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NJ woman found stabbed to death in Somerville home 15 miles from unsolved Brooke Hanlon killing

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:41:52 -0400

Investigators in New Jersey are looking into what led to the fatal stabbing of a woman inside her Somerville home.

The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office confirmed Alyne Espinal, 46, was discovered with multiple lacerations to her chest, neck and thigh. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her husband, Ignacio Espinal, 55, was arrested on Tuesday in West New York, New Jersey.

SLAIN N.J. WOMAN, MISSING BAHAMAS BOATER'S SPOUSES LAWYER UP; ONE DISAPPEARS WHILE OTHER RECENTLY SPOTTED

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Officers responded to a 911 call on Thursday just before 7:30 p.m. "reporting concerns for the welfare" of a woman living on Brookside Avenue.

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This recent homicide happened just 20 minutes away from Chester, where new mother Brooke Hanlon, 35, was found butchered inside her home in June. The Morris County mystery continues to baffle the community.

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Hanlon was found dead on June 6. Exactly two months later and unrelated to the case, on Aug. 6, Espinal was found dead just 15 miles away in neighboring Somerset County.

SLAIN NEW JERSEY THERAPIST’S GRAD SCHOOL ROOMMATE RECOUNTS FRIENDSHIP WITH COUPLE DURING TIME IN BOSTON

The key difference in the Somerset County homicide case compared to Hanlon's Morris County case is that days after Espinal was found dead, authorities identified a suspect and made an arrest.

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Coincidentally, Conor Hanlon, Brooke Hanlon's husband, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, used to work for a construction contractor in Somerville, less than a mile from the scene of this recent incident.

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For the Somerset County case, the Prosecutor's Office said in part:

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"The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence."

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Espinal is facing charges of first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree hindering.

Boater scared off alligator, then used rope to stop bleeding after Florida woman lost arm

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:32:30 -0400

The woman who lost her right arm in a vicious alligator attack in Florida on Saturday has been identified as Dina Rae Spann.

The attack happened Saturday afternoon in the Silver River in Marion County, where Spann was swimming with a group, the New York Post reported.

Spann, 58, was trying to keep the alligator's mouth closed while making her way toward the surface for air, her son, Zach Guerrina, told the news outlet.

FLORIDA WOMAN LOSES ARM IN SILVER RIVER ALLIGATOR ATTACK AS BOATER RACES TO SAVE HER LIFE

"It had her, but she said she was trying to make sure it didn’t get to her legs," he said.

Spann also suffered an injury to her left hand during the struggle, losing part of her ring finger, Guerrina said. Her right arm was ultimately amputated below the elbow.

Nearby, John Gamache, a longtime visitor to the Silver Springs area, and his father were having lunch on their boat when they heard people yelling for help.

"I looked just upriver from us a couple hundred feet and saw an alligator head way above the water and going full speed towards the swimmers," Gamache told FOX 35 Orlando.

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Gamache quickly headed toward the group in his boat.

By the time he reached the swimmers, the alligator had released Spann — and the activity from the approaching boat appeared to drive the animal away, according to the outlet.

He found Spann holding onto a paddleboard with a severe arm injury. He took rope from his boat and used it as a makeshift tourniquet to help control the bleeding.

"It was a terrible injury, bones poking out, blood everywhere," Gamache said. "Obviously, the minutes mattered."

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Despite the severity of her injuries, Guerrina said his mother remained remarkably calm as those around her worked to help.

After helping the other swimmers onto the boat, Gamache and his father took the group to a nearby boat launch, where first responders were waiting.

Spann was transported to a hospital following the attack.

By Sunday, her family said she was back home and in good spirits despite losing her right arm, according to FOX 35 Orlando.

In the aftermath of the attack, authorities temporarily closed the Silver River while wildlife officials searched the area.

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A contracted nuisance alligator trapper removed a 9-foot-8-inch alligator on Sunday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Officials later lifted the temporary closure of the river.

The attack was unlike anything Gamache had witnessed there before, he said.

Spann's family later contacted him to thank him for coming to her aid.

"They called earlier, and we talked for a while, and it was heartwarming to hear them explain their emotions," Gamache said.

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"We're glad that it happened as good as it could have," he added.

"The result is just the sustained injury and nothing more."

Jewish Dem defections threaten El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race decided by razor-thin margins

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:24:15 -0400

Jewish voters could provide the decisive margin in Michigan’s November Senate election, particularly as some lifelong Democrats say they are prepared to cross party lines and vote for Republican Mike Rogers against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.

Analysts point to Michigan’s last U.S. Senate race decided by just 19,006 votes. With estimates placing the state’s Jewish population between approximately 105,000 and 130,000 adults, those votes could tip the scales in favor of Rogers.

"Republicans made real gains in the most Jewish areas in 2024, and Michigan was no exception," Matthew Knee, a Republican pollster and consultant who serves as chief data officer of Pulse Decision Science, told Fox News Digital.

"Stevens massively outperformed in many Jewish precincts as well," Knee said, commenting on the primary. "Rogers and El-Sayed are both the kinds of candidates that will accelerate this trend. There are only 130,000 Jewish voters in Michigan, but in 2024, Rogers only lost by 19,006 votes, so that can make the difference in that kind of razor-thin environment."

DEM ATTORNEY BACKS GOP HOPEFUL IN MICHIGAN RACE AGAINST EL-SAYED, 'JUMPING SHIP' FROM HIS PARTY'S 'LUNATICS'

For generations, voting for the Democratic Party has been part of the identity of many Jewish families across the state, but since El-Sayed’s victory, some are moving toward the Republican Party.

In interviews with Fox News Digital, several Jewish Michigan voters said El-Sayed’s positions regarding Israel and Zionism have forced them to choose between the liberal values they have supported throughout their lives and what they view as the safety of their children and community.

For many, that prospective vote would not represent a wholesale rejection of the Democratic Party. It would be a break in this single race, a split-ticket vote they once considered unthinkable.

Steve Cohen, a lifelong Michigan resident and self-described "notorious ticket splitter," said the current political climate has made the Senate race especially consequential.

"We’ve had attacks on our synagogues and our school buildings where our kids go," Cohen said. "There’s a torrent of activity pushing anti-Israel and anti-Jewish things on our campuses, and that includes every part of the state of Michigan. So, right now, it’s a little bit scary to be a Jew here."

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

"I now feel forced to choose between those liberal values and the safety of my children," said Benji, a lifelong Michigan resident and self-identified liberal whose last name Fox News Digital is withholding for security reasons.

"As a lifelong Jewish liberal, I have advocated for liberal values, including commonsense gun laws, LGBT rights, women’s reproductive healthcare, healthcare reform and Black Lives Matter," Benji said.

"El-Sayed may claim to love Jews and the Jewish people, but requiring Jews to be anti-Zionist is a racist purity test and makes his claim ring hollow," he added. "I believe in changing the system from within, but it is no longer safe inside that system for me or for my children."

Stacy, who also asked to withhold her last name, comes from a fifth-generation Democratic Jewish family and has lived in Michigan for 13 years. She has also never voted Republican. Her alienation from the Democratic Party intensified at its state convention in April, where she said she felt hostility toward anyone who openly supported Israel.

"I felt the hatred and hostility in the room toward me if I dared to be supportive of Israel," Stacy said. She recalled watching Stevens being booed and harassed and said she "could see the writing on the wall."

"I take no joy in feeling like my party has abandoned me, but I need to vote this way for self-preservation," she said.

Stacy also pointed to Rogers’ experience, calling him the more qualified candidate "if you look at it just on paper."

Mike Rogers is a former Army officer, FBI special agent, congressman and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Jewish voters make up approximately 1.4% of Michigan’s electorate, representing an estimated 105,000 people statewide, according to the American Jewish Population Project at Brandeis University. Much of the community is concentrated in the politically significant Detroit suburbs.

"We hear constantly about the Muslim vote in Michigan, particularly in Dearborn, as a crucial political bloc. But the truth is that Jews in the Great Lakes State are a comparably sized religious minority and historically a much more important constituency for the Democratic Party," said Jesse Arm, Manhattan Institute vice president and pollster.

BIDEN-WORLD VETERAN ISSUES STARK WARNING ABOUT ABDUL EL-SAYED AS HE CROSSES PARTY LINES

Arm said Jewish voters turn out at high rates and have long provided Democratic candidates with votes and financial support. He said Jewish organizers and political fundraisers described "an unprecedented level of opposition to El-Sayed among Jewish Democrats."

"Some intend simply to withhold their votes and contributions," Arm said. "But many prominent Jewish Democratic families and donors are prepared to go further and directly support Mike Rogers."

Sam Markstein, national political director and spokesman for the Republican Jewish Coalition, told Fox News Digital those voters could provide the decisive margin in November.

Markstein said the RJC analyzed primary results in Oak Park, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield and Southfield, four Oakland County communities with sizable Jewish populations. According to the organization’s analysis, Stevens received approximately 37,000 votes across those communities, compared with about 20,000 for El-Sayed.

Her combined 17,000-vote advantage was greater than the statewide margin by which Rogers lost his 2024 Senate campaign to Democrat Elissa Slotkin.

"That’s a really big delta there that shows that Jewish voters do not like Abdul El-Sayed," Markstein said.

He called Michigan’s Jewish voters "not just a rounding error" and said Republicans have an opportunity to move more of them into their column in November.

Markstein also criticized El-Sayed’s response to the March terrorist attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. An armed attacker rammed a vehicle into the synagogue, where approximately 140 children were present, before opening fire. No children, congregants or staff members were physically harmed.

FBI NABS 7 FOR ALLEGED 'CAMPAIGN OF VIOLENCE' TO PRESSURE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, BUSINESSES OVER ISRAEL TIES

El-Sayed initially condemned the attack as "heinous" but later faced criticism after discussing violence in the Middle East while reflecting on the attacker’s actions and saying "hurt people do hurt people."

El-Sayed has maintained that he condemns antisemitism and is committed to protecting Michigan’s Jewish community.

Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign regarding the concerns raised by the Jewish voters who were interviewed but did not receive a response.

However, in a previous statement on concerns over antisemitism, El-Sayed stated in May, "I understand what it’s like to be discriminated against for how I pray. This is why I will always stand against antisemitism and stand with my Jewish brothers and sisters and their right to practice their faith safely, freely and unabashedly."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus for comment but did not receive a response. In a statement issued after the primary, however, the caucus congratulated El-Sayed on his victory while acknowledging "frustration, anxiety and deep disappointment" among Jewish Democrats and calling on the nominee to engage directly with Michigan’s Jewish community.

The caucus said El-Sayed must "address the harm caused during this campaign," arguing his repeated focus on organized Jewish political participation had "crossed an alarming line." At the same time, it urged concerned Jewish Democrats not to abandon the party, saying their place in the Democratic coalition remains "indispensable."

Arm cautioned that Rogers should not take the voting bloc for granted.

"Rogers shouldn’t assume he has it in the bag," Arm said. "El-Sayed is telegenic, disciplined and politically crafty, and he’ll spend the months between now and November looking for ways to present himself as more heterodox and less radical than the record suggests."

The Jewish Federation of Detroit directed Fox News Digital to a statement it released after the primary election result, while noting that, as a 501(c)(3), it "cannot and does not endorse or oppose candidates."

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"As an organization, we will continue to engage across the political spectrum to advocate for issues essential to our future, including standing against antisemitism, violence and bigotry, ensuring the safety and security of the Jewish community and houses of worship, and championing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state," the statement said.

Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in suburban Detroit said the concerns extend beyond any single candidate.

"American Jews have long rejected extremism, particularly within our political parties," Starr told Fox News Digital. "We reject extremism on the right, and we reject extremism on the left.

"Right now, however, it feels as though extremism on the left is not only becoming louder, but increasingly normalized. That has created a frightening moment for American Jews and certainly for the Jewish community here in Michigan."

For Benji and Stacy, the possibility of voting Republican does not mean they have stopped believing in the causes they have supported for decades. It means that, for the first time, they believe their Democratic values and their safety as Jews have been placed in conflict.

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Voting for a Republican was once unthinkable. Following El-Sayed’s nomination, they say it now feels unavoidable.

Marine veteran Robert Gilman returns to US soil as Trump admin fulfills request: 'No American left behind'

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:57:27 -0400

Photos and video emerged Wednesday showing Marine veteran Robert Gilman back on American soil following his release from Russian custody.

Gilman, a U.S. citizen who was arrested on Jan. 17, 2022, in Voronezh, Russia, and sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison, was freed on humanitarian grounds Tuesday after 1,666 days in prison. President Donald Trump said Gilman would land at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, and after speaking with him, "he had one request — A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands."

"Our Marine is safely back on American soil," Sebastian Gorka, a deputy assistant to the president, wrote on X early Wednesday, sharing a video of an aircraft coming to a stop. "As President Donald Trump promised, Steve Witkoff brought Robert Gilman cheeseburgers and milkshakes!"

US MARINE VETERAN RELEASED FROM RUSSIAN PRISON AFTER 1,666 DAYS OF DETENTION

"(I snuck him a cigar for when he’s fully recovered!)," Gorka added. "And a member of our broader White House team brought him his own USMC flag. There are very few jobs like this one. No American left behind."

In his own post, Witkoff, who is the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, said it was a "special night welcoming an American citizen home to his family and country."

"Thank you POTUS for never leaving anyone behind," Witkoff also said, sharing an image of him and Gorka alongside Gilman on the plane following the landing.

"Robert is a patriot — a former United States Marine who served our country with honor. He can now finally return to his family and receive the medical care he needs," Witkoff said in a separate post. "His return is another testament to POTUS’s extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to bringing Americans home. Under his leadership, Marc Fogel and Ksenia Karelina were also brought home from Russia."

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

Gilman was convicted in 2022 of assaulting a police officer, initially receiving a sentence of three and a half years. Gilman’s troubles in custody then increased in 2024 when he was found guilty by Russia of attacking a prison inspector during a cell check, assaulting an investigator and beating another guard.

In December 2025, Russia once again extended Gilman's prison sentence after a regional court found him guilty of a new assault on prison staff.

However, the U.S. State Department referred to Gilman as a wrongful detainee.

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.

"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," Trump wrote Tuesday on Truth Social.

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"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," Trump added.

Fox News’ Emma Bussey, Robert McGreevy, Gillian Turner, Nick Kalman and Louis Casiano contributed to this post.

Ben Affleck directs, stars in Netflix kidnapping thriller 'Animals' coming this October

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:51:47 -0400

The first preview has arrived for Ben Affleck's new movie "Animals."

Basic info:

Streaming platform: Netflix
Plot: When their son is kidnapped, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife find themselves drawn into a web of deception. As they scramble to raise the ransom payment, they're forced to make choices that could tear their world apart.
Cast: Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Ray Fisher, Christopher Woodley, Matt Gerald, Jacob Estrada, with Luis Gerardo Méndez, and Steven Yeun
Director: Ben Affleck
Release date: Oct. 9, 2026

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Teaser trailer released for Ben Affleck's new movie 'Animals'

The teaser trailer for "Animals" hit the internet on Wednesday, and it looks like Affleck might have another gritty thriller on his hands.

A kidnapping? Check.

A politician embroiled in a dark web of deception? Check.

It sounds like it's the perfect kind of movie for your standard fan of the genre. It also looks like it's going to be incredibly sinister and intense, judging from the teaser released Wednesday.

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

Very solid teaser. You can feel the tension from a mile away, and I'm definitely not alone in my thinking. Below are some of the top comments on YouTube:

Not a single spoken word in this trailer and it still gave me chills. Can't wait to watch this.
Anything directed by Ben Affleck is an automatic YES for me.
This is probably the best teaser that I have seen this year. It doesn't reveal too but still get you interested on watching the movie later.
If Ben directed, it’s going to be good!
Pretty good trailer right there. I'm interested!

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I think the hype is warranted after seeing the first preview for "Animals." You can catch it on Netflix starting October 9th. Hit me with your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

‘Grease’ star Stockard Channing says she’s ‘happy being a recluse’ after leaving America

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:50:07 -0400

Stockard Channing admitted she's "happy being a recluse" as she reflected on her quiet lifestyle after fleeing the states for the United Kingdom.

The "Grease" star began living in London "just before COVID," a move she envisioned after the 2014 death of her partner of 25 years, producer Daniel Gilham.

"I've lived alone since I lost Daniel and I'm happy being a recluse," Channing wrote in an essay for The Sunday Times. "I was married four times before Daniel, and they all represent epochs of me.

HEATHER LOCKLEAR SAYS SHE LIVES 'FAR AWAY' FROM HOLLYWOOD AND STAYS OUT OF THE SOCIAL SCENE

"I grew up in the sixties, reacting to that repressed notion of marriage and sexuality from the fifties kinda like Rizzo," she noted. "Children were thought about and, yeah, I think about them now because it'd be great to have someone taking care of me. But, hey, children can be just as selfish as everybody else out there."

Channing, 82, confessed that Gilham's death "was more devastating than I realized; it had a lag effect."

‘SOPRANOS’ STAR JAMIE-LYNN SIGLER FLED HOLLYWOOD FOR TEXAS WHERE SHE NO LONGER FEELS ‘WATCHED’

"The pattern of my life shifted, so I shifted my life from Maine," she wrote of the move, which also vaguely coincided with Trump's second presidential bid.

"When I started playing 'The West Wing's first lady, Abbey Bartlet, in 1999, we were about to move to the second Bush administration," she wrote. "The cast had a good look at that Washington world, and there seemed to be a level of honest, intelligent discourse that is missing from 2026.

"People look at 'The West Wing' and go, 'Wow, wasn't it great when politicians had an ounce of integrity?' Abbey didn't suffer fools, and she's the character most like me in real life."

Channing reflected on an interaction with director Aaron Sorkin, who said he "wrote Abbey as the person he saw in me."

"I was quite short with him the first time we met," she wrote. "He was saying all these nice things, and I said, 'Look, I don't have time for flattery.' I didn't mean to be rude it was just one of those days."

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Her days of stardom are slightly different from now as the "Six Degrees of Separation" actress detailed her morning routine, which begins at 7 a.m. when her dog wakes her up.

"After he's had his breakfast and I've made a strong pot of coffee, my dog walker takes him out and I go back to bed," she wrote. "My ideal morning."

"My duvet is covered in ink spots because for many years I've been keeping a diary. I sit there with my fountain pen and my thoughts. What do I feel about this or that?

"I only leave the bed when I need to go to the bathroom. At my age life is guided by bodily functions."

By 10 a.m., Channing pursues a "bit of exercise," but admitted that her "favorite exercise days are when I play hooky."

"I know that exercising is the right thing to do but my brain tells me to go hide behind the bike sheds," she wrote. "Lunch is my first meal of the day and I can follow a recipe, but if my ramen doesn't work out I give it to the dog.

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"If I'm leaving the apartment I comb my hair, but I don't have a wardrobe of designer outfits. Well, I do, but they're all from the Eighties and Nineties. Do I care how I look? Most actors do although part of your job is not being self-conscious.

"But I've never considered myself as beautiful. And I'm not a celebrity 'tart.' I'm just me, take it or leave it."

Channing's fan base is vast, and she recognized how different age groups remember her as different characters.

"For younger girls it's 'Practical Magic,' for grown-ups it's 'The West Wing,' and for real grown-ups it's 'Grease,'" she wrote. "Although the critics weren't kind about Grease, it made tons of money and it still gets streamed a lot.

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"I guess films are like songs: they take you back to a particular time in your life. Maybe a more innocent time."

'House' star Hugh Laurie defends Sophie Cunningham, says men don't belong in women's sports

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:35:57 -0400

English actor and comedian Hugh Laurie has shared his opinion about whether transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in women's sports, and it's one that some in Hollywood won't take kindly to.

