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DAVID MARCUS: Brave new world of prediction markets can make us all inside traders

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:26:13 -0400

When I was born in the 1970s, legal gambling was basically limited to Las Vegas, Atlantic City and horse racing. Then came Indian casinos, and finally, the floodgates opened with online gambling. Nowadays, with the advent of prediction markets, we can lay down a marker on almost any event on Earth.

One serious upshot of the rise of companies like Kalshi and Polymarket, which would be happy to set up a market to see if Lindy’s sells more cheesecake or strudel today, is that far, far more people have the feedbox noise than ever before. To paraphrase Andy Warhol, in the future, everyone will have inside information on a prediction market for 15 minutes.

Take a market like "Who will win the reality TV show "Big Brother?" Dozens, maybe even hundreds of people know this answer, thousands probably have inside info, and while, if they say anything out loud they will get sued into oblivion, what's to stop them from telling their cousin, "Hey, drop a few thousand on this contestant?"

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This isn’t a hypothetical anymore. We have seen, just this year, a soldier use inside information to win a bet on the timing of military action in Venezuela, we have even had the guy who runs the White House teleprompter profit from foreknowledge of President Donald Trump’s speeches.

These are not the types of people we think of as insider traders.

When we think of insider trading we think of wood-paneled financial offices with Paul Revere silver sets and guys in $5,000 suits. I also think of members of Congress who go to Washington worth thousands and leave worth tens of millions, but that's another story.

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As in sports betting, it is easy to trace who, among the elites or insiders, might have non-public information that can move a stock. But right now, you can bet on whether Space X will have a successful launch by July 31, or whether Rihanna’s album will come out before the next Grand Theft Auto video game. How many thousands of people have information on those wagers?

Could a reporter who is sitting on a scoop they know will harm a politician running for office ethically place a bet on a prediction market in that race? It seems clear that legally they can, but we are in uncharted waters now that prediction markets open up this possibility.

In politics, manipulation can be used the other way round as well, especially in smaller congressional or local races. Prediction market wagers can act almost as campaign donations, making it appear, even for a short period of time, that a candidate is surging.

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There is something a bit dystopic about the constant online wagering over every aspect of our lives, as if the world is not a miracle of beauty and poetry, but rather a set of math problems, algorithms and betting lines replacing the organic flow of an election, or how much the average man will spend on his Valentine.

The danger here is that instead of looking at the world as the creation of human beings, we mortal souls become little more than the ball on the roulette wheel, which inevitably must stop somewhere, to somebody’s benefit.

Attempts to regulate prediction markets are already emerging both on the state and federal level, but don’t start writing the industry’s epitaph just yet, because short of shutting them down entirely, nothing can stop tens of thousands of markets from having hundreds of thousands of potential insider traders, at least.

The recurring story of the 21st Century is that technology keeps dropping innovation on top of us, from smart phones to AI, before we can figure out its pitfalls, much less decide if it benefits or harms our society.

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For now, prediction markets are not only with us, but they are growing fast, not just as a new option for gamblers, but as an important alternative to polling or focus groups in politics. But we must understand, the bet is never on which candidate will win, it's on which candidate will have a surge, whether it is organic or AstroTurf.

Meanwhile, if the business you work for, or the campaign you consult, or the reality TV show your best friend from high school was in, becomes a prediction market, it is up to you to decide if placing that wager is fair, because there really is very little else to stop you.

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Here's what you missed from Trump's first WHCA Dinner as president: 5 takeaways from his night with the press

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 06:00:38 -0400

President Donald Trump attended the annual White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) Dinner Friday night for the first time in either of his two presidential terms.

The event was rescheduled from its original April 25 date after a crazed gunman allegedly tried to assassinate the 47th president, bull rushing security with several weapons and firing a shot before he was taken into custody.

Here are five top highlights from the dinner:

TRUMP HEADS BACK TO CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER MONTHS AFTER GUNFIRE FORCED EVACUATION

1. Journalists, Trump share heartfelt moments

Trump and the press typically find themselves at odds, and while Friday night had its share of uncomfortable moments, both sides were able to find some common ground — especially after sharing a scary moment at the originally scheduled dinner in April.

Before presenting one of the many awards of the night, ABC's Jon Karl thanked the president for his attendance.

"Mr. President, I want to say it matters that you came here tonight," said Karl. "For more than 100 years, presidents have chosen to sit in a room of reporters who asked tough and often uncomfortable questions, and who report without fear or favor. It's important. Thank you for being here."

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WHCA outgoing President and the dinner's emcee Weijia Jiang also had kind words for the president, just before she introduced him to speak and after discussing the importance of the First Amendment.

"President Trump, I've covered you for a long time, and so have many reporters in this room. When we ask questions, you push back, you give us answers and we push back," she said. "You have always been a deal guy. Well, that's the deal. And the First Amendment is a done deal. And that's what we toast tonight. The freedoms that brought us back together even after they were threatened."

"So let's raise a glass to what makes ours a beautiful country."

Later in the night, Trump concluded his speech with a warm message for the press delivered in his own style.

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"I just want to say, this room — I have tremendous respect for the people in this room," Trump said.

"Sometimes I don’t feel you treat me fair, maybe you do, I don’t know," he continued. "I don’t feel that. But sometimes you treat me fairly, and I have a lot of respect for your profession. It’s amazing. And I just want to thank you for having me, and it’s been fun."

2. Trump razzes the press and members of his cabinet

Trump made a series of jokes throughout his speech, some targeting the press, and others targeting people he appointed to positions of power.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was on the receiving end of a quip from the 47th president after Trump told attendees he hoped they enjoyed their beef tenderloin dinner.

"I want you all to know that Bobby Kennedy, who's right here, personally ran over the cow with his car," he jabbed. "And he cut it up and he brought it here for you to eat tonight."

Kennedy is well known for his eccentric history with animals, including once saying he captured a raccoon and cut its genitals off, viral videos of him catching dangerous snakes and once using a chainsaw to remove the head of a dead whale that washed up on Cape Cod.

"Bobby also suggested an appetizer featuring his favorite cut of male raccoon roadkill. But we drew the line at that," the president went on. "We said, 'No, we're not doing that.'"

Kennedy is also known for pushing a more red-meat centric diet and has embraced the push for restaurants to use beef tallow to fry their food instead of seed oils.

Trump also joked about the shooting at the first WHCA dinner earlier this year, which pro-MAGA rapper Nikki Minaj attended.

"But after hearing the gunshots, many people yelled, ‘get down, get down!’ Which caused Nicki Minaj to start twerking, do you believe? Get down! She's the only one that really understood what that meant," Trump joked, earning laughter from the tough crowd.

Throughout his speech, he repeatedly used one of his famous phrases — referring to the press as "fake news," but took some direct shots at certain outlets and figures.

He unexpectedly flipped the script in a misdirection from what seemed like an update on the Iran war.

"A once feared and powerful regime that relentlessly attacked America has finally been toppled," he said. "Their former leaders have been removed and they’re now being run by a gay dictator facing internal divisions. But I, for one, wish Bari Weiss all the best at CBS News."

Trump's nemesis, Kaitlan Collins of CNN, was also on the receiving end of a brutal blow.

"I thought Kaitlan Collins had really made it big with a major new sponsorship, but then I informed her that it wasn't her on the Bud Light can, it was Dylan Mulvaney," he said, referencing the beer brand's failed marketing campaign featuring a transgender influencer.

3. Unsuspecting Todd Blanche yanked into mentalist Oz Pearlman's routine

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who is currently in the confirmation process to take on the job full-time, became part of mentalist Oz Pearlman's routine to close out the night.

In a convoluted bit, Oz asked Blanche to make up an amount of money he had in his wallet. Blanche said $130, but Oz guessed the correct amount — $85. Then, Oz asked a man sitting next to Blanche to choose a single bill from Blanche's wallet, and then had Blanche sign it. Blanche signed it, and was instructed to sit on it.

For the remainder of the act, Oz asked members of the crowd to stand — including Fox News' Kevin Corke — and dream up a person dead or alive who they wished they could interview. He guessed several of interview subjects' names correctly, and even enlisted the help of a member of the crowd, who also made correct guesses.

After that, he enlisted audience members, one of which was former National Security Administrator and current U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Watlz, to chose important dates and random numbers. When multiplied, those numbers equaled 53,670,682.

Oz then turned back to Blanche and asked him to stand up and look at the serial number of the bill he was sitting on. Audience members were stunned to find out it was No. 53670682.

4. Trump reveals how he communicates with the press

Trump explained that he was tired of asking his communications team, Karoline Leavitt and Steven Cheung, if he had received any calls from the press. So instead he started to give journalists his direct line, which has turned out to be a disaster.

"That was the stupidest thing I ever did," the president said. "I'm getting a call every 3.7 minutes."

"Every once in a while, it'll be one of the people in this room that I like and I'll pick it up," he said, referencing taking phone calls from Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich and joking that she only wants to discuss "horrible" subjects.

But he said that other callers are from outlets that he has never heard of or are just starting out.

"You know, I pick up every once in a while, 'hello, I'm from Reno, Nevada. We're a startup paper. We're calling us the Reno Express,'" Trump continued. "I'll say, 'Do you believe it, I'm the president of the United States.'"

"'Mr. President, could I have your views on Iran?' And I just hang up," Trump continued. "No, I get the craziest calls. I mean, some of them. My wife said, I can't believe you do this. This is a hell of a way to live."

5. Trump announces he WILL attend the 2027 WHCA Dinner, unless...

Trump had never attended the WHCA Dinner in either of his two presidencies, a total of five years, breaking with long-held tradition for a night of comradery with the press and government officials. His attendance Friday night was a major storyline — especially after the event in April was foiled by a lone gunman.

The president laid his plans for next year towards the conclusion of his hour-and-four-minute remarks.

"It's an honor to do it," Trump said of his attendance. "I've been to it numerous times, but as president, I haven't been here, and I'm glad."

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Trump expects to attend again in 2027, but joked that his decision could depend on how the press behaves.

"They said, 'Would you do it next year?' I said, 'I will be back next year,'" Trump said. "Now if you get really, really nasty, maybe not. I don't know. But we're going to be back next year."

Trump attended the WHCA Dinner in 2011 and 2015, when he was a successful businessman, real estate tycoon and reality television personality.

Michael Kim nails dramatic birdie on the 18th to make PGA Tour scoring history at 3M Open

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:12:16 -0400

Michael Kim made history with an exclamation point on Friday at the 3M Open.

Kim, 33, was going for just the 16th sub-60 round (59) in PGA Tour history heading into the 18th hole. Kim’s wedge shot from the fairway on the par-5 18th rolled to the fringe of the green, leaving him 24 feet away from making a birdie and adding his name to the history books.

Kim had one thing on his mind when stepping up to the putt: Don’t leave it short.

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"I tend to leave those short when it’s that uphill and I just, last thing was just get it there, just don’t leave it short," Kim said.

He certainly did not leave it short as Kim buried it in the bottom of the cup and then gave a few huge fist pumps in celebration.

Going into the last couple of holes, Kim knew what was at stake and wanted to give himself a shot at making the record books.

"I just kind of told myself like, ‘Hey, this is the way, this is the moment to get into the history books and let’s go for it, let’s not try to luck our way into it, let’s try to step up and hit some really good shots,’" he said.

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Kim went on multiple runs throughout his round. Starting on the third hole, he made five birdies in a row. He then made par on the eighth hole, but proceeded to birdie three of the next four holes.

He ended his round with four straight birdies.

Kim was impeccable with his putter as eight of his 11 birdies were from more than 10 feet away.

"When you hit a putt and it does exactly what you kind of envisioned before you hit it, it’s an awesome feeling. Felt like that all day out there," he said.

