Tens of millions under heat alerts as record temperatures hit the West

Anearly-season heat wavebaking the West this week obliterated numerous all-time records in California and Arizona on Wednesday and Thursday.

The summerlike conditions are expected to persist and expand east in the coming days.

Across Southern California and the Desert Southwest, around 38 million people are under heat alerts. High temperatures in the upper 90s and triple digits have been common throughout the region, thanks to a sprawling heat dome that remains parked over the West.

On Thursday, Palm Springs, California,hit 107 degrees Fahrenheit,setting a new all-time record for the month of March. The previous record, of 105, was set on Wednesday.

The city of Indio in the Coachella Valley also set a record high for March on Thursday, when temperatures climbed to 108 degrees.

A number of daily records were broken across California, as well, including a101-degree reading in Riverside on Thursday. Records set the prior day included highs of 95 degrees inAnaheim, 88 degrees in Sacramento and 85 degrees in both San Francisco and San Diego, according to the NWS.

In Arizona's Yuma County, the community of Martinez Lake hit a jaw-dropping 110 degrees on Thursday, setting a new record for the highest March temperature in U.S. recorded history,according to the National Weather Service.

Phoenix, meanwhile, recorded its earliest triple-digit day on Wednesday, with a high of 102 degrees. Temperaturesreached 104 degrees there on Thursday.

"This is not only the first 100° day of 2026, but it is also the earliest occurrence of 100° in Phoenix (which last occurred on March 26, 1988)," the local office of the National Weather Servicewrote Wednesday on X.

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Phoenix is forecast to hit 106 degrees on Friday and Saturday. An extreme heat warning is in effect for the region through Sunday.

Las Vegas has similarly sizzled. On Thursday, the city set a new March record of 95 degrees,according to the local office of the National Weather Service. Temperatures there could reach 100 degrees on Friday.

Even parts of Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming are experiencing unseasonably warm conditions. The National Weather Service office in Boise said Wednesday afternoon that the city measured a high of 80 degrees.

"This is the earliest date for 80 degrees in records dating back to 1875, and only the second time Boise has ever reached 80 in winter, the other time being March 19, 1997," the NWS officesaid on X.

Heat will continue to build heading into the weekend and is expected to move east into the Rockies and the central and southern Plains.

"By Saturday, expect maximum temperatures in the middle to upper 90s across Texas and low to middle 90s as far north as Nebraska and South Dakota," the NWSsaid Thursday.

Colorado could set new temperature records, as well, with Friday forecasts showing highs of 84 degrees in Denver, 86 degrees in Fort Collins and 83 degrees in Boulder. On Saturday, the projected highs tick up even further. TheNational Weather Service warnedthat extreme heat, combined with gusty winds and low humidity, areincreasing the risks of wildfiresin the state.

This week'sheat domeis caused by a stubborn ridge of high pressure that has trapped hot air over the West like a lid on a pot.

While it can be challenging to tease out the exact influence of climate change on specific weather events,global warming is known to make heat waves more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting.

byCUSTOS CAELORUM

in

March 20, 2026

Tens of millions under heat alerts as record temperatures hit the West

Anearly-season heat wavebaking the West this week obliterated numerous all-time records in California and Arizona on Wed...

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What we know on the 21st day of the US and Israel’s war with Iran

The US-Israel war against Iran is nearing the end of a third week, with Israel saying it won't attack any more major Iranian energy sites –– as Tehran's retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations push global oil prices up.

Countries around the world, as well as the United Nations, are working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Arab and Islamic leaders urge Iran to cease its attacks. US President Donald Trump made headlines today for downplaying the hefty bill of war costs –– and for cracking a joke about the Pearl Harbor attack during a summit with Japan's leader.

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Here's what to know on Day 21.

What are the main headlines?

• Energy strikes: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country will heed Trump's call not to repeat attacks on key Iranian energy sites like the South Pars field, part of the world's largest natural gas reserve. Netanyahu said Israel acted alone in striking a facility linked to the gas field Wednesday. However, two US and Israeli sources familiar with the strike have contradicted Trump's claim that the US "knew nothing" about it.

• Oil market: Tehran has retaliated with strikes on energy infrastructure in Israel and Qatar. The global oil benchmark hit $115 a barrel Thursday, and one expert said gas prices could remain high for at least several weeks.

• Strait of Hormuz: The United Nations' maritime organization said it will start negotiating with countries to establish a humanitarian corridor to free around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf. The UN did not give a timeframe for when talks would begin, or whether Iran –– which has a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz –– would cooperate. The United Kingdom has also sent military planners to work with the US to come up with a "viable collective plan" to reopen the vital waterway.

• Wartime funding: Trump is seeking $200 billion in new Pentagon funding, calling it a "small price to pay" to equip the military. His administration also bypassed Congress to expedite the sale of billions of dollars' worth of weapons to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, as Gulf allies take the brunt of Iran's retaliation for US and Israeli military action.

