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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
CHICAGO (WLS) — As the historic Route 66 prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2026, ABC 7 Chicago is kicking off the celebrations with an exciting feature series titled “Pier to Pier: Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66.”
In early June, the journey began as Ryan Chiaverini and his team, known as “Sidekicks on 66,” embarked on a road trip from Navy Pier, the ceremonial starting point. They cruised along in a newly minted Hyundai Palisade, which had a mere 22 miles on its odometer.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The crew made their way past the 1937 historic starting spot at Michigan Avenue and Adams Street, detouring to iconic Chicago locations. Among their stops was The Berghoff, a city classic, followed by a much-needed break at Lou Mitchell’s, celebrated for its neon sign that boasts serving the “world’s finest coffee” for countless generations.
Reflecting on this rich history, Nick Thanas, current owner of Lou Mitchell’s, noted, “Lou Mitchell truly pioneered much of what made this place special. Skillet eggs and Greek toast, staples in our culture, were introduced to our customers thanks to his vision.”
Continuing their journey, the team grabbed lunch at Lulu’s Hot Dogs, savored dessert at Ferrara Bakery, and journeyed out of Chicago into Will County. They captured memories with photos at Joliet’s Route 66 Park and posed with statues of the iconic Blues Brothers in Elwood, before reaching Wilmington, a town brimming with affection for the legendary roadway.
“Wilmington is really one of the first small towns along Route 66, where you really start stretching your legs and getting outside of the city of Chicago,” said Greg Peerbolte, CEO of the Joliet Historical Museum. “So, you have a lot of small-town charm and just a beautiful bunch of small and eclectic shops, art galleries and restaurants.”
The star of Wilmington is its 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant. It’s a “muffler man” statue first erected at the Launching Pad Restaurant to attract customers in the 1960s. Now standing at South Island Park, it greets new fans of Route 66 with its own gift shop and a beer available at Nelly’s On Route 66 and Old School Brewing.
“We have our beer, which is ‘Gemini’s Reentry,’ which is a golden ale,” said Jay Hill, bar manager at Old School Brewing. “It utilizes Gemini hops and so we released that beer right when the Gemini came back.”
For Chiaverini and the crew, it was one pier down and one to go in Santa Monica. But there was still plenty more to see over the next 2,300 miles.
“Pier To Pier: Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66” is sponsored by Hyundai.
Feeling like your shoulders aren’t what they used to be after turning 60? Consider integrating these four expert-recommended exercises into your routine for renewed strength and stability.
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As we age, maintaining shoulder strength becomes crucial, given its role in numerous daily activities such as reaching for high shelves, lugging groceries, putting on coats, and rising from chairs. Many older individuals I’ve coached believed heftier weights were the solution, only to face joint discomfort rather than muscle gains. Contrary to this common belief, performing exercises with precision and control often proves more beneficial than pursuing heavier weights.
A widespread myth suggests that muscle gains occur only under extreme strain. While increasing resistance is important, shoulders in our later years often respond best to moderate weights, slower motions, and exercises enhancing stability alongside strength. Shoulder stability requires the coordinated effort of its surrounding muscles, so focusing solely on the larger ones can neglect crucial stabilizers. A comprehensive exercise plan not only safeguards the joint but also builds enduring strength applicable to daily tasks.
Through years of working with clients over 60, I have refined methods to enhance shoulder function while avoiding aggravation or injury. Those who see the most improvement adhere to consistent routines that focus on strengthening supportive and stabilizing muscles using basic, deliberate movements. These four exercises are now cornerstones of my training programs, fostering practical strength and boosting everyday confidence in movement.
Wall Push-Ups
Whenever someone wants stronger shoulders without placing excessive stress on the joints, wall push-ups usually become my starting point. This movement strengthens the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core while allowing you to control the amount of resistance simply by adjusting your distance from the wall. I like recommending it because it teaches the shoulder blades to move naturally instead of locking them into one position. Clients often notice improved confidence during pushing movements, whether they’re opening heavy doors or rising from furniture. Over time, the shoulders become stronger without the discomfort that sometimes follows traditional floor push-ups.
