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Sherrill drops head-turning voter ID declaration in wake of registration fiasco: ‘Significant shift’

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:58:15 -0400

New Jersey Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill says she would support a voter ID law in the Garden State — even as she slams President Donald Trump’s federal SAVE Act push as "voter suppression."

"Governor Sherrill supports the current rules requiring ID for voter registration and she is open to considering proposals to strengthen those to make sure we have the strongest, fairest elections in the nation," a spokesperson in the governor's office told Fox News Digital on Tuesday.

Sherrill’s comments hand New Jersey Republicans a new opening to press Democrats on voter ID, even as she rejects Trump’s broader federal election push under the SAVE America Act.

Sherrill's office responded to Fox News Digital on Tuesday after the Garden State Democrat told local media in July she would support a voter ID law if one were passed in New Jersey, saying she "doesn't have a problem with voter ID."

SCHUMER SAID ‘DEMOCRATS SUPPORT VOTER ID’ — THEN EVERY SENATE DEMOCRAT VOTED AGAINST GOP BILL

"I’m very opposed to the SAVE Act," Sherrill added at the time. "I do believe that is just a tool of voter suppression and an attempt to get all of the personal identifying information of New Jerseyans into the federal government systems, which I’m opposed to."

Sherrill served in the House for seven years and voted against the SAVE Act in 2025, with her office describing the measure as an "extreme voter suppression bill."

Sherrill is facing criticism after announcing last month that a Motor Vehicle Commission system error improperly registered roughly 6,600 people who had indicated they were not U.S. citizens. The state said fewer than 400 people newly registered because of the error voted, and later announced that more than 4,500 registrations were being removed while the remaining cases undergo additional review because some of those individuals may be citizens.

New Jersey Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio told Fox News Digital Sherrill's recent comments mark a "significant shift" after years of Republicans in the Garden State advocating for voter ID.

NEW JERSEY REMOVES 6,600 PEOPLE FROM VOTER ROLLS WHO WERE ELIGIBLE TO CAST A BALLOT FOR 2024 ELECTION

"But agreeing with us publicly is the easy part," DiMaio said, adding that Democratic legislative leaders control what gets a hearing and a vote, and that Republicans have so far heard nothing from them on voter ID.

"We’ve been pushing voter ID and other election integrity reforms for years. The bills are already introduced. We’ve repeatedly called for hearings and votes. The roadblock has been Democratic legislative leadership," the Republican state leader said.

DiMaio said the Motor Vehicle System failure exposed serious weaknesses in New Jersey’s election safeguards and they still have not heard an answer of what went wrong.

Voter-ID requirements have repeatedly become major partisan fights at the state level, with Democrats and voting-rights groups arguing that some requirements can make it harder for eligible voters to cast ballots.

One of the most prominent battles erupted in Georgia in 2021. The state already required photo ID for in-person voting, but a sweeping Republican-backed election law added identification requirements for absentee voting along with other changes. The backlash went national, with MLB moving its 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta and some Hollywood figures threatening boycotts.

HARRIS BECOMES ACCIDENTAL SAVE ACT ‘SALESWOMAN’ AS TRUMP ATTACK SPECTACULARLY BACKFIRES

"Governor Sherrill served our country in the military and as a public servant because she believes in every citizen's right to participate in our democracy by voting. That's why she has stood firm against MAGA Republicans voter suppression attempts and Trump’s demands for New Jersey voters’ personal identifiable information," said a spokesperson in the office of the governor

"She has already made voting more accessible by signing the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act and expanded early voting in municipal elections," the spokesperson added, referencing the law that bans voter intimidation and discrimination, expanding language assistance, and requiring extra review of election changes in places with a history of discrimination.

Trump has continued to prioritize and highlight the issue of noncitizens on voter rolls as he renewed his push for the SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections and photo identification to cast a federal ballot.

"I think they should pass Voter I.D. I think they should pass proof of citizenship—basically SAVE America Act... I think that should be something that we should absolutely get," Trump said in the Oval Office Monday.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.

Stephen A. Smith blames ‘the right’ for WNBA firestorm, says league ‘left the door open’

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:55:12 -0400

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith tried to pin some of the political turmoil surrounding the WNBA on "the right," but his argument ultimately circled back to the league's own failures.

Even as Smith accused conservatives of politicizing controversy, he argued that the WNBA created the opening by failing to establish clear rules and leadership, namely around the transgender issue increasingly confronting the league.

On his eponymous YouTube show Monday, Smith put the responsibility on the league office, arguing that its lack of clear guidelines has allowed disputes over biological males competing in women's sports to consume the conversation.

THE WNBA HAS LIMITED OPTIONS AFTER TWO MEN DECLARED FOR THE DRAFT, AND THOSE OPTIONS AREN'T GREAT

"You’ve got to have rules and regulations," Smith said. "You’ve got to have law. You’ve got to have order. You can’t have this."

Smith then turned his attention to the right, accusing conservatives of maneuvering through the controversy for political advantage.

That includes former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who have declared themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft in an effort to challenge the league's gender-eligibility rules.

Smith's larger point: The WNBA left the door open for its political opponents to walk right through it.

FORMER NBA STAR ENES KANTER FREEDOM WRITES LETTER TO WNBA OFFICIALLY DECLARING FOR 2027 DRAFT

"Sure, the right is maneuvering its way through the terrain and politicizing this issue," Smith said. "It doesn’t negate the fact that the WNBA left the door open for it to happen. They have dropped the ball. I’m talking about the league office. I’m not talking about players."

Smith blamed the right for exploiting the controversy while simultaneously arguing that the WNBA made itself vulnerable to that exploitation.

"And now it’s gotten to the point where everything about them is going to be politicized."

Smith brought up Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has drawn attention for speaking out on women's sports and has taken plenty of heat for views that don't exactly mesh with the WNBA establishment.

WHITE HOUSE DEFENDS WNBA STAR SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM AFTER SHE SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF PROTECTING WOMEN'S SPORTS

Smith pointed to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and questioned whether the Republican official would show the same interest if an athlete expressed liberal views. Smith also made clear that he agrees with Cunningham's position on protecting female athletics.

"You’ve got the Florida attorney general. Clearly, it’s politicized. I wonder if he would have said that if it was somebody other than Sophie Cunningham, who obviously has made a name for herself speaking up about the issues that she has spoken about as it pertains to protecting girls in competitive sports, which, by the way, I support her position on," Smith said.

"If that had been a liberal, or somebody with a liberal-thinking mind in terms of that particular issue, who spouted stuff opposite of what Sophie Cunningham would have said, would the Florida attorney general, James Uthmeier, have taken that position then? I don’t think so, but I don’t know."

But Smith's attempt to blame the right for politicizing the controversy also served his broader criticism of the WNBA.

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"But the time has come for folks to stop whining about how stuff is being politicized and do something about it so it can’t be politicized," Smith said. "Do something or suck it up! Do something or suck it up. You don’t have a choice other than those two."

Smith closed with a warning: As long as the WNBA keeps serving up perceived double standards, critics will keep feasting on them.

"You’ve got to take a stand at some point, because folks are coming," Smith said. "Because it’s an opportunity to point out flagrant hypocrisies, and they’re not going to pass it up, no matter what folks say."

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Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens backs El-Sayed after narrow primary defeat, calls socialism ‘dangerous’

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:43:59 -0400

Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens rallied behind former opponent Abdul El-Sayed following her narrow Senate primary defeat last week, casting the decision as a matter of accepting the will of Democratic voters despite their political differences.

"That's called democracy," Stevens said while defending her endorsement on Tuesday.

"You don't sign up for a Democratic Party to be salty grapes and... just continue to hold a grudge," she added.

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

Stevens, who was viewed as the more moderate of the Democrats vying to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, spent the primary drawing contrasts with El-Sayed on issues ranging from Israel to the direction of the Democratic Party.

Those differences haven't disappeared with the primary.

During an appearance on "America's Newsroom," Stevens reaffirmed her identity as a "Zionist Democrat" while acknowledging that candidates who share her politics haven't been faring as well in Democratic primaries.

"I believe in democracy. He won the majority of the votes, and I'm going to continue to stand by my positions," she told co-anchor Bill Hemmer.

LEFT-WING ACTIVISTS HECKLE PRO-ISRAEL DEMOCRAT HALEY STEVENS AT MICHIGAN CONVENTION

"I'm a Zionist Democrat. I am a Democrat who gets endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO. I have been recognized over and over again as one of our most effective lawmakers. I identify problems and I solve them... I'm a patriot. I love our freedoms. I love this country and, yes, I am still in the Democratic Party, even though folks like me maybe aren't winning our primaries."

