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US bases, ICE facilities targeted in Cuba-linked 24-hour activist mobilization plan

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:41:25 -0400

A new State Department report argues that Cuba has cultivated a network of American activist organizations that can be mobilized against U.S. policy, citing a publicly posted plan for protests at U.S. military bases, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities and federal buildings as a recent example.

The June "National Rapid Response Plan" was distributed by the National Network on Cuba, a U.S. coalition of more than 60 organizations. The State Department links the coalition to the Cuban government through its relationship with the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, or ICAP, a government entity sanctioned in June for allegedly supporting Cuban intelligence activities.

The plan calls for "coordinated nationwide actions" within 24 hours of a U.S. military attack — or the "imminent threat" of one — and says its goal is to make it "politically and materially costly for the U.S. government to wage war on Cuba."

The plan already has been made publicly available. The State Department report presents it as evidence of what it describes as a broader Cuban effort to cultivate and mobilize sympathetic organizations inside the U.S.

The National Network on Cuba's "materials reveal the continuing reach, coordination and sophistication of Cuba’s subversive capabilities on American territory," the State Department report claims.

TRUMP EXPANDS CUBA SANCTIONS BEYOND US COMPANIES IN MAJOR CRACKDOWN ON FOREIGN ENABLERS

The rapid-response plan calls for demonstrations and establishes a timeline for activating supporters nationwide. If U.S. military action begins before 3 p.m. Eastern time, demonstrations would start at 6 p.m. local time that day. If it begins later, activists would mobilize at 6 p.m. the following day.

Organizers are instructed to gather at federal buildings, courthouses and post offices; military bases and recruiting offices; or ICE detention centers and field offices. The plan also lists sports arenas during high-profile events as optional locations.

The State Department’s focus on the plan comes amid escalating U.S. pressure on Havana and discussion of possible military intervention or regime change. Trump has floated a "friendly takeover" of Cuba and, when asked in May about intervening, said "it looks like I’ll be the one that does it." Rubio has said the administration prefers diplomacy while leaving military action on the table.

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The plan says demonstrations at immigration facilities would "connect Cuba solidarity to anti-ICE/immigrant defense work happening nationwide."

It also directs activists to a Black Alliance for Peace database that the State Department report says maps 1,335 U.S. military and law-enforcement locations across the Western Hemisphere. The group describes the map as a basis for local organizing that can help activists "strategize how and where to organize and agitate."

The National Network on Cuba openly promotes the plan on its website as part of its "No War on Cuba" campaign, alongside calls for rallies, banner drops, caravans, teach-ins and other demonstrations.

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The State Department report portrays the plan as a modern example of Cuba’s broader effort to cultivate and mobilize sympathetic organizations inside the United States.

The National Network on Cuba represents more than 60 organizations and works closely with the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples. ICAP is led by Fernando González Llort, a former member of Cuba’s Wasp spy network, a Cuban intelligence ring that infiltrated exile organizations and gathered information about U.S. military facilities in South Florida during the 1990s, who served 15 years in a U.S. prison before returning to the island.

The report describes ICAP as the central hub of Cuba’s international influence operation, claiming it coordinates more than 2,000 solidarity organizations across more than 150 countries.

The Cuban embassy in Washington could not immediately be reached for comment.

The report focuses particular attention on six organizations spanning Cuban government outreach and American left-wing activism. ICAP is a Cuban government entity, while the National Network on Cuba is a U.S.-based coalition of more than 60 organizations advocating closer relations with Havana.

The other groups are U.S.-based: Code Pink is a left wing anti-war organization; the People’s Forum is a New York-based activist and political education center; the Democratic Socialists of America is a socialist political organization; and the National Lawyers Guild is a progressive legal association.

Code Pink, DSA and the National Lawyers Guild’s Cuba Committee are listed as members of the National Network on Cuba, alongside the Communist Party USA and dozens of smaller organizations.

The extent of each organization’s involvement in the rapid-response plan is unclear. The report argues that their overlapping relationships, delegations and campaigns give Cuba access to a broad American activist infrastructure.

The report says the Democratic Socialists of America has sent multiple delegations to Cuba, including a 2023 trip during which members met privately with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and sought to establish formal communication with Cuban ministries. It notes, however, that the Democratic Socialists of America was not created or controlled by Cuban intelligence, describing its support for Havana as primarily ideological.

The People’s Forum, meanwhile, is described as a major organizing hub connecting Cuba advocacy with anti-ICE and pro-Palestinian activism. The report says the organization has served as fiscal sponsor for the Venceremos Brigade, which has transported American activists to Cuba for decades, and has helped organize delegations that met with senior Cuban officials.

Code Pink and the National Lawyers Guild also have participated in Cuba delegations and campaigns opposing the U.S. embargo, according to the report. The National Lawyers Guild adopted a resolution in 2026 pledging to work with the National Network on Cuba and the broader Cuba solidarity movement.

The report does not announce sanctions or legal action against the U.S.-based organizations, and much of its underlying evidence comes from public records, organizational materials and previous reporting. Its central conclusion is that Cuba treats traditional espionage, political advocacy and ideological influence as parts of a single long-term campaign against the United States.

The administration has sharply expanded its pressure campaign in 2026: Trump signed an executive order in January allowing tariffs on imports from countries that supply oil to Cuba and followed in May with sanctions targeting foreign entities operating in or supporting key sectors of the Cuban economy, in addition to the longstanding U.S. trade embargo.

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Code Pink has separately come under federal scrutiny through an investigation into the financial network of Neville Roy Singham, the husband of Code Pink co-founder Jodie Evans and a major benefactor of the group. A federal grand jury in Manhattan is examining potential foreign-agent and tax violations involving Singham’s network.

Code Pink has not been publicly identified as a target of the investigation, and no charges have been filed.

The Treasury Department also has sought information from Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin about a March aid convoy to Cuba as officials examine potential sanctions violations. Code Pink has denied wrongdoing and said the delegation delivered humanitarian supplies amid worsening shortages on the island.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Cuban embassy in Washington, the National Network on Cuba, Code Pink, the Democratic Socialists of America and the National Lawyers Guild for comment.

Firestorm erupts online after Minnesota paper praises Tim Walz's clemency for child sex offender

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:34:55 -0400

Minnesota's flagship paper came under fire over the weekend after a columnist defended Democrat Gov. Tim Walz reasoning for pardoning an illegal immigrant just before the convicted child rapist was set to be deported.

"The Minnesota Star Tribune is cheering on Tim Walz protecting an illegal alien monster who raped a 10 year old girl. No one should read this depraved rag. They are sick," said House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., on X.

Minnesota's Board of Pardons is composed of Walz, state Attorney General Keith Ellison and state Chief Justice Natalie Hudson. They voted on June 10 to grant clemency to Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national who between 2002 and 2004 repeatedly raped a child. Lue was set to be deported from the United States before the clemency was issued.

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In a section of the column called "Cheers to Gov. Tim Walz," writer Rochelle Olson praised the governor and failed vice presidential candidate for his decision to defend the pardon.

"The governor refused to back down from his vote to pardon a Hmong man convicted of felony sexual assault in 2006. It’s significant that Tou Lue Vang needed only two of three votes from the state Board of Pardons, but he received unanimous support," the column states.

Olson did not mention that Vang's rape victim was a minor, or that Vang raped the child several times over the period of two years. She did reference a letter from the victim addressed to the pardon board supporting Vang's clemency.

A spokesperson for the paper told Fox News Digital, "The Minnesota Star Tribune regularly publishes a wide range of opinions across the political spectrum."

"In this case, our opinion columnist agreed with a unanimous pardon by the Minnesota state board of pardons, including Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson," they added.

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Olson launched into a tirade about Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol rioters in her column, likening their actions to that of the foreign child rapist.

"Vang’s actions 20 years ago were awful, but so were the violent protests at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and those folks received presidential pardons," the author wrote.

Author Dennis Neale slammed that comparison in a post on X, writing: "The Star Tribune likens repeatedly raping a 10-year-old girl to protesting in the Capitol on Jan 6. You fluppin’ idiots."

TIM WALZ OFFERS STRANGE DEFENSE FOR PARDONING CONVICTED CHILD RAPIST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DEPORTED

"Minnesota’s largest paper actually figured out a way to shove January 6th into this as a way to excuse an illegal immigrant who sexually assaulted a child," said another X personality. "One of the most insane things I’ve ever seen."

"The Minnesota Star Tribune just gave a 'Cheers' to Tim Walz for standing by his pardon of a convicted child rapist. Absolutely disgusting," said online commentator Dustin Grage.

"The degeneracy of the modern left would be impossible to exaggerate because it is impossible to exaggerate infinity," said Claremont Institute senior fellow Jeremy Carl.

Nick Freitas, another online personality, wrote, "Every time I think I despise the main stream media enough, they triple their efforts."

Walz's attempts to protect Vang — and his defense of the pardon — proved moot when on July 10, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the illegal alien had been deported to his native Laos.

"Just weeks ago, a foreign child rapist was freed to once again endanger America's children after receiving a pardon from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz," Rubio told Fox News Digital at the time. "Tue Lue Vang admitted to committing heinous crimes against a 10-year-old girl in Minnesota. He attempted to pay his victim for her silence and dismissed his acts of child abuse as a 'minor thing.'"

"Just days before he was scheduled to be deported, the Minnesota Governor pardoned him, setting him free to endanger American families once again," he continued.

"That's why I terminated his legal status in the United States. Vang has now been removed from our country and will never pose a threat to any American ever again."

Days after Vang's deportation, Walz doubled down on his decision to grant clemency.

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"Did that make us any safer?" Walz questioned. "Did that make the children that are left behind any more stable? Did it improve the idea that we can’t all be judged by our worst day?"

Woke language overhaul would strip the word 'inmate' from New York City's entire jail rulebook

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:29:27 -0400

The New York City Board of Correction is moving to scrub the word "inmate" from its jail regulations, replacing it with "person in custody" as part of a years-long effort rooted in the belief that incarceration should not define a person.

The latest proposal builds on a 2021 initiative that began removing the term "inmate" from the board's Minimum Standards after officials concluded people should not be defined by their incarceration.

"People in DOC custody are people first and the circumstance of their incarceration is not their defining feature," the board wrote in 2021. "Therefore, the Board has made a commitment to employ person-first language in its Standards and general communications going forward."

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As part of that commitment, the board began replacing references to "inmates" with terms including "people," "persons" and "individuals in custody." The latest proposal would extend those revisions to additional portions of the regulations.

The changes are reflected throughout the rulebook.

A section formerly titled "Classification of Prisoners," for example, was renamed "Classification of People in Custody," while numerous references to "prisoners" and "inmates" were rewritten. The regulations also define a "person in custody" as "any person confined in a facility."

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The proposal says the amendments are intended to continue the board's earlier work.

"In 2021, the Board made a commitment to employ person-first language in its Minimum Standards and communications by deleting references to 'inmates' in favor of person-first terms such as 'people in custody,'" the proposal states. "The Board proposes continuing this vital effort in Chapters 2 and 3."

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The city is not alone in moving away from the word "inmate."

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In 2022, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation replacing references to "inmate" throughout state law with "incarcerated individual."

The measure amended dozens of provisions across New York law to adopt the new terminology, though New York City instead chose the phrase "person in custody."