How to Do It
Stand facing a sturdy wall.
Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Step your feet back.
Bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the wall.
Push back to the starting position.
Perform 10 to 15 repetitions.
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Resistance Band External Rotations
The small muscles of the rotator cuff rarely receive enough attention, yet they play one of the biggest roles in shoulder health. Weak rotator cuff muscles often contribute to poor shoulder mechanics, discomfort, and reduced overhead strength. I regularly prescribe external rotations because they strengthen these stabilizers without placing heavy loads on the joint. Clients are often surprised by how challenging this movement feels despite using only a light resistance band. Stronger stabilizers create a safer, more resilient shoulder for every daily activity.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
How to Do It
Attach a resistance band at elbow height.
Stand with your elbow bent to 90 degrees.
Keep your elbow tucked against your side.
Rotate your forearm outward.
Return slowly.
Complete 12 to 15 repetitions per arm.
Dumbbell Front Raises
Many everyday activities require lifting the arms in front of the body, making the front shoulder muscles especially important for maintaining independence. I prefer using light dumbbells with slow, controlled repetitions because the goal involves building endurance and stability rather than lifting the heaviest weight possible. Clients often improve their ability to place items on shelves or carry objects comfortably after consistently performing this exercise. The slower tempo also encourages better shoulder mechanics and reduces unnecessary strain. Quality movement always wins over heavier weight.
How to Do It
Stand tall with a light dumbbell in each hand.
Keep your palms facing your thighs.
Raise the weights to shoulder height.
Pause briefly.
Lower with control.
Perform 10 to 12 repetitions.
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Resistance Band Rows
I like ending shoulder routines with a pulling movement because strong upper-back muscles provide the foundation for healthy shoulder function. Resistance band rows strengthen the rhomboids, middle trapezius, rear shoulders, and biceps while encouraging the shoulder blades to move properly. Many clients notice that standing tall becomes easier after several weeks because stronger back muscles naturally support better posture. Improved posture also allows the shoulders to move through a healthier range of motion during daily activities. Together, those changes build stronger, more capable shoulders without relying on heavy lifting.
Pauline Hanson recently advocated for Australia to embrace a “monocultural” society during her address at the National Press Club, citing Japan as her inspiration.
However, experts argue that using Japan as a point of reference in Australia’s ongoing immigration and multiculturalism discussions may oversimplify complex issues rather than bring clarity.
But he did make clear, “I hear … it’s something like looking like Japan. I don’t want Australia to look like Japan.”
On Monday Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie sought to criticise Hanson’s vision, but also dampened the idea of multiculturalism, which the prime minister gave an impassioned defence of on the same day.
“How do you police that (a monoculture)? Do we want government more involved in our lives, policing who fits into Pauline Hanson’s definition of Australian culture and who doesn’t?
“Monoculture and multicultural — they’re two extremes in a sense,” Hastie told the ABC’s Background Briefing programme.
Experts have cast doubt on the characterisation and pointed to the economic uplift migration has brought Japan’s manufacturing industries.
Peter Chai, a research associate in political science and economics at Waseda University in Tokyo told SBS News that population data shows that Japan is not a monoculture.
“Right now, foreign labour makes up around three to four per cent of the population. So, compared to some Western countries, that level is still low, but compared to historical levels in Japan, that is actually a very high level,” Chai said.
“There’s been a huge increase in [immigration] in recent years and with that … Japan is becoming more diverse in terms of its population and ethnicity”.
A ‘made-up’ term?
In agriculture and farming, a monoculture can be simply defined. It’s the practice of growing a single species of crop over an area of land.
When applied to sociology, the term can take on multiple meanings. It can reference limited diversity within ethnic, linguistic or religious groups and even describe norms in food and fashion.
