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Immigration Bill Sparks Tension: Could This Change Everything?

Immigration Bill Sparks Tension: Could This Change Everything?

A California Democrat is pushing legislation that would provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency for millions of immigrants, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, and some H-1B visa holders.Senator Alex Padilla, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, reintroduced the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, legislation that would update a decades-old immigration provision known as the Registry process. The bill was first brought forward in 2025 and reintroduced this week.The proposal comes as the Trump administration ramps up deportation efforts and immigration raids while barreling forward with plans to roll back or restrict several legal immigration programs, prompting Democrats to push for legal pathways to permanent residency for long-term immigrants.“A year ago, I introduced this bill to push back against the Trump Administration’s cruel treatment of hardworking immigrants,” Padilla said in a press release. “Since then, President Trump’s campaign of fear has only escalated, with families living under constant uncertainty despite having built their lives in this country. Congress cannot continue to ignore millions of long-term residents who contribute to our economy and communities every day. It’s past time to modernize our immigration laws and create a fair pathway to lawful permanent residency.”Supporters and progressives say the bill would modernize an outdated provision of immigration law and provide legal certainty for long-term residents. Conservatives have historically opposed broader legalization measures, saying immigration reforms should be tied to border security and enforcement efforts. MAGA loyalists and other immigration hardliners have been vehemently opposed to legislation they view as granting amnesty to migrants without legal status....What Does the Bill Do?The legislation would amend Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, commonly known as the Registry provision, which allows certain immigrants to apply for lawful permanent resident status if they meet specified requirements. The provision was first established under the Immigration Act of 1929 as a pathway to permanent residency for certain long-term U.S. residents without legal status.Congress updated the Registry eligibility date several times throughout the 20th century, most recently through the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which set the current residency cutoff at January 1, 1972. Because that date has remained unchanged for nearly four decades, some argue the provision has become largely obsolete, with relatively few immigrants still eligible to apply.Padilla's bill would replace the fixed cutoff date with a rolling eligibility standard, allowing immigrants to apply for lawful permanent residency if they have continuously resided in the United States for at least seven years before filing an application, provided they have no criminal record and meet other existing eligibility requirements.According to Padilla's office, the change could make more than 8 million people eligible to seek permanent residency, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, children of long-term visa holders, essential workers and highly skilled workers such as H-1B visa holders who have faced lengthy waits for green cards.The legislation faces steep political hurdles in Congress. Republicans control the Senate in the 119th Congress with 53 seats, compared with 45 Democratic seats and two independents. Any immigration proposal would also need House approval before reaching the president's desk. Given GOP control over Congress and deep partisan divisions over immigration policy, the measure has a difficult path to passage.The Trump administration has moved to terminate TPS protections for several immigrant groups and has not proposed any legislative solution for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, leaving the future of both populations uncertain. It has also sought to tighten restrictions on legal immigration pathways, including the H-1B visa program. A federal judge struck down the administration's attempt to impose a $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B visa applications, a ruling that was later left in place by a federal appeals court.The bill is co-led by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois and backed by 13 additional senators, including independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Representative Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat, is sponsoring companion legislation in the House.The legislation is backed by dozens of labor unions, immigrant rights advocates and community organizations nationwide, including the AFL-CIO, United Farm Workers, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights and Refugees International.Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Cannon and Sam Wilson.

