THE cost of staying cool is climbing fast and homeowners could be stuck paying hundreds, even if their AC still works.

AC companies are sounding the alarm to try to avoid surprising customers with a huge bill.

KLAS

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The US-China trade war is making the problem worse since many components are imported from overseas (stock image)[/caption]

KLAS

A nationwide shortage of refrigerant is plaguing the HVAC industry after a new federal rule forced a switch to chemicals considered more eco-friendly.

In Las Vegas, where summer heat can be deadly, some residents says it’s a crisis in the making.

” I can’t imagine living in Vegas and not having air conditioning,” local Kaili Bach told CBS local affiliate KLAS.

The Environmental Protection Agency rolled out new guidelines earlier this year requiring that low Global Warming Potential refrigerants be used.

James Langley, owner of a Las Vegas-based HVAC company called We Care Air, said the change is already making things harder – and more expensive.

“The mandate is calling for a lower GWP, which is a Global Warming Potential refrigerant. That’s what the 454B is,” Langley said.

“For us, our install guys have to use different installation tools and adjust our pricing.

“Prices of units have gone up by 30 to 40%.”

The new 454B refrigerant isn’t compatible with older AC systems, meaning repair options are limited for many households.

Even if your unit can be fixed, the shortage is creating room for price gouging.

“Let’s say, I came to your home and your compressor is out,” Langley said.

“We can change that compressor, but now there are those who will charge you double because your only alternative is to get a whole new system which is even more.”

Consumers are also facing yet another unexpected hurdle – there aren’t enough containers.

“It seems like they don’t have enough cylinders made to keep up with the demand of refrigerant that’s needed on all the new units,” Langley said.

The shortage of both refrigerant and the containers it’s stored in is tightening supply across the country.

That’s led to sharp markups in both replacement parts and new units.

“During the Biden administration, the EPA enacted an HVAC management rule,” Jorge Alvarez, co-founder of iGas USA, told NewsNation. 

“And why it was done, nobody knows. It was simply done in order to speed up the process, the EPA said.”

“Let’s speed it up. Let’s bring this change to happen within 15 months in lieu of 10 years or 20 years.”

The US-China trade war is making the problem worse since many components are imported from overseas.

A major portion of the HVAC supply chain depends on China, from refrigerant chemicals to the tools used to install them.

“Eighty percent of the refrigerant gas we need today is now coming from China. That’s 100% against Trump’s initiative,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez estimated refrigerant cost is up 600%.

“A 5-ton air conditioning system a year ago installed used to cost roughly $8,000 today,” he said.

“That exact same system is a minimum of $11,000.”

For now, Langley advises people not to panic.

“If your AC unit still works, there is no need to get a new unit with the mandated refrigerant,” he said.

RYAN Seacrest, 50, may be the suave, ever-smiling host everyone knows, but off-camera, his romantic history reads like a Hollywood casting sheet.

And this summer, Ryan has been sparking whispers after being spotted jetting around Italy with entrepreneur Camille Orders, 32.

Although some cozy photos emerged showing Ryan and Camille travelling together in Italy, insiders insist they’re “just pals.”

A source told Us Weekly: “Ryan and Camille have been friends for over a decade and are currently travelling together with mutual friends.”

While Ryan might be officially single at the moment, let’s take a look at his previous dating history to see if Camille fits in with his usual type…

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Ryan has a long list of ex-girlfriends[/caption]

Instagram / camille1402

Camille is apparently just a friend of Ryan’s[/caption]

Instagram / camille1402

Aubrey Paige

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Ryan and Aubrey split after three years together[/caption]

Ryan’s most recent serious romance was with model Aubrey Paige Petcosky, 26. It was confirmed in June 2021 when made they made their red-carpet debut at the Tribeca premiere of J.Lo’s Halftime.

They parted in 2024 after three years together, with a rep confirming the split.

Shayna Taylor

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Ryan and Shayna were together on and off for eight years before calling it quits[/caption]

One of his longest public love stories. Ryan and model Shayna Taylor, 33, dated on and off for eight years until June 2020.

