A teachers&#8217; union boss said during a keynote speech at an American Federation of Teachers (AFT) conference that President Donald Trump makes her reach for the alcohol.
Rhonda “Randi” Weingarten, the president of AFT, routinely — and publicly — disagrees with Trump and many other top Republicans, and she said as much in her keynote speech.
After welcoming the crowd, she mocked the White House’s Independence Day celebration, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/weingarten-gestures-wildly-anti-trump-rant-later-says-drives-her-drink">according</a> to Fox News. “While you missed the UFC cage fight on the White House lawn, it’s not too late to check out the tire marks in the Reflecting Pool,” Weingarten said.
During the following <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNWaPpSIm5o">panel discussion</a>, Weingarten asked what keeps them up at night with the many things “confronting the country.”
“Because part of what authoritarians do — and also part of what Donald Trump does — whether you consider him an authoritarian or not, is the throwing out of so much stuff that people just throw up their hands and say: ‘Oh no, what are we going to do? All I want to do is stay home and’ — for those of us who drink — ‘have a glass of wine’ — or for me, some vodka,” she said.
Weingarten became progressively more upset as she ranted about Trump and “oligarchs” such as Elon Musk.
“But this is what they don’t have: the power of the people,” she said, becoming increasingly animated.
“That is not a mere slogan. It is the potential to work together, to bargain together, to protest together, to vote together, to act together, to bring about change — real, lasting, life-improving change,” Weingarten said.
“That is the power and potential of our movement and of the A – F – T,” she said, lengthening the organization’s acronym dramatically as she claimed that the AFT could work for “good” against “corruption.”
Weingarten went on to say that she wants an America built where “the trans nurse, the Palestinian teacher, the Jewish student, and every person, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or place of origin, feel welcome, safe, and valued.”
“And one more thing: We get sh*t done,” Weingarten said. “My apologies to the children.”

Teachers Union Boss’s Trump Confession? Pass The Vodka

Alcohol

American Federation of Teachers

Donald Trump

Education

Politics

Randi Weingarten

The Walt Disney Company, particularly Pixar, has cut hundreds of jobs on Tuesday despite the success of “Toy Story 5.” 
This marks the third round of employee cuts this year, which affects Disney Entertainment Television, Disney Studios, ESPN, and corporate divisions, the SFist <a href="https://sfist.com/2026/07/21/pixar-announces-large-round-of-layoffs-as-disney-moves-to-cut-hundreds-of-jobs/">reported</a>. 
The layoffs affected The Pixar animation studio in Emeryville, California, the most, mainly in production and operations. The studio has already experienced multiple rounds of job layoffs. 
Disney has not confirmed the exact number of Pixar employees who lost their jobs, but a source <a href="https://www.thewrap.com/industry-news/business/disney-pixar-layoffs-2026/?auid=278662d1-128c-4a13-a4dd-97370bad5a5a">told</a> TheWrap that about 116 employees were let go. Disney reportedly employs around 230,000 people worldwide as of late 2025. 
In 2024, Pixar cut around 175 employees, which account for roughly 14% of the studio’s workforce, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/22/business/mass-layoffs-hit-disney-animation-movie-giant-being-gutted-again/">according</a> to the New York Post. The previous year, they cut 75 workers because of Disney’s shift toward theatrical content rather than streaming content.
In April, another round of cuts eliminated roughly 1,000 more jobs in television, ESPN, technology, marketing, studio operations, and corporate teams.
 “These changes are part of our continual evaluation of how we manage resources and reinvest across the company as our industry continues to evolve,” said a Disney spokesperson.
These cuts follow the success of “Toy Story 5,” which premiered on June 19 in theatres and amassed around $312 million worldwide during the movie’s opening weekend. This included a domestic franchise record of $160 million. 
Other original movies from Pixar, including “Hoppers” and “Elio,” reportedly produced weak and mixed reviews during their premieres. “Elio” generated the weakest opening weekend in Pixar history, and “Hoppers” fell short of other franchises created by the studio with slightly better ticket sales and reviews, according to The Post.
Even with the cuts, Pixar’s upcoming movies include “Incredibles 3” and “Gatto,” an original story directed by the “Luca” director, Enrico Casarosa.
Employees were informed of the layoffs on Tuesday morning.
“We’re building a company that’s more agile and better equipped for how the entertainment business is changing,” Josh D’Amero, Disney’s CEO, said to employees in April.

