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Soros network targets deep-red Mississippi in bid to flip Senate seat

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:34:24 -0400

Mississippians haven’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly four decades, but powerful backers of the Magnolia State’s underdog candidate believe that by dumping money into the race they can overcome the hump.

Scott Colom, a district attorney, is squaring off against incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., in deep-red Mississippi, and some of his top backers, including billionaire philanthropist George Soros’ top advisor, believe that he is primed to flip the seat.

During a call earlier this month with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., former Rep. Joe Kennedy, D-Mass., and Soros’ top advisor, Michael Vachon, Colom’s backers laid out his path forward.

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"Scott can win in Mississippi," Vachon said on the call. "The conditions are right in a way that they've never been before at the national level and at the local level. He's a great candidate running against a very weak candidate, and people across the country are angry about the state of the nation."

Vachon contended that there was one key hurdle for Colom, "Not enough people know who he is and that he’s running."

"Once people know who he is and know his story and know he’s running, then they want to vote for him," he said. "And, you know, what stands in the way of that name recognition, honestly, is money, right?"

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According to filings from the Federal Election Commission, members of the Soros family have donated nearly $30,000 to Colom’s campaign this cycle.

"This comes as no surprise," Nathan Calvert, Hyde-Smith’s communications director, said. "Scott Colom has always relied on the backing of out-of-state liberal elites, and now George Soros’ political network and Elizabeth Warren are openly treating Mississippi as the next stepping stone to enacting their radical national agenda."

Money from Soros also colored Colom and Hyde-Smith’s first clash, where the lawmaker torpedoed his nomination to serve as a district court judge in Mississippi under the Biden administration.

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At the time, she used the veto power each home-state senator has, known as a blue slip in the upper chamber, to weigh in on a judicial nominee — it’s a tradition that President Donald Trump has demanded be done away with to nullify Democratic resistance to his own judicial nominees.

Colom argued that his record as district attorney was "proof of how I make decisions: based on the evidence and the law, not based on who's writing the checks."

"I'm running a grassroots campaign powered by Mississippians, and the only voices I will ever listen to are theirs, not those of donors or special interests," Colom said. "That's the difference between me and Cindy Hyde-Smith, who answers to whoever cuts her the biggest check, while Mississippians pay the price."

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"Just ask the fertilizer companies under federal investigation, who gave to her campaign while Mississippi farmers are paying more for fertilizer," he continued.

Indeed, Hyde-Smith has received $14,000 in donations from fertilizer industry donors since 2018, including $11,000 from Koch Industries and $3,000 from Nutrien, both of which are under federal investigation for allegedly inflating fertilizer prices.

Meanwhile, Warren painted her vision of what a Democratic majority in the Senate could look like, aided in part by a hopeful Colom victory in November.

"I know you've already talked about other things we can do here, but we need to deliver by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act — guarantee the right to get your vote counted," Warren said on the call, "ending gerrymandering anywhere in the United States, and, my own personal favorite, it's time for D.C. statehood."

One of America's oldest manufacturers says AI is creating jobs — not replacing them

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:54 -0400

Before Henry Ford rolled out the Model T, before the Wright brothers took to the skies and before the Statue of Liberty welcomed millions to America's shores, Corning was already charting a course of innovation that continues today.

Best known to many Americans for the glass products that have been fixtures in kitchens for generations, Corning has also spent decades developing technologies that quietly transformed the modern world. From the glass used in Thomas Edison's light bulbs to the durable screens protecting billions of smartphones.

Nearly 175 years after its founding, Corning is once again helping shape a technological revolution. As demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure surges, the New York-based manufacturer is ramping up production of optical fiber, the backbone of the high-speed networks powering AI.

The company is also partnering with NVIDIA, the chipmaker at the center of the AI boom, to create 3,000 jobs in two states.

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At a time when many Americans worry artificial intelligence will replace human workers, Corning Chairman, CEO and President Wendell Weeks says the opposite is happening inside one of the nation's oldest manufacturers.

"AI is a huge job creator, and it's a huge manufacturing job creator," Weeks told Fox News Digital.

He said the AI boom is driving demand for Corning's optical fiber while fueling the company's fastest period of growth in nearly two centuries.

"As a 175-year-old company, we're going through our fastest growth period," Weeks said. "We will probably double our size over the coming years and almost all of our new hires will be in advanced manufacturing, a significant part of them right here in America."

That growth is already taking shape on Corning's factory floors.

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"As the world develops and tells us what it needs, we're right there at the forefront," Emily Capek, planning supervisor at Corning’s Wilmington, North Carolina, facility told Fox News Digital.

She said employees are seeing firsthand how demand for AI platforms is driving the need for Corning's products.

"Right now, the world needs our glass optical fiber to support the AI demand we're seeing," Capek said. "It's a great feeling on the factory floor."

Her comments reflect a much broader trend. While much of the attention surrounding AI has focused on chipmakers and software developers, companies like Corning are supplying the glass technology that connects AI systems and supports the industry's rapid expansion. That investment is already translating into the opening of new U.S. factories and creation of American jobs.

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Earlier this year, NVIDIA partnered with Corning to build three advanced optical manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Texas. It's expected to create more than 3,000 jobs across both states while expanding Corning's U.S. optical manufacturing capacity tenfold.

Having worked with innovators such as Apple co-founder Steve Jobs during his career, Weeks said he's proud to now partner with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang as Corning helps build the infrastructure powering the AI revolution.

While companies like NVIDIA have become synonymous with artificial intelligence, Weeks said many people overlook the role optical fiber plays in connecting AI systems.

"The common story is AI being powered by chips, but actually, those chips are connected by glass," Weeks said.

The AI manufacturing boom isn't just fueling growth at longtime American companies like Corning. It's also attracting foreign investment into U.S. manufacturing. Wistron, a Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer, is establishing AI supercomputer manufacturing operations in Texas for NVIDIA, bringing advanced manufacturing jobs to the state.

"Building in America is essential for speed, resilience and strategic advantage," Wistron Chairman Simon Lin told Fox News Digital.

"Texas offers the talent, industrial strength, and strategic location to help power the next generation of AI infrastructure, while creating durable, high-value jobs at scale for the local workforce," he added.

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As America marks 250 years of independence, Weeks said the country's next chapter of innovation will depend not only on breakthrough ideas, but on manufacturing them at home.

"The tools change, but the approach doesn't," Weeks said.

EXCLUSIVE: Millions of newborns to receive special Social Security cards celebrating America's 250th birthday

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:31 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Millions of babies born during America's 250th anniversary celebration will receive a first-of-its-kind commemorative Social Security card under a new Social Security Administration (SSA) initiative obtained exclusively by FOX Business.

The limited-edition cards, available only to children born in the United States between July 2 and Dec. 31, 2026, will feature the official Freedom 250 logo while functioning exactly like a standard Social Security card, according to an announcement from the Social Security Administration shared with FOX Business.

Unlike commemorative coins, stamps or anniversary merchandise, these cards will become one of the very first official federal documents millions of American children ever receive.

Only babies born during the six-month window will receive the Freedom 250 design, making it a once-in-a-generation keepsake tied to the nation's 250th birthday.

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"Freedom 250 is a celebration of America's storied history and the monumental moments that have shaped our nation, including the creation of Social Security over 90 years ago," SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said.

"The next generation of Americans born during this historic year will receive limited-edition Social Security cards bearing the Freedom 250 logo. Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, we are strengthening Social Security, improving service, and building an SSA to serve Americans today and in the future."

The commemorative designation is reserved exclusively for original cards issued through the agency's Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program during the qualifying period. Babies born before July 2 or after Dec. 31, 2026, along with anyone requesting a replacement Social Security card, will receive the standard version instead.

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Parents won't have to submit any extra paperwork, pay additional fees or sign up for the commemorative version.

According to SSA, the commemorative cards will automatically be issued through the Enumeration at Birth program, which allows parents to request a Social Security number while completing birth registration paperwork at hospitals, birthing centers or through licensed midwives. The agency said the cards will be produced at no additional cost to families or taxpayers.

The commemorative design does not change a child's Social Security number or the legal function of the card. Replacement and duplicate cards issued after the initial enrollment period will not include the Freedom 250 designation, according to SSA.

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SSA has issued Social Security numbers through the Enumeration at Birth program since 1987, a partnership with hospitals and state vital records offices. More than 3.5 million children are born in the United States each year, meaning millions of families could receive the commemorative card during the six-month rollout.

The agency also warned parents to beware of scammers seeking to capitalize on the announcement.

"SSA will never call, text, or email you requesting payment to obtain a commemorative card for your child or otherwise," the agency said, adding that parents do not need to register or provide any information beyond the standard birth registration process.

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The commemorative rollout comes as the Trump administration has launched other initiatives focused on young Americans, including Trump Accounts, tax-advantaged investment accounts intended to help eligible families begin saving for their children's futures.

For most Americans, a Social Security card is among the first official federal documents they receive. For babies born during America's 250th year, it will also serve as a lasting reminder that he or she entered the world during a special moment in our nation's history.

STEVE FORBES: Mamdani’s socialist rent-control puts New York on the road to housing ruin

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:28 -0400

New York City has just taken another giant step backward.

The Rent Guidelines Board voted 7-1 to freeze rents on roughly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments, handing Democrat Mayor Zohran Mamdani a major political trophy. Mamdani called it a "historic victory." It is nothing of the sort. It is an act of economic vandalism dressed up as compassion.

This is not housing policy. It is price control. And price controls have failed everywhere they have been tried.

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The mayor’s philosophy is no mystery. Mamdani comes from the hard-left, Democratic Socialists of America school of politics: Government knows best, private property is suspect, landlords are villains and markets must be bent to political will. The language may be modern, but the outlook is old: socialize the benefits, demonize ownership, punish investment and then act surprised when shortages and decay follow.

A rent freeze is a form of backdoor expropriation. City Hall does not formally seize the building. It simply tells the owner: your taxes may rise, your insurance may rise, your fuel costs may rise, your labor costs may rise, your repairs may rise — but your revenue may not. That is not fairness. That is confiscation by regulation.

The board’s own process tells the story. One landlord representative, Christina Smyth, resigned before the vote, accusing the panel of disregarding its own evidence and saying the outcome had been predetermined. Mamdani appointed six of the nine members after campaigning on the freeze. The vote was then celebrated as though it were some independent act of civic wisdom. Please. This was political theater with a prewritten ending.

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The facts are unavoidable. New York does not have too much housing. It has too little. The city’s vacancy rate has been near historic lows. Families, workers, students and seniors are not struggling because owners have too much freedom. They are struggling because decades of bad government have made it too difficult, too slow and too expensive to build.

So, what does City Hall do? It attacks the people who provide housing.

Older rent-stabilized buildings are not magical assets that operate without cost. Boilers break. Roofs leak. Elevators fail. Pipes burst. Insurance premiums climb. Property taxes keep coming. Labor and materials cost more every year. A mayor can freeze a legal rent increase, but he cannot freeze Con Edison, insurance companies, plumbers, roofers, interest rates or the tax collector.

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The inevitable result will be less maintenance, fewer upgrades, more distressed buildings and less new rental housing. The owner who was thinking about renovating will delay. The investor who was considering a new project will look elsewhere. The small landlord who has been barely holding on will sell, defer repairs or walk away. Tenants may enjoy a temporary political sugar high, but they will eventually pay in deteriorating buildings and fewer choices.

This is the oldest lesson in economics: when you cap the price of something below its real cost, you get less of it. Freeze rents and you reduce the incentive to supply rental housing. Punish ownership and you get less ownership. Demonize profit and capital flees.

And now the danger is broader than one rent vote. Last Tuesday’s primaries showed that the DSA wing is gaining strength. Mamdani-backed left-wing candidates, including Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, scored major wins. Their success signals more pressure for the same failed formula: more government control, more hostility to private enterprise, more redistribution, more regulation and more contempt for the people who create jobs, build housing and pay the bills.

If this ideology spreads, New York’s decline will accelerate. The city will become more expensive, not less. The tax base will erode. Construction will slow. Small businesses will suffer. Public services will weaken. More middle-class families will leave. The people hurt most will be the very tenants and working families the left claims to champion.

