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The best practical picnic items for your Fourth of July celebration

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:05:44 -0400

Heading out for a picnic before the America 250 fireworks show? Prepare now with essentials that can help make the day more comfortable. From patriotic picnic blankets to Coleman coolers and bug zappers, these finds help create the perfect picnic setup for your celebration.

Latest deals

Grilling tool set: $39.99 (33% off)
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50: $13.86 (27% off)
Coleman vintage cooler: $149.99 (25% off)
Beach tent: $39.99 (20% off)
OFF! CleanFeel bug spray: $11.99 (17% off)
Golf cornhole game set: $99.95 (17% off)
Extra-large picnic and beach blanket: $24.98 (14% off)

Coleman camping chair: $31.84

This Coleman chair hits all the marks — it's easy to carry, folds up in seconds and is affordable. Best of all, it has a four-can cooler on the side that gives you ready access to your drinks.

GCI Outdoor rocker camping chair: $79.99

Unwind while enjoying the Fourth of July festivities in this GCI Outdoor rocker. The easy-fold technology lets you pack up quickly, and a built-in cupholder securely holds your favorite drinks.

American flag picnic blanket: $29.99

This folding picnic blanket features a bold red, white and blue pattern and is large enough for the whole family during America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The waterproof design makes cleanup a breeze. Just shake it off before folding it into the compact carrying case.

Good Chop x Blackstone bundle

Good Chop has partnered with Blackstone to offer a free griddle when you sign up for the meat subscription service and complete three orders. You also get $50 off across those first three boxes. With this deal, you can pick from more than 100 meat and seafood cuts for your Fourth of July cookout, and you get a Blackstone to cook them on, no matter where you're celebrating.

Yeti Roadie hard cooler: $250

If you plan to enjoy the Fourth of July outside, a Yeti Roadie keeps food and drinks ice-cold while saving you trunk space. The taller build and thick strap help you carry the cooler long distances.

Coleman Oasis instant pop-up canopy tent: $145.79 (32% off)

Original price: $214.99

Find the shade you need to enjoy your picnic with Coleman's instant pop-up canopy tent. A simple press of a button expands the legs in seconds. Once up, the canopy offers UPF 50+ protection and 100 square feet of covered space.

Coleman 100-quart rolling cooler: $82.99 (25% off)

Original price: $109.99

A Coleman rolling cooler fits enough ice, food and drinks for the whole family. The pull-friendly handle gives you a secure hold, while the back wheels roll smoothly over rocks, sand and gravel. When the lid is shut, the cooler doubles as an extra seat and can hold up to 250 pounds.

JBL Go 4 waterproof Bluetooth speaker: $39.95 (20% off)

Original price: $49.95

JBL's Go 4 speaker packs a bold sound into a small package. It's lightweight enough to clip to your backpack, yet still delivers powerful bass for an immersive listening experience. The waterproof build lets you continue your session even when it rains.

Outdoor bug zapper: $39.99

The last thing you want to deal with at your Fourth of July picnic is bugs. Bring along this outdoor bug zapper from Amazon. It clears pests within a half-acre area, and a slide-out tray allows for a quick, mess-free cleanup.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable grill: $249.99 (41% off)

Original price: $424.99

At 41% off, Coleman's RoadTrip grill is one of the steepest markdowns on this list and includes a lightweight, foldable build and two all-terrain wheels. With up to 20,000 BTUs of cooking power, you can cook burgers, chicken and hot dogs for everyone at the picnic.

24-piece plate, bowl and cup set: $23.99 (14% off)

Original price: $27.99

This 24-piece flatware set has enough bowls, plates and drink cups for six people. At $24, it's a bargain compared to tableware that needs frequent replacing. Throw them in the dishwasher for a quick cleanup when you get home.

Digital meat thermometer: $13.99 (30% off)

Original price: $19.99

Use this digital thermometer to ensure everyone gets their burger cooked to their preferred temperature. The one-second read helps you take food off the grill at exactly the right time, and with its waterproof design, you won't have to worry about damage.

Stanley Quencher ProTour tumbler: $45

A Stanley Quencher keeps you hydrated in the hot summer heat. The leakproof lid has a flip straw, so you can sip without spilling. A double-wall stainless steel design holds ice longer than the average plastic bottle.

Portable beach umbrella: $28.67

Create more than 5 feet of shade with this portable beach umbrella. The red, white and blue pattern is on sale for less than $30, but it also comes in solid colors for $52. It provides UPF 50+ protection and breaks down into two pieces for easier handling.

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

Picnic basket set: $87.95

Every picnic needs a basket, and this one comes fully loaded with plates, silverware, cups and even salt and pepper shakers. The handwoven, stain-resistant construction and colorful lining give you a unique storage solution.

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

11-year-old dies from rabies after bat landed on his face while he was sleeping

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:43:55 -0400

An 11-year-old boy died of a rabies infection in Ontario, Canada, according to a medical journal article published Monday.

Canadian Medical Association Journal did not identify the boy or his family, but wrote that he was first brought to a hospital weeks after an encounter with a bat.

"The patient’s family reported that, during a visit to a cottage in northern Ontario 19 days before symptom onset, the boy had been awoken by a bat on his nose and mouth. He had swatted the bat off his face; his father had caught the bat in a cooking pot and released it outside," CMAJ wrote.

MEASLES-INFECTED TRAVELER MAY HAVE EXPOSED PASSENGERS AT LAX AND NEARBY HOTEL, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN

"The child had no visible lesions on his face, and his parents did not consider that the bat had behaved erratically. Therefore, they did not seek medical assessment," the journal noted.

The boy was ultimately admitted to the hospital 20 days after the encounter with the bat, when his parents brought him to an emergency room. He was first sent home but then brought back the following morning and admitted to the hospital.

Doctors noted that the boy's condition "rapidly worsened" by the evening, but he spent more than two weeks in the hospital before passing away.

MEASLES-INFECTED TRAVELER MAY HAVE EXPOSED PASSENGERS AT LAX AND NEARBY HOTEL, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN

"By day 5 of admission, his brainstem reflexes were absent. Life-sustaining therapies were withdrawn on day 17 of admission, and he died peacefully with his family at his bedside," the journal article said.

Doctors who authored the article warned that any direct human contact with a bat, even in the absence of a visible bite or scratch, should be discussed with public health authorities.

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Rabies is virtually always fatal in humans if not treated quickly with postexposure prophylaxis, or PEP. The treatment is nearly always successful if administered promptly after exposure.

Iran warns ships of 'forceful response' as US-backed Hormuz route challenges Tehran's grip

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:33 -0400

Iran warned Thursday that any commercial vessel failing to follow routes approved by Tehran through the Strait of Hormuz would face a "forceful response," the clearest indication yet that the Islamic Republic intends to assert greater control over one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

"Any failure to comply, deviation from the designated route, or disregard for the navigation protocols of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with an immediate and forceful response from the armed forces, endangering the security of the violating vessels," Iran's military command said in a statement to Iranian state media.

"Any disruptive action in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a threat to Iran’s national sovereignty and will be met with a rapid and decisive action," the warning stated.

The threat comes as the United States and regional partners work to shift more commercial traffic toward a southern shipping corridor hugging Oman's coastline — an alternative route designed to move vessels farther from Iran's immediate reach and weaken one of Tehran's greatest strategic advantages.

Former military commanders told Fox News Digital the timing is no coincidence.

"The southern route creates a route they can't toll or control," retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery said. "They felt it necessary to attack it."

SHIPPING GIANT WARNS STRAIT OF HORMUZ CHAOS IS 'NEW NORMAL' AS TEHRAN SHIFTS 4M BARRELS

Under the memorandum of understanding reached after the ceasefire, Iran agreed to use its "best efforts" to ensure safe, toll-free commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days while the two sides negotiate a broader agreement over the waterway's future administration.

For decades, Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has given it influence well beyond its borders. But that advantage is increasingly under pressure as Gulf states invest in pipelines that bypass Hormuz and the United States and Oman expand use of the southern corridor.

Nearly half of inbound commercial traffic through the Strait is already using the Omani route, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward. New data from maritime analytics firm Kpler also showed overall traffic rebounding after U.S.–Iran strikes briefly disrupted shipping, with 45 vessel crossings recorded Wednesday, up from 34 the previous day. Of those, 21 transited via the Omani route, compared with 11 using the Iranian route.

After Iran attacked vessels using the corridor, the U.S. responded with strikes on Iranian military targets tied to maritime operations. Iran retaliated with attacks on U.S. facilities and regional partners before President Donald Trump announced both sides had agreed to halt further strikes and pursue negotiations. But even as talks resumed in Doha this week, Iran continued to insist it has the authority to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how far apart the two sides remain.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released a statement Wednesday about meeting with military leaders from throughout the Middle East, where they "underscored their shared commitment to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz."

"Hormuz is defined under Iran’s command, not CENTCOM," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in a post on X. "A military summit in Bahrain cannot establish legal order and security for the Persian Gulf."

"The Strait of Hormuz is open and ships are transiting at higher levels," a senior administration official told Fox News Digital Thursday. "President Trump has been clear that Iran cannot toll the Strait of Hormuz, which is an international waterway, and active conversations at high levels continue on all aspects of the MOU."

CENTCOM could not immediately be reached for a response.

Former Navy Fifth Fleet commander, Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, said Iran's objective isn't necessarily to halt shipping altogether.

"The IRGC has been trying to make it commercially unworkable," Donegan told Fox News Digital, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "These attacks on shipping to me aren't random. They're strategy."

Rather than closing the strait outright, Donegan said, Iran only needs to keep insurance premiums high enough that commercial shipping companies remain reluctant to return.

"Their strategy is to enforce their control of the straits," he said, by driving up insurance costs while continuing to "test the U.S. resolve."

VANCE REJECTS CLAIMS TRUMP-IRAN DEAL ECHOES OBAMA-ERA LOGIC AS HAWKS RAISE ALARM

The question now is whether Iran can translate that military pressure into lasting influence over the strait.

Under the memorandum of understanding negotiated after the ceasefire, Iran, Oman and the Gulf littoral states are expected to negotiate the strait's "future administration and maritime services" while commercial traffic moves toll-free for 60 days.

Trump has insisted on social media that there will be "NO TOLLS" after the negotiating period expires, even though the memorandum itself does not explicitly guarantee that outcome. Asked about the discrepancy, Trump argued that "common sense" and the threat of renewed U.S. military action would keep Iran from interfering with commercial traffic.

Iran, however, has signaled a different vision. An IRGC-linked news outlet portrayed last-minute revisions to the agreement — including language governing the strait's future administration and the temporary toll provision — as negotiating victories for Tehran.

America's Gulf partners have made equally clear they are not interested in rewriting the status quo.

"The management of the strait was working fine before the conflict," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said. "Why should we now, as a result of a conflict, accept some novel arrangement?"

