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Florida woman accused of faking cancer to scam hundreds out of $40K, police say

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 02:02:18 -0400

A Florida woman was arrested after authorities said she falsely claimed to have cancer and scammed more than 200 people out of more than $40,000 to pay off personal debts.

Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, has been charged with grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. She turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center this week after detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest on the second-degree felony charge, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

Jones, who worked as an activities director in the community, allegedly told residents between 2022 and 2024 that she had cancer and was undergoing treatment, leading more than 200 people to donate to her because they believed she needed help.

OHIO BROTHERS WHO POSED AS MIDDLE EASTERN ROYALTY RECEIVE LENGTHY SENTENCE FOR $21M FRAUD SCHEME

Detectives said she even pretended her condition was worsening and had community members cut her hair to make it appear she was preparing to undergo chemotherapy.

Community members created a GoFundMe page for Jones that was linked to her personal bank account, according to the sheriff's office. They also gave her cash and personal checks.

WHAT SCAMMERS DO THE WEEK YOUR SPOUSE DIES

Jones had been the beneficiary of two previous GoFundMe campaigns in which she also claimed to have cancer, the sheriff's office said.

"GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and anyone who seeks to take advantage of the generosity of others," a GoFundMe spokesperson told Fox 13.

"We can confirm fundraisers organized on behalf of Maribeth Jones were removed from our platform, and her account was banned for any future fundraising. More than $41,000 was refunded to donors on the platform through GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee, which offers a full refund in the rare case something isn’t right," the spokesperson continued.

Detectives said their investigation determined Jones did not have cancer and that she used the donated money to pay personal debts.

She is accused of defrauding 238 Naples residents out of more than $40,000.

"This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone they believed was fighting for her life," Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in a statement. "If you lie to steal from the generosity of others in Collier County, we will arrest you and hold you accountable."

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"This type of scam not only hurts victims financially, it undermines trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who genuinely need help," Rambosk added.

President Trump warns FIFA will pay a massive price if it ousts chief Gianni Infantino

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 23:01:44 -0400

President Donald Trump is handing out a big red card to FIFA’s bosses, warning soccer’s top execs they’d be out of their minds to dump embattled president Gianni Infantino.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump went to bat for Infantino, who faces an all-out revolt from global soccer leaders after a disastrous scheme to sell off a chunk of the men’s World Cup to private equity investors.

"FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino," Trump posted.

TRUMP ADMIN TAUNTS LEFT FOR ‘PRAYING’ FOR WORLD CUP DISASTER AS DOT TOUTS RECORD NUMBERS

"He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!"

Trump has is on the money concerning, well, the money.

The 2026 World Cup across America was a total monster as it packed stadiums and smashed revenue records. Say what you want, but nobody puts on a sports spectacle quite like the USA.

Yet the president's defense comes as Infantino’s internal trouble reaches a boiling point.

EUROPEAN SOCCER'S GOVERNING BODY FLIPS SPORT UPSIDE DOWN WITH BOYCOTT OF FIFA, FUTURE WORLD CUPS

The Swiss-Italian soccer boss ignited a firestorm by proposing a commercial entity dubbed FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would sell private investors a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights for a $4.2 billion payday.

For that, Infantino got slammed.

Soccer's power brokers wanted no part of it. Leaders across Europe, Asia and North America rejected the deal, accusing Infantino of trying to quietly sell off the sport's crown jewels. He quickly scrapped the proposal and apologized, but the revolt was already rolling.

UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF then unloaded on the FIFA boss, accusing him of deception and abandoning his duty. European leaders have even floated a boycott of FIFA events, while execs behind closed doors are plotting rival tournaments that could leave Infantino on the outside looking in before the next election cycle.

FIFA REPORTEDLY WILLING TO LET TRUMP HAND WORLD CUP TROPHY TO WINNING CAPTAIN AT METLIFE STADIUM

Then there’s the Trump factor.

Could Infantino’s close relationship with the president be adding even more fuel to the revolt?

Trump, who was firmly in Infantino’s corner throughout the World Cup, clearly sees the fight through a dollars-and-cents lens.

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Whether Infantino survives the red cards flying from every direction remains to be seen.

But Trump has picked his side — and he’s warning FIFA that dumping Infantino could come with one hell of a price tag.

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

DiJonai Carrington, who declared 'White privilege' after ejection, plays vs Storm as WNBA remains silent

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:32:10 -0400

The WNBA's silence regarding DiJonai Carrington, who declared "White privilege" after her ejection during Saturday’s game against the Indiana Fever after smacking Sophie Cunningham in the face, meant she could play Monday night for the Chicago Sky against the Seattle Storm.

With the league not announcing any discipline for the veteran guard after her Flagrant 2 foul against the Fever over the weekend, Carrington checked into the game with 5:21 left in the first quarter.

There was a loud cheer coming from the Storm crowd, but it's unknown if it was because Carrington was checking into the game, or if they were cheering on rookie center Awa Fam entering for Seattle.

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With around two minutes left in the first quarter of Saturday’s 90-86 win for the Fever, Cunningham had a breakaway toward the hoop with Carrington trying to track her down to avoid an easy two points for Indiana.

Carrington’s hustle led to a meeting at the rim, but instead of swatting the ball, she hit Cunningham hard in the face, sending her to the floor as officials quickly blew the whistle.

DIJONAI CARRINGTON DECLARES ‘WHITE PRIVILEGE’ AFTER EJECTION FOR SMACKING SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM IN THE FACE

Cunningham was livid, getting up from the hardwood and confronting Carrington face-to-face. As she was being held back by teammates, she shoved Carrington slightly before officials stepped in as well.

After official review, Carrington’s foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, and she was ejected from the game.

Shortly after, and presumably from the locker room, Carrington posted on her Threads account, "WHITE PRIVILEGE," while tagging the Fever team account. She didn't initially elaborate on why she posted that, leaving it unclear whether she was referring to Cunningham, the official’s decision to deem the foul a Flagrant 2, or the Fever organization. Carrington didn’t accuse Cunningham by name, and there was no evidence that the foul was connected to Cunningham’s position on transgender athletes in women’s sports, which has been a hot-button WNBA topic in recent weeks.

On Monday, though, Carrington replied on X to a segment by ex-NFL player and sports personality Emmanuel Acho, who criticized the Sky player for calling the foul "White privilege."

"I've never once claimed that the assessment of the foul was white privilege (that was your assumption). Try exercising your critical thinking skills, I know you studied psych," Carrington's reply read on X. "Furthermore, I'm the LAST thing from ignorant or asinine when it comes to speaking on "white privilege," do ya research on that one. I actually went to school, one of the top universities might I add, to educate myself on this exact subject. I would never use that term as a rhetorical weapon knowing the historical and social weight it holds without having the proper evidence to substantiate it."

Cunningham has been at the center of a widening political debate about biological men in women’s sports, as supporters of her stance held a fourth rally outside the Fever road game at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, while counter-protesters also gathered near the venue.

Cunningham has stated she does not harbor any hatred toward transgender people, but she believes protecting girls and women in sports is "common sense." She has received backlash for her belief, and the debate has spilled inside and outside of WNBA venues, while discourse continues online.

Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time Carrington has been at the center of controversy involving Fever players. During the 2024 campaign, where she was playing with the Connecticut Sun, Carrington mocked then-rookie Caitlin Clark for what she believed was flopping and later called Fever supporters "the nastiest fans in the W" after receiving racist abuse from online users.

Then, Carrington struck Clark in the eye while defending a pass during the 2024 WNBA Playoffs, leading to the latter having a black eye. Both players said that the contact was accidental, though Carrington drew some renewed criticism after she appeared to joke about the controversy during an Instagram Live video.

Carrington has also previously defended her style of play, which has been deemed dirty by some. She said she plays aggressively, but is always attempting to make a play on the ball.

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Beyond basketball, she has drawn attention for wearing an explicit anti-President Donald Trump sweatshirt and urging WNBA players to oppose Trump administration policies affecting women and the LGBTQ community.

Carrington is in her sixth WNBA season, her first with the Sky, where she is averaging 9.8 points and 2.2 rebounds across her five games in a depth role for Chicago.

Fox News' Jackson Thompson and Matthew Reigle contributed to this report.

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Trump used catering truck, Air Force One decoy to evade Iran threat: report

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:17:00 -0400

President Donald Trump secretly boarded a third, smaller U.S. military aircraft using an airport catering truck as cover to depart the NATO summit in Turkey in July while using an older Air Force One jet as a decoy, according to reports.

Citing an official and other material it reviewed, The Washington Post reported that the undercover maneuver took place at Ankara airport amid a credible Iranian threat against the president.

Trump had arrived in the Turkish capital on July 8 aboard a brand-new Boeing 747-8, an aircraft donated by Qatar.

Following U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets earlier in the summer, intelligence officials identified a specific threat from Iran targeting the president's movements.

TRUMP TAKES INAUGURAL FLIGHT ABOARD NEW AIR FORCE ONE AHEAD OF LIBRARY DEBUT HONORING FAMED OUTDOORSMAN

To counter the threat, U.S. security officials executed a ruse on the Turkish tarmac, according to the outlet.

Trump walked up the stairs of the legacy blue-and-white Boeing 747 — the older Air Force One — and waved to news cameras before entering the cabin.

Minutes later, Trump and a small team of aides were said to have stepped out of view into an airport catering truck that had been lifted to an exit door on the far side of the plane.

TRUMP SAYS HE'S IRAN'S 'NO. 1' TARGET AS RENEWED CONFLICT RAISES ASSASSINATION FEARS

The truck lowered to ground level and drove across the tarmac to a nearby Air Force C-32A, a modified Boeing 757.

Meanwhile, the media and White House staff boarded the older 747, believing Trump was inside.

Reporters were then instructed to close their window shades for takeoff, and the jet took off as a decoy, according to the Washington Post.

The legacy jet initially appeared on radar without a call sign before taking the ‘AF1’ call sign midflight, despite Trump not being aboard, according to flight-tracking data reviewed by the outlet.

Trump then flew in secrecy aboard the smaller C-32A to RAF Mildenhall in England, landing shortly before the decoy jet.

NEW AIR FORCE ONE TAKES FLIGHT AS TRUMP UNVEILS REVAMPED PRESIDENTIAL AIRCRAFT

It is unclear how Trump transferred from the C-32A to the legacy Air Force One after landing in the U.K.

At about 10:56 p.m., he appeared before TV cameras and descended the legacy aircraft’s external stairs, according to a media pool report.

Trump boarded the new Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 for the return flight to Washington at about 11:01 p.m. Staff and reporters also transferred from the legacy aircraft before departing.

