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Explosive sexual assault allegation rocks Platner campaign ahead of key deadline in crucial Senate race

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:26:13 -0400

Democratic Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing calls from top Democrats in his home state and in Washington to immediately end his campaign, in the wake of an explosive report on Monday afternoon that contained an allegation of rape from a woman he previously dated.

Platner, a populist Democrat long backed by progressive champion Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is challenging longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a high-profile, combustible and expensive race in Maine, which is one of a handful that will determine if the GOP holds onto its slim Senate majority in November's midterm elections.

But hours after a report from Politico on the latest allegations went viral, longtime Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer called them "incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable."

In a statement with Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chair Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Schumer emphasized, "Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins. The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot."

Speculation was swirling on social media hours earlier about Platner's future after several of his events were canceled over the weekend.

‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN

Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, told Politico over the course of three interviews that Platner forced her to have sex five years ago against her will, a claim that Platner denied in the story. Additionally, the report says that a man Raciot dated afterward confirmed she had told him about the incident, which was also corroborated by emails between Racicot and her therapist.

"I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told the outlet about the incident, which allegedly took place while Platner was "almost blackout drunk." "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’"

Racicot alleges that Platner entered her home uninvited and forced her to have unprotected sex despite her telling him to stop multiple times.

Racicot said in the report that "one of the reasons" she didn't come forward until now was the "huge moral conflict" she had between her support of Platner's politics and not supporting him "as a person."

"I just want the truth out there," Racicot said. "I just want people to have a whole scope of who he is as a person."

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

The Platner campaign posted a video on X shortly after the Politico story published where Platner again called the allegations "false" and that he was going to "reflect" on the best path forward.

"So, regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner says in the video. "Those were the goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain my goals today."

Over the last few days, multiple Platner events over the 4th of July holiday weekend and Monday were canceled without an official explanation or comment from the campaign, Bangor Daily News reported on Monday, other than one event organizer saying that an event in Gorman was canceled due to Platner "not feeling well."

The news of the canceled events led conservative outlets and pundits to speculate throughout the day on Monday, before the Politico report was published, about whether there was an underlying reason for the cancellations.

"Graham Platner cancels MULTIPLE scheduled town hall events as progressive allies tease another scandal is about to hit his campaign," the Maine Wire news outlet posted on X. "Augusta town hall for last night - CANCELED Gorham town hall tonight - CANCELED Sanford town hall tonight - CANCELED. There are no other upcoming events listed on his FB page, or on Mobilize."

"Graham Platner no-showed Fourth of July celebrations across Maine," the National Republican Senatorial Committee posted on X in response to the Maine Wire post. "Now, he's canceling everything else. We wouldn't want to be seen in public either… "

"A well-placed source told us that Graham Platner is dropping out of the Maine Senate race this week," the Washington Reporter posted on X. "Note that Platner has yet to release his Q2 fundraising totals, a sign he may have underperformed expectations. "

In addition to the online rumors circulating on Monday, bets on the online prediction market Polymarket surged over the weekend, with users betting that Platner would drop out before the midterms.

FORMER PRIMARY RIVAL RESURFACES TO CHALLENGE SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER IN MAINE SENATE RACE

Collins, who is running for a sixth six-year term in the Senate, said in a statement, "These allegations are appalling. Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate."

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Maine Democratic Party, in a statement, said it "is calling Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate."

One of Platner's top supporters in Congress, Rep. Ro Khanna of California, rescinded his endorsement.

"I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement," Khanna wrote in a social media post.

Khanna, a top progressive leader in the House, told Fox News Digital as he campaigned with Platner in Maine days ahead of the primary that he was "concerned about making it clear that we’re opposed to misogyny, those relationships were toxic and volatile, there’s no excuse for that."

"I talked to Graham, and he says he was at a very dark period. He had come back from two tours of duty in Iraq as an infantryman seeing violence and death. That doesn’t excuse it," Khanna said last month.

Also dropping their endorsement on Monday was Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, who along with Khanna is considered a potential 2028 White House hopeful.

"The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious," Gallego wrote on X. "I am rescinding my endorsement."

Meanwhile, Democratic Senate candidate Alex Vindman, who is on a glide path to win next month's primary in Florida, said in a statement,"I believe Graham Platner should immediately drop out. These allegations are extremely serious, disturbing, and disqualifying."

So did Rep. Haley Stevens, who is battling Abdul El-Sayed for the Democratic Senate nomination in Michigan's August 4 primary.

"Graham Platner must step aside," Stevens emphasized in a statement.

Platner has been at the center of multiple controversies since launching his campaign, including infidelity, alleged physical abuse of an ex-girlfriend, a Nazi-linked tattoo, disparaging comments about the military, referring to himself as a "communist", scrutiny over his working-class bonafides, and a variety of inflammatory posts on a deleted Reddit account.

Despite the controversies, many polls in recent weeks showed that Platner had a lead on Collins. However, a Fox News poll published last week showed Collins with a small advantage, along with more than half of respondents saying that Platner lacks the judgment to serve as a U.S. senator.

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Now that Platner has won the Democratic primary, the next key date is 5 p.m. on Monday, July 13. Under Maine law, if Platner formally withdraws as the Democratic nominee by that deadline, the Maine Democratic Party can replace him on the general election ballot by selecting a new nominee through its party process, with the replacement required to be chosen by July 27.

If he remains the nominee past the July 13 deadline, the party generally loses its ability to substitute another candidate through the normal replacement process, except in limited circumstances defined under state law.

"These allegations are very serious and Graham vigorously denies them," a Platner campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "They are also coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives. For a year, opponents of this campaign have thrown everything they can at Graham –– calling him a Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist. None of it has been true and this is no different."

"It is not a coincidence that this story comes a week before the ballot deadline, just as the previous false allegations came a week before the primary. Graham began this campaign to fight for a Maine where everyone is treated with dignity and where Mainers are put first, and no amount of desperate smears will stop this movement from seeing that vision through."

Fox News' Alexis McAdams, Jessica Sonkin and Matthew Donnell contributed to this report

Nolan's 'The Odyssey' actress said she'd scold Homer over lack of female speaking roles

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:00:02 -0400

Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o said in an interview on Thursday that if she met the ancient Greek playwright Homer, she would grill him about the lack of female representation in his epics.

Nyong’o, famous for her roles in "Black Panther" and "12 Years a Slave," will play Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic, "The Odyssey." Helen of Troy is known in mythology as the world's most beautiful woman and for whom the Trojan War was started in Homer’s epic, "The Iliad," followed by "The Odyssey." Nyong’o will also be playing Helen’s sister, Clytemnestra, in the same movie.

Emmy-winning interviewer Jake Hamilton of "Jake’s Takes" interviewed the cast of Nolan’s upcoming "The Odyssey" adaptation on Thursday, asking many of them the same general question.

"I want you to imagine, really quick, that you're sitting in a movie theater, and you're sitting next to Homer," he began. "Let's say he speaks English. Let's say he understands what movies are, and you watch ‘The Odyssey.’ When it's over, you can lean over and go, ‘Okay, cool. What do you think about how I did this?’ What is an aspect of your performance that you'd love to get his thoughts on?"

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"I would be like, ‘So, Homer, how do you feel about the screen time given to these women considering how little you spent with them?’" Nyong’o said. "Okay?"

"And then do you lean forward and look at him like that?" Hamilton said as he pretended to lean forward and give a challenging look to the next seat.

"Yes. Like, ‘Hmm? Remember us??’" Nyong’o replied.

The film has already faced waves of controversy for multiple aspects that have fans of Homer’s work feeling uneasy about the film.

In May, he confirmed having cast Nyong’o as Helen, which sparked controversy as yet another example of casting famous fictional or historical figures with actors of another racial background, similar to Disney’s live-action remakes of "Snow White" or "The Little Mermaid" or Netflix’s "Queen Cleopatra" which faced backlash from the Egyptian government.

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Nolan also revealed to Time Magazine that rapper Travis Scott will be playing a Greek bard. Nolan defended the choice as an acknowledgment of poetic tradition.

"I cast him because I wanted to nod toward the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap," Nolan told Time.

In the footage released so far, characters in Nolan's adaptation can be seen using modernized American English terms like "Let’s go" and "Daddy." A recent promotion for the film featured NBA player LeBron James and his son, as parallels to Odysseus and his son Telemachus, where LeBron is dribbling a basketball and narrating over imagery from the film.

A Hollywood Reporter writer was taken aback by the American accents used in the trailer, writing, "Everybody sounds like they’re from Ohio."

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Joy Reid says she's openly rooting for Team USA to lose, hopes an African team wins the World Cup

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:59:27 -0400

Joy Reid said she could not celebrate the Fourth of July over the weekend as a Black person in America. It sounds like she won't be able to enjoy Team USA's success in the World Cup, either.

On Monday, The Nation sports editor David Zirin, a goof, told Reid he is rooting for the United States to lose to Belgium so President Donald Trump cannot "exploit" the victory.

"I find myself really wishing the United States was actually playing a team from the Global South so I could truly root with even more fervor to see them get knocked down a peg, because we know how it's going to be exploited if they go forward in the Cup," Zirin said on Reid's podcast.

Reid nodded in agreement.

"Exactly," she replied.

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She then clarified that she isn't merely rooting against Team USA. She's rooting for an African nation to win the entire World Cup.