“Ryan and Shayna decided to end their romantic relationship amicably some time ago,” her rep told Us.

Adding, that they “remain good friends, each other’s biggest supporters and will always cherish their time together as a couple.”

Hilary Cruz & Renée Hall

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Ryan Seacrest and Hilary Cruz briefly dated[/caption]

Splash

In 2015, Ryan briefly dated both Hilary Cruz, 36, and Renée Hall, 36, while on a break from Shayna Taylor.

Sources confirmed the Cruz link to Us Weekly, though it was short-lived; same with the Hall romance. Just a few dates while Ryan pressed pause on romance with Shayna.

Julianne Hough

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Dancing with the Stars alum Julianne Hough dated Ryan for three years[/caption]

Ryan’s most talked-about dalliance was his three-year romance with Dancing With the Stars alum Julianne Hough, 36, between 2010 and 2013.

She reflected candidly in Redbook back in 2014: “Every relationship, there was nothing wrong or bad, but there was nothing right. I had one foot out because I didn’t want to get hurt.

“I needed to be perfect. But now I’m not holding anything back, because I’d rather get my heart broken than never know what it is to be completely, madly in love.”

Jasmine Waltz

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Ryan and Jasmine enjoyed a romantic trip to Paris during their fling[/caption]

In 2009, Ryan had a brief, PDA-friendly fling with Celebrity Big Brother alum Jasmine Waltz, 42, even jetting off to Paris where they were papped indulging in some French kissing.

Teri Hatcher

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Teri only got to enjoy a smooch with Ryan[/caption]

Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher, 60, went on a single date with Ryan in 2006. They were snapped sharing a kiss, though the actress later confirmed there were no others.

Shana Wall

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Shana was Ryan’s first known Hollywood romance[/caption]

Ryan’s first known romance in Hollywood circles was with model-actress Shana Wall, 50. They dated between 2003–2005, even appearing together at the 2005 Primetime Emmys.

In 2016, they briefly turned heads arm-in-arm before he reignited things with Taylor.

DRIVERS have complained about a private parking company that has been misleading consumers with confusing signage.

The parking company scared drivers into thinking they would face harsh consequences following a citation.

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Unified Parking Partners was charged with misleading drivers using unfair ticketing practices[/caption]

The parking company, Unified Parking Partners, paid a lofty fine after the Vermont attorney general found it was using unfair ticketing practices, as reported by VTDigger.

The New England parking company has over 24 private lots across the Burlington area.

An investigation by the attorney general’s office concluded that the company violated the Vermont Consumer Protection Act, which protects consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices.

It provides remedies for consumers who are harmed by deceptive or unfair practices, including actual damages, reasonable attorney fees, and exemplary damages (up to three times the value of the consideration given).

UPP was charged with putting up misleading signage that led drivers and consumers to think the private company was a government authority.

Essentially, drivers were tricked into paying their parking tickets.

The company also issued notices that would mischaracterize the penalties for not paying a fine.

UPP suggested that not paying a parking ticket could impact a driver’s credit rating, vehicle registration, license renewal, or a consumer’s ability to rent a car in the future.

In the settlement, the attorney general clarified that Unified Parking Partner does not have that authority.

The act also allows consumers to seek equitable relief, which is a remedy that addresses the specific circumstances of a case, such as an order to return goods or pay a refund.

Unified Parking Partners agreed to pay $150,000, according to Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark’s office.

“Companies have a right to charge for services rendered, but not to trick consumers into paying out of fear that disputing a charge could come with consequences the company has no power to impose,” said Attorney General Clark.

“The message to commercial actors is that words matter and misrepresentations carry consequences. I’m pleased that this company has agreed to stop its misrepresentations.”

UPP is not allowed to use the terms “citation” or “fine,” according to the settlement.

That way, the UPP cannot imply that drivers who neglect a parking notice will face subsequent consequences because they don’t have the authority to issue such penalties.

