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These female athletes need to speak up about keeping women's sports for women, like Sophie Cunningham did

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:31:57 -0400

The issue of biological men participating in women’s sports has been a major issue for years now. It’s a polarizing debate among people from the highest offices in government to everyday citizens.

Yet despite the prominence of this issue and conversation, many of the world’s most influential female sports stars have never publicly addressed it. Some have, unfortunately, openly and unapologetically supported male "inclusion," while others have offered carefully measured responses. Shockingly, many have simply never been asked about it, from what I can see in the public record.

Sophie Cunningham became one of just a handful of prominent female athletes to take a strong stance in the effort to "protect young girls" by keeping women’s sports female.

Cunningham’s statements have made me wonder what exactly some of the most prominent female athletes (past and present) have said on the issue.

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Simone Biles (Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast)

Simone Biles became one of the highest-profile female athletes to directly weigh in on the issue in June 2025 during her public feud with Riley Gaines on X.

Biles, arguably the most influential and popular female athlete currently competing today, criticized Gaines after commenting on a Minnesota high school softball championship team, which was playing with a male.

Biles wrote that Gaines was "truly sick" and later argued that sports organizations should find ways for transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, rather than excluding them altogether. A wildly anti-woman take, if you ask me.

After receiving relentless backlash, Biles apologized for her personal attacks against Gaines, but did not retract her support for "inclusion."

Biles, when speaking to media following the dispute, reaffirmed that she supports "inclusion," while acknowledging the conversation around fairness is complex in her opinion.

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A’Ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces - WNBA)

Back to back WNBA MVP A'Ja Wilson has not publicly commented on transgender participation in women’s or girls’ sports.

Throughout her career, Wilson has frequently spoken about equality, diversity, and inclusion, just like most WNBA players, but there is no known public statement from Wilson addressing eligibility rules involving women or girls sports.

From what I could tell, there is no confirmed instance of Wilson being directly asked about the issue by a reporter, podcast host, or media outlet.

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Serena Williams (Tennis Great)

Serena Williams, widely regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time, has never publicly stated a definitive position on male participation in women’s sports.

The interesting aspect in this debate for fairness and safety in women’s sports is that statements she made during a 2013 appearance on David Letterman are used to showcase how superior men are to women biologically in sport.

When discussing the differences between men’s and women’s tennis. Williams said that if she played Andy Murray she would lose "6-0, 6-0 in five to six minutes," adding that men’s and women’s tennis were "almost two separate sports."

Those remarks were made in response to questions about whether she could compete with top male players, not about women’s sports eligibility policies. Those comments have undoubtedly been some of the most impactful in the fight to keep women’s sports female, though.

Williams has been a catalyst for the cause, even without knowing what women’s sports would face after ten years following those comments.

Katie Ledecky (Olympic Champion Swimmer)

A nine-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer from the United States, Katie Ledecky, has not publicly taken a side in the issue.

Despite swimming having become one of the central sports in the national debate following the Lia Thomas controversy, Ledecky has largely avoided commenting on political or cultural issues.

Katie Ledecky was directly asked by "The New York Times" in a June 2024 profile about the NCAA Title IX lawsuit stemming from Lia Thomas’ participation in the 2022 NCAA Championships.

Rather than endorsing or opposing transgender participation in women’s sports, Ledecky declined to take a position. The Times reported that she "preferred not to weigh in."

Ledecky added, "I think we’re lucky to live in a country where issues can be debated," and emphasized learning from different perspectives. When asked more broadly about politics, Ledecky said, "I don’t want to get into politics," explaining that she prefers to focus on swimming rather than controversial public debates.

Coco Gauff (Tennis Star)

A top-5 women’s tennis player, Coco Gauff has publicly supported LGBTQ communities and has participated in Pride-related messaging for many years, but she has not publicly addressed transgender participation in women’s sports specifically.

Recently on X, Riley Gaines called on Gauff to speak on the issue. She asked Gauff, "Should women's sports be exclusive to women?"

Gaines has yet to hear a response.

Caitlin Clark (WNBA Star)

WNBA superstar and Indiana Fever sharpshooter, Caitlin Clark is one of the few athletes on this list who has been directly asked about the issue.

During Clark’s 2024 interview as "TIME" Athlete of the Year, the magazine asked Clark about transgender participation in women’s sports amid the broader national debate.

Clark responded, "Everybody should have the same rights. I think everybody should be able to be who they are." She also said transgender people "deserve the same rights and should be treated with the same respect as anybody else."

Clark unfortunately did not directly answer whether biological males should be permitted to compete in women’s sports. It was a major letdown for many conservatives & parents across the country.

Many are hoping, myself included, that Cunningham will inspire Clark to use her platform to help protect women and girls in their sports and spaces too.

Paige Bueckers (WNBA Star)

Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers has been very outspoken on racial justice issues and has expressed support for LGBTQ communities throughout her career. However, when it comes to justice for females in their sports, Bueckers has not publicly commented on transgender participation in women’s or girls’ sports.

Recently, Bueckers weighed in on the lack of black female head coaches in the WNBA saying she wants to see "equal opportunity and no discrimination based on what you look like, who you like, and anything of that nature," but has not spoken up about fairness and equal opportunity in regards to men competing in women’s sports.

Sabrina Ionescu (WNBA Star)

WNBA Champion Sabrina Ionescu has not publicly stated a position on transgender participation in women’s sports. Although she has spoken extensively about growing women’s basketball and expanding opportunities for female athletes.

Sha’Carri Richardson (American Track Star)

Olympic gold medalist sprinter, Sha'Carri Richardson has not publicly commented on transgender participation in women’s sports. Richardson has frequently spoken about inclusion, respect, and individuality, but there is no known statement specifically addressing male athletes competing in women’s events.

I did not find any interview or podcast where she was asked about the issue.

Still, silence is deafening when athletes like Richardson are happy to talk about a litany of other social issues, but have nothing to say about this.

Richardson is dating a female, while reportedly identifying as bisexual, according to a post from 2015 on Twitter and Bi.org, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see her on the Megan Rapinoe side of the political aisle when it comes to this issue.

Hilary Knight (Olympic Hockey)

Olympic gold medal hockey captain Hilary Knight has publicly supported transgender inclusion in sports.

Following changes to international hockey policies and broader conversations about eligibility rules, Knight expressed support for maintaining welcoming environments for transgender athletes while also respecting governing body decisions.

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I do find this humorous because any high level high school boys team could join the PWHL (women's pro hockey league) and dominate.

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Knight’s comments came during media discussions surrounding policy changes affecting international hockey. While she was directly asked about inclusion and policy decisions, she did not advocate for blanket exclusion and instead emphasized inclusion and respect for all athletes.

Who will follow Sophie Cunningham’s lead?

As Cunningham has said as she doubled down on her stance, this issue is "common sense." So, when will one of these prominent female athletes, or others like them, use their platform and voice to speak up for the girls who are desperately looking for one of their inspirations and athletic idols to help protect them from men who are invading their sports and spaces?

At least 1 dead, several injured after van rams into crowd at pride festival

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:14:35 -0400

German authorities on Saturday canceled a popular pride festival after numerous people were injured and one killed when a white van rammed the festivities in Berlin.

"We are currently deployed with numerous police forces as well as rescue units from the Berlin Fire Department in the Großer Tiergarten," Berlin Police said in a translated X post, after telling festivalgoers to leave the area.

Police said the injured were being treated by rescue personnel.

The incident occurred during the European city's annual Christopher Street Day festival, an LGBTQ+ pride event.

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"We are conducting an intensive manhunt for suspects," police added, later clarifying that it could be one or more suspects.

Authorities haven’t released a possible motive.

In an update, the police said several of those injured have life-threatening injuries.

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Hundreds of thousands of people turned out for the event, which included a parade and ended Saturday evening with a show at Tiergarten park near Brandenberg Gate.

Flyers Matvei Michkov throws down disgusting Michigan move goal in charity hockey game

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:44:32 -0400

Is there anything better than a highlight-reel hockey goal in the middle of summer?

Yeah, how about a slick Michigan move tally that comes to us courtesy of Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov.

It was not a great 2025-26 season for Michkov, who, somewhat infamously, showed up to camp out of shape and had a hard time getting up to speed.

This year, he has been working out over in his native Russia and took part in a charity hockey game there called the Match of the Year, which was organized by NHLers Artemi Panarin and Mikhail Sergachev. It even featured Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.

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But it was Michkov who stole the show with a slick Michigan move, or lacrosse-style goal.

Matvei Mich-igan-kov.

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Somewhere, John Tortorella's eye is twitching with rage after that.

Michkov is known to take any chance he can get to put the puck on his blade like that, and that was one of the smoother attempts he has made.

I mean, sure, it was in a charity game, but still, it takes a serious set of hands to pull off that kind of move.

