biggs’ electability in Arizona GOP governor debate te 2026-06-18T16:51:01.291Z Schweikert challenges Biggs’ electability in Arizona GOP governor debate PHOENIX -- The four Republicans hoping to be their party's nominee for governor squabbled Wednesday night over tax policy, vouchers and mail-in voting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3421e119723856783307c3 California man rejects plea deal in Havasu drug case te 2026-06-18T16:50:41.320Z California man rejects plea deal in Havasu drug case One of three people charged in a Lake Havasu City drug bust rejected a proposed plea agreement that was detailed during a June 12 hearing in Kingman. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3421cd19723856783307ba Lake Havasu City sets July 8 groundbreaking for Fire Station No. 7 te 2026-06-18T16:50:21.359Z Lake Havasu City sets July 8 groundbreaking for Fire Station No. 7 Lake Havasu City will break ground July 8 on its planned Fire Station No. 7, marking the start of a project city officials say will expand emergency response coverage for the community. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341d4b19723856783306d8 Mike Brown sports '10 Weeks' shirt for Knicks' championship parade after James Dolan's abstinence joke te 2026-06-18T16:31:07.678Z Mike Brown sports '10 Weeks' shirt for Knicks' championship parade after James Dolan's abstinence joke It appears that James Dolan's pre-playoff speech had an impact on Mike Brown. The New York Knicks' head coach showed up to Thursday's ticker-tape parade to celebrate the team's NBA title, rocking a t-shirt with '10 Weeks' written on the back of it. The word 'Sacrifice' was seen under the Knicks' logo across the front of his shirt. The shirt is in reference to the Knicks' owner's lengthy speech he delivered to the team before the NBA playoffs got underway about making a 10-week sacrifice. One of the sacrifices Dolan mentioned in his speech was staying abstinent. "I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks," Dolan told the Knicks on April 3. "You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks, but like Spartans — do you know what Spartans are? — they denied themselves to gain an edge. Get the edge." The Knicks went on to lose just three games during their championship run. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Brown was not the first high-profile player within the organization to joke about Dolan's joke. Guard Mikael Bridges mentioned Dolan's comments about not having sex during an Instagram live session alongside his dog earlier in the week. Brown was hired to take over the Knicks in July 2025 after the franchise's surprising decision to let go Tom Thibodeau as head coach. With Brown leading New York to its first title since 1973, it can now be deemed as the correct move. VICTOR WEMBANYAMA BOLDLY CLAIMS SPURS 'DOMINATED' KNICKS AFTER LOSING NBA FINALS IN FIVE GAMES The Knicks took care of the San Antonio Spurs in just five games despite the Spurs holding a lead of at least 12 points in each contest of the series. New York clinched the series with a 94-90 win in San Antonio, but most would agree the series was won in Game 4 when the Knicks somehow erased a 29-point deficit at Madison Square Garden. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341d2219723856783306bb Biggs, Schweikert skip the fireworks in tame GOP governor debate te 2026-06-18T16:30:26.211Z Biggs, Schweikert skip the fireworks in tame GOP governor debate Key Points: Two Republican frontrunners largely avoided attacking each other on the debate stage Congressman Andy Biggs is the clear GOP favorite and emerged unscathed Congressman David Schweikert maintains he’s the stronger general election candidate Those tuning in to the Republican gubernatorial primary debate on June 17 expecting to see two frontrunners at each other’s throats likely left disappointed. Instead, Congressmen Andy Biggs and David Schweikert shared their allotted time courting independent voters, “geeking out” on state budget math and taking shots at incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.  Biggs, who entered the race in early 2025, is expected by many to handily defeat Schweikert in the July 21 Republican primary. Polling numbers, political donations and local endorsements have all leaned in Biggs’ favor, and he also nabbed the coveted blessing from President Donald Trump.  Political consultants told the Arizona Capitol Times in a post-debate briefing that Schweikert did not do much to shift those tailwinds in his direction. “Schweikert seems to be content with second place,” said GOP public relations consultant Barrett Marson. Schweikert continues to run a campaign that vexes political consultants and dedicated GOP voters. Despite polls suggesting otherwise, the congressman maintains that he is the only Republican in the race who can defeat Hobbs in the Nov. 3 general election, even when pressed on the issue by reporters after the debate. “I do pretty darn well with independents in one of the toughest congressional districts in America, and have election after election after election,” Schweikert said, referring to the 1st Congressional District in northeast Phoenix and Scottsdale.  Schweikert has lobbed an occasional attack against Biggs, criticizing his relationships with far-right groups and personalities. But he did not come out swinging on the debate the way many expected he might. “He didn’t swing at all,” Marson said. “Going in, I thought it was going to be a heavyweight bout, I thought it was going to be a little scrappy MMA fight between Schweikert and Biggs, and it wasn’t.” Schweikert saved his criticism for the end of the debate, instead focusing more on the negative impact of Turning Point USA on Republican politics in Arizona. In contrast, Biggs frequently touts the endorsement of late TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, and the group’s political action committee has already spent nearly $500,000 to bolster his campaign. “When you’re wholly owned by Turning Point, and you’ve lost election and lost election and lost election, it puts everything in our future at risk,” Schweikert said in his closing remarks.  After the debate, Biggs told reporters that “TPUSA and I are not what I would call bedfellows,” but acknowledged that they are significant backers of his bid for the Ninth Floor.  Biggs has largely avoided going on the attack against Schweikert, with the exception of the occasional quip teasing his fellow congressman for not having a direct line to the president. During the June 17 debate, Biggs spent more time name-dropping Democrats he has worked alongside in Congress than he did his Republican opponent. “The fact that Biggs is trying to present himself as a bipartisan moderate means he’s that confident he’s getting out of the primary,” said Democratic consultant Stacy Pearson. “He name-checked (U.S. Rep.) Greg Stanton, (former U.S. Sen.) Kyrsten Sinema, (U.S. Rep.) Hakeem Jeffries. I mean, he went through the who’s who of Democrats.” Biggs also shed more light on his policy goals, some of which were slightly surprising. He pledged to eliminate tax incentives for data centers, expand Arizona’s already-universal school voucher program and use the state land trust to fund education.  Hobbs secured a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, a compromise that Biggs attributed to legislative Republicans. However, GOP members of the Legislature fought back against repealing the data center tax incentive entirely, arguing it would send the wrong message to investors eyeing the state for development.  All of the candidates on the debate stage, including long-shot contenders Scott Neely and Ken Miceli, expressed uncertainty about the security and efficacy of Arizona’s mail-in voting system. Biggs pledged to sign the “Florida-style” election reform bill introduced by GOP state lawmakers, while Schweikert claimed his deceased mother received ballots in the mail for several years after her death. Marson and Pearson criticized Citizens Clean Elections’ debate moderators for not asking the candidates about the results of the 2020 elections. In 2021, Biggs voted against certifying Arizona’s election results, which helped elect former President Joe Biden, while Schweikert voted against certifying Pennsylvania’s election results.  Hobbs has not yet committed to debating her eventual Republican opponent after skipping the 2022 debate with then-GOP nominee Kari Lake, citing Lake’s promotion of conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election. Pearson said Hobbs should skip a debate with Biggs unless he can acknowledge that Biden won in 2020.  “She owes the voters (an) appearance in front of the voters, she doesn’t owe (participation in) a format that allows for him to sidestep questions,” Pearson said. “They weren’t even asked about the (January 6th) insurrection, which I thought was slightly terrifying.” Marson argued Hobbs would only stand to lose from participating in a debate with Biggs because he would “destroy” her, which is why she likely won’t agree to face off against him. Mail-in ballots for the July 21 primary election are set to go out to voters on June 24.  The post Biggs, Schweikert skip the fireworks in tame GOP governor debate first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341b15197238567833065a Supreme Court unanimously limits use of gun law used to prosecute Hunter Biden te 2026-06-18T16:21:41.409Z Supreme Court unanimously limits use of gun law used to prosecute Hunter Biden The Supreme Court sided Thursday with a "habitual" marijuana user who challenged a federal law banning anyone who uses illegal drugs from legally possessing a firearm, a Second Amendment case that tested the limits of restricting gun ownership. The court ruled the law, which was used to prosecute Hunter Biden, was overbroad and improperly deprived the man at the center of the case of his right to possess a firearm in his home. But the high court also said in its narrow ruling the law limits but does not end government power to take guns from drug users. "We do not address efforts to ban addicts, or those presently intoxicated, from possessing a firearm," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority. The case involved a Texas man charged with a felony after FBI agents raiding his home found a handgun he kept for self-defense and he admitted to smoking marijuana every other day. SUPREME COURT UNANIMOUSLY STRIKES DOWN GUN LAW USED TO PROSECUTE HUNTER BIDEN In an opinion written by Gorsuch, the court held that the government's prosecution of Ali Hemani under a federal law prohibiting firearm possession by unlawful users of controlled substances violated the Second Amendment. Justices Samuel Alito and Elena Kagan concurred only in the judgment. The government argued that people who regularly use illegal drugs could be disarmed based on historical laws that restricted the rights of so-called "habitual drunkards," but the court said the old laws the government relied on were too different from the modern gun restriction to justify it. "The government's analogy fails under every measure it asks us to consider," Gorsuch wrote. "The historical laws on which it relies targeted different kinds of people, did so for different reasons, and operated in different ways." The court said the old laws focused on people whose substance abuse left them unable to manage their lives, while the federal law broadly covered regular drug users regardless of whether they posed a threat to anyone. GUNS AND GANJA: SUPREME COURT SKEPTICAL OF FEDERAL LAW BANNING FIREARM POSSESSION FOR REGULAR MARIJUANA USERS Gorsuch noted that under the government's interpretation of the law, the ban could extend beyond marijuana users to "a college student who routinely uses a friend's Adderall to cram for exams" and "a husband who regularly takes his wife's prescription Ambien to sleep." The court found that prosecutors never alleged Hemani was addicted to marijuana, had used a firearm while intoxicated, threatened anyone, or posed a danger to himself or others. Instead, the government relied solely on his admission that he used marijuana "about every other day." The opinion also questioned the government's argument that marijuana users are categorically dangerous, pointing to the federal government's own actions in reducing marijuana enforcement and efforts to move marijuana to a less restrictive drug schedule. The court noted that most states now permit some form of marijuana use. SEVERAL GROUPS SAY CANNABIS MAY HELP AGING AMERICANS MANAGE PAIN "Whatever one thinks of these developments, the federal government has not just tolerated them; it helped fuel them," Gorsuch wrote. The court warned that accepting the government's theory would grant officials excessive authority to strip constitutional rights from broad categories of people. "Affording the government 'broad power to designate any group as dangerous and thereby disqualify its members from having a gun' would risk allowing it to 'quickly swallow' the Second Amendment." 'THE VIEW' HOSTS DEFEND GUN OWNERSHIP AS CHECK TO TYRANNY AFTER YEARS OF SHOW CRITICIZING GUN RIGHTS Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, praised the ruling as a significant victory for gun rights. "It’s a good day for the Second Amendment when all nine justices can agree to protect gun rights," Severino said. "The mere fact of illegal drug use, without more, isn’t enough to justify prosecution for gun ownership. Historically, ‘habitual drunkards’ who habitually lost use of their reason could have their rights restricted, but not just regular drinkers — even including Founding Fathers like John Adams, who drank ‘a tankard of hard cider’ with breakfast, or James Madison, who ‘consumed a pint of whisky daily.’" "Hemani, who used marijuana a few times a week, doesn’t fit the historical mold of a ‘habitual drunkard’ whose rights can be limited on those grounds alone," Severino added. ALEX BERENSON: I WARNED ABOUT CANNABIS DANGERS 7 YEARS AGO AND NOBODY WANTED TO LISTEN In a separate opinion, Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Elena Kagan, agreed with the outcome but said the government failed to prove that Hemani resembled the severely impaired "habitual drunkards" regulated under historical laws. "The mismatch between the Government's historical analogues and the theory on which the Government defends the constitutionality of §922(g)(3) as applied to respondent is clear," Alito wrote. Tyler Yzaguirre, president of the Second Amendment Institute, also welcomed the decision, saying the ruling reaffirmed that constitutional rights cannot be set aside by the government without historical justification. "While the justices offered different legal reasoning, they unanimously agreed that applying this federal gun ban to Hemani violated the Second Amendment," Yzaguirre said. "This ruling reinforces the principle that firearm restrictions must be consistent with our nation’s historical tradition of gun regulation, not modern political preferences." The justices emphasized that their ruling was limited to Hemani's case and did not address whether the government can bar firearm possession by addicts, people who are intoxicated, felons, or drug users shown to be dangerous. "Gun control activists will inevitably claim that the sky is falling. It isn’t," Amy Swearer, senior legal fellow at Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital. "The ruling still leaves the government room to disarm addicts or prosecute people who possess firearms while actively intoxicated." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341b011972385678330643 Seattle mayor announces crackdown on crime-plagued neighborhood after years of complaints te 2026-06-18T16:21:21.951Z Seattle mayor announces crackdown on crime-plagued neighborhood after years of complaints Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a crackdown on open-air drug dealing Wednesday, declaring the city will "no longer tolerate" public drug sales, public drug use and the sale of stolen goods in two neighborhoods that residents and business owners say have been plagued by crime and disorder for years. "We will no longer tolerate open-air drug sale and use and vending stolen goods," Wilson said in the Wednesday press release. "We are expanding police personnel in the area to engage directly with individuals participating in these activities, explain that the behavior is no longer tolerated, and help ensure that the sidewalk and transit stops are safe and accessible for all." Wilson said Seattle's Little Saigon, the easternmost part of the Chinatown–International District, primarily centered around 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street, would be the target of the enforcement crackdown. INSIDE SEATTLE’S OPEN-AIR DRUG CRISIS AS FENTANYL RAVAGES CITY AND ACTIVISTS BAIL OUT ALLEGED CRIMINALS "The community has worked together to do what they can, but city leaders have failed to act with the necessary focus and determination to sustain a meaningful change in everyday conditions," Wilson said. "We must disrupt the drug dealing, public disorder, and other illegal activity that has destabilized this community." In April, Westside Seattle reported that the Seattle Public Safety Committee of the Seattle City Council met on April 28 to discuss what Chair Robert Kettle called the "alarming" standstill in fixing Little Saigon’s public safety crisis. According to data reviewed by city staff, Seattle Police Department arrests for drug use and possession increased from 633 in 2024 to 942 in 2025, a 47% jump. During the same period, post-arrest referrals to the LEAD diversion program fell by 30%. SEATTLE POLICE UNION CONDEMNS NEW SOCIALIST MAYOR'S DRUG ENFORCEMENT APPROACH AS 'SUICIDAL EMPATHY' During the April 28 hearing, Westside Seattle reported that the 12th and Jackson area was described as the "epicenter" of the public safety crisis, and that "residents and business owners reported ‘open air drug use’ and ‘stolen goods markets’ that continue to flourish despite current city efforts." "I’m committed to ending the perception that illegal activity in Little Saigon and North Beacon Hill is acceptable," Wilson said in her announcement. "I’m also committed to making sure that people can get the treatment and support they need to change their lives. This is a data-driven, evidence-based approach that fulfills both of these goals." INSIDE SEATTLE’S OPEN-AIR DRUG CRISIS AS FENTANYL RAVAGES CITY AND ACTIVISTS BAIL OUT ALLEGED CRIMINALS She added that she will be allocating $1.1 million of one-time funding for services for the area which include "neighborhood outreach staff to support service navigation, mobile overdose treatment and prevention teams, community activations to support neighbors and businesses, and more." Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson for additional comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341aee197238567833063a 'Pure hell' in Moscow as Ukrainian drones strike major refinery supplying capital's fuel market te 2026-06-18T16:21:02.502Z 'Pure hell' in Moscow as Ukrainian drones strike major refinery supplying capital's fuel market Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, striking a major oil refinery in the Russian capital and sending thick black smoke over parts of the city, according to Russian officials and multiple reports. The Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya — one of the capital region’s key fuel facilities — was hit overnight Thursday, marking the second reported strike on the site in three days. Videos circulating online showed large flames and black smoke rising from the facility, while Russian officials said air defenses intercepted waves of incoming drones. Kyiv says its strikes deep inside Russia are evidence that it is turning the tide of the war — a message President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took this week to President Donald Trump and other G7 leaders at a summit in France.  The latest strikes underscore a new phase of the war, with Ukraine increasingly able to hit high-value targets deep inside Russia while Moscow struggles to prevent drones from reaching politically sensitive and economically important sites near the capital.  'A NEW KIND OF WAR': INSIDE UKRAINE'S HIDDEN FACTORIES MASS-PRODUCING COMBAT DRONES "This is pure hell, I’ve never felt such terror," one Moscow resident said after the attack, according to East2West News.  Another resident, according to the outlet, asked: "Why won’t this madman stop his crazy and pointless war and end the death and destruction?" East2West also reported that a heavy security presence was deployed around the Kremlin, with Red Square sealed off and machine-gunners positioned on towers, ramparts and near Bolsheviks' founder Vladimir Lenin’s Mausoleum.  Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said air defenses shot down more than 130 drones approaching the city. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed more than 550 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight across several regions, though battlefield claims from either side could not be independently verified. PUTIN RESIDENCE ATTACK VIDEO SLAMMED AS US OFFICIALS SAY UKRAINE DID NOT TARGET LEADER The attack disrupted daily life across Moscow, forcing temporary flight suspensions at major airports and traffic restrictions near the refinery. Russian officials said debris also fell near the Sadovod shopping center, damaging a building. The Moscow region governor said 16 people were injured in the broader attack. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha mocked the confusion in Moscow, writing on X: "One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is ‘What is going on?’ I can answer. Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Now that you know what’s going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it." The strike appeared to expose vulnerabilities in Moscow’s heavily promoted air defense network, bringing the war deeper into the Russian capital even as the Kremlin continues its long-range missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. RUSSIA SAYS UKRAINIAN DRONES HIT NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DURING INDEPENDENCE DAY STRIKES The Kapotnya refinery is a strategically significant target. A prior Ukrainian drone strike damaged part of the refinery in recent days, according to Reuters, and forced a halt in some operations.  East2West reported that the refinery supplies 40% of Moscow’s fuel market and 70% of the surrounding region’s gasoline and aviation fuel needs. Ukraine increasingly has targeted Russian energy infrastructure in an effort to undermine Moscow’s war machine and increase the domestic cost of the war inside Russia. Kyiv has described such strikes as part of its campaign of "long-range sanctions" against Russia’s oil and military infrastructure. The Moscow attack came as President Vladimir Putin hosted leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc in Kazan, Russia. Ukraine also reportedly struck targets linked to Russia’s supply routes to occupied Crimea, including road and rail infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said isolating Crimea is a key military objective as Kyiv seeks to weaken Russia’s hold on the peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014. Russia, meanwhile, continued its own strikes on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported Russian attacks on energy and oil facilities in the Poltava region and near Kyiv. East2West reported that Russia was moving Tu-95MS strategic bombers across the country, raising concerns that Moscow could be preparing another major strike on Ukraine in the coming days. Zelenskyy has said the war could end if Putin agrees to genuine peace talks, while accusing Moscow of prolonging the conflict and using negotiations as cover for continued attacks. Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341ac519723856783305f6 Flagstaff Event Almanac for June 18 te 2026-06-18T16:20:21.028Z Flagstaff Event Almanac for June 18 June 18 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3418bd1972385678330499 'The View' co-host admits to 'tense' moment with 'annoyed' Whoopi Goldberg during Vance interview te 2026-06-18T16:11:41.796Z 'The View' co-host admits to 'tense' moment with 'annoyed' Whoopi Goldberg during Vance interview "The View" co-host Ana Navarro acknowledged the "tense" moment between her and co-host Whoopi Goldberg during the liberal talk show's interview with Vice President JD Vance on her podcast Wednesday. Navarro said during her show, "Bleep! with Ana Navarro," that Goldberg was annoyed with her as she tried to press Vance on something else before Goldberg — who moderates "The View" — broke for commercial. "I also want to say there was like a tense moment between Whoopi and I where I wanted to get in a question," Navarro said. "I wanted to get him — as we were talking about the racism of this administration precisely on that topic — I wanted to get him to answer whether Michelle Obama being called a man by a UFC fighter at the White House Sunday night is something that he, JD Vance, would condemn." "We were running out of time," she continued. "Whoopi was annoyed that I was trying to push him on that as we were trying to wrap and get to commercial break. These things happen on live TV." LIBERAL JOURNALIST RECOUNTS TIME KAMALA SCOLDED HER OVER QUESTION THEY LAUGHED ABOUT IN PRIVATE Goldberg scolded Navarro as she tried to get a final question in with Vance during the Tuesday interview, saying, "Don't do that!" Navarro said during her podcast, "Let me just say Whoopi Goldberg and I are very close friends. I lean on her for so much. I count on her for for advice and these things happen on live TV. I have never taken it outside of the studio and neither has Whoopi. Believe me, we are good." The co-hosts of "The View" pressed Vance on several topics, including Jeffrey Epstein, immigration policy, his past criticism of President Donald Trump and more. 'VIEW' CO-HOST WHOOPI GOLDBERG DEFENDS BILL CLINTON, CLAIMING HE HASN'T BEEN 'ACCUSED' BY EPSTEIN VICTIMS Goldberg accused the Trump administration of stigmatizing people of color. "What did Black people do to this administration that has allowed it to really stigmatize folks of color? And you know how hard it is. You have folks of color in your family," she said to Vance. "So when you … see, you know, things, the Emmett Till stuff coming down, or them doing all kinds of removal of information of Black heroes, how do you — how does that sit with you?" "What exactly are you talking about?" Vance asked, asking for "her actual point." They both then began to speak over each other as Vance asked for specific examples. Goldberg did not provide context for what "Emmett Till stuff" was, but she may have been referring to monuments like the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, sites designated as national monuments by former President Joe Biden, which may be at risk amid the Trump administration’s DEI budget cuts. Emmett Till was a Black youth who was lynched at age 14 in Mississippi in 1955. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "In a lot of the museums, just, there’s so many, I just, I, you know," Goldberg said as she failed to name specifics. "Where they're taking down the actual history that happened in this country. Slavery happened. All kinds of stuff happened, and it seems that it has been very easy for this administration to remove that and also to denigrate Black folks who have worked their behinds off to get this American dream." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3418aa1972385678330490 WATCH: Cruz sounds alarm on Trump Iran deal, warns against handing billions to 'theocratic lunatics' te 2026-06-18T16:11:22.338Z WATCH: Cruz sounds alarm on Trump Iran deal, warns against handing billions to 'theocratic lunatics' A bipartisan group of lawmakers voiced strong skepticism about President Donald Trump's newly signed Iran peace deal, arguing the agreement leaves Iran in a stronger position while questioning whether the United States secured enough in return. Prior to Trump signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, offered some of the sharpest criticism among lawmakers, arguing the deal rewards "theocratic lunatics" of a hostile regime.  "Giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea," Cruz told Fox News Digital. "I think the president, unfortunately, is receiving bad advice on this deal." Other Republicans stormed off when confronted about the new terms. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT The MOU provides immediate sanctions relief, including waivers on Iranian oil exports and access to frozen funds, while establishing a framework for more than $300 billion in reconstruction and economic development. It also sets a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a final accord on Iran's nuclear program — provisions critics like Cruz argue would provide Tehran with billions in economic benefits. Democrats were even more brazen in their criticism of the Republican president. "Iran is now going to be able to export their oil and gas, rake in billions more. It's going to get access to its frozen assets," Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said. "And what is Iran giving up for this? Nothing." "This is a great deal for Iran," he told Fox News Digital. "I just don’t understand the thinking at all." NUCLEAR EXPERTS WARN IRAN’S URANIUM ‘RIGHT’ IS A MYTH, SAY TRUMP IS RIGHT TO HOLD FIRM Several lawmakers also questioned whether the agreement secures meaningful concessions on Iran's nuclear program, the issue that drove the conflict in the first place. "I think when it comes to the development of nuclear weapons, the language is the same," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said. "We went to war for what?" "Are you kidding?" Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., shot-back when asked about the quality of the deal. "Look, everything about this says that Iran is better off now than it was before this war started." Other lawmakers questioned whether the agreement could credibly be viewed as a win for the U.S. after months of war. "My biggest fear is I don't know how anyone, even as good a salesman as Donald Trump can be, can sell this as a win for the United States," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said. Not every lawmaker opposed the agreement. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., shared a brief but supportive stance, saying: "Peace is better than war." TRUMP AGAIN SAYS DEAL IS CLOSE, THEN CONFIRMS A LAST-MINUTE AGREEMENT WITH IRAN, BUT DETAILS STILL SECRET Several lawmakers also compared the agreement to the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal Trump withdrew from during his first term. "The public reporting to me suggests we're giving up an awful lot more to get a lot less than the JCPOA," Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said. Warren argued the outcome of the conflict had effectively brought the administration back to a deal similar to the one Trump once rejected. "Remember this whole nuclear deal now?" Warren asked. "No better than what we had back in 2015, back when Barack Obama cut the deal.  "And that's where Donald Trump winds us up after all of this?" she continued. "What an embarrassment." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3418961972385678330487 EXCLUSIVE: Colin Cowherd opens up about selling The Volume, scaling back three-hour show, and retirement te 2026-06-18T16:11:02.886Z EXCLUSIVE: Colin Cowherd opens up about selling The Volume, scaling back three-hour show, and retirement EXCLUSIVE: Five years ago, Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd founded The Volume, a digital media and podcast network that includes shows with Richard Sherman, Sophie Cunningham, and rapper Fat Joe. The company has a chance to surpass $75 million in revenue this year and has emerged as one of the largest independently owned sports media companies in the industry. This week, Cowherd joined OutKick for an hour-long discussion covering a range of topics, including the intersection of sports and politics, Donald Trump, religion, happiness, retirement, ESPN, and the future of his company. Specifically, Cowherd addressed whether he plans to sell his media company, like Dave Portnoy, Bill Simmons, and others who have done so before him. "We have had people interested," Cowherd told OutKick. "It would have to be the right fit." VICTOR WEMBANYAMA ISN'T GOOD OR MATURE ENOUGH TO BE THE FACE OF THE NBA, AT LEAST NOT YET. "It wouldn't necessarily have to be a broadcaster," Cowherd said about a potential buyer for The Volume. "I think I have enough knowledge in broadcasting that I can handle that side. I don't necessarily need guidance there." "It would have to be something that works for our employees. Bobby, when it comes to The Volume, I don't lose sleep at night if I have a bad show. I lose sleep because I have 60 employees, and they have families. "Any decision I make would have to involve a partner who understands that. It would have to be a partner that respects my executive team and respects our broadcasting ability. I'm not in a hurry to do it. Also, it's really fun having control. Cowherd said he has sought advice from people in finance who have advised him to sell "only a small portion of the company." "If I were going to sell, I don't know if I would sell all of it." He also discussed the importance of a potential buyer having the right synergies. "Synergies don't always work. I'll give you an example. Airline mergers usually work. You keep one executive team, and one of the airlines brings expanded routes. When Alaska and Virgin merged, that seemed to work. The consumer won. "In media, I think Fox buying Roku has enough overlap that it's going to work. A lot of times I'll watch Fox and see what they do, their patterns, and their history. Lachlan is very aggressive in pursuing acquisitions. "If I get the right synergy and they treat my employees right, we can talk and scale." HERE IS HOW PAT MCAFEE HAS SURPASSED STEPHEN A SMITH AS THE FACE OF ESPN | BOBBY BURACK If you ask most executives and agents in sports media, they would tell you that the three biggest needle-movers in the industry are Cowherd, Pat McAfee, and Stephen A. Smith, in some order. But that does not last forever. In this industry, very few people go out on top. Most hang on far too long. Right now, Skip Bayless is playing a side character on Gilbert Arenas' podcast network. Rich Eisen and Dan Patrick are doing another podcast discussing their legacies in the 1990s. We asked Cowherd how much longer he plans to do this. "Well, I'm in my early 60s. I have two years left on my contracts [Fox Sports and iHeart]. I still think I have a fastball. "I think maybe at some point, Bobby, instead of a three-hour TV show, which is a long television show, I scale it back. PTI is great, but think about this: it's a half-hour show. Multiply that by six, and I'm doing it mostly solo. "I've talked to Fox about whether I should cut it down to two hours for my next contract. That's a possibility." He then explained how retiring too early can cause people to age more quickly. "I've read stories, Bobby, about people aging more quickly when they don't wake up with a mission or a purpose. And my wife does not want me around the house all day. She's got her life. She'd be like, 'You're following me around the house like a cat.'" "So I don't think retirement is in the near term, but when that seven starts getting close as the first number, when I'm about 70, we're probably around the corner." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34186c1972385678330442 Fiscalía de Arizona: acusaciones de perjurio contra Nanos te 2026-06-18T16:10:20.906Z Fiscalía de Arizona: acusaciones de perjurio contra Nanos Leer en inglés La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Pima votó por unanimidad remitir a la Oficina del Fiscal General de Arizona las acusaciones de perjurio contra el sheriff Chris Nanos, sin llegar a destituirlo de su cargo. En marzo, la junta había votado por unanimidad exigir a Nanos que respondiera bajo juramento a preguntas sobre su historial disciplinario, la gestión del departamento y su conducta en el cargo. Nanos no asistió a la audiencia del 21 de abril; en su lugar, envió a su abogado y una carta de 12 páginas en la que abordaba cuestiones sobre su trayectoria previa en las fuerzas del orden, el presupuesto del departamento y la colaboración de la agencia con las autoridades federales de inmigración. Los supervisores debatieron la situación durante la reunión del 12 de mayo; el supervisor del Distrito 4, Steve Christy, propuso de inmediato declarar vacante el puesto de sheriff del Condado de Pima e iniciar el procedimiento de sustitución. La moción de Christy no prosperó al no contar con ningún respaldo adicional. Tras semanas de deliberaciones sobre si el testimonio incompleto de Nanos podía constituir motivo de destitución según la legislación estatal, la junta finalmente siguió el consejo de su asesoría jurídica, lo que derivó en dos decisiones. La junta no tomó medidas para declarar vacante el cargo y remitió las acusaciones de perjurio a la Oficina del Fiscal General de Arizona. La junta no se pronunció sobre si Nanos había cometido perjurio; la votación fue de 4 a 0, con la abstención de Christy. La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Pima votó 4 a 0 a favor de remitir las acusaciones de perjurio contra Nanos a la Oficina del Fiscal General de Arizona. El supervisor del Distrito 1, Rex Scott, señaló que su principal preocupación era la aparente falta de voluntad de Nanos para generar confianza dentro del departamento; citó una moción de censura de la organización de ayudantes del sheriff del Condado de Pima que obtuvo más de 250 votos a favor y 60 abstenciones, sin que se registrara ni un solo voto de confianza en el liderazgo de Nanos. "Eso es muy revelador respecto al clima laboral y al sentir de los empleados de primera línea sobre la gestión del departamento," dijo Scott. "Igualmente reveladores son los correos electrónicos y las cartas que las oficinas de la Junta han recibido de empleados actuales y anteriores del Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Pima, quienes han expresado no tener fe ni confianza en el liderazgo del sheriff. Han ofrecido ejemplos muy concretos de mezquindad, favoritismo y toma de decisiones precipitadas." Scott mencionó que algunas cartas de empleados del departamento expresaban apoyo a Nanos, pero afirmó que este debe unir a todos y tomar medidas concretas para reconstruir la cultura del departamento; esto incluye reconocer lo que Scott llamó "lo obvio,” que existe una crisis interna de confianza en su liderazgo y acercarse pública y privadamente a los demás para buscar un diálogo honesto y restablecer la confianza. "Basándome en el asesoramiento legal, no creo, y obviamente la mayoría de la Junta coincide, que tengamos la facultad de destituir al sheriff o declarar vacante el cargo. Él cumplió con sus obligaciones según la ley, pero considero importante que remitamos el asunto a la oficina del fiscal general,” dijo Scott. "Y lo más importante es que el sheriff tome medidas inmediatas para reparar el extraordinario clima de desconfianza y falta de fe en su liderazgo.” El supervisor del Distrito 5, Andrés Cano, reconoció la preocupación de los miembros de la comunidad respecto a la seguridad pública y su desánimo ante un sheriff cuyos valores no comparten. Compartió su experiencia como estudiante universitario residente en el Condado de Maricopa bajo el mandato del sheriff Joe Arpaio, cuando se aprobó la ley SB 1070. La ley SB 1070, aprobada por la Legislatura de Arizona en 2010, obligaba a las fuerzas del orden a verificar el estatus migratorio de cualquier persona detenida o interceptada si existía una sospecha razonable de que se encontraba ilegalmente en el país, y tipificaba como delito estatal el hecho de estar en Arizona sin documentación. "Lo sé porque lo viví en carne propia,” dijo Cano. "A pocas calles de mi residencia estudiantil, vi a familias e inmigrantes vivir con miedo y, lo que es más importante, vi a vecinos perder la fe en lo que se suponía que debía significar la seguridad pública.” Cano comentó que aprendió que destituir a Arpaio no era competencia de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Maricopa, sino responsabilidad de los votantes a través de un proceso de revocación de mandato. Cano señaló que el sheriff, a diferencia del jefe de policía, es elegido por votación popular en lugar de ser designado y no puede ser destituido fácilmente; asimismo, mencionó que la junta había utilizado lo que él denominó un "estatuto de alcance limitado" para interrogar a Nanos, antes de que la asesoría jurídica les informara sobre sus limitaciones. Cano afirmó que, de ahora en adelante, la junta se centraría en escuchar las inquietudes de los residentes sobre la seguridad pública y en invertir en el personal del departamento del sheriff. Jennifer Allen, supervisora ​​del Distrito 3, declaró que los residentes de su distrito, predominantemente rural, dependen del departamento del sheriff para obtener una respuesta rápida, justicia y rendición de cuentas. "Quiero agradecer al departamento por haber dado un paso al frente. Imagino que este ha sido un proceso increíblemente difícil y que seguirá siéndolo. El liderazgo es sumamente importante, y el liderazgo de nuestro sheriff lo es aún más," dijo Allen. "Espero que, en el camino que tenemos por delante, veamos un liderazgo auténtico que vele por los intereses de todo el equipo y de todos los residentes del Condado de Pima, y ​​que restablezca la confianza necesaria en nuestra comunidad hacia el departamento del sheriff." Ian Stash es egresado de la Universidad de Arizona y periodista independiente radicado en Tucson. Puede contactarlo en istash@arizona.edu.  Esta nota fue traducida por Diana Ramos, exalumna de la Universidad de Arizona, Directora de Iniciativas Bilingües y reportera del Foco de Tucson. Contáctala en diana@tucsonspotlight.org.    El Foco de Tucson es una sala de prensa comunitaria que ofrece oportunidades remuneradas a estudiantes y periodistas emergentes del sur de Arizona. Por favor, considera apoyar nuestro trabajo con una donación deducible de impuestos. Donar a El Foco Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34163e19723856783303f9 Trump overhauls federal birth control program to promote ‘family formation,’ fertility awareness te 2026-06-18T16:01:02.881Z Trump overhauls federal birth control program to promote ‘family formation,’ fertility awareness A couple sits with their newborn inside their Bentonville, Arkansas, home. The Trump administration is shifting the federal Title X program, which has traditionally provided access to contraception, toward an emphasis on childbearing. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) A federal poverty-fighting program focused on reducing unintended pregnancies is about to undergo a major overhaul. Reproductive health clinics use Title X federal grant money to provide birth control, cancer screenings and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections to people with little or no health insurance. Title X money cannot be used for abortions. The Guttmacher Institute estimates that Title X, which was signed into law by Republican President Richard Nixon in 1970, has prevented almost 20 million unintended pregnancies and 9 million abortions. It has also helped reduce child poverty, according to the group, which supports abortion rights. But President Donald Trump has taken aim at the program, which has long been a target for abortion opponents. Since regaining the White House, Trump has temporarily blocked and then restored grants to certain reproductive health clinics, and proposed a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services budget with no funding for the program. The department’s recently issued funding guidelines for Title X grants represent a significant mission shift. Instead of expanding access to contraception, the focus of Title X will be “to strengthen family formation and assist clients in achieving healthy pregnancies,” according to the new guidance. That will align the program with the administration’s efforts to increase the U.S. birth rate. The new rules say Title X will prioritize educating Americans about natural methods to avoid pregnancy and overcome infertility, and will promote “body literacy education” and “informed, preventive, and restorative approaches to reproductive health.” Some conservative groups tout an obscure alternative treatment for infertility called “restorative reproductive medicine,” which is based on the idea that the underlying causes of infertility can be treated through lifestyle changes and improving a person’s overall health. The guidance directs Title X clinics to promote “fertility-awareness-based methods,” such as period-tracking apps, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says can be helpful for getting pregnant but less effective at preventing pregnancy. It also calls on clinics to offer counseling on male fertility issues and to address environmental causes of infertility, including pornography use. And it includes a prohibition on DEI efforts and warns grantees that federal money cannot be used to “facilitate or incentivize illegal immigration.” Anti-abortion groups support the changes, but many health policy researchers say they will disproportionately harm low-income and minority women, who are more reliant on Title X services and are more likely to have unintended pregnancies. Researchers also say the new guidelines are unlikely to achieve the administration’s “pronatalist” goal of reversing declining birth rates. Corinne Rocca, an epidemiology professor at the University of California, San Francisco, said the way to do that would be to spend more on childcare subsidies and other social programs to help new parents. “Policies that help people and families feel supported to meet their childbearing preferences … would actually help people who are open to the prospect of childbearing to do so,” Rocca said. Rocca co-authored a study published in JAMA Network Open last fall suggesting Black and Hispanic women are less likely than other racial groups to be able to choose if, when and how to start a family. Clinics must reapply for funding under these new guidelines by Jan. 9, 2027. HHS did not respond to a request for comment. During his first term, Trump banned Title X clinics from referring patients to other providers for an abortion or even mentioning it as an option. He also prohibited grantees from offering family planning services and abortions in the same building. As a result, many grantees quit the program, including about a dozen state health departments and all participating Planned Parenthood chapters. The program served about 844,000 fewer patients in 2019 than it did in 2018, when it served 3.9 million patients, according to HHS. About 225,000 fewer patients received oral contraceptives; about 50,000 fewer received hormonal implants; and about 86,000 fewer received IUDs. The reframing of Title X that is reflected in the new guidelines was a recommendation laid out in the controversial blueprint known as Project 2025, created by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation as a guide for the second Trump administration. In line with Project 2025’s recommendations, HHS says Title X grantees will no longer be required to counsel or refer for abortions, and tells applicants that relationship counseling should encourage marriage as a precursor to having children. “In a time when we are facing a rapidly declining birth rate that falls far short of the replacement fertility rate, we should be doing all we can to encourage and support family formation and fertility,” Dr. Christina Francis, CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, told MedPage Today in April. “Women deserve accurate information about their fertility and their health — and this includes highlighting the many benefits of pregnancy and motherhood.” Some abortion opponents have criticized Title X for promoting certain forms of contraception, such as IUDs, that they view as abortifacients. A spokesperson for the National Right to Life Committee said the organization does not take a stance on contraception that prevents fertilization, “however, National Right to Life does oppose any device or drug that would destroy a life already created at fertilization.” “If there is any doubt, we recommend that a woman speak with her doctor to determine if an agent would cause an abortion,” the spokesperson said in an email. But Leonard Lopoo, a professor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University who has studied fertility and family policies for the past three decades, said the federal government could help families achieve their family planning goals by expanding pregnancy prevention and infertility treatments at all income levels. “When you’re trying to take away the funding for someone who doesn’t want to have a child, that’s not the same as providing funding to support someone who does,” Lopoo said. As a Black woman and researcher focused on Black maternal health at Ibis Reproductive Health, Terri-Ann Thompson is better informed than most on the ways having children can be disproportionately more dangerous and less affordable for women who look like her. But she says what she wasn’t expecting to uncover — during research for a study she co-authored in the journal Frontiers in Public Health this spring — is how much the fear of negative medical and criminal justice outcomes makes many Black women in Georgia and North Carolina scared of pregnancy. “I was very surprised to see that folks were actually thinking about the context within which a Black child is born and raised well before they even contemplated starting a family,” Thompson said. “We had a lot of, just, stories of folks saying, ‘Why would I want to bring a child into this context; how does one prepare Black women to bring a child into this context?’” Thompson said her team’s findings show how much Black women depend on low-cost access to long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUDs. “We have people who drove very, very far just to get a sliding scale to either get an IUD placed, an IUD removed, or to even get on birth control pills,” Thompson said. “If the administration moves forward with these restrictions, what we are doing is we are removing access to contraceptives for a population that is at higher risk.” Stateline reporter Sofia Resnick can be reached at sresnick@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Arizona Mirror, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34161519723856783303c9 Many World Cup Fans Would Rather Skip the Hydration Breaks te 2026-06-18T16:00:21.926Z Many World Cup Fans Would Rather Skip the Hydration Breaks It’s hot in North America in June, but fans are griping that the breaks that have been added to each half are an excuse for the networks to show more ads. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3413fa197238567832fe86 Amanda Seyfried doubles down on Charlie Kirk comments as unapologetic stance leads to bodyguard protection te 2026-06-18T15:51:22.809Z Amanda Seyfried doubles down on Charlie Kirk comments as unapologetic stance leads to bodyguard protection Amanda Seyfried feared for her life after dubbing the late Charlie Kirk as "hateful" last year.  In an interview with British GQ, the actress — who sparked backlash for her comments shortly after Kirk's murder in September 2025 — revealed she hired a bodyguard over safety concerns. "A, I’m allowed to f---ing voice my feelings, and B, do it in a way that’s not unkind necessarily," she told the outlet. "But there’s just an outsized fear and hatred and impulse to bash and to tear down. And I experienced a very small fraction of that." ACTRESS AMANDA SEYFRIED SAYS SHE'S ‘NOT F---ING APOLOGIZING’ FOR CHARLIE KIRK POST CALLING HIM HATEFUL "I want my kids to be able to feel safe to voice their opinions as long as they’re not harmful," she continued. "So I’m like, ‘What do I do? What do I say?’ And then all of a sudden I find myself with a f---ing bodyguard at the airport and I’m like, ‘This is crazy.’" After the backlash in September, Seyfried wrote in an Instagram post: "We’re forgetting the nuance of humanity. I can get angry about misogyny and racist rhetoric and ALSO very much agree that Charlie Kirk’s murder was absolutely disturbing and deplorable in every way imaginable." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS MAHER BLASTS HOLLYWOOD LIBERALS FOR NOT ACKNOWLEDGING CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION AT THE EMMYS "No one should have to experience this level of violence," she added. "This country is grieving too many senseless and violent deaths and shootings. Can we agree on that at least?" In her caption to the post, she appeared to address her previous controversy, writing, "I don’t want to add fuel to a fire. I just want to be able to give clarity to something so irresponsibly (but understandably) taken out of context. Spirited discourse- isn’t that what we should be having?" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Shortly after the backlash, Seyfried doubled down and said she would not apologize for calling Kirk "hateful." Speaking with "Who What Wear" in an interview published in December, the "Mean Girls" actress spoke about the backlash she faced but refused to back down from her original comments. "I'm not f---ing apologizing for that," Seyfried said. "I mean, for f---'s sake, I commented on one thing. I said something that was based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes. What I said was pretty damn factual, and I'm free to have an opinion, of course. Thank God for Instagram. I was able to give some clarity, and it was about getting my voice back because I felt like it had been stolen and recontextualized — which is what people do, of course." She added how she has to remember to "keep [her] head on" regarding politics. "It's always hard to see people who are tricky and harmful have success — like our gorgeous president, the best possible example of that," Seyfried said while sitting in a restaurant with her interviewer. "It's so weird to sit in a civilized restaurant. People are serving us food. You can't unpack it too much, or else you'll go f---ing insane. Like, how is the world still spinning?" In a comment to Fox News Digital at the time, Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said Seyfried is free to say what she wants, but "deserved whatever backlash she gets." "Amanda Seyfried obviously knows nothing about who Charlie Kirk actually was. She’s a victim of her own algorithm and echo chamber. But if your reaction to an innocent husband and father being assassinated in cold blood is to pile on and call him ‘hateful’ instead of offering condolences, or just remaining silent — I know wild concept — then you are the hateful one," Kolvert said. Fox News Digital's Lindsay Komick contributed to this post. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3413d0197238567832fe25 MapTap, a daily geography game, is my new Wordle te 2026-06-18T15:50:40.824Z MapTap, a daily geography game, is my new Wordle MapTap is a phone game that will make you feel smarter after you play it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3413bc197238567832fe1c Apple opens up App Store to new competition in Brazil te 2026-06-18T15:50:20.863Z Apple opens up App Store to new competition in Brazil Apple’s grip on iPhone app distribution is loosening in another major market: Brazil. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a341182197238567832fde1 Senate Republican pushes merit-based military promotions, targets Biden-era DEI policies te 2026-06-18T15:40:50.434Z Senate Republican pushes merit-based military promotions, targets Biden-era DEI policies FIRST ON FOX: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has made it his priority to carve out "woke" policies from the Pentagon, and a Senate Republican is backing him up in Congress’ annual defense authorization bill.  As the Senate moves forward with the perennial National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), one of the annual must-pass bills in Congress that authorizes eye-popping sums of taxpayer funding for the Pentagon, Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., scored a quiet win in Hegseth’s fight.  Banks secured an amendment to the $1.15 trillion policy package that aims to reverse Biden-era diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies that seeped into hiring, communication and training at the Pentagon.  TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL 'GIVING A LOT MORE TO GET A LOT LESS' THAN OBAMA'S, SENATOR SAYS "President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are turning the Pentagon around by getting rid of the Biden-era DEI nonsense that hurt morale and took focus away from the mission," Banks said in a statement. "Our military should be focused on winning wars, not pushing political agendas," he continued. "I’m proud to have fought for this amendment to reinforce these reforms." Banks’ amendment, first shared with Fox News Digital, includes three provisions targeting DEI practices at the Pentagon.  HEGSETH QUIPS '99.9%' OF DEI INITIATIVES ARE GONE FROM THE MILITARY UNDER TRUMP’S WATCH It would nix prioritizing diversity for active-duty warrant officers, active-duty officers and reserve officers seeking promotions, and instead press promotion boards in their deliberations to focus on merit, qualifications and leadership. Hegseth has pushed for the Pentagon to focus more on lethality and merit rather than diversity standards.  "Real toxic leadership is endangering subordinates with low standards. Real toxic leadership is promoting people based on immutable characteristics or quotas instead of based on merit," Hegseth said last year. TRUMP’S CRACKDOWN ON TRANS TROOPS: NEW ORDER NIXES PREFERRED PRONOUNS AND RESTRICTS FACILITY USE Banks’ amendment would also repeal provisions that bar the Pentagon from banning the use of gender identifiers or personal pronouns in official communications, such as emails, in accordance with an executive order from President Donald Trump last year that stated, "expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for Military Service." The add-on to the NDAA would also shift focus from DEI training to instead emphasize instruction on military values, like honor, courage, commitment, integrity and excellence. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340f65197238567832fd6e Fraudsters accused of ripping off America’s grandparents face new crackdown under GOP bill te 2026-06-18T15:31:49.282Z Fraudsters accused of ripping off America’s grandparents face new crackdown under GOP bill FIRST ON FOX: Florida Republican Sen. Ashley Moody introduced two bills that would follow the Trump administration's crackdown on fraud, waste, and abuse to protect America’s youngest and oldest, Fox News Digital has learned. "I’ve fought fraud since my days as Attorney General, and I’ve continued that fight as a Senator. Serving as an [attorney general] gave me an awareness of the pervasiveness of schemes and emboldened my determination to hold scammers accountable," Sen. Moody told Fox News Digital. "It also opened my eyes to where gaps exist between state and federal law enforcement. I’m closing that divide, and introducing targeted legislation to address holes within current law that make it easier for bad actors to exploit vulnerable citizens and programs." The proposals follow a growing focus in Washington on combating fraud as the Trump administration moves to strengthen oversight of federal spending and public assistance programs. Moody's two bills would strengthen safeguards against fraud in childcare programs and help law enforcement authorities go after scammers who prey on seniors. DR OZ NAMES 5 STATES IN FRAUD CRACKDOWN AS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TARGETS MEDICAID ABUSE The Stop Child Scams Act aims to strengthen oversight of federal childcare programs by requiring states to improve program integrity measures, submit corrective action plans if payment error rates exceed 5%, and increase federal monitoring of high-risk states. The bill would require states to detail internal controls, fraud-investigation and recovery processes, sanctions for fraudulent clients or providers, and procedures to verify eligibility. DAVID MARCUS: FLORIDA SENATOR'S WAVE OF ANTI-FRAUD BILLS SHOULD BE SLAM DUNK It also permanently bars individuals convicted of childcare fraud from participating in certain federal childcare programs. The push comes amid heightened focus on large-scale fraud cases, including Minnesota’s $250 million "Feeding Our Future" scheme, which became a national flashpoint after surfacing in 2022 and has led to a wave of convictions in recent years. Federal agents issued search warrants at various day care and autism centers in Minnesota last month to investigate "fake" facilities allegedly taking federal money. Moody also introduced a second fraud bill, STOP Scams Against Seniors Act, which would help states create elder justice task forces to coordinate investigations into financial exploitation, scams and fraud targeting Americans age 60 and older. The bill incentivizes states to go after fraudsters through federal grant money to establish task forces. The task forces would coordinate closely with state and local police departments, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and other federal law enforcement agencies. The program also requires reporting on the number of cases opened and completed, the number of victims assisted, the types of scams identified, the methods used to contact victims, and any indicators of organized or transnational criminal involvement. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340f51197238567832fd65 Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen weighs in on league's two biggest controversies heading into 2026 te 2026-06-18T15:31:29.825Z Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen weighs in on league's two biggest controversies heading into 2026 The NFL is facing two major issues as the 2026 season approaches: how fans are watching the games, and the ongoing discussion of playing surfaces. The former has been the subject of controversy, so much so that there was a hearing earlier this month regarding the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, as fans are paying up the wazoo to watch games exclusively on streaming sites. Former NFL tight end-turned-FOX analyst Greg Olsen, however, understands that the league is a money-making business. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "I get it. From a high-level, nonbiased perspective, I understand it. I understand the frustrations and why this conversation is out there. The amount of different streamers and subscriptions, and I need to have cable to go along with my cable. I get all of that -- I'm also a realist," Olsen said recently to Fox News Digital. "While I may not have designed it this way and may not always agree with it, I do believe that we just have to operate within the rules in which we're all living. This is the modern era, and I think people are going to adjust. I think networks are going to pivot and adjust, I think cable channels are going to pivot and adjust, no different than how these streamers will continue to evolve. At some point, it'll all settle itself out." GREG OLSEN SAYS TIGHT ENDS' 'BLUE-COLLAR' ROOTS MAKE THEM THE RIGHT GROUP FOR ANNUAL TRAINING EVENT The playing surface conversation is being heightened this summer, as 11 NFL stadiums are hosting FIFA World Cup games, which must take place on grass. Out of those 11 venues, six of them use turf but were forced to make the switch to accommodate FIFA's regulations. Half the league’s stadiums use turf, despite NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell saying that 92% of the league’s players prefer grass. Despite NFL players begging for grass and being told no, the stadiums had no choice but to, as NFLPA head J.C. Tretter once said, "roll out the green carpet of grass." However, Olsen pushed back a bit on the "interesting" conversation. "When they get injured, they don't like playing on turf. And when they play on bad grass in the rain, and they play on bad grass up in the Northeast and Midwest in the winter late in the season, footing's bad, it's sloppy and nobody can run, the skill guys don't feel fast, they can't figure out their shoes, they also complain about that. So I do think there's an element where you're never going to make everyone happy," Olsen begrudged. "If they made a rule that everybody was turf, people would be in outrage. If every field had to be traditional, natural grass, I think everybody south of the Mason-Dixon would be fine. I think late in the season, northeast games would be very difficult... Just mother nature. It is what it is." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340f3e197238567832fd5c Palisades Fire suspect allegedly driven by 'societal revenge,' behavioral analyst testifies in court te 2026-06-18T15:31:10.378Z Palisades Fire suspect allegedly driven by 'societal revenge,' behavioral analyst testifies in court The man accused of starting the New Year's Day fire in 2025 that helped fuel the deadly Palisades inferno allegedly had behavior that matches someone who sought "societal revenge," according to an expert who testified in court. Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested in October 2025 and charged with destruction of property by means of fire and pleaded not guilty after being charged in connection with the Palisades Fire in January 2025. He's currently facing trial in California. Behavioral analyst Kevin Kelm testified that he believes Rinderknecht's behavior is similar to someone who is driven by "societal revenge." Kelm said in cases of societal revenge, the individual focuses on personal problems such as finance, relationships, work, lifestyle or anything they're not capable of dealing with on a daily basis. He previously worked as a supervisory special agent at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST One of the ways Kelm said these kind of individuals don't cope with these issues, and in this case, the act of setting a fire gives them some kind of emotional relief from the problems they face. PALISADES FIRE SUSPECT HIT WITH NEW CHARGES IN GRAND JURY INDICTMENT Kelm also said the defendant's use of ChatGPT was to make a "dystopian image" of the world, where he designed an image representing a barrier between rich people and other individuals who don't have as much money. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB He said, however, ChatGPT wasn't responding how Rinderknecht wanted, which frustrated him and shows he's not able to deal with stresses. Kelm's assessment of a possible "societal revenge" motive stemmed from witness statements, video, pictures, academic literature and more. Rinderknecht is charged with destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire. Fox News Digital reached out to his lawyers for comment. Fox News' Amanda Gillilan contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340f0c197238567832fd03 General Intuition in talks to raise $300M at around $2B valuation te 2026-06-18T15:30:20.758Z General Intuition in talks to raise $300M at around $2B valuation General Intuition is in talks to raise around $300 million at a roughly $2 billion valuation from backers including Jeff Bezos. The startup trains AI agents on spatial-temporal reasoning. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340ce4197238567832fcd6 Hurricanes star Andrei Svechnikov reflects on years of playoff heartbreak before finally winning Stanley Cup te 2026-06-18T15:21:08.314Z Hurricanes star Andrei Svechnikov reflects on years of playoff heartbreak before finally winning Stanley Cup Andrei Svechnikov will be celebrating this Stanley Cup victory for a long time. In their eighth consecutive playoff appearance, the Carolina Hurricanes finally got over the hump and brought the Cup back to North Carolina for the first time since 2006. The first stop on Svechnikov's celebration tour was a Raleigh Raising Cane's, where he got to take pictures, sign autographs and serve up some combo boxes to some Caniacs, both the food and the team. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The fans had waited a long time and suffered years of season-ending heartbreak before having the Cup back, while Svechnikov had a front-row seat to it all. The second overall pick by the Canes (not the Raising ones) in the 2018 NHL Draft, Svechnikov has never missed the playoffs. But he always lost his last game of the season. Three times, that came in the Eastern Conference Final; another three times, it was in the semis, and the other time came in the first round. Of course, Svechnikov would be appreciating this title no matter when it came. But knowing he had been so close so many times, he's definitely taking it in a bit more. HURRICANES LEGEND TURNED COACH ROD BRIND'AMOUR MAKES HISTORY AS TEAM WINS STANLEY CUP OVER GOLDEN KNIGHTS "Just thinking about how much we went through, how much hard work we went through and, you know, we've been knocked out in every playoff, pretty much, it was kind of a kick in the butt every time," Svechnikov told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "But we knew at some point we were going to win the Stanley Cup, and this was the year. So you know, very excited and we did it this year." It did not come easily -- the Vegas Golden Knights took a 2-1 series lead and looked well on their way to their second Cup in their brief history. But there was never a doubt for Svechnikov. "We just knew what we had in the locker room, in each other. We were supporting each other, the coaching staff did such a good job of preparing us for each game, and we kind of took off after that." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340cb4197238567832fc7d A tech worker-backed PAC is bringing a $5M knife to Big Tech’s $100M gunfight  te 2026-06-18T15:20:20.159Z A tech worker-backed PAC is bringing a $5M knife to Big Tech’s $100M gunfight  Guardrails positions itself as a populist political movement that runs on small donations from people in the trenches of the AI boom. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340aa1197238567832fc5a Mayor's Office hangs Ewing's retired number for Knicks player who barely saw court at NBA Finals parade te 2026-06-18T15:11:29.783Z Mayor's Office hangs Ewing's retired number for Knicks player who barely saw court at NBA Finals parade The 53-year wait is over for New York Knicks fans, as Lower Manhattan streets have been filled since sunrise. The Knicks' championship parade will conclude at City Hall, where fans will be met with a glaring mistake. The building is filled with banners similar to the ones that hang from the Madison Square Garden rafters for retired numbers, including one for each player. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The starting five of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart hang in the main view, with other role players on the sides. One banner was given to Dillon Jones, who played just 39 minutes for the team this season and did not step on the court in the playoffs. CHAOS UNFOLDS IN NEW YORK CITY AFTER KNICKS WIN FIRST NBA CHAMPIONSHIP IN DECADES However, despite his limited time on the floor, Jones, who wore No. 1 with the Knicks, was somehow given the honor of having his name above No. 33 on his banner. ESPN lists Jones as wearing No. 33, but the number, of course, has been retired since 2003 for Patrick Ewing. With the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, he wore No. 3, and according to @NBA_NewYork on X, Jones only wore No. 33 during the 2024 Summer League and in preseason with the Washington Wizards. But apparently, two-time NBA champions get treated a bit differently in New York. The parade will run down the Canyon of Heroes for the first championship parade for New York in the four major leagues since 2012 after the NFL's New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340a8e197238567832fc51 Democratic socialist poised to lead DC after opponent concedes, setting stage for clashes with Trump te 2026-06-18T15:11:10.328Z Democratic socialist poised to lead DC after opponent concedes, setting stage for clashes with Trump Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist member of the Washington, D.C. City Council described as "D.C.'s version of [New York City Mayor] Zohran Mamdani," is set to become mayor of the nation's capital after her opponent conceded the race Thursday morning.  In a city that leans overwhelmingly left and with no real challengers on the ballot, Lewis George will likely win November's general election for mayor. Her main opponent was former City Council member-at-large Kenyan McDuffie, who conceded the race two days after the primary election, and five other candidates who polled very low: Rini Sampath, Gary Goodweather, Ernest Johnson, Hope Solomon and Vincent Orange. Lewis George is poised to replace current Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser, who on occasion worked with President Donald Trump over the last two years but ultimately opted not to pursue a fourth term at the city's helm. With a more adversarial approach to the current administration, Lewis George's victory tees up a potential showdown with Trump as the president made cleaning up D.C. during his second term a main goal, maintains a deployment of the National Guard to the nation's capital and has threatened repeatedly to end home rule for the district. Opposing Trump's deployment of the National Guard to D.C. was a central tenet of Lewis George's platform on the council and during her campaign. DSA-LINKED DC COUNCILMEMBER MOUNTS MAYORAL BID TO SUCCEED BOWSER "Like many of you, I am shocked and outraged that President Trump has announced he is weaponizing the Home Rule Act by deploying the National Guard and exercising authority over the Metropolitan Police Department. This is a direct attack on the 700,000 residents of DC and we will not stand for it," she said in a statement when Trump announced the move last August. While Bowser offered cooperation with the Trump administration on the crime crackdown, which has been focused heavily on juvenile incidents, Lewis George insisted that "federal troops" and "masked ICE agents" were the real threat to the city's youth. MAMDANI-STYLE DC MAYORAL HOPEFUL DRAGGED OVER 'EXACTLY BACKWARDS' RESPONSE TO VIOLENT TEEN MOBS "Right now, using the curfew as a tool for our young people is dangerous," she said during a primary debate. "It is dangerous because we have federal troops who are in our city, masked ICE agents who are in our city, and these are the people enforcing this law and our young people." "And these are not individuals who are trained in de-escalation, they are not accountable to D.C. residents." "As mayor," she continued, "I think it's important that we use the right tools, and we don't put the risk of our youth being harmed or killed without the real oversight that's necessary." Instead, Lewis George plans to offer even more "youth programming" to keep young people out of trouble. She has touted a plan to expand universal access to childcare in D.C., "so that no family is spending more than 7% of their income on childcare." As a self-described democratic socialist, Lewis George is expected to take the district even further left as Trump and Republicans call for a crackdown on left-leaning policies that they say are ruining the nation's capital. The candidate has supported the defund police movement and was endorsed by progressive groups like Black Lives Matter, the Working Families Party and the Metro D.C. chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Trump has suggested that he'd order another federal takeover of Washington D.C. if the "crazy socialist" mayoral candidate was elected. "I wouldn’t like it — and maybe we take back Washington, run it on the federal basis," Trump said when asked by reporters how he'd respond if a self-described Democratic socialist D.C. council member were to win her bid. "We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses," Trump said last week during a press briefing from the White House. Fox News Digital's Peter Pinedo contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340a5f197238567832fc11 McCarthy Aide’s Tell-All Book Recounts Trump’s Expletive-Filled Threats to G.O.P. te 2026-06-18T15:10:23.870Z McCarthy Aide’s Tell-All Book Recounts Trump’s Expletive-Filled Threats to G.O.P. A new book by John Leganski, the floor manager for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, offers a rare behind-the-scenes account of how President Trump wields his power through threats and intimidation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340808197238567832fb97 Centrist Democrat Concedes to Socialist in D.C. Mayoral Primary te 2026-06-18T15:00:24.430Z Centrist Democrat Concedes to Socialist in D.C. Mayoral Primary President Trump’s grip on the capital loomed over the race, and he threatened to tighten it if Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George is elected. The Associated Press has not called the race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3405e0197238567832fb48 Ali Larter defends Taylor Sheridan's writing of female characters, calling criticism a 'false narrative' te 2026-06-18T14:51:12.413Z Ali Larter defends Taylor Sheridan's writing of female characters, calling criticism a 'false narrative' Ali Larter isn't interested in hearing people bash Taylor Sheridan's writing. Sheridan has become the most powerful creative visionary in all of entertainment, and there's not a close second. He built the "Yellowstone" universe, "Landman," "Lioness," "Mayor of Kingstown" and plenty of other good works. However, one idiotic criticism that Sheridan has faced over the years is that he can't write female characters. I've always found it a bit of an outrageous claim, and one of his biggest stars is now coming to his defense. ALI LARTER’S RISE FROM SHOCK ‘VARSITY BLUES’ WHIPPED CREAM BIKINI MOMENT TO ‘LANDMAN’ LEADING LADY Ali Larter, who is a major "Landman" star, recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter and was asked point-blank about the notion that Sheridan can't write female characters. The talented actress didn't hold back with her response. "It’s just a false narrative… I also feel like what he does is, you just don’t see a lot of women in film and television that embrace their sexuality. It just stops at a certain age. I’m always amazed at how shocked people are by it [on Landman], and I’m thrilled, because it’s ridiculous," Larter told the outlet. TAYLOR SHERIDAN'S HIT CIA/MILITARY SERIES 'LIONESS' GETS OFFICIAL SEASON RELEASE DATE ON PARAMOUNT+ Like I said above, the criticism that Sheridan can't write female characters makes absolutely no sense to me. One of his best shows is "Lioness" and it's dominated by female characters. My theory is the criticism stems from Emily Blunt's character in "Sicario." However, what people making that claim miss is that her character in "Sicario" is supposed to be ignorant to what's happening by design. That's why she was chosen to be a part of the secret anti-cartel unit. They needed an FBI agent who wouldn't know enough to ask questions or interfere with the real plan. It wasn't poor writing. It was actually genius writing that flew over some people's heads. Sheridan's new deal with NBCUniversal is reportedly worth more than $1 billion. He didn't get the deal by being bad at his job. The "Yellowstone" creator got it by being the best in the game. Agree? Disagree? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3405b1197238567832fafe Centrist Democrat Concedes to Socialist in D.C. Mayoral Primary te 2026-06-18T14:50:25.826Z Centrist Democrat Concedes to Socialist in D.C. Mayoral Primary President Trump’s grip on the capital loomed over the race, and he threatened to tighten it if Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George is elected. The Associated Press has not called the race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340384197238567832fabd Lawmakers scramble after Trump derails bid to revive key counterterrorism tool days after FBI thwarts UFC plot te 2026-06-18T14:41:08.903Z Lawmakers scramble after Trump derails bid to revive key counterterrorism tool days after FBI thwarts UFC plot The Senate was nearing a resolution to a key hurdle to revive the nation’s most valuable counterterrorism tool, until President Donald Trump blew it up. The last-minute wrench into the Senate’s march toward reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) comes just days after a domestic terror plot was foiled in Washington, D.C. It’s a program that its champions and critics say is critical to thwarting terror plots abroad, and one heavily used by the FBI, which over the weekend foiled a plan to use bomb-laden drones and snipers to potentially kill thousands at Trump’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) birthday celebration.  The Senate was on its way to confirming Trump’s pick to be the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Jay Clayton, in a bid to get one step closer to reauthorizing Section 702, but Trump’s eleventh-hour decision to call off Clayton’s confirmation hearing halted all momentum. SPY PROGRAM CREDITED WITH STOPPING TAYLOR SWIFT TERROR PLOT BARRELS TOWARD EXPIRATION "It is the single most important program in terms of maintaining national security, and putting Mr. Clayton into the Department would have eliminated an obstacle for having that happen," Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said. "I'm not sure. I think it's a mistake for the president to have done this, and hopefully, he'll change his mind."  FISA reauthorization has long been a policy-based issue on the Hill. Boiled down, the Section 702 program allows the U.S. government to collect intelligence on foreigners abroad who are using U.S. communication systems, and it serves as a major part of Trump’s daily intelligence briefing. But it also sweeps up communications from Americans who are talking to foreign suspects, and proponents pushing reforms argue that loopholes in the program allow for the surveillance of Americans on U.S. soil. But it’s now morphed into a deeply political issue on the Hill — Democrats recoiled weeks ago when Trump tapped his Housing director, Bill Pulte, to serve in the interim as DNI. His nomination of Clayton was seen as an olive branch to restart talks.  TRUMP'S DNI PICK WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR HIS CONFIRMATION HEARING AFTER TRUTH SOCIAL BOMB Now lawmakers say they’re back at the starting line after Trump halted Clayton’s confirmation hearing and demanded that his SAVE America Act be attached to the unrelated bill. "This is why I'm making the case you have to have permanent reform, because you can't count on any of these people to be there for a very long time, and that's what we saw today," Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said. "I'm the longest serving member on the committee, and I have never seen anything quite like this." Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., contended that Trump’s current position is to "up the ante."  "I mean, he's putting 702 [reauthorization] almost out of reach," Tillis said. "But he's got to consciously recognize he's doing that. We were close before the Pulte announcement. We were back on the right track with the Clayton announcement. Now we're back to square one." Senate Democrats raged at the latest development, and argued that Trump couldn't care less about the nation’s security. REPUBLICANS QUESTION TRUMP'S 'PRIVATELY FUNDED' BALLROOM AFTER REPORT POINTS TO TAXPAYER BURDEN "Look, Trump's actions overnight make it clear he is undermining our national security," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. "He doesn't give a damn about the American people’s safety, plain and simple. And every action he takes undercuts our safety for his own ridiculous, sometimes even indiscernible political motivation."  What was already a difficult issue based on policy alone has turned into a political slugfest with jabs, parries and haymakers dealing stiff blows to the process.  Some Republicans believe that Democrats made the issue political and own the current situation. "They're just looking for some other reason to pin the tail on the donkey here, but it's sort of — the ball’s in their court, but a lot of important issues at stake for sure," Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., said.  Some privacy hawks don’t see the current situation as entirely doom and gloom. While the current compromise three-year reauthorization waiting in the wings can pass if the stars align and the political firestorm abates, there are lawmakers that want another bite at the apple to push for more reforms and see the delay as an opportunity.  "I welcome the opportunity to, at the very least, to get rid of ridiculous provisions that say that, you know, if you have Wi-Fi in your home or building, that they may then be a FISA obligated provider," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said. "I mean, what in the world?" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340371197238567832fab4 DAVID MARCUS: Americans learn to view time like soccer fans te 2026-06-18T14:40:49.457Z DAVID MARCUS: Americans learn to view time like soccer fans It is often said of the American Jazz pianist Thelonius Monk that what made him great was not the notes that he played, but the notes that he didn’t play. It turns out that American sports are similar, and until recently, this has been an obstacle to soccer’s success in the U.S.. America’s two greatest homegrown sports are baseball and football. In each, after a pitch or a play, there is a break during which the fan considers what just happened and what it means for what is about to happen. The majority of the time invested in viewing these sports isn’t really spent watching the action at all. It takes place not on the field, but between the ears of the viewers, as they contemplate the relative benefits of going for it on fourth down or trying to steal second base. Once the result of a pitch or play is recorded, another break, more time to think. UNITED STATES SHATTERS WORLD CUP VIEWERSHIP RECORD IN FIRST MATCH VS PARAGUAY IN LOS ANGELES Even basketball, the pace of which is more similar to soccer, falls into this familiar American sports pattern as the last minute of important games often take an eternity with fouls to give and timeouts. In these instances on the hardcourt, Americans are once again left with no action, just thoughts. The mental experience of watching a soccer match is completely different, and frankly, very unfamiliar to the American mindset. In the rest of the world’s football, the action almost never stops: It sweeps and swells, ebbs and flows, but it basically just keeps going, relentlessly. DAVID MARCUS: WHY EUROPEAN SOCCER FANS ARE GOING KEROUAC ON THE AMERICAN ROAD One way to think about the core difference here is through the experience of reading. One can actively read a book while simultaneously thinking about what they are reading, but that is very different from putting down the book, looking up and thinking about it. The former is dreamlike and liminal, the latter far more concrete. Foreign soccer fans often think that the constant breaks in American sports are just an excuse for more commercials, and that's not entirely off base. Americans like commercials. In fact, the Super Bowl, our biggest sports event, basically has a whole separate best commercial contest. But the reasons for the breaks run much deeper than capitalism and speak to a much broader difference in how Americans and others look at the world around us. USMNT CAPTAIN TYLER ADAMS SAYS FIFA WORLD CUP CAN 'BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER' DESPITE 'CRAZY' TIMES IN WORLD The philosophers Henri Bergson and Gilles Deleuze thought of time as two distinct concepts, the Chronos and the Aion. The former is sequential, one moment building on another, and measurable with a past and future. The latter, the Aion, is an eternal moment in which all happens, or seems to, at once. The American lives by the Chronos, cause and effect building, with everything measurable. This is why baseball involves more statistics than an AP math course. Only in recent years have complex stats entered the world of soccer. Europeans live in the Aion. Their culture is thousands of years old, timeless and stretching to both past and future at once. This becomes manifest on the soccer field by the fact that the fans actually have no idea how much time is left. Only the referee knows. LANDON DONOVAN RECALLS LIFE-CHANGING WORLD CUP MOMENT AMID PLAYERS' 'RESPONSIBILITY' OF GROWING GAME IN USA Americans have been getting better at experiencing the timeless flow of soccer matches, at letting the subtle changes wash over them slowly, rather than spending three hours engaged in constant mental calculations. Honestly, it's relaxing. This is not to say that soccer is boring. On an emotional level, it can provide every bit of the anguish and joy of any American sport. But it isn’t mentally taxing. In the end what Americans may love most about the constant breaks in our sports is the illusion of control that they give us. No matter what actually occurs on the field, in those moments you are the coach or the manager, and it feels very real. It turns out that back in 1960s, Europeans loved Thelonius Monk. They flocked to his staccato, one finger at a time, jazz piano that was unlike anything they had ever heard before. In its own way, soccer is returning the favor, offering Americans a new way to experience time and beauty. I don’t expect that Americans will ever give up our love of sports stoppage time. It's in our DNA. But after all, it is summer, so why not spend some time lost in the dream of World Cup soccer glory? CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DAVID MARCUS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340155197238567832fa41 Americans crown a new fast-food favorite in annual satisfaction study te 2026-06-18T14:31:49.288Z Americans crown a new fast-food favorite in annual satisfaction study → After more than a decade on top, one fast-food giant has finally been unseated in the latest customer satisfaction study. → A flood of beer-loving soccer supporters in one city created an unexpected challenge for bars scrambling to keep up. → Restaurants in World Cup cities are rewriting the gratuity playbook — and diners are keeping score. → Researchers say one bite could be enough to change minds about bug-based foods. → An abrupt closure marks the end of an era for a longtime Tex-Mex favorite. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER → One state's love affair with ice cream is leaving the rest of America in the freezer. → Customers are lining up for hours to get their hands on these fast-selling treats. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOOD AND DRINK NEWS Premium ingredients, intense prep and runaway demand are forcing chefs to set strict limits. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a340141197238567832fa38 Jack Leiter's struggles at home give Minnesota Twins a pitching edge in American League clash te 2026-06-18T14:31:29.833Z Jack Leiter's struggles at home give Minnesota Twins a pitching edge in American League clash Every year, I feel like I end up locking on certain pitchers and teams and bet them more than others. It almost never is intentional; usually, I find a team or player I like, we win with them consistently, and I ride the horse until it is time to get off. That's a bit of how I feel with both the Twins and Rangers who battle in this one. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE I have said that the Chicago White Sox are the biggest surprise in all of baseball, but the Minnesota Twins might be willing to make a strong argument about it. This was a year that the Twins were supposed to be garbage and be more likely to trade people away (like they did last year) than they would be looking to make a move for the club. I can't say it is entirely due to Byron Buxton, one of the names floated in trade rumors last year and in the offseason, but he is having a great campaign and has the Twins just five games below .500. One of the other guys that you can attribute the success of this year to is today's starter, Joe Ryan. If the Twins do decide to take Ryan to the market, he will have many suitors and should bring back a big haul. Ryan has posted a 4-3 record with a 3.17 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. He has been slightly worse on the road than at home, but it hasn't been a significant issue. He was great in May, posting a 1.73 ERA, but June has seen him make three starts and allow eight earned runs, including four homers. Rangers hitters have struggled significantly against him, hitting just .143 against him. The Texas Rangers are still in the mix for the American League West division. Before you say, "Well, yeah, it's only the middle of June." I bring this up because they are just two games back of the Mariners, and the Rangers really haven't played all that well this season. I think there is a lot of potential for this team to add a bat, and he could make a major difference. If they added Buxton, for example, the Rangers might be the favorite to win the division given how everyone else is playing. I'm not trying to discuss hypothetical trades, though. The pitching staff might be enough to carry them to a Wild Card or division title anyway. Today's starter, Jack Leiter, isn't the best on the roster, but he's been good. Leiter is 3-6 with a 4.86 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. At home, he has been okay, going 2-2 with a 4.14 ERA. He has allowed four or more earned runs in seven of his 14 outings. Twins hitters are batting .417 against Leiter in just 12 at-bats, with Buxton going 2-for-2 with a double, a homer and three RBIs. I think it probably makes sense to play Buxton to get 2+ bases here today. I get that he probably did all of this damage to Leiter in one game, but it is still worth seeing if he can get it done. He is having a good season, and Leiter isn't a guy who is going to make you nervous very often about throwing zeroes. I also think we probably should play the game overall. I think the Twins are the correct side in this game. There are a lot of times that I'd back the Rangers, as I think they have the better overall team, but in this one, the pitching mismatch is too strong. Give me the Ryan-led Twins, through five, on the moneyline. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a34012e197238567832fa2f Supreme Court unanimously strikes down gun law used to prosecute Hunter Biden te 2026-06-18T14:31:10.377Z Supreme Court unanimously strikes down gun law used to prosecute Hunter Biden The Supreme Court unanimously struck down a law banning "habitual" marijuana users from owning firearms on Thursday. The court ruled the law, which was used to prosecute Hunter Biden, was overbroad and improperly deprived individuals of their right to have a weapon in their homes.  The case involved a Texas man charged with a felony when FBI agents raiding his home found a handgun he kept for self-defense, and he also admitted to smoking marijuana every other day. This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3400ff197238567832f9e5 Supreme Court Narrows Law Banning Drug Users From Owning Guns te 2026-06-18T14:30:23.280Z Supreme Court Narrows Law Banning Drug Users From Owning Guns A Texas gun owner who faced criminal charges after admitting to marijuana use argued that a federal gun law violated the Second Amendment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fcbb197238567832f93e Registration runs home for Sedona summer softball te 2026-06-18T14:12:11.954Z Registration runs home for Sedona summer softball Field upgrades move softball season to July Batter up! Registration is open until Friday, July 3, for the 2026 city of Sedona Adult Softball League at Posse Grounds Park with Sedona Jeep Tours out defending their league championship against tentatively eight different teams. Games are played on Thur Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fca5197238567832f91f Red Sox pitching ace Sonny Gray eyes another home win as Blue Jays send struggling Trey Yesavage te 2026-06-18T14:11:49.939Z Red Sox pitching ace Sonny Gray eyes another home win as Blue Jays send struggling Trey Yesavage If you haven't been watching this baseball season, I think you'd be pretty surprised to see where some of the teams are. Not only that, but I think we should have a very intriguing stretch run. I'm sure some teams will pull away from the pack, but there are 23 teams that are all within six games of .500 or better. Sure, a lot of them have losing records, nine to be exact. However, there is still hope, and that might be all you need heading into July. The Toronto Blue Jays are one of those teams that have a losing record, but still have a lot of hope. They are a team that isn't necessarily filled with top-tier names or talent (although they do have Vlad Guerrero Jr.), but they made a big statement last year and are still looking for their footing this season. Part of the struggle, or probably most of it, has been the struggles of their pitching staff. The team has gotten 15 starts from Kevin Gausman, 13 from both Dylan Cease and Patrick Corbin, but nine or fewer from Trey Yesavage, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber. Injuries are always an issue for any team, but when your starters are unavailable, it magnifies basically everything else. Yesavage goes today, and he will be making his 10th start of the season. After a solid run through about the middle of May, he has struggled. Since May 25, he has allowed 17 earned runs over 22.1 innings. This is the first stretch of struggle for Yesavage in his career. Is this just a blip, or has the league figured him out? I think it is fair to question. He faced the Red Sox in his debut this year and allowed four hits in five scoreless innings. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE The Boston Red Sox have reports that they have a lot of hope in the remainder of the season, but it is hard to see where that is coming from. They are currently in last place in their division with 15.5 games of space between them and the Yankees. What is most concerning, at least in my opinion, is how bad they've been at home this year. They are just 12-24 for the season. They were 38-43 at home in 2024, so it isn't exactly like a very long time since they last posted a losing home record. Still, this one stands out. Today, they have a guy who has done well for them at home, Sonny Gray on the mound. We bet Gray's last start, and it was a no-sweat victory. Overall, Gray is 8-1 with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. I expect his season to likely include an All-Star appearance and probably a different uniform at some point. He probably won't want to leave Fenway Park, because at home, he is 4-0 with a 2.32 ERA. Overall, the Red Sox have won nine of his 12 starts this season, and he owns five of the 12 wins at Fenway this year. Gray hasn't faced Toronto this season, but they've had some decent success against him in past games. No one in particular stands out more than anyone else as being great aside from maybe Andres Gimenez who has three extra-base hits against Gray in 20 at-bats. Vlad Guerrero Jr. might be worth fading as he is 0-for-7 against Gray. The bet here doesn't need to be on a player prop, though. The best thing we can do right now is just continue backing Gray in starts at home. Additionally, Yesavage has looked really bad lately, so it is worth fading him until we see he can make the needed adjustments. Give me the Red Sox at -125. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fc92197238567832f916 Vance admits infamous 'childless cat ladies' comment distracted from his message to Americans te 2026-06-18T14:11:30.484Z Vance admits infamous 'childless cat ladies' comment distracted from his message to Americans Vice President JD Vance admitted his controversial "childless cat ladies" comment was "dumb" phrasing that distracted from his message to American families. Speaking on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast, Vance revealed the impact the insult had and the message he was actually trying to convey with it. "I mean, it was dumb, because it offended so many people they didn't actually listen to the point," Vance said. "The point that I was making is like, when a politician, a political leader, when a media figure speaks, you're trying to illuminate and trying to make people think. It pissed so many people off that it turned off the thinking part of their brain," he added. JD VANCE WALKS BACK CONTROVERSIAL ‘CHILDLESS CAT LADIES’ COMMENT ON 'THE VIEW' BUT DEFENDS FAMILY MESSAGE Vance originally made the remark in 2021 when he argued the country was being run by Democrats and "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made, and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too." He also called out then-Vice President Kamala Harris, then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, arguing that the party's future was being shaped by people without children. Harris is the stepmother of two. Buttigieg welcomed twins later that year. At the time, the comments sparked fierce backlash from liberal women, including Taylor Swift, who later endorsed Harris for president as a self-described "Childless Cat Lady." FAMILY MATTERS: HOW VP VANCE, WIFE DELIVER 'NORMALCY TO THE KIDS IN A VERY ABNORMAL SITUATION' Vance told Hannity that the point of the remark was that the country had become "very hostile to families, especially families with young kids." He referenced his own struggles being a parent, and the attitude he sees toward his young family in spaces like airplanes or restaurants. JD VANCE WINS GRUDGING PRAISE FROM JOY BEHAR ON 'THE VIEW,' WHO TELLS HIM TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT "You see how people scoff at young moms on an airplane, or I've seen this in a number of different ways. It's hard at this point to take, even with all of the benefits that we have being vice president, it's kind of a pain to take three kids to a restaurant," he said, adding, "It's [going to] be a lot harder to take four kids to a restaurant." The vice president also referenced mask mandates for young children during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were still prevalent at the time he made the original comment. "Why did we keep on masking toddlers? Like, I'm not saying two months into it. A year and a half into the pandemic, when we knew it was affecting their developmental, their learning, their language. Why do we do it?" Vance asked. "Because we didn't have the perspective of young parents in our country's leadership." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fc7f197238567832f90d College World Series delivers more magic as brothers on rival teams share surreal moment during home run te 2026-06-18T14:11:11.028Z College World Series delivers more magic as brothers on rival teams share surreal moment during home run The Oklahoma Sooners continued their unprecedented run in Omaha on Wednesday, defeating the Georgia Bulldogs to punch their ticket to the championship series. Oklahoma, a relative nonfactor in the SEC during the regular season, has been on a tear over the past month. The Sooners lost their opening game of the SEC tournament in May, but have lost just once since, cruising through the NCAA tournament en route to the program's first title game appearance since 2022. Now that all the background is out of the way, let's get down to business. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE During the ninth inning of Wednesday's blowout loss to Oklahoma, Bulldogs shortstop Kolby Branch belted a home run in his final collegiate at-bat. His brother, Kyle, is an infielder for the Sooners, and was at second base for his brother's final blast. The two then shared a surreal moment during Kolby's trot: "Unbelievable, you can't script it up any better," Kolby said after the game. "It’s a good moment, high-fived him, which is kinda cool, and then I wished him luck in the National Championship." I've said it all tournament long — college baseball is the last of a dying breed in terms of college athletics. It's sad, but true. We live in the (miserable) era of NIL and the transfer portal. It's been that way for a few years now, and we've certainly lost a little of the magic. Cinderellas are all but dead. School loyalty is a thing of the past. Recruiting is all based on how big a program's checkbook is. It's just a mess. GEORGIA PLAYER HITS MAMMOTH GO-AHEAD HOME RUN, PROMPTLY GETS EJECTED FOR EXCESSIVE CELEBRATION DURING TROT But college baseball, unlike football or basketball, still has a pulse. We've seen throughout this tournament that all of that is still alive. "Country Roads" at West Virginia. Mid-majors (Troy) making a run. Upsets, Cinderellas and bracket-busters. We've gotten all of it over the past month, and this moment between the Branch Brothers — with the entire family in attendance — was just the latest example. What a tournament. Sadly, we're near the end. Oklahoma and North Carolina will face off in a best-of-three series starting Saturday. There's still time for a little more CWS magic. If the past month has been any indication, we'll probably get it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33fc4c197238567832f8aa Spotify’s reserved ticket sales to music superfans are now going live te 2026-06-18T14:10:20.198Z Spotify’s reserved ticket sales to music superfans are now going live Spotify is launching "Reserved," a new system that will hold two concert tickets for an artist's superfans before they're on sale to the public. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33f31e197238567832f733 Trump praises major announcement about golf ball rollback that has the sport divided te 2026-06-18T13:31:10.670Z Trump praises major announcement about golf ball rollback that has the sport divided President Donald Trump has shared his opinion about the recent announcement regarding rolling back the golf ball, and as is often the case, his opinion on the topic at hand doesn't necessarily align with the majority. The USGA and R&A — two governing bodies of golf — originally shared a plan in 2023 that golf ball development would change, making balls travel up to 15 yards shorter at the professional level and up to five yards shorter for amateurs. This was a direct approach to combat distance, and the opinion that it has gotten out of hand with new technology. The original announcement nearly three years ago involved a staggered start that would take effect at the professional level in 2028 and all other golfers in 2030. TEENAGE PHENOM MILES RUSSELL MAKES ENTIRE GOLF WORLD FEEL OLD WITH EYE-POPPING QUOTE AHEAD OF US OPEN DEBUT On the eve of the 2026 U.S. Open on Wednesday, the USGA and R&A announced that plans for a golf ball rollback have been paused until at least 2030. Trump praised the decision to pause the efforts to roll back the golf ball in a Truth Social post on Wednesday evening. "Congratulations to Commissioner Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour, and the Governing Bodies, and also, the Great U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, for a BIG VICTORY where the USGA wanted to roll back the distance of a Golf Ball, for whatever reason, and now they are precluded from doing so, at least for a long number of years," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "It was a ridiculous idea, that nobody wanted, especially PGA Tour Players, and people that don’t want to go to a Course to be told that their drives will be going 20 yards shorter. What the USGA should do is agree that, far into the future, they will not allow the current ball to go further. In other words, they will keep the ball the same! The game of Golf is "hot as a pistol." The last thing we should do is tell people that, for no reason whatsoever, you will not be able to hit a ball as far as you used to. Has anyone ever heard of anything so ridiculous?" ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Trump's suggestion that "nobody wanted" golf ball technology to change to combat distance isn't true. The debate in golf, especially at the professional level, is completely divided. Many, if not the majority, of folks involved with golf recognize that the technology in both golf balls and modern drivers has gotten out of hand. Several golf courses have become "too short" for elite and professional players. As for the approach golf's governing bodies have taken to address the issue, well, that's where opinions differ even more. The "how" of effectively reining in the distance golf balls possess nowadays is the million-dollar question, and this delay proves the powers that be need time to tinker as well. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33f30b197238567832f72a READ IT: The full text of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding te 2026-06-18T13:30:51.220Z READ IT: The full text of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding The memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran was released Wednesday detailing the terms of the deal hashed out by the Trump administration. President Donald Trump signed the deal after the G7 wrapped up at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday with a formal signing ceremony set for Friday. His signature put the 60-day ceasefire and negotiation framework into effect.  Read the full text below.  TRUMP ANNOUNCES PEACE DEAL WITH IRAN, DECLARES STRAIT OF HORMUZ WILL REOPEN: 'LET THE OIL FLOW!' 1. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war by signing this MOU declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts including in Lebanon and other provisions of this paragraph. 2. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs. 3. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in maximum 60 days extendable with mutual consent. VANCE SAYS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S KEY OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN REACHED IN US-IRAN DEAL 4. Immediately upon the signing of this MOU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. During this period, the traffic of vessels will be in proportion to the numbers of prewar traffic being restored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal. 5. Upon the signing of this MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa. The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start and, considering the needs for removing the technical and military obstacles and demining by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be instated within 30 days. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz. 6. The United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive mutually agreed plan with at least USD 300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The mechanism for the implementation of this plan will be finalized as part of a final deal within 60 days. All required licenses, waivers and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America. TRUMP MAY HAVE WON A STRATEGIC PAUSE IN IRAN. NOW COMES THE HARD PART 7. The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, IAEA Board of Governors resolutions and all unilateral U.S. sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed upon schedule as part of the final deal. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue above mentioned and express their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. 8. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpile enriched material pursuant to a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon in accordance with the schedule mentioned in Paragraph 7 with the minimum methodology to be downblending on site under the supervision of the IAEA. The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final deal. The final deal will confirm the provisions of this paragraph. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues above mentioned and express their intention to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. 9. Pending the final deal, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree to maintain the status quo. The Islamic Republic will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region. JD VANCE REVEALS DETAILS OF US-IRAN DEAL, ADDRESSES WHETHER TAXPAYER MONEY WILL GO TO TEHRAN 10. The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of this MOU and until the termination of sanctions the U.S. Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives and all associated services including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc. 11. The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this MOU. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree on the procedures related to the release of these funds during the negotiations. Such funds, whether retained in the original account or transferred shall be made fully usable for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designated by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America undertakes to issue all necessary licenses and authorizations accordingly. 12. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree that an executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MOU and the future compliance of the final deal. 13. After signing this MOU and subject to the beginning of the implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11 of this MOU, and the continuing implementation of these measures, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively on the other paragraphs. 14. The final deal will be endorsed by binding UNSC resolution. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33f0b2197238567832f6b0 British World Cup fans can't get enough of American hot dogs during the tournament, buy a Bond bike & MEAT! te 2026-06-18T13:20:50.622Z British World Cup fans can't get enough of American hot dogs during the tournament, buy a Bond bike & MEAT! The sun is out, the U.S. Open is underway, the World Cup continues to be the perfect sporting event at the perfect time on U.S. soil and here we go with another edition of Thursday Screencaps in the middle of June. A day after the England fans tried to wrap their brains around the idea of "free" refills, we get the day rolling with the Brits appreciating our hot dogs. Skylar Skye, one of the many English fans experiencing the United States for the first time, is in Texas where she tried a real American hot dog for the first time and let's just say it was a life-changing moment. "Anyone know if these are good for you because I want one everyday now," she wrote on Twitter. Who are we to tell Skylar to watch her sodium intake? Over the years, I've seen plates of traditional British food sent in by Screencaps readers. It's no wonder Skylar is blown away by the food available in Texas. Imagine going your whole life eating those British baked beans for breakfast. I still can't believe some of you go over to England and claim an English breakfast is great. I know you're just trying to not be classified as an ugly American traveler. Let's get back to the World Cup visitors. While the English fans are going nuts in Texas, let's check in with the Scots in Boston who are drinking the city dry. Literally. These guys show up to bars looking to have a couple and four hours later, they've each had 20 beers and these bars are scrambling for stock to keep these guys happy. WORLD CUP FANS CAN'T STOP SMILING AFTER A MASSIVE WEEKEND OF FUN ACROSS THE US, TIME CAPSULES & BRISKET! Scotland plays Morocco Friday at 6 p.m. This one has all the makings to be wild. Buckle up. And, finally, let's stop and think about that major date on the calendar that us Americans have circled. America's birthday. 250. The day we told the British to kiss our ass. Despite what you might've read by the #fakenews bots on Facebook, the U.S. cannot face England on the Fourth of July. The teams are on different sides of the World Cup knockout brackets. If you have Brits staying in an Airbnb next to you, make sure you welcome them in as you celebrate freedom. Show them why this is the greatest country Earth has ever known. SHAKIRA BODY DOUBLE CONSPIRACY GOES VIRAL AFTER WORLD CUP PERFORMANCE, JOBA IS BACK & WORLD'S BIGGEST PIZZA 📩 Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com Send photos, stories, tips, rants — whatever you've got. 📰 Screencaps Page: 👉 Read the latest Screencaps ▶️ YouTube: Screencaps with Joe Kinsey Subscribe for videos, rants and behind-the-scenes. 🐦 Twitter/X: @JoeKinseyexp Tag me or drop a DM. 📸 Instagram: @OutKickScreencaps You guys need to start tagging me on content you're seeing. 📘 Facebook Page: Screencaps on Facebook 👥 Facebook Group: Join the Screencaps Community 📬 Mail (Thursday Night Mowing League): 27072 Carronade Dr, Unit A 155 Perrysburg, OH 43551 🗞️ Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe here – Here we go with the deranged LIBS finding Screencaps. Greg W. is the male version of Sarah who emailed a few weeks back. Greg writes: What is it with the media hacks and "amazed foreigners" stories? I am seeing the same few boring tweets from the same few boring Japanese tourists in articles across the media garbagescape. Is State Media that desperate to convince Americans that the rest of the world doesn’t hate them? Sad. And yes, pathetic. But no, it’s not America bashing to point out the Jan Brady vibes, It’s Trump bashing. And 100% deserved. Kinsey: I replied, "You want the Europeans to trash the U.S. so bad, Greg. It's sad." Greg fired back with a bunch of Fox News-hating nonsense. Kinsey: I replied, "Stay mad, Greg. Have a great summer." Greg: You bet - so many of us are so very mad! You know why. Not because we "hate America". My dad, George W., USMA 1958, 2 tours in Vietnam under crooked Nixon certainly did not. I do not, after celebrating the (real) 250th birthday of the US Army in his memory, here in the Nebraska media. Something you DO NOT understand, something your kind never will.  Kinsey: The facts are that Greg, and people like Greg, wanted the foreigners, especially the Muslim World Cup fans to come here and say how badly they've been treated and how horrible the U.S. is, blah, blah, blah as part of their culture war crusade against the United States. Now, Greg is screwed because, one week in, everyone is having a great time. Imagine spending your life with Greg's brain. It's sad. – Jim in East Peoria, IL reacts to Cuck Ken claiming OutKick didn't save Cracker Barrel: Just a quick note today on Moron Ken.  Yes you DID break this story, repeatedly hammered them, brought ScreenCaps and Outkick nation down on them, and they realized their mistake.  This stupid f--k has got to be closely related to Sara. Sorry, tried to keep it clean but couldn't help myself. Keep on doing what you're doing - great job!! – Bill in Mesa, AZ writes: I love how the World Cup fans are falling in love with America. They are experiencing things we take for granted. This is the greatest country on earth.For all those who say negative things about the USA, they need to visit another country. I have been to Peru, Germany and India. I enjoyed the different cultures but I couldn’t wait to get back to the U S of A. We have so many freedoms and conveniences that we take for granted. Freedom of speech, press and questioning your government. These are not common. Wide streets, central air conditioning, all night dining. Just some of the things we take for granted. I have traveled but I would never live in another country. America is the greatest. LIVVY DUNNE GETS EMOTIONAL AFTER PAUL SKENES' INCREDIBLE GESTURE TO BASEBALL KIDS, SPURS FAN BEATEN & MEAT – Edward H. says: In spite of all the negative nonsense that the left  news spews constantly i always smile when I come across your column. – Kevin G. has an idea: America might be a perfect spot for Europeans to relocate to after their countries have been destroyed by immigration.Let’s encourage mass migration of white Europeans to America, damn that’s a good idea. My idea is, let’s send disenfranchised  Americans over to Europe because they support immigration and they should get to live in the sewer of their own making. – Brian makes an observation about tomorrow's federal holiday: Don't forget Juneteenth. Dems must have know usmnt would be playing Friday the 19th back in 2021. Now all federal workers can enjoy the beautiful game. What has this world become? My kids ride their bikes across that bridge. There are Screencaps readers who walk across that bridge. This pooper MUST BE STOPPED. – Drew in Katy, TX shares perspective: I grew up in a very strict Christian home.  We moved around, so I attended three very strict high schools.  I raised my boys right, but not as strict as I grew up.  Their high schools were strict too.  But the action by these school administrators over few cigars after graduation in Massachusetts is way over the top stupid even to someone like me.  This was not weed.  This was not cocaine.  https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/graduation-cigar-saga-involving-hs-lacrosse-team-boils-school-officials-family-attorney-trade-barbs This is what drives kids to say, "What the heck.  If we are going to get punished severely for nothing, let’s go ahead and break all of the rules."  I’ve seen kids break away from overly strict homes and go crazy in college.  That’s not the goal.  There are these concepts called mercy, forgiveness, and teachable moments .  . . without the drama and ridiculous penalties that will stick in these kids’ memories for life . . . and not in a good way.     Max Velocity had a BIG night covering storms last night. Thankfully, the tornadoes stayed off to our west this time. It did pour, but that was no big deal compared to what some of you went through. – J Shep says PE won't destroy the Hut: I don't think you have to worry that much about stores closures. PH is heavily franchised — I think there are fewer than 100 corporate stores. The new owner will want even more franchisee locations — that way they can rake in the royalties, marketing fund $, etc. Of course, PH's network is so built out that expansion likely will be to the detriment of existing franchisee locations. Where there will be cuts are in overhead, corporate labor, etc. Given the franchise model, I'm guessing 95 cents of every $1 saved goes directly to the bottom line.  ###################### And that is it this morning. The emails are really rolling in right now. Let's keep the train rolling. I need you guys responding to that idiot Greg. Have you interacted with the World Cup fans? Have you gone to a match? Speak up. Let's get rolling. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33eed0197238567832f63d Charlie Sheen has blunt response to questions about his health and finances te 2026-06-18T13:12:48.804Z Charlie Sheen has blunt response to questions about his health and finances Charlie Sheen wasn’t about to open his books — or his medical chart. The "Two and a Half Men" alum recently sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss his Netflix documentary, "aka Charlie Sheen." While the actor doesn't flinch at questions about his decision to tell his story on camera, which he describes as a "love letter" to his father, Martin Sheen, he does get "annoyed" with the reporter when asked about his health. CHARLIE SHEEN ADMITS PRESIDENT TRUMP WAS RIGHT ABOUT DOOMED MARRIAGE TO BROOKE MUELLER "I think my presence answers those questions," he remarked to the outlet. When asked about his finances, the actor shot back, "Would you ask me that question at a dinner party in front of my parents?" "I’m fine," he insisted. WATCH: CHARLIE SHEEN TALKS GETTING SOBER: I HAD TO DO IT FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY In 2015, the 60-year-old publicly revealed he is HIV-positive. For Sheen, telling his story wasn’t about revisiting his scandals. It was about examining both the highs and lows of a life that has long fascinated the public. "I have been approached a couple of times, but it never actually got to an in-person meeting," the star said. "It was just a couple of phone calls, or I'd read a pitch breakdown for how somebody thought they should document my history, and none of that spoke to me at all." "I saw a guy that wasn't interested in a lot of the [tabloid] c---," he said, referring to director Andrew Renzi. "I saw a guy that wasn't there to exploit anything, that was there to celebrate the cool s--- and to be sensitive — but honest and thorough — with the not-so-cool s---." Sheen's brother, Emilio Estevez, and their father declined to participate in the docuseries. Renzi brought a rough cut of "Part One" to both of them in hopes it would encourage them to change their minds. It didn't. "Dad had such a specific reaction to it," Sheen said. "He said, 'You don't need me. You don't need the me of today. You've got the really interesting, handsome me. That's how I want to be in the doc.'" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Previously, Sheen told Fox News Digital that he's maintained his sobriety for nearly eight years — an achievement he said he's proud of after decades of public battles with addiction. "Dope and booze, at those levels, that's a young person's game," said Sheen. "That's not for us AARP types." "There really aren't challenges with sobriety," he said. "I'm not connected to the people of the past. If I were to go back to those choices to numb myself, get out of my head, or feel differently, I have so much evidence that it's only going to make things worse and more complicated. I'd suddenly be steeped in shame. And with that comes deceit and manipulation. All that c--- doesn't fit in anymore." After high school, Sheen followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in Hollywood. Following a small role in 1986's "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," Sheen quickly rose to superstardom. During the 1980s and 1990s, he developed an appetite for drugs, alcohol and sex. He grew reliant on cocaine and turned to liquor to calm his stutter. At one point, Sheen recalled how he was cut off by the cartel because they suspected he was dealing. In 2003, Sheen landed a starring role in the sitcom "Two and a Half Men." The show made him the highest-paid male actor on television, reportedly earning him $1.8 million per episode during its eighth season, according to The Associated Press. Production was halted in 2011 when Sheen entered rehab for the third time. That season was eventually canceled, and Sheen’s contract was terminated. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Sheen described being at the center of seven family interventions, countless affairs, legal battles and messy divorces. He finally got sober for good in December 2017. "When I finally decided that I was going to make AA a place that I passed through and not wound up in, that's when I felt like I was the captain of my own ship," Sheen said. "That’s when I knew that I was going to make a promise to myself and honor it." Sheen said he couldn’t recall a moment when he realized that chasing extremes could kill him. "I was never a guy that saw this stuff as life-threatening," he explained. "If I did, I probably never would’ve done it. That’s the reason why I never did heroin, because I knew that I would do it once and die, or do it every day for the rest of my life until I died. There is that first intervention on my dad’s 50th birthday. That was a moment where I was actually grateful for that intervention." "And then later on, I was married to Denise [Richards]. The show was going great. We had a nice new house and a baby on the way. And then I just made the completely ill-advised decision to start taking pills because I could do them. Nobody can smell pills on your breath." "How stupid that was," he chuckled to himself. "That turned into a thing." "I would get away for a minute, and then I’d pull it back. It was a constant back and forth of either coming out of detox or looking forward to the next dose. And if you’re constantly living between those two moments, then you’re never really in the present." In his book, Sheen described being consumed by what he called the "holy trinity" — mixing cocaine, cigarettes and porn. "[Why?] First and foremost, because of how good it felt," he said. "Anyone who's struggled with addiction ... a lot of them will tell you the same thing. I wouldn't have done it at that level, in those combinations, if the majority of it didn't feel awesome." Sheen still experiences what he calls "shame shivers" — sudden feelings of guilt over his past. He previously said he spent his 50s apologizing to those he hurt. "What I tell myself is I can’t go back to that moment, regardless of the wreckage, and bring a simple item from it into the present," he said. "It doesn't mean it should be completely forgotten. I keep a lot of that stuff close. ... The shame shivers, they just come out of nowhere. But they're spaced out these days a lot more than they used to be. I also think being honest with yourself takes the power out of those memories and those feelings. We're all flawed." CHARLIE SHEEN ADMITS 'BETRAYAL' BEHIND LOSING ICONIC VIETNAM FILM ROLE TO TOM CRUISE "The hardest things in life that I’ve either accomplished or overcome, I’ve handled alone primarily. And so, I was going to apply that same tenacity, that same grit. And then I knew if I’d done it myself [get sober], then I had completely earned it. The stuff that we earned is the stuff that we truly own." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33eebd197238567832f634 AI is making huge changes in how wars are fought. We aren’t ready for what comes next te 2026-06-18T13:12:29.357Z AI is making huge changes in how wars are fought. We aren’t ready for what comes next There is a new golden rule of combat: The side that controls the data pipeline controls the war. Picture a soldier on the battlefield. They spot an enemy target, analyze. Think through a plan, and its ramifications. Then, they react. Those crucial few minutes of human cognitive process — the power over life and death — are being dramatically reduced from hours to seconds, day by day. When that cycle runs faster than a human adversary can think, we stop making decisions. Combat on autopilot. We see that cycle with Iran, and what has been happening in Ukraine for the past four years. We are watching a fundamental restructuring of how military power works, and most of the institutions responsible for governing it are still thinking in the previous century. And this is all due to how AI is rapidly changing warfare. For decades, military strategists have understood war through a succinct lens: observe, orient, decide, act. This routine was elegant and ruthless. The side that moves through that cycle faster forces its adversary into a permanent reactive posture. For most of the 20th century, the bottleneck in that cycle was human cognition. How fast could analysts process intelligence? How quickly could commanders coordinate a response? Those limits defined the pace of conflict. SEN TOM COTTON URGES DOJ TO PROBE CHINESE BID TO 'KNEECAP' AMERICAN AI AI has removed that bottleneck entirely. What’s left is a speed advantage that no human institution, legal framework or command structure was designed to handle. Ukraine was the first large-scale example. It built its own data advantage from the ground up. One Ukrainian nonprofit collected over 2 million hours of battlefield drone footage since 2022, storing five to six terabytes of new data daily from active fighting. That data was used to retrain AI targeting models on real-world conditions. By March 2026, drones accounted for 96% of Russia's battlefield casualties in a single month, with Ukrainian drones killing or seriously injuring more than 240,000 Russian soldiers in 2025 alone. 'A NEW KIND OF WAR': INSIDE UKRAINE'S HIDDEN FACTORIES MASS-PRODUCING COMBAT DRONES This is what the defense community calls decision dominance: the ability to analyze and act on vast, messy sensor streams faster and more reliably than an adversary can. The side that achieves it fights better, of course, but, moreover, it also sets the terms of the fight entirely. Data pipelines are the real competition, the real arms race of our time. Platforms are visible. Training datasets are not. Who has collected more real-world conflict data? Who has labeled it correctly? Who has continuously retrained models on evolving battlefield conditions? These questions are the ones that will determine military outcomes in the next decade. China understands this. Russia has been learning it the hard way in Ukraine. The United States has institutional advantages in AI infrastructure but faces a structural problem: its data acquisition and model development cycles still largely operate within procurement timelines designed for hardware rather than software. That mismatch will compound in the years to come. FEDERAL APPEALS COURT REJECTS ANTHROPIC BID TO BLOCK PENTAGON BLACKLIST IN AI DISPUTE Speed, however, is not comparable to wisdom. This is a crucial distinction. When decision cycles compress to machine speed, the legal and moral architecture of warfare faces a structural stress it was never designed to absorb. A system optimized to compress time will, under operational stress, compress human judgment along with it. What’s more concerning too, is that the international community knows what it's watching. It just doesn’t yet know what to do about it. That ambivalence is dangerous. The absence of clear governance means accountability collapses under pressure. Whether any specific account is verified or not is beside the point. The underlying structural risk is real, and it is going to recur in every future conflict where these systems are deployed at scale. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The next military power to take on a battlefield will be the one that assumes its institutional experience and physical prowess are sufficient substitutes for data infrastructure. This advantage is invisible until it suddenly, and decisively, isn’t. The states and institutions that understand this, not as a procurement challenge but as a fundamental rethinking of how information, decision-making and accountability interact, will be the ones that shape what comes next. States should be investing in data infrastructure with the same urgency as weapons development. Building governance frameworks before the next conflict, not during it. We must also acknowledge honestly that once decision cycles reach machine speed, the chain between intelligence, action and accountability will collapse under strain, and that we need brave and proactive governance to address it. The ones that don’t grasp this will find themselves, perpetually, a decision cycle behind. At machine speed, that is not a recoverable position. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM OMRI RAITER Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33eea9197238567832f62b Pride flags spark controversy after being displayed with veterans' tribute banners in Long Island town te 2026-06-18T13:12:09.894Z Pride flags spark controversy after being displayed with veterans' tribute banners in Long Island town A dispute over Pride flags and veterans' tribute banners has sparked controversy in a Long Island village after officials removed some Pride flags following complaints about their placement alongside banners honoring local military veterans. Northport Mayor Donna Koch said she had the Pride flags removed after concerns were shared by the Northport American Legion over the Pride flags being displayed above "Hometown Heroes" banners honoring veterans, CBS News reported. "I had the Pride flags removed. It had nothing to do with my feelings about the Pride community. I support them 100%. I also support our veterans," Koch said. SCHUMER PUSHES BILL TO GIVE PRIDE FLAG SAME STATUS AS US, MILITARY FLAGS ABC’s Eyewitness News reported Monday that American Legion Commander William McKenna told the outlet, "They were putting the pride banners above my veterans, and that does not work, sorry." "If you put a pride flag by one of my veterans, I'm taking every one of them down," McKenna said. ABC’s Eyewitness News reported that McKenna sent a letter to Koch and the village board which said, in part, "The concern being expressed is not at the pride flags themselves, nor is it intended to diminish the importance of recognizing any group within our community. Rather, many veterans and families feel that placing another banner above the veterans' banners diminishes the recognition and prominence that was originally intended for those who served our country." PITTSBURGH LGBTQ PRIDE PARADE IN JEOPARDY AFTER CORPORATE SPONSORS PULL FUNDING Jeff Cusick, treasurer for Northport Pridefest, called the situation "very offensive" in a quote published by CBS News. "We love and support our vets, but the Hometown Heroes program was apparently given the rights to these lamp posts from May to November, which is the entire outdoor season, and that doesn't leave room for other community members. We believe it's a point to leverage patriotism for discrimination against us," Cusick added. The outlet reported that the Pride flags and veterans' tribute banners are now being displayed separately, and that PrideFest organizers said they would hang the removed Pride flags on the vacant flagpoles at Village Hall during Tuesday night's meeting, with the mayor saying that the village would cover the cost of the necessary hardware. US ARMY RAISES ENLISTMENT AGE TO 42 AND EASES MARIJUANA POLICIES TO BOLSTER RANKS CBS News reported that Army veteran Bruce Adams said he has no issue with the Pride flags, but added, "The American flag should be superior to all other items. I looked up and saw my lamp post bare." Resident Angel Deleva told CBS News, "Pride flags should not be above our veterans because they risked their lives for us." Fox News Digital attempted to reach Koch, the Northport American Legion, and Northport Pridefest for comment but did not immediately receive responses. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ee7b197238567832f5f0 Kansas City Police Seek Gunman in Spree of Five Roadway Shootings te 2026-06-18T13:11:23.812Z Kansas City Police Seek Gunman in Spree of Five Roadway Shootings The attacks, which killed one and injured four, played out as the city was preparing to host its first World Cup match. An Uber driver taking Argentina fans to the stadium was among the victims. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ee67197238567832f5e6 Barack Obama Presidential Center Opens in Chicago te 2026-06-18T13:11:03.329Z Barack Obama Presidential Center Opens in Chicago Today’s opening is expected to draw four former presidents, as well as Bruce Springsteen, Bono and Jennifer Hudson. Chicago has seen years of planning and legal fights. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ee53197238567832f5dd Student Cheating Is Becoming Impossible to Detect in an A.I. Era te 2026-06-18T13:10:43.874Z Student Cheating Is Becoming Impossible to Detect in an A.I. Era Big tech companies and small start-ups are using social media to hype new tools that allow students to trick teachers and A.I. detectors. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ee3c197238567832f5ba Adobe adds its AI assistant to Premiere, Illustrator and InDesign te 2026-06-18T13:10:20.842Z Adobe adds its AI assistant to Premiere, Illustrator and InDesign Adobe is updating its Firefly AI assistant with new chops, and adding it to Premiere, Illustrator, InDesign and Frame.io. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea6d197238567832e95b Steep decline for minority and female leads in film, UCLA Hollywood diversity report finds te 2026-06-18T12:54:05.984Z Steep decline for minority and female leads in film, UCLA Hollywood diversity report finds Representation for women and minorities in movies dropped drastically in 2025, according to UCLA's latest Hollywood Diversity Report. Since 2014, UCLA has released an annual report examining diversity among lead talent, writers and directors for widely-released theatrical films and movies on streaming services. Part 1, which focused on theatrical films, was released in March while Part 2, which focused on streaming-only films, was released Wednesday. Regarding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) representation, UCLA found that minority representation continued a steady decline in lead roles compared to 2024. BILL MAHER SLAMS OSCARS, SAYS HOLLYWOOD IS 'A SECRET CABAL OF PEOPLE TERRIFIED OF LOOKING LIKE RACISTS' "After peaking in 2023, the BIPOC share of lead roles in top theatrical films continued to decline," the report read. "Compared to the year before, this share dropped almost two percentage points to 23.1 percent in 2025. The share of theatrical film leads played by BIPOC actors reached only slightly more than half of what would be required for proportional representation relative to their 45.2 percent share of the U.S. population in 2025." Female representation also dropped from a peak of 47.6% in 2024 to 37% in 2025 with similarly low rates across director and total cast representation. ISSA RAE SAYS DEI HAS BECOME A 'BAD WORD' IN HOLLYWOOD AS EXECUTIVES OF COLOR 'TIPTOE' TO KEEP JOBS "Constituting slightly more than half of the population, women remained underrepresented in all major employment arenas for theatrical film in 2025," the report read. Minority representation also saw a significant decline in streaming film lead roles released in 2025 after previously reaching a record high in 2024. "The share of BIPOC leads in films from major streamers dropped sharply to 36% in 2025 after reaching a high of 51% in 2024. Given that 45.2% of the U.S. population was BIPOC in 2025, BIPOC lead actors fell below proportionate representation (by 9.2 percentage points) for the first time in three years," the report read. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE By contrast, women were overrepresented as the leads in streaming films, even though they saw a decline from 61% to 58.4% in 2025. The report ended on the importance of increasing opportunities for minority actors and filmmakers not only to increase profit but to benefit society as well. "People want stories they can relate to and connect with in the movies they watch. In a society where people increasingly do not interact with each other in person, film affords people the opportunity to connect with others who they may never come in contact with in real life and helps them to understand their shared humanity. This is why meaningful representation in film is so vital and why Hollywood must adapt to meet this need," the report concluded. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea57197238567832e940 SEEKINK Unveils Full Product Portfolio of E-Paper Solutions at Infocomm 2026, Powering Commercial, Workplace, Consumer Electronics, Smarter Transit Applications te 2026-06-18T12:53:43.970Z SEEKINK Unveils Full Product Portfolio of E-Paper Solutions at Infocomm 2026, Powering Commercial, Workplace, Consumer Electronics, Smarter Transit Applications From the Prism 3S tiled decorative wall to small tags - ePaper Innovation Scales Across Every Surface Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea44197238567832e937 SEEKINK Unveils Full Product Portfolio of E-Paper Solutions at Infocomm 2026, Powering Commercial, Workplace, Consumer Electronics, Smarter Transit Applications te 2026-06-18T12:53:24.007Z SEEKINK Unveils Full Product Portfolio of E-Paper Solutions at Infocomm 2026, Powering Commercial, Workplace, Consumer Electronics, Smarter Transit Applications SEEKINK Booth No. C8679 at Infocomm 2026 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea30197238567832e92e Penguin Travel Launches “Day Tours From Sofia,” Putting Riders in the Saddle of the Balkan Mountains in Under an Hour te 2026-06-18T12:53:04.032Z Penguin Travel Launches “Day Tours From Sofia,” Putting Riders in the Saddle of the Balkan Mountains in Under an Hour Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea1c197238567832e925 Penguin Travel Launches “Day Tours From Sofia,” Putting Riders in the Saddle of the Balkan Mountains in Under an Hour te 2026-06-18T12:52:44.063Z Penguin Travel Launches “Day Tours From Sofia,” Putting Riders in the Saddle of the Balkan Mountains in Under an Hour Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ea08197238567832e91c Alconost Launches QACAT: QA That Gets Smarter Over Time te 2026-06-18T12:52:24.096Z Alconost Launches QACAT: QA That Gets Smarter Over Time A QA platform that learns from human reviewers, refining its checks, prompts, and models over time. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e9f4197238567832e913 Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the Next Industrial Revolution te 2026-06-18T12:52:04.127Z Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the Next Industrial Revolution Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e9e0197238567832e90a Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the Next Industrial Revolution te 2026-06-18T12:51:44.163Z Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the Next Industrial Revolution Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e9cc197238567832e901 Robert J. Smith, MFA Releases Number One Best Selling Book That Turns His Acclaimed Forbes Articles Into a Complete Business Growth Playbook te 2026-06-18T12:51:24.192Z Robert J. Smith, MFA Releases Number One Best Selling Book That Turns His Acclaimed Forbes Articles Into a Complete Business Growth Playbook Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e9b8197238567832e8f8 Robert J. Smith, MFA Releases Number One Best Selling Book That Turns His Acclaimed Forbes Articles Into a Complete Business Growth Playbook te 2026-06-18T12:51:04.231Z Robert J. Smith, MFA Releases Number One Best Selling Book That Turns His Acclaimed Forbes Articles Into a Complete Business Growth Playbook Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e2f0197238567832e824 Spanberger taps LGBTQ activist who fought girls' bathroom protections for state board te 2026-06-18T12:22:08.079Z Spanberger taps LGBTQ activist who fought girls' bathroom protections for state board Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger appointed an LGBTQ activist who pushed back against efforts to bar biological males from girls' bathrooms and locker rooms to a state advisory board that helps shape recommendations on LGBTQ-related policies. Spanberger's appointment of Kellen MacBeth on May 22, who previously led the LGBTQ nonprofit Equality Arlington, follows a gubernatorial campaign during which she ran as a moderate and sidestepped questions about transgender participation in women's sports and access to female-only spaces. MacBeth, the founder of Equality Arlington, has become one of Northern Virginia's most visible LGBTQ advocates. Under his leadership, Equality Arlington has urged Virginia school districts to implement policies allowing transgender students to use bathrooms that align with their "gender identity" and has encouraged local governments to resist efforts to reverse those protections. The organization also advocated for preserving transgender-inclusive policies in Arlington Public Schools despite federal pressure to change them. MacBeth has also opposed Virginia legislation that would require schools to notify parents when a student identifies as transgender or permit parents to exempt their children from classroom instruction involving LGBTQ-related topics. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROBING SOME VIRGINIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS OVER GENDER IDENTITY POLICIES Northern Virginia became ground zero in the nation's debate over transgender bathroom and locker-room policies after several school districts adopted rules allowing students to use facilities that align with their gender identity rather than their biological sex. Some parents and conservative critics argue that gender-inclusive school policies have, in some cases, compromised the privacy and safety of female students, pointing to incidents such as a ninth-grade girl being sexually assaulted in a school bathroom by a biological boy who identified as transgender. Last month, federal investigators launched a probe into Loudoun County Public Schools over allegations that a transgender student secretly filmed dozens of students in school restrooms. FORMER ROANOKE WOMEN'S SWIMMER RIPS SPANBERGER FOR REFUSING TO COMMIT TO PROTECTING WOMEN'S SPORTS During the campaign, when Republican opponents repeatedly pressed Spanberger to say whether transgender students should be permitted to participate in girls' sports or use girls' bathrooms, she declined to embrace broad statewide mandates. Instead, she argued that decisions should be made with local input and on a case-by-case basis. "I’m the mom of three daughters in Virginia public schools, and they participate in all activities across the board," Spanberger told reporters in September. "I recognize the concern that families and community members might have about the safety of their own kids, about competitiveness, about fairness." "And I think the process that was in place for 10 years was one that was working," Spanberger continued. "It was one that took individual circumstances and individual communities into account, and I think that is the process that Virginia should continue to utilize." That approach drew criticism from both sides. Conservatives accused Spanberger of refusing to provide a clear answer on transgender policies, while LGBTQ advocacy groups generally viewed her as supportive of anti-discrimination protections despite her more cautious rhetoric. Asked about the appointment, a spokesperson for Spanberger pointed to the governor's record on school safety. "As the parent of three daughters in Virginia public schools, Governor Spanberger believes all kids should be safe, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive in and out of the classroom," the spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Governor Spanberger has signed dozens of bipartisan bills into law focused on strengthening school safety, investing greater resources into classrooms, and empowering parents to be more involved in their child's education.  "The Governor will continue to prioritize the voices of Virginia parents and educators as she works with leaders in both parties to make Virginia schools the best in the nation and set up all kids for success." The Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board serves as an official advisory body to the governor and was created in 2021. The board's mission is to advise the governor on economic, educational, professional, cultural and governmental issues affecting LGBTQ Virginians. The board does not create laws or regulations, but it can recommend policy priorities, identify concerns within the LGBTQ community, issue reports and provide guidance that may influence future legislative and executive branch decisions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e2da197238567832e808 LDS church celebrates delivering 6.5M meals across all 50 states for America250 anniversary te 2026-06-18T12:21:46.573Z LDS church celebrates delivering 6.5M meals across all 50 states for America250 anniversary The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped deliver more than 6.5 million meals to families in need nationwide as part of a massive America250 hunger-relief effort that has sent 250 truckloads of donated food to communities across all 50 states. The nationwide initiative, launched through America250's "America Gives" campaign and the Church's JustServe volunteer platform, is one of the largest service projects tied to the country's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. The effort reached a major milestone this month when deliveries were completed in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. In Boston, one of the nation's most historic cities, Catholic Charities Boston on Wednesday received a fully loaded semi-truck carrying more than 37,000 pounds of donated food to be distributed to families and community organizations throughout Greater Boston. As Americans prepare to mark the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, organizers say the project is designed to turn the historic anniversary into an opportunity for service. EXCLUSIVE LOOK INSIDE AMERICA 250 TIME CAPSULE REVEALS ARTIFACTS PRESERVING US HISTORY "America's 250th celebration is a unifying moment for our country, and the Church's efforts are a beautiful example of the American spirit — neighbor caring for neighbor in service and generosity," America250 Chair Rosie Rios said. "We are immensely grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' collaboration and its continued support for this historic celebration." America250 Commissioner Cathy Gillespie pointed to the role faith-based groups play in volunteer service across the country. "More than 30% of all volunteer hours in the United States are generated by faith-based organizations," Gillespie said. "Service can unite us. It invites people from every background to work side by side, regardless of political or religious views." LIBERTY AND UNITY: WHAT AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY ASKS OF US TODAY Church leaders echoed that message, describing the nation's upcoming 250th birthday as an opportunity to bring Americans together through community service and gratitude. "As we mark this historic milestone, we hope to foster a spirit of unity, peacemaking, and goodwill," said Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "The anniversary is an opportunity for all to come together, serve together, and express gratitude for the freedoms that have allowed all faiths — including ours — to flourish." The Church leveraged its nationwide volunteer network, humanitarian food resources and established distribution infrastructure to support the initiative, which involved partnerships with nonprofits, faith groups, community organizations and local leaders across the country. Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church's Welfare and Self-Reliance Services department, said the project reflects the Church's longstanding commitment to helping individuals and families in need. "Following the example of Jesus Christ, we strive to love our neighbor," Maxfield said. "Each of us can have an impact in our own communities through service." Organizers hope the food donation campaign will inspire Americans to participate in volunteer efforts leading up to the nation's 250th anniversary, using service to celebrate the country's history while meeting needs in their own communities. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e2c7197238567832e7ff Minor league baseball manager launches first base into orbit during epic meltdown after getting tossed te 2026-06-18T12:21:27.124Z Minor league baseball manager launches first base into orbit during epic meltdown after getting tossed While ABS and instant replay have greatly improved the quality of play in Major League Baseball, they've really ruined one of the great joys we get from watching a game ... The managerial ejection. Gone are the days of Bobby Cox getting tossed in the first inning for the 300th time. You just don't see it anymore, mainly because there are so few chances for umpires to actually get something wrong. Sure, they still do, because they are generally horrible, but still. This ain't your daddy's game. Heck, this is barely even your granddaddy's game anymore. BLUE JAYS MANAGER JOHN SCHNEIDER EJECTED AFTER FACE-TO-FACE, FIERY ARGUMENT WITH UMPIRE IN LOSS TO DODGERS We're lucky if we see one or two real freakouts a year at this point. They used to be a dime a dozen in this league, especially during the glory years when Cox, Lou Piniella and Tony La Russa were all coaching at the same time. I believe that special era took place from 1990 to 2002, and it was beautiful. Anyway, for those who need their fix, here's a blast from the past. James Frisbie, the manager of the Lincoln Saltdogs, got tossed Wednesday night and promptly launched first base into the abyss during a nearly two-minute post-ejection masterpiece: "Fris might lose his mind. He wants an explanation. Fris may get tossed ... yeah, he's done." Perfect. 10/10. No notes. Hats off to James Frisbie. We salute you! We commend you. We appreciate you. Feels good to watch that again, doesn't it? Again, I understand we live in a new era and technology is always advancing and AI is taking over. I get it. I loathe it, but I've accepted it. I know that ABS and instant replay have both been upgrades to this great game. I fought ABS for a bit, but, obviously, it's a good thing. But, man, do I miss a good ejection over a blown call. Frankly, I'm not even sure this was a blown call. We only see the one replay, but I couldn't tell if he was on the bag or not. It didn't look that egregious. James Frisbie was NOT having it, though. The former MLB assistant for both the Tigers and Nationals needed to blow some steam, and he saw blood in the water over this call at first. TWO FREAK PLAYS IN ONE MLB NIGHT LEAVES ANNOUNCERS, FANS STUNNED A perfect bag-toss, too. That's an art, by the way. Only the greats have really executed it over the years, and I've got no qualms about now putting James Frisbie on that list. It's always a risky move because you never know how stuck that sucker's gonna be when you go to pick it up, but Frisbie gave it a couple wiggles and out she popped. A huge sigh of relief for the 53-year-old. Mix in a couple well-timed dirt-kicks, finger-points and some near-contact towards the end of the session, and this was a masterclass from James Frisbie. What a show for the Lincoln Saltdog fans, too. This is what it's all about. Well done, Fris. Well done. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e095197238567832e770 Restaurants are selling gourmet burgers so popular they have to cap orders te 2026-06-18T12:12:05.967Z Restaurants are selling gourmet burgers so popular they have to cap orders Some luxury restaurants in America's biggest cities are offering burgers with ingredients so premium they're limiting the number they sell at a time. The burger at Bar Avoja in Los Angeles is made with a prime brisket patty, Tillamook cheddar, dill pickles, onion fonduta and herb rémoulade on a brioche bun, Food & Wine reported. It costs $38, and only 20 burgers are offered each Thursday. Eddie Sanchez, known by his Instagram handle @hungrinla, posted a video of himself eating the exclusive menu item and called it "one of L.A.'s most legendary burgers." FAST-FOOD GIANT DETHRONED AS CUSTOMER STUDY CROWNS AMERICA'S NEW FAVORITE RESTAURANT CHAIN Chef Evan Funke created the burger for another restaurant in 2010, according to Food & Wine. "For years, it lived on as one of those 'you had to be there' bites that L.A. food people never stopped talking about," Sanchez wrote. Funke's creation, Sanchez wrote, predated the "smashburger wave of the 2020s, back when burgers were big, bold and unapologetically gourmet." The hype is real, Sanchez added. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "I'm not trying to do a supreme drop or anything like that," Funke told Food & Wine. "It's honestly just constrained by the output of the kitchen." Kitchen constraints are the reason James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina said his Boston restaurant, Common Craft, only serves 35 of its black-pepper cheeseburgers each night. The menu states that the burger is made with house-ground chuck, brisket, marrow, flank, Vermont cheddar, special sauce, house pickles and a house-made bun.  It costs $28, and there's an option to add house bacon for $4, a fried egg for $4 or foie gras for $19. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "We put a cap on how many we have every night just because we don't want to just be a burger restaurant and, frankly, the labor involved in making this burger is gruesome, so we're trying to not kill ourselves making only burgers," Messina told Fox News Digital. The restaurant opened with the burger on the menu, Messina said, "but we very quickly realized that we needed to put a cap on it because people were just coming in for that, and we just couldn't keep up with the demand." Curating the meat and grinding it in-house are what make the "fun burger" labor-intensive, Messina said. He added that neither he nor his chef cut corners. "The inspiration was not necessarily to be on trend with having a limited-time, specialty burger," Messina said. "We just wanted to make a good burger, and then we had to do what we had to do to keep up with it." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Messina is in the process of opening another restaurant, this one in L.A., where high-end burgers seem to be all the rage. Bar 109, in East Hollywood, serves its Australian wagyu burger exclusively on Tuesdays.  Customers can start ordering it after 8:30 p.m., according to Food & Wine. Content creator Chad Savage said in a TikTok video of himself sampling it that it was one of the best burgers he's had in L.A., and if it weren't past 10 p.m., he would have gotten another one. Lord's in New York only offers its $26 Welsh rarebit cheeseburgers at dinnertime. "It's kind of a pain to make," Lord's co-owner Ed Szymanski told Food & Wine. "Also, we don't want to be known as a burger restaurant." Szymanski said he doesn't "begrudge anyone who wants to come and eat the burger." He added, "It's an awesome show of their commitment to dining out, but I don't think the burger should be the whole story of Lord's." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e082197238567832e767 Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann kept 'Dexter'-style kill room but wasn't as smart as he thought: DA te 2026-06-18T12:11:46.511Z Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann kept 'Dexter'-style kill room but wasn't as smart as he thought: DA RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Rex Heuermann, who will spend the rest of his life in prison after admitting to being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, had a "Dexter"-style kill room in his basement, according to the top prosecutor on the case. "Very evocative of that, and I think when we realized what it was, you know, that was some of the comments that were made," said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, who was personally part of the prosecution team that secured Heuermann's guilty plea. "We were actually able to recreate that, in the basement, in the exact location." And that's the room where Heuermann's ex-wife now sleeps, according to a new docuseries, "The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets," where she said so herself. Heuermann received the maximum possible sentence from Judge Timothy Mazzei Wednesday — three consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by four consecutive terms of 25 years to life in prison. GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER REX HEUERMANN SLAMMED AS ‘SMALL MAN’ AS JUDGE GIVES MAX SENTENCE FOR MURDER SPREE "You’re a disgusting and despicable small man, if you’re a man at all," Mazzei told the defendant. "And you’re a coward." Moments later, he told the court officers to "get him out of here." Heuermann is expected to be in state prison before the end of the week, Tierney said. In an interview with Fox News and Fox News Digital after the sentencing hearing, Tierney explained why investigators returned to Heuermann's basement long after they'd arrested him and spent days searching the house. They recovered a deleted document that Heuermann labeled "HK," which Tierney said stood for "hunt-kill." Although Heuermann had made and deleted multiple versions of it over time, investigators could only recover one. Prosecutors have described it as a planning document. He noted the locations of traffic cameras to and from the places he dumped victims' bodies. He wrote down supplies he'd need for the murders and reminded himself to be well rested and mindful of screams. SUSPECTED SERIAL KILLER'S 1980S SUMMER JOB MAY HAVE BEEN ROAD MAP TO MURDERS: PROSECUTORS He also discussed the merits of using tape vs. pins to hang drop cloths in the basement where he is believed to have killed seven of the eight victims. "He was hanging plastic sheets from the ceiling and on the walls," the district attorney said. "That's what the document talks about, and then what he says is don't use push pins, because it ruins the ceiling. Use tape." When detectives returned to the home with infrared and ultraviolet lights, they found more evidence. WATCH: Judge blasts Gilgo Beach killer before handing down life sentence GILGO BEACH SUSPECT REX HEUERMANN LOSES BID TO TOSS DNA EVIDENCE AT UPCOMING MURDER TRIAL "We could see the adhesive stains on the wall," Tierney said. "And then what we are able to do is we were able to see that they made a perfect square — and that's where, we believe, the crimes occurred." Heuermann, described as an "ogre" by the only eyewitness in the case, stands at about 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs close to 300 pounds. The victims were all around 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, and in the "HK" document, he noted that "small is good." FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X The victims were Sandra Costilla, 28, found in North Sea; Karen Vergata, 34, found on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach; Valerie Mack, 24, found in Manorville and along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach; Jessica Taylor, 20, found in Manorville and along Ocean Parkway — and the so-called Gilgo Four, who were all found just east of Gilgo Beach in the brush north of Ocean Parkway. They were Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25; Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27. NEW YORK POLICE ID MURDER VICTIMS LINKED TO GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER INVESTIGATION Investigators believe Heuermann's known killings spanned from Costilla's 1993 murder through the 2010 disappearance of Costello. Before Heuermann was sentenced, relatives of his victims delivered emotional statements about the decades of pain and loss left behind by the killings. Mack's adoptive parents were among the first to address the court. Her father told Heuermann that despite the brutality of his crimes, "you never touched her soul," adding that "Valerie is the one who is free today, and you are not." Taylor's relatives recounted the anguish of learning that only some of her remains had initially been recovered and the pain of seeing the case repeatedly return to public attention over the years. One cousin mocked Heuermann's efforts to evade capture, telling him he had created elaborate plans to get away with murder but still left behind evidence that led investigators to him. The most emotional testimony came from the family of Brainard-Barnes, one of the so-called Gilgo Four. Her sister, Melissa Cann, recalled the last conversation they shared before Brainard-Barnes disappeared. "The last words she said to me were, 'I love you. I'll see you tomorrow,'" Cann told the court. Cann described years of survivor's guilt and said she dedicated herself to helping ensure the killer was eventually identified and brought to justice. Brainard-Barnes' daughter, Nicolette, said she was just 7 years old when her mother was killed and is now older than her mother was at the time of her death. She said the victims "mattered infinitely more" than Heuermann and described him as "a coward who takes out his own shortcomings on others." SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Heuermann pleaded guilty to seven murders on April 8 and confessed to Vergata's 1996 slaying, which he had not been charged with. Asked if there may be more victims, Tierney declined to speculate. If the evidence ever indicates there were, he said, he'd bring it to a grand jury and seek a new indictment. SEND US A TIP HERE He revealed that prosecutors have more evidence against Heuermann that has not yet been made public and described how Heuermann evolved over the years from a "disorganized" killer to an "organized" one. Tierney said Heuermann appeared more disorganized early in his criminal career before becoming increasingly methodical and deliberate over time, as shown by the planning document, his evolving modus operandi and digital evidence that showed he was scouring news reports for updates on the murders he'd committed. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST At some point, he also picked up the book "Mindhunter" by famed FBI analyst John Douglas. WATCH: Defense lawyer reveals the 'two parts' of serial killer Rex Heuermann GILGO BEACH VICTIM’S SON CLAIMS SUSPECTED SERIAL KILLER’S FAMILY TURNED HORROR INTO PROFITS AHEAD OF PLEA "If you're a high school football player and you get, Peyton Manning's book, you want to become a better quarterback," he said. "So he took that book, not to gain insight, but to become a better serial killer, specifically not to get caught." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB As part of the plea deal, Heuermann has agreed to sit down with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit to be analyzed clinically, Tierney said. Douglas, a pioneer of criminal profiling, had been chief of the FBI's Behavior Science Unit, the BAU's predecessor. "That was a suggestion of mine," Tierney revealed. "I'm a former federal prosecutor. I'm familiar with the work of BAU. I know I knew about the 'Mindhunter' book by this defendant. I knew that that was something that he was interested in, so I thought it would be a good opportunity." Investigators could potentially learn from Heuermann in a clinical setting and use the knowledge to assist in new cases as they come up, he said. Fox News' CB Cotton and Kirill Clark contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33e02d197238567832e720 Pixi’s new iOS app turns text messages into interactive AR experiences te 2026-06-18T12:10:21.012Z Pixi’s new iOS app turns text messages into interactive AR experiences Forget stickers, GIFs, and emoji reactions. Pixi is betting that the next evolution of messaging is interactive augmented reality (AR). Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33ddd5197238567832e6c9 Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis to stop them driving into highway construction zones te 2026-06-18T12:00:21.370Z Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis to stop them driving into highway construction zones The company has identified at least 13 instances where its robotaxis drove into highway sections closed for construction. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33dbaa197238567832e699 Unearthed clip exposes more anti-police rhetoric as El-Sayed gets grilled for deleting social media posts te 2026-06-18T11:51:06.555Z Unearthed clip exposes more anti-police rhetoric as El-Sayed gets grilled for deleting social media posts Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, once accused the state’s police of profiling in a campaign speech. "We have a system of policing that seems to want to police on top of people rather than police with people," El-Sayed said during a gubernatorial bid in 2018 in an address before Harvard. "The probability of closing a murder in Detroit is extremely low. And yet the cops will pick on you because you look a particular kind of way." El-Sayed’s comments persist despite efforts to scrub his social media of posts championing criticisms against law enforcement, providing a look at his views on Michigan police that preceded the widespread criticisms of police that would emerge in the "Defund the Police" movement. TLAIB-BACKED SENATE CANDIDATE IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER DELETING 'DEFUND THE POLICE' SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS Despite rejecting political language that pits "left" against "right" and "progressives" against "conservatives," El-Sayed has raised eyebrows nationally for messaging that pushes the edges of his party’s messaging on key issues. Among other notable positions, El-Sayed has made increasing the role of government a key part of his campaign. In addition to calling for lowering housing costs, he’s advocated for Medicare for All, opposes corporate tax carve-outs and supports tuition-free access to higher education. He’s also called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But, like most Democrats, El-Sayed has taken pains to back away from criticisms about local police — retreating from the "defund the police" stance that rose to prominence in the wake of the death of George Floyd in 2020. Although the movement rallied Democrats around increased accountability measures for law enforcement officers, it became a political liability following crime spikes in cities that embraced the idea like Minneapolis, Portland and Seattle. END OF DEFUND POLICE ERA? CRIME, PROSECUTORIAL CRACKDOWN IN BLUE AND PURPLE STATES SIGNALS SHIFT, EXPERTS SAY El-Sayed has taken pains to clear ties to the movement on his social media. "Most major US cities spend WAY TOO MUCH on police departments to police poverty & WAY TOO LITTLE on public schools, health departments, recreation departments, & housing to eliminate poverty. Fixing that is what the #Defund movement is about," El-Sayed wrote in one June 2020 post on X, just several weeks after the death of George Floyd. He has since deleted the post and declined to explain why he removed them. Although many of his posts about defunding the police have been removed, some of El-Sayed’s comments from his gubernatorial bid demonstrate that his concern about police behavior preceded George Floyd’s death. UNEARTHED VIDEO SHOWS DEM CANDIDATE SUPPORTING 'REALLOCATION' OF POLICE FUNDING TO SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS "We incarcerate 11% more people in the state of Michigan than the national average. We’re way better at violating people’s bodies for petty crime than we are in policing violations of their bodies for serious crime," El-Sayed said in his Harvard address. El-Sayed’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d966197238567832e643 Hegseth announces 6-month review of American forces in Europe, blasts NATO allies for putting troops 'at risk' te 2026-06-18T11:41:26.330Z Hegseth announces 6-month review of American forces in Europe, blasts NATO allies for putting troops 'at risk' War Secretary Pete Hegseth had harsh words for NATO allies during an address to his European counterparts on Thursday, announcing a six-month review of U.S. force deployment on the continent. Hegseth said the review's outcome will depend on how quickly European nations act to support themselves militarily. "This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe," he told NATO officials in Brussels. Hegseth also lashed out at European countries for refusing to assist U.S. forces in the war against Iran, particularly those that withheld use of military bases. TRUMP PRESSES NATO PARTNERS ON SUPPORT AS HEGSETH BLASTS HESITATION "These allies, they put America’s sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them the predictable access, basing and overflight that never should have been in question at all," he said. Hegseth then launched a more general critique of European policy, referencing migration and an emphasis on social policy over defense. "Instead of tanks and fighters and air defenses, the focus has been on gender equity and climate change and defense austerity. Europe’s borders flew wide open, welfare states expanded, defense budgets cratered. Along with Europe’s belief in itself and its civilization," Hegseth said. GERMANY PLEDGES TO BUILD EUROPE'S STRONGEST ARMY AS NATO ALLIES ANSWER TRUMP PRESSURE The wake-up call comes just days after Germany pledged to become a more powerful military force inside NATO, with Berlin’s ambassador to Washington telling Fox News Digital that the country is ready to assume greater responsibility for European security after decades in which the United States carried much of the alliance’s military burden. "Germany is stepping up — we heard the call!" German Ambassador to the United States Jens Hanefeld told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Germany’s armed forces should become the strongest conventional army in Europe, a goal Hanefeld said is now backed by Berlin’s new military strategy. "Russia’s illegal war of aggression has shaken old certainties in Europe and Germany as the international rules we have relied on are being challenged," Hanefeld said. "This changes the strategic environment we operate in." "Today, Germany is Ukraine’s largest supporter," Hanefeld said. "Germany’s decision to become Europe’s strongest conventional army, well anchored in the NATO alliance, is an ongoing commitment." Fox News' Efrat Lachter and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d952197238567832e63a Trump personally signs Iran deal in major diplomatic breakthrough and more top headlines te 2026-06-18T11:41:06.877Z Trump personally signs Iran deal in major diplomatic breakthrough and more top headlines 1. Trump personally signs Iran deal in diplomatic breakthrough 2. Platner faces dire warning from within his own party over mounting scandals 3. City deploys 10,000 officers to lock down New York Knicks' parade DEADLY TRIP — Teen killed after horse-drawn carriage bolts and flips near popular tourist destination. Continue reading … SWAPPED — Couple reaches agreement with daughter's biological parents after alleged IVF mix-up. Continue reading … TROUBLING FIND — Grim discovery made in search for missing SC trainer, major crimes unit joins probe. Continue reading … DANGER ZONE — Americans urged to keep low profile across historic region as threat level escalates. Continue reading … WORKERS STIFFED — Minority firms face financial ruin after building Obama Presidential Center. Continue reading … -- ‘PULLING THE PLUG’ — From #MeToo to Maine? Dem experts weigh in on how Platner's rise tests party standards. Continue reading … WHO GETS THE AXE — Trump’s firing power faces twin Supreme Court tests, but one agency may get special treatment. Continue reading … KEEP CALM, CARRY ON — Court strikes down concealed carry ban for 18-to-20-year-olds as unconstitutional. Continue reading … CRUDE ADVANTAGE — How one red state could overtake Texas and Florida as the most tax friendly. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   LAW & DISORDER — Knicks title frenzy torches buses as Judge Judy's son warns no mercy. Continue reading … PAPER CUTS — Jeff Bezos reportedly told Trump the Washington Post was his ‘worst investment’ before staff cuts. Continue reading … TALE OF TWO CITIES — Seattle mayor defends payroll tax after damning report on lost property value. Continue reading … TAKE IT EASY — Joe Rogan tells critics of UFC White House event to ‘shut the f--- up.’ Continue reading … HUGH HEWITT — Morning Glory: GOP’s top job now is rebuilding America’s defenses fast. Continue reading …  LAUREL LIBBY — Democrats want us to focus on Graham Platner’s policies. He fails Maine there, too. Continue reading … -- DANGER ZONE — US State Department warns Americans of growing security risks in historic region. Continue reading … KEEPING IT FAIR — Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras. Continue reading … PLATES AND PINTS — World Cup visitor from England goes viral describing ‘best beef ever.’ Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on revolutionary recipes and celebrity challenges. Take the quiz here … VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE — Trump has an unbelievable ability to read people. See video … VICTOR DAVIS HANSON — Iran will open the Strait of Hormuz because they're just about broke. See video … Tune in as we examine whether a new U.S.-Iran agreement signals strategic diplomacy or a troubling shift toward appeasement in American foreign policy. Check it out ... What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…   Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn      Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Entertainment (FOX411) Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi Fox News Go Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Friday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d4a2197238567832e58f Deion Sanders wanted more from his son, Shedeur Sanders, but backs development plan after Myles Garrett trade te 2026-06-18T11:21:06.607Z Deion Sanders wanted more from his son, Shedeur Sanders, but backs development plan after Myles Garrett trade The Cleveland Browns entered last season with one of the NFL's more crowded quarterback rooms. Shedeur Sanders took over as starting quarterback in Week 12 last season, and after two more starts, he was named the starter for the remainder of the season. Sanders’ stunning slide to the fifth round of the 2025 draft set the stage for him becoming one of the most scrutinized rookies in recent memory. Few know Shedeur's game better than Deion Sanders, his father and former college coach. On Wednesday, the two-time Super Bowl champion reflected on his son’s rookie season. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM After Shedeur endured an uneven rookie season for the 5-12 Browns, the Colorado football coach said he hoped for more from his son but also pointed to the support young quarterbacks need early in their development. "I would have wanted him to perform a little better, but that's not just an individual thing, that's a team thing," Sanders told Covers while speaking on behalf of his partnership with Depend. "A quarterback needs help tremendously from the offensive line, from the receivers, from the running game, from the coordinators as well. "It's not just a singular thing, like a defensive back. I don't care what the pass rush is, (the DB) has got to do his job. It's a little different with a quarterback. He needs several things to go right for him to be successful." BROWNS GM ANDREW BERRY WON'T COMMIT TO SHEDEUR SANDERS AS 2026 STARTER DESPITE ROOKIE'S PROGRESS Sanders also weighed in on Cleveland’s decision to trade the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, a move that underscored the Browns' rebuild. "I'm happy with Mr. Berry, the GM, and what he's doing, I'm not going to question his direction of what he's bringing to the table," Sanders said of Browns general manager Andrew Berry. "I'm not there, so I don't know all the intangibles that provoked that trade. I'm happy with what they got, and I can't wait to see how it plays out." Sanders finished his rookie season 3-4 as a starter, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d2c0197238567832e53d UConn basketball coach floats potential game at White House after UFC event te 2026-06-18T11:13:04.019Z UConn basketball coach floats potential game at White House after UFC event UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley floated the idea of the team playing a game at the White House given the success of the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn. Hurley was in Washington, D.C., and approached by TMZ, which asked him if he’d like to see a Huskies basketball game played on the White House lawn next. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "That would be good," Hurley said. "I think UConn should definitely be in it, UConn-Duke. … Yeah, it’d be pretty cool. I’m definitely down." The UFC fights coincided with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The estimated 4,300 in attendance, which included about 1,200 active-duty service members, greeted the president with loud cheers as the occasional "Happy Birthday" was shouted from the crowd. The event kicked off with the Marine Band’s performance of the national anthem, sung by Zac Brown, and was capped off with a flyover by the Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds. "It was beyond anything that anybody's ever seen in sports," the president briefly remarked to reporters as he departed the White House ahead of Monday’s G7 summit in France. Many of the fighters thanked Trump for having the "courage" to put on the spectacle, while the majority of victors jogged ringside to shake his hand or have a word after their respective bouts. The patriotic atmosphere set the tone for the remaining America 250 celebrations to come in Washington, D.C., later this summer. Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d2ac197238567832e534 How North Dakota could overtake Texas and Florida as the most tax-friendly state te 2026-06-18T11:12:44.564Z How North Dakota could overtake Texas and Florida as the most tax-friendly state When Americans think of low-tax policies, states like Florida and Texas usually come to mind. But another Republican-led state has quietly joined the club: North Dakota. Tax cuts, strong finances and billions in oil revenue have combined to create one of the nation's most competitive tax environments in the Great Plains state while other states across the country grapple with budget shortfalls and debates over tax hikes. The issue is likely to remain front and center for governors and state lawmakers as they look to attract residents, businesses and investment in the years ahead. While most states do not sit atop one of the nation's largest oil formations, tax experts say the broader lesson is applicable almost anywhere. Strong revenues can be used to lower tax burdens and strengthen state finances rather than fuel spending increases. BLUE-STATE TAX BURDEN FUELS AMERICANS FLEEING TO REPUBLICAN-LED SOUTHERN STATES The payoff for North Dakota has been straightforward — residents keep more of what they earn, businesses face fewer tax burdens and the government remains on solid financial footing. And while tax policy is only one piece of the equation, Nicole Fox, senior policy analyst at the nonpartisan Tax Foundation told Fox News Digital that the group's analysis of IRS migration data points to a clear trend. "States that have experienced net in-migration are states with more competitive tax structures and lower overall costs of living," Fox said. While North Dakota ranks second in tax collections per capita, it remains one of the country's more tax-friendly states — a welcome contradiction for the state's government and residents. Unlike New York and California, blue states that heavily rely on income taxes to fund government operations, North Dakota generates billions of dollars from oil and gas production. That energy wealth has given lawmakers greater flexibility to cut taxes for its residents while maintaining healthy state revenues. This dichotomy was highlighted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who during a meeting with the Petroleum Club of Houston last week compared California to deep red Texas and praised domestic energy production and dominance. "In California, I saw firsthand what years of failed governance looks like: a tax system that is hostile to ambition. A regulatory state that smothers enterprise. An economic climate indifferent to consequence," he said in remarks first shared with Fox News Digital. "Here in Texas, meanwhile, the contrast is so striking that it begins to feel like a tale of two states." Bessent said: "More than strengthen an economy, energy abundance also secures a nation. Economic security is national security." TAX FIGHT PUTS CALIFORNIA ON COLLISION COURSE AS BILLIONAIRES LEAVE FOR RED STATES The numbers help explain how North Dakota has pulled off raking in revenue while keeping taxes low. According to the latest available U.S. Census Bureau data, North Dakota ranked second in the nation for state and local tax collections per capita in 2023, bringing in $9,834 per resident. That might sound more like a high-tax state than a tax-friendly one. The difference is where the money comes from. AMERICA'S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE MAY BE RISING IN RED-STATE TERRITORY North Dakota collects more tax revenue per resident than almost every other state, but much of that money comes from oil and gas production rather than from residents' paychecks. Of the $7.72 billion collected by state and local governments that year, roughly $3.17 billion came from severance taxes on oil and gas production — accounting for about 41% of total tax revenue. While North Dakota collects all major tax types, including property, sales and income taxes, it relies far less on income taxes than many other states. Individual income taxes accounted for just 6.4% of total revenue in 2023, while corporate income taxes made up 4.2%. Put simply, North Dakota collects a lot of revenue without heavily taxing residents' incomes. That revenue mix allows North Dakota to generate billions for government services while placing a relatively smaller burden on residents and businesses than states that rely more heavily on income taxes. While few states can replicate North Dakota's oil wealth, advocates argue its success shows that revenue windfalls can be used to lower tax burdens and strengthen state finances rather than expand government spending. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d299197238567832e52b Arizona Republicans give teachers union an education lesson they won’t forget te 2026-06-18T11:12:25.113Z Arizona Republicans give teachers union an education lesson they won’t forget In the closing hours of the legislative session, Arizona Republicans delivered targeted blows to teachers union power plays. Lawmakers advanced two constitutional amendments to the November ballot that defend parental choice and limit the ability of unions to tap taxpayer resources for their operations. The Arizona Education Association union is actively circulating petitions for its Protect Education Act, which would impose a host of regulations and restrictions on Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program. All K–12 students in Arizona are currently eligible for a scholarship, but the initiative would impose an income cap so low that it would kick out the children of a typical firefighter married to a registered nurse. More than 100,000 Arizona students now use ESA scholarships to attend schools that best fit their needs. The income restriction would strip eligibility from tens of thousands of current participants and block future families from the same opportunity. In public, the union has been bullish about its chances, but behind the scenes, it appears worried. During the last day of the legislative session, the union reportedly explored a legislative compromise with Republican leadership. ARIZONA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER APPEARS TO MOCK PRESIDENT WITH NAZI SALUTE DURING CONTENTIOUS PUBLIC MEETING Union representatives offered to halt their signature drive if lawmakers agreed to add new regulations to the scholarship program (which originally included mandated standardized testing), a cap on the amount of funds families can roll over from year to year and restrictions on what families can purchase with scholarship funds. A version of the proposed deal reached the Senate floor, but it failed narrowly. The union’s willingness to cut such a deal points to doubts about reaching the required signatures by the deadline or worries that its initiative could face successful legal challenges even if it qualified. A similar ballot initiative to restrict the scholarship program in 2022 failed to gather enough signatures due to the "decline to sign" campaign waged by school choice supporters. Late night on June 12, Republicans passed a separate measure that would protect the scholarship program. House Concurrent Resolution 2048 proposes a constitutional amendment for voters to consider on the ballot in November. It passed the Senate 16-13 and the House 31-22 along party lines. Because it is a legislative referral to the voters, it does not require the signature of Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. NEW YORK JOINS FEDERAL SCHOOL CHOICE INITIATIVE DESPITE TRADITIONAL DEMOCRAT OPPOSITION The amendment protects scholarship accounts for children of military families. It prohibits the state from confiscating or redirecting funds from those accounts. It further declares that any ballot measure or law violating this protection is void in its entirety. If voters approve the constitutional amendment in November, the entire Protect Education Act would be invalidated because it would conflict with the new protection for military families. Lawmakers also passed along party lines a second constitutional amendment to the November ballot. This measure would prohibit the state from using its payroll system to collect dues or other payments for teachers unions. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The reform treats union financing like any other political or advocacy activity that does not automatically receive state collection assistance. If the union doesn’t like that, it will now need to divide its campaign resources across three separate ballot initiatives. These two Republican-backed amendments protect Arizona’s universal school-choice program while curbing union access to taxpayer-supported collection tools. These measures prioritize families over union demands. Arizona families now have clear choices on the November ballot. One path preserves education freedom and choice for all students. The other path returns power to the same organizations that have fought parental empowerment every step of the way. Voters will decide which direction serves children best. Corey DeAngelis is a research fellow at The Heritage Foundation and a senior fellow at Americans for Fair Treatment. Jason Bedrick is a senior research fellow at Heritage. Jason Bedrick is a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY JASON BEDRICK CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY COREY DEANGELIS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d285197238567832e522 White House UFC terror plot 'ringleader' is a Mexican illegal immigrant, DHS confirms te 2026-06-18T11:12:05.654Z White House UFC terror plot 'ringleader' is a Mexican illegal immigrant, DHS confirms FIRST ON FOX: Abraham Alvarez, identified in federal documents as the alleged "ringleader" of a plot to carry out a mass casualty event at the UFC White House event on June 14, is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who overstayed his visa, according to Homeland Security information first obtained by Fox News Digital. Alvarez came to the United States as a child and was granted by the Obama administration in 2014 deportation relief through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after he failed to leave the country when his B2 visa expired in 2001. Five co-conspirators were arrested so far this month for allegedly planning with others to use drones equipped with explosives to force an evacuation from the White House event on Sunday and, in the ensuing chaos, a team of snipers was allegedly set to open fire on the crowds. Federal investigators claim Alvarez was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the planned attack. Court records ousted Alvarez as a foreign national considering he consented to a consular notification after his arrest this weekend, though the documents provided no information on his specific immigration status nor his country of origin.  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer for Alvarez following the FBI's arrest. Alvarez was arrested by the FBI on the day of the fight in Omaha, Nebraska. The White House and FBI declined to comment when asked by Fox News Digital about the whereabouts of the other individuals involved in the group chat, with the former directing the inquiry to a DOJ press release. "This illegal alien from Mexico should never have been allowed in our country," DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement to Fox News Digital on the attack. "He was the ringleader of a failed terror attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House." "He will face justice and swiftly be removed from our country," she added of Alvarez. If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, each plotter faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Planning to carry out violence on White House grounds carries an additional maximum penalty of five years in prison.   DAN BONGINO REVEALS HOW THE FBI STOPPED AN ALLEGED TERROR PLOT BUILT FOR 'UNIMAGINABLE' CASUALTIES After plans for the initial attack on Sunday, federal authorities claim the plotters planned a "second wave" where they would storm the White House gate. The co-conspirators purportedly sought to jump-start a revolution in the U.S. with the violence, citing grievances such as government corruption, the handling of the Epstein files, data centers using water and the influence of Israel over domestic politics.  Alvarez allegedly used the name "Shepherd" in a group chat dedicated to planning the attack. He was "responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the planned attack," according to a DOJ press release.  "As many and as deadly as we can get," Alvarez allegedly responded when asked by a fellow plotter when asked about making drones with explosives. Authorities say that he claimed to have had a working drone.  Investigators have identified 23 individuals who were part of the alleged terror planning network, however; as of publishing, only five arrests have been announced in connection with the plot. It is unclear why the UFC event proceeded with many of those involved in the plot still seemingly at large.  Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, a Mexican illegal alien, was arrested by the FBI on the day of the fight in Omaha, Nebraska. The White House and FBI declined to comment when asked by Fox News Digital about the whereabouts of the other individuals involved in the group chat, with the former directing the inquiry to a DOJ press release. The State Department did not respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital regarding whether or not it would revoke Alvarez’s DACA immigration status if he is found guilty of involvement in the plot. "This illegal alien from Mexico should never have been allowed in our country," DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement to Fox News Digital on the attack. "He was the ringleader of a failed terror attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House." "He will face justice and swiftly be removed from our country," she added of Alvarez. If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, each plotter faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Planning to carry out violence on White House grounds carries an additional maximum penalty of five years in prison.   VANCE WARNS LEFT-WING POLITICAL RHETORIC FUELING VIOLENCE AFTER FBI FOILS ALLEGED WHITE HOUSE UFC TERROR PLOT   Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that the alleged plans to attack the White House event were "not that advanced," noting that the plot was relatively undeveloped when it was caught and that none of the suspects "weren’t in town" during the event. "The FBI, our law enforcement partners and our U.S. Attorneys did what they do every day to make America Safe through quick response and vigilance in investigating, disrupting and dismantling this alleged plan before it could be carried out," Acting Attorney General Todd was quoted as saying in a DOJ press release "We will take immediate and aggressive action to identify and prosecute those who incite and plan acts of violence." FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNT UFC CEO Dana White claimed that multiple threats were made against the White House event, noting that "these are the kind of events that bring the nuts out, this is normal stuff," President Donald Trump has faced a string of security threats since he was wounded in an attempted assassination during a July 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.  These have included  a second assassination attempt at his Florida golf club two months later, an alleged Iran-linked murder-for-hire plot, am armed man rushing the White House Correspondents Dinner and a flood of threats made against his life from disgruntled citizens — all of which underscore the persistent threat environment surrounding Trump’s public appearances. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d272197238567832e519 Zero sugar, more problems? Study reveals surprising gut health effects te 2026-06-18T11:11:46.197Z Zero sugar, more problems? Study reveals surprising gut health effects Eliminating sugar from your diet may seem like the key to healthy eating, but research suggests it could have unintended effects on digestive health. A study presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, suggests that a total lack of sucrose, or table sugar, may harm gut health and disrupt the body's natural metabolism. To explore how the total absence of dietary sugar impacts the body, researchers at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait City conducted a 16-week study on two groups of mice. Both groups were placed on a low-fat diet, but with one critical difference. COMMON CHEMICALS FROM FOOD ADDITIVES TO PESTICIDES MAY BE WRECKING YOUR GUT HEALTH, STUDY SAYS One group consumed a low-fat diet that included a standard amount of sucrose, while the other group ate a low-fat diet that was completely sugar-free, according to the study's press release. Throughout the trial, the scientists monitored a wide variety of physiological factors, including the animals' weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, internal inflammation and the specific composition of their gut bacteria. The study outcome suggested that completely removing sugar caused several unexpected health problems. "Completely removing sucrose from a low-fat diet may unexpectedly disrupt gut health and promote inflammation and metabolic dysfunction," Rasheed Ahmad, principal scientist and head of the Immunology & Microbiology Department at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, said in the release. AMERICANS' HIGH SUGAR CONSUMPTION PROMPTS URGENT WARNING FROM HEALTH LEADERS Even though the mice on the sugar-free diet did not gain any extra weight compared to the control group, their internal health indicators deteriorated. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The animals that lacked sucrose developed an imbalance in their gut microbes and increased inflammation within the intestines and liver. They also showed signs of poor glucose regulation, insulin resistance and cellular changes associated with fatty liver disease, according to the research. "The findings suggest that complete removal of sucrose from a low-fat diet may negatively affect gut microbiota and metabolic health," Ahmad concluded. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER While the risks of high-sugar diets are well-established, the researchers noted that little attention has been given to the effects of completely eliminating sugar from low-fat meals. Scientists say these new findings highlight that dietary carbohydrates play a valuable role in supporting balance between the immune system and the gut microbiome. Because this research was conducted on mice over a relatively short 16-week period, further clinical trials are necessary to determine whether a completely sugar-free diet causes the same gut and liver inflammation in humans. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Additionally, the study focused specifically on removing sucrose from low-fat meals, meaning the results might not apply to people eliminating sugar while following higher-fat or ketogenic eating plans, the researchers noted. The team believes that future dietary guidelines may shift away from strict, absolute sugar restrictions and instead place a greater emphasis on maintaining a diverse, healthy population of gut bacteria through balanced nutrition. "In the long term, these findings could help improve strategies for preventing and managing metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease and chronic inflammatory conditions," Ahmad said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33d25e197238567832e510 MLB accused of 'double standard' after calling out players' Bible messages despite backing BLM in 2020 te 2026-06-18T11:11:26.747Z MLB accused of 'double standard' after calling out players' Bible messages despite backing BLM in 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) is facing mounting backlash over threatening to discipline San Francisco Giants players for inscribing Bible verses on their Pride hats — a move critics say reflects the league’s growing embrace of progressive social causes at odds with its fan base. MLB said the players' actions violated its uniform policy, which prohibits "writing of any kind" on uniforms, despite the league previously allowing political messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The league’s warning came after three Giants players — Landen Roupp, J.T. Brubaker and Ryan Walker — wrote a passage from Genesis 9 on the franchise’s "Pride Night" caps. The verses in white lettering detailed the Christian understanding of the rainbow as a covenant between God and every living creature after the worldwide flood described in the first book of the Bible. GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., are demanding answers, citing a "pattern of discrimination" against Christian players in the league. DAN DAKICH RIPS MLB FOR WARNING GIANTS PLAYERS WHO WROTE BIBLE VERSES ON THEIR PRIDE HATS: 'SHUT UP' "The freedom to live out one’s faith does not end at the ballpark gate," Hawley wrote in a letter to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred on Tuesday. The three Giants players have not yet been fined or punished by the league. But if the league decides to pursue disciplinary action, Hawley said in an interview with "The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show" Wednesday that he would subpoena Manfred to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee and examine the league’s antitrust exemption.  Hawley argued that the league’s enforcement of its uniform policy during the "Pride Night" episode stands in sharp contrast to its encouragement of players to embrace the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. That year, several franchises in the league inscribed pitcher’s mounds and jersey patches with messages stating "Black Lives Matter" and "United For Change."  Hawley also noted the league suspended its own uniform rules, allowing players to write progressive social messages on their cleats. The league’s account also tweeted a picture of Giants players kneeling for the national anthem and endorsed the move with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. "While they bent over backwards for BLM messaging in 2020, they’re cracking down on religious freedom in 2026," Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, wrote on social media Wednesday. "This isn’t neutrality, it’s political discrimination against faith." "Americans see the double standard," he added. NATIONALS' TREVOR WILLIAMS RECALLS FIGHTING ANTI-CATHOLIC MOCKERY WHEN DODGERS HOSTED DRAG NUN GROUP In 2021, the league pulled the 2021 All-Star Game and MLB draft out of Atlanta, Ga., in protest of a Republican voting law. The measure enacted new restrictions on mail-in voting, which Democrats argued would make it harder for Black Georgians to vote. Former President Joe Biden and former Democratic Georgia gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams endorsed the league’s decision.  Hawley also pointed to a recent scandal involving a Washington Nationals executive alleging that anti-Christian discrimination in the league is not an "isolated incident." Washington Nationals Director of Community Relations Sean Hudson said the franchise did not include pitcher Trevor Williams in certain social media promotions over his religious objections to the Los Angeles Dodgers honoring a drag group that satirizes Christianity at its 2023 "Pride Night." "That executive has since been fired, but not before the anti-Christian bigotry was exposed," Hawley said, adding that the league "needs to course correct immediately." "MLB has a sweetheart deal from the federal government," he said. "They play by different rules than any other business in America. But now MLB is using its power to target Christians and trample free speech. It’s anti-American." MLB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon has also warned the league that it risks litigation if it moves to punish outspoken Christian players. "Time to lawyer up!" she wrote on social media Tuesday. Fox News' Ian Miller and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33cff3197238567832e4b6 Giants' Cam Skattebo vows to maintain violent playing style after gruesome ankle injury te 2026-06-18T11:01:07.089Z Giants' Cam Skattebo vows to maintain violent playing style after gruesome ankle injury There’s been a lot of chatter around New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and changing his playing style to avoid getting injured in a game. But it’s been less so for running back Cam Skattebo, who is entering his second season in the NFL after having his rookie year cut short when he suffered a gruesome ankle injury. Skattebo said Wednesday he has no plans to change his playing style either. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "It ain’t gonna change who I am," he said on NFL Network’s "The Insiders." "I had an injury, it is what it is. I still got plenty of football left, plenty of life left. I’m not going to let this little ankle thing bother me. "I’m gonna get back (to) running people over. It’s going to be normal Cam Skattebo from here on out." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Skattebo’s smashmouth style of play earned him praise from Giants fans during the 2025 season. If there was another bright spot outside of Dart’s emergence, it was Skattebo. He had 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns as well as 24 catches for 207 yards and two receiving touchdowns in eight games for New York. During his time on the sideline, he did receive criticism for getting mixed up with WWE star JD McDonagh during an episode of "Monday Night Raw." As time has passed, Skattebo is expected to be on the field and stay on the field to help the Giants get back to glory, well, at least into playoff contention, in 2026. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33cb41197238567832e40b NYPD deploying 10,000 officers for historic Knicks championship parade te 2026-06-18T10:41:05.952Z NYPD deploying 10,000 officers for historic Knicks championship parade The New York Police Department plans to deploy 10,000 police officers to secure the New York Knicks’ ticker-tape parade on Thursday as the city celebrates the team’s first title in 53 years. The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to capture the NBA championship. It will the first parade for the franchise as the city didn’t throw a parade for when the team won twice in the 1970s. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "There will be performances, there will be New Yorkers, there will be the team and there will be history," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday. The parade is set to start at 10 a.m. ET near Battery Park and make its way up Broadway through the Canyon of Heroes and end at City Hall. Alicia Keys is set to perform at the event. "We want people to enjoy this moment," New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. "But public safety comes first." Knicks fans were already on NJ Transit and PATH trains Thursday morning to get into the city as officials told reveling fans to come early and be prepared. Officials said all attendees will be screened and pens were set to open at 6 a.m. ET. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM No bags, glass or metal water bottles, bats/batons, bicycles or scooters, chairs or coolers will be allowed in the event. Those working in office buildings along the parade route will be able to enter them with proper identification as well as those who live in the area as well. The City Hall ceremony will be for ticketed fans only. In addition to the above restrictions, no pets, backpacks, strollers, umbrellas or weapons will be permitted. Fans and residents were told that Bowling Green, Fulton, Brooklyn Bridge, Chambers and Park Place subway stations will be open while Wall Street and City Hall stops will be closed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c8e8197238567832e396 AUGMENTED WORLD EXPO ANNOUNCES 2026 AUGGIE AWARD WINNERS, BEST IN SHOW AND XR HALL OF FAME LEGENDS te 2026-06-18T10:31:04.405Z AUGMENTED WORLD EXPO ANNOUNCES 2026 AUGGIE AWARD WINNERS, BEST IN SHOW AND XR HALL OF FAME LEGENDS AWE Celebrates Innovation and Legacy in a Landmark Year for the XR Industry Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c488197238567832e300 Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras te 2026-06-18T10:12:24.108Z Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras FRISCO, Texas – Austin Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, says he "100%" stands by the judge's decision in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial to keep cameras out of the courtroom. Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court went on the record previously to say the decision was essentially imperative to keep the trial fair. In a sit-down interview with Fox News Digital, Jeff Metcalf said, "You have minors that had to testify. It's hard enough for them because they've witnessed a trauma. They will have permanent memories. I mean they're all in counseling. It was hard enough to watch them get up on the stand and have to testify and be asked the tough questions." Metcalf's son was fatally stabbed in the chest by Anthony at a high school track meet in April 2025. Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. WATCH: Austin Metcalf’s father remembers his son’s childhood Metcalf, who was under a gag order imposed by the judge throughout the trial, said he wants to speak face-to-face with the Anthony family. He said he has yet to hear from the parents of the man who killed his son. JUDGE PRESIDING IN CASE OF SLAIN TEXAS TEEN AUSTIN METCALF TARGETED IN ALLEGED DOXXING HOAX; FBI INVESTIGATING "If they would have taken accountability and showed remorse, I truthfully believe, I don't think he would have got that many years that he received," he said about the Anthony family. WATCH: Austin Metcalf's father says the Anthony family has yet to speak to him Fox News Digital has reached out to the Anthony family for comment. Anthony has since filed a notice of appeal to challenge his conviction. AUSTIN METCALF'S DAD EXPRESSES EMPATHY FOR KARMELO ANTHONY AS KILLER'S PARENTS SAY 'THEY DID A NUMBER ON US' Metcalf has had death threats sent to him and his family, he said. Frisco Police are investigating. In a message to people threatening his family and the Anthony family, Metcalf said, "You're soulless, you don't have compassion or empathy, and I mean, what are you, a sociopath?" He went on to say, "I wish both sides would quit. It's not needed. Both these boys, especially mine, mine's never coming back." AUSTIN METCALF FAMILY FACING THREATS, FINANCIAL STRAIN AS KARMELO ANTHONY FUNDRAISING DRAWS SCRUTINY As for Anthony and his family specifically, Metcalf said, "There's consequences for actions and he got the consequences. But there's no need to dogpile on this other family just because he got convicted." While daily headlines are published about the verdict and trial, Metcalf's home has become a shrine of all things Austin. GOT A TIP? Fox News Digital got an up-close look at a plethora of photos and mementos throughout Metcalf's home. The feeling inside the house is quiet and somber. SLAIN TEXAS TEEN AUSTIN METCALF’S HOME SWATTED HOURS AFTER TENSE PRESS CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN In many of those photos, Austin's twin brother, Hunter, is also seen. FOLLOW US ON X Metcalf said his twin boys were so close they chose to share a bedroom despite plenty of other rooms in his home. They were "attached at the hip," he said. "Hunter is probably the strongest individual I've ever seen in my life. To carry what he has to carry, to do what he did from the death of his brother to this day has shown absolute strength that I don't believe I myself even carry. I couldn't be more proud of him," he said. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Austin was seen as the "big brother" even though the two are twins; Austin was born minutes earlier than Hunter. "Both of them would go back to the [Staley Middle School] and talk to the incoming freshmen about what football is and what it means to play at Memorial and what it's going to take," Metcalf said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS Hunter completed his senior year and recently graduated without his beloved brother by his side. He accepted his brother's posthumous diploma, Metcalf said. The twin boys would have celebrated their 19th birthday together this July. In the fall, Hunter will begin his first year of college. Speaking about Austin and Hunter, Metcalf said "I couldn't ask for a better son, or sons." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c474197238567832e2f7 Trump’s firing power faces twin Supreme Court tests, but one agency may get special treatment te 2026-06-18T10:12:04.636Z Trump’s firing power faces twin Supreme Court tests, but one agency may get special treatment Two high-stakes Supreme Court battles over President Donald Trump's authority to remove federal officials could reshape the balance of power in Washington, but legal experts say the justices may draw a sharp line between the cases. At the center of the debate are Slaughter v. Trump, involving the firing of Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, and Trump v. Cook, involving Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. While both cases touch on presidential removal power, legal scholars say the disputes present fundamentally different legal questions. In Slaughter, the administration is directly challenging statutory restrictions on the president's ability to remove FTC commissioners, arguing that limits on the president's authority to fire commissioners violate his Article II executive powers. But in Cook, the central question is whether Trump met the Federal Reserve Act's "for cause" removal requirement. Trump has argued that Cook's alleged misconduct involving mortgage disclosure documents justified her removal for cause. Catholic University of America law professor Joel Alicea said Solicitor General John Sauer's approach during oral arguments in Slaughter differed significantly from his strategy in Cook. The Trump administration argued in Slaughter that the FTC Act's removal limit — which allows the president to fire commissioners only for reasons such as inefficiency, neglect of duty or misconduct — unconstitutionally restricts the president's Article II authority. "In the Slaughter case, they are making the explicit constitutional argument that it doesn't matter what the statute says, the president gets to fire the FTC commissioners at will," Alicea said. SCOTUS TAKES UP TRUMP’S BID TO FIRE FTC COMMISSIONER AT WILL — A SHOWDOWN THAT COULD TOPPLE 90-YEAR PRECEDENT The administration was far more cautious in Trump v. Cook. "The president's team chose not to raise the constitutional argument in Cook," Alicea explained, suggesting the Court has already indicated that the Federal Reserve presents a distinct set of constitutional issues rooted in historical precedents involving the nation's early banking system. In its recent emergency ruling in Trump v. Wilcox, the Supreme Court allowed removals involving NLRB and Merit Systems Protection Board officials to take effect while the litigation continued.  But the Court rejected the argument that its decision would necessarily call into question the Federal Reserve Board's tenure protections, stating, "we disagree," and explaining that the Federal Reserve is a "uniquely structured, quasi-private entity" with a distinct historical tradition dating back to the First and Second Banks of the United States. SUPREME COURT APPEARS READY TO KEEP LISA COOK ON FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD DESPITE TRUMP EFFORTS TO FIRE HER Many legal experts, including Erin Hawley, chair of Lex Politica's Supreme Court and Appellate Practice, expect the Court to be more receptive to the administration's argument in Slaughter than in Cook, where the Fed's longstanding independence may weigh heavily. "The Supreme Court has signaled that it believes the core function of the Fed — setting monetary policy — be unique in that it has a historical analogue in the First Bank," Hawley told Fox News Digital. "Based on history, that core function may well satisfy constitutional separation of powers." While Hawley noted that the Federal Reserve also engages in rulemaking and other activities that could be characterized as exercises of executive power, the Court is not being asked in Trump v. Cook to decide the broad constitutional validity of the Fed's removal protections in the same way it is being asked to evaluate the FTC's protections in Slaughter. The Cook dispute has also drawn opposition from a bipartisan group of former Federal Reserve chairs, former Treasury secretaries and economists, who warned that allowing presidents greater control over Federal Reserve governors could undermine central-bank independence and create economic instability.  "There is broad consensus among economists, based on decades of macroeconomic research, that a more independent central bank will lead to lower and more stable inflation without creating higher unemployment," a brief filed by a bipartisan group to the Court stated. SUPREME COURT SETS DATE TO HEAR FTC SLAUGHTER CASE IN TEST OF TRUMP'S FIRING POWERS Slaughter v. Trump, meanwhile, has become a major test of the unitary executive theory, the view that Article II gives the president control over officials who exercise executive power. The justices have agreed to consider whether to overrule or narrow the 1935 precedent Humphrey's Executor v. United States, which upheld statutory limits on the president's ability to remove FTC commissioners. "This isn't about Trump's power so much as it is about the power of the president generally — the same authority over the executive branch in this case is going to apply to the next president as well," said Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network. "Indeed, President Biden was very aggressive in using the firing power, and maybe if he had a second term, he would have gotten down to firing this level of officers as well," Severino continued. Another issue emerging from Slaughter concerns the remedies available to courts when an agency head is allegedly removed unlawfully. "The idea that the federal courts get to order the president to reinstate an executive officer he has fired? That's actually a novel question," Alicea said. "It's not something that has been adjudicated before when you're dealing with an agency head." The Court could therefore face not only whether Trump had authority to remove officials but also whether judges possess the power to compel their reinstatement. Critics of expanding presidential removal authority warn that a ruling for Trump in Slaughter could weaken the independence of agencies Congress intentionally insulated from political pressure. CONGRESS EXPANDED THE EXECUTIVE—ONLY FOR TRUMP TO QUASH MUCH OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE Constitutional law expert Robert McWhirter argued that supporters of broader presidential power should consider how that authority might be used by future administrations. "The underlying policy issues to be considered is let's say that you're all pro-Donald Trump and you think he should have that power," McWhirter said. "Well, do you really want to make sure that any president has that power?" McWhirter also defended independent boards as valuable safeguards that remove certain decisions from day-to-day partisan politics. He argued that many executive powers ultimately derive from congressional delegations, giving Congress significant authority to structure agencies as independent entities. "So, if you think about anything, Trump's immigration enforcement policies, he only has that power because Congress passed the Immigration Nationality Act," McWhirter said. "He acts under acts of Congress, delegation of power from Congress, and he has a duty to faithfully execute." Supporters of broader presidential removal power see the issue differently, arguing that the president should have the power to remove heads of independent agencies because they cannot be thrown out by voters in elections. "A ruling for the president in the Slaughter case would be very significant. It would ensure that the president is able to direct and control independent agencies, even those with multi-member heads," Hawley said. "Were the rule otherwise, that would mean that unelected bureaucrats would be calling the shots." "Such a result is not only anti-democratic but inconsistent with the Constitution's allocation of power." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c461197238567832e2ee Prince William refuses to quit hobby that terrifies Kate Middleton: experts te 2026-06-18T10:11:45.181Z Prince William refuses to quit hobby that terrifies Kate Middleton: experts Kate Middleton’s inability to get Prince William to give up riding motorcycles despite her efforts is "something most married couples can definitely relate to," Christopher Andersen, author of "Kate!," told Fox News Digital. "Kate's inability to get her husband to give up an activity he loves is something most married couples can definitely relate to—whether it's smoking, drinking, skydiving, whatever," Andersen said. " On the other hand, William's situation is unique. He is a future head of state.  So if he is injured or worse in a motorcycle accident, far more than just his family is impacted." He added that he finds it a "little ironic that someone whose mother was killed in perhaps the most famous car crash in history would take what seem like unnecessary risks on the road." What has always appealed to the Prince of Wales the most about motorcycles is it "enables him to maintain some degree of anonymity while at the same time bonding with other bikers," Andersen said. PRINCE WILLIAM SHOWS NO DIVA BEHAVIOR AS HE'S FORCED TO GIVE UP WELL-KNOWN HOBBY: EXPERT "He has always gotten a tremendous kick out of pulling up alongside cars at intersections and, while waiting for the light to change, looking over at the other drivers," he added. "‘They have absolutely no idea that it's me beneath the helmet, so they just behave naturally,’ he has said. ‘It's a great feeling for someone like me not being recognized.’" William’s hobby has long "terrified" the Princess of Wales, and dates back to when Princess Diana had go-karts brought to Kensington Palace so he and Prince Harry could speed around the driveway, according to Andersen. Hilary Fordwich, a British royal expert, agreed that "while Princess Catherine has a lot of influence" she "hasn’t been able to squash her husband’s passion for his motorcycle." KATE MIDDLETON'S FRUSTRATION WITH BEING FASHION TRENDSETTER LEADS TO NEW PALACE POLICY "Obviously, like many marriages Prince William listens to his wife and her loving concerns yet yielding fully is a bridge too far, rendering them even more relatable as a regular couple at least in this regard," Fordwich added. "Given all he does for his nation it’s hard to begrudge him this private pleasure. It’s far less destructive than being a philanderer like so many of his predecessors." Andersen added that "hiding under a helmet" gives William a "sense of freedom, and I think Kate understands that. It's a form of escape, especially for someone who is so famous and under so much pressure 24–7." William got two of the most powerful motorcycles at the time — a Yamaha R1 and a Honda CBR 1100XX Blackbird — in 2006 that could reach speeds of more than 160 mph. PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON MOVE TO FOREST LODGE DESPITE PREVIOUS PRIVACY AND SAFETY CONCERNS "After watching him tear across the countryside churning up dust while his Royal Protection officers tried to keep up, Kate begged William to be more careful," Andersen said. "Queen Elizabeth shared Kate's concern and asked Charles to persuade her grandson to give up motorcycles altogether." The late queen once told a motorcyclist during a walkabout: "Prince William rides them and it frightens me," Andersen said. "’Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous," William once conceded, "but so can lots of things. My father is concerned that I'm into motorbikes but he doesn't want to keep me wrapped up in cotton wool. So you might as well live if you're going to live,’" he said. KATE MIDDLETON WAS GIVEN CHAINSAW FOR CHRISTMAS, SHOWS OFF HOME IMPROVEMENT SKILLS ON ROYAL TRIP For a time after William first became a father, Middleton appeared to make "some headway" into getting him to stop riding, Andersen said. "Of course at the time, William was an air ambulance pilot busy rescuing hikers stranded in the mountains and plucking heart attack victims from offshore oil platforms," Andersen explained. "One can assume that risky job was enough to satisfy his need to confront danger.  Given all the mayhem he witnessed on the roads—one of his main responsibilities was to transport people badly injured or killed in auto accidents to hospitals and morgues—one might think William might have had more than enough excitement for one lifetime." He added, "Don't forget—William is 43, has been in the same relationship for 25 years, and if that doesn't scream male midlife crisis, I don't know what does." KATE MIDDLETON HAILED AS THE MONARCHY'S 'SAVING GRACE' AFTER CANCER BATTLE TRANSFORMED HER ROYAL ROLE: EXPERTS He said that Middleton isn’t likely to tolerate any of her three children: Prince George, 12; Princess Charlotte, 11; Prince Louis, 8; taking up motorcycles any time soon. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "That said, I doubt very much if she would stand in the way of any of her children who wanted to play polo, another somewhat risky sport that the royal family has always embraced." The 44-year-old princess also has her own hobbies, cold water swimming, Padel, a racquet sport, and scuba diving, all of which William joins her in — although Fordwich said he thinks the cold plungers are a little "bonkers."  LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "If he objects to anything, it is the way Kate and the rest of the Middletons play board games," he said. "Kate's parents and siblings are highly competitive, and things get so heated he often excuses himself from the action to ‘go walk the dog.’" Last week, William toured Norfolk Blood Bikes, a charity that transports blood, breast milk and medical supplies to support the U.K.’s National Health Service. "I love bikes. I do still ride now and again, quietly," William said while looking at the bikes owned by the charity, People magazine reported, adding that the prince donated a bike to the charity last year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c44d197238567832e2e5 Jeff Bezos reportedly told Trump the Washington Post was his ‘worst investment’ before staff cuts te 2026-06-18T10:11:25.733Z Jeff Bezos reportedly told Trump the Washington Post was his ‘worst investment’ before staff cuts Amazon founder Jeff Bezos told then-President-elect Donald Trump at a December 2024 dinner that The Washington Post was his "worst investment" months before he authorized sweeping staff cuts at the newspaper, according to a forthcoming book by New York Times journalists Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman. Bezos reportedly vented to Trump about the people running the Post's business side after the newspaper lost more than $100 million that year. "The people there are terrible," Bezos told Trump, according to an excerpt obtained by The California Post. The book, "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," claimed Bezos contrasted the Post with his other companies while telling Trump that newspaper leaders were not following his direction. TRUMP CLAIMS BEZOS FRETTED TO HIM ABOUT 'OUT OF CONTROL' PEOPLE AT WASHINGTON POST "They don’t listen. My other companies, they listen," Bezos said. Trump, who had repeatedly criticized the Post's coverage of him, complained directly to Bezos about the newspaper during the dinner, according to the book. "This Washington Post is really unfair. You’ve got to take better care," Trump told Bezos. Swan and Haberman wrote that Bezos and Trump found common ground over their complaints about the paper, although they were frustrated for different reasons. WASHINGTON POST'S TOP EDITOR BACKS JEFF BEZOS AS CRITICS LASH OUT OVER STRUGGLING PAPER'S LAYOFFS "Bezos commiserated with Trump over their December dinner, indicating that he, too, was deeply frustrated with the Post, though for a different reason," the authors wrote. Trump told the authors that he had once believed Bezos personally controlled the Post’s coverage during his first administration. "He said they write stories about him. And I didn’t believe him the first time, first term. And I hated him for it," Trump said. "And then I believed him." The book said Trump claimed Bezos told him that buying the Post had cost him friendships, though the authors wrote that Bezos later said people close to him had urged him to sell the newspaper. BACKLASH BUILDS AGAINST BEZOS AS NON-ENDORSEMENT SPARKS HUGE SURGE IN CANCELLATIONS The dinner came after the Post withheld an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, a decision that prompted subscriber cancellations and internal backlash. Bezos defended the move in an October 2024 opinion piece, saying presidential endorsements hurt media credibility. "Presidential endorsements do nothing to tip the scales of an election," Bezos wrote. "What presidential endorsements actually do is create a perception of bias." In February 2025, Bezos announced that the Post’s opinion section would focus on "personal liberties and free markets," and the Post reported that opinion editor David Shipley resigned after the shift. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets," Bezos wrote in a note to staff. The Post laid off one-third of its staff in February 2026, eliminating its sports section, books coverage and several foreign bureaus, according to the Associated Press. "We can’t be everything to everyone," executive editor Matt Murray told staff in a note. A Washington Post spokesperson declined to comment to The New York Post. Will Lewis, the paper’s former publisher and CEO, stepped down days after the layoffs. Jeff D’Onofrio, the Post’s chief financial officer, was named interim CEO and publisher. Fox News Digital reached out to The Washington Post for comment, but did not immediately hear back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33c43a197238567832e2d7 From #MeToo to Maine? Dem experts weigh in on how Platner's rise tests party standards: 'Pulling the plug' te 2026-06-18T10:11:06.274Z From #MeToo to Maine? Dem experts weigh in on how Platner's rise tests party standards: 'Pulling the plug' Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner's scandal-plagued rise is causing rifts within the Democratic Party, and several Democratic strategists who spoke to Fox News Digital warned of the long-term implications of the party embracing him. "Anyone paying attention to the intersection of culture and politics knows that my party pushed #MeToo well beyond the bounds of common sense long before Graham Platner's rise," Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to first lady Jill Biden, said about whether the #MeToo movement rings hollow within the party now that top Democrats have rallied behind Platner. "But the reflexive partisan instinct to circle the wagons around him is the political equivalent of pulling the plug on whatever credibility Democrats had left as the self-appointed champions of women." "If the standards disappear the moment they're politically inconvenient, they were never standards at all." JONATHAN TURLEY: WHEN JOURNALISTS WHINE ABOUT #METOO, THEY DON’T MEAN PLATNER, TOO Former adviser to President Bill Clinton and Democratic strategist Doug Schoen argued that Democrats are choosing power and Senate control over serious concerns about Platner's past, and that could hurt them in 2028. "In the short term, for some Democrats, those on the progressive left, it's the right decision, a practical decision," Schoen said. "To me, it's a very sad one and certainly undermines the moral legitimacy of the Democratic Party as a whole." "Certainly, I think they've left themselves vulnerable vis-à-vis Platner's extreme left-wing positions, his toxicity as a person, the issues with relationships, arguably lying about his Nazi tattoo," Schoen said. "I certainly think this creates issues for the Democrats where none needed to exist." Platner has denied allegations from former girlfriends who told The New York Times that he discussed rape fantasies, drank heavily and had violent episodes, while also facing mounting criticism over sexually explicit messages allegedly sent to women shortly after getting married, a Nazi-linked tattoo and online comments mocking a Purple Heart veteran. Despite new controversies emerging days before Maine’s Democratic Senate primary, Graham Platner won with more primary votes than any Democrat in state history.  Democratic strategist Mally Smith told Fox News Digital he doesn't believe that the Platner campaign is necessarily the "death" of the #MeToo movement, but that Democrats who have "more fully embraced" his campaign are "going to have some trouble when it comes to making the case on the Epstein files or any general claims of believe all women." "So maybe Democrats don't have the advantage on the issue anymore, but I would say that it's not like Republicans have an advantage either," Smith added. "I think voters are just gonna say, well, both parties are willing to live with the baggage of their candidates." Looking ahead to 2028, LaRosa said that Democrats could be haunted by their ties to Platner for years. "If he wins, you'll still have to explain why you stood with him," LaRosa said. "If he loses, you'll have nothing to show for it except the association. Either way, he's someone you'll be answering for." Smith explained Platner's rise by citing voters that are "unhappy with the status quo" to the point where there's an "element, whether it's Republican voters supporting President Donald Trump or Democratic voters supporting Graham Platner in Maine, where they say these elites attacking him is actually evidence that he's on the right track." For others, the controversies are still too big for voters to ignore. LaRosa said that voters "reward guts, not willful blindness" when judging a candidate with Nazi imagery tattooed on his chest, adding that the Democratic leaders are lacking that same "courage." DEMOCRATS BREAK WITH SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER, WARN OF 'CIVIL WAR' IN PARTY "We look pretty vapid, unprincipled and hypocritical to look the other way when it comes to any candidate accused of any level of violence against women just because it is politically inconvenient," LaRosa said. "Never again should voters trust us or take our moral arguments seriously. Principles only mean something when they're applied across the board, even when it's politically uncomfortable." For over a decade, Democrats have used the "Nazi" attack line against President Donald Trump, but have nevertheless mostly rallied around Platner, despite the Nazi imagery tattooed on his body for 18 years. "They’re seeing all of these lunatics, like the guy in Maine...for ten years they’ve been calling me a 'Nazi,' and now they have a Nazi running. He’s got a tattoo on him," President Trump said during a Thursday news conference. Schoen argued Democrats have now weakened their case against Republican scandals, pointing to Texas Attorney General and Senate candidate Ken Paxton. "For every criticism that they level at Ken Paxton in Texas, they will be greeted by criticism of Graham Platner in Maine, which to me makes their job more difficult," Schoen said. Smith made a similar point, saying both parties are dealing with candidates causing "their own version of heartburn" that can be used against them politically. Trump-backed Paxton prevailed in the primary against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, after he was impeached by the Texas House, a federal investigation into allegations that he abused his office to aid a donor and cheating allegations. LaRosa said the "uncomfortable truth" is that Democrats have reduced Platner to a simple political equation, viewing him as "just another number, another vote, another seat, another data point on a spreadsheet" instead of focusing on whether he is the right person for the job. PLATNER CONTROVERSIES FUEL SPECULATION ABOUT LITTLE-KNOWN MAINE BALLOT REPLACEMENT PROVISION November may provide a clearer test, Schoen said. He said Platner's victory does not mean he shed his political baggage, adding Platner has left the party to grapple with problems "where none needed to exist." "With Graham Platner, there are literally immediate, multiple sources of concern that are ongoing, and it isn't clear to me that he will necessarily survive and succeed," Schoen said. Ultimately, Smith said that Maine voters will be focused on the economy and that concerns about Platner will likely only be a major issue within the state rather than nationwide. "Voters are unhappy with the economy, and I think most people are going to be voting on whether they believe the economy is better than when Trump was inaugurated, and the answer to that is a resounding no," Smith said. "So I think as much as news stations like to talk about Graham Platner and what this means for Democrats overall, or vice versa, Ken Paxton and Republicans overall, most voters are not going to think about Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo outside of Maine. So I think this is more of a localized Maine problem." Fox News Digital reached out to the Platner campaign for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b86a197238567832dbc5 She Saw Her Skydiving Plane Burn. Would She Jump Again? te 2026-06-18T09:20:42.934Z She Saw Her Skydiving Plane Burn. Would She Jump Again? Lacy Reynolds was waiting to catch the next flight when the aircraft crashed in Butler, Mo., killing 11 passengers and a pilot. She wasn’t sure she could keep skydiving. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b857197238567832dbbc Why Extreme Sports Enthusiasts Keep Jumping After a String of Tragedies te 2026-06-18T09:20:23.485Z Why Extreme Sports Enthusiasts Keep Jumping After a String of Tragedies Often considered thrill seekers looking for the next adrenaline hit, participants say they’re actually drawn to control and a sense of time slowing down. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b678197238567832db6b America’s chip advantage is essential to protecting the American Dream te 2026-06-18T09:12:24.782Z America’s chip advantage is essential to protecting the American Dream The Senate Banking Committee convened a hearing June 11 around a question that cuts to the core of American competitiveness and the American Dream: Can the United States ensure that rapid advances in artificial intelligence support "innovation, affordability, and American dominance?" Those three goals are inseparable, and they all hinge on a single variable: ensuring that the world’s most advanced chips stay in American hands and out of China’s. President Ronald Reagan understood this logic during the Cold War, when his administration moved aggressively to deny the Soviet Union access to cutting-edge Western technology — not because the Soviets lacked talent, but because denying them the tools was itself a strategic weapon. The same principle applies today. Indiana Republican Sen. Jim Banks and Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast understand the stakes. The "AI Overwatch Act" they are advancing in the House and Senate is the right answer. China already has world-class AI talent fielding competitive models. However, it lacks reliable access to the highest-end chips, a gap that keeps Beijing behind. The AI Overwatch Act codifies the prohibition on exporting our most advanced chips to China — making permanent a policy the Trump administration has enforced and that must outlast any single administration. TRUMP’S CHINA THAW LEAVES TAIWAN DECISION LOOMING AS EX-NBA STAR WARNS ISLAND HOLDS KEY TO US AI RACE It would create a simple test, ensuring sales will not strengthen an adversary’s military, intelligence, surveillance or cyber capabilities and would not erode our technological lead. Importantly, it would also fast-track trusted exports to allies and partners, so that we could export the full American AI stack to friends who gain access to top-tier capability, while ownership and oversight would stay with the United States. The measures are not just common sense — they are the precondition for every goal the Senate Banking Committee named. Export controls on chips are vital but not sufficient given the scale of China’s effort to overtake the United States. China’s parallel path to closing the gap is building advanced chips domestically, which is why Sens. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and Andy Kim, D-N.J., introduced the bipartisan and bicameral "Match Act." HOW US CEOS QUIETLY TEAMED UP WITH TRUMP TO GAIN LEVERAGE OVER CHINA The bill bars the sale and servicing of the most essential chipmaking tools to facilities in China, locks restrictions on Huawei, SMIC and other Chinese Communist Party-linked chipmakers into law and presses our allies to align their own export controls so that American toolmakers aren’t simply undercut by foreign competitors selling Beijing the same equipment. Together, the Overwatch and Match Acts close both doors: China can neither buy our best chips nor buy the tools to make them.  Start with innovation. In April, the White House accused China of running industrial-scale campaigns to copy American frontier models, using tens of thousands of fraudulent accounts and jailbreaking techniques to siphon proprietary capabilities and release cheaper knockoffs stripped of the safeguards our companies build in. Beijing is already pilfering our AI advantage because it cannot yet train frontier models at scale without our hardware. To hand Beijing our hardware advantage on top of that would be unilateral disarmament, allowing state-subsidized Chinese firms to match American products at a lower price and box our companies out of global markets just like they have done in solar, steel and electric vehicles. You do not protect an innovation lead by selling your rival the engine — or the factory that builds it. CHINESE MONEY REPORTEDLY TIED TO AI DATA CENTER OPPOSITION Then there is affordability. The dividend of AI leadership is supposed to land here at home, in new industries, good jobs and the broad prosperity that makes the American Dream attainable. That dividend disappears the moment we hand Beijing the tools to undercut us. I have spoken with executives across multiple sectors who understand that the AI supply chain and compute infrastructure — chips, fabs, data centers and the energy to run them — have become the new industrial base. America’s technology advantage is the engine of that prosperity. Losing it is not an abstraction — it is lost jobs, lost leverage and a dimmer American Dream. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION And there is dominance. The country that leads in the most capable models, the chips that train them, and the energy to run them will set global standards and decide whose values are embedded in the defining technology of this century. That is the line between AI that serves a free people and AI that powers a surveillance state. President Donald Trump’s AI Action Plan names the stakes plainly, calling it imperative that America and its allies win this race, and the current administration has held the line by keeping our most capable chips out of China and tightening enforcement against those who try to route them there anyway. There is no doubt China recognizes that compute power is the bottleneck in this race. In March, federal prosecutors in New York charged three people tied to the server maker Super Micro, including a co-founder, with diverting roughly $2.5 billion in Nvidia-powered servers to China through a front company in Southeast Asia, using falsified paperwork and dummy units to fool both internal compliance teams and federal inspectors. The Super Micro prosecution is only the most recent proof that Beijing will not stop trying. China is running a long game — economic, cyber and intelligence operations aimed at closing the gap we have spent decades building. The United States must run a longer one. America’s chip advantage is not just a technology story; it is the foundation of the American Dream — the engine of the industries, the jobs and the national power that make self-governance worth defending. By passing the Overwatch and Match Acts, Congress can turn a fragile policy advantage into durable American law. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b665197238567832db62 MORNING GLORY: GOP’s top job now is rebuilding America’s defenses fast te 2026-06-18T09:12:05.327Z MORNING GLORY: GOP’s top job now is rebuilding America’s defenses fast The single, most urgent priority of the House and Senate GOP ought to be passing Reconciliation 3.0 and thus funding not just President Donald Trump’s request of $1.5 trillion, but also the out-years when a likely Democratic majority in either the House or the Senate will not support the military we must have and especially address the munitions gap the battle with Iran has exposed.  The United States simply does not have the stockpile of interceptors we need in the age of missiles and drones. Whatever the definition of a "crash program" is, that definition ought to be put aside in favor of something far more ambitious.  We need enough interceptors for our own stockpiles, as well as enough for our allies in Israel, the Gulf States and Taiwan. Our Arab allies will pay cash on the barrel. From Israel, we should expect ongoing and expanding cooperation between the robust defense industry of the Jewish state and the Pentagon’s acquisition process. Taiwan already has a backlog of orders waiting to be filled.  US DRAINS CRITICAL MISSILE STOCKPILES IN IRAN WAR AS YEARSLONG REBUILD LOOMS "Our procurement system is not designed for serious war fighting," Dr. Eliot A. Cohen told Aaron MacLean on the latter’s recent edition of the "School of War podcast. "You can see in this conflict the consequences of having had effortless superiority for a long time," Cohen added. Dean Cohen is the 9th Dean of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University and a widely admired national security strategist and former Counselor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during the second term of President George W. Bush.  Cohen was an original "Never Trumper" who admits in this podcast his regret at having been so absolutist in his opposition to President Trump, but does not relent in an objective assessment of the battle with Iran to date.  Give the entire episode a listen but focus on the quotes above.  We have enjoyed complete air superiority in every conflict since the start of the First Gulf War. That era is over because of missiles and drones. We could not suppress enough of Iran’s firepower to protect our Arab allies' infrastructure on land or ships passing through the Strait. Perhaps we did not try hard enough to do so, but after demolishing the remnants of the nuclear weapons program still left standing after 2025’s Operation Midnight Hammer as well as obliterating more than 75% of the defense industrial base of the Islamic Republic via tens of thousands of strikes by American and Israeli forces, the equation changed to favor the pause in kinetic battle envisioned by the MOU.  (I expect the negotiations to extend at least past November’s elections. It is very reasonable to expect a return to combat similar to Richard Nixon’s order for the Christmas Bombings of 1972 following Henry Kissinger’s declaration that "peace was at hand" in October of that year. If the junta atop the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps does not, in fact, deliver on the destruction or removal of all of their enriched uranium as well as inspection and destruction of Pickaxe mountain, I expect the battle to resume.) In the meantime, we have to surge more defensive capabilities to our allies in the Gulf and Israel while also preparing our own military to open and keep open the Strait for as long as Iran attempts to close it in the future. That’s an expensive proposition. The good news is that innovations in technology are surging through the West’s defense industries, including Ukraine’s, Israel’s and our own. But, Congress must send the unmistakable demand signal of the enormous uptick in spending and double or triple down on that signal with out-year appropriations just as it has just done with the Department of Homeland Security.  This is actually the most important reveal of the 40 days of combat beginning on February 28 and the week of renewed hostilities after Iran hit our Apache helicopter. (The second burst of combat should have told the Iranians that they will receive ten times back for every blow they attempt to land during the talks.) CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION But while the American negotiators are at the (likely fruitless) effort to pin down Iranian negotiators on an actual disarmament and denuclearization plan, House and Senate Republicans have to put aside every home-grown and long-held belief about the size and nature of military spending.  They have to act in the national interest and at a pace we have rarely seen in Congress. Just as the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on Senator Susan Collins and (then) Senator Marco Rubio to rush the Paycheck Protection Plan through the process surrounding the emergency response to COVID-19 that was the CARES Act that was passed by Congress on March 25, 2020, and signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020, so now Leader Thune should task Senator Collins and another senior senator or two to blitz the problems revealed by the battle with Iran and get the heavy lifting in defense spending for the balance of the Trump presidency done in weeks — not months or through "regular order." What has been revealed by the collision with Iran is that "regular order" will not do for this moment. We have had an enormous, consequential "reveal" about America’s military strengths, but also about our weaknesses and the gaps in our own and our allies’ defense.  Leader Thune, can rely on the trio of Collins Cotton and Wicker or others to come up with the design for Reconciliation 3.0, and Speaker Johnson can rely on their counterparts in the House. There is no mystery as to what they have to do if they want to provide for the common defense. It will be an enormous failure if a Republican House and Senate miss their moment to provide for that defense at least through the end of 2028.   Hugh Hewitt is a Fox News contributor and host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show" heard weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. ET on the Salem Radio Network and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hugh drives Americans home on the East Coast and to lunch on the West Coast on over 400 affiliates nationwide and on all the streaming platforms where SNC can be seen. He is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel’s news roundtable, hosted by Bret Baier weekdays at 6 p.m. ET. A son of Ohio and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, Hewitt has been a Professor of Law at Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law since 1996, where he teaches Constitutional Law. Hewitt launched his eponymous radio show from Los Angeles in 1990. Hewitt has frequently appeared on every major national news television network, hosted television shows for PBS and MSNBC, written for every major American paper, has authored a dozen books and moderated a score of Republican candidate debates, most recently the November 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four Republican presidential debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt focuses his radio show and his column on the Constitution, national security, American politics and the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. Hewitt has interviewed tens of thousands of guests, from Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump over his 40 years in broadcasting. This column previews the lead story that will drive his radio/ TV show today. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM HUGH HEWITT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b651197238567832db59 Democrats want us to focus on Graham Platner’s policies. He fails Maine there, too te 2026-06-18T09:11:45.869Z Democrats want us to focus on Graham Platner’s policies. He fails Maine there, too Now that Graham Platner is officially the Democratic Party’s chosen candidate to face Sen. Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins this November, his campaign staff and the far-left establishment that back him will undoubtedly spend the next five months trying to contain the fallout from his personal history. They will ask voters to look past the domestic abuse allegations, the rhetoric glorifying political violence, the racially charged comments and the Nazi tattoo. They will argue that those controversies are distractions and urge Mainers to focus instead on the issues facing our state. As a Republican serving in the Maine House, I wholeheartedly agree. Because when Mainers look beyond the colorful Platner headlines and turn their focus to his policies, they will find an extreme version of the same progressive agenda that has already made life harder for working families across our state. GOP LAWMAKER WARNS VOTERS THAT PLATNER'S 'EXTREME' POLICIES JUST AS CONCERNING AS HIS BAGGAGE: 'STAY AWAY' The past eight years of Democrat leadership in the capital of Augusta have created a cost-of-living crisis where nearly half of Mainers struggle to make ends meet. In just eight years, the state budget has nearly doubled from $6.7 billion to $12 billion while Mainers have been hit with 32 new or higher taxes and fees to pay for it. Platner’s answer to the rising cost of living is even more taxes. And not just one or two targeted increases. No, his plan includes an entire platform built around new wealth taxes, higher taxes on investment income, expanded payroll taxes, new federally funded programs and a dramatically larger role for Washington in managing the economy. As wealth flees the state under this oppressive tax model, more middle-class Mainers will be stuck paying the difference.  Another reason Maine has become so expensive is energy. Maine ratepayers pay 63% more for electricity than the average American, in large part because of Augusta Democrats’ relentless push for energy policies that force consumers to subsidize unreliable wind and solar, regardless of cost. Those subsidies alone add $275 a year to the average household’s electricity bill, with ratepayers also on the hook for the expensive grid investments needed to support them. WASH POST EDITORIAL BOARD ACCUSES MAINE PROGRESSIVE GRAHAM PLATNER OF OFFERING VOTERS 'FANTASTICAL SOLUTIONS' In lockstep with the progressive fringe, Platner wants more of these Green New Deal-style mandates, which have already resulted in higher costs and less reliable energy not only in Maine, but also in states across the country. In healthcare, Platner’s answer to challenges largely created by government overreach and years of unchecked MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program) expansion is even more government-run healthcare. Today, Maine taxpayers are funding nearly twice as many MaineCare enrollees as they were a decade ago, the predictable result of years of expansion pushed by politicians who insist government-run healthcare is the answer. It clearly is not. Access to healthcare has only deteriorated under this system. Thirteen of Maine’s 16 counties are federally designated healthcare shortage areas, thanks to overreaching government regulations like Certificate of Need laws that allow government regulators to block new facilities and services. In education, Augusta’s policies have led to Maine spending more than ever at roughly $26,000 per pupil. And yet, the state ranks 41st nationally in K-12 education, with reading and math scores at their lowest levels in three decades. Maine families are left with no recourse because state Democrats, the majority party responsible for those outcomes, refuse to support school choice. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Platner’s answer to our failing schools is unsurprisingly more power for the same education establishment that produced those failures in the first place, and less power for families whose kids need real alternatives. Platner’s policy platform is simply a continuation, and in many cases a more radical version, of the same policies that have burdened Mainers for the better part of a decade. Those unhappy with the cost of living, energy bills, healthcare and education in Maine will find little comfort in Platner’s agenda. On nearly every major issue, he calls for more of the same policies that helped create these problems in the first place. That is the debate Maine voters should be having. Yes, Graham Platner’s controversies raise serious questions about his judgment and fitness for office. But the question before voters is not only whether they approve of his personal conduct. It is whether they believe the policies that have produced Maine’s current challenges at home deserve to be elevated to the United States Senate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b63e197238567832db50 US State Department warns Americans of growing security risks in historic region te 2026-06-18T09:11:26.414Z US State Department warns Americans of growing security risks in historic region American travelers in the Middle East are being urged to stay alert as U.S. officials warn that security conditions remain volatile across the region, even as Washington, D.C., and Tehran move toward a tentative agreement aimed at easing the latest crisis. The warning comes as U.S. officials describe a draft agreement with Iran that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, allow some Iranian oil sales to resume and restart talks over Tehran’s nuclear program, as Fox News Digital has reported — developments that could ease some travel and energy disruptions if the deal holds. The agreement, however, remains uncertain. U.S. officials said Iran has not publicly released the draft language, and the arrangement would still leave major questions unresolved, including broader nuclear limits, sanctions relief and whether the pause in hostilities can hold. AMERICAN TRAPPED IN DUBAI DESCRIBES HOTEL FRIGHT AND ‘SHOCK WAVES’ AS IRAN LAUNCHES AIRSTRIKES Even with the potential diplomatic movement, U.S. officials are still urging Americans abroad to exercise increased caution, warning that airspace closures, demonstrations and threats to locations associated with the United States could disrupt travel with little notice. In an early June security alert, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said the security environment in the Middle East remains "complex" and could change quickly, urging Americans in the region to monitor breaking developments. The embassy said the State Department’s Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning remains in place for Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen, while Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisories remain in place for Bahrain, Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The latest diplomatic movement could affect travelers because the Strait of Hormuz has been a major flashpoint in the region.  MIDDLE EAST CRUISE NIGHTMARE DEEPENS AS IRAN AIRSTRIKES LEAVE PASSENGERS STRANDED U.S. officials said the draft agreement would allow toll-free passage through the strait for 60 days, while sanctions waivers would allow Iranian oil sales to resume temporarily, as Fox News Digital previously reported. The advisories cover countries that are home to major cultural and tourist destinations, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Persepolis in Iran, Babylon in Iraq, Palmyra in Syria and the Old City of Sana'a in Yemen to popular stops in Level 3 countries, including Petra in Jordan, Jerusalem's Old City and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. "Be aware of your surroundings," the alert warned.  "Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Americans in the affected countries were also urged to avoid areas with a heavy police presence, follow the instructions of local authorities and "keep a low profile." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The State Department also advises Americans abroad to follow alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, confirm flights and routes directly with airlines and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, to receive security updates. Notably, the release did not mention Egypt or Turkey, which both sit at Level 2, according to the State Department's website. The warning is one of many issued by U.S. officials regarding travel this season. In April, U.S. officials advised Americans to reconsider traveling to Azerbaijan, a growing destination for adventure and cultural tourism. The country borders Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. The same month, the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago warned Americans to reconsider travel to the Caribbean nation. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Authorities say the Trinidad and Tobago advisory was spurred by "a spike in violent criminal activity that could threaten public safety." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33b62a197238567832db47 Former prosecutor Adam Levy sends warning for Knicks parade safety after NYC chaos te 2026-06-18T09:11:06.965Z Former prosecutor Adam Levy sends warning for Knicks parade safety after NYC chaos The New York Knicks may have won the NBA Championships, but Judge Adam Levy said the celebrations went too far when the city descended into chaos and violence. Some Knicks fans in New York City responded to their team’s win by lighting school buses on fire, climbing scaffolding, light poles and statues, and getting violent. Witnesses reported gunshots in Times Square that the NYPD told Fox News Digital left a 17-year-old wounded. The New York Police Department also had their hands full a few nights before, when the Knicks pulled off the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history. They arrested several people on charges stemming from a watch party gone wild in Bryant Park. Levy, the son of Judge Judith Sheindlin who will soon be starring in the new show "Adam’s Law," said enough is enough, noting that the law-abiding citizens were the ones most impacted by Saturday's onslaught. TEEN SHOT IN TIMES SQUARE AS KNICKS CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATIONS TURN CHAOTIC "Well, I would focus on the thousands of fans who celebrated peacefully," Levy told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "So the vast majority of people who went to watch the game in New York City when the Knicks won were peaceful. They celebrated. And that's the way it's supposed to be. They took pictures, they hugged strangers, and they went home. They were raised to understand the difference between celebration and destruction. The minority, a very small number of individuals, are the ones that the NYPD and prosecutors should be focusing on." Sixty-three individuals were arrested in Saturday’s postgame disorder. Levy hoped they'll face swift justice. "And out of that 63, the prosecutors should be focusing on the repeat offenders to dedicate their resources against," he said. "There should be nobody at this point - none of the 63 should walk away with a slap on their wrist." JUDGE JUDY HAS SCATHING MESSAGE FOR CITIES ENGULFED IN BRAZEN CRIME, PINPOINTS 'RIDICULOUS' POLICIES Levy said there are a number of factors that could have contributed to the lawless environment, starting at home. "I say that the fish stinks from the head down and that when I say that, it's not just one group, it's just not one fish," he said. "You have parents who failed their kids. You have schools that failed the kids and you get the government who failed - when I say kids, I mean the rioters - and the government failed them. It's a trifecta, that parents for whatever reason are failing to teach morality in the home, responsibility in the home. Schools are focused on things other than reinforcing that. And the government is most certainly responsible for looking the other way and putting law-abiding citizens' safety and lives at risk, by failing to enforce and prosecute those who violate the law. And the results are exactly what you see with these 63 nutballs." Levy, a former district attorney in New York’s Putnam County, has plenty of experience with criminals. "Twelve years I defended knuckleheads like this," he said. "And for 13 years, I prosecuted them. So I know the difference between just stupid mischievous kids, and those who really need a swift kick in the a--. And who needs a weight of the criminal justice system weighing over them. So, they don't become hardened criminals. It's not rocket science." Levy warned that authority figures need to remember to lay down the law and not be too concerned with being cool or of the potential fallout of doing their jobs properly. "And when you have people in charge - when you have parents and school personnel and government officials who want to be the kid's friend, who are afraid of being called names by, you know, by members of the public who completely have a wrong view of parenting and schooling and teaching and government's responsibility to protect law-abiding citizens. When you have those people who are afraid of getting called names. You know, 'You're a, you're a Nazi. You're, you know, you want to throw everybody in jail.' It's not, and refusing to make excuses for the kids. 'It's not their fault, it's their environment. It's not their fault, they had a tough upbringing. It's not their fault.' It's got to stop." JUDGE JUDY WEIGHS IN ON THE DEBATE OVER RAISING CHILDREN: 'YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE FRIENDS' Levy's mom, who starred on "Judge Judy" for 25 seasons, had similar advice for parents in a 2024 Fox News Digital interview. "Parents sometimes run into trouble when they say, 'we just want to be our kids' buddy,'" she said. "But children require rules, just as the adults do. I mean, the country is in the state it's in now because the rules get blurred." "And if you don't, then this is the result," Levy said of those potentially shirking responsibility in the Big Apple. "I mean, to think of all the tens of thousands of people that were there that behave themselves, that came from the very same backgrounds as these knuckleballs, as these knuckleheads, who got arrested. How is it that 99.9% of everybody else there is able to follow the law, is able to celebrate peacefully, but these people aren't? And by simply giving them a slap on the wrist... Sends the wrong message to them and others who are going to look at how they were treated and just engage in similar conduct. Repeat, you know, they're going to do the same thing at the next celebration." And the next celebration has already arrived. Thursday marks the Knicks victory parade through New York City, giving Levy pause that the scenes will be similar to Saturday. "I'm concerned for the people who are going down there, the law-abiding citizens who want to go down with their families, with their children, and to celebrate their team's win," he said. "Because they're the ones directly placed at risk by parents who refuse to parent, schools who refuse teach, and government officials who refuse to hold people accountable when they break the law. That's the problem." The politicians, he noted, don’t usually have to deal with the mayhem. "The government officials, they're not standing in the crowds," he noted. "Government officials are nice, they're separated, they're safely away, looking from elevated platforms. They're not going to get hit in the head with a bottle. They're not going to be stabbed in the back by some crazy person. They're not going to have their bags stolen, because they're safe." "Put the politicians with the regular people, force them to co-mingle, force them to feel unsafe," he continued. "Force them to think twice about bringing their own children, for fear that their children will get trampled, set on fire, stabbed, shot. Because it's not until that happens that politicians will change. Every politician has a plan, until they get punched in the face or until their child gets punched in the face." Levy’s new show "Adam’s Law," from CBS Media Ventures, will premiere on in national syndication on Sept. 14. The show is produced by Judy Sheindlin’s Queen Bee Productions. Levy previously starred on Amazon's reality court show "Tribunal Justice." Fox News' Hanna Panreck contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33a603197238567832cef9 Judge Orders Maricopa County Supervisors, Recorder Into Settlement Talks Over Election Powers te 2026-06-18T08:02:11.025Z Judge Orders Maricopa County Supervisors, Recorder Into Settlement Talks Over Election Powers By Staff Reporter | A court has ordered Maricopa County officials to participate in a settlement conference next week to determine election powers. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney issued the order in response to Recorder Justin Heap’s request for contempt sanctions against the board.  The settlement conference is scheduled for Monday, June 22. The contempt hearing will remain scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 unless the board of supervisors and recorder resolve their dispute.  In the order issued last week announcing the contempt hearing, Blaney stated that the supervisors would be required to explain their “willful, continuing, and escalating noncompliance” with his order to restore certain election responsibilities, personnel, and technology to Heap.  Heap says the board has failed to return resources to include IT personnel, servers, databases, and websites, as well as refused to authorize the use of state and federal funds. The superior court ordered the board of supervisors to restore those resources to Heap back in April.  The board has refused to comply. They say the ruling would cause problems with the administration of the upcoming primary and general elections. “[T]he ruling creates more confusion than clarity,” said the board. “The Board of Supervisors has purchased equipment and planned to provide tabulation of early ballots in the 2026 Primary and General Elections. However, the ruling calls into question who is responsible for overseeing and executing this option for voters.” Instead, the board has established an independent resource page to provide “just the facts” about the ongoing lawsuit and the Shared Services Agreement (SSA) negotiations that determine the distribution of election authority between the recorder and board.  SSAs distinguish election responsibilities between the board and recorder. Heap’s predecessor, Stephen Richer, coordinated with the prior board of supervisors to reduce the recorder’s scope of responsibilities in his final months in office in 2024.  The board appealed the superior court ruling with the Arizona Court of Appeals last month.  The board maintains that it has “consistently negotiated in good faith” with Heap. Several efforts to settle on a new SSA have failed. The board claims that Heap has made inconsistent demands and “at least twice” rejected their proposed new SSAs.  Also last week, a months-old incident involving employees within the recorder’s office resurfaced following a public announcement by Heap. Heap accused the board of retaliation over a criminal investigation into two of his employees for alleged theft of election equipment. Board Chair Kate Brophy McGee accused Heap of perpetuating “a parade of falsehoods, misrepresentations and strawmen.” The board responded that Heap’s employees had no right to remove and later return an envelope scanner from the Maricopa County Election and Tabulation Center during the Tempe Jurisdictional Election. According to the board, that equipment was replaced due to the alleged security compromise.  NEW: Chair @KateMcGeeAZ responds to latest falsehoods from Recorder @azjustinheap 1/2 pic.twitter.com/m54IlA5gtK — Maricopa County (@maricopacounty) June 12, 2026 Heap countered that the equipment belonged to his office and was therefore under the purview of his employees. Heap claimed the board ignored the alleged incident for months and dismissed their narrative as “baseless allegations.”  🚨 UPDATE: RECORD CORRECTS THE BOARD'S MANUFACTURED SCANDAL AND MALACIOUS SLANDER. The Board spent 3 months sitting on these baseless allegations. Then, after losing in court again and facing contempt proceedings, it launched a smear campaign against career election employees… https://t.co/FRSwQb27ml — Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap (@azjustinheap) June 12, 2026 AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Judge Orders Maricopa County Supervisors, Recorder Into Settlement Talks Over Election Powers first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33a5ee197238567832cef0 Arizona’s Second-Busiest Border Crossing Faces Delays From Ongoing Green Construction te 2026-06-18T08:01:50.542Z Arizona’s Second-Busiest Border Crossing Faces Delays From Ongoing Green Construction By Staff Reporter | The federal government says delays are bound to occur with impending construction on Arizona’s second-busiest border entry point.  The 16-acre San Luis I Land Port of Entry, established in 1984, will undergo another series of renovations beginning June 20 to improve its operations and infrastructure. Construction on this leg of the project will last approximately four to five months per Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  The forthcoming construction is part of a greater $356 million expansion and modernization project which pledges to make San Luis I Land Port of Entry an “eco-friendly gateway” as the “first fully electric, net-zero energy land port of entry” in the country. Construction work on the port of entry began in 2023 and is scheduled to conclude in the spring of 2029.  The port expansion and modernization project was announced in 2024 under former President Joe Biden as a major “green expansion” initiative for his Investing in America agenda. Nearly $100 million of the total project funding came from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) subsidies for “low-embodied carbon construction materials and emerging and sustainable technologies.” IRA funds also went to 37 other land port of entry projects. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) both endorsed the project and its net-zero approach. The IRA appropriated $3.4 billion for GSA to institute net-zero emissions infrastructure reforms in federal facilities across America by 2045.  The General Services Administration (GSA) has stated in its public project summary for the port of entry that the current infrastructure has proven inadequate to handle traffic volumes and CBP mission requirements.  “The modernization and expansion project will improve efficiencies and traffic flows, reduce wait times, increase CBP processing capacity and operational security by effectively deploying the latest technology to identify high risk activity and shipments and combat drug trafficking,” stated the GSA. In March, the GSA announced the San Luis I Land Port of Entry opened 16 new northbound vehicle lanes, doubling the previous capacity, covered with two shade canopies spanning 16,000 square feet.  The expansion and modernization project also includes a secondary vehicle processing area, additional pedestrian inspection lanes, and a new administrative facility. It further expands southbound privately owned vehicle operations with upgraded primary and secondary inspection and processing buildings, as well as expanded employee parking. Last July, the Office of the Inspector General notified the GSA that contractors who hadn’t undergone the required security screening had worked on the port of entry expansion and modernization project. Travelers seeking passage through the San Luis I Land Port of Entry should review border wait times on the CBP website or the mobile app, Border Wait Times.  The San Luis I Land Port of Entry encounters three million drivers and 2.5 million pedestrians annually, per GSA data.  The GSA awarded the design-build contract for the expansion and modernization effort to Hensel Phelps Construction Company in 2022, which is based out of Colorado and one of the biggest general contractors and construction managers nationwide. Community stakeholder and civic leader briefings on the port of entry occurred in the spring of 2024. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Arizona’s Second-Busiest Border Crossing Faces Delays From Ongoing Green Construction first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33a5da197238567832cee7 Fortify AZ Calls Off ESA Reform Ballot Initiative te 2026-06-18T08:01:30.063Z Fortify AZ Calls Off ESA Reform Ballot Initiative By Staff Reporter | One of two ballot initiatives to reform school choice in Arizona has been called off. This week, Fortify AZ ceased collecting signatures to qualify for the November ballot with their initiative to reform the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program filed in March, The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Reform and Accountability Act. The proposed ballot initiative would have required the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to establish an online marketplace payment system next year for all ESA purchases with approved vendors, and would have eliminated the current reimbursement and debit card system.  The initiative would also have further restricted allowable expenditures, and required valid fingerprint clearance cards for qualified tutors and school personnel. Any parents who intentionally misuse funds would have been disqualified permanently from the ESA program.  Under the canceled initiative, the ESA program would have had to submit quarterly reports addressing vendor payments, disqualifications, and recovered funds to the attorney general as well.  Fortify AZ was supported in its signature-gathering efforts with millions from the American Federation for Children (AFC). Arizona campaign finance records reflected $1.2 million to their political action committee, but AFC said they invested over $5.3 million into the ballot initiative.  AFC said the proposed reforms were aligned with best policy practices implemented in other states: Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Utah, Tennessee, New Hampshire, and West Virginia.  In a press release issued on Tuesday, AFC CEO Tommy Schultz said their organization backed the ballot initiative as the “best opportunity to save school choice in Arizona,” which they say is under threat by school choice opponents behind the other proposed ballot initiative which would end universal school choice, the Protect Education Act. “After a small number of individuals acted to sabotage this chance for the school choice-gutting petition to be pulled and commonsense reforms enacted, we are evaluating our best next steps to ensure the union-backed petition does not rip school choice away from thousands of Arizona students overnight and fundamentally break the program for the rest,” said Schultz.  As the Arizona Agenda reported, Republican lawmakers and the Arizona Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, nearly reached a secretive school choice reform deal to end both the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Reform and Accountability Act as well as the Protect Education Act. However, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club raised concerns over the impact of the secretive deal on the ESA program.  🚨 Message from @azfec regarding ESAs: Don't Cut a Deal that Kills ESAs — Lawmakers are negotiating a secret bargain with teacher unions tonight. Over 100,000 Arizona students hang in the balance. https://t.co/dToo9ac4uQ — AZ Women of Action (@AZWomenofAction) June 12, 2026 Ultimately, lawmakers voted against the proposed deal.  Matthew Nielsen, founder of the Educational Freedom Institute, called the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Reform and Accountability Act an “ill-conceived, and now ill-fated […] waste.” It was ill-conceived, and now ill-fated. What a waste. https://t.co/Oj6AwejftZ — Matthew Nielsen (@matthewnielsen) June 16, 2026 The other ballot initiative to end the universality of the ESA program will continue. The Protect Education Act would place a $150,000 income cap for ESA program enrollees.  Additionally, this initiative would not only require qualified tutors and schools to have valid fingerprint clearance, it would subject them to Arizona State Board of Education discipline and require them to pay a fee and register annually with ADE. Protect Education, Accountability Now, the political action committee behind the still-active ballot initiative, has spent about $2.7 million of the nearly $4.6 million it has raised.  98% of those funds (more than $4.4 million) came from the National Education Association, a national teachers’ union and the largest labor union in the nation.  As of this report, the ESA program has over 100,700 students enrolled. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Fortify AZ Calls Off ESA Reform Ballot Initiative first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33a5c5197238567832cede WARREN PETERSEN: Arizona Should Lead America’s Golden Age—Not Prosecute It te 2026-06-18T08:01:09.078Z WARREN PETERSEN: Arizona Should Lead America’s Golden Age—Not Prosecute It By Sen. Warren Petersen | Earlier this spring, a federal judge in Phoenix had to step in and protect law-abiding Americans from a prosecutor who had lost all sense of limits. He struck down Kris Mayes’s case against the prediction market Kalshi and, in doing so, exposed one of the more reckless abuses of government power our state has seen in recent memory. The story should alarm every Arizonan, regardless of whether you have ever placed a trade. In March, Mayes made Arizona the first state in the nation to bring criminal charges against a federally regulated exchange—twenty counts against an American company operating under the direct supervision of the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission. And she didn’t stop at the criminal docket, either; her allies in the state government pressed a parallel civil campaign to choke an American innovator out of existence. It took a respected federal judge, appointed by President Trump, to end the spectacle. In finding that federal law leaves “no room for state regulation” of these markets, he warned against precisely the “inconsistent regulatory patchwork that Congress intended to avoid,” and that Mayes tried to foist on Arizonans. Mayes’s crusade was doomed from the start, and any honest lawyer in her office could have told her so. Instead, she torched your tax dollars and Arizona’s reputation, all to chase a headline. This is what the weaponization of a prosecutor’s office looks like. We have watched the radical left turn the law into a club against the people they dislike: parents, police, people of faith, and President Trump himself. Mayes has now turned that club on the future. Prediction markets let ordinary citizens put their own judgment, and their own money, behind what they actually believe will happen in the economy and the world. They cut through the noise of the mainstream media and pundit class, and they are one piece of a sweeping wave of financial innovation that is remaking the global economy in real time. President Trump understands this in his bones. While Mayes was busy criminalizing the future, the President was busy building it. His CFTC Chairman, Michael Selig, has led the charge, defending federal authority in courtrooms across the country, advancing clear and sensible national rules, and declaring that America’s financial markets are ready for a new Golden Age. The President has been emphatic that the CFTC must retain exclusive authority over these markets, and he is right. That is America First leadership: clear rules, room to grow, and the confidence that fifty different prosecutors won’t be allowed to strangle American innovation in its crib. Arizona ought to be racing to the front of that parade. Instead, our Democratic officials keep stomping on the brakes. I led the fight to make Arizona the first state in the country with a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, only for Governor Katie Hobbs to veto it. I pushed to let Arizonans pay their taxes in digital currency. Again and again, the message from this state’s Democrats has been the same: if you dare to build something new, we will tax it, ban it, or drag you into court. Innovators don’t flee to Texas and Florida by accident. They flee politicians who treat builders like criminals. I have spent fourteen years at the Capitol doing the opposite—defending the Constitution, guarding taxpayers, and standing up for the right to build without first begging permission from the government. As your attorney general, I will never turn the power of that office into a weapon against a company for the crime of innovating. I will use it to defend Arizonans, to enforce the law as it is actually written, and to show Washington’s worst instincts, and our own state’s, exactly where the line is drawn. This task is too important to leave to my opponent in the Republican primary. Rodney Glassman didn’t merely vote for Democrats, he ran for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat at the request of another liberal Democratic attorney general, Terry Goddard. So, ask yourself: when the radical left comes for innovation, for crypto, for free markets—and they will come—who do you want holding the line? A proven conservative who has already taken the arrows, or a man who spent the prime of his career carrying the other team’s banner and discovered his “convictions” only when trying to grab President Trump’s coattails? The attorney general’s job is not to chase headlines by prosecuting the future. It is to be the wall that protects the rights, the savings, and the freedom of Arizonans. Kris Mayes tore that wall down. I intend to rebuild it. President Trump is leading America into a Golden Age of growth, opportunity, and renewed confidence. Arizona belongs at the front of that charge, but is instead being dragged from behind, handing out indictments to the people who create our jobs. Give me the honor of serving as your attorney general, and I’ll make sure that our great state is exactly where it should be. Warren Petersen is the President of the Arizona State Senate and represents Legislative District 14. He is currently running to be Arizona’s next Attorney General. The post WARREN PETERSEN: Arizona Should Lead America’s Golden Age—Not Prosecute It first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a339a1e197238567832cd3e Florida couple reaches agreement with daughter's biological parents after alleged IVF mix-up te 2026-06-18T07:11:26.072Z Florida couple reaches agreement with daughter's biological parents after alleged IVF mix-up A Florida couple who welcomed a child genetically unrelated to them after an alleged embryo mix-up at a fertility clinic they subsequently sued will raise the child as their own after reaching an agreement with the child's biological parents, according to the couple. Tiffany Score and Steven Mills welcomed a daughter, Shea, in December of last year. Later, genetic testing revealed that the baby was related to another set of parents, according to a lawsuit filed earlier this year against the now-defunct fertility clinic IVF Life, Inc., which operated as Fertility Center of Orlando before shuttering last month. Score and Mills said they have come to a "mutually devised custody agreement" with Shea's biological parents, and plan to develop "a relationship of friendship and trust" together, according to ABC News. The pair will continue to raise Shea as their own and will remain her custodial parents, according to the custody agreement filed on June 12, the outlet reported. ROBOTS POWER BREAKTHROUGH IN PREGNANCY RESEARCH, BOOSTING IVF SUCCESS RATES Jack Scarola, an attorney for the couple, said Score and Mills appreciate how news of their mix-up helped connect them with Shea's biological parents. "Tiffany and Steve recognize the public interest in the details of their IVF experience, and they appreciate the role the news media has played in bringing them and Shea to the point where Shea's genetic parents were able to be identified and fears about Shea's future have been settled," Scarola said in a statement to ABC News. "Tiffany and Steve are committed to respect[ing] the privacy concerns of Shea's genetic parents with whom they have begun and intend to continue to foster a relationship of friendship and trust. They are also committed to protecting Shea from harmful intrusion on her privacy," Scarola added. In their lawsuit against IVF Life, Inc. and Dr. Milton McNichol, who led the fertility clinic before its closure, Score and Mills said they solicited the services of the clinic to assist them in the IVF process and contracted with the clinic for "cryogenic storage of three viable embryos," according to ABC News. The couple claimed that the clinic then implanted an embryo in Score's uterus in March of last year that "was not one of the embryos produced by" her and her partner. When their daughter was born in December, Score and Mills — who are both White — said their daughter "displayed the physical appearance of a racially non-Caucasian child." They then used genetic testing and confirmed the baby was not biologically related to them. They called on the clinic to bring the lawsuit to the attention of "all of its patients who had embryos in storage" to determine whether they may have received an embryo belonging to Score and Mills. Score and Mills also demanded that the clinic cover the cost of "genetic testing for all patients and the children of all patients whose birth resulted from embryo implantation through [the clinic's] services during the past five years," which is the time span when the clinic had their embryos. The pair also urged the clinic to disclose any discrepancies in parentage. HOW AI IS MAKING IVF MORE PREDICTABLE In last week's custody filing, Score and Mills said they learned about the "embryo history of Plaintiffs and other patients" that "revealed laboratory-clinic errors that would substantiate claims for damages against the present defendants and others without the need to satisfy medical malpractice lawsuit prerequisites." They said they decided to store one of their embryos at a different facility. IVF Life, Inc. previously said it was "actively cooperating with an investigation to support one of our patients in determining the source of an error that resulted in the birth of a child who is not genetically related to them." "Multiple entities are involved in this process, and all parties are working diligently to help identify when and where the error may have occurred," the clinic said in January. "Our priority remains transparency and the well-being of the patient and child involved. We will continue to assist in any way that we can, regardless of the outcome of the investigation." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a339a0a197238567832cd35 Trump defends war deal in marathon presser, using semantics on why Iran is getting $300 billion te 2026-06-18T07:11:06.639Z Trump defends war deal in marathon presser, using semantics on why Iran is getting $300 billion President Trump yesterday spoke about Iran, Barack Obama, artificial intelligence and Herbert Hoover. He also talked about immigration, drugs, Ebola, "lunatic" Graham Platner, California’s electricity problems, Ukraine and Joe Biden hiding from the press.   He also said the 2020 election was "rigged." He said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is a good but "very scared woman." 'TRUMP SHOULD RENEGE': IRAN DEAL FACES BACKLASH FROM CONSERVATIVE ALLIES And he complained about "fake news," said the media have "so little credibility," singling out CNN and the New York Times, and calling ABC "horrible" and NBC and CBS "terrible." For more than an hour, from the G7 summit in France, the president of the United States kept on talking, some of it rambling or stream-of-consciousness, and ending with a joke that had some truth to it. IRAN’S REGIME SPINS NUCLEAR AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEAL WITH TRUMP AS VICTORY OVER US, ISRAEL When Fox’s Peter Doocy asked why he wasn’t attending Friday’s deal signing in Switzerland, Trump said he might but that the plan was to send JD Vance. "If it works out, I’ll take the credit," Trump said. "If it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming JD!" This was striking because Marco Rubio, who opposed the agreement behind the scenes and is a possible 2028 rival to the vice president, has remained strikingly silent about the deal for two days. Before I get to the substance, I have to point out one thing. For all the repetitions and boasting – did you know that our country was a laughingstock two years ago and is now widely respected? Trump showed an extraordinary command of the material. It was extemporaneous, with the president only occasionally glancing at notes. I mention this because of the recent focus on Trump turning 80 and sometimes closing his eyes or briefly nodding off in meetings. I know this because in our last hour-long interview, he also handled whatever I threw at him. So let’s cut the dementia chatter. Trump was on the defensive about the memorandum of understanding. He said if Iran doesn’t behave, "we’ll hit them with Patriots."  In a presser devoted to a path to peace, he was again threatening to bomb his new partner. Trump said the final two days of combat were "brutal" because he had dropped $200 million worth of bombs on the terror state, and believes that’s what persuaded the Iranians to sign the memo, prompting him to cancel the third day of bombing. TRUMP RECALLS NETANYAHU'S FAILED PUSH TO KILL OBAMA IRAN DEAL, SAYS HE FINISHED THE JOB Pressed by reporters on whether the war had achieved his ambitious goals, Trump explained that he had accomplished regime change – which he’s recently claimed wasn’t his goal – by killing the first two levels of Tehran’s leadership. But the greatest friction was about money. The idea that Iran would receive $300 billion has not previously been disputed by the White House. This has driven the most negative political attacks and media coverage, across the ideological spectrum, that I’ve seen since the final days of Watergate. "We’re not putting up 10 cents," Trump insisted.  But this was mere semantics. The U.S. has frozen $300 billion in Iranian assets, so Trump says it’s "their" money and should be returned. He also said that he’s not concerned with Iran having ballistic missiles, because other countries have them and therefore it would be unfair to deprive the Iranians. Keep in mind that other countries don’t kill tens of thousands of their own people and fund terror groups that have murdered hundreds of thousands of others. Republicans have led the charge against putting off talks about Iran’s longtime goal of building nuclear weapons. Trump said Iran has agreed to never develop such weapons, but, of course, the Iranians are known for lying, cheating and breaking agreements. TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL 'GIVING A LOT MORE TO GET A LOT LESS' THAN OBAMA'S, SENATOR SAYS Critics also say that reopening the Strait of Hormuz just gets us back to where things were before the war. Only "stupid people" would say he should have continued bombing, the president proclaimed. He said he had avoided an "economic catastrophe" and that "we stopped a holocaust."  