Latest & Breaking News | Fox News

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani struggles to define 'working class'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:52:50 -0400

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani struggled to answer who he considers to be part of the "working class" during a New York Times interview on Saturday.

New York Times journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro asked Mamdani whether he and the organization he's a part of, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), have a definition for the working class that they claim to fight on behalf of in elections.

"I think if you have to work to pay your bills, I think that that is one definition of being a part of the working class," Mamdani said.

NYC MAYOR MAMDANI CALLS THREAT OF RICH PEOPLE LEAVING NYC OVER TAXES 'IMAGINED'

"So someone making $250,000 a year is working class?" Garcia-Navarro asked.

"I haven’t sat at home and asked myself where it starts and stops. What I would say is those who are working to try and afford the basic dignities of life and aren’t able to do so, I think that that is also working class. Oftentimes we’re asked how we divide this country. I think there’s only one majority in this country — it’s the working class," Mamdani answered.

Garcia-Navarro remarked that his answer didn't "ring true" to her because of the idea that anyone who "gets a salary is the working class" and asked if he drew any lines. Mamdani answered that he drew it at "about a million dollars a year."

"So anyone under a million dollars a year in income is working class?" Garcia-Navarro asked.

MAMDANI PUMMELED ONLINE AS CRITICS CALL POSSIBLE NETANYAHU ARREST ‘PURE POLITICAL THEATER’

"That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying, in terms of fiscal policy, I think a lot of our politics has been a debate over who you leave out. And I’m more interested in debates of how you bring more in. And I think that that is part of what I'm looking to be a part of is a vision where people understand no matter what you call it that there's room for them. But yes, I do want to raise taxes on people who make more than a million a year," Mamdani said.

Garcia-Navarro pointed out that his definition could lump a janitor in the same "working class" label as a lawyer and wondered if that was accurate. Mamdani appeared to deflect from the conversation by commenting about New Yorkers in general.

"When I was running, a question I would face was: What does it mean to be a democratic socialist? And I only bring that up because I think sometimes there’s a fixation on a definition of something. And what I found is, when I would knock on New Yorkers’ doors, they would just ask, 'Am I part of your vision?' It’s not that everyone is making the same amount of money or facing the same amount of struggle, but that they just want to know, is there any way for them to actually be able to work this hard and afford a good life in the city?" Mamdani answered.

ZOHRAN MAMDANI FACES BACKLASH OVER 'CREEPY,' 'UNETHICAL' VIDEO FILMED OUTSIDE BILLIONAIRE KEN GRIFFIN'S HOME

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

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Mamdani's interview garnered attention after he revealed that his administration is in an "active conversation" with the city's Law Department over any legal action the city could take against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York for September's United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In the interview, Mamdani called Netanyahu a "war criminal" who "belongs in The Hague," repeating his intentions to honor an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Netanyahu.

Steve Forbes urges Trump to keep the Strait of Hormuz open at all costs

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:39:53 -0400

Steve Forbes says the United States must double down on efforts to topple the Tehran regime, arguing that free passage through the Strait of Hormuz should remain a non-negotiable American imperative.

As the U.S. struck targets in Iran for a ninth consecutive day on Sunday, pressure on the Tehran regime continued to build. Speaking at Freedom Fest in Las Vegas, the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes and former presidential candidate recently sat down with Fox News Digital to discuss Iran and the Trump administration's foreign policy.

STEVE FORBES BACKS TRUMP'S MT. RUSHMORE WARNING ON COMMUNISM: 'HE'S RIGHT'

"Going back to Thomas Jefferson, a core foreign policy plank of the United States is freedom of the seas. Freedom of navigation got us into another war with Great Britain, the War of 1812," Forbes said.

"So we've been doing it for over two centuries. The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, just as the South China Sea is an international waterway. And so we must keep that open.

"No tolls, no restrictions, all ships of commerce should have free passage through it unmolested."

Forbes said that with proper application of air power, boots on the ground wouldn't be needed, but he would not discard that as an option, bringing the example of the engagement with the Barbary pirates, which brought freedom of navigation to the Mediterranean following the completion of the First Barbary War of 1805.

TWO US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN IRANIAN STRIKES ON JORDAN, CENTCOM SAYS

"If we do things right in the air, that won't be necessary. But as we demonstrated with the Barbary pirates, sometimes you do need hand-to-hand combat. But again, with our great military and the great Israeli military, we should be able to bring this evil regime down and enable the elements in the Iranian army that want change to feel we're not going to pull the rug out from under them with another fake ceasefire. That we keep hammering away at this evil regime."

Ultimately, Forbes said freedom of navigation should be an international red line:

"So the key thing is if you don't enforce these key principles of freedom of navigation, liberty, you're going to lose them. Ronald Reagan was right. Others have made the same observation. You have to preserve liberty each and every generation."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Forbes said that the time for diplomacy with Tehran has passed, and encouraged the Trump administration to ratchet up the pressure, while also praising a recent decision on Ukraine policy.

"Get Iran done with. No more fake ceasefires. Get rid of that evil regime. By the way, I'm delighted that he's saying he's going to give licensing for Patriot missiles to Ukraine. That'll bring a good result there."

Angel Reese’s latest WNBA controversy shows how victimhood became central to her brand

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:35:25 -0400

For some unknown reason, claiming victimhood is very popular in modern society. Many people seem to think being a victim earns them social capital, so they look for every opportunity to capitalize.

A perfect example is WNBA star Angel Reese.

Perhaps no prominent professional athlete embodies the desire to be seen as a victim as much as Reese, who has spent years painting herself as someone unfairly treated by fans, coaches, referees, reporters and society at large.

ANGEL REESE DANGEROUSLY PEDDLES RACIST CONSPIRACY THEORY AFTER WNBA COACH CALLS HER TWO WORDS

Of course, that runs counter to the fact that Reese gained immense popularity, fame and money from the same society she regularly claims hates her.

The latest example came this weekend, when Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello was caught on a microphone referring to Reese as a "protected species."

It was immediately obvious what Brondello meant.

She thought the referees were giving Reese preferential treatment. But it was too late. Brondello provided Reese the perfect opportunity to claim victimhood.

Angel Reese turned an Australian sports phrase into another racial controversy

Reese made contact with Tempo forward Nyara Sabally while the two players battled for a rebound. Sabally fell to the floor in pain.

The officials called the foul on Sabally.

Brondello, understandably annoyed that her injured player had been whistled for the foul, complained from the sideline that Reese was a "protected species."

Reese responded on social media and tagged Brondello.

"ARE WE SURPRISED?!" Reese wrote, adding a clown emoji while quoting a post that read, "Calling a Black woman a species…"

She didn’t explicitly call Brondello racist, but the implication was obvious. Plus, Reese is smart. She knew the social media mob would do the rest of the work for her.

Part of that means excluding the key context that Brondello is Australian.

In Australian sports usage, ‘protected species’ commonly refers to a player, coach, team or official perceived to receive preferential treatment.

The phrase has been used in Australian coverage of rugby players, referees and other athletes. It has nothing to do with race. Danica Patrick, who is White, was famously described in 2012 as a "protected species" by a fellow NASCAR driver.

More importantly, the context around Brondello's comment wasn’t remotely confusing.

Brondello said it while arguing about a foul call. Even non-Australians with common sense understood her point.

Yet many of the same people who constantly lecture Americans about cultural sensitivity showed no interest in understanding Brondello’s culture.

They ignored her Australian background, assigned an American racial meaning to an Australian expression and then condemned her for failing to speak like an American.

That seems pretty culturally insensitive, doesn't it?

Brondello apologized anyway and explained that her frustration was directed toward the officiating. She didn't have to apologize, and honestly shouldn't have apologized, but she feared she'd lose her livelihood.

After all, she's a coach in the WNBA.

Everyone knows what happens to white women in that league who don't lecture about "privilege" or explain that the WNBA was "built on the backs of Black women."

So, who's the real victim here? Is it Reese? Or is it Brondello, who apologized and still faced a one-game suspension without pay?

ANGEL REESE THANKS WNBA FOR SUSPENDING SANDY BRONDELLO, FRAMES 'PROTECTED SPECIES' COMMENT AS DISCRIMINATION

The fact that Brondello received a one-game suspension, the same punishment Alyssa Thomas received for driving her fist into Caitlin Clark's throat, for calling Reese a "protected species" only proved her point.

The WNBA believes a reckless physical attack on a white star player deserves the same punishment as an alleged word crime against a Black one and that paints the league's priorities pretty clearly.

Internet trolls don’t only target Angel Reese

Before getting to the rest of Reese’s victimhood résumé, let’s address the most common defense.

Yes, Reese receives nasty messages online.

Someone created fake, sexually explicit AI images of her when she was 21 years old. That's disgusting and there's no defense for it.

But Reese and several other WNBA players often discuss online abuse as though Black women are the only people who experience it.

They aren’t. Not even close.

It happens to virtually everyone who spends any time in the public spotlight.

I’m a relatively unknown sports reporter, and even I get plenty of it.

After I criticized Reese, people called me racist, referred to me as "white boy" or "cracker," told me to drink bleach, insulted my wife and mother and called me fat.

Does that make the messages acceptable?

No.

Does it mean I’m oppressed?

Also no.

It means social media is full of deranged people who say horrible things to strangers. The goal is to get under people's skin. I'm not including my own experience to elicit sympathy.

I'm a grown man. I can take the online abuse from trolls because, ultimately, I don't care what strangers or bots think about me. I'm just trying to prove a point that Reese is not unique. At all.

Fame, popularity and money come with obvious benefits. They also come with scrutiny, criticism and social media trolling.

Reese could quit basketball. She could stop modeling, podcasting and posting her life online. She could get a normal job and the mean tweets would dry up quickly.

I suspect she has no intention of doing that because the money and attention are worth the downside.

That’s a reasonable choice. Most people would make the same one.

But Reese wants to enjoy every benefit of celebrity while treating its predictable drawbacks as evidence that she has been uniquely targeted by society.

She hasn’t.

Reese made criticism of her Caitlin Clark taunt about her identity

Reese’s victim narrative really took off after LSU defeated Iowa in the 2023 national championship game.

During the final moments, Reese followed Clark around the court while repeatedly performing John Cena’s "you can’t see me" gesture and pointing to her ring finger.

Some people thought the extended taunt was excessive.

Others defended Reese by noting that Clark had used a similar gesture earlier in the tournament, albeit under different circumstances.

That was a fair sports debate, but Reese predictably turned it into something else.

"All year, I was critiqued for who I was," she said. "I don’t fit the narrative. I don’t fit the box that y’all want me to be in. I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto.... When other people do it, y’all don’t say nothing."

This is probably where Reese discovered that playing the race card would be an invaluable tool for her career. Even though Reese followed Clark around during the final seconds of the national championship game and taunted her, she claimed criticism was because she's Black.

Reese had found the formula she would continue using: do something provocative, enjoy the attention and then treat criticism as an attack on her race.

It worked.

The WNBA investigated alleged racism against Reese and found no evidence

One of the most ridiculous examples came during the opening weekend of the 2025 WNBA season.

Following a game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, the league announced that it was investigating allegations of "hateful fan comments" directed at Reese.

There was no publicly released video or audio.

No fan was identified, and no public witness corroborated the allegation.

That didn’t stop ESPN personalities and other members of the sports media from treating the alleged racist incident as a proven fact.

Reese didn’t urge anyone to wait for the investigation, either.

"Obviously, there’s no place in this league for that," Reese said. "Obviously, this has been going on for a while now."

Except it wasn’t obvious that anything had happened during that game.

That was why the WNBA was investigating.

The league interviewed relevant people and reviewed audio and video from the arena.

It could not substantiate the allegation.

That doesn’t prove no one among thousands of fans said something offensive. It does mean the league looked for evidence and failed to find it.

Fever fans were smeared as racists anyway.

