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Yellowstone tourists get dangerously close to a resting bison in shocking nature video

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:37:01 -0400

Tourists continue to prove they have no idea how to behave in nature.

Anyone who reads this site knows that there is a shocking number of people who visit national parks without an ounce of common sense.

They seem to think wild animals behave like they're in a children's movie. That's simply not the case, and when they feel threatened, all bets are off.

WOMAN RISKS BEING GORED BY BISON FOR A SELFIE AT BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK IN SHOCKING FOOTAGE

Enter a truly mind-boggling nature video.

Tourists get way too close to massive bison.

The popular Instagram page @touronsofnationalparks posted a video a couple days ago that needs to be seen to be believed.

Two adults thought it was a wise idea to get incredibly close to a large bison that appeared to simply be resting.

HIDDEN DANGER AT POPULAR US NATIONAL PARK FORCES TRAIL CLOSURES AS BEAR SIGHTINGS CLIMB

The shockingly dumb incident occurred in Yellowstone National Park, according to the video's caption.

You can watch the moment it all unfolded below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

One person in the comments wrote, "Can’t cure stupid."

TERRIFIED HIKERS FACE NIGHTMARE SURVIVAL SCENARIO AFTER HEART-POUNDING GRIZZLY BEAR ENCOUNTER

Fact check: true.

Another person added, "Every day some idiot somewhere learns a very painful if not final lesson that you cannot predict the behavior of wild animals."

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I have no doubt these videos will continue to go viral because people simply can't get enough of them. Let's use some more common sense and not end up in the ER. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Harvard tops nation in foreign cash haul as Cotton demands probe into China funding

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:30:24 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: One Ivy League institution has taken in more money from foreign countries, including China, than any other university in the country.

The U.S. Department of Education has, for years, compiled a list of federally funded universities that have taken in funding from abroad. The Trump administration sought to revamp the agency’s online reporting portal, and, in doing so, it has shown that one institution, Harvard University, has scored more foreign funding than any other college in the country.

Harvard is in the crosshairs of Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., for its ties to China and other foreign nations because of the reams of outside cash the university has taken in. And the Senate Republican, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, wants Education Secretary Linda McMahon to open an investigation into China’s cash flow into higher education.

REPUBLICANS TARGET TRUMP'S CRYPTO EMPIRE WITH NEW PLAN, DEMS SAY IT FALLS SHORT

"I remain concerned that millions in additional transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported," Cotton wrote. "Therefore, I encourage additional scrutiny of financial ties between American universities and Communist China."

Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cotton noted that since the portal was relaunched in January, reporting data has shown that federally funded universities accepted more than $6.8 billion from "Communist China — including more than $300 million from sanctioned entities."

"Harvard, for instance, has received more than $630 million from Chinese entities," Cotton wrote. "This includes roughly $418,000 from organizations participating in foreign talent programs and nearly $420,000 from entities allegedly supporting unauthorized military advancements."

KHANNA DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM CCP-LINKED COMPANY ACCUSED OF UNDERCUTTING US MANUFACTURERS

More money from foreign countries flows to Harvard than any other college on the Education Department's list, to the tune of nearly $4.5 billion across 7,089 transactions.

Of that, $634 million is from countries of concern.

Notably, China is not the only country of concern that has sent money to Harvard. A country of concern is one that the federal government designates as engaging in conduct that is detrimental to U.S. national security, foreign policy, or the safety of U.S. citizens. Venezuela and Russia have also both sent money to the university, with $3.3 million and over $750,000, respectively, flowing to the Ivy League institution.

CALIFORNIA MAYOR ACCUSED OF SECRETLY WORKING FOR CHINA, SPREADING PROPAGANDA WHILE IN OFFICE: FEDS

China’s alleged influence doesn’t stop at Harvard, either.

Broken further down, there are four Chinese entities in the top five funders on U.S. watch lists that have provided a total of about $119 million to universities across the country. That list includes the Beijing Institute of Tech, Air China, Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co., and Ocean University of China.

The Education Department late last year announced that it would be revamping the portal and charged that the Biden administration had neglected the system.

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"After years of neglect by the Biden Administration, the new portal will assist our institutions of higher education in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities and enable us to protect our national security by facilitating improved compliance," McMahon said in a statement at the time.

"America’s taxpayer-funded colleges and universities have both a moral and legal obligation to be fully transparent with the U.S. government and the American people about their foreign financial relationships," she continued.

One of my favorite Craftsman drills is 40% off right now — here's why I recommend it

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:16:47 -0400

A few weeks ago, my trusty impact driver finally gave out. It had served me well for years, but I wasn't ready to spend hundreds of dollars on a replacement. After comparing a few options, I chose the Craftsman impact driver, largely because it was on sale for just $59 (and still is).

Since then, it's powered through weeks of DIY projects, from woodworking and deck repairs to drilling into concrete planters, and has become the tool I reach for most.

Craftsman Cordless Impact Driver: $59 (40% off)

Original price: $99

What you should know

Just $59 (40% off) for a cordless drill from a trusted, FOX reader-favorite brand.
Everything you need is in the box, including the tool, battery and charger.
Lightweight design and comfortable grip help reduce hand and wrist fatigue.
Long-lasting battery delivers up to 120 drives per charge.
Highly rated by shoppers, with a 4.7 Amazon rating and more than 1,000 purchased last month.

Lightweight design, full-size performance

After using impact drivers from brands like DeWalt, Bosch and Ryobi, the Craftsman immediately stood out because it was noticeably lighter in my hand. That made it easier to use for longer projects without my wrist getting tired.

Despite its lighter build, it doesn't feel underpowered. While building a picnic table and repairing raised garden beds, it drove long deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without any lags. It isn't quite as fast as my comparable DeWalt driver, but with a little extra forward pressure, the performance gap was surprisingly small.

One charge lasts through multiple projects

While some online reviewers criticized the battery life, I found it lasted much longer than expected. On a single charge, I built a picnic table, repaired a few garden beds and assembled a wooden pallet bar, and still had enough charge left to tackle smaller jobs the next day. None of these were quick five-minute jobs. They took several hours spread across a single weekend.

A built-in LED for low-light jobs

I often find myself working right up until sunset, so the built-in LED has become one of my favorite features. While installing planter boxes one evening, it lit up my work area well enough that I didn't have to stop and grab a flashlight. It also stays on for a few seconds after you release the trigger, which made it much easier to line up the next screw.

Swap bits in seconds with one hand

One feature I appreciated almost immediately was how quickly I could swap bits between jobs. Whether I was drilling pilot holes or driving screws, I could change bits in a couple of seconds without reaching for extra tools. That's because the Craftsman drill uses a keyless chuck instead of the older keyed design that requires a separate chuck key.

While drilling drainage holes into a concrete planter, the bit stayed securely locked in place without slipping. Later, I switched to driving screws into planter box brackets, and changing between bits only took a few seconds.

What I didn't like

If I had one complaint, it's that the charger isn't particularly fast. It's compact and takes up much less space than some competing models, but that convenience comes at the expense of charging speed. Expect to wait a few hours for a full charge, so it's worth keeping a spare battery on hand if you have bigger projects planned.

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

Bottom line: A budget-friendly impact driver that delivers

After a few weeks of regular use, I'd buy this Craftsman impact driver again without hesitation. It isn't the fastest model I've used, and I wish the charger worked a little quicker, but neither issue outweighed its lightweight design, solid battery life and dependable performance. At $59, it's one of the best values I've found for homeowners and weekend DIYers.

More tool recommendations:

DeWalt cordless drill driver set: $99 (45% off)
Craftsman V20 RP cordless circular saw: $99 (41% off)
Craftsman 262-piece mechanics set: $149 (40% off)
Metabo brad nailer: $149.99 (40% off)
Craftsman V20 4.0Ah battery and charger: $89.78 (40% off)
Bosch 5-in-1 drill and driver set: $169 (39% off)
DeWalt hammer drill kit: $267.80 (23% off)
Craftsman V20 cordless angle grinder: $99 (23% off)
Craftsman 140-piece impact driver bit set: $39.99 (20% off)
Craftsman V20 cordless reciprocating saw: $99 (17% off)

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

Wayfair's Black Friday in July sale ends today — up to 85% off tons of home deals

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:52:33 -0400

Wayfair's Black Friday in July sale is on for just a few more hours (ending today, July 27). Before the day ends, snag deals on grills, outdoor furniture, mattresses and more. Shop highlights like foldable Adirondack chairs for nearly 60% off, a wicker patio set marked down by $827 and Wayfair Basics sheets for 85% off before prices go back up.

Outdoor furniture deals

Refresh your outdoor space with umbrellas, patio sets and flexible seating.

Market Sunbrella umbrella: $219 (69% off)
3-piece wicker patio conversation set: $279.99 (66% off)
Outdoor stacking dining chairs, set of 2: $269 (54% off)

Wicker patio set: $299.99 (74% off)

Original price: $1,142.82

Create a comfortable spot for summer gatherings with this wicker patio set, which includes a loveseat, two armchairs and a coffee table. The brown rattan finish gives it a modern feel, and it's now $827 off.

Folding Adirondack chairs, set of 4: $439.96 (59% off)

Original price: $1,076

Add comfortable seating to your patio with these Adirondack chairs. Their weather-resistant construction stands up to the elements, while the folding design makes storage simple.

Wicker outdoor loveseat: $389.99 (44% off)

Original price: $699

Set up a comfortable place to unwind with this wicker outdoor loveseat. Durable polyethylene wicker wraps around a sturdy frame designed to withstand sun, rain and everyday outdoor use.

Patio umbrella: $165 (43% off)

Original price: $290.40

Stay cool on sunny days with the Birch Lane Iago outdoor umbrella. Its weather- and fade-resistant canopy provides dependable shade, while scalloped edges add classic style.

Grilling deals

Fire up burgers, vegetables and more with a new grill and cooking accessories.

Royal Gourmet 6-burner propane gas grill: $469 (37% off)
Blackstone 8-piece griddle cleaning kit: $21.99 (35% off)

R.W. Flame gas grill: $249.99 (69% off)

Original price: $799.99

Get more out of your cookouts with this high-powered grill. Three burners deliver 34,000 BTUs of cooking power, and the built-in side burner lets you cook sauces and sides without stepping away from the grill.

Costway portable electric grill: $114.99 (42% off)

Original price: $199

Cook chicken, steaks and fries all at once with this Costway grill. Adjustable temperature controls, a spacious cooking surface and a built-in warming rack help you serve every meal at the correct temperature.

Mattress and bedding deals

Take advantage of markdowns on mattresses and sheets.

Linen-tufted upholstered platform bed: $159.99 (83% off)
ComforPedic Loft memory foam mattress: $564.91 (78% off)
Cooling blanket and quilt set: $49.99 (74% off)
Alwyn Home medium memory foam hybrid mattress: $194.99 (70% off)
Sleep by Wayfair memory foam mattress: $237.99 (47% off)

Wayfair Basics 1800 Series microfiber sheet set: $19.99 (85% off)

Original price: $134.99

Refresh your bed for less with this microfiber sheet set, now 85% off. The set includes a flat sheet, two pillowcases and a fitted sheet that can accommodate mattresses up to 14 inches thick. Choose from more than 20 colors to match your bedroom.

