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Best Fourth of July sleep deals you can still get: Save up to 64% on mattresses and bedding

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:01:05 -0500

Summer nights call for a cooler, more comfortable bed, and these 2026 Fourth of July mattress and bedding sales are the perfect opportunity to upgrade your sleep setup. Save up to 64% on mattresses from brands like Saatva, Helix, and Sleep Number, with deals on memory foam and hybrid models. You can also save up to 46% on mattress protectors, cooling sheets and pillows throughout the holiday weekend.

Fourth of July mattress accessories deals

Niagara Sleep Solution Bamboo mattress topper: $37.89 (46% off)
Waterproof mattress protector: $9.95 (45% off)
Bedsure cooling sheets: $72.19 (41% off)
Silk pillow cases: $9.72 (35% off)
Casper foam pillow with Snow technology: $109.85 (35% off)
Cooling waffle blanket: $36.99 (33% off)
Queen storage bed frame: $109.99 (31% off)
Beckham Hotel Collection bed pillows, 2-pack: $59.99 (25% off)
Silk & Snow Egyptian cotton sheets set: $120 (20% off)

Best mattress bundle deal

Save on everything you need for a better night’s sleep, including a mattress, bed frame and sheets.

Nectar Premier adjustable bed and mattress set: $1,398 (64% off)

Original price: $3,934

What we love: The adjustable base has a number of useful features, including head and foot elevation, a soothing massage function and pre-programmed positions like Zero Gravity and Anti-Snore.

What to be aware of: The adjustable base is not compatible with all headboards.

Nectar's Premier Adjustable Bed and Mattress bundle adds head and foot elevation plus built-in massage, and includes the mattress, bedding essentials and even a 365-night trial. Shoppers can snag up to 64% off on mattresses and bundles, including the popular all-foam Nectar mattress for the Fourth of July.

Mattresses for side sleepers

If you sleep on your side, look for a mattress that cushions pressure points — typically in the medium-soft to medium-firm range.

Nolah Original Mattress: $942 (35% off)

Original price: $1,449

What we love: The quilted top adds a luxurious cooling layer.

What to be aware of: This is a heavy mattress, so it may be difficult to move.

The Nolah Original mattress is currently discounted by 35% during the site's Fourth of July Sale. Six pressure-relieving foam layers support side sleeping positions, while a pillow top, zoned support and cooling technology promote a more comfortable sleep. If you want a firmer option, try the Nolah Evolution.

Saatva Contour5: $2,749 (10% off)

Original price: $3,049

What we love: This mattress has excellent pressure relief.

What to be aware of: It's an all-foam mattress with very little bounce compared to innerspring or hybrid mattresses.

The all-foam Saatva Contour5 mattress comes in medium and firm options and delivers targeted pressure relief with zoned support. Cooling gel and heat-regulating materials help keep you comfortable, while memory foam contours the shoulders and hips. Saatva makes each mattress to order and delivers it full-sized and uncompressed with free white glove delivery.

Siena Signature Memory Foam Mattress: $294 (64% off)

Original price: $812

What we love: All-foam construction contours around the body.

What to be aware of: If you prefer a springier feel, this mattress may not feel responsive enough.

If you prefer a softer, sink-in feel, consider this 10-inch foam mattress. It includes two inches of contouring memory foam for full-body, medium support and delivers comfortable sleep without straining your budget. You can save up to 60% on mattresses during their Fourth of July sale — starting at just $99.

Mattresses for back pain

Back pain can disrupt sleep, and the wrong mattress only makes it worse. The right one can help keep your spine aligned with balanced support and comfort.

Saatva Classic Mattress: $1,929 (14% off)

Original price: $2,229

What we love: A soft surface with lumbar zone coils that are comfortable for various sleeping positions.

What to be aware of: Even the "Luxury Firm" option might feel too stiff for some side sleepers.

Saatva's Classic mattress is designed for sleepers seeking added back and joint support. Its lumbar zone is intended to promote healthy spinal alignment across different sleep positions. The mattress includes a one-year home trial. Each mattress is made to order and delivered full-size with white-glove service. Right now, you can get up to $300 off on purchases over $1,000 with a mattress in your cart.

PlushBeds organic latex mattress: $1,499 (50% off)

Original price: $2,999

What we love: The latex offers gentle contouring that cushions pressure points without the deep hug feeling of memory foam.

What to be aware of: This mattress is heavy and difficult to move.

Combining support and pressure relief, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex mattress is a smart choice for sleepers with back discomfort. The organic latex makes this mattress buoyant and responsive, critical in keeping your hips from sagging. PlushBeds offers a 100-night trial period for all of its mattresses, and right now you can get up to 50% off all mattresses and 25% off bedding.

Bear Elite Hybrid mattress: $1,484.60 (35% off)

Original price: $2,284

What we love: Zoned support coils and pressure-relieving foams help maintain spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points.

What to be aware of: Lightweight sleepers might find the mattress to be too firm.

The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is built with back support in mind, especially for back sleepers dealing with pain or stiffness. It comes in soft, medium and firm options, so you can pick the feel that best supports your spine and eases pressure points. The Bear mattress sleep trial is a 120-night period, after which you can return the mattress at no cost. Use code JULY35 at checkout to get 35% off sitewide.

Mattresses for back sleepers

Back sleepers need a mattress that balances support and comfort to keep the spine aligned.

Casper Snow mattress: $1,900 (30% off)

Original price: $2,720

Casper's Snow mattress offers a medium feel that may appeal to back and stomach sleepers. Its Snow Technology is designed to help dissipate heat for a cooler night's sleep, while the hybrid construction combines memory foam and coils to provide pressure relief and responsive support.

Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress: $1,025.50 (30% off)

Original price: $1,465

What we love: The GlacioTex cooling cover removes excess heat.

What to be aware of: There is a $99 return fee if you don't like the mattress after the 120-night sleep-trial.

Back sleepers will have strong foundational support from the Brooklyn Bedding's Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress. The coil system prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply, and the coils respond independently to pressure for targeted support where needed. It comes in soft, medium and firm options, so you can choose the level that suits you best. Get 30% off your purchase when using the promo code JULY30. The mattress is shipped in a box and comes with a 120-night comfort trial.

Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress: $999 (31% off)

Original price: $1,445

What we love: The excellent support and spinal alignment this mattress provides.

What to be aware of: Sleepers that weigh less may find this mattress firmer than they prefer.

Awara's Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress is a solid choice for back sleepers. Individually wrapped coils provide firm, consistent support, while responsive natural latex adds bounce and keeps the spine aligned. Awara backs the mattress with a 365-night trial. You can currently shop for mattresses up to 50% off during Awara's Fourth of July event.

Mattresses for couples

If you share your bed with a partner, child or pet, choose a mattress that boosts comfort and reduces motion transfer.

Sleep Number Climate360 mattress: $8,711.65 (15% off)

Original price: $10,249

What we love: Each side customizes your preferred temperature setting.

What to be aware of: The app and adjustable features may take some getting used to.

If you tend to sleep hot or cold, the Sleep Number Climate360 mattress is worth considering. It uses ceramic gel designed to help draw heat away, offers targeted support for pressure points and lets you adjust the temperature on each side. You can also track your sleep in the app, and it includes a 100-night trial. For a limited time, save up to 20% on mattresses and 30% off pillows and sheet sets.

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress: $699 (63% off)

Original price: $1,892

What we love: Reinforced perimeter makes it easier to sit or sleep near the edge without sagging.

What to be aware of: The hybrid design may make it too firm for some sleepers.

DreamCloud builds its Classic Hybrid Mattress with six layers, a quilted cover and supportive memory foam, while wrapped springs reduce motion transfer and cooling fibers help regulate temperature overnight. Save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles during their Fourth of July sale.

DreamCloud Premier mattress: $1,199 (48% off)

Original price: $2,316

What we love: The superior motion isolation makes it easy to share your bed with a restless partner or pets.

What to be aware of: Memory foam can take a bit longer to adapt when you change positions.

Made for pressure relief, the 13-inch DreamCloud Premier is an all-memory foam mattress with a breathable CloudQuilt top. It's also designed for motion isolation, suitable for a range of sleeping preferences. DreamCloud has a 365-night sleep trial, and if you're unhappy with the mattress, you can request a return and receive a full refund. Shop major discounts during the brand's Fourth of July sale.

Siena Premier Hybrid mattress: $389 (61% off)

Original price: $997

What we love: The excellent edge support so you don't roll off.

What to be aware of: This medium-firm mattress may be too firm for some sleepers.

A great option for couples or those who share a bed with a pet, the Siena Premier Hybrid Mattress helps reduce motion transfer with individually wrapped coils and edge support. Siena includes a 180-night sleep trial. Save up to 60% on mattresses during the brand's Fourth of July deals event.

Latex mattress from Birch by Helix: $1,968 (25% off)

Original price: $2,624

What we love: The Birch mattress is comfortable for all sleeping positions.

What to be aware of: If you have a latex allergy, this mattress is not for you.

Latex mattresses feel similar to memory foam but are firmer and sink less. This eco-friendly mattress from Birch by Helix is made with organic cotton that contributes to a cooler sleeping surface. Couples who tend to overheat during the night will benefit. Birch by Helix is offering 30% off with code ELITE30.

PlushBeds Kathy Ireland luxury hybrid mattress: $969 (61% off)

Original price: $2,469

What we love: This mattress is wrapped in a cooling material made for hot sleepers.

What to be aware of: Decorative finishes are pretty but don't change performance.

Save $1,500 on PlushBeds' Kathy Ireland Luxury Hybrid Mattress, which pairs body-cradling foam with supportive coils and luxe details like faux leather trim and a Swarovski-accented monogram. It ships in a box with a 365-night trial, and you can also take up to 50% off mattresses and 25% off all toppers and bedding.

Mattresses for stomach sleepers

If you sleep on your stomach, go with a firmer mattress to help keep your spine aligned and your hips from sinking too far.

Layla The Essential Mattress: $599 (20% off)

Original price: $749

What we love: All-foam construction helps absorb movement.

What to be aware of: The all-foam build, even with cooling features, can feel hot.

Layla's The Essential Mattress is an all-foam design that balances support and softness. It offers a medium-firm feel that gently cushions pressure points without excessive sink while built-in cooling features can help reduce heat buildup overnight. During Layla's Summer sale, you get two free pillows with every mattress purchase and can save up to $428 on mattresses. You can also use the code FOX150 for $150 off all mattresses, or FOX20 for $20 off orders over $100.

Layla Hybrid Mattress: $1,549 (11% off)

Original price: $1,749

What we love: You can flip this mattress to change the firmness level.

What to be aware of: This mattress is heavy, so you will likely need some help if you plan to flip it.

For most stomach sleepers, the firm side of the Layla Hybrid mattress will be the preferred option, as it keeps the hips from sinking too deeply into the mattress. All mattress purchases come with two of Layla's award-winning memory foam pillows. Shop Layla's Summer sale now. You can also use the code FOX150 for $150 off all mattresses, or FOX20 for $20 off orders over $100.

Mattresses for combination sleepers

If you switch positions at night, a hybrid mattress can give you the right mix of support and pressure relief.

Zoma Hybrid mattress: $909.30 (30% off)

Original price: $1,299

Made in the U.S., Zoma's hybrid mattress is crafted with CertiPUR-US certified foams for added peace of mind. Cooling gel memory foam and supportive layers are designed to promote spinal alignment and adapt to a variety of sleep positions, making it a popular choice for athletes and active sleepers.

Glacier Original Hybrid Mattress: $809 (10% off)

Original price: $899

What we love: The pressure relief, lumbar support and cooling make this an ideal choice for most sleepers.

What to be aware of: This bed-in-a-box is priced on the higher end.

