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New York gubernatorial candidate urges 9/11 attendees to turn away from Mamdani during ceremony

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 03:06:36 -0400

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate in New York's gubernatorial race, said Wednesday that attendees at this year's Sept. 11 memorial ceremony should turn their backs on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani if he attends.

"I would equate this to a wake. You don't go to a wake if you're not welcome," Blakeman, whose nephew was killed in the South Tower on Sept. 11, 2001, and who currently serves as Nassau County executive, told reporters.

"I think it's completely appropriate if family members ask him not to come, but if he does come, I think there's a respectful and peaceful way to protest that and I would suggest that people turn their back on the mayor," he said.

FIREFIGHTER BROTHER OF 9/11 VICTIM INCENSED BY 'RADICAL' MUSLIMS WINNING KEY DEM PRIMARIES

Blakeman argued Mamdani's refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada" should disqualify him from attending the ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

"He's not welcome there because he has yet to say anything in opposition to the global intifada. As a matter of fact, it seems like he supports that phrase, which is part of the reason why we had the tragedy we had on 9/11," Blakeman said.

Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

The mayor has said he still plans to attend the ceremony.

9/11 FAMILIES PUSH TO BAN MAMDANI FROM 25TH ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE OVER 'HOSTILE' RECORD

"I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them at this year's 9/11 commemoration — reaffirming that we will never forget the solemn day..." Mamdani said last week.

His comments came after relatives of Sept. 11 victims launched a petition urging the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to bar Mamdani from attending the ceremony in Lower Manhattan.

"Concerns have been raised about Mr. Mamdani's public positions, associations, and responses to rhetoric that many perceive as hostile to these shared values," the Change.org petition states.

"Given these concerns, we respectfully ask that the organizers carefully consider whether Mr. Mamdani's participation would align with the intention of the ceremony and the expectations of the families most directly affected by the tragedy."

JEWISH LEADERS FAULT MAMDANI RHETORIC AS UPPER WEST SIDE STABBING, HATE CRIME PROBE CONTINUES

A spokesperson for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum previously told Fox News Digital that the organization has "intentionally worked to keep the commemoration free of politics because remembering those we lost on 9/11 should never be a partisan issue."

"Government officials from across the political spectrum, including every sitting president, governor, and mayor since 9/11, have attended the ceremony simply to bear witness — they do not deliver remarks and are asked to remain in a designated area," the spokesperson added.

Former New York Gov. George Pataki was also asked Wednesday whether Mamdani should attend the ceremony.

"It's my nature to be inclusive, and that is my instinct, but Sept. 11 is different. So, I may have comments on that," Pataki said, according to the New York Post.

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Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

Florida man allegedly attacked sister with machete while she was sleeping next to toddler daughter

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:59:40 -0400

A Florida man is accused of slashing his sister with a machete while she was sleeping in bed next to her 1-year-old daughter, according to officials.

Ruben Altidore, 36, repeatedly hacked at his sister in her bedroom in an unsuccessful attempt to kill her on Monday in Margate, which is located about 40 miles north of Miami, according to an arrest report per WPLG.

"Oh my God, why aren’t you dead yet?" he shouted during the attack, according to the arrest report.

Altidore was arrested on Monday in connection with the attack. He was charged with attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse and violation of probation, according to jail records.

BELOVED TEACHER KILLED AS SHE SLEPT, DAUGHTER STABBED IN ATTACK AS MOTIVE REMAINS UNCLEAR: DA

His sister survived the attack but suffered serious injuries.

She suffered a 10-inch wound that reached the bone on the back of her right thigh, a four-inch laceration to the back of her right hand with the possible amputation of at least four fingers, a near amputation of her left index finger and thumb and a cut to her left palm with a near amputation of her left thumb, according to investigators.

The victim’s 1-year-old daughter was found after the attack lying in the bed covered in blood, though investigators said the child was not injured.

The woman eventually managed to escape and ran to a neighbor for help, WPLG reported, adding that her piercing screams were captured on home surveillance video.

MAN FACING FEDERAL CHARGES AFTER ATLANTA TRAIN PASSENGER STABBED ABOUT 20 TIMES, FBI INVESTIGATING

"My [brother] is trying to kill me," the woman reportedly screamed as investigators arrived at the scene, according to the police report.

A cousin of the victim also told investigators that Altidore attacked his sister with a machete, and a neighbor reported hearing the victim screaming after she ran outside following the attack.

"She ran to the middle of the street and then ran to my front door where she was asking for help," neighbor Luis Pereria told WPLG. "Apparently she was sleeping when this all happened. I was just baffled by it. How can you do that?"

Investigators found a large amount of blood inside the victim’s bedroom that was tracked into the hallway, to a bathroom door and outside the home.

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A machete sheath was discovered in the kitchen, and a machete was found under a bed with what appeared to be "red smudges," investigators said.

Altidore was taken to the Broward County Main Jail and is being held without bond.

A motive for the attack remains unclear at this time.

Taxpayer-funded housing for illegal immigrants in GOP's crosshairs: 'It's got to stop'

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:54:30 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., is introducing new legislation that works to restrict illegal aliens from reaping federal housing benefits, blocking loopholes and cutting off access for sanctuary cities to receive federal community development grants.

"[Illegal immigrants] have been allowed to participate in federally subsidized housing programs," Hagerty told Fox News Digital. "They're using American taxpayer dollars to jump to the front of the line while putting Americans at the back of the lines. It's got to stop."

The End Housing Welfare for Illegal Aliens Act is part of a larger effort by both the Trump administration and GOP members of Congress to halt illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities' ability to thrive, which they claim often comes at the expense of benefits for the American people.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE TO MAKE TRUMP'S BORDER POLICIES PERMANENT

"The Trump administration has taken a look at this," Hagerty said. "The preliminary estimates are 24,000 of these illegals are utilizing HUD programs. Again, crowding out Americans that would be deserving of these programs and, again, putting illegals into these positions."

The bill Hagerty is putting forward codifies the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) efforts to close loopholes that allow illegal immigrants to receive federal benefits on taxpayer-funded housing if they are roommates with eligible individuals.

"HUD housing assistance is intended for U.S. citizens and certain eligible noncitizens, yet HUD resources serve only a quarter of eligible households in need," HUD said in a statement. "Meanwhile, a recent HUD and DHS audit of all assisted households identified nearly 200,000 tenants with incomplete or unknown eligibility verification. Furthermore, HUD estimates approximately 24,000 illegal aliens, ineligibles and fraudsters in 20,000 ‘mixed status households’ benefit from HUD assistance."

Hagerty’s bill, if passed, would enforce this proposed rule by HUD Secretary Scott Turner under all administrations.

"This current administration is going to do everything it can, I'm certain, to stop this type of fraudulent behavior," Hagerty said. "But what I want to do is preclude this from happening if there were ever to be another Democrat administration."

GOP SENATORS RALLY AROUND NEW DHS PROPOSAL TARGETING SANCTUARY CITIES: 'SHOULD PAY A PRICE'

Hagerty also said the legislation would eliminate Biden-era incentives for sanctuary cities by denying these cities access to Community Development Block Grants (CBDG), federal funding that supports affordable housing, infrastructure and local services.

He also argued that, under the Biden administration, the adoption of sanctuary city policies was incentivized because those lacking citizenship documentation are still included in population counts when considering congressional representation.

"What the Biden administration did, they were creating incentives for people to come here illegally," Hagerty said. "You think about where they situated sanctuary cities — in blue states, where they're losing population, where they’re losing voters."

"Why?" Hagerty said. "Because you can count these illegal aliens for the purpose of allocating congressional districts. You can count them for the purpose of locating electoral votes. That is the motive behind the crime."

'AMERICA FIRST' IMMIGRATION OVERHAUL BILL WOULD CODIFY TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PROMISES ONCE AND FOR ALL

The bill would require public housing authorities to verify citizenship before providing housing assistance. This would change the law so agencies "shall" verify citizenship, meaning they are legally required to do so, instead of saying they only "may" do so.

It would also specifically bar illegal immigrants from being eligible for both Section 202 and Section 811, which provide affordable housing for low-income elderly and people with disabilities.

"Illegal aliens are pushing out and crowding out people that are disabled, American taxpayers that are disabled, elderly that are disabled," Hagerty said.

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Hagerty’s efforts to crack down on any negligence in restricting illegal immigrants from federal programs comes amid a broader fight by the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress to crack down on illegal immigration throughout the country.

"The goal is to pass the legislation," Hagerty said. "And I think if you polled Americans, you'd find this is extraordinarily popular."

Retired NFL standout Roddy White suggests Ryan Clark's outspokenness may have played role in ESPN exit

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:20:42 -0400

ESPN’s latest round of layoffs last week included former NFL players-turned-TV analysts Ryan Clark and Cam Newton, as well as reporter Tom Pelissero, who had joined the company from NFL Network. Clark’s exit drew particular attention after more than a decade with the network.

The moves come as ESPN prepares for one of its most significant NFL coverage seasons yet, a run that will culminate with the network’s first Super Bowl broadcast.