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The terminology debate has resurfaced as New York City's correction system has drawn renewed public attention following a FIFA World Cup semifinal watch party at Rikers Island attended by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

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During the event, Mamdani told attendees, "These are New Yorkers, and they will be New Yorkers when they get out of Rikers."

The city’s terminology changes do not alter jail operations, housing policies or disciplinary procedures.

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Instead, the board has characterized the revisions as an effort to modernize its regulations and ensure the language reflects its long-standing philosophy that people should not be defined solely by their incarceration.

Fox News Digital reached out to the New York City Board of Correction asking why it chose "person in custody" instead of "incarcerated individual," the term adopted by New York state, and whether the board received public feedback on the proposal.

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Requests for comment were also sent to the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, which represents New York City's correction officers, and the Vera Institute of Justice, a nonprofit criminal justice reform organization.

MTG pounces on Hegseth, claiming US troop casualties 'fuel' his 'bloodlust for a senseless war'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:20:43 -0400

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., accused War Secretary Pete Hegseth of "bloodlust" after the Pentagon chief posted about fallen U.S. service members amid the ongoing Iran war.

"Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve," Hegseth wrote on X when sharing a U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) post about the deaths of American troops in Jordan.

Greene shared Hegseth's post and wrote, "Sacrifice?? What the f--- are you talking about?? They did not willingly sacrifice themselves. They were killed because of the war you, Trump, and the admin, are waging on behalf of a FOREIGN COUNTRY, Israel. You mean their deaths fuel your bloodlust for a senseless war."

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Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and the War Department on Monday.

CENTCOM declared in part of a Saturday statement, "On July 17, two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks." The post also noted that a service member was missing.

US SERVICE MEMBER KILLED IN IRAQ AS TROOPS RECOVER UNIDENTIFIED REMAINS IN JORDAN: CENTCOM

"I’m praying for the families and friends of those two fallen soldiers and for the third missing soldier," Greene wrote in a Saturday post on X when sharing CENTCOM's announcement. "This should not be happening. President Trump needs to bring our troops home and stop this senseless America LAST war!!!"

In an update on Sunday, CENTCOM noted, "Yesterday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the passing of two U.S. service members and the missing status of one in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17. After a thorough search, U.S. military personnel found unidentified remains at the location earlier today. An examination process to verify the remains is ongoing."

The post stated: "Separately, a U.S. service member in northern Iraq was killed in action July 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. A second service member was wounded and continues to receive medical treatment for a minor injury."

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Greene and President Donald Trump had a falling out last year. In early January she departed Congress, resigning in the middle of a two-year term.

Sports cartoons of the day

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

FBI alleges suspect 'deployed an incendiary device outside' federal building

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:14:14 -0400

The FBI announced that a suspect was taken into custody after deploying an incendiary device outside a federal building in New York City on Monday morning.

It is not clear whether there were any injuries.

"This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza. The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident," the FBI said.

The New York Police Department said that there was a "found firearm" tied to the incident.

Video footage shows federal agents, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, on the scene.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for comment.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated

Fox News' Brendan McDonald contributed to this report

Meteorite that crashed into NJ home holds building blocks of life, scientists say

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:04:28 -0400

A meteorite that crashed through the roof of a New Jersey home two years ago contains some of the building blocks of life, scientists say — and is among the rarest space rocks ever recovered.

The meteorite fell in Hillsborough, New Jersey, on July 16, 2024, and is the subject of a recent study published in Science Advances on July 15 — just in time for its two-year anniversary on Earth.

The homeowner heard a "loud crash" at the time and found a hole in the ceiling that "covered the bed, carpet and surrounding areas," according to a release from the SETI Institute, a private research organization based in Mountain View, California.

ANCIENT ARTIFACTS FOUND BENEATH CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION AS ONE MYSTERY STILL STUMPS RESEARCHERS

"I smelled a strong sulfur-like odor and saw many black fragments," said the homeowner, in a comment originally given to the scientists and researchers at SETI and NASA.

No one was injured at the time, though the property was damaged.

"The meteorite had broken into many fragments, including dust, and a strong sulfur-like odor was present in the 122 air," said the report.

Researchers identified it as a rare intermediate CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite, one of only two witnessed meteorite falls of that subtype.

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"Our cameras in Northford, Connecticut, and Douglassville, Pennsylvania, as well as a doorbell camera in Wayne, New Jersey, captured the meteor, and from that we measured its trajectory.... The path traced back to low in the asteroid belt," said Mike Hankey, operations manager for the American Meteor Society, in a SETI Institute statement.

NASA said the meteorite preserves some of the oldest material in the solar system, recording chemical processes that occurred more than 4.5 billion years ago.

Fox News Digital reached out to NASA for additional comment.

In a July 15 release, NASA said an amateur astronomer quickly recognized that a freshly fallen meteorite had landed on his New Jersey property — then collected the fragments with gloves and stored them in aluminum foil and glass containers to preserve the samples.

That proved to be crucial to the research project. The rock is helping scientists "uncover new clues about ancient water, the chemical evolution of primitive asteroids, and the ingredients that may have helped make life possible throughout the early solar system," NASA said.

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The significant meteorite was dubbed the Hillsborough meteorite, and understanding its origins required "expertise from multiple scientific disciplines," added the agency.

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Danny Glavin, a senior scientist in the Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and a co-author of the study, said one of the biggest surprises was the complexity of the amino acids in the meteorite, as well as its organic compounds.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, while organic compounds are carbon-based molecules considered essential to life.

"It's just more proof that the chemical building blocks of life could have been delivered — and are still being delivered — to Earth today by these carbonaceous asteroid fragments," Glavin said in a release.

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Peter Jenniskens, meteor astronomer at both NASA's Ames Research Center and a study co-author, said that the team's analysis of the meteorite's trajectory, mineral composition and organic chemistry are helping scientists better understand primitive asteroids.

The research enables scientists to "build one of the clearest pictures yet of how primitive asteroids such as the asteroid Erigone evolved chemically over billions of years," he said.

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"When we have both a documented fireball and a quick recovery of its meteorite, we can learn not only what the rock is made of, but where it came from in the asteroid belt," added Jenniskens.

Zach Bryan surprises fans with unreleased acoustic performance of 'Walk Backwards' on YouTube

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:37:30 -0400

Zach Bryan gave fans an unexpected surprise over the weekend.

The "Something in the Orange" singer is one of the most famous artists in the country music world, and he's built a cult-like following in the genre.

He's one of the few singers who can sell out stadiums wherever he goes. Bryan's music often takes listeners on emotional roller coaster rides, and it appears he's, once again, cooking up something special.

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Zach Bryan Teases New Music

Bryan shared a new video Saturday on YouTube of him acoustically performing his new and unreleased song, "Walk Backwards."

It took no time at all for the video to start popping in the country music world. Whiskey Riff speculated it will be included on Bryan's upcoming EP, "Young Manhood And Other Donatable Organs."

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

COUNTRY MUSIC SENSATIONS TEAM UP FOR NEW SONG, SET INTERNET ON FIRE: WATCH

Zach Bryan's fans were quick to pop into the comments on YouTube with plenty of reactions. One wrote, "I love how no matter how famous Zach gets, we'll always have these videos with just Zach and a guitar... it's incredible."

Another added, "This EP is about to wreck us all."

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A third fan added, "Zach just cannot write a bad song, I believe we’re watching one of the greatest songwriters of all time, thank you Zach for your music!"

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It certainly appears Zach Bryan is going to cook with whatever is one the horizon with him, judging from his new song tease. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Warren defies Schumer as Dem civil war explodes over must-win Senate race

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:27:58 -0400

There’s a battle to shape the Democratic Party this fall, and two top Senate Democrats are taking different paths in their bids to put their mark on the process.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the duel for the Democratic Senate nomination in Michigan. It’s a break from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is backing Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich.

The diverging endorsements are emblematic of the fight going on behind the scenes and publicly in the Democratic Party as the old guard fights to stand its ground, while a progressive surge threatens to completely overtake the party.

DEMOCRATS' CIVIL WAR HEADS TO MICHIGAN WHERE PROGRESSIVES FACE BIGGEST TEST YET IN HIGH-STAKES SENATE SHOWDOWN

For example, Warren backed former Maine Senate Democratic nominee Graham Platner, while Schumer had courted and pushed Maine Gov. Janet Mills to get into the race.

And hours after Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., stumped for El-Sayed, Warren jumped into the fray.

In her endorsement video for El-Sayed on Monday, she noted that he was "the only candidate in this race not taking corporate money, and he's fighting to get money out of politics altogether."

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"And make no mistake," Warren said. "Abdul is the only candidate in this race who can build the grassroots movement needed to win in November. More money in your pocket, to get money out of politics and deliver ‘Medicare-for-all.’ Michigan, let's get this done."

Notably, Warren had previously endorsed Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, who dropped out of the race earlier this month. McMorrow was opposed to "Medicare-for-all," a key policy push of Warren’s.

And El-Sayed has made headlines, like Platner, for his old social media posts — particularly his pitch to "defund the police" as a means to reinvest tax dollars to prevent the purchase of "war materiel to wage war in our streets."

WATCH: SURFACED VIDEOS OF DEM SENATE CANDIDATE BACKING 'DEFUND THE POLICE' CONTRADICT RECENT DENIALS

Schumer took his time to go public with his endorsement in what was once a messy, three-way primary battle, first privately backing Stevens.

"I think she has the best chance to win," Schumer told Punchbowl News last month.

Stevens has clinched the backing of a handful of other Senate Democrats, including Sens. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Gary Peters, D-Mich., whose seat she’s eying to make her own.

El-Sayed has also amassed a list of heavy hitters, including Warren, Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.

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Neither candidate has committed to backing Schumer to stay as Democratic leader heading into next year’s new session of Congress. And so far, El-Sayed has not spoken with the Senate’s top Democrat.

Instead, he views his candidacy as "a threat" to Schumer and the old guard’s system.

He told Politico that Schumer and Democrats were worried about his plans to push for an end to corporate money entering politics, given that the top Senate Democrat’s "whole approach is that you get to go talk to the money people and then dole out their corporate money to help elect the people who are going to do the things that corporations want."

"So, of course, they’re freaking out," El-Sayed said. "They’re not freaking out because they think I’m going to lose. They’re freaking out because they think I’m going to win."

Amazon Leo satellite internet takes on Starlink

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:20:18 -0400

Amazon Leo satellite internet is getting closer to turning on service for customers. Amazon launched 29 more satellites into low Earth orbit on July 2, bringing its deployed total to 396 satellites, according to Amazon's latest mission update. That launch gives Amazon enough satellites for an initial service rollout later this year. However, the newest satellites still need to move into their assigned operating positions before they can support customers.

That is a big step for Amazon. It also shows how far Amazon still has to go. Starlink has been building its network since 2019 and already has a much larger satellite fleet, wider coverage and more paying customers. So, should Starlink be nervous? Maybe. Should you expect Amazon Leo to replace your home internet right away? Probably not yet.

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What is Amazon Leo satellite internet?

Amazon Leo is the new name for Project Kuiper, Amazon's low-Earth-orbit satellite internet network. Amazon says the goal is to deliver fast internet to customers and communities that lack reliable broadband. The name "Leo" comes from low Earth orbit. These satellites fly much closer to Earth than older satellite internet systems. That shorter distance can help reduce lag during video calls, streaming or online work.

Amazon says the network will use satellites, ground stations, fiber and customer antennas to connect people from space. The company also plans to offer different antennas for homes, businesses and other customers. In other words, Amazon wants Leo to become a serious internet option for places where cable, fiber or 5G home internet fall short.