The Glacier Original Hybrid Mattress provides medium-firm support for stomach, back, side and combination sleepers, as well as couples. The mattress ships roll-packed for easy setup and includes a 365-night trial.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress: $1,119 (25% off)

Original price: $1,492

What we love: The Helix Midnight has adequate support and contouring for spinal alignment.

What to be aware of: The mattress may be too hot for some sleepers.

The Helix Midnight Luxe offers a medium-firm feel with lumbar and side-sleeper support, making it a strong fit for back and side sleepers. Its cover can help regulate temperature, while foam layers and individually wrapped coils can reduce motion transfer – a helpful feature if your partner tosses and turns. Helix includes a 100-night trial, and you can take 25% off Luxe Collection with the code ELITE30.

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

Mattresses for heavy sleepers

Heavier sleepers should look for a durable, well-built mattress in the medium-firm to firm range.

Titan Plus Luxe mattress: $652.40 (30% off)

Original price: $932

What we love: The mattress is built with higher-density foams and thicker, more durable coils.

What to be aware of: It may feel too firm for lighter individuals.

The Titan Plus Luxe is an excellent mattress for sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds who need robust support. It delivers a comfortable, medium-firm feel and strong pressure relief. Titan's mattress is shipped in a box and with a 120-night comfort trial. Use promo code JULY30 to get 30% off your mattress purchase.

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

Caitlin Clark calls for full-time WNBA referees as officiating failures mount in 2026

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:11:54 -0400

During last year’s All-Star Weekend, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert promised the league would fix its officiating problem. But nearly two months into the 2026 season, it appears everything is still a mess.

Last year, poor officiating became one of the league's biggest storylines, overshadowing everything from playoff races to the WNBA Finals. Coaches publicly blasted referees, players openly questioned the consistency of calls, and Engelbert eventually acknowledged that something had to change.

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So the league assembled a task force of coaches and executives to address concerns over excessive physicality, freedom of movement and consistency in officiating. The WNBA also hired longtime official Eric Brewton as its new referee performance and development advisor.

And yet, here we are again.

Perhaps the best example came a couple of weeks ago, when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark took a shot to the throat from Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas during a loose-ball sequence. Officials reviewed the play in real time and declined to assess a flagrant foul.

Days later, the league upgraded the play to a Flagrant 2 and suspended Thomas for one game.

Clark made it clear she believed officials got it wrong.

"I did think it was a flagrant foul," she said.

But she also said the issue extends far beyond one missed call.

"It's kind of been a discussion for three years now, and I think we really need to do a better job protecting the people in this league," Clark said Friday. "I've been involved in a few of those plays, but there's been plenty of others across the league that haven't been called. You go back postgame or whatever it is, teams submit clips and nothing changes. I think overall the league has to do better."

FORMER NBA DOCTOR WARNS OF DIRE CONSEQUENCES FOR CAITLIN CLARK IF HARD CONTACT ISSUES CONTINUE

Clark also called for greater investment in officiating.

"Overall, the league just has to do better and we have to invest in those areas," she said. "The technology can get better. We can treat the referees a little bit better. Pay them like they're full-time employees."

The concerns don't stop with Clark.

According to a report from The Athletic, coaches and general managers from eight different teams agreed that the quality of WNBA officiating remains subpar and that additional resources, accountability and investment are desperately needed.

"Dangle a bigger carrot," one coach told the outlet. "Pay them more money. Go get better talent to come to the W. I don't think we have the best talent. We have the best league in the world, but we don't have the best talent."

Others believe the league's review process is fundamentally broken.

Teams can clip plays and submit them for review, but multiple sources told The Athletic that the system suffers from delays and produces little noticeable improvement from game to game.

There have also been several high-profile officiating blunders this season.

The Chicago Sky were reportedly informed that three critical calls during a June 20 loss to Dallas were all incorrect. In another game, officials failed to realize Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell had fouled out and allowed play to continue before Indiana could substitute her.

"I hate to say it, but that's gross unawareness," USA Network analyst Meghan McPeak said during the broadcast.

"This should never happen," WNBA legend Tamika Catchings added.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada couldn't hide her frustration after a loss to the Washington Mystics.

"I'm going to get fined, but I don't care," Canada said. "Tonight, the officiating was awful."

She even described one sequence where an official admitted to making the wrong call.

"But that doesn't help me, because now I have two fouls," Canada said.

That pretty much sums up where the WNBA finds itself right now.

The league knew officiating had become a problem, so it formed a task force and (supposedly) implemented changes. It talked about protecting players and creating consistency.

And yet players, coaches and executives are still having the exact same conversations they were having a year ago.

Nobody is asking for perfection. Officiating professional basketball games is incredibly difficult.

But for a league currently enjoying the most successful era in its history — expansions, record television audiences, a $3 billion media rights deal — something has to change.

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Maybe that means better training, better communication, a stronger review process and more clarity on what actually constitutes a foul. Maybe that means hiring full-time refs and paying them a living wage. A novel concept.

But at some point, "we're working on it" doesn’t cut it anymore.

Last chance to shop Wayfair's Fourth of July sale: Up to 82% off grills, outdoor furniture and more

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 08:51:03 -0400

Wayfair is offering up to 70% off right now during its Fourth of July sale on home, outdoor and sleep essentials, including patio furniture, grills and mattresses. A few standout deals from the Fourth of July Clearance Sale include a set of four Adirondack chairs discounted by $584, a FOX reader-loved wicker patio set for 72% off and nearly half off on a memory foam mattress. Shop the sale before it ends on July 6.

Trending clearance deals

Floral indoor-outdoor rug: $83.99 (77% off)
Upholstered storage bed: $272.99 (70% off)
Royal Gourmet barrel charcoal grill with smoker: $154.08 (37% off)
Blackstone 36-inch propane griddle: $539.99 (23% off)

Outdoor furniture deals

Upgrade your outdoor space with new furniture, umbrellas and more.

18-inch outdoor all-weather side table: $59.99 (75% off)
Southerland 3-piece wicker patio conversation set: $289.99 (65% off)
Farrah outdoor stacking dining chairs, set of 2: $269 (54% off)

Folding Adirondack chair, set of 4: $295.96 (72% off)

Original price: $1,076

Save $584 on this set of four Adirondack chairs and upgrade your patio seating in one purchase. Built for outdoor use, the chairs feature a weather-resistant design and fold flat for easier storage between seasons.

Wicker patio set: $319.99 (72% off)

Original price: $1,142.82

Upgrade your backyard for less with this four-piece wicker patio set, marked down by $803. It includes a loveseat, two armchairs and a coffee table, giving you an instant outdoor gathering space. The flexible layout adapts easily to patios, porches and larger deck setups.

Patio umbrella: $81.99 (48% off)

Original price: $159

Stay in the shade no matter where the sun is. This patio umbrella tilts and rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to adjust coverage throughout the day. The UV-resistant canopy is designed for outdoor use and pairs easily with patios, decks and poolside seating areas.

Grilling deals

Cook burgers, veggies and more on a new grill this summer.

Blackstone 36-piece accessories kit: $35.99 (64% off)
Portable single burner electric grill: $108.78 (45% off)
Blackstone 8-piece griddle cleaning kit: $22 (35% off)
Grill steam cleaning brush: $39.99 (33% off)

R.W. Flame gas grill: $239.99 (70% off)

Original price: $799.99

Save $530 on the R.W. Flame propane grill and get serious cooking power for less. Three burgers deliver 34,000 BTUs of heat, and a built-in side burner lets you prepare sauces and sides without leaving the grill. It's a compelling alternative to pricier three-burner models.

Stainless steel grill tool set, 6-piece: $30.99 (61% off)

Original price: $79.99

Upgrade your grilling gear with this six-piece stainless steel tool set. The collection includes a spatula, tongs, fork, basting brush and two skewers, giving you the tools you need for everything from burgers to kebabs. Heat-resistant handles and dishwasher-safe materials help simplify cooking and cleanup.

Backyard decor deals

Add ambient lighting, fire pits and raised garden beds to your backyard.

Striped indoor/outdoor area rug: $62.99 (78% off)
Vertical tiered raised garden bed: $51.99 (64% off)
Wood planter box: $77.99 (44% off)
Acacia wood interlocking deck tiles, set of 27: $73.99 (45% off)

Outdoor string lights: $65.99 (35% off)

Original price: $101.99

Transform your backyard after dark with these 30-foot LED string lights. The shatter-resistant bulbs are built for outdoor use, and the connectable design makes it easy to light up larger decks, patios and fences with a single setup.

Indoor-outdoor rug: $52.99 (81% off)

Original price: $280

Give your outdoor space a finished look with this geometric indoor-outdoor rug, discounted by up to 79%. The flat-weave design works well beneath patio furniture, while the easy-care material cleans up with a quick spray from the hose. Multiple sizes are available, from runners to 9-by-12-foot rugs.

Vertical raised garden bed: $51.99 (64% off)

Original price: $143.99

Short on yard space? This five-tier vertical planter helps you grow more in a smaller footprint. The stacked design creates room for herbs, flowers and vegetables, while water-resistant planters and a sturdy metal frame provide support throughout the growing season.

Mattress and bedding deals

Save on a new mattress, sheets and other sleep must-haves.

Cooling blanket and pillow set: $49.99 (74% off)
Medium memory foam pocket hybrid mattress: $229.99 (67% off)
Serta Perfect Sleeper 15-inch pillow top mattress: $710.99 (60% off)
Nautical reversible quilt set with shams: $54.99 (58% off)
Waterproof fitted mattress protector: $12.99 (48% off)

Wayfair Basics 1800 Series microfiber sheet set: $23.99 (82% off)

Original price: $134.99

An 82% discount drops this sheet set to just $24. You'll get a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases, along with deep-pocket fitted sheets that work with mattresses up to 14 inches thick. With more than 20 colors available, finding a match for your bedroom is easy.

Sleep by Wayfair memory foam mattress: $245.99 (45% off)

Original price: $449.99

Looking for a mattress that won't break the bank? This cooling gel memory foam model combines a gel-infused comfort layer with a firmer feel designed for back and stomach sleepers. It's a budget-friendly option for refreshing your bedroom setup.

Sealy Cool hybrid mattress: $461.63 (58% off)

Original price: $1,099

Sealy mattresses don't often see discounts this deep outside major shopping events. This 12-inch hybrid model combines a CopperChill comfort layer with a pocketed coil support system, offering a blend of cushioning and structure.

ComforPedic Loft memory foam mattress: $510.10 (80% off)

Original price: $2,510.99

Save $1,923 on this ComforPedic memory foam mattress, which pairs a gel-infused comfort layer with a supportive core and may appeal to side sleepers looking for a firmer feel. At this price, it's one of the standout mattress deals in Wayfair's sale.

Indoor furniture deals

Give your living space an upgrade with rugs, sectionals and dining sets.

Ardin solid wood bed frame: $295.99 (78% off)
Swivel bar stools, set of 2: $177.99 (64% off)
Faux leather desk chair: $159.99 (58% off)
16-pair shoe storage cabinet: $116.99 (42% off)
65-inch linen upholstered loveseat: $303.99 (34% off)

Indoor-outdoor rug: $68.99 (76% off)

Original price: $290

This low-pile rug is a practical choice for high-traffic areas. The synthetic weave that wipes clean easily, and neutral pattern pairs with a variety of furniture styles. Right now, it's available in eight sizes.

Upholstered barrel dining chairs, set of 4: $431.96 (73% off)

Original price: $1,599.96

These barrel-back dining chairs bring a high-end look without the designer price tag. The sculptural shape and padded seats strike a balance between modern style and everyday comfort, and the current discount drops the cost to well under $200 per chair.