Front Office Sports reported that former All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith is expected to have an expanded role on ESPN studio programming. ESPN confirmed Monday that Jason McCourty will join "Monday Night Countdown," appearing to step into the opening created by Ryan Clark’s layoff. McCourty joined ESPN in 2024 and is now exclusive to the network after leaving his CBS game analyst role earlier this year.

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Former NFL wide receiver Roddy White is among the latest sports figures to weigh in. White, who faced Clark during their playing careers, said Clark’s abrupt ESPN exit stood out because of how highly he regarded the former analyst’s work.

"I think Ryan Clark is exceptional at his job," he said. "It's unfortunate that he got released by ESPN because he is so good at what he does. Usually, guys who are that good don't lose their jobs."

White also pointed to Clark’s outspokenness on issues beyond football, suggesting it may have been a factor in the separation.

"Clark speaks up on a lot of issues outside of football. He is always standing up for the Black community and being on our side. I think this, and his opinionated nature, may have cost him his job because ESPN, as a network, doesn't want people touching on politics and community-related topics. They just want everything to be sports-related."

5 OPTIONS TO REPLACE RYAN CLARK ON ESPN'S SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW

White finished his 11-year career with the Atlanta Falcons with 10,863 regular-season receiving yards.

Clark had been one of ESPN’s more visible NFL voices, regularly appearing on "NFL Live," "First Take," "Get Up" and "SportsCenter." In 2023, at the 44th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, he took home the Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst category for his work across ESPN platforms.

Clark had also been a fixture on the "Countdown" desk alongside Scott Van Pelt since 2023. His layoff, however, drew added scrutiny because it reportedly happened during an "NFL Live" broadcast, prompting questions about how the network handled the move.

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In 2021, Clark launched "The Pivot Podcast" with former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. He has also hosted "Inside the NFL" since 2023.

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

Trump blasts Democratic socialist candidate as 'full of s---' and Dems are skipping socialism 'for communism'

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:05:19 -0400

President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed Wednesday, singling out the progressive candidate as "full of s---" while arguing Democrats are embracing communism.

The remarks came hours after El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democrat Senate primary, winning by less than one percentage point after The Associated Press called the race early Wednesday.

He will face Republican Mike Rogers in November for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters.

Trump devoted several minutes of his Las Vegas speech to attacking democratic socialist candidates, arguing they are advancing communist ideas and calling communism "the greatest threat" facing the United States.

SOCIALIST SURGE: FAR-LEFT DEMOCRATS TEST NATIONAL PLAYBOOK AFTER BLUE-CITY PRIMARY SHOCKS

"These people are dangerous and frankly, they are lunatics. They're crazy, and we can't let them get into office," Trump said. "Communism is the greatest threat to our country in its history, including even World War One, World War Two, Pearl Harbor, 9/11. I think it's the greatest threat."

The White House later amplified that portion of Trump's remarks on social media, posting simply: "Communism is the greatest threat to our country."

Trump mocked what he said communist policies would mean for Americans.

"Would you like a free house? We'll take one from your neighbor. Would you like free rent? We'll take it from whoever. We'll take your building away from the landlord," Trump said. "What they don't say, and what Republicans should say, is that at the end of the year, you'll have nothing but death, squalor, poverty. You'll have a life of hell."

LIZ PEEK: MICHIGAN CAN STOP THE SOCIALIST FEVER RAGE — OR WATCH IT SWALLOW THE SENATE

The president pointed to Venezuela as an example of what he said happens when communist policies take hold.

"Look at Venezuela, where it was such a rich country 20 years ago," Trump said. "Every time this has happened, you go through squalor ... filth, crime, death, destruction, embarrassment. You lose your home. You lose your apartment."

Trump then singled out El-Sayed by name, drawing one of the loudest reactions of the night.

"When I watch Abdul, he's full of s---," Trump said.

2026 MIDTERMS STATE OF PLAY: KEY RACES UNFOLD AS STEVENS, EL-SAYED BATTLE IN MICHIGAN

El-Sayed's victory gives Democrats a progressive nominee in one of the country's most closely watched Senate races. Backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., El-Sayed campaigned on Medicare for All, getting money out of politics and ending U.S. military aid to Israel.

He has described himself as a capitalist and has distanced himself from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), though Republicans have frequently tied him to the broader democratic socialist movement.

Trump later returned to a familiar theme from the second term of his presidency.

"If you remember, during my State of the Union speech, I made a very strong statement. I said that America will never be a socialist country," Trump said. "I was right."

The president argued Democrats now want to move beyond socialism.

TRUMP HAILS AMERICA AS 'MOST EXCEPTIONAL NATION EVER TO EXIST' IN MOUNT RUSHMORE SPEECH

"What I didn't say is what they're trying to do. They want to skip socialism. They want to go right down to the bottom of the barrel. That's communism," Trump said. "They want it to be a communist country. We're not letting them have it as a communist country, not even for a minute."

Trump closed by vowing to defeat what he called the Democrat Party's leftward movement.

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"Together we will defeat communism, socialism and Marxism in America once and for all," Trump said. "It's defeated. It's going to go down. It always goes down."

The White House and El-Sayed's campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.

Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller, Kiera McDonald, and Robert Schmad contributed to this reporting.

Crowded Russian beach descends into chaos after alleged Ukrainian drone incident kills 7, including 4 children

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:46:12 -0400

Vacationers were sent scrambling for safety Monday after a projectile struck a crowded beach in a Russian Black Sea resort town, killing seven people, including four children, and injuring dozens more, officials said.

Video footage captured the incident in the village of Arkhipo-Osipovka near Gelendzhik, where the beach was packed with visitors at the time of the strike.

The Russian Mission in Geneva said in a post on X that the "bloody attack" was carried out by a drone launched by Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of targeting civilians.

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

"The attack targeted civilian infrastructure. Emergency and special services are working at the crash site," regional Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev said in a post on Telegram.

"What happened today is a targeted attack by the Kyiv regime against civilians who have no connection to the military infrastructure. This cynical and inhumane terrorist attack against children cannot be justified."

UKRAINE UNLEASHES MORE THAN 400 DRONES NEAR MOSCOW IN ONE OF WAR'S BIGGEST ATTACKS

Andriy Kovalenko, an officer with Ukraine’s Defense Forces, disputed Russia’s account, saying the deaths were directly caused by Russian air defenses that intercepted a drone, sending debris onto the beach.

"Russian air defense shot down a drone over people lying on the beach," Kovalenko said on Telegram.

In the video, sounds resembling gunfire were heard just seconds before a drone struck the beach, causing a fireball explosion that sent bystanders screaming. As the gunfire was heard, the drone appeared to veer sharply before diving toward the beach.

Preliminary Russian reports also found that several of the deaths were caused by "falling drone debris," Kondratyev said.

ZELENSKYY SAYS PUTIN 'LOST THE INITIATIVE' AS UKRAINE'S TECH INDUSTRY RESHAPES THE WAR

In another Telegram post, Kovalenko indicated that Ukraine uses its weapons against Russian military-industrial infrastructure to affect Moscow’s ability to finance the war.

He further accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of creating an "illusion" that Russia would remain safe from the war by downplaying daily explosions as falling debris, limiting air raid warnings, and positioning air defenses near populated areas such as the Black Sea resort.

"Putin deliberately killed these people. Because if he had not started the war and struck Ukraine, they would be alive," Kovalenko said.

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"It was Putin, his air defense, who killed these Russians. His decisions in response to their decisions launched a chain of death for Russians."

Florida man accused of cutting off diver's air supply in fight over coveted lobster diving spot

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:44:07 -0400

A battle over a lobster diving spot off the Florida coast allegedly escalated into an underwater nightmare after a man was accused of shutting off another diver's air supply, a confrontation that landed him behind bars on an attempted murder charge.

Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, surrendered Tuesday to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County, where he was booked Tuesday evening on an attempted murder charge, according to Miami-Dade jail records. His bond was set at $10,000.

According to Local 10 News, the incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on July 29 about a half-mile east of Fisher Island during Florida's annual lobster mini season.

Citing the arrest affidavit, Law&Crime reported that Simpson allegedly approached another boat at a high rate of speed and circled the vessel several times before anchoring about 10 feet away.

FLORIDA MAN ARRESTED FOR DUI AFTER TROOPERS ALLEGEDLY FIND 34 OPEN ALCOHOL CONTAINERS IN VEHICLE

Investigators say the confrontation began after Simpson claimed the group was diving in "his spot" and warned that a larger boat was on its way before it arrived and anchored nearby.

Authorities allege Simpson then threatened to turn off the surface-supplied air system providing oxygen to an 18-year-old diver searching for lobsters. Investigators say Simpson jumped into the water and intentionally shut off the unit.

As the confrontation unfolded, witnesses yelled, "We have a diver down there you a--hole!" according to the arrest affidavit cited by Law&Crime.

The diver's boat owner jumped into the water and pulled him to the surface. The diver was gasping for air and appeared disoriented but was not injured, Local 10 reported.