El-Sayed, meanwhile, has emerged as a prominent figure on the party's progressive flank.

While he rejects the "socialist" label, El-Sayed backs several progressive policies, including abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ending U.S. military aid to Israel and establishing Medicare for all.

Stevens also drew a clear distinction between her former opponent and socialism, noting that her former rival had rejected the label before offering her own assessment of the ideology.

"My Democratic opponent, now the Democratic nominee for Senate in Michigan, has disavowed socialism. I think we all should. It's dangerous," she said.

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She went on to identify herself as a "proud... Democratic labor capitalist" who had made that aspect of her identity a tenet of her campaign.

Trump cheers Alito staying for another Supreme Court term: 'One of the greatest of all time'

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:43:47 -0400

In a late-night social media post, President Donald Trump celebrated Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's decision to remain on the bench for another term.

Trump’s celebration of the 76-year-old conservative stalwart’s decision to put off retirement comes as the midterms raise the stakes over how long Republicans will retain the Senate majority needed to confirm any eventual successor.

"Great news for our Country! Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has announced that he is staying for another Term," Trump wrote Monday night on Truth Social. "He is one of the Greatest of All Time. We are all lucky!"

Alito confirmed last week that he plans to remain on the nation's highest court for its coming term, batting down months of speculation that he could retire while Trump is in the White House and Republicans still control the Senate.

ALITO NOT EXPECTED TO RETIRE THIS TERM, COOLING SUPREME COURT VACANCY SPECULATION: SOURCES

"Obviously, I'm here for another term," Alito said in an interview published by The Wall Street Journal.

The Supreme Court’s next term begins in October and typically concludes with its final opinions in late June or early July. The justices are currently on their summer recess.

Alito and fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, 78, have faced some calls from conservatives to step down, which would give Trump one potential last chance to appoint a fourth Supreme Court justice to the lifetime post.

Trump appointed three others during his first term in office – Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett – giving the court a 6-3 conservative majority that has issued a series of major rulings since 2020.

"It's not pleasant, in the sense that it's a reminder of mortality," Alito told the Journal about the calls to retire. "It's like, what are those vultures doing up there? They are flying around. But it goes with life tenure."

TRUMP REVEALS HE HAS MULTI-PICK SCOTUS PLAN READY AS RETIREMENT SPECULATION HEATS UP

The window to replace one of the court's oldest conservative justices with a younger jurist who could potentially remain on the bench for decades might narrow considerably after November.

Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate advantage, counting the two independents who caucus with Democrats on the Democratic side. Because Supreme Court nominees require Senate confirmation, a Democratic takeover in the 2026 midterms could effectively prevent Trump from replacing Alito — or any other justice — with a nominee opposed by a unified Democratic majority.

Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to reach 51 and take outright control, with Republican Vice President JD Vance otherwise positioned to break a 50-50 tie.

That reality places unusual weight on Alito's decision to remain.

Alito was born April 1, 1950, making him 76, and has served on the Supreme Court since January 2006 after being nominated by President George W. Bush. He is one of the court's most consistently conservative members.

The court has disclosed relatively little about Alito's health over the years, signaling he remains in good health. Alito did have a minor incident while attending a Federalist Society event in Philadelphia on March 20, being treated for dehydration after his security detail urged him to see a doctor rather than make the roughly three-hour drive home.

He was released that night, was subsequently examined by his physician and returned to work the following Monday.

NPR RETRACTS FALSE REPORT CLAIMING JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO IS RETIRING FROM THE SUPREME COURT

Questions about Alito’s longevity on the bench and decision to stay introduces another potential inflection point: the 2028 presidential election.

If the White House changes parties in 2028, Alito remaining beyond Trump’s term carries the risk for conservatives that a future Democratic president could nominate his successor the following January.

That outcome is far from predetermined, and subject to whatever party controls the Senate, but the modern political era has repeatedly seen the White House swing between parties.

In six of the seven elections since 1988 that produced a new president, control of the presidency also changed parties — the lone exception being Republican George H.W. Bush's victory after Ronald Reagan in 1988. That run includes the succession from Bush to Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Trump, Joe Biden and back to Trump.

For Trump, the stakes surrounding an aging Supreme Court justice are hardly theoretical.

He confronted perhaps the most consequential Supreme Court vacancy of his first presidency on Sept. 18, 2020, when reporters informed him on an airport tarmac after a campaign rally in Bemidji, Minnesota, that liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had died.

TRUMP PRAISES LINDSEY GRAHAM AS SENATOR WHOSE KAVANAUGH FIGHT CHANGED SUPREME COURT HISTORY

"She just died? Wow. I didn't know that," Trump said before praising Ginsburg as an "amazing woman" who had led an "amazing life."

The timing immediately transformed the final weeks of the 2020 presidential campaign.

Trump moved quickly to select then-Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ginsburg – just eight days after her death – and the Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Barrett on Oct. 26, 2020, by a 52-48 vote, just 27 days after her nomination, eight days before Election Day.

Landing three new justices during a single four-year presidential term was a historically rare achievement. Not since Richard Nixon's first term had a president placed at least three new members on the Supreme Court in one term. Nixon ultimately placed four — Warren Burger, Harry Blackmun, Lewis Powell and William Rehnquist — on the court before beginning his second term.

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Trump's three appointments have continued to shape some of the most consequential rulings of his second administration, making the future of Alito's seat particularly significant for both parties.

For now, Alito has made his choice to stay active, with Trump is cheering him on.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Francesca Hong asked about lack of AOC endorsement and the House Dem's remark about the 'Woke 1' era

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:34:36 -0400

Wisconsin Democratic socialist gubernatorial primary candidate Francesca Hong fielded questions on Monday pertaining to progressive U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who did not endorse Hong in Tuesday's primary contest.

Asked why she thinks the congresswoman — who is often referred to simply by her initials AOC — and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., did not back her, Hong said, "I have so much respect for the senator and the congresswoman, and they are working tirelessly to make sure that we can flip Congress and the Senate and get Democrats wins in the midterms. I look forward to conversations with them about that too."

Pressed on whether she believes the two lawmakers not endorsing her signals they don't believe she can win the state, Hong said that a gubernatorial contest "is different from federal elections."

WISCONSIN PROGRESSIVE HONG'S SUPPORTERS ARE CONFIDENT SHE'S THE ANSWER TO AFFORDABILITY AHEAD OF PRIMARY

During a Sunday interview on ABC's "This Week," Jonathan Karl asked Ocasio-Cortez whether she would endorse Hong.

"No, I haven't endorsed in that race. My focus has been in winning back the Congress, winning back the House and positioning ourselves to have the best, ah, chance possible to, to win the Senate," she said.

SOCIALIST FRONTRUNNER IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER 'CANCEL THANKSGIVING' POST EMERGES ONLINE

Karl asked the congresswoman about controversial comments Hong has made in the past.

Ocasio-Cortez indicated that her "understanding is that... Francesca Hong has made clear her present stances to her electorate" and "moved away from" prior comments.

"And I have a local city councilman that has this... saying, 'Woke 1 was crazy,'" she said, laughing. "And I think that what's important is that we have to assess what a candidate is saying now."

When asked on Monday about Ocasio-Cortez's wokeness-related comment, Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America member, suggested that individuals "are opening their eyes to an economy that is deeply rigged against working-class people" and that she will speak about how to "deliver for working class people by taxing the ultrarich, ensure that we have a moratorium on data centers, that we're raising wages, fighting for universal childcare and that we fully fund our public schools."

AOC TRIES TO LAUGH OFF 'CRAZY' WOKE ERA AS THING OF THE PAST, BUT CONSERVATIVES AREN'T AMUSED

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Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys and former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Joel Brennan are also running in Tuesday's Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary contest.

Buffalo Bills in damage control mode over their $2.2 billion stadium that is getting crushed online by fans

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:33:51 -0400

First, the Buffalo Bills put out a statement on Monday, defending the honor of their new $2.2 billion stadium that was getting absolutely crushed on social media – with photo evidence, no less – for how poorly architects laid out some of the place's sightlines.

Then the club put its chief operating officer and its vice president of stadium development on a conference call with reporters to explain how the fans, some of whom are taxpayers footing $850 million of the cost for the building, didn't have the whole story when they posted those cringe photos of obstructed views and videos of poor rain coverage during the Bills' Saturday practice.

So, yes, the Buffalo Bills are in full crisis management mode right now and the damage control isn't about an injury to a valuable player or a questionable coaching decision.

NY GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL TRIES TO GET BILLS CHANT GOING AT NEW STADIUM, COMPLETELY FAILS

It's all about a multibillion-dollar project that, so far, is not quite living up to some of the billing it presented to fans, including personal seat license holders.

