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Presidential Fitness Test's Return Sparks Debate on Kids' Health Impact New

Presidential Fitness Test's Return Sparks Debate on Kids' Health Impact

The Trump administration launched the return of the Presidential Physical Fitness Test this week with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. participating in fitness activities with a youth organization.It comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order last year reestablishing the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition."We must address the threat to the vitality and longevity of our country that is posed by America's declining health and physical fitness," the executive order reads.Some kinesiology experts told ABC News they support the administration's efforts to promote fitness. They question, however, whether a fitness test alone will be enough to move the needle on physical activity and exercise."I'm a big believer that anything that raises the discussion on children moving and being active and being fit is a good thing," Jackie Goodway, a professor in the department of kinesiology at Michigan State University, told ABC News. "I think President Trump releasing this focus is a really good thing ... but I think, for me personally, the critique of [the test] outweighs the benefits of it."STOCK PHOTO/AdobeBenefits of physical activityThe origins of the Presidential Physical Fitness Test date back to 1958 when the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (AAHPER) established the Youth Fitness Project, which introduced the first standardized national fitness test in the U.S.The original test consisted of pull-ups for boys and modified pull-ups for girls, sit-ups, a shuttle run, standing long jump, 50-yard dash and softball throw for distance, with a 600-yard walk-run being added later.In 1966, then-President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Presidential Physical Fitness Award Program for youth who scored above the 85th percentile on all seven test items of the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test.The test underwent several modifications before it was retired in 2012 under the Obama administration with the President's Council launching the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, described as a comprehensive school-based program that promotes health and regular physical activity among American youth.The Presidential Physical Fitness Test is just one of many physical fitness tests that students may take in school.The kinesiology experts told ABC News that movement and physical activity are critical for children. Children who are more active have a healthier weight and may have a lower risk of developing conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or some cancers, research has shown.Additionally, children who are more physically activity tend to be at lower risk for depression and anxiety symptoms.Studies and meta-analyses have also shown that kids who are more active have better academic outcomes."A brain is built through movement and so one of the things we know is that children who have less opportunities to move as infants don't develop the executive function, the cognitive development in the same ways that other children do who are more active," Goodway said.Issues with the testPopular ReadsThe Presidential Physical Fitness Test has previously yielded negative results among some students, according to Goodway. When she has asked adults about their memories of the test, some loved it but others hated it, she said.For students who were less athletic, there's some public humiliation involved with the test, Goodway noted."When you think about a math test and English test, it's private failure. If you don't do very well on a test, the teacher knows and you know, but the rest of your classmates don't know," Goodway said. "But if you come in last in the mile run and everybody's laughing at you, it's public humiliation."2026 Presidential Physical Fitness Test.The White House Other health-related physical fitness tests discuss getting an individual into a healthy fitness zone, but the Presidential Physical Fitness Test has individuals competing against their peers, Goodway said.She said kids would be more incentivized to engage in regular physical activity if they were beating their own records rather than competing against other kids."Ideally what you would want to see is kids competing against themselves," she said. "The next time I do this, can I get a little faster in my mile run? Can I jump a little further?"Chad Killian, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire, said students are not getting enough time on physical education (PE) in schools every week.Killian is part of a group surveying PE teachers about the amount of physical activity opportunities available in their schools.The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recommend 150 minutes of PE per week in elementary school and 225 minutes of PE per week for middle school and high school.The group found that many kids are getting much less than the recommended time, according to Killian."When I was a PE teacher in elementary school it was once a week for 30 minutes," he told ABC News. "So that's 36 times in a school year ... how can we expect kids to learn when they don't have time to learn right?"Killian went on, "If you're not going to give kids that time to learn and develop fitness, you shouldn't be assessing fitness. It's just inappropriate."He and Goodway said the success of the Presidential Physical Fitness Test depends on how it is implemented and should involve components such as practicing throughout the year or having teacher involvement."When I did it as a teacher, we did it together," he said. "We'll do it together and encourage each other ... there are good and bad ways to do fitness testing."