Disney World

Even ‘Toy Story 5’ Can’t Stop Disney’s Latest Round Of Layoffs

Disney

Pixar

A Crumbl Cookie employee in North Carolina was caught on video styling another worker’s hair behind the counter at the treat shop on Saturday.
The man who recorded the video arrived to pick up the famous cookies at the Midtown Crumbl Cookies in Charlotte where he witnessed what he described as “hair play,” <a href="https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/crumbl-midtown-closes-after-viral-video-of-employees/275-5732f4dc-a8af-4ee8-9579-05c3e0598849">according</a> to WCNC.
Before entering the store, the customer saw one woman playing with the other’s hair and decided to record them. When he was inside, he confronted the employees for their unsanitary behavior, The New York Post <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/22/us-news/crumbl-cookies-employee-caught-styling-another-womans-hair-in-north-carolina-stores-kitchen/">reported</a>. In response, one employee said, “Do you see me cooking?”
The customer still attempted to order chocolate chip cookies, but there were no freshly baked cookies left.
The video quickly accumulated views, and another customer, who also saw the situation at the Crumbl location, saw the video. Both of the witnesses reached out to Crumbl’s corporate office to file separate complaints.
Crumbl — known for its rotating cookie flavors — said it&#8217;s aware of the video and that the employees’ behavior is “unacceptable.” The Crumbl location closed on Monday for cleaning, and it reopened on Tuesday.
“We are aware of the video circulating on social media showing inappropriate employee behavior at one of our stores,&#8221; Crumbl said. &#8220;The conduct shown is unacceptable and does not reflect Crumbl&#8217;s standards. Upon learning of the incident, we immediately closed the store, discarded all dough on site, brought in a professional cleaning crew, and took appropriate action with the employees involved.&#8221;
&#8220;We hold every location to strict health and safety policies, and we take violations seriously when they occur,&#8221; the company added.
Crumbl confirmed that the two employees who were involved with the “hair play” are no longer working for the company.

Crumbl Cookies Employee’s Unsanitary Behind-The-Counter Activity Caught On Camera

crumbl

North Carolina

A North Carolina man is accused of torturing his 19-year-old girlfriend for months before she was found dead inside an apartment, according to court documents.  
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to a 911 call on May 1 after Thomaz Kenon Hamilton, 24, reported that his girlfriend, Isabella Mary Alexandria Stroupe, was unresponsive, <a href="https://fox11online.com/news/nation-world/man-faces-murder-rape-charges-after-19-year-old-girlfriend-allegedly-tortured-report-torture-charlotte-north-carolina-death-homicide-investigation-killed-murdered-raped-sex-sexual-assault-blood-true-crime">according</a> to Fox 11 News. 
Officers found Stroupe dead inside an apartment in east Charlotte.  <a href="https://www.wbtv.com/2026/05/06/19-year-old-woman-found-dead-charlotte-apartment-was-tortured-months-affidavit-says/">According</a> to an affidavit cited by WBTV, she was wearing “minimal clothing” and was allegedly tied to a bed with a tow strap.
Investigators said Stroupe suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including broken and fractured bones as well as stab wounds. Her death was ruled a homicide. 
Hamilton, who authorities said was dating and living with Stroupe, allegedly told investigators they had been having sex when she suffered a heart attack. Investigators said the evidence was inconsistent with that account. 
Police said they recovered what appeared to be a bloodstained knife wrapped in cellophane, along with a sword, a baseball bat, multiple cell phones, clothing with possible blood, and a bloodstained mattress. 
According to the affidavit, investigators concluded that “Stroupe was being tortured over a period of several months and that Stroupe would have been physically unable to provide consent for vaginal sexual intercourse.”
Police arrested Hamilton on May 5 and charged him with first-degree murder and rape in connection with Stroupe’s death, <a href="https://www.charlottenc.gov/cmpd/News-Information/Newsroom/New-page-124">according</a> to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. 
Stroupe’s family later created a<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-give-isabella-a-proper-goodbye"> GoFundMe</a> to help cover funeral expenses, saying her death “has left a huge hole in our lives.” 
“I loved Isabella deeply. She was a total bookworm, always reading and sharing her favorite stories with me,” Stroupe&#8217;s sister said. “She loved fan fiction and My Little Pony, and her creativity brought so much joy to our family. Remembering her passion for books and the happiness she brought to those around her makes this loss even harder.”

