Latest & Breaking News | Fox News

This week's best sales: Save up to 82% on HexClad cookware, RTIC coolers and more

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:22:30 -0400

Summer is in full swing, and this week's biggest markdowns include deals on some of the season's most popular essentials. Save 82% on Wayfair Basics cooling sheets, snag a rare deal on a top-rated RTIC cooler for beach days and shop even more standout deals below.

Best-selling deals worth shopping this week

From tools to summer travel essentials, these shopper-favorite picks are all on sale.

Wayfair Basics microfiber sheet set (82% off)

Grab these sheets from Wayfair for less than $25 — their lowest price to date. Made from brushed microfiber, they stay cool in warm weather, stay cozy when temperatures drop and resist wrinkles for a crisp look.

Levi's men's 505 Regular Fit jeans (65% off)

Save nearly $50 on these Levi's jeans, designed with a roomy thigh for extra comfort and a classic straight-leg fit that never goes out of style. Choose from dozens of washes and a wide range of sizes.

Anker SOLIX S2000 portable power station (50% off)

Power outages and heat waves are no match for Anker's SOLIX S2000, now $600 off. It can keep a refrigerator running for up to 35 hours and includes USB-C, USB-A, DC car ports and AC outlets.

HexClad Hybrid fry pan set (25% off)

This fry pan has a one-of-a-kind hybrid design that blends stainless steel, cast iron and nonstick pans for an option that cooks evenly and cleans quickly. The stay-cool handle also prevents burns. (FOX is an investor in HexClad.)

Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve coffee maker (22% off)

Brew a fresh cup of coffee in less than a minute with the Keurig K-Elite. It makes 4- to 12-ounce drinks and includes settings for stronger coffee and iced beverages.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (20% off)

Apple's 2025-released AirPods Pro 3 build on the features of 2024's AirPods 4 with hearing test capabilities and Live Translation. You still get Active Noise Cancellation, Personalized Spatial Audio and up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge.

Deals we love

These standout deals include everything from polos to portable tech.

On Cloudflyer running shoes: $135 (Orig. $170)

Designed with a firmer heel and softer forefoot, these popular On sneakers balance cushioning and support for long runs. The responsive feel helps keep your feet comfortable during long days of running or standing.

Petlibro Granary 2 Vision: $170.99 (Orig. $189.99)

Keep track of your furry friend's every meal with this Petlibro automatic feeder, which uses an AI camera to recognize each pet and log feeding habits automatically. Use code GRANARY10 to save 10% on your order.

iPhone 17 Pro: $1,000 off with an eligible trade-in

Trade in an eligible phone and open a new Verizon line to get up to $1,000 off the iPhone 17 Pro. With plans starting at $2.77 per month, it's one of the strongest carrier offers available right now.

Kansas City Steak Company Summer Sizzler: $169.80 (Orig. $374.80)

Stock your freezer before your next cookout with the Kansas City Steak Company Summer Sizzler pack. You'll get eight premium steaks — including filet mignons, ribeyes, sirloins and Kansas City strips — for more than $200 off.

Deals ending soon

These limited-time deals won't last long, so now's the time to shop.

Made In carbon steel griddle set: $199 (Orig. $258)

Cook smash burgers, pancakes and grilled cheese on this carbon steel griddle that's half the weight of cast iron but just as durable. It heats evenly for everything from breakfast to blackened fish, then moves easily from the stovetop to the grill.

Buckle Risto athletic stretch jeans: $52.48 (Orig. $98)

Move comfortably all day in these athletic-fit stretch jeans from Buckle. The flexible fabric gives you room to bend and move without sacrificing the slim look, and today you can save an extra 25%.

Shark SpeedStyle hair dryer: $129.99 (Orig. $199.99)

Dry and style your hair faster with the Shark SpeedStyle hair dryer. The Turbo Concentrator attachment helps create sleek blowouts and smooth, straight styles, while intelligent heat control adjusts the temperature to help reduce heat damage.

Car jump starter: $69.99 (Orig. $109.99)

Keep this portable jump starter in your car for peace of mind on summer road trips. If your battery dies, the built-in boost function provides extra starting power when you need it most. It's designed to operate in temperatures ranging from minus 4 to 140 degrees, making it a reliable addition to your emergency kit.

Beach gear on sale

Shop beach essentials for fun in the sun, from coolers to swim trunks.

RTIC soft cooler bag: $96.75 (Orig. $129)

Keep drinks and snacks cold all day with this RTIC soft cooler. It holds up to 20 cans while remaining easy to carry from the car to the beach. A leakproof zipper and welded seams help keep melted ice contained until you're ready to unpack.

Huckberry Performance lined swim trunk: $62 (Orig. $78)

These Huckberry trunks feature a built-in liner for the comfort and support of athletic shorts. The stretchy, quick-drying fabric transitions easily from the pool to the beach and everything in between.

Sand-resistant beach blanket: $9.99 (Orig. $21.99)

Stretch out on this oversized, sand-resistant beach blanket designed to shake off sand before you pack up for the day. Fill the corner pockets with sand to help keep it in place on windy days, then fold it into the included water bottle-sized carrying pouch for easy transport.

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

Best sales from FOX News Deals-favorite brands

Wayfair: Take up to 50% off patio furniture, outdoor decor and more home upgrades

Macy's: Get up to 50% off pieces for the whole family from New Balance, Levi's and more during their back-to-school Sale

Brilliant Earth: Receive ¼ carat lab diamond studs with a purchase over $1,000 using code STUDS

Caraway: Save up to 15% on items with code SAVINGS

Brooklinen: Last call clearance items are up to 75% off right now

DSW: Get up to 65% off women's sandals online

Backcountry: Save up to 40% on outdoor and hiking gear from brands like Patagonia, Osprey, and more

Sur La Table: Take up to 50% off cookware, small appliances and more during the Summer Sale

FAQs

What brands are having the best sales this week?

FOX-favorite brands like Amazon and Wayfair are rolling out midsummer deals on everything from beach gear to outdoor essentials. This week's standout offers include rare markdowns on an RTIC soft cooler and On running sneakers.

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

Sophie Cunningham manages to anger both the left and right with a simple social media post

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:02:44 -0400

Sophie Cunningham has done something far more impressive than anything she's ever done on a basketball court.

The Indiana Fever star has managed to upset both the left and the right with one single social media post.

That's right.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It's almost impossible to do nowadays given how polarizing every issue is. We're all so black and white in 2026. You're either far-left, or far-right. No in-between. No middle ground. No fence-sitting.

So, when you manage to anger both parties with one simple question, you know you've really found the sweet spot.

And that's exactly what Sophie Cunningham did Thursday evening when she took to X and simply asked, "so how do we save our farm land and stop all these dumb data centers?"

Chaos:

Sophie Cunningham asks an innocent question and gets bombarded

Boom! That's it. That's the post that had everyone all fired up over on Elon's app yesterday. So simple, yet so divisive.

That single tweet has over 8 million views, over 4,000 retweets and a staggering 6,000 comments. It is, easily, Sophie Cunningham's most viral post — which is saying something given she is the WNBA's biggest start next to Caitlin Clark.

WNBA STAR SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM CLARIFIES FREE AGENCY COMPLAINT, WANTED HOUSE IN INDIANA TO BRING HER DONKEYS

Again, the impressive thing is how it angered both liberals AND conservatives alike, which shows just how truly dumb this whole AI era is. God, we're stupid.

Let's check in on some of the reaction:

You see? The reactions are all over the place, and all across the board. You've got "Project Liberal" mad at her. You've got Stephen Miller mad at her. You've got regular folks mad at her.

And none of them really say why they're mad, because, truthfully, nobody can really explain a data center. Myself included, by the way.

Data centers are sort of like "the cloud" for iPhones. Can anyone here really explain where something goes in your phone when it's sent to iCloud? No. Of course not. Nobody knows what that is, but we still use it.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

That's what data centers are right now. Are they really that bad for us? Do they really take up space? Are they spying on us? Are they destroying our water? I have no clue. None. Zero.

Sophie Cunningham seems to think they're building them on our great farmland(s). Again, I have no clue if that's true. It probably is, to a degree.

Regardless, Sophie has the internet in a tizzy right now, and it's all because of one simple post that really tapped into the existing divides between rural America, Big Tech influence, government subsidies, and environmental priorities.

And that, folks, is how you keep America on our toes during the dog days of summer.

Well done, Sophie.

PS: some folks commented and said the way to save the farms is to get rid of the golf courses.

I don't think so. Not on my watch. That'll start a second Civil War.

1,740-year-old Roman coin bearing emperor's name found as England rail dig reveals clues

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:45 -0400

A railway project has opened an unexpected window into Roman Britain after archaeologists uncovered a rare coin and other artifacts dating back nearly 2,000 years.

The discoveries, made in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire in the United Kingdom, were announced by East West Rail on July 1.

Construction workers are currently restoring and building rail links between Oxford and Cambridge, and as part of that work, archaeologists are excavating trenches across southern England.

'SIGNIFICANT' EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH EMERGES BENEATH FORMER FISH MARKET IN ANCIENT CITY

One of the discoveries was a coin dating back roughly 1,740 years.

The artifact carries the name of Roman Emperor Carausius, a naval commander who was in charge of a Roman fleet based in the English Channel.

Pictures released by East West Rail show the Roman coin appearing in excellent condition after spending centuries underground.

Archaeologists expected to uncover ancient remains along the route, but there have been "a few surprises" that geophysical surveys did not initially detect, said Mike Court, historic environment lead at East West Rail.

TREASURE HUNTERS RECOVER RARE SILVER BAR FROM LEGENDARY SHIPWRECK OFF FLORIDA KEYS

"Geophysical survey doesn’t generally show finds, cremations or burials, so these are often unexpected when they appear in the trenches," Court told Fox News Digital.

"Despite being armed with all of that knowledge going into the trenching, it is still exciting when discoveries are made — and so far, after over 1,000 trenches, we are starting to get some really interesting results."

Court said the coins were discovered alongside evidence of Roman settlement and farming activity, rather than as isolated finds.

"These sites comprise numerous features, such as pits, ditches and postholes, cut into the natural ground," he said.

HIDDEN UNDERGROUND CHAMBER REVEALED BENEATH HOME OF LEGENDARY ROMAN EMPEROR

"The fills of these features may contain pottery, which help us date the features and the site."

The fills are "where we often find the coins through metal detecting," he added.

What makes the coin "particularly interesting," Court said, is that it bears the name of Roman Emperor Carausius. That provides valuable dating evidence for archaeologists.

Court said the excavations uncovered evidence spanning hundreds of years of history, with finds dating from the Iron Age through the Roman period.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"We know from other projects nearby that this part of Britain has a rich archaeological landscape, and we weren't disappointed," he said.

"By the time we [are] finished, we expect to find archaeology from most, if not all, periods of British history and prehistory."

All the artifacts provide a rare, tangible link to the people who lived at the site millennia ago, Court noted.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

"Maybe the most compelling thing about these objects is not their association with emperors and historic events, but [their] connection to ordinary people," he said.

"Each coin was once carried by an individual living in Roman Britain. ... Through chance and circumstance, the coin remained buried until its rediscovery by East West Rail's archaeological survey team centuries later."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

With plans to dig around 6,000 trenches, Court added that archaeologists expect to uncover many more significant discoveries along the route.

"We are confident that we’ll uncover additional major sites over the next two years of our trenching program," he said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"As we progress through the evaluation, we will get a better understanding of the sites we’ve excavated and their importance."

Every controversy surrounding Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' from casting to costumes

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:30 -0400

Christopher Nolan's highly-anticipated adaptation of ancient Greek poet Homer's epic "The Odyssey" has sparked debate for months before audiences even had the chance to see it.

From criticism over casting choices and historical accuracy to backlash over the 55-year-old Oscar-winning director's own comments dismissing critics, the fantasy action-adventure has found itself at the center of multiple controversies ahead of its theatrical debut.

With a production budget of $250 million and marketing costs totaling an estimated $125 million, "The Odyssey" is one of the most expensive R-rated movies ever made. Box office analysts have estimated that the film will have to gross over $700 million globally to turn a profit for its studio, Universal.

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

While "The Odyssey's" controversies have dominated social media and entertainment news headlines, brand experts and box office analysts told Fox News Digital they do not expect the pre-release scrutiny to derail the movie's commercial prospects, with some arguing that it could have the opposite effect.

Here's a look at everything Nolan has taken heat for ahead of "The Odyssey's" release.

Casting controversies

"The Odyssey" features a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal and Lupita Nyong’o.

Despite its lineup of A-listers and many previous awards recipients, Nolan faced backlash over several casting decisions.

Much of the criticism came from his choice to cast Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, as Homer describes the character as having "white arms" in the poem. Social media users have pointed out that Nyong'o's African roots and darker complexion contradict the poet's description of the character.

Nolan also faced scrutiny over his decision to cast transgender actor Elliot Page as Sinon, a great warrior who fought alongside Odysseus during the Trojan War, as well as rapper Travis Scott, who plays a Greek bard (oral storyteller). Others have taken issue with the fact that no actors of Greek or Mediterranean descent were cast in the film.