Iran had endured $2 trillion in damages, Trump said, and it would take 15 to 20 years to rebuild. And besides, oil prices are rapidly dropping. Trump wrongly said of Israel’s reaction: "I think they’re happy." The truth is that Israel is furious about the arrangement, and Bibi Netanyahu has said "it’s his decision" but told reporters "we have our interests." Trump cursed out Netanyahu for his continued attacks in Lebanon and made sure everyone knew it. Don’t forget that this memorandum is only a page and a half, and even Trump described it as a sort of outline for further negotiations. So it’s not really a "deal" as much as a mutual agreement to keep talking. The president did make news on one other front, although who knows if we’ll hear anything about it again. He said he wanted to start "denuclearization" talks with Russia and China to reduce nuclear stockpiles. "We don’t need to be able to blow up the world several times over." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33907c197238567832c6a1 NASA picks Eric Schmidt’s rocket company for Mars mission, setting up a race with SpaceX te 2026-06-18T06:30:20.832Z NASA picks Eric Schmidt’s rocket company for Mars mission, setting up a race with SpaceX Relativity Space—a rocket maker acquired by former Google executive chair Eric Schmidt last year after stumbling on the path to orbit—might just beat SpaceX to Mars. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33826f197238567832c467 Billionaire Tax Officially Has Enough Signatures for California Ballot te 2026-06-18T05:30:23.036Z Billionaire Tax Officially Has Enough Signatures for California Ballot A proposed wealth tax on billionaires is headed to the ballot unless Gov. Gavin Newsom and other opponents reach a deal with backers to remove it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a338040197238567832c419 In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down te 2026-06-18T05:21:04.026Z In GOP governor debate, Biggs sets sights on Hobbs while Schweikert tries to slow him down Rep. Andy Biggs (left), Ken Miceli, Scott Neely and Rep. David Schweikert debate in the 2026 AZ Clean Elections governor primary debate at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale on June 17, 2026. (Pool photo by Diannie Chavez/The Arizona Republic) Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs told Arizonans on Wednesday evening that he’s got the best chance of beating Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in November.  Biggs’ chief opponent in the Republican primary for Arizona governor, U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, countered that he is the better, more moderate candidate to appeal to the state’s growing share of independent voters.  GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE Joining the two most prominent candidates for the Citizens Clean Elections debate were builders and businessmen Scott Neely and Ken Miceli.  Biggs, who is the favorite to win the July 21 primary election, made clear that he already has his eyes on the general election, often comparing his own plans and viewpoints to Hobbs’ instead of his GOP opponents. Schweikert has come under fire from the Maricopa County Republican Party for his ads accusing Biggs of having ties to antisemitism and white nationalism.  During the debate, Schweikert continued to paint Biggs as too extreme to win in November, saying that he was “wholly owned by Turning Point” USA. Turning Point Action, the political arm of the far-right organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, is putting its power and money behind Biggs in the primary.  “In every poll that’s been released, I am the most competitive Republican in the entire state with Katie Hobbs,” Biggs said.  Biggs, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, said he also has a history of reaching across the aisle, citing his work with Democrat-turned-independent Kyrsten Sinema and the late John McCain as examples. Biggs also mentioned his work in 2018 alongside Democratic U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on an anti-corruption bill, which he used to segue into accusations that Hobbs engaged in a pay-to-play scheme, which Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes is investigating.  Schweikert argued that he, unlike Biggs, has a history of winning in competitive districts, and said he knows how to market conservatism for voters.  “We have to explain that prosperity is moral,” Schweikert said. “Voting for ‘conservative’ is how we bring prosperity back to Arizona.”  Rep. Andy Biggs debates with his Republican opponents in the 2026 AZ Clean Elections governor primary debate at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale on June 17, 2026. Pool photo by Diannie Chavez/The Arizona Republic) Water As Arizona battles with the other states that rely on Colorado River water in an incredibly dry year, even amid a 25-year drought, both Schweikert and Biggs agreed that Arizona is not running out of water.  Each argued that the Grand Canyon State instead has a water management and water allocation problem.  Schweikert said the state needs to take an “all in” approach to water management, saying that everything from desalination to fixing leaky pipes would probably be necessary.  Biggs said that he agreed with Hobbs’ three-year moratorium on new tax breaks for the data centers needed to run artificial intelligence, but he thanked the Republican-led Arizona Legislature for the legislation.  Hobbs signed the moratorium into state law via the annual budget that she negotiated with legislative leaders, but the moratorium was included at the insistence of Hobbs and legislative Democrats.  Biggs said that, if he’s elected, taxpayers will not pay for infrastructure for data centers, and he will force data centers to produce their own energy.  Affordability Both congressmen said that aggressively recruiting businesses to the state would help solve increased prices paired with stagnant wages.  Biggs said a major part of his recruitment strategy would be elimination of the state’s income tax, something he would pay for by cutting out waste and fraud in the state’s Medicaid program. Arizona, he said, is losing business to places like Texas and Florida, which don’t have state income tax.  Schweikert said that he would put some of Arizona’s state trust land on the market to help with the housing crisis that has helped drive a higher cost of living.  Rep. David Schweikert debates with his Republican opponents in the 2026 AZ Clean Elections governor primary debate at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale on June 17, 2026. Pool photo by Diannie Chavez/The Arizona Republic) Healthcare Schweikert and Biggs both said they would deal with the increasing costs of healthcare by encouraging Arizonans to make healthy choices.  Too much of the spending for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s version of Medicaid, is used to treat obesity-related illnesses, Schweikert said.  “Should we give someone an EBT card to buy onion rings?” Schweikert asked. “Why can’t we help you on the nutrition side, through gamification, actually participate in a healthier lifestyle.”  He said his plan, which would also cut down on waste, would save the state between $400 million and $500 million per year.  Biggs said he had a similar plan, with a focus on Health Savings Accounts that Arizonans could use to save money to pay for medical expenses.  “And you’re going to provide incentives for better diets, making sure that you can get some exercise, so you don’t get sick,” he said.  Education Schweikert and Biggs both expressed firm support for the state’s inversal K-12 school voucher program.  They both repeated the false statement that the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program saves money compared to public schooling.  “We should be expanding it fully,” Biggs said of the ESA program. Exactly what he meant was unclear, however: Republicans expanded the voucher program to be available to every K-12 student in 2022.  Elections If Biggs were governor, he said he would have signed a piece of legislation proposed last year that would have made Arizona’s elections more like Florida’s. The proposal was designed to speed up the reporting of election results, but critics said it would make voting more difficult for some people, especially those in rural areas.  Schweikert said that Republicans need to come to terms with the fact that Arizonans love voting by mail, which some in the legislature have attempted to ban, but that updated identification verification and maintenance of voter rolls was necessary. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a337974197238567832c327 WNBA to expand to 50-game schedule for teams next season te 2026-06-18T04:52:04.275Z WNBA to expand to 50-game schedule for teams next season NEW YORK — The WNBA is expanding its schedule to 50 games per team next season — the most in the league's 30-year history. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a337960197238567832c31d Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig to head coach from AHL te 2026-06-18T04:51:44.306Z Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig to head coach from AHL LAS VEGAS — After having previously hired established head coaches, the Vegas Golden Knights this time stayed within the organization and promoted Ryan Craig on Wednesday from its American Hockey League affiliate in suburban Henderson. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33794c197238567832c312 SPORTS-BKL-WNBA-SEASON-FILEPIC-GET te 2026-06-18T04:51:24.338Z SPORTS-BKL-WNBA-SEASON-FILEPIC-GET Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball against Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 9, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a337938197238567832c309 SPORTS-MCCRIMMON-TORTORELLA-WANTED-COACH-KNIGHTS-1-LV.jpg te 2026-06-18T04:51:04.375Z SPORTS-MCCRIMMON-TORTORELLA-WANTED-COACH-KNIGHTS-1-LV.jpg Henderson Silver Knights head coach Ryan Craig chats with forward Shane Smith (74) during first day of Golden Knights rookie camp at City National Arena, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a336b29197238567832c125 Florida court says 18-year-olds have same gun rights as other adults te 2026-06-18T03:51:05.528Z Florida court says 18-year-olds have same gun rights as other adults A Florida appeals court ruled Wednesday that the state's ban on concealed carry by adults ages 18 to 20 violates the Second Amendment, finding that young adults are entitled to the same constitutional protections as law-abiding adults over the age of 20. In a sweeping opinion, the court said 18-year-olds can serve in the military and defend the nation but face restrictions on their ability to exercise the same self-defense rights available to older adults. "Eighteen- to 20-year-olds can defend the country without restriction but can only utilize their Second Amendment right to self-defense with severe restrictions," Judge Spencer D. Levine wrote for a unanimous three-judge panel of Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeals. "Restricting 18- to 20-year-olds — members of the same 'political community' as other law-abiding adults — from rights to self-defense would make the Second Amendment a 'second-class' right," Levine wrote. FEDERAL JUDGE APPROVES COLORADO LAW BANNING PEOPLE UNDER 21 FROM BUYING A GUN The ruling comes after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier declined to defend the law earlier this year. "In another win for the unalienable rights of Floridians, the 4th DCA agreed with our position that Florida's law banning adults under 21 from conceal carrying a firearm is unconstitutional," Uthmeier wrote on X. "We will not seek further review and will work with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to implement the court's order," he wrote. STAY IN YOUR LANE: FLORIDA AG FIRES NEXT VOLLEY AGAINST JUDGE HALTING STATE IMMIGRATION LAW The case stemmed from the 2024 arrest of Jaylen Eubanks, who was 18 at the time. According to the opinion, officers responding to a report of a person displaying a handgun detained Eubanks and found an unholstered firearm on his waist. He was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and improper exhibition of a firearm. Eubanks challenged the concealed-carry charge, arguing Florida's age restriction violated the Second Amendment. The restriction was enacted following the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed. A trial court rejected Eubanks' argument, but the appellate court reversed. Citing Supreme Court precedent including Heller, Bruen and Rahimi, the court said adults ages 18 to 20 are among "the people" protected by the Second Amendment and that Florida failed to identify a historical tradition supporting the restriction. GUNS AND GANJA: SUPREME COURT SKEPTICAL OF FEDERAL LAW BANNING FIREARM POSSESSION FOR REGULAR MARIJUANA USERS The panel also pointed to founding-era militia laws requiring many 18-year-old men to serve while bearing arms. "That young adults had to serve in the militia indicates that founding-era lawmakers believed those youth could, and indeed should, keep and bear arms," the opinion states. The court rejected arguments that concerns about firearm misuse among younger adults justified the restriction, saying Florida failed to identify a historical tradition supporting the law and that adults ages 18 to 20 could not be treated like categories historically subject to firearm restrictions, such as felons or the mentally ill. "All those who reach the age of 18 are able, and encouraged, for example, to join the military to defend our country," Levine wrote. "Yet those very same law-abiding adults are burdened in their ability to exercise the same Second Amendment rights that other adults have." The court reversed Eubanks' concealed-carry conviction and remanded the case for further proceedings. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33643f197238567832c00d Roger Clemens questions MLB's warning to Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats te 2026-06-18T03:21:35.905Z Roger Clemens questions MLB's warning to Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats Major League Baseball drew a line when players wrote Bible verses on their Pride hats. During a San Francisco Giants Pride Night game, pitchers Landon Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verses on their team-issued hats. The players referenced Genesis 9:12-16, a passage on the rainbow covenant. MLB issued a warning to the players, stating the markings violated league uniform policies. DAN DAKICH RIPS MLB FOR WARNING GIANTS PLAYERS WHO WROTE BIBLE VERSES ON THEIR PRIDE HATS: 'SHUT UP' Former player Roger Clemens addressed the situation during an appearance on "The Will Cain Show," questioning the league's enforcement of uniform rules. Clemens noted that players modify gear without receiving discipline from the league. "We alter our uniforms all the time with numbers or somebody that has passed away," Clemens told Cain. "I know one time in Boston, Larry Bird retired. I put his hat on. They put 33, silver marker on the hat to honor Larry Bird. I did it for my mom and grandmother." Clemens argued that players should be permitted to display symbols of faith on the field. "I love it that these guys show the blessings that the Lord has given them to be out there on that field," Clemens stated. "That's the way it was for me." To resolve the issue, Clemens suggested MLB apply the same rules it uses for footwear customizations. EX-VIKINGS CAPTAIN CALLS ON MLB PLAYERS TO DOUBLE-DOWN ON FAITH AMID PRIDE NIGHT CAP CONTROVERSY "They do the special cleats where you can paint, do your cleats how you want it," Clemens said. "Maybe they do something like that and guys can have a hat with a Bible verse. They feel strongly about it." The warning from MLB sparked a response beyond the diamond. U.S. Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, demanding a justification for the warnings and questioning the league's stance on religious expression. Clemens concluded by addressing the friction between league initiatives and the personal values of the players on the field. "Whatever floats your boat. Go for it," Clemens said. "Don't bring your ideas towards me then too." Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3363ff197238567832bfe6 Monsoon, memories & masterpieces: Your Tucson weekend guide te 2026-06-18T03:20:31.983Z Monsoon, memories & masterpieces: Your Tucson weekend guide Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a335a9a197238567832b952 Despite 'sun-maxxing' trend, there's no such thing as a healthy tan te 2026-06-18T02:40:26.139Z Despite 'sun-maxxing' trend, there's no such thing as a healthy tan Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a335394197238567832b82c San Francisco Giants ready to sell star players ahead of trade deadline as Buster Posey's rebuild unravels te 2026-06-18T02:10:28.437Z San Francisco Giants ready to sell star players ahead of trade deadline as Buster Posey's rebuild unravels We're not halfway through the 2026 Major League Baseball season, and already, the San Francisco Giants are ready to throw in the towel. The Giants, even after a win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday afternoon, are just 30-43. They're a whopping 17 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers. Incredibly, even with the addition of a third wild-card spot, they're eight games back of the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals, who currently sit in that position. Even worse, they'd have to pass the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Marlins, Reds and Mets just to reach that third wild-card spot. Put differently, only the lowly Colorado Rockies have a worse record than the Giants in the National League. So it's not surprising, then, that several new reports have said that San Francisco's front office is essentially open for business ahead of the league's trade deadline. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, ESPN's Buster Olney and The Athletic have all said, to varying degrees, that the Giants are ready to sell. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Feinsand and Olney specifically mentioned some of the team's most expensive players, including first baseman Rafael Devers, shortstop Willy Adames and third baseman Matt Chapman, among those the Giants are looking to deal. Star pitcher Logan Webb and several of the team's young major leaguers, however, are not expected to be put on the block. Less than two years ago, in October 2024, the Giants' ownership group announced they'd appointed Buster Posey as president of Baseball Operations. Posey is a Giants franchise legend, and has a wealth of experience in and around the organization. But he also had little experience in the analytically driven evaluation methods most commonly favored in modern baseball. That was viewed as a point in his favor among baseball purists when he took over for the more data-driven Farhan Zaidi. Zaidi joined the Giants' front office after helping build the Dodgers into a juggernaut, and despite winning 107 games in 2021, he was fired after three consecutive years of San Francisco playing .500 baseball. Well, in Posey's first year on the job, they went ... 81-81. In his second year, they're tracking to be far worse. Even playing in the large San Francisco market and increasing payroll from $175 million in 2024 to $210 million in 2026. Maybe it's time to admit that the Buster Posey experiment has already failed. Not all of San Francisco's current predicament is on him, of course, but it's also clear that some of his biggest moves haven't worked. Matt Chapman signed his extension before Posey took over, but his first big move was bringing in free-agent shortstop Willy Adames. And while Adames was a well-above-average player in 2025, his plate discipline has cratered in 2026 and his defensive metrics have taken a huge step backward too. He was worth 4.8 wins above replacement in 2024, 4 in 2025 and -0.3 thus far in 2026 while making $26 million per year through 2031. RED SOX SEND STAR RAFAEL DEVERS TO GIANTS IN SHOCKING BLOCKBUSTER TRADE: REPORTS Then there's Rafael Devers. Devers developed into a star in Boston, but fell out with the front office over being asked to move positions. The Giants swooped in, trading several prospects to the Red Sox with the intention of building around him through the end of his contract in 2033. Instead, Devers has just nine homers in 2026, is hitting .234 with a .294 on-base percentage, has been a below-average hitter this season and has been worth -0.1 wins above replacement. And now he's on the trading block. That's bad enough. But the players Posey traded away make it much worse. The key to the trade was former top prospect Kyle Harrison. Harrison was flipped to the Brewers in the offseason, and, surprise, surprise, has immediately excelled. He's struck out 80 hitters in 65 innings with a 2.47 ERA and just 18 walks. Devers has negative WAR, Harrison is +1.7, per FanGraphs. He's making just $782,000 this year, and doesn't reach arbitration until 2028. Devers is making nearly $29 million per year through 2033. James Tibbs III was the other headliner in the Devers trade, eventually also traded away, this time to the Dodgers. He, too, has turned himself back into a top prospect, hitting .305/.423/.609 in Triple-A, with 19 home runs in 67 games. Keith Law ranked him as the 24th-best prospect in baseball in his latest update. It's not all doom and gloom; Bryce Eldridge looks to finally be delivering on his promise, and 18-year-old Josuar Gonzalez could become a star down the road. Luis Arraez has been a pleasant surprise, and Casey Schmitt has turned himself into an everyday player. But their pitching staff has been disappointing to awful, and there's little help coming from the farm system. And therein lies the problem. The Giants, despite their market size and budget, have not been able to build a complete roster. The Dodgers, as a comparison, are currently missing Will Smith and Teoscar Hernandez, while Tommy Edman just played his first game of the season. Blake Snell has pitched three innings this season, and Tyler Glasnow is on the 60-day IL with a back injury. Edwin Diaz had an ERA over 10 before going down with an arm injury. And LA is 48-27 and headed toward yet another division title. How are they doing it? With Alex Call, Ryan Ward, Emmett Sheehan, Dalton Rushing, Justin Wrobleski, Will Klein and Kyle Hurt. LA excels at having a farm system full of talent at Triple-A, ready to step in for injured stars. They build quality depth and backups at key positions. Use analytics to put together the best defensive positioning of any team in the league. And they find bullpen pieces in unexpected places. Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, Klein, Hurt, Jack Dreyer, Edgardo Henriquez. All have played major roles. Posey, meanwhile, whiffed on the franchise-changing Devers trade. Gave away Kyle Harrison and James Tibbs. Signed Adames, only for him to fall off a cliff. And now is looking to dump salary and rebuild yet again. It's a mess, and it's what separates the best organizations from the rest. The Giants right now are squarely below even what we'd call "the rest." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334ef9197238567832b73b LaGuardia shuts down runway for second time in weeks after pavement issue resurfaces te 2026-06-18T01:50:49.846Z LaGuardia shuts down runway for second time in weeks after pavement issue resurfaces LaGuardia Airport temporarily closed one of its two main runways Wednesday after inspectors discovered a pavement "depression" near the airstrip, marking the second time in less than a month the New York City airport has suspended operations on the runway over pavement concerns. Airport officials said the depression, which is approximately 2 inches deep, was identified adjacent to Runway 4/22, one of LaGuardia's two primary runways. "During an airfield inspection at LaGuardia Airport, an approximately two inch depression adjacent to Runway 4/22 was identified," the airport said. The airport said the closure was made proactively and out of an "abundance of caution," while stressing that the issue does not pose an "immediate safety concern." LA GUARDIA AIRPORT RUNWAY SHUT DOWN AFTER SINKHOLE DISCOVERED DURING ROUTINE MORNING INSPECTION Arrivals at LaGuardia are currently delayed by an average of 48 minutes but are decreasing, according to FlightAware flight-tracking data. ABC 7 previously reported 174 delays earlier Wednesday, citing the platform. Runway 4/22 is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. and is expected to remain shut until Thursday morning as repair crews work overnight to conduct additional testing, identify the cause of the issue and perform any necessary stabilization work. "Our goal is to complete the assessment and any necessary repair work overnight and return the runway to service as soon as it is safe to do so," the airport said. AIR CANADA PASSENGER SAYS PILOT 'DID THE BEST THING HE COULD,' DESCRIBES DEADLY IMPACT During the closure, operations will be shifted to LaGuardia’s remaining main runway, 13/31, beginning at 5 p.m. and are expected to continue until repairs are completed. LaGuardia said passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for flight status. The incident marks the second time in less than a month that the same section of pavement has required emergency engineering work. The runway was previously closed after a sinkhole formed around the Memorial Day travel rush. Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334ee5197238567832b732 DHS moves all detainees out of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid hurricane concerns te 2026-06-18T01:50:29.885Z DHS moves all detainees out of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid hurricane concerns All detainees at "Alligator Alcatraz," a migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, have been transferred to other facilities, according to the Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns about the hurricane season. The agency said that all detainees at the facility had been transferred, although it did not specify how many were taken. Some of these detainees will be transferred to "Deportation Depot," another ICE facility in Sanderson, Florida, set up in the northern part of the state. DHS also did not address if the migrants would stay at the new facilities long term or if the transfers were only temporary. "As we enter into hurricane season, ICE and the state of Florida have moved illegal aliens from the soft-sided facility. For the safety of the illegal alien detainees, we transferred them to other facilities," a DHS spokesperson told Fox News in a statement. GUARDS AT 'ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ' BEAT, PEPPER-SPRAYED DETAINEES, LAWYER SAYS The hurricane season lasts six months, from June through November. "Alligator Alcatraz" opened on July 3, 2025, just one month after the start of last year's hurricane season, which ended without any storms making landfall in the Sunshine State. Shortly after the migrant transfer announcement, the National Hurricane Center said that the first tropical storm of this year's hurricane season had formed off the Texas coast. The controversial state-run detention center has been hailed by President Donald Trump but criticized by lawyers and human rights groups over its harsh conditions and mistreatment of detainees. Detainees at the facility have reported a lack of access to lawyers and poor physical conditions, including worms in the food, toilets that do not flush, floors flooding with fecal waste and insects everywhere. "Transferring people out of this cruel facility is an important step, but it does not erase the harm that has already been done," Amy Godshall, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union who filed a lawsuit against the state and the federal government over detainees' alleged lack of access to legal representation, said in a statement. "The state and federal government must permanently close this facility and commit to never detaining people there again." The facility, surrounded by alligator-filled swamps in the Florida Everglades, was constructed by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to support Trump's plan to mass detain and deport migrants. Trump toured the facility just two days before it was opened last summer. The facility has processed and deported more than 20,000 detainees since its opening. DeSantis said last month that the detention facility was always meant to be temporary. FUTURE OF RON DESANTIS' CONTROVERSIAL 'ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ' ICE HOLDING FACILITY REVEALED Immigration advocates and lawyers said the hurricane season is just an excuse and not the real reason why the detainees have been transferred. They said they noticed an increase in the number of transfers of detainees to other facilities over the past few weeks and that they lost contact with dozens of detainees during these transfers. "That’s a nonsense excuse because they opened in the middle of the worst part of hurricane season last year," said Arianne Betancourt, a community advocate at the non-governmental group The Workers Circle who has spent months connecting detainees with attorneys. "They are all gone," Blankenship added. "They have been moved and disappeared into the system and are unavailable to family or counsel, typically for a period of about a week." Fox News' Bill Melugin and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334aa6197238567832b625 Tohono O’odham sue DHS over border wall that would divide tribal land along 62-mile frontier with Mexico te 2026-06-18T01:32:22.244Z Tohono O’odham sue DHS over border wall that would divide tribal land along 62-mile frontier with Mexico WASHINGTON – The Tohono O’odham Nation has filed a lawsuit to stop the Department of Homeland Security from building a border wall across its territory, claiming that would violate tribal sovereignty. The nation, which straddles 62 miles of Arizona’s border with Mexico, has long opposed construction of a wall on its land.  Tribal leaders say they have long worked with DHS both to secure the border and to identify alternatives to a physical barrier that would cut off thousands of tribal members on either side. “We have tried to work with the department on the border wall issue, but it insists on rushing forward with construction. We have been left with no other choice but to file suit to protect our land, our culture, and our rights,” Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose said in a statement Wednesday announcing the lawsuit, which was filed the previous day in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  Jose highlighted the tribe’s uses of vehicle barriers, technology and personnel in coordination with federal immigration officials. The Trump administration struck a conciliatory tone but made no indication it would back down. The DHS issued a response noting Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s Indigenous heritage.  “Secretary Mullin is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and made clear during his confirmation hearing that he respects tribal sovereignty,” the statement said. “DHS is committed to ongoing coordination with stakeholders, including tribal nations, throughout planning and construction activities. DHS values its relationship with the Tohono O’odham Nation and remains focused on open communication and minimizing impacts.” Until about 20 years ago, the federal government focused construction of fencing around urban areas, such as San Diego and El Paso. President Donald Trump made building a border wall a central campaign promise in 2016. The remote span covered by the Tohono O’odham reservation was relatively low priority, and not a huge magnet for smuggling of drugs or migrants. The push for a new section of wall across the tribe’s land comes despite the Trump administration’s boasts that illegal border crossings per month have dropped by as much as 95% in the last year. When Trump signed the Secure America Act on June 10, providing Homeland Security funding through the end of his term, he asserted that his administration has created the “most secure border in history.” The Tohono O’odham emphasized in its court filings that, thanks in part to its own efforts, border detentions have dropped on tribal land by 95% as well.  The Gadsden Purchase of 1854 placed about half of the tribe’s territory south of the border, without the tribe’s input.  Until the creation of the Border Patrol in 1924, tribal members were able to move freely across the border on tribal land. The lawsuit notes that thousands of members live on tribal land south of the border, in 17 communities.  “Nation members regularly cross the border at multiple points (with the Department’s knowledge) for important religious, family, and practical reasons,” it says. The lawsuit asserts that a wall would reduce the tribe’s territory, and offers details about the many measures the tribe has taken to support border security. Since 1974, the tribe has allowed federal border authorities to operate from permanent installations on its land. Customs and Border Protection has installed 160-foot towers at 10 sites since 2012 with surveillance cameras, night vision, thermal sensors and ground sweeping radar. CBP also operates all-terrain pickup trucks on tribal land. Federal authorities maintain vehicle checkpoints on the main highways between the reservation and Phoenix and Tucson. “In 2006, the Nation agreed to the construction of vehicle barriers and a patrol road along the vast majority of the border, with the exception of those areas where vehicle access is impossible due to mountainous terrain,” the lawsuit says. “The vehicle barriers have eliminated unauthorized vehicle transit across the border. More generally, the measures that the Nation and Border Patrol have put in place on the Reservation have proven to be highly effective in preventing, deterring, and intercepting illegal crossings and smuggling within the Reservation.” The chairman called the lawsuit a last resort. “We would prefer to be using our precious resources to improve the lives of our Nation members,” he said.  At a 2024 congressional hearing on cartel operations in Indian country, Jose cited the $3 million in funds the tribe spends annually on border security. “Working in concert with CBP, our own Tohono O’odham law enforcement officers are regularly involved in drug interdiction and immigrant apprehension actions,” he testified. “We have supported CBP efforts on our reservation by providing lands for a checkpoint, forward operating bases, and integrated fixed towers to facilitate critical electronic surveillance efforts.” In its lawsuit, the tribe told the court it has taken such measures in part to preclude the need for a wall. “We are hopeful that DHS will reconsider moving forward with a border wall and instead implement modern border protection measures,” Jose said. “But if they insist on an illegal wall, we will stand up for what is right.” The nation, which straddles 62 miles of Arizona’s border with Mexico, has long opposed construction of a wall on its land.  Tribal leaders say they have long worked with DHS both to secure the border and to identify alternatives to a physical barrier that would cut off thousands of tribal members on either side. “We have tried to work with the department on the border wall issue, but it insists on rushing forward with construction. We have been left with no other choice but to file suit to protect our land, our culture, and our rights,” Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose said in a statement Wednesday announcing the lawsuit, which was filed the previous day in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  Jose highlighted the tribe’s uses of vehicle barriers, technology and personnel in coordination with federal immigration officials. The Trump administration struck a conciliatory tone but made no indication it would back down. The DHS issued a response noting Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s Indigenous heritage.  “Secretary Mullin is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and made clear during his confirmation hearing that he respects tribal sovereignty,” the statement said. “DHS is committed to ongoing coordination with stakeholders, including tribal nations, throughout planning and construction activities. DHS values its relationship with the Tohono O’odham Nation and remains focused on open communication and minimizing impacts.” Until about 20 years ago, the federal government focused construction of fencing around urban areas such as San Diego and El Paso. President Donald Trump made building a border wall a central campaign promise in 2016. The remote span covered by the Tohono O’odham reservation was relatively low priority, and not a huge magnet for smuggling of drugs or migrants. The push for a new section of wall across the tribe’s land comes despite the Trump administration’s boasts that illegal border crossings per month have dropped by as much as 95% in the last year. When Trump signed the Secure America Act on June 10, providing homeland security funding through the end of his term, he asserted that his administration has created the “most secure border in history.” The Tohono O’odham emphasized in its court filings that, thanks in part to its own efforts, border detentions have dropped on tribal land by 95%, as well.  The Gadsden Purchase of 1854 placed about half of the tribe’s territory south of the border, without the tribe’s input.  Until the creation of the Border Patrol in 1924, tribal members were able to move freely across the border on tribal land. The lawsuit notes that thousands of members live on tribal land south of the border, in 17 communities.  “Nation members regularly cross the border at multiple points (with the Department’s knowledge) for important religious, family, and practical reasons,” it says. The lawsuit asserts that a wall would reduce the tribe’s territory, and offers details about the many measures the tribe has taken to support border security. Since 1974, the tribe has allowed federal border authorities to operate from permanent installations on its land. Customs and Border Protection has installed 160-foot towers at 10 sites since 2012 with surveillance cameras, night vision, thermal sensors and ground sweeping radar. CBP also operates all-terrain pickup trucks on tribal land. Federal authorities maintain vehicle checkpoints on the main highways between the reservation and Phoenix and Tucson. “In 2006, the Nation agreed to the construction of vehicle barriers and a patrol road along the vast majority of the border, with the exception of those areas where vehicle access is impossible due to mountainous terrain,” the lawsuit says. “The vehicle barriers have eliminated unauthorized vehicle transit across the border. More generally, the measures that the Nation and Border Patrol have put in place on the Reservation have proven to be highly effective in preventing, deterring, and intercepting illegal crossings and smuggling within the Reservation.” The chairman called the lawsuit a last resort. “We would prefer to be using our precious resources to improve the lives of our Nation members,” he said.  At a 2024 congressional hearing on cartel operations in Indian country, Jose cited the $3 million in funds the tribe spends annually on border security. “Working in concert with CBP, our own Tohono O’odham law enforcement officers are regularly involved in drug interdiction and immigrant apprehension actions,” he testified. “We have supported CBP efforts on our reservation by providing lands for a checkpoint, forward operating bases, and integrated fixed towers to facilitate critical electronic surveillance efforts.” In its lawsuit, the tribe told the court it has taken such measures in part to preclude the need for a wall. “We are hopeful that DHS will reconsider moving forward with a border wall and instead implement modern border protection measures,” Jose said. “But if they insist on an illegal wall, we will stand up for what is right.” The post Tohono O’odham sue DHS over border wall that would divide tribal land along 62-mile frontier with Mexico appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334a78197238567832b5f7 Man killed after horse-drawn carriage bolts and flips near popular New York City tourist destination te 2026-06-18T01:31:36.452Z Man killed after horse-drawn carriage bolts and flips near popular New York City tourist destination An 18-year-old man was killed Wednesday after a horse-drawn carriage became startled and bolted through New York City's Central Park before colliding with another carriage and overturning, according to the Central Park Conservancy. A New York City Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson told Fox News Digital an "investigation remains ongoing." Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist visiting NYC from India, suffered the fatal injuries after falling from the carriage during the afternoon incident near Cherry Hill at West 72nd Street and West Drive. Authorities said a horse-drawn carriage carrying passengers broke free and raced down West Drive before striking another carriage and flipping over near Tavern on the Green. EAGLES FAN, 18, DIES AFTER FALL FROM LIGHT POLE DURING CELEBRATION PIX11 News previously reported that Mahajan was transported to a local hospital in critical condition following the crash. "We are absolutely devastated to learn that Romanch Mahajan, the 18-year-old visitor injured in today's carriage incident, has died," a Central Park Conservancy spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "On behalf of everyone at the Central Park Conservancy, our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this unimaginable time." Officials have not said what caused the horse to become spooked. The fatal crash prompted renewed scrutiny of New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry, with both the union representing carriage drivers and the Central Park Conservancy calling for changes following the incident. CARNIVAL RIDE PASSENGERS LEFT DANGLING IN CARRIAGE AFTER MALFUNCTION AT HIGH SCHOOL EVENT: VIDEO Alexander Kemp of TWU Local 100, the union representing horse-drawn carriage drivers and owners, said preliminary information alleges the driver may have stepped away from the horse to take a photo before the animal took off. "It appears the driver was at least at arm's length from his horse to take a photo of his passengers in the carriage," Kemp told Fox News Digital in an earlier statement. "This is unacceptable. A driver is not supposed to leave the carriage to take photos – ever." The union said it supports a full investigation into the incident and called for enhanced driver training, tougher examinations and additional rules governing the introduction of new horses into the business. FATAL NYC HELICOPTER CRASH PROMPTS GOP LAWMAKER TO CALL FOR ENDING POPULAR TOURIST FLIGHTS The Central Park Conservancy, which has long opposed horse-drawn carriages in the park, said Mahajan's death underscored its concerns about public safety. "This is the tragedy we feared when we first called last year for horse carriages to be banned from Central Park due to the risks they pose to public safety and public health," the spokesperson said. "A young man came to enjoy our park and lost his life. That is not an acceptable cost of an antiquated industry operating in the middle of one of the most heavily used public spaces in America." HORSE DIES AFTER CROSSING THE FINISH LINE IN HIS FIRST CAREER RACE IN TRAGIC START TO PREAKNESS WEEKEND The conservancy renewed its call for New York City officials to pass Ryder's Law, which would ban horse-drawn carriages and provide transitional job placement services for drivers. "Every day horse carriages are in the park is a day the safety of New Yorkers and visitors is in jeopardy," the spokesperson said. According to the conservancy, Wednesday's crash was the eighth horse-related incident in and around Central Park during the past 13 months. The incident came just days after a carriage horse named Deniz collapsed and died near West 72nd Street and West Drive while pulling tourists through the park. Another carriage reportedly overturned in May after a horse became spooked and struck a second carriage. Fox News Digital has reached to the NYPD and TWU Local 100 for additional comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334a63197238567832b5ee 'Top Gear' star Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' cancer diagnosis after health scares te 2026-06-18T01:31:15.971Z 'Top Gear' star Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' cancer diagnosis after health scares TV host Jeremy Clarkson revealed that he is battling cancer during the latest episodes of his hit show "Clarkson's Farm." In the final two episodes of the Prime Video documentary series' fifth season, the 66-year-old British television personality shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer while speaking to his co-stars Charlie Ireland and Kaleb Cooper, according to the BBC and the Guardian. "I had a medical, remember, back in May?" Clarkson said, per the Guardian. "I disappeared off the other week and I had a biopsy, and it is cancer, and it's aggressive, but it's really early." The "Top Gear" star said that he had known about his diagnosis "since May." According to the Guardian, the episodes, which dropped on Wednesday, were filmed last year. 'ALL MY CHILDREN' STAR COLIN EGGLESFIELD DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER FOR THIRD TIME "I promise I'll be fine," Clarkson told Ireland and Cooper. According to the U.K. outlet The Independent, Clarkson said that he would be undergoing surgery in the coming weeks and would be "slightly out of action." "If I hadn’t have got myself checked out and they hadn’t caught the problem early, this could well have been my last harvest," Clarkson shared, per the Guardian. "It’s only because they did catch it early, there’s every hope that I’ll be harvesting this farm for many, many years to come." ESPN ANCHOR JAY HARRIS REVEALS PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS In the following episode, Clarkson told Cooper that he underwent a procedure during which a part of his prostate was removed. "The prostate, 10% of it is dead, the 10% where the cancer is," he said, according to Sky News. In a later scene, Clarkson told co-star Gerald Cooper that he "had the op." JAMES VAN DER BEEK MISTOOK CANCER SYMPTOMS FOR PROBLEMS WITH HIS DIET "Just fingers crossed it's worked, we don't know yet," he said, according to the BBC. In the final scene of the episode, which was the season five finale, Clarkson was seen at a hospital. "We started season five with me in a hospital bed, and here we are at the end of season five and I'm back in the hospital bed," he said, according to the BBC. BARRY MANILOW, 82, GIVES UPDATE ON HIS CANCER BATTLE AS HE CANCELS MORE TOUR DATES "Some of the treatment's gone a bit awry, let's say, so I'm going to be here for a little while," Clarkson continued. "I'm nil by mouth, I don't know what's going to happen." "But if this is all successful, I'll see you for season six, and if it isn't, I won't," he concluded. "Take care everyone." According to the Independent, the opening episodes of the fifth season centered on Clarkson's October 2024 heart health scare and his recovery from emergency surgery. JAMES VAN DER BEEK IS IN 'HEALING PHASE' OF CANCER BATTLE On Tuesday, Clarkson shared an Instagram video in which he told his fans that he had some "somber news" to share regarding the new episodes of "Clarkson's Farm." "Ordinarily, we try to keep the show bucolic and charming and cheerful, but the final two episodes which drop in the middle of the night tonight … they're none of those things really," Clarkson said. "They're a difficult watch," he added with a sigh. "They're really, really difficult." JAMES VAN DER BEEK'S VIRAL MESSAGE ABOUT FAITH, CANCER BATTLE INSPIRES VIEWERS AFTER ACTOR'S DEATH AT AGE 48 In a 2025 column for The Sunday Times, Clarkson shared that he undergoes health screenings every couple of years and regular prostate exams. The "Grand Tour" host also urged men not to avoid prostate exams out of embarrassment. "I've had too many friends go down with prostate cancer, and all it takes to get on top of the situation early is a moment or two of being a bit cross-eyed," he wrote. "You get the all-clear and the doc goes home happy. What's not to like?" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Clarkson opened up about his previous health scare and emergency heart surgery in a 2024 column for The Sunday Times. He recalled that his doctor told him that he might have been "days away" from a life-threatening cardiac event. MEDICAL EXPERT 'ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED' BY TIMING OF BIDEN'S PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS The TV personality wrote that he experienced a "sudden deterioration" in his health after returning from a vacation. He described feeling "clammy," having a "tightness in my chest" and "pins and needles in my left arm." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS After testing at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, Clarkson underwent emergency heart surgery and received two stents. "It seems that of the arteries feeding my heart with nourishing blood, one was completely blocked and the second of three was heading that way," he wrote. Clarkson recalled reflecting on how close he came to having a heart attack following the procedure. "The next morning I went home, and here I am, two hours later, writing this and sort of thinking, 'Crikey, that was close,'" Clarkson wrote. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334a50197238567832b5e5 Tim Howard says USMNT gained momentum after dominating Paraguay win, USA to 'play Australia off the park' next te 2026-06-18T01:30:56.033Z Tim Howard says USMNT gained momentum after dominating Paraguay win, USA to 'play Australia off the park' next The U.S. Men's National Team has officially found its footing. Former U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard told OutKick that the Yanks' dominant win over Paraguay proves just how dangerous this squad can be ahead of their matchup with Australia. And the rest of the country is clearly bought in. The 4-1 blowout drew a massive 24.9 million viewers on Friday, shattering records as the largest soccer audience in U.S. history. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE But for Howard, the most encouraging takeaway was the feeling that the Americans left even more goals on the table. "So many good things, so many contributions," Howard told OutKick. "It's really good to win a game and say, 'Gosh, I wish we almost had six.' That's a good place to be." Howard pointed to Folarin Balogun's two-goal performance, Christian Pulisic's influence in attack and a strong defensive showing as reasons for optimism as the tournament progresses. "There's a lot to build on," Howard said. "The substitutes came in and played well. Balogun got his two goals. Christian Pulisic was outstanding. I thought defensively we were good." FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE After Matt Freese got the nod over veteran Matt Turner, Howard said he no longer views the goalkeeper competition as an open one. "I don't think there's any competition now," Howard said. "I think Matt Freese is the goalkeeper. We sort of saw that going into the tournament over the last year. That played itself out. Matt Freese is the U.S. No. 1, end of story, I think." Looking ahead to Australia's challenge, Howard expects a far different type of match than the one the Americans faced against Paraguay. He warned that Australia's physical style could create problems if the U.S. allows itself to be knocked out of rhythm. "It's going to be a physical game," Howard noted. "I think the Australian team plays that way, but I think they also realize that if they get into the U.S. team and disrupt their rhythm, they give themselves a good chance." UNITED STATES SHATTERS WORLD CUP VIEWERSHIP RECORD IN FIRST MATCH VS PARAGUAY IN LOS ANGELES Still, Howard likes the matchup for the Americans. "From a footballing standpoint, if you're asking me right now, the U.S. team will play the Australians off the park," he said. "They just need to be able to match that physicality." And Howard is expecting goals. "If the U.S. matches that physicality, then I think the rest will take care of itself," Howard said. "The U.S. scores three and wins. Maybe 3-1, maybe 3-0." Off the pitch, Howard said supporters will have a major role to play as the U.S. builds momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil. He highlighted partnerships like Jim Beam's Home Field Advantage campaign, which aims to cultivate a deeper soccer culture around the national team and further energize supporters. "There's a cultural and togetherness aspect of soccer," Howard said. "We need to build this culture and hype around this team and help propel them, as best we can, on and off the field, toward greatness." Howard said the atmosphere surrounding the team could prove just as important as the momentum being generated on the field. "They're going to use the home-field advantage. They're going to use that momentum as best they can. But it's up to us as fans to provide that." Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334a2f197238567832b59d How to turn off AI in your Google Docs te 2026-06-18T01:30:23.752Z How to turn off AI in your Google Docs Here's what you need to do to get those pesky "write with Gemini" pop-ups to go away. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334819197238567832b55b Downtown Seattle lost 30,000 jobs, billions in office value since 2020 payroll tax: new report finds te 2026-06-18T01:21:29.504Z Downtown Seattle lost 30,000 jobs, billions in office value since 2020 payroll tax: new report finds A new report from Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) claimed that Seattle lost thousands of jobs and significant property value in the years since implementing the "JumpStart" payroll tax in 2020. Monday's report compared Seattle's status with its neighboring city, Bellevue, which has no comparable payroll tax or social housing tax, and found that while Seattle's workforce and property values have shrunk, Bellevue's has remained resilient. "[S]ince 2020, what we have seen in downtown Seattle is not a 'jump start,' but instead, a slowdown," the report read. "Since being implemented, downtown Seattle has lost around 30,000 jobs. The office vacancy rate increased to 32% in the downtown core. And more than $10 billion in office value has been lost." SEATTLE ABOUT TO GET NY'S HAMMER-AND-SICKLE TREATMENT. SOCIALISM IS COMING YOUR WAY It continued, "Meanwhile, in Bellevue, dating back to 2020, the city has seen more jobs come to its core, lower office vacancy, and the stability of office building values. This provides a stark tale of two cities and two tax environments just miles apart." The DSA reported that Bellevue experienced a 7% increase in assessed value compared to the 48% decrease seen in Seattle office properties. Though both cities have a sizable office vacancy rate since 2020, Seattle's rate is also significantly higher at 32% compared to Bellevue's 24%. SEATTLE DEMOCRAT REJECTS WEALTH 'EXODUS’ CONCERNS AS BUSINESSES FLEE FOR LOWER-TAX STATES In addition to having no payroll or social housing tax, Bellevue also has a smaller property tax millage rate compared to Seattle in 2026. This, the DSA report claimed, presented Bellevue as a more favorable environment for business owners. "When comparing business tax burdens and broader tax trends in Seattle and Bellevue, the contrast is clear: Bellevue’s more favorable tax climate has made it increasingly attractive to employers and investment relative to Seattle," the report concluded. In a comment to Fox News Digital, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson defended the city's JumpStart Payroll Expense tax as a bedrock for Seattle's resilience during hard economic times. "Seattle's JumpStart Payroll Expense Tax is a key reason why the city was able to successfully bounce back from the worst economic impacts of COVID. Because of Seattle's ongoing economic strength, this tax on the highest salaries paid by the largest corporations has raised far more money over the past several years than originally projected," the mayor said. SEATTLE DEMOCRAT REJECTS WEALTH 'EXODUS’ CONCERNS AS BUSINESSES FLEE FOR LOWER-TAX STATES She continued, "JumpStart revenue is the key reason why the city has been able to avoid the negative impacts of the deep budget cuts which would have otherwise been necessary over the past few years, and which would have been a massive drag on our local economy." The JumpStart Payroll Expense Tax was first passed by the Seattle City Council in 2020 and implemented a tax on Seattle businesses earning $7 million or more on annual payrolls. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334800197238567832b51f UA's Monsoon Fantasy Forecast returns for 6th year with new weekly tournament te 2026-06-18T01:21:04.561Z UA's Monsoon Fantasy Forecast returns for 6th year with new weekly tournament Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3347ec197238567832b513 Distemper outbreak at PACC halts adoptions, restricts intake te 2026-06-18T01:20:44.599Z Distemper outbreak at PACC halts adoptions, restricts intake Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3347d8197238567832b50a ICE moves forward on using Marana prison to hold immigrants, plans to double facility te 2026-06-18T01:20:24.634Z ICE moves forward on using Marana prison to hold immigrants, plans to double facility Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334586197238567832b4b3 SLED joins probe as body matching missing South Carolina personal trainer's description found te 2026-06-18T01:10:30.051Z SLED joins probe as body matching missing South Carolina personal trainer's description found South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which serves as the state’s major crimes unit, joined an investigation in South Carolina on Wednesday, after authorities said they discovered a body in a wooded area where a missing woman was last seen nearly one week ago. The discovery came following a six-day search for Elena Katherine Moore, 39, a personal trainer who officials said disappeared Thursday evening after leaving a Planet Fitness gym in Lexington. The Lexington Police Department (LPD) said the body has not yet been formally identified but "fits the clothing description of our missing person." The case has since been classified as an active death investigation, prompting SLED to assist in determining the cause of death and confirming the identity. SOUTH CAROLINA PERSONAL TRAINER GOES MISSING, LAST SPOTTED WALKING TOWARD WOODED AREA According to LPD Chief Terrence Green, authorities located the body Wednesday after receiving a citizen tip that led investigators to conduct a targeted search. "At approximately 2:48 p.m. we found an unidentified body that fits the clothing description of our missing person. We are still waiting on the coroner to identify her." MISSING MISSOURI MOTHER FOUND DEAD, BOYFRIEND CHARGED WITH MURDER: POLICE The body was reportedly wearing a "similar green outfit" consistent with what Moore was seen wearing on surveillance footage the night before she disappeared. Officials said they are still awaiting formal identification from the coroner. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy will be scheduled in the coming days and that the process is expected to take some time. POLICE INVESTIGATING AFTER HIKER FINDS BADLY DECOMPOSED BODY HUNDRED OF YARDS DOWN CALIFORNIA CLIFFSIDE "In reference to the body found in Lexington in the area of Old Cherokee Road and Northlake Drive. Coroner Margaret Fisher can confirm the body of a female matching the clothing description of the missing person, Elena K. Moore has been found," the office said in a statement. "No positive identification has been made as of this time. We will await positive identification before any further information is released. No cause of death has been determined" When asked if foul play was suspected, the police said, "Again, it's an active investigation and we are having SLED investigate that." Moore was first reported missing last Friday, prompting a large-scale search that included multiple agencies and the deployment of a drone. She was last seen Thursday night in surveillance footage walking through the Publix parking lot at 100 Old Cherokee Road. In the video, she is seen wearing an olive-green zip-up hoodie and black athletic pants, the same outfit she was reportedly wearing when she left Planet Fitness. Authorities said that in the days leading up to her disappearance, Moore exhibited behavior that was out of character, including a sudden absence and an abrupt change in social media presence, according to ABC News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a334348197238567832b41e Knicks owner confirms championship celebration invite to White House while Seahawks visit on back burner te 2026-06-18T01:00:56.321Z Knicks owner confirms championship celebration invite to White House while Seahawks visit on back burner The New York Knicks have received and accepted an invitation to visit the White House to celebrate their NBA championship, owner James Dolan confirmed Wednesday. Meanwhile, a Seattle Seahawks visit appears to be on the back burner months after the team won the Super Bowl. "We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted," Dolan said on WFAN New York's "The Carton show." "Still have to figure out the details, but, yes, of course, I invited the president to come down to the game, right? He is a friend. I've known him for 30 years, and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House." President Donald Trump attended the Knicks' Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. It turned out to be the only loss for the Knicks, who went on to win the NBA Championship Series 4-1. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The details of the Knicks' visit have yet to be finalized. As Dolan noted, that includes a date for the trip, the size of the traveling party and how many players will attend. And while the White House got to work immediately on the Knicks visiting, the Seahawks visit is apparently another matter. Seattle beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, but the team visiting the White House for a celebration is in limbo. "We don’t have anything to share at this time," the White House press office told Fox News Digital this week. "Check back in with us later!" JALEN HURTS MAINTAINS HE 'WASN'T AVAILABLE' FOR EAGLES' WHITE HOUSE VISIT Time is running out. The Philadelphia Eagles, the last NFL team to visit the White House, celebrated their Super Bowl LIX victory on the South Lawn with President Trump on April 28, 2025. That timing made sense because it happened during the team's offseason program. Seattle's offseason program is over following the conclusion of mandatory minicamp on June 11. That means players, staff and coaches are off to parts unknown enjoying their summer break. The next time the whole organization is expected to be together is the final week of July, just prior to the beginning of training camp. So the best opportunity for a Seahawks visit to Washington, D.C. has passed because successfully rallying players from all across the country and wherever they are vacationing is practically impossible. And no team is going to break away from training camp to fly across the country to visit the White House. That raises the distinct possibility the Seahawks will not be celebrating their Super Bowl win with a White House visit at all. If that is the case, the obvious question is: Why? Did the White House reach out through back channels only to be rebuffed by the team? It would not be unprecedented. A similar situation occurred with the Eagles in 2018. There appears to be only one way to salvage a Seahawks visit to the White House, if one happens at all: scheduling it during the NFL regular season. Seattle visits the Washington Commanders on Sept. 27 and that provides a small opportunity for a visit should the team fly to Washington a day earlier than usual, visit the White House, then play the Commanders two days later. Is that likely? No. NFL coaches traditionally are not big fans of upsetting their normal travel schedules and portray those games away from home as business trips rather than a pleasure trip — even if a White House visit is involved. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33432c197238567832b3ea Before Making a Deal, Trump Demanded Iran’s Surrender. He Got a Surprise. te 2026-06-18T01:00:28.029Z Before Making a Deal, Trump Demanded Iran’s Surrender. He Got a Surprise. While the Iranians suffered substantial losses in the war, they emerged from a confrontation with the world’s most powerful military having proved they can use economic chaos as a weapon. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3340ea197238567832b387 Jillian Michaels says leaving the left felt like 'Neo in the Matrix' and warns it 'comes for everyone' te 2026-06-18T00:50:50.423Z Jillian Michaels says leaving the left felt like 'Neo in the Matrix' and warns it 'comes for everyone' Jillian Michaels described evolving her political views as like Neo in "The Matrix." "Honestly, it felt a bit like Neo in the Matrix at first because I really did think that, you know, when you're on the left, like you're the empathetic one, you're the good guy, you're the one that cares about people," the 52-year-old fitness icon told Dave Rubin on his "The Rubin Report" podcast. Part of her evolution involved marrying a conservative "who let me know that that wasn’t the case," she added. "We had very many fights early on in our relationship." After that, she said she watched the "world invert. Up was down. Right was left. Literally. And being obese became beautiful and healthy and then COVID happened and that was another crazy moment for me. And then I started learning that all the news I had been ingesting was a lie. COVID did not come from a bat in a wet market and it just --- Russia, Russia, Russia wasn’t real." JILLIAN MICHAELS SHREDS 'RIDICULOUS' DEMS FOR TURNING ON SETH MOULTON: THIS IS WHY YOU GOT YOUR 'BUTTS KICKED' Michaels admitted that she worries about political issues "all the time. Mostly selfishly because I have two kids. And I was talking to my son today. He’s only 14 but he’s very political. I think about the kids and the world that we’re leaving them, and I know it sounds cliché, but I was telling my son if this happens with Nithya Raman and Becerra. That’s it." Michaels was referring to Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and former head of U.S. Health and Human Services under former President Biden Javier Becerra. Raman is running for mayor of L.A. and Becerra is running for California governor. She said she asked where they wanted to go to college, saying she wanted to buy them a house there now. COMEDIAN JEFF DYE ON LEAVING LOS ANGELES AND THE POLITICS DRIVING COMEDY’S NEW DIVIDE "I want to get the kids set up. I worry about them. I worry about them making a living in this environment," she admitted. "I worry about the political climate. I worry about all of it all the time actually. It’s terrible." Michaels and her wife moved their family from California to Wyoming in 2021. Later in the podcast, she mused on liberals believing the "right is evil." MAHER PRAISES NEWSOM'S 'TACK TO THE CENTER' AS DEM GOV SPEAKS OUT AGAINST TRANS ATHLETES IN WOMEN'S SPORTS "All the news they watch tells them that," she said. "Everything they read, everything they see is ‘We are fascists, we are racists, we are Nazis. ‘Oh, you want voter ID? Because you’re racist.’" She said when people hear that enough, it’s hard to get across that "this is totally corrupted. They look at you like you’ve got a tinfoil hat on, and you went all the way down the rabbit hole." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER She said what she thinks "converts a person on the left, is when it comes for them … It comes for everyone. Let’s just hope it’s not too late." NEWSOM PUSHES THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO BE 'MORE CULTURALLY NORMAL' IF THEY WANT TO WIN And while she said it’s important to be aware of what’s going on in the world, "everything is a balance. Because if you don’t know what’s going on — I think Jesse Kelly said this to me — if you’re paying attention, you’re destined to be ruled over by idiots and monsters. And that’s unacceptable." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS But she said simultaneously, "That can’t just be your media diet. And sometimes I will forcibly change my algorithm and watch people do incredible deeds for each other." She added that she’s started to add people from different walks of life helping each other to the end of her podcast "Keeping it Real." "And it reminds you that the vast majority of us are good people," she said. "We just have different ideas of how to achieve similar goals. And we’ve got to keep seeing the humanity in each other, and forcing, literally forcing the algorithm to show us those things instead of just ‘Look at this dumba—on the left and look at this racist on the right. That’s engineered. Fight back against that algorithm. It is designed to engage us in a horizontal fight, so we never look up and fight the real enemy." She added, jokingly, "which is Gavin Newsom, by the way, in case you were wondering." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3340d1197238567832b353 Trump’s Deal With Iran Opens New Rifts in G.O.P. te 2026-06-18T00:50:25.548Z Trump’s Deal With Iran Opens New Rifts in G.O.P. Some in the president’s party were skeptical about whether the agreement he reached included adequate concessions from Iranian officials. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3339e0197238567832b214 Finland's parliament votes to lift decades-old ban on nuclear weapons in historic NATO defense shift te 2026-06-18T00:20:48.568Z Finland's parliament votes to lift decades-old ban on nuclear weapons in historic NATO defense shift Finland’s parliament on Wednesday voted to lift a decades-old ban on nuclear weapons, approving a major defense policy shift aimed at aligning the country more closely with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) deterrence strategy. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said a strong majority backed the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act, calling it a "historic reform" that strengthens Finland’s security and that of the alliance. "The Parliament approved the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act with a strong 2/3 majority," Häkkänen said in a post on X. "This historic reform strengthens the security of Finland and of NATO as a whole. In April 2023, Finland joined NATO in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ending decades of military non-alignment. The move, aimed at securing Finland’s collective defense, roughly doubled NATO’s border with Russia. ANOTHER NATO ALLY SIGNS ONTO EUROPEAN NUCLEAR UMBRELLA AS CONTINENT BOOSTS SELF-DEFENSE "The overall nuclear weapons policy has been one of the most challenging issues in the Ministry of Defence during this parliamentary term. Years of study, discussions with nuclear-weapon states and other allies, and assessments of how Finland's security can best be strengthened in NATO," Häkkänen said. The measure repeals provisions in Finland’s 1987 Nuclear Energy Act that banned the import, production, possession and detonation of nuclear explosives. If enacted, the legislation would allow nuclear weapons to be transported, supplied or possessed in Finland where the country’s military defense requires it. FINLAND’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS UKRAINE ‘IS NOW HOLDING THE CARDS’ AS RUSSIA SIGNALS TALKS According to Euro News, 125 deputies backed the government proposal, 61 voted against it and 13 abstained. The bill now moves to the president for final approval. "I thank all the Members of Parliament who supported our legislative proposal for their strong backing," Häkkänen said. "Thank you to the defense administration professionals at home and abroad for their high expertise also in this project." Despite the bill passing, the proposal has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who warned it could escalate tensions, make Finland a potential primary target, and break from regional norms, noting that several neighboring countries have rejected hosting or permitting nuclear weapons. The introduction of the proposed law also provoked a strong reaction from Russia last March, according to Reuters. "This is a statement that leads to an escalation ​of tensions on the European continent," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "This statement adds to Finland's vulnerability, a ​vulnerability provoked by the actions of the Finnish authorities. The fact is that by deploying ⁠nuclear weapons on its territory, Finland is beginning to threaten us. And if Finland threatens us, we take appropriate measures." Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3339cc197238567832b202 Olivia Wilde speaks out about the exact moment she knew relationship with Jason Sudeikis was over te 2026-06-18T00:20:28.603Z Olivia Wilde speaks out about the exact moment she knew relationship with Jason Sudeikis was over Olivia Wilde revealed that a striking comment from Jason Sudeikis during a birthday-night drive home crystallized what the former couple had been struggling to admit: their relationship was over. The "Don't Worry Darling" star offered a rare glimpse into the private struggles behind her split from Sudeikis, revealing the heartbreaking exchange that ultimately confirmed what the couple had been reluctant to admit. Wilde said the breakup ultimately informed her creative process, helping shape the relationship themes at the center of her new film, "The Invite." "It's no surprise to me that I ended up making a movie about relationships and the complexity of determining whether a relationship is over because it is not an overnight process," she said during an appearance on "Call Her Daddy." "It's very difficult." Wilde recalled a conversation on March 10, 2020, after she and Sudeikis had been experiencing a "real bumpy, bumpy ride" in their relationship. OLIVIA WILDE WOULD RATHER HER WORK BE 'CONTROVERSIAL THAN BORING' "And we were driving home from my birthday party, my friends had had. And I said, 'Did you get me a birthday present?' And he said, 'What would I get you, Olivia? I don't know you,'" Wilde revealed. "And he wasn't wrong. We didn't know each other anymore." Wilde said the exchange forced them to confront how disconnected they had become in their relationship. "And this is the thing that made me wanna make ['The Invite'] because, or one of the things, because you can get to a place in a relationship where you stop engaging in the knowing of each other in the curiosity about each other," she explained. "And you find yourself in a place where you're like, 'I don't even know you.' And that was a point, that was when we realized it was over, and it was f---ing tough. And it brought us to the place of like, 'OK, this is done. We're gonna end this.' And then, literally two days later was lockdown COVID." JENNIFER GARNER DETAILS SACRIFICES AND CHALLENGES OF CO-PARENTING WITH BEN AFFLECK Wilde and Sudeikis met at a "Saturday Night Live" after-party in 2011 and were engaged by 2013. They never married but spent nearly a decade together and had two children, Otis and Daisy. Although the romance ended, Wilde emphasized that their shared commitment to parenting never disappeared. "Once you are sharing custody with someone, it shifts the way you think about parenting," Wilde said, calling Sudeikis a "very capable co-parent." The actress said sharing parenting responsibilities allows both parents to be fully present with their children when it's their time together. "I feel like I'm like a superhero, not because of my skills, but because of the switching in between identities. Because my version of like going into the phone booth and putting on the suit is like going to work and being like a hundred percent hardcore available to work 24/7. But everyone in my life knows that then when I'm with my kids, it's the opposite." SOPHIE TURNER SLAMS PARENTING POLICE AFTER BEING CRITICIZED FOR ATTENDING OASIS CONCERT WITHOUT HER KIDS "And sometimes that's challenging. You have to find the balance. But I actually find this kind of divvying up of responsibility in a way can allow for really amazing parenting. Because we are always our best with our kids. They get the best of us." For Wilde, the benefits of that approach extend beyond scheduling and logistics. "I really wanna tell people, you can be an incredible parent even if you are not with them a hundred percent of the time, and you're sharing them with their other parent. It doesn't mean you won't be as good of a parent. You might even be a better parent." Despite finding stability as co-parents, Wilde said one post-split incident remains among the most difficult experiences she has endured: being served custody papers while presenting onstage at CinemaCon in 2022. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Wilde noted that CinemaCon is one of Hollywood's most important industry gatherings, bringing together studio executives, theater owners and members of the press. The high-stakes presentation left her feeling particularly vulnerable when the incident unfolded in front of the crowd. "One of the most f---ed up things that I went through among so many was that I was served papers on stage. And I'll just say that now, with enough space behind it, the part that I can laugh at is that obviously it was incredibly traumatizing. There's so many elements to that. But I get through it because, weirdly, as women, we're taught to muscle through the most insane experiences, I was like, 'Just finish your speech.' Got through it, went backstage, completely like dissolved into a puddle." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS She later learned footage of the incident made it online despite there being no phones allowed at the event. Reflecting on the controversy years later, Wilde said the "Ted Lasso" star told her he was unaware she would be served publicly. "Jason has told me that he did not know. And I need to believe that in order to continue. And you know, I think that lawyers can be super f---ed up and do f---ed up things, and I'm aware of that." Although she called the incident "so f---ed up in so many ways," Wilde said she believes it also strengthened her resilience. "...it was like, I cannot f---ing believe this is happening to me here," she recalled. "And yet, you know, the crazy thing is like once you make it through things like that, you kind of feel like you can make it through anything." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333774197238567832b185 Hillary Clinton dodges endorsing Graham Platner, calls his scandals 'bumps on the road' te 2026-06-18T00:10:28.793Z Hillary Clinton dodges endorsing Graham Platner, calls his scandals 'bumps on the road' Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton avoided directly answering whether she supported Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner when asked on Monday. "I feel about him the way I feel about any candidate," Clinton said at 92NY. "I want to see what kind of candidate he actually turns out to be." During her answer, she also appeared to downplay Platner's ongoing scandals as "bumps on the road" for his character. HILLARY CLINTON BREAKS WITH DEMOCRATIC CRITICS BY BACKING TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN AS THE 'ONLY GAME IN TOWN' "The bumps on the road that he has experienced and some of the things he has said..." Clinton said. "Bumps on the road?" The New Yorker editor David Remnick asked skeptically. "Yeah, clearly bumps on the road in terms of his prior behavior, some of his prior statements. And I will tell you, I served with [Maine Sen.] Susan Collins, she is going to be very hard to beat. It's going to be a tough election. So I'm reserving," Clinton said. SUSAN COLLINS GETTING REELECTED IS BIGGER CONCERN THAN GRAHAM PLATNER ALLEGATIONS, TEXAS DEMOCRAT CLAIMS "But if you were a Mainer, where would you pull the lever?" Remnick asked. "I’m not a Mainer. I’m a New Yorker," Clinton joked. Clinton then shifted to discussing the importance of the Democratic Party regaining control of the House of Representatives in 2026. Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign for comment. 'THE VIEW' ERUPTS AFTER HOSTIN DECLARES 'I WOULD HOLD MY NOSE' AND VOTE FOR SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER Platner has been rocked by several controversies since his campaign began, ranging from sexually explicit messages to other women and offensive social media posts to a Nazi-linked tattoo and campaign staff upheaval. The controversies reached a new level after a New York Times report earlier this month described new allegations of violent episodes and questionable behavior with ex-girlfriends. Despite his ongoing scandals, several Democratic politicians have chosen to stand and defend Platner's campaign, while many have declined to disavow him. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333576197238567832b0fc 'Something big': Feds reveal how relatives of suspects in foiled White House UFC plot saw warning signs te 2026-06-18T00:01:58.776Z 'Something big': Feds reveal how relatives of suspects in foiled White House UFC plot saw warning signs Family members of two men charged in an alleged plot to attack the White House UFC event last weekend saw warning signs before authorities foiled the plot, including a mother who alerted police days before the plan was supposed to take place to her son's concerning online communications and an unusually large stockpile of weapons he recently obtained. Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, allegedly told a family member that one day they would wake up and he would be gone, and that he intended to travel to Washington, D.C., where "something big" would happen, according to a federal complaint filed in the Central District of California.  On June 10, just days before the controversial event at the White House, that family member woke up and found that Roa, an amateur mixed martial arts fighter himself, had left, according to the complaint. Roa’s relatives considered reporting him after he left but did not contact police before he returned home, the complaint notes. Meanwhile, on the same day Roa disappeared from his family, law enforcement officers in Ohio were dispatched to the home of Tycen Proper, after his mother reported concerns about his recent firearms purchases and online communications, according to a separate federal complaint. Law enforcement made contact with Proper, who was transported to a local hospital due to homicidal ideations, prosecutors said.  DAN BONGINO REVEALS HOW THE FBI STOPPED AN ALLEGED TERROR PLOT BUILT FOR 'UNIMAGINABLE' CASUALTIES Fox News Digital reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Cincinnati and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio, where Proper's case is playing out, to inquire whether the call to law enforcement from Proper’s mother was at all a factor in the investigation, or in preventing the alleged plot from coming to fruition. Both declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI's Los Angeles office as well with similar questions about Roa, but officials cited similar constraints. However, a spokesperson did confirm that their investigation "is very much ongoing." Multiple family members told law enforcement that Roa had been planning a trip to Washington, D.C., and believed he intended to commit an act of violence during the trip because of his increased time spent shooting weapons and a noticeable change in behavior, including increased anxiety, irritation and seclusion, according to the complaint from the Central District of California. Federal investigators also said Roa’s family members told law enforcement that, within the last three months, he had begun spending more time with a new group of online friends. Other relatives told investigators that Roa became "extremely agitated" when he experienced mechanical difficulties with his vehicle during the week of June 9, something that ultimately forced Roa to head back home after attempting to drive to the nation's capital, according to the complaint. Roa’s family considered reporting him to police after he left but did not do so before he returned home, investigators said. Roa later told law enforcement that he had planned to attend UFC Freedom 250 as a protester, but that his vehicle malfunctioned and he had to return home, according to the complaint. Federal investigators said traffic cameras showed Roa’s registered vehicle in Barstow, California, on June 11. OBAMA JUDGE RULES ON EFFORT TO BLOCK AMERICA 250 EVENTS AT WH AND LINCOLN MEMORIAL In Ohio, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a residence in Danville on June 10 after Tycen Proper’s mother reported concerns about her son’s recent conduct, including firearms purchases and communications with concerning people online, according to the complaint. A family member told deputies that Proper, 19, had recently met random people online and had been planning "recons" with them, according to the complaint. The family member said Proper planned to leave the weekend of June 13 to meet the online contacts and had recently acquired camping gear, food, ballistic plates, a new shotgun, a rifle, "lots" of ammunition, extra magazines and plate carriers. Proper allegedly spent about $3,000 of his graduation money on the equipment, according to the complaint. The family member also told authorities that Proper had recently quit his job in preparation to meet the online contacts to conduct "missions" and "recons." The Ohio encounter helped draw the FBI into the case the next day, according to the California complaint. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI on June 11 as a result of its interactions with Proper, and federal investigators interviewed him later that day at a mental health center in Columbus, the complaint says. Authorities later photographed equipment acquired by Proper, including several boxes of ammunition, two plate carriers with AR-style magazines, and rifles painted with an American flag, according to the complaint. The equipment was voluntarily turned over to law enforcement by the family. VANCE WARNS LEFT-WING POLITICAL RHETORIC FUELING VIOLENCE AFTER FBI FOILS ALLEGED WHITE HOUSE UFC TERROR PLOT Federal complaints allege Roa, Proper and three others planned to use drones laden with explosives near the north side of the White House UFC event to create panic and force attendees and "high value targets" to evacuate south, where snipers and additional shooters would be positioned to fire on members of the crowd as they fled. Investigators also alleged the group discussed tiered roles for participants, including shooters, drone operators, getaway drivers, logistics support, funders and social media influencers. The Justice Department announced Tuesday that Proper; Roa; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Missouri; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, were charged in connection with an alleged plot targeting U.S. officials and others attending the UFC Freedom 250 fight held at the White House last Sunday. The complaint says the alleged conspirators communicated through encrypted messaging apps, and discussed tactical plans, role assignments, escape routes and potential targets. Roa and Thomas were charged in the Central District of California with conspiracy to commit murder. Proper was charged in the Southern District of Ohio with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, attempted murder of a U.S. officer or employee, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and receipt or transfer of a firearm used to commit a felony. Eskridge was charged in the Western District of Missouri with conspiracy to commit murder, while Alvarez was charged in Nebraska with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and conspiracy to murder, according to court documents. A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Fox News Digital reached out to the Justice Department, but the agency also declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333562197238567832b0f2 Trump-endorsed congressional candidate pledges entire $174K salary to wounded Iraq War veteran's family te 2026-06-18T00:01:38.295Z Trump-endorsed congressional candidate pledges entire $174K salary to wounded Iraq War veteran's family Trump-endorsed Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino says he will donate $174,000 — the equivalent of one year’s congressional salary — to the family of Sgt. Eddie Ryan, a wounded Iraq War veteran, regardless of whether he wins his race in New York’s 21st Congressional District. Constantino, the CEO of Sticker Mule, made the surprise pledge on June 10 at a campaign event in Queensbury, New York, handing Ryan’s family a handwritten note promising the donation, according to local news outlet The Daily Gazette. "I planned to give away my entire congressional salary from day one," Constantino told Fox News Digital. "My team presented a few options and I immediately thought of Sgt. Eddie Ryan because he inspired me to fight harder early in this race."  BLUE STATE CEO WHO PUT UP 100-FOOT PRO-TRUMP SIGN TO SPEND $2.6 MILLION ON CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS Constantino added, "I want this to become a symbolic gesture that encourages more Americans to fight, fight, fight for a better future while simultaneously inspiring other people of means to support our great Veterans." Ryan, a former U.S. Marine Corps sniper, was severely wounded by friendly fire in Iraq in 2005. He was shot twice in the head, suffered a traumatic brain injury and now faces lasting mobility and speech challenges, The Daily Gazette reported. Constantino said he first met Ryan and his family earlier this year outside a Warren County Republican Committee meeting. The exchange lasted less than a minute, but he said it left a lasting impression. "Sgt. Ryan is a role model for loving America and staying positive in the face of adversity. He was severely wounded in combat and proudly says he would do it again with a big smile," Constantino said. RACE TO SUCCEED REP. ELISE STEFANIK IN UPDATE NEW YORK HEATS UP WITH NEW CHALLENGER Ryan said he was stunned by the announcement.  "I’m still floored," Ryan said after the pledge was revealed, according to The Daily Gazette. Constantino is running against state Assembly Member Robert Smullen in the June 23 Republican primary to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District.  He has spent millions of dollars of his own money on the campaign and has cast the race as a fight against the political establishment. "It’s an opportunity to move the country in a positive direction in a big way," Constantino said. "Once I saw first hand how bad the swamp that President Trump talks about so much really is, I felt I had no choice but to use my resources to fight it to create a better future for America." BRIAN MAST: I’M A WOUNDED WARRIOR. I’VE SEEN DONALD TRUMP CARE FOR VETERANS. THAT’S WHY I’M VOTING FOR HIM Earlier this year, President Donald Trump endorsed Constantino — who previously fought local officials to keep a massive pro-Trump sign on his factory — in the race to fill Stefanik’s seat. "It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Anthony Constantino, who is running to represent the fantastic people of New York’s 21st Congressional District," Trump wrote on Truth Social in April. Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33354e197238567832b0e9 Trump switches support in Oklahoma congressional race as formerly endorsed pastor candidate suspends campaign te 2026-06-18T00:01:18.331Z Trump switches support in Oklahoma congressional race as formerly endorsed pastor candidate suspends campaign President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Oklahoma GOP congressional candidate Jackson Lahmeyer on Wednesday, and threw his support behind Republican rival Mark Tedford, a dramatic reversal that came shortly before Lahmeyer publicly announced he was suspending his campaign. Lahmeyer told Fox News Digital, however, that he made the decision to end his campaign the night before and informed his wife and campaign team before Trump's endorsement switch. "I made my decision to drop out of the race last night," Lahmeyer told Fox News Digital. "I decided to choose my wife over my ambition. I informed my wife about my decision late last night and then my campaign team early this morning. My decision did not take place because of the decision of POTUS this afternoon." AP results showed Tedford finishing first with 32.2% and Lahmeyer second with 25.9%, advancing both Republicans to a runoff election to succeed Rep. Kevin Hern, who is running for the U.S. Senate. TRUMP DROPS MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE ENDORSEMENT, CALLS HER A ‘RANTING LUNATIC,' HINTS AT BACKING PRIMARY RIVAL Trump had previously endorsed Lahmeyer as a "MAGA Warrior" and longtime ally, making Wednesday's endorsement switch one of the more notable reversals of the 2026 midterm cycle. At approximately 2:23 p.m., Trump announced on Truth Social that he was backing Tedford. "I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer's hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, and I will always be with him," Trump wrote. "But, when it comes to the current Congressional race for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District, I will be supporting America First Patriot, Mark Tedford." SNUBBED BY TRUMP, GOP CANDIDATES FIGHTING FOR RE-ELECTION ACT LIKE THEY HAVE HIS BACKING ANYWAY The president described Tedford as "Pro Trump and MAGA all the way" and said the state lawmaker had his "Complete and Total Endorsement." At approximately 2:32 p.m., Lahmeyer announced on X that he was suspending his campaign. "After prayerful consideration with my wife, Kendra, and my team over the last twenty four hours, I've made the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for Congress," Lahmeyer said. "I do not want to be a distraction to my family, my church, and the great people of Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District, who deserve a strong conservative voice representing them in Washington." Fox News Digital reached out to Lahmeyer, Tedford and the White House for comment. A White House official referred Fox News Digital to Trump's Truth Social statement and did not provide additional comment. INSIDE STEFANIK’S EXIT AND HOW THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT THAT NEVER CAME WAS 'BIGGEST PIECE' OF THE 'PUZZLE' Trump's decision marked a sharp turn from his earlier endorsement of Lahmeyer, whom he praised before Oklahoma's June 16 primary. The endorsement reversal came after a turbulent stretch for Lahmeyer's campaign. The Daily Mail published reports regarding Lahmeyer's communications with former Miss Oklahoma USA Caitlin Simmons Key.  Lahmeyer later acknowledged that he had crossed "a boundary line through text messaging" while disputing what he described as a misleading characterization of the situation. Neither president Trump nor the White House publicly explained the reason for the endorsement change. Tedford is now positioned as the likely Republican nominee in the strongly GOP district. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333533197238567832b0ac Pueblo High staffers claim misconduct by principal, call for firing te 2026-06-18T00:00:51.125Z Pueblo High staffers claim misconduct by principal, call for firing Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33351f197238567832b0a3 Watch: Az GOP gubernatorial contenders Biggs & Schweikert debate ahead of July primary te 2026-06-18T00:00:31.168Z Watch: Az GOP gubernatorial contenders Biggs & Schweikert debate ahead of July primary Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3332c3197238567832b028 English World Cup fan in oversized cowboy hat delivers perfect verdict on Texas brisket ahead of Croatia match te 2026-06-17T23:50:27.495Z English World Cup fan in oversized cowboy hat delivers perfect verdict on Texas brisket ahead of Croatia match One of the best parts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been watching fans from all corners of the globe make their way through the United States and seeing all that we have to offer. And, by that, I mean mostly the food. Now, we've got an English fan giving his analysis of Texas-style BBQ, and he does it while wearing a cowboy hat that may only be marginally smaller than the one Lloyd Christmas wears in "Dumb and Dumber." WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE England got its World Cup slate started with a match against a tough opponent in Croatia, and ahead of the match, Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth decided to go chat with some fans before the game. Which, we're all learning, is almost always gold, Jerry, and it was once again in this instance. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE "Hi, I love the beer and this country, by the way; it's really good," the fan said. This guy already rules. After he said the American hospitality had been great as well, the reporter asked him if he had had any Texas BBQ. "I had Texas BBQ yesterday, I had a lovely bit of brisket," he said before saying he went "fatty" over "lean," which tells me this guy knows ball because that's where the flavor is. "...Picked it up, put the sauce on it, dropped it in my mouth, melted in my mouth. It was absolutely beautiful. It's the best beef I've ever had in my life." THE VERDICT IS IN: EUROPEANS ARE OBSESSED WITH RURAL AMERICA DURING 2026 WORLD CUP STAY The fan talked about eating pork chops and mac and cheese (which he said was average), then he had a question. "What's this Brussels sprouts gratin about?" he asked. "We have Brussels sprouts at Christmas in England; why do you have it on your BBQ?" Fair question, and I hope he's reading this because I can answer it. Brother, like 10 or 15 years ago someone cracked the code on Brussels sprouts. They're not considered a gross food your mom forced you to eat against your will anymore. They're a starting lineup BBQ side when thrown in cheese or crisped up. They've even graduated to appetizer status at a lot of joints. Throw some sweet chili glaze on your Brussels sprouts next Christmas and prepare to blow your grandmum's mind to smithereens. Before wrapping things up, the reporter asked the fan for his match-day plans, and I bet you could guess them. "We're going to get drunk before the game," he said. "We're going to get drunk during the game. And then we're going to get drunk after the game." I'm sure this delightful chap was living it up, as the Three Lions took a big 4-2 win over Croatia thanks to a pair of first-half goals from star Harry Kane. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333080197238567832afab World Cup superstar Ivana Knoll invades AT&T Stadium to turn heads and support Croatia te 2026-06-17T23:40:48.978Z World Cup superstar Ivana Knoll invades AT&T Stadium to turn heads and support Croatia What kind of World Cup would it be if the influencer who has been dubbed the tournament’s "sexiest fan" wasn’t in attendance? Words like fraudulent and unofficial might come to mind, but we don’t have to go down that road. We’re not going to know what kind of World Cup it would have been, because on Wednesday, Ivana Knoll invaded AT&T Stadium for her first appearance to show support for Croatia as they took on England. The 33-year-old Croatian soccer superfan’s support wasn’t enough to overcome the four goals England scored as her team fell 4-2 in their first match, but this appearance wasn’t just about her team. 'WORLD'S SEXIEST FAN' DROPS HER WORLD CUP ANTHEM AND HERE'S WHY YOU NEVER ASSIST A BIKE THIEF Knoll had a statement to make. While she’s dabbled in other sports, including F1, she is "the World Cup girl" and she is back. Any doubts about that didn’t make it inside the stadium with her. It was a performance built for attention and I couldn’t help but think back to her run during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when we were first introduced to her. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Knoll showed up prepared to defy each one of the Qatari rules and regulations. With every appearance she pushed it a little further. As a result, she left Qatar as an even bigger star than she had entered it. Without the worry of pushing it too far and setting off an international incident, she can focus her attention on what she does best during the 2026 World Cup. She's off to a hot start too. Before heading to Jerry's World in next to nothing, she made a dream of hers come true by headlining the FIFA Fan Festival in Los Angeles and putting her DJ skills to use. Buckle up — Ivana Knoll is just getting started. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a333068197238567832af77 Boyle Heights Warehouse Fire Forces Thousands of LA Residents to Shelter in Place te 2026-06-17T23:40:24.446Z Boyle Heights Warehouse Fire Forces Thousands of LA Residents to Shelter in Place Heavy black smoke was visible across much of Los Angeles as flames tore through a 491,000-square-foot building just east of downtown. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332e62197238567832af4a Scene pkg June 17 te 2026-06-17T23:31:46.856Z Scene pkg June 17 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332e4e197238567832af41 Scene pkg June 17 NDS te 2026-06-17T23:31:26.890Z Scene pkg June 17 NDS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332e0e197238567832aec6 AI is hurting Apple in more ways than one: it may force iPhone price increases te 2026-06-17T23:30:22.983Z AI is hurting Apple in more ways than one: it may force iPhone price increases CEO Tim Cook said in a recent interview that the situation is "unsustainable." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332bfd197238567832aea3 NAU ROUNDUP: Men's basketball to play at Kentucky in November te 2026-06-17T23:21:33.854Z NAU ROUNDUP: Men's basketball to play at Kentucky in November The Lumberjacks will play at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky on Nov. 13. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332be6197238567832ae7b Irina Shayk sizzles in topless photos for new fashion campaign te 2026-06-17T23:21:10.305Z Irina Shayk sizzles in topless photos for new fashion campaign Irina Shayk is leaving little to the imagination with her latest social media post. In a recent Instagram photo, the 40-year-old model posed for the Italian fashion brand, Haikure, in a new collaboration with the brand. To celebrate her partnership with the brand, Shayk posted a series of photos taken by her, featuring herself in the clothes, including one of her posing topless in a pair of black pants. "Created from home, through my lens @haikure.studio," she captioned the post. EMILY RATAJKOWSKI'S SHREDDED RED BIRTHDAY DRESS LEAVES LITTLE TO THE IMAGINATION AT NYC CELEBRATION The photo shows her standing on a brown leather couch with her arms crossed over her torso to cover her chest, as she looks at the camera with a serious look on her face. She was modeling a pair of pants which looked as if a pair of black leather pants had been pulled up over a pair of dark denim jeans. APP USERS CLICK HERE FOR POST "You have a breathtaking beauty," one fan wrote in the comments section. Another added, "So beautiful." Never one to shy away from showing her body, Shayk previously turned heads when she posted photos from her recent trip to Spain on Instagram earlier this month. She included a shot of herself in a revealing black bikini, leading fans to call her "beautiful" in the comments section. Shayk got her start in modeling in the early 2000s, getting her big break in 2007, when she became the face of Intimissimi. This ultimately led to appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue many times, starting in 2007, ultimately landing the cover in 2011. "It’s one of the most important things that can happen to a model in her career," she told Forbes in August 2011. "People now recognize me on the street. A couple of days ago, I took a shower and then was walking my dog, and a man came up to me with a bag full of magazines. He came from New Jersey, and was like, "Can you sign these magazines?" It was about 10 p.m., and here I am with wet hair." She went on to cement her status as a sought-after model, even transitioning to high fashion work, walking the runway for brands such as Versace, Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood and more. In spring 2015, Shayk began dating actor Bradley Cooper, with the two making their red carpet debut in March 2016 during Paris Fashion Week. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The two dated for four years and welcomed their daughter, Lea, in 2017, before ending their relationship in June 2019. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332bd2197238567832ae72 DHS torches Spanberger after illegal immigrant charged with child sex abuse at babysitter's house granted bond te 2026-06-17T23:20:50.335Z DHS torches Spanberger after illegal immigrant charged with child sex abuse at babysitter's house granted bond The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed outrage on social media Wednesday over Virginia's sanctuary policies, demanding Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger intervene to prevent the release of an illegal immigrant charged with the sexual battery of a 5-year-old girl. Jose Nahun Aleman Hernandez, 43, of Woodbridge, was arrested June 3 by the Prince William Police Department and is charged with aggravated sexual battery. According to the police report, the 5-year-old victim was at her babysitter's home when she was inappropriately touched by Hernandez, who was also inside the house. SEXUAL PREDATORS, DRUG TRAFFICKERS AMONG ICE'S 'WORST OF THE WORST' ROUNDUP IN VIRGINIA Authorities said the alleged abuse occurred over a period spanning from January 2023 to March 2026.  No physical injuries were reported by the child, according to the police report. Hernandez received a $5,000 secured bond, sparking the agency's urgent public appeal to the governor to ensure he is not released back onto the streets. "Sanctuary Spanberger’s REFUSAL to work with [ICE] has made Virginians less safe and the commonwealth a magnet for illegal alien crime," DHS wrote in the post. Spanberger has not publicly responded, as of Wednesday afternoon. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332bb8197238567832ae3e Robert Thurman, Leading Expert on Tibetan Buddhism and Uma Thurman’s Father, Dies at 84 te 2026-06-17T23:20:24.376Z Robert Thurman, Leading Expert on Tibetan Buddhism and Uma Thurman’s Father, Dies at 84 A former monk who was also Uma Thurman’s father, he made sure Buddhism retained its intellectual and spiritual rigor as it spread through the West. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3329a8197238567832ae13 Mark Lamb scandal tests Trump’s reluctance to rescind endorsements  te 2026-06-17T23:11:36.888Z Mark Lamb scandal tests Trump’s reluctance to rescind endorsements  WASHINGTON – Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is continuing to campaign for Congress on a pro-MAGA platform with President Donald Trump’s seal of approval.  But Trump’s endorsement, calling Lamb a “MAGA Warrior” who “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN,” is from last November, long before Lamb became embroiled in scandal. The text messages that show sexual impropriety, threats against an ex-lover and use of racist language stand in contrast to the public image Lamb has projected as a man of faith and traditional values. Many voters do feel let down, according to Lamb’s detractors, and some Republicans have distanced themselves. So far, Trump has not.  He only rarely abandons candidates. When he does, it’s almost always over perceived disloyalty rather than scandal, though he did rescind an endorsement Wednesday in Oklahoma after a congressional candidate who had founded Pastors for Trump was caught up in a texting scandal. “It’s rare that he totally rescinds an endorsement,” said Matthew Klein, an analyst at the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.  He noted that Lamb was an outspoken supporter of Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, “a very visceral issue for Donald Trump.” Given that Lamb has also been a strong front-runner, Klein added, “I have a hard time believing that he would withdraw his support.” Scrutiny on Lamb increased Wednesday after The Arizona Republic published an interview with friend and former employee Matt Hilsabeck describing Lamb’s active sex life outside marriage. Lamb is seeking the House seat that Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, is giving up to run for governor. Opponent Daniel Keenan is running a television ad that calls him “a disgrace, an embarrassment and unfit for office.” So far, Lamb has resisted calls to explain or apologize. On June 3, he reposted Trump’s November endorsement with no indication it was months old or predated the scandal. The president’s political operation has expressed no objection, at least not publicly, though Trump has yet to affirm the endorsement, either.  In general, Trump has a long record of looking the other way when loyalists are accused of misconduct. Early in his second term, Trump stood by Pete Hegseth after revelations that his pick to lead the Pentagon had once paid a woman $50,000 to settle allegations of sexual assault.  In Texas, Trump-backed Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP primary runoff May 26. Cornyn was mostly loyal to Trump but not nearly as much of a MAGA warrior.  This June 17, 2026, screenshot from the homepage of Mark Lamb’s campaign website shows how Lamb is emphasizing President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Paxton had filed one of the lawsuits in 2020 trying to overturn the election, and spoke at the Jan. 6, 2021, rally before Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. He has also been embroiled in more scandals than most: his wife is divorcing him on grounds of adultery, he survived charges for securities fraud and an impeachment by the GOP-controlled Texas House. Despite all that, one week before the primary, Trump threw his weight behind Paxton, writing on Truth Social that Paxton had “gone through a lot, in many cases, very unfairly, but he is a Fighter, and knows how to WIN.” As with Lamb, he assured voters that Paxton would “NEVER LET YOU DOWN.” Weeks before the 2024 election, Trump resisted pleas from allies to rescind his endorsement of a North Carolina nominee for governor, Mark Robinson, after revelations he’d posted offensive comments on a porn site. In late 2017, Trump endorsed former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore in a tight U.S. Senate contest – after eight women accused Moore of sexual misconduct. Some had been teens at the time of the events. The Lamb scandal has spilled into the July 21 Republican gubernatorial primary, with Rep. David Schweikert of Fountain Hills chastising rival Biggs for failing to repudiate Lamb’s conduct.  Biggs’ silence, Schweikert said in a radio interview, is “bordering on immoral.” Biggs, who is also endorsed by Trump, told the AZ Political Podcast on KTAR 92.3 FM that he is “reserving judgment.” In April, before Lamb’s text messages surfaced, he told GOP voters at a candidate forum that Lamb would be a “great member” of the House Freedom Caucus, a far-right congressional block. Schweikert told Cronkite News in a brief interview that while voters “are remarkably forgiving,” that requires contrition and candor Lamb hasn’t shown. “Stand up, come clean, or leave,” he said recently on KTAR News. No guarantee Trump’s endorsement is no guarantee in primaries, but Republicans crave and fear it. On Tuesday, Tulsa pastor Jackson Lahmeyer, founder of Pastors for Trump, secured a spot in an Oklahoma congressional runoff, despite a Daily Mail report two days earlier about improper texts with a campaign aide and former Miss Oklahoma USA. On Wednesday, Trump switched his endorsement to Lahmeyer’s rival. Lahmeyer dropped out within minutes.  In Arizona, Trump not only endorsed Lamb, he dangled the prospect of an endorsement to another candidate to clear the field for Lamb. Jay Feely initially wanted Biggs’ seat, too; the 5th Congressional District on the east side of the Valley is a Republican stronghold. Now Feely is running for the Schweikert district, which is much more of a toss-up. In Georgia’s primary on Tuesday, businessman Rick Jackson overcame Trump’s endorsement of his rival, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “Rick Jackson came out of nowhere and dropped more than $93 million from his own personal bank account,” Klein said. “But Jackson himself was also very pro-Trump.” The Georgia primary illustrated another Trump habit: withholding an endorsement until it’s pretty clear who’ll win. He waited until 48 hours before Election Day to endorse Rep. Mike Collins in the U.S. Senate race. “There have been cases where he’ll jump on the bandwagon of a candidate who already looks like they’re likely to win” and “then try to claim credit,” said Boston College political scientist David Hopkins. Scandalous screenshots The Lamb controversy centers on leaked screenshots of messages he sent around 2019, when he was still sheriff of Pinal County. The texts show him threatening to have a woman with whom he was having an affair arrested if she shared their messages publicly. Other women also received messages with sexually explicit content from Lamb. He also used the n-word in conversation with a member of a border vigilante group. A former aide found some of the messages and reported them to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors.  This is not the first time Lamb has been embroiled in a sexual scandal. In social media posts in June 2018, the ex-wife of one of Lamb’s friends, Jillian Stannard, alleged that he had sent nude photographs of his wife to her ex, Matt Hilsabeck.  Stannard insinuated the Lambs and her ex-husband had sexual relations during an overnight trip to Texas. She reported her allegations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS church officials investigated and decided not to take action against Lamb.  The allegations contradict Lamb’s traditional, family man persona. His campaign website pledges include “STANDING FOR FAMILY … FOR GOD … FOR FREEDOM.” He has played up his devout faith and affiliation with the LDS church, where he served as a lay minister and Sunday school teacher. The former sheriff also has cultivated a tough, cowboy-style image online, sharing photos of himself on patrol at the border.  His campaign website features images of him with the president. Their relationship goes back several years. In 2020, Lamb drew national headlines when he contracted COVID-19 at a Trump rally. The Trump endorsement remains splashed across the homepage, along with other big endorsements from Turning Point USA and the House Freedom Fund. Barnes noted that Keenan has enough money to hammer Lamb over the scandal, and the ads “are pretty damning.” Another Arizona strategist, Democrat Stacy Pearson, agreed that the allegations have hurt. “This is a community that has something even more definitive than a line in the sand – it is a hard line, and when politicians cross it, that congressional district doesn’t forget,” she said. “If I was Mark Lamb, I would certainly be concerned, even with the Trump endorsement.” The post Mark Lamb scandal tests Trump’s reluctance to rescind endorsements  appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33297c197238567832adec 'Trump should renege': Iran deal faces backlash from conservative allies te 2026-06-17T23:10:52.036Z 'Trump should renege': Iran deal faces backlash from conservative allies President Donald Trump's proposed Iran agreement is drawing sharp criticism from some of his strongest supporters, who argue the deal rewards Tehran before it has agreed to fully dismantle its nuclear program. The 14-point framework agreement, unveiled on Wednesday, establishes an immediate ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with key provisions including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the removal of the U.S. naval blockade, temporary waivers allowing Iranian oil exports, access to frozen Iranian assets and a commitment to negotiate a final agreement within 60 days. The framework also outlines a proposed economic reconstruction package reportedly worth at least $300 billion and includes Iran's renewed pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons. However, critics note that the agreement does not require the immediate dismantlement of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, the removal of enriched uranium stockpiles, restrictions on Tehran's ballistic missile program or the disbandment of Iranian-backed proxy groups such as Hezbollah. Despite the administration portraying the agreement as a breakthrough, critics have argued that the concessions offered to Iran far outweigh the commitments secured in return. IRAN’S REGIME SPINS NUCLEAR AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEAL WITH TRUMP AS VICTORY OVER US, ISRAEL "The deal is absolutely terrible, there's no getting around it," Will Chamberlain, senior counsel at the Article III Project and vice president of external affairs at the Edmund Burke Foundation, wrote on X. "The text gives Iranians huge, immediate financial benefits and protection for Hezbollah in exchange for opening the Strait - and nothing else. President Trump should renege." Conservative talk radio host Mark Levin praised President Trump's decision to use military force against Iran but sharply criticized the proposed MOU, arguing that it abandons U.S. leverage before Tehran has made meaningful concessions. "From day one, I have underscored that no deal will be honored by the Iranian regime," Levin wrote on X, adding, "Why would we agree to immediately drop the most important leverage we have over the regime in advance of it complying with MOU requirements?" AG Hamilton, the pseudonym of a licensed attorney and conservative commentator with a large following on X, sharply criticized the preliminary U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. "So they get to keep the nuclear program, the ballistic missile program, and funding for terror proxies. But they will pinky promise not to build a full nuke while getting billions of financial relief to fund all of that. Great deal. Should have had Kamala Harris negotiate it," AG wrote. Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security official who served during President Donald Trump's first term and is a known critic of the president, called the memorandum of understanding "pathetic." "I was involved in Iran issues in the first Trump administration," Taylor wrote on X. "The Trump 'deal' could be the most humiliating in U.S. diplomatic history. Hundred of billions in exchange for a 'promise' we already had." JD VANCE REVEALS DETAILS OF US-IRAN DEAL, ADDRESSES WHETHER TAXPAYER MONEY WILL GO TO TEHRAN Atlanta-based conservative talk radio host Erick Erickson called it "American surrender." The deal came as little surprise to many observers, as versions of the alleged memorandum had been circulating for days. "So the MOU is the same one that’s been out for days (as many of us have known the whole time, because we’ve been doing this for a while). And it’s as awful today as it was all week," conservative commentator David Reaboi wrote on X. Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also delivered a lengthy and highly critical response, mocking the administration's handling of the conflict and questioning the rationale behind a proposed reconstruction fund for Iran. Greene argued that American taxpayers would ultimately bear the financial burden while the Iranian regime remained in power. TRUMP UNLEASHES ON OBAMA'S 'DISASTER' IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL, SAYS HE WAS 'HONORED' TO RIP IT APART Trump's former vice president and 2024 rival Mike Pence said the ceasefire agreement was almost identical to the Obama and Biden administration's approach to the Iranians. "The reported MOU with Iran smacks of the kind of appeasement that we saw during the Obama years, the kind of appeasement that Joe Biden tried to accomplish and was ignored by the Iranians, and the kind of appeasement we categorically rejected during the first Trump administration," Pence wrote on X. And former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, another 2024 Republican candidate for president defeated by Trump, called the agreement a "huge mistake." TRUMP BROKERS IRAN CEASEFIRE AS EXPERTS SAY REGIME’S ARSENAL IS SHATTERED BUT THREAT REMAINS "Hitting Iran’s nuclear and missile sites was the right move. This regime chants death to America, murders our troops, and attempts to assassinate Americans on U.S. soil. They believe they have an obligation to destroy us," Haley wrote on X. "Now, we plan to unlock billions of dollars and lift sanctions, with the promise of even more money. They will use that money the way they always do— to further their nuclear ambitions and on terrorist proxies against us. It’s a huge mistake to pay to rebuild the threat we just destroyed." Others, however, welcomed the move away from further military escalation. Broadcaster Piers Morgan said he was pleased to see Trump seeking an exit from the conflict, even while criticizing the circumstances that led to it. "This Iran deal is about as far removed from ‘unconditional surrender’ as any deal in the history of Planet Earth," Morgan wrote on X. "I’m glad President Trump is getting out of this fiasco, but I bet if he had his time again, he’d have never got into it or believed Netanyahu’s bullsh*t." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332967197238567832addb Podcaster Joe Rogan tells critics of UFC Freedom 250 White House event to 'shut the f--- up' te 2026-06-17T23:10:31.048Z Podcaster Joe Rogan tells critics of UFC Freedom 250 White House event to 'shut the f--- up' Joe Rogan blasted critics of the UFC White House event during Wednesday’s episode of his podcast, defending the event as a nonpartisan and unprecedented patriotic event. President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday in the run-up to America’s 250th anniversary with a celebration on the South Lawn, where 14 fighters from around the world competed inside a wire-mesh cage during the UFC Freedom 250 spectacle. The estimated 4,300 people in attendance, which included about 1,200 active-duty service members, greeted the president with loud cheers as the occasional "Happy Birthday" was shouted from the crowd. The $60 million event kicked off with the Marine Band’s performance of the national anthem, sung by country star Zac Brown, and was capped off with a flyover by the Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds. Rogan spoke to author Chase Hughes on his podcast on Wednesday, recalling the incredible fights he saw the past weekend, where he claimed that in addition to the 4,300 official attendees, there were an additional 85,000 watching on massive screens just outside the event venue. DANA WHITE DENIES AMERICA 250 UFC FIGHT AT WHITE HOUSE WILL BE 'POLITICAL,' 'NOT AT ALL' ABOUT POLITICS "It was insane. Just the magnitude of it was insane," Rogan noted. He said that while he is a hyperbolic person by nature, "That was the wildest experience that I've ever had in my 20 whatever years of calling combat sports. There's nothing even close. Nothing even close. It was the greatest night of fights of all time. And it was the only night in the history of the sport where every single fight ended by knockout. " He added further that he actually had to persuade some people to show up in the first place, noting, "I talked a bunch of people into going that didn't want to. Like Shane Gillis was thinking about not going. I'm like, 'Bro, you got to go. It's going to be epic. It's going to be a once ever thing. Not a once in a lifetime. Once in anybody's lifetime. It's never happened before. It's probably never going to happen again.'" "Probably not," Hughes agreed. "No," Rogan said. "But that’s something you have to see and experience." DANA WHITE SAYS 'I DON'T GIVE A S---' IF TRUMP FRIENDSHIP COSTS HIM BUSINESS, 250TH EVENT WAS TRUMP'S IDEA The host went on to lament that "so many people are trying to make it a partisan thing. Like they're mad at people for being there. Like, 'Oh, you support Trump.' Like, it's a f---ing fight at the White House. Doesn't mean you endorse foreign policy. Like, shut the f--- up. Just please. Just please stop." "And again, it's this thing, the ego thing where people are just — they just want so badly—and on both sides for sure," Rogan continued. "You know, the right celebrates this as a win for masculinity and patriotism and all these different things. Like, okay, settle down. Everybody settle down. You should all be together." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33270e197238567832ad52 FTC alleges influential transgender health organization misled parents about safety of youth treatments te 2026-06-17T23:00:30.645Z FTC alleges influential transgender health organization misled parents about safety of youth treatments The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and four Republican-led states sued the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) on Wednesday, alleging the influential medical organization misled parents and doctors about the safety, effectiveness and necessity of transgender medical treatments for minors. The lawsuit alleges WPATH, whose standards of care are widely used by physicians treating patients with gender dysphoria, made deceptive claims about puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and sex change surgeries while failing to adequately disclose potential risks and side effects. "Parents have a right to make informed decisions about their children's health," FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson wrote on X. "The FTC will not allow parents and children to be deceived by medical organizations and providers who are prioritizing profit over children's health and safety." 'TRANSGENDER MADNESS' UNDER FIRE AFTER CONGRESS LETS TAXPAYER FUNDING BAN LAPSE According to the complaint, WPATH removed age-based recommendations for certain transgender procedures from its Standards of Care. The FTC also alleges the organization promoted treatments that were not adequately supported by evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness. The lawsuit, filed alongside Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska and Texas, marks the latest effort by President Donald Trump's administration to scrutinize medical interventions for transgender minors. WPATH previously sued to block an FTC investigation into the organization, arguing the agency violated its First Amendment rights. A federal judge in May temporarily blocked the probe. SEN HAWLEY WARNS IT WOULD BE 'UNCONSCIONABLE' IF BILLIONS OF TAXPAYER FUNDS FLOW TO TRANS KIDS’ SEX CHANGES WPATH rejected the allegations and said its standards are intended to support individualized patient care. In a statement provided to The Associated Press, the organization said its guidelines are based on individualized treatment rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Fox News Digital reached out to WPATH for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response. "WPATH is in a strong position to prove that the FTC is acting out of pure retaliation as part of the federal government's relentless and targeted campaign to undermine gender-affirming care by attacking the First Amendment rights and the independence of professional medical organizations," the group said in a statement to the AP. The lawsuit comes amid a broader national debate over puberty blockers, hormone therapies and sex change surgeries for minors. Supporters argue the treatments can be medically necessary for some patients, while critics contend the long-term risks are not fully understood and that children may be unable to provide informed consent. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33250d197238567832ace9 Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Beck works to earn trust in quarterback competition te 2026-06-17T22:51:57.255Z Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Beck works to earn trust in quarterback competition TEMPE – For the past six weeks, Carson Beck’s routine has centered on football and sleep. The Arizona Cardinals quarterback has spent long days at the team facility learning a new offense, building chemistry with teammates and picking the brains of coaches.  “I’m here 13 hours a day,” Beck said Wednesday. “I get in early and spend as much time as I can learning.” Before he can earn the starting spot, he is focused on something just as important: earning the trust of those around him. The quarterback competition remains unsettled. Jacoby Brissett was the frontrunner to start for the 2026 season, but a contract-related standoff meant he missed portions of the offseason. Gardner Minshew is also in the mix after the Cardinals signed him in the offseason.  Beck, who was drafted in the third round, said Wednesday he is not focused on the starting role. Instead, he is concentrating on learning the offense and adjusting to a new system after finishing his career in the national championship game with the Miami Hurricanes. The early weeks in Arizona have centered on repetition, preparation and consistency. He emphasized taking care of routine responsibilities and avoiding mistakes that come from trying to do too much.  “How good can you get at the simple things?” Beck said, pointing to steady execution and taking what the defense gives as priorities. He said the transition has required adapting to a faster, more demanding environment where decisions must come quickly. Beck described spending long days at the facility meeting with coaches, studying the offense and building timing with teammates. Much of his development has come from those hours inside the building, where he has prioritized absorbing the system and maximizing every rep. He credited the coaching staff as a key part of his adjustment, pointing to its experience and accessibility.  “Coach Hackett has an amazing quarterback mind,” Beck said. “He’s incredibly smart. Coach LaFleur coaches quarterbacks, too, and has such a smart mind.” Access has shaped how quickly he is adjusting, Beck said, noting that he tries to take advantage of every interaction in the building. “I’m just trying to pick their brains and take every little thing I can from them so I can get as comfortable as possible,” he said. Beyond the field, Beck said earning trust has been just as important as learning the system. He believes leadership starts with preparation and consistency, not conversation.  “The guys have to look at you and believe that you’re going to lead them and help them have success,” he said. The transition has been challenging after spending most of his college career in the same system at Georgia before transferring to Miami. The biggest adjustment, he said, has been learning how to keep expanding his game without overcomplicating it. “At Georgia, I was in essentially the same playbook for five years,” Beck said. “You have to find ways to keep growing. You can’t get bored with doing the basics.” He is focused on balancing speed with control as he becomes more comfortable with Arizona’s terminology and structure, with the goal of operating the offense efficiently and communicating clearly. He added that leadership has developed through experience as much as preparation, noting that the quarterback position requires command built over time. “There are so many layers to playing quarterback,” Beck said. “It’s not just learning the plays. It’s hearing a new voice in your helmet, leading new guys in the huddle, demanding confidence from the offense.” Beck also credited his upbringing for shaping his approach to leadership and discipline, saying his father’s background at the Naval Academy helped instill structure and accountability early in his life. “It’s hard to truly understand the quarterback position if you haven’t actually done it,” Beck said. “He’s done it.” His approach remains focused on daily improvement rather than outcomes. “Every day, I’m just trying to get one percent better,” Beck said. “That’s just how I’m wired.” The post Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Beck works to earn trust in quarterback competition appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3322a2197238567832ac5b No soil, no problem: Arizona company pioneers aeroponic cannabis cultivation te 2026-06-17T22:41:38.873Z No soil, no problem: Arizona company pioneers aeroponic cannabis cultivation PHOENIX — Inside a 66,000-square-foot facility nestled in an industrial neighborhood in Phoenix, thousands of cannabis plants grow with their roots hanging freely in the air, receiving only a mist of water. This is Aeriz’s approach to cultivation. The company is a growing operation, and according to Aeriz’s website, it uses 95% less water than traditional soil farming, in a state that desperately needs it. Aeriz has embraced aeroponics, a soil-free growing method that suspends plant roots in an enclosed irrigation system, where they are misted with purified water. This system is a departure from traditional cannabis growth, where plants are typically grown in soil. “That’s the nice thing about aeroponics, your best plant is going to grow five times faster,” Jason Gemrose, vegetation manager at Aeriz, explained during a tour. “It’s cleaner, too.” The process begins not with seeds, but with carefully selected “mother plants” kept for three to six months. Workers take cuttings from these plants to produce clones, which then move through developmental stages that Gemrose likens to “the nursery and then the toddler stage.” From cutting to a fully mature plant, the journey takes approximately four to six months. Roots hang off of an aeroponically grown marijuana plant at Aeriz growing facility in Phoenix on June 4, 2026. (Photo by Gentry Roberts/Cronkite News) What makes Aeriz’s growth process distinct is what happens beneath the plants. Rather than burying roots in soil or submerging them in water, the facility allows roots to hang freely within specialized tables. “Those reservoirs on the other side are what feed into the tables,” Gemrose said. “When they go in, they give the nutrients to those reservoirs, they balance them out, and that creates the plants.”   The irrigation system operates on precise timing. Pumps kick on periodically throughout the day, delivering nutrients directly to exposed roots, and then “everything will drain out,” said Michelle Bailey, general manager at Aeriz. The facility uses reverse osmosis water drawn from “coral tanks throughout the vicinity,” ensuring complete control over what the plants consume. Joy Monbleau checks the irrigation system vats that filter water at the Aeriz growing facility in Phoenix on June 4, 2026. (Photo by Gentry Roberts/Cronkite News) Cleanliness is critically important in this setup.”It’s a tough system, because there’s really no room for error,” Bailey acknowledged. Between plant cycles, workers clean around the clock. “Every time the plants are out of the table, they’ll completely clean the entire system,” Gemrose said. “We’ll run a flush that comes after we scrub everything down and clean it up. We never put plants on our dirty table.”  This method saves a lot of water, which Arizona certainly needs. With conventional agriculture consuming over 72% of Arizona’s water supply, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, alternative growing methods are emerging. Aeroponics uses a fraction of the water required for soil-based cultivation while producing faster-growing, healthier plants, Gemrose said. Inside the flower rooms, where plants reach full maturity, environmental controls are precise. Lights are adjusted three times weekly, starting at 3% intensity when young plants first arrive, eventually reaching 75%-80% before harvest. “You want the buds to grow strong,” said Chuck Krammer, flower manager at Aeriz. He also described how lighting changes like seasons. “Different lights and different spectrums. We want to mimic the sun as much as we can.” Chuck Krammer, flower manager at Aeriz, checks plants ready for harvest in the summer seasonal light room in their Phoenix growing facility on June 4, 2026. (Photo by Gentry Roberts/Cronkite News) Each production room contains approximately 1,600 plants, with 90 plants per table. Before harvest, which occurs around eight weeks into the flowering stage, the plants undergo something of a detox. “For the last two weeks of the cycle, we perform a water flush to remove all the water,” Krammer explained. “That gets rid of all the residuals, all the nutrients that we added to the plant, making for a cleaner finished bud from the plant.” However, not all plants make the cut to survive. “For certain strands that don’t work well in our aeroponic environment, we tend to get rid of them rather than trying to baby them along,” Gemrose said. “It doesn’t work super well for our system. We want the healthiest plant out.”  Cannabis plants that have stagnated growth are disposed of to make way for healthier plants at the Aeriz growing facility in Phoenix on June 4, 2026. (Photo by Gentry Roberts/Cronkite News) As water scarcity intensifies across the Southwest, Gemrose says this model offers a potential blueprint for water-efficient agriculture not just for cannabis, but for other crops. Bailey noted that similar aeroponic systems are increasingly being adopted for vegetable production, suggesting the technology could have applications far beyond the cannabis industry. The post No soil, no problem: Arizona company pioneers aeroponic cannabis cultivation appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33225b197238567832abfd Florida Appeals Court Strikes Down Ban on Concealed Carry for Young Adults te 2026-06-17T22:40:27.438Z Florida Appeals Court Strikes Down Ban on Concealed Carry for Young Adults The state attorney general, James Uthmeier, had declined to defend the nearly 40-year-old ban on 18- to 20-year-olds carrying concealed weapons. He celebrated the ruling on Wednesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332036197238567832abb6 AI training often missing for K-12 teachers, study finds te 2026-06-17T22:31:18.054Z AI training often missing for K-12 teachers, study finds The majority of K-12 educators across the country receive little or no formal guidance about using artificial intelligence tools, according to a recent study from the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33201b197238567832ab89 Vance rejects claims Trump-Iran deal echoes Obama-era logic as hawks raise alarm te 2026-06-17T22:30:51.682Z Vance rejects claims Trump-Iran deal echoes Obama-era logic as hawks raise alarm Vice President JD Vance is pushing back on comparisons between the emerging Trump-Vance Iran pact and claims that the agreement, released Wednesday, bears too much resemblance to President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal. Critics pointed to Vance’s defense of the memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — the details of which were released by the administration — under which Iran would receive economic benefits only after complying with nuclear restrictions. They argue that dynamic mirrors how Obama promoted the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, which Trump and Vance have long reviled. Vance, however, suggested to Fox News that the comparison stems from a misconception because the proverbial carrot-and-stick positions from the Obama deal have been reversed. "You’ve got Iranian propagandists out there saying, well, ‘we get all these things’, and they leave out the fact that they only get those things if they fundamentally transform themselves as a country," he said, adding that the deal could open the door to economic cooperation for Tehran throughout the Mideast if it complies. VANCE EN ROUTE TO PAKISTAN FOR HIGH-STAKES IRAN TALKS AS ‘FRAGILE’ CEASEFIRE TEETERS "So the United States wins either way. As the president said, either they get nothing, we destroy their nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz [is] open, or they fundamentally transformed themselves. And that's a big one too. It's really up to them," he said on "The Five." Host Jesse Watters agreed that the deal is the "exact opposite" of what Obama and former Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., forged a decade ago. VANCE TOUTS DESTRUCTION OF IRANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM AS TRUMP ANNOUNCES ISRAEL-IRAN CEASEFIRE "If they fund the proxies they don’t get the economic benefits, and the missiles are covered because 85% of them have been destroyed and 90% of their industrial base has been destroyed." "They've been disarmed. They can't re-arm because they can manufacture more weapons and now they can really project power outside of their borders because they have no Air Force and they have no Navy and they don't pose an imminent threat to the United States anymore," Watters said, further arguing that the Iranians cannot enrich uranium because the only force capable of recovering the uranium "dust" is the U.S. In a July 2015 statement defending the JCPOA, Obama used language similar to that now being used by Trump administration officials.  "[W]e give nothing up by testing whether or not this problem can be solved peacefully. If, in a worst-case scenario, Iran violates the deal, the same options that are available to me today will be available to any U.S. president in the future. And I have no doubt that 10 or 15 years from now, the person who holds this office will be in a far stronger position," a White House statement read.  Obama also argued a future president would be "in a far stronger position" if Iran violated the agreement years later because inspections and transparency measures would allow the U.S. to monitor Tehran's nuclear stockpiles. Vance, however, noted there are few such stockpiles left after the Trump administration ordered strikes months ago. Like the current administration, Obama sought to blunt criticism, warning in an August 2015 speech that ads will run and "accompanying commentary" will try to undermine the deal. "Iran has powerful incentives to keep its commitments," he said in a line similar to arguments Vance has made in Fox News interviews. "Before getting sanctions relief, Iran has to take significant, concrete steps like removing centrifuges and getting rid of its stockpiles. If Iran violates the agreement over the next decade, all of the sanctions can snap back into place," Obama said.  "On the other hand, if Iran abides by the deal and its economy begins to reintegrate with the world, the incentive to avoid snapback will only grow," Obama said in another line that echoed arguments now being made by administration officials. Some critics, however, remained skeptical as of Wednesday, noting that Trump spent years attacking the JCPOA, arguing it provided economic relief in exchange for insufficient concessions. TRUMP AGAIN SAYS DEAL IS CLOSE, THEN CONFIRMS A LAST-MINUTE AGREEMENT WITH IRAN, BUT DETAILS STILL SECRET Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a Trump critic and former astronaut, suggested the deal resembled something candidate Trump would have lambasted. "I did read what was reported on those 14 points [of the agreement] and I got to say, I mean, if this was something that President Obama or Biden had put forward, I don't think Donald Trump would have been too supportive of it, right?" Kelly said. "I mean, it gives everything: It's basically everything that the Iranians would want," he warned. IRANIAN REGIME CRITIC WARNS TRUMP DEAL COULD BE 'LIFELINE' FOR REGIME, CLAIMS PEOPLE ARE 'NERVOUS' Iranian security expert Behnam Ben Taleblu told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview Wednesday that some, however, will take pause at the Trump-Vance deal "The administration is focusing very much on this not being American money, whether one is looking at the reconstruction or the ability of the regime to later on generate revenue through oil sales. But worryingly, any deal with the Islamic Republic is a deal with the devil," said Taleblu, who leads the Iran program at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies — a nonpartisan national security and foreign policy research institute in Washington. "When Trump left the Iran deal in 2018, he didn't leave it because of violation, he left it because that which the U.S. got was not worth that which the U.S. gave — meaning the nuclear concessions the U.S. got was not worth the sanctions relief the U.S. gave," Taleblu said. 4TH ROUND OF US-IRAN TALKS ENDS AS TRUMP SET TO EMBARK ON HISTORIC MIDDLE EAST TOUR The best way for the administration to secure a narrative "win," according to Taleblu, would be to fully release the text of the deal to present a true comparison with both the JCPOA and the less-remembered 2013 JPA, which was also forged by Obama. Taleblu said the JPA is a better comparison to reports about the Trump deal. That pact was smaller in scope and set the stage for Obama and Kerry to negotiate the larger 2015 deal. In the current deal, Taleblu said, there is a similar 60-day window for Iran to comply. "They have to show that that which they got is worth more than that which they gave. And based on leaks of the [pending deal] in Bloomberg and CNN and Al-Arabiya, it's not looking good," he said. Another headwind facing the administration is the American public’s limited tolerance for economic repercussions, such as rising gas and commodity prices or occasional downturns in the Nasdaq. "This is not just political it's cultural and social which means the administration has to do a better job bringing the public along," he said. Taleblu said Iran has been warring with the U.S. since 1979 and that there needs to be more effective "political communications" about that fact to secure public buy-in. He also warned that while the effects of a war with Iran on the U.S. may strain the public, they would be dwarfed by the economic fallout from a future conflict with a more complicated adversary: China. The memorandum of understanding lays out immediate waivers for Iranian oil exports, as well as a framework for $300 billion in economic development. An official, however, emphasized to Fox News Digital that oil waivers were the only major benefit Tehran would realize before any final agreement is reached after a 60-day window. In a reporter call, officials underlined that negotiations would promptly end if it was discovered Iran was "just dragging us along and kind of bull------- us," and that they remained skeptical of Iran’s intentions. Fox News Digital reached out to the vice president's office for additional comment. Fox News Digital's Morgan Phillips contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a332007197238567832ab80 NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani needles Trae Young after past feud over Knicks playoff ticket prices te 2026-06-17T22:30:31.196Z NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani needles Trae Young after past feud over Knicks playoff ticket prices The New York Knicks are on the eve of a celebration parade more than five decades in the making after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games to capture the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973. In recent years, Trae Young has repeatedly tormented the Knicks at the famed Madison Square Garden, turning clutch shots and postgame showmanship into vulgar chants from New York fans. The chants became a familiar theme whenever the Knicks faced the Atlanta Hawks, seemingly pushing Young to raise his game against the Blue and Orange. Young, who was traded to the Washington Wizards in January, is no stranger to trading barbs on social media with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The NBA All-Star and the politician traded blame over the cost of Knicks playoff tickets at Madison Square Garden. NBA STAR HITS BACK AT NYC MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI FOR BLAMING HIM OVER EXPENSIVE PLAYOFF TICKETS Mamdani appeared to rekindle the feud Wednesday. In a sitdown with CNN, the Democratic mayor of the nation’s largest city suggested he was unfamiliar with Young when asked whether Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama had dethroned the league’s 2025 assists leader as New York's favorite basketball villain. "I’m not sure who that other guy is you’re speaking of," Mamdani replied. "But Victor Wembanyama is the most recent villain we’ve had, yes — vanquished." Young averaged 29.2 points as the Hawks beat the Knicks in five games in the first round of the 2021 Eastern Conference playoffs. He placed a finger to his mouth after a thrilling 107-105 overtime win in Game 1, silencing the Madison Square Garden crowd after scoring a game-high 32 points. At one point in the series, a frustrated Knicks fan appeared to try to spit at Young. The star point guard was unfazed, framing the hostility as proof that he had gotten under Knicks fans’ skin. "Obviously, I’m doing something right if you hate me that much. I embrace it and try to focus on my team and trying to help my team win. At the end of the day, we’ll get the last laugh if we do that." Jalen Brunson was named the 2026 NBA Finals MVP after Saturday's series-clinching win. Thursday’s championship parade is expected to step off at 10 a.m. ET, carrying the reigning NBA champions through Manhattan before ending at New York City Hall. Mamdani described the parade as a historic first for the Knicks and a payoff for generations of New Yorkers. "It will be the first ticker-tape parade in Knicks history, where New Yorkers will be able to celebrate a moment that has feels like we’ve waited an entire lifetime for because when it comes to people my age and a little bit older, we have," Mamdani said. "There have been so many heartbreaks, so many near misses, so many years, every year where we’ve told ourselves it’s the year and for it to actually happen now, there’s nothing more we can ask for as New Yorkers." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331e07197238567832ab2a From Mesa CC to NBA champion: Mike Brown’s basketball beginning rooted in the Valley te 2026-06-17T22:21:59.714Z From Mesa CC to NBA champion: Mike Brown’s basketball beginning rooted in the Valley PHOENIX – Before becoming an NBA coach, Mike Brown was a standout guard in the Valley. He played at Mesa Community College for coach Tom Bennett, an NJCAA Hall of Famer and Arizona basketball coaching icon. Brown was known for his incessant work ethic. “On a Friday night, I walked into the gym and I heard a ball bouncing and it was Mike shooting free throws,” said Bennett, the father of Arizona State coach Randy Bennett. “This was a Friday night. Other guys were out with their girlfriends, or going to parties or whatever they were doing, and Mike’s in the gym at 10 o’clock.” The New York Knicks just completed one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history, capturing their first championship since 1973. The Knicks, in Brown’s first season at the helm, finished their 2026 playoff campaign with a 16-3 record, and an average point differential of +14.9, the best mark in NBA playoff history. However this isn’t the first historically dominant run Brown has been a part of in his basketball career.  “I think he’s one of the top three leaders I’ve ever been around,” Bennett said. “He was independent and he was hard working. He lived about a mile from our campus for two years. He never had a car, bike, motorcycle or anything. He walked every day.”  Brown spent two seasons at Mesa Community College, where attention to detail and knowledge of the game caught the eye of both his coaches and teammates.  “He was the type of guy that becoming an NBA coach didn’t surprise me,” said Dana Achtzehn, Brown’s former teammate. “He was a guy that everyone respected, everyone loved and was always a good leader. I’m not surprised at all to see him work his way up.” Bennett had a long and successful 19 year coaching career at Mesa, where he won six regional championships and nine conference championships. Mike Brown, left and Dana Achtzehn, center, were teammates on the Mesa Community College men’s basketball team before Brown won an NBA title. (Photo courtesy of Dan Achtzehn) One of Bennett’s best teams was the 1989-90 team, a squad that won 30 consecutive games at one point, and finished with a 32-3 overall record. It finished its conference slate unblemished, capturing a regional championship and earning a berth in the NJCAA tournament.  Former Mesa Community College assistant and current Grand Canyon President Brian Mueller said Brown played an important role in that team’s success.  “He was recognized as the leader of that team,” Mueller said. “He was a real quick learner, a smart player and you could feel the leadership qualities that he had even as an 18- 19-year-old.”  Brown entered the season injured, and was unable to practice during the first week. When Brown returned to the court, his impact was immediately felt. “On the first day he was able to practice, he was giving people instructions,” Bennett said. “He paid attention to things.”  Brown’s path to the NBA championship has been anything but smooth. He never played professional basketball before beginning his career in coaching, and started in the NBA as a video coordinator for the Denver Nuggets. Furthermore Brown held head coaching positions for the Kings, Lakers and Cavaliers twice. He was fired all four times.  “I think it’s a great story that someone without a lot of internal advantages and connections worked his way up from the bottom and became an NBA head coach,” Mueller said. “I think it’s a testament to his character. Things don’t always go exactly as you wish, but when people stick with it, they demonstrate strong character and unselfishness, it usually works out the right way in the end.” Mueller is most proud of how Brown and his Knicks team have exemplified the qualities that he and Bennett emphasized to their teams. “Coach Bennett was known as one of the best defensive coaches in America and Mike was the epitome of that,” Mueller said. “To watch his teams play that way was a proud thing. Watching him exhibit those characteristics as a coach and seeing his players respond that way was for me the most fun thing.”  For Bennett, seeing Brown succeed at this level and win the NBA championship was a surreal experience. “It was happening but you also kind of question ‘is this really happening’” Bennett said. “I told him that it was kind of surreal watching that, and I asked him, ‘How does world champion sound?’” The post From Mesa CC to NBA champion: Mike Brown’s basketball beginning rooted in the Valley appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331dbe197238567832a90a How the U.S.-Iran Deal Came Down to the Wire te 2026-06-17T22:20:46.593Z How the U.S.-Iran Deal Came Down to the Wire The agreement, which punted many of the toughest issues to future negotiations, came after a last-minute scramble. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331da5197238567832a842 Electores de LD17 y LD20 se reúnen con candidatos en Tucson te 2026-06-17T22:20:21.846Z Electores de LD17 y LD20 se reúnen con candidatos en Tucson Leer en inglés Decenas de votantes acudieron el miércoles por la noche a una oportunidad poco común de interactuar cara a cara con los candidatos que aspiran a representarlos en la Legislatura estatal, sin podios, micrófonos ni moderadores de por medio. El Foco de Tucson, Arizona Luminaria y Press Forward Southern Arizona organizaron este encuentro en las instalaciones de la Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA), reuniendo a candidatos de los distritos legislativos 17 y 20 para un foro informal impulsado por los propios votantes. "A menudo, la política puede parecer distante o desconectada de la vida cotidiana; sin embargo, las decisiones locales y estatales repercuten en nuestras escuelas, vecindarios, negocios, servicios de salud, el medio ambiente y nuestro futuro," dijo Jenny Flynn, directora ejecutiva de la CFSA, a los asistentes. "Esta noche se trata de conectar. Se trata de crear un espacio para que los miembros de la comunidad y los candidatos se reúnan cara a cara, planteen preguntas reflexivas y mantengan conversaciones auténticas sobre los temas que definen el sur de Arizona." Se invitó a todos los candidatos registrados para las elecciones primarias de los distritos LD17 y LD20; no obstante, cuatro candidatos que también ocupan cargos públicos tuvieron que retirarse del evento antes de tiempo debido a negociaciones presupuestarias. Entre ellos se encontraban Kevin Volk (LD17), así como Alma Hernandez, Sally Ann Gonzales y Betty Villegas (LD20). A los cuatro se les animó a enviar representantes en su lugar. Se dirigió a los votantes a salas separadas según su distrito electoral; allí, los candidatos disponían de mesas propias con calcomanías, folletos y otros materiales informativos. Los candidatos conversaban, ya fuera sentados o de pie, a escasa distancia de quienes votarían por ellos, lo que permitió establecer un diálogo verdaderamente personal. Su membresía permite remunerar a periodistas emergentes para que cubran las noticias del sur de Arizona como la región se merece. Edgar F. Soto, candidato al Senado por el Distrito Legislativo 17 (LD17), conversa con los votantes durante el evento de presentación de candidatos organizado el miércoles por Tucson Spotlight/ El Foco de Tucson, Arizona Luminaria y Press Forward Southern Arizona. Diana Ramos / El Foco de Tucson. Entre los asistentes se encontraban Edgar F. Soto, candidato al Senado por el LD17; Holly Lyon y John Winchester, candidatos a la Cámara de Representantes por el LD17; Rocque Perez, candidato al Senado por el LD20; y Ben Kohler, Genoveva Diaz y Katherine Weasel, candidatos a la Cámara de Representantes por el LD20. "Es muy fácil conectar con los candidatos en este tipo de ambiente personal," comentó Bella Brezovec, votante del LD20. "No creo que siempre se tenga la oportunidad de estar ahí, literalmente, y charlar con cada uno de los candidatos. Por lo general, están en un podio o algo así, ante una gran audiencia. Este es un entorno muy íntimo." Otra votante del LD20, Maura Raffensperger, compartió esta misma opinión. "Me gusta el hecho de que esté abierto a todos los candidatos," dijo. "Nos da la oportunidad de conversar realmente con las personas, aunque no sean necesariamente aquellas por las que probablemente votaremos." Diaz, demócrata que se postula en el LD20 junto a Hernandez y Gonzales, disfrutó del evento y expresó su entusiasmo por compartir detalles de su trayectoria con los votantes y comprender mejor sus inquietudes. Comparó la experiencia con una visita puerta a puerta a la inversa: son los votantes quienes acuden a los candidatos, en lugar de ocurrir lo contrario. "Me encanta. La gente se ha mostrado muy curiosa," dijo Diaz. Genoveva Díaz, candidata a la Cámara de Representantes por el Distrito Legislativo 20, comentó que disfrutó conversar con los votantes durante el evento y añadió que los asistentes mostraron interés en conocer más sobre su campaña. Topacio "Topaz" Servellon / El Foco de Tucson. Weasel, candidata republicana “write-in” en el LD20, expresó que valoraba la oportunidad de interactuar con los votantes en un ambiente distendido. "Por lo general, siempre hay situaciones conflictivas," dijo Weasel. "Me parece una iniciativa absolutamente encantadora." Weasel mencionó que varias personas le aconsejaron no asistir al evento debido a su afiliación partidista. "A fin de cuentas, todos somos personas y vivimos en la misma comunidad," señaló Weasel. Linda Jackson, votante del LD17, comentó que había recibido por correo una guía electoral con la lista de candidatos, pero que este formato le resultó más atractivo. "Pensé que podría venir y hablar directamente con ellos... y escuchar un poco más para estar mejor informada sobre a quién voy a votar," dijo Jackson. "Espero que esto sea útil para conocer a algunos de los candidatos y que me cuenten su historia, sus antecedentes o lo que sea. No conozco bien a ninguno de los candidatos, salvo por lo que leí en la guía electoral." Linda Jackson, votante del Distrito Legislativo 17, a la derecha, conversa con Holly Lyon, candidata a la Cámara de Representantes por dicho distrito, durante el evento de encuentro con candidatos celebrado el miércoles en la Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. Diana Ramos / El Foco de Tucson. Jackson, exrepresentante sindical, comentó que votar ha sido una prioridad para ella desde que se mudó a Tucson en 2018, momento en el que acudió directamente a la oficina de vehículos (MVD) para registrarse. "Todavía no estoy muy involucrada en política; voto, sí, pero estoy aprendiendo," dijo Jackson. "Estar aquí hoy me ayuda a crecer un poco más en lo que respecta al panorama político de Arizona.” Jennifer Arenas-Cardenas, votante del LD20, valoró positivamente la oportunidad de hablar con todos los candidatos y conocer mejor sus propuestas y los motivos por los que decidieron postularse. Arenas-Cardenas se mostró sorprendida al saber que al menos dos candidatos tenían experiencia docente, un detalle con el que se sintió identificada dado que ella ha trabajado en el ámbito de la educación pública. Su mensaje para los votantes que no asistieron: "Se lo perdieron." Los organizadores del evento compartieron esta misma opinión. "Creemos que las comunidades sólidas se construyen cuando las personas tienen acceso a información fiable, oportunidades para participar y espacios donde cada voz cuenta," afirmó Flynn. "La democracia funciona mejor cuando la gente se involucra, participa y se mantiene informada." 💡 Las elecciones primarias del LD20 se celebrarán el 21 de julio. La votación anticipada comienza el 24 de junio y la fecha límite para enviar la boleta por correo es el 14 de julio. Los votantes del Condado de Pima pueden registrarse, verificar su registro o solicitar una boleta por correo en recorder.pima.gov. Quentin Agnello es egresado de la Universidad de Arizona y periodista independiente en Tucson. Puede contactarlo en qsagnello@gmail.com. Diana Ramos es egresada de la Universidad de Arizona y reportera del Foco de Tucson. Puede contactarla en diana@tucsonspotlight.org. Esta nota fue traducida por Diana Ramos, exalumna de la Universidad de Arizona, Directora de Iniciativas Bilingües y reportera del Foco de Tucson. Contáctala en diana@tucsonspotlight.org.    El Foco de Tucson es una sala de prensa comunitaria que ofrece oportunidades remuneradas a estudiantes y periodistas emergentes del sur de Arizona. Por favor, considera apoyar nuestro trabajo con una donación deducible de impuestos. Donar a El Foco Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331be2197238567832a579 ‘Be ready to be deported’: GOP AG hopeful Petersen pledges to help deport Arizona Dreamers te 2026-06-17T22:12:50.437Z ‘Be ready to be deported’: GOP AG hopeful Petersen pledges to help deport Arizona Dreamers Warren Petersen in May 2025. (Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0) Republican Warren Petersen vowed to help the Trump administration deport the more than 18,000 Arizonans who were brought to America as children and have federal protection if voters in November make him Arizona’s next attorney general.  In a terse exchange on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, Petersen and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes traded jabs over the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.  “Here is some free legal advice to our sitting AG. DACA is found nowhere in the Constitution,” Petersen wrote, responding to video footage Mayes shared on social media in which she pledged to continue defending the rights of DACA recipients in court. The Obama-era policy gives nearly 500,000 people who were brought to the country as minors a reprieve from deportation for two years at a time and allows them to apply for a work permit. According to a June report from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 18,450 DACA recipients call Arizona home.  Petersen called DACA recipients “illegals” and said he would work with the federal government to deport anyone in the country without authorization, including people who arrived as children.  “I will keep our border secure and will work with the federal government to deport everyone who enters this country illegally,” he wrote. “We welcome everyone who comes here legally and abides by the law. But be ready to be deported or prosecuted if you don’t.” DACA recipients, commonly referred to as Dreamers, have temporary legal status under the program. Mayes fired back in her own post on X, saying that Petersen’s stance shows that he isn’t qualified to be attorney general. “News flash Warren: DACA recipients are police officers, firefighters, nurses and small business owners in Arizona. And you just announced to the world that you think they are criminals and should be deported. Disqualifying,” Mayes wrote. Petersen, who has long claimed to support legal immigrants, pointed out that the 2012 program isn’t enshrined in the U.S. Constitution as proof that it isn’t valid. Only naturalization, under which people become citizens automatically at birth or through a process set by Congress, is addressed in the Constitution. All other forms of legal authorization for immigrants are determined by Congress or the federal government.  DACA was created through an executive action from former President Barack Obama as a way to provide protections amid decades of congressional gridlock on the issue.  If elected, Petersen would have the power to mobilize the state’s top prosecutorial office to attack the program. Mayes, who is seeking reelection, has joined litigation that advocates for the preservation of DACA. In February 2024, the Democrat and 22 other attorneys general filed an amicus brief with a federal appeals court urging it to keep the program in place. And in January 2025, Mayes moved to intervene in a case that sought to bar DACA recipients from purchasing health insurance through the Affordable Care Marketplace.  Also at stake would be legal stances on other actions taken by the Trump administration. The first lawsuit against Trump that Mayes joined was an effort to oppose the U.S. Justice Department’s bid to strip the children of immigrants of birthright citizenship.  Petersen didn’t respond to a question about whether he agrees with the Trump administration’s interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which has guaranteed citizenship for anyone born on U.S. soil regardless of their parent’s citizenship for more than a century and a half.  Rodney Glassman, who is facing off against Petersen in the Republican primary, didn’t respond to a request for comment on what his stance is on the DACA program and whether he, too, would support federal efforts to deport recipients.  Despite long enjoying bipartisan support, DACA has in recent years faced increasing opposition from the Republican Party, which has staked out an uncompromising anti-immigrant stance and made mass deportations a key pillar in its agenda.  But public opinion of the program, and of Dreamers, remains positive. A 2023 survey found that, even amid litigation launched by Republican-led states aimed at terminating the program, a majority of voters across the political spectrum would prefer to keep DACA in place. A 2025 Gallup poll found that the percentage of Americans who support offering a pathway to citizenship to immigrants who meet certain requirements and have lived in the country over a set period of time has increased from 70% in 2024 to 78% in 2025. And support is even higher for Dreamers: a whopping 85% of Americans believe immigrants brought to the country as children should be given a chance to apply for citizenship.  Public support for people who arrived in the U.S. as children is apparent even in Arizona, where voters agreed to give undocumented students the same ability as their peers to pay in-state tuition. In 2022, 51% of voters agreed that forcing undocumented students to pay nearly twice as much in tuition was unfair and cast their ballots in favor of Proposition 308. The campaign behind the ballot measure announced afterwards that it earned support from across the political divide, including from 54% of independents and 27% of voters who identified as Republican. Democrats lambasted Petersen for attacking DACA recipients. Charlene Fernandez, the chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, accused Petersen of fearmongering and warned that his words would ripple through the state’s Latino and immigrant communities.  “Warren Petersen is promising a new era of fear, targeting young people who have spent their lives in our communities,” she said in a written statement. “He’s talking about using government power against people who grew up here, went to school here, and call Arizona home. That’s not leadership — it’s fearmongering.” DACA recipients are already facing detainment and deportation, despite the legal shield promised to them by the program, which has strict eligibility requirements and a rolling two-year renewal process. Within the first nine months of Trump’s second term, 270 DACA recipients were arrested by immigration officials and as many as 174 were eventually deported. Critics fear that a failure to reelect Mayes could lead to a worse outlook for Dreamers living in Arizona.  Delaney Corcoran, Mayes’ campaign manager, likened Petersen to former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who infamously oversaw an era of racially motivated policing, and said that Mayes would protect constitutional rights. Petersen was recently endorsed by Arpaio. “When Petersen tells Dreamers to prepare for prosecution and deportation, he’s telling Arizonans to prepare for a term of terrorization and family separation,” Corcoran said. “He’s basically promising to be an AG in the style of Arpaio. This is a serious threat to tens of thousands of Arizonans and their loved ones.” YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331bcc197238567832a55d 'Trump should renege': Iran deal faces backlash from conservative allies te 2026-06-17T22:12:28.427Z 'Trump should renege': Iran deal faces backlash from conservative allies President Donald Trump's proposed Iran agreement is drawing sharp criticism from some of his strongest supporters, who argue the deal rewards Tehran before it has agreed to fully dismantle its nuclear program. The 14-point framework agreement, unveiled on Wednesday, establishes an immediate ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with key provisions including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the removal of the U.S. naval blockade, temporary waivers allowing Iranian oil exports, access to frozen Iranian assets and a commitment to negotiate a final agreement within 60 days. The framework also outlines a proposed economic reconstruction package reportedly worth at least $300 billion and includes Iran's renewed pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons. However, critics note that the agreement does not require the immediate dismantlement of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, the removal of enriched uranium stockpiles, restrictions on Tehran's ballistic missile program or the disbandment of Iranian-backed proxy groups such as Hezbollah. Despite the administration portraying the agreement as a breakthrough, critics have argued that the concessions offered to Iran far outweigh the commitments secured in return. IRAN’S REGIME SPINS NUCLEAR AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEAL WITH TRUMP AS VICTORY OVER US, ISRAEL "The deal is absolutely terrible, there's no getting around it," Will Chamberlain, senior counsel at the Article III Project and vice president of external affairs at the Edmund Burke Foundation, wrote on X. "The text gives Iranians huge, immediate financial benefits and protection for Hezbollah in exchange for opening the Strait - and nothing else. President Trump should renege." Conservative talk radio host Mark Levin praised President Trump's decision to use military force against Iran but sharply criticized the proposed MOU, arguing that it abandons U.S. leverage before Tehran has made meaningful concessions. "From day one, I have underscored that no deal will be honored by the Iranian regime," Levin wrote on X, adding, "Why would we agree to immediately drop the most important leverage we have over the regime in advance of it complying with MOU requirements?" AG Hamilton, the pseudonym of a licensed attorney and conservative commentator with a large following on X, sharply criticized the preliminary U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. "So they get to keep the nuclear program, the ballistic missile program, and funding for terror proxies. But they will pinky promise not to build a full nuke while getting billions of financial relief to fund all of that. Great deal. Should have had Kamala Harris negotiate it," AG wrote. Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security official who served during President Donald Trump's first term and is a known critic of the president, called the memorandum of understanding "pathetic." "I was involved in Iran issues in the first Trump administration," Taylor wrote on X. "The Trump 'deal' could be the most humiliating in U.S. diplomatic history. Hundred of billions in exchange for a 'promise' we already had." JD VANCE REVEALS DETAILS OF US-IRAN DEAL, ADDRESSES WHETHER TAXPAYER MONEY WILL GO TO TEHRAN Atlanta-based conservative talk radio host Erick Erickson called it "American surrender." The deal came as little surprise to many observers, as versions of the alleged memorandum had been circulating for days. "So the MOU is the same one that’s been out for days (as many of us have known the whole time, because we’ve been doing this for a while). And it’s as awful today as it was all week," conservative commentator David Reaboi wrote on X. Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also delivered a lengthy and highly critical response, mocking the administration's handling of the conflict and questioning the rationale behind a proposed reconstruction fund for Iran. Greene argued that American taxpayers would ultimately bear the financial burden while the Iranian regime remained in power. TRUMP UNLEASHES ON OBAMA'S 'DISASTER' IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL, SAYS HE WAS 'HONORED' TO RIP IT APART Trump's former vice president and 2024 rival Mike Pence said the ceasefire agreement was almost identical to the Obama and Biden administration's approach to the Iranians. "The reported MOU with Iran smacks of the kind of appeasement that we saw during the Obama years, the kind of appeasement that Joe Biden tried to accomplish and was ignored by the Iranians, and the kind of appeasement we categorically rejected during the first Trump administration," Pence wrote on X. And former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, another 2024 Republican candidate for president defeated by Trump, called the agreement a "huge mistake." TRUMP BROKERS IRAN CEASEFIRE AS EXPERTS SAY REGIME’S ARSENAL IS SHATTERED BUT THREAT REMAINS "Hitting Iran’s nuclear and missile sites was the right move. This regime chants death to America, murders our troops, and attempts to assassinate Americans on U.S. soil. They believe they have an obligation to destroy us," Haley wrote on X. "Now, we plan to unlock billions of dollars and lift sanctions, with the promise of even more money. They will use that money the way they always do— to further their nuclear ambitions and on terrorist proxies against us. It’s a huge mistake to pay to rebuild the threat we just destroyed." Others, however, welcomed the move away from further military escalation. Broadcaster Piers Morgan said he was pleased to see Trump seeking an exit from the conflict, even while criticizing the circumstances that led to it. "This Iran deal is about as far removed from ‘unconditional surrender’ as any deal in the history of Planet Earth," Morgan wrote on X. "I’m glad President Trump is getting out of this fiasco, but I bet if he had his time again, he’d have never got into it or believed Netanyahu’s bullsh*t." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331bb8197238567832a554 Scottish brewery sends in reinforcements as Tartan Army continues to drink bars dry in Boston te 2026-06-17T22:12:08.449Z Scottish brewery sends in reinforcements as Tartan Army continues to drink bars dry in Boston Fans from around the globe have descended on the United States for the FIFA World Cup, and few fanbases have made as much noise — literally and figuratively — as those supporting Scotland. Even before the tournament got underway, the Tartan Army was stealing headlines by drinking an entire aircraft dry, and that continued as they cheered on their team at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. In Boston, where the team took on Haiti for their World Cup opener, bars were running out of beer thanks to the kilt-wearing soccer fans. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE As you saw, one of the beers that was first to go was Tennent's Lager, the most popular beer in Scotland. Of course, we don't have as much of it stateside (though they've kind of got me wanting to track it down and try it), so the company is sending in reinforcements. "The demand for Tennent’s in the US has been unprecedented and our teams are working round the clock to make sure pubs are restocked as quickly as possible," Senior Brand Manager Hazel Alexander said in a press release. "We’ve been planning for this since December and made sure we had plenty of Tennent’s in the US before the big World Cup kick-off, so we’re confident that supplies will continue to meet the demand." FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE Previously, the beer had only been sold at one Boston-area pub, but that number is up to 76 for the World Cup. Scotland won its first match against Haiti 1-0 in Boston, which is the same city where they'll take on Morocco on Friday. After that, they'll head down to Miami to take on Brazil, and Tennent's says that they will be stocking establishments in South Florida. That win over Haiti, and the draw between Brazil and Morocco, has Scotland sitting atop a very tough Group C. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331ba4197238567832a54b Trump admin wants to stop Illinois city's reparations effort for 'simply handing out money based on race' te 2026-06-17T22:11:48.482Z Trump admin wants to stop Illinois city's reparations effort for 'simply handing out money based on race' In a filing submitted by the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, federal prosecutors sought on Tuesday to join an existing class-action lawsuit challenging the City of Evanston’s "Local Reparations Restorative Housing Program."  The DOJ contends that the Chicago suburb's initiative unlawfully distributes public benefits based strictly on race and ancestry. "There are sound ways for a city to remedy past discrimination or direct resources to its most vulnerable citizens and neighborhoods," Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated in the filing. "Simply handing out money based on race, however, is not the answer. It is race discrimination, pure and simple. And it is illegal." OAKLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT VOWED REPARATIONS FOR BLACK STUDENTS, YET OUTCOMES APPEAR STAGNANT AFTER 5 YEARS The DOJ’s proposed complaint alleges that the program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, as well as the Fair Housing Act, because the housing-related financial assistance is distributed on the basis of race. Approved by the city in 2019 and launched in 2021, the first-of-its-kind program provides eligible Black residents or their direct descendants with $25,000 grants. The funds can be used for home purchases, mortgage assistance, property repairs, or received as direct cash payments. To qualify, applicants must be Black and have lived in Evanston as adults between 1919 and 1969—a period documented by the city as marked by systemic housing discrimination and redlining—or be a direct descendant of a resident from that era. The initiative has become a flashpoint in a broader national debate over racial reparative justice. While proponents view the program as a necessary blueprint for addressing generational economic gaps, the federal government argued in its Tuesday filing that the program is not "narrowly tailored" because it utilizes race as the sole qualifying metric without requiring individuals to prove they personally suffered specific financial or physical harm from city policies. A NEW YORK UNIVERSITY FACES JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION OVER 'BLACK MALE INITIATIVE' The litigation began in May 2024 when Judicial Watch, a conservative legal group, filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of six non-Black descendants of Evanston residents, arguing they were unconstitutionally excluded from the program.  In March, U.S. District Judge John F. Kness denied the city's motion to dismiss the case, allowing the lawsuit to move forward. That same month, the DOJ opened its own civil rights investigation into the city's practices. To date, Evanston has distributed more than $7 million of an allotted $20 million fund, utilizing revenue generated from a local tax on legal recreational marijuana sales. Earlier this year, the city's Reparations Committee announced it had cleared another wave of funding, issuing $25,000 payments to an additional 44 residents. SAN FRANCISCO JUDGE NOT CONVINCED REPARATIONS FUND WILL BE DISCRIMINATORY DURING LAWSUIT HEARING Following the DOJ's intervention, the City of Evanston released a brief statement standing by the initiative but declining to expand on the specifics of the active trial. "The City of Evanston maintains its position on the legality of the Evanston Reparation Program," the city told Fox News Digital on Wednesday. "While we are cognizant of the filing made by the DOJ, the City does not provide comments regarding active litigation." The federal government's request to formally intervene is currently pending before the court. Other cities and states are looking to issue reparations in some form, including the State of Illinois.  Not far from Evanston, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson launched a community engagement effort called "Repair Chicago" to gather experiences of harm of Black Chicagoans as part of an effort to implement reparations. The DOJ didn't immediately responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331b90197238567832a542 Fox News Poll: Voters doubt new agreement will stop Iran from developing nukes te 2026-06-17T22:11:28.513Z Fox News Poll: Voters doubt new agreement will stop Iran from developing nukes Voters doubt a peace deal will keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons, according to the latest Fox News poll. Sixty-four percent say it’s unlikely a peace agreement with the U.S. will stop Iran from pursuing nukes, including more than half of Republicans (53%), independents (69%), and Democrats (73%). Today’s views match those in 2015, when the Obama administration made a deal with Iran, as 63% of voters at that time also said it was unlikely an agreement would stop Iran from building a nuclear program.  FOX NEWS POLL: 'RESILIENT DISCONTENT' DEFINES THE US MOOD AT 250TH ANNIVERSARY Most of the survey was completed before the Trump administration announced Monday the U.S. had signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran which included a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a 60-day ceasefire.  Meanwhile, 58% think the U.S. made the wrong decision in taking military action against Iran in February, while 41% believe it was the right call. More Democrats say it was the wrong decision (84%) than Republicans believe it was the right one (75%). Voters who think the U.S. made the right decision in taking military action are twice as likely as those who say it was wrong to think a peace deal will stop Iran (50% vs. 25%).  Seventy-six percent of voters think it is important to end Iran’s nuclear program, while a larger 87% says it’s important to avoid a long-term conflict. On both measures, importance is up 7 percentage points since earlier this year. Nearly 9 in 10 Democrats, Republicans, and independents say it is important to avoid a prolonged conflict. FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS SEE AI REGULATION AS URGENT, RANK SAFEGUARDS AHEAD OF INNOVATION Concern about tensions with Iran turning into a long-term U.S. military commitment is also widespread, with 70% saying they are extremely or very worried, including large numbers of Democrats (82%) and independents (74%), as well as more than half of Republicans (56%).  Sixty-four percent of voters disapprove of the job President Donald Trump is doing handling Iran, steady since March.  Republicans largely approve (70%), while most independents (78%) and an overwhelming majority of Democrats disapprove (92%). "We know from past data and research that voters’ attitudes on foreign policy matters are shaped by what their partisan elites tell them," says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts the Fox News Poll with Democratic counterpart Chris Anderson. "But we also know support for any engagement declines over time, as treasure and blood are expended.  There’s pressure on the president to finish in Iran before GOP solidarity breaks down." Beyond Iran, voters favor the United States continuing to provide financial aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, even as fewer believe the war matters to life in the U.S. Overall, 59% support the U.S. continuing to help Ukraine with funding, mostly unchanged for the past two years. And 67% think what happens in the Russia-Ukraine conflict makes a difference to things here at home, down from a high of 85% back in early 2022 when the war first started.  By a 13-point margin, more Democrats (75%) than Republicans (62%) think Ukraine matters to the U.S., and by a 22-point spread, more Democrats (72%) than Republicans (50%) favor U.S. continuing aid for the Ukrainian fight against Russia.  Voters overall are divided on who is currently winning the war: 48% say Ukraine and 48% Russia. More Democrats (56%) think Ukraine is winning, while more Republicans (53%) and independents (55%) say Russia. In the Middle East, a small majority continues to side more with the Israelis (54%) than the Palestinians (42%). The number supporting the Israelis remains largely unchanged since 2025, but down from a high of 68% in late 2023. Currently, 77% of Republicans side with the Israelis, while 62% of Democrats side with the Palestinians and independents split (48% Israelis, 45% Palestinians). Most voters continue to view developments in the Middle East as relevant to life in the U.S. Three quarters, 77%, say events in the region matter, down from 81% a year ago.  CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE The survey also finds voters have mixed views on the use of military force against suspected drug trafficking boats (52% favor, 48% oppose), while a majority opposes using the U.S. military to bring about regime change in Cuba (35% favor, 64% oppose). Conducted June 12-15, 2026, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,002 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (101) and cellphones (644) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (257). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the most recent American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis, and voter file data. Fox News’ Victoria Balara contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331b7c197238567832a539 Fox News Poll: Most rate the economy negatively, including half of Republicans te 2026-06-17T22:11:08.548Z Fox News Poll: Most rate the economy negatively, including half of Republicans It’s less than five months until the midterm elections and voters are not happy with what’s in their wallets. Only 12% say they are getting ahead financially, most think the economy is in bad shape, more than half think President Donald Trump’s policies benefit people who have money, and their outlook on the economy is negative.  That’s according to a new Fox News poll that finds the president’s numbers have declined since last year.  Some 59% of voters feel pessimistic about the economy, worse by 4 points compared to last June (55%). That’s a stark contrast from the bullish views during Trump’s first term, when 57% felt optimistic (June 2019).  FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS SEE AI REGULATION AS URGENT, RANK SAFEGUARDS AHEAD OF INNOVATION Forty-four percent say they’re falling behind financially. That’s more than felt that way last year by 8 points (36% falling behind) and by 3 points compared to June 2024 (41%). One in four, 26%, rates the economy positively, better by 3 points since last month and generally in line with views this year — but still below last June’s 31% positive marks. Around three-quarters consistently rate the economy negatively (73%). FOX NEWS POLL: 'RESILIENT DISCONTENT' DEFINES THE US MOOD AT 250TH ANNIVERSARY Big picture, 37% are satisfied with the direction of the country. That’s mostly unchanged since March, but down from 44% last July. Even with the 7-point decline since last summer, satisfaction is higher today than what it was for most of former President Joe Biden’s term. Those satisfaction ratings closely match Trump's job performance, as his approval stands at 39%. That’s unchanged since last month, but down 7 points compared to 46% approval last June. His lowest approval for either term is 38% in October 2017.  Twenty percent think Trump’s economic policies benefit everyone, while a 54% majority says they help people with more money than they have, and 15% say they help "no one." The share saying the president’s policies help everyone is down from 31% in 2019 (Trump), 27% in 2023 (Biden), and 23% in 2015 (Obama). Opinions on the economy are largely based on party identification. Among Republicans, the biggest share says Trump’s policies help everyone (42%), half say they’re holding steady financially (49%), half rate economic conditions positively (50%), and two-thirds feel optimistic (66%).  It’s the opposite among Democrats: 81% feel pessimistic about the economy, 91% rate it negatively, more than half say they’re falling behind (55%), and 71% think the president’s policies help people with more money. Approval of the president is near record lows among some of his key constituencies, sitting a single point above his all-time floor among men (43%), White voters (44%), White evangelical Christians (61%), and Republicans (81%). His support among White men without a college degree stands at 50%, only 2 points ahead of his low-water mark. The 23% approving of Trump’s handling of gas prices marks a rare moment of consensus — voters across the board are unhappy with the president — as majorities of Democrats (95%), independents (88%), and Republicans (53%) disapprove. On the economy overall, 31% approve of the job Trump is doing, up from a record low 29% in May. A year ago, 40% approved. While a majority of Republicans approve, most Democrats and independents disapprove. On immigration, 43% approve, the lowest of Trump’s second term, but still his best issue.  These ratings are driven, at least in part, by 51% thinking his immigration enforcement has gone too far.  In addition, views on the immigration role of local governments have flipped. Currently, 53% say local governments should control immigration enforcement in their communities, while 46% believe cooperation with ICE should be required. Last year, it was the reverse: 51% favored requiring ICE cooperation and 45% preferred local control. Trust in the federal government stands at a low of 25%. That’s down from 32% in both 2025 and 2024. The previous low was 31% in 2023. Trust stood at a high of 54% in 2002, but hasn’t hit 40% since 2012.  During the last year of the Biden administration, 44% of Democrats distrusted the government (2024), and that increased to 73% in 2025 and 83% this year.  Among Republicans, more than 6 in 10 (63%) don’t trust the government, up 15 points compared to last summer (48%), but down from 85% two years ago. Currently, 57% of MAGA Republicans and 73% of non-MAGA Republicans lack faith in Uncle Sam.  Distrust has held fairly steady among independents recently: 80% today vs. 80% in 2025 and 72% in 2024.  Six in 10 voters believe the government spends too little time combating fraud in federal programs, and another 66% say recent efforts have been ineffective.  While Democrats (55%) and Republicans (63%) agree the government isn’t doing enough to stop fraud, they disagree on recent performance: a majority of Republicans (56%) say efforts to prevent fraud have been effective, while most Democrats say the reverse (83% ineffective). Views among independents are the most critical, as they think the government isn’t doing enough (67%) and what it has done has been ineffective (78%). Conducted June 12-15, 2026, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,002 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (101) and cellphones (644) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (257). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the most recent American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis, and voter file data. Fox News’ Victoria Balara contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331b68197238567832a530 TNA Wrestling hit with wave of departures te 2026-06-17T22:10:48.577Z TNA Wrestling hit with wave of departures Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) had a few more shakeups to its talent and personnel roster on Wednesday. Anthem Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of TNA, announced that it had parted ways with pro wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer and former TNA world champion Tessa Blanchard in a press release. Fox News Digital confirmed Blanchard’s departure on Tuesday. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "TNA Wrestling today announced a workforce reduction, designed to streamline operations and sharpen strategic focus and profitability," the organization said. "TNA’s creative leadership team will see an immediate shift. Tommy Dreamer, who has worked in TNA’s Creative and Talent Relations Departments, is leaving the company as TNA and Dreamer mutually agreed to part ways. "TNA Wrestling also has come to terms on the release of Tessa Blanchard. "We wish Tessa, Tommy and others the best in their future endeavors." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Dreamer announced his departure in an emotional interview on Busted Open Radio earlier Wednesday. Additionally, pro wrestler Sami Callihan announced he had parted ways with the company. "Thought I was getting called today to be offered a position in creative… nope. I’ve parted ways with TNA.  Oh well… onward to the next adventure," he wrote on X while encouraging fans to watch Pro Wrestling Revolver. Dreamer, Blanchard and Callihan’s departures are the latest to hit the company. TNA announced Steve Maclin and Myla Grace departed the promotion earlier this month. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331b4f197238567832a4fc The Race to Save Survivors After a Texas Plane Crash te 2026-06-17T22:10:23.783Z The Race to Save Survivors After a Texas Plane Crash One woman’s video captured rescuers rushing to the small jet, which crashed on a Laredo highway. Five people escaped the wreckage, and one died. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331915197238567832a4a6 'Off Campus' star Ella Bright sets the record straight on why she sounds British despite being fully American te 2026-06-17T22:00:53.917Z 'Off Campus' star Ella Bright sets the record straight on why she sounds British despite being fully American "Off Campus" star Ella Bright is setting the record straight about her roots. During a candid interview, the rising actress candidly revealed that despite her unmistakable British accent, she's actually "fully American." Host Amanda Hirsch noted that Bright was born in New York and asked about her time living in the United States. "Yeah, I was born in New York and then we kind of moved back and forth from New York to London until I was like six, I think," Bright said on the "Not Skinny But Not Fat" podcast. "And then I've been in London my whole — I don't really remember it." 'STRANGER THINGS' STAR MILLIE BOBBY BROWN SHARES REAL NAME AS SHE ADMITS CHANGING IT FOR 'S---S AND GIGGLES' The actress revealed that she once had an American accent as a child, but it faded after spending most of her life in the United Kingdom. When Hirsch pointed out that Bright's parents are not British, the actress responded, "No, I'm fully American. The only British people in my family are my sisters and I." Bright explained that her father is from Oklahoma and her mother is from California. 'STRANGER THINGS' STAR MILLIE BOBBY BROWN CHOOSES GEORGIA FARM LIFE OVER HOLLYWOOD AFTER SHOW'S FILMING "My entire family still live in Oklahoma," she said. According to Bright, her family's move overseas was connected to her father's job, but her relatives have embraced her British accent over the years. "They love the British accent. So, it's very funny," Bright said. "My cousin's always like, 'Speak, speak.'" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER The conversation also turned to Bright's performance in "Off Campus," where she successfully adopted an American accent for the role. Hirsch praised the actress' vocal transformation, saying she was convinced Bright was American while watching the series. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "Your American accent is so good in 'Off Campus.' And I'm so sensitive to that," Hirsch said. "Like I feel like one of my superpowers is… being like, 'That actress is British. Like I know it.' And then I'll look it up and be like, 'Knew it.'" The podcast host added that she would not have guessed Bright was British after hearing her performance. "Your American accent is so good. I would have never known," Hirsch said. Bright stars as Hannah Wells, the fan-favorite heroine at the center of "Off Campus," a steamy college drama based on Elle Kennedy's bestselling novels. Set in the high-stakes world of Briar University's elite hockey team, the series follows students as they navigate romance, heartbreak and the growing pains of early adulthood. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331901197238567832a49d 'Yeah, I saved a life': Michelle Obama casually reveals she rescued a choking friend at dinner te 2026-06-17T22:00:33.448Z 'Yeah, I saved a life': Michelle Obama casually reveals she rescued a choking friend at dinner Michelle Obama recently revealed that she casually saved a friend who was choking on food while they were out at dinner. The former first lady made the revelation during a conversation with her brother, Craig Robinson, and comedian Kevin Hart on her and Craig's podcast, "IMO," in an episode released on Wednesday. The trio were talking about health scares when Obama brought up the incident. "I gave one of my girlfriends the Heimlich maneuver at dinner," she said, to the amazement of Robinson. BOY, 8, SAVES CHOKING FRIEND WITH HEIMLICH MANEUVER: SEE THE VIDEO Obama explained that she was eating dinner with her friend, her daughter Malia Obama, and two of Malia's friends. "We're the same age and you know, you start having… swallowing problems," Obama said. "Things just stop. But she had chewed her food — she had told me before that she had this esophageal issue where things will get stuck, so I knew that about her." At one point during the dinner, the woman stood up and coughed, Obama said. NYPD OFFICERS SAVE CHOKING 2-YEAR-OLD BOY, BODYCAM VIDEO SHOWS "I think she coughed up something, and it got stuck in her throat," she recalled. "She was straining, and I said, 'Are you OK?'" to which the woman shook her head. Obama then positioned herself behind her friend and began performing the Heimlich maneuver. "I had never done the Heimlich before, and it dislodged it. It just popped up right away," she said. MICHELLE OBAMA URGES PARENTS NOT TO TRY TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEIR CHILDREN Once everything was fine, Obama turned her attention to her daughter and the two friends, who had "pushed away from the table" when the incident began. "I looked at the kids and I was like, ‘What were you all doing?’" she asked them. "They were like, ‘You're right,’" Obama said. "'We were useless.' They realized that that was a mother moment." Hart quipped that the tale wasn't just a "casual story." "That's one you've got to pull out at some dinners. That's actually a story," he said. "Yeah, I saved a life," Obama responded. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3316bb197238567832a415 New Mexico seeks massive penalty from Meta after jury found tech giant liable for endangering children te 2026-06-17T21:50:51.896Z New Mexico seeks massive penalty from Meta after jury found tech giant liable for endangering children The New Mexico Department of Justice is seeking nearly $1 billion from Facebook parent Meta after a New Mexico jury last month found the tech giant liable for endangering children and misleading the public about the safety of its platforms. Following last month's verdict, Meta was ordered to pay the maximum civil penalty allowed by law — $5,000 per violation — for breaching the state's Unfair Practices Act, totaling $375 million. A recent filing asked the court to force Meta to pay $953 million into a fund that would support public education and behavioral health work, according to a report from SourceNM. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez previously argued executives chose to "put profits over kids’ safety," disregarded warnings from their own employees, and lied to the public about what they knew. Torrez alleged Meta's specific design choices enabled pedophiles and predators to sexually exploit children on its platforms. He added the company intentionally designed its apps to addict young users, exposing them to dangerous content promoting self-harm and eating disorders. The state's requested abatement amount was dropped more than 90% from its initial demands. A Meta spokesperson told Fox News Digital that throughout the trial, the New Mexico Attorney General "continued his misguided strategy of proposing mandates that would risk leaving teens less safe, infringe on parental rights and stifle free expression."  "Even the judge noted those mandates could be an "overreach," the spokesperson said. "The State’s case ignores the hundreds of apps teens use daily and fails to provide scientific or legal justification for their demands of Meta. We remain committed to providing safe, age-appropriate experiences and have already launched many of the protections the state seeks, including 13 safety measures this past year." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3316a1197238567832a3e0 Federal Prisons Must Provide Hormones Sought by Trans Inmates te 2026-06-17T21:50:25.415Z Federal Prisons Must Provide Hormones Sought by Trans Inmates The government had argued that a “pendulum swing” in the medical consensus justified treating trans inmates with psychotherapy and antidepressants instead. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331475197238567832a37e Caitlin Clark unveils Nike Caitlin 1 as her first signature shoe with an October release date te 2026-06-17T21:41:09.128Z Caitlin Clark unveils Nike Caitlin 1 as her first signature shoe with an October release date Caitlin Clark finally has her own signature shoe. The Indiana Fever star announced the Nike Caitlin 1 on Wednesday afternoon, ending months of anticipation after Nike revealed her signature logo last year. Clark’s first signature model is expected to release Oct. 1, according to multiple reports. ESPN reported the shoe will cost $140 in North America and $135 in the rest of the world. "This is like your debut album, you want it to be killer," Clark told ESPN. MARY CAIN'S BOOK AND NIKE'S TRANS-ATHLETE STUDY REVEAL THE SAME PATTERN OF CORPORATE HYPOCRISY The first look shows a royal blue basketball shoe with Clark’s interlocking "CC" logo on the tongue and outsole, a textured upper and a layered Nike Swoosh on the side. ESPN reported that the stacked Swooshes were designed to mimic Clark’s initials, while the outside of the foot includes nodes made of "C’s" and the inside features "2’s" as a nod to her No. 22 jersey. There are also messages underfoot, including "Shoot More Threes," "From Anywhere" and "It was never a long shot." "There's a lot of different Easter eggs all over the shoes that people can search through the shoe and kind of find," Clark told ESPN. "The shoe looks one way when you're watching me on the court, but when you physically hold it in your hand and see it up close, there's a lot of little discoverables for the consumer, which I think is really fun too." Clark teased the announcement throughout the week. She hinted that her long run of wearing Kobe Bryant sneakers was coming to an end, changed her Instagram profile to show part of the upcoming shoe and wore an all-blue outfit before Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Tempo with a bracelet that read "10-01-26." The Caitlin 1 also uses Nike’s new "Opticast" technology, which the company said is designed to reduce drag and improve on-court movement, according to ESPN. Nike said the shoe was built around Clark’s speed, range and unpredictability. RESEARCHER SAYS NIKE PULLED PLUG ON TRANS YOUTH ATHLETE STUDY AFTER 'HATERS GOT WIND OF IT' Clark told ESPN she wanted the shoe to work both on and off the court. "I wanted this to be something that looked different than something that's on the shelves," Clark said, "but I also wanted it to be something that people are comfortable wearing." Nike is also launching an 18-piece Clark apparel line that includes jackets, T-shirts and graphic hoodies, according to ESPN. EEOC INVESTIGATING NIKE FOR ALLEGED ANTI-WHITE BIAS AGAINST EMPLOYEES, JOB APPLICANTS Clark becomes the fifth active WNBA player with a signature shoe from a major brand, joining Angel Reese with Reebok, Breanna Stewart with Puma, Sabrina Ionescu with Nike and A’ja Wilson with Nike. It’s another major business marker for Clark, whose arrival in the WNBA has driven ratings, attendance and attention around the league. Now, she has the signature shoe to match. Clark said Tuesday that she "probably was never a kid that grew up thinking that this was going to be in the cards" for her. It is now. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33145c197238567832a349 ‘The Whole World Saw That’: Congo Fans Rejoice in Draw With Portugal te 2026-06-17T21:40:44.211Z ‘The Whole World Saw That’: Congo Fans Rejoice in Draw With Portugal “If you’re coming to face Congo,” one fan said after his team stunned Portugal, a global soccer powerhouse, “just get ready to run and to fight, because we’re going to give it to you.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a331446197238567832a32d Chi-Hua Chien saw Facebook coming; now he says the real AI winners won’t be selling AI te 2026-06-17T21:40:22.203Z Chi-Hua Chien saw Facebook coming; now he says the real AI winners won’t be selling AI Chi-Hua Chien has spent more than two decades as a venture capitalist, but he thinks like a cultural anthropologist. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330fd7197238567832a25b The best practical picnic items for your Fourth of July celebration te 2026-06-17T21:21:27.276Z The best practical picnic items for your Fourth of July celebration Heading out for a picnic before the America 250 fireworks show? Prepare now with essentials that can help make the day more comfortable. From patriotic picnic blankets to Coleman coolers and bug zappers, these finds help create the perfect picnic setup for your celebration. READ MORE: We found 10 patriotic deals in Amazon's America 250 shop — all under $50 Grilling tool set: $39.99 (33% off) Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50: $13.86 (27% off) Coleman vintage cooler: $149.99 (25% off) Beach tent: $39.99 (20% off) OFF! CleanFeel bug spray: $11.99 (17% off) Golf cornhole game set: $99.95 (17% off) Extra-large picnic and beach blanket: $24.98 (14% off) This Coleman chair hits all the marks — it's easy to carry, folds up in seconds and is affordable. Best of all, it has a four-can cooler on the side that gives you ready access to your drinks. Unwind while enjoying the Fourth of July festivities in this GCI Outdoor rocker. The easy-fold technology lets you pack up quickly, and a built-in cupholder securely holds your favorite drinks. This folding picnic blanket features a bold red, white and blue pattern and is large enough for the whole family during America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The waterproof design makes cleanup a breeze. Just shake it off before folding it into the compact carrying case. READ MORE: Patriotic decor for America's 250th: Wall art, doormats, plates and more If you plan to enjoy the Fourth of July outside, a Yeti Roadie keeps food and drinks ice-cold while saving you trunk space. The taller build and thick strap help you carry the cooler long distances. Original price: $214.99 Find the shade you need to enjoy your picnic with Coleman's instant pop-up canopy tent. A simple press of a button expands the legs in seconds. Once up, the canopy offers UPF 50+ protection and 100 square feet of covered space. Original price: $109.99 A Coleman rolling cooler fits enough ice, food and drinks for the whole family. The pull-friendly handle gives you a secure hold, while the back wheels roll smoothly over rocks, sand and gravel. The when the lid is shut, the cooler doubles as an extra seat and can hold up to 250 pounds. READ MORE: Shopping for America 250? Here's what's actually made in the USA — and what's imported Original price: $49.95 JBL's Go 4 speaker packs a bold sound into a small package. It's lightweight enough to clip to your backpack, yet still delivers powerful bass for an immersive listening experience. The waterproof build lets you continue your session even when it rains. The last thing you want to deal with at your Fourth of July picnic is bugs. Bring along this outdoor bug zapper from Amazon. It clears pests within a half-acre area, and a slide-out tray allows for a quick, mess-free cleanup. Original price: $424.99 At 41% off, Coleman's RoadTrip grill is one of the steepest markdowns on this list and includes a lightweight, foldable build and two all-terrain wheels. With up to 20,000 BTUs of cooking power, you can cook burgers, chicken and hot dogs for everyone at the picnic. READ MORE: From grills to boots: American-made products worth every penny Original price: $27.99 This 24-piece flatware set has enough bowls, plates and drink cups for six people. At $24, it's a bargain compared to tableware that needs frequent replacing. Throw them in the dishwasher for a quick cleanup when you get home. Original price: $19.99 Use this digital thermometer to ensure everyone gets their burger cooked to their preferred temperature. The one-second read helps you take food off the grill at exactly the right time, and with its waterproof design, you won't have to worry about damage. A Stanley Quencher keeps you hydrated in the hot summer heat. The leakproof lid has a flip straw, so you can sip without spilling. A double-wall stainless steel design holds ice longer than the average plastic bottle. Create more than 5 feet of shade with this portable beach umbrella. The red, white and blue pattern is on sale for less than $30, but it also comes in solid colors for $52. It provides UPF 50+ protection and breaks down into two pieces for easier handling. For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals Every picnic needs a basket, and this one comes fully loaded with plates, silverware, cups and even salt and pepper shakers. The handwoven, stain-resistant construction and colorful lining give you a unique storage solution. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330fbe197238567832a226 Colbert’s Use of ‘Peanuts’ Jingle on His Finale Will Cost CBS te 2026-06-17T21:21:02.028Z Colbert’s Use of ‘Peanuts’ Jingle on His Finale Will Cost CBS The network agreed to pay a licensing fee for an undisclosed amount to Lee Mendelson Film Productions, which is donating the money to charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330fa9197238567832a217 Arizonans can get help paying electric bills this summer te 2026-06-17T21:20:41.530Z Arizonans can get help paying electric bills this summer Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330d6d197238567832a198 Cure for certain cancers is ‘realistic’ goal in next decade, pharma lead says te 2026-06-17T21:11:09.516Z Cure for certain cancers is ‘realistic’ goal in next decade, pharma lead says A cure for cancer could be on the horizon in the next decade, according to experts. During the WSJ Leadership Institute CEO Summit in London last week, Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Joaquin Duato reflected on the pharmaceutical company’s projections on the future of cancer treatment. In the next 10 years, the goal is to "try to eliminate cancer," Duato shared. NEW CANCER VACCINE DELIVERS STUNNING RESULT AGAINST ONE OF THE DEADLIEST SKIN CANCERS "That’s a high goal, and we are already making significant progress in certain cancers," he said. Duato used multiple myeloma as an example, noting that the life expectancy is currently 10 years, when it was previously "only single years." "We have treatments now that utilize your own immune system to attack the cancer," he said at the summit. "For patients who were already going into hospice, so they didn’t have any other alternative, they are [at] more than five years, with a single administration, in remission. That [is] spectacular." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "When patients see that, they cannot believe that because they have been coming to the hospital every week [for] a decade, having multiple therapies." According to Duato, Johnson & Johnson is working to understand the biology of cancer growth and to formulate new technologies to address it. "It’s realistic to believe that we are going to cure certain cancers, and some others we’re going to turn into chronic diseases," he predicted. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES "Cancer is an important thing – I cannot think about anybody who has not been touched by cancer," he went on. "But there are many other opportunities for us to actually advance science, to address very important social problems." Duato called out dementia as another "important problem" in need of a solution. He predicted that life expectancy, which has risen steadily over the past century, will continue to increase as longevity technologies and solutions advance, improving quality of life along the way. Duato commented that J&J has been optimistic about the role artificial intelligence will play in the future of healthcare, calling it a "force multiplier." Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel agreed with Duato's outlook on the future of cancer care, noting that certain cancers will turn into chronic diseases while others will find outright cures. "Advances [will be] based on the use of AI to help guide targeted treatments with expanding knowledge of cancer mutations and how to target them," he predicted, speaking to Fox News Digital. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Siegel added that biomarkers and AI can help with earlier diagnoses, as well as a more advanced and personalized approach to surgery. J&J recently acquired Firefly Bio, a biotech firm that produces drugs that enter cancer cells to "target certain proteins that contain difficult to treat gene mutations," the doctor added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330d59197238567832a18f Alex Murdaugh's lawyer vows to dismantle infamous kennel video as defense weighs another turn on the stand te 2026-06-17T21:10:49.550Z Alex Murdaugh's lawyer vows to dismantle infamous kennel video as defense weighs another turn on the stand The attorney who helped win Alex Murdaugh a new trial says the defense is ready to take on the piece of evidence that helped sink him the first time around. In a new interview on "Crime & Justice with Donna Rotunno," veteran defense lawyer Dick Harpootlian revealed his team has a strategy for dealing with the infamous kennel video that prosecutors used to place Murdaugh near the scene of the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. The cellphone video, recorded by Paul Murdaugh shortly before he and his mother were killed in June 2021, became one of the most damaging pieces of evidence presented during Murdaugh's 2023 murder trial. Prosecutors argued the recording destroyed Murdaugh's original alibi and placed him at the family's Colleton County kennels minutes before the killings. Now, as Murdaugh prepares for a new trial, Harpootlian says the defense has a plan. ALEX MURDAUGH DEFENSE TEASES NEW TRIAL STRATEGY WITH JURY FIGHT, TESTIMONY LOOMING "We absolutely do, we absolutely do," Harpootlian told Rotunno when asked whether his team has a strategy to address the video. "Yes, and we understand that's an issue and it's got to be dealt with." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST While Harpootlian declined to reveal specifics, the comments offer the clearest indication yet that Murdaugh's legal team intends to challenge one of the prosecution's most powerful exhibits when the case returns to court. 🚨 Know something we should investigate? 📩 Email: stepheny.price@fox.com 📸 Instagram: @fndstephprice 🎥 X: @StephenyPrice Your tip could lead to our next story. Another major question hanging over any retrial is whether Murdaugh would once again take the witness stand after testifying during the original proceedings. Harpootlian said that decision remains far from settled. KEY NAMES TO KNOW AS MURDAUGH DOUBLE-MURDER CASE GETS STUNNING RESET "That's a game-day decision," he said. "Things work around during a trial. What you thought he might have to respond to never came up. On the flip side, all kinds of bad stuff came up he's got to answer." WATCH: Would Alex Murdaugh testify again? Lawyer calls it a 'game-day decision' The veteran attorney said the defense is intentionally avoiding discussions with Murdaugh about testifying until they have a clearer picture of how a second trial will unfold. ALEX MURDAUGH MURDER CASE GETS NEW JUDGE AS RETRIAL LOOMS FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT REVERSAL The retrial itself could look very different from the first proceedings. Harpootlian told Rotunno he expects the second trial to be significantly shorter, in part because the defense believes much of the evidence related to Murdaugh's financial crimes could be limited or excluded. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X He also said the defense plans to seek a change of venue, arguing that years of intense media coverage and the televised nature of the original trial have made it difficult to find jurors who have not already formed opinions about the case. NEW TEXT MESSAGES FUEL ALEX MURDAUGH'S PUSH FOR NEW TRIAL Harpootlian further criticized the state's investigation, describing what he called "blunder after blunder" in the handling of evidence. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER He said investigators failed to collect certain DNA and fingerprint evidence and made mistakes in preserving key items recovered from the crime scene. Those issues, he argued, underscore why prosecutors may face a more difficult task convincing a second jury beyond a reasonable doubt. WATCH: Alex Murdaugh attorney predicts jury will find him not guilty at retrial SEND US A TIP HERE Despite Murdaugh's conviction, Harpootlian argued that prosecutors still face significant hurdles if they present the case to a new jury. "There's no eyewitness, there is no confession, there's not forensics that tie him to the scene. It's all circumstantial," Harpootlian said. He argued that the burden remains on prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. ALEX MURDAUGH WINS NEW TRIAL AFTER COURT CLERK ALLEGEDLY TOLD JURORS NOT TO BE 'FOOLED' BY DEFENSE "We don't have to prove him innocent," Harpootlian said. "We have to show and argue that the state did not prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Harpootlian then offered a bold prediction about what could happen if the case is retried. "If you apply the correct legal standard, we believe Alex will be found not guilty." Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife and son and sentenced to life in prison. The South Carolina Supreme Court later granted him a new trial after determining that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly communicated with jurors during the original proceedings. The full interview is available on "Crime & Justice with Donna Rotunno" on YouTube and podcast platforms. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330d45197238567832a186 Whoopi Goldberg calls to 'change the regime' during Iran discussion on 'The View,' clarifies she meant Trump te 2026-06-17T21:10:29.593Z Whoopi Goldberg calls to 'change the regime' during Iran discussion on 'The View,' clarifies she meant Trump When "The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg called to "change the regime" during a Wednesday discussion on Iran, she and her initially confused co-hosts had to clarify that she was referring to the Trump administration and not Iranian leadership. "What's also interesting is it’s reported that [Secretary of State] Marco Rubio and [Secretary of War] Pete Hegseth have opposed this deal," co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin said during the segment in response to the U.S. potentially reaching a peace agreement with Iran following the three-month conflict. "So that to me shows that these are even people that are hardliners against the regime that don't think it's effective."  "What are [they] going to do about it though?" co-host Joy Behar asked. "They can't stop it. It's up to the president," Griffin replied. "So it’s useless," Behar said. "Well, you know, the only way to stop this is to change the regime," Goldberg said. "Right," Behar said. "That’s not happening." WHY TRUMP, IRAN SEEM LIGHT-YEARS APART ON ANY POSSIBLE DEAL TO END THE WAR "Well, but I believe it's going to happen because Americans, you know, we know we have to pay for stuff we don't like," Goldberg said. "People pay for stuff that they don't like." "Oh, ‘Change this administration,’" co-host Sunny Hostin said, clarifying that when Goldberg called to "change the regime," she was talking about the United States. "You mean this regime," Behar said in reference to the Trump administration, adding, "She's calling it a regime."  "Well, because that's what it is to me," Goldberg said. "That's what it is, you know, and the only way that that changes is if people decide that they've had enough, and they go in and start voting." "Yeah, that is assuming that they haven't rigged the election," Behar replied. EX-COUNTERTERRORISM CHIEF SAYS TRUMP MUST RESTRAIN ISRAEL BEFORE HE CAN DECLARE VICTORY IN IRAN The United States and the Iranian regime have crafted a new Memorandum of Understanding to re-open the Strait of Hormuz and address the Islamic regime’s nuclear program.  The diplomatic breakthrough is slated to be sealed at a signing ceremony on June 19 in Switzerland. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Fox News' Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330be2197238567832a114 Trump's Iran deal 'giving a lot more to get a lot less' than Obama's, senator says te 2026-06-17T21:04:34.434Z Trump's Iran deal 'giving a lot more to get a lot less' than Obama's, senator says President Donald Trump's preliminary agreement with Iran is making its way through the media, but it still hasn’t made its way into the hands of lawmakers on Capitol Hill.  Those who have read the reports are split on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that the administration intends to finalize in a ceremonial signing on Friday.  Some say it’s a worse outcome than former President Barack Obama's Iranian nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump ripped up in his first term.  TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT "Everything I've seen is, like, what's being reported by Bloomberg or the read-out on this thing is, we are giving a lot more to get a lot less than we got in the JCPOA," Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said.  "Now, I can't say that with an exclamation point on it until I actually see the memorandum, but every bit of reporting, thus far, says, we're giving a lot more to get a lot less than what we had before Donald Trump," he continued. The schism on the MOU doesn’t follow party lines, either.  TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL SPARKS GOP DEMANDS FOR VOTE AS CONGRESS REMAINS IN THE DARK "Reagan is rolling over in his grave," Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said on X. "Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future. Now, Iran gets to build brand-new infrastructure under this deal." Administration officials revealed the plan to reporters on Wednesday and detailed plans for immediate waivers on Iranian oil exports, a framework for at least $300 billion in reconstruction and economic development, and a 60-day negotiation period aimed at securing a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program. But the agreement, in its current form, falls short of dealing with the central issue that started the war in the first place: Iran's nuclear program.  REPUBLICANS BAT DOWN BID TO HANDCUFF TRUMP’S WAR POWERS AS PEACE DEAL NEARS Instead, it commits both sides to negotiate the fate of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and future enrichment activities as part of a final agreement.  Kaine, who pushed the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA) during the Obama administration that requires congressional review of any nuclear deal with Iran, said that from what he’s seen, the memorandum "probably touches enough on the nuclear program that it would have to be submitted to Congress." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who was previously skeptical of the burgeoning deal earlier in the week, now appears to support it. When asked about Cassidy’s take on the MOU, Graham said, "I like Bill, but I don't think he quite understands what's going on here."  "I don't think the MOU is a deal, it's a framework of how to get a deal," Graham said. "There are parts of it I don't like. The way I look at it, is if you can find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear ambitions, go for it. And the MOU puts it in place." When asked if he was OK with sanctions being lifted on Iranian oil exports, Graham said he was fine with the idea in the short-term and the money that would flow in, "Because if the deal doesn't work, all that stops."  "What I’m worried about is not taking an opportunity here to find a diplomatic solution," he said. "Because if you fail, then what is left is war." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330bce197238567832a10b Smiling suspect stands out as authorities release mugshots of 5 accused in alleged White House UFC attack plot te 2026-06-17T21:04:14.978Z Smiling suspect stands out as authorities release mugshots of 5 accused in alleged White House UFC attack plot Authorities have released all five mugshots of the suspects, including one who was all smiles, accused of plotting what prosecutors described as a "mass casualty event" targeting President Donald Trump and other high-profile officials during the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, making all five booking photos publicly available. The men were arrested this month as part of a multi-state operation after federal authorities uncovered what prosecutors allege was a coordinated attack plan involving explosive-laden drones, sniper teams and safe houses intended to support an assault during the event. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro told Fox News on Wednesday that her office is not handling any portion of the case despite the alleged plot targeting a White House event. "We do not have a piece of that case," Pirro said. 5 CHILLING DETAILS FROM THE ALLEGED WHITE HOUSE ATTACK PLOT TIED TO UFC EVENT Asked whether she expected the matter could eventually be brought to her office because the alleged target was in Washington, D.C., Pirro said prosecutors need activity within the district to establish jurisdiction. "You have to have some kind of actual activity to bring a case," Pirro said. Fox News Digital obtained all five booking photos. FROM TRAINED ASSASSINS TO RALLY STAGE-RUSHERS, HERE'S EVERY KNOWN ATTEMPT ON TRUMP'S LIFE SINCE 2016 Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Ohio, is accused of compiling a target list containing 46 individuals and spending roughly $3,000 in graduation money on weapons, ammunition and tactical gear. Prosecutors allege investigators recovered writings outlining extremist beliefs and planning materials related to the plot. Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of California, was among the five suspects charged in connection with the alleged scheme. Prosecutors say he participated in encrypted group communications used by members of the group as they discussed the operation. Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of California, allegedly participated in discussions about contingency plans if members of the group were arrested. According to charging documents, Thomas suggested helping co-conspirators escape custody if necessary. "We will try to break them out of jail if we need to," Thomas allegedly said, according to court documents. Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Missouri, allegedly offered his rural property as a safe house and discussed constructing a hidden bunker beneath a shed, according to prosecutors. Investigators also allege he participated in conversations about acquiring explosive materials. FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNT Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, who's seen smiling in his mugshot released by officials, was identified by prosecutors as the alleged ringleader of the group. According to charging documents, Alvarez used coded references in encrypted chats when discussing intended targets, including Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Elon Musk. The group allegedly planned to launch explosive-laden drones above the White House UFC event before targeting officials and security personnel as attendees evacuated the area. MISSOURI MAN SENTENCED IN ATTEMPTED WHITE HOUSE ATTACK WITH U-HAUL TRUCK Federal authorities allege the attack plan called for drones to detonate above the crowd, forcing attendees and designated "high-value targets" toward a southern evacuation point where sniper teams would be positioned. Investigators further allege members of the group discussed obtaining military ordnance after determining they lacked the expertise to manufacture explosives themselves. According to court filings, one proposal involved targeting the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons, Kansas. The criminal case remains pending. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330b89197238567832a0bf Bill Pulte, a Bulldog for Trump, Prepares to Take Reins at Spy Agency te 2026-06-17T21:03:05.768Z Bill Pulte, a Bulldog for Trump, Prepares to Take Reins at Spy Agency Democrats and some Republicans excoriated President Trump’s pick for a top national security job. The president pushed ahead anyway. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330b75197238567832a0b5 Wealthy donors & dark money are fueling ballot measure campaigns to limit trans rights te 2026-06-17T21:02:45.294Z Wealthy donors & dark money are fueling ballot measure campaigns to limit trans rights Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330b61197238567832a0ac Arizona’s anti-AEA ballot measure could ban police, firefighter union bargaining, critics warn te 2026-06-17T21:02:25.320Z Arizona’s anti-AEA ballot measure could ban police, firefighter union bargaining, critics warn Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330b4d197238567832a0a3 Backed by threat of clawbacks, feds wield tight grip on $50B rural health fund te 2026-06-17T21:02:05.363Z Backed by threat of clawbacks, feds wield tight grip on $50B rural health fund Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330b39197238567832a09a High inflation is forcing older women on fixed incomes to make hard choices te 2026-06-17T21:01:45.390Z High inflation is forcing older women on fixed incomes to make hard choices Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330b25197238567832a091 More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices te 2026-06-17T21:01:25.933Z More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330b12197238567832a088 Frustrated by inaction on ICE warehouse, activists move to dissolve Surprise altogether te 2026-06-17T21:01:06.472Z Frustrated by inaction on ICE warehouse, activists move to dissolve Surprise altogether Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a330afc197238567832a07f Tohono O’odham sue Trump admin over Arizona border wall construction te 2026-06-17T21:00:44.579Z Tohono O’odham sue Trump admin over Arizona border wall construction Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3308d2197238567832a027 Scottish soccer fans drink Boston bars dry, forcing 'emergency' beer deliveries te 2026-06-17T20:51:30.361Z Scottish soccer fans drink Boston bars dry, forcing 'emergency' beer deliveries Bars in the Boston area are running out of beer because Scottish soccer supporters are drinking them dry, according to reports. Boston was selected to host two of Scotland's FIFA World Cup matches this year. Members of the "Tartan Army" have turned up in the city in droves to support their team and partake in celebratory drinks while there to enjoy the games. "It's been a wild time in Boston as the Tartan Army has taken over," Boston Beer Co. manager of communications Devon Savage told Fox News Digital.  CUSTOMERS HIT WITH AUTOMATIC 20% GRATUITIES AS RESTAURANTS COMBAT TIPPING CONFUSION "As large groups of Scots swarmed Boston this week to experience the best of American culture while cheering on their soccer team, they found the Samuel Adams downtown Boston taproom. And they happily stayed for more than one pint!" Savage said the taproom ran out of Samuel Adams Boston Lager over the weekend because the Tartan Army drank them dry. "For perspective, from Thursday-Sunday, the Tartan Army drank four times as much Boston Lager as we run through on a typical four-day holiday stretch, like the Fourth of July," Savage said.  "We've had to schedule four 'emergency deliveries' to the taproom. We sold more than 4,000 pints of Boston Lager for almost 90 empty kegs." Savage said there are 20 beers on tap there, "including many you can only get at the taproom" — but the Scottish fans were basically only drinking Boston Lager. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S 1757 BEER RECIPE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AHEAD OF AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY "We're trying to make the taproom their home away from home while in Boston," Savage added. "We've been here for over 30 years, and we've never seen anything like it," Noelle Somers, chief operating officer of Hennessy's Bar, told the Boston Globe. Hennessy's tripled its St. Patrick's Day sales last weekend and ran out of beer, NBC reported. A refrigerator door at Federal Wine & Spirits broke from being opened too many times, per NBC. The store also had its Budweiser and Corona beer wiped out in one day. Last Saturday, Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 at Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxborough, Massachusetts, the country's first World Cup win since 1990. The Tartan Army duly took a victory lap with kilts and bagpipes. About 5,000 fans marched to Fenway Park, NBC Boston reported.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "You have a drinking kilt, for obvious reasons, because it might get some spillage on it," one Scottish fan told the outlet. "You have a dress kilt. So you always have two kilts." Scottish supporters got a head start on their way over to America, OutKick reported, and "some airlines weren't even prepared for the sheer volume of drinking that they were hell-bent on doing." "They drank all the beer on their plane, with some starting to booze as soon as they woke up at 1 in the morning." A Reddit thread on the topic was generally supportive of the big-drinking tourists. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Not surprised," wrote one commenter.  "Was [at The Tam] Friday during the day, and it was bumping. Left for Beantown Pub 'cause it was way too hot at the Tam. Beantown was out of Coors, Modelo and a couple others by that time. Was just funny sitting at the bar, and every 10–20 mins hearing the staff bring up [it] was officially out or close to being out." "Was at Beantown Pub Saturday, most taps were kicked, bottles weren't in fridges long enough to get cold, and this was during the day," wrote another Redditor. "Also, they apparently ran out of bottles the night before." Someone else wrote, "We feel pride for a variety of reasons, but nothing swells the heart like hearing your fellow Scots have drunk another city dry." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "Well that's just impressive, I ain't even mad," yet another person wrote. "To be honest, I'm planning a trip to Scotland because of how fun the Scots are," someone else said. Scotland is set to play Morocco on Friday in Boston and Brazil on June 24 in Florida. "With Scotland set to face Morocco in Foxborough on Friday, Boston bars may want to start treating beer deliveries like emergency preparedness drills," the Morning Brew suggested in an Instagram post. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3308bc197238567832a00f To end the war he started, Trump is poised to send $300 million to Iran and end sanctions te 2026-06-17T20:51:08.861Z To end the war he started, Trump is poised to send $300 million to Iran and end sanctions President Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit on June 17, 2026 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) WASHINGTON — The White House on Wednesday read to reporters a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran to stop the ongoing war and allow for further negotiations, but did not release the exact text. The 60-day MOU outlines the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and reconstruction funds for Iran, and the promise of negotiations on Iran ending its nuclear program. Senior administration officials say economic and sanctions relief will only occur if Iran is on “good behavior.” “If we think that they’re just dragging us along and kind of bull- – – -ting us, then we’ll be very quick to pull the plug on it and go back to tightening the screws on them very, very aggressively,” a senior administration official who did not want to be identified said on a Wednesday afternoon call with reporters. President Donald Trump told reporters in France he “might” stay in Europe for the ceremonial signing of the memo, but doubted it. “This is a memorandum of understanding. It’s very important, but it might not be the kind of a document that I should be signing,” Trump told reporters at his final press conference of the G7 summit, a meeting of the world’s wealthiest capitalist economies. Earlier Wednesday he told reporters at the G7, “If I don’t like it, we’ll go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs on their head.” Trump announced Monday he had reached a ceasefire agreement with Iranian officials to temporarily end the war, which has lasted longer than 100 days, but the administration had not released any part of the agreement until Wednesday. Members of the U.S. Senate complained they had not seen the details and some said they wanted to vote on a final agreement. Iran’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed in a social media post Monday that a deal had been reached. Iranians requested the United States not release the text until language was finalized, according to a second senior administration official who added “it was obviously unfortunate we weren’t able to put it out right away.”  “We were trying to accommodate their domestic messaging and their domestic politics. We’re trying to build trust with them, and that’s what they asked us to do, so we agreed to do it.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned on social media June 12 against speculation on the deal which “has never been closer” and said details would be shared with the public “in due course.” Nuclear weapons The 14-paragraph “Islamabad memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” which the second senior administration official read on the call, declares an “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” The White House declined to provide a written copy of the MOU to reporters. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not agreed publicly to withdraw forces from Lebanon, which emerged as a second front of the war that the U.S. launched in tandem with Israel in February. The U.S. and Iran have 60 days, “extendable with consent” to reach a final deal. According to the agreement, Iran “reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons.” The document charges the U.S. and Iran to agree on how to deal with Iran’s buried stockpile of enriched uranium, with the minimum arrangement being the “down blending” of the material on site under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.   “The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear needs based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final deal,” according to the MOU. In 2018, Trump pulled the U.S. out of a previous nuclear agreement brokered by former President Barack Obama’s administration. Obama appeared skeptical Saturday of Trump’s nuclear negotiations with Iran. “It is doubtful that any agreement that arises is going to be significantly different or a significant improvement from the deal that we had in the first place and had worked for, for a long stretch of time before we, the United States, pulled out of it,” he told ABC News’ Robin Roberts. Reopening Strait of Hormuz The agreement also commits the U.S. to “immediately” begin the removal of its naval blockade on Iranian ports, with a full and final stoppage to occur within 30 days. The U.S. will also have to remove military forces from the vicinity of Iran, meaning the American forces “will return our force posture in the region to that which existed before the conflict started,” according to the administration official. Roughly 40,000 troops were in the region prior to the war. That number increased to approximately 50,000 after Feb. 28. For its part, Iran must “make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa,” according to the agreement.  However, the MOU continues: “The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start in considering the need for removing the technical and military obstacles, and demining by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be instated within 30 days.” From there, Iranian officials agreed to negotiate a plan with the sultan of Oman and Persian Gulf states on “future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz.” The war’s de facto closing of the strait has rocked economies across the globe, as 20% of the world’s petroleum exports passed uninterrupted through the narrow waterway prior to the conflict. Oil prices reached $120 per barrel during the height of the conflict but have fallen to roughly $79 this week. Article 38 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea declares passage through straits a right that should not be impeded, though neither the U.S. nor Iran are party to the international agreement. $300B in reconstruction funds In perhaps one of the most “controversial” parts of the MOU, according to the senior official, Iran could see up to $300 billion in reconstruction funds. The White House official was quick to downplay the prospect of Iran reaping billions of U.S. dollars. “Note that it doesn’t require us to do anything to, one, to ever pay a cent of money to the Iranians, (and) to ever contribute money to this reconstruction fund,” the official said. “What it says is that if we get to a final deal, and if the Iranians behave, we will permit the sanctions relief that would allow, for example, the Emiratis to build a power plant in Iran. That’s all it says. If they do what they have to do, we will permit the investment and the reconstruction of their country,” the official said. Additionally, upon the signing of the MOU, the U.S. Department of Treasury will immediately issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil and other petroleum products, as well as associated activities, including bank transactions and insurance, according to the document. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3306b81972385678329f7b Hillary Clinton breaks with Democratic critics by backing Trump’s Gaza plan as the 'only game in town' te 2026-06-17T20:42:32.366Z Hillary Clinton breaks with Democratic critics by backing Trump’s Gaza plan as the 'only game in town' Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered surprising praise for President Donald Trump’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war while appearing in New York City earlier this week.  The unexpected show of support came as Clinton spoke with The New Yorker's David Remnick at 92NY on Monday, during a conversation in which the former Democratic presidential candidate touched on topics ranging from the Israel-Iran conflict to former President Joe Biden’s decision to run for re-election. Remnick then turned the conversation to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and pressed Clinton on her longtime support of a two-state solution in the region.  "But if I look at the Israeli polity, they don’t want a two-state solution, certainly not now. And if you look at the Palestinian polity, which is an even more complicated set of geographies and population, a two-state solution is not anywhere near the offing there," Remnick said. HILLARY CLINTON CUTS DOWN CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE ON 'THE VIEW' He went on to ask Clinton if the concept of a two-state solution is still viable within the region, as officials push for peace.  "So other than some constituents — now it’s diminishing — in the West and elsewhere, a two-state solution, which was fought for so hard but began going out the window many years ago, seems impossible," Remnick added. "Am I wrong?"  "You might be, but you might not be," Clinton said. "And here’s why. I’m going to say something positive about Trump — so hold on." "Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza is actually a pathway to security for Israel, reconstruction for Gaza, and the possibility of self-determination — however defined — for the Palestinians," Clinton continued. "There are a lot of people who reject it because Trump did it, but it’s the only game in town. There’s nothing else."  TRUMP STAKES GAZA PEACE HOPES ON 21-POINT PLAN AS ISRAEL, HOUTHIS CONTINUE DEADLY FIGHTING Clinton said that if officials take Trump’s 20-point peace plan and implement it in its entirety, it may provide a feasible solution to end the war overseas.  "But I really believe if we took this 20-point plan, which starts with the disarmament of Hamas — a huge, important step yet to be accomplished — but took all of the 20 points so that it wasn’t just disarm Hamas, and maybe do some reconstruction and build some hotels, resorts on the coast," Clinton said. "But if you really took the whole approach that is embodied in that 20-point plan — and I know there are people who are working to try to move forward on that — there is a glimmer of a possible path forward." ISRAEL ACCEPTS TRUMP-LED CEASEFIRE PLAN THAT COULD END GAZA WAR WITHIN 60 DAYS CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Trump’s 20-point plan was introduced late last year, and includes granting Hamas terrorists who give up their weapons in favor of peace "amnesty," establishing Gaza as a "deradicalized terror-free zone" and redeveloping the area commercially.  "If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed-upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal," the document reads. In January, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced that the second phase of the plan was underway, while describing the efforts as transitioning the region "from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction." The administration also implemented a Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, with a goal of "providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development," according to a previous statement from the White House. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3306a41972385678329f72 Massachusetts Senate candidates trade sharp attacks in fiery debate as incumbent Markey skips event te 2026-06-17T20:42:12.905Z Massachusetts Senate candidates trade sharp attacks in fiery debate as incumbent Markey skips event The two candidates seeking to unseat Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey sparred during a fiery debate Tuesday night, exchanging sharp attacks on a range of issues. Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton and Republican attorney John Deaton clashed over President Donald Trump, sanctuary policies, Israel and Markey himself, who did not attend the event. During the debate, Moulton heavily sought to tie Deaton to President Donald Trump —  who remains deeply unpopular in the blue state of Massachusetts — despite the Republican candidate's insistence that he has never voted for the president. "You may say you're independent, you may say you haven't voted for him, but you're just going to enable his agenda," Moulton said, arguing that sending a Republican to Washington would be a mistake for Massachusetts voters. SETH MOULTON CLOSING GAP ON PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT ED MARKEY IN MASSACHUSETTS SENATE PRIMARY In response, Deaton said Massachusetts needs someone like him to "stand up for America and working people." "'F' the Republican Party. 'F' the Democrat Party — they all suck." Deaton said.   The Republican candidate also slammed Markey for skipping Tuesday’s debate, calling him "too much of a coward to be here tonight." Moulton defended Markey, while still urging a "new generation of leadership." "He's not a coward — he's a lifelong public servant," Moulton said. "We should honor that service." DEM SENATOR, 79, DRAWS PRIMARY CHALLENGE FROM REP. SETH MOULTON Markey, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 1976, remains popular with the state’s most progressive voters. Moulton trails Markey in Democratic primary polling, while Deaton is widely viewed as the clear underdog in the race. The Republican previously lost to Sen. Elizabeth Warren two years ago in a Senate bid.  On immigration, the candidates offered starkly different positions during the debate.  Moulton advocated for the prosecution of ICE officials who carried out Trump's mass deportation agenda, while Deaton said the U.S. should expand legal immigration but maintain "zero tolerance" for illegal immigration. Deaton also rejected calls to abolish ICE, dismissing them as an election-year "slogan" akin to the push to "defund the police" in 2020. On foreign aid, Deaton took a hardline stance, saying he would not support sending additional funding to Israel, Ukraine or other countries unless it is clearly "proven" to serve the interests of Americans and Massachusetts residents. He also criticized Moulton, alleging the Democrat sought an endorsement from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) before later distancing himself after not receiving it. Moulton, meanwhile, backed conditional aid to Israel, saying the U.S. should not blindly support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also said he returned donations from AIPAC, arguing the organization’s positions have shifted in recent years. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3306911972385678329f69 Tommy Paul's influencer fiancée Paige Lorenze teams up with Frankies Bikinis for 'bikini bride' collaboration te 2026-06-17T20:41:53.448Z Tommy Paul's influencer fiancée Paige Lorenze teams up with Frankies Bikinis for 'bikini bride' collaboration Tennis still has a power couple after the split of Taylor Fritz and his influencer girlfriend Morgan Riddle. And Paige Lorenze is out to make sure you don’t forget it. She and Tommy Paul are getting married soon and if she hopes to snag the vacated "Most Famous Woman in Men’s Tennis" title, she has to keep the influencing pedal to the metal. That’s not going to be hard for this content-creating entrepreneur to pull off. While Paul is out advancing to the next round of the HSBC Championships, Lorenze is rolling out "the bikini bride" collection with Frankies Bikinis. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! It’s a new collaboration on a swimsuit line ahead of her own wedding. The timing of which couldn’t be any better. It’s summer, it’s bikini season, there’s a vacant title on the line, and, of course, she’s about to walk down the aisle. In other words, a brilliant move by all involved. But that should come as no surprise. Frankies Bikinis launched a swimsuit line with Sydney Sweeney on her way up too. They know elite talent when they see it. "the bikini bride 🕊️ a collection created in collaboration with @paigelorenze 🤍," Frankies Bikinis wrote on Instagram. "forever yours on 6.23, get first access at the link in bio x" 'WORLD'S BEST EX-GIRLFRIEND' MORGAN RIDDLE DONE DATING ATHLETES What more do you want from a power couple? When Paige Lorenze is not stealing the show after one of Paul’s wins, she’s running a business, pumping social media content and working on bikini collaborations. He has the easy part. All he has to do is go out, compete and collect a few wins. Tennis is in good hands as far as I'm concerned. Who knows if Tommy Paul has what it takes to get back into the top 10? What I think is obvious is that everything is setting up nicely for these two before they tie the knot. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33067c1972385678329f59 Social sport leagues heating up in Arizona as adults look to connect te 2026-06-17T20:41:32.969Z Social sport leagues heating up in Arizona as adults look to connect SCOTTSDALE – “Seven.” “Eight.”  “One.”  “Two.”  Forty adults gather in a circle around a sand volleyball court at Indian School Park. They count off to divide into eight teams for the volleyball matches.  The camaraderie of recess sports persists among the group. Play for the joy of playing.  “It is a stressful time to be an adult, right?” said Phoenix Fray city commissioner Hilary Neste. “So we want to encourage people to play. That is our mission.” Adult social leagues have grown in number and size as more adults turn to them as a way to find community and stay active.  According to a 2025 report from Morning Consult, 58% of adults work out or play sports at least once a week.  The Valley has options for those majority of adults, Municipalities, like the City of Phoenix, offer community leagues, Arizona Sports League offers divisions of play for eight sports in locations spread across the metropolitan area and OutLoud Sports offers LGBTQ+ inclusive year-round options.  Fray Phoenix is a private adult social sport league provider. As dusk brings relief to the Arizona summer air, players begin gathering at the four sand volleyball courts every Sunday night at 7 p.m. Pete Sanchez, a 55-year-old dad of three, participates in three Fray Leagues a week.  “Sundays is sand volleyball,” Sanchez said. “Then Mondays is flag football, Tuesdays is adult kickball. “I enjoy the competition. I make a lot of friends, and friends where we actually hang out and go out.”  Each league has a pay-for-play model. Six weeks of indoor volleyball starting in August at a social or athletic level costs non-members between $75-$85.  Privately owned social sports leagues are growing in size across the country. Organizing the leagues became such a large undertaking that the Sport & Social Industry Association has been connecting member organizations with resources since 2010.  Chris Giebner, a founding member of SSIA, has owned and operated Tampa Bay Club Sport since 2002.  “It’s not an industry for the faint of heart,” Giebner said. “The raw truth of it is we’re in a business where half your customers lose every night.”  He first participated in a social league when he moved to Florida from Cincinnati in 1996.  “I Joined a start up, fledgling soccer league as a free agent,” Giebner said, “then on that first day, I ended up meeting who became my wife.” It is a story that Giebner has seen repeated in the 30 years since.  “We have tracked, probably hundreds of marriages,” Giebner said. “I’ve probably been to dozens of weddings of people I met through Club Sport. We’ve seen dozens of on-field marriage proposals.” Romances put the social in social sports in Phoenix as well. Jordyn Graham joined a Fray volleyball league when she moved to Phoenix from Texas. Michael Donovan moved to the area from New Hampshire.  “I would just show up at my game and leave,” Graham said. “He was like ‘hey, you should start coming to free play.’ And I was like ‘hmmm, maybe’ and then he was like ‘well here’s my number. I’ll text you.’”  Since then, the couple has dated and are now engaged.  “With us being together, it brought me out more,” Graham said. “Meet more people, made new friends and other connections.”  Tampa Bay Sports Club Sport has expanded into six cities in Florida and employs 15 full-time people with 80 part-time employees. They have about 80,000 players a year across their leagues, Giebner said He associates the growth to Gen Zs and Millennials moving away from a drinking culture. “Those generations aren’t drinking as much as Gen X, and my generation,” Giebner said. “More of those generations are looking for something active to do, and I think our industry and our product is right up that alley.” Fray United is headquartered in Washington D.C. and has leagues based out of Jacksonville, Florida, and Phoenix. Neste is the only full-time employee in Arizona and operates as the city commissioner. Sports options are available across the Valley spanning from Avondale, Glendale, Scottsdale and Gilbert.  “We always have new players joining us, which is so great,” Neste said. “You meet people that you wouldn’t meet in other areas, like going out to a bar.”  Phoenix Fray offers two divisions on Sunday nights: a social and an athletic. Athletic includes a higher level of play for a bit more competition.  “We want to be in the Athletic league,” Sanchez said. “Our team is pretty good but we just can’t seem to win when it comes to the playoffs.  “Everybody’s always asking when are you guys going to athletic and I’m like “no, we need to win social before we deserve to move up.’” The sport still prioritizes socialization and Neste highlighted the access social leagues offer to players who are new to the sport.  “The way youth sports is going is everyone is specializing,” Neste said. “I think more adults are going to want to try new things because they never got to try it when they were children.” At Indian School Park, the athletic and social leagues compete for the first two scheduled hours. By 9 p.m., the teams gather in a circle and count off into new teams that combine the levels of play. “We stay after and we mix the teams up,” Neste said. “It’s a lot harder to yell at someone during the game if you know them on a personal level, right? So, we encourage them to interact with each other instead of just their own team.” The post Social sport leagues heating up in Arizona as adults look to connect appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3306351972385678329efc Roelof Botha joins SpaceX’s board of directors te 2026-06-17T20:40:21.161Z Roelof Botha joins SpaceX’s board of directors The former Sequoia Capital leader is filling an "existing vacancy" on SpaceX's board, days after the company went public in the largest IPO ever. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3304491972385678329eda Only 27 percent of Democrats will display American flag on July 4: Poll te 2026-06-17T20:32:09.525Z Only 27 percent of Democrats will display American flag on July 4: Poll As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, a new poll finds Republicans and Democrats sharply divided on patriotism, flag displays and the meaning of the July 4 holiday. The Reuters/Ipsos survey, conducted June 12–15 among 1,537 U.S. adults, asked Americans how they planned to celebrate Independence Day, including whether they intended to display the U.S. flag, attend patriotic events and what the holiday represents to them. The poll found 64% of Republicans said they would display an American flag or flag bunting outside their home this July 4, compared with just 27% of Democrats. $20M ‘ONE SMALL STEP’ CAMPAIGN AIMS TO REBUILD AMERICAN PRIDE AHEAD OF 250TH ANNIVERSARY The survey also found major differences in how Americans view the significance of the national holiday. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans (65%) said July 4 is "a day where I celebrate the United States of America," while only 24% of Democrats said the same. Democrats and independents were also more likely than Republicans to describe July 4 as "just like any other day," with both groups registering 11 percentage points higher than Republicans on that measure. How Americans choose to celebrate the holiday also broke along party lines. Republicans were considerably more likely to take part in traditional patriotic activities, such as wearing red, white and blue (52% compared to 20% of Democrats), attending a fireworks show (46% vs. 28%), and attending a parade or festival (20% vs. 9%). TRUMP ANNOUNCES 'RALLY TO END ALL RALLIES' IN DC TO CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY Nearly one-quarter of Democrats and independents (24%) said they do not plan to celebrate Independence Day at all, compared with 8% of Republicans. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE The survey also found significant differences in how Americans view the United States. The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 11% of Democrats believe the United States is the greatest country in the world, compared with 62% of Republicans. These findings reflect other recent surveys which have documented declining patriotism and growing ideological differences between Americans. A recent Fox News survey ahead of America's 250th anniversary found a large number of voters believe America is divided by different values (58%) rather than shared values (42%). Majorities of Democrats (62%) and independents (65%) think Americans are separated by different values, while views among Republicans are split (49% shared vs. 50% different values). Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33040a1972385678329ebb Arizona is helping the US create peace through strength te 2026-06-17T20:31:06.549Z Arizona is helping the US create peace through strength Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire Over the course of my career in the United States Air Force, I learned that peace is maintained through strength. As a fighter pilot, combat veteran of the Gulf War, and later as an adjutant general of the Arizona National Guard, I know that lesson is especially relevant today.  The United States currently faces the most complex strategic environment in decades. China is rapidly expanding its military capabilities, including its nuclear arsenal, which it aims to increase to 1,000 warheads by 2030. Russia remains a nuclear power willing to use coercion and instability as instruments of statecraft. Regional conflicts such as the one in Iran demonstrate the continued need for resolute nonproliferation policies and strategic deterrence. It’s time for America to pick up the pace.  For over 60 years, we have relied on our nuclear triad to keep the peace. This triad consists of air-delivered nuclear bombs, submarine-launched missiles, and hundreds of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the great plains. Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, each part of the triad still serves its own unique purpose. However, our military, in cooperation with military contractors, has been upgrading each leg of the triad and will continue to do so over the next decade. This includes the active production of the B-21 bomber, the new Columbia class of submarines, and the Sentinel ICBMs.  The land-based leg of the nuclear triad is operated by the Air Force and has served as a critical pillar of deterrence since John F. Kennedy was president. But the missiles, called the Minuteman III, were built for another era. They have performed with extraordinary reliability, but no military capability can be extended indefinitely without increasing operational and strategic risk.  The Sentinel program, led by Northrop Grumman in collaboration with the Air Force, will provide new missiles, new launch silos, and new command architecture to modernize our land-based deterrent. A vast network of manufacturers across the country are working to build this critical system, sustaining thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic impact. While doing it, they’re ensuring that the United States retains its place on the world stage as a guardian of peace and a pillar of strength.  As a veteran of the Air Force, I view this modernization as a strategic imperative. We must maintain a credible deterrent and exceed the modernization efforts of our adversaries.  Arizona is playing a direct role in this effort. Sentinel and its supporting industrial network create more than 1,500 jobs in our state and generate approximately $505 million in economic activity. Those are meaningful economic benefits, but the more important fact is that the work Arizonans are doing is protecting the entire country.  Sentinel is a critical project that will keep Americans safe for decades to come. Completing this mission is of the utmost importance because our adversaries do not wait. America must remain resolute and continue full steam ahead with its own modernization.  America has preserved peace through strength for over 70 years. We should not abandon that principle now. Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire is the retired adjutant general for Arizona. The post Arizona is helping the US create peace through strength first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3303f21972385678329e87 F.T.C. Sues Group That Advises on Transgender Medical Treatments te 2026-06-17T20:30:42.995Z F.T.C. Sues Group That Advises on Transgender Medical Treatments The group, World Professional Association for Transgender Health, offers guidelines on medical treatment for transgender patients. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3303dc1972385678329e5b After unveiling ridiculously expensive AR glasses, Snap’s stock takes a dive te 2026-06-17T20:30:20.473Z After unveiling ridiculously expensive AR glasses, Snap’s stock takes a dive Snap's long awaited smart glasses debut hasn't exactly done wonders for the company's stock. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3301de1972385678329e37 How alleged White House UFC attack plotters organized across four states te 2026-06-17T20:21:50.623Z How alleged White House UFC attack plotters organized across four states The men accused of plotting a mass-casualty attack at the UFC event held on White House grounds allegedly met through a TikTok group before moving their discussions into encrypted messaging apps, where prosecutors say they allegedly developed plans to kill government officials and other attendees, according to court records reviewed by Fox News Digital.  Federal authorities have arrested five men accused of plotting a mass-casualty attack targeting UFC Freedom 250, the Sunday event held on White House grounds that was attended by President Donald Trump and other senior government officials. According to federal court records, members of the group first connected around March through a TikTok community called "Vanguard of the Old," where participants allegedly vetted one another through identification documents, workout videos and tactical content before moving into private Signal chats. The filings do not further describe whether Vanguard of the Old was a formal organization or simply an online chat community. The filings identify five arrested participants in Ohio, California, Missouri and Nebraska and describe a network that prosecutors say evolved from online discussions into operational planning for an attack targeting UFC Freedom 250. Investigators allege members discussed using explosive-laden drones to trigger an evacuation before opening fire on politicians and other targets as crowds fled the area.  JUSTIN GAETHJE TARGETS ILIA TOPURIA'S DIVORCE, IGNITING FEUD BEFORE WHITE HOUSE SHOWDOWN While prosecutors allege the group had developed operational plans, some officials, like Vice President JD Vance, have suggested the conspiracy never advanced to the point of becoming an imminent threat. "There was a lot of security there," Vance said during an appearance on Fox News' "The Five." "And it turns out the plot was like, not that advanced. They weren't in town."  Court documents identify an Omaha, Nebraska, man known online as "Shepherd" as the group's alleged leader. Prosecutors say Shepherd helped build the organization's tiered structure, directed planning discussions and coordinated members across multiple states through encrypted communications.   Once inside those encrypted chats, prosecutors say members organized themselves into a tiered structure that assigned participants to specific functions. Court records describe Tier 1 members as frontline operators expected to carry out missions and acquire firearms and body armor, while other tiers included drone operators, getaway drivers, recruiters, logistics personnel, technical support and social media advocates.  Court records repeatedly reference military-style training and organization.  Tycen Proper, the 19-year-old Ohio defendant whose phone helped investigators identify other members of the alleged network, told investigators he believed many participants had prior military experience, according to court documents, while his mother said some members represented themselves online as former military personnel. The filings, however, do not identify any defendant as having verified military service.  According to investigators, members also split into smaller chat groups based on operational assignments and locations. Investigators say the network extended well beyond the five men charged. According to court records, Proper's phone contained a primary Signal chat with approximately 19 participants, along with smaller operational chat groups organized by role and location. Tensions boiled over between federal agencies over the decision to make the case public. Two senior U.S. officials told Fox News that Secret Service leadership wanted to delay disclosing the investigation until additional arrests could be made, fearing that publicizing the probe could alert other subjects and complicate the ongoing investigation. The disagreement surfaced publicly Tuesday when Deputy Secret Service Director Matthew Quinn, responding to questions about the case at an unrelated event, emphasized that the Secret Service had "led that investigation from the beginning" and suggested investigators intentionally avoided public disclosure while the case remained active.  "In order to maintain the integrity of the investigation and the security plan we chose not to leak it," Quinn said.  DANA WHITE DENIES AMERICA 250 UFC FIGHT AT WHITE HOUSE WILL BE 'POLITICAL,' 'NOT AT ALL' ABOUT POLITICS "I'll tell you a phrase I learned early in my career in the New York field office and that's don't choke on your own smoke," he said.  The investigation began June 10 when Proper's mother contacted local authorities after becoming concerned about his recent behavior, according to court records. Proper's father told investigators his son had allegedly recently met people online, was planning "recons" with them and intended to travel that weekend to meet members of the group. Family members also reported that Proper allegedly had purchased firearms, body armor, ammunition and tactical gear and had quit his job in preparation for what he described as "missions" and "recons." After investigators obtained a warrant for Proper's phone, they allege they discovered Signal chats containing maps of Washington, D.C., proposed sniper positions, drone launch sites and discussions about escape routes.  Prosecutors say members allegedly discussed potential congressional targets, power infrastructure and other political figures before focusing on UFC Freedom 250. Proper's mother told investigators members of the group allegedly expressed anger about government corruption and the Epstein files.  According to court records, members of the group allegedly believed the United States was headed in the wrong direction and needed to be "torn down" and rebuilt. Some participants allegedly argued that people connected to Jeffrey Epstein should not govern the country. Prosecutors also allege that discussions increasingly focused on U.S. support for Israel and lawmakers viewed by group members as aligned with pro-Israel interests. According to the filings, members discussed targeting politicians they believed were tied to pro-Israel lobbying organizations, while other conversations referenced billionaires and what participants described as "capitalist elites." Bryan Omar Roa and Michael Alan Thomas, both of California, allegedly met up for a training session in late May, according to messages obtained by law enforcement and shared in court records.  "Noble and I trained on vehicle dismount, cover vs concealment, bounding, and basic marksmanship today," Thomas wrote to the group on May 25, according to court records.  By early June, according to court records, discussions inside the group's encrypted chats had shifted toward operational planning surrounding UFC Freedom 250, which took place last Sunday.   Court records show members discussing a rendezvous point in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where participants from multiple states were allegedly expected to meet before traveling to Washington. Investigators also say members allegedly exchanged information about safe houses, fallback locations and escape routes that included traveling south along the Potomac River. According to court records, the group's alleged plan centered on creating chaos inside the White House event before targeting government officials and other attendees as they fled. Prosecutors say members discussed using drones carrying explosive devices over the north side of the UFC venue, triggering panic and forcing crowds to evacuate. Investigators allege members of the group planned to position shooters and snipers along anticipated evacuation routes south of the venue, where politicians and other targets would be vulnerable. According to court records, a participant interviewed by the FBI in West Virginia said members of the group allegedly had canceled the operation by Friday, two days before the event. The reported cancellation came after authorities had already begun investigating the group following a June 10 call from Proper's mother. Authorities arrested suspects in Ohio, California, Missouri and Nebraska Saturday and Sunday after executing a series of search warrants tied to the investigation.  "They had not really done that much planning," Vance said. "And so, I get why people are so fascinated by it. I do think the political violence and rhetoric in this country is out of control. But thank God we have good law enforcement. We've got good FBI because it didn't even get close to the point of execution."  Fox News' David Spunt contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a33019f1972385678329e11 Tribal nation urges federal judge to block Arizona border wall construction te 2026-06-17T20:20:47.136Z Tribal nation urges federal judge to block Arizona border wall construction Key Points: Tohono O’odham Nation seeks to halt border wall construction through reservation Tribe argues 1927 law protects reservation boundaries from being changed by Homeland Security Border wall could disrupt tribal religious practice, environmental stability  The Tohono O’odham Nation wants a federal judge to immediately halt all pending plans by the Department of Homeland Security to build 62 miles of border wall through its reservation. In new legal papers, Riyaz Kanji, attorney for the tribe, acknowledges that Congress has empowered the federal agency to waive any and all laws necessary to ensure construction of barriers and roads in areas of high illegal entry. That blanket exemption has largely thwarted lawsuits by others seeking to halt new stretches of border walls. But the lawsuit points out that the tribe has something new that may trump all of that: the fact that the reservation — and its boundaries — were created by Congress. Specifically, it cites a 1927 law that says changes in reservation boundaries “shall not be made except by Act of Congress.” And Kanji says the plans to build new primary and secondary barriers within 60 feet of the international border — the congressionally created boundary — illegally change those lines. Kanji is asking U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon to set a hearing as soon as possible. He said Homeland Security has already issued contract specifications and wants to award a contract sometime this month. In a prepared response, a spokesman for Homeland Security said that Markwayne Mullin, the agency secretary, is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation “and made clear during his confirmation hearing that he respects tribal sovereignty.” But there was no promise to halt construction. In fact, the agency said it intends to move forward. “DHS is committed to ongoing coordination with stakeholders, including tribal nations, throughout planning and construction activities,” the statement said. “DHS values its relationship with the Tohono O’odham Nation and remains focused on open communication and minimizing impacts.” The tribe, however, is not backing down. “We would prefer to be using our precious resources to improve the lives of our Nation members,” said Chairman Vernon Jose. “We are hopeful that DHS will reconsider moving forward with a border wall and instead implement modern border protection measures,” he said in his own prepared statement. A tribal spokesman said that includes what already exists like towers with cameras, radar and heat-sensing sensors, as well as new technology that eliminates the need for an actual 30-foot-tall wall. “But if they insist on an illegal wall, we will stand up for what is right,” Jose said. While Kanji is using the legal status of the reservation to get court action, he is arguing that the issue extends far beyond national boundaries. He pointed out that long before there was a formal reservation — and long before the current international border was established in 1854 with the Gadsden Purchase — the tribe already existed on both sides of the line. “Today, there still exist 17 O’odham communities and several thousand Nation members residing in Mexico,” Kanji told the court. “And Nation members regularly cross the border at multiple points (with the Department’s knowledge) for important religious, family, and practical reasons.” He also told the judge that the tribe has always cooperated with Homeland Security. It allows Customs and Border Protection, an arm of Homeland Security, to operate “forward operating bases” on the reservation which include not just administrative but living quarters. The tribe also agreed to lease 10 sites to construct those 160-foot tall towers equipped with cameras, thermal sensors and radar to feed real-time information to agents within the reservation. And then there is the agreement to allow vehicle barriers and a patrol road along most of the border. All of those measures, Kanji told the court “have proven highly effective” in deterring illegal border crossings and smuggling within the reservation. Yet now, he said, Homeland Security wants to build a new 30-foot barrier and a secondary barrier. And that, in turn, also affects more of tribal lands, what with earth moving equipment, grading, establishing concrete batch plants as well as additional roads for construction vehicles and equipment that will obliterate mountain features and vegetation. There is a reason for tribal concern about the effects of border wall construction. Construction crews working in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge earlier this year damaged a 1,000-year-old, 200-foot-long fish shaped geoglyph – essentially a design drawn directly on open ground – by blading directly through the site to build a border barrier. Customs and Border Patrol said the incident was an accident and that the remainder of the site has been secured. But Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., said she didn’t see it that way. “Bulldozing a 1,000-year-old sacred site is not an accident,” she said in a statement, calling it “a predictable result of rushing forward” with border wall protection. And that, said Kanji, is just an example of what would happen unless Homeland Security is stopped. “It will destroy sacred peaks upon which the O’odham have prayed for generations,” he told the judge. “It will destroy petroglyphs that constitute perpetual prayers,” Kanji said. “It will destroy access to specific saguaro cacti that O’odham communities and their ancestors have used for generations to create the saguaro wine essential for certain religions ceremonies.” And he said it will permanently block certain tribal ceremonies where members cross the border – with federal permission – such as an annual walking pilgrimage to Magdalena de Kino. The bottom line, he told the judge, is that the actions of Homeland Security are an illegal trespass onto the reservation which he said, based on federal law, remains the sole property of the tribe. More immediately, Kanji wants an immediate injunction to halt any planning or work, including awarding contracts. No date has been set for a hearing. The post Tribal nation urges federal judge to block Arizona border wall construction first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3301841972385678329dc2 NEA’s Tiffany Luck says enterprises are still figuring out their AI ROI te 2026-06-17T20:20:20.541Z NEA’s Tiffany Luck says enterprises are still figuring out their AI ROI Tokenmaxxing was the hottest trend in Silicon Valley earlier this year, with CEOs encouraging employees to push AI usage as far as it would go. Then the bill came due. Uber reportedly blew through its annual AI budget in a few months, some companies cut Claude licenses for parts of their org, and Me Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ff991972385678329d97 A's fan brutally swings and misses with the ladies after trying to hand them a foul ball te 2026-06-17T20:12:09.181Z A's fan brutally swings and misses with the ladies after trying to hand them a foul ball There was a strikeout that took place during Tuesday’s Pirates and Athletics game that you’re not going to find in the box score. That’s because it was recorded by a fan who ended up with a souvenir he tried to give away to three ladies. He was quick to his feet and jumped over his two buddies to retrieve a foul ball that landed on the grass nearby. He had great anticipation after a diving attempt by a fan in front of him came up empty. He pounced on it as soon as it stopped bouncing around on the hill. It should be mentioned that it doesn’t appear as if he spilled a drop of his beverage on the play either. That, along with the athleticism displayed, should have helped him out for what was coming next. Unfortunately, it didn’t. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! After grabbing the baseball and making his way back to where he was sitting, he glanced up the hill and noticed three ladies sitting close to where he made his play. He gave the ball a toss in the air and started walking toward them. Looking back at the replay, as I've done several times, the toss might be where he went wrong here. It was a little too much. You can’t fill your head up with arrogance before stepping up to the plate. You need a good balance of humility and confidence. He extends the ball to the ladies and brutally swings and misses. Strike one, strike two and strike three. None of the three wanted the ball. All he could do was exactly what he did, turn back around and grab a seat. Baseball is a game of failure. You’re going to swing and miss, and you’re going to do so in brutal fashion on three pitches sometimes. It’s part of the game. He can't take this failure into his next at-bat. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ff851972385678329d8e Jeanine Pirro calls out 'dirtbags' after 14 charged in alleged cocaine ring operating feet from a schoolyard te 2026-06-17T20:11:49.727Z Jeanine Pirro calls out 'dirtbags' after 14 charged in alleged cocaine ring operating feet from a schoolyard Fourteen suspects have been charged as part of a crack and powder cocaine trafficking scheme where dealers sold drugs near a Washington, D.C., elementary school — often in front of young children in broad daylight amid an open-air drug market, federal prosecutors said Wednesday. A federal indictment charges each of the 14 defendants with conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 500 grams or more of cocaine within 1,000 feet of Hendley Elementary School in the city's Washington Highlands neighborhood, an area plagued by crime, authorities said. The drugs were routinely sold in the presence of school‑aged children walking to and from school, exposing them to persistent illegal activity and risking normalizing dangerous conduct, federal prosecutors said. "This is poison that is being peddled during the day within feet of a schoolyard where our children learn, play, and grow," U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro told reporters. "Selling cocaine near our kids isn't just illegal. It is an attack on the most vulnerable in our society. It endangers the children." MASSACHUSETTS NONPROFIT CEO WHO HELPS PEOPLE CLEAR CRIMINAL RECORDS NOW CHARGED WITH DISTRIBUTING COCAINE "It destroys families, and it fuels the violence and the chaos in the district that we have suffered for far too long," she added. The suspects, who were arrested Wednesday as part of a two-year operation, were identified as Tevin Moody, 32; Geraldo Landy, 38; Norman Moore, 36; Lenon Wright, 34; Ali McShay, 31; Lonnell Thomas, 27; Marquette Paris, 34; Jeremiah Prince, 21; Joseph Moore, 43; Raekwon Womak, 21; Kivarrie Greene, 22; De’Lonte Jackson, 32; Derrick Manuel, 34; and 25-year-old Malik Heard. In addition to the drug charges, Kivarrie Greene is also charged with unlawful possession of firearms. MIGRANT TDA GANG MEMBER BREAKS OFFICER’S ARM AS 10 INDICTED IN MASSIVE GUNS, DRUG RUNNING OPERATION: POLICE Throughout the investigation, authorities executed multiple search warrants at locations associated with the suspects and recovered 28 firearms, the Justice Department said. Agents also recovered 2.4 kilograms of crack cocaine, one kilogram of powder cocaine, 29 grams of fentanyl and 12 pounds of marijuana. "They have access to illicit drugs. They have access to firearms," said Christopher Goumenis, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge for the agency's Washington Division. "They're violent criminals, and most of them are recidivists in these communities." On Wednesday, authorities executed 19 search warrants and made 20 arrests across Washington, D.C., and Maryland of members of a violent street gang that operated on 4th Street, the FBI said. The crew engaged in the trafficking of guns and drugs like fentanyl and cocaine, authorities said. CHAOTIC TEEN BRAWL GOES VIRAL AFTER TEEN TERROR PROMPTS US ATTORNEY PIRRO'S PLAN TO PROSECUTE PARENTS Along with other neighborhood-based street crews, they are the primary drivers of violence in the city, officials said, noting that they have committed a litany of crimes, including armed carjackings, shootings, robberies and murder. In one image released by the Justice Department, a woman is shown accompanied by a 5-year-old girl while purchasing cocaine before taking the child by her hand and walking off, Pirro said. "Now, as far as I'm concerned, that's a crime," Pirro said. "It's one thing to have a prosecution of dirtbags who were selling drugs in the area of schools, 1,000 feet from a damn elementary school. It's a whole other level of crime, as far as I'm concerned, for this woman to bring a child to a cocaine sale and then walk along with the child while she's got the drugs on her." Pirro said she plans to ask the City Council to enact a law to address child endangerment, which she noted the city currently lacks. Authorities observed at least 165 drug buys during the course of the operation, Pirro said. She added that she was optimistic authorities will make a difference in D.C. communities plagued by crime and drugs, given the scope of the arrests. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ff721972385678329d85 Teenage phenom Miles Russell makes entire golf world feel old with eye-popping quote ahead of US Open debut te 2026-06-17T20:11:30.271Z Teenage phenom Miles Russell makes entire golf world feel old with eye-popping quote ahead of US Open debut Miles Russell is the youngest player in the 2026 U.S. Open field at just 17 years old. A young man who has been driving a car for less than two years teeing it up in a major championship is a tough reality to grasp, and, understandably so, the Florida State commit's story heading into Shinnecock Hills has been a popular one in the build-up to Thursday's opening round. Russell, the No. 1 junior player in the world, opted for a formal press conference on Wednesday ahead of what will be his first start in a major championship. In a rather predictable fashion, he almost immediately made everyone in the golf world feel incredibly old. SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER'S FIRST ATTEMPT AT THE CAREER GRAND SLAM TOPS US OPEN STORYLINES TO WATCH AT SHINNECOCK When asked if he had any memory of watching the 2018 U.S. Open, which marked the last time the tournament was held at Shinnecock, he responded with an answer that swiftly put things into perspective. "Maybe bits and pieces, but that's probably more from seeing highlights from it. I don't know. I don't really remember watching any U.S. Opens when I was that little," Russell began. "I think my first kind of golf memory from watching it was maybe Spieth in 2015 at the Masters. I think really remembering it was Tiger in 2019." Russell isn't talking about Tiger Woods in the 2019 U.S. Open, where he finished T-21. He's referring to Woods winning the 2019 Masters. SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER TELLS ONE TRUTH AND A LIE AHEAD OF WHAT COULD BE A HISTORIC US OPEN AT SHINNECOCK HILLS Imagine that being your first real memory of watching major championship golf. It not only shows how incredibly young Russell is, but his comments show how this next generation of players soon to make a name for themselves don't have much recollection of any happenings before 2020. That doesn't mean Russell's comments don't make complete and total sense, because they do, given that he was born in 2008, but it doesn't make it any easier for millennials and boomers out there to grasp with just how quickly time has passed. Russell qualified for this week's U.S. Open after advancing in the final stage of qualifying in a three-man playoff vying for two spots in the field. He had Charlie Woods, Tiger's son, on the bag as his caddie during the qualifier. Both Woods and Russell have committed to play college golf at Florida State. In 2024, Russell became the youngest player in Korn Ferry Tour history to make the cut in a tournament, eventually finishing T-20. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ff2f1972385678329d3c Indiana Professor Who Taught Anti-White Supremacy Lesson Loses Job te 2026-06-17T20:10:23.059Z Indiana Professor Who Taught Anti-White Supremacy Lesson Loses Job The lesson included a slide that suggested that the “Make America Great Again” slogan should be considered a form of covert white supremacy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32fd551972385678329cfe Mauricio Pochettino told USMNT players 'we're American, we don't take s***' ahead of World Cup te 2026-06-17T20:02:29.064Z Mauricio Pochettino told USMNT players 'we're American, we don't take s***' ahead of World Cup The U.S. Men's National Team had arguably the most impressive performance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in its opening game against Paraguay last week. Winning the match was one thing, but how it played out was another. After years of frustrating, slow soccer, the USMNT played a brand of free-flowing, attacking football based on impressively accurate passing and relentless movement up the pitch. Much of the credit goes to the players; Chris Richards had an incredible 100% accuracy rate on his passes, Folarin Balogun had several outstanding finishes, Malik Tillman was a consistent force, Christian Pulisic had a dominant first half, and Antonee Robinson made highlight-reel moves to get free. But the rest of the credit has been deservedly placed on manager Mauricio Pochettino. After an often shaky start to his tenure leading the USMNT, the performance against Paraguay was a complete repudiation of his critics and validation of his tactics and managerial style. Most USMNT fans were struck by the sense that they'd never seen a U.S. team play with that style, that successfully. US EARNS HISTORIC WIN IN WORLD CUP OPENER AFTER BEATDOWN OF PARAGUAY AS THE LEGEND OF FOLARIN BALOGUN IS BORN And with several other top teams, like Brazil and Spain, for example, looking generally unimpressive in their first matches, it's given rise to hopes that the USMNT may make a deeper run in the tournament than originally believed. But it's one thing to see it from the outside, it's another to hear from the players what Pochettino is telling them. What motivation he's adding within the locker room. Thankfully, Sebastian Berhalter told us this week. The midfielder and son of former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter spoke to the media on Tuesday about Pochettino's influence on their mindset. USMNT CAPTAIN TIM REAM SAYS TEAM'S WORLD CUP MINDSET IS SIMPLE: 'LET'S WIN THE THING' "I think one is, we’re American. We don’t take s***" Berhalter said. "That’s something he really put in. "Even though he’s Argentinian, he has that mindset of, ‘Look, this is what we do. This is who we are. This is what America’s about.’ Even from an outside perspective, he showed us Americans what we’re about. He really drills that into us." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Winger Tim Weah agreed. "I think we were super aggressive with how we played, how we pressed, and did other things," he said. "So it’s the buildup of all the games. And it’s been great to see and the mentality that coach Poch and his staff have brought to this team, that has been wonderful." The USMNT is no stranger to tough tackles or physical play in CONCAF. But for years, it's seemed like they lacked the attitude or mindset to counter it. It's just one match, and there's a long way to go, but thus far, the results in the World Cup, the most important international tournament, are very, very different. And very, very encouraging. It's odd, and a bit funny, though, that it took an Argentinian manager with virtually no experience in the United States prior to 2024 to install that very American mindset. They'll look to keep that aggression, flair and quality going in the second match of the group stage on Friday against Australia. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32fd3f1972385678329ce8 Western Democrats challenge Trump using $90M in national park fees for D.C. beautification te 2026-06-17T20:02:07.540Z Western Democrats challenge Trump using $90M in national park fees for D.C. beautification The Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain outside of Union Station in Washington, D.C., on June 16, 2026. The Columbus Circle fountain is one of nine ornamental fountains in Washington, D.C. that have recently undergone improvements reportedly funded in part by National Park Service fees. (Photo by Amelia Twyman/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON — U.S. House and Senate Democrats, mostly from Western states, are demanding transparency from the Interior Department after media reports revealed the Trump administration redirected roughly $90 million in national parks fees to help fund renovations and upcoming celebratory displays in Washington, D.C.  The administration’s use of fee revenues to pay for fountain repairs, statue upgrades and fireworks shows in preparation for America’s 250th birthday on July 4 diverts money from national parks in desperate need of billions of dollars in maintenance, lawmakers wrote in two separate early-June letters to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “The public deserves to know how their park fees are being spent, and Congress cannot conduct appropriate oversight without basic information about these transactions,” Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico and seven other Democratic representatives wrote in their letter, dated June 12.   A group of 11 Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Adam Schiff of California, sent a similar letter to Burgum on June 10.  According to a DOI spokesperson, the National Park Service “has not only been focused on beautifying the district but has also been working on many deferred maintenance projects throughout the country,” pooling money from “endowment funds” and the sale of park passes.  How the funding stream works The National Park Service, housed within Interior, gets a portion of its funding from entry fees and visitors’ purchase of recreational passes. Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, at least 80% of the fee money must go back to the national park where it is collected.  The remaining 20% is available for overall Park Service use, a policy meant to help support parks that do not charge entry fees or only make a small amount of revenue, according to NPS. Just over 100 parks charge an entrance fee out of the more than 400 that make up the National Park System.   The National Mall in Washington and various memorial sites are part of the crop that do not charge visitors to enter, meaning it is legal for the DOI to spend leftover revenue on projects in its own backyard.  But the amount the department has allocated to renovations so far this year appears to greatly exceed how much it has put toward maintaining the district’s public spaces in the past, according to Tony Irish, a former Interior senior attorney under Trump and attorney under earlier presidents who is now senior counsel with the nonprofit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. Reflecting pool repair Multiple news outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, reported NPS is using at least $60 million in fees paid by parkgoers to fund the repair of nine ornamental fountains across Washington, D.C. Documents showed an additional $7 million was redirected to help pay for the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, while more will be put toward funding a $1.6 million Fourth of July fireworks display.  The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool while under renovation on May 5, 2026. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) “While other administrations have let the city fall into decay, President Trump has made Washington, D.C. Safe and Beautiful again and we should all be grateful,” the Interior spokesperson said in an emailed statement on June 16. In their letters to Burgum, lawmakers also demanded clarity on the reported use of revenue from the sale of digital park passes—called “America the Beautiful Passes”—as there is no current law that requires those funds be spent in a specific place.  “Credible sources with direct knowledge of these matters have now reported to Congress that much, if not all, fee revenue from online America the Beautiful Passes is being used to fund the President’s ‘beautification’ projects in Washington,” they wrote.  Along with Vasquez, the House letter was signed by Reps. Sarah Elfreth of Maryland, Darren Soto of Florida, Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, Dina Titus and Susie Lee of Nevada, Joe Neguse of Colorado and Jill Tokuda of Hawaii. Joining Schiff in signing the Senate letter were Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Luján of New Mexico, Angus King of Maine, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Ron Wyden and Jeffrey Merkley of Oregon, Edward Markey of Massachusetts, Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper of Colorado.  Delayed park maintenance Many critics are pushing back against the Trump administration for not channeling fee funds back into the national parks that need them, including popular travel destinations such as Grand Teton and Yellowstone. “Last month, I was in Joshua Tree exploring one of our beautiful national parks and was again reminded what a treasured legacy these lands represent,” said Schiff in a June 17 statement to States Newsroom.  “This is just the latest scheme by the President to put himself before the American people, and it will have devastating impacts on parks that millions of people visit every year,” he added.  The National Park System is backlogged with about $24 billion worth of repairs to buildings and infrastructure, according to NPS.   Vasquez said New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which runs through his district, “has over $45 million in deferred maintenance” alone.  Part of the most popular tour at Carlsbad Caverns, the King’s Palace is home to massive amounts of cave formations of all shapes and sizes. (Photo by Peter Jones/National Park Service) “The Administration is choosing to let roads, trails, and wastewater systems in the park fall into disrepair amidst the peak summer visitor season so it can paint statues gold in Washington,” he said in a June 15 statement to States Newsroom. “This is unacceptable, and I am demanding action from the Department of Interior to correct course.” Irish also said the DOI’s current use of fee revenues for D.C.-area renovations could lead to more money being spent in the long run because of the rush to complete some projects, like the $14 million reflecting pool. Completed just at the beginning of June, the reflecting pool has already amassed clumps of green algae.  “Not only are we displacing higher-priority needs right now, but we’re still going to have unmet needs in the future at an additional cost to the taxpayer, the fee payers within that,” Irish said.    Vasquez and his colleagues in their letter asked that NPS restore funding to national parks to help preserve them for future generations.  U.S. senators went even further, including a list of detailed questions about park funding in their letter for the DOI to respond to by June 23. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32fcfe1972385678329cae F.T.C. Sues Group That Advises on Transgender Medical Treatments te 2026-06-17T20:01:02.514Z F.T.C. Sues Group That Advises on Transgender Medical Treatments The group, World Professional Association for Transgender Health, offers guidelines on medical treatment for transgender patients. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32fceb1972385678329ca5 Trump Feuds With Thune and G.O.P., Stoking Election-Year Rift te 2026-06-17T20:00:43.059Z Trump Feuds With Thune and G.O.P., Stoking Election-Year Rift The president upended the majority leader’s plans by yanking his intelligence nominee from a confirmation hearing and insisting on an end to the filibuster. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32fcd61972385678329c99 Perez's deleted posts threaten LD20 primary bid te 2026-06-17T20:00:22.590Z Perez's deleted posts threaten LD20 primary bid Deleted social media posts from 2020 have resurfaced to draw scrutiny to Rocque Perez, a Democratic candidate running for the Arizona Senate in Legislative District 20. Perez has campaigned on a platform opposing political inaction, ideological cruelty and public disinvestment. But posts preserved on the internet archive Wayback Machine show his account made a series of aggressive comments that year, including a response to a post by Ivanka Trump: "Someone throw this (expletive) off the capitol building roof please." Other archived posts include, "So kill them, do your duty baby girl," and a comment about a conservative activist: "How has she not gotten beat yet? like... hath no one the bravery to literally hurt her cause... ??" The posts were first reported by the California Globe, a conservative news outlet, with the Arizona Republic later publishing its own report. Perez initially declined to address the posts directly when interviewed by the Republic, saying they were "material put out without my consent." Tucson Spotlight is free for every reader because donors make it possible. Join them. He later acknowledged them in a statement posted to Instagram. "As someone who came of age online, I also directed anger toward the Trump administration in public," Perez wrote. "How I went about that then is not how I would do so today, but I'm not running for the top seat in a perfection contest." In the same post, Perez described the experiences he says shaped that anger. He wrote that he was a fellow student council member of Christina-Taylor Green, the 9-year-old killed in the 2011 assassination attempt targeting then-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. He said he faced prejudice as a Latino student and as the only openly gay person in his classrooms, was laid off from a student job during the pandemic, and began a congressional internship in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. He also wrote that his family navigated the addiction system after his younger brother became dependent on fentanyl, and that his brother died of an overdose at 19. "Political violence is something we endure in many ways and the imperative to confront it is why I am running for the Arizona Senate," Perez wrote. In the post, Perez also directed pointed criticism at his primary opponent, state Rep. Alma Hernandez, accusing her of having "weaponized her power to inflict harm" against Arizonans and saying her record is "under scrutiny after eight years of misalignment." "I am deeply troubled by my opponent's pattern of behavior and his continued refusal to take accountability," Hernandez said in a statement to Tucson Spotlight. "These are not isolated lapses in judgment; they raise serious questions about his character, maturity, and fitness for public office." Democrats should hold themselves to the same standards they expect from everyone else, she said. "There should be no tolerance for rhetoric that normalizes violence, no acceptance of dishonesty, and no willingness to excuse conduct that undermines public trust," Hernandez said. The race has been contentious from the start. Perez filed a lawsuit in April seeking to remove Hernandez from the ballot over more than $20,000 in unpaid fines related to late campaign finance filings, a challenge that was ultimately rejected by a Pima County Superior Court judge. The LD20 Democratic Committee has also issued a formal statement of concern against Hernandez over more than 150 votes she cast alongside Republicans during her time in the House. The posts were deleted from X, though comment threads and replies remain visible on the platform. The primary election is July 21 💡 The LD20 primary is July 21. Early voting begins June 24, with a mail ballot deadline of July 14. Pima County voters can register, check their registration or request a mail ballot at recorder.pima.gov. Quentin Agnello is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist in Tucson. Contact him at qsagnello@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/6a32fae71972385678329c61 Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt welcomes FIFA fans to America in a red dress, 8U baseball brawl & is this a catch? te 2026-06-17T19:52:07.776Z Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt welcomes FIFA fans to America in a red dress, 8U baseball brawl & is this a catch? Third, and penultimate, Hump Day of June. Time flies when you're having fun! We've got more College World Series action today, the U.S. Open is on deck, and that pesky soccer tournament is still chugging right along. Sure, I wish it would end so I can get back to new episodes of "MasterChef" at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, but I realize I'm probably in the minority on that one. I hear there's a chance USA and England could play on July 4? If that's true, I'll lock in for that one. Until then, it's just not my wheelhouse. I'm more of a football guy myself. Speaking of that ... Welcome to a Hump Day Nightcaps — the one where Kansas City Chiefs Heiress Gracie Hunt shows the Europeans what a real FOOTBALL WAG looks like as they invade Arrowhead Stadium. CHIEFS HEIRESS HUNT SISTERS INSPIRE TEAM USA TO INCREDIBLE WIN OVER PARAGUAY, BUY BULLS BANNER & BRISKET What else? I've got a ton of action from last night in Omaha, including the age-old, 'What's a catch?' debate rearing its ugly head once again. I've also got Tiffani Amber Thiessen hitting the beach as we near the technical start of summer, and an all-time youth baseball fight down here in big, beautiful, FREE Florida. This is what it's all about! Grab you whatever you'd like — dealer's choice today! — and settle in for a Hump Day 'Cap! Before we get this town hall going, I'd like to start this Hump Day with a question to the veterans in class: How old were you when you realized the day-drink wasn't what it once was? The First Lady and I celebrated our 10th anniversary yesterday. A big one! Because it was Tuesday and the world didn't quite slow down just because it was our anniversary, we're actually celebrating it this weekend. But, we did manage to sneak off to lunch yesterday to at least acknowledge the occasion. ELLA LANGLEY CELEBRATES NO. 1 ALBUM LAKESIDE IN A BIKINI AND MIKE VRABEL (SORT OF) APOLOGIZES I had two beers. Two. And I was wiped out by the time we got home. Just toast. Exhausted. I felt like I needed a nap, and I never take naps. Ever. But after two beers at 1 p.m., I got home and could've passed out for hours. Now, obviously I do this regularly during football season on Saturdays and Sundays, and I'm fine. But how I felt yesterday has me concerned. Am I getting too old to drink a beer during the afternoon? I'm 33. That can't be true, right? I figured I had way more time. I'm hoping this was a one-off. Perhaps my body wasn't expecting a couple of beers at noon on a Tuesday? That's what I'm telling myself right now, but I am moderately worried. I'm hoping someone here can talk me off a ledge. Or, perhaps, push me off of it. Either-or! OK, let's go ahead and get this show on the road. I'm hoping to get this issue resolved soon, because football season is right around the corner. A quick check of the calendar tells me that training camps are one month away, with the first regular season game in (woke) Australia just 84 days away. On that note, here's Chiefs Heiress Gracie Hunt wearing her Sunday red at Arrowhead for yesterday's showdown between Argentina and Algeria: I know we've got ... futbol ... going on right now, and I respect that. But goodness, I could use some real football this weekend. What I would GIVE for some crappy Thursday night game between the Jags and Browns tomorrow night. Hell, I'd take an Akron-Eastern Michigan game at 8 p.m. on CBS Sports Network right now. Something. Anything. Oh well. It'll be here before you know it. In the meantime, we at least have some College World Series action to keep us distracted. And buddy, we had a couple all-time moments in last night's elimination game between Georgia and Texas. The Bulldogs won, 2-0, and will now face elimination again tonight against Oklahoma. But first ... was this a catch? It's all over the internet today, and — to me — it seems pretty cut and dry. But is anything on the internet EVER cut and dry? To me, that's not a catch. I didn't think it was a catch in real-time, and I certainly didn't think it was after the replay. Had the ball not been moving as he was lifting his glove up to show the umpire he caught it, I'd probably think otherwise. But it was already moving. Everybody wants to compare it to the infamous Dez Bryant (non) catch a few years ago in the playoffs. That one was way more of a catch than this. If we want to think of it in football terms — and this class has been weirdly football-centric, so we might as well — then I think it's even clearer. If this was a receiver diving for a ball, and he caught it and then rolled over and it started to wiggle, they'd review it and immediately overturn it. It would take two seconds. That's what we have here. Easy call, and the right one, in my (always right) opinion. Frankly, the more impressive part of that replay is the absolute NUTS on the third base coach to send the runner home on that pop-up. Perfect throw, but an even better slide. What a tournament. OK, two more on the way out. First? It's summer, which means it's officially time for youth travel ball parents to get AFTER it: Lordy. What a scene. I played travel ball for years down here, and I can honestly say I've never seen things escalate to THAT point. What a brawl. Just anarchy, all in the name of 8U baseball. I just couldn't imagine getting that worked up over an 8U baseball game. Possible pregame tailgates in the parking lot contributing here? Maybe. Certainly not out of the question. Lord knows it wouldn't affect me! As I told you earlier, I'd be passed out on the bleachers while the suburban moms were all in a headlock. OK, that's it for today. Good work, everyone. Good class. Let's cool off and end the day with Tiffani Amber Thiessen at the beach. See you tomorrow. OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots). Where do we stand on the catch/no catch? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32fad41972385678329c58 Colombian military neutralizes five terrorists accused in bus bombing that killed 20, injured 45 civilians te 2026-06-17T19:51:48.321Z Colombian military neutralizes five terrorists accused in bus bombing that killed 20, injured 45 civilians Colombian military forces announced on Wednesday they successfully neutralized five members of the militant group responsible for a devastating bus bombing that killed 20 civilians and left 45 others injured. In a statement from the Military Forces of Colombia, officials said the neutralized suspects were members of the "Estructura Jaime Martínez," an organized armed group. In addition to planting the explosives in the municipality of Cajibío, authorities claim the group's criminal activities included stealing vehicles along the Pan-American Highway and indiscriminately deploying drones loaded with explosives. SCHOOL BUS DRIVER CHARGED WITH HOLDING GIRL CAPTIVE FOR 12 YEARS A video shared along with the statement appeared to show body bags laid out in front of a military helicopter and numerous seized weapons. The military retaliation followed an April 26 terror attack, when an explosive device detonated on a passenger bus traveling along the Pan-American Highway in the volatile Cauca region.  The blast killed 15 women and five men, according to a report from The Associated Press. COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT PETRO THREATENS MILITARY RESPONSE AFTER TRUMP WARNS COLOMBIA MAY BE NEXT TARGET While initial local reports said 36 people were injured, including several children, the Colombian military's recent update noted that 45 civilians were wounded in the explosion. Gen. Hugo López, commander of Colombia's armed forces, quickly condemned the bus bombing as a "terrorist act." He attributed the attack to dissident factions of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), specifically pointing to the Jaime Martínez faction and the network of "Iván Mordisco," one of the country's most wanted figures. The U.N. high commissioner for human rights previously urged authorities to "guarantee justice for the victims." Southwestern Colombia has become a battleground for illegal armed groups vying for control over coca leaf cultivation areas and crucial drug trafficking routes leading to Central America and Europe. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32fac01972385678329c4f FOX News Deals Newsletter: America is turning 250 — and Prime Day deals are rolling in early te 2026-06-17T19:51:28.867Z FOX News Deals Newsletter: America is turning 250 — and Prime Day deals are rolling in early FOX News may be compensated for or earn a commission if you buy through our links.  Father's Day is this Sunday, Prime Day is just days away and America's 250th anniversary follows closely behind. Amid all the excitement, this patriotic baseball cap stands out as a surprisingly affordable find. On sale for just $15, it has an embroidered commemorative design complete with an eagle and American flag. READ MORE: 30+ early Amazon Prime Day deals worth shopping now, with discounts up to 79% off There's no shortage of impressive early Prime Day deals right now. I search through sales for a living and, this week, I found noteworthy discounts on home essentials, tech gadgets and patriotic gear worth shopping before the four-day sale kicks off on June 23. — Caitlyn Martyn, Commerce Editor Upgrade your tech with early discounts on Apple AirPods, Blink home security cameras and Roku streaming devices.  Refresh your home with deals on storage solutions, mattress toppers and a dryer vent-cleaning kit. Get ready for America's 250th anniversary with patriotic T-shirts, garden flags and limited-edition whiskey glasses. If you're looking to get a head-start on Prime Day shopping, FOX News Deals writers and editors rounded up the best discounts you can shop right now. One deal stood out, though. Their favorite: Lefant robot vacuum: $89.99 (55% off) from Amazon. Find more deals here.  This week, Commerce Editor, Christopher Hindenach, shares three products he recently bought and recommends. Q: What's a product you bought that immediately solved a problem you had?  A: The Google Nest Thermostat is a budget-friendly smart home device that lets me control the temperature in my home with an app. I turn on the AC while I'm on my way home from work. Q: What's a summer staple you’d recommend?  A: I needed to upgrade my golf shirt collection, and I got this polo on sale for $10. It's affordable and gears me up for the links this summer. Q: What are you eyeing for Prime Day? A: I'm considering a Google Nest Doorbell to add security in my busy neighborhood. It detects activity outside whether we're at home or away. Check out our "Add to Cart" series to see what our full team is buying for Prime Day. -- READ MORE: Prime Day starts soon, but these under-$25 deals are already live Car phone holder ($16.49) — now 50% off: This magnetic mount keeps your phone within view as you drive. PGA Tour men’s golf shorts ($20) — now 50% off: Pick up a pair of popular golf shorts while they’re just $20. KitchenAid oven mitts, 2-pack ($10.44) — now 70% off: Replace worn-out mitts with this deeply discounted silicone set. Cast iron burger press ($14.99) — now 50% off: Make perfectly crispy smash burgers with this durable grilling tool. Satin pillowcase ($14.99) — now 50% off: Enjoy a more comfortable night's sleep with a pillowcase designed to help cool you down. -- If you're looking for a range of deals, all in one place, check out this week’s most noteworthy shopping articles. The best deals this week that rival Prime Day — up to 66% off Yeti, Ninja and more Early Prime Day sleep deals to shop now: Up to 66% off mattresses and bedding essentials  Upgrade your routine with 40% off Laifen hair dryers and electric toothbrushes Score up to 69% off Chefman, Ninja and Keurig with these early Prime Day kitchen deals -- If you'd rather shop just one retailer, these three have some of the best deals we've found this week.  Get up to 70% off home, tech, tools and more, from brands like Carhartt, Craftsman and KitchenAid before Prime Day. Score 50% off almost everything sitewide with code WANDER, plus take an extra 60% off sale and clearance items online. Right now, you can save up to 30% off Coleman coolers, grills and more. Members can take an extra 10% off at checkout. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32fa7b1972385678329bee FTC lawsuit reveals how subscription scam networks evade app store enforcement te 2026-06-17T19:50:19.905Z FTC lawsuit reveals how subscription scam networks evade app store enforcement A new FTC lawsuit reveals how sophisticated subscription app operators can allegedly use shell companies and payment infrastructure to stay active on app stores despite mounting consumer complaints. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f8cd1972385678329bce 10,000+ shoppers bought the LifeStraw last month — get it on sale before Prime Day te 2026-06-17T19:43:09.192Z 10,000+ shoppers bought the LifeStraw last month — get it on sale before Prime Day Early Amazon Prime Day deals are here, and the LifeStraw is among the best. With this deal, you can save on single, two-, three- and four-packs of the portable water filter, which removes up to 99.9% of bacteria, parasites and microplastics from water found in lakes, streams and other natural sources. Tens of thousands of positive reviews have helped make it a favorite among Amazon shoppers. READ MORE: Best early Prime Day camping deals: Up to 49% off tents, grills, outdoor fans and more Original price: $16.95 With more than 120,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, the LifeStraw ranks among Amazon's most popular outdoor products. Thanks to this early Prime Day discount, shoppers can pick one up for just $15. One reviewer called it an "indispensable companion" for travel and outdoor adventures, praising its filtration capabilities and portability. READ MORE: 30+ early Amazon Prime Day deals worth shopping now With more than 10,000 sold on Amazon in May alone, this low-cost investment makes for the perfect camping or hiking tool. To use it, simply dip the straw in a stream or other freshwater source and drink — that's it. Reviewers said the LifeStraw is especially useful when traveling to areas where tap water may not be safe to drink. One shopper who used it overseas said it was particularly useful when they had no access to water during a trip. "It really came in handy for me when I arrived late at night and couldn't purchase water, but I was dying of thirst," the reviewer wrote. Original price: $16.95 A single LifeStraw filters 1,000 gallons of water, giving you an affordable, long-lasting device. You can also grab two-, three- and four-packs to share with friends or stock up for yourself. READ MORE: Early Prime Day fishing and hunting deals worth grabbing now, starting at $18 Also, since it was originally designed to help those in less developed countries, every purchase gives a schoolchild in need safe drinking water for a year. So, you get to make a difference for less than $20. One reviewer, who generally had a positive experience with the LifeStraw, noted one minor setback: "If you need to filter large quantities (for your family campsite, for cooking, etc.), this is not what you need." Instead, the shopper recommends investing in a gravity filter or iodine tablets. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get your LifeStraw sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f8b91972385678329bc5 Ivory Coast player Elye Wahi arrested for fixing offenses before World Cup tournament te 2026-06-17T19:42:49.735Z Ivory Coast player Elye Wahi arrested for fixing offenses before World Cup tournament The Ivory Coast's quest for a World Cup got off to a great start with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Sunday, but a recent scandal involving one of its players may put a dark cloud over its entire tournament run. According to The Athletic, Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi was arrested on suspicion of fixing offenses less than two weeks before the start of the tournament. The arrest stems from an incident during a May 17 match in the French Ligue 1, in which Wahi, while playing for his club Nice, intentionally earned a yellow card against Metz. Wahi was arrested on May 29 by French police, mere hours after scoring two goals in a win over Saint-Étienne. FRENCH FOOTBALL MATCH DESCENDS INTO CHAOS AS FURIOUS NANTES FANS BREACH SECURITY, STORM PITCH According to a spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor's office, Wahi was released from police custody after he was interviewed by authorities. While the investigation is still ongoing, Wahi has traveled to the United States and even played in the Ivory Coast's win over Ecuador this past weekend. The belief is that Wahi participated in a practice called "spot-fixing," which is essentially manipulating events within a match that gamblers with inside knowledge can then bet on. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE The Athletic says suspicions were raised when Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), the governing body that runs the league in France, were tipped off about suspect betting patterns in Nice’s Ligue 1 fixture against Metz, involving wagers on Wahi to receive a yellow card. A yellow card was shown to Wahi in the 35th minute of the match against Metz, and he was suspended on yellow card accumulation for the following match, the first leg of a relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne, which Nice drew 0-0. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE Wahi has not been charged with any crimes as the investigation continues. OutKick has reached out to FIFA for comment on the matter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f8a61972385678329bbc Hunter Biden admits he shouldn't have taken Burisma board seat when pressed on accusations related to role te 2026-06-17T19:42:30.280Z Hunter Biden admits he shouldn't have taken Burisma board seat when pressed on accusations related to role Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, said in an interview Monday that he should not have taken a job on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Host Dax Shepard said on his podcast, "Armchair Expert," that Hunter Biden was being accused of brokering deals with a Ukrainian oligarch and more, adding, "Certainly your behavior couldn’t have been above board for 15 years while your own desperation was raging." Shepard asked if there was any validity to some of the accusations regarding Biden's role on the Burisma board. "Here’s the validity. The validity is that I should never have taken the board seat with Burisma. That’s the validity of it," Biden said. HUNTER BIDEN CLAIMED HE DIDN'T 'STAND TO GAIN ANYTHING' IN CONTROVERSIAL BURISMA ROLE DESPITE MAKING MILLIONS Hunter Biden joined Burisma in April 2014 and, at the time, reportedly connected the firm with consulting firm Blue Star Strategies to help the natural gas company fight corruption charges in Ukraine. During the time Hunter Biden was on the board of the company, his father Joe Biden was vice president and was running U.S.-Ukraine relations and policy for the Obama administration. "It was not with Ukraine. Was not with a foreign government. It was not with an oligarch," Hunter Biden told Shepard on Monday. "I was public about going on the board. I served on 14 other boards before that. I was chairman of the board of the US World Food Program, the largest humanitarian organization in the world. I was vice chairman of the board of the largest railroad company in the world, which is the national passenger rail system, which is Amtrak. I was chairman of the board of the Truman National Security Project. Chairman of the board of the Center for National Policy." "I was a professor of at Georgetown’s master’s program of the school of foreign service for four years," he continued. "I had my own business in consulting, and I had been in more places in the world than 99.9% of people."  HUNTER BIDEN DECRIES THE SUPER RICH WHO ALWAYS MANAGE TO 'AVOID THE CONSEQUENCES' Biden argued that he wasn't recruited out of nowhere and that he had legitimate credentials as counsel at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. He told Shepard he initially declined a board seat and instead represented Burisma as a lawyer, but after a few months, former Polish president Aleksander Kwaśniewski persuaded him to join the board. Hunter says the company was under pressure because of Russia’s incursion into eastern Ukraine, where Burisma had natural gas interests, and that the board role was presented to him as public and transparent. "It obviously turns out to be a mistake. But not because of anything that I did, and not because of anything that my dad did," he said. The former president's son said there was no proof of him using his dad to advance interests. "I mean there's a text message in which the board secretary of Burisma says it was nice meeting your dad and I know we were at a restaurant together, and he sat down and there were 10 other people at the table," Biden said. "He was in from Ukraine. I introduced him to my dad and that's it. Now they had an impeachment hearing over that. And so I take responsibility for doing something that could ever cause the perception of that." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Hunter Biden previously admitted it was a mistake to join the Burisma board in December 2025. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f8921972385678329bb3 Hockey fans mourn the end of 'Hockey Night in Canada' after 75 years of being free over-the-air te 2026-06-17T19:42:10.822Z Hockey fans mourn the end of 'Hockey Night in Canada' after 75 years of being free over-the-air Hockey fans are bumming hard this week with news that "Hockey Night in Canada," a bona fide broadcasting institution, is no more after 75 years. Man... no more HNIC towels... The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Sportsnet made a joint announcement on Tuesday that, after 12 years of a partnership to keep "Hockey Night in Canada" available over the air through a sublicensing agreement, the CBC will no longer carry NHL games. "After a successful 12-year partnership, Sportsnet and CBC today announced the public broadcaster will no longer carry NHL broadcasts after the current season as it moves forward with a new sports programming strategy following the unprecedented success of the Milano/Cortina Olympic Games," the statement reads. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE "Watching hockey on Saturday night is a time-honoured tradition for Canadians, and Sportsnet is privileged to continue delivering that tradition. This has been a terrific partnership, and both parties look forward to continued opportunities to collaborate in the future." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! According to The New York Times, Rogers Sportsnet begins a new 12-year $7.9 billion deal with the NHL. The previous sublicensing deal involved the CBC not receiving any ad revenue from broadcasts, but also not having to pay for the rights to the broadcasts. "Hockey Night in Canada" started as a radio broadcast in the early 1930s before moving on to television in the 1950s. It went on to become Canada's longest-running broadcast and helped make Don Cherry a household name among hockey fans, until he was fired in 2019. And a common sentiment on social media was that this is when "Hockey Night in Canada" truly ended... According to the Associated Press, the CBC retains the "Hockey Night in Canada" trademark and could find a way to use it moving forward. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f87f1972385678329baa Israeli flag confiscated at Iran World Cup game while Palestinian flags remain in stands, video shows te 2026-06-17T19:41:51.372Z Israeli flag confiscated at Iran World Cup game while Palestinian flags remain in stands, video shows A video from Monday's Iran-New Zealand World Cup game at SoFi Stadium outside of Los Angeles appeared to show a man's Israeli flag getting confiscated, while adjacent Palestinian flags were able to remain in the stands. The Instagram reel, posted by @blackandjewishunity, showed a man, who later identified himself to Fox News Digital as Rony, with an Israeli flag draped over his shoulders approached by two members of Apex Private Security at the stadium. One staff member said that "the house, which is the facility here, is asking to remove this flag" for Rony's "safety." "Why can't you remove that flag?" Rony asked, pointing to a Palestinian flag just two rows behind him. "You guys aren't removing this flag but you guys are removing my flag? CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "It seems like a little antisemitism is playing a part here." Romy told security that if the Palestinian flag were removed, he would remove his Israeli flag. Another staff member said if Rony did not give up his Israeli flag, he would have to leave the stadium. The second staff member said it was the "call" of apparent nearby FIFA employees to have the Israeli flag removed, while he and Rony both had their hands on the flag. "I don't make the rules... I'm just doing what I'm told," the staffer said, adding that Rony would be able to get the flag back at a later time. Later on in the video, a female Apex security member said, "The only flags that are allowed to be out are the teams that are playing." When she was notified that the Palestinian flag was not confiscated, she responded, "Oh, I don't know." Neither Israel nor the Palestine men's national team are in the World Cup. Only Israel has qualified in each team's history, back in 1970. When Rony attempted to get his flag back, he approached a first responder and said that security said they would give him his flag back. The first responder answered, "No they didn't. FIFA took it." Representatives for FIFA and SoFi Stadium did not immediately respond to emails from Fox News Digital. The Los Angeles Host Committee deferred Fox News Digital to FIFA. Rony told Fox News Digital he is a Los Angeles resident who surprised his father with World Cup tickets as "avid" soccer fans. Rony said he is rooting for Team USA and wants to attend a USA game at SoFi Stadium. "We love our boys," Rony said. Rony said that he did not expect backlash from fans aside from the usual "bad apples giving us a hard time." "Even when we came into the stadium, we didn't have any problems with anyone...We were actually getting a lot of love and support. I was not expecting this outcome whatsoever," Rony said. IRAN WORLD CUP TEAM FORCED TO LEAVE US AFTER TOURNAMENT OPENER IN APPARENT CHANGE OF PLANS Rony said he was told that staff was "pointing at me and singled me out" in a sold-out stadium. "I saw flags from all around the world. There's flags from Lebanon, Mexico, everywhere, from all walks of the world, there's flags. So it took me by surprise that they were doing that to me and singling me out." Rony said he was also told by security that the "head of FIFA didn't care about" the Palestinian flag behind him, "and they only cared about my flag in particular." "They said they don't have a problem with their flags, and they only have an issue with ours," Rony said, citing a "double standard. "They had no marching orders in order to take their flag, or anyone else's flag. It was pretty embarrassing... "We thought we lived in America in 2026, not Nazi Germany in the 30s." Rony did mention that most of the stadium staff and security were "apologetic and on my side" and even "distraught myself." "We're just proud, Israeli Jews who are just out there, just like everybody else, looking to have a good time and represent our country," Rony said. Getty Images captured photos of a Palestinian flag at both the Brazil-Morocco and France-Senegal matches on Saturday and Tuesday, both of which took place at MetLife Stadium. FIFA rule 4.2.23 states that World Cup attendees must only use flags "in a festive and friendly manner," and "upon the request of the Event Organisers, Ticket Holders must immediately remove, stop demonstrating and/or permit the confiscation of any flags, banners or poster." FIFA also prohibits "materials" that are of "political...nature." A Los Angeles judge upheld FIFA's ban on Iran's "lion and sun" flag that was used up until 1980, following the Islamic Revolution. Many Israel flags were spotted throughout the Iran-New Zealand game amid the war between the two Middle Eastern countries. Iran's next game will be on Sunday, also at SoFi Stadium, against Belgium. 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/6a32f86b1972385678329ba1 Subcontractors say they’re owed millions, face financial ruin, after helping build Obama Presidential Center te 2026-06-17T19:41:31.914Z Subcontractors say they’re owed millions, face financial ruin, after helping build Obama Presidential Center CHICAGO — The Obama Presidential Center was billed as a lasting legacy to former President Barack Obama, and its construction was touted as an ambitious model built with aggressive goals for minority-owned and local businesses. But now, some of the very subcontractors who helped build the 19.3-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side say they are facing financial ruin as they race to recover millions of dollars they claim remain unpaid ahead of the center's grand opening Friday. Overall construction costs were reported to be $830 million in 2021, and have likely climbed past the $1 billion mark. A Fox News Digital investigation identified multiple construction firms claiming losses ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions. The allegations cut against one of the Center's defining goals: helping minority-owned businesses and local contractors grow through one of Chicago's highest-profile construction projects. Several of the complaints reviewed by Fox News Digital come from firms that were supposed to benefit from that mission. Among them is Adamson Plumbing, whose owner Mike Owen says is nearly $4 million in the red after years of work on the project. "That is a hole that no subcontractor, small business can survive," Owen said. OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER'S $470M SAFETY NET UNDER SCRUTINY AS SUBCONTRACTORS SAY THEY'RE OWED MILLIONS Subcontractor owners interviewed by Fox News Digital described what they characterized as a chaotic work environment marked by repeated design changes, rework, scheduling disruptions, extensive oversight and years-long compensation disputes that still remain unresolved. Several also described what they viewed as a wall of silence surrounding the project, with some declining to speak publicly or requesting anonymity because of confidentiality agreements or fears of professional retaliation. The allegations emerge days after a Fox News Digital investigation reported that the Obama Foundation’s reserve fund — originally promoted as a $470 million financial safeguard intended to help protect taxpayers if the project encountered financial trouble — remains funded at roughly $1 million. Nearly $4 million in the red Standing outside the center on a gloomy Friday afternoon, Owen flipped through spreadsheets and financial records that he said documented millions of dollars in losses tied to the project. Owen said the project stretched on for years longer than anticipated, forcing his company to absorb millions of dollars in labor and overhead costs as work demands changed and expanded. He said the losses have drained the company's reserves, created uncertainty for employees and could ultimately force layoffs. Owen also said the years-long effort to recover what he believes is money owed has taken a significant toll on his mental health. "I haven't had eight hours or six hours sleep in over a year," Owen said. "I'm cooked emotionally. I feel like an aluminum can that's been thrown in front of a steamroller. We're crushed. And I have to fight for my company and for my people." OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER JOB LISTINGS PUSH ‘ANTI-RACISM’ PLEDGE AHEAD OF OPENING As the center prepares for a star-studded pre-opening celebration on Thursday featuring performers including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and John Legend, Owen said it has been difficult to watch the buildup and soft-opening events take shape over the past few weeks while his company struggles financially. "It was kind of hard seeing some local and national celebrities high-fiving and back-slapping here about the work that's been done," Owen said. "The backdrop of a coming celebration is kind of hard to swallow for me and for some of my peers at the moment." Owen, whose company is not minority-owned, said he decided to speak publicly only after months of failed efforts to recover losses he attributes to the project. "As for me and my company, I’m at the end of my rope and I see no other choice than to have to tell my story," Owen said. "This is not to embarrass anybody, but this is just to make sure that the truth gets told out here of what has happened to the companies that poured their heart and soul into getting this job complete and operational." He said unnecessary rework, delays and more than 100 change-order requests left his company absorbing millions of dollars in additional costs. OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER SLAMMED FOR PROMOTING ‘FAR-LEFT' AGENDA ON PUBLIC LAND The Obama Foundation, Obama’s private nonprofit organization that oversees the construction, told Fox News Digital that it paid Lakeside Alliance as the project’s construction manager and that Lakeside was responsible for hiring, managing and paying subcontractors working on the center. The Obama Foundation also said it has no outstanding disputed charges with Lakeside Alliance -- a joint venture involving multiple construction companies — and no contractural relationship with Lakeside's subcontractors. Lakeside Alliance said projects of this scale are inherently complex and that outstanding project matters often continue long after construction ends. The alliance said approximately 475 contractors worked on the project, generating significant opportunities for local tradespeople and businesses, and that it remains committed to working through outstanding matters to successfully close out the project. Neither Lakeside Alliance nor the Obama Foundation directly disputed allegations from some subcontractors that they incurred losses while working on the project. Fears of speaking out Advocates for Black subcontractor firms say those companies have been muzzled by a non-disclosure agreement and a reluctance to speak publicly because of the prestige surrounding the project in Obama’s adopted hometown, a Democratic stronghold, as well as concerns that speaking out could jeopardize payments. "They are scared to death about talking about it," Omar Shareef, the president of the African American Contractors Association, told Fox News Digital outside the center on a recent Saturday. The group advocates for Black-owned construction businesses and was founded by Shareef in 1989. "I've never seen this happen since I've been in business," Shareef said. "The building does look nice, but the fact doesn't matter that they're not paying our damn contractors." Fox News Digital independently interviewed several contractors who described similar concerns. Shareef said several Black subcontractor owners began privately approaching him about six months ago, claiming significant losses tied directly to the project. The concerns are particularly notable, he said, because the project was publicly promoted as an opportunity for minority-owned businesses and local workers. "The promise was that this project was going to uplift minority contractors and uplift the community," Shareef said. "What sense is celebrating Juneteenth if our Black contractors are not getting their money?" "Some of the people have put their mortgages up, they're going to lose their bonding... they are going to lose their relationship with their supplier as well as their banker." Shareef said that being in the red not only puts them at financial risk, but it also makes it harder for them to secure future projects. Shareef said his group plans on staging a protest outside the center on Thursday at 10 a.m. CT. "That's a bad signal to put out the fact that seven to eight to maybe 10 of our contractors in our community are going to be eliminated from doing business because of the debt that they incurred on this particular project," he said. "If they would have known it was a Trojan horse or a Pandora’s box, I don't know if they would have raced as much as they did to be a part of it." Fox News Digital has not independently corroborated the claim that these subcontractors will be forced out of business as a result of their work on the Obama Presidential Center project. WATCH: Black subcontractors at Obama Presidential Center still seeking payment as Juneteenth opening nears, advocate says Local companies on the brink One minority-owned subcontractor owner told Fox News Digital his company was up to $2.5 million in the red but declined to speak publicly, citing non-disclosure agreements and ongoing efforts to resolve disputes. The owner said the contract for the job was originally expected to last 24 months but ultimately stretched to about five years. Fox News Digital was unable to independently verify the company's claimed losses. Shareef said the owner told him the same story but the owner wouldn’t provide Shareef with documents due to the NDA. The largest publicly known dispute tied to the project involved II in One Concrete, a Black-owned firm that was part of the Concrete Collective — a joint venture that also included Trice Construction and W.E. O’Neil Construction -- that was responsible for major structural concrete work across the campus. The Concrete Collective filed claims exceeding $40 million, alleging it incurred substantial additional costs while working on the Center. The dispute later became entangled with a widely publicized racial racial discrimination lawsuit that brought national attention to diversity, equity and inclusion issues surrounding the project. McGee alleged the project’s structural engineer unfairly blamed his company for delays and cost overruns and that the criticism contributed to the rejection of Concrete Collective’s compensation claims. Defendants denied wrongdoing and disputed the allegations, arguing that portions of the concrete work had to be repaired or replaced because of cracking and other deficiencies. The owner of II in One Concrete declined to comment for this story. The case docket reflects that the case remains pending. BUREAUCRATS HIDE TRUE PRICE OF OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER AS TAXPAYERS HIT WITH INFRASTRUCTURE BILL Court records also show that at least two minority-owned subcontractors that worked on the project later sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to documents viewed by Fox News Digital. The filings do not establish that the Obama Presidential Center caused those financial difficulties. Glass Management Services, which supplied glass for the project, filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2024 and later told the bankruptcy court it was preparing litigation related to the Obama Presidential Center that it said could yield millions of dollars in damages. Fox News Digital is not aware that such litigation has been filed and the allegations have not been tested in court. Its owner declined to speak. Vision Painting & Decorating Services, another subcontractor that worked on the project, also filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2024 while listing the Obama Presidential Center contract in its bankruptcy schedules. Court filings reviewed by Fox News Digital do not state whether the company viewed the project as contributing to its financial difficulties. Fox News Digital was unable to get in touch with its owner. Another subcontractor owner who worked on the project, told Fox News Digital that the job caused significant financial strain on his company too and he described the experience as a "nightmare" and one of the most difficult projects he had encountered. He filed a mechanic’s lien for around $145,000, documents show, which was eventually paid to him, but he said his company was still down $200,000 for the project. A mechanic’s lien is a legal tool that companies file when they say they are owed money for construction work they completed. "Literally, I've been doing this for 35 years, and it was the worst-run job I've ever been on," the subcontractor owner said. He described repeated delays, extensive oversight and what he considered unnecessary construction requirements that forced contractors to spend additional time and money completing work. "The stuff that they made everybody do was so over-the-top ridiculous," the owner said. That view was echoed by Owen, who said his company was forced to redo portions of the Center’s stormwater system at a cost of nearly $900,000, expenses he believes should have been reimbursed. Owen said the work was unnecessary and pointed to correspondence reviewed by Fox News Digital in which Chicago’s chief plumbing inspector later wrote that Adamson’s original method complied with city code requirements. Owen also provided records showing his firm submitted more than 100 change-order requests — requests for additional compensation for work performed beyond the original scope of the project — during construction. He said the unusually high number reflected constant revisions, rework and delays. Owen said the company has been trying to recover money it says it is owed from parties involved and has not filed a lawsuit. Fox News Digital reviewed correspondence showing that Adamson’s attorney wrote to project representatives regarding the dispute. Meanwhile, two additional companies filed mechanics’ liens for around $400,000 and $75,000 respectively. Fox News Digital was unable to contact company officials and it is not known if the liens have been paid. Promise vs. reality The concerns are particularly notable because the Obama Presidential Center was built around one of the most ambitious efforts to increase participation by minority-owned businesses and workers from historically underserved communities. The Obama Foundation committed to awarding 50% of subcontracting packages to diverse vendors — nearly double Chicago’s goals for minority- and women-owned businesses — while requiring 35% of workforce hours to come from targeted South and West Side communities. Foundation officials said the effort was intended to serve as a model for future development projects and help create a pipeline of workers and contractors for projects across Chicago. The Obama Foundation estimated the Center would generate as many as 5,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs during and after construction. To deliver the project, the foundation hired Lakeside Alliance — a consortium led by Turner Construction and four Black-owned firms: UJAMAA Construction, Powers & Sons Construction, Brown & Momen and Safeway Construction. The partnership was frequently highlighted by the Foundation as evidence of the project’s commitment to minority-owned businesses and local economic opportunity. Beneath that alliance sat dozens of subcontractors responsible for carrying out the actual work, from plumbing and HVAC systems to painting, insulation, glass installation and concrete construction. Many of the complaints reviewed by Fox News Digital came from firms operating at that subcontractor level. The foundation said many subcontractors used the project to grow their businesses and noted that it implemented accelerated payment schedules, advance payments and a 15-day payment cycle to help support smaller firms. The foundation also said it worked with Lakeside Alliance to identify subcontractors in need of financial assistance and, when appropriate, provide additional support. A landmark project Whatever the outcome of those disputes, the center itself is nearing completion and preparing to open its doors to the public. For many Chicago residents, the project remains a source of pride and a long-awaited investment in the city’s South Side. For some of the subcontractors who helped build it, however, the approaching opening date represents a shrinking window to resolve payment disputes they say have lingered for years. The subcontractor tension was largely absent from the excitement surrounding the center over a recent weekend, when local residents touring the campus told Fox News Digital they were impressed by the sprawling development and its 220-foot-tall granite-clad museum tower. Many posed with a statue of the former president and first lady and stopped to read slogans displayed on the perimeter fence, including "Bring Change Home" and "A Home For Action." Several described the project as a fitting tribute to Obama, who first rose to prominence as a community organizer before becoming the nation’s first Black president. The center sits in historic Jackson Park, one of Chicago’s most iconic public parks. The Obama Foundation secured the site through a 99-year lease with the city for a one-time fee of just $10. Once open, the campus will serve as the headquarters of the Obama Foundation and host leadership programs, community initiatives and public events. It will feature a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a digitized presidential library -- though it will not be a traditional presidential library with physical papers -- an auditorium, an indoor sports facility, a playground and expansive green outdoor spaces. Despite the financial losses, Owen said he still takes pride in the finished product. "I've heard the criticisms of the design out here and maybe from an outsider's perspective, it might not be your cup of tea, but I can tell you the interior of this presidential center is quite beautiful and it's something to be proud of," Owen said. "And we are still proud to have been part of this job. We just wish it would have gone a different way financially." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f8561972385678329b91 Abrazo showcases student artwork te 2026-06-17T19:41:10.927Z Abrazo showcases student artwork Students from Maryland School received a round of applause from Abrazo Central Campus leadership as they viewed their artwork that is now on display in the hospital’s community gallery, which showcases student artists from the area (submitted photo). On April 29, Abrazo Central Campus, 2000 W. Bethany Home Road, welcomed students from Maryland School to its community gallery, where the hospital is displaying their vibrant new collection of artwork. The students smiled as they received a round of applause from the hospital CEO and staff, the school principal, their art teacher and even some of their parents as they walked through the halls of the hospital to see their fantastic artwork on display for the first time. The hospital opened the community art gallery three years ago to display local student art, and this year the students’ theme was “Thank You! From the Bottom of Our Hearts,” aligning with 2026 National Nurses and Hospital Weeks. “Thank you for everything you do. The nurses, doctors and everybody in the hospital who helps people. That was my inspiration and it makes me happy to show my art,” said eighth grader Isabella Cervantes. “As the longtime community hospital in north central Phoenix, it’s important to have meaningful relationships with our neighbors and support education,” said Abrazo Central Campus CEO Gregory Pearson. The gallery displays student art on a rotating basis in collaboration with Glendale Union High School District. “Our gallery gives student artists a place to showcase their talents and see their work impact their community. In return, their community supports them, so it’s a win-win all around,” Pearson said. Nick Gupton, principal of Maryland School, which is part of the Washington Elementary School District, expressed gratitude for the support and the excitement this kind of opportunity provides for his students. “We are incredibly thankful to Abrazo Central and everyone who contributed to this opportunity for our young artists to see their own creativity and imagination on display. It makes a tangible impact, empowering students and demonstrating the strength of community collaboration,” Gupton said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f3a11972385678329a7d Trump says US may recover all the equipment left behind in Afghanistan by Biden admin te 2026-06-17T19:21:05.949Z Trump says US may recover all the equipment left behind in Afghanistan by Biden admin President Donald Trump suggested he may be able to get back the equipment the U.S. military left behind during Joe Biden's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Trump made these comments at the G7 Summit while taking questions from reporters about the forthcoming agreement with Iran to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz. In response to a question about how the deal will address Iran's nuclear program, Trump repeatedly said he would "bomb them" if they do not comply with proposed restrictions. He then transitioned into criticizing Biden's foreign policy record, spotlighting the Democratic former president's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and abandon dozens of military aircraft, thousands of ground vehicles and more than 300,000 weapons, according to the House Budget Committee. TRUMP PUSHES TO RECOVER 'BILLIONS OF DOLLARS' OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT LEFT BEHIND IN AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL "Our country has become the most respected country in the world," he said. "Look at what happened in so many different locations. Afghanistan, that horrible retreat that these people made. Leaving equipment behind. They weren't under any pressure. Take your time." "I was going to get out," he continued. "We were going to get out with dignity and pride. Take 100% of the equipment. I was even taking the tents down. But then [Biden] got in and they just left. They left all the equipment. I may get all that equipment back. Now, here's the thing. It's more symbolic because it's a little old now, but we may get it all back. Afghanistan is kissing our a--." In June 2022, the Department of Defense estimated that $7.12 billion worth of military equipment ended up in the hands of the Taliban, which quickly seized control of the country after American troops departed. TRUMP: ‘WE DON’T RUN FROM ANYBODY’ IN BLASTING BIDEN OVER AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL Trump and his allies have long been critical of what they view as Biden's hasty decision to end the war in Afghanistan, which lasted for nearly 20 years. Biden officials at the time defended the withdrawal by pointing out that the equipment seized by the Taliban was in the hands of the U.S.-aligned government in Afghanistan that ended up surrendering. Biden himself said he believed that the Afghan fighters supported by the U.S. were going to do a better job at holding the country. "The assumption was that more than 300,000 Afghan National Security Forces that we had trained over the past two decades and equipped would be a strong adversary in their civil wars with the Taliban," he said on Aug. 31, 2021. "That assumption — that the Afghan government would be able to hold on for a period of time beyond military drawdown — turned out not to be accurate." Under Taliban rule, women and girls remain repressed. More than 1 million girls have been banned from secondary school and university. An April UNICEF report claimed that Afghanistan risks losing more than 25,000 teachers and healthcare workers due to the new government's restrictions on female employment. The country is also dealing with a hunger crisis, with roughly 17.4 million Afghans at risk for severe food insecurity this year, according to the World Food Programme. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f38e1972385678329a74 Deep-red state wrapped race calls before DC started counting, despite same poll deadline te 2026-06-17T19:20:46.493Z Deep-red state wrapped race calls before DC started counting, despite same poll deadline Voters in Alabama knew the outcomes of their Tuesday night elections hours before officials in D.C. began releasing results despite both jurisdictions officially closing their polls at the same time. Both D.C. and Alabama were scheduled to officially close their polling stations at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday night. Alabama counted the vast majority of its votes within about an hour, with the Associated Press calling them at 8:40 p.m. and 9:31 p.m., respectively. Officials in D.C., meanwhile, only began counting votes at 10:47 p.m., around the time the Associated Press declared Rep. Barry Moore the winner of Alabama’s GOP primary – the most hotly contested race in the state.  Democratic-led jurisdictions including California and Washington, D.C., have faced criticism from Republicans and election-integrity advocates who argue that prolonged ballot counting undermines public confidence and leaves major races unresolved for days or even weeks after Election Day. Election officials in those jurisdictions have defended the timelines, pointing to mail-in ballot rules, postmark deadlines and verification requirements they say are necessary to ensure every lawful vote is counted. CALIFORNIA’S SLUGGISH VOTE COUNTING RIPPED ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM: 'EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING' D.C.’s first results were delayed after long lines kept some polling places open past the scheduled 8 p.m. close. Long lines at some D.C. polling stations forced the district to wait almost three hours after polls officially closed to start the counting process. Further delaying the count was the large number of mail ballots and the district’s move to ranked-choice voting, an election method that can require multiple rounds of counting.  NYC POLLS ARE CLOSED BUT RACE FAR FROM OVER DUE TO RANKED-CHOICE VOTING "When you get [20,000 to] 30,000 ballots on election night through the mail, it is not possible to process that number on election night," D.C. Board of Elections executive director Monica Evans told a local media outlet on June 9. As of publishing, less than 70% of ballots have been counted in D.C. more than a day after voting began. Roughly 400,000 people voted in Alabama’s Tuesday elections, compared to only around 100,000 ballots cast in D.C. that same night. DEMS PICK POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR TO DC'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE AFTER DECADES-LONG INCUMBENCY D.C.’s pace of vote counting drew criticism on social media. "It's now 10:30 pm, polls were supposed to close 2.5 hours ago, this is an absolute disaster from DCBOE," DMV New Liberals, a local group of centrist Democrats, wrote to X on Tuesday night in response to news that the city hadn’t begun counting votes yet. "In the District of Columbia, just 64% of votes from yesterday's election have been counted. And there aren't even that many of them," conservative pundit Byron York wrote at 11:19 a.m. on Wednesday.  The D.C. Board of Elections did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Wednesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f3761972385678329a3d Trump Rescinds Endorsement of Right-Wing Pastor After Texting Scandal te 2026-06-17T19:20:22.945Z Trump Rescinds Endorsement of Right-Wing Pastor After Texting Scandal The pastor, Jackson Lahmeyer, dropped out of the race for a House seat in Oklahoma as President Trump backed Mr. Lahmeyer’s Republican rival in a runoff election. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f13619723856783299e5 Hasan Piker claims Israel has no ‘right to exist’ in its current form te 2026-06-17T19:10:46.581Z Hasan Piker claims Israel has no ‘right to exist’ in its current form Left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker told Charlamagne tha God on "The Breakfast Club" that Israel had no right to exist "in its current formation" during a Tuesday interview, responding to a question about whether Israel and a Palestinian state have a right to exist. "I think Israel, in its current formation, given that it’s a settler colonial operation that’s seeking out the expulsion or complete extermination of the indigenous population as an apartheid state, does not have a right to exist," Piker said. Piker compared the question to asking whether other historic regimes should have continued to exist. FOX NEWS ‘ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED’ NEWSLETTER: WHO IS HASAN PIKER AND WHY CAN'T DEMOCRATS CONDEMN HIM? "It’s like, for me, it’s like saying, does Nazi Germany have a right to exist, or does apartheid South Africa have a right to exist? Does Rhodesia have a right to exist? No, of course not," he said in a clip flagged by Mediaite. He said he was referring to Israel's political structure rather than Israeli citizens. "People have a right to exist. People do exist. Israel currently exists," Piker said. "It’s just a matter of, are they following international humanitarian laws? And they certainly are not. And I want to change that." Charlamagne asked whether that was similar to saying MAGA "doesn't have a right to exist" as a movement, and Piker argued such claims are often mischaracterized by political opponents. MEDIA TAPS TWITCH STAR WHO TOLD VIEWERS TO 'KILL' REPUBLICANS FOR COMMENT ON CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION "That doesn’t mean kill all Republicans or whatever, right?" Piker said. "I’m sure that’s how people would present it as." Piker said the "right to exist" question is used to move attention away from Israel’s conduct toward Palestinians. "The 'does Israel have a right to exist' deployment as a statement, as a question, is a technique to shift the conversation away from Israel’s crimes against the Palestinians," he said. "To make it seem like the opposition is actually being crazy and they want, like, all Jews to be exterminated, all Israelis to be exterminated, which is not the case." JERRY SEINFELD SLAMS 'FREE PALESTINE' MOVEMENT, COMPARING IT TO HISTORICAL HATE GROUP The exchange began after Charlamagne asked Piker about Jerry Seinfeld, who was asked to say "Free Palestine" outside a New York Knicks NBA Finals game and responded, "It doesn't exist." Piker called Seinfeld "a gross racist" and said denying Palestine exists is a common pro-Israel talking point. "Palestine existed under Ottoman occupation initially under the Ottoman Empire, and then it became a British holdover occupied state, British-occupied Palestine," Piker said. "It’s existed for far longer than Israel has. Israel’s only existed since 1948." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Fox News Digital reached out to Seinfeld for comment, but did not immediately hear back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32f11d197238567832999a World leaders want American AI. They just don’t want America to be able to turn it off. te 2026-06-17T19:10:21.071Z World leaders want American AI. They just don’t want America to be able to turn it off. French President Macron and Indian PM Modi raised alarms at the G7 summit that the U.S. could cut off access to American AI overnight — a fear the Anthropic blackout just made real. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ef5b1972385678329978 Dear Abby: Patriarch's passing created chasms among survivors te 2026-06-17T19:02:51.092Z Dear Abby: Patriarch's passing created chasms among survivors DEAR ABBY: My husband of 31 years died suddenly five years ago. Our family -- four kids, six grandkids -- was devastated. We still haven't recovered. We used to be a happy bunch, spending time at the lake, backyard barbecues… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ef191972385678329946 OutKick defends NBA parity after ESPN argues that dynasties are better for the sport te 2026-06-17T19:01:45.560Z OutKick defends NBA parity after ESPN argues that dynasties are better for the sport Today, OutKick is going to defend the NBA against ESPN. This week, ESPN commentator Vincent Goodwill argued that parity in the league is a problem. In his view, the NBA championship has become a "participation trophy." "Dynasty is better for the sport," Goodwill said. "I like to know that greatness is validated. How do we know that any of the last eight champions are actually validated because they have not done it again? Giannis is itching to get out, Boston is thinking about trading Jaylen Brown, they don’t believe in their one championship. LeBron’s one championship in LA was not enough. So why would it be enough for us?" For context, eight different franchises have won the past eight NBA titles. The Warriors were the last team to repeat as champions in 2018. JEMELE HILL CLAIMS SHE'D HAVE A JOB SHE'S 'UNQUALIFIED FOR' AND A HIGHER SALARY IF SHE WERE WHITE For decades, championship runs in the NBA were defined by sustained dominance. The Lakers and Celtics combined for eight championships in the 1980s. The Bulls won six titles in the 1990s. The Lakers and Spurs combined for 10 championships from 1999 to 2014. The Heat and Warriors accounted for six of the next eight titles. Fans and media expected another team to follow that pattern this decade. At different points, the Bucks, Nuggets and Thunder each looked like candidates. Instead, every would-be dynasty has stalled before it could begin. Which raises the question: Is the NBA weaker without dynasties? Put simply, it depends on the dynasty. The NBA was most popular during Michael Jordan's run in Chicago. It regained some of that interest when LeBron James' Cavaliers and Steph Curry's Warriors met in four consecutive Finals from 2015 through 2018. By contrast, the Tim Duncan Spurs won five championships across 15 seasons but were never box office. An Oklahoma City run built around foul merchant Shai Gilgeous-Alexander probably wouldn't move the needle outside Oklahoma. A Knicks repeat, meanwhile, would have television executives and league partners celebrating behind closed doors. NFL IS BECOMING THE NBA: RAMS TRADE FOR MYLES GARRETT RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT SUPERTEAMS, PARITY AND TANKING The same is true in other sports. The Chiefs' run helped fuel record NFL viewership. If the Seahawks and Sam Darnold reach the Super Bowl this season, don't expect the league office or ESPN to be nearly as enthusiastic. That said, this is where we'll defend the current NBA product. Parity is fun. More importantly, it's rare. Among the major American sports leagues, the NBA currently offers the most uncertainty. The last 10 Super Bowls have featured only nine franchises. Meanwhile, the Dodgers entered June as overwhelming favorites to win the World Series for the third consecutive year. It's difficult to imagine the Dodgers not winning again, given the talent disparity between their roster and the rest of the league. In the NFL, there are a handful of contenders on paper, but they're largely the same teams that have won Super Bowls over the past decade: the Rams, Seahawks, Eagles, Chiefs and Patriots. Recent history suggests that at least one NBA Finals team next season will enter the year with odds longer than +2000. That gives fan bases across the league hope, a feeling many didn't have during previous eras of the NBA. While teams like the Spurs and Thunder are assembled to contend for years to come, the league's most recent collective bargaining agreement introduced a second-apron luxury tax that prevents teams from stockpiling talent the way the Heat and Warriors did in the 2010s. "I believe that parity of opportunity is good for the league," commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN last year. "When more teams have a genuine chance at winning a championship, the competition on the court is more compelling, and fans in more markets are engaged. "We didn't set out with the goal to have a different champion every year, and I'm not against dynasties so long as they are built within a fair system." He's right. We won't go full NBA fanboy like much of the media. That said, more teams are legitimate championship contenders today than at any point over the past 30 years. That's a positive. It also doesn't make winning a title a participation trophy. If anything, parity has made winning a championship even harder. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ef06197238567832993d Israel launches 'Biblical Highway' amid campaign to erase Jewish history te 2026-06-17T19:01:26.095Z Israel launches 'Biblical Highway' amid campaign to erase Jewish history The Israeli government on Tuesday approved designating Route 60 — the highway stretching from Nazareth in the north to Beersheba in the south and passing through some of the most significant sites in history—as the "Biblical Highway." The designation is part of a broader initiative to create a Route 66-style experience for Bible enthusiasts, students and tourists. The Biblical Highway has existed for more than 4,000 years. Running along Israel’s central mountain ridge, the route begins in Beersheba, the southern desert city where Abraham is said to have established an oasis and taught travelers about belief in one God. CHRISTIAN LEADERS HOLD EMERGENCY SUMMIT IN JERUSALEM TO CONFRONT GLOBAL RISE IN ANTISEMITISM David Parsons, senior vice president and spokesman for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, told Fox News Digital that a proper understanding of the Bible can help immunize people against what he described as the "virus" of antisemitism. "You would better understand who the Jewish people are, the special relationship God established with them for the benefit of all mankind, and the fact that this includes a land where they could become a nation and deliver those benefits down through history," Parsons said. "The more you examine the archaeological record in the Land of Israel, and the more objectively you look at the evidence, the more you realize that the Bible is not a collection of fables and fairy tales, but an accurate account of a people and a land that have given the world ideas and values of universal benefit and inspiration," he added. The road continues from Beersheba to Hebron, home to the Cave of the Patriarchs, purchased by Abraham some 3,800 years ago and traditionally regarded as the resting place of the biblical patriarchs and matriarchs. The site is marked by a monumental structure built by King Herod some 2,000 years ago. Hebron was also King David’s first capital, where he was crowned king of Israel about 3,000 years ago. HUCKABEE CONDEMNS EFFORTS TO ERASE JEWISH HISTORY TO THE HOLY LAND AS ‘ABSURD’ The route passes through Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus and where Jacob buried the matriarch Rachel and which serves as the setting of the Book of Ruth, before reaching Jerusalem, the capital of modern-day Israel and home to Mount Moriah — the traditional site of the Binding of Isaac — as well as the location of the First and Second Temples. Continuing north, the highway reaches Bet El, where Jacob, while fleeing his brother Esau, experienced the prophetic dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth and where, 20 years later, he returned with his family and received the name Israel. It then passes through Shiloh, which served as the spiritual center of the Israelites for nearly 400 years after their entry into the Land of Israel. Farther north lies Shechem, where Joshua is said to have buried the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites carried from Egypt during the Exodus. The route then reaches Mount Tabor, where the prophetess Deborah sang her song of victory, and continues to Megiddo, the site of numerous battles involving the armies of Israel and invading forces throughout biblical history, before ending in Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus. Yishai Fleisher, international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, told Fox News Digital he has been working on the project for many years. "Finally, the government is recognizing it. We have been advocating for this idea, which is similar to other roads around the world," he said. "In Germany, they have the Romantische Straße, or Romantic Road. In Spain, they have the Camino de Santiago. And in the United States, there is the famous Route 66. For us, it’s Route 60, the Biblical Highway. 'SQUAD' MEMBERS 'DECIDE TO LIE AND TWIST FACTS' ABOUT ISRAEL'S HISTORY, SAYS PROMINENT ARAB ACTIVIST "I think it has educational, heritage and tourism value," Fleisher continued. "The government views the Bible as an important part of Israel’s identity. We’ve been teaching it, we’ve been promoting it, and they’ve embraced the idea. Ahead of the elections, I think they want to show people that they are committed to branding Israel as the land of the Bible." The initiative also carries significance amid what Fleisher described as efforts by the Palestinian Authority to assert claims over sites of Jewish historical and biblical heritage. He said there have been attempts to "erase" Jewish historical and biblical narratives, including efforts to reinterpret or displace long-held traditions associated with sites such as the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, Rachel’s Tomb and the Cave of the Patriarchs. "It makes perfect sense because if one undermines the biblical heritage of Israel and this land, they are undermining the pillars of the Jewish state and could replace it with a Palestinian one," he continued. "When we rename Route 60 or add the name ‘Biblical Highway,’ we are strengthening that pillar of our ancient identity in this land. Certainly, people who do not want to see Israel exist seek to remove that pillar." SIGN UP FOR ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED NEWSLETTER Ze’ev Orenstein, Director of International Affairs at City of David, said the initiative offers visitors an opportunity to experience biblical history through the geography where it unfolded. "The Biblical Highway will enable millions of visitors to bring their faith, heritage, and identity to life by traveling through the very places where the Biblical story unfolded and where the values that continue to shape Western civilization were born," he told Fox News Digital. "It is an invitation to experience the Bible not only as a book, but as a living geography, as relevant today as it was millennia ago." Parsons noted that there is also a King’s Highway in Jordan that the Israelites traveled along, which is marked as such by the Jordanians. "So Israel is not doing anything different from what Jordan has done on its side. I don’t think there is anything particularly political about that; it is simply an acknowledgment of historical truth," he said. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism spokesperson told Fox News Digital that it supports the name change and will work to incorporate "The Biblical Highway" into Israel’s marketing and branding materials. Visitor centers, observation points and multilingual signage are expected to be included. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32eef21972385678329934 WATCH: ICE officer makes heroic rescue after 6-year-old girl has pool emergency te 2026-06-17T19:01:06.638Z WATCH: ICE officer makes heroic rescue after 6-year-old girl has pool emergency An ICE officer made a snap decision to leap into a Florida pool when he spotted a child struggling to stay afloat, an act of heroism that comes as the agency faces intense criticism and protests outside immigration detention facilities. Gregory Simmonds was at a community pool in Pasco County on Florida’s Gulf Coast when he noticed a young child floating unconscious in the water. Closed-circuit footage from the pool showed Simmonds look over at the child and, without hesitation, jump into the pool fully clothed and quickly reach the child to render aid. Simmonds carried the child back to the edge of the pool where they were resuscitated on dry land. HERO OFFICERS AND GOOD SAMARITANS WHO WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND IN 2024 An officer with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Tampa, Simmonds administered CPR to the child until the child regained consciousness. Law enforcement said the child is now expected to make a full recovery, according to ICE. "This officer swiftly sprung to action and delivered life-saving medical care to this 6-year-old who drowned," said Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis. "Our agents truly are the best of the best. They put their lives on the line to arrest the worst of the worst. Instead of demonizing ICE law enforcement, sanctuary politicians should be thanking them for removing criminals from their communities." Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. J. Leathers added in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital that due to Simmonds’ quick thinking and decisive actions – and "willingness to place himself into action during a critical incident, the child survived and is expected to make a full recovery." "His actions directly contributed to saving the life of the child and reflect exceptional courage and selflessness." NYPD OFFICERS SAVE CHOKING 2-YEAR-OLD BOY, BODYCAM VIDEO SHOWS Simmonds' heroism is only the latest example of DHS officers saving lives on the spur of the moment. In March, an agent who was supporting the Transportation Security Administration at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Howard Beach, New York, helped save the life of a 1-year-old experiencing a medical emergency. When a father was heard screaming in the terminal, the agent "sprang into action and saved [their] life," according to Sen. Markwayne Mullin. NEW JERSEY AGITATORS BITE, KICK AND PUNCH ICE AGENTS AS DELANEY HALL CLASHES CONTINUE; 9 MORE ARRESTED: DHS "Despite the endless smears and lies told about them by sanctuary politicians and the media, our ICE officers show up every day to protect the Homeland and their fellow Americans."   In another case, multiple off-duty ICE agents saved another child from drowning in a hotel pool in February. While dining in Plymouth, Minnesota, the agents were approached by a woman seeking help. The agents swiftly went to the pool where they performed CPR for several minutes until police and EMS arrived. The rescues come as ICE agents face protests outside facilities like New Jersey's Delaney Hall, where demonstrators have labeled them "fascists" and "mercenaries." Fox News' Bill Melugin contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32eedb19723856783298fd Susan Collins Laments Roe’s Fall but Doesn’t ‘Regret’ Confirming Kavanaugh te 2026-06-17T19:00:43.085Z Susan Collins Laments Roe’s Fall but Doesn’t ‘Regret’ Confirming Kavanaugh Ms. Collins, a Republican in Maine facing a tough re-election battle, defended her vote to confirm Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh as Democrats look to capitalize on it politically. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32eec519723856783298df Deleted posts draw scrutiny to Senate candidate Perez te 2026-06-17T19:00:21.080Z Deleted posts draw scrutiny to Senate candidate Perez Deleted social media posts from 2020 have resurfaced to draw scrutiny to Rocque Perez, a Democratic candidate running for the Arizona Senate in Legislative District 20. Perez has campaigned on a platform opposing political inaction, ideological cruelty and public disinvestment. But posts preserved on the internet archive Wayback Machine show his account made a series of aggressive comments that year, including a response to a post by Ivanka Trump: "Someone throw this (expletive) off the capitol building roof please." Other archived posts include, "So kill them, do your duty baby girl," and a comment about a conservative activist: "How has she not gotten beat yet? like... hath no one the bravery to literally hurt her cause... ??" The posts were first reported by the California Globe, a conservative news outlet, with the Arizona Republic later publishing its own report. Perez initially declined to address the posts directly when interviewed by the Republic, saying they were "material put out without my consent." Tucson Spotlight is free for every reader because donors make it possible. Join them. He later acknowledged them in a statement posted to Instagram. "As someone who came of age online, I also directed anger toward the Trump administration in public," Perez wrote. "How I went about that then is not how I would do so today, but I'm not running for the top seat in a perfection contest." In the same post, Perez described the experiences he says shaped that anger. He wrote that he was a fellow student council member of Christina-Taylor Green, the 9-year-old killed in the 2011 assassination attempt targeting then-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. He said he faced prejudice as a Latino student and as the only openly gay person in his classrooms, was laid off from a student job during the pandemic, and began a congressional internship in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. He also wrote that his family navigated the addiction system after his younger brother became dependent on fentanyl, and that his brother died of an overdose at 19. "Political violence is something we endure in many ways and the imperative to confront it is why I am running for the Arizona Senate," Perez wrote. In the post, Perez also directed pointed criticism at his primary opponent, state Rep. Alma Hernandez, accusing her of having "weaponized her power to inflict harm" against Arizonans and saying her record is "under scrutiny after eight years of misalignment." "I am deeply troubled by my opponent's pattern of behavior and his continued refusal to take accountability," Hernandez said in a statement to Tucson Spotlight. "These are not isolated lapses in judgment; they raise serious questions about his character, maturity, and fitness for public office." Democrats should hold themselves to the same standards they expect from everyone else, she said. "There should be no tolerance for rhetoric that normalizes violence, no acceptance of dishonesty, and no willingness to excuse conduct that undermines public trust," Hernandez said. The race has been contentious from the start. Perez filed a lawsuit in April seeking to remove Hernandez from the ballot over more than $20,000 in unpaid fines related to late campaign finance filings, a challenge that was ultimately rejected by a Pima County Superior Court judge. The LD20 Democratic Committee has also issued a formal statement of concern against Hernandez over more than 150 votes she cast alongside Republicans during her time in the House. The posts were deleted from X, though comment threads and replies remain visible on the platform. The primary election is July 21 💡 The LD20 primary is July 21. Early voting begins June 24, with a mail ballot deadline of July 14. Pima County voters can register, check their registration or request a mail ballot at recorder.pima.gov. Quentin Agnello is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist in Tucson. Contact him at qsagnello@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/6a32ec861972385678329886 Air Force identifies 8 crew members killed in B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base te 2026-06-17T18:50:46.275Z Air Force identifies 8 crew members killed in B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base Officials on Wednesday identified the eight people who perished in Monday's deadly U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crash, noting that their focus "remains on supporting the families impacted and our installation team members." A spokesperson for Edwards Air Force Base and Air Force Plant 42 said the eight victims included a mix of military personnel, government civilians and contractors. The fallen were identified as: Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, a weapons system officer; Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, a weapons system officer; Maj. Robert Dee, 40, a 419th Test Squadron pilot; Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, a 419th Test Squadron pilot; Jeromy Smith, 32, a flight test engineer from the 419th Flight Test Squadron; Christopher Rischar, 41, a contractor and flight test engineer; Lt. Col. Miles Middleton (Ret.), 50, a Boeing pilot; and Col. Gregory Watson, 53, a weapons officer for Boeing and Air Force reservist — whose promotion to colonel was recently confirmed by the Air Force. US AIR FORCE B-52 BOMBER CRASHES SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE IN CALIFORNIA The Cold War-era bomber crashed shortly after takeoff around 11:20 a.m. local time Monday at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, Fox News Digital previously reported. The crew was conducting a routine test mission to support the Air Force's sweeping modernization program for the B-52 fleet, which includes evaluating a new radar system, upgraded avionics and new Rolls-Royce engines designed to keep the bomber operational into the 2050s. As the Air Force pauses flight test operations at the base, the investigation is expected to focus heavily on the aircraft's takeoff, looking for potential engine failures or controllability issues. The probe will also likely examine maintenance records, especially after Smith's widow told local outlet KTLA the plane was experiencing issues on the Friday before the fatal crash, causing the flight to be delayed. The Air Force has indicated the full investigation could take up to six months to complete. Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ec6e197238567832984f There’s a Tropical Storm Off the Coast, but Houston Match ‘Dodged the Bullet’ te 2026-06-17T18:50:22.731Z There’s a Tropical Storm Off the Coast, but Houston Match ‘Dodged the Bullet’ Tropical Storm Arthur became the first named storm of the Atlantic season on Wednesday, but its rain and wind were moving away from Houston. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ea2e1972385678329796 Trump’s Threats Show His Complicated History With a Surveillance Law te 2026-06-17T18:40:46.208Z Trump’s Threats Show His Complicated History With a Surveillance Law The administration argues that FISA Section 702 must be renewed to preserve national security, but the president himself has threatened to veto it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ea15197238567832977a Anthropic becomes first AI startup to join the Frontier carbon removal coalition te 2026-06-17T18:40:21.409Z Anthropic becomes first AI startup to join the Frontier carbon removal coalition Anthropic has joined the Frontier coalition, which received another $915M in pledges to fund carbon removal projects. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e8111972385678329730 Trump admin approves $351 million for White House security measures amid questions over ballroom funding te 2026-06-17T18:31:45.397Z Trump admin approves $351 million for White House security measures amid questions over ballroom funding The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released $351.6 million to the Secret Service for "White House Security Measures," all while President Donald Trump continues to advocate for a ballroom to be built where the East Wing used to be. The funds were approved on Friday, with $340.8 million being put into an account called "Procurement, Construction, and Improvements." The other $10.75 million will go toward an "Operations and Support" account, according to a database maintained by the OMB. This money comes from a section of the One Big Beautiful Bill, passed last July through the budget reconciliation process, that gave $1.7 billion to the Secret Service. The law requires these funds to be used for personnel, training facilities, programming, technology, retention and signing bonuses for agents. REPUBLICANS EYE PICKING UP $400M TAB FOR TRUMP'S BALLROOM AS SOME DEMS OPEN TO 'DISCUSS' IDEA It is unclear if the $351.6 million approved last week for security measures will be spent on the ongoing ballroom project, which has been challenged in court. In a statement to Fox News Digital, White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the East Wing Modernization Project "is inextricably tied to the security of the President, the White House grounds and the certain security infrastructure assets" "The press release announcing the construction of the ballroom highlighted coordination with the White House Military Office and the United States Secret Service regarding design features and planning," he said. "President Trump and generous American patriots are funding the ballroom to the tune of approximately $400 million, which will be a secure and appropriate venue for Presidents for generations to come." "The events over the weekend and the foiled attack on the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House proves exactly why the East Wing Modernization Project is severely needed for large scale events, which include drone proof structures and drone ports among other critical security enhancements," Ingle added. The Secret Service did not immediately return a request for comment. Trump has said that there will be a "massive" six-story complex underneath the ballroom that would include a military hospital, research facilities, various meeting rooms and security infrastructure related to drone and missile defense. In late May, Trump said the construction will cost $400 million. He has also maintained that the ballroom will be funded through private donations and not with taxpayer dollars. TRUMP CLAIMS DONOR FUNDED WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM INCLUDES HIDDEN BUILD BELOW WITH SECURITY FOCUS The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that the contractor on the project estimated the ballroom would cost $600 million, with more than half of that sum coming from taxpayers. Trump has long said the ballroom is needed to make presidential events more secure. The most recent threat to the White House came on Sunday, when the FBI said it disrupted an alleged plot to use explosives attached to drones to attack buildings near the UFC Freedom 250 event. To make way for the planned ballroom, the East Wing was demolished in October 2025, which prompted a lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The nonprofit argued that the Trump administration had bypassed key review processes and must seek approval from Congress for the project. In March, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the administration had likely exceeded its authority and ordered a halt to all above-ground construction. PRESERVATION GROUP SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM PROJECT On April 17, a three-judge panel on the D.C. Circuit court stayed Leon’s order and allowed construction to continue pending an appeal from the White House. Days after the D.C. Circuit’s ruling, a gunman showed up at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner, which was being held at the Washington Hilton, and fired at Secret Service agents at a security checkpoint. After the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, was apprehended, Trump and his allies renewed their calls for a White House ballroom so similar security lapses would not be possible in the future. A shooting outside the White House on May 23 prompted Trump to once again argue that the ballroom is necessary. "This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondent’s Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!" he wrote on Truth Social on May 24. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e7fd1972385678329727 WNBA expands regular season to 50 games starting in 2027, the longest schedule in league history te 2026-06-17T18:31:25.943Z WNBA expands regular season to 50 games starting in 2027, the longest schedule in league history If you've ever thought to yourself, "I simply cannot get enough WNBA," it's your lucky day. The WNBA announced Wednesday it will expand its regular-season schedule from 44 games to 50 beginning in 2027, marking the longest season in league history. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE "Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. "This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world and experience the extraordinary talent and competition that define the WNBA." The move was made possible by the league's new collective bargaining agreement, which allows for up to 50 regular-season games in 2027 and 2028 before potentially increasing again to 52 games beginning in 2029. WNBA MEDIA RIGHTS DEAL BALLOONS PAST $3 BILLION AFTER ADDING NEW BROADCAST PARTNERS The WNBA has steadily expanded its schedule since launching in 1997. During the league's inaugural season, teams played just 28 games. That number eventually grew to 34 games, then 40 and finally 44 beginning with the 2025 season. The only exception came during the COVID years, when the schedule was temporarily reduced. The announcement comes as the league continues an aggressive expansion push. The league added the Toronto Tempo and Portland this season, bringing its total to 15 franchises. More growth is on the way, with expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia scheduled to begin play in 2028, 2029 and 2030, respectively. The longer schedule also provides more inventory for the WNBA's growing list of media partners, which now includes ESPN, CBS, NBC, Amazon, ION and USA Sports. Whether fans wanted six more games is another conversation entirely. But with a media rights deal worth more than $3 billion, the WNBA isn't in the business of putting fewer games on television. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e7ea197238567832971e Elon Musk demands prison for politicians who 'turned a blind eye' to grooming gangs as new report released te 2026-06-17T18:31:06.486Z Elon Musk demands prison for politicians who 'turned a blind eye' to grooming gangs as new report released Elon Musk reignited international attention on Britain’s grooming gangs scandal this week, amplifying a citizen-funded report that accuses the U.K. government of failing to protect children and teenagers from organized sexual exploitation. "The politicians who turned a blind eye to the Rape of Britain must go to prison," Musk wrote on X on June 16, after Rupert Lowe, the Great Yarmouth MP and leader of Restore Britain, released a more than 200-page independent report into the scandal. The report, authored by barrister Graham Smith and released through Rupert Lowe's independent grooming gangs inquiry, was funded through public donations. Its Crowdfunder page showed roughly $1.1 million raised from more than 23,000 supporters as of Wednesday.  Lowe’s report argues that many Britons no longer trust the government to investigate its own failures after years of outrage over grooming gang cases in towns including Rotherham, Rochdale, Telford, Oxford and Oldham, where girls were groomed, raped, trafficked and abused by groups of men, including a high number of Pakistani decent, while police, social services and local authorities repeatedly failed to intervene. ELON MUSK DEMANDS UK ACT ON GROOMING GANG SCANDAL AMID GROWING CALLS FOR PROBE: 'NATIONAL INQUIRY NOW!' The Lowe report claims that grooming gangs "operated with either the active or passive consent of public authorities" and describes the scandal as a "rotting stain" on Britain’s history. Its recommendations include a sweeping overhaul of sentencing guidelines, life imprisonment starting points for organized child rape, deportation of foreign nationals convicted of group-based child sexual exploitation, a dedicated Crown Prosecution Service unit, stronger protections for child witnesses and possible private prosecutions against officials accused of failing victims. "If they fail to take the necessary steps, we will deploy private prosecutions to obtain justice at last," Lowe wrote in the report. The report also makes claims about the ethnicity and religion of offenders, arguing that Muslim men, particularly men of Pakistani heritage, were overrepresented in organized grooming gang cases. It claims the number of victims could reach at least 250,000 when known local patterns are extrapolated nationally. That figure has not been verified by the British government. Baroness Louise Casey’s government-commissioned 2025 audit found serious institutional failures and said authorities had often avoided difficult questions about ethnicity out of fear of racism accusations.  She wrote, "We found that the ethnicity of perpetrators is shied away from and is still not recorded for two-thirds of perpetrators, so we are unable to provide any accurate assessment from the nationally collected data." However, her report also stated that "Despite the lack of a full picture in the national data sets, there is enough evidence available in local police data in three police force areas which we examined which show disproportionate numbers of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds amongst suspects for group-based child sexual exploitation, as well as in the significant number of perpetrators of Asian ethnicity identified in local reviews and high-profile child sexual exploitation prosecutions across the country, to at least warrant further examination."   Her audit also identified other perpetrators, including White British, European, African or Middle Eastern individuals. FARAGE SLAMS SECRET AFGHAN REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT TO UK, CLAIMS SEX OFFENDERS AMONG ARRIVALS Emma Schubart, a research fellow at the U.K.-based think tank the Henry Jackson Society, told Fox News Digital: "The government should take this report seriously. While some of its headline figures rely on extrapolation and parts of its methodology will rightly be challenged, it raises questions about grooming gangs, institutional failures and offender demographics that cannot simply be ignored." The British government has already launched a statutory national inquiry into grooming gangs across England and Wales. The inquiry was formally established in April 2026 and is expected to examine institutional failures, local and national responses, possible cover-ups and the role of ethnicity, religion and culture in group-based child sexual exploitation. A Home Office spokesperson told Fox News Digital: "The grooming gangs scandal is one of the darkest moments and most shameful failures in our nation’s history, and we pay tribute to the immense bravery of those who have shared their experiences in the fight for justice." "We are determined to get victims and survivors the answers they deserve. That is why we have launched the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs with legal powers to hold institutions to account for past failures, and backed the police with record funding to track down and put perpetrators behind bars," the spokesperson said. "There will be no hiding place for those responsible." Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament last year that more than 800 previously closed grooming and child sexual exploitation cases had been identified for formal review, with the figure expected to rise above 1,000. She also said the government would introduce mandatory reporting, aggravated offenses for grooming offenders and new ethnicity and nationality data collection. STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS UK OVER GROOMING GANG HANDLING: 'UNSPEAKABLE ABUSE' Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously rejected attacks over his handling of the scandal, accusing critics of spreading "lies and misinformation" and saying some were more interested in politics than victims. Starmer has defended his record as former director of public prosecutions, saying he reopened closed cases and changed the prosecution approach to child sexual exploitation. A central counterpoint to Lowe’s report is that Britain has already held multiple inquiries into child sexual abuse and grooming gangs, including the seven-year Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and that the urgent priority should be implementing recommendations and prosecuting offenders rather than launching parallel investigations. But others say the very existence of a privately funded inquiry shows a deeper collapse of public trust. They argue that previous investigations exposed failures but did not deliver enough accountability for victims or consequences for officials who ignored warnings. "Perhaps the most striking finding is not in the report itself but in how it was funded," Schubart told Fox News Digital. "The fact that more than 20,000 people contributed to a citizen-funded inquiry reflects a growing lack of confidence that public institutions are willing to confront the issue fully. Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, that loss of trust should concern policymakers just as much as the report’s findings." The issue has also drawn public criticism from the Trump administration. The State Department previously warned the U.K. over its handling of the grooming gangs scandal, saying thousands of girls had suffered "unspeakable abuse" before authorities acted. Lowe said that the government’s statutory inquiry risks becoming another long process that delays accountability, comparing it to other British scandals where official reckoning came only years later. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e7d219723856783296e7 Eight Victims Named in Deadly B-52 Crash in California te 2026-06-17T18:30:42.934Z Eight Victims Named in Deadly B-52 Crash in California All eight crew members died when the bomber crashed during a routine test mission at a military base in California on Monday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e7bd19723856783296cc Cybercriminals allegedly hacked tens of thousands of Fortinet firewalls used by major companies all over the world te 2026-06-17T18:30:21.435Z Cybercriminals allegedly hacked tens of thousands of Fortinet firewalls used by major companies all over the world An alleged Russian-speaking group of cybercriminals are reportedly compromising and targeting several major companies that use Fortinet Firewalls and VPNs through previously known passwords. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e5661972385678329647 Social media’s next evolution: user-controlled algorithms te 2026-06-17T18:20:22.397Z Social media’s next evolution: user-controlled algorithms Social media feeds are becoming more customizable as platforms like Threads, Instagram, and TikTok introduce tools that let users directly influence the algorithms powering their recommendations. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e339197238567832960d Jelly Roll's daughter calls fans out over divorce chatter as Bunnie Xo posts cryptic song lyrics te 2026-06-17T18:11:05.897Z Jelly Roll's daughter calls fans out over divorce chatter as Bunnie Xo posts cryptic song lyrics Jelly Roll's daughter, Bailee Ann, is "disgusted" over the recent chatter involving her dad's recent divorce filing from her stepmother, Bunnie Xo. . On Tuesday, the 18-year-old posted a TikTok video after news broke that the country music star had filed for divorce from his wife of nearly ten years. "Oh & one more thing I am disgusted at how invested everyone is in a very clearly private family matter," Bailee Ann wrote. "It's f---n crazy. Go on somewhere yall. Worry bout your house- not mine. I'm not speaking on it - yet." DIVORCE BOOM MAY FOLLOW USE OF OZEMPIC AND OTHER GLP-1 DRUGS, EXPERTS WARN "I can say on a more positive note — thank you to everyone who is showing me so much love and kindness through everything," she wrote in a separate post. "At the end of the day, no matter what, we are all humans with feelings and that is worthy of compassion." "Thank you for the kind messages, the words of support, and those of you who go out of your way to make me feel protected & seen," she continued. "I love yall. I will never forget those of you that have shown me empathy when I’m seeing a lot of hate. Thank you. So much. And to everyone else, I hope humanity can evolve to a place where kindness comes first. I understand & respect opinions and that a public profile is a public profile, but that doesn’t have to mean we throw away our human decency. I love ALL of you." Jelly Roll filed for divorce on May 18 in Williamson County, Tennessee, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. The 41-year-old country star listed the date of separation as May 9 and cited irreconcilable differences. JELLY ROLL FILES FOR DIVORCE FROM WIFE BUNNIE XO AFTER ALMOST A DECADE OF MARRIAGE A source told People that the two have "always had a complicated dynamic" throughout their relationship. "When they first got together, they were both in a very different place in their lives," the source said. "There was a lot of chaos, ups and downs, and they built a life together through all of that." The source noted that Jelly — who has been on a weight loss journey — has "changed a lot." "He's very focused on his future, his health and being around for a long time," the source said, adding that "there wasn't a moment where everything fell apart." On Tuesday evening, Bunnie posted a selfie on Instagram accompanied by the Heart's "Magic Man." "'Come on home, girl' he said with a smile / 'You don't have to love me yet' / let's get high awhile /But try to understand, try to understand /Try, try, try to understand, I'm a magic man." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Weeks before news broke that the country star had filed for divorce, the pair had seemingly been dropping subtle hints of marriage woes. From cryptic song lyrics to ditched wedding rings, the signs were there — they just went largely unnoticed. On May 20, two days after Jelly Roll's filing, Bunnie took to TikTok to share some intuitive thoughts. "Women’s intuition when that s--- don’t add up" she captioned the video. JELLY ROLL'S WIFE BODY SLAMS HIM IN PLAYFUL TIKTOK VIDEO AFTER SINGER SHEDS 200 POUNDS "She been dropping hints this whole time and we missed it lol," one fan commented, after the divorce news broke. "Bunnie was dropping the tea in real time and we all did not clock it," another added. On June 4, Jelly Roll performed at CMA Fest in Nashville sans his wedding ring. JELLY ROLL SAYS 16-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IS 'SO MUCH SMARTER' THAN HE WAS AT THE AGE HE WAS ARRESTED One day later, Bunnie shared a peaceful video of herself riding a horse in the countryside. She accompanied the video with lyrics from Aerosmith's "What It Takes" and a caption that read, "Wild hearts can’t be broken." "There goes my old girlfriend / There's another diamond ring / And all those late night promises I guess they don't mean a thing / So baby, what's the story? Did you find another man?" On June 6, Bunnie posted another video of herself enjoying the serene outdoors with some girlfriends. She paired the video with lyrics from the Goo Goo Dolls' hit "Name." "Did you lose yourself somewhere out there / Did you get to be a star? / And don't it make you sad to know that life / Is more than who we are?" WATCH: JELLY ROLL REVEALS SECRET TO HIS STRONG MARRIAGE TO BUNNIE XO Hours before the divorce news went public on Monday, Bunnie posted a video of herself lip-syncing the lyrics to Nickelback's "How You Remind Me." Bunnie's wedding ring was visibly missing.  "It's not like you didn't know that / I said, 'I love you,' and I swear, I still do / And it must have been so bad / 'Cause living with me must have damn near killed you." Representatives for Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo have not responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Long before they became one of country music’s closely watched couples, the pair weathered difficult truths — including the night Bunnie learned Jelly Roll's ex-fling was waiting for him "in a hotel room down the street." "When I found out about it, I was devastated," she told Fox News Digital in February. "I was hurt because I didn’t think he would be the one person to do that. I thought he was different. And at that moment, my heart was broken. But instead of getting mad at him, I asked myself, ‘Why do I keep attracting these kinds of men?’" Bunnie admitted she hadn’t envisioned a conventional marriage. "I think a lot of people need to realize that coming into this marriage, we weren’t a traditional bride and groom," she explained. "I was a working girl, and he was an ex-drug dealer — a gangster-turned-struggling artist. There’s a different set of rules on the street than there are in what I’d call traditional marriages. If you’ve never lived that lifestyle, you’re not going to understand. But of course, cheating is wrong across the board — it doesn’t matter." Fox News Digital's Stephanie Nolasco and Sarah Sotoodeh contributed to this post. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e3261972385678329604 Conservative Washington sheriff says effort to remove him from office stems from stance on transgender issues te 2026-06-17T18:10:46.441Z Conservative Washington sheriff says effort to remove him from office stems from stance on transgender issues A Washington state sheriff says a proposal that could ultimately remove him from office is being driven by political opponents angered by his outspoken views on transgender issues and other culture-war debates. Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank is promising to fight a ballot proposal that would allow county leaders to appoint, rather than elect, future sheriffs, arguing the effort is less about government reform than silencing a sheriff who refuses to fall in line. "They hate me," Swank told local outlet KOMO News in an article published Tuesday, referring to what he said was a partisan push to oust him. "They want to get rid of the sheriff. They want to get rid of me so they can have complete control. The sheriff is the last thing standing between anarchy and the people." VIRGINIA’S MAP WAR LAYS BARE STATE'S SHARP PARTISAN TURN AS LEGAL FIGHT LOOMS KOMO News reported that Swank is "known for his controversial statements about immigration enforcement and transgender issues," and that on Monday, the Pierce County Charter Review Commission voted to place a proposal on the November ballot that, if passed, would give the Pierce County executive authority to appoint the sheriff, rather than the sheriff being elected by the voters. If approved, the Pierce County executive would appoint the sheriff, pending confirmation by the Pierce County Council. KOMO News reported that if the ballot proposal is approved, the change would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Swank is not up for re-election until 2028. SHERIFF UNDER FIRE AMID NANCY GUTHRIE CASE ALLEGEDLY BROUGHT LOADED FIREARM TO AIRPORT CHECKPOINT "I'll have to be removed from office at the two-year mark of my four-year term," Swank told KOMO News. "The establishment likes the status quo. They don't want any pushback. They want to tell you what to do, and I'm saying I'm independently elected, and future sheriffs should be independently elected." The effort to change from an elected sheriff to an appointed sheriff was introduced by Commissioner Jake Hunter, who reportedly said, "This wouldn't be a question if recent events hadn't raised serious concerns about accountability and governance for this office." On June 8, Bethel School District, located in Pierce County, told Fox News Digital that they had removed testosterone vials from a Pride display at Graham-Kapowsin High School after administrators determined the vials had been added without authorization, including some vials that still contained a small amount of unknown liquid. Prior to Bethel School District’s announcement that it had removed the vials, Swank wrote in a June 5 post on X that, "Pierce County Sheriff’s Office will be investigating this." CALIFORNIA DEMS ACCUSED OF PUTTING SANCTUARY LAW OVER MIGRANT CHILD WELFARE CHECKS: 'REAL CHILDREN' In a Monday post on X, Swank directly addressed biology and the transgender issue, writing, "‘Love is Love,’ they said. Now it’s biological men, cosplaying as women, beating and assaulting women in sports, shattering records, and reports of assaults in women’s jails. When feelings replaced biology, our daughters became the collateral damage." Swank continued, "The slope wasn’t slippery; it was a cliff. And the left's suicidal empathy demands that we throw our wives and daughters off that cliff. Common sense check: separate categories by sex protect everyone. More this week. Should transgender women, men cosplaying as women, be allowed to compete in women's sports?" Fox News Digital reached out to Swank, the Pierce County Charter Review Commission, and Hunter for comment but did not immediately receive responses. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32e30e19723856783295cd Lost Oregon Hiker Fell to Death From Cliff on Alaska Trail, Troopers Say te 2026-06-17T18:10:22.893Z Lost Oregon Hiker Fell to Death From Cliff on Alaska Trail, Troopers Say Emergency responders found the body of a man partially submerged at the bottom of a cliff in Ketchikan on Monday, the authorities said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32de701972385678329496 World model maker Odyssey nabs $1.45B valuation backed by Amazon and other big names te 2026-06-17T17:50:40.481Z World model maker Odyssey nabs $1.45B valuation backed by Amazon and other big names World models are the next big thing in AI beyond LLMs and, with this round, Odyssey has cemented itself as one of the startups to watch. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32de5c197238567832948c South Tucson community garden reopens with free plots for all te 2026-06-17T17:50:20.521Z South Tucson community garden reopens with free plots for all A South Tucson community garden that once sat as an awkward leftover lot is now back open to the public, ringed by tile murals, shaded by trees and stocked with garden plots the Primavera Foundation says anyone is welcome to use. The Primavera Foundation celebrated the opening of La Capilla community garden earlier this month as part of NeighborWorks Week, a national celebration spanning from May 23 to June 7. NeighborWorks America is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress as part of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act of 1978, providing direct subsidies to organizations across the U.S. "We're one of 250 organizations nationwide that are a part of NeighborWorks America. Today we celebrate everything that they do around the community," said Primavera Foundation CEO Tisha Tallman. La Capilla, or "The Chapel," takes its name from a St. Anthony chapel that once stood on the grounds near South 9th Avenue and West 34th Street. Over the years, the chapel fell into disrepair and Primavera bought the land for development. "We made four affordable homes that went through our home ownership program at the time, and there was this quirky little piece of property right here that we didn't know what to do with, so we made a community garden," said Community Engagement Liaison Lupita Rodriguez. Primavera began a community revitalization initiative in South Tucson more than a decade ago, with support from the city and Pima County, building homes, opening the Las Abuelitas Family Housing and Community Center and launching green initiatives and community events. The garden is also framed by public art. La Capila community garden is framed by public art honoring Tohono O'odham and Hispanic culture. Topacio "Topaz" Servellon / Tucson Spotlight. Tile murals from Las Artes, an arts and education program, line the brick walls of the garden, honoring Tohono O'odham and Hispanic culture. A mural of St. Anthony overlooks the garden and its ramada. Arlene Lopez has lived in South Tucson the majority of her life and has worked with Primavera to improve the garden. She said the community asked for a garden as a way to mitigate crime. "I'm just appreciative that Primavera did this for the community. I'm just happy that we have this garden, and hopefully people will take advantage," Lopez said. A seven-year Primavera volunteer helped revitalize the garden ahead of its reopening, saying they see it as a place where people can gain a deeper understanding of the human spirit. Community gardening increases mental and social well-being by helping community members build social networks, encourage physical activity and lower stress and anxiety through feelings of accomplishment, according to a study conducted by Michigan State University and the Denver Urban Gardens. La Capilla is designed with that in mind. "Primavera provides the plots, the dirt, and the water. People just need to come," Rodriguez said. At the celebration, Primavera polled attendees as part of its community investment survey, which the foundation conducts every three years to gather resident feedback on neighborhood safety, development priorities and overall quality of life. It was the fifth such survey in 13 years. "What's amazing about South Tucson, and says a whole lot about South Tucson and its rich heritage and culture, is that people have consistently (reported being) happy with their community," Tallman said. "It's just such a great pleasure to be able to work in a community, in a place like the City of South Tucson that is just so culturally rich and has this great history of taking care of each other and being in community." 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/6a32dc96197238567832946b Frustrated by inaction on ICE warehouse, activists move to dissolve Surprise altogether te 2026-06-17T17:42:46.112Z Frustrated by inaction on ICE warehouse, activists move to dissolve Surprise altogether Jeremy Helfgot, a lobbyist and advocate for various progressive organizations, speaks about the need to push back on the opening of an immigration detention center in Surprise on June 16, 2026. In a bid to do just that, Helfgot filed a petition for disincorporation with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors aimed at transferring control of the city over to the board, which he says will be more willing than the city council to take a stance against the Trump administration. (Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez/Arizona Mirror) Frustrated by a city council that has refused to oppose the opening of an immigration detention center, community activists in Surprise are hoping residents will agree to disincorporate the city, stripping away the council’s power.  “If the city’s elected and professional leadership cannot stand up, will not stand up, will not take a stand to even meet with their constituents to discuss critical issues of safety and security, then maybe this city doesn’t deserve to have its own independent control,” said Jeremy Helfgot, a lobbyist and advocate for progressive organizations, who filed the petition.  Dissolving the city would place it under the control of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, which activists believe will be more amenable to local calls to act against the federal plan. In January, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security purchased a 418,400 foot warehouse in the northwest Phoenix suburb and federal officials later confirmed it would be retrofitted to house up to 1,500 immigrants.  GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE A change in leadership at the federal agency earlier this year saw shifts in policy, with a short-lived stop work order issued and then rescinded and a decrease in the facility’s capacity to 542. Gardaworld Federal, the private security company hired to oversee the project, has since published job postings for several full-time staff positions.  State leaders have moved to block the facility from opening after city leaders opted not to. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in April, arguing that federal law prohibits the warehouse from being converted into a detention center because of its location across the street from a hazardous chemical storage facility.  On Tuesday afternoon, at the Surprise City Council’s last meeting before it takes a summer break, opponents of the ICE warehouse facility said disincorporating Surprise was the only way to enact change. Helfgot said that voters have lost trust in the current and future ability of city leaders to take a stand. Helfgot doesn’t live in the city, but has been active in ongoing protests of the warehouse facility. “The people of this city want leadership that will protect their safety, their security and their wellbeing, and the current leadership isn’t,” he said. “And I think there’s a lack of confidence that anyone who replaces them won’t do more of the same at this point.” Three of the council’s six nonpartisan seats are up for election this year, but with incumbents running for reelection and only one of them facing a primary challenge, it’s likely that the makeup will remain the same.  For the petition to be successful, it will need to garner signatures from at least two-thirds of Surprise voters in six months. Activists estimate that figure is around 70,000. The city is home to nearly 173,000 people.  But first the Maricopa Board of Supervisors must approve the petition’s language. The document filed with the board emphasizes the “inability of the City of Surprise’s elected and professional leadership to properly protect the safety and security of our residents” as the main impetus behind requesting the board to take over. If the petition is successful, the board may decide to disincorporate the city or hold an election to give voters a chance to weigh in.  Helfgot said he believes the signature threshold is attainable, pointing out that hundreds of people have spoken out against the federal plan at city council meetings and local protests in the past several months. At one council meeting in February, more than 1,000 people filled the hearing room and demonstrated outside. Still, Helfgot acknowledged that the task will be difficult, and confirmed that funding sources and signature gathering plans have yet to be secured.  “It is an uphill climb,” he said. “We know it’s going to require a lot of work. But it is worth the effort to protect this community if its leaders won’t protect it.” Brittany Bishop, who grew up in Surprise and has been one of the most involved in organizing protests against the ICE facility, said that the petition, unlike the warehouse, represents what the city wants. She warned that allowing ICE to go forward with its plans would reflect negatively on the city and said that the council’s unwillingness to oppose those plans conflicts with what voters in the area are asking for.  “If we let this detention center open, Surprise will forever be known as a city with a human warehouse that holds people against their will,” she said. “The mayor of Surprise is silent on this matter. He is not concerned like the people of Surprise are about the multitudes of issues ICE presents.”  Mayor Kevin Sartor has maintained that taking action against federal officials would be the wrong decision, because he believes the city has no legal grounds to do so. In March, Sartor and four other city officials met with DHS to request a reimbursement of city revenue lost because of the warehouse facility and an agreement that enforcement actions won’t spill over into nearby schools. The warehouse lies just a mile away from a public high school whose student body is over 60% Hispanic. Immigrant rights advocates set up a cage with a dummy covered by a foil blanket steps away from the Surprise City Council chambers to highlight the inhumane treatment of immigrants in federal detention centers onJune 16, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security is planning to open an immigration detention center in Surprise and activists are outraged that the city council is unwilling to oppose that plan. (Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez/Arizona Mirror) Erika Andiola, with the National Day Laborers Organizing Network, which advocates on behalf of day laborers targeted by federal immigration agents, said it was past time for the city to push back on the warehouse facility.  Andiola, who erected a small fenced pen just outside the city council chambers with a dummy covered in a foil blanket to represent the immigrants held in detention facilities, said that allowing the Surprise facility to open would mean greenlighting new human rights violations. She shared the story of one man, nicknamed Memo, who was detained in Gilbert and has been held for nine months in an ICE detention center, despite living in the country for more than two decades and a lack of a criminal background.  “Now, his children who are citizens go visit him at the detention center every weekend to be able to see him. A child who is this small,” she said, gesturing with her hands as her voice broke. “Only five years old, has to go and see his dad in a detention center because he’s an immigrant. That’s exactly the type of stories we’re going to see in Surprise, Arizona, if the city council doesn’t stand up to the Trump administration.”  Minutes later, during the city’s last council meeting, City Manager Andrea Davis told the packed hearing room that the warehouse facility is still in the planning phase and city officials have yet to receive significant updates. She noted that the city is working with U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, who represents Surprise and has called on DHS to respond to local concerns about the detention center, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly to create a website that can connect residents with federal officials to voice their concerns.  “Putting residents in contact with the federal officials, since it is a federal matter, making sure they get that information from them,” she said. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32dc80197238567832944e New 76ers president ingratiates himself with the city by jinxing Phillies pitchers' no-hitter te 2026-06-17T17:42:24.611Z New 76ers president ingratiates himself with the city by jinxing Phillies pitchers' no-hitter Philadelphia can be an interesting city to be a front-office executive in, and it's of utmost importance that you make a good first impression with fans. What you don't want to do is inadvertently jinx a no-hitter being thrown by your cross-parking-lot neighbors. But, unfortunately, that's what new Philadelphia 76ers president Mike Gansey did to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. NBC Sports Philadelphia's Tom McCarthy and John Kruk did their annual broadcast from the stands at Citizens Bank Park. It's a cool tradition that usually comes with some special guests, and this year, that included Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse and Gansey. When Nurse and Gansey sat down to help call the Phillies' 8-2 win over the Miami Marlins, the top of the fifth inning was getting underway with pitcher Jesús Luzardo throwing a no-hitter through four innings. After getting an intro from McCarthy, Gansey talked about how happy he was to be there with an 8-0 lead and no-hitter still intact. If you're a baseball fan, you probably know where this is headed... John Kruk uttered "Oh, boy..." as the next pitch was leaving Luzardo's hand, and, sure enough, Marlins third baseman Javier Sanoja got his bat on it and sent it into left field for a base hit and the end of the no-no bid. What are the chances? Well, if you're superstitious, pretty damn high, which is why you don't bring up no-hitters too early. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, later in the inning after Luzardo gave up another hit, Kruk was not hesitant to remind everyone how everything had gone down. "We know who gave that one up," he said. "I was like, ‘Thank God none of us said it,’ because we could get crucified right now." Well, it will now be up to Gansey and Nurse to win back fans when the NBA season gets underway in a few months. But it might take quite a bit to make up for jinxing a no-hitter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32dc6d1972385678329445 Trump recalls Netanyahu's failed push to kill Obama Iran deal, says he finished the job te 2026-06-17T17:42:05.150Z Trump recalls Netanyahu's failed push to kill Obama Iran deal, says he finished the job President Donald Trump on Wednesday forcefully rejected comparisons between the announced Iran agreement and former President Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear deal, arguing the Obama-era pact could have led to Israel and much of the Middle East being "terminated" if he had not ended it. "The JCPOA was a short-term lease. It expired long ago," Trump told reporters during a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 summit. "Had I let it run, it expired. You wouldn't have been around. A lot of people wouldn't have been around, but Israel would have been terminated. I think the whole Middle East would have been terminated." Trump added that he finished the job of terminating the Obama nuclear deal after failed attempts from Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. "Bibi actually went to Congress and pleaded with them, and he got nowhere. And they had this horrible deal that was horrible for Israel, horrible for Israel. And that's where it stood. And then I came along and I terminated that deal that had very little time left," said Trump. VANCE REVEALS TRUMP LESSON GUIDING IRAN DEAL STRATEGY AS TEHRAN FACES 60-DAY DEADLINE Trump added that Netanyahu "begged Barack Hussein Obama, the president, not to do the JCPOA. He said it could be the end of Israel, and it would have been if I didn't come along. And Obama didn't listen to him."  The president said the agreement is fundamentally different from the JCPOA, arguing it is structured to permanently block Iran's path to a nuclear weapon rather than temporarily limit its nuclear activities before key restrictions sunset. Trump's remarks came prior to the release of the newly announced memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran. "I made it very tough for [Iran] when I terminated the Barack Hussein Obama catastrophe JCPOA, one of the worst deals," Trump said. "This deal was really dangerous. What he did, he gave them everything, including a lot of money, which we don't give them. TRUMP UNLEASHES ON OBAMA'S 'DISASTER' IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL, SAYS HE WAS 'HONORED' TO RIP IT APART The MOU has drawn comparisons to the JCPOA, as both agreements offer Iran the prospect of sanctions relief and increased foreign investment in exchange for complying with their respective commitments. Obama argued this week that any new agreement with Iran is unlikely to look dramatically different from the 2015 JCPOA. The benefits will depend on whether Iran can prove it has abandoned its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorist organizations during a 60-day negotiating period. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32dc59197238567832943c Coast Guard opens fire on boat smuggling 25 Chinese nationals near Florida after it refused to stop te 2026-06-17T17:41:45.697Z Coast Guard opens fire on boat smuggling 25 Chinese nationals near Florida after it refused to stop FIRST ON FOX — In a stark warning that U.S. borders are closed "by land or sea," the U.S. Coast Guard opened fire to disable a noncompliant vessel attempting to smuggle 25 Chinese nationals into the country off the coast of Florida. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Fox News Digital that on June 10, a boat carrying 25 illegal immigrants from China refused to comply with Coast Guard orders to stop one mile south of Key Biscayne. Crews from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach initially deployed warning shots, but when those proved ineffective, they used "disabling fire" to successfully halt the vessel, according to DHS. No injuries were reported. US COAST GUARD EXPANDS BORDER PATROL EFFORTS TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION Following the interdiction, the Chinese nationals were transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell for processing, and their boat was seized and towed to Station Miami Beach. Special agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations launched a criminal investigation into the attempted entry, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis delivered a stern warning following the bust. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS STORM US BEACHES AS COAST GUARD BATTLES MIGRANT SURGE THAT ROSE UNDER BIDEN "This sends a clear message to illegal aliens attempting to enter the United States: don’t even think about it," Bis told Fox News Digital. "By land or sea, our borders are CLOSED." Lt. Matthew Ross, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, emphasized local, state and federal maritime law enforcement partners remain vigilant against unlawful migration ventures. "Anyone considering one of these dangerous voyages should understand that they are risking their lives at sea and can expect to be interdicted and repatriated," Ross said. The enforcement action falls under Operation Vigilant Sentry, a layered approach by the Coast Guard and its partners to maintain a continuous presence across the Florida Straits, Caribbean Sea and surrounding waters to deter and prevent illegal maritime migration. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32dc461972385678329433 JD Vance wins grudging praise from Joy Behar on 'The View,' who tells him to run for president te 2026-06-17T17:41:26.238Z JD Vance wins grudging praise from Joy Behar on 'The View,' who tells him to run for president "The View" co-host Joy Behar told Vice President JD Vance during a commercial break on the liberal talk show on Tuesday that he should run for president. "You told him during the break that he should run for president because he has a good vibe," executive producer Brian Teta said during the show's "Behind the Table" podcast while speaking to Behar. "I think that, even though, for a Republican. Mind you, I'm not a Republican," Behar confirmed. Vance appeared on the show to discuss his new book, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith," and was pressed on various topics, including Jeffrey Epstein, immigration, the economy and more. JD VANCE RELEASING BOOK ABOUT FAITH JOURNEY, CONVERSION TO CATHOLICISM "I think possibly, I voted for Michael Bloomberg once for mayor who was supposed --- Bloomberg supposedly was a Republican," Behar continued. "I don't mind a Republican on the city level because it needs a little discipline. But on the national level, I want somebody with a good heart. And those are more in the Democratic Party, in my opinion." "They care about the poor. They help people," she added. "The Republican Party is much more about saving taxes for rich people. So, I'm not a Republican." Behar, who regularly criticizes the Trump administration and Republicans on the show, also told Vance he was "fine" during a commercial break on the show on Tuesday. Vance brought it up upon returning from commercial and said, "Joy said when we were off air that I’m 'fine,' which I think is about the best endorsement I’m gonna get out of Joy Behar." Behar responded, "For a Republican." JOY BEHAR CLAIMS UNDER OBAMA THERE WAS 'NOTHING TO MAKE FUN OF' FOR COMEDIANS Behar floated Vance facing off in 2028 against California Gov. Gavin Newsom. "Truthfully, as I said to you in the beginning of this conversation, I don't think that he's a bad guy," she said to Teta on "Behind the Table." "So, if he runs against, say, Gavin Newsom, that'll be an interesting debate to see those two because they're both intelligent." Vance sparred with the co-hosts over the economy, immigration and Black history, which co-host Sunny Hostin repeatedly insisted had been erased by the administration. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE The vice president told "Gutfeld!" on Tuesday night that he was surprised by how the liberal hosts treated him. "I expected them to be absolutely vicious, and they were only a little bit vicious. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be," Vance said. "I thought that Sunny, the woman to my left, was going to call me a racist. In reality, it was Whoopi, the woman to my right, who called me a racist. So expectations were defied," Vance joked. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32dc32197238567832942a Unnamed gambler wins $10.3M jackpot on $5 bet at Las Vegas casino te 2026-06-17T17:41:06.780Z Unnamed gambler wins $10.3M jackpot on $5 bet at Las Vegas casino A Las Vegas gambler is a very rich person after hitting the jackpot of a lifetime. As our loyal readers know, I'm a huge fan of Sin City, and I have a trip coming soon. Nothing gets the blood pumping like hitting the tables (I prefer blackjack) with an ice-cold drink in your hand. Many walk away losers while riding the gambling lightning. Only a select few walk away winners, and that's exactly what happened on Tuesday. The Westgate announced on X Wednesday night that an unnamed person turned a $5 bet on a machine into a staggering $10,292,912.32. LAS VEGAS TOURIST WINS BIG BUCKS WITH JUST $25 AT CASINO ON HOLIDAY OUTING Yes, you read that correctly. A $5 bet turned into nearly $10.3 million. You can check out the bet from Westgate below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. LAS VEGAS VISITORS SHOCKED AT 'CRAZY' COSTS, FROM $14 COFFEES TO $95 ATM FEES The popular Las Vegas X account @LasVegasLocally reported that the winner is a man in his mid-20s who had only just started playing the machine. Talk about incredible luck. I have some crazy stories from Las Vegas over the years, and I've had my own runs of luck at the tables (I never play machines). However, I've never witnessed anything like this. What does a person do after winning nearly $10.3 million? They should immediately call a lawyer and financial advisor. Yet, we all know many people would throw the best party of their lives. That's simply human nature, and I wouldn't blame anyone who did it, despite it not being a financially sound decision. What would you do if you won $10.3 million on a $5 bet? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32dc1b19723856783293f3 Can Trump’s Man in Georgia Take Down Jon Ossoff? te 2026-06-17T17:40:43.242Z Can Trump’s Man in Georgia Take Down Jon Ossoff? Representative Mike Collins’s victory in a hard-fought Republican primary means that a big Senate matchup is now set. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32dc0519723856783293d7 Mastodon looks to newsletters to help revive the open social web te 2026-06-17T17:40:21.732Z Mastodon looks to newsletters to help revive the open social web Mastodon’s newly launched newsletter feature lets anyone subscribe to creators by email, even without a Mastodon account. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d9c61972385678328e8d Trump administration unveils sweeping terms of proposed Iran agreement te 2026-06-17T17:30:46.244Z Trump administration unveils sweeping terms of proposed Iran agreement The Trump administration on Tuesday publicly outlined the contents of its newly signed memorandum of understanding with Iran, revealing plans for immediate waivers on Iranian oil exports, a framework for at least $300 billion in reconstruction and economic development, and a 60-day negotiation period aimed at securing a final agreement on Tehran's nuclear program. During a call with reporters, senior U.S. officials read portions of the agreement and defended controversial provisions that would allow Iranian crude oil exports to resume immediately while broader negotiations continue. "The U.S. Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives and all associated services including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc," the agreement states, according to officials. They declined to provide the written text of the agreement.  An official emphasized the oil waivers are the only major benefit Iran will receive before a final agreement is reached, arguing the move would increase transparency into Iranian oil sales while helping reduce global energy prices. SCOTT BESSENT CALLS OUT 'TERRIBLE FRAMING' DURING CLASH WITH NBC NEWS HOST ON IRANIAN OIL In negotiations aimed at a final agreement, the memorandum also calls for the U.S. and regional partners to develop a plan worth at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran. Officials stressed the provision does not commit the U.S. to providing the funds, arguing instead that it would permit outside investment if a final deal is reached and Iran complies with its obligations. While the agreement guarantees toll-free commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day negotiating period, it leaves longer-term arrangements to future talks between Iran, Oman and other Gulf states.  A senior U.S. official maintained that regional partners would not support any framework that allowed Iran to charge tolls for passage along the waterway. VANCE REVEALS TRUMP LESSON GUIDING IRAN DEAL STRATEGY AS TEHRAN FACES 60-DAY DEADLINE The agreement stops short of resolving the central dispute over Iran's nuclear program. Instead, it commits both sides to negotiate the fate of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and future enrichment activities as part of a final agreement.  The official said negotiations will begin over the weekend after the deal is signed Friday. Officials said the minimum outcome would involve down-blending enriched material under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision but acknowledged that key details remain unresolved. They argued that broader sanctions relief remains contingent on Iranian compliance with future nuclear commitments, pushing back on criticism that Tehran would receive major economic benefits without making concessions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d9ae1972385678328e56 Georgia Republicans Shelve Redistricting for Now te 2026-06-17T17:30:22.694Z Georgia Republicans Shelve Redistricting for Now The leaders of the Georgia House of Representatives said they would not redraw U.S. House districts held by Black Democrats just hours before a special session was to begin. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d7fa1972385678328900 Peace Outfitters announces plan to close this coming fall te 2026-06-17T17:23:06.929Z Peace Outfitters announces plan to close this coming fall Peace Outfitters opened in Flagstaff at the start of June 1976 after it was originally founded in downtown Tucson in 1973. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d7e619723856783288f7 Trueheart Brown sets Sedona Canyons record on broken foot, earns entry into Cocodona 250 next year te 2026-06-17T17:22:46.962Z Trueheart Brown sets Sedona Canyons record on broken foot, earns entry into Cocodona 250 next year The Coconino NF fire chief set a course record after breaking his right foot just three weeks before toeing the start line in Jerome. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d7d319723856783288ee Rock Canyon Fire grows in northern Arizona while Dellenbaugh Fire continues to burn; Grandview Fire at 100% containment te 2026-06-17T17:22:27.000Z Rock Canyon Fire grows in northern Arizona while Dellenbaugh Fire continues to burn; Grandview Fire at 100% containment A Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) assumed command of the firefighting efforts at the Rock Canyon Fire on Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d7bc19723856783288cb WATCH: Unearthed video shows leftist Senate hopeful celebrating anti-fossil fuel group's arrival in Texas te 2026-06-17T17:22:04.465Z WATCH: Unearthed video shows leftist Senate hopeful celebrating anti-fossil fuel group's arrival in Texas FIRST ON FOX: Senate candidate James Talarico lavished praise on a left-wing activism group that worked to eliminate Texas' oil and gas industry, in an unearthed video obtained by Fox News Digital.  Talarico participated in a June 2024 organizing call celebrating the expansion of Third Act, a climate advocacy and protest group for individuals over 60, into the Lone Star State. At the time, the organization was ramping up efforts to isolate the fossil-fuel industry by pressuring major banks to cut financial ties with the sector and targeting the buildout of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals on the Texas Gulf Coast.  "This is the frontline in the fight to save democracy and save our planet, and so your arrival couldn't come at a better time," Talarico, who was serving in his third term as a state representative, told the group in pre-recorded remarks. "I look forward to working alongside all of you in this important work, and I just want to thank you for coming to Texas." Later on the call, Talarico described the climate activists' efforts as the highest calling, describing it as "as the most important work in the most important time in the most important place." DEM SENATE CANDIDATE IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER ANTI-MEAT COMMENT RESURFACES: 'THIS WILL HAUNT HIM' Two weeks after that call, Third Act Texas called for a transition to "100% renewable resources as soon as possible." Talarico’s comments appear to complicate his recent efforts to position himself as a defender of Texas energy workers while sharply criticizing Democrats who advocate eliminating oil and gas production. The Democratic Senate nominee and fundraising juggernaut is seeking to flip a Senate seat held by Republicans for nearly four decades by distancing himself from his more radical stances. He will likely need support from independent and moderate voters, including some of the 470,000 people employed in the oil and gas industry, to defeat GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton in November. "The idea that politicians in Washington think they can just eliminate this industry, eliminate these jobs — it’s something we’re going to have to fight against," Talarico said on a podcast in January with Democratic House candidate Bobby Pulido. "Too many people in our party talk about eliminating oil and gas. And one, it’s just not practical and two, it would do so much damage to our state and do damage to our entire country, which relies on our industry here in Texas." Third Act was heavily involved in the climate movement’s #StopLNG campaign and boasted that it "successfully pressured" the Biden administration to pause new LNG export facilities in early 2024. The group’s Texas chapter also calls for the eventual elimination of LNG and all fossil fuel production on the Texas Gulf Coast, according to a statement on its website. Campaign spokesman JT Ennis told Fox News Digital that Talarico "supports LNG production and backed legislation to strengthen it in the Texas legislature." The campaign did not clarify if Talarico still supports Third Act Texas.  MS NOW ANALYST ADMITS TALARICO ‘NOT A MODERATE,’ HAS PROGRESSIVE VIEWS LIKE CROCKETT In 2021, Talarico authored an aggressive climate bill that would have enacted strict caps on greenhouse gas emissions, including a 90% reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. While the measure left implementation to state regulators, such drastic emissions reductions in the nation's largest oil- and gas-producing state would have likely required sweeping changes to the fossil-fuel industry.  The Senate hopeful also introduced legislation that year requiring climate change lessons in K-12 schools to "inspire the next generation of climate activists," The Washington Free Beacon reported. By 2025, Talarico took positions on legislation indicating more support for the oil and gas industry. He backed backed legislation aimed at boosting the LNG production through interstate cooperation and supported a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would redirect public funds to infrastructure projects in regions home to significant oil and gas production. Talarico's praise of Third Act Texas' launch in June 2024 came as the group gained national attention for helping orchestrate sustained climate protests outside Citigroup's headquarters in New York City to pressure the bank to halt investments in new fossil-fuel projects. The group’s founder, environmental activist Bill McKibben, led "Third Actors" in staging a mock funeral procession and "die-ins" during the summer of 2024 that blocked the entrance to the bank’s headquarters. At the end of its Summer of Heat on Wall Street campaign, the group bragged that around 200 of its members were arrested during the disruptive actions. During the Texas organizing call, McKibben described Texas as a critical front in the climate movement because of its outsize role in fossil-fuel production. "You've got, you know, half the hydrocarbons in the world down there, and too many of the hydrocarbon executives," he said. "Don't think of it as a problem, think of it as an opportunity. You can get an awful lot done, even more than we can up in Vermont." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d7a919723856783288c2 Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson defends Giants players who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats te 2026-06-17T17:21:45.014Z Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson defends Giants players who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson understands exactly what’s happening with the media reaction to the San Francisco Giants' Pride Night controversy. Three Giants pitchers, Landen Roupp, J.T. Brubaker and Ryan Walker, wrote Bible verses on their rainbow-themed hats and the left-wing sports media predictably lost its collective mind. Roupp wrote a reference to Genesis 9:12-16, which points to the Biblical story of the rainbow as a sign of God’s covenant with Noah and every living creature. Naturally, many in the media began painting him and his teammates as "anti-LGBTQ," "homophobic" and "bigots." LEFT-WING SPORTSWRITER ANGRILY CRITICIZES GIANTS PLAYERS FOR PROTESTING PRIDE NIGHT HATS: 'DO BETTER' Because, of course. The players change, but the script stays the same: Christian athlete expresses a biblical view, and the left-wing framing machine immediately kicks into gear. It’s never painted as "pro-Christian" or "pro-faith." It’s always called "anti-LGBTQ." That’s how the language gets controlled and it's an important part of the process for the left-wingers. Thompson, speaking after Tuesday night’s game, explained the issue perfectly. "A lot of the hate comes from perceived negativity," Thompson said. "I think that there’s a perceived negativity with this stuff of like, OK, Landen Roupp wrote a verse on his hat, that means that he’s anti-something. That doesn’t mean that, right? It means that he’s pro-something." Exactly. Roupp writing a Bible verse on his hat doesn’t mean he hates anyone or is attacking a group of people. It means he believes in something. "So the rainbow means something to him," Thompson continued. "It means he believes in the Noahic covenant being something that’s special to us as Christians, right? That means that no matter how bad we possibly could be, no matter how much we reject God, that He will never again flood the earth. That’s really cool, that’s really special." For Christians, the rainbow isn't a symbol for gay Pride, a virtue-signaling corporate marketing tool or a sign used for political grandstanding. It’s biblical. That doesn’t mean other people can’t view it differently. It doesn’t mean people can’t attach their own meaning to it. It doesn’t mean there has to be a culture war over a colored logo on a baseball cap. But it does mean Christian athletes are allowed to say what the rainbow means to them. At least, they should be allowed. MLB later warned Roupp, Brubaker and Walker that writing on their hats violated the league’s uniform policy, while insisting the warning was routine, nondisciplinary and unrelated to the content of the Bible verses. But that explanation only makes the larger point more obvious. Pride messaging on the cap was league-and-team-approved expression. A Bible verse written next to it became a uniform violation worthy of a warning. One message was celebrated as inclusion. The other had to be explained, defended and policed. SENATOR JOSH HAWLEY DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM MLB ON 'PATTERN OF DISCRIMINATION' OVER WARNINGS TO GIANTS PLAYERS Thompson kept going and made a key point that applies to more than just this one situation. "There’s nothing negative, there’s no anti, there’s nothing that says that he doesn’t support anything, or that he’s hateful, or anything like that at all," Thompson said. "It’s all positive. It’s all like, man, this is what the rainbow means to me. And I just thought that was really cool that he did that." That’s the part the left intentionally ignores. A Christian athlete can be motivated by faith, not hatred. A person can believe marriage is between a man and a woman without hating gay people. A player can believe the rainbow has biblical meaning without attacking anyone else. A person can decline to participate in a Pride-themed celebration without being a bigot. That's common sense. But common sense ceases to exist when it's time for progressive activists to browbeat people into compliance with their worldview. This tactic isn’t limited to religion: they're using the exact same maneuver with women’s sports. Those of us who believe males should not compete in women’s sports (i.e. the majority of Americans) are consistently labeled "anti-trans" or "transphobic." Those are meant as attacks to dissuade others from speaking out. But that’s not what the position is. The position is pro-woman. Or, put another way, the position is pro-fairness, pro-safety and pro-reality. It’s not about banning transgender-identifying athletes from sports. It’s about keeping males out of female categories because female categories exist for a reason. But notice how the language always gets flipped. Want to protect women’s sports? You're anti-trans. Want to support Christian athletes expressing their faith? You're anti-LGBTQ. See how that works? DAN DAKICH RIPS MLB FOR WARNING GIANTS PLAYERS WHO WROTE BIBLE VERSES ON THEIR PRIDE HATS: 'SHUT UP' The left doesn’t have to win the argument if it gets to define the terms before the argument even starts. That's important because they know they can't win the argument with things like facts, logic, or reasoning. So they resort to name-calling and ad hominem attacks. Thompson quietly exposed that for everyone to see. He identified one of the central tactics of modern left-wing cultural politics: take a positive belief, reframe it as hatred, then apply pressure for the athlete to apologize and backtrack. Roupp didn’t write "I hate gay people" on his hat. He wrote a Bible verse. That’s a pretty important distinction. In a sports culture where leagues, teams and media members constantly preach inclusion, it’s ironic how often that inclusion seems to stop the second a Christian athlete expresses a view that doesn’t fit neatly inside the approved progressive box. That's the message from every progressive activist: "We believe everyone has a right to be themselves and express themselves as they choose. But not you Christians. No, you need to shut up and dribble." Landen Roupp was not being anti-anyone. He was expressing what the rainbow means to him as a Christian. Ryan Thompson understood that. The question is why so many other people are pretending not to. Actually, we know exactly why they are ignoring his point. It ruins their narrative. And nothing matters more to left-wingers than narrative control. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d79519723856783288b9 Neil deGrasse Tyson dares government to 'just show the alien,' as disclosure fervor continues to grow te 2026-06-17T17:21:25.554Z Neil deGrasse Tyson dares government to 'just show the alien,' as disclosure fervor continues to grow Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is calling on the government to just "show the alien," arguing that after years of whistleblower hearings and Pentagon file dumps, the American public is ready to see the actual proof. Speaking on "The Fox News Rundown," the director of the Hayden Planetarium argued that if the government has proof aliens are real, the American public is fully prepared to handle the truth. "Is it too much to ask at this point for them to just show the alien? That's all, I don’t think I'm asking too much here," Tyson told Fox News Radio’s Jessica Rosenthal. He noted that in recent years, there have been multiple people who have testified under oath in front of Congress regarding crashed saucers and "non-human biologics." GOVERNMENT WITHHOLDING INFORMATION ON UFOS FROM THE PUBLIC, GOP REP SAYS "We've already been told this, so to say if they rolled out an alien, we'd somehow freak out given the century of alien movies we'd been treated to and alien stories… I don't see that we'd freak out at all," he said. "It might even be anticlimactic, given our anticipation for what it could be." Late last week, the Department of War released its latest batch of records related to suspected unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) encounters. This latest release included documents and images from a range of government agencies, including the CIA, FBI and NASA, with some files detailing orb-like objects in the sky. The War Department noted the release is part of the Trump administration’s "historic transparency effort," revealing that the official tracking page has captured over 1.7 billion hits worldwide since launching in early May. NASA CHIEF PULLS BACK CURTAIN ON TRUMP UFO FILES AFTER BIZARRE FINDS SURFACE IN BURIED FED RECORDS Tyson added that what would surprise him most about a potential alien disclosure would be if the creatures actually appeared humanoid. He argued that an extraterrestrial being from a distant world would likely look nothing like mankind. "I would only be shocked if the alien were in fact humanoid because of just the statistics of biological variation on Earth, where we have DNA in common with all other life, and most life is not humanoid on Earth," he said. "So you're [going to] have a visiting alien from another planet that has no DNA in common with us at all, or no DNA at all. And somehow it's [going to] walk on two legs with a head, eyes, nose, mouth. So I would be shocked if it was humanoid," Tyson said, adding, "But otherwise, I think we're ready for it. Of course, we're ready. We've been ready." 'NON-HUMAN' BODIES ALLEGEDLY RECOVERED FROM CRASHED UFO, DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER CLAIMS Tyson's new book, "Take Me to Your Leader: Perspectives on Your First Alien Encounter," explores what a potential first contact scenario would look like while breaking down humanity's centuries-long obsession with the cosmos. The latest batch of UAP files likely won’t be the last, as the War Department has confirmed it is preparing the next release. Previous files have included details from the Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 space missions, as well as images of oddly shaped objects captured on film. In February, Trump posted about his directive to agencies to begin the disclosure process for information related to UAPs and extraterrestrial life. Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d78219723856783288b0 Republicans question Trump's 'privately funded' ballroom after report points to taxpayer burden te 2026-06-17T17:21:06.099Z Republicans question Trump's 'privately funded' ballroom after report points to taxpayer burden President Donald Trump’s colossal ballroom could be backed by hundreds of millions in taxpayer money, and after months of the president declaring that it was completely privately funded, lawmakers aren’t happy.  A report from the Washington Post found that estimates for Trump’s 90,000-square-foot ballroom had skyrocketed to $600 million. Of that, about half would come from taxpayer-funded sources.  Both Republicans and Democrats had already drawn a sharp line against dipping into taxpayer funds to pay for the project earlier this year when confronted with tacking on roughly $220 million in security enhancement funding for the ballroom through budget reconciliation.  TRUMP DEMANDS SENATE PARLIAMENTARIAN'S OUSTER FOR AXING BALLROOM SECURITY FUNDING "We have to have a serious conversation about the benefit to the taxpayers, right? If taxpayers aren't paying for it, it's a different bar, but if they're paying for it, we have to have a totally different conversation," Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, said. "Is that how they want their money spent?" The Post’s report, published Tuesday, reviewed documents between the White House and Clark Construction, a McLean, Va.-based company leading the construction of the ballroom, dating back over the last several months.  A project summary from March 5 detailed that the ballroom, which Trump initially said would cost $100 million, would clock in at $600 million.  Of that, $293 million was expected to come from private donors. The remaining $307 million was to come from the Secret Service, White House Military Office and Executive Residence. All three are funded by taxpayers. SENATE REPUBLICAN THREATENS TO DERAIL ICE, BORDER PATROL PACKAGE OVER TRUMP'S BILLION-DOLLAR REQUEST When asked the veracity of the reported figures, Clark Construction referred Fox News Digital to the White House and noted that all project information was confidential.  White House spokesman Davis Ingle did not deny the figures in a statement and said, "The East Wing Modernization Project is inextricably tied to the security of the president, the White House grounds and the certain security infrastructure assets." "The press release announcing the construction of the ballroom highlighted coordination with the White House Military Office and the United States Secret Service regarding design features and planning," Ingle said. "President Trump and generous American patriots are funding the ballroom to the tune of approximately $400 million, which will be a secure and appropriate venue for presidents for generations to come." "The events over the weekend and the foiled attempted attack on the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House proves exactly why the East Wing Modernization Project is severely needed for large-scale events, which include drone proof structures and drone ports among other critical security enhancements," he continued.  Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he had not yet seen the report but noted that it would be a "different narrative than what we’ve heard." SENATE REPUBLICANS BALK AT $1B WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM REQUEST: ‘YOU MADE THAT NUMBER UP’ "I think there's a rationale, particularly when it comes to the security parts of this to keep that place safe we need to be responsible for," Thune said. "I just don't know enough about how it's being used — what it’s being used for." Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said he would prefer the ballroom to be paid for with private funding but was open to dipping into taxpayer dollars if the goal was to "make it safer, protect the president."  When asked if he or other Republicans were contacted by the White House about the use of taxpayer money for the ballroom, Scott said, "No."  "You’d have to, and you know you’d think it’d have to come up over here for funding, and I haven’t seen anything yet," Scott said. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said lawmakers had seen this situation before with another project: the renovations to the Federal Reserve's headquarters going over budget that spurred, in part, a public feud with former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.  "I think when you move quickly, that's when mistakes are made," Tillis said.  "It's not surprising that the estimates were up.
