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Bravo's Steven McBee Jr stands by Sophie Cunningham, blasts 'Summer House' star for stance on trans athletes

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:05:23 -0400

While the debate rages on over whether biological men belong in women's sports, the WNBA has become the defacto battleground for these ideological arguments.

At the center of it all is perhaps one of the league's most recognizable stars, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

Cunningham was embroiled in some controversy last month when she stated that men staying out of women's sports was "common sense."

SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM DOUBLES DOWN AHEAD OF SUN GAME AFTER ESPN PROFILE STIRS CONTROVERSY: 'I SAID WHAT I SAID'

After doubling down on this, Cunningham faced a litany of criticism from some familiar faces, including her podcast co-host and Bravo star West Wilson.

Recently, another Bravo personality has thrown his hat into the ring, this time in defense of the Fever guard.

Steven McBee Jr., star of the reality show "McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys," joined OutKick's very own Tomi Lahren on her show, "Tomi Lahren Is Fearless" to clap back at his fellow Bravo coworker.

"As a man, the transgender sports things doesn't necessarily affect me because if a woman wanted to come over and play in men's sports, hey, good luck," McBee said. "So I don't think any man should be really speaking from their perspective on things."

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McBee explained that he respects Cunningham for coming out, voicing her opinion and standing up for what she believes in, while saying Wilson's comments weren't surprising and that "it's no secret... which way he leaned politically and what he likes to promote."

While McBee was quick to point out that Wilson's leftist beliefs fueled his rant against Cunningham's position last month, he argued that this should be an issue that transcends politics.

"It shouldn't be right-wing and damn sure shouldn't be men commenting on who and what should be allowed in women's sports," McBee reasoned. "That's for, in my opinion, women to decide because they're the ones dealing with the repercussions, whatever may come from that."

It will be interesting to see if more lines are drawn in the sand on this issue from other Bravo personalities.

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With the network seemingly split down the center, there are bound to be more who voice their opinions on such a polarizing matter.

Treasure hunters strike gold after years of disappointment with find worth a fortune

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:00:55 -0400

Two metal detectorists recently struck gold — literally — after finding three Bronze Age gold bracelets worth six figures.

The detectorists, Alan Daniels, 48, and Andy Crammond, 34, found the bracelets near Carlisle, England in May, Bournemouth News and Picture Service (BNPS) reported.

Images show the bracelets — also called torcs — in remarkable condition.

METAL DETECTORIST'S 'FEELING' LEADS TO MASSIVE ROMAN SETTLEMENT DISCOVERY IN POPULAR TOURIST HOTSPOT

The bracelets date back to roughly 1100 B.C. and have a combined weight of 18.27 ounces, or 1.14 pounds. They're estimated to be worth roughly $400,000, according to BNPS.

"Gold doesn't tarnish at all, and they came out of the ground just the same as when they went in over 3,000 years ago," Daniels said.

Speaking to BNPS, Crammond joked about almost having a heart attack when he found the first one just a few inches under freshly plowed soil.

He alerted Daniels, who searched the area and soon found a second one.

MAJOR ROMAN TREASURE HOARD RECOVERED AFTER DETECTORIST KEPT IT SECRET FOR YEARS

Daniels later found a third torc about 20 feet away from the others.

"Detectorists dream of these things and that is how it still feels, like a dream," said Crammond, per BNPS.

"I'm waiting for someone to come out of the woodwork and say they aren't real. It is the find of multiple lifetimes."

Daniels told BNPS this is the first time he's found a valuable item.

COUPLE STUNNED AS TUDOR-ERA TREASURE SURFACES BENEATH THEIR BACKYARD GARDEN

"We have been detecting together now for a few years," he said.

"We have never found anything valuable before and always come home disappointed — until now."

The hobbyist initially thought that the excursion might be a waste of time.

"After about two hours, all we had found were some bits of aluminum cans," Daniels said.

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"We changed fields. ... I went off in one direction and Andy in the other. After a short while, I saw the figure of Andy out of the corner of my eye walking toward me [with the treasure]," added Daniels.

The torcs are being assessed by the British Museum.

A coroner will ultimately determine whether the torcs legally qualify as treasure under British law.

If they do, a museum or institution could buy them at market value, with the proceeds shared among Crammond, Daniels and the landowner.

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If no buyer comes forward, the torcs could be returned to the finders to sell at auction.

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Metal detecting has turned up some striking ancient finds in recent months.

Earlier this summer, a metal detectorist discovered a remarkably preserved 2,700-year-old bronze sword standing upright in the ground in northern Poland.

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In Australia earlier this year, a metal detectorist who was exploring a former Gold Rush-era campsite discovered an unusual coin at an abandoned sports field.

Deadly Connecticut home invasion suspect texted ‘I’ll make her life hell’ before attack: report

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:00:41 -0400

New court documents reveal revenge may have motivated a deadly attack and home invasion at a couple's home in a quiet beach town in Connecticut, according to a report.

Frederick Werner, 69, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside the Milford home on East Broadway; his partner was shot in the head, police say, and is still recovering from her injuries.

Murder suspects Ivan Barias-Florimon, 24, and Stuar Lopez-Reyes, 25, who the Department of Homeland Security confirmed to Fox News Digital are Dominican nationals, were arrested in connection to the June 3 incident.

SUSPECTS IN DEADLY CONNECTICUT HOME INVASION ARRESTED IN ATTACK THAT ROCKED BEACH TOWN

DHS BLASTS MINNESOTA BOARD FOR UNANIMOUSLY PARDONING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CONVICTED OF 3 ASSAULTS

According to an unsealed arrest warrant, the female victim, who survived a gunshot to the head, told investigators she had recently fired one of her employees and suspected that may have played a part in the attack, CT Insider reported.

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The victim suspected the employee of stealing money from her real estate business, she told investigators.

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The warrant says text messages between this fired employee and Barias-Florimon revealed his alleged enraged reaction to the firing; it is unclear what the nature of the relationship between the pair was.

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CT Insider reported the fired employee texted Barias-Florimon that her boss is "going to make my life hell," the woman texted.

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Barias-Florimon responded and said, "I'll make her life hell," the warrant said.

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More texts reveal he also allegedly texted the woman, "[just] say the word" and "[I'll] **** her lifee OVERRRRRR," the warrant said.

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As for the other suspect, Lopez-Reyes, the victim reportedly told investigators that she was fearful of him and was able to identify him as the other suspect seen inside the home, as captured on video surveillance, according to the warrant.

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Both suspects are facing charges including murder and assault on an elderly person in connection with the incident. Both await upcoming court appearances as they sit in jail.

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DHS previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that the agency is seeking to revoke the green cards of the two suspects.

Matt Hardy names the TNA talent pro wrestling fans should keep a close eye on

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:30:21 -0400

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)’s roster features some of the brightest young talent in the industry who have mixed in well with the veterans in the organization.

On Thursday nights, pro wrestling fans can tune into "Impact" and see a handful of wrestlers who are sure to be household names in the next few years if they aren’t already.

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Matt Hardy, one half of the TNA world tag team champions, named a handful of wrestlers fans should be paying attention to in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, especially with the company’s Lockdown pay-per-view around the corner.

"I think someone who is, well, someone who has been a star for a while, and I think right now he's in his best era ever, he's in his prime, that is Mustafa Ali," he said. "And the guy he's working with, Jason Hotch, is just starting to become a star and I think he's going to be a big deal when it's all said and done at TNA. See so much potential in him."

Hotch won the TNA International Championship against Ali in an epic match on "Impact." The two are set for a rematch at Lockdown on Aug. 23.

"Leon Slater is a guy that's there. He kind of sat underneath myself and Jeff's learning tree. For 21 years old, he has it in here," Hardy continued. "So, it's so powerful how much knowledge and how good he is and how aware he is and how he knows what's going on at 21 years old."

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Slater was nearly the longest reigning TNA X Division champion in the company’s history before Cedric Alexander defeated him for the title. Alexander will put the title on the line at Lockdown. If Slater loses, his near-300-day reign will be erased from the TNA history books.

Hardy also told Fox News Digital that Ricky Sosa is another talent to watch. Sosa signed with TNA earlier this year as he became a viral sensation for his entrance while on the independent scene.

"Also, Ricky Sosa, another guy's 21. I think he's going to be a big star there," Hardy said. "Leon, hopefully he stays with TNA for a little while longer. He may end up leaving, going to WWE or AEW, whatever else, but he is going to be a big star. Leon Slater, Ricky Sosa, watch out for Jason Hotch. Those are three guys that are really ascending right now, those three."

Matt and Jeff Hardy are set to defend the TNA World Tag Team Championship against Nic and Ryan Nemeth at Lockdown.

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Lockdown will take place at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Each match will take place inside a steel cage.

White House report reveals ‘Transshipment Scam’ draining billions from US and more top headlines

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:22:33 -0400

Good morning and welcome to Fox News' morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here's what you need to know to start your day ...