But Professor Alan Gamlen, director of the Australian National University’s Migration Hub, believes the notion of a monocultural population is a myth.
“A monocultural society is a made-up term … there are no existing countries where there is such a thing,” Gamlen said.
“There is the question, to what extent has a government in a particular country tried to and succeeded in homogenising diverse ethnic groups into a single national population.
“Even countries like Japan and South Korea, which are sometimes cited as quite monocultural, actually have high degrees of internal diversity.”
Kaori Okano, a professor of Asian and Japanese studies at La Trobe University told SBS News she wasn’t surprised to hear that Japan had compared to a monoculture.
“This view to see Japan as a monoculture is a kind of typical response from white Australians who see Japan as full of East Asians and … perhaps are not able to tell the difference” between different Asian ethnic groups.
While Okano said Japan has historically taken a hard-line stance on immigration, the early 1990s marked a shift in its policy.
“Until 1991, Japan did not accept unskilled labour … [change] came about because of pressure from the vehicle manufacturing industries because of labour shortages.”
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s International Migration Outlook report, approximately 177,000 long-term and permanent migrants entered Japan in 2024. That represented an 8.6 per cent increase compared to the year prior.
The report detailed that around 63 per cent of migrants moved to Japan for employment purposes, while just one per cent were humanitarian migrants. Foreign residents typically migrated from countries including China, Vietnam and South Korea, according to separate 2025 data released by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency.
The figures suggest that in the last decade the number of foreign workers in Japan has almost tripled.
“One problem with Japan right now is that Japanese people are not so invested in low-pay jobs anymore and that’s a natural thing for an advanced economy … people want to work for higher pay and better working conditions.
“The most visible foreign labourers are people working in convenience stores and in restaurants; you don’t see many Japanese [workers] anymore.”
However, Chai believes Japan’s “integration policy is lacking” — presenting barriers especially for migrants working in agriculture and manufacturing sectors in rural parts of Japan.
A ‘more nuanced understanding’
While Japan’s Immigration Services Agency reported there were more than 4.1 million foreign residents at the end of 2025, Okano believes this figure could be much higher. She estimates between eight to 10 million people, “minimum”, with non-Japanese ethnicity live in the country.
That’s because, unlike Australia, Japan does not collect data on the ancestry of its citizens during its population census.
Okano said that means Indigenous groups like the Ainu or Okinawan peoples, diaspora communities, workers and students who become Japanese citizens do not have their heritage officially recorded.
“It is a very simplistic view and if you look to Australia, it is quite obvious there are so many people who have an Australian passport but have a different ethnicity and that is the case in Japan as well”.
Japan has multiple Chinatowns and Koreatowns scattered across the country. The Tsurumi ward, located in the city of Yokohama, is also renowned for its multicultural community, including a large South American population.
Chai said while some older generations remain “attached to the idea that Japan is monothetic”, his research indicates that younger Japanese populations are increasingly embracing difference.
For Gamlen, North Korea serves as the closest example of a monocultural society, with more than 99 per cent of the population reportedly ethnically Korean. He claimed that comparison should also serve as a warning for One Nation.
“This is a place where a totalitarian regime has forced conformity on a population and … I don’t think any liberal democracy really wants to follow that path.”
New York City is gearing up for a high-profile event as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are set to celebrate their wedding at Madison Square Garden this weekend. According to law-enforcement sources, more than 100 members of New York’s Finest will be ensuring everything runs smoothly.
In preparation for the festivities, approximately 130 NYPD officers will be on duty at the renowned arena, aptly named the World’s Most Famous Arena. Some of these officers will be working overtime to accommodate the demands of the event, sources report.
Beginning the celebrations, Swift, 36, is planning a rehearsal dinner on Thursday evening, with about 100 guests expected to gather at the Infosys Theater within Madison Square Garden. This intimate gathering sets the stage for the main event of the weekend.
