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Mamdani aide unloaded on ABC executives after 'The View' host called socialist candidate an antisemite: report

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:34:58 -0400

An aide to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reportedly lashed out at ABC executives after "The View" co-host Sara Haines called a Mamdani-backed socialist congressional candidate an antisemite.

Mamdani flexed his political influence last month after three candidates that he endorsed in New York congressional primaries — Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier — won over Democratic establishment candidates.

The New York City mayor's team had pitched the liberal talk show to have the socialist candidates on, but the show had declined, according to Semafor.

DEMOCRATIC INFIGHTING GROWS AS CONGRESSWOMAN EXPOSES ‘DISRESPECTFUL’ WELCOME OF SOCIALISTS INTO ‘BIG TENT’

During an episode of the show on June 24, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin and Haines pushed back on the actions and comments of some of the candidates backed by Mamdani. Haines said Chevalier was at an anti-Israel rally on October 8, 2023, the day after Hamas' massive terrorist attack against Israel by Hamas.

"I’m gonna full-blown call her an antisemite. She would proudly call herself that, trust me," Haines said of Chevalier.

Following the comments, an aide for the socialist mayor reportedly unloaded on ABC executives, and said the remarks by Haines could affect future appearances on the show for the mayor or the candidates running for Congress, according to Semafor, who cited a person familiar with the matter.

The mayor's office did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment. ABC's "The View" also did not return a request for comment.

'THE VIEW' EASED UP ON POLITICAL CANDIDATE BOOKINGS AMID FCC INQUIRY, REPORT SAYS

Chevailer is facing backlash over deleted social media posts where she expressed support for communism, Marxist principles, and reverence for Soviet figures.

She operated the Twitter account Darializabonet until it was deleted in June 2022. The account, according to CNN, called Karl Marx a "must read," complained that libraries didn’t provide enough Marxist literature and quoted convicted cop killer Assata Shakur.

Chevalier has already faced criticism over deleted posts calling to abolish the police and discussing wiping her hands on an American flag.

Semafor also reported that the show was scaling back on political guests amid an FCC inquiry. The FCC launched a probe into the show related to their equal time rules.

An ABC source said that "The View" is not known for booking non-elected candidates, as they've always had a high bar for political interviews. The left-leaning show has been far more likely to host Democrats than Republicans, although it did have on Vice President JD Vance last month.

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Disney’s ABC believes "The View" is bona fide news and, therefore, exempt from the equal time rule.

ABC launched a campaign that features a petition to declare that "The View" indeed qualifies as a bona fide news interview program. A commercial debuted in June during the program that declared, "’The View has welcomed your favorite guests for nearly 30 years. Now the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show. Tell the FCC to let the viewers decide. You have until July 6th."

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Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.

US updates travel warning for quake-hit nation, citing disaster risks and violent crime

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

Officials are warning Americans to reconsider travel to Venezuela, saying the South American nation presents new risks to tourists.

The country sits at a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory, according to a June 27 update by the U.S. State Department.

While Venezuela has been at a Level 3 throughout the year, the latest advisory adds the country's recent earthquakes as a key factor for travelers.

US STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS AMERICANS OF GROWING SECURITY RISKS IN HISTORIC REGION

The country was struck by a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake on June 24.

"Venezuela experienced a powerful foreshock and earthquake in rapid succession," said the advisory.

"These caused extensive damage and disruption to transportation, infrastructure and emergency services."

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Overall, officials warn of "crime, kidnapping, terrorism and poor health infrastructure" in the country.

"Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping occur," the advisory states.

"Irregular armed groups can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning. There are no reliable crime statistics."

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Several areas in Venezuela are also under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory.

This includes the Venezuela-Colombia border region, Amazonas state, Apure state and Aragua state outside of Maracay, as well as Guárico state, Táchira state and rural areas of Bolívar state.

While Venezuela is not considered a major tourist destination, some Americans still travel there to visit family or explore attractions such as Angel Falls and Los Roques National Park in the Venezuelan Caribbean.

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The advisory comes amid a complicated relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Washington providing disaster relief months after Maduro's arrest.

After magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck the northern part of the South American nation last week, the American government stepped in to help in a move that the administration says has been welcomed by the Venezuelan government.

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"We have seen total compliance from the interim authorities in Venezuela as a result of the unprecedented response by the United States to these deadly earthquakes," a State Department official previously told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment.

Peter D'Abrosca of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

It sure sounds like LeBron James is heading back to Cleveland to end his career with the Cavaliers

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:17:15 -0400

It sure sounds like LeBron James is headed back to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While betting markets initially listed the Golden State Warriors, and later the Philadelphia 76ers, as the favorites to land James, the reporters with the strongest NBA sources now list Cleveland as the clear front-runner.

Over the weekend, Substack reporter Marc Stein wrote that there is a "growing belief" among teams interested in James that the Cavaliers have the "scenario to beat" for his services. While Stein no longer works for a major sports network, he remains one of the few true authorities on the sport. Notably, he was the first insider to report that Kevin Durant was leaning toward the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, while much of the media continued reporting that the Knicks were the most likely destination.

On Monday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst echoed a similar sentiment.

ESPN MUST HOLD STEPHEN A ACCOUNTABLE AFTER DOUBLING DOWN ON RACIST REMARKS ABOUT WHITE BASKETBALL PLAYERS

"Everybody I talk to about LeBron is like, 'We're afraid it's Cleveland.' Nobody seems like they have optimism, to be honest," Windhorst told Barstool's Pardon My Take.

Michael Wilbon told OutKick last year that Windhorst is among the most credible reporters in sports today. It's difficult to argue otherwise. Few, if any, NBA insiders have a better track record of reporting accurate news before, not two seconds after, it happens than Windhorst.

As of Monday afternoon, Kalshi gave Cleveland a 55% chance of signing James. The Miami Heat had the second-best odds, but at just 17%.

At 41 years old, James' next team will almost certainly be his last. It will also mark the fourth time he has chosen to leave a franchise in free agency, though each departure was motivated by different circumstances.

James left Cleveland for Miami in 2010 to chase championships, eventually winning two titles with the Heat. He returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 to bring a championship to his hometown, delivering on that promise with Cleveland's historic 2016 title. In 2018, he joined the Lakers in a move that was as much about building his business empire in Los Angeles as it was basketball. Even so, he led the franchise to an NBA championship in 2020, albeit in the COVID bubble.

According to recent reports, this time James is chasing something different: happiness.

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Lebron James remains an effective player, but he is no longer the engine of a championship contender. Last season, he showed legitimate signs of decline, whether due to age, injuries, or a combination of both. He averaged 20.0 points per game, his lowest scoring average since his rookie season. While that is an impressive feat for someone entering his 23rd NBA season, it's also evidence that time has officially caught up to him.

At this point, there is little James can accomplish individually to change the minds of those who believe Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time.

If James were to win another championship, it would probably be as a second or third option on an established contender, perhaps a team like Denver. While that would add another ring to his résumé, it probably would not meaningfully strengthen his legacy. If anything, critics could dismiss it by pointing to his diminished role.

In Cleveland, James would join a potential lineup featuring Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. In the Eastern Conference, that's enough to at least be of interest.

However, if "happiness" truly dictates his next decision, there would be no more fitting end to James' career than returning to Cleveland. It's the city where he was born, where he was drafted, and where he ended the city's 52-year championship drought.

Few American athletes have experienced more dramatic swings in public perception than LeBron James. He went from hometown hero to heel after leaving Cleveland for Miami's star-studded super team. He reclaimed his hero status by returning home and delivering the city's first championship in 52 years. During his time in Los Angeles, James became one of the country's most polarizing athletes, primarily due to his polarizing political rhetoric.

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A final chapter in Cleveland would bring his career full circle. Paying back the underdog, blue-collar city of Cleveland at this stage of his career would certainly constitute a return to favorable status.

For one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, such an ending would be apropos.

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' gets overwhelmingly negative reactions after controversial casting choices

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:08:21 -0400

When Christopher Nolan announced that he'd be making an adaptation of "The Odyssey" as his latest project, film fans were generally thrilled.

Nolan, for his directorial or writing faults, is an exceptionally talented technical filmmaker, and seemed tailor made to bring ancient Greece and the legendary story to life. Matt Damon was cast as Odysseus, the lead character whose hero's journey became the basis of storytelling for thousands of years to come. While Damon isn't Greek, it was generally an inoffensive choice.

Much of the rest of the casting? Could not have been worse. And while "The Odyssey" is still likely to be a financial success, judging by reactions to the latest, final trailer that hit the internet recently, it's decisions like these clear that audiences are not thrilled with what Nolan's done with a foundational, beloved story.

AMAZON ANNOUNCES SEARCH FOR NEXT JAMES BOND IS UNDERWAY, AS HOLLYWOOD CASTING CHOICES COME UNDER SCRUTINY

Nolan cast Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, the daughter of a Kenyan politician who was born in Mexico City. He cast Elliot Page, a 5'1 transgender actor, as Sinon, a soldier and the cousin of Odysseus. Indian actor Himesh Patel will portray Eurylochus, one of the key members of Odysseus' group. Rapper Travis Scott is set to play a Homeric bard. Reactions to these announcements were mixed, to say the least.

While YouTube long ago hid the number of dislikes on videos, several sites have come up with methodology to estimate and calculate the ratio of positive and negative responses. While the numbers may or may not be exactly accurate, directionally, it's likely to be representative of the public's views. And some estimators have now calculated that there are over 542,000 dislikes on the final trailer, compared to 64,000 "likes." A ratio of nearly 90% negative to positive.

That's bad enough, but Nyong'o made some public comments this week during the film's promotional campaign that once again demonstrated her contempt for the source material. Source material that she admitted she'd never even heard of, despite graduating with a master's degree from the Yale School of Drama.

'SUPERGIRL' SUFFERS CATASTROPHIC 73% DROP, GETS OBLITERATED AT BOX OFFICE BY PATRIOTIC 'YOUNG WASHINGTON'

When asked by an interviewer what she would ask Homer if given the opportunity, she instead answered with a criticism, "I'd be like, 'So Homer, how do you feel about the screen time given to these women, considering how little you spent with them, okay?'"

The interviewer then added, "Okay, and then do you lean forward and look at him like that?" Nyong'o answered, "Yes, like 'hmm, remember us?'"

Ah yes, exactly what you want out of a film's promotional campaign; criticism that the 2,800-year-old story your film is based on doesn't conform to the modern standards of left-wing ideologues. Not to mention that the main inciting incident in the story is that the Trojan War starts due to disagreements over...Helen of Troy, a woman.

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These reactions and Nyong'o's ill-advised comments don't mean that "The Odyssey" will fail. It's widely expected to be a financial success, particularly because Nolan has established himself as one of the few quality filmmakers working in modern Hollywood. But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.

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It's one thing to specifically choose to ignore historical accuracy in order to appeal to "modern audiences." It's another to show this level of contempt for the source material your film is based on. Why even make "The Odyssey," then? Why not make another mythological story, with your own sensibilities and ideologies baked into it?

The entertainment industry has struggled mightily in recent years, and it's decisions like this that demonstrate why. If we could ask Nolan one question, it'd be why he chose to undermine his own legacy to receive praise from the political left.

Amazon Fourth of July deals still on sale: Save 40% or more on Jackery, Shark, DeWalt and more

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:01:59 -0400

Fourth of July weekend may be winding down, but Amazon's biggest deals are still going strong. We rounded up the best offers at 40% off or more, including a five-pack of athletic shorts for 55% off and a FOX reader-favorite Shark vacuum for less than $100.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July tech deals

HP 14-inch Everyday laptop: $279.99 (57% off)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select: $21.99 (45% off)

Original price: $39.99

Turn your TV into a smart entertainment hub for just $22 with this compact streaming device. It brings your favorite apps together in one place and lets you search, stream and control your TV with Alexa voice commands.

Insignia 50-inch F50 Series 4K TV: $179.99 (40% off)

Original price: $299.99

You can get a smart Insignia TV with Alexa built in, so you can operate the TV using voice control. The bright display and high definition screen plays your shows and movies in crystal-clear detail.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July tool deals

DeWalt batteries, 2-pack: $112.90 (48% off)
Fanttik S1 Capsule cordless screwdriver: $27.99 (44% off)
Laser level with tripod: $28.49 (43% off)
Craftsman cordless drill and impact driver set: $99 (41% off)

DeWalt cordless drill driver: $99 (45% off)

Original price: $179

Save on DeWalt's cordless drill kit, now just $99 this Fourth of July weekend. It includes a charger and a 20-volt battery, so you'll have everything you need to tackle projects right out of the box.

