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Legal expert calls for Smithsonian leadership overhaul over ‘self-loathing’ portrayal of history: ‘It’s bile’

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 04:00:31 -0400

A legal expert is calling for a leadership overhaul at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History (NMAH), arguing the museum has embraced a negative, "self-loathing" portrayal of the nation’s past.

"I think this is part of a broader effort by radicals on the left to redefine the history of the United States and reframe it in an oppressor-versus-oppressed narrative," Cully Stimson, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former assistant U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital.

"Instead of looking at American history chronologically with all the triumphs and tragedies, including slavery, and then the things that our country did to eradicate the vestiges of slavery, and then passing the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments and the Civil Rights Acts and getting rid of various other laws that were discriminatory in practice or in spirit. They take a very pro-reparations, ‘we’re a bad country,’ oppressor-versus-oppressed narrative."

The comments come after a July 2026 White House report accused the Smithsonian of advancing DEI and left-wing agendas, prompting a pair of heated congressional hearings that put National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig under the national spotlight.

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Lawmakers accused museum leaders of allowing political activism to seep into exhibits and influence how history is presented, while Hartig maintained that the museum is nonpartisan and "does not take sides in America’s political debates."

Stimson said the hearings are exposing "bile that they’re trying to pass off as history," saying "sunlight’s a good disinfectant."

"If the head of the Smithsonian had any shame whatsoever, she would have resigned in disgrace already and she doesn’t have any shame because she’s perfectly happy with what she’s done," Stimson said. "She’s just the pointy end of the radical spear that’s out there trying to force this thing down the throats of Americans."

Stimson said Hartig should have been fired "the minute after the hearing" for what he called "smug and self-righteous" behavior during her testimony and for failing to take accountability.

"Her little writing the question down and her smugness was really evincing of what she really thinks of the American people and congressional oversight," he said.

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Looking back to America's 250th anniversary celebrations in July, when hundreds of thousands of people came to D.C. to celebrate the milestone, Stimson said families and children were instead greeted with "all sorts of disgusting things, bondage, and all sorts of other nasty things" at the museum.

Some of the controversial exhibits highlighted in the report and hearings featured sexually explicit material, focused on race, gender and sexuality, and portrayed the Founding Fathers through their ties to slavery rather than their roles in building America.

"There should be an entire section dedicated toward the Founding Fathers and the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the Reconstruction Amendments and all the things that happened, the Civil War, but no," he said.

Stimson said America has gone through many ups and downs "to get beyond the ugly parts of our history," giving Americans reason to celebrate the country today.

"We should not have a museum dedicated to flagellation and self-loathing," he said. "That is not how you celebrate your country."

Many Democrats have also accused Republicans of trying to "whitewash" history, a claim Stimson rejected, saying that celebrating America does not mean ignoring the darker parts of its past.

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"Celebrating doesn’t mean whitewashing history," he said. "Every civilization throughout mankind has had slavery. That doesn’t make it right, it makes it reality."

But Stimson said this approach to teaching history goes further than the museums and that the concern is "something you need to be aware of."

"You see this in higher ed, you see this unfortunately in high school and even below in lower schools, and unfortunately at our premier national museums, including the American History Museum," he said.

Stimson said people should take away the same lessons that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when parents isolated at home got a firsthand look at what their children were being taught.

"That’s why you saw more and more homeschoolers, more and more people in the school choice movement just explode across the country," he said.

He added "parents are the first educators of their children" and it’s up to them "to present American history" the right way.

A complete reset could be what the museum needs, according to Stimson.

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"That’s all it is," he said. "It’s bile. It needs to be ripped out, root and branch, and redone."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Smithsonian for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

Man charged with assault, hate crimes after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at NYC synagogue

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:27:46 -0400

A man was charged with multiple hate crimes after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at a New York City synagogue Friday, striking a congregant and attacking a member of the security team, authorities said.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the man disrupted services at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.

The NYPD later identified the suspect as Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, and said he was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges.

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"As synagogue security was escorting him out, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit at and headbutted a member of the security team," Tisch said in a statement posted on X.

An NYPD sergeant working a paid detail at the synagogue immediately intervened and took Montes into custody, according to Tisch.

No one was seriously injured, and the incident remains under investigation, Tisch said.

"I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I'm relieved that no one was seriously injured," she said. "Those who were hurt were evaluated at the scene and are doing well. There are no known additional threats at this time, and additional NYPD resources have been deployed to the synagogue."

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was "horrified" by the incident.

"I am horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue during services today," Mamdani said.

"I can only imagine the pain and fear an attack like this, during Shabbat services, causes for the congregation and for Jewish New Yorkers across our city," he continued. "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence."

"This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe," he added.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also condemned the alleged attack.

"What happened at Central Synagogue tonight is appalling," Hochul posted on X. "Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear. I’m grateful the suspect is in custody and that no one was seriously injured."

Tisch said the incident was particularly personal because she grew up attending Central Synagogue.

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"I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants," she said. "Central Synagogue is where I grew up. In joy and in sorrow, it has always been a place of comfort and peace. What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene."

Caitlin Clark overcomes injury scare, drops 29 points on Dallas Wings as Fever take top spot in East

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:30:05 -0400

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever were back at the friendly confines of Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis as they welcomed another one of the league's biggest stars, Paige Bueckers, and the Dallas Wings.

Now, there's been a lot of drama in the WNBA as of late, and this one delivered some of that as well.

Just a different brand of drama. Not the clotheslining and rage-tweeting-about-White-privilege-from-the-locker-room kind.

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The Wings entered the game shorthanded, with Azzi Fudd among those sidelined.

Still, despite missing some serious firepower, Dallas kept things close.

It started slowly, with both teams failing to put more than 20 points on the board in the first quarter, but the offense ramped up a touch in the second quarter, with the Wings taking a 37-35 lead to the locker room.

Speaking of which, it was at the very end of the first half that one of the most notable moments of the game occurred.

Clark rolled her ankle while the Fever were on defense and, worse yet, hobbled off the court to the locker room.

The Fever were hoping to take over first place in the Eastern Conference, and that would be tough in a close game without Clark.

However, thousands of fans in the building breathed a sigh of relief when Clark started the second half and went on a roll.

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The floodgates opened offensively, with Clark finishing the night with 29 points and 10 assists. Bueckers also scored 29 points for the Wings, adding six assists and six rebounds.

But the Fever got an added scoring punch from Kelsey Mitchell — who finished with 23 points for a franchise-record 18th straight 20-point game — and Tyasha Harris, who went 4-for-4 from 3-point range, to pull away for a 98-87 win.

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That gives the Fever first place in the East over the Atlanta Dream, who, coincidentally, will host them on Sunday in a big game for the conference's top spot.

Shake Shack worker allegedly calls out before robbing own restaurant, returns in uniform 2 days later

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:04:07 -0400

An Arizona Shake Shack employee is facing charges after allegedly robbing his own restaurant at gunpoint, locking two co-workers in a walk-in cooler and then returning to work in uniform just two days later.

Keondre Simmons, 33, allegedly called out of work at the Shake Shack at Kierland Commons in Phoenix around midnight on Aug. 3 before showing up at the restaurant later that morning to commit the robbery, according to court documents reviewed by FOX 10 Phoenix.