This past season, Michkov had 51 points in 81 games, which isn't bad, but was a bit of a drop-off from his rookie campaign.

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When the Flyers made a surprise playoff run, Michkov found himself sitting out a pair of games, and only registered one point.

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Of course, he's still developing and is a key piece of a really exciting young Flyers team that has moved past the rebuild point and is now going to be expected to contend for the playoffs.

While GM Daniel Briere's big bet on Leo Carlsson by way of a monster offer sheet didn't pan out, the Orange and Black did re-sign key players like Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale to keep them in the fold.

Miami Marlins’ collapse back to mediocrity is so predictable you could set your watch to it

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:36:29 -0400

I want to take you on a journey back to July 9 in Major League Baseball.

The Miami Marlins are ten games above .500 and are unequivocally the hottest team in baseball.

Their pitching looks dominant, they are getting timely hits with great baserunning, and their version of home cooking at loanDepot Park is setting all sorts of team records.

It seems like nothing can slow down this freight train from South Florida.

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Since then, though, the Marlins have lost 10 straight games and are falling further and further out of the playoff race as the calendar shifts to August.

Who on Earth could have seen this coming?

Well, me, for one.

I tried to warn folks, both at the beginning of the season when the Fightin' Fish were one of the best teams to start the year, and right after their historic June where they seemingly put the rest of the league on notice.

What was once a strength of the team, its bullpen, is now blowing games in stupendous fashion, and that timely hitting and high-powered offense seems to have run dry at a time when most true contenders start playing their best baseball.

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And I, along with many other hardened Marlins fans, saw this coming a mile away.

It's nothing new in Little Havanna, as anyone who has been a fan from the beginning can attest to.

We've had to endure fire sales, epic collapses, freak injuries to MVP-candidates, and even the death of a bright, young franchise cornerstone.

Nothing can truly faze a Marlins fan at this point, so when folks outside of the confines of Dade County started singing the praises of the hometown team, true supporters could only roll their eyes and wait for the other shoe to drop.

And drop it did!

If you want to know the precise moment the universal karma flipped out of favor for Miami, it's probably when the aforementioned McCullough pulled star picther Eury Perez in the middle of a perfect game bid.

Perez had the ball taken from him after seven innings and only 92 pitches, which incensed fans both in Miami and beyond.

Sure, the Marlins would end up winning the game and their losing streak didn't start for another four days, but this is when the baseball gods decided the Marlins would have to pay for their transgressions.

The good news? The Marlins are still only three games back of a Wild Card spot, and with the trade deadline looming, there's still plenty of time to right the ship and make some moves to morph back into a contender.

But, as any cynical Marlins fan will tell you, it would be a pointless endeavor; a prolonging of the inevitable.

Rooting for this team is a Sisyphean effort.

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You can get excited about hot starts and record-setting Junes all you want, but the end result is always the same.

Just rip the Band-Aid off and start getting excited about football season, because I'm personally predicting another October with the lights off at loanDepot Park.

Atlanta Braves fan taunts The Freeze with a blown kiss and gets passed in spectacular fashion

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:34:28 -0400

If you're going to go at The Freeze, you better be able to run – and run fast.

Unfortunately for an Atlanta Braves fan on Thursday, he taunted The Freeze, and it blew up in spectacular fashion.

During Braves games, The Freeze races a fan along the warning track in the outfield. The fan always gets a massive head start, but The Freeze almost always catches up and wins the race.

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This fan, as he began to run the left field foul line while getting his head start, decided to turn and blow The Freeze a kiss. Big mistake.

As the fan then began running but didn’t hit top speed. He then turned around, saw The Freeze gaining ground quickly, and kicked into a higher gear.

Unfortunately for him, it was too little, too late.

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The Freeze blew by the fan and returned the favor, blowing him a kiss as he flew on by.

After leaving the fan in the dust, The Freeze turned on cruise control and slowed it down a little bit before racing through the finish line along the right field foul line.

The Braves themselves are trying to avoid being like the fan and blowing a big lead. They are 61-42 and lead the National League East by 5.5 games over the Philadelphia Phillies.

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While 5.5 games is a solid lead, on May 22 the Braves led the division by 10.5 games. The Braves have since stabilized after going through a slump in June.

They defeated the Baltimore Orioles (50-54) 7-6 on Friday, and will look to win the second game of the three-game set on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. ET.

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Bargain buffet refuses to die while luxury dining takes over Vegas

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:33:05 -0400

The days of bargain buffets aimed at drawing in Las Vegas gamblers are dying, but there are a few notable exceptions.

"The buffets get people in," Michael Gaughan, owner of the South Point hotel and casino, told the Wall Street Journal. "They get value for their money, and they stay around and play."

The South Point loses between $1.5 and $2 million a month, according to the publication, but brings in about 3,000 people a day for its buffet.

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The casino's breakfast, with two bloody Marys included, is $16.95 for members. The prime rib and champagne brunch, including two mimosas, starts at $32.95. The prime rib dinner buffet includes peel-and-eat shrimp and costs $37.95, or $32.95 for members.

People start lining up for Friday’s Seafood Night, which begins at 3 p.m., before noon, the Journal reported. It features prime rib and includes two glasses of wine, red sangria or draft beer for $57.95, or $52.95 with a club discount. The lunch buffet is $22.95 for members and $26.95 for nonmembers.

Budget hotel Circus Circus also offers a budget-friendly buffet. It bills its offerings as "classic Las Vegas dining, with something for everyone." The buffet starts at $19.95 and generally operates Friday through Sunday.

The Excalibur Hotel weekday brunch costs $32.99 for adults and $18.99 for children. On Fridays, the price of brunch increases slightly. The mimosa brunch, offered on Saturdays and Sundays, costs $43.99 per adult.

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Circus Circus manages to turn a monthly profit of between $50,000 to $80,000 in the summer season through shrewd tactics, including using unordered prime rib from the hotel’s steakhouse in a buffet stew, the Journal revealed.

According to the publication, the famous buffets of Las Vegas fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic, its social-distancing requirements and the trend of wealthier visitors seeking higher-end restaurants.

There were more than a dozen traditional Vegas buffets on the Strip in 2020, the Journal reported. Now only four remain.

Unlike many Strip resorts, budget casinos rely heavily on repeat local customers and value-conscious gamblers, making inexpensive buffets an effective way to drive casino traffic.

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Luxury buffets, meanwhile, are thriving in Las Vegas. Caesars’ Bacchanal buffet ($87 and up) and the Wynn buffet (starting at $80 per person for dinner) often have long wait lines, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Luxury travel expert Whytney Rawls told Fox News Digital the city's economics have fundamentally shifted.

"Gaming was once the dominant revenue driver," Rawls said. "Today, a much larger share comes from premium room rates, luxury dining, nightlife, entertainment, retail and large-scale events."

While the city was once a playground for everyday travelers, many visitors these days are finding the price of admission harder to justify, Fox News Digital previously reported.

The city is leaning harder into luxury hotels, celebrity-chef restaurants, stadium weekends and costly events, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

In 2025, Las Vegas visitation fell to 38.5 million, down 7.5% from 2024, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). In 2024, visitors generated a record $55.1 billion in direct spending.

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There is a new demographic. In 2024, 64% of visitors earned $100,000 or more, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

By 2025, the market was even higher: Data showed 44% of visitors earned $150,000 or more, News 3 Las Vegas reported.

Jessica Mekles of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Tour de France rider crashes into the back of support vehicle that slammed on the brakes

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:08:11 -0400

The Tour de France wraps up on Sunday, but we didn't get to the finish line without one of the weirdest freak accidents we've seen in a while.

Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio was cruising his way through Stage 19 on Friday, climbing Alpe d'Huez, and riding behind one of the support vehicles.

That always seemed like a good idea to me — let it punch a big ol' hole in the air for you to ride in — but what Rubio didn't account for was that vehicle having to suddenly slam on the brakes as the race made its way along a tight road with spectators on each side.

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This, folks, is why you leave a gap to the car in front of you out on the roadways.

I know this isn't the same thing, but it's never a bad time to brush up on road safety.

What you can't see in that clip is that, according to UAE Team Emirates-XRG, it was their car that Rubio crashed into, and it had to slam on the brakes because a spectator fell in front of it.

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"A spectator fell forward directly into the path of the car," a team spokesperson said, per The Telegraph. "The car braked to avoid the collision. It was a very unfortunate incident and something nobody wants to see. We wish Einer Rubio a speedy recovery."

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Rubio — who was 27th overall in the standings at the time of the incident — was pretty beaten up and needed 20 stitches. He spent an hour in the medical tent and was flown by helicopter to a hospital for further testing.

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Here's to a speedy recovery, but whenever I see this sort of thing, my first thought is always, why do they let fans get so close? It has never ended well.

It's not like fans being that close makes you faster. It can only ever cause a wreck because someone fell in front of a support vehicle or some old lady rides her Rascal scooter into the peloton.