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Kim’s historic day moved him into a three-shot lead over Ben Kohles, but Kim knows there is a lot more golf left to play.

"Today was an awesome day, but still, I’m only halfway there so still need to kind of get focused up for the weekend," he said.

Kim’s 59 marks the fourth one on tour since 2024. Jake Knapp was the last to do so during the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic. Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record with a 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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As 'The Odyssey' thrives at the box office, franchise fatigue hits summer with bombs like 'Supergirl,' 'Moana'

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:00:49 -0400

Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has dominated the box office over the past week as the summer has been widely plagued by franchise fatigue, with several films struggling to live up to the glory of their IP predecessors.

Universal Pictures' star-studded adaptation of Homer's epic made $123 million domestically and more than $263 million globally during its opening weekend, marking Nolan's strongest global opening weekend ever, surpassing "The Dark Knight" trilogy and 2023's Oscar winner "Oppenheimer."

"The Odyssey" maintained its strength during the week, making more than $18 million domestically Monday and Wednesday and more than $21 million on Tuesday. Its global gross crossed $320 million in less than a week.

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Such success at the box office could not be replicated by multiple franchise films released this summer.

Disney's live-action "Moana," in which Dwayne Johnson reprised his role, opened to a dismal $43 million domestically earlier this month, a fraction of the $56 million the animated original made during its opening weekend in 2016 and the nearly $140 million "Moana 2" opened to in 2024. It has been reported that Disney could lose about $100 million on the film, which reportedly cost $250 million to make. The film has grossed only $186 million globally so far.

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"Supergirl" similarly bombed at the box office last month, earning just $37 million its opening weekend domestically and will likely fall short of reaching $150 million worldwide during its theatrical run for Warner Bros. That pales in comparison to last year's "Superman," which grossed more than $600 million worldwide, marking mixed results for the studio's rebooted DC Comics Cinematic Universe. Warner Bros. will also reportedly lose $100 million on the Milly Alcock-starring superhero flick.

Other once-reliable franchises are disappointing. Last month, "Minions & Monsters" opened to just $37 million domestically and has so far grossed roughly $366 million globally, marking the worst-performing "Despicable Me" installment to date for Universal Pictures and Illumination. Its immediate predecessor, 2024's "Despicable Me 4," opened to $75 million domestically and made nearly $1 billion at the global box office.

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"The Mandalorian & Grogu," a big-screen installment of the long-running Star Wars series on Disney+, also marked the worst performing Star Wars film for Disney following its May release, grossing just $340 million worldwide. 2018's Star Wars prequel "Solo" previously held that undesired title when it grossed $392 million.

There are exceptions to the current box office trend this year. "Toy Story 5" opened to an astonishing $159 million domestically during its opening weekend last month and is expected to cross $1 billion worldwide. "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" had a $131 million domestic opening in April and ultimately grossed over $1 billion globally. "Scream 7" made over $63 million its opening weekend in February and crossed the $200 million threshold worldwide for Paramount.

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Meanwhile, more "original" films (for lack of a better term) have excelled at the box office this year. "Project Hail Mary," the Ryan Gosling-led space adventure dramedy adapted from the Andy Weir book, made more than $680 million at the box office this spring, becoming Amazon Studios' highest-grossing film ever. That was followed by Lionsgate's Michael Jackson music biopic "Michael," grossing more than $1 billion worldwide and becoming the film distributor's top earner, surpassing all of its "Hunger Games" and "Twilight" movies.

"Obsession," the low-budget horror film from comedic content creator Curry Barker, shocked the industry by seeing unprecedented growth week-over-week in its early run at the box office, quickly exceeding "The Mandalorian & Grogu" and grossing over $400 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film for Focus Features.

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Weeks later, another low-budget horror flick "Backrooms" from 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons made a big splash at the box office with a stunning $81 million debut and went on to gross more than $360 million worldwide, setting a grossing record for A24.

The last major tentpole release for the summer comes next week with "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" from Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios. The bar is set extremely high on the fourth installment of the Tom Holland-led franchise as its predecessor "Spider-Man: No Way Home" opened to an astonishing $260 million domestically in 2021.

Not only will it have to combat broader franchise fatigue, it will also have to battle superhero fatigue that has impacted the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 2025 releases like "Captain America: Brave New World," "Thunderbolts*" and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" were widely seen as financial disappointments, so Marvel Studios better hope that audience's spidey senses are tingling.

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TPUSA's Andrew Kolvet calls viral 'looksmaxxing' craze a 'red warning sign' for young men

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:00:31 -0400

Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet called the viral "looksmaxxing" trend a "warning sign" Tuesday, arguing that it reflects a growing mentorship vacuum among young men searching for guidance.

"This is all a giant red warning sign," Kolvet told "The Will Cain Show."

"Young men are going to be looking for mentors... [they] are looking for voices that will make sense of the chaos, that will help them navigate a very tumultuous social scene. They need help... and this is what Clavicular is offering them."

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Kolvet's remarks came after Will Cain asked about Clavicular, a rapidly growing influencer known for promoting "looksmaxxing" — an online self-improvement trend focused on maximizing physical appearance through fitness, grooming and facial aesthetics.

In one practice known as "bone smashing," Clavicular acknowledged using a hammer to create microfractures in his jaw with the goal of promoting regrowth but emphasized that he does not recommend others try it without consulting a doctor.

Although Kolvet praised Clavicular as "very entertaining" and "very charismatic," he urged young men to prioritize other values.

"Instead of 'looksmaxxing,' we need to be encouraging young people to be 'charactermaxxing,'" Kolvet said.

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"They need to be working on their faith life, on their social life and the things that actually have eternal purpose and value, so that's my big critique here."

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Clavicular explained the goal behind the growing trend on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast.

"Looksmaxxing is the most well-rounded form of self-improvement, just almost taking it to its logical conclusion," Clavicular said.

The influencer argued that attractive physical appearance improves "every single micro interaction in your life."

"You really need to prioritize looking better and starting to look max," he said.

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Kolvet, however, said the answer to success lies in ensuring young men have positive mentors before they look elsewhere for guidance.

Addressing older viewers directly, Kolvet urged them to take an active role in mentoring younger men and said many are searching for help navigating an increasingly chaotic social landscape.

"I can't stress it enough, please, please, please find young men that you can mentor. And that is the big breakthrough for so many young men's lives."

Fox News' Nora Moriarty contributed to this report.

Major city launches harsh tourist crackdown as locals revolt over massive crowds

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:00:05 -0400

As European destinations continue their crackdown on overtourism, a popular city has declared, "Not one tourist more."

Barcelona, Spain, has emerged as one of Europe’s most forceful opponents of mass tourism in recent years. Now, the commissioner for sustainable tourism, José Antonio Donaire, is doubling down on the city's efforts to prevent overcrowding.

Cruise passengers visiting Barcelona for less than 12 hours could pay €30, or about $35, in combined taxes, according to Cruise Industry News.

After a July 15 committee meeting, Barcelona moved to seek the maximum €24, or about $27, tax on cruise visitors staying under 12 hours, the outlet reported.

The proposed amount would triple the €8, or roughly $9, municipal rate previously planned.

"Barcelona began rethinking tourism with innovative measures like the moratorium on new hotel construction back in 2017 … many of the measures will take time before they have an impact. But the message of the city now is: Not one tourist more," Donaire recently told The New York Times in an interview.

Catalonia, the northeastern region where Barcelona is located, attracted some 20.1 million tourists, 0.6% more than in 2024, according to The Associated Press (AP).

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Rising housing prices, overwhelmed public transport and a flood of tourists in historic districts have angered locals, according to Reuters.

But nothing has been more irksome to residents than the massive overcrowding, the Times reported.

In May, Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni said he wants cruise passengers to pay up to $9.30 (8 euros) per night, a 100% increase from the current $4.65 rate (4 euros).

The news was reported by El País, Spain's paper of record, after Collboni appeared on the local network Betevé.

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"We don’t want to grow more. We want the tourists that the city already has. There were 15.7 million tourists in the city in 2025 — that’s the threshold. Sixteen million is the maximum," Donaire told the Times.

Starting April 1, Barcelona nearly doubled its hotel guest tax, hiking it from $5-$9 to $10-$17 per person, per night, Fox News Digital previously reported.

Barcelona citizens held a large protest last summer, with some even spraying tourists with water guns, Fox News Digital previously reported — as happened in 2024 as well.

Demonstrators marched with signs saying, "One more tourist, one less resident," and "Tourist go home." The demonstrators are demanding a reworking of their local economy.

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Andreu Martínez of Spain humorously said in July 2024 that the use of squirt guns was to annoy the tourists a bit.

"Barcelona has been handed to the tourists," said Martínez. "This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents."

He said his rent had risen over 30%, with apartments in his neighborhood continually being rented out for short-term vacation use instead.

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Donaire told the Times the new rules are not anti-tourist; rather, they're a way to attract diverse tourist groups.

They're interested in attracting visitors who are there for business or cultural attractions, he said.

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"It’s important to us that any resident can buy a loaf of bread, a book or a screw in their neighborhood," he said.

"We also believe that tourists will be more interested in a city where urban space isn’t entirely souvenirs, phone cases and kebabs."

Andrea Margolis and Ashley J. DiMella, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting.

Letitia James faces scrutiny after New York City spends $81,700 per homeless person amid shelter scandals

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:59:31 -0400

New York Attorney General candidate Saritha Komatireddy is accusing Letitia James of failing to hold New York's nonprofit homeless shelter providers accountable despite years of audits, investigations and scandals involving billions of taxpayer dollars.

The criticism comes as a New York State Comptroller report in March found New York City spent roughly $81,700 per unsheltered homeless person in fiscal year 2025, with spending on street homelessness more than tripling since 2019 as the city's homeless population climbed 78%.

Komatireddy described the situation as a crisis, arguing that government spending has surged while outcomes have deteriorated.

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"So there really are questions about what has happened to that money and why that's happening," Komatireddy told Fox News Digital. "The person who should be asking those questions, the person who should be investigating, is the attorney general. But Letitia James has totally failed New Yorkers when it comes to holding homeless shelter nonprofits accountable so that they actually help the homeless."

Her criticism follows years of investigations by the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York State Comptroller and federal prosecutors that uncovered allegations of fraud, self-dealing, kickbacks, conflicts of interest, excessive executive compensation and weak financial oversight at organizations operating city-funded homeless shelters.

Among the highest-profile cases was that of Bronx Parent Housing Network CEO Victor Rivera, who was accused by at least 10 women in a 2021 New York Times investigation of sexual assault or unwanted sexual conduct while they lived in shelters operated by his nonprofit.

Weeks later, Rivera was federally indicted on conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering charges tied to an alleged kickback scheme. He pleaded not guilty.

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A 2024 Department of Investigation review found nepotism, lack of competitive bidding and exorbitant salaries were issues among 51 city-funded shelter providers, including executives earning salaries approaching or exceeding $1 million. The report specifically noted that the attorney general has authority under New York law to challenge improper transactions involving nonprofit organizations.

State Comptroller audits also identified millions of dollars in unsupported or improper costs at several nonprofit shelter providers, including CAMBA, Westhab, the Institute for Community Living and Samaritan Daytop Village, with follow-up audits finding that many recommendations remained unimplemented.

Komatireddy argued those repeated findings should have prompted broader action by the attorney general's Charities Bureau, which is responsible for overseeing nonprofit organizations in New York.

"The amount of money that's being spent is really shocking," she said. "We know that at least one homeless shelter CEO received a million dollars in compensation. Meanwhile, New Yorkers are sleeping on the streets."

"It's the attorney general's job to audit and investigate the homeless shelter nonprofits," she continued. "We have a Charities Bureau in the attorney general's office whose responsibility is to oversee and supervise all nonprofits in the state, but Letitia James has not been doing that job."

