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New York Times report under fire for questioning whether Israelis were true victims of Oct 7 terror attack

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:41:21 -0400

The New York Times infuriated critics on Monday with a "grotesque" report that many believe crossed a line by suggesting Israelis are not the victims of Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack.

Times reporter Isabel Kershner, who focuses on Israeli and Palestinian affairs, penned a piece that focuses on a documentary about the killing of Palestinians by Israeli forces in Gaza. Midway through the article, the Times reporter noted "Israelis are deeply divided over how to apportion blame for the policy, military and intelligence failures that preceded the attack and the war," to set up a line that has prompted a firestorm of criticism.

"But Israelis still largely view themselves as the victims of Oct. 7," Kershner wrote.

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Journalist Eitan Fischberger, who served in the Israel Defense Forces, was stunned when he read the sentence in a straight-news report, which appeared to suggest that such a statement was opinion rather than fact.

"What’s so grotesque about this sentence is that it portrays an objective fact as some sort of Israeli victimhood mentality. Imagine the Times writing that Americans ‘still largely view themselves as the victims of 9/11,’ or that Americans ‘still largely view themselves as the victims of Pearl Harbor,’" Fischberger told Fox News Digital.

"Whatever one thinks about the war that followed, Israelis were absolutely the victims of horrific atrocities on October 7," he continued. "Just like Americans were the victims of 9/11 and the attack on Pearl Harbor."

The New York Times and Kershner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

NEW YORK TIMES ACCUSED OF FRAMING MUSLIMS AS TRUE VICTIMS OF 9/11 IN ANNIVERSARY COVERAGE

Hamas launched a war with an unprecedented Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, with Israeli civilians being among the targeted. Hundreds of civilians were massacred at an outdoor music festival, others were slaughtered inside their homes and Hamas took 254 hostages in the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

Earlier this month, a review of Times coverage of the early months of the Israel-Gaza war by Edieal Pinker of the Yale School of Management found a clear bias against Israel.

"This sentence is the epitome of the pattern the study found," Fischberger said.

HAMAS STRUGGLES TO FILL LEADERSHIP RANKS AS ISRAEL HUNTS OCT 7 TERRORISTS

Many others blasted the Times on social media, including conservative pundit Scott Jennings.

"No words for this abomination," Jennings wrote.

One critic asked if Al Jazeera bought the Times, while many asked who the victims were, if not Israelis.

Last week, the Times was also accused of treating Muslims as the true victims of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2021. The Times’ published a story, "After 9/11, Islamophobia Shaped a Generation of Muslim New Yorkers," that said the "attacks unleashed a wave of hate, but the years since have seen Muslim Americans’ political and cultural influence grow."

The Times published a second story on Islamophobia on Friday, with the other one headlined, "Facing Islamophobia, Mamdani Keeps Focus on 9/11 Victims."

While critics scolded the Times, the paper stood by its reporting and called backlash "a disingenuous attempt to seek attention and stoke outrage by misrepresenting The New York Times's journalism covering the anniversary and commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks."

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The Times previously issued the following statement to the New York Post regarding Pinker’s study: "The advocates behind multiple studies on media bias cherry-pick data that supports their beliefs while ignoring any evidence to the contrary. Our work has exposed violations of international law and grave human rights abuses. War crimes prosecutors have cited our investigations as they gather reporting that would not otherwise have come to light. Our role is to seek the truth, even when it includes inconvenient or uncomfortable facts."

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Mets are 'trash' because they're not listening to former NJ Gov Chris Christie, Stephen A Smith says

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:37:12 -0400

Stephen A. Smith has figured out the crux of the New York Mets’ issues.

The Mets are batting .238 as a team and have a 4.16 ERA as a pitching staff and the team, with one of the biggest payrolls in baseball at $344 million, has already been eliminated from the postseason.

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Where the problem lies is anyone’s guess. It definitely didn’t help that the team let Pete Alonso walk to the Baltimore Orioles and he turned around and burned them on Tuesday night.

Smith gave his take on ESPN’s "First Take" on Wednesday morning and put the onus on president of baseball operations David Stearns for his roster construction. But, Smith added that the team isn’t listening to one key person – former Republican presidential candidate and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Well, you’re probably asking what Christie has to do with the Mets.

Christie is on the Mets’ Board of Directors. He said in a press release at the time he’s been a Mets fan for 53 years and has close ties with team owner Steve Cohen.

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"You’ve been a baseball abomination. (David) Stearns needs to be gone. (Steve) Cohen – he should be ashamed for the job that he’s done," he said. "And former Gov. Chris Christie, who consults for the New York Mets, I really, really think you should strongly consider disassociating yourself with the New York Mets because they’re horrible. They’re clearly not listening … He’s a friend of mine, I know him. I know the man knows his baseball. The Mets are trash, probably because they ain’t listening to him. They need to listen to somebody – they stink."

It’s unclear if Christie would be using a different formula than Stearns to make the critical decisions. Nonetheless, Stearns was touted as a great baseball mind for helping turn the Milwaukee Brewers around.

He has not found the same success with the Mets so far. New York made the playoffs in 2024 but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. The last two seasons, the Mets have missed the playoffs.

"… They stink. Period. Shut up. Play better baseball," Smith added. "And Steve Cohen, fire your director of baseball operations and pay attention to the hard-working New York Mets fan base that spends their money patronizing their product. You have robbed them the last year and a half of a product. You stink, period!"

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Whatever the formula is, the Mets haven’t found it in quite some time. They made the high-profile moves to capture the audience but the product hasn’t resonated on the field.

GOP lawmakers blindsided by new revelations about Trump Butler shooter: 'Awfully strange'

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:34:11 -0400

Republican lawmakers were apparently blindsided this week by new documents about Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump and was subsequently shot dead.

Crooks opened fire on Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., in July 2024. A bullet grazed the then-candidate’s ear, while a rally attendee was killed as he attempted to shield his family.

"During our piece that we were working on, none of the federal agencies were working with us at all. They were going to work on their own, and they told us, ‘We're going to do ours, and then we'll get back to you.’ So this is two years later. Nobody's gotten back to us," Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., who chaired a bipartisan House task force aimed at investigating the shooting, told Fox News.

"That's under the former administration. So everything that's under the executive branch at that time, under the Biden administration, we had no access to information at that time," he said.

Kelly also said the House task force's Dec. 10, 2024, report was written largely with input from local authorities and little from the federal level.

COLE ALLEN CLUES PILE UP AS THOMAS CROOKS’ SECRETS DIED WITH HIM — EXPERTS CITE EVIDENCE GAPS IN TRUMP ATTACKS

"It's awfully strange that all the questions we asked, 'We'll have to get back to you on that.' And we have very limited time, as you know, to actually get to what we wanted to. So when we finished our report, it was basically based on everything that we could gather from local law enforcement, hardly anything from the feds at that time," Kelly said.

Fox News Digital reviewed the documents in question and found that Crooks’ father, Matthew Crooks, had searched for ways to prevent his son from accessing firearms in May 2024, roughly two months before he clambered up a rooftop in his attempt to assassinate Trump.

A source familiar with the task force’s work told Fox News Digital that the May 2024 search by Matthew Crooks was not known to House lawmakers during their investigation.

TWO YEARS AFTER BUTLER, THREATS AGAINST TRUMP KEEP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT IN SHARP FOCUS

"The Task Force report corroborates that Matthew Crooks handed Thomas Crooks the rifle used in the assassination attempt on July 13, 2024," the source said.

Kelly’s spokesman told Fox News Digital that his office was not aware of federal authorities interviewing Crooks’ family.

3 SECRET SERVICE OFFICIALS UNDER INTERNAL INVESTIGATION FOR POTENTIAL MISCONDUCT

The records were obtained by Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, as part of his ongoing inquiry into the Butler assassination attempt. So far, the records turned over to the Senate show Thomas’ actions were a surprise to his family, and his motive is still a mystery.

Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee told Fox News Digital that they had yet to see the FBI documents, but argued that it was reason enough that the full details of that day in July 2024 needed to be brought to light.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., a member of the panel, told Fox News Digital that the documents dump is "something that should have happened," but there was still "so much that we don't know about what happened."

"I think we have got to, I've been saying forever now, we have got to have a full accounting of everything that happened on that day, all of the failures, law enforcement failures that occurred," Hawley said.

I WAS AT BUTLER TWO YEARS AGO WHEN AMERICA SAW WHAT COURAGE LOOKS LIKE

When asked about Crooks’ father trying to stop him from getting access to guns, Hawley said, "This gets back to if this guy was out there, if he was, if he was displaying erratic behavior, was that reported?"

He recalled being on the ground days after the attempt. Hawley described how easily he could’ve gotten onto the rooftop from where Crooks fired off rounds toward the stage and charged that there was "no coordination" among the several local and federal law enforcement agencies present that day.

"I mean, this is just wild. And I still don't think we've gotten a full accounting," Hawley said. "Pretty much everything we know about this is from whistleblowers. You know, we need a full accounting of what really happened on that day."

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"Listen, otherwise, we run the risk of things like this happening again. And we run the risk of it turning into a, you know, JFK situation where, all of these years later, we still don't really know what happened," he continued. "We owe it to the American people to figure out what exactly happened and what we need to fix. Clearly, there were massive failures."

Fellow vet remembers late Army paratrooper who helped Fox News reporter, Afghans and Helene victims: 'Send me'

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:29:43 -0400

Sean Michael Lee dedicated his life to serving others.

The Army veteran with more than 20 years of military experience spanning multiple deployments and companies — including as a paratrooper for the vaunted 82nd Airborne Division — did not retire his commitment to help others when he finished his military career.

"His entire life was in service to others. Up until the very end, Sean was always thinking of others," Steven Rozina told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview.