MORE HOLLYWOOD HYPOCRISY: VARIETY DEMONIZES CRITICS OF CHRISTOPHER NOLAN'S CASTING IN 'THE ODYSSEY'

While weighing in on the backlash, PR expert Sarah Schmidt pointed out that the controversy had generated significant publicity for the movie ahead of its release.

"There is a lot of noise around this film, but in this case, noise isn’t a bad thing," the president of the PR firm Interdepence told Fox News Digital. "People are talking about the film before it’s even out, which is almost always a win."

"If this was about a personal scandal that is one thing, but this ‘controversy’ is about creative choice, casting, dialogue, and design," she continued. "And this type of historical edit is not unprecedented. Look at ‘Hamilton,’ which reimagined history and cast in an unexpected way. It told a story and became a national phenomenon. The people declaring online that they will not buy a ticket because of the casting or the costumes were probably never the audience to begin with."

"Outrage is cheap," she added. "Movie tickets these days are not. And I'm betting that people will still go and buy them."

For her part, Nyong'o has mostly brushed off the criticism and expressed support for Nolan's artistic vision. During an interview with Elle for the magazine's May cover issue, the 43-year-old actress, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance in 2013's "12 Years a Slave," described "The Odyssey" as "a mythological story.""I’m very supportive of Chris’ intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling," Nyong'o said. "Our cast is representative of the world. I’m not spending my time thinking of a defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not."

"It’s quite something to be a part of 'The Odyssey,' because it is so grand," she added. "It spans worlds. So that’s why the cast is what it is. We’re occupying the epic narrative of our time."

Page and Scott have not publicly responded to the backlash over their roles. However, Nolan has addressed his casting decisions in interviews leading up to the film's release.

Nolan told Time magazine in May he cast Scott because he wanted to pay tribute to "the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap."

While speaking with Rolling Stone earlier this week, Nolan praised Page, who previously starred in the director's 2010 movie "Inception."

"It was really thrilling to work with Elliot again," Nolan said. "I felt with his character in ‘The Odyssey,’ he brings something really special to it. Because, in a way, you’re looking to put a face on certain elements of what Odysseus has done, what that means for the world as a whole. You’re looking to put a face on the tragedy of war. And I think he did an incredible job."

Historical accuracy

"The Odyssey" has also drawn criticism from historians, archaeologists and fans who have argued that some of film's design choices are inconsistent with the Mycenaean period, which serves as the backdrop for Homer's epic.

The Mycenaean period, which is also known as the Late Bronze Age, lasted from approximately 1600 B.C. to 1100 B.C. in Greece. Critics have pointed to a number of alleged historical inaccuracies, including armor they argued resembles medieval designs rather than Mycenaean-era equipment, ships some have said appear more Viking than Greek, and costumes and weapons that they claimed are inconsistent with archaeological evidence from the Bronze Age.

However, Ryan McCormick, co-founder of Goldman McCormick PR, told Fox News Digital that debates over historical accuracy are unlikely to deter most moviegoers.

"If a person has a moral apprehension about supporting a film due to someone's misconduct, it can definitely have an impact on its commercial success," McCormick said. "I don't think that a majority of people are going to be turned away because ‘The Odyssey’ apparently has some historical inaccuracies."

Meanwhile, Nolan has defended the creative choices, saying that filmmakers simply do not know enough about the Mycenaean period to recreate it with absolute certainty.

"The archaeological record of Mycenaean times is very fragmentary," he said. "A lot of what people think of as historical knowledge of that era is informed and intelligent speculation, but it is speculation."

"When you create a movie you have to create an entire and consistent world," he continued. "You're engaged in your own version of this speculation, your own commitment to the world-building."

Nolan has also explained that some production decisions were made due to the logistics of filming the epic, including the use of the Norwegian Viking ship Draken.

"We needed something wooden-hulled, built with ancient technology that could be out there in open ocean water, in giant swells, and the Draken has crossed the Atlantic," Nolan said during a July interview with the Los Angeles Times.

"We shot like it was a documentary," he continued. "The actors learned how to sail and how to row and the boat’s 26-man crew were dressed as extras and incorporated into the movie."

Nolan has also previously noted that Homer himself is believed to have lived roughly 400 years after the events of "The Odyssey" and said that the historical gap informed his approach to the film's design.

"The oldest depictions of Homeric characters tend to be depicted in the manner of people living in Homer’s time," he told Time magazine in May. "So there’s a pretty strong case there for portraying things that way because that’s the way the first audience received the story."

Modern dialogue and American accents

Beyond casting and historical accuracy, some fans also took issue with "The Odyssey's" contemporary dialogue and use of American accents.

After trailers for the film were released, critics on social media questioned why characters in an adaptation of Homer's epic used modern expressions such as "Dad" while actors including Damon, who played Odysseus, and Holland, who portrayed his son Telemachus, spoke with American accents.

Nolan also defended that creative choice, explained that he intentionally chose to use dialogue and language that he believed would resonate with contemporary audiences. The director said that his priority was finding "language that has emotional not intellectual meaning to people."

"I was maybe being naïve, it might bite me on the a--, but I wanted an earthy narrative," Nolan said. "To me it was a no-brainer."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

McCormick told Fox News Digital that the online reaction to any of the film's historical deviations may not be representative of the broader audience.

"I think there is a disconnect," he said. "Social media tends to amplify the voices of people who are passionate. It may not reflect what the pulse of the masses."

Nolan's interview remarks sparked another wave of criticism

Nolan recently drew backlash after dismissing criticism of the movie as "irrelevant" during an interview.

"Comes with the territory," he told The Telegraph earlier this week. The outlet described him as "grinning serenely" before "lifting his cup and saucer and taking a theatrical sip."

"But look, these conversations that happen before people see the film — they’re always irrelevant, because no one having them knows what the film actually is yet," Nolan added.

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

The director told The Telegraph that the reception so far for "The Odyssey" is similar to the concerns he faced while working on his "Batman" trilogy, explaining that when he started with "Batman Begins," a variety of artists had been creating and depicting the character for decades, "and a lot of freighted thoughts were out there about what he represents."

"And what I learned over my time on that trilogy," he continued, "is you can’t worry about any of that at all. What you have to do is honor the original text by interpreting it in the strongest way you personally can."

The director said, "In the end, fans of the property — even when we were doing something that was not what they would have done — enjoyed the sincerity of the attempt to put as good a version of it on screen as we could," adding that he hopes audiences can reach a similar conclusion with "The Odyssey."

Doug Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, said Nolan's response was largely justified but could have been delivered more diplomatically.

"Objectively speaking, it’s a valid response," he told Fox News Digital. "But as my mom used to say, ‘It’s not what you say, but how you say it.’ In other words, Nolan could’ve added some finesse to an otherwise factually accurate answer. A better way to phrase it would have been to acknowledge the concern among fans, but that you trust their fears will be allayed once they’ve seen the finished product."

However, Schmidt viewed Nolan's response differently, arguing that his remarks were consistent with the reputation he has built as a filmmaker.

"Nolan calling the criticism irrelevant is on brand, and he has earned the right to wave off the haters," she said. "The movie isn't even out yet and the early reviews are already strong. Nolan is a film icon who produces blockbusters. Trends bend to him, not the other way around."

Will any of it matter?

"The Odyssey" is projected for a massive opening weekend when it premieres in theaters on Friday. Industry box office tracking services predict that the movie will make between $85 million and $105 million domestically, with a global launch well surpassing $200 million. The film is expected to outperform Nolan's last blockbuster "Oppenheimer" across all opening weekend metrics, positioning it to become the director’s largest non-superhero debut ever.

Nolan's films have grossed a combined total of over $6 billion at the worldwide box office across his 12 theatrical releases.

The experts who spoke with Fox News Digital largely agreed that the movie's controversies and Nolan's remarks were unlikely to affect "The Odyssey's" box office performance.

"Historically, controversy surrounding a movie usually has zero impact on a film’s box office potential," Paul Dergarabedian, Head of Marketplace Trends for Rentrak, said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

He continued, "In fact, controversy, as amplified by the social media platform, only serves to heighten awareness, curiosity and raises the FOMO factor considerably, likely boosting not harming ’The Odyssey’s' box office potential."

McCormick concurred, telling Fox News Digital, "The contention is keeping the film's name in the media (likely even boosting its profile) and if people are talking about it (or even arguing about it), it's a great thing."

Squad Dem in the hot seat after campaign spending spree at luxury hotels: 'Champagne socialist'

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:27 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: A far-left "Squad" Democrat is facing scrutiny after spending thousands of dollars in donor cash at lavish hotels nearly 2,000 miles away from her home district, a Fox News Digital review of FEC records found.

"Squad" Rep. Ilhan Omar’s, D-Minn., campaign dropped over $6K on high-end hotels and private transportation between April and June, including payments to a Ritz-Carlton resort in Palm Springs, a hotel with sweeping views from the Hollywood Sign to downtown Los Angeles, and a luxury stay in the heart of Times Square, the congresswoman's latest financial filings show.

The payments, covering April 1 through June 30, included $2,131.90 to W New York in Times Square, $1,613.23 to The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, $1,143 to Blacklane Transportation, $926.80 to Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs and $682.41 to the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings.

Overall, the campaign reported more than $28,000 in travel expenses and more than $23,000 in food, beverage and catering expenses during the three-month filing period.

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

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage bills itself as a luxury Palm Springs resort overlooking the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains, with an exclusive Club Lounge, dedicated concierge service, spa, salon, fitness center, main pool, adults-only Vista Pool and whirlpool.

Meanwhile, the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood promotes a rooftop pool and lounge with sweeping views from the Hollywood Sign to downtown Los Angeles. Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs describes itself as a boutique desert hotel with two pools, a stargazing deck, a nightclub, a spa and rooms with vinyl turntables and "organic mattresses," and W New York in Times Square advertises panoramic city views, suites, a cocktail bar with DJ sets, in-room dining and on-property restaurants.

Blacklane, the luxury transportation service Omar paid for in Q2, markets itself as a professional chauffeur service with business and first-class vehicle options, including Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Cadillac models. Her campaign has previously spent over $5,000 on the car service since joined Congress.

Fox News Digital reached out to Omar's representatives for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.

"Ilhan Omar is just another champagne socialist who wines and dines at luxury resorts while supporting policies that would make her constituents live in squalor," Natalie Baldassarre, the national press secretary at the Republican National Committee, told Fox News Digital.

ILHAN OMAR'S ALLEGED TIES TO MINNESOTA FRAUD SCHEME IN SPOTLIGHT

Omar is not the only high-profile democratic socialist to face scrutiny over campaign spending. Fox News Digital previously reported that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign spent more than $53,000 on luxury hotels in 2025, including spending on a venue rental at a Bad Bunny concert in Puerto Rico, even as critics accused her of hypocrisy over her rhetoric on gentrification and working-class politics.

More recently, Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a far-left socialist, has come under fire for similar "champagne socialism" accusations after his tax returns showed his income was 10 times the median income in his state.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The spending scrutiny for Omar comes as she is already facing renewed scrutiny over her finances. Fox News Digital previously reported that Omar revised a disclosure that had listed millions of dollars in assets tied to her and her husband down to, at most, $125,000,

Her campaign has also previously faced questions over millions of dollars paid to her husband Tim Mynett’s consulting firm during the 2020 cycle.

Texas Dem's claim about abuse victim's family unravels after relatives say they're 'tired of being used'

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:15 -0400

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is facing blowback after the family of a child sex abuse victim whose case he invoked publicly contradicted his claim and said they are "tired of being used" in the election.

Talarico held a news conference July 9 outside the office of his Senate opponent, Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, at which he accused Paxton of giving an "Epstein-style sweetheart deal" to former Waco, Texas, attorney Adam Hoffman.

Pressed by reporters on whether he had personally spoken to the victim’s family, Talarico answered, "Our team has been in contact."

However, Melissa Dieterich, a friend and spokesperson for the family, publicly disputed Talarico's assertion that his team had been in contact. Dieterich posted a "note from the victim's family" on Facebook, which said, "We have not given any statement to Talarico. We have not spoke to him."

PROGRESSIVE TALARICO KNIFES BIDEN'S OPEN BORDER, TRIES MODERATING STANCE ON KEY ISSUES IN TEXAS SENATE RACE

Dieterich further noted that the family is "tired of being used in this election" and "we are tired of lies being told by both Paxton & Talarico, tired of the divide and just tired."

In response to a comment on her post saying, "I have yet to see any politician NOT use this case as a talking piece," Dieterich wrote, "Right, but someone said they have spoke to the victims (sic) mom and this and that and it isn’t true."

"That isn’t cool," she wrote.

After Dieterich's post, JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Talarico's campaign, told Fox News Digital, "This family has gone through hell. They have experienced something unimaginable and deserve respect."

Ennis explained that Talarico's team "facilitated outreach to offer our support and ensure the family has a way to get in touch at any time, for any reason."