In the settlement, the attorney general clarified that Unified Parking Partners is a “private commercial entity with no governmental authority.”

The settlement will be enforced through an Assurance of Discontinuance, a formal agreement between a company that’s being investigated by the state’s Attorney General and the Attorney General’s office.

UPP plans to pay the agreed-upon fine by June 20, 2025.

Drivers can dispute charges with the company by emailing support@uppglobal.com or calling 207-747-4230 with proof of payment.

UPP’s spokesperson, Bev Drivin, told VTDigger, “UPP is committed to complying with all applicable local laws and regulations. All practices, policies, signage, and enforcement notices are fully compliant with applicable laws.”

Unified Parking Partners did not immediately reply to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.

A FLURRY of new features are about to appear on the Apple gadgets you already own.

I sat for two hours as Apple doled out smartphone freebies on stage at its WWDC event in California – and there are six you’ll want to look out for. iPhone owners, buckle up.

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iOS 26 is finally official – and it’s coming to millions of iPhone models[/caption]

Apple

Messages is getting updated with a new ‘poll’ feature in iOS 26[/caption]

Apple

NEW APPLE TRICK #1 – TEXT QUESTION PLEASE?

The Messages app is getting three upgrades – and they’re very handy.

Apple is finally adding the ability to create and send polls to pals.

You’ll be able to quiz them on a restaurant or holiday destination – or vote on who should win Strictly.

It’s a feature that WhatsApp added back in 2023, and is very popular.

Now you can do it in Messages too.

Another added bonus for Messages users is the option to add custom backgrounds to each of your chats.

They’ll sync with the contact too, so you both see the same wallpaper. Fun.

Third, you get the ability to screen messages from unknown senders.

“In Messages, users can now screen messages from unknown senders, giving them more control over who appears in their conversation list,” Apple explained.

“Messages from unknown senders will appear in a dedicated folder where users can then mark the number as known, ask for more information, or delete.

“These messages will remain silenced until a user accepts them.”

NEW APPLE TRICK #2 – GAME DAY

All the signs are there: Apple is getting very serious about gaming.

The company has shown early signs of wanting to boost its gaming offering with its increasingly powerful Mac chips.

And just a few years ago, Apple Arcade launched – serving up a subscription-only library of premium mobile games.

Now Apple has taken it one step further with a brand new and dedicated Games app.

This is a bit like the App Store but just for games (finally!), and also lets you locate Apple Arcade titles too.

There are ways to play with and challenge pals.

And it’s a good sign of things to come: your iPhone is immensely powerful, and has a lot of potential as a gaming device.

Sean Keach

The Sun’s tech editor Sean Keach was on-site at Apple HQ in California for WWDC 2025[/caption]

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Apple has created a dedicated Games app for the iPhone[/caption]

Watch out, Nintendo.

NEW APPLE TRICK #3 – ALL SMILES

Emoji are effectively the world’s shared language. Almost all of us use them – and we all know what they mean.

Last year, Apple created an AI feature called Genmoji to let you dream up your own custom emoji.

But that wasn’t enough for the fiendish emoji lovers out there.

So now Apple has added the ability for users to mash up two emoji together.

Think “smiling football” or “zebra cat”. The possibilities are endless.

NEW APPLE TRICK #4 – AIR WE GO!

By far and away my favourite trick of the lot is a new perk for holidaymakers – though it’s handy at home too.

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You can translate languages in real time using Live Translation[/caption]

Apple

Live Translation will even work on phone calls[/caption]

Apple

You can use Live Translate inside the Messages app too[/caption]

There’s a new feature that translates foreign languages in real-time.

So you can have a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak English, and understand every word they say.

This is a game-changer for any of you that have been abroad in a country where you’re not fluent in the native tongue.

Live Translation should make it much easier to order in restaurants, find your way around when you’re lost, and potentially avoid being scammed too.

NEW APPLE TRICK #5 – HOLD ON A MINUTE

Another brainy new trick is Hold Assist.

