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Savannah Guthrie was 'surprised and dismayed' by doubts she would return to 'Today' after mom's disappearance

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:00:14 -0400

NBC’s "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie was reportedly upset by rumors that she wouldn't return to work after her mother's disappearance.

Nancy Guthrie went missing on Feb. 1, prompting a nationwide search that took Savannah Guthrie away from "Today" for more than two months amid a desperate search that has come up empty.

When her mother went missing, Guthrie reportedly "barely thought about work or how she might eventually handle her return" until she caught wind that some of her peers doubted whether she would return to NBC’s flagship morning show.

"When the media newsletter Status reported, just two weeks after Nancy’s likely kidnapping, that ‘a majority of TV veterans’ interviewed ‘expressed doubts’ that Guthrie would ever go back to Today, she was surprised and dismayed," New York Magazine’s Irin Carmon wrote for the publication’s Vulture entertainment vertical.

EMAILER IN NANCY GUTHRIE CASE CLAIMS TO POSSESS VIDEO OF 'MAIN GUY' WITH SAVANNAH GUTHRIE'S MOTHER

"As the case dragged on without resolution, the question became harder to avoid," Carmon continued. "According to the source close to her, Guthrie worried about her ability to hold it together on air and whether the dark cloud around the story could somehow harm the show."

Proving doubters wrong, Guthrie returned to air 64 days after the shocking disappearance. On her first day back, the "Today" anchor donned yellow in support of her mother while sitting next to Craig Melvin, who wore a yellow tie and ribbon pin to match.

Guthrie acknowledged prayers and letters from fans and declared it was "good to be home," but largely stuck to business as usual and never mentioned her mother by name during the show.

"It was ‘Savannah’s idea,’ a senior staffer told me, that they would all say as little as possible about her absence. A person close to the show said everyone acknowledged that ‘most viewers were not tuning in to have a séance about her missing mom,’" Carmon wrote.

"Melvin patted her hand and said, ‘It is good to have you back at home,’ but the anchors kept it brisk," he continued. She didn’t cry until about an hour and a half in, when she and other hosts greeted well-wishers on the plaza."

NBC News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE BREAKS DOWN OVER POSSIBILITY HER MOM WAS TARGETED BECAUSE OF HER FAME, APOLOGIZES TO FAMILY

Nancy Guthrie is believed to have been taken from her home against her will and was last seen when her son-in-law dropped her off at home around 10 p.m. the night before she went missing.

A masked man who appeared on Nancy Guthrie’s Nest doorbell camera around the time authorities said she was taken is described as being of average height and build and carrying a black Ozark Trail backpack. He appeared to be armed with a handgun.

A person purporting to have direct knowledge of the abduction claims to have video evidence and that there were two kidnappers directly involved, according to TMZ founder Harvey Levin, who received the message.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE SAYS FAMILY IN 'AGONY' IN FIRST INTERVIEW SINCE MOTHER NANCY'S DISAPPEARANCE

Levin revealed the latest email in a series of messages he said he's received since the early days of the case, from someone claiming to know what happened to Nancy Guthrie.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed the legitimacy of the first two notes that have been deemed possibly authentic — or the TMZ emails, and sources close to the investigation appear split when it comes to the legitimacy.

Anyone with information on Guthrie's case is asked to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI. There is a combined reward of more than $1.2 million for information that cracks the case. Tips can be provided anonymously to Tucson's Crime Stoppers affiliate, 88-Crime, at 1-520-882-7463.

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Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.

Gabriel Martinelli's 96th-minute goal rescues Brazil from Japan upset in World Cup Round of 32

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:55:19 -0400

Soccer isn't played with the same strict clock as most other sports, but Brazil came about as close to a buzzer-beater as the sport allows.

After a beautiful passing display from the five-time World Cup champions, Gabriel Martinelli found the back of the net in the 96th minute to give Brazil a 2-1 victory over Japan.

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Brazil entered Monday's Round of 32 match against Japan as heavy favorites to advance, but it was the Japanese who struck first. Kaishu Sano scored for Japan, a team that finished second in Group F after drawing the Netherlands and Sweden and beating Tunisia 4-0, so this was hardly an overmatched opponent despite the massive difference in World Cup history.

CANADA SCORES IN 92ND MINUTE TO EARN FIRST WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT STAGE VICTORY OVER SOUTH AFRICA

The goal came from a Brazil mistake near midfield. Sano picked off a misplaced pass, carried the ball himself and ripped a right-footed shot from just outside the box past Alisson to give Japan a shocking lead in the 29th minute.

Brazil controlled the action in the second half and it felt like an equalizer was imminent. That turned out to be the case, as Casemiro tied the game on a header from inside the box just over ten minutes into the second half.

Casemiro nearly tied it two minutes earlier, but he didn’t waste his next chance. Gabriel Magalhães sent a ball into the box, and Casemiro put his header just out of the reach of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to finally break through.

Brazil nearly took the lead almost immediately. Vinícius Júnior, who has been one of the stars of the tournament for Brazil, got loose on the left side of the box in the 58th minute, but Suzuki got enough of the shot to send it off the far post.

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Gabriel Martinelli, who came on in the second half, eventually delivered the moment Brazil spent almost the entire match chasing. He received the ball inside the left channel, took a touch and calmly sent a low shot off the far post.

Brazil continued to control play throughout the second half, but just couldn't get the go-ahead goal into the net. That changed at the very end, when Brazil got the goal it needed to advance to the Round of 16.

Brazil now awaits the winner of Ivory Coast-Norway for its Round of 16 opponent. Japan, meanwhile, still couldn’t find its first World Cup knockout-stage victory, but it made the five-time champions sweat until the final seconds.

Iowa Dem who touted 'strong work ethic' misses more than half of her House votes

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:41:01 -0400

Lindsay James, a state legislator and Democratic candidate for Congress in Iowa, missed over half of her votes in the state’s House of Representatives this past year, records show.

In 2026, James missed 177 of 342 votes, according to the legislature’s records, accounting for 51.7% of the whole.

The absences clash with assurances James made about how her campaign might impact her legislative duties and has opened her up to Republican-led criticisms that she has prioritized her potential role instead of the one she has now.

"Lindsay James promised Iowans that campaigning wouldn’t distract her from the job she was elected to do. That didn’t last long," Emily Tuttle, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said.

DEM REP MIKIE SHERRILL SKIPS 145 HOUSE VOTES AS NJ GOVERNOR'S RACE HEATS UP

"James chose her own political ambitions over showing up for work, proving that when given the choice between serving constituents and serving herself, she puts herself first," Tuttle continued.

James’ campaign said that she has a track record of representing constituents well.

"Lindsay has always fought for Iowa families, taking on corporate greed and predatory landlords and writing the bill to cap the cost of insulin," Jackson Smith, a spokesperson for the campaign, said in a statement to Fox.

"While Lindsay listens to and works for the Iowans making impossible economic choices caused by Joe Mitchell and his Washington allies, Mitchell has been using his campaign cash to party with Washington insiders and will be a rubber stamp for the policies raising Iowa families’ costs," Smith said, referring to Joe Mitchell, a former state representative and a Republican candidate for the seat.

At the outset of her campaign, James told viewers in an interview that she would continue to prioritize her work in the House of Representatives despite intentions to campaign "full-time."

"Full-time campaigning and, of course, fulfilling my important work in the Iowa legislature," James said when asked whether she would also continue working as a minister.

"You know me, I have a pretty strong work ethic at the capitol, early, very late, providing for my constituents. That will never stop. That’s just who I am and how I’m wired," James said.

Even so, James, who first joined the Iowa House in 2019, has missed several key votes in the chamber.

LAKEN RILEY ACT ROILS NJ GOVERNOR’S RACE AS 2 DEMS SKIP ROLL: ‘THE MORE SOMEONE CAMPAIGNS THE LESS THEY VOTE'

Instead of voting on a bill to limit screen time for students in schools, she held a campaign event in Cedar Rapids on April 20, roughly two hours from Des Moines.

Just ten days later, James also missed a vote on whether to make animal torture a felony on April 30 to host a meet-and-greet at a brewery in Decorah, Iowa.

In a third case, she also skipped the chamber’s consideration of whether to lower property taxes in order to host another candidate activity in Dubuque — a three-hour drive from the capitol.

James recently won a Democratic primary earlier this month as she wages a campaign to fill the seat currently held by Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa.

SWALWELL'S 'I SHOULD BE WORKING' GYM, POOL VIDEOS RESURFACE AS DEM RIVAL HAMMERS HIS MISSED HOUSE VOTES

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Hinson, who has represented the district since 2021, announced she would not seek reelection as she pursues a Senate seat to replace outgoing Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.

Adult actress Madison Ivy crashed a Lakers private dinner 'this might be the greatest moment of my whole life'

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:39:45 -0400

Madison Ivy says she and a friend of hers once found themselves at a Los Angeles Lakers private dinner in the backroom of a steakhouse in LA.

The 37-year-old adult actress, whose real name is Clorissa Briggs, told the story during a recent appearance on the Holly Randall Unfiltered podcast. The night out for the two friends started innocently enough.

Madison and her unnamed friend had dinner at BOA Steakhouse, sprinkled some "magical fungi" on dessert as they liked to do, and noticed a table of beautiful girls who were being escorted to the back by security two at a time.

MAGIC JOHNSON FACES RIDICULE FOR LOS ANGELES MAYORAL ENDORSEMENT

As the "magical fungi" kicks in, she decides it's time to find out what is going on in the back of this steakhouse. She convinces her friend to join her and the two of them head for the door in the back.

"I was confident as all hell... walk straight up to that door with those two security guards, look at both of them, and they just opened the door," Madison said.

That's when the two friends found out that the private room was occupied by the Kobe Bryant-era Lakers and the "lovely ladies" who had been taken back there by security.

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They try to lie low and sneak into the back of the room. Unfortunately, that plan didn’t work. One of the players was familiar with Madison's work and recognized her.

"If we just go stand in the background, no one is even going to notice us," she said. "One of the players, I won't name who out of respect, came right up to me and go, 'Madison Ivy, you look just like Jessica Rabbit tonight.'"

