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Bernie-backed Maine Democratic Senate hopeful squirms over past Graham Platner support

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 20:00:26 -0400

Former Maine gubernatorial candidate and potential Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson struggled to answer for his past support for Graham Platner during an MS NOW interview on Thursday.

Before Platner officially suspended his campaign amid a rape allegation, Jackson filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to potentially replace Platner as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. Prior to the recent allegation against Platner, Jackson was one of his earliest supporters and previously campaigned with Platner during his gubernatorial campaign.

MS NOW's "The Moment" host Katy Tur questioned him on his longtime support for Platner, pointing out that he maintained his support through several other scandals.

PLATNER ACCUSER RECALLS 'GASLIGHTING,' ‘BETRAYAL’ FROM NY TIMES AS SHE CAME FORWARD WITH HER ALLEGATIONS

"You supported him," Tur began. "You bragged about being one of the first supporters of him. Why did you stick with him for so long? Why did you stick with him after the Nazi tattoo? Why did you stick with him after The New York Times article and the aggressive women stuff, stick with him after the Reddit posts that were arguably racist and sexist? I know he denies the sexual misconduct allegations, but why did you stay with him for so long?"

"Well, the Nazi tattoo and the Reddit posts, I mean, I didn’t know — I mean, I haven’t ever been on Reddit, but, you know, when people talked about those things, and then he turned around and said, you know, that these were times whenever they were dark for him and, you know, he’d grown and all this stuff," Jackson said. "I mean, they were, you know, a different time period for him. And I understood, you know, that people can change."

GRAHAM PLATNER EX REVEALS REACH-OUT BEFORE CAMPAIGN, SAYS HE WAS TRYING TO 'TAKE MY TEMPERATURE'

Jackson added that he was more focused on Platner's political issues, such as his push for Medicare for All and a desire for change.

"You know, he had plausible reasons that he said that they happened. But when it came to a credible sexual assault, it became clear that that was — that was it. It was, you know, a red line that I wasn’t going to cross. And, you know, the other thing about it was Graham told me point-blank that there was nothing in his past that I had to worry about. And he, you know, he lied to me, and he lied to a lot of us," Jackson said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Jackson for comment.

GRAHAM PLATNER'S MOST PROMINENT PRESS ALLIES ABANDON HIM AS RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS MAINE SENATE RACE

Though Jackson referred to "credible sexual assault" as a "red line" for him, Jackson continued to support Platner after a New York Times report last month described Platner being physical with his ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield during their time together. Fifield described Platner grabbing her wrist and forcefully yanking her out of a cab in one instance and pushing her into a bedroom and while holding the door shut in another.

Jackson has also been a longtime ally of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. He was one of the few Democratic National Committee superdelegates to endorse Sanders over Hillary Clinton during the 2016 Democratic presidential primary and later served as Sanders' Maine political director, introducing him at campaign rallies across the state.

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Sanders has yet to endorse another candidate for the Maine Senate seat, though there's still time before an official candidate can be named. Under Maine law, Platner has until Monday, July 13, to withdraw if Democrats hope to replace him on the November ballot. If he steps aside before the deadline, the state Democratic Party will have until July 27 to choose a new nominee.

Fever coach Stephanie White rules out Caitlin Clark despite star saying she feels 100 percent physically

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:55:59 -0400

Caitlin Clark says she feels great. Stephanie White still kept her on the sidelines.

Thursday night's decision ahead of the Fever's road matchup against the Phoenix Mercury raises more questions than answers.

After returning Wednesday night from a lingering back injury and logging 16 carefully managed minutes against the Los Angeles Sparks, Clark felt encouraged by how her body responded.

STEPHANIE WHITE GIVES CAITLIN CLARK STATUS UPDATE AHEAD OF FEVER-SPARKS, BUT HER NEXT MOVE RAISES QUESTIONS

"I told our trainers after the game that it stinks we didn't win, and we didn't play very well, but I'll take it as a win how my body feels and how I really felt out there," Clark said (via Indy Star's Chloe Peterson) after Wednesday's loss to the LA Sparks.

"I didn't even feel very winded."

Before that game even tipped off, the Fever ruled her out against the Mercury. The official injury report listed the reason as "rest."

Fever head coach Stephanie White revealed before Wednesday's game that the plan all along was to split the back-to-back between Clark and All-Star forward Aliyah Boston.

"Yeah, [Boston] just did some of the shooting," White said before the game.

"She's gonna be out tonight, again, with the back-to-back. ... Caitlin's gonna be active tonight, AB's not, and then they'll flip-flop tomorrow."

CAITLIN CLARK DEFENDS COACH STEPHANIE WHITE AFTER SIDELINE CONFRONTATION SPARKS DEBATE

Clark's own assessment gave the Fever new information, but the original plan never changed.

The Fever are entitled to be cautious.

Clark is the face of the franchise and the engine behind Indiana's offense. Protecting her is understandable.

She played only 16 minutes Wednesday. Coach White's strategy was to put out Caitlin for three-minute spurts throughout the game.

The approach didn't work.

"It’s just really hard when you’re playing three minutes, (sub) out, three minutes, three minutes, then you’re on the bench," Clark added Wednesday night.

"It’s really, really hard to get into a flow. For the most part, I got good looks, some of them went, some of them didn’t. I probably didn’t get to have a feel for the game as I usually do, like it’s just really, really hard for me to play in that scenario, but overall, my body feels great, so that’s the positive I can take from today."

Thursday's matchup against the Mercury presents another test, with the Fever (12-9) short their best playmaker.

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Perhaps White's plan will pay off in the long run. That still doesn't explain the jump from a 16-minute restriction to a full night off.

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

Grand Canyon mystery illness reportedly triggers NPS investigation after rafters report alarming symptoms

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:54:51 -0400

The National Park Service (NPS) has launched an investigation into a mysterious illness affecting multiple rafters who took separate Grand Canyon trips in recent weeks.

Several people took to social media last week to report a cluster of unexplained illnesses that they say have left doctors searching for answers. The rafters said they embarked on two-week trips beginning as early as mid-May, and developed conditions after returning home.

Paddling Magazine reported that park officials are now leading the investigation as rafters report experiencing severe and painful symptoms.

Speculation about the potential cause has spread online, with some healthcare professionals and others weighing in on possible explanations, including mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and chikungunya.

PARASITIC INFECTION CAUSING ‘EXPLOSIVE’ STOMACH ILLNESS EXCEEDS 1,000 CASES IN NORTHERN STATE

According to a Facebook group "Grand Canyon Private Boaters," four people became sick after a group of 16 people embarked on a two-week rafting trip in mid-June.

In a July 1 post, user Steven King described a range of symptoms among members of the group, including fever, chills, fatigue and pneumonia. He said some individuals experienced more severe complications, including fluid in the lungs and loss of consciousness.

"One person briefly lost consciousness in their doctor's office then was subsequently hospitalized," King said.

King also described another person who developed what he called "cobblestoning" — an infection or cellulitis-like condition — on a bruised area of the shin that "feels like a broken bone."

"X-ray doesn't show a break, and it doesn't seem to be healing at all but rather getting worse," he said.

YOSEMITE, GRAND CANYON LEAD NOTABLE LIST OF NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS FOR AMERICA'S 250TH

He said additional precautions were taken by some individuals as officials have yet to determine the cause of the alleged illnesses.

"One person started receiving the rabies vaccine in an abundance of caution even though they are not really showing symptoms of rabies specifically," the user said.

King reported that the group did not encounter any ticks during the trip, but reported seeing mosquitoes on several nights while in the canyon.

Separately, Matthew Wappett — who said he went to the emergency room with a swollen knee and "bone-crushing" joint pain after a two-week trip in mid-May — also reported experiencing mosquito bites during the rafting trip.

"We slept out every night and did get some mosquito bites," Wappett said in a July 2 post.

An infectious disease epidemiologist reportedly told Facebook user Dan Squire that the illnesses could potentially be linked to mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue fever or chikungunya.

"Based on the symptoms and the reports of mosquito bites (together with the lack of GI symptoms and no reports of tick bites) it’s sounding viral - and symptoms are a good match for both Dengue and Chikungunya. (Hanta should also be ruled out)," Squire wrote, citing his friend.

Squire said the expert noted that dengue and chikungunya are uncommon in the U.S. compared with other parts of the world, but Arizona is home to mosquitoes capable of transmitting both viruses.

"If someone who had been exposed to these viruses (like during international travel) went into the canyon while still carrying the virus, they could have transmitted to local mosquito populations," Squire wrote.

The healthcare professional also suggested doctors could have difficulty identifying the cause if patients do not report recent international travel, potentially leading to delays in testing for certain viruses.

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"People reporting symptoms like this, but without recent international travel, are highly unlikely to be tested for these viruses in AZ," Squire added.

The NPS and the Arizona Department of Health Services did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

AEW star Thunder Rosa talks pro wrestling journey from social worker to women's champion

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:43:51 -0400

Thunder Rosa is one of the best women’s professional wrestlers in the world, but the journey to get to the top of the mountain is one that is never-ending.

Rosa, whose real name is Melissa Cervantes, performs for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), two of the major promotions in North America. But while most professional wrestlers started their path to the ring at a school, Rosa was a social worker before wrestling caught her eye.