Investigators responding to the armed robbery learned that an employee opened a rear delivery door after hearing a bell and believing a scheduled delivery had arrived.

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"[The employee] opened the door after hearing the delivery bell, believing a scheduled delivery had arrived," court documents state.

"When the door opened, the suspect pointed a firearm at [the employee], ordered him inside, and escorted him at gunpoint toward the walk-in cooler. The suspect forced [the employee] inside and locked the cooler door."

Police said the suspect then forced the on-duty manager into the office and ordered him to open the store's safe.

"[The on-duty manager] unlocked the safe and, under threat of firearm, removed approximately $2,800 in mixed denominations and placed it into a black gun case-style container the suspect carried," police wrote. "The suspect subsequently forced [the on-duty manager] into the walk-in cooler with [the employee], and successfully locked the door."

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Investigators said both victims eventually managed to escape the cooler, but the suspect returned moments later, escorted them to the office and ordered them to kneel at gunpoint.

"The suspect took both victims' cellphones and the office landline, then destroyed them by throwing them into a sink filled with water. The suspect then exited the business through the rear delivery door," police wrote.

Investigators later identified Simmons as the suspect, according to the court documents.

Two days after the robbery, Simmons allegedly returned to the Shake Shack wearing his work uniform, where police arrested him.

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Simmons later told investigators that he "discarded the clothing worn during the incident, and a firearm is inside his residence," according to court documents.

Simmons faces charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault and kidnapping.

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He is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 25.

Several people dead, including suspect, in rural Michigan multi-scene shooting: police

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:47:42 -0400

Six people, including a suspected gunman, are dead in rural Missaukee County, Michigan, after a multi-scene shooting, according to state police.

Earlier Friday, Michigan State Police shared on social media that officers were investigating a shooting in the area that was reported just before noon and that authorities were looking for Chad Hickman, 39, who they said should be considered "armed and dangerous."

Officers began investigating Friday morning when three people were found dead and another was wounded at a home near LaChance Road and Kelly Road in Richland Township.

Missaukee County is located roughly three hours north of Detroit.

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A fourth person was found dead in another home.

State police said that Hickman's car was seen near a wooded area where his body and that of another victim were then found.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Michigan State Police.

Police said there is no ongoing danger to the public.

"Not only is this difficult for our investigators and our troopers, but it's very hard for this community. You know, this type of loss is tragic," MSP Public Information Officer Lt. Ashley Miller told UpNorthLive.

"And we're going to conduct a thorough investigation. And we want to make sure to keep our community members up to date on our current situation and what we're discovering throughout this process."

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Police haven’t given any more details about what led to the shootings, adding that the identities of the victims will be released after the families are notified.

Construction workers uncover $10 million in gold while building sewer under former brewery

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:09:08 -0400

Construction workers in Belgium this week uncovered $10.4 million in gold while building a new sewer below a former brewery, according to local police.

Police in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, a Flemish community outside Brussels, said the workers contacted them immediately about the find, which officers cataloged, then placed in a "high-security federal government vault."

An 18-year-old worker on the site named Kobe told VRT news he at first thought the gold pieces were 1 Euro coins.

"Our first reaction was actually disbelief, surprise. Of course, we didn't expect to find gold," Kobe said, adding that the workers had to remove a piece of foundation to lay down pipe for the sewerage.

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"When we did that, we suddenly saw something lying around," he said.

Project leader Mario said it was a "crazy feeling."

"They shouted, 'We found gold,'" he told the outlet of his workers. "I went to look and took the gold in my hands. We also continued to dig up new coins and bars. Only then did what we had found really dawn."

He called his boss and then the police.

The construction workers don’t actually get to keep the gold. Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has the right to claim the gold within five years.

When asked if it had crossed his mind to keep it, Mario told VRT, "It's about so many coins and bars, that almost wouldn't be possible. Besides, it would also be theft."

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Kobe said he still hoped for a finder’s fee. "That would be nice."

The building is owned by an organization that provides welfare support to the Flemish community.

The director of the organization said he hoped the gold could be used to help with the "enormous need we experience daily," according to the BBC.

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The local police warned treasure hunters against visiting the site, saying it’s a fenced-off construction site with "several dangerous pits" and that the gold has all been removed.

Police added, "We hope this treasure ends up in the right hands and that this unexpected discovery positively changes many lives!"

DFW Airport scraps controversial Islamic foot-washing station plan as Texas Gov Abbott takes aim

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:54:03 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday directed a review of state grants to entities operating two major Texas airports over religious accommodations after Dallas Fort Worth International Airport said it would no longer move forward with a proposal to install Islamic washing stations.

Abbott said the state will review grants to entities operating DFW and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston for possible revocation and denial of future funding. He also referred both airports to the U.S. Department of Transportation for investigation.

"Government-owned airports cannot favor one religion over all others," Abbott wrote on X Friday. "DFW plans to install Islamic wudu washing facilities are illegal. I've directed a review of all state grants to both airports for possible revocation, and referred DFW & IAH to USDOT for investigation.

"Texas will not allow illegal religious discrimination at taxpayer-funded facilities."

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DFW told Fox News Digital Friday it had been evaluating a proposal to add ablution washing stations on the pre-security side of Terminal D, its international terminal, but accelerated that review in response to increased public attention.

"DFW was in the process of evaluating an internal proposal to add a set of ablution washing stations on the pre-security side of Terminal D, the international terminal. Like all proposed projects, the airport ultimately considers the operational benefits, customer service impacts, operational risks and costs before approving them," the airport said.

"While that evaluation was planned, the airport accelerated its review due to elevated public interest this week and has determined not to proceed with the project as it would not deliver the originally anticipated operational benefits."

The project was registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation July 31. The filing initially listed the project as privately funded, estimated its cost at $300,000 and indicated construction would be completed by the end of the year.

DFW previously said those details resulted from administrative errors by the airport's outside design firm and stressed that the project had not received final approval.

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"While the estimate noted was $300,000, that was a preliminary high estimate, and we expect the project, if it were approved to proceed, would cost closer to $120,000," a spokesperson for DFW previously told Fox News Digital.

The airport said the design firm also mistakenly selected "privately funded" when submitting the regulatory filing.

"That was an error, and it should have indicated that airport funds would be used to pay for the work like all our projects," DFW said.

DFW said it does not use taxpayer dollars for airport operations and instead relies on revenue streams, including parking and concessions.

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Abbott's office said Friday that George Bush Intercontinental Airport already has an ablution station and an adjoining prayer room.

In a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Abbott asked the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration to review religious facilities and accommodations at both airports.

"These ablution facilities appear designed to single out one subset of the population for special treatment based on religion. That is illegal," Abbott said. "Both airports are government-owned facilities. The federal and state constitutions prohibit government from facilitating this sort of discrimination. Just as the government cannot favor the secular over the sacred, it also cannot favor one religious view over all others."

Abbott's office said recipients of state grants must certify compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination.

Similar low-level basins and interfaith spaces exist at other major U.S. airports, including Chicago O'Hare, Fox News Digital previously reported.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Houston Airports and the U.S. Department of Transportation for comment.