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First a member of the Lakers is familiar with her work, then he's handing out Jessica Rabbit compliments. No wonder she's not naming any names out of respect. It was a moment she's never going to forget.

"I just almost hit the floor," Madison continued. "Because I was such a fan, and I was just like, 'this might be the greatest moment of my whole life.'"

Another of the Lakers ended up hanging out with her friend, and he called her for months after that. It was overall a great night for Madison Ivy, her friend, and probably Kobe and company.

Sophie Cunningham fires shots at scornful WNBA girls as jersey sales surge, Fenway proposal & Rockies Gianna!

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:35:32 -0400

Final Monday of June. We're here. We're in it. We've got less than 48 hours left, and then the 'ol calendar gets a big flip.

Feels like we were just talking about Memorial Day, and now we're a few days away from the big 2-5-0. The Fourth of July always feels like the last hurrah for the first part of the year, right? The rest of the month is quiet.

August is really quiet.

And then, the second half of the season cranks up the heat. Football. More football. Labor Day-Halloween-Thanksgiving-Christmas. Playoff baseball.

We go from 0 to 100 real quick. I've always said the second half of the year is when we thrive as a country. But I don't want to get ahead of ourselves.

This is a big week. July is a big month. This is a big birthday for this great country, even though I'm sure the Libs will try to ruin it.

Not on my watch! Let's roll.

Welcome to a Monday Nightcaps — the one where Sophie Cunningham shoots a message to the WNBA haters as the Fever take a week off. What a run for our girl. What a star.

What else? I've got the best #content you may have missed from a loaded weekend, an unfathomable Fenway Park proposal, and how about the GOLF this weekend?

Viktor Hovland beat Scottie in a playoff this morning, and it was electric. How did Scottie miss that putt?!

OK, grab you a waffle iron for National Waffle Iron Day, and settle in for a Monday 'Cap!

Sophie's stock continues to rise

I'm not the biggest fan of waffles, but I will say, hotel waffles are elite. I don't know how they do it, but they somehow make them taste 100 times better than they actually are.

In the grand scheme of things, waffles are waaaaaaaaay down the list of breakfast foods. Frankly, they don't even crack the Mount Rushmore:

Pancakes (IHOP and Cracker Barrel and then everyone else)
French toast (Remember when IHOP invented stuffed french toast back in the day? Gamechanger)
Smoked salmon bagel (Capers are one of the most underrated delicacies in the world)
Crepes (The versatility is off the charts with this one)

And that concludes the breakfast portion of our Monday class. You're welcome!

OK, let's get this thing moving with Sophie Cunningham giving the haters the finger(s) as the Fever take the week off:

Swing and a miss!

For those who missed it over the weekend, Sophie went on her podcast and absolutely torched the rudderless WNBA. Just stuffed them into a locker. It was a bloodbath.

Some fun quotes:

"You see the videos of literally kneeing and cheapshotting [Clark] in the throat... they're definitely targeting her and the league and the refs do nothing to protect her."
"None of our team saw it happen because I promise you if we would have seen that happen, we would have had her back."
"Unfortunately, this type of [expletive] happens every single game to her and the league and the refs do absolutely nothing about it."
"I couldn't help myself. I could not. She was losing her s--- and all I was doing was literally pointing."

Incredible. In case you're wondering, Sophie is currently climbing the charts in terms of popularity ... rapidly. A quick check of the WNBA's Fanatics website shows her jersey at the top with a "Most Popular" label slapped under it.

We don't have actual numbers because the WNBA doesn't provide those (neither does Fanatics), but her No. 8 jersey is currently No. 1 on the site. No idea if that's in chronological order or not, but regardless, she's on the move:

Look out, world. Sophie's coming. And for only a measly $100! Plus, "FREE Jersey Assurance," whatever that means.

The First Lady is making me buy a $700 sectional couch on Facebook Marketplace tomorrow, so I'll have to skip this one for now. And, perhaps, take out a second mortgage. Awesome.

OK, let's get to the best #content from a big weekend. First up? Ever swing and miss at a ball that drills you in the chest?

Reader mail, Caitlin and Gianna!

What a weekend. How about my Red Sox sweeping the Yankees? You wanna see an absolutely incredible stat?

Try this one for size:

The Yanks are now 1-18 in their last 19 June games at Fenway Park. How is that even possible? Can we somehow blame Pride Month?

This Red Sox team is so hilariously bad, which makes last night's walkoff — and this weekend's sweep — even funnier. This version of the Red Sox have no business sweeping anyone. Amazing.

Perhaps we should've known this was bound to happen when we saw THIS take place last night:

Lordy. Yankees fans getting engaged at Fenway? What's happening here? Could you IMAGINE if the tables were turned and Sox fans tried that at Yankee Stadium? No shot. None. Zero.

Treason.

OK, a couple quickies on the way out. First? We've gotten a couple emails this morning about our coverage of Caitlin Clark.

EUROPEAN WORLD CUP INSTAGRAM INFLUENCERS CAN STAY AFTER BACKING THE BLUE, CAITLIN ATTACKED & A STEAK RACK!

From Mike S:

I get that it’s June and it’s too early to start breaking down every game on the football schedule this September, but Jesus, we seem to do a lot of WNBA in this newsletter and for the life of me I can’t understand which of your readers are so enthralled with it that they pay that much attention to it? I literally scroll past everything that either has the words "WNBA" or the image of a female basketball player in it. Completely irrelevant to what I’m assuming is 90% or more of your base of readers. Am I wrong?

Yes, you are wrong. I see the numbers. I see the charts and the analytics and the fancy graphs. I see the engagement time. Joe is off this week, so I'll go ahead and echo what I'm sure he'd say ...

The Google algo drives the content, and you guys drive the content. If you aren't clicking on something, we're gonna stop writing about it. If people aren't searching for it, we're gonna stop writing about it.

Neither of those things are true when it comes to Caitlin Clark. Not the WNBA.

Caitlin Clark.

And yes, it's June. What in the world are we supposed to be covering right now? The World Cup? I've seen the numbers on that one, and, trust me, our readers are far more interested in Caitlin Clark getting mugged on a basketball court than they are with anything that happens on the pitch. I promise.

COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS FLUFF THEIR POMPOMS, SIMONE BILES STUFFS A TROLL IN A LOCKER & TARTAN ARMY HITS MIAMI

What else? You want meaningless summer baseball? Which NFL player got arrested today? NBA and NHL Draft talk? The cupboard ain't exactly full on June 29, yet we have to keep the lights on until football season. That's just the truth.

So, this is where we are. We've got 61 days till TCU and UNC face off in Ireland. Hang on just a bit longer. I promise, we're almost there.

OK, that's it for today. Good start to the week. I've got nothing really revolutionary to close us out on, so here's Rockies in-game host Gianna Girardi celebrating the halfway point of the MLB season.

See? Baseball!

See you Wednesday.

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OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots).

Are waffles overrated? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com.

Let's have an honest conversation about Caitlin Clark, racism, and media cowardice| Bobby Burack

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:12:03 -0400

Three years into her WNBA career, most people still can't have an honest conversation about Caitlin Clark. So we're going to have one right now.

Clark emerged as a phenomenon during her junior season at Iowa. Very few people had a negative word to say about her. That changed during the NCAA tournament when LSU forward Angel Reese taunted Clark with the "You can't see me" gesture, the celebration Clark had made famous throughout her college career.

Reese's taunt drew criticism online. Notably, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy called her a "classless piece of s---."

From that moment forward, a new narrative took hold, one that stated Reese received more backlash than Clark for the gesture because she is Black. At this point, Clark was no longer just the sport's biggest star. She became a symbol in a broader cultural argument about race.

The argument, of course, ignored an obvious distinction. The "You can't see me" taunt, popularized by John Cena, had become Clark's signature. Reese intentionally stole it and waved it directly in Clark's face. In wrestling, that would be viewed as classic heel behavior. Context mattered.

But as you will soon read, facts matter very little in the commentary surrounding Caitlin Clark, much of which is fueled by a loathsome combination of race idolatry, jealousy, and territorialism.

CAITLIN CLARK BEING 'WHITE GIRL FROM THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA' HELPED CONNECT WITH YOUNG FANS, ESPN PUNDIT SAYS

As Clark's popularity grew during her rookie season, critics increasingly attributed it to "whiteness" rather than talent, charisma, or style of play. Commentators such as Jemele Hill argued that Clark's appeal was inseparable from her being a straight White woman in a league made up primarily of Black and lesbian players.

"We would all be very naive if we didn't say race and her sexuality played a role in her popularity," Hill told the Los Angeles Times in 2024.

There is no clear evidence that Clark's popularity is tied to her race or sexual orientation. That argument would deserve more consideration if America consistently elevated White athletes above more accomplished Black athletes. However, that is not the case.

The biggest stars in American sports over the past three decades are Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams, Patrick Mahomes and Floyd Mayweather. That is not exactly the profile of a sports culture searching for the next great White hope.

What these athletes have in common is greatness, personality and aura. Clark is no different from Jordan, Curry, Williams, or Mahomes in that regard.

"But A'ja Wilson is a better player," critics often respond.

Indeed. Nikola Jokić has also been the best basketball player in the world over the past decade, yet he isn't among the NBA's most popular players. Personality and aura are just as important to stardom as greatness.

Still, the narrative surrounding Clark spread through sports media and WNBA locker rooms, locker rooms made up mostly of Black women.

It's not difficult to understand where that leads. As society has proven, there are consequences for telling an entire demographic that the success of their white counterparts comes at their direct expense. The concept is inherently Marxian.

It's also an effective form of brainwashing. Unsurprisingly, Clark entered the WNBA as a target of various Black players.

CAITLIN CLARK HARD CONTACT TIMELINE: WNBA'S GROWING HISTORY OF BRUTAL HITS AGAINST THE FACE OF THE SPORT

Chennedy Carter delivered a blindside hip check, then later shared a social media post encouraging someone to "hurt" Clark next time.

