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Brooke Slusser speaks out against SJSU admins after volleyball coach's allegations surface

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:48:47 -0400

During Brooke Slusser's last college volleyball season at San Jose State in 2024, she claims she was told to never be in a room alone with head coach Todd Kress. Slusser claimed that people close to her, including her parents, heard rumors that Kress allegedly attacked one of his former players in a hotel room many years ago.

"I was told just to be safe and not be in a room alone with him when my parents found out about it ... I didn't know all of the information, so it was kind of scary when I was concerned when everyone was telling me, 'We're not gonna tell you everything that happened 'cause we don't wanna scare you, but we're telling you from here on out, you are not allowed to be alone in a room with Todd Kress,'" Slusser told Fox News Digital on Friday.

Fox News Digital reported Tuesday that in October 2024, SJSU was sent a letter by one of Kress's former players that included allegations he attacked her in a team hotel room in 1998.

SJSU WAS TOLD OF DECADES-OLD ALLEGATIONS AGAINST VOLLEYBALL COACH DURING CONTROVERSIAL 2024 SEASON

The letter's contents included the allegations that Kress "forcibly threw me on the bed" then "pulled his pants down and put his back side in my face," and then "picked me up, and threw me into the bathtub where he held me down and threatened to turn on the shower with me laying there."

Slusser alleged that the school never informed her or other players of the allegations in the letter.

"The school gave us absolutely zero information. This was never brought up once. I think anyone would remember that. And even when the article had come out, I had a bunch of old teammates texting me asking me if this was true, if I knew anything else, those types of things. So they never brought this up once to anyone," Slusser said, adding that since the article came out Tuesday, her former teammates have reached out to her to share they also were never told by the school.

Slusser said that during the 2024 season, rumors of Kress's alleged past actions eventually reached her parents' ears. She said they advised her to bring former SJSU assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose or a teammate when she entered a room with Kress.

"So basically, my parents just told me from there on, like, 'Take Melissa with you if he drags you into a meeting,' like he was doing every single day, or, 'Take a teammate with you. Just do not be alone with him 'cause he can be aggressive,'" she said.

Emails show that SJSU officials acknowledged the receipt of the allegations in October 2024, thanked the former Fairfield player from 1998 for coming forward, and apologized for her experiences. Kress has continued to serve as the head coach of the women's volleyball team, and made a post on social media boasting his recruiting efforts since the allegations were reported on this past Tuesday.

The letter containing the allegations was written by a woman that played for Kress at Fairfield University in 1998, and sent to SJSU on Oct. 24, 2024. Kress remained head coach, but Batie-Smoose was suspended just days later after submitting a Title IX complaint. Her contract was not renewed the following January, and now she is waging a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Slusser said she is most "bothered" by the university's suspension of Batie-Smoose, all while its leaders had been informed of the allegations against Kress.

"I think that's the part that bothers me the most, is that they're gonna let go of Melissa, who was always there for us, protected us, cared for us, and then you're gonna keep [Kress] on payroll," Slusser said.

Slusser is also waging a lawsuit against the university and the California State University system (CSU) for her alleged experience under Kress with a transgender former teammate in 2023 and 2024. Now, she has a warning for the team's current players, and its new recruiting class.

"I would say beware... see the man that you just committed to playing for for the next four years. It's not someone I would wanna send my daughter to play for or anyone that I know. I wouldn't send my worst enemy to play for him," Slusser said.

Fox News Digital was given copies of the emails exchanged between SJSU and the former Fairfield player, from an independently verified source. Fox News Digital has independently verified she played at Fairfield under Kress in the 1998 season, but is not disclosing her name.

That first email she sent to SJSU contained the letter with the written allegations against Kress, that was originally sent to Fairfield University. The alleged incident occurred in a hotel after Fairfield’s loss to Clemson in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament in December of that year. She wrote that a teammate asked her to bring her a shirt to Kress’ room.

"I told her I wanted no part of his insanity. I was distraught about the loss and wasn’t interested in his drunken insanity, which was commonplace on trips."

The former player added that her teammate "promised Todd would not throw water at me or do something juvenile so I reluctantly agreed to bring her the shirt."

"I knocked on the door and Todd answered. He immediately took caramel from a plastic container and smeared it all over my face and hair. He then forcibly threw me on the bed and held me down. I was in shock. He let go of me and then pulled his pants down and put his back side in my face.

"Astonished... that is the only word I can think of to describe how I felt in that moment... Todd was drunk. I got up and went for the door.

"Todd again grabbed me, picked me up, and threw me into the bathtub where he held me down and threatened to turn on the shower with me laying there to ‘clean the caramel off of my face.’ At this point I was fighting back to get away from him.

"Todd let me get out of the tub, laughing, and then he stood in front of the door blocking my exit. Todd told me he would only let me leave if I took a shot of liquor, which I did only to get him to move away from the door. Once he did, I ran for it. He chased me. I got into my room and although he seemed to be in a rage, he turned and calmly walked out," the letter alleges.

The former player goes on to allege her teammates "had been drinking with Todd underage." She also claimed she did not report the incident at the time because she "was scared of losing my scholarship and being the reason my teammates lost theirs."

On Nov. 4, 2024, former SJSU interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer Peter Lim reached out to set up a meeting with the former Fairfield player who sent the letter and her attorney.

INSIDE THE FALLOUT OF THE SJSU VOLLEYBALL SCANDAL: ‘THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM’

"Thank you for sharing your concerns about Coach Todd Kress. I am sorry to hear about your experiences. I have reviewed your letter and would like to meet with you to better understand your experiences with Coach Kress. The purpose of the meeting would be to help me assess potential next steps, which may or may not include an investigation into the reported conduct," Lim wrote.

Three days after that, on Nov. 7, Lim sent another email to the former Fairfield player, thanking her and her attorney for meeting with them.

"I am so sorry about your prior experiences with Todd Kress at Fairfield University. I appreciate the time you took to describe those experiences, the impact those experiences continue to have on you, and the safety threat that you believe he presents to SJSU’s volleyball team," Lim wrote.

"We are evaluating the information you provided and determining appropriate next steps. If it is okay with the two of you, I would appreciate staying in touch."

There was no further correspondence between the two parties after that exchange, Fox News Digital has learned.

Kress continued to lead Slusser, Fleming and the rest of that year's team until they lost in the conference championship. He remained in his position throughout and after 2025, as the team missed the conference tournament completely with a losing record, and has made multiple posts on Instagram in recent days boasting his recruiting class.

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In a post on his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Kress shared a post about SJSU being a top-ranked university, writing his own caption, "That's why we're bringing in so many incredible future Spartans with our recruiting efforts!"

In a post on Thursday, Kress shared a photo of himself with a crowd of girls volleyball players, with the caption "Nike All-Skills campt at SJSU is a wrap Thanks to all who attended and we hope you had a blast!"

Slusser has previously told Fox News Digital that Kress, while recruiting her in early 2023, encouraged her to live in a house with former teammate Blaire Fleming, without disclosing to Slusser that Fleming was a biological male. She was made aware of the allegations in a season where she was already experiencing alleged heightened tensions with Kress throughout that season.

"It goes to show their goal at the end of the day was literally just to hide everything they could," Slusser added.

"They wanted it their way, and if you disagreed with them, then they were gonna make your life a living hell, basically. And I mean, that's what they did to me. So this is a lot more than just a man in our safe spaces or on our team. It's about the people that allowed it to happen... you can see we're not going after Blaire. I am not trying to personally attack Blaire. This is about the people that allow it to happen."

Fox News Digital submitted a public records request seeking copies of documents with criteria that matched the emails exchanged between SJSU and Kress’ former player, but the university formally declined the request, stating "the requested communications implicate substantial privacy interests."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Kress, SJSU officials and the university’s legal counsel that handled the 2024 exchange with a series of questions, but did not receive a response from any of the parties.

Fox News Digital has reached back out to those parties for a response to Slusser's statements.

Sports cartoons of the day

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:08:52 -0400

Platner aide hit with brutal timeline check after campaign denied rape claim, then folded days later

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:00:37 -0400

A political adviser to Graham Platner’s now-defunct Senate campaign is facing scrutiny after saying the team urged him to end his candidacy "as soon" as it learned of a rape allegation — despite the campaign publicly denying the claim before Platner suspended his run two days later.

"As soon as the team became aware of the rape allegations against Graham Platner, we advised he suspend his candidacy, and in the following days worked to wind down the campaign," Platner political adviser Morris Katz wrote on X Wednesday.

The allegation, first reported by Politico on Monday, came from Maine resident Jenny Racicot, who said Platner raped her in 2021. Platner has denied the claim, calling it false and politically motivated.

EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE

Katz, one of Platner's top political advisers, faced scrutiny over the post on Thursday, including receiving an X community note for its timeline.

"When asked by CNN about Jenny Racicot's rape allegation on July 6, Platner's campaign denied it was true rather than immediately advising suspension, which occurred two days later," the community note reads.