"So far, we’ve heard from less than one percent of our PSL holders about anything sightline related," Bills COO Pete Guelli told Western New York area reporters on the conference call Monday. "Relative to that specific issue, we feel very confident what was represented via the virtual venue is accurate to what people saw when they sat in their seats.

"If anybody feels otherwise, we’re taking this on a case-by-case basis, and we’ll address any concerns that they have."

The concerns were all over social media. And they turned what was supposed to be a triumphant moment for a proud franchise into something more closely resembling the season's first loss.

Because, apparently, clear sightlines throughout the facility are beyond the scope of what is possible for a $2.2 billion stadium in 2026.

"Any building you would walk into, there would be some obstructed seating," Guelli explained. "There are seats where we could create a different design, put in a blank area, or they give you the option to put in a seat that might be obstructed for football, but can be used for any other event like a concert. There’s always partial-view or limited-view seats, and we think those were pretty clearly depicted in our virtual venue."

The sight-lines weren't the only problem. Of course not.

Some fans complained their views were blocked by vendors or other fans walking about as the Bills practiced.

JOSH ALLEN DELIVERS FULL-THROATED UNSOLICITED DEFENSE OF BUFFALO BILLS' HIDEOUS NEW UNIFORMS

The club is responding by pointing out that at actual games, fans and vendors will be instructed to wait for the whistle before being allowed to move about. So, yes, the raucous, rowdy Bills crowds that sometimes stood the entire game at the old Highmark Stadium might be going away.

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Games will now be coordinated something like tennis matches.

There were also complaints about the new Highmark Stadium's video boards because of their uninspiring size and scope.

The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported that was done on purpose because club owner Terry Pegula wanted fans focused on the field and not the scoreboards. The speaker system, the paper reported, was more of a priority investment for Pegula.

So, team ownership apparently forgot that video killed the radio star about 50 years ago.

"We’re learning a lot about the building, and that includes game presentation," vice president of stadium development John Polka told reporters. "We’ll look at how much of the scoreboard we’re using for video versus using for content. We also have things in this building that we didn’t have before.

"We have a nine-foot ribbon board right below that scoreboard that we may want to use differently. But with the raw size of the scoreboards, we’re comfortable and confident that those are the way we intended and designed them."

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Shake Shack customer hits 'no tip' at kiosk, then watches prices jump in viral video

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:32:42 -0400

The Utah man behind a viral video appearing to show prices increase at a Shake Shack kiosk after his wife declined to leave a tip says he initially didn't believe her when she told him what had happened.

Brian Powell, 45, told Fox News Digital that he and his wife were waiting to catch a flight out of Salt Lake City when she purchased three milkshakes from the airport's Shake Shack location.

"My wife came to me after buying some shakes and said, 'They charged me more after I didn't tip,'" Powell told Fox News Digital during a Zoom interview from London, where he was vacationing with his wife. "And I thought it was a little interesting."

NO TIPS, WORSE SERVICE? RESTAURANT OWNERS WARN TREND IS 'DEGRADING' DINING EXPERIENCE

Powell said he had visited the location several times before and had never noticed anything similar. Admitting that he was "a bit skeptical," Powell said he returned to the kiosk with his wife and recreated the order while recording the process on his phone.

"We basically went up and duplicated our order, and the same thing happened," Powell said.

The video shows two of the three shakes initially listed at $5.99 each. After "no tip" is selected, the kiosk displays a notice saying there has been a pricing update before the shakes appear at $6.49 each — an increase of 50 cents per drink.

Shake Shack told Fox News Digital the price change was caused by a technology error and that charging customers more for declining to tip is not company policy.

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"It is not Shake Shack policy, nor that of our licensees, to increase the price of menu items when no tip is added," a spokesperson for the company said.

The airport location is owned and operated by HMSHost, a Shake Shack licensee.

HMSHost investigated and "determined it was an error within their kiosk technology that they have informed us has since been resolved," according to Shake Shack.

"We'll continue working with all our licensed partners to make sure every guest is taken care of at Shake Shack," the spokesperson added.

Powell said that when he recorded the video, he didn't know whether the price change was deliberate or simply a glitch.

"Because I had been to that Shake Shack before, it felt fishy to me, but honestly, I did not know," Powell said. "I mean, the reality is, I've even tipped at that Shake Shack before. … I just thought it was peculiar that, all of a sudden, we were being charged when we pressed 'no tip.'"

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Powell said he never expected the video to attract so much attention. He edited and posted it while waiting for a delayed flight and watched its audience surge after taking off.

"The video has been overwhelming," Powell said, adding that the number of comments flooding his social media inbox made it "impossible" to read through all of them.

Powell's video shines a light on many Americans' larger frustration with tipping prompts at self-service businesses.

"I think my own personal opinion is maybe tipping culture's a little bit out of hand, based on this experience," Powell said.

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"The entire video was kind of generated by my frustration that, you know, here I was being charged for something I didn't necessarily feel like I should have been charged for."

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Powell said he may revisit the kiosk when he returns to Salt Lake City to see if, in fact, the issue has been resolved.

Luigi Mangione judge to allow September trial overflow room as prosecutors warn of juror intimidation

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:01:47 -0400

NEW YORK — The judge overseeing the trial of accused assassin Luigi Mangione said jurors will remain anonymous Tuesday after New York City prosecutors warned that the defendant's supporters may intimidate witnesses and jurors during next month's murder trial over the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

"The media attention surrounding this case — and the efforts of some of defendant’s supporters both to intimidate witnesses and to interfere with the functioning of the jury — will place extraordinary pressure on witnesses and potential jurors alike," Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann wrote in a letter to Judge Gregory Carro Monday evening.

Prosecutors asked the judge in a recent court filing to limit courtroom access and strictly enforce decorum rules at the high-profile trial, with jury selection scheduled to begin on Sept. 8.

Carro, however, said the court was considering expanding media access not shrinking it.

MANGIONE LAWYERS SAY MEDIA LIMITS AT MURDER TRIAL ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL, FEAR COURT WILL 'HAND-PICK' PRESS

Mangione made a brief appearance in court Tuesday for a conference ahead of his trial.

"There has never been a decision by this court to exclude or limit," Carro said. "There have been discussions on expanding."

And he said concerns from the defense that the Manhattan District Attorney's Office was involved in picking which journalists could attend were without merit.

"I don’t want to hear anymore about this," he told the sides.

Prosecutors had also claimed that court officers would face difficulty enforcing courthouse rules in an overflow room if one were made available to accommodate more reporters than can fit in the main courtroom.

"We are particularly concerned about the possibility that a spectator in an overflow courtroom will clandestinely record the proceedings and share any such recordings with others," prosecutors wrote. "That concern will only be heightened if the overflow room includes a video feed as well as an audio feed."

Seidemann recommended that if the judge does approve an overflow room, "it include only an audio feed so as to minimize the potential for witness intimidation and harassment."

There was no discussion of cameras in the courtroom, but Carro warned that anyone who takes a phone out in the courtroom or overflow room would be removed.

Read the prosecution letter:

"The conventional wisdom is that the defense usually doesn't want high-profile cases broadcast. It can put implicit pressure on jurors to return a guilty verdict," Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, told Fox News Digital last week.

But Mangione's defense team is likely aware that the defendant has a sizable number of supporters and is aiming to leverage that, he said.

"There's upwards of 10 to 20 percent of the people who have been surveyed who believe that even if he did it, it was justified," Rahmani said. "And I think the defense knows this, and they know that more attention creates the possibility of jury nullification, or maybe even an acquittal."

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Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two from Minnesota, was walking to a business conference when surveillance video shows a man firing multiple bullets into his back on Dec. 4, 2024 outside a Manhattan hotel.

Police arrested Mangione days later at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

LUIGI MANGIONE WINS BID TO DITCH JAIL CLOTHES FOR POLISHED LOOK AT UPCOMING HEARING IN CEO SLAYING CASE

GOT A TIP?

Mangione's legal team has requested a publicly televised trial, something that New York law doesn't typically allow.

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In June, Mangione's defense team announced plans to assert a psychiatric defense in the state case — then withdrew it a day later.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to eight state charges, including second-degree murder, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison under New York law.

LUIGI MANGIONE'S FEDERAL TRIAL PUSHED TO NEXT YEAR IN ASSASSINATION OF UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO

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He is expected to go to trial in a parallel federal case early next year.

Fox News' Adam Sabes contributed to this report.

Why you should back the Indiana Fever to cover the spread against the New York Liberty Tuesday

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:24:19 -0400

As long as there is no football, Caitlin Clark is must-see TV. Clark and the Indiana Fever (20-12) host the New York Liberty (20-13) Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. At FanDuel, Indiana is a -2.5 favorite (-106) with a -134 moneyline on a 192.5 total.

