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Appeals court upholds order blocking IRS from sharing taxpayer data with ICE

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:45:32 -0400

A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld an injunction blocking the Internal Revenue Service from sharing personal information such as the addresses of taxpayers with immigration authorities, ruling the Trump administration's policy was unlawful.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that the IRS unlawfully disclosed taxpayer information in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's request for the last known addresses of 1.28 million suspected illegal migrants. The court said the IRS failed to ensure that ICE's requests met the "stringent conditions" required under a federal tax-confidentiality law adopted in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, which generally bars the IRS from sharing tax-return information with other federal agencies.

Last year, the IRS shared roughly 47,000 taxpayer addresses with ICE under a policy that aims to assist President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda. The IRS had adopted a policy that allowed ICE to collect taxpayer information, sparking lawsuits over allegations that the practice was unlawful.

A lower-court judge sided with the plaintiffs and blocked the policy, although by that time the IRS had already shared 47,289 taxpayer records with ICE.

IRS ERRONEOUSLY SHARED CONFIDENTIAL IMMIGRANT TAXPAYER DATA WITH DHS: COURT FILING

The administration appealed, arguing the ruling hindered federal law enforcement.

"But that's a gripe with Congress, not the court," U.S. Circuit Judge Cornelia Pillard said in the appeals court's ruling on Tuesday.

Pillard said the IRS procedures violated federal law in several ways, including "most egregiously" by not requiring ICE to provide an actual taxpayer address, as the law requires.

"The IRS failed to require ICE to provide a 'specific reason' why the requested return information 'is or may be relevant to [a qualifying] proceeding or investigation,' as the statute demands," Pillard wrote.

"It entirely fails to ensure that ICE lists a federal employee, let alone one ‘personally and directly engaged’ in a qualifying investigation of a particular taxpayer," Pillard continued. "That failure has serious consequences. When ICE requested information on 1.28 million taxpayers in the summer of 2025, ICE identified the same person as the point of contact for every single request."

The practice "automates the review of millions of records without any individual review or any other means of ensuring compliance with the legal prerequisites to releasing each individual taxpayer's information," the judge added.

The three-judge panel also ruled that information sharing would violate privacy laws.

NEW MAINE LAW LIMITS POLICE COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS

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"The Data-Exchange Procedure reduces noncitizens’ privacy rights in their tax returns. By providing a distinct, automated pathway for ICE to request noncitizens’ information, the Data-Exchange Procedure deprives noncitizens of the protections that section 6103 guarantees to all taxpayers," the court found.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement to Reuters that it disagrees with the ruling and "will continue using every lawful tool available to locate and remove illegal aliens with final orders of removal."

Reuters contributed to this report.

Senator's daughter wins Democratic nod in closely watched race to replace outgoing Dem incumbent

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:53:46 -0400

Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, won a Democratic primary early Wednesday morning in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District — a high-profile race that’s attracted a crowd of Democratic candidates.

Her victory tees up a critical race Democrats need in order to win control of the House of Representatives as the district’s incumbent, Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., pursues higher office.

Pappas, who has represented the district since 2019, announced a bid for the U.S. Senate last year.

2026 MIDTERMS STATE OF PLAY: KEY RACES UNFOLD AS STEVENS, EL-SAYED BATTLE IN MICHIGAN

"I’m honored that the people of New Hampshire have entrusted me to fight for them; I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and I’m going to continue this fight in the U.S. Senate," Pappas said in a press release.

Incumbents often present their party’s best chance to win in competitive districts. Pappas last won reelection in a 54.0% to 45.9% victory over Republican challenger Russell Prescott, a local legislator.

The race attracted a crowd of Democratic challengers hoping to fill the empty seat.

In addition to Shaheen, eight contenders jumped into the race, including Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran and an Obama-era official. The field also included Carleigh Beriont, a union organizer and progressive, and Christian Urrutia, an Army National Guard officer and international law attorney. Urrutia would eventually later drop out and endorse Shaheen who quickly became a frontrunner.

PRIMARY TAKEAWAYS: DEMS’ LEFT-CENTER BATTLE INTENSIFIES AS SCHUMER TAKES ANOTHER HIT; SPLIT DECISION FOR TRUMP

Sen. Shaheen, who announced her retirement last March, endorsed her daughter.

"I’m so proud that Stefany is answering the call to serve the district she was born and raised in, where she has started a business, worked on the Portsmouth City Council and advocated for affordable health care and clean water," she said in a statement.

"She’s working hard to earn voters’ support in her own right and on her own merits — and I couldn’t be prouder to support her candidacy."

Shaheen emphasized priorities like Medicare for All, expanding tax breaks for first-time homebuyers and overhauling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

THE AMERICAN DREAM NOW COMES WITH A ZIP CODE: HERE'S WHERE STARTER HOMES ARE STILL WITHIN REACH

Sullivan, for her own part, pitched herself as an experienced veteran. On her campaign website, she highlighted her military service in the Marines, her work with the Obama administration in 2014 as an assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and her leadership as a private sector health technology executive.

"I joined the Obama administration. I was proud to work on matters of national security, healthcare and reform to help fellow military families like mine," Sullivan said in a campaign video.

Sullivan’s platform includes cracking down on what she described as price gouging, bolstering the VA, opposing Trump’s tariffs and increasing federal investments in housing development.

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Having cleared the primary, Shaheen will advance to the general election on Nov. 3.

State of play: Retiring Dem senator’s daughter holds slight lead in closely watched race

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:22:29 -0400

Two candidates — Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Maura Sullivan, an Obama-era official — remained locked in a Democratic primary race early Wednesday morning in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.

The contested race remains too close to call as both Shaheen and Sullivan, the two frontrunners, vie for a chance to keep the district under Democratic control as its incumbent, Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., pursues higher office.

Pappas, who has represented the district since 2019, announced a bid for the U.S. Senate last year.

EX-GOP SENATOR CLEARS HURDLE IN CRUCIAL COMEBACK BID AS REPUBLICANS TRY TO FLIP KEY SENATE SEAT

The race attracted a crowd of Democratic challengers hoping to fill the open seat. In addition to Sullivan and Shaheen, eight contenders jumped into the race for the open seat, including Carleigh Beriont, a state legislator. Beriont ended the night almost ten points behind Shaheen and Sullivan but still managed to capture roughly 20% of the vote.

Although Sullivan raised more financial support, it was Shaheen who led the race for much of the night, closing out Tuesday evening with a roughly 2% lead.

STATE OF PLAY: DEMS BATTLE FOR SHOT AT CRUCIAL ARIZONA HOUSE SEAT AMID GOP'S RAZOR-THIN MAJORITY

Sullivan accumulated $3.6 million in campaign contributions, outstripping Shaheen’s $2.4 million, according to records from the FEC.

But Shaheen also enjoyed the backing of her mother, who endorsed her last year.

"She’s working hard to earn voters’ support in her own right and on her own merits — and I couldn’t be prouder to support her candidacy."

Shaheen emphasized priorities like Medicare for All, expanding tax breaks for first-time homebuyers and overhauling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"I joined the Obama administration. I was proud to work on matters of national security, healthcare and reform to help fellow military families like mine," Sullivan said in a campaign video.

THE MEDICARE FOR ALL TRADE-OFFS SOCIALISTS AREN'T TALKING ABOUT, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

Sullivan’s platform includes cracking down on what she described as price gouging, bolstering the VA, opposing Trump’s tariffs and increasing federal investments in housing development.

In remarks late on Tuesday, Sullivan told her supporters the campaign was far from over.

"I feel incredibly proud of the campaign that we ran — which is far from over, by the way. There are still a lot of results to come in,"Sullivan said.

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Upon securing the nomination, either Shaheen or Sullivan will advance to the general election on Nov. 3.

Data shows Amazon jet’s key braking systems did not deploy during deadly Miami crash: NTSB

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:07:13 -0400

Authorities on Tuesday said key braking systems did not deploy during Sunday’s deadly plane crash after an Amazon cargo jet overran the runway at Miami International Airport and struck two vehicles, killing five people.

While the aircraft’s wheel brakes were applied, available data indicates that the speed brakes and thrust reversers did not, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

There was "no indication in the recorded data that speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed," Chihoon Shin, the NTSB investigator in charge, said.

