Today in History: Boy Scouts ends its ban on gay adult leaders
Today in History:
On July 27, 2015, the Boy Scouts of America ended its blanket ban on gay adult leaders while allowing church-sponsored Scout units to maintain the exclusion for religious reasons.
Also on this date:
In 1789, President George Washington signed a measure establishing the Department of Foreign Affairs, forerunner of the Department of State.
In 1866, Cyrus W. Field finished laying out the first successful underwater telegraph cable between North America and Europe.
In 1909, during the first official test of the U.S. Army's first airplane, Orville Wright flew himself and a passenger, Lt. Frank Lahm, above Fort Myer, Virginia, for one hour and 12 minutes.
In 1940, Billboard magazine published its first 'music popularity chart' listing best-selling retail records. In first place was 'I'll Never Smile Again' recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, with featured vocalist Frank Sinatra.
In 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed at Panmunjom, ending three years of fighting on the Korean peninsula that killed an estimated 4 million people.
In 1974, the House Judiciary Committee voted 27-11 to adopt the first of three articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon, charging he had personally engaged in a course of conduct designed to obstruct justice in the Watergate case.
In 1980, on day 267 of the Iranian hostage crisis, the deposed Shah of Iran died at a military hospital outside Cairo, Egypt, at age 60.
In 1981, 6-year-old Adam Walsh was abducted from a department store in Hollywood, Fla., and was later murdered (Adam's father, John Walsh, subsequently became a victims' rights activist and, in 1988, launched and hosted the television show 'America's Most Wanted').
In 1996, terror struck the Atlanta Olympics as a pipe bomb exploded at Centennial Olympic Park, directly killing one person and injuring 111. (Anti-government extremist Eric Rudolph later pleaded guilty to the bombing, exonerating security guard Richard Jewell, who had been wrongly suspected.)
In 2012, Britain opened its Olympic Games in a celebration of Old England and new, even cheekily featuring stunt doubles for Queen Elizabeth II and fictional special agent James Bond parachuting into Olympic Stadium.
In 2013, security forces and armed men clashed with supporters of Egypt's ousted president, Mohammed Morsi, killing at least 72 people.
In 2018, the White House announced that North Korea had returned the remains of what were believed to be U.S. servicemen killed during the Korean War, with a U.S. military plane making a rare trip into North Korea to retrieve 55 cases of remains.
In 2020, the world's biggest COVID-19 vaccine study began with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc.
In 2021, American gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of the gymnastics team competition at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental well-being, saying she realized following a shaky vault that she wasn't in the right headspace to compete.
Today's Birthdays: Singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry is 83. Actor-director Betty Thomas is 78. Olympic gold medal figure skater Peggy Fleming is 77. Singer Maureen McGovern is 76. Comedian-actor-writer Carol Leifer is 69. Comedian Bill Engvall is 68. Actor-martial artist Donnie Yen is 62. Jazz singer Karrin Allyson is 62. Rock musician Juliana Hatfield is 58. Former professional wrestler Triple H is 56. Actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is 55. Comedian Maya Rudolph is 53. Rock musician Abe Cunningham (Deftones) is 52. Singer-songwriter Pete Yorn is 51. Former MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez is 50. Actor Jonathan Rhys (rees) Meyers is 48. Actor/comedian Heidi Gardner (TV: 'Saturday Night Live') is 42. Actor Taylor Schilling is 41. MLB All-Star pitcher Max Scherzer is 41. Golfer Jordan Spieth is 32.