"Elected officials on both sides of the aisle have called out this plea deal," he said. "The judge presiding over the case has called out this plea deal. James is calling out this plea deal and demanding justice to stop this from happening again."

Hoffman originally was charged with continuous sexual abuse of a young child.

Earlier in 2026, Paxton’s office negotiated a plea agreement in which Hoffman pleaded guilty to indecent assault and displaying harmful material to a minor. He was sentenced to 60 days in the McLennan County Jail and was released after 29 days.

The deal was reached after a Waco, Texas, jury failed to reach a unanimous decision in 2025, resulting in a mistrial.

Assistant attorneys general in Paxton’s office have said the deal was a "difficult decision" and "was made entirely in the best interest of the child involved," according to Spectrum News.

The victim's mother initially agreed to the plea agreement but later changed her mind, Fox 44 reported. The outlet reported a statement from the mother accusing the judge, police and Paxton of having "bent the system."

"They made sure my son was in the room when they raised the plea deal — knowing he didn’t want to testify again — and they used that against him. They pushed the deal through with or without our approval. That is not justice. That is manipulation," the mother claimed, adding, "Paxton’s office gave Hoffman a sweetheart deal. That is corruption."

TALARICO SAYS HE 'HATES CHRISTIANITY' IN UNEARTHED INTERVIEW WITH TRANSGENDER 'LATINX' THEOLOGIAN

In a separate post, Dieterich said that what that victim "went through is awful and the way our court systems handle victims in these cases needs to change." She added, "We are hoping to change laws when the legislators are back in session so this doesn’t happen to another victim!"

At his news conference, Talarico likened the plea deal to the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.

He said that his public information request to release the "Hoffman files" was denied by Paxton’s office. He emphasized that "the victim’s mother called this a corrupt deal," adding, "We should listen to the victim and their family."

"We don’t need any more pedophile protectors in our government," Talarico said at the press conference. "Adam Hoffman was a well-connected lawyer who abused an eight-year-old boy. He should be spending his life in prison … He didn’t even have to register as a sex offender in Texas; that’s how good this Epstein-style deal was."

"Ken Paxton should have to answer questions about this sweetheart deal," he emphasized.

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

SOCIALISTS LAUNCH RADICAL PLATFORM TO ABOLISH THE US SENATE IN BID TO FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORM AMERICA

A spokesperson for Paxton’s campaign told Spectrum News that his office has "already released information on this, but … the bottom line is that we stand with the child victim, who in this case did not wish to testify again and be forced into the same room as his abuser."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The spokesperson added that "Talarico cares more about turning a child victim into a political pawn than the truth" and that "every time James Talarico chooses to bring this case up he is intentionally re-traumatizing the child victim for personal gain."

Fox News Digital reached out to Dieterich for additional comment.

Bills star Dion Dawkins explains why Josh Allen 'absolutely sucks' to play with – in a good way

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:37:25 -0400

Dion Dawkins is entering Year 10 as the left tackle for the Buffalo Bills, but more importantly, his ninth campaign protecting quarterback Josh Allen’s blind spot.

But Dawkins’ job description isn’t your quintessential left tackle "block-anything-that-tries-to-enter-your-pocket" situation. Allen, the 2025 NFL MVP, is the cause of that.

Allen is making highlight-reel plays by the week with his ability to keep plays that should result in a sack alive, scrambling his way around the field, sometimes running sideline to sideline, just to pick up positive yardage.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It’s thankless most of the time, but Dawkins and his linemates are running around trying to help Allen at the same time. So, how exactly does Dawkins feel heading into his ninth year with Allen as the man under center?

"People think playing for Josh Allen is the best thing in the world – it f---ing sucks. All right? It absolutely sucks," Dawkins told Fox News Digital at Fanatics Fest after riding through an off-road obstacle course outside the Javits Center in New York City as part of Polaris’ and Call of Duty’s activation for the fan event.

Obviously, Dawkins is being very sarcastic here, but that’s the type of relationship these two share. It’s more than just being teammates – it’s a brotherhood.

JOSH ALLEN SAYS HE WOULD BE 'VERY HONORED' TO PLAY FOR TEAM USA IN FLAG FOOTBALL AT 2028 OLYMPICS

Dawkins, older by two years, has the role of protective big brother, which also means cracking jokes.

"Josh is here and there and you gotta know where he is at all times," he continued. "But the best thing about having Josh, when you’ve played with him for so long – not that I birthed Josh. But I birthed Josh. I was in there with Tyrod Taylor and then here comes Josh. So, me knowing how Josh moves and how he flows, it’s been great.

"It’s a gift and a curse because you don’t know where he is. But what I always say, it’s more of a gift than a curse. Sometimes, you don’t know where he is, but Josh will get you out of trouble more than we’ll get him in, and I appreciate him."

The entire city of Buffalo appreciates the hustle, determination, and at times, acrobatics that Allen needs to do the things he’s known for on the football field.

At the same time, Dawkins is one of the best in the NFL at what he does, which makes Allen’s life much easier. Dawkins earned his fifth straight Pro Bowl last year, though he’ll tell you like the rest of the Bills’ roster: they’re not satisfied until the Vince Lombardi Trophy is in hand.

NFL COACHES AND EXECUTIVES SAY PATRICK MAHOMES IS NO LONGER THE BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE NFL

To make that happen, the combination of Allen and Dawkins are paramount – even if the latter can’t stand the extra cardio the former makes him put in.

Hitting the road with Polaris and Call of Duty

Right across the street from the Javits Center, Polaris, the American automobile manufacturer, and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 created an off-road obstacle course that Fanatics Fest attendees could navigate throughout the four-day event this weekend.

Dawkins got a first taste of the experience in a Polaris RZR, which will be featured in the latest edition of the video game franchise when it comes out in October.

Dawkins, an automobile aficionado himself, loved every second of the obstacle course, and even let out a shriek when the driver floored it over a hill at the end.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"If there was just a longer stretch, we really would’ve went flying," Dawkins said, laughing.

The experience was one that had Dawkins itching to get into his own vehicle.

"I already told them I need three of these because we can all be in the woods in Buffalo at Big Indian going crazy," Dawkins said. "It holds and grabs so well – no problem. I just want to see it through the puddles, ponds and when it gets real wet and real soft on the ground underneath. Click the four-wheel drive and get that thing moving."

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

China dismisses Trump election interference accusations as 'entirely fabricated,' threatens countermeasures

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:36:20 -0400

China pushed back Friday after President Donald Trump accused Beijing of "working to influence the results" of the 2020 presidential election, describing his accusation as "entirely fabricated."

Trump said in a primetime speech Thursday night that "in mid 2018, China was working to influence the results of the U.S. midterm elections and later the results of the 2020 presidential election itself."

Trump said in a primetime speech Thursday night that newly released documents "show CIA reporting explicitly stated, and I quote, in mid 2018, the Chinese Communist Party's policy was to leverage all domestic and foreign elements that were opposed to the U.S. president in an effort to reduce the U.S. president's votes and make him resign or prevent his reelection."

"The reason they wanted me to lose is because they knew I was wise to them," Trump added, while also accusing members of the U.S. intelligence community of operating a "shadow government" to allegedly conceal evidence of China’s efforts to influence U.S. elections.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Friday said "the relevant allegations by the U.S. are entirely fabricated and aimed at vilifying China."

"We have no interest in interfering in US elections and have never done so," Jian said.

'SHADOW GOVERNMENT': TRUMP CLAIMS INTEL COMMUNITY BRAGGED ABOUT HIDING CHINESE MEDDLING

Asked whether this might affect the expected visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.S. in September, the spokesperson replied: "As I just said, we urge the U.S. to stop making an issue of China in its elections and do something conducive to China-U.S. relations."

Trump did not claim China changed votes or altered election results. Instead, he argued Beijing engaged in an influence campaign aimed at shaping U.S. public perceptions.

Trump said intelligence officials kept significant reporting out of his presidential briefings and highlighted an email in which a National Security Agency analyst allegedly wrote, "We have deliberately massaged our one pending [presidential daily brief] to avoid any direct links to the election."

"Those responsible for sounding the alarm instead kept the information secret and hidden," Trump claimed. "They did not disclose (it) to me as president or to anyone else."

Trump used the disclosures to press Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, casting the newly released intelligence as evidence that lawmakers must tighten federal election rules before the midterms.

SENATE FACES 'COME-TO-JESUS' MOMENT ON TRUMP'S ELECTION PRIORITY UNDER GOP'S NEW PLAN

The SAVE America Act passed the House in February but stalled in the Senate in March, when a 53–47 vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance it. Trump urged Americans to call their senators and representatives and demand its passage "without delay."

The Trump administration also announced Thursday it will drastically shorten visas for foreign journalists in the U.S. to 240 days, down from years, and cut those for Chinese journalists to only 90 days.

China's Foreign Ministry called the decision "discriminatory" and said it would affect the work of Chinese media in the U.S.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"China urges the U.S. to immediately revoke its discriminatory policies targeting Chinese journalists and effectively safeguard their lawful rights and interests in the U.S.," Jian said during a daily briefing in Beijing.

He added that "China reserves the right to take reciprocal countermeasures."

Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Maine Democrats recycle Platner's far-left talking points in scramble to replace disgraced ex-nominee

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:17 -0400

A group of eight Senate contenders running to replace Graham Platner as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee sought to showcase how they align with the disgraced ex-candidate's policy agenda on Thursday night ahead of an upcoming nominating convention in the state.

"Graham actually said he voted for me a few years ago," said David Costello, who ran unsuccessfully for the nomination earlier this year and lost to Platner, in response to a question about whether he would carry on any of the policies Platner put forward during his campaign. "How's that?"

The answers from the eight participating Democrats showed an effort to capture some of Platner’s momentum and messaging — even as they sought to stake out their own candidacies amid a scramble to find another party nominee.

There are 13 running in total, and whichever Democrat is crowned at a Maine Democratic Party convention on July 25, will face off in the midterm elections against longtime GOP Sen. Susan Collins in a high-stakes race that is among roughly a dozen that will determine if Republicans hold their slim Senate majority. Thirteen Democrats filed with the state party by Wednesday to get on the ballot.

DEMOCRATS WANT US TO FOCUS ON GRAHAM PLATNER’S POLICIES. HE FAILS MAINE THERE, TOO

Jordan Wood, a former congressional chief of staff to Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., said Thursday night that Platner’s perspective on the war in Gaza had been particularly transformative.

"When I got into this race, I was very hesitant to use the word genocide. To me, when you make that commitment, you have to be ready to go all the way, for the need to put conditions on any future aid to Israel. Graham got into this race, saying, 'this is genocide,'" Wood said.

"And I learned that, that it is so important in these moments to draw those moral lines. Voters are looking at you to see what is going on in Gaza, the genocide that Israel is committing, and the need to speak to that. And it's going to be difficult. But it is one thing that I took from Graham that I embraced that position now. But I learned it from him."

Troy Jackson, a former logger and former progressive member of the Maine House of Representatives, pivoted to Graham’s stance on healthcare, arguing it would continue to resonate with voters.

BERNIE SANDERS AIMS TO BLOCK SALE OF BOMBS AND BULLDOZERS TO ISRAEL, ACCUSING US ALLY OF 'GENOCIDE'

"That's the thing that I think Graham did the best: talked about fighting against the health care industry and the prescription drug industry to make sure that people in this state and this country have affordable, quality health care," Jackson said.

Nirav Shah, a professor and former candidate for governor, highlighted a shared view of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "There are a lot of areas where Graham's policies and mine overlap. One that I think is particularly relevant this week is the need to finally abolish ICE," Shah said.

"For anyone who's on the fence about that, let me ask a simple question," he added. "How many more people must die at the hands of Donald Trump's masked marauders before we finally agree that now is the time to abolish ICE?"

Then, Shenna Bellows, Maine’s current secretary of state, said she shared Platner’s view of corruption in government.

"The democracy that we thought we had has been deeply corrupted by those in power in Washington," Bellows said.

"He energized a movement that's always been there," she continued. "We don't have to choose. It's about Medicare for all. It's about getting ice out of Maine. It's about seeing the harm of October 7th and seeing the harm that what Netanyahu is doing in Gaza is genocide, and that we can hold both of those ideas and we can speak the truth, not try to figure out which talking points will win."

MAN FLEEING ICE OFFICERS IN FLORIDA IS STRUCK AND KILLED BY TRACTOR-TRAILER, POLICE SAY

In the debate’s second group of candidates, Elizabeth Dickerson, a former Maine state lawmaker, argued that Platner’s appeal was less about introducing new ideas than energizing voters around long-running progressive priorities.

"I think that it isn’t so much about the ideas that he had because he was talking about things that people have been talking about for a long time," Dickerson said. "He really didn’t bring up a whole lot that was new. But I think that what happened is that he had a way of getting people excited about doing those things and about voting to support those things."

Dickerson added that she thinks Democrats should try to keep those voters engaged despite Platner’s exit from the race. "Sometimes you don’t get the win you think you’re going to get, but that doesn’t mean you give up," she said. "We still have to fight."