Reporters asked the president about why the window shades were ordered down in Turkey. Trump told them: "You're probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleaze bags that we have to deal with."

The president added that he faces threats constantly and is "Number One" on Iran's target list.

When reached by Fox News for comment on the Washington Post's reporting, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the new Air Force One is a "state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the President and his staff."

He added: "As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats."

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The U.S. Air Force similarly touted the new Air Force One jet's safety.

"The aircraft is safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission," the Air Force said in a statement to Fox News. "Those requirements were carefully crafted to prioritize mission over aesthetics, leaving much of the previous head of state interior layout minimally changed. No risk was taken in security, safety or mission communications, but the collective team made trades on some of the less commonly used mission sets that Boeing must deliver to support the next 40 years."

Fox News also reached out to the U.S. Secret Service for comment.

Fox News' Pat Ward contributed to this report.

Fauci texts suggest officials were ‘too slow to pivot' amid pandemic, says Dr Marc Siegel

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:58:54 -0400

Newly released text messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci have sparked fresh questions about his handling of evolving COVID-19 evidence, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst.

The texts are part of an initial batch of communications from Fauci's government-issued cellphone released Monday by Sens. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Rand Paul, R-Ky. The messages shed light on private discussions between Fauci and other top health officials as they navigated evolving questions around the coronavirus pandemic.

In a Monday evening interview, Siegel suggested the former White House chief medical adviser was at times too "dogmatic" and slow to adapt as the science evolved.

EXPOSED FAUCI DIARY SHOWS HE ESTIMATED COVID-19 DEATH RATE TO BE MUCH LOWER THAN WHAT HE TOLD CONGRESS

Siegel said Fauci was a "top immunologist" and "top vaccinologist."

"And I respect that a lot," he said, adding that he felt Fauci then ventured beyond those areas of expertise.

"The other issue is flexibility. I have a feeling about Dr. Fauci that he's too dogmatic," Siegel told Fox News Digital, adding that Fauci would "stick to some idea he has and [follow] it through regardless of contradictory or changing evidence."

Siegel said he believed Fauci veered into territory beyond his medical training and knowledge, on issues including lockdowns, school closures and masking.

LEGACY MEDIA COVERS ANTHONY FAUCI DIARY BY CRITICIZING DONALD TRUMP INSTEAD OF FAUCI'S DISHONESTY

"So it's not surprising that he would, for lack of a better word, flip-flop on those areas," he said.

Regarding the newly released texts, Siegel said "it looks like he was trying to guide other public officials and leaders from the television camera, and that's not what you should be doing."

Questions around pregnancy guidance

Among the issues addressed in the newly released messages is COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Siegel emphasized that he remains a strong supporter of vaccines, including mRNA technology.

"I'm a big fan of the COVID vaccines and of the mRNA COVID vaccines," the doctor said. "I think they're getting a bad rap right now."

Pregnancy presented a complicated risk calculation because COVID-19 itself posed dangers to expectant mothers, Siegel noted.

Early in the pandemic, he said, recommending vaccination during pregnancy was reasonable based on what was known at the time.

But as the virus changed and vaccines became less protective, Siegel said he believes the public discussion should have changed with it.

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"As the vaccine changed and the virus mutated, and as the vaccine became less protective, that needed to be entered into the public debate about the vaccine — and Dr. Fauci wasn't fast enough to do that," Siegel said.

Siegel also pointed to a study that raised questions at the time about a potential link between a second vaccine dose and early miscarriage.

"I don't think that Dr. Fauci and others may have been quick enough to consider that," he said.

While subsequent research has continued to support vaccination during pregnancy — Siegel said "the accumulation of data right now favors the vaccine throughout pregnancy" — he questioned whether contradictory evidence received sufficient consideration as it emerged.

"It's a little eyebrow-raising to me that it appears he was trying to dismiss a study" suggesting miscarriage could be a concern, Siegel said.

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More broadly, such decisions should rest with patients and their doctors, while emphasizing that the underlying medical data was "not suppressed," according to the doctor.

"I don't like when the government superimposes their views, especially if they're incorrect or if they are ill-informed, but I still think it should be between the patient and the doctor," said Siegel.

‘The mandates continued'

Siegel argued that another problem came when policies failed to adjust quickly enough to changing evidence about the vaccines' effectiveness.

"I think the problem was that the mandates continued," he said. "We were too slow to pivot on this vaccine, and that led to a lot of public distrust."

Asked whether he saw a meaningful difference between what Fauci was discussing privately and what Americans were hearing publicly, Siegel said there was "more than I would like."

"There's a difference between public and private discourse here," he said. "There should be none."

As additional messages are released, Siegel said he will be watching how Fauci's guidance evolved alongside the evidence.

"I'm looking at one thing: Where was the evolution of guidance and thought and staying within your lane as more and more information came out?" he said. "Or did this develop more and more into dogma and megalomania? I don't know. That's what I'm disturbed about."

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At the same time, Siegel cautioned against judging pandemic-era communications without considering what scientists knew at the time.

"To be fair to Dr. Fauci, things need to remain in context," he said. "When did this happen? What was going on at the time? What did we know and what did we not know?"

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Added Siegel, "We were learning on the job. We were learning as we went. We knew nothing about this thing, and it just blew over us."

That uncertainty, he said, made a willingness to change course all the more important.

"Humility is the best way to go — not dogma."

Quinnen Williams agrees to $105.9M contract extension with Cowboys, locking him in through 2030 season

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:53:53 -0400

The Dallas Cowboys and veteran defensive tackle Quinnen Williams agreed to a three-year extension prior to the start of the 2026 NFL season that will make him one of the highest-paid players at his position.

Williams agreed to an extension worth $105.9 million, including $101 million in guaranteed money and $63.35 million guaranteed at signing. He is also getting a signing bonus worth $31.85 million.

Williams, who has made the last four Pro Bowls, was traded to the Cowboys before the deadline last season in a blockbuster deal with the New York Jets.

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The Jets, who were in the middle of another lackluster season, decided to trade away Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner (Indianapolis Colts), parting ways with two top four NFL Draft choices as they continue to rebuild.

Williams’ trade was interesting considering the Jets inked him to a four-year extension worth $96 million with $66 million guaranteed in 2023. The Jets acquired a second-round pick in 2026, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in exchange for Williams.

DALLAS COWBOYS SET THEMSELVES UP FOR INTERNET MOCKERY WITH CALEB DOWNS TROPHY WALKTHROUGH

Now, the Cowboys have one of the best at the position locked in through the 2030 campaign – a priority that team executive vice president Stephen Jones mentioned at the start of training camp.

Williams became the fourth defensive tackle to sign a deal averaging more than $30 million per season, joining the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter (four years, $152 million), Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons (three years, $105.8 million), and Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones (five years, $158.75 million).

And the Cowboys have not been shy about flexing their finances, as fellow defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa was signed to a four-year, $80 million extension to remain a key piece on defense next to Williams.

With Kenny Clark, who was acquired in the Micah Parsons trade to the Green Bay Packers, and Rashan Gary, the former Packers defensive end who joined the team in free agency this offseason, also on board for the Cowboys, they have a revamped defense that can match the firepower their offense clearly showcased in Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach in 2025.

In his seven games with Dallas last season, Williams tallied 21 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits.

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For his career, Williams has totaled 343 combined tackles – 62 for loss – 41.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and earned a First Team All-Pro nod during his breakout 2022 campaign with the Jets, where he had 12 sacks.

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Dem Gov Maura Healey signs sweeping Massachusetts bill allowing abortions up to birth

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:16:40 -0400

Democratic Gov. Maura Healey was met with applause and smiles as she signed away Massachusetts' gestational limits on abortion, making the deep-blue state the 10th to permit the procedure up to birth.

Under the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, health care workers will have greater discretion in determining whether to perform an abortion later in pregnancy, without facing legal penalties under the state's previous restrictions.

Healey said the law is intended to ensure families facing medical complications late in pregnancy can abort their babies in Massachusetts rather than having to travel out of state. Those complications can include maternal health complications and fatal diagnoses.

During the bill signing, Healey pledged to keep abortion safe, legal and accessible in Massachusetts for as long as she remains governor.

LATE-TERM ABORTION TAKES FRONT SEAT AS BLUE STATE RUSHES TO EXPAND ACCESS BEFORE SESSION ENDS

"We believe that health care decisions should be made between women and families and their doctors, not politicians," Healey said. "Abortion will remain safe. It will remain legal, and it will remain accessible here in Massachusetts. That's my commitment to you."

The bill is scheduled to take effect in 90 days. Previously, state law generally prohibited abortions after 24 weeks, with limited exceptions.

Massachusetts now joins Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont in removing gestational age limits on abortion, along with the District of Columbia.

NEW JERSEY DEMOCRATS ADVANCE BILL CRIMINALIZING INTERFERENCE WITH ABORTION, TRANSGENDER HEALTHCARE

Healey said Monday's signing was intended to "stand with women," arguing that those who oppose the legislation do not support women's health.

"The bottom line for people in Massachusetts, if you care about women's health, if you care about making sure that women are able to access the health care that they need in consultation with their doctors, should be clear," she said. "I stand with women. My opponents do not."

Healey also framed the legislation as a "shield" against national efforts under President Donald Trump and Republicans to roll back abortion protections following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.

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"It is up to the states to lead," Healey said. "And as governor, I promise that no matter what Donald Trump or Republicans in Congress or the Supreme Court does, we're going to continue to make sure that women and families have access to the health care that they need, right here in Massachusetts."

SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser condemned the signing of the "egregious" law in a statement Monday, arguing that late-term abortions can involve dismemberment of the fetus.

"It should shock the conscience that tens of thousands of unborn Americans are barbarically dismembered limb by limb and torn apart every single year," she said. "Sadly, that number will only increase with Gov. Healey’s approval of the Abortion Up Until Birth Bill. The GOP must abandon the ‘leave it to the states’ position – a stance that permits egregious late-term abortion laws like this one – and advance national protections for unborn children."

Dannenfelser also argued that the U.S. is among a small number of countries that permit abortion throughout pregnancy.

"Without a minimum national standard, the United States remains 1 of only 8 countries worldwide that allows abortion at any point in pregnancy. We must do all we can to turn the page on America’s ugly chapter of late-term abortion."

The other countries that allow such procedures include Australia, Canada, China, Guinea-Bissau, Mexico, South Korea and Vietnam, according to SBA.

Mamdani’s luxury-home tax rollout derailed for now as judge delivers win to NYC homeowners over massive list

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:05:36 -0400

A New York judge slammed the brakes Monday on Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s controversial rollout of a new tax on luxury second homes, ordering City Hall to take down a controversial list exposing the names, addresses and property values of more than 900,000 New York City homeowners.