"I'm rooting for all the African teams," Reid said. "I'm being very open about it. I'm rooting for the African teams. I want one of them to win. I think it would be so great for the Global South for an African team to take home the big prize."

Is that so?

One can't help but chuckle at someone who has made millions of dollars a year bashing the country in which she lives while openly rooting against it in the world's biggest soccer tournament. It's certainly one way to thank the audience that made those paychecks possible.

No, seriously. That is exactly what her audience, the anti-American scum they are, wants to hear.

What's notable about Reid is that she always seems sincere. Many race idolaters and anti-American commentators are simply playing a role, including Reid's pal Jemele Hill.

In many ways, people like Hill are trying to become the next Joy Reid, as unfortunate as that may be.

We have little doubt Reid truly spent the Fourth of July weekend stewing over America, reminding herself how irredeemably racist she believes it is.

Likewise, she will almost certainly celebrate when Team USA is eliminated from the World Cup. Speaking for most sane Americans, though, we hope that doesn't happen Monday against Belgium in the Round of 16.

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As for Reid's desire to see an African nation win it all, only two remain as of Monday: Morocco and Egypt.

Egypt has the longest odds to win the Cup, at +2500 at DraftKings. Team USA and Morocco are each around +2900. France is a notable favorite at +180.

WWE legend John Bradshaw Layfield hails AAA the 'hottest program in the world right now'

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:57:32 -0400

WWE acquired Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) before WrestleMania 41 in 2025 and the Mexican promotion’s growth over the last year may be one of the underrated stories in pro wrestling over the last 15 months.

AAA garnered a ton of attention with the buildup to its Mask vs. Mask match between El Grande Americano and Original El Grande Americano, Worlds Collide in June 2025 was a great way to introduce to re-introduce Lucha Libre to an American audience and TripleMania is going to be a two-night event for the first time in the company’s history.

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"I think it’s the hottest program in the world right now. It’s unbelievable. They got incredible characters," WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

He recalled working in Mexico early in his career and how incredible the energy was in the country when he would perform there.

"I’d go down there and work and people have thought since then if Lucha Libre ever takes off, as I’d always say this is a sleeping giant, I think what people are now starting to see what we’ve known all along about Lucha Libre is just fantastic. There’s Incredible characters. There’s incredible passion, especially with the Mexican fans. I’ve always enjoyed working down there. I always say you gotta work in a few arenas to make it in life. You gotta work at the Sportatorium, you gotta work at Staples Center, you gotta work at The Garden, you gotta work in Budokan, you gotta work in Earls Court – anywhere in Mexico is like that.

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"It’s just unbelievable. The passion that the people have down there – I love it. And I just think that AAA has done an incredible job. Jeremy Borash, who is incredibly talented, Undertaker, who is a good friend of mine and also a very smart guy, I believe they’ve just done an incredible job with the product."

Mask vs. Mask was one of the first major hits since the WWE acquisition was announced.

It saw El Grande Americano defeat Original El Grande Americano, who later revealed himself to be Chad Gable. The match had everything a pro wrestling fan could want – incredible characters, exciting buildup and one of the best matches of the year.

Bradshaw said there were two matches he’s seen in his career that he thought the men in the ring were doing a "different art form." – Fit Finlay vs. Tony St. Clair in Europe and Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25. He said the Mask vs. Mask match felt very much the same.

"I felt the same way with Mask vs. Mask. I never thought I’d see another match (like that)," Bradshaw said. "I was hoping I would but I don’t know if I’d ever see a match like I saw with Finlay and St. Clair and Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. I’d put that in that category. I just thought it was absolutely incredible. The passion, the emotion that went with it. Everything about it worked."

Now, El Grande Americano has a new challenge – the revitalization of Los Perros del Mal.

The group recently reformed with Daga, Angel, Berto, Bronco Nima and Karmen Petrovic wreaking havoc on the AAA roster.

Bradshaw said he was looking forward to seeing where the new story goes.

"It just kills me with Los Perros del Mal. It’s kinda like in episodic television like in ‘The Walking Dead’ when the governor dies and it’s like, ‘What are you gonna do now?’ And then all of sudden you have a new villain," he told Fox News Digital. "The first day of the next season and you go, ‘Oh great! This is awesome.’ I’m watching ‘Blacklist’ and as soon as they get rid of one villain you have another one comes in. … And you’re thinking what could top that?

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"As soon as we got done with Mask vs. Mask, Jeremy Borash starts bringing back Los Perros del Mal – this incredible group. That visual of them there, I just thought, my God, man, this is awesome. Now we got something for, I don’t know how long, the next year or whatever long it is. But this is an incredible new journey it’s gonna look like for El Grande Americano."

Kate Hudson stuns in black bikini during Greek getaway with fiancé and kids

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:55:34 -0400

Kate Hudson is all smiles in the Greek Isles.

The "Running Point" star shared a carousel of photos from a Greek vacation with fiancé Danny Fujikawa and her three children, captioning the post, "My happy place."

The images featured Hudson spending time on the water, swimming in the ocean, lounging on a boat and dining with her blended family against picturesque seaside views.

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The post opened with Hudson standing on the edge of a boat while wearing a black string bikini.

The actress showed off her toned figure in the black triangle bikini as she balanced barefoot near the back of the boat with crystal-clear turquoise water.

The "Song Sung Blue" star also shared a sweet beachside moment with her sons, Ryder and Bingham.

The actress was photographed hugging the two boys on the sand while wearing the same black string bikini. Hudson wrapped her arms around her sons beneath a straw beach umbrella as the trio embraced near the shoreline.

The carousel also included a sunny boat moment with her daughter Rani.

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The mother of three sat on a cushioned area of the boat as she smiled with her hands near her hair. Beside her, daughter Rani pointed toward the scenic coastline while the family enjoyed a day on the water.

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Hudson also carved out a quiet moment with Fujikawa, a musician and entrepreneur, as the pair sat together on the beach looking out at the ocean.

Another snapshot captured a playful pose.

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Hudson leaned against a large tree stump while wearing the black bikini and a wide-brimmed straw hat. She completed the look with a woven beach tote as straw umbrellas and loungers lined the grass behind her.

The family also gathered for a scenic dinner overlooking the water.

Hudson smiled up at her fiancé as the family stood together beside a table on an outdoor terrace. The group posed in front of a sweeping view of the Greek coastline at sunset.

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Hudson and Fujikawa first met in the early 2000s before their relationship turned romantic years later. The couple began dating in 2016 and got engaged in September 2021.

The 47-year-old shares daughter Rani with Fujikawa. She is also mom to son Ryder, whom she shares with ex-husband Chris Robinson, and son Bingham, whom she shares with ex-fiancé Matt Bellamy.

During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Hudson opened up about her relationship with Fujikawa and how their long friendship helped shape their romance.

"I know him and his family so well that the fact that we fell in love, any moments that have become challenging or hard, we're so connected through our families," Hudson said.

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Hudson said she had known Fujikawa for years before they started dating.

"When I met him we'd known each other for 14 years or when I started dating him," she said. "So, we're 20… I mean, that's a long time to know somebody."

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Top Platner ally turns on him after bombshell rape allegation rocks campaign: 'Red line'

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:49:34 -0400

Support for embattled Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is cratering among Democrats, with one of his most prominent supporters calling on him to exit the race following a harrowing rape allegation.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., rescinded his endorsement and called on Platner to suspend his campaign following a bombshell Politico report detailing a rape allegation by Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, who previously dated the scandal-plagued candidate.

Platner immediately denied Racicot's account — which alleges that he barged into her home in 2021 and forced her to have unprotected sex — but has said his campaign is determining its next steps.

"I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line," Khanna said in a post on social media Monday evening. "These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement."

DEMOCRATS BREAK WITH SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER, WARN OF 'CIVIL WAR' IN PARTY

The blistering statement comes as Khanna, a far-left populist with likely presidential ambitions, had embraced Platner's insurgent Senate campaign for months amid a patchwork of controversies.

Khanna personally campaigned with the Maine Senate hopeful in June shortly before Platner won the Democratic primary nomination. The campaign stop came just one day after Lyndsey Fifield, a former Platner girlfriend, accused Platner of abuse — an allegation first reported by The New York Times that Platner has fiercely denied.

By that point, Platner was also facing scrutiny for sending sexually explicit messages to at least half a dozen women while married, making a plethora of offensive online statements over the period of a decade and getting a Nazi-linked tattoo that he wore for most of his adult life.

Khanna previously appeared to dismiss the severity of Fifield’s account alongside many Democratic lawmakers, who seized on her background in Republican politics. He also argued that Platner, a combat veteran who has struggled with PTSD, had overcome a dark past and was deserving of redemption.

"Here you have a case of someone who had a dark chapter in his life, was in toxic relationships, was ashamed about it, who served this country, and the Maine voters are saying, ‘Look, let’s give him some grace, and his focus is stopping these wars, and it’s getting national health insurance, and it’s taking on economic inequality," Khanna told CBS News in an interview.

WATCH: DEM SENATORS EXCUSE PLATNER'S CONDUCT AT CRISIS HUDDLE WITH EMBATTLED MAINE CANDIDATE

And Khanna told Fox News’ Martha MacCallum in June that he asked Platner if there were any credible allegations of sexual assault that had yet to be revealed. He said Platner denied it.

"I made it clear that, for me, is a red line," the California lawmaker said. "And he said, no, there is not."