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New York became great because it was a magnet for ambition, enterprise, risk-taking and upward mobility. It was built by strivers, builders, entrepreneurs, immigrants, financiers, shopkeepers and workers who believed tomorrow could be better than today. It was not built by rent boards pretending arithmetic does not exist.

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The answer to New York’s housing crisis is not socialism. It is supply. Build more. Cut red tape. Reform zoning. Speed permits. Reduce taxes on housing. Encourage private capital. Make it profitable to create the homes New Yorkers desperately need.

A rent freeze may win cheers in East Harlem. But cheers do not fix elevators, replace roofs or build apartments. New York needs growth, not grievance. It needs ownership, not class warfare. It needs housing, not socialist slogans.

Stock up and save up to 41% on these household essentials on Amazon

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:08:31 -0400

Pro tip: consider shopping for your household basics and everyday essentials on Amazon instead of the grocery store. You may score a better bargain. This week, we've found some of the most affordable picks with most being on sale (up to 41% off). Standouts include toilet bowl cleaner tablets, Colgate toothpaste, wooden spoon sets and Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. Take advantage of these low prices while they last.

Trending deals on home essentials

Pimple patches: $5.94 (41% off)
Magic sponge erasers: $5.99 (40% off)
Rubber cleaning gloves: $7.98 (39% off)
Cotton washcloth set: $34.19 (32% off)
Reusable ice packs, 2-pack: $17.99 (28% off)
Lens wipes for eyeglasses: $13.99 (18% off)
Broom and dustpan set: $17.99 (10% off)

Essentials on Amazon

From trash bags to lint rollers in bulk, these household essentials on Amazon are cheaper than in stores.

Toilet bowl cleaner tablets: $9.99 (38% off)

Original price: $15.99

Just drop one of these tablets into your toilet's tank and flush to help clean and deodorize with every use. This $10 pack can last about a year in a single-bathroom household, and the formula targets stains, hard-water buildup and odor.

Wooden spoons set: $26.99 (33% off)

Original price: $39.99

These wooden spoons handle your everyday cooking and baking needs. They're non-toxic and water-resistant, with smooth surfaces that won't scratch nonstick or enameled cookware.

Glad ForceFlex trash bags, 110-count: $19.97 (15% off)

Original price: $23.49

This 110-count box of Glad 13-gallon trash bags is on sale now on Amazon. The ForceFlex design stretches to resist rips — even on sharp edges — while Febreze Freshness helps block odors. Two durable layers prevent leaks, no matter how full the bag gets.

Microfiber cleaning cloth roll: $9.99 (38% off)

Original price: $15.99

Skip paper towels and tear off a microfiber cloth when you need it. The perforated roll handles kitchen spills, glass, car interiors and electronics without leaving lint, and each sheet stands up to repeated machine washes.

Colgate Optic White Advanced toothpaste, 3-pack: $11.46 (24% off)

Original price: $14.99

Skip the costly whitening procedures and pick up this Colgate toothpaste 3-pack, which helps remove stains without harming the enamel on your teeth. Its formula is packed with hydrogen peroxide, which is the same whitening ingredient used by dentists.

Neutrogena makeup remover wipes, 2-pack: $9.97 (27% off)

Original price: $13.69

Neutrogena's makeup remover wipes are slightly cheaper on Amazon — and they're gentle enough for all skin types (even sensitive). Each cloth dissolves dirt, oil and stubborn makeup (including waterproof mascara) without the need for water. This two-pack ensures you're set on makeup remover for a while.

Laundry detergent sheets: $9.99

Laundry sheets are an alternative to traditional liquid detergent, dissolving quickly in both cold and hot water. They won't leave residue on your clothes after washing and can remove stains like oil, coffee and red wine.

Lint rollers for pet hair, 5-pack: $9.99 (38% off)

Original price: $15.99

Prevent pet hair from piling up with these easy-to-use sticky lint rollers. This five-pack comes with 450 sheets, so you’ll have plenty on hand. Their ergonomic handle helps you reach tight spaces around furniture, so you can skip the bulky vacuum. Each sheet tears away easily so you can throw it in the trash.

Clorox toilet bowl cleaner, 2-pack: $5.24

Clorox toilet bowl cleaner helps keep your bathroom fresh with minimal effort. This two-pack fights tough stains and odors with a bleach-based formula, while the angled nozzle coats the bowl evenly with one squeeze to cut down on scrubbing and speed up cleaning.

Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil, 2-pack: $22.98 (15% off)

Original price: $26.98

For all your kitchen and storage needs, Reynolds Wrap is there for you. The 200-foot roll of foil works well for home cooks who prepare hot and cold meals.

Disposable latex-free gloves, 100-count: $9.99 (41% off)

Original price: $16.99

Stay clean when dealing with messy foods with these food-safe prep gloves. Each glove has a textured finish which gives you a secure grip when dealing with wet or dry items.

Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper, 18-count: $28.99

Running out of toilet paper is never fun. This 18-pack of Charmin Ultra Soft is equal to 90 regular rolls and is priced lower than many big-box stores. It's also clog-safe and soft enough for the whole family.

Moisture absorber boxes, 12-pack: $23.99 (11% off)

Original price: $26.99

Tuck these moisture absorber boxes into closets, basements, bathrooms or anywhere there's damp air. Each one pulls excess moisture from the room for up to 60 days, helping keep mildew odors at bay. The unscented formula won't clash with your detergents or stored linens, either.

Bounty paper towels, 8-count: $28.99 (7% off)

Original price: $30.99

When it comes to quick cleanups, Bounty still wipes the floor with the competition. These ultra-absorbent triple rolls soak up spills fast, and the eight-pack is equivalent to 27 regular rolls, which is enough to handle everything from kitchen messes to pet disasters.

Non-scratch sponges, 24-pack: $9.29 (28% off)

Original price: $12.99

Replace worn kitchen and bathroom sponges with this 24-pack of non-scratch cleaning sponges. Use the scrubby side for tougher messes and stains, then flip to the soft side to wipe surfaces and soak up spills.

Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner spray: $4.27 (29% off)

Original price: $5.99

Lysol's All-Purpose spray is a household staple, and it's currently cheaper on Amazon. The bleach-free formula kills bacteria and works on most hard, nonporous surfaces, from kitchen counters to bathroom tile.

Clorox disinfecting wipes, 3-pack: $11.99 (20% off)

Original price: $14.99

For a quick cleanup, Clorox disinfecting wipes kill 99.9% of germs while leaving your space smelling fresh, with lemon and other scents that add a just-clean aroma. The bleach-free formula is ideal for people with sensitive skin.

Swiffer wet pads refill, 24-count: $9.94

Swiffer's textured wet mopping pad cloths feature a trap-and-lock design that retains dirt, while scrubbing strips remove tough spots. Use them on most floor types, including tile, hardwood and vinyl.

Tide Pods, 76-count: $19.94

Tide Pods can be costly, but this 76-count pack is under $20 on Amazon — a solid deal for heavy-duty laundry days. Each pod tackles stains, odors and dirt in one step. Just toss it in the drum before you run a load.

Amazon Basics quart freezer bags, 120-count: $7.74 (18% off)

Original price: $9.45

Amazon Basics quart freezer bags are a budget-friendly alternative to pricier name brands. This 120-count pack is BPA-free, leak-resistant and built for leftovers, packed lunches or road-trip snacks — all for less than grocery store options.

Silicone baking mat, 3-pack: $9.99 (23% off)

Original price: $12.99

Swap disposable parchment paper for these reusable silicone baking mats to save money over time. The three-pack includes multiple sizes to fit a range of pans, and the nonstick surface can help cut back on butter or cooking spray.

Amazon Basics AA batteries, 20-count: $9.99

For less than $10, you can grab this 20-pack of AA batteries on Amazon. With up to a 10-year shelf life, they're a smart item to keep on hand for essentials like flashlights and remote controls. Amazon also has AAA batteries at a cheaper price than you'd find in stores.

Power strip, 2-pack: $26.99 (10% off)

Original price: $29.99

Expand your outlets with a 2-pack of power strips. Each has five AC outlets and three USB ports. A built-in surge protector also keeps high-voltage electronics like TVs and appliances safe from sudden surges.

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Anker USB-C to USB-C cable, 2-pack: $9.99

If you frequently lose your charger cables, this 2-pack gives you a backup. With up to 60 watts of power, this cable speeds up charging for your phone or laptop. The nylon cord won't fray and can withstand up to 5,000 bends.

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.

Save up to 80% on summer essentials, from cooling pajamas to sandals

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:25:43 -0400

Give your closet a summer refresh without overspending. Score up to 80% off seasonal favorites like dresses, polo shirts and supportive sandals under $25, with budget-friendly picks starting at just $8.

Best-sellers on sale

Hanes zip-up hoodie: $13 (54% off)
Project Cloud women’s flip-flops: $26.90 (46% off)
Maxi sundress: $19.99 (43% off)
Skechers women's Go Run sneakers: $42.71 (41% off)
Embroidered America 250 hat: $13.99 (30% off)
Under Armour men's golf polo: $27.83 (30% off)
UV sun protection shirt: $14.99 (25% off)

Women's clothing

Refresh your wardrobe with comfortable essentials, from underwear to leggings.

Seamless sports bra, 3-pack: $19.99 (52% off)
Hanes French terry bermuda shorts: $14.99 (38% off)
T-shirt dress: $14.99 (25% off)
High-waisted leggings: $7.99 (20% off)

Wire-free sports bra: $7.99 (80% off)

Original price: $39.99

Save 80% on these sports bras. The wire-free design, stretchy straps and removable pads deliver a comfortable fit that holds up through all-day wear.

Levi's 501 Original Fit jeans: $44.99 (47% off)

Original price: $84.95

Levi's Original Fit 501 jeans feature a relaxed straight-leg silhouette with extra room through the hip and thigh. Starting at less than $50 in select washes, now's a good time to grab a pair or two.

Pajama set: $19.99 (44% off)

Original price: $35.99

Upgrade your sleepwear for less with this pajama set, now more than 40% off. The button-front top offers a polished look, while the breathable, stretchy shorts provide lightweight comfort from bedtime to lazy mornings.

Women's shoes

Step into comfort with footwear from HeyDude, Skechers and more.

Clarks Breeze Sea sandals: $29.99 (50% off)
Cork footbed sandals: $33.23 (34% off)
Skechers Glide-Step Altus slip-ins: $68.50 (25% off)

Breathable ballet flats: $37.98 (37% off)

Original price: $59.99

These lattice ballet flats combine polished style with breathable comfort, making them a smart pick for long days on your feet. The flexible jelly upper provides a secure fit while you're on the move.

Arch-support flip-flops: $19.98 (50% off)

Original price: $39.99

These cushioned sandals feature a soft, supportive midsole designed for all-day comfort. At just $20, they're an easy pick for long walks, beach days or lounging by the pool.

HeyDude Wendy stretch canvas shoes: $29.74 (54% off)

Original price: $64.99

Pack these lightweight HeyDude slip-ons for your next trip and wear them comfortably through long sightseeing days. The stretch canvas upper and removable insole deliver a flexible fit that supports hours of walking.

Women's accessories

Finish your look with jewelry, socks and handbags at a discount.

Fossil rose gold watch: $97.50 (50% off)
Swarovski Matrix crystal hoop earrings: $98.50 (48% off)
Retro aviator sunglasses: $13.59 (32% off)
Bagsmart expandable tote bag: $27.99 (30% off)

14k lab grown diamond stud earrings: $315.20 (14% off)

Original price: $366.20

Save $51 on these lab-grown diamond stud earrings while the deal lasts. Pick from diamond sizes ranging from ¼ to 12 carats and 14K or 18K white or yellow gold settings. Free two-day shipping and a classic gift box make them a thoughtful gift.

Swarovski tennis bracelet: $89.97 (43% off)

Original price: $159

Add timeless sparkle to your jewelry collection with Swarovski's Emily tennis bracelet. A continuous row of crystals and a secure foldover clasp make it easy to wear everyday, and at less than $100, it's an affordable take on a classic staple.

Kate Spade leather tulip tote: $226.80 (40% off)

Original price: $378

Kate Spade's leather tulip tote comes in nine colors and offers plenty of room for everyday essentials. The interior features multiple organized pockets, while gold-tone hardware and zippers add a polished finishing touch.

