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Twice-deported illegal immigrant charged with rape as DHS urges Fairfax to honor ICE detainer

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:12:53 -0400

A twice-deported illegal immigrant from El Salvador has been charged with rape and abduction in Northern Virginia, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which is urging Fairfax County officials to honor an ICE detainer and transfer him into federal custody.

Juan Arevalo Mendez, 46, was arrested June 30 in Prince William County on charges of rape and abduction with intent to sexually assault stemming from an alleged attack in September 2025, according to DHS.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer the same day, asking Fairfax County officials not to release him from custody.

Fairfax County Police told Fox News Digital officers responded Sept. 19, 2025, after a woman reported she had been sexually assaulted about two weeks earlier in the 3800 block of South George Mason Drive in Bailey's Crossroads. Detectives assigned to the department's Sex Crimes Unit investigated the allegations and obtained warrants charging Arevalo Mendez with rape and abduction.

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Juan Arevalo Mendez, a Salvadoran national, was arrested June 30 in Prince William County on rape and abduction charges stemming from an alleged September 2025 assault in Fairfax County, according to police. DHS said ICE lodged a detainer the same day. (Department of Homeland Security)

Members of the department's Fugitive Tracking and Apprehension Team arrested Arevalo Mendez in Prince William County on June 30. He is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, police said.

According to DHS, Arevalo Mendez first entered the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident in 1991, but that status was revoked following a 1998 conviction for destruction of property. He was deported in 2003, later convicted of illegally reentering the U.S. before being deported again in 2014, and subsequently entered the country illegally a second time at an unknown date and location, the agency said.

DHS said Arevalo Mendez has a criminal history dating back to 1998 that includes convictions for assault, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a weapon, aggravated assault with a gun, drug possession, destruction of property, illegal reentry, obstructing justice and making a false report. The agency said he has also been arrested on allegations including identity theft, drug possession and larceny.

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"This criminal illegal alien has been charged with rape and abduction. He has a laundry list of prior convictions for aggravated assault, destruction of property, and drug possession, as well as prior arrests for identity theft and larceny," Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement. "DHS is calling on Governor Abigail Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County to commit to not releasing this dangerous criminal from jail, and to instead turn him over to ICE custody so that we can remove him from our nation and end his crime spree in our country."

The arrest comes months after Fairfax County police took Arevalo Mendez into custody following a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 495 while he was wanted on felony abduction charges.

Police said officers attempted to stop a vehicle connected to an outstanding felony abduction warrant on Jan. 13, but Arevalo Mendez fled, leading officers on a pursuit before abandoning the vehicle and running into a wooded area, where he was arrested. He was charged with obstruction of justice in addition to facing outstanding warrants for abduction, simple assault, petit larceny, failure to appear and an assault charge from another jurisdiction.

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A spokesperson for the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office told Fox News Digital that prosecutors dropped the January abduction and assault case after the woman who reported the incident later said she had been untruthful about the allegations and wanted the charges dismissed.

With no third-party witnesses, "there was no path forward to continue with prosecution," the spokesperson said, adding that Arevalo Mendez "was not identified as the suspect in the September incident" that led to the current rape and abduction charges while the January case was pending.

DHS said ICE's detainer requests that Fairfax County transfer Arevalo Mendez into federal custody instead of releasing him if he becomes eligible for release from local custody.

DHS also pointed to several recent Virginia cases involving immigrants accused or convicted of violent crimes as it argued the state has become a "hotbed of illegal alien crime" under Spanberger.

Among the cases cited by the agency, ICE said it recently lodged detainers against Moises Domingo Rico Rosales, a Nicaraguan national charged with abduction with intent to defile and indecent exposure in Annandale; Jose Nahun Aleman Hernandez, a Mexican national charged with molesting a 5-year-old girl in Woodbridge; and Cristian Wilfredo Alvarenga Aguilar, who faces charges including carjacking, abduction, assault and robbery in Herndon.

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DHS also highlighted the arrests of Misael Lopez Gomez, a Guatemalan national charged with murdering his 3-month-old daughter in Fairfax County, and Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, another Guatemalan national charged with second-degree murder in Bailey's Crossroads.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Spanberger's office for comment.

Brazen pickpockets prey on vulnerable tourists as vacation island is swarmed by millions

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:10:36 -0400

As tourists descend on one of Spain's most popular summer destinations, the familiar problem of pickpocketing has emerged.

Multiple viral videos appear to show tourists being targeted by pickpockets in Mallorca, Spain's largest Balearic Island.

The incidents occurred near Palma, the capital of Mallorca, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

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In one video recently published by the Mallorca Daily Bulletin, a group of young pickpockets targeted an elderly couple.

In the footage, an older man is seen standing and looking in one direction as the group of young people walks close to him and appears to remove items from his pocket. He was seemingly unaware it was happening.

Another video shows two young men appearing to steal a wallet out of an elderly woman's bag as she walked near Palma Cathedral.

Along with Ibiza and Menorca, Mallorca is one of Spain's most popular Mediterranean destinations — and it's been struggling with overtourism.

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The island received around 13.5 million visitors in 2025, Fox News Digital previously reported — a large number for an island that measures roughly 1,400 square miles, slightly smaller than Rhode Island.

Older travelers aren't targeted simply because of their age, said Angel Castellanos, a California-based travel expert and host of "The Tour Guy" on YouTube.

"Criminals tend to look for people who appear distracted, overloaded with shopping bags, unfamiliar with their surroundings or less able to react quickly," Castellanos told Fox News Digital.

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"The same can be true of travelers who are intoxicated, particularly in nightlife districts where situational awareness is lower."

He said that the prevalence of pickpocketing can be attributed, in part, to international tourism rebounding beyond pre-pandemic levels across much of Europe.

Castellanos, who says he's visited over 100 countries, has traveled extensively without being pickpocketed, he said. Staying aware of his surroundings has been key, he related.

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"It's because I treat busy tourist areas the same way I would any major city: I enjoy the destination, but I never stop paying attention to where my valuables are," he said.

He cited anti-theft cross-body bags and zippered front pockets as crucial ways travelers can protect themselves from pickpockets. He also recommended avoiding placing phones on café tables.

Castellanos added that a little situational awareness "goes a long way."

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"Travelers shouldn't let headlines discourage them from visiting Mallorca," he added. "It's one of Europe's great summer destinations."

"The takeaway isn't to avoid these places. It's to travel smarter."

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Jessica Mekles of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

BJ’s roof collapse traps shoppers inside New Jersey store as rescue crews search damaged building

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:33:42 -0400

A large emergency response was triggered in Monmouth County, New Jersey, on Monday after a partial roof collapse at a local BJ's Wholesale Club trapped multiple people inside during a wave of severe weather.

Just after 11:15 a.m. local time, emergency personnel rushed to the BJ's Wholesale Club on Route 35 in Ocean Township following reports of the collapse, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office.

Shocking video appeared to show unsuspecting shoppers looking at grocery items seconds before the roof collapsed, sending a large amount of water gushing into the business.

Authorities confirmed 27 people were inside the building at the time of the incident, though no injuries were reported.

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Two people were partially entrapped in the debris but managed to free themselves and safely escape the building.

Emergency teams deployed specialized rescue units to ensure the building was clear, conducting primary and secondary searches, according to the sheriff’s office.

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The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office interior drone searched the structurally compromised building, along with New Jersey Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) K-9 teams.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden praised the first responders for working "seamlessly together" despite the severe weather and ongoing flooding plaguing the local communities.

"This incident is another reminder of how quickly severe weather can create dangerous and unpredictable conditions," Golden said.

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Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorrentino urged motorists and residents to stay away from the area as emergency operations continue.

Travelers are asked to avoid Route 35, Park Avenue and Deal Road, specifically the stretch between Routes 18 and 35.

World Cup teams move into the quarterfinals: Here's how to stream every match without cable

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:36:13 -0400

The FIFA Club World Cup is moving into the quarterfinals, kicking off this Thursday, and all matches are airing on FOX and FS1. Fans can stream the tournament through services that carry those channels, including FOX One, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DISH and Sling TV. Each provider offers a different mix of channels and pricing, giving viewers several ways to watch every match live without the commitment of cable. Take a look at our rundown of each below to see which is best for you before you catch the first quaterfinal match between France and Morocco on July 9.

FOX One: $19.99 per month

For $20 a month, FOX One gives fans access to every FIFA Club World Cup match airing on FOX and FS1. The service includes a three-day free trial, multiview functionality that lets you watch up to four live games at once and DVR capabilities for catching matches on your own schedule. New subscribers can also take advantage of a limited-time offer that provides three months of service for $40, a $20 discount. Through July 1, you can also purchase a Roku Streaming Stick and receive one month of FOX One for free.

Fubo: Starting at $9.99 per month

Fubo offers access to hundreds of channels, including FOX and FS1 for FIFA Club World Cup coverage. You can purchase the Latino plan to watch the World Cup in Spanish for just $9.99 the first month, and $19.99 per month after that. Beyond the tournament, subscribers can watch a wide range of soccer competitions, including Premier League, UEFA Champions League, MLS and Ligue 1 matches. English plans start at $45.99 per month after a five-day free trial, with higher-tier options available for viewers who want additional channels and features.