I have the same view about the Arch," he continued, referring to Trump's proposed United States Triumphal Arch. "You know, we think it's gonna be $25 million. I don't know what the number is right now, but my guess is it's gonna be a lot more than that."  "And we ought to be very thoughtful, go through the process versus fitting things into arbitrary timeframes," he added. "Never works out." Some Republicans shrugged off the report, largely because it was produced by the Washington Post. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, said, "You lost me at Washington Post."  "I have no idea," Moreno said. "Do I trust the Washington Post? No, but it does — when you have a cat litter situation, and you don't want it to spill, newspapers serve a really good purpose." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d76e19723856783288a7 French tennis player Corentin Moutet drops absurd amount of F-bombs in post-match interview te 2026-06-17T17:20:46.642Z French tennis player Corentin Moutet drops absurd amount of F-bombs in post-match interview The game of tennis is often referred to as "the gentleman's sport," and for good reason. The modern form of it can be traced back to lawn tennis in Birmingham, England, and it's probably the only sport outside of maybe badminton or polo where you're more likely to see someone playing it wearing a sweater tied around their neck rather than a tank top. With all that being said, you do see the occasional outbursts such as racket smashing and screaming occur, but at the HSBC Championships in London, one man took things a little too far and had the entirety of the tennis community clutching their Lacoste bracelets. After dispatching fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the round of 32, Corentin Moutet was approached by a reporter at center court for an interview. TENNIS STAR MIRRA ANDREEVA ERUPTS WITH PROFANITY-LACED TIRADE TOWARD FANS AFTER INDIAN WELLS DEFEAT Such an engagement is customary for the winner; you say some nice things about the opponent, you tell the fans how great they were, then you move on. Moutet had different plans, and unleashed a flurry of foul language that is sure to land him in some hot water. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE Tell us how you really feel, Corentin! However many F-bombs you imagined he said, it was somehow more. I could understand coming off a hard-fought match and accidentally dropping a swear word, and it was even funny when he triple F-bombed the first time, but the second salvo feels like overkill. TENNIS STARS CLASH FOLLOWING GAME-ENDING HANDSHAKE: 'NOBODY LIKES YOU' Regardless, the Internet is split on the matter. Some are calling him childish while others think it's the funniest thing they've seen from a tennis player in quite some time. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! I, for one, feel for the reporter. This lady is just trying to do her job and here comes Moutet giving her nothing but a warning from Ofcom — that's the British version of the FCC. OutKick has reached out to the ATP tour offices for comment. Moutet will likely face a hefty fine for his profane post-match interview, but he also probably gained plenty of new fans from this incident as well. People are always looking for the next "bad boy" to shake up the stuffy tennis elite. Perhaps Moutet is the one they seek. Eat your heart out, McEnroe! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d7571972385678328870 A Look at the Text of the Agreement Between the United States and Iran te 2026-06-17T17:20:23.098Z A Look at the Text of the Agreement Between the United States and Iran A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed what the official said was the full text of the deal between the two countries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d4fc19723856783287c8 Only 16 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact on society, a new study shows te 2026-06-17T17:10:20.923Z Only 16 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact on society, a new study shows Although Wall Street loves AI, every day Americans are significantly less optimistic about the industry, a new report from Pew Research shows. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d3111972385678328784 Greg Olsen says tight ends' 'blue-collar' roots make them the right group for annual training event te 2026-06-17T17:02:09.818Z Greg Olsen says tight ends' 'blue-collar' roots make them the right group for annual training event What started out as just an idea has turned into one of the NFL offseason's most prestigious events. Tight End University is entering year six next week, and this one expects to be the biggest yet — even if Travis Kelce's fiancée, Taylor Swift, did make a surprise appearance last year. The annual event went from just one text message from George Kittle to Greg Olsen about working out with some fellow tight ends in Nashville in 2021 to bringing in fans for the first time this year at Vanderbilt University. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Now, just about every team's primary tight end makes the trip to the event, which will be open to fans for the first time this year. "Here we are now with 90 or so guys from around the league, major sponsors, and the ability to open it to the public for the first time at Vanderbilt. It's a really cool mix of football, camaraderie, guys spending time with each other, and picking each other's brains on the field and in the classroom," Olsen, one of TEU's founders, told Fox News Digital recently. "It's a really good mix of all those things, and we hope that each year we find ways to make it better and better." No other position in football, or any sport, has anything quite like this. Sure, players might be friendly and work out with one another. But this is a spectacle, and it's because of the position itself. GEORGE KITTLE’S MASTERCLASS SHOWCASES TRUE MISSION BEHIND TIGHT END UNIVERSITY: ‘UPHOLD THE STANDARD' "There's something about the position where the roots are more blue-collar and grind-it-out. It's only been in the last handful of years that it's become more of a glamorous, superstar position," Olsen said. "When I first came into the league, it was a little different. So I think it's the right type of guys to get together, work hard and train, and be willing to run around when it's 100 degrees in Nashville in June, a month before training camp." Attendees are able to bond, collaborate with and learn among their peers while participating in a variety of activities, including film study, on-field drills, recovery, rehabilitation and more. In addition to current players, TEU also features several retired legends who provide attendees with the invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the best to ever play the game. "Whether you're a Kelce or Kittle, a perennial All-Pro trying to extend your career and continue your success, or an undrafted rookie who has never stepped foot in the NFL and whose first goal is just to make a practice squad, there's always another level to reach," Olsen added. "Maybe you're on a practice squad and now it's time to make a 53-man roster. That's what we try to encourage — can you take one thing from this week, bring it back to training camp, bring it back to your team and elevate your career one step? "We're not trying to turn everybody into Travis Kelce, George Kittle or Rob Gronkowski, but there are levels to every part of this game. If we can help guys take that next step, then I think it's a success. Then there's the fun element. Can we give these guys and their families — their girlfriends, wives, kids, whoever they bring with them — a fun three days with this tight end fraternity down in Nashville? If we can accomplish those two things, on and off the field, it's a great week." 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/6a32d2fe197238567832877b Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski ripped for 'tone-deaf' essay detailing wild post-divorce dating phase te 2026-06-17T17:01:50.364Z Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski ripped for 'tone-deaf' essay detailing wild post-divorce dating phase Emily Ratajkowski's wild post-divorce dating era wasn't quite what it seemed. Ratajkowski is getting some backlash after she reflected on the months following the collapse of her marriage in a candid essay, admitting she threw herself into dating while struggling to reconcile her new identity as a single mother. Ratajkowski filed for divorce in September 2022 after four years of marriage amid widespread reports of husband Sebastian Bear-McClard's alleged infidelity. Ratajkowski described the birth of the couple's son, Sylvester, as a "violent transition" into a "new reality of screaming baby on my aching t-- and ring on my swollen finger." "And then, in a time period that felt both instant and excruciatingly slow, my marriage collapsed," she recalled in an essay for The Cut. "Six months after my son was born, my husband and I stopped having sex. Less than a year later, we separated." REESE WITHERSPOON 'FOUND' HER VOICE AS A SINGLE MOTHER: 'NO ONE'S COMING TO HELP' Ratajkowski admitted that after her marriage collapsed, dating wasn't necessarily about finding a new relationship. Instead, she said she was seeking something much more immediate: reassurance that she was still desirable as a single mother. "What I wanted was his attention: I wanted to feel a man’s desire and to be reminded that I was a sexual being, not just a mother of a toddler," Ratajkowski wrote. Ratajkowski acknowledged that her search for reassurance soon spiraled into what she described as a period of compulsive dating. PETE DAVIDSON SAYS YOUNG PEOPLE 'DON'T HAVE A SHOT' AT FINDING LOVE "I wish I could say I’d started to date slowly — that there was some period of grief or reflection as a newly single person, a healthy pause before my mania — but the truth is just a week after my split, I found myself in Brooklyn, a shell-shocked and sleepless version of myself, wearing what seemed to me like the kind of outfit a girl who goes on dates wears, a crop top and black pants that all of my friends had approved via a mirror selfie, sitting across from a DJ," she noted. "Of course a DJ. Always a DJ." Ratajkowski noted that before she split from her husband, "I’d never had a one-night stand. I’d never slept with someone the same day I met them. In fact, I’d only slept with eight people: four of whom had been live-in boyfriends, and one of whom was my male best friend in high school." She went on to talk about the men she dated in New York, describing them as "uniquely disturbed characters from man hell." "There was Vegan Graffiti Artist with impeccable posture, Chef who thought he might have chlamydia, Spanish Gen-Zer who couldn’t stop sending me nudes, heavily self-medicated Son of a Billionaire with questionable politics, several Italians, and, of course, another DJ." She added that, "the list goes on but, for legal reasons," she will not. Ratajkowski's fear of being a single mother began early in her life. "Even as a kid, I reasoned that of all the things I could grow up to be, it was crucial to avoid becoming a single mom," Ratajkowski said. "The term itself could be lodged as an insult. Having a child with the wrong man was the fastest way to ruin your life as a woman — it meant having no freedom, no choices, no emergency exit. All baggage and no security." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Rather than dwell on her insecurity, the model said she crafted an entirely new persona. "The character I’d learned to embody after my divorce, in my period of compulsively dating, was a villain: Poison Ivy. Catwoman. Sexual but scary. And she drank gin martinis. Many, many gin martinis," Ratajkowski explained. "She was not tragic. Nothing close to a victim. No one needed to feel sorry for her. In fact, they should all be jealous." "'Divorced single mom?' What about, instead, 'a woman who needs nothing from men?' I already had the kid and the motherhood experience so many of my friends secretly coveted while pretending to date casually," she said. "I had no illusions about the romance of marriage or a shared life together. I’d learned the hard way that being alone was better than most partnerships. I’d seen too much, discovered what many women do only when they get divorced in their mid-40s. I’d lived through the failure of a unit, yet I was barely into my 30s. This was my villain origin story." However, Ratajkowski's candid reflections sparked backlash on social media, with some critics taking issue with her comments about dating and single motherhood. "So out of touch and insulting to single mothers who are truly struggling every day just to survive," one user commented on The Cut's Instagram post of Ratajkowski. "Cue all of us single mothers (young and old) rolling our eyes…," another wrote.  "Is this a joke or something? A supermodel single mom in her tough struggles lol... I'm sure every man and woman was reaching out to help her everyday," another user wrote. "And she could easily afford the best care whenever she want it and the best foods and the best everything spare me. Let's hear the story from a single mom who's financially barely making ends meet. Post a story with some real depth and grit." "Rich people trying to extrapolate something about their outlandish experiences as ‘truth’ for the rest of us," another wrote. "Read the room, lady." Some took issue with the photo of Ratajkowski breastfeeding a baby doll in the article. "This cover is sick, and not in the good way sick," one commenter wrote. But others appreciated and praised her honesty. "Love that she's honest & real abt this part of her life. Most wouldn't admit it," one user wrote. "But to the haters- just STOP! She is brave, a woman, on her own, as a single mom- we ALL have our own story! And go single moms everywhere but especially in NYC," another user wrote in part. "God I love @emrata," another wrote. "Oh I am so here for this," said another. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Ultimately, Ratajkowski said the biggest lesson from her divorce had little to do with dating at all. She recalled visiting her attorney's office, where he told her: "You should be proud of yourself. Most women don’t leave." "I left his office that day with an unexpected gift: a new kind of understanding of myself. Leaving my marriage wasn’t about seeking anyone’s attention or approval," she said. "It was the opposite." "A hard choice that came with a lot of pain and at a great cost," Ratajkowski added. "Becoming a single mother changed the way people looked at me, exactly as I’d feared it would. But it also allowed me to finally see myself. I wasn’t left; I left. I knew then that being able to leave, to say 'no,' was the only real superpower I’d gained through divorce. I was brave. Really, actually brave." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d2a41972385678328731 Two Stanford grads raise $11M to build a noninvasive wearable for hormone tracking te 2026-06-17T17:00:20.770Z Two Stanford grads raise $11M to build a noninvasive wearable for hormone tracking Clair Health's wearable will cost $369 and will an app-based subscription of $9.99 per month Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d08d19723856783286f1 Reporter's Notebook: Capitol Hill's legislative clock is ticking ahead of the midterms te 2026-06-17T16:51:25.874Z Reporter's Notebook: Capitol Hill's legislative clock is ticking ahead of the midterms We’re deep enough into the season to have a sense of how the year is going for various clubs and players. We see which players are most expendable by the trade deadline. And we get an early line on what to anticipate this fall. Could sub-.500 clubs like the Texas Rangers or The Athletics (now playing in Sacramento) make the postseason? Did the Baltimore Orioles get what they paid for when they signed Pete Alonso from the New York Mets? Will the Detroit Tigers deal back-to-back Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to the Atlanta Braves or Cleveland Guardians? All becomes clearer as we approach the All-Star Break in less than a month. The same is true in Congress. But the schedule is a little more advanced on Capitol Hill compared to the baseball calendar. Yes, Major League Baseball would play a potential Game 7 of the World Series on Oct. 31. Election Day for the midterms is Nov. 3. DEMOCRATS FACE DAUNTING CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL GAME STREAK AS EX-MLB GREAT EYES GOP ROSTER SPOT However, the Capitol Hill timeframe is more truncated than the baseball slate. In some respects, Congress is already past its legislative equivalent of the Dog Days of August. In fact, both the House and Senate will likely be out of session for all but a day – if that – in August. They’ll be back in September and then out again until after the midterm. That is, unless there’s another lengthy government shutdown. And that’s a distinct possibility. The government’s fiscal year expires at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30. Yes, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle want to rush home in the fall to campaign before the midterms. But last year’s record 43-day comprehensive government shutdown may just be a legislative amuse bouche of what we’re in for this year. Plus, if Democrats again go to the mat over healthcare or the lack of guardrails for ICE and Border Patrol – despite Republicans just funding those agencies for the rest of the Trump presidency earlier this month – they may view a government shutdown and bogging down everything in Washington as the equivalent of campaigning. The Senate is meeting this week. The House is out. Chatter started ricocheting around the Capitol this week that the House might consider sending everyone home until September at the end of the next work period. The official calendar has the House meeting through July 2. After adopting the One Big Beautiful Bill last summer, the House left for its August recess a day early in mid-July. One could see the House conceivably cutting town a bit early this year too. That said, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., wants to advance a few spending bills across the floor before the recess. The House has already approved two of the 12 bills: one for military construction and veterans programs. The other for agriculture. The House is poised to approve the Energy and Water spending bill next week as well as one for national security initiatives. CONGRESS FLEES TOWN AS HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS SET TO EXPLODE FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS IN JANUARY Republicans would like to approve the annual defense funding measure soon. That bill consumes well over half of all discretionary spending (money which Congress allocates each year). The GOP may need to follow suit from last year where the House passed the defense plan with only Republican votes. But if the House greenlights the Pentagon’s bill, it will have approved around 80 percent of all spending for the next fiscal year. However, the Senate is another question. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, canceled planned sessions to craft multiple spending bills over the past few weeks. She’s blamed Democrats for lack of cooperation. That said, control of the Senate may hinge on Maine as Collins faces embattled Democratic nominee Graham Platner this fall. Platner lugs around more baggage than a skycap at Dulles International Airport. But Democrats are sticking with Platner. Democrats are in no mood to cede any ground to Collins or present her with any easy "wins" ahead of the fall. BATTLEGROUND REPUBLICANS HOLD THE LINE AS JOHNSON PRESSURES DEMS ON SHUTDOWN While the House appropriations process may limp along, it’s all but paralyzed in the Senate. This is where a congressional contagion could spread from the Senate to the House. Some House lawmakers may question why they should stick around to tackle any bills if they’re on a road to oblivion in the Senate. Pressure will ramp up on both sides of the aisle to let everyone go home early rather than engage in an academic exercise. And let’s fast-forward to fall and the funding deadline. The sides simply are not getting along at all. There’s no incentive for Democrats to help if both the House and Senate are in play this fall. President Trump demonstrated no incentive to negotiate during last year’s government shutdown. It could be worse this time around. That’s why a shutdown may be in the cards. The question is whether lawmakers stay in Washington for the month of October and try to figure things out when they’d rather be in their districts and states campaigning. Remember, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., kept the House out for most of the autumn shutdown last year. MORNING GLORY: WILL THE HOUSE FREEDOM CAUCUS DESERT PRESIDENT TRUMP AND TRIGGER A MASSIVE TAX HIKE? And then there is the biggest possible bill of all: "Reconciliation 3.0." No one really knows exactly what Republicans would stash in a massive package, ala last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill. President Trump is adamant that they add $350 billion in additional military spending on top of the Pentagon’s annual budget measure – mostly to cover the war in Iran. This would also restock munitions exhausted overseas. Some Republicans believe they should address health care. Yet there’s still no bona fide health care proposal from the Trump Administration. There will be tax cuts. Maybe lower the cost of living. Of course, President Trump also wants the SAVE America Act tacked on to this bill. It requires proof of citizenship to vote. But the president just insisted that congressional Republicans latch the SAVE America Act to a bill to renew FISA. Either way, the SAVE America Act wouldn’t pass muster with special Senate budget rules. And Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said repeatedly he would not fire the Senate’s budget umpire, Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough. IT NEVER ENDS: GOP MOVES TO FUND BORDER, DEMOCRATS BLAST TRUMP SPENDING Vulnerable Republicans would love to have another policy bill to campaign on this fall. But there’s lots of skepticism. And any decision to dismiss lawmakers from Capitol Hill early would serve as a signal that there’s no way they can pass "Reconciliation 3.0." In Major League Baseball, we usually know by late July or early August if even an average team has an outside shot at the playoffs. The trade deadline is Aug. 3 – although some clubs may try to stock up or unload well before then. Teams and players on the wrong side of the ledger will play out the string through the end of the season. Then pack up for the hot stove league. Congress is similar. Members elected to the 119th Congress are in office until 11:59:59 p.m. ET on Jan. 3, 2027. Some are just running out the string. Yogi Berra famously declared that "the future ain’t what it used to be." In baseball, there were high expectations this season for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros. The season isn’t even to its mid-point. But the future isn’t panning out for these clubs. The same is true on Capitol Hill. We’ll know soon if the future is what "it used to be," here too. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d07a19723856783286e8 Activists unleash a 'next wave' ballot strategy for women's sports inside deep blue states te 2026-06-17T16:51:06.419Z Activists unleash a 'next wave' ballot strategy for women's sports inside deep blue states Opponents of allowing transgender athletes in female sports are launching a national strategy centered on voter-backed ballot measures in blue and purple states. Speaking on "The Riley Gaines Show," former gymnastics champion and XX-XY Athletics CEO Jennifer Sey revealed grassroots organizers have successfully qualified a biological sex-protection measure for the November ballot in Colorado. "Here in, I mean deep blue Colorado — [it] is not a purple state anymore, as you know, it is blue — we got the signatures we needed to put this to the people in November," Sey said, noting the campaign gathered 25% more signatures than required. "We're not done yet because now we need people to vote for it," she added. "The next wave is ballot initiatives in these blue and purple states." JENNIFER SEY DEBATES PRO-TRANSGENDER ACTIVISTS OVER WOMEN'S SPORTS POLICIES, WINS BASED ON AUDIENCE DATA Ballot Initiative 109 would require students to compete on sports teams based on their sex assigned at birth. The measure would apply to both high school and college athletes. Critics argue it would restrict transgender students from participating on teams that align with their gender identity. Sey said they’ve been able to get the measure on the ballot with little money, noting it’s a grassroots organization. She added that another blue state, Washington, is advancing a similar initiative to restrict transgender athletes from joining female sports teams. "We didn't have a lot of money. We didn't really have any money here in Colorado, but we had an amazing grassroots organization, and we went out and got the signatures," she said. Still, Sey noted that a change in culture could be just as impactful as a change in the law. TRUMP SIGNS 'NO MEN IN WOMEN'S SPORTS' EXECUTIVE ORDER "I personally feel like we have to really change the cultural conversation and make this something that no state would dare do, no league would dare do, because the people wouldn't tolerate it," Sey said. She said that while there is an executive order in place, signed by President Donald Trump last year, she believes there needs to be more concrete legislation in case future administrations look to undo it. TRANS ATHLETE WINS NEW YORK STATE GIRLS' SHOT PUT TITLE, BEATING SECOND PLACE BY MORE THAN 2 FEET "I think we need state-by-state legislation. I think we need national legislation," Sey said. "We have an executive order, but that's temporary. It functions like law while we have President Trump in office, but you and I both know that could change and lots of states are ignoring it," she added. Trump signed the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order in February 2025, which prohibits transgender female athletes from competing in female sports. It also requires athletes to compete on teams or in competitions based on their sex assigned at birth. "Under the Trump administration, we will defend the proud tradition of female athletes, and we will not allow men to beat up, injure, and cheat our women and our girls. From now on, women's sports will be only for women," Trump said at the signing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d06219723856783286b2 Conor McGregor Defends Treatment That Included Banned Drugs te 2026-06-17T16:50:42.869Z Conor McGregor Defends Treatment That Included Banned Drugs The Ultimate Fighting Championship star said his priority was walking again after shattering his leg, and he confirmed elements of a New York Times article about how he came to use banned substances. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32d04f19723856783286a9 Under Trump, National Intelligence Agency Has Broadened Focus on Elections te 2026-06-17T16:50:23.418Z Under Trump, National Intelligence Agency Has Broadened Focus on Elections Bill Pulte, who has shown that he has a keen sense of what the president wants and a desire to please him, is poised to take over the job from Tulsi Gabbard on an acting basis. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ce35197238567832865a House bill would strip federal funding from colleges with alleged ties to Chinese Communist Party te 2026-06-17T16:41:25.710Z House bill would strip federal funding from colleges with alleged ties to Chinese Communist Party FIRST ON FOX: New legislation introduced in the House of Representatives threatens federal funding for colleges and universities  working with organizations with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party.  The Espionage Protection Act, authored by Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, would amend the National Security Act of 1947 to prohibit federal funding for intelligence programs at universities that maintain contractual or in-kind relationships with organizations tied to the CCP.  "American citizens and or professors at these institutions would be compromised and would be doing highly sensitive research and the Chinese Communist Party could benefit from that illegally," Fallon told Fox News Digital. "There have been instances of this where they're using their either trained assets for the Chinese Communist Party or they're sympathetic – stealing highly sensitive research, biotechnology, etc. and bringing it back to Beijing," he added. 'SERIOUS CONCERNS': GOP SOUNDS ALARM ON TAXPAYER FUNDS GOING TO 'HIGH RISK' UNIVERSITIES VULNERABLE TO CCP The legislation would revoke  federal funding for grant programs, including: Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence, Intelligence advanced research projects, undergraduate and graduate training, Stokes Scholarship Programs and SMART Scholarship for Service Program. Fallon singled out  the Confucius Institute, a nonprofit educational funded by the CCP, for particular scrutiny. While the number of universities who work with the Confucius Institute has seen a dramatic decline due to funding threats in the past, the organization still works with a number of schools. The Texas congressman also told Fox News Digital he supports an outright ban on student visas for Chinese nationals. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BEGINS NEW WAVE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA REVOCATIONS: 'NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO A VISA' "It would wholly take away one of the major concerns, which would be with Chinese students coming over and stealing technologies and other sensitive data… so it definitely needs to be explored and looked into," he said.  The debate around whether Chinese students should be allowed in U.S. schools has created some divide within the GOP. In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, President Donald Trump said an outright ban could damage relations between Beijing and D.C., and discussed some of the benefits of allowing Chinese professionals  into the country. "I frankly think that it's good that people come from other countries and they learn our culture and many of them want to stay here," Trump said following his meeting with President Xi Jinping last month. TRUMP JOLTS IMMIGRATION HAWKS WITH SURPRISING DEFENSE OF CHINESE STUDENTS IN USA Trump noted that the idea of letting Chinese students in U.S. schools "doesn’t sound like a very conservative position – and I’m a conservative… commonsense guy. I think MAGA is common sense." Xi and  rump met in Beijing last month, where Trump described the meeting as "incredible" and "very successful," despite the traditional rift between the two world powers.  Trump’s  comments about Chinese students in the U.S. sparked some backlash from members of the GOP who take a hard line position on immigration, including former Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. REP. GREENE RAISES RED FLAG AFTER TRUMP INDICATES US WILL ACCEPT 600,000 CHINESE STUDENTS "Trump says it’s insulting to tell China their students can’t go to our universities, imagine being an American student and receiving a rejection letter while 500,000 Chinese students get in," Greene said to The New Republic. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was critical of the Trump administration’s stance on Chinese students last year, and signed legislation to block colleges from hiring students from China and other "countries of concern" in academic labs. The IIE Open Doors Report, which is sponsored by the State Department, estimates that more 260,000 Chinese students are in the U.S. as of the 2024-2025 academic school year. Most students hold F-1 visas, which don’t automatically expire upon graduation from a university.  In April, Fallon announced that he was running for chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee during an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. If he wins, he said he plans to root out CCP influence in the U.S. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ce09197238567832860f Google bets on Gemini to reinvent the smart home speaker te 2026-06-17T16:40:41.255Z Google bets on Gemini to reinvent the smart home speaker Google is betting generative AI can breathe new life into the smart speaker. The company's new $99.99 Google Home Speaker replaces the rigid commands of the Google Assistant era with more conversational Gemini interactions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32cdf51972385678328603 More than 770,000 children are no longer receiving SNAP benefits after Trump changes federal food program te 2026-06-17T16:40:21.295Z More than 770,000 children are no longer receiving SNAP benefits after Trump changes federal food program This story was originally published by ProPublica. As a House committee debated President Donald Trump’s signature domestic policy bill last year, Republican backers repeatedly emphasized that its changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, wouldn’t affect vulnerable people. SNAP reforms would “restore integrity” to the program and ensure it works for the “most vulnerable among us, including children,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican and chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Passing the bill would be a “historic accomplishment” that will ensure “those in need can continue to receive the assistance they need,” said Rep. John Rose, a Republican from Tennessee. And Rep. Dusty Johnson, a South Dakota Republican, said the bill would focus resources on the “neediest” Americans. “If you are a pregnant woman, your benefits are unaffected. If you have young children at home, your benefits are unaffected by this bill. If you are disabled, your benefits are unaffected by this bill.” But nearly a year after the measure was signed into law, the number of children receiving food assistance has plummeted by at least 776,000, according to a ProPublica analysis. At least 12 states break down program participation by age, and of the 1,670,011 people who are no longer receiving benefits in those states, 776,134, or 46%, were children. Another analysis reached the same conclusion: Just last month, the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found there were 700,000 fewer children receiving food assistance. Arizona has seen the nation’s largest percentage decline in SNAP participants; 205,223 children are no longer receiving the benefit since July 2025, a 55% drop. Louisiana had the second largest percent decline among children, 22%. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, hasn’t detailed the impact on children aided by the program, but initial figures show that compared to February 2025, 4.3 million fewer people received SNAP nationwide in February 2026, leaving 37.8 million participants. Although children weren’t the intended targets of the legislation’s changes, they’re increasingly “collateral damage,” said Katie Bergh, a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. If states are trying to comply with the law’s changes to SNAP, they’re likely not focusing on making the program accessible, Bergh said. Other experts said that people may be pushed off the program because of increased paperwork requirements to remain eligible. States are required to impose work requirements for most adult recipients, while preparing for two major cost shifts. In October, states will begin covering 75% of the program’s administrative costs. States have been paying 50% of those costs. In addition, states will have to pay a larger share of SNAP benefits starting in October 2027, based on their error rate. Error rates reflect overpayments or underpayments of SNAP benefits. While sometimes characterized as fraud, such errors are usually the fault of the state agency or the SNAP recipient, according to USDA, which describes them as “largely unintentional.” If a state agency is facing staffing shortages and struggling to comply with new regulations, it will be harder for low-income families to access the benefits, Bergh said. “Families are falling through the cracks.” In Massachusetts, for example, the share of SNAP applicants who called an assistance line and couldn’t reach a worker rose from 61% in November to nearly 81% in March, according to the Department of Transitional Assistance, which administers SNAP in the state. The state agency did not respond to a request for comment. The Toltecalli High School community class preps for its final food bank of the school year on May 15, 2025. | La clase comunitaria de la preparatoria Toltecalli se prepara para su último banco de alimentos del año escolar el 15 de mayo de 2025. Credit: Shannon Conner A USDA spokesperson did not address ProPublica’s questions about the number of children who have lost access to SNAP. “There is no shortage of resources for the most vulnerable among us, including children,” the spokesperson said. The three members of the House Agriculture Committee who defended last year’s bill before its passage — Rose, Thompson and Johnson — did not respond to ProPublica’s questions about their statements now that many children no longer receive SNAP benefits. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, asked Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins about her recent comments that it was “good news” that millions of people no longer receive SNAP. If more than 700,000 children have been dropped in the 12 states that report those figures, “that number’s going to be into the millions” when other states are included, he said. Rollins responded, “The 700,000 number of children is not correct,” contending that most people who were kicked off SNAP were “fraudulent.” “That is not a nonpartisan group that gave you that number,” she said. (ProPublica independently verified the figures reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.) McGovern said he has talked to people who have lost food assistance. “These are people who actually need and rely on this food assistance to provide basic nutrition for their families,” he said. Pressure to lower error rates “creates a temptation for the states to bump off working families,” said Parke Wilde, a food economist at Tufts University. Working families may have more volatile incomes, making it harder for state agencies to assess benefits accurately. “When they say we want to preserve SNAP for those with the greatest need, they’re sort of acknowledging that they want the scale of the SNAP program to be smaller,” he said. Mariana Chilton, an expert in child hunger at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said a smaller program won’t save money in the long run. Research shows that children who receive SNAP benefits are healthier, have better academic outcomes, use hospitals less often and have better mental health as teenagers. She called the situation a “public health crisis” in the making. “When children are not healthy, this affects children today and it affects them throughout their lifetimes,” she said, likening hunger during early childhood to a brain injury. A patron at St. Mary’s Food Bank of Arizona prepares to drive off after getting a delivery of food at the main facility joining hundreds in the vehicle line, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) As Arizona’s SNAP participation drops, nonprofits are feeling the effects. St. Mary’s Food Bank, the largest in the state, has seen a 15% increase in need this year, which translates into 300,000 more visits from people in search of food, said Milt Liu, the chief executive officer. “It’s important for everyone to realize that policies have implications for people on the edge, and we’re seeing that in our line every day,” he said. On a recent morning, Ana Alvarez waited in a line of vehicles at a St. Mary’s food bank in Phoenix. Alvarez, a single mother of five who works at a restaurant, started coming to St. Mary’s after she lost her SNAP benefits in September. She reapplied for SNAP with the Arizona Department of Economic Security in December, but the application is still pending. The department did not respond to questions about its backlog. She clips coupons and has cut out trips to the zoo and restaurants with her children. The slow season at the restaurant where she works is about to hit. And as summer temperatures rise, Alvarez wonders how she will afford her electric bill, her rent and her car payment. At least once a week she contacts the agency about her application. The last time she called, a worker told her what others have in the past: She will have to keep waiting. The post More than 770,000 children are no longer receiving SNAP benefits after Trump changes federal food program appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32cbf419723856783285a4 Hillary Clinton Says Biden’s Re-election Bid Was a ‘Terrible Mistake’ te 2026-06-17T16:31:48.352Z Hillary Clinton Says Biden’s Re-election Bid Was a ‘Terrible Mistake’ If the former president had “passed the torch” and allowed a competitive Democratic primary in 2024, she said in a new interview, the winner “would have beaten Donald Trump.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32cbe0197238567832859b Bay Area Voters to Decide on Swalwell Replacement te 2026-06-17T16:31:28.899Z Bay Area Voters to Decide on Swalwell Replacement Eric Swalwell resigned in April as he faced sexual assault allegations, prompting a special election to fill out his term. Two Democrats topped the field in a regular primary election this month. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32cbcb197238567832858f 1-Year-Old Boy Killed After Officer Fires at Vehicle in Mississippi te 2026-06-17T16:31:07.393Z 1-Year-Old Boy Killed After Officer Fires at Vehicle in Mississippi It is not clear what led up to the shooting, but the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said that police officers were responding to a shoplifting call. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32cbb71972385678328585 Democrats Keep Helping Out This Far-Right Maryland Republican te 2026-06-17T16:30:47.425Z Democrats Keep Helping Out This Far-Right Maryland Republican Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, has begun running ads on Fox News that promote Dan Cox, a Republican running in a contested primary to challenge him. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32cba3197238567832857c Inquiry Into Justice Dept. Lawyer Ends Without Disciplinary Action te 2026-06-17T16:30:27.977Z Inquiry Into Justice Dept. Lawyer Ends Without Disciplinary Action A special counsel found that a government lawyer helped mislead a judge into releasing a man wanted for homicide abroad, but largely blamed the Trump administration. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c9c41972385678328527 Arizona’s anti-AEA ballot measure could ban police, firefighter union bargaining, critics warn te 2026-06-17T16:22:28.152Z Arizona’s anti-AEA ballot measure could ban police, firefighter union bargaining, critics warn Buried in a proposed constitutional amendment intended to destroy the state’s largest teachers union is language that advocates fear could ban all public sector labor unions in Arizona, including those that represent police officers and firefighters, from negotiating employment terms.… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c9b0197238567832851e AI training often missing for K-12 teachers, study finds [East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.)] te 2026-06-17T16:22:08.204Z AI training often missing for K-12 teachers, study finds [East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.)] The majority of K-12 educators across the country receive little or no formal guidance about using artificial intelligence tools, according to a recent study from the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c99a1972385678328506 More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices te 2026-06-17T16:21:46.676Z More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices People shop the shelves at the Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry just outside of St. Louis last week. The nonprofit has seen rising need as grocery prices soar and thousands of Missourians lose federal food assistance. (Photo courtesy of Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry) The days of ground beef and chicken legs are long gone at the Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry just outside of St. Louis. The nonprofit has swapped out those staple proteins for cheaper ground chicken and hot dogs as it faces higher food costs and surging demand. “We have to adapt just like everybody else,” Executive Director Angela Gabel said about rising grocery prices. Last year, Ritenour spent about $120,000 on food. The pantry budgeted $180,000 for this year, though Gabel said that may not be sufficient. And the number of people looking for food has increased: The pantry signed up seven new families on a recent weekday morning and expected to add 15 by the end of the day. Gabel said more people are traveling further to visit multiple food pantries each month to stock their shelves. Families are facing rising grocery prices at the same time that many of the most vulnerable are losing access to the nation’s largest food assistance program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. More than 4 million Americans lost SNAP benefits between February 2025 and this February, according to analyses of the most recent federal data. The numbers are expected to increase as states whittle the rolls further as required by the broad tax and spending law President Donald Trump signed last summer, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “I’m absolutely terrified,” Gabel said. “We will absolutely do our best, but I think we were meant to supplement SNAP or to help in emergency situations. I just don’t think we can replace the government.” After One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 100,000 Tennesseans’ lose SNAP food aid Since the fall, states and counties that administer SNAP have been notifying residents who rely on food stamps that they must meet new work requirements or lose their food assistance. The federal tax and spending law ended exemptions to work requirements for older adults, homeless people, veterans and some rural residents, among others. The changes will put more pressure on states, likely leading to further benefit cuts as they reevaluate eligibility and begin paying for more program costs. The new rules also will further stress the already-stretched charitable food system. Gina Plata-Nino, SNAP director at the Food Research & Action Center, a nonprofit working to combat hunger, noted that children, older adults and people with disabilities are most reliant on the program. The left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated the average benefit per person this year would be $188 per month, or $6.17 per day. “And a majority of them are making less than $1,100 a month,” she said. “So when you lose your SNAP benefit, it really does exacerbate your situation of having to choose between shelter, food, and other basic needs.” Rising need for food National data on hunger is limited since the Trump administration terminated the annual Household Food Security report last year. But other measures indicate that more people are missing regular meals. In May, the federal Reserve Bank of New York found a “remarkable” increase in food insecurity across the country, with more people struggling than during the peak of the pandemic. Its national surveys last October and this February found more households dipped into savings accounts, relied on food donations or had trouble finding enough food to eat or had kids who missed meals. Democrats and anti-hunger advocates have been urging Congress to rescind SNAP cuts for months. Current negotiations over reauthorizing the federal farm bill, which includes SNAP, have put the issue front and center in Congress. The House has passed a version of that legislation that won’t reverse the cuts. Republicans have downplayed the effect of the changes and defended the SNAP cuts, arguing they are aimed at rooting out fraud and abuse. U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a Wisconsin Republican, said he was raised in “abject, rural poverty,” by a single mother who relied on food stamps, subsidized lunches and government cheese. But in late April, he urged support of the farm bill that cements cuts to the food stamp program. “We do have to know that there is a tremendous amount of fraud that takes place in SNAP,” he said on the House floor, “and we want to make sure that every single dollar that is allocated to go to a hungry child or a veteran or one of our senior citizens goes to them.” Last week, 23 state attorneys general wrote to Senate leaders who are now considering the farm bill, saying the Senate has an opportunity to “reverse course and reaffirm a bipartisan commitment that no American should go hungry because they cannot afford food.” In Nebraska, where SNAP participation has dropped by about 11%, state lawmakers this year proposed legislation to ask the federal government for waivers from some of the new restrictions. Those bills, which did not advance, sought to protect benefits for veterans, former foster youth, homeless people and refugees. But the problem demands a federal response, said Megan Hamann, the senior community organizer for food and nutrition access at Nebraska Appleseed, an advocacy nonprofit that works against poverty and discrimination. “We’re going to be working with patchwork solutions in the meantime,” Hamann said. She described “a real reckoning as a result of loss of federal support and programming that has for a long time in our state and others offered stability and consistency that is no longer present.” She said putting food on the table has become a widespread challenge for many in Nebraska as the price of housing, utilities and other everyday necessities squeezes household budgets. “I talk to people on the daily who say, ‘I’m worried about the price of groceries, I’m worried about the price of gas, I feel like everything except for my wage is going up,’” she said. Though generally focused on housing, the Omaha organization Restoring Dignity has launched a new food assistance program to help refugees who lost SNAP benefits late last year. “A big chunk of what we do now revolves around food,” said founder and executive director Hannah Vlach. Community donations allow Restoring Dignity to provide grocery store gift cards to those refugees. But the organization, which generally serves about 5,000 refugees per year, is helping only about 200 of the most vulnerable. “Right now we’re just focused on the families who absolutely will be evicted and will be on the streets if they don’t get any assistance,” she said, “and I have no idea how those other families are surviving.” Vlach emphasized that the federal government has specifically sanctioned the arrival of refugees her organization serves, many of whom served with U.S. troops in Afghanistan. “This can’t become our new normal — this just can’t,” she said. “It’s unethical, it’s immoral.” States triaging needs West Virginian Raine Gibbons said she relies more on cheap staples such as pasta and pasta sauce, trimming the amount of meat and treats she buys. She said her family of five recently saw a reduction in monthly SNAP benefits, which now provide just over $300 per month. Gibbons supervises an in-home education program for parents at one of the state-run Family Support Centers, which provide parenting classes, baby supplies such as diapers and emergency food aid. Aside from grappling with higher prices and reduced SNAP eligibility among clients, the West Virginians who rely on those 57 federally funded centers face an uncertain future because of unresolved state contracting issues. “It’s really, really stressful,” Gibbons said. “It’s so hard to stay present and be the parent that you want to be when you’re worried about those daily struggles of just how to feed your family.” Gibbons said SNAP is not a luxury, but an essential support for many families. “It’s really what’s keeping families like mine — who do work outside of the home, who do have a full-time job — afloat to be able to feed our families and our babies, and try to just get through this economy.” California lawmakers are trying to help fill some of the federal void in their state. Democratic Assemblymember Alex Lee is pushing to add $100 million to a state program that doubles the purchasing power of SNAP when used for fresh fruits and vegetables. Separate pending legislation would petition the federal government for a waiver, allowing California to maintain an exemption from work requirements for former foster youth. In California, nearly one-third of all families with young children struggled to put food on the table between July 2024 and January 2026, according to survey results from the Stanford University Center on Early Childhood. “States are in a position of trying to triage what is the most important need for families, when really families have all of these needs that are considered pretty basic,” said Abigail Stewart-Kahn, managing director of the center. “It puts states in an untenable position to try to make decisions of which gaps to fill and for whom.” Stewart-Kahn said many families face immediate decisions of which bills to pay and which needs to forgo, but that the parental stress and childhood distress will have long-term consequences for society. “Every time we make a policy change that potentially increases stress in the lives of a child, we are deciding as a society that we’re okay with harming their healthy development, so that the next generation will struggle further with everything from educational attainment to mental health challenges,” she said. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@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/6a32c98419723856783284e6 Left-wing historian likens UFC White House event to lynchings era te 2026-06-17T16:21:24.659Z Left-wing historian likens UFC White House event to lynchings era Former CNN anchor-turned-YouTuber Jim Acosta hosted historian Heather Cox Richardson as she suggested that the same ideas that energized the UFC White House event motivated the lynchings of the 19th century. She began by condemning the use of an honor guard at the Lincoln Memorial to present the fighters, suggesting, "I think Trump is deliberately perverting those things that Americans hold dear." "He forced them to stand on those steps in honor of the UFC fighters coming down," Richardson said. "It was almost as if he was saying, 'I don't care what you hold sacred. I'm going to use all of it for myself.'" "What you are watching Trump do right now is deliberately tear that apart, and he is doing so on the same cultural argument, of course, that people used to back the first Gilded Age," she argued. "That is these cultural wars that turn White Americans against marginalized people of color." DANA WHITE DENIES AMERICA 250 UFC FIGHT AT WHITE HOUSE WILL BE 'POLITICAL,' 'NOT AT ALL' ABOUT POLITICS "Right," Acosta agreed. "That's the bottom line there," Richardson continued. "So, I mean, it's not really a stretch to say that the same impulse that created the UFC fight on the White House lawn is the impulse that really pushed lynching in the late 19th century against Black Americans overwhelmingly, but also against Italian-Americans in Louisiana, for example, or Mexican-Americans in the American West, or indigenous Americans in the American West." "That idea somehow — a really fake idea, by the way — that America is a White nation and anybody who challenges that needs to be purged from the body politic," she concluded. JIM ACOSTA RUTHLESSLY MOCKED FOR COMPARING REMOVAL OF TRUMP’S NAME FROM KENNEDY CENTER TO FALL OF BERLIN WALL White House spokesman Davis Ingle responded to Richardson's criticism by saying, "This was one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history, and President Trump hosting it at the White House is a testament to his vision to celebrate America’s monumental 250th anniversary. Anyone who finds a problem with that clearly suffers from a severe and incurable disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome." Trump marked his 80th birthday Sunday night with a celebration on the South Lawn, where 14 fighters from around the world competed inside a wire-mesh cage during the UFC Freedom 250 spectacle. The estimated 4,300 people in attendance, which included about 1,200 active-duty service members, greeted the president with loud cheers as the occasional "Happy Birthday" was shouted from the crowd. The $60 million event kicked off with the Marine Band’s performance of the national anthem, sung by country star Zac Brown, and was capped off with a flyover by the Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Fox News Digital also contacted the UFC for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Fox News’ Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c97119723856783284dd Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann slammed as ‘small man’ as judge gives max sentence for murder spree te 2026-06-17T16:21:05.205Z Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann slammed as ‘small man’ as judge gives max sentence for murder spree RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Rex Heuermann, the Long Island serial killer who has admitted to the murders of eight women between 1993 and 2010, will spend the rest of his life in prison. Judge Timothy Mazzei on Wednesday handed down three consecutive sentences of life with no parole followed by four consecutive sentences of 25 to life — the maximum possible under New York law. Heuermann, 62, spoke in court before he was sentenced. "I’m responsible," he said. "The words I would say have no meaning." SEND US A TIP HERE One of the victims' families told him to speak up. Mazzei stepped in and said: "I know that you’re sorry you got caught. I assume you’re sorry for what you did to your wife and children…Are you at least a little bit sorry for what you did to these eight women?" Heuermann nodded yes and said he is. "You’re a disgusting and despicable small man, if you’re a man at all," Mazzei said. "And you’re a coward." After giving him the maximum possible sentence, Mazzei told bailiffs to "get him out of here." Heuermann pleaded guilty to seven of the murders on April 8 and confessed to an uncharged eighth. The victims were found concealed across different parts of Long Island, from the Hamptons to Gilgo Beach. Some were dismembered. All had been strangled. They have been identified as Sandra Costilla, 28, found in North Sea; Karen Vergata, 34, found on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach; Valerie Mack, 24, found in Manorville and along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach; Jessica Taylor, 20, found in Manorville and along Ocean Parkway — and the so-called Gilgo Four, who were all found just east of Gilgo Beach in the brush north of Ocean Parkway. They were Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25; Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27. Gilgo Beach, about 45 miles east of New York City, where Heuermann worked, and about 15 miles from his former home in Massapequa Park. Concerns of a serial killer first emerged in late 2010 after the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert, a 23-year-old woman who placed panicked 911 calls from the Oak Beach community before vanishing into the surrounding marsh. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST During a search for her, police uncovered 10 other victims in the area before they finally found her in December 2011. While her death was deemed accidental, evidence surrounding other victims eventually led police to Heuermann 12 years later. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB It would be more than a decade before police closed in on Heuermann as a suspect. They initially charged him with killing three of the Gilgo Four. By the time he pleaded guilty in April, he was accused of seven murders. Authorities uncovered damning evidence along the way. Prosecutors have alleged that he transferred DNA from his ex-wife and daughter to some of the victims. Detectives recovered a computer file where Heuermann kept notes on how to get away with crimes, including supplies for his kill kits, the locations of traffic cameras and a reminder to use push-pins to hang a drop cloth, rather than tape. His family has not been accused of assisting in any of the crimes – they were out of town during each murder, according to court documents. MIGRANT CHARGED IN GILGO BEACH THROAT SLASHING, FUELING SERIAL KILLER COPYCAT FEARS Three other victims found in the area haven't been linked to Heuermann. Andrew Dykes, a 66-year-old from Florida, has been charged with the 1997 murders of Tanya Denise Jackson, 27, and their 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes. There is also an unidentified "Asian Doe" whose skeletal remains were discovered wearing women's clothing near Gilgo Beach in 2011 during the search for Gilbert. He is believed to be of southern Chinese ancestry and was between 17 and 23 at the time of his death, which investigators estimate came in April 2006 or earlier. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c945197238567832849c PayPal Ventures shutters as company restructuring continues te 2026-06-17T16:20:21.027Z PayPal Ventures shutters as company restructuring continues The corporate venture arm ends after 10 years and 80 investments. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c6ee197238567832843b Choosing How to Kill Death Row Inmates te 2026-06-17T16:10:22.591Z Choosing How to Kill Death Row Inmates In a rare ruling for a condemned prisoner, the justices would not let Alabama use a contested method of execution. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c4c119723856783283ef Failed 2024 candidate Kamala Harris predicts Obama-like end for Trump on Iran negotiations te 2026-06-17T16:01:05.999Z Failed 2024 candidate Kamala Harris predicts Obama-like end for Trump on Iran negotiations Former Vice President Kamala Harris took an apparent shot at the Trump administration’s Iran deal, saying it could hurt Republicans in the midterm elections during a public appearance at a climate summit in Vienna on Tuesday. "This is a war the American people did not want. This is a War of Choice. This is a president who has proven himself to be entirely self-indulgent. And we will see what happens in the coming hours and days in terms of the negotiation. And really, it's a concept of an agreement," said Harris at the Austrian World Summit hosted by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. While Trump’s memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran has not been released, comparisons to former President Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear deal have reemerged. According to administration officials, the agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and require Iran to halt nuclear weapons development and support for terrorism. GAS SURGE TIED TO IRAN CONFLICT HITS SWING STATES, TESTING TRUMP’S LOW-PRICE PITCH Harris has seized the moment to reignite a political fight over which approach did more to curb Iran's ambitions. "Whatever is being negotiated, this president is going to declare victory, and we'll end up where we were after the JCPOA and call that a victory, the JPOA that he withdrew from," said Harris. Republicans are entering the November midterm elections amid concerns that many Americans continue to feel the strain of elevated gas and grocery prices. Trump administration officials have repeatedly emphasized that, under the MOU, consumers are expected to see relief at the gas pump beginning this summer. IRAN’S REGIME SPINS NUCLEAR AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEAL WITH TRUMP AS VICTORY OVER US, ISRAEL "There is a direct correlation between this war of choice and what has happened in terms of gas prices. It is estimated the average American has spent, since the war started, $500 more because of this war," Harris said. "I have no question or doubt that we will win the midterms, and it will be a result of people of every background and political association who will contribute to that outcome," she added. Oil prices fell on Monday to their lowest levels since early March after a preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement raised hopes that traffic through the Strait could soon return to normal. VANCE REVEALS TRUMP LESSON GUIDING IRAN DEAL STRATEGY AS TEHRAN FACES 60-DAY DEADLINE The agreement, soon to be released, would test whether Iran is willing to trade decades of isolation for economic relief and renewed ties with the West. The deal hinges on whether Iran can demonstrate during a 60-day negotiating period that it has abandoned its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorist organizations. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c4ae19723856783283e6 DAVID MARCUS: Dems run against 'Epstein Class,' but can't name anyone in it te 2026-06-17T16:00:46.550Z DAVID MARCUS: Dems run against 'Epstein Class,' but can't name anyone in it With the midterms fast approaching, progressive Democrats have adopted a new term for the alleged oligarchy. What used to be "The 1%" has become "The Epstein Class," with some pretty ugly connotations. Given the fact that Democrats everywhere, including Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff and Maryland Rep. Jaime Raskin, are using this loaded term of late, I started to wonder who exactly the members of the shadowy "Epstein Class" are. After all, if they must be thwarted, they surely must be identified. I decided to ask one of the leading proponents of the term, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and the exchange we had represents the clearest, if still fairly opaque, definition of just what this Epstein Class is, if it exists at all. I asked Khanna for some examples of people who fit the bill. I offered options such as newly minted trillionaire Elon Musk, and a couple of mere billionaires: Liberal sugar daddy George Soros and failed California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer. BERNIE SANDERS COMPARES TRUMP, MUSK AND OTHER 'OLIGARCHS' TO 'HEROIN ADDICTS,' SAYS DRUG OF CHOICE IS 'GREED' I was not surprised when Khanna refused to name names. But he did tell me the following: "What the Epstein files revealed is a group of powerful and wealthy men more concerned with their status and networks than decency and humanity. They were fine viewing young girls that Epstein was abusing as dispensable in order to maintain their standing with Epstein and his friends. The callowness, vanity, and vacuity of this governing elite has led to a lopsided and unfair economy." I politely noted that Khanna had not answered my question. MORNING GLORY: WHEN THE 'CONSPIRACY' JUST ISN’T THERE "I’m sure you can understand how this does not seem terribly dissimilar from conspiracy theorists alleging there’s a secret cabal controlling everything and turning the frogs gay," I said. At that point, Khanna began to distance himself from the most nefarious implications of the term "Epstein Class." "It is symbolic for the network Epstein collected of a group of powerful and rich men who put their own needs above civic virtue and accountability," he told me. "I am not alleging a secret cabal. I reject such conspiracy." FETTERMAN URGES DEMOCRATS TO TALK LIKE 'REGULAR' PEOPLE INSTEAD OF RANTING ABOUT ‘OLIGARCHS’ I reminded Khanna that just a moment before he had referred to the Epstein Class as the "governing elite." He brushed that off, saying, "Well, it's an elite that has disproportionate political influence through their wealth because of Citizens United. More like a group of elite wielding disproportionate influence. Think of it like the economic royalists of our time." By the end of the exchange it was pretty clear that the term "Epstein Class" really has nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. It truly is a rehashing of the old Occupy-Wall-Street demonization of "The 1%," but with the extra grotesque patina of child sexual abuse. In a very brief exchange, Khanna’s description went from a group of Epstein-connected deviants wielding vast power to a vague, familiar (and wrong) argument about how the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision gives the wealthy too much power. LIZ PEEK: DEMOCRATS FACE A SOCIALIST RECKONING THEY ARE TOO SCARED TO STOP Meanwhile, it is not just Democrats who have adopted this new left-wing phraseology, as both former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have grabbed onto the myth of the Epstein Class with both hands. On the emerging anti-Trump isolationist and populist right, politicians and podcasters have used the Epstein Class moniker to explain everything from America’s policies on Israel to the trans movement, but yet again, without the slightest bit of specific evidence. What voters need to know, and what I think Khanna made all too clear, is that the Epstein Class is literally just an attack on rich people, and not even all rich people, just the ones involved in politics that whoever is making the claim doesn’t like. There is real danger in this turn of phrase. Some 15 years ago, Occupy Wall Street may not have managed to take over the country with its 1% rhetoric. But it sure seems to be on the brink of seizing the reins of the Democratic Party. For the rest of the country to hold firm against this socialist onslaught, we must reject the absurd idea of the Epstein Class, at least until Democrats, such as Khanna, can give us even one example of who exactly this class is composed of. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DAVID MARCUS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32c23f197238567832834f Intelligence Officials Have Welcomed Pulte and Then Clayton te 2026-06-17T15:50:23.545Z Intelligence Officials Have Welcomed Pulte and Then Clayton The two, whom President Trump nominated as acting director and director of national intelligence, have both prepared to take over the office. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32bd8c1972385678328247 The slowtech revolution is here to kill your phone addiction and rescue your attention span te 2026-06-17T15:30:20.649Z The slowtech revolution is here to kill your phone addiction and rescue your attention span “People just really want to take back control of their time, their lives, their attention... They’re down for whatever helps them do that.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32bba2197238567832822f Adopt a pet te 2026-06-17T15:22:10.355Z Adopt a pet These animals are available for adoption through the Bullhead City Animal Resource Center (BARC). It is located at 2270 Trane Road in Bullhead City. BARC's hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32bb6019723856783281fb Hillary Clinton hammers Joe Biden for 2024 reelection bid despite supporting campaign: 'terrible mistake' te 2026-06-17T15:21:04.819Z Hillary Clinton hammers Joe Biden for 2024 reelection bid despite supporting campaign: 'terrible mistake' Former Secretary of State and failed 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Monday night trashed former president Joe Biden for his decision to run for reelection in 2024. "He made a terrible mistake," Clinton said in an interview with David Remnick of 92NY. "He made a terrible mistake for himself, his legacy and for the country." It furthers the Democrats' narrative shift over Biden's health and his decision to seek a second term after former First Lady Jill Biden last month revealed she worried her husband was having a stroke on stage during his June 2024 debate with President Donald Trump. Clinton is now bashing her one-time ally by claiming he went back on his word and insisting that former Vice President Kamala Harris would have had a chance to win if she was the candidate from the get-go. "He had said that he would not run again, and you know, counterfactual narratives are always a bit tricky, but I believe that if he had kept to that plan and said in say, the late summer of '23, that he wasn't going to run, that he was going to pass the torch to the next generation we would've had a real contest," Clinton said in her sit-down in Manhattan this week. Biden exited the presidential race in late July 2024, a few weeks after a disastrous debate display led to left-wing commentators calling for him to step down. The Democratic Party then installed then-VP Harris as its presidential nominee without a primary vote. "Very sadly, I believe that whoever emerged from the contest, whether it was the vice president or a governor or a senator or anybody else, would have beaten Donald Trump," Clinton retroactively speculated. "So I think it was a terrible miscalculation on the part of President Biden, but once he didn't move and did not admit that he had said he was going to step aside and decided not to, and held on for as long as he did, we were in a terrible dilemma." DEMOCRAT WHO RAN AGAINST BIDEN SAYS PRESIDENT'S DECISION TO SEEK RE-ELECTION 'SEALED' WIN FOR TRUMP Clinton never voiced any concerns about Biden's reelection bid while it was ongoing. In fact, on June 28, 2024, the day after Biden's comatose debate performance, she maintained her support for him in a post on X. FORMER OBAMA ADVISORS TELL ‘THE VIEW’ DEMS HURT PARTY BY TAKING TOO LONG TO ADMIT BIDEN COULDN'T WIN "The choice in this election remains very simple," she said at the time. "It's a choice between someone who cares about you—your rights, your prospects, your future—versus someone who's only in it for himself. I'll be voting Biden." She spent all of 2024 propping Biden up before his abrupt decision to hand the reins over to Harris. "We don't have to wonder what this year's presidential contenders would do in office," she said in a post on June 19, 2024. "When it comes to immigration, President Biden keeps families together while strengthening our economy. Donald Trump ripped families apart. Vote accordingly." In January of that year, she was actively encouraging people to support Biden in the name of democracy. "After Iowa, we’re one step closer to knowing who the Republicans will nominate for president. But no matter who they choose, we're in a fight for reproductive freedom and democracy that we can't afford to lose. Join Team Biden-Harris today," she said. Fox News Digital did not hear back from a Biden spokesperson when reached for comment on Clinton's recent remarks. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32bb4d19723856783281f2 Viking madness grips Boston escalator as Norway fans march toward World Cup match te 2026-06-17T15:20:45.370Z Viking madness grips Boston escalator as Norway fans march toward World Cup match Crowds of Norwegian fans are tapping into their Viking heritage as they flock to Boston for their nation's first World Cup appearance in 28 years. They're also charming locals with synchronized "Viking rows." A video taken at Boston's South Station shows dozens of Norway fans — some wearing Viking helmets and draped in Norwegian flags — performing synchronized rowing motions. The group chanted "Hoo! Hoo!" as they rode up an escalator, mimicking a Viking longship crew. ANCIENT VIKING SWORD DISCOVERED 'STICKING UP OUT OF THE GROUND' AFTER 1,300 YEARS Jeremy Siegel, a journalist at WGBH in Boston, posted the footage and wrote that the performance was unlike anything he had ever seen. "Adding this to the list of things I’ve never seen before and probably never will again," he said. The impromptu display quickly won over viewers online. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "My usual train ride suddenly feels incredibly boring compared to this," one person wrote on X. "I’ve seen fans chant, dance and lose their minds in stadiums — but rowing a Viking ship up an escalator wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card," another one chimed in. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES A third X user said, "This is the most Norwegian thing I've ever seen." Not everyone was focused on the spectacle, however. Some viewers expressed concern over the escalator performance. "Who else was waiting for that flag to snag in that escalator?" one person wrote. "This looks fun, but [is] highly stressful to watch," a X user wrote. "I'm genuinely wondering how they kept their capes and flags from getting sucked into the escalator gears." Boston has also seen an influx of Scottish tourists, who erupted on Sunday after the country won 1-0 against Haiti. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ On Sunday, Scottish supporters charmed locals with a festive march to Fenway Park, where the Red Sox hosted Scottish Heritage Night amid an influx of World Cup fans. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32b91d1972385678328165 Morgan Wallen pulls off incredible career accomplishment as another song hits a billion streams on Spotify te 2026-06-17T15:11:25.853Z Morgan Wallen pulls off incredible career accomplishment as another song hits a billion streams on Spotify Morgan Wallen continues to prove he's the face of country music. Wallen's career has been nothing short of incredible to watch. The man might not get the recognition he deserves at awards shows, but he's a mega-hit with the fans. He sells out stadiums and arenas in any city he performs in, his albums dominate the charts and he's, once again, pulled off an awesome career accomplishment. Wallen is known for putting up insane numbers on Spotify, and that now includes the fourth song of his breaking the billion streams barrier. MORGAN WALLEN, TAYLOR SWIFT DOMINATE SPOTIFY WRAPPED 2025 Whiskey Riff reported that his hit track "Wasted On You" has officially been streamed more than a billion times on the music platform. "Last Night," "Whiskey Glasses" and "I Had Some Help""I Had Some Help" with Post Malone all previously crossed the billion streams threshold. As of publication, the latest data publicly shown on Spotify shows that Wallen currently has more than 34.5 million monthly listeners. ZACH BRYAN, MORGAN WALLEN'S COUNTRY TAKEOVER AT BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS IS 'WHAT WE NEED': HOST Absolutely insane numbers from the country music superstar. Furthermore, Wallen also teased some new music coming with an Instagram post back on June 4. The talented singer continues to cook. You can check out the short tease in the Instagram post below. What do you think of Wallen's latest career accomplishment? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32b90a197238567832815c Delaware hospital shooting suspect identified, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder te 2026-06-17T15:11:06.395Z Delaware hospital shooting suspect identified, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder A Wilmington Police Department advisory identified the suspect in a Tuesday hospital shooting as John Wallace-Bey, 23, of New Castle. He will be charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, two counts of "Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony" and "Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon," according to the advisory.  The man was taken into custody on Tuesday night. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32b8de197238567832811c Collecting robot training data is dirty, unglamorous work. Some AI labs are already paying XDOF to do it te 2026-06-17T15:10:22.143Z Collecting robot training data is dirty, unglamorous work. Some AI labs are already paying XDOF to do it If physical AI is going to match the accomplishments of LLMs, there's a data problem that needs to be solved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32b6b219723856783280e2 Opinion: MLB is forcing the gay agenda on players and fans, and what does that have to do with baseball? te 2026-06-17T15:01:06.572Z Opinion: MLB is forcing the gay agenda on players and fans, and what does that have to do with baseball? All right, y’all, get a load of this fresh bulls**t. Major league baseball has reportedly "warned" players not to openly protest the forced celebration of gay sex on their caps or uniforms.  This comes after three Giants pitchers chose to write Bible verses on their gay pride-themed caps last week.  Yes, folks, just take that in. The official position of Major League Baseball is that your team can all but force you to celebrate gay sex on your uniform, but if you write a Bible verse next to it, you are in violation. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL WARNS SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS PLAYERS FOR WRITING BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE NIGHT HATS This brings us to the age old question: Why in the absolute hell do professional sports teams, especially baseball, force players to acknowledge, validate, and celebrate the sexual preferences of the minority? What in the actual F does that have to do with baseball? The leadership of Major League Baseball is so far removed from, not only the players, but the fans themselves. Now, that’s not to say that baseball doesn’t have gay fans. Of course, baseball has gay fans. And that’s great. But true baseball fans, gay, straight, or whatever, don’t demand that their sports team celebrate their sex lives, because, uh, in case it’s not obvious, that has NOTHING TO DO WITH BASEBALL!!! THE CULTURE OF SPORTS VS THE CULTURE OF THE ELITE LEFT This has gotten so out of hand and it’s so unnecessary. All it does is cause division where division does not need to be.  Sports are supposed to be a unifier, meaning anybody from anywhere from any background of any race or sexual preference can watch a game and enjoy it just like anybody else from any other race, walk of life, or sexual preference because those things should have ZERO bearing on the event! ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! And before the perpetually whiny and moronic peanut gallery says that sports teams have special nights all the time, that’s true, but celebrating heritage, or veterans who fought and died for this country is just an eency weency bit different than force-feeding the gay agenda at a ball game! For the love of GOD! The players don’t want to be put in this position, and true fans don’t either.  This is the US of A not the US of Gay and you can keep that crap out of sports.  And those are my Final Thoughts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32b69f19723856783280d9 Judge reveals Luigi Mangione will pursue psychiatric defense in UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination case te 2026-06-17T15:00:47.119Z Judge reveals Luigi Mangione will pursue psychiatric defense in UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination case Accused UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione will use a psychiatric defense for his state murder trial, a judge said during Wednesday's hearing. Judge Gregory Carro said during a hearing on Wednesday that Mangione's defense team has told him that they plan to show he was suffering from "extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the occurrence" at the time of the alleged murder. This is a developing story. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32b4481972385678328063 Surging stock market, Trump policies boost wealth for top 1% te 2026-06-17T14:50:48.610Z Surging stock market, Trump policies boost wealth for top 1% CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk speaks last year at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland. Last week’s SpaceX IPO, which made Musk the world’s first trillionaire, is a vivid illustration of wealth concentration in the United States, which has been accelerating since 2022. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) When SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket and artificial intelligence company, began trading on the stock market last week, he became the world’s first trillionaire. The SpaceX IPO made the world’s richest man even richer, grabbing headlines worldwide. But it is merely the most vivid illustration of a U.S. trend that has been accelerating since 2022. The richest 1% of Americans held nearly a third of the country’s total wealth at the end of 2025, the largest percentage the Federal Reserve Board has recorded since it started monitoring the numbers in 1989. In 1990, the share was 22.5%. The latest percentage, 31.9%, is likely the largest since the end of World War II, possibly heralding a return to the extreme wealth inequality of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And it is likely to balloon further as a result of President Donald Trump’s tax cuts and other pro-business policies. Today’s top 1% consists of about 1.4 million households with at least $12 million in net worth, holding a total of $55.9 trillion in wealth. The bottom 50% consists of 67.7 million households with less than $264,000 in net worth. Using different methods than the Fed, French economist Thomas Piketty has asserted that the richest 1% of Americans held nearly half the nation’s wealth in 1928 and 1929, just before the Great Depression. Their share declined after that, during a period of high marginal income tax rates (the percentage of tax you pay on your last dollar of income) and widespread discomfort with astronomical pay for executives. Instead, corporations plowed their profits into expansion and higher wages for workers. But the share of wealth held by the top 1% began rising again in the 1970s, according to the Piketty data. Piketty, who theorizes that unfettered capitalism always leads to high concentration of wealth, told Stateline in an email that “there’s nothing natural about this — it’s all due to policies.” “If the super-rich capture the state and pay little tax, then it’s easy to accumulate a lot, but history suggests that politics can revert quite quickly,” Piketty wrote. Another prominent economist who recently studied the wealth of California billionaires, Emmanuel Saez, described the current spike in the share of wealth held by the top 1% as driven primarily by the stock market boom. Saez is director of the Stone Center on Wealth and Income Inequality at the University of California, Berkeley. New taxes proposed In at least a dozen states, including Illinois, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Virginia, lawmakers have proposed new taxes for the wealthiest taxpayers. Some of the proposals would tax annual incomes above a certain threshold while others would tax capital assets, including high-value stocks and real estate. In California, advocates in April announced they had gathered enough signatures for a November ballot initiative that would impose a one-time tax on billionaires. The state’s billionaires held about $2.3 trillion in wealth as of June 10, assets that could generate almost $101 billion from the proposed tax. This year, at least 12 billionaires left California. They include Lynsi Snider, who inherited the In-N-Out hamburger chain and moved to Tennessee, and car loan magnate Don Hankey, who moved to Nevada. However, moves into the state and new wealth created 23 new California billionaires this year. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has vowed to stay in California despite a potential $8 billion one-time tax bill. There are no state-level statistics on the top 1%, though Census Bureau estimates from 2022 show the states with the highest shares of households with more than $500,000 in net worth are Hawaii (48%), the District of Columbia (47%) and Washington state (43%). Hawaii also has the highest average net worth at more than $1 million, mostly because homeowners in that state have an average of $600,000 of equity in their homes. The states with the next highest average net worth are California ($792,000), and Massachusetts ($751,000). Conservative and liberal experts agree that a soaring stock market and business profits have made it a good time for the wealthy, while middle-class and lower-income people are doing less well, especially as inflation gobbles up wage increases. There’s also widespread agreement that Trump’s tariffs (since struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court) disproportionately harmed lower-income and middle-class people, and that the tax cuts in the broad tax and spending measure Trump signed last summer (commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) will disproportionately benefit the wealthy. The combined effects of the tariffs and the tax and spending law will help households with the top 10% of incomes most and hurt 70% of households between now and 2034, according to a June 1 report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank that drew on information from the Budget Lab at Yale University. Chuck Marr, the center’s vice president for federal tax policy, pointed to the law’s extension of  a deep corporate income tax cut that dates from Trump’s first administration. “Trump’s whole policy has really leaned into increasing this disparity,” Marr said. “You’ve got AI coming and globalization has shifted income and wealth upward, and instead of pushing back against that, Trump and others have leaned into it.” Nevertheless, Kyle Pomerleau, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said the U.S. government’s tax and spending policy is “still highly progressive in that low-income households receive benefits from the high-income households paying taxes.” “It’s a little less so than it was prior to the passage of the (Trump tax and spending law) and the tariffs, but it’s still the case. It hasn’t changed the story that much,” Pomerleau said. Marr agreed that the federal tax system is basically progressive, in that it uses taxes on high income earners to pay for the needs of low-income residents. But tax collections are low in the United States compared with other wealthy countries: Of the 20 wealthiest nations, only Ireland collects less government revenue as a share of GDP. “Compared to other countries, inequality is high because we redistribute so much less money,” Marr said. “It’s a progressive tax system but it doesn’t raise a lot of money.” Inflation divide The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, an accounting of national economic conditions released June 3, found a divide in how inflation, which has increased as a result of the war in Iran, has affected American spending. “Higher-income households remained resilient and less sensitive to price increase, while middle-income households were described as ‘squeezing more life out of every dollar before deciding to spend it,’ and low-income consumers showed greater financial strain,” the report said. The “squeezing” analogy for the middle class came from a roundtable discussion of hospitality executives in the Kansas City, Missouri, area in late May, said Jeremy Hill, a regional economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Hill said there was a gasp in the room when one high-end restaurant chain executive said the chain could raise prices at will and keep expanding, hampered only by a shortage of high-end chefs to staff locations. Meanwhile, hotels, bars and restaurants serving the middle class are struggling to get people to come in and spend. “It’s not that they (wealthy people) don’t care about inflation. They’re worried about what it might do to future demand or their own stocks,” Hill said. “But today, it’s not impacting the way they spend.” The stock market’s recent run has contributed the most to the consolidation of wealth at the top. Rising real estate prices also have also added to wealth, especially for longtime homeowners. “This has disproportionately helped those who already hold assets while the average American pays higher prices for everyday essentials,” said E.J. Antoni, chief economist for the conservative Heritage Foundation. “In other words, Wall Street got rich while Main Street got inflation.” White Americans own outsized shares of assets such as stock and real estate, according to the federal statistics. White people are 57% of the population but own 82% of the assets, while Black and Hispanic people, who make up a combined 24% of the U.S. population, have less than 7% of assets. Asians are included in an “Other” category, which is about 9% of population and holds about  11.3% of the nation’s total assets. By generation, Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 hold almost half of wealth, while Millennials and Gen X hold the lion’s share of liabilities, such as mortgages and consumer debt, that detract from net worth. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) have about 42% of liabilities and Gen X (1965-1980) have 35%, compared with 22% for Baby Boomers. It’s not necessarily a bad thing for young people to be in debt as they build careers and pay off student loans, said Pomerleau, the American Enterprise Institute economist. “Doctors with $450,000 in medical school debt might be in the bottom 10%, yes, but that person is going to be in the top 1% of wealth at some point in their lives,” Pomerleau said. “You enter the labor force with a net liability, but you save over time, that liability is paid down, you’re paying off your mortgage, and that’s when your wealth starts growing.” 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/6a32ad661972385678327e70 Don't let the heat ruin your Fourth of July plans — 13 products to help you stay cool te 2026-06-17T14:21:26.046Z Don't let the heat ruin your Fourth of July plans — 13 products to help you stay cool While the sunshine adds to your Fourth of July festivities, the heat can leave you feeling exhausted. Beat the heat during your America 250 celebration with cooling essentials like an insulated Yeti tumbler, a beach tent that blocks the sun and an Arctic Cool T-shirt that cools as you sweat. READ MORE: America 250 is coming: What to know and the best commemorative gear to buy Keep your drinks ice-cold with the Yeti Rambler tumbler. Its double-wall insulation and stainless steel build help prevent ice from melting and keep moisture from building up on the exterior, letting you maintain a solid grip. After your America 250 party, toss the tumbler in the dishwasher for a quick clean. A Stanley IceFlow lets you sip drinks without spilling, thanks to the built-in flip-up straw that snaps shut for easy, leak-free storage. It stores ice for up to three days, helping you refill less often. The thick handle and cupholder-compatible base make it more convenient to take this bottle on the go. Original price: $129.99 An Igloo cooler is a classic for a reason: It's extremely affordable at just over $100, and its 120-quart capacity gives you enough space to store drinks for your Fourth of July event. It also has built-in UV protection in the lid to help reduce ice melt. Original price: $55.19 Coleman's American-made cooler holds up to 80 cans, with cupholders molded into the lid for extra storage. It also doubles as a seat, with a lid that supports up to 250 pounds. Use the swing-up handle for easy carrying to your campsite, beach or backyard. Stock up to 30 pounds of ice or 48 cans at once with RTIC's Trailblazer cooler. The lightweight design and rope handles make it possible for one person to carry it. Ice stays frozen for up to five days, so you can party the whole Fourth of July weekend. GCI Outdoor's sunshade rocker gives you a much-needed refuge from the sun. The UPF 50+ shade folds out with a quick pull, providing plenty of coverage. Rock yourself into relaxation while you store your phone in the side pocket and keep your drink within reach using the cupholder. READ MORE: Best early Prime Day camping deals: Up to 49% off tents, grills, outdoor fans and more Original price: $33.99 This neck fan uses 78 air outlets to give you some relief on hot days. You can choose from five speeds depending on the temperature, and run the fan for up to 16 hours on lower modes. With more than 10,000 purchased last month, this fan has become a summer staple. Original price: $49.99 If you're spending the Fourth of July at a beach party, this sun tent is a necessity. It fits three to four people under the canopy and pops up in just minutes. The fold-out floor and window shades create a safe haven from the hot sand. Conveniently pack it away in the small carrying bag when you're done using it. Original price: $214.99 Whether you plan to beach it up or just need a shady backyard spot, Coleman's Oasis canopy tent offers relief — and it's currently $69 off. A single center button lets you set up the canopy in seconds, and the steel frame withstands winds up to 35 miles per hour. It also provides UPF 50+ sun protection. Mission's American flag bucket hat displays the patriotic spirit, while its wide brim and wet-to-cool technology help keep the sun out of your face and sweat to a minimum. It absorbs water and cools in one minute, staying chilled for up to two hours. Wear it as you celebrate America's 250th birthday. READ MORE: We found 10 patriotic deals in Amazon's America 250 shop — all under $50 Enjoy hours of cooling comfort with this handheld misting fan. Four adjustable speeds, ranging from a gentle breeze to a powerful flow, and a refillable water tank take the edge off. It runs for up to 10 hours on a full charge, with the remaining battery level displayed on the LED screen. Looking to update your wardrobe for the Fourth of July? Start with this $15 UPF 50+ shirt that keeps you safe from harmful UV rays. The moisture-wicking fabric prevents sweat build-up, and the lightweight fabric feels cooling against the skin. For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals If you run especially hot, an Arctic Cool performance tee has HydroFreeze fabric that activates when you sweat. A forgiving stretch and lightweight material add to your overall comfort, and the UPF 50+ protection stops sun exposure. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ad3c1972385678327e44 Trump Angrily Defends Iran Deal, Belittling the One Obama Signed te 2026-06-17T14:20:44.059Z Trump Angrily Defends Iran Deal, Belittling the One Obama Signed President Trump denied that the United States would be part of a $300 billion rebuilding fund for Tehran and argued that his agreement was better than the one Barack Obama struck in 2015. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32ad251972385678327e1f Pramaana Labs raises $27M seed round from Khosla Ventures to bring formal verification to AI te 2026-06-17T14:20:21.537Z Pramaana Labs raises $27M seed round from Khosla Ventures to bring formal verification to AI Pramaana will focus on highly sensitive verticals like law, drug discovery, and tax preparation — where errors can be costly and reliability is at a premium. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32aae71972385678327dda Jane Seymour says finding love in her 70s with fiance John Zambetti feels like a 'miracle' te 2026-06-17T14:10:47.359Z Jane Seymour says finding love in her 70s with fiance John Zambetti feels like a 'miracle' Jane Seymour found a "miracle" in her future husband, John Zambetti. The happy couple, who recently announced their engagement after dating for three years, was all smiles as they walked the red carpet at the 33rd annual Race to Erase MS benefit in Los Angeles, Calif. earlier this month. Seymour, 75, admitted she was the luckiest girl in the world for finding love with Zambetti, 78, which all came down to perfect timing. JANE SEYMOUR SAYS SAVAGE OSCARS REVIEW COMPARING HAIR TO 'MILDEWED MATTRESS STUFFING' HAUNTS HER DECADES LATER While relationships at any age may be a challenge, Zambetti confessed that staying optimistic for love brought him exactly what he needed: his future bride. ‘LAW & ORDER’ STAR ANGIE HARMON FINDS LOVE AGAIN WITH MAN SHE FIRST MET 35 YEARS AGO IN ITALY "I think you just have to be out there and be open to it," the Malibooz musician told Fox News Digital. "I mean, just don't be in a shell, just be open to it, because it's all out there." "There's lovely people out there everywhere. I mean this is just kind of a miracle in my opinion." Seymour agreed completely, and said, "In my opinion, too. It's a miracle." "I love him. I cannot believe that I got lucky enough to find the perfect person at this time in my life," she continued. "I was not available before, and he wasn't available before. So, you know, now is it, right now." JANE SEYMOUR, 75, SHARES HOW SHE APPROACHES AGING WITH VITALITY: 'BEST I CAN BE' The "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" actress said they're equally invested in each other's lives outside of their love. "He understands that I love what I do. I understand how much he loves what he does," Seymour said. "And we're just equally supportive of one another, and it's great." "I go off and make a movie, he is there with me. I turn around, and he's put out four albums. I'm like, what?" She added, "And then I've become his muse. So, now he's written some amazing songs." Seymour said that she and John "wake up like teenagers" every day together. "It's like we're at our parents' house, but our parents never come home," Zambetti said. "It's great," she added. "And then the kids come, and then we have to behave." The proposal was equally as romantic as it was somewhat chaotic. Zambetti told People magazine that he proposed the day before Seymour's birthday at their Malibu home. VANNA WHITE MARRIES JOHN DONALDSON IN SECRET CEREMONY AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE TOGETHER "It got to be close to her birthday. It was actually Valentine's Day, the day before her birthday. I thought, 'This is insane. I'm just gonna do it,'" he said. "I got down on my knees, the whole thing. I had the ring hidden in the safe, pulled out the ring. I opened the box, and the ring popped out of the box, onto the bed." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER He added, "Then I had to climb under the bed, and then I couldn't get out, and she had to get out of the bed and pull me out of the bed." Seymour noted that neither of them were "wearing any clothes." WATCH: Jane Seymour admitted fiancé John Zambetti is her "perfect person" "Serious bedhead involved," she said. "But the funniest part was that he couldn't get up afterwards. His knee was now stuck from being under the bed and I'm not strong enough to pull him up because he weighs almost twice what I do. We looked at one another and started laughing hysterically." The "Harry Wild" actress has been married four times and has six children. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS She first married theater director Michael Attenborough in 1971, before the couple split in 1973. Four years later, Seymour married Geoffrey Planer before they ended their relationship in 1978.​ In 1981, the Bond girl tied the knot with businessman David Flynn. The former couple welcomed daughter Katherine and son Sean before going their separate ways in 1992. Seymour was then married to actor-director James Keach from 1993-2015, and they share twins Kristopher and John. She ended her nine-year relationship with David Green in 2023. Zambetti was previously married for more than four decades and has two children with his late wife, Joan Zambetti. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32a8d21972385678327d75 Bug-eyed and bipedal crocodile creature with a toothless beak te 2026-06-17T14:01:54.822Z Bug-eyed and bipedal crocodile creature with a toothless beak New species of extinct reptile discovered in Petrified Forest “A relatively small, bug-eyed, adorable-looking, two-legged crocodile creature with a toothless beak,” 25-inches tall, with a large eye socket and hollow bones is how Elliott Armour Smith, a paleontologist at the University of Washington, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32a8a91972385678327d67 Navajo County student awarded 2026 Flinn Scholarship to reach higher education with no barriers te 2026-06-17T14:01:13.358Z Navajo County student awarded 2026 Flinn Scholarship to reach higher education with no barriers Flagstaff High School graduate Ciera Tsosie was 1 of 20 students in Arizona to receive the 2026 Flinn Scholarship of more than $135,000. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32a8951972385678327d5e City of Flagstaff to celebrate Spruce Wash Flood Mitigation on June 26 te 2026-06-17T14:00:53.394Z City of Flagstaff to celebrate Spruce Wash Flood Mitigation on June 26 The completion of the project will reduce the impact of post-wildfire flooding in the Paradise, Grandview and Sunnyside neighborhoods. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32a6491972385678327ca8 Scottie Scheffler tells one truth and a lie ahead of what could be a historic US Open at Shinnecock Hills te 2026-06-17T13:51:05.677Z Scottie Scheffler tells one truth and a lie ahead of what could be a historic US Open at Shinnecock Hills Nobody better understands how monumental and historic Sunday at the 2026 U.S. Open could be for Scottie Scheffler than Scottie Scheffler himself. Yet, less than 48 hours before beginning his journey in the third major championship of the year, he put forth his best effort to downplay the enormity of the situation. This week's test at Shinnecock Hills will, no matter how the leaderboard falls, forever be the site of Scheffler's first attempt at completing the career grand slam. If he were to find the winner's circle come Sunday, which is also Father's Day and his 30th birthday, he would become just the seventh player in the game's history to complete the slam. Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Gene Sarazen are the only three career grand slam winners to accomplish the feat on their first attempt. Scheffler will never step foot on a bigger stage than he will this week on Long Island. SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER'S FIRST ATTEMPT AT THE CAREER GRAND SLAM TOPS US OPEN STORYLINES TO WATCH AT SHINNECOCK While it would become overly consuming for Scheffler to solely focus on the importance of the potential situation that he could find himself in over the weekend, he's still human. The thought of entering the game's most exclusive club at just 30 years old had to have taken over at least a portion of his brain almost immediately after he hoisted the Claret Jug in 2025 to complete three-fourths of the slam. JORDAN SPIETH NEARLY HITS SOMEONE IN THE HEAD WITH HIS GOLF SHOT DURING US OPEN PRACTICE ROUND AT SHINNECOCK Scheffler isn't letting what is at stake motivate him as he enters the week, or at least that's what he's telling himself. "For me, would it be a dream to win the U.S. Open? Of course. But at the end of the day, like I -- the grand slam has never been a motivating factor for me," Scheffler said during his Tuesday news conference at Shinnecock. "I always just wanted to be the best version of myself, and that got me this far. "So when it comes to this golf tournament, like I said, I'm going to step on the first tee and remind myself I've done everything I possibly could in order to play well, and now it's just a matter of going out there and trying to execute and kind of going back to enjoying the competition versus feeling like you have to win for some reason." Perhaps this is Scheffler trying to trick his own brain into thinking that this week's U.S. Open is just another golf tournament, even though nothing about it is normal. Executing that tactic is likely the easiest path to accomplishing the goal come Sunday, but as an admitted, freakishly competitive professional athlete, the history at stake cannot be ignored by the man who is trying to create it. While his claim of not being motivated by what he can accomplish this week is difficult to believe, another claim he made about expectations on Tuesday could not have been more accurate. "It's kind of a funny thing. It's like, yeah, if I win this tournament, that would be amazing, but I think then I show up the next week, and it's like, okay, now Scottie's won the grand slam, he's won all these golf tournaments. Now, where do we go from here?" Scheffler stated. "So no matter what, I think as a player and as a professional athlete, you're never going to live up to the expectations of people. I think sometimes that's a little bit of the fallacy in our sport is like, if I win the U.S. Open, then I'm going to be satisfied. I've won all the tournaments, and my career is essentially over, and I've accomplished everything I could want to accomplish. But I think the goalposts are always just moved further and further." Scheffler's comments are fair and honest, but also the production of greatness. Expectations seemingly never stop expanding when you've been the de facto No. 1 player in the world for nearly 200 consecutive weeks. The expectations are what create the intrigue from all of those on the outside looking in, but for the athlete in the moment, they're a necessary evil that they're constantly trying to get the best of. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32a6361972385678327c9f Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson's roommate and lover received limited immunity: prosecutors te 2026-06-17T13:50:46.228Z Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson's roommate and lover received limited immunity: prosecutors Lance Twiggs, the transgender roommate and romantic partner of Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin Tyler Robinson, was given limited immunity for a recorded statement he gave to authorities in April, according to a new court filing. Prosecutors said in a filing on Tuesday that Twiggs was given "use-immunity" for a statement that he offered to authorities on April 20. Prosecutors want to use Twiggs' recorded statement and his communications with Robinson around the time of Kirk's killing at the July preliminary hearing. "On April 20, 2026, in preparation for the preliminary hearing, Mr. Twiggs gave a recorded statement under oath and after an admonition that any false statement would be punishable by law and could be charged as obstruction of justice.  Mr. Twiggs was also given use-immunity by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Utah County Attorney’s Office—meaning that his statements at that April 20 meeting could not be used against him," prosecutors wrote in the filing. This is a developing story. Fox News' Lee Ross contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32a3f21972385678327bdb World Cup fans are blown away by 'free refills' in the United States, Gen Z hits massive Vegas pot & MEAT! te 2026-06-17T13:41:06.229Z World Cup fans are blown away by 'free refills' in the United States, Gen Z hits massive Vegas pot & MEAT! The sun is shining bright, the birds are chirping out my window as they get excited for another edition of Screencaps and I completely screwed up the Team USA schedule. Trust me, readers emailed in to correct me. Team USA-Australia IS THIS FRIDAY at 3 p.m. ET. I want to correct the record on that. The premise remains the same –– we'll get the U.S. Open and Team USA soccer during the same afternoon. Don't even think about going back to work Friday after those lunch beers. Call it a day. You have sports to watch. Let's get this edition rolling with more of the Europeans losing their minds over the greatness that is the United States. From Walmart to Waffle House and our rodeos, the Euros can't believe how much fun there is to have across the pond. They're even getting free refills and it's blowing their minds. Take this video from Euro World Cup influencer Leah Ray who is in Dallas for England's match today against Croatia (Fox; 4 p.m. ET). From what I can tell, she bought some sort of frozen mixed drink at an outdoor event for $30, which sounds astronomical, but then she found out there are "free" refills. WORLD CUP FANS CAN'T STOP SMILING AFTER A MASSIVE WEEKEND OF FUN ACROSS THE US, TIME CAPSULES & BRISKET! "What is the deal with free refills in America?" Leah Ray asks. We like to be hydrated, Leah, even if it's a frozen mixed drink that has alcohol in it. That means we need to drink at least three to four of them to make up for the hydration the sugar is pulling out. At $30, you drink six of those and you're talking real value. Now, do you see why this is the greatest country in the history of the world? Leah wasn't only mesmerized by refills. "I love how friendly everyone seems to be in America, always willing to answer your questions when in a lot of countries tour guides have a bad attitude," she wrote on X. KAROLINE LEAVITT HAS LIBS FUMING AFTER CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 AT THE WHITE HOUSE, SCOT PARTY & A PROTEST ZONE Never forget just how great this country is and why the depressed, angry, vile LIBS hate such praise. They want the U.S. to be as angry, and mean and vile as they are. We cannot let the disgusting LIBS win the war on culture. – Moron Ken emails: Joe, taking credit for saving Cracker Barrel is like the Atlantic giving Mamdani credit for the Knicks winning the championship. Cracker Barrel didn't change their minds by what you said. They changed their minds because thousands of customers all on their own rejected the CEO's new look and the billion-dollar loss of stock value that followed. Giving yourself credit for something you didn't do is awfully leftist of you. Kinsey: Yes, Ken really is this stupid. I'm not going to re-litigate this story. OutKick was the very first media outlet in the U.S. to report on Cracker Barrel making its stupid decision to whitewash stores in June 2025. We were the very first media outlet to report on the absolutely stupid hoedown Cracker Barrel threw in New York City. We even ripped CEO Julie Masino's Maddow glasses until she swapped them out to seem less woke. THURSDAY NIGHT MOWING LEAGUE WANTS 40 MILLION AMERICANS TO STOP WASTING WEEKENDS ON THEIR LAWNS How does Ken think customers found out about the changes that Cracker Barrel was about to ram through? That's called reporting, Ken. That's what OutKick did very well. – Will in Mississippi emails: You’ve written about bringing back classic Pizza Huts which I wholeheartedly agree with. As a youngster I can remember going to the Pizza Hut in my hometown (Greenwood, MS) on the all you can eat buffet night and watching football players from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena just destroy the buffet. Truly, it was a thing of beauty to watch those guys eat that much pizza. They kept the kitchen staff busy on those nights.  Kinsey: I have my concerns. I would assume we'll see stores closed and the brand stripped down to the bare bones so the buyers can start to get paid. The company that bought Pizza Hut owns 24-Hour Fitness, so we'll see if there are any crossover events planned. 📩 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 – Mike N. writes: 40+ years of "capital is evil" gets you this destructiveness… Kinsey: On the front passenger door, the mother of the groom is begging for people to send her money and congratulations on her son getting married. ################## And with that, I have to run. Screencaps Jr. had a bike chain issue on the way to basketball open gym while I was writing this edition, so I had to run out and fix that for him. That put me behind a little bit, but I was able to play the role of dad for a minute. It's Wednesday, we're supposed to get rocked by storms this afternoon and there's soccer to watch. Let's keep the good times rolling. Messi had a hat trick on Tuesday. Who's next? Go have a great day. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32a3c51972385678327b89 SpaceX alum nabs $22M to turn rocket engines into geothermal power plants te 2026-06-17T13:40:21.518Z SpaceX alum nabs $22M to turn rocket engines into geothermal power plants Critical Energy is turning rocket engines into geothermal power plants, and it wants to build 300 GW per year by 2045. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32a1861972385678327b0f Knicks star OG Anunoby zones out during live TV interview, teammates burst out laughing in hilarious moment te 2026-06-17T13:30:46.213Z Knicks star OG Anunoby zones out during live TV interview, teammates burst out laughing in hilarious moment New York Knicks star OG Anunoby certainly played hard, and it looks like he partied hard, too. The Knicks’ Game 4 hero appeared with some of his teammates on "Good Morning America" on Monday morning, and while he was physically present, mentally he might have been somewhere else. Anunoby was asked about the difference first-year head coach Mike Brown made and how he brought the team together. The 28-year-old remained mute and stared off into the void, as if he didn’t hear the question. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM After a couple of seconds of silence, the "Good Morning America" crew and Anunoby’s Knicks teammates burst out laughing. Jalen Brunson, being the good captain that he is, offered to step up and answer the question through laughter. Karl-Anthony Towns then took the reins and answered the question, while Anunoby sat there oblivious. For Anunoby, the Knicks’ title celebration was the first time he had consumed alcohol, according to The Athletic’s report. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! His first sip — or rather, chug — of alcohol was a strong pull of tequila in the Knicks’ locker room. By the looks of how things went on Monday morning, Anunoby didn’t stop drinking after the locker room. The team threw a party Sunday night in Manhattan at a private club after immediately flying back from Texas, according to the New York Post. At one point during the interview, Michael Strahan asked Anunoby to smile, which he did, much to the delight of his teammates. Anunoby looked like he was struggling to keep his eyes open after Strahan’s request, sending his teammates into further hysteria. Anunoby, who was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team, was integral in the team’s playoff run. He played shutdown defense while also serving as a meaningful offensive contributor. He averaged just more than 20 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks across 17 playoff games. 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/6a329f2e1972385678327a53 FBI helps take down AI phishing ring te 2026-06-17T13:20:46.756Z FBI helps take down AI phishing ring That suspicious text about a package, toll bill or account problem may look harmless at first. You glance at it, see a familiar brand name and think, "I'll just check." That quick tap can lead straight into a professional scam funnel. The FBI, Google and Black Lotus Labs helped disrupt a massive China-based phishing-as-a-service operation known as Outsider Enterprise. Authorities say the operation powered fake websites built to steal credit card numbers, passwords and other personal information. What makes this one especially troubling is how polished these scams have become. Criminals no longer need to build every fake page from scratch. They can rent phishing kits, use AI to speed up the work and send waves of scam texts to unsuspecting people. That should make every one of us pause before tapping a link in a text. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report GENAI, THE FUTURE OF FRAUD AND WHY YOU MAY BE AN EASY TARGET Outsider Enterprise was a phishing-as-a-service operation. In other words, it gave other criminals the tools to run scams. Instead of one scammer typing out sloppy messages from a laptop, this setup worked more like a criminal software business. It offered phishing kits, fake websites and infrastructure that helped criminals impersonate trusted brands. Google says the network was tied to more than 9,000 fake websites and over 1 million fraudulent URLs. Those sites were designed to look real enough to trick people into entering credit card details, passwords or other sensitive information. The scams often started with text messages. Some appeared to come from major wireless carriers, delivery services, toll agencies or other familiar companies. That's what makes these attacks so dangerous. The text may arrive in the same place you get real alerts from banks, delivery services or phone providers. AI helped give this operation speed and polish. In a civil lawsuit filed in federal court in New York, Google alleges the phishing kit used AI tools, including Gemini, to help criminals create fraudulent sites and scam content. That means the messages can look cleaner, the websites can appear more convincing and the operation can move faster. That's a big shift. Many people still expect scam messages to have bad grammar, strange wording or obvious red flags. Those clues still show up, but they are becoming less reliable. A fake page can now look like the real thing. A scam text can sound normal. A payment request can appear urgent without feeling ridiculous. That to me is scary because the average person has less time to spot the trap. The scale was huge. Google says 2.5 million messages were sent to Android users from Outsider Enterprise infrastructure over a two-week period in May. Android users flagged 55,000 of those messages as fraudulent. FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Brett Leatherman said Outsider infrastructure was tied to an estimated 3.87 million stolen credit cards and $1.9 billion in losses. That number tells you something important. These scams are not random annoyances. They are part of an organized criminal business built to reach huge numbers of people fast. The action against Outsider Enterprise included both technical and legal steps. The FBI said the technical takedown was dubbed Operation Ghost Hook. Leatherman also tied the effort to Operation Riptide, a broader FBI campaign aimed at disrupting cybercrime operations. The FBI and its partners seized administration servers, phishing domains, a Shopify storefront and about $100,000 from payment wallets tied to the operation. Google's civil lawsuit is part of the broader effort to disrupt Outsider Enterprise's infrastructure. The company says it is working with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon to help block fraudulent messages before they reach subscribers. Google says its Android protections also help detect suspicious calls and block malicious messages. Still, no filter catches everything. GLOBAL SCAM CRACKDOWN LEADS TO 276 ARRESTS Text scams often arrive when you are distracted. Maybe you are heading into a meeting, paying bills or waiting for a package. A message about an account problem can make you react fast before you stop to question it. Scammers count on that split-second panic. A fake text might say your delivery failed, your phone bill has an issue or your account will be locked. The link then sends you to a page that looks real enough to steal your login, credit card number or one-time code. The whole trick depends on speed. The less time you spend thinking, the better the scam works. These steps can help you avoid the fake texts, fake websites and account traps that phishing operations rely on. Treat unexpected links like a warning sign, even when the message looks official. Go directly to the company's app or website instead. Type the address yourself or use a saved bookmark. Scammers want you to panic. Take a breath before you act. Real companies usually give you more than a few minutes to fix an issue. Look closely at the domain name before typing in a password, card number or code. A scam site may use one extra word, a strange ending or a spelling that looks close to the real company. A legitimate company will not ask you to send back a one-time code by text. If someone asks for a code, assume they are trying to break into your account. If a text asks for a credit card number, password or account login, stop. Open the official app or call the company using a number from your card, bill or trusted website. Spam protection can help move suspicious texts out of your main inbox before you accidentally tap a bad link. On iPhone: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Unknown Senders > turn on Screen Unknown Senders. You can also open Messages, tap Filters and review messages under Unknown Senders or spam/junk filtering when available. For suspicious texts on iPhone, use Report Junk when it appears under the message. On Samsung using Google Messages: Open Google Messages > tap your profile icon or initials > tap Messages settings > tap Spam protection or Protection & Safety > turn on Enable spam protection. For suspicious texts on Samsung, open the message in Google Messages, tap the three dots, tap Details and choose Block & report spam. IS THAT TRAFFIC TICKET TEXT A SCAM OR REAL? Set a strong account password and add a carrier PIN when your provider offers one. This helps protect your phone number from criminals who try to hijack accounts or reset passwords. Scammers often sound convincing because they already know something about you. That information can come from people-search sites, data brokers, old breaches or public records. Consider using a data removal service to reduce how much personal information is floating around 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 Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, fake websites and phishing pages before they cause damage. It adds another layer of protection when a scam slips past your first line of defense. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com A password manager can help you avoid reusing passwords across accounts. It can also make fake login pages easier to spot because it may not autofill your credentials on a bogus site. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts, especially email, banking and wireless carrier accounts. An authentication app or hardware security key gives you stronger protection than texted codes. Some banks and card issuers offer virtual card numbers. These can limit the damage if a shopping site, fake checkout page or scam link steals payment details. Check your accounts often for small mystery charges. Criminals sometimes test a stolen card with a small purchase before going bigger. A credit freeze can stop criminals from opening new accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit for free with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Forward suspicious texts to 7726, which spells SPAM. You can also report phishing attempts to the company being impersonated and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Taking down Outsider Enterprise is great news. But let's be real here. Scammers are not going away because one operation got hit. What worries me most is how real these fake texts and websites can look now. AI gives criminals another way to clean up the wording, copy trusted brands and move faster than most people expect. So my advice is simple. Don't tap the link. Open the company's real app or type in the website yourself. Those few extra seconds can be the difference between staying safe and handing a scammer your credit card, password or one-time code. Does this takedown make you feel better about the fight against scammers, or do you still think the crooks are one step ahead? 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/6a329cd6197238567832798e Trump’s reindustrialization agenda faces its biggest hurdle — Americans te 2026-06-17T13:10:46.484Z Trump’s reindustrialization agenda faces its biggest hurdle — Americans Americans say they want to bring back industry. President Donald Trump ran on reindustrialization and won. But when it comes to actual building, mining, and developing, people too often shut it down. Build, they say, just not in my backyard. Peter Thiel put his finger on this pathology over a decade ago. "We wanted flying cars," he wrote, "instead we got 140 characters." His point wasn't merely about venture capital timidity. It was about a society that stopped building physical things, retreating into digital abstraction while factories closed, supply chains migrated to China, and infrastructure crumbled. Now, we are making the same mistake again, in real time, with higher stakes. The clearest early warning is the backlash against AI data centers — the physical infrastructure of the AI revolution. A Gallup poll found that 71% of Americans oppose data centers being built in their communities, opposition now exceeding that of nuclear power plants. Local activism has already blocked or delayed $64 billion in data center projects between May 2024 and March 2025 alone. NEW WHEELED ROBOT SAYS NO THANKS TO HUMANOID TYPE AI-powered humanoid robot assistants, cancer-curing algorithms, precision farming, and long-term forecasting all sound great — we just don’t want the infrastructure that makes all of this possible. But if Republicans can’t hold the line on data centers–the most visible and economically compelling piece of the reindustrialization puzzle – they won’t hold it on mines, factories, or modern industrial plants either. And the next generation may never forgive them, because NIMBYism is already present across every sector of Trump's reindustrialization agenda. Critical minerals mining, the foundation of every clean energy technology, electronic, and defense system America produces, faces permitting timelines of 7 to 10 years in the United States. The Resolution Copper Mine in Arizona — sitting on one of the largest copper deposits in the world — spent more than two decades in litigation before a land exchange was finally completed in March 2026. Opponents immediately promised to keep fighting. And from nuclear to renewables, local communities frequently revolt against energy projects that power innovation. Columbia University researchers found a 111% increase in state bans on renewable energy projects in the last year alone. It’s a Catch-22. We want AI without data centers, iPhones without critical mineral mines, and energy without power plants. Yet while we’re busy deciding if we like the idea of innovation more than the real thing, China is aggressively building. The Chinese aren’t filing environmental impact reviews or waiting a decade for a mining permit. They control 70% of critical minerals refining for 19 of 20 strategic minerals. And according to the International Energy Agency, China's share of global polysilicon, ingot, and wafer production will soon reach almost 95% — making the world almost completely reliant on China for the key building blocks of solar panel production. Every American project delayed is a strategic advantage handed on a silver platter to China. The Trump administration has laid the architecture for ending this reliance and promoting reindustrialization—and it deserves credit. President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to surge critical mineral production, took equity stakes in domestic mining and refining, rescinded burdensome NEPA environmental regulations, imposed tariffs to reshore manufacturing, established a National Energy Dominance Council to speed permitting, and revitalized (and renamed) the Office of Energy Dominance finance to augment industries vital to the national interest–including legacy industries like iron and steel and nascent tech like advanced battery supply chains. As a result, 13 critical mineral projects have been fast-tracked since April 2025 and U.S. manufacturing activity recently jumped to a four-year high, a sign that the foundations of reindustrialization are taking hold. America First industrial policy is working. But it can only go so far when community opposition, activist litigation, and state and local bans continue to halt projects left and right. Yes, reindustrialization isn’t pain-free. Data centers take up space. Factories require energy. You can’t mine without digging. But these costs are worth it because of what we get in return. Reindustrialization means bringing jobs back to the communities that lost them a generation ago. It means we will no longer be reliant on China for the critical minerals necessary for American defense systems, EVs, and power grids. It means the semiconductor facilities, solar factories, and steel mills that make American military and economic power possible are built here, by American workers. And all of this will be done far more cleanly and efficiently than in high-polluting China. Thiel was right. We wanted flying cars. We still want them, along with futuristic AI, American-made steel, and high-powered electronics. Let’s not settle for 140 characters again. The only force capable of stopping American reindustrialization is ourselves. We can build the future in America. So let’s do it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3295f51972385678327788 Current MLW roster te 2026-06-17T12:41:25.298Z Current MLW roster Major League Wrestling (MLW) features some of the biggest and most notable names in professional wrestling. MLW has alliances with international organizations like Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Stardom, allowing it to feature top wrestlers around the globe. Some of the company’s top stars include Killer Kross, Matt Riddle and Shotzi. MLW airs "MLW Fusion" on Saturdays on YouTube. Read below for the full roster. == MLW men’s roster MLW women’s roster Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3295e1197238567832777f Oklahoma Democrats face runoff showdown in race for deep-red Senate seat te 2026-06-17T12:41:05.842Z Oklahoma Democrats face runoff showdown in race for deep-red Senate seat Two underdog candidates advanced to a runoff election in Oklahoma’s 2026 Democratic Senate primary after no candidate clinched a majority of the vote. N’kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a nurse and Chickasaw Nation citizen, and Jim Priest, a lawyer and ordained minister, will compete in an Aug. 25 runoff election, according to The Associated Press. Thomas won 45% of the vote, followed by Priest, who registered just under 24% support. The winner will face Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., who easily clinched the GOP nomination for the deep-red Senate seat and avoided a runoff election. Hern is endorsed by President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. 