DiJonai Carrington poked Clark in the eye during a playoff game and later posted online about Clark's supposed privilege.

Angel Reese committed several hard fouls against Clark and posted a TikTok mocking her as a "white girl afraid to catch the fade."

Even then, the WNBA media acted as if Clark was responsible for the animus.

New York Times reporters asked Clark twice whether she had an obligation to speak on behalf of black women in the league. ESPN commentator David Dennis Jr. argued Clark has a "moral obligation," as a White woman, to defend Black women, even if they were the ones hard-fouling her.

Eventually, Clark acknowledged her own "white privilege" in an interview with Time, presumably while wearing a black eye.

"I want to say I've earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege."

Think about how unusual that moment was. The league's biggest star felt compelled to acknowledge racial privilege while repeatedly on the receiving end of hard fouls from opponents of a different race.

CHINEY OGWUMIKE'S DEFENSE OF ALYSSA THOMAS REINFORCED EVERYTHING CRITICS SAY ABOUT THE WNBA MEDIA

During her second season, it wasn't clear whether that hostility remained. Clark played in just 13 games because of various injuries.

This season removed any doubt.

Last week, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas drove her fist into Clark's neck. Officials did not call a foul. Thomas was suspended one game afterward. The play was dangerous, unnecessary, and nowhere close to a legitimate basketball play.

Yet parts of the media immediately shifted toward minimizing what viewers had plainly watched.

In one of the more embarrassing segments in the history of sports talk, ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike defended Thomas Sunday evening, arguing that Thomas simply plays aggressively, Clark embellishes contact, and the play only appears egregious when slowed down frame by frame.

Ogwumike's credibility on this subject is already questionable. Last year, she amplified a false accusation that Clark fans directed "monkey noises" toward Angel Reese, an allegation the WNBA later said it could not substantiate.

OutKick requested comment from Ogwumike and Hannah Storm, who hosted the segment. Neither responded.

Elsewhere, Jemele Hill argued that the outrage over Thomas' hit reflected hostility toward Black women.

"So much of this Caitlin Clark discourse is absolutely rooted in hatred or dislike of Black women. The language is the tell. People suggesting Alyssa Thomas should be arrested, describing fouls against CC as 'assault' and 'abuse,' and even this absurd notion that she should just pack up and leave the WNBA to 'humble' them … all points back to this weird fixation people have with wanting to see Black women put in their place and punished," Hill posted on Threads.

Note: People use the word "assault" because driving a fist into someone's neck is, by definition, closer to assault than a basketball play. If the other players simply fouled Clark, no such words would be necessary.

Another note: Jemele Hill accused OutKick of making the story about race last week. She then immediately followed by making the story about race herself, claiming the discourse is "rooted in hatred or dislike of Black women."

Has anyone outside of Lisa Leslie in the WNBA TV media sphere defended Clark? Or at least discussed how that wasn’t a basketball play? Put any blame on Thomas at all? Just seems like everyone is finding ways to make that play seem normal or making Thomas a victim. Seems odd. Like we all see the video. We’ve all watched ball, former NFL player Geoff Schwartz observed.

Not odd. Calculated.

The narrative states that if you support Clark, you are doing so because she is White and the other players are Black. Thus, very few people are going to defend Clark at the risk of someone labeling them a "racist" or a "sellout."

But such fear tactics should never hinder the objective truth. And the truth is as follows:

• Caitlin Clark transcended women's basketball into the mainstream.

• Black players and commentators are convinced she has done so only because she is a straight White woman.

• Those players resent Clark because of that belief.

• The majority of the media is too afraid to say so.

LA TIMES COLUMNIST BILL PLASCHKE CALLS CAITLIN CLARK 'OAFISH' AND 'SPOILED' IN LENGTHY TAKEDOWN COLUMN

To be clear, Clark is no angel. She complains too often. She flops more than a star player should, although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might argue otherwise.

And all of that is fair to say. It's part of her story. However, the idea that she and her White fans are the problem is not factual.

The truth is that Black players and media are uncomfortable with Clark's stardom. They don't like it. They don't believe she fits the preferred culture of the WNBA.

Considering that Clark is also the first major White American sports star to emerge after 2020. This gives Black players and commentators a sense of freedom, and even encouragement, to discriminate against her on the grounds of racial justification.

The WNBA had an opportunity to establish itself as one of the major sports leagues in America. Behind Clark, the league could have showcased and grown other stars around her, including many black players.

Instead, the league as a whole crumbled under the spotlight, often omitting Clark from posters and promotional material simply to signal its virtue.

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The last three seasons have demonstrated that the WNBA is not ready for the moment. The race idolatry among players, coaches, referees and much of the media runs too deep. They would rather remain niche, unprofitable and irrelevant than reach new heights on the back of a White girl from Iowa.

There are likely many things I have written in this piece that will bother people. That's fine. The truth is often uncomfortable and inconvenient. In the case of Caitlin Clark, that's why so few people are willing to state the truth.

Embattled Maine Democrat deadlocked with Collins despite controversies in key Senate race, new poll shows

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:10:38 -0400

Graham Platner, the populist Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, is in a virtual dead heat in a crucial Senate showdown with longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, according to a new poll.

Platner, the embattled candidate who has been facing a slew of controversies, stands at 49% support among likely voters questioned in a New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena poll released on Monday, with Collins at 47%, and 3% of respondents undecided or refusing to answer. Platner's two-point edge is within the survey's sampling error, meaning the contest is virtually tied.

Collins, a moderate Republican who at times votes against President Donald Trump's agenda, is running for a sixth six-year term in the Senate.

The high-profile and likely combustible and expensive race is among a handful that will determine if the GOP holds onto its slim Senate majority in November's midterm elections. Republicans currently control the chamber 53-47 and flipping the Senate seat in left-leaning Maine is a key part of the Democrats' path to retake the majority.

GAME ON IN KEY SENATE RACE AS PLATNER CAPTURES DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION

Platner, a military combat veteran and oyster farmer who is backed by progressive champions Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Rep. Ro Khanna of California, earlier this month easily defeated two longshot rivals in Maine's Democratic Senate primary.

Platner, who advocates an economically populist agenda as he takes aim at corporate influences and advocates for the working class, also topped two-term Democratic Gov. Janet Mills in the primary. The governor's name remained on the ballot even though Mills, who had been backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats' campaign arm, suspended her bid this spring after significantly trailing Platner in fundraising and polling.

Platner's victory also came as he was facing one of the roughest stretches of his bid for the U.S. Senate.

He was playing defense the past couple of months amid multiple controversies. They included inflammatory online comments made on Reddit, a well-publicized and now covered-up tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol, recent reports that he exchanged sexually explicit messages with several women while married, and allegations from ex-girlfriends of a history of rape fantasies, heavy drinking and violent episodes. Platner has called the allegations of violence untrue.

THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE'S MAJORITY

A day before the primary, a former high-level staffer from the Platner campaign wrote in the Washington Post that Platner "is not someone who would be good for Maine or for the country."

The mounting controversies grabbed plenty of attention and triggered some Democrats in the nation's capital to question whether Platner was damaged goods, but didn't stop him from riding a populist wave to capture the nomination. More than 9 in 10 Platner supporters questioned in the poll said they had heard about his controversies but that their vote for him was based on where he stands on the issues.

Platner, who has acknowledged his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his three tours of duty in the war in Iraq with the Marines and one tour with the Army National Guard in Afghanistan, apologized for his controversial Reddit posts after some of them made headlines last fall soon after he launched his Senate campaign.

And Platner has said he got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007 while drinking with fellow Marines stationed in Croatia. He said that he covered up the tattoo with a new design after learning last year that it resembled a Nazi symbol. But allegations from an ex-girlfriend raise questions about Platner's timeline regarding knowledge of the tattoo.

In his primary night victory speech, Platner emphasized that he's a changed man.

"If you believe, as I do, that we can change our politics and change our country, then you must also believe that people can change," Platner told the crowd. "And the reason I believe that is because I have lived it. And the reason that I have lived it is because of my wife."

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The new poll, conducted June 19-26, suggests Platner is having some difficulty winning over some voters who want the Democrats to take back power in Congress.

Fifty-four percent of respondents said they'd like to see the Democrats win back the Senate majority in the midterms, five points higher than the 49% who are supporting Platner. And Collins is capturing 10% of voters who prefer the Democrats control the Senate.

The poll also indicates that a majority of Maine voters don't believe Platner has "good character" or the "right kind of moral values" and nearly half say he's too extreme.

By contrast, more than 6 in 10 say Collins has "good character" and the "right kind of moral values" and only a third said she was too extreme for Maine.

Meanwhile, some Democratic respondents worried that the 41-year-old Platner, who has never held elective office, would be "too inexperienced."

But there are also warning signs for Collins.

A majority questioned said they thought the senator would be too supportive of Trump and even some of her own supporters worry that the 73-year-old Collins is too old to be an effective senator.

The senator voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial, in 2021, soon after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. And early last year she opposed the confirmation of now-Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

But she is also remembered for her 2018 vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, which eventually helped the court's conservative majority overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that had legalized abortion nationwide.

Beating Collins won't be easy.

Six years ago, public opinion polls indicated the senator was headed to defeat, but Collins defied expectations and won re-election by topping then-Democratic state House Speaker Sara Gideon by nine points.

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The new survey is the latest to indicate Platner with a slight edge over Collins, although a Pine Tree Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire late last month suggested Platner held a nine-point lead.

Spotlighting the new poll, the Platner campaign wrote in a social media post that "Susan Collins has the billionaires. The lobbyists. The Super PACs. The Washington establishment. But we have Maine."

50 Cent mocks Jussie Smollett's Harlem Pride performance as fans slam his comeback attempt

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:07:07 -0400

50 Cent isn't holding back when it comes to Jussie Smollett's return to the stage years after an alleged hate crime hoax.

On Sunday, the 50-year-old rapper — who has been enthralled in a heated rivalry with Smollett over their respective television shows for years — took to social media to poke fun at Smollett's performance.