CNN's Jake Tapper weighed in on Katz's message, posting to X: "As soon as we asked the campaign about what Jenny Racicot told us on the record and on camera Monday, the campaign said that her assertion he had raped her was false."

Platner responded within minutes to the Politico article, posted at 3:18 p.m. Monday, sharing a video on X at 3:29 p.m. He said his campaign was "taking time to reflect on the best path forward."

His campaign also commented in the article, noting Platner "vigorously denies" the "very serious" allegations, while arguing critics were working to push him out of the running.

"They are also coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives," the campaign told Politico on Monday "For a year, opponents of this campaign have thrown everything they can at Graham –– calling him a Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist. None of it has been true and this is no different. It is not a coincidence that this story comes a week before the ballot deadline, just as the previous false allegations came a week before the primary. Graham began this campaign to fight for a Maine where everyone is treated with dignity and where Mainers are put first, and no amount of desperate smears will stop this movement from seeing that vision through."

PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER

As calls grew for him to exit the race, Platner’s campaign announced Wednesday that he would speak later that day, but did not say what he planned to address before he posted an 11-minute recorded video on X.

In the video, Platner said the allegations were "all false," blaming the political establishment for working against him to force him out of the race.

"Much like the news that was created the week before the primary. There is a reason that this is happening now. I only have until July 13th until I am officially the nominee. This was the last week to try to get me off of the ballot. And that's why this is occurring," said Platner.

He announced the suspension of his campaign in the Wedesday video.

"For the movement to continue, it can’t be me. For that reason, we are suspending campaign operations," Platner said in a video posted to social media.

Platner officially ended his Senate campaign on Friday afternoon.

Critics on social media seized on the timeline, questioning when the campaign learned of the allegation and why Platner did not suspend his campaign until two days later.

"Important to note that Morris and his team began calling former girlfriends of Platner LAST YEAR because they knew there were issues," wrote Republican commentator Matt Whitlock on X.

"The Democrat establishment was fully ready to make a rapist a United States Senator. They only took him out because he was going to lose," wrote the Republicans X account.

"11 minutes and zero accountability," wrote Democratic, pro-choice women’s PAC Emily's List.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IF PLATNER DROPS OUT? HERE'S WHO COULD REPLACE HIM ON THE BALLOT AND HOW IT WOULD WORK

Maine Democrats were racing a July 13 deadline for Platner to formally withdraw from the race, a step that would allow the party to select a replacement nominee by July 27 to face incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Platner’s team and Katz for comment.

EXCLUSIVE: Former 'Apprentice' star picked by Trump to showcase America's 250th anniversary through art

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:00:23 -0400

WASHINGTON — Nearly two decades after hearing "You're fired!" on NBC's "The Apprentice," Erin Scavino says President Donald Trump chose her to lead one of the federal government's least-known offices as it helps tell America's story to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.

Scavino, director of the State Department's Art in Embassies program, told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview inside the Art Museum of the Americas that she never imagined she'd go from reality TV to overseeing one of the Trump administration's signature America 250 cultural initiatives.

She said she views her appointment as part of Trump's broader effort to elevate American culture alongside American history ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.

WHITE HOUSE TOUTS TRUMP’S ‘BOLD VISION’ FOR TOWERING INDEPENDENCE ARCH FOR AMERICA 250

"I was a day one hire by President Trump because just like we've seen with the Kennedy Center, he wanted to make the performing arts great again, and he also put me at Art in Embassies to make visual arts great," Scavino said.

Although little known to most Americans, the Art in Embassies office has existed since 1964, placing American artwork in nearly 190 diplomatic properties around the world as a form of cultural diplomacy.

Scavino said the nation's 250th anniversary offered an opportunity to introduce the program to a broader audience.

Opening July 30 at the Art Museum of the Americas, "Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy" will bring together more than 30 contemporary American artists whose work explores patriotism, diplomacy, military service, immigration and national identity in what organizers describe as a celebration of the ideals that have shaped the U.S. since its founding.

The exhibition, presented through a partnership between the State Department's Office of Art in Embassies and the American Arts Conservancy, will be free to the public through Oct. 18.

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

The exhibition spans dozens of contemporary works exploring patriotism through photography, painting, sculpture and fashion, with each gallery approaching the American story from a different perspective.

Among the featured works is "Gallantly Streaming" by acclaimed artist Barbara Ernst Prey, a sweeping interpretation of the American flag that anchors the exhibition's exploration of national identity.

Internationally recognized pop artist Romero Britto also reimagines the Statue of Liberty in his signature bold palette for the exhibit, layering vibrant colors against the Stars and Stripes to celebrate what Scavino described as the enduring promise of the American dream.

The exhibit will feature a powerful series of photographs by Korina Marie Moore, whose images capture moments of military service through a deeply personal lens. Rather than focusing solely on combat, Moore's photographs spotlight the men and women who serve — from sailors gathered around a U.S. Navy vessel to service members standing watch as the Statue of Liberty rises across New York Harbor and the solemnity of Arlington National Cemetery.

THE STORY BEHIND BETSY ROSS AND THE FIRST AMERICAN FLAG AS AMERICA CELEBRATES 250TH BIRTHDAY

Visitors will also encounter an America 250 haute couture gown created specifically for the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, inspired by Betsy's Ross' flag.

For Scavino, the exhibit represents the latest chapter in a career that unexpectedly led from "The Apprentice" to the Trump administration. Looking back on that journey, she said there has been one constant.

"The common thread throughout all of this is President Trump," Scavino said. "That's why I always thank him so much for these great opportunities."

Scavino says the opportunity has opened her eyes to the people behind the offices.

"Every time you learn about someone's job, you're actually understanding a whole new universe," she said. "That's what's really special about the State Department."

"People often think [the State Department is] really serious, and yes, of course, there's so much diplomacy and so many very serious things that are going on," Scavino said. "But there are so many interesting components, like Art in Embassies."

"This isn't something that was created for me," she added. "Art in Embassies has been around since 1964 under President Kennedy... Every time you learn about someone's job, you're actually understanding a whole new universe."

Scavino said one of her goals was to create an exhibition that feels welcoming to visitors who might never consider themselves "art people."

"Art has become sort of a gatekeeping situation or something that's only for the rich or the elite," she said. "I wanted to say, 'Hey, no. We want kids. We want grandparents. We want moms. We want families. We want dads. We want people all over the world to come to this museum because there is something for everyone.'"

Each artwork includes QR codes allowing visitors to hear directly from artists about their work and creative process, an effort Scavino said makes the exhibit more approachable.

"You don't have to have your nose in the air saying, 'Oh, that Monet' or 'That Degas,'" she said. "You're going to see a flag. You're going to see a sculpture. You're going to hear Americans tell their stories."

Scavino pointed to Romero Britto's colorful Statue of Liberty piece, "Liberty for All," as one example of the American dream reflected throughout the exhibit.

"When I think about his hearts or his Statue of Liberty, it just makes me think about the American dream," she said. "He is so patriotic and he loves this country."

"There are so many stories that are often overlooked," Scavino said. "We show pictures of loss. We show people that have lost their lives for this nation. We show people who are celebrating serving our country... I think that we have to honor those who have served."

One of the exhibition's most unexpected pieces isn't a painting or sculpture — it's a couture gown inspired by Betsy Ross' American flag.

Scavino said the idea came while she was searching for a wedding dress ahead of her February wedding to fellow Trump administration official Dan Scavino at Mar-a-Lago, when she discovered designer Kate Wasserbach Moore, whose appreciation for American history sparked an unusual collaboration.

"I cold-called her out of the blue and said, 'Can you create a dress that looks like something one of the wives of our Founding Fathers would have worn and make it patriotic?'" Scavino recalled.

The finished design, featuring flowing red-and-white accents inspired by Betsy Ross' flag, was created for the exhibition rather than the aisle, adding fashion to a collection that otherwise spans photography, painting and sculpture.

"To me, patriotic, red, white and blue, and also fashion—how much better does it get for a girl?" Scavino said.

Although Art in Embassies typically works overseas, Scavino said creating a major public exhibition in Washington had been one of her goals since taking over the office.

"I started with a dream because Art in Embassies is generally overseas," she said. "I wanted to do something, to start a footprint here in the United States."

That idea quickly gained momentum.

"The Art Museum of the Americas said yes," Scavino recalled. "And the second surprise was that I unfortunately don't have enough space for everyone. So many people generously wanted to participate."

For Scavino, the exhibition is ultimately less about individual works than the conversations they may inspire.

"What I love about art is it's totally different from politics," she said. "You can get in the door by talking about art... and maybe instead of tear down, we can come together."

She said that's especially important because, for many people overseas, an American embassy may be their first — and sometimes only — connection to the United States.

"Sometimes in these small nations that are so foreign to us, the only touchpoint they have to America is our embassy and our ambassador," Scavino said. "So it is so much more important than I ever thought it would be."

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Scavino hopes visitors leave with a deeper appreciation not only for the artwork, but for the stories it tells about the nation it represents.

"You only get to celebrate 250 years once," she said. "So let art be a way of celebration."

