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Texas Sparks Debate with Mandatory Bible Readings in Schools New

Texas Sparks Debate with Mandatory Bible Readings in Schools

The Texas State Board of Education has voted to make Bible passages required reading in public schools.The education board, which is controlled by Republicans, voted to pass a new required reading list on Friday by a vote of 9-5-1. The list for required literature includes sections of the Book of Exodus for fifth graders, The Shepherd's Psalm for seventh graders and more.Board discussions about the required reading list took place Friday morning and touched on issues related to the implementation timeline and the question of teacher autonomy in deciding which works should be required reading.Authors appearing on the approved required reading list include E.B. White, Shel Silverstein, Aesop, Kurt Vonnegut, Elie Wiesel and more.The list will impact the more than 5 million students enrolled in public schools across the state.Julie Pickren, a Republican member of the Texas education board, told The Texas Tribune last week, prior to the list's passage, that the readings are intended to give students "important insight into the moral and philosophical traditions that have shaped Western civilization."Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas.Adobe Stock"When students engage directly with original writings, speeches, sermons, and foundational texts, they can evaluate ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the principles that have shaped the USA and Texas," she told the outlet.Texas education board member Evelyn Brooks was outspoken during the hearing in opposition to the list, saying it removed teacher autonomy and arguing that it was "unconstitutional.""Teachers need to have their autonomy. They've been selecting books for decades, for years. This is nothing new. This is not a new concept to teachers," she said. "We are simply giving them a mandated list, which I believe is unconstitutional, but regardless of what I believe, let's not take their autonomy away."Antero Garcia, a professor in the graduate school of education at Stanford University and a former high school English teacher, told ABC News he believes the new curriculum is a significant shift in how children in Texas are educated.Adobe Stock"It is a substantive reshaping of ... what kids are supposed to learn throughout the state of Texas over their 13 years of compulsory public education," Garcia said.Garcia, who said the required reading list represents what he believes is a first-of-its-kind action at the state level, said the move could be emulated by similarly minded states moving forward."Oftentimes, where Texas goes, other states will follow, right? So, this is a pretty substantial move that I could imagine other states picking up and moving forward with as a possibility," he said.Garcia recognized that the Bible "has been taught as a work of literature across non-religious and secular contexts" and is "an important formative work of literature, whether or not we want to think of it as doctrine or gospel.""There is literary value in reading the Bible, and I don't want to diminish that kind of obvious point," he said.Editor’s PicksHowever, he noted that no other religious texts are included on the list aside from the Bible, adding that over many years, that exposure could potentially steer kids toward Christianity."You are going to get substantial exposure to a singular text across your public schooling experience in ways where you aren't going to get an other kind of religious text anywhere else in that mandated list," he said. "I could imagine this orienting young people towards particular kinds of dispositions that are rooted in in Christianity as a result."ABC News has reached out to the Texas State Board of Education for comment.

Jun 29, 2026
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Surprise Fans with Rare Wedding Appearance New

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Surprise Fans with Rare Wedding Appearance

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were the chicest in all-black during a rare public appearance at their older brother Trent’s wedding.The twins, 40, popped up in an Instagram post Thursday shared by Trent and his wife, Alexis. The couple posted a family pic of their nuptials, which took place last month.Mary-Kate and Ashley stood to the left of the bride, who aside from the flower girl, was the only one in the pic dressed in white. The Row founders wore floor-length black gowns and styled their wavy hair down.Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen made a rare public appearance at their older brother Trent’s wedding last month. The siblings are pictured here alongside their younger sister Elizabeth and their mom, Jarnette, in April 2004. WireImageTrent married his wife, Alexis, and the couple posted a family pic on Instagram Thursday. They’re pictured here in November 2025. Instagram/djtrontAlso in the pic was Ashley’s husband, artist Louis Eisner, and the “Full House” alums’ younger siblings — Elizabeth and the actress’ husband, Robbie Arnett, as well as their half-siblings, Courtney and Jake.The couple captioned the wedding photo, “Family🤍.”Trent, 42, shared more pics from his wedding, including one of him holding hands with his new wife. The writer and producer wore Nike Dunks with his tux.Trent, a writer and producer, also shared candid wedding pics with his friends on his Instagram. Instagram/djtrontMary-Kate and Ashley, seen here in June 2019, have largely retreated from the spotlight after founding their fashion line, The Row. Penske Media via Getty ImagesTrent, Ashley, Mary-Kate and 37-year-old Elizabeth share parents Jarnette and David. Jarnette and David divorced in 1996, and he shares daughter Courtney, 29, and son Jake, 28, with his second wife, McKenzie.Elizabeth is currently pregnant, expecting her first child with her musician husband. The couple has been dating since 2017 and eloped before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.On Sunday, the “WandaVison” star bared her baby bump while walking in Los Angeles wearing a white t-shirt, loose black pants, a tan hat and sunglasses.The twins, pictured here in June 2019, no longer act. Penske Media via Getty ImagesOn Sunday, pregnant Elizabeth was snapped in Los Angeles baring her baby bump in a white t-shirt and black pants. Bruce/Javiles / BACKGRIDMeanwhile, Mary-Kate and Ashley have lived a much quieter life after retreating from the spotlight and forming their successful luxury fashion brand, The Row. It was reported in August 2023 that Ashley and her husband secretly welcomed their son, Otto.The twins’ last public sighting was in April in New York City, where they were snapped eating lunch with a friend in their signature black, minimalist style.