Shin said investigators plan to interview the pilots involved, adding that officials are not yet going to speculate about what should have happened during the landing.

AMAZON CARGO PLANE OVERRUNS MIAMI AIRPORT RUNWAY AND STRIKES 'MULTIPLE' VEHICLES; 5 DEAD, 5 INJURED

"When we analyze the full list of parameters, we'll have a better idea of the aircraft's performance during this landing. Was it normal? Was it not? And what was working and what was not. So I'm not going to speculate on what should have been right now," he said.

"What we need to do is talk to the crew and get their account to understand how they're manipulating the controls in order to get a better understanding of the situation," he added. "That's something that we need a complete understanding of."

VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN FATAL AMAZON CARGO JET CRASH AT MIAMI AIRPORT

While officials did not identify the pilots involved, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said the captain was 55 years old and had 7,145 flight hours, according to his latest Class 1 medical certificate dated March 31, 2026.

The first officer was 37 years old and had 2,655 flight hours, according to his Class 1 medical certificate dated April 13, 2026, she said.

Officials confirmed that no hazardous materials were on board and said most of the cargo consisted of contact lenses.

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"They did confirm there was no hazmat on board. The cargo was mainly made up of contact lenses, again weighing 32,222 pounds. And then, of course, a flight kit," she said.

At least five people were killed and another five were injured in Sunday’s fiery crash involving Prime Air Flight 7598.

Seven of the victims were in a van that was crushed on airport property. The plane then traveled through the airport fence and struck another civilian vehicle before coming to a stop near a parking lot.

LSU leaves former pro-athletes off final roster, one night before SEC takes Lane Kiffin and Tigers to court

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:01:20 -0400

One night before the SEC is scheduled to ask a federal judge in Alabama for a temporary restraining order, LSU has finalized its roster for the upcoming season.

After nearly three weeks of court appearances involving multiple athletes in the Louisiana case, including former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, the Tigers decided not to add either player to its roster at any point this season.

On Tuesday night, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin finalized the roster by adding Gabriel Reliford and Aidan Anding, bringing the Tigers to the 105-player limit.

SEC ACCUSES LSU OF LETTING LANE KIFFIN RUN WILD AS EXPULSION VOTE COULD BE COMING THURSDAY IN EXPLOSIVE COURT FILING

LSU HOLDS OFF ON ADDING PLAYERS WITH NFL TIES AS SEC LAWSUIT LOOMS OVER PROGRAM, LANE KIFFIN

The decision comes after Wright and Harris amended their complaints in district court to add the SEC as a defendant.

A judge granted the players an injunction last week following a 12-hour hearing that featured SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testifying in front of a packed courtroom in Baton Rouge.

The SEC filed their own lawsuit, but in federal court against the Tigers

Not even ten minutes into his testimony, there was a rumbling within the courtroom as word started to spread that the SEC had filed its own lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin, AD Verge Ausberry and other members of the Tigers athletic department.

"Did you authorize the SEC to sue LSU and coach Lane Kiffin?" attorney Tony Clayton asked Sankey.

When asked why the conference took that step, Sankey pointed to the authority of the presidents and chancellors he represents.

Inside a Louisiana Courtroom: SEC-LSU Legal Circus Played Out Like a John Grisham Novel in Stunning Showdown

"We established our First Amendment right for freedom of association, so that our conference can make decisions and our members can make decisions about membership," Sankey said.

Now, five days after the injunction was granted, with school officials releasing a roster on Friday night before this past weekend's game against Clemson that did not include both football players involved in the lawsuit, LSU has made its final decision.

But, even with this decision made by the Tigers athletic department, there is still a scheduled hearing on Wednesday inside a Birmingham federal court, where the SEC is seeking a temporary restraining order that would allow the conference to enforce rules pertaining to pro-athletes making a return to college athletics.

In addition to seeking the ability to enforce its rules, this TRO could also grant the SEC cover when it comes to penalizing LSU for actions related to this entire ordeal.

"Today, the Southeastern Conference, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, filed a request for a temporary restraining order in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama to protect the right of the Conference and its member institutions to govern themselves," the SEC said in a statement.

"The SEC and its member universities have the right to establish, through agreed-upon governance procedures, the rules under which they voluntarily compete and to expect those rules to be followed," the SEC noted. "A commitment to those rules, and to the core principles of the Southeastern Conference, is an essential element of SEC membership.

"Today’s filing is necessary to defend that right and preserve the Conference’s ability to govern competition among its members."

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Lane Kiffin desperately tried to add former Ole Miss players

In the early morning hours of Sunday, following LSU's 51-10 win over Clemson, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin spoke about the tough decision to not add those two players to his roster, touching on his relationship with Dae'Quan Wright that dates back to Ole Miss.

"I'm just glad we played the way we did. Because I get it, even if we won close and ugly, the whole story would have been, 'Man, I screwed the team up by doing this," Kiffin noted. "I've been criticized heavily the last two weeks and I get that. I understand that. But my job is not to please you and worry about what you're going to write. My job is what I believe is right, and I believe we were fighting for what was right for those kids.

"I'm not going to get into all the reasons, but that's what I believe. Maybe people don't like that, but they don't understand that. Maybe if they knew my relationship with Dae'Quan [Wright] they would."

Kiffin has mentioned that when he was leaving Ole Miss for LSU, it was Dae'Quan Wright who stood up in the Rebels team gathering and told his teammates that he wanted Lane to lead the team through their CFP run.

COLLEGE ATHLETICS' LATEST MESS: COURT ORDERS SAY PRO ATHLETES CAN PLAY, BUT SEC AND BIG TEN READY TO FIGHT

In their filing on Tuesday, the SEC made a number of accusations against LSU for their handling of this entire matter, claiming that nobody at LSU can control head coach Lane Kiffin.

"Expressed great concern that Defendants [President Wade] Rousse and [Athletic Director Verge] Ausberry have no meaningful control over Defendant Kiffin or the football program at LSU ... The consensus at the September 4 meeting was and continues to be that LSU’s demonstrated lack of institutional control at the University level—including complete lack of control over Defendant Kiffin’s actions."

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Now, with neither player returning to college football, most importantly at LSU, the question now centers around how far this messy kerfuffle with the SEC will go.

LIV Golf files for bankruptcy after Saudi fund pulls support, leaving players owed millions in unpaid money

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:00:26 -0400

LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New Jersey, putting its current business model on hold after five years of operations. The filing follows the early conclusion of its 2026 season in Indianapolis after its primary financial backer withdrew support.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) halted funding in April to redirect money toward domestic projects and manage financial pressures from the regional war with Iran. Following the decision, PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan resigned from LIV’s board.

INEVITABLE OUTCOME ARRIVES FOR LIV GOLF AS SAUDIS OFFICIALLY PULL PLUG ON FUNDING

Between 2021 and 2026, LIV spent an estimated $5 billion to $8 billion. Bankruptcy filings show the league owes millions of dollars in unpaid compensation to top players, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Cam Smith.

The organization has laid off most of its operational staff, left event contractors waiting for payment and faces a lawsuit from the Premier Golf League alleging breach of confidence and conspiracy.

PIF provided $50 million to help LIV pay its bills and continue operating during the bankruptcy case. The league’s future depends on a proposed restructuring plan called "LIV 2.0."

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Under the proposal, London-based private equity firm BC Partners, which has financial ties to player agency GSE Worldwide, would fund a 2027 relaunch. The plan would also give the players majority ownership of the league.

LIV CEO Scott O’Neil outlined a new format for the proposed reboot, including 75-player fields, 72-hole tournaments, cuts, Monday qualifiers and a national team structure.

The format closely resembles the traditional tour model that LIV originally sought to replace.

Chapter 11 proceedings are expected to void existing player contracts.

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The league that entered professional golf with billions of dollars is now trying to survive bankruptcy, unpaid obligations and an uncertain future.

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How to stream every 2026 NFL game this week without cable

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

NFL season officially kicks off on Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET with the New England Patriots at the Seattle Seahawks. Fans can stream the game — and other regular-season games — through services such as FOX One, Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DISH and Sling TV. Each provider offers a different mix of channels and pricing, giving viewers several ways to watch games without the commitment of cable.