Democrat politicos rerun underhanded leftist playbook in effort to torpedo Trump’s AG nominee

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:00:17 -0400

Washington D.C.'s entrenched politicos sprang into action this week before key confirmation hearings in the U.S. Senate to try and sink President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general.

Roughly 1,200 Department of Justice (DOJ) alumni signed off on a letter on Tuesday sent to high-ranking Senate Judiciary Committee leaders demanding they reject elevating Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as he prepares for confirmation hearings next week on July 15 and 16.

Blanche, who previously served as former AG Pam Bondi's No. 2, has been tapped by the 47th president to do the job permanently, sending the former bureaucrats into a frenzy.

TRUMP SAYS HE WILL NOMINATE ACTING AG TODD BLANCHE TO PERMANENTLY LEAD JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

The signatories of the letter trying to stop the process bill themselves as former DOJ employees from Republican and Democratic administrations, which is true. But even a cursory look at some of the names reveals the letter's true hyper-partisan nature.

Here are a few:

Lori Lightfoot, the former mayor of Chicago and a far-left Democrat with a long history of anti-Trump rhetoric.
JP Cooney, an ex-prosecutor and Democratic congressional candidate who served as Jack Smith’s top deputy during Smith’s special counsel investigation into President Trump over later-dismissed criminal charges. He's running his campaign on the grounds that he "spent [his] career standing up to powerful people and holding them accountable, including Donald Trump."
Aaron Zelinsky, who served as Assistant Special Counsel to former FBI director Robert Mueller during Russiagate, which evidence now suggests was a "manufactured" Obama-era intelligence fabrication to smear Trump.
Robert Turkavage, who ran for Congress as a Democrat in New Jersey.
Sara Zdeb, who worked as Chief Oversight Counsel for Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Durbin is currently the Senate Judiciary Committee's ranking member.
Candice Cook, the former DOJ chief diversity & inclusion officer.
Sam Bagenstos, a political appointee in both the Biden and Obama administrations with a history of bashing Trump and who also brags about his progressive bona fides on his University of Michigan Law biography page.

Arthur Chotin, a donor to Democratic causes who chastised the DOJ for dropping charges against former Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, who was also swept up in the dubious Russiagate investigation.
Lori Adams, a progressive immigration judge from 2021 - 2025, who worked 661 asylum cases. In 590 of those cases, the asylum seeker was granted relief. She also advocated against Trump's "Remain in Mexico" policy for illegal aliens.
Terry Bain, a Democrat donor and former immigration judge who granted relief to a staggering 8,113 immigrants before her court.

UNEARTHED DOJ EMAILS EXPOSE TURMOIL OVER BIDEN-ERA MEMO URGING CRACKDOWN ON PARENTS

"This list is a who's who of partisan activists, including liberal politicians such as former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who saw crime drastically rise under her tenure, Trump impeachment witness Pamela Karlan, and multiple former disgruntled Biden administration officials, some of whom were directly involved in the weaponization of the Department," a DOJ spokesperson told Fox News Digital of the letter.

A former White House official quipped that, "It looks like they passed a petition around the MS NOW green room."

The Trump DOJ says Blanche has the support of law enforcement.

"Law enforcement throughout the nation supports the nomination of Acting Attorney General Blanche, including the Major Cities Chiefs Association, representing police leadership in dozens of major U.S. cities; the International Association of Chiefs of Police, representing tens of thousands of law enforcement leaders worldwide; and the Major County Sheriffs of America, representing hundreds of the nation's largest sheriffs' offices," the spokesperson said.

The letter itself states that as former DOJ employees, the signatories take seriously their "oath to support and defend the Constitution, not the occupant of the White House."

It complains that Blanche has fired hundreds of DOJ employees, some of whom, they say, were fired for "having worked on cases the President didn’t like."

"The consequences of Blanche’s attacks on DOJ’s apolitical workforce radiate beyond the halls of Main Justice, affecting the entire country," the letter says. "They’ve meant that much of the department’s vital work isn’t being done, or isn’t being done as well – leaving communities less safe, Americans’ rights less protected, and our national security more vulnerable."

But the note is eerily reminiscent of another widely-covered stunt that turned out to be a political operation to protect then-presidential candidate Joe Biden during his 2020 election bid.

In that instance, 51 former intelligence officials, including known Trump adversaries Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former CIA Director John Brennan, penned a letter to the public claiming that the Hunter Biden laptop scandal appeared to be a foreign intelligence operation.

The contents of Hunter Biden’s personal computer, published in October 2020 by the New York Post, contained shocking videos and photos of drug use, lewd sex acts, and sensitive business communications. It was eventually was dubbed the "laptop from hell" due to the public relations nightmare it caused for the Biden campaign.

The former intelligence officials immediately jumped to Biden's defense, claiming the letter had "all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation."

"Such an operation would be consistent with some of the key methods Russia has used in its now multi-year operation to interfere in our democracy — the hacking (via cyber-operations) and the dumping of accurate information or the distribution of inaccurate or misinformation," the letter said.

Mainstream news outlets ran with the letter, downplaying the scandal.

By early 2022, many of those same news outlets were forced to report that the emails and files from the laptop were, in fact, authentic after federal investigators looked into the matter.

Clapper was one of the few signatories who answered for the bogus Russian intelligence claim, but he stood by the letter, claiming the ex-intel crowd never said for sure that the laptop was a Russian operation.

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"Yes, I stand by the statement made AT THE TIME, and would call attention to its 5th paragraph," he told The New York Post. "I think sounding such a cautionary note AT THE TIME was appropriate."

So it appears the latest actions is just a repeat of the same playbook Democrats have been using to push their agenda against Trump.

Popular NYC museum tests positive for Legionnaires' disease bacteria amid outbreak

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:30:09 -0400

The Guggenheim Museum in New York City was among dozens of buildings on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side to test positive for the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease recently.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed museum on Fifth Avenue was one of 31 buildings that the city said Friday would be required to clean and disinfect their cooling towers to get rid of the bacteria.

The Guggenheim is among 19 of the buildings which have already finished disinfection, with the others expected to be completed by Saturday.

MYSTERY PARASITE LEAVES AMERICANS BATTLING ‘EXPLOSIVE' ILLNESS AS CDC INVESTIGATES

Legionnaires' disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, which naturally occurs in water.

Symptoms include fever, chills, and shortness of breath, and it can be treated with antibiotics if detected early.

"Anyone who lives, works or has visited the affected area since late June and develops flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider immediately," the city said in a news release.

ANOTHER US CITIZEN TESTS POSITIVE FOR EBOLA VIRUS WHILE WORKING IN CONGO AMID RECORD OUTBREAK

More than 50 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease in connection with the Upper East Side outbreak and fewer than 20 remain hospitalized.

The museum said in a statement Saturday: "The city has confirmed that there is no additional action needed at this time, and this poses no risk to anyone inside the building,"

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum opened in 1959 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED IN SOUTHERN STATE AS HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN RESIDENTS ABOUT MOSQUITOES

The source of the outbreak remains under investigation.

Cooling towers, often found on rooftops, can release mist carrying Legionella pneumophila bacteria. The NYC Health Department said all cooling towers in the affected area are being tested.

They control the temperature of systems such as refrigeration, but do not affect drinking water or the building’s indoor air or air conditioning.

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Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person.

Last year, seven people died in a cluster that was traced to a cooling tower on top of Harlem Hospital and a construction site near the city’s public health lab.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Steve Forbes backs Trump's Mt. Rushmore warning on communism: 'He's right'

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:00:47 -0400

Steve Forbes has been a bold advocate for the American capitalist system, free markets and sound money for decades. As the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes, and a presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000, he has been one of the nation's leading voices on economics.

Recently, Forbes sat down with Fox News Digital at Freedom Fest in Las Vegas to discuss the state of the American economy, New York City's socialist turn, and the policies of the Trump administration.

STEVE FORBES: CHUCK SCHUMER HAS A BEEF WITH BEEF, BUT DOESN'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO GRILL IT

"First of all, New York City has had a reputation in the past of electing radical candidates, including the allegedly only communist member of Congress back in the late 1940s. So there is that streak there. But more importantly, I think it shows that people, a lot of people, are dissatisfied.

The 78-year-old scion of a publishing empire said the left is better organized than it's freedom-loving counterparts.

"We've got to get the message out," he said. "And one thing that the left has learned is that you try to occupy the high moral ground. Even if you wreck people's lives, kill millions of people under socialism, communism, your intentions were good.

"So they try to play the moral card. And so it's not enough to say, ‘Well, free enterprise gives you more prosperity.’ You also have to put on the plane that free enterprise is moral. It's based on liberty, based on allowing human beings to be creative, or as Lincoln put it, improve your lot in life."

Following Trump's Mount Rushmore speech and its depiction of the internal threat of communism, Forbes agrees, citing another U.S. president.

"Whatever you call it, communism, socialism, extreme leftism, anti-Semitism, it's all the same disease," Forbes said. "Abraham Lincoln put it very well in the 1800s. He said, 'It won't be foreign forces that destroy the United States. It'll be things we do internally.'"