Armed man in tactical vest emerges from exploding Queens home before being shot by NYPD officers; 2 found dead

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:01:29 -0400

An armed suspect wearing tactical gear emerged from a Queens home moments after a fiery explosion erupted Saturday as New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers responded to a 911 call for shots fired and a man yelling, "kill them, kill them."

Keegan Thompson, 33, was shot by police and arrested following the explosion, according to NYPD Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh. Authorities later discovered two dead family members inside the home.

Officers responded just after 12 p.m. local time to a home on Ocean Crest Boulevard in Far Rockaway after the caller reported her husband was armed, McIntosh said.

When police arrived, they encountered a woman outside the home who said she had heard gunshots, entered a room and found a body lying on a bed before leaving the house and calling 911.

She also warned officers that her husband had a shotgun, officials said.

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Officers established a perimeter, requested the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (ESU) and repeatedly attempted to contact the suspect, but were unable to establish communication.

At about 12:15 p.m., as ESU officers prepared to enter, a large explosion erupted from inside the home, McIntosh said.

Fifteen to 20 seconds later, the suspect emerged from the burning home carrying a shotgun while wearing a tactical vest loaded with additional ammunition.

Officers repeatedly ordered the suspect to raise his hands and drop the weapon, police said. When he failed to comply and continued holding the shotgun, an officer fired, striking him.

He was taken into custody, and officers rendered aid before he was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

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McIntosh said Thompson has no criminal history or history of mental illness documented by the NYPD.

Officers later found two dead family members inside the home. The victims have not been identified, and investigators are working to determine their causes of death.

As flames engulfed the house, responding officers evacuated neighboring homes to protect nearby residents.

Investigators have not determined what caused the explosion. When asked whether explosives were involved, McIntosh said the investigation remains ongoing.

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The shooting was captured on officers' body-worn cameras and is being investigated by the NYPD's Force Investigation Division.

"The bravery of the officers who responded today cannot be overstated," McIntosh said. "They responded to a 911 call not knowing what was waiting for them, and they ran toward the danger with no hesitation."

American cyclist Sepp Kuss narrowly avoids a horrific crash over cliff during Tour de France

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:56:58 -0400

Saturday was the penultimate day of the Tour de France, and it almost had what has to be one of the most heart-in-mouth moments the iconic race has seen in years.

And the only reason it didn't was all thanks to a perfectly placed catch fence.

Saturday's Stage 20 took riders along some mountainous roads, and where there are mountains there are often cliffs.

American Sepp Kuss was riding on one of these roads and was actually leading not too far from the end of the stage. He rounded a sweeping corner, but seemed to understeer way too wide and crashed into a low concrete barrier just as the catch fence was ending.

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Fortunately, it was there because on the other side of that barrier was one heck of a drop-off.

Wow. I don't know if they stopped that catch fence there because they just figured no one would ever crash any farther than that or if they just ran out of supplies.

Whatever the reason, Kuss has to be thrilled it was there.

Cycling is not for the faint of heart, and there's a good chance that if he had gone over that wall, it would've been over.

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Sure, Kuss would be breathing a sigh of relief that he wasn't tumbling down the side of the French Alps, but it was a rough day at the office for him.

That was actually his second crash of the day, and it was more costly than the first, seeing as, that time, he was able to hang onto the lead.

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The second crash? Not so much.

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He coughed up the lead and wound up finishing the stage in third.

According to Yahoo Sports, it would've been a big win for Kuss had it happened, as it would've been the first stage win for an American since he won a stage back in 2021.

Singer Zach Top slams modern country music, says it lacks 'soul'

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:46:07 -0400

Zach Top is sharing his hot take on modern country music, saying it now sounds "perfect" and lost some of its "soul."

During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the 28-year-old country singer spoke about his new song, "Good Girls & Cowgirls," and why he thinks bluegrass music, which is what he started out playing, is now growing in popularity.

"From my perspective, it’s pretty parallel to the reason that my music is as popular as it is right now," he said. "We had a long time, at least in the country world… everything is really perfect and everything’s tuned. Everything’s pocketed just right. I think some of the soul got left behind in that."

In his opinion, people are now searching for music that is "a little more raw and real again," and that "bluegrass is only that" since when performing that genre, "there's nothing covering you up."

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He explained that when playing bluegrass, "you better be a bada-- on your instrument and a bada-- singer," citing Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan as two other big country stars today who are embracing a "very real and raw" sound and finding great success with it.

"You’re not trying to chase perfection," he said. "You’re trying to just play good music and put your heart and soul into it. People enjoy that. And that’s what bluegrass has always been to me."

Top is known for playing traditional honky-tonk music and is credited as one of the younger country artists responsible for the resurgence of traditional country music.

He released his first EP in 2022, the same year he made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. He had his big breakthrough in 2024, with the release of his debut album, "Cold Beer & Country Music."

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He found further success in 2025 with the release of his second album, "Ain't In It for My Health," the same year he won ACM New Male Artist of the Year and CMA New Artist of the Year.

"I don't know. I brought a beer up on stage, read between the lines, you know," he said backstage at the CMAs about his celebration plans after the win. "I got a bunch of my road crew here with me, my band. We're gonna go find someplace and knock a few beers back. I'll probably call my family at some point...outside of that, I just hope I can get to bed before 5AM I suppose."

His latest song, "Good Girls & Cowgirls" is set to debut with its official release Aug. 21, along with another new song, "Other Side of Hurtin’."

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Although he has two new songs coming out soon, he has yet to confirm a release date for his highly-anticipated third album, telling Rolling Stone, "we don't have the date nailed out," but is hopeful it'll be out sometime in April.

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"It’s a goofy, fun song, the dichotomy between what you would call a 'good girl' and a little more the wild side of women," he said of the song. "I think folks will enjoy it. The plan is for it to be on the new record. That’s next spring."

A look at 7 of the worst and most ridiculous takes from Ryan Clark during his time at ESPN

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:42:19 -0400

Unless you live under a rock, you’re aware that race-baiting Ryan Clark is no longer with ESPN. Outkick was in the process of breaking the news of his ouster on Monday when ESPN PR pulled him during a commercial break in the midst of NFL Live, while not so slyly trying to get The Athletic to break the story instead. It was a total mess, but nowhere near as bad as some of the things Clark said on air during his tenure at the network.

Buckle your seatbelts and get ready for some of the most unhinged, reckless, divisive, racially-obsessed, and delusional takes you’ll ever hear from a mainstream sports media personality.

Shedeur Sanders fell in the draft because of racism?

As eventual Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders fell all the way to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, sports personalities started crying and claiming racism was the reason for the fall.

Mel Kiper had epic meltdowns on air in defense of Sanders. Skip Bayless made outlandish claims. Then Clark jumped on ESPN and spewed more unfounded claims, focused predominantly on the color of Sanders’ skin, which was a classic move by Clark throughout his time at the "Worldwide Leader in Sports."

"It's not just about him being Deion Sanders' son," Clark stated. "It's about the bravado he carries. It's about the fact that he looks a certain way. It is about the fact that the color of his skin sometimes at the position can be questioned."

SHILO SANDERS MAKES ‘SANDWICH’ COMMENT TO FEMALE UNDER VIDEO CRITICIZING BROTHER SHEDEUR

Black coaches won't get hired because former Michigan HC Sherrone Moore committed adultery

Following the news that then-University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore was fired for having an affair with a female staffer, Clark made the situation about race, as he almost always did.

While on "First Take," Clark made the asinine claim that black coaching candidates would not get hired, or at least have an extremely difficult time being hired, because of Moore’s actions.

"Sherrone Moore was the first African American head coach at Michigan. Now there's a community of coaches who will be judged because of his actions."

In case you forgot, the day Moore was fired, police detained him following an incident at the apartment of his 32-year-old assistant with whom he had an affair, where he allegedly entered, used a telecommunications device maliciously, and threatened self-harm with butter knives.

Suggesting that the actions of one black coach would be used to discriminate in hiring practices in the NCAA, is quite literally saying that the powers that be in these schools are racist, in my opinion. That is a divisive, unfounded claim, rooted in the race obsession.

RYAN CLARK MADE IT TOO DIFFICULT FOR ESPN TO JUSTIFY KEEPING HIM AFTER YEARS OF CONTROVERSY

Tom Brady isn’t a "generational talent"

New England Patriots’ legend Tom Brady is the GOAT. There’s no debating he isn’t the best quarterback in the history of the NFL. That didn’t stop Ryan Clark from diminishing his career accomplishments.

While discussing if Arch Manning was a "generational talent" on First Take, Clark said:

"I don't think Tom Brady, I don't think Drew Brees, I don't think Peyton Manning are generational talents."

Fellow host and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky pressed Clark on the definition of "generational talent" when Stephen A. Smith chimed in with a definitive, "Production."