Mini chainsaw: $28.46 (43% off)

Original price: $49.99

This mini cordless chainsaw is one of the biggest discounts we've spotted. The lightweight tool weighs just 3 pounds and helps you cut branches with ease. Get it now while it's just $30 — its lowest price ever.

Craftsman 262-piece mechanic tool set: $149 (40% off)

Original price: $249

Designed for garage and automotive repair tasks, the Craftsman mechanics tool set includes 262 pieces. It comes with a range of sockets, ratchets, wrenches and specialty bits in multiple drive sizes.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July home deals

Large room air purifier: $89.99 (64% off)
iRobot Roomba 105: $169 (47% off)
Dryer vent cleaner kit: $7.99 (43% off)
Bedsure down-alternative pillows: $32.99 (41% off)

Bamboo full mattress topper: $69.99 (53% off)

Original price: $149.99

Looking for a mattress topper that helps you stay cool? This option is discounted more than 50% and uses airflow channels that wick away heat and moisture for a soft and supportive feel. The deep pocket skirt securely wraps around different-sized mattresses.

Chenille bath rug: $21.75 (40% off)

Original price: $35.99

This chenille bath mat absorbs water right when you step out of the shower. The quick-drying shag feels soft underfoot, and the rubber backing keeps it in place for added safety.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July kitchen deals

Fullstar Pro Original vegetable chopper: $23.73 (53% off)
Iceman by Chefman Slush-Ease: $179.99 (49% off)
Chefman air fryer: $59.88 (40% off)

Keurig K-Elite single serve K-Cup coffee maker: $94 (55% off)

Original price: $209.99

When you need a quick cup of coffee, a Keurig comes in handy, now less than $100. Instead of making a full pot, just pop in a K-Cup, wait a few minutes, and you have a single cup ready to go. It also features an iced coffee setting for refreshing summer drinks.

KitchenAid silicone oven mitts: $17.99 (49% off)

Original price: $34.99

Handle hot cookware with KitchenAid's silicone oven mitts. The textured grip helps prevent slips, while the heat-resistant, water-resistant design provides added protection from hot dishes and unexpected spills.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July women's clothing deals

Workout tops: $13.99 (53% off)
adidas women's Cloudfoam sneakers: $37.95 (49% off)
Hanes women's jersey shorts: $12.99 (41% off)
Tommy Hilfiger women's skinny jeans: $47.70 (40% off)

Levi's women's 501 mid-thigh shorts: $32.47 (50% off)

Original price: $64.95

Get Levi's vintage-inspired shorts for just $32, about half off the regular price. The relaxed fit through the hips offers comfortable room to move, while the mid-thigh length is perfect for warm-weather wear.

Women's pajama set: $16.99 (53% off)

Original price: $35.99

Stay cool on warm summer nights with this pajama set, now more than 40% off. The button-front top delivers a polished look, while the soft, stretchy shorts offer breathable comfort for lounging and sleeping.

Women's arch support flip-flops: $19.98 (50% off)

Original price: $39.99

Refresh your summer footwear lineup with these cushioned sandals, now 50% off. A soft orthopedic midsole helps keep you comfortable throughout the day, while the durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction for walks and errands.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July men's clothing deals

Fossil men's watch: $97.50 (50% off)
Men's sleeveless quick-dry tank top: $9.98 (47% off)
Cotton linen pants: $14.98 (40% off)
Eddie Bauer men's Rainier pants: $42 (40% off)

Levi's men's jeans: $26.97 (64% off)

Original price: $74.95

Score Levi's classic 505 jeans for just $27 a pair, nearly $50 off. The relaxed fit through the thigh offers extra room to move without looking baggy.

Hanes zip-up hoodie: $13 (54% off)

Original price: $28

This lightweight Hanes hoodie keeps you comfortable on cool summer nights. It comes in a host of color options, and the roomy front pockets hold all the essentials.

Athletic shorts, 5-pack: $19.98 (55% off)

Original price: $43.99

Hit the trail, head to the gym or relax outdoors in these athletic shorts, now available in a five-pack for less. The moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you cool and comfortable, making them an easy choice for workouts and everyday summer wear.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July outdoor deals

Smart bird feeder: $39.99 (60% off)
Pruning shears: $12.99 (46% off)
Windproof travel umbrella: $22.77 (43% off)
Robotic pool vacuum: $429.98 (41% off)

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station: $439 (47% off)

Original price: $829

This Jackery Explorer portable power station is almost half off. With a durable battery, it can power large appliances like fridges and AC units. It offers multiple charging ports, including two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a DC car port and three AC outlets, and charges from 0% to 100% in just one hour when you activate emergency charging in the Jackery app.

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Coleman RoadTrip 225 portable gas grill: $209.99 (42% off)

Original price: $364.99

Whether you're headed to a campsite, tailgate or park, the Coleman RoadTrip 225 grill makes grilling on the go simple. It delivers up to 11,000 BTUs of cooking power, plus a side table for prep work and a removable grease tray for easier cleanup. The compact folding design and built-in handle make it easy to pack up and take anywhere.

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.

Blue city gang bangers slapped with multiple charges after massive sex trafficking crackdown

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:46:14 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it had carried out 20 federal warrants and 10 arrests last Wednesday in connection with sex trafficking operations in Los Angeles by the Hoover Criminals Gang (HCG), a group known for its human exploitation.

Officials identified 51 victims in connection with the arrests, some of whom were as young as 14.

"[Homeland Security Investigations] remains steadfast in our mission to protect victims and pursue justice against human traffickers," Special Agent Eddy Wang said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

DOJ SAYS 11 MIGRANTS INDICTED IN MULTI-STATE SEX TRAFFICKING, DRUG, FIREARMS CASE

The arrests are a part of Operation Broken Blade, an effort to target trafficking in Los Angeles' Figueroa Corridor, a strip of neighborhoods south of the city, according to the agency. They also highlight the continued threats law enforcement face, even as illegal border crossings have plummeted during the second Trump administration.

Since the end of 2024, border crossings have fallen precipitously, going from over 144,000 encounters in December 2024 to just 13,500 in May — a 90% reduction.

Even so, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other federal agencies remain engaged in intercepting more organized smuggling operations that threaten to bring drugs, weapons and people illegally into the country.

In April, for example, CBP announced it had prevented a car carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, 16 AK rifles, 24 rifle magazines, 16 rifle stocks, 20 pistol grips, and other weapon parts from crossing the border.

As a part of those continued efforts, Acting Assistant DHS Secretary of Public Affairs Lauren Bis said that DHS has made disrupting sex trafficking rings a priority.

"Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS is dismantling human and sex trafficking rings," Bis told Fox News Digital.

MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED IN BORDER CHILD SMUGGLING CASE INVOLVING THC-LACED CANDY

Bis noted that the suspects arrested last week will also face charges that go well beyond their human exploitation.

"This operation in Los Angeles resulted in the arrest of ten gang members, who now face federal racketeering charges including sex trafficking, money laundering, firearms offenses and narcotics offenses," Bis said.

The agency described many of the suspects as "career criminals" with histories that include robbery, kidnapping and burglary.

Wednesday’s operation is the second round of arrests made under Broken Blade, an initiative originally launched in August 2025 by Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles in cooperation with CBP, the Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.

FEDS DISMANTLE ALLEGED GUN TRAFFICKING RING THAT FUNNELED DOZENS OF FIREARMS FROM GEORGIA TO CHICAGO GANGS

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The 10 suspects are expected to stand trial in March 2027, according to DHS.

"The actions taken today by HSI are another decisive blow against those who have exploited the vulnerable people of our community, and they will now face the consequences of those actions," Wang said.

Former college basketball guard Kerr Kriisa indicted in alleged $2.2M wire fraud scheme

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:43:19 -0400

Kerr Kriisa, a former college basketball guard, was indicted in connection with an alleged $2.2 million fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia announced on Monday.

Kriisa, an Estonian national who plays for Tartu Ülikool in his country, was arrested and will appear in federal court this week after being charged with five counts of wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced.

Court documents stated that, from 2022 through June 2, 2026, the 25-year-old allegedly carried out a scheme to obtain nearly $2.2 million from multiple victims "using false representations, fabricated identities, and deceptive communications," the U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote in its press release.

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Kriisa’s indictment alleges he posed as several different individuals, which included fictional contacts and family members, while falsely claiming he and his family were in danger. Also, he allegedly said his mother needed cancer treatment, or family property required urgent financial support from victims.

NBA GUARD TERRY ROZIER MAY GET HIT WITH NEW CHARGES IN ALLEGED GAMBLING SCHEME

Kriisa was allegedly requesting repeated payments from two of the victims, while also directing one victim to send money under false pretenses in this case.

He allegedly conducted his scheme in Monongalia County, West Virginia and elsewhere.

"Financial fraud schemes erode trust and cause real harm to victims who believed they were helping someone in need," said Harvey in the press release. "Our office will continue to pursue individuals who exploit others through deception. We are committed to holding them accountable for their actions."

Kriisa allegedly signed a written agreement in April 2025 promising to repay one of his victims $100,000 by February 2026. Prosecutors said this instance was also fraudulent.

The government is currently seeking forfeiture of any proceeds traceable to the alleged offenses from Kriisa, which includes a money judgement of an estimated $2.2 million.

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Kriisa’s college basketball career began at Arizona, as he spent three seasons with the Wildcats from 2020-23. He transferred to West Virginia for the 2023-24 season, while also seeing time with the Kentucky Wildcats and Cincinnati Bearcats after that, respectively.

Kriisa averaged 8.8 points and 4.4 assists across 127 career games at the Division I level.

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Slain New Jersey therapist's sister says family is living a 'nightmare' one month later

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:38:43 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: The sister of slain New Jersey therapist Brooke Hanlon said her family is dealing with "a complete nightmare" after the young mom was found fatally stabbed inside her home in an affluent New Jersey community.

Hanlon’s sister spoke exclusively with Fox News Digital one month after the attack, which is still under investigation as authorities hunt for a suspect.

It has been exactly one month since 35-year-old new mother was found dead in her Chester home. Investigators have not yet named a suspect in the June 6 killing.

"Brooke was the sweetest, purest person that I have ever known in my entire life," said Paige Haggerty, Hanlon's sister. She went on to say, "Everything that I know, I have learned from her. I've never lived without her. She taught me everything."

NEW JERSEY PSYCHOTHERAPIST MOM KILLED INSIDE HOME AS COPS LAUNCH MANHUNT TO IDENTIFY SUSPECT

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."

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

Fox News Digital confirmed Brooke and her husband James "Conor" Hanlon, who goes by Conor, were married in June 2021. The couple met in Boston, Massachusetts, where Brooke was working at the time.

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Court records indicate the couple purchased their Chester home for $535,900 in September 2024.

MISSOURI MOM OF 5 FATALLY SHOT WHILE BUYING SLUSHIES WITH CHILDREN; POLICE SEARCH FOR GUNMAN

Fox News Digital confirmed the couple welcomed a new baby in July 2025. The child will celebrate their first birthday without a mother. For the time being, Haggerty said, the baby is safe and being cared for by family members.

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Haggerty said the baby "has been the only saving grace" to her family throughout the tragedy. She said, "We still have a piece of Brooke with us."

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Hanlon's murder has rocked the Chester community and devastated her family.

Haggerty said, "It's unimaginable. It's a complete nightmare. To lose a sibling is the last thing you would expect. I went through life with my sister in every phase of my life so far. I don't know a life without her. So, trying to adjust to that is pretty impossible."

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According to her LinkedIn profile, Hanlon graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in psychology, then went on to graduate from Northeastern University with her master's in counseling and psychology.

DATING-APP CHARMER ACCUSED OF MURDER AFTER HISTORY OF DOMESTIC ARRESTS INVOLVING WOMEN HE MET ONLINE

She was a highly regarded therapist, with her most recent position listed as a psychotherapist for LifeStance, located in Bernardsville, New Jersey.

She previously held mental health positions working as a clinician for children and families in the Boston area.