Amazon Leo wraps Atlas V launches and moves to Vulcan

Amazon's July 2 mission was its 14th Leo launch. It was also the final launch in Amazon's Atlas V campaign with United Launch Alliance. Amazon says Atlas V launched 224 Leo satellites across eight missions with a 100% success rate. Now Amazon plans to move future ULA launches to the heavier Vulcan rocket, which can carry larger Leo payloads.

That change could help Amazon increase its deployment pace. Melissa Wuerl, Amazon Leo's director of launch systems, said the company has hundreds of flight-ready satellites waiting at Cape Canaveral. That detail stood out to me. Amazon may be late to the space internet race, but it clearly has hardware ready and a launch pipeline in motion.

Amazon Leo vs Starlink: where the race stands

Starlink still has the obvious lead. SpaceX started earlier, launched faster and already sells satellite internet in more than 150 countries, territories and markets, according to Starlink's availability map. Amazon Leo is at a very different stage. The company expects limited service later this year, with coverage and pricing still to come.

That means Starlink remains the more realistic choice if you need satellite internet today. Amazon Leo may become a stronger option later, especially if Amazon prices it aggressively or bundles it with business services. Still, I would not underestimate Amazon. The company has deep pockets, massive logistics experience and AWS, its cloud business, behind it. That combination could help Leo win customers in rural broadband, business connectivity, airlines and emergency backup systems.

Amazon Leo airline Wi-Fi plans

You may notice Amazon Leo on a plane before you see it on your roof. Amazon has already signed airline deals, including JetBlue and Delta. JetBlue plans to use Amazon's satellite technology to improve its free Fly-Fi service starting in 2027. Delta says Amazon Leo will roll out across hundreds of aircraft beginning in 2028, with an initial installation on 500 planes.

Amazon also introduced a commercial aviation antenna that it says can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps down and 400 Mbps up. A single antenna can connect a full aircraft for entertainment, work and crew operations. That could make airline Wi-Fi feel much less painful. If Amazon can deliver stable service at cruising altitude, travelers will notice fast.

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Amazon Leo direct-to-device phone service

Amazon also wants Leo to connect directly to phones and other cellular devices. That strategy became much bigger after Amazon announced plans to acquire Globalstar. Globalstar already supports satellite services used by Apple. Amazon says the deal will help Leo add direct-to-device services to future versions of its satellite network.

That could eventually help mobile carriers extend voice, text and data coverage beyond normal cell towers. Amazon also says its next-generation direct-to-device system will begin deploying in 2028. This could be very useful in dead zones, storms or emergencies. For now, though, treat satellite phone connectivity as backup coverage, not a full replacement for your carrier. If you want to prep your phone for emergencies now, check out this helpful guide on life-saving phone settings.

Why Amazon wants satellite internet customers

Satellite internet is becoming a much bigger business. Grand View Research estimates the global satellite internet market will grow from $13.3 billion in 2026 to $35.7 billion by 2033. That growth explains why Amazon wants in. Satellite internet can reach rural homes, farms, ships, planes, emergency teams and businesses that need backup connectivity.

Amazon also has a cloud advantage. Leo could connect directly with AWS services for companies that already rely on Amazon's cloud tools. That may give Amazon a stronger pitch for business customers than a regular home internet provider can offer. For everyday customers, the bigger benefit could be competition. Starlink, cable companies and 5G home internet providers may all have to work harder if Amazon becomes a serious broadband rival.

How to compare satellite internet before you switch

If Amazon Leo becomes available in your area, do not focus only on the name. Compare it the same way you would compare any internet service. Start with monthly price, equipment cost and installation needs. Then check download speed, upload speed, latency and data limits. You should also look at cancellation terms, customer support and whether the service works well in bad weather.

That last part is important. Satellite internet can be a lifesaver in places without reliable wired service. However, trees, storms and placement can affect performance. If you are already comparing providers, check out our article on how to get high speed internet at a discount rate. You can also review this breakdown of 5G home internet vs cable before you make a switch.

What this means to you

If you live in an area with poor internet choices, Amazon Leo could eventually give you more leverage. That alone is good news. Still, I would wait for Amazon to publish coverage maps, monthly pricing and real customer performance before getting too excited. A rocket launch is impressive, but your internet bill and actual speed at home matter more.

If you fly often, Leo may show up first as better in-flight Wi-Fi. JetBlue and Delta give Amazon a very public test. If the service feels fast and reliable in the air, that could build trust fast. For your phone, direct-to-device satellite service could become an emergency safety net. It may help when you are hiking, driving through a dead zone or stuck during a major outage.

At home, Amazon Leo could also push your current internet provider to improve. If you are dealing with slow speeds now, my tips on how to speed up your Wi-Fi and internet connection are a good place to start while Leo builds out.

JEFF BEZOS REPORTEDLY TOLD TRUMP THE WASHINGTON POST WAS HIS ‘WORST INVESTMENT’ BEFORE STAFF CUTS

Kurt's key takeaways

Amazon Leo has moved from an idea to a real satellite network with 396 satellites deployed, airline deals lined up and a direct-to-device phone strategy in the works. Still, Starlink has the lead today. It has more satellites, broader coverage and years of customer experience behind it. If you need satellite internet right now, Starlink is the one you can actually buy in many places. That said, I would not count Amazon out. Jeff Bezos knows how to enter a crowded market and make competitors sweat. If Amazon Leo forces better prices, faster service or more coverage, you could benefit even if you never put an Amazon antenna on your roof.

Would you trust Amazon to run your internet from space, or would you wait until Leo proves it can truly compete with Starlink? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Jena Sims attemps to split the 'G' before leaving England, Ray Lewis trains in MMA & my war with Verizon

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:12:42 -0400

It doesn't get much more dog days of summer than this morning across the U.S. The sun is out for another edition of Monday Screencaps, but there's smoke in the air and we get just two NFL teams opening their training camps this week.

Weekend observations to get the week rolling:

I spent nearly four hours Saturday trying to prevent Verizon from bending me over. We're in a transition period where it's time for Screencaps the III to get an Apple Watch as he starts to add events to his social resume. I'm not here for a philosophical debate on kids having devices. If we're sending him to houses where there aren't home phones, then we need a way to communicate. Anyway, we went to an authorized Verizon store to run some numbers. Big mistake. Sales guy gives us a number and our "Services & Perks" number jumped $70. "Why is this number so high?" I asked. Sales guy calls my bluff. "Don't worry about that number, worry about your monthly bill. See, it doesn't go up that much," he tells me without answering what services and perks I'm getting. I tell the kids we're leaving. Sales guy is stunned. STUNNED. We walk out. After getting home, I jump on the phone with Verizon. Richard is the guy's name. 90 minutes later, he cannot show me a statement saying my monthly per phone charge will go down to $45. "Trust me," he says. The document I want to see isn't loading, blah, blah, blah. I hang up. I will give Richard credit. He helped me figure out that I was being double-charged for Netflix, and he magically found some "deal" where he wanted to help us save $3 per month for 3 months on Screencaps Jr.'s Apple Watch. SMH. Let's try again. At this point, I was hoping for an Asian lady because I've had success with them in the past. Jana (sp?) answers. In about 25 minutes, we had a deal, the $45 per line adjustment document was in my inbox and Jana had herself a sale.
I learned this weekend that Verizon charges $68/mo. for its phone insurance policy and IMO it's a massive scam. Google Gemini alerted me that the $68 plan gets you some sort of customer service help desk, blah, blah, blah. I've had it with the constant fleecing.
My semi-exact statement to Mrs. Screencaps after multiple bad visits to Verizon stores over the past two years: "I will never step foot inside a Verizon store unless it's an absolute last-resort situation." You cannot change my mind. It's definitely not the same company I supported 20 years ago.
Is it me or is it a bad idea for Ray Lewis to be training to become a stone-cold MMA killer?

CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE IGNITES CROSS-BORDER FEUD OVER OTTAWA'S 'WILLFUL NEGLIGENCE'

Based on what I'm witnessing, Tom Brady has to be days away from securing a massive sack of cash from the WWE. That's the only explanation.
Outside of Bryson, that has to go down as one of the most-forgettable British Opens in Open history. I need these guys getting battered by rain in Scotland. Hopefully Rory enjoys his summer vacation.
Thank you to Jena Sims and her girlfriend for having fun and doing guy things in a Liverpool pub. At 37, Jena is that cool, hot mom every group needs. She drinks. She doesn't seem to care if her husband, Brooksie, goes off for 5-day golf benders with the boys. She probably curses like a sailor. She isn't afraid to chug Guinness for TikTok.

As I've written multiple times, it's at this age where too many Gen Xers decided to turn into yoga experts and pray to some butterfly goddess, especially during the COVID era. From what I'm seeing, Millennial women around Jena's age aren't going down that path and it's great to see.

I'm told the Tour de France is about to get real this week. I'm ready for it. Give me guys struggling to survive as they crank up some 14,000-foot mountain. I want to feel the pain and struggle as I sit in the man cave under a blanket at 9 p.m. this week.

What's the dumbest road sign you've ever seen?

– Phil S. in Florida emails: What’s the stupidest road sign anyone has seen? I'm aware of the "man opening an umbrella" from the UK. I have 3. I originally thought of this passing a sign in my neighborhood that kills me a little inside. "Narrow Bridge".

Down here in Florida it’s harder to get a DUI in a golf cart, so a lot of people have them, I also live by a golf course too. My problem is the kart path along the road has 3 or so feet of grass between it and the road, then suddenly the grass narrows and is eventually gone before going over the bridge and everything is squeezed together.

Then it widens again on the other side. Why not just build a wider bridge? It’s only 1 lane each way. These drunk retirees won’t question the $1.35 it cost each of them in cement and asphalt. I imagine a Ford Expedition and a Chevy Suburban meeting here in opposite directions is probably like passing on Bolivia’s death road.

The second is from my home town in Illinois, just around the corner from the house I mostly grew up in. There was a big field behind the house with a playground, along the road each way were signs depicting kids on a seesaw. I always looked at it and thought "beware seesawers" like they were going to seesaw into the street. I think the old "Watch for children" sign would’ve worked just fine… I guess Illinois had to spend all that tax money on something, like a stupid sign.

Last, having traveled and lived in many parts of this great country is a common sign in the southwest along highways in AZ UT CO. "Falling rock". Just 1 rock? How long has it been falling? Can we put a net up to catch it? This single rock seems to be a random hazard, not something that requires a road sign making me now pay attention to the cliff face on my right while navigating the steepest slope I’ve ever driven down while also behind a semi that keeps downshifting as I try not to ride my breaks down to bare metal or die from any of the many ways presented.

What’s the most pointless road sign you’ve seen?

Kirk B. in Duluth wants credit for some of that wildfire smoke

– He writes: Well and here we go again slamming Canada for all the bad forest fires & smoke conditions........but this started in the BWCA in northern & north & eastern Minnesota these fires started because of a lightning strike a couple of weeks ago and has spread to 15 individual fires burning in north & eastern Minnesota now it has jumped the border and other fires already

I live 2 1/2 - 3 hours south of the fires in Duluth Minnesota & we went through almost three days of real bad days of smoke to the ground worse than when it gets dark gloomy and foggy during the day and people complain about how bad it's been they should be just a few hours from the fires we have been warned that it's not over with the bad forest fire smoke for the future and to expect more days before it'll get better

It might be time for me to post a pool rules sign

– Joey in Pekin, IL has one that has one that has served him well over the years: Great topics as always! I'm a little late to this one but you've brought me off the sidelines with your pool conundrum. Attached is the sign for our pool. A little weathered now, but it's done the job with the first 2 kids, and the 3rd is almost 17, without any major claims. That's success if you ask me!