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

Upholstered sectional: $789.99 (14% off)

Original price: $919.99

This modular U-shaped sofa makes it easy to customize your living room setup. Now $200 off, the sectional arrives in separate pieces that can be arranged as a spacious U shape or reconfigured into an L-shaped layout. It's a versatile option for larger rooms and growing households.

Raleigh mayor considers youth curfew following teen takeover, violent July 4th weekend

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:58:19 -0400

The mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina, is weighing whether to impose a curfew for minors following a series of shootings and chaotic events over the Independence Day weekend, in which several fights broke out and nine people were shot amid a series of teen takeovers across the country.

The violence over the holiday weekend prompted Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell to tell WRAL News she's considering enacting a curfew for those aged 17 and under.

"As Mayor, I am grateful for the actions of the Raleigh Police officers in response to the situations of juvenile violence across the city on the night of July 4 and the morning of July 5," Cowell told the news outlet. "Clearly, Raleigh is not exempt from the incidents of youth violence that are occurring across the country. We need to talk with the youth, their parents, schools, and the broader community to understand the root causes and to better coordinate strategies."

'MAYHEM' ERUPTS IN WEALTHY COASTAL ENCLAVE AS HUNDREDS ARRESTED IN MASSIVE TAKEOVER DURING JULY FOURTH WEEKEND

One approach, she said, may be a youth curfew for those 17 years old and under, which other cities in North Carolina have implemented. City leaders were exploring "many approaches" that are expected to be discussed at Tuesday's City Council meeting, the mayor said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Cowell's office.

Around 5,000 teenagers showed up in Brier Creek and another 5,000 in Glenwood South, with half residing outside the city, the Raleigh Police Department said Sunday.

NORTH CHARLESTON OFFICER ATTACKED BY CROWD IN VIRAL VIDEO AFTER GUNFIRE ERUPTS AT BLOCK PARTY

Raleigh police officers initially responded just after 10:05 p.m. Saturday to reports of a fight near a movie theater and nearby stores. The incident stemmed from a "teen takeover," a social media-driven phenomenon where massive crowds of youths coordinate to suddenly congregate at public spaces like beaches, malls, or restaurants.

A large fight broke out, followed by gunshots. One adult was shot and another was injured by shattered glass caused by the shooting, police said. A juvenile was found with a gun and detained, but investigators don't believe the teen was one of the shooters.

Hours later, at 1:35 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to multiple shootings. Six people were shot but were expected to survive.

At around 4:30 a.m., two people were shot following a fight at a gas station, police said. They were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests were made.

Investigations into the shootings are ongoing, police said.

In a Monday post on X, Cowell called teen takeovers a "disturbing national trend."

"Now in #raleighnc . Grateful to @raleighpolice for bringing back order & protecting public. @raleighgov & whole community have work ahead to engage with youth to prevent future occurrences," she wrote.

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An Instagram post from Milk Bar, a bar in the Glenwood South area, said the actions of a few ruined the peace for patrons in the area.

"While we had zero safety incidents inside Milk Bar, we made the proactive decision alongside other businesses to close our doors, to protect our patrons and staff from the surrounding unrest," the post states. "Gun violence and reckless behavior have no place in our nightlife scene. WE CAN DO BETTER, RALEIGH!"

Bride wrestles key away from man accused of firing shots over groomsman eating meatballs with hands dispute

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:57:14 -0400

This is exactly why you bring the bear spray to a wedding. Had someone used it to calm people down after a heated exchange over a groomsman eating meatballs with his hands, perhaps nobody would have been shot.

Love wasn't the only thing in the air at a Wisconsin wedding last month, bullets were as well. The reception included an unplanned shooting that sent two to the hospital and earned a 41-year-old man two felony charges.

A groomsman had been spotted by a cousin of the bride in the kitchen area "eating meatballs directly with his hand," reports the local affiliate WISN. She says she told him to use a plate and that he responded by punching her.

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It was apparently the type of wedding reception that was a couple of words away from throwing punches. The brother-in-law of the woman who was punched reportedly stepped in and during the exchange gunshots rang out.

The alleged shooter was identified by multiple witnesses, including the bride, as a friend of the meatball-eating groomsman, Thomas Redrick Williams. When officers arrived on the scene, the criminal complaint states that the bride walked up and handed them a key fob.

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She had witnessed the fight, she had heard the gunshot, and she had seen a man she knew as "Boog" leave the kitchen with a gun.

How did she get the key fob, and what did it have to do with anything? She had wrestled it away from the man with the gun as he was attempting to drive off. He then fled on foot.

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Two other witnesses gave their accounts of the shooting to police. As of last week, reports Law & Crime, police have issued a warrant for Williams' arrest and were still looking for him.

He's facing two counts of first-degree reckless injury with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and bail jumping.

It just goes to show that sometimes asking someone to use a plate instead of their hands to eat meatballs is asking for too much. Who knew? Other than the bride who seemed to be unfazed by the reception shooting.

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

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

Rumors are swirling on social media about the future of Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after several of his events were canceled and a report from Politico accused the scandal-plagued Democratic nominee of sexual assault ahead of a key deadline in the race.

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.’"

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

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

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 whether there is 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. "

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

Fox News Digital reached out to the Platner campaign for comment on both the canceled events and the Politico report.

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

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.

Israel fortifies border with Jordan as Iran seeks new terror path

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:47:59 -0400

JORDAN VALLEY: After Hamas’ terrorist invasion of Israel’s southern border on Oct. 7, 2023, the Jewish state created the 96th army division to thwart new security threats along its border with Jordan.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) granted Fox News Digital exclusive access to military bases that are on the frontlines in the fight against Iran’s regime, terrorism, narcotics and weapons smuggling, as well as illegal entry of Palestinians seeking work in Israel.

While the "Jordanian border is a peace border," an Israeli military official told Fox News Digital, "There is a strategic competition over Jordan. The other side [Iran’s regime] understands it is a peaceful border and a strategic advantage for any of our enemies who want to be there." Jordan and Israel reached a peace agreement in 1994.

JORDAN REMAINS ‘LAST HOLDOUT’ AS IRAN LOOKS TO CREATE NEW ‘TERROR FRONT' ON ISRAELI BORDER

The longevity of Mideast peace is at stake in the oppressive heat of the biblically rich history of the Jordan Valley, where Joshua led the Jews into Israel.

The Jordan Valley frequently appears in Scripture. John the Baptist led his ministry and baptisms, including Jesus’, in the Valley. "Tourists come to explore it [Jordan Valley region]," said the military official. As a result of the origins of Christianity and Judaism, the Jordan Valley has been labeled the "Original Bible Belt."

During Israel’s seven-front war against Iran and its allies, Fox News Digital reported that the regime and Hamas sought to destabilize Jordan, according to Mideast experts.

US ALLY JORDAN ROCKED BY PRO-HAMAS, MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD PROTESTS OVER GAZA WAR

In 2024, Jordan experienced protests in support of the Hamas terrorist organization.

After Hamas slaughtered over 1,200 people on 10/7, including more than 40 Americans, the IDF is reactivating 45 military bases spread out between Israel and Jordan. The IDF said the bases were built after the 1967 Six-Day War and their operation was" discontinued in the late 1990s. IDF Division 96 oversees the sprawling bases filled with bunkers in the Jordan Valley.

A military official told Fox News Digital that "Since the beginning of the year, Division 96 has thwarted more than 20 smuggling attempts involving weapons and narcotics."

According to the military official, "All walks of life come here [Jordan Valley]. The army’s job is to make sure that everybody can live here in peace." Division 96 covers 250 air miles and approximately 242.3 miles of territory, said the military official. The IDF created Division 96 a little more than a year ago.

The military official said that a critical piece of its multilayered defense is to build a new wall. "The army took everything we learned from 10/7 and revamped the wall." The military official added the construction of the wall helps to explain why Palestinians are seeking to illegally enter Israel for employment: "They see the wall and realize that their time is now up to come in."

ISRAEL DEFENSE CHIEF WARNS STRIKES ON IRAN COULD RESUME SOON, SIGNALS CAMPAIGN NOT OVER

He stressed there are legal entry points into Israel from the Jordanian side.

The multipronged new Israeli border system in the Jordan Valley is demarcated by three layers. The first layer is a military outpost, like the facility Fox News Digital toured. Named "European Goldfinch," it is situated across from the defunct historical Adam Bridge, where two Jordanian military outposts are within eyesight.

The second layer of defense is the construction of a wall. And the third line of defense is the military bases that lodges Division 96. The IDF official said that the army also increased the number of reserve soldiers.

The Israeli army built another five battalions of soldiers who were never engaged in service or finished their service and wish to return to duty. The reservists "understood the point of history we are in" and their "love for Israel," said the Israeli military official.

During Israel’s war with Iran, the clerical regime’s forces fired missiles into the Jordan Valley. The bunkers located in the outposts served as a refuge from Iran’s rockets.

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The military bases inspected by Fox News Digital are located in Area C in the disputed West Bank territory, referred to by many Israelis by the region’s biblical names as Judea and Samaria. Nearly 500,000 Israelis and around 300,000 Palestinians live in Area C, which makes up 60% of the total area of Judea and Samaria. The Oslo Accords, which were signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1993, stipulated military and civilian control over Area C was absorbed by the IDF.

The miltiary official said that "We have the same agenda as Jordan: To keep the border peaceful."

Who is Turkey's Erdoğan? How NATO's most unpredictable leader keeps reinventing himself

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:34:09 -0400

As President Donald Trump heads to Ankara, Turkey, for the upcoming NATO summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is again at the center of alliance politics.

Trump has praised Erdoğan as "a friend" and "a respected leader," underscoring a relationship that could shape defense talks between Washington and Turkey, including Turkey’s long-running effort to restore deeper military cooperation.

The moment highlights the remarkable position Erdoğan occupies today: Once regarded as one of NATO’s most troublesome allies after taking delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defense system in 2019, Turkey has become increasingly difficult for the alliance to sideline as the war in Ukraine drags on, instability grips the Middle East and the Black Sea grows more strategic.

For many, however, Erdoğan remains an enigma. Rather than being driven by a fixed worldview, experts argue, Erdoğan repeatedly has reinvented himself politically, adopting whichever ideology best serves his overriding objective: remaining in power.

TURKEY DETAINS OVER 200 SUSPECTS, INCLUDING ALLEGED ISIS MILITANTS, IN SWEEPING RAID AHEAD OF NATO SUMMIT

Erdoğan has ruled Turkey for more than two decades, evolving from an Istanbul mayor with Islamist roots into a pro-European reformer, then a nationalist strongman, and now a pivotal NATO power broker courted by Trump.

To supporters, he restored Turkey's global stature. To critics, he hollowed out its democracy while jailing rivals, journalists and activists. But Erdoğan's most defining trait, experts say, may be less ideology than survival.

Is he an Islamist? A nationalist? A Western ally? A Russian partner? An authoritarian?

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about Erdoğan is that he has been all of those things — at different moments, according to Gönül Tol, founding director of the Middle East Institute's Turkey Program and author of "Erdoğan's War: A Strongman's Struggle at Home and in Syria."

"He's not an ideological man," Tol told Fox News Digital. "He's very pragmatic, first and foremost a populist."

SIX KURDISH FIGHTERS KILLED IN IRGC AMBUSH AS CLASHES SPREAD ACROSS WESTERN IRAN

The Conservative Democrat

Erdoğan’s roots lie in Turkey’s Islamist political movement. Educated at an Imam Hatip religious school, he entered politics through National Outlook, a right-wing Islamist movement founded by Necmettin Erbakan, and eventually became mayor of Istanbul as a member of Erbakan’s Welfare Party.