James' office has publicly announced only a handful of enforcement actions involving nonprofit homeless shelter providers during her tenure.

Among them were a 2022 settlement with HELP USA requiring governance reforms following a Charities Bureau investigation into conflict-of-interest issues involving former CEO Alan Altheide and a 2023 lawsuit seeking to dissolve Housing Bridge Inc., alleging its executives diverted charitable assets for personal benefit.

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Komatireddy called for audits of every homeless shelter nonprofit that receives taxpayer funding.

"We need to audit and investigate every homeless shelter nonprofit in New York," she said. "Make sure the people who are doing a good job are supported, the people doing a bad job are cut off from taxpayer money, and the people committing crimes are prosecuted and put in jail."

The homeless shelter criticism is the latest in a broader campaign argument from Komatireddy that James has failed to aggressively police taxpayer-funded fraud.

Earlier this year, Komatireddy criticized James' oversight of New York's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit after federal officials suspended its funding, alleging the attorney general had adopted "a deliberate leadership choice" to pursue fewer criminal fraud cases and allow investigations to languish.

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James' campaign rejected the criticism.

"Saritha Komatireddy's latest line of attack is as hollow as her record of public service," a campaign spokesperson said. "While Saritha is busy playing politics, New York Attorney General Letitia James has spent over two decades working hand-in-hand with government partners across New York City and state to protect homeless New Yorkers and hold bad actors accountable."

Dolphins cheerleaders reveal new uniforms as rivalry with Cowboys ramps up, Romo DUI memes & Vrabel's puppy

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:56:21 -0400

Welcome in for the final Saturday Screencaps of July where I must remind you guys that this is not the time to start taking weekends for granted. This is when you blow it out. Get those golf weekends scheduled. Go nuts at the pool. Go on canoe trips with your fellow Millennials.

Just go RESPECT SUMMER before football season cranks up.

Speaking of football season, I MUST keep addressing the budding rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins cheerleaders. Some emailer ripped me for not knowing that the Dolphins went out and hired one of the former Cowboys cheerleader executives. Now, how the hell am I supposed to know that?

DOLPHINS CHEERLEADERS MAKE MAJOR MOVES TO COMPETE WITH COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS, TEBOWS GET OUT & RYAN CLARK!

What I do know is what I see, and what I see is a cheerleading organization that put in the effort in the offseason. Friday night, the team's Instagram account revealed the 2026 uniforms, and let's just say that there's officially a buzz throughout the NFL. Could we be looking at a squad that could knock off the world-famous Cowboys cheerleaders for NFL supremacy?

Here we have rookie Sarah Parton showing off the 2026 unis. Who is Parton and why is she important?

She's a former Dallas Stars ice girl who is a Dallas Cowboys fan (based on her IG history), but now she's signed a free agent contract in Miami & we're looking at a breakout star in the making. Talent is leaving the Big D.

I already told you guys about Masters Girl, Aaliyah Kikumoto, who cheered at Texas Tech, making the Dolphins squad this summer. This is like Big Ten football teams going into Florida, Georgia and Louisiana looking for talent. Dolphins cheerleader management knows that the Cowboys are taking talent from all over the U.S. and passing on homegrown talent.

Is there cheerleading talent in South Florida? Yes, but it isn't TEXAS cheerleading talent. One thing leads to another and the Dolphins roster is suddenly LOADED. The uniforms have been carefully crafted. The social media team is dialed in. The weather is great. There's sunshine. There are smiles.

We are looking at a watershed moment in NFL cheerleading history. Don't forget where you heard it first. Buckle up!

HAILEY OSTROM IS BACK DEFENDING SUMMER AT THE LAKE ARMED WITH HER GOLF CLUB AND BIKINI

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RESIST! RESIST! RESIST!

An emailer got mad at me Friday. He claimed that my RESPECT SUMMER campaign being aimed at the stores is anti-capitalism and that makes me socialist scum, or something like that. Clearly, this moron doesn't know that I've lectured readers for years now that it's up to us if we're going to crush Big Halloween and Big Christmas.

If you are out buying this crap in July, you need to look in the mirror. What are you doing? WHY? WHY? WHY?

Go to the lake. Go fishing. Turn on a sprinkler for your kids. Go ride a bike in a state park. Sit on your patio and watch the six-hour coverage of the Tour de France and look at French mountain real estate as the bike riders go by.

Do not let Costco's rat poison go to your brain. That dopamine hit isn't worth it. Halloween is literally 3+ months away. Act like it! Think about summer.

Speaking of the Tour, I fell asleep early last night (long week at work) and missed this ending from Tadej Pogacar

– Mike T. in Idaho wanted to make sure we all saw this and felt the energy:

How to deal with neighbor cig smoke that ruins your patio time?

– Rick in Tennessee seems to have a vendetta against me. In 2023, he was begging me for a TNML sticker: Lady grinds all day - salivating while waiting for dusk so she can crawl into her favorite deck chair to enjoy a 7-up and Marlboro Red - in her own backyard. Then your candy ass puts her on blast because the smell bothers your tender right wingnut nostrils "multiple times over the years". Aren't you supposed to be out mowing? Just go ahead and turn your man card in.

– Scott in FL advises: I think you ABSOLUTELY should put a fan up and blow her cigarette smoke either back at her or away from your property. Don’t need to be smelling cigarette smoke while you are trying to enjoy YOUR backyard. Nothing worse than the smell of cigarette smoke while trying to relax on your patio.

Anonymous should create a game or a series of games for his daughters to play to figure out which one gets to go to the Masters with him. If one wants to play and the other doesn’t, then there is your answer. If they play and one wins, then it was decided fair and square and he didn’t have to choose. He can tell them that he can’t decide who to choose to take. So, he created a fair way to see who gets to go. It continues the Screencaps motto of "Do Hard Things" and goes against the "everyone gets a trophy". It’s the way it should be. You get what you earn.

– Jim Z in East Peoria, IL checks in: Even in the dog days, you're grinding it out and doing great work, as always!

Gotta weigh in on the neighbor smoking. As a smoker myself, I will say I try to be VERY considerate of others when I smoke - which is always outside, as Mrs. Z doesn't smoke and, well....it would just not be good if I even thought about smoking inside!

When I'm in a public place, I always, and I mean ALWAYS, look around to make sure the smoke is not going to bother anyone. And from what I've seen I think the vast majority of smokers are the same way. I'm not in any way trying to say I'm some saint or anything like that, just that I - and I think almost all smokers - act in a way that shows we're really trying to be considerate.

Bottom line - seems that there's no discussing this with the neighbor, and frankly that sucks. The guy that basically told you to man up is obviously a f---ing idiot that only wants to give you shit, without having a clue about the real situation.

Wish I had a magic answer for you, but I don't. Except don't listen to idiots that tell you to suck it up and deal with it! There has to be some solution - I'm just not even going to pretend I'm smart enough to come up with one!

– Ben from Wisconsin says: Long time reader, first email to you. I don't have the same problem, but have used a box fan many times on the deck when it's hot and humid with no wind or when the mosquitoes and nats are out and it works. In regard to your neighbor if you got a leaf blower maybe give that a try. I'm sure it would work, blast it right back.

Kinsey: Great response. I need to figure out a way to spend more time in Wisconsin. I feel like these people get me and I get them. The last time I was in Wisconsin was for a Bears-Packers Thursday night game with my dad and it was wonderful. If I just didn't have to drive through Chicago, I'd probably go up that way more often. One of these days, I need to have beers with Wisconsin readers. Ben, it's on my agenda.

Using AI on college campuses

– Will in Mississippi sent in this one: A professor at Alcorn State University in Alcorn, MS placed a rather devious and well thought out trick on a part of his student's mid-term exam to see who was using AI on the discussion portion of the exam. 32 of 35 students failed since he caught them using AI. I don't have a TikTok account so I can't just send a link to that but he explains what he did in the first embedded TikTok in the link below. Maybe you can pullout the TikTok to embed it.

Squirrel problem!

– Nebraska Niemo needs your advice: I have a squirrel problem. Meaning, I have a squirrel that is eating my bird food and Mrs. Niemo says I cannot remove it. Meaning I cannot utilize my game tag and 'harvest' it. Meaning....I don't know but I just want it to go away.

We have minimal deer or turkey. Racoon and possum are not normal but not unusual. I guess I'm asking if Screencaps readers know of the right way to disuade squirrels? This one happens to be black, which is why I cannot shoot it.

Kinsey: I'll put this one on the public Screencaps Facebook account so people can talk about it this weekend. Go help out Niemo on the FB page.

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That is it this beautiful Saturday morning with so much on my agenda. Screencaps Jr. wants to have a couple of buddies over to swim. I made sure to say the boys that couldn't respect the pool the last time aren't coming over. No way those boys are ruining my Saturday.

Let's get out there, have a great day and go RESPECT SUMMER. Enjoy.

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Hawaii's Democratic lieutenant governor indicted in state corruption investigation

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:44:12 -0400

Democratic Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke was indicted by a grand jury on charges of criminal conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery and falsifying candidate committee reports stemming from a bribe she allegedly took as a state lawmaker in 2022.

The indictment alleges that local businessman and lobbyist Tobi Solidum offered Luke a $35,000 bribe connected to a COVID-19 testing contract a company he recommended had with the state.

Solidum was also indicted as part of the state attorney general’s probe, along with former state representative Ryan Yamane, Hawaii’s Transportation Department official Ford Fuchigami, and Leo Asunción, a former official for Hawaii’s public utilities commission.

DEM SENATOR FACES DOJ PROBE AFTER ALLEGATIONS OF SPENDING CAMPAIGN FUNDS ON LUXURY LIFESTYLE

All five defendants were swept up as part of state Attorney General Anne Lopez’s January investigation, which was an offshoot of a federal bribery probe.

Solidum represented the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, which had contracts with the state to provide COVID-19 testing sites.

In January 2022, with his client’s contracts set to expire soon, Solidum met with Luke at a steakhouse and allegedly gave her two $5,000 checks made out to her campaign committee Friends of Sylvia Luke, according to prosecutors.

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"By next week, we’ll have 35, so it will be halfway to our 70," Solidum allegedly told Luke, promising to give her $70,000, according to the indictment.

"Oh wow," Luke allegedly replied, adding, "That’s terrific," according to the documents.

Luke admitted to accepting the two $5,000 checks, but denied taking more than that and also denied any money influencing her lawmaking.

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN ADMITS TO SUFFICIENT FACTS IN JUNE DRUNKEN DRIVING CASE

"I never granted special favors to a contributor," she said in a social media post, adding that she "prized integrity and honesty above all throughout her career."

The indictment also argues that Solidum appeared to be attempting to leverage Luke's upcoming run for lieutenant governor. Speaking about Luke to another state representative, Solidum said, "All I gotta do is give her more money now," the indictment alleges.

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Hawaii Gov. Josh Green called for Luke to resign hours after the indictment.

"The lieutenant governor needs to consider formally resigning to address this matter and so that the state of Hawaiʻi can move forward," Green told local outlet Maui Now on Friday.

Fox News Digital contacted the governor's and lieutenant governor's offices for further comment.

LeBron James, Bronny James are ‘not a package deal’ after 76ers move, agent Rich Paul says

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:16:27 -0400

LeBron James has made what he promised to be his "last decision." Now, the focus turns to the next step in Bronny James’ young NBA career.

Bronny James' status with the Los Angeles Lakers became clear in late June, when his $2.3 million salary for next season became fully guaranteed after the team declined to waive him before the deadline. A day later, LeBron James informed the Lakers he planned to continue his career elsewhere in what will be an unprecedented 24th NBA season.