Reese received the sympathy she constantly seeks.

When the investigation came up empty, Reese didn’t apologize to Fever fans. Neither did the media figures who had treated the allegation as fact.

Reese turned a question outside the team hotel into 'harassment'

The Fever incident wasn’t the first time Reese turned a questionable encounter into a much bigger story.

In June 2024, a man approached then-Chicago Sky teammate Chennedy Carter outside the Sky’s hotel in Washington and asked whether she had contacted Caitlin Clark after delivering a cheap shot to her days earlier.

Reese immediately framed the encounter as something much more serious.

"Finding out our team’s hotel to pull up with a camera as we get off the bus and put it in my teammate’s face and harass her is nasty work," Reese wrote. "This really is outta control and needs to stop."

The video that surfaced showed the man asking Carter a question before team security stepped between them. He didn’t touch Carter or threaten her.

Sky forward Michaela Onyenwere later claimed the video omitted the man using slurs and calling players "ghetto bitches." The team’s general manager backed up the claim that expletives were used.

But Reese made it sound like someone had tracked down the team and created a dangerous situation. In reality, a man with a camera asked Carter about the biggest story in women’s basketball and was quickly moved away by security, without any need for law enforcement to intervene.

One year later, Reese said she had "never had a negative encounter in person, ever."

Apparently, the hotel harassment no longer counted.

Reese blamed Caitlin Clark’s fans for racism, death threats and stalking

Reese launched her "Unapologetically Angel" podcast in September 2024.

Naturally, the first episode featured an extended discussion about Caitlin Clark.

That was interesting because Reese had previously pushed back against the idea that Clark was responsible for the explosion in WNBA popularity.

Apparently, Clark was important enough to help launch Reese’s podcast.

During the episode, Reese said she didn’t hate Clark and didn’t believe Clark personally endorsed racist behavior.

Then she accused Clark’s supporters of racism, death threats, circulating fake nude images to her family and following her home.

"It’s really just the fans," Reese said. "Her fans, the Iowa fans, now the Indiana fans... I think there’s a lot of racism when it comes to it."

Those are serious accusations.

The fake images existed. That part was documented.

But Reese never publicly showed that Clark’s fans created them or sent them to her family.

How did she know the alleged stalkers supported Clark?

Was the stalking reported to police?

How did she determine the alleged threats were racially motivated?

Reese never provided those answers.

Maybe she has evidence she hasn’t made public. That’s possible.

But when someone publicly accuses an enormous group of people of racism, stalking and death threats, asking for evidence isn’t unreasonable.

Reese simply made the allegation and expected everyone else to accept it.

Anyone who questioned the claim risked becoming another example of the racism she was describing.

That’s a very useful arrangement.

For what it's worth, at least three prominent women’s basketball players have had alleged stalkers arrested or charged: Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham and Paige Bueckers.

Reese hit Clark in the head and blamed the officials

During a June 2024 game against Indiana, Reese hit Clark in the head while attempting to block her shot.

Officials reviewed the play and upgraded the foul to a flagrant.

Clark dismissed it as a basketball play.

Reese was upset about the officiating.

"I guess some people got a special whistle," she said after the loss.

Some people get a "special whistle"? Isn't that exactly the claim that got Brondello suspended for a game? It was fine when Reese said it about Clark, but crossed the line when the same sentiment was directed at Reese.

Reese likes to talk about double standards, and we'll get to that in a moment, but boy, that seems like a pretty clear one right there.

Reese says reporters twist her words, even when everyone can hear them

Reese has repeatedly said she doesn’t trust the media.

During her rookie season, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Steve Greenberg tried to interview her about her life away from basketball.

Reese mostly gave one- or two-word answers.

"I know how y’all like to twist my words, so I’m just keeping it short and sweet," she said.

Greenberg reportedly told Reese he wouldn’t twist her words.

"I can’t trust any of y’all," Reese responded.

She didn’t identify a false quote or explain what reporting prompted her accusation against every journalist.

Nearly all of Reese’s controversies come from her own comments captured on video or audio.

She said Clark gets a "special whistle." She claimed that the WNBA wasn't gaining popularity because of "one person."

Reporters didn’t force Reese to accuse Clark’s fans of racism and stalking. Nor did they force her to say she "embraces being a villain," which she definitely doesn't embrace, by the way.

No journalist typed "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" on her social-media account.

Reese said those things.

When the reaction is positive, Reese embraces it.

But when people react negatively, someone must have twisted her words. As usual, it's never her fault.

Reese says talking to reporters is 'really scary'

By late 2025, Reese had gone from distrusting reporters to saying she was frightened of them.

"For me, the media is really scary," Reese said on her podcast. "I’m scared to do stuff like that because I know how things could get flipped."

She added that she would sometimes rather accept a fine than speak to reporters.

Reese repeated the complaint in 2026 during an appearance with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.

"The media has not always been great for me," she said. "I’ll have a fine before I have to go to media and feel like my back is against the wall."

There’s a fairly easy way to reduce the likelihood of being misquoted.

Speak clearly while cameras and audio recorders are running.

Reese is also perfectly willing to talk on her own podcast, where she controls the format and presentation.

She's never been afraid to speak publicly.

She just doesn’t like losing control over how her comments are received.

Those are different problems.

Reese said the media profited from her pain

In September 2024, Reese accused the media of creating a villain narrative around her.

"For the past 2 years, the media has benefited from my pain & me being villainized to create a narrative," Reese wrote. "They allowed this. This was beneficial to them."

She wasn’t entirely wrong.

Media outlets benefited from the Clark-Reese rivalry.

OutKick did. ESPN did. The WNBA and its television partners certainly did.

Angel Reese benefited, too.

She became one of the most recognizable women’s basketball players in the country. She landed endorsement deals, launched a podcast, modeled and built a massive social-media following.

Reese also embraced the villain role when it helped her brand.

She said she was willing to accept it "for the good of the game."

Apparently, the villain persona belonged to Reese when it created opportunities.

When it brought criticism, suddenly her tune changed.

Reese used the LSU press conference to talk about everything she had endured

Following LSU’s loss to Iowa in the 2024 Elite Eight, Reese broke down during her postgame press conference.

"I’ve been through so much," she said. "I’ve been attacked so many times. Death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened."

Again, the fake sexual images were real and disgusting.

Reese had every right to be furious about them.

But she combined that documented incident with broader claims about death threats and constant attacks without publicly identifying where they came from.

Maybe the threats were real. They probably were. Public figures receive sick messages all the time. I've had my share of threatening DMs and I'm nowhere near the status of Reese.

That’s the point Reese and her defenders regularly ignore.

Online abuse is not unique to Angel Reese. It is not unique to women’s basketball players or to Black celebrities.

It's an unfortunate reality of being famous in the internet age.

Reese had millions of followers, major endorsement deals and a national platform.

She enjoyed opportunities that almost no college athlete in history had received.

Yet the overriding message of that press conference was how badly the world had treated Angel Reese.

There are many more examples

Honestly, we could go on for days about the number of times Reese has relished the opportunity to play the victim card, the race card or both.

In fact, there's a good chance this article becomes another perfect opportunity for her to try and garner sympathy.

The truth is that being Angel Reese has worked out pretty well for Angel Reese.

She is a solid basketball player, although not elite, but she's an excellent self-promoter.

ANGEL REESE GIVES ATLANTA DREAM REBOUNDS AND ATTENTION, BUT HER OFFENSE IS STILL A PROBLEM

She understands how to put herself in the middle of a story and keep that story going for as long as it serves her needs.

More often than not, she accomplishes this by portraying herself as the person everyone else has wronged.

The approach has made her famous and rich.

It has helped her land sponsorships, build a media platform and remain one of the most discussed players in the WNBA.

That doesn’t mean everything said about Reese is acceptable. It isn’t.

It does mean Reese has benefited enormously from the public attention she so often describes as a burden.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

She can keep the fame, money, endorsements and followers.

But she should probably stop pretending that the predictable downside of being a celebrity is evidence that she is uniquely persecuted.

Because she's not.

Anti-ICE walkout exposes how school district 'failed' parents, risked student safety: 'Broken my trust'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:30:13 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Internal emails, messages and memos from Arizona’s Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) reveal that staff allegedly breached security protocol and violated several school policies by facilitating a student walkout to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this year, according to America First Legal.

Hundreds of Flagstaff high school and middle school students walked out of class to protest ICE on Jan. 28. The protest came amid national controversy over the deaths of anti-ICE activists Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Immediately after the walkout, many parents, citing safety concerns, expressed outrage that they were not notified that their children had been allowed to leave school premises without their consent. One parent who said they had children under the age of 12 said the "district failed us as parents."

Documents obtained by America First Legal, a conservative watchdog group, reveal that FUSD officials knew about the walkout days in advance and also coordinated with students. The documents, which were reviewed by Fox News Digital, were obtained by America First Legal through a lawsuit forcing FUSD to comply with its public records request for records related to the walkout.

Screenshots from a district staff text group show faculty coordinating during the walkout. One staff member texted, "We have 75 plus students staged outside of fhs [Flagstaff High School] getting ready to walk." In the same message, the staff member wrote, "Looks like we have some members of the public joining."

CONTROVERSIAL ICE TACTIC ACTUALLY REDUCES UNINTENDED 'COLLATERAL' ARRESTS: FEDERAL AGENT

Another concerning text from a staff member read, "Be aware of propped open doors that are left for reentry."

In response to America First Legal's criticism, a spokesperson for the district told Fox News Digital that "We respectfully disagree that the Flagstaff Unified School District encouraged students to attend or intentionally ignored District policies."

The spokesperson said, "The District was placed in the challenging position of balancing students’ First Amendment rights, student safety and school operations in the most appropriate way it could."

District policy dictates that "the Superintendent shall limit access to school buildings and grounds" and that faculty "maintain protocols regarding the distribution of keys or equipment to access District property." Further, FUSD policy also stipulates that students ages six to 16 are "required to attend school during the school's hours" and "the school in which the student is enrolled shall make a reasonable effort to promptly telephone and notify the parent/legal guardian or other person who has custody of the student of the student's absence from school."

An email from a student to then Flagstaff High School Principal Tadd Ragan shows that district staff was aware the protest would take place at least two days in advance. The student informed Ragan that students were planning to walk out of their classes to protest against ICE at 11:45 a.m. The student said the protest would occur "near a main road for more recognition" and asked for advice "in finding a more organized way of going about this."

In response, Ragan told the student that "as a District and School we have a plan to maintain a peaceful protest." In a subsequent email, Ragan asked the student, "Can you come by my office during first period?"

Another faculty member, Flagstaff "instructional coach" Janet Chavez-Vesely, sent an email to several school administrators the day before the protest, revealing that she had discussed the planned walkout with the student Hispanic Culture Club. Chavez-Vesely wrote that she "stayed neutral and answered questions while they planned."

VIRGINIA SCHOOL DISTRICT SUED OVER ALLEGED POLICY OF KEEPING STUDENTS' GENDER TRANSITIONS HIDDEN FROM PARENTS

She noted that one of the students "plans to stop by and see me" to discuss the protest further. Chavez-Vesely told the school administrators, "I am available to support supervision," adding, "just let me know where."

Some parents who became aware of the walkout before it happened emailed the district, notifying staff that their children would be absent from school while citing safety concerns.

On Tuesday, one parent emailed Ragan, telling him, "I am keeping my daughter home from school this Wednesday as it has been brought to my attention that both Flagstaff high school and Coconino high school have planned out an entire protest."

The parent wrote, "This is not something that I want my child involved in nor do I want her around during it nor do I want her suffering any of the consequences that come with not participating and or being pressured into participating in potentially getting in a violent situation."

Another parent emailed faculty late on Tuesday night, writing, "My kids will not be at school tomorrow." The parent noted, "This is not something that I want my children exposed to or involved in as situations like this in the past have become violent and unsafe."