"I became a pro wrestler 13 years ago after making a decision to stop being an activist. I was a social worker, so, one day, I decided that I wanted to be a wrestler after going to a wrestling show and just attending a couple of the shows there and feeling that was the next step to take," she told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

"I feel like the call was like — it was going to be a bigger platform. I just decided to go and do a tryout, and after I did the tryout, I fell in love with professional wrestling."

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Rosa said the aura of pro wrestling is what got her hooked in the first place, everything from the theatrics to the sport.

She said she was up for the challenge even though she never played many sports in her life.

"It's everything. It's all the details, all the different things that the sport entails, which is, you know, the theatricals, the level of athleticism," she said. "It's just like the fact that you could travel with it and also because it's very challenging. It was going to be very challenging for me physically because I never done, like, sports, and I just felt like I could do it at the time."

Rosa said she had to start from scratch, "learning how to roll, learning how to exercise, learning how to build my body, learning, like, body control, a lot of like gymnastics, basics on many different sports, and I think I just had to like really pull it together and then really be realistic with myself."

She said she needed to work harder than anyone in her training classes because most of the time she was the only woman in the class if not the room.

She said there was never one moment she could point to where she knew taking a chance on pro wrestling was the right move. It wasn’t until she noticed she didn’t have time to go to her day job that she thought she could make a career out of wrestling.

"There’s not really a moment because I feel like when you're getting and you're earning things, sometimes you feel like you have an imposter syndrome. And no matter what you have done, like, it's just like not enough, right?" Rosa told Fox News Digital

"I feel like that even when big opportunities came, it was like, ‘Oh, I'm so lucky that this happened to me.’ No, I wasn't lucky. It's just people saw that I had the skills and I had the talent and I had the ‘it’ factor, and they gave me an opportunity.

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"I feel like once things started rolling with bigger opportunities in professional wrestling, that's when I was like, 'OK, I think I can leave my full-time job and become a professional wrestler.’ I think it was my first contract with Lucha Underground when I just noticed that I didn't have enough time to go to work.

"That was the time where it was it was time for me to move my next chapter of my life and my career. So, that's when I think I was like, ‘OK, I think I can do this. I think it's feasible. It's going to be hard, but it's feasible.’"

Rosa joined AEW in 2020 and started to defend the National Wrestling Alliance Women’s Championship on "Dynamite." She lost the title to Serena Deeb. She would gain AEW World Women’s Championship gold for the first time when she defeated Britt Baker in a cage match.

She was the fifth woman to hold the title. However, she had to relinquish it due to a back injury.

Rosa told Fox News Digital she took pride in helping women’s wrestling grow.

"It's been really beautiful to see the journey that a lot of us have taken in the last six years here in AEW or even seven because we’ve seen something small grow so big to the point where we have had shows that have had 80,000 people," she said.

"The way that we or I was able to help the women's division and grow and given a bigger platform with opportunities that have a lot at stake. I take that with a lot of pride. There was a lot of things that happened in 2021-2022 that really broke a lot of barriers for a lot of the women that are now in the women's division, and they all have done a tremendous job on continuing to open more doors for everyone that is coming in the future.

"It's been also incredibly interesting to see how different companies have worked together, and now they are symbiotic of each other. They exist and subsist with each other's collaboration, and that, I think, has changed the landscape of professional wrestling forever because we're not living on an island.

"I feel like this subculture or this culture of professional wrestling has subsisted within this niche, but I feel it's becoming bigger and bigger and bigger. So, that has been very interesting to see how AEW has been pivotal for that stuff."

Rosa vowed to continue to use her voice to advocate for women and children, which she stressed was important to her. She also said she is focused on the latter part of the year with Grand Slam Mexico.

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"I have a lot of things planned. I continue to work extremely hard every single day to be better at my craft. I continue to work really, really, really hard outside of professional wrestling to advocate for women and for young children because I think that's something very, very important, and to advocate for my community. I continue to focus on the opportunities that are in front of me," she said.

"Right now, we're going to focus, like, laser focus, on Grand Slam in Mexico City. Then, there's some big things happening in September, October during Dia de Los Muertos and, like, all that stuff. There's a lot of opportunities to come during that time. So, I’m taking everything day by day and, of course, I want gold, but that is not on me. I'll just have to continue to work harder and continue to knock on doors.

"Even when I lose, I always win. And the last Forbidden Door, we had a tremendous match with Divine Dominion and with Olympia. We always leave something for the fans to remember. Again, I will continue to work extremely hard to hopefully have gold in the future, but if not, I will enjoy the journey just as much."

Megan Rapinoe blames Trump for distracting US players ahead of World Cup loss to Belgium

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:16:12 -0400

The post-mortems on the U.S. men's national team's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup are rolling in, and former U.S. women's national team player Megan Rapinoe is offering her take.

And you'll never believe where she's placing the blame...

Nah, you guessed it, she's blaming President Trump.

MEDIA FIGURES MELT DOWN OVER TRUMP INVOLVEMENT WITH FIFA AS US STAR FOLARIN BALOGUN SET TO PLAY

One of the biggest stories going into Monday's match against Belgium had to do with the red card and suspension of U.S. star Folarin Balogun.

Of course, pretty much everyone agreed it was a lousy call, and when the President phoned up FIFA, they allowed Balogun to play using the same rule that allowed Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo to play under similar circumstances.

But, obviously, because Trump was involved, the usual suspects were not happy about it, and Rapinoe argued on her podcast, "A Touch More: The Beautiful Game," that the distraction doomed the team. By the way, the bookshelf behind her featured pretty much exactly what you'd expect.

"I think the distraction got to the team for sure in some type of way. Whether it was, you know, this red card situation, whether it was being in a public discourse with this president, all of the, you know, shenanigans and chaos that comes with the feelings on both sides of that. Whether you agree with it or not it's, it's just like it's a lot to contend with," Rapinoe said.

Well, that's certainly a take.

Rapinoe — who knows a thing or two about off-field distractions — argued the problem was that the U.S. doesn't have enough players willing to create off-field distractions by yammering about politics, as she has often done herself.

LANDON DONOVAN RECALLS LIFE-CHANGING WORLD CUP MOMENT AMID PLAYERS' 'RESPONSIBILITY' OF GROWING GAME IN USA

"So, not only does this team not have like a core of older players who are used to that, but none of these players talk about anything ever, like for the most part," she said. "I think in men's football, just like in general, there's not a lot of players who are choosing to use their platform or to, you know, broaden their scope of pressure and responsibility."

So, there you go, fellas. It wasn't that you ran into a tough Belgian team or that maybe it just wasn't your day.

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You just need to be much more annoying and create distractions, so when there is a bit of an off-field distraction, you're used to it.

Not sure if Rapinoe wants to get into coaching at some point, but this method may not land her too many gigs.

Jessica Alba posts multiple bikini photos from Italian vacation with boyfriend Danny Ramirez

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:02:52 -0400

Jessica Alba is soaking up the summer sun during her Italian vacation with her boyfriend.

In a recent Instagram post, the 45-year-old actress shared snippets from her recent vacation to Tuscany with her boyfriend, Danny Ramirez, featuring many shots of her lounging in her bikini.

"Ciao, Italy," the actress, who flashed her toned abs in a striking bikini, wrote as the caption for the Instagram carousel she shared.

One of the photos featured Alba and Ramirez lying next to each other on lounge chairs on the beach, with Alba giving the camera a big smile as Ramirez gave her a kiss on her shoulder.

JESSICA ALBA STUNS IN RED CORSET AND LACE MINI DRESS AS SHE CELEBRATES HER 45TH BIRTHDAY

In the photo, the "Fantastic Four" actress showed off her tan and toned abs in a strapless brown bikini top and matching bottoms, which she paired with sunglasses and jewelry, including hoop earrings and a necklace.

A second photo shows Alba looking off into the distance as she lounged in another bikini while in the middle of the ocean on a paddleboard.

She also shared a clip of her and Ramirez lounging next to each other while on a boat off the coast of Tuscany. Alba was all smiles in a patterned red bikini, while Ramirez snacked on chips.

"You look amazing and happy. Enjoy your vacation. ❤️🙌," one fan wrote in the comments section, while another added, "She doesn’t age!!! 🔥" A third wrote, "Looooking VERY happy girly!!! 🥰."

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Ramirez and Alba first sparked relationship rumors in July 2025 and continued to do so after they were photographed together on multiple occasions throughout the rest of the year.

They confirmed their relationship when they attended the Baby2Baby Gala together in November 2025. Since then, the two have been featured on each other's Instagram posts, with Alba calling him "my love" in a post celebrating her birthday, and thanking him "for loving me through every chapter."

The two were recently spotted showing some PDA during a trip to Miami, Florida. They were photographed with their arms wrapped around each other and sharing multiple passionate kisses as they cooled off in the water.

In a separate Instagram post, Alba shared that she and Ramirez were in attendance at Madison Square Garden when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got married, sharing photos of the two of them prior to the event.

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"We love love 🥰💒🫶🏽 Congrats to T&T - such a beautiful night celebrating you," she captioned the post.

The photos showed Alba in a floor-length dress featuring a black bodice with a plunging neckline, which transitioned into a sequined gold skirt.