Jul 30, 2026
Mysterious Mark: Ohio Mother’s Secret Sparks Jailhouse Drama

Mysterious Mark: Ohio Mother’s Secret Sparks Jailhouse Drama

The mother of 16 kids kept crammed in a sickening house of horrors cowered as she was booked into jail — and appeared to try and hide a mysterious mark on her arm, new footage shows.Elizabeth Siders, 33, looked frightened and submissive as she was searched by officers at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail on July 1 after she, her husband and her in-laws were found living in squalor with the children at their home, according to video from the facility obtained by Plunder True  Crime.Siders tried to cover up a mark on her left arm as she was booked in jail, footage shows. Southeastern Ohio Regional JailSiders was booked at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail on July 1. Southeastern Ohio Regional JailWearing a baggy red T-shirt, sweatpants and orange flip-flops, Siders kept her head down and obediently complied with the officers’ commands — and continued to rub and cover a dark mark on her left arm, the footage, which has no audio, shows.In another video obtained by the outlet, Siders, appearing nervous and skittish, wears an orange jumpsuit and fidgets uncomfortably in a chair alone in a room in front of an officer’s desk.Again she can be seen fussing with the mysterious mark on her forearm and appears to try and rub it against her pant leg at one point, according to the clip.Siders’ attorney did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.Elizabeth Siders, her husband Gary Siders Jr., 37, her mother-in-law Christina Siders, 67, and father-in-law Gary Siders Sr., 73, were arrested after authorities descended on their home in Southeastern Ohio and found the 16 children, who police said “looked like almost feral animals.”Siders is being held on a $300,000 bond. Southeastern Ohio Regional JailThe kids, who are between 18 months and 18 years old, were living in a trash and feces-filled room, confined to the cramped space for at least the past four years, according to authorities, who have described the grisly scene as “deplorable” and “third-world.”Siders has “absolutely” denied that her children, who never attended school, were “feral” and claimed that they all could speak, despite initial reports suggesting they could not communicate.The house was filled with feces and trash, according to police. New York PostThe children were taken to hospitals across Ohio after the June 30 rescue. Some were listed in serious condition, including two who were airlifted to trauma centers and at least one who had to be intubated, officials said. Siders, her husband, and her in-laws were each slapped with 16 counts of felony child endangerment charges. She is currently being held on a $300,000 bond.

Jul 30, 2026
The Million-Dollar Call That Stunned the World: John Carpenter's Shocking Reveal

The Million-Dollar Call That Stunned the World: John Carpenter's Shocking Reveal

One of the most iconic contestants on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has reflected on the unforgettable moment that made television history, admitting he was simply relieved he got the answer right. John Carpenter became a household name after appearing on the first season of the US version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 1999, hosted by the late Regis Philbin. The tax agent reached the final $1 million question without using a single lifeline. For the last question, Carpenter was asked which US president had appeared on the comedy show Laugh-In. The options were Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. Carpenter's famous gameshow victory John Carpenter won Who Wants To Be A Millionaire after phoning his father to tell him he was about to win. Credit: ABC Although he still had his Phone-a-Friend lifeline available, Carpenter didn't use it to ask for help. Instead, he phoned his father to deliver what many fans still regard as one of the greatest moments in game show history. Smiling as his father answered, Carpenter famously said: “I don’t really need your help. I just wanted to let you know that I’m gonna win the million dollars.” He then confidently selected Richard Nixon as his answer, correctly securing the show's top prize. Carpenter reflects on the moment years later Now, 25 years later, Carpenter has admitted that despite appearing completely confident on screen, the overwhelming feeling after answering was relief. Reflecting on the moment , he said: “I would say the thing that I remember the most about the moment when I won was just, you know, 'Thank goodness I was right,' because if I had been wrong after doing that, just I don't know what would have happened in my life.” He also acknowledged the impact the moment had on popular culture, adding: “It was a, you know, a cultural touchstone, you know, back then and it kept going for many, many years. I like to think that I had a little bit to do with that.” As for how the million-dollar prize changed his life, Carpenter said he didn't suddenly retire or begin living extravagantly. John Carpenter reflects on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire win. Credit: Who Wants To Be A Millionaire “I mean, I did buy a car, but I needed one anyway. I was just driving around in an old Honda Del Sol with some body damage at the time,” he explained. “You know, things are, you know, more comfortable. I mean, it's not like I could live on it forever. Still kept my job, but it was just good to have.” More than two decades later, the clip continues to go viral online, with viewers still praising Carpenter's confidence. One TikTok user described it as the “Coldest sentence ever spoken,” while another called it “What a flex.” A third viewer wrote: “Bro just smiled,” while another commented: “You can tell exactly when he realised he was going to win.” Featured Image. Credit: ABC