Fox News Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report.

US flag football team stunned by American Samoa in shocking first loss in 14 years

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:30:15 -0400

Just about every team you can think of at any level, in any sport, has lost at least once since 2012.

But the U.S. Men's Flag National Team hasn't... at least not until Friday.

That's right: a 14-year winning streak has come to an end for our nation's top flag football players, but if the streak had to end, it may have come at the best possible time.

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As you're no doubt aware, the IFAF World Championship is taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany — which is precisely where everyone's brain goes when they think "flag football" — and the Americans had a date with American Samoa.

Obviously, the Americans came in favored, seeing as they hadn't lost since Obama was in office, "The Dark Knight Rises" hit theaters and the London Olympics took place.

But the squad from American Samoa — led by former Maryland QB and current Tua brother Taulia Tagovailoa — did the unthinkable and handed the Americans an L.

Unbelievable.

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The U.S. is still alive in the tournament, and while having your 14-year win streak snapped has to sting, I think it happened at a good time.

I'm one of those people who thinks every dominant team needs that wake-up loss. The one that reminds you that even if you boatraced every other team for nearly a decade and a half, you're not invincible.

So, this is one of those moments, and it comes just two years before flag football is set to take a spot at the Olympics.

And there will be a lot of eyes on that competition, because there's talk of NFLers trying to crack the roster... and also, what else is everyone going to watch instead? Rhythmic gymnastics?

Of course not.

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So, fourteen lossless years was a good run, and it should make going two years without a loss seem like an absolute cakewalk.

Ex-Cambridge professor found dead after plagiarism scandal led to abrupt resignation

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:58:25 -0400

Jason Arday, the ex-Cambridge professor who sparked an international controversy over plagiarism allegations, was found dead Friday, according to multiple reports.

BBC News reported that a man at a south London address was found "unresponsive" and that, according to the Metropolitan Police, "a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin have been informed."

"At this time, his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious," Met Police said in a statement to BBC News.

"We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news," Cambridge University Vice Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice told Fox News Digital. "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

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The Metropolitan Police did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.

Last week, Arday resigned as a sociology professor at Cambridge University after the university announced an investigation into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments amid plagiarism accusations, with one accuser telling Fox News Digital Arday had been hired to be the "face of DEI."

This week also marked the release of his memoir, "Great and Unfortunate Things," which had also come under scrutiny due to some of the questionable claims Arday had made about his background. Publisher Simon & Schuster had stood by releasing the book in statements to the media.

Accusations against Arday resurfaced last month from former Cambridge philosophy researcher Nathan Cofnas, who published a Substack article alleging that Arday was a known "plagiarist and fabulist" for more than a year, and much of his personal biography was questionable.

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Cofnas first expressed doubt about Arday's background after the educator said he had been nonverbal until age 11 and practically illiterate until 18, while still being able to get a Ph.D. in 2015 and eventually becoming the youngest Black professor at Cambridge University in 2023.

Using the plagiarism detection program Copyleaks, Cofnas said he found several examples of Arday directly lifting materials from a 2009 dissertation without proper citation and sometimes even retaining copy editing mistakes. Other earlier papers written by Arday were also issued corrections to add more citations, which Cofnas characterized as an admission of plagiarism.

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Arday's appointment in 2023 received massive media attention, much of it celebrating the hiring as a landmark moment.

In addition to the plagiarism allegations, Arday faced further scrutiny about his biography. Among his boldest claims was that he once ran 30 marathons in 35 days to raise money for charity, an astonishing long-distance feat for even standout runners.

After initially rushing to Arday's defense, Cambridge ultimately launched an investigation into the professor.

"The University of Cambridge has begun an investigation following new information about Professor Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments. In order to ensure a fair process, we will not comment further until this has concluded," the statement said.

Shortly after the statement was released, Arday released his own statement through the Good Law Project announcing he was resigning with "immediate effect," noting "public scrutiny" as a factor.

"Sadly, the years since my appointment have also been marked by an unrelenting level of public scrutiny and personal attack. While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement. The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love," Arday wrote.

"I have tried to continue because I believe deeply in the values of higher education, in rigorous scholarship, and in the transformative power of universities. I have tried because of my students, my colleagues and the countless people who have written to tell me that my journey gave them hope. But there comes a point when the personal cost becomes too great."

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Fox News' Lindsay Kornick contributed to this report.

Wisconsin Democratic candidate says her party 'left behind' rural America

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:48:29 -0400

Blue Dog Democrat Rebecca Cooke, a Wisconsin congressional candidate, discussed in an interview Thursday how she is trying to set things right after she accused her party of abandoning rural and working-class voters in recent years.

She appeared on the "Politics War Room" podcast with co-hosts James Carville and Al Hunt, known for calling out the far left of the Democratic Party.

"I don’t wanna put you in a box, but you say you’re a Blue Dog and a New Democrat. Tell me what it means to be a Blue Dog Democrat," Hunt asked.

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"They are folks that are fiscally conservative, socially liberal, are really working from, like, a place-based perspective," Cooke said. "They're people that understand rural Democrats, working-class Democrats, that are showing up in rural communities and working-class spaces that historically our party has left behind.

"And that's, like, I think why I was connected with them originally or why I — you know, what they were doing resonated with me so much."

She cited multiple examples of other moderate Democrats who "understand how to talk to people in rural America, where I feel like a lot of folks in the Democratic Party don't anymore, and I certainly do.

"I think we've built strong coalitions across this district with farmers, you know, healthcare workers, people in rural communities that feel really left behind," Cooke added.

Hunt cited her past comments, asking, "You've said that, in Congress, Republicans are too right-wing, and congressional Democrats are too left-wing. Specifically, how has Hakeem Jeffries [been] too left-wing?"

"I'm talking just, I think, in general when I talk. I did an ad last cycle where I was standing in the middle of the road on my parents' farm talking about how folks in D.C. are either too far left or too far right, and we need more people in the middle that want to work across the aisle to get things done," she said.

"I'm somebody that wants to work in a really bipartisan way and not put, you know, party before people or politics before people, and I think that's … what's important."

Cooke suggested the Democratic Party needs more candidates from a working-class background, citing her own experience.

"I've been a waitress since I was 16 years old," she said. "I've run a small business here in my community, but I also waitress to make ends meet. I did some fellowships last year also with the group called Third Way, around, you know, how do we get more working-class folks to run for office? How do we connect more with working-class voters in general?

"And I'm proud of that work because I think there's this disconnect in the party. And when we run working-class people, folks come out to vote because people trust those people, right? Folks trust me because I have some of the same lived experience that they've had, right?" Cooke added.

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She cited other examples from her life, saying many politicians cannot relate to such experiences.

"We've had to sell our cows because of the low price of milk," Cooke said. "I've had to struggle to compete with the Amazons of the world in running a small business. I know what it's like to sign the front of a paycheck as well as the back of a paycheck, right? And I know what it's like to do hourly wage work.

"There's a lot of members of Congress that have never done those sorts of things. So, when they're making policy that's impacting working families, they're out of touch with that."

Fox News Digital reached out to Cooke's campaign, asking what specific issues she would push for the Democratic Party to moderate on to win back rural and working-class voters.