Velvet upholstered platform bed: $156.99 (84% off)

Original price: $959.96

Give your bedroom a hotel-inspired upgrade with this velvet upholstered platform bed. The wingback headboard and plush velvet upholstery create an elegant look, while sturdy wooden slats support your mattress without a box spring. At 82% off, it's one of the biggest discounts in Wayfair's sale.

Sealy 12-inch mattress: $369.99 (69% off)

Original price: $1,199

Sleep more comfortably with this Sealy 12-inch mattress. Multiple layers of memory foam help cushion pressure points and distribute weight evenly, while the gel-infused, breathable design helps keep you cool. Its medium feel works well for back, side and stomach sleepers.

Backyard decor deals

Elevate your outdoor space with string lights, garden beds and more.

Striped indoor-outdoor area rug: $57.99 (79% off)
Solar firework garden lights, 6-pack: $37.47 (42% off)
Wood planter box: $75.99 (45% off)

Geometric outdoor rug: $52.99 (81% off)

Original price: $280

Refresh your patio with this outdoor rug, now over 80% off. The low-pile design stands up to heavy foot traffic and helps resist stains, while the neutral, beach-inspired colors complement almost any outdoor space.

Vertical raised garden bed: $49.99 (65% off)

Original price: $143.99

Grow herbs, flowers and vegetables without taking up much space with this five-tier vertical planter. The stacked design lets you fit more plants into a smaller footprint and the sturdy frame supports growth throughout the season.

60-foot outdoor string lights: $57.99 (39% off)

Original price: $94.99

Light up your patio or backyard with these outdoor string lights. The shatterproof bulbs are built for outdoor use, and you can choose from 30-, 60-, 120- or 200-foot lengths to fit everything from small balconies to large backyards.

Indoor furniture deals

Refresh your living room space with new rugs, chairs and cabinets.

Swivel bar stools, set of 2: $164.99 (67% off)
Shoe storage cabinet: $102.99 (49% off)
Round cocktail ottoman with storage: $157.99 (47% off)
65-inch linen upholstered loveseat: $296.99 (35% off)

Indoor/outdoor rug: $67.99 (77% off)

Original price: $290

Grab this low-pile rug that stands up to heavy foot traffic. Its synthetic weave wipes clean easily, and the neutral pattern complements a wide range of furniture styles. Eight size options make it easy to find the right fit for your space.

Upholstered loveseat: $269.99 (59% off)

Original price: $739.99

Add a fun, modern touch to any room with this upholstered loveseat. The rainbow shape is crafted from high-quality materials and creates seating in small spaces.

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

Oversized power lift chair: $349.99 (36% off)

Original price: $549.99

Sit back and relax in this oversized power lift recliner. The lift mechanism helps you stand more easily, while built-in heat and massage functions add extra comfort. Thick padding creates a plush place to unwind.

Sports cartoons of the day

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:08:52 -0400

Mets trot out a Korean pop star with an amazing windup for first pitch duties, Wemby plays soccer & Rosie

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:05:16 -0400

Let's get the final Monday of July 2026 rolling with a fresh edition of Monday Screencaps where we cook up some content before football season gets cranked up. Guys, I'm disappearing for a few days after this column to get some family vacation time in before the kids dive into school sports and the school year starts in two weeks.

It's that time of the year. It's now or never for those final family getaways, which means SeanJo will be with you the rest of the week.

Guys, we only have ourselves to blame if we give in and buy this crap in July. RESIST! I'm begging you to RESPECT SUMMER for your kids' future, for humanity and everything we hold dear.

To do my part, I spent approximately eight hours on the patio Saturday playing sheriff to more 13 year old boys who came over to swim. I can report that this group of boys handled themselves very well. A Saturday without pool drama is a major victory.
On Sunday, I kept RESPECTING SUMMER by hitting the links with Millennial Chris B. in Bowling Green, Canoe Kirk and new NW Ohio resident One Leg Bell, who moved up here from Florida. I went 40-47. Full integrity. No fluffing the golf ball. No club length to get a better shot out of a bunker. After getting my ass handed to me Up North on brutal golf courses, coming home and playing on a relatively flat course feels like a cheat code. By the way, the 7w I bought is another cheat code. How did I not know about a 7w until this summer. I love that club. I'm flying it about 200 with the 23-degree loft. It's the best money I've spent on golf in years. To me, spending $125 on that club is better than dropping $400 on a driver. Another observation from the golf course: $2.50 Busch Lights and $10 pitchers of Kona. Not bad!
We need to address this travel ball video that crossed my timeline last night as I was prepping this post. There's nothing too special about it other than the 16U kid f-bombing the ump, the coach coming in to get a piece of the action and the ump saying that will be enough and he's going home. Game over.

IDAHO TEEN UMPIRE DELIVERS ULTIMATE REALITY CHECK TO COACH COMPLAINING ABOUT WALK-UP MUSIC

TONY ROMO'S BRUTAL GOLF SCORE BEFORE GETTING ARRESTED PAINTS A NIGHTMARISH PICTURE

What are we doing, folks? I'm looking at the parents who continue this stupidity. I just watched the MLB Draft where my high school teammate's son, who was all-Everything in Ohio and then just played a major role on West Virginia's College World Series team, wasn't drafted. The kid has a cannon right arm. Can catch. Plays a very good left field. Can steal a bag here and there. Hits for power. Not drafted. He played the most elite travel baseball you can play. He even spent last summer playing in the Major League Draft summer league. Nope, didn't get drafted. Then, when I see videos of the 16U kid acting like a moron, I'm reminded of how big of a cesspool travel ball continues to be for no reason. Just 12 kids out of Ohio were selected in the Draft. I'll say it again, it's time to Make Rec Ball Great Again.
Has anyone figured out why Korean pop music has been pushed so hard on Americans? Is there really a market for K-pop artists in the U.S.? Ask your kids if they listen to that music. When I ask Screencaps the III about it, he winces. It drives him crazy and he's 9. Are little girls really clamoring for the newest release from Jang Won-young? What am I missing?

To be fair, Jang has a helluva windup, which has me thinking, do they teach pitching mechanics in elementary schools in South Korea and Japan? How in the hell do these people come over here putting our travel ball kids to shame?

Imagine going out in public looking like this. And we're supposed to listen to what this woman has to say about America from her living room in Ireland?

– Jeff E. emails: If you took all the soccer I’d watched in my life and compared it to FIFA in US it’s not even close. Maybe watched four or five games - even watched some that were not USMT. Here's the top and bottom three list for soccer:

Top

-Fan commitment to their team

-Athletic prowess with feet

-Visitor reaction to US

Bottom

-Red Card (often over prescriptive - someone should tell them how hockey does it)

-Time keeping (added time, lack of precision, lack of communication to those watching)

-Flopping, the worst thing about soccer (many had taken LeBron James master class)

– Marty in Idaho always sends in cool content: Some readers are having squirrel problems in their back yard. I get that squirrels can be annoying but let’s add some perspective. In late June a buck deer died in the tall grass in my back yard from an antler injury we think. Not much I could do so I just put a game camera on it to see what happened. Mountain lions (mama and three cubs) found it within the hour and spent most of the next two nights feeding on it. If you watch the video, our house is about 75 yards to the left. I let the neighbors know so nobody would go out for a moonlight stroll.

– Loyal reader Ricky A. is spending his summer in Japan:

– Robert R. on how to get to Wisconsin while avoiding Chicago: I lived in FL 35 years and moved to TN in 2019. I'm from WI originally, my oldest lives near Green Bay and since 1997 I have been making the trip to visit at least once a year . I solved the Chicago problem about 10 years ago. I now leave I 57 and head west to Bloomington about 40 miles before Chicago, use I 72.

At Bloomington head north to Rockford and then at Janesville you can take 43 to Milwaukee or go to Madison and use 51 north to Fond du Lac. Adds about an hour or a little more but: less traffic, only 1 toll (at Rockford) for about $2 . I hate going through Chicago, my daughter in-law used to call and ask where I was and my response was always "the 7th ring of Hell".

– John in Milford, MI advises me to take up smoking: It will take commitment on your part, but I have a solution to your problem with your neighbor’s cigarette smoke that I guarantee will work. I smoked long ago when I was young, and I can tell you that the urge to run out and pick up a carton of Winstons never goes away. I still find the smell of cigarette smoke enchanting. All you need to do is start smoking yourself, huff a pack a day for a few years, then quit cold turkey. I promise that you will look forward to being downwind from your neighbor and catching a whiff of tobacco smoke after that. Problem solved.

– Jim in East Peoria, IL has a simple solution: LEAF BLOWER!!! Hell yes!!! Dumbass me should have thought of that. And a real f–king loud and big and annoying one would be in order methinks.

Also, those Miami girls are definitely going to give the Dallas team a run for their money!!!

Kinsey: I did have my leaf blower next to me on the patio Saturday afternoon. I'll have to try this next time the neighbor lights up the cigs.

This went down over the weekend in Madison, WI. Very simple solution. Pepper spray water cannons. Clear the whole area. If they want to come back. Blast them again. Clear the way for red-blooded Americans who want to suck down a beer or whiskey on a Saturday night while maybe chasing some skirts.

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That is it this morning. SeanJo will have you until Saturday morning when I will be back. Send him emails. Send him your deep thoughts. And keep Respecting Summer while I'm out.

Have a great week.

MARTHA MAcCALLUM, KELLY McKENNA: America's next 250 years begin on the playground

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:54 -0400

As we enter the "dog days" of summer in this 250th, since our nation boldly asserted its independence, there is, as there should be, a good deal of reflection about who we are and what we truly value. As we look to the future, there is perhaps no more important measure than how we educate our children so that they can be strong protectors of our country and our democracy deep into the decades to come.

It turns out that a basic truth of well-being, getting fresh air and play time, plays a pretty big part in achieving that goal. It’s simple. It’s free. It stimulates and restores learning power, and, as it turns out, many of our children are getting precious little of it.

From the earliest days of the republic, education was never intended to be merely the efficient transfer of information. Reformers like Horace Mann, whose vision helped shape modern American education, argued that schools should prepare children not only for work, but for democratic life. Even the word kindergarten — German for "children’s garden" — reflects an understanding that young minds need room to grow, explore, play and develop.

NEBRASKA ENDS IN-STATE TUITION BENEFITS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS UNDER DOJ DEAL

Over time, however, our definition of educational success narrowed. Beginning with A Nation at Risk in 1983 and accelerating through the accountability era of No Child Left Behind, schools came under increasing pressure to maximize instructional minutes and standardized test performance. One of the first casualties was often recess, treated as expendable time rather than an essential part of learning.

Today, modern neuroscience has confirmed what America’s earliest education reformers understood intuitively: children learn best when schools develop the whole child — not just the test taker. In many ways, the science has finally caught up with the philosophy. Earlier this summer, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first updated policy statement on recess since 2013. Rather than simply reaffirming its earlier recommendations, the new statement reflects an explosion of research over the past decade, expanding from roughly 44 references to more than 100 studies documenting how recess supports learning, memory, executive function, social development, mental health and physical well-being. As they concluded, recess is not a break from learning — it’s part of how children learn.

That’s because recess is not simply exercise. It’s the only part of the school day designed around child-directed play. As two middle school children explained this month in an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it gives students the opportunity to "refresh themselves." It also lets them negotiate disagreements, practice leadership, build friendships, manage stress, solve problems and return to the classroom better able to focus and learn. These are not "soft skills." They are the very qualities that fuel innovation, civic engagement, resilience and collaboration, the qualities every generation of Americans needs.