But after founding the AKP, or Justice and Development Party, in 2001, Erdoğan abandoned the Islamist label, presenting himself instead as a "conservative democrat" committed to economic reform and closer ties with Europe — a shift that experts say marked the first of several political reinventions.

When Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party first swept to power in 2002, Turkey was seeking membership in the European Union, military influence over politics was shrinking, and Erdoğan promised democratic reforms, economic modernization and closer ties with the West.

Many liberals and centrists initially supported him.

"He often said, 'I'm not an Islamist anymore. I'm a conservative democrat,'" Tol said. "And that brand really served him well."

Those early years transformed both Turkey's economy and Erdoğan's popularity.

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

The Islamist

After consolidating power, Erdoğan began another political transformation.

Following the Arab Spring in 2011, he increasingly portrayed himself as a champion of political Islam, backing Islamist movements across the Middle East while presenting himself domestically as the defender of Turkey's conservative religious majority.

"He wanted to inject more Islam into public life, into education," Tol said. "He was using this more Islamist narrative... the goal was always to acquire more power."

That anti-Western turn went beyond rhetoric.

In 2016, Erdoğan accused the U.S.-led coalition of supporting terrorist groups in Syria, including ISIS and Kurdish militias that Turkey considers terrorist organizations— an allegation the State Department dismissed as "ludicrous," according to Reuters.

His increasingly vocal support for Hamas and sharp criticism of Israel became defining features of his foreign policy.

"The perpetrators of the massacre and the destruction taking place in Gaza are those providing unlimited support for Israel," Erdoğan said in 2023, adding that Israel's attacks and those backing them amounted to "murder and mental illness," according to Reuters.

Tol cautions against viewing those positions alone as evidence that Erdoğan remains primarily motivated by Islamism.

"Anti-Israel sentiment cuts across ideological lines in Turkey," she said, arguing that Erdoğan's foreign policy has consistently reflected political calculation more than religious doctrine.

TRUMP'S TURKEY ARMS SALE PROPOSAL SPARKS CONGRESSIONAL QUESTIONS BEFORE NATO SUMMIT

The nationalist strongman

As Turkey's economy slowed and regional ambitions faltered, Erdoğan pivoted once again.

He embraced Turkish nationalism, built alliances with hardline nationalist parties and cultivated the image of an indispensable strongman capable of restoring Turkey's historical influence.

Supporters credit him with transforming Turkey into a regional power.

"He does have genuine support," Tol said, estimating his support at roughly 35%.

Some supporters depend on government assistance and patronage networks built under his rule. Others believe Erdoğan restored dignity to conservative religious Turks who long felt marginalized by the country's secular establishment.

Still others view his increasingly assertive foreign policy as proof Turkey has reclaimed its place on the world stage.

"They think, 'We have become a world-class nation,'" Tol said. "'Everyone is praising our president. Turkey is a big player.'"

While Erdoğan continues to command a loyal political base, critics say the price has been Turkey's democratic institutions.

Authorities increasingly have used courts and criminal investigations to sideline political opponents, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose arrest earlier in 2026 triggered nationwide demonstrations, according to Human Rights Watch.

The organization says the government has intensified efforts to weaken Turkey's main opposition party despite its strong performance in the 2024 municipal elections.

TRUMP'S PERSONAL FEUDS WITH ALLIES FROM ITALY TO ISRAEL REVEAL HOW PERSONALITY DRIVES HIS FOREIGN POLICY

The NATO dealmaker

Today, Erdoğan finds himself in another political transformation.

After years of anti-Western rhetoric and disputes with Washington, Turkey has worked to repair relations with the United States and Europe.

That rhetoric was once central to Erdoğan's posture.

He accused the U.S.-led coalition in Syria of supporting terrorist groups, blasted Washington's sanctions over Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, calling them a "hostile attack" on Turkey's sovereign rights and defense industry, and repeatedly accused Western governments of enabling Israel's war in Gaza.

The shift comes as Turkey's strategic importance has grown dramatically.

The S-400 purchase remains at the center of one of the biggest unresolved disputes between Washington and Ankara. After Turkey took delivery of the Russian system in 2019, the U.S. expelled Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program and later imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense procurement agency.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey recently told Fox News Digital that restoring Turkey to the F-35 program remains far more complicated than other defense deals because operating the Russian-made S-400 alongside America's most advanced stealth fighter could expose sensitive U.S. technology.

"The F-35 is a different issue," Jeffrey said, arguing that the problem is technical, not merely political.

Turkey controls the Bosporus and Dardanelles, fields NATO's second-largest military and plays a critical role in the Black Sea following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Jeffrey said that Turkey has been "essential to Ukraine staying in the fight," pointing to Turkey's enforcement of the Montreux Convention, a 1936 treaty that gives Turkey control over naval passage through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, its early delivery of Bayraktar drones to Ukraine, and its role as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.

"You can't contain Russia in the Black Sea without Turkey," Jeffrey said.

For Tol, however, Erdoğan's latest embrace of NATO is simply another example of his political flexibility.

"There was a time when he was very anti-Western, very critical of NATO, very critical of the United States," she said.

"And now look at him."

Growing criticism

Human Rights Watch argues Erdoğan has used Turkey's growing importance to NATO as political cover while expanding pressure on journalists, activists and opposition figures.

Freedom House says Erdoğan has become "increasingly authoritarian" over the past decade, consolidating power through constitutional changes and the imprisonment of political opponents, independent journalists and civil society figures.

Turkey's prisons held more than 420,000 inmates — far exceeding their official capacity of roughly 304,000, according to a June 2026 report citing Turkish Justice Ministry figures.

NATO allies have grown quieter on Turkey's rights record as Ankara's strategic value has risen, Reuters reported ahead of the summit, with former U.S. Ambassador David Satterfield saying it remains important for the West to speak publicly about the "degradation of democratic institutions in Turkey."

Tol believes Erdoğan's domestic agenda can be understood through a single principle.

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"Everything is designed to keep him in power," she said. "Beyond that, I don't see a binding ideology that brings together all his policies."

As Trump heads to Turkey, that may be the key to understanding one of NATO's most consequential — and unpredictable — leaders.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Turkish government for comment.

Fox News Digital's Morgan Phillips and Reuters contributed to this report.

Carrie Underwood doesn't skip leg day, spicy Sophie Cunningham & why Trump's World Cup meddling is a win-win

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:30:59 -0400

What a loaded weekend. Lordy, I don't even know where to begin!

America's 250th. Fourth of July. Trump vs. FIFA. The Marlins did something downright unacceptable yesterday afternoon. NASCAR last night. USA soccer tonight.

Holiday shmoliday! The news-cycle doesn't sleep just because the calendar says it's supposed to, and she certainly didn't sleep this weekend.

Let's dive in.

Welcome to a Monday Nightcaps — the one where Carrie Underwood shows America she doesn't skip leg day during a patriotic performance at the John Deere Classic.

What else? I've got fallout from Trump's phone call to FIFA, including why I think the move was such a no-brainer, Sophie Cunningham's perfect response to the WNBA nonsense, and this Marlins manager should be fired TODAY after what he pulled Sunday afternoon.

Seriously. This got buried in the FIFA news-of-the-day, but it deserves some attention. And now, it'll get it!

Grab you any beer for tonight's game (as long as it's not Anheuser-Busch!) and settle in for a Monday 'Cap!

Trump's FIFA call was such a no-brainer

Normally, I love AB. Duh. If you've been in this class long enough, you know I'm a Busch Light purist.

(Although, I will admit that I bought a sixer of Coors Banquet this weekend because it just felt right).

That being said ... all bets are off tonight. It's USA vs. Belgium. Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. True story. Can't have that tonight. Like Trump, I know nothing about soccer. Nothing. Nada. Don't pretend to.

But I know our fellas need all the support they can get, and if that means a small, one-day boycott of AB, then I'm happy to do it.

It's called making sacrifices, Libs. Look it up!

Now, speaking of the Libs and Trump and tonight's game ... let's check in with Donald J. Trump, who has, amazingly, made himself the center of attention:

Incredible. Just when you start to think he's lost his fastball, he paints the corners with 99. How does he do it?

"I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine. The referee’s decision to red card, I didn’t know what the hell a red card was and when I found out I said, ‘You gotta be kidding.’… I said, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of power, that’s terrible.’ And then I looked at his past and it wasn’t so great."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Look, this was such a win-win for Trump politically. Let's just be honest. There really is no bad outcome from him interfering in FIFA and World Cup matters. None.

Scenario A: USA wins tonight, Trump continues to be praised, and probably shows up at the next game and gets a massive standing ovation in what would be the most-watched broadcast of the year. The left implodes.

Scenario B: USA loses tonight, and the fake-Americans on the left show their true colors by cheering on Belgium because they can't stand the thought of siding with Trump on anything. The Republicans use all the fake-outrage to their advantage leading up to the 2026 midterms.

Scenario C: Trump's sudden involvement pulls his core fanbase into the World Cup because they don't care otherwise, and further galvanizes the country.

This one is already happening, by the way, because I've spent 500 words writing about SOCCER on a Monday in July.

And for those of you who don't think a Democrat would ever go against the US of A, buddy, think AGAIN:

Let's talk about the Marlins

Incredible. Just imagine, for a second, waking up in the morning and doing something like that on the weekend of America's 250th birthday? These people are NUTS. Truly unhinged.

The TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) is OFF THE CHARTS right now. Again, it's a win-win for him. Easiest call ever, frankly. What a birthday weekend!

OK, let's move it along, because we've all got a game to gear up for in a few hours.

I know most of you missed it, but I will not let Marlins manager Clayton McCullough off the hook for this nonsense he pulled yesterday by pulling a pitcher in the middle of a PERFECT GAME:

Just ridiculous. What happened to the game we all loved? Pulling a pitcher in the middle of a perfect game is indefensible. Do you know how rare perfect games are? This wasn't a no-hitter. Those are a dime a dozen at this point.

But perfect games almost never happen. In fact, there have only been 24 official perfect games in MLB history. Twenty-four! Baseball has been around for a century, give or take. It's really been around for much longer, but we'll just go back 100 years to make it a nice, round number.

In that time, we've only seen 24 (!!!) perfect games. And Clayton McCullough robbed us of a chance to see No. 25. Fans were furious. Players, I would hope, ARE furious.

And guess what? The Marlins nearly BLEW it! They barely won the game:

Carrie and Sophie take us into the week

Just pathetic. McCullough, by the way, had this to say after the game:

"Going into this game, 90-plus a batter was a pitch count that I felt comfortable with him coming back off the time on the IL, and us looking to play beyond the regular season," he said. "Eury's going to be an important part of that.

"There was a part of my heartstrings pulling at his opportunity to keep on going, but I have to think about Eury, one, and our organization, our team, and what's best moving forward to give us a chance to continue to win games. So I made more of a calculated decision with where he was with the pitch count to take him out."

Bologna. It wasn't like he was at 120 pitches! He was at 90. That's peanuts. This wasn't his first game back off the IL. This was his third. At the very least, you let him go back out there and take it one batter at a time. What if he gets through the next inning in 10 pitches?

Indefensible. Make Baseball Great Again!

OK, two quickies on the way out. First? You didn't think we'd go a day without WNBA drama, did you? As per usual, Sophie Cunningham has the correct take on all the whining from Alyssa Thomas about internet trolls:

"At the end of the day, you're in an entertainment business, that's when mental toughness comes in. If you're gonna live by praise, you're gonna die by the hate. I think that's on the individual person to have mental toughness.

"Some people can deal with it, some people can't. And I think you can see the ones who can't. And unfortunately there are some who can't, and it's not beneficial to them."