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That's it this morning as we head deep into July. Keep in mind the Cardinals and Panthers report to camp on Wednesday. We just have to hold on. Football will be here before you know it. Buckle down. Clean out the garage. Go golfing. Stay busy.

Let's get after it.

Numbers from:

Stuff You Guys Sent In & Stuff I Like:

NASCAR's throwback weekend included a shocking nod to religion, Brexton Busch emotional win & fighting words?

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:01:59 -0400

It took three decades, but North Wilkesboro came back to life this weekend for actual points-paying NASCAR races.

You wanna see what the Cup field look like the last time they raced there?

Jeff Gordon beat Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jarrett, Jeff Burton and Terry Labonte on Sept. 29, 1996. Lordy. What a top-five!

With all due respect to today's NASCAR, these fellas ain't touching those guys.

DALE EARNHARDT JR. BROUGHT NASCAR BACK TO LIFE 25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEKEND, BUT THE PAIN IS BACK

Not now, not tomorrow, not ever. A better time. A simpler time.

That being said, Joey Logano came close Sunday night, leading 323 of the 450 laps and holding off Denny Hamlin to win for the first time in well over a year.

That's right. Joey Logano — a three-time NASCAR champ — had somehow gone over a year between Cup wins. In fact, he'd barely led a lap before Sunday night at North Wilkesboro.

Did it make the race boring? Eh. A little. But that's less on Joey, and more on NASCAR for this terrible short-track product. Thanks, Next Gen car!

What else y'all wanna talk about today? How about the faith in and around the track all weekend long? Seriously. I know NASCAR is the only sport left that really acknowledges God (Lord knows it ain't the WNBA!), but it was kicked up a notch at North Wilkesboro.

What an invocation! And what a Truck Series sponsor! You'll see.

I've also got Brexton Busch winning on Friday for the first time since his dad died in May, and buddy, it was a surreal site. He even did the signature bow. Incredible.

OK, four tires, enough Sunoco racing fuel to get us to Indy, and maybe some communion for anyone who missed this weekend's service at at North Wilkesboro ... Monday Morning Pit-Stop — the 'NASCAR Goes Back In Time' edition — is LIVE!

NASCAR goes back to its roots in more ways than one

Look, Joey Logano absolutely dominated this race. At one point, there were, like, four cars on the lead lap. Chase Elliott, William Byron and Kyle Larson all got caught a lap down early thanks to just a horribly-timed caution, and they never recovered.

I believe we finished this one with a total of six cars on the lead lap. Six! That's almost unheard of in today's NASCAR.

But this was a typical North Wilkesboro race. They used to average about 13 cars on the lead lap back in the day, and that's pretty much what we got last night.

To me, though, this was a successful weekend for NASCAR — for a couple different reasons.

North Wilkesboro deserved to be revived, and the fans didn't disappoint. Look at this crowd:

We've seen some rough-looking crowds this season (looking at you, Bristol), but not this weekend. Not at North Wilkesboro. They waited 30 years for a real race, and they weren't going to miss it.

The whole weekend felt like a NASCAR throwback to me. The Winston Cup signage still up at the track. The manual scoring pylons. The racing itself. NASCAR needs more of this, and less of the Mexico City nonsense we saw last year, or the Chicago Street nonsense we saw the year before.

Go where you belong. Go where you are wanted. Go where you are appreciated. Quit trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

Speaking of going back to its roots, did anyone else here notice NASCAR really leaning into religion this weekend? For starters, Saturday's Truck race was called the "FaithFest 250" and the logos around the track all came with "Jesus is Lord" at the bottom:

Lordy. The Libs must've been just fuming after that. Angel Reese spent all weekend accusing some liberal Australian coach of being racist, while NASCAR was running the FaithFest Jesus is Lord 250.

Choose your fighter(s), America.

Speaking of this weekend's North Wilkesboro sermon, how about the invocation before Sunday night's Cup race? This might've been one of the better ones we've had in a while:

Brexton Busch, IndyCar vs NASCAR & cleaning the mailbox

"I want to proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God."

Again, you ain't getting that sort of content out of the WNBA! I dump on NASCAR a lot, mainly because I like to keep them honest and someone has to hold their you-know-what to the fire.

But, credit where it's due ... this felt like a throwback weekend in more ways than one. Remember how miserable this series was six years right now? In that absolutely insufferable summer of 2020.

"The Summer of George!"

We've come a long way. NASCAR appears to be righting the ship. This was another good step.

OK, couple quickies on the way out. First? Brexton Busch won for the first time since his dad, Kyle Busch, died two months ago, and it was quite a scene at Port City Raceway in Oklahoma:

Goodness. Samantha Busch also wrote about the win on her Instagram, posting a video of Brexton's bow with the caption: "Your bow. Your legacy. Our boy."

Quick reminder: Kyle's No. 8 RCR Chevy is being parked until Brexton wants it when he's eligible. Seems like he's on track for it.

Next? Let's clean out the inbox on the way out. It's almost August, you know?

From Bob (not Pockrass, sadly):

NASCAR needs to alternate between North Wilkesboro and Atlanta every other week; screw the other tracks.

Thanks, Bob! I wouldn't mind that, although I would miss the $9 Busch Light drafts at Daytona twice a year. One more month! Can't wait.

Speaking of those other races ... from Bill C:

As a long-time NASCAR fanatic, I now watch only the O'Reilly races (Saturday). They are exciting, with a lot of good and interesting drivers who are easy to root for. Since Kevin Harvick stopped racing, the "other" race has not attracted me. O'Reilly races are fun, interesting, and exciting. As far as I'm concerned it is the only car race in town and the drivers are more human and accessible.

Thanks, Bill! O'Reilly (Busch) Series races have exploded in popularity over the past year, mainly because the car isn't the absolute piece of crap the new Cup cars are. It lends to much better racing. No argument here.

That being said, I'm not sure a world exists where I'm watching an O'Reilly race over a Cup one. That's a sort of commitment that I don't have.

As for Cup races being boring ... that leads me nicely into these ... questionable ... comments from IndyCar driver Scott Dixon:

"I find it really hard to watch a Cup race these days ... it allows for a good nap."

NASCAR fans are livid at Scott today, which is fair. In no way, shape or form should an INDYCAR driver be lecturing NASCAR on the excitement level of races. That's the pot calling the kettle black.

That being said, Scott, I believe, was referring more to the length of NASCAR Cup Series races nowadays. In that vein, he is 100% right.

They are far too long, including Sunday night's race at North Wilkesboro.

Thoughts, NASCAR fans? Let me know!

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Until then ... See y'all at Indy.

Here's truck series driver Toni Breidinger dominating the ESPYs to hold everyone over:

Sen Mark Warner called out in ABC interview for inaccurate voter ID claims

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:11:13 -0400

ABC News host Jonathan Karl challenged Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., on Sunday over whether Virginia requires photo identification to vote as the pair debated Democratic opposition to the SAVE America Act.

Karl began the exchange by asking Warner whether his party should support national photo identification requirements for voter registration and voting, citing broad bipartisan public support for the policy.

"Now, I understand that you and I think every other Democrat opposed this so-called SAVE America Act. And there's a lot of reasons that you've put forward. But let me ask you very narrowly on the issue of photo ID, requiring photo ID to register to vote, to vote. Is this something that Democrats should get behind?" Karl asked on "This Week."

SENATE FACES 'COME-TO-JESUS' MOMENT ON TRUMP'S ELECTION PRIORITY UNDER GOP'S NEW PLAN

Karl then cited statistics on support for the SAVE America Act and Warner pointed to the rules in his home state and began describing his own experience before the ABC News host interrupted him.

"You know what? In Virginia, we have voter ID and photo ID," Warner said.

"That's actually not the case," Karl said. "I mean, I'm a Virginia voter. You don't need to show a photo ID in Virginia. There are wide range of things you can show for ID, and if you don't show one of those, you can sign an affidavit saying, attesting-"

"You can sign an affidavit," Warner said.

Karl said an affidavit was not required.

"Those become ballots that, if you want to contest later, can be contested. But… we have voter ID of one form or another," Warner said.

TONY DOKOUPIL CLASHES WITH MARK WARNER AFTER THE SENATOR RIPPED CBS FOR AIRING TRUMP SPEECH ‘AS NEWS’

Under Virginia law, election officers must ask in-person voters for identification, but acceptable forms include voter confirmation documents, utility bills, bank statements, government checks and paychecks, which do not need to include a photograph. A voter without acceptable identification can sign an ID Confirmation Statement under felony penalties and cast a regular ballot. Voters who provide neither must cast a provisional ballot.

Virginia's voter registration application required applicants to affirm their citizenship and provide a Social Security number if they have one but does not require photo identification.

When Karl asked whether identification should become a national standard, Warner said he could support government-issued identification if the approved documents were applied uniformly, but argued that the broader legislation would restrict voting.

WATCH: ELISSA SLOTKIN SAYS SAVE AMERICA ACT WOULD MAKE IT 'HARD FOR ANY DEMOCRAT' TO WIN AN ELECTION

"If you can show any photo that is government stamped, would be fine," Warner said. "If you’re going to have a set of IDs, let’s have it across the board as long as it comes from some official point, but this is not about voter ID. The Save Act is about voter disenfranchisement."

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A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 83% of Americans favored requiring government-issued photo identification to vote, including 71% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents and 95% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.

The SAVE America Act would require documentary proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, eligible photo identification before voting and states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls. The House initially passed it 218-213 in February, with Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, joining Republicans.

Andy Burnham takes over as UK prime minister, calls for 'new political model'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:11:07 -0400

New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham assumed power Monday morning, vowing to move authority away from London as his new government confronts economic strain, political instability and potential friction with Washington.

"We will change politics, to make it more collaborative, more about problem-solving than point scoring," Burnham said outside 10 Downing Street. "And we will take power out of here and carry it into every postcode in the land, so that they can do more.

"And, in doing more, build a new economy where we put life's essentials back under stronger public control to make them affordable to you again – reindustrializing Britain, using public procurement to back British industry."

Burnham, 56, was greeted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, London, on Monday before his swearing-in and first remarks. King Charles formally requested that Burnham form a new administration, and Burnham accepted.

WHO IS ANDY BURNHAM? THE TRUMP CRITIC SET TO BECOME THE UK'S NEXT PRIME MINISTER

"I have just come from Buckingham Palace, where I have accepted His Majesty the King's invitation to form a government," Burnham's brief introduction began. "And in doing so, I am acutely conscious that I am the sixth person in the last 10 years to walk up this street – the seventh prime minister since 2016, making this a moment for reflection and new resolution.

"It requires my generation of politicians to raise our game and rise to the new challenge. Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again, and that is our challenge to make politics work, to make it work better," he said.

"I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you and I want to be honest with you: We have not been good enough, and we need to be better. We will be."

Burnham called for sweeping political and economic changes.

UK PM ANDY BURNHAM REJECTS THATCHER-ERA POLICIES, SIGNALS LEFTWARD SHIFT

"We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last 40 years," he said. "A new political model and a new economic model.