In other words, the Academy’s recommendation remains clear: recess should be protected, never withheld as punishment or exchanged for more academic time seated. That conclusion has not changed since 2013. What has changed is the strength of the evidence behind it. More than a decade of new research has deepened our understanding of why recess matters — not only for children’s physical health, but for their cognitive development, emotional well-being and long-term success.

The lesson is remarkably consistent with America’s oldest educational ideals. If the purpose of education is to develop thoughtful, resilient citizens — not simply higher test scores — then recess is not a distraction from learning, but key to it.

This summer, as Americans gather to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, we’re also celebrating examples of teamwork, perseverance and excellence across the country — from neighborhood ballfields to championship arenas. Yet those qualities don’t begin under stadium lights, as in the stunning athleticism displayed from countries around the world in the FIFA World Cup, or the college sports teams we’ll start watching in August. They begin on playgrounds. Long before children wear a team uniform — whether as professional athletes, college athletes, or even on Little League fields — they learn to cooperate, lead, compromise, recover from failure, resolve conflict and celebrate success together during recess.

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Two hundred fifty years after our nation’s founding, only twelve states currently mandate daily recess for kids in school. But several states, including New York, are considering legislation that would change that. As we prepare for "back-to-school" in August, and as mandatory recess bills are considered in the next legislative season, the nation will be watching to see how states decide to let kids play, or not.

We have all seen the evidence that children have become more isolated, depressed and anxious in a society that has all of us glued to our screens. Protecting children's play time, fresh air and opportunities for social connection is one of the simplest ways we can improve their health and well-being.

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The children on today’s playgrounds will become tomorrow’s architects, engineers, scientists, physicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, military leaders, parents and elected officials. They could even become America’s World Cup soccer stars. They will shape America’s next 250 years.

The skills they’ll need — creativity, collaboration, resilience, curiosity, leadership, empathy and the confidence to solve problems together — will require commitment to academic rigor in the classroom, balanced with the promise of play time and fresh air to "refresh" young minds and bodies in every single school day.

Kelly McKenna is CEO of End Chronic Disease, former captain of Stanford's varsity sailing team and a three-time All-American.

Heated Lindsay Clancy courtroom exchange over 911 call, crime scene photos sets stage for mom’s murder trial

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:00:55 -0400

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

A jury has been seated in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of strangling her three young children inside the family’s home while suffering from what her attorneys say was severe postpartum psychosis.

The panel of 12 women and six men was finalized Thursday in Plymouth Superior Court, clearing the way for opening statements Monday. The trial is expected to center not on whether Clancy, 32, caused the children’s deaths, but whether she was legally responsible for her actions.

Clancy, a former labor and delivery nurse at the prestigious Mass General Hospital, has pleaded not guilty to three counts each of murder and strangulation in the deaths of Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months.

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

Her attorneys do not dispute that she killed the children but plan to argue that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis and lacked criminal responsibility. Prosecutors allege the killings were intentional and carefully planned.

"It is usually a hard battle to win," criminal defense attorney and Fox News contributor Donna Rotunno told Fox News Digital of the defense's insanity bid. "But given the fact that she has such a documented history of treatment and going to doctors and being diagnosed and seeking out more treatment when she wasn’t doing well, I think she can lay the groundwork for it."

Rotunno said Clancy’s attorneys are likely to emphasize that her condition allegedly continued to deteriorate even as she sought medical help.

"She continued to get worse. She continued to seek treatment," Rotunno said, pointing to reports that Clancy discussed hearing voices and was prescribed several medications before the children’s deaths.

Clancy’s prior work as a nurse could cut both ways at trial. Prosecutors may argue that her medical background made her more capable of understanding her treatment and actions, but Rotunno said the defense could use the same fact to demonstrate the severity of her alleged psychosis.

"She was a nurse and still so out of it that she didn’t know she shouldn’t be taking all this stuff," Rotunno said. "That, to me, doesn’t play into the intention on this. It’s the total opposite."

Authorities said Patrick Clancy left the family’s Duxbury home on Jan. 24, 2023, to pick up takeout food and an item from a pharmacy.

While he was gone, prosecutors allege, Lindsay Clancy used exercise bands to strangle the children before jumping from a second-story window in an apparent suicide attempt.

FLORIDA AG SEEKS JUDGE'S IMPEACHMENT AFTER BABY DROWNING COVID INSANITY ACQUITTAL

The fall left her paralyzed, and she now uses a wheelchair.

Cora and Dawson were pronounced dead after being taken to a Plymouth hospital. Callan was flown to Boston Children’s Hospital and died several days later. The medical examiner determined that Cora and Dawson died from asphyxia and that Callan died from complications of asphyxia.

Clancy’s mental condition in the months and weeks before the killings are expected to become the central battleground at trial.

LUIGI MANGIONE OVERRULED HIS OWN LAWYERS WITH A 'CHANGE OF HEART' ON PSYCH DEFENSE, LEGAL EXPERT SAYS

Her attorneys say she sought help repeatedly as she struggled with depression, sleeplessness, suicidal thoughts and voices urging her to harm herself and the children.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

She was admitted to a psychiatric hospital weeks before the deaths and was prescribed several medications as providers attempted to treat her worsening symptoms.

According to lawsuits filed by Lindsay and Patrick Clancy against her medical providers, she heard a voice on the day of the killings telling her it was her "last chance" to kill the children and herself.

The lawsuits accuse her providers of failing to properly diagnose, treat and monitor a severe postpartum psychiatric condition.

Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan ruled Friday that the media and public may not record, display, reproduce or distribute Patrick Clancy’s initial 911 call or autopsy photographs of the children.

The ruling came after Patrick requested that the evidence be shielded by media dissemination.

Reporters may also describe what is heard or shown in court but cannot broadcast or publish the recording or images themselves, according to the two-page order.

The privacy dispute produced a heated courtroom exchange Thursday after the jury was seated.

Patrick Clancy asked Sullivan to limit the public and media’s ability to record, broadcast or distribute his initial 911 call, family and crime-scene photographs of the children, autopsy images and the clothing the children were wearing.

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His attorney, David Meier, said the request was not intended to close the courtroom, prevent jurors from seeing the evidence or interfere with either side’s case. Instead, he argued that allowing the materials to circulate online would cause lasting emotional harm to Patrick Clancy.

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Lindsay Clancy’s defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, supported Patrick’s request and accused prosecutors of planning to present the evidence in a manner designed to "inflame" the jury.

"Even though we’re in a court, let’s talk a little bit about humanity," Reddington said. "Let’s talk a little bit about how we should try this case."

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Reddington said Patrick had suffered "one of the worst tragedies that anyone could ever suffer" and was attempting to rebuild his life.

"How that guy is still not an emotional basket case is beyond me. But nevertheless, he is trying hard to move on with his life. He has, as the court is aware, divorced. He’s remarried. He has a family. He has his extended family," he said.

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Reddington accused the prosecution of trying "to put a circus in front of this jury" and later called its approach "reprehensible."

"The district attorney wants to put that guy on the witness stand and show little onesies with bodily fluid of his child?" he said.

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Sullivan interrupted and reminded Reddington that the issue before the court was whether the media could record or distribute the evidence, rather than whether prosecutors could introduce it at trial.

Sprague began responding that the defense wanted to "rush past what happened to these children" and "whitewash away what happened," but Sullivan cut off the exchange.

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Reddington argued that calling one first responder after another would produce cumulative testimony intended primarily to stir jurors’ emotions.

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"The Commonwealth did not choose the number of victims. The defendant did," Sprague responded. "The Commonwealth did not choose the ages of the victims. The defendant did."

Opening statements are scheduled for Monday morning at 9 a.m.

EXCLUSIVE: Trump admin fast-tracks asylum cases, bypassing interviews to slash backlog

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:45:54 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration is changing how some asylum claims move through the immigration system, allowing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to refer certain applications directly to immigration judges without first interviewing applicants in an effort to reduce the nation's asylum backlog.

The interim final rule, which takes effect immediately, gives USCIS the authority to send some asylum applications to immigration court without conducting an affirmative asylum interview, eliminating what the administration called an unnecessary step in the adjudication process.

The change applies to affirmative asylum claims, which are filed by immigrants who are not in removal proceedings. Defensive asylum claims, in contrast, are raised before an immigration judge after the government has initiated removal proceedings.

TRUMP PUTS ASYLUM LAWYERS ‘ON NOTICE’ WITH NEW FRONT IN WAR ON FRAUD

Currently, USCIS generally interviews affirmative asylum applicants before either granting asylum or referring the case to an immigration judge for a separate review. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Fox News Digital the process can result in some applications being reviewed twice — first by USCIS and then again by an immigration judge — adding to the agency's growing backlog.

Under the new rule, USCIS can refer certain asylum applications directly to immigration court without first conducting an interview, a change administration officials said will allow both asylum officers and immigration judges to process cases more efficiently while directing resources toward applicants with legitimate claims of persecution.

The rule is the latest step in the Trump administration's broader effort to tighten the asylum system and speed up immigration enforcement, with officials arguing the current process has been exploited by immigrants seeking to delay removal proceedings and obtain work authorization.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE TO MAKE TRUMP'S BORDER POLICIES PERMANENT

"For far too long, the asylum system has been exploited for purposes of delay and work authorization, not legitimate claims of protection," USCIS Director Joseph Edlow told Fox News Digital. "America's asylum system exists to protect individuals who genuinely fear persecution and this rule will help ensure that resources are directed to the timely adjudication of those claims instead of to those seeking to use the system as a loophole."

DHS general counsel James Percival said delays within the asylum system have hindered immigration enforcement.

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"One of the greatest barriers to effective immigration enforcement is intentional delay by illegal aliens and the open borders attorneys who represent them," Percival told Fox News Digital. "My office works every day with the immigration components of DHS to improve efficiency and fulfill the president's mandate. The rule would do just that."

The rule takes effect immediately, though USCIS said it will continue accepting public comments before issuing a final version, responding to the feedback it receives.

NASCAR race looks pathetic with empty seats, driver gives the finger & the most embarrassing command ever?

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:45:43 -0400

Monday Morning Pit-Stop is a weekly NASCAR column that runs on OutKick.com and Fox News Digital. If you're looking for a normal NASCAR recap, go check out insufferable ESPN ... assuming they still know NASCAR exists.

Well ... Once a crown jewel, always a crown jewel, I reckon.

That wasn't your daddy's Brickyard 400. Sure, we got a decent finish and solid final 10 laps, but goodness gracious, does NASCAR have a problem on it's hands with this car.

There's no real point in relitigating it this morning. We all know it's garbage. Frankly, NASCAR knows its garbage. And if they didn't before Sunday's race, they certainly do now after seemingly every driver complained about it after the race.

NASCAR STAR SAYS QUIET PART OUT LOUD ABOUT EUROPE, PUNCHES NEARLY THROWN & GET THESE 'S---BOXES' OFF THE TRACK

Every driver except Corey Heim, of course! Who? That's right. Corey Heim. He's now a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, folks, and he isn't even a full-time driver! Better get used to the name, because he appears to be the real deal.

We'll talk about it today.

What else should we break down after Sunday's semi-snoozer in Indy? How about that crowd? Wasn't the best optics for NASCAR, although there is a catch.

HAS NASCAR LOST THE SOUTH? EX-DRIVER UNLOADS AFTER SEEING "100,000 EMPTY SEATS"

I've also got Carson Hocevar flipping off our winner while merging into traffic, Taylor Reimer kissing the bricks, the worst starting command in the history of commands, and are NASCAR races too long?