Jul 30, 2026
Quinn Hughes Honors His Grandmother's Legacy Amid Heartbreaking Loss

Quinn Hughes Honors His Grandmother's Legacy Amid Heartbreaking Loss

Minnesota Wild star Quinn Hughes took to social media to mourn the loss of his grandmother Penny Weinberg.  “❤️��️Love you,” Quinn, 26, wrote via his Instagram Story on Wednesday, July 29, which was accompanied by a recent photo of the NHL player and his grandma.  Weinberg died on Tuesday, July 28, following a “recent illness,” according to her obituary. She was 83.  “From an early age, she embodied kindness, grace, and quiet strength-qualities that remained the foundation of her life and touched everyone fortunate enough to know her,” her obituary reads. The remembrance adds, “Above all else, Penny's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving and selfless mother, a cherished sister, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and steadfast love provided comfort and encouragement to those around her. She possessed a rare ability to make others feel seen, valued, and deeply loved, leaving an enduring impression on countless lives.” Penny was preceded in death by her husband, Warren.  Months before she died, Penny was able to see Quinn and his brother Jack, a star for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, become gold medalists with the Team USA hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics. “It's amazing! Just amazing,” Penny, the mother of Quinn and Jack’s mother, Ellen, told NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth after the Americans defeated Canada in the gold medal game on February 22.  Jack, 25, scored the game-winning goal after having multiple teeth knocked out by an errant high stick earlier in the game. “Hopefully he’ll get them fixed!” Penny said at the time. Jack, much to his late grandmother’s approval, had his smile restored weeks later. Quinn and Jack’s younger brother, Luke, also plays for the NHL’s Devils.  “I couldn’t be more proud of them as hockey players,” Penny said of her grandsons. “But I’m just as proud of them being people.” Ellen, 57, a former hockey player who represented Team USA at the 1992 World Championships, came to the defense of Quinn and Jack after they were criticized for laughing when President Donald Trump said he would “probably be impeached” if he didn’t also invite the Team USA women’s hockey team to the White House after they similarly won gold at the 2026 Games.  “I think at the end of the day, it’s just about the country and the moment that these players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country,” Ellen said on the Today show. “People that cheered on that don’t watch hockey, people that have politics on one side or on the other side. And that’s all both the men’s team and the women’s team care about.”

Jul 30, 2026
US Army's Secret Weapon 'Hammer of Gods' Unveiled: What It Means for Future Battles

US Army's Secret Weapon 'Hammer of Gods' Unveiled: What It Means for Future Battles

The US Army has debuted the “Hammer of Gods” — a cutting-edge new weapon-disrupting system designed to trick precision-guided enemy projectiles into missing their targets.The portable electronic system, which can be deployed covertly from US military vessels, blinds the guidance systems of long-range artillery, guided missiles and cruise missiles, rendering them far less effective.The military has been testing land-based variants for the last two years, but its test earlier this month off the US West Coast marks the first time it’s been demonstrated for maritime use, the Army said. The US Army has debuted the “Hammer of Gods” — a cutting-edge new weapon-disrupting system designed to trick precision-guided enemy projectiles into missing their targets. 5th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentThe signal disruptor works by jamming precision weaponry’s positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) signals – which are needed to ensure armaments hit their intended targets.Without PNT data, these advanced weapon systems are effectively flying blind, increasing the odds of missed targets and mission delays.The system also deploys a communications network to ensure friendly forces can stay in contact even when the Hammer of the Gods is pumping out its disruptive signal, or when operating in degraded environments.Army officials told Fox News this month’s test run proved the system could be deployed, operated and recovered in a real-world maritime environment.