"Now, obviously, he had texts that were allegedly consensual, and while he was married, And that's a matter for him and his wife. And his wife came out and said that she forgave him. And so that is a different matter for me than abuse or assault or what people did in the Epstein class. It's a very different matter."

Khanna was not the only prominent Platner supporter to disavow the Senate hopeful following Monday's rape allegation.

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., rescinded his endorsement Monday evening, but stopped short of calling on Platner to exit the race.

Gallego, a former ally of disgraced ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., has faced scrutiny over his past treatment of women. The Senate Ethics Committee recently dismissed a complaint brought by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., in a bipartisan manner.

Far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who has championed socialist candidates across the country, also distanced himself from Platner on Monday.

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"This is beyond red flags. This is irredeemable ," Piker said during his livestream.

Fox News Digital reached out to Platner’s campaign for comment.

Hasan Piker turns on Platner, says he believes sexual assault accuser and predicts 'curtains' for campaign

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:48:31 -0400

Progressive media darling Hasan Piker is predicting "curtains" for Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a sexual assault allegation rocked the political landscape Monday.

Piker, the popular far-left Twitch host who many Democratic hopefuls have courted for support, reacted to the explosive claim made by Platner ex Jenny Racicot while reading Politico's report on his livestream.

The host was particularly alarmed when he read that Politico "also spoke with a man Racicot dated and confided in the years after the alleged incident, and reviewed documents, including emails between Racicot and her therapist and messages between Racicot and an acquaintance whom she warned against getting involved with Platner years before he ran for office."

EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE

"That is curtains," Piker told his audience. "That is the trifecta, ok? That is the trifecta of a reliable allegation. It's — holy s---."

"Personal first-hand testimony to a friend, a close confidant, back from way before Graham Platner ever f---ing ran for Congress? And also direct testimony from a therapist?" Pike continued, later adding, "I believe this, this accusation. I believe this allegation."

‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN

Others in the liberal media are also taking aim at Platner and speculating on how much longer he will last on the campaign trail.

"If these allegations are true, to this extent, I don’t see how he can be the nominee for senator in Maine for the Democratic Party," MS NOW host Luke Russert reacted to the breaking news.

FORMER PRIMARY RIVAL RESURFACES TO CHALLENGE SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER IN MAINE SENATE RACE

The Bulwark's Tim Miller blasted Graham's video statement saying his campaign is "taking time to reflect on the best path forward."

"I’m sorry but 'we are taking time to reflect on the best path forward' is not an option on the table," Miller wrote on X. "Either it’s false and you campaign with vigor or it’s true and you get out / apologize to everyone you let down."

"Platner needs to drop out ASAP - these are awful, credible allegations," Pod Save America co-host Jon Favreau said. "It's now abundantly clear that he just hasn't been honest about his past and can't be trusted as a candidate for office. Saving grace is that the party can find a replacement by the 27th as long as he drops by the 13th, which I very much assume he will."

The Platner campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

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Search called off after body matching missing teen Nolan Wells found off Mississippi coast

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:39:45 -0400

The search for a Mississippi teen who went missing over the holiday weekend has been called off after a body matching his description was recovered Monday morning, officials said.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed that a body was discovered in the water at about 8:45 a.m. local time Monday, just off shore on the northwest end of Horn Island, according to a report from the New York Post.

While official identification is still pending, Ledbetter told the outlet the recovery "does match the description" of Nolan Xavier Wells, 18.

The grassroots volunteer group United Cajun Navy announced Monday afternoon that search efforts had ceased.

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"On behalf of the United Cajun Navy, we extend our deepest condolences to Nolan’s family, friends, teammates, and everyone whose lives were touched by him," the organization wrote in a statement on Facebook. "We are grateful that Nolan’s family entrusted us to assist in this search."

"... Our teams were proud to provide aerial search operations, boats, and boots on the ground in support of the effort," the organization continued. "Please continue to keep Nolan’s loved ones in your prayers as they grieve this devastating loss. Rest easy, Nolan. You will not be forgotten."

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Wells was last seen on the Fourth of July near Horn Island, according to authorities. A photo shared with police showed the teen smiling with friends on a boat that afternoon.

Search teams from the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore and U.S. Coast Guard combed the island and surrounding waters, establishing a centralized command post at the Lake Mars Boat Launch in Ocean Springs to coordinate the multi-agency effort.

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Following the discovery of the body, Wells’ mother shared an emotional message on Facebook.

"His father, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated," Christine Wonsley wrote. "My heart [is] broken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you please give me and my family time to grieve."

Wonsley and her husband previously posted updates pleading for any photos or videos from the Fourth of July to help track Wells’ last known movements.

"We have so many questions," she wrote prior to the recovery of the body. "Our hearts are breaking, we keep waiting for Nolan to walk through that door with his beautiful smile and a joke of course."

Amid their grief, the family is also warning the community about online scammers attempting to capitalize on the tragedy.

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"I want you all to know a GoFund Me HAS NOT been created by myself, husband, family or friends," Wonsley wrote in a separate post. "So if you see any please report that is not authentic. We will notify everyone if we choose to create one."

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.

Report warns Russia using shadow fleet to probe NATO drone defenses

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:17:59 -0400

As NATO allies prepare to meet in Turkey, at the top of their agenda will be drone warfare and Russia's testing of the NATO alliance.

Using its shadow fleet of old sanction-busting ships, Russia appears to have launched drones at European military bases and airports to test the reaction time of NATO allies and their air defenses, according to a new report published by the International Institute of Strategic Studies, or IISS.

Between August 2024 and February 2026, 144 suspected drones were recorded near sensitive military and nuclear sites in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, and Denmark, and over American air bases in the UK in November 2024.

UKRAINE’S BATTLEFIELD IS TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF NATO

"There's no doubt in my mind that the Russians are using the shadow fleet vessels as a platform to get different types of drones in closer to various European countries," said Ret. Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, who served as the commanding general of US Army Europe until 2018.

In Germany there were more than 1,000 suspicious drone sightings in 2025, over German defense companies and military bases where Ukrainian soldiers were training in Germany.

"Whoever is doing it is testing the reaction of the authorities, is testing how the public will respond, will they panic, will they blame their politicians and the authorities," asked Elisabeth Braw of the Atlantic Council. "Also they are testing perhaps to see how we as European countries or how European countries might react in a real crisis there."

This spate of unmanned aerial vehicles occurred in air space over a dozen NATO states and Ireland, the report states, "forcing repeated closures of major commercial aviation hubs, disrupting military operations and penetrating the perimeters of some of Europe’s most sensitive defence installations."

In 2025, mystery drones targeted military bases in the Netherlands and Belgium where the US is thought to base its B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs and France’s ballistic-missile submarine base at Île Longue.

"It's a combination of espionage," Hodges said. "But also psychologically to create a lot of anxiety in populations to scare them so that they would put pressure on their governments not to support Ukraine."

RUSSIAN GENERALS' ASSASSINATIONS EXPOSE GROWING RIFT INSIDE PUTIN'S SECURITY APPARATUS

The Russian drone campaign appears designed to probe the response times and decision-making thresholds of allied air defense and civil-military command structures.

It also seeks to identify vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, including dual-use civilian facilities, military logistics hubs supporting Ukraine, and sites associated with the Alliance's nuclear deterrence.

Additionally, the campaign aims to impose economic and psychological costs on European societies by disrupting civilian aviation, undermining public confidence in airspace security, and fostering distrust and panic. Finally, it appears intended to normalize low-level airspace violations that remain below the threshold likely to trigger a direct Allied military response.

Those sightings peaked in late 2025, and forced the temporary closure of several European airports, including in Germany, Spain and Denmark.

Sweden is the only European country to accuse Moscow directly after a drone launched at sea from a Russian spy ship flew near a French aircraft carrier.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied accusations of Russian sabotage and surveillance across Europe.

"What’s the point of all this," Putin asked of reporters recently. "Name even one proven fact."

AMERICA'S POWER GRID, FOOD SUPPLY AND MORE ARE UNDER THREAT FROM DRONES

But IISS tracked the locations of Russia's shadow fleet of ships used to evade sanctions and linked them to recent high-profile drone incidents, concluding that Russia could use the ships as a platform to launch the drones while creating deniability. Drones often don't trigger radar.

On Jan. 3, 2025, a Russian shadow fleet vessel, the Arctica, sailed along the Danish coast, while 20 drones flew over the port of Koege, Denmark, before disappearing at sea.

On Sept. 22, drone sightings led to the closure of Copenhagen Airport. The IISS found several shadow ships were in the area at the time, including the Arctica and the Boracay.

And it is not just in Europe. Dozens of unexplained drone sightings also have taken place in the U.S. in the past several years.

In December 2023 at Virginia's Joint Base Langley-Eustis unauthorized aircraft appeared in the skies above the base for 17 days straight, evading military tracking and forcing the Pentagon to bring in specialized assets — including a NASA WB-57 high-altitude jet — to investigate.

In March drones flew near Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, home of the B- 52 H Stratofortress bomber, where drones came in a pattern to suggest they were attempting to avoid the operator or operators being located. Lights on the drones suggested the operators may be testing security responses at the base.

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Panicked sightings of drones near critical infrastructure along the East Coast of the United States in late 2024 led to the Trump administration ordering the declassification of these investigations shortly after the inauguration to ease public concern, concluding the drones were mostly those of hobbyists and that there was no evidence of a foreign threat related to the majority of reported sightings.