• Pearl Harbor joke: When a reporter asked Trump why he didn't tell allies like Japan about his intention to strike Iran, the president responded in part with a joke about the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor –– while sitting next to Japan's prime minister in the Oval Office.

• Boots on the ground: Trump said he's not deploying US troops, when asked about Reuters' reporting that his administration is considering sending thousands to the Middle East. But he also added: "If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you, but I'm not putting troops."

What's happening on the ground?

• US aircraft hit: An F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, sources told CNN. US Central Command said the pilot is in a stable condition.

• Strikes on the ground: Countries across the Middle East intercepted drones and missiles early Friday morning, including Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait. The attacks come as Muslims around the region celebrate the Eid al-Fitr festival, that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

• High casualties: More than 18,000 Iranian civilians have been injured since the latest conflict began, according to state media, citing the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Meanwhile in Lebanon, the death toll surpassed 1,000 on Thursday. Scores more have been killed around the region, including US service members and foreign nationals.

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byCUSTOS CAELORUM

in

March 20, 2026

What we know on the 21st day of the US and Israel’s war with Iran

The US-Israel war against Iran is nearing the end of a third week, with Israel saying it won't attack any more major...

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Norway's crown princess says she was 'manipulated and deceived' by Epstein

By Terje Solsvik and Johan Ahlander

FILE PHOTO: Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit

OSLO, March 20 (Reuters) - Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit said on Friday she regretted her friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, seeking to contain one of the biggest scandals to hit the country's royal family.

The U.S. Justice Department's ‌release of millions of Epstein documents has sent shockwaves around the world, revealing the disgraced financier's ties to prominent people, including the crown ‌princess and top Norwegian politicians, business executives and diplomats.

"I was manipulated and deceived," Mette-Marit said in a tearful interview with public broadcaster NRK screened on Friday morning.

"Of course, I wish I had never ​met him," she said of Epstein.

FILES SHOW FREQUENT CONTACT

The files showed frequent communication between Mette-Marit and Epstein that occurred long after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting an underage girl. The 52-year-old crown princess, who apologised to King Harald and Queen Sonja in a February 6 statement, has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.

While earlier media coverage had shown that Mette-Marit had links to Epstein, the new documents showed a more extensive relationship, prompting an unusual rebuke from the prime minister and ‌demands that she give a full account.

The princess, the ⁠spouse of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne, maintained contact with Epstein from 2011 to 2014, and stayed at his Palm Beach house for four days during a private trip in 2013, the U.S. files show.

"He used the fact ⁠that we had a mutual friend, and that I'm gullible. I like to believe the best about people. But I also chose to end contact with him," Mette-Marit said.

"I've never seen anything illegal," she told NRK.

The Epstein files appeared to contradict a statement she gave in 2019, in which she apologised for not having investigated his past and said ​she ​would never have associated with him had she known the seriousness of the crimes he ​committed.

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In one released email from October 2011, three years after ‌Epstein pleaded guilty, Mette-Marit wrote to him that she had googled him and that she agreed "it didn't look too good", followed by a smiley.

When asked about the email by NRK, Mette-Marit said she could not remember why she wrote it.

"But if I had found information that made me realise that he was an abuser and sex offender, I wouldn't have written a smiley face behind it," she said.

PERSONAL STRUGGLES

Sitting beside her, Mette-Marit's husband Haakon said he supported his wife at a difficult time and that marriage is both for "the good days and the bad".

"Mette is caring, wise and really strong. And that's why I will always have ‌her on the team when something difficult happens," the crown prince said.

While Haakon and the ​rest of the royal family have maintained a busy schedule — including visiting the Winter Olympics in ​Italy and attending functions in Norway — the crown princess has not ​appeared in public for weeks.

Suffering from a chronic lung disease that will eventually require her to have a lung transplant, Mette-Marit ‌is also dealing with the trial of her eldest son from ​a previous relationship, who is accused of ​rape and other crimes.

Her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, has declared himself not guilty of rape and domestic abuse while admitting in court to some lesser charges.

The Norwegian royal family's popularity has taken a hit in recent months, a February survey of 1,009 respondents showed.

Some 60% of Norwegians ​supported the monarchy, down from 70% in January, according ‌to the Norstat poll published on February 21 by public broadcaster NRK, while 27% supported a republic, up from 19% over the same ​period.

The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik in Oslo and Gwladys Fouche in ​Oslo, and Johan Ahlander in Stockholm; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Ros Russell)

byCUSTOS CAELORUM

in

March 20, 2026

Norway's crown princess says she was 'manipulated and deceived' by Epstein

By Terje Solsvik and Johan Ahlander FILE PHOTO: Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Ma...

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Taylor Frankie Paul's 'The Bachelorette' season canceled amid domestic violence allegations

The Bachelorettehas been put on hold asthe falling out between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen continues to unfold. The ABC reality series, which was set to premiere on Sunday, March 22, has been removed from the schedule, and the network has not indicated whether it will air at a later date.

"In light of the newly released video that surfaced today, we have made the decision not to move forward with the new season ofThe Bacheloretteat this time, and our focus is on supporting the family," a spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television tells Yahoo in a statement.