Sling: $19.99 per month

Sling remains a popular option for sports fans looking to stream live events without a traditional cable package. To watch the World Cup matches on FOX and FS1, viewers can choose Sling Select, which starts at $20 per month, or Sling Blue, which starts at $46 per month. Sling Select focuses on core channels, while Sling Blue expands the lineup with more than 40 channels, including a broader selection of sports programming.

Hulu: $89.99 per month

Hulu + Live TV offers access to FOX, FS1 and a wide range of other sports and entertainment channels for $90 per month. The subscription also includes Hulu's on-demand library, along with Disney+ and ESPN, making it a strong option for households that want a mix of live sports, movies and family-friendly programming. While it costs more than some competing services, the breadth of content helps justify the higher price.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

DISH: Starting at $89.99 per month

Viewers who prefer a traditional pay-TV experience can turn to DISH, a satellite TV provider that offers some of the largest channel lineups available. The America's Top 120 package includes FOX and more than 190 channels for $90 per month. For even more programming, DISH also offers America's Top 200 with more than 240 channels and America's Top 250 with more than 290 channels. Right now you can get an extra $250 off DISH with promo code DISH250.

21 small Amazon buys that make everyday tasks easier, from just $4

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:16:19 -0400

These thoughtful, practical picks from Amazon tackle everyday annoyances with ease. From a portable tire inflator that gets you back on the road to a bathtub drain protector that keeps hair from clogging your shower drain, these budget finds make everyday life easier.

Tech

These clever finds solve everyday problems like lost keys, limited outlets and dirty earbuds.

Wall charger: $9.98 (23% off)

Original price: $12.96

For just $10, upgrade any outlet with this wall charger featuring five outlets and four USB ports to power your devices without the cord clutter. The built-in surge protector saves your gadgets from damage during sudden power spikes.

Life360 Tile: $24.99

Stop stressing over lost wallets, keys and other belongings — keep track of them with the Life360 Tile. The Bluetooth tracker works with Apple and Android so you can ring your Tile or track it through the free app.

Earbud cleaning tool: $3.99

Get the gunk out of your AirPods with this compact kit designed to reach tight spaces inside earbuds and charging cases. Restore sound quality and keep your earbuds clean with this easy, low-cost fix. It also works on iPhones, tablets, computers — even cameras.

Home

Organize cords and manage pests at home with these small upgrades.

Cord management box: $22.99

Keep messy cables out of sight with this budget-friendly cord management box, designed to hide power strips and wires. A rear cable slot keeps cords organized while still allowing access when needed.

Insect-catching trap: $17.97 (10% off)

Original price: $19.99

Manage pests with these insect traps — now priced at a 90-day low. UV light attracts bugs and traps them in a disposable adhesive cartridge, making cleanup less intimidating. This set includes a plug-in device and one cartridge, but you can buy an eight-pack of additional cartridges.

Roll-up dish-drying rack: $6.99

At just $7, this roll-up drying rack helps you efficiently dry dishes — even in small kitchens. Lay it over the sink, then roll it up for quick storage. It even doubles as a heat-resistant trivet.

Bathtub drain protector and hair catcher: $12.99 (19% off)

Original price: $15.99

This bathtub drain protector stops hair from clogging your shower for less than $15. The three adapters ensure the right fit for drains up to 2 inches wide, helping prevent clogs. With more than 10,000 sales on Amazon, it's a popular pick that serves a real purpose.

Magnetic screen door: $29.99

Stop bugs from entering your home while letting fresh air in with this magnetic screen door. Installation is a breeze — just attach the screen using the included loop tape. Once installed, the door automatically snaps shut behind you and your pets.

Auto

Keep your vehicle in prime condition with these gadgets.

Tire inflator: $22.99 (43% off)

Original price: $39.99

Keep this portable tire inflator in your car for quick fixes on the road. With preset settings and an easy-to-use digital display, you can quickly add air and get moving again. Snag it while it's 43% off.

Carfidant scratch repair kit: $21.97

Carfidant removes light scratches and built-up grime on your vehicle. The solution is safe for any paint job, with no unnecessary dyes or scents. Simply apply it with the included buff pad and scrub away marks.

Car trash can: $9.99 (23% off)

Original price: $12.99

Minimize clutter in your car with this tiny trash can for just $10. It attaches to a seat headrest and secures with snaps to hold trash bags in place, and it's insulated, so you can use it as a cooler in a pinch.

Car cleaning gel: $5.64 (29% off)

Original price: $7.99

This reusable cleaning gel pulls crumbs and debris from hard-to-reach spots like the center console and dashboard. It also picks up dust and dirt off electronic screens, leaving surfaces clean without residue. At $8, it's a more affordable cleaning solution.

Kitchen

These kitchen tools speed up prep work and keep things tidy and safe.

Sink pull-out storage organizer: $14.99 (25% off)

Original price: $19.99

Tidy up under the sink with this storage organizer. It has pull-out shelves that give you easy access to cleaning supplies and side hooks for towels and brushes. The durable plastic handles moisture and spills without warping.

Silicone stretch lids: $18.95 (5% off)

Original price: $19.95

Seal your jars and leftovers without the bulk of clunky containers with these silicone lids. The BPA free, food-safe lids stretch to fit a variety of containers and won't leak even if tipped over. Skip the hand-washing and toss them in the dishwasher.

Jar and bottle opener: $6.80

Stop struggling with stubborn lids — this jar opener gives you better leverage to break tough seals without straining your hands. It works on a range of lid sizes and even comes with a bottle opener for cans, soda and more.

Garlic chopper and peeler: $7.99

Skip sticky hands and lingering garlic smell with this garlic peeler and chopper, currently just $8 on sale. The rocking design makes mincing simple, while the silicone tube peels cloves in just seconds.

Arm & Hammer trash can odor eliminator: $9.99

Can't shake that trash can smell? These Arm & Hammer baking soda pouches absorb odors for up to 30 days — just drop one in and let it do the work.

Outdoor

Stock up on outdoor essentials for summer.

Thermacell rechargeable mosquito repeller: $54.99

Enjoy a 20-foot mosquito-free zone with this small electric repeller. There's no need to constantly apply bug spray since this DEET-free machine uses cartridges that run for up to 12 hours. And since it's wire-free, you can take it anywhere.

Mini handheld fan: $7.99 (20% off)

Original price: $9.99

Beat the heat on the go with this compact handheld fan. With three speeds and a rechargeable battery, it's a tiny workhorse that fits easily into a handbag or backpack — perfect for travel, commuting or quick relief from the sun.

Roll-on SPF applicator: $15.98

Avoid streaky sunburns with this roll-on sunscreen applicator that spreads SPF without the mess. Simply fill the inside, screw the pieces back together and get rolling.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Johnson & Johnson first aid kit: $18.36 (25% off)

Original price: $24.47

This first aid kit packs essential wound care items into a compact case, making it easy to handle cuts, scrapes and more. Pack one in the car or tuck it into a gym bag so you stay prepared wherever you go.

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

Deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak sparks concern in major US city: Know the symptoms

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:49:33 -0400

Amid warnings of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side, health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups.

New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan's Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms.

As of July 6, the New York City Health Department had confirmed 23 cases and 17 hospitalizations associated with the respiratory infection. No deaths have been reported.

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Officials are investigating contaminated cooling towers as the likely source. They have emphasized that the illness is not spread person-to-person and is not linked to the city's drinking water.

"Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin in a press release. "New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin."

What is Legionnaires'?

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC.

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That can include shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems.

When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill.

Although human transmission is possible in rare cases, the disease is not typically transmitted among people, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of infection

Infections can lead to severe pneumonia in older people and those with compromised immune systems, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Stony Brook Children's Hospital on Long Island, New York.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure.

"Legionella infections cause symptoms that are similar to other forms of pneumonia — fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain," Handel previously told Fox News Digital.

The signs are similar to other types of pneumonia, and include the following:

Cough
Fever
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches and headaches

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Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention

A medical professional can diagnose the infection with laboratory tests and chest X-rays.

The condition is typically treated with antibiotics. In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required for breathing support and IV hydration.

Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires’ while staying in a healthcare facility, according to the CDC.

"Treatment needs to be early and aggressive," Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an Arizona-based integrative medicine expert, previously told Fox News Digital. "Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment."

Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin.

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"Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals… but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease," Goodyear said.

Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires’ disease.

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The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk.

To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires’, Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit, and also emphasizes the need to "aggressively support" chronic pulmonary disease.

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"Increasing immune support (vitamin D3, vitamin C, Zinc) is required to counter the immune dysfunction associated with advancing age."

Obesity is another foundational risk factor for all chronic inflammatory diseases, the doctor added.

French court clears path for conservative presidential candidate, but house arrest threatens campaign

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:43:59 -0400

A French appeals court upheld the embezzlement conviction for conservative former presidential candidate Marine Le Pen on Tuesday, but shortened a ban on her running for elected office, clearing her path to run for president in 2027, albeit mandating she wear an ankle monitor for a year.