Laurie, best known for his star role in the drama series "House," made it abundantly clear in a social media post this week that he does not believe that men should be allowed to compete against women.

"Firstly, f--- off; secondly no, I don't believe men should compete against women. I thought I'd made that pretty clear," the three-time Golden Globe winner wrote in reply to a since-deleted post on X by writer and trans activist Graham Linehan.

JD VANCE PRAISES SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM FOR 'SAVE WOMEN'S SPORTS' ACTIVISM

Linehan then took Laurie's post, quoted it on the social media app, and essentially dared Laurie to voice his support for WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, who recently explained that she, too, does not believe men should be allowed to compete in women's sports.

Laurie didn't hesitate to promote Cunningham.

"You started it," Laurie replied. "‘Cowardly’ to ‘f--- off’ is the going rate of exchange around here. And yes, I support Sophie Cunningham. And you, some of the time."

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Cunningham has received intense pushback after stating in an ESPN story published on July 21 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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The opinion of Cunningham and Laurie on the topic is one that the majority of Americans share, according to a New York Times poll conducted in March 2025, which found that 79% of Americans believe that men should be barred from competing in women's sports.

'Decoy' Air Force One was protected by US fighter jets, official says

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:31:56 -0400

The "decoy" Air Force One that President Donald Trump was snuck off of was protected by U.S. fighter jets on its flight to the United Kingdom, a senior Trump administration official told Fox News on Wednesday.

The revelation pushes back on media fears the press corps and staff might have been left vulnerable to the perceived threat from hostile actors seeking to strike Trump's flight out of Ankara, Turkey, last month.

The previously undisclosed security measure adds another layer to the extraordinary precautions surrounding the president’s plane swap, which left the aircraft normally associated with Trump continuing on to the U.K. without him aboard.

The press corps was joined on the "decoy" plane under U.S. fighter jet cover by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and were aware Trump was not on board, the official said.

TRUMP USED CATERING TRUCK, AIR FORCE ONE DECOY TO EVADE IRAN THREAT: REPORT

Staff and members of the traveling press pool had been instructed to keep the window shades closed throughout the flight, preventing them from seeing the fighter escort.

According to a pool report circulated Tuesday, there was little indication at the airport that anything unusual was happening. The press vans were positioned far back in the motorcade, and photographers did not see Trump board an aircraft from their usual position beneath the wing.

White House staff and reporters boarded the original plane as normal, where bags of snack mix bearing the presidential seal were waiting for them.

TRUMP’S SLY PLANE SWITCH RAISES EYEBROWS OVER SAFETY OF PASSENGERS LEFT BEHIND ON BOARD

Once aboard, however, the press was told to keep the window shades down. A Secret Service agent later came to the press cabin to reinforce the instruction, according to the pool report. When a photographer briefly opened a shade, the photographer was quickly told to close it again.

A White House wrangler told reporters only that the closed shades had been requested by the Secret Service.

Trump said Tuesday night that the decision to switch aircraft was made at the direction of his security detail and the military.

"Well, it's only up to the Secret Service; I just follow what they'd like to do," Trump told reporters after traveling to Geneva, Ohio, for the Freedom 250 Patriot Games. "So I go by the Secret Service and the military."

TRUMP SAYS HE'S IRAN'S 'NO. 1' TARGET AS RENEWED CONFLICT RAISES ASSASSINATION FEARS

"They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane, equal safety — but they wanted me to do it, so I do it. I do what they say."

The State Department declined to comment on the fighter jets.

Trump also suggested that the aircraft he ultimately traveled aboard may have faced greater danger once the swap was made.

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"I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk," Trump told reporters on the tarmac Tuesday night after news of the switch became public. "I think it was at greater risk because that would be the plane I think that they would be more likely to go for."

Fox News' Nicholas Kalman contributed to this report.

DOJ heavyweights throw monkey wrench in Dem plans to put Trump allies in hot seat

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:30:03 -0400

President Donald Trump's private advisors and attorneys are now protected by executive privilege as long as their conversations relate to the president's official decision-making, according to a memo Tuesday from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel.

"The need for presidential confidentiality applies to communications with private advisers just as it does with government officials," the 21-page memo stated.

The memo, written by Assistant Attorney General Elliot Gaiser, comes months ahead of the midterm elections as Democrats battle for control of Congress.

Democrats have pledged to continue their investigations into Trump and his family's business dealings and financial investments, potentially using subpoenas and congressional hearings to advance those probes.

TRUMP AG PICK TODD BLANCHE FACES SENATE TEST IN FIRST MAJOR CONFIRMATION FIGHT SINCE GRAHAM’S DEATH

Under the Office of Legal Counsel's new nonbinding memo, private citizens who have offered advice in confidential conversations with Trump or White House staffers about official presidential duties can claim executive privilege if they're subpoenaed by Congress.

"The presidential communications privilege is rooted in the need for confidentiality to ensure that [this] presidential decision-making is of the highest caliber, informed by honest advice and full knowledge," the memo stated. "Without a promise of confidentiality, the President’s ability to ‘decide and act quickly’ on matters of unrivaled importance would be seriously hindered."

The memo noted that the president may sometimes need expertise and guidance from an outside source who could be crucial to making the best decision. Gaiser also acknowledged that a private advisor to the president may be more hesitant to offer guidance because of concerns that doing so could negatively affect the advisor's livelihood.

"Such individuals may be reluctant to provide advice on controversial or unpopular policies based on a fear of public disclosure or potential ramifications for their personal endeavors," the memo stated.

Gaiser pointed to a long history of presidents seeking advice from people outside the federal government. Andrew Jackson had his informal "Kitchen Cabinet," while Franklin D. Roosevelt turned to a group of academics known as his "Brain Trust." The memo also noted that Grover Cleveland consulted financier J.P. Morgan during a Treasury gold shortage, and Lyndon B. Johnson sought advice from trusted friends outside the government during the Vietnam War.

SCHUMER DODGES QUESTIONS AFTER BOMBSHELL REPORT ALLEGES DEM SENATOR HAD RELATIONSHIPS WITH HOUSE STAFFERS

"Yet throughout history, Presidents have relied on private advisers (or, at minimum, advisers outside the Executive Branch) to perform their executive function," Gaiser wrote.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., interpreted the Justice Department memo as a sign that Trump is worried about what could come if Democrats win control of Congress.

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"Donald Trump is scared," Schumer wrote on X. "He knows accountability is coming. He’s using his newly installed Attorney General/personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, to cover up his communications with private advisers and special interest cronies.

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"These are the actions of someone with something to hide," Schumer continued. "And it shows he is petrified of the questions a Democratic Congress will demand answers to. We will not let Trump escape the accountability he deserves."

White House pushed for protocol to preserve correspondents' credibility after Trump's secret plane switch

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:25:16 -0400

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) is addressing concerns about President Donald Trump’s secret plane switch in order to preserve pool credibility and accurately chronicle the president during future security circumstances.

A bombshell Washington Post report on Monday revealed that Trump secretly switched planes last month amid a credible Iranian threat against the president while reporters and some White House staffers remained on the original plane, believing Trump was still inside. The report sparked backlash from many journalists, suggesting the reporters on the flight were not only duped, but also put at risk.

Fox News anchor and senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, who is the new president of the WHCA, sent an "off-the-record" memo to members on Tuesday after meeting with Trump administration officials to discuss the incident.

TRUMP USED CATERING TRUCK, AIR FORCE ONE DECOY TO EVADE IRAN THREAT: REPORT

"I want members to know what WHCA has done since the story was published. Immediately after it broke, we spoke with members who were on the flight and heard from a number of managers and pool chairs about the broader concerns raised by the report, including press safety, the ability of the pool to maintain an independent record of the president’s movements, and the integrity and credibility of pooled reporting," Heinrich wrote in the letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

Heinrich said she had a "candid and productive meeting" with senior administration staffers to convey those concerns directly.

"I emphasized that WHCA recognizes the paramount responsibility of the Secret Service to protect the president and that genuine security threats can require extraordinary measures, including circumstances in which operational security limits what can be shared with reporters in real time," Heinrich wrote.

"At the same time, I advocated strongly for the importance of maintaining independent press coverage of the president and an accurate historical record of his movements," she continued. "I also raised the longer-term implications for the credibility of the pool."

Heinrich wants to ensure that reporters would be able to correct the record once a security concern has passed if there is ever another circumstance in which they "unwittingly" transmit inaccurate or misleading information.

"Otherwise, reporters could be left with reasonable questions about whether information they independently observe and report can be relied upon. That would generate unnecessary uncertainty for both the press corps and the White House," Heinrich wrote.

WHITE HOUSE NOT DENYING REPORT TRUMP SWITCHED PLANES TO AVOID IRANIAN PLOT

"More broadly, I stressed that undermining confidence in the reliability of pool reports carries risks beyond any single incident," she added. "In an already conspiratorial information environment, uncertainty about whether independent reporting can be trusted can be exploited by bad actors seeking to sow confusion and undermine confidence in journalism."

Heinrich said she asked the White House to work with the WHCA on a protocol for "handling extraordinary security circumstances in the future," while recognizing "the Secret Service’s responsibility to respond to genuine threats while protecting press safety, preserving independent coverage of the president, and providing a mechanism to correct the record after the fact when necessary."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The saga began when the Post reported that Trump secretly boarded a U.S. military aircraft using an airport catering truck as cover to depart the NATO summit in Turkey in July while using an older Air Force One jet as a decoy.

Following U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets earlier in the summer, intelligence officials identified a specific threat from Iran targeting the president's movements. To counter the threat, U.S. security officials executed a ruse on the Turkish tarmac.

Trump walked up the stairs of the legacy blue-and-white Boeing 747 — the older Air Force One — and waved to news cameras before entering the cabin. Minutes later, Trump and a small team of aides were said to have stepped out of view into an airport catering truck that had been lifted to an exit door on the far side of the plane.