In an Instagram post, the executive producer of the "Power" franchise — who previously mocked Smollett for referring to himself as the "gay Tupac" in 2019 — shared a video of the "Empire" star performing at Harlem Pride’s "17 Shades of Pride" celebration over the weekend.

"See I told you 'POWER' was the s---, but No you want to watch 'Empire.' Now look this its all your fault. LOL," he wrote alongside a video of Smollett's performance.

JUSSIE SMOLLETT'S TV RETURN IS ATTEMPT TO CHANGE 'AMERICA'S GIANT SCAM ARTIST' LABEL: EXPERT

While "Power" and "Empire" premiered around the same time and both centered on wealthy Black families in New York, the two series were quite different. However, 50 Cent frequently fueled the fan rivalry by trolling "Empire" on social media and insisting that "Power" was the superior show. He leaned into that rivalry even more during Smollett's 2019 controversy, using the moment to take repeated jabs at both the actor and "Empire."

While some openly criticized Smollett's singing and "sad" attempt at a comeback over the weekend, others were quick to come to his defense — including "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown.

"I was at this PRIDE event and Jussie killed it. F---k off for using one clip from the entire 30 min show to try bring someone down!" Brown commented on 50's post.

"People make mistakes but life doesn’t have to end! Let him work man," one user wrote on X.

"He looks healthy, like he's been working out and keeping up with his skin regiment," another added. "I pray over these years, he has also gotten the spiritual & mental healing he needed as well. Cheers to better days!"

Others weren't as receptive.

"Glad he ain’t hurt no more but he’s out here hurting our ears," one user wrote on X.

"Have we forgiven him yet?" another wrote.

"He was thinking this moment is gonna fix everything. Nope," one user added.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a representative for Smollett said, "Given the complexities of his own personal life, 50 Cent might be better served tending to matters closer to home rather than taking public shots at Jussie."

JUSSIE SMOLLETT CONVICTION OVERTURNED BY ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT

Smollett originally reported to Chicago Police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two men wearing ski masks in January 2019. He was convicted in 2021 of staging the hate crime, but his conviction was overturned in November 2024.

After reaching a settlement with the City of Chicago in 2025, Smollett agreed to make a $50,000 charitable donation to have a lawsuit against him dismissed.

JUSSIE SMOLLETT DONATES $50,000 TO CHARITY IN CHICAGO SETTLEMENT, MAINTAINS HIS INNOCENCE

In a lengthy statement to Fox News Digital at the time, Smollett said, "Over six years ago, after it was reported I had been jumped, city officials in Chicago set out to convince the public that I willfully set an assault against myself. This false narrative has left a stain on my character that will not soon disappear. These officials wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do."

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"Today, it should be clear. … They have received neither. The decision to settle the civil lawsuit was not the most difficult one to make. After repeatedly refusing to pay the city, I was presented with an opportunity to make a charitable donation in exchange for the case being dismissed."

In April 2019, the City of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Smollett in an attempt to recoup the costs of police investigating the alleged attack. The actor told Fox News Digital "despite what happened there politically," he still has a place in his heart for the city.

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"Therefore, making a donation to benefit Chicago communities that are too often neglected by those in power will always be something I support," he said. "I've made a $50,000 donation to Building Brighter Futures (BBF) Center for the Arts, a local nonprofit doing incredible work nurturing self-expression, creativity and exploration of the arts for Chicago youth. This organization was of my choosing, and I'm comforted that there will be at least one winner from this experience."

Smollett said that even though the criminal charges were overturned, and the civil case has been dismissed, "I'm aware that it will not change everyone's mind about me or the attack I experienced. However, despite arduous and expensive attempts to punish me, I am innocent both in the eyes of God and of our criminal justice system."

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"I will continue creating my art, fighting passionately for causes I hold dear and defending my integrity and family name with the truth," he concluded.

Smollett's return to the stage came during a busy Pride weekend in New York City, which also saw thousands of people—including New York City congressional candidate Brad Lander—take part in the NYC Pride Parade.

Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz, Tracy Wright and Emily Trainham contributed to this post.

Obama takes new swipe at Founding Fathers ahead of America’s 250th birthday: 'Deep flaw'

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:04:30 -0400

Former President Barack Obama took aim at the Founding Fathers ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, saying they held a "deep flaw" for their ties to slavery despite being "geniuses."

"I think sometimes we get confused in thinking that these two stories are separate. They're intertwined, right? Which is why it's possible for me to be a great admirer of George Washington, and also acknowledge he was a slaveholder," said Obama in an interview Sunday with MSNOW.

The 44th president's appearance comes as most Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday on Saturday with patriotic events across the country, while Obama is using the milestone to deliver a more cautionary message about the state of American democracy.

OBAMA KNOCKS FOUNDERS AT PRESIDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT BEFORE AMERICA’S 250TH: ‘FELL TERRIBLY SHORT’

"That does not negate [Washington’s] greatness, it simply acknowledges that there's a profound deep flaw in these Founding Fathers who were also geniuses and gave us these tools," Obama said.

"It’s that we're this mixed bag, we've got contradictions. And embody the country's contradictions," he added.

OBAMA KNOCKS FOUNDERS AT PRESIDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT BEFORE AMERICA’S 250TH: ‘FELL TERRIBLY SHORT’

Obama has been making many media appearances leading up to and following the opening of his presidential center in Chicago earlier this month. The expansive center includes a museum, library branch, community programming and is intended as a legacy project tied to Obama’s political roots on Chicago’s South Side.

OBAMA KNOCKS FOUNDERS AT PRESIDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT BEFORE AMERICA’S 250TH: ‘FELL TERRIBLY SHORT’

During the center's opening ceremony, which attracted former presidents and Hollywood elites, Obama took a swipe at the founders.

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"The success of this experiment was never a given," Obama said in his speech, referring to the nation's founding.

"In forming our union, the founders fell terribly short of the Declaration's promise, leaving slavery intact, allowing states to restrict the franchise to white men who owned property. But in drafting a Constitution and a Bill of rights, they did have the foresight, the genius, to provide us with a framework that allows each generation to make our union more perfect," he added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Obama's office for additional comment on Monday.

During Obama’s early political rise, researchers found that some of his White ancestors had owned slaves in the U.S., a discovery that has resurfaced periodically in political discourse, including in 2019 comments by then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"While a relative owned slaves, another fought for the Union in the Civil War," then-Obama spokesman Bill Burton confirmed to the Associated Press in 2007 of the upcoming president's family history.

MS NOW host accuses Democratic senator of gaslighting after he dodged on socialist's posts

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:00:33 -0400

MS NOW host Mika Brzezinski unloaded on Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., on Monday and accused him of gaslighting after the liberal senator dodged questions about New York Democratic congressional nominee Darializa Avila Chevalier and her controversial statements.

Murphy told "Meet the Press" guest host Ryan Nobles on Sunday that he wasn't "super familiar" with the race but sought a broader exchange of ideas within the party after he was confronted with a campaign ad highlighting Avila Chevalier's history of controversial social media posts, which have since been deleted, including her disdain for former President Joe Biden, where she went so far as calling him a "rapist."

"This is going to be an interesting issue, actually, for candidates on both sides of the aisle, because they’re now many of them are old enough to have past tweets and ridiculous statements, and voters are going to have to decide what the line is. What’s the dealbreaker in this case?" Brzezinski asked.

"I think it’s pretty clear. Some of these statements are complete dealbreakers, and it’s not hard to say," she continued. "It’s just not hard to say. And one of the most frustrating thing about Trump’s first presidency and his second, and folks who chose to vote for Trump the first time and then vote for him a second time, and then act shocked about the cruelty of the mass deportations, or to act shocked about the tariffs, or to say, 'well, I haven’t been watching the news. I don’t know about that one.'"

CHRIS MURPHY DODGES QUESTIONS ABOUT DEM SOCIALIST'S CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS WHILE PUSHING PARTY'S 'BIG TENT'

"That is like the most gaslighting experience one can ever, ever see throughout this entire political cycle or cycles because pretending you haven’t seen it is impossible — it’s an out," Brzezinski added.

She then called out Democrats like Murphy for doing the same thing.

"And now to see a Democrat doing it — and I like, we both love Chris Murphy, we think he’s a great guy and serves our country. But don’t gaslight people!" she added. "I mean, this story is out there."

Her co-host and husband, Joe Scarborough, criticized Murphy over his response on X.

Scarborough wrote on X that Democrats should call out "crazy."

"Memo to Democrats: Call out crazy even when it’s on your side—especially when it’s on your side. Voters will reward you for being better than Republicans," he wrote. Scarborough then pointed to an X post highlighting her controversial statements.

Avila Chevalier, 32, a longtime community organizer who led the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, slammed the United States, the Democratic Party, private property, police, borders and called to nationalize large swaths of the private sector in the now-deleted posts from 2018 to 2022.

In a 2021 repost, Avila Chevalier said that abolishing borders, prisons and police is "possible, necessary, and the only moral way forward," and later echoed posts that said "all deportation is wrong" and, "Yes, literally abolish the border," according to a CNN report.

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"This country is a f-----g disgrace," she said in a post.

"I forgot to get napkins so I just wiped my hand on the American flag behind me," she reportedly said in yet another.

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Fox News' Peter D'Abrosca contributed to this report.

Heel Turn: The fall of Rhodes, Will Ospreay's loyalties, King Oba and more from pro wresetling

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:51:06 -0400

It was a weekend to celebrate Sami Zayn.

Zayn, after more than a decade on the WWE main roster, finally won a world title when he pinned Cody Rhodes during their triple-threat match with Gunther at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. Zayn didn’t need any shenanigans or distractions from the outside. He pinned the "American Nightmare" and prompted a massive frenzy in Riyadh.

The triumph of Zayn now begs the question of what Rhodes does from here.

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Busted Open pointed out that it had been a while since Rhodes lost without distractions or interference.

It just underscores the reign Rhodes has had over the WWE since he returned to the company at WrestleMania 38.

It’s been a strange 10 months or so for Rhodes. He defeated John Cena last August to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship. He dropped the title to Drew McInyre in January and then won it back nearly two months later. He held the title through WrestleMania 42 when he defeated Randy Orton in Night 1. He took the liberty of booking the Night of Champions triple threat himself to leave no doubt as to who the best WWE star is.