Forbes suggested that many incorrectly blame problems on free markets, when they should instead be blaming government policies:

"What happens is when governments start making mistakes and doing things that people don't like and that hurt people's prospects for getting ahead, upsetting society, they blame it on capitalism. They blame it on free markets," he said. "So they help wreck free markets and then say, 'The victim is the cause of it.'"

Prosperity and innovation can only flourish with freedom, Forbes said. While capitalism isn't perfect, it has led to inventions that improve our lives, according to Forbes.

STEVE FORBES: MAMDANI'S SOCIALIST RENT CONTROL PUTS NEW YORK ON THE ROAD TO HOUSING RUIN

"Take your handheld," he said. "If you'd said 30 years ago [that your] grandma could operate a supercomputer, you'd have gotten a rather strange look. Now we take it for granted. The first one was just 40 years ago, cost $3,995, weighed like a brick, the size of a shoebox. And today we have handhelds that are really supercomputers that can do anything anywhere. And in real terms, they get cheaper and cheaper. So that's the miracle of human creativity. And then the amazing thing is we take it for granted."

Forbes has long been an advocate for sound money, and a prominent critic of the Federal Reserve:

"Start with the Federal Reserve, the idea that prosperity causes inflation. Experience shows time and time again, it's absolute nonsense. So if the economy starts to do well, you hear mutterings from the central bank asking, ‘Is the economy overheating?’ as if the economy is a machine," Forbes said.

"So ask yourself, if your income is improving, do you start to feel overheating? Do you start to sweat at night? You know, 'Take it away because I'm overheating?' No, it's preposterous," he said.

The central bank's role is to preserve the integrity of the dollar, not to manage economic activity by trying to manipulate interest rates, according to Forbes.

"And yet most free marketeers, for example, realize rent control distorts markets and ends up costing more and giving people less," Forbes noted. "Well, what is controlling interest rates? It's a form of rent control. They used to call interest rent. You'd rent the money."

His prescription for the Trump administration is simple:

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"On the domestic front, go for a new round of tax cuts. Reduce tax rates for individuals and for businesses," Forbes said. "Taxes are a price. So, propose it. Congress may not pass it, but you've got an issue you can take to the voters.

Selling such a plan to the public could be done with some savvy marketing, Forbes added.

"Bring out examples of people who have benefited enormously from not taxing overtime, not taxing tips, and saying, remember those old late night TV commercials [where hawkers would say] 'But wait, there's more?' They can say, 'But wait, there's more. We're going to have big tax cuts. Everyone's going to benefit.'

"And continue with the deregulation," he concluded. "You go on that path, and good things will happen."

Trump's ambitious energy bet could be a winning hand as the world burns more oil, gas than ever

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:00:42 -0400

The world consumed more energy than ever before in 2025, with fossil fuels still supplying the vast majority of global energy despite record growth in renewable power, according to a new report.

The findings come as President Donald Trump pushes to expand U.S. oil and gas production, arguing domestic energy is key to lowering prices, strengthening national security and boosting economic growth.

The Energy Institute's 2026 Statistical Review of World Energy found oil, natural gas and coal accounted for 86% of global energy use last year, underscoring that despite years of investment in wind and solar power, the world continues to rely overwhelmingly on fossil fuels to power homes, businesses, transportation and industry.

Overall, the world consumed more energy than at any point on record.

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The findings align with the Trump administration's argument that expanding domestic oil and gas production is critical to lowering energy costs, strengthening U.S. energy security and fueling economic growth ahead of next year's midterm elections, where both parties are expected to make the economy and inflation central campaign issues — but for very different reasons.

America's dominant position in global energy markets was on full display in the report — and Trump is taking a victory lap.

"Even left-wing studies are finding that President Trump’s energy dominance agenda has been undeniably successful in unleashing reliable, affordable, and secure energy," White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Fox News Digital.

"Thanks to the President, U.S. oil, natural gas, and coal production has increased – which benefits American families and businesses by lowering prices, creating jobs, and strengthening our energy security," she added. "America has abundant resources—President Trump is unleashing them."

WHY THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ MATTERS AS TRUMP ISSUES FRESH ULTIMATUM TO IRAN

U.S. oil production reached a record 21.1 million barrels a day in 2025, nearly matching the combined output of Saudi Arabia and Russia. The U.S. also remained the world's largest natural gas producer and the world's leading exporter of petroleum products.

The report also comes as the conflict with Iran has renewed concerns about energy security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Although its data predate the conflict, the report underscores how geopolitical tensions can threaten global energy supplies.

Few places are more important to global energy markets than the Strait of Hormuz.

About 20 million barrels of oil and one-fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas pass through the waterway each day, along with shipments of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.

Economist Steve Moore said the latest conflict illustrates why the U.S. should continue expanding domestic energy production.

"Every time we've had flare-ups in the Middle East, this has caused a lot of disruption to the energy markets," he told Fox News Digital.

Moore said the conflict has once again exposed the world's dependence on oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, putting upward pressure on energy prices.

BBQ LOVERS BEWARE: MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT MIGHT DISRUPT YOUR SUMMER PLANS THIS YEAR

Heritage Foundation chief economist EJ Antoni said the conflict underscores the need for the U.S. to move beyond energy independence and embrace what Trump has called "energy dominance."

"The Iran war has shown us it's not simply enough for America to be pumping at current levels. America needs to be not just energy independent, but energy dominant," Antoni told Fox News Digital.

He said the U.S. should continue expanding domestic energy production and refining capacity to strengthen its energy security.

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The White House has argued that increasing domestic oil and natural gas production will help shield Americans from geopolitical shocks while lowering energy costs, a key pillar of Trump's broader economic agenda.

Read the full report here:

American Culture Quiz: Test yourself on World Cup wins and burger breakthroughs

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:00:33 -0400

The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.

This week's quiz highlights World Cup wins, burger breakthroughs — and much more.

Can you get all 8 questions right?

Give it a try and see how you do!

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To try your hand at more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click here.

Also, to take a recent News Quiz — published every Friday — click here.

Surveillance video timeline tracks accused Charlie Kirk assassin across UVU campus before fatal rooftop shot

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:00:18 -0400

PROVO, Utah — Surveillance video shown in court this past week has become a central piece of the case against Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

The video compilation, presented Tuesday during Robinson’s preliminary hearing, allegedly tracks the 23-year-old’s movements around Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, from his first arrival on campus hours before the shooting to his movements before and after Kirk was killed.

Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull testified that investigators used campus cameras to work backward and forward from footage of a figure on the roof of the Losee Center for Student Success, where prosecutors say the fatal shot was fired.

CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING, TYLER ROBINSON CHARGED

The video does not show the actual shooting. But prosecutors said it shows the person they identify as Robinson accessing the roof, moving to the edge of the building, crawling into position and leaving moments after the shot.

Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in Kirk’s death, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. He has not entered a plea. The weeklong preliminary hearing was aimed at determining whether prosecutors have enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Surveillance video timeline

About 8:30 a.m. Sept. 10: Investigators say a vehicle believed to belong to Robinson arrived at a UVU parking garage. Hull testified that the vehicle matched records for Robinson and had distinctive wheels. The driver, whom Hull identified as Robinson, wore a red or maroon T-shirt, gray or olive shorts and Converse shoes before walking onto campus.

ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON FIGHTS BACK AS PROSECUTORS' SPRAWLING CASE COMES INTO FOCUS

Hull said Robinson went to the amphitheater area, where he made contact with representatives from Turning Point USA, Kirk’s organization, before returning to the garage around 9:25 a.m. and leaving in the vehicle.

Just after 10 a.m.: Hull testified that Robinson returned to campus on foot wearing the same clothing and carrying a blue backpack. Investigators tracked him to Chick-fil-A inside the Sorensen Center, where Hull said he bought food, sat down and ate. Robinson then moved across campus, crossed Campus Drive into a wooded area, and returned to campus without the backpack.

"He moves out across Campus Drive into a wooded area on what would be kind of the northeast side of Campus Drive, then returns back onto campus," Hull explained as the video played in the courtroom. "We noticed at this point that he's no longer carrying the backpack that he was originally wearing."

DONALD TRUMP JR ARGUES CHARLIE KIRK MURDER EVIDENCE PUTS CONSPIRACY THEORIES 'AT REST'

Before 11 a.m.: Hull said Robinson then moved through the Gunther building and the computer science building before going to a railing that provided access to the roof of the Losee Center. He then allegedly came back down the stairs and walked off campus just before 11 a.m.

About 12:15 p.m.: Hull testified that Robinson returned to campus again, this time wearing different clothing but the same shoes. Hull said Robinson also appeared to be walking with a limp or unusual gait.

According to Hull, surveillance video showed Robinson coming up stairs in the parking structure, moving around Campus Drive and walking south across the front of the Losee Center. He then allegedly appeared on an exterior staircase that provided access to the building’s roof.

At about 12:15 p.m., Hull testified, the figure investigators identified as Robinson "kind of rolls over the railing onto the roof of the building."