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You can now get a virtual helper to “hold” for you on phone calls[/caption]

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It’ll wait on the line while that dreadful music plays[/caption]

Apple

Once the customer support agent is ready, you’ll be alerted so you can pick up the phone[/caption]

This is effectively a robot that holds on a phone call so you don’t have to.

It’ll wait for a human to pick up, and then alert you when the conversation is ready.

That way, you don’t have to spend hours in call centre misery, listening to those awful tunes for a problem that might take just seconds to solve.

NEW APPLE TRICK #6 – HUNG UP!

Another clever spam-prevention feature is Call Screening.

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Call Screening can save you from spammers and scammers[/caption]

This is similar to Apple’s Live Voicemail feature that lets you read a transcription of voicemails in real-time.

Now Apple will gather info from callers, and then share that detail with you.

So your iPhone can ask the caller for their name and why they’re calling – and then tell you the answer that they give.

Then you can decide if you want to pick up the call or totally ignore it.

CUT OFF!

Sadly, not everyone will be able to claim this bonanza of tech tricks.

Anyone with a very old iPhone will miss out on the whole lot.

The list of supported devices getting iOS 26 is as follows:

• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16
• ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max
• iPhone 15
• ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus
• ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro
• ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max
• ‌iPhone‌ 14
• ‌iPhone‌ 14 Plus
• ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro
• ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro Max
• ‌iPhone‌ 13
• ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini
• ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro
• ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max
• ‌iPhone‌ 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• ‌iPhone‌ 11
• ‌iPhone‌ 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd gen)
• ‌iPhone‌ SE (2nd gen)

So if you’ve got anything older than the devices on that list, you’re going without.

That includes the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, which received last year’s iOS 18 update – but has since been cut off from iOS 26.

THE ‘Mecca’ of skateboarding has reopened after 15 years.

The huge section of public space under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York was closed in 2010.

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The area under the Brooklyn Bridge, New York, has been closed since 2010[/caption]

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The area has been shut after renovations in the area, loved by Tony Hawk[/caption]

The newly-renovated area on the Manhattan side comes with a host of new features.

Skate legend Tony Hawk has boarded in the area over the years.

The two acre area is called ‘The Arches’.

It is named after the 53 arches under the historic bridge.

It reopens on Thursday with the iconic Brooklyn Banks skateboarding site.

The area had served as a contractor staging point during the bridge restoration since 2010.

“In the shade of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this project delivers many things,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth.

” An architectural marvel, a proper home for skating in one of the sport’s global hubs.

“And a place to relax in a neighborhood with too few.”

The city of New York began revitalizing the area near Chinatown in 2023.

It has space for shuffleboard, basketball, pickleball and new seating.

Hawk’s nonprofit Skatepark Project has been pushing for years for the Brooklyn Banks to return.

“It’s an icon of skating around the world,” said CEO Benjamin Anderson.

“To have it reopened is absolutely profound.

“This historic skate spot is a special place where people from across the world have come to skate.

“To find community, and we’re thrilled to see it open to the public once again.”

According to the New York Post, another $50 million is earmarked for the project in 2026.

That will include public seating, plantings, lighting and more.

There will also be renovation at the nine acre Gotham Park around the Brooklyn Bridge.

New York Mayor Eric Adams wants to “bring this space back to life.”

He added he hoped it will “transform it into a lively, inclusive space for friends and neighbors to come together.”

A HOUSEHOLD must-have has been urgently pulled from shelves after officials discovered it could contain dangerous fungus.

The contaminated swabs can lead to serious and possibly deadly infections.

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Consumers are urged to stop using the products immediately (stock image)[/caption]

WRAL

The recalled products have been sold nationwide across the US and Puerto Rico[/caption]

The recall has affected products sold across the US and Puerto Rico.

New Jersey-based Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has recalled three products under its Zicam and Orajel brands.

The voluntary recall includes Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs.

Each product is over-the-counter and uses a cotton swab component.