"In the 1980s, Britain took some wrong turns. Political power was centralized, economic power privatized, large parts of the country deindustrialized, and they still haven't recovered.

"Many feel as though they're still in decline, and they don't have the ability to turn things around."

Burnham vowed to "bring forward a new plan for Britain."

"A 10-year plan, laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be – wherever we're coming from, whatever party we support," he said. "But I can do something to give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living. And I will set out some of those measures starting tomorrow, including how we pay for them.

"We will help more young people into work by changing the education system and giving them more support, more mental health support, and we will build more council homes. That is the fair and sustainable way to bring the welfare bill down to meet our fiscal rules and to honor our commitments on defense to our international partners."

ANDY BURNHAM ELECTED LABOUR LEADER, SET TO BECOME UK PRIME MINISTER

His first order of business in office will be "to end rough sleeping in our country."

"It's about putting the right values and the right standards at the heart of government," he concluded. "I will put the care of people at the heart of everything I do.

"I will give this my all and I ask you all to pull with me. Let's build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose and positivity. Let us make this the moment when Britain starts to believe again, the moment we bring back hope. Thank you very much, everybody."

Outgoing Keir Starmer officially submitted his resignation and passed "the baton" in remarks outside 10 Downing Street.

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER FACES POTENTIAL LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE FROM NEWLY-ELECTED ANDY BURNHAM

"As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success," Starmer said. "He has my full support.

"For all the focus on individuals, politics will always be a team sport and the changes we have delivered for our country and our party belong to everyone who has fought for them. I thank them again today, and I thank the British people for the opportunity to serve.

"I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved."

STARMER IN 'SEISMIC' CRISIS, UK DEFENSE CHIEF QUITS BEFORE HIGH-STAKES TRUMP NATO SUMMIT

Burnham's relationship with Washington could provide an early foreign-policy test. He has repeatedly criticized Trump, comparing the instability surrounding the president’s return to office with the turmoil under former British Prime Minister Liz Truss and warning against importing what he called America’s polarized political culture.

He has maintained that the U.S.-U.K. relationship remains important, though, pledging continuity on NATO, Britain’s nuclear deterrent and support for Ukraine.

Trump previously dismissed Burnham as the former "mayor of a town" and said he had heard the incoming British leader was "extremely liberal." Reform UK has also challenged Burnham’s mandate, arguing that he should call a general election after reaching Downing Street without facing either a competitive Labor leadership contest or a nationwide vote.

KEIR STARMER REPORTEDLY CONSIDERING STEPPING DOWN AS PM AND COULD ANNOUNCE TIMETABLE FOR DEPARTURE

Burnham succeeds Starmer after becoming Labor leader unopposed Friday. He enters office without a new national vote under Britain’s parliamentary system, which allows the governing party to change leaders midterm. The next general election is not required until 2029, though Burnham could call one earlier.

At the center of his agenda is what he calls "Manchesterism" — an effort to give cities and regions greater authority over transportation, housing, infrastructure and economic development. He has paired that approach with what he describes as "business-friendly socialism," combining greater public control of essential services with cooperation between government and private industry.

Burnham's arrival at Downing Street caps a decade-long political comeback. After losing his second Labor leadership contest in 2015, Burnham left national politics and built a new power base in Greater Manchester, where nine years as mayor earned him the nickname "King of the North" and a reputation as an effective communicator willing to challenge the government in London.

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"I will work to build a new politics; the country is crying out for it," he said Friday. "People are looking for us to deliver, and we will."

Reuters and Fox News' Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.

Hayden Panettiere defends giving up custody of her daughter despite intense 'emotional pain'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:19 -0400

Hayden Panettiere is opening up about what she calls the most painful decision she's ever made as a mother.

In her memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," the "Nashville" alum opens up about why she gave full custody of her daughter, Kaya, to her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko. Panettiere reveals that her 11-year-old daughter has lived with her father since 2018.

"I just knew that if I wanted to... I knew how bad a place I was in," the actress told Fox News Digital. "I hid it from my daughter as much as I could."

HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS FILMING ‘NASHVILLE’ WAS LIKE LIVING THROUGH ADDICTION TWICE

"When I saw her in the environment over there (in Europe) and the support system that she had, I said to myself, 'If I fight, if I go to war about this, it's going to permanently damage my child. It's going to be incredibly public. She's got two very famous parents, and it's going to be ugly.'"

"I said, 'You know what? Let her grow up here,'" she said. "I will travel here as much as I can. I know she's safe. I know she's well taken care of — beyond well taken care of. She has an incredible life. And I also knew that there would be a day when she would come back to me."

"I tried to numb myself," the 36-year-old admitted. "It was very hard to wrap my mind around the pain, the emotional pain of that. But you keep putting one foot in front of the other somehow."

WATCH: HAYDEN PANETTIERE EXPLAINS THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGES OF MAKING NEW THRILLER ‘SLEEPWALKER’

In the book, Panettiere wrote that not being under the same roof as Kaya has been "the most gut-wrenching experience of my life."

"... I grieve that I'm not the mother I thought I'd be and definitely not the mother I want to be (trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime), and although I miss Kaya so much, my heart aches, I know how blessed I am to be her mom."

Panettiere reflected on filming "Nashville" while navigating a difficult pregnancy, which was ultimately written into her character Juliette Barnes' storyline.

Panettiere's pregnancy was marked by a series of frightening health scares. She described how doctors spotted concerning abnormalities during prenatal scans and warned that Kaya might have microcephaly. The actress sought solace in Hawaii, a place she has long considered a refuge.

While she was there, Klitschko shared a Ukrainian tradition for good luck, urging her to kneel before a tree, hold onto it and "thank God for everything He has given you and pray for what you need."

Weeks later, Panettiere endured a life-threatening delivery. During her C-section, doctors called a "code crimson" after her blood wouldn't clot and her uterus became infected. She underwent three hours of emergency surgery.

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"I almost passed away while having my daughter," Panettiere told Fox News Digital. "I had seven blood transfusions. I didn't know if I was going to make it."

During her recovery, Panettiere struggled to bond with her daughter.

"You hear these stories from your friends about their experiences, and they're so positive," she said. "They also tell you about 'the baby blues.' At first, I thought, 'I just have the baby blues.' But it just kept going and going, deeper and deeper, worse and worse. And the doctors wouldn't even diagnose me with anything. My way of trying to cope with it was drinking because of the anxiety and the inability to sleep."

"You are just discontent and unhappy all the time," Panettiere said. "You just feel like it's really dark. It doesn't make rational sense. It's not logical. And yet, you're trying to make sense of it. But when it's going on for 10 months afterward, you're like, there's something seriously wrong."

In the memoir, Panettiere recalled enduring "long days of nothingness stretching before me" as anxiety took over, becoming "the hulking monster that sits in your chest and erases your confidence and motivation." Despite having "everything I've ever wanted," she remained deeply "unhappy."

She self-medicated with alcohol. The actress entered treatment for the first time when Kaya was 4 months old after realizing her drinking had spiraled out of control.

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"When you wake up in the morning and the first thing you're thinking about is having a drink, it's a problem," Panettiere said.

Panettiere realized she needed treatment.

"I just knew that I had to get help, do it for myself. I knew I was no good in the condition that I was in. I did everything that I could, and I came out sober, but I was still struggling with postpartum. But I was the one who asked to go to treatment."

Panettiere said she reached a breaking point and realized she needed professional help after alcohol became her way of coping with persistent postpartum depression following childbirth.

"I talked to my daughter's father about it, and I was like, 'I need help, professional help. I need somebody to fix me because this depression for the rest of my... is it ever going to go away? Is this the new normal? Am I going to have to just understand that I'm going to always be depressed for the rest of my life?' So when I went to treatment, it was me going, 'I'm at my breaking point. I need intervention. I need professionals. I need somebody to guide me through this.'"

In the book, Panettiere wrote that in 2015, the anxiety "crept back in, then overtook me," buzzing "like a fluorescent light, keeping me reactive, on edge and full of dread." She became reliant on prescription medication to help her cope.

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As Panettiere continued battling addiction and mental health challenges, her relationship with Klitschko unraveled. In 2018, he presented her with papers seeking full custody of Kaya, telling her, "I want full custody. I worry about Kaya when she's with you."

Panettiere defended herself, insisting their daughter was always surrounded by loving caregivers and that she had "never been drunk and alone with Kaya" while she was in her care. Even so, she ultimately chose not to contest the custody arrangement, writing that she believed it was the best decision for Kaya while she worked to rebuild her life.

"I was mortified when I saw stories like 'Hayden Panettiere gave up her daughter,'" she said.

"I was heartbroken. It's not like I live for other people's opinions of me, but I'm also a human being. Everyone wants to be understood. And I had to tell myself every day that she's in an amazing environment. She's learning different languages. She's passionate about horseback riding. She has friends, she has a great support system."

"I felt like I made the right call," she reflected. "I've seen who she is and she's an incredible human being. Something must have gone right."

Panettiere wrote that she has an "incredibly strong" bond with Kaya.

HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS GROWING UP IN HOLLYWOOD MADE HER ‘VERY PROTECTIVE’ OF KIDS ON SET

"I travel a lot to Europe, and I spend a lot of time on FaceTime with her," she explained. "And Wlad and I have a good relationship. We made a promise to each other that we would never say a bad word about each other to our child. That was something that I grew up with. And we've stuck to that."

"She's 11 now, so time is flying," Panettiere said. "I feel like she's becoming more and more curious about me, my life and who I am. We're so similar. She is me. I understand her in a way that nobody else can."

Today, Panettiere said she's doing "great" and hopes sharing her story will encourage other mothers suffering in silence to seek help.

"I feel connected to myself," she said. "I feel like I'm taking good care of myself, checking in with myself. And I have a laundry list of things I would love to accomplish and create. I feel more connected with myself than I ever have before."

Flight passenger blasts 'incompetent parents' after unruly child forces plane delay

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:06 -0400

A flight delay due to an unruly toddler aboard a plane has sparked online debate about how airlines and passengers should react when midair mayhem occurs.

An unhappy passenger took to Reddit recently to express dismay about a one-hour flight delay because of an uncontrollable toddler on a flight in Sweden.

"When the crew were preparing for takeoff, a 3-year-old child couldn't be made to sit in his seat," the person wrote.

'GET OFF THE PLANE,' DELTA PASSENGERS CHANT AT FLYER WHO REFUSES TO HANG UP PHONE

After "much screaming from the child," the parents were reportedly asked to deplane with the toddler.

The flight was delayed further as the crew removed the family's luggage and prepared the aircraft for takeoff again, the original poster said.

"We just want to get home... and [these] incompetent parents make us late, make people miss connections, cause delays for the airplane and crew, etc.," the Reddit user continued.

"I would seriously pay extra to go on adult-only flights," the poster added.

FLIGHT ATTENDANTS BEG TRAVELERS TO STOP DOING THE ONE THING THAT ANNOYS CREWS MOST

Experts weighed in on the viral debate.

When it comes to disorderly tots, the safety of the passengers is the crew’s main concern, said Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert based in San Antonio and founder of The Protocol School of Texas.

The airline likely had no choice but to delay the flight, said Gottsman, noting that the ability of airlines to resolve an issue quickly is essential.

Parents should plan ahead when traveling with toddlers, said Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing."