HERE'S WHAT YOU MISSED FROM TRUMP'S FIRST WHCA DINNER AS PRESIDENT: 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM HIS NIGHT WITH THE PRESS

The truck lowered to ground level and drove across the tarmac to a nearby Air Force C-32A, a modified Boeing 757. Meanwhile, the media and White House staff boarded the older 747, unaware that the Secret Service removed Trump from their flight.

Reporters were then instructed to close their window shades for takeoff, and the jet took off as a decoy, according to the Post. Trump then flew in secrecy aboard the smaller C-32A to RAF Mildenhall in England, landing shortly before the decoy jet.

Last month, Trump attended the annual WHCA Dinner that was rescheduled from its original April 25 date after a crazed gunman stormed the venue.

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Fox News Digital’s Emma Bussey contributed to this report.

Peggy Flanagan was Minnesota's No 2 official as massive fraud scandal exploded under state's watch

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:00:44 -0400

Minnesota's new Democratic nominee for Senate has baggage heading into the November election: the massive fraud scandal that rippled through the Land of 10,000 Lakes happened right under her nose.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan scored a major win for the insurgent progressive movement that's reshaping the Democratic Party from the outside on Tuesday, toppling the more moderate Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., in the process. But her role during the Minnesota fraud scandal has plagued her campaign, with both sides attacking her on the issue.

It became Craig's prime line of attack against her.

"The lieutenant governor, even as we sit here today, continues to take absolutely no accountability for any of the fraud issues, and she continues to blame the governor," Craig said during a debate with Flanagan on Minnesota Public Radio. "And I'm going to be honest: It's pissing me off."

PEGGY FLANAGAN VOWS TO 'RIP ICE APART' AFTER TOPPLING MODERATE DEM IN KEY SENATE BATTLE

During the campaign, Craig charged that Flanagan had largely shrugged off responsibility for the fraud scandal, despite having served alongside Walz as his No. 2 since the pair were first elected in 2018.

In an interview with the Minnesota Reformer, Flanagan said, "The governor has said that the buck stops with him, and he took the lead here," on the fraud scandal.

Notably, Flanagan did not mention fraud during her victory speech Tuesday night, instead focusing on hallmarks of her campaign thus far, such as vowing to "rip [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] apart" following the deadly shootings in Minnesota earlier this year.

Still, the scandal torpedoed Walz's re-election hopes, and Republicans plan to lean into it in the weeks leading up to Nov. 3.

HALL OF FAMER TONY DUNGY ENDORSES MICHELE TAFOYA IN CROWDED MINNESOTA REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FOR U.S. SENATE

Her opponent, former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, has already pounced on the opportunity several times this election season and did so again shortly after being crowned the Republican nominee for Senate.

"Minnesotans of every political stripe are fed up. They're exhausted with this fraud," Tafoya told a Minnesota Fox affiliate.

"We cannot show our children that failure comes without accountability," she continued. "We've got to have accountability, but more than that, we've got to do things, everything we do, to make Minnesota more livable, more affordable, more safe, and without fraud, and we're gonna do that."

National Republicans are confident that she could win big in November.

While Minnesota is not on the NRSC’s target map of eight battleground seats, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., who chairs the committee, believes Tafoya is a serious contender to Democrats, who have held both Senate seats since 2009.

"The one thing that gets me excited when I think about this election cycle on the map is Minnesota," Scott told CNN. "I think Minnesota, we have a real shot with Michele Tafoya."

REPUBLICANS GET THE DEMOCRAT THEY WANTED AS SOCIALIST ABDUL EL-SAYED WINS MICHIGAN SENATE PRIMARY

Republicans also see Tafoya’s more moderate leanings as a positive heading into November.

A GOP operative told Fox News Digital that she’s seen as a candidate who can unite swing, moderate and MAGA voters in a winning coalition.

"Tafoya has the power to appeal to a broader electorate that’s starving for authenticity," the operative said. "Her career as a sideline reporter for NBC’s ‘Sunday Night Football’ makes her relatable to a mainstream crowd."

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Her position on abortion, for example, could attract swing voters.

In an open letter to Minnesotans, Tafoya wrote that, as a senator, she would oppose taxpayer-funded abortions, support conservative, strict-constructionist judges and remain "completely aligned with President Donald Trump on this issue." She also expressed support for the Dobbs decision.

But she won’t support a total ban on abortion.

"I do not support an outright ban on abortion, and I believe there should be reasonable access in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy," Tafoya wrote. "Further, I believe that states who restrict access to fertility treatments like IVF are also acting wrongly — being pro-family is pro-life."

Ukraine pounds Black Sea Fleet’s ‘last major stronghold’ while Putin flexes naval power in Pacific

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:15:58 -0400

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened Wednesday to seize European vessels in retaliation if European countries begin seizing Russian merchant ships after Ukraine launched a major overnight attack on a key Russian Black Sea naval and commercial hub and Moscow staged large-scale war games in the Pacific.

The developments underscore a growing battle at sea: Ukraine is hitting one of Russia’s most important Black Sea naval and export hubs, while Moscow is warning it could seize European vessels and flexing its naval power in the Pacific. Though the events are not directly linked, they show how the war is increasingly extending beyond the front lines into strategic ports and international shipping routes.

Ukraine hammered the port city of Novorossiysk in a massive overnight drone attack that put two major grain terminals out of operation, according to Russian industry sources cited by Reuters Aug. 12. Novorossiysk is a major Black Sea export hub and also serves as a base for Russian warships that Moscow relocated there after repeated Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea Fleet in Crimea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed responsibility Wednesday morning for an operation targeting the Novorossiysk naval base, calling it "the last major stronghold of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea." In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Ukraine used Palianytsia jet-powered drones, Neptune missiles and unmanned naval systems and claimed hits on air-defense positions, piers and port infrastructure.

UKRAINE LAUNCHES WHAT APPEARS TO BE ONE OF ITS LARGEST DRONE ATTACKS AGAINST RUSSIA: REPORT

"The occupation fleet and all the infrastructure supporting it will not be safe as long as Russian aggression continues," Zelenskyy wrote.

The governor of Russia’s Krasnodar region said at least two people, including an 8-year-old child, were killed in the wider wave of attacks. Novorossiysk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko said more than two dozen residential buildings, four businesses and educational facilities were damaged, and the city’s water supply was suspended. Reuters reported that Chicago wheat futures rose roughly 3% amid concerns over potential disruptions to Russian grain exports.

Separately Wednesday, thousands of miles to the east, Putin appeared aboard the Russian missile cruiser Varyag near Sakhalin while observing Pacific Fleet exercises and issued a warning to European governments increasingly targeting Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.

The European Union has expanded sanctions against hundreds of vessels and detained some ships and their crews for checks, while some European governments are considering tougher maritime enforcement against vessels suspected of sanctions evasion, Reuters reported Wednesday.

REPORT WARNS RUSSIA USING SHADOW FLEET TO PROBE NATO DRONE DEFENSES

Quoting Putin, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on X, "Attempts to seize Russian vessels & sell off our property are outright piracy. If such plans are implemented, Russia will respond in kind – wherever we deem necessary, including within the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility."

The warning came against the backdrop of sweeping Russian naval exercises. The drills stretched across the Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk and Northwest Pacific and involved more than 13,000 personnel and around 60 ships, submarines and support vessels. Russian Defense Ministry figures reported separately put the number of participating aircraft, helicopters and unmanned systems at around 30.

Video supplied by East2West showed Russian forces firing anti-ship missiles during the drills. Bastion coastal missile systems launched Oniks cruise missiles at simulated enemy ships from Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands, while the corvette Smerch fired a Uran anti-ship cruise missile, according to East2West.

Putin also used his Pacific appearance to accuse NATO of expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific and Arctic regions, pointing to new military alliances and planned weapons deployments that he said were increasing the potential for conflict.

RUSSIA PREPARING HYBRID ATTACKS ON NATO'S EASTERN FLANK, INTELLIGENCE WARNS

The developments unfolded as attacks continued on both sides. Reuters reported that Russia struck the Ukrainian port of Odesa and that a separate Russian attack set fire to a shopping mall in Zaporizhzhia, underscoring the continuing pressure on ports and logistics infrastructure as the war approaches four and a half years.

Separately, Romania said its naval forces destroyed two suspected Russian Gerbera drones over the Black Sea, roughly 90 nautical miles from Constanta, according to East2West.

NATO said its North Atlantic Council met Wednesday to discuss Russian airspace violations in Poland and Romania and recent drone incidents. A NATO spokesperson said allies "condemned Russia for actions, expressed solidarity with allies affected [and] reaffirmed support to Ukraine."

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Reuters contributed to this report.

8-year-old boy reels in bizarre surprise during weekend fishing trip at Pennsylvania lake

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:03:47 -0400

An 8-year-old boy went fishing for bass and catfish in Pennsylvania over the weekend and instead hauled in something that belongs roughly 4,000 miles farther south.

A piranha.

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Seamus Coffey was fishing with his dad, Michael, at Ridley Park Lake on Saturday when something grabbed his line. At first, Seamus figured he had hooked a bass.

"I'm reeling it in, and I think there's a bass," Seamus told 6ABC Philadelphia.

His dad could tell pretty quickly, though, that this was not one of their usual catches.

"I was like, 'Slow down dude, you might lose it.' This looks like something we haven't caught before," Michael recalled.

Once the fish hit dry land, Dad was still trying to figure out what exactly they were looking at.

Seamus, meanwhile, apparently needed about three seconds.

"He said, 'It's a piranha!'" Michael said.

How did he know that?

"Because I watch YouTube!" Seamus said.

Michael pulled up photos on Google and came to the same conclusion, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission later confirmed that the roughly 9.5-inch, 2-pound fish was indeed some species of piranha.

Piranhas are native to South America, not suburban Philadelphia, so state officials have a pretty good idea how this one arrived at Ridley Park Lake: Somebody likely dumped a pet they no longer wanted.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission spokesperson Mike Parker said exotic animals can seem like a great idea when they're small, only for owners to eventually realize that housing, feeding and caring for them can become expensive and difficult.

Dumping them into a nearby lake, however, is not the solution.

