Latest & Breaking News | Fox News

West Virginia town fires entire police force after chief resigns, sergeant alleges evidence room break-In

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:22:30 -0400

A tiny West Virginia town is at the center of a growing controversy after its entire police department was abruptly relieved of duty just days after its police chief resigned, sparking public backlash, allegations of government overreach and growing demands for transparency.

"Effective immediately, the entire Barrackville Police Department has been relieved of duty by the Mayor and City Council," the department wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

"We are sincerely grateful for the support, trust, and encouragement shown to us by the Barrackville community throughout our service. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and protect this town."

DC POLICE OFFICIALS FACE TERMINATION AFTER FEDERAL PROBE UNCOVERS ALLEGED MANIPULATED CRIME DATA BY DEPARTMENT

The announcement stunned residents and marked the apparent collapse of the small department just months after officials celebrated hiring a new chief to rebuild the agency.

🚨 Know something we should investigate?

📩 stepheny.price@fox.com

📸 IG: @fndstephprice

🎥 X: @StephenyPrice

Your tip could lead to our next story.

In December 2025, the department announced Zachary Freeburn's appointment as its new full-time chief of police, highlighting his graduation from the West Virginia State Police Academy, his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and his advanced Drug Recognition Expert certification.

"We look forward to continuing to rebuild and strengthen our department to better serve our community, and we are excited to once again have a full-time officer leading our agency," the department wrote at the time.

CITY MANAGER 'BEGGED' FIRED CINCINNATI POLICE CHIEF FOR MORE OFFICERS ON STREET AS CRIME SKYROCKETED

Less than seven months later, that effort had unraveled.

Last week, the department announced that Freeburn had resigned "effective immediately." The agency said Sgt. Hunt would serve as officer in charge while assuring residents that police operations would continue.

"Until further notice, Sergeant Hunt will serve as the officer in charge of the Barrackville Police Department to ensure the continued operation of the department," the department said, adding that questions about the leadership transition could be addressed at the next town council meeting.

NEWARK MAYOR QUESTIONS STATE POLICE TACTICS AT DELANEY HALL AFTER SHERRILL'S ORDER, CALLS AGENCY 'A SWORD'

Instead, the department itself was relieved of duty days later.

A letter Freeburn wrote before the department was dismissed offers his account of why he stepped down.

The letter, which was shared with WBOY and intended to be read at the July 7 town council meeting before it was canceled, alleges that shortly after the newly elected town council took office, he was called into a closed-door meeting where he was told a council member would directly supervise the police department and implement operational changes.

Freeburn wrote that he objected because he believed those directives violated West Virginia law governing municipal police departments. He said that when he attempted to discuss the proposed changes, he was told, "If I give you a directive you follow it... I am in charge and what I say goes."

FOLLOW US ON X

He described the situation as creating what he believed would become a hostile work environment and said those concerns ultimately led him to resign.

In the letter, Freeburn also wrote that one of the biggest complaints he heard from residents was a lack of transparency at town hall. He said he chose to resign so the issues could be brought into the open, expressing hope that residents would finally receive "the transparency that they have been asking for."

The letter notes it was written before the announcement that the entire police department had been relieved of duty.

Former Barrackville Police Sgt. Hunt, who has been publicly identified only by his last name, told WBOY that he discovered the police evidence room had allegedly been entered when he arrived at the department Tuesday morning.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS

Hunt alleged town officials had previously discussed conducting an inventory of the department without officers present. He also claimed that during a meeting with Mayor Tom Straight and members of the town council, Councilmember Alex Neville acknowledged taking a set of police keys.

According to Hunt, after he accused town officials of entering the evidence room, he and another officer, who together made up the department's entire sworn force, were immediately relieved of duty. Hunt also said he informed town officials that he intended to seek whistleblower protections.

Fox News Digital has not independently verified Hunt's allegations.

The controversy appears to have been brewing even before the department was dismissed.

Following Freeburn's resignation, a Barrackville resident launched an online petition urging the town council to reinstate him, arguing that he had been "forced to resign due to what many residents believe was unnecessary overreach by the newly elected Town Council."

GET BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The petition calls on town leaders to reconsider the circumstances surrounding the resignation, restore public confidence through transparency and reinstate Freeburn as police chief.

"Our Police Chief quickly earned the trust, respect, and appreciation of our community through his professionalism, leadership, integrity, and commitment to keeping Barrackville safe," the petition states. "Although his time serving our town was brief, his impact was undeniable."

Organizers also urged residents to attend the July 7 town council meeting to voice their concerns. The meeting was later canceled.

In a Facebook post, the Barrackville Town Council announced the meeting had been canceled because of "a lack of sufficient information regarding items listed under unfinished business."

The cancellation has only fueled questions from residents, many of whom flooded social media demanding answers.

SEND US A TIP

"Time to do some deep background on the city council. The truth is not being told," one commenter wrote beneath the police department's announcement.

Another resident joked, "Who is gonna look over the 5 residents in Barrackville now?"

Barrackville, a town of about 1,200 people in north-central West Virginia, is located about 25 miles southwest of Morgantown.

GOT A TIP?

Marion County Sheriff Roger Cunningham previously told WBOY that the sheriff's office will continue responding to calls in Barrackville, as it routinely does throughout Marion County, ensuring residents continue receiving law enforcement services despite the town no longer having an active police department.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Town officials have not publicly explained why the entire department was relieved of duty or responded to the allegations raised by former officers.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Barrackville Police Department, Straight, members of the Barrackville Town Council and the Marion County Sheriff's Office for comment. Fox News Digital has also contacted the West Virginia Municipal League seeking clarification on the authority of municipal officials over police department operations under state law.

ICE asks Michigan to hold Haitian illegal alien who allegedly 'barbarically stabbed' coworker

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:19:06 -0400

An illegal immigrant accused of fatally stabbing his coworker during an argument at a Michigan food processing plant should not be released back onto the streets, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Wednesday.

Valmir Djempsley, 20, a Haitian citizen, is charged with the June 30 slaying of 21-year-old Brandon Eduardo Velasquez Chavez at the Clemens Food Group plant in Coldwater.

The killing occurred during an argument between the two men, during which Djempsley allegedly chased Chavez with a knife before stabbing him in the back. Djempsley told authorities that Chavez headbutted him during the verbal confrontation.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TRUCK DRIVER CHARGED IN DEATH OF TROOPER WHO MOVED HOME TO CARE FOR MOM WITH CANCER

Chavez died at the scene despite life-saving attempts by first responders. Local prosecutors noted that Djempsley was on a work visa at the time, according to local reports.

Djempsley entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2024, DHS said, and was subsequently released into the country by the Biden administration. He is currently charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer request for Djempsley with local authorities.

EXCLUSIVE: DHS BLASTS SANCTUARY LEADERS AFTER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ACCUSED OF BAT ATTACK FREED FROM JAIL

"This illegal alien barbarically stabbed his coworker to death," said Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "This murderer was released into American communities by the Biden Administration. If it weren’t for the reckless open border policies of the Biden Administration, this criminal never would have been in our country in the first place and his victim would still be alive. We have lodged a detainer asking Michigan to not release this dangerous criminal from jail without notifying ICE."

At the time of the killing, the men were arguing over Chavez using one of Djempsley's knives, according to an affidavit obtained by the Sturgis Journal.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Djempsley was denied bond and is currently being held in the Branch County jail.

"The defendant at the time of this crime was a guest in our country. He should have been on his best behavior, but instead, he spilled the lifeblood of another human being," a Branch County prosecutor said in court. "This is the most serious violation known to humankind."

15 kitchen tools you'll wonder how you ever cooked without

Thu, 02 May 2024 10:10:20 -0400

Whether you love to cook or just want to get dinner on the table faster, the right kitchen tools can make every meal easier to prepare. We rounded up practical favorites, from cast iron skillets and handheld blenders to vegetable choppers and salad spinners, that save time and take the hassle out of everyday cooking.

Lodge cast iron skillet: $34.90

This Lodge cast-iron skillet distributes heat evenly and transfers seamlessly from your stovetop to the oven. With proper care, it can last a lifetime. You can also choose this Lodge pan set, which comes with three different sized pans.

AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360: $124.95

This stainless steel AeroGarden blends into your kitchen, and its LED lights help herbs grow up to five times faster than they do in soil. The included water bowl lets you grow up to six plants at once.

Digital meat thermometer: $13.98 (30% off)

Original price: $19.99

Swap out your traditional meat thermometer for a digital option that displays instant temperature readings, helping you achieve consistent cooking results every time. The backlit LCD screen is also easy to read if you're grilling outside of cooking at a campsite.

Breville Sous Vide: $249.95

Sous vide cooking is no longer limited to just fine-dining kitchens. This Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide gently heats food sealed in a bag. It acts as a precision water heater, giving you an alternative to the oven or stovetop. You'll get even results while reducing the risk of overcooking.

Food scale: $12.59

If you want to stick closely to recipes, add a food scale to your cooking setup. It displays accurate results in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces and milliliters. At just $13, it's an affordable pick that's compact enough to store in a drawer.

Vegetable chopper and mandoline: $29.73 (26% off)

Original price: $39.99

If you dread the tedious process of chopping veggies, this food chopper and mandoline will instantly upgrade your prep work. It dices quickly and delivers paper-thin slices on your veggie cuts. This Fullstar is a popular option, with more than 6,000 purchased last month on Amazon alone.

Herb stripper: $9.99

Easily remove herbs from their stems with this affordable stripper. It has multiple hole sizes to fit stems from herbs like parsley, cilantro, thyme and basil. Simply pull the stem through, and you're left with fresh leaves ready for your next meal.

Rotary cheese grater: $22.79 (16% off)

Original price: $26.99

Save time and energy with this rotary cheese grater. Select from three different blades for thicker or thinner slices and shreds, and grate up to a pound of cheese in just 30 seconds with little to no elbow grease.

Manual juicer: $14.99 (12% off)

Original price: $16.99

Grab this manual juicer and squeeze every drop from lemons, limes and other small citrus fruits. Its convenient built-in strainer filters out seeds and pulp, helping prevent messes.

OXO salad spinner: $32.95

Simplify salad prep with this OXO salad spinner. The popular tool — bought more than 20,000 times on Amazon last month — quickly washes and dries your greens, saving you from messy hand tossing.

Handheld blender: $149.95

The Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender has an ergonomic trigger grip to help prevent hand fatigue. The immersion attachment blends soups and sauces without transferring ingredients to a separate bowl. Use the whisk attachment to carry out tasks typically done with a hand whisk.