France's Paris Criminal Court originally found Le Pen guilty of embezzlement in 2025, accusing her and other members of her conservative National Rally party of using millions of dollars in EU funds to pay aides for domestic French political work. Le Pen denies any wrongdoing.

Le Pen was originally sentenced to five years in prison, with two years suspended and three years on house arrest. In the French system, the two suspended years would serve as a warning, while Le Pen would be expected to serve the three years on house arrest. Her sentence also carried a five-year ban from running for political office, barring her from running in France's 2027 presidential election.

However, an appeals court ruled Tuesday that Le Pen's sentence would be reduced to three years, with two suspended and the remaining year to be served as house arrest, according to a court statement obtained by Fox News Digital.

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The ruling also shortened her ban from running for office to 45 months, 30 of which are considered to be suspended. Given that the court considered her suspension active starting from initial sentencing in March 2025, the ruling means Le Pen is eligible to run for office effective immediately.

However, if she were to decide on a presidential run, she would have to do so while serving the house arrest sentence, a prospect she has already cast doubt on.

"If I'm allowed to be a candidate but am effectively prevented from campaigning freely, then you understand that wouldn't be possible," she told French media Wednesday.

Le Pen, along with 11 other associates, were found guilty of a litany of crimes related to the misuse of public funds. Le Pen herself was found guilty on charges of misappropriating public funds and complicity in the misappropriation of public funds.

"The court found that an organization had been set up to allow the European Parliament to cover the remuneration of parliamentary assistants for National Front (which became Rassemblement National) MEPs, whereas their activities had no connection with the mandate of their MEP and they were actually working for the national political party," a press release from the Paris Court of Appeals read.

The release claimed the defendants misappropriated €2.8 million, which the court ordered them to pay back in restitution.

Le Pen, for her part, admitted that some staff paid as EU staffers were relegated to domestic French work, but she claimed it was simply a mistake and not, as alleged, part of a scheme to divert E.U. funds to her National Rally party.

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Le Pen, according to The Associated Press, immediately went from the courthouse to National Rally headquarters to strategize the party's future plans. She is expected to address the country in a news conference or interview Tuesday night.

Her legal team at the courthouse said, "We ⁠are considering the decision as a whole. We will issue a further statement. We are partially satisfied," according to Reuters.

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Fox News Digital contacted representatives for National Rally and the Paris appeals court for further comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam says LIV Golf interrupted the game of golf, forced PGA Tour to make changes

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:41:29 -0400

With LIV Golf on the brink of extinction, what will its legacy be?

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it will end its financial backing of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, leaving its long-term future hanging in the balance. LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam said LIV Golf did bring some positives to the sport.

"I mean overall, I think it had some positives but overall I think, you know, not really changed too much," Sorenstam told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

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"It certainly interrupted the game of golf," Sorenstam added with a laugh. "I think that's why we're seeing the changes on the PGA Tour."

The PGA Tour recently announced sweeping changes to its format, and Sorenstam attributed that to LIV Golf.

"I mean they don't see what they had before LIV was sustainable, apparently, and therefore they have changed a lot of things. The purses have gone up which obviously is great for the players."

The golf legend said that she loved the money coming into the sport, but didn’t think LIV Golf was set up for long-term success with their business model.

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"I do think that in a way, from the outside it's always easy to say, but I don't think anybody thought it was a great business model. There was a lot of money going into the sport, which I welcome, but it didn't seem like there was a you know a great investment. So I think it was hard to just maintain it," Sorenstam told Fox News Digital.

"So interesting to see how it folds. This year will be certainly telling. But we're already seeing players jumping ship and there."

Sorenstam will play in the American Century Championship from July 10 to 12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe.

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She is one of the favorites to win the tournament. Sorenstam, who won 72 LPGA Tour tournaments, including 10 majors, during her illustrious career, will raise awareness for the Annika Foundation.

"We try to empower and advance young women through the game of golf, but also in life, different life skills, and it's been really rewarding and satisfying to see how far women's golf has come and how many of these young women are pursuing their dreams. It's been a lot of fun, and just watching the difference we're making in these young women's life," Sorenstam said.

With the Stableford scoring format, Sorenstam talked about needing to be more aggressive, and pursue more birdies and eagles. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

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California high school battles Newsom's state law ordering it to change 'Indians' mascot

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:30:06 -0400

A high school in Northern California is pushing back on Gov. Gavin Newsom's latest law that forced it to remove its "Indians" mascot on Wednesday.

In 2024, Newsom signed into law an extension of the California Racial Mascot Act, which prohibits public schools from using "any derogatory Native American term, as defined, as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname" except for schools operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization or with consent from a federally recognized tribe.

The law officially went into effect on Wednesday, leading Marysville High School to retire its "Indians" mascot after nearly 100 years.

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"The Marysville Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees recognizes the deep history and tradition associated with the Indians mascot and acknowledges the strong connection many alumni, students, staff, and community members have to it," Marysville Joint Unified School District Superintendent Jordan Reeves said in a statement last week.

Reeves added that the school has met with local tribal representatives to obtain written consent but was unable to secure consent before the law took effect. According to Reeves, tribal leaders have largely chosen to remain neutral on the subject for now.

Currently, the school has no plans to replace its mascot and will continue to try to obtain consent for their traditional image.

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"Marysville Joint Unified School District will continue pursuing opportunities to obtain written permission from a local, federally recognized tribe that would allow Marysville High School to retain its historic mascot under the provisions of state law. Marysville High School remains committed to honoring its proud traditions while continuing to serve students and uphold the long-standing values and expectations of the Marysville community," Reeves said.

In an interview with The Appeal-Democrat on Wednesday, alumni and school employees disagreed with the idea of removing the mascot and argued that students mostly viewed the image with respect.

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"I do remember the Indian Way and how it was built (with) respect and (to) hold your head high," track and field coach and alumnus Marcy Tarr said. "Indians were good leaders."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office and Reeves for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Michael Rapaport owns up to getting Trump wrong after years of bashing him

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:18:22 -0400

Michael Rapaport is detailing how his perspective on President Donald Trump changed in the wake of a global crisis.

During an episode of Jamie Kennedy's podcast, "Hate To Break It To Ya," the 56-year-old comedian opened up about how his perspective on Trump has evolved over time, including what prompted him to move away from derogatory name-calling and adopt a more respectful tone.

"You were mad at Trump. Now you're cool with Trump?" Kennedy asked.

HILLARY CLINTON BREAKS WITH DEMOCRATIC CRITICS BY BACKING TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN AS THE 'ONLY GAME IN TOWN'

"Yeah," Rapaport responded. "But I have problems, and he's far from not being … infuriating."

Rapaport said that after Hamas attacked Israel and abducted hundreds of hostages, his views began to shift.

"After Oct. 7, I realized the magnitude and scope of the hostage situation, and it was between cadaver Joe Biden and Trump and Kamala … I knew that the only way that those hostages who were being held for weeks and then months and then a year, I knew that the only chance would be [Trump]."

"Why I don't insult him now, and I could insult him and I could be derogatory towards him, is because for me, simply getting the hostages home was enough for me to not ... be disrespectful."

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Rapaport, who said he's been to Israel nine times in the past two and a half years, said his advocacy has opened his eyes.

"The exposure and the enlightenment and the conversations I had with the hostage families, the reality that I saw, it's worth it for me to not be disrespectful to him because I fought, begged, prayed, pleaded to get the hostages home by any means necessary."

He said people have reached out to him, upset that he stopped disparaging Trump, but he invited those people to "carry the torch," because he was no longer interested in slamming the president.

"For me, it was enough to get the hostages home and protect Israel's right to exist. Those two things were enough for me. Some people vote on different things, some people want different things, a lot of times you don't get them. But for me, it was enough for me to do that, and it was important enough for me to do that. I respect and know what I've seen, who I've spoken to, the insight that I've had to not be disparaging to him simply for that."

"I could still be critical and still be frustrated and have all the things, but … it was important enough for me to no longer carry on like that," he added.

Rapaport also told Kennedy that years ago, when he first began publicly insulting Trump, "I wasn't as informed, plugged in, educated as I am about politics, world politics … I think it's great to admit when you were wrong, uninformed, misinformed and spoke out of turn."

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In May, Rapaport said he plans on running against Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is known for his democratic socialist policies, with a "New York City street fight mentality" come 2029.

"I never thought that I would even consider running for mayor of New York City, and I will do it with the best intentions. And I won’t do it the way any other political person has ever done it," Rapaport told Chris Cuomo during an appearance on NewsNation.

"The only way to beat this guy is to make it and take it with New York City street fight mentality."

"There’s no way to out-nice him. There’s no way out-slick him. I think that he’s the greatest bull-crapper in the history of politicians … and that’s saying a lot," he continued.

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"But New York City needs to do something. We need to plan right now because 2029 is around the corner, and, yes, I’m running for mayor of New York City. And I will only drop out until I feel like there’s somebody who’s more qualified that could actually beat Zohran the moron."

"My bark is a lot louder than my bite," he added. "There's no way to out-finesse this guy, out-smile this guy. It has to be a dogfight. It has to be ugly, and that's what I will do in my campaign."