Judge Wayne Ozzi temporarily restrained the Mamdani administration from moving ahead based on the disputed property roll or mailed notices and barred the city from enforcing its looming deadlines against homeowners caught up in the rollout.

The signed order also prevents the city from imposing, assessing or collecting the surcharge against homeowners identified on the supplemental roll or sending a notice without first making the individualized determination and providing the notice required under state tax law.

MAMDANI EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR NYC HOMEOWNERS TO SEEK EXEMPTION FROM NEW PIED-À-TERRE TAX

The courtroom setback came after attorney Randy Mastro blasted the Mamdani administration over what he called a botched rollout of a surcharge targeting second homes valued at more than $5 million.

"The city screwed this up… got it wrong… stop the train and make them do it over," Mastro told the court.

Mastro argued that the city was supposed to first determine whether properties actually qualified as non-primary residences before putting homeowners through the surcharge process.

Instead, he said, the administration published a supplemental property roll covering a vast number of properties and sent notices that left New Yorkers scrambling to prove their homes were their primary residences.

MAMDANI WARNING TO WEALTHY NEW YORKERS ABOUT 'FAIR SHARE' SPARKS ONLINE FIRESTORM: 'FULL BLOWN COMMUNIST'

"The city is to bear the burden," Mastro argued, accusing officials of failing to use available information to determine which properties actually qualified. "They didn’t do their homework."

Mastro said the publication of property owners’ names, addresses and property values unleashed confusion and public backlash.

"This is ludicrous. It is not right," he told the court, arguing that the disclosure effectively "doxx[ed]" homeowners.

Outside the courthouse, Mastro declared the ruling "a very good day for all New York City homeowners."

NYC MAYOR MAMDANI CALLS THREAT OF RICH PEOPLE LEAVING NYC OVER TAXES 'IMAGINED'

"The Mamdani administration botched this rollout," Mastro said, alleging the city sent letters to thousands of people who live in their own homes and "never should have received a letter suggesting they may be subject to the surcharge."

He also accused the city of posting a list of "over 900,000 New Yorkers by name, address and property value."

"That’s a pretty shocking thing that happened," Mastro said.

The lawsuit was filed by three New York City homeowners who are not challenging the legality of the pied-à-terre surcharge itself, but rather how Mamdani’s administration implemented it.

MAMDANI'S WALL STREET COURTSHIP SPARKS CRITICISM OF ANTI-BILLIONAIRE AGENDA

They allege the city incorrectly identified their primary residences as potentially subject to the surcharge, failed to conduct the statutorily required individualized initial determination before mailing notices and improperly shifted the burden onto homeowners to prove they were not subject to the surcharge.

One plaintiff, Simon Hedley, ultimately received an exemption after providing tax information. Mastro argued his experience demonstrated how easily the city could have made the required determinations itself.

"Was it negligence, was it laziness?" Mastro asked in court.

The city defended its rollout, arguing that freezing the process would itself hurt taxpayers seeking exemptions and disrupt deadlines. Attorney Steven Banks argued that keeping the supplemental roll in place would preserve the status quo and give taxpayers time to navigate the process.

The hearing grew heated at times as lawyers sparred over the administration’s handling of the tax.

When Mastro attempted to interrupt Banks during the city’s argument, Banks shot back, "Say nothing while I’m speaking."

The two also clashed over Mastro’s characterization of the notices as "terrorizing" homeowners. Banks called the language offensive in reference to Mamdani being the city’s first Muslim mayor.

"That’s not terrorism," Banks said of the rollout. "It happens to be acting in accordance with law."

Mastro later clarified that he was describing how homeowners perceived the notices, arguing that residents viewed them as threatening because they indicated a homeowner was subject to the surcharge.

Mastro repeatedly hammered the administration’s execution of the tax, calling the situation "extraordinary," the notices "bizarre" and the publication of the property roll "ludicrous." He argued that "thousands of New Yorkers are on edge" and urged the court to remove what he called the "threat of jeopardy."

"A TRO radically upsets the status quo," Banks told the court.

PROGRESSIVES WANT TO TAX BILLIONAIRES FIRST, AND YOU'RE NEXT ON THE LIST

In granting the TRO, Ozzi found that the notices caused irreparable harm and that the city, not property owners, was required to make the initial determination. He also found the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits because of missteps by the city, while stressing that the underlying case has not yet been decided.

The judge said he could not "unring the bell" on notices already sent, but could prevent additional mistakes, and said the city had not done its due diligence.

Mamdani’s administration quickly vowed to fight back.

"We disagree with today’s ruling, but we are confident in both the pied-à-terre surcharge and the City’s ability to implement it fairly and effectively," Matt Rauschenbach, a spokesperson for the mayor, said.

"This surcharge asks those who own second homes valued at $5 million or more to contribute their fair share to the city they benefit from," he added.

JON STEWART PRESSES MAMDANI ON WHERE HE BREAKS WITH FELLOW DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS ON PRISONS AND BORDERS

Rauschenbach said the Law Department would "appeal the ruling immediately," which the administration says will stay the order, and that the city intends to continue implementing the surcharge.

Mamdani himself had struck a defiant tone before the ruling, taking a shot at Mastro over his repeated legal challenges to City Hall.

"There are few things more certain in New York City than death, taxes and Randy Mastro filing a lawsuit against this administration," Mamdani said.

The mayor said he remained confident both in the legality of the city’s actions and in the surcharge itself, arguing that revenue from second homes worth more than $5 million would help pay for "safer streets," "stronger schools" and other city services.

When asked directly whether he regretted the rollout, Mamdani defended the administration’s handling of it, while acknowledging that "with any new tax, there are more questions than there are answers."

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Mamdani said only about 17,000 homeowners in a city of 8.5 million are potentially affected and pointed to the city’s extension of an exemption deadline.

The legal fight is now moving quickly.

Ozzi ordered the defense to submit its order to show cause by Aug. 24, with plaintiffs’ replies due Aug. 27. Oral arguments on the merits are scheduled for Aug. 31.

Mick Jagger proves he still has the ‘Moves Like Jagger’ in viral dance video

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:04:55 -0400

Mick Jagger wowed his fans with his dance moves at 83 after the singer shared a recent video of himself partying at a club.

On Sunday, The Rolling Stones frontman uploaded a clip in which he was seen energetically waving his hands over his head and shaking his hips on a crowded dance floor under a disco ball as his band's new song "Mr. Charm" played.

"Enjoying the summer, hope you are too," Jagger wrote in the caption.

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After Jagger's video went viral, fans raved over the octogenarian's skills in the comments section of his post.

"I can't believe it!! @mickjagger. You are a marvel and you’ll never cease to amaze us!! You are proof that nothing is impossible," one Instagram user wrote. "Age is just the passing of time, and life should be lived day by day with joy, casting aside all preconceptions!!"

"mick has more energy at 83 than i do at 30," another fan commented.

"And so I still have to see a lot of people aged 30/40 say that they are not old enough to go out hahaha," one social media quipped as another chimed in, "And I'm complaining about my lower back."

"That pelvic movement at that age is out of this world, unique Mick," gushed one commenter.

"That is just so cool never to (sic) old to party," another added.

"I want to live like Jagger all my life," one Instagram user wrote.

"We love you Mick. Keep on dancing," another commented.

Some fans made playful references to Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera's hit 2011 song "Moves Like Jagger."

"Wow, love seeing Mick moving like Jagger," wrote one fan.

"dance like jagger," another added with a thumb's up emoji.

Released in June 2011, "Moves Like Jagger" reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and received a Grammy Award nomination for best pop duo/group performance at the 54th Grammy Awards.

The song follows a man trying to impress and attract a woman, using Jagger’s famously charismatic stage presence as a metaphor for confidence, swagger and romantic appeal. The music video included footage of Jagger dancing during past concerts.

In a November 2011 interview with NPR, Maroon 5's lead singer Adam Levine reflected on how Jagger inspired the song.

"Only Jagger has the moves like Jagger. That being said, if there was ever someone to aspire to ... I don't think anyone could claim to have the moves like James Brown, or the moves like Michael Jackson, or the moves like Prince," Levine said. "There's something about the way [Jagger] moves that is uniquely his own and hard to imitate, but also accessible and silly and fun, and not taking itself too seriously."

During a 2024 interview with Reuters, Jagger joked that touring as an octogenarian felt "like being on stage at 78."

At the time, Jagger and the Rolling Stones were on their Hackney Diamonds Tour in support of their 2023 album "Hackney Diamonds." which marked the band's first studio album of original material in 18 years. The tour ran from April to July 2024 and was sponsored by AARP.

"I'm feeling good," Jagger told NPR of performing on the tour. "It took a couple of shows to get into the groove, but now we're into it."

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Jagger credited exercise and good genes for keeping him in shape, saying he does two dance rehearsals a week along with a few gym workouts. His father, Basil Fanshawe "Joe" Jagger, was a physical education teacher and fitness instructor who lived to the age of 93.

Asked how he finds the energy to dance through the Rolling Stones’ two-hour shows, Jagger said, "I just enjoy it."

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"Really, that's the answer. I just love doing it," he added. "You get this back and forth with the audience. You can see they're having a good time, you're having a good time, and it gives you a lot more energy."

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Last month, the Rolling Stones released their latest studio album "Foreign Tongues," which featured "Mr. Charm" along with other new songs including "In the Stars," "Rough and Twisted," "Jealous Lover" and "Divine Intervention."

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The Rolling Stones have not announced a tour in support of the album, though Jagger has expressed hope that the band will return to the stage in 2027.

Suspect arrested at Kim Kardashian's mansion after stolen vehicle, break-in reported in Hidden Hills

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:36:50 -0400

Kim Kardashian's Hidden Hills mansion was the target of a break-in on Sunday after a vehicle was stolen from the property, officials confirmed to Fox News Digital.

Deputies from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's station responded to the 24800 block of Long Valley Road in the affluent enclave before 4 p.m. on a residential burglary call where they located an adult male and placed him under arrest.

Kardashian, 45, and her four children do not currently live in the home which is under renovation, Fox News Digital confirmed.

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The suspect, Trey Mendel, was reportedly spotted placing multiple items into a vehicle at the house, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"Upon arrival, deputies located a white male adult — Trey Mendel — and placed him under arrest for burglary and taking a vehicle without the owner's consent," authorities said.

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"The suspect was transported and booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station on the aforementioned charges. The suspect remains in custody."

They added, "The investigation is ongoing and will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration."