Police Say Teen Was Tortured For Months Before Death

Abuse

Charlotte

Domestic Violence

GoFundMe

Murder

Police

Teenagers

teens

A French model recruiter who had ties to the late convicted pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was discovered dead in his home in France on Monday evening.
Daniel Siad, 69, was found dead in his home in Colombes — a suburb of Paris — Marie-Céline Lawrysz, the deputy public prosecutor at the Nanterre Judicial Court, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/22/europe/model-recruiter-epstein-dead-france-intl">said</a> in a statement to CNN. 
“An investigation to determine the cause of death was opened on Monday evening following the discovery,” said the Nanterre prosecutor&#8217;s office. An autopsy of Siad’s body will also be performed to determine his official cause of death.
Siad&#8217;s name was mentioned around 2,000 times ​in the Epstein files, which were released by the U.S. Department of ⁠Justice, Reuters reported. Despite the clear connection, Siad had denied any knowledge of Epstein’s evils. Previously, French media had reported that five women accused Siad of human trafficking and rape — accusations which he also denied.
Siad’s lawyer <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/french-modelling-scout-linked-epstein-found-dead-2026-07-22/">wrote</a> an emailed statement to Reuters, saying that he was never formally the subject of judicial proceedings.
In France, after a preliminary probe, suspects are then placed under formal investigation. The preliminary probe is done to help investigative magistrates determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed — at which point, a deeper investigation might be warranted.
&#8220;Daniel Siad never stopped proclaiming his innocence,&#8221; said his lawyer, Meyna Arab-Tigrine. She added that “Siad had died of a heart attack.” 
Anya, a victim of Epstein who used an alias, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8en38vpd3o">told</a> the BBC that Siad had introduced her to the sex offender. “It was a complete set-up,” Anya said. She described Siad as “essentially a professional trafficker.”
Before his death, Siad was interviewed by CNN. He told the network that there was no reason for him to believe that two women he&#8217;d scouted for Epstein had been harmed — but the women told CNN a different story. Both women told CNN that they were abused by Epstein.
Siad continued doing business with Epstein even after Epstein&#8217;s 2008 conviction on sex crimes. He said he believed Epstein was a casting director for Victoria’s Secret and MC2, another modeling agency, but CNN did not find evidence of this.
“I trusted him and believed this guy was a professional person,” Siad told CNN. “I never heard anything from anyone I introduced to him who came back to me that they had a bad situation. I believed this guy is a professional person.”
In one email from the Epstein files, Siad wrote in bad English: “In This busyness I feel like fisherman some time I cache quick, some time no fish.”
The DOJ released files that revealed Epstein paid tens of thousands of dollars to Siad, according to CNN.
During his travels, Siad would send photos of young women to Epstein. Some pictures showed the women in very provocative poses, according to the DOJ.
“Cute French girl in Marrakesh … She said that she will [be] happy to meet you,” Siad said in one message.
Siad said that Epstein asked him to help find an assistant. Another message showed Siad sent Epstein a picture of a woman who was “very polite” and who had “potential” as a “model” or “assistant.”
“Too old,” Epstein replied.
Siad is the ​second man who died in France with a public relationship with Epstein, according to Reuters. Jean-Luc Brunel, a modelling agent, was arrested by French authorities in 2020 after allegedly acquiring women for Epstein. 
In 2022, Brunel was found hanged in his prison cell after spending 14 months awaiting his trial on charges of sexual harassment and rape of minors. Brunel had denied both involvement with Epstein and the charges against him.
In 2019, Epstein committed suicide in his New York prison cell while in custody, awaiting his trial for sex trafficking.