Kyle Larson thinks so, and boy, did it create a firestorm this weekend. He's right, by the way, but only sort of.

Four tires, a splash of Sunoco racin' fuel, and maybe a Red Bull for Kyle so he doesn't fall asleep at the wheel ... Monday Morning Pit-Stop — the 'Everybody Hates This Stupid Car' edition — is LIVE!

Carson loves Corey!

Which negative thing should we start with today? Look, I don't love coming out of the gates with this kind of attitude on the final Monday of July, but I don't dictate the content.

The racing does, and it wasn't great this weekend.

You know what? Before we get into any of the negative stuff (the car, the racing, the crowds, the length of a race), let's hit the refresh button on this Monday and get our minds right.

And I know the PERFECT person to help us do just that!

Carson Hocevar ... come on down:

The optics at Indy didn't look the best

Lordy. Is Carson Hocevar a content machine, or what? Imagine what he's gonna do when he gets into a legit car? He is, easily, the best thing going in NASCAR right now.

Frankly, it's not particularly close. Listen to Dale Jr.'s voice in the above clip. It's the most excited he got all day! Also, may have reminded him of this gem of a moment from his daddy's final race:

Dale Earnhardt giving a rookie Kurt Busch the finger at his first Daytona 500? I mean, how good did we have it back in the day? The racing. The broadcast booth. The drivers.

We had it all, and we just pissed it away. Sad.

Anyway, we've gone from that to just a brutal scene Sunday at Indianapolis. Again, the Brickyard 400 is still considered a "crown jewel," but Lordy, it didn't look — or feel — like one.

Covered grandstands. Empty seats. I know it's an absolutely massive venue — I get it — but it just looked bad:

Let's see how the drivers enjoyed the racing

We do this every time we go to Indy, by the way. The place is huge. It holds 400k. Do you understand how massive that is, especially in terms of other venues?

I think they'd have a hard time selling out an NFL game there, much less a NASCAR race in 2026. The folks who run the ticket stands tell me there were around 70,000 fans at the track yesterday, which looks horrific on TV — as you can see — but is actually a pretty decent number for NASCAR.

The Daytona 500 is easily the biggest race of the year, and that one gets around 101k. No other race, track, or venue comes even close. Any other race weekend, NASCAR would LOVE to see 70k.

But when you spread them out at the biggest venue in North America (unofficially), it's just a tough look. Also a tough look considering NASCAR used to pack this place to the brim. But it also used to get 20 million TV viewers a week, so, you know, times have changed.

You know what else has changed? The racing itself.

It stinks, especially at a place like Indy where it's quite literally follow-the-leader from start to finish.

The ONLY time you could gain spots yesterday was on a the restart. That's it. If you were in the lead, you stayed there.

Joey Logano ... how do we fix this bad boy?

NASCAR's down time, Taylor kisses the bricks and fire those engines!

"What would it take for you guys to pass here?"

"Probably an Xfinity car."

Whoooooooooooof. Just a brutal day. Just a brutal look for NASCAR at Indy, where there was NOT ONE green flag pass for the lead. Not one. We had lead changes during the pit cycles and restarts. That was it.

Do you know how embarrassing that is? That's an F1 stat. That's the crap I literally mock all the time. I don't have a leg to stand on today! I'm cooked. All NASCAR fans should be furious at that one stat today. If nothing else, be pissed at THAT.

That is a major problem ...

... as is the length of races:

"Yes I agree a lot of our Cup races are too long. Three hours is too long," Kyle Larson said before crashing out 100 miles into Sunday's race.

That comment took a ton of heat this weekend. A TON. Fans are pissed at Larson. It all stems from IndyCar driver Scott Dixon's comments last weekend saying a NASCAR race is a good time for a nap (objectively true), and it has everyone fired up right now.

Here's the thing ... Larson is halfway right. NASCAR races are too long, but not because of the mileage. They're too long because we can go nearly 30 minutes without any actual racing:

LOOK at those numbers. Truly astonishing.

There was ONE green flag lap of racing in 26 minutes at one point yesterday. One. There were 45 minutes of combined caution time before the final stage.

Yeah, that's too long. I don't think Larson was speaking out of turn. Sleep tight, race fans!

Perhaps the only thing that could keep folks awake yesterday was this ELECTRIC command to get the day going:

Thanks, Mike! Who else is ready to run through a brick wall today? You reckon he gives pep talks on the side?

OK, that's it for today. Good work, everyone. Let's get this thing back on track next week at ...

Wait. Never mind. The fellas are off next week.

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See you in two weeks at Iowa.

Take us home, Taylor Reimer.

Acting Director of National Intelligence announces 4th wave of layoffs

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:42:41 -0400

Acting Director of National Intelligence William Pulte announced Sunday that his office has completed a fourth batch of layoffs.

"Since becoming Acting Director of National Intelligence, our team has been smartly, and carefully, reducing the size of [the Office of the Director of National Intelligence], re-focusing ODNI on national security, the law, and the statute," he wrote in a post on X.

"As of this evening, we just finished a 4th round of thoughtful, measured layoffs. Thank you!" he noted.

TRUMP GREEN LIGHTS NEW DNI PULTE TO 'START THE PROCESS' ON MASS INTELLIGENCE FIRINGS

Pulte had previously noted in a July 10 post, "U.S. National Intelligence is operating more efficiently and effectively than ever before, and today, we started a third round of reducing redundant, or non-critical, personnel. DNI’s future is exceptionally bright, and will be focused on following the law and the statute."

President Donald Trump chose Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting DNI as well.

Tulsi Gabbard, who had been serving as DNI, departed the role last month. She had previously announced in May that she planned to exit the role due to her husband's bone cancer diagnosis.

WHY TRUMP PICKED BILL PULTE TO LEAD US INTELLIGENCE AS CRITICS QUESTION HIS QUALIFICATIONS

Prior to when Pulte took the reins at ODNI last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that during an interview, Trump said he had informed Pulte that he thought ODNI was "unnecessary and/or too big."

"I’d like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there," the president said, pointing to Obama and Biden administration carryovers, according to the Journal. Asked if he was calling for Pulte to engage in firings, the president indicated he wanted Pulte to "start the process," noting that the eventual DNI nominee should carry on with the effort, the outlet reported.

Trump later announced U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton as his nominee for the DNI role.

TRUMP'S DNI PICK CLEARS KEY HURDLE, REVIVING PATH FOR NATION'S TOP ANTI-TERROR SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

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"So deeply grateful to POTUS for letting me be acting Director of National Intelligence. He is, truly, the best, and it is a blessing to work for him. While it’s been only a few weeks, so much has already been accomplished —Operationally, AND, Transparency. Thank you, POTUS," Pulte wrote in a Sunday post on his personal X account.

'Friday Night Lights' star Adrianne Palicki says Texas gave her something Hollywood couldn't

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:53 -0400

"Friday Night Lights" star Adrianne Palicki found something in Texas that she knew Hollywood would never give her.

During an interview with Fox News Digital at a special fan screening celebrating 20 years of the iconic show — hosted by Plex and ATX TV, Palicki explained that she found "heart," which she did not have while living in the "negativity" of Los Angeles.

"Heart. Not a lot of my friends are actually even in the industry, but it does give us creative freedom and now there's a huge industry starting to pick up there," she began, referring to Austin, Texas. "We're able to make the movies we wanna make."

The actress explained that in LA, it requires a lot of money to make movies. "And in Austin, you can get together with your friends and you can. You know, scrape it up, and you just make whatever you want to make, and I think that's really special," Palicki said.

She explained that she decided to make the move thanks to filming "Friday Night Lights." Palicki told Fox News Digital that after shooting the pilot, she fully moved to Texas and initially would stay with Connie Britton, who played Tami Taylor on the hit show.

"I think getting outside of the element that can be sometimes negative in LA, where we're all vying for the same thing," she said of her decision to move. Speaking of Texas, Palicki said, "It's just a very positive environment and community."

"Friday Night Lights" premiered in 2006 and Plex and ATX TV are celebrating 20 years. Plex and ATX hosted this event as part of a nationwide road trip to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary. They have upcoming stops in New York and Kansas City.

MINKA KELLY UNCORKS A HEATER AT 45, ABS BACKFIRES SPECTACULARLY AND LSU PARENTS VS. A SECURITY GUARD!

WATCH: 'Friday Night Lights' star Adrianne Palicki says Texas gave her something Hollywood couldn't

The event at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Downtown LA on July 21 brought fans together to relive a cast-selected episode, hear behind-the-scenes stories from cast members, and celebrate the community, heart, and lasting impact that has made the series a fan favorite since its 2006 premiere.

WATCH: 'Friday Night Lights' star Adrianne Palicki shares biggest lesson from hit show

The "Supernatural" actress shared what a typical day in her life in Austin looks like.

"I'm probably one of those people that wakes up a little too late, snuggles with my dog. I get to walk a lake, it's green, it's lush, it is humid, the food is unbelievable," she continued. "I get a sense of community."

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Palicki starred as Tyra Collette on "Friday Night Lights." She was a series regular for the first three seasons of the NBC drama show.

WATCH: Dana Wheeler-Nicholson on what keeps 'Friday Night Lights' alive

During her interview with Fox News Digital, Palicki shared the biggest lesson she learned while filming the iconic show.

"I think it was the start of a very interesting shooting process. I don't know if I can speak for everybody else, but it changed my life, it changed my way of acting, it made me be able to have instincts, which not a lot of actors get," she began.

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"We don't get the freedom of that. We're told where to go, where to stand, whatever, no marks. Being able to improv, trusting the writers, trusting our fellow actors, all cameras on you at one time. It's something that's very special, and it changed television forever," Palicki continued. "And people try to copy it, but I think it's just a very special show."

WATCH: 'Friday Night Lights' star Aimee Teegarden shares how her definition of success has changed since her teenage years

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Ancient Egyptian settlement discovered from era that fueled Exodus debate

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:52 -0400

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered an ancient settlement dating back to the Second Intermediate Period, an era that has long figured in scholarly debates over the historical setting of the biblical Exodus.

The settlement was found at the Tell el-Koua site in the Wadi Tumilat region, an ancient corridor linking the eastern Nile Delta with Egypt's eastern frontier.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery in late June.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS MAKE UNUSUAL FIND NEAR SITE WHERE ARK OF THE COVENANT WAS ONCE KEPT

It includes 15th Dynasty tombs and evidence that the site remained occupied into the 18th Dynasty, spanning the transition from Hyksos rule to the New Kingdom.

The Hyksos were rulers who controlled much of northern Egypt about 3,600 years ago before being driven out by the Egyptians.

While biblical scholars remain divided over when — or even whether — the Exodus occurred as described in the Bible, some have suggested the Hyksos period may provide historical context for the biblical account.

At the site, archaeologists uncovered 10 mudbrick tombs, the remains of homes, ovens used for production, grain storage silos and a walled neighborhood dating to the Second Intermediate Period.

HIDDEN UNDERGROUND CHAMBER REVEALED BENEATH HOME OF LEGENDARY ROMAN EMPEROR

Archaeologists also recovered scarab amulets, bronze tools, pottery, alabaster cosmetic containers and human remains, along with animal bones believed to be linked to daily meals and funeral offerings.

Excavators also uncovered a roughly 98-by-197-foot residential complex still containing the remains of large halls and rooms, along with kilns and grain storage silos just east of the settlement.