Fox News Digital also confirmed that the stolen vehicle did not belong to the Skims founder.

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Officers encouraged anyone with information to contact the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Detective Bureau.

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

In 2014, the reality star and her ex-husband, Kanye West, purchased a Hidden Hills mansion for a reported $20 million.

As part of their divorce settlement, Kardashian purchased the home and its belongings from the rapper for $23 million.

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She continues to live in the home with their four children: North, Chicago, Saint and Psalm.

Their divorce was finalized in November 2022.

Joe Burrow spotted hanging out with a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model after practice

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:11:49 -0400

Justin Herbert is not alone. There was another high-profile NFL quarterback spotted hanging out with a woman on the practice field at training camp.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was seen over the weekend chilling on the field with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Olivia Ponton after practice. That's where the similarities end.

Unlike Herbert, who has been public with his relationship with his now-fiancee Madison Beer, Burrow has taken a different route.

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He and Ponton have kept the rumor mill busy for a while now. Ever since she told police that she was an "employee" of his after his Cincinnati-area home was broken into in 2024.

There have been multiple sightings, but up to this point, neither of them have addressed whether this is strictly an employer-employee relationship or if there's a classic QB1-model dynamic taking place.

The fact that Ponton appeared to be given a golf cart ride to the practice field seems to be an indication that she's either Burrow's girlfriend or a very, very important employee of his who has status at Bengals training camp.

I have to be consistent here. When I saw Herbert and Beer looking like a teenage couple on the practice field, alarm bells went off. The hopeless romantic in me was shoved out of the way by the football fan.

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Trust me, I want the real love story that NFL fans can finally get behind. A quick hug on the field pregame is well within bounds, but this on the field during training camp is troubling.

It screams lack of focus to me. Prove me wrong during the regular season and I'll never say a word. But the moment the inconsistent play shows up and losses start piling up, I'm pointing back to these moments.

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There could have been extra throws made. There could have been fine-tuning on the little things taking place, but there was this stuff instead. I want to be wrong, I do.

I think there are those who can, granted with a set made of stone, lock in no matter what. Are Joe Burrow or Justin Herbert quarterbacks who can? We shall see.

Long list of embarrassing WNBA incidents is what happens when sports leagues made politics their primary focus

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:04:32 -0400

After years of being mostly ignored, the WNBA suddenly finds itself at the center of the sports world. And it's for all the "wrong" reasons.

For a league that's never turned a profit, or even really come close, the WNBA received an incredible gift with Caitlin Clark. Fan interest in seeing Clark led to an influx of revenue, viewership, and merchandise sales, to the point where the players were able to bargain for better benefits and perks, making their quality of life significantly better. All thanks to one player.

It's no secret that most of the league, from coaches, staff, other players, and even the commissioner, hate her for it. Even though Clark has done her best to avoid offending anyone's sensibilities or make controversial comments, she's among the most despised players in the sport. Because, as has been extensively covered, of jealousy and the fact that many associate her fans with being on the political right.

Clark's teammate, Sophie Cunningham, has taken a bit of a different approach. She publicly stated recently that she does not want male athletes competing in the WNBA or other levels of girls' sports. An eminently reasonable position shared by the overwhelming majority of the American public. For having that opinion and sharing it, she immediately became public enemy number one across the league.

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Opposing players lined up to wear shirts opposing her and supporting transgender athletes. So did several opposing coaches. Her own coach said she wasn't educated about the differences between men and women in athletics. A Seattle Storm co-owner was suspended for angrily confronting and berating a Cunningham supporter. One player went on camera to say she'd welcome a male athlete in the WNBA to compete with or against. Apparently not realizing that enough male athletes joining the WNBA would end with her being replaced.

There are now anti-Sophie Cunningham rallies at stadiums. The Storm's social media account openly celebrated a player opposing Cunningham's remarks. Many of the WNBA's sycophantic "media" figures that cover their games have joined in to criticize her. After years of the WNBA being ignored, the hysterical reaction to an obvious, common-sense position has made it into a laughingstock.

All of this seemingly boiled over this weekend when Cunningham was leveled by Chicago Sky forward DiJonai Carrington. Unquestionably a dirty play, completely unnecessary contact that left Cunningham with a bloodied face. Carrington was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game, a rare correct call from the league's officials, then took it upon herself to demonstrate beautifully why the WNBA is rarely taken seriously.

Instead of taking responsibility and admitting mistakes, Carrington posted "white privilege" from the locker room, and tagged the Indiana Fever. Perfection. And as if there were any doubt about the meaning of the play and the foul, Cunningham cleared it up afterward.

"Clearly, I think it was like unnecessary. I've never really spoken to her and have no beef with her, but I guess she has some pent up stuff. So get your s— off. That's fine. I can take it ... Yeah, it's intentional," she said after the game.

So because Carrington dislikes Cunningham for having different political views, she, at least in Cunningham's view, intentionally tried to hurt her. Then blamed white privilege for being ejected afterward. One former ESPN anchor said that Cunningham should have been ejected, not Carrington. Cunningham's own coach defended Carrington, saying she's just a tough physical player, while Clark sat next to her, failing to hide her contempt for White's answer.

"Yeah, I mean, look, it was a hard foul. I don't think that DiJonai intentionally came out to get her across the neck like she did. But it did happen and I thought it was the right call," White said. "But you know, one of the things about Nay is that she's gonna play her butt off, man. She's gonna compete. Nobody's gonna go walking in for a layup. And so, I don't oppose the hard foul. But I also don't think that she intentionally went for the neck."

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We all know why Carrington committed the foul, and why White defended her. And yet the WNBA wonders why people don't take it seriously. Partially because that's just the start of the league's problems in recent weeks.

Taking advantage of the WNBA's insistence that defining women is unacceptable or racist or something, several former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, announced their intention to enter the 2027 WNBA draft. After all, if self-identification is enough to make someone a woman, who's to say that Freedom and White aren't now women too? The WNBA Players Association, after all, just released a statement saying they remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

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Biology is offensive. Women are an amorphous concept that cannot possibly be defined. Trans rights are human rights. Inclusion is the highest form of virtue. That all being the accepted case in the WNBA, what possible argument can there by against allowing these two beautiful, athletic women from living out their dreams, furthering their lived experiences, and playing in the WNBA?

All of these issues and incidents, embarrassing though they might be for an organization that takes itself seriously, is a predictable outcome for a league that works tirelessly to prove it doesn't take itself seriously.

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The WNBA has spent years telling anyone who would listen, and there weren't many who would, outside of left-wing sports media, that they were proudly political. They celebrated public expressions of political activism. As long as it focused on one side of the debate. They made DEI an integral part of the league's process. They refused to acknowledge that Clark was the league's biggest star, and now have taken an openly antagonistic view toward Cunningham.

Just imagine the reaction if Caitlin Clark, or Cunningham for that matter, made a similar remark about Carrington. Or A'ja Wilson. Or Angel Reese. Carrington may well receive some discipline from the league, but imagine the widespread outrage from WNBA media, players, coaches, and league staff if the situation was reversed?

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Everyone knows what that would look and sound like. Everyone knows where the WNBA stands politically. And this is where it leads.

There's an old saying, "there's no such thing as bad publicity." That might be true even here, to an extent, considering more viewers may tune in to see what behavior comes next. But how the league has handled Clark, Cunningham, trans athletes and the Carrington is exactly what you'd expect from an organization that's made left-wing politics its core guiding principle.

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The WNBA hasn't focused on the quality of play, making clear, common sense rules around who is eligible for the league, or elevating its biggest star. Because it can't. That would take away from its one true mission: political activism around left-wing causes.

Admitting that males shouldn't play in the women's professional league would lead to criticism and anger from the left. Making public statements rebuking some players for their targeted retribution toward Clark and Cunningham would mean acknowledging that there is a problem in the first place. That inclusion should mean of viewpoint too, not just race.

They can't strongly condemn Carrington, because what she said aligns with their political beliefs.

If you want to be seen as a legitimate major sports league, not just the NBA's money-losing wellness company side project, you have to take yourselves seriously and put dispassionate common sense first. But dispassionate common sense is not what left-wing ideology breeds. So instead we get NBA players entering the draft, well within the league's rules. We get Carrington bloodying a player's mouth, only to see that player's coach excuse it, we get social media teams celebrating protests against Cunningham, and we get every conversation focused on the cultural aspect of the sport.

It's the perfect example of why politics shouldn't be ingrained with sports in 2026. The bigger issue? That because it's the WNBA, it's a near-certainty they'll learn nothing from it and never change. That's what happens when you put politics first.

Jessica Alba rocks animal-print bikini as she shares glimpse into summer with Danny Ramirez

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:43:04 -0400

Jessica Alba is packing plenty into the final stretch of summer.

The 45-year-old actress shared a series of photos highlighting how she has spent August so far, from bikini days and time with her family to golf outings and moments with boyfriend Danny Ramirez.

"August so far 🍒👙🌺💗," Alba captioned the Instagram carousel.

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She opened the post with a close-up selfie in an animal-print string bikini, posing indoors with the ocean visible through the windows behind her.

Alba accessorized the tiger-striped two-piece with layered gold necklaces, hoop earrings and narrow burgundy sunglasses. Her hair was pulled back as she looked directly into the camera.

The "Fantastic Four" actress also traded her swimwear for the golf course during another outing.

Alba posed alongside a friend while the pair sat on the grass wearing coordinating black sleeveless golf dresses with white collars.

She completed her look with a black baseball cap and sunglasses while flashing a peace sign at the camera. Her friend paired the matching style with a wide-brimmed straw hat and white sunglasses.

Family time also made its way into Alba’s summer recap.

In one playful beach photo, Alba’s eldest daughter, Honor, 18, stretched out on top of her mother as the pair relaxed on a board in the sand.

The Honest Company founder appeared to be wearing a patterned bikini while Honor wore a green-and-white striped string bikini and a baseball cap. The mother-daughter duo relaxed on the beach with lush greenery and towering cliffs in the background.

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Honor is Alba’s eldest child with her former husband, Cash Warren. The former couple also share daughter Haven and son Hayes.

Alba included another glimpse of her relationship with Ramirez, sharing a candid photo of the couple laughing together at an outdoor table. Alba wore her hair up with gold under-eye patches and a patterned cover-up, while Ramirez sported a black T-shirt and baseball cap as they held matching bowls.

Fresh fruit and a row of limes were spread across the table in front of them as the two smiled at each other.

Alba and Ramirez first sparked romance rumors in July 2025 before confirming their relationship later that year when they attended the Baby2Baby Gala together.

The couple have since become more public about their relationship, with Alba referring to Ramirez as "my love" in a birthday post and thanking him "for loving me through every chapter."