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DHS plans costly crackdown on states that don’t cooperate on election security

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:01:57 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: The Department of Homeland Security will withhold billions in preparedness grant funding from states that refuse to adopt new election security measures, including voter citizenship verification, post-election audits and expanded use of paper ballots.

The push comes as President Donald Trump and many Republicans slam states that do not want to let the federal government audit their voter rolls, while also criticizing the snail's-pace, widely criticized vote tabulations in states like California.

FEMA, a sub-agency of DHS, is making more than $1 billion in taxpayer funding available to states that want to participate in its Homeland Security Grant Program, but with a catch.

OBAMA-APPOINTED JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP'S ELECTION ORDER AS SAVE AMERICA ACT FIGHT INTENSIFIES

To qualify for grants, states must submit plans to transition away from "unsecure electronic voting systems" that employ QR codes or barcodes instead of hand-marked paper ballots.

By doing so, the agency said, it provides a paper trail to quickly assess any alleged irregularities.

After each federal election, states seeking preparedness grants must conduct a manual audit of at least 5% of all ballots cast with the agency arguing a manual, random review will confirm voting-machine tabulations’ synthesis with paper ballots and identify any "manipulation."

States must also match the number of voters who participated in the election with the number of ballots cast and, within 120 days of any grant award, use the SAVE database — brought to the fore amid numerous illegal immigrant truckers getting in fatal crashes — to verify the citizenship of every listed voter in the state.

SAVE, the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system, has been criticized by some Democratic governors for being insufficiently maintained, an assertion DHS has denied.

LEGAL WAR ON TRUMP’S AGENDA GAINS FIREPOWER AS FEDERAL LAWYERS DEFECT TO DEMOCRATS

DHS told Fox News Digital that threats to election systems continue to evolve and that Secretary Markwayne Mullin has made critical infrastructure protection a top priority. A spokesperson suggested elections fall within that critical infrastructure and remain susceptible to foreign attacks.

"Under President Trump’s leadership, we are taking decisive action to protect election systems from threats like foreign interference, insider threats and cyberattacks," the DHS spokesperson said. "These new requirements for homeland security grant recipients will preserve election integrity and ensure that Americans can trust the results."

The new rules come as the Trump administration had a major loss in court while seeking to force the issue of election security.

An Obama-appointed federal judge in Pittsburgh sided with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after the Justice Department sued more than 25 states seeking voter records that included Social Security numbers.

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Judge Cathy Bissoon ruled the feds lack authority to demand "highly sensitive" state information after Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, a Philadelphia Republican appointed by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, balked at a demand to turn over data last fall.

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Schmidt reportedly offered a redacted version of the state voter file without the sensitive data, telling the DOJ in his response that such "broad data" collection is a "concerning attempt to expand the federal government’s role in our country’s election process," according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

DHS’ new tact may or may not be tested in a similar fashion.

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

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:00:46 -0400

Only about one in 10 Ivy League trustees identifies as Republican, while Yale has no Republican trustees at all, according to a new report fueling debate over ideological diversity at the nation's most elite universities.

"Yale is a leader in many things, but ideological homogeneity shouldn’t be one of them," Lauren Noble, Buckley Institute founder and executive director, said in a statement.

"Looking at the dramatic ideological imbalance across Ivy League governing bodies, it’s little surprise that so much has gone awry on campus," Noble continued. "If America’s top universities truly want to fix the echo chamber in the classroom, they will need to address the echo chamber among their own leadership."

WILLIAM BENNETT, ROB NOEL: TWO YEARS AFTER COLUMBIA ENCAMPMENT, CAMPUSES STILL CHILLED BY FEAR

The report, "The Echo Chamber on Top: Governance in the Ivy League," found that Democrats outnumber Republicans 6 to 1 among Ivy League trustees.

The report said that, of the 233 total Ivy League trustees identified, 155, or 67%, were registered Democrats; 52, or 22%, were unaffiliated; and 26, amounting to 11%, were Republicans.

In total, the report said, it found a 6-to-1 ratio of Democrats to Republicans on Ivy League trustee boards and highlighted that Yale’s sole governing body, the Yale Corporation, had zero registered Republicans in its membership.

A NEW YORK UNIVERSITY FACES JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION OVER 'BLACK MALE INITIATIVE'

The report also found a comparable discrepancy among political donations.

"Though a small number of individuals accounted for the bulk of political donations on several boards, total political giving to Democrats outnumbered political giving to Republicans at a 4-to-1 rate," the Buckley Institute said in a press release on the report.

"In total, Ivy League trustees gave $85.5 million to Democratic causes and campaigns and only $22.4 million to Republican causes and campaigns."

In this area as well, the report found that Yale trustees gave $5.8 million to Democrats and a little more than $102,000 to Republicans, highlighting it as a 50-to-1 ratio.

UVA INSTALLS TAMPON DISPENSERS IN MEN’S RESTROOMS, STUDENTS CALL MOVE ‘ABSURD’

The report also found that, among Ivy League schools, Cornell stood out as the only university whose trustees donated more money to Republican causes than Democratic ones, although more individual trustees gave to Democratic candidates and organizations than to Republicans.

"Members of the Yale Corporation draw on a wide range of knowledge, including experience in professional leadership; expertise in higher education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and investments; and a commitment to furthering Yale’s mission and priorities, independent of political views," a spokesperson for Yale told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"Trustees connect regularly with Yale faculty, alumni, students and staff to hear their direct input and ensure a broad perspective is reflected in their guidance to Yale’s leaders. Yale is committed to fostering open debate, preserving freedom of expression and creating an environment in which a wide range of ideas can be expressed and heard civilly — principles articulated in Yale’s landmark Woodward Report and advanced through a wide range of campus initiatives.

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A January report from Yale Daily News found that professors at the Ivy League school overwhelmingly donated to Democrats and essentially donated nothing to Republicans last year, with 97.6% of donations going to Democrats and the remaining 2.4% going to independent candidates or groups.

Fox News Digital reached out to Cornell for comment.

Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé fire France into World Cup semifinals with win over Morocco

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:46:52 -0400

For the second straight World Cup, France has sent Morocco home with a 2-0 victory.

In 2022, it was a historic semifinal as Morocco became the first-ever African team to reach that stage of the tournament. But France defeated Morocco to reach the World Cup Final in Qatar.

Four years later, history repeated itself in the quarterfinals, and Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored second-half goals to send France back to the semifinals.

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France awaits the winner of Spain and Belgium, who face off Friday at 3 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.

Much like Paraguay in the Round of 16 against France, Morocco was clearly focusing on its defense, making sure the likes of Mbappé didn’t have easy lanes to score.

It was working to start the match, though France was immediately on the offensive and stayed there throughout. However, Morocco faltered when a foul was committed in its own box, forcing a penalty kick.

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ'S SEVENTH GOAL OF THE WORLD CUP LIFTS FRANCE PAST PARAGUAY IN PHYSICAL ROUND OF 16 MATCH

Mbappé stepped right up to the ball, but the head referee was waiting for the signal to see if a VAR check was needed before the penalty could be taken. The referee called it a penalty on the pitch, but he had Mbappé frustrated because he had to continue redoing his routine multiple times before finally getting the chance.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine "Bono" Bounou read Mbappé like a book as the French superstar tried to bait him into moving before his kick. But Bounou stood like a statue before pouncing to his left and keeping the scoreboard silent in the first half.

Morocco didn't register its first real scoring chance until stoppage time, underscoring France's control of the match. It felt like only a matter of time before Les Bleus finally broke through.

After getting back to its offensive ways in the second half, it was left to Mbappé to find just enough space inside Morocco’s box with defenders draped all around him, to fire a perfectly placed kick past a diving Bounou for his eighth World Cup tournament goal.

Mbappé is tied with Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the lead in this World Cup, while scoring 20 for his career. Messi, who broke the all-time World Cup goals record earlier in the group stages, is up to 21 goals.

With Morocco finally conceding, France began finding more space as its opponent was forced to open up in search of an equalizer. Dembélé exploited one of those gaps to perfection.

In the 66th minute, Dembélé, using his weaker right foot, kept a screamer low toward Bounou’s net. Though the Morocco keeper got a hand on it, he didn’t get enough, and it trickled into the back of the net.

At this point, France knew it had the space it needed on the scoreboard to ride out the match. Though Morocco tried, it couldn’t get anything going, and Didier Deschamps’ squad once again proved how dominant it can be during this World Cup as it moved on to the semifinals.

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France will play July 14 at 3 p.m. ET in Dallas, where it could face a Spanish team that has yet to allow a goal in this tournament or a Belgium squad that took out Team USA to reach the quarterfinals.

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North Carolina man broke into ex's home, fatally stabbed his 5-year-old son before going to Taco Bell: police

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:33:25 -0400

A North Carolina man allegedly kicked down his ex-girlfriend's apartment door and fatally stabbed his 5-year-old son before leaving and heading to Taco Bell.

Jehaaz-Akil Khaliq Echoles, 31, was charged with first-degree murder, the Pineville Police Department said Thursday.

Officers responded shortly after midnight Thursday to the Sabal Point Apartments in Pineville for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. When they arrived at the home, they found the victim with multiple stab wounds.

The officers immediately began rendering emergency medical care to the child before rushing him to the hospital in a patrol car.

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The boy was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Echoles' ex-girlfriend, who is also the child's mother, said the man broke into the apartment, entered their son's room and closed the door, according to an arrest affidavit, WGHP reported.