Meanwhile, at least one faculty member was excited about the protest, writing in a text, "This Walk out thing is going to be FUN!"

The morning of the protest, Sinagua Middle School Principal Christopher Koenker sent an email that FUSD "supports our students’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression and is aware of student-led events planned."

He wrote that "schools will neither encourage nor discourage student participation." He added that the district was looking into providing additional staff and law enforcement presence "for protection and supervision, not to suppress student expression."

After the protest, an internal "Walk Out Debrief" memo emphasized that "school isn’t responsible for students’ safety after they leave campus."

Another memo noted that one teacher, identified as "Ms. Donovan," took her class outside to witness "rights vs. responsibilities" on display at the walkout. An administrator noted that just three students remained inside and that "later conversations with the 3 students indicated that they really weren’t comfortable being outside." The administrator noted she eventually asked Donovan to bring the class back inside "as it might appear that she was influencing them to be outside."

LAURA INGRAHAM: TEACHING US HISTORY HAS BECOME AN EXERCISE IN 'SELF-LOATHING AND RESENTMENT'

In the same memo, the administrator noted that Donovan also discussed ICE operations in her class and had told students that officers had "used" a five-year-old "to lure the family out to take him." The administrator wrote that they had asked a student if she felt Donovan "pushes her opinions on her." The student answered that after the protest Donovan had asked students to raise their hands if they participated in the protest after which she "congratulated them," saying, "Great job for standing up for your first amendment rights."

Parents, however, quickly expressed that they felt outraged and blindsided.

One mother wrote that after learning of the protest, she and her husband "were terrified that our daughter was peer pressured (by friends, classmates, teachers, and the school district) to be a part of this."

"We’re thankful that our daughter remained at school, due to fear and frustration, but there is still the ‘what if’? What if something happened to any students during the walkout?" she continued, adding, "We expect the district to be transparent and not jeopardize our children’s safety."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Another middle school parent wrote that they were not made aware of the protest or contacted until the end of the day. They wrote that their child "was under the impression this was a school sponsored event," given that faculty allegedly provided "maps" and directions to the event.

"This school district has broken my trust and neglected your responsibilities and disregard for your own policies," the parent wrote.

Commenting on this, America First Legal Senior Counsel James Rogers told Fox News Digital that "What these documents show is a stunning betrayal of that trust."

Rogers said that FUSD’s "conduct raises serious questions about whether district employees crossed that line."

"Parents deserved to know where their children were. The law required these officials to act, and they failed on both counts," he said.

Ex-counterterrorism official Joe Kent continues calling for US military withdrawal from Middle East

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:18:32 -0400

Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent is reiterating his call for the withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East amid the ongoing war with Iran.

"Get our troops out now before we suffer a mass casualty attack. Break the escalation trap. Trump still has the political strength at home to declare victory & have it resonate, that ability will be lost if we suffer more casualties. Now is the time to leave, immediately," he wrote Sunday on X.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House on Monday.

US SERVICE MEMBER KILLED IN IRAQ AS TROOPS RECOVER UNIDENTIFIED REMAINS IN JORDAN: CENTCOM

Kent made the comments while sharing a post from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

"Yesterday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the passing of two U.S. service members and the missing status of one in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17. After a thorough search, U.S. military personnel found unidentified remains at the location earlier today. An examination process to verify the remains is ongoing," CENTCOM noted in part of a statement on Sunday.

"Separately, a U.S. service member in northern Iraq was killed in action July 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. A second service member was wounded and continues to receive medical treatment for a minor injury," the statement noted.

EX-COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICIAL JOE KENT ENDORSES GOP SENATE PRIMARY CHALLENGER AS TRUMP BACKS LINDSEY GRAHAM

Kent quit the counterterrorism government post earlier this year, citing his opposition to the Iran war.

In part of his resignation letter he asserted, "Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."

EX-COUNTERTERRORISM CHIEF WARNS OF 'MAJOR PROBLEM' THAT COULD FORCE US 'BACK INTO THE WAR ON IRAN'S TERMS'

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

In a portion of a Saturday post on X he wrote, "We restore order by ending the conflict on our terms: deprive Iran of military targets to strike by removing our troops, bases, & naval forces from the area. Our bases in the region are liabilities & relics of the past—abandoning them is not retreat, it’s strategic adaptation to modern warfare. This move removes Iran’s primary justification for disrupting shipping in the SOH and for attacking its neighbors. We can then offer the carrot: sanctions relief in exchange for freedom of navigation in the SOH."

Katie Uhlaender: Athletes risk paying the price if Protect College Sports Act is passed

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:06:26 -0400

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee sent out an email asking athletes to support the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA). It is being marketed as a way to protect college sports, but the real question should be: who is protecting the athletes?

Without athletes, there is no sport.

Giving absolute power to a centralized institution feels more like an economic cartel than fair competition. And it will be the athletes who pay the price.

I PLAYED IN THE NFL. WE DON’T WANT WASHINGTON TRYING TO FIX COLLEGE SPORTS

Fair competition is what makes sport great. The PCSA gives the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) complete control over who gets to compete. Is that fair to the athletes and fans who pay to watch and participate?

As a five-time Olympian, I have spent more than two decades competing in a system that promised fair competition and athlete protection. Like every athlete, I trusted those institutions to uphold the integrity of sport. Too often, they haven’t.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

In 2014, Russia was proven to have cheated in the Sochi Olympic Games. I was awarded an Olympic medal on paper, only to have mine – and 27 others – returned to Russia through a flawed arbitration process. Leading into the 2026 Olympics, an independent tribunal found that Canada intentionally manipulated Olympic qualification points, yet nothing was done. Most have heard of the Larry Nassar scandal, where the USOPC and NCAA failed to protect athletes despite years of complaints. Not to mention the recent controversy surrounding Imane Khelif, an Olympic boxer classified as having Difference of Sex Development (DSD). Khelif reportedly has XY chromosomes, but won women's gold at the Paris Olympics, raising questions about competitive integrity and institutional accountability.

These are different scandals with different players, but they reveal the same pattern: justice delayed and justice denied. Congress is considering granting the NCAA a federal antitrust exemption, in exchange for the NCAA promising to regulate itself. But what has the NCAA done to demonstrate that it is capable of policing itself? Today, the NCAA and its member universities have more than 260 open Title IX investigations involving the mishandling of sexual assault and misconduct. Congress and the Supreme Court have repeatedly been forced to intervene because the NCAA has failed to self-regulate. Why should we believe that giving the NCAA more power and legal protection would suddenly produce a different result? More importantly, how does this protect athletes?

The PCSA would ultimately strip athletes of the ability to challenge the NCAA and allow the organization to define what constitutes "reasonable" action to prevent abuse. Institutions that have failed to protect athletes should not receive additional legal protections and more power. Giving more power without meaningful accountability creates a dangerous imbalance. History shows that power imbalances lead to abuse, which is why antitrust laws exist.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Without the private right to challenge these institutions and their policies, athletes are left vulnerable to scandal. The more than 260 open Title IX cases involving sexual assault and misconduct would be neutralized with this act passing, leaving institutions without accountability, and athletes harmed. The act grants collective media rights to schools that join, allowing those currently facing Title IX non-compliance claims to remain non-compliant with no oversight of compliance, and the athletes who challenged them without power.

This shifts the focus from proactively preventing abuse to bureaucratic box-checking designed to block lawsuits; not protecting athletes.

The consequences extend beyond abuse prevention. The act grants the NCAA absolute control over athlete eligibility through this antitrust shield, undermining federal and state law, specifically Title IX and who can compete in the women’s category. The NCAA can now determine eligibility rules with no accountability, no oversight on compliance, and no input from the states or athletes. This means current abuse goes unpunished, and that the NCAA can also allow men to compete in women’s sports again.

The current NCAA policies define gender as an identity, do not define sex, and only require a birth certificate as proof of being male or female. Forty-four states currently allow birth certificates to be amended, and there is no oversight or verification of these documents. Male athletes who identify as female still earn scholarships, use women’s locker rooms, and play and compete on women’s teams. The 27 states that have chosen to recognize biological women as a protected class could do nothing to stop men from taking women’s spots on college sports teams.

The act may create stability for the NCAA and protect it from lawsuits, but stability without accountability has historically led to scandal and abuse of power. The Olympic system has faced this pattern repeatedly.

Women have spent more than 50 years fighting for equal opportunity and legal protections. Title IX is a symbol of that progress. Congress should not weaken those protections by passing this bill as it is currently written.

Our Constitution was built on the expectation that citizens would exercise their freedom of speech, stand up for what they believe in, and help shape public policy. Any public policy that removes a citizen’s ability to advocate for themselves is un-American. And in this case, the proposed policy is simply a proposal to hand financial wins to the elite governing class while guaranteeing generations of sexual, physical, and economic abuse of the athletes.

I've lived through the system of internal arbitration, athlete board representation, and ombudsman programs, and they often create conflicts of interest while essentially just protecting the organization from meaningful accountability. Because these are internal systems that exist with an inherent imbalance of power, they almost always digress into tools to prevent disruption of the economic system. Athletes are told that policies will be changed for future generations, giving their own suffering some meaning. But these promises don’t restore lost opportunities, protect those already harmed, or deliver justice. They delay accountability while athletes continue to bear the consequences. Justice delayed is justice denied.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Stability without accountability is not protection.

It’s exploitation.

AMB. GORDON SONDLAND: Europe can’t condemn Iran, then complain when Trump finally acts to stop it

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:00:17 -0400

European leaders have spent years warning that Iran must never be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon. They have condemned Tehran’s ballistic-missile program, its financing of terrorism, its use of proxy forces, its attacks on commercial shipping and its serial violations of international agreements.

TRUMP'S 60-DAY IRAN DEAL REACHES HALFWAY MARK AS CEASEFIRE COLLAPSES INTO ESCALATING WAR

Yet when President Trump concluded that the threat required military action, much of Europe’s response focused not on Iran’s conduct, but on whether European capitals had been sufficiently consulted.

That complaint is difficult to take seriously.

European governments were not ignorant of the intelligence picture. Their intelligence services have followed Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, terrorist networks and regional proxies for decades. They have reviewed the same broad threat assessments, watched the same enrichment trends and issued many of the same warnings.

MACRON UNDER FIRE OVER IRAN, HEZBOLLAH POLICY AS TRUMP ADMIN HOSTS ISRAEL-LEBANON TALKS

They may not have possessed every piece of operational intelligence available to the president, but they understood the direction of travel. They knew the danger was growing. They also knew that, eventually, someone would have to act.

Europe’s preferred strategy was to play ostrich: acknowledge the threat, avoid the hard decision, wait for the U.S. to take the lead, and then feign surprise at the result.

That arrangement is politically convenient. It allows European leaders to benefit from American power while distancing themselves from its use. Washington absorbs the military risk and political criticism. Europe preserves its diplomatic posture and complains about process.

AMERICANS ARE NOT GIVING UP ON NATO, BUT THEY EXPECT EUROPE TO DO ITS SHARE

But Europe cannot have it both ways.

If Iran is a common threat to the democratic world, as European leaders have repeatedly said, then confronting it cannot remain principally an American responsibility. Europe cannot rely on U.S. military power, criticize Washington for acting, and then expect to enjoy the security benefits of the action without accepting any of the burdens.

This is not merely President Trump’s war, nor is it solely America’s problem. It is a conflict involving the security of the Western world.

Iran’s leaders do not regard the dispute as one between Tehran and Washington alone. They view the U.S., Europe and Israel as parts of the same hostile political and cultural bloc. Iranian intelligence operations have reached European soil. Iranian-backed groups have threatened European citizens and interests. Iranian missiles increasingly place European territory within range. European economies depend on maritime trade routes that Tehran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt.

Europe cannot plausibly believe that by doing little more than it is doing today, Iran will somehow spare it.