The IISS says these are no hobbyists threatening NATO allies in Europe, with the most likely culprit launching the drones from shadow vessels at sea.

Cristiano Ronaldo exits World Cup as Spain defeats Portugal, awaits winner of USA-Belgium

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:17:45 -0400

Cristiano Ronaldo's time representing Portugal at the FIFA World Cup may have come to an end in Dallas on Monday afternoon, as Spain advanced to the quarterfinals, 1-0, at their expense.

Mikel Merino came off Spain’s bench and electrified the World Cup crowd in stoppage time during the second half when he finally broke the 0-0 tie for the decisive goal past Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Ronaldo, who never knocked on Spain’s doorstep in this match – no team has as they have yet to give up a goal in this tournament – stared into the crowd after a few desperation attempts weren’t good enough for Portugal as the final whistle rang out.

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Ronaldo played in his fifth World Cup, and though there was some heated debate about whether he should be starting for this squad, he leaves perhaps his last tournament of his illustrious career with three more goals on this stage under his belt.

While Ronaldo and his Portuguese teammates think about what could’ve been, Spain will await the winner of Team USA and Belgium, which will play their Round of 16 match in Seattle on Monday night.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

The big story out of the Pacific Northwest is Folarin Balogun, the USMNT star striker who will be available to play after his red card was changed to a suspension – a similar FIFA disciplinary action given to Ronaldo so that he could participate in this World Cup.

It’s been the talk of the tournament, as President Donald Trump said he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the controversial red card given in the Round of 32 matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ultimately, FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, much to the dislike of multiple soccer federations, including the Belgian group they are facing off against tonight.

The U.S. still took care of Bosnia and Herzegovina despite Balogun’s red card during the match, which had them down one man on the pitch compared to their opponent. Malik Tillman’s free kick goal was the nail in the coffin in the second half, as the USMNT moved on with a 2-0 victory and looked ahead to their meeting with Belgium.

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Belgium almost didn’t make it out of the Round of 32, but almost doesn’t count in the World Cup. Senegal had been up 2-0 in the 80th minute of the match when Belgium finally came to life thanks to goals by Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans in the 85th and 89th minutes, respectively.

It forced extra time and Senegal ultimately conceded a penalty kick with just ticks left on the clock before a penalty shootout would’ve determined who advanced in the tournament. Tielemans didn’t waste the opportunity, slamming the door on Senegal’s hopes in crushing fashion.

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While Team USA and Belgium prepare for their matchup, Spain will kick its feet up, and perhaps pull out a notepad, as they watch who they will play in the quarterfinals later this week.

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Kylian Mbappe blasts 'despicable' Paraguayan senator over vile 'colonized Cameroonian' slur

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:14:36 -0400

French soccer star Kylian Mbappe is at the center of an international uproar after a Paraguayan senator posted racist remarks about him following France's World Cup win over Paraguay.

The controversy began July 4 in Philadelphia, when Mbappe scored on a 70th-minute penalty to lift France to a 1-0 victory.

After the final whistle, a photo of Mbappe celebrating in front of Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill quickly spread across social media.

THIS 'AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL' RENDITION BEFORE THE FRANCE VS PARAGUAY MATCH WILL GIVE YOU GOOSEBUMPS

Paraguayan Sen. Celeste Amarilla, a member of Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party, then posted some pretty wild remarks about the soccer star.

On X, Amarilla called Mbappe a "brute," claimed he grew up "sucking on coconuts" instead of breast milk and said the most educated creatures he knew were chimpanzees.

She also said Gill should have given Mbappe the middle finger, adding that she does it in the senate and "nothing happens."

NATIONALS PITCHER FORCED TO APOLOGIZE FOR PERCEIVED RACISM AFTER OPPONENT THREW HIS HELMET AT HIM

On Instagram, Amarilla called Mbappe "a colonized Cameroonian pretending to be French." She described him as resentful, newly rich, arrogant and ugly, and complained that Paraguay's players did not slap him after the match.

Mbappe responded on X on Monday, calling Amarilla "a despicable woman" who is unworthy of her office while defending Paraguay's national team.

"You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honor throughout the competition," Mbappe wrote. He added that Amarilla's "recklessness and your brazen racism" had caused the world to forget Paraguay's historic World Cup run, saying she had become "an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country."

EGYPT NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER WAVES PALESTINIAN FLAG AFTER WORLD CUP WIN OVER AUSTRALIA

Mbappe added that her "recklessness and brazen racism" had caused the world to forget Paraguay's historic World Cup run. He called Amarilla "an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country" and vowed not to let people like her spread hatred unchecked.

The French Football Federation condemned Amarilla's remarks.

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Federation President Philippe Diallo called the senator's comments "vile, criminal and reprehensible." The federation said it fully supports its captain and filed a complaint with prosecutors, requesting a formal hate crime investigation into Amarilla's posts.

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Kate Gosselin called a 'monster' in social media comments after son Collin announces memoir

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:53:21 -0400

Kate Gosselin is facing renewed scrutiny after her 22-year-old son, Collin, announced his upcoming memoir, reigniting public interest in the family's long-running feud.

While Gosselin's social media content has remained primarily focused on her rescue dogs, the announcement of Collin's book has ignited a wave of critical comments from users who have used her posts as an opportunity to raise questions about her parenting, with one going as far as to call her a "monster."

"Hey I grew up watching the show ["Jon & Kate Plus 8"] and always knew you were a monster," one user commented on one of Gosselin's recent TikTok videos.

"Better care of dogs than kids is certainly a choice," another noted.

KATE GOSSELIN’S LAWYER SAYS SHE DIDN’T ‘INTENTIONALLY’ HARM KIDS AFTER SON COLLIN ACCUSES HER OF ABUSE

"Jeez, you send everyone away. The dog, the kid. At least you're taking the dog back i guess."

"Rescue a dog, but throw away a kid," another wrote.

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However, many users have been quick to defend her.

"One mom to another sending you love! I pray for your peace I know how much you love your children all of them," one wrote.

"None of us should be judging Kate," another added. "As a mom I cant imagine what she must be feeling."

"My heart is with you Kate. I can only imagine the heartache you have to carry due to ungrateful adult kids," one user added. "Only a mother knows all the sacrifice and dedication it takes throughout the years. Keep your head up Kate."

Fox News Digital has reached out to Gosselin's rep for comment.

Last month, the 51-year-old former reality TV star responded to comments referencing claims Collin made against her, alleging she "forced" him and his seven siblings apart and "pitted them against each other" as they were growing up.

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"If you are 100% certain that the accusations against you are lies, my suggestion would be to take him to court and sue him for defamation!" one fan wrote. Kate responded, "I can’t bc I’m a public figure. Rules are different unfortunately. Or I def would!"

She later responded to another comment, saying, "Sadly, Only parents who have a mentally ill child understand! It’s so tough and I’m learning that ppl have NO ability to understand unless they’ve been through it themselves."

Collin's tell-all memoir, "In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood," is set to be released in October. He recently posted the cover of the book — which features him as a child with his mom covering his mouth with her hand — writing, "For a long time, I wasn’t sure I’d ever tell this story."

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"Growing up, millions of people watched my life on television. People felt like they knew me. They knew my family. They watched me grow up. But there was so much they never saw," he wrote in the caption. "For years, I kept those experiences to myself. Some because I was afraid. Some because I didn’t think anyone would believe me. And some because I just wasn’t ready."

Collin added, "Writing this book forced me to revisit some of the hardest moments of my life, but it also gave me something I’ve been searching for for a long time: my voice. This isn’t the story people think they know. It’s the story I’ve lived."

Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report.

Marcellus Wiley's wife claims ex-NFL star threatened to kill her before Fourth of July domestic battery arrest

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:45:56 -0400

Ex-NFL edge rusheer Marcellus Wiley allegedly threatened to kill his wife prior to his domestic battery arrest on the Fourth of July.

An arrest affidavit, obtained by the New York Post, details Wiley’s wife, Annemarie, calling police to report a battery following an altercation at the World Marriott in Orlando, Florida.

Annemarie, who used to star on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," claims her husband threatened to kill her and got physical in front of their seven-year-old daughter.

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The Wiley family, which included their two other children, were at the hotel for a basketball tournament. Their children, as well as others, were in the room when officers arrived at the scene.

The arrest affidavit also has Annemarie saying she wanted her husband removed from the room because of the threat against her life. She also noted her plan to divorce him.

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Annemarie claims that, on Friday morning, the one-time Pro Bowl defensive end stood over her and "used one finger to sternly and intentionally poke her in the cheek," all while in front of their daughter.

Annemarie alleged a history of past violence toward her, though it was never reported to law enforcement.

For Wiley’s account, he said they didn’t have a physical altercation while at the hotel, and denied the past violent history. He also provided officers with text messages between himself and his wife, which police noted as cordial.

He also posted on social media, saying, "I completely and unequivocally deny these allegations, and I'm certain the truth will prevail."

"As you know, I’m usually the first to break down the truth and separate facts from fiction. But because this is now a legal matter—and because my greatest responsibility is protecting my babies, who have already been impacted—I have to handle this differently.

"When I can speak freely, I absolutely will [100 emoji]."

Wiley was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, court records showed. He was held without bond at the time.