Jul 02, 2026
Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper's Unexpected Arrival at Swift-Kelce Rehearsal New

Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper's Unexpected Arrival at Swift-Kelce Rehearsal

Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid were spotted heading to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding rehearsal dinner at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening. In photos exclusively obtained by Page Six, the “Silver Linings Playbook” star wore a traditional suit and vest with sunglasses, and smiled broadly for photographers while standing outside an SUV.He appeared to be carrying a wallet and eventually was snapped stepping into the vehicle. Bradley Cooper was seen heading to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s rehearsal dinner at MSG on Thursday, as seen above. rosNYC / BACKGRID for Page SixGirlfriend Gigi Hadid was said to be in the backseat of a gray SUV, as seen above. rosNYC / BACKGRID for Page SixThe supermodel, meanwhile, was said to be in the backseat of the gray vehicle after leaving her New York City home for the celebration. Swift’s close pal Ashley Avignone, dressed it what appeared to be dark colored formalwear, occupied the front passenger seat. The sighting comes as buzz ramps up for the wedding of the year. He wore a traditional dark colored suit. rosNYC / BACKGRID for Page SixCooper carried what appeared to be a wallet while stepping into the vehicle, in which Hadid was said to be seated in the back. rosNYC / BACKGRID for Page SixThe latest on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding Here’s what Travis Kelce will wear to marry Taylor Swift, according to his ‘tailor before Taylor’ Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding guests face brutal travel delays before MSG nuptials How Travis Kelce is spending final days before massive Taylor Swift wedding Taylor Swift enlists help of one of her favorite NYC restaurants for wedding On Thursday, Page Six exclusively reported that the “Cruel Summer” songstress and Kansas City Chiefs tight end have already tied the knot in private and will hold their reception tomorrow, per multiple sources. “They are already married,” one source told us, while a Nashville insider insisted people there are speculating the power couple “already got legally married.” An exclusive guest list for the rehearsal dinner includes, along with Hadid and Cooper, publicist Tree Paine, Jack Antonoff and his sister, Swift’s childhood pal Abigail Anderson, and sports reporter Erin Andrews and her husband, former NHL player Jarret Stoll.Swift’s pal Ashley Avignone could be seen in the front passenger seat, as pictured above. BrosNYC / BACKGRID for Page SixAvignone wore what appeared to be dark colored formalwear. rosNYC / BACKGRID for Page SixSigns of the massive event continued to unfold amid New York City’s heat wave on Thursday, with red curtains going up at the famed venue. Security was also seen outside the arena wearing blue wristbands. Prior to the Oscar nominee and model arriving for Thursday’s rehearsal dinner, Swift’s SUV was seen arriving at the venue, shortly before 4:00 p.m. This is a developing story… Community GuidelinesWelcome to the Page Six Community!Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space.In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience.Simply put, keep it civil.Your post will/might be rejected if it contains: Spam Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across. 'Like' or 'Dislike' when you are filled with emotions! Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!