Last month, Alba shared multiple bikini photos from a vacation with Ramirez in Tuscany, where the two were photographed relaxing by the water, paddleboarding and spending time together on a boat.

Alba included another beach moment in the summer roundup.

In a video included in the post, Alba was seen from behind walking barefoot from the sand into the ocean in a white bikini as gentle waves rolled toward shore beneath an overcast sky.

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The actress has previously spoken about how her understanding of love has changed over time.

"Over time, I’ve learned to embrace every version of how love can show up," Alba told Elle in May. "Love shows up in so many different ways, and it’s not always grand gestures. Sometimes it’s just holding space."

Alba said her perspective has moved beyond the picture-perfect version of romance often portrayed on screen.

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"It’s not always a movie or a rom-com," she told the outlet. "Sometimes love is just sitting there when someone’s not feeling well and rubbing their head, or just allowing someone to rage and giving them space. But still being there and knowing that nothing they can do can push you away."

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The actress also acknowledged the challenge of maintaining relationships while living much of her life in public.

"I can’t control [that] everyone has a camera now and the ability to [record] you," she told Elle. "You kind of feel like you’re in the zoo when you’re out in the wild."

Alba said social media has allowed her to maintain some control over what she chooses to share.

"The one thing I’ve been able to do is try and control the narrative as much as possible through my own social media," she said. "I found that’s the only place where I feel like I have control over the narrative of how my life shows up."

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'Pod Save America' accused of temporarily deleting clip critical of Piker after ex-Biden staffer amplified it

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:36:24 -0400

Crooked Media’s "Pod Save America" was accused by a former Biden staffer of deleting a social media clip that was critical of far-left streamer Hasan Piker, and the liberal podcast reposted a longer version after hours of backlash.

"Pod Save America," the popular progressive podcast helmed by ex-Obama staffers, welcomed MS NOW's Chris Hayes for Sunday’s episode to discuss the state of Democratic politics with guest host Alex Wagner. Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s ties to Piker came up, and the liberal pundits pleased moderates by speaking critically about the controversial streamer.

El-Sayed has taken heat for campaigning with Piker, who has blamed America for the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, and praised dictators ranging from Mao Zedong to Fidel Castro. Now Democrats are trying to figure out if Piker can help them in general elections while grappling with his incendiary rhetoric, which has also included dismissing Hamas rapes on Oct. 7 as essentially irrelevant.

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"I don’t think it makes a ton of sense in a general election, frankly, to campaign with Hasan Piker. I think you also can’t control what a 35-year-old streamer is going to say," Hayes said.

"I also think he is learning the lesson that, with great power comes great responsibility," Hayes continued. "This is a dude that streams like seven days a week for years, do you know the amount of words he said? Like, you’re going to say some stuff."

Hayes then suggested that Piker needs to make a minor change going forward.

"If Hasan Piker wants to contribute to the success of the movement, he’s probably going to have to watch what he says a lot more," Hayes said.

The "Pod Save America" episode remains live on other platforms, but former special assistant to President Biden Michael LaRosa noticed the clip was oddly deleted from X.

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Others also noted the deletion, including gun control activist Shannon Watts.

LaRosa, who served as press secretary to former first lady Jill Biden, recently made an unusually sharp break with his party in a post responding to reports that he was supporting Republican Mike Rogers over El-Sayed. At the center of LaRosa’s criticism is El-Sayed’s association with Piker, who drew widespread condemnation after saying during a 2019 livestream that "America deserved 9/11."

LaRosa, who quoted the clip to celebrate Democrats debating what to do with Piker, noticed it was removed and called out the podcast.

"WOW. This is remarkable. @PodSave America appears to have deleted the clip they themselves posted of @Chrislhayes and @alexwagner telling the truth about why Hasan Piker is a major liability and problem for El-Sayed," LaRosa wrote, adding, "Apparently, their candor was refreshing right up until moderates like me started amplifying and celebrating it."

Crooked Media did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.

Hours later, following backlash online, a new post appeared with a longer version of the clip.

Larosa accused Crooked Media of deleting the clip before 9 a.m. ET on Monday but the longer version wasn’t posted until after 3 p.m. ET. Shannon Watts, who had criticized the clip removal, said the podcast "wanted to make the clip longer and add more context."

"Which means somebody from Piker's camp or El-Sayed's camp probably wined and cried and forced them to take down and recreate the content. Truly hysterical. But how embarrassing for ‘Pod Save America," LaRosa responded to Watts’ post.

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Julian Epstein, who served as the chief legal counsel for House Democrats during the Clinton impeachment hearing and worked for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, recently said he would support the Republican candidate against El-Sayed after he campaigned with Piker.

"I don’t understand why people keep talking about Hasan Piker in the media because I think the guy is a lunatic," Epstein told Fox News Digital.

"I don’t think he’s ever said anything, to me, that’s particularly interesting. He’s a shock jock, but he’s never demonstrated any understanding of economic or history in my mind," Epstein continued. "What he understands is influencer culture and how to say shocking things."

"Pod Save America" famously irked Biden allies when the podcast co-hosts were among the first prominent Democrats to call for then-President Joe Biden to step aside during the 2024 presidential election.

The show, which consists of ex-Obama White House staffers, had previously pushed the "cheap fakes" narrative that Biden's mental health decline was being promoted by misleading video clips.

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Fox News Digital's Amanda Macias contributed to this report.

Michigan Dem Senate nominee comes under fire over resurfaced blog post linking football to 'toxic masculinity'

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:14:51 -0400

Michigan's Democratic Senate nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, is taking heat after resurfaced writings exposed his sweeping attacks on traditional masculinity and U.S. sports culture.

According to a report by The Midwesterner, El-Sayed authored a 2021 Substack post taking aim at the gridiron in the wake of former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden's resignation over leaked emails.

In the post, the progressive favorite laid out an aggressive critique of male sports culture, writing that "the toxic masculinity at the heart of America’s most popular sport, and men’s sports culture more generally, is way deeper than a few emails or a Jay-Z turnaround."

El-Sayed, who played high school football as a starting center at Andover High School, used his past experience to argue that traditional athletics breed bigotry. While noting he felt free on the field, El-Sayed claimed that "on the sidelines and in the locker room, I was fed a hefty dose of the worst kinds of racist taunting," adding that within men's sports, "racism, misogyny, and homophobia were lingua franca." He also unloaded on the NFL directly, accusing the league of "deep-rooted racism."

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Rather than leaning into classic athletic grit, the Democratic nominee pushed a soft-spoken, progressive rebrand of manhood centered on Hollywood fiction.

El-Sayed urged coaches to abandon traditional toughness and instead copy the lead character from the soccer comedy "Ted Lasso," praising the fictional soccer coach because "Ted cries. He talks through his problems. He encourages his players. He bakes biscuits for his boss. He smiles ... like, all the time."

His political theories on sports extend beyond American boundaries. In a separate 2021 Substack entry cited by The Midwesterner, El-Sayed explicitly tied his sports preferences to his far-left ideology, writing, "European soccer also speaks to my politics. Compared to American sports leagues, the sport is also deeply egalitarian."

The resurfaced posts expose a massive gap between El-Sayed's academic gender theories and his recent campaign trail efforts to build street cred with young male voters by bragging about his own high school wrestling and football history.

Now facing Republican Mike Rogers in the general election after narrowing out Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary, El-Sayed has some explaining to do to working-class Midwesterners who prefer football over progressive lecturing.

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Iran installs new war chiefs as Tehran signals ‘prolonged confrontation,’ expert warns

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:08:50 -0400

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei formally appointed six senior military commanders Monday, cementing a wartime reshuffle as Tehran rebuilds a command structure impacted by months of U.S. and Israeli strikes.

The appointments, announced by Khamenei’s office and promoted on social media, fill posts across Iran’s armed forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij paramilitary force, with a counterterrorism expert warning the timing and language of the decrees signal Tehran is preparing for "prolonged confrontation" and not a settlement with Washington.

"Strategically, the announcements made were issued in English, on X, while Iranian and Omani negotiators finalize the coordinates of a proposed shipping route through Hormuz, which is deliberate sequencing," Dr. Omar Mohammed, director of the Antisemitism Research Initiative at George Washington University’s Program on Extremism, told Fox News Digital.

"Tehran is establishing its command structure as a fact on the ground before it signs anything."

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Mohammed also pointed to language in the appointment announcements blaming the deaths of predecessors on what Iran called the "Zionist-American enemy."

"That phrase, in formal state documents, codifies the United States as a co-belligerent," Mohammed said.

Khamenei appointed Ali Abdollahi as chief of staff of the armed forces and Kioumars Heydari as his deputy. He also formally named Ahmad Vahidi commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, promoting him to the rank of major general.

Mostafa Izadi was named deputy IRGC commander, Ali Azmaei as commander of the IRGC Navy and Hossein Taeb as commander of the Basij.

Mohammed said Vahidi was also instructed to maintain readiness for "powerful offensive operations against the enemy," by the Supreme Leader, while Abdollahi was tasked with completing the integration of the General Staff into the Khatam al-Anbiya wartime joint command.

"States exiting a conflict dismantle their wartime command arrangements, but Iran is now institutionalizing its own," Mohammed said. "The decrees here describe a leadership planning for a prolonged confrontation, not a settlement."

Several of the newly appointed commanders have previously faced U.S. or European sanctions or allegations tied to terrorism and violent crackdowns.

Vahidi is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice requested by Argentina over his alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people.

Taeb, a former chief of the IRGC Intelligence Organization and former Basij commander, is on the U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions list.

The United States first designated him in 2010 over serious human rights abuses following Iran’s disputed 2009 presidential election.

Heydari was also sanctioned by the United States in 2022 after the Treasury Department said he had publicly acknowledged his forces’ involvement in the violent response to Iran’s November 2019 protests, in which hundreds of protesters were killed.

The European Union has also sanctioned him.

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The reshuffle comes as Iran continues rebuilding its political and military leadership after a series of U.S. and Israeli strikes killed senior figures across the regime.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had served as supreme leader since 1989, was killed in a Feb. 28 strike at the start of the war. Mojtaba Khamenei, was selected as Iran’s new supreme leader in March.

Ali Larijani, then secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a major figure in the country’s security and foreign policy establishment, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij, were killed in strikes on March 17.

The latest appointments come amid continuing questions about Mojtaba Khamenei’s health and public absence.

President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed Monday that he had held a nearly seven-hour meeting with Khamenei, only the second meeting the president has publicly disclosed since the new supreme leader took office, Iran International reported.

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since being selected in March and is believed to have been wounded in the Feb. 28 strike that killed his father.