Jeffrey Epstein

Epstein-Linked Model Recruiter Found Dead In France

Epstein Files

France

modeling

Sex Trafficking

A repeat criminal on parole pushed an elderly woman onto the subway tracks at the Midtown station on Saturday, police and witnesses said.
Zaki Smith, a 36-year-old parolee with 14 prior arrests, was taken into custody by police during the Monday morning rush. His arrest was in relation to the attack, which took place before 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/21/us-news/violent-parolee-arrested-after-allegedly-tossing-elderly-woman-onto-nyc-subway-tracks/">according</a> to The New York Post.
The attack occurred at the subway station on 57th and 7th in Midtown, <a href="https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-subway-crime-70-year-old-woman-randomly-pushed-behind-tracks-midtown-manhattan/19539063/">according</a> to ABC 7 NY — and police said that the 70-year-old woman was pushed from behind onto the tracks by Smith.
Bystanders who witnessed the attack helped to pull the woman back up onto the platform. The elderly woman suffered a laceration to her head but was reportedly in stable condition when she was taken to the Weill Cornell Medical Center to be treated for her injuries.
Smith was charged with felony and misdemeanor assault for what appeared to be an unprovoked attack.
In March 2022, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault, and in June 2022, was sentenced to five years in prison for assaulting a corrections officer, <a href="https://www.bronxda.nyc.gov/downloads/pdf/pr/2022/71-2022%20Zaki-Smith-sentenced-assault-Rikers.pdf">according</a> to the Bronx District Attorney&#8217;s office.
Records show the parolee was supposed to be on supervised release until 2030. His criminal history includes the robbery of an MTA worker in May 2025, when he was arrested in possession of stolen FDNY work phones, according to a source.
His most recent prior arrest was on June 16, 2026, for allegedly stealing cleaning supplies from a Flatiron building. Several reports stated that he&#8217;d accessed the building using a service elevator.
Smith’s arraignment for the subway attack is still pending in Manhattan Criminal Court, the Post reported on Tuesday.

Crowd of people in a NYC subway station waiting for the train

Violent Parolee Arrested After Subway Attack On Elderly Woman

Crime

criminal

New York

New York City

Subway

An unlicensed doctor from the Dominican Republic was arrested and charged after injecting a 27-year-old woman — who became unresponsive and died — with an anti-aging shot at a holistic center in the Bronx, police said on Monday.
Elizabeth Baron was allegedly injected by the accused doctor, Luis Rojas Cabrera, 55, at the Bereshit Lifestyle Center on Riverdale Avenue, <a href="https://bronx.news12.com/55-year-old-founder-of-bronx-holistic-medicine-center-arrested-after-woman-from-facility-dies">according</a> to News 12. Baron became unresponsive around noon Monday, which prompted staff at the holistic center to call the police. Baron was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, where she died around 1:10 p.m., sources and authorities said.
Rojas Cabrera was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession, police said. 
Sources said that Baron was injected with an anti-aging shot containing an unknown substance. The Office of the Medical Examiner is conducting a toxicology report to conclude her cause of death, which would possibly change his charges, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/20/us-news/nyc-woman-27-dies-after-getting-anti-aging-serum-injection-at-holistic-wellness-center/">according</a> to the New York Post.
Rojas Cabrera is licensed in the Dominican Republic, but is not licensed to practice in the United States, sources said. He was arraigned Tuesday night and was ordered by a Bronx judge to surrender his passport as a condition of his release pending the results of an autopsy, according to the district attorney&#8217;s office.
The holistic center&#8217;s <a href="https://www.drluisrojas.com/">website</a> states that Rojas Cabrera is a member of the Dominican Medical College and specializes in several types of therapies. The website also states he is an active surgeon and naturopath in the Dominican Republic and an alternative and holistic medicine practitioner in the United States.
“I feel to a great degree fortunate that for as far back as 30 years I have been given the opportunity to do something I completely enjoy,” he wrote on the website. “It gives me great pleasure to help individuals gain improvement in their health condition and lifestyle through natural methods and simple therapies.”
Online reviews of his center paint a different picture, calling him “inhumane,” a “con artist,” and “scammer.”
Baron, who lived close to the holistic center, was described by her next-door neighbor, Paula Schaap, as a “beautiful young woman.”
“I’m so shocked,” Schaap said to the Post regarding Baron’s death. “She seemed very healthy, caring about her health in the sense of going to the gym regularly, and looking beautiful.”
“The last time I saw her was within the week, and she was beautifully dressed,” Schaap said.
On Monday, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner’s office confirmed her office “will be investigating,” but there were no additional updates, according to the Post.