Jul 02, 2026
AOC's Reaction to Melat Kiros' Surprising Primary Win New

AOC's Reaction to Melat Kiros' Surprising Primary Win

New York socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is celebrating after another socialist ally won a key Democratic U.S. House primary on Tuesday night.Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old socialist, defeated 30-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in a Democratic primary for a deep-blue House seat anchored in Denver, Colorado.It was a major victory for the socialist left Tuesday evening.“Denver voters of all ages, of all races, of all religions sent a clear message: we will not wait… We won tonight, but this is about something so much bigger than this moment… This is a movement. And we are just getting started,” she said after the race was called.Advertisement During the campaign, Kiros referenced AOC positively as a role model.“AOC and Summer Lee, I think those two have really done an incredible job of highlighting the cause for a lot of the failure to deliver for working people in the country,” Kiros said.The DSA had been hoping DeGette’s loss would be evidence of its building momentum after a slate of socialist candidates won Democratic primaries in New York City last week.“Today, the East Coast, next week the Mountain West,” the DSA wrote in a social media post last week.If elected in November, Kiros, who was born in Ethiopia, is likely to join the far-left group known as the Squad and become one of a handful of vocal socialists in the House chamber.Kiros’ insurgent primary bid was also bolstered by controversial socialist streamer Hasan Piker, who said Hamas is “a thousand times better” than Israel and praised the Chinese Communist Party.In 2023, Kiros, a PhD student and lawyer, was fired from a New York firm after publishing an open letter in which he asserted that pro-Palestinian student protesters calling for the elimination of Israel were not antisemitic and appeared to endorse Hamas.Kiros has also suggested the United States deserved 9/11.“Inevitable in the sense that we destabilized a lot of the Middle East that forced people to believe that another act of violence was the only response,” Kiros told 9News when asked if she thought the terror attack was “the inevitable consequence of American foreign policy.”“And again, just like I said before, our responsibility is to get rid of those conditions that lead to violence in the first place,” Kiros continued.WATCH: Socialist candidate Melat Kiros, who was born in Ethiopia, just defeated 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary in Colorado. Here is a clip of her saying that 9/11 was America’s fault. pic.twitter.com/1h5K80mm80 — Martin Walsh (@martinwalsh__) July 1, 2026She also referred to the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks against the Jewish state as the “inevitable consequence of apartheid” and wouldn’t categorize the firebombing of protesters in Boulder last year who were demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza as antisemitic.“I don’t know what was in the heart of the perpetrator,” Kiros told Colorado’s 9News in a recent television interview. “All I know is that he went and attacked innocent people because of what they might have believed.”A June 2025 bipartisan resolution condemning the attack as part of a “rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals” won every present lawmaker’s support, except for Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who voted present.Separately, Ocasio-Cortez did not rule out a 2028 presidential run when asked about it earlier this month.“Could I be president?” Ocasio-Cortez told Fox News. “Could I not be president? Maybe, maybe not.”She suggested that accomplishing universal healthcare would be a greater measure of success than obtaining any specific title, including the presidency.She consistently redirected the conversation from her political future to the outcomes of policies. She argued that the true value of holding office lies in what can be achieved through it.This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.

Jul 02, 2026
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Secret Wedding Sparks Buzz New

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Secret Wedding Sparks Buzz

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have already wed ahead of their big Madison Square Garden bash, multiple sources exclusively tell Page Six.The superstar and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, who have donated $26 million to charity before their lavish celebrations, are believed to officially be Mr. and Mrs. Kelce after saying “I do” in private.Although they will throw a huge party for more than 1,000 friends and family at MSG on Friday, following a rehearsal dinner for 100 people on Thursday, we are told the couple have already exchanged vows in front of a tiny group of loved ones.“They are already married,” one source in the know insisted.Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are believed to have officially tied the knot ahead of their Madison Square Garden celebrations. Bruce Glikas/WireImageA well-placed music insider based in Nashville said the city is abuzz that the couple, both 36, “already got legally married.” New York State wedding licenses are sealed, but as we revealed last week, security insiders at Manhattan’s’ City Clerk’s Office — where you have to obtain a $35 wedding license to get married — insisted this week there had been no sign of a Swift license within recent days, adding, “we would know.”A New York State marriage license is valid for 60 days, with a 24-hour waiting period before a ceremony can be legally performed — though it’s possible to get a judicial waiver to bypass that. The high-profile couple got engaged last August in the garden at Kelce’s mansion in Leawood, Kansas. AI image generated by Adobe FireflySwift’s jet this week flew to Tampa, where her dad, Scott (above, with her mother, Andrea), lives. Getty Images for ACMWe have reached out to reps for Swift and Kelce.Another source said there were rumors the small ceremony recently took place in Tennessee, where Swift moved when she was just 14 to become a songwriter.According to a website that tracks Swift’s private jet, the singer’s plane made a series of intriguing stops on Sunday in cities where the couple’s closest family members live.After departing Nashville, the jet landed in Philadelphia, where Kelce’s father, Ed, lives. Pennsylvania also happens to be home to Kelce’s older brother Jason and his wife, Kylie. It then flew to Tampa, where Swift’s father, Scott, resides, before returning to Nashville. The aircraft remained there until June 30, when it headed back to New York City.Swift is marrying into the Kelce clan, led by matriach Donna “Mama” Kelce. Getty ImagesSwift’s jet this week also made a stop in Philadelphia, home of Travis’ father, Ed Kelce. Getty ImagesMSG is busy with workmen getting the mega venue ready for events on Thursday and Friday, which, as we revealed, will include a massive event with performances by starry pals including Stevie Nicks and Kenny Chesney.Swift’s good pal Ed Sheeran is also rumored as a performer, and Paul McCartney is believed to be attending.The venue, normally known for sports games and music concerts, has been turned into a wonderland, complete with a garden. The nuptials will also feature food from Swift’s favorite eateries, including Sartiano’s. Community GuidelinesWelcome to the Page Six Community!Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space.In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience.Simply put, keep it civil.Your post will/might be rejected if it contains: Spam Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across. 'Like' or 'Dislike' when you are filled with emotions! Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!