Perhaps, a little shortsighted. Zayn is on top of the mountain and Rhodes is left stunned looking up at one of the men he counted out the most.

Zayn spoke to Fox News Digital before he won the championship at Night of Champions. He said he believed the win could be a "cultural moment."

"I think it’s kinda one of those things that would kinda be hard to process. I truly don’t know. I don’t know how the fans would react," he said. "I hope they would enjoy it but you never know because my character right now is a little polarizing – I truly don’t know. But I don’t know. I think there’s a lot of like cultural and historical kind of significance that would kinda maybe hit me after the fact.

"From a sentimental point of view, for sure, I think it would be kind of awesome. I think it would be a big cultural moment, actually. I don’t think about it. I kind of dismiss it a lot at this point because we come to Saudi a lot. A lot has been made of the fact that I’m Arab or I’m Muslim or whatever. But growing up, that was not the case. It was not like this was a common thing or something that you could ever even dream. I couldn’t have dreamt that this would happen. So, yeah, that would be a pretty big deal I think."

As Zayn begins the culture change, Rhodes’ biggest fans will look to see where he goes from here.

Will Ospreay – officially a Death Rider?

Will Ospreay came away with the victory over Swerve Strickland in the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament on Sunday night at Forbidden Door. He will earn a title shot against the AEW world champion at All In.

As the pro wrestling world celebrates Ospreay’s opportunity at All In, the looming shadow of The Death Riders grew substantially. Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, Pac, Yuta Wheeler and Marina Shafir were in Ospreay’s corner as he put away Strickland. They celebrated with him and Alex Windsor in the ring.

While it seemed like Ospreay kept The Death Riders at an arm’s distance, an alliance appeared to form for real. He used Moxley’s moves to beat Strickland. Moxley and Castagnoli put him on their shoulders. Those who were skeptical of Ospreay, clapped for him.

Ospreay and Windsor walked back up the ramp while The Death Riders exited through the crowd. Whatever develops next is going to be really interesting. Will either side be able to trust each other with two months before All In.

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King Oba’s reign

Oba Femi defeated Jey Uso to win the King of the Ring Tournament. He earned a shot at a world title of his choosing because he won.

Femi was defiant as he was interviewed in the ring following his victory.

"It feels so good to go from ‘The Ruler’ to being the king," Femi said in his post-match promo. "Jey Uso did not understand what he was up against tonight. He thought he was just fighting one man. You might be able to beat one man but you can’t beat fate and you can’t beat destiny and most importantly, you can’t beat me.

"I am the ruler, the destroyer, the bringer of war, the mountain that you cannot climb, the mountain that you cannot conquer, the one-of-one, the beast slayer, the one, the chosen one, the king of the ring, Oba Femi!"

The bigger question is how Femi will be booked moving forward. He will likely turn his attention to Roman Reigns, the world heavyweight champion who has cast his dominion over the Raw roster. It would be the best way to go for Femi.

But, there’s a beast of a shadow looming behind him.

Femi’s rivalry with Brock Lesnar is not over just yet. Lesnar didn’t interfere in Femi’s match against Uso. Pro wrestling fans likely hope that the final match will take place at SummerSlam. It would be an incredible end if that’s the case.

It would also beg the question of whether Femi does two matches at SummerSlam. Could he handle Lesnar and Reigns in one weekend? What about in one day? Femi has a rocket strapped to his back, that’s for sure.

Jonathan Gresham talks PRODUCE

Pro wrestling star Jonathan Gresham talked to Fox News Digital about his latest endeavor in the sport. Gresham and Abe will participate in a new wrestling series presented by Orange Crush. The event is called "PRODUCE Volume 1: The Octopus." It will take place at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, New York, at 8 p.m. ET.

He’s also listed as a co-producer for the event.

"The one thing I think – attention to detail and consistency over time," Gresham told Fox News Digital when asked what fans can expect from the event. "I think that’s something that is missing in modern wrestling and that’s something that’s something Adam and I talk about quite a bit."

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Title changes at TNA Slammiversary

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) saw several championships change hands at Slammiversary. Nic Nemeth won the TNA World Championship, Xia Brookside won the TNA Knockouts Championship, Rosemary and Allie captured the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship and The Hardys captured the TNA World Tag Team Championship.

Plus, there was a major announcement of a new title coming to the roster. TNA announced the formation of the Knockouts TV Championship, which would be defended exclusively on "Impact."

TNA's Slammiversary show was extremely solid given the discourse about the company over the last week. The next few big events could become must-watch shows.

News and notes from the pro wrestling world last week:

WWE announced a double show on Aug. 30. NXT Heatwave and Lucha Libre AAA will take place at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. Tickets go on sale for all on July 8.
Uhaa Nation debuted at Slammiversary as part of Mustafa Ali's open challenge for the TNA International Championship. However, Ali was able to fend Nation and Rich Swann off in a triple-threat match.
Kendal Grey became the new NXT women's champion at The Great American Bash. She defeated Lola Vice to win the title.
A new WWE ID champion was crowned. Max Abrams defeated Chazz "Starboy" Hall.
Nikkita Lyons defeated Wendy Choo to become the new WWE Evolve women’s champion.
Major League Wrestling announced during "MLW Fusion" it was in the midst of a "contract dispute" with Bishop Dyer – one half of the tag team champions.

National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) announced it will air "Powerrr" on Tubi.
WWE star Nattie Neidhart is returning to the National Wrestling Alliance for NWA 78 on July 25.
Trevor Murdoch was thought to have been retiring from pro wrestling after an illustrious career. But he swerved everyone and called the fans "idiots." He mocked everyone for thinking that he would retire. He dubbed himself "King Trevor Murdoch I."

Weekend alligator attacks leave Florida woman dead, child injured

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:56:59 -0400

A woman, 31, died Sunday after an alligator bit her arms off while she was swimming with friends in the Econlockhatchee River in Central Florida, the latest in a spate of attacks that also left a child injured and has the state warning of dangers and urging reports on "nuisance alligators."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued urgent warnings on Monday that alligators who have come to "associate people" with food have to be reported immediately and "removed from the wild."

Sunday's deadly attack, detailed in a 911 call, was the second alligator attack in 24 hours in Central Florida and the third reported in the region in a week, according to FWC officials.

"Bad, real bad please, hurry ... she's losing a lot of ... please hurry ... " a frantic 911 caller said, according to emergency calls obtained by local media Monday. "Someone got bit by a gator...."

WOMAN AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL WITH SERIOUS INJURIES AFTER SHARK ATTACK AT POPULAR SYDNEY BEACH

The FWC said the woman was swimming near the Barr Street Trailhead in the Little Big Econ State Forest. She was taken to a hospital as a trauma alert and later died from her injuries, officials said. Her name had not been released Monday.

"The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time," FWC press secretary Ashlee Brahier Sklute told Fox News Digital in a statement.

PARTNER OF WOMAN KILLED BY DOGS RECENTLY SAVED NEIGHBOR WOUNDED IN SIMILAR ATTACK: COURT RECORDS

FWC officers, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and a trapper responded to the river.

"Multiple agencies and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper have responded to the scene," Sklute said, detailing the ongoing investigation. "Trapping efforts are ongoing."

The fatal attack came one day after a child was bitten in the hand by an alligator while fishing from shore at Nelson Fish Camp near Umatilla in Marion County, FWC said. The child was taken to a hospital for treatment, and an FWC officer later captured and killed an alligator that measured 8 feet, 7 inches, according to the FWC.

A week earlier, a snorkeler was bitten by an alligator in the Rainbow River in Marion County, prompting officials to temporarily close the waterway while FWC and deputies searched for the animal. Authorities later removed an 8-foot alligator, and the snorkeler was released from the hospital.

USPS REVEALS SHOCKING NUMBER OF DOG ATTACKS ON MAIL CARRIERS, ISSUES URGENT WARNING TO PET OWNERS

FWC says serious injuries from alligators are rare, but the agency warns that alligators are active across Florida, especially during courtship and mating season in spring and early summer. Florida is home to about 1.3 million alligators, and the animals live in all 67 counties, according to FWC.

"The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property," the agency wrote in its statement to Fox News Digital.

"People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286)," they said. "When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, we will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation."

A few safety recommendations for individuals coming into contact with an alligator, according to FWC: "Keep a safe distance" and "keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge."

"Pets often resemble alligators’ natural prey," FWC warns. "Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn."

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Also, "never feed an alligator; it’s illegal and dangerous."

"When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food," the FWC added. "This can lead to an alligator becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild."

Two corrections officers held hostage after inmates take over portions of North Carolina detention center

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:51:57 -0400

Order was restored to a North Carolina jail after inmates overpowered guards, took them hostage and briefly seized control of portions of the facility, authorities said Monday.

The incident began at 5 a.m. at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor when inmates assaulted on-duty correctional staff and took control of parts of the jail, said Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin.

"Our top priority is the safety of our staff, inmates, and the surrounding community," Ruffin said earlier. "We are coordinating closely with multiple law enforcement partners to resolve this situation safely and as quickly as possible."

FATHER OF NC COLLEGE STUDENT 'FURIOUS' AFTER CAREER CRIMINAL ALLEGEDLY KILLS DAUGHTER IN USC HOUSE BURGLARY

Two corrections officers were taken hostage, while a third corrections officer escaped, Ruffin said. The first responding deputy arrived within two minutes of the initial alert but was unable to enter the jail.

Authorities quickly set up a perimeter around the detention center.

At the time of the takeover, 88 inmates and three guards were inside the facility.

ESCAPED NORTH CAROLINA INMATE HAS HISTORY OF TRYING TO FLEE LAW ENFORCEMENT

At around 9:30 a.m., 18 inmates and the two captive guards were released unharmed following negotiations. Minutes later, another large group of inmates was released and left the facility.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) then entered the jail and worked to take the remaining 10 inmates back into custody. At around 2 p.m., the SBI said the facility was cleared.