TOP 3

1. Trump admin reveals ‘Transshipment Scam’ draining billions from US

2. Judge's 'historic' ruling topples decades-old gun restrictions

3. Doctor sounds the alarm after Dem-run state makes abortion move

MAJOR HEADLINES

FRAME OF MIND — Luigi Mangione case: From Brian Thompson’s killing to the courtroom. Continue reading …

FACT CHECK — CENTCOM delivers forceful response to alarming USS Abraham Lincoln crew reports. Continue reading …

SPECIAL DELIVERY — Trump admin steps into Texas baby battle after surrogate refused abortion request. Continue reading …

CASE RELOADED — Alex Murdaugh makes 'explosive' bid to blow up murder case hinging on DNA, dirty money and lies. Continue reading …

HOLLYWOOD HORROR — Comedy legend says California dream has become a 'medieval' nightmare. Continue reading …

POLITICS

WORDS RESURFACE — Newsom-appointed judge who freed migrant before fatal stabbing said justice ‘sometimes means a dismissal.’ Continue reading …

ELECTION NIGHT CHAOS — NBC's Steve Kornacki buries his face as Wisconsin's 90-minute results fiasco unfolds. Continue reading …

PENTHOUSE PUNCH — NYC luxury-home tax fight takes new turn as Mamdani rollout gets green light. Continue reading …

WORKING OVERTIME — Marco Rubio’s meme just got the White House treatment and Trump signed off. Continue reading …

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MEDIA

HOUSE DIVIDED — Democrats break ranks over ‘extremist’ and ‘barbaric’ abortion law. Continue reading …

IDENTITY POLITICS — CNN host calls out event featuring young athletes as ‘overwhelmingly White.’ Continue reading …

BIG SHOES TO FILL — Karoline Leavitt's exit from Trump admin sends shockwaves among WH correspondents. Continue reading …

FAITH ON TRIAL — Catholic group demands Gov Maura Healey be excommunicated over abortion law. Continue reading …

OPINION

GEORGE LANDRITH — Innovation is key to America staying a superpower. But it is missing an essential piece. Continue reading …

STEVE MOORE & ED POZZUOLI — Stop funding school systems. Let the money follow the child. Continue reading …

IN OTHER NEWS

CENTURY MAN — 102-year-old Navy vet reveals his birthday tradition involves Hooters hot wings. Continue reading …

LUCKY STREAK — Small town buzzing over identity of $1B Powerball winner. Continue reading …

MIDAS TOUCH — Treasure hunters strike gold after years of disappointment with find worth a fortune. Continue reading …

DIGITAL'S NEWS QUIZ — Who shut down this socialist? How did Trump make his secret getaway? Take the quiz here …

LISTEN

Tune in as South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff heats up and the race to close the gap enters its final stretch. Check it out ...

PODCASTS

‘The Riley Gaines Show' takes on the biggest cultural and political debates shaping the week. Check it out…

Catch a 'Best Of' conversation with entrepreneur Tom Bilyeu on ‘Will Cain Country.' Check it out...

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NJ mom’s murder shrouded in secrecy as PI says ‘never seen anything like this’ behind-closed-doors case

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:47 -0400

"It’s unique. I’ve never seen anything like this before," said private investigator Carl DeFazio.

More than two months since a New Jersey mother and psychotherapist was found dead in her Chester home, investigators have remained tight-lipped in the homicide case.

Brooke Hanlon, 35, was found dead of multiple stab wounds inside her home on Pottersville Road on June 6.

SLAIN NEW JERSEY THERAPIST’S GRAD SCHOOL ROOMMATE RECOUNTS FRIENDSHIP WITH COUPLE DURING TIME IN BOSTON

DeFazio is a former U.S. Marine and retired NYPD officer. He said while the ongoing silence is fueling speculation, it's possible there are developments happening behind closed doors that law enforcement won't release in an effort to preserve the integrity of the case.

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"I always look at what they’re not telling you," he said. "They always, especially in a homicide case, hold one or two things back that only the perp would know."

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation and has yet to reveal a suspect or person of interest.

The investigation started when Conor Hanlon, Brooke's husband, made a 911 call reporting his wife was unresponsive and not breathing.

SLAIN N.J. WOMAN, MISSING BAHAMAS BOATER'S SPOUSES LAWYER UP; ONE DISAPPEARS WHILE OTHER RECENTLY SPOTTED

Officers responded to the call and, within minutes pronounced her dead at the scene, classified the death as "suspicious."

Sources confirmed to Fox News Digital the couple's 12-month-old baby was inside at the time of the incident. The child was unharmed.

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DeFazio noted that in high-profile homicides, initial 911 audio and the presence of family members inside the home are among the very first things investigators dissect to establish a timeline.

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A computer-aided dispatch (CAD) log released to Fox News Digital revealed several days of investigative activity at the home.

LISTEN: DISPATCH AUDIO CAPTURES FRANTIC HUNT FOR SUSPECT IN PENN STATE SENIOR'S FATAL SHOOTING

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DeFazio said the first few days of an investigation are critical to preventing missteps.

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"I always start at the beginning — the crime scene — and work my way out. A lot of investigators will go in there with a suspect and try to make the facts fit their suspect. That’s the wrong way to do it," DeFazio said.

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"I look at what they didn’t do. Did they interview the neighbors? Did they rope off the house? Did they take DNA samples? Did they find a crime weapon? Was there a struggle? Were there any defensive wounds? I’d really love to see the ME's [medical examiner's] report."

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Fox News Digital previously spoke to neighbors who revealed they are still on edge and constantly looking over their shoulders for a potential murderer on the loose.

FITNESS TRAINER TOLD FRIEND SHE WAS 'SCARED FOR HER LIFE' WEEKS BEFORE BODY WITH MATCHING CLOTHING FOUND

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DeFazio said investigators in complex homicide cases must audit every detail from day one — ranging from financial policies like life insurance to underlying personal relationships — which often explains why police hold back information while piecing together a timeline.

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Fox News Digital has repeatedly reached out to Conor Hanlon for comment. He has not been charged with any crime or wrongdoing.

STEVE MOORE, ED POZZUOLI: Stop funding school systems. Let the money follow the child

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:46 -0400

The Watergate-era maxim still applies today: follow the money. In American education, the question is not how much money is spent, but where the money goes. Does funding follow institutions, or does it follow children? Does it serve adult interests, or truly benefit students? This distinction increasingly explains why some states spend more without producing better results, while others see academic gains by empowering parents with meaningful educational choices.

New York City is a striking example. In 2024, its Department of Education spent roughly $40 billion, about $36,000 per pupil, one of the highest levels in the nation. Despite this massive investment, student literacy outcomes remain dire. Recent reports found that in 503 of 906 NYC schools studied, most students failed both reading and math exams. State data revealed only 29% of eighth graders were proficient in reading. This means more than seven out of 10 students cannot read at grade level, despite the city’s unprecedented spending.

If one of the nation’s highest-funded school systems still leaves most students struggling to read proficiently, should policymakers continue focusing solely on increasing funding? Or should they also prioritize empowering parents with more educational options to better serve their children?

DEMOCRATS AIM TO KILL SCHOOL CHOICE FROM WISCONSIN TO THE REST OF THE US

Next example, Chicago. Despite a substantial increase in funding, only 43% of Chicago students in grades three through eight met reading proficiency standards in 2025, and just 27% reached proficiency in math. Among eleventh graders, proficiency rates dropped even lower: 40% in reading and 25% in math. Chronic absenteeism hovered above 40%. Even after lowering proficiency standards, most students failed to meet grade-level expectations.

These cases are not arguments against public education. Rather, they challenge the assumption that simply spending more money within the existing system guarantees better outcomes. The evidence suggests, without structural reform, increasing budgets alone will not overcome long-standing academic challenges.

Consider Louisiana’s approach. Just a few years ago, the state faced persistent educational struggles. Today, Louisiana stands as a compelling example of academic progress combined with expanding parental choice. It recently ranked first nationally in reading growth and reported record-high student achievement, with more students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations than ever before. These gains are especially notable as many states still struggle to recover from pandemic-related learning losses.

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry and Superintendent Cade Brumley have embraced the principle that education funding should follow students, not systems. This philosophy is embodied in the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program and the state's expanding charter school sector.

ARKANSAS STUDENTS OUTPERFORM NATIONAL AVERAGE AFTER UNIVERSAL SCHOOL CHOICE EXPANSION, GOVERNOR SAYS

The LA GATOR program enables eligible families to direct education funds toward private tuition, tutoring, therapies, textbooks, curricula, dual-enrollment and other tailored educational services. The state’s charter schools enroll roughly one in eight public school students. Since 2022, charter enrollment has grown over 9%, while traditional district enrollment declined.

The combination of Louisiana’s record academic improvement, nation-leading reading growth, expanding parental choice and growing charter enrollment sharply contrasts with high-spending but underperforming systems like New York City. Louisiana shows that better outcomes can come together with greater parental empowerment.

Florida offers the most robust long-term evidence supporting school choice. Its school choice programs have existed for over 20 years, culminating in universal educational choice statewide. Studies reveal that public schools facing greater competition from scholarship programs showed improved academic achievement, reduced absenteeism and fewer disciplinary incidents. Competition has boosted outcomes not only for students using choice programs but also those staying in traditional public schools.

Florida’s charter schools reinforce this story. The latest Florida Department of Education report shows charter school students outperformed their district peers in 55 of 77 statewide academic comparisons. More than 400,000 students are enrolled in Florida charter schools today, reflecting record growth and rising family demand for alternatives within the public system. Florida charters earned an overall state accountability grade of "A," with 61% receiving an A and 78% earning either an A or B, significantly outperforming statewide averages.

EXPLOSIVE REPORT FINDS $230M IN ALLEGED K-12 EDUCATION FRAUD AMID TRUMP'S CRACKDOWN: 'ESPECIALLY HIDEOUS'

Critics argue school choice undermines public education, but the experiences of Florida and Louisiana suggest otherwise. When parents have real choices and schools compete to attract them, accountability increases. Schools become more responsive to families, innovation accelerates, and academic outcomes improve.

This is not a call to dismantle public education, which remains a vital foundation of American society. The question is whether educational funding should flow primarily toward institutions or toward students themselves.

New York City and Chicago exemplify systems where spending climbs while academic outcomes stagnate. Conversely, Louisiana and Florida show how empowering parents to guide their children’s education can coincide with stronger academic gains, growing charter enrollment and enhanced accountability.

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The core of the school choice debate distills to this simple principle: Educational dollars should serve students, not systems.

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If policymakers want to understand what truly works in American education, they must follow the money – and ensure it follows the child.

Ed Pozzuoli is an expert in education law and CEO of Tripp Scott Law Firm.

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'Extremist' and 'barbaric': Massachusetts Democrats break ranks over new abortion law

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:21 -0400

A new Massachusetts law eliminating gestational limits on abortion has drawn backlash from conservatives and sparked a rift among state Democrats.

The Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act passed 119-33 in the state House of Representatives on July 22, largely along party lines. The bill, signed into law this week by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, removes statutory restrictions on abortions past 24 weeks, allowing physicians to perform the procedure later in pregnancy based on their professional medical judgment and grants greater protection from legal penalties.

Nine House Democrats voted against the legislation alongside Republicans. Speaking to Fox News Digital, several dissenting lawmakers cited ethical and legal concerns, and said the bill does not align with the majority of their constituents' opinions on abortion.

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

"This new law represents an extremist and dangerous position," State Rep. Jeffrey Turco of Winthrop told Fox News Digital. "To be clear, it allows abortion anytime, unrestricted, and in many cases, publicly funded until the moment of birth."

Turco said the bill was "rushed through the legislative process in two weeks, without an opportunity for the public to weigh in," and was "out of step with the views of the average person in Massachusetts."

"The new law is barbaric," he added.

State Rep. Chris Markey of Dartmouth warned that the bill creates a troubling precedent.

"I am deeply disappointed in the passage of this bill. This bill creates a very slippery slope," Markey told Fox News Digital. "I believe this law puts doctors in a very difficult ethical dilemma, as well as conflicts with long-standing criminal case law. This law, I believe, is not consistent with the beliefs of the vast majority of my constituents. While many are pro-choice, you can still be pro-choice and see this law as going beyond the norms of acceptability."

State Rep. Dennis Gallagher, a Democrat representing the 8th Plymouth District, told Fox News Digital he struggled with his decision but concluded that changes to the existing abortion law were unnecessary. While affirming his view that abortion should remain a decision between a woman and her doctor, he argued there should be greater emphasis on alternatives such as adoption when the mother's health is not at risk.

SANDERS-BACKED GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFUL'S PAST PRO-LIFE VIEWS CLASH WITH CURRENT ABORTION STANCE

Gallagher emphasized that prior state law already permitted abortions after 24 weeks to protect the health of the mother or in cases of severe fetal anomalies.

"At that point in a pregnancy, if the health of the mother is fine and the baby's health is fine, I just think alternatives should be encouraged for that baby," he told Fox News Digital. "So that's what I struggled with. But it should always be between a woman and their doctor."

State Rep. Alan Silvia, a pro-life Democrat from Bristol, said he strongly opposes expanding abortion in Massachusetts.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Silvia questioned why lawmakers are moving to protect endangered wildlife while offering less protection to unborn children.

"My position has been consistent: I believe in protecting human life, including the life of the unborn," he said. "We go to extraordinary lengths as a society to protect vulnerable life, saving whales and saving strays, yet when it comes to an unborn child, that same sense of protection too often seems to disappear."

"As a legislator, I cannot support policies that continue to expand abortion, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy," Silvia continued. "This is not an issue I take lightly, and I understand there are deeply held views on both sides, but I will continue to stand by my convictions and vote accordingly."

SURROGATE GIVES BIRTH IN TEXAS TO BABY WITH HEART DEFECT AFTER PARENTS REQUESTED ABORTION

Healey defended the new law at the bill's passage, saying it is intended to ensure families facing medical complications late in pregnancy can abort their babies in Massachusetts rather than having to travel out of state.

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

When is a mental health crisis too severe for telehealth? Warning signs families shouldn't ignore

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:07 -0400

As the Lindsay Clancy murder trial spotlights the psychiatric care she received before the killings of her three children, the case has raised broader questions about the growing reliance on telehealth for mental health conditions.

Nearly half (48.3%) of American adults with serious mental illness now receive some type of mental health treatment via telehealth, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Clancy reportedly had 14 virtual visits with her primary psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Tufts, over a five-month period, from September 2022 through Jan. 23, 2023, according to testimony reported by The Associated Press. The final appointment was on Jan. 23, the day before the killings. The two never met in person.

POSTPARTUM MOM LINDSAY CLANCY ON TRIAL FOR MURDER BRINGS COURT TO A HALT WITH SUDDEN BREAKDOWN

During cross-examination, Clancy’s defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, questioned Tufts about her reliance on virtual appointments, per AP.

"Did you ever suggest to her that 'maybe you should come in and see me, rather than on the computer?'" Reddington asked.

"Talking to her over the video didn't seem like an issue," Tufts responded. "It didn't seem like there was something I was missing."

CUT OFF BY YOUR ADULT CHILD? PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCHER REVEALS WHAT PARENTS SHOULD DO NEXT

Jonathan Alpert, Ph.D., a New York psychotherapist — who was not involved in Clancy's care and was speaking generally about telehealth rather than the specifics of her treatment — said virtual care can work very well, but that "there comes a point where a screen may not be enough."

"If someone is becoming suicidal, psychotic, manic, unstable or unable to function, the clinician has to consider whether that person needs to be seen in person or needs a higher level of care," Alpert, author of "Therapy Nation: How America Got Hooked on Therapy and Why It's Left Us More Anxious and Divided," told Fox News Digital.

"The priority has to be getting an accurate picture of what’s going on and keeping the patient safe."

Benefits and drawbacks of virtual care

Telehealth plays an important function in mental healthcare and offers many benefits, Alpert noted.

"As a provider, I can see far more people in a day doing virtual therapy than I could if I were doing in-office treatment," he told Fox News Digital.

IS DRINKING EVERY DAY ALCOHOLISM? EXPERTS EXPLAIN WHERE CULTURE AND ADDICTION COLLIDE

For the patient, it eliminates the commute to the therapist's office, which could be a limitation for those with busy schedules.

"So it does allow more and better access to care in many cases, but it does have its limitations if someone has a severe psychiatric disorder," Alpert said.

There are certain things about a patient’s appearance — such as hygiene, movements, agitation, intoxication or general behavior — that aren't as obvious on Zoom, he noted.

"Someone can pull themselves together for an appointment and look relatively fine for 30 minutes even though they're falling apart outside of it," he said.

Signs that in-person is best

If the patient keeps getting worse despite frequent appointments, that's a big warning sign, according to Alpert.

"More appointments aren't necessarily more treatment," he told Fox News Digital. "If someone is becoming more suicidal, paranoid, manic, disorganized, aggressive or simply unable to function, you can't just keep scheduling another video call and assume that's enough."

"At some point, the treatment plan has to change, whether that means seeing the person in person, getting an emergency evaluation or moving them to a higher level of care."

In cases where there is any concern about suicide or violence, Alpert said it’s important for the therapist to be direct and to ask the following questions.

Are they having thoughts of hurting themselves or someone else?
Do they have a plan?
Do they have access to weapons or other lethal means?
Have they done anything recently that suggests the risk is escalating?

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"If someone says they just want to die, that's one thing, and it's very concerning, but if they have a plan, say a weapon or pills, that brings it to the next level and would certainly warrant intervention, whether it's through the police or emergency services," he said.

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

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It’s also important for the therapist to know where the patient is located during the appointment so that if there is an emergency, they can take action, Alpert advised.

"And sometimes you need information from family or other people in the patient's life, because the patient may not be giving you the whole picture."

The expert also emphasized the distinction between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

"With postpartum psychosis … there may be delusions, disorganized thinking, hallucinations — and if that's what's going on, that definitely warrants inpatient treatment."

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Overall, Alpert said, telehealth itself is not the problem.

"It's helped a lot of people get care who otherwise might not," he said. "The bigger issue is whether the clinician is doing a thorough assessment and whether the level of care still fits the patient's condition."

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A good clinician can identify serious risk over video, he noted — but at the same time, someone can miss serious risk sitting across from a patient in an office.

"The sicker and more unstable someone becomes, the less comfortable I'd be relying exclusively on a screen," he added.

US Ambassador Huckabee slams extreme group of Israeli settlers for seizing Palestinian homes on West Bank

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:52:42 -0400

JERUSALEM: In a rare statement of anger and criticism directed at a small group of extremist Jewish settlers in the West Bank, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned their attacks against a home being built by a Palestinian American from Ohio.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) managed to evict the lawbreakers who seized the house and arrested one person. But the group, mostly young, disaffected youths, who have set up unauthorized outposts and engaged in violence targeting Palestinians and their homes in the West Bank are becoming a growing problem for Israeli authorities who are being criticized for not doing enough to stop their violent actions.

Ambassador Huckabee posted on X in response to criticism that his team had not done enough, "The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has been VERY involved & the IDF & Israel Police have gone at our request to remove the Israeli terrorists doing this. The actions of those doing this to this family’s home is criminal. The WH hasn’t "intervened" because we have kept DC apprised of the situation already. Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting. No excuse for such thuggish behavior."

HOUSE DEMOCRAT RO KHANNA SAYS HE WAS DETAINED BY ARMED ISRAELI SETTLERS IN WEST BANK

According to The Associated Press, Israeli settlers have besieged three homes in the occupied West Bank for several days, including one owned by Palestinian American Loui Ridi. The seizure of Ridi’s home took place in Qusra, in the northern West Bank.

A senior Israeli official from the prime minister's office said, "Israel doesn’t accept vigilantes or any form of violence by juvenile delinquents. We are investing a lot of efforts to curb such sporadic violence. The IDF sent an additional battalion to Judea and Samaria to address the issue. We don’t take violence lightly. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, there were over 350 investigations opened, leading to 35 arrests. Putting things in perspective, Jews are attacked almost daily by Palestinian terrorists. There were over 300 Palestinian terrorist attacks against Jews in May of 2026 alone. The attempt to draw a false symmetry between sporadic violence and Palestinian terror is hypocritical."

The official added, "We do not accept vigilantes. Judea and Samaria is our ancestral homeland. It's where Jews came from and have a right to live. The Jewish community in Judea & Samaria is a law-abiding community. We are addressing the juvenile delinquents."