These teams split their first two meetings this season, with the home team winning and covering both: New York 83-75 in June and Indiana 108-88 in July.

However, the Fever won their game more convincingly. In the Liberty’s win, they were down entering the fourth quarter and got 24 more free throws (40-16). Indy outperformed New York in three of the "four factors" and won despite Clark playing poorly (only 17 points on 5-of-14 shooting with 7 turnovers).

Since that game, Clark has been ballin’. She is averaging 25.0 points on 49.4% field goal shooting (43.5% from behind the arc) and 9.5 assists in the six games since the last Liberty-Fever meeting.

OUTKICK SPORTS CARTOON OF THE DAY

Best bet: Indiana Fever -2.5 (-106)

For what it’s worth, Clark is on the injury report as "probable" and, obviously, Indiana’s price would come down if she is ruled out. But I’m taking a shot while expecting her to play because the Fever can win this game by margin even if Clark doesn’t play.

They have two other All-Stars: C Aliyah Boston and SG Kelsey Mitchell, who might be better than Clark. Mitchell leads the team in scoring with 24.2 points per game on 50.4% shooting, and Boston is a four-time WNBA All-Star and a former No. 1 overall pick in 2023.

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Also, Indiana has won three of its last five games since playing New York last month, but those two losses were to the first-place Minnesota Lynx and the reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces on a buzzer-beater in overtime.

The Liberty are 7-1 straight up in their last game vs. the Fever, but just 2-6 against the spread (ATS). Indy’s game was Saturday and New York’s was Sunday. Indiana is 10-4 ATS with a rest edge this season, and the Liberty are 2-10 ATS with a rest disadvantage.

Meanwhile, there’s a chance Indy is bonding with all the drama around this team, from Sophie Cunningham getting clotheslined to her public commentary about transgender people playing women's sports, and anything involving Clark.

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Obviously, that isn’t something I can quantify, but I feel like there is a "us against the world" card the Fever can play in the locker room. Whether Indiana head coach Stephanie White is using that as motivation, or doing anything positive for her team, is another conversation.

Prediction: Fever 101, Liberty 94

_____________________________

Follow me on X @Geoffery-Clark, and check out my "OutKick Bets Podcast" for more betting content and random rants.

An ultra-rare Cooper Flagg trading card has been found, and the Mavericks are prepared to give a lot for it

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:13:49 -0400

Trading cards have been having a moment ever since COVID — hey, there are worse things to get into when you're locked inside for months — and one of the most sought-after in years has been found.

A 1-of-1 Cooper Flagg rookie card from Topps with the 2025 first pick's NBA Debut patch from his first game has been the holy grail of sports cards as of late, so much so that the Dallas Mavericks put out a "bounty" for it.

Well, according to ESPN, the card has been discovered by RhodyBreakers, some folks that rip open packs of cards on live streams (and if that concept sounds weird to you, it's time to think about scheduling a colonoscopy).

Alright, don't go sticking that one in the spokes of your Huffy so it sounds like a motorcycle.

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There was fervor around a similar card for Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes, and, as with that one, whoever found it has to decide what to do with the card. The obvious thing is to put it up for auction, because, while the current record for a Cooper Flagg card is $366,000, this one is expected to go for a lot more.

The jersey Flagg wore in his debut — which the patch in the card originally came from — sold for a million dollars at auction, and that's how much some think the card could go for.

But there's also the option of taking the Mavericks "bounty." That comes with two premium season tickets for 32 years, a game-worn jersey (signed), photos with Flagg and the Rookie of the Year trophy, and an all-expenses-paid trip with the team.

WILT CHAMBERLAIN WARM-UP JACKET BOUGHT FOR $3 AT THRIFT STORE SELLS FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS

Tempting... but do you know what can buy a lot of that stuff? A million dollars.

Even though this puppy has been found, it makes me want to go buy a pack of cards. Talk about a hit of pure unleaded dopamine.

Now and then I'll be walking around Target, and I'll pick myself up a pack of IndyCar cards (they exist, and they're awesome) just to feel alive.

You haven't lived until you've pulled an autographed Will Power card out of a $10 box of cards.

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Speaking from experience.

Bron Breakker confronts the future on WWE Raw, Paul Heyman lays down a challenge

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:13:44 -0400

The vision for Bron Breakker was clear about a year ago.

He was set to become the new face of WWE to lead the company into the future and eventually hold the World Heavyweight Championship. But injuries, to himself and his stablemates, and the rise of the likes of Oba Femi have appeared to add to the massive chip on his shoulder. And it was presented again during the latest episode of "Monday Night Raw."

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Breakker destroyed Joe Hendry in their match last week and took more of his frustrations out on Akira Tozawa, following his loss to Austin Theory. Femi came down to confront Breakker and the two had a faceoff before cooler heads seemed to prevail.

Through all of that, Breakker sought Paul Heyman’s approval and seemed upset that Heyman agreed that Femi was the future of WWE – a designation that Brock Lesnar declared after his Hell in a Cell match against Femi at SummerSlam. Breakker asked Heyman if he thought Femi was the future of WWE.

"Truth be told, I respect Oba Femi. The man did everything he said he was going to do to Brock Lesnar and I have to respect that," Heyman told Breakker without actually answering the question.

Breakker pressed Heyman again.

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"I think you’re starting to think that Oba Femi is the future of WWE and that’s the problem," Heyman responded. "I’ll tell you what – I’m going to keep respecting Oba Femi until you show me why Oba Femi is not worthy of my respect."

Heyman gave Breakker something to chew on as he confronts "The Ruler" in the coming weeks.

Breakker has made a tremendous impact since he was called up to the main WWE roster. His devastating torpedo spears have made for viral moments, and he’s captured the intercontinental and tag team titles in his immediate stint on the roster.

Femi has shown that he’s not scared of anyone. He won the King of the Ring Tournament and dispatched Lesnar from the ring.

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The fight for the future is clearly on, and it’s something that has seemingly been in Breakker’s mind for the last few weeks.

More than 3,000 missing after Colombia earthquake as Trump administration provides $15.5 million in relief

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:07:34 -0400

More than 3,000 are reported missing in Colombia on Tuesday following a massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake, prompting a desperate search for survivors and a pledge from the Trump administration of $15.5 million in relief.

Videos and photos emerged from Colombia showing first responders combing through rubble and debris, looking for any signs of life. Mayors and governors from Cali, Pereira, Chocó and Manizales said Tuesday at least 179 people had died in those four areas, while the federal government, which last updated its estimates in the hours after earthquake hit Monday, has said at least 111 died, according to The Associated Press.

"We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo De la Espriella and his government as they assess the needs on the ground," the State Department said on X.

It added that "the Trump Administration is committing $15.5 million in funding for emergency shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments."

COLOMBIA BUILDING COLLAPSES ON CAMERA AS EARTHQUAKE BRINGS DEATH, DESTRUCTION

Around 1,600 buildings across Colombia have been reported damaged or collapsed, and more than 3,000 people are missing, the AP reported.

President Abelardo De la Espriella, who was inaugurated just days earlier, traveled to Chocó’s capital, Quibdó, on Monday night and announced he was mobilizing "the entire military and police apparatus" to respond, deploying engineers, rescue workers and search dogs.

"Chocó will never again be the ‘land of the forgotten,’" he said.

JAPAN MALL REBUILT AFTER DEADLY 2016 EARTHQUAKE DESTROYED IN MAJOR TEMBLOR WEEKS AFTER 'FRESH START' REOPENING

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was centered in San José del Palmar, a town located within the western Chocó region, which borders the Pacific Ocean.

In a post on X, De la Espriella, added that, "The National Government stands with the people of Chocó."

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"Immediate economic resources and humanitarian aid have already been allocated to support the more than 1,400 affected families and individuals," he added. "The injured and those requiring priority medical attention are being transferred to Medellín with all available hospital capacity."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Crane arm collapses into Miami condo rooftop pool area as workers cling to dangling structure

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:52:33 -0400

Construction workers clung to a malfunctioning crane Friday as its arm collapsed onto the pool deck of a neighboring luxury high-rise in Miami, video shot by a bystander showed.

The video, recorded by Macie Norrod, showed the crane’s arm flying through the air before crashing through palm trees on an elevated pool area at the One Plaza West Brickell condo building.

Norrod saw the incident unfold from her home office, saying she had been "in shock and disbelief," according to a report from Storyful.

OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING AFTER DEADLY CRANE COLLAPSE AT INDUSTRIAL SITE NORTH OF BOSTON

"I thought I was about to watch the workers die from being squashed by the weights of the crane," Norrod said.