FOX One: $19.99 per month

FOX One gives fans access to NFL games airing on FOX and FS1, and it is currently offering up to 20% off on its top-tier plans. The base plan costs just $19.99, and includes multi-view functionality that lets you watch up to four live games at once and DVR capabilities for catching games on your own schedule.

Peacock: $12.99 per month

This NFL season kicks off with the New England Patriots facing off against the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday at 8:20 p.m. ET, a game you can watch live on Peacock, NBC's streaming platform. Peacock plans start at $8.99 per month, but to watch sports you will need the Premium plan, which costs $12.99 per month, or $129.99 for the year. NBC will present 26 NFL games this season, including three post-season games, all of which will be available to stream through Peacock.

Fubo: Starting at $9.99 per month

Fubo offers access to hundreds of channels, including FOX, ESPN and the NFL Network. Viewers can purchase the Latino plan to watch games in Spanish for just $9.99 the first month, and $19.99 per month after that. English plans start at $54.99 per month after a 30-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 NFL, viewers can choose Sling Select, which starts at $20 per month, or Sling Orange, which starts at $46 per month. Sling Select focuses on core channels, while Sling Orange expands the lineup with dozens of sports channels.

Hulu: $89.99 per month

Hulu + Live TV offers access to CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN 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.

Aaron Judge held hitless in long-awaited return to New York Yankees lineup from rib fracture

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:35:21 -0400

New York Yankees fans spent the last three months convincing themselves that Aaron Judge riding in like the White Knight was going to fix every single problem in the Bronx.

Well, the Captain finally returned Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies and dropped a total egg.

Nobody expected a three-homer spectacle after 100 days on the shelf. But going 0-for-3 with two ugly, clueless strikeouts wasn't the heroic homecoming Bronx fans paid to see.

AARON JUDGE RETURNS TO YANKEES AFTER 83 GAMES MISSED WITH RIB INJURY AHEAD OF POSTSEASON PUSH

Judge, who had been sidelined since May 31 with a right rib stress fracture, took his familiar spot in right field and batted third. He struck out swinging in his first turn, flied out in his second and then fanned looking in his third. To cap off the wildly underwhelming reboot, manager Aaron Boone pulled him after just six defensive innings.

Ironically, the game-changing power surge didn't come from Number 99 at all.

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In the bottom of the eighth, Heliot Ramos stepped into Judge’s vacated spot in the order with two runners on base.

Ramos delivered the spark fans came to see, launching a towering three-run moonshot that broke open a tight ballgame and secured a 5-3 victory for the Bombers.

Judge's replacement provided the actual juice.

With the Yankees trailing the Tampa Bay Rays in a tight AL East race, Judge insisted on jumping straight back into big-league action. The team agreed to treat this series as a quasi-rehab stint to keep his workload under control.

CAPTAIN AARON JUDGE CALLS OUT YANKEES' 'LACK OF FOCUS' BEFORE TEAM DROPS 7TH STRAIGHT GAME

That strategy makes sense on paper, but it certainly did not make for an inspiring return on night one.

During the 84 games Judge missed, New York suffered through a miserable .227 team batting average.

Naturally, the fanbase treated his activation like the second coming of Babe Ruth.

The captain is officially back in pinstripes, but his swing is clearly still stuck in June.

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LA Times sports editor says that college football schedules need to change due to 'climate change'

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:10:20 -0400

Out of the many storylines surrounding the first week and a half of college football season, one of the most unexpected was, of all things, weather.

It started when the USC Trojans hosted San Jose State in Week 0 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in front of a sparse crowd. The LA area was beset by an unusually hot and humid spell of weather, thanks to remnants of a tropical storm off the West Coast. Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees. For a game that was decided within minutes of kickoff.

That continued into Week 1, with teams like South Carolina and the Texas Longhorns hosting games during the middle of the afternoon sun in extreme heat. While more fans bought tickets, or even showed up to the stadium, many smartly left as soon as possible. Or in Texas' case, huddled under the concourse in hopes of finding shade. Some had to be treated for medical conditions like heat exhaustion or dehydration.

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This has sparked debate over the wisdom of scheduling games in the middle of the afternoon, in August or early September, in hotter climates. Justifiably so.

But it also gave rise to one of the more ridiculous contentions you'll ever see, and a near-perfect example of the decline of sportswriting as a profession and the reputation of the Los Angeles Times: blaming it on climate change. In response to a post describing and photographing a large group of Longhorns fans trying to escape the heat at DKR, LA Times assistant managing editor and sports editor Iliana Limon Romero said that programs should change scheduling to "adapt to climate change."

DOES USC'S POOR OPENING GAME ATTENDANCE MEAN LINCOLN RILEY'S ON THE HOT SEAT ALREADY?

"At some point, schools and TV networks are going to have to adapt to climate change and stop expecting fans to tolerate extreme heat as a badge of honor supporting their teams," she posted on X.

Oh boy.

Several things can be true at once. TV networks ignoring the reality of local conditions at noon or mid-afternoon in late summer in Texas or South Carolina because it fits their preferred broadcast window is a real concern. There's no reason games in Austin in the first week of September should be played anytime other than at night. It's also true that the symbolic "badge of honor" fans get from subjecting themselves to hell in order to watch 15 minutes of a non-competitive game is simply not worth the sacrifice. Particularly when it can lead to dangerous health conditions.

But to blame typical summer heat in Austin, Texas on climate change is absurd and ridiculous. Romero was quick to block anyone pointing that out to her, but the average high in Austin for this time of year is 95 to 97 degrees. It was a few degrees above that, but hardly out of the ordinary for that part of Texas in early September. Blaming climate change for it being hot in the summer in Texas is beyond ridiculous. And par for the course for modern sports editors and the LA Times.

The entire climate change industrial complex has been repeatedly proven wrong, as Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" inadvertently exposed. To Romero, though, it's part of an encoded set of religious beliefs that take precedence due to their association with modern liberalism. There is no doubting or questioning of "The Science" in her world, therefore a hot day in Austin must be an example of climate change.

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Weather isn't climate, you see, until it's convenient.

Again, Texas shouldn't be hosting a home game in the first week of September at two in the afternoon. That part's true. Blaming normal weather on climate change is blatantly false. No matter how many people telling the truth she blocks.

Rival court rulings leave Missouri’s congressional maps in limbo

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:49:28 -0400

Conflicting court rulings Tuesday left Missouri's congressional map in legal limbo less than two months before the November general election, with litigation continuing over which districts will govern the state's races.

Earlier Tuesday, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh denied Missouri’s emergency appeal seeking to revive the state's revised Republican-backed congressional map, leaving in place the Missouri Supreme Court's ruling blocking the map from being used in November. Kavanaugh acted alone and did not refer the application to the full Supreme Court.

Later Tuesday, however, Chief U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark issued a 14-day temporary restraining order directing Missouri officials to use the revised congressional map while the federal case proceeds, setting up competing court orders over which districts should govern the November election.

The Missouri Supreme Court had ruled last week that the revised map never legally took effect because a voter-backed referendum petition suspended the law pending a statewide vote, leaving the congressional districts adopted in 2022 in place for the November election.

MISSOURI AG FILES PETITION ASKING SUPREME COURT TO REVIVE TRUMP-BACKED REDISTRICTING MAP

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene after the state Supreme Court's ruling, arguing that the state faced an unprecedented situation after administering its primary election under one set of districts only to be ordered to use another for the general election.

The revised map, backed by President Donald Trump and Missouri Republicans, was designed to make Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver's Kansas City-area district more favorable to Republicans, with the goal of expanding the GOP's congressional delegation from 6-2 to 7-1.

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled the referendum petition prevented the revised map from taking effect unless voters approve it, leaving the state's 2022 congressional districts in place for the November election.

In its emergency filing, the state told the Supreme Court only it could prevent "hundreds of thousands of voters" from being disenfranchised and ensure Missouri could hold "a timely and lawful federal congressional election."

Hanaway called the Missouri Supreme Court's ruling "catastrophic" after filing the emergency appeal.