Ninja CREAMi: $219.99

Create your very own ice cream flavors, milkshakes and sorbets at home with the Ninja CREAMi. Choose from one of seven programs, add your favorite mix-ins, and you get a full pint of delicious frozen dessert.

Aluminum cake turntable set: $32.98 (18% off)

Original price: $39.99

Decorating cakes is much easier and smoother with this turntable that comes with its own frosting tools. The aluminum base locks cakes into place, and it turns 360 degrees to help you spread frosting more evenly.

Bench scraper: $7.33

A bench scraper is one of those kitchen tools you don't think you need until you have one. It helps you remove dough and flour in just a few swipes. The sharp edge gets under stuck-on food, and the wide blade lets you move scraps to the trash can more efficiently.

For more Deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Vacuum sealing machine: $59.99

Save leftovers for longer and get a handle on food prep with help from a vacuum sealer. It gets as much air as possible out of plastic bags, reducing the space for bacteria and mold. Plus, you can separate meat packs into more meal-friendly portions.

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

Heidi Klum shuns Hollywood's weight-loss obsession after husband Tom Kaulitz told her to 'eat more'

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:13:22 -0400

Heidi Klum is pushing back against one of Hollywood's biggest beauty obsessions.

As fans continue to speculate on celebrities' use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, the supermodel says she has zero interest in following the trend.

Klum credits husband Tom Kaulitz with changing the way she sees her body after years of relentless pressure to stay thin.

HEIDI KLUM FLAUNTS PHYSIQUE IN BIKINI TOP DURING BILLBOARD UNVEILING

"I'm not interested at all," Klum told Us Weekly, referring to the weight-loss drugs.

The 53-year-old admitted she's put on weight in recent years, but says she now believes it suits her better than the ultra-slim look the modeling world has demanded for decades.

"I've gained weight over the years. I'm no longer a size 24 jean. But I think with age, we look better when we're not as skinny."

The turning point, she said, came from her husband, Kaulitz.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"My husband was the first one who pointed that out. He said, 'You should eat more; you would look better if you had more meat on your bones.' I was like, 'What?' This is not something you're told in the industry, ever, because you're always supposed to be skinnier than you are."

The "America's Got Talent" judge admitted her husband had a point.

KRIS JENNER ADDRESSES RUMORS SHE’S UNHAPPY WITH REPORTED $100K FACELIFT

"When I look back at photos, I'm like, 'He's right!' Proportion-wise, I look better bigger."

The supermodel and German guitarist secretly married in February 2019. The couple later celebrated their marriage with a lavish ceremony aboard the super yacht Christina O. off the coast of Capri, Italy.

Although Klum has no desire to try Ozempic herself, she's not criticizing those who do.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"In general, people should do what they want. It's the same with Ozempic," she said. "A lot of people have a hard time getting that jumpstart, and if you've always struggled with your weight and for 40 years you've been trapped and it's been such a big focus of your life, then maybe this is a great thing to try."

"That has never been part of my life, so it's hard for me to judge. If you look in the mirror and you're not happy with something and you want to fix it, fix it."

The same goes for Botox and facelifts, Klum said, arguing that confidence — not cosmetic perfection — is what people ultimately notice.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"What makes a person sexy is knowing their self-worth and knowing who they are. That oozes sexiness," she said.

"When people are looking at every measurement of their booties, [or] at cellulite, it's like, 'Is this really what makes me who I am? There's so much more to me.' It's about feeling great in your skin and knowing what you can do."

Kristin Cavallari doubles down on controversial claim about her divorce from Jay Cutler

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:12:56 -0400

Kristin Cavallari has doubled down on one of her more controversial claims involving Jay Cutler. Frankly, it's one of the most controversial claims about life in general.

During an appearance on the "Aspire with Emma Grede" podcast, Cavallari again claimed she did NOT receive any money after the divorce from the ex-NFL quarterback back in 2022. That's right.

None. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Not a dime!

CARDINALS' TOP PICK JEREMIYAH LOVE EXPLAINS WHY HE PLANS TO NEVER TOUCH HIS $53M NFL SALARY

"What ultimately gave me the confidence to leave my marriage was the success of Uncommon James," she said of her company before dropping this truth-bomb about Cutler. "Which is interesting because if I didn't have Uncommon James, I could have taken half of his money, right? But because I had this company, there was a really large asset on our balance sheet.

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

Just a wild claim here from Kristin Cavallari. As a child of not one, but two divorces, I'm certainly skeptical. Ever heard that old Jerry Reed song, "She Got The Goldmine?"

Pretty much tells you everything you need to know about how divorces tend to go. Great song, by the way. A classic.

Anyway, this is the second time since last summer that Cavallari made this claim. Cutler, who played 12 seasons in the NFL, refuted the claim the first time she made it last August.

And by "refuted," I mean he went on the "Take it Outside" podcast and said it was all hogwash.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Let’s think about this logically. ‘Not a penny,’ OK. Married for, I don’t know, seven years or so, three kids," Cutler said. "You can go and see how much I made in the NFL. It’s online. You can see the contract from year to year and the total amount at the end of 12 years. So, you go to divorce and each side gets a lawyer, and then you go to court and there’s a judge."

"In the state of Tennessee, if we would have went to the judge and been like, ‘Hey, he's going to keep every single dollar over the past seven years and you're going to get nothing,’" he continued. "There's not a judge in the state of Tennessee that would have signed that. They would be like, ‘No, this isn't – this isn't right. This isn't legal. Not happening.’ So, there's that. B, she has a lawyer. I have a lawyer. Is her lawyer really going to be like, ‘Fine, you get zero dollars. He gets to keep all the money that was made over the seven years.’

"Absolutely not."

Cutler, by the way, made roughly $127 million in contracts alone over his 12 years in the NFL with the Broncos, Bears and Dolphins. He signed four separate contracts, including a massive $126.7 million extension with the Bears in 2014.

Cutler basically came out of retirement in 2018 to play one season for the Dolphins for a measly $10 million. As a lifelong miserable Dolphins fan, I can assure you that was more painful than the actual divorce itself.

Again, there are two sides to every story. But seeing those numbers? Hard to believe a divorce lawyer would leave that much meat on the bone.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"I think it’s reckless," Cutler said last summer. "I think it’s borderline slander to insinuate that there were zero dollars split during the marriage that each side got. It’s insanity. It’s completely false, completely untrue.

"I'm not going to get into those exact numbers, but I can guarantee you it's definitely not zero dollars."

Paulina Gretzky caused whiplash at Taylor Swift's wedding, more Caitlin Clark disrespect & Kristin Cavallari!

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:10:35 -0400

Second Hump Day of July! We're rolling right now, folks. Sure, the train's slowing down just a bit now that the US is out of the World Cup, but that's bound to happen.

The Dog Days of Summer are officially here. We got a brief pause with the soccer action, but now we can officially go back to not caring and start looking forward to actual football.

And hey! College football media days have BEGUN. That's right. We've got the Big 12 this week, ACC next week, and then the SEC and Big Ten take us home.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

After that, the fellas hit the field for fall practice and we'll be one step closer to the best time of year. Beautiful.

Until then, though, we GRIND for the next few weeks. Let's get after it.

Welcome to a Hump Day Nightcaps — the one where Paulina Gretzky comes out of (social media) hiding to attend Taylor Swift's wedding. Welcome back, Paulina!

What else? I've got Geno Auriemma making just absurd claims about Caitlin Clark, Kristin Cavallari making equally absurd claims about Jay Cutler as it pertains to their divorce, and let's go ahead and check in on Day 1 of Big 12 media days.

Just WAIT till you see this exchange between a reporter and the commish. What a ride.

OK, grab you a Toby Keith vinyl to celebrate what would've been his 64th birthday, and settle in for a Hump Day 'Cap!

Paulina Gretzky plays piano before Taylor's big day

Can't believe it's been two years since we lost Toby Keith. Still one of the saddest news alerts I can remember getting in this business.

I hate concerts. HATE them. I think they're the dumbest thing on the planet. The First Lady (my wife, not Melania) loves them. We went to a Garth Brooks concert once and listened to ... Garth Brooks ... the whole way on the radio. I couldn't believe what was happening. It was insane.

It was like going to a movie, but watching the entire movie on the way to the theater. Unfathomable.

Anyway, I always said the one person I'd actually like to see in concert was Toby Keith. He was the one exception. You always think there's gonna be time, and then, all of a sudden, it's too late.

Sad.

Best/most underrated Toby song? I'll go with "The Taliban Song," which I'm fairly certain a lot of streaming services don't have because they're too woke.

Luckily, Nightcaps has a remedy for that!

What a song. What an absolute banger. Nobody loved this country quite like Toby did. Man, I miss him.

OK, let's stop being sad on this Hump Day and get things started with Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of The Great One, ending her social media hiatus to show off her look for Taylor Swift's wedding last weekend.

Welcome back, Paulina ... and Dustin Johnson!

Geno Auriemma spouts off nonsense

No idea why Paulina Gretzky and Dustin Johnson were invited to the Swift-Kelce wedding, but, like I said earlier this week, it seems like everyone and their mother(s) was invited.

Frankly, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who wasn't. Oh well. I'll survive.

That was Paulina's first Instagram post in about six months, so I assume we won't be seeing her again for a while. As for DJ, the British Open is next week so we'll be seeing him again soon ...

... Just kidding!

He withdrew from last month's final qualifying event after his five-year exemption from winning the 2020 Masters expired, meaning he'll miss his first Open since 2008.

Not great. I reckon we'll see Dustin tee it up at the LIV event in the UK the following week, assuming they don't cancel this one.

Moving on ...

Speaking of golf (sort of), let's check in with UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, who spouted off one of the dumber Caitlin Clark takes I've heard on a sports media podcast this week:

Kristin, Jay & Big 12 Media Days!

For those who can't read the fine print ...

"This was not something created by her," Auriemma said. "It was created about her by all the people in America who are delusional that think one player who's not Wemby is going to come in and transform the league. It's that whole s---storm of, 'This is Jesus coming down to save the WNBA.

"Now, maybe there was a transformation in terms of how much attention is being paid. Yes. How much the league is valued? Yes. But it's not like when Tiger [Woods] came into the PGA Tour. He changed the PGA Tour forever. Why? Well, there was so much money that came to the PGA Tour, but in addition, he won every tournament. So that's the big difference."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Look, I already wrote about this earlier, so feel free to get in the weeds with me here. For those who want just a snippet ...