Jul 30, 2026
Shocking Boycott: European Nations Unite Against FIFA's Bold Plan

Shocking Boycott: European Nations Unite Against FIFA's Bold Plan

UEFA's member associations have responded to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's announcement to sell off stakes in its football competitions, including the World Cup. All 55 associations under UEFA, including England , have voted to boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with its plan to sell shares to private investors. This decision was made at an emergency meeting on Thursday (July 30), following proposals being made by FIFA, world football's governing body, on Tuesday. UEFA governs European football, and they made their stance clear earlier this week with two concise statements about the plans. They criticized the proposals, claiming that it "crosses a line," as FIFA looks to expand "football development funding" to more than $10bn, inviting third-party investment. The boycott suggested would cover all FIFA competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups and Club World Cup. The first time this will be demonstrated is in October, when the Women's World Cup play-offs are scheduled. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has opened the door to third-party investors. Credit: Alex Pantling - FIFA / Getty UEFA's statement in response to Infantino The statement released by the European football association was released after the meeting, reading that its members "stand as one." It further read: "We unanimously and unequivocally reject Fifa's proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other Fifa competitions to private investors, "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football's greatest sporting legacies. "It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. "The World Cup is not for sale." They went on: “As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership. “Nobody should be in any doubt: UEFA and its national associations will oppose these plans with absolute determination.” The statement described FIFA's plan as “irresponsible and indefensible,” adding that it was “conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game.” “Some things are simply too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale,” the federation definitively stated. European football nations have vowed to boycott the World Cup if Infantino sells stakes of their competitions. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images During Thursday's call, over 40 representatives voiced their anger at how UEFA had been treated by the governing body. Some asked why FIFA reserves couldn't be used for the development of the game instead, while pointing towards concerns about the lack of consultation on FIFA’s controversial investment plans. Infantino had written to all 211 FIFA member associations, promising a payment of $40m if they went along with his highly-criticized plan to sell stakes in its major competitions. A deadline of September 19 was set for football federations to accept his plans if they wanted access to an initial reward of $20m. Featured image credit: Alex Pantling - FIFA / Getty

Jul 30, 2026
Bourbon Virus Strikes New York: Is This Just the Beginning?

Bourbon Virus Strikes New York: Is This Just the Beginning?

For the first time, a rare tick-borne infection has been confirmed in New York.Michael Larkin, 67, was working outdoors in Suffolk county when he was bitten by two lone star ticks, infecting him with Bourbon virus.There is no vaccine to prevent this disease, no commercial test to identify it — and no treatments for it.Its symptoms are similar to other tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease. Plus because it’s so rare, doctors may misidentify it, as they did in the case of this Long Island man.Bourbon virus is carried by the lone star tick, which can be identified by the white spot on its back. ondreicka – stock.adobe.comLarkin was treated with an antibiotic, which is appropriate for Lyme disease, but that let the Bourbon virus run wild. He developed a rash, fever, night sweats and debilitating headaches.Other symptoms can include fatigue, rash, body aches, nausea and vomiting. He spent five days in the hospital before making a full recovery. But others haven’t been so lucky.Very few cases have been confirmed across Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, where the virus is more prevalent — averaging less than one case per year.Two of the cases have ended in death.“Now we know the virus can be lethal. On Long Island, at least, we have a lot of lone star ticks,” Dr. Luis Marcos, who treated the man, told CBS News. “And honestly this may be the very, very tip of the iceberg.” ‘Likely more prevalent than we think’Bourbon virus, named for the county where the disease was IDed in Kansas, is carried by lone star ticks.These aggressive ticks have a white dot or “lone star” on their back. They’re found in wooded areas, tall grass and brush.Lone star ticks are prevalent throughout the eastern and central US. CDCBourbon virus relies on lone star ticks to spread, and lone star ticks rely on white tailed deer.These deer have exploded in population and live beside humans. Their natural predators have been eliminated, and they love to hang out in suburban yards.More deer means more ticks. Plus, milder winters and longer warm seasons mean ticks are out longer and going farther north.Lone star ticks can also cause alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a lifelong meat and dairy allergy. It can also cause ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection causing flu-like symptoms.“There are a lot of lone start ticks in New York and in the Northeast, we have dense populations,” Marcos said in a press release.Larkin was actually infected with Bourbon virus in 2021. It took five years for the diagnosis to be confirmed with specialized tests. It begs the question: how many more have been infected in the area since?Fever is one symptom of Bourbon virus. Jelena – stock.adobe.com“The Bourbon virus is likely more prevalent than we think in our region and other cases are likely not being diagnosed,” Marcos added.That indicates a major need for better surveillance, testing, and better guidance for doctors, Marcos and his team said.If patients need to be hospitalized, doctors will likely just have to treat symptoms like IV fluids for dehydration and meds for pain and fever.“Without identifying the cause of an infection, the chances of developing accurate diagnostic tests or effective treatments are minimal,” Marcos said. “That is why it is so important to first understand the true impact of the virus in high-risk areas.”To protect yourself from tick bites, avoid grassy, brushy, and wooded areas. Stay in the center of trails when you’re in the woods.You can also treat your clothes with 0.5% permethrin and EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET.