HOLY LAND BATTLE: SOLOMON'S POOLS BECOME FLASHPOINT IN FIGHT OVER ISRAEL'S BIBLICAL HERITAGE

Nadav Eyal, a prominent Israeli columnist for the large Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth, told Fox News Digital, "There is an extending consensus in the Israeli political sphere, stretching from the left to the right, that some of the actions we are seeing in the West Bank, in Judea and Samaria, are, in actuality, Jewish terrorism. It is more widespread than it was ever before. It is considered by Israeli defense apparatus to be a serious problem."

In another post on X, Huckabee stated, "Settlers" are not the problem in Judea/Samaria. "Unsettlers" are. Very small minority who do great damage to Palestinian families & to Israel."

With over 500,000 Israelis living in Judea and Samaria, more commonly known as the West Bank, leaders of the settlement movements slammed the violence. The Jerusalem Post reported that the head of the Yesha Council, Yisrael Ganz, said, "There is no place for privately deciding to establish a hilltop outpost in the yard of a house, even when it is an illegal house or there is an attempt to take control of the area," he said. "There is absolutely no justification for violence against uninvolved people or against the security forces."

The newspaper also quoted Beit El Council head Shai Alon, who said they were causing "irreversible damage" to Israel and to the settlement movement, and described those responsible for attacks on innocent Palestinians as criminals.

Wafa, the Palestinian News & Info Agency, reported on Thursday that the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates "condemned the escalation of Israeli colonist terrorism and attacks against the town of Qusra." According to the Ministry’s statement, the "crimes were part of systematic policies aimed at displacing Palestinians and uprooting them from their land while imposing a reality that serves plans to annex the West Bank."

Israel's Channel 12 News analyst, Amit Segal wrote on X that "Settler violence is a sensitive issue in Israel. Only a vanishingly small share of the settler population supports or takes part in such acts, but because the problem is exaggerated and used to obscure Palestinian violence against them, they bristle at hearing about it — even from Israel’s greatest friends."

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Segal said that "The most damning verdict of the event comes from Israel’s most faithful friend, Mike Huckabee. The most pro-settlement ambassador in the history of the post, a man who will not so much as use the word 'settler'— called the men at Qusra ‘Israeli terrorists.’"

He added that "For four days, the most capable military in the Middle East could not clear a path for a family to reach its own front door. The family lives on the outskirts of Qusra, south of Nablus. On Sunday, settlers from the encampments seeded by the Tel Talpiot outpost sealed the entrance to their home and would not let them in or out."

Fox News Digital sent a press query to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza thanks God for an NFL debut that compares favorably to 'Mr Brady'

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:44:34 -0400

The first thing Fernando Mendoza did after he played exceptionally in his NFL preseason debut Thursday night was to thank God.

Any long-suffering Las Vegas Raiders fan who saw the rookie first-round pick's outing, preseason or not, would have similarly thanked God.

Because the Raiders have something here.

"First, I want to thank God and my teammates and coaches for allowing me the opportunity," Mendoza told reporters. "Today was an invigorating experience where there's not many moments where you feel fully alive, and on the field is when you feel fully alive, especially in the NFL atmosphere.

EX-NFL STAR CALLS FERNANDO MENDOZA 'THE MOST COMPLETE PLAYER' OF THE 2026 DRAFT

"So I want to give thanks for that. It was great to get out there, get my feet wet .. I think it was a good experience."

Anyone who watched would know Mendoza played well and if you didn't watch, be confident that his 100.3 quarterback rating and TD pass without a turnover in his nearly three quarters of work was impressive.

"As far as getting in and out of the huddle and commanding the group and getting the play-calls down, I saw the same guy we've seen in practice," coach Klint Kubiak said. "I saw an ascending player."

And this is where the temptation is going to be to overreact and start the discussion about Mendoza supplanting veteran Kirk Cousins as the Las Vegas starting quarterback.

That throw Mendoza made in the first half between two defenders downfield between the hashmarks and numbers was elite. It's the kind of throw that demands opportunities in the regular season.

But the Raiders will resist the temptation to have Mendoza run before he walks. The Raiders expect to go with Cousins as their starter unless something drastic happens.

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"Kirk has been getting the reps with the ones," Kubiak said. "I think he's had a solid training camp and it's his job to lose."

This is good. And ordered.

It almost doesn't feel like the Raiders.

The franchise that once boasted a "Commitment to Excellence" has committed shameful acts in recent seasons.

Remember that Jon Gruden had to quit midseason over an email scandal. Remember that Henry Ruggs III was involved in a fiery drunk driving crash that killed a woman and her dog. Remember that coach Josh McDaniels got fired before he finished two seasons, coach Antonio Pierce got fired after one season, and coach Pete Carroll similarly went one-and-done.

How do you think the Raiders got in position to pick Mendoza? They've been a mess.

But rookie coach Kubiak doesn't seem too flummoxed by anything, while Mendoza seems perfect for Vegas — and by that we mean he's a self-described nerd.

Mendoza doesn't hit the Strip because he'd rather hit the playbook. Even Thursday night he talked about going home after the game because he had nothing else to do and watch the tape even as the casinos and lounge acts were just warming up.

Club minority owner Tom Brady was on the field before this game and someone suggested afterward that Mendoza had a better career debut than Brady did. That's fact, by the way.

Back in 2000, Brady was where Mendoza finds himself now. And in his first NFL action that came midway through the fourth quarter against San Francisco 49ers backups, Brady completed 3 of 4 passes for 28 yards in 17 otherwise forgettable snaps.

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Mendoza completed three times as many passes for more than three times as many yards with a touchdown pass.

But out of that comes zero arrogance.

Mendoza mentioned that "Mr. Brady" spoke to the team the night before the game. And he said that, as a former UC Berkeley backup quarterback, that long-ago third-stringer would have never imagined playing for an NFL legacy franchise.

Mendoza, it seems, is a player paid to throw the football who remains very grounded.

"Overall, I felt that the group that I was in with, you know, they blocked fantastic, they ran great routes, the run game was good," Mendoza said. "Unfortunately, I let my teammates down today.

"But it's a growing experience. I feel like we're all growing. And it showed me that I need to grow a lot."

FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO

UN watchdog slams potential election of Iran to panel with human rights sway: 'Lunatics running the asylum'

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:30:49 -0400

Iran's possible election to a major United Nations (U.N.) committee with influence on the shaping of policy concerning human rights, women's rights, and counterterrorism is "Orwellian," the head of a U.N. watchdog group says.

In November, the U.N. General Assembly is slated to vote on whether to admit Iran to the Committee for Programme and Coordination, a 34-member body whose member states serve three-year terms. The upcoming vote is widely expected to pass as a formality.

The committee doesn't draft human rights treaties or issue condemnations of human rights abuses, but plays an influential administrative role in how human rights initiatives are executed across the U.N. system.

The U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) nominated Iran in April despite Tehran’s documented history of systematic human rights abuses, strict crackdowns on women’s rights, mass surveillance and lethal force against political dissenters.

IRAN TO EXECUTE FIRST FEMALE PROTESTER TIED TO ANTI-REGIME UNREST

Global bodies also consider Tehran a leading state sponsor of terrorism that funds proxy militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. In addition, Tehran has attacked neighboring Gulf states in recent months amid a war with the United States.

"It's the last government in the world that should have any influence," Hillel Neuer, executive director of Geneva-based UN Watch, told Fox News Digital.

"Sadly, at the United Nations today — an organization founded after World War II out of great idealism to bring international peace — it is a case of the lunatics running the asylum," Neuer added. "You have the Islamic Republic of Iran, a regime that beats, blinds, tortures, rapes, and imprisons women for standing up for their rights or showing a few strands of hair."

ISRAEL ACCUSES UN OF PLACING IT ON SAME SEXUAL VIOLENCE BLACKLIST AS HAMAS TERRORISTS, SEVERS TIES

Fox News Digital reached out to the Iranian Permanent Mission to the U.N. for comment.

Iran’s appointment would not be unprecedented. The U.N. Human Rights Council's 47 member states currently include nations with severely criticized human rights records, including China, Cuba, Pakistan and Eritrea.

IRAN HANGS 2 PROTESTERS IN PUBLIC, CROWD CRIES 'DISHONORABLE' AS SECURITY FIRES TEAR GAS

"The United Nations speaks out in the name of values and principles such as human rights, democracy, freedom, equality and women's rights," Neuer said. "The reality is that, sadly, at least half the U.N. is made up of dictatorships."

Tehran continues to brutally suppress basic freedoms. In July, two men were publicly hanged for participating in nationwide anti-government demonstrations, while hundreds more remain jailed or killed for demanding regime change.

In addition, the U.N. has been accused of bias for heavily criticizing Israel's military actions in Gaza, while often failing to pass formal resolutions or issue direct condemnations against Hamas.

According to Neuer, the most disappointing aspect of Iran’s potential committee appointment is the willingness of Western democracies to acquiesce.

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"The short answer is interests, cynicism, politics, dealmaking, and a culture of 'go along to get along,'" Neuer said. "If you are the French, Canadian, or German ambassador, you don't want to pick a fight with dozens of countries or trigger friction with Iran. They would rather simply avoid it."

Luigi Mangione case in photos: From Brian Thompson’s killing to the courtroom

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:30:14 -0400

Mangione was accused of killing the UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2024

Mark Lynch endorses Ralph Norman as congressman heads into runoff against Darline Graham

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:13:09 -0400

Mark Lynch has endorsed Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., the runner-up in South Carolina's special Republican U.S. Senate primary, who will face first-place finisher Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., in a head-to-head runoff.

Graham finished first in the Aug. 11 primary, with Norman advancing in second place. The runoff is scheduled for Aug. 25.

Lynch — who finished second in the South Carolina Republican U.S. Senate primary that Sen. Lindsey Graham won in June — placed fifth in the special Republican U.S. Senate primary contest.

"I'm honored to receive Mark Lynch's support and endorsement in my race for U.S. Senate!" Norman declared in a Wednesday post on X.

SOUTH CAROLINA GOP SENATE SHOWDOWN HEADS TO RUNOFF IN RACE TO SUCCEED LINDSEY GRAHAM

The post also included a statement, apparently from Lynch, stating, "I am proud to endorse Ralph Norman for the United States Senate. Our country needs someone who will put America First, and the people of South Carolina have shown they are ready for a businessman and someone with a proven conservative record who will be their voice in Washington, D.C."