Rozina, now the deputy chief operating officer for the nonprofit Independence Fund, which helps provide services and support to wounded veterans, met Lee when he too joined the nonprofit to continue his career of service.

ARMY VETERAN PARATROOPER WHO DEPLOYED TO IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN BEFORE HELPING RESCUE FOX NEWS REPORTER DEAD AT 50

"He immediately took me under his wing as somebody to teach you how to help others," Rozina told Fox News Digital.

Rozina outlined Lee’s impressive post-military resume, which spanned three continents in his efforts to continue helping people.

"I think it was 2021, the fall of Afghanistan. Sean answered that call again. He helped evacuate thousands of our Afghan allies, people that worked with us, people that are our friends, that are still our friends today," Rozina explained.

MCCHRYSTAL, BRIDGELAND: WANT TO STRENGTHEN AMERICA? REQUIRE A YEAR OF NATIONAL SERVICE

"He got done with that mission and Sean answered the call again. When Russia invaded Ukraine, he went to Poland," Rozina said. "He helped set up aid stations, helped set supply lines. And even when a Fox News reporter, Benjamin Hall was injured and was essentially lost, Sean was that guy that helped organize the efforts to bring Benjamin home. Sean was never the guy on the, on the front page of the paper, but he was always there."

Coordinating a rescue operation from Poland via another nonprofit group, Save Our Allies, Lee was instrumental in the efforts to bring Hall home after a Russian attack badly wounded him while he was reporting on the war near Kyiv.

AMERICA'S WOUNDED, STRUGGLING VETERANS GET BRAND-NEW HOMES BUILT BY FLORIDA TEENS

In 2024, Lee again jumped to action when Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast, including his home state of North Carolina — particularly its western mountains.

"Within a few hours, Sean was in the car and he was headed up to the mountains," Rozina told Fox News Digital.

9/11 HERO’S MEMORY PRESERVED THROUGH MASSIVE EFFORT TO ‘DO GOOD’ FOR VETS, FIRST RESPONDERS: ‘HIS LEGACY’

"I spent a lot of time with Sean up in the mountains. I got the call, and he needed me to come with him and we slept in our cars and helped set up aid for different communities," Rozina continued.

However, Rozina explained, "when many of us went home, Sean stayed."

"Sean stayed in the mountain, he lived in tents, stayed with with communities that didn't have a lot, helped rebuild family homes, helped rebuild… there was a family store that, it was the only thing that these people had, and he was there, he was always there for somebody else," Rozina explained.

AMERICA'S WOUNDED COPS FIND HOPE, HEALING AND SECOND CHANCE THROUGH OFFICERS WHO REFUSE TO LEAVE THEM BEHIND

Lee died Tuesday as a result of cancer he developed from exposure to toxic burn pits during his time deployed in the Middle East. He was still working out how to keep helping people until the very end of his life, Rozina said.

"I have a text message from last week where he's making plans for the next mission. The next thing that he wanted to do to make sure if another hurricane hits North Carolina, how are we going to respond? If an earthquake happens, where are we gonna go and how can we be more efficient? How can we help more people?" Rozina told Fox News Digital.

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"Sean, in his own words, was a good 'idea fairy.' Sean came up with great ideas and really it was... Sean's plans were to be prepared, always be prepared. And it was ideas on how can we be prepared for the next emergency, the next time a veteran needs us, how can [we] incorporate our veteran community into helping others? And that was his goal was really to spread who he was, that 'send me' ethos," Rozina said.

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Lee's work, through the Independence Fund and through Save Our Allies, was about helping people and using his own gifts and talents to do so, Rozina explained.

When asked what he think Sean's final message to the world would be, he said, "Any help is still help."

"You might feel like you're not doing much, but doing something means a lot. So, do what you can," Rozina said of his late friend. "Do the best you can when you're doing it. And do it with a grateful heart. What Sean did, he did the best he could at everything. And those little things add up in the end. He's touched so many lives. He has blessed a lot of deserving people and I know that his memory is is not going to fade."

Steel Across America ends its cross-country 9/11 memorial at NY Giants game

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:27:57 -0400

The Tunnel to Towers Steel Across America tour concluded its more than 38 stops with a final appearance at MetLife Stadium for a New York Giants game this week.

The tour featured a 21-foot steel beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Starting in May, the tour traveled from the East Coast across the U.S. and then went to the New York City area to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 before Sunday's last stop.

The 16,900-pound piece of steel – recovered from Ground Zero in the days after the attacks by first responders who rushed to the site – has since become a symbol of the nearly 3,000 civilians, firefighters, police officers, emergency workers and military personnel who died that day.

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"For the past four months, communities across the country have welcomed this sacred piece of American history with incredible emotion," Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller said in a press release. "Watching people stand in front of that steel, hugging it, praying over it, weeping, reminds me every single day of why we do this work."

‘THEIR SOULS ARE IN THAT STEEL’: 9/11 BEAM MAKES EMOTIONAL STOP IN INDIANAPOLIS BEFORE RETURN TO NYC

An August ceremony in Indianapolis included a color guard, a pipes and drums procession, the national anthem performed by the Voices of the Indianapolis Fire Department and an invocation from Indianapolis Fire Department Chaplain Mike Gatliff.

Indianapolis Fire Division Chief Tom Neal and Timothy Winslow, a retired major general and executive director of the Indiana War Memorial and Museum, also addressed the crowd about the connection between the city’s first responders, veterans and the legacy of 9/11.

9/11 SENT THEM TO WAR. 25 YEARS LATER, VETERANS GRAPPLE WITH WHAT FOLLOWED

"Bringing this steel to Indianapolis, and to a museum that has stood for over a century as a tribute to American sacrifice, is deeply moving," FDNY Lt. Jack Kielty, a Tunnel to Towers board member, said. "Indiana veterans and first responders understand what it means to serve."

The event also highlighted Indiana’s own connection to the attacks. Nine Hoosiers died on Sept. 11, while Indianapolis Task Force One sent rescuers to Ground Zero. Six members of the team later died from illnesses linked to their work in the toxic environment, according to the Indiana War Memorial.

Scott Nokes, a Marine Corps veteran and Tunnel to Towers recipient, spoke to attendees about the significance of allowing people to see the steel in person.

"Out of the 2,977 lives that were lost, there’s over 1,000 bodies that were never recovered specifically from Ground Zero in New York," Nokes said. "Their souls are in that steel, and if you touch it, you feel it."

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On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Frank Siller and his family honored his late brother Stephen Siller — a heroic 34-year-old husband, father and firefighter who, after hearing about the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attack, loaded himself down with gear, and traversed through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel on foot heading to the Twin Towers, and ultimately giving his life — by retracing the man's steps.

"This morning’s walk through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel was part of the conclusion of Steel Across America, a journey that began four-and-a-half months ago and carried a 21-foot, 16,900-pound World Trade Center steel beam more than 10,500 miles through nearly 40 stops across the country and back, stopping in more than 21 states," a statement from Tunnel to Towers said. "For over four months, the steel has been a gathering place for communities to remember the events of September 11th, to honor first responders and veterans, and to ensure that a new generation understands the significance of what happened 25 years ago."

SEE IT: El-Sayed can't shake one question before meeting with Dem power brokers

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:13:28 -0400

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed broke bread with the Democratic establishment in Washington, D.C., but there’s one thing he can’t escape: his connection to a controversial figure who helped elevate his campaign.

And his connection to the controversial Twitch streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker is something he didn’t want to talk about.

When asked by Fox News Digital if he would continue to campaign with Piker, who has been almost universally condemned by Democrats in Washington and on the campaign trail, El-Sayed dodged.

ABDUL EL-SAYED PROTESTED AGAINST 'EX-TERRORISTS' WHO CONVERTED TO CHRISTIANITY, UNEARTHED REPORT REVEALS

Piker’s shadow has dwarfed El-Sayed’s insurgent progressive campaign recently, particularly for his past comments in which he said, "America deserved 9/11," and for a recent stream in which he argued that being against Israel isn't antisemitic.

"If Jews in America keep putting this idea out there that they are singularly invested in Israel, eventually someone is going to come around and take action, not against the state of Israel mind you, but against American Jews," he said.

EL-SAYED DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM HASAN PIKER AFTER DISTURBING REMARKS ABOUT JEWISH AMERICANS

That remark earned him swift condemnation from Democrats far and wide, including El-Sayed, who put some distance between the two in a statement.

He said that "all Americans deserve the right to advocate for what they believe without fear of violence," and acknowledged that "antisemitism is a scourge, and we need to address it in all its forms," and added that "nobody speaks for this campaign besides me and my campaign spokespeople."

ABDUL EL-SAYED PLAYS DOWN HASAN PIKER TIES AFTER STREAMER’S VIRAL ANTISEMITISM FIRESTORM

"And while politicians and pundits try to make this race about a Twitch streamer, we’re going to be talking about gas, groceries, good schools and healthcare," he said.

El-Sayed’s meeting with top Democratic brass at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is a notable moment in his campaign against former Rep. Mike Rogers, particularly because he spent so much time running against the Democratic establishment in his bloody primary fight with Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich.

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Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., acknowledged that primaries get "really hot. The Michigan primary got hot."

"But this is what you do after a primary, is you gotta unite the party, and then you do the work to reach out and cross over to independent voters and Republican voters," Murphy told Fox News Digital.

Orioles pitcher Shane Baz drilled with 105.1 mph line drive in scary scene

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:09:15 -0400

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Shane Baz was drilled in the elbow with a 105.1 mph line drive in a scary scene Tuesday night at Citi Field.

New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette ripped Baz’s 83 mph knuckle-curveball right back at him. The ball hit Baz on his right elbow and then ricocheted all the way to left field for a base hit. Baz bent over after being hit, flipped off his glove and held his arm. He later said his arm went numb.