Jun 29, 2026
Trump Pushes Golf Course Renovation Despite Judge's Warning New

Trump Pushes Golf Course Renovation Despite Judge's Warning

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that work will begin Sept. 1 on the public East Potomac Golf Course despite a federal judge's warning of "serious consequences" if the administration begins major work without getting approval and notifying the court in advance.Trump took a tour of some of the projects he has commissioned or plans to on a rainy Sunday morning.The president's motorcade swung by Lafayette Park near the White House and around Memorial Circle in front of Arlington National Cemetery, where he plans to build his 250-foot-high triumphal arch, and by the Kennedy Center, to which he had added his name before a judge ordered it removed.President Donald Trump talks with aides and others as he visits East Potomac Golf Course at Hains Point in Washington, D.C., June 28, 2026.Ken Cedeno/ReutersTrump's claim that he's moving forward with the renovations to East Potomac Park follow a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit National Links Trust regarding its lease on D.C. public golf courses. The administration terminated its agreement with National Links Trust in December, saying it hadn't lived up to its agreement on maintenance of the courses, which the National Links Trust disputes.An agreement was reached in May that allows the nonprofit to continue operating the course as Trump's renovation plans progress.Lawyers for the D.C. Preservation League warned that the East Potomac property would be "razed" by the Trump administration before anyone could stop it, citing the rapid demolition of the White House's East Wing.A federal judge warned the administration that it was not to proceed with renovations on East Potomac before getting proper approvals and notifying her first."I'm going to say this one more time, and I do not want a situation where something has happened and then I'm being told by the government or by a foundation or by a bulldozing company that it's too late to do anything about it," U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said. "If anything like that happens ... there are going to be serious consequences."U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, left, and Natalie Harp, executive assistant to the president, speak with President Donald Trump during a visit to East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., June 28, 2026.Ken Cedeno/ReutersTrump promises the course, which he said will be renovated and redesigned through a public-private partnership, will be "one of the Greatest Golf Courses anywhere in the World" on the site and said it will be open to the public. Popular ReadsTrump said the work on the will be built through the Department of the Interior with golf course architect Tom Fazio overseeing the project. He said the new course will be "designed to the Highest Standards of Golf, but also in such a way that the General Public will love it" and that when it's completed, the course will have be able to host major golf tournaments like the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship and other top PGA Tour events.Trump was joined at the course on Sunday by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Fazio and the architect's son Gavin Fazio. Trump said his trip was for "studying the dilapidated, worn out, and very dangerous and outdated Golf Course known as East Potomac Golf Links." He said on his social media platform "on this fantastic site, with water and unparalleled views of D.C.'s Monuments, we will build one of the Greatest Golf Courses anywhere in the World which, importantly, will also be made available to the Public."President Donald Trump's motorcade drives around Memorial Circle, the site of his proposed triumphal arch in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, June 28, 2026.Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty ImagesTrump also provided an update on the $16 million overhaul of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying it's now in "full use" but will be treated again to be in "perfect shape" after July 4, and repeated claims, without providing evidence, that the algae blooms that erupted in the pool and a newly applied liner that appears to be peeling away from the bottom, was caused by vandals. "The Reflecting Pool is now in full use after suffering great damage from Criminal, Radical Left Vandals, people that truly hate our Country," Trump wrote. "Right after July 4th, when we will drain the water to treat the damage caused by these "animals," it will again be in perfect shape. In the meantime, it is working well, the criminally made algae is gone, and the grass, which was destroyed, is being replaced shortly," he added. 