Jul 30, 2026
Law Enforcement in Turmoil: The Scandal Behind Flock Camera Misuse

Law Enforcement in Turmoil: The Scandal Behind Flock Camera Misuse

Police officers in at least 12 states have faced allegations of misusing Flock Safety license plate reader systems, according to a Newsweek review of recent criminal cases, internal investigations and disciplinary actions.The cases span Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin, and include allegations that officers improperly accessed license plate data for personal purposes, including tracking romantic partners, relatives or acquaintances.Flock Safety's automated license plate reader network continues to expand across the United States. The technology is used by thousands of law enforcement agencies to identify stolen vehicles, locate missing persons and generate investigative leads. The allegations come amid a broader national debate over Flock Safety's rapidly expanding network of license plate reader cameras. The technology has faced growing scrutiny from lawmakers, civil liberties groups and local governments, with some communities moving to reject or remove Flock systems and several Republican lawmakers calling for tighter restrictions on their use.Garrett Langley, Flock Safety's founder and CEO, said the recent cases were concerning but argued they also demonstrate that oversight systems are working."It's a disappointing story when I see it, but I also go, look, this is working," Langley said in a statement sent to Newsweek. "This is showing that if you use a tool like Flock or other tools, you should be held accountable, regardless of whether you have a badge or you don't."Georgia Has Become a Major FlashpointSeveral of the most prominent recent cases have emerged from Georgia, where audits and internal reviews have led to a series of arrests and firings involving officers accused of improperly accessing license plate reader databases.Authorities have announced cases involving agencies in Albany, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Greene County and Fayetteville. DeKalb County authorities recently announced the arrest of former Sgt. Kabiru Salawu following an investigation into alleged unauthorized use of the agency's Flock system. "The public expects and deserves integrity from every member of this agency," Sheriff Melody Maddox said after the arrest of Salawu. "The misuse of law enforcement technology or confidential information for any unauthorized purpose is a serious breach of the public's trust and will not be tolerated."...Cases Continue to Surface in Other StatesRecent allegations have also emerged elsewhere in the country.In North Carolina, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Seth Elliott was arrested after investigators alleged he conducted an unauthorized license plate query using the Flock system and the state's CJLEADS database. CMPD Chief Estella Patterson said misuse of law enforcement technology represented "a betrayal of the public's trust and a violation of everything this profession stands for." She added that anyone found to have violated that trust would be held accountableIn Alabama, separate investigations in Moody and Springville resulted in one officer being terminated and another resigning after audits found alleged violations involving license plate reader systems. Officials in both departments said the matters were referred to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.Springville Police Chief Jason Mize told Newsweek that the officer in his department had used the system "for personal use on a family member" and that the family member was notified. He added that members of the department have been reminded of best practice use of Flock systems and added: "Flock cameras are a very good, useful tool for us in crime fighting. I hate to see that something like this has happened."Other recent cases have involved a former Orange City officer in Florida accused of using the system to monitor a romantic interest, as well as a former Costa Mesa police officer, Robert Jay Josett, in California who pleaded guilty after prosecutors alleged he used Flock technology and other law enforcement databases to track a woman with whom he had a relationship.Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said the case demonstrated the risks posed when officials misuse sensitive databases. "No one should have to live in fear of being tracked through law enforcement databases by someone with a badge and a gun because they decided to call off a romantic relationship," Spitzer said following Josett's guilty plea.In Kansas, former Kechi Police Lt. Victor Heiar was convicted after authorities said he used Flock technology to track his estranged wife. Current Police Chief Braden Moore, who was not with the department at the time, told Newsweek: "The system should have never been used in that capacity." Moore added that while the agency no longer has access to Flock systems, "Flock is an amazing tool for law enforcement to catch and track the criminal element, but I also believe that there is great responsibility for agencies that use the system."Backlash And Risk WarningsCivil liberties advocates argue that the recent cases raise broader concerns about access to vehicle-tracking databases, while lawmakers in several states have pushed for stricter oversight of automated license plate reader systems and the data they collect.Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky recently introduced legislation that would deny certain federal funding to law enforcement agencies that use Flock Safety license plate readers, arguing that mass collection of vehicle location data raises significant privacy concerns. At the state level, several Republican lawmakers have also proposed legislation aimed at limiting data retention, restricting sharing agreements or increasing transparency around license plate reader use.Christopher Bruce, policy director for the ACLU of Georgia, said the recent Georgia cases should serve as a warning about the risks associated with such systems. "Jeopardizing your civil rights and civil liberties is never just an unfortunate event. You have constitutional rights, especially a right to privacy," he said previously. Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, previously told Mother Jones that location-tracking systems can expose highly sensitive information about people's lives. "The tracking of an individual vehicle, as it moves throughout an area, can reveal very deeply personal and private information, not only about the vehicle but the person operating it. That is Flock at its most dangerous," Marlow said.Langley said the company created its Audit Assistance Tool after hearing calls for greater accountability. "We heard from customers, loud and clear. We heard from communities, loud and clear. Flock should do more. There should be more responsibility, more accountability built in," he said.Newsweek has contacted key agencies named in this article for comment.Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Tobias Meyjes and Emma Lee-SangUpdate 07/30/26, 10:20 a.m. ET: This story was updated with comment from Flock and additional police forces.

Jul 30, 2026
Jonathan Taylor Thomas' Unexpected Reunion Sparks Buzz

Jonathan Taylor Thomas' Unexpected Reunion Sparks Buzz

Jonathan Taylor Thomas made a rare public appearance to catch up with his former Home Improvement costars Patricia Richardson and Taran Noah Smith more than two decades after the show’s finale. “My other boys ❤️,” Richardson, 75, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, July 29, sharing a new photo with Smith, 42, and Thomas, 44, on either side of the actress. Smith and Thomas portrayed two of Richardson and TV husband Tim Allen’s sons on Home Improvement, which ran from 1991 to 1999. Teen icon Thomas, for his part, took a step back from acting ahead of the final season to attend college. “I'd been going nonstop since I was 8 years old. I wanted to go to school, to travel and have a bit of a break," Thomas explained in a 1998 interview. "To sit in a big library amongst books and students, that was pretty cool. It was a novel experience for me." The next year, Thomas reiterated that he made “a good decision” for himself. "I made such a good decision,” he told reporters at the 1999 Kids' Choice Awards. “Had I stayed at the show and tried to do academically what I'm doing now, I would've, you know, put myself in an early grave." As Thomas pursued a career outside of Hollywood, he resigned from the limelight entirely. “Jonathan’s not really interested in acting, he wants to direct and write,” Richardson said on the “Back to the Best” podcast in 2024, noting she was regularly in touch with her former TV sons Thomas and Smith. “Taran [also] hasn’t acted since he left the show. He’s not an actor anymore.” Richardson, for her part, has since reunited with Allen, 73, on his sitcoms Last Man Standing and Shifting Gears. Allen further teased that the door is open to his former TV sons also making cameos. “Everything is a possibility. [Jonathan] just came back,” Allen exclusively told Us in 2025, revealing Thomas made an appearance off-camera. “He showed up on the set. He’s literally my kid. I raised that kid for eight years on Home Improvement.” Thomas, who appeared on four episodes of Last Man Standing, also directed a handful of episodes of the now-wrapped sitcom. “It took a while for me to be that [father figure],” Allen told Us in a January interview. “I felt like more of a funny, mischievous older brother for quite a while — especially to the boys on Home Improvement.”