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"For the first time at the site, archaeologists discovered human burials outside the mudbrick tombs, including some in a crouched position — an unusual burial practice that will require further study," the translated statement said.

"Analysis of the pottery assemblage also indicates intensive daily use of the site, with tableware dominating the collection, followed by cooking vessels."

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Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the discovery suggests the site functioned as an integrated community with residential areas, storage facilities, production areas and burial grounds.

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Fathy also "praised the efforts of Egyptian and foreign archaeological missions to uncover more of Ancient Egypt's secrets," the statement added.

The discovery follows another major archaeological find from Egypt's Second Intermediate Period in 2025.

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Last year, archaeologists in Egypt uncovered a rare 3,600-year-old pharaoh's tomb buried 23 feet beneath the desert near Abydos.

AI wearable watches you to predict what you need

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:47 -0400

Would you wear a small AI device that periodically looks at you and studies the world around you? A Singapore-based smart hardware and AI company, Lingverse, is betting people may be ready for that level of attention. Lingverse has raised $29 million to develop an AI wearable called iKairos. The company describes it as a personal AI guardian that can offer help before you ask.

The device can turn toward your surroundings or toward you. Lingverse says this two-way view could give its AI more context about what is happening in your life. That extra perspective could make AI more useful in daily life. However, it also creates a very personal trade-off. The device may need to observe you closely before it can understand what you need.

COULD A PAINT-ON ELECTRONIC TATTOO SPOT HEART ATTACKS?

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Why an AI wearable wants to watch you

Most AI assistants wait for a command. You ask a question or tap a button, then the software responds. Wearable AI devices can gather more context because they travel with you. Many use outward-facing cameras to identify objects or describe what appears nearby.

Lingverse wants iKairos to gather a second type of context. The device can turn its camera toward the person wearing it. Lingverse says this dual-perspective design could help iKairos understand both you and your environment. In turn, the device may be able to choose a more useful moment to offer assistance.

How iKairos tries to predict your needs

Lingverse calls iKairos a proactive AI device. Instead of waiting for every prompt, it could use context to decide when to step in. For example, a context-aware assistant might know you have an appointment and notice that you remain at home as the departure time approaches. It could then remind you to leave. Lingverse has not confirmed that this exact feature will be available at launch.

Lingverse says iKairos will learn about you over time. That memory could help it choose when to offer a question, reminder or suggestion. When we asked what specific tasks or predictions iKairos will handle at launch, Lingverse described its broader goal of anticipating your needs and adapting to your routine. The company did not provide concrete launch examples.

AI CHATBOTS TAKE HEAT OVER LEFT-WING BIAS: ‘NO LONGER BE CONSIDERED NEUTRAL’

How the iKairos AI wearable works

Lingverse describes iKairos as a modular device. You can wear it or place it on a desk. The device can shift its gaze between you and the surrounding area. This allows it to collect context from either direction.

Lingverse says iKairos captures no video. Instead, its camera takes occasional still photos. The company says each image is discarded immediately after the AI analyzes it, leaving no browsable library of raw images on the device or in the cloud. The device picks up audio only after detecting a human voice, according to Lingverse. The company says it will not continuously record everything around you. However, Lingverse has yet to explain how long voice-triggered audio remains available during or after analysis.

The device captures information locally, but its AI analysis happens in the cloud. Lingverse says no information leaves the device without your explicit consent. Lingverse is targeting 12 to 16 hours of battery life. The company says actual runtime will vary based on how often the device captures information, how frequently it syncs and the environment where you use it.

AI wearable privacy protections and concerns

An inward-facing camera will likely make privacy the biggest issue surrounding iKairos. Lingverse says the hardware includes a physical camera shutter. Closing it blocks the camera and gives you a visible privacy control.

You will also be able to press and hold a control to place iKairos in silent mode. Lingverse says this stops the device from listening, while the screen and an indicator light confirm that silent mode is active.

According to Lingverse, you decide what gets uploaded for cloud analysis. The company says it encrypts information while it travels, while it remains stored in the cloud and while it stays locally on the device.

Lingverse also says you can choose how long it keeps your data. You can permanently delete an individual item or close your account, which the company says clears all content connected to it from the cloud.

How a former home robot inspired the new wearable

The idea behind iKairos grew from an earlier home robot called Jibo. Jibo was a small tabletop robot with an expressive screen for a face. It gained attention after a 2014 crowdfunding campaign and later appeared on TIME's Best Inventions list.

Its expressive face and animated movements helped set it apart from conventional smart speakers. Yet the robot stayed in one place, which limited its usefulness. The company behind Jibo eventually closed. In 2019, the robot delivered an emotional farewell message to its owners before its services wound down.

Lingverse founder and CEO Jiawei Gu previously served on Jibo's board. According to Lingverse, he also worked on human-computer interaction at Microsoft Research and Baidu. Gu later developed the Luka Reading Robot. Lingverse says that the reading companion has sold roughly 10 million units. Now, Gu wants to continue Jibo's social robot concept with current AI technology. iKairos keeps the expressive face while adding mobility and a deeper understanding of you.

AI BUILDS VIRTUAL HOMES WHERE ROBOTS LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES

AI wearable price, subscription and release details

Lingverse says iKairos preorders will begin during the third quarter of 2026 at ikairos.world. Each device will ship within 90 days of the preorder, according to the company.

Exact pricing will be released closer to launch. Lingverse says core features will work through a free tier, while more advanced capabilities will require a subscription. The company has yet to reveal which features require payment or how much the subscription will cost.

Kurt's key takeaways

iKairos gives us an early look at where wearable AI could be headed. The idea has promise, especially if it can step in with useful help without recording your entire day. Lingverse has now filled in some of the privacy blanks around still images, voice detection and data controls. Still, the AI analysis happens in the cloud, so you will want to know exactly when information leaves the device and what you are agreeing to share. The targeted 12 to 16 hours of battery life could get you through most of the day. The bigger question is what iKairos will actually do for you when it launches. We also need the final price and subscription details before we know whether the trade-off is worth it.

Would you wear an AI companion that uses occasional photos and voice detection to understand your day, or would any inward-facing camera feel like one camera too many? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Fox News AI Newsletter: White House monitoring OpenAI containment escape, Hugging Face hack

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:49:11 -0400

Welcome to Fox News' Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER:

- White House monitoring incident after OpenAI models escaped containment and hacked Hugging Face systems

- Apple briefly overtakes Nvidia as world's most valuable company amid AI investment doubts

- HalluSquatting AI attack could hijack your computer

OUT OF THE BOX: The White House is monitoring an incident disclosed by OpenAI in which one of the company's AI models went rogue during testing and hacked the system of an AI infrastructure startup.

SILICON SHAKE-UP: Apple briefly passed Nvidia to become the world's most valuable company on Friday as the tech titans jostled for the top spot as investors reconsider the outlook for investments in AI.

BYTE AND SWITCH: You ask an artificial intelligence assistant to download a popular software tool. It confidently finds the project, retrieves the files and starts setting everything up. There is one problem. The AI found the wrong project. That mistake may sound like another frustrating AI hallucination. However, researchers have shown how an attacker could turn that wrong answer into a malware delivery system.

CAREER ADVICE: As artificial intelligence reshapes workplaces across industries, one hiring executive says job seekers worried about AI replacing them may be focusing on the wrong challenge. Instead of looking for candidates with years of AI experience, employers increasingly want workers who can prove they're willing to learn, according to Sultan Khan, head of talent acquisition and human resources at San Francisco-based OpenArt AI.

ESCALATING THREATS: An enormous vessel taking shape near Guangzhou, China, appears designed to refuel, rearm and resupply Chinese carrier groups far from home. At roughly 885 feet long, it could become the world’s largest dedicated naval replenishment ship.

DIGITAL DEFENSE: The head of artificial intelligence (AI) giant Anthropic's frontier red team called for industry-wide safety standards to protect against models running amok. Anthropic's Logan Graham, who leads the company's red team that looks for risks in emerging AI models, said in an interview Thursday on FOX Business Network's "Mornings with Maria" that red teams like the one he leads play a critical role in stress testing guardrails on AI models.

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

NBA star rips socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani as 'mayor playing president' and more top headlines

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:07:57 -0400

Good morning and welcome to Fox News’ morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here's what you need to know to start your day ...

TOP 3

1. NBA star blasts NYC's Mamdani as 'mayor playing president'

2. Iran rejects talks as Trump pauses 2-week bombing campaign

3. GOP rep calls to 'clean house' at the Smithsonian

MAJOR HEADLINES

CROWD PANIC — Multiple people dead after gunfire breaks out at Seattle festival. Continue reading …

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AMERICA FIRST? — House Republican says the Iran war has 'significantly weakened' America. Continue reading …

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Dad suffers heart attack days before daughter's wedding — then doctors make sure he walks her down the aisle

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:51 -0400

A father who suffered a heart attack just days before his daughter's wedding refused to let open-heart surgery keep him from walking her down the aisle.

Days before the planned ceremony, Rick Nelson began having chest pains while at a friend’s home. His wife, Gail, rushed him to Cleveland Clinic’s Marymount Emergency Department, according to a hospital statement sent to Fox News Digital.

When it was confirmed that Nelson was having a heart attack, he was brought by helicopter to Cleveland Clinic's main campus. Doctors found multiple severe coronary blockages that would require open-heart surgery.

BRIDE IS WALKED DOWN WEDDING AISLE BY MAN WHO RECEIVED HER LATE FATHER'S HEART

As Nelson was prepped for surgery, he told his doctors, "My daughter, Rachel, is getting married Saturday. I have to be there."

Following a successful quadruple bypass performed by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Faisal Bakaeen, Nelson began recovering in the ICU.

The initial plan was for his daughter to come visit him the hospital so he could have a first look at her in her wedding dress — but that evolved into something much bigger.

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Care teams from across the hospital worked together to make sure Nelson could take part in the June 6 wedding, coordinating every detail to safely move the ceremony to the hospital's rooftop.

Just days after undergoing life-saving heart surgery, Nelson traded his hospital bed for a front-row seat at his daughter's wedding. His care team prepared the venue, helped Nelson get dressed for the occasion and made sure he was able to walk his daughter down the aisle.

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Nearly 80 family members and friends gathered on the hospital rooftop, where caregivers lined the aisle as Nelson — still recovering from the surgery he’d undergone just days earlier — accompanied his daughter to meet her groom, Dana Schultz.

"Moments like these remind us the work we do is about more than medicine. It’s about people, families and milestones that can’t be repeated — and the shared commitment of a team to make something so meaningful possible," said Dr. Bakaeen, according to Cleveland Clinic’s statement.

"It’s hard to put into words what this meant to us," Nelson’s wife said. "Everyone went above and beyond."

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The celebration continued later that day at the couple’s reception, where the bride’s mother started her toast with a lighthearted quip: "He didn’t have to make this dramatic of a move to get out of giving a speech."

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Nelson has since been discharged and is recovering at home with his family while beginning cardiac rehabilitation — grateful he was able to keep the promise he made to his daughter.

The war on data centers jeopardizes our economy and national security

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:39 -0400

Imagine if during World War II, protesters had gathered outside factories making tanks and planes, and tried to shut them down. Or that just before Pearl Harbor, when American industry was "hyperscaling" its defense infrastructure in order to make the country ready for war, cities and counties had placed restrictions on new plant and shipyard openings and tried to dictate what could be produced where — as long as it wasn’t near them.