Unlicensed Foreign Doctor Arrested After Anti-Aging Treatment Turns Deadly

Foreign Unlicensed Doctor Is Arrested After A Woman Dies From Anti-Aging Injection

Dominican Republic

holistic medicine

Mel Gibson warned his longtime creative partner Randall Wallace that Satan would target them if they made &#8220;The Resurrection of the Christ,” Wallace recalled in a recent podcast. 
Wallace, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind &#8220;Braveheart,&#8221; made the remarks during an appearance on Raymond Arroyo’s “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-E1KLitpZM">Arroyo Grande</a>” podcast while discussing the upcoming sequel to &#8220;The Passion of the Christ&#8221; and how the project came together. 
“Having studied the Resurrection and being so consumed by it, I thought about it many times,” Wallace said, explaining that he first suggested a feature-length film about Christ&#8217;s resurrection while he and Gibson were promoting &#8220;Hacksaw Ridge&#8221; in 2016.
Wallace said Gibson hesitated to respond.
&#8220;He said, ‘If we do this, it can’t be for the money, and it can’t be to get back at people that have hated us or wronged us or been unhappy with us,’” Wallace recalled.
Wallace said he agreed, then Gibson offered another warning. 
“You know, Satan&#8217;s going to come after you,” he recalled Gibson saying.
Wallace joked that he initially brushed off the warning.
“I said, ‘Well, you know, Satan doesn&#8217;t really care about Baptists. It&#8217;s really good when Satan can get a Catholic. We&#8217;re a dime a dozen,&#8217;” he said, making Arroyo laugh. 
Wallace said the conversation marked the beginning of their partnership on the screenplay. He said he proposed writing an initial draft before the two revised it together.
Gibson previously said he, Wallace, and his brother Donal Gibson spent six to eight years developing the screenplay.
In May, Gibson announced that production on “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One” had wrapped and would premiere on May 6, 2027, with Part Two set to debut Memorial Day weekend 2028.
Gibson’s 2004 film “The Passion of the Christ” grossed more than $610 million worldwide against a reported $30 million budget and received three Academy Award nominations. The film depicted the final hours of Jesus’ life and became one of the year&#8217;s highest-grossing films.  
Wallace declined to reveal many details about the sequel but suggested audiences would see something new. 
“The interesting thing is that, while in some ways — the ultimate movie — I want to keep it all secret about what&#8217;s going to happen,” he said. “But the ultimate movie, in some ways, will have elements that people have never seen before.”
“It&#8217;ll be the most consistent telling of the overall belief, the awe and the mystery that Christians experience when they experience the Resurrection,” Wallace said.

‘The Resurrection Of The Christ’ Writer Recalls Mel Gibson’s Warning About Spiritual Warfare