"That is probably the worst thing you can do for an animal that's been a pet," Parker said.

It's also illegal. Pennsylvania prohibits releasing exotic species into the wild, and violators can face fines or prosecution.

Michael said he initially returned the fish to the water before reconsidering and ultimately disposed of it humanely. Parker said removing it was the right call because a non-native fish could pose a risk to people and disrupt the local ecosystem.

LARGEMOUTH BASS EXPLODES FROM WATER TO EAT CHARL SCHWARTZEL'S GOLF BALL AT LIV GOLF NEW YORK

Parker said this particular fish likely wouldn't have survived long outside its natural habitat anyway, especially after presumably spending its life as a pet.

And, bizarrely enough, Pennsylvania has been through this before.

In July 2016, a woman and her son hooked a red-bellied piranha at North Park Lake near Pittsburgh. That fish managed to flip back into the water after the anglers removed the hook. Officials at the time also suspected someone had released an unwanted aquarium fish and said Pennsylvania's cold weather would eventually take care of the problem.

Ten years later, another Pennsylvania kid has a piranha story of his own.

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And despite unexpectedly finding a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth on the end of his line, Seamus doesn't appear traumatized in the slightest.

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"Fishing is my favorite thing," he said.

After Saturday, though, it's going to be pretty tough for the next bluegill to impress him.

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Former 'Real Housewives' star calls Andy Cohen's political take defending 'MAGA' women 'full of s---'

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:54:53 -0400

Former "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Kelly Dodd claimed Bravo host Andy Cohen was "full of s---" Tuesday after he defended the inclusion of "MAGA women" on the show.

Dodd spoke to Fox News Digital after the "Watch What Happens Live" host was asked on Threads why there were "so many MAGA women" on the series, particularly the "Orange County" season.

"If we didn’t showcase people with different POV’s there would be no show. Also it’s a show about the women and their relationships, not about politics," Cohen wrote on Sunday.

KELLY DODD FIRES BACK AT CANCEL CULTURE, SAYS SHE'S TREATED LIKE 'AN OUTCAST' IN HOLLYWOOD

Dodd called out this comment, claiming Cohen and Bravo did not care for conservative perspectives on the show before and have since become concerned only about ratings.

"They're making excuses that they need points of view when I don't think that's true," Dodd said. "He doesn't have different points of view. I think he's full of s---."

Dodd pointed to Cohen's past comments attacking conservatives and right-leaning perspectives and viewed his Threads comment and described the suggestion that the show was welcoming different types of women as disingenuous.

"I think that he sees that the ratings are slipping, and he needs to get back some conservative. He's lost half of his audience. Any time you talk, speak about politics. ... you're gonna p--- off half the country," Dodd said.

ANDY COHEN BLASTS JOE ROGAN AS A 'F---ING IDIOT' AFTER HE BACKS PRATT FOR LA MAYOR

Cohen, however, agreed that the "Real Housewives" brand was not political in any way and that she had not discussed politics prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The show is not about politics. It's about women's lives. It's not about politics. No one's running for office,s or no one's talking about politics," Dodd said.

Bravo and its parent company NBCUniversal declined to comment.

Fox News Digital also reached out to Cohen's representative for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Dodd was among multiple women who were fired or left the franchise after making controversial comments or criticizing left-wing politics. Dodd was fired from the series in 2021 after controversial remarks about the COVID-19 pandemic and accusations of her mocking the Black Lives Matter movement.

REALITY STAR SAYS 'RHOC' COST HER MARRIAGE AS DAUGHTER SHUNS SHOW AFTER MILITARY HUSBAND'S PORTRAYAL

Former cast member Annemarie Wiley of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" also spoke to Fox News Digital last year about no longer being invited to the show after leaving in 2024 for expressing conservative views, like protecting girls sports.

"I was given a terrible edit by Bravo, and I found out after the season was finished when they didn't invite me back that that was the reason that I was given that edit, apparently … because I was a conservative," Wiley told Fox News Digital.

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Earlier this year, NBCUniversal boasted that Bravo was "a top cable entertainment network among key female demos" with Q1 2026 scoring Bravo's biggest quarter on the streaming service Peacock.

However, seasons of the "Real Housewives" franchise have reportedly seen declining ratings in recent years.

John Hinckley Jr gives his thoughts on Jodie Foster 45 years after shooting Ronald Reagan to impress her

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:26:14 -0400

John Hinckley Jr., the man who shot former President Ronald Reagan in 1981 to impress Jodie Foster, said he wants nothing but good things for the actress.

"I just wish Jodie Foster well," he said. "I don’t really see her movies, but I wish her well, and I know she’s doing quite well. And that’s all I can say: I just, I wish Jodie well, and I hope she has a good life."

The 71-year-old explained on the "Mark Joseph Show" in an exclusive preview shared with Entertainment Weekly that when he shot Reagan 45 years ago in a delusional state, he believed he would spend the rest of his life with the "Silence of the Lambs" actress.

REAGAN SHOOTER CALLS LINK TO WASHINGTON HOTEL ‘SPOOKY’ AFTER ALLEGED TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AT SAME SITE

The full episode will air on Wednesday.

"I wanted to have like this union with Jodie Foster and live the rest of my life with her and all these things that, of course, were delusional, but I was believing those things at that time. So, the best outcome would have been to just have like this union with Jodie Foster," Hinckley told Joseph after the host asked what he believed at the time would be the best thing that could come out of the shooting.

He explained that he believed at the time that Foster would "join me wherever I was. You know, I didn’t know if I was going to be in jail or hospital or what, but after things settled down, I had this notion that she was going to join me wherever I was."

It came out shortly after Hinckley’s assassination attempt that left Reagan with a broken rib, punctured lung and internal bleeding, that Hinckley was obsessed with Foster after seeing her in "Taxi Driver" and thought the shooting would make her notice him.

JODIE FOSTER HAUNTED BY HORRIFIC DOG TRAGEDY, BELIEVES SHE GAVE UP WHAT SHE LOVES MOST FOR SUCCESS

Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity after shooting the former president outside the Washington Hilton two months after he was elected.

Former White House press secretary James Brady was shot in the head and suffered brain damage and partial paralysis, which led to his death in 2014. His death was ruled a homicide.

Two other men were also wounded in the shooting.

Hinckley was committed to a psychiatric hospital after the trial and released in 2016. By 2022, he was living in Virginia without any court restrictions.

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Hinckley admitted to Joseph, however, that, in his delusional state, Foster could have been a target herself.

"She definitely could have been a target. It’s just fate went the other way," Hinckley said. "But, yeah, she could have been a target. But, as fate turned out, it was Reagan instead of her."

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In a 2022 interview with CBS, Hinckley apologized for his actions.

"I shot four people, and I’m sorry to the Reagan family, the Brady family, the other families of the victims," he said at the time. "I’m sorry to Jodie Foster for bringing her into this."

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The summer walking essentials that make hot days more comfortable, from $10

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:17:21 -0400

Hot weather doesn't have to keep you from your daily walk. We've rounded up essentials — from UPF shirts and insulated water bottles to breathable sneakers — to help you stay cool, comfortable and moving all summer long.

Warm-weather apparel

These shirts, hats, socks and other apparel deliver cooling comfort.

UPF 50+ sun protection shirt: $14.99

Protect your skin from the sun with this UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirt. The quick-drying fabric helps wick away moisture to keep you cooler and more comfortable on walks.

Men’s quick-dry polo: $12.99 (48% off)

Original price: $24.98

This quick-drying polo is versatile enough for everything from daily errands to workouts. Its lightweight, breathable fabric helps keep you cool on hot days, and at just $10, its easy to stock up on multiple colors.

Nike women's Dri-FIT shorts: $50

Nike Dri-FIT shorts help keep you cool and comfortable on every walk. Moisture-wicking fabric and a relaxed fit promote airflow, while the high-rise waistband provides a secure fit. Men can also shop Nike's Dri-FIT basketball shorts for the same lightweight comfort.

Men's athletic shorts, 5-pack: $19.98 (55% off)

Original price: $43.99

Refresh your warm-weather wardrobe with this five-pack of athletic shorts. The versatile neutral colors pair easily with your favorite T-shirts, so you'll always have a comfortable option ready for walks, workouts and weekend outings.

Real Essentials women's Dry-Fit T-shirts, 5-pack: $34.99

Stay stocked for every workout with this five-pack of Dry-Fit T-shirts. The stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you cool and comfortable during walks, yoga sessions and hikes, while the lightly tailored fit offers a flattering silhouette. A similar five-pack is also available for men.

Hanes moisture-wicking socks, 12 pairs: $14.98 (14% off)

Original price: $17.48

Keep your feet cool and comfortable with these moisture-wicking Hanes socks. They help manage sweat during long walks, while built-in odor control helps keep them feeling fresher for longer.

Anti-blister running socks: $14.26 (21% off)

Original price: $17.99

Prevent blisters with these cushioned running socks featuring protective heel tabs. An elastic cuff helps keep each sock securely in place, while moisture-wicking, odor-resistant fabric keeps your feet cool and comfortable mile after mile.

Bucket hat: $19.99 (33% off)

Original price: $29.99

Shield yourself from the sun with this unisex bucket hat. Its wet-to-cool technology activates when damp to help keep you cool on hot walks, and it's machine-washable for easy cleanup after sweaty days.

Warm-weather shoes and accessories

Grab shoes and accessories that make you more comfortable while you move.

NOBULL Women's Journey 2: $150

Hot-weather walks call for sneakers that won’t leave your feet weighed down. The NOBULL Journey 2 is designed with a breathable mesh upper to help keep air moving, plus responsive cushioning for comfort and bounce. It's made for walking, running and everyday wear, making it a versatile option for any summer outing that keeps you on your feet.

New Balance men's 520 v9 shoes: $52.49 (25% off)

Original price: $69.99

Stay comfortable on long walks with these New Balance sneakers. Soft foam cushioning helps absorb impact, while the breathable mesh upper promotes airflow without adding extra weight.