Any commonsense observer in 1940-1941 would know the only beneficiaries of these obstructionist tactics were our nation’s enemies.

That was one kind of war. Today we face another kind, an artificial intelligence (AI) war with China. The aims of both combatants, in looking to dominate the technology that will rule the future, couldn’t be more different. While U.S. companies and the Trump administration see AI as a tool to make the world more prosperous and individuals freer and more autonomous, China’s goal in the AI sector is developing the tools to further enslave their own population while shaping a global hegemony "with Chinese characteristics," i.e. total control by Beijing.

BLANCHE URGED TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FOREIGN INFLUENCE IN FIGHT AGAINST DATA CENTERS

China and the U.S. are the only two countries poised to dominate the future of AI. Between them, they control 90% of AI compute capacity; yet America’s share comes to 75% compared to just 15% for China. It’s true China has focused on key applications in industrial use of AI, and also in treating AI as a decisive military and strategic asset. But the U.S. is still dominant in generative AI and AI innovation, and is moving fast to make up ground in the industrial and military spheres.

But not if the power needed to drive and expand our advantage economically and strategically, isn’t there.

How big is the data center ban movement? Some 78 local jurisdictions across the country have set up temporary moratoriums or bans on new data centers. While New York is the only state to actually impose a new construction moratorium, 14 other states are considering similar measures, including red states like Florida, Oklahoma, and Georgia.

MARXIST ORGANIZER LEADS CAMPAIGN AGAINST VIRGINIA AI DATA CENTER AS FOREIGN INFLUENCE CONCERNS MOUNT

If this movement grows and gets the backing of a major political party like the Democrats, and temporary bans become permanent, the only clear winner will be China, just as banning building defense plants in World War II would have benefited Nazi Germany and imperial Japan.

It’s not just the future of our economy that’s at stake: in Georgia’s case alone, some 552,000 jobs and $850 million in tax revenue if a ban goes into effect. It’s also our national security. I’d argue, even freedom itself.

Yet the ban movement itself is built on myths and lies.

TOP ENERGY GROUP WARNS WEALTHY FOREIGNERS ARE POTENTIALLY BANKROLLING ANTI-DATA CENTER CAMPAIGNS ACROSS US

Far from raising electricity costs as data center opponents claim, creating new data centers will actually lower them by spreading costs over a larger volume of sales.
Far from using too much drinking water, many data centers use no water 96% of the time, while others don’t use water at all. As for those that do, golf courses consume significantly more water than data centers: more than 500 billion gallons a year nationally compared to data centers at 230 billion gallons.
Far from wrecking the local economy, data center construction spawns tens of thousands of jobs. A new study by the liberal Brookings Institution found that when a new data center arrives in a community, construction employment jumps 11%, and information sector employment — IT services, telecommunications, software — grows by 22%. Wages also rise by 3%-4% for both existing workers and new hires.

Likewise, far from being a drain on the public fisc, tax revenues soar with the additional economic growth an AI-supporting data center helps to create.

Nor are the benefits just for billionaires and Big Tech. As a key driver of economic growth and productivity, AI will enable a host of startups and small businesses to compete in the marketplace, including the new recruits to a resurgent U.S. manufacturing sector.

By nearly every estimate, the onset of AI and its supporting data centers will add trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy — as much as an additional 1.5%-3.7% of GDP growth annually.

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Those are the economic benefits. But AI, and the data centers that will enable its uses to grow and intensify, are also essential for our national security.

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One side is AI’s obvious military uses, such as "killer drones" and other battlefield applications, as the war in Ukraine is demonstrating. But AI is also a powerful tool for detecting cyber threats, analyzing vast amounts of intelligence data and organizing the logistics for military readiness, not to mention making manufacturing in our defense industrial base more efficient and streamlined, and ready to take on China’s head-on.

Either way, the decisions we make now about the future of data centers will have a decisive impact on the future of freedom. It’s crucial that Americans choose the right path, one that truly benefits us and future generations; not the bureaucrats of the Chinese Communist Party.

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CNN staffers see Paramount merger as 'inevitable' despite legal battle delaying Ellison takeover

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:16 -0400

A delay in the looming Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery mega-merger that would put CNN under the control of David Ellison did little to quell anxieties at the struggling network.

A CNN insider told Fox News Digital that everyone they’ve spoken to feels the merger is "inevitable" and said the delay hardly lifted spirits inside the company that has seen multiple leadership changes in recent memory.

"No change in morale," the insider said. "Keep in mind the current situation is grim, so people see it as a matter of bad or worse."

Ellison’s Paramount is attempting to build a media empire of historic proportions by acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion. The European Union and the U.S.’ Justice Department have each signed off on the deal, with the final roadblock coming from an antitrust lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Last week, a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO), temporarily blocking the companies from closing the deal until at least August 17. Paramount then agreed to delay the deal until next year in order for the lawsuit to play out in court.

PARAMOUNT-WBD MERGER ON HOLD AFTER JUDGE GRANTS TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER

Some staffers are concerned about the direction of the network under Ellison, while others are worried about keeping their jobs. A second CNN insider, a longtime employee, is sick of the constant speculation.

"I think most people just want whatever done, done," they told Fox News Digital.

"I've been through multiple CEOs," they continued. "I've seen very little change based on who is at the very top."

There has been a revolving door of bosses who have run CNN in recent years. From 2013 to early 2022, then-CEO Jeff Zucker reshaped the network to be adversarial to President Donald Trump, particularly during his first term in office. After his ousting as a result of an undisclosed workplace romance he had with one of his deputies, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav tapped Chris Licht, who worked as the top producer for MSNBC's "Morning Joe" and "CBS This Morning" before becoming the executive producer of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," to become Zucker's successor.

PARAMOUNT ADVISERS PUSH FOR CALIFORNIA EXIT AS STATE SUES TO BLOCK WARNER BROS DISCOVERY MERGER: REPORT

Early in his tenure, Licht made clear he wanted to dial back the left-leaning programming that dominated the network during the Zucker era. However, he struggled to earn the trust of the CNN workforce, who were fiercely loyal to Zucker — an extremely hands-on leader in comparison to Licht — and were far more aligned with Zucker's vision for the network.

Tensions came to a head in 2023 when Licht invited Trump on air for a CNN town hall, which sparked outrage among his staff and liberal viewers. Licht was publicly criticized by CNN personalities such as Christiane Amanpour and then-media reporter Oliver Darcy, while a somber Anderson Cooper told viewers he understood if they decided to ditch CNN forever. Employees got even more upset with Licht when an unflattering profile in The Atlantic revealed he told Trump to "have fun" prior to taking the stage.

Zaslav ultimately fired Licht and replaced him with CNN's current CEO Mark Thompson, who has been credited for his effective stints leading The New York Times and the BBC. However, Thompson's own future at the network remains uncertain.

It was reported that Thompson insisted "he would not share oversight of CNN with another executive" after it was reported that Bari Weiss, Ellison's handpicked editor-in-chief of CBS News, would take on an oversight position at CNN after both networks are under one corporate roof.

Thompson hasn't sparked internal strife the way Licht did, but sagging ratings, a confusing digital strategy and nonstop takeover rumors have caused continued dread within the company.

"I think, for most, things haven't been the same since Jeff Zucker left," the second CNN insider said.

WARNER BROS DISCOVERY SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE DEAL

If Ellison does take control of CNN, the historic deal would come at least one year after his company acquired CBS News through a similar merger.

Things haven’t exactly gone smoothly at CBS News under Ellison, as Weiss — like Licht — has struggled to earn the trust of her staff, infuriating liberals with changes seemingly designed to make the network’s coverage less partisan.

Critics of Weiss and Ellison have accused them of bending the knee to Trump and trying to curry favor with his administration. CNN staffers now worry they will share a similar fate once Weiss and Ellison are handed the keys, though Ellison has publicly vowed that CNN will maintain its editorial independence.

The New York Times recently reported that "Ellison and his deputies are weighing whether to put Ms. Weiss in charge of CNN," adding that she could be teamed "with a more experienced TV executive who could handle the technical and financial aspects of the network."

If Weiss is given control of CNN, it would mark an awkward reunion with Anderson Cooper, the veteran CNN anchor who served as a "60 Minutes" correspondent for CBS News until he walked away from the storied newsmagazine earlier this year.

Cooper has told colleagues that "he does not want to work" for Weiss, according to the Times. CNN contributor Kara Swisher has vowed to leave the company if Ellison takes over because his "handpicked minions" are "incompetent."

CALIFORNIA AG BLASTS PARAMOUNT-WBD MERGER AS ‘ILLEGAL,’ SAYS THREAT TO LEAVE STATE IS ‘BLACKMAIL’ EFFORT

The Times also noted longtime executive Amy Entelis’ office has emerged as "something of a psychiatrist’s couch for anchors and correspondents, who often drop in to air their anxieties about the looming changes."

CNN's star international correspondent Clarissa Ward passed on a long-term contract and opted to only extend her deal for one year in order to "evaluate the post-merger landscape and whether Weiss is given editorial oversight over CNN," according to Status.

The Status report noted that several of Ward's CNN colleagues have also expressed "strong reservations" about working for Weiss.

If Paramount, which insists the state AG antitrust arguments are without merit, prevails, then Ellison could possibly enlist Weiss to finish what Licht was unable to complete. But it remains to be seen if CNN staffers will play ball this time around.

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CNN declined comment when asked a series of questions, including if there is a concern that rank-and-file employees will turn on incoming leadership.

Paramount issued the following statement: "This merger is lawful, pro-competitive, and will benefit consumers, creators, workers, and the entertainment industry. We will continue to vigorously defend the transaction and will look forward to the hearings on the substance of the State AGs’ action."

Caitlin Clark is missing from ESPN's new WNBA documentary and the filmmakers won't say why

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:41:41 -0400

ESPN released roughly two-and-a-half hours of a glossy documentary about the WNBA’s rise over the past few years. It's called "Life in the W," and it premiered Friday night, as part of an All-Star weekend rollout.

By Monday, someone could search the internet and find the trailer, ESPN press releases, streaming guides, episode listings and articles announcing the series. And that was pretty much it.

SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM SPEAKS OUT TO PROTECT GIRLS AS WNBA ALL-STAR INITIATIVE BACKS ‘GENDER-EXPANSIVE’ GROUP

OutKick could not locate a single independent review of "Life in the W," a substantive interview with either of its key producers or even a traditional episode recap after the six-part series premiered.

That seemed quite unusual for an ESPN Original produced by UNINTERRUPTED in association with Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios, DICK’S Sporting Goods’ in-house content and production studio. None of those organizations is in the business of creating products and not marketing them extensively.

ESPN marketed the series as an intimate look at three of the WNBA’s "most accomplished and influential players" during a "groundbreaking year" for the league.

The lack of coverage is even more puzzling because the show’s publicity team actively pitched interviews with executive producer and show runner Trishtan Williams and ESPN Originals executive producer Lindsay Rovegno.

OutKick was offered an interview that never happened.

OutKick asked about interviewing the filmmakers on July 14. The following day, a publicist offered both Williams and Rovegno. OutKick immediately accepted, requested available interview windows and asked to screen the series beforehand.

Then, for more than a week, we heard nothing.

The publicist finally provided screener access on the eve of the premiere and apologized, explaining that the filmmakers’ schedules had become difficult because of WNBA All-Star events. Neither filmmaker was ever made available for the interview that had been offered.