Passivity is not neutrality, and it does not purchase immunity. Tehran is unlikely to distinguish between an American adversary and a European government that quietly benefits from American protection. A regime prepared to use terrorism, hostage-taking, maritime coercion and proxy warfare will not reward European hesitation with safety.

The most important contribution Europe can make now does not require firing a shot or spending another euro.

It requires political unity.

There should be no public daylight between the U.S. and its principal European allies over the strategic objectives. Tactical disagreements are inevitable and can be addressed privately. But public equivocation, procedural complaints and ritual calls for "restraint by all sides" are interpreted in Tehran as evidence that the Western alliance can be divided.

That perception encourages Iran to wait out the pressure, manipulate European governments and bet that Atlantic unity will eventually collapse.

The greatest strategic gift the West could give Tehran is the appearance of division. The greatest deterrent it can present is the opposite.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer should state clearly that the U.S. and Europe share the same objectives and will remain aligned until they are achieved.

Those objectives must extend beyond the nuclear issue.

Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is essential. But ending Iran’s reliance on proxy armies is equally important.

For decades, Tehran has used Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, Iraqi militias and other armed groups to attack adversaries while maintaining a thin layer of deniability. Proxy warfare has allowed Iran to impose enormous costs on the region without accepting the consequences of conventional state aggression.

A strategy that addresses nuclear weapons while permitting Iran’s proxy network to remain intact would solve only half the problem. Tehran could continue destabilizing neighboring countries, attacking shipping, threatening Israel, striking American forces and intimidating European governments without possessing a nuclear bomb.

The proper Western objective should therefore be straightforward: no nuclear weapon and no Iranian-controlled proxy network operating with impunity.

Europe’s first responsibility is to support that objective publicly and without qualification.

Its second is to provide practical assistance.

European governments should make allied bases fully available, without political caveats designed for domestic consumption. They should expand intelligence sharing, logistics support, missile-defense cooperation and maritime surveillance. European navies can provide minesweepers, escort vessels, patrol aircraft and other capabilities needed to protect international shipping.

Freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is not an American charity project. It is an economic necessity for Europe. European manufacturers, consumers and energy markets all depend on stable global commerce. If Iran can mine waterways, seize vessels or manipulate energy prices without a united response, Europeans will bear a substantial share of the cost.

Countries that deny access to bases or obstruct allied operations should face political consequences. Spain, in particular, should not be permitted to benefit from the protection of the Atlantic alliance while frustrating efforts directed at a common threat. Alliance membership entails obligations, not merely benefits.

This is the broader meaning of burden-sharing.

President Trump has long argued that Europe must assume more responsibility for its defense. The debate has usually centered on military spending as a percentage of gross domestic product. But burden-sharing is not simply an accounting exercise. It also means standing with the U.S. when common security interests require difficult action.

For generations, Americans have accepted extraordinary commitments to protect Europe. They have stationed troops on the continent, maintained nuclear deterrence, funded military infrastructure and repeatedly made clear that an attack on Europe would be treated as an attack on the U.S.

Reciprocity demands more than gratitude. It demands solidarity when America confronts a threat that Europe itself has repeatedly identified.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

Critics will argue that stronger European support risks escalation. But the opposite is at least as likely. Weakness, hesitation and division invite miscalculation. They encourage authoritarian governments to believe that democracies lack the will to defend their stated interests.

Deterrence works when an adversary believes its opponents possess both the capacity and the unity to act.

For too long, Europe has attempted to separate diplomacy from power. It has treated negotiation as an alternative to leverage rather than as a means of employing it. The result has been years of agreements, sanctions relief, diplomatic outreach and warnings, while Iran continued enriching uranium, improving missiles and expanding its proxy apparatus.

Diplomacy remains necessary. But diplomacy unsupported by credible force becomes little more than managed delay.

No responsible leader should welcome war with Iran. The objective should not be permanent conflict or regime-change adventurism. It should be to destroy the capabilities that threaten the West and restore deterrence on terms Tehran understands.

Europe has already concluded that Iran poses an unacceptable danger. Its leaders have said so for years.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The question is no longer whether Europe understands the threat.

It is whether Europe is finally prepared to act as though it does.

Hawley sends criminal referral of 'left-wing dark-money' group over mailed abortion drugs

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:02:04 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: A Republican senator says that a left-wing abortion group claiming to be a "public health information campaign" is actually operating as the referral hub for shipping abortion pills into states where they're banned, in a criminal referral obtained by Fox News Digital.

In a letter sent Thursday to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Sen. Josh Hawley alleges asked the Justice Department to open a criminal investigation into Plan C, saying the group connects women with abortion-pill manufacturers, foreign clinics and online vendors that ship the drugs into states where they are restricted by law.

"At the center of the effort is an entity called Plan C," Hawley wrote, describing the group as a "left-wing dark-money operation" that serves as the "referral and logistics hub" for distributing abortion drugs into states that prohibit them. He said the group's activities warrant a federal criminal investigation.

BLUE STATE SHIELD LAWS ALLOWED 330K ABORTION PILLS TO BE SENT TO ABORTION BAN STATES, PRO-LIFE GROUP FINDS

Hawley says Plan C directs women in states including Florida, Oklahoma and Texas to foreign clinics willing to mail abortion pills into the United States despite state laws restricting those shipments. He also says the group points users to online vendors selling abortion drugs without prescriptions, identification or medical consultations, even though Plan C acknowledges on its website that the pills sold through some of those sites are "not regulated or inspected by the US government."

Fox News Digital reached out to Plan C for comment.

Hawley's letter also says Plan C advises users on how to limit their "digital footprint" by recommending privacy-focused browsers, virtual private networks and encrypted email.

The senator notes that Plan C's own website warns users they could face legal consequences for obtaining abortion pills through the services it recommends, while saying it is "up to every individual to decide what level of legal risk they are willing to take."

HAWLEY URGES DOJ PROBE INTO ABORTION PILL MAKER OVER SAFETY CONCERNS

Hawley also says Plan C directs women to providers willing to prescribe abortion pills through 14 weeks of pregnancy — beyond the Food and Drug Administration's approved labeling for mifepristone and beyond the limits set by several states.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Hawley argues the conduct could violate multiple federal laws, including provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act covering prescription drugs, laws prohibiting the importation of unapproved drugs into interstate commerce, and federal conspiracy and aiding-and-abetting statutes.

"I therefore respectfully refer this matter to the Department to open a criminal investigation into Plan C, its relationship with potential co-conspirator manufacturers, and the network of suppliers it promotes," Hawley wrote, adding that the investigation should include foreign clinics and online vendors shipping abortion drugs into the United States.

FBI boss Kash Patel details how agency and partners secured record-shattering FIFA World Cup

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:57 -0400

EXCLUSIVE – 78 Super Bowls in 38 days. This was the scale of the task facing the Federal Bureau of Investigation going into the first World Cup final the United States has hosted in more than thirty years.

"That’s what we executed on," FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview detailing the largest commitment of the agency’s resources ever devoted to securing a sporting event – the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"We’re proud to report that, thank God, and thankfully to the men and women of the FBI and our partners, we had no significant criminal attacks during this World Cup," Patel said. "And just to put that in perspective, we had 6.5 million people attend the 78 matches in the U.S. across 11 venues."

Patel said the planning and execution had to be "mathematically precise."

FIFA WORLD CUP COMES TO THRILLING END WITH WINNING GOAL SCORED IN EXTRA TIME

The tournament shattered previous attendance records and brought millions of international visitors to the country. The FBI dedicated nearly 5,000 personnel to the effort, including more than 4,000 from field offices, 800 from FBI Headquarters and two Legal Attaché offices, along with support from 59 Homeland Security Task Forces.

The Bureau also conducted approximately 300,000 background checks on players, coaches and other accredited personnel. All told, nearly 7 million fans from all over the world attended World Cup games in the United States, Canada and Mexico, all with no reported major security incidents. In fact, getting into the stadiums often took fans less than 15 minutes for games that averaged more than 65,000 in house.

A defining element of the FBI’s security operation was its aggressive response to the rapidly evolving drone threat. Recognizing that even a low-cost unmanned aircraft could be used to surveil players practicing at the dozens of team base camps around the country, track their movements to and from hotels, probe for security tactics at stadiums or fan zones, disrupt an event or deliver an explosive or chemical device, the Bureau treated every unauthorized incursion as a potential threat.

TRUMP TAKES IN JENNIFER HUDSON'S INCREDIBLE NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE BEFORE WORLD CUP FINAL

"If you’re in the space, we’re gonna take you down. And that’s why we took down over 700," Patel said. "Some of these folks were maybe borderline nuisances, while many of them were criminal in terms of violations of FAA airspace and also failing to register their drones… We’re not taking any chances."

The FBI established its first dedicated counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft system) school at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama to train state and local officers in detecting, tracking and intercepting unauthorized drones. Those officers were then deployed on FBI-led ground-intercept teams at World Cup venues, creating a nationwide counter-drone capability built for a threat that barely existed when the U.S. last hosted the tournament in 1994.

"We, the FBI, specifically train for the worst of the worst," Patel said, pointing to the possibility of drones being used to deploy explosives or chemical agents. Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino was instrumental in developing the Bureau’s counter-drone program.

That preparation was tested as the World Cup was getting underway, when investigators uncovered an alleged coordinated attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.

5 CHILLING DETAILS FROM THE ALLEGED WHITE HOUSE ATTACK PLOT TIED TO UFC EVENT

Federal prosecutors allege the suspects planned to use explosive-laden drones to trigger panic and force crowds to evacuate into areas where armed attackers could strike. Patel said the FBI launched a six-state operation, tracked the alleged threat through online communications and began a coordinated takedown "before the first punch was thrown," allowing the event to proceed without an attack.

Eight defendants have since been charged, although the allegations remain unproven and the defendants are presumed innocent.

FBI REVEALS WHY TRUMP WHITE HOUSE UFC EVENT WENT AHEAD DESPITE ALLEGED TERROR PLOT

International cooperation was another critical component of the World Cup security operation.

"They’re working overseas in their home locations and giving us information back in real time on any single threat that’s coming in," Patel said.

The FBI hosted the International Police Cooperation Center in Northern Virginia, deploying more than 70 personnel to work alongside officers from U.S. host cities and security officials representing the nations sending teams to the tournament.

The FBI also assembled a Joint Operations Center with foreign police representatives from 46 of the 48 participating countries, allowing investigators to receive real-time threat intelligence from officials who understood their teams, fan bases and domestic security concerns. That information was supported by the FBI’s Intelligence Coordination Center, where more than 400 personnel processed an average of 26 incidents per day and produced nearly 100 intelligence reports for federal, state, local and private-sector partners, according to the FBI.

Patel credited the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup with bringing federal, state and local agencies together under a unified security strategy. Established by President Donald Trump and led by Andrew Giuliani’s team, the task force served as a central hub for interagency planning, intelligence sharing and the rapid deployment of law enforcement resources across the tournament’s 11 U.S. host cities.

FIRST WORLD CUP HALFTIME SHOW DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS FOR SHAKIRA, JUSTIN BIEBER, BTS, MADONNA PERFORMANCES

"Like anything in government, to succeed, you need tremendous leadership," Patel said. "President Trump had the foresight to establish the White House Task Force… and what they were able to do was bring in the interagency, at least at the federal level, and then work with us at the state and local levels through our partnerships and put everybody under one roof."

Patel said the coordinated structure allowed the FBI to quickly send bomb technicians, evidence teams, tactical operators, SWAT personnel and hostage-rescue capabilities wherever additional resources were needed.

FOX WORLD CUP ANNOUNCER SAYS TRUMP'S APPEARANCE AT FINAL IS 'FUN, UNIQUE THING' DESPITE POTENTIAL BACKLASH

"President Trump set the standard: Not only were we going to have the largest and safest sporting event in the history of the world, but we were going to make sure everyone had a great time. Those were the marching orders," Patel said.