Women's barefoot sneakers: $35.61 (32% off)

Original price: $52.46

Joomra's barefoot sneakers are Amazon's current No. 1 best seller, backed by more than 20,000 positive reviews. Their minimalist design delivers a lightweight feel, while removable insoles let you add extra arch support when you want it.

Skechers women's Go Walk sneakers: $59.99

A FOX favorite, Skechers Go Walk sneakers slip on hands-free for added convenience. The breathable mesh upper promotes airflow, while Skechers' cushioned midsole helps keep every step comfortable.

Skechers men's Go Walk Max Effort sneakers: $49.99

Skechers Go Walk Max Effort sneakers combine a cushioned insole with a flexible outsole for lasting comfort. They're a solid choice for anyone who spends long hours on their feet or enjoys daily walks.

Goodr polarized sunglasses: $30

Protect your eyes without overspending with Goodr polarized sunglasses. The no-slip coating and silicone nose inserts help keep them securely in place, whether you're walking, running or tackling other outdoor activities.

Oakley Holbrook sunglasses: $184

Oakley's classic polarized sunglasses pair timeless style with dependable performance. The polarized lenses help reduce glare, while the durable frame is built to handle everyday wear.

Walking and running gear

Round out your walking and running kit with water bottles, bags and more.

Cooling towels: $13.99 (18% off)

Original price: $16.99

Wet these cooling towels and wrap one around your neck for instant relief. They stay cool for about three hours and come with a case and carabiner that clips to your bag.

Owala FreeSip stainless steel water bottle: $29.99

Stay hydrated on every walk with the Owala FreeSip water bottle. Its unique design lets you sip through the built-in straw or tilt the bottle to drink, while the insulated stainless construction keeps water cold all day. A pop-up carry handle makes it easy to take on the go.

Waterfly crossbody bag: $24.99 (9% off)

Original price: $27.49

A sling crossbody bag keeps your phone, keys and wallet within easy reach without weighing down your pockets. It features two water bottle holders, a spacious main compartment and multiple exterior pockets to keep essentials organized.

Waterfly running belt: $22.99

The lightweight Waterfly running belt carries your phone, earbuds and other essentials without adding bulk. It sits securely around your waist for a barely-there feel on walks and runs.

Water-resistant running vest: $33.24 (26% off)

Original price: $44.99

If you prefer to keep weight off your waist, this running vest offers plenty of storage for your essentials. Fully adjustable straps fit sizes XS to XXL for a secure, comfortable fit.

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

Running armband: $9.99 (23% off)

Original price: $12.99

Keep your phone close without carrying it in your hand with this running armband. The clear touchscreen window provides easy access on the go, while a hidden pocket stores cash, keys or an AirPods case.

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

Mamdani's team said NYPD would accompany his wife on Middle East vacation — cops say that's not true

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:15:10 -0400

The New York Police Department (NYPD) will not provide a security detail to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's wife during her upcoming vacation to two terror hotspots in the Middle East, despite the mayor's office claiming otherwise.

"The NYPD does not send officers to countries with level 4 travel advisories for discretionary reasons such as personal travel," a spokesperson for the law enforcement agency told Fox News.

Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, is planning to travel to Syria and Lebanon to visit family in September, according to the New York Post. Both of those countries are on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" list due to terrorism concerns.

MAMDANI'S WIFE CO-HOSTS LUXE MUSLIM RETREAT CASTING VIRGIN MARY AS ‘PALESTINIAN WOMAN’ UNDER OCCUPATION

The mayor's office had previously confirmed that Duwaji would have an NYPD security detail on the trip.

"Upon the strong recommendation of the NYPD, the first lady’s security detail will be joining her when she travels to visit family in Syria and Lebanon," Mamdani’s spokeswoman Dora Pekec reportedly said.

But later, as it became clear that the NYPD would not be making the overseas trek, the mayor chalked the confusion up to a staff "miscommunication" when asked about it by news outlet PIX11 on Tuesday.

NYPD Detectives’ Endowment Association (DEA) President Scott Munro furiously slammed the implication that NYPD detectives would accompany the city's First Lady to the Middle East.

MAMDANI CLASHES WITH DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS' PUSH TO ABOLISH POLICE AND PRISONS

"Our detectives put themselves in harm’s way every day protecting New Yorkers," said Munro. "The DEA would never remain silent if our members were asked to travel to a dangerous, off-limits foreign country for anything other than a legitimate law-enforcement or intelligence operation."

"Our detectives are needed here in New York City protecting residents and fighting crime," he added.

Mamdani has a long history of trashing the very police department he thought would accompany and provide security for his wife to the dangerous Middle Eastern countries on New York City taxpayer's dime.

"There is no negotiating with an institution this wicked & corrupt. Defund it. Dismantle it. End the cycle of violence," Mamdani said in reference to the NYPD in a viral 2020 post on X.

"We don't need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety," he said in another 2020 post, adding in a follow-up: "What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD."

JON STEWART PRESSES MAMDANI ON WHERE HE BREAKS WITH FELLOW DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS ON PRISONS AND BORDERS

"Queer liberation means defund the police," he said in yet another post.

The mayor, who has also faced scrutiny for his anti-Israel views and recently called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal" while calling for his arrest, derogatorily linked the NYPD to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

"We have to make clear that when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF," Mamdani, who was a keynote speaker, said during a panel discussion at the Democratic Socialists of America's 2023 national convention.

During his campaign for mayor of the most populated U.S. city, Mamdani said the exact opposite, explicitly stating that he did not want to defund the police.

SEE IT: MAMDANI BOOED OFF STAGE AT NEW YORK CITY PRO-POLICE CELEBRATION: ‘WALKED OFF IN SHAME’

Still, it appears there is no love lost between Mamdani and the NYPD.

Just last week, he was booed offstage when he tried to speak at a pro-police event in Staten Island.

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

Alex Rodriguez defends Dodgers' spending spree as likely lockout gets closer: 'I think it's great'

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:14:08 -0400

With a lockout more likely than not at this point in Major League Baseball, the ongoing debate continues over whether the Los Angeles Dodgers are actually ruining the sport.

Many believe the Dodgers have simply broken baseball, particularly with Shohei Ohtani's $700 million contract, 97% of which is deferred. They have won back-to-back World Series titles and are the favorite for a third consecutive title.

Not only did Los Angeles follow up its titles by signing the most touted reliever on the market in Edwin Diaz, but it also gave Kyle Tucker a deal that gave him the highest annual average value of $60 million, the most for any position player ever.

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However, former slugger Alex Rodriguez isn't buying the negativity surrounding the organization.

"I think it’s great. You and I both would be hypocrites if we said it’s not good when we saw what happened in the ‘90s here in New York, what happened in ‘09 when Hal Steinbrenner flexed his financial resources to go out and get [CC] Sabathia, [Mark] Teixeira and A.J. Burnett, and the year before we had Johnny Damon," A-Rod told New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay on the latter's radio show.

Rodriguez does make an interesting point — in 2005, the Yankees' payroll ($208.3 million, per Baseball Reference) was almost double the second-highest payroll (the Boston Red Sox's $123.5 million). The New York Mets ($101.3 million) were the only other team to have a nine-digit payroll.

While the Dodgers have finessed their contracts through deferrals and bonuses to make their actual payroll less than the actual value of the contracts, numerous other teams are actually still in the comparative ballpark. The Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays each have a tax payroll of at least $300 million.

Rodriguez noted that it's not necessarily the amount of money but how it's spent.

FORMER MLB STAR CALLS FOR SALARY FIX AS OWNERS, PLAYERS ASSOCIATION TALK 'TWO DIFFERENT LANGUAGES'

"The key is not making the mistakes..." Rodriguez said, name-dropping Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon, who are combining to make $38 million this season while hitting a combined .215 with an OPS below .700.

"You have to be able to determine what is your inventory and what is it worth. Gene Michael used to be able to hold on to Bernie [Williams], [Derek] Jeter, [Jorge] Posada. That's the key — you got to hold on to your early guys, and then move on for the others, use them as assets to complement your current roster."

Again, to Rodriguez's point, the Milwaukee Brewers, whose $153 million tax payroll is 19th in the league, own the best record in Major League Baseball. The Tampa Bay Rays rank 27th in tax payroll yet have the league's second-best record, while the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox rank 26th.

Furthermore, three of the top five payrolls in the sport — the Mets, Phillies and Blue Jays — are currently out of the postseason.

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The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, and players have insisted they would not play under a salary cap, which has been formally offered for the first time since 1994.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Dem in key swing race missed nearly half her state House votes while taking taxpayer salary: 'No show'

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:10:00 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: Former Democratic state Rep. Christina Bohannan missed nearly half of her votes in Iowa's House of Representatives during her final year in office as she campaigned for a congressional seat in the battleground district, records show.

In 2022, Bohannan missed 348 of 773 floor votes, or about 45% of all votes, according to the legislature’s records, despite stressing the importance "for leaders to show up" three years later.

Bohannan is running for Congress in Iowa's 1st Congressional District, a race the Cook Political Report ranks as a "toss up" in November as Republicans attempt to preserve their razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives.

Some of the skipped votes involved bills addressing protections for sexual abuse victims, volunteer firefighters and first responders, Iowa’s dairy industry, agricultural programs, emergency 911 services and juvenile justice reform.

IOWA DEM WHO TOUTED 'STRONG WORK ETHIC' MISSES MORE THAN HALF OF HER HOUSE VOTES

"Liberal Christina Bohannan says leaders should ‘show up’ and then is a no-show herself," Emily Tuttle, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Missing half your job while collecting your taxpayer-funded paycheck isn’t leadership worthy of a promotion. It’s the kind of performance that would get you fired anywhere else."

The absences stand in contrast with Bohannan’s past comments. In an Oct. 6, 2025, post on X, she wrote that she had the "honor of speaking" with more than 100 voters at a candidate forum representing five Iowa counties.

"At a time when so much is uncertain, it’s more important than ever for leaders to show up and talk directly with Iowans," she added.