MISSOURI HIGH COURT BLOCKS GOP-BACKED CONGRESSIONAL MAPS AHEAD OF MIDTERMS; TRUMP BLASTS 'RIDICULOUS' RULING

Opponents urged the justices to reject the request, arguing Missouri officials created the timing problem by waiting until after implementing the revised map in the primary to challenge the referendum. Calling the application "not a real emergency," they argued the Supreme Court should not "reward the Secretary's scheme to outsmart Missouri voters, Missouri law, and the Missouri Supreme Court" by allowing use of a map the state's highest court concluded "is not the law and has never been the law."

Clark ruled that requiring Missouri to use different congressional maps for the primary and general elections "would wreak havoc on the fairness and orderliness of Missouri's congressional elections," calling into question the candidates nominated in the primary and the votes already cast. He said "widespread voter confusion would inevitably follow" if different maps were used. The temporary restraining order remains in effect for 14 days while the federal case proceeds.

Despite the competing rulings, Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe and Hanaway said Tuesday evening the state would move forward using the revised congressional map.

"Missouri is prepared to follow and comply with the federal district court's order, which binds the state to using the map enacted by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Kehoe," Hanaway wrote on X.

GEORGIA REDISTRICTING BATTLE REVIVED AFTER APPEALS COURT OVERTURNS FEDERAL COURT DECISION

Kehoe said the administration was "grateful for Chief Judge Clark's decision to provide much-needed clarity for Missouri voters and the election process."

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"With today marking the deadline for changes to the November ballot, the Missouri First Map will be used in the general election," Kehoe wrote on X. "Voters and candidates deserve consistency, certainty, and not to have the rules changed between elections."

Attorneys representing the referendum supporters, however, appealed Clark's temporary restraining order to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, leaving the legal status of Missouri's congressional districts unresolved as the litigation continues ahead of the November election.

Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson to be honored with statue at famed Star Plaza, team says

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:51:13 -0400

Phil Jackson, who won five of his record 11 NBA coaching titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, will be honored with a statue, the team confirmed Tuesday.

"Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason," Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement.

When the statue honoring Jackson is unveiled before an April game during the 2026-27 season, he will become the ninth member of the Lakers immortalized in bronze at Star Plaza outside the Lakers’ downtown Los Angeles home.

"His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad's invitation to join the Lakers, Phil's unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come."

The statement called Jackson deserving of the honor for his storied career. "It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves."

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Jackson, who is set to celebrate his 81st birthday next week, coached the Lakers for 11 seasons over two separate stints. His first tenure began in 1999 and lasted through 2004, while his second ran from 2005 to 2011.

During his two stints as head coach, Jackson guided the Lakers to five NBA championships. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal powered the three-peat title run. Bryant remained the centerpiece for the final two championships, with Pau Gasol joining him as the other cornerstone.

Jackson was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2007 class. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, having guided Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships across two separate three-peats.

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Other former Lakers players, coaches and contributors with permanent statues outside Crypto.com Arena include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

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Bryant has two statues at Star Plaza, one of which honors his late daughter, Gianna "Gigi" Maria-Onor’e Bryant.

Ex-Dem lobbyist for company that promoted addictive opioid clears key gubernatorial hurdle

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:28:23 -0400

Cinde Warmington secured the Democratic nomination in New Hampshire’s gubernatorial primary on Tuesday evening after running unopposed.

Her nomination marks the second time she’s pursued the office as Warmington continues to face attacks over her work as an attorney for Purdue Pharma — the company that became notorious in the early 2000s for the development and marketing of OxyContin.

The Republican Governors Association (RGA) called her connection to the drug disqualifying.

NEW HAMPSHIRE CANDIDATE JOHN SUNUNU BLASTS DEMS FOR NOVING ‘FIRST IN THE NATION PRIMARY’ ON RUTHLESS

"Based on her role in fueling the opioid epidemic and calling OxyContin a ‘miracle drug,’ Cinde Warmington is completely disqualified from being governor. Warmington chose a payday over protecting New Hampshire families," the RGA told local outlets.

Purdue faced public outrage, investigations and lawsuits over how it pushed OxyContin as a non-addictive drug while knowingly concealing its high potential for abuse. After years of lawfare, the company was required to pay a $7.4 billion settlement in May.

Warmington, for her part, has called the attacks unfounded and said that she had only a limited association with Perdue. In a video titled "setting the record straight," she addressed it head on.

"My dad, who I loved very, very much, struggled with addiction," she said. "We did not escape the opioid crisis."

"In 2001, when, as an attorney, I was assigned a case by a partner to represent Purdue Pharma … I was fighting for patients to get access to the healthcare that their doctors thought that they needed. What I did not know at the time was that Purdue Pharma was engaged in this massive criminal fraud — something that would only be exposed over years of litigation."

In the past, Warmington served on the New Hampshire Executive Council, representing the state’s 2nd district from 2021 to 2025.

LIZ PEEK: DEMOCRATS’ AFFORDABILITY SCAM COLLAPSES IN STATES THEY ACTUALLY RUN

She’s run for governor once before in 2024, losing out to Joyce Craig, the eventual nominee, in a 47.9% to 41.8% contest. Craig herself would go on to lose to Gov. Kelly Ayotte, the Republican in the race.

In her 2026 campaign, Warmington has pitched herself as a foil to rising costs of living. Like many Democratic candidates in the 2026 primaries, Warmington has put pressure on Republicans for not doing enough on affordability.

"The prices of houses, groceries, electricity and property taxes are crushing working families. And Kelly Ayotte is making your life more expensive. I know we can do better," Warmington said in a campaign video.

She shares some platform similarities with other Democrats.

In addition to championing priorities like pushing back on Trump’s immigration crackdown through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), implementing guardrails for data center construction, and preventing investor groups from purchasing housing, Warmington has also appealed to voters across the aisle with promises to slash taxes.

"I’ll make sure we don’t have a sales or income tax," Warmington said.

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Having secured the party nomination, Warmington will face off against Ayotte in the state’s general election for governor on Nov. 3.

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Ayotte won election in 2024, defeating Craig 53.6% to 44.3%.

Wild US Open doubles match devolves into player box taunts, a cold net snub, utter chaos

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:24:31 -0400

A long-festering personal feud between Taiwanese tennis stars Hsieh Su-wei and Chan Hao-ching erupted at the US Open, featuring taunts, an umpire confrontation, and an intentional post-match handshake snub.

All the madness went down in the Women’s Doubles Round of 16 at Flushing Meadows, where the fourth-seeded pairing of Hsieh and her unfiltered Latvian partner, Jeļena Ostapenko, sent Chan and Aussie Maya Joint packing in a straight-sets, 6-4, 6-4 beat down.

Mid-match, Ostapenko and Hsieh accused Chan’s coach of openly taunting them from the player’s box by sarcastically applauding unforced errors and double faults in Mandarin.

TENNIS STAR ARYNA SABALENKA STOPS US OPEN MATCH BECAUSE OF OVERWHELMING MARIJUANA STENCH

Because Ostapenko does not speak Mandarin, Hsieh translated the remarks on the court.

Ostapenko called the behavior disrespectful, demanded a Chinese translator be brought to the court, and yelled: "They do this because they know they cannot beat us, because they’re so much worse than us."

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Upon securing match point, Ostapenko celebrated by screaming directly at Chan's coaching box.

Here's where the nasty snub went down.

AMERICAN FRANCES TIAFOE CLASHES WITH FRENCH OPEN OPPONENT DURING COMEBACK WIN

At the net, Chan shook Ostapenko’s hand but pointedly snubbed Hsieh, walking straight past her Taiwanese compatriot without extending a hand or making eye contact.

Animosity between the pros stems from a long-running domestic turf war over resources, national team backing, and internal sports politics within Taiwan. Both competitors represent Taiwan internationally under the "Chinese Taipei" name mandated by governing bodies.

Hsieh, a former doubles world No. 1, has long accused the Chinese Taipei Tennis Association of favoring Chan and her elder sister, Latisha Chan, in allocating funding, sponsorships and coaching credentials.

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The beef hit a boiling point at the 2016 Rio Olympics when Taiwan’s tennis brass stiffed Hsieh’s coach to favor the Chans. Hsieh quit the Games in protest, sparking a decade-long grudge that had just exploded in Flushing Meadows.

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Trump-backed candidate wins high-stakes GOP primary for New Hampshire battleground district

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:30:09 -0400

President Donald Trump scored a key victory in New Hampshire on Tuesday night, with his chosen candidate winning the GOP primary for one of the state's two battleground congressional districts.