Fox News Digital confirmed Conor Hanlon was an employee at TriCon Construction Services in Somerville, New Jersey. The CEO of the company, Edward Piekarz, chose notto comment on his former employee.

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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.

NANCY GUTHRIE MYSTERY COULD BE SOLVED WITH 'CROWDSOURCING' HELP, PRIVATE EYE SAYS

Morris County investigators have yet to name a suspect or person of interest in the case.

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The investigation is ongoing.

'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin laments 'I suddenly feel unsafe' in neighborhoods with American flags

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:37:33 -0400

"The View" co-host Sunny Hostin repeated her assertion from 2021 that she feels uncomfortable or unsafe while visiting neighborhoods where homes are flying the American flag.

While discussing celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary and the state of the country, Hostin recalled a previous occasion in 2021 when she said on the show that she feels uncomfortable in neighborhoods with lots of American flags.

"I said this on this show many, many years ago, because this is my tenth year on the show," Hostin recalled. "I said there are times when I walk into a community and I see American flags all over the community and I suddenly feel unsafe because there’s a section of this country that has co-opted the American flag, and they equate being an American or an American flag with White supremacy and that should never be the symbol of White supremacy, but they have weaponized."

MEDIA ATTACKS DONALD TRUMP'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, CLAIMING IT 'SULLIED' AMERICA 250

Hostin's comment came after the panel discussed a viral image of uniformed White nationalists riding the Washington, D.C., Metro as a Black woman sits on the same train with a blank expression. The group held a march in D.C. over the weekend.

"That, for me, was a defining image of modern America for Black Americans," Hostin said, condemning the American-flag-style insignias on their caps.

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin took the opportunity to blast fringe activists on both sides of the political spectrum, but guest host Michelle Buteau, who had celebrated 4th of July by eating a cake that said "America, Do Better B----" argued this was an indictment of the nation as a whole.

"When you say it’s the best nation. The best nation for who? Because if we are celebrating 250 years, what are we exactly celebrating, is what I want to know," Buteau said. "So I’m really glad that picture was taken, because that picture is how we feel walking into many rooms, down the street. That picture is how we feel and nobody will believe us. So look at that picture and understand how it feels."

"The flag belongs to all of us," Griffin replied.

PRO-TRUMP ARTIST UNLEASHES POWERFUL MESSAGE ABOUT AMERICAN FLAG, TOUTS MASSIVE OLD GLORY PAINTING

In 2021, Hostin spoke on "The View" about the phenomenon of Black Americans feeling uncomfortable in neighborhoods with American flags, defending MSNBC analyst Mara Gay for her controversial admission that she felt it "disturbing" to see American flags, Trump flags and condemnations of then-President Joe Biden in Long Island, New York.

"When someone of color, a Black woman, is telling you her feelings, people need to listen and not, you know, repudiate it and not say, 'Well, that can’t be true,'" Hostin had said at the time, later adding, "When I drive into a neighborhood, and it’s not July 4th, and I’m not in a predominantly military household neighborhood and there are flags, American flags, everywhere, alongside Trump flags, alongside flags with stars in a circle, I feel threatened."

"Because the message is very clear," she continued. "It’s a message of White supremacy. It’s a message of racism, and it’s a message of their country, not my country. I don’t understand why that would receive backlash. People need to listen when I am saying this is how I feel. This is my experience in this country."

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China launches rare submarine ballistic missile as Pacific allies strengthen defense ties before NATO summit

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:35:19 -0400

China publicly announced it launched a ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean Monday — a rare acknowledgment of its sea-based nuclear capabilities that came as U.S. allies deepen security ties in the Indo-Pacific and NATO leaders prepare to meet amid growing concerns over Beijing's military ambitions.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy said the missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was fired from a Type 094 Jin-class ballistic missile submarine during what Beijing described as a routine annual training exercise.

The launch highlights one of the Pentagon's biggest long-term concerns: China's ability to field a more survivable nuclear force capable of threatening the U.S. and its allies from the sea. Unlike land-based missile launches, a ballistic missile fired from a submerged nuclear submarine demonstrates one of the most survivable elements of a country's nuclear arsenal because the vessels are significantly harder to detect and destroy before they can launch a retaliatory strike.

The growing capability also means China could eventually threaten the U.S. homeland from a wider range of patrol areas, reducing the need for its submarines to venture into more vulnerable waters.

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Chinese officials said the launch landed in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean and was conducted in accordance with international law.

"It is a routine arrangement in China’s annual military training program. It is consistent with international law and customary international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a news conference Monday.

"The whole process was safe, standard and professional. We hope relevant countries will not read too much into it."

TRUMP BETS ON FORMER NATO TROUBLEMAKER AS TURKEY'S STRATEGIC VALUE SURGES

The launch came on the eve of NATO's summit in Ankara, Turkey, where alliance leaders are expected to focus primarily on the war in Ukraine, defense spending and collective security, while also addressing the growing strategic challenge posed by China. In recent years, NATO has expanded its engagement with Indo-Pacific partners including Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, reflecting concerns that security in Europe and the Pacific is increasingly interconnected.

It was the first such test since 2024, according to Chinese state media, occurring at noon local time Monday.

New Zealand, which had just signed a defense pact with Fiji, claimed the missile landed in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, where testing atomic weapons is prohibited.

China said the missile carried a dummy rather than a nuclear warhead, and New Zealand did not accuse Beijing of violating the Treaty of Rarotonga, which establishes the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone and prohibits nuclear explosive devices within the region. Instead, officials criticized the launch as inconsistent with the spirit of maintaining the Pacific as a nuclear-free region.

Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, said China had informed Australia ahead of the test but added, "Australia has been clear with China that we regard this as destabilizing to the region."

China’s rapid military buildup added to the concern, according to Wong, who described it as "lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expect."

In a joint cabinet statement, Japan raised "serious concern over the intensification of China’s military activities and strongly urged China to reconsider its actions."

The Pentagon has repeatedly warned that China is rapidly modernizing and expanding its nuclear forces, projecting that Beijing will continue increasing the size, sophistication and survivability of its arsenal through the next decade. China's military has also expanded naval patrols beyond the first island chain while increasing military pressure on Taiwan and asserting territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The Pentagon projects China will field more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, up from an estimated stockpile in the low 600s through 2024.

Officials say Beijing is expanding all three legs of its nuclear triad — land-based missiles, strategic bombers and nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines — while improving its ability to survive a first strike and retaliate.

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At the same time, the People's Liberation Army Navy is the world's largest by number of battle force ships, while it has fielded advanced hypersonic weapons, expanded long-range missile forces and invested heavily in artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and space-based systems that U.S. officials say are designed to challenge American military advantages in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. defense officials have also warned that China continues to refine the capabilities needed for a potential conflict over Taiwan, including joint operations involving naval, air, missile and amphibious forces.

Annual military exercises around Taiwan have grown larger and more complex, reflecting Beijing's efforts to increase military pressure while rehearsing operations that could support a blockade or invasion.

The U.S. has maintained a sea-based nuclear deterrent for decades through its fleet of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, which routinely conduct operational deterrent patrols and periodic test launches of Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. The Navy is now replacing those submarines with the next-generation Columbia class, which is expected to begin entering service later this decade.

Unlike China, however, the U.S. regularly publicizes scheduled Trident missile tests and has long operated a mature fleet of ballistic missile submarines that defense officials consider the most survivable leg of America's nuclear triad.

The Pentagon and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command could not immediately be reached for comment.

Substitute teacher accused of sending nude photos to middle school student enters plea

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:34:56 -0400

An Indiana substitute teacher accused of sending nude images of herself to a 14-year-old middle school student was sentenced to two years in jail.

A judge handed down the sentence to Cassidy Carter after she pleaded guilty to one count of battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and one count of battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, WXIX-TV reported. She was given two days of credit.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER WHO ALLEGEDLY HAD SEX WITH STUDENT IN CLOSET NOW FACES CHARGES INVOLVING MORE TEENS

She was originally charged with one count of child solicitation. However, Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens indicated that the change happened after the victim moved out of the area and wanted no part in the case.

TEACHER ACCUSED OF SEX WITH STUDENTS WAS ALLEGEDLY BLACKMAILED FOR BETTER GRADES: WARRANTS

Carter, who was 21 at the time, sent the images to the teen while she was employed as a substitute teacher at South Dearborn Community School Corporation.

The unidentified student told a school resource officer in December 2023, who informed the principal about what happened, court records state.

The teen said he became friends with Carter via Snapchat.

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During their conversations online, Carter sent the teen nude photos of herself every time she took a shower, often late at night, authorities said. She also allegedly told him that she was in love with him.

Investigators found the photos on Carter's phone, along with several messages, prosecutors said.

BJ’s roof collapse traps shoppers inside New Jersey store as rescue crews search damaged building

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:33:42 -0400

A large emergency response was triggered in Monmouth County, New Jersey, on Monday after a partial roof collapse at a local BJ's Wholesale Club trapped multiple people inside during a wave of severe weather.

Just after 11:15 a.m. local time, emergency personnel rushed to the BJ's Wholesale Club on Route 35 in Ocean Township following reports of the collapse, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office.

Shocking video appeared to show unsuspecting shoppers looking at grocery items seconds before the roof collapsed, sending a large amount of water gushing into the business.

Authorities confirmed 27 people were inside the building at the time of the incident, though no injuries were reported.

SECURITY GUARD SURVIVES EIGHT DAYS BENEATH COLLAPSED SHOPPING CENTER AFTER VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKES

Two people were partially entrapped in the debris but managed to free themselves and safely escape the building.

Emergency teams deployed specialized rescue units to ensure the building was clear, conducting primary and secondary searches, according to the sheriff’s office.

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The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office interior drone searched the structurally compromised building, along with New Jersey Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) K-9 teams.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden praised the first responders for working "seamlessly together" despite the severe weather and ongoing flooding plaguing the local communities.

"This incident is another reminder of how quickly severe weather can create dangerous and unpredictable conditions," Golden said.

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Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorrentino urged motorists and residents to stay away from the area as emergency operations continue.

Travelers are asked to avoid Route 35, Park Avenue and Deal Road, specifically the stretch between Routes 18 and 35.

Bruce Springsteen reignites Trump feud, says 'critical patriotism' defines a patriot

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:27:34 -0400

Bruce Springsteen is wading into politics once again.

A longtime foe of President Donald Trump and his administration, The Boss delved into his definition of true patriotism during his recent PBS special, "Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song."

"I believe in critical patriotism," Springsteen said. "I believe that’s the definition of a patriot, you know, that you love your country so much that you are willing to look at it clearly, recognize its faults, encourage it to be a better place, and believe that you carry in your heart the country that is waiting."

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN APPEARS TO LEAVE CHRIS CHRISTIE HANGING IN VIRAL CONCERT MOMENT CAUGHT ON VIDEO

White House officials directed Fox News Digital to an April Truth Social post from the president when asked for comment.

"Bad, and very boring singer, Bruce Springsteen, who looks like a dried up prune who has suffered greatly from the work of a really bad plastic surgeon, has long had a horrible and incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, sometimes referred to as TDS," the president wrote.

"The guy is a total loser who spews hate against a President who won a Landslide Election, including the popular vote, all Seven Swing States, and 86% of the Counties across America. Under Sleepy Joe and the Dems, our Country was DEAD, and now we have the "hottest" Country, by far, anywhere in the World. MAGA SHOULD BOYCOTT HIS OVERPRICED CONCERTS, WHICH SUCK. SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. AMERICA IS BACK!!! President DJT."

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRASHED BY HOME STATE PAPER OVER EXPENSIVE ANTI-TRUMP CONCERTS

While they've shared a war of words against each other in 2026 alone, Springsteen began criticizing Trump nearly a decade ago while stumping for former Secretary of State and once presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton.

The day after Trump's first inauguration and in solidarity with the global Women's March demonstrations, Springsteen said that he and the band stood with protestors.

"We are the new American resistance," Springsteen told the crowd in Perth, Australia.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S FORMER DRUMMER PUSHES BACK ON THE BOSS'S POLITICAL ATTACKS ON TRUMP: 'GOTTA HAVE RESPECT'

In 2019, the "Born in the U.S.A" singer laughed upon realizing Trump was mocking him on the campaign trail, but admitted that the country's affairs were not a comedic bit.

"It's just frightening, you know? We're living in a frightening time," he told Gayle King on "CBS This Morning."