Mel Gibson

A secluded U.S. national park requires all parkgoers to show a valid passport or birth certificate to enter.
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/npsa/index.htm">The National Park of American Samoa</a> is a unique sanctuary situated in a remote location and spread across three islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū. The national park is surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean and located 2,600 miles Southwest of Hawaii. 
Visitors to the park arrive at the Pago Pago International Airport, <a href="https://www.foxweather.com/lifestyle/remote-national-park-america-samoa-only-its-kind-requires-us-passport-visit">according</a> to Fox Weather. The limited transportation options to the islands mean that visitors must prove their United States citizenship or nationality by showing their valid passport or certified birth certificate for entry, <a href="https://www.doi.gov/oia/islands/american-samoa">according</a> to the Department of the Interior. The park is open year-round, and there are no fees to enter.
This national park’s unique climate involves regular rainstorms during the wet season from October to May. The dry season, from June to September, is the ideal time for outdoor activities, such as hiking or enjoying the beaches. Visitors should also be prepared for humidity and warm temperatures year-round, according to the National Park Service (NPS) website.
The islands are home to diverse wildlife and span over 4,000 acres of underwater landscape. There are 800 types of fish, 200 types of coral, humpback whales, sea turtles, and other native creatures, including flying foxes, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/npsa/learn/nature/animals.htm">according</a> to the NPS.
Across the three islands, the park offers scenic mountain trails, beautiful coastal views, Samoan villages, rainforest hikes, white sand beaches, and snorkeling through coral reefs.
The NPS also provides a list of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/npsa/planyourvisit/index.htm">packing and safety tips</a> for visitors while at the park. &#8220;Visiting the National Park of American Samoa is a unique and unforgettable experience,&#8221; it writes. &#8220;By following these tips, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable visit while helping to preserve the natural and cultural wonders of the park for future generations.&#8221;

A Secluded National Park Requires A Passport For Entry

National Park Service

Passport

A Texas dentist was arrested Wednesday after authorities claimed she gave a 4-year-old a fatal dose of pain medication during an unnecessary dental procedure earlier this year. 
Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48, who operates Cuddle Kids Dental in Fort Worth, was <a href="https://www.fox4news.com/news/fort-worth-dentist-arrested-after-child-dies-dental-office">charged</a> with injury to a child causing serious bodily harm, a second-degree felony.
Aithana Rodríguez-Arriaga underwent a tongue-tie procedure, known as a frenectomy, in April after experiencing difficulty pronouncing certain letters, <a href="https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article316529838.html">according</a> to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 
Investigators say Hemphill administered meperidine, also known as Demerol, along with two additional sedatives and nitrous oxide, according to the arrest report. The arrest warrant affidavit states that the concentration of meperidine in the girl&#8217;s blood would have been toxic even for an adult, and that the medication appeared to have been administered twice.
Authorities <a href="http://according">said</a> her blood concentration measured 793 nanograms per milliliter — dangerously above the normal range of 200 to 500 nanograms per milliliter. The arrest report also stated that her pediatrician and a medical specialist both said she did not need the procedure.
When the girl became unresponsive, Hemphill attempted CPR and used an automated external defibrillator to check for a pulse before paramedics arrived. Authorities also claim she administered flumazenil instead of Narcan, the medication typically used to reverse opioid overdoses. 
The 4-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where she later died of meperidine toxicity.
“Throughout this investigation I have learned from Hemphill’s own statements, her staff’s statements and from medical professionals that there was evident neglect on Hemphill’s part that led to Aithana’s death,” wrote Detective J. Spragins.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death an accident.
In a fundraiser, Aithana&#8217;s family said she was “filled with life and kindness,” and they were “heartbroken by her sudden loss.” 
“Her presence always lit up a room, and she brought so much joy to everyone around her … She was sweet, loving, and touched the lives of all who knew her.”

How A Routine Dental Procedure Led To A 4-Year-Old’s Death

Dentist

Texas

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) announced Wednesday that she is returning home to Michigan after the death of her 12-day-old great-granddaughter.
Dingell shared the news on Facebook and X, saying she would leave Washington to be with her family.  
“Today I am returning home to be with my family during an incredibly painful and deeply personal time,” Dingell <a href="https://x.com/RepDebDingell/status/2077456509273829428">posted</a> on X. “Our family’s 12-day-old daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter has returned home to God this afternoon. We have been in God’s hands throughout all of this,” she continued.
“While I had planned to be present for votes today and tomorrow, my family needs me now,” she said. “In moments like this, there is no greater responsibility than being by the side of those we love, offering comfort, support, and remembrance.” 
Dingell, 72, has no biological children but became stepmother to her late husband John Dingell&#8217;s four children, making the infant part of her extended family. She succeeded her husband in Congress in 2015. 
Colleagues shared messages of support on social media.
“Sending our deepest condolences to Debbie,” <a href="https://x.com/RepMikeLawler/status/2077481876567019983">said</a> New York Republican Congressman Mike Lawler on X. “Keeping her granddaughter and the entire Dingell family in our prayers.”
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with the Dingell family during this difficult time,” The Michigan Democratic Party <a href="https://x.com/MichiganDems/status/2077484442864734384">responded</a>.