"Be ready with snacks. Pack more activities than you think you'll need. Buy extra space if you can," he advised.

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He also suggested easing screen-time limits during travel.

"Other passengers mostly get it if a baby cries, as long as you’re obviously trying [to address the issue by] feeding, walking, soothing, rotating toys and adjusting seats," he said.

Frustrated flyers should speak with the flight attendant, not the parents, said Leff.

"As heightened as things may already be, adding your own confrontation could make things worse," he said.

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Several social media users said they've experienced similar situations with air travel and felt sympathetic about the issue.

"I had [a] child like this, and we just didn't travel for almost 10 years," a Reddit user said.

"My kid causing disruption to an entire plane would be my worst nightmare," the commenter added.

"I understand it's annoying and frustrating, but this is a small snippet of that child's behavior, and we have no way of knowing if it is the norm," another user said.

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"A 3-year-old melting down isn’t a customer service issue. You can just ‘manage’ into silence," yet another person said.

Not all air travelers were as understanding, however.

"That’s not a kid problem, that’s a parent problem," read one heavily upvoted Reddit comment.

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Another Reddit user agreed, saying, "Don't take your toddlers flying if you can't get them to behave."

World Cup brawl sees Argentina player putting hand on throat of Spain opponent after match

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:42:56 -0400

Spain’s exciting FIFA World Cup victory over Argentina in extra time was marred by a post-match brawl that included Leandro Paredes and Eric García.

The aggressive tackling and chippyness from the Argentinian side led to a confrontation between the two squads. Paredes was seen coming over to a post-match fracas between players from the two nations and putting his hand on the throat of García.

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Paredes was issued a red card after the whistle and was sent off. He was also given a yellow card during the match for a hard tackle shortly after coming into the match.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was held back by a Spain player while he shouted at someone. Nicolas Otamendi exchanged words with several Spanish players, including Rodri.

"We are gracious in victory, and we must be so in defeat," Scaloni said, via ESPN. "We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were stretched thin coming into this, but giving it your all, like they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country.

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"You lose, and you have to pick yourself up again."

BBC’s Joe Hart ripped Argentina over the brawl.

"There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players," he said, via Goal.com. "The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behavior."

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Ferran Torres scored the go-ahead goal for Spain in extra time, giving them a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WTA adopts SRY gene testing to protect fair competition in women's professional tennis

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:15:59 -0400

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has just become the latest sports organization to require players to take a genetic test to establish their eligibility to compete in the women’s category.

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The WTA’s updated women’s eligibility policy requires players to undergo a one-time screening for the SRY gene, which is found on the Y chromosome and is involved in male-typical sex development. Testing can be completed through a simple cheek swab, blood test or saliva sample.

Players who test negative for the SRY gene will be immediately eligible to compete on the WTA Tour. A positive result will prompt further medical assessment before a player can be cleared.

Players must also sign documentation acknowledging that refusing to undergo testing could result in disciplinary action.

"The WTA’s women’s eligibility policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women’s professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments," the official policy states.

The WTA said the policy was approved following consultation with its members and a review of evolving eligibility standards throughout international women’s sports.

The previous policy, last updated in 2024, permitted transgender-identifying males to compete with women if they maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least two years. There are no known males currently competing on the WTA Tour.

"The WTA recognises that this is a sensitive and complex issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity and implementing the policy in a respectful and thoughtful way," the governing body said.

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA SAYS BILLIE JEAN KING’S TRANS-ATHLETE STANCE ‘DOESN’T SQUARE’ WITH HER OWN WORDS

The WTA joins a growing number of athletic organizations, including World Athletics and World Boxing, in implementing mandatory SRY gene testing for athletes seeking to compete in the women’s category.

The International Olympic Committee has also announced plans to use sex testing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova praised the WTA’s decision as a "step in the right direction" on Sunday.

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"I played no part in this particular policy, but am very happy that we at the WTA are clear that we are a women’s association and only women, as in females, can compete at the highest level of women’s tennis," Navratilova wrote on X.

The new policy goes into effect on Tuesday.

FBI boss details how agency secured record-shattering FIFA World Cup and more top headlines

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:11:59 -0400

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

TOP 3

1. FBI boss details how agency secured record-shattering FIFA World Cup

2. US launches new wave of strikes against Iran for ninth straight night

3. NORAD responds after multiple aircraft fly into restricted skies

MAJOR HEADLINES

MIDNIGHT MAYHEM — 10 wounded as mass shooting rocks packed downtown Tucson district. Continue reading …

SECOND LOOK — FDA reverses course on potential cause of Cyclospora outbreak after new testing. Continue reading …

PARTY PIVOT — Progressive surges toward a crucial Senate midterm showdown that could flip the majority. Continue reading …

PAST CATCHES UP — Man’s anonymous confession exposes alleged murder hidden for 33 years. Continue reading …

'IMMEDIATELY' — Former counterterrorism chief who quit over Iran war urges US withdrawal from region. Continue reading …

POLITICS

'CROSSED THAT LINE' — Anti-ICE walkout exposes how school district 'failed' parents, risked student safety. Continue reading …

CALLING FOR PROBE — Hawley asks DOJ to investigate organization over abortion-pill shipments. Continue reading …

GROWING FAMILY — JD Vance and wife Usha announce birth of fourth child, share baby boy’s name. Continue reading …

DRAWL OUT — AOC accused of 'going full Kamala' with what critics called a fake accent at rally. Continue reading …

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MEDIA

'MASSIVE' — Hunter Biden blasts Merrick Garland's DOJ the 'greatest mistake' under Biden. Continue reading …

NOT PULLING PUNCHES — Bill Maher says Trump feels 'betrayed' over feud after cordial 2025 dinner. Continue reading …

CULTURE WAR — Stephen A. Smith tells politicians to ‘go do your d--- job’ and stay out of sports. Continue reading …

WORLD STAGE — Inaugural World Cup Final halftime show gets some rave reviews, criticism. Continue reading …

OPINION

JONATHAN TURLEY — Democratic Socialists want to remake America in their image. That’s terrifying. Continue reading …

LEE CARTER — Why I believe collapsing trust, not ideology, is reshaping American politics. Continue reading …

IN OTHER NEWS

DINING HABITS — Actor declares one popular fry 'aren't fries,' igniting fierce online debate. Continue reading …

MIDAIR MISCHIEF — Pilot goes viral after spelling out 'I'm bored' during routine maintenance test flight. Continue reading …

GOLDEN HOURS — One daily routine may be the secret to deeper sleep, researchers say. Continue reading …

AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on presidential principles and courtside celebrations. Continue reading …

LISTEN

Tune in as as we discuss the rising battle over artificial intelligence infrastructure and data center moratoriums. Check it out ...

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JD Vance and wife Usha welcome fourth child, reveal baby boy’s name

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:05:07 -0400

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, announced the birth of their fourth child on Sunday.

In a joint Instagram post, the couple said their baby boy, Alec Neel Vance, was born Sunday morning.

"We are excited to announce that our baby boy, Alec Neel Vance, was born this morning," the couple wrote. "Usha and the baby are happy and healthy, and our kids are overjoyed to meet their little brother."

President Donald Trump offered well-wishes in a Truth Social post Monday morning, sharing a photograph of the new baby.

"Congratulations! A perfect baby boy for the wonderful Vance family," Trump said in the post.

USHA VANCE MOCKS NEW YORK TIMES FOR DRAWING 'POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE' FROM HER PREGNANCY FASHION

The Vances also thanked the military doctors and staff at Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit for caring for their family.

"The incredible military doctors and staff members of Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit have been a blessing," they said. "We are deeply thankful for all they have done for our family."

SWING-STATE DEM CANDIDATE'S 'DISGUSTING' COMMENTS ABOUT JD, USHA VANCE'S 'BROWN CHILDREN' SPARKS OUTRAGE

The couple announced earlier this year that they were expecting their fourth child.

"Usha and the baby are doing well, and we are all looking forward to welcoming him in late July," the Vances wrote in a statement shared on social media in January.

SECOND LADY USHA VANCE, VICE PRESIDENT EXPECTING THEIR FOURTH CHILD: 'OUR FAMILY IS GROWING'

JD and Usha Vance met while attending Yale Law School and married in 2014. They are also parents to sons Ewan and Vivek and daughter Mirabel.

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Their three older children drew attention last year while attending the Inauguration Day swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and the parade at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Socialist-backed Michigan Senate hopeful calls American politics a 'disease' after professing love for US

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:06:25 -0400

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed on Sunday described America's political system as a "disease" moments after professing his love for the country where he was raised.

El-Sayed delivered blistering attacks on the American political system during the final stop of "The People v. The Powerful" tour at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids.

He spoke at the event alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as the trio criticized President Donald Trump, party leaders, corporations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Egyptian American physician and former public health official first reflected on the opportunities he said America had afforded him, noting he received an "incredible" public university education and a medical education funded through the National Institutes of Health.

DEM SENATE HOPEFUL ABDUL EL-SAYED RECOUNTS SMASHING VODKA BOTTLE AFTER BEARD CRITICISM

"No, don't get it twisted. I love America. I know exactly what America gave to me. I know what my life would have been, but for America," El-Sayed said. "I know what America can do, and at the same time, it's impossible not to reflect on the worst moments of those 250 years as well."

He then argued that Trump was merely a symptom of broader problems in American politics.

"Donald Trump is not, himself, the disease of our politics. He's just the worst symptom of the disease of our politics," El-Sayed said.

"The disease? It's the system that allows corporations and billionaires and special interests like AIPAC to buy and sell politicians to rig the system against us."

Ocasio-Cortez also echoed that message moments prior, telling the crowd, "You deserve a politics that treats the disease and not the symptoms."

BILL MAHER CALLS OUT BERNIE SANDERS, SAYS HE'S TIRED OF HEARING THE RICH DON'T PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES

El-Sayed then targeted the nation's healthcare system, arguing that medical debt should be eliminated and contrasting its cost with federal spending on political campaigns and foreign aid.

"Medical debt shouldn't exist," he said, claiming the country's roughly $225 billion in medical debt could be erased for about $2.25 billion because it can be purchased "for a penny on the dollar."

He later turned his attention to ICE, calling it a "rogue agency" that should not exist.

"ICE has nothing to do with immigration. ICE has nothing to do with the southern border. ICE is about normalizing paramilitary forces on our streets. ICE is about weaponizing the idea of immigration against the Constitution itself. ICE cannot be reformed. ICE cannot be retrained. ICE has to be abolished."

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The Senate hopeful also described himself as "dangerous" to a range of political and corporate interests, including health insurers and Democratic leaders.

"If you're Blue Cross Blue Shield, I'm dangerous," he said. "If you're Chuck Schumer, trading politicians like trading cards, I'm dangerous."

House Republicans did what voters asked and we have the receipts. It’s up to the Senate

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:00:26 -0400

As I travel across South Carolina, whether I'm meeting with business owners, farmers, veterans or families at community events, I continue to hear the same question: "Congressman, if Republicans keep winning elections, why does it seem so difficult to get anything done in Washington?"

It's a fair question, and frankly, it's one Republicans should answer. The American people understand elections, and they understand mandates. What they don't understand is why Republicans can win the White House and majorities in both chambers of Congress yet still struggle to enact the very agenda they promised the voters. That's not simply a political problem; it’s a governing problem.