Perhaps the rollout was simply disorganized.

But an interview with OutKick would have required the filmmakers to address the most obvious question hanging over the entire series.

Where is Caitlin Clark?

"Life in the W" follows A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier and DeWanna Bonner through the 2025 WNBA season. The cameras document their careers, families, relationships, injuries, playoff runs and participation in the negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement.

Clark isn't completely absent. She appears in game and All-Star footage, and commentators mention her by name several times.

But she is not interviewed. She is not given a personal storyline. Her effect on the WNBA’s popularity is never meaningfully examined.

Instead, Clark exists mostly as background noise to a transformation the series repeatedly celebrates.

CAITLIN CLARK KEEPS DELIVERING RECORD WNBA VIEWERSHIP AS FEVER TOP 1 MILLION VIEWERS YET AGAIN

The opening montage touts the WNBA’s "recent surge in popularity," record attendance, increased viewership, new fans and a media-rights agreement worth billions of dollars.

Later, during a segment about Bonner’s brief and unhappy tenure with the Indiana Fever, the documentary describes a "new era in Indy" and an "influx of fans, viewership, marketing, money, all with the Indiana Fever."

The obvious catalyst for that influx goes largely unexamined.

It's difficult to make a serious documentary about the WNBA’s unprecedented rise without directly confronting Clark’s role in it.

It also may have been nearly impossible to include her.

That left the filmmakers with a clear Caitlin Clark problem.

"Life in the W" is missing its most important character

There are many potential reasons why Clark isn't one of the three players featured.

She may have been asked and declined. Given the level of scrutiny around her and how carefully her camp manages access, that wouldn't be surprising. Allowing cameras to follow her through an entire WNBA season would create considerable risk while offering her little she doesn't already have.

But the filmmakers would not say whether they asked Clark to participate at all.

There is also a practical storytelling problem.

The moment Clark becomes one of the central subjects, "Life in the W" becomes the Caitlin Clark documentary.

It wouldn't matter how evenly the filmmakers divided the screen time. Clark’s quotes would produce the headlines and her scenes would drive the conversation. Every moment takes on larger meaning when Clark is involved.

Wilson is one of the greatest players in league history. Collier is an MVP-caliber star and an important union leader. Bonner is a two-time champion and one of the longest-tenured players in the sport.

Put Clark next to them, and all three become minor supporting characters.

That might not be fair, but it is reality.

There's also the racial composition of the series.

Clark is the most conspicuous omission, but not the only one. Breanna Stewart, one of the most decorated active players in the sport and a WNBPA vice president, is not featured either. That makes the selection of Wilson, Collier and Bonner look less like a simple ranking of the league’s three biggest stars and more like a deliberate editorial construction.

Wilson, Collier and Bonner are all Black. Clark and Stewart are White. Paige Bueckers, the White guard selected No. 1 in the 2025 WNBA Draft, likely would have made a very interesting documentary subject, but she is also not featured.

That doesn't prove race was the reason for the selections, or even one of the reasons. But documentaries do not accidentally arrive at their central subjects. The filmmakers deliberately built the entire series around three Black women during an era in which nearly every conversation about Clark’s popularity, media attention and relationship with the rest of the league eventually becomes entangled with race.

The broader public debate surrounding Clark and the WNBA has repeatedly expanded beyond basketball into disputes about race, gender, sexuality, media coverage and who should receive credit for the league’s growth.

Adding the enormously popular White player would not have been a neutral casting decision; it would have changed the cultural meaning of the project.

The filmmakers could have faced backlash for making Clark the central explanation for a league that existed for nearly three decades before she arrived. Clark is the single biggest catalyst behind the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity, yet much of the league’s media ecosystem still appears reluctant to say that part out loud.

There's also the simple practical reason they may have chosen the players that they did: access. Being a central figure in a yearlong documentary process isn't for everyone. It requires allowing cameras and microphones to capture practically every moment in the subjects' lives.

It would have been perfectly defensible for the filmmakers to say they chose three women who were willing to grant extensive access to their lives.

They never gave us the opportunity to ask.

After the promised interview failed to materialize, OutKick submitted the central questions in writing: Was Clark approached? Did she decline? If she was not approached, why not? And what criteria were used to choose Wilson, Collier and Bonner?

Neither filmmaker responded.

Their lack of availability is especially strange in light of how little media attention the series generated.

The online coverage OutKick found consisted largely of announcement rewrites, ESPN’s own viewing guide, television listings and a favorable recap of a private promotional event hosted by Williams and attended by Bonner. None amounted to a substantive review or filmmaker interview about the series itself.

Even outlets that regularly champion women’s sports don't appear to have published a piece telling readers they watched the series and explaining why it mattered. Given the project’s focus on representation, motherhood, labor activism, LGBTQ relationships and three Black female athletes, one might have expected friendly coverage from progressive sports and culture outlets.

Instead, there was almost nothing.

WNBA COMMISSIONER VOWS TO CRACK DOWN ON 'RACISM, MISOGYNY,' DODGES BIG QUESTIONS AT ALL-STAR PRESS CONFERENCE

"Life in the W" tries to tell the story of a booming league through three accomplished women who had rich personal and professional journeys.

But Caitlin Clark still looms over the entire production.

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She is the unspoken explanation behind the "new era" in Indiana. She is the missing figure whenever the series celebrates the arrival of new fans, television viewers and money. Her absence also creates the documentary’s most interesting tension.

Clark is too popular to include without taking over.

She is too important to exclude without leaving a hole.

ESPN found a way to make nearly two-and-a-half hours of television with Clark mostly kept on the sideline. It never explained why.

And perhaps most remarkably, OutKick appears to be the only outlet that bothered to ask.

DNC Chair Ken Martin threw phone at aide's desk, faced HR complaint in sign of 'fraying nerves': report

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:29:56 -0400

Stressed-out Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin faced a formal human resources complaint after allegedly throwing his phone at a junior aide's desk at the party's Washington headquarters in early July, The New York Times reported Sunday, as financial concerns and internal tensions placed his leadership under scrutiny.

The cause of the alleged outburst remained unclear, but one DNC source briefed on the episode described it as worsening conduct.

"It's just f---ing unacceptable. This is spiraling behavior," the source told NOTUS.

The Times described the show of frustration as a sign of Martin's "fraying nerves."

SLOTKIN SAYS DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEEDS 'NEW LEADERSHIP': 'OLD MODELS ARE NO LONGER WORKING'

The Times cited six people familiar with the incident, none of whom witnessed it firsthand. Their accounts differed over how forcefully Martin threw the phone, but the newspaper reported that it landed on the aide's desk while Martin was reprimanding the staffer and led to a formal HR complaint.

NOTUS reported that five sources said Martin threw the phone in the aide's direction after a scheduled period of donor and political calls. The phone did not strike the staffer, but several aides were shaken, according to the outlet. Martin apologized to the aide during an HR meeting on the following business day.

The reports came as the DNC faced a substantial financial disadvantage less than four months before the midterm elections. Federal Election Commission records showed the committee ended June with $16.3 million in cash and $18.5 million in debt. By comparison, the Republican National Committee reported $128.5 million in cash and no debt.

Martin is leading the Democratic Party in trying to win back control of the House and Senate in the midterms, in what is historically a buoyant year for the party out of power. Every president this century has seen their party lose the majority of at least one chamber in their midterms.

CASH-STRAPPED DNC SHELLED OUT MORE THAN $800K TO NON-VOTING TERRITORIES LIKE VIRGIN ISLANDS WHILE IN DEBT

According to The New York Times, he's resorted to joking about his job security and is "frustrated with the tarnished public image of a party that he plainly loves and has devoted his life to." He has also largely disappeared from public interviews in recent months following criticism of the party's bungled release of its 2024 "autopsy."

Fox News Digital reported in November that the DNC confirmed opening a $20 million line of credit and drawing $15 million. The committee pledged its partially owned Washington headquarters as collateral for the loan.

A DNC official said in a statement to The New York Post that the use of the building as collateral followed previous committee practices.

"This is not new. The loan documents were publicly released in November, and the DNC’s building was also used as collateral in our prior lines of credit in 2019, 2018, 2014, and many other years," the official said.

JAMES CARVILLE RAGES OVER FAILURE BY DNC TO RELEASE 2024 POLITICAL AUTOPSY, CALLS IT 'TOO STUPID FOR WORDS'

The Times reported that the committee asked some vendors to delay submitting invoices until after the midterms.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, DNC Executive Director Roger Lau characterized those requests as routine contract discussions.

"This is nothing more than standard negotiations with vendors over contracts and payment processes," Lau said.

Martin defended the committee’s strategy in a Substack essay last week, saying it raised $154.8 million from grassroots and major donors through June, compared with $95.2 million during the comparable 2017-2018 period.

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"The current DNC has raised the most money of any DNC without the White House in the 198-year history of the Democratic Party," Martin said in a Monday Substack. "But a party is not a savings account. Its purpose is to build power."

While the DNC responded to financial questions, it did not respond to Fox News Digital's request regarding Martin's alleged conduct with the junior aide.

Rep Thomas Massie says the Iran war has 'significantly weakened' America 'all for Israel'

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:11:41 -0400

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky argued Sunday that the war with Iran has "weakened" the United States.

"The U.S. has been significantly weakened by the war with Iran," the congressman wrote in a Sunday post on X.

"This administration depleted our missile defenses, drained our oil reserves, sacrificed our men & women, inflated the price of consumer goods, increased our debt, and neglected our domestic needs…" he continued, adding, "all for Israel."

Some parts of Massie’s criticism align with publicly reported effects of the conflict. The Energy Department authorized the release of 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, while news reports and congressional spending measures have pointed to heavy demand for U.S. missile-defense systems and billions of dollars in additional defense funding. His broader assertion that the United States has been "significantly weakened" is a political judgment.

HOUSE REPUBLICAN THOMAS MASSIE SUGGESTS OBAMACARE COULD NOW BE LABELED 'TRUMPCARE'

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House early on Monday morning to request a comment.

Massie, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 13 years, lost the May Republican primary in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District to President Donald Trump-backed challenger, retired Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein.

MASSIE LASHES OUT WHEN PRESSED ON EX-GIRLFRIEND'S ALLEGATIONS OF AFFAIR WITH GOP FIREBRAND

In a Friday post on X, Massie accused Trump of shifting toward a neoconservative foreign policy, writing, "Why did he flip to neocon?"

Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who quit earlier this year due to his opposition to the Iran war, has been calling for President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from the region.

EX-COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICIAL JOE KENT CONTINUES CALLING FOR US MILITARY WITHDRAWAL FROM MIDDLE EAST

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"The Israelis know they can’t fight this war without the U.S., so their goal is to get us on board with more strikes, ground troops, etc., in the hopes that American causalities will sway public opinion enough to escalate into a chaotic, drawn-out war," Kent wrote in part of a Sunday post on X. "Our only viable option is to leave now—President Trump should use this pause in fighting to get our troops out & use quiet economic diplomacy to reopen the SOH & BAM."

The Trump administration has defended the military campaign as necessary to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, cripple its navy, sever its support for terrorist proxies and prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The White House has also credited what it called "decisive American strength" with producing an agreement intended to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Prince William likely 'livid' over Meghan Markle's 'tasteless' photos at Princess Diana's home: expert

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:00:56 -0400

Meghan Markle shared photos of her children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie, frolicking around the late Princess Diana's childhood home and experts are calling Markle's move "tasteless."