The grand celebration kicks off on Friday, with Swift hosting a mega-bash for nearly 1,000 of her closest friends and family. Guests are anticipated to start arriving in the early afternoon, with the lively celebration slated to continue until around 2 a.m., sources have indicated.
This significant police presence aligns with the standard protocol for major events at the Garden. However, it also underscores the challenges the NYPD faces as resources are stretched thin, given the simultaneous demands of the FIFA World Cup and the New York Knicks’ championship pursuits.
The pop star is expected to be on the hook for OT costs, while other cops will be working their usual shifts, source said.
In a tragic incident near his Philadelphia home, Penn State student Billy Schmidt lost his life. Surveillance footage shows he was fatally shot while attempting to reclaim his phone from two individuals. His sister, Anna Schmidt, made a heartfelt appeal for justice. In response, Penn State expressed condolences, and local authorities are actively working to find those accountable for this senseless act.
Philadelphia police have issued arrest warrants for two teenagers, both 16 years old, who are suspected of killing Billy Schmidt on June 6 as he returned from watching the NBA Finals.
A police spokesperson informed News Media that the warrants are for two boys aged 16. Their identities are being withheld as they are minors and have not yet been formally charged.
The incident on June 6, around 1:30 a.m., was an attempted armed robbery. Schmidt, 22, was found by officers with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead at 1:47 a.m.
As of now, the teenage suspects have not been apprehended.
Billy Schmidt was shot and killed in Philadelphia.(Bill Schmidt)
In surveillance video, Schmidt can be heard saying, “Give me my phone,” before a gunshot could be heard moments later. The video shows a man throwing a cellphone before another individual can be seen running around a corner being chased by Schmidt, who was then shot in the chest.
The shooter was described by police as a Black male between 5’3″ and 5’5″ “wearing all dark (black) clothing with a light gray camouflage-colored facemask.” Officials said this person was armed with a handgun.
Police released security video of the two suspects.(Philadelphia Police Department)
The second suspect was described by police as 5’8″ with braids and was “wearing a light gray colored custom designed “KONFUSED” brand hooded sweatshirt with a design on the front that includes three skulls and crossbones with a bejeweled halo above each skull.”
The U.S. Marshals Service has also joined the search for the teens, offering $5,000 for information leading to their arrest.
Bill Schmidt, the victim’s father, told ABC7 that his son was on his way home from a bar where he was watching the NBA Finals with friends.
“He was a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul, never bothered anyone and for him to get shot like that is a travesty,” Bill Schmidt said. “I’m shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them.”
Police released video of the two suspects in the killing and murder of Billy Schmidt.(Philadelphia Police Department)
Anna Schmidt, Billy’s sister, told reporters she doesn’t know how anyone could have killed her brother.
“I miss him so much, and I don’t understand how someone can do this,” Anna Schmidt said.
Schmidt was a student at Penn State World Campus studying journalism, where he was set to graduate in December.
“We are heartbroken over the tragic death of William Schmidt and we share our deepest condolences with his family and friends,” the university said in a statement to News Media.
Police are urging anyone with information on the suspects’ whereabouts to contact 215-686-TIPS.
Influencer Nara Smith has publicly shared the challenging news that last year, her young daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
At 24, Smith, renowned for her ‘tradwife’ content, is married to model Lucky Blue Smith, who is 28. She opened up about their two-year-old daughter, Whimsy Lou, who began chemotherapy after her undisclosed type of cancer was found to have metastasized.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, the mother of four shared, “There’s no gentle way to put this, but late last year, our little girl Whimsy was diagnosed with cancer. When we noticed something unusual, we rushed her to the emergency room, where the situation baffled the doctors.”
“We then visited our pediatrician who became quietly serious, and in that moment, my heart sank. Perhaps my intuition was sounding an alarm, but my immediate thought was that she had cancer.”
After undergoing a series of examinations, including tests, X-rays, and a biopsy, the devastating diagnosis was confirmed: the illness had progressed. Whimsy had to start chemotherapy without delay.