Businessman Anthony DiLorenzo defeated Novel Iron Works owner Hollie Noveletsky and state Rep. Brian Cole to clinch the Republican nomination for the Granite State's 1st U.S. House district.

EX-NFL STAR BACKED BY TRUMP WINS BATTLEGROUND STATE PRIMARY: 'TRUE AMERICA FIRST CONSERVATIVE'

The race has been contentious on both sides of the aisle for the open seat, which is currently occupied by Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., who is running for the U.S. Senate.

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As a result of his U.S. Senate run, Pappas is leaving the House, opening a moderately blue seat that the nonpartisan Cook Partisan Voting Index rates D+2. That means it does lean in favor of Democrats, but the right Republican candidate could sweep come November.

New Hampshire only has two congressional districts, with the 1st being the smaller of the two geographically. It includes part of southern New Hampshire, including Manchester, the state's most populous city. New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District is notably a seat that former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt ran for in 2022. Pappas defeated her by just under 10%.

The three candidates running for the GOP nomination in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District largely overlapped on most issues during their debates. But the most recent face-off, hosted by local station WMUR earlier this month, saw DiLorenzo become a target over his stance on illegal immigration.

Noveletsky and Cole both seized on DiLorenzo's comments on "The Granite Discourse" podcast in which he suggested that deporting illegal immigrants should focus on felons and violent criminals over those who did not commit crimes since getting to the U.S., according to NHJournal.

"Unlike Anthony, who is on record on Granite Discourse saying that if somebody came here illegally and was working that they should have a path, I disagree," Noveletsky said during the debate.

TRUMP KEEPS WINNING REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES; HIS LOSSES MAY BE MORE REVEALING

DiLorenzo said he supported deporting people who came to the U.S. illegally and added, "I would start with the dangerous people, the criminals, the drug dealers, the human traffickers. The law is clear, and I support law enforcement and the enforcement of our laws."

Trump endorsed DiLorenzo in July, writing on Truth Social, "As a very successful Businessman and Entrepreneur, Anthony understands the America First Policies required to Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Champion our Nation’s Golden Age."

DiLorenzo was also endorsed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn.

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Noveletsky, meanwhile, was endorsed by a slew of New Hampshire state officials as well as House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., according to her campaign website.

Massive alligator attacks young swimmer in nature preserve despite posted warning

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:16:09 -0400

A child was rushed to a Florida hospital after being bitten by an alligator while swimming in an off-limits nature preserve.

The incident happened Monday afternoon at Weeki Wachee Preserve in Hernando County, according to a Facebook post from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, who has not been identified, suffered puncture wounds to the arm and leg after being bitten by an alligator estimated to be between 9 and 12 feet long, according to officials.

BOATER SCARED OFF ALLIGATOR, THEN USED ROPE TO STOP BLEEDING AFTER FLORIDA WOMAN LOST ARM

Following the attack, the victim and several others became isolated on a sandbar and were unable to safely make it back to the mainland.

Hernando County Fire Rescue responded around 2:30 p.m. alongside the sheriff's office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Fire Rescue's Special Operations Marine Unit reached the group by airboat and brought them to safety while providing medical care to the injured victim.

The victim was then transported to Bayonet Point Hospital for further treatment.

The injuries were not considered life-threatening, authorities said.

Christopher Gillette, owner of Bellowing Acres Animal Sanctuary in Interlachen, Florida, told Fox News Digital that Florida is home to about 1.3 million alligators and stressed the importance of swimming only in designated areas.

"That's really kind of the root of the issue here: You're swimming in the no-swimming zone," Gillette said of the incident. "We're very fortunate that the kid did survive."

He added, "If you're going to go swimming, only go swimming in designated swimming zones where we know there are not alligators."

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Gillette said dangerous encounters can often be avoided if people changed their behavior around alligator habitats.

"The three biggest problems that we run into [are] people swimming in [an] alligator habitat, people feeding the alligators, or [people] having kids and pets near the water's edge," he said.

He also discussed why a person swimming in an alligator habitat can be particularly vulnerable.

When an alligator is in the water, its eyes sit only about an inch above the surface, Gillette said.

From that perspective, the animal may see only a swimmer's head and arms moving through the water.

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To the alligator, "you look like small prey," he said.

The best way to stay safe is to avoid getting into a dangerous situation in the first place, Gillette noted.

"My advice is don't end up there in the first place," he said. "It's incredibly dangerous even for someone who knows what they're doing."

A licensed Florida wildlife trapper responded to the preserve following the attack and placed traps for the alligator, according to the sheriff's office.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is handling the investigation related to the swimming violation, authorities said.

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The sheriff's office also urged visitors to use caution around waterways and follow posted rules and restrictions.

"Do not swim in areas where swimming is prohibited," the sheriff's office wrote.

GOP voters rally around businesswoman as they try to flip crucial House seat red

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:19:17 -0400

Businesswoman Lily Tang Williams pulled out a win in New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District primary against three other Republican candidates.

Four GOP candidates sought to earn the opportunity to flip red the district that spans the entire western part of the state north to south.

Tang Williams, who was also the 2024 nominee for the seat, emerged victorious over the rest of the field. An entrepreneur and co-chair of the New Hampshire Asian American Coalition from the town of Weare, Tang Williams dominated the race from a fundraising perspective. She hauled in nearly $1.2 million, while second place finisher Victor Orlando raised $175,000.

Tang Williams is a Chinese immigrant who describes herself as a survivor of communism — she pitched herself as an "open-minded" and "independent" person in an April interview with WMUR, signaling her willingness to oppose President Donald Trump when appropriate for her would-be constituents.

Asked specifically about the conflict in Iran, she denounced oppressive regimes and said she would like Trump to provide a plan for ending the war and reaching a peace agreement. She also denounced politicians she said used their offices to enrich themselves.

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Tang Williams formerly chaired the state's Libertarian Party.

Two other candidates in the race, Dan Nicholson and Michael Anthony Callis, captured only tiny percentages of the vote.

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Both Tang Williams and Orlando pitched themselves as only center-right, in a state heavily controlled by Democrats.

New Hampshire, which has only one other congressional district, is a reliably blue state, though in her 2024 run, Tang Williams earned 47% of the vote.

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The district is currently represented by Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.).

Wife of top ex-Biden advisor easily advances to House showdown in November

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:44:29 -0400

Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., won her primary to advance to a general election showdown in a Democrat-leaning seat comprising generally the western half of New Hampshire from Massachusetts to the Canadian border.

Goodlander is the wife of former Biden National Security Adviser Jacob Sullivan, and won her first race for the seat in 2024 – succeeding the retiring Rep. Ann Kuster, D-N.H.

While Republicans have dominated the governor’s office in New Hampshire in recent years, Democrats have been largely successful at the congressional level.

The district has been in Democratic hands since 2013 and, prior to that, largely held by Rep. Charles Bass, R-N.H., who served two lengthy tenures interrupted by a Democrat in the mid-1990s.

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Goodlander faced New Hampshire State Rep. Paige Beauchemin, D-Hillsborough, and there is also an independent running in the general election. The winner of a four-way Republican primary Tuesday night was Goodlander’s last opponent, Lily Tang Williams.

Goodlander’s husband’s role in the White House was prominent, as Sullivan was front-and-center during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, had a role in foreign relations during the early part of the Russia-Ukraine War and helped manage the U.S. relationship with China.

ONE OF CONGRESS' MOST POWERFUL DEMOCRATS JUST SURVIVED A PROGRESSIVE PRIMARY REVOLT

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Beauchemin ran against Goodlander from the left, arguing the incumbent has not been sufficiently progressive or effective during her first term.

The district is the more rural of the two, and includes cities like Pittsburg in the forests of northern New Hampshire.

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With neighboring Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., giving up his House seat to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., the political landscape in the Granite State will look much different no matter what come January.

Ex-NFL star believes Mike McDaniel's 'best decision of his career' was joining Chargers with Justin Herbert

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:37:28 -0400

While one team in Los Angeles is getting all the recognition throughout the NFL, another is gearing up for what they believe will be a season to watch on their front at SoFi Stadium.