Clark wasn’t debating whether Brady was a "generational talent" in college, he stated clearly and plainly that he believed John Elway and Andrew Luck were "generational talents" but refused to give Brady that title.

Clark said many insane things, but outside of the racially-infused talking points he propagated, this may be the worst take of all.

"America’s history" played a part in zero black head coaches getting hired in the 2026 NFL offseason

While on NFL Live, with a kyron that read, "Robert Saleh was the only minority to fill any of the 10 head coach openings," Clark invoked the idea that America’s history of prejudice and slavery of black individuals played a factor in no black head coach being hired during the 2026 NFL offseason.

Standing next to former NFL defensive lineman, Marcus Spears, Clark stated, "This isn’t about racism in football, but the history of this country does play a part in [black coaches not being hired]."

Clark went on to discuss how blacks "couldn’t get generational wealth to own a team," which means that owners could only be white, leading to blacks being set back in coaching, because there was a lack of understanding of the "leadership qualities" they possess.

Whether Ryan Clark was overtly talking about slavery, insinuating "systemic racism" as Emmanuel Acho did on his podcast, and/or Jim Crow, Clark was talking out of both sides of his mouth.

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He can’t say "racism isn’t a part of this", but our country’s "history of racism" is a part of this.

It’s a ridiculous take, while also claiming "white privilege" and nepotism of white coaches.

Shamed Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry on "First Take" for suggesting that LSU erect a statue of Charlie Kirk

Clark has not shied away from being political on air, as many of these examples prove. One of his more unsavory comments came in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder, though.

While on "First Take" in October of 2025, Clark responded to Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry vowing to keep the LSU Athletic Director from hiring the next coach, by first trying to shame him for suggesting the school honor Kirk with a statue on campus.

"First off, it’s the second most ridiculous thing he said this week," Clark said smugly. "The first was standing on campus and saying he wanted to put a statue of somebody (Charlie Kirk) that doesn’t represent the people of Louisiana"

Clark went on to claim that Kirk didn’t represent the athletes at LSU, which seemed to promote the idea that he is talking specifically about the black athletes, insinuating that Kirk was either prejudiced or just plain racist. Either way, it was another insensitive, unfounded claim, invoking race where the conversation didn’t call for it.

Tried to discredit fellow ESPN personality Peter Schrager because he never played in the NFL

One specific incident on air that reportedly played a major factor in Clark’s demise at ESPN, was invoking the idea that one of the networks newest personalities, Peter Schrager should not be taken seriously as an NFL analyst because he’s a "non-player."

Clark prefaced his ridiculous comment on "Get Up" while debating the performance of Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Ceedee Lamb vs Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver AJ Brown, seated at a studio desk with former players Teddy Bruschi and Dan Orlovsky, as well as Schrager and host, Mike Greenberg stating, "We shouldn’t do this on TV, so I apologize if people think this is rude, that’s the non-player in you."

Schrager immediately responded with, "Oh, stop!" He followed by saying, "Ryan, don’t belittle me like that. I can come and say as three ex-players are saying one thing, and give an alternative perspective."

Clark then doubled down and gaslit Schrager stating, "Peter, what I need for you to do is not get mad and let me finish."

This was Clark’s arrogance on full display. It was a characteristic that drove viewers away and showcased a clear double standard. Clark would NEVER say the same thing to Mina Kimes. Never.

Made definitive false claims regarding a fatal accident caused by former LSU player Kyren Lacy

Following Monday Night Football, as he was seated next to Scott Van Pelt, Clark responding to the news that former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy committed suicide on April 12, 2025, after being charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle, accused police of "doctoring" and "manipulating" statements regarding the crash, in order to frame him.

Clark claimed, "Kyren Lacy was being accused and investigated for something he didn’t do," and following up that initial claim, Clark said Lacy died an innocent man.

"Kyren Lacy was innocent. Kyren Lacy should be here with us." Clark stated definitively.

"There were so many stations that ran the fact that he was being investigated, so I wanted to make sure here with Scott [Van Pelt], we could say that he was an innocent man."

Clark eventually had to apologize live on air after footage was released by the Louisiana State Police showing Lacy speeding in the opposing traffic lane, passing multiple cars on the wrong side of the road just seconds before the crash.

LSP, which released footage of the incident, said Lacy caused a woman to veer into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting him.

Lacy was the "primary cause of the chain of events leading to the fatal crash," LSP said.

In his apology, Clark said, "I knew Kyren Lacy personally."

"It's always important to me that I gather all factual and important information to provide the complete story, and when discussed in real time on Monday evening, I failed to do so. And for that, I apologize," Clark said while on "First Take."

It was a bold, unwise, and unfounded declaration, but something Clark had become accustomed to doing. That’s who he was. Putting his foot in his mouth was second nature to him.

Reckless feuds and comments on his podcast

Ryan Clark was also causing immense amounts of controversy and unnecessary drama on his podcast, which was promoted on ESPN’s kyron regularly.

Clark started a feud with former Heisman winner and former ESPN personality Robert Griffin III telling him that he is not allowed to discuss perceived hatred Angel Reese has for Caitlin Clark, following a match-up between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky in 2025, because Griffin III is married to a white woman.

"The one thing we know about RGIII is he's not having conversations at his home about what Black women have to endure in this country. About what young Black women and athletes like Angel Reese have had to deal with being on the opposite side of Caitlin Clark's rise and ascension into stardom," said Clark.

"If you're RG3, when is the last time within your household you've had a conversation about what [Reese] is dealing with? You haven't been able to do that because in both of your marriages, you've been married to white women," he continued. "The whole time that he's mimicking Angel Reese and bobbing his head and moving his neck while he's doing this whole piece, his wife is in the back amending and clapping."

Like he did many times on and off air while working for ESPN, Clark eventually apologized for his comments after RGIII rightfully called him out for bringing his wife and family into a sports discussion.

Good riddance

I could write a book about all of the dumb things Ryan Clark said and did during his time at ESPN. It would make you laugh at it’s absurdity, make your blood boil at the audacity of his false claims, and make you put your palm to your face as you’ve undoubtedly done while reading this piece.

Overall, ESPN will be better off without Clark. He was a distraction, a nuisance, and a divisive figure.

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He was a posterboy of how to divide sports fans upon racial and political lines.

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Hopefully Clark is the last of those who have done nothing but frustrate fans who just want to hear guys talk about sports on ESPN.

I’m not holding out hope, though.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

EXCLUSIVE: Alleged $32M COVID-19 fraud fugitive captured in Jamaica and returned to US, FBI says

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:15:37 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: One of the FBI's most wanted alleged COVID-19 fraud fugitives has been returned to the United States after authorities captured her in Jamaica.

FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital she had been living under the fake identity "Harley Newman" while evading charges tied to an alleged $32 million pandemic relief fraud scheme.

Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, arrived back in South Florida Thursday after Jamaican authorities arrested her after a federal manhunt. Prosecutors allege she helped fraudulently obtain more than $32 million in taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief funds before fleeing the country after failing to appear in federal court.

Escoe was indicted in 2025 on charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and multiple counts of money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.

EXCLUSIVE: FBI ADDS ALLEGED COVID FRAUDSTER ACCUSED OF TAKING $5M FROM KIDS' MEAL PROGRAM TO MOST WANTED LIST

Federal prosecutors said a judge issued an arrest warrant after Escoe failed to appear in court in May 2025. Authorities allege she fled to Jamaica, where she was later located and arrested after the FBI received a tip.

"This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly obtained tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, stealing critical resources from legitimate businesses during a national crisis," acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News Digital.

"She fled the country believing she could escape justice but ultimately could not," he continued. "Those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, no matter how long it takes or where they attempt to hide."

FBI NABS ALLEGED $547M MEDICARE FRAUD FUGITIVE OVERSEAS, THIRD CAPTURE FROM 'MOST WANTED FRAUDSTERS' LIST

Patel called Escoe's arrest another milestone in the FBI's international fraud crackdown, saying she is the fourth alleged "Most Wanted Fraudster" captured in the past five weeks.

"The historic success of the 'Most Wanted Fraudster' list continues as the FBI, and our partners just captured our fourth Most Wanted Fraudster in 5 weeks, and yet another high value target returned to the U.S. by this FBI," Patel said. "Elaine Angene Escoe, on the run since May 2025, was captured in Jamaica while living under a fake identity of 'Harley Newman' — and returned to the United States today to face justice."

Patel said Escoe was charged with being involved in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering using a scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.

He added that the FBI has returned more than 30 high-value targets to the U.S. since June. Patel said four alleged fraud suspects captured over the past five weeks are collectively charged with nearly $1.8 billion in fraud after spending more than 3,500 days on the run across three continents.

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"Under this administration, fraud is no longer tolerated, and those who steal from American taxpayers have nowhere to hide," Patel said.

Authorities said the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, Jamaican law enforcement and the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office coordinated Escoe's return to the U.S.