Jul 30, 2026
Matthew McConaughey's Mom's Bold Move After His Dad's Unforgettable Passing

Matthew McConaughey's Mom's Bold Move After His Dad's Unforgettable Passing

Losing a parent is one of the most devastating experiences somebody can go through, and something a person never forgets. But for Matthew McConaughey, the day his father passed away is unforgettable for a very different reason — one that’s both shocking and, in true McConaughey fashion, oddly humorous. In his memoir, Greenlights, the Dallas Buyers Club star opened up about his parents' wild relationship, which he described as "like the Pacific Ocean in a storm". In fact, McConaughey’s parents — Kay and James McConaughey — had a love story that involved divorcing twice and remarrying three times. But despite the drama, the actor insists their love always won out in the end, with passion never being an issue. And passion is exactly how James McConaughey - known affectionately as "Big Jim" - predicted his own end would come. Credit: Rich Polk / Getty Matthew revealed that his dad always told him and his brothers: “Boys, when I go, I’m gonna be makin’ love to your mother.” And in a bizarre twist of fate, that’s exactly what happened. “I got a call from my mom: ‘Your dad died,’” McConaughey recalled in his book. “My knees buckled. I couldn’t believe it. He was my dad. Nobody or nothing could kill him. "Except mom. He had a heart attack when he climaxed." While that might already be enough for an unusual family story, McConaughey shared even more details in an interview on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast. Turns out, there was another layer to the story that didn’t make it into his book. When paramedics arrived at the house to take his father’s body, his mom, Kay, had a rather unique way of handling the situation. Kay McConaughey and son Matthew. Credit: L. Cohen / Getty “She wouldn’t let the paramedics cover him,” McConaughey shared, laughing. “She kept ripping the sheet off going, ‘Uh-uh, I want the world to see why his nickname was Big Jim. Don’t you cover him!’” Yep, you read that right — ever the doting wife, Kay McConaughey made sure her late husband’s legendary nickname was well-known to the neighbors as they gathered outside, shocked by the scene. "I found out later that when the ambulance came to get him at the house, obviously all the neighbors came out on the street," McConaughey revealed. "And they came and told me later that my mom, in her negligee nightie that she had woke up in, wouldn’t let the paramedics cover him." It’s safe to say the neighbors won’t forget “Big Jim” anytime soon. (I can only hope my wife does the exact opposite if I were to go in such a way.) Kay herself has opened up about the incident, sharing on Red Table Talk in 2020: “My husband died making love to me. I remember saying, ‘What’s the matter, big boy? I wear you out?’” But when he didn’t respond, she realized something was wrong. “His heart just stopped, you know? We had a party for him, kind of a celebration of his life.” It seems like in true McConaughey style, even the darkest moments are met with a mix of humor, love, and — apparently — a little bit of nudity. Featured image credit: Rich Polk / Getty