"It just kind of got me right in the bone, and you know, just kind of just went numb, you know. Really wish I could have stayed in and been able to grind through it, just couldn't really grip the ball," Baz said postgame.

The 27-year-old said if he had a few more minutes, he could have been all right, but they opted to play it safe. Baz tried to warm up, but he didn’t have any control of the pitch, and the ball slipped out of his hand. He said he didn’t have any feeling in it.

Baz allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks in four innings. The Orioles won the game 7-5 in extra innings.

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Baz, who signed a five-year, $68 million contract with the Orioles this past offseason, has been very durable in his first season with the team, making 30 starts with a 4.11 ERA in 173 innings. He has a 6-15 record, and his 15 losses are tied with Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee for the most in the major leagues.

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With the win, the Orioles remained three games behind the Guardians for the final Wild Card spot in the American League. The team hopes Baz can bounce back and make his final starts of the year amid their postseason push.

Prominent Dem’s fatal error prompts Republican to predict ‘red tidal wave’ in blue stronghold

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:42:50 -0400

Despite widespread predictions of major Democratic electoral victories this November, South Texas GOP candidate Eric Flores is predicting a "red tidal wave" in the Lone Star State, with controversial Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico as the most prominent Democrat at the top of the ticket.

Flores, a U.S. Army veteran running in Texas' 34th Congressional District, called out Talarico for his recent "flip-flop" on some of his most controversial stances, including calling God "nonbinary" and saying there are six sexes. He argued that Talarico’s decision to walk back those statements is proof that he and other Democrats in the state "don’t have a record to run on."

In an interview with Fox News last week, Talarico said he supports banning gender surgery for minors and opposed transgender-identifying men competing in women’s sports. He also addressed his controversial "God is non-binary" comment, saying, "I was being provocative with that statement. I get that," and "what I was trying to say is that you can't use human categories to define God, and that's not controversial theologically. In fact, the late Charlie Kirk, the late Pope Benedict, all said the same thing."

In response, Flores shot back, "Those aren't provocative statements; those were statements that were made with intention, and that's showing who he truly is."

TALARICO SAYS HE 'MISSED THE MARK' AS HE BACKTRACKS ON CONTROVERSIAL WOKE STATEMENTS

Flores is running in a competitive race for a heavily Hispanic district that has long been a Democratic stronghold. The seat is currently held by Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas. Despite long being considered a solidly blue district, President Donald Trump won it in 2024. Republicans have also narrowed Democrats’ advantage in the district over the past several election cycles. Flores argued that, with Talarico as the most prominent Democrat running statewide in Texas, this will be the year the GOP finally seals the deal.

"They're saying that there's a blue wave. Well, I got news for folks, there's a red tidal wave coming because we're going to be getting rid of the wrong type of Democrats like my opponent," he said.

He credits the GOP’s rising chances in the district to eroding trust in Democrats in South Texas. He said, "the voters are finally asking the questions that South Texas deserves to hear."

"Everything that I hear throughout Texas 34 is simple, and they are thinking about their pocketbook; they're thinking about inflation and the cost of living," he explained.

Flores’ pitch to try to break through the Democrats’ longtime hold on South Texas is "that this isn't a contract election, it's a contrast election."

"What does that mean? That it's common sense, which is the Republican Party, against communism and fake and the wrong type of Democrats like my opponent who are voting 80 to 85% of the time with AOC," he said.

THE HISPANIC VOTE IS UP FOR GRABS IN 2026. CANDIDATES WHO IGNORE IT WILL LOSE

In response, Gonzalez told Fox News Digital that "Eric Flores is a rubber-stamp intellectual lightweight that can’t think for himself. He will continue to support the Iran war and policies that raise the cost of living for hardworking South Texans. All while shamelessly taking his ‘Trump Endorsement’ language off all his political ads and sending fundraising messages asking for donors to help him pay back his personal primary campaign debt instead of trying to win his race."

"That should certainly feel like an air of confidence to the party," Gonzalez continued, adding, "Trust me, he’s not fooling Democrats or Republicans for that matter. And it won’t be long before he’s back representing child molesters in South Texas."

Fox News Digital is not aware of any evidence that Flores represented child molesters in his capacity as either a private practice attorney or assistant U.S. attorney.

Fox News Digital also reached out to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., for comment.

Regarding Talarico’s Fox interview, Flores said, "They're asking him, do you really think that there are six genders? Do you really support these gender surgeries against minors? That's the same thing with Talarico and my opponent, when they get questioned, all they can do is flip-flop because they actually don't have a record to run on other than this far-left woke DEI agenda."

A spokesperson for Talarico’s campaign directed Fox News Digital back to comments he made during his interview last week. Fox News spoke with Talarico at a food drive campaign event in Dallas on Tuesday. Talarico’s event took place as the first-ever GOP midterm convention kicked off just miles away in downtown Dallas.

Asked whether he would vote as a U.S. senator in favor of a national ban on gender surgery for minors, Talarico answered, "Absolutely."

He said, "I've been consistent on this issue," explaining his opposition to a Texas bill to ban transgender surgeries on minors by saying the measure "was overly broad."

"If you go back and check, I voted for a major amendment to limit the bill to banning surgeries for minors," he said. "As a lawmaker, my job is to try to sift through everything the bill does. And sometimes there's stuff in it that's really harmful, and I have no choice but to oppose the bill as a whole."

In 2023, as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, Talarico voted against Senate Bill 14, which prohibited certain gender surgeries, puberty blockers and certain hormone treatments for minors. Democrats proposed 18 amendments to the bill, all of which Talarico supported and all of which ultimately failed.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: DEMS FACE MAJOR DEFEAT AFTER PARTY ‘MISSED THE CUE’ IN TOP TARGETED DISTRICT: CANDIDATE

"It's why I try to use amendments, to narrow the focus of the bill so that it does exactly what we intend it to do," he continued. "It's what I tried to do with that piece of legislation, and unfortunately, the amendment I supported was unsuccessful."

Talarico also told Fox News, "I supported amendments that would have given the power to make these decisions to local communities," adding, "like conservatives used to believe, I believe in local control."

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In the same interview, Talarico acknowledged that men in women’s sports is a significant issue in Texas. He said, "I oppose trans athletes playing in girls’ sports if it endangers safety or fairness."

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"Every sport has to be safe and fair. As a former public school teacher, I care a lot about our student athletes. I care a lot about our students. And so, I will oppose trans athletes playing in girls’ sports if it risks safety or fairness," he said.

Comparing himself to his Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Talarico said, "I am proud of my legislative track record delivering for Texans. I brought Democrats and Republicans together to pass 60 bipartisan bills that lower people’s costs and get the economy back on track. I'll put my record up against Ken Paxton’s every day of the week and twice on Sunday."

Woman loses nearly $1M in LinkedIn romance scam

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:52:27 -0400

A message from a stranger on LinkedIn probably would not set off alarms for most of us. Especially when that person appears connected to someone you already know. That is how Gaby's story began. Gaby recently joined me on "The CyberGuy Report Podcast" at cyberguy.com/podcast/ to explain how an online relationship that began in 2019 grew into a devastating romance scam. Over roughly two years, she says she sent close to $1 million to a man she never met. The person Gaby thought she had fallen for was using the photos and likeness of a real man named Brian Haugen, who also joined us to explain what it has been like watching scammers use his photos to target women around the world.

Gaby described how quickly the attention pulled her in. "The words that he spoke, it was like a drug," she told me. The compliments kept coming, the relationship grew more intense and eventually the requests for money began. Her experience is also part of "Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam," the three-part Hulu docuseries about women who believed they were communicating with the same man.

AI IS CHANGING MODERN DATING, BUT EXPERTS WARN IT'S MAKING PEOPLE 'RELATIONALLY STUPID'

What makes Gaby's story so revealing is how slowly the deception took hold. The scammer built trust over time, returned some of the money she initially sent and always seemed to have another explanation when they could not meet. By the time the biggest requests arrived, the relationship already felt very real.

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A LinkedIn message felt safer than a dating app

Gaby says the first contact came through LinkedIn in March 2019. That detail helped lower her guard. She primarily used LinkedIn to connect with business contacts. More importantly, the stranger appeared connected to one of her former colleagues. "So I thought, oh yes, she knows him. Okay. That's fine. So let's contact," Gaby recalled.

That small connection gave the profile credibility it had not actually earned. Scammers can take advantage of exactly that type of information. The FTC says criminals may study what people post on social media and use those details to shape a more convincing approach. The FBI also advises people to be careful about what they make public online because romance scammers can use that information when targeting potential victims. Gaby's experience shows why a mutual connection on a social platform should never replace independent verification.

The money requests started small

The fake Brian did not open the relationship by demanding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Gaby says they spent weeks talking about his supposed business activities. He claimed he worked in the gemstone trade and told her he had traveled to Vietnam. Then came a problem. He said his bank account had been blocked. Gaby remembers sending about $10,000 at first. Then something happened that dramatically changed how she viewed him. He gave the money back. That repayment helped convince Gaby that she was dealing with someone she could trust. As she explained, "I started to trust him because he sent me back money."

That move is especially revealing. If someone takes your first payment and disappears, you know you have a problem. Returning money can create the opposite reaction. It makes the next request feel less risky because you have already seen what appears to be proof that the person keeps a promise. The requests continued. Gaby recalls amounts of $10,000, $20,000 and $40,000 adding up over time. Eventually, she says the man told her he needed about $200,000 to deal with taxes and customs fees. He promised he would repay her once the supposed financial roadblock disappeared.

Every attempt to meet came with an excuse

At some point, an online relationship has to enter the real world. Gaby thought about traveling to Vietnam to see him. The man pushed back. According to Gaby, he said he was under stress and did not want her seeing him when he did not look his best.