Belgium manager praises classy gesture by Folarin Balogun after red card controversy: 'I really liked that'

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:14:40 -0400

Folarin Balogun did as he was told — played soccer, because he was allowed to.

The day before the U.S. Men's National Team's Round of 16 game against Belgium, which Balogun was originally supposed to miss because of a red card in the prior game, FIFA ruled that he would be eligible.

The ruling added on to what was already a huge controversy, as it was argued Balogun should not have been red-carded in the first place. Nonetheless, Balogun was active despite an appeal and strong reaction from Belgium.

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It didn't quite matter, as the U.S. was embarrassed in a 4-1 defeat to Belgium to end its World Cup hopes, but after the game, Balogun approached Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, an interaction Garcia said he greatly appreciated.

"He came to talk to me. I really liked that. It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame, and that’s what I told him," Garcia told reporters after the match. "I really appreciate the intention that he came to see me. I appreciate this player."

The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, "the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure."

BELGIUM EMBARRASSES TEAM USA BEFORE BREAKING OUT TRUMP'S SIGNATURE DANCE CELEBRATION AFTER FOURTH GOAL

"If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement," the rule added.

President Donald Trump admitted to calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the red card.

"All I did was, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul," Trump said. "And again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything that would be different.

"I think it’s a terrible… if they wouldn’t allow a top player, maybe the best, maybe among the best on the team, to play, I think it would have had a big stain. I relayed it. I didn’t tell him what to do. I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision because, No. 1, it wasn’t a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players."

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Despite Trump's efforts, Belgium will face Spain on Friday, as the United States will be back in 2032.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Video shows off-duty Florida sheriff's sergeant allegedly assaulting elderly couple at bar

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:12:25 -0400

An off-duty sergeant with a sheriff's office in central Florida was arrested after police say surveillance video showed him assaulting an older couple in a bar.

Jason Stickels, 44, was at Merk's Bar & Grill on Monday afternoon when he "created unwanted contact with a couple seated near the bar," according to a statement from the Volusia Sheriff's Office, where Stickels has been employed since 2004.

Mike Chitwood, the Volusia sheriff since 2016, put out a statement criticizing Stickels and apologizing to the couple in the bar.

"How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes. Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon," Chitwood said in a social media post. "I apologize for this soon-to-be former Volusia Sheriff's Office sergeant's idiotic behavior today."

VIRGINIA OFFICER PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE AFTER MALICIOUS WOUNDING CHARGE TIED TO OFF DUTY INCIDENT

Officers with the New Smyrna Beach Police Department responded to a report of a fight at around 4:20 p.m. and arrested Stickels on charges related to the incident, the sheriff's office said. No injuries were reported.

"Stickels first battered a 71-year-old woman seated at a table, then battered her 77-year-old husband when he intervened," said the Volusia Sheriff's Office.

Surveillance video from the bar released by the sheriff's office showed Stickels standing in between the couple before leaning in close to the woman, who backed away and got up from her chair.

The woman later told police that Stickels had tried to kiss her, according to a charging affidavit.

AUTHORITIES IDENTIFY WOMAN KILLED IN ALLIGATOR ATTACK WHILE SWIMMING WITH FRIENDS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

The woman's husband got up and confronted Stickels, according to the video and the charging document. Stickels charged and grabbed the husband's throat seconds after a waitress got in the middle of the men, police said.

As this was happening, a bystander sitting at a nearby table came from behind and put Stickels into a chokehold, taking him to the ground and subduing him, the video showed.

When police arrived, Stickels told the responding officer, "you know who I am," before showing his badge with the sheriff's office, according to the charging document.

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Following the incident, Stickels was immediately put on administrative leave. He was also forced to surrender his law enforcement equipment pending final discipline, which could mean termination.

Stickels was charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older. He was released from jail on Monday after posting a surety bond, according to court records.

Hamas says it will dissolve Gaza government, but Israel warns group still seeks Hezbollah-style control

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:38:56 -0400

Hamas announced Monday that it was dissolving the emergency committee overseeing Gaza's civilian government, a move that could clear the way for a new U.S.-backed administration to take over civilian affairs.

The proposed body, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), is a U.S.-backed committee intended to oversee civilian affairs in Gaza after the war.

Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a foreign terrorist organization, has ruled Gaza since seizing control of the territory in 2007. The group led the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the war, and Israel has insisted Hamas can have no governing or military role in post-war Gaza.

The announcement could therefore become a key test of President Donald Trump’s Gaza framework and broader regional diplomacy. A genuine transfer of power could help advance the establishment of a post-war administration. But Israel and Hamas’ critics say the group is offering to relinquish the burdens of civilian government while retaining its weapons, security apparatus and real influence on the ground.

HILLARY CLINTON BREAKS WITH DEMOCRATIC CRITICS BY BACKING TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN AS THE 'ONLY GAME IN TOWN'

The Trump-led Board of Peace responded cautiously, saying its assessment would be "guided by actions, not promises." The technocratic committee, which is currently based outside Gaza, has said it is prepared to begin operating once conditions allow.

But the announcement did not include a commitment by Hamas to disarm, the central demand from Israel and a core element of Trump’s post-war framework.

Alaa Abo Naddi, a Gazan teacher and political activist, said that the committee Hamas is dissolving was never the source of its real authority.

"I believe this is simply an attempt by Hamas to buy time," Abo Naddi said. "The real question has always been whether Hamas is willing to give up its weapons and dismantle the armed groups and militias under its control."

He said Gaza’s civilian officials have long operated without independent authority and remain subordinate to Hamas’ security apparatus.

"In reality, even a low-ranking Hamas security officer can overrule them or have them arrested," he said. "As long as Hamas retains its arms, this looks like an attempt to preserve its control and gain more time."

NETANYAHU REJECTS REPORTS OF A RIFT WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP, SAYS THE TWO REMAIN ALIGNED ON IRAN

Hadeel Oueis, editor-in-chief of the pan-Arab media outlet Jusoor News, similarly described the announcement as a "performative step" likely encouraged by one of Hamas’ regional backers.

Oueis said the move appeared intended to send Trump a message that Hamas had fulfilled its obligations and that Israel was now responsible for blocking the next phase of his plan.

"This is just a show and doesn’t change anything on the ground in reality," Oueis told Fox News Digital.

She noted that technical employees are expected to remain in place during the transition, arguing that Hamas would therefore remain the de facto authority unless its security and military structures were removed.

Michael Milshtein, head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at Tel Aviv University’s Moshe Dayan Center, also characterized the dissolution as largely symbolic but said its timing could signal a broader diplomatic effort.

Milshtein said Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been working with Hamas to develop a compromise that could move the stalled post-war arrangement forward, particularly on the issue of disarmament.

Rather than demanding the immediate and complete surrender of Hamas’ weapons, he said the mediators may be pushing for a gradual and partial process that Hamas could accept.

"I assess that the step Hamas took today is part of a move coordinated with Turkey, Qatar and Egypt, intended to begin advancing the broader arrangement," Milshtein told Fox News Digital.

He said Hamas had effectively thrown the ball into Israel’s court and could now argue that it had agreed to relinquish formal government control.

HAMAS INFLUENCE LOOMS OVER GAZA ELECTIONS AS EXPERTS WARN VOTE COULD BACKFIRE

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejected that distinction Tuesday, accusing Hamas of trying to reproduce the model used by Hezbollah in Lebanon, where an armed organization maintains military dominance while civilian institutions handle government services.

"They don’t care if others collect the garbage, provide municipal services and administer civilian affairs, if Hamas will remain the dominant military force," Sa’ar said during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Sa’ar said Israel would continue to insist on the "disarmament of Hamas and all other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, and its full demilitarization."

Wadephul backed that position, saying Hamas must relinquish both its weapons and its de facto control of Gaza.

The United Nations also offered a cautiously positive response.

U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organization had taken note of Hamas’ announcement concerning the dissolution of the Government Emergency Committee and the proposed transfer of administrative responsibilities to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

"We welcome any step that contributes to the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and advances the objectives reflected in relevant Security Council resolutions, including the full implementation of the ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid," Dujarric said.

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He added that the U.N. continued to support "efforts toward unified Palestinian governance under the Palestinian Authority."

Milshtein said the real test would be whether the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza is allowed to enter Gaza, operate independently and exercise genuine authority, while Hamas gives up not only its civilian role but also its security and military control.

NYT columnist says she 'deeply' regrets praising Senate hopeful after rape allegation

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:30:18 -0400

New York Times opinion columnist Michelle Goldberg says she "deeply" regrets an earlier column praising Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, writing that a rape allegation against him led her to conclude he appears "significantly worse" than the online criticism she had previously dismissed.

Goldberg, who profiled Platner favorably during his rise in Maine Democratic politics, revisited her assessment in a new column after Platner's former girlfriend accused him of rape, an allegation he has denied.

"While I’m assigning blame, I shouldn’t leave out myself," Goldberg wrote in the Monday column.

PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER

"Last October, when stories about Platner’s tattoo and Reddit posts first broke, I went to Maine to write about him. I tried to convey what I saw: a campaign that was electrifying angry Maine voters. But I deeply regret that, impressed by Platner’s political charisma, I wrote that he was 'nothing like the edgelord caricature I encountered online.' If anything, he seems to be significantly worse."

