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'American Kitchen' serves up the ultimate backyard barbecue menu with steak, ribs, seafood and more

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:01:41 -0400

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, backyard barbecues and home-cooked meals remain at the heart of many Independence Day traditions.

A new Fox Nation special, "American Kitchen: An America 250 BBQ," celebrates those flavors with patriotic recipes, grilling inspiration and dishes that reflect the country's diverse culinary traditions.

Premiering July 3, the special features decorated U.S. Army veteran and celebrity chef Andre Rush alongside chef David Burke, with appearances by chef Robert Irvine, as they showcase classic American cooking and Fourth of July favorites.

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S 1757 BEER RECIPE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AHEAD OF AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY

Below are nine recipes featured in the special, offering everything from classic barbecue favorites to regional dishes inspired by communities across the country.

1. Live-Fire Oak-Smoked Salmon on Cedar & Banana Leaf

A rustic, open-fire method that layers salmon over banana leaf and cedar plank, allowing gentle oak smoke to flavor the fish while keeping it exceptionally moist over live coals.

The banana leaf acts as a protective barrier, preventing the salmon from sticking or drying out during the slow roast. (Yields: 6–8)

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salmon

1 side salmon fillet (3–4 lbs), skin-on, pin bones removed

1 untreated cedar plank (large enough to fit fillet)

1 large banana leaf

4–6 food-safe stainless steel nails or metal skewers

Chunk oak firewood, burned down to glowing coals

Spray bottle filled with water

Herb & Garlic Marinade

8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

Shallots, roughly chopped

1 cup olive oil

1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped

1 bunch dill, roughly chopped

½ cup capers, drained

1 bunch basil

Zest and juice of 2 lemons

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Buttermilk Herb Sauce

1½ cups buttermilk

¾ cup mayonnaise

¾ cup sour cream

½ bunch basil

2 tbsp chopped dill

2 tbsp chopped parsley

2 tbsp capers

2 hard-boiled eggs

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

'AMERICAN KITCHEN' CHEF SERVES CREAMY ACORN SQUASH SOUP IN EDIBLE BOWLS 'THAT EVERYONE WILL LOVE'

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cedar Plank & Banana Leaf

Submerge the cedar plank in water for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight if possible. This prevents the wood from burning too quickly over the fire.

Run the banana leaf under warm water or briefly pass it over a flame for several seconds until pliable. Trim to fit the plank.

2. Build the Fire

Use chunk oak firewood to build a live fire. Allow the wood to burn down until you have a steady bed of glowing coals with low, controlled flames. The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.

3. Make the Marinade

In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, shallots, olive oil, parsley, dill, capers, basil, lemon zest and juice.

Blend until rustic but spoonable. Season with salt and black pepper.

Spread the mixture generously over the salmon fillet. Let marinate at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

4. Assemble the Plank

Lay the banana leaf over the soaked cedar plank.

Place the salmon skin-side down on top of the leaf. Secure the salmon, banana leaf and plank together using stainless steel nails or skewers.

The banana leaf protects the fish while allowing the cedar and oak smoke to gently perfume the salmon.

5. Cook the Salmon

Place the planked salmon near — not directly over — the oak coals.

Cook slowly for 35–45 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches approximately 140°F.

Keep the spray bottle nearby to control any flare-ups from the cedar plank.

6. Make the Buttermilk Herb Sauce

Whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise and sour cream.

Finely chop the basil, dill, parsley, capers and hard-boiled eggs. Fold into the dressing mixture and season with salt and pepper.

Chill until ready to serve.

7. Serve

Carefully remove the plank from the fire using heat-resistant gloves.

Lift the salmon from the banana leaf and serve directly from the cedar plank alongside the chilled buttermilk herb sauce.

Serve with grilled lemons, charred vegetables, roasted potatoes or fire-toasted bread.

2. Smoked Bulgogi-Glazed St. Louis Ribs

Slow-smoked until deeply tender and finished with a glossy Korean-inspired bulgogi glaze, these St. Louis ribs balance smoke, sweetness, heat and umami. The combination of soy, garlic, ginger, sesame and gochujang creates a lacquered finish that caramelizes beautifully during the final stage of cooking.

CHEF ON 'AMERICAN KITCHEN' SHARES COMMON SPICE THAT TURNS ORDINARY POTATOES INTO MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHT

Two full racks comfortably serve 6–8 people, depending on portion size and sides. (Yields: 6–8)

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5½–6 hours
Rest Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Ribs

2 full racks St. Louis-style pork ribs

Yellow mustard, for binding

Dry Rub

3 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tbsp black pepper

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Bulgogi Marinade & Glaze

1 cup soy sauce

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup honey

1 Asian pear, grated (or 1 apple)

8 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

3 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tbsp gochujang

1 tbsp black pepper

2 green onions, chopped

Finishing Sauce

½ cup barbecue sauce

¼ cup reserved bulgogi glaze

1 tbsp butter

Garnish

Sesame seeds

Sliced green onions

Pickled vegetables

Fresh cilantro, optional

'AMERICAN KITCHEN' CELEBRITY CHEF SHARES SECRET OF MAKING RESTAURANT-QUALITY PRIME RIB AT HOME

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel for grip.

Lightly coat both sides of the ribs with yellow mustard.

In a bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and season the ribs generously on all sides.

Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature while preparing the smoker.

2. Make the Bulgogi Glaze

Combine all bulgogi marinade ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Remove from heat and cool completely.

Reserve 1 cup of the glaze for basting and finishing later.

3. Prepare the Smoker

Preheat the smoker to 250°F.

Use applewood, hickory, oak or a combination for balanced smoke flavor.

Once the smoker is stable and producing clean smoke, place the ribs bone-side down directly on the grates.

4. Smoke the Ribs

Smoke the ribs uncovered for approximately 3 hours.

During this stage, the ribs will develop color, bark, and smoke flavor.

Lightly brush the ribs with bulgogi glaze during the final hour if desired.

5. Wrap the Ribs

Remove the ribs from the smoker.

Brush generously with bulgogi glaze, then wrap each rack tightly in heavy-duty foil with 2 tbsp butter and an extra splash of bulgogi glaze.

Return the wrapped ribs to the smoker and continue cooking for 1½–2 hours, until tender.

The ribs should bend easily and the meat should begin pulling back from the bones.

6. Finish & Caramelize

Carefully unwrap the ribs and return them to the smoker uncovered.

Combine the barbecue sauce, reserved bulgogi glaze and butter to make the finishing sauce.

Brush the ribs generously with the finishing sauce.

Smoke uncovered for an additional 30–45 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize into a sticky, lacquered finish.

7. Rest & Serve

Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Finish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Serve warm with additional glaze alongside steamed rice, grilled vegetables or crisp slaw.

3. Grilled Clambake Foil Packets

A grill-friendly version of a classic coastal clambake, cooked in foil packets over indirect heat until the clams steam open and the butter, wine, lemon and smoky sausage create a rich broth inside the packet.

This recipe can be made as individual foil packets for each guest or one large foil packet served family-style.

FROM YELLOWSTONE TO YOSEMITE, NEW COOKBOOK REVEALS RECIPES INSPIRED BY AMERICA'S MOST ICONIC PARKS

Serve with additional melted or drawn butter on the side, if desired. (Yields: 6–8)

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes

Ingredients

60 littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
6 ears corn, cut into halves or thirds
1¼ lbs smoked sausage, sliced into thick rounds
1 cup dry white wine
1¼ lbs unsalted butter, cubed and divided
½ cup fresh lemon juice
¾ lb pee wee potatoes (or baby potatoes), halved if needed
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 small handful pea shoots
½ cup sliced peppadew peppers
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh parsley, pea shoots, or lemon wedges for serving
Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, approximately 375°F.

For charcoal grills, arrange coals to one side for indirect cooking. For gas grills, leave one burner on low or off to create an indirect heat zone.

Close the lid and allow the grill to fully preheat.

2. Par-Cook the Potatoes & Corn

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes until slightly tender.

Add the corn during the final 3–4 minutes of cooking. Drain well.

3. Assemble the Foil Packets

Tear large sheets of heavy-duty foil.

For individual packets, divide all ingredients evenly among 6–8 packets. For one large packet, use a double layer of foil and pile everything into the center.

Layer potatoes, corn, sausage, cherry tomatoes, peppadew peppers and clams.

Pour the white wine and lemon juice evenly over the mixture.

Distribute the cubed butter throughout the packets. As the packets cook, the butter combines with the wine, clam juices and lemon to create the broth.

Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Top with pea shoots.

Seal the packets tightly, crimping all edges securely to trap the steam.

4. Grill the Clambake

Place the packets on the indirect heat side of the grill.

Close the lid and cook for 30–40 minutes, depending on packet size and grill temperature.

Rotate the packets once during cooking for even heat distribution.

The clambake is ready when the clams have fully opened, the potatoes are tender, the broth is bubbling and the sausage is heated through.

Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.

5. Serve

Carefully open the foil packets — hot steam will escape immediately.

Serve directly from the packets or transfer to a large serving platter with plenty of the buttery broth spooned over the top.

Finish with fresh lemon wedges, parsley, or additional pea shoots.

Serve additional melted or drawn butter on the side, if desired.

4. Fire Pit Clambake Foil Packets

A rustic, fire-cooked clambake designed for cooking directly over hot coals in a fire pit. Clams, sausage, potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes, butter, white wine and bright lemon steam together inside foil packets until smoky, briny and deeply flavorful.

This recipe can be prepared as individual foil packets for each guest or one large shared foil packet for serving family-style.

'AMERICAN KITCHEN' CHEF SHARES SECRET TO HOMEMADE LASAGNA THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MEASUREMENTS

Additional melted or drawn butter can be served on the side, if desired. (Yields: 6–8)

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes

Ingredients

60 littleneck clams, scrubbed clean

6 ears corn, cut in halves or thirds

1¼ lbs smoked sausage, sliced into thick rounds

1 cup dry white wine

1¼ lbs unsalted butter, divided

½ cup fresh lemon juice

¾ lb pee wee potatoes (or small baby potatoes), halved if needed

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 small handful pea shoots

½ cup sliced peppadew peppers (estimated amount)

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Fresh parsley or additional pea shoots, for garnish

Heavy-duty aluminum foil

'AMERICAN KITCHEN' CHEF'S POPOVERS RISE TO THE OCCASION

Instructions

1. Build the Fire

Prepare a wood fire in a fire pit and allow it to burn down to a steady bed of hot coals with moderate heat.

You want enough residual heat to steadily steam and roast the packets without scorching them.

2. Par-Cook the Potatoes & Corn

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes until just beginning to soften.

Add the corn during the final 3–4 minutes. Drain well.

This ensures everything finishes cooking evenly inside the packets.

3. Assemble the Packets

Tear large sheets of heavy-duty foil.

For individual packets, divide ingredients evenly among 6–8 packets. For one large packet, double-layer the foil and pile everything in the center.

Layer in potatoes, corn, sausage, cherry tomatoes, peppadew peppers and clams.

Pour the wine and lemon juice evenly over everything.

Cut the butter into cubes and distribute throughout the packets. The butter melts into the seafood broth as the clambake cooks.

Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Top with pea shoots.

Seal the foil tightly, crimping all edges well to trap the steam.

4. Cook Over the Fire

Place the foil packets directly over the hot coals or on a grill grate positioned above the fire.

Cook for 35–45 minutes, rotating occasionally if needed for even heat.

The clambake is ready when the clams have opened, the potatoes are tender, the sausage is heated through and the broth is bubbling and fragrant.

Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.

5. Serve

Carefully open the packets — hot steam will escape immediately.

Serve directly from the foil with crusty bread and additional melted or drawn butter on the side, if desired.

Finish with extra lemon, parsley or fresh pea shoots before serving.

5. Oak-Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon on the Grill

This grill-friendly version captures the same wood-fired character and slow-roasted texture of traditional plank salmon without the banana leaf or nailed presentation.

Cooking the salmon directly on a soaked cedar plank allows the fish to absorb gentle oak smoke while staying tender and moist over indirect heat. (Yields: 6-8)

WORLD CUP FANS FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICAN CULTURE, COMFORT FOOD CLASSICS

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salmon

1 side salmon fillet (3–4 lbs), skin-on, pin bones removed

1 untreated cedar plank, large enough to fit the salmon

Chunk oak firewood or oak smoking chunks

Neutral oil, for lightly brushing the plank if desired

Herb & Garlic Marinade

8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

4 shallots, roughly chopped

1 cup olive oil

1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped

1 bunch dill, roughly chopped

½ cup capers, drained

1 bunch basil

Zest and juice of 2 lemons

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Buttermilk Herb Sauce

1½ cups buttermilk

¾ cup mayonnaise

¾ cup sour cream

½ bunch basil

2 tbsp chopped dill

2 tbsp chopped parsley

2 tbsp capers

2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Soak the Cedar Plank

Submerge the cedar plank in water for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps prevent the plank from burning too quickly on the grill.

If desired, lightly brush the top of the soaked plank with neutral oil to further reduce sticking.

2. Prepare the Grill

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, approximately 350–375°F.

For charcoal grills, push the coals to one side for indirect cooking. Add chunk oak firewood or oak smoking chunks directly onto the hot coals.

For gas grills, use indirect heat by leaving one burner off or lowering one side of the grill. Add oak chunks in a smoker box or foil packet with ventilation holes.

Close the lid and allow smoke to develop.

3. Make the Marinade

In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, shallots, olive oil, parsley, dill, capers, basil, lemon zest and juice.

Pulse until rustic but spreadable. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

Spread the marinade evenly over the salmon fillet and let sit for 20–30 minutes at room temperature.

4. Grill the Salmon

Place the marinated salmon skin-side down directly onto the soaked cedar plank.

Transfer the plank to the indirect heat side of the grill and close the lid.

Cook for 30–40 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, the internal temperature reaches approximately 140°F and the edges are lightly caramelized and smoky.

If the plank begins to smolder aggressively, lightly mist the edges with water.

5. Make the Buttermilk Herb Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise and sour cream.

Fold in basil, dill, parsley, capers and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

6. Serve

Carefully remove the cedar plank from the grill using heat-resistant gloves.

Serve the salmon directly from the plank with the chilled buttermilk herb sauce alongside grilled lemons, charred vegetables, roasted potatoes, or toasted rustic bread.

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6. Classic Charred Corn on the Grill

A straightforward, American summer cookout staple.

Fresh sweet corn is grilled until lightly charred, then finished with melted butter, salt, black pepper and fresh lemon. Simple, smoky, and built for backyard barbecues, smoked ribs, burgers and Fourth of July gatherings. (Yields: 6-8)

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients

8 ears fresh sweet corn, husks removed

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Kosher salt

Freshly cracked black pepper

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.

Clean and lightly oil the grates if needed.

2. Grill the Corn

Place the corn directly on the grill grates.

Cook, turning every few minutes, until the corn is tender and lightly charred on all sides, about 12–15 minutes total.

The kernels should develop dark golden spots without becoming overly blackened.

3. Finish the Corn

Transfer the grilled corn to a platter.

Brush generously with melted butter while still hot.

Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Squeeze fresh lemon over the corn and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

4. Serve

Serve immediately alongside smoked meats, barbecue ribs, grilled burgers, sausages, baked beans, potato salad or watermelon.

Additional melted butter can be served on the side for guests.

7. Grilled Bulgogi-Glazed St. Louis Ribs

These Korean-inspired St. Louis ribs are slow-cooked on the grill until tender, then lacquered with a sweet-savory bulgogi glaze layered with soy, garlic, ginger, sesame and gochujang.

Finished over live heat for caramelization, the ribs develop a sticky, smoky crust without requiring a smoker.

Two full racks typically serve 6–8 people comfortably, depending on sides and portion size. (Yields: 6–8)

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4½–5 hours
Rest Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Ribs

2 full racks St. Louis-style pork ribs

Yellow mustard, for binding

Dry Rub

3 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tbsp black pepper

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Bulgogi Marinade & Glaze

1 cup soy sauce

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup honey

1 Asian pear, grated (or 1 apple)

8 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

3 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tbsp gochujang

1 tbsp black pepper

2 green onions, chopped

Finishing Sauce

½ cup barbecue sauce

¼ cup reserved bulgogi glaze

1 tbsp butter

Garnish

Sesame seeds

Sliced green onions

Pickled vegetables

Fresh cilantro, optional

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel for grip.

Lightly coat the ribs with yellow mustard.

In a bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and season the ribs generously on all sides.

Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature while preparing the grill.

2. Make the Bulgogi Glaze

Combine all bulgogi marinade ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Cool completely.

Reserve 1 cup of the glaze for basting and finishing later.

3. Prepare the Grill

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to approximately 275°F using indirect heat.

For charcoal grills, bank coals to one side.

For gas grills, leave one burner off or on very low.

If desired, add wood chunks or foil packets of wood chips for light smoke flavor.

4. Slow Grill the Ribs

Place the ribs bone-side down on the indirect heat side of the grill.

Close the lid and cook for approximately 2½–3 hours, maintaining a steady temperature around 275°F.

Rotate occasionally for even cooking.

5. Wrap the Ribs

Brush the ribs generously with bulgogi glaze.

Wrap each rack tightly in heavy-duty foil with 2 tbsp butter and an additional splash of bulgogi glaze.

Return the wrapped ribs to the grill over indirect heat and cook for another 1½–2 hours, until tender.

6. Finish & Caramelize

Carefully unwrap the ribs.

Combine the barbecue sauce, reserved bulgogi glaze and butter to make the finishing sauce.

Brush generously over the ribs.

Return the ribs to the grill uncovered for 15–30 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and become sticky and lacquered.

Watch carefully during this stage to prevent burning.

7. Rest & Serve

Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Finish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Serve hot with additional glaze on the side.

8. Heirloom Tomato & Beet Salad

Yields 4 portions – family style

Ingredients

For the roasted beets

1 lb. yellow beets

2 tbsp evo oil

½ cup water

For the dressing

¼ cup red wine vinegar

2 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp dried oregano flakes

½ tsp kosher salt

1 dash ground black pepper

½ cup evo oil

For the salad

8 oz stracciatella cheese

1 lb. multi-color heirloom tomatoes, 1/2" thick sliced

2 each cara cara oranges, segmented

1 large fennel bulb, sliced thin

6 oz thin sliced prosciutto ham

2 tbsp fig balsamic glaze (or regular balsamic glaze)

¼ cup fresh basil sprigs, torn

¼ cup pistachios, chopped

2 tsp maldon sea salt flakes (optional)

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Instructions

For the Roasted Beets

Pre heat oven to 375 F.
Toss the beets with oil and place into a casserole dish with ½ cup of water and cover with foil. Roast in the oven at 375 F for 60 minutes or until tender.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Peel the beets and cut into wedges and set aside.

For the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk the vinegar, mustard, oregano, salt and pepper together. Slowly whisk in the evo oil and set aside.

For the Salad

Spread the stracciatella cheese across the center of a large serving platter.
Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the roast beets, orange segments and sliced fennel with the dressing. Arrange on top and around the sliced tomatoes.
Fold and place the thin sliced prosciutto ham down the middle and on top of the arranged salad.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top of the salad and garnish with torn pieces of basil sprigs, pistachios and Maldon sea salt.

9. Dry-Aged Prime Porterhouse with Porcini-Coriander Dry Rub & Chimichurri Sauce

Yields 4 portions

Ingredients

For the steak dry rub

1/4 cup porcini mushroom powder

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup kosher salt

1 tbsp ground black pepper

1 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp ground coriander

For the chimichurri sauce

1 bunch fresh cilantro

3 bunches fresh parsley

5 each peeled whole garlic cloves

2 cups grapeseed oil

3 each lemons, zested and juiced

¼ cup red wine vinegar

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

Other ingredients

1 each 36 oz prime (or choice) dry-aged porterhouse steak

2 tbsp grapeseed oil (to oil the grill with)

Instructions

For the steak dry rub

In a mixing bowl, mix all the steak dry rub spice ingredients together.

For the chimichurri sauce

Place all of the chimichurri ingredients into a blender and purée together for 30 seconds until blended well.

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Grill and serve

Heat a gas or charcoal grill and set up the heat so that half of the grill is high heat and the other half is medium-low heat.
Using a pair of tongs and a towel, lightly rub the heated grill grates with a little grapeseed oil.
Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak well with the dry rub mix.
Sear the dry rubbed seasoned steak on the hottest area of the grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Next move the grilled steak to the medium-low side of the grill and continue to cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the steak reaches between 125 F to 130 F degrees for medium-rare.
Remove the cooked steak and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve the dry-rubbed grilled steak with the chimichurri sauce on the side.

Fox News Digital's Kelly McGreal contributed to this report.

VAR denies Croatia's game-tying goal as Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal to Round of 16

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:15:51 -0400

Croatia thought their FIFA World Cup hopes were still alive when they scored the game-tying goal just before the end of stoppage time in the second half.

But a VAR review said Mario Pasalic was offside, and it was Portugal moving on instead.

Gonçalo Ramos’ goal just minutes earlier — a beautiful header into the back of the net in the 94th minute — was the decider in this 2-1 victory for Portugal. And it was only the second time in Portuguese World Cup history the nation needed to come from behind to win, underscoring its resilience on the sport's biggest stage.

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It was a controversial ending, though, and one where Croatia tried to argue the ball never hit the head of Igor Matanovic, which made Pasalic offside during VAR review.

It’s also worth noting that a new chip within the ball shows when it is touched, giving more concrete evidence to the referee’s final decision in such a crucial time of the match. This was the 10th goal overruled by VAR thus far in the World Cup.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI'S 96TH-MINUTE GOAL RESCUES BRAZIL FROM JAPAN UPSET IN WORLD CUP ROUND OF 32

So, with the goal annulled, Croatia’s time at the tournament has ended. As a result, Croatian legend Luka Modrić is finishing his fifth World Cup, which will likely be the 40-year-old midfielder’s final one.

But another older legend on the pitch will move on, as Cristiano Ronaldo made some World Cup history during this match.

When No. 7 stepped foot on the pitch and the ball was kicked, he became the oldest player to participate in a knockout stage match at the World Cup at 41 years and 147 days old. He also became the oldest player to score in a knockout stage match when he saw a penalty situation while Portugal was down 1-0 in the match.

Ivan Perisic got the first goal of this game and put Portugal’s back against the wall. But after a foul was committed inside Croatia’s box in the 67th minute, it was time for Ronaldo to get his first career knockout goal, and he didn’t disappoint.

Ronaldo was ecstatic, sprinting toward the corner flag and performing his signature "SIU!" celebration, which the crowd bellowed with the score at 1-1. Ronaldo had also seemed to get that first knockout goal just minutes earlier but he was called offside.

Modrić and Ronaldo, two former teammates on Real Madrid, also made history together, as they were the first two players 40 years or older to play in the same match together.

It was also an emotional moment after the match, as Ronaldo wore the jersey of late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident a year ago. A team photo was taken on the pitch, with Ronaldo holding up Jota's jersey alongside his squad.

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Now that the job is done in the Round of 32 for Portugal, they face a big challenge against a key rival in the Round of 16.

Spain, who dominated Austria with a 3-0 finish earlier on Thursday, awaits Portugal at Dallas Stadium on July 6 at 3 p.m. ET.

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The Democratic socialists are no longer on the fringe

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:03:57 -0400

No one will struggle to keep warm amid an historic heat wave gripping the eastern U.S.

But how about keeping "your comrade warm?"

No. You’re not back in the USSR.

But you might be in the Democratic party.

SOCIALISTS SWEEP NYC AS AMERICANS BALK AT MOVEMENT’S BRUTAL CATCH: ‘TALK TO IMMIGRANTS’

"You deserve to make sure that your international comrades are actually working with you and getting the benefits that you that you all deserve," said Democratic New York House nominee Darializa Avila Chevalier at a union rally in New York City.

"Half of the people here are strangers to you all. But now you have comrades," said Colorado Democratic Congressional nominee Melat Kiros who defeated Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) Tuesday.

"I’ve got to give a shout out to my comrades," said Missouri Democratic Congressional candidate Hartzell Gray on a podcast interview.

To Democratic Socialists, you don’t know how lucky you are.

"You have the solidarity of the entire labor movement. And you have my solidarity, too," said Democratic New York House nominee Claire Valdez.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) didn’t endorse either Avila Chevalier nor Valdez. However, he did congratulate them. Jeffries naturally needs Avila Chavalier, Valdez and Democratic New York House nominee Brad Lander to win. They probably will this fall. But when asked about progressives who prevailed in the New York primary – who he didn’t endorse – Jeffries delivered a nuanced answer.

"I will support every single Democratic incumbent in the New York Congressional delegation and beyond," said Jeffries.

CNN resuscitated a set of old tweets from Avila Chevalier. Some praised communism. Others called for more Marxist literature in libraries. Yours truly pressed Jeffries about whether he should call out Avila Chevalier for some of her old social media postings.

"Should she apologize or clarify some of these very inflammatory tweets that she sent?" I queried.

"That’s a question you're going to have to ask her," answered Jeffries.

"But as Leader, is that a problem?" I followed up.

"I've spoken to this issue. I've expressed my position as it relates to many of the things that she has said in the past over Twitter. my statement speaks for itself," answered Jeffries.

Then the 29-year-old Melat Kiros whipped 29-year House veteran Diana DeGette in Colorado. Kiros’s victory demonstrated that the Democratic Socialist message didn’t just resonate in the urban canyons of lower Manhattan. But in the Rocky Mountains, too.

"What we are fighting for is Medicare for all. Universal child care. Abolishing ICE. And ending the genocide in Gaza," said Kiros.

These are core subjects for the left.

"They're winning on platforms like Medicare for all. Universal health care. Universal childcare. Raising the minimum wage," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). "These ideas, whether you call it socialism or not, they are very popular across the country."

Progressive influencer Hasan Piker believes victories by these candidates in New York and Colorado are just the beginning.

"Progressive politics, left populism. It can work in every district in every state. That's why I kept saying over and over again, it's coming to a city near you," said Piker.

But not everyone is on board.

"Will Democrats continue to defend crazypants?" asked Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) on Fox.

Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) is another. He’s a moderate, pro-Israel Democrat in a battleground district in which President Trump carried in 2024.

HAKEEM JEFFRIES CONFRONTED ON 'YOU'RE NEXT' CHANTS FOLLOWING NY DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST VICTORIES

"My folks want really normal folks. Democrats, Republicans, just people who are going to get things done. And so they see this because this is what gets attention," said Landsman. "I hope the party doesn't go in that direction. Having a diversity of opinions is one thing. But some of what some of them think is beyond the pale. It's just outrageous."

Landsman wished Democratic leaders would speak out against controversial candidates and nominees.

"The fact that they won't even call it out, I think is an underlying current within the Democrat Party that they're scared of their own base," said Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC).

Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) is retiring after 32 years in Congress. She’s not aligned with her likely successor, Claire Valdez.

"So what do you make of some of the controversy about your prospective successor? And is that driving a wedge through the party?" yours truly asked Velazquez.

"Look, we are celebrating the outcome of this Supreme Court decision that reaffirm the fundamental principle of the Constitution that anyone born in this country is an American citizen," answered Velazquez, trying to change the subject.

"But do you have but did you not see things eye to eye with your prospective successor here?" I followed up.

Velazquez sighed.

"Look, she won and I wish her well. And I offered myself to sit down with her and discuss the transition. But this is how democracy works," said Velazquez.

Still, other Democrats believe the party can operate under a "big tent" and court voters.

"There's room for conversations about where we go. But we're not the party of one person or coalition and there's going to be those discussions about where we move forward," said Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL).

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) asserted that wins by Democratic Socialists in New York City carried outsized weight. She also said that it was natural for the press corps to capitalize on possible divisions in the party.

"I think that you all try to stir it up. Stir up this language. Try to pit people against each other," said Dingell.

I asked Dingell about "controversial things" which Avila Chevalier peddled over the years.

"I don't have to agree with everything that she said. The Republicans are putting kerosene on the fire," said Dingell.

"Didn't she pour kerosene on it to start with?" I asked.

"Look, I wouldn't have said some of the things that she said. But I don't vote in New York. They do," answered Dingell.

SOCIALISM GOES WEST AS DSA-BACKED CHALLENGER OUSTS LONGTIME DEMOCRAT

Republicans are adamantly opposed to socialism. But in a weird way, the Democratic lurch left might actually help the GOP beat the historic odds and hold the House.

"They're a complete socialist party now," said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC). "They’ve got to either own it or disassociate themselves from it."

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When the Beatles released Back In the USSR, American conservatives and right-wing reactionaries said this proved that the group harbored communist sentiments.

Now the American right says the Democratic party has turned to the left. Republicans say listen to the rhetoric of Democratic Socialists espousing their views. And to hear the GOP tell it, those candidates may as well be back in the USSR.

MLB drops hammer on Boston's Willson Contreras with hefty suspension after helmet-throwing incident

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:10:22 -0400

Major League Baseball handed down four suspensions Thursday in the aftermath of Tuesday night's benches-clearing brawl between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Boston first baseman Willson Contreras and Washington starter Cade Cavalli each received seven-game suspensions and undisclosed fines for their roles in the fourth-inning altercation.

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The suspensions stemmed from an incident during Washington's 8-1 victory Tuesday, when Cavalli struck out Contreras looking on a full-count pitch and yelled, "Sit down, boy."

WATCH:

Contreras answered by charging the mound, then firing his batting helmet toward Cavalli, prompting both benches and bullpens to empty.

MLB also disciplined two players who left the dugout and became involved in a separate scuffle.

Nationals right-hander Miles Mikolas was suspended five games, while Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton received a three-game ban. Both players were also fined undisclosed amounts and ejected during the game.

BREWERS PITCHER ABNER URIBE GETS A ONE-GAME SUSPENSION FOR CROTCH-CHOPPING CELEBRATION

All four suspensions are scheduled to begin Friday.

The Red Sox open a three-game series in Anaheim on Friday, while the Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Boston figures to feel the impact more immediately. While Cavalli and Mikolas are likely to miss only one turn through the rotation, Contreras will be out of the Red Sox lineup for a full week.

Cavalli apologized Wednesday, saying he regretted using the word "boy" and now understands its historical weight. He added that the incident kept him awake that night because of the example he wants to set for young fans. Nationals officials also addressed the matter with the right-hander.

Contreras, meanwhile, entered Tuesday's game after an emotional stretch. The veteran first baseman had been ejected the previous night for arguing a checked-swing call and has also spoken publicly about the stress of devastating earthquakes in his home country of Venezuela.

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Any appeals would delay the suspensions until MLB's review process is complete.

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Massachusetts city imposes curfew ahead of historic World Cup match

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:55:05 -0400

A Massachusetts city with one of the nation's largest Cape Verdean communities has imposed a temporary curfew ahead of Friday's historic World Cup match between the West African nation and Argentina.

The curfew will be in effect in Brockton, just south of Boston, from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday.

City officials said the decision follows recent World Cup celebrations that led to dangerous and unlawful behavior.

"World Cup celebrations have resulted in incidents of reckless driving, illegal street gatherings, vandalism, assaults, fireworks violations, disorderly conduct, and other criminal activities," the city said.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

Brockton is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, with nearly one in four residents identifying as Cape Verdean, according to local outlet The Enterprise.

Friday's match was expected to draw large celebrations, as the 2026 tournament marks the first time the African island nation has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

Following previous World Cup matches, Brockton police said several people were injured in shootings that erupted during postgame celebrations, according to local outlet Boston 25 News — prompting city officials to impose the temporary curfew ahead of Friday's matchup.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Under the curfew order, no one will be permitted to enter establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m.

Patrons already inside will be allowed to remain until 10 p.m., but "last calls" for alcoholic beverages must end by 9:30 p.m.

The city said only limited exceptions to the curfew will be permitted.

Such cases include law enforcement officers and other first responders, individuals traveling directly to or from lawful employment, those seeking medical care, and those responding to emergencies.

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Brockton officials described the measure as a public safety measure intended to preserve public order.

"The purpose of this curfew is to protect public safety, reduce criminal activity associated with post-match celebrations, and enable police, fire, and emergency personnel to effectively maintain order and respond to emergencies," the city said.

"Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly, obey all laws, avoid unlawful gatherings, and cooperate with public safety officials to ensure that all World Cup celebrations remain peaceful and safe."

Fitness influencer pleads guilty in violent gym attack after beating man with weightlifting belt

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:51:41 -0400

Social media fitness influencer Wes Watson pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated battery in connection with a confrontation at a Miami-Dade County gym, resolving the case ahead of sentencing later this month.

Watson, 42, entered the plea in Miami-Dade County court as part of a negotiated agreement with prosecutors. Under the deal, prosecutors recommended a sentence of 21 months in prison, including credit for time already served, followed by seven years of probation and court-ordered mental health treatment.

He is scheduled to be sentenced July 17.

Watson, a former prison inmate who built a large online following as a fitness influencer and motivational personality after his release, was charged after a Dec. 29, 2024, altercation at Elevation Fitness in Miami-Dade County.

FITNESS INFLUENCER SAYS LUFTHANSA TOLD HER SHE LOOKED ‘NAKED,’ FORCED HER TO ZIP UP BEFORE BOARDING FLIGHT

He has amassed millions of followers across social media, where he shares content focused on fitness, discipline, entrepreneurship and his life after prison.

According to an arrest affidavit, Watson told responding officers he was working out when the victim approached him and said he wanted to fight. Investigators said surveillance footage showed Watson striking the man with a weightlifting belt during the confrontation.

During Thursday's hearing, Watson's attorney argued the circumstances surrounding the incident were unusual, saying the alleged victim intentionally sought out his client because of Watson's online notoriety.

"There's been a lot that's been argued in this case about stand your ground," defense attorney Eric Clayman said, according to Local 10.

JETS' GENO SMITH UNDER ACTIVE INVESTIGATION IN FLORIDA FOR ALLEGED ASSAULT AT HIS HOME: POLICE

"What's unique is you have an alleged victim that sought somebody out because of his presence online. This guy bought a plane ticket, came through New Jersey, showed up at the gym for the sole purpose of confronting Mr. Watson. That turned into something else."

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The Miami-Dade case is separate from multiple pending felony cases Watson faces in neighboring Broward County. Prosecutors there have charged him with felony battery, aggravated assault, witness tampering and charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend. Those charges remain pending.

The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for additional comment.

Driver charged with manslaughter after Tesla crashes into Texas home, kills grandmother

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:50:24 -0400

A Texas man has been charged with manslaughter after authorities said his Tesla crashed into a home last month, killing a 76-year-old grandmother.

According to court documents, Michael David Butler, 44, told investigators he was driving a Tesla Model 3 with a Tesla driver-assistance system engaged when it crashed into Martha Avila's home in Katy on June 19. He later told paramedics the vehicle was on "Autopilot," according to the affidavit. Tesla has disputed that account.

Avila was inside the residence when the vehicle crashed into the home. She was flown by Life Flight to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

CHARTER BUS DRIVER WHO ALLEGEDLY CAUSED CRASH KILLING 5 IN VIRGINIA CHARGED WITH INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

Butler was arrested Thursday and charged with manslaughter, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

According to an arrest affidavit, Butler told investigators he was making a DoorDash delivery when he adjusted the music on the Tesla's touchscreen before he "passed out."

The affidavit alleges the vehicle reached 73 mph — more than double the posted speed limit — and that the brake pedal was not applied during the minutes leading up to the crash.

NASA NUCLEAR ENGINEER FOUND DEAD IN BURNED TESLA AFTER VANISHING FROM HIS ALABAMA HOME LAST YEAR

The sheriff's office said Butler failed to maintain a single lane before leaving the roadway and crashing through the side of the home.

Ring doorbell footage of the crash shows the vehicle slamming into the house at a high rate of speed.

According to the affidavit, Butler denied feeling ill or consuming alcohol or drugs before the crash.

'TESLA ROAD RAGE DRIVER' SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON AFTER ATTACKING MOTHER AND DAUGHTER IN HAWAII

Tesla has disputed Butler's account. CEO Elon Musk said a vehicle operating in Full Self-Driving mode would travel slowly through residential streets, while Tesla's head of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, said Butler manually overrode the system by fully depressing the accelerator.

"In this case, the driver manually overrode self-driving by pressing the accelerator all the way to 100% of the accel pedal in this residential area," he wrote in a post on X.

KHOU-TV reported Butler appeared in probable cause court Thursday, where his bail was set at $150,000. He was also ordered to wear an ankle monitor and not drive.

Avila's family sued Tesla last week, alleging her death resulted from the company's gross negligence and failure to warn consumers that its self-driving systems were defective.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Tesla for comment.

Fox News Digital's Tessa Hoyos and Reuters contributed to this report.

Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko awaits feeling in lower half after C6-C7 spinal surgery following collision

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:45:06 -0400

A top Athletics outfield prospect still can’t feel his lower half after spinal surgery was needed to repair fractured vertebrae following a scary collision with a teammate in Double-A ball.

Ryan Lasko, a 24-year-old outfielder in the Athletics system, was injured during a game with Double-A Midland RockHounds after diving to catch a ball while playing center field.

The problem was Lasko’s right field teammate was also barreling down to catch the ball. They both gave up their bodies for the potential catch, but collided as they hit the turf.

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Lasko’s teammate, Devin Taylor, was able to get up and field the rolling ball that split the two defenders, but Lasko stayed on the ground in what was a pretty ugly crash.

After he was carted off , it was found that Lasko fractured his C6-C7 vertebra, according to MLB.com. He needed spinal decompression and stabilization surgery to repair the injury, and he was in stable condition.

However, due to swelling, Lasko still doesn’t have feeling in his lower half just yet.

REDS' DANE MYERS CARTED OFF FIELD AFTER CRASHING INTO WALL MAKING ACROBATIC CATCH VS BREWERS

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay discussed Lasko’s injury on Wednesday, saying that "there’s hope the feeling comes back."

Lasko is one of the Athletics’ top prospects, entering the season as the franchise’s No. 18 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. He was taken by the Athletics’ in the 2023 MLB Draft in the second round.

While he opened the season in Double-A, Lasko made it to Triple-A Las Vegas last season.

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This year, Lasko is slashing .209/.275/.360 with six home runs, five triples and 34 RBI.

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Karlie Kloss reveals what it's like navigating Trump family ties at dinner table as a Democrat

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:30:07 -0400

Supermodel Karlie Kloss defended the importance of bipartisan dialogue on Wednesday as she spoke about being part of President Donald Trump’s extended family.

Emily Chang of "The Circuit" via Bloomberg Originals spoke to the model, who is married to Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, noting, "You're married to a man whose brother happens to be married to Ivanka Trump. How do you deal with everything that comes with that?"

"Well, I know who I am," Kloss replied. "I know the values that guide my life and the issues that I care about. So, you know, I haven't lost sight of who I am, but also, it's my husband's family."

PEREZ HILTON HEAPS PRAISE ON IVANKA TRUMP, TAKES SWIPE AT KARDASHIANS DURING APPEARANCE ON TOMI LAHREN'S SHOW

"What's conversation like at family dinners?" Chang asked.

"Well, we're sitting here in St. Louis, which is a blue dot in a red state," the model replied. "Since as long as I can remember, I've always been exposed to a lot of different political points of view and I think that trained me for my life."

She added further, "You know, I'm a Democrat. I think it's possible to have relationships with people who you politically don't align with, and I think this country has always been a place for, for dialogue. We have to be able to talk to each other."

MICHELLE OBAMA WARNS LIBERALS AGAINST PIGEONHOLING TRUMP VOTERS, SAYS THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO

When asked whether she had ever actually met Trump himself or spoken to him about politics, the model revealed she has never met him.

In a 2019 interview with TIME Magazine, she offered a similar answer about balancing her life while being associated with such an influential family.

"It’s been hard," she told the outlet. "But I choose to focus on the values that I share with my husband, and those are the same liberal values that I was raised with and that have guided me throughout my life."

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Mexican national made knife from pens, tried stabbing passenger in the brain on Vegas-bound flight, DOJ says

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:07:31 -0400

A Mexican national who was granted lawful permanent resident status in 2018 pleaded guilty Thursday after admitting he bundled three pens together with hairbands before boarding a Seattle-to-Las Vegas flight, then tried to stab another passenger "through the eye to reach his brain," according to federal prosecutors.

The terrifying attack unfolded about 30 minutes before the plane was scheduled to land in Las Vegas, when Julio Alvarez Lopez allegedly left his seat, walked to the restroom and, after returning, suddenly began punching, hitting and stabbing a passenger seated across the aisle, according to a federal criminal complaint obtained by Fox News Digital.

Witnesses told investigators there was "blood everywhere" as the victim's wife screamed at Lopez to stop attacking her husband. During the struggle, the complaint says, she was struck while shielding the couple's 7-year-old son.

After the attack, Lopez "began walking towards the front of the aircraft," according to the complaint. As he moved up the aisle, a witness told investigators Lopez repeatedly yelled, "I'll only talk to the FBI."

CHAOS ERUPTS ON AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT AS UNRULY PASSENGER ALLEGEDLY BITES FELLOW TRAVELER MIDAIR

A law enforcement officer aboard the flight ordered Lopez to sit down before flight attendants provided flex cuffs and passengers restrained him for the remainder of the flight, according to the complaint.

The flight landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, where officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department took Lopez into custody.

PASSENGER ALLEGEDLY BOARDS FLIGHT WITH FAKE BOARDING PASS, FORCING PLANE BACK TO GATE

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada, Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in the alleged Jan. 24, 2024, attack.

During an interview with FBI agents and after waiving his Miranda rights, Lopez admitted he made the weapon before boarding the aircraft by bundling three pens together with hairbands, officials said.

Investigators said Lopez told them he believed the victim, identified in court documents as C.R., had been following him during the flight. Lopez also said he believed C.R. "was the Cartel" and that he was trying to get him to stop following him.

'HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER' ACTOR NICK PASQUAL CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR STABBING EX-GIRLFRIEND

The complaint further states Lopez told investigators he had never seen C.R. before the flight but "planned on attacking and killing him."

According to investigators, Lopez admitted he intended to kill the victim by stabbing him in the eye.

"I planned on attacking and killing him," Lopez told investigators, according to the complaint.

Lopez also admitted to investigators he was trying to stab C.R. "through the eye to reach C.R.'s brain to kill him."

According to prosecutors, the victim sustained injuries to his body and eye area that required stitches.

Court documents say witnesses noticed Lopez acting strangely before the attack. One passenger told investigators Lopez appeared "fidgety," repeatedly put gloves on and took them off, got into his backpack several times and avoided making eye contact with other passengers.

A witness described Lopez as having "gray/white hair tied in a bun on the top of his head," and wearing a sweatshirt at the time.

Another witness said Lopez stood up twice as the aircraft began descending into Las Vegas, went to the restroom, then returned to his seat before suddenly launching the attack.

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The complaint also states Lopez told investigators he was seeking asylum in the United States and believed the mafia had been chasing him for several months.

Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 22.

Democratic infighting grows as congresswoman exposes ‘disrespectful’ welcome of socialists into ‘big tent’

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:00:46 -0400

A deepening rift within the Democratic Party is coming into sharper focus as the establishment grows frustrated with the rising influence of the party’s socialist wing.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., called out her Democratic colleagues for their "disrespectful" welcome of socialists into the "big tent" party.

"I think that there are a lot of very disrespectful comments that are coming from some parts of the Democratic Party that are dismissing the voters who elected these individuals," Jayapal told CNN.

She made the comments as socialism gains ground within the Democratic Party, with socialist candidates securing major primary victories and unseating established Democrats.

RAHM EMANUEL WARNS NEW GENERATION OF DEM SOCIALISTS DON'T LIKE AMERICA

All three congressional candidates endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani — Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier — won their respective Democratic primaries, reflecting an increasing acceptance of the far-left movement within the party.

Jayapal, who serves as chair emerita of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, argued the victories show that Americans are seeking fiercer leadership.

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

"I think people are sick and tired of the old establishment politics that too many Democrats were part of moving forward, and they're ready for something bolder," the Democratic representative said.

Jayapal raised concerns about the treatment of moderates compared with progressives within the "big tent" party, urging fairer treatment of the latter.

"Why is it that every time a moderate wins an election, people are like, ‘That's the new blueprint for the Democratic Party.’ But if a progressive or a Democratic socialist wins, ‘Oh, the whole party's falling to hell in a handbasket.’"

MS NOW HOST ACCUSES DEMOCRATIC SENATOR OF GASLIGHTING AFTER HE DODGED ON SOCIALIST'S POSTS

Jayapal slammed Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a prominent Democrat, saying he was "wrong" for arguing that some democratic socialists are engaging in performative politics.

She said Democrats must learn to understand what it means to be a "big tent" party.

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"I find it really insulting to say that Democratic socialists are just making noise," she told CNN.

"I think you have to ask, ‘Why is it that we've lost so many Democratic voters?’ In these races, where democratic socialists are winning, where progressives are winning, even in very tough swing states, it's because they are bringing voters back."

Dana White says Donald Trump wouldn't stop pushing to make the White House UFC event bigger

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:00:34 -0400

The UFC's Freedom 250 event at the White House was a total success.

And after putting on the most-watched UFC fight of all time, UFC chief Dana White is taking a victory lap.

White is prominently featured in the new Fox documentary, UFC Fight House: The Making of the Biggest Fight in History.

TRUMP MARKS 80TH BIRTHDAY WITH PATRIOTIC UFC FREEDOM 250 SPECTACLE ON WHITE HOUSE SOUTH LAWN

The UFC president visited "The Will Cain Show" on Thursday and broke down the massive success of the June 14 UFC festivities on the White House South Lawn.

WATCH:

Real UFC fans celebrated the incredible main event, while others marveled at the spectacular show staged right at the doorstep of the White House.

White told Cain that the reality of the situation surpassed anything Hollywood could dream up.

"If you wrote a script, you wouldn't believe all the things that happen in this thing," White said.

Clips from the show displayed President Donald Trump leading discussions during the early stage-building phase of the project.

The man's a builder.

Standing on the historic grounds before the fight, Trump mapped out the massive outdoor setup, looking to squeeze in as many seats as possible.

"You could have an arena of 8,000 right here, and then you could do something there nice, whether it's stand-up or seats, around the fountain. What do you think your maximum is?" Trump said in the clips.

Trump didn't beg; he demanded an impressive stage build on the lawn, even if the historic terrain presented unique obstacles.

"My concept was right smack at the front door to the White House, build it as big as you can, you know, we're a little confined because of trees and these beautiful plantings and everything else, so it's not easy," the president said during the planning.

Cain pointed out that having the president of the United States greasing the wheels definitely helped speed things along.

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White agreed, saying Trump helped lead the logistical challenge of pulling off the event.

"Well, he was the one that kept pushing us harder and harder to be able to get more seats and to get people in there," White said.

"[Trump] was pushing hard on that, and every time he would push, we would try to figure it out. But, I mean, we built basically a stadium on the South Lawn of the White House, and then I think what we did at The Ellipse is even more impressive.

"I mean everything that went into that and the amount of people that were over there."

According to the UFC, the Freedom 250 event shattered records as the most-watched domestic event in company history, racking up 34 million global viewers.

Also, an estimated 85,000 fans packed the Fan Fest at the Ellipse.

The most unbelievable moment of the entire event came down to the elements. White detailed a bizarre, almost miraculous weather event that saved the outdoor fight night just as things looked grim.

"Literally, the storm is coming to hit the White House and it breaks apart and goes around the White House and the Ellipse and continues on," White shared. "It's incredible, unbelievable, and it was an amazing night."

Things got off to a shaky start when a thunderstorm struck D.C. that fight weekend, pushing back the fighters' Friday night press conference at the Lincoln Memorial.

Ultimately, the high-stakes gamble paid off perfectly for everyone involved.

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"And battling the weather, the elements, you know, all the unknown, the event could not have gone better," White concluded.

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

'Milestone': Scientists claim to build synthetic cell, raising concerns in step toward artificial life

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:33:26 -0400

Scientists at the University of Minnesota say they have built the most life-like synthetic cell yet, creating a laboratory-made system assembled entirely from nonliving components that can grow, replicate its genetic material, divide and even pass beneficial traits to future generations.

The researchers describe the work as a major step toward building artificial life but said the synthetic cells cannot survive outside carefully controlled laboratory conditions and require externally supplied nutrients and specialized components to grow and divide.

Their findings were published Thursday as a preprint on bioRxiv, meaning the research has not yet undergone peer review.

SCIENTISTS UNVEIL 'LIVING BANDAGE' THAT COULD DRAMATICALLY SPEED WOUND HEALING

"One of the most ambitious and fascinating goals of bioengineering is to build a biochemical system that could cross the threshold from chemistry to life," the researchers wrote. They said the work demonstrates "the first minimal cell with a cell cycle, genetically encoded growth and division, all coupled to selection and competition."

The researchers call the synthetic cell "SpudCell." Unlike earlier approaches that started with living organisms, SpudCell was assembled from chemically defined, nonliving components.

Its 90,000-base-pair genome enables the synthetic cell to produce proteins, replicate its DNA, feed, grow and divide into daughter cells.

AI-DESIGNED 'UNIVERSAL VACCINE' PASSES FIRST HUMAN CLINICAL TRIAL, COULD PREVENT FUTURE PANDEMICS

Researchers also introduced a genetic mutation that allowed some synthetic cells to grow faster than others. After several generations, those faster-growing cells produced more offspring and became increasingly common in the population, demonstrating a basic form of natural selection.

The team said the work represents "key milestones towards construction of synthetic life" and could eventually provide a foundation for "fully artificial organisms" designed for biotechnology applications.

Still, the researchers acknowledged that the system remains far less capable than even the simplest living cells. The synthetic cells cannot survive outside laboratory conditions, require externally supplied nutrients and specialized components and rely on ribosomes purified from E. coli bacteria. After five generations, researchers found that only about 30% of daughter cells inherited the complete synthetic genome.

SCIENTISTS UNVEIL 'LIVING BANDAGE' THAT COULD DRAMATICALLY SPEED WOUND HEALING

Those limitations mean the work falls well short of creating self-sustaining artificial life, but researchers said it demonstrates that many of life's defining characteristics can be recreated from nonliving materials.

The researchers also acknowledged that increasingly sophisticated synthetic cells could raise new biosafety and biosecurity questions.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the University of Minnesota research team for comment on the matter.

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"This project offers a significant milestone towards evolvability of synthetic cells, making it more likely that more robust, autonomous systems will be available soon," the authors wrote, adding that the progress "highlights the urgent need to develop a safety and security framework for future synthetic cell engineering."

Future work, the researchers said, will focus on making synthetic cells more self-sufficient by regenerating more of their own molecular machinery, improving how genomes are distributed during cell division and allowing mutations to arise naturally rather than being introduced by researchers.

Couple publicly caned after alleged TikTok kiss sparks outrage in Indonesia

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:31:39 -0400

A young couple in Indonesia was publicly caned Thursday after allegedly kissing during a TikTok livestream.

The couple — a 22-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman — each received 21 lashes, according to The Associated Press.

They were reportedly convicted of violating local morality laws under an Islamic Sharia court in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province.

The pair, who were detained in March, had already spent four months in prison prior to the punishment, which ultimately reduced their sentence from 25 lashes to 21, the AP said.

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According to local authorities, the couple filmed a TikTok video inside a car one night in March.

As the video went viral, they were subsequently apprehended for what officials described as an "immoral act."

"Their actions were uncovered thanks to reports from residents who were disturbed by their immoral livestream content," Sharia police said in April.

"The trigger was their livestream on TikTok while engaging in immoral acts in the car," Head of the Sharia Police Muhammad Rizal added in his statement. "This sparked criticism from netizens and local residents, who then reported them to the authorities."

THREE HIKERS KILLED AFTER CLIMBING RESTRICTED INDONESIAN VOLCANO TO CREATE ONLINE CONTENT, POLICE SAY

The court also confiscated a cellphone and a USB flash drive containing the TikTok video, which authorities promised to destroy, according to the AP.

A Banda Aceh resident who attended the caning, 22-year-old Aini Nadhirah, said she believed the punishment was "entirely justified."

"In my opinion, this caning is entirely justified because it serves as a warning to other Aceh residents to be more careful when using social media," Nadhirah said, according to the AP.

"It also raises awareness that such actions are unacceptable, thereby educating the public."

STUNNING PHOTOS CAPTURE MOMENT ONE OF INDONESIA'S MOST ACTIVE VOLCANOES ERUPTS

Aceh is the only province in Muslim-majority Indonesia that enforces its own Islamic Criminal Code governing moral conduct.

The province’s right to implement Islamic law was granted by Indonesia’s secular central government around 2005 as part of a peace deal to end a separatist insurgency. The policy was later expanded to apply to non-Muslims.

Under the law, moral offenses — including adultery and same-sex relations — can carry penalties of up to 100 lashes. Caning is also used for individuals accused of gambling, drinking, adultery and premarital intimacy.

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Public caning in Aceh has long drawn criticism from human rights groups, including Amnesty International Indonesia, which has called the practice cruel and degrading.

Despite Indonesia having ratified international conventions prohibiting cruel punishment, authorities in Aceh defend the practice, arguing it does not fall under such a definition.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The unwinnable war America's Founding Fathers fought and won changed human history forever

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:00:51 -0400

Two hundred and fifty ago, 56 men met in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia to commit treason against the most powerful empire on Earth.

Representing 13 colonies of that empire, these men – a mix of landowners, entrepreneurs, politicians and others – had become enamored with a new set of ideas flowing from enlightenment thinkers and Christian teaching. Those convictions led them to start a war no sane person believed they could win.

Remember what government looked like back then. We now live in the world those 56 men created – a world in which even dictatorships like North Korea cloak themselves in the language of "republic."

But in 1776, freedom, equality and self-governance were nascent concepts espoused by philosophers and adopted only incompletely in a few small enclaves. The vast majority of countries in the world were hereditary monarchies and empires under which equal rights and individual liberty were not contemplated. The Founders’ fight seemed incomprehensible.

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In launching it, the Second Continental Congress largely tasked one man – Thomas Jefferson – with drafting the document that would articulate their vision for humanity and this new country and reshape history.

Imagine how he must have felt. Jefferson secluded himself from June 11 to June 28 in a rented home on Market Street to draft the document. He was 33 years old at the time. In isolation in that rented townhome he drafted what I think is one of the most beautiful passages in history:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Read it again. Read it as if you were living under a Spanish colony in South America or under the iron fist of the Qing dynasty in China. Read it as if you were a poor tenant farmer under the oppressive rule of King George in Virginia or an enslaved person in Georgia (whose freedom under the principles of the Declaration was still decades away).

WHY THE MAGA MOVEMENT IS THE 1776 REVOLUTION OF OUR TIME

Read it as if you grew up in a system that assumed you were worth less than your neighbor by virtue of your social station, and under which your future was limited by the circumstances of your birth.

The Declaration was, in fact, a "revolutionary" statement articulating the ideological and factual basis for a coup against empire. But spiritually, it was more important than that.

It was a revolution against history. It was a revolution against the idea that some men (and women) are worth more than others. It was a revolution for the idea of dignity, human rights, and equality before law.

And when Jefferson submitted his document to the Congress, and those 56 men signed it and shipped it off to King George and to others rulers around the world, they ignited a war in the America colonies that would become a centuries-long war to transform the globe from tyranny to liberty.

READ: THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

War they got. Five of the signers were captured, tortured and killed. Nine died from wounds or hardships fighting in the war. All were impacted – raked by violence, their homes and property ravaged, their children thrust into the violence they created. They starved. They lost battles.

They must have wondered if it was worth it – these ideals that had caused them to plunge a nation into violence. And then, unexpectedly, they won.

In creating America, those Founding Fathers reshaped history. We now live in a world in which nearly half of countries are democracies. The combination of political freedom, free markets and the technological innovation unleashed by those systems has lifted billions of people out of poverty – creating a world more than 100 times richer than the one that existed at the time of the Declaration of Independence.

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The dominant ideology now globally is the one articulated in the Declaration. And the revolution in America has become a revolution in human history.

This weekend in the United States we celebrate Independence Day. We celebrate 56 men who risked everything. But we also solemnly reflect on the charge of the Declaration and its authors.

All people are created equal. We are all endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. Each of us deserves life, liberty, and the ability to pursue our own unique paths to flourishing. But those inalienable rights are not guaranteed. As our forebears, we are called to embrace and fight for them.

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Abraham Lincoln once noted that great men "thirst and burn for distinction" and will have it, "whether at the expense of emancipating slaves, or enslaving free men." And around the world the powers that oppose liberty, dignity and opportunity fight ceaselessly to dominate others.

May we, on this Independence Day, marking America's 250th, fight back. May we have the audacity and conviction to oppose the enemies of liberty and to continue to fight for the promise of the Declaration and America’s spiritual foundation. May we do so out of love – for our neighbors and for the blessings of the Creator. And may we gain courage from the example of those 56 men, their hundreds of thousands of compatriots, and the unwinnable war they won. Happy Independence Day.

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Zohran Mamdani admits he wants to end his ‘one-sided beef’ about taxes with rapper 50 Cent

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:00:42 -0400

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani admitted Wednesday he would love to end his one-sided feud with rapper 50 Cent.

While appearing on the "Complex" podcast, Mamdani was put on the spot by host Jillian Superstar when she asked the socialist mayor, "If you were to have a dinner party — that I know I'd be invited to after this interview — who would be your dream dinner party guest, dead or alive?"

His first choice, he answered, would be Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who he touted as the greatest mayor of New York City in history.

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

"I would throw in 50 Cent so we could have a conversation around tax policy," he added.

"A very much needed conversation," the interviewer agreed.

During an interview on "The Breakfast Club" last year, the mayor noted that while he was a fan of 50 Cent, the musician wasn't a fan of his tax policy.

"I know if 50 Cent is listening, he's not going to be happy about this. He tends to not like this tax policy, but I want to be very clear: This is about $20,000 a year. It's a rounding error. And all of these things together, they make every New Yorker's life better, including those who are actually getting taxed now," Mamdani said during the June 2025 podcast.

The rapper responded shortly after by asking, "Where did he come from? Whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan. No. I will give him $258,750 and a first-class one-way ticket away from NY. I’m telling Trump what he said too!"

BILLIONAIRE FIRES BACK AT MAMDANI, SAYS BUSINESS LEADERS MUST 'FIGHT FOR THEIR CITY'

Mamdani noted during Wednesday's interview that he was still a fan of 50 Cent, even if 50 Cent wasn't a fan of his policies. Superstar showed this to be true, playing a clip of the mayor quoting the rapper’s song, "Get Rich or Die Tryin,'" during a recent commencement speech.

"So, it's a one-sided beef?" the interviewer asked.

"It's a one-sided beef," Mamdani agreed.

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"I think we're always going to have a disagreement on that tax policy," he added. "I want to increase taxes on the wealthiest. He does not want that to happen. But I will still appreciate the song 'Many Men,' whatever our disagreements are."

Representatives for 50 Cent did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

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ESPN must hold Stephen A accountable after doubling down on racist remarks about White basketball players

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:51:38 -0400

Stephen A. Smith is doubling down on his racist commentary, insisting the Los Angeles Lakers cannot succeed if their top three players are White.

On Wednesday, Smith mocked the team's trade for Walker Kessler, pairing him with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

"Where the hell the Los Angeles Lakers think they are going with a bunch of White dudes?" he asked on his podcast. "Your three top players are White dudes. Really? This is basketball."

He then asked, "In NBA history, when has a team led by three White dudes ever gone to the promised land? Somebody gotta say it."

After facing criticism, Smith responded Thursday by declaring he "ain't backing down." He argued it's "just facts" that championship teams need "Black brothers" to help "White dudes" win.

https://x.com/stephenasmith/status/2072744504650559747

Consider that Smith is this worked up simply because the Lakers' top players happen to be White.

Notice, too, how illogical his argument becomes. In defending himself, Smith acknowledged the greatness of Larry Bird, Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Steve Nash and Cooper Flagg. If he acknowledges that White players can be just as great as Black players, then there's no logical reason three elite White players couldn't win together without "Black brothers."

By Smith's own logic, it would simply mean no team has assembled the right White trio yet. But that isn't what he argued. He claimed a team cannot win with three White stars because no team has.

The distinction matters.

By that reasoning, no NFL team could win a Super Bowl with a Black quarterback, Black head coach and Black general manager. Of course, that's not true. It just hasn't happened yet. Still, if someone argued otherwise, Smith and his ilk would rage in fury.

The double standard is obvious.

LET'S HAVE AN HONEST CONVERSATION ABOUT CAITLIN CLARK, RACISM, AND MEDIA COWARDICE | BOBBY BURACK

Notice how much stronger the reaction has been to Colin Cowherd reporting that teams viewed new 76ers forward Jaylen Brown as "arrogant," a possible explanation for his underwhelming trade market. Cowherd relayed what teams reportedly believed. Smith, meanwhile, is explicitly arguing that White players are inherently inferior.

Smith didn't make these comments off the cuff. His social media team promoted the clips, and he has continued defending them. In his latest video, he argued the comments "had to be said." It's unclear why, other than that he appears to believe White players should know their place.

But the larger issue isn't just Stephen A. Smith.

Since 2020, society has increasingly normalized, if not rewarded, for making openly hostile racial comments about White people. There is no accountability for it. In some cases, there are incentives, with White executives continuing to elevate personalities who traffic in racial grievance because it's safer than confronting them.

That's why certain media figures seem to pretend to be racist, including Jemele Hill and former ESPN broadcaster Mark Jones. Whether genuine or performative, they understand there's value with their bosses and with "Black Twitter" in cultivating hostility toward White people.

It's transparent. And it's ugly.

Smith did not respond to OutKick's request for comment.

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Smith's comments should not be acceptable. Even on his own platform, he remains one of ESPN's most prominent personalities. Yet there's little reason to believe his employer will hold him accountable.

OutKick has repeatedly asked ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro over the past year why he allows Black commentator to make bigoted remarks about White people and White athletes. On occasion, Pitaro has sent a PR stooge to call me names off the record.

Pitaro himself has never publicly addressed the issue -- or privately.

Sources tell OutKick that Pitaro backed Mark Jones in 2020 when Jones falsely accused police officers of plotting to shoot him. He also defended Kendrick Perkins in 2023 after Perkins falsely accused NBA MVP voters of favoring White players based on inaccurate claims about the racial makeup of the voting pool.

Just imagine the message Pitaro could send if he simply acknowledged Smith's comments as racially inappropriate. It would cause lesser-known race idolaters at ESPN to think twice before making similar remarks on air.

But he likely won't. Pitaro has shown a consistent pattern of cowardice since assuming the chairman role in 2018.

That's why the consensus ESPN commentary about Caitlin Clark is that the Black women who cheap-shot and hard-foul her out of animosity are the true victims, not Clark, no matter how many black eyes and injuries she sustains.

It's pathetic.

Pitaro has enabled a culture in which black commentators feel beyond consequence, while everyone else walks on eggshells, hoping he doesn't lay them off.

Still, one has to ask a simple question: Who exactly is the target audience for segments like Stephen A.'s rant about "white dudes" on the basketball court?

Seriously.

Maybe Black people are better at basketball than White people on average. It's certainly possible. But so what? Who tunes into sports talk to hear that? What's the point?

Likewise, who is looking for a sports talk show to argue that white people are better at golf, as Smith also claimed during his rant?

Anyone?

We ask because Smith's former colleagues tried this approach before. ESPN gave Bomani Jones three shows that covered sports primarily through a racial lens. All of them failed and posted historically poor ratings in their respective time slots. Jemele Hill tried it. It failed. Dan Le Batard leaned heavily into similar commentary and saw ESPN's radio affiliate count dramatically shrink during his tenure.

Believe it or not, sports fans don't watch games counting the number of White and Black athletes involved. Only the media does.

And until a Black commentator is held responsible for making openly hostile remarks about White people, nothing will change. In other words, nothing will change.

As soon as these anti-White commentators are done dog-whistling about the Lakers' new White trio and Caitlin Clark, they'll move on to the media-generated race war between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.

Rinse and repeat.

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But since Stephen A. Smith is so eager to point out patterns, here's one.

His show most days features him alongside an almost entirely Black panel of commentators. First Take's ratings have become a problem. They're sluggish compared with the shows immediately before and after it, hosted by White dudes Mike Greenberg and Pat McAfee.

In fact, sources say Smith has told executives at ESPN to stop booking guests who appear on his show on Greenberg's the same day, as a result.

Should we point that out because it's "just facts"?

United States-Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup match delivers massive TV ratings

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:35:22 -0400

Any time the U.S. men's national team steps on the pitch, it's going to draw a lot of eyeballs, but Wednesday's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was historic.

Preliminary numbers from Nielsen report that the broadcast on Fox averaged 24.43 million viewers, peaking at 31.88 million late in the game.

That was enough to make it the largest English-language audience for a soccer broadcast in U.S. history.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

It edged out the previous record holder — the 2015 Women's World Cup final between the U.S. and Japan — which averaged 22.32 million viewers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Telemundo's Spanish telecast of the game brought in 9.1 million viewers for a combined total of 33.53 million, easily a record for a soccer match broadcast in the United States.

But what else is new? This World Cup has been obliterating ratings records since it started.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

The highly anticipated clash saw the U.S. trying to win its first knockout stage match since 2002 and bounce back from a disappointing loss to Turkey that capped off the group stage.

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Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina looked to play spoiler after advancing from Group B as a third-place team, hoping to eliminate the United States on its home soil.

In the end, the U.S. came out with a 2-0 win, but it came at a cost. Star striker Folarin Balogun was on the receiving end of a wildly controversial red card that not only took him out of the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina — forcing the U.S. to play the last 25 minutes or so a man down — but also ruled him out of Monday's Round of 16 match against Belgium.

The crazy flag designs … that could have been our new flag

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:28:47 -0400

The American flag is so familiar, but do you know that the design could have been something you would not recognize?

Back in 1958, as talk of the admission of two new states to the union swept the country, the Eisenhower administration was deluged with varying designs for a new 50-star flag.

"People begin sending in ideas for how the new flag should look," said Dr. Jim Ginther, the supervisory archivist for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas, which has kept all the submissions from back then.

"Suddenly there's a massive public interest again in the design of the flag. Beginning in July 1958, the White House begins receiving designs from the public, as does the Quartermaster Corps of the Army, from all over the country and from all over the world."

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The story of the 50-star flag is told in the first episode of the new series, "Crazy American History with Eric Shawn," now streaming on Fox Nation.

One star was added to the flag in January 1959 when Alaska joined the union as the 49th state.

The 50th star was added with the admission of Hawaii as a state, and that new flag was officially raised for the first time July 4, 1960, at Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, site of the War of 1812 bombardment that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

But in the two years before President Eisenhower settled on the new design for the Stars and Stripes, flag fever gripped the nation.

The White House eventually received more than 1,900 designs, many from school children as part of their lessons from the classroom publication "My Weekly Reader."

Adults from across the country, and even overseas, submitted their proposals.

"Some of them are coming in as simple as pencil drawings, some of them are as fancy as Draftsman's drawing. Some of them are sewn flags made out of cloth. Some of them are crayon drawings," Ginther noted.

The Eisenhower administration used the opportunity to educate Americans about the flag and responded to every submission with a letter from a top White House official.

"Several publications are produced by the government about the history of the flag, about flag etiquette, about various other aspects of use of the flag that they begin to send back out to the public, along with these letters thanking them for their submissions to educate the public about the flag."

The Continental Congress enacted the flag on June 14, 1777, which is now observed as flag day.

Betsy Ross is credited with designing the first flag with the 13 stars in a circle for the original 13 colonies.

The guidelines call for a design of alternating red and white stripes with a blue field for the stars.

But Ginther noted that the way the stars were to be laid out was never specified, which means some of the designs can appear to be curious and compelling.

But a massive change was not to be.

"The flag is symbolic," said Ginther.

NEIGHBOR SURPRISES HOMEOWNER WITH BRAND-NEW AMERICAN FLAG

"Radical change in it is going to be difficult. People are used to that symbol. It comes out in the deliberations over the flags, in the documentation," he said. "Radically changing the flag is going to be expensive, so we have to take that into consideration as well. And then you have to consider that particularly, our military, has a vested sentimental interest, in that they have fought and bled under that flag.

"There is reason, perhaps, why you might not want a radical change, even though many people in the country were interested in submitting designs. There is also an argument to be made for not being very radical in a redesign of the flag as a symbol of the nation."

In the end, President Eisenhower selected a similar design to the historical tradition, adding the two stars in alternating rows of six and five stars, on the blue field where it has been so familiar ever since.

It is the flag that represents our freedoms and the American ideals on our nation's 250th birthday.

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Watch "The Fifty-Star Flag," the first episode of the new Fox Nation series "Crazy American History" for more on President Eisenhower and the flag.

The website of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home tells more about the flag and the president: https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/

Ex-Texas middle school teacher sentenced to 33 years for sexually abusing 13-year-old student

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:24:43 -0400

A former Texas middle school teacher was sentenced to more than three decades in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a 13-year-old student.

A Webb County jury sentenced Adriana Rullan, 30, to 33 years in prison after finding her guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14.

Jurors also sentenced her to 10 years for indecency with a child by sexual contact and 13 years for an improper relationship between an educator and a student. The sentences will run concurrently, and Rullan was also ordered to pay $20,000 in fines.

The verdict followed a two-day trial in the 341st District Court, during which prosecutors presented testimony from six witnesses and dozens of exhibits, including text messages, photographs and video recordings.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER WHO ALLEGEDLY HAD SEX WITH STUDENT IN CLOSET NOW FACES CHARGES INVOLVING MORE TEENS

During the sentencing phase, the victim, who was 13 at the time of the abuse, told jurors the abuse cost him his friendships, his sense of self and nearly his life, according to KGNS.

The victim's mother also addressed the jury, blaming Rullan for her son's depression and anxiety and describing the emotional toll the abuse had taken on their family. She told jurors Rullan was manipulative and should never be allowed to harm another child, according to KGNS.

The jury returned guilty verdicts after deliberating for less than two hours, according to the Webb County District Attorney's Office.

FBI AND TEXAS AUTHORITIES ARREST 276 SUSPECTED CHILD PREDATORS, RESCUE 89 CHILDREN IN SWEEPING OPERATION

According to the district attorney's office, the investigation began Nov. 27, 2023, after the victim's parents contacted the United Independent School District Police Department with allegations of an inappropriate relationship between a student and a teacher at Gonzalez Middle School in Laredo.

A forensic examination of the victim's cellphone recovered electronic communications documenting the relationship and provided significant evidence supporting the charges, a spokesperson for the Webb County District Attorney's Office told People.

Rullan was arrested the following month and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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It was not immediately clear whether Rullan intends to appeal.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Webb County District Attorney's Office for additional comment and court records and the United Independent School District for comment but did not immediately receive responses.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell addresses NFL streaming service affordability controversy

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:20:59 -0400

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed concerns over the affordability of watching NFL games as the league auctions off broadcasts to more and more streaming services.

The issue has gotten attention from Congress and the FCC.

"I think it's important that we continue to make it something that, you know, all fans can have a pathway to watching our games," O'Connell told Fox News Digital at a news conference Thursday for the American Century Championship golf tournament.

"Hopefully, a lot of them make it out to whether to U.S. Bank Stadium or SoFi Stadium or any of the, you know, great venues we have in our league. And there's nothing like being there, but I can tell you that it's very important for the NFL to have our games be available to as many of our fans as we possibly can."

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION JOE THEISMANN SAYS THE NFL'S IS LOSING TRADITION TO STREAMING-ERA SCHEDULING

Still, O'Connell defended the league's media rights contracts and believes utilizing different streaming services can also help expand the fan base.

"I think it's an alignment with where a lot of, you know, not just sports media, but media in general, has kind of gone, where the consumer is choosing different ways to find their entertainment and I think a lot of the different aspects of where games are available," he said.

"I know our game is very, very popular, and I know it's a very important thing for the league to continue to make our game available to every possible fan out there. We're always trying to find different pathways to new fans ... not only in the United States, but it's clear globally as well."

NFL ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL THANKSGIVING EVE GAME BETWEEN PACKERS AND RAMS WILL BE STREAMED ON NETFLIX

The issue has become a larger part of the NFL media conversation. The league’s 2026 schedule includes games on traditional broadcast networks, cable and multiple streaming platforms. According to the NFL, Prime Video will carry "Thursday Night Football," Netflix will stream games in Week 1, on Thanksgiving Eve and on Christmas Day and Peacock will exclusively stream a regular-season game in January.

The NFL has noted that its games remain available free over the air in local markets. In its 2026 schedule announcement, the league said it is the only sports league that presents all regular-season and postseason games on free over-the-air television in local markets.

But the broader access question has still drawn scrutiny in Washington. In June, the House Judiciary Committee released an interim staff report on the Sports Broadcasting Act and the NFL’s media model, saying fans increasingly need a combination of over-the-air, cable and streaming services to watch their favorite teams. The committee also said some fans must pay more than $600 per season to watch all of one team’s games.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also asked the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to examine whether the NFL’s distribution practices still fit within the Sports Broadcasting Act’s limited antitrust protection. In that request, Lee said fans spent nearly $1,000 last season when cable, streaming and internet costs were combined.

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O'Connell made the comments as he prepares to compete in the American Century Championship for the first time at Edgewood Tahoe this weekend.

The event will feature a star-studded lineup of competitors, including Davante Adams, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence and Kyle Juszczyk, while Hall of Famers Drew Brees, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Marcus Allen, Charles Woodson, Brian Urlacher, Tim Brown, Dwight Freeney and DeMarcus Ware are also expected to play.

Teacher accused of sex with students was allegedly blackmailed for better grades: warrants

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:09:00 -0400

A Georgia high school teacher accused of having sexual trysts with multiple students in a classroom and a closet was blackmailed for better grades after students discovered she owned and operated an OnlyFans account, according to police.

Maris Nichols, 25, was arrested twice over alleged relations with six students at Alexander High School in Douglas County, Georgia, according to Fox Atlanta.

She was indicted on 27 counts related to the allegations. Two of the teenagers were younger than 16, authorities said.

Search warrants obtained by the news outlet said Nichols, a former biology teacher and football program administrator, operated an account on OnlyFans, a subscription-based platform used by content creators, many for adult content.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER WHO ALLEGEDLY HAD SEX WITH STUDENT IN CLOSET NOW FACES CHARGES INVOLVING MORE TEENS

Some students discovered the account and blackmailed Nichols into giving them better grades, the warrant states.

During its investigation, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office served warrants on OnlyFans, Snapchat, AT&T and Nichols and multiple students and their families, the news outlet reported.

WASHINGTON TEACHER CHARGED WITH INCEST AFTER ALLEGEDLY HAVING SEX WITH TWO TEENAGE BOYS SHE ADOPTED

Investigators also had a warrant to collect genetic evidence and fingerprints from two teenagers and surveillance footage from St. Andrews Golf Course related to a rendezvous between Nichols and a student, WSB-TV reported.

The warrant also requested a "Jesus Loves You" necklace Nichols was seen wearing in a video showing her having sex with a student, the news outlet said.

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Nichols turned herself in to authorities last week after prosecutors said she repeatedly violated the conditions of her bond, including leaving her home without permission while on house arrest with electronic monitoring.

She has been in custody at the Douglas County Jail since last week.

Rams legend LeRoy Irvin, 2-time All-Pro cornerback, dead at 68

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:05:37 -0400

LeRoy Irvin, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, has died. He was 68 years old.

Irvin’s former Rams teammate, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson, wrote on his Instagram Thursday that Irvin had died recently, saying he was "devastated" by the news.

Los Angeles-based journalist Eric Geller, who noted working with Irvin after his retirement, wrote in an X post that Irvin had been battling throat cancer. No additional details were disclosed about Irvin’s death.

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"LeRoy wasn’t just a lockdown corner and a fierce competitor on the field; he was a true friend and a great man who always brought incredible energy," Dickerson said. "Rest in peace, my brother. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Irvin family and all of Rams Nation."

Dickerson shared a photo of him and Irvin together during an event for the former’s foundation.

49ERS ANNOUNCE DEATH OF ALDON SMITH AT 36, ONCE THE FASTEST PLAYER TO REACH 30 SACKS IN NFL HISTORY

Irvin became a part of the Rams in 1980 when they took him in the third round of the NFL Draft out of Kansas.

Irvin spent 10 of his 11 years with the Rams, though his career ended after one season with the Detroit Lions.

Irvin was a lockdown corner named first-team All-Pro in 1981 after tallying three interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries across 16 games. He also notched his first career sack that year.

Irvin had a knack for the big play, especially when it came to interceptions. He had 35 in his career. During the 1984 campaign, he had five interceptions, two of which he returned to the house for a pick-six. Those two interception returns for touchdowns led the league.

Irvin was cemented as a star corner for the Rams at this point in his career, earning Pro Bowl nods in 1985 and 1986, the latter of which he was named first-team All-Pro yet again. In 1985, he was named second-team All-Pro.

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"We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin," the Rams wrote in a statement on social media. "We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."

During his Rams career, Irvin amassed 34 interceptions, five of which he returned for touchdowns; nine forced fumbles; and 13 fumble recoveries.

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Josh Shapiro reads 'a little more Jewish' than other Democratic candidates, CNN anchor remarks

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:00:55 -0400

CNN's "The Story" host Elex Michaelson remarked how Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff "may not read as Jewish" as potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro during Tuesday night's show.

During a panel with Los Angeles County Republican Party Chair Roxanne Beckford Hoge and political commentator Eric Messersmith, the three discussed Ossoff's chances of becoming a presidential candidate after recent betting odds websites placed him second behind California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Hoge expressed doubts that Ossoff could overcome the Democratic Party "playing footsie with antisemites" to become a candidate, but Messersmith defended Ossoff as disciplined and very "on message" despite being untested on the national stage.

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"But on the Jewish thing, because he is Jewish, he might be the Democrat that can thread the needle. Because even though he’s Jewish, he’s very critical of the Israeli government, very critical of Benjamin Netanyahu," Messersmith said.

"He has credibility on that issue. So, it’s possible — I think he could fill that lane in between the two extremes of the Democratic Party."

Michaelson responded, "Yeah, as a Jew, some people read a little more Jewish than other people, and Jon Ossoff may not read as Jewish as Josh Shapiro does, for whatever that’s worth."

Fox News Digital reached out to Shapiro and Ossoff's offices for comment.

Michaelson and Messersmith's comments received some backlash for appearing to rank Democratic candidates on how "Jewish" they appear.

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"What exactly are we doing here?" conservative commentator Meghan McCain asked.

Targeted Victory Vice President Logan Dobson wrote, "what a deeply weird place the democratic party is in on this issue."

"CNN anchors, chatting casually: 'There’s the acceptable Jew, you know the one who denounces Netanyahu and Israel.' 'What about Scott Wiener?' 'Oh… hahaha. Guess there’s no acceptable Jew,'" Boundless Israel CEO Aviva Klompas commented.

Former U.S. ambassador David Friedman wrote, "Most dangerous and offensive words in the modern vernacular: 'As a Jew…'"

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After the clip was shared across social media, Michaelson apologized for his comments on X.

"I apologize. I made a comment that was offensive. Going forward, I’ll do better," Michaelson wrote.

Though running for re-election as governor, Shapiro has emerged as a potential 2028 presidential candidate in a crowded field. However, his Jewish background and support for Israel have drawn backlash from far-left critics.

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Ossoff also faces re-election in November amid suggestions he could run for president in 2028. However, he has repeatedly denied he has any plans to run in the near future.

Ex-Obama advisor mocked after questioning Chicago's response to unconscious man: 'Own a mirror?'

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:51:56 -0400

David Axelrod, a Democratic political consultant and strategist, received backlash online for noting that emergency services in Chicago had declined to assist a seemingly homeless man outside the Art Institute of Chicago.

"An elderly man, probably homeless, was sprawled unconscious on the museum's front stone steps in the midst of a heat emergency. I called 911, and the operator said, ‘Well, is he ASKING for help?’ When I said no, she said, ‘Well, I'm not going to send anyone.’ So the man remained, passed out in the blazing noon sun. I guess that's how the City of Chicago deals with such situations," Axelrod wrote.

"I hope we're not all complicit in assisting an unintended suicide," Axelrod, the chief strategist for Obama's 2008 and 2012 presidential victories, said.

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His comments sparked mockery online when observers highlighted similar encounters in a number of other Dem-run cities in the U.S.

"David Axelrod comes face to face with Democratic policies in action… turns out he doesn’t like them very much," Abigail Jackson, a White House deputy press secretary, observed on X.

GOP Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's deputy chief counsel, Erielle Azerrad, said, "Anyone who lived in the Mission district of SF has like 20 stories like this."

"It’s awful to hear. It’s also why most of us who have witnessed it are so vehemently opposed to socialist nonsense ruining our once awesome cities. Welcome to the party, dude," she continued.

"Democrat policy which you dedicated your career to impose," New York Post columnist Miranda Devine posted on X.

"Does David Axelrod own a mirror?" conservative strategist Steve Guest wondered.

Earlier this year, the city, led by Mayor Brandon Johnson, launched a five-year homelessness initiative with the goal of making homelessness "rare, brief and nonrecurring." The plan centers on seven core strategies, including emergency services, housing, health, education, employment, community cohesion and systems alignment.

MORNING GLORY: DEMOCRATS CLIFF DIVE OVER THE FAR-LEFT EDGE OF AMERICAN POLITICS

The plan does not come with a stated budget expectation but partners with several other city programs, such as a $1.2 billion housing initiative.

At least one other Democratic voice bashed Axelrod’s description and the city’s response.

"This is awful and unacceptable. In a case like this or a freezing/blizzard spell, the city must mobilize to render necessary aid, even if its refused," Susana Mendoza, a candidate for Chicago mayor, said in her own post.

"Despite all the talk from this mayor and his administration about helping people like this in urgent need, they have abandoned them."

Notably, Axelrod described how the man had spoken with security at the Art Institute but declined to move or accept assistance.

"I asked a museum security guard about it and she said she had woken him 3 times and suggested he move into the shade and he refused each time," Axelrod wrote.

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When asked about the situation, the Art Institute of Chicago confirmed to Fox News Digital that a man had been outside the building and added that he had departed.

"We are aware that a museum security officer checked on an individual on the front steps and that person left on their own accord shortly after," the institute said in a statement.