They continued talking about meeting. Then the COVID pandemic made international travel far more difficult. I asked Gaby whether the fake Brian always seemed to come up with another reason they could not see each other. She agreed that he did. The FBI identifies that pattern as a major romance scam warning sign. Scammers may promise to meet and then repeatedly cancel because of an emergency or another obstacle. The agency advises people to become suspicious when months pass without an in-person meeting.

Then a medical emergency raised the stakes

Eventually, the story shifted from business trouble to a supposed health crisis. Gaby says the man claimed he needed surgery. She recalled how quickly the request became tied to the relationship itself: "Suddenly he told me he needs surgery to prove my love. I sent 500,000."

That is a staggering amount of money. Yet by this point, Gaby was dealing with someone she had communicated with for a long time. He had become part of her daily life. He had also returned money before. The financial emergency came after the emotional groundwork. Federal authorities repeatedly warn about that progression. Romance scammers can spend weeks or months building trust before introducing an emergency and asking for money. The FBI warns consumers never to send money to someone they have only communicated with online or by phone.

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The real Brian had no idea his face was being used

The person in the photographs was real. The identity behind the messages was another story. Brian Haugen joined me in the studio to explain what had happened to his images. "They steal my photo off of a social media account," Brian said. He explained that scammers then used those photos on accounts with different names to approach women and ask for money. That makes Brian another victim of the scheme.

He also described how far the identity abuse had spread. Brian said he had become nervous about traveling because "there's multiple passports that have my photo on it in people's different names." Imagine seeing your face attached to conversations you never had with people you have never met. The FBI says romance scammers frequently use photographs stolen from someone else rather than images of themselves.

What Hey Beautiful reveals about romance scams

Brian's experience became part of Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam. The Hulu docuseries follows women from around the world who fall for an online boyfriend who turns out to be someone else. The series has three episodes and originally debuted in 2025. What makes the story useful for anyone watching is the playbook behind the deception. Romance fraud can rely on stolen identities, information collected online and carefully timed emotional manipulation. Some criminal operations also involve multiple people rather than a single scammer working alone.

Brian described the people who used his identity as "Yahoo boys," a term often associated with certain online fraud groups. That should not be taken to mean that every romance scam comes from one group or one country. Romance fraud can originate in many places and take many forms. The consumer lesson remains the same: do not assume you know who is behind an online profile simply because the pictures look convincing or the person's story feels personal.

Romance scams thrive on social media

Social platforms have become a major starting point for these schemes. According to FTC data released in April 2026, nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on social media. Reported losses from romance scams that began on social media reached about $298 million during the year. That makes sense when you consider how much information many of us put online. A scammer may see your photographs or learn about your job. Posts may reveal that you recently traveled, moved or went through a major change in your life.

The FTC says scammers can use information from profiles to tailor their approach before inventing a crisis that requires money. For another example of how personal information can give criminals an opening, see our CyberGuy report on what a scammer can learn by Googling your name.

The email request that finally exposed the lie

Gaby eventually began questioning the person she had been talking to. She had followed the real Brian Haugen and booked an online session connected to him. That gave her a chance to communicate with the actual man whose face appeared in the photos. The fake Brian tried to explain away what she had discovered, but Gaby wanted stronger proof. She asked him to send her a message from the same email account connected with the legitimate Zoom meeting invitation. He stalled.

Gaby says one week passed, then another. She kept pushing for the verification. Finally, she told him, "Otherwise I don't believe you anymore." He never produced the email she requested. For Gaby, that was the moment the deception finally fell apart. Her experience also offers an important lesson. When you have doubts about someone's identity, find an independent way to check their story. Do not let the person you suspect control all the evidence.

Tips to protect yourself from a romance scam

Gaby's story shows how difficult these scams can be to recognize once trust takes hold. These steps can help you spot warning signs earlier and make it harder for a scammer to manipulate you.

1) Reduce what scammers can learn about you

Your social media profile can give a stranger plenty of material to work with. Review who can see your posts and photographs. Consider hiding your friends list and avoid publicly sharing details about your routine or upcoming travel.

The FTC recommends limiting who can see your social media posts and contacts so scammers have less information they can use to approach you. People-search websites and data brokers can expose additional information, including old addresses and contact details. You can remove information from many of those sites yourself. If you would rather automate some of that work, a personal data removal service can submit removal requests and continue checking participating sites. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

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2) Check the profile before you trust the person

A familiar photograph or mutual connection does not prove an account belongs to the person it claims to represent. Look at how long the account has existed and review its activity. Check whether another profile uses the same name or photographs. If the person claims to know one of your friends or colleagues, contact that person separately and ask about the connection. Also run a reverse image search on the profile picture. The FBI recommends this when you suspect romance fraud. If the image appears under another person's name, take that warning seriously. Keep in mind that a clean search does not guarantee the person is legitimate. A scammer may use a newly stolen photograph or an AI-generated image that has never appeared online before.

3) Do not treat a video call as proof of identity

A video call can still be useful. Someone who repeatedly refuses to appear on camera should raise your suspicions. However, seeing a face on your screen no longer proves who is really behind an account. The FBI warns that scammers can use deepfake technology or involve other people in video conversations. Compare what the person tells you with information you find independently. Look for an online history that makes sense and never send money, because a video call convinced you the person must be real.

4) Slow the relationship down and bring someone else in

Be cautious when someone you recently met online becomes intensely romantic very quickly. The FBI advises people to go slowly and ask plenty of questions. It also helps to tell someone you trust about the relationship, especially before sending money. A friend or family member may notice contradictions that are much harder to see when you are emotionally involved.

5) Never send or move money for an online love interest

A sudden request could involve surgery, a frozen bank account or another supposed emergency. Whatever the story, stop before sending money to someone you have never met. Also refuse any request to receive money in your account and forward it somewhere else. The FBI warns that romance scam victims can become unwitting money mules when scammers convince them to move stolen funds.

6) Protect your identity too

Money may not be the only thing a romance scammer wants. They may also ask for account credentials, copies of identification or other sensitive information that can lead to identity theft. Even with good security habits, your Social Security number, financial information or other personal data may already be exposed without you knowing it. Consider using an identity theft protection service that monitors for suspicious activity tied to your personal information and alerts you when something needs your attention. Depending on the service and plan, protection may also include credit monitoring, financial account alerts and help recovering from identity theft. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.

You should also review your credit reports regularly, watch your bank and credit card accounts for unfamiliar activity and change passwords immediately if you believe an account has been compromised.

7) Save the evidence and act quickly

If you discover a scam, do not immediately delete the conversation. Save messages, emails, screenshots and payment records. Keep links to the scammer's profiles as well. If you already sent money, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and report the fraud. The FTC says acting quickly may improve your chances of stopping or reversing certain transactions. You should also report the scam to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC.

8) Watch for a recovery scam afterward

A previous scam victim can become a target all over again. The FTC warned in August 2026 that recovery scammers may contact people who have already lost money and promise to get it back. They may claim to represent a government agency, law firm or recovery service. Then they demand an upfront fee or ask for financial information. Do not pay someone who unexpectedly contacts you and promises to recover money you lost to a scam.

Kurt's key takeaways

What stays with me about Gaby's story is how normal the beginning sounded. She was on LinkedIn. The profile seemed to share a professional connection with her. He talked about business. Later, he borrowed money and actually returned it. Each interaction gave the next one more credibility. As I said during our conversation, "Here's what I know about romance scams. They are highly involved. They take weeks if not months of time to evolve." That time gives scammers a chance to become part of someone's routine before the biggest financial request ever arrives. It is also why we need to watch out for people we care about. During the podcast, I pointed to another warning sign: "If any of the people that you love and your family or really good friends suddenly go quiet and claim that they're in love with someone from far away, or that they're dating a celebrity, it happens. Really. It's time for a reality check." That reality check does not have to start with an accusation. Ask questions. Listen to the story. Find out whether the person has actually met their new partner and whether money has entered the relationship. Sometimes an outside voice can spot the pattern before another transfer goes through. Hear Gaby's full story and my conversation with the real Brian Haugen on "The CyberGuy Report Podcast" at cyberguy.com/podcast/.

Have you ever connected with someone online who seemed completely genuine at first, only to discover something about their story did not add up? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Jelly Roll says he could walk away from country music if God tells him to: ‘Y’all will never see me again’

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:49:51 -0400

Jelly Roll isn't ruling out walking away from country music altogether.

The Grammy-winning singer revealed that if God calls him to a different purpose, he could leave the music business behind — and fans might never see him again.

The "Son of a Sinner" singer made the candid admission in a previously recorded interview with "Y’all Access Radio’s" Kelly Sutton while backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in March. The interview was published on Sept. 13.

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"Everything that Jason or Jelly Roll wanted to do in the music business, I’ve done now, so at this point, I really need to go talk to God and see if he wants me to stick around, or what he wants me to do next," Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, said.

"If God tells me to go work at a homeless shelter in Paducah, Ky., I’m outta here, you know what I'm saying? Y’all will never see me again, and I’ll be working at a… he gave me everything I ever wanted, man — Grammys, ACMs, CMAs, I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry, like God has done it."

JELLY ROLL SAYS HE 'LOST HIS WAY' AFTER SHEDDING OVER 200 POUNDS, REVEALS HOW MUCH WEIGHT HE GAINED BACK

Jelly Roll said he has already checked off virtually every box on his music career list.

The Nashville star has gone from a troubled past to becoming one of country music's biggest stars, with hits including "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor."

But now he says he's trying to figure out whether music is still where he's supposed to be.

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"I just got to go do a little bit of work on myself to make sure that I’m all the way ready," Jelly Roll said. "I’m completely sober, though. I’m clear-headed, and I’m deep in therapy, I’m deep in my Bible, but I think that I got to separate from the chaos of the business for me to really hear what God wants to do for me next."