Costello, meanwhile, said Platner had backed him when he ran as a "change candidate" in 2024 and said the central lesson from Platner’s campaign was the need to "change the system fundamentally."

"The most important thing is we’ve got to take money out of politics," Costello said. "Money corrupts everything."

Costello told the moderators he supported comprehensive campaign finance reform, public financing, reduced media rates for qualifying candidates, banning gerrymandering, eliminating the filibuster and imposing term limits for Congress and the federal judiciary.

"That’s what I liked about what Graham was talking about as well, is the energy behind reform, transformation, transforming our government," Costello said. "But the most important thing … go after the money."

Ashley Webb, a transgender activist, went viral during the second debate when pressed on Senate qualifications: "I ran for office several times. Didn’t win, but did run. And then, I’m a songwriter, and then I write my own books."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

In response to the debate Thursday night, the Maine Republican Party said Democrats in the state were "stained with the effects of Graham Platner's disastrous campaign."

"It will follow them throughout this race. These candidates are cherry-picked replacements of the nazi-tattooed communist, and it's evident by the nature of their nomination process," Maine GOP Communications Director Kristina Parker told Fox News Digital.

Facing a July 27 deadline to replace Platner with a new nominee, the state Democratic Party announced that it will hold a nominating convention two days earlier, on July 25 in Bangor, Maine, where 601 voting delegates will pick the nominee.

Once having cleared that hurdle, Platner’s replacement will head to a general election against Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, on Nov. 3.

Iran claims bold attack on US airbase and more top headlines

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:06:18 -0400

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

TOP 3

1. Iran claims attack on US airbase in Bahrain

2. Trump unveils declassified intel he says was covered up

3. Company responds after national outbreak traced to food supplier

MAJOR HEADLINES

CONSENT DISPUTE — Former Dem candidate accused of storming into ex's home with knife, tape, blames 'misunderstanding'. Continue reading …

POWER PLAY — Bernie, AOC bet big on Senate hopeful in Democratic primary in must-win state. Continue reading …

‘SOUND OF FREEDOM’ — Navy boss shuts down Blue Angels uproar after wildly low beach flyover. Continue reading …

PUBLIC BACKLASH — Pizza joint slammed after owner refuses to serve National Guard troops. Continue reading …

BURIED TRUTH — Missing millionaire identified decades after skeletal remains found in shallow grave. Continue reading …

POLITICS

WASH AND LEARN — White House addresses growing parasite outbreak after more than 400 Americans sickened. Continue reading …

ROLLS UNDER REVIEW — DHS alleges over 256K possible illegal voters uncovered across four key states. Continue reading …

‘HOW IS THIS REAL’ — Mamdani sparks online frenzy as 'absurd' housing claim is floated at 'freak show' event. Continue reading …

SILENT TREATMENT — Schumer dodges questions after bombshell report alleges Dem senator had relationships with House staffers. Continue reading …

Click here for more cartoons…

MEDIA

RIPPING REPORT — Jill Biden claims Joe would be ‘excoriated’ if he did what’s happening in current White House. Continue reading …

‘LOST’ ANGELES — JD Vance reveals a visit to LA gave him flashbacks to a ‘third-world country.’ Continue reading …

AMERICAN DREAM — ESPN host erupts 'This ain't Denmark' in fiery capitalism defense on air. Continue reading …

HARD TRUTH — Dem admits his own party 'took the border for granted' in stunning confession. Continue reading …

OPINION

ROBERT MAGINNIS — I've studied military strategy. Trump now faces Iran's oldest battlefield trick. Continue reading …

TONY WIED — Socialism’s rise inside the Democratic Party now threatens the American Dream. Continue reading …

IN OTHER NEWS

DIGESTIVE DECEPTION — Doctors warn your 'stomach bug' may actually be a parasite that's harder to detect. Continue reading …

ENDURING BOND — King Charles considered Queen Camilla 'non-negotiable' after Princess Diana. Continue reading …

COSTLY COAST — Famous beach escape now forcing visitors to reserve spots weeks in advance and pay fees. Continue reading …

DIGITAL'S NEWS QUIZ — Who threw curveballs at Todd Blanche? What’s the raging bison’s ultimate fate? Take the quiz here …

LISTEN

Tune in for a preview of the 2026 World Cup Final as Argentina and Spain prepare for a championship showdown, with a look at what could decide the title. Check it out ...

FOX WEATHER

What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…

Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Monday.

Conservatives unite around SAVE America Act after Trump declassifies 'shocking' election intel

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:24 -0400

Conservatives rallied around President Donald Trump online Thursday after he doubled down on calls for lawmakers to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, citing alarming election integrity vulnerabilities he said his administration had discovered.

"Thank you, Mr. President," Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., wrote on social media.

"We are going to lose our country if we don’t pass the dadgum SAVE America Act. Call your senator and tell them to save our great nation."

SENATE FACES 'COME-TO-JESUS' MOMENT ON TRUMP'S ELECTION PRIORITY UNDER GOP'S NEW PLAN

Trump promised a series of disclosures on the discovered weaknesses.

"Tonight, I'm announcing the immediate declassification and release of critical intelligence, revealing shocking vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure," Trump said.

In particular, the president said those new documents would focus on a handful of key allegations, including foreign data theft carried out by China, that members of the U.S. government had known about election vulnerabilities, that Americans had been misled for years about those weaknesses and new evidence of "election fraud."

Fox News Digital could not independently verify the content of the documents that were released by the White House.

To address them, Trump called on lawmakers to pass the SAVE Act — a bill that, among other provisions, would require proof of citizenship to participate in federal elections.

"I ask you to pick up your phone tomorrow, call your representatives in the House and Senate, and demand that they pass the Save America Act without delay. Together, we will restore faith and confidence in our country, and we will be bigger, better and stronger than ever before," Trump said.

Almost immediately, his calls were echoed by Republican lawmakers online.

"It is more important than ever to crush foreign election interference. It is more important than ever to pass the SAVE AMERICA ACT," Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said in a post to X.

MORE THAN A QUARTER-MILLION NONCITIZENS MAY BE REGISTERED TO VOTE IN 4 KEY STATES, DHS ALLEGES

Hans Von Spakovsky, an election expert with Advancing American Freedom, a conservative think tank, agreed.

"The president is absolutely correct that the SAVE Act needs to be passed to implement universal voter ID and proof of citizenship," Spakovsky said.

"He is also correct that the only reason an elected official would oppose this is because that official wants to make it easy to cheat and ensure that aliens who register and vote are not caught," Spakovsky added.

The legislation, which has passed the House of Representatives multiple times, has been stopped by Democratic opposition in the Senate, where Republicans need at least 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.

Republicans hold just 53 seats in the chamber.

Despite Trump's calls to remove the filibuster, a part of Senate procedure, enough Republicans have expressed support to keep it in place, arguing that it forces aat least some level of bipartisan cooperation over the most substantive pieces of legislation. But on Thursday, more voices demanded the Senate revisit the rule.

"The Senate needs to end the zombie filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act. Election integrity is far more important than the dying institutional 'norms' of the Senate," Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, wrote on Xshortly after Trump's speech.

Democrats, who claimthe bill would add too many hurdles for minorities and other demographics to participate in elections, bashed Trump’s calls on Thursday, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.

"The SAVE Act is voter suppression. It is part of a larger agenda of conservatives trying to steal power from the people," Harris said in a post to social media.

"He wants you to lose confidence in our electoral system, so you stay home this November. He knows how discontent the American people are, and he wants to make sure that you do not vote," she added.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., echoed Harris’ calls.

WATCH: ELISSA SLOTKIN SAYS SAVE AMERICA ACT WOULD MAKE IT 'HARD FOR ANY DEMOCRAT' TO WIN AN ELECTION

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. And now he’s trying to rig this year’s election with the SAVE America Act to make it harder to vote for millions of women, veterans, rural folks, & voters of color," Pressley said in a post of her own.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., also joined in the chorus of Democratic condemnations.

"After listening to the president’s rambling address, I want him to know that the SAVE America Act is going NOWHERE in the Senate. It belongs in the trash with the rest of Donald Trump’s conspiracy theories. America, use your vote and your voice to save our democracy," Murray said in a post to X.

It’s unclear when the Senate might reconsider the SAVE Act.

GOP civil war erupts over Trump's latest agenda push as key Republicans threaten to sink megabill

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:40 -0400

House GOP leaders are scrambling to approve a sprawling budget reconciliation package packed with defense and election integrity priorities, but Republican lawmakers in both chambers are pouring cold water on the process.

The intraparty skepticism, including concerns over the lack of spending offsets, is throwing the ambitious timeline into doubt. And the move to attach the SAVE America Act to the process has already turned off some of its GOP opponents.

"If we keep on layering layers of complexity, like another bogus attempt at the SAVE Act, then we're never gonna get it done," Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said.

When asked if it included the legislation if he would vote "no," Tillis said, "Absolutely."

SENATE FACES 'COME-TO-JESUS' MOMENT ON TRUMP'S ELECTION PRIORITY UNDER GOP'S NEW PLAN

"And I'll slow other things down, too," the retiring senator said. "It's a waste of time. It's an exercise of futility, and those are the only positive things I can think of to say about it."

Still, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has voiced confidence that both chambers can approve a budget blueprint — the first step in the complex reconciliation process — before lawmakers leave Washington for the August recess. The House Budget Committee advanced the budget plan Thursday, teeing up floor consideration as soon as next week.

But across the building, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said that Johnson’s assurance was, "news to me."

Thune acknowledged the desire to push both defense funding and the SAVE America Act through the party line process, but warned of consequences that could appear along the way.

"Again, the question is $60 billion worth the risk of putting something like that on the floor, and all the other harm that could potentially come from that," Thune said.

The truncated timeline comes as the House is expected to leave for August recess by the end of next week, while the Senate will depart Washington, D.C., the first week of August. Some in the upper chamber argue that lawmakers shouldn’t go home if their work isn’t done.

"If we don’t get this done, we’re gonna to — I think we’re gonna have to stay," Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital.

The Trump administration is also providing backup to reconciliation 3.0’s proponents.

The White House sent an internal memo to Hill offices Thursday expressing support for House Republicans’ $95 billion budget framework, which would allocate $73 billion in defense and intelligence funding among other provisions in a forthcoming bill.

"Congress must pass this budget resolution—without modification—immediately," the document said in part.

Several Republicans told Fox News Digital they believe that will be a tough sell.

TRUMP'S VOTER ID BILL CATCHES UNLIKELY BREAK AS MCCONNELL REMAINS SIDELINED

California Rep. Kevin Kiley, an independent who caucuses with Republicans, told Fox News Digital he is "skeptical" about a third reconciliation bill.

Kiley said he is concerned that the $73 billion in defense funding could be spent with little congressional oversight.

"This is really our opportunity here for the House to assert itself when it comes to directing the resolution of this conflict on acceptable terms," the California lawmaker said, referring to the war with Iran.

Kiley also said he opposes the budget reconciliation process because it intentionally cuts out Democrats from negotiations and said lawmakers should be relying on the normal appropriations process.

He voted against Republicans’ $72 billion immigration enforcement funding package earlier this year in part because the measure lacked buy-in from Democrats.

Fiscal hawks in both chambers have griped that the budget blueprint does not direct Congress to cut any spending — a move that would almost certainly increase budget deficits and contribute to the national debt.

"I think you got to pay for it," Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., told reporters Thursday.

The lack of spending offsets was met with a cold reception in the upper chamber as well.

"Our national debt is a runaway train. The next reconciliation bill should be fully paid for," Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who lost re-election to a Trump-backed challenger, wrote on social media Thursday.

Burlison also said he does not support Republicans' strategy of using a $10 billion funding pool to distribute grants to incentivize states to implement elements of the SAVE America Act, including citizenship verification and voter ID requirements.

He added that he could be convinced to vote for the budget framework if GOP leaders are able to force Democratic-led states to implement those provisions.

"To me, it's not worth it if it's weak language," he continued. "You have huge incentives in Obamacare, and you still have 11 states that rejected hundreds of millions of dollars to expand Medicaid. So it's nothing for states … if we're going to just throw a few million bucks their way."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Complicating matters is whether Trump would even sign a reconciliation bill that didn’t include the entirety of the SAVE America Act, given how much he has pushed Republicans to pass the whole thing.

"I know, I know," Thune told Fox News Digital. "That's a good question. If you get the answer, let me know."

Kai Trump opens up about leaving home for college, credits president for giving her 'competitive edge'

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:36 -0400

Kai Trump, the granddaughter of President Donald Trump, said she's "a little nervous" about starting a new chapter in life, but credits her grandpa for the "competitive edge" she says has fueled her wide-ranging success ahead of starting her freshman year and Division I golf career at the University of Miami.

"[I'm] a little nervous, I'm not gonna lie, but I'm ready for the next chapter," she said Thursday on "Fox & Friends."

"And I love my siblings. I am not far away from them, like an hour and a half away," she added.