Similarly, in a 2021 interview with Bleeding Heartland, an Iowa politics blog, Bohannan was described as planning to spend "a lot of time on legislative work during the 2022 session" with the rest of her efforts focused on her congressional campaign.

Bohannan served one term in the Iowa House from 2021 to 2023 before launching her first campaign for Congress.

BATTLEGROUND DEM CALLED PATRIOTISM 'SENSITIVE AND CONTROVERSIAL' DURING DEBATE OVER THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

She is challenging incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, for a third time in the 1st Congressional District, which includes Davenport and Iowa City, after losing by about seven points in 2022 and roughly 800 votes following a recount in 2024.

But Bohannan remained on the state’s legislative payroll during that period. According to state legislative records, Iowa lawmakers earned a $25,000 annual salary in 2022, plus $175 per day per diem for up to 100 days, or $17,500.

The Democratic lawmaker has also faced mounting criticism for her past comments and middle-class messaging on the campaign trail.

'QUEEN OF DEI' RUNNING FOR CONGRESS RIPPED HER RURAL STATE AS 'BACKWARDS' ON PODCAST

Fox News Digital previously reported that Bohannan warned Iowa could be seen as "backwards" over limits on diversity training at public schools and universities and "look like a backwater" over restrictions on transgender athletes.

Other reports revealed that Bohannan and her husband owned a waterfront Sarasota, Florida, condo valued between $500,001 and $1 million, in addition to a $1.55 million Iowa City home while campaigning as a hard-working, middle-class advocate who understands what it's like "to still struggle to put food on the table."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Bohannan’s campaign for comment.

Fun fact: Bottlenose dolphins develop unique whistles that identify themselves

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

Scroll through the slideshow and be amazed

Three-time Olympian Lolo Jones says Team USA 'abandoned' her after harrowing spinal injury

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:46:30 -0400

Lolo Jones is not backing down after a harrowing experience with Team USA.

In February 2025, Jones climbed into a team-issued bobsled at the Olympic training complex in Lake Placid, New York. The U.S. team was testing equipment before the World Championships. The sled accelerated down the ice at speeds approaching 90 mph.

At the bottom of the track, Jones knew something was wrong.

Her lower back burned. She could not bend over. She had lost control of her bladder.

"I’ve never had that happen to me ever in (my) life," Jones said. "I immediately went up to the athletic trainer and told him what was happening."

Jones was no inexperienced athlete struggling to read her body. She competed at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics as a hurdler and the 2014 Winter Olympics as a bobsled brakewoman. She had won world championships in both sports.

She understood pain. This felt different.

SIMONE BILES RETURNS TO HOSPITAL FOR PROCEDURE WEEKS AFTER 'ALMOST DYING' IN 'MEDICAL EMERGENCY'

A trainer arranged a treatment for her, but Jones says the head of sports medicine at the Lake Placid training center canceled it because she had already received treatment that week.

Jones arrived for the appointment without knowing it had been canceled.

She was hurt, frightened and days away from the biggest race of the season.

TENNESSEE COACH UNLOADS ON NCAA'S 'BULLS–T', AFTER STAR LINEBACKER SUSPENDED FOR OUTDATED RULE

Then Jones received notice that officials had revoked her access to sports medicine, she says, and a broader ban later kept her out of the Olympic training facility, including its rehabilitation areas, weight room, housing and push track.

The notice said her behavior violated the facility’s code of conduct, she says, but Jones claims officials never identified the specific rule she broke or gave her a formal hearing before imposing the punishment.

According to reporting by the Southern California News Group, Jones and other people familiar with the case said USOPC officials later acknowledged that the approved treatment should not have been canceled. Jones apologized during a meeting before the World Championships.

The restrictions remained.

SIMONE BILES FIRES BACK AT INSTAGRAM USERS WHO MOCKED HER NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE, REVEALS MEDICAL EMERGENCY

"I voiced my frustration that athletes should have medical access," Jones said. "It just continued to escalate."

The symptoms Jones described demanded more than a routine massage.

Severe back pain combined with bladder dysfunction can signal compression of the nerves at the base of the spinal cord.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons lists urinary incontinence, leg weakness and severe lower-back pain among the warning signs of cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency that can cause permanent paralysis or loss of bladder control.

Jones says no one at the center examined her, ordered imaging or explained the possible severity of her injury.

Without a diagnosis, she made the decision elite athletes often make. She kept going.

Jones obtained pain medication from her doctor in Louisiana and returned to the sled for the World Championships in Lake Placid. She completed four runs with pilot Elana Meyers Taylor. They finished sixth.

"If someone would’ve told me, ‘Your spinal fluid is leaking out of your back. If that pilot hits a wall, you will be paralyzed,’ there is no way I would’ve gotten back in that bobsled," Jones said.

After the championships, Jones paid for her own MRI. She says the imaging revealed a herniated disc, another disc bulge, several lumbar tears and a cerebrospinal-fluid leak. She later underwent spinal surgery.

She also paid for rehabilitation, travel and private medical help while she remained barred from the training center. She estimates the injury and its aftermath cost her about $100,000.

For Jones, the cost exposes a larger imbalance inside Olympic sports.

Many bobsled athletes survive on modest stipends while absorbing significant training and travel expenses. Jones had income from work outside the sport, but she says the bills still devastated her finances.

"I make good money, but I’m not making Michael Phelps money," she said.

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Jones now argues that Olympic athletes need stronger due-process protections and an affordable way to challenge the institutions that control their medical care, funding and competitive futures. She says the current grievance system costs too much and gives athletes little realistic power against governing bodies.

The experience has also changed how she views the Olympics themselves.

Jones once imagined that a future daughter might follow her into elite sports. She no longer sees that possibility as a dream.

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"I will not let my daughter be an Olympic athlete," she said. "She will not be treated like this."

For more than 20 years, Jones pushed her body for Team USA. She raced through injuries, changed sports and represented the country in both the Summer and Winter Games.

When her body finally forced her to ask for help, she says the system treated her pain as a disciplinary problem.

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"I’ve given so much to Team USA and represented this country as best I can," Jones said. "And when I needed Team USA back, they absolutely abandoned me."

Florida deputy killed ex-girlfriend over a TV, then himself, sheriff says

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:46:23 -0400

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

A Florida sheriff’s deputy, honored multiple times for his bravery, dedication and compassion, killed a former girlfriend and then himself Monday after an argument over a television.

The victim was identified by friends as Mandy Fackler, who leaves behind two children, 12 and 9, Fox Tampa reported.

Deputy Troy Savetz had been with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years and was a member of the marine unit.

He and the victim had an "on-again-off-again, tumultuous relationship," Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said in a news conference.

MISSOURI MOM OF 5 FATALLY SHOT WHILE BUYING SLUSHIES WITH CHILDREN; POLICE SEARCH FOR GUNMAN

Savetz, 47, was waiting outside Fackler's home when she and her children returned from a day at the beach at about 5:30 p.m. He brandished a gun and was angry about "wanting his TV set back," Gualtieri said.

When the victim tried to call 911, Savetz took her phone. That’s when she told her two children to go inside.

They did as they were told. And they never saw her again.

The children were "extremely brave," calling 911 and giving dispatchers everything needed to identify the suspect, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco told reporters.

When authorities arrived at the home, they saw the mother’s vehicle with the door wide open, and they found her phone, Nocco said.

"At that point, they realize that she's no longer there" at the residence, he said.

Officers sprang into action using K-9 teams, drones and aviation units, searching for the vehicle Savetz was driving when he carried the victim away, Nocco said.

About 90 minutes after the altercation began, authorities found the vehicle in nearby Spring Hill. Officers approached with a drone and saw two people inside.

When they reached the car on foot, they found Savetz and his victim dead.

"We're not sure when and at what point" he killed her and himself, Nocco said.

The children, now with their biological father, were unharmed in the incident.

DISPATCH AUDIO RELEASED IN MICHIGAN FAMILY MURDER-SUICIDE AS TROUBLED FAMILY'S SECRETS EMERGE

They "should be starting off this week getting ready for school," Nocco said. Instead, they’re "starting off this week getting ready for a sad life without their mother."

He praised the children for their bravery and obedience at such a critical moment.

"I know eventually there's going to be a point in your life where you're going to go back and listen to all the videos and read all the reports," Nocco said.

"So please hear this directly from us: We listened to that 911 tape, and we know that your mother said to go inside to save your lives and to call 911. You did exactly what your mom asked you to do.

"Know this: Your mom is looking down from heaven, and she's so proud of you two … So know that you two did the right thing."

Nocco said officers were "amazed" by the children’s "calmness." The information they provided allowed for the fastest possible response.

"So we're so proud of you, and I know your mom is. But know [that] this entire community is praying for you."

OFF-DUTY TROOPER AND ARMED CITIZEN HAILED AS HEROES AFTER RETURNING FIRE ON IN-N-OUT GUNMAN

Before this, Savetz had earned accolades for his behavior while wearing the badge. In 2014, he was honored by the sheriff’s office for his "heroic action" in saving the life of a 24-year-old man, stopping him from jumping off a bridge in Pinellas County.

That earned him attention from the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, who called him "Our Everyday MVP" in a June 2015 social media post. Wearing his green uniform, Savetz was honored by receiving the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

He was hailed a "hero" at local fundraisers and by radio stations.

In 2018, the sheriff’s office shared a social media post about how Savetz had adopted a pot-bellied pig he found while on duty. That year, he and Maple, as she became known, went on to be named ambassadors for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Tampa Bay.

But the "inexcusable" behavior of Savetz immediately ended his identity as a law enforcement officer, Gualtieri said.

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"The moment this individual committed a crime, he was no longer a law enforcement officer. He was a criminal."

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Miami Marlins betting preview: why the over 8 is the play tonight

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:45:51 -0400

We are about halfway through August, and there are some teams that really need to make a push if they plan to have a true run at a postseason spot. We've seen some very hot and very cold stretches from a variety of teams this season, so who will be next? The National League has its divisions essentially set with the Dodgers, Braves, and Brewers looking like they will coast to the finish line. Both the Pirates and the Marlins are hoping to steal one of those remaining Wild Card spots.