On Monday, during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Jenny Racicot, who had previously made allegations against Platner, was asked if she thought Platner had raped her, and she responded, "By definition? Yes, absolutely."

Racicot's allegations were first detailed by Politico in a Monday report. She told that outlet over the course of three interviews that Platner forced her to have sex with him against her will in 2021, which Platner has denied. Racicot told Politico that Platner was "almost blackout drunk" when the incident took place.

"I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told Politico. "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’"

TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE'

In June, the New York Times published a story featuring allegations against Platner from women who formerly dated him, including Racicot.

Even though Racicot addressed her relationship with Platner in the Times article, she did not elaborate on the 2021 incident.

Goldberg also singled out Platner's former political director, Genevieve McDonald, writing that McDonald had tried to warn Democrats about him.

"She quit when the first Platner scandals emerged and has been increasingly outspoken against him," Goldberg wrote. "Progressive operatives made her seem like a vindictive person eager to curry favor with Maine’s political establishment. In retrospect, she looks much more like someone who took a profound professional risk to do the right thing. I can’t be the only one who regrets not taking her more seriously."

EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE

She continued, "If there’s a lesson here, it might be about the importance of listening hard to the people telling you what you don’t want to hear. Many Democrats, disgusted by their party’s failure to contain Donald Trump, want representatives as furious as they are, and they no longer trust their leaders to tell them who is electable. That opens space up for outsider candidates who wouldn’t have had a chance a few years ago. It also makes it easier for unfit characters to escape proper vetting."

Fox News Digital reached out to Platner for comment.

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Fox News’ Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.

After blowout loss to Belgium, many are wondering if Team USA is better or worse than it was a decade ago

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:29:22 -0400

Twelve years ago, nearly to the day, members of the U.S. Men's National Team sat in stunned silence on a field in Brazil after losing a heartbreaker to Belgium in the 2014 World Cup.

Despite goalkeeper Tim Howard's heroic performance and forward Chris Wondolowski's near miss that would have likely ended the game in regulation, the USMNT were outclassed by a final score of 2-1 in the round of 16.

Fast forward to Monday night, and a team of American men that was previously anointed "the golden generation," sat in a similarly stunned fashion after being blitzed by an almost completely different team of Belgians on their home turf in Seattle.

BELGIUM EMBARRASSES TEAM USA BEFORE BREAKING OUT TRUMP'S SIGNATURE DANCE CELEBRATION AFTER FOURTH GOAL

It begs the question: has anything changed in the last 12 years?

I mean, after all, following that loss to Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, many pundits predicted the Americans were on the up and up when it came to soccer, and that a close loss to such a quality opponent meant the USMNT was on the fast track to success.

But just three years later, the program bottomed out with an embarrassing loss to Trinidad and Tobago in the last game of the qualifying rounds that kept them out of the 2018 World Cup.

USA ADVANCES IN WORLD CUP AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The 2022 iteration of the USMNT didn't fare much better, gritting their way through the group stages in Qatar before once again bowing out in the round of 16 to a superior European squad (Netherlands).

And now we have this result, a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of a Belgian team in the midst of a fading "golden generation" of their own.

Superstars like Eden Hazard, Kevin DeBruyne, and Vincent Kompany who were the engines of those Belgian squads from the 2010s were nowhere to be found on Monday night, but the results were still the same - worse, even.

USA COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO KICKS POWERADE BOTTLES IN FRUSTRATION AS TEAM'S FIRST HALF DEFENSE LOOKS SHAKY

So again, I ask: what changed?

It would be reductive to look at just the result against Belgium and say, "nothing," but you would also be removing the previous three weeks of soccer that directly preceded Monday evening's blowout loss.

Yes, the team looked out of sorts as if the moment was too big for them.

Yes, their best player, Christian Pulisic, was dreadful when his country needed him the most.

These things can be true, but what's also true is this is still the most talented team many of us have seen in the Red, White, and Blue in our lifetimes.

The 2026 World Cup was the first time the USMNT had won back-to-back games at the world tournament since 1930, and the team won a game in the knockout round for the first time since 2002.

This is one of the most prolific offenses America has ever produced, and many of their young stars, like Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun, are only just now entering their primes.

In World Cups past, American fans would have prayed for results like the ones they saw against Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It wasn't that long ago where a 0-0 draw against teams of their ilk would have been seen as "getting the job done."

Now, this team and this country expects to pick up three points against "inferior" opponents.

Go back and look at what pundits were predicting against Paraguay before the start of the World Cup. I can assure you that no one was expecting a 4-1 smackdown.

The team and program has a long way to grow still.

Nowhere was that more evident than on the pitch in Seattle on Monday.

Belgium looked like they belonged in a game of that magnitude, while the USMNT wilted when the spotlight got hot.

That has to change, there is no getting around that.

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But while we wipe the taste of that loss from our mouths, let's also look back and appreciate the heights we have reached in the past month.

America is expected to win games in the knockout rounds of the World Cup, and that alone is massive progress.

We no longer have to sit around and pray for a 1-0 victory where our only goal comes from a corner kick.

That's growth.

So, to answer the question: yes, the USMNT has gotten better in the last decade. Appreciably so.

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There's work to be done, but we should also appreciate the work that's already been done.

Thanks to the U.S. Men's National Team for a tournament that Americans will never forget.

Progressive Dems' full-throated Platner endorsements come back to haunt them after rape allegations

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:15:02 -0400

After Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner was accused of drunkenly raping a woman, a litany of progressive Democrats are tucking tail and heading for the hills as their ringing endorsements of the continuously embattled candidate come back to haunt them.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said at an April rally that Platner is, "My kind of man."

She issued a statement Monday night after allegations emerged that Platner drunkenly raped 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot in 2021.

"Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault," Warren's statement said.

"Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable. With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race."

WATCH: DEM SENATORS EXCUSE PLATNER'S CONDUCT AT CRISIS HUDDLE WITH EMBATTLED MAINE CANDIDATE

A spokesperson for Warren did not answer specific questions about whether the senator regretted backing Platner, who has not dropped out of the race as of Tuesday morning, through his numerous prior scandals.

Progressives supported Platner despite a months-long series of damning scandals, including the revelation that the candidate had a Nazi-linked tattoo on his chest. He was also exposed for infidelity to his wife, making lewd Reddit comments about masturbating in portable toilets on a now-deleted account and mocking a Purple Heart veteran.

He also faced accusations last month of physical misconduct and violence against an ex-girlfriend who was then smeared as a conservative political operative.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., was silent on the rape allegations until midday Tuesday.

"I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine," he said in a statement. "In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside."

Sanders previously said that he would "do everything I can to make sure that Graham Platner is the next Senator from the state of Maine."

The left-wing commentariat played a massive role in propping Platner up.

TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE'

Former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor, who now host the "Pod Save America" podcast, were chief among those supporting Platner's rise in the Democratic Party.

"Graham Platner isn't just our best and only chance to beat Susan Collins, he's a good, decent man who's struggled and grown and is always trying to do better," Favreau said on X in April, well after the Reddit post and Nazi tattoo scandals.

Favreau changed his tune Monday night.

"Platner needs to drop out ASAP - these are awful, credible allegations," he posted. "Said on the pod after the (also credible) June NYT story that his biggest problem going forward would be credibility. It's now abundantly clear that he just hasn't been honest about his past and can't be trusted as a candidate for office."

Vietor defended Platner after Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., who is Jewish, condemned the candidate's Nazi-linked tattoo and Reddit posts as "disqualifying" in May.

SANDERS CAUGHT ON CAMERA SNAPPING AT REPORTER OVER PLATNER’S POSTS: ‘GET A BETTER JOB’

"Have you called or met with him to discuss it?" Vietor asked Auchincloss on X.

Vietor had also interviewed Platner after those scandals.

But he, too, reversed course on Monday night.

"This story is really bad, well-documented and credible, and obviously the right course of action for Platner is to drop out as soon as possible so that Maine democrats can get a replacement on the ballot," he said.

Pfeiffer followed suit.

"The allegations against Graham Platner are well-documented, very credible, and highly disturbing. He should drop out ASAP," he said, on X.

Lovett didn't make a statement, but posted a clip of Monday's episode of "Pod Save America," where despite his apology, Vietor jumped straight back to politics and remarked that he was, "very worried now about the prospect of winning this seat" but said the Democratic Party, "could ultimately be in a stronger place politically."

Fox News Digital reached out to Crooked Media, the parent company of "Pod Save America," but did not hear back.

PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER

Some not only failed to condemn Platner, but instead took offensive positions.

"Graham Platner may drop out. (I hope he doesn't, but.) Meanwhile, the Abuser in Chief just keeps on keepin' on," author Stephen King wrote on X, referring to allegations against President Donald Trump over the years.

King followed-up with another post claiming everyone in politics in Washington, D.C. is corrupt.

"Tell you what--if you knew the whole truth about everyone in the Senate and House of Reps, those chambers would be dead empty. Jesus said, 'Let him without sin cast the first stone.'"

Far-left media personality Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks spent much of Monday blaming everyone but Platner for the scandal, including the media and the "Israeli lobby."