6 MONTHS TO MIDTERMS: THE SENATE SEATS THAT COULD TIP THE BALANCE OF POWER Under Oklahoma law, if no candidate secures more than 50% of the primary vote, the top two vote-getters will compete in a runoff election. Sen. Alan Armstrong, R-Okla., a former energy executive who currently represents the seat, was barred by state law from seeking election for a full Senate term. He was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Okla., to replace Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in March. The Democratic primary winner will face an uphill battle in the ruby-red state that voted for Trump by a 2-to-1 margin in 2024. A Democratic candidate has not won a Senate race in the Sooner State in more than 35 years. National Democrats have not invested in the race, signaling little expectation it could flip. HOUSE GOP LEADER LAUNCHES SENATE BID AS TRUMP TAPS MARKWAYNE MULLIN FOR DHS Priest mounted a failed bid for Oklahoma attorney general in 2010 but was soundly defeated by 20 points. He previously led two nonprofits, Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma and Sunbeam Family Services, according to the Oklahoma-based outlet NonDoc. Hern has vastly outraised Democrats, with a $6.8 million war chest, according to recent Federal Election Commission filings. Priest entered June with $117,000 cash on hand, while Thomas had just over $546.  The two leading Democratic contenders also have a minimal online presence.  An X account associated with Priest’s campaign had just 20 followers as of Tuesday. Meanwhile, a campaign X account affiliated with Thomas had just over 160 followers. Three other Democratic candidates vied for the nomination, including business owner Troy Green and R.O. Cassity Jr., a retired professor and attorney. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3295b41972385678327734 Canadian pension giant joins race to fund India’s AI-fueled data center boom te 2026-06-17T12:40:20.899Z Canadian pension giant joins race to fund India’s AI-fueled data center boom The Canadian pension giant will acquire an 8.2% stake in CtrlS, a tech giant that operates more than 15 data centers across India. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32910519723856783275e5 DeepL acquires Mixhalo for live-event audio streaming and translation te 2026-06-17T12:20:21.176Z DeepL acquires Mixhalo for live-event audio streaming and translation With this acquisition, DeepL is opening an office in San Francisco to expand its U.S. business. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a328f1419723856783275a3 Cocky Texas slugger who hit for cycle gets dealt instant karma after childish antics grow stale te 2026-06-17T12:12:04.018Z Cocky Texas slugger who hit for cycle gets dealt instant karma after childish antics grow stale While some of you are locked in on FIFA World Cup action, the rest of us are watching the real American tournament taking place right now ... The College World Series. Things are starting to heat up over in beautiful Omaha, and we're closing in on crowning a new champion. Oklahoma, West Virginia, Georgia and UNC have all advanced to the semifinals, which means we could have our two championship teams set as early as this evening. Before we dive into the winner's bracket, though, let's go ahead and check in with those who have come up short. Like the Texas Longhorns, who lost to Georgia on Tuesday, and are now headed back to Austin. ARKANSAS BASEBALL STAR PITCHES HISTORIC NO-HITTER IN COLLEGE WORLD SERIES And while there was plenty of drama in last night's game, the internet has zeroed in on slugger Adrian Rodriguez, who hit for the cycle earlier this week and was apparently FEELING himself against Georgia. Unfortunately, the Baseball Gods weren't impressed, and delivered to us perhaps the most embarrassing at-bat of the tournament. Take a look: Whoooooooooooooof. Not great. Not what you want after getting up, 3-0, and shaking your head at the pitcher. You can't do that, and then promptly strike out on three pitches. Well, scratch that. You CAN do that, but you can't do it and then expect to not get roasted by the internet. And buddy, Adrian Rodriguez is getting roasted in the comments section: I could go on and on. The internet is nothing if not predictable, so this was bound to happen, especially if Texas lost ... And the Longhorns not only went on to lose, they got shut out! Yikes. Double whammy. A good run for Texas this season, but all eyes are now on football season in Austin. Sad. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! As for Rodriguez ... He's done this all year. Let's get that straight. Doesn't make it any less embarrassing, but it's important context. He's also an excellent player. A star. The sophomore hit .327 in 53 games this season. Just two days ago, he became the third player in College World Series history to hit for the cycle. This event has been going on for 76 years! That's an impressive stat, no matter how you slice it. But my old high school coach always started each day with a, "What have you done for me lately?" And that, unfortunately, applies here. The Baseball Gods always — always — win. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a328f00197238567832759a Ancient Viking sword discovered 'sticking up out of the ground' after 1,300 years te 2026-06-17T12:11:44.562Z Ancient Viking sword discovered 'sticking up out of the ground' after 1,300 years A 1,300-year-old Viking sword was recently uncovered by an unlikely group of individuals: a class of first-grade children. The 8th-century weapon was found in a field near the village of Brandbu, Norway, about 40 miles northwest of Oslo, in late April. Viking Age swords are "relatively rare" finds, said Øystein Lia, an archaeologist and senior adviser with Innlandet County's Cultural Heritage department. STRANGE VIKING GRAVE WITH 'CHRISTIAN OVERTONES' DISCOVERED BY PERPLEXED ARCHAEOLOGISTS: 'VERY UNUSUAL' Lia told Fox News Digital that the Innlandet region receives approximately one Viking sword discovery every two years. Though the sword owner's identity is lost to time, Lia said that the weapon "belonged to someone of high status within Viking Age society." "It was most likely owned by a man, a free landholding individual and a significant warrior," he said. "He may also have served as a military advisor to a local Viking chieftain." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The news of the find was announced by the cultural heritage department of Norway's Innlandet County in May. Officials said the sword was first spotted on a school trip by a 6-year-old boy named Henrik, who noticed "something strange sticking up out of the ground." Pictures released by officials show a long, rust-covered sword with its hilt largely intact. "The sword is what we call single-edged," the department said in a Facebook post. "That means it is sharp on only one side." The post added, "We believe the sword is around 1,300 years old, dating to the Merovingian Period or the beginning of the Viking Age." RARE CHRISTIAN CROSS AMONG SPECTACULAR 1,000-YEAR-OLD VIKING TREASURES FOUND BY METAL DETECTORISTS Officials also described the sword as exceptionally well-preserved, adding that they were proud of the children who uncovered it and reported it to officials. Lia added to Fox News Digital that the sword is believed to have been produced in Norway and was likely crafted between 750 and 850 A.D., based on the fact that it is single-edged. "Sword blades developed from large knives known as seaxes, or weapon knives," he added. "These were initially elongated into single-edged sword blades with one cutting edge and later evolved into blades sharpened along both edges." Since the sword was found in a cultivated field, archaeologists believe its original burial context was likely disturbed over time, though a nearby site suggests it may have come from a grave. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "In this instance, a burial site with small burial mounds dating to the Iron Age is located approximately 40 meters [131 feet] away," said Lia. "We therefore have good reason to believe that the sword originally derived from a grave context." The sword has been transferred to the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo for preservation — and Lia added that X-ray analysis could reveal details about how it was forged. The find is one of many impressive Viking discoveries reported this year. Earlier this spring, two hobbyist treasure hunters uncovered one of the largest Viking coin hoards ever found in Norway after discovering dozens of silver coins in a field. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Also, a British archaeologist recently said he may have identified England's first monumental Viking ship burial — a site he believes could be the resting place of the legendary leader Ivar the Boneless. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a328eed1972385678327591 Lauren Sánchez Bezos exposes TV career reality after critics said she didn't 'deserve to be there' te 2026-06-17T12:11:25.109Z Lauren Sánchez Bezos exposes TV career reality after critics said she didn't 'deserve to be there' Lauren Sánchez Bezos is sharing a candid look at her early broadcasting career, revealing that while she often laughed off mistakes on camera, she was struggling with insecurities and the sting of public criticism behind the scenes. In a recent Instagram post, the 56-year-old former TV journalist uploaded a montage of her past on-air flubs alongside a message about perseverance and living with dyslexia. "I made a lot of mistakes on air. You can see me laugh and say oops. (A lot) But behind that smile? Fear. Embarrassment. Critics said I didn’t deserve to be there," Sánchez Bezos wrote in the caption. "That one hurt," she admitted. "I tried not to show it and I just kept showing up every single day." LAUREN SÁNCHEZ BEZOS GETS EMOTIONAL DROPPING SON OFF AT COLLEGE DORM "I still mess up words," Sánchez Bezos continued. "I still reread things three or four times. But I’m not embarrassed anymore. Took me a long time to get here. If you or your kid is struggling with dyslexia, know this: you may learn differently, but different doesn’t mean less capable." "Oops is the sound of progress." Sánchez Bezos has previously shared that she was not diagnosed with dyslexia until she was a 19-year-old student at El Camino College, a community college in Torrance, California. GAVIN NEWSOM SPOX TELLS REPORTER 'F--- OFF' WHEN ASKED FOR RECORDS OF HIS DYSLEXIA DIAGNOSIS While being honored at the This Is About Humanity's 5th Anniversary Soirée in March, Sánchez Bezos opened up about how her diagnosis came after her journalism professor recognized that her difficulties with reading and writing might be related to a learning difference. "Someone out there looked at me and believed in me. My journalism teacher," she said during her speech, per People magazine. "She noticed I was struggling in school, getting in trouble, and that I didn't sign up to write for the school paper, Sánchez Bezos continued. "So she questioned my reluctance. She's like, 'Hey, why aren't you signing up for this?' And I go, 'I don't know why I'm even in school. I can't write.' And she said, 'Let's see about that.'" Sánchez Bezos recalled that her professor assured her that she wasn't "dumb" and encouraged her to get tested for a learning disability. The New Mexico native said that after receiving her diagnosis, the "doors that once seemed shut swung wide open" and her college GPA jumped from a 2.0 to a 3.8. "So why am I telling you this story? Because of that one person who took an interest in me. One person, one, who treated me with kindness, respect and humanity," Sánchez Bezos said. "One person who believed in me. I learned how to believe in myself." LAUREN SÁNCHEZ TRANSFORMS FROM BUTTONED-UP TV NEWS GAL TO BOMBSHELL SOCIALITE Sánchez Bezos later transferred to the University of Southern California, where she studied communications and journalism. She worked as a desk assistant at the Los Angeles-based Fox affiliate KCOP-TV before becoming an anchor and reporter at the independent news station KTVK in Phoenix, Arizona. In the late 1990s, Sánchez Bezos worked as a correspondent for the syndicated entertainment news program "Extra" and as an anchor and reporter for Fox Sports Net, where she earned an Emmy nomination. Sánchez Bezos returned to KCOP-TV as the co-anchor of "UPN News 13" alongside Rick Garcia in 1999. During a March appearance on "Today," she shared that she concealed her dyslexia during those years and named Garcia as the only colleague in which she had confided. LAUREN SÁNCHEZ BEZOS HEATS UP AHEAD OF MET GALA WITH STRING OF DARING, SKIN-BARING LOOKS "I went through life hiding it," Sánchez Bezos said. "Even when I was a news anchor, no one knew I was dyslexic except my co-anchor," she said. "He would help me." She went on to describe how Garcia quietly assisted her during live broadcasts when she encountered a difficult word on the teleprompter. LAUREN SANCHEZ TONES DOWN LOOK AFTER BACKLASH FOR RACY INAUGURATION OUTFIT "He would see a word on the screen and I would go like this, and he would whisper in my ear," she said. In May, Sánchez Bezos shared a video that featured a clip from Jan. 23, 2000 newscast with Garcia. "Back when I was a news anchor... I learned that dyslexia shows up in various ways," she wrote over the video. LAUREN SÁNCHEZ BEZOS DEFENDS RISQUÉ TRUMP INAUGURATION LOOK AFTER BACKLASH Sánchez Bezos' message continued as the video cut to a compilation of other moments from her on-air career. "Which can mean learning to read at your own pace ... learning how to ask questions and connect ... learning how to process big emotions ... not measuring yourself by other people's assumptions ... or taking a leap of faith ... even when you aren't 100% sure...," Sánchez Bezos continued. "I've fumbled live on air. Recovered, kept going. So will you. ❤️," she concluded. LAUREN SÁNCHEZ PARTIES IN SEXY RED LATEX BUSTIER WITHOUT NEW HUSBAND JEFF BEZOS In the caption of her post, Sánchez Bezos shared words of encouragement for children who are struggling with reading or speaking. "I anchored the news for years. I stumbled a lot, because I have dyslexia. It never once stopped me. (I was embarrassed a lot, but it never stopped me.) To every kid who trips over their words… it doesn’t have to stop you either. Keep going," she wrote. Sánchez Bezos has become increasingly vocal about dyslexia in recent years and advocacy around dyslexia and her advocacy has extended beyond social media. In 2024, she released the children's book "The Fly Who Flew to Space," which she has said was inspired by her own experiences growing up with dyslexia and feeling underestimated. The book follows Flynn, a determined fly who pursues his dream of traveling to space despite doubters. In interviews promoting the book, she connected Flynn's journey to her own path from a student struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia to a television journalist, helicopter pilot and eventually a member of the all-female Blue Origin spaceflight crew. She is also the founder of Black Ops Aviation, an aerial film and production company she launched in 2016. Sánchez Bezos dedicated "The Fly Who Flew to Space" to Lori Medigovich, the professor who helped her at El Camino College. During her March appearance on "Today," Sánchez Bezos became emotional while discussing a speech her 19-year-old son Evan, who was diagnosed with dyslexia in elementary school, gave at her 2025 wedding to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. LAUREN SÁNCHEZ BEZOS TURNS HEADS IN SHEER OUTFIT DURING SAINT-TROPEZ DATE NIGHT Sánchez Bezos recalled that Evan said he would be talking about a "moment that was really important to him." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "And I had no idea what he was going to say," she remembered. "And he was in the fourth grade, not writing well, and he wrote this sentence. 'I can do this.'" "And it was his first sentence," Sánchez Bezos continued while tearing up. "And that's really late to be writing your first sentence, as any parent with a kid with dyslexia knows." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "And I blew it up," she said. "I blew it up and put it in our kitchen, and it says, 'I can do this.'" "That was the most meaningful and impactful moment at my wedding. Beside getting married to Jeff," Sánchez Bezos added with a smile. In an Instagram post last week, Sánchez Bezos shared a video featuring the strategies that she uses to help her manage dyslexia and ADHD including relying on audiobooks and developing personalized systems for learning and processing information. "A few things that help me with my dyslexia and ADHD," she wrote in the caption. "Took me years to figure out what works for my brain. (And I’m still learning new ways)." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a328ed91972385678327588 Palisades Fire suspect displayed 'incel energy,' made woman uncomfortable during Uber ride: passenger te 2026-06-17T12:11:05.650Z Palisades Fire suspect displayed 'incel energy,' made woman uncomfortable during Uber ride: passenger A man accused of sparking the New Year's Day fire that helped fuel the deadly Palisades inferno allegedly displayed "incel energy," according to a passenger who rode in his Uber. Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested in October 2025 and charged with destruction of property by means of fire and pleaded not guilty after being charged in connection with the Palisades Fire in January 2025. He's currently facing trial in California. Los Angeles resident Brennan White testified Friday that when he rode in Rinderknecht's Uber with his fiancee on New Year's Day in 2025, that the suspect gave off "incel energy." White said that Rinderknecht was driving erratically and wouldn't stop talking about how humanity was crumbling, talking about how there aren't any good women in the region. The witness told the Los Angeles Police Department that Rinderknecht gave off "incel energy," saying it's a slang term for someone who's a loner or more isolated. PALISADES FIRE SUSPECT HELD WITHOUT BOND White, who was drinking that night, said he made small talk with Rinderknecht for the first three to five minutes of the ride, then the driver started ranting. He said that Rinderknecht was violent with his words but didn't ask to be let out of the Uber because he felt it was better not to say anything. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital this may be one of the most "memorable" moments of Rinderknecht's trial and added that prosecutors had a specific reason for calling White to testify. "An incel is someone that is unable to have or maintain a relationship and is celibate involuntarily. So someone that is a loner, someone who is strange, someone like that is more likely to be an arsonist, is more likely to be a mass shooter. So by painting him in this way, I think it does help the prosecution's case," Rahmani said. "The question is, is this unfair character assassination? Because Rinderknecht isn't charged with being a strange guy, he's charged with an arsonist. And potentially this gives the defense another argument on appeal if their client is convicted." SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER In a trial memorandum filed in April, prosecutors said Rinderknecht was apparently obsessed with Luigi Mangione, who is accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. "In the months leading up to the fire, he had become increasingly angry with his life and society at large," prosecutors wrote. "For example, in the weeks and hours leading up to the fire, defendant fixated on Luigi Mangione, who allegedly murdered the UnitedHealthcare CEO in New York City on December 4, 2024." SEND US A TIP HERE Rinderknecht searched the terms "free LuigiMangione," "lets take down all the billionaires" and "reddit lets kill all the billionaires" on Dec. 12 and 13, 2024, federal prosecutors said. PALISADES FIRE SUSPECT HIT WITH NEW CHARGES IN GRAND JURY INDICTMENT "Many of defendant’s Uber passengers on December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025, described defendant as angry, intense, driving erratically, and ranting about being 'pissed off at the world' and Luigi Mangione, capitalism, and vigilantism," prosecutors added in the court filing. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST When investigators asked Rinderknecht on Jan. 24, 2025, why someone might commit arson in the Pacific Palisades, he allegedly responded it would be out of resentment and invoked Mangione. "When investigators asked defendant why someone might commit arson in the Pacific Palisades, he responded that it would be out of resentment of the rich enjoying their money as 'we’re basically being enslaved by them' and compared such an act of 'desperation' to the murder for which Mangione was charged," prosecutors wrote. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Mangione's attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, told Fox News Digital in a statement: "As we have stated before in multiple public court filings, Mr. Mangione does not support violent actions and does not condone past or future political violence. These repeated attempts to connect him to unrelated acts or to insinuate that he condones or supports these acts are irresponsible, dangerous and prejudicial." Lena Weissbrot, who considers herself a supporter of Mangione, addressed the connection while speaking to Fox News Digital on Tuesday outside of a scheduled court hearing for the alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer. WATCH: Mangione supporter says he shouldn't bear blame for Palisades Fire suspect "I don't think we can blame these things on Luigi, I think it's that we have so much wealth inequality in America, that eventually it's going to boil over, and I think that Luigi was just a temperature check for like...It sort of allowed people a vessel for all of the rage that's been boiling under the surface here," she said. Weissbrot did add she could "never support" the person who started the Palisades Fire, stating she's from Los Angeles. Rinderknecht is charged with destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire. Fox News Digital reached out to his lawyers for comment. Fox News' Amanda Gillilan contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a328eaf197238567832755d Unlikely Coalition Begins Campaign Against Billionaire Tax in California te 2026-06-17T12:10:23.674Z Unlikely Coalition Begins Campaign Against Billionaire Tax in California A surprising array of left-leaning interest groups is trying to kill a wealth tax initiative before the November ballot is finalized. Gov. Gavin Newsom is at the center of negotiations. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a328a161972385678327459 Trump wins two, loses one as billionaire delivers rare blow to endorsement machine and more top headlines te 2026-06-17T11:50:46.013Z Trump wins two, loses one as billionaire delivers rare blow to endorsement machine and more top headlines 1. Billionaire delivers rare blow to Trump's endorsement machine 2. Mom's call unraveled alleged plan targeting White House UFC event 3. Trump calls $300B Iran investment report 'false' BALLOT BATTLE — Primary results from DC, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma and California. Continue reading … FOLLOW THE MONEY — Karmelo Anthony claims he's penniless as business records tied to parents draw scrutiny. Continue reading … BEHIND BARS — 'Happy Face' killer warns fellow serial killer Rex Heuermann could be 'tossed to the wolves' in prison. Continue reading … ROUGH WATERS — US travelers warned after deadly rides and sexual assaults tied to local beach vendors. Continue reading … LOCKDOWN LIFTED — Suspect in custody after Delaware hospital shooting leaves at least 1 person dead. Continue reading … -- TRUCE ISSUES — Senate GOP blocks war powers vote, giving Trump room to finalize Iran deal. Continue reading … SHORT SUPPLY — A problem hiding in plain sight is keeping Americans from buying homes. Continue reading … SPY GAMES — Trump DNI pick braces for Senate grilling as temporary stand-in fuels Dem pressure. Continue reading … CHANGE OF HEART — GOP Gov DeWine urges Ohio to abolish the death penalty, says it is no longer a deterrent. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   FACT CHECK — Whoopi Goldberg fumbles when Vance asks for proof of Trump targeting Black history. Continue reading … STADIUM STRIFE — Iranian soccer club in Los Angeles reflects divided views on Team Melli during World Cup. Continue reading … WASHINGTON SECRETS — UFO investigator says stigma finally lifting on aliens after bombshell hearing. Continue reading … AGAINST ALL ODDS — Nearly 200 injured service members compete in 2026 'Warrior Games.’ Continue reading … DOUG SCHOEN — Far-left Democrats keep saving Republicans from themselves. Continue reading …  SELENE RODRIGUEZ & AMMON BLAIR — While Mexico defends ‘sovereignty,’ cartels import a flesh-eating parasite into Texas. Continue reading … -- ‘MOST OPPRESSED’ — Iran's World Cup squad ordered to leave US immediately after opening match. Continue reading … MISSED SIGNALS — Bunnie Xo dropped cryptic lyrics, ditched her ring before Jelly Roll divorce news broke. Continue reading … SWEET STAMPEDE — Lines wrap around block as customers wait hours for viral cakes that sell out in minutes. Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on revolutionary recipes and celebrity challenges. Take the quiz here … VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE — Political violence and rhetoric in US are out of control. See video … SEN. JOHN THUNE — Trump's endorsement is the gold standard in politics. See video … Tune in as we examine the DOJ’s crackdown on protests tied to immigration enforcement and the escalating national battle over President Trump’s border policies. 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 Thursday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32857b1972385678327365 Trump DNI pick braces for Senate grilling as temporary stand-in fuels Dem pressure te 2026-06-17T11:31:07.320Z Trump DNI pick braces for Senate grilling as temporary stand-in fuels Dem pressure Former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Walter "Jay" Clayton was set to face senators at what was expected to be a tense confirmation hearing to become director of national intelligence Wednesday. But President Donald Trump abruptly halted the proceedings, declaring in an early morning Truth Social post that Clayton's confirmation hearing would not move forward Wednesday.  While Trump commands a great deal of authority, he can't cancel a hearing on the Hill on his own. But, sources familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that it'd be "hard to have a hearing without a witness."  The presumably postponed hearing had been set against the backdrop of’ Democrats’ weeks-long uproar over President Donald Trump’s temporary pick for the job — homebuilder scion and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte. Clayton is currently serving as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, which is considered the most prominent of the dozens of national posts – with alumni ranging from Rudy Giuliani to Preet Bharara. TRUMP NOMINATES JAY CLAYTON, FORMER SEC CHAIRMAN, CURRENT US ATTORNEY, AS INTELLIGENCE DIRECTOR Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a top Trump critic, told reporters Tuesday that concerns over Pulte could actually help push Clayton through once he appears before the Intelligence Committee. "[I] would love to hear some reassurance from the White House that Bill Pulte is not going to take over as DNI, even for a very short period of time, but that I don't anticipate that coming," he said. Kelly said that Pulte looming over the intelligence community might be an "incentive" to move Clayton through "on a faster timeline." TRUMP NAMES BILL PULTE ACTING DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE "But to do that, we have to have everybody in the committee," he said. Democrats have accused Pulte of playing politics with his powers at FHFA and worry that his lack of intel credentials and alleged partisanship endanger the role of DNI. Trump dismissed such claims, saying "Dumocrats" are inordinately "afraid" of Pulte. WHY TRUMP PICKED BILL PULTE TO LEAD US INTELLIGENCE AS CRITICS QUESTION HIS QUALIFICATIONS Clayton, meanwhile, is expected to come before Congress with a resume that may be easier for Democrats to digest in the narrow-GOP-majority upper chamber. While Clayton also doesn’t come from the intel community, he does have the prosecutorial chops some critics may be assuaged by. As SDNY’s top federal prosecutor, Clayton has overseen cases involving violent crime, drug trafficking, Wall Street-related enforcement and national security matters, while avoiding public controversy of other Trump picks. SENATE PUSH TO REAUTHORIZE NATION’S SPY POWERS STUMBLES OVER CONTROVERSIAL TRUMP DECISION Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said that Clayton’s role as SDNY does crossover into intelligence matters. "Jay Clayton is an eminently qualified individual to become the new director of national intelligence. And so we are looking forward to processing him this week. [Intelligence Committee] Chairman Cotton will be … [holding] his confirmation hearing tomorrow… and hopefully reporting him out later in the week." Returning to concerns over Democrat roadblocks for another Trump pick, Thune noted it would take cooperation of the minority party to fast-track the nomination. It remains unclear when Clayton's confirmation hearing will be rescheduled or whether Democrats will cooperate with efforts to move his nomination quickly. Fox News’ Tyler Olson contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a328566197238567832734d Deadly B-52 crash puts focus on engines, controllability as investigators hunt for answers te 2026-06-17T11:30:46.334Z Deadly B-52 crash puts focus on engines, controllability as investigators hunt for answers The B-52 bomber aircraft first entered service during the Eisenhower administration during the 1950s.  More than seven decades later, the Air Force is spending billions of dollars to transform the Cold War-era bomber with new engines, upgraded avionics and advanced radar systems designed to keep it flying into the 2050s. That modernization effort was thrust into the spotlight Monday when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California during a test mission, killing all eight people aboard. The crew included military personnel, government civilians and contractors supporting the flight test mission. Boeing later confirmed that two of its employees were among those on board. SIX DEADLIEST NON-COMBAT MILITARY AVIATION ACCIDENTS IN THE LAST 5 YEARS The crash marks the loss of one of just 76 B-52s remaining in the Air Force inventory. The nuclear-capable bomber remains a cornerstone of America's strategic bomber force and is expected to serve alongside the Air Force's next-generation B-21 Raider for decades to come. As investigators begin piecing together what happened, aviation attorney and Marine helicopter pilot veteran Justin Green said the fact that the aircraft went down moments after takeoff is likely to shape the early stages of the investigation. "Aircraft controllability issue, some sort of engine failure, because they're in a very critical moment of flight when you're just taking off," Green told Fox News Digital. "So I think that's really gonna be the focus." Green, who serves as co-chair of the plaintiffs' executive committee in litigation stemming from the 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash in Ethiopia and is involved in litigation related to the January 2025 midair collision over the Potomac River, cautioned that investigators are still in the earliest stages of the probe. "The key thing in investigations is you don't make any assumptions," Green said. "In the early days, you have to really just keep an open mind and really follow the facts where the facts lead you." The aircraft was conducting a local test sortie supporting the Air Force's radar modernization program when it crashed, according to the Air Force. Edwards Air Force Base serves as the Air Force's premier flight-test center, where aircraft are routinely used to evaluate new technologies and modifications before they are fielded across the broader fleet. The Air Force is currently pursuing one of the most ambitious modernization efforts in the B-52's history.  The service plans to equip the bombers with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines, upgraded avionics and a modern active electronically scanned array radar intended to improve navigation, targeting and situational awareness while extending the aircraft's operational lifespan well into the middle of the century. WHAT B-52 BOMBERS BRING TO IRAN FIGHT — AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE WAR NOW  The timing of the crash has naturally drawn attention to those upgrades. But Green said the radar system itself is not an obvious explanation based on the limited facts available. "I think it's very unlikely," Green said when asked whether the new radar system could have contributed to the crash. "A new radar system shouldn't really affect the ability of the airplane to take off safely." While investigators are expected to examine every aspect of the aircraft and mission, Green said they are likely to focus heavily on factors that directly affect an aircraft's ability to safely depart the runway and climb after takeoff. The B-52's age is also expected to be part of the discussion. The bomber first entered service in the 1950s and remains one of the oldest aircraft in the U.S. military inventory. Yet Green said investigators may be more likely to focus on maintenance records, recently installed components and operational factors than on the aircraft's original design. "This is a very old airplane," Green said. "A problem is not really gonna be a design problem. It's gonna be more of a manufacturing if it's a new part or a maintenance issue or a piloting issue." Investigators are expected to analyze physical evidence recovered from the crash site, along with maintenance records and any available flight data. According to Green, the wreckage itself will "tell the story," and likely provide many of the answers investigators are seeking. He added that flight data and cockpit recordings, if recovered, could prove critical in reconstructing the aircraft's final moments. The involvement of contractors and Boeing employees on the flight could also raise unique legal questions depending on what investigators ultimately determine caused the accident. Military personnel generally cannot sue the federal government over injuries or deaths that occur in the course of military service because of the Feres doctrine, a longstanding legal precedent. Contractors are not subject to the same restriction, though potential claims could still face significant legal hurdles depending on the circumstances of the crash and the role of any companies involved. "Unless the manufacturer does something really off, you know on its own that's negligent, they may also have protection from any sort of liability," Green said. For now, however, Green stressed that determining responsibility remains far down the list of priorities. The Air Force has not publicly identified a cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to spend weeks and potentially months examining evidence before reaching any conclusions about what brought down one of the military's most iconic aircraft. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3282fb19723856783272af Trump Seeks to Delay Hearing for National Intelligence Pick to Pressure Congress on Elections Bill te 2026-06-17T11:20:27.930Z Trump Seeks to Delay Hearing for National Intelligence Pick to Pressure Congress on Elections Bill President Trump nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, after senators from both parties condemned an earlier decision to appoint Bill Pulte. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3281521972385678327250 Ozempic users may be making a major weight-loss mistake, new study suggests te 2026-06-17T11:13:22.483Z Ozempic users may be making a major weight-loss mistake, new study suggests Among those taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, exercise rates are decreasing, according to new research. The study, set to be presented at ENDO 2026 (the Endocrine Society's annual meeting) in Chicago this week, found that adults with obesity who lost weight with a GLP-1, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, "significantly reduced" their physical activity. In an Endocrine Society press release, study lead Sajana Maharjan, MD, of HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, noted that GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and tirzepatide reduce both fat and lean muscle mass. 'WILD WEST' PEPTIDE CRAZE SURGES BEYOND GLP-1S AS FDA FACES PRESSURE TO EASE ACCESS This means physical activity is "essential for preserving strength and long-term health," she said. The study, reportedly the first of its kind, considered data from a National Institutes of Health research program that linked participant records with fitness tracker activity. Researchers analyzed data from 753 people with obesity who initiated a GLP-1 medication. The cohort was mostly female, at a mean age of 52.7 years. Comparing activity in participants before and after beginning treatment, the average number of steps decreased from 5,047 to 4,487 per day. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity fell from 28 to 22 minutes per day, the study found. The largest declines were observed in men and in those with joint or muscle pain. Other factors like age, heart failure or prior stroke did not change results. OZEMPIC ‘MICRODOSING’ IS THE NEW WEIGHT-LOSS TREND: SHOULD YOU TRY IT? Although many people might assume that losing weight with these medications would lead to increased physical activity, the study found no evidence that it did, according to Maharjan. "The findings in our study reinforce that exercise cannot be optional for people taking these medications," he said. "People need targeted interventions that encourage physical activity alongside medication for obesity." FITNESS EXPERT REVEALS SIMPLE RULE TO GET IN SHAPE WITHOUT DREADING THE GYM: 'JUST MOVE' The study was retrospective and observational, meaning it could only display an association, not a direct cause. The participants were also mostly middle-aged women, which could limit the scope of who is most impacted, the researchers noted. Other factors that were not measured include exercise habits before starting treatment, motivation levels and guidance from a physician. Dr. Peter Balazs MD, a hormone and weight-loss specialist practicing in New York and New Jersey, echoed in an interview with Fox News Digital that weight loss does not automatically lead to increased mobility or greater motivation to exercise. "In fact, being in a calorie deficit can cause the body to conserve energy, resulting in a lower metabolic rate," he said. "Additionally, side effects of weight-loss medications, such as nausea, fatigue or gastrointestinal discomfort, may further reduce a person's ability or desire to be physically active," the expert added. For GLP-1 users, Balazs stressed that exercise "is not optional." Patients must incorporate resistance training and regular daily movement, like walking, into their routine to "preserve lean muscle mass, maintain metabolic health and support long-term weight management," he advised. "Exercise plays a critical role during weight loss," Balazs said. "Without adequate physical activity, a significant portion of weight loss may come from muscle rather than fat." The expert noted that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach, as the timing, intensity and type of workout should be individualized based on a person’s fitness level, health status and body composition. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "This is particularly important for patients with a high BMI who may have mobility limitations or lower baseline fitness levels," Balazs said. "It's important to consider injury risk, long-term adherence and the potential for early burnout." Board-certified internist and longevity expert Dr. Amanda Kahn said she disagrees with this study’s conclusions, as they do not reflect what she is seeing in her own clinical practice. "Weight loss often serves as the impetus that motivates patients to become more physically active and more engaged in their overall health," the New York-based expert told Fox News Digital. "The success of GLP-1 therapy is directly tied to the expertise of the provider," she went on. "When these medications are prescribed thoughtfully – with attention to nutrition, resistance training, body composition and laboratory monitoring – they can help patients lose weight while becoming healthier, stronger and more motivated to exercise." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Kahn, a peptide prescriber, does not recommend simply prescribing a GLP-1 medication and allowing the patient to "self-manage." "In my practice, if a patient is unable to exercise, is not meeting protein goals or shows concerning muscle loss on body composition analysis, I will often hold or adjust the medication – because preserving strength, function and metabolic health is just as important as weight loss," she said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES If a GLP-1 patient becomes too fatigued to exercise, develops nutritional deficiencies or loses excessive muscle mass, Kahn warned that this reflects a "monitoring problem" rather than a medication problem, as these medications "require close clinical oversight." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32813f1972385678327247 Smithsonian urged to withdraw from retreat with workshop run by educator with history of extreme rhetoric te 2026-06-17T11:13:03.028Z Smithsonian urged to withdraw from retreat with workshop run by educator with history of extreme rhetoric The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is being urged to skip an academic retreat as watchdog organization North American Values Institute (NAVI) raises "serious concerns" about one of the event's workshop leaders. The University at Buffalo's Center for K-12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education, directed by Dr. LaGarrett King, is hosting the Social Studies Curriculum Coordinators Retreat next month, where Ismael Jimenez will co-facilitate a workshop. Jimenez, who serves as the Director of Social Studies Curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia, has drawn criticism over his controversial curriculum initiatives, ties to activist groups and anti-Israel comments. Retreat materials posted on the University at Buffalo's website state that one of the event's featured sessions is a "Reconstruction & Freedmen’s Bureau workshop (with NMAAHC)." "At a time of rising antisemitism, the Smithsonian should not lend its name, staff, or institutional credibility to a K–12 curriculum retreat that is co-facilitated by an educator with this record. By participating, the Smithsonian risks legitimizing the use of Black history education as a vehicle for political, antisemitic, and anti-Israel activism," NAVI's letter read. PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS COAST TO COAST ADOPTING RADICAL CURRICULUM FROM ORG NAMED FOR 60S RADICAL In response to Fox News Digital's request for comment, Jimenez said he viewed the retreat as an opportunity to engage with fellow educators. "I have always believed that education requires a certain degree of humility. None of us arrives at a complete understanding of the world, and part of the work of being an educator is remaining open to learning, reflection, and growth," Jimenez told Fox News Digital. "That is why I agreed to facilitate at the Social Studies Curriculum Coordinators Retreat. I welcome opportunities to be in conversation with educators who are thinking deeply about their work and the responsibilities we have to the young people we serve," he added. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LESSON MATERIALS PUSH LEFTIST RACE, CLASS STRUGGLES ON FUTURE TEACHERS: LEAKED LECTURES Jimenez did not specifically address NAVI's criticism of his comments on Israel or concerns about his record. In its letter to NMAAHC, NAVI noted that Jimenez's curriculum drew scrutiny for its political bias. The organization has previously sounded the alarm over the controversial curriculum and produced a document covering it. In the document, NAVI said that in "every unit—on voting, economics, and financial literacy, it "steers students toward activism rather than critical inquiry." The group described the curriculum as a "one-sided, ideologically driven view of American society." NAVI said that the curriculum failed to present alternative perspectives. Among the examples cited by NAVI were lessons asking students how they will use "antiracism & intersectionality as lenses" throughout the course. The curriculum also includes economic exercises focused on wealth inequality and reparations, as well as a year-end project in which students were directed to connect with community issues and develop civic action plans. However, NAVI's concerns about Jimenez go beyond the curriculum he built. The organization also pointed to Jimenez's public comments about Israel, including an instance in which he referred to the country as a "terrorist state." The Canary Mission, a watchdog organization that creates profiles of individuals who it deems to be antisemitic or anti-Israel, has tracked and compiled Jimenez's rhetoric about Israel. The website has a screenshot of a Facebook post it claims that Jimenez uploaded, which says "Israel is a terrorist state # yeahisaidit." The Canary Mission's profile of Jimenez also includes a 2014 Facebook post that he allegedly wrote in which he refers to Israel as "the racist apartheid theocracy terrorist sponsoring state called Israel." The organization also has posts allegedly made by Jimenez that include praise for convicted cop killer Assata Shakur and the claim that "all American presidents always used immunity for perpetuating systemic racism." PA SCHOOL FACES FURY AFTER MUSLIM CLUB’S PRO-PALESTINE BOOTH LEAVES JEWISH STUDENTS ‘SHAKEN’ Last year, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia published an open letter to Jimenez and the School District of Philadelphia, expressing its concerns about a video in which the educator "appears to rationalize the Hamas-led massacre of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7." "Mr. Jimenez, do you believe the 350+ young people – many of them peace activists – murdered at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7 deserved their fate? Do you justify the kidnapping of civilians, including elderly Holocaust Survivors and foreign nationals, who were taken simply for being present?," the federation wrote. "This is not about silencing dissent. It is about drawing a moral line," the letter, which was co-sponsored by other Jewish groups, read. TEACH-IN FOR 'PHILLY TO PALESTINE' SET FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY NAVI also noted in its letter that Jimenez co-founded the Racial Justice Organizing Committee (RJOC), an educator organization within the School District of Philadelphia. The watchdog group cited the organization's involvement in anti-Israel activism as another reason it believes the Smithsonian should not participate in the retreat. When outlining its concerns about Jimenez, NAVI also pointed to his role on the board of the W.E.B. Du Bois Movement School for Abolition and Reconstruction. The movement describes itself as "a political education program for aspiring revolutionaries and movement leaders from those communities most impacted by poverty, policing, and mass incarceration." NAVI has argued that Jimenez's record raises questions about whether he should help train educators responsible for shaping curriculum. "These concerns go directly to the question of whether Mr. Jimenez should be training educators to shape K-12 curriculum," the organization wrote. In its letter, NAVI called on the Smithsonian to withdraw its workshop and any institutional support for the retreat, clarify that it does not back "politicized approaches" to K-12 education and review internal procedures for participation in third-party educator trainings. The organization also urged the Smithsonian to "ensure that federal resources are not used to legitimize activists or organizations associated with antisemitism, ideological extremism, or those who rationalize terrorism." "The Smithsonian’s educational mission depends on public trust. That trust is undermined when a federal cultural institution lends its credibility to a K–12 curriculum event shaped by an activist with a record of anti-Israel extremism and antisemitism," the letter read. Fox News Digital reached out to the NMAAHC and Dr. King for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32812b19723856783271f6 Trump should expand his border crackdown. Timing is perfect to rein in Canada and Mexico te 2026-06-17T11:12:43.570Z Trump should expand his border crackdown. Timing is perfect to rein in Canada and Mexico Zero. Zilch. Nada. That’s how many illegal aliens have been released into the interior of our country for the past 12 months under President Donald Trump. The Trump administration swiftly ended the Biden era’s disastrous and dangerous catch-and-release policies and reinstated proper vetting protocols. Under 47, our country has sent a clear message: America’s border is secure and closed to lawbreakers.   Exhausted border communities and law enforcement agencies, once overwhelmed by uncontrolled migration flows, finally have relief under Trump’s security posture, achieving nearly full operational control of the border and fundamentally altering the security landscape of the U.S. For years, the American public watched the southern border with justified anxiety while the northern border flew under the radar, unpoliced, and largely ignored. Criminal cartels took notice of how President Joe Biden and Democrat politicians threw open the northern border, too, which devolved into a hot spot for human traffickers and terrorists – 358 known or suspected terrorists were apprehended at the northern border last year alone. Fortunately, the Trump administration put a spotlight on the vulnerabilities at our northern border and equipped northern Border Patrol units with proper tactical resources and patrol assets, especially those retrofitted for winter conditions. DHS BLAMES ‘WEAK’ BIDEN BORDER POLICIES AFTER PIRACY-LINKED SOMALI ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT NABBED AT NORTHERN BORDER The Trump administration has wisely recognized that national security and trade are inherently intertwined. If our trade partners to the north and south cannot or will not secure their side of the fence against fentanyl precursors, human smuggling and illicit trade that undercuts American workers, they cannot expect a seamless path into the American market. It’s that simple. The northern border, in particular, has become a sieve for organized crime. While the world watches the Rio Grande, cartels and Chinese state-linked actors have found a more polite entry point through our northern neighbor. Billions of dollars in illicit products are being transshipped through Canada, bypassing standard inspections and gutting the U.S. economy. Of course, current trade data doesn't account for these shadow economies draining the American treasury. We need a dedicated task force focused entirely on dismantling these smuggling pipelines and holding Canada responsible for its lax policies. National security demands that we stop treating trade agreements as static documents and start using them as active tools for law enforcement. MASSIVE MEXICO-CALIFORNIA BORDER BUSTS UNCOVER EYE-POPPING AMOUNT OF DRUGS: 'REMAIN VIGILANT' The July deadline for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) joint review is the most significant strategic lever the White House holds to secure our nation’s frontiers. By threatening not to renew the tripartite agreement this summer, the Trump administration could leverage key concessions from Canada and Mexico. Trump and his negotiators could ensure that our North American partners knock off their reckless policies that endanger America’s security and finally get serious about border security and agree to properly patrol, enforce and secure their sides of the border.  There is more to trade policy than just protecting domestic industry, and the Trump administration is rightly focusing on stopping the flow of deadly poison into American communities. The upcoming July renegotiations are the perfect opportunity to harmonize trade policy with border enforcement. PRESIDENT TRUMP’S DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY SETS THE PATH TO END THE DRUG CRISIS FOR GOOD We must launch a comprehensive war on illicit trade within the framework of the USMCA. For years, trade language has been toothless, focusing almost exclusively on simple counterfeiting. This overly narrow focus has created avenues for criminal cartels and foreign terrorist organizations to exploit for smuggling and sophisticated money laundering. We need to expand the legal definitions within the agreement to treat the movement of illicit goods as a direct violation of the trade partnership, allowing for immediate sanctions and the suspension of trade privileges for companies or regions that facilitate these shadow pipelines. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The United States must also demand that our partners enforce all of their borders. Currently, both Mexico and Canada exploit various indigenous-rights exceptions as a legal shield to ignore lawless zones within their borders. These unpoliced tribal areas have been systematically infiltrated by organized crime. These zones act as a black hole for law enforcement, serving as manufacturing hubs for contraband that eventually floods into American streets. The USMCA must be updated to ensure that no geographic zone is exempt from basic security standards and transparency requirements. The July deadline marks a fork in the road: We can continue to allow our trade partners to ignore the security costs of their self-inflicted lawlessness, or we can use the sunset clock to force their hands and drive a new era of accountability. If Canada and Mexico want access to the world’s most lucrative market, the United States of America, they must prove they are willing to be active, responsible partners in the war against fentanyl and illicit trade. President Trump has secured our borders. Now it is time for Canada and Mexico to hold up their side of the bargain. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32811819723856783271a5 Karmelo Anthony claims he's penniless as business records tied to parents draw scrutiny te 2026-06-17T11:12:24.120Z Karmelo Anthony claims he's penniless as business records tied to parents draw scrutiny MCKINNEY, Texas – As convicted killer Karmelo Anthony seeks a taxpayer-funded attorney for his appeal after claiming he is "penniless," newly reviewed public records show his parents activated a Texas business entity less than a month after the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf. The records do not establish that any fundraiser proceeds were routed through the company. Anthony's parents have not been accused of any wrongdoing or charged with a crime. Anthony, 19, was sentenced earlier this month to 35 years in prison after a Collin County jury convicted him of murder in the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco. Days after sentencing, Anthony filed paperwork seeking court-appointed counsel for his appeal. In the filing, Anthony described himself as a "penniless, destitute, and indigent person, too poor to employ counsel to represent me on the appeal." READ THE APPEAL Anthony's request comes after a GiveSendGo campaign launched on his behalf on April 15, 2025 — less than two weeks after Metcalf's death — raised $633,908 before being removed from public view following Anthony's conviction. Organizers said the fundraiser was created to support Anthony and his family as they navigated the legal battle. "We are grateful for your support during this incredibly difficult time for Karmelo Anthony and his family," organizers wrote. "This fundraiser has been established to provide comprehensive assistance to the Anthony family as they navigate the many challenges surrounding Karmelo's case." AUSTIN METCALF FAMILY FACING THREATS, FINANCIAL STRAIN AS KARMELO ANTHONY FUNDRAISING DRAWS SCRUTINY As Fox News Digital previously reported, fundraiser organizers said donations would help cover legal expenses, family relocation costs and other needs that arose as the case drew national attention. GiveSendGo later said the funds were distributed for lawful purposes, including legal defense and family relocation expenses. Public records reviewed by Fox News Digital show Anthony's parents, Andrew Anthony III and Kala Hayes, have been connected to multiple business entities in Louisiana and Texas. Louisiana records show Angelic Obsessions LLC was formed in July 2021 and later became inactive after being revoked by the Louisiana Secretary of State in November 2024. ONLINE FUNDRAISER FOR TEXAS TRACK MEET STABBING SUSPECT NEARS $150K Texas records show Angelic Obsessions LLC became active in Texas on April 26, 2025, 24 days after the fatal stabbing that led to Anthony's arrest. The filing lists Andrew Anthony III as the registered agent and an Arlington address as the company's registered office. Separate Louisiana records show Exclusive Luxury Services LLC, another entity connected to Anthony's parents, was formed in 2016 and later experienced multiple administrative actions, including a revocation in 2019, reinstatement in 2020 and a second revocation in November 2023, after which the company became inactive. The records reviewed by Fox News Digital do not indicate whether either company generated revenue, maintained assets or played any role in the family's finances during the criminal case. The filings also do not show whether fundraiser proceeds were ever distributed to either business entity. Andrew Anthony III declined to comment. Fox News Digital has reached out to GiveSendGo seeking clarification regarding the disposition of the fundraiser proceeds, whether any money remains available and what safeguards were used to ensure compliance with company policies. Fox News Digital has also sought comment from Anthony's defense team regarding the fundraiser, Anthony's request for court-appointed counsel and whether any funds remain available to finance his appeal. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a328104197238567832719c Colorado teacher fired after students allegedly pressured to kiss classmates in skits te 2026-06-17T11:12:04.659Z Colorado teacher fired after students allegedly pressured to kiss classmates in skits A Colorado teacher has been fired after an investigation found students were allegedly asked to kiss classmates during classroom skits, with some reporting they felt pressured to participate because the performances counted toward their grades. CBS News reported Monday that the Denver Public Schools board voted 7-0 on May 20 to terminate French language and culture teacher Jennifer Honka at Northeast Early College for "incompetence and neglect of duty," finding she had at times allegedly suggested that students kiss during in-class skits.  The outlet reported that an April 30 independent review, a copy of which was obtained by CBS Colorado, found that the students who were allegedly encouraged to kiss were always the same sex.  COLLEGE COURSE ASKS FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR SEXUALITY IN CONTROVERSIAL ASSIGNMENT: REPORT "One student told an NEC chemistry teacher about the skits in April 2024," CBS News reported. "The student was very uncomfortable and did not know what to do," the report said. "She went ahead and kissed another student at (Honka)'s direction. The student then shared a digital meme with (the chemistry teacher) that included a picture of (Honka) and the caption 'she makes girls kiss.' The meme had circulated among the students." Per the report, following this incident, "the student's attendance decreased dramatically." Additionally, CBS News reported that "One student interviewed directly in the independent review also testified that Honka always selected girls to act in the skits. Despite a nearly 50/50 split among boys and girls in the class, the student ‘could not recall Honka choosing a boy actor.’ This student refused to participate and testified that she received a zero score for a grade on this assignment." Another student reportedly walked out of the class, and an English teacher at the school "testified that several students approached her as well. One of the students ‘appeared upset and defeated,’ as stated in the independent review. ‘The student told (the English teacher) that she had been asked to kiss three other girls in one of (Honka)'s skits.’" RITZY PRIVATE ACADEMY ATTENDED BY KARDASHIAN KIDS FACES TRIAL IN BIZARRE 'KISSING CLUB' SCANDAL According to the report, the skits where Honka asked students to kiss were titled "The Neighbors Saw Everything" and "The Boring Kiss," which was about characters who were dating.  One student reportedly said that Honka had a classroom rule that went, "the answer is always 'yes'" which was used by Honka to encourage students to participate in the skits, which were biweekly and part of their performance grades.  Honka had allegedly disclosed to the class that she was a lesbian and an LGBTQ supporter. OHIO TEACHER SUES HIGH SCHOOL FOR DEMANDING HE REMOVE LGBT POSTER INSIDE CLASSROOM Jennifer Warren, the principal at Northeast Early College, filed a police report with the Denver Police Department following a third student who said there was kissing during class skits.  CBS News reported that Honka testified that "she did not force students to kiss and would give them alternatives such as blowing a kiss or ‘fist bumps’ if they were uncomfortable. One of the complaining students, in fact, did testify in the independent review that Honka ‘would allow students to pretend to kiss.’"  The report also alleged that Honka shared personal details, including fertility struggles, suicidal ideations, and being a victim of child abuse. She defended her personal disclosures to students in class in the report stating that she was trying to build trust with students, but one student who was struggling with suicide reportedly walked out of her class.  HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOWN INAPPROPRIATE IMAGES IN TEACHER'S SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION Keith J. Kirchubel, a Colorado administrative law judge, wrote in the independent review that, "Regardless of whether (Honka) 'forced' the participants to kiss, her choice of script forced them to express their preferences and consent about a very personal and sexualized activity on the spot in front of their peers." "They were also forced to determine whether they were comfortable dissenting from the direction of the script to their teacher, who was in a position of control over the situation," he continued. "[W]hile the notion of using skits as a way to teach French Language may have been effective in general, the way it was implemented by (Honka) was irresponsible and inappropriate," Kirchubel said. Honka now appears to be listed as an English language development teacher on the website of Malley Drive Elementary School in Northglenn, Colorado.  Scott Pribble, director of external communications for Denver Public Schools, told Fox News Digital in a statement, "The safety, emotional well-being, and dignity of our students are the absolute highest priorities of Denver Public School. All schools must be spaces where students feel safe, respected, and supported." Pribble continued, "Following a thorough district investigation and an independent review by a state administrative law judge, the DPS Board of Education voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Jennifer Honka. It was determined that her actions did not protect the best interests of the children in her classroom." He added, "We commend the bravery of the students who came forward to report these incidents, as well as the school staff who acted immediately as mandatory reporters. We remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct and ensuring our classrooms remain safe spaces for all." Fox News Digital reached out to Honka, Warren and Kristin Powers, principal at Malley Drive Elementary School, for comment but did not immediately receive responses. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3280f11972385678327193 View from the Gulf: Iran targeted Arabs and Jews alike — antisemitism does Tehran's work te 2026-06-17T11:11:45.205Z View from the Gulf: Iran targeted Arabs and Jews alike — antisemitism does Tehran's work When Iranian missiles and drones streaked across the skies of the Gulf this spring, they did not pause to ask who below was Arab and who was Jewish. They struck Abu Dhabi, Manama, Amman and they struck Tel Aviv. They killed civilians in the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait who were simply going about their lives, just as they killed Israelis sheltering with their children.  The regime in Tehran has never made a distinction between us. It is long past time the rest of the world stopped making one. Yet I have watched in disbelief as the response to this war, in too many Western cities and on too many Western campuses, has been a surge of hatred directed not at the regime that started it but at Jews.  FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE: FIVE YEARS ON, THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS STILL POINT THE WAY TO PEACE Monitoring groups recorded a spike in antisemitic incidents worldwide within days of the war's outbreak. Synagogues, Jewish schools and Jewish charities have been attacked from London to North America, with several plots traced back to fronts of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Think about what that means. The ayatollahs fire missiles at Jews in the Middle East, and their sympathizers answer by terrorizing Jews in the West. This is not only immoral. It is strategically illiterate. Blaming Jewish communities for Iranian aggression is precisely the outcome Tehran has spent four decades engineering. Antisemitism is the regime’s favorite export, cheaper than oil and far more corrosive. Every torched synagogue in Europe is a victory the IRGC did not have to pay for. If you want to see the alternative, come to my region. Walk through Dubai or Abu Dhabi today, and you will see rabbis moving openly through hotel lobbies and souks. You will find kosher restaurants, Jewish day schools and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue standing beside a mosque and a church at the Abrahamic Family House.  SIGN UP FOR ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED NEWSLETTER You will meet Jewish entrepreneurs and investors building companies with Emirati and even Iranian partners who live in the UAE, signing deals in Hebrew, Arabic, and English in the same afternoon. This is not a public relations exercise. It is daily life in the United Arab Emirates, and it is the most powerful rebuttal to antisemitism anywhere on earth: a Muslim-majority nation where Jewish life, like the lives of all communities in the UAE, is not merely tolerated but welcomed, protected and celebrated. That is exactly why Iran targets us. The UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities, including over 300,000 Iranians and 50,000 Americans who live and thrive in this land of peace, prosperity, and coexistence. It is also a country leading the AI industry as if it were the oil of the future and helping Arabs reach Mars. Tehran did not attack the Emirates despite our peace with everyone in the region. It attacked us because of it. Coexistence is the one weapon the regime cannot counter because its entire ideology depends on convincing Muslims, Jews and Christians that they are eternal enemies. The Abraham Accords proved that to be a lie, and the ayatollahs have never forgiven us for it. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Here is what the cynics predicted in 2020: that the Accords were a fair-weather arrangement that would collapse under the first real strain. The opposite has happened. Under fire, the partnership between the Abrahamic accords has deepened. Trade continues in the billions. The war has made our peace permanent. So when I see protesters in Western capitals chanting against Jews in the name of the war, I want to tell them what any Emirati or Bahraini could: you are not standing with the people of the Middle East. The people of the Middle East are building a future with the Jewish people, as neighbors, partners and friends. You are standing with a dying regime that kills Arabs, Jews and Persians with equal enthusiasm and who would happily watch your own societies tear themselves apart over the oldest hatred in history. The choice before the region has never been clearer. There is the Tehran model: missiles, militias, conspiracy and ruin. And there is the Abu Dhabi model: synagogues beside mosques, commerce instead of chaos and two peoples who chose each other when it would have been easier not to. My region has made its choice. The West should stop letting the mob make its choice for it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3280dd197238567832718a Lionel Messi's greatness shines with World Cup hat trick against Algeria te 2026-06-17T11:11:25.807Z Lionel Messi's greatness shines with World Cup hat trick against Algeria Lionel Messi continues to show why he’s the best soccer player in the world. The Argentine star led his squad to a 3-0 victory against Algeria in their first group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night. He delivered all three goals for his side, picking up the first World Cup hat trick of his career. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE The three goals moved him into a tie with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the career scoring record at the World Cup. He broke down in tears after scoring his first goal. "My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to football. And those feelings were because of that," Messi said after the match, without providing details. "I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me." Messi had been battling through a hamstring injury, which has plagued him for Inter Miami during the Major League Soccer season. However, he seemed fine in a friendly against Iceland leading up to the World Cup. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE "This is my sixth World Cup, and I still feel like I’m in good shape," Messi said. "Fortunately, I’m doing well, and today we managed to win a tough match. It’s important to start the tournament with a victory in the first game, as that’s never easy in a World Cup." Messi’s heroics on the pitch drew a reaction from another superstar athlete – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes posted a few goat emojis during Messi’s performance. Messi is in his sixth World Cup, marking two decades of dominance on the field. He led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022. "It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I’m living through now is the cherry on top," Messi said. "I’m very happy and grateful for this wonderful group. I enjoy it so much." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3280b11972385678327142 Pinterest launches an experimental AI shopping app called ‘Ask Pinterest’ te 2026-06-17T11:10:41.102Z Pinterest launches an experimental AI shopping app called ‘Ask Pinterest’ Pinterest has launched 'Ask Pinterest,' an experimental AI-powered shopping app that lets users seek recommendations and inspiration through a conversational interface. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32809d1972385678327139 Uber will bring its premium robotaxi service to Houston in 2027 te 2026-06-17T11:10:21.651Z Uber will bring its premium robotaxi service to Houston in 2027 This will be the second market to have an Uber robotaxi service outfitted with Lucid EVs equipped with a self-driving system from Nuro. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3279ad1972385678327000 Thief uses Waymo as a getaway car te 2026-06-17T10:40:45.615Z Thief uses Waymo as a getaway car A getaway car with no driver? That is a new one. Police say that is what happened outside Hot 8 Yoga in San Francisco's Marina district. Police records reportedly show that a burglar slipped inside the studio, grabbed activewear and got out in under three minutes. Waiting outside was a Waymo robotaxi. The suspect allegedly loaded the stolen clothing into the trunk, climbed in and rode away as if the whole thing were a normal pickup. That is what makes this case so wild. A basic burglary suddenly turned into a bigger question about self-driving cars, privacy and police evidence. What happens when a robotaxi becomes part of a crime scene? Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report UBER UNVEILS A NEW ROBOTAXI WITH NO DRIVER BEHIND THE WHEEL The suspect allegedly used the autonomous vehicle the same way someone might use a regular ride-hail car. The Waymo vehicle dropped him off near the yoga studio, waited while the burglary happened and then drove him away. That is the part that makes you stop and say, wait, what? There was no driver to look back and wonder why someone was loading stolen activewear into the trunk. No one behind the wheel to say, "Something feels off here." The car simply followed the ride request. In a statement to CyberGuy, San Francisco Police Department confirmed officers responded on Jan. 9, 2026, to a business on the 3300 block of Fillmore Street regarding a burglary that occurred at about 4:07 a.m. Police said an employee reported that an unknown suspect burglarized the business, stole items and fled in a vehicle. SFPD described the case as an "open and active investigation" and said, "No arrest has been made at this time." Anyone with information can call SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. Police believe this may be San Francisco's first known case of someone using a self-driving car to flee a crime scene. And yes, the stolen haul reportedly included men's shorts. That bizarre detail gives the whole thing a strange twist. But underneath it all, there is a real question here. What happens when a robotaxi becomes part of the crime? At first, this sounds like an easy case to solve. Waymo vehicles have cameras. Riders need accounts. Payment information is usually tied to the trip. So, you might think the police would have a clear trail. That did not happen here. Police reportedly obtained a search warrant for Waymo account information and footage from the vehicle. The detective on the case said the account information did not lead police to the suspect. He also said the company no longer had interior footage by the time the warrant was filed months later. The outside footage had another issue. Faces were blurred for privacy. That created a strange problem. The same privacy protections that help protect innocent bystanders may also make it harder to identify someone suspected of a crime. When contacted by CyberGuy, Waymo declined to comment on this specific burglary. More broadly, Waymo says it carefully reviews each law enforcement request to make sure it satisfies applicable laws and has a valid legal basis. The company says it closely scrutinizes those requests and may narrow the scope or push back when needed. Waymo also says it does not use facial recognition or other biometric identification technologies to identify people. That detail is important here because these cars see a lot as they move through a city. Waymo says its cameras and sensors help the vehicle understand its surroundings and drive safely in real time. The company also says that information helps improve the Waymo Driver over time. In other words, Waymo says its technology can recognize that it sees a person, but it does not match that person to an individual identity. To me, that is where this story gets complicated. If a real crime happens, you want the police to have useful evidence. At the same time, you probably do not want every self-driving car turning into a rolling surveillance camera with no clear limits. That balance between safety, privacy and police access may become a much bigger issue as robotaxis show up in more cities. This case shows how quickly an old-fashioned crime can run into new technology. A burglar once needed a friend, a taxi or a stolen car. Now, someone can call a driverless ride with an app and leave the scene without ever dealing with a human driver. That creates a problem for the police. If the ride was ordered with stolen information or a burner phone, the account may not point to the person who actually committed the crime. And even with all those cameras, the footage may not show what investigators need. That is the part that stands out to me. We often assume more cameras mean more answers. But this case shows that assumption can fall apart fast. If key video gets deleted, faces stay blurred or the account information leads nowhere, a high-tech getaway car may still leave police with very old-fashioned detective work. FACIAL RECOGNITION JAILS INNOCENT GRANDMOTHER, ATTORNEY SAYS If robotaxis operate where you live or where you travel, this story should get your attention. These cars are no longer test vehicles quietly roaming around a few streets. They are picking people up, dropping them off and now, in this case, showing up in a police investigation. That is what makes this so important. A self-driving car can become a witness, a source of evidence or even the ride someone uses to leave a crime scene. At the same time, privacy protections can create a real tradeoff. Blurring faces may protect people walking down the street who have nothing to do with a crime. But it may also limit what police can use later. And this case proves something else. Cameras alone do not guarantee answers. A vehicle can record plenty of data and still miss the one image, account detail or clue investigators need. For riders, here is the part to remember. A robotaxi may feel private because no driver sits up front. But it still leaves a digital trail. Before you climb in, assume the trip, the account and some vehicle data may be recorded. This case also gives riders something to think about. A robotaxi may feel more private because no driver sits up front. But the vehicle can still collect trip details, account information and sensor data. Review the company's privacy policy so you understand what it collects, how long it may keep certain data and when it may share information with law enforcement. You do not need to read every line like a lawyer. Look for sections about cameras, audio, trip history, account data and legal requests. Avoid sharing sensitive personal details during a robotaxi ride unless you really need to. That includes financial information, passwords, medical details or private family matters. Also, be careful about phone calls on speaker. Even without a human driver, you should treat the space like a connected vehicle. Use a credit card instead of a debit card when possible. Credit cards often offer stronger fraud protections if an account gets compromised. Check your ride receipts and payment alerts. If you see a trip you did not take, report it right away. If you feel unsafe during a ride, use the app's help or emergency option. Take screenshots of your trip details if you can do so safely. If you see a robotaxi near a crime or emergency, remember that useful footage may depend on timing and legal process. Police may need a warrant or another valid request before a company turns over data. That gap between what the car saw and what investigators can later use can make a big difference. HOW SURVEILLANCE TECH LED POLICE TO ACCUSE THE WRONG PERSON Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay here: CyberGuyLive.com A burglar using a Waymo as a getaway car sounds almost ridiculous, but the privacy questions are very real. These vehicles can capture a lot of what happens around them. Still, that does not mean police will always get clear evidence or a quick answer. This case also shows why timing matters. If footage is deleted, blurred or tied to a stolen account, a high-tech vehicle may not solve the crime as easily as you might expect. To me, this is where cities need to catch up. Robotaxis are already on the road. Now we need clearer rules for how long footage is kept, when police can access it and how innocent people's privacy is protected. Would you feel safer knowing robotaxis keep more footage for police, or more concerned about what that could mean for your privacy? 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/6a3277e61972385678326fa8 Our View: Mohave County’s Opportunity Zone strategy is a smart play for smart growth te 2026-06-17T10:33:10.816Z Our View: Mohave County’s Opportunity Zone strategy is a smart play for smart growth Mohave County’s push for five new Opportunity Zone designations is a calculated, forward-looking move that deserves local backing. Instead of drawing random lines on a map and hoping for a miracle, the county targeted specific pockets where economic momentum is… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3277d21972385678326f9f Ask the doctors: Take care of your mouth's microbiome te 2026-06-17T10:32:50.855Z Ask the doctors: Take care of your mouth's microbiome Dear Doctors: On Dr. Eve Glazier's podcast, a dentist strongly recommended using a tongue scraper for oral health. Then I came across one of your columns, which warns against cleaning one's tongue. I'm confused. Can someone clear this up? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3277911972385678326f6d Attorney for Denver Broncos defender Jonathon Cooper plays race card in domestic abuse case te 2026-06-17T10:31:45.313Z Attorney for Denver Broncos defender Jonathon Cooper plays race card in domestic abuse case Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been in the news for all the wrong reasons this offseason and that continued Tuesday when his attorney claimed race played a role in the domestic abuse case involving the Black player and his White ex-girlfriend. Both Cooper and Jade Fiegen were arrested two weeks ago when police arrived at the player's Colorado residence and determined an altercation over the contents of each other's phones had occurred, according to court records. But on Tuesday, the 23rd Judicial District Attorney in Douglas County dropped the charges against Fiegen. The prosecutor also decided to continue with charges against Cooper — meaning the player still faces five charges, including second-degree assault-strangulation, which is a felony. JONATHON COOPER BREAKS SILENCE AFTER DOMESTIC ABUSE ARREST WITH AN APOLOGY Cooper is expected to be in court on Wednesday but before that happened, the lawyers for both parties released statements to 9News and Cooper's attorney cited race as the reason his client is still on the hook. "White woman admits she was the aggressor," Harvey Steinberg said in his statement to the TV station. "Admits she grabbed my client’s phone out of his hand. Admits she went through it without his permission. Admits she threw it against the wall, damaging it. She makes allegations against my client which police don’t appear to believe. Charges dismissed against white woman. Prosecution against Black man continues. Justice in America." Attorney Ronald Gainor, who represents Fiegen, offered a different perspective and took a vastly different approach. He didn't mention race. "She should never have been charged in the first place and the decision today by the district attorney's office confirms that," Gainor said in his statement to 9News. "This decision really goes a long way in vindicating her and we're very happy with the court's decision today." Cooper's attorney accusing the prosecution of favoring the woman because she's White probably isn't going to earn him points if this goes to trial. It's borderline unbecoming. But Cooper's alleged offseason activity has been that as well. The woman and Cooper were both arrested two weeks ago when an altercation began at Cooper's residence over allegations of infidelity. That escalated into a physical struggle involving their cell phones, according to arrest records. Fiegen accused Cooper of cheating on her despite the pair being in a four-year relationship. NFL FACING OFFSEASON DOMESTIC ABUSE EPIDEMIC Then things got weird. Cooper apologized for the incident on his social media account. Then, he was arrested a second time in a week and had to appear in court (again) when he violated a protection order. Cooper allegedly sent Fiegen a series of text messages and showed up outside her apartment. That earned Cooper two more misdemeanor charges. So now Cooper faces five charges in total: The Broncos, by the way, opened a mandatory minicamp on Tuesday but Cooper was not present because he was excused. FORMER NFL FIRST-ROUND PICK DARRON LEE INDICTED ON FIRST-DEGREE MURDER CHARGE IN GIRLFRIEND'S DEATH "We’ve excused him from this minicamp," coach Sean Payton told reporters. "He’s taking this time; obviously, he’s got to work on himself. The club is very much in tune to the league office, local authorities here, and we’ve had several meetings. "Clearly, from an ownership standpoint, head coach, organizationally, there’s a bar we have and an expectation we have that’s very high. We’ll consider all that as we continue to gather information." That doesn't sound like the Broncos are 100 percent certain Cooper will be able to play for them at the start of the 2026 season, or even be on the team. It's possible Cooper might be in jail. It's possible Cooper might have to serve an NFL-mandated suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. It's possible the club simply decides Cooper, who has 27 sacks the past three seasons, isn't worth the aggravation or distraction. A troubling offseason can sometimes do that. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32777d1972385678326f64 Liberty expected to dominate struggling Sky as losing streak reaches eight games te 2026-06-17T10:31:25.857Z Liberty expected to dominate struggling Sky as losing streak reaches eight games It is a series-ending day in baseball, and I have to admit, most of the series to start the week haven't been all that intriguing to me. I love daily baseball as it gives a great option for us to bet on, but sometimes the pitching matchups or the games in general leave a lot left to be desired. Tonight, I'm going to the hardwood and the WNBA where the Liberty take on the Sky. The New York Liberty are expected to be one of the best teams in the league, and to this point, they look like it. They are 10-4 for the season, and they are dealing with the absence of one of their best players. That is mostly a testament to their depth. Sabrina Ionescu, the missing player, did return the other night for just the second game of her season, and scored five points in 26 minutes off the bench. If she can get back into game speed/form, she will add another level to a dynamic offense.  I expect the Liberty to try and do some inside-outside game here. Their goal, right now at least, should be trying to get Ionescu back into the flow of the team. If they can send the ball into the post with Jonquel Jones or Breanna Stewart, they can encourage the Chicago Sky to collapse on them and then kick it out to Ionescu for some open threes.  The Sky are struggling to this point in the season. After a hot start, they lost their leading scorer, Rickeya Jackson. She is done for the season, and though they have some players who will step up, they still have some work to be done to figure out how to make this work for some wins. Jackson went down in the fourth game and the Sky were 3-1. Since then, they've gone 1-8.  Their other big veteran they added in the offseason was Skylar Diggins. She has already said this has been a frustrating season and that the team doesn't really know how to turn it around. At this point, I wouldn't try to turn it around. They have a good chance to earn the No. 1 pick in the draft and they should go that route. JuJu Watkins was injured last season and will be back this year. If she is the same player she was, she is franchise changing if they can draft her.  When I saw the line on this game I was a bit shocked. The Sky have lost their past three games by eight points, seven points and 17. The five previous losses were all by double digits or more. They aren't close in most of these games. The last game the Sky played was against the Fever, and everyone tries harder against Indiana. They still lost, in overtime, by eight. The Liberty, meanwhile, have been crushing teams, winning each of the past five games by at least eight points. They will make it six straight with wins of at least eight points. Give me the Liberty -7.5. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32776a1972385678326f5b Trump says Senate hearing on DNI nominee is cancelled until US attorney replacement confirmed te 2026-06-17T10:31:06.403Z Trump says Senate hearing on DNI nominee is cancelled until US attorney replacement confirmed President Donald Trump declared in an early Wednesday morning Truth Social post that a scheduled Senate hearing on Jay Clayton's nomination to serve as director of national intelligence would not move forward Wednesday. The U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has a hearing on Clayton's nomination for DNI scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. But the president said the hearing will not take place until Jamie McDonald has been confirmed to fill the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York post. President Trump tied the move to an ongoing dispute over renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, claiming Democrats backed away from an agreement to support the surveillance authority after Republicans agreed to move away from Bill Pulte as acting DNI. The provision allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications of foreign targets located outside the U.S. TRUMP PICKS JAMES MCDONALD TO LEAD POWERFUL SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AFTER JAY CLAYTON'S DEPARTURE The president further said he would not support renewal of FISA authorities unless Congress also advances the SAVE AMERICA ACT, a voting-security measure backed by the administration. Clayton's hearing had been scheduled amid a broader debate over the future of U.S. intelligence leadership and the reauthorization of key surveillance authorities. TRUMP NOMINATES JAY CLAYTON, FORMER SEC CHAIRMAN, CURRENT US ATTORNEY, AS INTELLIGENCE DIRECTOR "Regarding the approval of our Great Patriot, Jay Clayton, we are cancelling the Senate Hearing RE: DNI today, and will not be going forward until Jamie McDonald is approved to be U.S. Attorney. In the meantime, Bill Pulte will remain as the Acting Director of National Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. Pulte "will take over on June 19th," the president declared in a post last week. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP "The Republicans agreed with Dumocrats to remove very fair, and talented, William Pulte, from serving as Acting DNI in return for getting FISA approved by the Dumocrats. However, the Republicans moved so fast with the hearings of the Great Jay Clayton, current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, that Pulte would be gone before the Dumocrats would vote on FISA. Now, the Dumocrats are saying they will vote against FISA — So, the Republicans wound up having fulfilled their commitment, but Dumocrats broke the Deal," Trump said in his post on Wednesday morning. REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: LAWMAKERS SCRAMBLE AS FISA FIGHT COMES AT THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME "In addition, the newly nominated U.S. Attorney, Jamie McDonald, must be confirmed and blue slipped. Because of the ridiculous views of Republicans on blue slipping (Dumocrats are often willing to nix it), I may not be able to get the extraordinary Sullivan & Cromwell Partner, Jamie, approved, and I don’t want to take Jay Clayton away from the great job he is doing until Jamie is in place. Therefore, to add a slight bit of intrigue but, for the Good of the Nation, and the People of our Country, I will not approve FISA without THE SAVE AMERICA ACT going along with it. Not complicated, actually, the Republicans fell into a trap," he added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3277561972385678326f52 Can someone explain why doctors insist on weighing us with keys and wallets in our pockets? te 2026-06-17T10:30:46.953Z Can someone explain why doctors insist on weighing us with keys and wallets in our pockets? It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to get some complaints off our chest with the latest edition of The Gripe Report. This week, we'll be discussing something that is a necessary evil, even if we all try to avoid it at all costs: going to the doctor. No matter how healthy you are or how well you take care of yourself, you're going to end up at some kind of doctor at some point. And while I appreciate what they do — you know, keeping me alive — I never leave the doctor, eye doctor, or dentist without some complaints. WAIT... WHO IS ACTUALLY USING HIGHWAY REST STOP BBQ GRILLS? Though, in fairness, it's rare I leave anywhere without some complaints. I mean, I am the Gripe Report guy. You’d think that scheduling a visit should be the easiest part of going to the doctor. I thought this too until recently. For my entire adult life to this point, making an appointment was as simple as making a phone call. Now an app has been thrown into the mix, and I wish that was the end of the problem, but it isn’t. My doctor told me to make a follow-up virtual appointment (more on those in a second), and he originally told me the ladies at the front desk would handle this by calling me. FROM GYM INJURIES TO TOP-40 MYSTERIES, THESE ARE FIVE TELLTALE SIGNS YOU ARE PAST YOUR PRIME They did not. I wrote them a message in the app, and was told to call the office. So, I called my doctor’s office, but while this is the "front desk" number, it actually goes to some call center for the wider health system. That’s usually not a problem, but for some reason it was this time when I said I needed to schedule a virtual appointment. The lady on the phone was helpful until I said it was supposed to be a virtual appointment, because at that point she just completely froze and told me the front desk would reach out to me and do it. I was getting so sick of this that I knew it was inevitable that the front desk would not call and I’d have to do this same song and dance again, which I did.  Finally, I got it scheduled, but should scheduling what amounts to a Zoom call with your doctor — who told you to set it up — require multiple phone calls, a message in an app and me muttering swear words under my breath while on hold? Call me crazy, but I don’t think it should. Now, while scheduling a virtual appointment is a real pain in the a--, if you can finally jump through all the hoops and solve whatever riddles they try to throw in your way, they’re great. I’m just mad no one really told me about these sooner. Sure, I knew they existed, but for years, I had been scheduling early-morning appointments and driving across town in rush-hour traffic like an idiot. Not one did someone say, "Hey, this could’ve been handled without you having to come in, and also you don’t need to change out of the shorts you slept in." I think they just thought it was funny to see me roll in early just so I could have the following exchange with the doctor: Doctor: "Are the meds working for you?" Me: "Yup, no problems." Doctor: "Good… see you back here in six months." End Scene. I guess they started to feel bad and decided to let me in on the secret. I know this sounds like a bit that a hacky ‘80s comic would do, but it still happens in the Year of our Lord 2026. How? Just how? When your job is to dig around in someone's mouth while their jaw cramps up from having to hold it wide open like they’re the guy in Edvard Munch’s "The Scream," maybe it’s not the right time to ask the patient what their summer plans are. I try to answer because I’m not a monster, and they have to pull the little metal hook and mirror setup out of my mouth so I can say, "The wife and I are going to the beach," and it prolongs how long I have to lie in the chair being blinded by the dentist’s light.  Personally, I’m not a fan of small talk anytime someone is doing work on me because I want them focused on the work. I feel that way about haircuts too. I don’t mind some small talk, but when you’re poking and prodding me with metal instruments, please, please place all of your focus on that. And while we’re talking about dentists, it drives me insane when they pick and scrape at your teeth and gums and then say, "A little bit of blood there; just be sure to keep up with flossing." Funny because the only time my gums ever bleed is when I'm at the dentist and they repeatedly pick at them with a mini version of Candyman’s hook hand. … Everyone remember that movie "Candyman?" I’m a guy who could always stand to lose a few pounds, but let’s get real about the method of weighing you at the doctor. We all know that the right way to weigh yourself is in the morning and fully nude, and if you can even work up a nice sesh on the ol’ porcelain bowl, well, that could even help you out more. At the doctor, they don’t abide by this. I’m not saying we should be stripping down at the doctor’s office just to get weighed. I just want them to stop weighing us with keys, wallets and phones in our pockets and our shoes on. I don’t fall for it anymore, nor should you. To my doctor’s credit, they scored some little end table at Goodwill or at someone’s dead grandma’s estate sale, and they plopped it right next to the scale. That way you can just empty your pockets real quick and — voila! — guess who just dropped a pound? If I’m thinking of it, I’ll even pop my shoes off just to get that number down as low as I can, because I’m not so sure doctors ever factor this in. "You're x pounds overweight." No, I’m x-5 pounds overweight. It’s not my fault you weighed me with my keys, wallet, phone, shoes, jacket, and pack of fishing sinkers. That’s significant. Few things get my heart racing like racing to sit in that weird padded chair at one end of the room while trying to read small letters off of a mirror at the other end of the room. For my entire life, I have suffered from what doctors refer to as "sh-tty eyesight." So, that means that every year I go in for new contacts and glasses, and that means the pressure is on for me to crush the stupid eye chart. Now, I don’t know why I’m like this. Maybe I’m competitive. Maybe I just like being right, but the goal of the eye chart is to help the doctor figure out what kind of prescription you need. Not so she can be wowed by your ability to distinguish P’s from B’s at great distances. Which, by the way, this test is diabolical in how they use letters that kind of look alike. Half the time, I just flip a coin between P’s and F’s and B’s and E’s. Yes, my unaided eyesight is that bad. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! I put this pressure on myself, sure, but I’ve been doing it my entire life like I think that if I miss too many lines, the doctor will just throw his hands up and leave me sitting behind that bizarre eyeglass contraption. Also, eye doctors, get rid of that thing that blows a puff of air in your eyes. I switched to a new doctor a few years ago and they have some other technology that does the same thing without drying out your eyes with blasts of air. ... That's it for this week's edition of The Gripe Report! Be sure to send in your gripes for the next one: matthew.reigle@outkick.com Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32755f1972385678326edb A problem hiding in plain sight is keeping Americans from buying homes te 2026-06-17T10:22:23.884Z A problem hiding in plain sight is keeping Americans from buying homes Builders reveal a critical labor shortage in their field is fueling the housing affordability crisis in America. America needs more homes, but the industry doesn't have nearly enough workers to build them. With too few skilled laborers to meet the growing demand, construction is taking longer, costs are rising and, as a result, the much-needed housing supply in the U.S. remains constrained. Experts in the industry point to an aging workforce, a lack of younger Americans entering the skilled trades and immigration policies that they say have failed to keep pace with labor needs. "Labor is one of the largest and most expensive inputs when it comes to home production and land development," Jim Tobin, president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, told Fox News Digital. THE SURPRISING HOUSING STRATEGY FUELING GROWTH ACROSS AMERICA'S FASTEST-GROWING RED STATES He said that every month, the construction industry is short by approximately 250,000 workers. "It's been as high as 400,000 jobs short when we were really cooking along a few years ago," Tobin said, adding that the labor gap "is a persistent shortage." And the industry's labor needs are only expected to grow in coming years. A recent Home Builders Institute and National Association of Home Builders report estimates builders will need roughly 723,000 new workers annually to keep pace with demand and help close the nation's 1.5 million-home housing gap. ONE TYPE OF PROPERTY IS QUIETLY SAVING AMERICANS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS The shortage is already affecting how quickly homes can be built. According to Home Builders Institute President and CEO Ed Brady, labor constraints are extending construction timelines and driving up costs. "This shortage adds nearly two extra months to building timelines, inflating costs and delaying delivery," Brady told Fox News Digital. Builders say replenishing the skilled trades pipeline is only part of the solution. While builders continue to invest in workforce development programs and encourage more young Americans to enter the skilled trades, Tobin argued for immigration reform measures that he says will benefit the industry. FLORIDA AND TEXAS ARE BATTLING FOR NEW RESIDENTS. DESANTIS THINKS HE FOUND AN ADVANTAGE "It's not only about training more people to come into the industry as our current generation ages out of the skilled trades, but it's also the immigration problem that we have in this country," he said. Tobin said many construction jobs do not require a four-year college degree and can provide stable, middle-class careers, but the home construction industry has struggled for years to attract enough workers to replace retiring tradespeople. At the same time, builders have become increasingly reliant on immigrant labor. According to the National Association of Home Builders, immigrants account for roughly one-third of the homebuilding contractor workforce. Tobin called on lawmakers to modernize the nation's immigration system, including creating legal pathways for workers already in the country and expanding visa opportunities for those seeking construction jobs. "We've got to find a way to modernize our immigration laws," Tobin said. "We've got to create a visa system for people who want to work legally in this country, in the construction industry." Without additional workers entering the labor force, Tobin said, builders will continue to face challenges meeting housing demand and bringing more homes to market. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32754c1972385678326ed2 Lines wrap around block as customers wait hours for viral dot cakes that sell out within minutes te 2026-06-17T10:22:04.427Z Lines wrap around block as customers wait hours for viral dot cakes that sell out within minutes A colorful cake trend is drawing long lines, sellouts and even international visitors as social media users scramble to get their hands on a dessert that's gone viral online. Known as Dot Cakes, the individual cakes topped with a thick layer of rainbow nonpareil sprinkles have exploded in popularity on TikTok and Instagram over the past month. Videos featuring the desserts have attracted millions of views, while customers line up outside Butterfield Market locations on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on restock days hoping to purchase one before they sell out. PEOPLE ARE FREEZING THIS SWEET TREAT AND SHARING IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 'MADE MY TEETH HURT' The cakes are made by Dot Cakes, a mother-daughter business in Roslyn, New York, and have been carried by Butterfield Market since last fall. The cakes, which sell for $11 each at Butterfield, are available in flavors including classic white, vanilla chip, chocolate and red velvet. Joelle Obstaz, one of Butterfield Market's owners, told Fox News Digital that demand surged after several social media posts attracted millions of views. "About three to four weeks ago, there were a few reels that hit Instagram and TikTok that had millions of views," Obstaz said. The sudden demand forced the century-old market to quickly rethink how it distributed the cakes. 'OVERRATED' OR WORTH THE HYPE? SHOPPERS DIVIDED AS COOKIE MILK TREND GOES VIRAL Since customers often begin lining up well before the cakes become available, Butterfield created a ticket system to manage demand. A ticket allows customers to purchase up to two Dot Cakes. "The lines are still going strong," Obstaz said. Butterfield receives about 1,280 Dot Cakes across its two locations every Wednesday and Sunday, according to Obstaz, and the cakes routinely sell out. The popularity has attracted customers from well beyond Manhattan. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "We've been getting people from all over coming in from other countries ... looking for Dot Cakes," Obstaz said. The trend has also spread online, where users have begun posting homemade versions of the cakes in an effort to recreate the viral dessert. "It's definitely created a buzz online that people are recreating Dot Cakes everywhere," Obstaz said. For Butterfield, the attention marks another chapter in the evolution of a family business that has been operating for more than 100 years. The upscale grocery and specialty food store calls itself "authentic New York" and has been in business on Lexington Avenue since 1915. In September 2020, it opened another location on Madison Avenue and East 85th Street.  The Dot Cake craze is not the only product drawing crowds to Butterfield.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES The frozen yogurt offerings also continue to attract long lines, with customers often waiting to get their hands on popular flavors. Butterfield has built a social media following through collaborations with influencers Bridgette and Danielle Pheloung, as well as Health by Hunter. Obstaz said those relationships developed organically through friendships. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "It's just people that we're friends with that we want to have fun with," she said. Despite the rapid rise of the Dot Cake craze, Obstaz said the goal remains the same. "We've tried to hold onto our core values while embracing all the new fun things we can," she said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3275381972385678326ec9 Trump DNI pick braces for Senate grilling as temporary stand-in fuels Dem pressure te 2026-06-17T10:21:44.971Z Trump DNI pick braces for Senate grilling as temporary stand-in fuels Dem pressure Former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Walter "Jay" Clayton will face senators at an expectedly tense confirmation hearing to become the director of national intelligence Wednesday. The forum comes amid Democrats’ weeks-long uproar over President Donald Trump’s temporary pick for the job – homebuilder scion and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte. Clayton is currently serving as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, which is considered the most prominent of the dozens of national posts – with alumni ranging from Rudy Giuliani to Preet Bharara. TRUMP NOMINATES JAY CLAYTON, FORMER SEC CHAIRMAN, CURRENT US ATTORNEY, AS INTELLIGENCE DIRECTOR Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a top Trump critic – expressed to reporters Tuesday that concerns over Pulte could actually help push Clayton through following his Intelligence Committee appearance. "[I] would love to hear some reassurance from the White House that Bill Pulte is not going to take over as DNI, even for a very short period of time, but that I don't anticipate that coming," he said. Kelly said that Pulte looming over the intelligence community might be an "incentive" to move Clayton through "on a faster timeline." TRUMP NAMES BILL PULTE ACTING DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE "But to do that, we have to have everybody in the committee," he said. Democrats have accused Pulte of playing politics with his powers at FHFA and worry that his lack of intel credentials and alleged partisanship endanger the role of DNI. Trump dismissed such claims, saying "Dumocrats" are inordinately "afraid" of Pulte. WHY TRUMP PICKED BILL PULTE TO LEAD US INTELLIGENCE AS CRITICS QUESTION HIS QUALIFICATIONS Clayton, meanwhile, comes before Congress with a resume that may be easier for Democrats to digest in the narrow-GOP-majority upper chamber. While Clayton also doesn’t come from the intel community, he does have the prosecutorial chops some critics may be assuaged by. As SDNY’s top federal prosecutor, Clayton has overseen cases involving violent crime, drug trafficking, Wall Street-related enforcement and national security matters, while avoiding public controversy of other Trump picks. SENATE PUSH TO REAUTHORIZE NATION’S SPY POWERS STUMBLES OVER CONTROVERSIAL TRUMP DECISION Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said that Clayton’s role as SDNY does crossover into intelligence matters. "Jay Clayton is an eminently qualified individual to become the new director of national intelligence. And so we are looking forward to processing him this week. [Intelligence Committee] Chairman Cotton will be … [holding] his confirmation hearing tomorrow… and hopefully reporting him out later in the week." Returning to concerns over Democrat roadblocks for another Trump pick, Thune noted it would take cooperation of the minority party to fast-track the nomination. The hearing will bear out whether that becomes the case. Fox News’ Tyler Olson contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3275251972385678326ec0 'Happy Face' killer warns fellow serial killer Rex Heuermann could be 'tossed to the wolves' in prison te 2026-06-17T10:21:25.516Z 'Happy Face' killer warns fellow serial killer Rex Heuermann could be 'tossed to the wolves' in prison Keith Jesperson, the "Happy Face" serial killer who has been trading prison letters with Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann, is warning that the hulking former architect could face a reality check when he's shipped upstate this month. "The problem with Rex is his size — he thinks prison will be a cake walk because of how big his ego is," Jesperson, 71, wrote in a text message to podcaster Keith Rovere. "[I] had to tell him the little guys work out too, to beat up us big guys. He will have some fights, even in protective custody." The message was shared with Fox News Digital. In it, Jesperson warned that Heuermann, 62, might even be "tossed to the wolves" by prison guards at some point. "Keith is almost 7 feet tall, and he took a couple beatings," Rovere told Fox News Digital Thursday. "It's a numbers game in prison, no matter how big you are." BRYAN KOHBERGER TRADED DEATH PENALTY FOR LIFE SENTENCE THAT COULD STILL END VIOLENTLY BEHIND BARS Heuermann remains in custody at the Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead, New York. He will be moved to a state prison after his formal sentencing on June 17. When asked if he thinks Heuermann may have more victims, Jesperson, who admitted to killing eight himself, declined to answer. "What l think isn't important," he wrote in a message to Fox News Digital. "We just have to wait and see on the 17th." Dubbed the "Happy Face Killer" for drawings he included in letters to the media, Jesperson said he'd rekindled a correspondence with Heuermann after the latter pleaded guilty, something Jesperson had urged him to do for years. "He basically has told me thank you for letting him know about the process in the system dealing with [serial killer] cases," Jesperson told Fox News Digital. ‘HAPPY FACE’ SERIAL KILLER NEARLY CONFESSED BRUTAL MURDERS TO TEEN DAUGHTER: ‘YOU’LL TELL THE AUTHORITIES’ Writing from a prison in Oregon, Jesperson said Heuermann would've had nothing to gain by taking his case to trial given the evidence against him — which includes transferred hair DNA from his then-wife and daughter on some of the victims. Heuermann's ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, said through her attorney Thursday that she would not be attending his sentencing. "Ms. Ellerup believes this day should be centered on the victims, their families, and the profound impact these crimes have had on their lives," her attorney, Bob Macedonio, told Fox News Digital. "Out of respect for those who have endured unimaginable loss and suffering, she does not wish her presence to distract from the purpose of these proceedings. Her thoughts remain with the victims and their loved ones as they continue their pursuit of justice, healing, and closure." Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney has said investigators do not believe the family was involved in Heuermann's crimes. "Probably why he pleaded guilty and avoid the trials," Jesperson wrote. "Told him nothing to gain in the trials and everything to lose. Suggested him not to make a statement to the court at sentencing; however, his lawyers might be pushing him to." GILGO BEACH KILLER REX HEUERMANN'S EX-WIFE SAYS SHE NOW LIVES IN BASEMENT WHERE HE MURDERED SEVEN VICTIMS Jesperson first reached out to Heuermann within a week of his arrest in July 2023. Since then, he's sent almost 40 more letters, according to a source close to the family. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "Rex, in New York, has had my letters telling him to deal out to better his placement inside," Jesperson told Fox News Digital in January. "Yet he is letting it play out." Early on, Heuermann responded just once in a handwritten note that was later shared with Fox News Digital, but Jesperson now says he has received more replies after changing his plea in April. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Jesperson first shared Heuermann's initial reply with "The Lighter Side of True Crime" podcast host Rovere, who provided a copy to Fox News Digital. In it, Heuermann complained about jail food and exercise conditions and fretted that guards might be reading his mail. Heuermann's attorney Mike Brown had attempted to have groundbreaking DNA evidence obtained from rootless hair samples thrown out. Shortly after the judge denied his motions and scheduled the trial for September, Heuermann changed his plea and admitted to the killings at a hearing on April 8. SEND US A TIP HERE He had been charged with seven murders and agreed to confess to an uncharged eighth as part of the plea deal. NEW YORK POLICE ID MURDER VICTIMS LINKED TO GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER INVESTIGATION Heuermann is expected to receive multiple consecutive sentences of life in prison, at least three without the possibility of parole, at his sentencing hearing Wednesday. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Heuermann, a New York City architect who lived in Massapequa Park on Long Island, has pleaded guilty to the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla and Valerie Mack. He also took responsibility for the uncharged murder of Karen Vergata.   All of the victims were tortured and strangled, according to prosecutors. Some were dismembered. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB As part of the plea deal, he agreed to work with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit and allow federal experts to study his murderous psychology. The Gilgo Beach murders were exposed in 2010 after a woman named Shannan Gilbert went missing in the area, about 45 miles east of New York City along the sparsely populated Ocean Parkway. While Suffolk County police ultimately deemed Gilbert's death an accident, they found 10 other sets of remains before they found hers, including several of Heuermann's victims. He wasn't identified as a suspect until new leadership in Suffolk County created a task force to take a new look at the cold case in 2022. Investigators also linked him to remains found in eastern Long Island. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3275121972385678326eb7 Senator Josh Hawley demands answers from MLB on 'pattern of discrimination' over warnings to Giants players te 2026-06-17T10:21:06.059Z Senator Josh Hawley demands answers from MLB on 'pattern of discrimination' over warnings to Giants players Major League Baseball has once again found itself in the middle of a controversy of its own making. And Sen. Josh Hawley wants some answers. Late last week, several pitchers from the San Francisco Giants made headlines on the team's "Pride Night" game against the Chicago Cubs. Two of those players, including starting pitcher Landen Roupp, wrote Bible verses on their hats next to the rainbow-colored Giants logo. Another, Sam Hentges, didn't wear it at all, choosing instead to use the traditional, "regular" cap. As one would expect, outrage from left-wing sports media swiftly followed. But it seemed as though any "controversy" or criticism would mostly end there. Until news broke late Monday night that the league office had issued a warning to those two players who wrote the verses that any further writing would be punished. That decision has swiftly backfired. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL WARNS SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS PLAYERS FOR WRITING BIBLE VERSES ON PRIDE NIGHT HATS It's no secret that MLB under Commissioner Rob Manfred has generally leaned to the left. As with most sports leagues, there's concern and fear over backlash from that side of the political aisle, and little attention paid to criticism from the right. Which is why Manfred moved the 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta after Joe Biden called a new voting bill "Jim Crow 2.0." Activism from Stacey Abrams sealed the deal, and the game was moved to Colorado. But this decision has invited scrutiny over the league's standards and whether they enforce those standards differently based on the political ideology or religious beliefs of the players involved. Scrutiny that's now coming directly from the federal government. On Tuesday, Sen. Hawley posted a letter he sent to Manfred, demanding answers for what he calls a "pattern of discrimination" within the league. WASHINGTON NATIONALS APOLOGIZE TO PITCHER AFTER FIRING DIRECTOR WHO ADMITTED TO RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION "I write with grave concern over your reported decision to issue a formal warning to three Major League Baseball (MLB) players for publicly expressing their Christian faith. This follows a high-profile undercover investigation that revealed at least one MLB team discriminated against a player based on his Catholic faith. You must answer for what appears to be a pattern of discrimination within MLB against baseball players who profess their Christian faith," the letter states. Hawley also explained that the warning issued to these Giants players seems to contradict their past enforcement, or lack thereof, when it comes to speech from a different perspective. "The league’s claim that it merely forbids "writing of any kind" on its uniforms does not survive a cursory review of the league’s recent history," he continues. "In 2020, MLB itself turned its uniforms and its fields into a billboard for political and social messages. It created jersey patches reading 'Black Lives Matter' and 'United for Change.' It authorized 'BLM' to be stenciled onto pitching mounds. And it suspended its own equipment rules so that players could display progressive political slogans on their cleats." Hawley then goes on to ask for a "complete copy of the uniform regulation" that the league used to warn the Giants players, as well as a "list of every instance" in which other players were similarly warned or punished under that same policy during the last five seasons. Importantly, he also asks Manfred to provide "any policy, directive, or expectation" on whether players are "required, encouraged, or expected to wear Pride Night" uniforms or hats, as well as any potential repercussions they might face for refusing to comply. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Sen. Hawley also exclusively told Fox News Digital that he believes the league is "using its power" to "target Christians." "MLB has a sweetheart deal from the federal government," he said. "They play by different rules than any other business in America. But now MLB is using its power to target Christians and trample free speech. It’s anti-American. And MLB needs to course correct immediately." There are any number of steps the league could have taken to prevent this controversy from boiling over. But they've chosen, seemingly, selective enforcement based on the statements being made. Would they have warned a player for writing "BLM" on their hat? Or "love is love" or "end racism," or any similar remark? Or are Bible verses where they draw the line? Manfred's answer, assuming he actually provides a detailed one, will be a fascinating insight into just how committed the league is to elevating one ideology above others. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3274fe1972385678326eae Ex-Vikings captain calls on MLB players to double-down on faith amid Pride Night cap controversy te 2026-06-17T10:20:46.610Z Ex-Vikings captain calls on MLB players to double-down on faith amid Pride Night cap controversy Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer urged San Francisco Giants pitchers not to back down after MLB warned them not to write Bible verses on their Pride Night caps. "My message to all you San Francisco Giants players is we got your back," Brewer told Fox News Digital. "Keep on standing, keep on speaking out. As they fine you, we’ll buy more jerseys." Asked what Giants players should do next, Brewer’s answer was blunt: "Do it more." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Brewer also called on Christian players across Major League Baseball to respond collectively. "This is the time to go harder, not to back down," he said. "Stand up for Christianity. Come together, lock arms, create a movement." The controversy began on Friday after Giants pitchers, including Landen Roupp, J.T. Brubaker and Ryan Walker, wrote Bible references on rainbow-themed Pride Night caps. The pitchers wrote "Gen 9:12-16." Gen 9:12-16 is a passage from the Bible. The passage states that God established the rainbow as a perpetual token of the covenant made with Noah and every living creature. It goes on to state that when God sees the rainbow, He will remember His "everlasting covenant" to preserve all life on earth from another global flood. MLB put out a warning to players against writing the verses on their caps this week. "The writing on the cap violates our rules, and consistent with normal practice, we have warned the players about future violations," said Pat Courtney, MLB’s chief communications officer, in a statement. Brewer was "disgusted" by the MLB's stance. "Man, I think it’s disgusting," Brewer said. "You're forcing a Christian to support June as Pride Month? I mean there's no bigger violation to Christianity than Pride Month. And so to force someone's faith like that, and to put them in a compromised situation, where they gotta go out there and market to millions of people something that is, goes directly against their religion. To force them to do that, and to threaten them, to threaten them, to fine them for making a stand that is scriptural, it should be criminal, right? Players should be able to come together with a class action lawsuit." DODGERS BREAK OUT ANNUAL PRIDE NIGHT HATS, DRAWING BRUTAL REACTIONS He argued that professional athletes are held to strict rules over uniforms, colors and logos, but that leagues make exceptions when they support Pride messaging. "The second that a player stands up for their faith … they’re just double-minded," he said. "These teams spend millions of dollars to trademark these logos, to trademark these colors," Brewer added. "All of a sudden, during Pride Month, they’re switching their logos to rainbow, but yet a player can’t stand out against that?" Brewer warned that the same issue is already reaching the NFL, pointing to teams that have used Pride-themed logos while players are often fined for minor uniform violations. "It's already started to make its way to the NFL. Unfortunately, uh, you saw I think all but like eight teams came out and changed their logos to be pride flags. This is the same league that when I played, if my sock fell down and I didn’t pull it up, I got fined," Brewer said. "But all of a sudden you can put rainbows on the same trademarks that you fine players for years and years and years for doing anything against. It’s hypocrisy." For Brewer, the Giants controversy is bigger than one cap or one Bible verse. He framed it as a test of whether athletes can publicly hold to their faith when league-approved social messaging conflicts with it. "Pick up your cross and follow me," Brewer said, quoting Scripture. "This is your time to take a stand." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3272ea1972385678326e57 Arizona Targets Demand Side Of Sex Trafficking With New Felony Penalties te 2026-06-17T10:11:54.423Z Arizona Targets Demand Side Of Sex Trafficking With New Felony Penalties By Ethan Faverino | Arizona has signed into law a new measure that significantly increases penalties for individuals who pay or agree to pay for prostitution, targeting the demand side of prostitution and sex trafficking by elevating these offenses to felonies with mandatory jail time. The law also directs dedicated funding toward support services for victims of sexual trafficking. House Bill 2720, sponsored by Rep. Selina Bliss (R-LD1), passed both chambers of the Legislature with bipartisan support and has been signed into law. The measure targets individuals  who “offer to pay, agree to pay, or pay a monetary fee or other valuable consideration for engaging in sexual conduct with another person,” classifying such acts as a Class 6 felony under revisions to A.R.S. § 13-3214. The law imposes mandatory minimum jail sentences: 15 consecutive days for a first time offense, 30 days for a second, and 60 days for a third, with no eligibility for probation or suspended sentences until the full term is served. Repeat offenders with three or more prior violations face Class 4 felony charges and at least 180 consecutive days in jail. “Arizona is going after the demand that fuels prostitution and sex trafficking,” stated Rep. Bliss. “This is a victory for families, neighborhoods, and victims who deserve a path out. The people paying for sex are funding an industry that traffickers exploit, and communities across Arizona are left to deal with the crime, abuse, and damage that follow.” In addition, convicted offenders must pay a non-waivable $200 assessment. These funds will be transmitted to the state’s Anti-Human Trafficking Grant Fund and used exclusively to provide services to victims of sexual trafficking. HB 2720 also strengthens protections for survivors by requiring courts to seal records of prostitution convictions that are later vacated upon determination that the individual was a victim of sex trafficking. This provision aims to remove barriers to employment, housing, and recovery for those exiting exploitation. “This law holds offenders accountable, puts money directly toward helping victims recover, and puts every person who pays for sex in Arizona on notice: you can face jail time, a felony record, and the consequences that come with it,” added Rep. Bliss. Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post Arizona Targets Demand Side Of Sex Trafficking With New Felony Penalties first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3272d51972385678326e4e Arizona Ballot Measure Would Protect ESA Funds For Children Of Military Families te 2026-06-17T10:11:33.432Z Arizona Ballot Measure Would Protect ESA Funds For Children Of Military Families By Matthew Holloway | A Goldwater Institute-backed measure to constitutionally protect Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds for children of military families will go before Arizona voters in November after receiving legislative approval. House Concurrent Resolution 2048, sponsored by Rep. Michael Way (R-LD15), asks voters to amend Article XI of the Arizona Constitution by adding a new section prohibiting the state from confiscating money from certain scholarship accounts of students who are children of military families. Under the resolution text, the prohibition would apply if the scholarship account is established and maintained by the state under a program that designates children of military families as eligible to receive scholarship money, and if the student may use the money for tuition or fees at eligible postsecondary educational institutions. The resolution states that the provision is not limited to scholarship account programs established and maintained by the state only for children of military families. The measure defines a “child of a military family” as a student whose parent is serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was serving on active duty when the student’s eligibility was initially determined, or was killed in the line of duty. The measure defines “confiscate” as seizing, transferring, or otherwise taking money from a scholarship account. The resolution includes exceptions for closures of accounts tied to individualized findings of illegal activity or wrongdoing after due process. It also accounts for routine account closures, including voluntary closure or failure to renew an account, graduation from an eligible postsecondary institution, or loss of eligibility after a student fails to enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution for at least four consecutive years after graduating from high school. HCR 2048 also states that if a bill enacted into law or a voter-approved measure on or after Nov. 1, 2026, violates the proposed constitutional provision, the entire bill or measure is void and a court may not sever any portion of it. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to voters at the next general election. The measure passed the Senate on June 12 by a 16-13-1 vote and passed the House on final reading June 13 by a 31-22-7 vote. The Goldwater Institute described the measure as its “Military Family Protection Act” and said it is intended to protect military families participating in Arizona’s ESA program from future efforts to redirect or reclaim scholarship funds. The Arizona Department of Education (AZED) currently lists 100,713 students enrolled in the ESA program this school year. The department’s Fiscal Year 2026 Quarter 1 report, covering July 1 through Sept. 30, 2025, counted 93,993 ESA students, including 975 students in the category for students whose parent is active-duty military or was killed in the line of duty. Goldwater’s Director of Education Policy, Matt Beienburg, told lawmakers that military families should not lose scholarship funds through a separate ballot proposal aimed at the ESA program. “There is a current ballot measure being proposed to attack the scholarship funds and confiscate the scholarship funds of children, including military families,” Beienburg said. “These families should not be treated as a piggy bank to raid. These are families who have protected this nation.” Rep. Way said the measure is intended to prevent Arizona from reclaiming scholarship money after families were promised access to the program. “This measure asks a very simple question: should Arizona be allowed to take scholarship money from military families after we promised them? My answer is no,” Way said. The referral comes as opponents of the ESA program are circulating the Protect Education Act, a proposed ballot initiative that would impose new restrictions on the ESA program. The campaign says the measure would require background checks and safety standards for voucher-funded schools, add spending transparency rules, prohibit non-educational and luxury purchases, cap family income for ESA eligibility at $150,000 with annual inflation adjustments, require unused ESA funds to be returned, and require voucher-funded schools to be accredited or administer approved assessments. The campaign says students with disabilities would be exempt from the income cap and assessment provisions. In an op-ed for AZ Free News, Matthew Ladner and Jason Bedrick of the Heritage Foundation wrote that AZED published the results of a random audit of the ESA program in March 2026, “finding very low rates of misspending relative to other publicly funded programs and even lower rates of fraud. Less than 2% of ESA funds were spent on unallowed items, and 0.3% of the funds were spent on items considered ‘egregious’ or fraudulent.” AZED disputed claims that the ESA program had a 20% fraud rate in a March release, saying about 2.0% of dollars spent by ESA account holders were for items deemed unallowable under program rules and that actual fraud or egregious purchases accounted for 0.3%. “The submission of a purchase that is deemed unallowable does not constitute fraud,” AZED said. “Most are innocent mistakes, such as an error in a form that must be resubmitted, or educational items that are not on the allowable list but that the user could have in good faith believed were permitted. Some examples would be backpacks, lunch boxes and water bottles.” AZED said the 20% figure represented program participants selected for risk-based auditing and “had nothing to do with fraud.” The department said action is taken to recover or collect funds or refer matters to law enforcement when necessary, and that more than $1.2 million had been recovered through that process. Opponents of HCR 2048 have argued that its voidability provision could invalidate ESA reform proposals if voters approve conflicting measures. ABC15 reported that critics said the measure is aimed at blocking the Protect Education Act, while supporters said it is intended to protect scholarship funds promised to military families. HCR 2048 was one of three education-related ballot referrals approved before the Legislature adjourned. Senate Republicans said the measures were intended to protect military families, direct more education dollars into classrooms, and restrict the use of taxpayer-funded school resources for labor organization activities. “These scholarship funds were created for helping the children of military families pursue higher education,” Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman David Farnsworth said. “When government faces budget pressures, dedicated funds can become tempting targets. Arizona should never balance its books on the backs of military families or treat money set aside for their children’s futures as a piggy bank. “This referral permanently protects those funds and ensures they remain available for the students they were intended to serve.” 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 Arizona Ballot Measure Would Protect ESA Funds For Children Of Military Families first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3272c01972385678326e45 $10M Arizona Home, Exclusive Donations To Gov. Katie Hobbs Put Sunshine CEO In Spotlight te 2026-06-17T10:11:12.958Z $10M Arizona Home, Exclusive Donations To Gov. Katie Hobbs Put Sunshine CEO In Spotlight By Matthew Holloway | As Sunshine Residential Homes remains at the center of an ongoing investigation into alleged “pay-to-play” conduct involving Gov. Katie Hobbs, public records link founder and CEO Simon Kottoor to a Paradise Valley residence that Zillow estimates is worth nearly $10 million. The property has drawn renewed attention amid scrutiny of Sunshine’s political donations and subsequent state-approved rate increases. Arizona campaign finance records reviewed by AZ Free News show that Gov. Katie Hobbs was the only Arizona candidate to receive contributions from Simon and Elizabeth Kottoor during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles. Simon Kottoor’s only other recorded contribution to a political candidate was a 2023 donation to New York Democratic congressional candidate Kevin Thomas. Simon Kottoor founded Sunshine Residential Homes (formerly Sunshine Group Homes) in 1996, according to the company’s website. Sunshine says it provides congregate foster placements for Arizona children, has served more than 25,000 children since its founding, and currently has more than 300 children in care with approximately 200 employees. Maricopa County property records reviewed by AZ Free News list the residence under the Kottoor Family Trust, with Simon M. Kottoor and Elizabeth Kottoor named as trustees. AZ Free News has withheld the street address from publication. Zillow describes the property as a 7,719-square-foot, five-bedroom, six-bathroom home on 1.08 acres and estimates its value at approximately $9.53 million. Realtor.com estimates the property’s value at about $8.71 million and reports it last sold for $1.55 million in 2020. Sunshine Residential Homes and Kottoor have faced scrutiny over political donations connected to Hobbs and subsequent state-approved rate increases. The Arizona Republic reported in June 2024 that Sunshine Residential Homes received a large rate hike from the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) after making six-figure contributions to Hobbs’ inauguration fund and the Arizona Democratic Party. The outlet reported that Sunshine applied for a rate increase in December 2022, was denied in February 2023, then applied again in May 2023 and was approved, citing DCS records. The Republic reported in July 2024 that both the Kottoors’ and Sunshine Residential Homes’ donations to Hobbs and the Arizona Democratic Party amounted to approximately $420,000 from 2022-2024. According to the Arizona Capitol Times, Sunshine Residential Homes gave $100,000 to Hobbs’ inaugural fund and separately gave $300,000 to the Arizona Democratic Party. The outlet also reported that the Arizona Republic found Hobbs personally called Kottoor shortly after winning the 2022 election and asked him to serve as a gold-level sponsor of her inauguration. The same report said the Department of Child Safety later increased payments to Sunshine in 2023 to nearly 40 percent above the average for other group homes. Kottoor was also on Hobbs’ inaugural committee, and he and his wife made maximum contributions to Hobbs’ campaign, according to reporting cited by Governing. That report also noted that Hobbs attended a private event at the Kottoor’s Paradise Valley residence. Calls for investigation from Arizona lawmakers followed within days of the initial reporting. From @GovernorHobbs spokesperson: "Like every other 'investigation' launched by this chaotic and radical legislature, this is another desperate, partisan stunt. It will do nothing but show the administration put the best interest of Arizona first." https://t.co/taQAZTmb52 — Stacey Barchenger (@sbarchenger) June 6, 2024 The Arizona Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation into the Sunshine Residential matter in June 2024. The office’s public records archive lists communications and records related to the Sunshine Residential Homes investigation, including correspondence with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and Auditor General Lindsey Perry, as well as a criminal referral. I requested an investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney into Governor Hobbs' alleged "pay to play" scheme. Arizona taxpayers deserve financial accountability. Giving state dollars to political donors is a grave misuse of public funds. Press Release: https://t.co/7M2AJQWLu8 pic.twitter.com/EClgWWX8A8 — Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee (@AZTreasurerYee) June 10, 2024 Hobbs’ office has denied wrongdoing. Axios reported that Hobbs spokesman Christian Slater said the administration would be “cleared of wrongdoing” and called the allegations partisan. Slater and DCS spokesman Darren DaRonco told Axios that Hobbs and her office had no involvement in agency decisions regarding Sunshine Residential Homes. Sunshine told the Arizona Republic that it remained committed to cooperating with any inquiry, Axios reported. The investigation remains a prominent political issue in Arizona well into 2026. In April, KJZZ reported that Mayes’ team had asked Hobbs for an interview as part of the investigation and that Hobbs would not publicly commit to sitting for one. KJZZ reported that Hobbs continued to deny wrongdoing. Republican lawmakers have cited the Sunshine controversy as they advance legislation requiring more disclosure from companies seeking state contracts. The Arizona Senate Republican Caucus announced last week that SB 1186, sponsored by Arizona Senate President Pro-Tempore T.J. Shope (R-LD16), had been sent to Hobbs’ desk. The bill would require companies seeking taxpayer-funded contracts and grants to disclose political donations, gifts, and other things of value connected to the governor and affiliated political organizations. A House summary of SB 1186 states that the measure establishes disclosure requirements for the request-for-proposal and grant-application processes. Hobbs announced her own ethics reform proposal in February, calling it a sweeping transparency package intended to strengthen public trust in government. According to the Governor’s Office, the proposal includes a public transparency and disclosure database, contracting reforms, and a lobbyist gift ban. The Sunshine Residential Homes matter remains under investigation, and no public finding of wrongdoing by Hobbs, Kottoor, or Sunshine Residential Homes has been announced. 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 $10M Arizona Home, Exclusive Donations To Gov. Katie Hobbs Put Sunshine CEO In Spotlight first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a326b9e1972385678326ca2 Iranian soccer club in Los Angeles reflects divided views on Team Melli during World Cup te 2026-06-17T09:40:46.141Z Iranian soccer club in Los Angeles reflects divided views on Team Melli during World Cup LOS ANGELES — Iran opened its World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday at Los Angeles Stadium, drawing a near-capacity crowd after pre-tournament concerns about ticket demand. Inside the stadium, fans brought competing symbols of identity, with some waving the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran and others displaying the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag, a historical emblem used by some opponents of the government. That difference in symbolism also appeared among some fans in how they described their support for the national soccer team and its separation from political views about Iran’s leadership. That divide extends beyond the stadium into communities across Southern California, home to one of the largest Iranian populations outside Iran. JUDGE UPHOLDS FIFA'S BAN ON IRAN'S OLD FLAG AT WORLD CUP GAMES AFTER EMERGENCY HEARING The Sunday before Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand, members of Arya FC gathered in the San Fernando Valley for a playoff match in a recreational over-48 league. Co-founder Nader Adeli, who also manages and coaches the team, said Arya FC was formed about a decade ago and fields two squads. He said most players are Iranian-born immigrants, and the team communicates largely in Persian on the field. Adeli said players focus on soccer during matches. "Football brings nations together," he said. "When we gather, we pray for peace and unity." IRAN WORLD CUP TEAM FORCED TO LEAVE US AFTER TOURNAMENT OPENER IN APPARENT CHANGE OF PLANS Speaking ahead of Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand, Vartan Golbodaghians, a longtime Arya FC player, said he supports the national team regardless of political differences. "I support my country 100%. I support my country team 100%," he said. "Government is government. Team is team. I don’t care about politics. I support my country and my players." Adeli said he still feels a strong emotional connection to Iran despite living most of his life outside the country and remains a supporter of the national team. "I’ve lived 47 years outside of Iran, but I still get goosebumps when I think about Iran, and I support that team," he said. Team Melli is commonly used to refer to Iran’s national soccer team. He acknowledged that some in the Iranian community oppose supporting the team but said he expects reactions to shift once matches begin. "There is a lot of Iranian people that are against it," he said. "But I have told all of them, when Iran scores the first goal against New Zealand, everybody will jump off your seat and start saying, ‘Hooray,’ and support the national team." FIFA REPORTEDLY WILLING TO LET TRUMP HAND WORLD CUP TROPHY TO WINNING CAPTAIN AT METLIFE STADIUM Adeli said he hopes Iran can advance further in the tournament than in past World Cup appearances. "I’m hoping that Iran will have a successful journey in this tournament," he said. "This is probably the first time that we can go beyond the group stage." Adeli said most Arya FC players support the national team despite differing political views. "Most of the players that I have talked to are supporting Team Melli apart from any political or religious ideas," he said. "In my opinion, it is the national team and I will be supporting it." Others in the community offered a different view. Amin Jafari, a former soccer player in Iran who now lives in Southern California, said he believes the team should have done more to acknowledge people killed during anti-government protests. "There is nothing more important than the people who lost their lives for Iran," Jafari said. "I was expecting those players to show some respect to people who died for the country." Jafari said some fans no longer feel connected to the team. "The connection between the players and the people is already gone," he said. The differing views reflect a broader debate among Iranians over support for the national team. Despite those political differences, soccer remains a shared activity for Arya FC players. Adeli said players focus on the game during matches. "For the 90 minutes, we all put everything aside in our life, and we play football," he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3267281972385678326ba9 Apache helicopter gunships showed off their power cleaning up the Strait of Hormuz te 2026-06-17T09:21:44.888Z Apache helicopter gunships showed off their power cleaning up the Strait of Hormuz Despite the combat loss of an Apache helicopter on June 8, these formidable helicopter gunships are playing a major role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Oil tankers, container ships and bulkers are eager to get underway. President Donald Trump said on Monday, June 15, that "a lot of lanes" are open. "Pathways are available to all vessels not violating the blockade," according to U.S. Central Command, adding that, "U.S. forces are postured to defend against Iranian aggression." But even as the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran is finalized, international shippers are still nervous. "We still consider it very risky for ships to commence transits," Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at BIMCO, the world’s largest shipping association, said June 15. They worry about rogue drones, missiles and fast boats from Iran. You can bet Adm. Brad Cooper, commander, U.S. Central Command, will have the Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters fanned out to police the strait. US NAVY UNMANNED SURFACE DRONE FINDS, RESCUES APACHE HELICOPTER CREW IN MILITARY FIRST That’s what the Apache helicopters were doing last week, when one was struck on June 8 by an Iranian drone that burrowed into the cockpit. The two-man Army crew survived a nighttime ditching in the Strait of Hormuz – and a historic rescue by a 24-foot U.S. Navy sea drone. "That bomb was lodged in the helicopter, it didn’t explode. It was on fire, but it didn’t explode," Trump marveled. "Those two guys, they knew how to fly, but they got very lucky." How do you ditch an Apache helicopter in the dark waters of the Strait of Hormuz with a smoldering Iranian drone stuck in the cockpit? "Gently." That’s according to former U.S. Army helicopter pilot Capt. C.W. Gosnell, who flew two combat tours in Bell UH-1 "Hueys" during the Vietnam War. ‘GOD IS GOOD’: INSIDE THE HIGH-RISK US MISSION TO SAVE A WOUNDED AIRMAN SHOT DOWN IN IRAN While official details are scant, one technique is to hover the Apache down to the sea surface, then roll the helicopter onto its side, tilting the 48-foot rotor into the water to stop the blades. Imagine scrambling out of the cockpit wearing your helmet, boots and body armor vest with your weapon, flares, radio and extra drinking water. And then boarding a 24-foot unmanned Navy rescue boat. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Fortunately, the Apaches are well-suited to ongoing patrols in the Strait of Hormuz. Here are three reasons why Iran – and China – fear the Apache. Apaches are rugged. Designed in the 1980s to kill Soviet tanks, Apaches were built with a type of boron carbide armor protecting the cockpit and vital systems. Blast shields separate the tandem seats and can withstand .50-caliber rounds, 23 mm shells and small incendiaries.   The current model AH-64E is armed with Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30 mm gun mounted on the helicopter’s chin and can destroy armored enemy targets at a range of five miles or more. Back on May 4, Cooper tasked AH-64 Apache and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters to "eliminate six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping." All were sunk. Cooper has been so impressed with the Apaches, that he himself took a flight in an AH-64 over the Strait of Hormuz. The Apaches are also developing tactics to take on drones. On March 8, the United Arab Emirates released video footage of their AH-64E Apaches shooting down an Iranian Shahed drone with a gun kill. It’s a tactic also perfected by the U.S. Army. During a training exercise last November, Apache crews from the South Carolina Army National Guard achieved drone kills in 13 out of 14 engagements. They proved "the Apache—using its current software and systems—is a lethal and adaptable solution to the drone threat," said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel York, who was part of the Army’s new equipment team. The Apaches can also use a new Aviation Proximity Explosive, or APEX, a gun round for better kill rates against small drones and drone swarms. You can see why Apaches will continue to play a big role over the Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic gets underway. And combat lessons from Iran will prepare U.S. forces to deter China in the Pacific, too. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM REBECCA GRANT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3267151972385678326ba0 DOUG SCHOEN: Far-left Democrats keep saving Republicans from themselves te 2026-06-17T09:21:25.451Z DOUG SCHOEN: Far-left Democrats keep saving Republicans from themselves With the nomination of Graham Platner in Maine on June 9, the Democratic Party’s record of advancing extreme, left-wing progressive candidates for Congress has begun to take full form. Indeed, Democrats are set to enter the midterm general election cycle potentially with a slate of nominees whose positions and backgrounds may do more to help rescue the GOP than anything Republicans have done or will be able to do for themselves. Despite an arguably favorable political environment for the Democrats – who lead the generic congressional vote by five points – a divided Republican majority in both chambers, and an extremely angry electorate who now give President Donald Trump a job approval rating of 40% – about four points below what it was at this point in the 2018 cycle – the Democratic Party has yet again taken steps to shoot itself in the foot before what may have been emerging as a 2018-style landslide. Platner, who has been deeply embroiled in scandal after scandal, just became the new Democratic standard-bearer in Maine, securing slightly more than 70% of the vote – and in turn, risking Democrats’ chances of flipping a crucial seat needed to win control of the Senate come November. TOP TAKEAWAYS FROM THE PRIMARY ELECTIONS IN MAINE AND SOUTH CAROLINA: 'MOVEMENT ABOUT US' Indeed, Platner is both so extreme and so compromised that his support from Democratic leadership, along with other extremist candidates, could well become a deciding issue in the midterms. Between allegations of abusive behavior in past relationships, reports that he engaged in inappropriate communication with women while married and fallout from a tattoo that at least one of his girlfriends said he acknowledged proudly was a Nazi symbol, Platner seems to possess every liability imaginable for a Democratic candidate in today’s climate. And he has support from the Democratic Socialists of America – the same organization that supports massive tax increases and transgender rights, attacks capitalism and calls for the complete abolition of ICE. Yet, by primary night earlier this week, Platner had not only appeared to weather the controversies but had also secured the nomination – all while Democratic leaders in Maine and nationally offered little to no resistance, for reasons clearly related to taking back control of the upper chamber. GRAHAM PLATNER FINALLY EMBRACED BY POWERFUL MAINSTREAM DEM LEADERS AFTER PRIMARY ELECTION VICTORY Critically, the consequences of Platner’s win for the Democratic Party are likely to impact his Senate campaign and the campaign for governor of Maine, and will indeed reverberate throughout the whole country. A Tavern Research poll completed two days before the primary showed a generic Democrat ahead of Republican incumbent Susan Collins by 10 points (55% to 45%), yet Platner’s actual lead over Collins was much lower (+2, 51% to 49%). Further, as my firm, Schoen Cooperman Research, was involved in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, we have seen the impact Platner has had on the once-leading progressive Troy Dale Jackson, who currently sits in third with 21% of the vote, trailing Nirav Shah (27%) and Hannah Pingree (23%). SCANDAL-PLAGUED PLATNER CAPTURES DEMOCRATIC SENATE NOMINATION In other words, it’s clear that, while Platner’s scandals failed to derail his primary bid, they are more than capable of damaging Democratic electability up and down the ballot, as well as nationally in the fall, at precisely the moment the party should be expanding its appeal. And, luckily for the Republicans, the Democrats’ candidate-quality problem extends well beyond Maine. In Michigan, far-left Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed – who is supported by extreme radical and antisemite podcaster Hasan Piker – has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for the Democratic nomination against two incumbent members of the House, even as his uber-progressive record – including his support for abolishing ICE and halting all aid to Israel – threatens to become a liability come the general election. DAVID MARCUS: THE AGE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY BLOCKING FRINGE OUTSIDERS IS OFFICIALLY OVER As for the House, in New Jersey’s 12th district, Adam Hamawy – a far-left extremist who testified in support of terrorist Omar Abdel-Rahman in the 1990s – adds to Democrats’ growing roster of candidates who will only push the party farther away from the center. PROGRESSIVE FRONTRUNNER IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE FACES BACKLASH OVER COMMENTS PRAISING HAMAS RAID Likewise, in Pennsylvania’s 3rd district, Democratic nominee Chris Rabb also exemplifies the party’s leftward shift, gaining endorsements from both Piker and the DSA. To be clear, though, the Democratic Party’s problems, while pronounced, cannot be solely attributed to its slate of far-left candidates. Rather, the party’s structural dysfunction runs much deeper: Democrats remain polarized and divided, with ideological and personal fissures that have the taken the form of an intra-party struggle between progressive members of Congress, like Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and establishment Democratic leadership, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. DOUG SCHOEN: DEMOCRATIC BATTLE PITS MODERATES VS. PROGRESSIVES FOR SOUL OF THE PARTY For one, a number of current senators – Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts, Tina Smith, of Minnesota, and Chris Murphy, of Connecticut , dubbed the "Fight Club" – have already signaled they will oppose Schumer’s reelection as either the Senate majority or minority leader, and several other congressional hopefuls have begun to follow suit. Additionally, the return of the Bidens isn’t doing much to help Democrats’ case either. Between the releases of former First Lady Jill Biden’s memoir– which highlights former President Joe Biden’s obvious disabilities, including the initial belief that he had a stroke during the June 2024 debate – and of the Democrats’ internal post-election audit – which revealed a party with no clear message or strategy – the left has managed to make 2024 a 2026 problem. The advantage for Republicans is clear: they now have the choice to make the midterms a referendum on Biden vs. Trump, on middle-left vs. far-left, or on the Democrats’ extreme candidates, since none have yet to be disavowed. And while it’s certainly the case that Democrats are still favored to win the House – with Senate control remaining very much in play – the GOP, given the negatives, has lines of attack that it arguably did not have back in 2018. There are simple solutions, however unlikely the party may be to pursue them. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION In Maine, if there are more revelations about Platner, he can and should step down by July 13 to allow someone like Gov. Janet Mills, who made clear her availability, to run in his place. Notably, Mills has a three-point lead over Collins in the above Tavern Research poll. In Michigan, the Democrats have two otherwise qualified House candidates who are far stronger general election candidates than El-Sayed. And nationwide, the party should develop a substantive, forward-looking agenda that offers a real alternative to Trump’s policies – like affordability, immigration reform and border security, and economic growth – that goes beyond investigations and impeachment proceedings. In sum, there is still time for Democrats to get out of their own way – but if Tuesday night’s election is any indication, the will to do so remains an open question. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DOUG SCHOEN Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3267011972385678326b97 While Mexico defends ‘sovereignty,’ cartels import a flesh-eating parasite into Texas te 2026-06-17T09:21:05.975Z While Mexico defends ‘sovereignty,’ cartels import a flesh-eating parasite into Texas As the New World screwworm returns to American soil for the first time since its eradication 60 years ago, Texas is now on the front line of Mexico's threat to U.S. sovereignty and national security. The return of New World screwworm to the United States began with the collapse of the biological containment barrier in Central America that broke in 2021 when millions of illegal aliens were moved through the Darién Gap, overwhelming border controls and expanding the cartel-controlled smuggling corridors that later carried infested livestock northward. By the time Mexican authorities confirmed the first cases in November 2024, the parasite had already spread across Central America and deep into southern Mexico. Mexican officials’ complicity in cartel control over these routes turned mass migration into a gray-zone weapon that expanded smuggling infrastructure and increased pressure on the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexican cartels function as de facto proxies for elements of the Mexican state in this gray-zone campaign. They move an estimated 800,000 cattle per year from Central America into Mexico through these same poorly governed corridors, using fake ear tags and falsified veterinary records to bypass government checkpoints, sanitary inspections, and taxes. The illicit trade is worth roughly $320 million annually. Once inside Mexico, the animals are laundered into the legal system, where they can enter feedlots or reach federally inspected Tipo Inspección Federal (TIF) slaughter plants used for domestic processing and exports. As of June 3, the New World screwworm has caused more than 171,700 cumulative animal cases and more than 2,070 human cases across Mexico and Central. Many infestations go undetected or unreported, so official figures likely understate the outbreak’s true scale. US SHUTS SOUTHERN BORDER TO LIVESTOCK IMPORTS TO STOP SPREAD OF DEADLY FLIES Elements of the Mexican state continue to protect cartel networks moving high-risk biological material toward the U.S. supply chain. In 2024, Mexico exported roughly 1.25 million head of live cattle to the United States at an estimated value of $1.3 billion. After the pause in the live cattle trade, Mexico rapidly expanded processed beef exports to the U.S., with exports rising 23 percent in the first four months of 2026 as cattle that would have been shipped live were instead finished and slaughtered domestically. NWS threatens more than a single agricultural market. Presidential Policy Directive 21 defines critical infrastructure, which includes food and agriculture, as "systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that the incapacity or destruction of such systems and assets would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination of those matters." The USDA warns that "this vital sector is a known target for terrorists and malicious actors." Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has rightfully declared: "Food security is national security. If America cannot feed itself, it cannot fully defend itself — and that reality puts at risk the freedom and security that generations of Americans have fought and died to preserve over the last 250 years." CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION In that light, Mexico’s abetting of NWS’s spread should be seen as the security threat it is. However, Mexico’s leaders continue to invoke sovereignty while practicing selective cooperation. AMLO’s "abrazos, no balazos" doctrine provided political cover for limiting action against cartel power, while AMLO and President Biden together presided over the mass movement of illegal aliens through cartel-controlled corridors toward the United States. Sheinbaum’s "cooperación sin subordinación" offers the diplomatic version of the same posture. Mexico engages when cooperation is limited to selected enforcement actions. The return of NWS couldn’t come at a worse time for the American beef industry. U.S. cattle inventory has fallen to a 75-year low — the smallest national herd since 1951 — while beef imports have reached record levels. By maintaining high levels of agricultural trade while cartels control significant portions of the supply chain, including the laundering of smuggled cattle, Mexico deepens U.S. dependence. In 2025, the United States exported $30.6 billion in agricultural goods to Mexico but imported $43.9 billion from Mexico, leaving a $13.3 billion agricultural trade deficit. That dependence and offshoring our food is precisely the national-security vulnerability USDA has warned about. Secretary Rollins put it plainly: "Our beef cattle, our citrus, so much of this we’re now importing from other countries like Mexico. If we can’t feed ourselves, this is a national security issue that has to be solved." Texas counties are on the front line of this incursion. The United States must not decouple trade policy from national security. No policy, protocol, or quarantine can protect America while Mexico’s cartel-state alliance keeps those routes open. Ammon S. Blair is a Senior Fellow with the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Secure & Sovereign Nation Initiative, where he develops state-led homeland defense strategies addressing transnational criminal organizations, foreign terrorist networks, hostile-state influence operations, weaponized mass migration, and emerging internal security threats. He is a former U.S. Border Patrol agent, a 22-year U.S. Army veteran, and a consultant to the Operation Lone Star Task Force. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3266ee1972385678326b8e 5 chilling details from the alleged White House attack plot tied to UFC event te 2026-06-17T09:20:46.526Z 5 chilling details from the alleged White House attack plot tied to UFC event Officials on Tuesday released new details about the five suspects accused of plotting a "mass casualty event" targeting President Donald Trump and other high-profile officials during the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House on Sunday.  Prosecutors allege the group, who were arrested in June during a multi-state sweep, coordinated an ambush involving explosive-laden drones intended to strike the north side of the White House.  The suspects were identified as Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Ohio; Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of California; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of California; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Missouri; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska. Here are five chilling details investigators say they uncovered about the alleged plot. FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNT Officials said the group planned to target multiple high-profile officials through a coordinated ambush. According to court documents, the suspects allegedly intended to launch explosive-laden drones over the UFC arena and detonate them above the crowd, forcing panicked attendees and "high-value targets" (HVTs) to flee to a "southern evacuation point" In what effectively served as a pre-designated kill zone, authorities say the evacuation area was covered by five separate sniper teams positioned to ambush fleeing officials and security personnel. FROM TRAINED ASSASSINS TO RALLY STAGE-RUSHERS, HERE'S EVERY KNOWN ATTEMPT ON TRUMP'S LIFE SINCE 2016 According to charging documents, the snipers were instructed to "initiate their part of the plan eliminating HVTs first then the retaliatory forces such as SS [Secret Service], NG [National Guard], and swat."  Investigators allege that Alvarez, whom prosecutors identified as the online ringleader, listed intended targets in an encrypted group chat using coded references, including "1" for Trump, "2" for Vice President JD Vance, "N" for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "Musk" for Elon Musk. The documents further allege that one of the members, Proper, had compiled a target list containing 46 individuals. MISSOURI MAN SENTENCED IN ATTEMPTED WHITE HOUSE ATTACK WITH U-HAUL TRUCK Officials said the group discussed a backup plan to steal military ordnance after determining that its members lacked the expertise needed to manufacture homemade explosives. According to investigators, the group's drone builder proposed targeting a military-industrial facility to obtain the necessary explosive materials. One co-conspirator allegedly identified the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons, Kansas, as the "most viable" target among several facilities under consideration. Authorities said Eskridge responded enthusiastically to the proposal, claiming he had "a guy digging into Parsons assembly facility" to gather on-the-ground intelligence ahead of the planned theft. SECRET SERVICE THWARTS POTENTIAL THREAT NEAR TRUMP'S WHITE HOUSE GROUNDS WITH RAPID RESPONSE The conspirators allegedly anticipated an overwhelming law enforcement response following their planned "trigger event," with one member warning authorities would "send everything they have to hunt us." To prepare, investigators said the suspects began identifying safe houses and constructing makeshift bunkers where ground operators could hide after the attack. In late May, Eskridge allegedly told the group that his rural six-acre property in Missouri would be converted into a safe house, complete with a hidden bunker concealed beneath the floorboards of a shed. Authorities said Alvarez also identified an abandoned brick church in Nebraska as a secondary fallback location. SUSPECTED NEW JERSEY JIHADI FANTASIZED ABOUT KILLING JEWS WITH SWORDS IN ALLEGED ISIS PLOT: FEDS The suspects allegedly went even further, discussing contingency plans for operatives who might be captured.  "We will try to break them out of jail if we need to," Thomas said.  Investigators said the alleged plot was driven by a mix of extreme anti-government ideology, antisemitic beliefs and bizarre satanic conspiracy theories. RISE IN ANTISEMITIC EXTREMISM FUELS WAVE OF TERROR PLOTS IN THE UNITED STATES SINCE 2020 According to court documents, Thomas told FBI agents he believed the U.S. government is controlled by a secret elite protected by the president that sacrifices and consumes infants. Investigators also cited writings allegedly authored by Proper, the youngest member of the group at 19 years old. Authorities said Proper kept a journal outlining his belief that a larger group worships a demonic figure and engages in the ritual sacrifice of children. Crucially, investigators noted this journal contained a target list of 46 individuals, including politicians and celebrities. Court records allege Proper and Eskridge actively researched targets using the website "TrackAIPAC.com," specifically focusing on lawmakers they believe accepted campaign funds from pro-Israel lobbies. Prosecutors said a significant portion of the group's initial arsenal was acquired by 19-year-old Proper, who allegedly quit his job and spent roughly $3,000 of his graduation money to purchase thousands of rounds of ammunition, ballistic plates, an AR-style rifle and a bullpup rifle painted with an American flag.  According to court documents, the suspects initially attempted to crowdsource funding for the attack. Investigators said Eskridge and Thomas encouraged members of the group to pitch in to raise $1,300 to purchase the drones and explosive charges intended for the operation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3265d81972385678326b3d Best Bets: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 te 2026-06-17T09:16:08.624Z Best Bets: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Today Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3265c41972385678326b34 Davis Dam releases for June 17 te 2026-06-17T09:15:48.664Z Davis Dam releases for June 17 Thurday Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3265b01972385678326b22 Gas prices June 17 te 2026-06-17T09:15:28.690Z Gas prices June 17 National average: $4.07 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32659c1972385678326b19 Laughlin Father's Day Meals 2026 te 2026-06-17T09:15:08.721Z Laughlin Father's Day Meals 2026 Dad deserves to be treated to a delicious meal for Father’s Day this Sunday, June 21. Take him out to one of the Laughlin resorts to enjoy the specials listed below. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3265881972385678326b10 Bumbleberry Flats Steak Dinner te 2026-06-17T09:14:48.753Z Bumbleberry Flats Steak Dinner Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3265741972385678326b07 Doing double duty: 4NR does The Foreigner Concert Experience and Rock N’ Roll Band plays Boston te 2026-06-17T09:14:28.785Z Doing double duty: 4NR does The Foreigner Concert Experience and Rock N’ Roll Band plays Boston I t takes talent and passion to be a top tribute band when covering one band. It takes a double dose of those qualities to pay homage to two different inspirations, especially one known for specialized instruments and meticulous production. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3265601972385678326afe 4NR and Rock N' Roll Band te 2026-06-17T09:14:08.816Z 4NR and Rock N' Roll Band Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32654c1972385678326af5 No small wonder: Michael Carbonaro proves his magic isn’t just TV trickery with brand new tour te 2026-06-17T09:13:48.854Z No small wonder: Michael Carbonaro proves his magic isn’t just TV trickery with brand new tour Master trickster Michael Carbonaro debuted his national Wonderboy tour only a month ago, and Laughlin fans can get one of the first looks at his new show this week at Harrah’s. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3265381972385678326aec Magician Michael Carbonaro te 2026-06-17T09:13:28.891Z Magician Michael Carbonaro Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3264e11972385678326a99 Wildfire in Washington State Prompts Evacuation Orders te 2026-06-17T09:12:01.437Z Wildfire in Washington State Prompts Evacuation Orders Dry and windy conditions could exacerbate the blaze, which has already destroyed some structures near Spokane, officials warned. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3264cd1972385678326a90 The Cloud Has Sound: The Unrelenting and Unseen Cost of the A.I. Boom te 2026-06-17T09:11:41.978Z The Cloud Has Sound: The Unrelenting and Unseen Cost of the A.I. Boom As tech giants rush to build big data centers, some residents who live near them say a constant low-frequency vibration is ruining their health and homes. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3264ba1972385678326a87 Illinois Town Loses a Prison, Leaving Residents Worried About Jobs te 2026-06-17T09:11:22.523Z Illinois Town Loses a Prison, Leaving Residents Worried About Jobs Lincoln, Ill., where Abraham Lincoln once worked in the local courthouse, has lost two colleges, a bottle factory and now a state prison. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3264a71972385678326a7e Seven Takeaways From the First World Cup Games at U.S. Venues te 2026-06-17T09:11:03.067Z Seven Takeaways From the First World Cup Games at U.S. Venues The crowds have been big, the fans rabid and the lines, well, long. Here’s a glimpse of the atmosphere at sites across the country as the tournament started. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3264931972385678326a75 Is Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff Running for President? He Has to Win Re-election First. te 2026-06-17T09:10:43.610Z Is Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff Running for President? He Has to Win Re-election First. The 39-year-old senator has become an internet sensation for Democrats seeking a 2028 contender. He says he’s focused on winning a second term in November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3264801972385678326a6c What to Know About Redistricting Efforts Underway in Georgia te 2026-06-17T09:10:24.162Z What to Know About Redistricting Efforts Underway in Georgia Georgia is the latest Southern state where lawmakers have taken up redrawing congressional maps after the Supreme Court’s voting rights ruling. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a325fcf197238567832696a Private Jet Crashes in Texas, Killing 1 te 2026-06-17T08:50:23.919Z Private Jet Crashes in Texas, Killing 1 The plane’s crew reported mechanical problems and low fuel as they flew to Austin, Texas, from Mexico. Five of the six people on board survived the crash in Laredo. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3258de197238567832682b Trump wins two, loses one: Georgia billionaire delivers rare blow to endorsement machine te 2026-06-17T08:20:46.236Z Trump wins two, loses one: Georgia billionaire delivers rare blow to endorsement machine ATLANTA, GA. - He wasn't on the ballot, but President Donald Trump's immense clout over the GOP faced more key tests in high-stakes Republican runoffs in Georgia and in neighboring Alabama Tuesday. While the power of a Trump endorsement in Republican primaries didn't escape unscathed, Trump-backed candidates won two of the three top races, with the one setback coming against a billionaire businessman who shelled out over $100 million of his own money to boost his campaign. Rep. Barry Moore, a House Freedom Caucus member and longtime Trump supporter who was endorsed by the president, comfortably defeated rival Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL sniper who was supported by some top names on the right, in solidly red Alabama's GOP Senate runoff. TRUMP NOTCHES ANOTHER ENDORSEMENT WIN In battleground Georgia's Republican Senate runoff, an 11th hour endorsement by Trump this past weekend helped boost Rep. Mike Collins, a MAGA champion, to victory over former college football coach Derek Dooley, who was backed by popular conservative Gov. Brian Kemp. Collins will face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the general election in a race that's among a handful that will likely decide if the GOP holds its slim majority in the chamber in the midterms. TRUMP-BACKED CANDIDATE SURVIVES GRUELING REPUBLICAN RUNOFF But in Georgia's GOP gubernatorial runoff, the candidate Trump backed, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who was also endorsed by Kemp this past weekend, was defeated by Rick Jackson, who ran as an outsider. Jones regularly showcased his Trump endorsement, but Jackson, who launched his bid in February long after the president had endorsed Jones, repeatedly said that Trump had inspired him to run. "I just thought, you know, if you had somebody doing business solutions for the state of Georgia, just like Trump is for the United States, I just felt like I would have a major impact on the state of Georgia, and so that was one of the reasons I wanted to get in. I was inspired by President Trump," Jackson told Fox News Digital recently. And he continuously highlighted that, like Trump, he's an outsider and businessman. "I'm going to be Trump's favorite governor because we're just alike on the way that we handle business and handle problems, and I want to do exactly in Georgia what he's doing at the federal government," he reiterated in a Fox News Digital interview Sunday. TRUMP ENDORSEMENT FAILS TO SAVE MAGA CANDIDATE The brute force of the president's endorsement power has been on display in GOP primaries over the past six weeks, with his candidates ousting incumbents he targeted in showdowns in Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky and Texas that grabbed plenty of national attention. But Trump's endorsement streak in statewide and congressional Republican primaries was snapped two weeks ago when his 11th-hour endorsement of Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa in the race to succeed retiring GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds wasn't enough to propel the three-term congressman to victory. Feenstra was narrowly edged by Zach Lahn, a businessman, farmer and former political strategist who was backed by the political wings of MAHA — the acronym for the Make America Healthy Again movement aligned with Trump Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — and Turning Point USA, the powerful conservative organization co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk. Trump rebounded last week, as the candidate he endorsed in the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, finished first in a crowded field and clinched one of the two tickets in the race for the nomination. Meanwhile, longtime Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham did win a majority of the vote in the Republican Senate primary, and avoided a runoff. Graham, who was endorsed by Trump, was facing primary challenges from five candidates, including conservative businessman Mark Lynch, who took aim at the senator over his support for the war in Iran. Lynch was backed by some MAGA leaders who have been critical of the president. A Trump political operative, pointing to Tuesday loss by Trump-backed Jones, noted that "Rick Jackson set a record for spending in a statewide Republican primary. He spent Tom Steyer level money in a state a fraction of the size of California. That's going to have an impact." And the operative, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely, also emphasized that "Rick bearhugged Trump. All of his ads and material was about how he's going to be Trump's favorite governor. So the race was not really a referendum on Trump." Veteran Republican strategist Matt Gorman told Fox News Digital that "Rick was a great candidate. Trump's endorsement can't do all the work. It's a massive value add but it's not a panacea. Now the focus is on coming together for the fall." Jackson was endorsed at the last minute by Sen. Ted Cruz, and the conservative firebrand from Texas joined Jackson on the campaign trail for a runoff eve rally. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB "Rick has an extraordinary record, an extraordinary life story. And I also think he's positioned to win. And the stakes are too high. This election is a battleground all across the country. We can't afford to lose Georgia," Cruz told Fox News Digital. When Cruz endorsed Jackson on Friday, he also supported South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who is facing off in a week against Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. Asked if he's trying to put some daylight between himself and the president on the campaign trail, Cruz quickly responded, "No. Not remotely....The president and I agree on the vast majority of races. What I try to do in every race is endorse the strongest conservative who can win. And typically I get in races late in the race at a time where my support might be able to make a difference and be helpful." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3254821972385678326773 Arizona voters may get one clear choice on voucher limits te 2026-06-17T08:02:10.402Z Arizona voters may get one clear choice on voucher limits PHOENIX -- The number of measures on the November ballot to curb vouchers is now down to one. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32546e197238567832676a Lake Havasu City man accused of striking man with crowbar during dispute te 2026-06-17T08:01:50.433Z Lake Havasu City man accused of striking man with crowbar during dispute A Lake Havasu City man allegedly struck another man multiple times with a crowbar, sending him to the hospital. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32545a1972385678326761 🚧 Havasu Tip List | When are the Main Street Commons bathrooms open? te 2026-06-17T08:01:30.474Z 🚧 Havasu Tip List | When are the Main Street Commons bathrooms open? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3254461972385678326758 Lake Havasu City Restaurant Inspections, April 2026 te 2026-06-17T08:01:10.497Z Lake Havasu City Restaurant Inspections, April 2026 Reported by the Mohave County Department of Health. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a325432197238567832674f Lake Havasu City candidate Q&A | Does the city budget put money in the right places? te 2026-06-17T08:00:50.535Z Lake Havasu City candidate Q&A | Does the city budget put money in the right places? As the 2026 primary election approaches, with early voting set to begin June 24, Today’s News-Herald is asking Lake Havasu City Council candidates one question each week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a324d3a19723856783265d6 Texas plane crash leaves one dead, more injured after business jet catches fire on highway te 2026-06-17T07:31:06.777Z Texas plane crash leaves one dead, more injured after business jet catches fire on highway A business jet crashed on a highway in Texas and caught fire on Tuesday night, killing one person, according to police. The plane was carrying six people when it crashed on Loop 20 in Laredo, Texas, shortly after 10 p.m., according to Jose Baeza, an investigator with the Laredo Police Department. Baeza also said a vehicle was struck by the aircraft. It was not immediately clear if the person killed was in the aircraft or on the ground. SMALL PLANE CRASHES NEAR HICKS AIRFIELD IN TEXAS, REPORTEDLY CAUSING MULTIPLE SEMI-TRUCK FIRES The conditions of those aboard the plane were not immediately known. Authorities initially did not report serious injuries on the ground, though five responding officers were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation according to Baeza. Loop 20 was closed after the crash and was expected to remain closed into Wednesday morning, Baeza said. The plane involved in the incident was a Cessna Citation Latitude twin jet, according to data from FlightAware. The plane departed from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico at 6:19 p.m. NetJets said in a statement that the crash involved one of its planes. The company said it is working with authorities. MISSOURI SKYDIVING PLANE CRASH THAT KILLED ALL 12 ABOARD IS A 'DEVASTATING LOSS,' COMPANY SAYS It was unclear what caused the crash as it reached Laredo, which is located about 140 miles southwest of San Antonio. Video posted to social media showed the plane on its side and smashed into a highway barrier as the tail was ripped from the fuselage. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a324d2719723856783265cd Nearly 200 injured service members compete in 2026 Warrior Games te 2026-06-17T07:30:47.330Z Nearly 200 injured service members compete in 2026 Warrior Games SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Army Maj. Jonathan Turnbull was given 12 hours to live after an ISIS suicide bomber attacked his team in Manbij, Syria in 2019. After seven years and 23 life-saving surgeries, he competed in the 2026 Warrior Games in San Antonio, Texas.  Nearly 200 service members competed in 12 adaptive sports during the 2026 Warrior Games. All athletes have some form of service-related ailments like physical injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments or PTSD. The 9/11 attacks inspired Maj. Turnbull to enlist in the U.S. Army in 2004. "On 9/11, I remember the day. Everybody's got their 9/11 stories, and mine's just like everybody else's," Maj. Turnbull said. "I was shocked, appalled, horrified, and motivated after the attacks. I wanted to do something to prevent it from ever happening again." AMERICA'S WOUNDED, STRUGGLING VETERANS GET BRAND-NEW HOMES BUILT BY FLORIDA TEENS For the next 15 years, Maj. Turnbull was involved in several missions to enhance the lives of people living in war-torn areas as a civil affairs officer for the U.S. Special Operations Command. On Jan. 15, 2019, Maj. Turnbull was supposed to return from deployment in Syria. He decided to stay.  "The Special Operations Task Force commander called me up a couple of weeks prior and said, 'John, you guys are getting after it. You're doing a great job. Would you consider sticking around a little longer, just continuing to work to defeat ISIS?'," Maj. Turnbull said. "Without hesitation, it was, 'Yes sir, absolutely. Put me in. Count me in. Let's do this, you know, for freedom, for justice, for America, let's go.'" An ISIS suicide bomber attacked his team in Manbij, Syria the day after he was supposed to go home.  "It started with a suicide vest. They had further plans after that, but after the suicide vest, it was catastrophic," Maj. Turnbull said. "I could have been home, but... In the defense of freedom, in defense of America, especially our Constitution, like I wouldn't have had it any other way." "There was video footage that had gone off of a security camera. And when I saw it, I had actually seen his truck in the video," Samantha Turnbull, Maj. Turnbull's wife, said. "I thought, 'okay, John's not here anymore.'"  The blast killed four Americans and injured two others, including Maj. Turnbull, who lost his right eye and punctured his left eye.  Doctors gave Maj. Turnbull only 12 hours to live and said that if he survived, he wouldn't be able to walk, talk or remember things again.  Nine months after the explosion, Maj. Turnbull ran the Army 10-miler.  "The doctors had told me that it's not possible… They took my left thigh muscle up and put it over my right eye socket," Maj. Turnbull said, "Don't tell me what I can't do. Let me show you what I can." MILITARY SISTER SURPRISES GRADUATING BOTHER BY DELIVERING HIS DIPLOMA AFTER OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT "It was really such a cool moment to see. It was definitely a part of his recovery, where I said, 'You know what? It's going to be all right,'" Samantha Turnbull said.  "There was a lot of emotion at that finish line." Maj. Turnbull is competing in the 2026 ‘Warrior Games’ as a completely blind man. He was team SOCOM's ‘Ultimate Champion,’ competing in archery, cycling, field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, precision air, swimming and track.  "Being here and seeing him competing and doing things he has not done before, it's really a cool thing to see," Samantha Turnbull said. "I'm, for once, getting to just sit back and take it all in, because it's kind of like that hug at the end of the finish line where you know what, we've done it." Before the games, Maj. Turnbull worked with coaches to learn how to overcome his blindness to compete with the rest of the competitors.  "I can turn a 25-meter pool to a 100-meter pool with these little zigzags going down. I say it in jest, it's funny, but we talked with the coaches. How do I start swimming straight? Is there a way? How do other blind swimmers do this? And we found a way," Maj. Turnbull said. The ‘Warrior Games’ is an eight-day competition for service members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force/Space Force and SOCOM. "So I view the ‘Warrior Games’ really as a springboard to what's next in your life. Ideally, it could be a return to active duty," 'Warrior Games' Director, David Paschal, said.  Prince Harry visited with athletes on Sunday. He first attended the ‘Warrior Games’ in 2013 when he was serving in the British Army as a helicopter pilot. That visit inspired Harry to create the 'Invictus Games,' a similar competition for service members from 25 countries.  "Next year, for Birmingham, we're going to bring 48 athletes to the Invictus games," Paschal said. "We'll leave right from training camp downrange to Birmingham to participate in the games and represent the USA."  In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs reported about 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Paschal said the ‘Warrior Games’ is literally saving lives because it shows service members what they are still capable of despite their injuries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32487519723856783264e3 Republicans, media rip Trump’s secret Iran deal, with the harshest critics calling it a surrender te 2026-06-17T07:10:45.972Z Republicans, media rip Trump’s secret Iran deal, with the harshest critics calling it a surrender A ceasefire agreement between the world’s greatest military power and its leading terrorist regime is a big blanking deal. But ask yourself: If the "agreement," which runs a page and a half, is so great, why hasn’t it been released? In a cascade of criticism, leading Republicans, joining the predictable Democrats, have expressed unhappiness with President Trump’s secret deal. Their attitude ranges from deep skepticism to outright opposition. And the media coverage, even accounting for the usual anti-Trump hostility, has been relentlessly negative. TRUMP'S IRAN AGREEMENT RAISES A BASIC QUESTION: IS IT ACTUALLY A DEAL? "President Trump Lost This War," the New York Times editorial page declared yesterday. "Trump made a terrible mistake starting this war. He prosecuted it recklessly and in open defiance of the law. The United States is emerging weaker — militarily, diplomatically and economically — and will pay strategic costs for years to come. The details of the deal are unclear, but the announced framework suggests that Mr. Trump has won few of the terms he insisted that he would. It is a humiliating comedown for him and the nation he leads." That theme emerges throughout the coverage. Washington Post foreign policy columnist David Ignatius says: "Let’s be frank: In diplomatic terms, this agreement is an exit ramp from a costly and unpopular war, not a victory parade. The deal falls far short of President Donald Trump’s early talk of regime change and unconditional surrender. Even one of Trump’s close advisers concedes: ‘It’s inconclusive right now, in the sense that you can’t say it was a huge success, and you can’t say it was a failure.’" But what’s most striking is the Republican pushback, with some demanding that Congress must approve any peace deal.  TRUMP VOWS 'ULTIMATE CONSEQUENCES' IF IRAN VIOLATES AGREEMENT, RESUMES NUCLEAR AMBITIONS Sen. Thom Tillis says the agreement is "doomed to fail" because of the lack of congressional oversight. He also criticized some remarks by Pete Hegseth. "Now we are talking about a posture where we may accept the nuclear material remaining in Iran? How does that make sense at all?" "If you want a deal to last," said Sen. James Lankford, "it can’t be an executive agreement." Sen. Lindsey Graham, a presidential pal, said the memorandum being described by Iran "sounds awful." Speaking of uranium, the longtime hawk said: "If they can enrich it anywhere at all, then it’s the same as JCPOA," the 2015 Obama agreement that Trump canceled. Graham told Politico he is "skeptical that Iran will ever go there." And conservative activist Erick Erickson, who has a popular radio show, says flatly: "Trump has surrendered to Iran." TRUMP MAY HAVE WON A STRATEGIC PAUSE IN IRAN. NOW COMES THE HARD PART Colby Hall, a Mediaite founding editor who has started a Substack site that includes the "morning frame," cited this example:  "Marc Thiessen is not a Democrat. He is not even a Never Trumper. He is a Fox News contributor, a Washington Post columnist, and a foreign-policy voice close enough to Trump that his calls reportedly helped shape the president’s position on Ukraine. He has had dinner at the White House."  Thiessen compared the $300 billion that the White House concedes Iran would receive for a reconstruction fund to "offering the Marshall Plan to rebuild Germany while the Nazis were still in power." The columnist "was applying the moral logic conservatives spent a decade constructing — that you don’t rebuild a hostile regime, you constrain it — to a deal signed by the president he helped elect." He wasn’t alone. Fox anchor Bill Hemmer called the situation "precarious. It’s tough stuff because Iran’s history is to get to that table and just drag this thing out — month after month and eventually year after year." Hemmer asked, "about us getting suckered back into a long, stalemated negotiation."   Many Fox critics conveniently forget the network has a large news division. Here’s Politico: "President Donald Trump and his team are celebrating an Iran peace deal they say will end Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. "But the accord rests on commitments that Iran hasn’t actually made yet. And it may never." Axios reports that CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Trump and other senior officials that "evidence gathered by U.S. intelligence agencies raises serious doubts about Iran’s willingness to make the nuclear concessions the U.S. is seeking in any final deal, according to three sources familiar with those discussions." Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth "both expressed concerns and raised questions about the memorandum of understanding." "Ratcliffe and Rubio said that based on that intel, they doubted the Iranians would agree to take the nuclear steps the U.S. was seeking."  NETANYAHU'S ISRAEL GRAPPLES WITH TRUMP-IRAN DEAL AS DETAILS REMAIN UNCLEAR That’s pretty sobering. National Review’s Jim Geraghty sees "a well-established pattern of an administration that habitually over promises and under delivers. Vice President Vance, who apparently never wanted to start a war, now gets the job of a deal with one of the world’s most untrustworthy and treacherous regimes." The Dispatch says: "If the deal has in fact been finalized… the administration’s unwillingness to share the details suggests the terms are, as many have feared, tantamount to surrender. Why not transparently share something of which you are proud?" All we really have here is an agreement to keep on talking. Maybe it will all work out in the end, but right now it seems like a distant desert mirage. Trump is declaring the "deal" a success. But with the still-secret arrangement, it’s hard to argue that the 80-year-old president has handled this well. Footnote: Trump over the weekend posted a picture of himself with Kim Jong Un. What did that North Korean visit and all those love letters get us last time? Yet Trump appears to be signaling he wants to try again. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a323f7e197238567832630a Colin Sahlman wins 800-meter NCAA outdoor championship te 2026-06-17T06:32:30.964Z Colin Sahlman wins 800-meter NCAA outdoor championship Northern Arizona Lumberjacks runner Colin Sahlman wins the 800-meter title with a personal best time of 1:44.22 on Friday at the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a323f6a1972385678326301 Colin Sahlman wins NCAA outdoor championship in 800-meter te 2026-06-17T06:32:10.996Z Colin Sahlman wins NCAA outdoor championship in 800-meter Sahlman closes his college career with a national championship for Northern Arizona. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a323f2919723856783262cd Top SPLC official allegedly funneled $1.2M to neo-Nazi informant who was secret romantic partner te 2026-06-17T06:31:05.460Z Top SPLC official allegedly funneled $1.2M to neo-Nazi informant who was secret romantic partner A top Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) official has been accused of helping funnel more than $1.2 million in donor funds to a confidential informant who infiltrated a neo-Nazi organization — a source prosecutors say was also the official’s secret romantic partner. The details were revealed in a superseding indictment filed June 2 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the SPLC, which has faced mounting scrutiny over allegations that it funded individuals tied to extremist groups it publicly opposed. According to the document, the director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project was in a secret romantic relationship with a paid field source who infiltrated a neo-Nazi organization known as the National Alliance at the direction of SPLC.  The SPLC director reportedly shared a home with the source and allegedly used a fake company to funnel charitable funds to the partner. A significant portion of the money reportedly ended up in a shared bank account used to fund their life together. NEO-NAZIS, ‘SADISTIC’ BIKERS AND CHARLOTTESVILLE ORGANIZER: 5 OF THE MOST SHOCKING SPLC INFORMANTS Based on details laid out in the superseding indictment, the individual was identified only as the "person who would become Director of the SPLC's Intelligence Project." The official reportedly conducted the financial transactions between 2015 and 2021. According to congressional and SPLC documents, the director at that time was Heidi L. Beirich, an extremism researcher who served in the role from 2012 to 2019. The SPLC declined to comment to Fox News Digital. DOJ SAYS SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER FUNNELED $3M+ TO WHITE SUPREMACIST AND EXTREMIST GROUPS Prosecutors allege that a fake shell company created by the SPLC, known as "Tech Writers," was used to funnel donor money directly to the official's romantic partner. "The SPLC actively led donors to believe that their donations would be used to ‘dismantle’ violent extremist groups," the indictment stated. "However, the SPLC hid from donors the fact that a portion of their donated funds was being secretly used to support extremist groups and to fund their violent, racist, and extremist activities." Investigators reportedly traced roughly $140,000 in donor funds directly from the SPLC's main operating account through the Tech Writers shell company and ultimately into the couple's shared personal bank account. Prosecutors said those funds accounted for roughly two-thirds of the money held in the couple's joint accounts and were used to pay everyday household and living expenses. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a323f1619723856783262c4 GOP Gov DeWine urges Ohio to abolish the death penalty, says it is no longer a deterrent te 2026-06-17T06:30:46.011Z GOP Gov DeWine urges Ohio to abolish the death penalty, says it is no longer a deterrent Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, on Tuesday announced support for abolishing capital punishment in his state, reaffirming his change of heart on the policy he helped write as a legislator 45 years ago to reinstate the death penalty in Ohio. DeWine, who has repeatedly postponed executions during his time as governor, pointed to data showing that the death penalty does not serve as a deterrent to violent crime. "For the state to take a human life, there must, in my opinion, there must be evidence that in doing so it will help protect the public, that the threat of that action will deter someone from committing murder," DeWine said at a news conference. "I do not believe that argument today can be successfully made, nor do I believe that there’s any chance in the future the facts that I’ve cited to support that belief will change," he said. "Therefore, I believe Ohio should abolish the death penalty." TEXAS LAWMAKER PROPOSES BILL TO ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY IN LONE STAR STATE: 'I THINK SENTIMENT IS CHANGING' As he made his case, DeWine brought out charts and graphs showing the decline in both the number of death sentences handed down by courts and the quantity of executions being carried out. The data also showed the exceedingly long wait times as legal appeals play out for inmates on death row. The governor said condemned murderers are increasingly unlikely to be executed, as they sometimes die by natural causes or by suicide before they can be executed. "Even if the murderer is caught, indicted, convicted and sentenced to death, the odds are still pretty good they’re not going to be executed," he said. "In summary, each decade that the death penalty has been in effect, the chances of a murderer getting executed get more and more and more remote," he added. The last 10 people to be executed in Ohio had been on death row between 14 and 32 years, he said. Since the state reinstated capital punishment in 1981 under a law co-written by DeWine, 56 people who received the death sentence have been executed and 41 died by natural causes or suicide while on death row. Another 89 death sentences were overturned due to "judicial action" such as legal errors. DeWine emphasized the years of pain for victims' loved ones due to the delays and the impact on the mental health of state employees who work on execution teams. UTAH DEATH ROW INMATE WITH DEMENTIA DIES OF NATURAL CAUSES 3 MONTHS AFTER EXECUTION WAS HALTED "I no longer believe the death penalty is a deterrent to murder," DeWine said. "The moral justification I had for voting for the death penalty simply no longer exists." The governor, who is term-limited and cannot seek another term in the 2026 election, said he felt compelled to share his thoughts now after 50 years of experience with the death penalty issue, including as a Greene County prosecutor, a member of the U.S. House and Senate and as Ohio's attorney general. However, he said his outright opposition to the death penalty has become solidified in the past year. DeWine urged the legislature to abolish the death penalty or to leave it up to state residents to vote on the issue, although Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman has said he would oppose such an effort. Other supporters of capital punishment have argued that Ohio’s yearslong execution pause has denied justice to victims’ families and weakened the deterrent effect of death sentences. DeWine has not authorized an execution since taking office seven years ago, citing, on numerous occasions, pharmaceutical suppliers’ unwillingness to provide the drugs used in lethal injections. Last year, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Justice Department to help states to resolve that issue. In January 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Justice Department to help states resolve that issue. The governor has said he expects no more executions during the remainder of his term. Delaying executions has left Ohio with 30 scheduled over the next four years, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The state has not put an inmate to death since July 18, 2018, before DeWine took office. "The most important way to protect the public is to lock up violent criminals and to keep them out of society," DeWine said. "That is a proven way of saving lives and protecting our citizens. Our money and energies are much better spent focusing on keeping these repeat violent offenders out of society." Currently, 27 states allow the death penalty while 23 states and Washington, D.C., do not, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Since 2019, including that year, three states have abolished capital punishment, while five states now authorize nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method amid ongoing controversy over lethal injection protocols. At the federal level, Trump has pushed to expand executions. During his first term, 13 federal executions were carried out, which was more than any president in modern history. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a322e981972385678325f27 The World Cup Gives Kansas City a Rare Turn in the Global Spotlight te 2026-06-17T05:20:24.060Z The World Cup Gives Kansas City a Rare Turn in the Global Spotlight The tournament brings unique challenges and upsides for Kansas City, the smallest U.S. metro area to host matches. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3225611972385678325d7d Dems pick potential successor to DC's congressional delegate after decades-long incumbency te 2026-06-17T04:41:05.331Z Dems pick potential successor to DC's congressional delegate after decades-long incumbency At-large D.C. Council member Robert White Jr. won the Democratic primary Tuesday for Eleanor Holmes Norton’s longtime non-voting congressional seat, putting him on track to become the district’s first new member of Congress since 1991. The rare open-seat contest for D.C.’s delegate post came after Norton, 88, announced she would not seek another term following 18 terms in Congress. The Democratic nominee will advance to the November general election in heavily Democratic Washington, where the party’s nominee is heavily favored against Republican and third-party challengers. D.C.’s delegate can introduce legislation, serve on committees and advocate for the district on Capitol Hill, but the role does not include a final vote on the House floor. The race comes as Washington continues its long-running fight over statehood, home rule and federal control of the nation’s capital. The primary race was held under D.C.’s new ranked-choice voting system, but White was able to secure the nomination. White has served as an at-large member of the D.C. Council since 2016 and previously worked in Norton’s congressional office as legislative counsel. He entered the race after dropping a possible mayoral bid, arguing the district needed a more aggressive advocate in Congress as federal pressure on D.C. intensified. Norton was first elected in 1990 and took office in 1991, becoming the district’s nonvoting delegate and one of D.C.’s most recognizable political figures. Her retirement closes an 18-term tenure spanning roughly 35-years, defined by fights over statehood, home rule and full congressional representation for the capital. For many D.C. voters, Norton has been the only congressional delegate they have ever known. Her decision to step aside after 18 terms opened the first truly competitive race for the seat in decades and set off a scramble among local Democrats seeking to inherit one of the district’s most symbolic political posts. White will advance to the November general election, where the Democratic nominee will be heavily favored in overwhelmingly Democratic Washington, D.C. Republican Denise Rosado is running unopposed for the GOP nomination, while at least one third-party candidate, Kymone Freeman, is also seeking the nonvoting delegate seat. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3225381972385678325d5c Georgia Vexes Trump Yet Again: 6 Takeaways From Tuesday’s Primaries te 2026-06-17T04:40:24.377Z Georgia Vexes Trump Yet Again: 6 Takeaways From Tuesday’s Primaries Lt. Gov. Burt Jones lost the Republican runoff for governor to the health care executive Rick Jackson despite the president’s endorsement. Mr. Trump’s picks won in other races. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32209d1972385678325c96 State of play: What to know about potential socialist showdown between Trump and DC mayor as votes pour in te 2026-06-17T04:20:45.397Z State of play: What to know about potential socialist showdown between Trump and DC mayor as votes pour in Socialist Washington, D.C. mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George holds a lead in her bid to replace outgoing mayor Muriel Bowser as midnight passes on the East Coast and the ballots continue to be counted throughout the night. The Associated Press reports that as of 12 a.m. ET on Wednesday morning, George is the leader with 52.6% of the vote after 66% of the votes had been counted. The next closest candidate, Kenyan R. McDuffie, sits at 36.8%. The nation’s capital has been at the center of the Trump administration’s nationwide crackdown on crime during his second term and he sent the National Guard into the district last year, which proponents have argued directly correlates to plummeting violent crime numbers. Trump has suggested that he'd order another federal takeover of Washington D.C. if the "crazy socialist" mayoral candidate was elected. LUIGI MANGIONE SUPPORTER WORKING FOR FAR-LEFT DC MAYORAL CANDIDATE LIKENED TO MAMDANI "I wouldn’t like it — and maybe we take back Washington, run it on the federal basis," Trump said when asked by reporters how he'd respond if a self-described Democratic socialist D.C. council member were to win her bid. "We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses," Trump said on Thursday during a press briefing from the White House. George called Trump's recent threat to enact a second takeover as an "attack on democracy itself." DC GUARD SHOOTING SUSPECT STARES DOWN DEATH PENALTY IN FIRST COURT APPEARANCE George, who has become the Democratic frontrunner, leads a race that will likely decide the winner of the general race in a city where roughly 75% of voters are registered Democrats. Washington, D.C. is using ranked-choice voting for the first time, which could delay the certification of an official winner. Voters in Washington, D.C. were also voting in the Democratic primary to determine their next non-voting U.S. Delegate following the retirement of Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton. Shortly after midnight, the Associated Press called the race for the winner, At-Large Council member Robert White.  Fox News Digital’s Elaine Mallon contributed to this report Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3217271972385678325aba Ohio Governor Says State Should End the Death Penalty, Breaking With His Party te 2026-06-17T03:40:23.875Z Ohio Governor Says State Should End the Death Penalty, Breaking With His Party During a news conference on Tuesday, Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, called on state lawmakers to end all executions, a practice he once supported. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3214e61972385678325a4f Dems crown Senate nominee in solidly red Alabama ahead of steep midterm climb te 2026-06-17T03:30:46.458Z Dems crown Senate nominee in solidly red Alabama ahead of steep midterm climb Former Judge Everett Wess has won the Democratic Senate nomination in solidly red Alabama, in the race to succeed Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor this year. Wess defeated small business owner Dakarai Larriett in the Democratic Senate runoff, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday. Wess and Larriett finished first and second in last month's primary, in the four candidate field. But since no one topped 50% of the vote, Wess and Larriett advanced to Tuesday's runoff election. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Wess will be considered the clear underdog in the general election against the Republican nominee. Rep. Barry Moore, who was backed by President Donald Trump, was facing off against former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson in the GOP nomination runoff election. Other than former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones' 2017 special election victory, it's been over three decades since a Democrat has won a Senate election in Alabama. THESE MIDTERM RACES WILL DETERMINE WHETHER REPUBLICANS HOLD THEIR SENATE MAJORITY Tuberville, a former Auburn University head football coach, is running for governor this year rather than seeking re-election to the Senate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32104d197238567832596e Caitlin Clark reclaims WNBA assist lead while demolishing a new team you’ve probably never heard of te 2026-06-17T03:11:09.953Z Caitlin Clark reclaims WNBA assist lead while demolishing a new team you’ve probably never heard of Caitlin Clark put on a clinic Tuesday night, leading the Indiana Fever to a dominant 113-91 win over the Toronto Tempo -- a franchise so new that half the audience was probably doing a double take when the score appeared. Oh, and the win was the fourth consecutive victory for the scorching-hot Fever. But the biggest milestone of the night was Clark reclaiming the top spot on the WNBA assists leaderboard. She recorded 14 assists in just 32 minutes. CAITLIN CLARK DROPS 21 POINTS AND 10 ASSISTS AFTER WNBA USED RAVEN JOHNSON IN FEVER PROMO GRAPHICS She was equally effective when looking for her own shot. Clark finished with 21 points, forcing Toronto to respect her scoring ability and preventing defenders from keying solely on her passing. By balancing her responsibilities as both a facilitator and scorer, she kept Indiana's offense difficult to predict. She also added five rebounds. CAITLIN CLARK PUTS UP REGGIE MILLER-LIKE SHOOTING DISPLAY IN RETURN FROM INJURY; SCORES 9 POINTS IN 38 SECONDS Orchestrating an offense that produced 113 points and a 22-point victory margin was a nice reminder from Clark of her WNBA dominance. Frankly, we've never seen a player like her, though some have already forgotten. Indiana's recent surge may be less of a hot streak and more of a glimpse of what's to come in this much-discussed third season for the WNBA phenom. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela   ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32103a1972385678325965 JD Vance left stunned following 'The View' appearance, reveals what Joy Behar told him during commercial break te 2026-06-17T03:10:50.505Z JD Vance left stunned following 'The View' appearance, reveals what Joy Behar told him during commercial break Vice President JD Vance was taken aback by how he was treated by the ladies of "The View." "I expected them to be absolutely vicious, and they were only a little bit vicious. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be," Vance said on "Gutfeld!" Tuesday. "Joy Behar even said during the break, not joking, she said, 'You know what? You're like pretty good for a Republican.' And I was like, 'Whoa.' That is a way better compliment than I expected from Joy Behar," he continued. VANCE SPARS WITH LIBERAL CO-HOSTS OVER IMMIGRATION ON 'THE VIEW' Vance stopped by "The View" Tuesday as he kicked off the book tour this week for his spiritual memoir, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith." It wasn't, however, all sunshine and rainbows for Vance in his debut appearance on the ABC daytime talk show. JD VANCE WALKS BACK CONTROVERSIAL 'CHILDLESS CAT LADIES' COMMENT ON 'THE VIEW' BUT DEFENDS FAMILY MESSAGE "I thought that Sunny, the woman to my left, was going to call me a racist. In reality, it was Whoopi, the woman on my right, who called me a racist. So expectations were defied," Vance joked. Vance was likely referencing an exchange he had with co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who grilled him over allegations that the Trump administration watered down or removed exhibits of Black history at various museums, an assertion Vance combatted. He and "The View" co-hosts clashed on several topics, like President Donald Trump's recent comments about inflation as well as immigration. VANCE SHARES HOW HE'S GEARING UP FOR LION'S DEN DEBUT ON 'THE VIEW' Speaking with Fox News Digital ahead of the appearance on "View," Vance was hopeful that he'd have a productive conversation with the liberal ladies. "It may be the optimist in me, but I just fundamentally think that most people — not everybody, but most people — even if I disagree with them, you ought to try to have a conversation with them," Vance told Fox News Digital in a sit-down interview Monday. "We're going to go and try to have a good conversation. I hope they meet me halfway. I'm a little skeptical, but we'll see," he added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a320b9c197238567832585b Trump-backed candidate sparks runoff against popular prosecutor in key gubernatorial race te 2026-06-17T02:51:08.693Z Trump-backed candidate sparks runoff against popular prosecutor in key gubernatorial race Trump-endorsed former Oklahoma state Sen. Mike Mazzei, R-Bixby, and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond advanced to the August 25 runoff in the Sooner State's Republican gubernatorial primary, defeating a slew of other candidates vying to replace term-limited Gov. Kevin Stitt. Stitt — recently the top Republican at the National Governors Association — was term limited. Trump called Mazzei a "MAGA warrior" who "will never let you down," throwing the already crowded contest into further uncertainty. Until that point, Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Mazzei were locked in a tight race with businessman Chip Keating and former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Tishomingo. THE BALLOT BOX SHOWDOWNS THIS MONTH THAT YOU NEED TO WATCH Trump noted he "won big" in Oklahoma — which, along with West Virginia, is one of only two states with no blue counties in election results. Mazzei is running on top issues, including eliminating state property taxes, protecting state lands from foreign purchasers, increasing the state’s literacy rate, and cutting waste and abuse from government. In the latter regard, Stitt appointed Mazzei as his state budget director for part of his term. Some critics targeted Mazzei for hiring former Nixon campaign figure and Trump ally Roger Stone as a political consultant during his campaign. Stone, one of the most prolific conservative consultants of the 20th century, famously had his Fort Lauderdale home raided in the middle of the night by the FBI while CNN was waiting and filming, sparking national uproar. "Roger Stone is one of many political advisers and teammates that we have going back months and months and months," Mazzei told Oklahoma City’s ABC affiliate. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY OR GOVERNMENT OVERREACH? OKLAHOMA AG FIGHTS OWN PARTY IN SCOTUS BATTLE OVER CATHOLIC SCHOOL "And, of course, it's helpful to have someone on your team that's aware of what's going on in Washington, D.C. And the aspects of a Trump agenda and how they fit with an Oklahoma agenda." Drummond is running on his tough-on-crime record as attorney general, immigration enforcement efforts, career as a fighter pilot and ties to Trump similar to those touted by Mazzei. "When his nation called, Captain Gentner Drummond answered with courage. Leading the first U.S. combat mission of the Gulf War, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for "extraordinary achievement." By the end of Operation Desert Storm, Capt. Drummond was one of the most highly decorated Oklahomans of the war," a statement on his campaign website reads. Drummond highlighted his efforts fighting "the Biden administration’s radical overreach, including failures on immigration" and policies permitting biological boys in girls' sports. McCall ran on a platform of "family, faith and moral leadership," and burnished his state legislature credentials and record. He wants to abolish both the state income tax and property tax, and put forward an economically conservative plan of action. Keating, who also served in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, noted on his campaign website he is the only former law enforcement officer running for governor. Keating pushed a public safety-first platform targeting trafficking, open borders and Antifa, whom he described as "radical domestic terrorists." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a320b73197238567832583c State Lawmaker and Trump-Backed Pastor Head to House Runoff in Oklahoma te 2026-06-17T02:50:27.732Z State Lawmaker and Trump-Backed Pastor Head to House Runoff in Oklahoma The result sets up a Republican primary runoff between a right-wing firebrand and a more traditional candidate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32092d197238567832578f DC Guard shooting suspect stares down death penalty in first court appearance te 2026-06-17T02:40:45.667Z DC Guard shooting suspect stares down death penalty in first court appearance The Afghan national accused of carrying out a deadly ambush-style shooting targeting National Guard members near the White House pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all charges in a 17-count federal superseding indictment. Just hours earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed the indictment against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, who previously worked for the CIA in Afghanistan. Lakanwal is accused of killing West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and severely wounding Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in last November’s attack. Prosecutors said the charges, which include first-degree murder, make the case eligible for the death penalty. "Sarah Beckstrom was 20 years old, serving her country in the nation's capital, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly drove across the country and executed her in cold blood steps from the White House," U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said. "That is not just a crime, it is a major offense against the United States. We will pursue every penalty the law permits as we seek justice for Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe." AFGHAN NATIONAL ACCUSED IN DEADLY DC NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTING PLEADS NOT GUILTY, PROSECUTORS SEEK DEATH PENALTY During Tuesday’s arraignment, the suspect was seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and skullcap and remained in a wheelchair, as he appears to recover from injuries prosecutors say he sustained during the incident. DOJ prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that they will begin the death penalty review process shortly.  The final decision on whether to pursue capital punishment will be made by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Lakanwal remains charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Mehta set the next status hearing for Sept. 16. ALLEGED NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTER WORKED WITH US GOVERNMENT ENTITIES IN AFGHANISTAN, INCLUDING CIA: RATCLIFFE According to court documents, Lakanwal allegedly drove his Toyota Prius from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia while in possession of a stolen firearm.  Prosecutors said he opened fire on West Virginia National Guard members, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Two nearby National Guard members then subdued Lakanwal at the scene, officials said.  Investigators reportedly recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had been reported stolen in Seattle in 2023. Officials said Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe continues to recover from his injuries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3206fc1972385678325717 LeBron James signals Lakers loyalty as ESPN insider says Lakers deal talks are underway te 2026-06-17T02:31:24.297Z LeBron James signals Lakers loyalty as ESPN insider says Lakers deal talks are underway LeBron James’ basketball future will once again loom over the NBA offseason. James’ free agency status this summer opens the door for him to potentially switch teams for the first time since 2018. But questions remain about whether will decide to play elsewhere or close the chapter on his storied career. As questions swirl about James’ future, ESPN reported that James representatives and the Lakers are engaged in talks the structure of a new contract. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM If James returns for a record 24th season, he appears focused on getting a deal done with the team he has spent the past eight seasons with — the Los Angeles Lakers. "I think LeBron James’ intention is to play, and I think the focus right now is making a deal with the Lakers," ESPN's Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland radio Tuesday. "Right now, he’s allowed to negotiate with the Lakers, and I believe they are negotiating. I believe they’re going back and forth." "In the next 14 days, I think he’s going to try to make a deal with the Lakers," he continued. CAVS NEED LEBRON JAMES 'TO RETURN HOME TO SAVE THE DAY,' ESPN STAR STEPHEN A SMITH SAYS James is already the league's longest tenured player. LeBron and Savannah James first began dating in high school. The couple shares three children, including Bronny James who spent the past two NBA seasons playing alongside his father. James appeared on the "Everybody’s Crazy" podcast in October 2025 alongside popular social media personality and YouTuber and online streamer Kai Cenat and two other guests. Savannah co-hosts the show. During the episode, James reflected on his childhood, work ethic and his business philosophies. Last month, Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. James largely carried Los Angeles to a first-round series win over the Houston Rockets without teammates Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. While Reaves returned for the conference semifinals, Doncic was unable to recover in time to rejoin the starting lineup at any point in the postseason after suffering a hamstring injury late in the regular season. 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/6a3206e8197238567832570e Trump notches another endorsement win as Barry Moore captures Alabama GOP Senate nomination in runoff te 2026-06-17T02:31:04.841Z Trump notches another endorsement win as Barry Moore captures Alabama GOP Senate nomination in runoff He wasn't on the ballot, but President Donald Trump is a winner in the Republican Senate runoff election in Alabama, as the candidate he endorsed captured the GOP nomination. Trump-backed Rep. Barry Moore defeated rival Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL sniper, in Tuesday's Republican showdown for the GOP nomination in solidly red Alabama, the Associated Press reports. Moore and Hudson were the top two finishers in last month's Republican primary, but with no candidate topping 50% of the vote, they both advanced to the runoff. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Moore, who was also endorsed by Vice President JD Vance and Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, will now be considered the clear frontrunner in the race to succeed Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor this year rather than seeking re-election to the Senate. The congressman, who founded a waste hauling company and later served as a state lawmaker before first winning election to the U.S. House in 2020, was one of the first politicians to endorse Trump in 2015 when the president first ran for the White House. THESE MIDTERM RACES WILL DETERMINE WHETHER REPUBLICANS HOLD THEIR SENATE MAJORITY Moore, who represents Alabama's 1st Congressional District, in the southern portion of southeastern state, is a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus. Hudson, running as an outsider, edged out state Attorney General Steve Marshall to advance to the runoff. Besides being a combat veteran, Hudson has served as a sheriff’s deputy, firefighter, small business owner and current head of a nonprofit that trains law enforcement in taking out human traffickers. Hudson was endorsed by then-Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who is now Trump's Department of Homeland Security secretary, Sen. Tim Sheehy, the National Association for Gun Rights PAC, and conservative activists and media star Riley Gaines. But Hudson fell short against Moore, who will face off in November against either Dakarai Larriett, a petcare business owner, or attorney and former judge Everett Wess. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a3206d51972385678325705 Floyd Mayweather facing felony charges after allegedly bouncing check on $200K luxury watch te 2026-06-17T02:30:45.391Z Floyd Mayweather facing felony charges after allegedly bouncing check on $200K luxury watch Floyd "Money" Mayweather built a fortune around his famous nickname. Now, he may have some explaining to do. The undefeated boxing icon is facing serious prison time after allegedly writing a bad check for a luxury timepiece in Las Vegas. Clark County prosecutors slapped the 49-year-old fighter with two serious felony charges, including theft of property valued over $100,000 and passing a check with intent to defraud. Authorities say Mayweather's alleged theft stems from a shopping trip on New Year’s Eve in 2024 when he set his sights on a rare Audemars Piguet watch. LA MAN FOUND GUILTY OF SCAMMING INVESTORS, HOLLYWOOD STARS OUT OF OVER $20 MILLION TO FUEL LAVISH LIFESTYLE Mayweather paid with a $200,000 check from a Wells Fargo account, but the bank quickly returned it for insufficient funds. Boutique owners reportedly spent over a year trying to collect the cash quietly. They even sent a certified demand letter to avoid a public scandal, but Mayweather allegedly ghosted them. TERENCE CRAWFORD RIPS WBC AFTER BEING STRIPPED OF BOXING TITLE FOR ALLEGEDLY FAILING TO PAY SANCTIONING FEES A criminal summons followed, and Mayweather's defense team appeared on his behalf in a Las Vegas court on Monday. If convicted on both felony counts, the self-proclaimed billionaire faces a maximum of 24 years behind bars. This $200,000 bad check appears to be just the tip of a massive financial iceberg. JENNIE GARTH ADMITS ‘SCARY’ FINANCIAL SPIRAL AFTER ‘90210’ FAME Mayweather is currently buried under a mountain of debt, including a staggering $7 million federal tax lien from the IRS for unpaid back taxes. A judge also recently ordered him to pay $1 million in back child support to a former dancer, and he is battling separate civil lawsuits over unpaid bills for private jet services and luxury Manhattan apartment rent. The aging star has quickly lined up a string of upcoming exhibition bouts, alongside a highly anticipated September rematch against Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather is game to fight anyone except the repo man. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela   ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32048e197238567832567f Attorney General and Businessman Make Oklahoma Governor’s Runoff te 2026-06-17T02:21:02.886Z Attorney General and Businessman Make Oklahoma Governor’s Runoff Gentner Drummond, the attorney general, and Mike Mazzei, a newcomer who secured President Trump’s endorsement, emerged from a crowded field in the Republican primary. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32047b1972385678325676 Rep. Barry Moore Wins G.O.P. Senate Primary in Alabama, Holding Off Challenger te 2026-06-17T02:20:43.432Z Rep. Barry Moore Wins G.O.P. Senate Primary in Alabama, Holding Off Challenger The contest to fill Alabama’s open Senate seat had become closer than expected between the House lawmaker and Jared Hudson, a political newcomer. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a320464197238567832564a New dual enrollment fee, more student service cuts included in Pima Community College budget te 2026-06-17T02:20:20.402Z New dual enrollment fee, more student service cuts included in Pima Community College budget A $10-per-credit fee is on tap for about 7,000 high school students throughout Southern Arizona who take dual enrollment courses through Pima Community College. The courses, offered at 43 Southern Arizona high schools, allow students to take college-level courses for high school and college credit. At Pima, those courses have typically been free and a pathway for some students who may not have considered college. The fee will be implemented in the 2027-28 school year after the Pima  Community College Governing Board passed its budget at last week’s meeting. Pima says it is exploring a scholarship or waiver for families who may need it. “We have a year between now and then to continue to work with the districts about figuring out how do we put this in process,” Pima Governing Board President Greg Taylor told Arizona Luminaria. “We need to figure out are there things that can be uniform? Are there things that are going to have to be customized? One of those elements is some mechanism for scholarship or waiver or something based on financial need, but we don’t have an exact process or policy defined yet.” English, math and career and technical education courses are the most common types of dual enrollment courses taken in Arizona, according to Education Forward Arizona, a nonprofit advocating for high-quality education and training in partnership with the business sector. It includes a focus on the Achieve60AZ college attainment goal, which aims to get 60% of working Arizonans a college degree or trade certification by 2030. A combination of expanded enrollment, rising operating costs, and no money from the state are reasons for the new fee, Pima says. “I believe these courses are important to give students more real-life and experiential learning experiences,” said Madison Bonomolo, 22, a former Catalina Foothills High student who took a medical terminology course at Pima JTED while in high school. Bonomolo used that head start to earn her biochemistry degree from Northeastern University in Boston and aims to start medical school soon. “Many students from different districts rely on these courses to secure a certification upon graduating high school so they can immediately enter the workforce,” she said via text message. “In my opinion, instituting fees for these courses could provide a barrier for many students and make it less accessible to all high school students.” That equitable access to college is vital. One third of all high school students nationally take a dual enrollment course. In Arizona, it’s one in four students, Education Forward data from 2023 said. “We are so invested in this because of what it’s done for students,” Sunnyside Unified School District Superintendent Jose Gastelum told Arizona Luminaria, adding more than 1,000 students in his district are dually enrolled. Last month, five Desert View High School graduates earned their associate’s degree the day before they were awarded their high school diplomas, he said. “This program really fights off this imposter syndrome for our kids and puts our students on a path. They’re earning college credit before they even start college and they start building that academic confidence that they need to move forward,” Gastelum said. “And they start believing that they can do college work. We know they can, but they have to believe it for themselves.” Superintendents from across Southern Arizona met with Pima throughout last school year. They discussed the fee and negotiated with Pima, Gastelum said, adding a student cap and limit per family, because more than one student may be dually enrolled at one time. Dual enrollment courses cost Pima $1.7 million a year and high school teachers require special certification to teach the specified courses, which either they or their districts pay for. The new fee could bring in $372,000.  At Maricopa Community Colleges, the largest community college system in the nation, dual enrollment fees are $50 to $97 a credit hour plus enrollment fees, depending on the school district. MCC offers need-based waivers. Charging the new fee is complicated, Taylor said. While Pima, with about 18,000 students some reimbursement, he sees big value in creating that pathway for all students. Yet, the current Pima students unfairly pay much more per credit, he said. Pima’s current tuition is just over $100 a credit for in-state students and the University of Arizona is about $500 a credit. “Dual enrollment is critically important,” he said. “It gives especially lower-income families a step up toward their college education and allows them to save on higher tuition. “In high school dual enrollment, you didn’t pay anything up until now. And that doesn’t strike me as fair. So it essentially means that our students in their tuition are subsidizing other students taking these courses,” he said. “There’s got to be some balance that we find between maintaining access and realizing how important that is, but also balancing against the institution’s financial needs. So we’re trying to find a balance. I think I was clear in the meeting that if it were up to me solely, and it is not, but if it was up to me solely, I would have put it higher because I think this doesn’t go as far as I would have liked to have seen to recoup our costs.” More budget breakdown Pima’s $347 million budget was the meeting focus last week. The college continues to face funding cuts from the federal government and underfunding from the state. Last spring, it raised tuition, approved a 2% property tax hike for Pima County residents and OK’d a bond question for the November ballot. If voters approve the bond, the cost to a homeowner with a $250,000 property would be an additional $31 a year over 20 years or $46 a year over 10 years, Pima says. In the 2026-27 school year, tuition will rise $2.50 per credit hour for a total of $103 for in-state students in lower-division courses. Upper-division courses will cost $154.50 for an in-state student. (For example, an in-state student taking English 101 would pay $2.50 more per hour, but $54 more per hour for English 301.) Baked into the budget plan are proceeds from that $250 million bond proposal. If the bond passes, Pima’s capital budget jumps 52%. Taylor told Arizona Luminaria that’s how the budget must proceed at this point.  “It has to be built in, otherwise we can’t spend the money,” he said, adding if some bond money was not listed, Pima cannot access those dollars until the next budget go-round. The continued loss of TRIO grants was discussed as Pima continues to appeal the defunct program, which served about 1,500 students who needed it to get postsecondary education.  The basis for defunding the program? Social and emotional learning within the Pima curriculum, Taylor said.  “They were denied because the stated reason was that we included curriculum around social-emotional learning, which on a side note is a requirement from the Arizona Department of Education,” Taylor said. “It boggles my mind that is the federal government’s position that we wouldn’t fund this program because we don’t want you teaching people how to address students’ trauma. “These are students who have disabilities and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. These are the folks that we want higher education to create opportunities for,” he said. “So why would they continue to stifle these programs that help them access those higher education resources? I just don’t fathom the reason why that’s a good idea.” The post New dual enrollment fee, more student service cuts included in Pima Community College budget appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a32020c19723856783255d2 UA's $70M endowment move draws scrutiny te 2026-06-17T02:10:20.174Z UA's $70M endowment move draws scrutiny The University of Arizona says its plan to take direct control of tens of millions in donor endowment funds will help put philanthropic support to work more efficiently, but the foundation's own donor letter and the faculty senate chair say there’s another reason for the change. The UA Foundation notified donors earlier this month that it will transfer $70 million in non-scholarship endowment payouts to the university by June 30, with all future annual payouts following the same path beginning in July. The change gives the university direct legal ownership of funds previously managed and reviewed by the foundation before distribution, removing an independent check on how donor-restricted money is spent. "This allows the university to more efficiently put philanthropic support to work for students, research and other donor-specified priorities," said UA spokesperson Mitch Zak, adding that the change gives the university more direct visibility into how payout funds are being used. Zak said the shift would not affect the endowment principal, which will remain at the foundation under its board's fiduciary oversight. In a second statement, Zak said the annual payouts "do not become unrestricted university funds" and that the change "improves visibility into those resources without altering the restrictions governing their use,” but did not explain what mechanism would enforce those restrictions once the foundation's review process is removed. The foundation's letter to donors from President and CEO John-Paul Roczniak, however, was more direct: the change "will also assist the university in meeting the Days Cash on Hand targets mandated by the Arizona Board of Regents and the university's bond rating agencies." Tucson Spotlight trains the next generation of Southern Arizona journalists and publishes their work free for everyone. No paywalls, no corporate backing. Just readers who believe this community deserves better local news. UA Foundation cedes control of donor endowment payouts The University of Arizona Foundation is transferring control of $70 million in non-scholarship endowment payouts to the university effective June 30, with all future annual payouts following the same path beginning in July. Tucson SpotlightCaitlin Schmidt Days Cash on Hand measures how long a university can operate using available funds without additional revenue. The UA reported last week that it had between 78 to 84 days of cash-on-hand, well below ABOR's required minimum of 140, and the shortfall has weighed on the university's credit rating since its 2023 financial crisis. In 2024 and early 2025, Moody's and S&P Global Ratings downgraded the UA's outlook to negative, with Moody's citing its "inability to right size operations," turnover in management, weaker financial monitoring and ongoing governance scrutiny.  In January, S&P Global Ratings revised its outlook on the university's debt from negative to stable, affirming its AA- rating and citing improved operations, though it warned that a weakening liquidity position, measured in part by Days Cash on Hand, could trigger a downgrade. Zak did not respond to follow-up questions from Tucson Spotlight about whether the Arizona Board of Regents was informed of the change or whether the foundation's board voted on it. A representative for ABOR did not respond to Tucson Spotlight's requests for comment about whether it was consulted before the change was announced to donors, what oversight role it holds over how transferred funds are spent, and how the shift affects the UA’s Days Cash on Hand calculation. In a statement to the Arizona Daily Star, ABOR said university foundations are "legally separate and independent non-profit corporations whose charitable purpose is to aid and promote universities." “The board does not run them, but sets clear expectations for how universities work with foundations to make sure donations are handled properly,” the statement said. It is not clear whether those expectations extend to prior notification of a change of this magnitude. Tucson Spotlight contacted three UA Foundation board members listed on the organization's most recent IRS filing, asking when the board voted on the change and whether the reinvestment commitment described by the university's spokesperson is reflected in any written policy. Two did not respond by deadline; a third said they are no longer a trustee. Zak said units may continue to reinvest unspent distributions "when appropriate," but did not respond to additional questions defining what that means, where reinvested funds would be held, or what guidance development directors received when the change was announced internally.  Zak also did not respond to a request for examples of where the current system has fallen short, despite the university's statement that the change will help ensure donor resources are used "in a timely manner and in accordance with the terms of each endowment agreement." The University of Arizona has reported between 77 and 84 days cash on hand, well below the Arizona Board of Regents' required minimum of 140. Photo by Gracie Kayko. How endowments work  An endowment is not a bank account. Donors contribute principal that is invested permanently. Only the annual return, not the original gift, is distributed for spending. The UA Foundation pays out at a rate of 4.25% annually, meaning a $1 million endowment generates roughly $42,500 per year for its designated purpose, indefinitely. Most endowments are restricted: a donor specifies exactly what the money funds — a named scholarship, a faculty chair, a research program — and that designation is legally binding. The UA Foundation, founded in 1958, is a separate nonprofit organization that exists to receive, invest, and steward private gifts on the university's behalf.  The separation is intentional: as a public institution, the university is subject to state budget rules and oversight that can complicate the management of private philanthropy. The foundation operates under its own board of trustees and assumes fiduciary responsibility for ensuring donations are used in accordance with donor intent. It has historically served as an independent check on endowment distributions, reviewing requests to confirm they comply with donor agreements before releasing funds to the university. Under the change taking effect June 30, the university receives those funds directly, without that review. The underlying investments remain at the foundation. The cash on hand question The funding shift comes as the UA continues to recover from a financial crisis that emerged in 2023, when the university disclosed a roughly $240 million budget shortfall. As of last June, the UA reported an estimated 77 days cash on hand, well below ABOR's required minimum of 140. Faculty Senate Chair Leila Hudson said she believes the $70 million transfer amounts to roughly 10 days of cash on hand. Hudson said she first learned of the change when a donor shared the foundation's letter with her a few weeks ago. She said that’s the same way  most faculty found out, adding that the Faculty Senate's role is precisely to pump the brakes on decisions like this. "Faculty governance is mandated to slow down the process, ask difficult questions and think long-term, not just about opportunities and profits, but about the mission and how you creatively keep on doing the mission in a compassionate way that does not hurt people and continues to serve the state," she said. "The administration never intended for us to know (about this.)” Hudson has been scrutinizing the flow of money between the foundation and the university since 2022, when she launched a faculty senate committee to examine what she described as improper donor influence on academic programs, most notably funding from the Koch network directed to the university's Freedom Center. That experience, she said, left her deeply skeptical of the foundation's transparency.  Donors who do not respond to the UA Foundation's notification will have their endowments transferred to the university by default. Photo by Gracie Kayko. That skepticism now extends to how the university will manage the transferred funds. Hudson said she has witnessed endowments mishandled at the university level, including one case in which she said a donor's death was followed almost immediately by changes to the terms of their donation, and another in which she said an endowed professorship was seized by a college dean and converted into a five-year rotating position distributed among existing faculty. "That is a shocking breach of protocol and in my opinion, law, as well," she said. Hudson said she’s not opposed to the idea of greater transparency into how endowment funds flow. In theory, money moving from the foundation into the university should make it more visible to the public. But she said she does not trust the university to honor donor intent once it controls the funds directly. "It’s not clear that the ravenous administrators of the university are going to put principal and donor wishes and program integrity above this rather desperate hunger for Days of Cash on Hand," she said. She also raised concern about the timing and the opt-out structure. The letter went to donors in late spring, she noted, and donors who did not respond will have their endowments transferred by default.  "Donors are, by definition, people with real lives in the real world who aren't necessarily personally managing or overseeing these aspects of their families' legacies or trusts," she said. "I can't help but notice it's a summertime move." Donors who Hudson has spoken to about the change, she said, are worried. "They're upset about this,” Hudson said. “They're concerned. They don't know what this means.” The university, she warned, is taking a significant risk.  "We depend on the philanthropic donations of alumni and community members to advance the mission," she said. "My personal experience is that this will not bode well. The university is playing with fire." Donors who chose to opt out may maintain the current arrangement. The change is subject to renewal on June 15, 2031. This is a developing story. Check back for updates or contact Caitlin Schmidt at caitlin@tucsonspotlight.org with tips or information. Caitlin Schmidt is Editor and Publisher of Tucson Spotlight. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31fff719723856783255a4 Three killed in accident on State Route 95 te 2026-06-17T02:01:27.753Z Three killed in accident on State Route 95 Three people are dead, and another victim is in critical condition after a fatal accident this week on State Route 95. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31ffe0197238567832557c Trump's endorsement fails to save MAGA candidate as billionaire advances in key governor race te 2026-06-17T02:01:04.696Z Trump's endorsement fails to save MAGA candidate as billionaire advances in key governor race ATLANTA, Ga. — President Donald Trump's endorsement wasn't enough to boost Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to victory Tuesday night in the ballot-box showdown for the southeastern battleground state's Republican gubernatorial nomination. Jones was defeated by billionaire businessman Rick Jackson in the GOP runoff election for Georgia governor, the Associated Press reports, in the race to succeed term-limited conservative Gov. Brian Kemp. Jackson, who shelled out over $100 million of his own money on his bid, will now face former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who served in the Biden administration, in this autumn's general election. Bottoms avoided a runoff by winning a majority of the vote as she topped six other candidates in last month's Democratic gubernatorial primary. Jackson was boosted in the final stretch ahead of the runoff election by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, the conservative firebrand from Texas. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Jackson, who launched his gubernatorial campaign in February and who broke records by dishing out his own money on behalf of his campaign, told Fox News Digital on Sunday that he'll "put in whatever is necessary" to win the general election. Throughout his campaign, Jackson has said that Trump inspired him to run. "I just thought, you know, if you had somebody doing business solutions for the state of Georgia, just like Trump is for the United States, I just felt like I would have a major impact on the state of Georgia, and so that was one of the reasons I wanted to get in. I was inspired by President Trump," Jackson told Fox News Digital last month. And he's repeatedly highlighted that, like Trump, he's an outsider and businessman. "I'm going to be Trump's favorite governor because we're just alike on the way that we handle business and handle problems, and I want to do exactly in Georgia what he's doing at the federal government," he reiterated in a Fox News Digital interview Sunday. Jackson was unknown to Georgia voters a few months ago, but thanks to an avalanche of ads, his story of building a business empire despite growing up in foster care and not being able to afford college became well known in the Peach State. And Jackson spotlighted his outsider credentials, saying that voters could "see somebody that's actually like Trump, not just endorsed. And from that standpoint, I think having an outsider is what our people want." Cruz joined Jackson on the campaign trail for a runoff eve rally. "Rick has an extraordinary record, an extraordinary life story. And I also think he's positioned to win. And the stakes are too high. This election is a battleground all across the country. We can't afford to lose Georgia," Cruz told Fox News Digital. When Cruz endorsed Jackson on Friday, he also supported South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who is facing off in a week against Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. Asked if he's trying to put some daylight between himself and the president on the campaign trail, Cruz quickly responded, "No. Not remotely....The president and I agree on the vast majority of races. What I try to do in every race is endorse the strongest conservative who can win. And typically I get in races late in the race at a time where my support might be able to make a difference and be helpful." Jones, on the eve of the Cruz visit, took aim at Jackson. "He keeps on bringing in these out-of-state senators, and I would much rather have the president's endorsement," he said. "He's having to go out of state to get his support. We're keeping all our stuff in state." And Jones repeatedly questioned his rival's support for the president, pointing to Jackson's past donations to Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans as evidence that he was out of step with the MAGA wing of the party. "He's been dishonest about who he is. He's been dishonest about who he's supported in the background," Jones charged. "He's actually, you know, portraying himself as something that he's not." Jackson pushed back, saying the attacks on him were "just lies." Jones and Jackson were the top two finishers in last month's crowded and competitive GOP gubernatorial primary, which also included state Attorney General Chris Carr and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Because no candidate topped 50%, Jones and Jackson advanced to the runoff. Jones, a former captain of the University of Georgia football team, an oil executive and heir to the Jones Petroleum Company, served as a state senator before winning election in 2022 as lieutenant governor. A major Trump supporter, he was endorsed by the president last August. "He and I have a long standing relationship — friendship — and I've always been a big supporter of his, and he's a very big supporter of mine, as well," Jones said last month in a Fox News Digital interview as he pointed to Trump. And he repeatedly showcased the president's endorsement during the primary and runoff campaigns. GOP GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFUL BLASTED BY CRITICS FOR 'LYING' ON STAGE ABOUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HIRES Kemp made a last-minute endorsement on Sunday, backing Jones. And at an event Monday morning, Kemp explained that his mission is "to make sure that we have the best folks at the top of the ticket that can win in November and you know, that's why I'm supporting Burt Jones for governor." "When you think about the direction of the state, the great things that we've been able to do, I think he's best suited to move the state forward," Kemp said. And he warned of the "consequences of not winning, like we'll be going the way of Virginia, New York, California, we just cannot afford to do that." While he wasn't on the ballot, Trump's immense clout over the GOP was facing another key test in Georgia. The brute force of the president's endorsement power has been on display in GOP primaries over the past six weeks, with his candidates ousting incumbents he targeted in showdowns in Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky and Texas that grabbed plenty of national attention. But Trump's endorsement streak in statewide and congressional Republican primaries was snapped two weeks ago when his 11th-hour endorsement of Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa in the race to succeed retiring GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds wasn't enough to propel the three-term congressman to victory. Feenstra was narrowly edged by Zach Lahn, a businessman, farmer and former political strategist who was backed by the political wings of MAHA — the acronym for the Make America Healthy Again movement aligned with Trump Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — and Turning Point USA, the powerful conservative organization co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk. Trump rebounded last week, as the candidate he endorsed in the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, finished first in a crowded field and clinched one of the two tickets in the race for the nomination. Meanwhile, longtime Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham did win a majority of the vote in the Republican Senate primary, and avoided a runoff. Graham, who was endorsed by Trump, was facing primary challenges from five candidates, including conservative businessman Mark Lynch, who took aim at the senator over his support for the war in Iran. Lynch was backed by some MAGA leaders who have been critical of the president. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31ffb81972385678325560 Trump Officials Challenge Reparations Program in Chicago Suburb te 2026-06-17T02:00:24.253Z Trump Officials Challenge Reparations Program in Chicago Suburb The Justice Department argued that the program, which seeks to compensate Black residents for housing discrimination, was racist and unconstitutional. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31fd5f19723856783254e8 Rick Jackson, a Billionaire, Wins G.O.P. Runoff for Georgia Governor te 2026-06-17T01:50:23.648Z Rick Jackson, a Billionaire, Wins G.O.P. Runoff for Georgia Governor Mr. Jackson, who had been largely unknown to voters just months ago, beat President Trump’s choice and will face Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democrat, in November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31fb07197238567832546f Barn Fire Kills 17 Horses at Harness Track in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. te 2026-06-17T01:40:23.736Z Barn Fire Kills 17 Horses at Harness Track in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The cause is under investigation. Only one horse in the barn, Twin B Speed Dial, is believed to have survived, sustaining minor injuries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31f8c4197238567832540e FDNY deploys 140+ personnel to JFK after Delta flight reported with flat tires on approach to landing te 2026-06-17T01:30:44.492Z FDNY deploys 140+ personnel to JFK after Delta flight reported with flat tires on approach to landing A Delta Air Lines flight arriving at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday sparked a massive emergency response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) after initial reports of landing gear trouble. Delta Flight 1966, an Airbus A321neo traveling from San Juan, was carrying 170 passengers, two pilots and four flight attendants.  At 4:45 p.m. local time, authorities received a call reporting an inbound aircraft with "two flat front tires," FDNY officials told Fox News Digital. WILD VIDEO CAPTURES TIRE FLYING OFF BRITISH AIRWAYS PLANE MOMENTS AFTER TAKEOFF IN LAS VEGAS The report prompted an immediate "normal stand by second alarm" from the department, which deployed a massive force of 46 units and 141 fire and EMS personnel to prepare for a potential emergency. Delta told Fox News Digital there was only "some damage" to one tire and clarified that the tire never blew, but rather suffered from tread wear.  The airline noted the situation ended up being "far more precautionary than needed." After an assessment by the maintenance team, the aircraft was deemed suitable to continue, avoiding a taxiway tire replacement. The flight was given clearance to taxi normally to the gate under its own power. FDNY officials said the plane safely reached the gate with no injuries reported, and the scene was declared under control by 5:06 p.m. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31f66c1972385678325398 Trump-backed 'McCongressman' wins Oklahoma Senate primary, vows push for stalled SAVE Act te 2026-06-17T01:20:44.455Z Trump-backed 'McCongressman' wins Oklahoma Senate primary, vows push for stalled SAVE Act Deep in Trump country, a Republican vying for a seat in the Senate is wondering why his possible future colleagues can’t pass a key voter ID and citizenship verification bill.  Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., cruised to a primary victory Tuesday night in the Sooner State, where he told Fox News Digital in an interview that the one thing he hears from voters constantly is whether Congress will pass the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act.  "They're saying we need to work on, you know, the SAVE Act," Hern said ahead of primary Election Day. "I mean, this is time and time again."  EXCLUSIVE: COLLINS PITS RECORD BUILT IN MAINE POTATO FIELDS AGAINST PLATNER'S 'ANGRY RHETORIC' But the legislation has been stuck in the Senate, where all Democrats have vowed to block it. A cohort of Republicans have voted against the bill in various forms, too. "This is something I'm not real sure why Republican senators are not supporting," Hern said. "I understand why Democrats don't support it. They don't support anything that protects America." Hern has served five terms in the House, where he's moved up the chain into the fourth-highest role in House GOP leadership as House Republican Policy chair. He also ran for Speaker of the House when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was ousted.  His decision to leave the House and seek a seat in the Senate came after President Donald Trump nominated fellow Oklahoman, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, to lead the DHS. HOUSE GOP LEADER LAUNCHES SENATE BID AS TRUMP TAPS MARKWAYNE MULLIN FOR DHS Since jumping into the race earlier this year, Hern has amassed a bevy of endorsements from senators and Trump, who lauded the lawmaker as being "strongly supported by the fiercest MAGA Warriors in Oklahoma, and the most Highly Respected Leaders in the United States Senate!" And Hern knows that Oklahoma is Trump country, noting that voters there "love the president. They love the fact that I support the president and I work with the president."  Hern likely won’t face strong headwinds in November against one of a half dozen Democratic candidates seeking the nomination in the Sooner State, given that Trump has won the state — and all 77 of its counties — three times. MULLIN PROMISES TO EARN DEM VOTES AS GOP COLLEAGUES POUNCE ON HIS SEAT That doesn’t mean he intends to rest on his laurels until November. Hern, who grew up without indoor plumbing, said he knows the value of work and preparation. It’s what landed him his own McDonald’s franchise empire in Oklahoma, where he owned 24 restaurants — his past life in business also earned him the nickname "McCongressman." "I just respect the idea of work. I think working hard gives you a chance to compete with anybody," Hern said. "And so, same thing with the Senate race. I came out strong, set a tone from day one." "The president endorsed me in the first 48 hours because of the work I've done over the last eight years," he continued. "And I think it goes back to that common word of work and working hard."  And if successful in November, Hern isn’t shutting down the option of seeking a spot in Senate GOP leadership. Hern said that throughout his business career he would tell anyone that "if you wait till something comes available, and you start working hard, it's too late because there are other people like me that have started out in the proverbial parking lot."  "We've got people on third base who think they're ready to be in leadership, and I'm running right past them, and they say, ‘Who's this guy?’ And it's a guy like me that's just been working hard, positioning, building relationships," Hern said. "And I think that's important going forward, and we'll see what comes open." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31f43b1972385678325326 Oakland school district vowed reparations for Black students, yet outcomes appear stagnant after 5 years te 2026-06-17T01:11:23.341Z Oakland school district vowed reparations for Black students, yet outcomes appear stagnant after 5 years Five years after the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) pledged sweeping reparations for Black students, critics say the landmark initiative has failed to achieve its goals, leaving students to face the same dismal academic outcomes that prompted the effort in the first place. The school board passed its "Reparations for Black Students" resolution in March 2021, creating a 24-member Black Thriving Task Force. The group was charged with developing a five-year plan to eliminate the Black student opportunity gap by 2026. However, former task force members reveal that the original group stopped meeting after roughly a year due to intense internal conflict and abrupt changes in district leadership. CHAOS ERUPTS AT NY REPARATIONS HEARING AS ‘FOUNDATIONAL’ BLACK AMERICANS CLASH WITH LEFT-LEANING GROUPS "It was as if we all got together and wasted our collective breath for a whole year," former task force member Kevin Hill told The Mercury News. "One of the harsh realities I learned in this process is that the district can just wait people out." According to reporting from the outlet, interviews with former members show the initial effort fractured over bitter disagreements regarding school closures and the exact role district officials should play in the reparations work. The initial resolution was sweeping. It aimed to establish a "Black Thriving Fund" to pour resources into recruiting Black educators, expanding a Black-centered curriculum, mandating anti-racism training for staff, and boosting outreach to struggling families. The resolution was explicitly drafted to combat historic disparities in the district. In the 2018–19 school year, district data showed that while Black students represented 22% of OUSD enrollment, they accounted for 57% of all student suspensions. Furthermore, Black students with Special Education Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) were nine times more likely to be suspended than their peers. SOME BLACK NEW YORKERS DEMAND CASH PAYMENTS AS ONLY 'TRUE FORM OF JUSTICE' "We kept looking at these data points — chronic absenteeism, literacy, mathematics — it was just dismal," Lawanda Wesley, the former director of the task force, told reporters. Five years after that data was compiled, student performance remains largely unchanged. By 2025, district testing revealed that Black students still had OUSD's lowest proficiency rates in both math and English. Additionally, about 46% of Black students were chronically absent, and nearly 10% had faced suspensions. The initial momentum has completely shifted. The district's official reparations webpage has not been updated since 2021, public meetings have ceased, and Black student enrollment in OUSD has dipped below 20%—down from nearly half two decades ago as Black families continue to leave Oakland. CHICAGO SUBURB EXPANDS CASH HANDOUTS AS RACE-BASED REPARATIONS PROGRAM FACES MAJOR LEGAL BATTLE Following a grievance process led by the local teachers' union, the district quietly revived a smaller version of the task force in 2023.  The updated initiative pivots away from the grander systemic promises of 2021, focusing instead on targeted family engagement and expanding support systems at 11 designated "Black Thriving Schools"—campuses where at least 40% of the student body is Black. While some local educators claim pieces of the original promise continue quietly via a handful of newly created "Teacher on Special Assignment" roles, others argue the district completely abandoned its public commitments. District officials did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. However, OUSD spokesperson John Sasaki defended the current state of the initiative in a statement to The Mercury News, asserting that the task force "is currently active and moving forward under strong leadership, with a clear focus on supporting Black student achievement and well-being." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31f412197238567832530e Kevin Hern Wins Republican Primary for Oklahoma Senate Race te 2026-06-17T01:10:42.892Z Kevin Hern Wins Republican Primary for Oklahoma Senate Race Mr. Hern, a congressman in the deep-red state, is now likely to be elected to the Senate to fill the seat of Markwayne Mullin, now the homeland security secretary. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31f3ff1972385678325305 As Mourning Begins, Deadly B-52 Crash Highlights Age of Bomber Fleet te 2026-06-17T01:10:23.444Z As Mourning Begins, Deadly B-52 Crash Highlights Age of Bomber Fleet Investigators are just beginning to determine what went wrong, but the Air Force has struggled to maintain the planes, which were first introduced in 1955. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31f1bd19723856783252a5 Pro wrestling star Tessa Blanchard parts ways with TNA te 2026-06-17T01:00:45.373Z Pro wrestling star Tessa Blanchard parts ways with TNA Pro wrestling star Tessa Blanchard requested her release from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) on Tuesday and it was granted, Fox News Digital confirmed. Blanchard is expected to address the decision on Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre’s (CMLL) YouTube page in the near future as she performs for that company as well. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Fightful Select first reported Blanchard’s departure. Blanchard is one of the top female wrestlers in the world. She was ranked No. 92 on Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s ranking last year and was as high as No. 5 on the outlet’s list in 2019. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM She was with TNA from 2018 to 2020 and re-joined the company in 2024 after a run with Women of Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Blanchard is a third-generation pro wrestler. She’s the daughter of Tully Blanchard and the granddaughter of renowned promoter Joe Blanchard. She’s also the stepdaughter of Magnum T.A. She made history when became the first woman to win the TNA World Championship and she also held the TNA Knockouts Championship. Recently, she had been aligned with Victoria Crawford and Myla Moore. She defeated Harley Hudson in her last singles match on "Impact" last month. She also defeated Jody Threat in a Bunkhouse Brawl. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31ef8b1972385678325231 Brittany Aldean shows off toned physique in green bikini during tropical getaway te 2026-06-17T00:51:23.168Z Brittany Aldean shows off toned physique in green bikini during tropical getaway Brittany Aldean stunned in a new mirror selfie posted to social media. In a new photo shared on her Instagram stories, the 37-year-old mom of two shared a mirror selfie showing her in a green bikini top paired with a green and black patterned skirt. "Cue the outfit pics," she captioned the post, adding a melting face emoji. She wore her hair in a half-up-half-down style, and accessorized the look with starfish earrings, a seashell necklace and a pair of sunglasses. BRITTANY ALDEAN ENJOYS GIRLS' TRIP IN BEACHSIDE BIKINI SNAPS Brittany previously shared photos of herself wearing the same bikini while on a family vacation at the beach for spring break, in March. "I know y’all are having a super time!!! I love the pictures!!!" one fan wrote in the comments section at the time, while another added, "Love these cutie spring breakers." She recently teamed up with her husband of 11 years, Jason Aldean, on a duet for his latest album, "Songs About Us." When speaking with Fox News Digital, the 49-year-old country star shared how their collaboration on the song, "Easier Gone," came to be, noting "it was something we've always talked about." "And a lot of times, I feel like with husbands and wives doing songs, it could go one of two ways. It's either really cheesy or it could be cool," he continued. "I've seen it both ways. So, I wanted to be really selective about what we did and for it to still be kind of on brand with me and my music and what I do." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Brittany first showed off her singing voice in 2012, when she auditioned for season 11 of "American Idol," singing "Spoiled" by Joss Stone. While she made it through the initial round of auditions, she did not progress past Hollywood Week and into the live shows. Later that year, she met and began seeing Jason, with their relationship attracting major media attention, as he was still married at the time. They went on to get married in March 2015 and now share two children together: a son, Memphis, eight, and a daughter, Navy, seven. Jason is also dad to two other children, Keeley, 23, and Kendyl, 18, whom he shares with ex-wife, Jessica Ussery. Jason reflected on their relationship when speaking to Fox News Digital, saying they are "best friends," but still have occasional disagreements. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "I just think that sometimes you realize that you're just not always going to see eye-to-eye on things," Aldean said. "There are certain things that she's never going to see where I'm coming from and vice versa, right? And you just kind of have to go with it. Agree to disagree." "But once you learn to kind of let go of that stuff instead of like let it just sit there and bother you all day... it's like, 'Yeah, we're never going to see eye-to-eye on this, so let's keep moving.'" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31ef771972385678325228 Trump-backed candidate survives grueling runoff, advances to high-stakes Senate race te 2026-06-17T00:51:03.713Z Trump-backed candidate survives grueling runoff, advances to high-stakes Senate race JACKSON, GA - Republican Rep. Mike Collins, who is running as a MAGA champion and strong supporter of President Donald Trump, has won a competitive and combustible battle for the GOP Senate nomination in Georgia that went into overtime. The Trump-backed Collins on Tuesday defeated former college football coach Derek Dooley in the Republican runoff election, the Associated Press reports, and will face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November's election in a race that's among a handful that will likely decide if the GOP holds its slim majority in the chamber in this autumn's midterm elections. Republicans view Ossoff as the most vulnerable Senate Democrat seeking re-election and are heavily targeting the first-term senator. Collins, a two-term federal lawmaker who represents Georgia's 10th Congressional District, which is located between Atlanta and Augusta, is the son of the late Rep. Mac Collins, and is the founder and co-owner, along with his wife, of a trucking company. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB He and Dooley, a lawyer, a former University of Tennessee football coach and the son of legendary University of Georgia head football coach Vince Dooley, were the top two finishers in a crowded field of candidates that also included Rep. Buddy Carter. But since no one topped 50% in last month's primary, Collins and Dooley advanced to Tuesday's runoff election. While Collins showcased his MAGA credentials and support for the president, Trump remained neutral in the Georgia primary and runoff elections for Senate until Saturday night. "It's an honor to have that endorsement. It just shows that he has confidence that we know how to win this race, we know we're in the lead in this thing," Collins told Fox News Digital on Sunday, hours after landing Trump's endorsement. Asked if Trump's endorsement in Georgia came too late to make a difference, Collins said, "I don't think President Trump ever is too late. He has this impeccable ability of putting his thumb right on the scale at the right time with whatever he wants to do." Dooley, meanwhile, was strongly backed by lifelong friend and popular conservative Gov. Brian Kemp, who is term-limited. Kemp and his wife, Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, regularly appeared with Dooley on the campaign trail and the governor's top political advisor was a senior consultant for Dooley's Senate bid. Dooley, who ran as an outsider, said in a Fox News Digital interview on the eve of the runoff that the president's backing of his rival "doesn't change how I feel." "I'm honored to have Governor Kemp's endorsement. I certainly would have been honored to have the President's endorsement. But the most important endorsement that I'm fighting for is the people of Georgia," he emphasized. Dooley emphasized his outsider image and he targeted Collins as a political insider. Dooley told Fox News Digital voters "are fed up with what's going on in Congress. They're fed up with the careerism, the corruption, the inaction. And it's time we get sent a different kind of leader up there to change business as usual in D.C." Collins criticized Dooley for a lack of political experience and for living outside of Georgia for much of his adult life. "Not having a record is not gonna win this thing. But having a records of results will," Collins told supporters on the eve of the runoff.  Both candidates had some political baggage. The House Ethics Committee looked into Collins over allegations he paid an intern in a district office who had a romantic relationship with his congressional chief of staff but who did not actually perform any work. Collins denied any wrongdoing and kept the staffer on his Senate campaign. But the staffer was later fired by Collins after taking to social media on behalf of the campaign to mock the wife of a Dooley campaign advisor who attempted suicide after accusing Matt Lauer of rape. The social media post was deleted and Collins apologized, calling the tweet "despicable and unauthorized." Dooley, over the past week, was reportedly accused of being part of a "pay-to-play" scandal involving brother Daniel Dooley and the governor. Dooley and Kemp have denied any wrongdoing, but Democrats in the legislature requested an independent investigation. While the Republicans have been battling for their party's nomination over the past year, Ossoff has built a powerful war chest that will give him a major fundraising advantage as the general election gets underway. "I know how to win this race. I look forward to getting the governor's endorsement. I look forward to getting his help in this thing. I look forward to getting Derrick Dooley's help in this thing," Collins said when asked by Fox Digital if he could unite Republican voters in the general election.  Collins emphasized that "at the end of the day, we're all Republicans, and we're on one mission, and that is to put a Republican in that seat and get somebody that represents…the state of Georgia." The brute force of the president's endorsement power has been on display in GOP primaries over the past six weeks, with his candidates ousting incumbents he targeted in showdowns in Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky and Texas that grabbed plenty of national attention. But Trump's endorsement streak in statewide and congressional Republican primaries was snapped two weeks ago when his 11th-hour endorsement of Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa in the race to succeed retiring GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds wasn't enough to propel the three-term congressman to victory. Feenstra was narrowly edged by Zach Lahn, a businessman, farmer and former political strategist who was backed by the political wings of MAHA — the acronym for the Make America Healthy Again movement aligned with Trump Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — and Turning Point USA, the powerful conservative organization co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk. Trump rebounded last week, as the candidate he endorsed in the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, finished first in a crowded field and clinched one of the two tickets in the race for the nomination. Meanwhile, longtime Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham did win a majority of the vote in the Republican Senate primary, and avoided a runoff. Graham, who was endorsed by Trump, was facing primary challenges from five candidates, including conservative businessman Mark Lynch, who took aim at the senator over his support for the war in Iran. Lynch was backed by some MAGA leaders who have been critical of the president. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31ef64197238567832521f A mother's concern, call to authorities may have prevented potential attack on UFC event at the White House te 2026-06-17T00:50:44.264Z A mother's concern, call to authorities may have prevented potential attack on UFC event at the White House The alleged plot to attack Sunday night's UFC event at the White House may have been unraveled by a worried mother who noticed her son's growing obsession with guns, tactical gear and secretive online communications. According to court documents viewed by Fox News Digital, Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old Ohio man charged in connection with an alleged plot targeting a UFC event on the White House grounds, first came to investigators' attention after his mother became alarmed by his recent behavior and contacted authorities. Federal authorities allege Proper was part of a group planning an attack on UFC Freedom 250, a June 14 event held on the White House South Lawn. Investigators say the alleged plot involved explosive-laden drones, sniper positions and coordinated attacks on attendees and other targets. According to the complaint, one of the biggest warning signs came when Proper's mother observed him researching locations near Washington, D.C., and receiving maps and images through text messages and Discord. FBI DISRUPTS ALLEGED EXPLOSIVE-DRONE PLOT TARGETING WHITE HOUSE UFC EVENT, OFFICIALS SAY When she confronted him, Proper allegedly said the group planned to conduct "recon" and "hit and run missions." She later told investigators she interpreted that as planning shootings. The criminal complaint reveals that Proper's mother contacted authorities on June 10, after becoming concerned about her son's recent firearms purchases and communications with people he had met online. When deputies responded to the family's Knox County, Ohio, home, Proper's father told officers his son had recently met people online and had been planning "recons" with them. He also said Proper planned to leave during the weekend of June 13 to meet members of the group. FAMILY TURNS IN SUSPECT IN CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION, ‘ALMOST UNHEARD OF’: BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST Proper's father told investigators his son had recently acquired firearms, body armor, ammunition and tactical gear, allegedly spending about $3,000 of his graduation money on the purchases. Family members later voluntarily turned over the equipment to law enforcement, according to the complaint. Proper's mother told investigators he had recently begun communicating with an online group whose members claimed to be former military personnel and described themselves as Christian-based. She said the group appeared to be influencing him and that she noticed him becoming increasingly focused on physical training and tactical preparation. After local authorities contacted the FBI, investigators reviewed Proper's phone and allegedly discovered Signal chats discussing plans for an attack during the June 14 UFC event at the White House, including the use of explosive-laden drones and shooters positioned near evacuation routes. Prosecutors also allege Proper later admitted participating in planning discussions. Retired FBI agent Jason Pack previously told Fox News Digital that the investigation highlighted the importance of family members recognizing behavior and reporting it to authorities. "That's how this got stopped," Pack said. The complaint suggests that before investigators uncovered encrypted communications and alleged attack planning, the first break in the case came from a mother who saw troubling changes in her son and decided to make a phone call. In an interview with Fox News host Will Cain on "The Will Cain Show" Tuesday, retired FBI supervisory agent Rob Chadwick called the mother's actions courageous. "Thankful for the one mother's courage to come forward and say something, even though it meant the certain arrest of her own son," Chadwick said, "but that's what it's going to take, this type of surveillance or awareness of what is happening around you, understanding we are in the unprecedented time of political violence." Fox News Digital's Sophia Compton, David Spunt and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31ed0b19723856783251a1 Independence Day Events Will Ground Flights in Washington te 2026-06-17T00:40:43.168Z Independence Day Events Will Ground Flights in Washington The runways at Ronald Reagan National Airport will be closed after noon on July 4, and for several hours on July 3. Other celebrations surrounding the nation’s 250th birthday are also expected to cause disruptions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31ecf71972385678325192 Mike Collins Wins Republican Primary Runoff for Senate in Georgia te 2026-06-17T00:40:23.713Z Mike Collins Wins Republican Primary Runoff for Senate in Georgia President Trump had made a late endorsement for Mr. Collins, who had campaigned as a MAGA candidate also able to appeal to moderates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31eac71972385678325129 Ex-TNA knockouts champion Tasha Steelz re-signs with company te 2026-06-17T00:31:03.836Z Ex-TNA knockouts champion Tasha Steelz re-signs with company Tasha Steelz re-signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), the company announced on Tuesday. Steelz is in the TNA Knockouts Division and a member of the Order 4 faction with Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch, John Skyler and Special Agent Zero and has built an impressive resume with the company since she joined in 2019. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The New Jersey native has held the TNA Knockouts World Championship and the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship twice with Kiera Hogan. She joined the Order 4 after The System’s Alisha Edwards turned on her during a No. 1 contender battle royal. She lost her last match against Jada Stone. However, she and Ali picked up a tag team win at Sacrifice in March over Jada Stone and Trey Miguel. Steelz received her last TNA Knockouts Championship shot in December 2024 at Final Resolution against Masha Slamovich. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Instinct Culture first reported Steelz re-signing with TNA. Steelz is expected to be with the Order 4 when Slammiversary comes to Boston on June 28. Ali is expected to defend his TNA International Championship against an opponent yet to be announced. Amazing Red will also make his TNA return at Slammiversary. So far, his involvement is unclear. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31eab41972385678325120 Gabriela Moura, from Kentucky Derby drama to bikini runway, is a name to watch if Brazil advances in World Cup te 2026-06-17T00:30:44.385Z Gabriela Moura, from Kentucky Derby drama to bikini runway, is a name to watch if Brazil advances in World Cup Influencer Gabriela Moura made her World Cup debut on Saturday as her home country of Brazil took on Morocco. With a following of nearly 12 million on TikTok, she's evidently a big deal. Sorry for not being more up-to-date on all the stars on the app, but I'm old-fashioned and prefer Instagram. Brazil started off the Group Stage portion of the tournament with a 1-1 tie in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium. Not exactly the strong start they were hoping for, but as with every World Cup, thankfully the action isn’t limited to what happens on the field. Moura, who is used to attention finding her after going viral at last year’s Kentucky Derby when she was on the receiving end of claims that she wore inappropriate and revealing attire to Churchill Downs, didn’t go unnoticed supporting Brazil. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Since her derby dust-up over what turned out to be big boob girl struggles, she’s been seen on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, done a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoot, and hit the SI runway during Miami Swim Week. That has led some to label her "Brazil’s sexiest fan." I’m not going to go that far. Brazil has a ton of competition as far as attractive fans are concerned. I will, however, say that if Brazil advances she’ll be someone to keep an eye on. I'd be very surprised if Gabriela Moura wasn’t in the stands again during this World Cup for another chance to support the country she left at just 17 when she moved to the U.S. to pursue a fashion industry career. If she was able to turn her social media success and viral attention from the Kentucky Derby into runway appearances and an SI Swimsuit debut, who knows where she can take World Cup attention? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31e62b1972385678325044 Lauren Silverman breaks silence on getting pregnant with Simon Cowell's child while married to someone else te 2026-06-17T00:11:23.303Z Lauren Silverman breaks silence on getting pregnant with Simon Cowell's child while married to someone else Simon Cowell's fiancée, Lauren Silverman, is reflecting on what is was like to find out she was pregnant with their child, while she was still married to someone else, and the media storm that followed. During a recent interview on "Happy Mum: The Podcast," the 48-year-old opened up about the end of her marriage to businessman Andrew Silverman, and finding out she was pregnant with her and Cowell's now 12-year-old son Eric, while still married to him. "There are so many emotions that went with that, because it was the end of my marriage, obviously," she explained. "It was one of the hardest times of my life, because — I don’t want to say regretful, because I don’t regret anything — do I wish it had happened a different way … of course I do." Cowell and Silverman made their relationship public in 2013 after news broke that she was pregnant with his child. News of their relationship and pregnancy caused a firestorm, with her husband filing for divorce shortly after news of her pregnancy broke. LEANN RIMES CLAIMS SHE BECAME 'A TARGET' DURING EDDIE CIBRIAN CHEATING SCANDAL She went on to say that she wishes she "could go back and take away the hurt and take away the pain" that her actions caused her ex-husband and their son, Adam. The scandal was heavily covered by news outlets, with Silverman now explaining that made it difficult for her to enjoy her pregnancy, saying her main "priority was just to keep Adam shielded and protected." "I was just so in fight or flight. I was just trying to get through it and just try to wake up every day and not, I don't know, fall apart cause it was intense," she said. "Everywhere I went … it was just the way that people would look at me. I was on the cover of every magazine and there were news stories about it …  it was just awful." Despite the backlash, Silverman recalled knowing that "Simon was the person I wanted to spend my life with" and that "however we got there, I just believed that it was meant to be." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Silverman acknowledged that people felt a certain way about her and admitted she doesn't "blame them" and "would think the same" way if she was in their position. "I felt like, ‘OK, this has happened. I’m a big girl," she said. "I’ve got to suck it up and get on with it. And whatever's coming at me, I deserve it, I’ll take it and I’ll just keep my head down.’ And that’s what I did for a really long time." Twelve years later, Silverman says she has "done the work on myself" and has "forgiven myself" for her past mistakes. "I have done whatever I feel I need to do to make peace with the situation," she said. "So now I feel like whatever I put out there and whatever people are saying or thinking, it's too bad. I don't really care anymore." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Their son was born in February 2014, and the two have been together since the scandal broke, with Silverman saying becoming a dad "completely changed his life." Cowell told "The Diary Of A CEO" podcast in June 2024 that his son "saved him" after he found himself "on a downward spiral." "When I got the call from Lauren, which starts, any call that starts with, ‘Are you sitting down?’ You know what‘s coming next. It was like, ‘Are you sitting down?’ ‘Yes,’ ‘Well,’ and she told me. And, yes, it did absolutely change, it changed everything in my life. It made me happy again." When asked if his son "saved him," Cowell said, "Without question, without question. I really, really had reached the point where nothing mattered. Even to the point that I almost can’t remember everything from that period." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31e6031972385678325027 Former Aide to Brian Kemp Wins G.O.P. Nod for Georgia Secretary of State te 2026-06-17T00:10:43.366Z Former Aide to Brian Kemp Wins G.O.P. Nod for Georgia Secretary of State State Representative Tim Fleming defeated an ardent denier of the 2020 election results, Vernon Jones, in the Republican runoff to be Georgia’s top election official. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31e5ef197238567832501e Civil Rights Official Wins Democratic Runoff for Georgia Elections Chief te 2026-06-17T00:10:23.917Z Civil Rights Official Wins Democratic Runoff for Georgia Elections Chief Penny Brown Reynolds, a former judge, defeated Dana Barrett ahead of a potentially fraught general election to see who will succeed Brad Raffensperger as secretary of state. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31e3bf1972385678324fbc Reality star's daughter arrested on assault charge in New Jersey stemming from alleged dispute te 2026-06-17T00:01:03.842Z Reality star's daughter arrested on assault charge in New Jersey stemming from alleged dispute Milania Giudice, the third daughter of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice, was arrested on an assault charge last month. The Montville Township Police Department responded to a report of a dispute at a residence in town on May 14, according to Chief Andrew Caggiano. Officers detained Milania at 6:12 p.m., according to court records reviewed by Fox News Digital. JEN SHAH, THERANOS' ELIZABETH HOLMES BONDED IN PRISON OVER 'POOP DUTY' RESPONSIBILITIES "The investigation resulted in Milania Giudice being charged on a summons complaint with one count of Simple Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 12-1a(1) a Disorderly Persons Offense," Caggiano said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. BRANDI GLANVILLE BELIEVES SHE CONTRACTED 'SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED RINGWORM' IN HER THROAT Milania, 20, pleaded not guilty and was released pending an upcoming court appearance. "A criminal complaint is merely an accusation," Caggiano added. "Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law." Milania is expected to appear in court next month, according to records. Giudice's representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Teresa and ex-husband Joe Giudice share four daughters including Milania: Gia, 25, Gabriella, 22, and Audriana, 16. The former couple, who were married for 20 years, separated in December 2019. Their divorce was finalized in September 2020. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS She married Louis Ruelas in August 2022, nearly a decade after she and her ex Joe pleaded guilty to 41 counts of fraud after being charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud. Teresa had previously served time in prison. She was sentenced in October 2014 to 15 months in prison after striking a deal with prosecutors and agreeing to plead guilty to mail, wire and bank fraud for falsifying statements on loan applications. The Bravo star was released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, in December 2015.  Joe completed his 41-month sentence at the Allenwood Federal Prison in March 2019. After he completed his sentence, he was held by immigration officers until he voluntarily returned to his home country, Italy, where he attempted to appeal his deportation case. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a31e3971972385678324fa9 What Polls Say About Alabama’s Senate Primary Runoff te 2026-06-17T00:00:23.914Z What Polls Say About Alabama’s Senate Primary Runoff Representative Barry Moore beat Jared Hudson by 14 percentage points in the Republican primary, but runoff polls offer a wide range of potential outcomes. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/home