The Los Angeles Chargers sharing a home with the Los Angeles Rams might be hard if you're battling for headlines, but this team has the chance to be just as explosive in 2026.

Why? Mike McDaniel joined Jim Harbaugh's staff in L.A. as the team's new offensive coordinator, and he hasn't shied away from his feelings about his quarterback, Justin Herbert, in the slightest throughout training camp. Simply put, he's obsessed with what Herbert can do, to the point where he's expected to be opening up previously locked plays in his explosive scheme.

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Former Chargers star linebacker Shawne Merriman has faith his old squad will be back in the playoffs this season, and McDaniel will be a major reason why they could be contending far beyond just representing the AFC come Wild Card weekend.

"I think Mike McDaniel has made the best decision of his career," Merriman told OutKick in a recent interview. "That’s even outside of leaving the San Francisco 49ers. I think they had something fun, an explosive offense at one time with [Jaylen] Waddle, Tyreek Hill and things like that out in Miami. But he had an opportunity to get a head coaching job at a couple of places, and he didn’t feel it was right.

"So, what happens is you take the best position that puts you back in the driver’s seat after this next year or two so you can go take the job you want."

When McDaniel joined the Chargers, he said he was "geeked" to work with Herbert, whom he believes "hasn't neared the ceiling to what he's capable of." That's saying something considering Herbert has thrown for 5,000 yards in his career, and has proven to be among the top talents in the NFL at quarterback.

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But McDaniel's words are something that has Chargers fans geeked, too, especially if there's an extra gear he could unlock with the former first-round pick.

"Justin Herbert had to be the biggest influence of going there, because now you have an explosive quarterback," Merriman added. "He’s an explosive offensive coordinator, so the deep balls down the field, we’ve already seen Quentin Johnston down the field – he’s explosive. You’ve got Ladd McConkey who can work the middle of the field and get open in shorter routes. You have a hell of a running back that comes back healthy this year. …They have an explosive opportunity to win."

Merriman even said that McDaniel joining Harbaugh was interesting at first considering their "quirky" nature in terms of how they coach. But it's been a seamless transition thus far, though Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals will be the true indicator on just how in sync Harbaugh, McDaniel, Herbert and the rest of the team are.

However, no matter how great the Chargers are in the regular season, a dark cloud hangs over the head of the team, especially Herbert, as he has yet to win a playoff game since entering the NFL.

Merriman was very impressed L.A. was even able to reach the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the AFC last season considering key injuries to players like tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, linebacker Khalil Mack, rookie running back Omarion Hampton and more. But Herbert seemed to will the team there, while the defense stepped up big time in key moments down the stretch.

The New England Patriots, though, won 16-3 on Wild Card weekend and Herbert suffered his third career playoff loss. It's something that has to change for the Chargers, but Merriman has an optimistic mindset it will this season.

"Justin Herbert’s going to have that dark cloud over him until he gets deep into the playoffs, right? If he wasn’t so talented, I don’t think the expectations would still be so high. But he has all the tools to do it," he said.

"He’s tough as nails. He had that hand [injury], and he battled through it. I just have so much respect for Justin Herbert."

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It will be a daunting road for the Chargers to reach the playoffs in general this season despite having an easier start with the Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders meeting them at home. The Chargers have arguably the toughest schedule in the league facing stretches that include AFC West foes like the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs twice, while having to travel to the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens. They’ll also have to face those Rams in a SoFi Stadium battle on Nov. 1.

But if there was ever a time to prove McDaniel’s offensive scheme is what was needed to change things for the Chargers, this is the ultimate test for a team and fan base begging to make a run at the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Cold case takes grim turn after remains identified as runaway teen; homicide investigation underway

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:23:01 -0400

Authorities announced a major breakthrough in a decades-old cold case, identifying human remains found nearly 49 years ago in North Carolina as belonging to a runaway 15-year-old girl who disappeared from Maryland.

The skeletal remains were discovered more than six months after Cindy Marcell Blizzard went missing in the spring of 1977, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Authorities said the manner of death remained undetermined, but the case was being investigated as a homicide. They said the remains were found in a wooded area near a Wilson County manufacturing facility roughly five hours south of Blizzard's home.

The "circumstances surrounding the location and recovery of the remains raised the probability of foul play, and the investigators are treating the case as a homicide," the SBI said.

TEEN FOUND IN SHALLOW CALIFORNIA VINEYARD GRAVE IDENTIFIED NEARLY 50 YEARS LATER AS FAMILY WARNS KILLER

According to officials, skeletal remains and clothing were found Dec. 29, 1977, near a Firestone plant that produces vehicle tires.

A medical examiner determined the remains had likely been there for six months to two years and belonged to a white female between 16 and 23 years old.

In the decades that followed, the case went cold as forensic technology was not advanced enough to identify the remains, authorities said.

"For years, investigators compared dental records against missing persons cases without finding a match," the SBI said.

GIRL KNOWN AS 'CHELSEA JANE DOE' ID'D 26 YEARS AFTER MUTILATED BODY FOUND HUNDREDS OF MILES FROM HOME STATE

The case was reopened in 2010 by a state anthropologist, who submitted the remains for DNA testing and cross-referenced the results with federal databases, officials said.

However, the investigation did not gain momentum until 2024, when the SBI’s Cold Case Investigative Team reviewed the case again using forensic tools that did not exist in 1977.

WOMAN FOUND IN SHALLOW GRAVE ID’D AFTER 44 YEARS AS MILLIONAIRE TIED TO ESTATE MURDER PLOT

When the case qualified for advanced DNA testing, forensic scientists extracted preserved genetic material from a bone sample, according to the authorities.

"A genealogy service used the profile to trace potential relatives, pointing investigators toward a 15-year-old girl who had run away from Monkton, Maryland, in the spring of 1977," the SBI said.

The identification was made with assistance from the FBI’s NCIC Investigation and Operational Assistance Group, the Maryland Department of State Police Homicide Unit and the Raleigh Police Department’s Intel Unit, authorities said.

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Investigators continue to search for answers surrounding Blizzard’s death.

Establishment Dem defeats socialist challenger in crucial battleground Senate primary

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:20:38 -0400

Rep. Chris Pappas on Tuesday won the Democratic Senate nomination in swing state New Hampshire, in a key race that is a must-hold for the Democrats in the midterm elections.

Pappas defeated socialist rival and first-time candidate Karishma Manzur, the Associated Press reports, in the showdown to succeed retiring longtime Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the first woman in the nation's history elected governor and senator.

Republicans haven't won a Senate election in New Hampshire in 16 years, but they view the open Democrat-held seat as a top flip opportunity in the fight to hold their slim majority in the midterms.

The race between Pappas and Manzur was one of the final fights in a six-month primary season that saw the far-left score a slew of high-profile victories over centrists in what's been framed as a battle for the Democrats' ideological future.

THESE 12 MIDTERM RACES WILL DECIDE WHICH PARTY CONTROLS THE SENATE

Manzur, who saw a surge in support in recent weeks, took the fight to Pappas.

"All he wants to do is just get his little cushy job and go to D.C. Go to all these parties and these restaurants and just do whatever the bare minimum is," she charged in a Fox News Digital interview.

The first-time candidate, scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, and nonprofit leader who is a member of a local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) group, pushed for universal health care, raising the minimum wage to at least $20 per hour, abolishing ICE, and ending all military aid to Israel for what she argues is the Israeli government's "genocide" against the Palestinian people in their war against Hamas in Gaza.

Manzur argued that Pappas, who has been supported over the years by the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, is a "genocide enabler."

"Chris Pappas has had his turn and has not been able to serve this state honorably. He hasn't done a good job in serving his corporate donors, his AIPAC foreign-aligned lobbies," she claimed.

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Pappas, in an interview with Fox News Digital, said, "Israel's a historic ally of the United States, the only democracy in the region. And you can say that while you have vehement disagreements with the Netanyahu government as I've expressed."

And referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pappas said, "I think Netanyahu's being incredibly reckless right now. He faces voters in a matter of weeks and could lose his election. And I think that would be important to set a new tone for the U.S.-Israel relationship."

Pappas, who was the frontrunner for his party's nomination ever since Shaheen announced early last year that she wouldn't seek re-election, enjoys strong establishment and union backing. And for over a year, as he runs for the Senate, Pappas also takes aim at what he calls a political system "rigged for billionaires."