"Rebecca grew up on a dairy farm and has been campaigning in every county, rural and urban, in the 3rd district because she wants to earn support from Wisconsinites of all backgrounds, including Republicans and Trump supporters," a spokesperson said.

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"On MSNOW this week, she said if she sees someone with a MAGA hat, she’s going to shake their hand and introduce herself.

"She’s running to fight for working people and has no problem disagreeing with other Democrats, like when she said she’d ‘stand up to Democrats to fight for a secure border.' She ‘support[s] funding the police fully and doesn’t believe in universal student loan forgiveness because it only sticks a Band-Aid on a structural problem.’"

California teen faces prison after viral video shows him squaring up, repeatedly kicking sea lion in the face

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:36:02 -0400

A California teenager pleaded guilty Friday to repeatedly kicking a sea lion in the face and chasing the animal as it tried to escape, according to video of the attack.

Tyler Muehl, 18, who lives in the San Diego seaside neighborhood of La Jolla, entered his plea in a federal courtroom to a misdemeanor violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act’s prohibition on harassing wildlife, the Justice Department said.

"Federal crime. Federal consequences," U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon wrote in a statement.

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The incident was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Muehl admitted to kicking the sea lion on July 22 as the mammal was peacefully sitting on a seawall, federal prosecutors said.

"Intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is not only illegal, it is dangerous for the well-being of the animal," said NOAA official Eric Morgan.

The teen approached the animal with his hands squared up as if he were preparing to fight, authorities said. As he made his approach, Muehl referred to himself as Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Max Holloway.

He then kicked the animal four times, "which caused the sea lion to rear, flinch and immediately recoil," prosecutors said.

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"After the second kick, the sea lion turned and tried to flee, but Muehl chased after the animal and kicked at it a third time," a DOJ news release states. "As the sea lion tried to get away, it stumbled on the sea wall as it fled."

Officials said the teen kicked the sea lion again and chased it until the animal made its escape.

As part of his plea agreement, Muehl said the video, which went viral online, was a "fair and accurate recording of what occurred."

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) commented on the incident on its social media accounts.

"Assault is ASSAULT, no matter the species," the group wrote on X in a July 24 post. "Leave animals ALONE, and always speak up when you witness abuse."

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Muehl faces up to one year in prison and $100,000 in fines. He is expected to be sentenced Oct. 20.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Muehl's attorney for comment.

Delta flight diverted twice after lavatory leak floods cabin, leaves passengers stranded for hours

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:26:45 -0400

A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Paris to Seattle made an unexpected stop in London after the crew reported a mechanical issue involving an onboard lavatory, the airline said.

Delta Flight 81 departed Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport Aug. 13 bound for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport when the issue prompted the flight crew to divert to London Heathrow Airport.

The Airbus A330-900 was carrying 209 passengers and 13 crew members at the time, according to information provided by Delta.

As the aircraft approached Heathrow, the flight crew declared an emergency with air traffic control because the plane would be making an overweight landing, the airline said.

FLAMES SHOOT FROM AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT BEFORE EMERGENCY LANDING

Despite the emergency declaration, the aircraft landed normally and safely at Heathrow.

Delta maintenance personnel then serviced the Airbus in London in an effort to address the lavatory-related mechanical issue.

"We apologize to our customers for their experience and delay on Delta Flight 81 from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Seattle, which diverted to London Heathrow after the crew reported a mechanical issue involving an onboard lavatory," a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"This is not the experience we strive to provide, and we're focused on getting our customers to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible."

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Once maintenance work was completed, the aircraft departed Heathrow, but the disruption meant passengers still faced an additional detour before reaching their intended destination on the West Coast.

Instead of continuing directly from London to Seattle, the flight headed to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport because of the crew's available duty time, according to Delta.

Passengers cleared U.S. Customs at JFK before continuing their journey to Seattle.

The unusual itinerary ultimately took the 209 passengers from Paris to London, then across the Atlantic to New York before they could continue on to Seattle.

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Delta did not provide additional details about the specific mechanical problem involving the lavatory or what maintenance was required to address it.

Reagan National Airport makes drastic change following deadly 2025 midair collision

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:19:59 -0400

A new radar system has been installed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the Washington, D.C., area after a 2025 midair collision that killed 67 people due to multiple systemic failures.

The airport has received the Surface Movement Radar, known as SMR-4, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Friday. The technology will help air traffic controllers identify aircraft and vehicles moving along runways and taxiways, even in bad weather and low-visibility conditions.

"This new radar is our latest reinforcement tool to equip our controllers as they safeguard our air travel. We’re working at the speed of Trump to deliver the world-class air traffic control system America deserves," Duffy said.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AUDIO CAPTURES TENSE MOMENT TWO PLANES NEARLY COLLIDED AT BOSTON LOGAN AIRPORT

He said the new radar system will give air traffic controllers a "clearer portrait" of airport activity.

Reagan Airport is the sixth airport to install the system. Newark Liberty International Airport received the technology earlier this week.

Over the next three years, $30.5 million will be invested in safety and technology upgrades at Reagan National, the Transportation Department said.

The new upgrades came after the Jan. 29, 2025, midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342, a regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near the airport.

FAA INVESTIGATES SOUTHWEST NEAR MISS AFTER AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SENDS JETS ON COLLISION COURSE

All 64 people aboard the American Eagle flight and three aboard the military helicopter were killed.

The federal government admitted liability for the deadly collision. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said systemic failures in airspace design, safety oversight and risk management by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army contributed to what happened.

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"This complex and comprehensive one-year investigation identified serious and long-standing safety gaps in the airspace over our nation’s capital," Jennifer Homendy, chairwoman of the NTSB, said in a January 2026 report.

"Sadly, the conditions for this tragedy were in place long before the night of Jan. 29."

Vegas Golden Knights unveil quintessentially Sin City center ice design for 10th season

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:57:08 -0400

It's hard to believe, but the Vegas Golden Knights are about to begin their tenth NHL season.

And what a ride it's been. They've gone from the "Golden Misfits" to, at times, embracing their role in many fans' minds as one of the league's premier villainous franchises.

And what better way to celebrate a decade in the NHL than with the most Vegas-y center ice design the league has ever seen?

VEGAS' JACK EICHEL OFFERS A PERFECT RESPONSE TO GOLDEN KNIGHTS BEING VOTED THE MOST-HATED TEAM IN THE NHL

Did we expect anything less from a team that puts on the bastard child of the Ice Capades and Medieval Times before every game?

Personally, I think the design looks great — even if it's almost certainly going to be a nightmare to keep tabs on the puck anytime there's a pass through there — but let's see how the always thoughtful citizens of social media feel about it.

Alright, so maybe your perception depends more on your rooting interests than I had initially thought.

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Love 'em or hate 'em, it has been a good nine seasons so far for the Golden Knights, who have already proven themselves to be one of the most successful expansion teams the league has ever seen.

They, of course, pulled off a stunner and made it to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural campaign back in 2017-18, only to lose to Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

In 2023, the team made it back to the Stanley Cup Final; this time they defeated the Florida Panthers for the franchise's first championship.

They tried for a second just this season, but lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.