Jul 02, 2026
Heroic Neighbors Save 87-Year-Old from Blazing Home in Dramatic Rescue New

Heroic Neighbors Save 87-Year-Old from Blazing Home in Dramatic Rescue

Dramatic video shows “super-hero” neighbors bursting into a burning home to rescue a sleeping 87-year-old great-grandmother, thanks to her daughter giving them key instructions through her mom’s doorbell camera.Phyllis Day, who has Alzheimer’s disease and hearing issues, was asleep at home in Wigston, England, without her hearing aids last Thursday night when neighbors spotted the flames coming from the back of her house.Her doorbell camera shows some of them then desperately trying to get through her front door and raise the alarm.The neighbors could be seen trying to bust down the elderly woman’s door on her doorbell camera. Courtesy Suzanne Wright / SWNSThey start shouting instructions, not realizing they are actually talking to Day’s daughter, Suzanne Wright, who answered her mom’s doorbell cam while in her own home about five miles away.“You need to come out. There’s a fire,” a man tells Wright, thinking she’s inside the home. “In the back of your house — you need to come out now!”Wright explains that it is her mother’s house — and quickly directs them to a key safe hidden by the back gate, giving them the code to get in.The group manages to get the door open, and two men race inside. The same two are then seen leading the great-grandmother out of the house as the fire department arrives.“It was just pure luck that her neighbours saw the flames and dashed round to help,” Wright told SWNS after the frightening ordeal.Phyllis Day at her home with daughter Suzanne Wright witnessing the fire damage. Tom Maddick / SWNSWright, who takes care of her aging mother full-time, was watching the footage from her mom’s doorbell live as she and her husband rushed there. “At one point I lost visual and could just hear shouting and screaming, it was terrifying,” she said. “Luckily it came back on and I could see Mom being led by the arm outside.”Pav Sarpal, 28, and Stephan Smart, 44, the two neighbors who fearlessly ran in to get Day, recalled being met with heavy smoke as soon as they entered the home.“It’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life, all I could see were flames and smoke and it was getting worse by the second,” Sarpal told SWNS.Day has since had to move out and is living with Wright. Tom Maddick / SWNS“I panicked a little to start with but I knew somebody was upstairs and I had to get up there and get her down as quickly as possible,” Smart recalled. “When we found her bedroom we woke Phyllis up but she looked at me like I was going to rob her. “I told her there was a fire and she needed to come with us and we gently got her out of bed,” he said.Day has lived alone in the house since her husband, Charlie, died in 2018. She has hearing aids that she takes out each night and Suzanne believes she couldn’t hear the smoke alarms, describing her mother as “completely oblivious to the fire.Neighbors ran over to help and called the local fire department. Courtesy Suzanne Wright / SWNS“I cannot thank the neighbors enough,” Wright said. “They are absolute super heroes and I think King Charles should knight them all.”Fire officials believe an electrical fault in the kitchen or utility room may have started the blaze, which left the three-bedroom home charred on the ground floor, photos show.Phyllis has since moved in with Suzanne.While they applauded the men for their bravery, the Leicester Fire and Rescue Service urged people not to run into burning buildings