Pezeshkian said the two discussed economic conditions, sanctions and other domestic challenges and that Khamenei emphasized the need for "unity and cohesion."

The military rebuild, however, has not extended fully into Iran’s sensitive intelligence apparatus, according to Mohammed.

"The IRGC Intelligence Organization and its counterintelligence arm have no announced chiefs, and Iran has no permanent defense or intelligence ministers," the expert said.

"The appointments require assigning responsibility for the counterintelligence failures that enabled the February decapitation.

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"Whoever wins that argument — the supreme leader’s circle or the Guard’s institutional leadership — is the actor actually in control."

Unlicensed NYC boat operator allegedly ignored safety warnings before mother, baby died in capsizing: feds

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:03:10 -0400

A New Jersey man accused of running illegal boat tours allegedly ignored multiple safety warnings before an overcrowded New York Harbor excursion turned deadly, killing a 5-month-old baby and her 27-year-old mother.

Manuel Hernandez, 46, of Manville, was charged Monday with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death after the Yamaha AR210 he was piloting capsized Saturday night.

Hernandez appeared Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo on the two charges, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

DRUNK REPEAT OFFENDER CALLED A 'TICKING TIME-BOMB' BEFORE 80-MPH BOATING COLLISION KILLED WOMAN: PROSECUTORS

Federal prosecutors say Hernandez was not licensed to carry paying passengers, had 14 people aboard a boat with a maximum capacity of 10 and knowingly took the infant out without an appropriate life vest.

According to the federal complaint, it was not Hernandez’s first time allegedly taking paying customers onto New York Harbor without the required credentials.

After his arrest, Hernandez allegedly told investigators he had previously piloted at least two other boat tours for the same tour company using his own vessel.

He allegedly acknowledged he lacked the required Merchant Mariner Credential and Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for those trips and said he was paid about $1,000 for each.

COAST GUARD OPENS FIRE ON BOAT SMUGGLING 25 CHINESE NATIONALS NEAR FLORIDA AFTER IT REFUSED TO STOP

Coast Guard Investigative Service Assistant Director Josh Packer said illegal charter operations "gamble with human life."

"In this case, the alleged conduct led to an unthinkable tragedy," Packer said.

Before Saturday’s fatal trip even began, Hernandez allegedly asked the baby’s parents whether they had an infant-sized flotation device. When they said they did not, Hernandez told them the boat did not have one either, according to the complaint.

Despite that, Hernandez allegedly instructed one parent to wear a life vest and hold the baby throughout the tour. The child’s mother did so.

OVERCROWDED MIGRANT VESSEL WITH 240 PEOPLE ON BOARD INTERCEPTED NEAR TURKS AND CAICOS

About three hours and 20 minutes into the excursion, Hernandez allegedly made a U-turn while heading toward the Statue of Liberty, bringing the vessel into a swell that may have been caused by the wake of a larger passing boat.

Hernandez tried to accelerate through the swell, but it swamped the bow and the vessel "immediately capsized," prosecutors allege.

All 14 people were thrown into the harbor. Eleven passengers and Hernandez survived, while the mother and baby were recovered unresponsive and later pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital.

"The defendant allegedly flouted those regulations when he transported paying customers on a commercial vessel without appropriate licenses, overcrowded the vessel, and took on a five-month-old infant passenger, with no infant life vests onboard," U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said.

The boat used in the fatal trip belonged to a friend and was smaller than Hernandez’s own vessel, which needed mechanical repairs, according to the complaint.

CARNIVAL CRUISE PASSENGER, 67, FOUND DEAD WHILE SNORKELING OFF THE COAST OF AUSTRALIA DURING EXCURSION

Hernandez allegedly told investigators he did not know the borrowed boat’s maximum capacity and had expected 12 passengers before ultimately agreeing to take 13.

The victims were identified in a GoFundMe organized by friends and colleagues as Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Sanchez’s partner and Antonella’s father, Andres Garcia, was also aboard the boat and survived.

Garcia is now grieving their deaths while caring for the couple’s 6-year-old son, Salvador, according to the fundraiser, which is raising money for funeral expenses and other costs. "No amount of money can replace Sara or Antonella," organizers wrote.

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NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Hernandez showed "a complete disregard for the safety of his passengers."

"This tragedy could have been prevented, and now a family is left to grieve the unimaginable loss of a mother and her five-month-old daughter because of his negligence," Tisch said.

Top Senate Dem’s new tax idea gets torched as critics warn nearly every American could pay

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:00:59 -0400

The top Democratic lawmaker on the Senate Finance Committee has floated increasing taxes on data centers, a move critics say could raise costs on services used by practically all Americans.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released a white paper proposal last week calling to end tax incentives for data centers and to impose an ongoing tax on data centers operating in the United States. Critics of Wyden’s proposal argue that the costs of the new tax could ultimately be borne by all Americans by increasing the costs of common services.

"This tax will be paid by anyone who uses the internet. A tax on data centers is a tax on your email, family photos, small business operations, cloud storage, and your Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook posts," Americans for Tax Reform director of innovation technology James Erwin said. "Senator Wyden is betraying his legacy as a champion of a free and open internet accessible to all."

TEXAS GOV. GREG ABBOTT EFFECTIVELY PAUSES NEW DATA CENTER PROJECTS PENDING STATEWIDE GRID AUDIT

Americans for Tax Reform dubbed Wyden’s proposal a "national internet tax."

Wyden’s office did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Monday.

Wyden’s white paper acknowledges that there is some difficulty in applying a tax to data centers, given how common such facilities are and how wide their utilization is.

"Generally, a data center is a facility that primarily contains electronic equipment used to process, store, and transmit digital information, and may be free-standing or within a larger structure that uses environmental control equipment to maintain the proper conditions for the operation of electronic equipment," the white paper reads. "This definition alone would be broad, so carveouts would be developed to focus the tax on data centers as commonly understood, rather than trip-wiring ancillary operations into the tax."

To solve this problem, Wyden suggests excluding "internet infrastructure" from his proposed tax, but does not define what that term means or what kinds of facilities it would cover. The paper does, however, suggest that cloud computing, a highly important piece of internet infrastructure used by many industries, would not be exempted under his tax.

A SOUTHERN STATE JUST TOOK THE TOP SPOT IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S FASTEST-GROWING INDUSTRIES

In addition to excluding data centers from many tax incentives, Wyden’s proposal would hit their owners with a "low single-digit" annual tax on gross receipts, not their profits.

Though Wyden cites land use, local power prices and local water use as the concerns that prompted him to propose the new taxes, he also advocates for taxing any data centers that are built in the Earth’s orbit.

"President Trump is cementing American AI dominance over China while ensuring data centers pay for their own power, water and other utilities," White House assistant press secretary Liz Huston told Fox News Digital when asked about the Wyden plan. "The President’s commonsense approach will beat China, harness this technological boom and deliver lower costs and new opportunities for working families and small businesses."

FOX NEWS POLL: MOVE OVER BIG BROTHER, VOTERS SEE BIG TECH AS GREATER THREAT TO US

Wyden’s proposal clashes with President Donald Trump’s push to accelerate artificial intelligence development and expand the infrastructure supporting it. While Wyden seeks to prioritize assistance for workers and communities disrupted by data center construction, the Trump administration emphasizes maintaining economic growth and ensuring the United States retains a technological edge over China.

The two do have common ground in seeking to limit the impact of data center construction on energy and water prices, though the president has a different way of going about that. A White House official told Fox News Digital that the administration has brought together over 200 utilities, data center developers, cooperatives and state leaders into its "Ratepayer Protection Pledge," an initiative uniting different stakeholders to facilitate to creation of more energy sources to keep prices low.

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The Oregon senator’s approach, however, is less aggressive than the calls for a total moratorium on data center construction, which Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. have advocated for.

AOC tries to laugh off 'crazy' woke era as thing of the past, but conservatives aren't amused

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:12:55 -0400

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., dismissed her and other socialist politicians' far-left rhetoric as a thing of the past, but conservative opposition was not persuaded.

ABC's "This Week" host Jon Karl asked Ocasio-Cortez to comment on Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong's controversial past comments — including calling for Thanksgiving to be canceled or for prisons to be abolished — some of which she has tried to backtrack on as she seeks the Democratic nomination in her state.

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

This received swift backlash from many conservatives.

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

"It sounds a little desperate to claim that you can't hold a politician accountable for something wacky they said less than six years ago, and a call to cancel Thanksgiving is among the wackiest," Tim Graham, the Executive Editor of NewsBusters at the Media Research Center, wrote in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital. "Hong has inveighed against not just Thanksgiving, but Valentine's Day, the Fourth of July, and Halloween, and she found Christmas triggering,"

"Once a radical Democrat wins a primary, the party strategists are going to try to make their candidate sound more moderate to voters who don't pay a lot of attention to politics," he added. "So they will try to claim outrageous statements are already out of context and out of date, even if they're not. Tweets like Hong's aren't about policy in 2026, but they can still suggest that her temperament isn't ready for prime time."

Manhattan Institute Vice President and Pollster Jesse Arm spoke to Fox News Digital as well, saying there is one key question Democrats need to answer.

"The obvious question for AOC and her allies is: Which views from ‘Woke 1’ do they actually think were crazy? Sex-change operations for children? Biological men in women’s sports? Race-based discrimination in hiring and admissions? Decriminalizing theft? Refusing to prosecute repeat offenders? Open borders? Debt forgiveness? Banning private health insurance?" he said.

SOCIALIST LEADER SQUIRMS DURING TV INTERVIEW WHEN FORCED TO ADDRESS PUSH TO ABOLISH PRISONS, POLICE

"The problem is that they haven’t renounced any of it — and they don’t intend to," Arm continued. "After voters delivered a pretty decisive rejection of the ideological excesses of early 2020s, many leftist politicians now attempt to laugh off the era as ‘crazy’ without acknowledging their own role in it or identifying which of their substantive positions they now reject."

Arm recalled one key example of how Democrats’ climate alarmism, even in the late 2010s, looked tone-deaf.

"AOC herself provides a revealing example. In 2019, she was telling young people that the world was going to end in 12 years because of climate change. Now she’s talking about starting a family in the 2030s. I’m glad she expects a future," he said. "But it would be nice if the politicians who spent years convincing a generation of young Americans that they had no future would acknowledge that some of the things they said during ‘Woke 1’ weren’t just crazy — they were deeply and dangerously wrong."

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Commentators on social media added their takes as well, such as Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, who replied to footage of Ocasio-Cortez's interview by saying, "You don't get to spend years pushing to fundamentally transform the country, divide it on racial lines, inject DEI into every institution, and then try to brush it off as a minor misunderstanding when your worldview turns out to be extremely unpopular with the American people."