The comments follow an eventful year for the country star, including changes in his personal life and major career milestones.

Jelly Roll also drew political backlash this summer after guest-hosting "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and taking aim at President Donald Trump's weight, physical fitness and approval ratings.

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"Well, Mr. President, from one fat pig to another, take it from me that physical fitness is very important. And trust me, you'll be happy to see your p---- again," he joked.

The singer later pushed back on suggestions that he had suddenly become a liberal voice. "Sure, I lean left on some things," he said. "But like most folks, I’m pretty down the middle. I am a Christian. I am a country music singer. I’m a farmer. I’m a bow hunter."

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Earlier this year, Jelly Roll filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo on May 18, listing May 9 as their date of separation. The pair met in 2015 and married in Las Vegas in August 2016.

After nearly a decade of marriage, their divorce was finalized in July.

In February, Jelly Roll took home three Grammys, winning best contemporary country album for "Beautifully Broken," best country duo/group performance for "Amen" with Shaboozey and best contemporary Christian music performance/song for "Hard Fought Hallelujah" with Brandon Lake.

He was also honored with the Country Radio Broadcasters' 2026 Artist Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work and advocacy.

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Texas moves to shut down police department over failure to provide 'public benefit to the community'

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:48:26 -0400

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is revoking the Trinidad Police Department's authority to appoint or continue employing licensed officers effective Friday, following months of controversy surrounding the small Texas city's police force.

In a Sept. 9 letter to Mayor Dennis Haws, TCOLE said the department "failed to meet minimum standards" and "was unable to provide evidence that the agency provides public benefit to the community."

Regulators also cited deficiencies involving basic resources, including bullet-resistant vests and secure evidence storage, and said the department lacked 18 required policies covering areas such as use of force, vehicle pursuits, professional conduct, active shooters and misconduct investigations.

At a City Council meeting Tuesday night, Interim Police Chief Cameron Beckham blamed previous management for the department's problems and disputed aspects of TCOLE's findings, arguing that many of the deficiencies had since been addressed.

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"Piss-poor management is what I'm just going to say," Beckham told the council.

The department has faced scrutiny since May, when Trinidad resident Jennifer Combs was arrested on a felony false alarm or report charge after posting about concerns surrounding the city's water supply.

Combs said in a May 20 Facebook post that she had been collecting residents' photos, videos and accounts of water problems in an effort to document complaints and encourage state investigators to test water at residents' homes. She spent 23 hours in jail before a Henderson County grand jury declined to indict her.

Citizen journalist Winston Noles was subsequently arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct while protesting outside City Hall. That charge was later dismissed.

Former Police Chief Charles Gregory resigned in June. Combs has since filed a federal lawsuit against the city and Gregory alleging political retaliation. Prior Fox News Digital reporting also documented that former Trinidad Municipal Judge Shellena Bivens was dismissed after throwing out Noles' charge.

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Henderson County District Judge R. Scott McKee also later questioned the "accuracy, completeness, and reliability" of information Trinidad officers provided while seeking a search warrant connected to Combs' arrest.

The Texas Rangers confirmed in July that they had opened an investigation involving Trinidad but did not disclose its scope.

Haws told Fox News Digital that city leaders will meet with their attorney Friday morning to discuss their next steps. He said the meeting could involve several options rather than being focused solely on keeping the department open.

At Tuesday's meeting, Haws said the early meeting time would leave the city time to pursue measures such as an injunction or appeal if advised by counsel.

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"We are going to work through this process according to the law and at the direction of our attorney as we go through it," Haws said.

TCOLE's letter also states that revocation does not relieve Trinidad of continuing obligations involving personnel records, 2026 traffic-stop data and unresolved misconduct investigations.

Fox News Digital reached out to TCOLE for further comment.

NFL's battle with drinking and driving continues as Keenan Allen formally charged in Indianapolis

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:47:37 -0400

Keenan Allen has been formally charged with multiple counts of drinking and driving and the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver waived his initial court hearing on Wednesday, suggesting he's looking for a quick resolution to his legal troubles.

According to court records, the charges against Allen were filed on Tuesday.

Allen has been charged with operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent (ACE) of 0.15 or more and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

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Allen, 34, is only the latest person with ties to the NFL to run afoul of law enforcement and the courts due to intoxication-related issues.

Viking assistant coach Gerald Alexander, Commanders assistant coach Ben Steele, former Eagles running back Miles Sanders, former Cowboys quarterback and CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo, and former wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., have all been arrested in connection with DUI-related charges in 2026 alone.

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Steele was eventually fired by the Commanders. Alexander was suspended by the Vikings. Romo was convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin after pleading no contest on Sept. 1, 2026. He is on indefinite leave from CBS.

Allen, meanwhile, faces a possible jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of no more than $5,000 for the ACE charge. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated carries a jail term of no more than 60 days and a fine of no more than $500.

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It is unlikely Allen will wind up in jail. It's more likely his counsel and the state will strike a plea deal, a source told OutKick.

The 14-year NFL veteran was arrested in the early morning hours of Aug. 30 after he played in a preseason game for the Colts the evening before. He submitted to a portable breathalyzer test and failed to register a reading twice, according to court records.

Police described the elite athlete as "extremely short winded." Another test attempt at 1:22 a.m. produced a reading of 0.224, which is nearly three times the legal limit in Indiana.

During booking, records say, other officers noted signs of intoxication from Allen, including unsteady balance and "bloodshot and watery eyes."

Allen failed several standard sobriety tests, showing a lack of smooth eye movement, difficulty in walking and difficulty standing on one leg.

Allen consented to having his blood drawn before being taken to the Marion County Jail.

Colts General Manager Chris Ballard said that team discipline would be handled internally and the club would let the legal process take its course.

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"Good people make mistakes," Ballard told reporters before the start of the regular season. "He’s a tremendous human being. Give him some grace and he’ll work through the process of the legal system."

Allen's trouble isn't only with the legal process. He also faces possible league discipline under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, which typically assigns a three-game suspension for alcohol-related offenses.

The NFL can also raise the level of a possible suspension given Allen’s high ACE level or lower a suspension penalty on appeal based on Allen's otherwise clean history.

Allen played in the Colts' loss to the Ravens in their regular-season opener and caught six passes for 32 yards.

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Joe Rogan hopes artificial intelligence will take over government, military decisions

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:47:05 -0400

Joe Rogan said Tuesday that he hopes artificial intelligence could eventually take over government and foreign-policy functions, including decisions involving military conflict, as he believes AI could help prevent wars that human leaders have failed to stop.

Rogan, speaking with theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli during a conversation on "The Joe Rogan Experience," acknowledged that handing government functions to artificial intelligence could alarm people but described it as a possible way to remove human decision-making from international conflicts.

"It sounds like a crazy hope, but my hope is that as AI becomes more and more omnipresent, as we start farming off various tasks to it, one of the things that we're going to farm off is government," Rogan said.

"One of the things we're going to farm off is how we interact with other countries. I know that's terrifying to people, but just think of the disastrous effects that we've had so far with humans doing it."

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Republican National Committee National Committeewoman for Georgia and Humans First Chairwoman Amy Kremer, who has pushed for greater safeguards around AI while opposing a blanket halt to American development of the technology, rejected Rogan's proposal.

"Hell no. Joe Rogan is way off base," Kremer said in a Wednesday statement to Fox News Digital. "AI is a tool, not a governing authority. These are machines. They have no soul, no conscience, no moral judgment and no accountability to the American people."

"AI can certainly assist human beings by analyzing information and helping policymakers make better-informed decisions. But there is a profound difference between using AI as a tool and surrendering human decision-making to it," she continued.

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Rogan specifically imagined AI intervening in military conflict, suggesting the technology could one day halt wars around the world.

"If all international military conflicts ended instantaneously upon AI governing the use of conflicts and military weapons... imagine that. Imagine a war where it stops. All war stops on the planet. That is one of the things that everybody wants, but no one thinks could ever possibly happen," Rogan said.

Kremer said decisions involving military force and individual rights should remain subject to human accountability.

"Decisions about war and peace, foreign policy, our constitutional rights and the exercise of government power must always remain in human hands," she said. "If a decision can take a life, take away someone’s liberty, or fundamentally affect the American people, a human being must make that decision and be accountable for it."

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The exchange came amid a rapidly escalating national debate over how much authority should be delegated to increasingly capable AI systems.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for slowing development of frontier AI on Saturday, drawing support from Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Altman separately warned that humanity losing control of the future of AI would be "unacceptable."

The Trump administration has moved to accelerate the military and intelligence community's adoption of AI while keeping responsibility within the existing chain of command. A June White House national security memorandum requires national-security AI systems to be controllable and directs that commanders, agency directors and other officials remain accountable for their use.

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Kremer said the line between technological assistance and governing authority should remain clear.

"Technology should serve humanity. Humanity should never serve the machines," Kremer said.

ISIS-K militant sentenced to 20 years for supporting deadly 2021 Abbey Gate bombing

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:38:34 -0400

A man convicted of providing material support to the Islamic State terror group in connection with the deadly Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 American service members during the Biden administration's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Mohammed Sharifullah, an alleged militant with ISIS-K, a regional branch of the terrorist group, was convicted in April of a conspiracy charge in a deadly 2021 suicide bombing at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

During his trial, jurors deadlocked on whether any deaths at the airport "resulted from" that conspiracy. Sharifullah could have faced a possible life sentence if the jury had unanimously agreed on that point.

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More than 160 Afghans and 13 U.S. military service members were killed on Aug. 26, 2021, at the airport, where U.S. troops were conducting evacuation operations when a lone suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device near Abbey Gate, an entry point.

The U.S. withdrawal was completed days later as the Taliban retook control of the country.