Bronny was drafted by the Lakers in 2024 and went on to become part of the first father-son duo in NBA history. LeBron has not shied away from much it meant to share an NBA locker room with Bronny, a milestone that became even more significant when they played together in competitive games later into this past season. That history made it natural for some to wonder whether the James family would want that connection to continue.

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But Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports and the agent who represents both players, cautioned that LeBron’s decision does not mean Bronny will make a uniform change.

"They are not a package deal," Paul told ESPN. The report added there is "no current plan or request for Bronny Janes to join his father."

PHILADELPHIA ATHLETES, INCLUDING NEW TEAMMATES, REACT TO LEBRON JAMES JOINING 76ERS: 'WELCOME TO THE CITY'

All signs now point to the Lakers keeping Bronny James in Los Angeles and allowing him to continue developing under head coach J.J. Redick. The backcourt will be led by Luka Doncic, with Austin Reaves expected to remain a key piece.

Bronny will also have several young players and offseason additions around him as the Lakers reshape the roster. Adou Thiero and Dalton Knecht are set to return, while center Walker Kessler and free-agent additions Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton could also factor into the rotation.

Bronny appeared in 42 games last season, an increase from the 27 times he played in a game at the NBA level during his rookie campaign. He averaged 2.9 points per game in 2025-26.

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Two of James’ former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, had been floated as possible landing spots for the 41-year-old, four-time NBA champion. James said in a statement posted to social media that his decision came down to his pursuit of a fifth NBA title.

"This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship," James wrote on X.

"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time. Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!"

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Christian university aims to produce 'irreplaceable' graduates as AI reshapes higher education

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:00:59 -0400

Colleges and universities across the country are scrambling to respond to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. One Christian university is looking to embrace the technology and graduate students who are "irreplaceable." Cornerstone University wants to show other higher education institutions that the goal shouldn't be keeping AI out of the classroom, but rather help students learn to use it wisely.

"We want to lead," Cornerstone University President Gerson Moreno-Riaño told Fox News Digital. "We want to be ahead of other institutions, but we need the insight of experts in the marketplace right now that can give us guidance, direction and insight to do this and to do it well."

Cornerstone University, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, recently announced the President’s Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board. The board is made up of experts in several fields, including philosophy, engineering, enterprise AI, theology and higher education. The members are tasked with advising Cornerstone on AI curriculum, ethics and long-term strategy.

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Moreno-Riaño said the board was formed to ensure that Cornerstone's curriculum keeps pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape, help faculty adapt to the technology and ensure the university's approach remains grounded in its Christian values.

Top universities across the country are taking different approaches to AI as the technology becomes more widely available. However, many do not have school-wide policies and instead ask faculty to use their discretion in their classrooms.

Harvard University does not have a university-wide policy regarding AI, but instead requires instructors to inform students of their policies. The university has three examples of policies that faculty can use, but it also allows them to make their own guidance. One policy prohibits the use of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, in all stages of work, while another encourages students to "explore" the limits of the tech.

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Vanderbilt University also encourages faculty to establish their own generative AI use policies for their courses, as long as they align with the school's Honor Code. While the university does not have a blanket policy on generative AI, it holds faculty members responsible for clearly articulating their expectations to their students.

Moreno-Riaño said that kind of fragmented approach is exactly what Cornerstone is hoping to avoid.

"I've spoken to many college presidents and experts and have a sense that many universities right now don't know what to do with artificial intelligence," he said. "They lack a coherent strategy and focus, and what happens is that both the students suffer, and the faculty and the staff suffer. There's no guidance and direction."

"So, we want to ensure that we prepare and develop our faculty well, our staff well too, to how do we engage this in a way that continues to form our students, not just inform them. And prepare them with wisdom, not just information," he added.

The Cornerstone president also said that higher education institutions are too often focused on the potential risks of students using AI to cheat, rather than trying to teach them how to use it responsibly. Moreno-Riaño suggested that many higher education professionals who ban AI because of potential cheating are not approaching the technology in the right way. He acknowledged the negatives of AI, but said that those who are only focused on the bad, have failed to see how it can be used for good.

"Our job in academia is to prepare our faculty and ultimately our students to be able to use it with discernment and for institutions to use it to extend the reach of what they're accomplishing and quite frankly, lower the costs of what it takes to deliver an education," he said.

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As AI becomes more capable and accessible, the conversation surrounding its relationship with higher education has expanded beyond the classroom. Students and parents are increasingly questioning which degrees and career paths will be valuable as AI reshapes the modern workforce. However, Moreno-Riaño believes they're asking the wrong question, saying that AI will change nearly every profession.

"I don't think there's a safe career or a safe diploma, a safe major. I think every field will be significantly transformed by this. But I think the question we should be asking is that we should think about producing graduates that can't be replaced," Moreno-Riaño told Fox News Digital.

For the Cornerstone president, it comes down to producing graduates who are "irreplaceable" in their fields. He argued that this does not necessarily mean teaching them to code or to focus on career paths that are AI-driven or resistant; rather, it requires universities to nourish the aspects of their students' humanity that cannot be replicated.

"I think careers are going to be transformed and changed. There's no doubt about it," he said. "But it's a human capability for wisdom and discernment that can't be replaced."

Moreno-Riaño said that students do not become wiser just by memorizing the correct answer to a question, arguing that the process played an important role in their development. He recalled a high school math teacher who insisted that students show every part of their work rather than simply writing the answer.

"The dilemma with AI is it gives you the right answer, but robs you from the struggle," he said.

Moreno-Riaño argued that the struggle to solve problems, work through mistakes and develop judgment, is ultimately what produces "irreplaceable" graduates. He added that universities should use AI to enhance students' learning experiences with the aim of helping them develop wisdom, something he thinks will be key as people question the value of a college degree in the AI age.

"Faculty need to be sources of wisdom for our students," he said.

What makes Cornerstone's approach unique, according to Moreno-Riaño, is the university's efforts to adapt to cutting-edge technology while also staying true to its Christian values.

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"I think Christianity has so much to offer here to say, we understand what the person is, we're image bearers of God, this means something," he told Fox News Digital. He added that America's founders understood this principle, which he says still sits "at the core of Christianity and of Christian higher ed."

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Ultimately, Moreno-Riaño believes universities should not resist AI and instead must find ways to ensure that AI remains a tool that serves people rather than replacing them.

"It's here to stay," he said. "Now we have to learn how to use it and ensure that it serves our good purposes, not that we serve its purposes."

What happened to Michelle Hadley? 5 things to know about ‘A Toxic Love Story’ case

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:00:58 -0400

A California woman spent 88 days behind bars and faced the possibility of life in prison after she was accused of using online advertisements to send men to sexually assault her former fiancé’s new wife.

Threatening emails, witnesses and men claiming to respond to "rape fantasy" ads initially seemed to support accusations against Michelle Hadley. However, state and federal prosecutors say the evidence was fabricated and the alleged victims were the perpetrators.

Netflix’s new documentary, "A Toxic Love Story," revisits the 2016 case involving Hadley, her former fiancé, Ian Diaz, and his then-wife, Angela Connell, who used the name Angela Diaz during their marriage.

FORMER DEPUTY US MARSHAL CONVICTED IN FAKE 'RAPE FANTASY' PLOT TO FRAME EX

Here are five things to know about the case.

1. Hadley was accused of terrorizing her ex-fiancé’s new wife

Hadley began dating Ian Diaz in 2013 after they met online, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The couple bought a condominium together in Anaheim, California, but separated in 2015 amid a dispute over the property and their finances.

FLORIDA MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY LURED WOMEN WITH DATING APP COULD HAVE MORE VICTIMS: AUTHORITIES

Ian Diaz met Angela Connell online in January 2016 and married her the following month. She moved into the condominium he had purchased with Hadley.

Beginning in June 2016, Angela Diaz told Anaheim police that Hadley was sending her increasingly violent emails and threatening her and her alleged unborn children. She also accused Hadley of impersonating her online and directing men to the home for "rape fantasy" encounters.

At least two men who intended to travel to the condominium told investigators that they believed they had been invited to participate in consensual "rape fantasy" encounters, prosecutors said. On June 24, Angela Diaz called 911 and claimed a man had entered her garage and tried to rape her.

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Police arrested Hadley that day and released her on $100,000 bail. She was arrested again on July 14 and held on $1 million bail as the alleged threats continued.

2. She spent 88 days in jail for crimes she did not commit

Hadley faced felony charges carrying a potential life sentence as authorities initially portrayed her as a jilted former lover who had launched a calculated revenge campaign.

But there were problems with the case.

After Hadley’s first arrest, Angela Diaz reported that the emails had stopped. When Hadley was released, the threatening messages resumed even though Hadley did not yet have access to her email, prosecutors later said.

Hadley remained jailed until Oct. 7, 2016, when prosecutors released her.

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On Jan. 9, 2017, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas dismissed every charge and publicly declared her "fully exonerated."

3. Digital evidence and Angela Diaz’s other lies cracked the case

Investigators traced the threatening emails and sexual advertisements not to Hadley, but to the condominium shared by Ian and Angela Diaz, Angela’s cellphone and her father’s home in Arizona, according to the district attorney’s office.

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Authorities said Angela Diaz used approximately eight email accounts, VPNs and proxy servers to hide the messages’ origins.

She sent herself threats, posed as Hadley and provided men with photographs of herself, her address and details about her daily routine.

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The investigation also uncovered a wider pattern of deception. Prosecutors said Angela Diaz had faked cervical cancer, pretended to be an attorney, forged doctors’ notes, fabricated a pregnancy and altered checks.

Angela Diaz pleaded guilty in October 2017 to charges including kidnapping, false imprisonment, forgery, perjury, grand theft and falsely reporting crimes. She was sentenced to five years in state prison.

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4. Former deputy U.S. marshal was exposed as a co-conspirator

Ian Diaz insisted he knew nothing of Angela's machinations, but a federal probe into Diaz launched in 2017 revealed that he masterminded the entire plot. He was indicted in 2021 and was relieved of his duties as a criminal investigator in Los Angeles.

A jury in the Central District of California convicted Ian of one count each of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, cyberstalking, perjury and obstructing a federal proceeding.

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He was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison.

"Diaz's egregious actions and lies to law enforcement stripped a woman of her freedom and liberty," Special Agent in Charge Harry Lidsky of the Department of Justice's cyber crimes unit previously said in a press release. "This kind of stalking, harassment and obstruction is unconscionable."

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5. Hadley settled her federal lawsuit against city

Hadley later filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Anaheim, four city employees, Angela Diaz and Ian Diaz over the case that led to her arrest and imprisonment.

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In an April 2021 court filing reviewed by Fox News Digital, Hadley’s attorneys said she and the Anaheim defendants had reached a settlement that was approved by the City Council on April 27. The agreement would result in the dismissal of her claims against the city and its employees.

The filing also said Hadley and Angela Diaz were finalizing a separate written agreement. It did not reveal the financial terms or other details of either settlement.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Hadley's attorneys for comment.

GOP's freshman firebrand goes viral targeting 'utterly intellectually indefensible' DEI policies

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:00:41 -0400

Texas Republican Brandon Gill has emerged as one of the House GOP's most effective digital communicators, turning pointed committee questioning into viral moments that reach millions at a time when commanding attention online has become nearly as valuable as controlling the House floor.

The 32-year-old freshman lawmaker's talents have quickly elevated his profile within the Republican conference, earning praise from colleagues who view him as a rising conservative voice and potential future leader while helping him build an audience far beyond Capitol Hill.

"You can go in there and I can yell and scream at a witness. I can give a massive soliloquy about whatever political views happen to be at the front of my mind that day — but whenever you have a witness on the other side of the witness stand who is sworn in, they can't lie to you, or they're not supposed to, it's a huge opportunity to be able to just ask probing questions about what they believe, what they're doing with our tax dollars, about ideologies that they are pushing or that the left has been pushing," Gill said of his strategy.