Regardless, Manzur charged that Pappas took a page from her playbook.

"It's really embarrassing and insulting to the people of New Hampshire. He's been there for eight years. He has not provided any of that sort of populist messages, and now he's realizing, wait, he's dropping in the polls, and now he has to catch up," Manzur charged. "That's another one of those deceptions that... Chris Pappas always engages in."

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Pappas defended his record, noting "I've been fighting to change Washington to get big money out of our political system since I got elected to Congress in 2018."

And Pappas emphasized he's "appealing to those voters between the 20 and 80-yard line on the political playing field, and there are a lot of them in New Hampshire. This is not a left-wing or a right -wing state. It's a state of voters who are pragmatic."

Pappas will face off in the general election against either former Sen. John E. Sununu, who topped former Sen. Scott Brown.

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Asked how he'll unify his party after a primary showdown that turned heated, Pappas said, "I've always been able to bring people together, and that's how you do things in New Hampshire."

Pointing to the high-stakes head, Pappas said, "Democrats are coming together regardless of how these primaries are shaking out because they understand where the real fight is. This is an election here in New Hampshire that's going to determine the balance of power in the United States Senate. And Democrats won't be able to take the majority back in the US Senate if they don't hold this specific seat here in New Hampshire."

Incumbent GOP governor rolls to primary victory after keeping Trump at a distance

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:14:00 -0400

First-term Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte easily handled her primary opponents Tuesday, setting up a high-stakes general election battle against Democratic gubernatorial nominee Cinde Warmington, who ran unopposed for her party's nomination.

Ayotte defeated Republican challengers Shaun Fife and Bob Wayne McClory as she seeks a second two-year term leading the Granite State.

The former senator and state Attorney General entered Tuesday's primary as the incumbent after winning the governor's mansion in 2024, when Ayotte defeated former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and kept the office in Republican hands following the retirement of four-term GOP Gov. Chris Sununu.

KEY SWING STATE VOTERS TO SETTLE DUELING SENATE PRIMARY FIGHTS IN CRUCIAL OPEN-SEAT RACE

Ayotte previously served as New Hampshire's attorney general from 2004 to 2009 before winning election to the U.S. Senate in 2010. She served one term before narrowly losing her 2016 reelection campaign to Democrat Maggie Hassan.

In 2024, following Sununu's decision not to seek a fifth two-year term, Ayotte mounted a political comeback with the outgoing governor's endorsement.

In her first term, Ayotte successfully pushed to roll back portions of the state's bail reform law, arguing the existing system was too lenient on criminal suspects awaiting trial, signed legislation requiring public schools to restrict student cellphone use and pushed penalties for motorists who refuse Breathalyzer tests.

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Meanwhile, her tenure has faced criticism from the left over a state budget that included cuts to state agencies.

Ayotte will take on Warmington, who served on New Hampshire's five-member Executive Council for two terms, during which she was the lone Democrat on the body that works with the governor to approve state measures and helps consider gubernatorial appointments, among its duties. Tuesday marked her second campaign for governor after Warmington lost the 2024 Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Warmington has attacked Ayotte for failing to adequately stand up to President Donald Trump, citing healthcare cuts, tariffs and the war in Iran.

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The Concord Monitor reported in June that Ayotte "steered clear of all things Trump" for much of her first term, noting that, when asked whether she would stand with Trump if he visited New Hampshire, Ayotte responded, "I'm standing with the people of New Hampshire."

Ex-GOP senator clears hurdle in crucial comeback bid as Republicans try to flip key Senate seat

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:08:03 -0400

Former Sen. John E. Sununu on Tuesday won the GOP Senate nomination in swing state New Hampshire, in a race that may determine if Republicans keep control of the chamber in the midterm elections.

Sununu defeated former Sen. Scott Brown, the Associated Press reports, in the showdown to succeed retiring longtime Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the first woman in the nation's history elected governor and senator.

Republicans haven't won a Senate election in New Hampshire in 16 years, but they view the open Democrat-held seat as a top flip opportunity in the fight to hold their slim majority in the midterms.

Sununu will now face off in the general election against four-term Rep. Chris Pappas, who topped socialist candidate and scientist Karishma Manzur, for the Democratic nomination.

THESE 12 MIDTERM RACES WILL DECIDE WHICH PARTY CONTROLS THE SENATE

"When it comes to standing up for New Hampshire, I take a back seat to no one. I'm not worried about reelection. I don't -- I'm not running for any other job. I don't want to make anyone in Washington happy. I know that as your senator, I'll have one job: stand up for the people of New Hampshire every single day," Sununu told supporters at his victory celebration at the McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, N.H.

Sununu, the son of former Gov. John H. Sununu and older brother to former Gov. Chris Sununu, is a former congressman and senator who is aiming to return to the Senate.

President Donald Trump in February endorsed Sununu, a longtime GOP Trump critic, over Brown, one of Trump's first-term ambassadors. Sununu was also backed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Brown charged in a Fox News Digital interview that Sununu's "got 70 endorsements on his website, but he doesn't have the president’s. He never talks about it. He's embarrassed by it."

"I've had the MAGA base and a lot of those so-called traditional Republicans for almost over a year," Brown highlighted. "Johnny came lately, and he's here, and now he thinks everyone's going to just vote for him. That's not how it works. You got to go earn it."

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Brown claimed that Sununu is "beholden" to Trump, Thune, the Senate leadership, and outside groups.

"He owes them everything. He doesn't work for the people of New Hampshire," Brown charged.

But Sununu told Fox News Digital, "I'll have one job stand up for the people of New Hampshire every single day... I don't need to make anyone in Washington happy. It's all about our state, our communities, our economy, and our small businesses."

Asked by about Trump's endorsement, Sununu didn't mention the president's name but highlighted his local endorsements, saying "we've received tremendous support in New Hampshire... we've got great momentum at the grassroots level."

Trump last week said he'd be heading out on the campaign trail to help fellow Republicans running in the midterms.

Asked if he'd like Trump to join him on the Granite State campaign trail, Sununu answered, "I don't need anyone from outside New Hampshire to campaign for me. I've said that from the very beginning."

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The former senator also disagreed with the Trump administration's trade war with neighboring Canada, saying "I don't think it's the right thing to pick a trade war with Canada. They're a great trading partner for New Hampshire."

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Republicans are facing a rough political climate heading into the midterms, due persistent inflation, high gas prices fueled by what polls indicate is an unpopular war with Iran, and Trump's underwater approval ratings.

But Sununu, who defeated Shaheen in 2002 to win election to the Senate but lost a rematch to her six years later, said he's "focused on the right things, affordability, bringing down the cost of living on housing, health care, and energy, a reform agenda."

NFL legend Edgerrin James seeks support for son Jizzle amid unspecified substance abuse battle

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:02:03 -0400

This story may contain details that are disturbing.If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Edgerrin James turned to social media in a public plea for his son, former Charlotte basketball player Jizzle James. The former Indianapolis Colts standout running back said his son is facing a substance abuse issue.

James did not share further details about the issue. He did, however, ask anyone who sees his 21-year-old son to offer him a hug while urging them not to give him anything of value.

"Jizzle is dealing with substance abuse and is NOT in the right state of mind right now," James wrote Tuesday in an Instagram Story post. "If you see him, show him LOVE-but DO NOT give him money, valuables, or anything material."

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James emphasized that his son’s needs are being met and urged those around him to offer encouragement and love. "You’re not helping him by feeding the problem. He wants/needs for NOTHING. Give him a hug. Give him encouragement. Give him love. THAT’S IT. Be patient with him. We’re fighting for him, not against him."

James’ stint as a college basketball player at Charlotte was brief. After spending three seasons with Cincinnati, he transferred to the 49ers earlier this offseason to follow Wes Miller, who left the Bearcats to become Charlotte’s head coach.

According to Charlotte’s sports information department, James is no longer with the program. A spokesperson cited personal issues.

James’ exit from Charlotte followed a turbulent final season with Cincinnati. The Bearcats dismissed him from the program last summer but reinstated him midway through the season. He appeared in 23 games, averaging 10.9 points and 2.1 assists per game.