KAI TRUMP SHARES BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE OF PRESIDENT'S POLARIZING KNICKS FINALS VISIT

During the wide-ranging interview, Trump discussed everything from balancing golf and her booming social media career to her refusal to enter politics. She also shared her mother, Vanessa Trump, is "doing better" after her breast cancer diagnosis.

The 19-year-old is preparing for a busy freshman year after recovering from wrist surgery while continuing to grow her apparel business and online following.

TEENAGE GOLFER MILES RUSSELL DELIVERS HIS DAD AN ALL-TIME FATHER'S DAY EXPERIENCE DURING US OPEN FINAL ROUND

When asked where she gets her "competitive edge" from despite her early success, Trump pointed to her mother and the president as two likely influences.

"My mom's competitive, too, but definitely grandpa's very competitive," she told the hosts on the curvy couch.

She reinforced that sentiment when asked what drives her to keep pushing despite her success as both a golfer and social media influencer. When asked where that motivation comes from, she responded simply: "Probably grandpa."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Trump has spoken openly about life inside the first family while navigating her own life. She will be one of two freshmen on the University of Miami's team.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

Doctors warn your 'stomach bug' may actually be a parasite that's harder to detect

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:33 -0400

Health officials are warning that what many people dismiss as a routine summer stomach bug may actually be cyclosporiasis, as the U.S. experiences one of its largest foodborne parasite outbreaks on record.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 1,600 domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May, with over 5,100 additional cases currently under investigation.

The intestinal infection is caused by Cyclospora (Cyclospora cayetanensis), a microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water.

IS LETTUCE STILL SAFE TO EAT AMID TACO BELL ILLNESS PROBE? DOCTORS ANSWER

The outbreak has sickened thousands of people, particularly in Midwestern states such as Michigan and Ohio, causing prolonged bouts of severe gastrointestinal illness.

Symptoms usually begin about one week after consuming contaminated food or water, although the incubation period can range from about two days to two weeks, according to the CDC.

Early symptoms can overlap with those of a common viral stomach bug, including abdominal pain, nausea and watery diarrhea. Some patients also experience loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss.

The primary differences lie in how long the illness lasts and how severe the symptoms become, according to Dr. Kenneth Perry, an emergency physician based in South Carolina.

HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS STOMACH BUG SPREADS FAST, HITTING CERTAIN PATIENTS HARDEST

Routine stomach bugs are typically short-lived, resolving within 24 to 48 hours, the doctor said. Even if mild symptoms linger, patients generally feel better after two days.

"Cyclospora is different in this regard," Perry told Fox News Digital. "It lasts longer, with far more profound watery, foul-smelling diarrhea and abdominal cramping."

It is possible to test for Cyclospora, but healthcare providers must specifically request it, as the parasite is not routinely included in standard stool testing and many gastrointestinal PCR panels do not detect it, according to the CDC.

Diagnosis is made by examining stool specimens, although patients may need to submit several samples collected on different days, as even symptomatic people may not shed enough of the parasite for it to be readily detected, per the above source.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

If symptoms strongly suggest Cyclospora despite an initial negative test, the screening may need to be repeated, Perry noted.

A primary care physician is often the best point of contact for patients seeking a diagnosis, as most routine stool tests performed in emergency departments do not screen for Cyclospora. A family doctor can order the specialized test if it's suspected.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"The emergency department is the appropriate setting for treating downstream symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea and dehydration," Perry told Fox News Digital.

People who suspect they have contracted the parasite can also check FDA and CDC food safety alerts to see whether they may have been exposed to a recalled or implicated product.

Patients should also focus on staying hydrated by monitoring their urine output. Perry recommends using over-the-counter pediatric formulas, which offer a more effective salt-to-sugar ratio than commercial sports drinks.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Anyone whose diarrhea lasts more than two to three days, worsens or is accompanied by signs of dehydration should contact a primary care physician.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Unlike most viral stomach bugs, Cyclospora is treatable with prescription antibiotics. The CDC recommends trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) as the standard treatment, while people who cannot take sulfa drugs should discuss alternatives with their healthcare provider.

California county approves reparations plan as neighboring school district 'Black Thriving' effort stalls

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:28 -0400

Officials in Alameda County, California, have green-lit a sweeping reparations action plan, stepping in after a school district within the county — in Oakland — reportedly failed to deliver on its own highly publicized racial equity promises.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on June 30 to accept a comprehensive reparations action plan, capping more than two years of research and community outreach. Designed to address decades of systemic discrimination against Black residents, the plan takes an institutional reform approach rather than focusing primarily on direct individual cash payouts.

"Our Commission was focusing on what role did the county as a government play in systemic discrimination … and then what actions could we take as a county government to redress that?" Supervisor Nate Miley, who represents District Four and was a leading force on the reparations initiative, told Fox News Digital on Thursday.

CHICAGO SUBURB LOCALS HOPE REPARATIONS ADDRESSES 'AFFORDABILITY PRESSURES' AS BLACK POPULATION DWINDLES

Miley added that officials were focused mainly on what role the county played as a government in discrimination, racism, and preventing African Americans from thriving.

"I do think there could potentially be some linkages between the school district and what they came up with in our plan, as we continue to move forward to operationalize our plan," he said.

Instead of writing checks, the Alameda County Reparations Commission's plan outlines structural overhauls, NBC Bay Area reported. These include expanding affordable housing, supporting Black economic development, increasing investments in education and healthcare and enacting criminal justice reforms.

To ensure these recommendations do not sit on a shelf, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors also approved the creation of a permanent standing committee on reparations to oversee the implementation.

While the county-level plan focuses on policy over payouts, local leaders are not entirely opposed to direct compensation.

Alameda County recently partnered with the nearby City of Hayward to establish the $1.3 million Russell City Redress Fund. The fund will provide direct payments to survivors and descendants of Russell City, an unincorporated community seized and bulldozed by local authorities in the 1950s and 1960s for industrial redevelopment, Local News Matters reported.

These local efforts come amid a broader national wave of municipalities exploring racial redress. Most notably, the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, made headlines by distributing $25,000 housing grants to eligible Black residents to address historic housing discrimination — an initiative that is currently facing a federal legal challenge.

Now, Alameda County leaders face the challenge of translating their newly approved framework into real-world results.

SAN FRANCISCO JUDGE NOT CONVINCED REPARATIONS FUND WILL BE DISCRIMINATORY DURING LAWSUIT HEARING

Critics say the nearby Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) serves as a stark warning of what happens when grand institutional promises fail to materialize.

Five years after OUSD pledged sweeping "reparations" for its Black students, critics and parents argue that the landmark initiative has stalled, leaving students to face the same dismal academic outcomes that prompted the effort in the first place.

The Oakland school board passed its "Reparations for Black Students" resolution in March 2021, establishing the 24-member Black Students and Families Thriving Task Force. The group was charged with developing a five-year plan to completely eliminate the district's Black student opportunity gap by 2026. However, former task force members reveal that the original group stopped meeting after roughly a year due to intense internal conflict and abrupt changes in district leadership.

"It was as if we all got together and wasted our collective breath for a whole year," former task force co-chair Pecolia Manigo told The Mercury News last month. "One of the harsh realities I learned in this process is that the district can just wait people out."

Interviews with former members show the initial effort fractured over bitter disagreements regarding school closures and the exact role district officials should play in the reparations work.

MORE THAN 400K NEW YORK CITY CHILDREN ENROLLED IN FAILING PUBLIC SCHOOLS: REPORT

The initial 2021 resolution aimed to establish a "Black Thriving Fund" to recruit Black educators, expand a Black-centered curriculum, mandate anti-racism training for staff, and boost outreach to struggling families.

The resolution was explicitly drafted to combat glaring racial disparities. In the 2018-19 school year, district data showed that while Black students represented 22% of OUSD enrollment, they accounted for 57% of all student suspensions. Furthermore, Black students with Special Education Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) were nine times more likely to be suspended than their peers.

"We kept looking at these data points — chronic absenteeism, literacy, mathematics — it was just dismal," Lawanda Wesley, the former director of the task force, told reporters.

Five years later, student performance remains largely unchanged. By 2025, district testing revealed that Black students still recorded OUSD's lowest proficiency rates in both math and English. Additionally, about 46% of Black students were chronically absent, and nearly 10% faced suspensions, according to Oakland North.

The initial momentum has vanished. The district's official reparations webpage has not been updated since 2021, public meetings have ceased, and Black student enrollment in OUSD has dipped below 20% — down from nearly half two decades ago as Black families continue to leave Oakland, Oakland North reported.

Following a formal grievance process led by the local teachers' union, the district quietly revived a smaller version of the task force in 2023.

This updated initiative pivots away from the grander systemic promises of 2021. Instead, it focuses on targeted family engagement and expanding support systems at 11 designated "Black Thriving Schools" — campuses where at least 40% of the student body is Black.

While some local educators claim elements of the original promise continue quietly via a handful of newly created "Teacher on Special Assignment" roles, others argue the district completely abandoned its public commitments.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

OUSD spokesperson John Sasaki defended the current state of the initiative in a statement to The Mercury News, asserting that the task force "is currently active and moving forward under strong leadership, with a clear focus on supporting Black student achievement and well-being."

OUSD officials have not responded to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.

America’s broken legal immigration system is replacing US workers by design

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:04 -0400

The overwhelming majority of Americans instinctively grasp that illegal immigration undermines rule of law, hurts American workers and erodes our way of life. Now, more and more people are waking up to the disturbing reality that our sprawling web of legal immigration programs is just as bad, if not worse, than illegal immigration for many hardworking Americans.

We need a complete overhaul of the legal migration system, which is enabling Big Tech companies and countless other American corporations to quietly replace American workers with visa-sponsored immigrants.

That starts with confronting the H-1B program head-on. H-1B has been marketed to Americans as a tightly enforced, rigorously vetted, merit-based system that admits only the world’s best and brightest for highly skilled jobs that few Americans can do. In reality, it is a loosely monitored system that allows cheap and often entry-level workers to occupy jobs that Americans would gladly fill.

DEMAND TO END 'SCAM' VISA PROGRAM REPLACING AMERICAN WORKERS SURGES, WEST VIRGINIA CONGRESSMAN REVEALS

The numbers bear this out. Last year, for example, the Department of Homeland Security reported that 83% of H-1B visas petitioned for between 2020 and 2024 were for entry and junior level employees with salaries set well below the local median wage. This March, the Department of Labor found that the minimum wages employers are required to pay H-1B workers are set $19,000 lower than what U.S. workers earn in the same occupations and locations.

The OPT program is arguably an even more egregious abuse of our immigration system. It allows foreign students to stay in America for up to three years after they graduate college as long as they are working, or at least as long as they report to be working through a portal that isn't very closely monitored or vetted.

OPT has no cap on the number of participants, no requirement that the employer at least try to hire Americans before looking to this program, and no legal minimum salary that prevents employers from undercutting American workers by hiring these OPT workers for cheaply.

AMERICA NEEDS WORKERS, BUT TRUMP'S POLICIES ARE SHARPLY CUTTING LEGAL IMMIGRATION

Worse still, because it allows participants to remain on a student visa and thus enables companies to avoid payroll taxes, OPT further incentivizes employers to hire foreigners over Americans.

OPT was never passed by Congress, and most Americans have never heard of it. Yet, today, it is allowing more than 400,000 foreign students to take jobs in attractive sectors like technology and engineering.

This isn’t because of a shortage of American talent. Far from it. The Center for Immigration Studies’ analysis of the 2022 Census data shows that more than 11 million working-age people in the United States with STEM degrees are not working in any STEM job.

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

The OPT and H-1B programs are connected. A foreign student, from India for example, can come to the United States on a student visa, remain employed here for years after graduating through the OPT program and obtain an H-1B visa through that same employer. Thanks to the "dual intent" provision that corporate lobbyists pushed into the Immigration Act of 1990, that student could use that job to pursue permanent residency.

Both programs are also riddled with fraud. In May, President Donald Trump's fraud task force identified more than 10,000 cases of foreign students in the OPT program claiming employment with suspect or nonexistent employers. And in June, Fox News reported that police had uncovered an entire network of Indian universities selling counterfeit degrees used to obtain H-1B visas.

Faced with fraud on this scale and corporate abuse this brazen, it's tempting to settle for case-by-case fixes: deport the students making up fake employers, shut down the diploma mills, criticize each individual company filing for H-1Bs rather than hiring Americans.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

These are all reasonable steps to take, but none of them alone will actually solve the structural problem.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

That’s because the way Big Tech companies and other major corporations fire Americans and replace them with foreigners who obtain fraudulent degrees isn’t a bug but a feature of our broken legal immigration system. That system was designed by corporate lobbyists and exists to bring foreign workers into America en masse while asking as few questions as possible.

It is time for a new approach. The only long-term solution is to overhaul our legal immigration system and end both the H-1B and the OPT programs for good.