Geno Auriemma claiming Caitlin Clark in the WNBA isn't comparable to Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour is absurd. It's also patently wrong.

Before Clark entered the league as a rookie in 2024, there was one WNBA game in 15 years with over 1 million viewers. One. A Sparks-Mercury game during the BUSH administration.

Since Clark's arrival, there have been at least 59 games with over 1 million viewers. During her first season in Indiana, the Fever alone had 21.

The pre-Clark CBA numbers versus the post-Clark CBA numbers are equally insane. Again, I don't want to get into the weeds too much here, but just know this:

Before Caitlin Clark arrived, WNBA teams couldn't afford to charter their own planes to games. Now, they all have charter flights.

Come on, Geno. Let's not be silly.

OK, two more on the way out. First up? Let's do a quick check-in of Day 1 from Big 12 Media Days:

A lot going on there. A LOT. I can't get past how this guy says "tortillas." He did it TWICE! Wild stuff. Almost as wild as the Big 12 commish walking over to him, telling him to stand up and repeat the absurdly long question, and then immediately walking away and not answering it.

Incredible power move. That's called having "F--k You" money, by the way. Not condoning it, just telling you.

Finally, on the way out, let's check in with Kristin Cavallari, who went on some podcast this week and said she received NO money from Jay Cutler after their 2022 divorce.

That's right. None. Zero. Zilch. NADA.

Yeah, OK. Sure thing, Kristin!

Jay Cutler, for those wondering, made roughly $130 million during his 12-year career in the NFL. He was, at one point, the highest paid quarterback in the league.

Reminds me of this great song by Jerry Reed:

Man, what a classic. Two country legends in one class! Best Hump Day ever.

OK, that's it. That's all I got today. Good work, everyone. A long class, but I think we learned a lot.

See y'all tomorrow.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots).

Do you believe Kristin? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com.

Far-left candidate's past anti-meat activism clashes with campaign pivot in cattle country

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:05:13 -0400

Manny Rutinel, a state legislator and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, has a long track record of activism against ranching and other animal-related businesses — even as the district he’s running to represent depends heavily on the sector.

His past positions cast doubt on his current posture towards the meat business as he looks to unseat Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., in one of the most competitive districts in the country.

Rutinel said he had recently rethought his position towards ranching during an interview with the Colorado Sun late last year.

MAMDANI COMPARISONS FOLLOW COLORADO DEMOCRAT INTO PIVOTAL HOUSE RACE AFTER PRIMARY WIN

"Like all industry, there are bad apples, and I’ve spoken out against those bad apples that cause extreme and unnecessary animal cruelty in parts of the food industry and against the environmental cost of unsustainable food practices," he said.

"They’re good stewards of the land, they care for their animals and they are the backbone of our economy and our communities. Colorado ranchers are my friends and neighbors, and I’ve gotten to know them," he added.

Notably, Colorado’s 8th district is Colorado’s leading producer of beef cattle and dairy, accounting for 26% of the state’s output, according to Upstate Colorado Economic Development. Of its 2.5 million acres, 75% are devoted to farming and raising livestock.

"Meatless Manny makes PETA look reasonable and he wants to force Coloradans to scrounge for berries and nuts off the ground like cave men," Republican National Committee spokesperson Zach Kraft told Fox News Digital. "The lack of protein in Rutinel's diet must be messing with his brain because there is a zero percent chance the ranching capital of Colorado votes for a vegan

DSA’S THIRD MAJOR PRIMARY WIN DEEPENS DEMOCRATS’ FIGHT OVER THE PARTY’S FUTURE

Despite his reframing on ranching, Rutinel has suggested his ideal world might exclude them.

"In order to go green, you have to eat green," Rutinel said when, as a 21-year-old, he prompted veganism by stripping and wearing a pro-vegan sign at an Earth Day celebration.

He reflected that thinking in testimony before the Connecticut legislature during his time at Yale Law School.

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

"The report concludes that the globe must dramatically shift away from animal products and towards fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. This environmental shift will also have tremendous health benefits for consumers," Rutinel said, referring to the Planetary Health Diet, a collaborative report on food production ideals to address climate change.

Years later, as a state legislator, he would call a proposed ban on fur "really awesome," even as the Denver Democrats opposed the idea.

Additionally, Rutinel began a petition to get Popeyes to implement a plant-based menu as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that doing so would lessen the risk of employees at slaughterhouses contracting the disease.

Rutinel would also go on to found Climate Refarm, a group that helped readers make the transition towards more plant-based food sources.

"At Climate Refarm, we exist to turn everyday choices into powerful tools for climate action. Our mission is to help institutions transition to plant-based food systems while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through science-backed carbon credit solutions," the group’s website reads.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Rutinel’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he continues to believe that climate reform must, on some level, mean change for farming industries.

Having cleared the Democratic primary, Rutinel will face off against Evans in the state’s Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Country star Mark Chesnutt's longtime bandmate dies unexpectedly on tour bus

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:55:45 -0400

Mark Chestnutt is mourning the loss of his "buddy" and bass player, who died unexpectedly on the country star's tour bus over the weekend.

On Monday, the "Brother Jukebox" singer, 62, took to social media to share the heartbreaking news.

"I lost my buddy Dave Sirmon Saturday night while on the road. Dave played bass guitar in my band. He was a great musician and friend," Chestnbutt, who is currently on tour, wrote in an Instagram post. "He was such a hard worker and very hands-on with everything on the road. He was somebody I could really depend on not only for playing music but for every aspect of the road. Advice, music, songs, the bus. Everything."

COUNTRY SINGER MARK CHESNUTT HAS ‘NEW HEART’ AFTER UNDERGOING EMERGENCY SURGERY, CANCELING UPCOMING SHOWS

RANDY TRAVIS’ TOUR VOCALIST, JAMES DUPRÉ, EXPOSES HARD REALITY OF PERFORMING AFTER COUNTRY ICON’S STROKE

"He was quiet but so funny with a great sense of humor," Chestnutt continued. "He was the perfect country gentleman and an amazing man. One of the most positive people I’ve ever known. I never heard him complain one time. When you saw Dave, you saw light and would immediately smile. That was Dave. He will always ride with us in spirit and in heart. We will miss you, brother."

APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST

One day prior, Sirmon's wife, Louise, revealed her husband had died in his sleep while on the bus.

"Clearly the word is spreading. This is Dave's wife Louise and I am so very sorry to anyone finding out about Dave's passing via this post or any other social media," she wrote in a post published on Sirmon's Facebook page. "He did pass away in his sleep last night on the tour bus. I will share memorial plans when they are in place, but they will likely not be for a few weeks. Thank you to those who have reached out."

On Sunday, a friend of the Sirmon's urged those who know and love the bass player to consider donating to the family as they navigate the unimaginable loss.

"Many of you have heard the heartbreaking news of Dave James Sirmon passing. As Louise begins to navigate the unimaginable days ahead, the financial burden of unexpected expenses is already beginning to add up," the post read on Facebook.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"If you knew Dave, you knew his heart. He was one of the most generous people you could ever meet. He opened not only his home but his life to others. Every holiday, there was always room for one more at his table-friends, strangers, anyone who needed a place to belong."

"Dave was deeply loved throughout the country music community and by countless friends whose lives are better because they knew him. Now it's our turn to love on Louise the way Dave loved so many of us."

Novak Djokovic gets in heated argument with Wimbledon official over roof during thrilling quarterfinal win

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:30:02 -0400

Novak Djokovic won the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history on Wednesday over Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, but not without some drama.

Djokovic, 39, rallied to a 7-6 (12-10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (7-4), 7-6 (10-4) victory to defeat Auger-Aliassime in a thrilling match that lasted 5 hours, 15 minutes. The match needed no extra flair, but the tennis legend added some fireworks by arguing with tournament supervisor Denise Parnell about the roof.

Parnell thought the evening conditions warranted closing the roof following the second set, but Djokovic wanted to keep the roof open.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"You don’t want to get to 8.30pm? It’s 7.40pm now. We can play a whole another set outdoors. We’re an outdoor tournament," Djokovic told Parnell.

"The other day you didn’t want to close it until 8.30pm. Now you want to close it."

Parnell appeared to bring up Jannik Sinner’s match from the other night, but Djokovic would not hear it.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

"With Jannik, I don’t care what happens in his matches. I’m talking about our match right now," Djokovic said. "You remember the first round, you didn’t close it until like 8.20pm. Now you want to close it at 7.40pm. Where’s the consistency?

"You’re so proud of your rules and you’re not sticking to any kind of rules. You have no idea what the rule is."

After Djokovic’s remark about the rules, the official announcement was made that the roof would be closed.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Auger-Aliassime appeared to agree with Djokovic and asked, "So, for sure we close now?" in the middle of Djokovic’s argument with Parnell.

Despite not getting the third set outdoors, Djokovic won it 6-3. With his victory over Auger-Aliassime, he became the oldest man to reach the Wimbledon semifinals in more than 50 years.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will face Sinner, the defending champion, on Friday on Centre Court.

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

Save 40% off or more on back-to-school essentials from HP, Anker, JanSport and more

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:01:59 -0400

Get a head start on back-to-school shopping with Amazon deals on everything students need for the new school year. Whether you're shopping for your own child, grandchild or another student in your life, you'll find school supplies like notebooks and pens starting at just $5, while laptops, headphones and other tech are up to 60% off this week.

Trending back-to-school deals

Athletic shorts, 5-pack: $19.98 (55% off)
Travel laptop backpack: $18.69 (45% off)
Wall charger outlet extender: $16.99 (43% off)
Adjustable lap desk: $23.59 (41% off)
3-ring binders, 4-pack: $36.27 (41% off)
Label maker with tape: $24.19 (40% off)

Weekly calendar whiteboard: $18.99 (42% off)

Original price: $39.99

Stay on top of assignments, activities and appointments with this weekly dry-erase calendar. The reusable whiteboard provides an easy visual schedule, and it comes with 10 magnetic dry-erase markers for color-coded planning.

HP Essential laptop: $269.99 (55% off)

Original price: $599.97

As far as affordable laptops go, HP's 14-inch Essential laptop is one of the most popular. It delivers reliable everyday performance at a budget-friendly price. A responsive processor helps keep schoolwork and everyday tasks running smoothly, while 128GB of storage provides plenty of room for assignments, documents and photos.

Keurig K-Elite coffee maker: $94 (55% off)

Original price: $209.99

Busy college mornings are easier with this Keurig. The college student in your life can brew a fresh cup in minutes by popping a K-Cup pod before heading out to class, then use the iced coffee setting for a refreshing pick-me-up on warm afternoons. Right now, it's available for less than $100.