Jul 02, 2026
Why a Dairy Facility Inspection Is Stirring Public Interest New

Why a Dairy Facility Inspection Is Stirring Public Interest

21:26 | 2 Korrik 2026 Agjencia e Ushqimit dhe Veterinarisë (AUV) ka njoftuar se ka zhvilluar një inspektim të jashtëzakonshëm në një subjekt që merret me përpunimin e qumështit dhe prodhimin e produkteve të qumështit, me qëllim verifikimin e përputhshmërisë së aktivitetit me legjislacionin në fuqi dhe standardet e sigurisë ushqimore.Sipas AUV-së, gjatë inspektimit janë marrë mostra të qumështit UHT me afat të gjatë përdorimi, si dhe mostra të qumështit pluhur dhe vajit të palmës, të cilat janë dërguar për analiza laboratorike.Agjencia bën të ditur se, pas verifikimit të dokumentacionit, kontrollit fizik të objektit dhe inspektimit të linjave të prodhimit, janë konstatuar mospërputhje me legjislacionin në fuqi.Sipas njoftimit, operatori ushtron veprimtari të përpunimit të qumështit në bazë të autorizimit përkatës, ndërsa në objekt janë instaluar edhe linja për prodhimin e produkteve me origjinë shtazore dhe me bazë qumështi, duke përdorur qumësht pluhur, vaj palme dhe lëndë të tjera ndihmëse. Po ashtu, gjatë kontrollit është konstatuar se subjekti disponon sasi të konsiderueshme të lëndëve të para dhe produkteve, përfshirë qumësht UHT, qumësht pluhur, proteina qumështi, hirrë qumështi dhe vaj palme.AUV thekson se është konstatuar gjithashtu se subjekti nuk posedon autorizim të veçantë për prodhimin dhe përpunimin e produkteve me bazë yndyrash bimore dhe proteinash qumështi për qëllimet e deklaruara në etiketim, ndërsa disa elemente të procesit do t’i nënshtrohen vlerësimeve të mëtejshme nga autoritetet kompetente.Agjencia sqaron se në këtë fazë nuk është marrë asnjë vendim për mbylljen e subjektit. Sipas saj, inspektimi ka përfshirë vetëm verifikimin e dokumentacionit dhe marrjen e mostrave, ndërsa konstatimet përfundimtare do të nxirren pas përfundimit të analizave laboratorike dhe në përputhje me legjislacionin në fuqi.Pas përfundimit të procedurës inspektuese, subjektit i është lënë vendim për zbatimin e kërkesave të legjislacionit dhe udhëzimeve të Ministrisë së Bujqësisë, Pylltarisë dhe Zhvillimit Rural për prodhimin dhe tregtimin e produkteve ushqimore.AUV ka ritheksuar se mbrojtja e shëndetit publik dhe siguria ushqimore mbeten prioritet institucional, ndërsa rezultatet laboratorike do të përcaktojnë hapat e mëtejmë administrativë dhe ligjorë.

Jul 02, 2026
Why the Senate Is Stalling on the Children's Internet Safety Bill New