Smith and Lucky are also parents to daughters Fawnie, nine months and Rumble, five and son Slim, four.
Influencer Nara Smith has revealed her toddler daughter was diagnosed with cancer last year – pictured with husband Lucky Blue Smith
Smith, 24, who is known for her ‘tradwife’ videos and is married to model Lucky Blue Smith, 28, detailed how daughter Whimsy Lou, now two, underwent chemotherapy after her unspecified form of cancer spread – pictured with Lucky, Whimsy as a baby, daughter, Rumble and son Slim in 2024
Whimsy’s diagnosis came shortly after Fawnie’s birth.
‘All of that combined really brought me a lot of comfort and alleviated the feeling of loneliness for me. Processing this and navigating all of this as a family has been really hard’ she said.
‘A lot of you have probably realized that I’ve been posting a little less and this is the reason why. Having found all of this out and navigating this while postpartum, also loving and caring for our other kids at home, also being in the hospital with Whimsy a lot and balancing work on top of that has been really challenging.’
‘Some days are a little easier, some days are really hard, and all I can do is try my best and show up in all those areas in the best way that I can.’
She captioned the video, ‘Thankful for each and every nurse and doctor along our journey who helped us get through and out the other end.’
The couple announced the birth of their fourth child together in October last year.
Sharing pictures cuddling Fawnie, Smith wrote: ‘ Women’s bodies are pure magic – divinely designed to create, grow and nurture life.
The mom-of-four said in an Instagram video, ‘There’s no easy way to say this but late last year our daughter Whimsy got diagnosed with cancer. When we saw something suspicious on her we took her to the ER and they didn’t quite know what to make of it.
‘We become the bridge between heaven and earth guiding life into this world. With that our bodies transform and stretch.
The announcement came nearly a year after the couple revealed they were done having children.
During an interview with GQ at the time, Lucky told his wife amid the joint interview, ‘Well, we have three. So, you’re done.’
Nara then replied to her husband – who is also father to daughter Gravity with ex Stormi Bree – with, ‘Yep, I’m done.’
However, Lucky also pointed out to the Nara, ‘You did want six. When we first met, you wanted six.’
In regards to welcoming children at a young age, Nara – who was 19 when the couple welcomed their first child Rumble – said, ‘And it worked out great. I love being a young mom.’
She continued to the outlet, ‘I want to build my life with them rather than trying to integrate them into my life later.’
Smith is also known for her lifestyle and cooking content on social media – and boasts millions of followers.
However, the star has previously gotten candid about the negative effects of being on social media – such as dealing with backlash.
While talking to Who What Wear, Smith discussed how negative comments had affected her while pregnant with her third child.
‘I just felt so heavy,’ the media influencer admitted, before adding, ‘Nothing felt good to me anymore.’
As the NHL free-agent market opened on Wednesday, teams are shifting their strategies due to a lackluster selection of available players. This trend has driven general managers to emphasize trade opportunities and focus on securing long-term deals with their existing stars.
The New Jersey Devils made headlines by ensuring their captain’s presence in the team’s future. Nico Hischier, the Swiss center indispensable to the Devils’ core, committed to a five-year extension valued at $58.5 million. This new contract will impact their cap hit by $11.7 million annually from 2027 through 2032.
Sunny Mehta, the recently appointed general manager of the Devils, expressed his enthusiasm for retaining Hischier. “When I took this job, I knew that Nico was one of the core pieces I definitely wanted as part of our future,” Mehta commented. “His gameplay, leadership, and selflessness are qualities highly valued by our team. We are all looking forward to him leading this franchise both on and off the ice for many years to come.”
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens made a big move by re-signing forward Ivan Demidov, who impressed by topping all NHL rookies last season with 62 points, including 19 goals and 43 assists. The young Russian talent inked an eight-year deal worth $73 million.