Jun 29, 2026
Kate Gosselin's Silence on Son Collin's Explosive Memoir Raises Eyebrows New

Kate Gosselin's Silence on Son Collin's Explosive Memoir Raises Eyebrows

Kate Gosselin was seemingly unbothered regarding son Collin’s upcoming tell-all about his tumultuous childhood, in a new TikTok video she posted Sunday.In her video, the former “Jon & Kate Plus 8” star gave an update on her rescue dog, Koda, as well as her other dog, Meika — completely ignoring Collin making headlines with his new memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood.”“I have a really cute video of Koda and the trainer’s kids — very cute,” she said, appearing to be in an upbeat mood while Koda was away completing training.She even gave an update on the weather, noting it was “very hot and humid.”Kate Gosselin shared a TikTok video Sunday, completely ignoring her son Collin making headlines for his upcoming memoir about his tumultuous childhood. TikTok/kate.gosselinThe mother of eight instead talked all about her rescue dog, Koda, and her other dog, Meika. TikTok/kate.gosselin“Anyway, have a great day, enjoy the video, and I think we’re under 10 days until we get Koda back,” she told her followers. “Can’t wait.”Collin, 22, has been promoting his memoir, which, according to its description shared by the publisher, promises to share the “never-before-told story of how [Collin] escaped and found his way back from the dark.”The book will revisit Collin “being held down, the basement cell where he was hidden for years and the cocktail of powerful antipsychotics forced on an 11-year-old boy.”Collin has continued to take jabs at his mom on social media ahead of his memoir coming out on Oct. 13. On Sunday, he posted a throwback clip on his Instagram Stories of himself talking about Kate in an interview, writing, “This was a year ago and I’ve been stood up by my mom … again,” alongside a crying laughing emoji.Kate posted a video of Meika running around her deck with a mop. TikTok/kate.gosselinKate also talked about the weather and told her followers that Koda was currently away undergoing training. TikTok/kate.gosselinIn the clip, Collin says, “This is my formal invitation to her, to the hospital. Like the day that she literally got me out of the house. She had her ambulance friends come pick me up.”“But I’m not gonna talk much on that because I’m putting all this in a tell-all that I’m writing right now and we will be going into detail on every little thing, so.”He continues, “I would like to invite my mom to do a lie-detector test. … I want to get into everything. … For so long, she’s been putting on this facade to the media, even before TikTok.”Kate has been “spiraling” ahead of her son’s memoir, the Daily Mail reported Saturday.“Kate had no idea this book was in the works,” an insider told the outlet, noting that Kate hasn’t spoken to Collin since she institutionalized him as a child.“She didn’t expect any of this to ever come out. Now she’s spiraling because she knows it’s about to hit the fan,” they continued.Collin’s new memoir is out Oct. 13. Grand Central PublishingCollin has accused his mom of abuse over the years, which she’s denied. He now lives with his father, Jon Gosselin. jongosselin/InstagramCollin and his sextuplet siblings — Aaden, Joel, Alexis, Hannah and Leah — as well as twins Cara and Madelyn, rose to fame on TLC’s long-running series, “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesIn addition to Collin, Kate, 51, and her ex-husband, Jon, 49, are the parents of his sextuplet siblings — Aaden, Joel, Alexis, Hannah and Leah — and 25-year-old twins Cara and Madelyn.The family rose to fame on the TLC series “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” which aired from 2007 to 2017.Jon and Kate split in 2009 after 10 years of marriage. In 2018, Jon received sole custody of Collin.Throughout the years, Collin has accused Kate of “child abuse and child exploitation,” which she’s denied. Her lawyer told the US Sun back in September 2024 that he didn’t believe Kate has done anything to “intentionally harm” Collin, and that she “did what she did to protect herself and her family” from her son’s “troubled behavior.”