About 12:23 p.m.: Hull testified that the figure ran across the rooftop of the Losee Center toward the southwest corner, crouched down and crawled toward the edge of the building. Hull said the person could be seen lying prone before the reported shot was fired at 12:23 p.m.

After the shot, Hull testified, the figure stood up, moved north across the roof and headed toward the northeast corner of the building.

The video shown in court did not capture the actual shooting, prosecutors clarified. But they said it showed the person on the roof moving into position before the shot and leaving immediately afterward.

Seconds after the shot: Hull testified that the figure lowered himself from the roof, jumped onto a grassy area and moved toward Campus Drive. Hull said the person appeared to be carrying "some kind of an object" in his hand.

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On cross-examination, Hull acknowledged he could not see an actual gun in the video. He testified that the object appeared long, concealed or in a bag, and that, based on his training and experience, it could be a firearm.

Investigators also noted that the apparent limp or unusual gait was no longer visible after the shooting.

After the shooting: Hull testified that investigators used the campus video to identify a wooded area they believed could have evidentiary value. The area was secured, and Hull said he was later notified that a gun had been found there.

On redirect, Hull testified that a rifle was discovered in the wooded area where investigators believed Robinson had entered. He said Robinson was seen entering the wooded area on at least two occasions: during his second visit to campus and again during the visit when the shooting occurred.

About 12:30 a.m. Sept. 11: Hull testified that surveillance video showed a vehicle he identified as Robinson’s at the intersection of Campus Drive and 800 South in the early morning hours after the shooting.

According to Hull, the vehicle had contact with Officer Goforth, a Spanish Fork officer working security detail. Hull testified that something about the interaction prompted Goforth to note the vehicle’s license plate information. When information later emerged that a similar vehicle may have been involved, Goforth ran the partial plate and determined the vehicle was registered to Tyler Robinson and his mother, Amber Robinson.

Hull said Goforth reported that the person he interacted with was a male he believed to be Tyler Robinson.

GOT A TIP?

On Friday, Judge Tony Graf sanctioned media members after an exhibit was inadvertently shown and broadcast during Thursday’s proceedings. Graf said he did not want to "rush or make snap decisions" before ruling that no further exhibits would be shown for the rest of the day, though the final video compilation was later allowed as an exception.

Graf set oral arguments on the preliminary-hearing evidence for Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. Robinson has not entered a plea.

Following Friday's hearing, Kirk’s family urged Graf to move the assassination case against Robinson forward without delay, arguing the five-day preliminary hearing produced "overwhelming evidence" against him.

"A prompt determination is imperative in the interest of justice," the filing said.

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The family noted that the case is nearing the one-year anniversary of Kirk’s death and that Robinson has been under arrest for 10 months.

"The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, and he must receive one," the family’s attorneys wrote in Friday's filing. "He is not, however, entitled to cause undue delay in the criminal justice process."

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Detectives' true crime podcast takes fresh shot at killer who vanished after caught-on-camera murder

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:00:12 -0400

A Colorado cold case that has stumped detectives for over a decade is getting fresh attention with the release of a new podcast hosted by the department working to solve the murder.

Chelsea Yasser, 21, was brutally murdered in an Aurora parking lot just before 10 p.m. on May 15, 2016 — just weeks after she moved to the area from Arizona.

Officers with the Aurora Police Department were initially dispatched to the scene after a caller reported finding a woman lying in the parking lot of a Burlington Coat Factory.

DETECTIVES’ TRUE CRIME PODCAST HELPS DIG UP BREAKTHROUGH IN CASE THAT HAUNTED FAMILY: ‘DREW AUDIBLE GASP’

When police arrived, they found Yasser suffering from multiple stab wounds and subsequently transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Despite Yasser’s murder being captured on grainy surveillance footage, the news of her killing barely made headlines.

"If you didn't pick up the paper or if you weren’t watching the news that day, you might not know anything about this case," Joe Moylan, a public information officer for the Aurora Police Department, told Fox News Digital.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE WAS 'SURPRISED AND DISMAYED' BY DOUBTS SHE WOULD RETURN TO 'TODAY' AFTER MOM'S DISAPPEARANCE

According to police, a surveillance camera captured the moment a maroon van drove up and pulled Yasser inside.

"Chelsea was stabbed to death multiple times inside the minivan," cold case detective Jason McDonald told Fox News Digital. "And she was able to get out and stumble over the curb of the business where this occurred, where she succumbed to her injuries."

Despite the fact that the murder was caught on camera, McDonald said authorities have hit a brick wall due to the quality of the footage, which made it impossible to make out the vehicle’s license plate.

COLD CASE OF MISSING NEWS ANCHOR ROCKED BY CLAIM OF CONFESSION IN ROADSIDE MELTDOWN: REPORT

"It’s kind of unique that the murder itself was on video, but we just haven’t been able to identify who the driver of the minivan was or the minivan itself," McDonald said.

Authorities immediately began investigating Yasser’s murder, but ultimately the case went cold after several months due to a lack of evidence and leads — until now.

"We're 10 years in. We have a few more investigative leads that we're pursuing, and we're working with DNA yet again to see what we can come up with," McDonald said, adding, "The department is kind of going outside the box and reaching a public that we may not normally reach out to, which is the podcast community."

The department combed through multiple cold cases before landing on Yasser’s story, and ultimately decided her murder would be the one to spotlight in its debut podcast, titled "The White Whale – The Chelsea Yasser Story."

UC DAVIS FRATERNITY STUDENT'S 2001 DEATH RULED A SUICIDE AFTER 29 STAB WOUNDS QUESTIONED IN TRUE CRIME PODCAST

"There's about a 30 minute window where we just don't know what occurred. So, it's a pretty tight timeline," Moylan said. "We think that there's somebody out there that knows who this person is."

The first installment of the five-episode series was released Monday, with the show set to dive into details surrounding Yasser’s murder and the subsequent investigation into her killing, with investigators revealing more information than ever before regarding the case.

"Our major crime and homicide unit has given us a lot more leeway to try to tell a fuller story than we might traditionally do with a more recent case," Moylan told Fox News Digital. "So I think just through the storytelling and getting to know who Chelsea was, talking about what happened the day of and then what has transpired in the years since — what we're really trying to do is identify the suspect and the driver of that van."

It also includes interviews with Yasser’s loved ones, in an effort to humanize the 21-year-old and not just portray her as a victim.

GRIEVING MOMS DIG WITH ‘BARE HANDS’ TO UNEARTH THE DARK TRUTH BEHIND THEIR MISSING AND MURDERED CHILDREN

"We have become such a statistics and numbers-driven society that we often forget that there are real people behind the numbers," Moylan said, adding, "We don't want her to be a number. She was a real person. She had a family. She had friends. She had people who cared about her.

"She deserves justice," Moylan continued. "Her family deserves some peace, and the person who murdered her needs to be held accountable."

The modernized efforts to solve Yasser’s cold case reflect a growing trend throughout the country, in which police departments across the nation — including in New York City and Illinois — are turning to podcasts and social media as a way to draw attention to similar stories.

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"It's new to us," Moylan told Fox News Digital. "It's still a little bit innovative, but I mean, we've been doing this. We've been working with podcast companies and documentary companies forever on these cases, and just spreading the word and doing what we can to try to get that last piece to the puzzle and get this solved."

"The process of producing the podcast itself is a part of this investigation," McDonald added. "Like any other work we put into the case, doing the podcast is extremely beneficial, because of the potential it has with the huge audience that we're going to be able to reach."

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Both Moylan and McDonald hope the series will draw fresh attention to Yasser’s case and potentially result in an arrest for her murder by relying on the public to work alongside the department’s seasoned detectives.

"Anything we can do to further the case, we're willing to do," McDonald said. "And I think this podcast is just one of those steps we're taking to further the case. I'm excited about all the results that we could potentially get."

Prince Harry's Invictus Games show the 'asset' the British royal family lost: experts

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:00:07 -0400

Prince Harry is back in the U.K. to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, with a royal expert saying the event showcases the "best" of the Duke of Sussex.

Harry founded the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick military service members and veterans, in 2014. Harry served 10 years in the British Army, including two deployments to Afghanistan.

Meredith Constant, royal commentator, told Fox News Digital that Harry's Invictus Games only shows the royal family the "asset" they lost when Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals.

PRINCE HARRY'S UK TRIP OFF TO ROCKY START AFTER FIRST MAJOR SETBACK

"The Invictus Games highlight the best of Prince Harry and the assets the British royal family lost when the Sussexes exited working royal life," she began. "The Invictus Games have played a massive role in bringing veterans from all over the world together to heal and celebrate community, including Harry. He shared in his book, ‘Spare,’ the PTSD he experiences, so the Invictus Games have probably helped his own healing as well."

Constant went on to share that the Invictus Games show how much Harry actually does love his country.

"Invictus Games also show the love he has for his home country. The games are named after a poem by William Ernest Henley that most British people know, particularly the line 'I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul,'" she said.