She said she heard a commotion and went to the bedroom and opened the door, at which point Echoles fled, according to the affidavit. She found her son bleeding and unresponsive, covered in stab wounds to his head, neck and arms, and she immediately called 911.

The woman and another child in the home were unharmed.

Echoles was later arrested at a nearby Taco Bell, according to police.

Police said this was a domestic incident and not a random act of violence. The motive for the attack is unclear.

Echoles has a previous criminal history of assault.

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This includes a conviction in North Carolina for assault on a woman in an October 2020 incident. He also has multiple other assault-related cases going through the court system.

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He has been accused of two assaults on women this year. In one case, he allegedly beat a woman with a belt. In the other, he threw keys at a woman after he borrowed her car and refused to return it.

Echoles is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond. His next court date is scheduled for July 30.

FIFA World Cup champion praises Team USA despite tournament's end: 'They did surprise us'

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:07:28 -0400

It wasn't the ending Team USA wished for in the Round of 16 loss to Belgium, but a former FIFA World Cup champion believes the collective work this squad did on home soil should be celebrated.

In fact, four years from now, when the new World Cup tournament begins, he wouldn't be shocked if we see the USMNT making its way to its first-ever final.

Christian Karembeu, the French legend who helped the country lift the World Cup trophy in 1998, said "as Europeans," and as a soccer player himself, the U.S. surprised him in this tournament.

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"They did surprise us. Nobody expected that they can play like that," Karembeu told Fox News Digital while also discussing his partnership with Coca-Cola and FIFA for their Every Throw-In Counts initiative. "With speed, with possession at times and, also, the talent you have now.

"I think [head coach Mauricio] Pochettino has done a great job, and you need to be proud of Team USA because we didn’t expect that."

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Karembeu, who participated in the World Cup in 1994 when it was on American soil, has been enthralled by what he called a "successful" tournament thus far.

But the 4-1 loss to Belgium, which saw some key blunders by the USMNT that led to goals, put a damper on the three wins by the U.S. in the tournament, including the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Karembeu believes the loss to Belgium should serve as a lesson for the U.S. as it looks ahead to 2030.

"We learn every time, every day, every year. I think that, through Pochettino, Team USA has improved a lot," he explained. "That’s why I said I don’t think it’ll be surprising in the next four years — they’ll be in Morocco, Portugal and Spain — Team USA will maybe go to the final. Because now they have seen what was missing maybe, but I think it was more a lack of experience. Otherwise, they have the potential."

Leading up to the Belgium match, the USMNT was in headlines around the globe after FIFA decided to invoke Article 27 of its disciplinary code and suspend a red card Folarin Balogun received in the Round of 32, which allowed him to play against Belgium. Many were furious, including the Belgian Football Federation, which released a scathing statement about the situation.

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Even President Donald Trump got involved, calling close friend and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the red card.

Some argued it could've distracted the U.S. from focusing on the match, but no excuses were made. Pochettino and many others acknowledged a lack of effort and precision in the biggest moment of the tournament.

But, again, Karembeu looks at the USMNT with a glass half full.

"I think you need to focus on the collective result and what they achieved before that. We need to be very focused on what they delivered," he said.

The U.S. could have the opportunity to make Karembeu's prediction come true, but it must first qualify for the World Cup now after getting an automatic bid for being the host country.

EVERY THROW-IN COUNTS AT THE WORLD CUP

Karembeu can’t get enough of Coca-Cola and FIFA’s new fan challenge during this World Cup, where Every Throw-In Counts gives fans a way to participate in the tournament beyond what goes down on the pitch.

With a mixture of soccer, lifestyle and community care activities, the initiative encourages fans around the globe to complete simple, everyday activities, upload photos and score "goals" for chances to win exclusive prizes. From recycling to using public transport, to choosing reusable items, more than 5,000 fans and 34,000 goals have been tallied to date. And there’s still more games to play.

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"It is awesome. It’s fun, simple," Karembeu said. "Fans embrace it because it is simple. They can play with it with their families. It’s just perfect for everyone.

"I think this is a lesson and model for everyone. Therefore, when you have this great platform for the World Cup tournament, it’s good to share this initiative with the fans. To be responsible and to be sustainable."

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Piers Morgan accuses Tim Miller of ‘TDS’ after Trump critic claims president has done ‘nothing’ good

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

Piers Morgan accused Tim Miller of showing "a clear symptom of Trump derangement syndrome" Tuesday when the former Republican strategist said on "The Bulwark Podcast" that President Donald Trump has done "nothing" good.

Morgan challenged Miller to name one positive thing Trump had done after Miller argued he should not have to soften his criticism of the president.

"So, right there, I’m afraid, is a classic example of a clear symptom of Trump derangement syndrome," Morgan said.

The exchange came after Miller said Trump critics are often accused of having "TDS" even when they are, in his view, telling the truth about the president.

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"What do you want me to do? Be a liar, shine his turds, pretend like he’s something that he’s not?" Miller said. "I mean, look, if the honest truth is everybody who goes in to work for Trump, and then has a falling out with him and leaves, sounds like me in the end.

"I mean, John Kelly, you know, thought he’s a fascist. [James] Mattis, [Anthony] Scaramucci. … We could go down the list. They all sound like me because I’m saying the truth about him," Miller said.

Morgan then interrupted the argument with what he called a test.

"Let me do a test. Tell me one good thing Trump has done," Morgan said.

Miller pushed back by saying he believed Trump’s presidency was part of a larger flawed political project.

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"The Abraham Accords is something that people say. That's turned out to be a s--- sandwich," Miller said, referring to the normalizing of diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab states during Trump's first term. "No, I think everything has turned out to be a s--- sandwich."

Morgan pressed Miller again on whether he could identify anything Trump had done well.

"What do you think he’s done that’s been good?" Morgan said.

Miller rejected the premise.

"Nothing. I think that it’s a disaster," he said.

Morgan then listed border security as one Trump achievement Miller should be willing to acknowledge.

"Obviously, shutting the southern border ... stopping millions of people coming over the southern border illegally without going through any process was wrong. It happened under [Joe] Biden to catastrophic levels," Morgan said.

BIDEN JUDGE OVERRULED ON KEY TRUMP IMMIGRATION POLICY

Miller said he agreed with criticism of Biden's border record but argued Trump blocked a legislative fix and then pursued an immigration policy Miller called un-American.

"The Biden policy got out of hand. Much too late — this is a political criticism of him — Biden went to the Congress and tried to come up with a solution. Trump scuttled that solution, and then he did it via executive order," Miller said.

Morgan cited Trump's role in freeing hostages held by Hamas in Gaza as an achievement.

"The way he got the remaining hostages out of Gaza for Israel was a major achievement," Morgan said.

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Miller said the release of hostages was good but argued it did not make Trump's broader Middle East policy successful.

"Well, sure it’s good that the hostages are out, but that doesn’t mean his Israel policy is good," Miller said.

Morgan said Trump deserved credit for that specific outcome while still criticizing his decision to go to war with Iran.

John Stamos told 'Dancing with the Stars' producers to never ask him to join the show again

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:52:02 -0400

John Stamos is finally revealing why he'll never join "Dancing with the Stars."

On Tuesday's episode of "The Bobbycast" podcast, Stamos revealed that he's asked every season to join but never will.

"What makes that show good is people suffering and looking like fools," Stamos began. "They’re breaking their feet, calluses. I don’t want that."

The "Full House" star told host Bobby Bones that after being repeatedly asked to join and always turning "DWTS" down, he finally made it very clear.

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"I said, ‘Don’t ever ask me again.' I’m never gonna do that show," Stamos said.

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Bones, who won "DWTS" with Sharna Burgess in 2018, attempted to sway Stamos and said the actor would "learn so much." Bones was unsuccessful at changing Stamos' mind.

In 2010, Stamos took to Twitter and announced he would not be joining "Dancing with the Stars."

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"I’m not doing ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Flattered to be asked. I’m not a dancer. I’d put my foot in my mouth faster than John Mayer," Stamos wrote at the time, according to People.

"DWTS" pro Karina Smirnoff had invited Stamos at the time to compete on the show.

"He could be a great dancer," Smirnoff said at the time, according to People.

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Joy Reid gives Maine Democrats 'permission to not vote' if party replaces Graham Platner with a moderate

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:42:10 -0400

Far-left journalist Joy Reid unloaded on the Democratic Party after Graham Platner suspended his Maine Senate campaign on Wednesday, telling voters they have her "permission to not vote" if leadership opts to replace the progressive candidate with a more moderate option.

On "The Joy Reid Show," the former MSNBC host warned key figures in the party that if they do not replace Platner with an "ideologically similar candidate," voters may stay home on Election Day.

"You need to replace him with somebody who is ideologically the same because that is what was decided. The people of Maine, the Democratic voters of Maine said, ‘We want a progressive.’ They did not say they want an AIPAC [American Israel Public Affairs Committee] moderate," Reid said. "So, the Democratic Party in Maine ought to pick someone who is ideologically the same or ideologically similar as Platner."

Reid went on to give Maine voters her blessing not to cast their ballot if the Democrats do not select a candidate whose policies are in line with Platner’s campaign promises.