In contrast, the Los Angeles Kings took advantage of the free-agency pool by recruiting forwards Erik Haula and Mats Zuccarello. A source familiar with the dealings reported that Haula secured a two-year contract valued at $7.2 million. Zuccarello’s signing, confirmed by another informed insider, yields a base salary of $1 million plus additional bonuses.
Chicago is signing veteran defenseman Ian Cole for next season at $4.75 million, according to a third person, also with knowledge of the deal. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contracts had not been announced.
On the trade front, Pittsburgh acquired 24-year-old forward Nick Robertson from Toronto for a 2028 fourth-round draft pick. Robertson has six seasons of NHL experience and had career-highs with 16 goals and 32 points in 78 games last season.
Nashville acquired pending restricted free agent forward Mavrik Bourque from Dallas. The Predators sent a 2027 second- and a 2028 third-round pick to the Stars for Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin.
“Mavrik Bourque is a quality, two-way player who will fit perfectly with what we are trying to build here in Nashville,” general manager Chris MacFarland said. “At just 24 years old, his age and style of play fits in with the type of players we are looking to bring in to help make us better. In addition, Ilya Lyubushkin is a veteran defenseman with significant experience who can log minutes and be a physical presence in our own end.”
Dallas clearing salary cap space could allow the team to sign Jason Robertson, another restricted free agent who’s ticketed for a long-term, lucrative contract. Robertson turns 27 this month and led the Stars in scoring with 96 points on 45 goals and 51 assists last season.
The Florida Panthers have been active this week, trading for goalies Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid and sending A.J. Greer’s rights to Anaheim to bring back rugged defenseman Radko Gudas. He signed six-year deal worth $1.5 million annually for a total of $9 million.
“I have good news: I’m coming back to Florida and I’m bringing my dad with me,” Gudas’ daughter, Tynka, said in a video announcing the move. The 36-year-old Gudas played there for three seasons from 2020-23.
Gudas is the second player who was a captain this past season to join Florida in recent weeks. Brady Tkachuk, Matthew’s brother, was traded to the Panthers last month after wearing the “C” in Ottawa.
In other moves:
— Philadelphia rewarded goaltender Dan Vladar for his breakout season by signing him to a five-year extension worth $27.5 million. The $5.5 million average salary kicks in for the 2027-28 season and through 2031-32.
— The Buffalo Sabres signed newly acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger to a three-year, $9.3 million contract. Zellweger was a pending restricted free agent and acquired in a trade with Anaheim.
— Ottawa re-signed pesky forward Nick Cousins to a two-year contract worth $3.18 million.
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AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds contributed to this report.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Context: Captured on December 3, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education building stands in Washington (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File). Inset: President Donald Trump departs Marine One as he returns to the White House’s South Lawn on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File).
In a significant legal setback for the Trump administration, two federal judges have declared that efforts to limit the eligibility criteria for a student loan forgiveness initiative are unlawful, based on rulings issued this week.
The “final rule” introduced by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) concerning the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program aims to bar organizations deemed to engage in “illegal” activities from participating in it.
However, U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun argued in one judgment that making such legal determinations would be “arbitrary” and exceed presidential authority. Moreover, the judge pointed out that historically, the administration has a tendency to base decisions on ideological agreement with an organization’s mission, rather than its legal standing.
Judge Joun, appointed by President Joe Biden, analyzed the program’s background and ongoing legal challenges in a detailed 68-page order released just prior to the rule’s intended implementation. The PSLF program was established by Congress in 2007 to promote public service careers by forgiving the remaining balance of student loans for borrowers who spend a decade working in qualifying roles, accompanied by 120 eligible loan payments.
In October 2025, the DOE announced its rule change, saying narrowing the types of organizations that qualify for the program would “prevent taxpayers from supporting loan forgiveness for borrowers whose organizations are breaking the law.” The administration “amend[ed] the definition of a ‘qualifying employer’ to exclude employers that participate in illegal activities such that they have a substantial illegal purpose.”