Last month, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of her brother's Senate term — and President Donald Trump is backing her for election.

DARLINE GRAHAM DETAILS HOW SHE'D FORGE OWN PATH IN SENATE WHILE CARRYING ON BROTHER LINDSEY'S LEGACY

National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., backed Graham after she placed first in the special GOP U.S. Senate primary this week.

"If I were going to endorse in the South Carolina GOP Senate primary, I wanted to do so with confidence. After watching Darline Graham in the Senate and on the campaign trail, I’m confident she’s the real deal. Her first-place finish last night was remarkable, but not surprising. She is a conservative stalwart, a hard worker, and represents our beloved state with class, humility, and dignity," Scott wrote in a Wednesday post on X.

REP RALPH NORMAN ENTERS SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE DESPITE TRUMP'S ENDORSEMENT OF DARLINE GRAHAM

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"I know she is making her brother proud, but Darline has already proven to be her own person: focused on pocketbook issues, defending our South Carolina values, and delivering for the people she represents. Her priorities are our priorities. I voted for Darline in yesterday’s primary, and I’ll vote for her again in the runoff. I’m proud to endorse Darline Graham for the U.S. Senate, and I encourage South Carolina Republicans across our state to join me in voting for her in the runoff," Scott added.

MLW rising star LaBron Kozone set for grudge match against Joe Coffey, talks Teddy Long inspiration

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:08:01 -0400

LaBron Kozone wasn’t about to stand for Joe Coffey and the Glasgow Boys on Top taking out Teddy Long during a recent Major League Wrestling (MLW) event.

Coffey admitted at MLW Blood & Thunder that he was the one who took out Long. Kozone, who sees Long as one of his mentors, came out with a chair to confront Coffey and needed to be held back. The heated rivalry between the two pro wrestlers is set to explode in the ring on Saturday during MLW "Fusion."

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Kozone told Fox News Digital he owed Coffey some payback.

"Just to do just that, just to make old boy suffer," he said in a recent interview. "You know, initially, I had a lot of respect for him. His talent, his work ethic, what he's done, the people he's affected, but that's crossing the line. So, yeah, he's going to he's going to get it."

When Long made an appearance at MLW, he dubbed Kozone "the next big thing for MLW."

"Teddy was an inspiration to me, what he represents in the industry, everything that he's done," Kozone said. "And then to have him acknowledge me in that way and to endorse me in that way, that means the world to me."

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Kozone was one of MLW’s top free-agent signings and started his time there defeating Okumura before going on to beat Alan Angels.

Now, he’s trying to dispatch Coffey and move on to getting some gold around his waist.

"Championships, world titles," he told Fox News Digital when asked what’s next for him after the Coffey feud. "That's what I'm here for. I'm here to be the top guy in MLW. I 100% feel like I can be that guy. I feel like I can carry the company to higher heights.

"I feel like I do represent a new breed in MLW, which has been the selling point here recently that's been getting a lot of talks about MLW in a positive way. So, championships. It’s where championships is where the money is, and I'm here to put on and provide."

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MLW "Fusion" airs Saturdays on YouTube, Veeps and beIN Sports.

102-year-old Navy veteran still craves hot wings after 102 combat missions in Korea: 'I might make it to 115'

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:49 -0400

At 102 years old, Glenn Ward still has a healthy appetite. And when his birthday rolls around, there's one place he particularly wants to eat — Hooters.

"We've been going there for years and years," the Arlington, Virginia, resident and U.S. Navy veteran told Fox News Digital. "It's sort of a tradition."

He estimates the tradition goes back at least 15 years.

HOOTERS SAYS KIDS, FAMILIES ARE PART OF ITS COMEBACK AS WAITRESSES INSIST THEY'VE ALWAYS BEEN WELCOME

"Hot wings, that's the main attraction there, hot wings," Ward said.

Terry said his father particularly favors Hooters' 3 Mile Island wing sauce, among the restaurant chain's spicier offerings.

Ward's birthdays at Hooters have become family affairs.

Terry Ward said about 70 people attended his father's 100th birthday celebration in 2024, while even an ordinary birthday can draw a crowd. The restaurant regularly sets aside a separate room for the group.

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Ward's love of bold flavors is a long way from the food of his childhood.

Ward grew up on a 6-acre farm along the Sandusky River in Ohio, where his family raised hundreds of chickens and grew fruits and vegetables, eating largely according to the seasons. Food was plentiful and wholesome, with fresh produce supplemented by canning when the growing season ended.

"Everything was seasonal," Ward said. "We ate whatever happened to be in season."

Sunday might mean homemade ice cream, made from strawberries, raspberries, peaches or whatever fruit was available. Without refrigeration, the family bought a block of ice, crushed it in a burlap sack and used a hand-cranked freezer, Ward recalled. Whatever they made had to be eaten that day.

Another favorite was pan haus, a scrapple-like dish made after hog butchering, Ward said. Meat trimmings were cooked in a large cauldron, combined with cornmeal and seasonings, cooled in loaf pans, sliced and fried. Ward remembers it as "very, very tasty."

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His palate expanded considerably during a long Navy career. Ward served during World War II and later became a naval aviator, flying 102 combat missions during the Korean War. He remembers eating well throughout his service.

"The Navy food was so good, I decided to stay," Ward joked.

Today, Ward and his family still put considerable emphasis on food. Terry said his father often starts his day with a protein shake containing bananas, fresh fruit, milk and protein powder, while dinner generally includes meat, vegetables and carbohydrates.

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Ward credits some of his longevity to a "balanced diet" and the meals he learned to eat as a child.

"I might make it to 115," he said with a smile. "I'm hanging in there."

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And apparently, there's still room in that diet for hot wings.

Kelly McGreal of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.

Board-certified OBGYN warns new Massachusetts late-term abortion law exposes mothers to danger

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:40 -0400

A board-certified OBGYN is pushing back against Massachusetts’ new abortion law, arguing that third-trimester abortions are medically unnecessary and can put mothers at risk.

On Monday, Massachusetts became the 10th state to allow abortions throughout pregnancy, drawing criticism from pro-life advocates and some medical professionals.

"If a woman's life is in danger, if she's facing a pregnancy complication beyond 24 weeks, we simply deliver her. And in fact, delivery is much more expedient than a later-in-pregnancy abortion procedure," Dr. Christina Francis, OBGYN and CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs, told Fox News Digital.

DEM GOV MAURA HEALEY SIGNS SWEEPING MASSACHUSETTS BILL ALLOWING ABORTIONS UP TO BIRTH

Francis explained she can perform an emergency C-section in under five minutes, while an abortion later in pregnancy can take multiple days, which she said raises risks for both mother and baby.

The law, signed by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, gives physicians broader discretion in authorizing abortions later in pregnancy while shielding them from legal penalties. Healey said the changes are meant to prevent women from having to travel out of state for abortions later in pregnancy, which she said can complicate their care.

Francis criticized the law, citing concerns about the well-being of both mother and child. "There's nothing in this law that says that at 39 weeks and five days, a woman could not have an abortion. These procedures are risky for the mom. They lead to significant risk of complications," she said, adding that she believes scientific evidence shows fetuses can feel pain much earlier in pregnancy.

"The science is very clear, as early as 12 weeks of pregnancy, we know that babies feel pain, and we're talking about here dismemberment abortion procedures, where these babies are torn limb from limb, sometimes while they're alive, sometimes after they have had a heart attack induced by an injection directly into their heart," Francis said. The question of when fetal pain becomes possible remains disputed among medical groups.

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

Pro-life advocates also dispute the argument that abortions later in pregnancy are performed only in rare medical emergencies. Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director turned pro-life advocate, told Fox News Digital that she’s seen firsthand that isn’t true.

"We hear a lot of pro-choice advocates say, ‘You know, well, that just doesn't happen. It only happens in these very difficult certain circumstances.’ But I can tell you firsthand, as a former abortion clinic director, it's just not true," said Johnson, who now serves as CEO of And Then There Were None.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACROSS MIDWEST AT RISK DUE TO LACK OF FEDERAL FUNDS AFTER 3 FACILITIES CLOSE IN MICHIGAN

Johnson believes laws like Massachusetts’ are a reaction to conservative states that have imposed earlier limits on abortion, such as Texas, Florida and South Carolina.

"It feels almost like rebellion. There's a lot of states that have moved in a more conservative direction, passing heartbeat bills, passing really restrictive legislation. And so we see, then the pendulum swings toward the other side," Johnson said.

She added that while many pro-choice people support abortion rights, she believes most would reject third-trimester abortions.

SANDERS-BACKED GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFUL'S PAST PRO-LIFE VIEWS CLASH WITH CURRENT ABORTION STANCE

"A lot of pro-choice people will say, ‘OK, we understand abortion in the first trimester,' but this is out of step with the majority of pro-choice people. Most pro-choice people do not understand abortion at 36 weeks, an elective abortion at 36 weeks. But that is what this legislation allows," Johnson said.

Healey touted the bill as a way to aid women and families who are confronted with wrenching decisions about keeping pregnancies late in the process.

"I've heard heartbreaking stories from women and families who were preparing to welcome a healthy baby into their family, only to receive devastating news later in their pregnancy. Instead of being able to rely on the doctors they knew and trusted at home, they were forced to travel hundreds of miles and pay out of their pockets while navigating unimaginable grief," Healey said.

"That should never happen in Massachusetts," she continued. "This law continues our efforts to have the strongest abortion protections in the country because in Massachusetts, we believe healthcare decisions should be made between women and their doctors."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Healey's office for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Fox News Digital's News Quiz: August 14, 2026

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:38 -0400

Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz, featuring the Wisconsin Democratic governor’s primary, and President Donald Trump’s reported Turkey departure and more.

Looking for another challenge?