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"If you don't and the DNC shoves an AIPAC candidate down your throat, you have my permission to not vote for them because the Democratic Party needs to learn that it is not, ‘Vote blue no matter who.' It matters who," Reid continued.

The podcast host suggested the Democrats would have to reckon with an inevitable election loss if party leaders do not take voters’ preferences into account.

"They sometimes need to lose in order to learn," Reid said. "Sometimes when you lose, you learn."

Reid concluded with words of warning for the party that if it selects another "sellout moderate" to fill Platner’s seat, the decision could cost them the election.

"If they put another AIPAC sellout moderate in place of Graham Platner, and they do not put somebody in who is his same ideology, you have my permission to stay your a-- home. Then they will learn when Susan Collins gets six more years," Reid said. "At this point, we have to teach Democrats. We need to instruct them and teach them how to treat us.

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"It's like being in a relationship," Reid added. "We gotta teach you how to treat your wife."

Reid’s comments come on the heels of Platner’s announcement that he was dropping out of the race just five days before a crucial 5 p.m. deadline on Monday, allowing the Maine Democratic Party to replace him on the general election ballot.

The party has until July 27 to select a new nominee.

Platner's suspension of his campaign was announced just days after Maine resident Jenny Racicot told CNN's Jake Tapper that "by dictionary definition" Platner "raped" her while the pair were in a relationship, allegations that Platner has vehemently denied.

In a statement to Politico, Platner said, "These allegations are troubling, serious and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue."

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Platner was the subject of a second bombshell allegation published on Tuesday by The Washington Post, in which ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield accused him of removing condoms during sex and engaging in physical misconduct.

In a statement to the Post, the Platner campaign said Fifield's latest allegations were "categorically false and politically motivated."

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In a video posted to X Wednesday night, Platner insisted he was not suspending his campaign "because of allegations" but was "doing it because of structures that are being taken away from us by those in power."

Stephen Curry opens up about possibly teaming up with LeBron James, which was once a 'pipe dream'

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:40:20 -0400

For four consecutive years, Stephen Curry and LeBron James tried to win an NBA championship against one another, but soon they might try to win one together.

The two faces of this generation's NBA faced off against each other in the NBA Finals each year from 2015 to 2018, with Curry winning three and James winning one.

What became a de facto annual series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors grew into one of the greatest on-court rivalries in the history of basketball.

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But after they teamed up for an Olympic gold medal in Paris, what was once an irrational thought turned into a reality. Suddenly, Curry's Golden State Warriors found themselves among the favorites to land James after he announced he'd be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.

"If LeBron says he wants to play for you, you move mountains to get him," Curry told reporters at the American Century Championship Thursday.

Curry all but confirmed the Warriors are in the "mix" of suitors for the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a scenario Curry can hardly believe.

"I mean, up until probably two, three years ago, it was like a pipe dream question or even a thought, but that is a part of the allure," Curry said when asked by Fox News Digital about the possibility of playing alongside James after once being his top rival.

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"For him going into his 24th season, me going to my 18th, the battles that we had, that would be such a unique story in NBA history, sports history. But a little premature right now to talk about it other than that."

After James and the Cavs completed the first-ever 3-1 comeback in NBA Finals history in 2016, the Warriors signed Kevin Durant, and they won the next two titles as James' surrounding talent diminished.

James then went to the Lakers, where he won his fourth title in 2020, but his tenure there is up after nine seasons.

The Warriors appear to be on the outside looking in at the LeBron sweepstakes after being an early favorite, but reports have said James is going to make his decision based simply on his own happiness, not money.

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And it's hard not to be happy playing alongside a fellow NBA legend who has gone from a rival to a good friend.

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American Century Championship brings celebrities to the golf course for a star-studded tournament

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:40:06 -0400

The American Century Championship is where celebrities go to duke it out on the golf course.

The Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe is where the biggest show in celebrity golf will take place. The tournament begins July 10 and runs through July 12.

The American Century Championship uses a Modified Stableford scoring system rather than traditional stroke play, which means that instead of counting total strokes, players are instead awarded points based on their score for each hole.

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An albatross is worth 10 points, a hole-in-one is worth eight points, an eagle is worth six points, a birdie is worth three points, a par is worth one point, a bogey is worth nothing and anything two over par or worse is worth minus-two points.

Last year, former NHL star Joe Pavelski won with 73 points. World Series champion John Smoltz finished second with 64 points, country singer Jake Owen came in third with 62 points, former USMNT soccer star Taylor Twellman came in fourth with 61 points and Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry came in fifth with 58 points.

Smoltz told Fox News Digital in a recent interview he has not started fast enough in the first round, forcing him to play catch-up.

"I get off to a slow start. Every tournament I rally second and third round with too big of a hole. I make a ton of pars. It's so frustrating to say that I make a ton of pars. That would be normally good, but it's not in this tournament. I think at one point I made 29 pars in a row in one tournament, and it was nauseating. It was like I'd rather bite the head of my putter off because you only get one point for a par," Smoltz told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

Smoltz attributed his slow starts to a conservative mindset and stressed the importance of making birdie putts.

"You get three times the value for a birdie. So, like last year, I think I made seven or eight birdies the last round to finish second. Couldn't chase down Pavelski, but I'm like, 'Where has that been? Where's those birdies in the first round?'" Smoltz said.

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LPGA legend Annika Sörenstam echoed Smoltz’s sentiment about needing to be aggressive because of the scoring system.

"I would love to bring it home. I have not been able to do that. I keep trying every year. Keep knocking on in the door. I want to get the guys one time. I mean, I obviously I have to play well all three rounds. I think I need to be a little more aggressive because it's Stableford as you know," Sorenstam told Fox News Digital.

"Different format than I'm used to. I mean, as far as you know, my professional career, we played stroke play for four days. Consistency was really the key. Now, it's about getting points, and you get points by being more aggressive here. It rewards birdies and eagles. I think I got to really try to be a little bit more aggressive, which is maybe not my nature when it comes to golf."

Smoltz, Sorenstam, Owen, Pavelski, Curry, former NFL star Adam Thielen and Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves are among the favorites. While the golf is certainly a major draw for some of the celebrities, many praised the atmosphere the tournament has.

"I think American Century does a great job of getting good people to come out there and be a part of the tournament, and it's a lot of good golf too," Minnesota Twins legend Joe Mauer told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

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"They make you feel like you're on the tour for one week."

This will be the 37th American Century Championship, and Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann has played in 36 of them. He said he used to be a 2-handicap but is now a nine, as he doesn’t hit the ball as far.

He called the event a can’t-miss event, not just because of the golf, but because of all the people you get to meet.

"The American Century Championship has evolved to one of those things that if you love golf at all, and you happen to be in that quote-unquote celebrity world, it's the thing you really want to participate in. You get to measure your game. You get to pull back the curtain on so many wonderful people, and you get to see those that you watch on TV because I'm a fan of everything. But now you get a chance to see them up close and personal, and you get a chance to meet them and get to know them, and it's exciting," Theismann told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

The 76-year-old said he gets to visit people on the range. He mentioned Jerry Rice, Tony Romo and Miles Teller as people he has had conversations with, calling himself a "fanboy" of Teller’s.

Theismann said "Top Gun: Maverick" is his favorite movie of all time.

ESPN broadcaster Jay Bilas said he was invited six or seven years ago and called it the equivalent of a PGA Tour player being invited to the Masters.

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"When I got invited six, seven years ago, I was thrilled. I just couldn't believe I would get to do it. And they've been, they must have a very low bar, but they've invited me back ever since. And to me, getting that invitation has got to be the equivalent of a PGA Tour player getting invited to the Masters. So, you get the invitation, you're like, 'Oh, my God, I can't believe they invited me back again.' And it's an automatic yes," Bilas told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

"It's just a thrill. And it's equally thrilling once you're there cause it's a beautiful setting in Lake Tahoe at the Edgewood Resort. The weather's always spectacular. Seventy thousand people are there in shorts and sundresses and just enjoying seeing some of their favorite celebs."

Bilas said he loves competing in the tournament but said the atmosphere is what makes it special. He credited CEO Jonathan Thomas for being so welcoming and creating a family environment that everyone loves.

NFL great Patrick Peterson said the event has evolved over the years and said it’s something that his whole family enjoys.

"My girls look forward to going to Lake Tahoe each and every year to not only walk with dad, but to go out on the lake," Peterson told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "Go on top the mountain and doing the zipline and things like that. So, the memories that they're able to create for the families that are involved are countless."

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NFL legend Jerome Bettis said the American Century Championship gives him a locker room vibe he doesn’t get anymore.

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"I think the favorite part is really getting to chop it up with the athletes because, obviously, being retired, you don't get the chance to do that anymore. And, so, when you do get a chance to kind of rib guys and have fun with guys like that locker room experience again, it's really fun and exhilarating," Bettis said.

The tournament has raised more than $8 million for regional and national charities. American Century Investments donates 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and activates fundraising at the tournament to drive direct donations to Stowers each year.

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NASA chief confirms agency has unexplained UFO imagery: 'We don't know what it is'

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:34:33 -0400

NASA head Jared Isaacman recently confirmed that the space agency has taken images of objects that remain unknown, which could be classified as UFOs.

Isaacman, who began serving as NASA's chief administrator in December, said the imagery could not be explained.