Man who beat rare cancer celebrates by canoeing 2,000 miles with his dog

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:14:16 -0400

A 67-year-old cancer survivor from Orange County, Florida, completed a more than 2,000-mile journey down the Missouri River alongside his dog, Amos, after undergoing a groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment.

Frank Carter spent 64 days navigating the longest U.S. river in a cedar-strip canoe he built by hand, according to reports from the Moffitt Cancer Center and FOX 13 News.

The expedition began in Montana and concluded near St. Louis, Missouri, requiring the pair to camp along the riverbank while enduring severe storms, high winds and hail, FOX 13 News reported.

'FIT MOM' DID 'EVERYTHING RIGHT' — THEN A COLON CANCER DIAGNOSIS CHANGED HER LIFE

Before his diagnosis, Carter was a long-distance adventurer. According to the Moffitt Cancer Center, he spent five months hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019 and completed an eight-week cross-country bicycle ride from San Diego to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in 2020.

However, his physical limits were tested in a new way in 2021 after a routine 5K race.

"I was wiped out. I just wasn't recovering," Carter told FOX 13 News. "I went to my doctor, had blood tests. Long story short, in two weeks I was getting chemo."

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Doctors diagnosed Carter with mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer that originates in white blood cells known as lymphocytes. He underwent 15 rounds of chemotherapy in Orlando, according to Moffitt Cancer Center.

Although the treatment significantly reduced the cancer, follow-up exams showed lingering traces of the disease.

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Carter then sought care at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to undergo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, which involves extracting the patient's own immune cells, genetically altering them in a laboratory to identify cancer cells, and adding them back into the body.

"We take those T-cells and genetically engineer them by putting something called a CAR into them," Dr. Michael Jain, an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, told FOX 13 News. "Now these T-cells can see the tumor and get rid of it, where before the tumor was able to hide from it."

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Carter has remained cancer-free for four years after the single infusion. Throughout his recovery, he has found constant support in his dog, Amos, whom he brought home right before beginning chemotherapy.

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"After my cancer diagnosis, I told myself I was going to beat this, and I really wanted a dog during the process," Carter told Moffitt's Endeavor publication. "I got Amos right before my first treatment."

Brooke Burke flaunts toned figure in green bikini during barefoot Malibu beach stroll

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:00:36 -0400

Brooke Burke is flaunting her toned body while taking a stroll on the beach in Malibu.

The 54-year-old TV personality and model was recently photographed walking barefoot along the shoreline in Malibu in a green bikini, which she paired with a necklace, gold earrings and a stack of bracelets.

The bikini top featured a crisscrossed pattern which gave a peek at her chest, and her bottoms had a matching pattern.

This is far from the first time Burke has been photographed posing in her bikini on the beach. Just last month, the "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" host was all smiles as she walked along the water in Malibu in an orange and blue patterned bikini with cutouts.

BELLA HADID, KELSEA BALLERINI AND OTHER STARS KICK OFF SUMMER EARLY WITH BIKINI PHOTOS

When it comes to keeping her toned figure, Burke broke down her three-hour health and beauty routine to Fox News Digital in May 2025, admitting it sounds weird.

"This castor oil belly button detox that's popping right now on social media, I got suckered. I ordered a kit," Burke began.

She then explained that she will apply castor oil to her stomach and wrap herself in a big bandage, which she then sleeps with, noting, "I think personally, because it looks so weird, that's why everyone's interested."

After removing the bandage in the morning, Burke said she will typically perform a lymphatic drainage massage on herself and rubs in the remaining oil.

"It actually works for bloating, detoxing. Skin quality is great. And I think it might be… maybe part of it's mental – you know, I'm always a skeptic and I keep it real – but it might also be the intention of kind of loving your belly a little bit and doing a belly massage and just taking care of yourself," she said. "So yeah, weird, I know, I like weird things."

GISELE BÜNDCHEN CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN LEOPARD-PRINT BIKINI AS SHE REFLECTS ON GRATITUDE

Burke recently shared her own bikini photos from a recent family vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, captioning the post, "My kind of roll @nobuloscabos you were everything."

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The photos showed Burke enjoying the pool with her children, some of her cuddling with her fiancé, Scott Rigsby, as well as a few of her doing yoga and exercising while on vacation.

"Love this family so much! Gorgeous inside and out," one fan wrote in the comments section. Another added, "Gorgeous pics Brooke."

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Burke and Rigsby made their relationship public in August 2019, and announced their engagement in September 2021, shortly after her 50th birthday.

The couple discussed their long engagement during an interview with People in June 2024, with Burke telling the outlet, "I'm not rushing."

"I think for us, it's having the experience," Rigsby said. "I mean, the whole reason to do it, too, is for the kids and for us and the family. So we want to do it right. We just don't want to rush into it."

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Longer lives, worse health? Scientists uncover troubling trend across generations

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:50:50 -0400

People across the world are living longer, but they’re also spending more years coping with ill health, a recent study observed.

The "morbidity gap" — the number of years people spend in poor health, typically struggling with chronic challenges such as low back pain, hearing loss and depression — widened across 203 of 204 countries analyzed and was the most pronounced in America, the researchers found.

"Globally in 2023, an average of 14.5% of life was spent in poor health, compared to 13.6% in 1990," the researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington reported.

JANE SEYMOUR, 75, SHARES HOW SHE APPROACHES AGING WITH VITALITY: 'BEST I CAN BE'

In the United States, the morbidity gap is about 14 years, or 17.8% of the expected lifespan.

"Between 1990 and 2023, global life expectancy at birth increased from 64.6 years to 73.8 years, while healthy life expectancy rose from 55.9 years to 63.1 years," the researchers reported in a news release.

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"Because gains in survival consistently outpaced gains in healthy years of life, people are spending more years living with chronic disease and disability."

The gap widened the most in the wealthiest countries where populations have access to life-extending resources, the researchers reported. Women are also living longer than men but are also spending more years in poor health, they found.

"To me, the most important message of this study is not that people are living longer. It is that we have become far better at delaying death than delaying functional decline," Dr. Antony Chu, clinical assistant professor at Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

"Modern medicine has achieved remarkable success in reducing mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, trauma and infectious illness," he added. "Yet many of those additional years are now lived with chronic pain, disability, sensory loss, depression or reduced independence."

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Researchers analyzed Global Burden of Disease data covering 204 countries and territories from 1990 through 2023. In their report, published by The Lancet Public Health, scientists observed that a small number of chronic, largely non-fatal causes were the primary contributors to the morbidity gap.

Musculoskeletal disorders, especially low back pain; mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety; hearing loss, falls and other non-communicable accounted for about 57% of all years lived in poor health worldwide. High fasting plasma glucose, obesity and aging populations were also important contributors.

The researchers noted that the study points to broad health trends but doesn’t prove exactly what's causing people to spend more years in poor health.

"Our findings suggest that future gains in population health will come not only from helping people live longer, but from helping them live healthier," said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine and senior author of the study.

"Progress in healthy aging should be measured not only by lifespan, but by healthspan [the number of years spent in good health], with greater investment in prevention, long-term disease management and chronic care to reduce years lived in poor health."

The goal should no longer be simply extending lifespan, but compressing morbidity and maximizing the number of years people remain physically, cognitively and socially well, Chu told Fox News Digital.

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"Ultimately, I believe the next frontier of medicine is not simply adding years to life, but adding life to years," he said. "First, we need to focus on preserving function rather than simply reacting to disease."

The approach involves routinely assessing mobility, muscle strength, balance, hearing, cognition and overall physical resilience. Chu said this may prove just as important as monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.

"Functional decline often begins years before disability becomes obvious, providing an opportunity for earlier intervention," he said.

Musculoskeletal health also deserves much greater emphasis, Chu said.

"Progressive resistance training, fall prevention, maintenance of muscle mass and early treatment of chronic back pain should become core components of preventive medicine rather than afterthoughts," he said. "Preserving mobility may ultimately have as much impact on healthy aging as preventing heart disease."

Mental health and social connection are another vital component to healthspan, Chu said.

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"Hearing loss, depression, anxiety and loneliness frequently reinforce one another, accelerating physical decline while diminishing quality of life," he said. "Addressing these conditions early may improve both longevity and independence."

Chu, who is the child of immigrants, said it’s his belief that Americans often overlook an important cultural dimension of healthy aging.

"In many societies outside the United States, older adults continue to play an active and respected role within multigenerational families," he said. "They remain mentors, caregivers, historians and sources of wisdom. This continued sense of purpose and belonging may provide meaningful protection against loneliness, depression and loss of identity.

"By contrast, many older Americans experience increasing social isolation precisely when maintaining meaningful relationships may be most important," Chu added. "Healthy aging is not determined solely by biology; it is also shaped by community, purpose and human connection."