"The stewardship of the nation is – has been thrown away to somebody who doesn't have a clue as to what that means."

He added, "And unfortunately, we have somebody who I feel doesn't have a grasp of the deep meaning of what it means to be an American."

The vocal Democrat backed Joe Biden in his 2020 vote for the White House and then endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024 while calling Trump "the most dangerous candidate for president in my lifetime."

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Earlier this year, Springsteen released an anti-ICE protest song, "Streets of Minneapolis," which he said was in honor of "innocent immigrant neighbors" and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were both shot and killed in January while protesting immigration crackdowns in Minneapolis.

On the opening night of his "Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour" in Minnesota, Springsteen unleashed a number of political statements and told the crowd that we are "living through some very dark times."

He offered a "prayer" for Trump and condemned political violence following the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner shooting in April when suspected gunman Cole Allen reportedly stormed a security checkpoint and opened fire.

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"We begin tonight with a prayer for our men and women in service overseas, we pray for their safe return," Springsteen told the crowd at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, per videos circulating online. "We also send out a prayer of thanks that our president, nor anyone in the administration, nor anyone attending, was injured at last night’s incident at the [White House] press correspondents’ dinner."

He added, "We can disagree. We can be critical of those in power, and we can peacefully fight for our beliefs. But there is no place in any way, shape, or form for political violence of any kind in our beloved United States."

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During a recent show in New Jersey, Springsteen called on his audience to join in "choosing hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism, the rule of law over lawlessness, ethics over unbridled corruption, resistance over complacency, truth over lies, unity over division and peace over war."

Springsteen representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Best Fourth of July sleep deals you can still get: Save up to 64% on mattresses and bedding

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:01:05 -0500

Summer nights call for a cooler, more comfortable bed, and these 2026 Fourth of July mattress and bedding sales are the perfect opportunity to upgrade your sleep setup. Save up to 64% on mattresses from brands like Saatva, Helix, and Sleep Number, with deals on memory foam and hybrid models. You can also save up to 46% on mattress protectors, cooling sheets and pillows throughout the holiday weekend.

Fourth of July mattress accessories deals

Niagara Sleep Solution Bamboo mattress topper: $37.89 (46% off)
Waterproof mattress protector: $9.95 (45% off)
Bedsure cooling sheets: $72.19 (41% off)
Silk pillow cases: $9.72 (35% off)
Casper foam pillow with Snow technology: $109.85 (35% off)
Cooling waffle blanket: $36.99 (33% off)
Queen storage bed frame: $109.99 (31% off)
Beckham Hotel Collection bed pillows, 2-pack: $59.99 (25% off)
Silk & Snow Egyptian cotton sheets set: $120 (20% off)

Best mattress bundle deal

Save on everything you need for a better night’s sleep, including a mattress, bed frame and sheets.

Nectar Premier adjustable bed and mattress set: $1,398 (64% off)

Original price: $3,934

What we love: The adjustable base has a number of useful features, including head and foot elevation, a soothing massage function and pre-programmed positions like Zero Gravity and Anti-Snore.

What to be aware of: The adjustable base is not compatible with all headboards.

Nectar's Premier Adjustable Bed and Mattress bundle adds head and foot elevation plus built-in massage, and includes the mattress, bedding essentials and even a 365-night trial. Shoppers can snag up to 64% off on mattresses and bundles, including the popular all-foam Nectar mattress for the Fourth of July.

Mattresses for side sleepers

If you sleep on your side, look for a mattress that cushions pressure points — typically in the medium-soft to medium-firm range.

Nolah Original Mattress: $942 (35% off)

Original price: $1,449

What we love: The quilted top adds a luxurious cooling layer.

What to be aware of: This is a heavy mattress, so it may be difficult to move.

The Nolah Original mattress is currently discounted by 35% during the site's Fourth of July Sale. Six pressure-relieving foam layers support side sleeping positions, while a pillow top, zoned support and cooling technology promote a more comfortable sleep. If you want a firmer option, try the Nolah Evolution.

Saatva Contour5: $2,749 (10% off)

Original price: $3,049

What we love: This mattress has excellent pressure relief.

What to be aware of: It's an all-foam mattress with very little bounce compared to innerspring or hybrid mattresses.

The all-foam Saatva Contour5 mattress comes in medium and firm options and delivers targeted pressure relief with zoned support. Cooling gel and heat-regulating materials help keep you comfortable, while memory foam contours the shoulders and hips. Saatva makes each mattress to order and delivers it full-sized and uncompressed with free white glove delivery.

Siena Signature Memory Foam Mattress: $294 (64% off)

Original price: $812

What we love: All-foam construction contours around the body.

What to be aware of: If you prefer a springier feel, this mattress may not feel responsive enough.

If you prefer a softer, sink-in feel, consider this 10-inch foam mattress. It includes two inches of contouring memory foam for full-body, medium support and delivers comfortable sleep without straining your budget. You can save up to 60% on mattresses during their Fourth of July sale — starting at just $99.

Mattresses for back pain

Back pain can disrupt sleep, and the wrong mattress only makes it worse. The right one can help keep your spine aligned with balanced support and comfort.

Saatva Classic Mattress: $1,929 (14% off)

Original price: $2,229

What we love: A soft surface with lumbar zone coils that are comfortable for various sleeping positions.

What to be aware of: Even the "Luxury Firm" option might feel too stiff for some side sleepers.

Saatva's Classic mattress is designed for sleepers seeking added back and joint support. Its lumbar zone is intended to promote healthy spinal alignment across different sleep positions. The mattress includes a one-year home trial. Each mattress is made to order and delivered full-size with white-glove service. Right now, you can get up to $300 off on purchases over $1,000 with a mattress in your cart.

PlushBeds organic latex mattress: $1,499 (50% off)

Original price: $2,999

What we love: The latex offers gentle contouring that cushions pressure points without the deep hug feeling of memory foam.

What to be aware of: This mattress is heavy and difficult to move.

Combining support and pressure relief, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex mattress is a smart choice for sleepers with back discomfort. The organic latex makes this mattress buoyant and responsive, critical in keeping your hips from sagging. PlushBeds offers a 100-night trial period for all of its mattresses, and right now you can get up to 50% off all mattresses and 25% off bedding.

Bear Elite Hybrid mattress: $1,484.60 (35% off)

Original price: $2,284

What we love: Zoned support coils and pressure-relieving foams help maintain spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points.

What to be aware of: Lightweight sleepers might find the mattress to be too firm.

The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is built with back support in mind, especially for back sleepers dealing with pain or stiffness. It comes in soft, medium and firm options, so you can pick the feel that best supports your spine and eases pressure points. The Bear mattress sleep trial is a 120-night period, after which you can return the mattress at no cost. Use code JULY35 at checkout to get 35% off sitewide.

Mattresses for back sleepers

Back sleepers need a mattress that balances support and comfort to keep the spine aligned.

Casper Snow mattress: $1,900 (30% off)

Original price: $2,720

Casper's Snow mattress offers a medium feel that may appeal to back and stomach sleepers. Its Snow Technology is designed to help dissipate heat for a cooler night's sleep, while the hybrid construction combines memory foam and coils to provide pressure relief and responsive support.

Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress: $1,025.50 (30% off)

Original price: $1,465

What we love: The GlacioTex cooling cover removes excess heat.

What to be aware of: There is a $99 return fee if you don't like the mattress after the 120-night sleep-trial.

Back sleepers will have strong foundational support from the Brooklyn Bedding's Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress. The coil system prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply, and the coils respond independently to pressure for targeted support where needed. It comes in soft, medium and firm options, so you can choose the level that suits you best. Get 30% off your purchase when using the promo code JULY30. The mattress is shipped in a box and comes with a 120-night comfort trial.

Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress: $999 (31% off)

Original price: $1,445

What we love: The excellent support and spinal alignment this mattress provides.

What to be aware of: Sleepers that weigh less may find this mattress firmer than they prefer.

Awara's Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress is a solid choice for back sleepers. Individually wrapped coils provide firm, consistent support, while responsive natural latex adds bounce and keeps the spine aligned. Awara backs the mattress with a 365-night trial. You can currently shop for mattresses up to 50% off during Awara's Fourth of July event.

Mattresses for couples

If you share your bed with a partner, child or pet, choose a mattress that boosts comfort and reduces motion transfer.

Sleep Number Climate360 mattress: $8,711.65 (15% off)

Original price: $10,249

What we love: Each side customizes your preferred temperature setting.

What to be aware of: The app and adjustable features may take some getting used to.

If you tend to sleep hot or cold, the Sleep Number Climate360 mattress is worth considering. It uses ceramic gel designed to help draw heat away, offers targeted support for pressure points and lets you adjust the temperature on each side. You can also track your sleep in the app, and it includes a 100-night trial. For a limited time, save up to 20% on mattresses and 30% off pillows and sheet sets.

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress: $699 (63% off)

Original price: $1,892

What we love: Reinforced perimeter makes it easier to sit or sleep near the edge without sagging.

What to be aware of: The hybrid design may make it too firm for some sleepers.

DreamCloud builds its Classic Hybrid Mattress with six layers, a quilted cover and supportive memory foam, while wrapped springs reduce motion transfer and cooling fibers help regulate temperature overnight. Save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles during their Fourth of July sale.

DreamCloud Premier mattress: $1,199 (48% off)

Original price: $2,316

What we love: The superior motion isolation makes it easy to share your bed with a restless partner or pets.

What to be aware of: Memory foam can take a bit longer to adapt when you change positions.

Made for pressure relief, the 13-inch DreamCloud Premier is an all-memory foam mattress with a breathable CloudQuilt top. It's also designed for motion isolation, suitable for a range of sleeping preferences. DreamCloud has a 365-night sleep trial, and if you're unhappy with the mattress, you can request a return and receive a full refund. Shop major discounts during the brand's Fourth of July sale.

Siena Premier Hybrid mattress: $389 (61% off)

Original price: $997

What we love: The excellent edge support so you don't roll off.

What to be aware of: This medium-firm mattress may be too firm for some sleepers.

A great option for couples or those who share a bed with a pet, the Siena Premier Hybrid Mattress helps reduce motion transfer with individually wrapped coils and edge support. Siena includes a 180-night sleep trial. Save up to 60% on mattresses during the brand's Fourth of July deals event.

Latex mattress from Birch by Helix: $1,968 (25% off)

Original price: $2,624

What we love: The Birch mattress is comfortable for all sleeping positions.

What to be aware of: If you have a latex allergy, this mattress is not for you.

Latex mattresses feel similar to memory foam but are firmer and sink less. This eco-friendly mattress from Birch by Helix is made with organic cotton that contributes to a cooler sleeping surface. Couples who tend to overheat during the night will benefit. Birch by Helix is offering 30% off with code ELITE30.

PlushBeds Kathy Ireland luxury hybrid mattress: $969 (61% off)

Original price: $2,469

What we love: This mattress is wrapped in a cooling material made for hot sleepers.

What to be aware of: Decorative finishes are pretty but don't change performance.

Save $1,500 on PlushBeds' Kathy Ireland Luxury Hybrid Mattress, which pairs body-cradling foam with supportive coils and luxe details like faux leather trim and a Swarovski-accented monogram. It ships in a box with a 365-night trial, and you can also take up to 50% off mattresses and 25% off all toppers and bedding.

Mattresses for stomach sleepers

If you sleep on your stomach, go with a firmer mattress to help keep your spine aligned and your hips from sinking too far.

Layla The Essential Mattress: $599 (20% off)

Original price: $749

What we love: All-foam construction helps absorb movement.

What to be aware of: The all-foam build, even with cooling features, can feel hot.

Layla's The Essential Mattress is an all-foam design that balances support and softness. It offers a medium-firm feel that gently cushions pressure points without excessive sink while built-in cooling features can help reduce heat buildup overnight. During Layla's Summer sale, you get two free pillows with every mattress purchase and can save up to $428 on mattresses. You can also use the code FOX150 for $150 off all mattresses, or FOX20 for $20 off orders over $100.

Layla Hybrid Mattress: $1,549 (11% off)

Original price: $1,749

What we love: You can flip this mattress to change the firmness level.

What to be aware of: This mattress is heavy, so you will likely need some help if you plan to flip it.