Jun 29, 2026
Why Earning $100,000 in California Now Means You're Low-Income New

Why Earning $100,000 in California Now Means You're Low-Income

A six-figure salary is considered low-income in a handful of California counties, according to the 2026 income limits set by the state’s Department of Housing & Community Development.These new income limits, which took effect June 23, are used to calculate the cost of affordable housing for certain state housing assistance programs.Most counties saw an increase in the cutoff for what is considered low-income, and seven counties—Santa Cruz, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Santa Clara, Orange, and Santa Barbara—had their cutoffs set at six-figure amounts.Santa Cruz County has the highest cutoff, with a limit set at $122,200 for a single-person household. This is a nearly 10 percent increase from the previous year, which set the low-income cutoff at $111,100.For each additional person added to the household, the income cutoff is adjusted so that “income limits should be higher for larger families and lower for smaller families,” the Department of Housing & Community Development wrote in its memo.Following Santa Cruz are three more coastal counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin. These three counties have cutoffs of $117,700 for single-person households, which is also an increase from the previous year’s limit of $109,700.Related StoriesThe low-income limit in Santa Clara is set at $113,700 for single-person households, and in Santa Barbara it is set at $102,000.Two counties, however, are maintaining their low-income cutoffs from last year. Solano County will continue to use $76,950 as its limit, and Shasta will continue to use $54,500.These figures come as housing and affordability remain top issues for residents.“California home prices continue to be much more expensive than the rest of the US,” the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) reported in its 2026 Housing Affordability Tracker.A mid-tier home, or the average-value middle-market property, costs around $775,000 in California, according to the LAO. That’s nearly double the national average of $398,771 for a mid-tier house, according to Redfin.The Golden State saw a rapid home price increase of 14 percent per year during the pandemic from 2020 to 2022, the LAO stated. But home price growth has slowed down since then. The average price of a mid-tier home is currently increasing by approximately 1 percent per year.“While home prices have stabilized, housing has become less affordable for most Californians in recent years” due to incomes failing to keep pace with the increase in housing costs, the LAO added.As a result, only about 23 percent of households would qualify for mid-tier home mortgages in 2026, down from roughly 31 percent in 2019.The state’s low homeownership and higher-than-average rental costs and home values were also noted in a recent report by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), which said the state “has a housing problem.”“Homeownership is the second lowest in the nation, and housing has become a dominant reason people leave the state,” the report states. “Two of every three Californians say the cost of housing is a ‘big problem’ in their part of California.”Ownership is particularly low among young adults, with about 31 percent of people between 30 and 34 years old reporting owning their own home. The national average for homeownership among that age group is about 49 percent.Rental costs in California also exceed the national average by about 40 percent, the PPIC reported. The average cost to rent is about $2,159 in California compared with the national average of $1,526.The PPIC noted that coastal cities face the highest costs, and large numbers of people are relocating inland, where costs are lower but housing supply struggles to keep up with demand.

Jun 29, 2026
Rare Beatles 'Top of the Pops' Footage Resurfaces After 60 Years New

Rare Beatles 'Top of the Pops' Footage Resurfaces After 60 Years

Footage from the Beatles’ first-ever appearance on British TV show “Top of the Pops” in 1964 has resurfaced — clips fans have long called the holy grail of Beatlemania.Film preservation group Film is Fabulous! announced it has unearthed a complete 35mm film of the Fab Four’s March 19, 1964 performance at BBC’s Television Theatre in London, where they performed “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “You Can’t Do That” one day before they were released on a single.A BBC film recording negative label for The Beatles recorded on March 19, 1964. Youtube / Movie CollectorThe group — Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and John Lennon — had previously appeared on the show but this was their only appearance live in the studio. Mirrorpix via Getty ImagesThe footage — which captures four grainy takes of “Can’t Buy Me Love” and two of “You Can’t Do That,” banter and bloopers included — was given to the group by the family of a deceased former industry professional.The original 35mm film of the performance will now be restored and returned to the BBC archives, Film Is Fabulous wrote on social media.The BBC had wiped and reused the original tape, as it routinely did at the time, leaving only grainy, distorted fragments and negatives known to survive for more than 60 years.The Beatles giving thumbs up at the Variety Club Luncheon. ANL/ShutterstockThe group on a yacht in Miami in 1964. Northcliffe Collection/ANL/ShutterstockJohn Lennon even got a moment in during the second take of “You Can’t Do That,” where he made a funny face when a camera moved in for a close-up.“During breaks, the Beatles openly joked, and could be seen dancing to amuse themselves,” the group said.“Top of the Pops” is a musical institution across the pond, known for its “live” performances of bands lip-synching their hit songs.The Beatles arriving at Television House in London. ANL/ShutterstockWhen the public will get to see the footage remains unclear, though Film Is Fabulous! said discussions are underway to make the content available to a wide audience.The find comes less than a week before Global Beatles Day on June 25, when Apple Corps is set to release a colorized version of the band’s “All You Need Is Love” BBC broadcast online for the first time.