He pointed to the social media videos showing international fans enjoying restaurants, pubs, sporting venues and other distinctly American experiences — even joking that Europeans fell in love with ranch dressing.

VIRAL GERMAN SOCCER FAN FREDDY INVITED FOR WHITE HOUSE VISIT AS FAIRY-TALE TRIP ACROSS AMERICA CONTINUES

"These are small vignettes, but they quantify and qualify how awesome America did," Patel said. "And I don’t just mean government. I mean the private sector. They came in and partnered with us as well."

Patel said those partnerships helped generate billions of dollars in revenue across the country while giving visitors a memorable experience.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"They wanted not just safety and security, but to show off America to the world," he said. "And I think we did it brilliantly."

Americans divided after Will Arnett blasts one of the country's most popular french fries

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:40 -0400

Americans love french fries and rank them among their favorite foods. When it comes to the preferred cut and cooking method, however, there's plenty of debate.

Actor Will Arnett sparked a lively discussion online when he expressed his disdain for shoestring fries.

"Everybody hates shoestring fries," Arnett said on the Off Menu podcast.

ALTON BROWN REVEALS THE ONE CHILDHOOD SNACK HE'D INCLUDE IN HIS IDEAL LAST MEAL

Shoestring fries, also known as matchstick fries, are cut extremely thin.

"If you serve me what they call shoestring fries, we have a problem," Arnett said, arguing that they "aren't fries" and claiming that restaurants serving them are being lied to by the people around them.

"So glad someone has finally spoken out about shoestring fries," one commenter on the podcast's YouTube clip wrote.

"Will is right, shoestring fries are [expletive]," another wrote.

Others said they prefer shoestring fries.

"Noooo shoestring fries are the best! People like them I swear! They're so crispy!" one person commented.

"Shoesting fries are phenomenal. [Crinkle]-cut fries should be illegal," someone else wrote.

A 2022 YouGov survey of 1,000 adults found that 22% preferred thicker-cut steak fries the most.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Curly fries, which are sliced into a spiral shape, were the top pick for 21% of respondents, while 21% said they had no preference for the type of fry.

Crinkle-cut fries, which use a corrugated blade to create grooves in the potato, were favored by 19% of respondents.

Waffle fries, which are cut into a grid pattern with holes in the potato slices, garnered 12% of the vote, while 6% of respondents said "not applicable."

The history of the french fry is somewhat vague. Food vendors were selling fried potato strips in Paris by the late 18th century, though some claim Belgian villagers had invented them before that.

Many historians believe American soldiers encountered french fries in Belgium during World War I, where French was widely spoken, helping popularize the name.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

In YouGov's 2026 rankings of favorite American dishes, fries ranked second, just behind grilled cheese. Eighty-five percent of people reported liking fries, while 11% said they were neutral. Only 4% said they disliked fries.

French fries were the second-most-popular food in YouGov's 2026 rankings of favorite American dishes, just behind grilled cheese. Eighty-five percent of people reported liking fries, while 11% said they were neutral. Only 4% said they disliked fries.

The average American eats nearly 34 pounds of fries each year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

McDonald's serves America's favorite fast-food fries, according to the 2026 YouGov survey, with 39.2% of respondents choosing the chain. Five Guys (9%) and Chick-fil-A (7.1%) ranked second and third, respectively.

Digital creator Bobby Parrish recently posted on Instagram a comparison of three iconic fries, judging them for taste, ingredients and overall quality.

Parrish ranked McDonald's fries last, arguing that the chain uses several seed oils, including hydrogenated soybean oil, which Parrish said is "one of the worst."

McDonald's fries also contain a natural beef flavor made with wheat and milk derivatives, Parrish noted. Therefore, they are not suitable for vegans and are not considered gluten-free.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Parrish ranked Chick-fil-A's waffle fries, which he said are made with canola and palm oil, as the second-best.

Steak 'n Shake's french fry ingredients are "darn near perfect," Parrish said. The burger-and-fry chain promotes its use of 100% beef tallow at its restaurants.

RNC trolls DNC, Maine Democratic Party in letter offering to help restore trust, 'defend democracy’

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:49:22 -0400

The Republican National Committee is trolling the Democratic National Committee and the Maine Democratic Party with an offer to provide election lawyers, trained observers and other resources as Democrats scramble to replace disgraced Senate primary candidate Graham Platner.

"So, in a spirit of generosity we hope will not go unnoticed, the RNC formally offers our election integrity resources and personnel to ensure a process worthy of Democrat voters’ confidence," read a copy of the letter obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital. "Mainers deserve a nomination that is fair, accessible, and free from disenfranchisement — and it never hurts to have professionals in the room."

The tongue-in-cheek letter is expected to be sent Monday morning from the RNC to DNC chair Ken Martin and Maine Democratic Party Chair Charles Dingman, the RNC election integrity unit told Fox News Digital.

PLATNER ALLY TROY JACKSON CLOSING IN ON DEMOCRATIC SENATE NOD IN KEY RACE TO FACE COLLINS

The letter unwinds many of the Democratic Party platform's attacks on Republicans in a week that featured an unusual Democratic Party debate and President Donald Trump's primetime White House address on election integrity.

"The RNC has a deep bench of experienced election attorneys, trained observers, a dedicated State Election Integrity Director, and nationwide election integrity resources — all standing by to assist with convention procedures, delegate credentialing, ballot-counting transparency, and election law compliance," the letter read, pointing to its multi-million dollar midterm election integrity ground game. "We built this operation to protect elections from exactly this kind of chaos. We simply never expected the loudest cries for help to come from inside your own house.

"As our friends on the left never tire of reminding us, 'democracy dies in darkness.' We are offering to turn on the lights."

MEET THE DEMOCRATS GUNNING TO REPLACE GRAHAM PLATNER

Republicans have received criticism for questioning election integrity, but the RNC letter attempted to turn the table back on the Democrats, during a key Senate race in Maine that could help determine the Senate majority this November.

"We also request clarification on whether your nominating convention will include the basic safeguards every election deserves: voter identification, proof of residency, and independent observation," the letter continued, pointing to apparent hypocrisy. "We ask in a spirit of thoroughness, not suspicion. Mostly thoroughness."

"We further understand that proxy voting will not be permitted," the letter said. "I’m pleased to hear your party discover, at last, the merits of in-person voting — and to learn that when the stakes are highest for Democrats, you too believe there is no substitute for showing up and casting a ballot yourself."

When Platner suspended his Senate campaign before the July deadline after winning the nomination in June, he called out the party's "establishment" for forcing its will over the will of voters.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"For his part, Mr. Platner announced the suspension of his campaign by insisting that his replacement come from "'the people of Maine' through a system that is 'open, transparent and democratic' and that reflects the voices of those who supported him," the RNC letter noted, adding a dig on the DNC's reported financial struggles, suggesting its political opponents should accept their offer of help.

"We also know that this convention comes at a difficult time financially for you, with the DNC $18 million in debt. Finding the resources necessary to run a nominating convention must be tough."

Sports cartoons of the day

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

ANDREW GIULIANI: How President Trump’s World Cup vision showed America at its very best

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:00:46 -0400

When President Donald Trump set his sights on bringing the FIFA World Cup back to the United States in 2018, he wasn’t just thinking about soccer. He was thinking about legacy—about uniting a country, welcoming the world, and showing what American excellence looks like as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.

I remember the moment he gave me my main mission: "Make it the best tournament ever." Simple, but not easy. With President Trump, nothing is ever done halfway. Early in his second term, he established the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making clear this would be a whole-of-government effort. We set out to deliver not only the largest and safest World Cup, but also the most welcoming and memorable tournament in history for fans, athletes, and communities across America.

Looking back, I know only President Trump could have pulled this off. No other leader could have set such an ambitious vision and inspired a nation to rise to the challenge. His lifelong experience in hospitality and his attention to detail set the standard for excellence and made this World Cup unforgettable.

GERMAN WORLD CUP FAN BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS AFTER BEING BLOWN AWAY BY KINDNESS OF AMERICANS

More than 6.5 million fans attended matches across 16 host cities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, nearly doubling the previous attendance record. There were 11 host cities in the United States alone. During this World Cup, stadiums were filled to 99.7% capacity, while FIFA Fan Festivals welcomed another 7.7 million visitors. Fans from more than 150 countries experienced American hospitality firsthand, and the tournament generated more than 20 billion video views worldwide.

Yet the numbers tell only part of the story. The real success was measured in packed downtowns, thriving small businesses, friendships formed across cultures, and unforgettable moments shared by millions.

President Trump’s focus on safety and security paid off. We deployed federal coordination teams, supported local law enforcement with $625 million in funding, and invested another $500 million in counter-drone technology. We worked closely with state and local officials, trained together, and built a real-time information-sharing system that will benefit our country long after the final whistle.

FEDS CHARGE FOUR AS WORLD CUP DRONE CRACKDOWN TOPS 400 SEIZURES ACROSS US HOST CITIES NATIONWIDE

The results speak for themselves: no major security incidents, a record-breaking economic impact, and a seamless experience for fans and athletes. From Seattle’s Pioneer Square, where local businesses saw sales rise to as much as 10 times their average, to Philadelphia’s $770 million in projected economic impact, the benefits will last for years to come.

The true legacy is the capability we built. America now has stronger technology, better training, and deeper partnerships at home and abroad. We worked with Canada, Mexico, and FIFA to deliver a continental spectacle—proving that no country is better equipped to host an event on this scale. President Trump’s Golden Age of Sports is here, and the lessons learned will inform not only future World Cups, but also every major event we host.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

It’s especially meaningful that President Trump, who was the driving force behind our successful bid in 2018, was able to see this vision realized during his presidency. Few leaders get to witness their ambitions come full circle on a stage this grand. The pride he felt—and that we all shared—as we watched the world come together on American soil is something I’ll never forget.

Serving as executive director of the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been the honor of a lifetime. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve under President Trump and help make his vision for this country a reality during this extraordinary moment for America.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

As we look ahead to the Olympics and America’s next chapter, let this World Cup stand as proof that when President Trump sets an ambitious vision, America delivers. We welcomed the world with unmatched hospitality, world-class venues, unwavering security, and the confidence that has always defined this nation at its best.

Americans fell in love with the World Cup, and the world fell in love with America again. That is the enduring legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the future of sports in America’s Golden Age.

LEE CARTER: Why I believe collapsing trust, not ideology, is reshaping American politics

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:00:35 -0400

After every recent election in which a democratic socialist or self-described progressive outsider scores an upset victory, the same debate erupts: Is America really moving that far to the left?

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rise in New York reignited the question. Before his campaign collapsed, Graham Platner’s meteoric rise in Maine sparked similar headlines. And now, as Democrats look to replace him, many are rallying around Troy Jackson, a self-described "pickup truck progressive."

The conventional wisdom is that these victories signal a country embracing increasingly liberal ideas.

DSA ROLLS OUT NEW PLATFORM AHEAD OF MIDTERMS

I don’t think that’s what’s happening.

The rise of democratic socialism isn’t the story.

It’s the symptom.

SOCIALISM’S RISE INSIDE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOW THREATENS THE AMERICAN DREAM

The real story is that millions of Americans have lost confidence in the institutions they once trusted to solve problems, create opportunity and make government work. And when confidence in institutions collapses, voters don’t necessarily move left or right. They become far more willing to embrace candidates who promise to disrupt the status quo.

Gallup’s latest polling should be a flashing warning light. Confidence in America’s institutions remains near historic lows. Congress commands the confidence of just 9% of Americans. Confidence in the criminal justice system, organized religion, higher education, big business and many other institutions Americans once relied upon has eroded dramatically over the past generation.

Look beyond the individual numbers and a striking pattern emerges.

BERNIE-BACKED SOCIALIST WHO ALLIED WITH PLATNER COULD SUPPLANT HIM ON BALLOT

This isn’t a crisis in one institution.