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During interviews with the FBI, Sharifullah admitted that he surveilled a possible route for the suicide bomber to the Abbey Gate during the last days of the U.S. military’s presence in Afghanistan, according to evidence presented at trial.

"ISIS-K members provided Sharifullah with a motorcycle, funds for a cell phone and a SIM card, and instructions to open an account on a particular social media platform to communicate with them during the attack operation," an affidavit cited Sharifullah as saying in an FBI interview.

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"After making these preparations for the attack, Sharifullah was tasked with scouting a route near Hamid Karzai International Airport for an attacker," the affidavit said. "Sharifullah conducted surveillance on a route, specifically checking for law enforcement and American or Taliban checkpoints."

Prosecutors also presented evidence of several other ISIS-K attacks in Afghanistan in which Sharifullah admitted involvement.

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President Donald Trump announced the capture of Sharifullah during a March 2025 address to a joint session of Congress.

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"Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice," Trump said at the time to lawmakers.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department for comment.

War crimes court turns 'blind eye' to top world threats while targeting Americans, Trump admin accuses

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:37:34 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration is escalating its campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the Hague-based tribunal of ignoring atrocities committed by authoritarian regimes while unlawfully targeting the U.S. and its service members.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told Fox News Digital that the ICC has "violated international law by targeting the United States and American servicemen" while it has "repeatedly turned a blind eye to the abuses of despotic regimes that fund terrorism, brutally suppress and torture their citizens, and carry out crimes against humanity."

The remarks are the latest step in the administration's broader effort to weaken the court, which U.S. officials argue has exceeded its authority by investigating Americans despite the U.S. never joining the Rome Statute that established the ICC. Earlier this year, the administration imposed sanctions on senior ICC officials and pledged to continue a diplomatic campaign against the tribunal.

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Pigott vowed the U.S. "will continue its diplomatic campaign to systematically dismantle the court."

The administration has already imposed sanctions on ICC officials and launched a diplomatic campaign urging allies to reject the court's authority and reconsider their membership in the Rome Statute.

The department argued the ICC has never opened a preliminary examination into Iran despite decades of allegations of human rights abuses, including the suppression of protests, executions of political prisoners and state sponsorship of terrorism. It also noted that the court closed a preliminary examination into North Korea without opening a full investigation and has not pursued further action despite a 2014 U.N. report documenting crimes against humanity.

It also criticized the court's handling of ISIS and Syria, arguing the tribunal has failed to pursue accountability despite documented atrocities committed by the terror group and the Assad regime.

The ICC's authority is limited by the Rome Statute that created the court. Iran, North Korea and Syria are not parties to the treaty, meaning the court generally cannot prosecute crimes committed on their territory unless another jurisdictional basis exists or the U.N. Security Council refers the situation. Security Council efforts involving Syria have previously been blocked by Russian and Chinese vetoes.

The administration argues those jurisdictional limitations do not excuse what it describes as the court's willingness to pursue Americans.

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According to the State Department, the ICC "engaged in jurisdictional overreach" by investigating alleged actions by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan even though the U.S. is not a party to the Rome Statute.

The ICC could not immediately be reached for comment.

In 2020, the court authorized an investigation into alleged war crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan, including by Taliban fighters, Afghan security forces and U.S. military personnel and CIA officers.

The investigation examined allegations that some U.S. personnel committed torture, cruel treatment and other abuses in Afghanistan, as well as at CIA "black sites" in Poland, Romania and Lithuania, all of which are parties to the Rome Statute. Because those alleged crimes occurred on the territory of ICC member states, prosecutors argued the court had jurisdiction even though the U.S. is not a member.

The CIA's black-site program emerged after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and involved the secret detention and interrogation of terrorism suspects at clandestine facilities overseas.

A 2014 Senate Intelligence Committee report detailed the program, describing the use of so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding, and concluded the methods were more brutal than previously acknowledged and did not produce unique, otherwise unobtainable intelligence.

The report also described secret detention facilities in countries including Afghanistan, Poland, Romania and Lithuania.

WORLD COURT PROSECUTOR WHO WENT AFTER NETANYAHU FOR WAR CRIMES SUSPENDED OVER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

The latest criticism comes amid one of the most contentious periods in the relationship between Washington and the Hague-based court.

The U.S. has long objected to the ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction over Americans because the U.S. is not a party to the Rome Statute.

The dispute intensified further after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the war in Gaza, a move the U.S. rejected as illegitimate.

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Since returning to office, the Trump administration has made confronting the ICC a central foreign policy priority, imposing sanctions on multiple judges, prosecutors and other officials while vowing to dismantle what Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described as a "fatally politicized" institution that threatens U.S. and allied sovereignty.

‘Worse than Watergate’ New FBI files detail agent’s push to join Trump probe, investigate Elon Musk

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:09:59 -0400

An FBI agent repeatedly sought to join the bureau's Russia investigation involving President Donald Trump, while another pushed for a criminal investigation of Elon Musk over an email asking federal employees what they accomplished at work, according to documents newly released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

The records span internal FBI communications from 2017 and 2025, covering both the bureau's Russia investigation and a proposal to investigate Musk. Grassley said the exchanges reflected political bias within the bureau and showed the "Deep State" working against Trump. The documents were released as part of a broader batch involving Crossfire Hurricane and other FBI matters.

"The previous Democrat administrations under Obama and Biden conducted secret, insidious and downright evil operations that almost took down our government," Grassley said during an Oversight hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel. "That's arguably worse than Watergate."

Crossfire Hurricane was the FBI's 2016 counterintelligence investigation into whether members of Donald Trump's presidential campaign coordinated with Russia's election interference, though Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation did not establish a criminal conspiracy between the campaign and the Russian government.

DAN BONGINO REVEALS HE FOUND 'MOTHER LODE' OF SECRET RUSSIAGATE FILES INSIDE FBI BURN BAGS

Over the past decade, the Senate Judiciary Committee, at the direction of Grassley, has released several rounds of documents from a few FBI operations such as Operation Arctic Frost and Round River, alleging that the Justice Department was being weaponized against Trump and Republicans.

"The overall sustained efforts by the Deep State in the dark corners of the bureaucracy is worse than anything Trump has been accused of. At least he’s upfront and open so people can judge," Grassley said.

At the center of the Senate Judiciary Committee's most recent document release are three former FBI agents: Kevin Gounaud, Walter Giardina, who was fired by Patel in August over accusations of political weaponization, and Timothy Thibault.

Gounaud, who left the bureau in February, according to his LinkedIn, sent an email in February 2025 seeking to begin a criminal investigation of Musk. At the time, Musk was a special government employee overseeing DOGE. Gounaud's complaint centered on Musk announcing on X his plan to have all government employees share five things they worked on that day.

"Musk used a non government system (twitter) to relate information that allegedly was for official purposes. In doing so, because he is monetized (he is a majority owner of twitter) he likely generated income for himself based on Twitter's monetization model and/or advertising revenues," Gounaud wrote. "His use of twitter in this and other instances is conceptually similar to Hillary Clinton's misuse of a private email server for government business."

Grassley later criticized the former FBI agent in a post on X.

JACK SMITH'S SENATE PHONE RECORDS PROBE TURNS TO VERIZON'S HANDLING OF SUBPOENAS

"Here is an email I released 2day showing an FBI agent who was ready2 open a CRIMINAL CASE all bc Elon Musk asked govt bureaucrats 2 report 5 things they did in a wk," Grassley wrote. "Compare that 2 Iowans who work frm sunup to sundown EVERY DAY Washington rlly is an island surrounded by reality."

The document dump also shows that Giardina emailed at least seven times over the course of four weeks beginning in January 2017 asking to be assigned to Crossfire Hurricane. The findings of the investigation were handed off to special counsel Robert Mueller a few months later in May.

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The emails show that Giardina was in correspondence with Thibault, who Grassley accused of violating the Hatch Act. The allegation stemmed from Thibault resharing a post on Twitter by the Lincoln Project, which called Trump a "psychologically broken, embittered, and deeply unhappy man." The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) opened an investigation into Thibault, but before the investigation ended he retired from the FBI in August 2022. In January 2024, the U.S. of Special Counsel determined Thibault did violate the Hatch Act with his retweet, but only issued a warning letter and closed the case.

Thibault is included in several emails sent by Giardina to former Supervising Agent Joe Pientka.

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"Based on the records known to date, that case didn’t advance," Grassley said. "His efforts, as well as the case he tried to open on Senator Sinema, undercut public statements by former FBI officials that agents don’t get to pick their cases."

Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI for comment.

Viral video shows Trump piñata getting hit at California college as students erupt in cheers

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:27:55 -0400

A California college is facing criticism after a viral video surfaced that appears to show a group of students hitting a piñata bearing the likeness of President Donald Trump.

The undated video, posted by Libs of TikTok, depicts a blindfolded individual being spun in circles before they are handed a stick to hit the piñata while surrounded by a group of onlookers at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California.

The individual then strikes the piñata — which was photographed wearing a blue suit, red baseball cap and holding a sign that reads "F--- ICE" — and takes its head clean off.

UC IRVINE LECTURER APPEARS TO ENDORSE VIOLENCE AGAINST NICK SHIRLEY AHEAD OF HARVARD REPUBLICANS EVENT

An unidentified man then picks up the decapitated piñata and raises it above his head as he is met with cheers from the group of students.

The incident appears to be overseen by Lorena Gonzalez, a counselor at the college, who appears to celebrate in the clip, according to Libs of TikTok.

In a statement to Libs of TikTok, Contra Costa College asserted they do not "condone or allow violent political rhetoric," and added the incident was "addressed as a personnel matter."