For most stomach sleepers, the firm side of the Layla Hybrid mattress will be the preferred option, as it keeps the hips from sinking too deeply into the mattress. All mattress purchases come with two of Layla's award-winning memory foam pillows. Shop Layla's Summer sale now. You can also use the code FOX150 for $150 off all mattresses, or FOX20 for $20 off orders over $100.

Mattresses for combination sleepers

If you switch positions at night, a hybrid mattress can give you the right mix of support and pressure relief.

Zoma Hybrid mattress: $909.30 (30% off)

Original price: $1,299

Made in the U.S., Zoma's hybrid mattress is crafted with CertiPUR-US certified foams for added peace of mind. Cooling gel memory foam and supportive layers are designed to promote spinal alignment and adapt to a variety of sleep positions, making it a popular choice for athletes and active sleepers.

Glacier Original Hybrid Mattress: $809 (10% off)

Original price: $899

What we love: The pressure relief, lumbar support and cooling make this an ideal choice for most sleepers.

What to be aware of: This bed-in-a-box is priced on the higher end.

The Glacier Original Hybrid Mattress provides medium-firm support for stomach, back, side and combination sleepers, as well as couples. The mattress ships roll-packed for easy setup and includes a 365-night trial.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress: $1,119 (25% off)

Original price: $1,492

What we love: The Helix Midnight has adequate support and contouring for spinal alignment.

What to be aware of: The mattress may be too hot for some sleepers.

The Helix Midnight Luxe offers a medium-firm feel with lumbar and side-sleeper support, making it a strong fit for back and side sleepers. Its cover can help regulate temperature, while foam layers and individually wrapped coils can reduce motion transfer – a helpful feature if your partner tosses and turns. Helix includes a 100-night trial, and you can take 25% off Luxe Collection with the code ELITE30.

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Mattresses for heavy sleepers

Heavier sleepers should look for a durable, well-built mattress in the medium-firm to firm range.

Titan Plus Luxe mattress: $652.40 (30% off)

Original price: $932

What we love: The mattress is built with higher-density foams and thicker, more durable coils.

What to be aware of: It may feel too firm for lighter individuals.

The Titan Plus Luxe is an excellent mattress for sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds who need robust support. It delivers a comfortable, medium-firm feel and strong pressure relief. Titan's mattress is shipped in a box and with a 120-night comfort trial. Use promo code JULY30 to get 30% off your mattress purchase.

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

Caitlin Clark calls for full-time WNBA referees as officiating failures mount in 2026

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:11:54 -0400

During last year’s All-Star Weekend, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert promised the league would fix its officiating problem. But nearly two months into the 2026 season, it appears everything is still a mess.

Last year, poor officiating became one of the league's biggest storylines, overshadowing everything from playoff races to the WNBA Finals. Coaches publicly blasted referees, players openly questioned the consistency of calls, and Engelbert eventually acknowledged that something had to change.

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So the league assembled a task force of coaches and executives to address concerns over excessive physicality, freedom of movement and consistency in officiating. The WNBA also hired longtime official Eric Brewton as its new referee performance and development advisor.

And yet, here we are again.

Perhaps the best example came a couple of weeks ago, when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark took a shot to the throat from Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas during a loose-ball sequence. Officials reviewed the play in real time and declined to assess a flagrant foul.

Days later, the league upgraded the play to a Flagrant 2 and suspended Thomas for one game.

Clark made it clear she believed officials got it wrong.

"I did think it was a flagrant foul," she said.

But she also said the issue extends far beyond one missed call.

"It's kind of been a discussion for three years now, and I think we really need to do a better job protecting the people in this league," Clark said Friday. "I've been involved in a few of those plays, but there's been plenty of others across the league that haven't been called. You go back postgame or whatever it is, teams submit clips and nothing changes. I think overall the league has to do better."

FORMER NBA DOCTOR WARNS OF DIRE CONSEQUENCES FOR CAITLIN CLARK IF HARD CONTACT ISSUES CONTINUE

Clark also called for greater investment in officiating.

"Overall, the league just has to do better and we have to invest in those areas," she said. "The technology can get better. We can treat the referees a little bit better. Pay them like they're full-time employees."

The concerns don't stop with Clark.

According to a report from The Athletic, coaches and general managers from eight different teams agreed that the quality of WNBA officiating remains subpar and that additional resources, accountability and investment are desperately needed.

"Dangle a bigger carrot," one coach told the outlet. "Pay them more money. Go get better talent to come to the W. I don't think we have the best talent. We have the best league in the world, but we don't have the best talent."

Others believe the league's review process is fundamentally broken.

Teams can clip plays and submit them for review, but multiple sources told The Athletic that the system suffers from delays and produces little noticeable improvement from game to game.

There have also been several high-profile officiating blunders this season.

The Chicago Sky were reportedly informed that three critical calls during a June 20 loss to Dallas were all incorrect. In another game, officials failed to realize Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell had fouled out and allowed play to continue before Indiana could substitute her.

"I hate to say it, but that's gross unawareness," USA Network analyst Meghan McPeak said during the broadcast.

"This should never happen," WNBA legend Tamika Catchings added.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada couldn't hide her frustration after a loss to the Washington Mystics.

"I'm going to get fined, but I don't care," Canada said. "Tonight, the officiating was awful."

She even described one sequence where an official admitted to making the wrong call.

"But that doesn't help me, because now I have two fouls," Canada said.

That pretty much sums up where the WNBA finds itself right now.

The league knew officiating had become a problem, so it formed a task force and (supposedly) implemented changes. It talked about protecting players and creating consistency.

And yet players, coaches and executives are still having the exact same conversations they were having a year ago.

Nobody is asking for perfection. Officiating professional basketball games is incredibly difficult.

But for a league currently enjoying the most successful era in its history — expansions, record television audiences, a $3 billion media rights deal — something has to change.

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Maybe that means better training, better communication, a stronger review process and more clarity on what actually constitutes a foul. Maybe that means hiring full-time refs and paying them a living wage. A novel concept.

But at some point, "we're working on it" doesn’t cut it anymore.

Last chance to shop Wayfair's Fourth of July sale: Up to 82% off grills, outdoor furniture and more

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 08:51:03 -0400

Wayfair is offering up to 70% off right now during its Fourth of July sale on home, outdoor and sleep essentials, including patio furniture, grills and mattresses. A few standout deals from the Fourth of July Clearance Sale include a set of four Adirondack chairs discounted by $584, a FOX reader-loved wicker patio set for 72% off and nearly half off on a memory foam mattress. Shop the sale before it ends on July 6.

Trending clearance deals

Floral indoor-outdoor rug: $83.99 (77% off)
Upholstered storage bed: $272.99 (70% off)
Royal Gourmet barrel charcoal grill with smoker: $154.08 (37% off)
Blackstone 36-inch propane griddle: $539.99 (23% off)

Outdoor furniture deals

Upgrade your outdoor space with new furniture, umbrellas and more.

18-inch outdoor all-weather side table: $59.99 (75% off)
Southerland 3-piece wicker patio conversation set: $289.99 (65% off)
Farrah outdoor stacking dining chairs, set of 2: $269 (54% off)

Folding Adirondack chair, set of 4: $295.96 (72% off)

Original price: $1,076

Save $584 on this set of four Adirondack chairs and upgrade your patio seating in one purchase. Built for outdoor use, the chairs feature a weather-resistant design and fold flat for easier storage between seasons.

Wicker patio set: $319.99 (72% off)

Original price: $1,142.82

Upgrade your backyard for less with this four-piece wicker patio set, marked down by $803. It includes a loveseat, two armchairs and a coffee table, giving you an instant outdoor gathering space. The flexible layout adapts easily to patios, porches and larger deck setups.

Patio umbrella: $81.99 (48% off)

Original price: $159

Stay in the shade no matter where the sun is. This patio umbrella tilts and rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to adjust coverage throughout the day. The UV-resistant canopy is designed for outdoor use and pairs easily with patios, decks and poolside seating areas.

Grilling deals

Cook burgers, veggies and more on a new grill this summer.

Blackstone 36-piece accessories kit: $35.99 (64% off)
Portable single burner electric grill: $108.78 (45% off)
Blackstone 8-piece griddle cleaning kit: $22 (35% off)
Grill steam cleaning brush: $39.99 (33% off)

R.W. Flame gas grill: $239.99 (70% off)

Original price: $799.99

Save $530 on the R.W. Flame propane grill and get serious cooking power for less. Three burgers deliver 34,000 BTUs of heat, and a built-in side burner lets you prepare sauces and sides without leaving the grill. It's a compelling alternative to pricier three-burner models.

Stainless steel grill tool set, 6-piece: $30.99 (61% off)

Original price: $79.99

Upgrade your grilling gear with this six-piece stainless steel tool set. The collection includes a spatula, tongs, fork, basting brush and two skewers, giving you the tools you need for everything from burgers to kebabs. Heat-resistant handles and dishwasher-safe materials help simplify cooking and cleanup.

Backyard decor deals

Add ambient lighting, fire pits and raised garden beds to your backyard.

Striped indoor/outdoor area rug: $62.99 (78% off)
Vertical tiered raised garden bed: $51.99 (64% off)
Wood planter box: $77.99 (44% off)
Acacia wood interlocking deck tiles, set of 27: $73.99 (45% off)

Outdoor string lights: $65.99 (35% off)

Original price: $101.99

Transform your backyard after dark with these 30-foot LED string lights. The shatter-resistant bulbs are built for outdoor use, and the connectable design makes it easy to light up larger decks, patios and fences with a single setup.

Indoor-outdoor rug: $52.99 (81% off)

Original price: $280

Give your outdoor space a finished look with this geometric indoor-outdoor rug, discounted by up to 79%. The flat-weave design works well beneath patio furniture, while the easy-care material cleans up with a quick spray from the hose. Multiple sizes are available, from runners to 9-by-12-foot rugs.

Vertical raised garden bed: $51.99 (64% off)

Original price: $143.99

Short on yard space? This five-tier vertical planter helps you grow more in a smaller footprint. The stacked design creates room for herbs, flowers and vegetables, while water-resistant planters and a sturdy metal frame provide support throughout the growing season.

Mattress and bedding deals

Save on a new mattress, sheets and other sleep must-haves.

Cooling blanket and pillow set: $49.99 (74% off)
Medium memory foam pocket hybrid mattress: $229.99 (67% off)
Serta Perfect Sleeper 15-inch pillow top mattress: $710.99 (60% off)
Nautical reversible quilt set with shams: $54.99 (58% off)
Waterproof fitted mattress protector: $12.99 (48% off)

Wayfair Basics 1800 Series microfiber sheet set: $23.99 (82% off)

Original price: $134.99

An 82% discount drops this sheet set to just $24. You'll get a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases, along with deep-pocket fitted sheets that work with mattresses up to 14 inches thick. With more than 20 colors available, finding a match for your bedroom is easy.

Sleep by Wayfair memory foam mattress: $245.99 (45% off)

Original price: $449.99

Looking for a mattress that won't break the bank? This cooling gel memory foam model combines a gel-infused comfort layer with a firmer feel designed for back and stomach sleepers. It's a budget-friendly option for refreshing your bedroom setup.

Sealy Cool hybrid mattress: $461.63 (58% off)

Original price: $1,099

Sealy mattresses don't often see discounts this deep outside major shopping events. This 12-inch hybrid model combines a CopperChill comfort layer with a pocketed coil support system, offering a blend of cushioning and structure.

ComforPedic Loft memory foam mattress: $510.10 (80% off)

Original price: $2,510.99

Save $1,923 on this ComforPedic memory foam mattress, which pairs a gel-infused comfort layer with a supportive core and may appeal to side sleepers looking for a firmer feel. At this price, it's one of the standout mattress deals in Wayfair's sale.

Indoor furniture deals

Give your living space an upgrade with rugs, sectionals and dining sets.

Ardin solid wood bed frame: $295.99 (78% off)
Swivel bar stools, set of 2: $177.99 (64% off)
Faux leather desk chair: $159.99 (58% off)
16-pair shoe storage cabinet: $116.99 (42% off)
65-inch linen upholstered loveseat: $303.99 (34% off)

Indoor-outdoor rug: $68.99 (76% off)

Original price: $290

This low-pile rug is a practical choice for high-traffic areas. The synthetic weave that wipes clean easily, and neutral pattern pairs with a variety of furniture styles. Right now, it's available in eight sizes.