The news comes shortly after TMZ published a video from a 2023 fight between Paul and Mortensen — an incident that appears to be the same one that led to Paul's arrest at the time. The footage is separate from the alleged domestic dispute in February that prompted the current investigation.

"Taylor is very grateful for ABC's support as she prioritizes her family's safety and security," a representative for Paulsaid in a statementto People after news broke. "After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm."

The statement continued: "There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story."

Authorities inUtah confirmedthere is an active domestic violence investigation involving the former couple, who share a 2-year-old son, Ever. The Draper City Police Department said officers made contact with both parties on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25, and that allegations have been made in both directions. News of the February incident surfaced Sunday night, shortly after Paul attended the Oscars and just one week before her season ofThe Bachelorettewas set to premiere. Officials have declined to release further details while the case remains open.

The newly released footage appears to show Paul striking and kicking Mortensen, and at one point, throwing a chair in his direction while a young child is nearby. Paul also shares two older children, ages 8 and 5, with her ex-husband. (They divorced after a "soft swinging" sex scandal.)

Paul issued astatement to Varietyon Thursday: "It's sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child. Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son's birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior. Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences."

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Despite news of the February incidents leaking on Sunday, Paul continued promotingThe Bacheloretteas planned, making appearances onGood Morning AmericaandLive with Kelly and Mark, both ABC shows, where she briefly addressed the situation. As of Wednesday, a networksource told Yahoothe show was still expected to premiere as scheduled, suggesting internal discussions shifted quickly following the release of the TMZ video.

Paul and Mortensen began dating in the summer of 2022, and their tumultuous relationship has played out onThe Secret Lives of Mormon Wivessince its 2024 premiere.

Paul was arrested in 2023 following the alleged altercation depicted in the video. She later entered a guilty plea in abeyance to aggravated assault, meaning the charge could be dismissed if she complies with the terms of the agreement.

According toTMZ, Mortensen filed for a protective order in Utah on Tuesday, seeking temporary custody of Ever and requesting that Paul abstain from alcohol and drugs during her parenting time.

A representative for Mortensensaid in a statementWednesday that his priority is protecting the couple's young son and that he hopes to maintain a cooperative co-parenting relationship with Paul. The rep also pushed back on suggestions that Mortensen was responsible for the timing of the allegations becoming public.

The fallout has also extended toThe Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where production on Season 5 has been paused as the investigation unfolds. A source previously told Variety that the halt is expected to be temporary and that the alleged February incident did not occur while cameras were rolling. Cast members have said the decision to stop filmingwas a collective one, with one costar noting they "didn't feel comfortable" continuing production amid the situation.

The controversy has also had commercial impact.A key brand partner, Cinnabon, ended its collaboration with bothThe BacheloretteandThe Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, citing the allegations as no longer aligning with its brand values.

Behind the scenes, concern for Paul has been growing. A source told People thatsome are worriedabout Paul's well-being and want her to get the help she needs. Sources also said earlier this week that contestants from Paul's season ofThe Bachelorettewere caught off guard by the investigation, with some describing feeling betrayed by the situation.

The sudden decision to pull the season days from its premiere marks an unprecedented moment for the long-running franchise. While Bachelor Nation has weathered controversy before, including production pauses, contestant scandals and the exit of longtime host Chris Harrison, the show has aired as planned.

byCUSTOS CAELORUM

in

March 20, 2026

Taylor Frankie Paul's 'The Bachelorette' season canceled amid domestic violence allegations

The Bachelorettehas been put on hold asthe falling out between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen continues to unf...

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Lily Allen Drops a Sizzling Bikini Moment in West End Girl Behind the Scenes

Lily Allengave fans a peek behind the scenes from her West End project, sharing a striking photo in a lacy bikini on Instagram. She rocked a sleek black outfit that brought a bold touch to the moment.

The post quickly picked up traction online. Fans flooded the comments, praising the look and saying they couldn't get enough of her style.

Lily Allen stuns in black outfit

Have a look at the latest lacy bikini look of Lily Allen on Instagram below:

Lily Allen keeps it bold and simple in this black look. She is wearing a black lingerie-style outfit with a fitted bra top, matching bottoms, and fishnet tights. The outfit highlights her figure in a clean and confident way without extra layers.

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Her hair is styled short and slightly tousled, giving it a relaxed and natural feel. It suits the casual backstage setting and adds to the overall effortless tone. Her makeup looks minimal, with a soft base and light eye makeup, keeping the focus on her natural features.

Lily Allen is posing with her arms raised above her head, balancing lightly, which adds a playful and confident touch.

Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya onMandatory.com.

The postLily Allen Drops a Sizzling Bikini Moment in West End Girl Behind the Scenesappeared first onReality Tea.

byCUSTOS CAELORUM

in

March 20, 2026

Lily Allen Drops a Sizzling Bikini Moment in West End Girl Behind the Scenes

Lily Allengave fans a peek behind the scenes from her West End project, sharing a striking photo in a lacy bikini on Instagram. She rocked...

Read More