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"Harry took control of his own fate when he and Meghan moved their family overseas. Harry continues charitable endeavors, like the Invictus Games, that take him to the U.K., because he loves it and loves his country. He does despite the overwhelming press coverage and scrutiny his visits inevitably bring," Constant continued.

Hilary Fordwich, British royal expert, told Fox News Digital that the Invictus Games are so special because they are purely from Harry's heart.

"What sets Invictus apart is that it is based on something so genuine, from his heart and his previous military experiences. H conceived the idea after watching the ’13 Warrior Games, then built Invictus into an international sporting movement for wounded, injured and sick prior service personnel directly linked to his own identity. Via the games, he has been able to inspire recovery, rehabilitation and to garner broader respect for those who have served," Fordwich said.

Fordwich said until Markle got involved in the event, it was an opportunity for Harry "to showcase his true heart."

"Watching his interactions with the athletes, particularly in the wheelchair rugby match, but also the families and support teams, one can see he has genuinely invested heart and soul into the cause. Birmingham ‘27 countdown is particularly significant since, with sponsors quitting, this is mission critical for his being about to sustain the event in the future," she concluded.

According to Richard Fitzwilliams, royal expert, there is "little doubt that Invictus is uniquely valuable."

"It helps veterans and serving soldiers with physical injuries and mental health conditions. Harry was behind a much-praised, though little-watched five-part series on Netflix which contained stories of the courageous men and women the Games help. Its 10th anniversary was rightly celebrated with a service at St Paul’s which Harry attended solo," Fitzwilliams said.

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The Invictus Games are held every two years and bring together competitors from countries around the world to compete in adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, swimming, indoor rowing, cycling, athletics and archery.

More recent editions have also added winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, skeleton and wheelchair curling. While medals are awarded, the focus is less on winning and more on rehabilitation, resilience and building community among veterans and active-duty service members recovering from physical injuries, illnesses or psychological trauma such as PTSD.

The Games have become one of the defining charitable initiatives of his public life, continuing even after he stepped back as a senior working royal. The next Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham, England, in July 2027, marking the first time the event has returned to the U.K. since the inaugural Games in London in 2014.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham dead at 71 after 'brief and sudden' illness, office says

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 02:29:45 -0400

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., died Saturday evening following a "brief and sudden" illness, according to a statement from his office. He was 71.

"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," his office said.

"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," it continued.

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President Donald Trump reacted to Graham's death, calling the longtime South Carolina senator a "true American Patriot."

"Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!" Trump posted on Truth Social. "He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!"

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster released a statement early Sunday morning expressing that he is "devastated" by the news of Graham's passing.

"Peggy and I – and our children – are devastated," he said in a statement. "Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend. We grieve with Darline, his family and his developed staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again."

Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and won reelection three times. He was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary last month.

Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and sat on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works committees.

Before joining the Senate, Graham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, becoming the first Republican to represent South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District since 1877.

MCCONNELL'S WIFE, ELAINE CHAO, SAW NO NEED FOR 'IMMEDIATE RETURN' FROM CHINA AS FORMER GOP LEADER HOSPITALIZED

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Graham was a steadfast advocate for the United States and its allies, adding that his influence on the federal judiciary, national defense and his home state of South Carolina "will be felt for generations."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "lost one of its greatest friends" with Graham's death, calling the senator "a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine."

"Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable," Netanyahu said. "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend."

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Graham, who frequently visited Ukraine, had just met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday. He was scheduled to appear on NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday morning.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog mourned Graham's death, calling the South Carolina senator a "great American patriot" and a "great friend of Israel."

"Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the U.S.-Israel partnership," he said in a statement. "We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments, and we will remain eternally grateful for his sense of justice, truth, and loyalty.

"The people of Israel mourn his loss, and I will miss my great friend very dearly," he added.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz remembered Graham as "an unwavering voice in support of Israel's security and its right to defend itself." He noted that Graham repeatedly visited Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, calling him "an exceptional leader, a man of principle, and a dear friend whose legacy will endure for generations."

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Graham served 33 years in the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, retiring as a colonel in 2015. An Air Force lawyer, he served in Germany during the Cold War, was called to active duty during the Gulf War, and later completed multiple Reserve deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during congressional recesses.

Graham's office confirmed his death in a statement to Fox News Digital.

This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.

Conor McGregor's long-awaited Octagon return cut short by apparent knee injury seconds into UFC 329

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:38:11 -0400

Nearly five years after his last walk to the Octagon, Conor McGregor made his long-awaited UFC return Saturday night against fellow MMA star Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 in Las Vegas.

McGregor opened aggressively, attempting a running kick before throwing a head kick moments later. He appeared to slip on both tries. Holloway quickly capitalized after the second, taking top position and landing a right hand before McGregor was able to work his way back to his feet.

Moments later, McGregor hit the canvas again after trying to throw a kick with his right leg, which appeared to buckle underneath him.

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The official inside the Octagon waved off the fight moments later, giving Holloway a TKO victory.

During the broadcast, UFC CEO Dana White pointed to a first-round replay that appeared to show the moment McGregor suffered the injury. The apparent injury was not to the same leg McGregor broke during his 2021 fight against Dustin Poirier, which led to a lengthy absence from the Octagon.

The loss extended McGregor’s long winless drought, with his last UFC victory coming by first-round TKO against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in January 2020.

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McGregor earned a unanimous decision over Holloway in a featherweight clash in 2013, when neither was an MMA megastar. In the blink of an eye, McGregor’s star rose.

On Wednesday, he admitted he got caught up in his own stardom after winning UFC belts in two weight classes and becoming one of the biggest names in combat sports.

"I launched an Irish whiskey," McGregor said. "I didn’t drink heavily, if at all, at that time of my life. I was an athlete at the top of my game. Next thing you know, thousands upon thousands of bottles (are) in my garage.

RONDA ROUSEY REVEALS WHAT INSPIRED HER TO END NINE-YEAR MMA HIATUS FOR ONE FINAL FIGHT

"‘Sell this, Conor.’ OK, I’d leave my property with two bottles under my arm, and that was it. I was caught. And I wasn’t used to it. And that’s it. God gave me these lessons. That’s it. I was trapped and caught, and it is what it is."

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Easier said than done, perhaps, as the controversial former champion has been embroiled in multiple controversies and legal issues over the past several years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Argentina survives another scare courtesy of Switzerland to advance to World Cup semifinals

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:05:08 -0400

Argentina and Switzerland had some very different World Cup resumes coming into Saturday night's quarterfinal match in Kansas City.

The Lionel Messi-led Argentina team is battling to win its second World Cup in a row, while the Swiss found themselves in the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 after defeating Colombia on penalties.

Argentina survived a scare against Egypt, and that set up an interesting matchup between an offensive juggernaut and a Swiss squad that has leaned on its defense.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

It didn't take too long for Argentina's offense to get started. In the 10th minute, moments after Messi sailed a corner past the front of the net, Alexis Mac Allister put the reigning champs on the board.

Argentina continued to control possession, though only slightly, while Switzerland matched it stride for stride and created a handful of chances. Argentina, meanwhile, failed to capitalize on a couple of excellent opportunities.

The game went to halftime with Mac Allister's tally being the only one on the board, which Switzerland would probably consider a win in a lot of ways. Keeping the reigning champs within arm's reach is no small feat.

In the second half, Switzerland continued to put some pressure on, and even made Argentine goaltender Emiliano Martinez make some key saves.

In the 67th minute, that pressure paid off with the Swiss shocking the heavily pro-Argentina crowd when Dan Ndoye evened things up at 1-1.

Momentum had definitely swung in Switzerland's favor, but then Switzerland got hit with a brutal decision from the officials.

Argentina's Leandro Paredes was given a yellow card, but upon review, the call was reversed, and the yellow card was given to Switzerland's Breel Embolo.

Critically, this was his second yellow card of the game, so he was sent off, and Switzerland had to continue with just 10 players.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

However, the Swiss managed to stay alive, and this one was headed to extra time, and that was thanks to a stunning save on an Argentina corner from Switzerland's Gregor Kobel in the final moments of regulation.

In the first half of extra time, Argentina's Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martínez were both shown yellow cards. Meanwhile, Switzerland managed to keep the match level despite being down a man.

However, in the 112th minute, Argentina's Julian Alvarez called game with a beauty from way out to punch Argentina's ticket to the semifinals.

Unreal.

How many more scares are Argentina fans going to be able to take?

Argentina tacked on another just as added time began to extend their lead to 3-1.

It's worth noting that Messi did not score in this game, ending his scoring streak — which dated back to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — at a stunning nine games.

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The semifinal matchups are now set, and they are doozies.

Spain and France will square off on Tuesday in Arlington, while Argentina moves on for a showdown with England on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Mick Jagger doesn't want to 'lecture' fans, says his job is to make people 'have the best time'

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:39:25 -0400

Mick Jagger is opening up about what he thinks his job is as an entertainer.

During an interview with the New York Times podcast, "The Interview," the 82-year-old Rolling Stones frontman shared he believes his job as a musician is to make sure audiences "have the best time they possibly have" at his shows.