Contra Costa College and Gonzalez did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

UCLA OFFICIAL WARNS CONSERVATIVE LAW STUDENTS THEY FACE DISCIPLINE FOR IDENTIFYING LIBERAL PROTESTERS

The alleged beheading reportedly took place "a few months ago," with the video just surfacing last week, Libs of TikTok said in an X post.

"Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible," White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"They should also immediately seek psychiatric help to treat their severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has warped their brains and made them sick in the head," he added.

UC BERKELEY SUED FOR ALLEGEDLY STONEWALLING PROBE INTO VIOLENT AMBUSH AT TPUSA ROB SCHNEIDER EVENT

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Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

Chris Harrison returns to reality TV with 'The Vow,' Fox Nation's first-ever dating show

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:26:53 -0400

Fox Nation is unveiling its first-ever dating show, with longtime reality television host Chris Harrison returning to the genre to help a new group of singles find lasting love.

Chris Harrison’s "The Vow" will premiere Nov. 11, putting a commitment-focused spin on modern dating as 30-year-old bachelor Jace Cates navigates relationships with 10 women seeking lasting commitment and marriage.

"I’m so excited to be back helping people find love, and Fox Nation has been an incredible partner in bringing this vision to life," Harrison said.

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Unlike dating shows built around fleeting connections and social media attention, "The Vow" will put long-term commitment at the center of the experience. Through a series of decisions and honest conversations, Cates and the women will tackle questions surrounding faith, family, communication and their plans for the future — all with the goal of determining whether a relationship has what it takes to lead to marriage.

"We were inspired by the faith-driven renaissance happening across America, and as a result, I believe we’ve created the most authentic dating show on television today," Harrison added.

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"At a time when so many people feel dating has become harder than ever, 'The Vow' asks a simple but important question: Can genuine, lasting love still be found in the modern world? The stakes couldn’t be higher. I’m incredibly proud and honored to put my name on this show."

Fox Nation President Lauren Petterson praised the partnership with Harrison, noting his role in defining the relationship entertainment genre, one of TV's most recognizable.

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"We're thrilled to partner with him on a fresh, thoughtful take that returns the focus to what so many people are ultimately searching for: a genuine connection built to last," she said.

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"This series explores the conversations, values and real-life moments that matter long after production ends, and we believe audiences will connect with its authentic and hopeful approach to finding lasting love."

Angel dad rebukes Democratic lawmakers over sanctuary policies after daughter killed by twice-deported felon

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:23:18 -0400

Grieving angel dad Anatoly Varfolomeev issued a rebuke of Democratic lawmakers Wednesday, calling for an end to sanctuary policies after his daughter was killed in a 2021 crash involving a twice-deported felon.

"It is outrageous," Varfolomeev told "Fox & Friends," reacting to comments from Reps. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., and Summer Lee, D-Pa., who appeared to suggest that a recent hearing on the matter was focused on political messaging rather than real solutions.

"I don't believe what they say because they say only part of the story that they were presenting one part, not the whole story," he added. "To me, they [lawmakers] should have agreed a long time ago on a united sort of action on how to proceed and to make Americans safer."

DAD OF GIRL LEFT PERMANENTLY DISABLED IN CRASH WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT RIPS DEMS: ‘I REJECT YOUR SYMPATHY’

Varfolomeev, whose 19-year-old daughter Anya was killed in a crash alongside her childhood friend, described himself as "angry" and "grieving" while testifying on Capitol Hill Tuesday.

Speaking to lawmakers, he lamented that it took three years to learn more about the man responsible for his daughter’s death in what he called "sanctuary California."

Jayapal insisted that the hearing should be aimed at "real solutions that fix an immigration system that has not been modernized to meet the needs of our country in over 30 years."

Lee, meanwhile, accused select corporations and fearmongering politicians of benefiting from mass immigration enforcement.

‘STOP THIS INSANITY’: ANGEL MOM RIPS NEWSOM, DEMS FOR BILL TO USE TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR ILLEGALS’ DEFENSE

Varfolomeev said his family eventually learned that the driver, Oscar Eduardo Ortega Anguiano, was an illegal immigrant and repeat offender who had previously served time in prison, had been deported in 2016 and 2021, and did not have a valid California driver’s license.

He was driving under the influence at the time of the incident.

He told Fox News he had contacted state officials seeking answers, but received no response.

"None..." Varfolomeev said when asked whether anyone in the state had reached out to his family, adding, "There was nothing, no response."

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"Fox & Friends" contacted California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, seeking a statement, but did not hear back.

The grieving father also pushed back against any suggestion from the lawmakers that "immigrants" and "illegal immigrants" are the same, noting that he and his family came to the United States legally and that Anya was born after they became citizens.

"She was a regular American girl that was killed," he said.

"And it's absolutely their responsibility... California politicians and [the] Biden administration."

AI 'doomers' risk kneecapping US vs China, but ex-Pentagon vet says both extremes miss the mark

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:19:08 -0400

"Doomer"-driven AI regulation could kneecap the U.S. against China while helping tech giants lock in their lead over smaller startups, a former Pentagon AI official who also worked for AI company Palantir Technologies told Fox News Digital.

The warning follows the resignation of an Anthropic researcher who said increasingly powerful AI could threaten humanity, while President Donald Trump called fears of rogue AI a "hoax" and compared those advancing such warnings to climate-change alarmists whose predictions, he argued, haven't come true.

"The notion that I think the president and I share is that we should let the race play out, that the risk of global extinction is not real, it is in fact a hoax," Will Thibeau, a former Palantir deployment strategist who later worked in the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, told Fox News Digital.

TRUMP UNLOADS ON TECH TITANS PUSHING FOR SLOWDOWN ON EMERGING INDUSTRY: ‘WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS!’

"The stakes of losing to China, of losing the opportunity to transform our economy, are so high that we shouldn't let 'doomerism' define public policy," the retired Army Ranger added.

Thibeau’s position is not that Washington should take a hands-off approach to AI, but that the U.S. should race aggressively at the frontier while narrowly addressing concrete risks — threading the needle between denying China an advantage and preventing regulations backed by today’s leading AI firms from entrenching a "duopoly" at the expense of new American innovators.

"We must maintain an edge at the frontier, so our economy has the license on the first benefits of artificial intelligence. Enhanced manufacturing capabilities, enhanced processing power, decision-making in financial markets," he said, disputing the idea that Beijing will not race full bore because the technology could countervail the CCP’s grip by incidentally empowering civilians.

"Artificial intelligence has the potential to redefine our economy and transform the country for the good," Thibeau said, while rejecting both predictions that it will make life "unrecognizable" and that it poses an uncontrollable "extinction" risk.

MORNING GLORY: SPARE US THE AI APOCALYPSE RHETORIC. LET CONGRESS DECIDE WHAT COMES NEXT

Those "hyperventilating" over either extreme, he argued, miss the "clearly defined middle path" for AI development.

Thibeau said some of AI’s most important applications are military, where it can process battlefield data quickly enough to give U.S. forces an advantage while helping preserve civilian life.

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"I’m very bullish, if you will, on how artificial intelligence can be applied for the military," he said.

While Thibeau said fears of "drone swarms run amok" are not realistic, he acknowledged AI carries real risks that policymakers should address without allowing those concerns to justify sweeping rules that slow U.S. development or undermine its military edge.

The larger danger, he argued, is that leading AI firms can absorb regulations that smaller newcomers cannot.

"There is a duopoly, perhaps a triopoly if you include Google," Thibeau said, naming Anthropic and OpenAI as the two companies clearly in the lead.

ANTHROPIC CEO CALLS ON AI INDUSTRY TO SLOW DOWN TECH RACE, DRAWING SUPPORT FROM ELON MUSK, SAM ALTMAN

"They want to slow the game so they can use their built-in advantages and their current lead to solidify this market dominance… to make it harder for new entrants to rise the market chain [and capture] the regulatory incentives of the government."

Fox News Digital reached out to all three firms for comment.

ANTHROPIC CEO LIKENS AI FIGHT WITH CHINA TO COLD WAR, SEEKS 'DISARMAMENT NEGOTIATIONS'

Anthropic policy documents outline concerns about biological risks, cyber risks, loss of control, and the automation of research and development while also underlining that regulations must "protect innovation."

In terms of government oversight, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters Tuesday that AI should be the rare time for bipartisan collaboration on regulation.

OBAMA PRIVATELY SOUNDS ALARM ON ‘DANGEROUS’ AI, URGES DEMOCRATS TO PUT ISSUE AT CENTER OF AGENDA

"If there's ever a time for Republicans to break from their blinded allegiance to Trump, it is now. The world is in danger and Republicans are on the sidelines sucking their thumbs," he claimed.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris added in a statement that AI is "advancing at an alarming speed," and signaled she sides with the Big Tech firms calling for pacing the "frontier" — which Thibeau warned about.

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"A slowdown is critical in order to ensure AI serves the public interest," she said in part of a lengthy statement.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said guardrails are necessary for the AI sphere but that Congress should not respond with a heavy hand.

"We have to put up some guardrails, some safety measures in place to ensure that AI doesn’t run away… But at the same time, we’ve got to make sure that we don’t lose our edge in the global competition on this with China," he told NBC News.

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"It’s got to be done right, safely [and] wisely," he said.

Falcons star Kyle Pitts Sr predicts CFB players will unionize, says pro players returning to school is 'crazy'

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:18:29 -0400

LSU may have backed down on its quest to add professional athletes to its roster, but the conversation is still raging on.

Atlanta Falcons star tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. said he thought the concept of athletes returning to college football after participating in training camps is "crazy" and predicted college football players will unionize.

"I do think it's crazy, but I also think it's something that it's gonna happen," Pitts told OutKick in a recent interview.

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"We have to kind of brace for it because with NIL I feel like it's giving people chances to have different say, and in my opinion, I think, you heard from me here first. I think there's gonna be a union in the college football next. Which, you know, players will be able to have different rights to do different things."