Caitlin Clark finally breaks her week-long silence after being punched in the throat by Alyssa Thomas

Amen. Thank you, Sophie. All this whining about online hate and fans being mean and blah, blah, blah. It's nonsense. The WNBA isn't reinventing the wheel here. This isn't the first time athletes have ever had to deal with mean fans, or online trolls, or idiots behind a keyboard.

This has been happening FOREVER! I'm not saying it's right. It's not. I'm saying if you're really "upset" about it, you need to get thicker skin and toughen up.

That's what Sophie is saying, too, by the way. Her statement may have been a little more buttoned-up, but we both arrived at the same destination.

Once again, she nailed it.

OK, that's it for today. What a weekend. What a start to the week! I think we're in for a special night.

Take us home, Carrie Underwood!

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

Any way this turns out bad for Trump? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com.

Media figures melt down over Trump involvement with FIFA as US star Folarin Balogun set to play

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:30:47 -0400

Many journalists, political correspondents and pundits have expressed outrage that President Donald Trump pressed FIFA on the plight of USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday’s showdown with Belgium.

Balogun received a red card during the U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week for stepping on the ankle of a defender while trying to corral a ball. The controversial card — which mandated Balogun miss the rest of the game and the next game as well — was issued after a VAR review, and amid the uproar, a source told Fox News that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked that FIFA review the play. On Sunday, the reversal was announced and the typical one-game suspension was nullified.

Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik and White House task force leader Andrew Giuliani put together a team of lawyers outside the White House to challenge the use of slow-motion replay to give Balogun the red card, according to OutKick founder and Fox News contributor Clay Travis.

Infantino said in a statement Monday that he spoke with Trump and noted that "FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent" and "operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them." The media onslaught was at full tilt by then, however.

BANNED FORMER FIFA PRESIDENT CRITICIZES ORGANIZATION'S DECISION ON FOLARIN BALOGUN

"Morning Joe" co-host Jon Lemire expressed concern that "karma" would come back to haunt the United States team.

"This certainly helps the U.S. on the field, but the karma is bad. The karma is very bad… This U.S. run so far has been magical. This decision may help us extend it, but suddenly the feeling is a little bit off," Lemire said.

"I think the president has misunderstood the beautiful game, part of it is that you don’t always get the call you want. There’s real disappointment. There’s the hope that kills you. This is part of the beauty of soccer. And the point is that you have to triumph over what are often perceived to be unfair calls," Washington Post columnist Kate Andrews said on MS NOW.

Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann responded, "So the World Cup is fixed? Got it."

FIFA DISMISSES BELGIUM APPEAL OVER DECISION ON USA'S FOLARIN BALOGUN

"Totally normal and not corrupt or dodgy or biased at all," journalist Mehdi Hasan sarcastically wrote to caption a report that Trump called Infantino.

New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof declared, "This will appear to the world as favoritism and as FIFA bowing to political influence. If the U.S. wins, I fear that much of the world will see it as a win with an asterisk and as Trump’s America making its own rules even in the sports world."

ABC News contributor Donna Brazile wrote, "Terrible decision to involve the White House into this. Just horrible."

Others focused on Balogun being a birthright citizen.

"The irony of Trump calling FIFA to overturn a red card for Balogun because he knows the U.S. can’t win without Balogun, who only qualifies for the U.S. team because of birthright citizenship, which Trump just tried to overturn," journalist Julia Loffe wrote.

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

Radio host Courtney Theriault added, "Donald Trump calling FIFA to overturn the suspension of noted birthright citizen Folarin Balogun the same week SCOTUS rules against him on eliminating birthright citizenship is peak Trump."

"Possible corruption and cheating aside, hilarious that the Trump administration were allegedly pushing hard to reinstate a player who is a literal birthright citizen. His pregnant mother gave birth to him on a visit because the airline wouldn’t let her board her return flight," Hasan wrote.

Many others took to social media with thoughts:

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Trump told reporters Monday he didn't tell FIFA to do anything and said he didn't believe the red card was the proper call.

"I didn’t tell him what to do. I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision because, No. 1, it wasn’t a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players," he said.

A win on Monday would send the U.S. to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

Fox News Digital’s Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

Walker Buehler targets home-field rebound as San Diego Padres host Arizona Diamondbacks in .500 showdown

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:25:25 -0400

We were able to steal a win yesterday in the Twins vs. Yankees game. It was a fairly nerve-wracking game because I took the under. The Twins ended up scoring six runs, and then the Yankees scored one late to get it to seven runs. Luckily, we were able to get the bullpen to close the doors. I am hopeful we can keep this luck on our side as we've snuck in a few close calls lately. Tonight, we get a new series between the Diamondbacks and the Padres.

With a win tonight, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be back to .500 at 45-45. They have been bad on the road, struggling to a 17-25 road record. I think that Arizona has done a very good job on offense this season, despite trading away quite a few players over the past year. They still have a lot of talent on the roster, but the question has to be asked if they are going to make more trades soon. Ketel Marte is a guy who has had his name floating around the trade rumors quite a bit. He could be a good addition to most playoff teams. However, if the Diamondbacks want to go the other way, they can add pitching to try to improve on their team's 4.28 ERA.

Even if the Diamondbacks add Tarik Skubal, which isn't likely, they would still be a very long shot to make the postseason via the division. They have a better chance at getting one of the three Wild Card spots. Today's starter is Brandon Pfaadt, who is not in the same realm as Skubal (but, then again, who is). For the season, Pfaadt has bounced between the bullpen and the rotation. This is just his fifth start of the season, but he is coming off a start against the Giants. He went 5.1 innings, allowed three hits, and just one solo homer. He faced the Padres earlier in the season and went three innings, allowing four earned runs.

The San Diego Padres are in an identical spot to the Diamondbacks. With a win here, they will get back to .500 for the season. The Padres have to be one of the most frustrating teams in baseball. On paper, they should be one of the most elite clubs in baseball. They have a ton of talented hitters and a few reliable arms, but for whatever reason, it seems like every season is a struggle. Perhaps it is a lack of power from some key guys like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts. Maybe it is that Manny Machado is batting .189. There could be a chance that all three of those guys return to their normal production and propel the Padres to another postseason appearance.

In order to do that, they will need help from their pitching staff. One of the main guys that they will lean on is today's starter, Walker Buehler. For the year, Buehler is 5-4 with a 4.61 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He has been a better pitcher at home than he has on the road, though. When pitching in San Diego, he has thrown to a 3.13 ERA. He had a great June, but his first July start, he was rocked. He allowed nine earned runs on seven hits over four innings. He has to be looking to get back on the mound and rebound from that rough outing. He hasn't faced the Diamondbacks this season.

PADRES' FERNANDO TATIS JR SNAPS HOME RUN DROUGHT WITH THUNDEROUS DINGER: 'ABOUT F---ING TIME'

Over his career, Pfaadt has allowed Padres hitters to bat .258 against him with four homers and 18 RBIs. I mentioned Machado's struggles this season, but he is hitting .368 against Pfaadt. Bogaerts is hitting just .167 against him. Jake Cronenworth is another one who might be worth adding to your daily lineups or prop bets, as he is hitting .409 against Pfaadt. Buehler has been much better against the Diamondbacks hitters, holding them to a .194 average over 98 at-bats. Pavin Smith has been particularly bad, going 1-for-15 against him.

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Smith isn't plus money for the night, so I'll avoid that prop. For the actual game, I'm planning to play the Padres at -124. I think Buehler will rebound from his horrendous last start. I also think his history, coupled with his home performances, give San Diego the edge in this game. Give me the Padres -124.

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For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

Pence commends Trump for winning freedom of Beijing's Zion Church pastor Ezra Jin from Chinese detention

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:16:07 -0400

Former Vice President Mike Pence publicly praised President Donald Trump on Monday for successfully securing the release of pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, a prominent underground Christian leader detained by Chinese authorities.

In a post on X, Pence said Trump "should be commended" for raising the case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing, adding it was "Truly Treasure in Heaven to see this godly man of faith set free."

Pence also called on Beijing to release jailed Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, adding, "#FreeJimmyLai."

PRESIDENT TRUMP REVEALS XI JINPING'S RESPONSE TO POSSIBLY RELEASING IMPRISONED CHINESE CRITIC JIMMY LAI

Jin, the leader of Beijing's unregistered Zion Church, was detained in October along with 17 other church leaders.

He safely arrived in Los Angeles to reunite with his family, less than two months after Trump pressed Xi on his detention, according to Frances Hui of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.

PRESIDENT TRUMP MUST PUT AMERICAN HOSTAGES FIRST IN HIGH-STAKES BEIJING SUMMIT

In a statement to the Associated Press, Jin’s family thanked Trump and acknowledged the swift release would not have been possible without Xi's intervention.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., took to X to thank Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, echoing Pence’s call for Lai’s release.

"Great news! Thank you @POTUS and @SecRubio for your leadership in securing Pastor Ezra Jin’s freedom," Scott wrote in the post. "Still, we cannot stop fighting to hold COMMUNIST CHINA accountable for ALL of their crimes."

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"My friend Jimmy Lai remains unjustly imprisoned simply because he stood up for freedom," Scott continued. "Jimmy Lai is 78 with diabetes and has been in solitary confinement for YEARS. I will never stop fighting for Jimmy Lai and I won’t give up until Jimmy is out of prison."

Socialist Mayor Katie Wilson silent amid protests over ‘human dumping ground’ ahead of US World Cup match

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:54:10 -0400

Seattle socialist mayor Katie Wilson is facing protests ahead of today’s U.S. World Cup match in her city as members of the local Chinese and Vietnamese communities are accusing her of abandoning their neighborhoods to crime and open air drug dealing.

One organizer went so far as to accuse progressive Wilson of treating Seattle’s Chinatown International District (CID) as a "human dumping ground" for homeless and drug addicts.

While Seattle has hosted some of the World Cup’s biggest matches, including today’s U.S. versus Belgium match, residents and business owners in the CID and "Little Saigon" say their neighborhoods are missing out on the economic benefits due to safety concerns leading people to avoid the area, according to local outlet KIRO 7.

Business owners are reporting a significant decline in foot traffic and business despite being less than a mile from Lumen Field. As frustrations mount, many are blaming Wilson’s leadership and taking to the streets to protest against her in front of World Cup crowds.

SPENCER PRATT LIGHTS SOCIAL MEDIA ON FIRE WITH VIRAL TAKEDOWN OF ‘VILE, COMMIE MAYOR’ MAMDANI

At one rally, Gary Lee, a CID advocate, said into a microphone, "Wilson claims to be an advocate for marginalized communities of color, but all she did was turn the CID into a human dumping ground and we’ve had enough," KIRO 7 reported.

In an interview with the outlet, Lee said, "When I look at the TV, I see that the waterfront is jampacked, Pioneer Square is jampacked. When I go over to Chinatown, it’s just like dead."

"I hate to say it, but it feels like a ghost town," he said of the CID.

Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson for comment, however the mayor did not respond by the time of publication.

SEATTLE'S SOCIALIST MAYOR KATIE WILSON SLAMMED FOR CUTTING SHORT INTERVIEW OVER BASIC PUBLIC SAFETY QUESTION

When CID residents started venting their frustrations, Wilson responded, "We’ve definitely seen, like, a lot of energy was put into trying to make sure that as visitors are coming, they are, you know, venturing out of that downtown corridor."

In a statement sent to KIRO 7, Wilson’s office said that "crime and disorder issues in the CID have gone unaddressed for far too long. We continue to work with the CID community to address their concerns and ensure it is a safe, active, and vibrant neighborhood."

Meanwhile, Fox 13 Seattle reported that community activist and former city council member Tanya Woo said many businesses in the district are seeing a 10-20% decline in sales.

Woo called on community members to join her in walking to the stadium area on Monday to "personally invite fans to eat, shop, and experience the Chinatown-International District."

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"Many businesses in the Chinatown-International District are reporting sales declines compared to this time last year. Although thousands of FIFA fans are coming to Seattle, our neighborhood has largely become a rideshare pickup and drop-off zone," she wrote.

In another post, Woo wrote, "Seattle’s Chinatown International District should be benefiting from the FIFA World Cup, not being left behind."

Chicago officers wounded in traffic stop shootout as holiday weekend leaves 3 dead, 16 injured

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:47:53 -0400

Two Chicago police officers were shot during a struggle with an armed suspect over the Fourth of July weekend as separate shootings across the city left three people dead and at least 16 others wounded, according to preliminary police figures.

The Chicago Police Department said 34-year-old Malik Wrightsell was charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery of a peace officer, aggravated assault of a peace officer, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon by a repeat felony offender and several other offenses in connection with one shooting.

The officers were conducting a traffic stop in Chicago's South Chicago neighborhood just before 5 p.m. Friday when Wrightsell fled on foot, police said. Officers pursued him into the 7900 block of South Chappel Avenue, where he allegedly resisted as they attempted to take him into custody.

NORTH CHARLESTON OFFICER ATTACKED BY CROWD IN VIRAL VIDEO AFTER GUNFIRE ERUPTS AT BLOCK PARTY

During the struggle, police said Wrightsell pulled out a handgun and fired, striking one officer in the abdomen. The officer's ballistic vest stopped the bullet before returning fire and striking Wrightsell.

A second officer also was shot in the arm during the confrontation, with that officer's ballistic vest also stopping the bullet. Responding officers rendered aid to both officers and Wrightsell before all three were transported to area hospitals. Police also recovered a firearm at the scene.

Both officers were listed in good condition. Wrightsell was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

NYPD DETECTIVE, CHILDREN SHOT IN SEPARATE BROOKLYN SHOOTINGS OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The shooting was one of 11 shooting incidents recorded across Chicago between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, preliminary Chicago Police Department figures provided to Fox News Digital show. The incidents left 16 people shot and three people dead.

Citing Chicago police, FOX 32 Chicago reported that six people between the ages of 17 and 20 were wounded in a mass shooting on the city's West Side early Sunday.

About 10 minutes earlier, a 17-year-old girl was critically wounded in a separate shooting nearby. The station also reported that a 33-year-old man was fatally shot on the West Side, while a 31-year-old man was critically wounded after being found shot inside a home Sunday afternoon.

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

Several other shootings and stabbings were reported across the city over the holiday weekend.

The preliminary figures marked a sharp decline from the Fourth of July holiday weekend in 2025, when Chicago recorded 32 shootings involving 44 victims, including nine fatalities, FOX 32 Chicago reported.

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The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

'The View' host supports Trump appealing to FIFA on controversial red card

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:44:35 -0400

"The View" co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin defended President Donald Trump on Monday for intervening in FIFA's handling of U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, after Trump confirmed he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the call ahead of the United States' World Cup match against Belgium.

Griffin, a former Trump White House communications aide who has become a frequent critic of the president, said she approved of the alleged favor because it helped the U.S. team.

"The one Trump corruption I agree with is the red card if we are going to get into FIFA," she said.

"If you’re going to call in a favor, do it so that you can get one of the greatest players back on," Griffin continued. "It should have been a yellow card, suspend him for a bit."

TRUMP CALLED FIFA PRESIDENT TO REVIEW FOLARIN BALOGUN'S RED CARD AHEAD OF USA-BELGIUM MATCH, SOURCE SAYS

However, fellow co-host Sunny Hostin accused Trump of "corruption," claiming he had personally pushed FIFA to let Balogun play despite the red card.

"Which means you’re supposed to be suspended for the next game and Trump made a call to FIFA and said can he still play and FIFA said, ‘Sure, we’re going to abandon all of our rules for a World Cup and let them play,’" Hostin said.

Hostin, who said earlier in the show she had just returned from a vacation to Spain, claimed Europeans had been raising concerns to her about corruption in the U.S.

"Europeans – because I was in Spain at the time – Europeans are saying things like I can’t believe America is so corrupt," Hostin said. "I’m like have you met the Trump administration? Have you met where we are right now?"

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

BELGIUM 'CONSIDERING ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS' AFTER FIFA CLEARS TEAM USA'S FOLARIN BALOGUN

Griffin then noted Balogun's eligibility to play for the U.S. national team came through birthright citizenship.

"And that player, by the way, is eligible to be playing on the U.S. team because of birthright citizenship," Griffin said. "Which is incredible and it’s great."

"Correct," Hostin agreed.

Comedian Michelle Buteau, who joined the panel as a guest co-host Monday, said she was not surprised by the FIFA controversy because she argued it reflected Trump’s broader approach to rules.

"We can’t be surprised that he’s like, trying to break the rules, because the way you do one thing is the way you do everything and that’s what he does, he breaks the rules," she said.

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Trump discussed the call during a White House event on Monday, saying he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked the governing body to take another look at Balogun’s suspension.

"So yes, I asked for a review by FIFA," Trump said.

Trump said he believed the red card decision against Balogun was wrong and argued the play did not warrant the punishment.

"It was very unfair," Trump said. "It wasn’t a foul."

"FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent," Infantino said in a statement. "They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected."

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"During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold," Infantino concluded.

Florida man reveals bizarre trick that won Key lime pie-eating championship without using his hands

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:34:10 -0400

A Florida man who finally captured the title at the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship said his winning strategy came down to eliminating the biggest obstacle first: the whipped cream.

Florida Keys resident Kevin Renly, 62, claimed victory at the annual Fourth of July competition in Key West after devouring a whipped cream-topped 9-inch Key lime pie in 59.6 seconds — all without using his hands.

Contestants were required to eat the pies without using their hands, though goggles and dive masks were allowed.

AMERICA'S MOST-SEARCHED ICE CREAM BRAND MAY SURPRISE YOU — AND THERE'S A HEALTHY REASON WHY

After finishing runner-up in 2024 and 2025, Renly said he spent time refining his approach before this year's competition.

"You didn't have to eat the cream. So, I figured, 'How am I going to get rid of the cream real fast?'" Renly told Fox News Digital. "So that's what I figured out. I take my shirt off and dive into it, pull up and the whipped cream is on my chest."

Once the topping was out of the way, Renly flipped the pie upside down to tackle what he considered the toughest part.

"How are you going to eat the crust? That's the worst part, because it was just so dry," he said. "No problem. We'll just flip it upside down and eat it that way."

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Held as part of the five-day Key Lime Festival, the competition is Key West's tropical twist on Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. It drew hundreds of spectators as 25 contestants plunged face-first into whipped cream-covered pies.

Renly, who co-owns Southernmost Bees with his wife, Julie, joked after this year's victory that the "third time's the charm." He had previously referred to himself as the "first loser" after consecutive second-place finishes.

The win carried extra meaning because the contest fell on the wedding anniversary he shares with his wife.

"I didn't want to go home and tell her I'd lost again," Renly said after the competition.

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He said his motivation also extended beyond personal bragging rights.

He wanted to keep the championship trophy in the Florida Keys.

"I sat there watching and thought, 'Wait a minute. All these people come [from] out of town and they take this trophy home,'" he told Fox News Digital. "This trophy needs to stay here locally, so some locals have got to keep it here."

Key lime pie was designated as Florida's official pie in 2006.

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The iconic dessert is traditionally made with Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks in a graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream or meringue.

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Now that he's won, Renly already has his sights set on making history.

"No one's ever repeated for a win," he said. "Now I've got a new goal — to be the first repeat."

James Comer fires back at Democrats' vow to investigate Trump's America 250 bash

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:24:08 -0400

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., blasted Democrats Sunday for accusing President Donald Trump of hijacking America's 250th birthday celebration for political and financial gain, arguing the attacks reflect hatred for the president rather than love of country.

"[Democrats] would rather Donald Trump fail and America fail than celebrate the success of our founding fathers and the fact that we are the greatest nation on the planet," Comer told "The Big Weekend Show."

"We are the greatest nation in the history of the world. Anyone can become anything in America because of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, the sacrifices of our soldiers, the sacrifices of our American heroes, and that's what last night was all about."

TRUMP SET TO DELIVER 'HISTORIC' SPEECH CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

Comer's remarks came after Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, released a 55-page report accusing Trump of transforming the America 250 celebration into a partisan spectacle that advanced his political and religious agenda.

"[This follows] months of investigative work by Committee Democrats exposing how Donald Trump hijacked what was supposed to be a unifying, non-political celebration of our country's 250th birthday and made it all about him – his vanity projects, his political and religious agenda, his business ventures, and his cronies who gorged on public funds under cover of a shadow corporation shielded from public scrutiny," a press release said of the report.

More specifically, the release accused the Trump administration of creating the "shadow organization" Freedom 250 LLC and making it a central part of celebrations after the America 250 Commission "refused to bend to the President's demands."

WHITE HOUSE TOUTS TRUMP’S ‘BOLD VISION’ FOR TOWERING INDEPENDENCE ARCH FOR AMERICA 250

It alleged the group used the nation's semiquincentennial to sell access to Trump, redirect donor money intended for America250 and enrich Trump allies through lucrative contracts.

Some Democrats have signaled the effort could face congressional scrutiny if Democrats regain the House majority in November.

"I believe it will be [investigated]," Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., told MS NOW on Friday.

BILL MAHER TELLS LIBERALS TO STOP 'PARTISAN SULKING' AND JOIN AMERICA 250 PARTY

Comer dismissed the Democrats' criticisms as politically motivated, arguing the party is more interested in investigating Trump than conducting meaningful oversight.

"Oversight is in full swing," he said, responding to Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle's insistence that oversight will come if Democrats win.

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"We are investigating waste, fraud and abuse. That's what the Oversight Committee is about..." he added.

"President Trump made the focus about honoring our heroes and being proud to be an American, and all the Democrats want to do is say, 'If you vote for us, we'll investigate Trump for wasting money on an independent celebration that, by the way, mentioned Christianity, even though our country was founded by people seeking freedom of religion.' So this is just a perfect example of the Democrats, and I think that all they're going to do if they flip the House and become the majority in the House is investigate and harass Donald Trump."

The summer walking essentials that make hot days more comfortable, from $10

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:17:21 -0400

Hot weather doesn't have to keep you from your daily walk. We've rounded up essentials — from UPF shirts and insulated water bottles to breathable sneakers — to help you stay cool, comfortable and moving all summer long.

Warm-weather apparel

These shirts, hats, socks and other apparel deliver cooling comfort.

UPF 50+ sun protection shirt: $9.99 (33% off)

Original price: $14.99

Protect your skin from the sun with this UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirt. The quick-drying fabric helps wick away moisture to keep you cooler and more comfortable on walks.

Men’s quick-dry polo: $12.99 (48% off)

Original price: $24.98

This quick-drying polo is versatile enough for everything from daily errands to workouts. Its lightweight, breathable fabric helps keep you cool on hot days, and at just $13, its easy to stock up on multiple colors.

Nike women's Dri-FIT shorts: $50

Nike Dri-FIT shorts help keep you cool and comfortable on every walk. Moisture-wicking fabric and a relaxed fit promote airflow, while the high-rise waistband provides a secure fit. Men can also shop Nike's Dri-FIT basketball shorts for the same lightweight comfort.

Men's athletic shorts, 5-pack: $19.98 (55% off)

Original price: $43.99

Refresh your warm-weather wardrobe with this five-pack of athletic shorts. The versatile neutral colors pair easily with your favorite T-shirts, so you'll always have a comfortable option ready for walks, workouts and weekend outings.

Real Essentials women's Dry-Fit T-shirts, 5-pack: $34.99

Stay stocked for every workout with this five-pack of Dry-Fit T-shirts. The stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you cool and comfortable during walks, yoga sessions and hikes, while the lightly tailored fit offers a flattering silhouette. A similar five-pack is also available for men.

Hanes moisture-wicking socks, 12 pairs: $16.98 (6% off)

Original price: $17.48

Keep your feet cool and comfortable with these moisture-wicking Hanes socks. They help manage sweat during long walks, while built-in odor control helps keep them feeling fresher for longer.

Anti-blister running socks: $14.27 (21% off)

Original price: $17.99

Prevent blisters with these cushioned running socks featuring protective heel tabs. An elastic cuff helps keep each sock securely in place, while moisture-wicking, odor-resistant fabric keeps your feet cool and comfortable mile after mile.

Bucket hat: $19.99 (33% off)

Original price: $29.99

Shield yourself from the sun with this unisex bucket hat. Its wet-to-cool technology activates when damp to help keep you cool on hot walks, and it's machine-washable for easy cleanup after sweaty days.

Warm-weather shoes and accessories

Grab shoes and accessories that make you more comfortable while you move.

New Balance men's 520 v9 shoes: $69.99

Stay comfortable on long walks with these New Balance sneakers. Soft foam cushioning helps absorb impact, while the breathable mesh upper promotes airflow without adding extra weight.

Women's barefoot sneakers: $35.61 (32% off)

Original price: $52.46

Joomra's barefoot sneakers are Amazon's current No. 1 best seller, backed by more than 20,000 positive reviews. Their minimalist design delivers a lightweight feel, while removable insoles let you add extra arch support when you want it.

Skechers women's Go Walk sneakers: $50.37

A FOX favorite, Skechers Go Walk sneakers slip on hands-free for added convenience. The breathable mesh upper promotes airflow, while Skechers' cushioned midsole helps keep every step comfortable.

Skechers men's Go Walk Max Effort sneakers: $49.99 (30% off)

Original price: $71

Skechers Go Walk Max Effort sneakers combine a cushioned insole with a flexible outsole for lasting comfort. They're a solid choice for anyone who spends long hours on their feet or enjoys daily walks.

Goodr polarized sunglasses: $30

Protect your eyes without overspending with Goodr polarized sunglasses. The no-slip coating and silicone nose inserts help keep them securely in place, whether you're walking, running or tackling other outdoor activities.

Oakley Holbrook sunglasses: $184

Oakley's classic polarized sunglasses pair timeless style with dependable performance. The polarized lenses help reduce glare, while the durable frame is built to handle everyday wear.

Walking and running gear

Round out your walking and running kit with water bottles, bags and more.

Owala FreeSip stainless steel water bottle: $23.99 (20% off)

Original price: $29.99

Stay hydrated on every walk with the Owala FreeSip water bottle. Its unique design lets you sip through the built-in straw or tilt the bottle to drink, while the insulated stainless construction keeps water cold all day. A pop-up carry handle makes it easy to take on the go.

Waterfly crossbody bag: $21.95 (20% off)

Original price: $27.49

A sling crossbody bag keeps your phone, keys and wallet within easy reach without weighing down your pockets. It features two water bottle holders, a spacious main compartment and multiple exterior pockets to keep essentials organized.

Waterfly running belt: $18.91 (14% off)

Original price: $21.99

The lightweight Waterfly running belt carries your phone, earbuds and other essentials without adding bulk. It sits securely around your waist for a barely-there feel on walks and runs.

Water-resistant running vest: $34.99 (22% off)

Original price: $44.99

If you prefer to keep weight off your waist, this running vest offers plenty of storage for your essentials. Fully adjustable straps fit sizes XS to XXL for a secure, comfortable fit.

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Running armband: $9.99 (23% off)

Original price: $12.99

Keep your phone close without carrying it in your hand with this running armband. The clear touchscreen window provides easy access on the go, while a hidden pocket stores cash, keys or an AirPods case.

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.

FIFA president addresses Trump call amid scrutiny over decision on USA World Cup star

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:01:44 -0400

FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a statement on Monday addressing his interactions with President Donald Trump amid USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s suspended one-game ban.

Trump told reporters he asked Infantino if FIFA would review the play. Infantino said in his release that "FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent" and "operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them."

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

"Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues," he said. "During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.

"I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.

"What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times."

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Balogun was given a red card after a VAR review to look at a play in which Balogun stepped on the ankle of a Bosnia and Herzegovina defender. He would have been suspended for the team’s match against Belgium but FIFA decided to suspend the one-game ban.

Trump addressed the controversy in the Oval Office.

"All I did was, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul," the president said. "And again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything that would be different.

"I think it’s a terrible … if they wouldn’t allow a top player, maybe the best, maybe among the best on the team, to play, I think it would have had a big stain. I relayed it. I didn’t tell him what to do. I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision and they made the right decision because, No. 1, it wasn’t a foul and you want to see a game with your best players."

Trump said the feeling would be the same if Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Harry Kane would have been given a red card in a similar way.

He also took issue with the call itself.

"If you would have taken him out, I think it would have really stained this incredible championship," Trump continued. "We gotta have our best players and Belgium, Belgium’s got a great team by the way. We have our best players and they have to have their best. If we win or we lose, it’s fair. Otherwise, let’s say we lost to them, then we lost the game. It would be a terrible thing. I think they made a really brilliant decision.

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"I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine. The referee’s decision to red card, I didn’t know what the hell a red card was and when I found out I said, ‘You gotta be kidding.’ … I said, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of power, that’s terrible.’ And then I looked at his past and it wasn’t so great."

Belgium’s appeal was dismissed later Monday.

Pastor freed from Chinese prison after Trump raised his case with Xi Jinping

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:00:41 -0400

The pastor of a prominent underground church in China who was imprisoned by Chinese authorities last year has been released and reunited with his family in the U.S., according to reports.

Ezra Jin, founder of Zion Church, was one of nearly 30 Zion Church pastors and staff members detained in October during one of China’s largest crackdowns on evangelical churches in decades, according to the nonprofit advocacy group Luke Alliance.

Jin was released from detention and arrived in Los Angeles on Friday, ChinaAid reported. According to the Christian human rights organization, Chinese authorities told Jin he was being released due to negotiations between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

During a high-profile state visit to Beijing in May, Trump raised Jin’s case directly with the Chinese leader. On his flight back to the U.S., Trump told reporters that Xi promised to "strongly consider" the pastor's release.

PRESIDENT TRUMP REVEALS XI JINPING'S RESPONSE TO POSSIBLY RELEASING IMPRISONED CHINESE CRITIC JIMMY LAI

"We are feeling so overwhelmed with joy. We thank God for this tremendous miracle," his daughter Grace Jin Drexel said in a family statement to CNN.

"We also thank President Trump and his administration for their tremendous leadership," she said, adding that this would not have been possible "without the direct intervention from Chairman Xi Jinping."

The family had been separated for nearly a decade, after Drexel's mother and brothers fled China in 2018 after authorities shut down Zion Church’s physical sanctuary in Beijing. Drexel previously told Fox News Digital her father felt called to stay behind in China. She had not seen him in person since 2020.

Drexel also said that the family hoped Jin’s release would be "a signal of a positive turn for people of faith in China and relations between our two nations."

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Jin’s case drew international outcry, with advocacy groups like ChinaAid calling the church arrests "politically motivated."

The organization said the arrests marked "a dramatic escalation in the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) war on religious freedom."

"These pastors and co-workers are being treated as criminals simply because they faithfully shepherded a large, legally unregistered church that refused to submit to CCP control and surveillance," ChinaAid said in a November statement calling for their release and international pressure.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the detentions of the Zion Church members in October and asked the Chinese government to release them.

Ahead of his travels to Beijing in May, Trump vowed to raise Jin's case directly with Xi.

"I’ll bring it up," Trump told The Hill reporter Julia Manchester when asked whether he planned to press Xi about the detained pastor.

"As he has said publicly, President Trump raised Pastor Jin’s detention directly with Xi Jinping," a U.S. official told Fox News Digital. "He will always champion religious freedom around the world. He brought up Jimmy Lai’s case as he said he would."

ChinaAid celebrated the pastor's release in a press statement and thanked the Trump administration for its efforts to secure Jin's release.

"We rejoice with Pastor Ezra Jin, his family, and the global Body of Christ on this remarkable Independence Day miracle," Rev. Dr. Bob Fu, Founder and President of ChinaAid, said in a statement. "We thank Almighty God for hearing the prayers of His people. We are deeply grateful to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and all U.S. officials who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure Pastor Jin’s freedom. Their unwavering commitment demonstrates that principled leadership and persistent diplomacy can make a life-saving difference."

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Fu noted that while Jin was released, eight other Zion Church pastors and members, along with practitioners from other religions, remain "unjustly imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party."

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"We respectfully call on President Trump and his Administration to continue making religious freedom and the release of all prisoners of faith a top priority in every engagement with Beijing," Fu added. "True progress in U.S.-China relations must include freedom for those imprisoned simply because they choose to believe."

Fox News' Ashley Carnahan and Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.

Jasmine Crockett warns Democrats are too focused on White voters, ignoring Black voters

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:48:00 -0400

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, suggested the Democratic Party was too focused on trying to win over White voters while ignoring more reliable Black voters during the Fourth of July weekend.

During an interview with The Root at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, Crockett said that Black Americans feel ignored by the party despite their loyalty.

"When you walk into a room full of Black people, you can almost guarantee that they believe in the Democratic ideals," Crockett said. "When you walk into a room full of White people, you don’t know what you walking into."

"If there’s any group of people that the party should be most loyal to and most vocal about, it’s Black people," Crockett said. "Because Black people have historically held this down."

WATCH: OBAMA, HARRIS ADVISOR WARNS ‘BETRAYED’ BLACK VOTERS COULD BE TEXAS SENATE CANDIDATE'S KRYPTONITE

Crockett said Black voters have been asking whether Democrats will speak out about issues affecting them, including political representation, Black maternal mortality and Black women losing jobs.

"Black people are saying, ‘Are y’all going to say anything about our representation that is being deleted like, in a very sinister and calculated way?’" Crockett said.

Crockett said she hears from Black Americans who feel the party is not prioritizing their concerns.

"And so what you see is that Black people are consistently being ignored, or I feel like that’s what I hear," she said.

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER CLAIMS BLACK AMERICANS WILL STOP VOTING IF THEY DON'T GET REPARATIONS

The Texas Democrat said her party needs to establish a "baseline" for the party’s different constituencies, including Black Americans, Latinos, women and the LGBTQIA community.

"We have to say, as a baseline, we will not accept anybody that does not stand for these very basic things," Crockett said. "And frankly, for Black folk, it’s just honestly acknowledging our humanity."

Crockett also said Democrats must do more to reach voters who sat out the 2024 election, arguing many Americans do not feel represented by either major political party.

"You had a little over 70 million that voted for the Democrat and voted for the Republican," Crockett said. "But you had more people sit out than voted for either one."

WE ASKED AMERICANS TO GRADE THE ECONOMY. THEN WE ASKED IF IT WOULD CHANGE THEIR VOTE.

Crockett said many nonvoters believe their lives have not changed regardless of which party is in power.

"People need to understand that there are certain people that say, ‘It doesn’t matter if it’s a Democrat or a Republican, my life has never changed,’" Crockett said.

She said politicians need to stop "talking at people" and instead engage directly with Americans who are struggling.

"You have people that literally are saying, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to eat,’" Crockett said. "So they’re looking at people, and they’re like, ‘You would never even talk to me.’"

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Crockett also criticized what she called "White leftists" who focus on one issue while people who rely on government services struggle to get attention.