Why the Senate Is Stalling on the Children's Internet Safety Bill

The House passed a sweeping internet safety package aimed at protecting children online, sending the legislation to the Senate, where lawmakers remain divided over how far the federal government should go in regulating digital platforms.The Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, known as the KIDS Act, combines 14 separate online safety bills into one package, including a proposal requiring age verification to prevent minors from accessing online pornography.Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., who sponsored the age-verification provision, said Congress must act as children are exposed to explicit material at increasingly younger ages.“To use figurative language, the house is on fire,” Miller told the Daily Signal.Her legislation, known as the Shielding Children’s Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net, or SCREEN Act, would require pornography websites and other platforms that host sexually explicit material harmful to minors to use age-verification technology before allowing access.Advertisement Miller argued that parents alone cannot effectively protect children from explicit content that is readily available online.“Sadly, the average age that our children are accessing pornography on the internet is 11, and by the time our children turn 18, 80% of them have access to pornography,” Miller said.“Parents are doing their best, but the truth is, with a few clicks of a button, kids can access this filth.”She also cited research linking early exposure to pornography with anxiety, depression, risky sexual behavior and other negative outcomes.“We require age identification for children to access other things, tobacco, alcohol, firearms, casinos, any kind of adult entertainment, you have to prove your age,” Miller said.“So that’s all this bill does, is it requires the pornography companies to make the user prove their age.”While the House has embraced the SCREEN Act, the Senate has not yet incorporated the proposal into its own online safety legislation.Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has introduced companion legislation in the Senate, but it has not been added to the Senate’s version of the broader package, known as the Kids Online Safety Act.That legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has been introduced multiple times since 2024 but has repeatedly stalled.The House and Senate also remain divided over key policy differences.Last week, Blumenthal said the House’s version of the KIDS Act would be “dead in the Senate.”However, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, indicated negotiations remain possible.According to lawmakers, Blackburn has also been working closely with the White House on portions of the Senate bill, particularly provisions dealing with artificial intelligence.While House Republicans consider the SCREEN Act one of the package’s most important provisions, Senate supporters argue the House bill omits what they view as the centerpiece of their legislation.That provision, known as the “duty of care,” would require social media companies, messaging platforms and online gaming services to take reasonable steps to protect minors from harmful content and addictive features.The Federal Trade Commission would be responsible for enforcing those requirements.Supporters say the proposal would require companies to strengthen privacy protections, reduce unnecessary data collection and modify recommendation algorithms that may contribute to cyberbullying, addiction and mental health problems among children.Despite those disagreements, both chambers say negotiations are expected to continue.The House has formally transmitted the KIDS Act to the Senate, where lawmakers will begin considering how to reconcile the competing approaches.Miller said she remains committed to ensuring the age-verification provision ultimately becomes law.If Senate negotiators remove the SCREEN Act from the larger package, she said she believes it can still succeed on its own.“I think it will stand alone as a bill to be passed,” Miller said, calling the legislation a “must-pass,” The Daily Signal reported.Whether Congress ultimately reaches agreement remains uncertain, but lawmakers in both parties acknowledge growing concern over children’s online safety and increasing pressure to establish stronger protections against harmful digital content.This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.

Jul 02, 2026
Why Times Square's Iconic Ball Is Dropping Eight Times This July 4th New

Why Times Square's Iconic Ball Is Dropping Eight Times This July 4th

July 02, 2026, 8:28 PMThe iconic Times Square ball in New York City will descend on a date other than New Year's Eve for the first time as part of a historic Independence Day celebration marking America's 250th birthday.The celebration will feature eight ball drops marking midnight across every U.S. time zone and inhabited territory, beginning in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and ending in American Samoa, according to an announcement by the organizer, America250.The organizer said the rolling countdown is designed to unite Americans across the country during the nation's semiquincentennial celebration.What to knowThe eight ball drops are part of the inaugural Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show, a live special from One Times Square in New York City.The event also launches Giving 4th, a nationwide initiative encouraging Americans to support charitable organizations and volunteer in their communities in honor of the country's 250th birthday.The celebration begins with the first Times Square ball drop at 10 a.m. ET on July 3, marking midnight in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.The traditional 11:59 p.m. ET countdown to the ball drop at midnight in New York will serve as the centerpiece of the nationwide celebration before the countdown continues through the remaining U.S. time zones and territories.The final ball drop is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET on July 4, marking midnight in American Samoa.Fireworks explode as people attend the New Year's Eve celebrations and ball drop in Times Square in New York, Jan. 1, 2026.John Lamparski/AFP via Getty ImagesHow to watchViewers can watch the historic Times Square ball drops during the Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show, which begins at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 3.Hosted by Jim Gaffigan, the live special will stream on America250.org and feature performances by Mary J. Blige, Brad Paisley and NE-YO.The celebration also marks another milestone for the redesigned Times Square ball, which debuted during the 2025-26 New Year's Eve celebration following renovations to One Times Square.America250 Chair Rosie Rios said the event is intended to unite Americans across the country as they celebrate the nation's 250th birthday."This is more than a countdown. It's a moment that brings the entire country together, one time zone at a time,” she said in the announcement. "From Guam to New York to Alaska to American Samoa we are creating a shared experience where every American can see themselves in this celebration and be part of something bigger than any one city or moment."