This week, Markle crafted an Instagram post about the family's recent U.K. visit. She captioned her post, "Summer Holiday," and one of the images shows Prince Harry with his kids walking on a grassy path with hedges and large trees. The photo is believed to be taken at Althorp, the Spencer family’s ancestral estate.

In the photo, Archie and Harry are carrying bouquets, which seemingly suggest that they visited Diana's burial site, which is on an island in the middle of her family's estate.

Hilary Fordwich, British royals expert, told Fox News Digital that Prince Harry's oldest brother, Prince William, is likely "livid" by Markle's photos.

KING CHARLES KEPT PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON IN THE DARK ABOUT SECRET HARRY AND MEGHAN REUNION: REPORT

"Not only is Prince William likely to be livid regarding such commercialization of Althorp in such a tacky tasteless media post, it’ll fuel his disgust so he shall thwart any major re-entry," she began. "Likewise, Camilla, courtiers, palace aides, security officials & other institutional gatekeepers who are duty bound to protect the monarchy, will all do their utmost to thwart MM & H’s attempts."

Richard Fitzwilliams, royal expert, pointed out that the Spencer's must have given the Duke and Duchess of Sussex permission to visit Althorp, therefore her post is "permissible."

PRINCE HARRY LONGS FOR HIS OLD ROYAL LIFE AS AMERICA ISN'T WHAT HE EXPECTED, EXPERTS SAY

"Meghan shared pictures of their children on what is assumed is Althorp, home of the Spencer family. That would have been allowed by the Spencer's and is therefore permissible," he told Fox News Digital.

Fitzwilliams continued, "What is important is the silence Harry and Meghan have somehow managed to maintain after seeing King Charles and Queen Camilla, in contrast to what has happened previously. It will have been made clear that there would be no future meetings if they had talked to any of the media."

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, called Markle's decision to share a private family moment publicly "predictable."

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"As for Meghan posting photos of the children at Diana’s family home. It is a predictable move. It ties them to history without using a title. However, it also shows a slight tension, wanting the Royal story when it helps, while keeping distance when it doesn’t," Chard said.

"The public understands peace in private, but basically the crown has to come first," she concluded.

On Harry and Meghan's recent trip to the U.K., they were reportedly reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Charles had not seen his grandchildren since 2022.

"No doubt KCIII wants his 'dear boy' H back within the royal fold with limited family contact & a controlled private reconciliation. But given the stance of Prince William, there will not be a return to any significant working-royal role," Fordwich told Fox News Digital.

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"The entire family is most wary of the institutional risk H & MM are likely to cause at any given moment via leaks to the media. MM sharing photos which appear to be taken at Althorp of her children is a ghastly exploitative move & precisely why the couple aren’t trusted," the royal expert continued.

"She is being predictably provocative & tasteless since Princess Diana’s resting place is purposely at Althorp, a most private family mourning location & deeply symbolic being Princess Diana’s ancestral home."

Chard is highly doubtful that Charles' visit with his estranged son means Harry will be accepted back into the "royal arena."

"I doubt Charles will just let the Sussexes back into the Royal arena, especially as there has been no genuine contrition. A family reunion is one thing. A return to royal life is another," she said. "Harry and Meghan would need to take responsibility and offer a proper apology to the King and to the country. Hasn’t happened so far and without it, moving forward is impossible."

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Cracker Barrel comeback gains steam as loyal customer says return visit 'felt like coming home'

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:00:30 -0400

After months of backlash over a controversial rebranding that alienated many longtime customers, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is betting its future on returning to its roots, selling off secondary assets, cutting debt and focusing entirely on the iconic country restaurant chain.

The Tennessee-based restaurant chain announced last week that it has completed two major strategic moves designed to strengthen its core business, while raising its profitability outlook for fiscal year 2026.

The company completed a sale-leaseback transaction involving 26 company-owned restaurant locations, generating about $77 million in proceeds that it plans to use to reduce debt. It also sold most of its Maple Street Biscuit Company business to Biscuit Belly and said it will close the remaining 16 Maple Street locations, allowing the company to focus more heavily on the Cracker Barrel brand.

CRACKER BARREL SELLS MAPLE STREET BISCUIT COMPANY, CLOSES 16 LOCATIONS

"Our sale-leaseback transaction will allow us to opportunistically reduce debt while monetizing a portion of our owned real estate at an attractive valuation," President and CEO Julie Masino said in a statement. "Divesting Maple Street sharpens our focus on the core Cracker Barrel brand and is expected to improve profitability."

The moves come after a challenging stretch for the country-themed chain.

Last summer, Cracker Barrel faced vocal backlash over updates to its logo and restaurant remodels, with longtime customers arguing the company was abandoning the nostalgic look that had defined the brand for decades.

The criticism coincided with weaker sales and backlash that prompted company leaders to restore the chain's signature "Old Timer" logo and interior.

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Among the chain's most outspoken critics was Tennessee resident Rachel Love, who previously told Fox News Digital she was disappointed by the changes. After recently visiting a restored Cracker Barrel that had undergone a remodel, however, she said the experience left her optimistic about the brand's direction.

"Going back to Cracker Barrel felt like coming home," Love told Fox News Digital. "Seeing the building returned to its original look honestly brought tears to my eyes before I even walked inside."

Love said the familiar brown exterior, welcoming Old Country Store and her favorite meatloaf meal made it feel as though the company had rediscovered what longtime customers valued.

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"What has impressed me the most is that this turnaround feels like more than just cosmetic changes," she said. "It feels like Cracker Barrel listened to the people who have supported the brand for generations."

Love added that she is "genuinely hopeful about where the company is headed."

Restaurant industry publication Nation's Restaurant News recently reported that Cracker Barrel's comeback "continues to gain steam," noting that the company believes it could exceed its financial outlook for the year despite restaurant sales remaining slightly below last year's levels.

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Cracker Barrel now expects to meet or exceed the high end of its previously issued revenue guidance and surpass its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) forecast for the fiscal year.

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The company declined to comment when contacted by Fox News Digital.

Rule Japanica: America and Japan are building the alliance China fears

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 05:00:42 -0400

These days, nobody does it better than Japan — especially from an American alliance perspective. From standing up to Chinese and Russian aggression to securing reliable supply chains, Japan and America are working together better, and with more urgency to coordinate and cooperate, than any other alliance around the world. In fact, Japan has pushed all its chips into the middle of the table to make an enormous existential bet on America. It’s time to say out loud what policymakers already acknowledge behind closed doors: for the United States, Japan has become the new special relationship in the world’s most important region.

Americans will always have a unique fondness for the United Kingdom, where our history, values and the bond of shared bloodshed, alongside family ties, will keep us forever close. And our intelligence relationship, which has no parallel in the world, will continue to make our alliance enormously beneficial to both Washington and London. However, in terms of pure military and economic value, the UK alliance provides far less than Japan. Given London’s recent economic pandering to Beijing, it has also become a far less reliable ally across the Indo-Pacific.

Geography matters. Japan, sitting at the center of the first island chain, constrains China’s access to the Western Pacific and secures U.S. access to the world’s most dynamic markets. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s public statements have long implied a desire to push America out of the Pacific. When it comes to the deterrence of Chinese aggression and defense of the First Island Chain that the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy sites as core priorities, Japan is irreplaceable and its naval forces long ago eclipsed those of the U.K., Australia, or Europe. Other than Taiwan, no one else in the world is scrambling jets on a constant basis in the face of Chinese air incursions — 366 times in the last year. And when it comes to Taiwan, another vital U.S. interest, given its geographic position and its centrality to the AI revolution, Japan is the most forward-leaning. While other countries shy away from openly engaging with Taiwan, Tokyo is working with Taipei in public, is collaborating with the United States to reinforce deterrence, and is the most supportive of protecting the status quo across the Strait.

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Ensuring America has access to the Indo-Pacific matters, and without a strong U.S.-Japan alliance, this too would be more problematic. Japan hosts approximately 60,000 U.S. service members and contractors, as well as another roughly 35,000 civilians — the largest U.S. military presence outside America. Japan covers roughly 75% of those costs, an average payment of $1.5 billion per year from Tokyo under the current agreement, which is another large bet on America. Japan is also home to the only forward-deployed U.S. carrier strike group in the world, at Yokosuka Naval Base, providing formidable and constant deterrence near the Taiwan Strait.

And Japan continues to step up, heeding President Trump’s call for broader burden sharing. Japan’s military expenditure rose 9.7% to $62.2 billion in 2025. Under Prime Minister Takaichi’s leadership, Japanese defense spending reached 2% of GDP in 2026, two years ahead of schedule, receiving plaudits across Washington. Japan’s defense budget has set a new record for 12 consecutive years, and the current Defense Buildup Program allocates approximately $275 billion over five years through 2027. This is putting your money where your mouth is when it comes to an alliance.

Japan is also thinking strategically, making sure American allies have the weapons stocks they need by co-producing advanced U.S. weapons systems at scale. Together, we are expanding co-production plans for AIM-120 AMRAAMs and increasing production of SM-3 Block IIA interceptors in Japan by fourfold. This makes Japan a defense industrial partner, not just a consumer, adding to allied production capacity to make up for munitions shortfalls. Integrating 400 U.S. Tomahawk missiles into the Japanese navy alongside the 2025 deployment of the Typhon missile system to mainland Japan increases the Japan Self-Defense Force’s interoperability while introducing real counterstrike capabilities.

At the same time, Tokyo is undertaking the intelligence reforms needed to develop a world-class intelligence community, one that is capable of and should be a "Sixth Eye," a member of the currently Anglo-centric intelligence sharing club called the "Five Eyes" made up of the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It’s a historic change for a country concerned with privacy and mindful of the lessons of the past, but it’s needed thanks to Chinese and Russian influence operations and will further tighten the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Japan’s efforts don’t stop at its shores either. Following the successful Trump-Takaichi Summit in March, the Alliance has shifted into overdrive on critical minerals, establishing price floors, exploring new mining ventures, and bringing our private sectors together. At the same time, the Takaichi government has continued policies that shore up relations with Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, strategic arenas very much at play in the broader competition with China. In Europe, Japan has been a major donor to Ukraine as well, pledging $6 billion in 2026 alone and providing $8.7 billion in budget support since 2022. When it comes to Africa, Japan has pledged $30 billion since 2022, moving to business-oriented partnerships which place trade over aid, in line with Trump Administration policies.

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In recognition — or maybe fear — of our closeness, China has tried to squeeze Japan by repeatedly sailing into the Senkaku Islands and by restricting its access to critical minerals. Beijing has even detained Japanese businessmen in Beijing in blatant instances of hostage taking. The result has only been to harden Tokyo’s resolve and emphasize the urgency of acting in concert with America.

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We are truly in a golden moment with Japan, where we stand shoulder to shoulder to protect our shared interests, our supply chains and defend our allies and partners across the globe from malign actors. In meeting after meeting, at levels high and low, it’s clear that Japanese and American officials see the world, both its opportunities and its threats, from the same clear-eyed perspective and agree on what to do about it.

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Washington should acknowledge this by admitting Japan to the Five Eyes club when it’s ready, standing up multiple defense co-production facilities on Japanese soil, and working with Tokyo to develop critical minerals processing plants across the world with jointly-financed processing and offtake agreements.

If only every other relationship was this special.

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