"You talk about the left. The left has decided that they — and, granted, I mean, I’m a progressive, I started the progressive caucus, all the things — but I know what you’re saying when you’re talking about the left," Crockett said. "You’re talking about the White leftists that are doing the most in this moment."

Crockett urged voters to engage beyond presidential elections, including at city council meetings, state capitals and in Congress.

"Everything in our lives, from the cost of food, the cost of gas, whether or not jobs are available, the cost of housing, healthcare, education, the roads, everything is a political decision," Crockett said.

"There’s a mad man that’s like in the White House," Crockett said. "Like that scares me."

Crockett said she was also concerned about the courts and whether Democrats would respond aggressively enough.

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"We have to have Democrats that want to be half as courageous as they are cruel," Crockett said. "And then we will start to see some real wins for the American people."

FIFA dismisses Belgium appeal over decision on USA's Folarin Balogun

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:04:43 -0400

FIFA denied Belgium’s appeal over the decision to suspend USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a red card in a Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The FIFA Appeal Committee issued a statement hours before kickoff between the U.S. and Belgium.

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"The FIFA Appeal Committee has rendered a request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) as inadmissible in relation to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend for one year the match suspension imposed on United States national-team player Folarin Balogun following his dismissal for a direct red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, played on 1 July 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium," FIFA said. "The chairperson of the FIFA Appeal Committee, Neil Eggleston (from the United States), was not involved in the decision.

"The request was rendered inadmissible on the grounds that the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision."

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The RBFA responded after the decision was made.

"To date, the RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure id est a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee's report. Which is a breach of FIFA regulations," the federation said.

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"The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee's team sheet. This leaves all further actions open."

Biohacker hoping to live to 160 reveals alarming diagnosis: 'My stomach is eating itself'

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:38:38 -0400

Bryan Johnson, a biohacker and longevity guru who has claimed "we may be the first generation who won’t die," revealed he has an autoimmune condition causing his stomach to "eat itself."

The Los Angeles-based tech entrepreneur, 48, has previously shared publicly that he is hoping to live until the year 2140, when he would in theory be 160 years old.

Now, Johnson says he has been diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis (AIG), a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the stomach's acid-producing parietal cells, reducing stomach acid and impairing vitamin B12 absorption, according to Nature Reviews Disease Primers.

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"My stomach is eating itself," he wrote in an Instagram post. Johnson also shared that anywhere from 2% to 5% of people likely have this disease.

"I’m going to try to solve it," Johnson went on. "Will share all."

The biohacker shared that as a child, he ate sugary cereal, drank sugary soda and "gobbled down fast food."

"I became a young father of three and began building a business," Johnson went on. "Juggling that stress and grind, I let my health slip and gained 40 lbs. Within a few years I’d fallen into a deep, chronic depression."

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"Somewhere in that timeline, my body began developing an autoimmune process affecting my thyroid and then my stomach lining," he added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson for comment.

AIG can remain hidden and can be challenging to diagnose, Johnson noted, often surfacing years after damage has already occurred to the stomach. It can cause iron deficiency, B12 deficiency and anemia, and can also increase the risk of stomach cancer, the expert warned.

"Low iron stores get normalized and rarely investigated at all when anemia hasn’t shown up yet," Johnson wrote. "That blind spot is what hid mine for a decade."

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He also shared that for 11 years, he has had low levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside the body's cells. Ferritin releases iron when the body needs it, supports muscle function and carries out other essential processes.

"We continually tried to raise my iron levels with food and supplementation, but nothing would work," he said.

Johnson acknowledged that some common biohacking techniques — including hard training, sauna and hyperbaric oxygen — all raise the body’s demand for iron.

"But none of them explained the core failure: Despite me taking iron orally, trailing every formulation and using every timing trick, none of the iron would stick."

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Johnson underwent a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, which examined his entire intestinal tract. Five biopsies were also taken from his stomach, which found "clear signs of early autoimmune gastritis: early atrophy confined to the acid-producing lining."

In January 2026, the biohacker stated in a post on his website that "by 2039, my goal is immortality."

He detailed his strategy for defying aging, which includes embracing a strict regimen to slow or stop biological aging, using AI to accelerate longevity research, testing new treatments in lab-grown cells and organs, and reaching "longevity escape velocity" — in which medical advances would eventually extend lifespan faster than he ages.

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"I may fail at this task, but my team and I will try our best," he wrote at the time.

There is currently no cure for AIG, which Johnson said he wants to change.

"In the age of AI, multiomics, and custom-built DNA, proteins and cells, no condition should be presumed incurable simply because no one has yet tried to cure it with today’s stack."

Johnson ended his post by urging others to prioritize their health.

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"Care for yourself, care for others, care for the planet and care for our animal friends. Care for life, as it’s the most precious gift there is."

The longevity guru also shared an image showing the detailed findings of his five stomach biopsies.

5 lab-grown diamond brands worth your money right now — and what to buy

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:42:49 -0500

Lab-grown diamonds are gaining traction among shoppers who want maximum sparkle without the traditional markup. Many buyers now choose lab-grown stones over natural diamonds for several reasons. But are they the real deal?

Are lab-grown diamonds real?

Yes! Lab-grown and naturally mined diamonds look identical to the naked eye. Lab-grown stones feature the same intricate cuts and sparkle as natural diamonds, but cost far less.

Here’s why: Manufacturers create lab-grown diamonds in controlled settings rather than mining them from the earth, which lowers production costs and lets buyers choose a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget.

"They are both real diamonds," says MiaDonna sales director Justine Elliott. "They’re 100% carbon and chemically, physically and optically identical. To the naked eye, they are completely indistinguishable."

Best places to buy lab-grown diamond jewelry

If you’re comparing options, Angara, With Clarity, Brilliant Earth, Ritani and Quince stand out for their selection, craftsmanship and overall value, and each brand offers standout pieces worth a closer look. From earrings and rings to bracelets and pendants, shoppers have plenty of options to choose from.

Angara

Angara crafts meaningful jewelry with lab-grown diamonds designed for everyday wear. Use promo code AFFEVERGREEN to save up to 15% – including 12% off orders over $500 and 15% off orders over $3,000.

Classic trio lab-grown diamond necklace: $1,961 (12% off)

Original price: $2,229

This classic trio necklace features three lab-grown diamonds that symbolize love and commitment — past, present and future. The 14K yellow gold setting securely holds each stone while creating a striking contrast that helps the round diamonds shine.

Lab-grown round diamond earrings: $2,234 (12% off)

Original price: $2,539

These lab-grown diamond earrings combine the timeless look of studs with the subtle movement of hoops. Their minimalist design makes them a perfect choice for everyday wear.

East-West emerald-cut lab-grown diamond band: $2,436 (12% off)

Original price: $2,769

The East-West wedding band features lab-grown diamonds set horizontally around your choice of a yellow, rose or white gold band. The emerald-cut diamonds give this classic style a modern twist.

With Clarity

With Clarity offers both lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds across its collection of rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets for flexibility at a range of price points.

Diamond and sapphire eternity ring: $1,200

This is the kind of ring you never have to take off. The eternity band features alternating diamonds and sapphires in a continuous row that adds subtle sparkle without feeling over the top. It’s available in 14K white, yellow or rose gold, with options for all diamonds or mixes of sapphire, ruby or emerald.

Diamond stud earrings: $308 (30% off)

Original price: $440

These 1/2-carat lab-grown diamond studs deliver sparkle in a timeless four-prong setting. Choose from 14k white, yellow or rose gold or platinum. They ship free with two-day insured delivery in a signature gift box.

The Windsor ring: $2,040 (15% off)

Original price: $2,400

This 10-carat lab-grown engagement ring makes a bold statement. A four-prong setting secures the center stone, while pave diamonds along the band add extra brilliance. The cathedral-style setting elevates the center stone for added presence. Available in 14k or 18k white, yellow or rose gold, as well as platinum.

East-West Emerald Tennis Bracelet: $3,400

This East-West tennis bracelet updates a classic design with horizontally set emerald-cut diamonds. The 48 stones total five carats, creating a clean silhouette with standout sparkle. Choose from 14k white, yellow or rose gold.

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth features a wide selection of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings and necklaces designed with modern styling.

Vera signet ring: $1,550

This 14k gold signet ring pairs understated design with a 3/8-carat center diamond. The textured band adds an edge without overpowering the stone. It ships free via FedEx in discreet packaging.

Diamond stud earrings: $1,195

These 1.5-carat diamond studs feature a three-prong martini setting that sits close to the ear for a streamlined look. Available in 18k white or yellow gold for a refined finish.

Solitaire diamond pendant: $1,095

This 1/2-carat solitaire pendant offers simple, everyday sparkle. It sits on an 18k white or yellow gold chain with adjustable lengths at 16, 17 or 18 inches for easy layering.

Ritani

Ritani is a lab-grown jewelry brand that combines discounted pricing with guidance from in-house gemologists.

Princess-cut diamond stud earrings: $240.80 (30% off)

Oringal price: $344

These 1/4-carat princess-cut lab-grown diamond studs are set in 14k white gold with a classic four-prong design and push-back closures. Lab-grown stones offer a more affordable option while maintaining G–H color and VS clarity.

Bezel-set solitaire stationary diamond pendant: $650.30 (30% off)

Original price: $929

This 1/2-carat solitaire pendant uses a bezel setting in 14k white gold to help protect the stone on all sides, making it a practical option for frequent wear. It's also available in 18k rose gold, yellow gold and platinum for added customization.

Quince

Quince offers lab-grown diamond staples with straightforward pricing and clean, modern settings.

Diamond bezel tennis bracelet: $1,800

This 2-carat tennis bracelet sets round diamonds in sleek bezel settings for a smooth, modern finish. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, it measures six inches and secures with a box clasp.

Gold princess solitaire diamond studs: $498

These 2-carat princess-cut studs offer versatility in 14k white or yellow gold. Double-notch posts and butterfly backs help keep them secure.

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Diamond emerald seven-stone band: $698

Seven emerald-cut lab-grown diamonds total 1 carat in this 14k gold band. The streamlined design wears well solo or stacked with other rings.

New Laker Walker Kessler popped the question to his former Miss America girlfriend Abbie Stockard

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:31:44 -0400

The Los Angeles Lakers have themselves a center with impeccable vision, and I'm not talking about his eyesight. I don't know if they knew it when they traded for Walker Kessler, but he's not just bringing a 7-foot frame with him.

He'll give them close to double-digits in points and rebounds along with a couple of blocks a night, but what can't be calculated on a stat sheet is the vision I mentioned. He put it on display over the Fourth of July weekend.

Walker Kessler is now engaged. He popped the question to former Auburn cheerleader and Miss America 2025 girlfriend Abbie Stockard. There it is, there's the impeccable vision.

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Not for proposing to a former Miss America, but for the timing of the proposal. He could have done so at any time, and he chose the Fourth of July weekend to do so. It's a smart move.

Look, it's not easy to keep track of all the dates of significance in a relationship, especially after the years go by. Kessler isn’t going to have a hard time remembering when he and Stockard got engaged at all.

That's an easy one. He set it up with a point of reference. It was the weekend of America's 250th birthday and that is going to be as reflexive of a response as his birthday.

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Walker Kessler has more work to do as he takes his talents to Los Angeles

Without hesitation, he's going to be able to fire that off as long as these two are married. There's not going to be this underlying "why can't he even remember when he asked me to marry him" tension in this marriage.

Kessler now has to assist in setting up the wedding, and he has to hope that he can convince his better half to lock that date down around another easy-to-remember event of significance.

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Congratulations to Kessler and Stockard on their engagement. And congratulations to the Lakers.

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With this kind of vision, he's going to be worth every bit of his reported new $130 million deal, even if he is coming off of a shoulder injury that limited him to only five games last season.