Rep Brandon Gill backs Trump executive order, calls to 'clean house' at the Smithsonian

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:40:19 -0400

Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, threw his support behind President Donald Trump's executive action targeting alleged ideological bias at the Smithsonian and called for museum officials to be fired over what he called left-wing influence at the institution.

Speaking on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Gill applauded Trump's directive to place warning signs along National Park Service walkways outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

"This is the first time, I think, that we've had a president who takes this stuff seriously, who doesn't just look the other way and allow the left to continue their long march through the institutions and continue shoving leftism down our throats and down the throats of our children," Gill said.

"I think that's what is so refreshing about the president here."

TRUMP ORDERS SIGNS OUTSIDE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM AMID ROW OVER ITS DEPICTION OF AMERICAN HISTORY

On Friday, Trump signed an executive order directing officials to install signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History informing visitors about the White House report that criticized the museum's portrayal of American history.

"Such signage shall notify visitors that the Museum exhibits should be renovated consistent with the findings in the Report and direct visitors to locations and resources for accurate information regarding America's history," according to the executive order on the White House website.

The order also calls for the creation of temporary exhibits or signage that "corrects inaccurate information presented in the Museum," pointing to the museum's alleged failure to properly commemorate America's founding history during its 250th anniversary year.

REP GILL CHALLENGES 'GENUINELY INSANE AND OBJECTIVELY OFFENSIVE' DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS AFTER VIRAL HEARING

Gill echoed many of the administration's critiques, calling for what he described as an objective telling of American history.

"We need an actual objective telling of American history, not [looking] back on the American story and grouping different people into racial or ethnic groups or groups based on their gender or their sexuality or their immigration status," he said. "We are one American people, and I think that's what we need to see."

The congressman argued the Smithsonian needed to "clean house," specifically calling for National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig to be fired. Gill added that the American public is exhausted by watching taxpayer dollars fund ideological agendas.

THE WOKE LEFT CAPTURED THE SMITHSONIAN. AMERICA NEEDS A PATRIOT TO TAKE IT BACK

"The American people are so sick of seeing the left take control of iconic American institutions," he said. "They want to see a museum that's funded by taxpayers that is promoting patriotism, that promotes American ideals and values, and instead they get this kind of woke nonsense."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Smithsonian for comment but did not immediately hear back.

The controversy stems from the White House's recent Saving America's Story report. In the executive order, Trump said the report demonstrated that the museum's leadership "does not present American history as a shared national inheritance to be taught and celebrated, but instead views American history as a 'prime tool' to advance ideas of social justice and the radical transformation of our society."

Hartig defended the museum's approach during a committee hearing earlier this week.

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"The museum does not take sides in America’s political debates. We preserve and document the evidence of American life in all its breadth so that the public can encounter the past and draw their own conclusions," Hartig said.

"When historians talk about reframing a traditional narrative, we do not mean erasing it. We mean adding the evidence, voices and objects that earlier tellings left out so that more Americans can see themselves in the national story. Examining the harder chapters of our history is not the same as hostility toward America," she said.

Court checks Pritzker as Trump administration scores another immigration win

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:39:22 -0400

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was dealt a major legal blow Friday after a federal judge gutted key state laws providing in-state tuition, financial aid and scholarships to illegal immigrants, marking another win for the Trump administration's nationwide immigration agenda.

U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn, a Trump appointee serving in the Southern District of Illinois, sided with the Justice Department, ruling that Illinois' in-state tuition policies, the RISE Act and the Illinois DREAM Act are "unconstitutional and invalid" as they apply to illegal immigrants.

The ruling permanently prevents Illinois from enforcing the laws, although McGlynn delayed the order from taking effect for 14 days to allow the state to ask an appeals court to intervene.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUES COLORADO OVER IN-STATE TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft celebrated the ruling.

"Illinois sought to incentivize illegal immigration on the taxpayer's dime by treating illegal aliens better than U.S. citizens living in other states, in clear violation of federal law," Weinhoeft said in a statement. "This ruling enforces the statute Congress wrote and stops the State from putting illegal aliens ahead of American citizens."

The decision is the latest victory for the Trump administration's effort to dismantle state laws extending higher education benefits to illegal immigrants and comes one day after the Justice Department filed a similar lawsuit against Colorado.

NEBRASKA ENDS IN-STATE TUITION BENEFITS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS UNDER DOJ DEAL

The Justice Department filed the lawsuit against Illinois and a handful of colleges in September 2025, arguing Illinois violated federal law by offering in-state tuition and financial aid to illegal immigrants without making those same benefits available to all U.S. citizens regardless of where they live.

McGlynn granted the federal government's motion for summary judgment and denied Illinois' motion to dismiss.

The ruling invalidates Illinois' in-state tuition rules, the RISE Act, which provides access to state financial aid for certain students ineligible for federal aid, and the Illinois DREAM Act, which established scholarship opportunities for eligible students.

DOJ ESCALATES BLUE-STATE ICE STANDOFF AFTER STATES REFUSE KEY FEDERAL REQUEST

Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill. praised the decision on X.

"This is a win for Illinois taxpayers and American students who were shut out while Pritzker prioritized foreigners in our country illegally," Miller wrote.

The Justice Department has won or reached settlements in similar cases involving Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Nebraska, with Nebraska agreeing to end in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants as part of a settlement. Lawsuits remain pending against Minnesota, Virginia, California, New Jersey, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and Colorado.

In its lawsuit filed Thursday against Colorado, the Justice Department argued the state's ASSET Act and related policies unlawfully provide lower tuition rates and state financial aid to illegal immigrants while denying those same benefits to out-of-state U.S. citizens.

"For three decades, Congress has made clear that Colorado cannot give education benefits to illegal aliens that it does not give to all American citizens," Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said. "By granting illegal aliens in-state tuition, Colorado is not only violating federal law but subsidizing education for illegal aliens at taxpayers' expense.

"Our litigation efforts will not cease until we have fulfilled President Trump's promise that illegal aliens will not obtain preferential treatment over our nation's own citizens."

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' office defended the state's policies.

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"The federal government seizing control of determining in-state tuition across the country is absurd," a Polis spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital. "In Colorado, we are expanding access to education to provide students with the skills to get good-paying jobs and doubling down on strategies to save students money."

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

NYC 5-alarm fire injures at least 17 firefighters, others as blaze damages multiple apartment buildings

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:33:17 -0400

Nearly two dozen people were injured, including several New York City firefighters (FDNY) Saturday, when a massive fire broke out at an apartment building in Queens.

FDNY Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods said firefighters first got word of the fire at a two-story wooden building in Queens just before 10 a.m., and when they arrived, two buildings were fully involved, and the fire was spreading to a third building.

Woods added that rescuers were able to get to the second floor above the fire "under high heat and zero visibility" where one resident was trapped.

HISTORIC NYC CHURCH ENGULFED IN 5-ALARM BLAZE; 6 FIREFIGHTERS INJURED BATTLING STUBBORN FLAMES

The resident was taken to a hospital.

In total, 17 firefighters, two members of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and two civilians were injured.

None of the injuries are life-threatening, Woods said.

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"We want to thank the staff at all of these area hospitals for taking care of our personnel," Woods added.

He said the five-alarm fire, which corresponds to using 250 firefighters, left "heavy damage" to the building and many of the families are displaced.

Woods added that the historic homes were built in 1930 and made entirely of wood.

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The fire was under control, he said, adding the cause was under investigation.

'Weird Al' Yankovic says he walked away from a seven-figure comedy festival offer in Saudi Arabia

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:20:56 -0400

Musician and comedy icon "Weird Al" Yankovic reportedly turned down an eye-watering "seven figures" to perform at Saudi Arabia’s controversial debut festival last year.

In an interview with Pennsylvania’s Tribune-Review, the Grammy-winning parody artist revealed he declined an invitation to perform at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival last year, and the idea of accepting Saudi money as payment made him "feel icky."

"I was invited to the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which is something that I obviously did not want to do," Yankovic reportedly said.

"They offered me, I’m not going to say how much, but it was seven figures to do one show, which is way more than I’ve ever been offered in my life to do a show."

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Yankovic asserted he does not look down on any performers who chose to appear at the controversial festival, which hosted approximately 6,000 attendees, but insisted he could not stomach the implications of appearing at the event.

"But I just couldn’t be part of that," he continued. "I’m not dissing anybody that took the money because I’m sure everybody that went there got a lot of money. I’m sure they had their own reasons and justifications for doing it. But I’m doing enough that I don’t need to take any amount of money if it makes me feel icky, and that kind of did."

The comedian previously made headlines after he declined to appear in an unspecified AI advertisement, saying he turned down yet another large sum by rejecting the offer.

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"I wish people would offer me things that I didn’t feel bad about accepting," Yankovic told the Tribune-Review, referring to the AI ad.