Soundcore by Anker Space A40 earbuds: $59.99 (40% off)

Original price: $99.99

Perfect for long study sessions, Soundcore's ultra-light earbuds deliver up to 50 hours of battery life, and a quick 10-minute charge provides up to four hours of playback. Features like automatically tailored noise cancellation help adjust the listening experience in busy environments, from crowded hallways to bustling libraries.

JanSport laptop backpack: $36.94 (40% off)

Original price: $62

Looking for a simple, budget-friendly backpack that will last? JanSport's classic backpack is on sale in more than two dozen colors. It has multiple pockets to keep school essentials organized and is made from durable recycled materials built for everyday use.

LifeStraw Go Series water filter bottle: $27 (40% off)

Original price: $44.95

They'll stay hydrated while running from classroom to classroom with the LifeStraw personal water filter bottle. It filters water from natural sources using iodine, chlorine or other chemicals. The long-lasting filter is rated to treat up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of water.

Blue light-blocking glasses: $8.09 (42% off)

Original price: $13.99

Spending hours looking at a computer, tablet or e-reader can lead to eye fatigue. Investing in a pair of blue light glasses can help — and this set comes with two pairs. They feature UV400 lenses designed to filter blue light and help reduce glare for more comfortable screen time, whether you're working, reading or gaming.

Reusable lunch box: $7.99 (60% off)

Original price: $19.99

This spacious reusable lunch bag comes in handy for any student and is designed to fit food containers, snacks and multiple ice packs. Foam insulation helps maintain hot or cold temperatures for up to seven hours, making it a practical choice for school, work or day trips.

Fine point colored pens, 18-pack: $7.21 (48% off)

Original price: $13.99

Stay organized with these fine-point colored pens, perfect for planning, note-taking and color-coding assignments. The set comes in a snap-close storage case that slips easily into a backpack or desk drawer.

Laptop tote bag: $24.98 (50% off)

Original price: $49.99

Upgrade your everyday carry with this sleek leather tote bag — a go-to for both students and teachers. It has 13 pockets and keeps school, work and gym essentials neatly organized while adding a polished look to your daily routine.

Laptop power bank: $59.98 (45% off)

Original price: $109.99

Keep this portable charger on hand so you're never caught with a dead battery. Multiple charging ports let you power several devices, with enough capacity to recharge an iPhone about five times or a laptop about one and a half times.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Amazon Basics composition notebooks: $5 (43% off)

Original price: $8.79

These composition notebooks are a school-year staple. Use different colors to organize subjects, and each notebook includes 100 pages of writing space for notes, homework and more.

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

New York Islanders want fans to design their third jersey, so maybe they won't complain this time

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:22:14 -0400

The New York Islanders are setting out to do something no NHL team has ever done before, and that's to toss fans the keys and let them design their next third jersey.

And maybe if they let fans of the team and the NHL in general handle the design, they won't complain about it this time...

Meh, they probably still will.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

The Islanders announced on Wednesday that fans can submit designs for the new jersey, with the winner getting a "VIP gameday experience" during the 2027-28 season, which is when the sweater will debut.

Of course, we've seen time and time again that the internet cannot be left to its own devices in moments like this (I'm looking at you, "Boaty McBoatface"), so the team has rolled out a pretty cool jersey design feature on their website using a bunch of templates and logos from throughout the team's history.

Yes, that includes the infamous "Fishsticks" logos.

WISCONSIN BADGERS JUST ADDED THE PERFECT JERSEY SPONSORSHIP IF THERE IS SUCH A THING

But when it comes to colors, you're not just stuck with blue, orange, and white. The team is letting fans go crazy with any colors they want.

This is such a great idea, and I love how it feels like the Islanders have just had enough and were like, "You fans think you can do a better job? Go ahead!"

Because the Isles's third jersey history is not stellar.

Don't get me wrong, I like the various reincarnations of the Gorton's fisherman sweaters, but most have been kind of underwhelming.

I liked the black jerseys the team wore at the Barclays Center because it was a bit different, but maybe too plain.

And then there was that weird one they wore from 2011 to 2014 that had black and gray and a wordmark over the player's number on the front. I'm still not sure what they were going for there.

What were those?!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

I've liked the Isles' Stadium Series getups over the years — including the last one that just said "ISLES" across the front — but they need a good third jersey to wear for a few seasons.

Hopefully, fans will cook something up that will be worthy of a historic franchise... but we all know the Fisherman will be on the front of it.

American 'looksmaxxing' influencer Connor Murphy dead at age 32 after apparent lake drowning

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:10:34 -0400

Influencer Connor Michael Murphy, known for his "looksmaxxing" content, died July 7 in Thailand in what authorities have described as an apparent drowning. He was 32.

Friends of the American content creator confirmed his death on July 8 in social media posts.

Police in Samut Prakan province, about 16 miles south of Bangkok, were called Tuesday afternoon to a high-end rental home after receiving a report that a man was behaving erratically, the Bangkok Post and Thairath reported.

EXTREME DEPTH MADE FATAL CAVE DIVE PERILOUS AT LUXURY HONEYMOON DESTINATION

A staff member at the residential village recorded video of Murphy before he went into a nearby lake, according to Khaosod English.

The 32-year-old allegedly argued with a security guard at the rental property, the Bangkok Post reported.

Witnesses told Khaosod English that Murphy swam for several minutes before he seemed to lose strength, adding that they did not try to enter the water because the lake was more than 10 meters (or almost 33 feet) deep.

Divers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation searched for about 30 minutes before finding Murphy roughly 20 meters from shore.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Samut Prakan Provincial Police Headquarters and Tourist Police Bureau for comment.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Police told Thai media that an initial examination found no visible signs of assault, and his body was sent to Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Full autopsy and toxicology findings are pending, Khaosod English noted.

Murphy and his 22-year-old girlfriend, identified by Khaosod English only as Bee, had been staying at the luxury villa under a three-month rental agreement, according to the Bangkok Post.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

The homeowner told Khaosod English the property is valued at about 22 million baht (roughly $600,000) and was being rented for 35,000 baht a month (or just over $1,000).

Police found that parts of the home had been splashed with black and yellow paint, including furniture, decorations and appliances, Khaosod English said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Bee told police the damage appeared to have happened overnight while she was asleep in another room, the Bangkok Post reported.

She noted she had never seen Murphy use drugs and described his behavior that day as unusual, according to local outlets.

The Texas-born Murphy had more than 2.7 million followers across YouTube and Instagram, where he posted bodybuilding and fitness content.

He said he was part of the looksmaxxing community, a male-dominated subculture associated with creator Clavicular, focused on fitness and improvements in physical appearance, sometimes through extreme measures.

His social media pages appear to have last been updated July 3, when he posted a video of himself kicking around a soccer ball inside a luxury home. Murphy's last YouTube post was six days before his death, according to reports.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The investigation is said to be ongoing.

Kelly McGreal of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Democratic Maryland Gov Wes Moore praises Trump Accounts as ‘smart policy’

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:02:59 -0400

Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore praised President Donald Trump's new child investment accounts during a Tuesday interview, saying the policy could help address child poverty and the racial wealth gap even as he sharply criticized other parts of Trump's agenda.

Moore credited the administration for enacting a policy he compared to baby bonds while appearing on "The Clay Cane Show" podcast.

"I will give this administration credit for this, is that we’ve had Democratic presidents and Republican presidents who have not been able to get this done, and it actually got done," Moore said. "So I actually, this is actually a smart policy."

'THE VIEW' CO-HOST SUNNY HOSTIN PRAISES TRUMP FOR 'GOOD POLICIES' ON FERTILITY CARE AND CHILD SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Moore said the accounts resembled baby bonds, a policy Democrats and progressive advocates have long pushed as a way to help children build wealth over time.

"I’m so with you because, honestly, it’s actually a good idea," Moore said. "And you know what it is, frankly? It’s essentially the same thing that we’ve been advocating for for a decade, which is like baby bonds."

He said the policy could give children a financial asset that grows as they get older.

"One of the fastest ways that you can address both child poverty and the racial wealth gap is actually baby bonds, by giving children a chance to be able to have something that can grow and grow in maturity, that can then give them an opportunity to have a measure of economic mobility and sustainable economic mobility," Moore said.

MAMDANI RIPPED FOR CLAIMING VICTORY OVER CAPITALISM AFTER NYC'S MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR TAXPAYER FUNDED BAILOUT

The Maryland governor made clear that his praise was limited to the savings accounts, saying he objected to other provisions in the "Big Beautiful Bill" — also known as H.R. 1 — that Republicans passed in Congress last year to implement much of Trump's agenda.

"I still have a lot of other issues with a lot of things that were in H.R. 1, like the fact that we gave tax cuts to billionaires, the fact that we gave tax breaks for people who own private planes," Moore said.

He added the accounts themselves were "good things for kids" but argued that other provisions in the law would hurt efforts to close the racial wealth gap.

"Even though these savings accounts are good things for kids, if you look at the other policies that came in under H.R. 1, we have moved the ball significantly backwards in an attempt to be able to address the racial wealth gap," Moore said.

AOC’S BILLIONAIRE ATTACK SELLS GEN Z A SMALLER, SADDER AMERICAN DREAM

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

When Cane suggested baby bond proposals could sound like socialism, Moore rejected that framing and said the idea was about making capitalism work more broadly.

"It’s just saying how can you have a capitalistic system that works for everybody," Moore said. "I believe that capitalism has been a remarkable engine, and I believe that if the goal that I have, I want to create pathways to work, wages, wealth ... I believe that capitalism is the best vehicle to help us to be able to do that, but not when it’s corrupted."

He argued that the Trump Accounts would allow children to benefit from the stock market's growth.

"The savings account is a way for young people, for children, for babies, to be able to benefit from the rise in the stock market," he said.

Moore said he would work with Trump when he believed the administration was helping Maryland residents, but would oppose policies he believed hurt the state.

"I will work with anyone, but I will bow to no one," he declared.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The IRS said Trump Accounts are for children under 18 with valid Social Security numbers and include a $1,000 pilot contribution for U.S. citizen children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028.

The White House said contributions to Trump Accounts began July 4, 2026, and that families and others can contribute up to $5,000 annually. The White House has said the accounts will be invested in broad stock-market index funds and generally cannot be withdrawn before the child turns 18.

FOX News Deals Newsletter: The best things we bought this summer (so far), plus this week's top deals

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:02:02 -0400

Welcome to your weekly shopping guide, specifically curated by the FOX News Deals team

FOX News Deals may be compensated for or earn a commission if you buy through our links.