"I think that so much of what the left believes in…is utterly intellectually indefensible. So what I try to do is to ask probing questions that really get to the heart of whatever issue — we can take DEI as an example — try to ask probing questions that strike at the heart of what the left is actually advocating for."

WATCH: BRANDON GILL CORNERS LAW SCHOOL GATEKEEPER WITH DEI QUESTION SHE WON'T ANSWER

And Gill’s supporters have lauded him for doing just that.

As chairman of the House Oversight Committee’s new Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses, he’s already grilled the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and the president of the American Bar Association.

During one notable moment, Gill clashed with the museum director over an exhibit arguing that Mickey Mouse’s creation was rooted in racism.

"The left has weaponized DEI, I think, to politicize American institutions like the Smithsonian or like law schools. And that's a problem. We're a country that believes you should receive your just desserts. You should receive what you deserve regardless of the color of your skin. And that is something that everybody ought to be able to get behind," Gill said.

Critics argue Gill's rapid-fire questioning prioritizes viral moments over nuanced policy discussions. Shaun Harper, a University of Southern California professor who clashed with Gill during a House hearing on DEI, later wrote that the congressman repeatedly interrupted his attempts to provide context, insisting on yes-or-no answers. Supporters, meanwhile, say Gill's pointed questioning exposes the ideological underpinnings of progressive policies.

The Republican millennial grew up on a cattle ranch in West Texas, and currently lives in the town of Flower Mound with his wife and two young children while representing the northern part of the state.

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He’s also one of the most recognizable faces in a wave of young people who are changing the face of the GOP, which had long been known as the party of old age.

Gill argued it comes down to the left’s growing number of cultural landmines.

"So you have the left forcing, you know, children in high school to believe that men can get pregnant, or telling, you know, college students, who just want to like live a normal life and have a good time that they're racist, or they have implicit transphobia," Gill said. "And then you look at the other side of the aisle and Republicans, by and large, are much more laid back. They're much more nice. They're not going around calling everybody they see racist or sexist. They're just normal people."

He continued, "We're not the party who's going to deride you and to slander you. We're the party that I think has much more open arms towards young people."

And among many of his House GOP colleagues, that does indeed seem to be how Gill comes across. Fellow Republicans have called Gill low-key and easy to talk to in person — a far cry from his intense persona in the hearing room.

Several have also said they see Gill having a bright future on Capitol Hill.

REP GILL CHALLENGES 'GENUINELY INSANE AND OBJECTIVELY OFFENSIVE' DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS AFTER VIRAL HEARING

One House Republican, granted anonymity to speak candidly, told Fox News Digital, "He is a pretty humble guy. I always enjoy talking with him on the [House floor]."

"He clearly does his homework and a great job preparing questions and exposing the left in committee," that Republican said. "I can see him as the next US senator from Texas."

Another GOP lawmaker also complimented Gill’s readiness, and said he would style him as a "future Jim Jordan," referencing the House Judiciary Committee chair who’s been a leader of the conservative movement for years.

Jordan, R-Ohio, also happens to be one of the House Republicans Gill said he looks up to the most.

"I would say there's a few members that I particularly look up to. One of them is Jim Jordan, who's the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. I think he does a brilliant job of exposing the left, and he's somebody who just never misses. He always makes his point very clearly and succinctly. Somebody else I look up a lot is Byron Donalds, who is going to be the next governor of Florida, a brilliant guy," Gill said.

Jordan told Fox News Digital that Gill was "an excellent addition to both the Judiciary and Oversight Committees and to our conference."

"He's got a remarkable ability to relay our message to the American people," Jordan said.

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, of which Gill is a part, praised the young congressman as a "rising star."

"He’s putting the Left in the hot seat, exposing Democrat delusions with simple, devastating questions," Harris told Fox News Digital. "He’s showing America the corruption the Freedom Caucus is determined to root out."

And Gill is rising quickly in the right-wing group, getting a featured speaking slot at the caucus’s 10-year anniversary last year.

But Gill has made headway with rank-and-file Republicans as well, winning the position of "class president" among his fellow first-term GOP lawmakers.

Asked where he thought that would take him in the future — whether a committee gavel or even a role in House GOP leadership — Gill would not say.

"Right now, I just want to do a good job where I'm at and make sure that Republicans can maintain control of the House. We have a huge opportunity to defy history and make sure that we continue doing the great work, the investigations, the hearings and the legislation that we've been doing for the past year and a half, for another two years," Gill said, adding that he particularly enjoyed serving on the House Judiciary Committee.

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While the Texas Republican's critics, mainly on the left, paint him as far-right and divisive, Gill views the criticism as validation.

"I would say, first and foremost, I do believe that if the left isn't criticizing me, then I'm not doing a good job, and I'm not being effective. The left only attacks people that they believe are making a difference," Gill said.

"Secondly, I would ask Democrats who are critical of me or of the hearings that we do, to simply imagine that they're in the witness stand and actually defend, intellectually defend, the views that they have. If you believe that DEI is a righteous endeavor, please explain to the American people in a simple and straightforward way why racial quotas are good, how that promotes meritocracy, how that makes America better off?"

Brian Hooker’s stepmom wants to help investigators as she suspects he ‘lied about everything’: reports

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:00:31 -0400

"Knowing what I know about Brian, he lied about everything," says Brian Hooker's stepmother, Donna Hooker.

She discussed her stepson during a livestream appearance on the "Surviving the Survivor" podcast and revealed she is determined to help investigators track down any leads in the case regarding Brian's missing wife, Lynette Hooker.

Lynette, a 55-year-old mother from Michigan, vanished from the Bahamas while on a sailing trip with her husband on their sailboat, "Soulmate." She was reported missing on April 4 when Brian told investigators she fell from a dinghy.

LYNETTE HOOKER'S MOM ALLEGES BRIAN HOOKER LIED ABOUT DAUGHTER'S DISAPPEARANCE, CLAIMS 'FOUL PLAY'

At first, Bahamian authorities detained Brian and questioned him about his wife's disappearance; he was ultimately released, and traveled back to the U.S. in mid-April.

WATCH: Brian Hooker's stepmom says his story doesn't add up

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The Tribune, a local newspaper in Nassau, reported that Brian's stepmom has never been contacted by investigators despite knowing him for decades.

MISSING AMERICAN'S HUSBAND HAD $33K THERMAL CAMERA ON BOAT THAT NIGHT AND NEVER USED IT, FRIEND SAYS

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Donna Hooker told the outlet she believes she could provide valuable insight as authorities continue investigating Lynette's disappearance.

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Donna Hooker, who was married to Brian's father for more than 40 years, said she lived with her stepson during part of his teenage years in the 1980s.

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She described him as intelligent, quiet and reserved. She said investigators in both the Bahamas and the United States have not reached out to her, but she is willing to answer any questions.

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"He had his own room and everything and he would stay in his room all the time," she said to the outlet. "He was quiet and for a long time he would just stay in his room and not do much of anything," she said.

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She said over the years it became harder to get a ahold of her stepson. She said she and Brian's late father, George, would try and reach out to him through his sister, Jennifer, who lives in California.

US COAST GUARD ARRIVES IN BAHAMAS TO SEARCH FOR BODY IN LYNETTE HOOKER INVESTIGATION

Donna Hooker told a journalist the last time she saw her stepson was in April 2022, when he visited his father after George Hooker suffered a stroke, and she has not heard from him since.

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She said she learned of Lynette's disappearance from a family member in Texas who told her to turn on the news, and that Jennifer never responded to multiple messages after reportedly traveling to the Bahamas following Brian's initial release from Bahamian custody.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Coast Guard Investigative Service, which is investigating the case.

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Brian Hooker has not been accused of any crime or wrongdoing.

Fox News Digital reached out to his attorney for comment. His attorney previously said he has been in contact with investigators.

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The investigation into Lynette's disappearance is active and ongoing.

Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.

'Fit Mom' did 'everything right' — then a colon cancer diagnosis changed her life

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:00:18 -0400

Maria Kang built her career around fitness, healthy eating and helping other moms prioritize wellness. But despite believing she had done "everything right," the California mother of three was blindsided by colon cancer.

Kang, now 46, said the diagnosis completely reshaped her understanding of what it means to be healthy.

She became an internet sensation in 2013 after a photo of her sculpted physique alongside her three young sons sparked a global conversation about fitness and motherhood.

LEADING ONCOLOGIST REVEALS 6 HABITS THAT COULD PROMOTE LONGEVITY AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CHRONIC ILLNESS

The viral image — captioned "What’s your excuse?" — led to her being dubbed the "No Excuse Mom" and inspired the launch of hundreds of wellness communities around the world.

More than a decade later, Kang’s world was turned upside down when she learned that she had stage 4 colon cancer in November 2023.

"It was definitely a complete shock — because I was the healthiest person I knew," she shared with Fox News Digital. "I wanted to blame the food, but I didn't eat bad food. I filtered my water. There was no excuse why I had this cancer."

Looking back, Kang said she had experienced persistent digestive problems since adolescence, including chronic constipation and bloating that worsened with stress.

PANCREATIC CANCER VACCINE SHOWS PROMISE IN FIRST HUMAN TRIAL, PREVENTING DISEASE IN HIGH-RISK PATIENTS

"It didn't matter how many fiber pills or laxatives, it just took a long time to go," she said. "So that's been an ongoing journey throughout my life."

Over the years, Kang said, she convinced herself that her digestive problems were just something she had to live with.

"One thing that I realized is that we normalize problems, and we think it's OK, but it’s not OK," she said. "Digestion should be like breathing. It should be like inhaling and exhaling. It should be simple. But it wasn't simple."

After a tumor was detected through a biopsy after colonoscopy, Kang said she initially pursued holistic approaches for 12 weeks, but the tumor did not shrink and may have grown slightly. She then began FOLFOX — a combination of chemotherapy drugs used to treat some gastrointestinal cancers — in 2024.

MELINDA FRENCH GATES SAYS IT TOOK 3 DOCTORS TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION SHE WAS SUFFERING FROM

After one treatment, Kang went to the emergency room when her colostomy stoma retracted, and a scan reportedly showed that the tumor had shrunk substantially. She then asked to stop chemotherapy and proceed with surgery.

Kang later underwent extensive surgery to remove the tumor and about a foot of her colon, along with multiple reproductive organs and her appendix. She temporarily required a colostomy and later an ileostomy.

Today, Kang says her MRIs have shown "no suspicious mass detected." She gets regular blood screenings and scans every six months.

"Much of what remains appears related to postoperative healing and inflammation," she shared. "Because of my history, my doctors continue surveillance, but I have not been formally declared NED (no evidence of disease)."

Alarming trends

An estimated 158,850 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2026, and around 55,230 people will die from the disease this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Although colorectal cancer incidence has declined overall — largely among older adults, a trend linked in part to increased screening and changes in certain risk factors — rates are rising in younger age groups.

Among adults younger than 50, colorectal cancer incidence increased by 2.9% per year from 2013 to 2022.

The American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that people at average risk begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45, although those with certain risk factors may need to start earlier.

Anyone experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms should consult a doctor, regardless of age.

‘I look healthy’

"It was a really big, humbling look in the mirror when you say to yourself, 'I look healthy, but I'm not healthy,’" Kang told Fox News Digital.

"When someone is at a normal range in their weight, they could have cancer. They could have autoimmune issues."

DOCTORS PUSH NEW BLOOD TESTS FOR COLON CANCER AS CASES SURGE IN YOUNGER ADULTS

"We don't know what's going on inside of a person. We always just want to look the part versus be the part."

Wellness redefined

Kang said her cancer journey has changed her perception of health and what’s important in life.

"Cancer makes everything extremely clear — what's important, what is not important, what you should eat, what you shouldn't eat," she said. "If you really listen to yourself, it becomes crystal clear when you have no energy."