Men's clothing

Build a durable everyday wardrobe with essentials from Levi's, Carhartt and Hanes.

Nautica Deck shorts: $29.75 (50% off)
Eddie Bauer Rainier pants: $42 (40% off)
Linen shirt: $19.97 (33% off)

Polo shirt: $9.99 (60% off)

Original price: $24.98

Right now, you can get this versatile polo shirt for just $10. The fabric feels soft and breathable for warmer days, and the standard fit stretches comfortably and moves with you.

Levi's 505 Regular Fit jeans: $32.99 (56% off)

Original price: $74.95

These classic Levi's jeans balance a fitted waist with a roomier feel through the thighs for everyday comfort. With multiple washes on sale, now's a great time to grab more than one pair.

Carhartt T-shirt: $13.68 (32% off)

Original price: $19.99

Carhartt crafts these T-shirts from heavyweight cotton that resists everyday wear and frequent washing. With prices under $15, now's a smart time to add a few to your rotation.

Men's shoes

Shop FOX reader-favorite comfort shoes from Skechers, New Balance and more.

Reebok Club C 85 tennis shoes: $54.10 (36% off)
Bruno Marc casual Oxfords: $36.89 (35% off)
Skechers Go Walk Flex slip-ins: $58.37 (31% off)

Skechers contour foam slip-ins: $76.50 (17% off)

Original price: $92

Skechers Slip-ins feature a cushioned heel pillow that helps keep your foot securely in place, while the contour foam design delivers lasting comfort throughout the day. The shoes are also machine washable for quick clean-up.

Dr. Scholl's Madison sneakers: $34.99 (63% off)

Original price: $95

Step into all-day comfort with Dr. Scholl's Madison sneakers. The cushioned foam insole provides support, while the slip-on design makes them easy to wear. A water-resistant faux leather upper adds style that stands up to changing weather.

New Balance 608 V5 cross trainers: $59.99 (25% off)

Original price: $79.99

Give your footwear a refresh with these New Balance cross trainers. EVA foam and cushioned midsole help soften every step, and the suede upper feels comfortable right out of the box.

Men's accessories

Add the finishing touches with sunglasses, socks and belts, all on sale.

Fossil stainless steel watch: $106.05 (52% off)
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Alaska state fair bars parental rights group due to 'extremist' group designation by far-left organization

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:42:48 -0400

A grassroots parental rights organization was barred from attending a state fair in Alaska after being accused of being a "hate group" by a local activist citing a controversial left-leaning watchdog organization.

Moms for Liberty, a prominent national conservative group known for challenging public school library books and curricula they deem inappropriate for minors, was denied an application to set up a one-day booth at the Tanana Valley State Fair in Fairbanks—Alaska’s oldest state fair.

"Defending parental rights and standing up for your children is not extremist," Moms For Liberty President Tiffany Justice told Fox News Digital on Tuesday.

BEN CARSON, RILEY GAINES FIGHT SCRUBBING OF FAITH FROM KIDS' US HISTORY BOOKS FOR AMERICA'S 250TH

According to Justice, the Fairbanks chapter run by Gail McBride received a rejection letter on April 27 from the fair's board rejecting their application to participate in the event.

"It was pretty interesting," McBride, chair of the Moms for Liberty Fairbanks chapter, told the Alaska Watchman. "The community needs to know it’s another one of these attempts to cancel conservatives by screaming loudly."

Scott Vance, the executive director of the Tanana Valley State Fair Association (TVSFA), told Fox News Digital that "members of and peoples associated with the local chapter have lacked decorum at board meetings, antagonized staff, and association members in the past several months."

"The Tanana Valley State Fair Association reserves the right to deny any application at its sole discretion. Applications that, in the judgment of the Association, may reasonably be expected to create disruption, compromise the safety or comfort of attendees, or conflict with the Fair’s mission to provide a welcoming, family-oriented environment will not be accepted," Vance said.

He continued, "Vendors are responsible for their own actions, as well as the actions of their agents, employees, volunteers, and supplier."

Aiming to promote their mission of defending parental rights, the conservative group’s local chapter applied for a single-day table at the annual gathering. Historically, the fair has been known for family-friendly events, livestock exhibits, and local crafts.

McBride reportedly attended a Tanana Valley State Fair Board of Directors meeting on April 15 to introduce the chapter and correct what she described as local misinformation about the group. Following her remarks, David Leslie, a former fair employee who remains heavily involved in the event, addressed the board to object to the group's presence.

Leslie claimed that Moms for Liberty is an "anti-government, extremist hate group," pointing to its designation by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

"They target LGBT people specifically," Leslie claimed, according to local reports by the Alaska Watchman. "This is extremely dangerous. People die because of hate. People kill themselves."

The SPLC released its Year in Hate & Extremism report in 2022, designating Moms For Liberty as an "extremist group." An official from the group claimed Moms For Liberty seeks "to undermine public education holistically," NPR reported in 2023.

CONSERVATIVE GROUP TARGETED IN SPLC-INSPIRED TERROR ATTACK DEMANDS RESTITUTION AFTER DOJ INDICTMENT

Leslie also used his time to criticize the fair board for previously canceling a local drag performance and urged current members to bar anyone associated with Moms for Liberty from ever running for a seat on the fair board.

A few days after the meeting, the fair's board of directors officially rejected the chapter's application for a one-day table without publicly providing a formal reason for the denial. McBride responded to the board in a June 25 letter, writing that she was "surprised to have been rejected" and asserting that the board's decision "does not represent our community."

In her response, McBride also fired back at the board's reliance on the SPLC's "hate group" label, pointing to the watchdog organization's own mounting legal troubles. The SPLC has faced intense national scrutiny following a federal grand jury indictment charging the organization with multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Justice told Fox News Digital that the organization is "exploring legal actions right now" after being rejected to participate in the fair. She added that the SPLC is used by government entities as a source to identify "hate groups" and that the incident in Alaska is not the first.

"The one that comes to mind is in Williamson County, Texas … they can't participate because they're on the SPLC hate map. Yes, it is a continuing problem all across the country," Justice said.

LOUDOUN COUNTY PARENTS NOT 'SATISFIED' AFTER SCHOOL OFFICIALS TESTIFY ON TRANSGENDER POLICIES

Citing the TVSFA mission in his statement to Fox News Digital, Vance quoted "The Fair encourages and welcomes involvement by all" and claimed that "the reputation of the overall organization and actions of the local associates does not align with" their mission.

"TVSFA reserves the right to deny applications for any reason, and all decisions are final. Ultimately, the final decision to approve vendors lies at the discretion of the TVSFA Executive Director," Vance said.

He concluded, "I have the unenviable task of sorting through all grievances and reports from our staff, members, and the community. Based on multiple issues that have come to my attention, this is the best decision that aligns with the mission of the fair and fostering a welcoming environment."

The Southern Poverty Law Center did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.

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VP Vance says the US is in a great position with Iran, has accomplished 'core mission'

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:33:36 -0400

The U.S. holds the upper hand in negotiations underway in the Middle East, Vice President JD Vance said in an exclusive interview Tuesday. He argued the Trump administration has already achieved its core objective in Iran, regardless of how the high-stakes talks in Doha unfold.

"We have all the cards in the negotiation," Vance told "The Ingraham Angle."

"We obviously want it to be successful, but even if it's not successful, we've accomplished the core mission, which is to ensure that the Iranians never have a nuclear weapon," he said.

VANCE SAYS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S KEY OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN REACHED IN US-IRAN DEAL

"In other words, it's a win-win outcome for the American people."

The vice president said successful negotiations would mean Iran is "permanently transformed" — without nuclear ambitions and no longer funding proxies that have wreaked havoc across the broader Middle East.

Under those conditions, he said, Iran could be "welcomed back into the world economy."

"That's a great outcome for the American people. It's a greater outcome for the whole region," Vance said.

IRAN'S UNPRECEDENTED 'WHOLE-REGIME' DELEGATION AT US DEAL TALKS SIGNALS ONE GOAL: EXPERT

"But if, on the other hand, the Iranians don't behave, if they don't make the concessions in the negotiations that we need to see, their nuclear program is still destroyed, their conventional military is still destroyed and the United States is still in a much stronger position relative to the Iranians."

Vance's remarks come after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Qatar for talks with mediators this week, though reports suggest there will be no high-level meeting between Washington and Tehran.

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Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari told reporters Tuesday that, to his knowledge, "There are no direct meetings scheduled between the two parties in the coming days."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on "Fox & Friends" earlier this week that Iran had requested talks, and other members of the Trump administration, including President Donald Trump himself, have made similar remarks.

House Dem urges transparency by public officials after GOP colleague reveals reason for extended absence

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:31:01 -0400

Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., said Tuesday that public officials have an obligation to be transparent about lengthy absences, after Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J.,disclosed that his recent monthslong time away from Congress was for treatment for depression.

Kean had been missing House votes for months before returning on Tuesday.

"As someone who has lived with depression, I have deep sympathy for anyone struggling with mental illness. I might not be alive today were it not for a prolonged hospitalization and proper medication. I know the value of taking a medical leave firsthand," Torres wrote in a post on X.

GOP CONGRESSMAN REVEALS MYSTERY ILLNESS THAT SIDELINED HIM FROM CONGRESS FOR NEARLY FOUR MONTHS

"At the same time, public office carries a duty of transparency. When a public official is absent for an extended period, the public has a right to an honest explanation," he continued.

"Transparency deepens the public’s empathy, whereas secrecy breeds suspicion. When in doubt, err on the side of transparency. Tell the truth, and tell it early. The public is often most forgiving of those who level with them," Torres asserted.

Kean disclosed the reason for his months-long absence during a Tuesday House floor speech.

MISSING GOP CONGRESSMAN REVEALS HE'S 'MORE ENERGIZED THAN EVER' TO RETURN TO WASHINGTON

"Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression," he noted.

"But, as the over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing. There is no timeline for recovery. Only the work of getting better one day at a time," Kean said later during the speech.

SWING-SEAT REPUBLICAN SIDELINED BY 'SERIOUS' ILLNESS MISSES 88 VOTES AS MAJORITY HANGS BY THREAD

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Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., commented on Kean's announcement, declaring in a post on X, "While we can certainly have compassion for him, and should, being in congress is not a right. There are 700,000 other people in his district, and could have done the job. It’s absolutely unforgivable to pretend this wasn’t a dereliction of duty."

Guardians rookie tosses ball into stands after making second out, costs team go-ahead run

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:25:24 -0400

Cleveland Guardians left fielder Cooper Ingle suffered some brain fog on Tuesday night against the Texas Rangers and pieced together a moment he will want to brush off and move on from.

The Guardians and Rangers were tied 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh. The Rangers had a runner on second with one out – the key phrase, "one out." Texas batter Alejandro Osuna popped one to left field where Ingle made a routine catch for the second out of the inning.

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Ingle seemed to have thought it was the third out and the inning was over. He took the ball and threw it into the stands at Progressive Field. The lapse of judgment allowed Rangers runner Ezequiel Duran to run home and give the Rangers the go-ahead run.

Texas won the game, 4-2. Ingle was 0-for-4 at the plate with three strikeouts.

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The 24-year-old only made his major league debut on Friday against the Seattle Mariners. He came into the 2026 season ranked No. 99 on MLB’s list of the top 100 prospects in baseball and No. 65 on Baseball Prospectus’ list. He was also No. 3 among Guardians prospects.

He took responsibility for the error and vowed that it wouldn’t happen again.

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"Obviously you feel terrible," he told reporters, via MLB.com. "It's a pretty embarrassing feeling."

With the result on Tuesday, each team is now 44-42 on the year.

Hidden Revolutionary War bake house is uncovered after spending centuries underground

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:00:55 -0400

Archaeologists who were excavating an historic Connecticut town green have uncovered the well-preserved remains of an 18th-century bake house — an unusual remnant of the Revolutionary War.

The structure, used to bake bread for French troops supporting the American Revolution, was found on the Lebanon Town Green in Lebanon, Connecticut.

Archaeologists digging in the New London County town uncovered the bake house earlier in June.