Pitts, who has played in the NFL for six seasons, said going through training camp is like earning a badge of honor and returning to college football is a step back.

"I think once you go to the campground in NFL, I feel like it's a badge of honor of like, OK, I wouldn't want to go back to college and, whether things may have failed, whether you wanted them to (differently). It's not up to you to just want to try and want to regress and go back to college and just take another year on college campus when you've now been in competition with grown men with families and such, and just want to go back to college with kids," Pitts said.

Given how NIL has evolved, Pitts expects any potential union among college players to be strong.

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"I think it'll be pretty strong because the donors and the voice that they have, it's like they're getting a lot of things done and especially with, look at how NIL has transcended from the first day to now. It's like they're getting their money's worth in terms of name, image and likeness. So it's good to see and I just can't wait to see like how big it'll turn. But I do think they'll have an opportunity to make it pretty well known to where the voices are heard," Pitts said.

The 25-year-old signed a three-year, $53 million contract extension with the Falcons this offseason. He didn’t have any catches in the team’s 20-13 Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he has amassed 284 catches for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career.

In addition to training for the football season, Pitts spent a day experiencing the work of special operations forces through USAA, training with a pararescue unit at Moody Air Force Base in southern Georgia. Pitts was put to the test by using the Jaws of Life to extract people from vehicles and aircraft, practicing basic tactical medical training for combat care, and simulating rescue missions.

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The Pro Bowl tight end said it was an unforgettable experience.

"That was a life-changing day and it changed my perspective on really what people do in the armed forces. (I) got equipped with my greens on, and that was pretty cool that, I thought I was just gonna wear my own clothes, but I got my shirt on, got everything on, and had a chance to go through various different, not obstacles, but like training stations of like IVs, weapons, and artillery," Pitts said.

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"Get certain gear, use the Jaws of Life. Use the hammer to try and to save someone in, in the mission out of the car and had to use different tools to pry him out and get the door open and, and most importantly, stay calm in the situation," Pitts continued. "Then learned about defense, covering the target and it was pretty cool to go through those different things with the crew that I did, and I'll never forget that day."

Anthony Molina and Matthew Liberatore's struggles make over 8 runs the play for Giants-Cardinals

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:14:51 -0400

Like so many sluggers in the big leagues, I took a swing for some big scores yesterday, and I struck out.

Looking to hit a bomb and get a big score is not always a bad strategy, but it proved to be a bad one yesterday. In one game, I took the Cleveland Guardians to win on the run line, but they only won by one run. I don't like giving out bets that are higher than -140 unless there is a ton of value. In this case, the smarter play would've been to take the Guardians at -155, but I'm not disappointed by my look. I have a play on tonight's total between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals in hopes of getting back my lost unit from yesterday.

The Giants season did not go the way that anyone in the front office intended. They are one of the worst clubs in baseball and will likely lose 95 or more games this year. For a roster with as much talent as they have, it is tough to understand why they've struggled so much. Is it due to their manager, who never had any big-league experience in the past? Is it due to them not being able to knock runners in when they get on base? Or is it because of the pitching staff?

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There are a lot of questions to answer, but I think the reason is probably a combination of all of those things. The pitching staff has struggled, and tonight's starter is no exception. Today's starter is Anthony Molina, who was acquired via trade at the deadline. He has made four appearances with the Giants this season, and they've been a bit of a mixed bag. He has pitched 9.1 innings and allowed 10 earned runs. In fairness to him, seven of those runs came in his last outing against the Padres. Outside of that game, he's thrown 6.1 innings and allowed three earned runs. The problem is that was over three outings.

The St. Louis Cardinals are one of those teams that had a hot start and then cooled off near the deadline. They turned into sellers instead of buyers and started preparing for next year. To their credit, the team is still about .500 for the season, but they were expected to be one of the worst in the National League Central. The Cardinals do have some bright spots and reasons to be excited about next season. They have two players who have 100 RBIs for the season: Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson.

The problem really has been the pitching staff. If they can shore that up, they might return to the top of the division. Matthew Liberatore is taking the ball today, and he has had a rough year. Liberatore is 5-14 for the season with a 5.53 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. His numbers get slightly worse at home this season, with a 5.77 ERA and a .309 batting average against him. Over his past 10 outings, he has allowed five or more earned runs to opponents in four of them.

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Neither team has much experience against the other starter. However, that really doesn't give me much confidence in the arms. They just haven't been very good pitchers this season. I am expecting the offenses to have a bit more success in this one. It doesn't appear that either hurler is in great form at the moment. Give me the over eight runs.

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

$60 sourdough bread loaf sparks outrage online: 'Would never pay that much'

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:58:31 -0400

Rye, the first United States location of Austrian bakery Martin Auer, recently opened in New York City — and its $60 loaf of rye sourdough is drawing attention.

The new concept on Lafayette Street focuses on one thing: bread.

Its 100% rye sourdough is made with "organic Austrian rye flour, water, salt and a lot of time during the process, because it takes a long time to make the bread," co-owner Tim Auer told Fox News Digital.

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The bakery uses a sourdough culture that Auer said has been in his family for more than 50 years and was brought to New York from Austria.

Preparing the sourdough takes about a day, he said. The dough is then mixed, rested, shaped and fermented again before spending about 70 minutes in the oven. After baking, the dense rye loaf needs to rest for at least eight hours before it can be properly sliced.

Each full loaf weighs about 3.3 pounds and sells for $60.

The $60 price reflects the ingredients and work behind each loaf, as well as the cost of operating in New York, Auer said.

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"The price of the bread is the result of all the efforts and costs that went into this project, but also every single loaf," Auer said.

"It's obviously all handmade here on Lafayette Street in one of the most expensive cities in the world, using only the best ingredients, meaning the best rye flour that we import from Austria. And we wanted to give the craft and the bread the stage we think it deserves. And with all these efforts, that's the price."

Customers don't have to spend $60 to try it. A half loaf sells for $30 and a quarter loaf for $15, and Rye also sells the bread by the slice.

Still, the price has generated criticism on social media.

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"I simply would never pay that much for a loaf," one Instagram user declared.

Another wrote that "bread is meant to be humble, something you share, not something you flex."

"Obviously, $60 is a steep price tag for a single loaf of bread," said Ricky Volpe, a professor of agribusiness at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

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But Volpe said production methods and transportation can contribute to unusually high food prices.

"In my mind, it actually would not be crazy as a price if, for example, this was being baked overseas and flown into the United States, because some of the absolute highest-priced food and agricultural items that I can think of rely on air transit," he said.

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Rye's bread is baked in New York, rather than overseas, using rye flour imported from Austria and the decades-old sourdough culture.

New trailer for 'Other Mommy' with Jessica Chastain reveals a sinister entity terrorizing a young girl

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:41:43 -0400

A horrifying new preview is out for Jessica Chastain's new movie "Other Mommy."

Basic info:

Plot: Bela, an eight-year-old girl living in a home with marital problems, confronts a sinister entity that comes out of her closet. The presence, whom she calls "Other Mommy," becomes increasingly threatening to her and her family.
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Arabella Olivia Clark and Dichen Lachman.
Director: Rob Savage
Release date: Oct. 9, 2026

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New trailer released for "Other Mommy" with Jessica Chastain.

The first preview for "Other Mommy" came out back in July, and immediately sent shockwaves through the internet.

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It was a terrifying promo for Chastain's latest film.

Well, a new preview was released on Wednesday, and it's every bit as scary as the first one. Whoever is in charge of marketing for the film deserves a raise.

Give it a watch below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

That is the definition of a terrifying movie trailer, and you don't have to take my word for it. People in the comments on YouTube are sharing plenty of reactions.

One viewer wrote, "This looks terrifying."

Fact check: 100% true.

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Another person wrote, "Jessica Chastain always brings that beautifully creepy, brilliant energy."

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You can catch "Other Mommy" in theaters starting Oct. 9, and make sure to send me your thoughts on the preview at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code FOXNEWS Provides $1000 Promo for MLB, NFL, and More This Week

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:24:01 -0400

With the NFL returning to action and baseball proceeding to the postseason like a freight train, there are plenty of great options to bet on. Fanatics Sportsbook has recognized this great opportunity for enthusiasts and is offering new users up to $1000 in FanCash when using promo code FOXNEWS.

There is plenty of excitement going on in the sports world today and this week. We are down to 10 or fewer games for almost all MLB teams, and the playoffs are on the horizon. College Football has some great games as an appetizer on Friday and on the main course of Saturday. And sandwiched between them is Thursday Night Football.

The baseball schedule has 15 games that people can enjoy starting at 1:00 ET and going all the way until the last game’s first pitch of 9:40 ET. There are quite a few great arms taking the hill tonight as well, with the likes of Carlos Rodon, Blake Snell, Zack Wheeler, and Robbie Ray toeing the rubber.

If baseball isn’t your thing, maybe you’ll want to start betting on college or professional football this week. The NFL saw a whirlwind of a first week with some impressive performances and some big upsets. Thursday night brings Josh Allen and the Bills into action against Jared Goff and the Lions. Offense should be showcased here.

Saturday has a really tasty slate with two games between ranked opponents. SMU is taking on Louisville, but there is no bigger game on the day than LSU going into battle with Ole Miss. This is can’t-miss football action.

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Pitcher’s Corner

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies' starter continues to find ways to confound hitters. Zack Wheeler has been one of the most reliable starters over the past decade and continues to mow down lineups. This year, he has a 12-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Unfortunately, due to some injuries earlier in the year, he isn’t qualifying for any of the league-leading numbers, but he’s still turned in a performance most pitchers would envy. Today he faces a Nationals team that has hit just 21-for-100 against him. James Wood, in particular, struggles against him, going just 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts.