The American Express Times
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Legal Troubles of Newsom’s Former Chief of Staff Raise Questions
Former California Governor Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and false statements amid federal investigations into misuse of campaign funds and interactions with Activision Blizzard. The probe, which also involves scrutiny of Newsom’s close associates and family, raises political challenges as Newsom considers a 2028 presidential run.
★ Featured Stories
Best of Dad is still living on
A writer reflected on the lasting impact of their late father's supportive and balanced parenting, which shaped their personal growth, career, and appreciation for British…
‘LEDbillboard’ bid for Graffiti Towers development
Developer Kali P. Chaudhuri is leading a $470 million bid to rescue and complete the stalled Oceanwide Plaza project in downtown Los Angeles, but city…
Party animal at 96 defies retirement home rules
Lillian Droniak, a 96-year-old social media personality known as Grandma Droniak, defied her Connecticut retirement home's ban on parties and alcohol, publicly tearing up a…
Pacific Palisades rebuilding after devastating 2025 wildfire
Reconstruction has begun in Pacific Palisades nearly 18 months after the 2025 wildfire, following expedited cleanup and a federal takeover of the permitting process by…
★ All Stories
White House Fallout Over Iran Deal and Israel Criticism
Vice President JD Vance defended the administration’s memorandum of understanding with Iran while dismissing Israeli objections, sparking controversy over U.S. support for its key Middle…
Former US Olympian Arrested for Vandalism at Lincoln Memorial
Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after touching a detached liner section while cycling nearby. The…
Town Split on Coyote Calamity Endangering Residents and Pets
A coyote in Irvington, New York, has endangered residents by approaching a toddler and attacking a small dog, prompting police warnings and community concern. The…
Brooklyn Beckham’s DoorDash Ad Sparks Backlash
Brooklyn Beckham starred in a DoorDash commercial referencing his family estrangement by humorously explaining why he’s watching the FIFA World Cup at home and giving…
Top Prosecutors Investigate MLB Over Warnings to Players Displaying Bible Verses on Pride Night Hats
Several state attorneys general and the Department of Justice have launched investigations into Major League Baseball after the league warned San Francisco Giants players for…
Hollywood Bowl Launches 2026 Summer Season With Broadway Stars
The Hollywood Bowl opened its 2026 summer season on June 20 with a Broadway-themed concert featuring Halle Bailey and Darren Criss. This event highlighted the…
World Cup Truce Brings Temporary Quiet to Mexican Cartels
Since the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico has seen a notable drop in cartel-related violence, which experts believe is due to an…
How Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun's Romance Has Blossomed
Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun have publicly confirmed their growing relationship since meeting in mid-2025, despite their 16-year age gap, with Braun providing both personal…
Retired NYPD Pilot and Son Fly Together in Father’s Day Tribute
Retired NYPD helicopter pilot Carlos Sanchez, known for evacuating victims from the World Trade Center after the 1993 bombing, flew alongside his son Randy over…
How a Young Group of American Spies Saved Greece’s Precious Artifacts
During World War II, the OSS, led by General William Donovan and archaeologist Rodney Young, organized Greek-American espionage and commando units to resist Nazi occupation…
Stats hint at Zack Gelof decline, not breakout
Oakland Athletics’ Zack Gelof has posted impressive offensive stats through 59 games, including a 21-game hitting streak, but advanced metrics and situational factors suggest his…
Shohei Ohtani on Paternity Leave, Sasaki’s Pitching Renaissance
Shohei Ohtani missed Friday's Dodgers game against the Orioles due to paternity leave, as he welcomed his second child and is expected to return Saturday.…
Lose yourself in party isle’s quieter side
Ibiza, known globally for its vibrant nightlife, also boasts significant cultural landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila and scenic natural sites such as the Capella…
Strait of Hormuz Remains Open Despite Iranian Revolutionary Guard Claims
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following renewed fighting in Lebanon, though U.S. officials reported that commercial shipping continues uninterrupted…
Dead Homeless Man Found in LA Park, Public Unbothered
A homeless man's body was discovered at Westwood Recreation Center in Los Angeles, prompting a police response while park visitors continued their activities nearby. This…
Brazilian Football Chief Samir Xaud Faces Federation Fund Misuse Allegations
Brazilian Football Confederation President Samir Xaud faces allegations of using federation funds for personal travel expenses involving women close to him. These accusations have sparked…
LA Golf Clubs Face Tax Hike Battle
Los Angeles Councilman Adrin Nazarian has proposed a ballot measure to significantly increase property taxes on six exclusive private golf clubs that currently pay disproportionately…
Man Jailed for Pushing Painter onto Queens Subway Tracks
A 37-year-old man was jailed after being charged with pushing a 64-year-old painter onto subway tracks at a Queens station in late May. The victim…
The Iranian MOU Could Hold the Peace, But It Doesn’t Solve All the Long-Term Issues
The United States and Iran signed a tentative memorandum of understanding at the G-7 summit establishing a 60-day ceasefire and a potential reopening of the…
Burn After Reading: The Benefits of Sunlight Outweigh Risks, Author Argues
Science writer Rowan Jacobsen argues in his new book that moderate sun exposure offers significant health benefits, challenging the dominant view that sunlight is primarily…
Tech advances fueling rookie fantasy baseball surge
Advanced technology in player development has boosted rookie baseball players' performance, leading teams to promote prospects like Blaze Jordan and Cooper Pratt who show strong…
Freddie, Mookie Blast MLB Over Draft Proposal
Major League Baseball proposed shortening the amateur draft from 20 to 12 rounds, halving signing bonuses, and restricting eligibility to college sophomores and older, excluding…
Young Zoroastrian Society’s Kerala Camp Reflection
The Young Zoroastrian Society, along with local Zoroastrian Scout and Guide groups, held a family-inclusive camp in Kerala from May 18 to 29 featuring cultural…
Northern California Market Named Best Pie Shop in US
Ikeda’s California Country Market, a family-owned business in Northern California, was named the best pie shop in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’…
US Restaurants Struggle with Soccer Fans’ Lack of Tipping Awareness
As international soccer fans attend the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., many restaurants nationwide have introduced automatic 20% gratuities due to visitors’ unfamiliarity with…
Trump and Meloni Trade Barbs Over Popularity
President Donald Trump accused Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of seeking a photo with him at the G7 summit and criticized her declining popularity tied…
Documentary Honors NYPD Hero Steven McDonald’s Legacy
A new documentary titled “Saint of the City” chronicles former NYPD officer Steven McDonald’s life after he was paralyzed in a 1986 shooting and his…
Dear Dad: Reflections on Fatherhood and Legacy
Donald Cohen, a family therapist and author, reflected on fatherhood and legacy in a letter to his late father after a meaningful trip to Rwanda…
Fed Chair Warsh Proves Independent on Inflation
Kevin Warsh, recently confirmed as chair of the Federal Reserve, maintained interest rates during his first FOMC meeting, signaling a hawkish approach to combating persistent…
WNBA celebrates 30 years since historic first game
On June 21, 1997, the WNBA played its first game between the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks, officially launching the league and marking…
U.S. Soccer Team Gains Momentum at 2026 World Cup
The U.S. men’s national soccer team secured a 2-0 win over Australia to top Group D and advance to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage…
From Experimentation to Addiction: Vaping Concerns Among Youth
Vaping has become increasingly common among young people transitioning from high school to college, with easy access and social acceptance fueling rising nicotine addiction. Experts…
BAAD-AADAR-GAR: Ahura Mazda's 63rd Name and Spiritual Significance
Ahura Mazda’s 63rd name, Baad-Aadar-Gar, represents the divine power behind nature’s transformative forces and highlights the spiritual practice of renouncing worldly attachments to achieve God-realization.…
Risky futures as insolvency jumps by 10%
Personal insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 10% in May compared to last year, driven mainly by higher debt relief orders and individual voluntary…
Film Directors Pay Tribute to Late ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Star Daveigh Chase
Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in *Lilo & Stitch*, has died at age 35 after struggling with addiction and homelessness. Her passing has…
Hollywood Hills Home of Grindr Founder Listed for $14.99 Million
Joel Simkhai, founder and former CEO of Grindr, has listed his 8,771-square-foot Hollywood Hills estate for $14.99 million after purchasing it in 2020 for around…
Trump Administration Launches UAP Governance Board
The Trump administration has launched the UAP Governance Board to coordinate interagency efforts in investigating and managing Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena sightings and related data. This…