Upholstered barrel dining chairs, set of 4: $431.96 (73% off)

Original price: $1,599.96

These barrel-back dining chairs bring a high-end look without the designer price tag. The sculptural shape and padded seats strike a balance between modern style and everyday comfort, and the current discount drops the cost to well under $200 per chair.

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

Upholstered sectional: $789.99 (14% off)

Original price: $919.99

This modular U-shaped sofa makes it easy to customize your living room setup. Now $200 off, the sectional arrives in separate pieces that can be arranged as a spacious U shape or reconfigured into an L-shaped layout. It's a versatile option for larger rooms and growing households.

Raleigh mayor considers youth curfew following teen takeover, violent July 4th weekend

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:58:19 -0400

The mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina, is weighing whether to impose a curfew for minors following a series of shootings and chaotic events over the Independence Day weekend, in which several fights broke out and nine people were shot amid a series of teen takeovers across the country.

The violence over the holiday weekend prompted Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell to tell WRAL News she's considering enacting a curfew for those aged 17 and under.

"As Mayor, I am grateful for the actions of the Raleigh Police officers in response to the situations of juvenile violence across the city on the night of July 4 and the morning of July 5," Cowell told the news outlet. "Clearly, Raleigh is not exempt from the incidents of youth violence that are occurring across the country. We need to talk with the youth, their parents, schools, and the broader community to understand the root causes and to better coordinate strategies."

'MAYHEM' ERUPTS IN WEALTHY COASTAL ENCLAVE AS HUNDREDS ARRESTED IN MASSIVE TAKEOVER DURING JULY FOURTH WEEKEND

One approach, she said, may be a youth curfew for those 17 years old and under, which other cities in North Carolina have implemented. City leaders were exploring "many approaches" that are expected to be discussed at Tuesday's City Council meeting, the mayor said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Cowell's office.

Around 5,000 teenagers showed up in Brier Creek and another 5,000 in Glenwood South, with half residing outside the city, the Raleigh Police Department said Sunday.

NORTH CHARLESTON OFFICER ATTACKED BY CROWD IN VIRAL VIDEO AFTER GUNFIRE ERUPTS AT BLOCK PARTY

Raleigh police officers initially responded just after 10:05 p.m. Saturday to reports of a fight near a movie theater and nearby stores. The incident stemmed from a "teen takeover," a social media-driven phenomenon where massive crowds of youths coordinate to suddenly congregate at public spaces like beaches, malls, or restaurants.

A large fight broke out, followed by gunshots. One adult was shot and another was injured by shattered glass caused by the shooting, police said. A juvenile was found with a gun and detained, but investigators don't believe the teen was one of the shooters.

Hours later, at 1:35 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to multiple shootings. Six people were shot but were expected to survive.

At around 4:30 a.m., two people were shot following a fight at a gas station, police said. They were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests were made.

Investigations into the shootings are ongoing, police said.

In a Monday post on X, Cowell called teen takeovers a "disturbing national trend."

"Now in #raleighnc . Grateful to @raleighpolice for bringing back order & protecting public. @raleighgov & whole community have work ahead to engage with youth to prevent future occurrences," she wrote.

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An Instagram post from Milk Bar, a bar in the Glenwood South area, said the actions of a few ruined the peace for patrons in the area.

"While we had zero safety incidents inside Milk Bar, we made the proactive decision alongside other businesses to close our doors, to protect our patrons and staff from the surrounding unrest," the post states. "Gun violence and reckless behavior have no place in our nightlife scene. WE CAN DO BETTER, RALEIGH!"

Bride wrestles key away from man accused of firing shots over groomsman eating meatballs with hands dispute

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:57:14 -0400

This is exactly why you bring the bear spray to a wedding. Had someone used it to calm people down after a heated exchange over a groomsman eating meatballs with his hands, perhaps nobody would have been shot.

Love wasn't the only thing in the air at a Wisconsin wedding last month, bullets were as well. The reception included an unplanned shooting that sent two to the hospital and earned a 41-year-old man two felony charges.

A groomsman had been spotted by a cousin of the bride in the kitchen area "eating meatballs directly with his hand," reports the local affiliate WISN. She says she told him to use a plate and that he responded by punching her.

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It was apparently the type of wedding reception that was a couple of words away from throwing punches. The brother-in-law of the woman who was punched reportedly stepped in and during the exchange gunshots rang out.

The alleged shooter was identified by multiple witnesses, including the bride, as a friend of the meatball-eating groomsman, Thomas Redrick Williams. When officers arrived on the scene, the criminal complaint states that the bride walked up and handed them a key fob.

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She had witnessed the fight, she had heard the gunshot, and she had seen a man she knew as "Boog" leave the kitchen with a gun.

How did she get the key fob, and what did it have to do with anything? She had wrestled it away from the man with the gun as he was attempting to drive off. He then fled on foot.

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Two other witnesses gave their accounts of the shooting to police. As of last week, reports Law & Crime, police have issued a warrant for Williams' arrest and were still looking for him.

He's facing two counts of first-degree reckless injury with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and bail jumping.

It just goes to show that sometimes asking someone to use a plate instead of their hands to eat meatballs is asking for too much. Who knew? Other than the bride who seemed to be unfazed by the reception shooting.

Explosive sexual assault allegation rocks Platner campaign ahead of key deadline in crucial Senate race

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:26:13 -0400

Speculation is swirling on social media about the future of Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after several of his events were canceled over the weekend shortly before an explosive report on Monday afternoon contained an allegation of rape from a woman he previously dated.

Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, told Politico over the course of three interviews that Platner forced her to have sex five years ago against her will, a claim that Platner denied in the story. Additionally, the report says that a man Raciot dated afterward confirmed she had told him about the incident, which was also corroborated by emails between Racicot and her therapist.

"I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told the outlet about the incident, which allegedly took place while Platner was "almost blackout drunk." "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’"

Racicot alleges that Platner entered her home uninvited and forced her to have unprotected sex despite her telling him to stop multiple times.

‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN

Racicot said in the report that "one of the reasons" she didn't come forward until now was the "huge moral conflict" she had between her support of Platner's politics and not supporting him "as a person."

"I just want the truth out there," Racicot said. "I just want people to have a whole scope of who he is as a person."

In a statement to Politico, Platner said, "These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue."

The Platner campaign posted a video on X shortly after the Politico story published where Platner again called the allegations "false" and that he was going to "reflect" on the best path forward.

"So, regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner says in the video. "Those were the goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain my goals today."

Over the last few days, multiple Platner events over the 4th of July holiday weekend and Monday were canceled without an official explanation or comment from the campaign, Bangor Daily News reported on Monday, other than one event organizer saying that an event in Gorman was canceled due to Platner "not feeling well."

The news of the canceled events led conservative outlets and pundits to speculate throughout the day on Monday, before the Politico report was published, about whether there was an underlying reason for the cancellations.

"Graham Platner cancels MULTIPLE scheduled town hall events as progressive allies tease another scandal is about to hit his campaign," the Maine Wire news outlet posted on X. "Augusta town hall for last night - CANCELED Gorham town hall tonight - CANCELED Sanford town hall tonight - CANCELED. There are no other upcoming events listed on his FB page, or on Mobilize."

"Graham Platner no-showed Fourth of July celebrations across Maine," the National Republican Senatorial Committee posted on X in response to the Maine Wire post. "Now, he's canceling everything else. We wouldn't want to be seen in public either… "

"A well-placed source told us that Graham Platner is dropping out of the Maine Senate race this week," the Washington Reporter posted on X. "Note that Platner has yet to release his Q2 fundraising totals, a sign he may have underperformed expectations. "

FORMER PRIMARY RIVAL RESURFACES TO CHALLENGE SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER IN MAINE SENATE RACE

In addition to the online rumors circulating on Monday, bets on the online prediction market Polymarket surged over the weekend, with users betting that Platner would drop out before the midterms.

Platner has been at the center of multiple controversies since launching his campaign, including infidelity, alleged physical abuse of an ex-girlfriend, a Nazi-linked tattoo, disparaging comments about the military, referring to himself as a "communist", scrutiny over his working-class bonafides, and a variety of inflammatory posts on a deleted Reddit account.

Despite the controversies, many polls in recent weeks showed that Platner had a lead on Collins. However, a Fox News poll published last week showed Collins with a small advantage, along with more than half of respondents saying that Platner lacks the judgment to serve as a U.S. senator.

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Now that Platner has won the Democratic primary, the next key date is 5 p.m. on Monday, July 13. Under Maine law, if Platner formally withdraws as the Democratic nominee by that deadline, the Maine Democratic Party can replace him on the general election ballot by selecting a new nominee through its party process, with the replacement required to be chosen by July 27.

If he remains the nominee past the July 13 deadline, the party generally loses its ability to substitute another candidate through the normal replacement process, except in limited circumstances defined under state law.

"These allegations are very serious and Graham vigorously denies them," a Platner campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "They are also coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives. For a year, opponents of this campaign have thrown everything they can at Graham –– calling him a Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist. None of it has been true and this is no different."

"It is not a coincidence that this story comes a week before the ballot deadline, just as the previous false allegations came a week before the primary. Graham began this campaign to fight for a Maine where everyone is treated with dignity and where Mainers are put first, and no amount of desperate smears will stop this movement from seeing that vision through."

Israel fortifies border with Jordan as Iran seeks new terror path

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:47:59 -0400

JORDAN VALLEY: After Hamas’ terrorist invasion of Israel’s southern border on Oct. 7, 2023, the Jewish state created the 96th army division to thwart new security threats along its border with Jordan.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) granted Fox News Digital exclusive access to military bases that are on the frontlines in the fight against Iran’s regime, terrorism, narcotics and weapons smuggling, as well as illegal entry of Palestinians seeking work in Israel.

While the "Jordanian border is a peace border," an Israeli military official told Fox News Digital, "There is a strategic competition over Jordan. The other side [Iran’s regime] understands it is a peaceful border and a strategic advantage for any of our enemies who want to be there." Jordan and Israel reached a peace agreement in 1994.

JORDAN REMAINS ‘LAST HOLDOUT’ AS IRAN LOOKS TO CREATE NEW ‘TERROR FRONT' ON ISRAELI BORDER

The longevity of Mideast peace is at stake in the oppressive heat of the biblically rich history of the Jordan Valley, where Joshua led the Jews into Israel.

The Jordan Valley frequently appears in Scripture. John the Baptist led his ministry and baptisms, including Jesus’, in the Valley. "Tourists come to explore it [Jordan Valley region]," said the military official. As a result of the origins of Christianity and Judaism, the Jordan Valley has been labeled the "Original Bible Belt."

During Israel’s seven-front war against Iran and its allies, Fox News Digital reported that the regime and Hamas sought to destabilize Jordan, according to Mideast experts.

US ALLY JORDAN ROCKED BY PRO-HAMAS, MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD PROTESTS OVER GAZA WAR

In 2024, Jordan experienced protests in support of the Hamas terrorist organization.

After Hamas slaughtered over 1,200 people on 10/7, including more than 40 Americans, the IDF is reactivating 45 military bases spread out between Israel and Jordan. The IDF said the bases were built after the 1967 Six-Day War and their operation was" discontinued in the late 1990s. IDF Division 96 oversees the sprawling bases filled with bunkers in the Jordan Valley.

A military official told Fox News Digital that "Since the beginning of the year, Division 96 has thwarted more than 20 smuggling attempts involving weapons and narcotics."

According to the military official, "All walks of life come here [Jordan Valley]. The army’s job is to make sure that everybody can live here in peace." Division 96 covers 250 air miles and approximately 242.3 miles of territory, said the military official. The IDF created Division 96 a little more than a year ago.

The military official said that a critical piece of its multilayered defense is to build a new wall. "The army took everything we learned from 10/7 and revamped the wall." The military official added the construction of the wall helps to explain why Palestinians are seeking to illegally enter Israel for employment: "They see the wall and realize that their time is now up to come in."

ISRAEL DEFENSE CHIEF WARNS STRIKES ON IRAN COULD RESUME SOON, SIGNALS CAMPAIGN NOT OVER

He stressed there are legal entry points into Israel from the Jordanian side.

The multipronged new Israeli border system in the Jordan Valley is demarcated by three layers. The first layer is a military outpost, like the facility Fox News Digital toured. Named "European Goldfinch," it is situated across from the defunct historical Adam Bridge, where two Jordanian military outposts are within eyesight.