"I mean, the bottom line of my thing is really that my job in the live music world is just those people that come to have the best time they possibly can, and for two hours or whatever it is to forget all their problems and the problems of the world and their mortgages and their whatever," he said.

"They can have just the best time. It's similar to going to a sports event, really, because everything else is shouted out," he continued. "You're just watching who's going to win. You're not worrying about everything else."

BLACK CROWES FRONTMAN CHRIS ROBINSON’S PAST CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS RESURFACE AFTER HALTING PATRIOTIC CHANT

Jagger made it clear he is more concerned with making sure his fans walk away at the end of his concert feeling good, emphasizing that he doesn't "want to lecture them" about anything.

While he doesn't feel the need to "lecture" his fans at his concerts, he isn't above inserting his opinion and providing social commentary in his song lyrics.

"I've also got into this habit of doing songs that are about personal relationships, and then I throw a verse about politics in there," he explained. "I think that's a trick that I've learned from other songwriters, or I've listened to others, because nobody wants to hear a whole song about politics or...social comment, of any kind."

Although the musician told interviewer, David Marchese, his main goal when performing is to entertain, he did ignite a small feud between himself and the governor of Louisiana while performing in New Orleans in May 2024.

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While performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Jagger called out Gov. Jeff Landry by name.

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"We're a welcoming crowd, aren't we?" Jagger asked. "I hope Mr. Landry is enjoying the show. He's real inclusive you know. He's trying to take us back to the Stone Age."

Shortly after the comment, the Republican governor responded on social media, appearing to mock the singer as well.

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"You can’t always get what you want," he posted on X. "The only person who might remember the Stone Age is Mick Jagger. Love you buddy, you’re always welcome in Louisiana! #LoveMyCountryMusic."

Fox News Campus Radicals Newsletter: Alleged K-12 fraud, one school's battle with Newsom and a win in Florida

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:00:00 -0400

'ESPECIALLY HIDEOUS': Explosive report finds $230M in alleged K-12 education fraud amid Trump's crackdown

IDEOLOGICAL DIVIDE: Just 1 in 10 Ivy League trustees are Republican; Yale has none, report finds

WOKE REBELLION: California high school battles Newsom's state law ordering it to change 'Indians' mascot

CAMPUS RECKONING: Teachers who celebrated Charlie Kirk's assassination now cash in with taxpayer-funded settlements

CIVIC DISSENT: Florida board votes to ban illegal immigrants from public college admissions

Khosla family reaches deal to buy Super Bowl champion Seahawks for NFL-record price: report

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:45:24 -0400

Months after capturing their second Super Bowl title, the Seattle Seahawks are poised to begin the 2026 season under a new ownership structure. A group led by Vinod Khosla, his wife Neeru and their son Neal is set to become the fourth ownership group in the franchise's 51-year history.

The Khosla family reportedly reached a $9.6 billion agreement with the Paul Allen estate to take controlling interest in the Seahawks, a record price tag for an NFL franchise.

The NFL’s most recent ownership change came in 2023, when a group led by Josh Harris purchased the Washington Commanders for a then-record $6.05 billion.

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The Seahawks’ reported $9.6 billion price tag would easily eclipse the NFL’s all-time sale record, but it still wouldn't surpass the $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers last October — the richest deal in North American sports history.

The Seahawks confirmed the pending sale in a statement, though financial terms were not disclosed.

Vinod Khosla, a limited partner with the San Francisco 49ers, will be required to sell his family’s minority stake in the team as part of the agreement before becoming the Seahawks’ controlling owner.

"We are honored to be entrusted as the next stewards of the Seattle Seahawks," Vinod Khosla said in a statement on behalf of the Khosla family. "We look forward to building on the winning legacy Paul Allen created and to earning the trust of the Seahawks organization and fans everywhere."

Before the sale can become official, it must be approved by at least 24 of the NFL’s 32 owners. That vote could come as soon as late next month at a league meeting, according to ESPN, though the deal must first be reviewed by the league’s finance committee.

Beyond the Khosla family, it remains unclear what other parties are possibly involved in the investor group.

FOLLOWING SUPER BOWL TITLE, JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA EYES CONTINUED SUCCESS IN SEATTLE

Vinod and Neeru Khosla have been married since 1980. Vinod is listed as the co-founder of Sun Microsystems. He later created Khosla Ventures. Their son, Neal Khosla, is a Stanford graduate and the co-founder and CEO of Curai Health. Neeru Khosla graduated from San Jose State University with a master's degree in molecular biology and is also an entrepreneur.

Jody Allen has chaired the Paul G. Allen Estate since her brother’s death in October 2018. In February, the estate put the Seahawks up for sale, following Allen’s wishes that his assets eventually be sold, and the proceeds sent to charity.

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Earlier this week, Front Office Sports reported that a group led by Celtics alternate governors Wyc Grousbeck and Aditya Mittal was viewed as one of two finalists in the Seahawks bidding process.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

It's Christmas in July as hundreds of Santas go on the march in the middle of a stifling summer heat wave

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:43:56 -0400

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas — if you ignore the calendar, that is.

While much of Europe continues to grapple with stifling summer heat, one Danish city looked ready for Christmas.

Hundreds of Santa Clauses, Mrs. Clauses and Christmas elves from around the world filled the streets this week for the annual World Santa Claus Congress in Aalborg for a colorful tradition that has delighted onlookers for decades despite taking place months before the holiday season.

The festive gathering transformed Denmark's fourth-largest city into a sea of red suits, white beards and Christmas cheer as professional Santas marched through downtown, posed for photos with visitors and took part in games and competitions all in the middle of July.

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This year's event came as central and Southern Europe continue to grapple with extreme heat, making the sight of dozens of Santas bundled in their signature outfits even more striking.

First staged at an amusement park near Copenhagen in 1957, the World Santa Claus Congress moved to Aalborg on Denmark's Jutland peninsula two years ago.

The annual gathering will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year.

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Originally created to entertain children, the congress has since grown into a popular meeting place for the men and women who portray Santa Claus and his North Pole coterie during the Christmas season in stores, shopping malls and holiday events around the world.

Participants traveled all the way from countries including Norway and Japan to exchange stories, compare beards, sharpen their craft and prepare for another busy Christmas season.

The packed schedule includes gingerbread-eating contests, gift-wrapping competitions, balloon modeling and several lively parades through Aalborg's sun-drenched streets.

"The grandmas say: 'Oh, it's too early to come here,'" organizer Peter Gislund, who also serves as Santa Claus in Aalborg during the Christmas season, told The Associated Press.

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The children, however, reacted as most children tend to upon seeing Santa Claus.

"The kids say: 'Hooray! Santa's here already,'" he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Social media was not impressed by Norway subbing off Erling Haaland with their World Cup on the line

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:18:12 -0400

Norway's boat-rowing (even if historically inaccurate) run through the World Cup has come to an end after a 2-1 quarterfinal loss to England.

The match wasn't without controversy, however, as Norway surprisingly substituted one of the tournament's most electric players, Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City star had seven goals in the tournament, but was kept scoreless on Saturday.

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Worse yet, it was a pre-corner foul of his that cost Norway what would've been their second goal of the match.

However, it was shocking to see the 25-year-old get subbed off in favor of Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Of course, many wondered whether Haaland had sustained an injury, but let's just say the decision to pull him with 15 minutes left in extra time and Norway trailing by a goal wasn't a popular one on social media.

Jeez, tell us how you really feel!

NORWAY'S WORLD CUP KIT REFLECTS THE NATION'S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WITH MEANINGFUL HISTORIC DETAILS

Of course, we'll certainly get some more info on this after the fact — I'm not super familiar with Norwegian sports media, but I'm sure they'll ask manager Ståle Solbakken about this one — but it's still disappointing.

Haaland had an incredible tournament and became one of the most popular players in it. It's just a bummer to see his tournament end with him sitting on the bench, whether that was due to injury or because of a questionable substitution.

It was still a great run for Norway, and I don't think it would be wild to see something like this again.

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But now, the tournament is almost down to its final four.

France and Spain will face off in one semifinal match, while the Three Lions await the winner of Saturday night's match between Argentina and Switzerland.

Gunfire shatters Toronto Latin street festival, leaving at least 2 dead and multiple wounded

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:15:04 -0400

The Toronto Police Service is investigating after gunfire broke out Saturday night at a large Latin street festival in Midtown Toronto, leaving at least two people dead and four others wounded.

Police said they received reports of a shooting at St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue at 8:12 p.m. local time and discovered an active shooter situation.

First responders found six people suffering from gunshot wounds, officials said. Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

USPS WORKER ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGED MASS SHOOTING THREAT AGAINST TEXAS PRIDE EVENT, FBI SAYS

It is unclear what led to the shooting, and authorities said suspect(s) are still "outstanding." No arrests have been made as of Saturday evening, police said.

Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said during a news conference there seemed to be an "exchange of gunfire" between two individuals targeting each other.

"This is a very chaotic scene," he said. "I think we had something in the neighborhood of 13,000 people participating in this festival."