"Congratulations to national media on politically assassinating Graham Platner," he said in one post. "If he drops out and Democratic Party tries to give us two candidates who are both for Israel and corporate pacs [sic], they'll face a revolt like they've never seen. Days of bull---- false choices are over."

Fox News Digital reached out to Uygur.

Ryan Grim, formerly of The Intercept, spent ages defending Platner online.

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"Democrats need people like Platner if they are going to come to terms with the true nature of our country, with what we have done to people at home and abroad, and pull together the coalition needed to heal and reshape it," he said in a June post regarding an opinion piece that promoted Platner.

He reported on X Monday night that Platner "lost his base," but did not address the rape allegations or his support for the candidate directly.

Grim did not return a Fox News Digital comment request.

Other prominent Democrats who abandoned the Platner ship include Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.

Kingmaker Mamdani calls on Platner to 'drop out of the race' after rape allegation

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:00:08 -0400

Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner has lost another high-profile progressive from his corner: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Mamdani, during a press conference on Tuesday with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, was asked about Platner's race and his own role as an ascendant figure within the Democratic Party after a clean sweep of primary elections where his endorsed candidates toppled Democratic incumbents last month.

"I believe that it's time for him to drop out of the race," Mamdani said. "And when it comes to my own endorsements, I've made eight endorsements at the state and federal level. They've all been right here in New York City. I'm incredibly excited at the fact that they won their races, and that's where my focus is for now."

PLATNER'S PAPER TIGER PROGRESSIVE COALITION CRUMBLES AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION

When further pressed on whether Platner’s campaign would have an impact on the broader progressive movement, Mamdani declined to weigh in.

"I think the focus of today should be on the campaign coming to a close, and I think there will be many more days to have conversations about what it means beyond that," he said.

DEMOCRATS ABANDON EMBATTLED CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION IMPLODES SENATE BID

Mamdani, who never endorsed Platner’s campaign, is the latest progressive to disavow him in an ever-growing list of Democrats across the country rushing to call on him to exit the Maine Senate race after a bombshell report that detailed an alleged rape of an ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot.

Notable about Mamdani’s disconnect from Platner are the connections the two share — the growing face of the Democratic Party and the scandal-plagued candidate shared top aides, including Morris Katz, a key strategist in Mamdani’s insurgent mayoral campaign and victory.

FETTERMAN DEMANDS BERNIE SANDERS APOLOGIZE FOR BACKING ALLEGED 'PREDATOR' GRAHAM PLATNER IN MAINE SENATE RACE

Platner so far has not announced an end to his campaign, but said in a video statement moments after the report dropped that he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to and the goal of defeating Susan Collins."

Several progressive candidates running for Senate, who previously kept mum on Platner’s scandals, have demanded he pull the plug on his campaign. Those include James Talarico in Texas and Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan.

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Nearly all of his congressional endorsements have evaporated, too, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., the chair of Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, calling for him to "immediately withdraw."

And on Tuesday afternoon, Platner lost his biggest backer.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Platner’s staunchest ally and supporter in Washington, D.C., has changed his tune on Platner, calling on the him to "step aside," the wake of the latest scandal after less than a month before defending him as he heading to Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes meeting with Democratic top-brass.

Extremist streamer sparks outrage after declaring NYC an ‘Islamic Republic’

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:30:41 -0400

A streamer who broadcasts to more than 1 million followers on a popular online platform set off a viral firestorm after invoking Mayor Zohran Mamdani's name as he declared Islam would take over New York City.

"Allahu Akbar!" the extremist internet personality Sneako yelled amidst a group of Egypt soccer fans while drums were banged and horns were blown. Egyptian flags waved among the crowd as they chanted along.

Sneako, whose real name is Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy, has been described as a provocateur and palled around with the online antisemitic far-right during his rise to social media stardom. Before that, he was all-in on his support for the political far-left and supported the presidential campaign of socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in 2016. He reportedly converted to Islam in 2023.

EGYPT NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER WAVES PALESTINIAN FLAG AFTER WORLD CUP WIN OVER AUSTRALIA

But Friday night, after Egypt dethroned Australia in the World Cup, he may have made his most controversial splash yet while live broadcasting on the streets of New York City on the video streaming platform Kick.

Mockingly wiping tears from his eyes, Sneako said, "Oh no, oh no. F--- you!"

"This is the Islamic Republic of New York-istan," he continued. "Islam will be in every household. Inshallah the whole world will be Muslim."

"Welcome to Mamdani's New York. You see this city? You see how it looks? Inshallah, your city looks just like this too," he shouted among the crowd.

MAMDANI BLASTS ICE AGENTS, ELON MUSK AND 'SUPREMACY' IN AMERICA 250 SPEECH AHEAD OF JULY 4 WEEKEND

"Inshallah" is Arabic for "God willing," and "Allahu Akbar" is Arabic for "God is great."

Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of New York.

The clip of Sneako quickly circulated on the web, garnering tens of millions of views across platforms including Instagram and X, while thousands of people slammed him for the pronouncement.

PRO-ISRAEL INFLUENCER EMILY AUSTIN SAYS ZOHRAN MAMDANI REACHED OUT TO CO-HOST FIFA EVENT

One of the sharpest replies came from Rob O'Neill, the Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden in an early morning raid on the terrorist's compound in 2011.

"These guys sound WAY different when you wake them up at 2am," he said.

A pair of massive personalities on X, who have a history of bad blood, even teamed up to demand a harsh punishment for the streamer.

"Deport him NOW!!!" conspiracy theorist Alex Jones said in reply to the clip, which elicited a response from X owner and former Jones opponent Elon Musk.

"Yes," Musk simply replied.

When Musk purchased X — then Twitter — and vowed the return of free speech to the platform, Jones had been permanently suspended. At first, Musk was hesitant to reinstate Jones given the Sandy Hook controversy that surrounded the radio show host. Eventually, however, Musk relented.

One X user labeled the streamer as a "Disgusting creature."

"Send this dude to Iran if he hates America so much," said another.

Sneako appeared to cryptically address the controversy in a post of his own on X Sunday night.

"Every knee will bow," he posted. "Every tongue confess."

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On Monday, he took a shot at Musk for echoing Jones' deportation post.

"Go back to Africa," he told Musk, who is native to South Africa. "This is my country."

Mamdani's office did not return Fox News Digital's request for comment on Sneako's comments.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify the headline language. "Allahu Akbar" is a common Islamic expression meaning "God is great," though it has also been invoked by extremists during terrorist attacks.

New York Times under scrutiny over Graham Platner coverage as accusers speak out against paper

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:42:26 -0400

The New York Times is facing scrutiny over the growing scandal plaguing Democratic Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner, as some have questioned what its reporters knew, and one of his past accusers insists the paper didn’t work to corroborate her story.

Politico published a bombshell report Monday on one of Platner's exes alleging he sexually assaulted her during their relationship. Jenny Racicot claimed that in 2021, a drunk Platner entered her home uninvited and had sex with her despite her repeatedly telling him to stop. Platner has firmly denied the allegations, which Racicot has said constituted rape.

Racicot was one of the women interviewed in the Times' report last month about Platner's "unsettling" behavior. According to the Times, Racicot described "positive memories" she had with Platner but said he "does not respect women" based on comments he made that had surfaced. The report also appeared to allude to Racicot's sexual assault allegation.

DEMOCRATS ABANDON EMBATTLED CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION IMPLODES SENATE BID

"Ms. Racicot also said that in 2021 he arrived at her house drunk, after she had asked him not to come over. She declined to elaborate, but said she cut off contact soon after that episode and found his behavior 'reckless' and 'unsettling,'" the Times wrote.

That paragraph was buried roughly 70 paragraphs into the exposé, and much of the story focused on the conservative politics of another Platner ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, who had her own allegations of domestic abuse.

However, Racicot told Politico that she did tell The New York Times about her assault claim off the record, not that she declined to elaborate. She said she told the Times she didn't want to go public because she didn't wish to be known as a rape victim.

"My part of the story was just a read-over," Racicot told Politico about the Times report. "And the story was Lyndsey, and the accusations of her being politically motivated."

PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER

According to longstanding journalistic practices, anything that's said off the record by a source, and the request is agreed to by a reporter, should not be reported. Yet conservatives on social media are still accusing the Gray Lady of trying to run defense for Platner.

"The Times had this. They chose to bury it 30 paragraphs deep under a novel about Lyndsey‘s professional background," writer Bethany Mandel responded.

"Total journalistic malpractice," Mandel continued. "Of course another outlet was going to finish the job that the Times chose to catch and kill."

Fifield, who is active in conservative circles, was accused by some left-wing media members of being an unreliable accuser because of her political views.

FOX NEWS POLL: MAINE SENATE RACE IS TIGHT, WITH CONCERNS ABOUT BOTH CANDIDATES

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Public Affairs Director Joe Simonson wrote, "It’s not just that the MSM is merely disgracefully partisan — often shirking basic editorial standards for partisan gain — it’s that their colleagues behave like mafia members. They keep their mouths shut when things such as this happen. Can’t ever attack one of their own."