SECRETS OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEFIELDS EMERGE 250 YEARS AFTER AMERICA'S FOUNDING

Pictures from the excavation show the exposed bake house foundation, as well as various small artifacts.

Relatively few artifacts were found at the site, said Sarah P. Sportman, Connecticut state archaeologist — but one discovery in particular stood out.

Sportman told Fox News Digital that — on the last day of the excavation — archaeologists found a burned gunflint.

"Gunflints were chipped pieces of stone used in flintlock firearms, like the ones used during the Revolutionary War," she said. "The stone is used to create the spark that ignites the powder and fires the weapon."

VETERAN-LED DIG OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEFIELD SEEKS TO SHED LIGHT ON HISTORY, EMPOWER DISABLED VETS

Many of the excavation's other finds were more routine and reflected different periods of the site's history.

"In the top layers of [soil], we found some ceramic and glass fragments that date to the late 19th century," she said, which suggested general landscaping work.

"As we got a little deeper, we found some older [pieces] ... [plus] late 18th century ceramic fragments, a few pieces of animal bone, clay smoking pipe fragments and older bottle glass."

She said that "overall, though, the number of artifacts was quite low."

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Sportman said historians had long believed a French bake oven stood on the town green, with the suspected location marked by a commemorative plaque.

While an amateur excavation at the site in 1896 reportedly uncovered masonry and bricks, there were no maps, photographs or preserved artifacts documenting the dig, making this the first modern archaeological excavation of the bake house.

"As far as anyone knew, that 1896 exploration was the only excavation ever carried out at the site and our work bears that out," she said.

"We were unsure if the 1890s dig might have damaged the foundation, but it appears largely intact and filled in with a great deal of stone rubble."

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The structure was apparently meant to be "semi-permanent," Sportman added, as the encampment in the area lasted several months.

"The foundation is not very robust and doesn’t exhibit tightly built stonework," she said.

"However, it is certainly more permanent than the earth ovens that troops on the move used for a couple of days at a time ... It looks as though it used stone as a base and brick for much of the actual oven portion."

The oven's discovery doesn't mean the investigation is over. Sportman said researchers are still working to identify the structure's style and better understand the surrounding site.

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"A ground-penetrating radar survey carried out prior to the dig indicates that the stone and brick structure we excavated was part of a possible complex of structures in this part of the green," she said.

"We hope that additional testing in the fall will clarify some of those features and help us better understand the site."

Sportman emphasized that the bake house excavation is just part of a broader archaeological and historical project in Lebanon as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.

Experts have identified "numerous sites related to 18th-century militia training and the possible location of the French hospital, demonstrating the scale of Revolutionary War activities in Lebanon," she said.

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"The project is also important because the Lebanon encampment was part of the route of French troops under General Rochambeau who came to help the American colonists overthrow British rule," Sportman added.

"It is an important reminder that the American victory required significant help from our French allies — and such partnerships have always made us stronger."

Prince Harry's security fight threatens highly-anticipated reunion with King Charles: expert

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:00:42 -0400

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to the United Kingdom is already marred by drama after reports circulated that the visit was canceled due to security concerns.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to return to Britain this month, marking the first return to the UK in four years for Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie.

Issues surrounding official police protection for the Sussexes may damper their trek across the pond as Prince Harry fights for accommodations on a royal estate to best protect his family.

While the Duke and Duchess stepped away from senior royal responsibilities in 2020, royal expert Kate Nicholl told Fox News Digital that there's a "real sense of frustration" from within the palace as the trip stays in limbo.

PRINCE HARRY'S UK PLANS COULD SEND POWERFUL MESSAGE TO KING CHARLES AND PRINCE WILLIAM: EXPERTS

"Harry knows that he doesn't have automatic right to taxpayer-funded police protection when he's over here in the UK," Nicholl said. "Now, this trip has been several months in the planning. The king was made aware of it.

"The king was very happy to put Harry and Meghan and the children up in a royal residence where, by the way, they would have had full taxpayer police protection round the clock while they were a royal residence ... Where they don't get that taxpayer protection is if they're traveling around the country and Harry doing his Invictus Games.

WATCH HERE: KING CHARLES WENT ‘ABOVE AND BEYOND’ FOR PRINCE HARRY: EXPERT'

She added, "Now, Harry is a very wealthy man in his own right. He chose to step down from the royal family. He's not a working member of the royal family."

PRINCE HARRY DEALT MAJOR BLOW AS UK COURT DENIES SECURITY APPEAL

Nicholl, co-host of The Royals Uncensored podcast, said that the palace was "really going above and beyond" to accommodate the Sussexes.

The Duke and Duchess were reportedly told that an official review over their request for security was scheduled for March, only to learn that the assessment was never conducted by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC), according to People magazine.

In December, Prince Harry wrote privately to the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, requesting a full security risk assessment to reassess threat levels for the first time since 2020, according to The Guardian.

MEGHAN MARKLE STANDS BY PRINCE HARRY AFTER SECURITY APPEAL LOSS, SHOWS SUBTLE SUPPORT WITH TENDER FAMILY PHOTO

Last year, Prince Harry made a rare appearance at a two-day hearing for his appeal challenging the U.K. government’s decision to remove his security.

In court, Harry’s lawyers said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex "felt forced to step back from the role of full-time official working members of the royal family as they were considered they were not being protected by the institution." Harry had "wished to continue their duties in support of the late queen as privately funded members of the royal family."

In May 2025, the British royal lost his appeal. The Court of Appeal ruled unanimously that a committee had not treated the Duke of Sussex unfairly when it decided to review his protection on a case-by-case basis each time he visits his home country.

MEGHAN MARKLE HAS ONE CONDITION FOR RETURNING TO THE UK WITH PRINCE HARRY: EXPERTS

Archewell confirmed earlier this week that Prince Harry's UK visit includes "both public and private engagements across the country," before noting that safe accommodations are only "one element" of an effective protection plan because "risk follows the person, not the place."

"The issue has never been accommodation," Archewell told Fox News Digital. "The issue is whether appropriate and proportionate protective security is being provided throughout the entirety of the visit.

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"The independent Risk Management Board that RAVEC itself decided was necessary last November has still not taken place. It is therefore difficult to understand how the proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment."

PRINCE WILLIAM'S DOOR IS 'BOLTED SHUT' AS PRINCE HARRY PLANS UK RETURN WITH MEGHAN MARKLE, CHILDREN: EXPERT

Archewell added, "The Duke continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK."

Nicholl noted that there was "a genuine sense of delight" at the palace surrounding Prince Harry's return to the UK with his children.

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"You've got to remember that the king is getting older," she said. "He's living with cancer. He hasn't seen his grandchildren since the late Queens Platinum Jubilee in 2022."

In 2020, Harry and Markle — who currently reside in California — made their royal exit, citing the unbearable intrusions of the British press and lack of support from the palace.

On Sept. 10, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Harry spent time with the king, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, at Clarence House. It was the first time they had met in more than a year.

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"Putting aside his public position and his public role, he's just a grandfather who understandably wants to get to know his grandchildren," Nicholl said.

Pro wrestler Vinnie Massaro found his 'WrestleMania moment' in Japan, shares love for building sport's future

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:49:59 -0400

Pro wrestler Vinnie Massaro is a relative unknown to those who primarily dedicate their viewing experiences to what comes on their televisions and streaming services a few times a week.

Massaro has been in the ring for nearly three decades starting in Hayward, California, and making it to the top promotions Japan has to offer. He’s been a mainstay on the independents and is helping to train and wrestle those on the come up in West Coast Pro, Pandemonium Pro Wrestling and elsewhere.

While he understands that the dream of reaching WWE or All Elite Wrestling (AEW) may be dashed, he told Fox News Digital he’s fallen in love with helping the younger generation grow as professional wrestlers.

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"Honestly, the dream is not WWE, the dream is not AEW. Those dreams have kind of gone. I realize that I’m not young," he said. "I’ve reached that stage and that age where nobody is going to hire me as a professional wrestler. But there are other things like training. I love teaching young people how to wrestle. I love helping out in the back. I love doing agenting and that kind of stuff. To me, that’s a better outcome for me.

"Ten years from now, people may be like, ‘Oh you know Vinnie Massaro, he used to be a wrestler.’ You’d be like, ‘Oh I kinda saw him but he’s a good trainer. He knows how to teach people, he’s a good agent and he knows how to do that stuff.’ So, I think, eventually, that’s what’s going to end up being my calling card. Even if it’s just being here at West Coast Pro, teaching the students at West Coast Pro and being a professional wrestler in the independent circuit, I’ll be happy."

Massaro said the dream, in the first place, was never to get to WWE or World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He wanted to be on Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) as the hardcore promotion was becoming popular in the Northeast. But that goal went sideways when WWE bought out ECW.

As he started training, Massaro turned his attention to Japan and performing at the famed Korakuen Hall.

"But after I started training, the main thing I wanted to do was wrestle in Japan," he said. "My favorite wrestler was (Mitsuharu) Misawa and I was like, I want to meet Misawa, hopefully, one day, I want to wrestle Misawa and I’d like to wrestle for All Japan Pro Wrestling and then when he started (Pro Wrestling) Noah, when it was at Korakuen Hall, I wrestled for Noah. And I got to wrestle Misawa. I’ve wrestled for All Japan Pro Wrestling and I’ve wrestled for Pro Wrestling Noah at Korakuen Hall. I tagged with his former tag team partner – (Yoshinari Ogawa).

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"So to me, yeah, ‘What about your WrestleMania moment?’ I don’t even care about the WrestleMania moment. Being at Korakuen Hall, wrestling for Pro Wrestling Noah, being on my first Japanese tour, my first Japanese wrestling match and looking down at the mat and it’s ‘All Japan Pro Wrestling,’ the logo that I’ve seen so many times at Korakuen Hall, those are my highlights. Getting a chance to wrestle at Arena Mexico, that’s my highlight. Getting a chance to wrestle at the ECW Arena, that was a big one for me because I grew up watching ECW.

"I loved ECW, it’s the reason why I started wrestling. I stopped watching wrestling but I got back into it because I started watching ECW. Now, honestly, I think, the fact that I have students that I have trained from day one, literally, they’re like, ‘I’ve never done anything. I’m here, please teach me how to wrestle, and the fact that those students after I’ve trained them and taught them everything from their very first bump and now they’re wrestling for Korakuen Hall, like Miko Alana. She came with me, she came to the school and was like, ‘I’ve never done any of this before in my life,’ and I taught her how to roll, I taught her how to bump, I taught her how to do moves and she was just on the Monday Magic pay-per-view at Korakuen Hall that … People are like, ‘Oh, Vinnie, you never made it,’ I’m like, that’s bulls---. To me, that’s making it."

Massaro admitted that his skills in the ring are limited to hitting hard and showing his strength in the ring. A Spanish Fly off the top rope was probably never going to happen.

He said he could have gone down two paths. He said he could have been Ole Anderson, who was "set in his ways," or he could have been Terry Funk, who adapted to different styles of wrestling and performed all over the world.

"To me, I’d rather be a Terry Funk," he told Fox News Digital. "I’ve gone to Japan and trained with them, with the Joshis I went to Marvelous Pro and went to train with Takumi (Iroha), I went to Lucha Libre and trained with Lady Apache. So to me, you could just do one thing and keep doing it and if you fail that’s on you, but I tried a lot of different things. It’s not lucky if you just keep going."

Soon, Massaro will get to tag with Japanese wrestling star Shigeo Okumura as they go up against a team led by Lucha Libre legend Blue Panther.

Massaro, Okumura and Andrew Cass will take on Blue Panther, Jiah Jewel and Seabass Finn in a six-man tag team match at Pandemonium Pro’s End of Summer Event on Sept. 5 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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"I’m very excited because I grew up watching a lot of the AAA and Lucha Libre and CMLL and Blue Panther one of the few ones that you recognize and you always saw his match," he told Fox News Digital. "My first time watching Lucha Libre was Worlds Collide, of course, he was there and he played a big part … Getting a chance to wrestle against Blue Panther, I don’t have too many bucket lists anymore of wrestlers,

"I don’t have a list, but Blue Panther is definitely on that list. They have me tagging with Okumura, somebody who’s been doing this for so long. He’s basically like the guy that helped the guys from Japan be in CMLL. … It’s going to be cool to tag with Okumura and awesome on the other side, Blue Panther. But also on a grand aspect, I’d like to say I’m very proud I’m a big part of Pandemonium Pro Wrestling."