Her video showed workers in green vests clinging to the upper portion of the structure during the collapse before eventually climbing down ladders to the ground.

The crane, not yet operational, was being assembled that afternoon when it experienced "some kind of failure," Miami Fire Rescue spokesperson Lt. Pete Sanchez told Fox News Digital.

NEW YORK CITY CONSTRUCTION CRANE CATCHES ON FIRE BEFORE COLLAPSE

After that failure, the arm fell onto the rooftop deck and was partially submerged in the pool, according to a photo shared with Fox News Digital by Miami Fire Rescue.

"Firefighters immediately accessed the pool deck and conducted a thorough search, confirming that no victims were present," Sanchez said. "The pool deck was secured and cordoned off to prevent residents and the public from entering the area while crews ensured the scene remained safe."

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The construction crew also told authorities that all workers had been accounted for and none were injured.

Miami’s Building Department and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident, the Miami Herald reported.

Pro-Israel organizations condemn DSA co-chair for saying October 7 attacks were 'inevitable'

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:41:21 -0400

The co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) group is receiving sharp backlash for saying on Friday that the Hamas-led Oct. 7 massacre in Israel was mostly "inevitable."

During an interview with The New Yorker’s David Remnick, DSA co-chair Megan Romer was questioned about democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, who attended an anti-Israel, pro-Hamas rally the day after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in 2023, and was pressed on whether she would have attended if she were in her position.

"You would have gone to that rally, had you been able?" Remnick asked.

"That’s a good question. I probably would have," Romer replied. "Yeah, yeah. I don’t live in New York City, so I wouldn’t have —"

BERNIE SANDERS, DSA REVEAL DEMANDS FOR DEM PARTY AFTER SOCIALISTS SWEEP NEW YORK ELECTIONS

Remnick pressed further, asking, "One day after the slaughter of 1,200 people and taking of over 200 hostages, you would have come and rallied behind Hamas?"

"I think that Oct. 7 was largely inevitable," she replied. "If you put people in an open-air concentration camp and you deprive them of rights, of dignity, of food, of the ability to live in safety, you have to expect that they are going to not take that for that long. And that is not defending any harm of civilians or of non-combatants —"

When Remnick accused her remark of being an expression of support for the violence, she pushed back and said "I’m saying that I think it was inevitable."

Pro-Israel groups condemned her comments.

"I agree with DSA Co-chair Megan Romer that the October 7 attacks were in many ways inevitable — but not for the libelous reasons she cited," Zionist Organization of America National President Morton A. Klein told Fox News Digital.

"When Gazans elected Hamas - a terror organization whose charter calls for murdering every Jew and destroying Israel, October 7 was the result," he added. "When Qatar and Iran gave arms and hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, gave sanctuary to Hamas leaders, and helped terror groups plan attacks on Israel, October 7 was the result."

COLORADO SOCIALIST CANDIDATE CALLED 9/11 TERROR ATTACKS 'INEVITABLE' DUE TO US FOREIGN POLICY

"When UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency) teaches children to hate and murder Jews, employs Hamas terrorists as teachers and principals, stores weapons for Hamas, and provides communications centers for Hamas, October 7 is the result. When Israel, under pressure from the Biden administration, issued thousands of work permits to enter Israel to Hamas terrorists and scouts, October 7 was the result," he continued.

He warned that there may be even more October 7th-style violence in the future.

"And now, when Hamas is refusing to really disarm, and is vowing to commit more and more October 7ths, we must enable Israel to ensure its safety by retaining a buffer zone in Gaza and insisting on Hamas' disarmament prior to any other peace plan steps," he said. "Or else another October 7 will be the result. Regarding Romer's lies, the parties ‘imprisoning’ Gaza are Hamas, PIJ and other terror groups. By contrast, Israel facilitated tons of food, water, medical and other supplies into Gaza — while Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched 30,000 rockets at Israeli civilians."

When contacted by Fox News Digital, the ADL responded by sharing a thread on X of its public condemnation of the co-chair.

"What she said and doubled down on in this interview should concern every American. Because this kind of hateful and demonizing rhetoric against the only Jewish state in the world goes well beyond criticism of a government or its policies, and it puts every Jewish American at risk," the ADL tweeted on its official account.

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The account took issue with her specific statements, replying, "Romer shamelessly said she ‘probably would have’ attended the pro-Hamas rally held in NYC on 10/8/23, just one day after Hamas murdered more than 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 hostages, including babies, children, young women, mothers, and elderly people. She also called the Hamas-led October 7 massacre a mere ‘revolt’ and ‘largely inevitable.’ There is no justification for rape, kidnapping, torture, and slaughter."

At the conclusion of its thread of condemnations, the ADL shared a link to an entry in their database warning about the Democratic Socialists of America as an organization, saying that the "DSA now has over 120,000 members and 250+ elected officials across 40 states in the U.S. Radical groups like DSA are no longer on the fringes of society, they have infiltrated mainstream politics and have the ability to impact laws and policies affecting everyone."

Executive Vice President for Coalition for Jewish Values, Rabbi Yaakov Menken, called the DSA "objectively antisemitic."

"She used a mythological inversion of reality to justify both a murderous pogrom and an ongoing plan of starvation, torture, rape, and murder," Menken said.

The Castellows tease new song 'Way Things Work' featuring Keller Cox on their Instagram

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:36:40 -0400

The Castellows are cooking up some new music.

The Castellows are a popular country music trio consisting of the three Balkcom sisters: Eleanor, Lily, and Powell.

They blend extremely old school country music vibes with an Americana spirit.

Their inevitable success was always obvious to anyone paying attention.

The Castellows tease new music.

Now, the trio is releasing some new music. The group's official Instagram page released a short tease on Monday for the upcoming song "Way Things Work."

The song features Keller Cox.

"This is what we call a feel-good-sad-song," the caption on the video reads.

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR ANNOUNCES MAJOR CAREER NEWS, FIRES UP FANS WITH VIRAL VIDEO FOR NEW ALBUM

Give it a listen below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

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It definitely sounds like it's going to be the next big hit for The Castellows. People in the comments on Instagram seem to agree.

"Oh this is fire," one viewer wrote.

Another commented, "Sometimes you just know it’s a hit. Ya know? I know."

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Fact check: true!

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It's great to see The Castellows continue to have success as their music career hits new heights. I've never been to a show, but I might need to change that in the near future. What do you think of their music? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Largemouth bass explodes from water to eat Charl Schwartzel's golf ball at LIV Golf New York

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:32:24 -0400

They say a bass will eat just about anything that fits in its mouth. Turns out, that includes golf balls.

LIV golfer Charl Schwartzel learned that the hard way during LIV Golf New York at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster over the weekend, when his tee shot on the 134-yard, par-3 seventh hole landed on the green before spinning backward and rolling toward the water.

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And somebody was waiting for it.

The instant Schwartzel's ball hit the pond, a fish — seemingly a largemouth bass — exploded from the water and gobbled it up like someone had just tossed a topwater lure directly onto its head.

Lightning fast. No hesitation. What an athlete.

Largemouth bass are ambush predators whose normal menu includes fish, crayfish and frogs. They'll also take live baits including lizards, insects and even small mice when given the opportunity. A Titleist isn't exactly nutritious, but nobody told this guy.

Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion and winner of the first-ever LIV Golf event in 2022, was competing at Bedminster as LIV returned to the New York area Aug. 6-9.

TWO REGULAR JOES WILL COMPETE WITH PROS FOR $3.25 MILLION PURSE AT INAUGURAL 'THE CHAMPIONS' BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT

Unfortunately, "a bass ate my ball" does not earn a free mulligan.

Golf's rules generally say there is no penalty when an outside influence — including an animal — moves a ball at rest, and the ball is ordinarily replaced. But Schwartzel's ball had already entered the penalty area, so he ultimately took relief and a one-stroke penalty before making bogey.

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Golf courses, of course, produce plenty of wildlife cameos. Alligators, snakes, birds and even bears and moose have all interrupted rounds before.

But a largemouth waiting beside the green to hammer a golf ball the instant it hits the water?

That’s a special one.

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Commanders offense takes major hit as star offensive tackle suffers major training camp injury

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:26:34 -0400

The Washington Commanders offense will be without one of its most integral players for the foreseeable future.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Monday that franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil will be sidelined indefinitely, as he needs surgery on his torn triceps.

"It’s always tough to talk about a player missing time, and especially a great player like LT," Quinn said. "He is an absolutely fantastic teammate, and he’ll be missed. We certainly can’t wait to get him back."

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The 32-year-old was injured during an individual drill on Saturday against pass rusher Odafe Oweh. Tunsil immediately went down and took a knee after the play and was quickly ushered to the facility after talking with the training staff.