Still, over those nine seasons, three trips to the Cup Final are impressive. But what's more impressive is the consistency the club has shown. They've only missed the playoffs once in their existence, and they still came in fourth in the division that season.

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Vegas also continues to be a top choice for a lot of free agents and players asking for trades, so expect the Golden Knights to continue being among the league's perennial contenders.

El-Sayed’s half sister offered Oct 7 ‘blessing,’ one year after Hamas attack: ‘Allahu Akbar’

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:51:24 -0400

University of Chicago professor Eman Abdelhadi, the half sister of Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, delivered an "October 7th blessing," one year after Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people in widespread terrorist attacks.

"I want to say, Allahu Akbar," Abdelhadi said, opening her blessing in a video posted to Instagram Oct. 7, 2024. "That phrase means God is greater, and it's an important phrase in the Muslim tradition.

"It's one that I've been thinking about a lot over the last year, because it's a phrase that reminds us that no matter how great the brutality, the oppression, the intensity of what we're going through, the horizon of justice is just around the corner."

Throughout her video commemorating the anniversary of terrorist attacks, Abdelhadi makes no mention of the Jews killed by Hamas. She filmed her blessing wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional cloth associated with Palestinian militant movements.

EL-SAYED’S HALF SISTER REVEALED AS RADICAL PROFESSOR ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTING A COP AT ANTI-ICE RIOT

"Abdul loves his sister and also disagrees with her on a number of political positions and the rhetoric she's chosen to use, including on foreign policy," a campaign spokeswoman told Fox News Digital when asked about the video.

"But Abdul is the one on the ballot, and his record of public service and his platform is what matters to voters here in Michigan. His campaign has always been about his love for America and Michigan."

"There is something greater than even the strongest armies, and, for me, that's God," Abdelhadi continued in the video. "Reflecting on that reaffirms my commitment to justice, my commitment not to get caught up in the narratives that colonial powers enforce on us. … I hope you know that we have a lot of work ahead of us and that we need each other to do that work. We have an imperative to not just imagine a better future, but to build one together.

"I’ll see you on the streets."

The video was posted on Instagram Oct. 7, 2024, in a collaborative post by "Rabbis4Ceasefire" and Abdelhadi’s account. Rabbis4Ceasefire described it in a caption on the post as an "October 7th blessing from Eman Abdelhadi, Scholar, Writer & Organizer."

In a new comment added Friday, Abdelhadi said Rabbis4Ceasefire had organized and named the event as "a moment of grief for lives lost between 10/7/23 and 10/7/2024," asked her to participate and described the video as her "offering" to the gathering.

The resurfaced video drew sharp criticism on X.

"Jewish Michiganders are proudly putting country over party and rejecting Abdul El-Sayed’s extremism. We must put country over party and elect Mike Rogers," Democrats for Mike Rogers, El-Sayed's GOP challenger, posted in response.

"Abdul El-Sayed's Sister, Eman Abdelhadi, recorded a celebration video in reaction to October 7th," commentator Eyal Yakoby wrote.

Abdelhadi has previously faced legal trouble over her activism, including an October 2025 arrest after she allegedly spat on an Illinois state trooper during protests outside a suburban Chicago ICE detention center. She was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery to a government employee and two misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

UNEARTHED EL-SAYED ESSAY DRAWS EXPLOSIVE TRUMP-BIN LADEN PARALLEL

Abdelhadi’s half brother has engendered ample controversy over his statements on the Israel-Palestine conflict while on the campaign trail.

El-Sayed, for instance, sent a fundraising email on the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in which he criticized the Israeli government’s military operations but said nothing of Hamas’ initial killings. The Michigan Democrat has equated Hamas and the Israeli government, calling both evil.

ABDUL EL-SAYED SAYS RALLYING WITH HASAN PIKER DOESN'T MEAN HE ENDORSES 'AMERICA DESERVED 9/11' REMARK

He has also received criticism for his continued association and campaign appearances with streamer Hasan Piker, who once said that America "deserved 9/11." Though El-Sayed has called the streamer’s statement "dumb," he has declined to disavow Piker, accusing critics of engaging in cancel culture.

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Abdelhadi did not respond to requests for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Friday.

Kelly Osbourne blasts Dee Snider as 'spectacularly classless' for claiming Ozzy didn’t write his own songs

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:36:56 -0400

Kelly Osbourne and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider are going head-to-head after the retired musician claimed Ozzy Osbourne "always" had other people write his songs for him.

Earlier this week, Snider wrote on X, "Ozzy always had bass players write his lyrics." He went on to claim that bassist Bob Daisley and Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister were frequent writers of Ozzy's music, and that Geezer Butler "wrote ALL of @BlackSabbath lyrics."

According to Daisley's website, he claimed to have written the majority of the songs for Ozzy's first five solo albums. Daisley is credited as a songwriter on "Blizzard of Ozz" and "No Rest for the Wicked." During Ozzy's time with Black Sabbath, Butler was widely credited as the main lyricist for the band.

Snider's comments prompted a sharp response from Ozzy's daughter via her Instagram Stories Friday.

KELLY OSBOURNE DEMANDS CHILD SUPPORT AND HER DOGS BACK IN FIERY RANT AMID REPORTED BREAKUP

Kelly shared two text-heavy posts, including one directly addressing Snider.

"My father’s legacy as a musician, songwriter, singer and bandleader speaks for itself. His friends, those who worked with him, those who love him, and millions of fans around the world that still continue to buy his records know exactly what he meant what he contributed and what he leaves behind. His legacy will live on eternally," Kelly wrote on the first image.

KELLY OSBOURNE WELCOMES FIRST BABY WITH SID WILSON, SHARON OSBOURNE PRAISES DAUGHTER: 'SO PROUD'

In her next Instagram story, Kelly called Snider’s criticism "spectacularly classless" and argued that he had little basis to speak authoritatively about her father's career and legacy.

"And if Snider wants to invite comparisons between their careers, that comparison is devastating enough on its own," she wrote.

Kelly then compared Snider and Ozzy's careers, writing, "Snider had a brief period of mainstream success more than 40 years ago. My father's career spanned nearly six decades — from helping define heavy metal with Black Sabbath to building an extraordinary solo career. His music will continue influencing generations long after all of us are gone."

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Kelly suggested that Snider’s criticism was an attempt to put himself back into the conversation, while her father’s "name, catalogue and influence" remain globally relevant. She argued that Ozzy’s accomplishments stand on their own, writing, "My father doesn’t need Dee Snider’s approval to establish his place in music history."

She concluded, "trying to make my father smaller won’t make Dee Snider bigger," arguing that attacking Ozzy’s legacy only draws greater attention to the difference between the two musicians’ careers and lasting cultural impact.

Early Friday morning, Snider returned to X to make it clear that he has "nothing but love for Ozzy."

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"He was always lovely to me. @BlackSabbath changed my life! As a songwriter I can be a little touchy about credit and royalties," Snider wrote.

Representatives for Kelly did not respond to Fox News Digital. Snider's representative said the rocker had no further comment.

Ozzy died on July 22, 2025, at 76, just weeks after performing his final concert with Black Sabbath. His death certificate later listed cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease among the causes of his death, with Parkinson’s disease noted as a contributing condition.