The disagreement reflects competing visions of what Iran's role in the strait looks like once the fighting ends.

Former Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker said the negotiations reflect Iran's effort to emerge from the conflict with "a new status quo in the Persian Gulf."

But preserving leverage over the strait is about more than commercial shipping.

"Iran is trying to basically step into that void," said Clionadh Raleigh, executive director of the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project.

Raleigh argued the conflict has left Gulf governments questioning whether "the U.S. is a partner that's unreliable," creating an opportunity for Tehran to argue that Gulf security should increasingly be managed by countries in the region rather than by Washington.

Those doubts are already reshaping regional strategy.

"They're seeking to really develop their own defense posture," Raleigh said. "And they're also seeking alternative means for them to continue trade."

Those efforts have been underway for years, but the latest conflict has accelerated them.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the East-West Pipeline linking Gulf oil fields to the Red Sea, while the United Arab Emirates has expanded export capacity through Fujairah, allowing crude exports to bypass Hormuz altogether.

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Every barrel that leaves the Gulf without transiting the strait — and every ship that safely uses the southern corridor — chips away at the leverage Iran has historically derived from one of the world's most important maritime choke points.

If those alternatives continue to expand, Iran's ability to wield the strait as a strategic pressure point could gradually diminish even if Hormuz itself remains one of the world's most vital energy corridors.

Red-state senator drops hammer on Dem mayor over new 'woke' DEI ordinance while violent crime surges

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:30:10 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, is demanding answers from Cincinnati’s mayor over a newly enacted city ordinance reorganizing procurement under a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement, arguing taxpayers should not be funding what he calls an expanding DEI bureaucracy that is potentially illegal.

"Taxpayers should never foot the bill for woke DEI policies or initiatives," Moreno wrote in a letter to Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval on Thursday that was obtained by Fox News Digital. "Cincinnati's taxpayers deserve a government that rewards competence and merit, not politically driven quotas or preferences based on race or ethnicity."

At the heart of the issue is a city ordinance approved by the Cincinnati City Council in June that creates a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement, which Moreno argues expands the city's DEI bureaucracy and could inject DEI considerations into the contracting process. According to city documents cited by Moreno, the restructuring would make the city's contracting process more efficient while preserving its focus on DEI.

In the letter, which was also sent to the Justice Department, Moreno said the ordinance comes amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on DEI programs across the federal government and argued it "completely ignores" the Justice Department guidance warning against engaging in "unlawful discrimination."

DOJ DANGLES MASSIVE SIGNING BONUSES FOR LAWYERS READY TO FIGHT ‘LAWLESS’ CITIES FAR BEYOND DC

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has made eliminating DEI initiatives a priority, signing executive orders to eliminate DEI programs and end DEI-related hiring and training practices, as well as directing agencies to review recipients of federal funding.

"The days of choosing public contract winners based on excellence are back," Moreno wrote, adding that "the City of Cincinnati must be a better steward of public funds."

SEATTLE COUNCIL MEMBER TOUTS ‘BLACK BUDGET,’ CALLS FOR BLACK RESIDENTS TO FORM ‘MOST POWERFUL POLITICAL PARTY’

Pointing to the city’s explanation of the ordinance, Moreno said that the city intends to continue incorporating DEI in its contracting process.

"Amazingly, your office even admits it in its explanation: ‘The goal of this restructuring is not to reduce the city's focus on inclusion. Instead, it is intended to strengthen it,’" Moreno wrote. "Ohioans deserve to know that their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are awarded to individuals and businesses based on merit, not race or ethnicity," Moreno wrote.

INTERNAL EMAILS EXPOSE HOW JULY 4TH BASH IS BEING DERAILED BY DEM-RUN COUNTY: 'OFFENSIVE'

Moreno asked Pureval to respond within five business days with the exact amount of federal funding the city received during fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, the projected cost of the ordinance and an outline of the process the new department will use when reviewing applications and awarding city contracts.

Moreno also requested information on how Cincinnati is planning to comply with the Justice Department's guidance and its recent law enforcement staffing data, adding that the city should prioritize addressing its $30 million budget deficit and public safety challenges instead of expanding DEI initiatives.

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"Additionally, the adoption of this Ordinance represents a gross misallocation of resources at a time when the city faces a surge in violent crime, including multiple recent homicides, a mass shooting, and a persistent law enforcement recruitment crisis that undermines public safety," Moreno wrote. "Instead of fueling divisive social experiments, these public funds should be redirected to protecting Cincinnatians and restoring order to Ohio's streets."

Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Pureval's office for comment.

Obama judge hands progressives a win over anti-Trump '86 47' message amid rising threats

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:28:49 -0400

An Obama-appointed federal judge has issued a final ruling allowing an anti-Trump "86 47" flag to be flown, delivering a win to a progressive activist group as the National Mall remains a hot zone for vandalism and threats against President Donald Trump.

Progressive group Accountability Now USA flew the flag near the National Mall, and alleged that the National Park Service (NPS) violated their First Amendment rights by threatening to revoke their permit. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington, D.C., ruled on Monday that the flag is protected political speech.

The administration has previously interpreted the number "86" as a political threat, pointing to its common use in the restaurant industry to mean removing or refusing service, while 47 appears to refer to Trump as the 47th U.S. president.

"This opinion is from an Obama-appointed judge. Flying a flag that is a threat to the Office of the President of the United States should not be permitted under any administration," a Department of Interior spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "In what world have we lost all decency to demand that any threat against the President be taken very seriously?"

OBAMA JUDGE CLEARS LEFT-WING GROUP TO FLY OMINOUS FLAG AIMED AT TRUMP ON HIS OWN TURF

"[Its] '8647' flag... is not a true threat to the President or incitement of violence," Moss said in his ruling.

The group also displayed two flags accusing President Trump of sexually assaulting a minor. Moss ruled that those displays are "not legally obscene" and therefore remain protected by the First Amendment.

Moss was appointed to the federal bench by former President Barack Obama after previously serving in former President Bill Clinton ’s Justice Department. He has also contributed to and volunteered for Democratic candidates and causes.

OBAMA JUDGE CLEARS LEFT-WING GROUP TO FLY OMINOUS FLAG AIMED AT TRUMP ON HIS OWN TURF

The judge noted in a previous order on the case that "a true threat to the life or safety of the President would undoubtedly outweigh the interest of the public or the speaker in continuing to urge that unlawful conduct."

The dispute over the nature of the messaging comes amid heightened administration scrutiny of "86 47" messages after the giant numbers appeared to be etched into the grass between the Washington Monument and the World War II memorial last month.

OFFICIALS ASK FOR HELP IDENTIFYING PERSON IN REFLECTING POOL DAMAGE INVESTIGATION

Grass samples were also collected for testing and examination in the area by investigators.

America’s 250th birthday brings major events to the nation’s capital as D.C. braces for massive crowds, tight security, road closures and heightened law enforcement presence.

Trump will attend the "Salute to America" event on July 4th. His remarks are expected to begin around 9 p.m. ET, prior to a massive fireworks display on the National Mall that has been touted by the administration as the largest in history.

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In April, there was an assassination attempt against Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, where a shooter attempted to break into the ballroom. The fallout from the latest attempt comes as the anniversary of the Butler, Pa., rally approaches on July 13.

A bullet came close to ending Trump's life that day in 2024 after it grazed his ear. And just two months later, another attempt on his life occurred when a man with a rifle was arrested in Southern Florida after he stuck a rifle through the bushes where Trump was golfing that day.

Meanwhile, the National Mall has garnered special attention this year following a string of vandalism against the Reflecting Pool and monuments. The pattern emerged after Trump ordered a restoration and repainting of the reflecting pool, which was then met with "razor-blade cuts" to its lining, according to the White House.

TNA Wrestling begins Knockouts TV Championship tournament with several familiar faces vying for title

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:26:30 -0400

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) announced Sunday at Slammiversary a tournament would take place to crown the first Knockouts TV champion.

TNA legend Traci Brooks addressed the Boston crowd with the news of the new championship hitting the women’s division.

She said a 16-woman tournament would begin on "Impact" Thursday. The belt would also be defended exclusively on the television show.

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

The bracket features some fresh faces to TNA, some of whom wrestling fans may be familiar with.

Indi Hartwell vs. Vicki Venuto, Harley Hudson vs. Thea Hail, Elayna Black vs. Wendy Choo and M by Elegance vs. Rosemary on the left side of the bracket. Jade Stone vs. Alisha Edwards, Jody Threat vs. Gabby Forza, Mara Sadè vs. Tasha Steelz and Heather by Elegance vs. Allie are on the other side.

The winner of the tournament will begin her first reign as Knockouts TV champion.

The first matches will air on AMC Thursday night at 9 ET.

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Heather by Elegance will take on Allie. The two met at Slammiversary for the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship, which Allie and Rosemary won over Heather and M by Elegance. In the second match, Sadè takes on Steelz.

"Impact" is also expected to feature matches between Leon Slater and Eddie Edwards, Ryan Nemeth vs. KC Navarro and an X Division Championship No. 1 contenders match with Fabian Aichner, Mr. Elegance, BDE, Rich Swann and Home Town Man.

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New TNA world champion Nic Nemeth, TNA women’s champion Xia Brookside and Ricky Sosa are expected to address the crowd as well.

Phil Mickelson's team rips reporter for story about alleged troubling transgressions: 'Drive-by shooting'

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:24:15 -0400

Earlier this month, Skratch published a story that accused Phil Mickelson of showing a nude photo of himself to a fellow golfer's wife amid other original reports that he had been expelled from a golf club due to alleged misconduct with a female employee.

The five-time major champion obtained defamation counsel to absolve the "false rumors" about his golf club departure, which turned out to be his own voluntary resignation.

Days later, though, the Skratch story spoke to Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of pro golfer Pat, who said Mickelson showed her a picture of himself nude with an erection and flexing his bicep and said she could come to his bedroom after her then-husband fell asleep. Skratch also interviewed other sources for its story who hinted at potential infidelity by Mickelson amid abrupt endings of memberships at other golf clubs.

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A rep for Mickelson, though, said the reporter is perhaps infamous for a "drive-by shooting" style of "anonymously-sourced" stories.

"The clear implication (of the story) is that Mr. Mickelson was forced out of multiple golf clubs. He wasn't. Mr. Mickelson has never been expelled from a golf club. His membership has never been revoked by a golf club," the statement says.

The statement also ripped Shipnuck for citing a source in which Mickelson's wife, Amy, played a role in his departures from clubs.

PHIL MICKELSON ACCUSED OF SHOWING NUDE PHOTO TO PRO GOLFER'S EX-WIFE: 'COME SEE ME'

"That is false. Mr. Mickelson has never been forced by his wife or by any golf club to surrender his membership. Those decisions were his alone..." the statement said. "Instead, the source's personal assumption about her involvement is presented as fact, and that unsupported speculation has since been repeated by other media outlets as though it were established truth. It is not."