"We have captured imagery — and this is what President Trump is very forward-leaning about — that, based on the data that we have within that imagery, we don't know what it is," he told podcast host Jack Gordon in a June 30 episode.

Isaacman stopped short of saying the images were proof of extraterrestrial life but said he was confident that, at some point, humans will conclude that other lifeforms exist beyond planet Earth.

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"I think there's a very real possibility we're going to arrive at a conclusion in our lifetime that perhaps there's life everywhere out there and that it isn't as infrequent as it could possibly be," he added.

NASA has previously denied having any evidence to suggest that UFOs are extraterrestrial in origin.

A 2023 report by an independent group of scientists and experts convened by NASA stated that more data was needed to better understand certain encounters that defied explanation.

'MILESTONE': SCIENTISTS CLAIM TO BUILD SYNTHETIC CELL, RAISING CONCERNS IN STEP TOWARD ARTIFICIAL LIFE

The Pentagon has released batches of data, images and other files related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).

In June, it released dozens of records published through the Trump administration's Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters, or PURSUE, a government-wide effort to declassify files related to UAPs.

"We did keep a lot of that buried in files somewhere, and the president said, ‘Why? Put it out there. We don't have time to study it. Let other people tell us what it is,’ and you're seeing that effort. And you're going to continue to see it," Isaacman said.

'MILESTONE': SCIENTISTS CLAIM TO BUILD SYNTHETIC CELL, RAISING CONCERNS IN STEP TOWARD ARTIFICIAL LIFE

Thus far, nothing has pointed to definitive proof of extraterrestrial life.

Isaacman noted that while NASA has images appearing to show unexplained objects, it has yet to see evidence of crashed alien bodies or recovered spacecraft. However, he teased that NASA may already have evidence of life on Mars, a mere 250 million miles away.

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"We got samples on Mars right now," he said. "If we bring them back, there is a very high probability that they will point to, at some point, microbial life at least on Mars.

"I can't hate the subject," Isaacman added. "In fact, I'm incredibly fascinated by it because that is at the heart of what we're trying to do at NASA — answer the question, ‘Are we alone?’"

Unearthed records reveal Dem mayor sought tax hike to fund DEI role ahead of key House race

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:34:58 -0400

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, once proposed raising taxes to make room for a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer.

A "DEI coordinator" was among eight new hires in the city’s 2023 proposed budget and would have set aside $25,500 for the position. To cover the costs of that opening and those of a police chief, a fire chief, a business administrator, a solicitor and a director of public works, the budget included a 3% property tax increase, estimated to generate $957,000 for the city.

The positions were estimated to cost $380,500. That budget was not adopted.

Cognetti’s proposed plan highlights her beliefs about diversity in government and the directness with which government should pursue representation among certain demographics as she looks to flip one of the country’s most competitive districts and unseat incumbent Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pa.

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In the past, Cognetti has highlighted her purposeful pursuit of diversity in government.

"We’re not doing this for the publicity. We’re doing this quietly so that these conversations just become the norm," Cognetti said in a podcast appearance.

When asked about the DEI proposals and the 2023 budget, the Cognetti campaign pointed out that Bresnahan’s company has received government assistance for being "women-owned," support it says is in line with DEI policies.

"Rob Bresnahan’s own company identifies itself as disadvantaged and women-owned in order to get a leg up on securing federal contracts," a Cognetti spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital, referring to Kuharchik Construction Inc.

The company, which Bresnahan began leading as CEO in 2013, has received $162,000 in federal contracts since 2008, according to records.

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It has not received federal payments since 2017.

The campaign also said that many of Cognetti’s other acts as mayor directly helped bring the city’s costs down.

"Mayor Cognetti ran as an independent against a corrupt Democratic machine and reformed city hall. She saved taxpayers' money by balancing the budget after years of mismanagement, turned down a government car and gas card, refused a pay raise and improved the city’s credit rating from junk bond status to an A- investment rating," the Cognetti campaign continued.

"Now, Paige is running to take on corrupt politicians in Washington like Rob Bresnahan, who has stock traded off of his votes and his access to insider information in Congress."

Bresnahan is not under investigation for insider trading, a violation of House rules.

Despite her emphasis on cutting government spending, Cognetti’s framing of the 2023 budget and its DEI role reflects her belief that diversity should be an area where the government places more of its resources.

She explained her thinking in a 2023 podcast.

"I will say that we’ve had some setbacks. Last year, we put a DEI coordinator in our budget. My city council cut that position with zero fanfare. There was no public comment. And this is where I think that the positive advocacy is missing," Cognetti said of her budget proposal.

"You know, you want to raise taxes 3%. ‘Well, it should be only 2%.’ OK, well, let’s have that conversation."

In Cognetti’s view, her work on DEI has not clashed with Scranton's interests, and she affirms that hiring the best candidates has naturally led to greater diversity in government roles.

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"We’re not doing it by cherry-picking, but by merit, and, lo and behold, City Hall looks different," Cognetti said.

"When you walk into City Hall today, there are far more people of color and far more women working there, I think, than you would have seen four years ago. And, again, it's not because we have had some grand strategy beyond really just hiring the best people for the jobs and trying to make sure that our jobs are posted in places that people are looking, right?"

Tom Hanks' son Chet Hanks shares the life-changing decision that followed rehab and addiction

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:25:18 -0400

Chet Hanks offered a deeply personal look at his struggles with addiction and self-worth, saying he didn't find peace until he stopped trying to control everything and gave it to God.

Hanks reflected on the emotional burden of growing up in the shadow of Tom Hanks, his journey through rehab and the lessons he's learned since an appearance on "Artist Friendly with Joel Madden."

The 35-year-old actor said life changed for him when he embraced gratitude for life's simplest moments rather than focusing on opportunities that weren't coming.

"I did notice that once I learned to truly love the simple s---, it made ... my career happen a lot smoother," he told host Joel Madden. "Like, that's actually the game changer that shifted everything in my career."

CHET HANKS DITCHED LUXURY APARTMENTS FOR NASHVILLE TRAILER PARK

"Like, once I was like, I don't have s---. I'm broke. Like, I'm fresh outta rehab or whatever. I got nothing going on. No opportunity's happening. Nobody's calling my phone. Nobody's f---ing, I don't even have an audition. Music? No one gives a f--- about my music. You know what I mean?" he added.

"But I was so grateful to just have a spot, have my bike, wake up in the morning. Wow. It's a beautiful day. I'm gonna go for a walk."

The actor said embracing gratitude after rehab ultimately led him to surrender his worries to God rather than trying to control every outcome.

"When I got to that point, that's when the phone started ringing," he explained. "You know what I'm saying? It's an energetic thing. .... I truly believe that. I feel like we are trained to think that we have to hustle and grind to make s--- happen. And, to some extent, that's true.

"But, for me, I can truly say that when I was putting it all on myself, I gotta grind. I gotta hustle. I gotta think of something. I gotta come up with a plan. I gotta f---ing do this. I gotta f---ing wait. You know what I mean? I got nowhere. Like, it was always just one f---ing obstacle after the other."

Instead of relying solely on hustle, Hanks said he found peace by placing his faith in God.

"It felt like I was just never making any progress. When I truly let go, and I'm like, you know what, f--- all that. I gotta just enjoy the simple s--- and trust God. And what I'm worrying about I give it to God. I tell God, 'Yo God, check this out. This is what I'm worrying about. I'm stressed about this. I don't know what the f--- I'm gonna do. I don't gotta answer. I'm giving it to you. You deal with it. Please. Amen.' That's when s--- started happening."

Reflecting on his addiction, Hanks offered a candid explanation for what drew him to drugs in the first place.

"See, that was my problem, is that I liked not being in control. That was like the thrill of it."

TOM HANKS’ SON CHET TRAPPED IN MEDELLIN AFTER USING GREEK PASSPORT FOR COLOMBIA TRIP GOES WRONG

Hanks also looked back on his childhood, explaining how growing up as the son of one of Hollywood's biggest stars shaped his self-worth. He admitted he was "hyper aware" of how people interacted with him to the point that it "was like an overload."

"There's so much information that I'm picking up on," Hanks said. "These micro things that I'm aware of, that was so overwhelming, that the way I dealt with it was just tune it out completely," he explained. "Because if I didn't shut it off completely, I would be consumed by it. And that kind of created its own monster."

He explained that those feelings made him crave a sense of freedom that had eluded him for years.

"The circumstances I was born into was, like, I didn't feel like I needed to meet the bar. I felt like I had to excel past the bar in order for me to just ... live up to who I thought I should be," he explained.

Those pressures became deeply internalized, according to Hanks.

"Over long periods of time, the result, for me at least, was to internalize it – forming the belief that there is something wrong with me," he admitted.

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Hanks said the emotional toll boiled down to one overwhelming feeling.

"Like, really what it is is just feeling worthless," Hanks said. "I felt worthless. You know what I'm saying? People ask me, 'What was it like for you growing up?' ... They have an idea in their head, like, of like some, like f---ing awesome.

"That wasn't it dude," he emphasized. "And that wasn't it. It was, like, just feeling f---ing worthless."

Hanks revealed his Nashville trailer home represents the freedom he spent years searching for after addiction and growing up in the shadow of one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

"I just love the feeling of, like, freedom," he told Madden. "That, to me, is, I realize, like, that that's the most important thing in life for me, hands down."