This arrest of Wiley, 51, comes after a recent Rolling Stone article, which cited accusations of sexual assault by four women in April 2026.

Wiley was also previously sued by three women for allegedly raping them while at Columbia, where he played college football. He denied those allegations on his "More To It with Marcellus Wiley" podcast, claiming to have evidence to prove what he called "alleged misrepresentations."

Wiley had also called the allegations while at Columbia "B.S."

The Rolling Stone article notes two of the women who claim Wiley sexually assaulted them came forward between 1995-1999.

There was another woman who claimed that Wiley groomed her since she was 13 years old during his time playing for the Buffalo Bills. Then, she claims that Wiley raped her when she was 18 in Dallas. She claims to have been flown out by Wiley as he was playing for the Cowboys, per Rolling Stone.

"Marcellus Wiley raped me on my 18th birthday, after grooming me from the age of 13," the victim wrote, adding that he referred to her as ‘little momma.’ "If Columbia had properly pursued the complaints… I would never have been groomed and raped."

Also, a woman who used to be a production assistant at ESPN – Wiley has worked as a broadcaster for ESPN and Fox Sports – alleged Wiley deceived her about joining him in a hotel room for a working meeting in 2009. But she claims h sexually assaulted her during that time.

"The assault was devastating to me, and I will live with the effects to this day," the fourth woman wrote in a court filing, per Rolling Stone.

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Wiley was the 52nd overall pick of the 1997 NFL Draft out of Columbia, landing with the Bills where he would play for his first four NFL seasons.

But Wiley earned his first and only Pro Bowl nod in 2001 with the San Diego Chargers, where he would star for three years. He also played with the Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars before his playing career came to an end after the 2006 season.

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Mamdani aide unloaded on ABC executives after 'The View' host called socialist candidate an antisemite: report

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:34:58 -0400

An aide to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reportedly lashed out at ABC executives after "The View" co-host Sara Haines called a Mamdani-backed socialist congressional candidate an antisemite.

Mamdani flexed his political influence last month after three candidates that he endorsed in New York congressional primaries — Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier — won over Democratic establishment candidates.

The New York City mayor's team had pitched the liberal talk show to have the socialist candidates on, but the show had declined, according to Semafor.

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

During an episode of the show on June 24, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin and Haines pushed back on the actions and comments of some of the candidates backed by Mamdani. Haines said Chevalier was at an anti-Israel rally on October 8, 2023, the day after Hamas' massive terrorist attack against Israel by Hamas.

"I’m gonna full-blown call her an antisemite. She would proudly call herself that, trust me," Haines said of Chevalier.

Following the comments, an aide for the socialist mayor reportedly unloaded on ABC executives, and said the remarks by Haines could affect future appearances on the show for the mayor or the candidates running for Congress, according to Semafor, who cited a person familiar with the matter.

The mayor's office did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment. ABC's "The View" also did not return a request for comment.

'THE VIEW' EASED UP ON POLITICAL CANDIDATE BOOKINGS AMID FCC INQUIRY, REPORT SAYS

Chevailer is facing backlash over deleted social media posts where she expressed support for communism, Marxist principles, and reverence for Soviet figures.

She operated the Twitter account Darializabonet until it was deleted in June 2022. The account, according to CNN, called Karl Marx a "must read," complained that libraries didn’t provide enough Marxist literature and quoted convicted cop killer Assata Shakur.

Chevalier has already faced criticism over deleted posts calling to abolish the police and discussing wiping her hands on an American flag.

Semafor also reported that the show was scaling back on political guests amid an FCC inquiry. The FCC launched a probe into the show related to their equal time rules.

An ABC source said that "The View" is not known for booking non-elected candidates, as they've always had a high bar for political interviews. The left-leaning show has been far more likely to host Democrats than Republicans, although it did have on Vice President JD Vance last month.

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Disney’s ABC believes "The View" is bona fide news and, therefore, exempt from the equal time rule.

ABC launched a campaign that features a petition to declare that "The View" indeed qualifies as a bona fide news interview program. A commercial debuted in June during the program that declared, "’The View has welcomed your favorite guests for nearly 30 years. Now the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show. Tell the FCC to let the viewers decide. You have until July 6th."

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Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.

US updates travel warning for quake-hit nation, citing disaster risks and violent crime

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:21:59 -0400

Officials are warning Americans to reconsider travel to Venezuela, saying the South American nation presents new risks to tourists.

The country sits at a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory, according to a June 27 update by the U.S. State Department.

While Venezuela has been at a Level 3 throughout the year, the latest advisory adds the country's recent earthquakes as a key factor for travelers.

US STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS AMERICANS OF GROWING SECURITY RISKS IN HISTORIC REGION

The country was struck by a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake on June 24.

"Venezuela experienced a powerful foreshock and earthquake in rapid succession," said the advisory.

"These caused extensive damage and disruption to transportation, infrastructure and emergency services."

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Overall, officials warn of "crime, kidnapping, terrorism and poor health infrastructure" in the country.

"Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping occur," the advisory states.

"Irregular armed groups can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning. There are no reliable crime statistics."

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Several areas in Venezuela are also under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory.

This includes the Venezuela-Colombia border region, Amazonas state, Apure state and Aragua state outside of Maracay, as well as Guárico state, Táchira state and rural areas of Bolívar state.

While Venezuela is not considered a major tourist destination, some Americans still travel there to visit family or explore attractions such as Angel Falls and Los Roques National Park in the Venezuelan Caribbean.

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The advisory comes amid a complicated relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Washington providing disaster relief months after Maduro's arrest.

After magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck the northern part of the South American nation last week, the American government stepped in to help in a move that the administration says has been welcomed by the Venezuelan government.

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"We have seen total compliance from the interim authorities in Venezuela as a result of the unprecedented response by the United States to these deadly earthquakes," a State Department official previously told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment.

Peter D'Abrosca of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

It sure sounds like LeBron James is heading back to Cleveland to end his career with the Cavaliers

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:17:15 -0400

It sure sounds like LeBron James is headed back to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While betting markets initially listed the Golden State Warriors, and later the Philadelphia 76ers, as the favorites to land James, the reporters with the strongest NBA sources now list Cleveland as the clear front-runner.

Over the weekend, Substack reporter Marc Stein wrote that there is a "growing belief" among teams interested in James that the Cavaliers have the "scenario to beat" for his services. While Stein no longer works for a major sports network, he remains one of the few true authorities on the sport. Notably, he was the first insider to report that Kevin Durant was leaning toward the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, while much of the media continued reporting that the Knicks were the most likely destination.

On Monday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst echoed a similar sentiment.

ESPN MUST HOLD STEPHEN A ACCOUNTABLE AFTER DOUBLING DOWN ON RACIST REMARKS ABOUT WHITE BASKETBALL PLAYERS

"Everybody I talk to about LeBron is like, 'We're afraid it's Cleveland.' Nobody seems like they have optimism, to be honest," Windhorst told Barstool's Pardon My Take.

Michael Wilbon told OutKick last year that Windhorst is among the most credible reporters in sports today. It's difficult to argue otherwise. Few, if any, NBA insiders have a better track record of reporting accurate news before, not two seconds after, it happens than Windhorst.

As of Monday afternoon, Kalshi gave Cleveland a 55% chance of signing James. The Miami Heat had the second-best odds, but at just 17%.

At 41 years old, James' next team will almost certainly be his last. It will also mark the fourth time he has chosen to leave a franchise in free agency, though each departure was motivated by different circumstances.

James left Cleveland for Miami in 2010 to chase championships, eventually winning two titles with the Heat. He returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 to bring a championship to his hometown, delivering on that promise with Cleveland's historic 2016 title. In 2018, he joined the Lakers in a move that was as much about building his business empire in Los Angeles as it was basketball. Even so, he led the franchise to an NBA championship in 2020, albeit in the COVID bubble.

According to recent reports, this time James is chasing something different: happiness.

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Lebron James remains an effective player, but he is no longer the engine of a championship contender. Last season, he showed legitimate signs of decline, whether due to age, injuries, or a combination of both. He averaged 20.0 points per game, his lowest scoring average since his rookie season. While that is an impressive feat for someone entering his 23rd NBA season, it's also evidence that time has officially caught up to him.

At this point, there is little James can accomplish individually to change the minds of those who believe Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time.

If James were to win another championship, it would probably be as a second or third option on an established contender, perhaps a team like Denver. While that would add another ring to his résumé, it probably would not meaningfully strengthen his legacy. If anything, critics could dismiss it by pointing to his diminished role.

In Cleveland, James would join a potential lineup featuring Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. In the Eastern Conference, that's enough to at least be of interest.

However, if "happiness" truly dictates his next decision, there would be no more fitting end to James' career than returning to Cleveland. It's the city where he was born, where he was drafted, and where he ended the city's 52-year championship drought.

Few American athletes have experienced more dramatic swings in public perception than LeBron James. He went from hometown hero to heel after leaving Cleveland for Miami's star-studded super team. He reclaimed his hero status by returning home and delivering the city's first championship in 52 years. During his time in Los Angeles, James became one of the country's most polarizing athletes, primarily due to his polarizing political rhetoric.

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A final chapter in Cleveland would bring his career full circle. Paying back the underdog, blue-collar city of Cleveland at this stage of his career would certainly constitute a return to favorable status.

For one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, such an ending would be apropos.