Simone Biles attorney speaks out against SJSU over volleyball scandal after coach's allegations emerge

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:59:21 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: A famed attorney who represents female athletes, including Simone Biles, in abuse cases, is the latest critic taking aim at San Jose State University (SJSU) and the California State University (CSU) system for its ongoing volleyball scandal.

The attorney, John Manly, is coming forward after Fox News Digital reported that SJSU was informed of graphic assault allegations against current volleyball coach Todd Kress during the 2024 season, while the university was already under a Title IX microscope for a national controversy involving a trans athlete on the volleyball team.

"This is not about trans rights... and frankly, the trans piece of this is a smokescreen for the university justifying its abominable treatment and protection of female students in the last 20 years," Manly told Fox News Digital.

"What's happened here, and I can tell you I believe that's happened at San Jose State, is that the whole Title IX process has been bastardized. Instead of a process where it was supposed to be about protecting students and athletes, it's really been about avoiding liability for the university...

"The school needs a wake-up call, and frankly, new leadership."

INSIDE THE FALLOUT OF THE SJSU VOLLEYBALL SCANDAL: ‘THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM’

Manly served as the chief legal counsel from 2017-21 for Biles and the other women who were sexually abused by Larry Nassar, helping the victims reach a $380 million settlement. He also previously represented SJSU female athletes in a separate case of sexual abuse by a trainer as far back as 2009 to 2020.

The lawyer says he sees similarities in the culture behind SJSU's handling of its volleyball situation, and the cultures behind the issues in two other cases.

"As to the culture, yes," Manly said of the similarities to other cases he's handled. "I mean, there was a culture at Michigan State where the Larry Nassar case was, and I was the lead counsel on that, where this was just acceptable and ignored because it benefited the university... Same thing with the trainer at San Jose State who was convicted of federal civil rights charges.

"When you have a culture that doesn't value students and frankly treats them as funding devices, when it doesn't value athletes and frankly treats them as funding devices, and to benefit the university's, quote, 'brand,' this is what happens."

SJSU previously settled with the U.S. Department of Justice in September 2021 for $1.6 million to be distributed to 13 female student-athletes.

The investigation found that the school's former head trainer, Scott Shaw, subjected athletes to unwelcome sexual touching under the guise of medical treatment, and that the university ignored complaints for more than a decade. Manly served as legal counsel for those SJSU victims as well.

Then at the end of January this year, the U.S. Department of Education determined the school violated Title IX again in its handling of the volleyball team. But in March, SJSU and CSU sued the federal government to challenge the investigation and its findings.

SJSU and CSU are meanwhile being sued by 11 female players across the Mountain West, including former SJSU co-captain Brooke Slusser, over their experience with the trans athlete. Slusser has since said that she and her other former teammates at SJSU were never allegedly informed of the allegations against Kress after they were sent to the school in October 2024.

Manly hopes the new developments and SJSU's history will have an impact in the courtroom on all legal fronts related to the scandal.

"I would hope that the courts would look at this as a culture and say, ‘Something’s wrong here.’ I mean, you look at the coach, you look at the trainer, you look at the other issues at the school with culture, and they need to protect kids. And I hope that the end result of that case is that happens, cause it’s certainly not happening now," Manly said.

Fox News Digital has filed two public records requests to SJSU seeking documents related to the allegations against Kress, but both have been rejected.

"The fact that they won't produce the documents tells you a lot," Manly said.

The first request sought the emails between the school and one of Kress' former players at Fairfield University that contained a letter involving allegations that Kress attacked her in a hotel room in 1998. SJSU denied that request, citing personal privacy exemptions.

The second request sought internal communication related to the school's own investigation of those allegations. SJSU rejected that request, also citing personal privacy exemptions, as well as attorney-client privilege.

Both responses from SJSU also stated, "Disclosure of these records would therefore constitute an invasion of privacy that outweighs the public interest in disclosure."

As a lawyer, Manly disagrees with that response, considering the stakes.

"It's completely bogus. There's a whole litany of California cases that says the safety of, of others and the safety of, uh, and, you know, people essentially knowing that somebody's dangerous outweighs that. The, if there's a privacy interest, you simply redact the name of the victim," Manly said.

Fox News Digital was given copies of emails exchanged between SJSU and the former Fairfield player, from an independently verified source. Fox News Digital has independently verified she played at Fairfield under Kress in the 1998 season, but is not disclosing her name.

SJSU DIDN'T PENALIZE VOLLEYBALL COACH DURING TRANS SCANDAL AMID TITLE IX COMPLAINTS, FEDERAL FINDINGS ALLEGE

The original letter was written by a woman that played for Kress at Fairfield University in the late '90s, and sent to SJSU on Oct. 24, 2024.

That first email she sent to SJSU contained the letter with the written allegations against Kress, that was originally sent to Fairfield University. The alleged incident occurred in a hotel after Fairfield’s loss to Clemson in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament in December of that year. She wrote that a teammate asked her to bring her a shirt to Kress’ room.

"I told her I wanted no part of his insanity. I was distraught about the loss and wasn’t interested in his drunken insanity, which was commonplace on trips."

The former player added that her teammate "promised Todd would not throw water at me or do something juvenile so I reluctantly agreed to bring her the shirt."

"I knocked on the door and Todd answered. He immediately took caramel from a plastic container and smeared it all over my face and hair. He then forcibly threw me on the bed and held me down. I was in shock. He let go of me and then pulled his pants down and put his back side in my face.

"Astonished... that is the only word I can think of to describe how I felt in that moment... Todd was drunk. I got up and went for the door.

"Todd again grabbed me, picked me up, and threw me into the bathtub where he held me down and threatened to turn on the shower with me laying there to ‘clean the caramel off of my face.’ At this point I was fighting back to get away from him.

"Todd let me get out of the tub, laughing, and then he stood in front of the door blocking my exit. Todd told me he would only let me leave if I took a shot of liquor, which I did only to get him to move away from the door. Once he did, I ran for it. He chased me. I got into my room and although he seemed to be in a rage, he turned and calmly walked out," the letter alleged.

SJSU Athletic Director Jeff Konya responded to the former Fairfield player in an email on the same day the letter was sent.

"I want to acknowledge that I am in receipt of your correspondence and will share it with the proper authorities on the SJSU campus for additional review," Konya wrote.

More than a week later, on Nov. 4, former SJSU interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer Peter Lim reached out to set up a meeting with the former player and her attorney.

"Thank you for sharing your concerns about Coach Todd Kress. I am sorry to hear about your experiences. I have reviewed your letter and would like to meet with you to better understand your experiences with Coach Kress. The purpose of the meeting would be to help me assess potential next steps, which may or may not include an investigation into the reported conduct," Lim wrote.

Three days after that, on Nov. 7, Lim sent another email to the former Fairfield player, thanking her and her attorney for meeting with them.

"I am so sorry about your prior experiences with Todd Kress at Fairfield University. I appreciate the time you took to describe those experiences, the impact those experiences continue to have on you, and the safety threat that you believe he presents to SJSU’s volleyball team," Lim wrote.

"We are evaluating the information you provided and determining appropriate next steps. If it is okay with the two of you, I would appreciate staying in touch."

There was no further correspondence between the two parties after that exchange, Fox News Digital has learned.

Manly said the lack of visible follow-up reflects what he believes is a broader flaw in how universities handle allegations that could expose them to liability.

"These complaints end up at the general counsel’s office and die. And the reason for that is very simple. Lawyers rarely find their own clients guilty," Manly said.

"The message it sends is, ‘We’re going to keep the coach because he wins, and we don’t want to look bad.’ That’s not the way it’s supposed to work... This isn’t just about a trans athlete. This is about, in my view, a problematic culture at San Jose State that allowed this to occur. This is not the only group of women who’ve been mistreated and not listened to. It’s a litany of them."

Manly hopes to see the legislature, either state or federal, issue subpoenas for what has transpired.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"The legislature could subpoena these people, and they should," he said.

"I would hope that the board members of the Cal State University system who are appointed by the governor, the Senate and the Assembly would really focus on this and hold a hearing on it and say, ‘How did we end up hiring this guy?’"

'The Odyssey' Review: Christopher Nolan goes epic with his most ambitious film to date

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:59 -0400

When a film has a stacked cast of A-listers including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron, it's remarkable that more people will go see "The Odyssey" in theaters not because of who's on-screen, but rather who's behind the camera.

In an era where movie stars no longer guarantee box office success, Christopher Nolan is in an elite class of filmmakers who are able to fill that void.

"The Odyssey," adapted from Homer's epic poem circa Ancient Greece, tells the story of Odysseus (Damon), the king of Ithaca known across the land as the "hero of the Trojan War," and his years-long journey home.

‘MOANA’ REVIEW: DWAYNE JOHNSON RETURNS FOR DISNEY'S LAZY LIVE-ACTION REMAKE THAT RESEMBLES AI SLOP

Waiting for him in Ithaca are his wife Penelope (Hathaway) and their son Telemachus (Holland) — neither of them are certain whether Odysseus is still alive. Their palace has become overrun by potential suitors for Penelope as the throne remains vacant, the most prominent being the villainous Antinous (Pattinson).

Throughout his tiring journey home from Troy, Odysseus comes across iconic adversaries, including the Cyclops Polyphemus (an unrecognizable Bill Irwin), the sorceress Circe (brilliantly performed by Samantha Morton) and the Sirens.

'THE INVITE' REVIEW: SETH ROGEN, OLIVIA WILDE HOST ONE HILARIOUS DINNER PARTY YOU WON'T REGRET ATTENDING

A lot has been said about "The Odyssey" in recent weeks: between the absurd internet rumor that transgender actor Elliot Page was cast as Achilles — which is entirely false — the off-the-cuff remarks about Homer from Lupita Nyong’o, whose casting as Helen of Troy sparked backlash in itself, as well as reports that Nolan allegedly relied on classicist Emily Watson's more modern interpretation and translation of Homer's poem.

Minor casting decisions and mildly flippant interview comments shouldn't dictate whether to see a film. To get worked up over petty squabbles is just exhausting. If you choose not to see "The Odyssey" simply because of what you read online, that's your prerogative. As for me, I simply go by a film's quality and entertainment value. On both counts, "The Odyssey" passes with flying colors.

‘TOY STORY 5’ REVIEW: TOM HANKS, TIM ALLEN RETURN FOR TIMELY INSTALLMENT AS PIXAR GANG BATTLES RISE OF TECH

What I couldn't get out of my head as I was watching "The Odyssey" was juxtaposing it to the live-action "Moana" I saw the week prior. Both had eye-popping budgets, yet everything about "Moana" appeared absolutely fake and lazy and everything about "The Odyssey" looked so real (again, this is a movie with a Cyclops).

That's because only one of these movies committed to actual artistry, as Nolan reliably does. The mere existence of the live-action "Moana" is more offensive than any of the aforementioned so-called controversies that preceded "The Odyssey."

LOW-BUDGET HORROR FLICK ‘OBSESSION’ SHATTERS BOX OFFICE EXPECTATIONS AS NEW STAR WARS FILM COMES UP SHORT

From "The Dark Knight" trilogy, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk and 2023 Best Picture winner Oppenheimer, Nolan continues to raise his own ceiling, as "The Odyssey" is by far his most ambitious film yet. He's a master craftsman who was able to take a lot of moving parts and put them together in a cohesive and (mostly) coherent narrative.

Nolan essentially cast half of Hollywood and there's only so much screen time to go around for them. Some were able to maximize it with strong performances (Pattinson and Morton were among the standouts) while others were underutilized despite their incredible talents (Theron, Zendaya, Nyong'o). Damon does a perfectly fine job as Odysseus, but nearly any leading man could've given that performance.

Nearly every production element of "The Odyssey" is top tier, from Hoyte van Hoytema's stunning cinematography, Ludwig Göransson's powerful score, the editing, the production design, the costumes, the visual effects — there's a lot to marvel at.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS

The Verdict

It's always an event when it comes to a Nolan picture, and "The Odyssey" — the first movie ever shot entirely on IMAX film — is no exception. It's a captivating, remarkably made epic worthy of being seen on the silver screen — the bigger, the better.

★★★ ½ — SEE IT NOW

"The Odyssey" is rated R for violence and some language. Running time: 2 hours, 52 minutes. In theaters now.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Hooters says kids, families are part of its comeback as waitresses insist they've always been welcome

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:59 -0400

When the original founders of Hooters took back control of the iconic restaurant chain last year after its corporate bankruptcy, they promised to return it to its roots.

That meant dialing back what founding member and Hooters Inc. CEO Neil Kiefer described as an oversexualized image, reemphasizing the food and hospitality, and broadening the brand's appeal to families and younger customers after years in which some corporate locations had become, in his words, "little boys' club stores."

But at the South Florida Hooters locations, which have always been operated by the original ownership group, the servers who greet customers every day say they've been appealing to families and children all along.

HISTORY OF HOOTERS: 5 FACTS YOU LIKELY NEVER KNEW ABOUT THE RESTAURANT CHAIN

"Here in South Florida, nothing is changing for us," Gracie Williams, who has worked for Hooters for nearly six years, told Fox News Digital.