The Commanders made Tunsil the highest-paid tackle in the NFL with a two-year, $60.2 million contract extension in March. He became the first lineman in NFL history to make $30 million annually.

The five-time Pro Bowler has been one of the best left tackles in the NFL since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins with the No. 13 overall pick in the NFL Draft. He spent three seasons in Miami before being traded to the Houston Texans in 2019 and spent the next six seasons in Texas.

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The Commanders acquired Tunsil last season, and he played in 14 games for them.

"He is really on the top of his game right now," Quinn said. "Both in the run and pass, this is an equally strong player, and so it’s a big deal."

With Tunsil out, the Commanders pivoted to Brandon Coleman to fill the void. It’s a natural transition for Coleman, who started 12 games at left tackle as a rookie for Washington in 2024 and played well. He made three starts at left tackle last year.

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"He’s played a lot of winning football at left tackle here, and we know that he’s ready for it," Quinn said. "He’s put in an excellent offseason, and the team is very confident in him."

The plan is for the Commanders to give Coleman an extended look in Tunsil's old spot, with veteran Andrew Wylie staying in his backup swing tackle role. Quinn consulted with general manager Adam Peters and said they don’t expect to explore help in free agency right now.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Replacement GOP nominee named after Rep Chuck Edwards drops re-election bid

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:17:41 -0400

North Carolina state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom has been named as the new GOP nominee for the state's 11th Congressional District in the wake of incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards' announcement last week that he was nixing his re-election bid.

The North Carolina Republican Party 11th Congressional District Executive Committee tapped Balkcom on Monday, reports indicate.

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., have both endorsed Balkcom in the race.

GOP REP CHUCK EDWARDS DROPS RE-ELECTION BID AFTER HOUSE ETHICS REPORT RECOMMENDS CENSURE

"I'm blessed to receive the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District," Balkcom said in part of a statement, according to screenshots of the statement that reporters posted on X.

"Like many Americans, the Democrat Party left me behind when they abandoned their values and embraced extremism. We're seeing that extremism play out across the country, as their party nominates radical socialists who want to raise taxes, open our borders, and do away with our way of life. We must prevent that radical agenda from reaching our government, and that starts right here in the Eleventh District," she said in the statement.

Balkcom will face Democratic candidate Jamie Ager in the general election contest.

"We are very pleased with, uh, the selection of Jennifer Balkcom to fill the ballot vacancy for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District," North Carolina Republican Party executive director Zach Almond told Fox News Digital during a Tuesday phone call.

"Jennifer has Western North Carolina values," Almond said, adding that she "has a background" with "ag, banking and finance, and would be a tremendous asset to Western North Carolinians in U.S. Congress."

GOP LAWMAKER'S GIFTS, 'EFFUSIVE AFFECTION' TOWARD YOUNG STAFFERS DETAILED IN EXPLOSIVE ETHICS REPORT

Edwards, who decisively won the U.S. House GOP primary in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District earlier this year, announced last week that he was ending his run for re-election.

"After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term. Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America," Edwards said in a post on X last week.

He made the announcement after the House Committee on Ethics issued a report about him that noted that the committee was recommending censuring him.

The report states that the committee found that the congressman "engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers."

REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER WELCOMES HOUSE ETHICS PROBE INTO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM

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It notes that although "Edwards denied that any of his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such, including providing the young women with lavish and recurrent gifts, making comments regarding their appearance and dress, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, sending notes regarding his effusive affection, and inviting them to other activities as a way to spend time together."

‘This Is Us’ star Chrissy Metz says she turned to GLP-1 drug after years of skepticism

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:15:18 -0400

Chrissy Metz is opening up about her decision to use a GLP-1 after years of skepticism about the popular weight-loss medications.

During an appearance on the "Today" show on Monday, the "This Is Us" star, 45, explained that she reconsidered the drugs as she entered perimenopause and thought more seriously about her health and her family's history with obesity.

"I was very skeptical about GLP-1s for years," she said. "I had a friend who was like, I don't know, he gave me a thesis, and I was like, 'OK, this might be helpful.'"

MAYIM BIALIK DETAILS 'NIGHTMARE' AFTER ONE INJECTION OF GLP-1 DRUG LED TO WEEKS OF DEBILITATING SIDE EFFECTS

After witnessing her father experience complications with his own health, Metz thought, "Maybe I should try and get ahead of it."

"It was something that I thought would be good for me," she said.

Since taking the drug, Metz said she's noticed a difference in her energy level, as well as her "overall health."

Despite the previous skepticism, Metz said the most important thing for her is "longevity."

"Learning what it really was and how it affects everybody differently ... my doctor and my team were like, ‘Yeah, I think this would be beneficial for you,’" said Metz, who admitted she was "nervous" and "scared" to try it.

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"That's what's sort of beautiful, it's a whole lifestyle change," said Metz, who has also incorporated strength training and exercise into her regimen. "It's not just, 'Oh, I'm going to take a medication,' because it's not the easy way out. I think a lot of people think 'Oh, it's a magic wand,' and no, in fact, you have to be more diligent. It's good for me because I'm really putting myself first. It's something I've always wanted to do, but I have to really put into practice now."

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"It's been a really wonderful journey," she added.

Her decision marks another chapter in a yearslong, highly public conversation surrounding Metz's weight and health.

Metz shot to fame playing Kate Pearson on NBC's "This Is Us," where struggles with weight and body image were a major part of the character's storyline.

The actress said in a 2017 interview that "so many people are afraid of fat people," arguing that education and more open conversations about weight could help change those attitudes.

Metz has also spoken candidly about how her complicated relationship with food and weight began long before Hollywood.

In 2024, Metz recalled enduring what she described as mental, physical and emotional abuse from her stepfather while growing up.

"He would weigh me in the kitchen or threaten to lock the cupboards," Metz said during an appearance on "The Jamie Kern Lima Show."

Metz said she believes there is now greater awareness surrounding "food, food issues, food behavior" than there was when she was younger.

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"I think I'm trying to heal those wounds slowly but surely," she said at the time. "And it's not easy."

These once-annual college rivalries used to define college football and need to make a comeback ASAP

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:11:42 -0400

College football is a rapidly changing sport, and with the recent news that the Save College Sports Act has once again been kicked down the road, it doesn't look like the game will be given some much-needed guardrails any time soon.

You'll hear fans of an older generation (and even some younger ones) lament the fact that college football isn't as good as it was in their youth, and while a lot of that can be chalked up to nebulous concepts like nostalgia, there is one concrete example of the sport being vastly different today: rivalries.

Just taking a surface-level glance at the landscape of modern college football shows us that some of the best rivalries from yesteryear may be a thing of the past.

FLORIDA STATE-GEORGIA SERIES CANCELLATION IS OMINOUS SIGN FOR FUTURE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Some of that is due to conference realignment while other rivalry games have been cut thanks to power conference teams being incentivized to remove harder non-conference games from their schedules.

Either way, I've compiled four great rivalries from the golden age of college football that are either completely dormant or are played sparingly thanks to the new parameters of the sport.

If you pick pretty much any era of college football between the 1970s and early 2000s, at least one team from this annual conference rivalry was firmly entrenched in the national championship conversation.

Although the regular season matchups became quasi-annual after the 1996 merging of the Big 8 and the Southwest Conference to create the Big 12, the two teams still managed to find a way to one up another with some high stakes on the line.

The Sooners and Cornhuskers met nine times as top-five teams and even have the distinction of playing in the first ever BCS 1. vs. 2. matchup in college football history.

No matter how you slice it, the Oklahoma and Nebraska rivalry is college football personified, but the two teams haven't met since 2022, thanks to Nebraska bolting for the Big Ten in the early part of the 2010s and Oklahoma opting to join the SEC a few seasons ago.

A mini revival is set to take place between the two teams in 2029, but as we've established, that game is likely to get canceled so that both teams can pad their schedule with some cannon fodder by then.

While the Backyard Brawl might not have the pop and pizzazz of Oklahoma and Nebraska's rivalry, it was still one of the most vitriolic annual rivalries the sport had to offer.

If you know nothing about the rivalry between Pitt and West Virginia, look no further than their 2007 meeting, when the Mountaineers welcomed the Panthers to Morgantown sporting a shiny number two ranking in the BCS only to have their hopes and dreams of a national title get nuked on their home field by a team that wasn't even heading to a bowl game.

It's such a famous (or infamous) game that Pitt fans will still tease West Virginia fans by only chanting the score at them, "13-9! 13-9! 13-9!"

What made this rivalry so special was the proximity of the two campuses and the fact that they both resided in the now-defunct Big East.

After the resolution of the conference, Pitt joined the ACC and West Virginia became a member of the Big 12, and 2011 was the last time these two met as members of the same conference.