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Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Two Americans Detained in Iran on Suspicion of Spying for Israel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two American citizens remain detained in Iran on suspicion of spying for Israel following last month's 12-day conflict, according to Israeli state media. One of the men, a Jewish American from Los Angeles with Iranian roots, was recently released on bail. The other, a New York resident, remains in custody. Both were visiting relatives in Iran when they were arrested amid a broader crackdown targeting individuals suspected of collaborating with Israel. Newsweek has reached out the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel. Why It Matters The detentions reflect Tehran's intensifying efforts to root out alleged espionage, heightening concerns over the safety of dual nationals—especially Americans—and increasing tensions between Iran and the West. These arrests point to heightened risks for those perceived to have ties to Israel and likely will further strain already tense U.S.-Iran relations, with the U.S. State Department repeatedly warning against travel to Iran, citing the real danger of wrongful detention on espionage charges. A member of Iran's Revolutionary Guard stands guard at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. A member of Iran's Revolutionary Guard stands guard at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Vahid Salemi/AP Photo What To Know Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that following the conflict with Israel, Iranian authorities arrested at least 35 Jews suspected of spying, including the two Americans. The New York resident, who had left Iran 30 years ago, traveled back to visit family. The other detainee, the Los Angeles resident with Iranian heritage, was arrested alongside him but has since been released on bail. "They came to the wrong place at the wrong time," Israel's Ynet news port quoted an anonymous legal representative involved in the case as saying. Ongoing Negotiations Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, a Jewish member of Iran's parliament, told local media he had secured the release of several detainees and confirmed that espionage charges were dropped against those held in Tehran. Some were released on light bail, he said, expressing hope that the remaining detainees would soon be freed. However, it was not entirely clear which specific detainees Najafabadi was referring to. He said he was also pursuing the release of detainees in Alborz and Shiraz provinces. Spy Arrests Iranian authorities launched a campaign to shore up domestic security after Israel's attack on June 13, and it continued after the ceasefire on June 24. Iran has detained more than 700 individuals accused of collaborating with Israel or other hostile foreign governments. The crackdown has included mass arrests, swift trials and multiple executions involving alleged spies. Homayoun Sameyah NajafAbadi, head of Iran's 8,500-strong Jewish community, poses in front of a new memorial for Iran's Jewish people engraved with 10 names -five died fighting in the 1980-88 war against Iraq, three were... Homayoun Sameyah NajafAbadi, head of Iran's 8,500-strong Jewish community, poses in front of a new memorial for Iran's Jewish people engraved with 10 names -five died fighting in the 1980-88 war against Iraq, three were killed by Saddam Hussein's bombing of Tehran and the other two died in the tumultuous early days of the revolution that ended the shah's rule- at the Beheshtieh Jewish cemetery in southern Tehran, on January 9, 2015. The eight-acre space in south Tehran is a striking reminder of a minority faith whose more than 1,000-year heritage in Iran dwarfs the comparably short 35 years of the Islamic republic. MoreU.S. Government Warnings U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has warned that Americans, including dual nationals, risk wrongful detention in Iran. The department's website states: "Americans, including Iranian-Americans and other dual nationals, have been wrongfully detained, taken hostage by the Iranian government for months, and years." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged judicial and intelligence officials to ease fears among Iranians abroad, despite the recent detentions. "These individuals are also assets of this land," he said. What People Are Saying Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, member of Iranian parliament: "We hope the remaining two individuals in Tehran will also be freed soon." Tammy Bruce, U.S. State Department spokesperson: "Americans, including Iranian-Americans and other dual nationals, have been wrongfully detained, taken hostage by the Iranian government for months, and years. The threat of detention is even greater today. Do not travel to Iran under any circumstances." What Happens Next The spate of arrests in Iran are fueling concerns over politically motivated detentions and fears of a wider conflict. Meanwhile, negotiations between Iranian judicial officials are ongoing to secure the release of those still in custody.