The Pittsburgh Pirates seem to have ebbed and flowed all season. There were stretches where they looked like one of the better teams in the league. Their hitting issues that were addressed in the offseason have been significantly better this year. However, their pitching has struggled. Even their superstar, Paul Skenes, has had a bit of a down year. His numbers are still strong, but they are the worst of his young career. If the Pirates can get some performances out of their other starters, they might have a hot streak left in them.

One guy that they need to step up is today's hurler, Carmen Mlodzinski. For the year, Mlodzinski is 6-4 for the year with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. He has been better on the road with a 3.10 ERA, and he has started two more games on the road. However, he has just 1.1 more innings on the road than at home this year. Mlodzinski is essentially an opener for the Pirates. He hasn't thrown more than three innings in any of his past 12 outings (varying between starts and relief appearances). Marlins hitters have only gotten four at-bats against him, but all four hitters went 0-for-1.

The Miami Marlins have quietly put together a good campaign. You wouldn't really know it because in this division almost everyone will get more attention than them. It doesn't help that the franchise seems to always trade away any good player and doesn't invest in their team. Maybe that's more of a personal thought or frustration. In any case, the Marlins are 61-59 for the season and have been great at home. With the Braves and Phillies ahead of them, and the Mets being major markets, it is possible to lose sight of the Marlins.

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Today they send out some Junk to the mound. Bad jokes aside, Janson Junk takes the hill for Miami today. For the season, Junk is sitting with a 5-7 record and a 4.63 ERA. He has just 62 strikeouts and a 1.36 WHIP over 81.2 innings. Most of the damage has been done by hits instead of walks, so there isn't much of a control issue. He doesn't pitch much more than five innings, typically. He hasn't thrown more than five innings in any of his last eight outings. Aside from a six-run outing in July, he also hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a start since May 25th (he missed all of June). Pirates hitters are 3-for-8 against Junk.

This should be a game where we get some offense and some action. Neither pitcher is in a category where I would call them un-hittable. Neither team is likely to have their starter/opener go too deep into the game, either. Miami does have a better bullpen than Pittsburgh, so that might be a reason to bet on them to win, but I think we see more than eight runs scored in this game. Give me the Marlins and Pirates over 8 tonight.

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

Lindsay Clancy defense wants TikToker to expose hospital ‘lies’ as judge warns ‘this is not Tripadvisor’

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:44 -0400

A dispute rooted in a TikTok video arose at the outset of Lindsay Clancy's murder trial Tuesday, as her attorneys moved to add a former mental hospital staff member to the witness list — one who had publicly accused witnesses of spreading "lies and misrepresentations" about the psychiatric facility where Clancy was treated weeks before she killed her three children.

Defense attorney Kevin Reddington asked Judge William Sullivan to add former McLean clinical social worker Emily Thorndike to the witness list, arguing that her years working on the same short-term unit could rebut what he described as a misleading picture of a "five star" hospital overflowing with treatment options that Clancy refused.

"Her involvement in this case came about after one of the prosecutors — I don't recall which — made it out on direct examination that McLean is some kind of a five-star institution where the doctors, the psychiatrists, the psychotherapists, and the counselors were all banging into each other in the hallway trying to interview Miss Clancy, who was just blithely refusing care and treatment, which is not the case," Reddington said.

WATCH: Defense seeks to add former McLean Hospital employee to witness list in Lindsay Clancy case

LINDSAY CLANCY’S HUSBAND COULD TESTIFY FOR HER AT TRIAL OVER DEATHS OF THEIR THREE CHILDREN

"So now the jury is left with that image that McLean is purportedly some kind of a five-star hospital because they are affiliated, quote-unquote, with Harvard," he continued.

LINDSAY CLANCY’S EX-HUSBAND DETAILS PILL USE AS EXPERT SAYS EVIDENCE COULD SHAPE MURDER TRIAL

Reddington explained that he tracked down the TikToker, later identified as Thorndike, after she took to the social media platform to expose the level of treatment at the mental health facility.

"I saw her video saying that she could not stand for, and I quote, ‘the lies and the misrepresentations from that witness stand about McLean Hospital’."

LINDSAY CLANCY DEFENSE SCORES ‘EXTREMELY HELPFUL’ PSYCHOSIS CONCESSION AS EXPERT FLAGS NEXT HURDLE

Prosecutors, meanwhile, fired back that Thorndike had left McLean roughly a year before Clancy’s stay, had no firsthand knowledge of her treatment and had been following the trial online before posting her opinions.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, McLean Hospital said, "McLean Hospital is committed to providing high-quality mental health care for individuals and families across the lifespan through inpatient, residential, and outpatient services. This includes advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions that uniquely affect women, including postpartum mental health conditions."

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WATCH: Court debates new witness relevance over McLean Hospital staffing

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Sullivan appeared hesitant to let Thorndike grade the quality of Clancy’s hospital care.

SEND US A TIP

"This is not Tripadvisor," the judge quipped, saying he would not permit a battle over whether McLean deserved five stars or two.

WATCH: Judge shuts down ‘five-star’ hospital debate in Lindsay Clancy trial: ‘This is not Tripadvisor’

GOT A TIP?

But Sullivan called the narrower question of staffing and available programs a "closer call" and took the defense motion under advisement. He has not ruled about whether to allow Thorndike to take the witness stand.

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WATCH: Lindsay Clancy's medical provider details psychiatric treatment and medication changes

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The witness list dispute came before jurors heard a series of desperate messages Clancy sent to her psychiatric nurse practitioner, Rebecca Jollotta, in late 2022 as she struggled with insomnia, medication changes and intrusive thoughts.

LINDSAY CLANCY’S EX-HUSBAND DETAILS PILL USE AS EXPERT SAYS EVIDENCE COULD SHAPE MURDER TRIAL

Nov. 30: After saying her depression had worsened, Clancy told Jollotta she was "not at the point of being suicidal" but added, "I’m really feeling as if I can’t go on like this."
Later that day, on Nov. 30, she described the worsening depression as "feeling completely hopeless and unmotivated to do anything at all."
Dec. 1: She said she had started having "very intrusive thoughts that I never had before" and wanted to change her medication plan.

WATCH: Lindsay Clancy's MyChart messages detail worsening depression and medication requests

In another Dec. 1 message, she apologized for repeatedly contacting the clinic: "It’s just a scary, very scary, stressful time for me. And starting new meds with side effects is very scary to me."
Dec. 2, 7:51 a.m.: She said she woke with "horribly intrusive thoughts of wanting it to be all over."
Dec. 2, 9:04 a.m.: "I’m willing to try anything," she later said, adding, "I feel like we are throwing all these different meds at my insomnia" and "I feel completely numb."
Dec. 3: Clancy reported that after going without Ativan, "all day I had horrible intrusive thoughts and felt deeply depressed." She said that after taking 0.5 mg of Ativan, "now the thoughts are gone and I feel good."

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Jollotta testified Tuesday that she interpreted the message as symptoms of depression and anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, rather than suicidal ideation, and did not direct Clancy to immediately go to an emergency room.

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Tafoya makes 'common sense' pitch to disaffected Democrats as she vows to fight Minnesota’s ‘socialist lurch’

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:30:13 -0400

EDINA, MN - As socialist candidates continue to score victories across the country and take more control of the Democratic Party, Minnesota GOP Senate nominee Michele Tafoya is making her pitch to voters from all parties who still believe in "common sense."

"We do not want to see a socialist lurch anywhere in this country, and in particular in Minnesota, so I will do whatever I can to stand up against this movement toward Democrat socialism," Tafoya told Fox News Digital on Tuesday shortly after voting in a suburb outside Minneapolis. "Socialism does not work."

"There is absolutely a home for every voter in Minnesota that wants common sense, that wants a return to sanity, that wants to see kids learn in school again, that wants accountability for this fraud, who wants the fraud never repeat itself, who wants crime rates to go down again," Tafoya told Fox News Digital. "There is room for you. We are the common sense candidacy and we're gonna represent a lot more than just conservatives in this state."

Hours later, Tafoya went from Republican Senate candidate to Republican Senate nominee as she convincingly won her primary and moves on to face Minnesota Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in the general election in November.

MINNESOTA HOUSE SPEAKER LISA DEMUTH WINS GOP GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY TO REPLACE TIM WALZ IN NOVEMBER

When reached by phone after her victory, Tafoya reiterated her commitment to crossing party lines to reach disaffected Democrats.

"Our state has been going in the wrong direction at the speed of sound and people who love Minnesota are brokenhearted, and we see that this has happened under the watch of career politicians single-party rule, for many years now they've brought us to this place it's time for change and I think we're going to appeal to voters across the political spectrum to stand up and say we're not going to continue to re-elect the people that got us to this place to begin with," Tafoya told Fox News Digital.

FAILED PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WINS DEM PRIMARY FOR MIDWEST GOVERNOR AMID FRAUD SCANDAL FALLOUT

Tafoya is aiming to become the first Republican to win statewide office in Minnesota since 2006.

Tafoya's opponent in November, progressive Minnesota Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, has drawn criticism over the massive fraud scandal in the state that forced Gov. Tim Walz to drop his re-election bid, given that she has served alongside him since 2019, as well as her far-left positions that include abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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"It is time to hold them accountable, and we're going to do that by firing them," Tafoya said. "And we're gonna hire people who are outsiders, who are willing to come in and fix this with new ideas and not just bend to party politics as the establishment always does."

Tafoya, whose message to disaffected Democrat voters is similar to the pitch Michigan GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers made last week in his race against his opponent Abdul El-Sayed, told Fox News Digital she is looking forward to speaking to Democrats and independents in the coming months.

"When you run in a primary, you're talking to mostly your own voters," Tafoya said. "Now I'm excited to reach out to those disaffected Democrats who feel that the party has left them, who feel like they're homeless politically. We're gonna open the doors to them and I can't wait to talk to all those independents and share their ideas. So that's what I'm looking forward to."