FLORIDA MAN GIVES AN INCREDIBLE INTERVIEW ABOUT HOW HE FOUGHT OFF AN ALLIGATOR WITH A FISHING POLE

Investigators allege Simpson left before deputies arrived. After authorities identified him as the suspect, Simpson voluntarily surrendered Tuesday, according to Local 10.

Simpson's attorney, Howard Srebnick, strongly denied the allegations in a statement to Fox News Digital, arguing investigators ignored evidence and witnesses he says support his client's account.

Srebnick said Simpson was diving from his own boat with friends and his two young children and "never disabled anyone's diving equipment."

Srebnick said video shows one of the accusers becoming entangled in the Brownie's Third Lung air system while Simpson "was nowhere near it."

AMERICAN TOURIST ATTACKED BY SHARK IN VACATION HOT SPOT

He also disputed investigators' allegation that Simpson fled, saying his client instead idled his boat away from the immediate area to avoid escalating the confrontation before cooperating with responding Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and providing a statement.

Srebnick said numerous eyewitnesses aboard two separate boats corroborated Simpson's version of events and criticized the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office for arresting his client before interviewing what he described as exculpatory witnesses.

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"We are optimistic that the State Attorney's Office, after reviewing the video and interviewing all the eyewitnesses, will dismiss the charges, clear his name, and restore the reputation he has spent a lifetime building," Srebnick said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office for additional comment.

Bodycam video shows Canadian woman allegedly giving false name before deputies discovered 12 fake IDs

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:33:47 -0400

Police body camera video shows the moments Florida deputies arrested a Canadian woman after she allegedly gave a false name during a traffic stop and investigators discovered 12 fraudulent identification cards in her vehicle.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister released the July 29 bodycam footage showing deputies stopping a vehicle in Tampa because its taillights and tag lights were not working.

The driver, Bryce Swanson, 28, initially identified herself as "Brianna Valenzuela" and initially told deputies she had a driver's license but did not have it with her, according to authorities.

SEMITRUCK DRIVER IN DEADLY INTERSTATE CRASH FRAUDULENTLY OBTAINED LICENSE, CITIZENSHIP: OFFICIALS

"Swanson told deputies she did not have an ID and had never possessed a valid driver's license, after initially claiming she did," Chronister wrote on X. "A search of her vehicle revealed 12 driver's licenses with her picture, but different names and dates of birth."

According to authorities, Swanson is a Canadian national who overstayed her visa.

The body camera footage shows a deputy questioning Swanson about her identity after she said she was visiting Florida from New York in a rental vehicle.

"I live in New York," Swanson said. "I'm here in Florida literally just visiting friends and stuff right now."

VIRAL BODYCAM CAPTURES FLORIDA DEPUTY'S TRAFFIC STOP UNRAVEL AS HE ACCUSES ONE-HANDED DRIVER OF HOLDING PHONE

The deputy pointed out she did not have any New York identification.

"Your story's not making a lot of sense to me, right?" the deputy said. "You say you live in New York, but you don't have any ID in New York."

When the deputy again asked how she could live in New York without any identification, Swanson replied, "I've never had a driver's license or anything like that."

Deputies then searched the vehicle and found what investigators described as numerous fraudulent identification cards.

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

"All these are fake," one deputy said in the video before placing Swanson under arrest.

Swanson was booked into the Orient Road Jail and charged with driving without a valid driver's license and providing a false name to a law enforcement officer.

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She is being held without bond because of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer, according to jail records.

Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE for comment.

Federal judge acknowledges Supreme Court ruling clearing path for Trump to end Haiti TPS

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:17:12 -0400

President Donald Trump on Wednesday notched a major immigration victory after a federal judge acknowledged that the court order blocking the administration from ending temporary protected status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitians is no longer in effect after the Supreme Court's ruling in Mullin v. Doe.

The ruling marks the culmination of a yearslong legal battle over the Biden administration's expansion of Haiti's TPS designation and delivers a significant immigration victory for Trump, who repeatedly campaigned on ending the Biden administration's expanded TPS protections for Haitians.

The issue became a centerpiece of the 2024 election after Trump and running mate JD Vance blamed the Biden administration's Haiti TPS policies for the influx of Haitian migrants into Springfield, Ohio, where residents raised concerns about traffic safety, strained public services and cultural clashes.

BLUE STATE LEADERS ERUPT AFTER SUPREME COURT’S DECISION ENDING TPS PROTECTIONS FOR HAITIANS, SYRIANS

The controversy later exploded onto the national stage after Trump referenced residents' claims that migrants were taking ducks and geese from parks and eating household pets.

The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment by publication time.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes wrote Wednesday that her earlier order staying the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) termination of Haiti's TPS designation "is no longer in effect" after the Supreme Court's decision and the D.C. Circuit's subsequent mandate.

While the underlying lawsuit will continue, the administration is no longer barred by the injunction from moving forward with ending TPS protections for an estimated 330,000 to 350,000 Haitians living in the U.S.

The remaining litigation centers on whether the administration acted with unconstitutional racial animus in terminating the designation.

LIBERAL COURT STUNS WITH RULING THAT HANDS TRUMP MAJOR IMMIGRATION WIN

The Supreme Court ruled in June that the TPS statute bars judicial review of the administration's non-constitutional decisions to terminate TPS designations and found the plaintiffs' equal protection challenge was unlikely to succeed. The court reversed the lower courts and remanded the case for further proceedings.

DHS General Counsel James Percival pushed back on reports suggesting Wednesday's order itself ended Haiti's TPS designation, arguing the protections effectively expired when the Supreme Court's mandate was issued July 27 and that Reyes' order merely acknowledged that legal reality.

"Haiti TPS ended when the Supreme Court mandate issued on July 27," Percival wrote on X. "I will give Judge Reyes kudos though for taking the L with grace and not doing something bonkers like many of her colleagues."

Haiti first received TPS after the country's devastating 2010 earthquake, but the designation remained in place for 16 years through multiple administrations. The Biden administration later expanded and extended protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians already living in the U.S.

MORE THAN 100 HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS WITH VIOLENT OFFENSE AND SEX CRIME CONVICTIONS DEPORTED: DHS

After reviewing conditions in Haiti, former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem determined the country no longer met the statutory requirements for TPS and announced the administration's decision to terminate the designation, arguing the humanitarian program had been extended well beyond its intended temporary purpose. The move triggered the legal challenge that ultimately reached the Supreme Court.

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After the SCOTUS decision, the DHS announced Haiti's TPS designation would be terminated, effective July 27, and that employment authorization documents issued under the designation were no longer valid. The department instructed employers to reverify the work authorization of affected employees.

The State Department maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti because of widespread gang violence, kidnappings and civil unrest.

Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace and Michael Lee contributed to this report.

Fauci's HHS iPhone turned over to Senate investigators as contempt vote looms

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:08:48 -0400

Fox News Digital has confirmed that a key investigative panel in the Senate has obtained Dr. Anthony Fauci’s pandemic-era cellphone.

The cellphone was transferred from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations chaired by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis.

A spokesperson for the senator told Fox News Digital the subcommittee "obtained a copy of Dr. Fauci’s iPhone that was used during his time at HHS."

Whether the panel has access to the phone remains unclear.

RAND PAUL SEEKS CONTEMPT CHARGES AFTER FAUCI INVOKES FIFTH AMENDMENT MORE THAN 100 TIMES

The committee’s procurement of the phone, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes as the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee readies to decide whether to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress. It also follows the HHS' move to dump over 1,000 pages of Fauci's personal diary to the panel just days before the blockbuster hearing.

The hearing, slated for Thursday morning, comes after the panel’s chair, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., subpoenaed Fauci to testify on his alleged role in funding "risky" gain-of-function research in Wuhan, China, where the COVID-19 virus originated.

A source close to Paul's office told Fox News Digital that the lawmaker is also in possession of the phone.

Last week’s testimony was meant to serve as the climatic duel between Fauci and Paul, who has demanded Fauci be thrown into prison for his role in the nation’s pandemic policy and alleged lies to Congress.

But it didn’t turn out that way.

TOP 5 MOMENTS FROM FAUCI'S HEARING: PAUL BOOTS LAWYER, MORENO ERUPTS AS CONTEMPT VOTE LOOMS

Fauci, on advice from his lawyers, opted to plead the Fifth Amendment out of concern about self-incrimination before a panel that he charged was designed to ensnare him.

"Although it pains me to do so because of the respect I have for the legislative branch of government and my decades-long record of cooperating with Congress under the advice of my attorneys, I will invoke my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution to refrain from answering your questions," Fauci said.

What ensued was Republicans on the panel peppering Fauci with questions probing his involvement in an alleged lab leak that led to the virus’ rapid spread to what day of the week it was. Democrats charged that his decision to activate his constitutional rights was the right call given Paul and his colleagues' determination to catch him in a lie.

WATCH: RAND PAUL SAYS THERE'S ONE THING AMERICANS HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM FAUCI

And it culminated in Paul vowing that Fauci would face consequences for declining to comment and questioning whether his pardon from former President Joe Biden could protect him.