The American people returned President Donald Trump to the White House with a clear mandate to secure the border, restore fiscal discipline, unleash American energy and put America first. They didn't elect Republicans to spend the next four years explaining why Washington can't keep its promises; they elected us to produce results.

CONSERVATIVES UNITE AROUND SAVE AMERICA ACT AFTER TRUMP DECLASSIFIES 'SHOCKING' ELECTION INTEL

That's why I proudly voted for the "Save America Act" when it came before the House of Representatives. House Republicans debated the legislation, voted for it and passed it. We did our job, and the responsibility now shifts to the United States Senate. The House has shown what's possible when Republicans are willing to fight for the agenda voters elected us to deliver, and the Senate should bring that same sense of urgency to its work.

Unfortunately, that's where the American people often lose confidence that Washington can deliver. Too many bills supported by the president and approved by the House disappear into a senatorial procedural maze that few Americans understand and even fewer believe serves the country.

Conservatives rightly respect the Senate as one of our nation's great institutions. It was designed to encourage debate, protect minority viewpoints and ensure legislation receives careful consideration before becoming law. Those traditions matter, and they should not be discarded lightly. But respecting the Senate does not mean refusing to examine whether its rules still serve the purpose for which they were created.

GOP INFIGHTING OVER TRUMP'S VOTER ID BILL ERUPTS AS TOP SENATOR CALLS STRATEGY 'FANTASY'

I've said before that the Senate should consider restoring the talking filibuster, and I continue to believe it deserves serious consideration. Not because Republicans should fear debate, but because we should insist upon it. If senators want to stop legislation supported by the president and passed by the House, they should have every opportunity to make their case, but they should make it on the Senate floor, before the American people, instead of allowing procedural maneuvering to obscure one of the most important debates before Congress.

This isn't about weakening the Senate; it’s about restoring accountability. Americans deserve to know who is standing in the way of legislation and why. Debate has always strengthened our Republic, whereas invisible obstruction never has.

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Trump has made the Save America Act one of his highest legislative priorities because he understands a simple truth: elections matter only if government is willing to carry out the mandate voters have given it. Republicans should be willing to consider every constitutional option available to ensure legislation supported by the president, passed by the House, and backed by the American people receives a fair opportunity to succeed in the Senate.

REPUBLICAN SAYS TRUMP'S TOP ELECTION PRIORITY 'DEAD' IN SENATE AS GOP FRACTURES AHEAD OF MIDTERMS

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Republicans have spent years asking the American people for a unified government so we could secure the border, restore American energy, rein in spending and put America first. We should not be surprised when those same voters grow frustrated if, after entrusting us with that responsibility, Washington responds by saying the rules simply won't allow us to deliver. Senate rules should protect debate, encourage accountability and strengthen our institutions, but they should never become an excuse for failing to keep our word.

The American people don't expect Republicans to win elections simply to explain why nothing can be done. They expect us to find a way to get the job done. House Republicans have done our part. It's time for Senate Republicans to do theirs.

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani struggles to define 'working class'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:52:50 -0400

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani struggled to answer who he considers to be part of the "working class" during a New York Times interview on Saturday.

New York Times journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro asked Mamdani whether he and the organization he's a part of, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), have a definition for the working class that they claim to fight on behalf of in elections.

"I think if you have to work to pay your bills, I think that that is one definition of being a part of the working class," Mamdani said.

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

"So someone making $250,000 a year is working class?" Garcia-Navarro asked.

"I haven’t sat at home and asked myself where it starts and stops. What I would say is those who are working to try and afford the basic dignities of life and aren’t able to do so, I think that that is also working class. Oftentimes we’re asked how we divide this country. I think there’s only one majority in this country — it’s the working class," Mamdani answered.

Garcia-Navarro remarked that his answer didn't "ring true" to her because of the idea that anyone who "gets a salary is the working class" and asked if he drew any lines. Mamdani answered that he drew it at "about a million dollars a year."

"So anyone under a million dollars a year in income is working class?" Garcia-Navarro asked.

MAMDANI PUMMELED ONLINE AS CRITICS CALL POSSIBLE NETANYAHU ARREST ‘PURE POLITICAL THEATER’

"That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying, in terms of fiscal policy, I think a lot of our politics has been a debate over who you leave out. And I’m more interested in debates of how you bring more in. And I think that that is part of what I'm looking to be a part of is a vision where people understand, no matter what you call it, that there's room for them. But yes, I do want to raise taxes on people who make more than a million a year," Mamdani said.

Garcia-Navarro pointed out that his definition could lump a janitor in the same "working class" label as a lawyer and wondered if that was accurate. Mamdani appeared to deflect from the conversation by commenting about New Yorkers in general.

"When I was running, a question I would face was: What does it mean to be a democratic socialist? And I only bring that up because I think sometimes there’s a fixation on a definition of something. And what I found is, when I would knock on New Yorkers’ doors, they would just ask, 'Am I part of your vision?' It’s not that everyone is making the same amount of money or facing the same amount of struggle, but that they just want to know, is there any way for them to actually be able to work this hard and afford a good life in the city?" Mamdani answered.

ZOHRAN MAMDANI FACES BACKLASH OVER 'CREEPY,' 'UNETHICAL' VIDEO FILMED OUTSIDE BILLIONAIRE KEN GRIFFIN'S HOME

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

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Mamdani's interview garnered attention after he revealed that his administration is in an "active conversation" with the city's Law Department over any legal action the city could take against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York for September's United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In the interview, Mamdani called Netanyahu a "war criminal" who "belongs in The Hague," repeating his intentions to honor an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Netanyahu.

Steve Forbes urges Trump to keep the Strait of Hormuz open at all costs

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:39:53 -0400

Steve Forbes says the United States must double down on efforts to topple the Tehran regime, arguing that free passage through the Strait of Hormuz should remain a non-negotiable American imperative.

As the U.S. struck targets in Iran for a ninth consecutive day on Sunday, pressure on the Tehran regime continued to build. Speaking at Freedom Fest in Las Vegas, the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes and former presidential candidate sat down with Fox News Digital to discuss Iran and the Trump administration's foreign policy.

STEVE FORBES BACKS TRUMP'S MT. RUSHMORE WARNING ON COMMUNISM: 'HE'S RIGHT'

"Going back to Thomas Jefferson, a core foreign policy plank of the United States is freedom of the seas. Freedom of navigation got us into another war with Great Britain, the War of 1812," Forbes said.

"So we've been doing it for over two centuries. The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, just as the South China Sea is an international waterway. And so we must keep that open.

"No tolls, no restrictions, all ships of commerce should have free passage through it unmolested."

Forbes said that with proper application of air power, boots on the ground wouldn't be needed, but he would not discard that as an option, bringing the example of the engagement with the Barbary pirates, which brought freedom of navigation to the Mediterranean following the completion of the First Barbary War of 1805.

TWO US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN IRANIAN STRIKES ON JORDAN, CENTCOM SAYS

"If we do things right in the air, that won't be necessary. But as we demonstrated with the Barbary pirates, sometimes you do need hand-to-hand combat. But again, with our great military and the great Israeli military, we should be able to bring this evil regime down and enable the elements in the Iranian army that want change to feel we're not going to pull the rug out from under them with another fake ceasefire. That we keep hammering away at this evil regime."

Ultimately, Forbes said freedom of navigation should be an international red line:

"So the key thing is, if you don't enforce these key principles of freedom of navigation, liberty, you're going to lose them. Ronald Reagan was right. Others have made the same observation. You have to preserve liberty each and every generation."

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Forbes said the time for diplomacy with Tehran has passed, and encouraged the Trump administration to ratchet up the pressure, while also praising a recent decision on Ukraine policy.

"Get Iran done with. No more fake ceasefires. Get rid of that evil regime. By the way, I'm delighted that he's saying he's going to give licensing for Patriot missiles to Ukraine. That'll bring a good result there."

Angel Reese’s latest WNBA controversy shows how victimhood became central to her brand

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:35:25 -0400

For some unknown reason, claiming victimhood is very popular in modern society. Many people seem to think being a victim earns them social capital, so they look for every opportunity to capitalize.

A perfect example is WNBA star Angel Reese.

Perhaps no prominent professional athlete embodies the desire to be seen as a victim as much as Reese, who has spent years painting herself as someone unfairly treated by fans, coaches, referees, reporters and society at large.

ANGEL REESE DANGEROUSLY PEDDLES RACIST CONSPIRACY THEORY AFTER WNBA COACH CALLS HER TWO WORDS

Of course, that runs counter to the fact that Reese gained immense popularity, fame and money from the same society she regularly claims hates her.

The latest example came this weekend, when Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello was caught on a microphone referring to Reese as a "protected species."

It was immediately obvious what Brondello meant.

She thought the referees were giving Reese preferential treatment. But it was too late. Brondello provided Reese the perfect opportunity to claim victimhood.

Angel Reese turned an Australian sports phrase into another racial controversy

Reese made contact with Tempo forward Nyara Sabally while the two players battled for a rebound. Sabally fell to the floor in pain.

The officials called the foul on Sabally.

Brondello, understandably annoyed that her injured player had been whistled for the foul, complained from the sideline that Reese was a "protected species."

Reese responded on social media and tagged Brondello.

"ARE WE SURPRISED?!" Reese wrote, adding a clown emoji while quoting a post that read, "Calling a Black woman a species…"

She didn’t explicitly call Brondello racist, but the implication was obvious. Plus, Reese is smart. She knew the social media mob would do the rest of the work for her.

Part of that means excluding the key context that Brondello is Australian.

In Australian sports usage, ‘protected species’ commonly refers to a player, coach, team or official perceived to receive preferential treatment.

The phrase has been used in Australian coverage of rugby players, referees and other athletes. It has nothing to do with race. Danica Patrick, who is White, was famously described in 2012 as a "protected species" by a fellow NASCAR driver.

More importantly, the context around Brondello's comment wasn’t remotely confusing.

Brondello said it while arguing about a foul call. Even non-Australians with common sense understood her point.

Yet many of the same people who constantly lecture Americans about cultural sensitivity showed no interest in understanding Brondello’s culture.

They ignored her Australian background, assigned an American racial meaning to an Australian expression and then condemned her for failing to speak like an American.

That seems pretty culturally insensitive, doesn't it?

Brondello apologized anyway and explained that her frustration was directed toward the officiating. She didn't have to apologize, and honestly shouldn't have apologized, but she feared she'd lose her livelihood.

After all, she's a coach in the WNBA.

Everyone knows what happens to white women in that league who don't lecture about "privilege" or explain that the WNBA was "built on the backs of Black women."

So, who's the real victim here? Is it Reese? Or is it Brondello, who apologized and still faced a one-game suspension without pay?

ANGEL REESE THANKS WNBA FOR SUSPENDING SANDY BRONDELLO, FRAMES 'PROTECTED SPECIES' COMMENT AS DISCRIMINATION

The fact that Brondello received a one-game suspension, the same punishment Alyssa Thomas received for driving her fist into Caitlin Clark's throat, for calling Reese a "protected species" only proved her point.

The WNBA believes a reckless physical attack on a white star player deserves the same punishment as an alleged word crime against a Black one and that paints the league's priorities pretty clearly.

Internet trolls don’t only target Angel Reese

Before getting to the rest of Reese’s victimhood résumé, let’s address the most common defense.

Yes, Reese receives nasty messages online.

Someone created fake, sexually explicit AI images of her when she was 21 years old. That's disgusting and there's no defense for it.