If you have summer travel plans on the calendar, this all-in-one Nobl carry-on is worth a look. Production Editor, Kelsey Ramírez, says it checks every box, thanks to its built-in cup holder, phone mount, charging ports and dedicated laptop compartment. Better yet, it's currently 67% off, saving shoppers over $500.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Our team shops for a living, so it's safe to say we know a thing or two about spending money. These are the products we actually bought to make summer travel easier, heat waves more bearable and days in the sun even better. — Caitlyn Martyn, Commerce Editor

Keep backyard gatherings bug-free with an editor-favorite bug zapper racket and pest-control spray.

Hit the beach with sunscreen spray, a backpack cooler and durable towels.

Upgrade your grilling setup with a bristle-free grill brush and meat shredder claws.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Editor’s Pick: GlassesUSA sunglasses: BOGO

Why we love it: If your sunglasses are scratched, bent or have been rattling around at the bottom of your beach bag, now’s a great time to replace them at a bargain. GlassesUSA is offering a buy one, get one free sale with code FOXBOGO. Find more deals here.

3 ITEMS WE BOUGHT THIS WEEK

This week, our team stocked up on summer essentials. Here are three products they bought — and recommend.

Sage Anderson, Updates Writer: "I bought this golf swing trainer for my dad to help him perfect his swing. He can use it at the driving range to reinforce proper form, and it helps prevent the dreaded ‘chicken wing.'"

Christopher Murray, Writer: "Setting up camp seems a lot easier with this Coleman tent. It goes up with just a few poles, and the built-in ground vent helps keep air flowing during hot summer nights."

Jenny Op’t Holt, VP of Partnerships: "My son wears a plain T-shirt almost every day, so I stocked up on this six-pack from Gildan."

Check out our "Add to Cart" series to see what else we bought recently.

SMART BUYS UNDER $25

Fullstar Pro veggie chopper and spiralizer ($23.73) — now 53% off: Spend less time chopping with this time-saving gadget.

Travel umbrella ($22.77) — now 43% off: Toss this wind-resistant umbrella in your bag for surprise storms.

Neutrogena makeup remover wipes, 2-pack ($9.97) — now 27% off: Easily wipe away makeup, SPF and oil.

Waterproof mattress protector ($23.99) — now 20% off: Protect your mattress from spills, sweat, kids and pets with this cover.

Handheld fan ($12.32) — now 10% off: Stay cool wherever with this rechargeable fan.

ARTICLES WORTH YOUR ATTENTION

If you’re looking for a range of deals, all in one place, check out this week’s most noteworthy shopping articles.

Support your team with these World Cup must-haves, from jerseys to collectibles

Refresh your home for summer with these 12 upgrades, from $13

21 small Amazon buys that make everyday tasks easier, from just $4

Buy it for life: Durable products worth every dollar (now on sale)

TOP SALES THIS WEEK

These retailers have some of the best deals we’ve spotted this week.

Walmart

Find markdowns on luggage, air conditioners and everyday essentials like laundry detergent and body wash.

Best Buy

Save up to 54% on kitchen appliances, TVs, Apple tech and more.

Helix Sleep

Take 20% off sitewide with code JULY20, 25% off Luxe mattresses with code LUXE25 and 30% off Elite mattresses with code ELITE30.

Trump envoy warns China's power move at sea is threat 'we cannot afford to ignore'

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:55:18 -0400

China is using control over global seas as a tool of "political coercion," the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom warned, and President Donald Trump is restating his interest in Greenland for that very same reason.

China is seeking to turn ports, ships and supply chains into instruments of geopolitical leverage, U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens warned in a statement to the International Maritime Organization Council (IMO).

"I spoke about a challenge that we cannot afford to ignore: China's systematic effort to use maritime power as an instrument of political coercion," Stephens wrote in a Truth Social post after the speech.

SEN TODD YOUNG: THE HIDDEN DANGER CHINA’S SHIPS COULD BRING TO OUR SHORES

"Beijing has pursued an aggressive strategy of acquiring port concessions and infrastructure around the world — not simply for commercial gain, but to extend its strategic reach and weaponize that access against sovereign nations."

The U.S. is "not a passive observer of maritime affairs," Stephens told the IMO, calling America a "cornerstone of the global maritime economy."

He said the U.S. Maritime Transportation System supports $5.4 trillion in economic activity each year and nearly 30 million jobs.

The warning comes as Trump continued peacemaking efforts in the Strait of Hormuz and pressing Demark and NATO for U.S. control over Greenland due to Chinese and Russian threats to free navigation in the Arctic.

"Denmark doesn't spend money to really help Greenland, but it's an important part for the United States. And it's surrounded by China ships and Russian ships," Trump said at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.

For global security, Greenland "should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark," Trump added.

"They wouldn't go along with it," Trump said of Denmark. "And with all the money we spend to help them with Russia. And we don't have to spend any money. We could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe because, as you probably noticed, Europe is a very different place than it was 20 years ago. A lot different."

DENMARK VOWS TO DEFEND GREENLAND AFTER TRUMP REITERATES US SHOULD CONTROL TERRITORY

Greenland’s position between the Arctic and North Atlantic has made it a key piece of U.S. security planning.

"President Trump has made restoring American maritime leadership a national priority," Stephens said in his IMO remarks warning on China’s broader maritime footprint.

"The evidence is clear and growing," Stephens said. "China currently builds more than half of the world’s ships. It dominates the production of ship-to-shore cranes and shipping containers."

Stephens cited Panama as a recent example, pointing to a ruling by Panama’s Supreme Court that found CK Hutchison’s port concessions at the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals unconstitutional. The terminals sit at opposite ends of the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most strategically important trade corridors.

TRUMP MAKES FRESH GREENLAND PLAY AFTER XI TALKS AS CHINA’S ARCTIC AMBITIONS LOOM

Stephens said China’s response to the Panama ruling was "swift and punishing," accusing Beijing of taking action against Panama-flagged vessels in a move the U.S. characterized as an attempt to undermine Panama’s sovereignty and disrupt global supply chains.

"What happened to Panama is a warning to every nation in this room," Stephens said.

"When a country allows a foreign power or its proxies to control its ports, it does not simply accept a commercial arrangement," he added. "It accepts a vulnerability."

Stephens urged IMO member states to closely scrutinize deals allowing foreign entities, especially state-linked enterprises, to operate critical port infrastructure.

"Transparency, the rule of law and genuine sovereignty are not obstacles to commerce," Stephens said. "They are its foundation."

The ambassador also said the U.S. would press for maritime security, sanctions enforcement, protection of flag state rights, freedom of navigation and updated standards on polar operations, autonomous vessels and cyber risk management.

"The pattern is consistent: China uses its maritime and economic power to coerce, to intimidate and to punish those who assert their sovereign rights," Stephens said.

The Chinese government has routinely rejected U.S. accusations that its overseas infrastructure investments are coercive, portraying its port, shipping and Belt and Road projects as commercial partnerships that support global trade and development.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Stephens said the U.S. will continue contributing expertise, resources and leadership at the IMO but warned that the rules-based maritime order cannot be taken for granted.

"A free and open ocean is not guaranteed," he said. "It must be defended."

James Madison coach Billy Napier finally reveals what went wrong at Florida in recent interview

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:52:02 -0400

Former Florida Gators coach and current James Madison Dukes coach, Billy Napier, has had quite the eventful press tour this offseason.

After his unceremonious exit in Gainesville, Napier has had plenty of opportunities to offer a look under the hood at just what went wrong during his time as the head coach of the Gators.

That hasn't exactly happened, though, as Napier went on a local ESPN Radio show, "Fitz The Bill" in Richmond, to try and dump blame on his former employer while discussing the virtues of his new landing spot.

CURT CIGNETTI WAS SO FOCUSED THIS OFFSEASON, HE TURNED DOWN ALL EXTERNAL REQUESTS: 'I'M 95% FOOTBALL'

Then there was the USA Today fluff piece that tried to cast aspersions on the culture at Florida when Napier was there all while absolving him of having any hand in that, alluding to it being a systemic problem.

The point is, there's been a lack of accountability from Napier, but the new Dukes head coach may have finally come clean about what went wrong while he was at Florida.

In an interview with On3's Wilson Alexander, Napier took plenty of the blame for his shortcomings, identifying a lack of delegation on his part as well as some stubbornness with regard to his offensive philosophies.

COLORADO QUARTERBACK JULIAN LEWIS REVEALS HE WASN'T READING DEFENSES FOR MAJORITY OF 2025 SEASON

"I think that we really struggled to manage the workload that came with NIL, that came with the portal," Napier told On3. " I think in general there, the work continued to be loaded up in terms of my responsibility to our team and to our entire organization.

"If I can sum it up, I would say the ability to delegate and hire exceptional people in certain areas and hand over more responsibility to those guys and empower them to do their job at a high level."

When it comes to his inability to give up play calling duties, Napier was forthcoming, saying "I think that I probably was a little stubborn."

"I think that that took away from the level of detail that I had provided in a lot of those areas in the past," Napier said. "And then once my back was against the wall, I wasn’t confident or comfortable enough to hand that over to somebody else."

Reading this as a Gator fan is absolutely infuriating, because these are all things that most Florida supporters identified very early on as blindspots or weak points that would sink Napier's tenure at UF.

Some fans were even pressing the panic button during his opening presser when Napier revealed that he wasn't going to hire an offensive coordinator, but I would say the majority of them started to jump ship sometime around his second year following a five-game collapse to end the season.

One anonymous Florida booster summed it up best: "It’s infuriating to hear him in that On3 interview calmly explain what went wrong when everyone knew what the problem was in real time," he said. "He had too big of an ego to let go of play calling. The AD told him. The fans told him. The media told him... What worked in the Sun Belt doesn’t necessarily work in the SEC."

As far as his comments about NIL and not being able to give up those duties as well, those words are equally as damning.

Fans and rivals alike all remember the bungling of the Jadan Rashada NIL deal.

One can only wonder if Napier had delegated more responsibility or established a front office model (much like the one they now have in place at Florida), perhaps the Gators wouldn't have been mired in a very public legal battle for the majority of Napier's tenure regarding Rashada's reported missed paychecks.

Napier famously hired one of the largest support staffs in SEC history, so the fact that he is now saying that he refused to delegate responsibilities to them is eye-opening, to say the least.

There is a good chance Napier has recognized the error of his ways and will correct course in time to be successful at JMU.