"We are the same Hooters girls that we have been from the start," said the 24-year-old waitress and bartender who also happens to grace the July cover of this year's Hooters calendar.

Micayla Williams, 21, who has worked for Hooters for about two years, echoed that sentiment.

HOOTERS DITCHING BIKINI NIGHTS FOR OVER-60 CROWD AND FAMILIES

"Nothing's really changed for our locations," she said. "We get families. We get elderly people. We get teenagers, even kids."

Their perspective offers a regional counterpoint to the national conversation surrounding Hooters. As Hooters works to reshape public perception, employees at its two Fort Lauderdale locations say they've long served a broader customer base than the brand's reputation might suggest.

Kiefer said restoring that broader appeal consistently throughout all remaining restaurants is central to the company's strategy.

"We're starting to build that broad base of consumer appeal again, like we have in the original Hooters," Kiefer told Fox News Digital last year.

TIKTOK-FAMOUS HOOTERS GILRS BUILT VIRAL FOLLOWING, BUT LANDLORD HAD FINAL SAY ABOUT THEIR FUTURE

The emphasis is on hospitality, food and community involvement, Kiefer said, while moving away from what he described as "renegade stores" that had become "oversexualized."

In South Florida, community involvement has always been the formula, the Hooters girls told Fox News Digital.

But Gracie Williams doesn't ignore the element that has defined the brand for decades.

"We're always building an oasis for others to come," she said. "Good food, hot wings, cold beer and, of course, pretty girls."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Both women pointed to the restaurant's customer mix as evidence that the perception of Hooters often differs from reality.

During the day, Micayla Williams said, families make up a significant portion of the crowd, particularly at beach locations.

"Obviously, we get more families during the day," but there are also plenty of date nights at her location, she said, "which is pretty neat to see."

Gracie Williams said the oceanfront location attracts parents and children spending the day at the beach.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

"The parents come and hang, and the kids are out on the beach," she said. "And then when the kids come up, there's a bunch of food for all the kids."

Gracie Williams also pointed to the company's fundraising events, which donate a portion of sales to local charities and youth sports organizations.

She recalled hosting dozens of rugby players and multiple teams at one recent fundraiser, saying those events reinforce the restaurant's role in the community.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"A lot of people think, 'Oh, regulars are a man or someone that just gives you a lot of money,'" she said. "But here at Hooters, regulars aren't necessarily that. Regulars are our family."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

As Hooters works to convince a new generation of customers that it's more than its decades-old stereotype, the women working at its South Florida restaurants insist it's just business as usual.

Would you trust a tiny dental robot?

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:58 -0400

Nobody hears "you need a crown" and feels excited. You start thinking about the drilling, the temporary crown, the return visit and the time it takes to get everything finished.

Now, researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland are working on a tiny dental robot that could one day change that process. The prototype is called MIR, short for Miniature Intraoral Robot. University of Basel says the device could help prepare teeth for crowns and reduce the number of dental appointments needed for treatment.

WOULD YOU PAY $8,000 FOR A ROBOT TO FOLD LAUNDRY?

The idea may sound intense because we are talking about a drill-equipped robot inside your mouth. However, the current design keeps the larger motor and control parts outside the mouth. The small in-mouth robot connects to them through flexible drive shafts, cables and tubes.

Free live CyberGuy class: Sick of Spam? Join us July 22

Join us Wednesday, July 22, at 1 PM ET for a free CyberGuy Live class that will help you cut down on robocalls, spam texts, junk email and other unwanted messages. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson will walk you step by step through simple ways to filter spam, clean up your inbox and recognize the messages that could put your personal information at risk. No technical experience is needed. You’ll also receive our spam-stopping checklist, and every registrant will get a link to the class recording afterward.

Reserve your free spot today at CyberGuyLive.com.

Why crowns take more than one dental visit

If tooth decay leaves a large cavity, a dentist may need to prepare the tooth for a crown. Today, that can mean several steps. The dentist removes decay, fills the cavity, shapes the tooth, takes an impression and fits a temporary crown. Then, the permanent crown gets made and placed during a later visit.

That is where MIR could help. The goal is to move more of the process into a digital workflow. After a scan, a dentist could plan how much tooth material the robot should remove. Then, the crown could be ordered right away instead of waiting for another appointment.

How the tiny dental robot works

MIR attaches to a custom-fitted dental splint made from the patient's scan. That splint connects the robot to the teeth. So, if the patient turns their head, the robot moves with them.

That detail stood out to me. Anyone who has ever tried to stay perfectly still in a dental chair knows how hard that can be. Even a small twitch can feel huge when a drill is near your tooth.

The robot is designed to follow a digital treatment plan. In testing, it prepared tooth models in two stages. First, it used a wider drill to reduce the top of the tooth surface. Then, a longer, thinner drill worked along the sides.

HUMANOID ROBOTS PERFORM LIVE SURGERY IN WORLD FIRST

How small is MIR?

The University of Basel says the MIR prototype is about the size of a wine cork. It measures 43 by 26 by 28 millimeters. Dr. Yukiko Tomooka, the paper's first author, said the robot was designed to fit comfortably inside an open mouth.

That small size is key. A dental robot cannot feel bulky or block the dentist's view. It also cannot depend on a giant device sitting inside your mouth. So, the Basel team moved the larger parts outside the mouth and kept the in-mouth unit compact.

The project page from the University of Basel's Department of Biomedical Engineering says the team wants MIR to enable a fully digital treatment workflow for tooth preparation. The long-term vision is a crown that can be manufactured before or during the preparation process using CAD-CAM dental technology.

How precise is the dental robot?

So far, MIR has been tested on tooth models made of synthetic resin and on ceramic material with hardness similar to tooth enamel. In those tests, the robot's positional error was less than 0.2 millimeters, even though the current version does not yet have sensors to directly measure or correct its position.

Researchers also measured the force created during drilling. University of Basel says the forces stayed below five newtons, which it compares to the gravitational force of a half-liter bottle of water. The team is also studying the robot's noise level to better understand how it might work in a real dental office.

Why MIR still has a long road ahead

This tiny robot has not yet reached dental offices. University of Basel says more work is needed before MIR can be used in dental practices. The next step is to add sensors and a camera, so the system can track its position and monitor the treatment as it happens.

That safety piece is a big deal. The team wants MIR to know where it is, even after a power outage. Professor Georg Rauter, who leads the research group, said the goal is for the robot to continue from the right position using sensor data.

In other words, the robot needs better awareness before anyone should trust it near a real tooth. Precision on models is one thing. A real mouth adds saliva, movement, pressure, nerves and patient anxiety.

Who is behind the tiny dental robot?

MIR was developed by researchers at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Basel. The idea came from researchers at the University of Zurich, who also took part in the work.

The University of Basel project page lists the BIROMED-Lab, the Clinic of Reconstructive Dentistry at the University of Zurich, Camlog Biotechnologies and the University of Bern's ARTORG Center as collaborators. The project is sponsored by Innosuisse. The research was published in IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics.

BIONIC HANDS ARE NOW TEACHING ROBOTS TO FEEL

What this means for you

If you have ever needed a crown, you know the process can drag on. MIR could eventually make that experience faster by letting dentists scan, plan and prepare the tooth with more digital precision.

Still, this technology remains in development. You should not expect a tiny robot to show up at your next dental appointment. Researchers still need to add sensors, add a camera and prove that the system can work safely in real treatment settings.

Even so, this is worth watching. Dentistry is already moving toward digital scans, computer-designed crowns and more guided procedures. A robot like MIR could push that trend further, especially if it can reduce repeat visits.

Kurt's key takeaways

This is the kind of dental tech that makes you lean forward and squirm a little. A tiny robot mounted inside your mouth may sound intense. Still, the goal is something many of us would welcome: fewer follow-up appointments when a crown is needed. The most important detail is that MIR remains a prototype. It has only been tested on models and dental-like materials so far. The team still plans to add sensors and a camera before real dental use. If MIR works, a future crown appointment could feel more like a guided digital procedure than the drawn-out process many of us know today.

Would you trust a tiny robot to drill your tooth if it meant fewer trips to the dentist? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Fmr Arizona Dem candidate accused of storming into ex's home with knife, tape, blames 'misunderstanding'

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:58 -0400

A former Arizona Democratic congressional candidate was arrested after allegedly forcing entry into an ex-partner's home with a knife and tape, then telling police the confrontation was a "misunderstanding" over a BDSM scene the victim denies ever agreeing to, according to court documents.

Phoenix police responded to a call on July 10 at 6 p.m. from a woman who said her ex-partner, Brianna Westbrook, had come to the door, and that she opened it believing it was her son, according to court documents. Instead, she found Westbrook holding a knife in one hand and black tape in the other, the documents state. The two wrestled until Westbrook pushed the victim onto a couch and told her "not to move," with the victim to begin screaming, police said.

Westbrook is a transgender rights activist and was a former vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party.

GOT A TIP?

The screaming brought the victim's sister into the room, at which point Westbrook, with a knife, allegedly made a lunging motion toward both women. According to the court documents, the victim pleaded with Westbrook to stop, saying her son would likely be home soon. Westbrook then ran out of the house.

Officers went to Westbrook's residence, where the suspect said the whole thing was a "big misunderstanding" and that Westbrook and the victim were into BDSM.

Westbrook admitted going to the individual's house armed with a knife and duct tape, but claimed the scene was mutually planned, saying "the victim and her agreed on the scene through subliminal messages they exchanged on Instagram."

FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X

Westbrook also claimed the two had "agreed to re-enact a scene where Westbrook scares the victim to help her deal with prior childhood trauma of abuse," according to court documents.

LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST

"Westbrook was given the subliminal message on Instagram that the victim was ready ... to start the scene. Westbrook admitted to going over to the residence with a knife, knocking on the door, entering the residence while armed with a fake knife and tape," police said in the probable cause statement. "Westbrook said she told the victim to sit on the couch. The witness then exited out of her room, interrupting the scene. Westbrook then left the residence."

LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE

However, the victim told police she never agreed to "re-creating" the BDSM scene.

GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL

Westbrook was charged with felony third-degree burglary and aggravated assault using a simulated deadly weapon, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

A release questionnaire for Westbrook's arrest also obtained by Fox News Digital shows that police checked boxes stating that the suspect has a history of domestic violence, noting that the "frequency/intensity" of such incidents has been increasing.

A preliminary hearing for Westbrook is scheduled for Monday.

Fox News Digital reached out to Westbrook for comment.

Fox News Digital's News Quiz: July 17, 2026

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:27 -0400

Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz, featuring acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing and a raging Yellostone National Park bison.

Looking for another challenge?

Graham Platner's Senate campaign decision and a restaurant etiquette question are featured in last week's News Quiz.

Test your knowledge of World Cup wins, burger breakthroughs and more in this week's American Culture Quiz.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

If you're looking to play even more, you can find all of our quizzes by clicking here.

Check back next week for the latest News Quiz from Fox News Digital. Thanks for playing!

Think your state is expensive? New data reveals where Americans face the highest cost-of-living

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:21 -0400

As Americans continue facing higher prices for everything from housing to groceries, data reveals where they live can make a significant difference in how far their paycheck goes. A new cost-of-living index ranks the states putting the biggest squeeze on household budgets, revealing where everyday expenses are highest across the country.

The rankings highlight how dramatically living costs can vary from one state to another. And those differences can shape everything from monthly household budgets to long-term decisions about where Americans choose to live, with housing emerging as the biggest affordability driver.

The latest data also arrive as the issue remains central to the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, with inflation, housing costs and the broader economy expected to remain top concerns for many voters as they head to the ballot box in November.

BILLIONS IN TAXPAYER INCOME ARE LEAVING TWO ICONIC STATES — AS A NEW ECONOMIC MAP EMERGES

The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center's (MERIC) quarterly Cost of Living Index estimates statewide living costs using price data collected from participating cities and metropolitan areas. The composite index measures six categories of household spending, with a score of 100 representing the national average. States above that benchmark are more expensive than average, while those below it are more affordable.

Housing proved to be the biggest differentiator among states.

Hawaii's geographic isolation has long contributed to higher prices for everything from building materials to consumer goods, and the state posted a housing index of more than 300, far above every other state, helping propel it to the top of the overall rankings.

Massachusetts followed with the nation's second-highest cost of living, driven largely by elevated housing costs and above-average prices across several everyday spending categories. Alaska, California and New York completed the top five.

THE KEY STRATEGY RED STATES ARE USING TO LOWER HOUSING COSTS REVEALED

Meanwhile, Oklahoma topped the list as America's most affordable state, followed by Alabama, Mississippi, Kansas and West Virginia.

The South dominated the rankings, with Kansas joining the group from the Midwest.

Those states benefited from substantially lower housing costs and generally ranked on the low-end of the spectrum when it came to transportation, utility and other everyday expenses, helping keep overall living costs well below the national average in these states.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The state-by-state rankings also align with broader migration trends that have reshaped the country in recent years.