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"I think there's another legal question that the courts may have to decide upon, and that is whether or not a presidential pardon offers you complete immunity," Paul said at the time.

Fox News Digital did not immediately receive comment from HHS on Fauci’s pandemic-era iPhone.

Dodgers ruin baseball with sixth straight loss, get swept for second consecutive series by Chicago Cubs

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:57:12 -0400

Discussion on baseball-related social media over the last week has focused on one topic, and one topic only: the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers, back-to-back World Series champions, entered the weekend leading up to the Major League Baseball trade deadline with several major question marks, despite their massive payroll. Starter Blake Snell remained injured, with just three innings pitched in 2026 after only 61 innings in 2025. Tyler Glasnow was also sidelined with a back injury after throwing only 39.2 innings earlier in the season. Emmett Sheehan, after a breakout 2025, had struggled mightily in recent starts, and the injuries had forced LA to turn to journeyman Eric Lauer.

So they did what any team trying to win a World Series should do, and made their roster better. Instead of hoping for the best, LA's front office traded Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith to the Tigers for defending AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. This set off a firestorm of anger, outrage, hatred, and conspiracy theories, as well as wailing and gnashing of teeth from commentators and fans who demanded that owners lock players out to pocket more money, or acted as though this marked the end of baseball.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS TRADE FOR TARIK SKUBAL HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL'S MASSIVE PROBLEM

Why? Because the Dodgers were now simply too good to be beaten. No team could compete with their combination of talent and depth. The season, and postseason, were effectively over.

And as if part of some divine plan, the Dodgers chose this very week to demonstrate to fans, those commentators, and the "ruining baseball" casuals why they're all hopelessly wrong. LA hosted the Red Sox at Dodger Stadium late last week, and were promptly swept by a surging Boston team. They allowed six straight runs in the late innings of game one to lose 9-4, managed just two runs on 10 hits in a 3-2 loss in game two, then gave up four home runs in game three to lost 8-4.

After that loss, they flew to Chicago to face the Cubs, another team on a hot streak in recent weeks. After jumping out to a 3-0 first inning lead in game one, starter Justin Wrobleski gave up four home runs, leading to a 10-5 blowout loss.

Skubal made his Dodgers debut on Tuesday afternoon, going six innings and allowing just two runs with six strikeouts. The Dodgers lost 5-1, with just a solo home run from Kyle Tucker to show from their vaunted, unbeatable offense.

TARIK SKUBAL'S DODGERS DEBUT ENDS IN DECISIVE 5-1 LOSS TO CUBS AS LA DROPS FIFTH STRAIGHT GAME

Then, on Wednesday, the Dodgers got a leadoff home run from Shohei Ohtani and proceeded to allow seven straight runs to the Chicago offense. Two homers from Pete Crow-Armstrong and a parade of hits from the bottom of the Cubs lineup made it 7-1 heading into the eighth inning. The Dodgers, to their credit, displayed a modicum of fight, putting up five runs in the inning, but came up short in a 7-6 loss.

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Six straight losses. Just two wins in their last eight games. LA also fell to 8-13 in their last 21 games, and has yet to win in August. The best case scenario would be a win on Friday, meaning they'd have gone more than a week without a win. Should the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres later Wednesday evening, their once insurmountable 14-game lead over second place will drop to eight games. Ahead of a weekend series between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in Phoenix.

Over their last six games, the unbeatable LA juggernaut has been outscored 42-22 by the opposition. While they once had a stranglehold on the first overall seed in the National League and the first round bye, they're now several games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and could fall behind the Atlanta Braves into the third seed, should Atlanta hold their lead against the Miami Marlins.

Which means that were the season to end today, the Dodgers would be playing in a wild card series. Ruining baseball indeed.

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Again, this is the problem with that talking point. Are the Dodgers better than the Cubs or Red Sox? Sure, probably. But over the course of an entire season, 162 games, the gap in winning percentage between those teams might be as little as 5%. Meanwhile, in the NFL, the Patriots and Seahawks won 82.4% of their games in 2025. The Chiefs won 88% of their games in 2024. The gap between teams in baseball, despite the lack of a salary cap, is much smaller than in most other sports. Which is why the best team frequently wins the Super Bowl, and doesn't always, or even often, win the World Series in baseball.

Instead of acknowledging this, the Skubal trade has given rise to conspiracy theories from Brewers fans that the Tigers took the Dodgers offer because of some type of hypothetical collusion. Or something. Even though the Tigers wanted MLB-ready controllable starting pitching, which the Dodgers offered, and the Brewers reportedly didn't. It's given rise to many within and outside baseball demanding a salary cap, which will have little impact on the outcome of the games, but a tremendous impact on the ability of owners to pocket more profits.

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And it's made many ignore that for all their talent, the Dodgers have plenty of flaws too. Kyle Tucker has been a tremendous disappointment, having the worst offensive season of his career. Mookie Betts has been a well-below-average hitter this year. Edwin Diaz has allowed nine runs in 8.2 innings. Yes, Snell and Glasnow are expected to return soon, but are frequently injured and no guarantee to stay healthy. Roki Sasaki has been wildly inconsistent. Their bullpen has been among baseball's worst for the past month.

Does this mean LA won't win the World Series? No. But it does demonstrate that nothing in baseball is a foregone conclusion. That there's no way to predict outcomes in a postseason series in August. And that acting as though LA is unbeatable or ruining baseball is as wrong and delusional as believing owners care about the "health" of the game or anything but higher profits.

Halle Berry sizzles in racy lingerie look for sunset beach stroll during Fiji getaway

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:41:11 -0400

Halle Berry is enjoying a tropical reset ahead of her 60th birthday.

The 59-year-old actress shared a series of Instagram photos from a tropical getaway in Fiji, offering glimpses of quiet mornings, poolside relaxation and sunset walks along the beach.

Berry posed near the shoreline in an animal-print cover-up layered over a black lace lingerie bodysuit as the sun dipped toward the ocean.

The flowing black-and-white wrap featured wide sleeves and tassel detailing, while her short, tousled hair blew across her face as she smiled for the camera.

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"The only bad thing about this trip is that each day must come to an end," she captioned the post.

A separate Instagram post captured the Academy Award winner in silhouette beneath sheer fabric draped around an outdoor daybed. Berry arched backward as the setting sun streamed through the material, with palm trees, an infinity pool and the ocean visible beyond the shaded retreat.

In a separate poolside image, the "Catwoman" star reclined along the edge of the water in a gold bikini. A wide-brimmed straw hat rested across her torso as she stretched one arm across the wooden deck and displayed several rings and stacked bracelets.

Berry also shared an artful reflection photographed through a glass window. The layered image showed the actress appearing to relax inside a rounded bathtub while the surrounding ocean, palm trees and outdoor pool reflected across the glass.

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The actress appeared to be enjoying the laid-back pace of the trip, joking in another caption, "We got drunk last night, and still drunk today 🤪."

Berry’s vacation comes as she prepares to celebrate her 60th birthday and continues challenging expectations about how women should approach aging.

During a July appearance on Hoda Kotb’s "Making Space" podcast, Berry said the milestone feels far different than she once imagined.

"I’m so happy to still be here, you know. When I was growing up and I thought of 60, it felt so old, you know. And now that I am 60, um, it doesn’t feel old at all," she said. "You know, I’m like, this is 60. Well, that’s not so bad."

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Berry said she feels more comfortable and confident in herself than she has in years.

"I feel really great actually. If I’m honest, I feel, I think, better than I have in a very, very long time," she said. "Um, I feel more of myself. I feel all of myself."

The Oscar winner explained that growing older has allowed her to stop worrying about satisfying everyone else’s expectations.

"You do stop managing everybody’s expectations," Berry told Kotb. "You do start to realize you’re usually the oldest person in the room. And, so, with that, you know, that carries some weight. You get to do what you wanna do.

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"You get to be who you wanna be, say what you want to say. You know, you’re no longer walking on eggshells, and that’s a really wonderful place to arrive."

Berry also pushed back against the idea that reaching a certain age should mean stepping away from her career permanently.

The actress said people have asked whether she intends to continue making movies before suggesting she has already accomplished enough.

"'Are you still going to keep working in movies?'" Berry recalled being asked. "And I say, ‘Yeah, why should I not?’"

She said others have questioned whether it is time for her to "quit all that and sit down somewhere and just be on a permanent vacation."

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Berry rejected the assumption that women should withdraw from professional life as they grow older, arguing that meaningful work continues to provide purpose and connection.

"Why do I wanna? After I’ve worked my whole life so hard and it’s made me feel all of myself, it’s validated who I was, it’s, it’s given me a sense of purpose," she said. "Why should I now sit down and give that all away? And then what?"

The actress said she encourages her 18-year-old daughter, Nahla, to pursue work she genuinely loves so that retirement never feels like the ultimate goal.

"Choose what you love so that you never feel like you want to retire because working and being active and contributing is what keeps us young as we go down the path of life," Berry said.

"It keeps us connected to life, to ourselves, to the others. You, you never want to stop doing that thing that you love so much."