Jul 30, 2026
Why Your Workout Might Be Making Things Look Smaller

Why Your Workout Might Be Making Things Look Smaller

Dr Chris Bustamante, known in New York City as the ‘King of Penis Filler’, has outlined the symptoms of a common problem men face - Gym Penis . No, really - that’s a thing, and the good doctor is here to explain the physiology behind it all. Gym Penis explained by the ‘King of Penis Filler’ In case you aren’t aware, Penis Filler is a cosmetic procedure that is available to men who aren’t exactly thrilled with the size of their manhood . Obviously, there's no ideal size - we're all different - but it's a common concern. Dr Bustamante specializes in helping out men who find themselves in this common predicament and provides both treatment and invaluable advice. After all, you can only play the hand you were dealt, but you can increase the odds a bit. Bustamante, the founder of Lustful Aesthetics in NYC, has spoken out on the increasing phenomenon of ‘Gym Penis’, a condition reported by many clients where their junk looks significantly smaller during or immediately after a workout. Luckily, this is totally normal. Dr Bustamante explained: " Gym dick is real in the sense that many men notice their penis temporarily looks smaller during or right after a workout. "It is not true shrinkage of the penis. It is a temporary change in flaccid appearance. "During exercise, your body prioritizes blood flow to the muscles, heart, lungs, and skin.” There’s more to it, too. The doctor continued: "At the same time, your 'fight or flight' system becomes more active. "That can cause the penis and scrotum to retract or look tighter, especially during intense lifting, cardio, cold environments, or high-adrenaline workouts. "The penis is very blood-flow dependent, so when the body is focused on performance rather than arousal, the flaccid penis can look smaller.” So, if you are noticing some shrinkage at the gym - not the kind of gains you want - then fear not, it’s just a temporary thing and totally normal. Dr Chris Bustamante is a leading expert on these matters. Credit: Lustful Aesthetics How common is this problem? Dr Bustamante went on to explain that this phenomenon is actually very common, simply because it’s a very normal and safe thing for the body to be doing. He explained: "Many men experience some degree of temporary retraction while working out, but the amount varies dramatically. "Some barely notice it. Others may feel like they are turtling, where the penis retracts closer to the body. "There is no standard measurement because flaccid penis size naturally changes throughout the day based on temperature, stress, hydration, blood flow, stimulation, and body position. "For some men, it may be subtle; for others, the flaccid penis can appear significantly smaller during intense exercise. Importantly, flaccid size is not a reliable indicator of erect size. “It is usually temporary. "Once your body cools down, your nervous system settles, and blood flow redistributes, the penis typically returns to its usual flaccid appearance. "For most men, that can happen within minutes to an hour after working out. It may take longer if you are cold, dehydrated, anxious, overstimulated from caffeine or pre-workout, or coming down from a very intense session. "Some men naturally retract more than others, and that can make them feel self-conscious.” Well, of course it could - but luckily, there are no negative side effects other than maybe a little feeling of self-consciousness. What other effects can regular workouts have on the penis? If you are a regular gym-goer and lose a lot of weight - one significant instance of this is the musician Jelly Roll - you might notice that your manhood starts to look a bit bigger. There are a few reasons behind this from a medical perspective, as Bustamante points out: “Weight loss can make the penis appear larger, especially if someone carries fat in the lower abdomen or pubic area. "The actual penis is not growing, but more of the shaft may become visible as the suprapubic fat pad decreases. "This is why some men feel like they 'gained length' after losing weight. "What usually changes is visibility, not the anatomy itself. "Improved cardiovascular health can also support better blood flow and erectile quality, which may improve how full or firm the penis appears when erect.” Luckily, if you are struggling still with the size of your shaft, there are treatments such as the doctor’s own GirthFill , ScroFill - you can work that one out yourselves - as well as ShowTox and HangTox, that can give you a bit of extra… pep in your step. But, if you are working out and noticing that you aren’t quite as large as you’d like, there’s a good scientific reason for it, and it’s totally normal and nothing to worry about. Featured image credit: Lustful Aesthetics

Jul 30, 2026