IRS data show many of the nation's highest-cost states, like New York and California, have experienced significant losses of taxpayers and income to other parts of the country.

Taken together, the rankings and migration data suggest the cost of everyday life may influence more than monthly budgets, offering a broader look at how affordability and population shifts are unfolding across the nation.

King Charles considered Queen Camilla 'non-negotiable' after Princess Diana, author claims

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:14 -0400

For King Charles, Queen Camilla was never up for debate — she was "non-negotiable."

The claim comes from British author Catherine Mayer's new book, "Divide & Rule," which explores history's most misunderstood royal wives ahead of Queen Camilla's July 17 birthday.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told Fox News Digital they don’t comment on books.

ROYAL FAMILY FACES BACKLASH FROM CRITICS AFTER QUEEN CAMILLA HOSTS J.K. ROWLING

According to Mayer, multiple anonymous friends of the monarch said Charles "deemed Camilla's role in his life a 'non-negotiable,'" resulting in "painstaking" efforts to rehabilitate her public image.

"I think the non-negotiability was the point after the divorce and, of course, after Diana's death," Mayer told Fox News Digital. "He understood that this was the one woman who could really sustain him. And I think he felt the need for that kind of support, and Camilla has clearly always been prepared to do that."

"This is, in many ways, one of the most unlikely love stories you can imagine," said Mayer. "There were a lot of people who bought into the idea of the fairy-tale marriage between Diana and Charles. It was only when it imploded so spectacularly that they were forced to recognize that wasn't the truth of what had happened. And Camilla, at that stage, was seen as the other woman who had destroyed that relationship."

WATCH: WHY KING CHARLES ALWAYS CAME BACK TO QUEEN CAMILLA: AUTHOR

"I personally don't think the relationship between Diana and Charles could ever have worked," Mayer continued. "But that doesn't mean I don't think Diana was very badly treated. ... [It's] terrible what happened to her. But with Camilla, you only need to see her and Charles together to understand that she has this ... magical effect on him. It's transformative."

Mayer, who previously wrote a biography of Charles, described "doggedly following him around" during her research. It was then that she saw Camilla’s undeniable hold over him.

"You would see him tired, very obviously out of sorts," she said. "And then she would come into a room, and he would light up. She just lifts him."

It was love at first sight for Charles when he met Camilla through mutual friend Lucia Santa Cruz in 1970. But according to People magazine, palace expectations got in the way. Camilla wasn't considered a suitable future queen because she wasn't a virgin and lacked the aristocratic pedigree many believed was expected of a future queen.

"She had something of a past," said Mayer. "Charles was looking for a virginal bride. Camilla was not somebody who was — I'm not trying to say she was a Mata Hari or a major league seductress. But she was somebody who enjoyed life. That's why he responds to her so much."

"At some point, she went off on a holiday in America, and she zoomed around on a motorbike in leathers," said Mayer. "She chain-smoked and was the life and soul of social occasions. And she had boyfriends, including the man she later married, Andrew Parker Bowles, who himself had a reputation for having a string of girlfriends."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"This dusty, old-fashioned institution, they're telling the heir to the throne, 'This is the kind of woman you go off and have fun with, but not the kind you marry.' And if they'd been allowed to marry, history would be very different."

Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner agreed.

"Camilla gave Charles, from the early days, a feeling of masculinity, making him feel sexual desire," he told Fox News Digital. "She treated him like a man rather than a royal."

Believing they didn't have a feasible future together, Charles and Camilla split. In 1971, Charles joined the Royal Navy, which kept him away from Camilla. In 1973, she married Andrew Parker Bowles, who previously dated Charles' sister, Princess Anne. Charles was said to be devastated, but the pair remained friends.

"The monarchy is really terrible at understanding what kinds of women should marry into it and how best to support them," said Mayer. "When Camilla came on the scene, she was seen as absolutely the wrong type of woman for Charles to marry."

Royal author Penny Junor previously claimed that Charles and Camilla reignited their physical relationship around 1978 or 1979, People reported. Parker Bowles reportedly was aware of the affair and "quite enjoyed the fact that his wife was sleeping with the future king," Junor wrote.

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

Despite his relationship with Camilla, Charles began courting Lady Diana Spencer in 1980. Diana, a virgin born into an aristocratic family, was seen as an ideal match for the future king. They married in 1981 in what was described as "the wedding of the century."

Still, that didn't stop Charles and Camilla. People magazine reported they began seeing each other again in 1986, despite both being married with children.

"I think they did intend to break things off in terms of any kind of physical relationship, and they did," said Mayer. "But exactly when they rekindled it is another matter entirely because what they've said and what the evidence suggests don't always exactly match."

Turner told Fox News Digital Diana suspected early on that Camilla would never leave the picture.

"Camilla, without doubt, has been the love of Charles' life," he said. "He never stopped wanting to be with her, even when he married Diana. It has long been rumored that Diana recognized this before marrying Charles and tried to stop the wedding, but her father told her it was too late to back out."

During her marriage to Charles, Diana noticed he wore a pair of gold cuff links engraved with interwoven Cs, representing his devotion to Camilla.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"There was a famous incident described in Jonathan Dimbleby's authorized biography of Charles in which Diana found cuff links she realized were a gift from Camilla to Charles ahead of the wedding," said Mayer.

"The person I spoke to said there was a separate incident in which he lost one of the cuff links and became very upset about it. The suggestion is that these things had great meaning for him and that the friendship had great meaning for him."

In recordings made for Andrew Morton's book "Diana: Her True Story," the princess recalled confronting Camilla about the affair.

"I was terrified of her," Diana said, as quoted by People. "I said, 'I know what's going on between you and Charles, and I just want you to know that,'" she recalled.

"She said to me, 'You've got everything you ever wanted. All the men in the world fall in love with you, and you've got two beautiful children. What more would you want?' ... So I said, 'I want my husband. ... I'm sorry I'm in the way ... and it must be hell for both of you. But I do know what's going on. Don't treat me like an idiot.'"

She would later famously tell "Panorama," "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."

KING CHARLES LEFT ‘COVERED IN SALAD DRESSING’ AFTER EXPLOSIVE CLASH WITH PRINCESS DIANA: BUTLER

Charles and Diana separated in 1992. Their divorce was finalized in 1996. A year later, Diana died from injuries she sustained in a Paris car crash. She was 36. In 2005, Charles married Camilla. She was crowned Queen Camilla in 2023.

"In a lot of ways, Camilla has been very good for Charles," said Turner. "She's supported him in his efforts to become a great king. She has been his confidante, mentor and companion."

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital she agreed with Mayer's statement: When it came to Camilla, she was always "non-negotiable" for Charles.

"For years, the palace kept Charles and Camilla in separate boxes," said Chard. "Eventually, he chose love over protocol. Time did the rest. Camilla stayed steady, avoided the spotlight and carried out her royal duties. She became an asset, not a liability. By the time Charles took the throne, it was a no-brainer. You get the king, you get the queen. There was no plan B."

Socialism’s rise inside the Democratic Party now threatens the American Dream

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:00:56 -0400

The latest wave of socialist victories in Democrat primaries in New York and elsewhere should be a wake-up call for Americans across the country. For years, many people dismissed socialism as a fringe movement within the Democrat Party. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case.

The wins by self-described New York socialists Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez are the latest evidence that the socialist movement is no longer a fringe faction operating on the margins of the Democrat Party. Socialists are increasingly setting the direction of the Democrat Party — and many voters in progressive areas of the country are willing to embrace it. That should concern every American.

All three candidates were backed by fellow socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose rise has transformed him from a local elected official into a political kingmaker. The results stunned Democrat leaders. According to Axios, some House Democrats described the outcome as an "earthquake" and a "huge defeat" for party leadership. Even moderate Democrats will admit they no longer have control of their party, the socialists do.

THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS ARE NO LONGER ON THE FRINGE

The significance of these victories goes beyond New York. Mamdani's candidates didn't defeat Republicans. They defeated incumbent Democrats and establishment-backed candidates in districts where the primary effectively decides the election. The result will likely add more socialists to Congress and further pull the Democrat Party to the far left and even further away from the mainstream of American politics.

Voters shouldn’t just be concerned about the label but even more about the policies that come with it.

The policies championed by today's socialist movement would affect how Americans work, start businesses, save money and pursue economic opportunity. They would fundamentally and permanently change the American free enterprise system that has made our country the strongest and most prosperous in the world. As a former small-business owner, I find this to be especially alarming. We don’t help businesses by making government bigger, we help them by getting out of the way.

SOCIALISTS LAUNCH RADICAL PLATFORM TO ABOLISH THE US SENATE IN BID TO FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORM AMERICA

For example, Lander has supported policies that would dramatically restrict independent contracting, limiting opportunities for millions of Americans who value the flexibility and freedom that come with freelance and gig work. Avila Chevalier has advocated eliminating right-to-work protections and allowing unions to collect dues directly from workers' paychecks, including from employees who choose not to join a union. Valdez has called for using the full weight of the federal government to expand union power and push workers into union membership, regardless of whether they want to join.

This alarming trend extends well beyond New York. Seattle voters recently elected Katie Wilson, another socialist candidate aligned with many of the same ideological priorities. Across the country, activists are building organizations, recruiting candidates, and steadily expanding their influence within Democratic politics.

Now, we are seeing the trend reach far beyond deep-blue cities. In my home state of Wisconsin, a leading gubernatorial candidate, Francesca Hong, proudly identifies as a socialist. Her candidacy demonstrates that ideas once confined to a handful of urban districts are now being marketed to voters in battleground states that will help determine the nation's future. That is why it is so important that we elect Tom Tiffany as governor of Wisconsin in November and prevent someone like Hong from bringing socialism to our doorstep.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

For years, many Americans assumed socialism could gain traction only in a few areas like New York City or San Francisco. Recent elections suggest otherwise. The movement is producing candidates, winning primaries, and replacing establishment Democrats with candidates who embrace a far more expansive role for government in the economy.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

I know voters in my district and across Wisconsin do not want to follow the same dangerous path we have seen in many coastal cities, and we must do everything we can to prevent that from happening here. If we do not put a stop to this radical-left ideology now, it will come to our neighborhoods next.

Americans who value economic opportunity, more choices for working Americans, and free enterprise should pay attention. What happened in New York was not an isolated event. It was another sign that socialism is becoming the defining direction of the future of the Democrat Party.

Latest & Breaking News | Fox News

This week's best sales: Save up to 82% on HexClad cookware, RTIC coolers and more

Best-selling deals worth shopping this week

Deals we love

Deals ending soon

Beach gear on sale

Best sales from FOX News Deals-favorite brands

FAQs

Sophie Cunningham manages to anger both the left and right with a simple social media post

Sophie Cunningham asks an innocent question and gets bombarded

1,740-year-old Roman coin bearing emperor's name found as England rail dig reveals clues

Every controversy surrounding Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' from casting to costumes

Casting controversies

Historical accuracy

Modern dialogue and American accents

Nolan's interview remarks sparked another wave of criticism

Will any of it matter?

Squad Dem in the hot seat after campaign spending spree at luxury hotels: 'Champagne socialist'

Texas Dem's claim about abuse victim's family unravels after relatives say they're 'tired of being used'

Bills star Dion Dawkins explains why Josh Allen 'absolutely sucks' to play with – in a good way

China dismisses Trump election interference accusations as 'entirely fabricated,' threatens countermeasures

Maine Democrats recycle Platner's far-left talking points in scramble to replace disgraced ex-nominee

Iran claims bold attack on US airbase and more top headlines

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

TOP 3

MAJOR HEADLINES

MEDIA

OPINION

IN OTHER NEWS

LISTEN

FOX WEATHER

FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE

Conservatives unite around SAVE America Act after Trump declassifies 'shocking' election intel

GOP civil war erupts over Trump's latest agenda push as key Republicans threaten to sink megabill

Kai Trump opens up about leaving home for college, credits president for giving her 'competitive edge'

Doctors warn your 'stomach bug' may actually be a parasite that's harder to detect

California county approves reparations plan as neighboring school district 'Black Thriving' effort stalls

America’s broken legal immigration system is replacing US workers by design

Simone Biles attorney speaks out against SJSU over volleyball scandal after coach's allegations emerge

'The Odyssey' Review: Christopher Nolan goes epic with his most ambitious film to date

The Verdict

★★★ ½ — SEE IT NOW

Hooters says kids, families are part of its comeback as waitresses insist they've always been welcome

Would you trust a tiny dental robot?

Why crowns take more than one dental visit

How the tiny dental robot works

How small is MIR?

How precise is the dental robot?

Why MIR still has a long road ahead

Who is behind the tiny dental robot?

What this means for you

Kurt's key takeaways

Fmr Arizona Dem candidate accused of storming into ex's home with knife, tape, blames 'misunderstanding'

Fox News Digital's News Quiz: July 17, 2026

Think your state is expensive? New data reveals where Americans face the highest cost-of-living

King Charles considered Queen Camilla 'non-negotiable' after Princess Diana, author claims

Socialism’s rise inside the Democratic Party now threatens the American Dream