The rule identified six categories of activities the Trump administration deemed had a “substantial illegal purpose,” including “[a]iding or abetting violations” of federal immigration laws and what it called “child abuse, including the chemical and surgical castration or mutilation of children or the trafficking of children to so-called transgender sanctuary States.”
A group including 22 states sued in Massachusetts, where Joun sits, to stop the rule change. Multiple organizations also filed suit in Washington, D.C., in a case that went before U.S. District Judge Amir H. Ali, another Biden appointee.
The plaintiffs argued that they would suffer business disadvantages because individuals would seek employment elsewhere and the “threat of disqualification” would “itself deter new workers from entering public service.”
Furthermore, the organizations in the Washington, D.C., case argue that the “requirement that the plaintiffs affirmatively certify they have not participated in activities that have a ‘substantial illegal purpose’ clearly imposes a new obligation that goes beyond what the plaintiffs are already doing by following the law.”
The administration has argued “that there exists no threat of enforcement because the Department has not made any indication that any of the Plaintiffs will (or are likely to be) the target of any enforcement activity,” as Joun recounts in the Massachusetts case.
The judge found this rationale unconvincing.
“In the absence of evidence to the contrary, Defendants’ arguments might be persuasive. But the Administration’s history of prosecution tells a different story,” he writes, pointing to an example of the “ire” shown “toward those with immigration policies contrary to those held by the Administration.” The judge added: “Even beyond immigration, the Administration has threatened legal action against generally lawful activity with which it disagrees.”
Joun continues:
The rule thus leaves regulated entities to speculate about the scope of prohibited conduct while vesting the Department with substantial discretion to determine, after the fact, whether an employer has crossed an undefined line. Such indeterminate standards create a substantial risk of arbitrary enforcement. As Plaintiffs note, the Administration has prioritized enforcement in areas such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, raising the possibility that otherwise lawful conduct could be treated as evidence of “illegal discrimination” under the Final Rule’s undefined standards. … By failing to articulate objective standards governing what constitutes “substantial illegal activity,” “aiding and abetting,” or a “pattern” of unlawful conduct, the Department has left employers to guess at their obligations while reserving broad discretion to determine eligibility on an ad hoc basis. That lack of ascertainable standards is itself a hallmark of arbitrary and capricious decision-making.
He concludes by saying the rule is “contrary to law and promulgated in excess of statutory authority,” as well as “arbitrary and capricious” and “violates the First Amendment.”
Ali ruled similarly in the Washington, D.C., case, finding that Education Secretary Linda McMahon exceeded her statutory authority.
In the ever-turning pages of real estate history, a luxurious estate in Holmby Hills, previously owned by the late fashion visionary Max Azria, has yet again attracted a buyer. Gimme Shelter reveals this development as another noteworthy episode for the property that once carried an $88 million price tag.
Designed with grand gatherings in mind, the estate was most recently listed for $43.5 million, marking its presence in the market for over a decade. However, the final price for this opulent abode is still under wraps.
Perched on 2.8 acres at 10250 W. Sunset Blvd., the expansive estate has not yet sealed the deal, leaving room for unexpected changes. Still, brokers confirm that it is no longer available for public viewings.
Notably, Jennifer Lopez reportedly viewed the estate with Ben Affleck, and even revisited post-breakup, as a source disclosed to Gimme Shelter with a hint of admiration and potential intent.
Estate Azria, formerly recognized as Maison du Soleil, is highly sought after for its seclusion. The site boasts a Georgian Colonial main residence, crafted in 1939 by the renowned architect Paul Williams, alongside various guest, work, and leisure structures.
Outside, there’s an infinity pool, a glass-enclosed tennis court with stadium seating, a Japanese garden and teahouse, additional Mediterranean gardens, a Moroccan-inspired bathhouse with an authentic hammam, a formal French courtyard and a working greenhouse.