Jun 29, 2026
Noah Kahan's Hilarious Reaction to Concert Mishap Sparks Buzz New

Noah Kahan's Hilarious Reaction to Concert Mishap Sparks Buzz

Noah Kahan urged fans to use the restroom at his shows after one attendee appeared to have smeared poop on the floor during his Philadelphia tour stop on Friday.“If you have to poop at a show (sic) please dear god just go to the bathroom lmao,” the “Stick Season” crooner wrote via X Saturday.“I’ve pooped my pants as much as the next 29-year-old, but you guys gotta understand there’s a venue worker out there with a 1000-yard stare after dealing with that.”Noah Kahan (seen here in 2025) asked fans to use the restrooms during his concerts after one attendee seemingly pooped on the floor. Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images“If you have to poop at a show (sic) please dear god just go to the bathroom lmao,” he wrote via X Saturday. Twitter/NoahKahanKahan, 29, candidly admitted that he soiled himself while performing onstage during a stop in Charlottesville, Virginia.“But that’s because I am dedicated to my craft,” he continued.The hitmaker’s response was to a viral video of what appeared to be pieces of poop dropped on the floor at his “The Great Divide Tour” stop at Citizens Bank Park.“I’ve pooped my pants as much as the next 29-year-old, but you guys gotta understand there’s a venue worker out there with a 1000-yard stare after dealing with that,” the hitmaker continued. Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesKahan (seen above in May) admitted that he pooped himself while performing in Charlottesville, Virginia. Caro Scarimbolo/NBC via Getty ImagesA few spectators were in disbelief at the scene, as others didn’t appear to notice while grooving along to Kahan’s songs.“What the f–k,” one person said.Kahan isn’t the only celebrity who has addressed concertgoers’ bowel movements. “But that’s because I am dedicated to my craft,” the “Stick Season” crooner (seen here in February) added. Getty Images for SiriusXMA viral video showed what appeared to be poop on the ground at Kahan’s “The Great Divide Tour” stop at Citizens Bank Park on Friday. (Seen above: Kahan on July 4, 2025.) RedfernsIn fact, fellow pop star Olivia Rodrigo has admitted she’s gotten a whiff of fans’ diapers while performing onstage.“I have been to certain concerts and certain festivals where people wear diapers so that they can be front row of the show,” the “Traitor” songstress shared on the KISS Breakfast radio show earlier this month.“That’s been an experience of a performer that I have smelled and experienced.” Several fans appeared disgusted. Redferns“What the f–k,” one attendee said. RedfernsRodrigo continued by explaining that fans sit in one spot and wait for her to perform “all day.”Kahan and Rodrigo’s experiences, however, are far different than concertgoers who throw items at performers on stage, sometimes causing injury.Bebe Rexha, Kelsea Ballerini, Zach Bryan and Nicki Minaj are among the many singers who have had audience members hurl objects at them.

Jun 29, 2026
Utah's Largest Wildfire Triggers State of Emergency: What You Need to Know New