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Hanks traded swanky apartment living for a Nashville trailer park while pursuing his country music dreams.

He launched his country music career in 2025 as he created his band, Something Out West, with collaborator Drew Arthur. The duo released "Leaving Hollywood" and recently performed at the Stagecoach Festival.

Looking back on his journey, Hanks said one lesson stands above all the rest.

"I just feel like gratitude is the key to unlocking everything," he explained. "Because if you're not grateful for, at least, you could have a s----- job that you hate. But if you're not at least grateful in that s----- job for your health, for your loved ones. Then if you don't learn the importance of gratitude when you don't have s---, you're not gonna learn it If you get all the s---."

"And even if you get all the s---, if you've never learned why you have to be grateful, then it won't even f---ing matter, and you won't even enjoy it," Hanks noted. "And then what's the point?"

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Major NBA trade won't be official until league's investigation into team's salary cap accusations is complete

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:23:15 -0400

Kawhi Leonard isn't going to Toronto just yet.

Last week, Leonard's Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a trade that would send him to the Toronto Raptors, where he won a championship in 2019. However, the trade is reportedly on hold until the NBA's investigation into the Clippers is complete.

Leonard is accused of receiving off-the-books money through an apparent endorsement deal to help the Clippers circumvent the salary cap.

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"For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency," the Clippers said in a statement to ESPN.

"On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors' ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation.

"The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion."

In the statement, the Clippers denied any wrongdoing.

LEBRON JAMES NEXT TEAM ODDS: CAVALIERS FAVORED; HEAT, WARRIORS IN MIX

"We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by [Aspiration co-founder Joe] Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison," the team said.

"We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues. We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing."

The Raptors told ESPN they "would assume the risk of any potential outcome" of the investigation and "will wait until the league's investigation is complete."

"The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization and our fans," they said.

Leonard remains under contract through 2027 and is set to earn more than $50 million next season. According to reports, he also hopes to sign a two-year, $126.1 million extension that would allow him to finish his career in Canada.

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The Raptors agreed to part with forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks.

Outkick's Alejandro Avila contributed to this report.

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Accused Charlie Kirk assassin allegedly confessed in texts, apologized and described motive, agent testifies

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:51:43 -0400

PROVO, Utah – Tyler Robinson allegedly admitted to assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in text messages to his roommate after the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting, apologized for his actions and claimed he acted because he "had enough of his hatred," according to testimony Thursday during Robinson's preliminary hearing.

Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis read portions of the text exchange in court as prosecutors continued presenting evidence against Robinson, 23, who is charged with assassinating Kirk outside a "Prove Me Wrong" event at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Reading from the exchange, Davis testified Robinson sent his roommate, Lance Twiggs, a message shortly after the shooting that read, "Stop what you're doing. Look under the keyboard."

Davis then read another alleged message from Robinson.

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

"I'm still okay, my love, but I'm stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn't be long until I can come home, but gotta grab my rifle," the message read. "Still, to be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you."

Twiggs allegedly replied, "You weren't the one who did it, right?"

"I am. I'm sorry."

After Twiggs wrote, "I thought they caught the person," Davis read Robinson's alleged response.

"No, they grabbed some crazy old dude, then interrogated someone in similar clothing. I had planned to grab my rifle from the drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down," Davis read. "It's quiet, almost enough to get out, but there's one vehicle lingering."

TYLER ROBINSON'S AND LANCE TWIGGS' DNA BOTH ALLEGEDLY FOUND ON KEY EVIDENCE IN CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION

When Twiggs asked why Robinson carried out the shooting, Davis testified Robinson replied: "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out. If I'm able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again. Hopefully they have moved on."

Robinson added, "I haven't seen anything in the news about them finding it. We'll update you by midnight."

After Twiggs asked how long he had been planning the shooting, Davis read Robinson's response: "A bit over a week. I believe I can get close to it, but there is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot, but I don't want to chance it."

CHARLIE KIRK FAMILY DEMANDS JUDGE REVEAL HIDDEN EVIDENCE FROM ACCUSED ASSASSIN'S HEARING

Davis also read messages in which Robinson allegedly described trying to recover the rifle.

"While they were parked there, if they had found it, I imagine there would be more commotion. Again, I'm sorry for roping you into all of this. You shouldn't have to worry about this."

When Twiggs asked why Robinson left the rifle behind, Davis read his alleged response.

"I worry about prints. I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits, didn't have the ability or time to bring it with."

According to Davis, Robinson later wrote, "I'll bet that K-9 sniffed it out. We replace it? Unlikely. I don't fully know what the gun was because it was old as s--- and Gramps did some modifying."

He also referenced bullets he had engraved before the shooting.

"Remember how I was engraving bullets? The f------ messages are mostly a big meme. If I see notices... on Fox News, I might have a stroke."

The exchange concluded with Robinson allegedly writing, "No, my dad wanted to use a high caliber for the rifle hunt. Judging from today, I say Gramps' gun does just fine."

Davis testified that Robinson then instructed Twiggs: "Delete this exchange."

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Davis also testified Robinson later texted, "I'm going to turn myself in willingly. One of my neighbors here is a deputy for the sheriff. We hope to keep things sort of quiet here."

The final message Davis read from the exchange stated: "If any police ask you questions, ask for a lawyer and stay silent. My lawyer should be Doug Terry. I'll see if he can reach out to you and make sure the police follow."

17 backyard additions under $200 that make your outdoor space feel brand new

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:21:55 -0500

Summer is almost here, which means your backyard is about to see a lot more use. A few smart additions like string lights, an outdoor rug and a fire pit can make the space feel like an extension of your living room without a major project. Some options, including chaise lounge sets, are up to 71% off. These easy upgrades start at just $22.

Under $50

Add lighting and outdoor rugs for quick upgrades without committing to a full makeover.

Outdoor rug: $23.45 (5% off)

Original price: $24.60

If a patio or deck feels unfinished, an outdoor rug can help pull the space together. This large patterned rug works well under seating areas or dining tables and cleans up easily with a sweep or hose. It also folds up and stores away in the included bag when not in use.

Solar-powered string lights: $21.99

Few upgrades can transform a patio faster than string lights. These solar-powered strands turn on automatically at dusk and run for five to six hours on a full charge. With WeatherTite construction rated for winds up to 50 mph and 12 shatterproof bulbs, they're built to last.

Plow & Hearth Sunbrella throw pillows: $39.95

Instead of buying all-new outdoor furniture, try livening up your existing pieces with these stylish throw pillows. Available in over a dozen designs and crafted using acrylic fabric that locks in color, these UV-protected pillows will still look brilliant season after season.

Solar deck lights: $24.99 (38% off)

Original price: $39.99

Solar deck lights are an easy way to make outdoor spaces better lit and more inviting. They turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn, providing light for steps and pathways. A full charge takes about four to five hours in direct sunlight.

Whiskey barrel planters, set of 3: $24.86 (17% off)

Original price: $29.99

These large whiskey barrel planters give the look of wood without the upkeep, and the built-in drainage helps avoid overwatering. Prefer something sleeker? The all-white fiberstone planter gives a modern feel and works indoors or out.

Steel patio side table: $31.99 (18% off)

Original price: $38.88

An extra side table gives you a spot for drinks and small plates while relaxing in a lounge or Adirondack chair. This black steel version stays cooler in the sun thanks to its powder-coated finish and cleans up quickly with a hose.

Best Choice raised oval garden bed: $29.99 (40% off)

Original price: $44.99

Planning to grow vegetables this spring? A raised garden bed lets you control soil quality while helping reduce weeds. The open-bottom design improves drainage to prevent water and salt buildup, creating a healthier growing environment. This powder-coated steel option comes in multiple colors to blend in with your garden.

Under $100

Planters and patio sets add color and function to your backyard without overspending.

Outdoor wall light: $55.99

Add this modern black lantern to a dim or completely unlit porch or patio for a bit of extra light and style. The seeded glass casts a soft, textured glow at night, and the fixture comes with mounting hardware for simple installation.

108-inch umbrella: $59.99 (39% off)

Original price: $99

Create a shady spot for summer days with this large 108-inch umbrella, designed to provide flexible coverage as the sun moves. Tilt the canopy to adjust your shade, while the UPF 60 fabric helps protect against harsh rays. A smooth-turning crank makes setup quick and easy.

Lockable deck box: $79.58 (7% off)

Original price: $94.73

Protect cushions, pool floats and gardening tools in this lockable deck box. It helps keep everything in one place and even doubles as extra seating when guests stop by. For bigger storage needs, this 5-by-3-foot shed has double doors and room for lawn tools or even a mower.

Side table with hidden cooler: $79.49

Get a side table, cocktail table and beverage cooler all in one versatile piece. The Keter Pacific Cool Bar features a hidden 7.5-gallon cooler that holds up to 40 cans and keeps drinks cold for 12-plus hours. Twist the lid to lift it from coffee table height to bar height, then use the built-in drain plug for easy cleanup.

Rattan patio set with cushions: $89.99 (18% off)

Original price: $109.99

This sleek three-piece rattan set includes two cushioned high-back chairs and a glass-top coffee table sized for small patios or balconies. The easy-to-clean surfaces make it a practical choice for everyday use.