James Carville's red line for the Democratic Party and a stripped Miss North Carolina USA title were featured in last week's News Quiz.

Test your knowledge of family fun, medical marvels and more in this week's American Culture Quiz.

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If you're looking to play even more, you can find all of our quizzes by clicking here.

Check back next week for the latest News Quiz from Fox News Digital. Thanks for playing!

Alex Murdaugh makes 'explosive' bid to blow up murder case hinging on DNA, dirty money and lies: expert

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:24 -0400

Alex Murdaugh is set to return to a South Carolina courtroom Friday as his defense presses to toss the murder case and narrow what evidence jurors can hear in a retrial that one former federal prosecutor says comes with a new strategic reality: the defense has "played all their cards."

The disbarred attorney is scheduled to appear before Circuit Judge Debra McCaslin at 10 a.m. in Lexington County for a pretrial hearing ahead of his April 2027 retrial in the killings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.

Unlike Murdaugh's June court appearance, which set a retrial timetable, Friday's hearing follows a flurry of motions from both sides revealing their competing strategies.

Nathan S. Williams, a South Carolina federal criminal defense attorney and former assistant U.S. attorney who served as criminal chief for the District of South Carolina, told Fox News Digital that Murdaugh's request to dismiss the case is "a big ask" and "the explosive one, frankly, at this point," noting that it attacks the validity of the indictments based on alleged misconduct or false statements.

ALEX MURDAUGH LAWYERS ALLEGE ‘FABRICATED’ EVIDENCE WAS USED TO SECURE MURDER INDICTMENTS

Murdaugh’s attorneys, led by Dick Harpootlian, have asked McCaslin to dismiss the murder and weapons indictments, alleging that false physical evidence was presented to the grand jury that indicted him.

The motion targets testimony from South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigator David Owen and raises questions about the evidence used to secure the original charges.

ALEX MURDAUGH MURDER SAGA LANDS RIGHT BACK WHERE IT STARTED BEFORE NEXT LOWCOUNTRY COURTROOM BATTLE

It is not yet clear whether McCaslin will rule on the dismissal motion Friday.

"They're alleging misconduct or false statements by one of the main case agents," he said. Williams added that he would be "a little surprised if that gets taken up on Friday," saying the issue will likely require evidence, testimony and additional briefing.

The disputes range from a defense effort to dismiss the murder indictments outright to battles over whether prosecutors can again introduce evidence of Murdaugh’s financial crimes, use testimony he gave during his first trial and present other evidence to a new jury.

Williams said that a second trial changes the strategic landscape for Murdaugh.

"There is no surprising the government or the state at trial," Williams said. "He's given his testimony, they can prepare infinitely now to cross-examine him."

"That tends to be frankly more helpful for the state. I think they usually have a better chance on retrial," he added, while noting that limits on some of the state's evidence could cut the other way.

ALEX MURDAUGH'S DOUBLE MURDER CONVICTION UNANIMOUSLY OVERTURNED BY SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT

Murdaugh, 58, was convicted in 2023 of murdering Maggie, 52, and Paul, 22, at the family’s Moselle estate in Colleton County in June 2021. The South Carolina Supreme Court later overturned the convictions after finding that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors.

The high court ordered a new trial, but the retrial may look significantly different from the first.

At Murdaugh’s first trial, prosecutors argued that years of theft and financial fraud were closing in on him and that the killings were an effort to distract from mounting scrutiny.

MURDAUGH DEFENSE PLANS ALTERNATE SUSPECT PUSH AS DNA QUESTIONS LOOM OVER RETRIAL

The South Carolina Supreme Court did not rule that all evidence of Murdaugh’s financial wrongdoing was inadmissible, but it said prosecutors had been allowed to go too far into the details during the first trial.

McCaslin will now be tasked with determining how much of that evidence can be presented to jurors the second time around.

Williams said he expects the amount of financial evidence to shrink from the first trial. He said, "there will definitely be less," adding, "How much less I think will be a good question."

Prosecutors are also vying to use Murdaugh’s sworn testimony from his first trial during the retrial.

Murdaugh took the stand in his own defense in 2023 and admitted lying to investigators about his whereabouts shortly before Maggie and Paul were killed. He denied murdering them.

ALEX MURDAUGH DEMANDS NEW EVIDENCE SEARCH IN HUNT FOR CRACKS IN CASE

Whether jurors in the new trial will be able to hear portions of that prior testimony could become especially important if Murdaugh chooses not to testify again.

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The defense has separately mounted a wider challenge to the charges themselves.

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Another major fight involves forensic evidence.

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Murdaugh’s attorneys have sought additional DNA testing using newer techniques, including testing tied to evidence found underneath Maggie's fingernails.

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Prosecutors have not opposed additional testing outright but have sought safeguards surrounding the handling of evidence, testing procedures and access to results.

"Independent testing might be tough," Williams said. "It wouldn't shock me if she lets them have a separate new test by the defense. To me, that strikes me as being fair, assuming they have the evidence available to be retested."

WATCH: Alex Murdaugh returns to court ahead of retrial

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The defense has also sought to move the retrial out of Colleton County, where the killings occurred and where the first trial became a media spectacle.

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Murdaugh’s attorneys have argued that extensive publicity surrounding the case, along with the fallout from Hill’s conduct, makes it impossible for him to receive a fair trial there. They have proposed moving the case to nearby Charleston County.

Williams said venue may be one of the more straightforward disputes for McCaslin to address Friday, though the location could be the real fight.

"The battle, frankly, does seem to be not the venue change, but where," he said. "Personally, I'd be a little surprised if she doesn't change the venue."

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Other pending disputes involve access to phone data, third-party guilt evidence, discovery rules, polygraph evidence, juror questionnaires and protective orders governing sensitive material.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the attorney general's office and Murdaugh's defense team for comment.

Newsom-appointed judge who freed migrant before fatal stabbing said justice 'sometimes means a dismissal'

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:18 -0400

The California judge who released a Venezuelan national arrested for burglary — and later allowed him to remain in pretrial home detention despite his violation of its terms — had previously said that justice can sometimes mean "dismissal" in an interview with her alma mater, the University of San Francisco School of Law.

The day after Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Nichelle Holmes dismissed Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, a Venezuelan national, he was accused of stabbing another man to death while attempting another burglary.

The killing of Todd Stewart, 68, outside his home of more than 30 years has renewed scrutiny of judges’ discretion in releasing repeat criminal offenders. It also comes as Republican leaders criticize "sanctuary" policies that they say make it difficult for federal immigration enforcement agents to do their jobs and put the public at risk.

Holmes, who was appointed to Contra Costa Superior Court by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., in 2024, ordered on Aug. 5, 2024, that Iriarte-Valdez, a Venezuelan national who holds Spanish citizenship, be released on his own recognizance. The Department of Homeland Security called Iriarte-Valdez an "illegal alien" in a social media post, but later said he was "legally admitted" to the U.S. in 2007. DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on his immigration status.

DEADLY HOSPITAL STABBING PUTS NEWSOM UNDER PRESSURE OVER ICE DETAINER FIGHT

Holmes' ruling to allow Iriarte-Valez to walk free aligns with an interview that she gave to her alma mater, the University of San Francisco School of Law, in 2017, in which she claimed that her work as then-deputy district attorney of Contra Costa County is her way of fighting against injustices and racial disparities in the justice system.

"Coming to work every day and ensuring that justice is served is my way of protesting," Holmes said. "Justice does not always mean a prison sentence. Sometimes it means a treatment program, or intensive counseling, and sometimes it means a dismissal."

Holmes shared that she decided to become a district attorney as opposed to a defense attorney because she said victims need a voice too.

"Navigating through the criminal justice process can be daunting and only add to the stress and trauma of being a crime victim," Holmes shared. "I choose to advocate for the victims and be their voice to make the process just a little easier. I choose to make my community a safer place for everyone."

"I choose to ensure that the Constitution is upheld on all sides," Holmes continued. "I choose to be a part of the solution."

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Prior to her appointment to Contra Costa Superior Court, Holmes served as the deputy district attorney for Contra Costa County from February 2012 to April 2024.

As deputy district attorney, Holmes prosecuted sensitive cases centered on sexual assault, domestic violence, child trafficking and community violence. She worked four years in the county’s Domestic Violence Unit and was in the Community Violence Reduction Unit.

She graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2010 and previously graduated from Spelman College in 1990.

Some state lawmakers fumed over the judge's behavior and Sacramento's sanctuary policies, with Assemblymember David Tangipa, R-Fresno, telling Fox News Digital on Thursday that Stewart "should be alive today."

"This murder was 100% preventable if we just enforced the laws currently in place," Tangipa said.

"But Governor Newsom’s garbage sanctuary laws and activist judges are leading to the death of Americans. Californians deserve a justice system that protects innocent Americans first."

A spokesperson from Newsom's office did not comment on Holmes' specific decision to release Marcos Iriarte-Valdez despite violating the terms of home detention. Instead, the spokesperson said he should be held responsible for the killing of Stewart.

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"This individual should face justice for his alleged crime," the spokesperson said. "California takes public safety seriously, and nothing in California law prevents federal authorities from enforcing federal immigration law. The federal government has billions of dollars and substantial resources to enforce federal law — they should do their job instead of blaming California for ICE's enforcement failures."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Holmes for comment.

Teacher busted under Kentucky's new anti-grooming law as advocate warns schools can't ignore red flags

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:06 -0400

What can look like innocent attention toward a child can mask something far more sinister, a Kentucky advocate warns as the state’s new grooming law lands its first arrest just weeks after taking effect.

Laura Wills-Coppelman, founder of ICKY, or Institutional Complicity Kentucky, told Fox News Digital that she sees the arrest as evidence of what the new grooming offense was designed to provide — an earlier opportunity for authorities to potentially intervene before alleged conduct escalates into sexual abuse.

"For the first time, Kentucky has a legal ability to intervene in a situation where a child could potentially face irreversible harm," Wills-Coppelman said. "It's a massive step forward in an effort to prevent child abuse."