Jul 02, 2026
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Secret Wedding Rumors Heat Up New

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Secret Wedding Rumors Heat Up

Here comes the bride.Taylor Swift was seen arriving at Madison Square Garden hours before her rehearsal dinner Thursday, Page Six can confirm.The singer’s SUV was seen driving past the iconic NYC arena, which she has made into her wedding venue, before pulling into one of the entrances. Taylor Swift’s SUV was seen arriving at Madison Square Garden ahead of her rehearsal dinner Thursday. REUTERSThe “Lover” songstress and Kelce (seen here) are set to host the dinner at 6 p.m. Billboard via Getty ImagesShe was followed by an extra security vehicle and it’s unclear if Travis Kelce, 36, was with her.Swift, 36, arrived at the venue as several of her and the athlete’s guests, including Sabrina Carpenter and Donna Kelce, touched down in the Big Apple.The couple’s rehearsal dinner is expected to have an estimated 100 guests and be hosted at MSG’s Infosys Theater from 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. ET., Page Six previously reported.The SUV was seen outside of the iconic venue. REUTERSThe vehicle passed security barriers. Lone Pine Press for NY PostMore than 1,000 guests are set to celebrate with Swift and Kelce at Friday’s star-studded wedding, with doors set to open at 3:30 p.m. and cocktail hour at 4 p.m.The ceremony is scheduled 5:30 p.m. followed by a reception from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.Other celebrities expected to attend the highly anticipated nuptials include Karlie Kloss, Selena Gomez, Zoë Kravitz, the Haim sisters, Ed Sheeran, Suki Waterhouse and Gigi Hadid.The SUV headed to a parking area. REUTERSSecurity followed shortly behind. REUTERSAdditionally, guests will enjoy performances by Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks and country artist Tim McGraw, Page Six reported.Throughout the week, workers have been seen delivering various boxes to the venue, including a few with the label “Garden Party.”While Swift and Kelce are planning to celebrate their wedding with their loved ones, multiple sources told Page Six on Thursday that they were already married.Once inside, a worker appeared to be guiding the driver. James Keivom for NY PostAround 100 guests are believed to be attending the dinner. (Seen here: Swift’s SUV). James Keivom for NY PostAn insider based in Nashville told us that the A-listers “already got legally married” in front of a small group of people.Another source claimed there was a rumor that the duo tied the knot recently in Tennessee, where Swift grew up as a teenager.Swift and Kelce got engaged in August 2025 after two years together.Follow Page Six’s Taylor Swift live updates for the latest news, photos, fan theories and more Community GuidelinesWelcome to the Page Six Community!Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space.In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience.Simply put, keep it civil.Your post will/might be rejected if it contains: Spam Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across. 'Like' or 'Dislike' when you are filled with emotions! Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!

Jul 02, 2026
BMW Confiscated After Driver Breaks Ban in Kosovo New

BMW Confiscated After Driver Breaks Ban in Kosovo

Policia e Kosovës ka konfiskuar një veturë të tipit BMW 118 pasi drejtuesi i saj u kap duke tejkaluar shpejtësinë e lejuar dhe duke vozitur pavarësisht masës së ndalimit të patentës.Rasti ka ndodhur mbrëmjen e së enjtes, rreth orës 19:50, në rrugën magjistrale në fshatin Gërlicë të Ferizajt, ku njësia e Komunikacionit Rrugor ndaloi automjetin gjatë kontrollit rutinë.Sipas Policisë, shoferi me inicialet SH.B. (30 vjeç) po lëvizte me 82 km/h në një zonë ku kufizimi maksimal i shpejtësisë është 50 km/h.Verifikimet kanë treguar se ai kishte në fuqi një masë mbrojtëse që ia ndalonte drejtimin e automjeteve për periudhën 12 mars 2026 – 11 mars 2027.Për këtë kundërvajtje, policia i ka shqiptuar një gjobë prej 500 euro, pesë pikë negative, i ka zgjatur masën e ndalimit të patentës edhe për gjashtë muaj, si dhe i ka konfiskuar automjetin.Sinjali – aty ku e vërteta flet para lajmit!/GazetaSinjali/