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Epstein scandal questions: Letters to the Editor — July 28, 2025
US District Court for the Southern District of New York/AFP via Getty Images The Issue: Ghislaine Maxwell talking to the DOJ amid a resurgence in interest in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Well, well, well: Ghislaine Maxwell, ice-cold procurer, sex-trafficker and co-conspirator with Jeffrey Epstein in a savage and sordid criminal enterprise is a resident in a rundown federal prison circled by razor wire ('DOJ big sit-down with Epstein madam Ghislaine,' July 25). That's appropriate. It's abhorrent to call Maxwell a socialite; she's a convicted felon. Advertisement Marc D. Greenwood Opelika, Ala. American presidents have been no stranger to scandal. Advertisement Thomas Jefferson dealt with allegations of a long-standing sexual relationship with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. No less salacious was the Monica Lewinsky affair. Perhaps the most notorious was President Richard Nixon's participation in Watergate, which at its core was an attempt to illegally impact the outcome of an election. While these transgressions served to outrage the public, none involved the alleged molestation of dozens of underage girls, the current scandal impacting President Trump's second term. Although there is no evidence exposing the president's participation in Epstein's acts of degeneracy, one question remains on the minds of many Americans: Was Trump complicit in any way? Advertisement The truth may never be known, but one thing is certain — obfuscation and deflection are not its pathway. Jim Paladino Tampa, Fla. It appears that Maxwell is going to spill her guts in exchange for her freedom. Advertisement Makes sense, and she's definitely got the goods. But she will be living in fear for the rest of her life. Kreg Ramone Manhattan The step by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson to cease possible discussions about the Epstein files by shutting down the House of Representatives smells of desperation. Epstein died almost six years ago — by whatever means — and there is still no real action on releasing the files, despite Trump's assurances. The suggestion of allowing Trump more time to address the matter is farcical given how long it has been a lead item in most newspapers. The files are not going to be forgotten, and hopefully they won't be destroyed, so let them be seen. Let the truth be told. This applies to all countries and their governments. Dennis Fitzgerald Advertisement Melbourne, Australia Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! The Issue: French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to officially recognize Palestinian statehood. Regarding the pathetic country of France recognizing Palestine: Isn't this the same France that in 1942 rounded up thousands of Jewish citizens, among them almost 4,000 Jewish children, in a bicycle stadium and sent them to the Nazis for extermination ('Macron: France will recognize Palestinian state,' July 25)? Advertisement A total of at least 77,000 Jews were rounded up by the French police and sent to their horrible deaths. Why would we deal with France at all? I don't buy anything from the French and never will. Americans should boycott all of their cheap wine and anything else. Total isolation for this stupid, terrorist-loving country is a good solution. Or better yet, France should invite all the Palestinians there to make it their new homeland. Richard Smith Palmerton, Pa. Advertisement In fear of his ever-growing Muslim population, resulting from open borders, French President Emmanuel Macron will 'bend the knee' and recognize a Palestinian state at the antisemitic UN General Assembly in September. I wonder: Which portion of France will Maron cut out for his new Palestinian state ? Joe Alloy Yulee, Fla. Advertisement Want to weigh in on today's stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@ Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
2 days ago
Iran executes 2 opposition members over alleged attacks on civilian sites
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran said Sunday it has executed two members of the exiled opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq after convicting them of carrying out attacks on public and civilian infrastructure. The judiciary's official news website, Mizan Online, reported that Behrouz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hasani were hanged on Sunday morning after being found guilty of using improvised mortar launchers to target residential areas, educational institutions and government buildings. The report said Eslamlou had a long history with the group, dating back to the 1980s. He was previously imprisoned, rejoining the group after his release. Mizan said he was arrested while trying to cross the border into Turkey. Authorities said they found firearms, ammunition, materials for assembling mortars and tools for changing his appearance in his possession. The semi-official Tasnim news agency added that Eslamlou had been tasked by group leaders based in Albania to return to Iran and organize underground terror cells. His mission, according to the report, included training and directing attacks against both government and civilian targets. State media reported that the two were involved in acts of vandalism against public property, gathering intelligence, filming their activities and sending the footage for dissemination through the group's affiliated media networks. Iranian courts charged the men with several offenses, including waging war against the state, conspiracy, sabotage and membership in a terrorist organization. Prosecutors accused them of plotting to destabilize national security and damage public property. The Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, once a Marxist-Islamist group that opposed Iran's monarchy, backed the 1979 Islamic Revolution but later broke with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's government. It carried out a series of deadly bombings and assassinations in the 1980s and supported Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war — stances that still provoke widespread resentment within Iran. The group is now largely based in Albania but claims to operate a clandestine network inside Iran. The last known execution of Mujahedeen-e-Khalq members before Sunday took place in 2009, following their conviction in connection with an attempted bombing in Tehran's central Enghelab Square.