The Times was accused of burying the lede, downplaying the allegations of "absolutely disgusting" behavior, and journalist John Daniel Davison even added, "The NYT tried to protect Platner. Which is really the least surprising aspect of this entire thing."

Daily Wire top editor Brent Scher called it a "major embarrassment" for the Times.

"Racicot already talked to them, and was so disappointed that she went to @politico and @CNN. Because the NYT made Lyndsey and her politics the story instead of Platner, and let his comms team shape the whole thing," Scher wrote.

GRAHAM PLATNER ACCUSER HITS NYT FOR ALLEGEDLY SOFTENING ALLEGATIONS, SAYS COVERAGE WAS 'GIFT' TO DEMOCRAT

Notably, Fifield previously claimed that, in an effort to get her to go on the record, the Times put her in contact with other women who Platner allegedly abused and who the Times said would be in the story. But when the story was published, Fifield wrote, these women were nowhere to be found.

"After the story went up I began to ask them… wait, where are the stories from the other women? Where are their accusations of sexual assault? Why am I the focus? Why are there 11 paragraphs dedicated to detailing my work history (more than has been published about Graham’s by far)?" she wrote on X last month.

Fifield continued to unload on the New York Times on Tuesday morning after the Politico report forced many Democrats to abandon the embattled Senate candidate, who has not dropped out of the race to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

"I actually understand why Democrat leaders didn't take our stories seriously when the Times reported them in June but are taking them seriously now. It was by design. The line most shared from the piece was the claim that the Times ‘could not corroborate’ my story despite talking to two of my friends. I gave them the contact information for five friends. They called the two who I clarified would not know about the abuse but would be able to affirm our relationship timeline, events, etc. They simply did not call the other three," Fifield wrote, noting that she provided information for several other people who could confirm her story.

"As the weeks dragged on I stopped trying to give them evidence because the amount I had already given them seemed to overwhelm them and I thought it meant they clearly had more than enough to verify my every claim," she continued. "But tell me again how they ‘could not corroborate.’"

One of Fifield's friends came forward, noting that the newspaper's reporters never contacted her.

"I was one of those friends. The Times never contacted me," Emily Zanotti wrote on X. "Other reporters now have. I'm not hard to get ahold [sic] of, by the way."

A New York Times spokesperson provided Fox News Digital with the following statement: "The Times’s article on June 4 brought to light a pattern of unsettling behavior by Graham Platner and included many of the details that women shared with us that were on the record and confirmable. The article also provided readers with context about what the women were and were not willing to share at the time. It was a revealing and sensitive piece of reporting that helped Maine voters and others learn more about Platner and his candidacy. Politico advanced this public understanding with even more information that they independently reported."

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Fox News Digital's Robert McGreevy contributed to this report.

Fun fact: Some sea slugs steal chloroplasts and use sunlight to survive longer

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:25:51 -0400

Scroll through the slideshow and be amazed

Prince Harry's UK trip off to rocky start after first major setback

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:29:26 -0400

Prince Harry is facing another setback since arriving in the U.K., the latest development in what has already been a turbulent trip.

On July 7, the Duke of Sussex lost his yearslong lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday.

Harry and six other claimants, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, lost their privacy case against the publisher. The U.K.'s High Court dismissed their claims after finding the claimants had failed to prove their allegations of unlawful information gathering.

PALACE AIDES 'DON'T TRUST' PRINCE HARRY ALONE WITH KING CHARLES, EXPERTS SAY

The decision comes as Harry is already navigating renewed scrutiny during his latest visit to Britain.

"Associated Newspapers welcomes today's judgment, which is an overwhelming victory for the Daily Mail and its journalists, and for a free press generally," a spokesperson for Associated Newspapers said in a statement.

"This is a magnificent vindication of the Daily Mail's journalism."

"For some of the most outrageous allegations made when the case was launched in a blaze of publicity four years ago — placing bugs in people's cars and homes, listening to calls as they were made and illicitly accessing bank accounts — no credible evidence was ever presented," the statement read.

WATCH: KING CHARLES WENT ‘ABOVE AND BEYOND’ FOR PRINCE HARRY: EXPERT

"As we said at the time, these allegations were 'lurid' and 'preposterous,' and were a fishing expedition by the claimants and their legal teams in a politically motivated campaign to muzzle the free press. The reputations of our decent and hardworking journalists were terribly impugned, and today they have been exonerated. As the judgment clearly shows, every single article was legitimately sourced."

Fox News Digital reached out to Archewell, which oversees the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment.

Harry and the other claimants sued over alleged privacy violations dating from the early 1990s through the 2010s. They claimed the U.K. tabloids engaged in the "clear, systematic and sustained use of unlawful information gathering" for two decades, according to attorney David Sherborne.

Associated Newspapers denied the allegations, calling them "preposterous." The publisher said the roughly 50 articles at issue were based on legitimate sources, including acquaintances willing to talk about their famous friends.

Harry previously said private information attributed to "sources" and "friends" fueled his suspicion that people close to him were leaking details to journalists.

"This is a huge setback for Prince Harry, especially since he was the lead claimant among the seven claimants," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. "It is also clear that he did not choose his friends and acquaintances wisely."

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"With his visit already mired in chaos, he won’t elicit public sympathy," Fitzwilliams warned.

In January, Harry testified in London's High Court that the coverage made him "paranoid beyond belief" and claimed the outlet wanted to "drive me to drugs and drinking to sell more papers."

At one point on the witness stand, Harry fought back tears as he spoke about his wife, Meghan Markle. He told the High Court the Daily Mail made Meghan's life "an absolute misery."

Harry said the idea that he isn't entitled to a private life is "disgusting," adding that the legal fight has been another "horrible experience" for him and his family.

In a witness statement obtained by People magazine, Harry said he decided to pursue legal action after what he described as "vicious" and "sometimes racist" coverage of Meghan following the start of their relationship in 2016. He said the attacks intensified during Meghan's pregnancy and after the birth of their son, Prince Archie.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020, citing intense media scrutiny and a lack of support from the palace. They relocated to California.

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The ruling adds to what has already been a turbulent trip to Britain for the Duke of Sussex.

On July 6, Harry's spokesperson told People magazine that an offer for the Duke of Sussex to stay at Buckingham Palace during his London visit was withdrawn after he had formally accepted it.

However, palace sources disputed that account, saying Harry failed to respond by the deadline and that his later acceptance came only after arrangements could no longer be made.

Harry had also hoped to bring his wife and their two young children to Britain for the first time since 2022. But after learning the family would receive police protection only while on royal property — and not throughout the visit — it was reported on July 4 that Harry decided they would not accompany him.

On July 6, the prince arrived alone in the U.K. He is expected to be there through July 11. It is unclear whether he will meet with his father or whether his family will join him later in the week.

Harry has also been denied restoration of taxpayer-funded security by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC).

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People magazine reported that Harry's team spent several days exploring ways to make the visit safe through enhanced private security arrangements. Palace sources claimed Harry initially declined the invitation to stay at a royal residence before accepting it on Saturday.

Harry has launched a series of lawsuits against the British press in recent years. He and Meghan previously received a symbolic £1, or $1.36, in damages from the Mail on Sunday after winning Meghan’s legal case against the paper for publishing a personal letter she wrote to her father, Thomas Markle, in 2018.

World Cup Round of 16 betting guide with Argentina, Colombia and the corners market leading the way

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:28:16 -0400

Well, that one didn't go the way we wanted, did it?

Team USA barely showed up last night as Belgium took them down 4-1. For America, this year will go down as the World Cup in which the team improved, but still has a long way to go. Many will look at this year as a step forward and an impressive run. Others will look at the game against Belgium and say that this team is clearly a step below most of the better countries. No matter how you look at it, I think it was at least a fun watch for all of us.

Argentina vs. Egypt

After today, there will only be eight teams remaining in the tournament, and a handful of games remaining in the World Cup. We still have the favorites alive with France already advancing, and Argentina looking to move on today. Argentina has yet to lose a game, but they didn't have a very tough path to this point. They opened the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Algeria and then beat Austria 2-0.

Jordan finally scored a goal against them, but still lost 3-1. Their toughest match was against Cape Verde in the previous round. It was a fantasitc game where the small country of 525,000 stayed alive every time Argentina would score. Even in extra time, they matched an Argentina goal. Still, the Argentinians prevailed with a 3-2 win.

MESSI, ARGENTINA AVOID A SHOCKING UPSET IN WILD KNOCKOUT STAGE MATCH AGAINST CAPE VERDE

Egypt has had a tough route, but they also haven't lost a game. They started the tournament with a draw against Belgium. As we've seen, Belgium is a fairly strong competitor. Then, beat New Zealand 3-1 in the second game, before playing Iran to a draw in the third. In the Round of 32, the team took Australia to a draw before winning via penalty kicks.

I think this game sees a lot of attacks from Argentina, but Egypt will probably block a lot of them. This normally leads to corners. I also expect Argentina to block a lot of the Egypt attacks after the tough game against Cape Verde. I think the smart play today is to take the over 8.5 corners for the game.