Utah's Largest Wildfire Triggers State of Emergency: What You Need to Know

Utah declared a state of emergency and temporary fireworks ban on June 26 over extreme fire conditions and a growing number of blazes across the state.Utah was battling 13 large wildfires by Saturday, including the largest wildfire in the nation, the Cottonwood fire, that started on June 22. By Sunday, the number of fires had been reduced to 11. Utah State forester Jamie Barnes said June 25 that the flames are spreading farther and faster “under conditions that defy historical expectations.”Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced a state of emergency Friday as winds picked up, leaving crews with few options for slowing the flames spreading rapidly through tinder-dry forest. Air support from air tankers and helicopters were grounded in the dangerous conditions, with gusts up to 45 miles per hour, forestry officials said.The Cottonwood fire, burning in a sparsely populated area of southern Utah, ballooned to more than 144 square miles by Sunday. It severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort in Beaver County and other summer cabins, and forced mandatory evacuations. In the community of Marysvale, the smoke blocked out the sun Friday as ash rained down.Forestry officials said the fire continues to burn unchecked. Smoke from the fire could be seen for hundreds of miles, from Utah’s Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks all the way to Colorado.Related StoriesThe critical weather conditions are expected to persist into Sunday.Federal land managers closed public lands nearby as a precaution.“There has been a great increase in the fire activity,” Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson assigned to the fire, said Saturday. “We are seeing extreme fire behavior out there with some crown runs and definitely some spotting.”Fire RestrictionsOn June 25, Stage 1 fire restrictions were declared across the state, with all unauthorized fireworks celebrations for July 4 banned due to the high risks to life and property. This was followed by Stage 2 restrictions for some state and federal lands on Friday.A red flag warning for extreme fire conditions—low humidity and strong winds—was issued for most of the state.Cox said Friday that the upcoming July 4 celebrations will be “different” amid the critical fire danger.The governor’s order gave the state forester power to restrict or prohibit fireworks displays in Utah’s cities and towns, instead of leaving those decisions to the communities.The state forester set a temporary statewide fireworks ban through July 5.“Municipalities may work with the Forester to designate a discharge area. Each town will decide,” the forester’s office said on X. “We encourage a safe, spark-free July 4th with your family.”On Friday, the weather service in Salt Lake City, for the first time in the office’s history, also issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning for five Utah counties, including the area of the Cottonwood Fire.“Prepare now for rapid fire growth,” it said. A similar “dangerous situation” warning had been issued for the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. A federal judge declared a mistrial Friday in the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of sparking that fire. The jury said it couldn’t agree on a verdict.While the cause of the Cottonwood Fire is unknown, Cox’s order noted that humans have been the cause of 275 out of 384 fires in the state so far this year.Battling the FlamesAnother six large wildfires were burning by the end of Saturday—and a number of new fires had started in the past in 24 hours, with some caused by lightning strikes. The Iron Fire southwest of Salt Lake City has also been a concern for authorities. Authorities said on June 27 that new fires had started overnight sparking the Maple Peak, Cherry, and Wild Goose Fires that have since merged, prompting further evacuations of nearby towns.The Wild Goose Fire crossed Highway 50 into the Gap, which prompted the evacuation of four homes, Utah Fire said in an update on X.“Thanks to firefighters, aircraft, and volunteers, no structures have been lost. The Gap remains under evacuation; Scipio is in ready status,” the fire service said. Rocky Mountain Power issued a rare public safety power shut-off watch/warning for areas of central, southern and eastern Utah through the weekend on June 24. The company said Saturday it was in the process of restoring supply “in areas where wildfire risk has lessened, and conditions are safe” and called remaining warnings of shut-offs. “Conditions for Sunday have improved, and no shutoff warnings or watches are planned,” it said. “If weather conditions change unexpectedly, a limited number of additional shutoffs could still occur.West Under Fire WatchThe entire western United States is on watch for elevated fire risk, with the National Weather Service issuing a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning amid the dry and windy conditions.Tim Brown, a research professor and director of the Western Regional Climate Center, said the potential for extreme fire behavior will remain as long as it’s hot, dry and windy. He pointed to parts of the West that have been mired by persistent drought, including Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.The worst conditions were expected from northern Arizona into central and southern Utah. In New Mexico, a wildfire caused forest officials to close nearby campgrounds and trails in the Jemez Mountains.Much of Utah already is experiencing severe to extreme drought, while parts of Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico are experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.Cox said Saturday on X that he had evacuated from his home 14 years ago to the day due to a wildfire.“I relived those moments today as we experienced some of the worst fire conditions in our state’s history,” he said. “More evacuations. More property destroyed. It’s as bleak as it’s ever been … and yet there were several miraculous stops and saves.”“Tonight we celebrate the life of our fire crews, knowing they will be ready for another awful battle tomorrow. Please pray for them and for the rains we desperately need,” the governor added.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Jun 29, 2026
Mullin's Bold Stance on Temporary Protected Status Sparks Debate New

Mullin's Bold Stance on Temporary Protected Status Sparks Debate

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin testifies in Washington on June 3, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch TimesThe Trump administration is encouraging those in the United States with Temporary Protected Status to either pursue a permanent legal immigration pathway or get federal help to voluntarily return to their home countries, according to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.Mullin said on June 28 that recipients of Temporary Protected Status should recognize that the program was never intended to provide permanent residency in the United States.Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian program that allows nationals of designated countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to remain and work legally in the United States for a limited period. “Either try to fill out the paperwork and be here underneath a permanent status, or we'll help you get back to your country,” Mullin said in an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” A Congressional Research Service report states that as of March 2025, nearly 1.3 million individuals from 17 countries had Temporary Protected Status in the United States.Mullin said he could not promise everyone would be accepted, but nothing was preventing them from applying. He said the social welfare programs subsidizing people on Temporary Protected Status will not be extended, saying that while the program is supposed to only last up to 18 months, some of the people on it have been in the country for decades.Related StoriesThe administration is offering departure assistance for those who voluntarily leave the United States.“We'll actually give you a plane ticket, plus roughly $2,100 to help you reestablish when you get there, but Temporary Protective Status, according to the courts and in its name itself, is not permanent status,” Mullin said.The Supreme Court on June 25 ruled that the Trump administration could end Temporary Protected Status for people from Haiti and Syria.The administration has argued that conditions in some countries no longer justify continuing the temporary status and that the program has expanded beyond its original purpose. Administration officials have also said that individuals who wish to remain in the United States should seek another lawful immigration status if they qualify.Supporters of extending Temporary Protected Status say many recipients have lived and worked in the United States for years, established families and businesses, and contribute to local economies. They contend that ending the protections could separate families and return people to countries that continue to face economic instability or security concerns.The Supreme Court’s order allows the administration to implement its policy while litigation proceeds. A final decision on the legality of ending the protections will ultimately be determined through the federal court system unless Congress acts to change immigration law.