Kang said her fitness and nutrition regimens also look drastically different from her pre-cancer routines.

"I used to train five or six days a week, but now I only move when I want to," she said. "Walking is my best friend. I love to dance. I still love to strength-train because it's fun for me and it makes me strong."

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Perhaps the biggest shift is that Kang no longer does anything that feels forced: "If there's anything that I feel forced to do, I don't do it ... If I feel awful, my body's going to express awful."

Her approach to food has also shifted, she shared.

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"In the past, there were bad foods and good foods, and cheat days … what I understand now is balance," Kang said.

While she does naturally veer toward fruits and vegetables — "things that have water and life and light in them" — Kang said she is still open to eating any other foods, including pizza.

Overall, Kang wants people to know that maintaining healthy habits does not eliminate the possibility of developing cancer.

"It could happen to anybody — that was the most humbling realization," she said.

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"You may think you're young and healthy and this won't happen to you, but this world is so unpredictable right now. Anything can happen to anybody."

"Health is not what you think it is," she said. "It's not just how you look. It's how you feel."

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The American Cancer Society recommends seeing a healthcare provider about persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or other concerning gastrointestinal symptoms.

While such symptoms can have many causes other than cancer, they should be evaluated regardless of a person’s age.

Cruise passenger horrifies diners by scratching bare foot with restaurant fork

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:41:05 -0400

An unidentified Carnival Cruise passenger has gone viral after she was caught on video apparently using a restaurant fork to scratch the bottom of her foot.

Instagram user lucky_charmedcourt posted a series of six videos earlier this week chronicling a woman with an apparent skin condition scratching her foot.

The Instagram poster also documented her own efforts to bring the fork-scratching scandal to the attention of guest services and the captain.

CHAIR-HOGGING WARS HEAT UP AS CRUISE TRAVELERS USE SNEAKY TACTICS AMID CRACKDOWNS

In part one — set to an instrumental soundtrack — viewers see the cruise passenger scratching dry and scaly patches of her foot before using the same hand to eat pizza.

In part two, captioned "foot fungus lady uses fork on cruise," the woman uses the tines of her fork to scratch her foot more aggressively.

Part three shows footage of the unidentified passenger picking at her foot — which appears to have dry skin — on one of the boat’s decks.

The cruise blog "CruiseHive" identified the ship as Carnival Sunrise, which was previously known as Carnival Triumph.

Carnival Cruise Line has not confirmed the vessel.

CRUISE CABIN DOOR DECORATIONS SPARK FIERCE REACTION AFTER ONE COMPANY ISSUES NEW CRACKDOWN AT SEA

Fox News Digital reached out to Carnival Cruise Line and the Instagram poster for comment.

On July 22, Carnival Cruise Line posted a statement on social media regarding the incident.

"We can confirm that forks are intended for food, not foot care," the statement read. "Once we became aware of the situation, our team quickly addressed it with the guest and removed the utensil from service."

"While the video may be generating laughs and gasps online, cleanliness and hygiene are no joke to us. Our crew works hard every day to maintain high standards across our feet fleet and to ensure all guests enjoy a safe, clean, and comfortable vacation," Carnival’s statement continued.

With the video clips racking up more than 150,000 comments on Instagram to date, the footage has renewed a debate about cruise ship hygiene.

Several cruise fans flocked to Reddit to discuss the fork fiasco.

"In the buffet dining area no less, people never stop surprising me," one Reddit user said.

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"I mean, it’s just nasty no matter where she is at. I just don’t understand people," another said.

Others have left comments on Instagram. "You will never spot me on a cruise for a multitude of reasons, and here’s another one," an Instagram follower said.

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"This [is] why I eat with plastic utensils," another joked.

Yet another said, "No one should be shaming Carnival. This was a passenger."

The incident comes at a time when cruise ship sanitization protocols are under heightened scrutiny.

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Despite increased concern, however, travelers don’t appear to be avoiding cruising.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently estimated that more than 38 million people worldwide will take ocean cruises this year, an increase from a record-breaking 37.2 million passengers last year, according to The Associated Press.

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Kelly McGreal of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

GOP lawmaker demands answers after Smithsonian chief urged moving beyond 'America First mentality'

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:30:17 -0400

Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio, grilled Smithsonian leadership at a hearing on Wednesday on why the National Museum of American History (NMAH) had dropped mention of "American history" from its mission statement in

"You explained that the museum removed the phrase ‘American history’ from the mission statement in order to help people ‘to get out of the America-first mentality,’ Carey said, posing his question to Anthea Hartig, NMAH administrator.

"What did you mean by America-first?" he asked.

Carey’s line of questioning, made during a Committee on House Administration hearing on Wednesday, comes as Republicans in Congress have made preserving America’s heritage a proxy for larger struggles over national identity and cultural values.

'THE VIEW' CO-HOST WHINES SMITHSONIAN HEARINGS ARE ABOUT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION NOT WANTING TO PAY REPARATIONS

Progressive thinkers, such as Hartig, have argued that keeping the darker parts of American history in view should inform an understanding of the country’s past — and help set its policy direction in the present.

In response, many Republican lawmakers have voiced deep unrest over efforts to characterize the U.S. as marked by oppression or slavery — such as the New York Times’ 1619 Project. Many conservatives have argued that the American ideals, laid out in documents like the Declaration of Independence, transcend even the country’s most blatant failures to live up to those aspirations; that they are anything but definitive of the American experience.

The conversation has also taken on a new focus in President Donald Trump’s second term as the administration has pulled out all the stops in celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.

With calls to "Make America great again" and put "America first," the administration released a report called "Saving America’s Story."

That report highlighted the American History Museum’s decision to change its mission statement and called out Hartig specifically.

SPEAKER JOHNSON WARNS STUDENTS ARE 'INDOCTRINATED' TO SEE US THROUGH 'WRONG LENSES' AS NATION CELEBRATES 250TH

"That shift from history to activism is clearly documented in this report. Anthea Hartig, NMAH’s director since 2019, has explicitly stated that she sees history as a ‘prime tool of social justice’ and one of her roles as connecting ‘research and scholarship to activism and advocacy,’" the report stated.

The report also details how Hartig had explained the change to NMAH's mission statement in a 2024 presentation to a group of undergraduate and graduate history students.

"It’s hard to get out of the ‘America First’ mentality ...It’s just that, and why we changed our mission when I first came," Hartig said. "I think it’s a big challenge, especially going into 2026, which will be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the 25th year since 9/11, the fifth year since January 6th."

Speaking before the committee on Wednesday, Hartig defended her view, claiming that she had not tried to make history a matter of activism through her leadership at NMAH.

"The museum does not take sides in America’s political debates. We preserve and document the evidence of American life in all its breadth, so that the public can encounter the past and draw their own conclusions," she stated.

"When historians talk about reframing a traditional narrative, we do not mean erasing it. We mean adding the evidence, voices and objects that earlier tellings left out, so that more Americans can see themselves in the national story. Examining the harder chapters of our history is not the same as hostility toward America."

But Carey, alongside other Republicans, appeared unconvinced.

"'The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.’" Carey cautioned, quoting George Orwell’s cautionary book on authoritarianism, 1984.

JOHNSON WARNS AMERICA IS IN 'BATTLE' AGAINST MARXISM, CALLS FOR RENEWED FOCUS ON NATION'S FOUNDING PRINCIPLES

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"Let me get back to my original question — why do you think that ‘American history’ should be erased from the American History museum?" Carey added.

Hartig, pressed for time, did not give a response.

Ryan Clark openly weeps about ugly ESPN exit during insane podcast appearance

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:21:25 -0400

Brace yourselves ...

Ryan Clark has spoken for the first time since ESPN cut bait earlier this week, and folks, it was a DOOZY. Frankly, I've never, in my life, seen anything like it.

For those who missed it, Clark was part of several ESPN layoffs on Tuesday. Cam Newton was let go. Karl Ravech was let go. Tim Pelissero was cut. It was a bloodbath.

ESPN PARTING WAYS WITH NFL ANALYST RYAN CLARK AHEAD OF NETWORK'S FIRST SUPER BOWL BROADCAST

The Clark situation stood out because he was actually told on Monday ... during an actual taping of NFL Live ... after OutKick had obtained the story and asked ESPN for comment.

That forced ESPN into panic mode, and, essentially, forced them to tell Clark during a live taping of an actual show because they didn't want OutKick to break the story. Instead, they let the insufferable Athletic do it.

Amazing.

SPORTS MEDIA RUSHES TO CAST RYAN CLARK AS VICTIM WHILE PORTRAYING ESPN AS THE VILLAIN

Anyway, that's all he said/she said stuff, and I'm quite sure Bobby Burack will address it later on. I'm not here to relitigate that.

I'm here to break down Ryan Clark's first comments since that moment, and they came on his podcast — "The Pivot" — and included him openly weeping into the camera:

Ryan Clark can't be serious here

"All I ever wanted to do was be accepted," said Clark, as he weirdly sobbed because he ... got fired from a job?

One of the wildest videos I have ever seen. It's amazing. I can't stop watching. The pandering and the grifting and the insane theatrics from Ryan Clark here are so painfully spot-on, it personally makes ME want to cry.

Bravo, Rhino. Just an incredible performance. Truly amazing. It's all BS, of course, but that's what makes it top-tier.

Ryan Clark is not that sad he got fired from ESPN. Come on. What are we doing here? Nobody in their right mind has even been this sad over a job — especially a professional athlete!

Ryan Clark has been cut before. I assume this isn't the first starting job he's lost. ESPN is a business. The NFL is a business.

When you start becoming bad at your job, businesses usually move on. When you start becoming a pain in the butt and a headache and not worth the trouble, businesses usually cut ties.

When you make asinine declarations – on air – about a car crash, and publicly humiliate your colleague, and weirdly fixate on a former colleague's White wife, and spend all your days race-baiting and gaslighting, businesses usually cut ties.

No need to hop on your podcast and weep about it. The writing was on the wall here. It's embarrassing. It's pandering. It's nonsense.

And, more importantly, folks see right through it.

Like former NFL defensive back Asante Samuel, who played in the NFL at the same time as Clark:

"ESPN Ryan, I tried to stay quite pimp but you’re taking this fired s–t too far," he tweeted Friday night. "Why are you so sensitive and emotional brother? People get fired everyday B."

Yeah, I'm gonna have to agree with Asante here. You dug your own grave, Ryan. You can sit there on your fancy podcast and peddle nonsense and sob all you want, but how about a little humility? How about some remorse? How about an ounce of self-respect and reflection?

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Instead, we got sobbing.

What a week.

Far-left victories rip mask off Democrats as top conservative sounds alarm party is ‘way beyond socialism’

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:00:36 -0400

A top conservative leader in the House GOP is arguing that supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are pushing Democrats further left than even they are letting on.

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., told Fox News Digital he's still hopeful that Republicans have a chance of retaining their razor-thin majority in the lower chamber of Congress because Democrats' left flank will make American voters nervous come November.

"The Democrat party is now being infiltrated with truly communist elements. I think Americans are going to realize that the Democrats are truly the crazy party now, and the country can't tolerate that," Harris said. "So I think that improves our chances in November."

HOUSE REPUBLICANS AIM TO TURN DEMOCRATIC CIVIL WAR INTO MIDTERM WEAPON

Republicans are facing an uphill battle to retain control of the House of Representatives as the midterm elections creep closer. House lawmakers raced out of Washington on Thursday back to their home districts, where they will spend the next five weeks making the case to their constituents as to why the GOP should keep control for the latter half of President Donald Trump's final term.

One line that is already popping up frequently on the campaign trail references the recent slate of victories for DSA-backed candidates in Democratic primaries across the country.