"We waged war on woke because ultimately woke represented a war on truth," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis replied. "Now, we have a prominent leftist acknowledging that Florida was right to reject the woke mind virus."

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Conservative commentator Ryan James Girdusky quipped, "'Woke 1 was crazy' new cop out for insane positions held as recently as yesterday."

Fauci in the hot seat as GOP senator tears into 'truly sick' vaccine texts: 'Tip of the iceberg'

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:08:12 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: A Senate Republican leading the charge on investigating Dr. Anthony Fauci’s old government phone told Fox News Digital that the revelation that the former COVID-czar was concerned that vaccines could cause miscarriages was "just the tip of the iceberg."

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., in an interview with Fox News Digital, alleged that the first tranche of texts from Fauci’s old government iPhone was a clear sign that the man who became the face of the nation’s COVID-19 response said one thing privately while taking a different message to the public.

"We tell pregnant women don't even have a glass of wine and yet we coerce them, convince them, sometimes mandated them, to get an experimental gene therapy as early as the first trimester," Johnson said. "This is truly sick."

FAUCI'S HHS IPHONE TURNED OVER TO SENATE INVESTIGATORS AS CONTEMPT VOTE LOOMS

"And the way this has been — I've known about this for years," he continued. "But finally, because we have a text associated with St. Fauci, it's finally getting the play in the media that it’s been deserving for years."

Johnson and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., obtained Fauci’s phone from his time as the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of their broader dive into the former chief medical advisor to the president.

It came as Paul was readying to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress for repeatedly invoking the Fifth Amendment — a gambit he successfully pulled off and has since handed off to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Johnson, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, released the first tranche of private messages found on the device on Monday.

FAUCI HELD IN CONTEMPT AS COVID CELLPHONE LANDS IN HANDS OF SENATE INVESTIGATORS

That conversation from Jan. 2021 was between Fauci, then-Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky and Dr. Vivek Murthy, who would become Surgeon General during the Biden administration.

During the back and forth, Fauci admitted that he had concerns about the impact of mRNA vaccines on pregnant women.

"I asked around a bit more and another issue came up that you need to be aware of," Fauci wrote. "Since many people have significant cytokines storm and fever after the 2nd dose, this theoretically could be associated with miscarriage in the 1st trimester."

Johnson charged that "I've never heard a federal health official admit that about the injections," and noted that cytokines storms were linked with adverse effects to the lungs from vaccination.

"What you have to connect this to is what they were saying publicly, that was contrary to that, but also what they're publishing," Johnson said.

He recalled a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021 from Dr. Tom Shimabukoro in June of 2021 after Fauci’s initial concern that found that of 827 pregnancies that were exposed to the mRNA vaccines, 104 had "what they call spontaneous abortions, we would call it miscarriage."

Johnson argued, however, that the numbers were skewed.

"Of the 827 women, 700 got their vaccination or the injection in the third trimester, 127 got them in trimester one and two, which is where the 104 miscarriages occur," Johnson said.

"So the proper percentage is 104 divided by 127, an 82% miscarriage rate with women who got the injection in the first second trimester," he continued. "I mean, that is shocking, and they knew it. They knew it, they're not that stupid. They're just that devious to play with the statistics that way to misinform, to lie to the American public."

Johnson’s investigation of the phone and its trove of information is in its early stages, and the lawmaker is approaching information dumps with caution — he doesn’t want to reveal people’s personal information or even delve into Fauci’s personal life.

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His main focus is finding more communications where Fauci said one thing privately, and did another in the public eye.

"This is going to take time, but when my staff saw this, I mean, to me, this immediately impacts public safety, immediately impacts informed consent," Johnson said. "And so I had to get this one out there right away. But there are, I'm sure, way more to come."

"I think this is the tip of the iceberg," he continued.

Fox News Digital did not immediately receive comment from the law firm representing Fauci.

22-year-old passenger dies after sudden medical emergency strikes aboard Southwest flight to LA

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:03:03 -0400

A 22-year-old passenger who died after a medical emergency aboard a Southwest Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles has been identified as officials investigate what may have led to his sudden death.

Rain McMillan Walmsey died Aug. 7 after becoming unresponsive aboard Southwest Flight 958 from Dallas to Los Angeles, prompting desperate attempts to save him before the plane landed at Los Angeles International Airport.

Newly released records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reveal the investigation into Walmsey’s death remains open, and exactly what led to the young passenger’s death remains unclear.

The medical examiner identified Walmsey as a 22-year-old man and listed his place of death as "LAX Southwest plane."

CO-PILOT BECOMES SICK MIDAIR AS CREW ILLNESS REPORTS EMERGE AFTER OVERNIGHT LAYOVER

His cause of death was listed as "deferred," which the medical examiner’s office says means the determination is pending additional investigation. No manner of death has been listed.

Walmsey became unresponsive after experiencing a medical emergency while Flight 958 was en route to Los Angeles, law enforcement sources told NBC Los Angeles. CPR was administered to Walmsey aboard the aircraft, and paramedics responded when the flight arrived at LAX, according to the outlet. He could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

It remains unclear what type of medical emergency Walmsey experienced.

DELTA FLIGHT FORCED TO DIVERT AFTER PASSENGER GOES INTO LABOR AND DELIVERS BABY MIDAIR

Southwest Airlines confirmed to Fox News Digital that a "medical incident involving a customer" occurred aboard Flight 958 from Dallas to Los Angeles on Friday but did not provide additional details, instead referring further questions to local authorities.

The incident follows other recent cases involving passengers who suffered fatal medical emergencies aboard commercial flights.

In January 2025, 53-year-old Barbara Dipoli of Kansas died aboard an Air France flight from Paris to Boston, with authorities saying preliminary information pointed to a medical episode during the flight.

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In June 2024, 8-year-old Sydney Weston became ill and unresponsive aboard a SkyWest flight before the plane diverted to Peoria, Illinois.

That same month, a 41-year-old American passenger died after suffering a severe medical emergency aboard a Fiji Airways flight bound for San Francisco.

Fauci texts raising theoretical miscarriage concern after COVID vaccine dose spark backlash

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:00:16 -0400

Multiple officials erupted on social media after a Senate committee released text messages Monday showing Dr. Anthony Fauci privately raised a theoretical concern that fever and other reactions after a second COVID-19 vaccine dose could be associated with miscarriage in the first trimester.

The January 2021 conversation, obtained from Fauci's government-issued cellphone, shows the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) discussing concerns about fever and other symptoms following a second vaccine dose. Fauci wrote that the reaction "theoretically could be associated with miscarriage in the 1st trimester."

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who released the conversation with Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., blasted Fauci on social media.

FAUCI DISCUSSED COVID MRNA VACCINE CONCERNS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN IN TEXT CHAIN RELEASED BY SENATE COMMITTEE

"Once again, Anthony Fauci was saying one thing in public and something completely different in private," Paul said in a post on X. "He was willing to put women and their unborn children at risk instead of admitting that he was wrong about the vaccines that he tried guilting Americans into taking."

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also blasted the former top health official, accusing him of withholding information that could have put pregnant women and their unborn children at risk.

"Pregnant women were told it was safe! How many women lost babies due to Dr. Fauci's lies," Uthmeier said in a post on X.

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., took a step further, calling for Fauci's arrest in an ordeal she called "the most infuriating thing."

"Fauci knew Covid shots cause miscarriages. And still forced the shots. Fauci belongs in prison," Greene said in a post on X.

FAUCI'S HHS IPHONE TURNED OVER TO SENATE INVESTIGATORS AS CONTEMPT VOTE LOOMS

"If a Covid vaccine can kill a baby and cause a miscarriage, then imagine all the other things it can do to you. And Fauci knew it and still told people to take it," she added in a separate post.

Johnson's press release on the text messages said the findings "could have an immediate impact [on] public health and the principle of informed consent."

In addition, Fauci had previously acknowledged that there were "no data or theoretical reason" to believe vaccination earlier in pregnancy should be preferred over vaccination later in pregnancy.

He also noted that more than 10,000 pregnant women had already been vaccinated with "no issues" reported.

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Around that time, Dr. Vivek Murthy, who was part of the conversation and would later serve as former President Joe Biden's surgeon general, flagged a World Health Organization recommendation against Moderna's vaccine for pregnant women due to limited data.

Murthy said issuing a strong recommendation against vaccination based on a lack of data could be "potentially quite damaging to public confidence among pregnant women."

Fox News Digital's Eric Mack contributed to this report.

Blink security cameras and video doorbells start at just $22 at Best Buy

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:35:34 -0400

Keep an eye on your home for less with Best Buy's latest Blink security camera deals. Whether you want to check the front door, monitor the backyard or see what your pets are up to while you're away, select Blink cameras and video doorbells start at just $21.99

What is Blink?

Blink is a smart home security brand known for its indoor and outdoor cameras and video doorbells. Its devices are designed for simple installation and setup, with smart features that let you check in on your home from your phone, whether you're watching the front door, backyard or pets inside.

Best Buy Blink deals worth shopping

From indoor cameras for checking on pets to video doorbells and outdoor cameras, Best Buy has Blink security devices for different areas around your home. These are the deals worth checking out.

Blink Mini 2K+ Compact plug-in security camera: $21.99 (45% off)

Original price: $39.99

The Blink Mini 2K+ is a compact, plug-in security camera for monitoring rooms throughout your home. It records in 2K resolution with color night vision for a clearer view day or night. You also get 4x zoom, two-way audio and Amazon Alexa compatibility for checking in while you're away.

Blink Wired Doorbell: $29.99 (40% off)

Original price: $49.99

Blink’s wired video doorbell connects directly to your home's existing power, so there are no batteries to replace or recharge. Head-to-toe 2K video, two-way audio with noise cancellation and night vision provide a clear view of your doorstep day or night.

Blink Battery Doorbell: $47.99 (40% off)

Original price: $79.99

Skip the hardwiring with Blink's battery-powered doorbell. The wire-free setup eliminates the need for hardwiring, making it a practical choice for renters. Three AA Energizer lithium batteries keep it running for months between replacements.

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

Blink Outdoor 2K+ Wireless Smart Security Camera: $54.99 (45% off)

Original price: $99.99

Keep an eye on your driveway, backyard or side entrance with Blink's Outdoor 2K+ Wireless Camera. The battery-powered design eliminates the need to run wires, while 2K video and color low-light viewing help you see what's happening around your property. It's also built for outdoor use in changing weather conditions.