"All inmates and staff are safe and accounted for, and those who sustained injuries have received treatment. Inmates have been transferred to other facilities for housing, and the detention center will remain secured while personnel assess the extent of the damage," the agency wrote on X. "The public is asked to avoid the area as crews continue working to clear the scene."

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Investigators have not yet determined what triggered the incident, Ruffin added. He said there was no threat to the public.

JetBlue flight reports drone strike during approach to New York airport: FAA

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:32:44 -0400

A JetBlue flight reportedly struck a drone while approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport for landing Monday morning, according to federal officials.

The incident involved JetBlue Airlines Flight 948, which departed from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft struck the drone at an altitude of about 3,000 feet.

"The pilot of JetBlue Airlines Flight 948 reported striking a drone at approximately 3,000 feet altitude while on final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport around 7:15 a.m. local time on Monday," the FAA said.

FAA TEMPORARILY RESTRICTS DRONE FLIGHTS IN NEW YORK AMID CONCERNS OVER RECENTLY REPORTED SIGHTINGS

JetBlue told Fox News Digital that the crew "reported a possible drone encounter during the aircraft's final approach into New York."

The flight landed without incident, customers deplaned normally, and the aircraft was removed from service for a post-flight inspection, JetBlue said.

JetBlue and FAA officials both said the post-flight inspection did not reveal any damage to the aircraft or evidence of a collision.

'DRONE' SIGHTINGS IN THE NORTHEAST SPARK 'UNFOUNDED' PANIC, SAYS EXPERT

"Safety is JetBlue's first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations," JetBlue said.

The FAA will investigate the incident.

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According to the agency, unauthorized drone operations near airports are illegal, but reports of "unmanned aircraft (UAS) sightings from pilots, citizens and law enforcement remain high."

Operators who violate FAA regulations may face significant civil penalties and criminal charges, including possible jail time.

Windows 11, Microsoft Office and more software are on sale, starting at $10

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:47 -0500

Microsoft's Windows software and apps like Office are an industry standard, but upgrading to the latest versions can be expensive. Now's your chance to save on software, both old and new, including Microsoft Windows 11 Pro (the latest version), Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 and other programs starting at $10.

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026: $49.99 (90% off)

Original price: $499.99

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 offers AI-assisted coding tools that make it easier to write, debug and improve your code as you learn. Helpful diagnostics can catch mistakes early, so you’re not stuck trying to figure out what went wrong. It's a solid choice for beginner coders experimenting with web and software development.

Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business Lifetime License: $104.97 (58% off)

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Shop the Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business with a lifetime license — now 58% off for a limited time. The package includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote for one Mac or PC, all built with a modern interface and powerful productivity tools. Plus, enjoy built-in, AI-assisted features that help streamline your workflow.

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro: $9.97 (94% off)

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Windows 11 Pro is the latest version of Windows, offering a user-friendly interface, advanced antivirus protection and unmatched graphics (ideal for gaming). Other features like snap layouts, voice typing and a more powerful search experience improve productivity, too. Using this deal gives you a lifetime license to use Microsoft Windows 11 Pro on your device.

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Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: $14.99 (94% off)

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You can also get this older version of Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for just $15. Visio is Microsoft’s diagramming tool, complete with dozens of pre-made templates, starter diagrams and stencils. From flowcharts to org charts, floor plans and more, you can create easy-to-understand visuals no matter what business you’re in.

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Idaho fisherman loses his own state record, then takes it back with an even bigger catch

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:19:31 -0400

Some guys have all the luck.

An Idaho fisherman is back in the record books after landing a monster lake trout that measured 43.25 inches long. And somehow, this isn't even the first time he's done it.

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Idaho Falls angler Dylan Smith was fishing on Payette Lake near McCall on May 2 when a giant lake trout decided to make his day. After a battle, Smith managed to get the fish into the boat and onto a measuring tape, where he discovered he'd just broken Idaho's catch-and-release state record for lake trout.

The previous record was 42 inches.

And here's where the story gets crazy: Smith already held this exact record once before.

Back in 2018, he landed a 41.5-inch lake trout — also in Payette Lake — and earned a spot atop Idaho's record book. Eventually, another angler surpassed him with that 42-inch fish.

That’s when Smith set out on a mission to avenge his prized laker!

OK, not really. But as fate would have it, he did manage to reclaim that top spot.

"The former lake trout record holder has returned!" Smith wrote on social media after the Idaho Department of Fish and Game made his latest record official. ‘43.25’ is the new length to beat!"

TENNESSEE ANGLER LANDS MONSTER 15-POUND LARGEMOUTH BASS THAT SHATTERS STATE RECORD

Payette Lake has become one of Idaho's premier destinations for trophy lake trout, thanks in part to years of management efforts by Idaho Fish and Game. Biologists have worked to reduce the number of smaller trout in the lake, which has helped improve the kokanee population and allowed the remaining lake trout to grow bigger and healthier.

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The strategy appears to be working.

After all, if one guy can break the state record twice on the same lake, who's to say an even bigger monster isn't swimming around down there right now?

Charlie Kirk's parents, widow to attend Tyler Robinson's preliminary hearing next week

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:14:05 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: Charlie Kirk's parents and his widow Erika Kirk will attend Tyler Robinson's preliminary hearing in Utah next week, according to a source familiar with the situation.

It marks the first major hearing Kirk's family is expected to attend since Robinson's arrest in the days after his assassination.

The family is not expected to speak publicly, however.

Robinson, 22, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. He has not yet entered a plea.

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The preliminary hearing is expected to take the full week of July 6. Prosecutors will call witnesses in a bid to establish probable cause for the case against Robinson, and if they succeed, the court will allow the case to go to trial.

There is a chance that the hearing gets pushed back, however, with the Utah Supreme Court weighing a defense appeal over Judge Tony Graf's denial of Robinson's motion to ban news cameras from the proceedings — a motion opposed by designated victims' advocate Erika Kirk.

The state's highest court could issue a decision before the end of the week.

"[The preliminary hearing] is expected to be a raw, difficult moment for the family," the source told Fox News and Fox News Digital.

Several videos of Kirk's murder circulated widely online minutes after the shooting, and similar images are expected to be shown in court. The sides have agreed to notify family members of sensitive evidence before they show it, giving them an opportunity to leave the courtroom in advance, the source said Monday.

CHARLIE KIRK'S ALLEGED ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON FACES DEATH PENALTY AS CHARGES FORMALLY ANNOUNCED

Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted of the top charge of aggravated murder. He faces six lesser charges, including weapons offenses, obstruction of justice and witness tampering.

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Unlike a trial, hearsay testimony will be allowed at the preliminary hearing. And prosecutors have successfully asked the court to allow them to play a video statement from Twiggs, rather than putting him on the witness stand to face cross-examination.

Prosecutors have argued that Twiggs is unavailable to testify in person, after he moved out of state and was briefly placed under the FBI's protection due to the case's high profile.

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Robinson allegedly confessed to the assassination in conversations with Twiggs and in a note left behind at the pair's shared apartment, according to court documents.

"I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it," the alleged note reads, according to court filings.

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"You weren’t the one who did it right????" Twiggs allegedly asked in a text message later.

ALLEGED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON’S LOVER LANCE TWIGGS NO LONGER UNDER FBI PROTECTION, SOURCE SAYS

"I am, I’m sorry," Robinson allegedly responded, according to court filings.

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Police recovered the suspected murder weapon, a Mauser rifle, wrapped in a blanket in a patch of woods near campus. Prosecutors have said that other text messages between Robinson and Twiggs allegedly discuss wanting to retrieve the rifle.

Twiggs is cooperating with investigators and has not been charged with a crime.

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Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, founded the campus-based conservative group Turning Point USA. He was participating in a question-and-answer speaking tour when a single bullet struck him fatally in the neck.

Last week, Graf ruled that the prosecution had violated a gag order but denied the defense team's motion to strike the potential death penalty ahead of trial, finding instead that expanded jury selection procedures would be appropriate.

Thomas, Gorsuch target landmark ruling Trump says protects the 'fake news'

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:12:22 -0400

Two of the Supreme Court's conservative justices criticized the majority’s decision not to take up attorney Alan Dershowitz’s defamation case against CNN, saying the high court missed an opportunity to revisit a controversial 1960s defamation precedent.

The dissent from the court’s conservative wing effectively called on the justices to revisit longstanding libel precedent, echoing President Donald Trump’s 2016 calls to loosen U.S. libel laws.

Dershowitz, who has represented famous figures like Trump, O.J. Simpson and Leona Helmsley, claimed CNN deceptively edited a snippet of his defense during Trump’s first impeachment trial about "quid pro quo[s]" to make it sound like he said the opposite of his fuller statements and used that clip to damage his reputation.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch — appointees of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Trump, respectively — criticized their colleagues for relying on the "actual malice" standard in evaluating whether CNN defamed Dershowitz, arguing the standard is not rooted in the Constitution and instead was created in the Supreme Court's landmark 1964 decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.

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"Predictably, Dershowitz did not prevail under that exacting standard, which this Court created in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. Dershowitz now asks this Court to overrule Sullivan and related precedents," the conservatives wrote.

Dershowitz also reacted to the dissent in remarks to Fox News Digital, calling the majority's standard "impossible" to overcome.

"All the judges agreed that CNN lied about me," he said Monday.

"But the majority ruled, over dissents, that I had to prove actual malice by clear and convincing evidence— an impossible standard that I believe will be overruled in years to come."

The Sullivan case arose after a Montgomery, Alabama, commissioner sued the Times for libel over a full-page advertisement criticizing how the city treated civil rights protesters.

An Alabama jury awarded damages to L.B. Sullivan even though he was not mentioned by name in the ad. The Supreme Court later reversed the ruling, holding that a public official cannot prevail in a defamation case unless he proves the statement was made with "actual malice" — knowing it was false or acting with reckless disregard for the truth.

"The actual-malice standard for public figures bears no relation to the text, history, or structure of the Constitution," Thomas and Gorsuch wrote Monday in Dershowitz’ case.

"Instead, the founding generation believed that, if anything, public figures had stronger claims for damages when they were defamed."