Village People lead singer Victor Willis dead at 74

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:48:24 -0400

Village People singer Victor Willis died on Tuesday, his wife announced on social media.

"It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, VICTOR WILLIS. Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness," a post on Willis' Facebook page states.

"The family request privacy at this time of great loss," the post adds.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

Socialist ousts 30-year Dem incumbent in House primary and more top headlines

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:35:10 -0400

Good morning and welcome to Fox News’ morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here's what you need to know to start your day ...

TOP 3

1. Socialist challenger ousts longtime incumbent Democrat

2. Trump reportedly asked if US should abandon negotiations with Iran

3. State Department announces 'total compliance' from Venezuelan government

MAJOR HEADLINES

HATE FOR HIRE — New York woman who wished 'every day were Oct. 7' charged with funding Palestinian terror group. Continue reading …

IRON PIPELINE — Feds dismantle alleged gun trafficking ring that funneled dozens of firearms from Georgia to Chicago gangs. Continue reading …

AGAINST ALL ODDS — Boy, 2, pulled alive from rubble six days after Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes. Continue reading …

SHOCKING FIND — Rotting human corpse found in chimney at school after report of foul odor. Continue reading …

BOILING POINT — Thousands of police deployed across as deadly anti-immigration protests spread to multiple cities. Continue reading …

POLITICS

WHY? — WATCH: Angel mom asks sanctuary politicians why they care more about illegal aliens than their own citizens. Continue reading …

LEFT TURN — Socialism goes west as DSA-backed challenger ousts longtime Democrat. Continue reading …

SOLE SURVIVOR — Boebert cruises to primary win, becoming last House Republican standing among Epstein files rebels. Continue reading …

SUPREMACY CLAUSE — Federal judges blocks Virginia law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks on the job. Continue reading …

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MEDIA

BROADCAST ERROR — NPR reveals how a misheard announcement led to them falsely claiming Justice Alito was retiring. Continue reading …

ESCAPE PLAN EXPOSED — Dave Portnoy claims 'Call Her Daddy' hosts planned false sexual harassment allegations to exit contracts. Continue reading …

BIRTHRIGHT BATTLE — Vance calls SCOTUS birthright citizenship ruling a 'major mistake,' warns of more birth tourism. Continue reading …

TRIAL AHEAD — Judge rejects Meta's effort to dismiss states' claims that it designed Facebook, Instagram to addict children. Continue reading …

OPINION

REP. ROGER WILLIAMS — 250 years of hard work pay off for Main Street businesses. Continue reading …

ERICH PRATT — Trump’s push for national concealed carry reciprocity would protect good guys with guns. Continue reading …

IN OTHER NEWS

RESTAURANT RULES — Automatic tip or service charge? New state law requires restaurants to tell diners before they order. Continue reading …

HOME TURF ADVANTAGE — How to watch USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32. Continue reading …

QUIET LUXURY — Sephora joins Walmart, Target with new 'quiet hours' shopping experience. Continue reading …

AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on cruise controversies, wedding whispers and more. Continue reading …

LISTEN

Tune in as FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins to discuss the intense 14th Amendment debate surrounding birthright citizenship. Check it out ...

FOX WEATHER

What’s it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…

Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We’ll see you in your inbox first thing Thursday.

American vaccines that transformed public health over 250 years: 'Outweighs harm'

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:09:48 -0400

Before the first successful vaccine was developed in 1796, Americans had little protection against deadly infectious diseases like smallpox, measles and diphtheria.

Over the next 250 years, vaccines helped eliminate or dramatically reduce many vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, preventing millions of illnesses, infections and deaths.

"There is a reason that vaccines are widely considered to be the greatest public health tool after sanitation," Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital.

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"They are designed to ‘fool’ the immune system into thinking it has seen a disease, creating an ‘immune memory’ to provoke an immune response to the pathogen when it actually does appear."

"True vaccines have side effects, and there is the risk of vaccine injury — but overall, the benefit to the individual and society vastly outweighs any harm," Siegel added.

As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, the following vaccines stand out among the most significant medical achievements in the country's history.

No. 1: Smallpox

Smallpox, a highly contagious viral disease caused by the variola virus, was one of the world's deadliest diseases before vaccination, killing about 30% of those infected, according to CDC data.

The infectious disease had no cure and spread through close person-to-person contact, causing fever, fatigue and a distinctive rash that led to pus-filled blisters. Survivors were often left with permanent scarring or blindness.

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The first successful vaccine, developed by English physician Edward Jenner in 1796, eventually transformed public health in the United States.

Jenner's smallpox vaccine ultimately led to the global eradication of smallpox, according to the World Health Organization. The vaccine is no longer given routinely to the public and is mainly used for select military, laboratory and emergency-response needs.

"The first vaccine against smallpox eradicated a disease that killed 5-10% of all humans who had ever lived for almost all of human history," Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, told Fox News Digital. "Then the drumbeat began of relentless progress right at the eve of the 20th century."

No. 2: Rabies

A viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system, rabies spreads through the saliva of infected mammals, most commonly through the bites of dogs, bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Although there is no cure, vaccination immediately after exposure can prevent the disease. It can also be given before exposure for people at high risk.

Researcher Louis Pasteur created the first rabies vaccine in 1885, according to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Today, prompt vaccination after exposure remains the standard way to prevent an otherwise almost universally fatal disease.

No. 3: Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause a thick coating in the throat. It was fatal for some, and survivors could face serious complications, including heart damage, paralysis and breathing problems, according to the CDC.

Before the vaccine's introduction in the 1920s, diphtheria was one of the leading causes of illness and death among youth in the U.S. During that decade, there were 100,000 to 200,000 cases and 13,000 to 15,000 deaths recorded each year, mostly affecting children.

The diphtheria toxoid vaccine was introduced in the 1920s. Diphtheria is now extremely rare in the U.S. due to widespread vaccinations, per the CDC.

The vaccine remains part of the routine childhood immunization schedule as part of the DTaP series, with boosters recommended for teens, adults and pregnant women.

No. 4: Tetanus

Tetanus is a bacterial disease caused by Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through cuts or wounds, according to the CDC. The infection can cause severe muscle spasms, "lockjaw" and death.

Before vaccination, tetanus was often fatal because severe muscle spasms could make it impossible to swallow or breathe. Although the disease is not spread from person to person, hundreds of Americans died from tetanus each year, records show.

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The tetanus toxoid vaccine was developed in the 1920s, according to CHOP. Tetanus vaccination remains part of the routine childhood immunization schedule, with boosters recommended every 10 years and as needed following certain wounds.

No. 5: Pertussis (whooping cough)

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits, often making it difficult to breathe, eat or sleep. Infants are at highest risk, as they can develop pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death.

Before widespread vaccination, the U.S. recorded more than 200,000 pertussis cases and thousands of youth hospitalizations each year, the CDC states.

The first pertussis vaccine was introduced in the 1910s, followed by the combination DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine in the 1940s.

After widespread vaccination, cases fell by more than 90% and deaths from the disease became uncommon. The pertussis vaccine remains part of the routine U.S. immunization schedule for children, teens and adults, and doctors recommend vaccination during pregnancy to pass protective antibodies to newborns.

No. 6: Influenza

This contagious viral respiratory illness can cause serious complications, hospitalization and death, CDC data shows.

Before the vaccine was available, seasonal flu epidemics caused widespread illness and death every year. During the 1918 influenza pandemic ("Spanish flu"), an estimated one-third of the world's population was infected and at least 50 million people died worldwide, including about 675,000 Americans.

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The first U.S. flu vaccine was licensed in 1945, helping launch routine seasonal influenza vaccination programs.

Widespread vaccination has significantly reduced the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receives a seasonal flu vaccine each year, with rare exceptions. The vaccine is updated annually to target changing strains.

No. 7: Polio

Polio (poliomyelitis), a highly contagious viral disease caused by poliovirus, spreads mainly through contact with contaminated food, water or stool, per the CDC.

For some, the virus can attack the nervous system, causing permanent paralysis, breathing difficulties and death. During the early 1950s, more than 15,000 cases of paralytic polio were reported each year in the U.S.

In 1955, Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine was introduced in the country, greatly reducing case counts. In 1979, the U.S. was declared free of wild poliovirus, according to the World Health Organization.

Injected polio vaccination is still part of the routine childhood U.S. immunization schedule.

No. 8: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

Before vaccines, measles, mumps and rubella were common childhood diseases that infected millions of Americans and could cause serious complications.

Prior to the measles vaccine, nearly all American children contracted the highly contagious viral disease by age 15, according to the NIH. About 400 to 500 Americans died of measles each year, while about 1,000 experienced brain swelling and 48,000 were hospitalized, records show.

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Before the first mumps vaccine, about 186,000 cases were reported in the U.S. each year, and the disease was a common cause of children's meningitis, per the NIH.

Rubella epidemics also regularly occurred in the U.S. before vaccination. Between 1964 and 1965, about 12.5 million Americans were infected, resulting in approximately 2,100 newborn deaths and 20,000 babies born with congenital rubella syndrome, causing blindness, deafness, heart defects and developmental disabilities.

The measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, followed by mumps in 1967 and rubella in 1969. In 1971, the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine became available, protecting against all three contagious viral diseases in a single shot. Prior to the combined vaccine, children typically had to receive three separate shots, the CDC noted.

Widespread vaccination has reduced cases of all three diseases by more than 99% in the United States, per NIH data.

Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning it was no longer spreading continuously within the country. Routine vaccination also led to endemic rubella being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2004.

No. 9: Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B, a viral infection that attacks the liver, is spread through contact with infected blood and other body fluids, according to the CDC.

Some people develop chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

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Before vaccination, hepatitis B was a major public health threat in the U.S. In the early 1980s, an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Americans contracted the infection each year, the NIH states. Infants infected at birth were at particularly high risk, with about 90% developing chronic infection.

The hepatitis B vaccine was licensed in 1981, and the CDC began recommending universal infant vaccination in 1991. Since then, acute hepatitis B cases have declined by more than 80% in the U.S., and infections among children and adolescents have fallen by more than 95%, per the NIH.

No. 10: Hib

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infections and severe throat swelling, per the CDC.

Severe cases can lead to hearing loss or brain damage.

Hib was once the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in young children in the U.S., with around 20,000 serious infections and 1,000 deaths reported each year in those 5 and younger.

The first Hib vaccine was licensed in 1985, with routine immunizations reducing invasive disease by more than 99%, according to CDC data. The infection is now rare in the U.S.

No. 11: Chickenpox/varicella

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus that causes an itchy, blister-like rash, fever and fatigue, according to the CDC.

In some people, it can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and bacterial skin infections.

Before the first chickenpox vaccine became available in the U.S. in 1995, about four million Americans were infected each year, with around 100 to 150 deaths and up to 13,000 hospitalizations, according to the CDC and NIH.

Since routine two-dose childhood vaccination began, hospitalizations and deaths have declined by more than 90%, and severe complications have become rare, CDC data shows.

No. 12: Hepatitis A

A highly contagious viral liver infection, hepatitis A spreads mainly through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person, per the CDC.

While it does not cause chronic liver disease like hepatitis B, it can cause weeks or months of illness and, in rare cases, liver failure.

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Before vaccination, outbreaks led to as many as 30,000 infections each year.

The first hepatitis A vaccine was licensed in the U.S. in 1995. Since routine childhood vaccination began, infection rates have dropped by more than 95%, according to the NIH.

No. 13: Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infections, ear infections and sinus infections, the CDC states.

Before vaccination, pneumococcal disease caused thousands of cases of meningitis and bloodstream infections and hundreds of deaths among young children, per the NIH. Older adults also faced a high risk of hospitalization from bacterial pneumonia.

The first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was licensed in 2000. Routine childhood vaccination has dramatically reduced disease rates, and newer vaccines have been developed to protect against emerging bacterial strains.

No. 14: HPV

The most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar and oropharyngeal cancers, according to the CDC.