DiJonai Carrington responds to 'White privilege' post, but leaves meaning of it still unclear

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:37:53 -0400

Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington finally responded to those criticizing her for posting "WHITE PRIVILEGE @indianafever" after being ejected for clotheslining Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham.

But her response still doesn’t explain why she chose those specific words to post on her Threads account, presumably from the locker room, following her ejection during Saturday’s loss to the Fever.

Carrington quote tweeted a retort to ex-NFL player and sports personality Emmanuel Acho, who said on his "Speakeasy" show that Carrington could not call her foul on Cunningham "White privilege."

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"I’ve never once claimed that the assessment of the foul was white privilege (that was your assumption)," Carrington’s reply to Acho read on X. "Try exercising your critical thinking skills, I know you studied psych.

"Furthermore, I’m the LAST thing from ignorant or asinine when it comes to speaking on 'white privilege,' do ya research on that one. I actually went to school, one of the top universities might I add, to educate myself on this exact subject," Carrington, who attended Stanford for four years before grad-transferring to Baylor, added. "I would never use that term as a rhetorical weapon knowing the historical and social weight it holds without having the proper evidence to substantiate it."

FORMER NFL PLAYERS CALL OUT DIJONAI CARRINGTON FOR BLAMING EJECTION ON 'WHITE PRIVILEGE'

So, if Carrington’s Threads post wasn’t about the assessment of the foul, then what exactly did her Threads post refer to on Saturday night following her ejection?

Fox News Digital didn't immediately receive a response from Carrington’s rep after asking that exact question.

Does Carrington’s post refer to Cunningham, though she didn’t accuse her by name and there was no evidence the foul has any connection to the Fever star’s position on transgender athletes in women’s sports? Does it refer to the Fever organization, or the WNBA as a whole?

Carrington took time to reduce the list of possibilities by one, but for whatever reason, continues to remain vague and mysterious about the controversial post.

The WNBA has yet to announce any discipline for Carrington’s actions in the loss to the Fever, which occurred late in the first quarter when she was hawking Cunningham, who had a breakaway layup. When Cunningham went up, Carrington jumped and smacked her in the face.

After official review, Carrington’s foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, and she was ejected from the game.

WHO IS DIJONAI CARRINGTON? WNBA STAR WHO SMACKED SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM, GOT EJECTED AND BLAMED 'WHITE PRIVILEGE'

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

Then, Carrington struck Clark in the eye while defending a pass during the 2024 WNBA playoffs, leading to the latter having a black eye. Both players said that the contact was accidental, though Carrington drew some renewed criticism after she appeared to joke about the controversy during an Instagram Live video.

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Carrington is in her sixth WNBA season, her first with the Sky, where she is averaging 9.8 points and 2.2 rebounds across her five games in a depth role for Chicago.

Fox News' Jackson Thompson and Matthew Reigle contributed to this report.

What to buy this Labor Day weekend — and what can wait until Black Friday

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:30:51 -0400

Labor Day weekend brings deals on everything from kitchen appliances to grills and mattresses, but that doesn't always mean it's the best time to buy. We've rounded up the best categories to shop during Labor Day sales events, plus a few worth saving for until Black Friday.

What's worth buying now

Labor Day brings plenty of savings, but some categories have better deals than others. Here’s what’s worth buying now, rather than waiting for events like Black Friday.

Mattresses

Nolah Original mattress: $942 (35% off)
Casper Sleep Element queen mattress: $548 (15% off)
Signature Design by Ashley king memory foam mattress in a box: $422.99 (10% off)
EGOHOME 14-inch memory foam mattress: $449.99 (10% off)

Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress: $699 (57% off)

Original price: $1,615

Labor Day is a smart time to shop for a mattress, with plenty of major brands offering steep discounts. Get the Nectar Classic memory foam mattress for just $699, saving you more than $900. It has a plush yet supportive build that works well for hot sleepers. Saatva's Classic mattress is also hundreds of dollars off, at $1,879, offering a hybrid design with coils and memory foam for sleepers who want a sturdier, more supportive feel.

Outdoor furniture

Rocking Adirondack chair: $169.99 (43% off)
Outdoor dining armchair with cushion, set of 2: $199.99 (41% off)
Auto-tilt patio umbrella: $76.99 (36% off)
Folding Adirondack chairs, set of 4: $379.98 (32% off)

3-piece wicker patio set: $299.99 (63% off)

Original price: $820

Now that summer is drawing to a close, outdoor furniture is more heavily discounted. This wicker conversation set is 63% off on Wayfair, and it’s selling fast. Lowe's also has outdoor dining sets, like this seven-piece set that’s $169 off. Or, get an even larger 10-piece wicker conversation set on Amazon while it's $300 off.

Grills

Ninja Foodi Smart 5-in-1 indoor grill: $169.99 (32% off)
Traeger Ironwood 885 wood pellet grill and smoker: $1,008.28 (28% off)
Charbroil Pro Series 3-burner propane gas grill: $500.05 (17% off)
Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable stand-up grill: $375.29 (12% off)

Royal Gourmet 6-burner gas grill: $429.99 (31% off)

Original price: $619.99

Grill season is wrapping up, so prices are lower now. A Royal Gourmet gas grill at Lowe’s comes in at $430, down from $620. Even Blackstone's classic 36-inch griddle is nearly $100 off, a rare occurrence for the brand.

Patio heaters and fire pits

American flag wood-burning fire pit: $85.94 (34% off)
Anson round wood-burning fire pit by Real Flame: $340.49 (33% off)
Cuisinart tabletop patio heater: $127.33 (15% off)
Solo Stove Bonfire with stand: $359.99 (10% off)

Tabletop Fire Pit: $81.99 (18% off)

Original price: $99.99

Prepare for fall weather with a new patio heater or backyard fire pit. Amazon has options ranging from basic steel rings to pit and grilling combos and popular smokeless Solo Stoves on sale. If you prefer a propane option, Wayfair has this tall fire pit, complete with lava rocks.

Small and large appliances

Antarctic Star 10000-BTU window AC: $389.99 (40% off)
Cuisinart air fryer: $99.99 (33% off)
Whirlpool top-load washer and dryer set: $998 (31% off)
Hotpoint Camo chest freezer: $399 (11% off)

Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System: $174.90 (20% off)

Original price: $219.99

Ahead of Labor Day, Lowe's is offering up to 35% off on major appliances like Samsung refrigerators and GE ovens. Amazon has deals on vacuums from Bissell and Shark, while you can shop discounts on Ninja’s collection of countertop appliances, from blenders to food processors.

Lawn equipment

WORX cordless string trimmer and leaf blower set: $95.99 (47% off)
ECOVACS Goat robotic lawn mower: $1,399 (30% off)
Greenworks 40V battery-powered lawn mower: $249.99 (29% off)
Push lawn sweeper: $76.90 (14% off)

EGO trimmer and blower combo kit: $199.99 (39% off)

Original price: $329.99

Grab lawn equipment on sale for fall and end-of-summer cleanups, from this EGO Power+ string trimmer and leaf blower set to mulchers for your leaves.

Summer clothing

Hanes men's T-shirts, 4-pack: $20 (33% off)
Leggings with pockets, 5-pack: $39.99 (29% off)
Champion men's sport shorts: $18.75 (25% off)
Short-sleeve nightgowns, 3-pack: $23.99 (25% off)

Ekouaer women's pajamas set: $16.99 (53% off)

Original price: $35.99

Since Labor Day marks the start of fall, summer clothing prices drop, making now the right time to stock up for next year. Amazon has short-sleeve pajama sets, Levi’s shorts and polo T-shirts on sale, while Carhartt has deals on its classic T-shirts.

Bedding

Bedsure cooling waffle blanket: $36.99 (33% off)
Amazon Basics cooling comforter: $35.99 (28% off)
Rest Evercool cooling sheet set: $149.25 (25% off)
Waterproof mattress cover: $26.39 (20% off)

Soft microfiber sheet set: $23.99 (82% off)

Original price: $134.99

Find steals on cooling and lightweight bedding as retailers make room for fall inventory. The Cozy Earth bamboo bedding bundle, which is made with breathable fabric, is nearly $90 off. Wayfair's basic sheet set is just $24, giving shoppers an 81% discount on a year-round bedding staple.

Power tools

DeWalt orbital sander: $94.98 (47% off)
Bosch drill and driver with 5-in-1 FlexiClick system: $149 (42% off)
DeWalt shop vac: $106.47 (29% off)
Black+Decker 68-piece cordless drill and home tools set: $99.99 (16% off)

DeWalt cordless drill and impact driver kit: $139 (42% off)

Original price: $239

Power tools are steeply discounted this time of year. FOX News reader favorites like DeWalt's drill and driver set and cordless screwdriver are up to 38% off. Craftsman, another brand loved by FOX readers, has mechanic sets and impact drivers up to 40% off.

What to wait until Black Friday to buy

Labor Day brings plenty of strong discounts, but some deals are better left for Black Friday. Here’s what to wait on, along with a few exceptions that may be worth shopping now.

TVs: TV deals tend to get stronger closer to the holidays, especially on brands like Insignia, Hisense and Roku.

Apple products: Black Friday often brings some of Apple's better discounts, especially as retailers compete for holiday shoppers.

Gaming consoles: Gaming deals are worth watching around Black Friday, when Nintendo and other major gaming platforms often roll out holiday bundles and deeper discounts.

Laptops: While back-to-school and Labor Day sales bring plenty of laptop deals, Black Friday is worth the wait for deeper discounts on popular models from major brands.

Smart home buys: Products like Ring and Blink doorbells, smart thermostats and other smart home and security devices have lower prices during Black Friday.

Robot vacuums: Robot vacuum deals tend to get stronger around Black Friday, when shoppers are preparing for more time indoors, thanks to winter.

Holiday décor: Black Friday is also a smart time to shop holiday décor, since many people start decorating right after Thanksgiving. Look for deals on artificial trees, lights, wreaths and other seasonal finds.

Small and large appliances: This is one of those evergreen product categories that features deals year-round. However, it all depends on the brand and product.

HP 14-inch student and business laptop: $299.99 (45% off)

Original price: $549.99

While laptop deals often get stronger around Black Friday, this HP model is already 45% off, making it one Labor Day deal that may be worth buying now. It comes with Windows 11 preinstalled, so it's ready to use right out of the box. Plus, the lightweight design won't weigh down a student's backpack when walking between classes.

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

iRobot Roomba 105 robot vacuum and mop: $199.99 (38% off)

Original price: $319.99

Robot vacuums typically see deeper discounts around Black Friday, but this iRobot Roomba is already 38% off, making it an exception worth considering. It vacuums hard floors and carpet and mops hard floors, using smart tracking software.

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.