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' gets overwhelmingly negative reactions after controversial casting choices

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:08:21 -0400

When Christopher Nolan announced that he'd be making an adaptation of "The Odyssey" as his latest project, film fans were generally thrilled.

Nolan, for his directorial or writing faults, is an exceptionally talented technical filmmaker, and seemed tailor made to bring ancient Greece and the legendary story to life. Matt Damon was cast as Odysseus, the lead character whose hero's journey became the basis of storytelling for thousands of years to come. While Damon isn't Greek, it was generally an inoffensive choice.

Much of the rest of the casting? Could not have been worse. And while "The Odyssey" is still likely to be a financial success, judging by reactions to the latest, final trailer that hit the internet recently, it's decisions like these clear that audiences are not thrilled with what Nolan's done with a foundational, beloved story.

AMAZON ANNOUNCES SEARCH FOR NEXT JAMES BOND IS UNDERWAY, AS HOLLYWOOD CASTING CHOICES COME UNDER SCRUTINY

Nolan cast Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, the daughter of a Kenyan politician who was born in Mexico City. He cast Elliot Page, a 5'1 transgender actor, as Sinon, a soldier and the cousin of Odysseus. Indian actor Himesh Patel will portray Eurylochus, one of the key members of Odysseus' group. Rapper Travis Scott is set to play a Homeric bard. Reactions to these announcements were mixed, to say the least.

While YouTube long ago hid the number of dislikes on videos, several sites have come up with methodology to estimate and calculate the ratio of positive and negative responses. While the numbers may or may not be exactly accurate, directionally, it's likely to be representative of the public's views. And some estimators have now calculated that there are over 542,000 dislikes on the final trailer, compared to 64,000 "likes." A ratio of nearly 90% negative to positive.

That's bad enough, but Nyong'o made some public comments this week during the film's promotional campaign that once again demonstrated her contempt for the source material. Source material that she admitted she'd never even heard of, despite graduating with a master's degree from the Yale School of Drama.

'SUPERGIRL' SUFFERS CATASTROPHIC 73% DROP, GETS OBLITERATED AT BOX OFFICE BY PATRIOTIC 'YOUNG WASHINGTON'

When asked by an interviewer what she would ask Homer if given the opportunity, she instead answered with a criticism, "I'd be like, 'So Homer, how do you feel about the screen time given to these women, considering how little you spent with them, okay?'"

The interviewer then added, "Okay, and then do you lean forward and look at him like that?" Nyong'o answered, "Yes, like 'hmm, remember us?'"

Ah yes, exactly what you want out of a film's promotional campaign; criticism that the 2,800-year-old story your film is based on doesn't conform to the modern standards of left-wing ideologues. Not to mention that the main inciting incident in the story is that the Trojan War starts due to disagreements over...Helen of Troy, a woman.

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These reactions and Nyong'o's ill-advised comments don't mean that "The Odyssey" will fail. It's widely expected to be a financial success, particularly because Nolan has established himself as one of the few quality filmmakers working in modern Hollywood. But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.

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It's one thing to specifically choose to ignore historical accuracy in order to appeal to "modern audiences." It's another to show this level of contempt for the source material your film is based on. Why even make "The Odyssey," then? Why not make another mythological story, with your own sensibilities and ideologies baked into it?

The entertainment industry has struggled mightily in recent years, and it's decisions like this that demonstrate why. If we could ask Nolan one question, it'd be why he chose to undermine his own legacy to receive praise from the political left.

Amazon Fourth of July deals still on sale: Save 40% or more on Jackery, Shark, DeWalt and more

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

Fourth of July weekend may be winding down, but Amazon's biggest deals are still going strong. We rounded up the best offers at 40% off or more, including a five-pack of athletic shorts for 55% off and a FOX reader-favorite Shark vacuum for less than $100.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July tech deals

HP 14-inch Everyday laptop: $279.99 (57% off)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select: $21.99 (45% off)

Original price: $39.99

Turn your TV into a smart entertainment hub for just $22 with this compact streaming device. It brings your favorite apps together in one place and lets you search, stream and control your TV with Alexa voice commands.

Insignia 50-inch F50 Series 4K TV: $179.99 (40% off)

Original price: $299.99

You can get a smart Insignia TV with Alexa built in, so you can operate the TV using voice control. The bright display and high definition screen plays your shows and movies in crystal-clear detail.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July tool deals

DeWalt batteries, 2-pack: $112.90 (48% off)
Fanttik S1 Capsule cordless screwdriver: $27.99 (44% off)
Laser level with tripod: $28.49 (43% off)
Craftsman cordless drill and impact driver set: $99 (41% off)

DeWalt cordless drill driver: $99 (45% off)

Original price: $179

Save on DeWalt's cordless drill kit, now just $99 this Fourth of July weekend. It includes a charger and a 20-volt battery, so you'll have everything you need to tackle projects right out of the box.

Mini chainsaw: $28.46 (43% off)

Original price: $49.99

This mini cordless chainsaw is one of the biggest discounts we've spotted. The lightweight tool weighs just 3 pounds and helps you cut branches with ease. Get it now while it's just $30 — its lowest price ever.

Craftsman 262-piece mechanic tool set: $149 (40% off)

Original price: $249

Designed for garage and automotive repair tasks, the Craftsman mechanics tool set includes 262 pieces. It comes with a range of sockets, ratchets, wrenches and specialty bits in multiple drive sizes.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July home deals

Large room air purifier: $89.99 (64% off)
iRobot Roomba 105: $169 (47% off)
Dryer vent cleaner kit: $7.99 (43% off)
Bedsure down-alternative pillows: $32.99 (41% off)

Bamboo full mattress topper: $69.99 (53% off)

Original price: $149.99

Looking for a mattress topper that helps you stay cool? This option is discounted more than 50% and uses airflow channels that wick away heat and moisture for a soft and supportive feel. The deep pocket skirt securely wraps around different-sized mattresses.

Chenille bath rug: $21.75 (40% off)

Original price: $35.99

This chenille bath mat absorbs water right when you step out of the shower. The quick-drying shag feels soft underfoot, and the rubber backing keeps it in place for added safety.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July kitchen deals

Fullstar Pro Original vegetable chopper: $23.73 (53% off)
Iceman by Chefman Slush-Ease: $179.99 (49% off)
Chefman air fryer: $59.88 (40% off)

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

Original price: $209.99

When you need a quick cup of coffee, a Keurig comes in handy, now less than $100. Instead of making a full pot, just pop in a K-Cup, wait a few minutes, and you have a single cup ready to go. It also features an iced coffee setting for refreshing summer drinks.

KitchenAid silicone oven mitts: $17.99 (49% off)

Original price: $34.99

Handle hot cookware with KitchenAid's silicone oven mitts. The textured grip helps prevent slips, while the heat-resistant, water-resistant design provides added protection from hot dishes and unexpected spills.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July women's clothing deals

Workout tops: $13.99 (53% off)
adidas women's Cloudfoam sneakers: $37.95 (49% off)
Hanes women's jersey shorts: $12.99 (41% off)
Tommy Hilfiger women's skinny jeans: $47.70 (40% off)

Levi's women's 501 mid-thigh shorts: $32.47 (50% off)

Original price: $64.95

Get Levi's vintage-inspired shorts for just $32, about half off the regular price. The relaxed fit through the hips offers comfortable room to move, while the mid-thigh length is perfect for warm-weather wear.

Women's pajama set: $16.99 (53% off)

Original price: $35.99

Stay cool on warm summer nights with this pajama set, now more than 40% off. The button-front top delivers a polished look, while the soft, stretchy shorts offer breathable comfort for lounging and sleeping.

Women's arch support flip-flops: $19.98 (50% off)

Original price: $39.99

Refresh your summer footwear lineup with these cushioned sandals, now 50% off. A soft orthopedic midsole helps keep you comfortable throughout the day, while the durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction for walks and errands.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July men's clothing deals

Fossil men's watch: $97.50 (50% off)
Men's sleeveless quick-dry tank top: $9.98 (47% off)
Cotton linen pants: $14.98 (40% off)
Eddie Bauer men's Rainier pants: $42 (40% off)

Levi's men's jeans: $26.97 (64% off)

Original price: $74.95

Score Levi's classic 505 jeans for just $27 a pair, nearly $50 off. The relaxed fit through the thigh offers extra room to move without looking baggy.

Hanes zip-up hoodie: $13 (54% off)

Original price: $28

This lightweight Hanes hoodie keeps you comfortable on cool summer nights. It comes in a host of color options, and the roomy front pockets hold all the essentials.

Athletic shorts, 5-pack: $19.98 (55% off)

Original price: $43.99

Hit the trail, head to the gym or relax outdoors in these athletic shorts, now available in a five-pack for less. The moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you cool and comfortable, making them an easy choice for workouts and everyday summer wear.

Post-Amazon Fourth of July outdoor deals

Smart bird feeder: $39.99 (60% off)
Pruning shears: $12.99 (46% off)
Windproof travel umbrella: $22.77 (43% off)
Robotic pool vacuum: $429.98 (41% off)

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station: $439 (47% off)

Original price: $829

This Jackery Explorer portable power station is almost half off. With a durable battery, it can power large appliances like fridges and AC units. It offers multiple charging ports, including two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a DC car port and three AC outlets, and charges from 0% to 100% in just one hour when you activate emergency charging in the Jackery app.