Under $200

Get more out of your backyard with bigger investment upgrades like a fire pit or pizza oven.

Wood-burning outdoor fire pit: $199 (20% off)

Original price: $248.99

A fire pit makes a backyard more inviting after sunset. This wood-burning steel design features a crossweave pattern for better airflow and includes a protective screen to help contain sparks.

Chaise lounge chairs, set of 2: $163.99 (71% off)

Original price: $569.99

Lounge chairs help you get more use out of your backyard, whether you’re reading a book or relaxing by the pool. This set is made from durable polyresin designed to handle sun and heat, and the adjustable backs fully recline. Add striped cushions for extra comfort and style.

Rattan patio set: $139.99 (22% off)

Original price: $179.99

Get more use out of your backyard with this two-person dining set. The woven rattan chairs offer a modern look and supportive design, and the cushions come in neutral tones. For larger gatherings, this six-piece set seats four and includes an umbrella.

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Outdoor pizza oven: $122.99 (28% off)

Original price: $169.99

Cook homemade pizza in this stainless steel oven. It offers multiple fuel options — wood pellets, electric or gas — for flexible cooking. A pizza stone is included, and the folding legs make storage simple.

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

FAA sounds alarm as summer flyers approach July's biggest air traffic crunch

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:10:50 -0400

Travelers taking to the skies today are expected to face the busiest air travel day of July.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is forecasting over 56,000 flights nationwide for Thursday, July 9, the agency told Fox News Digital.

The FAA's latest forecast calls for 56,311 flights, just eight fewer than the 56,319 flights recorded on June 25, the busiest day of the year so far.

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The timing may surprise some travelers, with the busiest flying day of the month falling nearly a week after the Fourth of July rather than during the holiday weekend itself.

New York-based travel expert Lee Abbamonte told Fox News Digital the unusual travel spike reflects shifting summer vacation patterns following the Fourth of July holiday.

"This unusual mid-July surge is due to peak summer vacation travel and people returning from extended Fourth of July trips," Abbamonte said.

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"This has all added up to a ridiculously busy travel day in a normally very busy time of the year."

He said travelers who delayed their return flights may also have benefited from lower fares.

"I think that has to do with extended vacations and the fact that off-days are generally cheaper for flying. Flying today on a Thursday is cheaper than it would have been last Sunday or even Monday with the holiday weekend," Abbamonte said.

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Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing," told Fox News Digital that while July 4 marked the peak of the holiday itself, it was not necessarily the busiest day for flight operations.

"Many people drive for the Fourth of July," Leff said.

"Now that summer is in full swing, schools are out and bigger summer trips are underway, you get a combination of return traffic from extended trips, mid-summer leisure demand and the heavy end-of-week airline schedule," Leff said.

To help travelers navigate the crowds, Leff recommended booking nonstop flights whenever possible and choosing early morning departures, which are generally less likely to be affected by delays that build throughout the day.

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"When possible, travel nonstop," he said.

"Connections multiply the chances that something will go wrong."

ESPN's John Buccigross names his Mount Rushmore of all-time SportsCenter anchors

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:10:18 -0400

This October will mark 30 years since John Buccigross made his ESPN debut. Over the past three decades, he's become one of the network's most recognizable voices, anchoring SportsCenter and calling NHL games.

Buccigross joined OutKick this week for a wide-ranging conversation that revealed a side of him many viewers have never seen. He opened up about his divorce, his personal struggles, and how faith helped him through some of the most difficult years of his life.

We also asked him about a popular debate among sports fans: Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of SportsCenter anchors?

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"Chris Berman is the first name. He built the place," Buccigross said. "He was the everyday sports fan, the king of Middle America. He just loved sports, and that came through every night."

His second choice came just as quickly.

"Keith Olbermann is the other. His intelligence, his writing and his knowledge of history took the show to another level."

From there, Buccigross struggled to narrow the list to just four.

"Man, this is really hard," Buccigross admitted before working through the remaining candidates.

First, he mentioned Craig Kilborn:

"Craig Kilborn was different because he brought comedy. When he came on, it felt like a new artist had arrived. I'd see his name in the opening credits and know I was watching. He was genuinely funny and completely unique."

Then Scott Van Pelt:

"Scott Van Pelt deserves to be in the conversation, too. He's become an outstanding interviewer, maybe the best in the business. His 'One Big Thing' essays are exceptional, and to produce that level of work every night on a solo show is remarkable."

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Then Stuart Scott:

"Obviously, Stuart Scott was a comet. He came along and did the job in a way nobody else had. He became a true pop culture star. People who didn't even watch ESPN knew who Stuart Scott was."

And finally, Dan Patrick:

"Dan Patrick also belongs in the conversation. He had an understated style that never wore on viewers. He made it look effortless, and that's a rare skill."

Eventually, we made Buccigross lock in his final two choices.

"So if you have to narrow it to four, who are the final faces on Mount Rushmore?" I asked.

"Berman and Olbermann are locks," he responded. "Stuart Scott has to be there because of his impact and star power. That fourth spot is the toughest. You can make a case for Dan Patrick, Craig Kilborn or Scott Van Pelt."

After thinking it over, he made his final pick.

"If I'm picking one, I'll go with Scott Van Pelt. His ability to interview people, write essays, read highlights and connect with viewers puts him over the top. He's got the touch."

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So, according to John Buccigross, the SportsCenter Mount Rushmore consists of Chris Berman, Keith Olbermann, Stuart Scott and Scott Van Pelt.

Do you agree? Let us know your SportsCenter Mount Rushmore on X at @burackbobby_. Stay tuned to OutKick for more from our interview with John Buccigross in the coming days.

These school supplies are cheaper online than in stores — Amazon, Best Buy and more

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:05:47 -0400

Many back-to-school essentials are already cheaper online than they are in stores. Get a head start on shopping with the best deals from Amazon, Staples and Best Buy on everything from JanSport backpacks and graphing calculators to notebooks, pencils and more.

Graphing calculator: $94.99 (14% off)

Original price: $110.85

Graphing calculators can be one of the biggest back-to-school expenses. Right now, Amazon has the Texas Instruments TI-84 — a model commonly required for math classes — for less than $100. If you're looking to spend less, Staples also has the Casio FX graphing calculator, which offers many similar features and comes in pink.

JanSport backpack: $35.71 (11% off)

Original price: $40

JanSport backpacks are a staple, but Amazon currently offers some of the best prices. Pick up a classic JanSport backpack in a variety of colors for just $36, beating in-store prices by $20. If you need extra space, Staples also has a floral JanSport laptop backpack.

Apple AirPods 4: $99 (23% off)

Original price: $129.99

Save $31 on Apple's AirPods 4 at Amazon, where they're on sale for just $99. Staples also has the earbuds on sale, but for $117. The latest generation features improved sound quality and a more comfortable fit.

Pencils, 18-pack: $3.99

Get an 18-pack of classic yellow pencils from Amazon for just $4. If mechanical pencils are on your shopping list, Staples offers a better value with a 40-pack for only $10.

Pilot pens: $5.53 (52% off)

Original price: $11.49

Amazon has one of the best deals on Pilot pens, with a four-pack marked down by more than 50%. For comparison, Staples charges about $10 for a three-pack of fine-point Pilot pens, while Amazon's four-pack costs just over $5.

Notebooks, 6-pack: $6.99 (25% off)

Original price: $9.31

After comparing prices at Amazon, Staples and Best Buy, Amazon offers the best deal on this six-pack of Mead notebooks thanks to a 25% discount. The set includes six colors, making it easy to organize notebooks by class.

HP DeskJet printer: $69.99 (22% off)

Original price: $89.99

Amazon and Best Buy are tied on price for the HP DeskJet 2955 printer at $69.99, a savings of $20. Both retailers also include three months of Instant Ink with your purchase.

Five Star binder: $17.09 (12% off)

Original price: $19.53

Five Star binders cost more than $30 at Staples and Best Buy, but Amazon has them for about $20, saving you more than $14. If color isn't a priority, the red version is an even better value at just $17.

Crayola crayons and markers: $13 (16% off)

Original price: $5.56

Amazon comes out ahead again with some of the best prices on Crayola supplies. A two-pack of Crayola crayons costs just $13, while a single-pack at Best Buy is priced at $31. You can also pick up a 12-count of Crayola markers for just $6.

Owala FreeSip water bottle: $24.99

Amazon has kids' Owala FreeSip water bottles for $25 in a variety of fun colors, making it an easy stop for a back-to-school essential. Choose from bright combinations like mint green and brown or orange and navy.

Elmer's glue sticks: $7.50 (25% off)

Original price: $9.97

No matter where you shop, it's easy to save on Elmer's glue sticks right now. Amazon has a 30-count pack for just over $7, while Staples offers a six-pack for $4.

Logitech wireless mouse: $14.99 (35% off)

Original price: $22.99

Best Buy has the best price on this Logitech wireless mouse at just $15, a 35% discount. The battery lasts up to 18 months, making it a practical pick for school or work. A similar model on Amazon costs about $30, even on sale.

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Minions backpack: $59.99

With a new Minions movie in theaters, this Simple Modern Minions backpack from Amazon is a fun back-to-school pick. It features multiple storage pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve. For a more collectible option, Kipling also offers Minions-themed backpacks, pencil cases and tablet bags.

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