While two products are nasal swabs meant to be inserted in your nose, the teething swabs are designed to soothe “teething discomfort in infants and toddlers.”

All lots within the same expiration dates are included in the recall.

The cotton swabs have been compromised with a microbial contamination identified as fungi.

The type of fungi was not specified, though it puts those using the products at risk of a serious blood infection.

Church & Dwight Co., Inc announced the recall via the Food and Drug Administration on June 6.

The fungi could be life-threatening, especially for children and immuno-compromised people, according to the company.

Users with nasal inflammation or minor injuries could be more vulnerable to an infection as well.

However, the company has confirmed that “no serious adverse events associated with the affected product have been reported.”

Still, officials warn the risk of illness is significant.

Consumers have been urged to stop using the products immediately.

Those who have purchased the products can contact Church & Dwight’s customer relations for a full refund as well.

Church & Dwight said in its notice: “This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.”

MORE RECALLS

In April, the FDA announced that Multi-V Men vitamins made by MTN OPS had been contaminated.

According to the FDA, the pills contain “undeclared soy flour” a potential danger to people with soy allergies.

Officials had said that 7,546 bottles of the 60-capsule Multi-V Men products are involved.

It was classified as a Class II recall, which mean the product may cause temporary or medically reversible issues.

There’s also a remote chance of serious health consequences.

Church & Dwight Co., Inc did not respond immediately to request for comment.

A MASSIVELY popular TikToker has been detained by ICE for reportedly overstaying his visa and was forced to leave the country.

Khaby Lame, — real name  Seringe Khabane Lame — who has more than 162 million followers on TikTok, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement on June 6 at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

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TikToker Khaby Lame was detained by ICE agents on June 6 at a Las Vegas airport[/caption]

Instagram/Khabane Lame

Lame was allowed to voluntarily leave the US and return to Italy[/caption]

Instagram/Khabane Lame

Lame’s Instagram Story appeared to show him in Brazil[/caption]

The same day, Lame was given voluntary departure, allowing him to avoid deportation proceedings.

Lame, who was born in Senegal, was able to return to Italy, where he is a citizen and has spent the majority of his life.

In a statement, ICE said Lame entered the US on April 30 and “overstayed the terms of his visa.”

Lame’s TikToks include several short, humorous clips with the hashtag #LearnFromKhaby, featuring Lame silently reacting to viral videos.

His most recent story on Instagram shows him with a group of friends with the geotag in Paulínia, São Paulo, Brazil.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Lame’s reps and ICE for comment.

METEORIC RISE

At the time of writing, Lame is the most followed TikToker in the world.

“Before TikTok, I was working in a factory. I had a lot of different jobs,” he told People Magazine in 2024.

“I was helping support my family — three little brothers, one older brother, and my parents. Then my world changed completely. It’s a whole different life now.”

Lame said he discovered TikTok during the Covid-19 pandemic and began making videos for fun.

“It was a way for all of us to step outside of all the things that were going on in the world,” he said.

“I was just there trying to make people laugh. It wasn’t something that I expected to be my form of work in the future.”

Lame told the outlet that his first big purchase he made after his success was a bigger house for his family.

“We’re a family of seven. It’s a big family,” he said.

“I don’t like to spend a lot of money, but for this, my family has always done so much for me.”

IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN

The news comes as President Donald Trump’s administration is cracking down on immigration.

Trump has promised to remove millions of immigrants without legal status as part of a mass deportation policy.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

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The investigation, published Saturday by Air Mail, contains interviews with nine women, the majority of whom are anonymous and allege that Leto behaved inappropriately with them more than a decade ago.

Winners and celebrities headed to the Russian Tea Room in New York for a bash hosted by Entertainment 360 and UTA, with Listerine sponsoring the event and The Hollywood Reporter serving as the exclusive media partner. 

Erivo, Entertainment 360 and UTA hosted the party, which welcomed newly minted Tony Award winners, performers and more. Listerine sponsored the event, with The Hollywood Reporter as the exclusive media partner.