As one historical example, Thomas and Gorsuch pointed to the Sedition Act of 1798, which imposed a far lower threshold for defamatory statements about public officials.

Then-Rep. Matthew Lyon, D-Vt., was prosecuted under the law for characterizing President John Adams as someone with "unbounded thirst for ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation and selfish avarice" during American tensions with France.

JUDGE DISMISSES TRUMP'S $10B DEFAMATION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE WALL STREET JOURNAL OVER EPSTEIN STORY

President Thomas Jefferson allowed that law to expire in 1801 and pardoned many caught in its net.

More recently, Trump has called for loosening U.S. libel laws, echoing concerns similar to those expressed by Thomas and Gorsuch about the court's defamation jurisprudence.

While running for president in 2016, Trump pledged to "open up our libel laws" if elected to pursue the ideological conglomerate he often labels "fake news."

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Journalists who "write purposefully negative and horrible and false articles — we can sue them and win lots of money," Trump said.

He has often singled out defendant CNN more than most – famously warring regularly with its then-White House correspondent, podcaster Jim Acosta.

During one 2017 incident, Acosta repeatedly interrupted Trump during a news conference, leading the president to demand he not "be rude."." Trump informed Acosta that he would not be taking a question from him because "you are fake news."

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"We're going to open up libel laws, and we're going to have people sue you like you've never got sued before," Trump said at the 2016 event, going on to further name-drop the Times and Washington Post.

The ruling, along with Trump's own lawsuit against the Ted Turner-founded network over its use of the term "Big Lie" to describe his claims about the 2020 election, leaves open the possibility that the court could revisit Sullivan, though such a shift appears unlikely in the near term.

Fox News Digital reached out to CNN for comment on the dissent.

Ethics panel clears Gallego as Luna declares, 'Once a creep, always a creep'

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:04:18 -0400

The Senate Ethics Committee has dismissed a complaint against Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., that alleged the lawmaker committed sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations.

The probe was spurred by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., who earlier this year charged that there were "very disturbing" allegations against a sitting senator in the wake of the scandal-filled downfall of former-Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., a close friend of Gallego’s.

But after a nearly monthlong investigation into the matter, the committee told Gallego in a letter on Monday that there wasn’t evidence to back up Luna’s claims.

'DISTURBING' ALLEGATIONS AGAINST UNNAMED SENATOR UNDER REVIEW IN WAKE OF SCANDALS ROCKING CONGRESS

"We are writing to inform you that the Select Committee on Ethics (the Committee) dismissed a complaint filed against you by Representative Anna Paulina Luna," the panel stated. "Specifically, the complaint alleged campaign finance violations and inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature."

"In response to your request for an investigation, the Committee referred these allegations to you and requested additional information on April 17 and May 15, 2026," the letter continued. "Based on the investigation of the Committee, the Committee did not find evidence that your actions violated Federal law, Senate Rules, or related standards of conduct."

Gallego said in a statement that the Ethics Committee’s decision "reaffirms what I have said about these accusations from the beginning: they were right-wing conspiracies peddled by far-right activists like Anna Paulina Luna, the White House and their allies."

SENATOR GALLEGO SAYS LONGTIME FRIENDSHIP WITH SWALWELL 'CLOUDED MY JUDGMENT' AS RUMORS SWIRLED IN DC

"I look forward to an apology from Rep. Luna for weaponizing the ethics process while refusing to investigate historic corruption that’s making life harder for families," Gallego said. "In the meantime, I will continue fighting for Arizonans and holding Trump Republicans accountable for high costs and new wars."

But an apology from Luna is unlikely.

The lawmaker shot back on X that the allegations "are not conspiracy theories. You’re a gross example of representation."

SWALWELL FRIEND GALLEGO DEFENDS CAMPAIGN-FUNDED SUPER BOWL, MIAMI TRIPS: ‘GO WHERE THE MONEY IS’

"Need I mention you leaving your pregnant wife during your campaign for Senate? There are plenty of people who know about your antics," Luna said.

"The good news about D.C. is everyone talks, and eventually the reporters come forward with your texts," she continued. "Do yourself a favor and keep raising for your legal defense fund. Once a creep, always a creep, and you’re gonna need it."

Luna’s allegations against Gallego came shortly after Swalwell resigned from the House following a bombshell report from The San Francisco Chronicle that the ex-lawmaker allegedly sexually assaulted a former staffer.

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Gallego moved to quickly put distance between himself and Swalwell and argued that his tight-knit relationship "clouded my judgment," regarding rumors that swirled about the ex-lawmaker for years in Washington, D.C.

Gallego has recently come under scrutiny for a report from Politico that he spent thousands in campaign cash on luxury travel, Super Bowl tickets and childcare.

"This is not breaking news," Gallego told the outlet. "With the rising costs of childcare and the burden it has on the budgets of American families, Democrats and Republicans in Congress and the White House alike regularly travel with their wives and children, as is permitted by the FEC."

Doctors thought man had brain cancer — they found live tapeworms instead

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:57:55 -0400

Doctors thought a 60-year-old man had metastatic brain cancer after scans revealed multiple tumors – but further testing revealed a shocking diagnosis.

The Spanish man, who was not named, was found to have a parasitic tapeworm larvae lodged in his brain — a case of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium).

The patient, a lifelong resident of Castellón, Spain, had not traveled to any regions where the disease is endemic, according to the case report published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

DEADLY ‘FOX TAPEWORM’ LINKED TO LETHAL DISEASE DETECTED IN WEST COAST WILDLIFE

The man had initially come to the hospital after suffering two weeks of progressive headaches and mild behavioral changes.

CT scans showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer.

However, whole-body scans, a colonoscopy and specialized imaging failed to identify cancer anywhere in the patient's body, the case report stated.

NEUROLOGISTS REVEAL THE TOP 3 FOODS TO AVOID TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM

When doctors performed a more detailed MRI, they discovered several fluid-filled cysts in the brain, some of which contained the head of a tapeworm. A blood test confirmed the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.

The man was treated with a combination of albendazole and praziquantel (two antiparasitic medications), as well as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. He successfully recovered with no complications, according to the case report.

The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier.

The exposure may have occurred while working a construction job with migrant coworkers from regions where neurocysticercosis is endemic.

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People can catch the pork tapeworm in two different ways. Eating undercooked infected pork usually leads to an intestinal tapeworm, but accidentally swallowing the parasite's eggs — typically through food or water contaminated with feces — can send the larvae into the bloodstream, where they may form cysts in the brain and other organs. This can cause the disease the patient in the case report acquired.

As this was just a single case, the source of transmission could not be proven, the researchers acknowledged, and the findings cannot be generalized to a wider population. The report shows that there is a possibility of local transmission in non-endemic settings, but cannot establish how often this occurs.

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In the United States, less than 2% of neurocysticercosis cases are considered domestically acquired, according to the case report.

A prior systematic review identified only 18 confirmed locally acquired cases in Western Europe between 1990 and 2011.

In some cases, NCC can cause serious symptoms, including seizures, stroke, neurological deficits and cognitive decline.

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"Our case emphasizes that the absence of travel history should not preclude NCC from the differential diagnosis of multiple ring-enhancing brain lesions, even in regions where metastatic cancer is statistically much more likely," the researchers concluded in the case study.

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Detecting the worms earlier could have prevented "unnecessary invasive oncologic procedures and led to prompt, targeted antiparasitic therapy," they added.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

NJ public school pulls yearbook after Hitler photo found among student baby pictures

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:56:07 -0400

A New Jersey middle school recalled its recently released yearbook when administrators learned that a photograph of Adolf Hitler had appeared in the publication’s baby pictures section.

"Earlier today, after students had already received their yearbooks, we learned that the baby pictures section of the yearbook contained an image that was later identified as an infant photograph of Adolf Hitler," East Brook Middle School Principal Ryan Aupperlee wrote in a June 25 letter to parents, according to a report by NorthJersey.com. "We immediately collected the yearbooks so the image would not remain in circulation."

East Brook Middle School serves students in Paramus, a Bergen County borough in northern New Jersey.

"I am aware of the unfortunate incident, involving the year book, at East Brook Middle School yesterday and have been in communication with both the Superintendent of Schools and Chief of Police," Paramus, New Jersey, Mayor Chris DiPiazza wrote Friday in a Facebook post. "Our borough’s strength has always been because we are a town welcoming to all faiths and home to numerous houses of worship. Any examples, like yesterday’s, does not reflect Paramus. God bless"

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The incident prompted an investigation in Paramus. It was not immediately clear how the image was submitted, who was responsible for including it, or how it made it through the yearbook review process before the final copies were distributed.

The district is expected to determine next steps after reviewing how the photo appeared in the student publication. Law enforcement is investigating, too, according to the report.

"I want to be direct with you: the presence of this image is unacceptable," Aupperlee's said in his letter to parents. "Even if the image was not immediately recognizable to those paging through the book, its inclusion in an official school publication is a severe breach of our values. Adolf Hitler represents hatred, antisemitism, and the horrors of the Holocaust, including the murder of six million Jews. An image of him has no place in a yearbook created for our students. It does not reflect who we are or what East Brook stands for, and we condemn its inclusion without reservation."

The returned yearbooks had already been signed by students and school staff, so those recalls will require some consideration on how the personal messages are kept.

JEWISH STUDENT TARGETED WITH ANTISEMITIC ABUSE, LAPTOP CORD ATTACK AT COLORADO SCHOOL, ADL ALLEGES

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"Thank you for your patience, understanding, and trust as we work to make this right," Aupperlee's letter concluded. "We remain committed to ensuring that our school reflects the values of respect, inclusion, and dignity for every member of our community."

Conservatives revolt after Trump-appointed Barrett joins liberals in ‘shockingly wrong’ mail ballot ruling

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:52:41 -0400

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett faced the wrath of conservatives on social media on Monday after she authored the majority opinion ruling in favor of a Mississippi law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted in elections even if they are received after Election Day.