In New York City, for example, two House candidates backed by Democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeated incumbent progressive lawmakers and will likely sail to victory in the November general election.

A third open House race saw a Mamdani-backed candidate defeat an establishment-backed Democrat

BERNIE SANDERS, DSA REVEAL DEMANDS FOR DEM PARTY AFTER SOCIALISTS SWEEP NEW YORK ELECTIONS

"I think Mr. Mamdani in New York says exactly where the party is. He wants government-run everything. That's called communism. That's way beyond socialism. That's communism," Harris said.

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When you want to control – for instance, you want have the grocery stores run by the government – that's the way it is in Russia. That's is the way is in China. That's it the way in communist-controlled countries. And anybody who's interested in that, ought to look back at history and see how that works out."

Harris himself is in a safe red seat after Maryland Democrats thwarted an effort by their own party to redraw congressional lines there ahead of November.

'Baywatch: Hawaii' star Brandy Ledford says she 'wanted to truly check out' before rehab saved her life

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:00:33 -0400

Brandy Ledford has plenty of reasons to celebrate these days.

The actress, who made hearts race as lifeguard Dawn Masterton on "Baywatch: Hawaii," recently marked 14 years of sobriety. Today, the 57-year-old is a wellness advocate, yoga teacher and creator on Passes, where she shares exclusive content and connects directly with fans.

But before she found peace, Ledford said she reached her breaking point.

CARA DELEVINGNE ADMITS SHE USED PARTY DRUG GHB DAILY BEFORE TERRIFYING SEIZURES FORCED HER SOBER

"There was a moment when I realized something had to change in my life," Ledford told Fox News Digital. "I definitely was abusing substances to avoid my feelings. And I was doing it in a way that was really harmful to me, to my mental health and to my family. And I had a harrowing last night before I checked myself into rehab."

"I didn't know there was going to be a way out," she admitted.

Ledford said addiction ultimately left her feeling trapped, hopeless and convinced nothing could numb her pain.

WATCH: ‘BAYWATCH’ STAR BRANDY LEDFORD SAYS FAITH HELPED TRANSFORM HER SOBRIETY JOURNEY

"I didn't feel like there was a way out," she shared. "Drinking didn't solve my problems. I was addicted to prescription pain medication. [That] didn't solve my problems. And in the end, it didn't really take away any of the things I didn't want to be feeling. And that was my last hope. And when I figured that that didn't work anymore, I really just wanted to truly check out because I didn't see a way out."

Ledford previously told Basic magazine that she struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for much of her life. According to the outlet, she began smoking marijuana at age 11 and was using cocaine and drinking alcohol by age 14. Ledford was jailed twice on alcohol-related charges before turning 17 and developed a cocaine addiction by 18.

Years later, Ledford said she reached a turning point after what she described as "a really horrible last night," the moment she realized something had to change.

"The next day, I checked myself into rehab and found the way out," she said.

Ledford said the greatest gift sobriety gave her wasn't the one she expected. Instead, she found something she never knew she was missing.

"The friendships," she said, fighting back tears. "I didn’t know that I would find my best friends in sobriety. I have a really solid network of girlfriends I've had for 40 years, and they’re here in my life. I made a couple of friends in sobriety who are my lifelines."

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"I didn't expect the friendships," she said. "I didn't know that was a possibility. Then I found the community and the network of sober sisters who really support each other and lift each other through everything we go through. I didn't expect my life would be perfect. I never thought, 'Oh good, now I'm sober, everything's going to line up.' But I do know that if I stay sober, eventually things line up. And I learned that from the really brave women in this recovery program."

Ledford once kept her addiction struggles private. Today, she's sharing her story in hopes of inspiring others to seek recovery while leaning on her faith in God every step of the way.

The actress said sharing her recovery journey has become one of the most meaningful parts of her life.

"It really is one day at a time," she said. "I give a lot of credit to my higher power, my God, because I couldn't do it without God's help. I have a strong faith. I also didn't expect people to want to hear from somebody in the public about their sobriety. I didn't expect so many people to talk to me about my sobriety and be helped by my story. And what I love about that is I'm able to share my experience so that my experience wasn't wasted."

"I went through a lot, a lot of really challenging, tough times," she said. "And the fact that I can use that now to help others and create strength and hope in others — and in myself — is such a gift of sobriety. It's such a way to keep us sober, to share our stories. But I never really expected people wanted to hear what I had to say."

"I didn't expect to ever talk about that in a public way. And I'm so proud to do so. I'm so proud to be able to help others and just share my truth, my story. And I'm not ashamed of it. I just want to shine a light on how good your life can get when you can be free of addiction."

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Ledford said sobriety didn't just transform her life. It also strengthened her relationship with God.

"My relationship with God has helped shape this new chapter in my life by listening to His will, by turning my will and my life over to God," she said. "Any time I have a decision to make, I lean on my faith to help me find the answers. I pause instead of making rash decisions, and ... I have even more trust that the answers will come."

"There's an expression: 'Trust God, clean house,'" she beamed. "I didn't know that before I got sober, but I always talked about how much faith I had. Faith and trust are so different, and it's such a layered concept."

Ledford said she has developed a deeper understanding of her relationship with God by learning to trust Him while remaining true to herself.

The desire to connect with others has also shaped Ledford’s latest venture. As a creator on Passes, she said the platform allows her to build meaningful relationships with fans on her own terms.

The site lets celebrities, athletes and digital creators share content and interact directly with subscribers.

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"I don't answer my DMs on Instagram, TikTok or Twitter (now X) only because I get a lot of them," she said. "It's not personal. But in this way, I feel like I get to have a relationship with fans, and they get to know the real me. I get to really connect on a one-on-one level, but I also get to be my full self and benefit from it, benefit from being who I want to be without somebody dictating how they think it should be. And it's fun. It's a really fun way to share my life with others and connect."

"My whole idea of connection is the opposite of addiction," she said. "And to be able to connect with people in a one-on-one way and to really be free to do so, it's kind of brilliant. I love this new world, with us getting to be in control, getting to be in charge and still being super creative."

These days, Ledford is embracing a new chapter. In addition to doing voiceover work for "King of the Hill," she serves on the board of the Red Songbird Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2009 by singer Hilary Roberts, who has been sober from drugs and alcohol since 1997. The organization provides support for people struggling with trauma, mental health challenges, substance abuse disorder and PTSD.

"I'm really proud to be in a position where I can do things that help others," Ledford said. "I just want to continue."

Defeated progressive ‘Squad’ lawmaker in hot seat for non-profit’s missing paper trail

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:00:28 -0400

Months before losing re-election, former Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., touted the work of her non-profit to donors even though records indicate the organization may have never been registered as a tax-exempt organization.

Bush described Poltivist Power Inc. as "a new 501(c)(4) organization uniting grassroots organizing with political strategy to fight oppression," in a fundraising email.

"My team and I are on the ground, and we could use your support. Can we count on you to donate to our tornado fund today so we can continue our relief efforts?" Bush wrote.

STACEY ABRAMS HIT WITH SUBPOENA IN ALLEGED CAMPAIGN FINANCE VIOLATIONS SAGA: 'NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW'

Bush made the same characterization in a second fundraising email sent weeks later.

But Fox News Digital could not identify any IRS record showing Poltivist Power had obtained or claimed tax-exempt status. While not proof of wrongdoing, the lack of a paper trail for Bush’s organization raises questions about whether the former "Squad" member misled donors during her time in office.

Without reporting, it’s unclear how much the group fundraised.

Bush, who first arrived to Congress in 2021, was known for her progressive stances that grouped her with fellow Democrats like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.

Among them, Bush began taking a critical view of the U.S. relationship with Israel amid its protracted war with Hamas in Gaza. Her criticisms became a centerpiece topic in her 2024 primary against Democratic challenger Wesley Bell — a race she lost.

Now out of office, Bush has remained involved in progressive politics in her local scene.

When approached about Poltivist Power Inc., Bush did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital on whether Poltivist Power had received donations, on why it hadn’t yet reported a 990 and about the nature of its activities.

The organization’s domain, Poltivistpower.com, was first purchased on April 1, 2025, records show. Bush announced the creation of the group shortly after a tornado struck the St. Louis area, killing at least four people and causing widespread damage.

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"The Politivist team is on the ground, providing supplies, checking on families, and showing up for those who've been left behind," Bush said.

Since then, in addition to not having a filing recorded with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the group seem to have wrongly filed paperwork with Delaware’s Department of State and with ActBlue Civics, a fundraising site for Democratic groups.

In its March 2025 Delaware incorporation filing, Poltivist Power was registered as an "exempt" corporation, a designation Delaware says is reserved for entities that meet the requirements of Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.

In both cases, the application requires tax-exempt status with the IRS. The organization is still listed on ActBlue Civics.

Notably, Bush’s fundraising emails, in which she highlighted the organization, also included a disclaimer clarifying that "Contributions to Politivist Power are not affiliated with Politivist Action PAC and are not political donations." The note distinguishes the non-profit from a dedicated fundraising group by the same name.

Despite Bush’s departure from Congress, enough anomalies about Politivist Power have surfaced to catch the attention of Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway earlier this month.

She announced her office would look into whether Bush had personally benefited from her fundraising efforts during the tornado recovery and the work that Politivist allegedly did at the time.

"The investigation started when a local news station reported that people had reported to it that contributions they had made for a tornado relief fund had actually gone to her political activity," Hanaway said in a statement about the investigation.

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"We do not have our own evidence of that, but that is what we are investigating," she added.

Bush has not been formally charged with any wrongdoing.

Pamela Smart claims jurors were misled in case over teen lover's killing of husband, argues for new trial

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:00:19 -0400

Pamela Smart, whose conviction for manipulating her teenage lover into killing her husband became one of America's most notorious murder cases, has asked a New Hampshire judge to let her latest bid for a new trial move forward.

Smart was 22 and working as a high school media coordinator in 1990 when prosecutors said she became involved in a sexual relationship with 15-year-old William Flynn and convinced him to kill her husband, Gregory Smart.

She was convicted the following year of being an accomplice to first-degree murder and has been serving life without parole ever since.

PAMELA SMART, CONVICTED OF PLOTTING WITH TEEN LOVER TO KILL HUSBAND, HAS NEW HAMPSHIRE COURT PETITION DENIED

Merrimack County Superior Court Judge James Kennedy heard arguments Monday on Smart's petition for habeas corpus relief before taking the matter under advisement. Kennedy said he expects to issue a written ruling within 30 to 60 days.

Smart, now 58, filed the petition in January seeking to overturn her conviction, arguing prosecutors misled jurors by providing transcripts of secretly recorded conversations that included words her attorneys say cannot actually be heard on the recordings.

Among the disputed words are "killed" in the phrase "you had your husband killed," "busted" in the phrase "I'm gonna be busted," and "murder" in the phrase "this would have been the perfect murder."

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Earlier this year, Smart's attorney, Matthew Zernhelt, said the new research shows "modern science confirms what common sense has always told us: when people are handed a script, they inevitably hear the words they are shown." He argued jurors "were not evaluating the recordings independently – they were being directed toward a conclusion, and that direction decided the verdict."

During Monday's hearing, Zernhelt argued the petition clears the low bar required to survive a motion to dismiss, saying the court's role at this stage is simply to determine whether it alleges sufficient facts to warrant an evidentiary hearing.

Pointing to new forensic research, Zernhelt argued written transcripts can influence how jurors interpret difficult-to-hear recordings.

ALEX MURDAUGH TRIAL CLERK REEMERGES AFTER EXPLOSIVE RULING UPENDS MURDER CONVICTION

Zernhelt also pointed to recordings a juror made after each day of trial, arguing they show the juror relied on the written transcripts to understand the recordings and ultimately voted to convict Smart.