KENTUCKY MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER ACCUSED OF CROSSING THE LINE WITH STUDENT, ARRESTED UNDER NEW ANTI-GROOMING LAW

The new law was invoked just weeks after taking effect July 15, when 25-year-old Sadie M. Flores of Mayfield was arrested and charged with grooming a minor, a Class D felony.

The Graves County Sheriff's Office said Flores, an employee at Graves County Middle School, allegedly had an improper relationship with a minor student in the district.

The allegation was initially reported to Graves County Schools, which immediately turned the information over to the sheriff's office, according to authorities.

Detectives seized electronic records, conducted interviews and took other investigative steps before interviewing Flores and arresting her around 3:30 p.m., the sheriff's office said.

HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR PLEADS GUILTY TO MULTIPLE SEX CRIMES INVOLVING TEEN SHE WAS MEANT TO HELP

Wills-Coppelman cautioned against drawing conclusions about Flores, saying the evidence and allegations in the case must now be evaluated through the court system.

But she said the arrest illustrates the significance of creating an earlier point at which authorities can investigate conduct that may precede abuse.

Wills-Coppelman said one of the biggest misconceptions about grooming is the belief that one questionable interaction can be viewed in isolation and labeled grooming.

Instead, she said grooming often unfolds gradually, with behaviors that may seem explainable on their own becoming increasingly concerning when they form a pattern.

"Grooming is a pattern of behavior that is intended to build trust, erode boundaries, and create conditions for a child to be exploited or abused," she said.

Potential warning signs, she said, can include excessive attention or favoritism, gifts, secrecy and increasingly isolating a child from other trusted adults or peers.

Individually, some of those behaviors may have innocent explanations. The alarm, Wills-Coppelman said, comes when adults begin seeing them develop into a broader pattern over time.

And from the child's perspective, she warned, grooming may not feel threatening at all.

TEACHER WHO SERVED AS GOP STATE LAWMAKER ALLEGEDLY USED ROBLOX TO LURE STUDENT INTO SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP

"Grooming is a form of manipulation," Wills-Coppelman said, explaining that a child may instead feel "special and seen and validated" by the attention.

"It doesn't often register as dangerous until it's too late," she said.

For parents watching from the outside, however, the same relationship may begin setting off alarm bells.

"Why does this adult need so much access? Why are they being isolated so much? Why so much excessive attention?" Wills-Coppelman said parents should ask themselves.

Wills-Coppelman said survivors her organization has spoken with have repeatedly described another troubling pattern — adults who recognized something felt wrong but did not speak up at the time.

"A lot of people, bystanders, in their situations in retrospect look back and say, 'I had an icky feeling,'" she said. "I saw something or I heard something that made me feel uncomfortable. I wish I would have spoken up."

She stressed that reporting concerning conduct is not the same as declaring someone guilty.

Instead, she said, authorities are responsible for examining the evidence and determining whether conduct meets the threshold for criminal charges.

"The point of awareness can be the point of prevention," Wills-Coppelman said.

That distinction has become particularly important amid concerns that ordinary interactions between teachers, coaches, youth leaders and children could be mistaken for grooming. The law makes clear that legitimate school, work and volunteer-related communications are not what it is designed to criminalize.

Wills-Coppelman rejected that characterization, calling appropriate adult-child boundaries "common sense."

"Healthy adult-child mentorship respects appropriate boundaries. Grooming erodes them," she said.

NEW MISSISSIPPI LAW EXPANDS DEATH PENALTY TO INCLUDE INMATES ON CHILD SEXUAL BATTERY CONVICTIONS

"The intent of the law is to create an earlier intervention point, not to criminalize ordinary relationships between adults and children."

Wills-Coppelman said the legislation received unanimous support in both chambers of the Kentucky legislature and bipartisan backing.

House Bill 4, primarily sponsored by Republican state Rep. Marianne Proctor, passed the House 98-0 and the Senate 38-0 before the House unanimously approved the Senate's changes. Gov. Andy Beshear signed it into law April 10.

"This is not a political issue. This is a human issue," she said.

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The pushback she has encountered, she said, has instead largely centered on due process and concerns about what happens after someone reports suspected grooming.

Wills-Coppelman said due process remains an essential part of the law because a report alone does not automatically trigger criminal charges. Investigators must evaluate the evidence before determining whether charges are warranted.

"We can preserve and respect due process and also prioritize the prevention of abuse and the protection of our children," she said. "They are not competing principles."

Wills-Coppelman said she ultimately hopes the law results not in more arrests, but fewer children ever reaching the point where alleged abuse occurs.

"The ultimate goal of this law is not more prosecutions," she said. "It's earlier recognition, awareness and understanding of what these behaviors look like and ultimately prevention."

For Wills-Coppelman, passing the grooming law is only one piece of a larger fight.

She said she now wants Kentucky's educator code of ethics brought into alignment with the new law and is pushing for greater accountability when people in positions of authority become aware of disturbing patterns but fail to report them.

That includes situations in which institutions attempt to handle serious allegations internally rather than referring them to the appropriate authorities, she said.

"My efforts are focused not only on the obvious villain, which is the perpetrator in these cases, but also turning some attention toward enablers, systems and institutions and the people within those organizations that had the capacity and the ability to take action and made a deliberate choice to not do so," Wills-Coppelman said.

In the Flores case, Graves County Schools said administrators contacted law enforcement immediately after becoming aware of the allegation.

Superintendent Matt Madding said the district has since been informed that charges were filed against the teacher and pledged continued cooperation with investigators.

"We take any allegation involving the safety of a child or the professional conduct of an employee extremely seriously," Madding said in a statement.

The district said it is limited in what it can disclose because the case remains an ongoing legal and personnel matter.

Wills-Coppelman hopes Kentucky's approach eventually reaches far beyond the state.

She said Ohio has legislation similar to Kentucky's, but her goal is for protections against grooming to ultimately become a nationwide standard.

"A child's protection from grooming and abuse should never depend on geography," she said.

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For now, Kentucky's first case under the new law will move through the courts, while the legislation itself faces its first real-world test.

And for Wills-Coppelman, its success won't ultimately be measured by the number of people put behind bars.

"If it prevents even one child from the horrific consequences of abuse," she said, "that makes it all worth it."

Innovation is key to America staying a superpower. But it is missing an essential piece

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:16 -0400

Former Wyoming Republican Sen. Malcolm Wallop once observed, "I don’t think the only place to fight for freedom is in the halls of Congress." The same can be said of innovation. America’s technological leadership is not secured only in research labs or startup incubators. It is also built in factories, machine shops, testing facilities and supply chains that transform bold ideas into real-world capabilities.

Washington talks constantly about innovation, but too often punishes the very capital investment, permitting, workforce development, energy production and industrial expansion that make innovation possible.

When people think of innovation, they often picture groundbreaking technologies or historic milestones. Recent developments like SpaceX’s record-breaking initial public offering or NASA’s continued progress on the Artemis program highlight an exciting era for aerospace. These achievements deserve recognition, but they also raise important questions about what actually drives innovation.

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Innovation is only as meaningful as a company’s ability to deliver it. A revolutionary design has limited impact if it cannot be manufactured efficiently, tested rigorously, or produced at the scale customers and government partners require.

That is why investments in manufacturing capacity, advanced production technologies and modern infrastructure deserve just as much attention as the breakthroughs they make possible.

The Boeing Company offers one example of this principle in practice. The company is investing in U.S. manufacturing facilities, production stability, domestic hiring, supply-chain resilience, including a $1 billion 787 expansion. Investments like these strengthen the industrial base that supports future technological advancement while helping modernize the systems that power American aerospace and defense.

Lockheed Martin is another industry leader making similar investments across its manufacturing footprint. The company has expanded facilities in Texas, Arkansas and New York while simultaneously investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, robotics and tools to increase production capacity and improve efficiency. These investments illustrate how innovation is not just designing ideas for the next generation. It lies in modern facilities and the industrial capacity to build them at scale.

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While breakthrough discoveries often dominate headlines, sustained innovation depends just as much on the ability to manufacture, scale and continuously improve the systems we already have in place.

More often than not, the conversation centers exclusively on research and development or startup culture while overlooking one of innovation’s most important drivers, capital expenditures.

Also known as CapEx, these are the investments companies make to purchase, build, or modernize long-term assets like factories, manufacturing equipment, technology and infrastructure. These investments provide the physical foundation that allows new ideas to move beyond the drawing board and into production.

The benefits of CapEx extend far beyond a company’s balance sheet. Building a new manufacturing facility creates demand for construction workers, electricians, engineers, suppliers and numerous other Americans long before production begins. Once operational, those facilities support highly skilled manufacturing, engineering and technical careers that strengthen local economies while expanding the nation’s industrial capacity. In other words, investment in infrastructure is also an investment in people.

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This connection between investment and workforce development is particularly important in aerospace and defense. Modern facilities, resilient supply chains and advanced manufacturing capabilities allow companies to deliver increasingly complex systems with greater speed, quality and reliability. Those capabilities become even more valuable as global competition intensifies and demand for sophisticated defense technologies continues to grow.

But factories and equipment alone do not create innovation. Skilled workers remain the industry’s greatest competitive advantage. Engineers, technicians, mechanics, production specialists and skilled tradespeople are responsible for transforming concepts into certified, operational products. Their expertise allows companies not only to build advanced technologies but also to maintain the quality and reliability expected from the aerospace industry.

Unlike many startups, prime contractors possess the workforce, manufacturing capacity and supplier networks necessary to bring complex programs from concept to deployment. Their role extends well beyond developing new technologies. They are responsible for designing, testing, producing and sustaining the systems that support commercial aviation and national defense for decades to come.

As policymakers and industry leaders look toward the future of aerospace, innovation should be viewed through a broader lens. Breakthrough discoveries will always capture public attention, but they represent only one part of the equation. The factories we modernize, the supply chains we strengthen, the workers we train and the infrastructure we invest in are equally essential to maintaining America’s leadership.