The HPV vaccine was licensed in 2006, becoming the first immunization designed to prevent multiple types of cancer.

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Since the vaccine became available, HPV infections, precancers and genital warts have declined significantly, CDC data shows.

HPV vaccination is now part of the routine U.S. immunization schedule, with two doses recommended for those younger than 15 and three doses for those 15 and older.

No. 15: Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects infants and young children, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

Before the vaccine became available in 2006, nearly every child contracted the virus by age 5, often leading to severe dehydrating diarrhea, the CDC states. Up to 70,000 children were hospitalized and 20 to 60 died each year in the U.S.

Since routine rotavirus vaccination began, hospitalizations, emergency room visits and severe illness have declined significantly. Infants receive two or three oral doses as part of the routine immunization schedule.

No. 16: Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox, per the CDC. It can cause severe nerve pain lasting months or even years.

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Before the vaccine was available, about one million Americans developed shingles each year, with adults over age 50 at highest risk.

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The first shingles vaccine was licensed in 2006, and the more effective Shingrix vaccine was introduced in 2017, greatly reducing the risk of shingles and long-term nerve pain, according to the CDC and FDA.

Experts recommend two doses for adults 50 and older and for certain immunocompromised adults ages 19 and older.

No. 17: COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic spread worldwide in 2020, there was no vaccine to prevent severe illness from the infection, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

In the U.S., the contagious virus caused millions of hospitalizations and more than 1.2 million deaths, according to data from the CDC and NIH.

The first COVID-19 vaccines received emergency authorization in December 2020. Multiple studies have shown that the vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death, particularly among high-risk groups.

"COVID vaccines saved millions of lives around the world during the COVID pandemic," Siegel said.

Although the CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination, specific guidance varies by age, risk level and previous vaccination history.

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Glanville, whose company is currently working to develop a universal flu vaccine, among others, summed up the impact of these and other vaccines in America.

"To truly understand the impact that vaccines have had in the last 100 years, read through the list of pathogens along the timeline until they become familiar to you, until they include things you or your family may have been infected by in your own life," he advised. "You may barely even recognize most of the pathogens in the first half of the list – because vaccines pushed them out of the human experience. That is the power of vaccines."

People should contact a doctor to discuss individual recommendations for vaccines, which can vary by age, health status, medical history and risk factors.

Wisconsin student alleges school barred her from using Bible verse at graduation

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:09 -0400

A Wisconsin high school graduate is alleging religious discrimination after school officials barred her from including a Bible verse in a graduation ceremony slideshow due to the district's neutrality policy.

Sarianne Beronja, a 2026 graduate of Arrowhead High School in Waukesha County, said she submitted Proverbs 3:6 as her personal message to appear beside her photo in a slideshow playing during the commencement ceremony. The verse reads: "In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path."

Beronja said that less than 24 hours before the ceremony, an associate principal told her she could not use the verse because religious messages are prohibited. The student said school officials also told her she could not share an alternative message thanking God for being "beside me through these last four years."

"My faith helped shape who I am," she told Fox News Digital. "Over the past four years, this verse was something I kept coming back to that kept me grounded and moving forward."

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Superintendent Conrad Farner told Fox News Digital that religious and political messages were barred from the graduation slideshow because it is considered "school-sponsored speech." He said students were given explicit instructions to limit messages to family thank-yous and future plans.

"By defining the boundaries of the slideshow ahead of time (limiting the topic strictly to family thank-yous and future career/college plans), the expectations and limits were clearly articulated and established," Farner said. "The slideshow was never meant to be a forum for ANY religious or political viewpoints. It is an extremely brief picture of each graduate that allows for an extremely brief thank you or future plans. Again, the slideshow is district-sponsored speech, NOT a public forum."

The school official cited the 1988 Supreme Court ruling in Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, which gives school administrators the right to restrict school-sponsored expression if it is "reasonably related to legitimate educational concerns."

Farner said opening the door to political or religious expression would create a disruptive environment at graduation, adding that the school wanted to avoid a situation where students and parents would want to bring "signs and buttons and flags" to express themselves.

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Going forward, Farner said the school will no longer utilize a slideshow at graduation.

However, Beronja told Fox News Digital she did not believe the school consistently barred religious statements at graduation, claiming students had included Bible verses and expressions of faith in past ceremonies.

The student and her mother are fighting the school district policy to protect future students' expression, seeking help from the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL).

"We are celebrating our country’s 250th birthday, and, after all, the United States was founded on being a nation of religious freedom," Beronja said. "I think the school district should make sure that students of faith are not treated differently because their expression is religious. Students shouldn’t worry that a Bible verse will be rejected when other personal messages are allowed."

WILL has accused the district of violating the student's First Amendment rights.

"Once a school creates an opportunity for students to express their own views, it cannot exclude religious viewpoints while permitting comparable non-religious speech," WILL said in a press release. "The actions by Arrowhead appear to have done exactly that."

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The organization is asking the Arrowhead Union High School District to immediately alter its policy to allow students of faith to receive "the same constitutional protections afforded to every other student."

Cory Brewer, WILL deputy counsel, stated, "‘Separation of Church and State’ is not an excuse to erase the viewpoints of students of faith. Arrowhead invited students to express themselves and approved countless secular messages, but when Sarianne shared a Bible verse that reflected her faith, school officials censored it. That’s unconstitutional."

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Brewer said WILL is prepared to take legal action if the district does not comply.

REP TOM BARRETT: It’s up to Congress to prevent another endless American war

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:47 -0400

War is something we are all contemplating as tensions with Iran continue. It certainly keeps me up at night. After spending 22 years in the Army and deploying around the world, it still consumes a lot of my attention.

Europe and America fought the "War to End All Wars" more than 100 years ago in the trenches of World War I. Of course, it didn’t really end wars, and it directly fed into World War II, which left millions dead and reset the global national hierarchy. In the book "1984," George Orwell wrote that "by becoming continuous war has ceased to exist." When we normalize war, it becomes a constant in our lives, like a chronic disease we try to manage but never fully cure.

That’s why one of the proudest votes I took in my first year in Congress was to repeal the 2002 authorization for use of military force in Iraq — almost 17 years to the day after I came home from my own deployment in that war. This marked the first time in my life that Congress successfully repealed an authorization for use of military force.

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Earlier this year I introduced my own bipartisan reform plan to repeal another dormant authorization and require future authorizations to be reapproved at least every five years. This package would also give Congress more tools to quickly and clearly define future missions after the president uses force to confront urgent threats.

Our Constitution is clear: Only Congress can declare war and decide to engage in the use of military force. In 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Act, which delegated some authority to the president for up to 60 days before Congress must give consent for the effort to continue.

When that timeline expired for the conflict in Iran, I felt compelled to enforce it for one simple reason — the decision of when and how to go to war is perhaps the most consequential that a government can make. It literally involves life and death.

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Decisions like this demand the highest level of constitutional scrutiny. Iran must never get a nuclear weapon, but the people’s representatives must have a say when American lives and taxpayer dollars are on the line.

Decisions about war can’t be taken lightly. Sadly, I have encountered what feels like a growing mindset that some Americans think we can fight wars using other people’s sons and daughters with technology that keeps us far from the battlefield. We haven’t had a draft in over 50 years, so it’s easy to feel insulated from the effects of war.

But an entire generation of Global War on Terror-era veterans see it differently. We lost friends and battle buddies who either didn’t make it home or came back physically or psychologically wounded, with thousands more losing the battle to suicide than to combat. At the end of two decades, it was easy to wonder if it was all worth it or not.

Staff Sergeant Duane Dreasky was my friend and roommate on a deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was struck by an IED in Iraq and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, just three miles from where I now cast my votes as a member of the United States Congress.

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Other friends were lost to suicide or overdose. I think about the total human cost of war as I carry their memories and the thousands of other War on Terror veterans with me as I make these decisions.

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While my time in the military has passed, I owe it to this generation of warfighters to set clear, unambiguous objectives, prevent mission creep and protect against endless conflicts and nation building.

When we do need to use military force, a clearly defined mission allows for overwhelming force to defeat the enemy quickly and decisively. It’s time for Congress to step up and have the debate on the use of force and avoid the tragic mistakes of the past.

America and Israel: A covenant, not a contract

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:41 -0400

The bond between America and the Jewish people did not begin with the creation of the modern State of Israel. It predates even the founding of our great country 250 years ago. This relationship has never been simply diplomatic. It is covenantal.

Long before there was a United States, there was a people learning to govern themselves by the principles God gave at Sinai.

The Puritan settlers read that story not as ancient history but as their own unfolding plot. In 1630, their leader John Winthrop preached a sermon, "A Model of Christian Charity," closing with the word of Moses to the Children of Israel who were about to enter the Promised Land, urging his followers "to love the Lord our God, and to love one another, to walk in his ways and to keep his Commandments and his Ordinance and his laws, and the articles of our Covenant with him."

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The Mayflower Compact was understood to be a covenant, not a contract, because its signers understood that a contract is transactional while a covenant is consensual and is based upon freedom and personal responsibility.

Scholar Os Guinness documents the source of the American Revolution not in the libraries of Greece or the common law of England, but the Jewish idea of a people who choose, freely and morally, to be bound to one another and to God. In his book America Agonistes, he writes, "America’s debt to the Jews is deepest when it comes to the Hebrew contribution to the founding genius of American freedom."

Our founders repeatedly expressed admiration for the Jewish contribution to civilization. John Adams wrote, "The Hebrews have done more to civilize men than any other nation…. and have influenced the affairs of mankind more and more happily than any other nation, ancient or modern."

Indeed, Adams was actually a Zionist. In correspondence, he declared, "I really wish the Jews again in Judea an independent nation."

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Walter Russell Mead’s The Arc of a Covenant explains that the pro-Israel conviction in America was never primarily a Jewish conviction. It was a Protestant one.

In 1891, evangelical minister William E. Blackstone presented a petition to President Benjamin Harrison calling for the restoration of Palestine to the Jewish people, "According to God’s distribution of nations it is their home—an inalienable possession." Signatories included J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, members of Congress, governors, mayors, and other officials, publishers, educators and clergymen.

Mead’s exhaustive argument is that long-held habits and cultural predispositions rooted in America’s identification with the Hebrew scriptures have shaped U.S. policy toward Israel far more than any organization or President.

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In the modern era, since the Jewish people re-established their sovereignty in their own War of Independence, America’s relationship with Israel has been moored in shared interests and values. Their founding document is suffused with the same moral DNA as the American Declaration of 1776, the conviction that certain inalienable rights exist prior to government, are not granted by any king but instead are rooted in a higher authority than any legislature or army.

The U.S.–Israel relationship does not begin with the intelligence-sharing, the joint military exercises, or the innovation Israel produces in water, medicine, and cybersecurity, though all of that matters enormously. It begins with our two nations, born out of the same audacious idea that people can covenant themselves to liberty and to law under God.

This relationship is not merely strategic but is, in the deepest sense, a mirror. When America looks at Israel, at its tenacity, its survival against odds that have crushed far stronger empires, its insistence on being a democracy in a neighborhood that offers none, America sees a semblance of its own worthwhile struggle.

This is what motivated me to found the U.S. Israel Education Association 15 years ago, to educate American leaders about this essential collaboration, to strengthen it, and to reap its benefits for our country well into the future.

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At 250, America does not necessarily need more allies, but it does need to remember and appreciate its origins and covenantal heritage. American and Israel both sprouted from the pages of the Jewish Bible and share a common script that reflects our identity and impacts our view of the world. That is why our alliance with Israel runs deep and will endure even the strongest forces that oppose it.

WATCH: Angel mom turns tables on sanctuary politicians with basic question about their priorities

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:30:37 -0400

The mother of an 18-year-old college freshman killed in March, allegedly by a criminal illegal immigrant, asked lawmakers Tuesday to look her in the eye and explain why "people here illegally matter more" than American citizens, delivering emotional testimony during a congressional hearing on sanctuary policies.

Jessica Gorman, whose daughter Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot after going to the Chicago lakefront with friends to see the Northern Lights, accused sanctuary city leaders and politicians of failing to protect her child during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on sanctuary policies.