Police initially described the incident as an active shooter situation before later determining that was not the case.

"There was some concern of an active shooter. That turned out not to be the case," Barredo said.

Barredo said authorities were managing three separate crime scenes connected to the shooting. Two firearms have been recovered, he added.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "horrified" by the shooting.

"My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone who has been affected by this horrific event," he said in a statement.

"My thanks to the police officers and other first responders whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy," he continued. "Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

FOUR DEAD AND 29 SHOT IN CHICAGO WEEKEND VIOLENCE AS LEADERS TOUT CRIME PROGRESS

Following the shooting, the Toronto Transit Commission suspended train stops at the nearby St. Clair West station on Line 1 Yonge-University due to what officials described as a "security incident."

Regular transit service has since resumed.

Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and follow all directives from police at the scene.

The TD Salsa on St. Clair Festival, Toronto’s biggest Latin culture celebration, was celebrating its 22nd annual event in Toronto's Hillcrest Village.

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The Toronto Police Service told Fox News Digital no further information is available.

'Die Hard' actor Robert Davi blasts Mamdani after NYC map omits Little Italy

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:11:58 -0400

"Die Hard" actor Robert Davi blasted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Friday after a city map highlighting immigrant enclaves omitted Little Italy.

The "New York City Immigrant Enclaves" map resurfaced on social media earlier this week after users pointed out it omitted Little Italy, as well as historically Jewish and Irish neighborhoods, despite highlighting 30 immigrant communities across the five boroughs.

Following criticism from Italian-American groups, the city said it plans to update the map to include Little Italy.

MAMDANI DEFENDS CONTROVERSIAL NYC MAP AFTER OMITTING ICONIC LITTLE ITALY, JEWISH AND IRISH NEIGHBORHOODS

Davi, who was born in Astoria, Queens, lashed out at Mamdani in a video posted on X, calling him a "jerk" for snubbing Little Italy.

"I hope every New York Italian American and Irish American spits on you when they see you," Davi said. "I would spit on you if I saw you. Shame on you, you garbage man. Shame on you. Respect the city you're in and understand the people who helped build it."

"My grandparents came from Sicily and Naples and they taught me, speak the English. This is America. God bless America," the 75-year-old "Licence to Kill" actor said.

ZOHRAN MAMDANI PRAISED FOR 'FANTASTIC' QUESTION-DODGING ON PRESIDENTIAL ELIGIBILITY

"My grandfather enlisted in World War I and got wounded three times … he helped build New York City as an immigrant, an Italian immigrant," he continued.

The veteran actor also suggested the mayor, whom he described as a "leftist Marxist Communist," leave the United States.

"Go back to where you were born, Mamdani," Davi said. "You don't belong in America."

MAMDANI BLASTS ICE AGENTS, ELON MUSK AND 'SUPREMACY' IN AMERICA 250 SPEECH AHEAD OF JULY 4 WEEKEND

Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, and moved to the United States when he was 7 years old.

Davi also suggested there should be a constitutional amendment preventing Mamdani from running for public office.

"You should spend time in America, at least a generation, especially those of you that come from a country that has a totally different philosophical ideology bent," he said.

The mayor's office previously directed Fox News Digital to remarks Mamdani made during an unrelated press conference Friday, where he defended the map and said it had originally been created under the previous administration in 2023.

"This map was initially created by the prior administration in 2023, and when we inherited it, we added a few additional neighborhoods," Mamdani said. "It's clearly not an exhaustive list of the more than 200 ethnic communities that call our city home, and we're going to be making additional changes in the future to reflect that and that includes Little Italy."

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

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According to the Library of Congress, more than 4 million Italians immigrated to the United States between the 1880s and 1924, with roughly one-third settling in New York City.

Fox News Digital's Brittany Miller contributed to this report.

Last American to use an iron lung dies at 78 years old after childhood polio diagnosis

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:09:02 -0400

A 78-year-old Oklahoma woman who was diagnosed with polio as a child and was the last American to rely on an iron lung to live has died.

Martha Lillard found out she had the once-feared disease when she was 5 years old, which left her paralyzed from the neck down, and required her to use the machine to help her breathe while she slept.

Lillard contracted COVID-19 twice during the pandemic, which left her in the machine nearly 24 hours a day.

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"They told her she wasn't supposed to live past 20 years old," her younger sister, Cindy McVey, told The Associated Press on Friday. "She had the enthusiasm and the drive to continue living and make the best of her life."

Despite having polio, Lillard was able to go to school two hours a day as a child, and she had tutors the rest of the time. She also used an intercom phone system that allowed her to interact with her teachers and classmates from home.

Lillard was even able to take road trips as a child because of a custom trailer that could accommodate the iron lung and her father making sure their hotels had wide enough doors for the machine.

EXPERIMENTAL VACCINE SHOWS PROMISE AGAINST DANGEROUS INTESTINAL ILLNESS

An iron lung is a negative-pressure ventilator that would help a patient with paralyzed lung muscles breathe.

The disease once caused thousands of cases of paralysis in children during outbreaks each year in the first part of the 20th century before a vaccine became available in 1955.

By 1979, polio was considered eliminated in the U.S.

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Later, Lillard was able to regain the use of her left arm and legs through therapy and was even able to drive for a time.

She lived independently for many years, even getting married earlier this year to a man from Egypt she corresponded with for two decades after he was able to obtain a visa.

"They were really soul mates," McVey said. "He's extremely brokenhearted."

Lillard, who wrote poetry and volunteered with the Humane Society, according to her sister, had just 25% lung capacity before she was diagnosed with COVID.

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She died of chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome, according to her death certificate.

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Her sister added that it was related to the effects of long-haul COVID.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Kristin Cavallari admits her kids fly coach while she sits in first class

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 20:52:51 -0400

Kristin Cavallari is admitting to the same parenting move that got another celebrity mom in trouble with her fans.

During a recent interview on the "Aspire with Emma Grede" podcast, the 39-year-old reality TV star shared that she doesn't give her children a free pass in life, and "if they want something, they have to work for it."

"I try to be very hyper-aware of that because they are growing up in a very fortunate situation, and I want them to know this is my money. This is not your money," she explained. "Something as small as they fly coach. I'm flying in first class. That was important to me when they became old enough."

She joked that now that they are old enough to where she can trust them not to fight while they're alone on the plane, it is easy for her to leave them and say, "Bye guys, have fun back there."

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Fans loved the idea of Cavallari enjoying a luxury flight on her own while her kids sat in economy, with one YouTube comment reading, "She's a real one for flying her kids coach while she is in first class haha."

Cavallari shares three kids with her ex-husband, Jay Cutler: sons Camden, 13, Jaxon, 12, and daughter Saylor, 10.

While on the podcast, "The Hills" star also spoke about her divorce from Cutler, who she was married to from 2013 to 2022, saying what gave her the "confidence to leave my marriage was the success of" her jewelry and skincare brand, Uncommon James.

"Which is interesting because if I didn't have Uncommon James, I could have taken half of his money, right? But because I had this company, there was a really large asset on our balance sheet.

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"I didn't get anything, which I'm so happy about now. But I don't get any money from my ex-husband. I had to give him half the value of Uncommon James in cash and properties and everything else. Yeah. Isn't that interesting?"

The "Very Cavallari" star's admission comes shortly after singer Jessica Simpson defended herself for sitting in first class with her mother but without her children and her then-husband, Eric Johnson.

Simpson's solo trip in first class became public knowledge after her ex-husband, Nick Lachey, who was also on the flight with Simpson, exposed her during an appearance on an episode of "Watch What Happens Live!" in May.

"I believe her kids and her — I’m not familiar with where they stand, but — her husband, maybe, were on the plane but not with us," he said, later confirming they were "in a separate class of service."

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When asked about her ex-husband's comments by paparazzi when at the airport later that month, Simpson clarified, "My mom bought those tickets. It was my mom’s treat for us to go to Hawaii."

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Simpson shares three kids with her estranged husband: Maxwell, 14, Ace, 12, and Birdie, 7.

England soccer manager goes viral for angry, combative interview after World Cup victory over Norway

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 20:47:43 -0400

England soccer manager Thomas Tuchel was not happy after his team punched their ticket to the World Cup semifinals on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Norway.

In Tuchel's postgame interview with Fox Sports, he lamented his team's mistakes and appeared combative with the interviewer.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

"The way we played, how we played, sloppy, lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough, we were lucky today," he said.

Tuchel then got into a heated back-and-forth with the interviewer over a question about the team's mindset, as he insisted the team's issue was not due to "mentality" but "quality."

"Overall, we got lucky today," he later repeated.

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England star Jude Bellingham scored in the third minute of extra time to lift England to the win.

Bellingham's goal was his second of the match after he also found the equalizer late in the first half. The Real Madrid star is now tied with England teammate Harry Kane for six goals in the tournament, trailing only France's Kylian Mbappé and Argentina's Lionel Messi, who have eight apiece.

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England will advance to the semifinals to play the winner of Argentina vs. Switzerland on Wednesday.