Mickelson's spokeswoman also ripped Shipnuck for reporting that a source told him Mickelson would give his phone to "a young man in the pro shop and pay him $500 to drive around the course," so his wife would believe he was playing golf while "tracking his phone" as he had his "secret rendezvous."

"How does the member know all of this? 'The kid from the pro shop told me,'" the story reads.

"Shipnuck attempts to portray an ordinary 'Find My' family feature, used by millions of families every day, as something sinister. It wasn't. Anonymous speculation is presented as meaningful insight when it is nothing more than unsupported opinion," Mickelson's spokeswoman said.

The statement does not deny the allegation that Mickelson showed Ashley Perez a photo of himself but does confirm he "apologize[d] for his conduct." However, that "should not be misconstrued as an admission of every allegation made against him," the spokeswoman said. "Responsible journalism does not amplify the most sensational characterization of a disputed event while minimizing the fact that the allegation itself was challenged."

The statement also warned of potential "corporate" bias, as Skratch was founded by the PGA Tour, and Mickelson has since defected to LIV Golf.

"Taken together, these reporting failures expose an article that prioritizes a compelling, click-bait narrative over an accurate one. Anonymous speculation is elevated over firsthand knowledge. Implication is used where facts fall short. Private family members are falsely drawn into public narratives without evidence. Context that undermines sensational allegations is minimized. Readers are left with conclusions the reporting itself never actually establishes," the statement concludes.

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"Credibility is not earned by publishing the most provocative narrative. It is earned through transparency, verification, and a clear distinction between fact, inference, and speculation. Those standards protect readers just as much as they protect the people being written about. Readers should demand more. Journalism should, too."

Mickelson has played in only one LIV event this year and no majors as he attends to a "personal health matter."

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Anti-Israel demonstrator sentenced to year in jail for manslaughter during 2023 protests

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:18:25 -0400

An anti-Israel protester who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of a pro-Israel demonstrator in California was sentenced to one year in county jail this week.

Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji, 53, had an altercation with Paul Kessler, 69, in 2023 where he hit Kessler in the head with a megaphone. Kessler then fell backward and struck his head again and later died of his injuries in the hospital.

The incident took place against the backdrop of Israel-Hamas war tensions and concerns about antisemitism rising in the United States and more broadly. Alnaji was initially facing up to four years in prison in the case as he fought the charges against him, but the expected sentence was shortened when he pleaded guilty in May.

Prosecutors in the case argued the one-year sentence is not enough, saying he should have been committed to state prison and received a longer period of confinement.

MOHAMED SABRY SOLIMAN TO PLEAD GUILTY IN DEADLY FIREBOMBING OF PRO-ISRAEL RALLY IN BOULDER, COLORADO

"Mr. Kessler lost his life in a violent attack that took him from his family and his wife of 43 years," Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said in a statement. "Given the circumstances of this case and the death that resulted, we believe a state prison commitment was the appropriate and just sentence."

Kessler's widow wrote a victim impact statement that said, in part, "There are no words to describe the pain of losing a husband in such a sudden and violent way."

MOHAMED SABRY SOLIMAN TO PLEAD GUILTY IN DEADLY FIREBOMBING OF PRO-ISRAEL RALLY IN BOULDER, COLORADO

"The grief is relentless. The silence in our house, the absence of his voice, his companionship, his love and the future we had planned together are losses I carry with me every day," she continued, according to the district attorney's office.

Jonathan Oswaks, a friend of Kessler's who was at the rally with him when the incident took place, spoke to the Jewish Journal when news of Alnaji's expected sentence was released, calling it "deeply frustrating."

"I’m not a lawyer, but the way this was handled raises serious questions for me. It sends a troubling message about accountability," he told the outlet.

PRO-ISRAEL DEMOCRAT CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR HECKLED AT TRANS MARCH OVER GAZA, ‘WE F---ING HATE YOU’

Oswaks recounted moments from the event in his interview with the outlet, noting how the pro-Palestinian protesters vastly outnumbered them that day. He said after the pair had split up, people began approaching him and stood inches from his face yelling into his ear and using a megaphone.

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"When I tell you I had never experienced that level of hate in my life, I hadn’t," he said. "I told them to get out of my space. They backed off briefly, then started again. I made it clear they needed to stay away, and eventually they did."

Fox News' Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.

Mystery parasite leaves Americans battling ‘explosive diarrhea’ as CDC investigates

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:18:13 -0400

Federal health officials are attempting to track down the source of a microscopic parasite that triggers prolonged gastrointestinal illness, as domestic cases begin to climb for the summer season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 145 cases of cyclosporiasis across 17 states as of mid-June 2026, all linked to infections acquired in the U.S.

The culprit is Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite known to cause cyclosporiasis.

DEADLY ‘FOX TAPEWORM’ LINKED TO LETHAL DISEASE DETECTED IN WEST COAST WILDLIFE

The hallmark symptom of the infection is watery, often "explosive" diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.

Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.

The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.

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Cases have cropped up in states ranging from Texas to Alaska. New York has been hit the hardest so far, reporting between 31 and 80 cases, followed by Texas and Illinois, which have each reported between 11 and 30 cases.

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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. Out of the 145 confirmed cases, 20 patients have required hospitalization, per the CDC.

No deaths have yet been reported. Patients range from 5 to 86 years old, though the median age is 42, and women make up 61% of the reported cases, data shows.

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The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multi-state clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.

"There is currently no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking all cases," the CDC noted in its surveillance report.

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The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

Fox News AI Newsletter: American manufacturer says AI is creating jobs, not replacing them

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:17:27 -0400

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

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- One of America's oldest manufacturers says AI is creating jobs — not replacing them

- A missing kitten rode under a car hood. AI brought her home

- Trump says Taiwan is doubling the size of chipmaking plant in Arizona

DOMESTIC OUTPUT: Before Henry Ford rolled out the Model T, before the Wright brothers took to the skies and before the Statue of Liberty welcomed millions to America's shores, Corning was already charting a course of innovation that continues today.

DIGITAL RESCUE: Ame thought Lucy might be hiding upstairs. The family's kitten had missed dinner, which felt odd. Still, cats hide. They nap in strange places. Sometimes, they ignore everyone.

MANUFACTURING PUSH: President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that Taiwan is doubling the size of the chipmaking plants under construction in Arizona, adding that it could help the U.S. share of the chip market rise to 50% by the end of his term.

LICENSED TO AI: The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on two of Anthropic's latest artificial intelligence models after the company worked with the Commerce Department on a national security review, according to statements released Tuesday.

SHIFTING GEARS: Ford has rehired experienced human engineers to help address the shortcomings of artificial intelligence (AI) tools meant to tackle quality issues in the automaker's production processes.

PULSE CHECK: A routine heart test may be hiding a warning sign that doctors have missed for years. That is the big takeaway from new UC Berkeley research published in Nature. Researchers trained an artificial intelligence model to study ECGs, also called EKGs, and look for patterns tied to sudden cardiac death.

NEW ERA: A new report is pushing back on artificial intelligence "doomsday" fears, arguing the technology could unleash one of the biggest productivity booms in American history — unless Washington slows it down with premature regulation.

REIN IN GLOOM: A Nobel Prize-winning economist has warned that persistent predictions of artificial intelligence destroying the job market could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Robert Shiller, who shared the 2013 Nobel Prize in economics for his work on asset prices, wrote a guest essay on Monday in The New York Times that argued the panic over AI is not a new sociological phenomenon.

RAMAGEDDON ARRIVES: Apple has started charging more for some of its products, and AI is one of the big reasons why. The increases apply to select iPads and MacBooks, along with HomePod speakers and Apple TV devices. Apple's own store pages now show higher prices on several models than earlier launch materials listed. The iPhone was not included in this round, but analysts warn that may not last.

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Best tech deals of the week: Save up to 77% on Apple, Bose, Jackery and more

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:00:34 -0500

Score big savings this Fourth of July weekend with a curated list of the best tech deals, including discounts of up to 77% on select items. Top picks include cooling fans for $80 off, a smart robot vacuum for nearly 60% off and Apple's AirPods 4 for just $99. We update this list every week, but these deals won't last long, so shop your favorites before they're gone.

Best-selling tech deals this week

From popular headphones to portable tire inflators, these items rank among our readers' favorites.

Lefant LiDAR smart robot vacuum and mop (59% off)

Save $190 on this powerful robot vacuum with technology that helps it detect and navigate around furniture and cords. You can even switch between vacuum and mop modes without swapping units.

AstroAI L7 portable tire inflator (45% off)

The compact, cordless design of this portable tire inflator makes it easy to stash in your glove box, and it can have you back on the road in just minutes. Grab the air compressor now for just $23.

Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 portable power station (40% off)

This power station can keep a Wi-Fi router running for up to 105 hours. It packs 2,048 watt-hours of battery capacity and 4,000 watts of AC output, plus it can fully recharge in about an hour using solar power.

Wall charger outlet extender (23% off)

Turn one wall outlet into multiple charging points for phones and small electronics with this extender. It's a simple fix for tight spaces, like kitchen counters, where plug-in space is limited.

Travel power strip (19% off)

Power up to seven devices at once with this power strip. It features three AC outlets, four USB ports and a cord that wraps neatly around the outside for easier packing.

Apple AirTags (2nd Generation), 4-pack (10% off)

Get a four-pack of Apple AirTags — now priced at a 30-day low. Slip one into your luggage or add one to your wallet, then track it anytime through Apple's Find My network.

Deals we love

Big-name brands like Apple and Anker are offering some of the best tech deals we’ve seen this week.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: $179 (Orig. $359)

Score Bose's QuietComfort headphones now for half off, matching their lowest price of the year. Quiet Mode and Aware Mode let you toggle between full noise cancellation and awareness. The headphones deliver up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, making them ideal for all-day use.

Apple AirPods 4: $99 (Orig. $129)

The AirPods 4 offer a comfortable fit and quick-press controls for music and calls. You can switch between Personalized Spatial Audio and Voice Isolation for a customized listening experience. The earbuds provide up to 5 hours of battery life on a single charge and up to 30 hours total with the charging case.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station: $459 (Orig. $829)

The Jackery Explorer 1,000 v2 weighs nearly 24 pounds but still packs enough power to keep large appliances running. It comes with multiple charging ports, such as USB-C, USB-A, a DC car port and three AC outlets. The power station can return to 100% battery in just one hour using emergency charging through the Jackery app.

Anker Prime 3-in-1 charging station: $159.99 (Orig. $229.99)

Power up to three devices at once with Anker's Prime charging station. It can charge an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in just 22 minutes, while the touchscreen displays real-time wattage, temperature and charging status for each device. Built-in cooling technology helps prevent your electronics from overheating.

Toshiba 50-Inch C350 4K TV: $159.99 (Orig. $299.99)

The Toshiba C350 Series runs Fire TV out of the box, with streaming apps and Alexa voice control built right in. Create up to six user profiles, so everyone in the household can save their own presets and favorite apps.

Best refurbished tech deals

Save even more with refurbished tech from Sony, Apple, JBL and more.

Disclaimer: All refurbished products are cleaned, restored and tested to meet quality standards. Warranties typically range from 90 days to a year, depending on the seller.

Apple MacBook Pro (2020): $399.99 (Orig. $1,799)

Apple's MacBook Pro (2020) packs a high-performance processor that helps you multitask, and it's 77% off — the biggest discount in this roundup. The 13.3-inch Retina display still delivers sharp visuals for everyday browsing, even if it's not as bright or fast as the latest model. You can work on the go too, thanks to all-day battery life.

JBL Clip 5 speaker: $39.99 (Orig. $79.99)

The JBL Clip 5 portable speaker delivers rich bass, clips onto a backpack and runs for up to 12 hours on a single charge. It's waterproof and dustproof, making it an ideal companion for the backyard, beach or your next vacation. Grab this open-box option while it's under $50.

ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024): $149.99 (Orig. $369.99)

Right now, you can snag a durable, business-ready laptop for a fraction of its original price with this refurbished 2024 Chromebook CM30. It comes with 8GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, helping it handle everyday productivity and multitasking with ease.

Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds: $149.99 (Orig. $299.99)

Right now, you can score Sony's WF-1000XM5 earbuds at half off the original price. Commuters and frequent fliers will appreciate the noise cancellation, but anyone can enjoy their rich, crystal-clear audio quality.

Apple iPad (2021): $154.99 (Orig. $299.99)

The 9th Gen iPad comes with an A13 chip that delivers fast performance for streaming, gaming and everyday activities. The True Tone display automatically adjusts to the color temperature of the room, so you can watch movies comfortably in any light. It's worth upgrading to this refurbished version while it's still $145 off.

Deals ending soon

Grab these limited-time tech deals before they're gone.

Bose SoundLink Flex speaker (2nd Gen): $99 (Orig $139)

For a speaker that can go with you anywhere, the Bose SoundLink Flex speaker is an excellent choice. The deep bass creates an immersive sound without the need for headphones, and it offers 12 hours of battery life in a small package. Play your tunes from up to 30 feet away thanks to its strong Bluetooth connection.

Blink Outdoor 4, 5-pack: $104.99 (Orig. $299.99)

This five-pack of Blink's outdoor cameras can cover the perimeter of your house with 1080p HD video. Motion detection automatically sends an alert to your smartphone, and the 2-year battery life gives you around-the-clock peace of mind. You can even use two-way audio through the Blink app.

Portable charging bank: $21.83 (Orig. $35.79)

Top off your phone or earbuds on your travels with this portable power bank. It has enough capacity for multiple device charges, and the built-in USB-A, Type-C, iOS and Micro-USB cables mean there's one less accessory to pack.

Insignia 55-inch F50 Series LED 4K TV: $179.99 (Orig. $349.99)

The Insignia F50 Series runs Fire TV out of the box, so streaming apps and Alexa voice control are built right in. Its immersive DTS Virtual-X sound format also creates a three-dimensional sound experience, so there's no need to buy additional speakers or a soundbar.

Heat wave survival essentials

Grab discounts on portable air conditioners and cooling handheld fans.

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo fan: $99.99 (Orig. $179.99)

Get $80 off Shark's FlexBreeze HydroGo and stay cool during the upcoming heat wave with this cordless misting fan. It easily switches between indoor and outdoor use, and the mist attachment extends cooling relief up to 70 feet.

Handheld portable fan: $14.44 (Orig. $21.99)

Cool yourself down with this portable handheld fan, now just $14. Multiple speed settings let you choose anything from a light breeze to powerful airflow, while the built-in cooling plate can reach temperatures as low as 60 degrees. The fan runs for up to 20 hours on a full charge.

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

Portable air conditioner: $339.98 (Orig. $399.99)

Using a dual compressor, this portable AC cools spaces up to 600 square feet. Built-in wheels let you move it from room to room, while its quiet Sleep Mode makes it a smart pick for bedrooms.

Top tech sales from FOX News Deals favorites

Amazon: Get up to 77% off phones, TVs and other home tech during Fourth of July weekend deals

Best Buy: Shop TVs up to 45% off and more tech deals during the brand's Fourth of July sale

Lenovo: Save up to 41% off on ThinkPad laptops

Jackery: Find up to 60% off power stations and other essentials during the 4th of July sale.

Electrolux: Deals on appliances are up to 30% off for the Fourth of July

Sonos: Save hundreds on bundles of speakers, headphones, soundbars and more

FAQs

What tech brands or stores have the best deals this week?

Shop standout deals on brands like Apple and Anker, including 50% off Bose QuietComfort headphones and a 59% markdown on smart robot vacuum mop. You can also save on a refurbished JBL Clip 5 portable speaker and MacBook Pro.

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

Zohran Mamdani praised for 'fantastic' question-dodging on presidential eligibility

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:04:34 -0400

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was praised for being "fantastic" at dodging questions by podcast host Jillian Superstar on Wednesday after she asked the socialist mayor if he would run for president if he could.

"If you could run for president, would you?" Superstar asked during her "360 with Jillian" podcast.

Mamdani said he thankfully never had to worry about it, referring to the fact that he was born in Uganda.

MAMDANI GETS ROASTED AFTER TELLING SWELTERING NEW YORKERS TO SET ACS TO 78 DEGREES: 'COMMIE'

"And I think it's hard to think of a better job than this. And I know that you'll hear so many politicians say that. But my point is just like… You wake up in New York City, you go to sleep in New York City. The whole day is in New York City. What more could you want? Yeah, it's just I don't know. It is a dream," he added.

Superstar then said, "You're good. You can teach a master class on dodging questions. That was fantastic."

During an interview with ABC's Jonathan Karl on Sunday, Mamdani was asked whether he supported an amendment to the Constitution to change the rule that candidates for president must be born in the U.S.

"I think the Constitution looks good the way it is," he responded.

FETTERMAN WARNS MAMDANI RISKS 'CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS' BY VOWING TO DEFY SCOTUS IMMIGRATION RULING

Fox News Digital confirmed Wednesday that Mamdani had been speaking with former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mamdani, in an interview on SiriusXM's "The Clay Cane Show" on Wednesday, confirmed the call with Harris.

"The vice president reached out to have a conversation, and we've had a brief conversation. We've been in touch over the last few months, and I really do appreciate her outreach," the mayor said.

The phone call with Mamdani, first reported by Axios, along with other closed-door meetings with progressive groups, suggests Harris is trying to shore up support from factions of the party that didn’t support her during her 2024 run.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

The news comes after several Mamdani-backed socialist candidates swept their primaries in June over establishment Democrats.

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The three congressional candidates that he endorsed in the primary — Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier — were all victorious, and are expected to cruise to victory against their Republican opponents in November.

America 250 gear on Amazon: Save up to 60% on hats, garden flags and more

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:44:24 -0400

Ahead of America's semiquincentennial this weekend, Amazon has rolled out deals on America 250 merchandise. We sifted through thousands of offers to find the best patriotic T-shirts, hats, flags, collectibles and other keepsakes to help commemorate the historic milestone.

Trending America 250 deals

Freedom America flag tee: $12.99 (28% off)
Patriotic embroidered baseball cap, 2-pack: $16.99 (15% off)
America 250 foil cup: $13.81 (14% off)
Wooden eagle decor: $12.97 (13% off)
Patriotic USA 250 earrings, 2-pack: $6.99 (13% off)
250th anniversary women's floral American flag shirt: $17.96 (10% off)

America 250 T-shirt: $19.99 (17% off)

Original price: $23.99

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with this cotton T-shirt featuring a classic American flag graphic and the commemorative anniversary dates. The simple design can be worn long after the holiday.

American flag polo: $25.99 (35% off)

Original price: $39.99

Stay comfortable during Fourth of July celebrations in this moisture-wicking polo. A bald eagle and American flag graphic add a patriotic touch, while the wrinkle-resistant, stretchy fabric is designed for all-day wear and easy movement.

Embroidered America 250 hat: $16.14 (5% off)

Original price: $16.99

This patriotic cap is a No. 1 best-seller on Amazon and has a few more robust design elements that make it stand out. Embroidered on the front are symbols of American heritage like the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty and a bald eagle set against a red, white and blue flag. Choose from red, white or navy to add a classic Americana touch to any outfit. It's also available in a two-pack.

Adjustable America 250 hat: $9.99 (9% off)

Original price: $11.99

Prefer a more rugged option? This distressed baseball cap fits the bill perfectly. It comes embroidered with the years 1776 and 2026 with the American flag peeking through the distressing. An adjustable metal buckle provides a customized fit, while a moisture-wicking sweatband helps keep you comfortable in the heat.

America 250th table runner: $3.98 (60% off)

Original price: $9.98

Add a patriotic touch to your table with this America 250 anniversary table runner. Designed to fit most dining tables and kitchen islands, it's an inexpensive way to decorate the nation's milestone birthday at just $4.

Patriotic gift bundle: $19.99 (20% off)

Original price: $24.99

Shopping for a patriot or just want more bang for your buck? This America 250 gift set includes a 3-by-5-foot flag, an embroidered baseball cap and socks that fit men's sizes 6-12 and women's sizes 7 to 13. Just click the coupon box before you check out and get $5 off.

Red, white and blue pin: $5.99 (25% off)

Original price: $7.99

Add this pin to your Fourth of July hats, tees or bags for an extra pop of red, white and blue. Get one or grab packs of 12, 24 or 36 to share with your friends and family.

Stick flags, pack of 6: $6.99 (46% off)

Original price: $12.99

Rain or shine, these wrinkle-resistant, waterproof flags are ready for your Fourth of July festivities. Display them in your yard, line a walkway or wave them proudly at a parade.

America 250 garden flag: $7.99 (20% off)

Original price: $9.99

Even your garden can look patriotic with this America 250 flag. It's double-sided, so you see the American eagle and celebratory design from all angles.

Commemorative Betsy Ross flag: $36.79 (20% off)

Original price: $45.99

Celebrate America 250 with this durable 3-by-5-foot flag, featuring embroidered stars inspired by early U.S. flag designs. Made from fade-resistant nylon with brass grommets for secure display, it's built to withstand the elements while showcasing your American pride. Make sure to clip the coupon before checking out to get the 20% discount.

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

America 250 commemorative flag: $15.98 (20% off)

Original price: $19.98

Show your patriotic spirit with this America 250 anniversary flag, designed to add a festive touch to your yard or garden. The design features a soldier graphic accented with red, white and blue for a bold outdoor display.

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

Florida AG seeks judge's impeachment after baby drowning COVID insanity acquittal

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:01:00 -0400

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and local lawmakers are seeking to impeach a judge who acquitted a woman on a historic COVID-linked insanity plea.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Miguel de la O acquitted Precious Bland, who was charged with manslaughter and two counts of attempted murder in the first degree after she allegedly drowned her 15-month-old daughter and stabbed her husband and another child.

Bland’s attorneys argued that she suffered a psychotic break caused by COVID-19 and, therefore, was unable to understand the consequences of her actions. According to her defense, Bland was experiencing hallucinations and believed she was being instructed to baptize her family members.

During the 2021 incident, Bland was yelling that "Jesus Christ is coming and COVID is going to kill us all," her husband told police, according to a copy of the arrest report obtained by Fox News Digital.

STORE OWNER HELD WITHOUT BOND FOR 3 YEARS ACQUITTED OF MURDER IN TEEN'S SHOOTING DEATH

"The defendant insisted that everyone needed to be baptized and that she was going to baptize everyone in the bathtub," the report read.

The police report details a harrowing scene where Bland instructed one of the children in the home to retrieve a knife, but the child claimed to not know why.

Bland then allegedly stabbed her husband several times during a struggle, and he "along with his four other children, ran out of the residence in fear for their lives and he contacted the police," the report read.

Bland's older daughter, in an attempt to grab the baby away from the defendant, "sustained a stab wound to her forearm during the struggle," the report continued.

The girl "then ran out of the residence in fear for her life. Officers arrived on the scene, made entry into the residence, and placed the defendant into custody," the report said.

Officers located the baby "face down, unresponsive, inside the bathtub filled with bloody water," according to the report.

De la O sided with the defense, acquitting Bland on all three counts and allowing her to return to her home ahead of a future hearing to decide on her treatment options. Uthmeier called the judge's decision unacceptable.

FEDERAL JUDGE WHO HAD SEX IN CHAMBERS APOLOGIZES TO FORMER CLERK AS IMPEACHMENT PUSH RAMPS UP

"In a bench trial — where the judge made the decision, not a jury — he allowed a woman off on an insanity defense after she drowned her baby. He cited insanity related to COVID. This is unacceptable," Uthmeier told Fox News Digital in an interview.

"I believe we have impeachment provisions in our state constitutions for a reason. The federal government has similar authorities, but we don't see judges getting impeached in modern times. So, I believe this is wrong. We're going to be pushing hard to work with our legislature to hold some of these judges accountable. I believe they're violating their oath and endangering our citizens," Uthmeier told Fox News Digital.

Uthmeier also revealed that he was exploring impeachment options for a number of other judges as well, disclosing to Fox News Digital that he was working with other Florida legislators on the matter.

FEDERAL JUDGE WHO HAD SEX IN CHAMBERS APOLOGIZES TO FORMER CLERK AS IMPEACHMENT PUSH RAMPS UP

"I've already had some Florida legislators reach out, excited to work with me on articles of impeachment, and hopefully get some of these dangerous people off the bench," he told Fox News Digital.

"We have taken a big interest in judges that we believe are exceeding their authority, abusing discretion, or acting in a way that jeopardizes public safety. We've already called for impeachments in a couple of other judicial cases: a judge in Tallahassee who let a convicted child predator go free — a guy where a jury found him guilty of a child sex offense, and he then murdered his 5-year-old stepdaughter. There's a case in Miami where a judge let the defendant out on bail after he shoved rocks in a girl's mouth as she was being raped," Uthmeier explained.

Bland’s attorney, Larry Handfield, said he believed the ruling was the first successful COVID-related insanity defense in the country.

"This was COVID," Handfield told NBC6 South Florida.

"It's a woman who served our country for five years," he said, referring to Bland's five years in the U.S. Navy.

Handfield said she was "living the American dream until COVID came. She didn't ask for COVID."

Uthmeier also said he believed this was one of, if not the, first ruling of its kind.

"I am not aware of this having happened before. I certainly have not read through all of the transcripts from the proceeding, but to me, anybody who drowns their daughter should not be released. To the extent that insanity is going to weigh in on things, I believe it should factor into where you are housed for your incarceration, not give you a ‘get out of jail free’ card where you're just allowed to walk scot-free and put other people in danger. If somebody truly has serious mental defects where they need treatment or help in some way, so be it, but they should get that help behind a barred hospital — some sort of mental institution where they are confined and not able to go free and walk the streets again," Uthmeier said.

The Florida attorney general also said he believed the ruling was part of a "national trend" of federal judges overstepping.

"I think all of us as leaders in this country need to wake up and realize that the impeachment and removal of judges is something under the Constitution that can be pursued. And until we do it — until we reject their abuse of authority — they're going to continue to have credibility when they do these wayward things. So, I'm going to be pushing impeachment very often and loudly over the next year," he concluded.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The court appointed forensic psychologist Dayra Bodan to determine whether Bland’s degree of insanity warranted involuntary hospitalization. Bland is slated to have another hearing on July 6 to determine treatment options.

Fox News Digital contacted Bland's attorney but did not receive a response. The 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where Judge de la O presides, told Fox News Digital "judicial ethics canons do not permit comment on pending cases."

New sodium-ion battery could reshape grid storage

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:06 -0400

A new sodium-ion battery from Chinese battery giant CATL could eventually affect something much closer to home: the power grid that keeps your lights on. CATL has introduced its TENER Sodium Energy Storage System. The company says it is the world's first field-validated sodium-ion energy storage system ready for commercial use.

Think big energy project, not phone upgrade. This battery is built for large storage sites that can support the grid. That kind of storage is getting more attention as electricity demand rises. AI data centers use a lot of power. Heat waves can strain local grids. Solar and wind power also need storage so electricity is available when people need it.

However, CATL has not announced a specific U.S. launch for this system. So, this is more about where grid storage may be headed than what your local utility will install tomorrow.

FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS SEE AI REGULATION AS URGENT, RANK SAFEGUARDS AHEAD OF INNOVATION

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New sodium-ion battery targets grid storage

CATL just launched the TENER Sodium Energy Storage System in Munich, Germany. The company says cumulative shipments should reach 1 gigawatt-hour by the end of 2026. Deliveries in China are expected to start in September 2026. Global deliveries are scheduled to begin in June 2027.

That timeline shows sodium-ion batteries are moving closer to commercial use. The system is designed for stationary storage. In other words, it could help store electricity from solar farms, wind projects or other power sources for later use.

That becomes important when demand jumps during hot afternoons or renewable power drops later in the day.

Sodium-ion battery storage could ease lithium pressure

Most large battery storage projects today use lithium-based systems. Lithium works well, but supply chains can be tight. Prices can also move when demand climbs. CATL says sodium is more than 1,000 times more common than lithium. The company also says sodium is widely distributed around the world.

That could make sodium-ion batteries attractive for grid storage. These batteries do not need to be tiny enough for a phone or light enough for an electric car.

CATL isn’t saying sodium will replace lithium overnight. Instead, the company says sodium and lithium could work together in future energy storage systems.

For you, the larger point is choice. More battery options could help energy companies reduce their dependence on a single material.

AI BOOM: DEMAND FOR DATA CENTERS DRIVES INNOVATION BY ENERGY, TECH INDUSTRIES TO PRODUCE NEW POWER SOURCES

CATL says the battery fits existing systems

One of CATL's bigger claims is that TENER Sodium can fit into existing lithium iron phosphate energy storage platforms. CATL says the system shares the same physical footprint as LFP systems. That could help developers avoid changing enclosures, redesigning projects or repeating certification steps.

The system delivers more than 30 megawatt-hours of rated capacity. CATL says each module weighs about 42 metric tons, or about 46 U.S. tons. The company says only 34 units are needed for a 1-gigawatt-hour storage site. The modular design also supports flexible storage durations of 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours. That gives developers more room to tailor projects based on local power needs.

Sodium-ion battery design can handle tough conditions

Battery storage has to work in places that get brutally hot or freezing cold. CATL says TENER Sodium is designed for better extreme-temperature performance, enhanced safety and lower operating costs. The company also says its battery management system gives the sodium-ion system an additional 20 percent safety margin compared with lithium-ion batteries.

The system also uses a top-discharge airflow design that CATL says reduces heat generation by nearly 30 percent compared with conventional systems. CATL says auxiliary power consumption drops from the industry average of 2 percent to 1 percent.

That could be useful for large grid storage projects, especially in places where heat, storms or heavy power demand can strain local systems. CATL also says TENER Sodium operates at only 65 decibels, which is 10 decibels lower than conventional systems. That could help address local concerns when battery storage sites are built closer to where power is needed.

Sodium-ion battery shipments signal commercial momentum

CATL says TENER Sodium has reached full commercial maturity across technology, production capacity and supply chain readiness. The company says it has worked on sodium-ion battery research and development since 2016. CATL also says it has invested about $1.4 billion, depending on exchange rates, over the past decade.

CATL has expanded sodium-ion production lines at its Fuding base in China. The company says that adds 40 gigawatt-hours of annual capacity. Another planned base in Jining, Shandong, could support 160 gigawatt-hours of sodium-ion battery production capacity. CATL also says it signed a three-year, 60-gigawatt-hour sodium-ion energy storage order with HyperStrong in April 2026. The company described it as the world's largest sodium-ion commercial contract.

Those numbers show CATL is treating sodium-ion storage as a serious commercial product. That said, U.S. adoption is a separate question. American utilities, regulators and developers would still need to weigh cost, performance, supply chain risk and security concerns.

What this means to you

This sodium-ion battery system may never be something you buy directly. However, the technology behind it could still affect how electricity gets stored and delivered. If sodium-ion storage proves reliable, it could give energy companies another way to support the grid. That may become more important as AI data centers increase electricity demand.

Better storage can help utilities use power more efficiently. It can also help balance supply when demand rises quickly. Still, there are limits. A new battery chemistry will not fix old transmission lines, slow permitting or local grid bottlenecks by itself.

The real takeaway is that sodium-ion batteries could become part of the grid storage mix. They are not a magic fix, but they could help energy companies build more flexible storage projects.

Watch the CyberGuy Live replay: Lock Down Your Phone in 30 Minutes

Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com.

Kurt's key takeaways

CATL's new sodium-ion battery may sound like a faraway energy story, especially since there is no announced U.S. rollout yet. Still, it is important because the grid is under growing pressure from AI data centers, extreme weather and the need to store more renewable power. What stands out is the use of sodium, which CATL says is far more common than lithium. If this technology proves reliable in major energy projects, it could give utilities another way to store power and keep the grid steadier when demand spikes.

Would you be comfortable with Chinese-made battery systems supporting part of the U.S. electric grid if they helped make power more reliable? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Lee Greenwood recalls surviving enemy fire in Panama after White House sent him to entertain troops

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:58:39 -0400

Country singer Lee Greenwood recalled being sent to Panama by then-President George H.W. Bush to entertain U.S. troops during the mission against Manuel Noriega, revealing he came under fire before reaching Marines in the jungle.

"I’m going to send you to Panama," Greenwood recalled Bush telling him on the "Hang Out With Sean Hannity" podcast. "Take your band down there. I’ve already taken out the dependents. We’re going to take [Noriega] out... I want you to entertain our troops."

The "God Bless the USA" singer said his band left first by Chinook helicopter, while a courier handed him a letter from Bush for Marines stationed in the jungle.

AARON TIPPIN SAYS PATRIOTISM IS 'VERY STRONG IN AMERICA' AHEAD OF FORT CAMPBELL 4TH OF JULY SHOW

"And a courier had given me a letter from the president to 200 Marines in the jungle," Greenwood said. "So, the band’s gone. I jump in a jeep with a sergeant and we... come under fire and the bullets are whizzing through the jeep."

Greenwood said he was not hit, but the sergeant driving the jeep was wounded.

"[It] took my driver’s finger off right there in the index finger," Greenwood said. "So fortunately, I didn’t get hit. We got to the compound where the Marines were, and I showed them where we were, and they went out, and they took out these guys."

Operation Just Cause began in December 1989 when nearly 26,000 combat troops were deployed in a mission the U.S. Army says was aimed at neutralizing Noriega's forces, restoring elected democratic government and protecting American lives.

Greenwood said the Panama mission came back to him years later when the same driver showed up backstage after a concert in Ohio.

"I said, ‘Is he missing a finger?’" Greenwood said. "He said, ‘Yes.’ I came out, and we hugged each other, you know, for the moment that we could have both been killed."

AMERICA’S NEXT 250 YEARS DEPEND ON PASSING FAITH AND FREEDOM TO OUR CHILDREN

He said the episode was one of many military visits that shaped his career.

"I remember it was 140 degrees in the jungle ... and addressing 150 Marines that are about to go to war," Greenwood said. "It’s been like that all over my career whenever I visit military, and that makes me a very proud patriot."

The interview focused on Greenwood, his wife, Kimberly, and the 40-year-old legacy of "God Bless the USA" ahead of America's 250th anniversary.

Kimberly Greenwood said their relationship began through USO tours and service members.

"Really, our beginning of our relationship started with patriotism and serving our military," she said. "And that’s what we’ve done for our entire time together."

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Greenwood said "God Bless the USA" was written out of love for the country and respect for those who died serving it.

"I’m so proud to know that I wrote it because I love the country," he said. "I didn’t write it for any other purpose."

The full interview is available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

19 brands still making cookware and kitchen tools in the U.S. — from skillets to spatulas

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:43:55 -0400

As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, we're spotlighting cookware, bakeware and kitchen tools still made in the United States. From Lodge cast-iron products to All-Clad stainless steel cookware and John Boos cutting boards, these American-made picks combine quality craftsmanship with the longevity to earn a place in any kitchen.

Stainless Steel Cookware:

All-Clad, Heritage Steel and Made In

Build a kitchen that lasts with American-made stainless steel cookware.

All-Clad D5 stainless steel 10-piece cookware set: $899.95 (10% off)

Original price: $999.99

Made in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, All-Clad's bonded stainless steel cookware combines American craftsmanship with the durability home cooks and professional chefs rely on.

The D5 stainless steel cookware set pairs stainless steel with an aluminum core for even heating, making it ideal for everything from searing steaks to slow braises. The 10-piece set includes two fry pans, two saucepans with lids, a sauté pan with a lid and an 8-quart stockpot, covering nearly every cooking task.

Heritage Steel 12-inch frying pan: $159.95

Crafted in Clarksville, Tennessee, Heritage Steel cookware uses durable 5-ply clad construction with titanium-strengthened stainless steel.

This 12-inch frying pan works on all stovetops, including induction, and is safe for use in the oven or under the broiler up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Stay-cool handles provide a comfortable grip, while the rounded rim helps make pouring cleaner and more controlled.

Made In grill: $599

Made In's portable grill comes in carbon steel or stainless steel, both of which retain heat evenly. It runs on charcoal, hardwood or white charcoal, and the stay-cool silicone handles make it easy to transport. Cleanup is simple thanks to the removable stainless steel ashtray. Get $100 off with code FOX100 through the Fourth of July weekend.

Cast-Iron Cookware:

Lodge, Smithey Ironware, Stargazer and Field Company

These U.S.-made skillets and pans deliver exceptional durability and cooking performance for years of use.

Lodge Cast-Iron skillet: $21.46 (10% off)

Original price: $23.85

Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, for generations, earning a reputation as one of the most recognizable names in the category.

The durable Lodge cast-iron skillet can handle everything from stovetop dishes to oven baking, grilling and campfire meals. Each skillet arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use for searing steaks, cooking fish and prepping vegetables.

Smithey Ironware American Anniversary Skillet: $210

Based in a former naval base in Charleston, South Carolina, Smithey Ironware honors the classic style of vintage cookware while integrating modern technology.

Celebrate America's 250th with this limited-edition cast-iron skillet. It has a bald eagle design for that patriotic flair and a classic cooking surface and helper handle for that practical and collectible touch.

Stargazer 10.5-inch cast-iron skillet: $155

Made in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Stargazer makes pure cast-iron pans renowned for their smooth surface and modern design.

This versatile cast-iron skillet works on most stovetops and supports a wide range of cooking tasks, from eggs and bacon to cornbread and oven roasting. A flared, drip-free rim makes pouring cleaner and easier, while the pure cast-iron construction delivers lasting durability backed by a lifetime warranty.

Field Company cast-iron griddle: $185

Field Company's cast-iron cookware delivers the feel and performance of vintage pans.

Its cast-iron griddle combines the smooth, lightweight feel of old-school American cookware with modern manufacturing. Made in the U.S. from start to finish, each pre-seasoned griddle develops a naturally nonstick cooking surface over time and works on gas, induction cooktops, grills and campfires.

Bakeware:

USA Pan and Nordic Ware

These U.S.-made baking essentials achieve consistent results every time.

USA Pan round cake pan: $15.99

Produced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA Pan manufactures commercial-grade, aluminized steel bakeware with a nonstick coating.

Preparing dessert for an America 250 get-together? This cake pan uses a ridged fluted surface and heavy-gauge aluminized steel to promote even heat distribution and consistent browning. A proprietary silicone nonstick coating helps baked goods release easily and speeds up cleanup, while reinforced rolled rims add strength and durability.

Nordic Ware Bundt pan: $23.99 (37% off)

Original price: $38

Made in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nordic Ware manufactures cast-aluminum Bundt pans and everyday baking sheets.

Bake picture-perfect Bundt cakes with this American-made cast aluminum pan, designed for crisp details and even browning. It has a silicone nonstick coating that helps cakes release cleanly and a durable construction that's built to last.

Cutting Boards:

John Boos, Epicurean and J.K. Adams

Chop, dice and slice on durable domestic cutting boards.

John Boos maple cutting board: $157.65

Made in Effingham, Illinois, John Boos has earned a reputation as one of the most respected names in professional and home kitchen prep surfaces.

This maple cutting board comes with a built-in juice groove to help contain liquids while carving meats, slicing fruit or prepping vegetables. The thick hardwood construction stands up to daily use and provides a durable work surface designed to last for years.

Epicurean Kitchen Series cutting board: $33.99

Manufactured in Superior, Wisconsin, Epicurean makes durable paper-composite cutting boards that are gentle on knives and built for everyday use.

Epicurean's Kitchen Series cutting board has a nonporous surface that resists stains and odors, and unlike most cutting boards, it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Lightweight yet durable, it's a practical choice whether you're prepping weeknight meals or entertaining a large gathering.

J.K. Adams cutting board: $34.99 (29% off)

Original price: $49

Handcrafted in Dorset, Vermont, J.K. Adams has earned a reputation for making high-quality kitchen tools from North American hardwoods.

This cutting board offers a durable prep surface designed for daily use, while the natural wood construction adds warmth and character to any kitchen. Like many of the brand's products, it comes backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Kitchen Tools:

Earlywood and Anchor Hocking

These American-made picks are built to handle years of daily use.

Earlywood spatula: $22

Made in Red Lodge, Montana, at the base of the Beartooth Mountains, Earlywood crafts its kitchen tools from domestic hardwoods.

This handcrafted spatula offers a durable, lightweight design suited for stirring, flipping and everyday cooking tasks like smashing garlic or cleaning up scraps. Each piece is hand-inspected for quality and backed by a lifetime warranty.

Anchor Hocking mixing bowl set: $24.99

Based in Lancaster, Ohio, Anchor Hocking has produced glassware and kitchen essentials for more than 120 years.

This mixing bowl set offers durable glass construction for mixing, serving and food prep, while the nesting design helps save cabinet space when not in use.

Flatware & Cutlery:

Liberty Tabletop, Rada Cutlery and Lamson

Set the table with flatware and knives that celebrate American craftsmanship.

Liberty Tabletop Pearl 20-piece flatware set: $205.99

Made in Sherrill, New York, Liberty Tabletop manufactures stainless steel flatware and remains the only producer in the United States.

The Pearl 20-piece flatware set from Liberty Tabletop combines durable stainless steel construction with a timeless design ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions, including America's 250th anniversary. Crafted for long-term use, the set brings American-made quality to the dining table.

Rada Cutlery steak knives set: $54

Rada Cutlery has been manufacturing high-quality kitchen knives in Waverly, Iowa, since 1948.

Its steak knife set includes sharp stainless steel blades crafted to slice cleanly through steaks and other meats. It's a practical addition to everyday dinners and special occasions alike.

Lamson chef's slotted fish turner: $24.99 (50% off)

Original price: $49.99

Based in Massachusetts, Lamson has been making knives and cooking utensils since 1837.

The brand's iconic slotted fish turner pairs a flexible stainless steel blade with a classic walnut handle. The thin, angled design slides comfortably under delicate foods like fish, pancakes and eggs, while the slotted construction helps drain excess oil or liquid.

Table Linens:

The Mountain Weavers and Country Cottons

Complete your table with these special linens that elevate everyday meals and gatherings.

The Mountain Weavers Hartland plaid cotton tablecloth: $79.95

Using 150-year-old looms, master weavers in New England craft The Mountain Weavers tablecloth from American-grown cotton.

Inspired by the durable textiles once crafted in Vermont's Green Mountains, this reversible tablecloth brings red, white and blue buffalo plaid style to any America 250 celebration. Its soft fabric gets even softer with every wash.

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Country Cottons kitchen towels, set of 2: $16.99

Made in North Carolina from 100% American-grown, woven and sewn cotton, these Country Cottons kitchen towels combine durability with everyday practicality.

The absorbent, lint-free fabric of these towels helps tackle spills and drying tasks without scratching surfaces, while the textured weave lifts dirt efficiently and holds up well to repeated washing. Each set has two preshrunk towels measuring 24 by 15 inches and comes in a variety of colors to complement any kitchen.

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

Marshals nab teen wanted for murder of Penn State student 1,700 miles from crime scene

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:57:52 -0400

A Pennsylvania teenager believed to be responsible for the death of Penn State student Billy Schmidt, who was shot as he walked home from an NBA Finals watch party, was arrested at the Colorado home of a distant relative following a month-long manhunt, authorities said Thursday.

Azzubair Outen-Fleming, 16, was captured in Colorado Springs by the U.S. Marshals Service after he tried to deny his true identity, the agency said. He is being housed at a juvenile detention center pending extradition to Philadelphia.

On Tuesday, officials issued warrants for Outen-Fleming and 16-year-old Kaiseem Smith, who was also allegedly involved in the shooting death and remains on the run.

POLICE IDENTIFY TWO TEEN SUSPECTS AFTER PENN STATE STUDENT SHOT DEAD OVER STOLEN PHONE

Philadelphia Police Department Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said Outen-Fleming is being charged with murder, Fox 29 reported.

Schmidt, 22, was killed during an armed robbery attempt in Philadelphia that happened on June 6 at around 1:30 a.m.

Officers found him with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to a local hospital where he died minutes after the shooting, which was captured on surveillance video.

MANHUNT UNDERWAY AFTER COLLEGE STUDENT FATALLY SHOT CHASING ROBBERS WHO ALLEGEDLY STOLE HIS PHONE

In the footage, Schmidt is heard demanding his phone back before a gunshot is heard moments later.

The video shows a man throwing a cellphone before another individual can be seen running around a corner, while being chased by Schmidt, who was then shot in the chest.

Schmidt's father, Bill Schmidt, told ABC7 that his son was on his way home from a bar where he was watching the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs with friends.

"He was a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul, never bothered anyone and for him to get shot like that is a travesty," Bill Schmidt said. "I'm shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them."

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The younger Schmidt was slated to graduate from Penn State, where he was studying journalism, in December.

Fox News Digital's Adam Sabes contributed to this report.

Virginia city roasted for encouraging people to snitch on neighbors celebrating Fourth of July with fireworks

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:54:33 -0400

The city of Alexandria, Virginia, is pouring cold water on fireworks for the Fourth of July.

America's 250th birthday is this Saturday, and the vibes in the country are incredibly high. It's always a good day to celebrate the USA.

Independence Day just gives people a 100% justified reason to take things to the next level.

INTERNAL EMAILS EXPOSE HOW JULY 4TH BASH IS BEING DERAILED BY DEM-RUN COUNTY: 'OFFENSIVE'

Just don't plan on lighting any fireworks in Alexandria to celebrate.

Alexandria government roasted for absurd anti-fireworks tweet

The government of Alexandria tweeted Wednesday a blunt warning about fireworks — and encouragement to snitch on your neighbors.

"Fireworks are illegal in Alexandria, including sparklers. Report illegal fireworks by calling 311," the tweet announcing the city's plans stated, in part.

Sounds like it's coming straight out of Stalin's communist mouth. Snitching on your neighbors over sparklers? Sounds like something right out of Pyongyang, North Korea.

I'm not the only one who feels that way. The reactions on X are absolutely cooking the government of Alexandria.

Sometimes resistance is the act of patriotism left in a situation like this one. I say that as someone who isn't even a huge fan of fireworks.

DAVID MARCUS: AS THE NATION BICKERS, SMALL-TOWN AMERICA STILL LOVES A PARADE

Yet, I understand being a proud American and celebrating our Independence Day. Fireworks, cold beer, a hot grill and time with good people.

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It's a simple formula that has worked for a long time. Don't fix what's not broken.

What do you think about the Alexandria government's tweet? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

New Jersey psychotherapist mom killed inside home as cops launch manhunt to identify suspect

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:21:04 -0400

A New Jersey mother and psychotherapist was found stabbed to death in her home last month, and now investigators are on the hunt to find her killer.

Investigators discovered Brooke Hanlon, 35, dead in her Chester home on June 6, and have yet to name a suspect.

She worked as a psychotherapist in Bernardsville, according to a LinkedIn profile.

BOYFRIEND ACCUSED OF STABBING DEFENSE TECH ENGINEER 15 TIMES DENIED BOND AFTER 911 CALL PLAYED IN COURT

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office said, "An examination by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be multiple sharp force injuries and the manner of death as homicide."

A photo posted to social media from December of last year shows Hanlon holding a baby alongside her husband.

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Morris County Crime stoppers posted an ad for a $1,000 reward for anyone who has information that could lead to an arrest.

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The investigation is ongoing.

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Security guard survives eight days beneath collapsed shopping center after Venezuela earthquakes

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:43:38 -0400

A 43-year-old security guard in Venezuela was pulled alive from the ruins of a shopping center Thursday after being trapped beneath the rubble for eight days following twin earthquakes that killed more than 2,200 people.

Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was rescued from the collapsed basement of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in the coastal state of La Guaira, where he had been trapped since the powerful earthquakes struck June 24.

"When we found him, he asked us not to tell his wife that he was alive, just in case he wouldn't make it," Costa Rican Red Cross rescuer Minyar Collado told The Associated Press.

Rescuers first made contact with Gil Flores over the weekend after detecting signs of life beneath the debris.

BOY, 2, PULLED ALIVE FROM RUBBLE SIX DAYS AFTER VENEZUELA'S DEVASTATING TWIN EARTHQUAKES

Gil Flores was working an overnight shift when the first earthquake struck. While much of the building collapsed around him, his small security booth stayed intact, protecting him from the falling concrete and leaving enough space for him to survive.

Rescue crews worked through aftershocks, torrential rain and unstable rubble to reach him. They used a telescopic camera to communicate with Gil Flores and lowered water and liquid nutrients through a narrow shaft to keep him alive during the final days of the rescue.

His wife, Gusbimar González, said the family's despair turned to hope after rescuers reached her husband.

"When I learned he was alive, I saw a ray of light in the darkness," she told the AP. The couple has two children, ages 8 and 10.

Video from the scene showed rescuers carrying Gil Flores on a stretcher covered with an orange tarp through cheering crowds before loading him into a Red Cross ambulance. Members of the Costa Rican Red Cross hugged one another after the rescue.

The operation was led by Chilean firefighters and included search-and-rescue teams from Costa Rica, the United States, Portugal, Mexico and other countries.

EX-MLB PLAYER SAYS WIFE DIED IN DEVASTATING VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKES

The shopping center collapsed after twin earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela on June 24, destroying tens of thousands of buildings, killing more than 2,200 people and injuring more than 11,000 others.

Gil Flores' rescue offered a rare moment of hope after days of devastation.

On Tuesday, emergency workers rescued a 2-year-old boy who had been trapped beneath the rubble for six days.

On Saturday, the U.S. State Department shared video showing American search-and-rescue teams pulling a 9-month-old girl alive from a collapsed structure. The infant was rescued along with her mother, the State Department told Fox News Digital. Both suffered only minor injuries, according to the rescue team.

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The U.S. government has mobilized $150 million in humanitarian aid to help Venezuela respond to the disaster.

Fox News Digital's Michael Sinkewicz and Peter D'Abrosca, along with The Associated Press, contributed to this report.

George Washington's remarkable prayer for America still resonates 250 years later

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:42:59 -0400

It is the quintessential imagery of a desperate man, drained of all earthly strength and power, who's come to the end of his own knowledge and wisdom. He takes a knee in humbleness to God.

This is the portrait of then-General George Washington at Valley Forge, praying for guidance when the fight for America's independence seemed lost.

The iconic painting, "Prayer at Valley Forge," was created 50 years ago by artist Arnold Friberg in honor of America's bicentennial. Now, it's the centerpiece of the Museum of the Bible's exhibit celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.

SECRETS OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEFIELDS EMERGE 250 YEARS AFTER AMERICA'S FOUNDING

Carlos Campo, Ph.D., CEO of the Museum of the Bible, says, "Washington is most powerful on his knees. That's what he knows, because he is bowing to a greater power who can infuse him with true leadership."

The image is a snapshot of "a man carrying a burden that feels too heavy to bear — and the quiet place he goes when everything is on the line." It takes place during the brutal winter of 1777-1778.

America's founders had already declared a break from Great Britain's rule on July 4, 1776.

Now, the "fragile army" of colonists needs to fight to secure it. Washington is their leader. But America at this juncture is more a dream than solid reality.

Washington's soldiers are freezing in the harsh snow and cold. Many of them are without shoes or warm clothing.

JUST 5 MINUTES OF PRAYER COULD HAVE SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS, STUDY FINDS

The painting and the D.C.-based museum show how fidelity to God and belief in the omniscient power of an Almighty God are real powers that helped create the United States of America. They are not lofty philosophies written in founding documents, but living realities tested on a literal battlefield.

As America celebrates its 250th year, much of Washington, D.C., is turning red, white and blue to exalt this nation's strength through its noble founding documents, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights — all now taking center stage. Yet the greater influence, Campo believes, on America’s self-governing sense of law, justice and mercy is found at the Museum of the Bible, where the famous portrait of General Washington in prayer headlines the museum’s exhibit.

Campo told Fox News, "While other influences aided in the founding principles of our nation, nothing — and there's not even a close second — had the influence as the power of scripture."

Even so, Dr. Ben Carson wants us to know there was something in the man himself that was divinely ordained. He quips that it's a story about a young Washington that public schools tend to leave out of their history lessons.

RARE AMERICAN BIBLE AND FOUNDERS' LETTERS TRACE FAITH'S ROLE IN BIRTH OF THE NATION

Carson, the former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development and, before that, a highly accomplished pediatric surgeon, is making sure younger generations hear the story through his Little Patriots Learning. In July 1755, a 23-year-old Washington escaped a harrowing death at the Battle of the Monongahela.

He was shot at by an expert marksman and survived. In a letter to his younger brother John, the future first president wrote, "By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side."

Carson says, "He realized that God had saved him for a reason. And years later, he was in the same area... before he became president… and one of the Indian chiefs who had been involved in the war heard about it and asked [to be brought] to where Washington was. When he reached Washington, he said, 'Sir, I just needed to meet you because I'm an expert marksman and I shot you 17 times and my men shot you, and pretty soon I told them to stop wasting their bullets, because this is a man who's protected by the great spirit above. And I just wanted to see you before I died, knowing that you would become the father of a great nation.'"

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Added Carson, "That used to be in all of our history books."

There were no videos or phone cameras back then, of course — just historical accounts. Putting the future in the hands of a man who believes wholeheartedly in the power of prayer seems a bit risky. But Washington and America's subsequent thriving should be proof enough.

The museum, though, has made the portrait of "Prayer at Valley Forge" come alive with a one-man show in its theater.

Actor James Denton portrays the general, not as an alabaster statue whose portrait graces the $1 bill, nor the proud picture of confidence as the president of the United States, but as the man "at his most vulnerable" facing what all men and women face at some point in life: a crisis. Except that this crisis would affect not just him, but chart the course of history.

So Washington did what he knew was demanded by Scripture: to "pray without ceasing." And to know these words of Scripture: "If my people, who are called by my name would humble themselves … I will come and heal their land."

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The die was cast. Decades later, Abraham Lincoln would take up the mantel of prayer. He faced another crisis, a civil war. While Washington’s prayer came to help birth our nation, Lincoln’s prayer was to sustain it, to keep it together.

He famously said, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day."

If America were to survive and become something of a global beacon on a hill, for the good of the world, it had to survive its own internal conflicts. It must live in truth "e pluribus unum" — out of many, one.

Today, we sometimes take prayer for granted, even mock its worth. Thoughts and prayers get downgraded to mere words with no action. But prayer has power.

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That is why the churches call men and women who take to their knees as prayer warriors.

Says Campo, "Washington may not have been the most orthodox believer, [but] he certainly understood the sovereign power of God and that, in that moment, it was the thing he had to call upon for the true power that he needed."

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This Fourth of July, as we celebrate America's 250th, we should also realize that power is still available to us.

Pro wrestler Jonathan Gresham talks drive to get back into ring after suffering two strokes

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:41:55 -0400

Jonathan Gresham is one of the best professional wrestlers on the independents right now, but there was a moment in time when his career could have been finished.

Gresham revealed in August 2025 he suffered two strokes that could have been a complication from a "bad case of COVID." He vowed to return to the ring and he did. On Jan. 23, 2026, Gresham was at the Beyond Wildest Dreams event and defeated Ryan Clancy.

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He talked to Fox News Digital about what keeps him going after the sudden medical issue.

"I am, how do you say it? I hope I’m using this term correctly, but I am an empath. I feel for people. I realized this after I came back from my strokes," Gresham said. "Before my strokes, and I talk about this a lot actually, before my strokes, I was a very introverted person but I cared very deeply for people but my connections with people wasn’t as I had hoped and I would always kind of be bummed out to myself about these things. After my stroke, I remember sitting there on the bed and my whole left side was paralyzed and I couldn’t move and I prayed and I prayed and I prayed and the next day, God gave me the ability to walk around. So, I looked at that as a second opportunity to live life a different way."

Gresham said, since then, he’s found the ability to open up to people more. He wanted to focus on helping fellow pro wrestlers on the independent scene try to find their footing in the industry.

"So, since then, I’ve grown closer to people that I’ve known for years in the business. That’s because I’ve opened up more to them. Random people, that I meet on the street and on planes, at malls, at the movies, I talk to people, I get to know people, I go out of my way to talk to people and get to know people," he said. "And because of this, I’ve created relationships that I would have never had before.

PRO WRESTLER VINNIE MASSARO FOUND HIS 'WRESTLEMANIA MOMENT' IN JAPAN, SHARES LOVE FOR BUILDING SPORT'S FUTURE

"So, I’m looking at life a lot differently now. And that kind of makes me feel more for my comrades in the wrestling business. When I see them aimless wandering the independents and not knowing where to go and when they talk to me, I can feel their frustrations. I can feel how scared some of these young people are and I desperately want to create a space to explore what pro wrestling can be. I want them to explore the pro wrestling they have in their mind."

Partly, Gresham suggested, is that the increased access to pro wrestling gives emboldened fans to critique everything a wrestler does.

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He doesn’t want to have young people, trying to kick down a door in the business, be subjected to constant criticism.

"So, prime example: when I started wrestling, I was head over heels in love with Rey Mysterio and Bam Bam Bigelow. So, I had the time to perform and do what I loved about pro wrestling and from that, I grew into who I am today. Today, I started around 2005, YouTube was around but it wasn’t to the point where every show that takes place was being streamed or shown on YouTube. So, I can go around and suck and enjoy myself without that," he explained.

"But now, all the kids growing up in pro wrestling, whatever show they do is going straight to YouTube or some streaming platform. So, the problem is now they’re gonna get critiqued, not just by their coaches, they’re gonna get critiqued by fans who don’t know their story or care about their story and they’re saying the most mean things to them or about them and in a space where they can get it instantly. So, they’re on their phones and they’re getting nothing but negative things about them online and it kinda spoils the pro wrestling journey early on. And I want to help create a space where they don’t have to worry about that or go through that anymore."

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Gresham recently went up against Fuminori Abe in PRODUCE by Orange Crush’s first event on Monday. He was a co-producer for the show.

The second event is set to take place on July 16 at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Russia unleashes nearly 600 missiles and drones on Kyiv in deadliest strike since May

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:41:06 -0400

Russia launched one of its heaviest overnight attacks on Kyiv, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at the Ukrainian capital in a strike that tore through residential buildings, killed at least 18 people and wounded more than 90, according to Reuters.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations, Andrii Melnyk, speaking from Ukraine exclusively with Fox News Digital, said the assault marked "the most horrific night for Kyiv since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion."

"Early this morning, I spoke with my mother-in-law, who is in Kyiv. She told me she had never been so terrified. It felt as if the biblical Apocalypse were unfolding before her very eyes. Everyone was praying."

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The explosions shook central Kyiv for hours as thousands of residents rushed into bomb shelters and underground metro stations. The attack caused the widest destruction in Kyiv so far in 2026 and was the deadliest strike on the capital since at least May, when 24 people were killed in an attack that brought down an apartment block.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 74 missiles and 496 drones overnight, according to Reuters.

Yuri Ihnat, the Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, said the number of ballistic missiles was unusually high and that the interception rate for them was low, as Ukraine continues to face shortages of Patriot missiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who cut short a visit to Ireland and returned to Ukraine, said damage had been reported at more than 20 sites across the capital.

"The main strike was directed at Kyiv," Zelenskyy said. "Air defence supplies for Ukraine are an absolute and critical priority."

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Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared Friday a day of mourning and said damage had been recorded across the city of roughly 3 million people.

Melnyk told Fox News Digital the attack should force the international community to confront Russia’s status inside the U.N. Security Council.

"And yet, this barbaric Russia continues to be treated at the U.N. as a normal member state," he said. "It is time to end this parallel reality. Russia’s status as a permanent member of the Security Council should finally be called into question. Russia should be treated for what it has become: a pariah state."

Emergency crews searched through the rubble of a nine-story building on the left bank of the Dnipro River as fires continued to burn after sunrise. City officials said some people remained trapped inside damaged residential buildings.

East2West footage showed the overnight barrage from inside Kyiv, including a baby sleeping as explosions flashed outside an open window and smoke from an earlier strike rose nearby. Other footage showed residents sheltering near a metro station as strikes hit the capital, as well as heavy damage across Kyiv, including residential buildings torn apart and thick smoke hanging over parts of the city.

More than 20 sites were damaged, including residential buildings, diplomatic accommodation and the National Institute of Biochemistry, where a state-of-the-art laboratory and offices were gutted.

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Katarina Mathernova, the European Union’s ambassador to Ukraine, said Russia "unleashed hell on Kyiv" overnight and struck accommodation used by diplomatic personnel. Diplomats were not injured, but their belongings were damaged in a fire that engulfed the building, she said.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a Telegram post that its "massive attack" used long-range, high-precision weapons and drones to strike military and energy facilities, as well as airports in Kyiv and other locations. Moscow said the attack was retaliation for Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia.

Ukraine said it hit an oil refinery overnight in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, where the regional governor reported one person killed in a strike on an industrial facility.

The Kremlin said Russian military commanders briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on the attacks and said Moscow would continue increasing pressure on Ukraine to achieve its war aims.

Poland, a NATO and European Union member that borders Ukraine, briefly scrambled fighter jets as a preventive measure. Finland also briefly issued a temporary aviation restriction zone in the eastern Gulf of Finland, its defense forces said.

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu told Fox News Digital that Russian drones were detected in Ukraine roughly 30 kilometers from Romania’s border Wednesday, prompting NATO air-policing aircraft to respond.

"Two Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft deployed under the Enhanced Air Policing mission and operating from the 86th Air Base in Fetești in Romania, were scrambled to monitor the Romanian airspace situation near the border with Ukraine," Țoiu said. "A Romanian Air Force IAR 330 Puma helicopter was also deployed. Such incidents have constantly accompanied Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine."

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Thursday that she would propose new sanctions on entities supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex in response to the strikes.

"The more Moscow attacks civilians, the more sanctions must be imposed," Kallas said in a post on X.

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Russia has killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians in strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Moscow denies intentionally targeting civilians but says attacks on what it calls civil infrastructure are legitimate because they affect Ukraine’s ability to wage war.

Reuters contributed to this report.

WATCH: Coast Guard video reveals seizure of Brian Hooker's sailboat after wife's Bahamas disappearance

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:07:24 -0400

Newly released bodycam video shows the moment the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service seized Brian Hooker's sailboat "Soulmate" as it was being moved from the Bahamas back to the U.S. in May.

The release of footage follows a months-long investigation into the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, who vanished while on vacation with her husband Brian Hooker in the Bahamas in April.

She was reported missing on April 4 while boating near Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands with her husband.

In the bodycam video from May 9, it is apparent that the boat movers had no idea they were sailing a large possible piece of evidence.

In an exchange with the movers, an officer says to them, "Right now the boat is being seized."

"Oh ----," the captain responds.

Earlier in the clip, an officer asks the captain, "How many people on board?" to which the captain, whose face is blurred, responds, "Just us two."

It appears from the video that Brian Hooker was not aboard his boat at the time of this seizure.

The officer also asks the men, "Are you guys headed to Saint Augustine," to which the captain responds, "We are headed to Fernandina Beach. We're moving it for the owner."

The men are also asked by the Coast Guard if the boat's owner will be meeting the boat movers at the planned location, to which the captain simply says, "I don't think so, no."

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Brian has maintained that his wife fell from a dinghy at night and was swept away. Lynette's body has not been recovered.

The U.S. Coast Guard traveled to the Bahamas last month to conduct a dive search in the Sea of Abaco and land search with the help of a cadaver dog to try and find any trace of Lynette.

They returned to the U.S. with the dinghy Lynette was last seen on, which will be combed for clues.

A family friend and advocate for Lynette described her as the kind of person who was always there for others.

"She’s the kind of person anybody would be happy to be around in any occasion," the friend told Fox News Digital. "She’s the type of person after the party that sticks around to help clean up. She’s a person who shows up beforehand to help you set up. She is your go-to person when you need a friend."

Brian has not been seen or heard from since returning to the U.S. after he was initially questioned and released by Bahamian authorities.

Brian Hooker has not been charged with any crime or accused of wrongdoing.

Fox News Digital's Mike Ruiz contributed to this report.