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Masked man caught on camera smashing Virgin Mary statue with a hammer outside NYC church

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:35:31 -0400

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the destruction of a Virgin Mary statue outside St. Rita Roman Catholic Church in Long Island City as a possible hate crime after a man climbed over a fence and repeatedly smashed it down using a hammer.

In surveillance video released by the Diocese of Brooklyn, the masked man violently hits the statue outside the church in what Catholic officials say is the latest in a string of attacks targeting the parish.

In a press release, church officials said it is the fourth reported vandalism incident targeting the parish since 2024, and the New York City Police Department is investigating the latest vandalism as a possible hate crime.

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According to the Diocese of Brooklyn, the incident happened at around 1:42 a.m. Aug. 1.

The video shows the man, who is wearing a dark T-shirt and shorts, climb over the fence into a courtyard where a statue of the Blessed Mother stood.

The suspect removes a hammer from his pocket and repeatedly strikes the statue before knocking it off its pedestal. He then climbs back over the fence and walks away.

The Diocese said in a statement the attack was the fourth vandalism incident at St. Rita Roman Catholic Church since 2024.

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Past acts of vandalism at the parish include the destruction of a 60-year-old stained-glass window and graffiti that defaced a statue of St. Francis of Assisi and the sidewalk.

There was also damage done to a statue of St. Jude inside the church.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn told Fox News Digital no arrests had been made.

"This week, the NYPD also issued a crime stats update and hate crimes are up by 9.4% over the same 7-month period (Jan-July) of last year," John Quaglione, deputy press secretary for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn said.

Illegal immigrants among 70 arrested in Mississippi child exploitation crackdown: Feds

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:46:06 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Seventy people were arrested across Mississippi during a two-week Homeland Security Investigations operation targeting child exploitation offenders and previously convicted sex offenders, including illegal immigrants, federal officials announced.

The two-week operation, Operation Muddy Waters, was the work of several federal, state and local agencies and generated new child exploitation charges ranging from illegal immigrants who allegedly crossed state lines to abuse minors to others accused of trading child sexual abuse material.

The following people were arrested on charges during Operation Muddy Waters, according to the Department of Homeland Security:

Cristian Abel Argueta Giron: An illegal immigrant from Honduras who allegedly traveled from Tennessee to Mississippi "for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor."

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Rahul Mondal: An illegal immigrant from Bangladesh on a student visa at the University of Alabama who allegedly "established communication with a 14-year-old male via social media."

Jose Arevalo Garcia: An illegal immigrant from Mexico who is allegedly a non-compliant sex offender previously convicted for sexual assault in 2010.

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Enrique Bravo Gonzalez: An illegal immigrant from Mexico who is allegedly a non-compliant sex offender who was previously convicted for a felony sexual offense against a child in 2022.

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Justin Tyler Scott: A U.S. citizen who allegedly "established communication with a 14-year-old male via social media to have sex."

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Yves Jean Baptiste Cook: A U.S. citizen who allegedly "established communication with a 14-year-old female via social media, sent masturbation videos and requested nude images."

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Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch told Fox News Digital in a statement that one child was saved from a sextortion scheme in progress.

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"For two weeks, federal, state and local law enforcement have been working together to find the predators who hide in plain sight in our communities. And the outstanding number of arrests made during this operation point to the power of this partnership," Fitch said.

"But the most important number coming from this operation is the one child victim that was saved from a sextortion scheme in progress. The work done in this operation made all the difference to this child and to countless others who are a little safer online right now."

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The operation involved participation from the U.S. Attorney’s offices for the Northern and Southern districts of Mississippi; the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office; the Mississippi Department of Public Safety; the U.S. Marshals Service; sheriff’s offices in Marshall, DeSoto, Harrison, Pearl River, and Forrest counties; the Oxford Police Department; and other federal, state and local partners.

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"Those who choose to hide behind a computer screen to exploit children will not remain hidden," said Matthew Reidell, assistant special agent in charge of HSI Gulfport.

"Operation Muddy Waters demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting children, supporting victims and holding offenders accountable. We will continue working with our federal, state and local partners to bring these crimes to light, pursue those responsible and help prevent further harm."

Amazon driver caught on video flinging customer’s package onto porch in infuriating delivery blunder

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:18:27 -0400

A delivery driver is under scrutiny after a doorbell camera captured a package sailing through the air instead of being carefully delivered.

Ring camera video shared by Florida resident Nathan Pekas shows the driver approaching the home, hurling a package onto the concrete porch, raising a handheld device to take a proof-of-delivery photo and then walking away as a dog howls from inside the house.

The box lands with a loud thud in the video before the driver snaps the photo and leaves without placing the package at the front door.

Pekas told Storyful the package was delivered by Yun Express, a third-party carrier used for some Amazon deliveries.

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He also shared a photo showing what appeared to be damage to one corner of the box.

The Florida resident said he was surprised by the driver's handling of the delivery, joking that the state's sweltering summer heat "must have been too much to make those extra two steps to the door."

Amazon acknowledged the incident in a statement provided to Storyful.

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"This video does not reflect the standards we have for our delivery partners, and we're looking into this matter," an Amazon spokesperson said.

It was not immediately clear whether the contents of the package were damaged or whether the driver remains assigned to make Amazon deliveries.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Amazon for additional comment.

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The incident is the latest package delivery to go viral after being captured on a homeowner's doorbell camera.

Last month, a FedEx driver in Georgia made headlines after tumbling backward into a front yard swimming pool while stepping away to take a proof-of-delivery photo.

The driver quickly laughed off the mishap, joking, "I needed that," before climbing out of the pool and returning to the delivery route.

Former Kansas Jayhawks guard Brett Ballard seriously injured in single-vehicle highway crash

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:15:20 -0400

A beloved Kansas college basketball coach and former Jayhawks standout is in the hospital with serious injuries after a highway crash Tuesday night.

Washburn University head coach Brett Ballard, 46, was behind the wheel of his 2024 Ford F-150 when the crash occurred.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Ballard was traveling westbound on Interstate 470 in Topeka just after 8:15 p.m. when his pickup truck veered off the left side of the roadway.

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The truck struck a delineator post, traveled into a steep embankment, and then collided with a concrete bridge pillar. The impact left the vehicle heavily damaged. Ballard was the only person inside the truck. First responders transported the injured coach to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment. Authorities confirmed he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek asked the close-knit community to keep Ballard and his family in their thoughts.

"We are deeply saddened to share that Coach Brett Ballard was seriously injured in a car accident last evening," Mazachek said in a statement. "Our hearts are with Coach Ballard, his family, the men's basketball program and all who are affected during this difficult time."

Ballard has long been one of the most recognizable figures in Kansas basketball. The Hutchinson native played guard for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2000 to 2002 under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams before spending seven seasons as an assistant on Bill Self's coaching staff.

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For the past nine seasons, Ballard has led the Washburn Ichabods, building one of Division II's most consistent programs.

Ballard has compiled a 198-81 overall record while guiding Washburn to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and helping establish the Ichabods as a perennial contender in the MIAA.

Before taking over at Washburn, Ballard also gained head coaching experience at Baker University, where he led the Wildcats to a Heart of America Athletic Conference regular-season championship and an NAIA national tournament appearance.

Ballard's success at every stop has made him a respected figure throughout the state's basketball community. As word of the crash spread, supporters across Kansas and beyond shared messages of encouragement while hoping for positive news regarding his recovery.

Authorities have not released additional details about what caused the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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Francesca Hong remarks Thanksgiving is her 'favorite holiday,' answers she does not 'want to cancel it'

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:04:24 -0400

Democratic socialist Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong said Thanksgiving was her "favorite holiday" Wednesday, and she has no interest in canceling it despite her past controversial X posts.

"My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving," Hong told Politico Playbook, which in an X post wrote that Hong was "joking." "Yep, I don't want to cancel it. I actually love it."

Hong explained that the holiday was a "big event" for her family members and their in-laws.

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"You know, I'm just ... I'm going to be real," Hong said. "I'm kind of a curmudgeon when it comes to holidays in general."

Hong was responding to the backlash she faced for a deleted post, which was initially made on X in November 2020, after she appeared to draw comparisons between the deadly pandemic and the Thanksgiving holiday.

"Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621," Hong wrote, according to Fox News Digital’s previous reporting.

"If it takes a worldwide pandemic for us to realize we should stop celebrating colonialism and the original superspreader event that killed indigenous folx [sic] and women, so be it," she added, referring to the spread of smallpox that killed many Indigenous Americans.

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In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hong's campaign previously said, "No, she does not want to 'cancel' Thanksgiving."

However, Hong hesitated to give the same answer when asked if she still believes Thanksgiving should be canceled on CNN Monday.

"I’m a chef, and one of the first meals that I made that was for the community when I was 16 [years old] was a Thanksgiving meal," Hong said. "I always think my hospitality background in owning a restaurant for seven, eight years, that bringing folks around the table to share conversation and build community is always a good thing.