James averaged 10.8 points per game during his Cincinnati career. He later hinted at a possible reunion with Cincinnati in a social media post, but the school appeared to respond by sending him a cease-and-desist letter.

JAYDEN DANIELS TELLS LSU TO KEEP HIS NAME OUT OF ITS MOUTH IN WILD NO. 5 JERSEY FEUD INVOLVING NIL

"As you are no longer a member of the University of Cincinnati men’s basketball program, you are no longer authorized to use, represent, or commercially promote the University of Cincinnati basketball program, including the use of the University’s name, logos, uniforms, jerseys, or other team-related likenesses," the letter obtained by SI.com read.

"Any sale, advertisement, or distribution of University of Cincinnati basketball jerseys or merchandise representing you as a current player is strictly prohibited."

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"I have my own merch I made. I don’t need y’all jerseys," James said in a response posted to Instagram.

Polls close in New Hampshire as voters settle dueling Senate primary fights in crucial race

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:00:29 -0400

MANCHESTER, N.H. - The polls have closed in swing state New Hampshire as Democratic and Republican Senate nominations are up for grabs on Tuesday, in a race that may determine if Republicans keep control of the chamber in the midterm elections.

Socialist-aligned candidate Karishma Manzur is on the move as she tries to pull off a major upset and defeat establishment-backed four-term Rep. Chris Pappas in the Democratic Senate primary.

Once a longshot, Manzur gained momentum in recent weeks as the national spotlight turned to New Hampshire after a six-month primary season that saw the far-left score a slew of high-profile victories over centrists in what's been framed as a battle for the Democrats' ideological future.

The winner of the Democratic primary will take on either John E. Sununu or Scott Brown, two former senators who are battling for the GOP Senate nomination in the race to succeed retiring longtime Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the first woman in the nation's history elected governor and senator.

THESE 12 MIDTERM RACES WILL DECIDE WHICH PARTY CONTROLS THE SENATE

Republicans haven't won a Senate election in New Hampshire in 16 years, but they view the open Democrat-held seat as a top flip opportunity in the fight to hold their slim majority in the midterm elections.

In the Democratic primary, Manzur is taking the fight to Pappas.

"All he wants to do is just get his little cushy job and go to D.C., go to all these parties and these restaurants and just do whatever the bare minimum is," she charged in a Fox News Digital interview.

The first-time candidate, scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry and nonprofit leader who is a member of a local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) group, is pushing for universal healthcare, raising the minimum wage to at least $20 per hour, abolishing ICE and ending all military aid to Israel for what she argues is the Israeli government's "genocide" against the Palestinian people in their war against Hamas in Gaza.

Manzur charged that Pappas, who has been supported over the years by the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, is a "genocide enabler."

"Chris Pappas has had his turn and has not been able to serve this state honorably. He hasn't done a good job in serving his corporate donors, his AIPAC foreign-aligned lobbies," she claimed.

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Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pappas said, "I think Netanyahu's being incredibly reckless right now. He faces voters in a matter of weeks and could lose his election. And I think that would be important to set a new tone for the U.S.-Israel relationship."

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Pappas, who has been the frontrunner for his party's nomination ever since Shaheen announced early last year that she wouldn't seek re-election, enjoys strong establishment and union backing. And for over a year, as he runs for the Senate, Pappas also takes aim at what he calls a political system "rigged for billionaires."

Regardless, Manzur charges that Pappas is taking a page from her playbook.

Pappas defended his record, noting, "I've been fighting to change Washington to get big money out of our political system since I got elected to Congress in 2018."

And Pappas emphasized he's "appealing to those voters between the 20- and 80-yard line on the political playing field, and there are a lot of them in New Hampshire. This is not a left wing or a right wing state. It's a state of voters who are pragmatic."

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While Democrats wage an ideological battle, Republicans are fighting over Trump's influence in their own primary.

The president in February endorsed Sununu, a longtime GOP Trump critic, over Brown, one of his first-term ambassadors. Sununu is also backed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Brown charged in a Fox News Digital interview that Sununu's "got 70 endorsements on his website, but he doesn't have the president’s. He never talks about it. He's embarrassed by it."

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Brown claimed that Sununu is "beholden" to Trump, Thune, the Senate leadership, and outside groups.

"He owes them everything. He doesn't work for the people of New Hampshire," Brown charged.

But Sununu emphasized, "I'll have one job: stand up for the people of New Hampshire every single day... I don't need to make anyone in Washington happy. It's all about our state, our communities, our economy, and our small businesses."

Asked by Fox News Digital about Trump's endorsement, Sununu didn't mention the president's name but highlighted his local endorsements, saying, "We've received tremendous support in New Hampshire ... we've got great momentum at the grassroots level."

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Trump last week said he'd be heading out on the campaign trail to help fellow Republicans running in the midterms.

Asked if he'd like Trump to join him on the Granite State campaign trail, Sununu answered, "I don't need anyone from outside New Hampshire to campaign for me. I've said that from the very beginning."

The former senator also disagreed with the Trump administration's trade war with neighboring Canada, saying, "I don't think it's the right thing to pick a trade war with Canada. They're a great trading partner for New Hampshire."

In the race to replace Pappas in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, Shaheen's daughter Stefany Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor, is in a heated battle for the Democratic nomination against Maura Sullivan, a U.S. Marine combat veteran who later served in the Defense Department during then-President Barack Obama's administration. Gaining strength in the final weeks of the campaign is progressive contender Carleigh Beriont, a Hampton selectwoman.

Businessman and auto dealership owner Anthony DiLorenzo, who is backed by Trump, and Hollie Noveletsky, a businesswoman and former state party vice chair who's running a second straight time for Congress, are the frontrunners for the GOP nomination. State Rep. Brian Cole is also bidding for the Republican nomination.

In the state's 2nd Congressional District, first-term Democratic Rep. Maggie Goodlander is facing a primary challenge from the left from state Rep. Paige Beauchemin.

Lily Tang Williams, a former Colorado Libertarian Party chair who is running a third straight time for Congress in New Hampshire, is the frontrunner in the Republican primary.

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Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a former U.S. senator and former state attorney general, faces no serious opposition as she seeks a second two-year term as New Hampshire governor.

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Cinde Warmington, a former New Hampshire Executive Councilor and 2024 candidate for governor, is unopposed for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Chris Rock exposes LA's dark ‘underbelly’ that people pretend doesn't exist

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:52:11 -0400

Chris Rock this week said that Hollywood exposes a dark "underbelly" in Los Angeles that people want to pretend doesn’t exist.

"L.A. is a complicated place, man," the comedian said in an interview with Variety that was published on Tuesday. "Fame’s a complicated thing. I’ve seen the switch in my lifetime."

The 61-year-old said that people who came to Hollywood used to want to be "great — a great singer, great actor, great comedian. Now it’s just fame, and the greatness is almost assumed."

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"I mean, you’re always gonna be outed at some point if you don’t have the goods," he continued. "But L.A. is the mecca of that. It can be beautiful. It’s got the best weather in the world. But it also attracts an underbelly that people want to pretend doesn’t exist."

Rock said he has a home in both New York and Los Angeles, adding that loves "parts" of the West Coast city.

The comedian jokes that he "winters" in California.

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The "Everybody Hates Chris" star is directing an indie movie right now, "Misty Green," about a has-been actress living in Los Angeles who’s now broke.

Rock said that movie is "a lot of it’s about L.A. L.A. has got very wonky priorities. There’s a real estate office on the same street as The Ivy on Robertson, and in the window, there are houses for $30-$40 million. In the window. But there’s a homeless guy sleeping right outside. The movie is about that crazy dichotomy."

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Rock also reflected on getting slapped by Will Smith at the Academy Awards in 2022 while he was presenting.

"I wish nothing would have happened," he said of incident in which Smith, who went on to win best actor right after, told Rock, "Keep my wife's name out your f-----g mouth!" after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith.

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"It’s a crazy world," Rock continued to Variety. "We walk by homeless people. There’s all sorts of s--t going on right now. Me having a bad day is not the biggest — it’s not that important."

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Rock added that he also wouldn’t return to the Oscars unless he was nominated.

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"I’m not getting nominated," he said. "The only way I’ll go back is if I’m nominated, and I’m not getting nominated. And that’s OK. We’ll deal with that if it happens. Like, let’s manage expectations."