It’s a crisis of confidence in the entire system.

That’s an important distinction because politics doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Voters don’t evaluate candidates based solely on policy positions. They also evaluate whether the institutions surrounding those policies are capable of delivering results.

When Americans stop believing those institutions work, they stop rewarding candidates who promise incremental change.

They start looking for alternatives.

Some find them on the right.

Some find them on the left.

But almost all of them are looking for outsiders.

That’s what made Platner’s campaign so compelling before it unraveled. His appeal wasn’t simply about progressive policy. He represented a rejection of politics as usual. His outsider status became part of his message.

The same is true of Mamdani.

Whether you agree with his policies or not, his supporters aren’t simply voting for a platform. They’re voting for disruption. They’re voting against institutions they believe have failed them.

And look at what happened in Maine after Platner exited the race.

Many Democrats didn’t immediately search for the safest establishment replacement. Instead, attention quickly shifted to Jackson — a candidate who proudly brands himself a "pickup truck progressive" and who has built his career positioning himself as a champion of working people against entrenched interests.

Different state.

Different ideology.

The same political demand.

We’re seeing versions of this story play out across the country.

Candidates who promise to challenge institutions are outperforming candidates who promise simply to manage them.

The labels vary.

The frustration does not.

This is why I believe we continue to misread this political moment.

The defining divide in American politics is no longer simply Democrat versus Republican.

Nor is it liberal versus conservative.

Increasingly, it is establishment versus anti-establishment.

Institution versus outsider.

The rise of democratic socialism is one manifestation of that shift.

Right-wing populism is another.

They are different political expressions of the same underlying condition: millions of Americans no longer believe the institutions around them are capable of solving the problems they face.

That should concern all of us.

A healthy democracy depends on citizens believing that its institutions — while imperfect — are fundamentally legitimate and capable of correcting mistakes, enforcing rules fairly and delivering results.

When that confidence disappears, disruption becomes more attractive than stability.

History tells us that people rarely embrace political movements on the fringe simply because they wake up one day with a new ideology.

They do it because they lose confidence in the institutions that once made moderation feel sufficient.

That is why I don’t believe the rise of democratic socialism is the biggest story in American politics.

The bigger story is the collapse of confidence that made its rise possible.

Until our institutions begin earning back the confidence of the American people, we shouldn’t be surprised to see more candidates like Zohran Mamdani.

Or Graham Platner.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

Or Troy Jackson.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Because they aren’t the cause of this political moment.

They’re the consequence of it.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM LEE HARTLEY CARTER

JONATHAN TURLEY: Democratic Socialists want to remake America in their image. That’s terrifying

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:00:34 -0400

"Imagine the end of capitalism." Those words in the Democratic Socialists of America manifesto offer Americans a world without landlords, debt, mandatory work hours, and "food, education, energy, medicine, and transportation ... are common goods and utilities."

The left often refers to radical changes as "reimagining" everything from police to the Supreme Court to prisons to borders. However, the rise of socialists in the Democratic Party has moved such claims from the merely rhetorical to the outright revolutionary.

The release of the DSA platform on Bastille Day, July 14, was fitting since the Jacobins pushed for the same unicameral system that the socialists are now advocating.The platform promised to change the constitutional system and end the rule of "the same criminal class of billionaires and war profiteers."

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

The DSA, which counts various Democrat figures such as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, includes a plan to eliminate the Senate, the Supreme Court, the presidency and other institutions in remaking the American constitutional system.

In my new book "Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution," I discuss the rise of socialism and the move among professors and pundits to scrap key aspects, or the entirety, of our constitutional system on the 250th anniversary of the republic.

The book compares many of these proposals to identical policies of the Jacobin movement in the French Revolution. It is a book about revolutions and how they can consume those who start them. Both the American and French revolutions arose during the same period, but one became the world’s oldest democracy while the other became a blood-soaked tyranny known as "The Reign of Terror."

THE FOUNDING FATHERS WOULD SOUND THE ALARM ON AOC, MAMDANI AND OUR SLIDE INTO SOCIALISM

Notably, the Jacobins pushed for the same unicameral system that the socialists are now advocating. Even figures such as Thomas Paine (one of two figures who played a significant role in both revolutions) supported such measures to allow for more direct democracy.

It was an approach that the Framers expressly rejected. Great students of history, they did not want to replicate the elements that led to the destruction of past democracies going back to ancient Athens. Benjamin Rush, a signatory to the Declaration of Independence, referred to it as democracies becoming "mobocracies."

The DSA is the direct descendant of the Jacobins in seeking to tear down moderating institutions and replace the President and justices with democratically elected figures by a Congress composed only of the House of Representatives. However, many of these suggestions are also found among leading academics and influencers.

BROADCAST NETWORKS TOUT MAMDANI’S VICTORIES, PROCLAIM SOCIALISM IS ‘RESONATING’

As with the original Jacobins, those demanding these changes are not the working class but professors, pundits and young college-educated voters.

Mainstream figures such as Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley Law School, have published books such as "No Democracy Lasts Forever: How the Constitution Threatens the United States."

The media eagerly publishes such radical views, such as the New York Times column, "The Constitution Is Broken and Should Not Be Reclaimed," in which Ryan D. Doerfler of Harvard and Samuel Moyn of Yale call for the nation to "reclaim America from constitutionalism."

As discussed in "Rage and the Republic":

"Those who want to remain in favor often pander to the extremes. Radical leftist sites like the Jacobin have grown in popularity ... They use some of the same words and symbols but still seem improvisational and inauthentic, like a child’s game of dress-up with oversized outfits. Indeed, that is precisely the danger.

There is little knowledge, let alone memory, of what such radicalism became under the real Jacobins. There is the same blissful ignorance that allowed Rousseauian dilettantes to mutate into monsters, escalating radical agendas with every failure...As the popular slogans became disastrous policies, the momentum would carry them beyond any point of recognition or return. The new Jacobins show the same blind ambition and abandon in striking out at institutions and the Constitution itself."

Those slogans are now preying on the gullible and the vulnerable. Take the recent pitch of Michaela Brangan, DSA National Political Education Chair, who declared that with socialism:

"[Y]ou are able to take a day off and not have to worry and you don't have to have a job just to pay the bills because you do not have a lot of bills. Right? Bills are no longer a thing because there's not for-profit businesses that are constantly trying to exploit you and trying, you know, to put you into debt."

She laughed at the suggestion of, "Why do we have a Senate? What is so great about the Senate?"

If she wants that answer, she only needs to look around her at the mob seeking to destroy the world's oldest and most successful republic in history.

She is right about one thing. Capitalism has played a critical role in our republic. This is the 250th anniversary of not just our Declaration but the publication of Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations," which the Founders eagerly embraced. They believed that you could not be truly independent and free if you are not economically independent and free. They rejected the economic dependency pushed by many on the left.

The left has found a voice in the class warfare espoused by Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and others. However, it is not a new voice. It is the same Siren's call that we rejected 250 years ago. Paine himself would barely survive in France and come to appreciate the structural precautions that Founding Father and President James Madison created in our system that were absent in the French system.

After the Jacobins implemented some of these very same policies, they destroyed their economy and then devoured themselves in waves of executions. Once again, these same voices are asking a people to destroy the most successful and stable democracy in history. Mainstream figures are conditioning the public for radical changes, often using the same coded messaging. Former Vice President Kamala Harris dismissed the opposition to ideas like packing the Supreme Court as mere "nostalgia" for a system that is no longer working.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently also pandered to the mob in declaring that "nostalgia is not working," and added, "capitalism as we know it doesn't work either."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

It is not "nostalgia" that binds us to this constitutional system. It is the faith in a system based on natural rights; a system that protects the minority from the majority. It is a system based on faith in both political and economic independence; the embrace of freedom and free-market principles that created the greatest prosperity in history.

We have heard these voices before and we would be wise to take them seriously if we are, as Benjamin Franklin asked, to keep this Republic for the next generation.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JONATHAN TURLEY

2 Colombian nationals arrested in stolen Mercedes linked to violent California carjacking

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:40:16 -0400

Two Colombian nationals were arrested in California after automated license plate readers alerted authorities to a stolen Mercedes-Benz linked to a violent carjacking days earlier, officials said.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 had been reported stolen during a violent carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon in Hawthorne, California, on July 11, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department news release.

Days later, deputies received an alert from an automated license plate reader showing that the car was traveling through Rolling Hills Estates. As deputies searched for the vehicle, they learned it had also been linked to a residential burglary that had recently occurred in Torrance, authorities said.

CALIFORNIA MEN ACCUSED OF $100K BURGLARY ALLEGEDLY TOOK SELFIES WHILE COMMITTING CRIME

Deputies found the Mercedes and conducted a traffic stop near Palos Verdes Drive North and Rolling Vista Drive.

As the vehicle came to a stop, a passenger jumped out and ran, prompting deputies to establish a perimeter, according to the sheriff’s department.

WATCH: FELONY SUSPECT'S OCEAN GETAWAY UNRAVELS AFTER 90-MINUTE STANDOFF WITH LIFEGUARDS

The driver, Yareht Pedraza, 26, of Bogotá, Colombia, was taken into custody at the scene.

"With deputies securing the perimeter and an LASD airship overhead, the search quickly shifted from the streets to the skies. Within a short time, the passenger was located and taken into custody," the sheriff's department said.

The passenger, Alan Pena Sabogn, 21, also of Bogotá, was later apprehended and arrested on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order, obstructing a peace officer and providing false identification, authorities said.

Officials said Sabogn also had an outstanding felony no-bail burglary warrant from Colorado.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"This arrest is another example of how technology, proactive policing, and teamwork between deputies, dispatchers, and Air Support help quickly identify suspects and remove them from our communities," the sheriff's department said.

Jennifer Lopez reveals what makes a man 'sexy' to her

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:48:33 -0400

Jennifer Lopez revealed what she finds sexiest in a man.

The singer and actress shared her thoughts on it during her performance at the Dolce & Gabbana show in Taormina, Sicily, on Thursday.

"But you know what really makes a man attractive? It’s not the watch. It’s not the car. It’s not the private jet. It really isn’t, although that’s nice," the 56-year-old star began.

"It’s nice. It’s seeing them make the bed in the morning or wash the dishes for you when you’re tired at night. That’s what’s sexy. Now that’s what I call sexy," she continued.

TIM ALLEN REVEALS THE ONE THING THAT HAS SAVED HIS NEARLY 20-YEAR MARRIAGE TO JANE HAJDUK

"Cause ladies, you know, we do all the things. We do all the things," Lopez concluded.

According to People magazine, the audience laughed and applauded her.

JENNIFER LOPEZ TAKES BLAME FOR BEN AFFLECK DIVORCE, SAYS SHE NEEDED TO 'FIGURE' HERSELF OUT AFTER SPLIT

Lopez performed a number of her songs, including "Love Don’t Cost a Thing," "Waiting For Tonight," "Let’s Get Loud," "Ain’t Your Mama" and "Save Me Tonight."

The mother of two wore a sparkling bodysuit for her performance.

Prior to speaking about what she finds sexiest in men, Lopez had a playful exchange with one of her backup dancers, per People.

JENNIFER ANISTON SUPPORTS JUSTIN THEROUX BABY NEWS AS A-LISTERS TURN BREAK-UPS INTO FRIENDSHIPS

"Fix my hair OK. Fix my hair. But the rest of you, get out of here. You’re broke. I don’t need you. I don’t need your money. I don’t need your gifts. That’s right," she told him.

She then added: "You know, people look at me, they look at me for years, and they think I’m expensive. You see my sparkly cup. And I am, I am expensive. You see my sparkly cup. And I am, I am expensive," she said with a laugh.

"I am, but I have my own money. Ladies, am I right? We don’t need anybody to buy us anything. We don’t. We want them to, sometimes that’s nice."