Fox News Digital extensively covered the reaction in the comedy world to last year’s Riyadh Comedy Festival, in which key names within the industry offered harsh criticism toward comedians who chose to appear at the event.

At the time, "Real Time" host Bill Maher blasted comedian Dave Chappelle for his choice to perform at the festival.

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"Dave Chappelle … was in the press today saying that you can speak more freely over here than in America," Maher told Louis C.K., who also made an appearance at the controversial event.

"I don't know if that's true," C.K. replied.

"Oh, it's not true," Maher said, before suggesting Chappelle perform a routine about the Prophet Muhammad to test his claims about free speech within the country.

C.K. quickly clarified that Chappelle is a Muslim, telling Maher, "So, it depends on who you are and what you want to talk about."

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Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel also put comedian Aziz Ansari in the hot seat shortly after his performance at the festival.

"They murdered a journalist. These are not good people over there," Kimmel told Ansari in reference to the infamous state-sponsored murder of Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey in 2018.

"I was just there to do a show for the people," Ansari replied. "Whenever there’s repressive societies like this, they try to keep things out — whether it’s rock ‘n’ roll music or blue jeans — because it makes people curious about outside ideas, outside values.

"And this is a very young country. Like, half the country is under the age of 25, and things can really change. And, to me, a comedy festival felt like something that’s pushing things to be more open and to push a dialogue."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Yankovic and the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia.

Fox News Digital’s Marc Tomasco contributed to this report.

Jacksonville Jaguars set at 8.5 win total after surprising 13-4 season and Wild Card loss to Buffalo

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:11:47 -0400

Sometimes these exercises in writing about teams can be a lot of fun because they remind me of the previous season and all that happened. It isn’t often that I remember everything about a situation, but I feel like I do a generally good job of keeping track of how the previous season went.

It becomes a blur to a certain extent, though. Try and name the last five Super Bowl losers, it is often harder than the winner. Honestly, I completely forgot about the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they were surprisingly good last season.

The 2025 season

Jacksonville was able to steal the division last season and they were even 13-4 overall. The team was 10-2 against the AFC, and scored 138 more points than they allowed. They also ended the season hotter than almost any team in the game, winning their last eight games.

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After Week 10, they were 5-4 and coming off of a loss to the Houston Texans. They closed out the season with wins over the Chargers, Cardinals, Titans (twice), Colts (twice), New York and Denver. Denver and Los Angeles were playoff teams, but the other six games were against fairly weak competition. They lost a heartbreaker to Buffalo in the Wild Card round, dropping that one 27-24.

Offseason additions and subtractions

There wasn’t a ton of stuff the Jaguars needed to do. They are a very good club and solid roster. They did lose Travis Etienne to the Saints, but most people will tell you that running backs are easily replaced. I’m not sure Etienne is that elite of a back that the Jaguars will have a big issue.

They signed a few key players on the line of scrimmage to extensions, but they did lose Devin Lloyd and Greg Newsome. Letting those guys walk did give them some picks so it might not be that big of a loss long term, even if it does hurt this season.

Roster

The team has quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who might be the most difficult quarterback for me to evaluate in the NFL. There is no question, he was awesome last year. He had the 6th most yards, was fifth in touchdowns, but did still throw 12 interceptions.

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He was also middle of the road as far as QBR. He has 98 touchdowns and 58 interceptions in his 77 games. There is another player who has 83 games, 89 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions – their yardage is about the same. That’s Daniel Jones, so you can make a decision on if you think Lawrence is great or not.

Either way he has had multiple coaches and schemes, so I don’t blame him completely. The rest of the offense is fine – Brian Thomas is a solid receiver, as is Jakobi Meyers, and anything you get from Travis Hunter is bonus. They have strong, young defense as well, punctuated by Hunter at cornerback. I’m interested to see how their linebackers play without Lloyd, but he wasn’t playing all three downs normally anyway.

Betting Outlook

The Jacksonville Jaguars are listed at 8.5 for their win total. That’s a major step back. If I look at their schedule, they have a bye week on Week 7 and I think they could very well be 1-5 if things don’t go well. 2-3 or 3-2 seems more likely, though. They have a tougher schedule this year, but should still win seven games without much issue. Getting another two from the list does seem like it could be a challenge. I think I’d stay away from the win total.

I do think Lawrence will go over 3,774.5 passing yards, though. He has gone over 4,000 in three of his five seasons. In 2024, when he played only 10 games, he had 2,045. He would’ve gone under that year too at the same pace. I think with Etienne leaving and his second year in the offensive system he should throw more. I don’t think he is great and I’m willing to bet the over if that gives you confidence.

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

Mamdani's latest Netanyahu remarks deepen concerns among Jewish leaders

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:00:38 -0400

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's recent admission that he lacks the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has done little to ease ongoing tensions between himself and the Jewish community.

Jewish leaders told Fox News Digital they are still concerned about the mayor's rhetoric, which they believe deepens divisions at a time of heightened concern over antisemitism.

Israel has remained one of the defining points of tension between Mamdani and the Jewish community in New York City since his campaign. When running for mayor, Mamdani said he would seek to arrest Netanyahu despite many pointing out that he did not have the authority to do so, which he admitted Tuesday.

The issue resurfaced this week after Mamdani released a video explaining that while City Hall lacks the authority to arrest Netanyahu, he believes the prime minister should be held accountable under the International Criminal Court's warrant.

MAMDANI GOES BACK ON CAMPAIGN PROMISE, SAYS NYC CAN'T ARREST NETANYAHU

In a video posted on social media, Mamdani called Netanyahu "a war criminal" and "the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people."

"My administration has reviewed every avenue available under applicable law to determine whether New York City could execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant if Benjamin Netanyahu came here. It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant," he said.

Nevertheless, he added that the Israeli leader was "not welcome in New York City."

Jewish leaders who spoke with Fox News Digital said the mayor's legal concession did little to address the community's concerns about Mamdani's rhetoric, which they believe fuels division.

Additionally, during a news conference Wednesday, Mamdani was asked how he believed New Yorkers should respond to Netanyahu's expected visit for the annual United Nations General Assembly in September.

"I think the bedrock of our city is protest. It is something that has been a part of what makes our city so special, that New Yorkers can express themselves, whether they are in support or in opposition, no matter on whatever topic," he said.

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Orthodox Union Executive Vice President and COO Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph said the remarks were especially concerning given recent protests over the Israel-Hamas war.

"We know that the protests in the last few years have gotten violent at times," Joseph told Fox News Digital. "So, he's willing to risk inciting further violence based on misinformation."

Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE) Founder and Director Rabbi Mark Wildes said the mayor's remarks demonstrated a broader hostility toward Israel rather than criticism of a government official.

"What's upsetting to us in the Jewish community is that he's saying these things just to continue to drum home his message that the Jewish state, the state of Israel, has no right to exist," Wildes told Fox News Digital.

Wildes said Mamdani's criticisms, in his view, have "nothing to do with Netanyahu's policies," and it was instead about "the Jewish people's right to defend themselves after being attacked, which is the only thing which is being done in Gaza and Lebanon."

The MJE leader added that the mayor's comments, particularly his sentiment that Netanyahu was "not welcome," risk further alienating Jewish New Yorkers at a time when they already feel vulnerable and disconnected from City Hall. He said the remark encapsulated how Jewish New Yorkers were feeling.

"For a leader in New York to say, 'You're not welcome here,' is upsetting, obviously, but it's consistent," Wildes said. "There's nothing he's saying that's inconsistent with the way he ran, with the kind of agenda that he has. He's been pro-Hamas, pro-terrorism since day one, and he's just showing his true colors."

Mamdani has been critical of Hamas — he condemned anti-Israel protesters chanting in support of the terrorist group earlier this year — but he has been criticized for being more strident in his rhetoric against Israel.

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Joseph similarly warned that Mamdani needed to "remember that his words matter" as the leader of New York City.

Despite their criticism of the mayor, both Wildes and Joseph remain confident in the resilience of New York's Jewish community. Wildes argued that the heightened political tensions would not deter the Jewish community's connection to Israel or New York City.

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"Am Yisrael Chai is not just a slogan. Am Yisrael Chai means the Jewish people are alive. Israel is thriving and Israel is continuing to grow," Wildes said.

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

Country star Waylon Wyatt says he nearly 'died' after sudden health crisis derailed his Grand Ole Opry debut

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:49:19 -0400

Rising country music star Waylon Wyatt is recovering after a life-threatening battle with sepsis forced him to cancel several major career milestones.

In his latest video, Wyatt showed off his debut record, writing in his social media caption, "We shot this before I bout died but Dustpiles Vinyl are available to order now!! Get ‘em while they’re hot!"

Earlier this week, the 19-year-old singer shared a health update with fans, revealing he was discharged from a Montana hospital and is in Nashville seeking additional medical care.