The rivalry would remain dormant for more than a decade, and although they have played each other on an annual basis since 2022, the game isn't set to be played again until 2029 with the long term status of the rivalry in limbo.

Part of what makes college football so special and something that Playoff expansionists fail to realize is that a rivalry game isn't great because of the national championship implications, and nowhere is that more evident than the Border War (or Border Showdown, if you're a snowflake) between Kansas and Missouri.

When these two teams stopped playing their annual matchup after the 2011 season on account of Mizzou leaving for the SEC, the Border War was the second-most-played rivalry in the history of Division I-A/FBS college football.

The rivalry dates all the way back to the 1890s, when proximity and hate fueled one of the coolest regional rivalries in the sport.

It had controversy, it had violence, and it even had a few high-stakes matchups for good measure, like when Kansas ruined Missouri's shot at winning the 1960 national title, or when the two teams randomly met as top-five opponents in Arrowhead Stadium in 2007.

As with most of the other games on this list, the Border War was briefly reanimated in the mid 2020s, as the two teams met last season and are slated to play again this season in a home-and-home to stoke the flames of nostalgia.

Outside of that and a one-off meeting in 2031, though, no one knows what the future holds for this rivalry, making the Border War just another casualty of conference realignment and CFP expansion.

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While the other three games on this list share the distinction of being axed thanks to conference realignment in some way, shape, or form, one of the most classic college football rivalries can't even lean on that excuse thanks to Notre Dame's Independent status.

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Much like Oklahoma and Nebraska, Michigan and Notre Dame are two of the bluest bloods in college football history, and from about the late 1970s onward, these two royals were destined to meet on an almost annual basis for bragging rights and national relevance.

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It's hard to even imagine college football without the Irish and Wolverines doing battle, and a good chunk of their showdowns from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s are some of the most legendary games that are still talked about to this day.

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The first home night game in Notre Dame's history was played between these two in 1982, and the 1988 matchup came down to the final minute of the game with eventual national champion Notre Dame eeking out a 19-17 victory.

The Irish opted to end the rivalry after the 2014 season, meaning one of the most tradition-rich meetings in all of sports came to an end outside of a home-and-home in 2018 and 2019.

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Another one is scheduled in 2033 and 2034, but with the aforementioned incentive to soften schedules thanks to an expanding Playoff and Notre Dame's increasingly guaranteed path to the big dance, we might not even see those games take place.

US Marine veteran released from Russian prison after 1,666 days of detention

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:04:44 -0400

United States Marine veteran Robert Gilman was released from Russian custody Tuesday on humanitarian grounds after 1,666 days in prison, Fox News has learned.

Gilman, a U.S. citizen, was arrested on Jan. 17, 2022, in Voronezh, Russia, and sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison. While in custody, he was subject to harsh and abusive treatment, putting him into "a catatonic state," according to Gilman family representative Kieran Ramsey.

In a Friday interview with Fox News, Ramsey detailed the events that led to Gilman's arrest.

"If we back up in November of 2021, he is on his way to Moldova. So he's not even supposed to travel to Russia. But in his travels, he gets violently ill and ends up having to stop in Moscow," Ramsey told Fox News.

AMERICAN EX-MARINE FEARED NEAR DEATH AFTER WEEKS IN CATATONIC STATE IN RUSSIAN PRISON

"He ends up going to a relative's house to recuperate because of this illness. In January of 2022, after what he thought was a full recovery, he goes to the U.S. embassy to renew his passport. But en route he becomes violently ill again. And at that point the Russian police approach him thinking he's drunk, claiming that he assaults them, and then they proceed to assault him and arrest him and charge him. And that nightmare has exponentially expanded since that point," Ramsey said.

The U.S. State Department referred to Gilman as a wrongful detainee and said his release was part of an exchange with Russia, telling Fox News that "no other concessions were provided."

President Donald Trump detailed his role in securing Gilman's release in a post on Truth Social.

"I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME!" the president wrote.

"In a well known Media story, Robert was imprisoned in Russia in 2022, during the Biden Administration. After my discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis. We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place. Robert will land at Andrews Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C., tonight, where my Representatives, some of whom are on the plane with him, will welcome Robert back to THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! I just spoke to him, and he had one request — A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands. I will take care of that!" Trump wrote.

"During my Administration, we have prioritized bringing home Americans Detained Abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before, returning hundreds of people to their families. We have also freed many non Americans who were under capture in different countries throughout the World. Robert Gilman has been reunited with his wonderful mother, Nancy, who is also on the plane with him, and will soon get to see all of his loved ones. Thank you to my incredible Team, including Special Envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, Sebastian Gorka, Jared Kushner, and the many others who made this possible. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" Trump concluded.

Gilman was seemingly well enough to speak with Trump on his flight home and appeared conscious in a picture Trump shared of him, but his health had been declining over the course of the previous month, Ramsey previously conveyed to Fox News.

"Our main concern is that we think he's dying in a Russian hospital. And the Russians won't let his mother even visit him, let alone embassy staff," he told Fox News.

"Right now, he is in a catatonic state. He's being fed through a tube that goes down his nose into his stomach. And quite honestly, we were afraid he may already be dead or he may not come out of this," Ramsey added.

Gilman was transferred out of prison and into a civilian hospital in Voronezh on June 30.

"Robert's full medical assessment will be done when he gets back to the US and his family will join him at a US military hospital in Texas, as he starts the long road to recovery," Ramsey said in a statement Tuesday.

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Robert's sister Lexie Hudson thanked President Donald Trump and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., for their efforts in securing Gilman's release.

"I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother’s life. There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action," Hudson said in a statement provided to Fox News through the nonprofit Global Relief.

"I want to thank Senator Ed Markey for leading our advocacy efforts in Congress. He and his staff were personally involved in Robert’s case and we will forever be grateful," Hudson said.

Both Hudson and Ramsey highlighted the severe nature of Gilman's detention. "The Russians treated my brother so badly. They hurt him for no reason, other than that he was both an American and a Marine. What did they get out of this? Why did they do this to such a wonderful person?" Hudson asked.

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"I'll tell you this," Ramsey told Fox News, "I have a lot of experience in the hostage space. Having been the head of the Hostage Recovery Fusion cell at the FBI, and Robert Gilman is by far one of the worst cases I've seen when it comes to how the Russians are treating Americans in prison. The fact that he is in a near catatonic state. And again, we believe he's at risk of death is just frightening for this family. It should be frightening to every American that sees this report," Ramsey said.

Gilman is the third U.S. Marine to be taken prisoner in Russia in the last decade, following Russia's detention of Paul Whelan in 2018 and Trevor Reed in 2019. Both were later released in prisoner swaps.

Global Relief, in a statement provided to Fox News, pointed out that five other wrongfully detained Americans remain in Russian prisons, "each with deteriorating medical issues."

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"It is critical that the Administration uses the momentum of Robert’s release to bring home Aleksandr Antonov, David Barnes, Olga Jezler, Andre Khachatoorian, and Chuck Zimmerman before it is too late," Global Relief's Chief Strategy Officer Eric Lebson said in a statement.

Dem governor booed at Virginia Old Fiddlers' Convention

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:58:51 -0400

Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger was greeted by a chorus of boos at the Virginia Old Fiddlers' Convention over the weekend, as the governor faces sagging poll numbers and lingering political fallout from Democrats' failed push to redraw the commonwealth's congressional map.

Spanberger was met with boos after she was introduced and stepped to the microphone at the longtime Galax gathering, where musicians and spectators were marking the convention's 90th year.

Video from the event showed a chilly reception from portions of the crowd as the Democratic governor took the stage for about half of a minute.

Spanberger later highlighted her visit in a social media video but made no mention of the boos.

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"I'm in Galax. We just went to the Old Fiddlers' Convention and I joined community members at the Poor Man's Dinner," Spanberger said. "It was an incredible time. There was great food, great music, and great community."

Spanberger's political standing has slipped just months into her first year in office. A July Virginia Commonwealth University poll found 44% of registered voters approved of her job performance while 47% disapproved, an unusually weak showing for a new Virginia governor, according to the university's pollsters.

Spanberger has also emerged from a bruising battle over mid-decade redistricting. The governor backed a Democratic effort that could have dramatically reshaped Virginia's congressional delegation. Voters narrowly approved the proposal in April on the back of a reported $70 million ballot campaign, but the Supreme Court of Virginia later struck down the effort in a 4-3 ruling, finding lawmakers had failed to follow required constitutional procedures. The existing congressional map remained in place.

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For Spanberger, a former congresswoman who campaigned for governor as a pragmatic moderate focused heavily on affordability, the Galax appearance offered Republicans another opening to argue that her early months in Richmond have alienated some of the voters she pledged to represent.