"I want you to imagine that little girl on the 'buddy bench,' that innocent college freshman with a heart full of compassion and a head full of dreams that was gunned down by an illegal immigrant," Gorman said. "I want you to imagine that was your daughter, not mine. What if she was yours?"

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Gorman's remarks came as she invoked a childhood story about Sheridan "stalking" the "buddy bench" at recess, waiting to help classmates who felt lonely or left out.

She lamented that her daughter, who spent her life making others feel seen, had been failed by the people responsible for protecting her.

"I bring this back to the buddy bench. I think Congress needs one. Yes, I think every governor, every mayor, every sanctuary city official and politician shifting blame and interest, hiding behind their slogans and talking points should have to all sit on one," Gorman said.

"I challenge you all to sit down with me. Take my hand, look me in the eye, and then explain to me, because I just don't understand. Explain why people here illegally matter more than your American citizens. Explain why sanctuary policies matter more than my Sheridan's life. Explain why cooperation with ICE was too much to ask for, but asking our American parents to bury our children is somehow acceptable. Ask me — I need you to tell me."

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Gorman identified the man accused of killing her daughter as Jose Medina, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who she said "should not have even been in this country." She said Medina had previously committed a crime and had an outstanding warrant before he was left on the streets of Chicago.

"But this story is not about him," Gorman told lawmakers. "The story is about my Sheridan."

The hearing focused on sanctuary policies and whether jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities are putting Americans at risk. Republicans argued those policies allow criminal illegal immigrants to be released back into communities instead of being turned over to ICE, while Democrats pushed back by arguing such policies preserve trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.

Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., who chairs the subcommittee, opened the hearing by saying Republicans would continue highlighting the families of victims until sanctuary policies are "rectified." Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the ranking member, offered condolences to Gorman and another witness whose daughter was killed, but criticized the hearing as the committee’s fourth on sanctuary cities and argued Democrats should instead be examining the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.

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The hearing grew heated even before Gorman testified, when Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., introduced her and was interrupted by Democrats who said his remarks had turned from an introduction into a broader speech on immigration policy.

Gorman later told lawmakers she had never expected to become a public advocate, but said her daughter’s death forced her into the fight.

"I’m a lover, not a fighter," Gorman said. "I’m not a public speaker. I’m not someone who ever speaks out about things. I have to."

Inside the Supreme Court battle to 'Save Women's Sports'

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:27:21 -0400

It was a crisp day in January when Riley Gaines stood in front of a divided crowd on the Supreme Court steps.

Right in front of her were her supporters, mostly women dressed in casual or formal clothing, clapping as she spoke. But just to their left stood a horde of pro-transgender activists, some wearing costumes and others partially unclothed, shouting curse words.

"They're so angry," Gaines told Fox News Digital of the crowd that day.

"On our side ... you saw people smiling and embracing and hugging each other ... but you look across the bike racks that were there separating us, and you saw anger, and you saw negativity, and you saw screaming, and you saw vitriol, and you saw colored hair, and you saw colored hair, and you saw piercings, and you saw what I would describe, honestly, just visually looking at it, was island of the misfit toys. Not to be like, mean, but just speaking pretty objectively here."

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Nearly six months after Gaines stood on those steps, the pro-transgender activists now sit on the losing side of the court's decision. Gaines and her "Save Women's Sports" activists can look back on that rally, and the obscenities hurled at them while they spoke, as obstacles in a winning fight, after the Supreme Court justices ruled Tuesday to uphold state laws that ban trans athletes from girls' and women's sports.

Six years before Gaines stood on those steps — and almost three years before her infamous tie with Lia Thomas — Idaho State cross-country runner Mary Kate Marshall was put in a position that would change her life. In 2019, she and teammate Madison Kenyon competed against a biological male from the University of Montana. The following year, they joined the lawsuit that would reach the Supreme Court.

"I lost every race I ran against this male, and so did a lot of my teammates. And then at a championship, I watched my teammate pushed off the podium," Marshall told Fox News Digital.

It was 2020. The issue of trans athletes in women's sports hadn't become the cultural lightning rod it is today. There was less of a support system for women like Marshall. But she took a leap of faith, signing on as a voluntary defendant to a lawsuit against her state. The lawsuit, filed by former Boise State trans athlete Lindsay Hecox, blocked the state's law to keep males out of women's sports.

"Seeing that no parents were standing up, no coaches were saying anything, like, we knew we had to," Marshall said.

She was joined by her teammate Madison Kenyan. Together with their state, they would suffer a series of courtroom losses over the course of multiple years.

All the while, they dealt with the sacrifices that Gaines and all the other "Save Women's Sports" activists would have to deal with in a heated political climate.

"It was difficult at first because we were afraid of some of the backlash that we might get, but we had to do the right thing," Marshall said, adding that interactions with people they were close to became "scary."

"Teammates that we had on the team just disappointed in us for putting our school's name out there...

"We had some teammates who were just afraid, um, afraid of going against the norm, and at the time, back in 2020, there, this wasn't talked about a lot. So people were just scared about what would come of it or getting in trouble."

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, who was just working as a legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) at the time, says their decision to join the lawsuit as defendants was essential to getting the case to the Supreme Court years later.

"I think it made all the difference in the world," Labrador, who became AG in 2023, told Fox News Digital.

"Their courage and their conviction and their ability and desire to make very unpopular decisions at the time, and to make public stances that jeopardize, you know, their friendships, their ability to participate in sports, maybe in some cases even their abilities to be on the team... their fight was important."

Then in West Virginia in 2021, a transgender student who was still a minor filed a similar lawsuit after being told, before entering sixth grade, that she could not compete on the girls’ cross-country and track-and-field teams.

The West Virginia case differed from Idaho’s in one crucial way: It did not begin with a college athlete who had tried out for a women’s team. It began with a middle schooler, represented by the ACLU, who argued that West Virginia’s law amounted to a categorical ban. The ACLU said the athlete had taken medication from the onset of puberty and had not experienced the physiological changes associated with male puberty.

The courts initially gave the student room to compete. The district court first blocked enforcement of the law, and the Fourth Circuit later ruled against West Virginia on the Title IX claim while sending the Equal Protection issue back for more fact-finding. It meant that, as the Supreme Court fight dragged on, the athlete continued competing in girls’ sports.

For West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey, that was the hardest part.

"The hardest part was getting the phone calls from the girls and the families who were being affected in West Virginia in real time," McCuskey told Fox News Digital.

"There’s nothing you can do when the Fourth Circuit enjoins your law to overcome that until the Supreme Court decides what the Fourth Circuit did was wrong. And so there was this, what I knew to be an injustice happening in real time, and my hands were really tied."

But the West Virginia story soon became about more than race times, throws and standings.

In January, Fox News Digital reported that Bridgeport High School student Adaleia Cross, a former track-and-field teammate of the trans athlete at Bridgeport Middle School, had accused the athlete of making graphic sexual comments to her in the girls’ locker room during the 2022-23 school year. Cross said she later quit track at Bridgeport High School to avoid sharing a locker room again once the athlete reached high school.

The ACLU denied the allegations on behalf of the athlete and the athlete’s mother, saying the school district investigated the claim and found it unsubstantiated. ADF, which represents Cross, said Cross had sworn under oath about the alleged incident and argued that she "had to step away from the sport she loved entirely" because of it.

Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel for ADF, pointed to Cross’s alleged experience as one of the human costs behind the legal fight.

"When we reject truth, the harm is real, widespread, and devastating," Campbell told Fox News Digital.

"Across the country, girls have been losing medals, roster spots, titles, opportunities, and privacy. Consider our client, Adaleia Cross, who’s in the State of West Virginia. Not only did the plaintiff in the West Virginia case take her spot in a championship meet, that same plaintiff also sexually harassed her in the locker room, and she had to leave the sport that she loved as a result."

The harassment allegation was not part of the Supreme Court case itself, but McCuskey said it affected how many people in West Virginia understood the broader stakes.

"I think it is astronomically important that in the wake of this decision we make sure that we’re providing every single child a safe and fair place to play sports," McCuskey said.

"And if you’re a biological woman, that means not competing against biological men."

The trans athlete's legal representatives at the American Civil Liberties Union has denied the allegations.

Then, as the Supreme Court weighed the case over the last six months, the West Virginia athlete was allowed to continue competing... then won a girls' state championship.

'SAVE WOMEN'S SPORTS' 2025 CULTURE WAR TIMELINE — THE YEAR THE TIDES TURNED

In May, just weeks before the ruling, the athlete won the West Virginia Class AAA girls’ shot put state championship with a throw of 38 feet, 11¾ inches, beating the runner-up by just over two feet. The athlete also finished fourth in girls’ discus. The Supreme Court’s own opinion noted the athlete had won the state shot put title and had also won the Region 2 championship in both shot put and discus during the litigation.

The ruling did not arrive until after the girls’ track season had ended. Still, McCuskey prefers to keep his eyes forward and hopes his state can easily move on from the recent track title.

"I think it’s most important to look at this going forward and to say it isn’t going to happen again," McCuskey said.

"I think what we will see is that everyone will understand looking back on this that, that the time in which before this decision came down, that there was astronomical irrationality happening throughout the country, and that we finally came to a place of common sense."

That "place of common sense" arrived in 77 pages on Tuesday.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the court’s six conservative justices, opened the majority opinion not with the transgender athletes who sued, but with Title IX itself — the law supporters of the state bans have long argued was being turned against the very girls it was written to protect.

"Title IX transformed American sports and American life," Kavanaugh wrote, crediting the 1972 law with helping create the modern era of girls’ and women’s athletics.

But the court said Title IX did not require schools to let biological males compete on girls’ and women’s teams. Instead, it held that schools may separate teams by biological sex, and that West Virginia and Idaho did not violate the Constitution by doing so.

The majority framed sports as different from other school settings because of what is at stake every time a roster is made, a medal is awarded or a scholarship is offered.

"Sports are generally zero sum," Kavanaugh wrote.

For the women who had spent years telling their stories, that line sounded like recognition.

"The decision really is astounding," Campbell said. "It’s very clear on issues like what Title IX means. It’s very clear on issues like whether the Equal Protection Clause prevents states from protecting women’s sports."

"Across the board, the court ruled in favor of women and girls," he added, "recognizing that they deserve equal opportunities, that they deserve podium spots, that they deserve scholarships, and that they do not need to step aside and allow males to compete against them."

The ruling was split in two.

On Title IX, even the three liberal justices agreed the West Virginia student’s claim failed, though they objected to parts of the majority’s reasoning. On the constitutional question, the court split 6-3, with Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson saying the case should have gone back to the lower courts for more fact-finding.

Campbell said that distinction mattered.

"The justices that dissented only did so on the constitutional question," he said. "It’s really important to recognize that every single justice on the Supreme Court recognized that Title IX allows states to protect women’s sports."

"So on that Title IX issue, the court was unanimous," he added. "On the equal protection issue, the majority of the court said that the 14th Amendment allows states to protect women’s sports."

Sotomayor, writing for the dissenters, argued the majority had moved too quickly. She said unresolved factual questions about the West Virginia athlete’s medical history and athletic advantage should have prevented the court from ending the equal protection claim. She accused the majority of resolving a divisive issue "without knowing all the facts."

McCuskey said that argument missed the girls on the other side of the case.

"The biggest frustration that I have, just in general, is this idea that there is no victim on the other side of these cases," McCuskey said. "The sort of understating the arguments being made by the biological women and girls on our side of this case… undercuts what are the true reasons why competitive sports are so important to women and girls."

"It is an avenue for them to achieve incredible greatness in their lives," he added.

For Labrador, the decision closed a circle that began before he was attorney general.

Back in 2020, when Idaho became the first state in the country to pass a law protecting girls’ sports, Labrador said the state was under intense pressure. The NCAA had threatened consequences. Idaho’s previous attorney general had warned the law could be unconstitutional. Labrador, then outside the attorney general’s office, joined ADF as local counsel for the female athletes who stepped into the case.

He said the issue was personal.

"I have a daughter who played volleyball in high school," Labrador said. "Every time I think about this case, I think about how significant that moment in her life was, how important playing sports was for her."

"If there would have been several male athletes ahead of her," he added, "I’m not sure that she would have made the varsity team."