Jun 28, 2026
Meghan and Harry's European Getaway Amid UK Plans Uncertainty New

Meghan and Harry's European Getaway Amid UK Plans Uncertainty

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly on a European getaway with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as their family trip to the UK remains up in the air.The family of four is currently vacationing in Europe, though it is unclear where, People reported Sunday.Earlier this month, we heard that Harry, 41, and Markle, 44, were planning to bring their kids to the United Kingdom in July for the first time since 2022.Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, seen here in September 2023, are reportedly vacationing in Europe with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. ShutterstockThe family getaway comes as Harry and Markle’s plans to bring their kids to the UK next month remain up in the air. Harry is seen here earlier this month with Archie and Lilibet. Instagram/@meghanPage Six reported earlier that Harry had hoped to bring his wife and their children back to England while he promotes his Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham next year. We were told Harry desperately wants to bring his family over to see his father, King Charles.However, the trip might reportedly be scrapped due to the couple being denied taxpayer-funded security for their trip.“Their plans to see family, friends and visit various charitable causes close to the duke’s heart have been pulled out from under their feet at the 11th hour,” a source told the Guardian on Sunday.The couple’s plans to go to the UK with their kids may reportedly be scrapped due to them being denied taxpayer-funded security for their trip. Harry and Markle are seen here in April 2022. ANP/AFP via Getty ImagesPage Six reported earlier that Harry desperately wants his children to go to the UK to see his father, King Charles. meghan/InstagramPer the insider, the Duke of Sussex is still “looking at every option to try and get” Markle, along with Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, to England “safely and keep them safe when they’re on the ground.”Sources told Page Six earlier that Harry is expected to bring his own security team for the trip, as the couple was preparing for a “huge spectacle.”One insider said the family won’t fly by private jet, but they will have their own bodyguards, adding, “Harry always travels with one of two of his own security team.”The couple, seen here in May 2025, has not brought their kids to the UK since 2022. meghan/InstagramHarry will be in the UK to promote his Invictus Games. He’s seen here with his wife in April 2022. ANP/AFP via Getty ImagesHarry — who pays about $3 million a year for private security in the US — has yet to be afforded VIP security after battling the British Home Office for 24/7 armed police escorts, and is in a “holding pattern,” we were told.But Charles has reportedly extended an olive branch to Harry, offering him a royal residence with private security for his stay with his wife and kids.Harry is set to attend a “one-year-to-go” countdown celebration for his Invictus Games, which are scheduled for July 10–17, 2027.