The court was split 5-4 on the ruling with Barrett, appointed by President Donald Trump, writing the majority opinion joined by Chief Justice John Roberts, as well as justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Barrett's opinion held that Election Day, in the context of federal law, set a deadline for when voters must make a choice regarding their preferred candidate but said that relevant laws have no standard for when ballots must be received to be considered valid.

Barrett was quickly criticized by conservative commentators and politicians.

AMY CONEY BARRETT CALLS ROE V WADE 'FREE-FLOATING' DECISION THAT JUDGES 'READ INTO' CONSTITUTION

"A shockingly wrong opinion," Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt posted on X. "Justice Barrett joins with the liberal justices to hold that federal election law does not preempt states who allow late mail-in ballots to be counted. This is terrible for election integrity. Another reason we must pass the full SAVE American Act."

"Barrett is the biggest conservative judicial disaster since Souter," conservative author Hans Mahncke posted on X. "The difference is that few conservatives expected much from Souter whereas Barrett was supposed to be the future of the Court. The worst part is that she’ll be there pushing leftist policies for another 40 years."

"Amy Coney Barrett continues to disappoint in far too many high-profile cases," political commentator Josh Hammer posted on X.

"Remember Election Day?" Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh’s office posted on X. "This disastrous SCOTUS decision, authored by Justice Barrett, guarantees we’ll keep drifting away from it — as our sacred elections get bogged down by endless mail-in ballots and never-ending counts."

"Amy Coney Barrett is the worst choice ever among all GOP justices," retired U.S. Army captain Seth Keshel posted on X. "And that includes Roberts. What a disappointment she is."

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: GOP WEIGHS 'NUKING' FILIBUSTER TO PASS TRUMP'S SAVE ACT

"She quotes Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 59, speaks of the Framers' intent, and repeatedly invokes history as its guide," Constitutional attorney Krisanne Hall posted on X. "But when the historical evidence becomes inconvenient, Barrett quietly sets it aside. Barrett engages in judicial activism disguised as selective originalism."

Jason Snead, executive director of Honest Elections Project, said in a statement that the ruling is "deeply disappointing and misses the mark."

"Federal law is clear: all ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted," Snead wrote. "The Court missed a major opportunity to reinforce election integrity and instead sides with California-style chaos. As Justice Alito makes clear in his dissent, watching ballots trickle in after Election Day and flip races does nothing but damage public trust in our system of government."

Hans von Spakovsky, a former Federal Election Commissioner and Senior Legal Fellow in AAF’s Edwin Meese III Institute for the Rule of Law, said in a statement that the ruling is a "grave disappointment."

"As Justice Samuel Alito says in his dissent, joined by three other justices, not only is Justice Amy Comey Barrett’s opinion inconsistent with the plain text of those laws and historical practice and precedents, it ‘risks further undermining Americans’ confidence in election integrity,’" von Spakovsky wrote.

The ruling prompted many to reiterate the importance of the SAVE Act, Trump’s long-sought voter ID and citizenship verification legislation, including Republican Rep. Greg Steube who posted on X, "The Senate filibuster is the only thing standing in the way. Nuke it!"

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Trump reacted to the ruling on Truth Social, calling it a "tremendous loss" and stressing the importance that all voters must show a photo ID and proof of citizenship and that there should be "no mail-in" ballots except for specific exceptions.

"There is no excuse for a politician, or otherwise, to be against the above three requirements," Trump wrote. "There is only one reason to oppose — CHEATING!"

Trump added, "The House of Representatives has approved this vital Act, THREE TIMES. The United States Senate seems unable to do so. In a time when there is a powerful Communist Movement taking place in our Country, one more dangerous than World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor, or September 11th, all Dumocrats, and our five Republican Senate Hold Outs, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and Mitch McConnell must vote to SAVE OUR COUNTRY. There can be no more excuses!"

Fox News Digital’s Robert Schmad and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

Argentine YouTubers arrested after allegedly bypassing security at World Cup game: cops

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:48:50 -0400

Two YouTubers from Argentina are facing felony charges after they were arrested at a World Cup match as authorities say they allegedly tried to bypass security using bogus credentials.

Pato Perrotta, 26, and Beni Marmol, 20, were arrested on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium after they allegedly bypassed three layers of security for the Colombia-Portugal match with credentials that weren't valid.

In an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, a Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office deputy wrote that Perrotta said he was "hired by a media company to review the event and has credentials."

However, the deputy wrote that the credentials were from a previous event and weren't supposed to be used for Saturday's match.

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Marmol allegedly "stated that he was a media influencers (sic) trying to get in to stream the game."

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Both men were arrested on charges of felony interference with a sports/entertainment event, which has a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

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Perrotta and Marmol were held at a local jail on a $2,500 bond.

During a live video, streamer Momo Benavides said he heard from Walter Costabel, who is the YouTuber's manager, Todo Noticias reported.

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"I have been with Mármol y Pato since yesterday. We already paid bail, they will be released in a few hours. The cause is still not entirely clear. The judge just set bail and nothing more. All that is said are rumors about it," Momo said.

Momo said the YouTubers will remain in the U.S. until the matter is resolved.

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"I imagine that, obviously, the fact that they have paid bail is not going to allow them to return. They are going to have to stay there until it is resolved," he said. "In any case, they are not deported, they just do not have to be near the stadiums where the World Cup matches are played. The crime charged is interference in sporting events."

The duo's videos span lavish shopping sprees and 24-hour challenges. Perrotta boasts more than 500,000 YouTube subscribers, with Marmol close behind at more than 270,000.

ICE arrests 15 illegal immigrants with convictions including homicide, rape and child sex crimes over weekend

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:42:28 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Federal immigration authorities arrested more than a dozen illegal immigrants with criminal histories over the weekend, many of whom had convictions for charges including homicide, rape, child sex crimes, and drug trafficking.

The 15 arrests came as the Trump administration continues to ramp up its deportation agenda through sweeping interior enforcement, while simultaneously removing protections for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants and drastically expanding detention capacity.

"Over the weekend, while Americans attended the Great American State Fair and enjoyed their summer weekends, the men and women of ICE were hard at work arresting criminal illegal aliens convicted of homicide, child sexual abuse, assault, rape, and drug trafficking," said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, ICE will continue to protect Americans by arresting and removing criminal illegal aliens from our country."

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Those arrested over the weekend include:

Martin Gutierrez-Gaona, a Mexican citizen convicted in Los Angeles of evading a peace officer, possession of a controlled narcotic substance, forgery, and assault with a deadly weapon (other than a firearm) on a peace officer or firefighter causing great bodily injury.
Carlos Augusto Melendez-Reales, a Colombian citizen previously convicted in Tampa, Florida, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while aboard a vessel.
Carl Winston Ellis, a Jamaican national with convictions in Las Vegas for possession with intent to distribute and illegal re-entry into the United States.
Jose Daniel Lara-Zavala, a Mexican citizen previously convicted of driving under the influence and homicide (willful killing with a gun) in Wilson, North Carolina.
Odelio Lopez-Lopez, a Mexican national convicted in California of burglary, possession of burglary tools, cruelty toward a child, cruelty toward a wife, and aggravated domestic assault.
Natanio Jimenez-Garcia, an illegal immigrant from Mexico with convictions for aggravated rape and fraud in Louisiana.

WEEKEND ROUNDUP: CONVICTED MURDERERS, CHILD SEX ABUSERS AMONG ILLEGAL ALIENS NABBED BY ICE ACROSS US

Nine others arrested had criminal convictions for a range of offenses, including child sex crimes, assault with a deadly weapon and witness tampering.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently stated that the agency is on track to surpass deportation figures from 2025, a year that saw 442,000 formal deportations and removals, with DHS reporting over 605,000 total removals overall.

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"In fact, within the next six weeks, we'll probably pass what we deported in all of 2025," Mullin said in a video posted Monday by the Trump administration's Rapid Response account on X.

In addition to targeting violent criminals for deportation, immigration authorities have also focused on those committing fraud and those who obtained U.S. citizenship fraudulently.

Taylor Swift's Alan Jackson tribute backfires as country crowd seemingly erupts in boos

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:35:13 -0400

Taylor Swift paid tribute to Alan Jackson with a heartfelt message celebrating the country icon's legendary career, but the emotional moment quickly became overshadowed after video appeared to capture a mix of cheers and boos from the crowd.

The reaction came during Jackson's "Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale" concert, where Swift appeared in a prerecorded video tribute honoring the country legend rather than attending the show in person.

"It's Taylor," Swift began in the video. "I just want to say thank you for your decades of unbelievable songwriting and your performances and the way that means so much to us, the fans."

Swift praised Jackson for his song "Drive." Released in January 2002 as the second single from his album of the same name, Jackson wrote it as a tribute to his father, Eugene "Daddy Gene" Jackson, who died in 2000. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remains one of his signature recordings.

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"In that song, you paint such a picture and let us into the details of your life," Swift explained. "I know that was an example that was so good for me to see at a young age, an artist who's really just letting fans into the details of his life."

"I appreciate you so much for the ways that you have just treated me and other artists and writers with… such support and encouragement over the years," she continued. "I am so excited for you doing this show and just appreciate you so much. Love you."

Swift's message was met with what appeared to be a mix of cheers and boos, according to a viral TikTok video. "Not the reaction they were expecting I'm assuming," the creator captioned the clip.

"Now do the video showing how they cheered so loudly," one user commented.

Another added, "There was applause, and later boo's [sic]. They booed longer so they can go viral."

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Others decided it was insulting, not just to Swift but to Jackson as well.

"imagine booing someone giving a tribute to the person you're AT THE CONCERT FOR they weren't disrespecting Taylor, they were disrespecting Alan."

"Absolutely insulting to her and especially to Alan Jackson," another said.

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Swift has long cited Jackson as one of the country artists she admired growing up, and the two have shared several notable moments over the years. One of the most memorable came in 2008, when Swift performed Jackson's emotional hit "Drive (For Daddy Gene)" as part of "CMT Giants: Alan Jackson," a television special honoring his career.

Swift also honored Jackson at the 2011 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony, performing his 9/11 anthem "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" as part of the tribute celebrating his songwriting achievements.

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