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Butch Huskey, one of the last MLB players to wear Jackie Robinson's famed number 42, dies at 54

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:27:24 -0400

Butch Huskey, one of the final MLB players to wear No. 42, has died at age 54.

Huskey initially wore No. 10 with the New York Mets but changed his jersey number to No. 42 in 1995, two years before Major League Baseball retired the number league-wide in honor of Jackie Robinson.

Yet when MLB retired the number, it allowed those already wearing it — like Huskey, Mo Vaughn and Mariano Rivera — to be grandfathered in and continue donning the number on their jerseys as long as they were still playing, no matter who they played for.

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Thus, even when Huskey left the Mets, he was able to wear the number with the Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins. Huskey also played for the Boston Red Sox in 1999 but opted for No. 44.

The Mets announced his death on social media.

Huskey made his MLB debut in 1993 but did not get full playing time until three years later with his new number. Playing mostly first base in 1996, he impressed with a .278 batting average and .754 OPS. In 1997, he improved by hitting .287 with an .822 OPS, belting a career-high 24 home runs and driving in 81 runs, also the most of his career. He took a step back the following season, though, and was traded to the Mariners the following offseason.

ANTHONY VOLPE HAS FACE-PALM MOMENT WITH ABS SYSTEM AS FIRST BATTER OF MINOR LEAGUE GAME

Huskey was then moved from Seattle to Boston in the 1999 season. The Sox made the postseason as a wild card, but they lost to the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series en route to the Bombers' second of three straight World Series victories.

His last stint was with the Colorado Rockies, with whom he wore No. 35.

Huskey is the last person to wear No. 42 in Mariners history, and only four players wore it after him in the big leagues: Vaughn, Rivera, Michael Jackson and Jose Lima.

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The number was retired for Robinson during one of Huskey's Mets games against Robinson's former Dodgers, who had since moved to Los Angeles.

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Trump leaves stage mid-speech to embrace parents of 12-year-old killed by stray bullet in the Bronx

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:19:30 -0400

President Donald Trump stepped off the stage on Friday while making a speech in New York to comfort the family of a 12-year-old boy who was killed by a stray bullet in the Bronx.

Trump was speaking to the Nassau County Police Academy when he mentioned Jacob Freytes, a boy who was killed late last month by a stray bullet while sitting on his bike outside a bodega.

"In a beautiful impromptu moment, President Trump exits the stage in the middle of his speech to embrace Migdalia Martinez and retired NYPD Sergeant Jesus Freytes, whose 12-year-old son Jacob was tragically killed by a stray bullet in the Bronx," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on social media after capturing the moment on video.

CRIME IS FALLING, OFFICIALS SAY — VICTIMS CLAIM REPORTING ISN’T WORTH IT

Before leaving the stage to meet his parents, Trump mentioned Freytes while talking about his administration’s effort to lower crime.

"Two weeks ago, a 12-year-old boy named Jacob Freytes — You read about this one? — was tragically shot and killed by a stray bullet fired by a repeat offender in a gun battle."

He added: "Jacob was the son of a loving mom and a retired New York City police detective, and they are incredible people, and I think I heard that they may be with us today. Are you with us?"

He then left the stage and hugged Freytes' teary-eyed mom, Migdalia Martinez, and his father, retired NYPD Sgt. Jesus Freytes, saying a few private words to both of them.

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"Incredible. Horrible story. What a horrible thing," he said when he returned to the stage. "But we're going after them. These are bad, sick people."

Freytes’ death has prompted Republicans to introduce "Jacob’s Law" in the New York Legislature that would put harsher penalties on criminals whose reckless actions result in the death of a child.

"I gave him a kiss, and I walked out, and we always do a little dolphin kiss. And I walked out and went to work," Martinez told "Fox & Friends" Tuesday.

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"Around five o'clock, they called me and said that he had gotten shot. And all I could do was try to think of different ways to get here faster," she added. "When I got there, I just seen my boy gone."

Police said William Ferrer, 45, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Ferrer has an arrest record dating back more than 25 years, including prior charges for drunk driving, drug possession, menacing and criminal contempt, according to the New York Post.

Fox News' Madison Colombo contributed to this report.

FBI captures Top Ten Most Wanted fugitive with alleged Sinaloa Cartel ties, Patel says

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:16:28 -0400

The FBI captured Ten Most Wanted fugitive Gregory Henderson Jr., just three days after adding the alleged Indianapolis gang leader to its list and offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest.

Henderson, 46, had evaded arrest since a sweeping federal takedown of his alleged organization in August 2023. He faces federal charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.

The FBI alleges Henderson led a violent Indianapolis gang whose drug trafficking network was supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel and distributed methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding Midwest.

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His capture marks the ninth FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive apprehended since President Donald Trump returned to office. The nine fugitives had collectively spent more than 50 years on the run, according to the FBI. The FBI says the nine captures are more than twice the four Ten Most Wanted fugitives captured during the Biden administration.

FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital exclusively that Henderson’s capture reflected a broader increase in Ten Most Wanted apprehensions under the Trump administration.

"Nine Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives is more than twice as many as captured under the entirety of the prior administration — and this FBI and our partners did it in 18 months under President Trump’s brilliant leadership," Patel said. "Gregory Henderson Jr. had been on the run for a year, wanted for his alleged involvement in major drug trafficking operation and animal fighting conspiracies as the alleged leader of a violent neighborhood-based gang located in Indianapolis, Indiana - a gang with significant drug distribution ties to the Sinaloa Cartel."

"This administration is letting good cops be cops and they are delivering in historic ways. I’d like to congratulate our FBI Indianapolis team who led this case from the beginning and thank our great Justice Department and law enforcement partners who righteously pursued this case with us," he added.

'AMERICA'S MOST WANTED' FUGITIVE CAPTURED ON SAILBOAT OFF NJ COAST AFTER 20 YEARS ON THE RUN

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General was among the federal partners involved in the case.

"I would like to thank the FBI, DOJ, and our USDA OIG among many other federal partners in their relentless pursuit for justice. Mr. Henderson had sought to evade the law after committing multiple crimes and leaving behind pain and anguish for many people and animals, but today is the end of that devastation," U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins told Fox News Digital "President Trump has focused his administration on delivering justice for those targeted by violent crimes, and we will not rest until we achieve this goal."

The FBI added Henderson to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on Aug. 11, describing him as armed and dangerous.

Henderson and 20 others were federally indicted in the Southern District of Indiana in August 2023 on drug trafficking and dog fighting conspiracy charges. More than 300 federal, state and local law enforcement officers carried out a takedown later that month, arresting 18 people while Henderson evaded capture.

Federal agents seized 61 guns, quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, $98,000 in cash and 166 fighting dogs during the operation, according to the FBI.

Law enforcement also uncovered what the FBI described as a significant dog fighting and illegal gambling operation allegedly led by Henderson.

"Henderson Jr. has a long history of criminal activity, including street violence, intimidation, assault, and weapons, in addition to drug trafficking and animal cruelty," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Tim O’Malley.

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Details about where and how Henderson was captured were not immediately available.