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

Coleman RoadTrip 225 portable gas grill: $209.99 (42% off)

Original price: $364.99

Whether you're headed to a campsite, tailgate or park, the Coleman RoadTrip 225 grill makes grilling on the go simple. It delivers up to 11,000 BTUs of cooking power, plus a side table for prep work and a removable grease tray for easier cleanup. The compact folding design and built-in handle make it easy to pack up and take anywhere.

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.

Blue city gang bangers slapped with multiple charges after massive sex trafficking crackdown

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:46:14 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it had carried out 20 federal warrants and 10 arrests last Wednesday in connection with sex trafficking operations in Los Angeles by the Hoover Criminals Gang (HCG), a group known for its human exploitation.

Officials identified 51 victims in connection with the arrests, some of whom were as young as 14.

"[Homeland Security Investigations] remains steadfast in our mission to protect victims and pursue justice against human traffickers," Special Agent Eddy Wang said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

DOJ SAYS 11 MIGRANTS INDICTED IN MULTI-STATE SEX TRAFFICKING, DRUG, FIREARMS CASE

The arrests are a part of Operation Broken Blade, an effort to target trafficking in Los Angeles' Figueroa Corridor, a strip of neighborhoods south of the city, according to the agency. They also highlight the continued threats law enforcement face, even as illegal border crossings have plummeted during the second Trump administration.

Since the end of 2024, border crossings have fallen precipitously, going from over 144,000 encounters in December 2024 to just 13,500 in May — a 90% reduction.

Even so, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other federal agencies remain engaged in intercepting more organized smuggling operations that threaten to bring drugs, weapons and people illegally into the country.

In April, for example, CBP announced it had prevented a car carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, 16 AK rifles, 24 rifle magazines, 16 rifle stocks, 20 pistol grips, and other weapon parts from crossing the border.

As a part of those continued efforts, Acting Assistant DHS Secretary of Public Affairs Lauren Bis said that DHS has made disrupting sex trafficking rings a priority.

"Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS is dismantling human and sex trafficking rings," Bis told Fox News Digital.

MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED IN BORDER CHILD SMUGGLING CASE INVOLVING THC-LACED CANDY

Bis noted that the suspects arrested last week will also face charges that go well beyond their human exploitation.

"This operation in Los Angeles resulted in the arrest of ten gang members, who now face federal racketeering charges including sex trafficking, money laundering, firearms offenses and narcotics offenses," Bis said.

The agency described many of the suspects as "career criminals" with histories that include robbery, kidnapping and burglary.

Wednesday’s operation is the second round of arrests made under Broken Blade, an initiative originally launched in August 2025 by Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles in cooperation with CBP, the Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.

FEDS DISMANTLE ALLEGED GUN TRAFFICKING RING THAT FUNNELED DOZENS OF FIREARMS FROM GEORGIA TO CHICAGO GANGS

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The 10 suspects are expected to stand trial in March 2027, according to DHS.

"The actions taken today by HSI are another decisive blow against those who have exploited the vulnerable people of our community, and they will now face the consequences of those actions," Wang said.

Former college basketball guard Kerr Kriisa indicted in alleged $2.2M wire fraud scheme

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:43:19 -0400

Kerr Kriisa, a former college basketball guard, was indicted in connection with an alleged $2.2 million fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia announced on Monday.

Kriisa, an Estonian national who plays for Tartu Ülikool in his country, was arrested and will appear in federal court this week after being charged with five counts of wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced.

Court documents stated that, from 2022 through June 2, 2026, the 25-year-old allegedly carried out a scheme to obtain nearly $2.2 million from multiple victims "using false representations, fabricated identities, and deceptive communications," the U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote in its press release.

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Kriisa’s indictment alleges he posed as several different individuals, which included fictional contacts and family members, while falsely claiming he and his family were in danger. Also, he allegedly said his mother needed cancer treatment, or family property required urgent financial support from victims.

NBA GUARD TERRY ROZIER MAY GET HIT WITH NEW CHARGES IN ALLEGED GAMBLING SCHEME

Kriisa was allegedly requesting repeated payments from two of the victims, while also directing one victim to send money under false pretenses in this case.

He allegedly conducted his scheme in Monongalia County, West Virginia and elsewhere.

"Financial fraud schemes erode trust and cause real harm to victims who believed they were helping someone in need," said Harvey in the press release. "Our office will continue to pursue individuals who exploit others through deception. We are committed to holding them accountable for their actions."

Kriisa allegedly signed a written agreement in April 2025 promising to repay one of his victims $100,000 by February 2026. Prosecutors said this instance was also fraudulent.

The government is currently seeking forfeiture of any proceeds traceable to the alleged offenses from Kriisa, which includes a money judgement of an estimated $2.2 million.

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Kriisa’s college basketball career began at Arizona, as he spent three seasons with the Wildcats from 2020-23. He transferred to West Virginia for the 2023-24 season, while also seeing time with the Kentucky Wildcats and Cincinnati Bearcats after that, respectively.

Kriisa averaged 8.8 points and 4.4 assists across 127 career games at the Division I level.

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Slain New Jersey therapist's sister says family is living a 'nightmare' one month later

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:38:43 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: The sister of slain New Jersey therapist Brooke Hanlon said her family is dealing with "a complete nightmare" after the young mom was found fatally stabbed inside her home in an affluent New Jersey community.

Hanlon’s sister spoke exclusively with Fox News Digital one month after the attack, which is still under investigation as authorities hunt for a suspect.

It has been exactly one month since 35-year-old new mother was found dead in her Chester home. Investigators have not yet named a suspect in the June 6 killing.

"Brooke was the sweetest, purest person that I have ever known in my entire life," said Paige Haggerty, Hanlon's sister. She went on to say, "Everything that I know, I have learned from her. I've never lived without her. She taught me everything."

NEW JERSEY PSYCHOTHERAPIST MOM KILLED INSIDE HOME AS COPS LAUNCH MANHUNT TO IDENTIFY SUSPECT

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office said, "An examination by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be multiple sharp force injuries and the manner of death as homicide."

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BOYFRIEND ACCUSED OF STABBING DEFENSE TECH ENGINEER 15 TIMES DENIED BOND AFTER 911 CALL PLAYED IN COURT

Fox News Digital confirmed Brooke and her husband James "Conor" Hanlon, who goes by Conor, were married in June 2021. The couple met in Boston, Massachusetts, where Brooke was working at the time.

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Court records indicate the couple purchased their Chester home for $535,900 in September 2024.

MISSOURI MOM OF 5 FATALLY SHOT WHILE BUYING SLUSHIES WITH CHILDREN; POLICE SEARCH FOR GUNMAN

Fox News Digital confirmed the couple welcomed a new baby in July 2025. The child will celebrate their first birthday without a mother. For the time being, Haggerty said, the baby is safe and being cared for by family members.

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Haggerty said the baby "has been the only saving grace" to her family throughout the tragedy. She said, "We still have a piece of Brooke with us."

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Hanlon's murder has rocked the Chester community and devastated her family.

Haggerty said, "It's unimaginable. It's a complete nightmare. To lose a sibling is the last thing you would expect. I went through life with my sister in every phase of my life so far. I don't know a life without her. So, trying to adjust to that is pretty impossible."

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According to her LinkedIn profile, Hanlon graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in psychology, then went on to graduate from Northeastern University with her master's in counseling and psychology.

DATING-APP CHARMER ACCUSED OF MURDER AFTER HISTORY OF DOMESTIC ARRESTS INVOLVING WOMEN HE MET ONLINE

She was a highly regarded therapist, with her most recent position listed as a psychotherapist for LifeStance, located in Bernardsville, New Jersey.

She previously held mental health positions working as a clinician for children and families in the Boston area.

Fox News Digital confirmed Conor Hanlon was an employee at TriCon Construction Services in Somerville, New Jersey. The CEO of the company, Edward Piekarz, chose notto comment on his former employee.

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Morris County Crime Stoppers posted an ad for a $1,000 reward for anyone who has information that could lead to an arrest.

NANCY GUTHRIE MYSTERY COULD BE SOLVED WITH 'CROWDSOURCING' HELP, PRIVATE EYE SAYS

Morris County investigators have yet to name a suspect or person of interest in the case.

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The investigation is ongoing.

'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin laments 'I suddenly feel unsafe' in neighborhoods with American flags

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:37:33 -0400

"The View" co-host Sunny Hostin repeated her assertion from 2021 that she feels uncomfortable or unsafe while visiting neighborhoods where homes are flying the American flag.

While discussing celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary and the state of the country, Hostin recalled a previous occasion in 2021 when she said on the show that she feels uncomfortable in neighborhoods with lots of American flags.

"I said this on this show many, many years ago, because this is my tenth year on the show," Hostin recalled. "I said there are times when I walk into a community and I see American flags all over the community and I suddenly feel unsafe because there’s a section of this country that has co-opted the American flag, and they equate being an American or an American flag with White supremacy and that should never be the symbol of White supremacy, but they have weaponized."

MEDIA ATTACKS DONALD TRUMP'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, CLAIMING IT 'SULLIED' AMERICA 250

Hostin's comment came after the panel discussed a viral image of uniformed White nationalists riding the Washington, D.C., Metro as a Black woman sits on the same train with a blank expression. The group held a march in D.C. over the weekend.