The second layer of defense is the construction of a wall. And the third line of defense is the military bases that lodges Division 96. The IDF official said that the army also increased the number of reserve soldiers.

The Israeli army built another five battalions of soldiers who were never engaged in service or finished their service and wish to return to duty. The reservists "understood the point of history we are in" and their "love for Israel," said the Israeli military official.

During Israel’s war with Iran, the clerical regime’s forces fired missiles into the Jordan Valley. The bunkers located in the outposts served as a refuge from Iran’s rockets.

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The military bases inspected by Fox News Digital are located in Area C in the disputed West Bank territory, referred to by many Israelis by the region’s biblical names as Judea and Samaria. Nearly 500,000 Israelis and around 300,000 Palestinians live in Area C, which makes up 60% of the total area of Judea and Samaria. The Oslo Accords, which were signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1993, stipulated military and civilian control over Area C was absorbed by the IDF.

The miltiary official said that "We have the same agenda as Jordan: To keep the border peaceful."

Who is Turkey's Erdoğan? How NATO's most unpredictable leader keeps reinventing himself

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:34:09 -0400

As President Donald Trump heads to Ankara, Turkey, for the upcoming NATO summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is again at the center of alliance politics.

Trump has praised Erdoğan as "a friend" and "a respected leader," underscoring a relationship that could shape defense talks between Washington and Turkey, including Turkey’s long-running effort to restore deeper military cooperation.

The moment highlights the remarkable position Erdoğan occupies today: Once regarded as one of NATO’s most troublesome allies after taking delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defense system in 2019, Turkey has become increasingly difficult for the alliance to sideline as the war in Ukraine drags on, instability grips the Middle East and the Black Sea grows more strategic.

For many, however, Erdoğan remains an enigma. Rather than being driven by a fixed worldview, experts argue, Erdoğan repeatedly has reinvented himself politically, adopting whichever ideology best serves his overriding objective: remaining in power.

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Erdoğan has ruled Turkey for more than two decades, evolving from an Istanbul mayor with Islamist roots into a pro-European reformer, then a nationalist strongman, and now a pivotal NATO power broker courted by Trump.

To supporters, he restored Turkey's global stature. To critics, he hollowed out its democracy while jailing rivals, journalists and activists. But Erdoğan's most defining trait, experts say, may be less ideology than survival.

Is he an Islamist? A nationalist? A Western ally? A Russian partner? An authoritarian?

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about Erdoğan is that he has been all of those things — at different moments, according to Gönül Tol, founding director of the Middle East Institute's Turkey Program and author of "Erdoğan's War: A Strongman's Struggle at Home and in Syria."

"He's not an ideological man," Tol told Fox News Digital. "He's very pragmatic, first and foremost a populist."

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The Conservative Democrat

Erdoğan’s roots lie in Turkey’s Islamist political movement. Educated at an Imam Hatip religious school, he entered politics through National Outlook, a right-wing Islamist movement founded by Necmettin Erbakan, and eventually became mayor of Istanbul as a member of Erbakan’s Welfare Party.

But after founding the AKP, or Justice and Development Party, in 2001, Erdoğan abandoned the Islamist label, presenting himself instead as a "conservative democrat" committed to economic reform and closer ties with Europe — a shift that experts say marked the first of several political reinventions.

When Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party first swept to power in 2002, Turkey was seeking membership in the European Union, military influence over politics was shrinking, and Erdoğan promised democratic reforms, economic modernization and closer ties with the West.

Many liberals and centrists initially supported him.

"He often said, 'I'm not an Islamist anymore. I'm a conservative democrat,'" Tol said. "And that brand really served him well."

Those early years transformed both Turkey's economy and Erdoğan's popularity.

TRUMP BETS ON FORMER NATO TROUBLEMAKER AS TURKEY'S STRATEGIC VALUE SURGES

The Islamist

After consolidating power, Erdoğan began another political transformation.

Following the Arab Spring in 2011, he increasingly portrayed himself as a champion of political Islam, backing Islamist movements across the Middle East while presenting himself domestically as the defender of Turkey's conservative religious majority.

"He wanted to inject more Islam into public life, into education," Tol said. "He was using this more Islamist narrative... the goal was always to acquire more power."

That anti-Western turn went beyond rhetoric.

In 2016, Erdoğan accused the U.S.-led coalition of supporting terrorist groups in Syria, including ISIS and Kurdish militias that Turkey considers terrorist organizations— an allegation the State Department dismissed as "ludicrous," according to Reuters.

His increasingly vocal support for Hamas and sharp criticism of Israel became defining features of his foreign policy.

"The perpetrators of the massacre and the destruction taking place in Gaza are those providing unlimited support for Israel," Erdoğan said in 2023, adding that Israel's attacks and those backing them amounted to "murder and mental illness," according to Reuters.

Tol cautions against viewing those positions alone as evidence that Erdoğan remains primarily motivated by Islamism.

"Anti-Israel sentiment cuts across ideological lines in Turkey," she said, arguing that Erdoğan's foreign policy has consistently reflected political calculation more than religious doctrine.

TRUMP'S TURKEY ARMS SALE PROPOSAL SPARKS CONGRESSIONAL QUESTIONS BEFORE NATO SUMMIT

The nationalist strongman

As Turkey's economy slowed and regional ambitions faltered, Erdoğan pivoted once again.

He embraced Turkish nationalism, built alliances with hardline nationalist parties and cultivated the image of an indispensable strongman capable of restoring Turkey's historical influence.

Supporters credit him with transforming Turkey into a regional power.

"He does have genuine support," Tol said, estimating his support at roughly 35%.

Some supporters depend on government assistance and patronage networks built under his rule. Others believe Erdoğan restored dignity to conservative religious Turks who long felt marginalized by the country's secular establishment.

Still others view his increasingly assertive foreign policy as proof Turkey has reclaimed its place on the world stage.

"They think, 'We have become a world-class nation,'" Tol said. "'Everyone is praising our president. Turkey is a big player.'"

While Erdoğan continues to command a loyal political base, critics say the price has been Turkey's democratic institutions.

Authorities increasingly have used courts and criminal investigations to sideline political opponents, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose arrest earlier in 2026 triggered nationwide demonstrations, according to Human Rights Watch.

The organization says the government has intensified efforts to weaken Turkey's main opposition party despite its strong performance in the 2024 municipal elections.

TRUMP'S PERSONAL FEUDS WITH ALLIES FROM ITALY TO ISRAEL REVEAL HOW PERSONALITY DRIVES HIS FOREIGN POLICY

The NATO dealmaker

Today, Erdoğan finds himself in another political transformation.

After years of anti-Western rhetoric and disputes with Washington, Turkey has worked to repair relations with the United States and Europe.

That rhetoric was once central to Erdoğan's posture.

He accused the U.S.-led coalition in Syria of supporting terrorist groups, blasted Washington's sanctions over Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, calling them a "hostile attack" on Turkey's sovereign rights and defense industry, and repeatedly accused Western governments of enabling Israel's war in Gaza.

The shift comes as Turkey's strategic importance has grown dramatically.

The S-400 purchase remains at the center of one of the biggest unresolved disputes between Washington and Ankara. After Turkey took delivery of the Russian system in 2019, the U.S. expelled Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program and later imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense procurement agency.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey recently told Fox News Digital that restoring Turkey to the F-35 program remains far more complicated than other defense deals because operating the Russian-made S-400 alongside America's most advanced stealth fighter could expose sensitive U.S. technology.

"The F-35 is a different issue," Jeffrey said, arguing that the problem is technical, not merely political.

Turkey controls the Bosporus and Dardanelles, fields NATO's second-largest military and plays a critical role in the Black Sea following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Jeffrey said that Turkey has been "essential to Ukraine staying in the fight," pointing to Turkey's enforcement of the Montreux Convention, a 1936 treaty that gives Turkey control over naval passage through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, its early delivery of Bayraktar drones to Ukraine, and its role as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.

"You can't contain Russia in the Black Sea without Turkey," Jeffrey said.

For Tol, however, Erdoğan's latest embrace of NATO is simply another example of his political flexibility.

"There was a time when he was very anti-Western, very critical of NATO, very critical of the United States," she said.

"And now look at him."

Growing criticism

Human Rights Watch argues Erdoğan has used Turkey's growing importance to NATO as political cover while expanding pressure on journalists, activists and opposition figures.

Freedom House says Erdoğan has become "increasingly authoritarian" over the past decade, consolidating power through constitutional changes and the imprisonment of political opponents, independent journalists and civil society figures.

Turkey's prisons held more than 420,000 inmates — far exceeding their official capacity of roughly 304,000, according to a June 2026 report citing Turkish Justice Ministry figures.

NATO allies have grown quieter on Turkey's rights record as Ankara's strategic value has risen, Reuters reported ahead of the summit, with former U.S. Ambassador David Satterfield saying it remains important for the West to speak publicly about the "degradation of democratic institutions in Turkey."

Tol believes Erdoğan's domestic agenda can be understood through a single principle.

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"Everything is designed to keep him in power," she said. "Beyond that, I don't see a binding ideology that brings together all his policies."

As Trump heads to Turkey, that may be the key to understanding one of NATO's most consequential — and unpredictable — leaders.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Turkish government for comment.

Fox News Digital's Morgan Phillips and Reuters contributed to this report.

Carrie Underwood doesn't skip leg day, spicy Sophie Cunningham & why Trump's World Cup meddling is a win-win

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:30:59 -0400

What a loaded weekend. Lordy, I don't even know where to begin!

America's 250th. Fourth of July. Trump vs. FIFA. The Marlins did something downright unacceptable yesterday afternoon. NASCAR last night. USA soccer tonight.

Holiday shmoliday! The news-cycle doesn't sleep just because the calendar says it's supposed to, and she certainly didn't sleep this weekend.

Let's dive in.

Welcome to a Monday Nightcaps — the one where Carrie Underwood shows America she doesn't skip leg day during a patriotic performance at the John Deere Classic.

What else? I've got fallout from Trump's phone call to FIFA, including why I think the move was such a no-brainer, Sophie Cunningham's perfect response to the WNBA nonsense, and this Marlins manager should be fired TODAY after what he pulled Sunday afternoon.

Seriously. This got buried in the FIFA news-of-the-day, but it deserves some attention. And now, it'll get it!

Grab you any beer for tonight's game (as long as it's not Anheuser-Busch!) and settle in for a Monday 'Cap!

Trump's FIFA call was such a no-brainer

Normally, I love AB. Duh. If you've been in this class long enough, you know I'm a Busch Light purist.

(Although, I will admit that I bought a sixer of Coors Banquet this weekend because it just felt right).

That being said ... all bets are off tonight. It's USA vs. Belgium. Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. True story. Can't have that tonight. Like Trump, I know nothing about soccer. Nothing. Nada. Don't pretend to.

But I know our fellas need all the support they can get, and if that means a small, one-day boycott of AB, then I'm happy to do it.

It's called making sacrifices, Libs. Look it up!

Now, speaking of the Libs and Trump and tonight's game ... let's check in with Donald J. Trump, who has, amazingly, made himself the center of attention:

Incredible. Just when you start to think he's lost his fastball, he paints the corners with 99. How does he do it?

"I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine. The referee’s decision to red card, I didn’t know what the hell a red card was and when I found out I said, ‘You gotta be kidding.’… I said, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of power, that’s terrible.’ And then I looked at his past and it wasn’t so great."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Look, this was such a win-win for Trump politically. Let's just be honest. There really is no bad outcome from him interfering in FIFA and World Cup matters. None.

Scenario A: USA wins tonight, Trump continues to be praised, and probably shows up at the next game and gets a massive standing ovation in what would be the most-watched broadcast of the year. The left implodes.

Scenario B: USA loses tonight, and the fake-Americans on the left show their true colors by cheering on Belgium because they can't stand the thought of siding with Trump on anything. The Republicans use all the fake-outrage to their advantage leading up to the 2026 midterms.

Scenario C: Trump's sudden involvement pulls his core fanbase into the World Cup because they don't care otherwise, and further galvanizes the country.

This one is already happening, by the way, because I've spent 500 words writing about SOCCER on a Monday in July.