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We need more than great ideas. We need long-term commitment to build the capacity that allows those ideas to succeed. By continuing to invest in manufacturing, infrastructure and the American workforce, the aerospace industry can ensure that the next generation of innovation is not only imagined here but built here, too.

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America cannot remain a superpower if we celebrate invention but neglect production.

America’s promise to our Afghan allies is still unfinished five years later

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:12 -0400

In 2021, after nearly two decades, the United States abruptly withdrew military forces from Afghanistan, causing the nation to fall back under Taliban control. Almost five years later, it’s hard to forget the images of crowds of people clinging on to planes in a desperate attempt to escape what lay ahead for their country. In the aftermath, many conservative evangelicals and veterans’ advocates stood up for Afghans fleeing persecution and violence. But the job remains unfinished. Now is the time to renew our efforts and push for a lasting solution for our Afghan neighbors.

As the Taliban retook Kabul, those allies were suddenly in grave danger. Their ranks included many translators, drivers and others who became targets because they worked with the United States. Many turned to the U.S. for such a chance at safety, and in 2021, a multi-agency, public-private effort mobilized to rally around our allies.

Both our organizations support Afghan evacuees in different ways. World Relief, in coordination with hundreds of local churches, has spent years resettling Afghan families in American communities, and AfghanEvac has fought to bring home the mission partners who served alongside our troops and enabled the U.S. mission. Since the beginning of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, promises have been made to provide a pathway to legal residency in America for Afghan allies who assisted the U.S. government.

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Many evangelical Christians in the U.S. recognized the moral crisis at stake and were eager to help welcome and support people fleeing persecution in Afghanistan. Evangelical leader Franklin Graham led an initiative to organize support for Afghans. Here at World Relief, we were flooded by calls from churches wanting to help, and our offices were soon full of donations. At the time, polls found a majority of evangelicals supported taking in Afghan refugees. Due to unprecedented levels of support, many Afghan families were soon resettled in American communities.

Ideally, Afghans who had worked for the U.S. government would have arrived with approved Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, either of which would have ensured new arrivals that they had a permanent place in the United States. But due to the urgent nature of the evacuation, most of the roughly 70,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. by the federal government in the months immediately after the fall of Kabul were admitted on humanitarian parole, which allowed them to be lawfully present and authorized to work, but only temporarily. This was conducted through Operation Allies Welcome, an initiative made possible through grassroots veteran involvement. Some of these individuals were subsequently granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a distinct but still, obviously, temporary legal protection.

When the conditions in Afghanistan did not improve over time, it was clear a more lasting resolution was needed. The Afghan Adjustment Act was originally introduced in 2022 and 2023 to create a pathway to a green card and citizenship for Afghans with little hope of returning home. As its name suggests, the bill would establish an adjustment process for tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees to gain permanent legal status. The act has bipartisan endorsements and the support of many evangelical Christian organizations . However, despite the diverse coalition behind urging Congress and President Biden to act, the bill failed to become law, leaving many stuck in limbo.

Since the beginning of the second Trump presidency, their situation has not improved. Little has been done to help Afghans already present on temporary status, and pathways for those still stuck in Afghanistan or in refugee camps in neighboring countries have been shut down. No Afghan principal applicants have been issued SIVs in 2026, and for those SIV applicants still waiting to be processed, the average wait time is over 1,000 days, leaving them hanging in suspense. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has been effectively closed for all but a favored minority. In July of 2025, Temporary Protected Status was terminated for nearly 12,000 Afghans — despite pushback from evangelicals — forcing them into an impossible situation. By ending or suspending these programs, the administration has not just abandoned Afghans but has closed the door to anyone facing persecution abroad.

Despite many attempts since the early waves of Afghan arrivals, a legislative fix still has not been passed. A new bill has recently been proposed in both the House and the Senate — the Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026 — that would re-secure TPS for Afghans, protecting them from removal and buying more time to find a permanent fix. This act is needed to address the urgent crisis facing Afghan evacuees.

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The response in 2021 by churches, veterans’ groups and many other Americans, was overwhelmingly positive and extended welcome to Afghans. However, as we reflect on the five-year anniversary of the evacuation, the work of helping them integrate and make a home in the United States is incomplete. Now is the time for us to secure their welcome permanently. For the faith communities that have carried so much of this work, Scripture is direct about welcoming the stranger and loving your neighbor. For veterans, and for a country that gave its word, the obligation is just as plain. America told these men and women that if they stood with us, we would stand with them. Both roads lead to the same place.

Will we support and protect our Afghan neighbors through our hospitality or abandon them out and succumb to fear and apathy? Furthermore, to not fulfill our agreements with our Afghan allies would be to violate our promises as Americans. That is not abstract. By showing ourselves untrustworthy, we risk losing potential allies’ cooperation in future conflicts, putting the lives of our service members in danger.

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Since Kabul’s fall, the need has been unambiguous, and through the beginning of 2025, the political will was strong. But as a nation, we have faltered. We must once again stand up for our allies and urge our officials to take action passing the Afghanistan TPS Act, the Enduring Welcome Act, and reopening the resettlement program to all eligible mission partners. Not just because it’s good for our service members in future conflicts, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Shawn VanDiver is the founder and president of #AfghanEvac.

Mexican national faces federal charges after CBP finds $238K in fentanyl inside electric moped

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 03:03:43 -0400

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than 16 pounds of fentanyl – with an estimated street value of nearly $240,000 – hidden inside an electric moped attempting to enter the U.S. at the southern border, authorities said.

CBP said a 22-year-old Mexican national is facing federal charges following the seizure earlier this month.

Officials said the man was driving a 2024 Revoo electric moped when he applied for admission into the United States on Aug. 3 and was referred for a secondary inspection.

CBP SEIZES MASSIVE METH HAUL WORTH MILLIONS STASHED IN SECRET TILE SHIPMENT

According to CBP, officers used a nonintrusive imaging system that detected anomalies beneath the rear of the moped.

After a CBP canine alerted officers to the area, a physical inspection uncovered seven packages containing 16.53 pounds of white fentanyl powder with an estimated street value of $238,032.

"Smugglers are employing innovative tactics to smuggle lethal drugs into the country," San Ysidro Port Director Mariza Marin said in a statement.

"Despite these challenges, officers remain vigilant while effectively utilizing their training, canine resources, and nonintrusive technology to thwart these smuggling attempts," Marin added.

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER CRASHING THROUGH CAMP PENDLETON GATE WITH 112 POUNDS OF COCAINE AND FENTANYL

CBP officers seized the fentanyl, moped, a GPS tracker and a cellphone.

The driver was arrested and will face federal prosecution for narcotics importation, officials said.

The seizure comes after CBP officers stopped two separate vehicles and confiscated more than $300,000 worth of narcotics in a single day in May.

Officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry referred a 2013 Honda Civic for secondary inspection on May 17 after a scan detected anomalies in the vehicle's firewall.

FEDS SEIZE $6.4M WORTH OF COCAINE ABOARD OIL TANKER AT PORT OF LOS ANGELES, ARREST SUSPECTED CARTEL SMUGGLER

Officials discovered six packages containing white fentanyl powder worth an estimated $113,600, along with 8.4 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $161,600.

That same day at the Calexico East Port of Entry, about 100 miles away, officers referred a 2011 Nissan Cube for secondary inspection.

A scan detected anomalies in the vehicle's flooring, where officers subsequently discovered 63 packages of methamphetamine, according to CBP.

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Fox News Digital's Leo Briceno contributed to this report.

NYPD cop found guilty of chokehold in first conviction since restraint tactic banned after George Floyd death

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 03:03:42 -0400

A New York City Police Department officer was found guilty on Thursday of strangulation and using a prohibited chokehold, marking the first time an NYPD officer was convicted under the city's 2020 chokehold ban, enacted after the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin.

Omar Habib was convicted of the misdemeanor established under the law prohibiting certain restraint tactics by police officers. He was also found guilty of second-degree felony strangulation and third-degree misdemeanor assault.

The felony strangulation conviction carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. Bronx Criminal Supreme Court Judge Cynthia Isales ordered him held without bail.

Habib, who was earlier suspended without pay, was terminated from the police department following his felony conviction after serving since 2007. The NYPD said his termination was required by law.

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He was responding to a 911 call at a Bronx catering hall on July 28, 2023, when a drunk and disorderly man resisted arrest, according to Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. Prosecutors said Habib put the man in a chokehold so tight that it impeded his breathing and circulation and caused him to lose consciousness.

Habib’s attorney argued during the trial that other factors could have caused the man to pass out, such as drinking without eating enough food.

Before his arrest, Habib had a history of substantiated misconduct complaints about excessive use of force and abusing his authority.

The Civilian Complaint Review Board substantiated an allegation that Habib used a chokehold in a separate 2017 encounter. Habib was also accused of lying under oath and tampering with evidence in a 2016 gun raid, resulting in several defendants withdrawing their guilty pleas.

The president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, Patrick Hendry, denounced Thursday's verdict.

The officer's conviction was "further proof of a grim reality: every second police officers spend on this job puts them at risk of criminal prosecution, and pervasive anti-police propaganda has made it incredibly difficult to receive a fair trial," the police union boss said, according to the New York Daily News.

Habib was charged under a 2020 city law that was passed after Floyd's murder in May of that year, sparking racial justice protests and a push for police accountability across the country. The New York City measure criminalizes chokeholds and certain forms of pressure on an arrestee’s chest or back that compress the diaphragm while an officer is making or attempting an arrest.

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The law was challenged by police unions but was upheld by New York state’s highest court in 2023.

Police use of chokeholds was already prohibited in most cases by NYPD policy when the law was enacted, but officers who used them were almost never prosecuted.

NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo lost his job but faced no criminal charges after a department disciplinary proceeding found that he used a prohibited chokehold on Eric Garner, who died during a 2014 arrest after repeatedly saying he could not breathe, fueling protests over police use of force.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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