"That, for me, was a defining image of modern America for Black Americans," Hostin said, condemning the American-flag-style insignias on their caps.

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin took the opportunity to blast fringe activists on both sides of the political spectrum, but guest host Michelle Buteau, who had celebrated 4th of July by eating a cake that said "America, Do Better B----" argued this was an indictment of the nation as a whole.

"When you say it’s the best nation. The best nation for who? Because if we are celebrating 250 years, what are we exactly celebrating, is what I want to know," Buteau said. "So I’m really glad that picture was taken, because that picture is how we feel walking into many rooms, down the street. That picture is how we feel and nobody will believe us. So look at that picture and understand how it feels."

"The flag belongs to all of us," Griffin replied.

PRO-TRUMP ARTIST UNLEASHES POWERFUL MESSAGE ABOUT AMERICAN FLAG, TOUTS MASSIVE OLD GLORY PAINTING

In 2021, Hostin spoke on "The View" about the phenomenon of Black Americans feeling uncomfortable in neighborhoods with American flags, defending MSNBC analyst Mara Gay for her controversial admission that she felt it "disturbing" to see American flags, Trump flags and condemnations of then-President Joe Biden in Long Island, New York.

"When someone of color, a Black woman, is telling you her feelings, people need to listen and not, you know, repudiate it and not say, 'Well, that can’t be true,'" Hostin had said at the time, later adding, "When I drive into a neighborhood, and it’s not July 4th, and I’m not in a predominantly military household neighborhood and there are flags, American flags, everywhere, alongside Trump flags, alongside flags with stars in a circle, I feel threatened."

"Because the message is very clear," she continued. "It’s a message of White supremacy. It’s a message of racism, and it’s a message of their country, not my country. I don’t understand why that would receive backlash. People need to listen when I am saying this is how I feel. This is my experience in this country."

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China launches rare submarine ballistic missile as Pacific allies strengthen defense ties before NATO summit

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:35:19 -0400

China publicly announced it launched a ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean Monday — a rare acknowledgment of its sea-based nuclear capabilities that came as U.S. allies deepen security ties in the Indo-Pacific and NATO leaders prepare to meet amid growing concerns over Beijing's military ambitions.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy said the missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was fired from a Type 094 Jin-class ballistic missile submarine during what Beijing described as a routine annual training exercise.

The launch highlights one of the Pentagon's biggest long-term concerns: China's ability to field a more survivable nuclear force capable of threatening the U.S. and its allies from the sea. Unlike land-based missile launches, a ballistic missile fired from a submerged nuclear submarine demonstrates one of the most survivable elements of a country's nuclear arsenal because the vessels are significantly harder to detect and destroy before they can launch a retaliatory strike.

The growing capability also means China could eventually threaten the U.S. homeland from a wider range of patrol areas, reducing the need for its submarines to venture into more vulnerable waters.

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Chinese officials said the launch landed in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean and was conducted in accordance with international law.

"It is a routine arrangement in China’s annual military training program. It is consistent with international law and customary international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a news conference Monday.

"The whole process was safe, standard and professional. We hope relevant countries will not read too much into it."

TRUMP BETS ON FORMER NATO TROUBLEMAKER AS TURKEY'S STRATEGIC VALUE SURGES

The launch came on the eve of NATO's summit in Ankara, Turkey, where alliance leaders are expected to focus primarily on the war in Ukraine, defense spending and collective security, while also addressing the growing strategic challenge posed by China. In recent years, NATO has expanded its engagement with Indo-Pacific partners including Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, reflecting concerns that security in Europe and the Pacific is increasingly interconnected.

It was the first such test since 2024, according to Chinese state media, occurring at noon local time Monday.

New Zealand, which had just signed a defense pact with Fiji, claimed the missile landed in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, where testing atomic weapons is prohibited.

China said the missile carried a dummy rather than a nuclear warhead, and New Zealand did not accuse Beijing of violating the Treaty of Rarotonga, which establishes the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone and prohibits nuclear explosive devices within the region. Instead, officials criticized the launch as inconsistent with the spirit of maintaining the Pacific as a nuclear-free region.

Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, said China had informed Australia ahead of the test but added, "Australia has been clear with China that we regard this as destabilizing to the region."

China’s rapid military buildup added to the concern, according to Wong, who described it as "lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expect."

In a joint cabinet statement, Japan raised "serious concern over the intensification of China’s military activities and strongly urged China to reconsider its actions."

The Pentagon has repeatedly warned that China is rapidly modernizing and expanding its nuclear forces, projecting that Beijing will continue increasing the size, sophistication and survivability of its arsenal through the next decade. China's military has also expanded naval patrols beyond the first island chain while increasing military pressure on Taiwan and asserting territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The Pentagon projects China will field more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, up from an estimated stockpile in the low 600s through 2024.

Officials say Beijing is expanding all three legs of its nuclear triad — land-based missiles, strategic bombers and nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines — while improving its ability to survive a first strike and retaliate.

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At the same time, the People's Liberation Army Navy is the world's largest by number of battle force ships, while it has fielded advanced hypersonic weapons, expanded long-range missile forces and invested heavily in artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and space-based systems that U.S. officials say are designed to challenge American military advantages in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. defense officials have also warned that China continues to refine the capabilities needed for a potential conflict over Taiwan, including joint operations involving naval, air, missile and amphibious forces.

Annual military exercises around Taiwan have grown larger and more complex, reflecting Beijing's efforts to increase military pressure while rehearsing operations that could support a blockade or invasion.

The U.S. has maintained a sea-based nuclear deterrent for decades through its fleet of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, which routinely conduct operational deterrent patrols and periodic test launches of Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. The Navy is now replacing those submarines with the next-generation Columbia class, which is expected to begin entering service later this decade.

Unlike China, however, the U.S. regularly publicizes scheduled Trident missile tests and has long operated a mature fleet of ballistic missile submarines that defense officials consider the most survivable leg of America's nuclear triad.

The Pentagon and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command could not immediately be reached for comment.

Substitute teacher accused of sending nude photos to middle school student enters plea

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:34:56 -0400

An Indiana substitute teacher accused of sending nude images of herself to a 14-year-old middle school student was sentenced to two years in jail.

A judge handed down the sentence to Cassidy Carter after she pleaded guilty to one count of battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and one count of battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, WXIX-TV reported. She was given two days of credit.

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

She was originally charged with one count of child solicitation. However, Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens indicated that the change happened after the victim moved out of the area and wanted no part in the case.

TEACHER ACCUSED OF SEX WITH STUDENTS WAS ALLEGEDLY BLACKMAILED FOR BETTER GRADES: WARRANTS

Carter, who was 21 at the time, sent the images to the teen while she was employed as a substitute teacher at South Dearborn Community School Corporation.

The unidentified student told a school resource officer in December 2023, who informed the principal about what happened, court records state.

The teen said he became friends with Carter via Snapchat.

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During their conversations online, Carter sent the teen nude photos of herself every time she took a shower, often late at night, authorities said. She also allegedly told him that she was in love with him.

Investigators found the photos on Carter's phone, along with several messages, prosecutors said.

BJ’s roof collapse traps shoppers inside New Jersey store as rescue crews search damaged building

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:33:42 -0400

A large emergency response was triggered in Monmouth County, New Jersey, on Monday after a partial roof collapse at a local BJ's Wholesale Club trapped multiple people inside during a wave of severe weather.

Just after 11:15 a.m. local time, emergency personnel rushed to the BJ's Wholesale Club on Route 35 in Ocean Township following reports of the collapse, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office.

Shocking video appeared to show unsuspecting shoppers looking at grocery items seconds before the roof collapsed, sending a large amount of water gushing into the business.

Authorities confirmed 27 people were inside the building at the time of the incident, though no injuries were reported.

SECURITY GUARD SURVIVES EIGHT DAYS BENEATH COLLAPSED SHOPPING CENTER AFTER VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKES

Two people were partially entrapped in the debris but managed to free themselves and safely escape the building.

Emergency teams deployed specialized rescue units to ensure the building was clear, conducting primary and secondary searches, according to the sheriff’s office.

US MILITARY DEPLOYS MTVRS, AIRLIFTS AID TO VENEZUELA FOLLOWING DEADLY EARTHQUAKES

The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office interior drone searched the structurally compromised building, along with New Jersey Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) K-9 teams.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden praised the first responders for working "seamlessly together" despite the severe weather and ongoing flooding plaguing the local communities.

"This incident is another reminder of how quickly severe weather can create dangerous and unpredictable conditions," Golden said.

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Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorrentino urged motorists and residents to stay away from the area as emergency operations continue.

Travelers are asked to avoid Route 35, Park Avenue and Deal Road, specifically the stretch between Routes 18 and 35.

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Amazon Fourth of July deals still on sale: Save 40% or more on Jackery, Shark, DeWalt and more

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Blue city gang bangers slapped with multiple charges after massive sex trafficking crackdown

Former college basketball guard Kerr Kriisa indicted in alleged $2.2M wire fraud scheme

Slain New Jersey therapist's sister says family is living a 'nightmare' one month later

'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin laments 'I suddenly feel unsafe' in neighborhoods with American flags

China launches rare submarine ballistic missile as Pacific allies strengthen defense ties before NATO summit

Substitute teacher accused of sending nude photos to middle school student enters plea

BJ’s roof collapse traps shoppers inside New Jersey store as rescue crews search damaged building