And for those of you who don't think a Democrat would ever go against the US of A, buddy, think AGAIN:

Let's talk about the Marlins

Incredible. Just imagine, for a second, waking up in the morning and doing something like that on the weekend of America's 250th birthday? These people are NUTS. Truly unhinged.

The TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) is OFF THE CHARTS right now. Again, it's a win-win for him. Easiest call ever, frankly. What a birthday weekend!

OK, let's move it along, because we've all got a game to gear up for in a few hours.

I know most of you missed it, but I will not let Marlins manager Clayton McCullough off the hook for this nonsense he pulled yesterday by pulling a pitcher in the middle of a PERFECT GAME:

Just ridiculous. What happened to the game we all loved? Pulling a pitcher in the middle of a perfect game is indefensible. Do you know how rare perfect games are? This wasn't a no-hitter. Those are a dime a dozen at this point.

But perfect games almost never happen. In fact, there have only been 24 official perfect games in MLB history. Twenty-four! Baseball has been around for a century, give or take. It's really been around for much longer, but we'll just go back 100 years to make it a nice, round number.

In that time, we've only seen 24 (!!!) perfect games. And Clayton McCullough robbed us of a chance to see No. 25. Fans were furious. Players, I would hope, ARE furious.

And guess what? The Marlins nearly BLEW it! They barely won the game:

Carrie and Sophie take us into the week

Just pathetic. McCullough, by the way, had this to say after the game:

"Going into this game, 90-plus a batter was a pitch count that I felt comfortable with him coming back off the time on the IL, and us looking to play beyond the regular season," he said. "Eury's going to be an important part of that.

"There was a part of my heartstrings pulling at his opportunity to keep on going, but I have to think about Eury, one, and our organization, our team, and what's best moving forward to give us a chance to continue to win games. So I made more of a calculated decision with where he was with the pitch count to take him out."

Bologna. It wasn't like he was at 120 pitches! He was at 90. That's peanuts. This wasn't his first game back off the IL. This was his third. At the very least, you let him go back out there and take it one batter at a time. What if he gets through the next inning in 10 pitches?

Indefensible. Make Baseball Great Again!

OK, two quickies on the way out. First? You didn't think we'd go a day without WNBA drama, did you? As per usual, Sophie Cunningham has the correct take on all the whining from Alyssa Thomas about internet trolls:

"At the end of the day, you're in an entertainment business, that's when mental toughness comes in. If you're gonna live by praise, you're gonna die by the hate. I think that's on the individual person to have mental toughness.

"Some people can deal with it, some people can't. And I think you can see the ones who can't. And unfortunately there are some who can't, and it's not beneficial to them."

Caitlin Clark finally breaks her week-long silence after being punched in the throat by Alyssa Thomas

Amen. Thank you, Sophie. All this whining about online hate and fans being mean and blah, blah, blah. It's nonsense. The WNBA isn't reinventing the wheel here. This isn't the first time athletes have ever had to deal with mean fans, or online trolls, or idiots behind a keyboard.

This has been happening FOREVER! I'm not saying it's right. It's not. I'm saying if you're really "upset" about it, you need to get thicker skin and toughen up.

That's what Sophie is saying, too, by the way. Her statement may have been a little more buttoned-up, but we both arrived at the same destination.

Once again, she nailed it.

OK, that's it for today. What a weekend. What a start to the week! I think we're in for a special night.

Take us home, Carrie Underwood!

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OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots).

Any way this turns out bad for Trump? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com.

Media figures melt down over Trump involvement with FIFA as US star Folarin Balogun set to play

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:30:47 -0400

Many journalists, political correspondents and pundits have expressed outrage that President Donald Trump pressed FIFA on the plight of USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday’s showdown with Belgium.

Balogun received a red card during the U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week for stepping on the ankle of a defender while trying to corral a ball. The controversial card — which mandated Balogun miss the rest of the game and the next game as well — was issued after a VAR review, and amid the uproar, a source told Fox News that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked that FIFA review the play. On Sunday, the reversal was announced and the typical one-game suspension was nullified.

Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik and White House task force leader Andrew Giuliani put together a team of lawyers outside the White House to challenge the use of slow-motion replay to give Balogun the red card, according to OutKick founder and Fox News contributor Clay Travis.

Infantino said in a statement Monday that he spoke with Trump and noted that "FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent" and "operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them." The media onslaught was at full tilt by then, however.

BANNED FORMER FIFA PRESIDENT CRITICIZES ORGANIZATION'S DECISION ON FOLARIN BALOGUN

"Morning Joe" co-host Jon Lemire expressed concern that "karma" would come back to haunt the United States team.

"This certainly helps the U.S. on the field, but the karma is bad. The karma is very bad… This U.S. run so far has been magical. This decision may help us extend it, but suddenly the feeling is a little bit off," Lemire said.

"I think the president has misunderstood the beautiful game, part of it is that you don’t always get the call you want. There’s real disappointment. There’s the hope that kills you. This is part of the beauty of soccer. And the point is that you have to triumph over what are often perceived to be unfair calls," Washington Post columnist Kate Andrews said on MS NOW.

Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann responded, "So the World Cup is fixed? Got it."

FIFA DISMISSES BELGIUM APPEAL OVER DECISION ON USA'S FOLARIN BALOGUN

"Totally normal and not corrupt or dodgy or biased at all," journalist Mehdi Hasan sarcastically wrote to caption a report that Trump called Infantino.

New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof declared, "This will appear to the world as favoritism and as FIFA bowing to political influence. If the U.S. wins, I fear that much of the world will see it as a win with an asterisk and as Trump’s America making its own rules even in the sports world."

ABC News contributor Donna Brazile wrote, "Terrible decision to involve the White House into this. Just horrible."

Others focused on Balogun being a birthright citizen.

"The irony of Trump calling FIFA to overturn a red card for Balogun because he knows the U.S. can’t win without Balogun, who only qualifies for the U.S. team because of birthright citizenship, which Trump just tried to overturn," journalist Julia Loffe wrote.

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

Radio host Courtney Theriault added, "Donald Trump calling FIFA to overturn the suspension of noted birthright citizen Folarin Balogun the same week SCOTUS rules against him on eliminating birthright citizenship is peak Trump."

"Possible corruption and cheating aside, hilarious that the Trump administration were allegedly pushing hard to reinstate a player who is a literal birthright citizen. His pregnant mother gave birth to him on a visit because the airline wouldn’t let her board her return flight," Hasan wrote.

Many others took to social media with thoughts:

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Trump told reporters Monday he didn't tell FIFA to do anything and said he didn't believe the red card was the proper call.

"I didn’t tell him what to do. I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision because, No. 1, it wasn’t a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players," he said.

A win on Monday would send the U.S. to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

Fox News Digital’s Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

Walker Buehler targets home-field rebound as San Diego Padres host Arizona Diamondbacks in .500 showdown

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:25:25 -0400

We were able to steal a win yesterday in the Twins vs. Yankees game. It was a fairly nerve-wracking game because I took the under. The Twins ended up scoring six runs, and then the Yankees scored one late to get it to seven runs. Luckily, we were able to get the bullpen to close the doors. I am hopeful we can keep this luck on our side as we've snuck in a few close calls lately. Tonight, we get a new series between the Diamondbacks and the Padres.

With a win tonight, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be back to .500 at 45-45. They have been bad on the road, struggling to a 17-25 road record. I think that Arizona has done a very good job on offense this season, despite trading away quite a few players over the past year. They still have a lot of talent on the roster, but the question has to be asked if they are going to make more trades soon. Ketel Marte is a guy who has had his name floating around the trade rumors quite a bit. He could be a good addition to most playoff teams. However, if the Diamondbacks want to go the other way, they can add pitching to try to improve on their team's 4.28 ERA.

Even if the Diamondbacks add Tarik Skubal, which isn't likely, they would still be a very long shot to make the postseason via the division. They have a better chance at getting one of the three Wild Card spots. Today's starter is Brandon Pfaadt, who is not in the same realm as Skubal (but, then again, who is). For the season, Pfaadt has bounced between the bullpen and the rotation. This is just his fifth start of the season, but he is coming off a start against the Giants. He went 5.1 innings, allowed three hits, and just one solo homer. He faced the Padres earlier in the season and went three innings, allowing four earned runs.

The San Diego Padres are in an identical spot to the Diamondbacks. With a win here, they will get back to .500 for the season. The Padres have to be one of the most frustrating teams in baseball. On paper, they should be one of the most elite clubs in baseball. They have a ton of talented hitters and a few reliable arms, but for whatever reason, it seems like every season is a struggle. Perhaps it is a lack of power from some key guys like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts. Maybe it is that Manny Machado is batting .189. There could be a chance that all three of those guys return to their normal production and propel the Padres to another postseason appearance.

In order to do that, they will need help from their pitching staff. One of the main guys that they will lean on is today's starter, Walker Buehler. For the year, Buehler is 5-4 with a 4.61 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He has been a better pitcher at home than he has on the road, though. When pitching in San Diego, he has thrown to a 3.13 ERA. He had a great June, but his first July start, he was rocked. He allowed nine earned runs on seven hits over four innings. He has to be looking to get back on the mound and rebound from that rough outing. He hasn't faced the Diamondbacks this season.

PADRES' FERNANDO TATIS JR SNAPS HOME RUN DROUGHT WITH THUNDEROUS DINGER: 'ABOUT F---ING TIME'

Over his career, Pfaadt has allowed Padres hitters to bat .258 against him with four homers and 18 RBIs. I mentioned Machado's struggles this season, but he is hitting .368 against Pfaadt. Bogaerts is hitting just .167 against him. Jake Cronenworth is another one who might be worth adding to your daily lineups or prop bets, as he is hitting .409 against Pfaadt. Buehler has been much better against the Diamondbacks hitters, holding them to a .194 average over 98 at-bats. Pavin Smith has been particularly bad, going 1-for-15 against him.

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Smith isn't plus money for the night, so I'll avoid that prop. For the actual game, I'm planning to play the Padres at -124. I think Buehler will rebound from his horrendous last start. I also think his history, coupled with his home performances, give San Diego the edge in this game. Give me the Padres -124.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

Pence commends Trump for winning freedom of Beijing's Zion Church pastor Ezra Jin from Chinese detention

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:16:07 -0400

Former Vice President Mike Pence publicly praised President Donald Trump on Monday for successfully securing the release of pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, a prominent underground Christian leader detained by Chinese authorities.

In a post on X, Pence said Trump "should be commended" for raising the case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing, adding it was "Truly Treasure in Heaven to see this godly man of faith set free."

Pence also called on Beijing to release jailed Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, adding, "#FreeJimmyLai."

PRESIDENT TRUMP REVEALS XI JINPING'S RESPONSE TO POSSIBLY RELEASING IMPRISONED CHINESE CRITIC JIMMY LAI

Jin, the leader of Beijing's unregistered Zion Church, was detained in October along with 17 other church leaders.

He safely arrived in Los Angeles to reunite with his family, less than two months after Trump pressed Xi on his detention, according to Frances Hui of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.

PRESIDENT TRUMP MUST PUT AMERICAN HOSTAGES FIRST IN HIGH-STAKES BEIJING SUMMIT

In a statement to the Associated Press, Jin’s family thanked Trump and acknowledged the swift release would not have been possible without Xi's intervention.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., took to X to thank Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, echoing Pence’s call for Lai’s release.

"Great news! Thank you @POTUS and @SecRubio for your leadership in securing Pastor Ezra Jin’s freedom," Scott wrote in the post. "Still, we cannot stop fighting to hold COMMUNIST CHINA accountable for ALL of their crimes."

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"My friend Jimmy Lai remains unjustly imprisoned simply because he stood up for freedom," Scott continued. "Jimmy Lai is 78 with diabetes and has been in solitary confinement for YEARS. I will never stop fighting for Jimmy Lai and I won’t give up until Jimmy is out of prison."

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Carrie Underwood doesn't skip leg day, spicy Sophie Cunningham & why Trump's World Cup meddling is a win-win

Trump's FIFA call was such a no-brainer

Let's talk about the Marlins

Carrie and Sophie take us into the week

Media figures melt down over Trump involvement with FIFA as US star Folarin Balogun set to play

Walker Buehler targets home-field rebound as San Diego Padres host Arizona Diamondbacks in .500 showdown

Pence commends Trump for winning freedom of Beijing's Zion Church pastor Ezra Jin from Chinese detention