Top News — Sat, Jun 27, 1:03 PM UTC

Texas Mandates Bible Stories as Required Public School Reading

Texas has approved Bible stories as required reading in public schools, a move critics argue infringes on religious freedoms and blurs the separation of church and state, while also sparking debate over the curriculum's portrayal of Islam.

Trump's Endorsement Power Tested in Louisiana Senate Runoff

The Louisiana Republican Senate runoff between Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming is testing the influence of Donald Trump's endorsement among GOP voters, after Sen. Bill Cassidy failed to secure enough votes.

California Governor Newsom Proposes National Billionaire Tax

California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a national 'billionaires' tax' after opposing a similar state wealth tax measure that qualified for the November ballot, citing fears that wealthy residents would leave the state.

Harvey Weinstein's California Rape Conviction Upheld, Resentencing Ordered

A California appeals court upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction but ordered a lower court judge to resentence him, following prosecutors' decision not to pursue a fourth trial in New York.

Missing Texas Giraffe Gracie Found After Two-Week Search

Gracie, a 1200-pound giraffe, was found via helicopter about four miles south of her enclosure in the Texas Hill Country after wandering away from Cedar Hollow Ranch for two weeks, sparking a viral search.

Europe Swelters Under Record Heatwave, Raising Drought Fears

A brutal heatwave is scorching Europe, with Germany and Poland under extreme heat warnings, records broken in Slovakia and Denmark, and drought fears rising in Italy, leading to delayed flights and concerns about climate inflation.

Israel and Lebanon Sign US-Brokered Framework Agreement

Israel and Lebanon signed a US-brokered framework agreement, welcomed by Secretary of State Rubio and PM Netanyahu as a step toward lasting peace, despite Hezbollah not being a party to the deal and ongoing cross-border strikes.

US Strikes Iran; Tehran Reports Hits on US Targets Amid Strait Tensions

The United States launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian missile, drone, and coastal radar sites after Iran attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions and threatening a fragile ceasefire agreement.

False Report Briefly Separates Buttigieg From Children

Pete Buttigieg was briefly separated from his children after being targeted by a false report to Child Protective Services, which police confirmed was unsubstantiated, with Buttigieg describing the experience as 'among the darkest hours'.

Venezuela Quake Death Toll Reaches 920; US Rescuers Join Search

A series of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 920 people and leaving hundreds trapped. International rescue teams and aid are arriving, but the nation's health system is already in crisis.

Last updated: 6/27/2026, 1:03:45 PM