"But Thanksgiving is also a time that’s incredibly painful for many people in our communities," Hong continued. "And, so, I think there, I wanted to make sure that people understood that there are multiple views, but views can evolve.

"And the position that I'm running for right now, and I think my background as a chef will actually help me become a better governor that's able to bring more people to the table."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Hong's campaign for comment.

Republican Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany criticized Hong's original posts on Fox News Tuesday, accusing her and other socialist candidates of wanting to "destroy" American culture.

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"Well, considering she also posted, ‘Please DON'T gather for the colonizer holiday,’ and just days ago called Thanksgiving ‘incredibly painful,’ it's hard to believe she now claims it's her favorite holiday. But this goes far beyond Thanksgiving. It's part of the broader socialist message that seeks to tear down the traditions, institutions, and values that bring Americans together," Tiffany said.

"Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Culver's, the police or even Valentine's Day, Francesca Hong has spent her entire political career criticizing the very fabric of Wisconsin and the traditions that bring our communities together."

El-Sayed's threat against GOP rival backfires as conservatives bring receipts: 'Is Dubai in Florida?'

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:00:02 -0400

Abdul El-Sayed sparked online controversy moments after capturing the Democratic Party’s nomination in Michigan's Senate race for his word choice in challenging Republican nominee Mike Rogers to a series of five debates.

"I know you're going to say no because you're a coward. Five debates. All right?" El-Sayed said.

"You and I both know that you will wither in front of your own crimes, but I'm gonna make sure Michiganders know about them. By the time we're done, you are not going to have safe quarter from people holding you accountable for what you've done," El-Sayed continued.

The language of "safe quarter" is raising eyebrows among viewers online.

The online backlash demonstrates how closely the Michigan Senate race is being watched across the country and how viewers are analyzing every move of El-Sayed in particular.

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The former local public health official succeeded in his race against Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., a more establishment candidate with the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., despite being heavily outspent.

His campaign has been a proxy for larger questions in the Democratic Party of whether the progressive label and promises of aggressively expanded public sector involvement will resonate with its base over the relative safety of establishment messaging.

But it has also invited scrutiny.

Conservatives ripped El-Sayed on social media for attacking Rogers' out-of-state vacation home while he owned multiple rental properties overseas. Doug Powers, a longtime editor and contributor for Twitchy, believes it clashes with El-Sayed's financial disclosures revealing that he owns property not just out of the state but also overseas.

"If I’m the Rogers campaign, I’m putting this in an ad. ‘A socialist who owns property in Dubai and India is attacking me for having a vacation house in Florida while threatening me in my home state?’" Powers wrote in his own post to social media.

"’No safe quarter from people holding you accountable’ is commie messaging," he added.

"The easy rebuttal for Mike Rogers here is to point out that El-Sayed owns property in a luxury development in Dubai," Chuck Ross, an investigative reporter for The Washington Free Beacon, pointed out.

"Is Dubai in Florida?" yet another account wrote.

Fox News Digital previously reported that El-Sayed's most recent financial disclosure exposes how El-Sayed and his wife own at least two foreign properties in Bangalore, India and Dubai. The Dubai property is worth up to $250,000.

Other conservatives slammed El-Sayed for the tone of his message and suggested it was putting a target on the back of his Republican rival.

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Scott Jennings, the conservative political personality and media commentator on CNN, bashed El-Sayed's phrasing at the victory press conference.

"Abdul el Sayed threatening the safety of his opponent while the Jewish Democrat AG of Michigan says she can't go to a Dem convention because she's not safe, either. Does everyone see what's happening here?" Jennings wrote in a post to X, referring to recent developments in the Wolverine state over anti-Semitic comments.

Brian Newberry, a Rhode Island state representative and former minority leader, echoed Jenning's concern.

"Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, who pals around with [a] guy who celebrates 9/11, tells his Republican opponent that he will ‘not have safe quarter’ in his home state. Who the hell does this guy think he is?" Newberry wrote, hinting at El-Sayed's association with Hasan Piker, a progressive streamer who has drawn backlash for past comments of his own.

"And will any — and I mean ANY — Democrat condemn this rhetoric?"

AG Hamilton, a popular conservative X account, called on El-Sayed to bring more clarity to the statement.

"Someone should ask el Sayed what exactly this means because it certainly comes off as a threat of political violence aimed at his opponent," the account wrote.

El-Sayed’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the phrasing or on whether the online reactions were overblown.

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In his remarks on Wednesday morning, El-Sayed continued to press his case against Rogers.

"Mike Rogers is a guy whose politics and vision and perspective are old. Mike Rogers is a guy who has never shied away from a corporation he could do a favor for," El-Sayed said.

"If you want a senator who’s going to lick some boots, fine. Go vote for Mike Rogers. But if you want a senator who’s going to stand up to Donald Trump, then you’ve got your option right here."

With the Democratic primary in the rearview mirror, El-Sayed will face off against Rogers in the state’s general election Nov. 3.

Explosive drone forces shutdown at major German airport serving NATO, Ukraine flights

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:32:23 -0400

A drone carrying explosives was found near a Ukrainian plane at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport late Tuesday, prompting officials to warn the incident represented "a new quality of danger," authorities said Wednesday.

The discovery temporarily shut down both runways at the major European freight hub and forced several flights to divert to other airports, according to The Associated Press.

Another flying object was spotted nearby shortly before midnight and several flights, including one passenger plane, were then diverted to other airports.

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German police launched a large response and opened an investigation into the two incidents.

Police said an airport worker found the first explosive drone near the airport's south runway with "an unknown explosive device."

An explosives disposal robot was deployed to examine the device before authorities removed its detonator.

The plane, bearing the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag, displayed the English-language slogan, "Be Brave Like Kherson," a tribute to the southern Ukrainian region, Deutsche Welle reported.

In the second incident, an unidentified flying object collided with a cargo aircraft that had aborted its landing at Leipzig/Halle Airport because of the runway closure.

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The aircraft diverted to Hannover Airport, about 125 miles north-west of Leipzig, where officials found minor damage, according to The Associated Press.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the discovery of the first drone marked a significant escalation.

"Drone sightings, drone threats, including in a hybrid context, are something we know from the past," he said. "That a drone armed with explosives is at an airport is a new threat scenario."

Dobrindt also described the incident as "a hybrid attack scenario."

He said questions about the type of explosives used, the drone's origin and who was responsible remained under investigation.

"All the speculation that is currently going on about the explosives, the construction, the question of the drone, the origin and, of course, who is behind it, is now part of the investigation," Dobrindt said.

"What is happening now also shows that the assessment made months ago — that we are dealing with a high level of danger — was justified."

In June, Dobrindt opened Germany's Joint Centre for Countering Hybrid Threats, which brings together federal and state security agencies to address threats including espionage, sabotage and disinformation.

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Leipzig/Halle Airport is a major European cargo hub, and Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft are based there.

NATO said it was aware of the incidents but referred questions to German authorities.

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Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, suggested Moscow may have been behind the incident, telling Welt TV Wednesday, "Who else could it be but Russia?" according to reports.

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In 2024, an incendiary device ignited at a logistics center at Leipzig/Halle Airport, setting fire to a freight container in an incident Western security officials suspect was part of a Russian intelligence sabotage operation.

In Nevada speech, Trump chases after toddler on stage before joking he doesn't want him to 'be Biden and fall'

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:30:41 -0400

President Donald Trump shared a pair of lighthearted moments with a toddler during a Nevada event Wednesday, first stepping in to stop the young boy from wandering off-stage before joking, "I don't want him to be [former President Joe] Biden and fall off the stage."

The moment unfolded after Trump invited Sandra and Brad, a Las Vegas couple, on stage at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa with their two young children as he touted his administration's Trump Accounts and "no tax on tips" initiatives.

As the child's mother, Sandra, began to address the crowd, the toddler appeared ready to make a break for it before Trump quickly reached out to stop him from leaving the stage.

'PAWN STARS' ICON RICK HARRISON SAYS TRUMP TAX POLICIES CHANGE EVERYTHING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

"I don't want him to be Biden and fall off the stage," Trump quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

The playful exchange wasn't the family's only memorable moment with the president.

Later, after Sandra told Trump, "He did want to say a little something to you, Mr. President," Trump replied, "Yes, thank you, thank you very much."

The toddler then babbled briefly before his mother softly prompted him, "Thank you for my Trump Account."

DEMOCRATIC MARYLAND GOV WES MOORE PRAISES TRUMP ACCOUNTS AS ‘SMART POLICY’

"Thank you for my Trump Account," the little boy repeated into the microphone, prompting an uproar of applause from the crowd.

"Good job," Trump responded with a smile, clapping for the toddler as the audience continued cheering.

Earlier in the event, Trump introduced the family by explaining that Sandra works as a waitress at a Las Vegas casino, while Brad serves as an officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

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Trump said the couple had benefited from his administration's tax policies and were investing in Trump Accounts for their two children.

"It's a beautiful family," Trump said as they joined him on stage.