Jun 28, 2026
Why US-Iran Talks Continue Amid Escalating Strikes New

Why US-Iran Talks Continue Amid Escalating Strikes

LiveKuwait and Bahrain claimed Iran attacked with missiles and drones on Sunday.Last Updated: June 28, 2026, 5:26 PM EDTPresident Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites.Delegations from the United States and Iran meet last weekend at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland, where they entered negotiations aimed at a war-ending deal based on a memorandum of understanding signed last week by both countries.Key Headlines 57 minutes ago1 hour and 30 minutes ago2 hours and 27 minutes ago7:28 AM EDT5:22 AM EDTHere's how the news is developing. 57 minutes agoUS-Iran talks still planned despite strikes: US officialDespite the escalating attacks and threats, a senior Trump administration official told ABC News the two sides are still talking.Technical talks with Iran on how to implement the memorandum of understanding are still planned for the coming days, the official said.The official added that no talks have been canceled, and both sides are still exchanging messages through deconfliction channels.-ABC News' Selina Wang1 hour and 30 minutes agoIDF striking in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu saysIn a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that the IDF is striking in southern Lebanon."As part of Operation Closing Verse, the IDF has now destroyed the underground terror infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the area of the village of Majdal Zun in southern Lebanon," Netanyahu said in the statement, which was also posted to his office's official X account."The tunnel, which is over 200 meters long and more than 25 meters deep, contained hundreds of weapons and several launch silos intended to strike the territory of the State of Israel and its citizens. Israel informed the United States and the American representative in Lebanon in advance of the destruction of the infrastructure," the post further said."IDF commanders and fighters will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon and will continue to destroy terrorist infrastructure, remove threats from northern communities, and maintain the security of Israeli citizens," the post concluded.2 hours and 27 minutes agoIDF says it killed Hezbollah militant who allegedly killed Israeli soldierThe Israeli military says its troops killed a Hezbollah militant that it said was responsible for the death of an Israeli soldier in Deir Siryan, southern Lebanon, overnight."IDF soldiers from the Golani Brigade Combat Team encountered a Hezbollah terrorist after entering a suspicious structure in the area of Deir Siryan in southern Lebanon. As a result of the encounter, Captain David Hazutt fell, and an additional IDF soldier was lightly injured," the IDF statement said."Following extensive searches conducted by IDF soldiers in the area, the terrorist was located in one of the structures near the point of the encounter and was eliminated by the soldiers," the statement continued, adding that the IDF "will continue to operate to remove any threat posed to IDF soldiers and will not allow the Hezbollah terrorist organization to harm Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers."-ABC News' Claire Bower7:28 AM EDTIran claims sole responsibility for restoring Strait of Hormuz shipping trafficIran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said on Sunday that only Iran is responsible for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring shipping traffic to pre-war levels.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi looks down at notes during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart during their joint press conference following a meeting in Baghdad on July 28, 2026.Ahmad Al-rubaye/AFP via Getty Images"These arrangements are being adopted and implemented, and responsibility for them rests with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Araghchi said during a news conference alongside his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday. "No other body or country bears any responsibility in this regard."The minister's comments followed U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, which came after officials in Washington accused Tehran of targeting a tanker in the strait. Both the United States and Iran have claimed in recent weeks to have control over the strait.This aerial photograph shows boats anchored off Oman's northern Musandam Peninsula near the Strait of Hormuz on June 27, 2026.AFP via Getty ImagesAraghchi added on Sunday that attempts "to adopt new or separate arrangements" would "only complicate the situation, delay the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and raise the level of tension, as we witnessed over the past two nights with incidents in the Strait of Hormuz that led to increased tensions and clashes."-ABC News' Rashid Haddou

Jun 28, 2026
Josh Gad's Heartfelt Tribute to Mel Brooks' 100th Birthday Sparks Reactions New

Josh Gad's Heartfelt Tribute to Mel Brooks' 100th Birthday Sparks Reactions

Mel Brooks is entering his centennial year with some kind words of admiration from a fellow comedian. Actor and singer Josh Gad shared some sweet photos on social media with Brooks in honor of the comedy legend’s big 100th birthday on June 28. Gad, who co-wrote the upcoming sequel to Brooks’ iconic 1987 “Star Wars” parody film “Spaceballs,” had some lovely things to say about the centenarian. “For the past five years, I have had the greatest gift in my life… collaborating with and working alongside my comedy idol,” Gad wrote on Instagram of Brooks, who is also reprising his role as the beloved character Yogurt in the “Spaceballs” sequel. “Today we celebrate 100 years of his life and legacy. He has made us laugh and hurt on the big screen, the small screen, the stage and even on our record players.” Gad added: “There is nothing he hasn’t won, nothing he hasn’t achieved, nothing he hasn’t proven and yet at 100, he continues to surprise and thrill us.” The series of 20 photos posted to Gad’s social media features snapshots from his time working with Brooks on the “Spaceballs” sequel. In nearly every shot, Brooks, known for his joyful disposition, is grinning from ear-to-ear. Citing a number of Brooks’ ongoing projects including the West End production of the legend’s iconic musical ‘The Producers’ and the upcoming television adaptation of 1974 hit “Young Frankenstein,” Gad wrote that the ‘best is still yet to come’ for the 100-year-old. “I love you Mel. I cannot wait for the world to see this next chapter,” Gad wrote. “Thank you for your trust and your partnership.” Brooks, who was born in 1926 in Brooklyn, is critically acclaimed for his work at the helm of a number of boundary-pushing films. He previously credited his longevity to his sense of humor. “It’s an amazing sound, people laughing at something I created,” Brooks told People in January. “Making comedy is a great job. It keeps you sane and happy. It gives you a reason to be alive.”

Jun 28, 2026