He's already hired an offensive coordinator, East Tennessee's Cam Aiken, so maybe he really has turned over a new leaf.

That's nice for James Madison fans, but what about the Florida fans who endured the entirety of Napier's tenure?

The former Gators head coach never even issued an official goodbye statement after being fired by his old athletic director Scott Stricklin, something even the most embittered coaches have done after being shown the door in northern Florida.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Perhaps all Napier needed was a change of scenery and an ego check. As you'll recall, he did pretty well the last time he was coaching a Sun Belt program.

Time will tell, but admitting you had a problem is only the first step in a very long journey of self-improvement, and Billy Napier has a hell of a road in front of him.

A look at what's inside the America 250th time capsule buried in Philadelphia

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:25:10 -0400

Something big went down 250 years ago at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

The Founders finalized the Declaration of Independence there.

But something big also went down at Independence Hall just a few days ago — literally.

As in the ground.

Congress adopted a resolution mandating burial of a time capsule just a few feet away from Independence Hall to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. And the instructions are clear — do not open until the year 2276, 250 years from now.

FLASHBACK: AS AMERICA TURNS 250, HERE'S HOW THE NATION CELEBRATED ITS BIGGEST BIRTHDAYS

"Our responsibility is not simply to remember what happened here on these grounds. But to preserve those same ideals of whose generation came before and that will come after us," said Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., who traveled with a coterie of bipartisan lawmakers to Philadelphia for the occasion.

Congress met in Philadelphia from 1790 to 1800 before decamping to what is now Washington, DC. In fact, the District of Columbia exists because of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783. That’s when a mob of Continental Army soldiers threatened the security of Independence Hall after the fledgling American government failed to pay them.

Alexander Hamilton advocated for what the Constitution describes as a federal "District" to serve as the "seat of government." The primary purpose of the unique federal enclave was to protect the Congress.

"The Congressional time capsule is a reflection of our faith in the future of this grand experiment in self-governance," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. "When this capsule is finally opened, those Americans will be as distant from us as we are today from the men who signed their names on our declaration."

Each U.S. state and all six of its territories furnished artifacts to bury in the stainless steel time capsule.

There were letters from Congressional leaders. Also, ones from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Fox asked MLB what Manfred wrote in the letter. But he wouldn’t say. That’s because the missive is intended for those in the future.

Manfred’s words will remain a mystery. Much like how the New York Mets can have the second-highest payroll in baseball and remain mired in last place.

At least the Mets still won’t be paying Bobby Bonilla in 2276.

Three temporal lines intersected for the burial of the time capsule in Philadelphia. Each item represented something from America’s past. The burial was about present day — America’s 250th birthday. But, the ceremony was simultaneously about the future.

So imagine for a moment the likes of Thomas Jefferson crossing that green by Independence Hall 250 years ago. Then consider those who journeyed to Philadelphia to tour the National Constitution Center and spy the Liberty Bell for the holiday this year. Finally, propel yourself into the future and envision what that green would look like and who you might encounter in 250 years.

The time capsule included some items from one of the most harrowing days in American history: 9/11.

THE REVOLUTIONARY LANDMARKS WHERE WASHINGTON, ADAMS AND JEFFERSON CHANGED AMERICA

"We have a piece of metal from the Freedom Tower that obviously represents both the struggle initially and what happened on September 11th. But then ultimately, the resilience of rising from the ashes, as America has always done," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

But everyone longed to include something else important to them.

"Well, a New York Knicks championship ring would be incredible," said Jeffries.

Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Penn., represents Independence Mall and the location of the time capsule. He pushed his colleagues to adopt a resolution for lawmakers to meet in Philadelphia for a Joint Session of Congress. But that didn’t happen.

However, lawmakers did convene in Philadelphia in 1987 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Constitution. They also traveled to New York for a Joint Session in 2002, one year after the 9/11 attacks.

But like Jeffries, Boyle hoped to include whimsical items as well.

"Part of me as a Philadelphian wants to say a Philly cheesesteak. But that would not age well over 250 years," said Boyle. "If there could be a piece of Independence Hall as part of the time capsule, I think that that would be wonderful."

Here are some of the other contents:

Georgia donated a medallion from the Masters Golf Tournament. And, being the home of Coca-Cola, the state also sent along a vintage glass Coke bottle.

One of the biggest items in the time capsule was a piece of bone from a North Atlantic Right Whale. It’s listed as one of the most-endangered of the large whale species. It would be a testament to aquatic preservation if the North Atlantic Right Whale is still swimming in 2276.

One of the most intriguing items in the collection came from California. The Golden State included an AI prompt from the chatbot Claude. People asked Claude what the country would be like in 250 years.

Like Manfred’s letter, what Claude spat back out is lost to the future, sealed in the time capsule.

THE LESSON WE CAN LEARN FROM BICENTENNIAL HISTORY IS TO PARTY LIKE IT’S 1976

In 1776, the colonists wore tri-cornered hats and powdered wigs. Those aren’t around anymore. New Mexico’s contributions included bolo ties, culturally important apparel in the American Southwest. One wonders if anyone will still be wearing those in 250 years. To say nothing of any sort of necktie.

Lawmakers who traveled to Philadelphia noted that the Founding Fathers were bold. Courageous. And willing to take risks – not knowing we’d still celebrate their actions today.

"The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence were signing their death forms. After all, they knew what they faced had they not succeeded," said Boyle.

The artifacts in the time capsule represent where America stands. But also suggests where it might go.

There’s an Olympic Gold medal, won by an American athlete at the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina earlier this year. And, there’s an Apple iPhone.

As important as iPhones are now, people in the future might see little difference between an iPhone and a BlackBerry.

Ironically, the biggest enemy of a time capsule is time itself.

"Our main takeaway here is that of the longer generation time capsules, water has destroyed most of them. Time has destroyed many others and things get lost or the items inside react," said Michael Berilla with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. "I made time capsules back in high school - maybe you have too - where they just failed miserably."

That’s one of the reasons they didn’t include a football in the time capsule. The leather would degrade over time.

And you thought "Deflategate" was a big deal.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The hope is that the time capsule at Independence Hall doesn’t fail. And, that the country doesn’t fail either. That way, people can gather on the green by Independence Hall and see the treasures we sent them from the past.

And as they crack the time capsule open, maybe devour a cheesesteak — if those are still a Philadelphia delicacy in 2276.

Phillies star says 'BS rule' is keeping him from being named All-Star in front of home crowd

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:47:48 -0400

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler missed the first few weeks of the season recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome, but the way he's looked on the mound, no one could have ever guessed it.

The 36-year-old is pitching like an All-Star, but he has not yet been named one, and Wheeler thinks a "BS rule" is the result.

In 14 starts, Wheeler is pitching to a 2.28 ERA (22 earned runs/87.0 innings pitched) and a 0.908 WHIP. Both would be career bests. Wheeler is just five innings shy of qualifying for the ERA title (one inning per team game played, so essentially 162 innings), but among pitchers with at least 80 innings under their belt, his ERA is the sixth-lowest.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

However, it isn't the injury that is keeping the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher from playing the Midsummer Classic in his home ballpark but rather his pitching schedule, he said.

"It p----- me off. It’s kind of BS, so. Maybe if I wasn’t necessarily right in there, I wouldn’t be saying this, but I feel like I’ve earned it, and just because I pitch on a certain day, I can’t pitch in the All-Star Game or even be there or get the recognition for it..." Wheeler told reporters on Tuesday.

"I think it's kind of just a BS rule, just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it, I guess."

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA MAY HAVE LEAKED SOME MLB ALL-STARS HOURS BEFORE THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

Wheeler tossed seven innings of one-run ball while striking out 14 Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, which would line him up to start Sunday on normal rest, two days before the All-Star Game.

"The second and third days (of rest) are when I usually throw my bullpen," Wheeler said, noting that he would have been fine to pitch an inning in the All-Star Game, as most pitchers do anyway.

Pitching schedules have determined who is available for the Midsummer Classic, but it's not known whether they have strictly determined All-Star selections.

According to someone familiar with the selection process, the majority of All-Star pitching selections are made through a joint process between MLB and the MLB Players Association, with players and coaches selecting five starting pitchers in each league before MLB fills several of the remaining roster spots. Jacob Misiorowski, Cristopher Sánchez, Chris Sale, Chase Burns and Paul Skenes were selected through that process.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Players have been snubbed in the past due to MLB's rule that at least one player from each team must be represented.

All-Stars were announced earlier this week, but more reserves could be added, with many determined by availability for the game.

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

Critics say Turkey's verbal attacks on Israel have crossed into antisemitism

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:43:59 -0400

As Iran, Russia’s war with Ukraine and NATO’s defense spending dominate the organization's summit in Ankara, one issue that has escaped the media glare is the increasingly antisemitic rhetoric coming from Turkish leaders.

As relations between Turkey and Israel continue to hit new lows, a war of words between the two nations has erupted.

In a July 2 interview with CNN Türk, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Israel has "become a burden that humanity can no longer bear," The Jerusalem Post reported.

Fidan also said Israel is representative of "humanity’s common problems," and asked other countries to apply pressure to the Jewish State, according to Israel National News.

ISRAELI OFFICIAL SAYS EU SANCTIONS REVEAL ANTISEMITISM HIDING BEHIND 'SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE MASK'

In a press statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called Fidan’s words "a clear call for genocide. The Jewish people know very well what happens when such words are allowed to go unchallenged. The first step on the road to genocide is dehumanization.

"This is a sentence that sounds very familiar to sentences from about 100 years ago," Sa’ar added. "To speak about a people as a ‘problem for humanity.’ What do you do with a ‘burden that you can no longer bear?’" he asked.

Sinan Ciddi, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and director of FDD’s Turkey program, told Fox News Digital Fidan’s statement was "some of the vilest rhetoric to come out of any statesman since the Holocaust."

SIGN UP FOR ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED NEWSLETTER

Ciddi said escalated anti-Israel rhetoric in Turkey "goes all the way back to 2008," when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan "began the process of ripping apart the bilateral relationship between Israel and Turkey. But, after Oct. 7, it just went into overdrive," he said. "I have never heard any Arab leader utter the words that Foreign Minister Fidan has said."

Yet Erdoğan has condemned antisemitism; the Turkish Minute reported that he told Turkish religious minority representatives at an Ankara dinner in March that "just as Islamophobia is a crime against humanity, antisemitism is also a crime, an evil that cannot be considered reasonable or legitimate."

Despite his recent condemnation, he and other ministers have continued with their rhetoric against the Jewish state.