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"Hey y'all wanted to give a little update on everything," Wyatt wrote on Instagram. "I got out of the hospital in Montana earlier this week and have been in Nashville with family seeing specialists this week. I'm so grateful to be on the mend and can't tell y'all how much I appreciate all y'alls support through this.

"It broke my heart to have to cancel the dustpiles release show, UTBS [Under the Big Sky Festival] and my Opry debut that was supposed to be tonight. Those were bucket list shows for me but I'll do everything I can to get back to big sky and we'll have a new Opry date for y'all soon."

The frightening diagnosis came July 17, the same day Wyatt released his debut album, "Dustpiles."

Instead of celebrating the milestone on stage, the singer shared a video from his hospital bed.

"Album's still dropping tonight," he said. "Ya boy's got sepsis."

Wyatt remained hospitalized until earlier this week before traveling to Nashville, where he is now continuing treatment alongside his family.

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Despite the devastating setback, the teenage country singer remained focused on thanking the fans who helped launch his career.

"There's so many people I want to thank rn," he continued. "First of all to you guys I wouldn't be where I am without y'all and the fact that I'm even able to tour and put music out in the first place is such a blessing and wouldn't be possible without you. My mom and pops I wouldn't be here without y'all and I'll never have the words to thank you properly I love y'all so much and thank you for being here with me through everything."

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The health scare comes as Wyatt's career continues to gain momentum.

The Oklahoma native is a rising star in the country music world. The viral success of his song "Everything Under the Sun" on TikTok boosted the 19-year-old's career into the country music spotlight.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Wyatt’s representatives for comment.

Sophie Cunningham and West Wilson split on transgender athletes in girls' sports despite podcast partnership

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:23:10 -0400

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham ruffled plenty of feathers with her recent comments regarding protecting women's sports.

Several media personalities and even some fellow WNBA colleagues were quick to bristle at her statement about keeping biological men out of girls' sports, but the Indiana Fever guard has not backed down.

The latest person to take umbrage with Cunningham's comments is a familiar and unlikely one, though, as childhood friend and podcast co-host, West Wilson, took to X to voice his displeasure with "right wingers" turning the trans in women's sports debate into a mountain of an issue.

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"Transgender athletes in American sports is such a borderline nonexistent issue that right-wingers have convinced a massive portion of people in our country that these people are a threat to sports in America when mathematically, that's not the case at all," Wilson said.

He continued by claiming that by platforming the issue, politicians in particular are sowing divisiveness and "isolating" trans people.

"There is, like, 10 transgender athletes in all of the NCAA," Wilson said. "I think there are unique questions that can be handled on individual bases, but to allow this to take our attention from housing, healthcare, wars, all the other actual harmful s–t in our country is dumb."

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There are plenty of things wrong with what Wilson said, namely that transgender athletes in female sports is solely a "right wing" issue.

Plenty of sane people on both sides of the aisle have voiced their displeasure with biological men invading female spaces, so to paint this as a fringe right crusade is disingenuous.

It's also worth noting that he goes out of his way to mention NCAA athletes but nothing about youth or high school sports.

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While the issue of transgender athletes in college sports is still an issue worth fighting, many people are far more concerned with this happening at the youth and high school level, something that OutKick has covered extensively in the past.

Finally, it seems we've gone from "this isn't happening" to "it's only happening a little," representing a classic slide down the proverbial slippery slope.

What's perhaps even more interesting in all of this is how Cunningham and Wilson will work around this difference of opinion.

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Cunningham has made her stance pretty clear and even doubled down on it, while Wilson appears to be completely on the other side.

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While some political differences like tax rates can be amicably disagreed on, the transgender issue continues to be a hot-button one.

It remains to be seen how the two will handle their differences, but suffice to say it doesn't sound like either will be budging anytime soon.

Riley Gaines calls USA Today reporter 'insane' for invoking Emmett Till in column about Caitlin Clark

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:19:27 -0400

Riley Gaines, the host of "The Riley Gaines Show," torched USA Today writer Nancy Armour over her recent and controversial Caitlin Clark column.

In the opinion piece published earlier this week, Armour compared the lynching of Emmett Till to Caitlin Clark putting "Black" and "queer" WNBA players "in danger."

"It shouldn’t need reminding this country has an awful history of Black people being harmed, even killed, in the name of 'defending' White women. The irony of the WNBA's All-Star Game is that it's happening this weekend in Chicago, the hometown of Emmett Till, who became an icon of the civil rights movement after his tragic murder," Amour wrote.

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"The local art gallery is currently hosting an exhibit imagining his life if he hadn't been lynched. While it’s incumbent on the WNBA to do more to protect its players, there also should be an expectation on Clark to recognize the broader implications of her actions being weaponized. "

Of all the bad takes about Clark, Gaines said Armour’s was the "worst one by a mile," adding that she was dumbfounded by the comparison.

"Do you realize what Nancy Armour is doing there? She's connecting Emmett Till's lynching to Caitlin Clark's talent and skill set and behavior on the basketball court. Excuse me?" Gaines said on a recent episode of "The Riley Gaines Show."

Gaines continued her excoriation of Armour, calling the writer "insane" for comparing Till’s lynching to Clark’s actions on the basketball court. Till was a 14-year-old Black teen who was abducted, tortured and eventually lynched in 1955 Mississippi after an accusation from a White woman

USA TODAY REPORTER APOLOGIZES FOR INVOKING EMMETT TILL IN COLUMN ABOUT CAITLIN CLARK AFTER UPSETTING THE WOKE

"These people are insane," Gaines said. "They have lost their ability to think rationally. That is literally dead and gone. In what world do those two things connect? Honestly, even after reading the piece I don't know where she's going with this."

Gaines proceeded to call Armour an all-time "rage-baiter."

"Maybe it's just like all-time rage bait. Like dropping Emmett Till's name in an article about the WNBA All-Star game, that's got to be an all-time rage baiter. I don't know, maybe I'm falling for it. Maybe this is what Nancy Armor wanted," Gaines said.

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Armour apologized for invoking Till in her column and called it an "inartful comparison."

"In my recent column, I made an inartful comparison with the murder of Emmett Till. I intended to connect the issues the WNBA is currently facing with its All-Star Game being hosted in Till’s hometown of Chicago," Armour wrote in an apology posted Thursday on Bluesky.

"I obviously did not provide enough context for that."

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Transgender dolls to be available for Minnesota schoolchildren as young as 4 under Walz-backed program: report

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 13:51:06 -0400

Transgender dolls will be accessible to Minnesota school children between the ages of 4 and 10 starting this fall as a result of a taxpayer-funded development program supported by Gov. Tim Walz, according to a report.

The MyGenderDolls, which were developed in part through the University of Minnesota’s Early Innovation Fund, will be for use by "clinicians and educators" starting this year, the New York Post first reported, citing the product's website.

The dolls, according to the website, were "designed for gender diverse children ages 4–10."

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They come with interchangeable accessories and removable and swappable genitalia to help children "realize all the different options that exist for who they can be — regardless of their body parts," University of Minnesota postdoctoral fellow Ben Parchem said in a now-deleted article in the University of Minnesota Foundation's magazine.

The dolls began as a research program in the University of Minnesota Medical School's Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, spearheaded by two members of the school's faculty, Dianne Berg and G. Nic Rider, both educators in the school's Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.

"It’s really important to address the belief, ‘I’m not a 'real' boy because I don’t have these private parts,’ versus, ‘I am a real boy, whatever my anatomy looks like,’" Berg told the Foundation's magazine in the now-deleted article.

"It’s about helping children develop tools to cope with messages in society that could lead to shame."

VIRGINIA SCHOOL DISTRICT SUED OVER ALLEGED POLICY OF KEEPING STUDENTS' GENDER TRANSITIONS HIDDEN FROM PARENTS

"MyGender Dolls began as an idea of the Institute for Sexual and Gender Health psychologist, Rachel Becker-Warner, PsyD. NCGSH Co-Director, Dianne Berg, PhD, and Communications Specialist, Ashley Finch, have been hard at work developing the dolls to be used as a therapeutic tool for transgender and gender diverse children. The concept is similar to classic paper dolls; kids can select bodies, genitals, clothes, and other accessories as a way to visualize their anatomy and genders," a now deleted 2024 summary of the project from the University of Minnesota's Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health (ISGH) read.

The project is one of many pro-transgender state-funded efforts under Walz, according to the Post.

In 2023, the University of Minnesota’s ISGH presented Walz with the Distinguished Sexual and Gender Health Champion Award "for his outstanding efforts in protecting sexual and reproductive health care (PRO Act, HF 1) and gender-affirming health care (Executive Order 23-03) in Minnesota," the school wrote in its annual report in 2023.

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Of the three faculty members presenting him his award, one was Rider, a co-creator of MyGenderDolls.

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Fox News Digital contacted Walz's office, MyGenderDolls, Rider, the University of Minnesota and the school's Department of Family Medicine and Community Health for added comment.