Newly Reelected House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) Holds News Conference After House Democrats’ Leadership Elections

Michigan Congresswoman Announces Devastating Personal News

Congress

Debbie Dingell

Michigan

Heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires is predicted to spread across the United States from Wednesday to Friday, causing potential air pollution that could impact 100 million people. 
The hazy smoke from wildfires — still blazing in western Ontario and northern Minnesota on Tuesday — is forecast to drift toward the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2026/07/15/wildfire-smoke-canada-will-soon-spread-across-midwest-northeast/">according</a> to The Washington Post. The conditions are set to decline through the end of this week as smoke mixed with little wind and high heat in the East creates a heat dome.
The air quality conditions in eastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and most of Michigan are expected to worsen on Wednesday, according to The Post.
“It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma,” said an air quality alert from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. “Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters.”
On Wednesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration smoke modeling showed deterioration in air quality conditions in several cities:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Buffalo, Binghamton, Poughkeepsie, and New York City, New York</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Hartford, Danbury, and New Haven, Connecticut</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Providence, Rhode Island</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Scranton, Pennsylvania</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Newark, New Jersey</li>
</ul>
By Wednesday night, the smoke is predicted to travel south and east towards Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. — and then to Boston by Thursday morning. Wind currents are set to blow the smoke, in fluctuating intensities, around the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic through Friday. On Saturday, a shift in winds may potentially blow the smoke away, reported The Post.
As of now, eastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, Michigan, and western New York are closer to the fires and are most at risk for high smoke concentrations and air quality alerts, according to The Post.
The smoke is mainly from a dozen large wildfires raging across western Ontario. Late on Tuesday, the biggest fire located in Wabakimi Provincial Park expanded to over 130,000 acres, stretching to the north coast of Lake Superior about 135 miles, The Post reported. 
Multiple Minnesota wildfires, which were discovered on July 7 after a major lightning storm, are also contributing to the hazy skies. The two largest fires were named the Thumb Fire and the Bear Trap Fire, which are blazing across 14,500 and 13,500 acres of land, and have spurred evacuations and wilderness closures. 
Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) <a href="https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/759754">released</a> a statement on July 12, declaring a peacetime emergency and mobilizing the National Guard to aid with the wildfire response, which is “putting local communities at risk.”
“This emergency declaration allows for the mobilization of additional resources necessary to protect lives, prevent damage, and help the Minnesota [Department of Natural Resources] and our local communities respond,” Walz said.
On Wednesday and Thursday, dry weather is anticipated in scorched areas, but weather predictions for Friday show a possibility of scattered rain and thunderstorms. 
These conditions are being compared to those during Quebec’s wildfires in June of 2023, when smoke settled along the east coast and New York’s sky took on an orange tint. Their air quality peaked at a value of 465, which is the most hazardous level on record, reported The Post.
“At this time, current forecasts do not indicate a repeat of 2023 conditions,” the New York City Emergency Management wrote in a <a href="https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/about/press-releases/20260715_pr-NYCEM-Smoke-From-Canadian-Wildfires-May-Affect-NYC-Air-Quality.page">statement</a> on Tuesday. The NYCEM added that the smoke and high heat on Wednesday would produce “environmental health challenges.” 
“To protect the health of New Yorkers, especially those at greatest risk, free KN95 masks are available at public library branches across the five boroughs,” said the statement.

100 Million Americans Could Soon Face Smoky Skies Thanks To Canada

Tim Walz

Wildfires

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Emily Briski