In June, Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ҁiftҁi said the world would "witness the liberation of Jerusalem," according to the Times of Israel.

WHO IS TURKEY'S RECEP TAYYIP ERDOĞAN? HOW NATO'S MOST UNPREDICTABLE LEADER KEEPS REINVENTING HIMSELF

In May 2021, the Times of Israel reported that Erdoğan called Israelis "murderers," claiming they were "only satisfied by sucking their [victims’] blood." At the time, the State Department spokesperson issued a strong condemnation of Erdoğan’s "antisemitic comments regarding the Jewish people," calling them "reprehensible."

In May 2025, Erdoğan invoked similar language, accusing Israel of being "a terror state that feeds on the blood, lives and tears of the innocent," Israel National News reported.

Anti-Israel sentiment in Turkey has infiltrated far beyond leadership. A Pew Research poll from June found that Turkey had the highest level of anti-Israel sentiment of any polled country, with 91% of the population holding "very unfavorable" views on Israel, 6% holding an "unfavorable" view, and just 1% expressing any favor of Israel.

In response to questions about whether the State Department plans to respond to antisemitic statements from Turkish leadership, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "Turkey is a longstanding and valued NATO ally, and we continue to engage on all aspects of our important and multi-faceted relationship."

Ciddi said there are "numerous channels" for the State Department and Trump administration to reprimand Turkey for its unchecked hatred.

"The president could obviously pull aside a Turkish counterpart and demand an apology," he explained, while the State Department could address the comments or place Turkey on a watchlist.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

As the two-day NATO summit winds down in Ankara, Ciddi said Turkey "is going to try and overshadow anything else" and "promote itself as the sort of premiere NATO ally, so we need to watch out for Turkey’s whitewashing of its human rights record.

"We cannot safeguard our allies’ democratic norms, rights and practices if we don’t hold member states like Turkey accountable for the threats that it presents."

The Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Socialists set sights on Taylor Swift after 'tacky' NYC wedding sparks left-wing backlash

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:40:40 -0400

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Madison Square Garden wedding is drawing backlash from socialist commentators who say the celebrity spectacle showcased billionaire excess and disrupted New York City during a crowded holiday weekend.

"Controversial opinion: I think this is a dramatic misuse of public resources," socialist Twitch host Hasan Piker in a livestream Friday. "I think it’s insane. I think it’s a bad look. I think it’s, it’s, it’s heightening the contradictions. It’s showcasing one again that like, no matter how beloved a public figure you might be, you’re still, if you’re a billionaire, you’re still a billionaire and you are going to do billionaire s--t."

The pop star has historically been embraced by the left, including when she endorsed then-President Joe Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 race, when she criticized President Donald Trump over the George Floyd protests in 2020 and for her pro-abortion stance. Her massive Madison Square Garden wedding has reopened criticism of her billionaire status, with socialist voices blasting the spectacle as Manhattan dealt with holiday-weekend crowds, street closures and added pressure from the ongoing World Cup games.

DEMOCRATIC INFIGHTING GROWS AS CONGRESSWOMAN EXPOSES ‘DISRESPECTFUL’ WELCOME OF SOCIALISTS INTO ‘BIG TENT’

"This is a glaringly obvious example of that. This is straightforwardly a flex I think. It is straightforwardly a flex to be like, ‘Yeah, I can do this, f it.’ And I kind of think it is a little tacky, at best," Piker added.

Swift and Kelce tied the knot on Friday at Maddison Square Garden (MSG) in front of 1,000 guests, keeping much of their garden-themed wedding under wraps to the public.

Fox News Digital previously reported Swift wore a Christian Dior wedding dress, comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, and guests played a raffle game to win lavish prizes.

TAYLOR SWIFT AND TRAVIS KELCE'S WEDDING: LEAKED DETAILS REVEAL INSIDE LOOK AS PHOTOS CAPTURE A-LIST DEPARTURES

Like other large events at MSG, the Swift-Kelce wedding led to street closures in the area, complicating access to transportation such as nearby Penn Station.

"She’s just another psychotic billionaire. On a holiday weekend. Amidst all this worldwide suffering, the ultra-wealthy still have no compunction. Unreal," Democratic Socialists of America member and political talk show "Majority Report" host Emma Vigeland posted on X.

"I'm sorry but he's right. I'm sorry, swifties," wrote pro-socialist account on X.

The backlash comes as socialist-aligned voices are gaining more influence in New York Democratic politics, with several candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeating incumbents in recent primaries.

MET GALA BACKLASH GROWS AS CELEBRITIES AND POLITICIANS TARGET JEFF AND LAUREN BEZOS' SPONSORSHIP

Democrats also took shots at the wedding, including former NYC Mayor Eric Adams' spokesman Fabien Levy.

"Unpopular opinion but this takes Groomzilla and Bridezilla energy to a new level," wrote Levy on X.

"This wedding is inconveniencing thousands of local residents, impacting the nation's largest transit hub, and taking cops away from patrolling streets when we're in a heightened threat environment," Levy continued.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The White House also weighed in, using the moment to poke fun at the fanfare surrounding the couple’s nuptials by sharing a meme of Madison Square Garden’s pink sign altered to read, "Trump is your president."

'The View' co-host hits Democrats over 'botched' vetting of Platner

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:34:42 -0400

"The View" co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin dug into the Democratic Party over the "botched" vetting of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Wednesday as he remains embroiled in several scandals, including sexual abuse allegations.

Co-host Sunny Hostin said that Platner needed to get out of the race because Democrats needed to flip the Senate.

"I’m just struck by how Dems botched this so badly though, because, to your point, the path to Dems taking the Senate, I think, always ran through Maine," Griffin said.

"That was always going to be one of the important pickup seats. They had six years to recruit against Susan Collins and to vet somebody and to look into their past statements, to look into the tattoos that they might have. I mean, listen, Texas just nominated a lunatic in Ken Paxton, so it’s not like the other party isn’t guilty of this as well. But when the stakes are so high, and when the path to the Senate runs through this, how were they not able to find this?" she asked.

PLATNER’S THREE-DAY VETTING JOB COMES BACK TO HAUNT DEMS AS RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS SENATE BID

She continued, "And this is where I think consultants did know. I think that a lot of people who are making a lot of money around him knew. There were whispers, now there's reports, but that he had issues with women and people kept saying, ‘No, no, no, look away,’" Griffin said.

Whoopi Goldberg argued people knew about Platner and said the hosts had discussed it.

"You know what, I don’t know — given what’s happened just in our world right now, how the country — who’s in charge of it, I think people held their nose and said, ‘I’m going to take a step,’" she said.

Goldberg said people vote for flawed candidates despite allegations such as these.

FORGET CORRUPTION: FROM GRAHAM PLATNER TO KEN PAXTON, BOTH PARTIES EMBRACE THE POLITICS OF HYPOCRISY

The hosts agreed as Griffin argued that the parties weren't vetting based on character.

The co-hosts have had several debates about Platner, during which Hostin has called him a racist, a homophobe and an antisemite, but said she would support him anyway, due to the state of the country.

During a back-and-forth on the show on Tuesday, Hostin was confronted by Griffin over whether she would feel comfortable voting for him if she lived in Maine.

Hostin focused her criticism on the Republican Party, arguing they couldn't claim the moral high ground.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"I said it, if I lived in Maine I would have, you know, plugged my nose and would have voted for him anyway. I think we are in a time of existential crisis in this country and I think Republicans fall in line. They don’t fall in love. Democrats want to fall in love and not fall in line. The Republican Party — the bar is so very low — I can’t believe that they want to try to assume the moral high ground of the Republican Party," she said.

She did not say whether she would feel comfortable voting for Platner if she lived in Maine amid the new allegations of sexual abuse on Tuesday, though all the hosts agreed he should exit the race.

England's Jordan Henderson undergoes surgery after suffering fracture while celebrating win over Mexico

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:28:10 -0400

English soccer player Jordan Henderson has shared an update after suffering a freak arm injury while celebrating his team's World Cup Round of 16 win over Mexico.

Henderson tried to hop over the advertising boards after England topped Mexico 3-2 at Mexico City Stadium in one of the best matches of the World Cup. However, his hand slipped off the top of the boards, and he hit the deck hard and awkwardly.

The fall left Henderson with a fractured wrist.

ENGLAND'S JORDAN HENDERSON OFFICIALLY RULED OUT AFTER FREAK FALL CAUSES FRACTURE, OPTS FOR SURGERY

It was revealed earlier this week that Henderson had opted for surgery, ruling him out of England's quarterfinal against Norway and the remainder of the tournament.

On Wednesday, he provided an update that he had undergone surgery in Kansas City, which is where the Three Lions have been based through this World Cup.

Here's to hoping Henderson is on the mend, because this is a brutal way to get your World Cup cut short.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

There are few things in sports as brutal as getting injured while celebrating. It's the ultimate high, followed by the ultimate, ego-bruising low.

And it's not like Henderson was doing anything stupid, like trying to dunk the ball over the crossbar or wow the crowd with James Brown splits. He was just trying to hop over the advertising boards, something he has probably done hundreds of times.

But all it took was for one of those boards to be a tad slippery, and that was all she wrote. Next thing you know, he's being taken off on a stretcher... for a fractured wrist.

That's a rough way to go out, and it could've happened to anyone.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

That's the curse of winning, though.

You never hear about someone getting injured in the moments after suffering a soul-crushing defeat.

Trump says 'Iran lies and cheats' as IRGC emerges as dominant force in negotiations with US

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:27:39 -0400

As President Donald Trump voiced growing frustration Wednesday with Iranian negotiators, accusing them of lying and cheating, the latest escalation has exposed an even more fundamental problem for Washington: whether the officials at the negotiating table have the power to deliver an agreement — or whether anyone in Tehran does.

"I don’t know if we’re going to have a deal. We may just do it without a deal," Trump said at the NATO summit in Ankara. "These people, they lie and they cheat."

But Trump’s frustration with Iran’s negotiators is only part of the problem. Since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it has become increasingly unclear who in Tehran has the authority to make — and enforce — an agreement.

TRUMP SAYS IRAN CEASEFIRE IS 'OVER' AFTER IRANIAN ATTACKS TRIGGER MASSIVE US RESPONSE

Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father as supreme leader after the elder Khamenei was killed in the opening U.S.-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. But Mojtaba has not appeared publicly since the attack, and U.S. assessments cited by Reuters have described authority as dispersed among senior Revolutionary Guard commanders and powerful civilian officials.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former IRGC commander who led Iran’s negotiating delegation, has emerged as one of the country’s most powerful surviving political figures.