Switzerland vs. Colombia

This game should be a little more competitive and difficult for the teams to pull off a victory. Looking back at Switzerland's path to get here, I don't really see all that difficult of a path. They started with a surprising draw against Qatar. Then they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, and they took down Canada 2-1 in the Group Stage. In the Round of 32, they played Algeria and won that game with relative ease. Now they have to take down one of the better teams remaining.

EGYPT NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER WAVES PALESTINIAN FLAG AFTER WORLD CUP WIN OVER AUSTRALIA

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Colombia is looking to advance to the final eight teams in the World Cup with a win today. They didn't have an overly difficult path to get here, either. They beat Uzbekistan easily in the opener, 3-1, and then beat Congo-DR 1-0 in their second game. They played Portugal to a draw in a game that didn't have much impact on their advancement.

In the Round of 32, they were able to escape with a 1-0 win over Ghana. I don't expect this to be a high-scoring match, but I do think both teams could score. However, when push comes to shove, I think the right path is to take Colombia to advance at -155. It is a bit pricey, but this protects us in case they go to extra time or penalties. Give me Colombia to advance.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

Chris Hansen urges parents to teach children about online predators before allowing internet access

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:26:34 -0400

Investigative journalist Chris Hansen issued a stark warning to parents Tuesday, urging them to prepare their children for the dangers of online predators and sextortion before allowing them access to the internet.

"Kids hate to be tricked, and you have to tell them there are adults online who like to trick kids. You don't wanna be tricked," he told the "Hang Out With Sean Hannity" podcast.

"Don't talk to anybody online who you don't know in real life. Start there."

PARENTS PUSH CONGRESS TO ACT ON KIDS' ONLINE SAFETY AFTER JURIES FIND META AND YOUTUBE LIABLE FOR HARM

During the latest episode with Sean Hannity, the longtime "To Catch a Predator" host discussed the growing threat of sextortion and recalled conversations with families whose teenage sons were targeted by scammers posing as young women online.

Hansen said predators lure boys into sending explicit photos before demanding money and threatening to release the images publicly.

"They get caught up in the moment because kids' identity is so tightly tied to their social media presence," Hansen said.

TRUMP SIGNS HAWLEY MEASURE ADDING 200 CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATORS IN LARGEST CRACKDOWN EFFORT YET

"They can't live with the thought of this getting out there or them being embarrassed, and they end up taking their own lives."

Hansen also discussed what parents can do to protect their children online, the warning signs families often miss and why he believes early conversations about internet safety can save lives.

He said parents need to have discussions with their children the "very moment" they have access to the digital world.

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"At the end of the day, it's the parent... and you have to sit down with your child at a very early age, at the... moment they're on the internet," he said.

The full interview is available on iHeart, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

Laysla De Oliveira teases ‘Lioness’ season 3 debut with behind-the-scenes photos

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:20:58 -0400

"Lioness" fans are getting some more looks at the upcoming season.

The hit CIA/military series from Taylor Sheridan has been one of the most entertaining shows on TV ever since it premiered in July 2023.

The gritty and violent drama shines a light on the world of black ops, and while it's clearly dramatized, the tone of the show is very realistic.

TAYLOR SHERIDAN'S HIT CIA/MILITARY SERIES GETS MAJOR UPDATE AHEAD OF NEW SEASON PREMIERE

Now, fans are getting a better idea of what's coming.

'Lioness' star shares look at new season

Season three of "Lioness" premieres Aug. 2 on Paramount+, and the buzz and hype around the series is significant.

It makes sense. Everything Taylor Sheridan touches turns to entertainment gold, and "Lioness" is among his best works.

ALI LARTER DEFENDS TAYLOR SHERIDAN'S WRITING OF FEMALE CHARACTERS, CALLING CRITICISM A 'FALSE NARRATIVE'

Well, fans are now getting a look behind the curtain of the new season. Star Laysla De Oliveira jumped on Instagram on Monday to share a photo dump from behind the scenes of season three.

Check it out below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. "Lioness" fans will see a lot of familiar faces.

The trailer for season three is also absolutely electric. You can check it out below if you haven't already seen it.

TAYLOR SHERIDAN SAYS HE DOESN'T CARE WHAT CRITICS THINK, ADMITS TO 'RAGE BAITING' THEM ON PURPOSE

Admittedly, I am a huge "Lioness" fan and a huge fan of black ops and special operations. It's almost like Sheridan cooked up the series in a lab for guys like me.

The first two seasons were nothing short of excellent. The season two premiere featured one of the best sequences I've ever seen on TV.

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That's the exact same energy I expect in season three.

You can catch "Lioness" season three starting August 2nd on Paramount+. Hit me with your predictions at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Selling your home this summer? Your data is already moving

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:16:30 -0400

Selling your home can be exciting. It can also feel stressful, especially as you move into your retirement years. The last thing you need is opportunistic criminals circling as you make a major life change.

The risk is real. Someone who has just sold a home may have cash on hand or a well-funded bank account. That can make sellers prime targets for fraud, theft and identity scams.

There is good news, though. You have options. A few smart steps can help protect you, your family and your hard-earned nest egg. First, let's take a closer look at what gets exposed.

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WHY IDENTITY THEFT COMES BACK FOR THE SAME PEOPLE

What property sales can reveal

The moment a deed or property transfer gets recorded, key details can become part of the public record, depending on your state and county. That may include your name, mailing address, property history and, in many places, the sale price.

That gives scammers a head start. Based only on public record updates, they can target you when you may have the most to lose and when you are distracted by a move. They may know you recently sold a property, that you are receiving messages from real estate agents, title companies, escrow officers, inspectors and contractors and that your contact details may have changed.

But the deed and property records are only part of the problem. A property sale can reveal much more, including:

Floor plans that show the home's layout
Interior photos that may reveal security systems, entrances and valuables
Exterior views from listings or map services
Photos that show artwork, electronics, collectibles or other expensive items
Personal data that brokers already collected before the sale

How scammers get their hands on this information

Data brokers collect property information and sell it to real estate investors, marketing companies and lead generation services. For someone between 55 and 70 who is downsizing from a family home to a smaller property, that filing creates a fresh verified data point.

That new data can update an entire broker profile automatically, including your new address. Once that happens, the information can spread across people-search sites, marketing databases and broker networks. In some cases, it may reach brokers who sell curated consumer profiles to questionable buyers.

In other words, scammers do not have to piece together every record by hand. Data brokers and people-search sites can do the scraping, matching and packaging for them.

Watch for real estate wire fraud

Scammers may also impersonate your real estate agent, title company or escrow officer near closing. They may send fake wiring instructions or claim payment details have changed at the last minute.

Before sending or accepting any transfer, call the title company or closing professional using a phone number you found independently. Do not trust a number inside an unexpected email or text. Also, be suspicious of any last-minute change to wiring instructions.

BOOKING A SUMMER TRIP? HERE'S WHAT YOU'RE GIVING SCAMMERS

How to limit the danger when selling your home

There are two main ways to reduce the risk. You can limit what enters the public record, and you can disrupt the spread of your information once it appears online. You can also do both at the same time.

To limit what gets exposed:

Blur your property on Google Maps and Apple Maps. You can also follow our step-by-step guide to blur your home on Google Maps and Apple Maps
Contact your local government, usually at the county level, to ask whether property records can be redacted
Sign up for free property or deed recording alerts through your county recorder or clerk's office, if available
Remove property photos that reveal personal information or weaken your physical security
After purchasing a property, ask the real estate agent to remove photos and floor plans from their website

To limit what circulates online:

Search for your name on popular search engines and note the people-search sites that appear
Submit removal requests to sites that claim to sell your personal information
Prioritize brokers that specialize in property records, such as PropertyChecker.com or FloridaParcels.com
Research data brokers that operate in your area and send removal requests even when their websites do not allow public searches

Or, you can replace much of that work with a subscription to a data removal service.

LICENSE PLATE CAMERAS AT HOME DEPOT AND LOWE’S SPARK PRIVACY FEARS

Why I recommend a data removal service

Getting personal information out of circulation can take a lot of time. There are hundreds of data brokers. Each one may have its own opt-out process, and many can re-list your information within months after a successful removal.

That is why I recommend using a data removal service. It can automatically contact data brokers on your behalf, request the removal of your information and keep re-submitting removal requests if your data gets listed again. This service covers 420+ data brokers, including people-search sites, with an Unlimited plan for as many more sites as you need.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

Run a free exposure scan

You can also run a free exposure scan to see where your personal information is appearing online. Results typically arrive by email within an hour.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

Kurt's key takeaways

Selling a home should feel exciting, not risky. However, once your property sale gets recorded, details such as your name, mailing address, property history and, in many places, the sale price can become part of the public record. That information can spread quickly. People-search sites and data brokers can package it with past addresses, phone numbers, relatives and email addresses. That makes it easier for scammers to build a convincing profile on you. The good news is you can reduce your exposure. Ask for your home to be blurred on map services, remove risky listing photos, sign up for county recording alerts and request removals from data broker sites. A data removal service can also send opt-out requests on your behalf and keep checking if your information comes back online. With a little planning, you can protect your privacy and make yourself a much harder target.

After selling a home or moving, did you find your personal information online? Tell us what happened and how you handled it. Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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