Recently, Lopez opened up about why her most recent divorce ended up being "the best thing" for her.

During an interview on SiriusXM's "The Howard Stern Show," the star discussed her 2024 divorce from Ben Affleck, detailing what she learned from the split.

"When I got divorced this last time, it was the best thing that ever happened to me," she explained. "Because it really made me journey into — I mean, I had a religious coach. I had a therapist, a couple's therapist, an individual therapist. I had a coach to understand addiction. I had everything. I was like, 'I'm gonna f---in' figure this s--- out if it kills me.'"

The "Hustlers" star has been married four times, including to Marc Anthony from 2004 to 2014, and to Affleck from 2022 to 2024.

"What I learned, it's not that I'm not lovable — it's that they're not capable... They don't have it in them," she explained, adding, "And they gave me what they had. They gave me all of it, every time. All the rings, all the things I could ever want. The houses, the rings, the marriage. All of it. But.…"

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

After working through her divorce, Lopez noted she is "able to sit here in a much more self-assured, self-aware way" and reflect on everything that has happened in her life.

"Whether my mother, my father, in my own life, how I learned to love, how I felt neglected — all the things that are in your head as a person — and know who I am and just really appreciate that person," she said. "[I] feel really comfortable and good in being myself, all the good parts and all the kind of complicated things."

Why Conor McGregor calls his exact knee injury 'quite shocking' after finding out results

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:35:39 -0400

Conor McGregor has finally revealed what exactly happened to his right knee during a very short return to the UFC octagon on July 11 in Las Vegas.

McGregor, who lost by technical knockout to Max Holloway in UFC 329, called it "quite shocking" to learn what he injured during UFC 329.

"Update: it was acl and meniscus," McGregor posted on X.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking."

McGregor previously fought Holloway 13 years ago before he gained worldwide stardom for his mixed martial arts. It’s a total coincidence this happened now over a decade later, but McGregor is trying to keep a positive mindset once again.

"With today’s regenerative medicine advancements and improved training methods it is well within my realm to return by next summer," McGregor continued, confidently. "I am walking without a crutch. I done leg extension machine work the other day to no issue. So I can walk without aid, and activate my quad under resistance. All very positive. I am maximum discipline and have maintained it fully since the bout.

JOE ROGAN CALLS OUT 'CRAZY' KICK ATTEMPT BY CONOR MCGREGOR THAT LED TO INJURY: 'YOU DON'T DO THAT'

"I wonder was I saved from something worse here. I believe so. I would have attended the after party as ‘the man’ and who knows then. I believe I was saved. Thank you God! On we go, no sad stories. Thank you for the support and well wishes everyone, your health is your wealth."

It wasn’t much of a bout, as McGregor attempted a jumping roundhouse kick on Holloway. As McGregor landed on the canvas, he immediately grabbed at his right knee and hit the deck.

Holloway took advantage of the situation, trying to get McGregor while he was down. But despite evading some serious punches from Holloway, McGregor clearly wasn’t right.

Referee Mike Beltran eventually called the fight just seconds into the first round, giving Holloway the victory and ending the UFC 329 co-main event in lackluster fashion.

After the match, McGregor was understandably upset.

"My head gasket is gone. Destroyed," he wrote on X at the time. "I had no injury/injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

McGregor’s camp even showed pre-fight footage from the locker room, where the two-division champion was seen rehearsing his jumping roundhouse kicks. He was landing perfectly fine.

McGregor’s UFC career record is now 22-7 after this TKO finish, but it seems like the 38-year-old is still ready to recover and get back in the octagon. He doesn’t want to end his fighting career in that fashion.

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

Atlanta Hawks dump former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher after disappointing two-year stint

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:25:48 -0400

Zaccharie Risacher is probably a name you haven't heard much since he was selected first overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.

After two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher is already on the move.

Another NBA trade dropped Sunday, sending the 21-year-old to the Dallas Mavericks and bringing Atlanta's underwhelming gamble to an early end.

MAJOR NBA TRADE WON'T BE OFFICIAL UNTIL LEAGUE'S INVESTIGATION INTO TEAM'S SALARY CAP ACCUSATIONS IS COMPLETE

Atlanta received Lu Dort from the Thunder, Oklahoma City secured two second-round picks, and Dallas landed Risacher and guard Ryan Nembhard from the Hawks.

Top picks rarely get cut loose this quickly. While draft-night trades happen in minutes and Andrew Wiggins was famously flipped 57 days post-draft for Kevin Love before ever putting on a Cavaliers jersey, a top pick getting dealt for purely basketball-related reasons after two years is a whole different category of rare.

WIZARDS SELECT AJ DYBANTSA FIRST OVERALL IN 2026 NBA DRAFT

Moving on after just 142 career games puts Risacher in rare company alongside Markelle Fultz, who was traded from Philadelphia after 33 games across two injury-plagued seasons, and Pervis Ellison, who lasted just one year in Sacramento before being shipped out.

Unlike Fultz or Ellison, Risacher wasn't sidelined by a shoulder condition or persistent health red flags. Atlanta simply pulled the plug, deciding not to stick with the top pick after just two seasons.

Risacher was part of an underwhelming 2024 NBA Draft class that featured names like Alex Sarr and Cody Williams in the top 10. Risacher was far from the runaway No. 1 overall projection, with many arguing for Sarr at the time.

That year's poor selections were also underscored by Wembanyama going the year prior and Cooper Flagg a year later.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The 6-foot-8 Risacher entered the league as a long, two-way wing whose upside was tied to his shot-making. He averaged 12.6 points as a rookie before slipping to 9.6 in his second season.

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

'Resurrection of the Christ' writer reveals Mel Gibson's dark spiritual warning about 'Passion' sequel

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:22:07 -0400

Mel Gibson's longtime collaborator Randall Wallace revealed the dark spiritual warning that the two-time Oscar winner gave him before they began writing the sequel to "The Passion of the Christ."

The 76-year-old screenwriter, who previously teamed up with the 70-year-old director and actor for 1995's "Braveheart," 2002's "We Were Soldiers" and 2016's "Hacksaw Ridge," co-wrote the screenplay for "The Resurrection of the Christ" with Gibson and his brother Donal Gibson.

During a recent appearance on Raymond Arroyo's podcast "Arroyo Grande," Wallace recalled how he urged Gibson to tell the Resurrection story following the massive success of "The Passion of the Christ."

MEL GIBSON'S 'RESURRECTION OF THE CHRIST' REVEALS FIRST PHOTOS AFTER LONG-AWAITED PASSION SEQUEL

"Mel didn't approach me. I approached him, actually," Wallace said of how they began working together on "The Resurrection of the Christ."

"This is not to say that over the years, he hadn't thought many times about the Resurrection," Wallace continued. "In fact, in the original ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ the original cut didn't have the resurrection scene. He was getting feedback from people saying, 'We really want to see that.'"

Wallace said Gibson ultimately decided to add the brief Resurrection scene that serves as "The Passion of the Christ's" closing epilogue.

In the sequence, Jesus is seen rising, leaving the tomb, and revealing the wounds in his hands before the movie ends.

Wallace told Arroyo that he proposed developing a feature-length film depicting the Resurrection while he and Gibson were on a promotional tour for "Hacksaw Ridge" in 2016.

"Having studied the Resurrection and being so consumed by it, I thought about it many times," Wallace recalled. "I didn't have anything to do with ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ When we were promoting ‘Hacksaw Ridge,’ we were sitting there talking about our lives, and I said, ‘Look, you know, the story that you really need to tell is the Resurrection.’"

Wallace went on to recount Gibson's reaction to his suggestion, remembering that the director believed the project could invite spiritual warfare.

"There was this long pause, and he said something profoundly beautiful. He said, 'If we do this, it can't be for the money, and it can't be to get back at people that have hated us or wronged us or been unhappy with us,'" Wallace recalled. "And I said, ‘Amen to that.’"

"Then he said, 'You know, Satan's going to come after you,'" Wallace continued.

"I said, 'Well, you know, Satan doesn't really care about Baptists.' It's really good when Satan can get a Catholic. We're a dime a dozen," he said as Arroyo laughed.

"And of course, I was being facetious, but I was also thinking…" Wallace continued.

"What if he's right?" Arroyo interjected.

"Well, yeah," Wallace admitted.

"That's what I would be thinking," Arroyo said.

"We had a beautiful conversation about grace," Wallace recalled.

Wallace told Arroyo that conversation with Gibson marked the beginning of their collaboration on "The Resurrection of the Christ."

"I knew he had written ‘The Passion,’ was very much deeply involved in the writing of it. And I said, 'Look, let's partner up. I'll write a draft, give it to you, then we'll start tearing it up, go through it. You do your thing, I'll do mine. We'll work together, we'll work apart.' So we started that way," Wallace remembered.

Gibson has previously said he, Wallace and Donal spent roughly six to eight years writing and refining the screenplay for "The Resurrection of the Christ," which will be split into two parts.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

In May, Gibson announced that production on the sequel had been completed. "The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One" will be released May 6, 2027, on Ascension Day, the Christian holiday marking Jesus Christ’s ascent into heaven 40 days after Easter Sunday. "The Resurrection of the Christ: Part Two" is scheduled to debut May 25, 2028, over Memorial Day weekend.

In a press release, Gibson shared that the story was brought to the screen "exactly as I envisioned it."

"I’m deeply grateful to my incredibly talented cast and crew for pouring their hearts into this production. Together, we created something powerful," Gibson said.

"This film represents a major part of my life’s work, and it has demanded everything of me as a filmmaker and as an artist. This is far more than a film to me. It’s a mission I’ve carried for over 20 years to tell what I believe is the most important story in human history," he added.

LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"The Passion of the Christ," which premiered in February 2004, depicted the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life leading up to the crucifixion. Its graphic violence and subject matter made it one of that year's most controversial movies.

The film was a smash hit, grossing more than $610 million worldwide on a reported $30 million budget. It also earned Academy Award nominations for its makeup, score and cinematography.

While speaking with Arroyo, Wallace teased what audiences can expect from the long-awaited sequel.

"His unique vision of the spiritual realm is really special," Wallace said of Gibson.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"The interesting thing is that, while in some ways — the ultimate movie — I want to keep it all secret about what's going to happen," he continued. "But the ultimate movie, in some ways, will have elements that people have never seen before."

"In fact, in many ways, it'll be stuff nobody's ever seen," Wallace added. "And yet I believe it'll be, in a certain way, the most orthodox telling. It'll be the most consistent telling of the overall belief, the awe and the mystery that Christians experience when they experience the Resurrection."

Matt Damon, Tom Cruise and Shakira headline packed celebrity crowd at World Cup final

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:19:26 -0400

The celebrities came out in full force at the FIFA World Cup final match game on Sunday, when Spain triumphed over Argentina 1-0.

Matt Damon, who was fresh off his "Odyssey" press tour, enjoyed the big game with his wife Luciana, while Tom Cruise had the honor of opening the game with a speech.

The A-list celebrity roster continued, with Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and more performing during the halftime show.

BRAD PITT, TOM CRUISE, DAVID BECKHAM LEAD STAR-STUDDED CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS AT 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

Other big names in attendance included Blake Lively, Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet, Javier Bardem, Beyonce, and Anya Taylor-Joy – who all watched the game in the crowd.

Here's a look at the celebrities who attended the FIFA World Cup final match:

DAVID BECKHAM GOES FULL COWBOY IN DALLAS BEFORE SPAIN'S WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL VICTORY

Damon donned a dark hued top and jeans while his wife Luciana proudly displayed her love for team Argentina in a jersey, scarf and hat.

She paired the cropped jersey with low-rise white jeans and sunglasses.

Damon wrapped his press tour for director Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," which topped the box office during its opening weekend, earning over $264 million globally, according to AP.

Cruise kept it casual in a black top and trousers as he opened the game with a speech.