Republican Del. Tom Garrett, who represents Virginia’s 56th District, said the chilly reception was warranted and pointed back to the wasteful redistricting fight.

"She campaigned, and she was asked about doing a mid-decade redistrict to grab power and take voices away from people outside of Northern Virginia," Garrett told WSET. "She said she wouldn't do it and then she led the charge."

Republican Del. Wren Williams, whose district includes Galax, also praised the crowd for making its displeasure known.

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"If you think about the affordability agenda that has been run on and that she has championed, where are the results of that?" Williams said. "And we know the millions of dollars spent trying to disenfranchise the exact individuals that she is now trying to come and pander."

The governor’s office struck a far different tone when asked about the visit, saying Spanberger and her husband, Adam, enjoyed their time at both the convention and the Poor Man’s Dinner.

"Governor Spanberger and her husband Adam had a wonderful time at the Old Fiddlers’ Convention and Poor Man’s Dinner in Galax this weekend — talking to many community members, enjoying the music and festivities, and celebrating the convention’s 90th year," her office said in a statement.

"The Governor is grateful to all those who work year after year to make this event a success and a point of pride for all Virginians."

Fox News Digital reached out to Spanberger's office for a response to the boos, but has not yet heard back.

The Old Fiddlers’ Convention is a longstanding Galax tradition that draws musicians and visitors for bluegrass and old-time music performances and competitions.

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The episode also highlighted a geographic challenge for Democrats in Virginia. Spanberger won the governorship by 15 points last November, but the chilly reception in Southwest Virginia offered a vivid reminder of the resistance she continues to face outside the Democratic strongholds of Northern Virginia and other population centers.

Sen Marshall calls for special counsel investigation into Anthony Fauci after COVID-19 vaccine texts

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:46:58 -0400

Newly released text messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci are intensifying scrutiny of what the former White House advisor knew and said during the COVID-19 pandemic — and prompting calls for an investigation with the power to prosecute.

"[A special counsel has] subpoena power. They can have an independent investigation, and then they can prosecute as well," Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said Tuesday on "Fox & Friends."

"All Congress can do is expose the truth or try to expose the truth, which is hard to do when a guy takes the 5th 111 times," he added.

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Marshall also floated a full 9/11-style commission as another possibility, though he acknowledged the decision ultimately rests with the attorney general.

A retired obstetrician, Marshall has long clashed with Fauci over COVID-19 origins, pandemic policies and the government's vaccine guidance, challenging the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) director both as a senator and a physician.

His latest criticism centers on a newly released tranche of text messages between Fauci and other top health officials discussing questions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

During the back and forth, Fauci appeared to admit he had concerns about the impact of mRNA vaccines on pregnant women.

"I asked around a bit more and another issue came up that you need to be aware of," Fauci wrote in a message dated January 2021.

"Since many people have significant cytokines storm and fever after the 2nd dose, this theoretically could be associated with miscarriage in the 1st trimester."

The following month, Fauci publicly claimed no pregnancy-related "red flags" were linked to the COVID-19 vaccine.

"With thousands of women who are pregnant, having gotten the vaccine following the EUA [emergency use authorization], there have been no red flags of anything that anyone would be worried about," he told CBS News at the time.

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"There are severe adverse outcomes for mother and baby during COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is extremely important for pregnant women and women planning to get pregnant to get vaccinated," he said later that same year.

Fox News Digital previously contacted the law firm representing Fauci and did not immediately hear back.

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Fox News' Alex Miller contributed to this report.

Former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason goes scorched Earth on DiJonai Carrington following her 'white privilege' post

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:46:15 -0400

Former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason isn't one to hold back his opinion on anything going on in the sports world. Therefore, his assessment of the situation in the WNBA involving DiJonai Carrington, her racism claim, and Sophie Cunningham should come as a shock to no one.

Esiason's opinion on the matter – and specifically the question he posed to his WFAN radio listeners – is one many sports fans seem to share.

Carrington's hard foul on Cunningham during the first quarter of the Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever contest on Aug. 8 was headline-worthy in and of itself. The fact that Carrington jumped on Instagram Threads and posted "WHITE PRIVILEGE," seemingly insinuating that her ejection following the foul had something to do with her being a black woman and Cunningham being a white woman, took things to a level we've frankly never seen before.

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"She immediately gets on her phone and puts out a post on Threads talking about white privilege. How is everybody supposed to react to that?" Esiason asked his co-host, Gregg Giannotti during Tuesday's edition of 'Boomer and Gio.' "What are the opinions we are all supposed to have when you do something that stupid?

"I think because of the timeline of everything, because of, if you want to call it, the jealous nature, the legitimate hatred for somebody because of what they believe in and because of what they look like and because of how popular they are, I could say it's a targeted attack."

Giannotti agreed with Esiason's take about Carrington's foul on Cunningham being a target attack, saying, "Clearly, and I think most people believe that."

Carrington's foul on Cunningham was ruled a Flagrant 2 after a video review on the court, which results in an automatic ejection. The WNBA has not addressed Carrington's foul or her post about white privilege, despite multiple inquiries made by OutKick.

As Esiason alluded to when discussing "what they believe in" while talking about Cunningham and the ongoing situation, her sharing of those beliefs as it relates to the timeline of the events is impossible to ignore.

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Following an ESPN story published on July 21, Cunningham has been on the receiving end of serious pushback after explaining that she does not believe women should have to compete against biological men.

"I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that,'" Cunningham told the outlet. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."

"I'm very much in the middle. I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides," Cunningham continued. "And that's all I've ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume."

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A New York Times poll conducted in March 2025 found that 79% of Americans believe that men should be barred from competing in women's sports.

Carrington suited up for the Sky on Monday, the team's first contest since the incident involving Cunningham, and scored 26 points in 27 minutes in her team's 97-88 loss to the Seattle Storm.

Pittsburgh Steelers set at 8.5 wins as Mike McCarthy takes over and Aaron Rodgers nears 43

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:34:57 -0400

There is typically just one thing that I truly root for in almost every sport: a winning bet. However, there are times that I see a team or player I love or dislike and feel like I am at least somewhat rooting for their success or downfall. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that I kind of want to see fall apart for a variety of reasons, but will this be the year they do stumble?

Last year

It was a year of high expectations for the Steelers, and thanks to a bit of luck, they at least still made it to the postseason. Aaron Rodgers came in and increased their potential before the year began, and honestly, he had a pretty good season. Rodgers can be criticized for a lot of off-field oddities, but when he is between the lines, he is still pretty damn good. The problem with the Steelers last year was a lack of consistency. They had only two winning streaks; both were three games. They had some questionable losses — losing to the Bengals without Joe Burrow and the Browns, led by Shedeur Sanders. They were incredibly lucky to beat the Ravens in the last game of the season, and then didn’t bother showing up against the Texans.

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Offseason additions and subtractions

That loss to the Texans seems to have led to the resignation of Mike Tomlin. After 19 seasons at the helm, none with a losing record, the team has turned to Mike McCarthy. How McCarthy continues to get jobs is a bit beyond me. He had success with Rodgers years ago, and is 174-112, but I feel like everywhere he goes, he comes up short of expectations. Maybe the problem is the expectations. He is trying to reshape a team that turned out 10+ wins basically every season. The team is banking that Rodgers can play well in his final season and added Michael Pittman Jr. as well as Germie Bernard to the receiving room. They also added a cornerback, Jamel Dean, who should help boost their defense.

Roster

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I guess, like most teams, the Steelers will go as far as their quarterback can take them. Rodgers is a talented player, but he's like 90 years old. Okay, he will be 43 by the time the season is over. If he can play slightly better than an average quarterback, there should be enough weapons to get the team back into contention. DK Metcalf is a freak and Rodgers connected with him well last year. Their offense should be at least league average. On defense, they still have TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward. I like their linebackers and their cornerbacks, so I do think they will have a chance to be at least a fairly competent defense.

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Betting Outlook

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The books don’t seem to think that the Steelers will be very good. They have them at 8.5 wins with the juice on the under. Part of that has to be due to the Ravens having a new voice in their locker room, and Joe Burrow coming back for the Bengals. Still, this schedule doesn’t look overly difficult for the Steelers. You have to assume they split most games with their division as usual. I think they could beat at least five other teams. After that, you do start to get into some questions about where the wins will come from. I personally would stay away from the overall teams, but I’d lean to the over because the Steelers find ways to win — will that happen without Tomlin, though?

There is a bet on the division wins – over 2.5 – but it is at -180 which is just too high for me to justify. I do like them to have more wins than the Colts, and they are -110 to do that.

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