Assistant Attorney General John Drennan urged Kennedy to dismiss the petition, arguing Smart is attempting to relitigate issues that have already been decided by appellate courts over the past three decades.

Prosecutors argued nearly all of Smart's claims either were raised and rejected on direct appeal by the New Hampshire Supreme Court or could have been raised years ago but were not.

Prosecutors also noted that during Smart's trial, the defense challenged the transcripts only over the alleged "doubling" of voices when two people spoke at once – not over the specific inaccuracies now being alleged.

Jurors also were instructed that if the transcripts differed from the recordings, they should rely on what they heard. The New Hampshire Supreme Court later found Smart's attorneys failed to make a "particularized showing of inaccuracies in the transcripts relative to the recordings or how she may have been prejudiced" by them.

Drennan challenged the scientific study cited by Smart's attorneys, arguing the court has not received sufficient information about its methodology and that it does not demonstrate actual prejudice to the jury. He also noted jurors were instructed that the recordings – not the accompanying transcripts – constituted the evidence.

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"Maybe cognitive bias has set in," Drennan argued, comparing the issue to reading an automated voicemail transcript before listening to the recording itself. "It doesn't mean that I can't, when listening, say, 'I'm not sure that's right.' I know to review it. I know to be skeptical."

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Kennedy questioned both sides throughout the hearing, including whether Smart's claims regarding the disputed transcripts had already been addressed by the New Hampshire Supreme Court on direct appeal and what specific language in the transcripts allegedly prejudiced the jury.

The judge did not indicate how he intends to rule.

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Smart's attorneys also argue widespread media coverage tainted the verdict and that jurors received flawed instructions, including that they were told they had to find Smart acted with premeditation and were not instructed to consider only evidence presented at trial.

They also contend she should not have received a mandatory life sentence without parole because she was convicted as an accomplice to first-degree murder rather than as the shooter.

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Prosecutors contend those claims either were previously litigated, could have been raised years ago or lack factual support.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Smart's attorney for additional comment.

In 1990, Flynn and 17-year-old Patrick Randall entered the Smarts' Derry condominium, forced Gregory Smart to his knees and shot him once in the head with a hollow-point bullet. Two other teenagers helped plan the killing.

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Flynn and the three other teenagers involved in the murder later cooperated with prosecutors and have since been released from prison.

Smart's latest legal challenge comes after she publicly accepted responsibility for her husband's death in 2024.

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In a prison video obtained by Fox News Digital, Smart said she spent years deflecting blame "almost as if it was a coping mechanism" before acknowledging her role in Gregory Smart's killing.

"I take full responsibility for my part in Gregory's murder," Smart said at the time.

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Smart has repeatedly challenged her conviction through state and federal courts over the past three decades but has never obtained a new trial. Her requests for sentence reductions and clemency have also been denied, including by Gov. Kelly Ayotte last year.

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The case became one of the nation's first murder trials broadcast live from start to finish and later inspired Joyce Maynard's novel "To Die For" and the 1995 film adaptation starring Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Meat expert shares the mistake most Americans make when cooking steak

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:00:15 -0400

Whether you're firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or just trying to pick the right cut at the grocery store, meat expert Jess Pryles says many Americans are still following outdated advice.

Pryles — an Austin, Texas-based live-fire cooking expert, meat educator, Food Network personality and author of the upcoming cookbook "Prime Cuts: The Essential Guide to Choosing and Enjoying Meat" — has spent years studying everything from barbecue to meat science.

One of her objectives in writing the book was helping home cooks feel less intimidated by the meat counter.

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"I was somebody that was crippled with fear at the meat counter," Pryles told Fox News Digital. "I didn't know what I was buying. I didn't know which cuts were what."

That experience eventually led the Australian-born "Pitmasters" judge to earn a graduate certificate in meat science at Iowa State University and write "Prime Cuts," a cookbook and reference guide designed to demystify beef, pork and lamb for everyday shoppers.

Among the biggest myths she wants people to abandon is the advice to flip a steak only once while cooking.

"I'm a big supporter of a method that I've named 'just keep flipping,'" Pryles said. "I think it's the absolute best way to cook a steak, especially over charcoal."

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Constant flipping helps cook the meat more evenly instead of allowing one side to overcook, she said.

Pryles also wants consumers to stop assuming that expensive always means better. With beef prices remaining elevated, she recommends looking beyond traditional steaks.

Her favorite value cuts include flat-iron steak and boneless short ribs from the chuck, often sold as Denver steak. She also encourages Americans to consider lamb.

"I grew up eating lamb, and I think it's such an underrated protein here," she said. "Now that it's sort of equally priced to beef, you may as well give it a shot."

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One lesson from meat science that she said has also saved her thousands of dollars over the years: Don't automatically throw away frozen meat.

While quality can decline over time, properly frozen meat doesn't suddenly become unsafe simply because it's been sitting in the freezer for months, she said.

"As long as it remains below 40 degrees, you can freeze it and unfreeze it as much as you want," Pryles said. "It'll always be safe to eat."

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And if there's one inexpensive kitchen tool that she believes every home cook should own, it's a meat thermometer.

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"It takes all the guesswork out of it," she said.

"Prime Cuts" hits bookshelves in October.

Caitlin Clark calls out media’s ‘false characterization’ of her amid weeks of controversy

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:21:10 -0400

Caitlin Clark spoke out about the media coverage of her after weeks of national controversy, claiming that outlets have made false characterizations" of who she is.

"I think there's just like a false characterization of who I am sometimes," she said in an interview with ESPN on Friday.

Controversy hit a boiling point in recent days after USA Today published an opinion piece in which the writer invoked the murder of Emmett Till while criticizing the Indiana Fever guard for falling to the floor when hit by opposing players and arguing with referees over foul calls.

CAITLIN CLARK MAKES WNBA HISTORY WITH RECORD-BREAKING GAME AFTER WEEKS OF CONTROVERSY

"And I get it, like, as a reporter or as a blogger, like you can write an opinion piece and that's your job and whatever. But at the same time, like you don't know me. Like we've never had a conversation. I get people have a job to do. But at the same time, like don't make accusations about my character and who I am when you don't know me," Clark said.

"I understand this is your job and this is your profession, and this is what you get to do. And basketball is my profession, what I get to do. And the reason I play it is when I step in between the lines, I love it. And that's what's so fun about it for me is like, I get to compete. This was always my dream. And nobody should ever try to take that away from me."

Clark said that she believes some coverage isn't "based in reality."

"I think a lot of it is like, it's not always based in reality. I feel like media and journalism have a responsibility to tell the stories and a lot of times you guys are the ones controlling the narratives about what people read and what people talk about and a lot of that is sometimes so far out of touch with what is reality."

The maelstrom of national controversy began when Clark was punched in the throat by Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas during a game in June. Referees did not call a foul in the moment, but later issued Thomas a one-game suspension after the game was over.

The incident and imagery of it ignited weeks of emotional discourse by fans and pundits across the media landscape, and often incited racial debates.

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Clark reflected on the throat punch and its ugly fallout.

"It seems like there's always a moment like that in every season that I've played so far... it gets exhausting, it gets frustrating... yeah it was a hard foul, it should have been dealt with in the moment, and it should have been decided what it was then and reviewed it, great, we move on. We see it happen in the NBA all the time. It's not anything more than that, it's basketball," Clark said.

"It's emotionally exhausting, it's draining, it makes your shoulders tense, because you know, people don't want to talk about the basketball, they want to stir it up and make it something else."

Clark expressed reminders to media and fans to look out for her feelings and emotional well-being on the first day of All-Star weekend on Friday.

"People forget like I have feelings... I feel things, I have emotions, I get emotional, I get frustrated, I get sad and I get upset," Clark said in an interview with Sirius XM on Friday. "Social media is not always reality and that is really lost on people... you read all these things and you're like 'oh that has to be true, that has to be what people really think of me.'

"There's going to always be people who don't always agree with your playing style and how you carry yourself, and that's okay. That might mean you're doing something right too... there's certainly days that are hard."

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Clark also brought up the toll to her emotional health while addressing her interaction with former President Barack Obama on the opening day of the weekend.

"He just complimented me for the way I handle everything. Obviously with everything going on, and he's certainly someone who's been in front of the media quite a bit. And he reminded me, he's like 'I got famous in my 40s, I didn't have to do it in my 20s,'" Clark said.

"And you know, sometimes, I think people don't always realize I'm 23 or 24 years old and trying to navigate a lot of different things, while trying to play basketball at the same time. So it was cool to hear that from him. And I think honestly it's probably a good reminder to all of us to treat people with respect and treat people with grace."

WILLIAM BENNETT, JON HAGE: AI can mimic a teacher, but it cannot shepherd a soul

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:00:45 -0400

This summer, at the Sun Valley conference, media, tech, business, and cultural leaders gathered to discuss what is on all our minds: artificial intelligence and where it is taking us. We cannot hide from it any longer. AI will play a fundamental role in nearly everything we do, including how our children learn.

It is hard to deny the benefits. AI can tutor a struggling student at midnight, translate a lesson into a dozen languages, and free teachers from paperwork so they can spend more time with the kids in front of them. But that promise must come with caution, especially in education. New tools are never neutral. They amplify whatever values, or lack of them thereof, are already in the classroom.

That caution was underscored twice in recent weeks. The so-called Godfather of AI warned that to protect humanity from the risks it poses, AI must be infused with compassion and virtue. Around the same time, a landmark report found that top AI models will lie, cheat, and steal to reach their goals. Not by accident, but by design.

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Put those findings together and the lesson for education is unmistakable. A technology that can reason without a conscience is not one we should hand to children unsupervised. AI is inherently amoral. It cannot love a student, recognize the moment a child needs encouragement rather than information, or model integrity by doing right when no one is watching. It can simulate a teacher. It cannot shepherd a soul.

The danger is not simply that AI will occasionally give a wrong answer. That danger is that students raised in an AI-powered world, without a firm grounding in judgment and character, will have no framework for deciding whether the answers they receive are honest, sound, or right. A student who cannot make that judgment is not truly educated. He or she is simply dependent.

We do not raise this as outside observers. Between us two, we have spent decades in American education, one as U.S. Secretary of Education and a longtime advocate for character-based schooling, the other running one of the nation's largest networks of charter schools. We have watched technology enter the classroom before and seen school systems get its adoption right and wrong. That experience convinces us this moment demands the same discipline educators have always brought to any new influence on a child.

This is not an argument against artificial intelligence.

The right response to transformative technology is responsible integration, not exclusion. We did not ban word processors or turn students away from the internet. The challenge was never the tool itself but the absence of guardrails around its use. AI presents that same challenge today, at a far greater scale and with far higher stakes.

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Recognizing that reality, we have spent recent years working with educators and technologists on part of the answer: an approach to classroom AI built on a simple premise, that any model placed in front of a child should be filtered through age-appropriate safeguards and aligned with the values of the families it serves. That is one piece of a larger project this country needs: a genuine safety layer between powerful AI systems and the students who will use them, paired with real instruction in the judgment and character required to use those systems well.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, embracing new technology rather than fearing it is part of the answer. But embracing it responsibly means resisting the temptation to believe the technology itself can be made virtuous enough to solve the problem for us.

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It cannot, and the answer is not to make the machines more virtuous. The answer is to make the human beings operating them more virtuous. That has always been the purpose of education. The AI revolution has simply made it more urgent.

It is incumbent on all of us, students, teachers, parents, school leaders, and lawmakers alike, to demand ethical guardrails around the AI entering our classrooms: hard questions for the companies building these systems, transparency about how they are trained, and a refusal to treat safety as an afterthought. Do that work now, and ethical AI can become the gold standard in American classrooms rather than a cautionary tale we tell too late, not because the technology demands it, but because our children do.

Jon Hage is CEO of Charter Schools USA.