Banafsheh Zand, an Iranian-American journalist and editor of the Iran So Far Away Substack, said power inside the Islamic Republic has fractured since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leaving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as the country’s dominant force.

"The person who is negotiating with the U.S. is not necessarily someone who is endorsed by the others," Zand told Fox News Digital.

She described Ghalibaf as one power center competing with figures including IRGC commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi, Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani and former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Vahidi controls the IRGC’s overall military structure, while Qaani oversees its external operations and relationships with Iran-aligned armed groups across the region. Zarif, by contrast, remains closely identified with the more accommodationist political camp that previously championed negotiations and sanctions relief.

"The hardliners, in terms of their political presence, have also been pushed aside," Zand said. "So really, it’s the IRGC. And within the IRGC, whoever signs the deal is not necessarily signing on behalf of everybody else. They’re signing on behalf of themselves."

Her assessment reflects a central problem facing Washington: Iran’s negotiators, political institutions and military commanders may not share the same interpretation of what was agreed — or the same willingness to implement it.

US CLAWS BACK KEY CONCESSION TO IRAN AFTER FRESH ATTACKS ON COMMERCIAL SHIPS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Yet Trump’s declaration does not necessarily mean diplomacy has been permanently abandoned.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that the clearest evidence would be the restoration of the U.S. blockade, the introduction of additional military forces or a new round of major economic sanctions.

Otherwise, he said, Trump may continue operating in the "gray zone" between negotiations and open war while keeping his options available.

The more difficult question is why Tehran would jeopardize sanctions relief and risk overwhelming American firepower when its military has already been severely degraded.

Ben Taleblu said Iran’s leaders appear to believe escalation is essential to the survival of the Islamic Republic.

"This is a regime that is weaker, but lethal, and less capable, but more confident," he said. Iran’s leadership believes its adversaries have vulnerable economic and military interests throughout the Gulf, he added, while the regime itself is more willing to accept destruction.

"Their survival and their military success and their political success runs through more, not less, escalation," he said.

Lisa Daftari, foreign policy analyst and the editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk, agrees the escalation is deliberate, aimed at turning regional instability into leverage.

"By targeting commercial shipping and Arab states, the regime is signaling that it can hold global energy flows and America’s regional partners hostage to extract leverage, distract from its domestic crisis, and test U.S. red lines," Daftari told Fox News Digital.

She said Tehran is betting that Washington and its Arab partners will be unwilling to sustain another war and will ultimately back down first.

"The regime’s core weapon is time," Daftari said. "By escalating in the Persian Gulf and attacking ships and Arab states, they are creating rolling crises that raise the cost of confronting them while they consolidate power at home."

Daftari argued that the strategy reflects the Islamic Republic’s longstanding character rather than a temporary response to pressure.

TRUMP ENTERS FINAL NATO SUMMIT DAY AS UKRAINE, DEFENSE SPENDING TAKE CENTER STAGE

"This regime was never designed to be reformed or softened," she said. "What they are showing us now is exactly who they intend to remain: a hardline, revolutionary regime determined to stay in power."

But determining how that strategy is translated into action is more complicated. Authority in Tehran appears divided, raising questions about who is directing the escalation and whether the officials negotiating with Washington can commit the broader security establishment.

That division is already visible in the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.

A Middle Eastern source familiar with the issue told Fox News Digital that Tehran and Washington are operating from fundamentally different readings of Clause five of the memorandum. The publicly released text says Iran will use its "best efforts" to arrange safe commercial passage through the strait without charge for 60 days, while removing military and technical obstacles and conducting demining operations. It does not expressly state that foreign vessels must obtain Iran’s approval or use routes designated by Tehran.

According to the source, Iran interprets that language as giving it responsibility — and therefore authority — to coordinate shipping and determine the routes vessels use during the interim period. Washington’s interpretation is that Iran agreed to lift its maritime blockade and fully reopen the international waterway.

When the two sides have different interpretations of a single page, how do they intend to write a treaty, the source said.

Iran views control over passage through the Strait of Hormuz as one of its last major sources of leverage over the United States, Gulf governments and the global economy, the source said, "That is the heart of the matter."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Taken together, the experts’ assessments suggest Tehran is unlikely to face a simple choice between surrendering to Trump’s pressure and returning to negotiations. Ben Taleblu said the regime believes its survival depends on "more, not less, escalation," while Daftari said it is deliberately "playing out the clock" by creating repeated regional crises. That raises the prospect that, even if Iranian officials return to the table, the IRGC could continue targeting commercial shipping, U.S. interests and American allies to preserve its leverage and strengthen its position inside Iran.

Pro-Palestinian Egyptian coach loses it at sight of Israeli flag after all-time World Cup collapse

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:20:39 -0400

After watching his team complete one of the biggest collapses in World Cup history, Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan only made matters worse.

Egypt was up 2-0 but allowed three goals in the final 20 minutes against Argentina to get eliminated in the Round of 16 in devastating fashion.

As he was leaving the pitch, Hassan, who has openly supported Palestinians throughout the World Cup, appeared to spot two Argentinian fans holding an Israeli flag.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Hassan and another coach appeared irate at the fans, pointing at them from the field and appearing to mimic a spit in their direction. Hassan then got in the face of a photographer capturing the moment, while another coach appeared to drop an F-bomb toward the fans.

After Egypt's win over Australia in the Round of 32 over the weekend, Hassan waved a Palestinian flag on the field. After a victory via penalty kicks, Hassan said he was dedicating Egypt's win to the "good and noble" Egyptian and Palestinian people.

"My heart and soul are with them," he said after that match. "I dedicate this victory to the Palestinians. May Allah grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs.

"If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human," Hassan added earlier this week.

CHRISTIAN PULISIC'S 'REST' COMMENT AFTER WORLD CUP EXIT DRAWS STRONG REACTIONS FROM USA SOCCER LEGENDS

A video from last month's Iran-New Zealand World Cup game at SoFi Stadium outside Los Angeles appeared to show a man's Israeli flag getting confiscated, while adjacent Palestinian flags were permitted to remain in the stands.

The man with the Israeli flag told Fox News Digital after the incident he was also told by security that the "head of FIFA didn't care about" the Palestinian flag behind him, "and they only cared about my flag in particular."

"They said they don't have a problem with their flags, and they only have an issue with ours," he said, citing a double standard. "They had no marching orders in order to take their flag, or anyone else's flag. It was pretty embarrassing.

"They said they don't have a problem with their flags, and they only have an issue with ours," he added. "They had no marching orders in order to take their flag, or anyone else's flag. It was pretty embarrassing."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

FIFA rule 4.2.23 states that World Cup attendees must only use flags "in a festive and friendly manner." FIFA also prohibits "materials" that are of "political ... nature." However, The Associated Press notes that FIFA said it is permitted to display the Palestinian flag at the World Cup.

OutKick's Jon Root contributed to this report.

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

Mike Rowe says history shows why Americans keep rejecting socialism

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:15:05 -0400

Americans who say they aren't proud of the United States may need a refresher on the nation's history or a visit to other countries, Mike Rowe told Fox News Digital on America's 250th anniversary.

Rowe, founder of the skilled-trades nonprofit mikeroweWORKS, narrator of "Deadliest Catch" and host of "Dirty Jobs," said celebrities should avoid dispensing political advice but argued history shows why socialism has repeatedly fallen out of favor.

Asked about a Gallup poll showing only 53% of Americans are very proud of the U.S., Rowe said that while he’s no "mind reader," his first thought was "if you're not proud of the country, then it's possible you might not be up to speed on where the country came from and how the country evolved or maybe how the rest of the countries and the world function."

WORLD CUP SOCCER FANS ARE DISCOVERING AMERICA’S GREATNESS. IT’S TIME AMERICANS DID, TOO

"Nobody wants a lecture or a sermon or a history lesson, but it's hard to appreciate who and what we are today unless you really remember who and what we were 251 years ago (in 1775) — back when the American dream was really just a dream."

Rowe said the constant stream of bad news makes it easy to draw short-term conclusions about the country, but America's founding offers a longer historical perspective.

NEWT GINGRICH: THE DECLARATION STILL TERRIFIES SOCIALISTS AND TYRANTS, HERE AND ABROAD

Rowe said the Founders effectively signed their own "death warrant" when they declared independence from Great Britain in pursuit of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

"That's what the American dream was. It [became reality] in 1783 when we signed the Treaty of Paris. … We're living in the American reality. And it's not perfect. It will always be a work in progress, but to look at the country and say, ‘Ah, I'm not that impressed’, I would suggest maybe visit some other countries and look back at our own history and reimagine your worldview."

Given recent wins by socialist politicians in New York, New Jersey, Colorado and elsewhere, Rowe said that "history is a wheel" that always spins.

DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM IS SWEEPING THE NATION. VOTERS SHOULD BE ALARMED

"Personally, I rack my brain to think of all the instances where socialism paid off. I got nothing, man."

Ideas that are out of favor suddenly return to the fore, and then fade again as people experience their own history in their own time, he said.

While the best political ideas won’t always win short-term, they ultimately wash out in the end, he said, pointing to history as a guide to why "we kicked [socialism] to the curb every time it reared its head."

When asked his suggestions to Republicans in combating socialism or Democrats in managing their new schism, Rowe quipped that he knows "one thing the country absolutely, positively doesn’t need."

"My opinion on any of that crap," he said. "I would be so far out of my lane to mouth off like that. We've got enough celebrities and enough public figures with enough opinions on telling both parties what to do.

"I've got a lane. The lane right now is mikeroweWORKS and BuildFreedom. And in that lane are hundreds of thousands of great jobs that are wide open. … And I mean that sincerely to anybody on the left, anybody on the right."

MikeroweWORKS and BuildFreedom are "so aggressively uninterested in your politics," Rowe said, focusing instead on work ethic and a willingness to learn skills that are in demand.

In regard to his focus on blue-collar work and warnings that the artificial intelligence revolution is endangering it, Rowe said of AI pioneers like Elon Musk that he won’t bet against the mogul or his work.

SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER

"Three-quarters of the country is uneasy with AI ... but the people building this infrastructure are talking about a $10 trillion investment in our future."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Rowe said Americans have a habit of becoming suspicious of the very industries and technologies they eventually depend on. Still, he remained confident that the country's democratic process and spirit of innovation will prevail.

"We're going to argue like hell," he said. "And, in the end, hopefully somebody somewhere in this town will be talking about these same things 250 years from now."