Teenage British cyclist Finlay Tarling dies after tragic incident in Volta a Portugal race

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:05:39 -0400

Teenage British cyclist Finlay Tarling died Friday following a tragic incident in the Volta a Portugal race, NSN Cycling Team announced to social media.

Tarling, 19, was run over by a car that entered the road, according to local reports. The driver reportedly missed the signs from stewards and entered the road going in the opposite direction of the race.

"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today," NSN Cycling Team said on X. "Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed."

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The incident occurred during the eighth stage of the race, between Melgaço and Fafe in northern Portugal. Tarling was immediately attended to by doctors. It wasn’t clear if other riders were involved.

"At this moment of profound dismay, the organization of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation express their most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his teammates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones," organizers said on X.

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The eighth stage of the race was stopped following the incident "as a sign of respect and mourning," organizers added.

Portuguese President António José Seguro and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro both sent messages of condolence to the rider's family.

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Tarling was the younger brother of Ineos Grenadiers cyclist Joshua Tarling. Tarling represented Great Britain on the road and track. He placed second in Stage 6 of the Tour du Rwanda earlier this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Stephen A Smith admits Byron Donalds could make him a Republican, calls him ‘the real deal’

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:00:23 -0400

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith said Thursday that Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., could make him a Republican, praising the Trump-backed gubernatorial frontrunner days before Florida Republicans choose their nominee to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"And I ain't no d--- Republican. But that mean if anybody could make me one, it would be him. I'm just going to keep it a buck. I'm just letting you know," Smith said.

"He's the real deal. Make no mistake about it. I've seen him battling with Democrats. I've seen him battling with people on different shows, whatever. He ain't backing up. He knows his stuff. OK? I talk to him all the time. All the time. And I ain't got nothing bad to say about him."

A Donalds campaign official confirmed to Fox News Digital Friday that Smith and Donalds are friends. Campaign communications director Gates McGavick said Donalds was attracting voters across demographic groups by focusing on affordability and public safety.

FLORIDA GOP GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY CANDIDATE SAYS AS GOVERNOR, HE'D 'SHUT DOWN' EVERY ABORTION CLINIC IN STATE

"Byron Donalds is drawing support from Floridians of all backgrounds because he has a clear vision to make Florida more affordable, keep Floridians safe and make sure the radical left stays out of the Sunshine State," McGavick said. "He is building a broad coalition that puts common sense over crazy to lead Florida into the future."

One GOP source's assessment provided to Fox News Digital Friday focused on President Donald Trump's endorsement.

"Donalds is endorsed by POTUS, and we fully expect him to win the primary," the source said.

A James Madison Institute poll released Aug. 6 placed Donalds at 49% among likely Republican primary voters, 31 points ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.

Donalds' campaign had raised more than $90 million while facing Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback as DeSantis withheld an endorsement of any candidate.

TRUMP FLEXES HIS POLITICAL MUSCLE OVER GOP AS DEMOCRATS SEE MIDTERM OPENING IN KEY RED STATE

Smith described himself as skeptical of Democrats while pressing Donalds on Black voters' distrust of Trump and concerns about Donalds' close alignment with the president.

"You heard me ask that question [What have Democrats done for you?]. I ain't apologizing for it. I'm very skeptical about them," Smith said.

"Make no mistake about it. I mean, I've lost interest in them in a lot of different ways. I'll be the first to admit it right here on the public airwaves, but I also am trying to be fair-minded when I think about this," he added.

The comments continue Smith's increasing openness to Republican candidates. In March, he challenged Democrats to earn Black votes rather than take them for granted.

Days later, he told Sean Hannity that, despite being a Democrat, he would support Secretary of State Marco Rubio over prominent Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

STEPHEN A. SMITH BLAMES ‘THE RIGHT’ FOR WNBA FIRESTORM, SAYS LEAGUE ‘LEFT THE DOOR OPEN’

Donalds answered Smith’s question about skepticism among Black voters by urging them to assess politicians through policies and results rather than personal comfort or social media commentary.

"It's something that I acknowledge. I would challenge Black people in America. First of all, this ain't even about trust. It's about verification," Donalds said.

"We've had people on both sides of the aisle promise Black people everything until the cows come home. But it's really about, 'Are you going to verify the promises and verify what the policies actually do, or are you just going to trust it because you have comfort level with a certain politician."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Smith for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

DeSantis, who was re-elected in a landslide in 2022, is barred from running for a third term. Over the past 10 years, Florida has gone from being a swing state to being dominated by Republicans at the state and national levels.

Halle Berry celebrates 60th birthday in plunging robe with defiant message

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:54:45 -0400

Halle Berry is stepping into her 60s in style.

The "X-Men" actress shared a series of sultry photos on Instagram Thursday, the day before her birthday.

"Today….don’t give a f---!" she captioned the post.

In the photos, Berry posed for the camera in a black robe with large red floral designs and lace along the edges and sleeves.

EMILY RATAJKOWSKI'S SHREDDED RED BIRTHDAY DRESS LEAVES LITTLE TO THE IMAGINATION AT NYC CELEBRATION

She wore the robe tied loosely around her waist, creating a plunging neckline that extended down to her belly button and slightly exposed her chest.

Some of the photos show the "Monster's Ball" star indulging in chocolate-covered strawberries, while others show her smiling as she lounged on a daybed.

Fans sang Berry's praises in the comments.

"Not a single f--- left in stock!! Carry on, @halleberry! 🔥" one fan wrote.

Another added, "Why are you so perfect? Ugh 😍😍😍😍😍"

"Perfection! Queen ❤️," one commenter wrote, as another said, "My goodness… 🔥."

The actress also shared a photo kissing her fiancé, Van Hunt, as the two lounged on a sofa outside.

On Friday, Berry took to Instagram to thank all her followers for the birthday wishes with a picture of her holding up a card that said, "Happy 60th."

"Thank you from my ❤️ for all the birthday love and well wishes. I’m grateful to still be here!!" she wrote in the caption.

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Hunt and Berry began dating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Berry told AARP: The Magazine in January 2022 they got to know each other for four months by talking on the phone.

"We were forced to let only our brains connect and discover if we had a connection before our bodies decided to get involved," she told the outlet. "I'd never done it this way. I fell in love with his mind, his conversation."

After sparking romance rumors in July 2020, Berry confirmed their relationship in September of that year with an Instagram photo of herself wearing a T-shirt with his name on it and the caption, "now ya know."

Since confirming their romance, the two have often been photographed together on the red carpet and have made frequent appearances on each other's social media accounts. Hunt revealed in June 2025 that he had proposed, but Berry did not publicly confirm their engagement until February 2026.

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"I think we will get married just because, out of the people I’ve been married to, this is the person I should have married," Berry told "Today" in June 2025. "And I feel like I should, we should get married, but it’s not because we feel like we have to. I think it’s something that we would like to do just because we want that expression."

Berry was previously married to David Justice from 1993 to 1997, Eric Benét from 2001 to 2005 and Olivier Martinez from 2013 to 2015, though her divorce from Martinez was not fully settled until 2023.

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Bomani Jones baselessly accuses 'White folks' of favoring Josh Allen, while he favors Black quarterbacks

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:50:04 -0400

Though it's not even late August, former ESPN host Bomani Jones is already angered by Josh Allen and the White folks.

On his podcast this week, Jones previewed the NFL season by accusing White people of having a bias toward Allen that people of color do not share.

"America's number one rooting project, the Buffalo Bills ... they got him a new stadium. Boy, White folks is so ready for the eventual Josh Allen coronation. And it's not all the White folks, but it's White folks. We ain't got it."

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Is that so?

His guest, The Ringer writer Diante Lee, nodded along, saying, "It's enough of them [White folks]."

Damn those White folks.

If you were wondering which story, scandal, podcast, or statement Jones and Lee are referring to, you are not alone. I wondered the same thing. Unfortunately, neither specified what proof they have of this supposed racial bias.

OutKick asked both Jones and Lee to explain. Neither has responded as of publication. We will update this story if either does.

But don't expect it.

Bomani Jones has been on this talking point for a while. He has long accused nameless media figures of giving Josh Allen a pass and rooting for him because he is White.

Jones is one of the leading participants in the media-manufactured race war between Allen and Lamar Jackson. As expected, he sides with Jackson. Just last week, he complained that anonymous people — who else? — are putting more pressure on Jackson than Allen this season.

His argument: The Bills kept Allen and gave him a new head coach, so he has no more excuses.

The problem: The Ravens also kept Jackson and gave him a new coach.

Why the double standard? While racially motivated, Jones may not have known that the Ravens fired John Harbaugh and hired Jesse Minter. He often doesn't appear to know the details about the sports he covers, beyond the skin colors of the subjects involved.

EX-ESPN HOST SAYS SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM DESERVED TO BE EJECTED AND PUNISHED — NOT DIJONAI CARRINGTON, WHO CLOTHESLINED HER

Last season, he said Stafford must win a Super Bowl to make the Hall of Fame.

"He's the new Josh Allen," Jones said about Stafford. "He's the least scrutinized No. 1 pick in the history of No. 1 overall picks. If the Rams don't win the Super Bowl, shut this Hall of Fame thing up."

Jones was seemingly unaware that Stafford had already won a Super Bowl just a few years earlier.

He later backtracked, saying Stafford needed to win a second Super Bowl to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame. This argument didn't make much sense either, considering only 13 quarterbacks have won more than one Super Bowl, yet 36 have been enshrined, many of whom have lesser resumes than Stafford.

But the facts didn't matter. Stafford played the Bears that week, and Jones needed to find a way to discredit Stafford and elevate Caleb Williams.

Likewise, he is now arguing that Kyler Murray is a better quarterback than Sam Darnold, who just won a Super Bowl last season.

Are you starting to see a trend?

Bomani is also not a believer in Drake Maye, Fernando Mendoza or Justin Herbert. He does, however, have great faith in Cam Ward, Jayden Daniels and Dak Prescott.

The prediction here is that Jones will prefer Dante Moore over Arch Manning in next year's NFL Draft.

To be clear, Jones understands his audience. His reach is now limited to a niche group of sports fans who want to hear that White people are inferior athletes who have survived only because of White privilege.

Therefore, Jones has lowered himself to arguing with straw men, whom he accuses of favoring Allen and Stafford based on their skin color.

Granted, even his own fans appear tired of the schtick. Here's the top message on his Reddit fan page as of Friday afternoon:

"Bomani has completely lost the juice.

"Today’s episode made me tap out. He has nothing interesting left to say. If he’s going to spend the entire NFL season making the same 5 points about Stafford, Allen, Murray, and Hurts I’ll pass.

"He had a great run but it’s honestly kinda depressing what he’s turned into."

THE LEFT WANTS CAITLIN CLARK, SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM TO SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE WHEN IT COMES TO TRANS SPORTS

The market for racial idolatry in sports media has collapsed. The demand for Jones, Ryan Clark, Jemele Hill, Cari Champion and many others is over. In fact, Jones never had much of an audience anyway. See the ratings for his former shows at ESPN.

Put simply, there is no evidence that White folks are rooting for Josh Allen because he's White. But because Bomani so clearly roots for Black quarterbacks because they are Black, something he has admitted, he assumes everyone else is like him.

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Fortunately, most people are not. Most people are not this concerned about the skin colors of the people playing quarterback.

Fox News Campus Radicals Newsletter: Socialist streamer scrapped, a campus hate alert and coddled college kids

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:36:14 -0400

EVENT SCRAPPED: Controversial streamer Hasan Piker's lecture axed by University of Washington amid free speech questions

‘DEMANDS OF COLLEGE:’ University of Michigan plans to shield 2027 freshman letter grades from transcripts in new mental health plan

RED BLOODED: El-Sayed’s half sister revealed as radical professor arrested for allegedly assaulting a cop at anti-ICE riot

HATE ALERT: Campus antisemitism extends beyond student protests and into classrooms, ADL warns

NEW PROBE: Florida State University hit with federal civil rights investigation over race, sex-based scholarship programs

CRASH COURSE: Socialism’s campus appeal meets Gen Z resistance as students keep score on communism

Trump claims AOC may run for president as far-left Dems back away from extreme policy

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:01:38 -0400

President Donald Trump said Friday that far-left Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., are now trying to distance themselves from some of the radical positions they once championed, noting he believes she may be after a 2028 bid for the White House.

In an interview with Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams, Trump was asked about Ocasio-Cortez's perceived shift away from her earlier calls to defund police departments and other soft-on-crime policies.

"If you really look at it, they're all saying the same thing," Trump said of progressive Democrats. "They're all trying to disavow themselves from what they said about crime and, well, they're saying, ‘We love sanctuary cities.’"

When asked directly whether he thinks AOC is positioning herself for a presidential bid, Trump said he thinks AOC will run.

The congresswoman has refused to rule out a run for president, but she hasn't looked past November's midterm elections.

ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ SHRUGS OFF PAST 'DEFUND THE POLICE' COMMENTS, JOKING 'WOKE 1 WAS CRAZY'

During an interview with ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, the congresswoman attempted to dismiss the extreme rhetoric of the so-called "Woke 1" era.

The term is used by some progressive politicians to describe the pandemic-era social justice activism and far-left political rhetoric in 2019 and 2020, when some called for the defunding of law enforcement agencies, the abolition of police and prisons, the elimination of cash bail, open borders and unchecked migration.

Trump said some Democrats are now trying to distance themselves from sanctuary cities, which generally don't cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

"I think you're going to see sanctuary cities start to end, because sanctuary cities are a disaster. And somebody like her, she was big for sanctuary cities," Trump said of Ocasio-Cortez. "They cause crime.

EXCLUSIVE: LEGAL GROUP TELLS NYPD COPS THEY CAN CONTACT ICE DIRECTLY DESPITE BLUE CITY'S SANCTUARY RULES

"That's when it all started. No cash bail," he added. "Somebody kills somebody, and they just say, ‘All right, go ahead and come back in two weeks.’"

During AOC's ABC interview, Jonathan Karl briefly pressed the congresswoman, a member of the New York chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), on radical comments made by fellow socialist and Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong in 2020 and 2021.

"I have a local city councilman that has this saying, 'Woke 1 was crazy,'" Ocasio-Cortez said while grinning. "And I think that what’s important is that we have to assess what a candidate is saying now."

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Ocasio-Cortez's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.