Trump is a father of five and has 11 grandchildren.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid has a blunt response to everyone freaking out over Travis Kelce's dad bod

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:29:49 -0400

NFL training camp is barely a week old, and the Kansas City Chiefs already find themselves embroiled in a full-blown investigation: Has Travis Kelce succumbed to the dreaded dad bod?

The internet's amateur body-fat analysts went to work last week after pictures of a noticeably thicker Kelce made the rounds.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid wasted little time trying to put out the fat fires Wednesday, telling the media his star tight end is bigger but allegedly in good shape.

FANS STUNNED AT TRAVIS KELCE'S TRAINING CAMP PHYSIQUE AFTER NUPTIALS TO TAYLOR SWIFT

"He came back in good shape," Reid insisted.

"I know everybody's out there saying he's got the dad body and all this stuff, but he looks the same to me that he's always looked, and [he's] playing like crazy." Reid even claimed the veteran is "focused in and ready to go" for every practice snap.

Kelce is officially listed at 250 pounds, but if you apply the eyeball test to the practice footage, that scale might be doing some heavy lifting.

The guy is 36 years old, which is basically 50 in tight end years.

TAYLOR SWIFT MARRIES TRAVIS KELCE

Kelce spent the offseason pounding beers in VIP suites on the Eras Tour, married Taylor Swift in July, and expanded his media empire. He has three Super Bowl rings, infinite money, and a life on easy mode, even if he remembers his six-pack abs all too well.

With all that in mind, you'd be forgiven for wondering why he's still doing this. So why are we dragging this out?

Look at the numbers from last season. In 2025, Kelce posted a modest 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns. For normal mortals, those are decent numbers. For Travis Kelce? That is a clear slide down the hill.

Father Time remains undefeated, and carrying extra offseason weight certainly isn't going to turn back the clock.

HALL OF FAMER CRIS CARTER SAYS UPCOMING NFL SEASON WILL BE TRAVIS KELCE’S ‘LAST DANCE’

Which brings us to the real conspiracy: why is someone in your fantasy league still going to reach for him in the early rounds?

Don't let it be you.

Every August, fantasy owners convince themselves a declining superstar is somehow about to turn back the clock.

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Then by Week 4, they're wondering why they burned a premium pick on yesterday's highlights instead of tomorrow's breakout.

Draft upside players, not household names living off past glory. Let someone else chase the nostalgia and pray for one last vintage season.

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

Kennedy Center board member knocks Sen Whitehouse for ignoring invites as Dem feuds with Trump-run landmark

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:29:03 -0400

FIRST ON FOX — A member of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees called out Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., who continues to level "mismanagement" allegations while refusing to accept multiple invitations for in-person meetings.

"Given that Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Matt Floca's several good-faith invitations for an in-person meeting to address your concerns have gone repeatedly ignored, it appears that written correspondence is your preferred method of communication," Kennedy Center board member Brian Ballard wrote to Whitehouse Wednesday in a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

"The current leadership of the Kennedy Center has on several occasions provided our board with a transparent and thorough assessment of the scope of work needed to address the Center's decades of deferred maintenance, including well-documented systemic deterioration and public safety hazards.

"It is my informed opinion that this work cannot be completed safely, or efficiently, around a fully operating public building. I do not believe a board acting responsibly could currently conclude that such an approach is the more prudent course."

KENNEDY CENTER DISPUTES ALLEGATIONS ON CONTRACTOR BIDS DESPITE DEMOCRATIC SENATOR'S CLAIMS

Ballard insisted to Whitehouse that the Kennedy Center's Audit and Finance Committee regularly meets "contrary to your assertion." He also disputed Whitehouse's claim that the "suspension of guided tours that put the consequences of recent mismanagement on full display," telling him that tours were only halted for five days "in part due to administrative management conducting a review of campus-wide tour routes to ensure they provide the best possible experience for visitors and was scheduled to overlap with maintenance work of the sprinkler system across the complex.

"None of this is to wave away the Board's obligations following the Court's decision as I share your view that we owe trustees, Congress, and the public a rigorous, well-documented record of the decisions ahead of us, and I am confident that management will continue to meet that standard," Ballard continued.

"To echo Matt's repeated invitations, I would welcome the chance to walk through all of this with you directly, in person, rather than by written correspondence — letters which seemingly end up in the hands of the press before they reach the intended recipient to begin with."

‘CONFLICT OF INTEREST’: JUDGE WHO AXED TRUMP NAME FROM DC LANDMARK TIED TO ANTI-TRUMP CONSPIRACY THEORY

Ballard concluded the letter by expressing hope Whitehouse attends the next board meeting, adding, "Despite your rank as ex-officio and supposed concerns, I do believe we share the priority goal of success for our National Cultural Center."

"Political theater has no place at America’s cultural center," Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Our Chairman President Trump’s commitment to revitalization is supported by Center leadership and the Board, who are laser-focused on the responsible stewardship of this beloved institution."

Sen. Whitehouse's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

A source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital Whitehouse did not attend a board meeting held in March nor attend a scheduled April tour that highlighted the Kennedy Center's maintenance needs. He also avoided multiple invitations by Kennedy Center COO Matt Floca for an in-person discussion.

Whitehouse, who sits on the Environment and Public Works Committee, penned a scathing letter on Monday to Floca, slamming what he called the Kennedy Center's "sorry pattern."

"As you also know, there is widespread suspicion that the decision to 'close for repairs' was a pretext to cover up the gross mismanagement that has crashed bookings, attendance, and revenues," Whitehouse wrote. "There was also an obvious fiduciary question about what the renaming effort would mean for the Center’s business. It was never even considered in the rush to rename."

BILL MAHER SAYS IT'S 'SO STUPID' FOR ANTI-TRUMP ARTISTS TO BAIL ON KENNEDY CENTER PERFORMANCES

The senator later threatened, "If the intention is to drive the Center into financial failure by prevarication and delay in responding to the Court’s order, that would be the very definition of fiduciary failure, and such conduct should be reviewed by counsel, both as to the individual liability Board members may face for negligence and as to the state of the Board’s errors and omissions coverage. We should also hear from counsel about the possible avenues for Court supervision or receivership if no credible revival plan is presented and adopted."

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A federal judge in May blocked the Trump administration's plans to shutter the Kennedy Center for a two-year renovation project.

The judge also blocked the renaming of the Kennedy Center to the Trump Kennedy Center, insisting only Congress can change its name.

Trump has become America's most targeted leader, facing threats every few months

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:14:30 -0400

President Donald Trump has become the most targeted U.S. leader on record among both sitting and former presidents, facing threat-related incidents roughly every two to three months in recent years.

Trump has survived three major assassination attempts and nearly a dozen other threat-related incidents over the past two years alone. Overall, he has faced nearly 20 known threats since first taking office in 2017.

By comparison, every other U.S. president targeted in an assassination attempt faced just one, except President Gerald R. Ford, who survived two. Those presidents include Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Gerald R. Ford, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Four of those presidents — Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy — were killed.

FROM TRAINED ASSASSINS TO RALLY STAGE RUSHERS, HERE'S EVERY KNOWN ATTEMPT ON TRUMP'S LIFE SINCE 2016

Seven known threat-related incidents occurred during Trump's first presidency, while four occurred during his 2024 campaign, including two assassination attempts. His second presidency has already seen eight additional incidents, including a third assassination attempt.

Major assassination attempts

July 2024: The first assassination attempt on Trump came during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop, killing one spectator and critically wounding two others. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, struck Trump in the upper right ear before being killed by a Secret Service sniper.

September 2024: Two months later, Secret Service agents spotted a gunman hiding in bushes with a rifle near Trump's Florida golf course while the then-presidential candidate was golfing. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison.

TWO MEN SHOT AT TRUMP'S BUTLER RALLY SUE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER SECRET SERVICE 'PREVENTABLE FAILURES'

April 2026: A major security breach occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner while Trump was in attendance. The suspect, Cole Allen, allegedly charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, shot an officer and was later taken into custody.

First presidential campaign trail

Trump's first three security incidents unfolded during his 2016 campaign before he ever took office.

March 2016: An attendee at a Trump campaign rally in Dayton, Ohio, attempted to rush the stage before being arrested. The suspect, Thomas DiMassimo, 22, told police he intended to grab the microphone and shout that Trump was a racist but reportedly did not intend to harm him. He was later sentenced to one year of probation.

June 2016: Three months later, a British national attending a Trump campaign rally in Las Vegas attempted to grab a police officer's handgun from her holster, according to a federal criminal complaint. The suspect, Michael Steven Sandford, initially told an officer he wanted Trump's autograph before trying to seize the weapon and later admitting he intended to kill Trump. He was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison.

November 2016: Secret Service agents rushed Trump off the stage during a campaign rally in Reno, Nevada, after an attendee shouted "gun." Authorities found no weapon but briefly detained Austyn Crites, 33, who said he had brought a sign that said "Republicans Against Trump." Trump returned to the stage minutes later to finish his remarks.

First presidency (2017-2021)

September 2017: A man stole a forklift and drove it toward Trump's presidential motorcade in an apparent attempt to overturn the presidential limousine in North Dakota. The suspect, Gregory Lee Leingang, later pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced in 2019 to time served and one year of supervised release.