Jul 02, 2026
Driver's BMW Confiscated After Speeding with a Suspended License New

Driver's BMW Confiscated After Speeding with a Suspended License

21:19 | 2 Korrik 2026 Gjatë mbrëmjes së sotme rreth orës 19:50, njësia policore e Komunikacionit Rrugor në Ferizaj, në rrugën magjistrale në fshatin Gërlicë, ka ndaluar një automjet të tipit BMW 118 me targa vendoreSipas njoftimit gjatë kontrollit, është konstatuar se shoferi SH.B. (30 vjeç) po drejtonte automjetin me shpejtësi prej 82 km/h në një zonë ku kufizimi i lejuar është 50 km/h.Gjatë verifikimit ka rezultuar me masë mbrojtëse, ndalesë prej 12.03.2026 – 11.03.2027.Lidhur me këtë për këtë kundërvajtje, ndaj tij janë shqiptuar këto masa:– Gjobë në vlerë prej 500 €– 5 pikë negative– Masë mbrojtëse – vazhdimi i ndalimit të drejtimit të mjetit motorik edhe për 6 muaj– Konfiskim i automjetit./Arbresh.info

Jul 02, 2026
Michigan Parents in the Spotlight After Tragic Case of Son's Death New

Michigan Parents in the Spotlight After Tragic Case of Son's Death

The Michigan parents charged with murder and torture following the death of their morbidly obese 7-year-old son will be evaluated for their competency to stand trial.Jessica and Damien O'Brien were arrested and charged following a monthslong investigation. Their son, Casper O'Brien, weighed 255 pounds at the time of his death, which was found to be caused by dilated cardiomyopathy with contributing conditions of morbid obesity, according to a criminal complaint. The parents are being held on no bond. Neither appeared in court for a probable cause hearing in Genesee County on Thursday, during which Chief Judge Mark McCabe ordered that they undergo competency and criminal responsibility evaluations. The probable cause hearing was ultimately postponed after the defense attorneys requested more time to review the discovery in the case. The father's attorney, Elias Fanous, noted that there are more than 400 pages of medical records. The next court date has been scheduled for Sept. 9.During Thursday's court proceedings, McCabe also denied motions by the parents' attorneys seeking a reasonable bond. Both defense attorneys had argued that the parents are not a danger to the community and continue to grieve the loss of their son."This is a tragic case. It shouldn't be made more tragic by him having to grieve the loss of his son while in jail," Fanous said. Fanous also believed his client was overly charged, telling the court, "We're still reviewing discovery here, judge, but I don't see murder, let alone torture."Photos provided by the Office of the Genesee County Sheriff in Flint, Mich., show Jessica and Damien O'Brien.Office of Genesee County Sheriff via APThe parents were charged with second-degree murder and torture, which both carry a potential life sentence, and multiple counts of child abuse.Popular ReadsThe complaint alleges they caused their son, who was immobile, "cruel or extreme physical or mental pain and suffering" and acted in "wanton and willful disregard," resulting in his death. They are further accused of failing to take him to the doctor, despite having health care, and failing to provide him with proper nutrition or a safe and clean home.A police officer responded to the family's home in Flint Township the morning of Nov. 4, 2025, after Jessica O'Brien called 911 to report that her son wasn't breathing, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint. The officer "observed extreme hoarding and deplorable living conditions," including no working toilet, filth and soiled diapers in their living space, according to the affidavit. Casper was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  "This was a sad and horrific case involving the wanton and willful neglect by two parents for the care, welfare and medical needs of their son," Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, whose office is prosecuting the case, said in a statement. "Their neglect led to their child suffering severe bed sores, various rashes and other physical health disorders including extreme morbid obesity that ultimately led to his early death."Casper had only been taken to a doctor once and was not in school, according to Leyton.The parents are also accused of abusing their 5-year-old daughter, who is also morbidly overweight, according to the complaint. She has been placed in foster care, according to the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office.

Jul 02, 2026