A long, gated driveway leads to the home, which opens to a grand foyer. Design details include parquet wood floors, white paneling, columns, moldings, large entertaining rooms and French doors that open to outdoor terraces and gardens.
Two years ago, billionaire Ron Burkle made a winning $30 million bid for the property at an auction run by Concierge Auctions. But the deal — whose terms were fought over in court — never closed.
Max and Lubov Azria — the third family to own the property in its 87-year history — bought it for $14.4 million in 2005. They first listed it for $85 million in 2015, then raised the price to $88 million in 2016. Max Azria, the Tunisian-born designer known for democratizing fashion with his brand BCBG Max Azria, died in 2019. By 2023, the estate was asking $55 million before dropping to its lowest ask, $39 million, last year.
Williams, the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects, designed the home for “Amos ‘n’ Andy” star Charles Correll for $70,000 in 1939. At 12,000 square feet, it was his largest creation at the time.
His other clients included Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Frank Sinatra, Tyrone Power and Barbara Stanwyck. He’s also known for his famed revamp of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
In 1978, Oscar-winning writer and novelist Sidney Sheldon — who created “The Patty Duke Show,” “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Hart to Hart” — bought the Sunset estate and reportedly doubled its size before selling it to the Azrias.
The bedrooms are upstairs, overlooking the landscaped grounds. The main suite comes with a marble fireplace, sitting area and walk-in closets.
The estate also features a 6,000-square-foot structure with a home theater, lounge and home office with a gold-leaf ceiling.
The listing brokers are Mauricio Umansky and Farah Levi of The Agency.
Savannah Guthrie has issued a heartfelt plea for any information relating to the disappearance of her mother, Nancy. The family is desperate for answers, especially after federal authorities revealed a disturbing second ransom note claiming that Nancy had died and was “buried with nature.” In an emotional appeal, Guthrie urges anyone who might know anything to step forward, promising anonymity to those who do.
Meanwhile, a tragic discovery was made in North Carolina, shedding light on another missing persons case. The remains of a young mother were found in a burial at a residence, bringing an ominous end to the search.
Jordan Wishon was initially reported missing by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office last Friday. Just two days after her disappearance, the investigation took a harrowing turn. Detectives shifted focus from a missing person case to a murder investigation after discovering Wishon’s remains during a search warrant execution.
In an update shared via social media, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office detailed the events: “At approximately 5:17 a.m., law enforcement officers carried out a search warrant at a property located on Pebblestone Lane in Rutherfordton. During the search, they uncovered human remains buried on the premises. These remains have been positively identified as those of Jordan Wishon.”
The suspect accused in Jordan Wishon’s murder has a criminal history, records reveal. This grim discovery underscores the urgency and complexity often involved in missing person investigations, leaving a community and grieving families seeking justice and closure.
The man accused of killing her has had prior run-ins with the law, reports show. Jaydakis Kashaune Hamilton, 25, of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, is now facing a first degree murder charge.
Jaydakis Hamilton, 25, is facing a first-degree murder charge for killing a woman in North Carolina.(Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office)
Hamilton was already in jail on another unrelated charge.
WLOS reported Hamilton was arrested for an alleged vehicle theft in Polk County, and prior to that the North Carolina State Highway Patrol charged him with reckless driving offenses and resisting arrest.
Hamilton is currently in jail in Polk County awaiting his newest charge.
According to her obituary, Wishon was a 30-year-old mother who had one child and a fiance.
The remains of 30-year-old Jordan Wishon were found at a home in North Carolina. A suspect has been charged with her murder. According to a website for her obituary, she is survived by her daughter, fiancé and grandparents.(Harrelson Funeral Home Obituaries)
Casandra Toney, who said she is Wishon’s sister, made a post to Facebook that said, “I’m gonna miss you so much. This is unfair. You did not deserve this, but I can’t promise you we will get justice for you.”
She went on to say, “I hope you know at the end of the day. I do love you and we’ll always love you. You’re my sister you’re my big sister at that.”