‘ODYSSEY' STARS ZENDAYA, ANNE HATHAWAY AND MATT DAMON TURN HEADS AS DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER NOLAN FACES BACKLASH

Cruise was joined by David and Victoria Beckham in their suite. David looked dapper in a suit while Victoria chose a chic sleeveless top and white bottoms

Their son Cruz Beckham also attended the game with them.

Shakira wowed during her halftime performance, wearing a pink and yellow cut-out dress that showcased her fit form.

Justin Bieber performed during the halftime show, wearing a green and white top with jeans.

Post Malone opted for a double denim look and a cowboy hat, along with a shirt that read "I just hope both teams have fun."

Meanwhile, Madonna wore a pink and white corset look. Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini coordinated in blue as they performed.

Richard Gere kept it casual in a baseball cap with sunglasses while arriving to the game with wife Alejandra Silva.

Javier Bardem also attended, although his wife, fellow star Penelope Cruz, did not.

Actress Julia Garner kept it cool in a leather jacket, white tee and black skirt for the game, while Tate McRae slipped on a top with a collar.

Kylie Jenner and boyfriend Timothee Chalamet were at the game. Jenner wore a black top and jeans, with small framed sunglasses and red nails.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Jay-Z and wife Beyonce were also in the crowd; Beyonce wore a white jacket and a lace skirt, adding sunglasses.

Anya Taylor-Joy looked incredibly chic in a cream one-shoulder top and silky skirt, paired with a blue-and-white scarf.

Blake Lively also made an appearance with friends; the actress shared a group selfie to her Instagram stories.

Josh Kerr crushes 27-year-old world mile record after delivering on bold promise in London

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:18:47 -0400

British runner Josh Kerr ran the fastest mile in history Saturday, clocking 3 minutes, 42.66 seconds to shatter the men's mile world record at the London Diamond League.

Kerr's historic run broke Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj's mark of 3:43.13, set in Rome in 1999, ending a record that had stood for 27 years, according to The Associated Press.

The 28-year-old then took a celebratory lap around London Stadium after cementing his place in track and field history.

SABASTIAN SAWE FINISHES LONDON MARATHON IN UNDER TWO HOURS TO BREAK MEN’S WORLD RECORD

Video shared by the Diamond League on X captured the historic moment as Kerr threw his arms into the air after crossing the finish line while the packed stadium erupted.

The league's official account declared, "History made by Josh Kerr!"

The former University of New Mexico standout finished more than three seconds ahead of American Yared Nuguse, who crossed in 3:45.69. Britain's Jake Heyward finished third in a personal best 3:46.73, according to the official results released by World Athletics.

SABASTIAN SAWE FINISHES LONDON MARATHON IN UNDER TWO HOURS TO BREAK MEN’S WORLD RECORD

Reaction poured in across social media shortly after Kerr's record-breaking run.

Team Scotland wrote on X: "A new world record. Congratulations to Josh Kerr, breaking the long-standing mile world record with an incredible run of 3:42.66. What an achievement."

The Olympic Games' official X account also celebrated the feat, posting: "History made. Great Britain's Josh Kerr roars to a world record in the men's mile, snapping a 27-year record in 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League."

SABASTIAN SAWE FINISHES LONDON MARATHON IN UNDER TWO HOURS TO BREAK MEN’S WORLD RECORD

Kerr had targeted the London Diamond League mile as one of his primary goals this season, which does not include the Olympics or World Championships, according to the AP.

Speaking with BBC Sport after the race, Kerr said the atmosphere inside London Stadium helped carry him through the final stretch.

"It was just me, my shoes and the track," he told the outlet. "I was absolutely deaf in that last 110 meters."

"I didn't take my foot off the gas," Kerr continued. "But ... I started to glide and I was like, 'Oh wow, this feels incredible.' It's incredible because I'm slowing down. So, I was like, 'I better get to the line.' So, crossing the finish line, seeing 42-something, anything, was my goal, so it was great."

Kerr also reflected on the pressure he put on himself after publicly declaring months ago that he would chase the record.

"It's very overwhelming with the amount of hype [I created]," he told BBC Sport. "It's silly to call [the attempt] that early because there's a lot of things which can go wrong, but I am surrounded by amazing people and was able to stay consistent and put the work in."

Kerr said he hoped the performance would help define his legacy in British athletics.

"If I am to leave my mark on this sport as a British legend, following in the footsteps of the legends behind me, I have to put in those performances," he told BBC Sport.

"Those performances take every single part of you, every single part of your team. The amount of work behind the scenes is incredible. Today it was a performance I was able to bring out — I just hoped it would be a little bit faster!"

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Before turning professional, Kerr starred at the University of New Mexico, where he won three NCAA titles, captured eight Mountain West championships and set the collegiate record in the 1,500 meters, according to the school's athletics website.

Saturday's performance lowered Kerr's previous personal-best mile time of 3:45.34 by nearly three seconds and erased one of track and field's longest-standing world records, according to World Athletics.

Gisele Bündchen stuns in white bikini as she shares rare glimpse of baby son during family getaway in Tahiti

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:54:54 -0400

Gisele Bündchen showed off her summer style as she shared rare photos of herself with her one-year-old son while enjoying a family vacation in Tahiti.

On Saturday, the 45-year-old supermodel posted a carousel of snaps that included images of her youngest child, her husband Joaquim Valente and her older children Benjamin Rein, 16, and Vivian Lake, 13, whom she shares with her ex-husband Tom Brady, 48.

Bündchen and Valente married in 2025, months after welcoming their son, whose name they have not publicly revealed.

SHAKIRA SOAKS UP THE MIAMI SUN AS BIKINI-CLAD NINA DOBREV, KIM KARDASHIAN SHOWCASE SUMMER GETAWAYS

In the first photo, Bündchen donned a white bikini and a straw hat as she stood in the ocean hand in hand with her baby son, who wore matching white swim trunks.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel uploaded a selfie in which she was seen in a pink sleeveless knit dress that she paired with delicate gold necklaces and a white lei. Bündchen also sported a crown made of tropical flowers as she smiled at the camera.

In another photo, Bündchen wore the same ensemble while dancing with her baby son and Valente to live music played by Tahitian performers.

Valente was seen enjoying some quality time with their child in one snap that Bündchen shared. The jiu-jitsu instructor wore snorkeling goggles on his head and black swim trunks as he stood in the ocean while holding up their son as what appeared to be a stingray swam by in the water below them.

Bündchen also captured sweet moments that her children shared during the family trip. In one photo, Benjamin was seen holding his younger half-sibling while on a boat as they looked down at the waves.

Vivian was also seen on the boat while tenderly embracing her baby brother in another snap. Bündchen also included a photo of Vivian wrapping her arm around her older brother as the two enjoyed a scenic view from on top of a cliff.

In other images, the family was seen bike riding, snorkeling, doing headstands in the ocean, enjoying tropical scenery, eating fresh fruit and stargazing.

"What a special place! Que lugar especial!" Bündchen wrote in the caption of her slideshow.

Bündchen first confirmed her relationship with Valente in June 2023, around seven months after her divorce from Brady was finalized.

The model and the former NFL star made their split official in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage. Bündchen gave birth to her third child in February 2025 and she and Valente later wed during a secret ceremony in December 2025.

Last month, Bündchen praised Valente and honored her own father Valdir Bündchen in a Father's Day tribute that she shared on Instagram.

Happy Father’s Day @joaquimvalente !" Bündchen wrote in both English and Portuguese in the caption of her slideshow. "Thank you for leading by example, and for the values you embody, love, humility, integrity, discipline, kindness and consistency."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"You are an incredible role model," she continued. "We are all so grateful for you, and we love you so much.And dad, thank you for your unconditional love, wisdom, and support through every stage of my life."

"Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there," Bündchen added.

Bündchen's carousel featured several photos of Valente in sweet moments with their son. The Vogue cover star also highlighted the close relationship that Valente shares with her older children. She included a snap in which Vivian was seen embracing Valente and a photo of Benjamin standing back to back with his stepfather.

LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The blended family were also pictured in a group hug while sitting on the floor.

APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Speaking with Vogue France in May 2025, Bündchen described her ideal day as she reflected on how her priorities have shifted since welcoming her third child.

"Being with my family, especially when we can do outdoor activities together," she said. "Spending time with them is what makes me happiest."

NORAD F-16s intercept multiple aircraft violating temporary flight restrictions over New Jersey

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:22:42 -0400

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced on Sunday that its F-16s intercepted multiple aircraft that violated temporary flight restrictions over New Jersey.

NORAD F-16 fighter jets intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft that violated the temporary flight restriction airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford in New Jersey, according to NORAD.

More than 10 general aviation aircraft entered restricted airspace on Sunday, including three that NORAD said it had to intercept.

FEDS CHARGE FOUR AS WORLD CUP DRONE CRACKDOWN TOPS 400 SEIZURES ACROSS US HOST CITIES NATIONWIDE

During two of the intercepts, NORAD aircraft dispensed flares to draw the pilots’ attention, which may have been visible to the public.

NORAD said the flares were deployed "with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground."

PILOTS ACCIDENTALLY BROADCAST 'MEOWING' OVER REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT FREQUENCY

All general aviation aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft, NORAD said.

"Should NORAD aircraft intercept a general aviation aircraft, the pilot should immediately come up on frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and turn around to reverse course until receiving additional instructions on one of those frequencies," NORAD said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

NORAD urged pilots to check temporary flight restrictions before entering an airspace.

"Pilots: check your Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions," NORAD said.

Former Blue Jays reliever Duane Ward dead at 62 while in Toronto for World Series tribute

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:18:48 -0400

Former MLB reliever Duane Ward, known for helping the Toronto Blue Jays win World Series in the 1990s, has died. He was 62 years old.

The Blue Jays announced Ward’s death on Sunday, saying he died of natural causes while in Toronto.

Ward was in Toronto for the unveiling of a statue outside the Blue Jays’ home Rogers Centre to commemorate the back-to-back World Series championship from 1992 and 1993, which he was a part of.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The unveiling was set for Saturday, where over two dozen players, coaches and executives were on hand to see it for the first time.

"Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family," the Blue Jays said in a statement. "Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada."

BOBBY COX, LEGENDARY ATLANTA BRAVES MANAGER WHO LED 1995 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS, DEAD AT 84

The Blue Jays also had a tribute for Ward before Sunday’s first pitch against the Chicago White Sox, holding a moment of silence for him after a montage played on the videoboard in center field.

Ward was the top draft choice of the Atlanta Braves out of Farmington High School in New Mexico during the 1982 MLB Draft, but while he made his major league debut with the club, he didn’t last there long.

Ward was traded to the Blue Jays midway through the 1986 season, and he truly found a home north of the border.

He spent parts of nine years with the ballclub, turning into a key reliever that could be relied upon as the Blue Jays proved they had what it took to reach, and win, the World Series in the early 1990s.

Ward’s best season came during the 1993 World Series run, leading the league with 70 games finished and 45 saves, while owning a 2.13 ERA across 71.2 innings (71 games).

Ward also had a dominant 1.95 ERA during the 1992 season, earning himself 12 saves, and 103 strikeouts across 101.1 innings pitched.

In the postseason, Ward was just as exceptional, owning a 1.13 ERA and two saves during his World Series appearances. And though Game 6 of the 1993 World Series will forever be remembered for Joe Carter’s walk-off home run against the Philadelphia Phillies, it was Ward who earned the victory as the pitcher that shut the door to allow that to happen.

"Whether setting the stage in the eighth inning or closing out wins, he will be remembered for the role he played in some of the greatest moments in Blue Jays history," the team’s statement continued.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

After an arm injury forced Ward to miss the entire 1994 season, he pitched in just four games in 1995 before he last saw a big league mound.

In 462 games, Ward earned a career 3.28 ERA with 679 strikeouts over 666.2 innings pitched.

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