But Reese and several other WNBA players often discuss online abuse as though Black women are the only people who experience it.

They aren’t. Not even close.

It happens to virtually everyone who spends any time in the public spotlight.

I’m a relatively unknown sports reporter, and even I get plenty of it.

After I criticized Reese, people called me racist, referred to me as "white boy" or "cracker," told me to drink bleach, insulted my wife and mother and called me fat.

Does that make the messages acceptable?

No.

Does it mean I’m oppressed?

Also no.

It means social media is full of deranged people who say horrible things to strangers. The goal is to get under people's skin. I'm not including my own experience to elicit sympathy.

I'm a grown man. I can take the online abuse from trolls because, ultimately, I don't care what strangers or bots think about me. I'm just trying to prove a point that Reese is not unique. At all.

Fame, popularity and money come with obvious benefits. They also come with scrutiny, criticism and social media trolling.

Reese could quit basketball. She could stop modeling, podcasting and posting her life online. She could get a normal job and the mean tweets would dry up quickly.

I suspect she has no intention of doing that because the money and attention are worth the downside.

That’s a reasonable choice. Most people would make the same one.

But Reese wants to enjoy every benefit of celebrity while treating its predictable drawbacks as evidence that she has been uniquely targeted by society.

She hasn’t.

Reese made criticism of her Caitlin Clark taunt about her identity

Reese’s victim narrative really took off after LSU defeated Iowa in the 2023 national championship game.

During the final moments, Reese followed Clark around the court while repeatedly performing John Cena’s "you can’t see me" gesture and pointing to her ring finger.

Some people thought the extended taunt was excessive.

Others defended Reese by noting that Clark had used a similar gesture earlier in the tournament, albeit under different circumstances.

That was a fair sports debate, but Reese predictably turned it into something else.

"All year, I was critiqued for who I was," she said. "I don’t fit the narrative. I don’t fit the box that y’all want me to be in. I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto.... When other people do it, y’all don’t say nothing."

This is probably where Reese discovered that playing the race card would be an invaluable tool for her career. Even though Reese followed Clark around during the final seconds of the national championship game and taunted her, she claimed criticism was because she's Black.

Reese had found the formula she would continue using: do something provocative, enjoy the attention and then treat criticism as an attack on her race.

It worked.

The WNBA investigated alleged racism against Reese and found no evidence

One of the most ridiculous examples came during the opening weekend of the 2025 WNBA season.

Following a game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, the league announced that it was investigating allegations of "hateful fan comments" directed at Reese.

There was no publicly released video or audio.

No fan was identified, and no public witness corroborated the allegation.

That didn’t stop ESPN personalities and other members of the sports media from treating the alleged racist incident as a proven fact.

Reese didn’t urge anyone to wait for the investigation, either.

"Obviously, there’s no place in this league for that," Reese said. "Obviously, this has been going on for a while now."

Except it wasn’t obvious that anything had happened during that game.

That was why the WNBA was investigating.

The league interviewed relevant people and reviewed audio and video from the arena.

It could not substantiate the allegation.

That doesn’t prove no one among thousands of fans said something offensive. It does mean the league looked for evidence and failed to find it.

Fever fans were smeared as racists anyway.

Reese received the sympathy she constantly seeks.

When the investigation came up empty, Reese didn’t apologize to Fever fans. Neither did the media figures who had treated the allegation as fact.

Reese turned a question outside the team hotel into 'harassment'

The Fever incident wasn’t the first time Reese turned a questionable encounter into a much bigger story.

In June 2024, a man approached then-Chicago Sky teammate Chennedy Carter outside the Sky’s hotel in Washington and asked whether she had contacted Caitlin Clark after delivering a cheap shot to her days earlier.

Reese immediately framed the encounter as something much more serious.

"Finding out our team’s hotel to pull up with a camera as we get off the bus and put it in my teammate’s face and harass her is nasty work," Reese wrote. "This really is outta control and needs to stop."

The video that surfaced showed the man asking Carter a question before team security stepped between them. He didn’t touch Carter or threaten her.

Sky forward Michaela Onyenwere later claimed the video omitted the man using slurs and calling players "ghetto bitches." The team’s general manager backed up the claim that expletives were used.

But Reese made it sound like someone had tracked down the team and created a dangerous situation. In reality, a man with a camera asked Carter about the biggest story in women’s basketball and was quickly moved away by security, without any need for law enforcement to intervene.

One year later, Reese said she had "never had a negative encounter in person, ever."

Apparently, the hotel harassment no longer counted.

Reese blamed Caitlin Clark’s fans for racism, death threats and stalking

Reese launched her "Unapologetically Angel" podcast in September 2024.

Naturally, the first episode featured an extended discussion about Caitlin Clark.

That was interesting because Reese had previously pushed back against the idea that Clark was responsible for the explosion in WNBA popularity.

Apparently, Clark was important enough to help launch Reese’s podcast.

During the episode, Reese said she didn’t hate Clark and didn’t believe Clark personally endorsed racist behavior.

Then she accused Clark’s supporters of racism, death threats, circulating fake nude images to her family and following her home.

"It’s really just the fans," Reese said. "Her fans, the Iowa fans, now the Indiana fans... I think there’s a lot of racism when it comes to it."

Those are serious accusations.

The fake images existed. That part was documented.

But Reese never publicly showed that Clark’s fans created them or sent them to her family.

How did she know the alleged stalkers supported Clark?

Was the stalking reported to police?

How did she determine the alleged threats were racially motivated?

Reese never provided those answers.

Maybe she has evidence she hasn’t made public. That’s possible.

But when someone publicly accuses an enormous group of people of racism, stalking and death threats, asking for evidence isn’t unreasonable.

Reese simply made the allegation and expected everyone else to accept it.

Anyone who questioned the claim risked becoming another example of the racism she was describing.

That’s a very useful arrangement.

For what it's worth, at least three prominent women’s basketball players have had alleged stalkers arrested or charged: Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham and Paige Bueckers.

Reese hit Clark in the head and blamed the officials

During a June 2024 game against Indiana, Reese hit Clark in the head while attempting to block her shot.

Officials reviewed the play and upgraded the foul to a flagrant.

Clark dismissed it as a basketball play.

Reese was upset about the officiating.

"I guess some people got a special whistle," she said after the loss.

Some people get a "special whistle"? Isn't that exactly the claim that got Brondello suspended for a game? It was fine when Reese said it about Clark, but crossed the line when the same sentiment was directed at Reese.

Reese likes to talk about double standards, and we'll get to that in a moment, but boy, that seems like a pretty clear one right there.

Reese says reporters twist her words, even when everyone can hear them

Reese has repeatedly said she doesn’t trust the media.

During her rookie season, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Steve Greenberg tried to interview her about her life away from basketball.

Reese mostly gave one- or two-word answers.

"I know how y’all like to twist my words, so I’m just keeping it short and sweet," she said.

Greenberg reportedly told Reese he wouldn’t twist her words.

"I can’t trust any of y’all," Reese responded.

She didn’t identify a false quote or explain what reporting prompted her accusation against every journalist.

Nearly all of Reese’s controversies come from her own comments captured on video or audio.

She said Clark gets a "special whistle." She claimed that the WNBA wasn't gaining popularity because of "one person."

Reporters didn’t force Reese to accuse Clark’s fans of racism and stalking. Nor did they force her to say she "embraces being a villain," which she definitely doesn't embrace, by the way.

No journalist typed "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" on her social-media account.

Reese said those things.

When the reaction is positive, Reese embraces it.

But when people react negatively, someone must have twisted her words. As usual, it's never her fault.

Reese says talking to reporters is 'really scary'

By late 2025, Reese had gone from distrusting reporters to saying she was frightened of them.

"For me, the media is really scary," Reese said on her podcast. "I’m scared to do stuff like that because I know how things could get flipped."

She added that she would sometimes rather accept a fine than speak to reporters.

Reese repeated the complaint in 2026 during an appearance with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.

"The media has not always been great for me," she said. "I’ll have a fine before I have to go to media and feel like my back is against the wall."

There’s a fairly easy way to reduce the likelihood of being misquoted.

Speak clearly while cameras and audio recorders are running.

Reese is also perfectly willing to talk on her own podcast, where she controls the format and presentation.

She's never been afraid to speak publicly.

She just doesn’t like losing control over how her comments are received.

Those are different problems.

Reese said the media profited from her pain

In September 2024, Reese accused the media of creating a villain narrative around her.

"For the past 2 years, the media has benefited from my pain & me being villainized to create a narrative," Reese wrote. "They allowed this. This was beneficial to them."

She wasn’t entirely wrong.

Media outlets benefited from the Clark-Reese rivalry.

OutKick did. ESPN did. The WNBA and its television partners certainly did.

Angel Reese benefited, too.

She became one of the most recognizable women’s basketball players in the country. She landed endorsement deals, launched a podcast, modeled and built a massive social-media following.

Reese also embraced the villain role when it helped her brand.

She said she was willing to accept it "for the good of the game."

Apparently, the villain persona belonged to Reese when it created opportunities.

When it brought criticism, suddenly her tune changed.

Reese used the LSU press conference to talk about everything she had endured

Following LSU’s loss to Iowa in the 2024 Elite Eight, Reese broke down during her postgame press conference.

"I’ve been through so much," she said. "I’ve been attacked so many times. Death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened."

Again, the fake sexual images were real and disgusting.

Reese had every right to be furious about them.

But she combined that documented incident with broader claims about death threats and constant attacks without publicly identifying where they came from.

Maybe the threats were real. They probably were. Public figures receive sick messages all the time. I've had my share of threatening DMs and I'm nowhere near the status of Reese.

That’s the point Reese and her defenders regularly ignore.

Online abuse is not unique to Angel Reese. It is not unique to women’s basketball players or to Black celebrities.

It's an unfortunate reality of being famous in the internet age.

Reese had millions of followers, major endorsement deals and a national platform.

She enjoyed opportunities that almost no college athlete in history had received.

Yet the overriding message of that press conference was how badly the world had treated Angel Reese.

There are many more examples

Honestly, we could go on for days about the number of times Reese has relished the opportunity to play the victim card, the race card or both.

In fact, there's a good chance this article becomes another perfect opportunity for her to try and garner sympathy.

The truth is that being Angel Reese has worked out pretty well for Angel Reese.

She is a solid basketball player, although not elite, but she's an excellent self-promoter.

ANGEL REESE GIVES ATLANTA DREAM REBOUNDS AND ATTENTION, BUT HER OFFENSE IS STILL A PROBLEM

She understands how to put herself in the middle of a story and keep that story going for as long as it serves her needs.

More often than not, she accomplishes this by portraying herself as the person everyone else has wronged.

The approach has made her famous and rich.

It has helped her land sponsorships, build a media platform and remain one of the most discussed players in the WNBA.

That doesn’t mean everything said about Reese is acceptable. It isn’t.

It does mean Reese has benefited enormously from the public attention she so often describes as a burden.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

She can keep the fame, money, endorsements and followers.

But she should probably stop pretending that the predictable downside of being a celebrity is evidence that she is uniquely persecuted.

Because she's not.

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Angel Reese’s latest WNBA controversy shows how victimhood became central to her brand

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Internet trolls don’t only target Angel Reese

Reese made criticism of her Caitlin Clark taunt about her identity

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Reese said the media profited from her pain

Reese used the LSU press conference to talk about everything she had endured

There are many more examples