October 2018: A Navy veteran in Utah was charged after ricin-laced letters addressed to Trump and other officials were intercepted before delivery. William Clyde Allen III was charged with five federal counts but was later found incompetent to assist in his defense.

August 2020: Trump was abruptly escorted out of a briefing room during a televised news conference after a Secret Service officer shot a man who threatened to kill people near the White House. The suspect, Myron Basil Berryman, 51, of Forestville, Maryland, was found unarmed and arrested on a charge of assaulting a law enforcement officer, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

September 2020: A suspect mailed a ricin-laced letter to Trump that was intercepted before reaching the White House. The sender, Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier, a dual citizen of Canada and France, admitted to manufacturing ricin at her home in Canada and was later sentenced to 262 months in prison, equivalent to more than 21 years, followed by lifetime supervised release.

Second presidential campaign trail

Trump then faced two assassination attempts and two additional threat-related incidents during his 2024 presidential campaign.

July 2024: One day prior to the Butler assassination attempt, federal authorities arrested a Pakistani national accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting Trump and other U.S. officials on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The suspect, Asif Merchant, was later convicted in federal court in March 2026.

November 2024: After the second assassination attempt on Trump in September 2024, the Justice Department disclosed another alleged Iranian murder-for-hire plot targeting Trump. The suspect, Farhad Shakeri, was accused of being an Iranian government asset who had been tasked with planning the assassination of Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in March 2026 that Shakeri had been killed in a U.S. military operation.

Second presidency (2025-current)

Just 1½ years into his second presidency, Trump has faced seven additional threat-related incidents and one assassination attempt.

May 2025: A Florida man was arraigned in federal court after allegedly writing a letter to an official at the Charlotte Correctional Institution claiming he had "orchestrated the most daring Presidential assassination that this country has ever seen" and that "Donald J. Trump must perish." The suspect, Christopher Davies, later admitted he wanted to kill Trump and was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.

July 2025: Authorities arrested a Texas man after he allegedly threatened Trump on social media ahead of the president's visit to the state following the July 4 flooding along the Guadalupe River. The suspect, Robert Herrera, was later sentenced to two years in prison.

August 2025: Authorities arrested a Georgia man after he allegedly posted a comment on a TikTok livestream threatening to shoot Trump. The suspect, 29-year-old Jauan Rashun Porter, wrote, "So there's only one way to make America great and that is putting a bullet in between Trump's eyes." He was later sentenced to more than three years in federal prison.

FBI DISRUPTS ALLEGED EXPLOSIVE-DRONE PLOT TARGETING WHITE HOUSE UFC EVENT, OFFICIALS SAY

February 2026: An armed man drove into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach as another vehicle was exiting the property. The suspect, 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, was fatally shot by authorities.

April 2026: Officials unsealed a federal criminal complaint against a Kentucky man accused of posting a series of politically violent threats on Instagram between January and late March 2026.

The suspect, 23-year-old Kadrioan Serainity Santiago, allegedly threatened to cut Trump with a razor blade and feed his skin to stray dogs. He also threatened to kill the next member of law enforcement who interacted with him, encouraged violence against ICE agents and posted comments saying, "I’m filled with political violence."

June 2026: Law enforcement officials uncovered an alleged terrorism conspiracy targeting Trump's UFC event at the White House just four days before the mixed martial arts event was scheduled to take place. Eight men were indicted in an alleged plot to fly explosive-laden drones into the event and open fire on attendees as they fled, according to authorities.

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August 2026: Authorities arrested a suspect who was allegedly photographing and recording security preparations ahead of a scheduled fundraising dinner at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The suspect, Jeanine John Taele, 38, was found carrying a 16-round magazine loaded with ammunition, while investigators recovered an additional pistol and a fake "security protection agent" badge from his truck.

Dems in the hot seat for skipping crucial hearing on radical group hiding in US: 'Embarrassment'

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:07:33 -0400

Democratic lawmakers were missing during Wednesday's Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing, skipping a hearing on the Muslim Brotherhood’s alleged network inside the United States and drawing a blistering rebuke from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

"You may notice that there are empty chairs on the Democrat side of the dais," Cruz said as he opened the hearing by pointing out every Democratic member of the subcommittee refused to attend. "The American people should ask themselves why not a single member of the minority decided that a hearing on terrorism was worth their time? It is an embarrassment."

Cruz tied the Democrats’ boycott to Abdul El-Sayed’s primary victory, arguing the timing helped explain why no Democratic members attended. Cruz accused the party of embracing a candidate who had campaigned alongside left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.

Cruz cited Piker’s past statement that "America deserved 9/11" and asked the witnesses what El-Sayed’s rise said about the direction of the Democratic Party.

HASAN PIKER UNLOADS ON 'ISLAMOPHOBIC PIECES OF S---' DEMOCRATS AS EL-SAYED FACES PARTY UNITY TEST

"Abdul El-Sayed, the son-in-law of a leading member of several Brotherhood groups, won Michigan’s Democrat primary for U.S. Senate. Perfect timing for this hearing. Probably explains why no Democrats are here, and none intend to attend," Cruz said.

"Because their campaign is now openly embracing terrorist organizations waging war on America."

The five Democratic members of the subcommittee — senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Alex Padilla of California and Peter Welch of Vermont — announced beforehand that they would not attend. In a joint statement, the senators accused Cruz of staging a "political creepshow" that scapegoated Muslim Americans.

"Scapegoating Muslims may be a Texas Republican strategist’s idea of ‘solid gold’ to whip up their voters, but Democrats have no intention of indulging this political creepshow, particularly after the recent violence targeting places of faith," they said. "Our focus is the costs families face thanks to rampant, non-stop Trump corruption."

Blumenthal separately told reporters Wednesday that Democrats refused to attend because the hearing "could well be used as an anti-Muslim, Islamophobia kind of show trial."

MICHIGAN SENATE RACE: EL-SAYED’S TIES TO EXTREMIST FUEL ANTISEMITISM CONCERNS AMONG JEWISH VOTERS

The Connecticut Democrat added that he planned to meet with members of the Muslim community who shared concerns about the Muslim Brotherhood, "which appears to be a terrorist organization," while advocating for "tolerance and inclusion."

The offices of Whitehouse and Welch referred Fox News Digital to the joint statement when asked why the senators chose to boycott rather than attend and challenge the witnesses directly. The offices of Hirono and Padilla had not responded by publication time.

Cruz and the hearing’s witnesses rejected the Democrats’ characterization of the proceeding as an attack on Muslims generally.

Lara Burns, a retired FBI special agent who helped lead a terrorism-financing investigation into what was once the largest Muslim charity in the United States, the Holy Land Foundation, warned that Americans should not disregard evidence because it is politically controversial.

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"For decades, narratives have been intentionally seeded into public discourse that portray terrorist organizations as resistance movements," Burns testified before arguing Americans cannot "ignore evidence introduced in federal court simply because that evidence is politically uncomfortable."

"The history of this network is not in question," she added. "It was made public decades ago, but few paid attention. Now is the time to pay attention and understand the facts."

Diddy's federal prison release delayed weeks after reported solitary confinement stint

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:12:38 -0400

Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal prison release date has changed once again.

Diddy, 56, is now expected to leave prison Feb. 20, 2028, nearly one month after his previously scheduled release date, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Diddy's release date has changed multiple times since he began serving his sentence.

According to multiple reports, the disgraced rap mogul was reportedly sent to solitary confinement last month after a prison fight with another inmate.

DIDDY SENT TO SOLITARY CONFINEMENT AFTER PRISON FIGHT WITH ANOTHER INMATE: MULTIPLE REPORTS

The incident began after a fellow inmate "made a remark to Combs, which instigated the event" at FCI Fort Dix, ABC News reported at the time.

Diddy was then reportedly sent to solitary confinement, the outlet noted. It's unclear if his release date was delayed due to the reported fight.

CASSIE VENTURA FLED THE UNITED STATES AFTER TESTIFYING AGAINST DIDDY IN SEX CRIMES TRIAL: DOCS

"For privacy, safety and security reasons, we do not release information regarding the conditions of confinement for any inmate, including housing assignments, nor do we discuss whether a particular inmate is the subject of allegations, investigations or sanctions," a representative for the Federal Bureau of Prisons told Fox News Digital.

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Diddy's representatives declined Fox News Digital's request for comment.

In September 2024, the "Last Night" singer was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges after months of sexual misconduct allegations, lawsuits, investigations and the release of surveillance video that appeared to show the rapper severely beating then-girlfriend Cassie in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel.

He was sentenced to more than four years behind bars in October after being convicted in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

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Diddy initially faced a maximum of life in prison if convicted on charges that included racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.

A jury convicted Diddy on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution July 2, 2025. The "I'll Be Missing You" rapper was acquitted of the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.

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In addition to the 50-month sentence, Diddy was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay a $500,000 fine. The prosecution recommended 135 months (just over 11 years) for his sentencing.