But for the activists who turned the issue from an obscure legal dispute into a national cause, the ruling was not a finish line.

Gaines said the decision felt like the culmination of the last several years of her life, but also a reminder of how far the debate had moved.

"I feel excited, of course. This is long awaited. It’s long overdue," Gaines said. "It feels kind of like the culmination of everything that I have found myself fighting for over the past few years."

"But there is a level of me that’s exhausted as well," she added. "It’s exhausting that in the year 2026, we are still having this conversation, that the highest court in the land is having to rule on such insanity."

Gaines said that just 10 years ago, such a ruling would have been treated as obvious.

"We wouldn’t have necessarily celebrated this ruling," she said. "We would have kind of been like, ‘Yeah, duh. This is, like, the default.’"

Jennifer Sey, a former U.S. national gymnastics champion and founder of XX-XY Athletics, said the ruling was a big victory, but not the final one

."We won, but we are not done," Sey told Fox News Digital.

Sey pointed to the 23 states without laws protecting girls’ sports and said girls in those states remain exposed.

"Girls in every ZIP code deserve fair sports," Sey said. "My daughter is nine, and we live in Colorado. That is a blue state that does not have a law on the books protecting women’s sports. Hopefully, it will soon."

Sey said she is chairing a Colorado ballot initiative that she expects to appear before voters in November. But she said the broader fight is cultural, not just legal.

"It should be absolutely unacceptable to every human, every parent, that a boy would be fielded in a girls’ category," Sey said. "When that becomes culturally unacceptable, that’s when it will stop happening."

Gaines said the next phase will require Congress, states, federal agencies and parents to act.

"We need Congress to codify President Trump’s executive orders," Gaines said. "We need states, whether it’s through legislation, although I think we’re kind of reaching the cap there, so through ballot initiatives at this point."

She also called for "real enforcement mechanisms" against states and institutions that refuse to comply.

"I think that’s what is gonna make any of these people move, is when you hit them where it hurts, which is always going to be the pockets," Gaines said. "Whether you’re a corporation, whether you’re a government entity, doesn’t matter."

Sey said the ruling also had implications beyond school sports. Title IX, she noted, does not govern every arena where female athletes compete.

"Title IX doesn’t actually cover the Olympic movement. It doesn’t actually cover private club sports," Sey said. "The Boston Marathon has its own governance. Men can compete in the women’s category in the Boston Marathon."

"So there’s still a lot of work to do," she added. "It’s why I keep saying we have to focus on changing the culture, because I think once we do that, all of the governing bodies will fall in line and protect the women’s category."

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As Gaines continues to lead the charge on the issue, she doesn't envision the finish line existing in a courtroom or piece of legislation, but in a broader cultural influence.

"When people, your everyday person, so think of parents, coaches, et cetera, when they’re bold enough to defend their daughters or defend their athletes or defend themselves," Gaines said. "That’s when you see real change."

Taylor Swift's rumored Madison Square Garden wedding faces one massive hurdle, celebrity planner warns

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:59 -0400

Could Madison Square Garden trade sold-out concerts for wedding bells?

If Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce really plan to walk down the aisle at Madison Square Garden on July 3, they'll first have to pull off the ultimate makeover.

While reports and speculation continue to swirl over whether Madison Square Garden could play a role in the couple's wedding plans, luxury event designer Larry Walshe told Fox News Digital the iconic arena would require a dramatic transformation to shed its concert identity and become a romantic setting fit for a ceremony.

TAYLOR SWIFT'S WEDDING RUMORS SPARK SPECULATION ABOUT CLOSE FRIENDS, INFAMOUS FALLOUTS AND BRIDAL PARTY

"It would take a lot to make Madison Square Garden feel romantic, intimate and unforgettable, but there's a first for absolutely everything," the celebrity event planner, who has worked with Rihanna, Adele, Anna Wintour, the British royal family and more, emphasized.

Unlike scenic destinations that become part of a wedding backdrop, Walshe said Madison Square Garden presents the opposite challenge because designers would first have to erase the venue's familiar arena feel before creating something entirely new.

"Here, you need to hide the view, and you need to create basically a blank canvas before you actually begin to do anything," he said. "First, it's neutralize, and then it's start to build."

Fortunately, he said, the venue's existing production infrastructure gives designers a significant head start.

"If I go into my, like, industry brain and start thinking about all the things I can do, you've got lighting and rigging galore," Walshe explained. "So those bits are really gonna help. But what you're otherwise looking at is how do you now soften that space? How do you make it smaller? How do you make it feel like there's a sense of femininity to it? How do you make it feel romantic? And there's the challenge."

Walshe said the next step is layering in design elements that transform the arena into a more intimate setting.

"And then, from there, you start looking at that now as a blank canvas and working in florals, looking at other scenic infrastructure that you can build in so that you're essentially creating almost, like, a residential-style quality to the surroundings."

WATCH: CELEBRITY PLANNER REVEALS THE DRAMATIC MAKEOVER MSG WOULD NEED TO HOST A TAYLOR SWIFT WEDDING

TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS KELCE WEDDING BETTING FRENZY REVEALS ONE OVERWHELMING PREDICTION

Once Madison Square Garden is stripped back and softened, Walshe explained, its biggest weakness actually becomes one of its greatest strengths.

"You have the potential to do something world-class," Walshe, founder of Larry Walshe Studios, said. "You have the potential to do something never seen before."

The arena's soaring ceilings and built-in rigging open the door to design elements that would be impossible in most traditional wedding venues, allowing for dramatic installations and large-scale productions that could transform the space into an unforgettable experience.

Beyond the design possibilities, Walshe said the venue offers another major advantage for someone with Swift's level of fame.

"The wonderful thing about that is the venue itself does have an infrastructure that lends itself to security and to privacy," he explained. "And certainly, if this is happening here, that's probably been a very strong consideration. The actual way that the venue is created allows for that element to be controlled."

WATCH: SPECULATION GROWS OVER TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS KELCE WEDDING RUMORS

"So here, at least you have that ability to make sure that somebody of that notoriety can at least hopefully feel reassured, and relax and enjoy her own wedding day, which, quite frankly, anyone deserves the right to do."

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Keeping a celebrity wedding private is one thing RoseMarie Terenzio knows firsthand after helping John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette pull off one of America's most famous secret ceremonies.

"If you can, keep it small and intimate and don’t give details," she told Fox News Digital. "Tell your guests to save the date for something else and create a decoy event. If you’re choosing a venue, try to have it somewhere you frequent or where they know you well. The key is bringing everyone in on the secret, so they’ve invested in the surprise!"

As John F. Kennedy Jr.'s former aide, she helped orchestrate the secrecy surrounding his 1996 wedding to Carolyn Bessette, relying on elaborate misdirection to keep reporters off the couple's trail.

"I remember being so excited for them and wanting to help them have their wedding private," she recalled. "I was so nervous about it leaking and ruining it for them. We created fake itineraries to Ireland and left them around the office. A reporter called that day and asked me if he should book a flight to Ireland and I said, 'I wouldn’t if I were you.'"

Terenzio said even seemingly routine wedding tasks became carefully guarded operations to avoid tipping anyone off.

"Carolyn and I were in the ‘George’ offices late one night printing the programs for the wedding because we didn't want to go to a professional printer for fear they would leak it," the strategic communications expert said.

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She recalled the paper repeatedly jamming and later waking in the middle of the night, terrified that the programs had been left behind in the office printer. Terenzio eventually rushed back to the office to double-check in the middle of the night before finally breathing a sigh of relief.

While Terenzio believes secrecy is essential for any celebrity wedding, she isn't convinced Madison Square Garden would actually host Swift and Kelce's ceremony.

"I don’t think the actual wedding will be at MSG, but I think it could be a larger celebration Taylor and Travis are doing for friends and fans," she explained. "Taylor Swift has such an emotional connection to her fans, and I could see her doing some kind of watch party/celebration that they could see from outside the Garden."

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Harris-backed Democrat scrubs BLM-era posts as House campaign heats up

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:22 -0400

Dan Koh, a candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’s 6th Congressional District, deleted a handful of Black Lives Matter (BLM) posts from then-Twitter, according to the Wayback internet archives tool.

Koh’s resurfaced posts, which come as he wages a campaign to become the next 6th District representative, suggest efforts to distance himself from BLM even as Koh highlights other elements of "racial justice."

"JusticeForGeorgeFloyd," Koh wrote on May 29, 2020.

"Pretty sure centuries of systemic racism exemplified by the murder of George Floyd has something to do with the ‘situation,’" Koh said in one of the posts, reacting to a press briefing about the riots that had broken out in Minnesota in 2020 shortly after Floyd’s death at the hands of a law enforcement officer.

The posts, which originally went up on May 29 and May 30 in 2020, have since been deleted.

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In another post published on April 20, 2021, Koh wrote simply, "JusticeForGeorgeFloyd."

Notably, Koh has not shied away from making racial equity an element of his campaign and displays it as a part of his platform on his website.

"President Trump is using the power of the federal government to target people of color at every turn. We must confront every action that systemically erodes justice and equality in American life, from attacks on fair housing and labor protections to efforts that undermine public education, environmental justice and civil rights enforcement," the website reads.

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In the past, BLM has acted as a lightning rod issue, pitting criticisms of racial prejudice in law enforcement against support for police. It would later feed into sentiments like calls to "defund the police."

Koh’s campaign did not say why he deleted the posts or whether he sees them as at odds with his current positions.

A spokesperson for the campaign did say, however, that Koh intends to make racial representation a facet of his time in office, if elected.

"For years, Dan has spoken up, including on social media and national TV, about the murder of George Floyd and the injustices Black Americans have faced — and as a Member of Congress, he will fight every day against Trump’s racist agenda that is trying to strip Black Americans of their rights and freedoms," Olivia Brandon, a campaign spokesperson, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Before running for office, Koh worked in the Biden White House, holding multiple senior roles and advising the administration on infrastructure-related matters. He has also worked as chief of staff to the U.S. Department of Labor and chief of staff for Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

Koh is running to replace outgoing Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass. The seat, which has been safely Democratic for decades, last went to Moulton in a 69.9% to 35.2% victory over Republican challenger Robert May.

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In turn, Moulton is pursuing a U.S. Senate seat in a primary challenge to Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

Massachusetts will hold its primaries on Tuesday, Sept. 1. If he clinches the Democratic nomination, Koh will face off against Republican candidate Micah Jones.

America's favorite beers — and the jobs tied to them — are at the center of a brewing trade fight

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:08 -0400

As the Trump administration weighs implementing tariffs on Mexican beer, a new report argues the move would hurt the very American workers it is intended to protect by squeezing one of the U.S. beer market's most profitable segments.

The report, authored by Unleash Prosperity co-founder Stephen Moore and economist David Ozgo, comes as the Trump administration continues to expand its tariff agenda, which officials say is aimed at re-shoring manufacturing, reducing trade deficits and strengthening American industry.

"There probably are some products for which tariffs are appropriate — products where there might be national security implications," Ozgo told Fox News Digital. "But obviously, beer is not one of those products."

While Mexican beer is brewed south of the border, Ozgo said most of the jobs it supports, like distribution, wholesaling and retailing, are in the United States.

‘WE WERE RIGHT’: WINE IMPORTER TOOK TRUMP’S TARIFFS TO THE SUPREME COURT AND WON

The report backs that claim with data showing the U.S. beer business supports roughly 1.74 million jobs, but only about 5% are directly involved in brewing. Most workers are employed by wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and suppliers that handle beer after it is brewed, jobs that remain in the U.S. even when the beer is imported.

"If you end up slapping tariffs on Mexican beer, you're not protecting American workers," Ozgo said. "What you're really doing is cutting into the most profitable segment of the beer market right now and in turn putting U.S. jobs at risk."

According to the report, Mexican beer already sells for about 52% more than mass-market domestic lagers in grocery and liquor stores. The authors say those higher prices mean bigger profits for U.S. distributors, retailers, restaurants and bars, helping support more American jobs than cheaper domestic lagers.

Those higher prices create more value across the U.S. economy, the report notes.

FROM BOURBON TO BORDEAUX: TRUMP'S TARIFFS SPILL INTO GLOBAL BOOZE MARKETS

The authors estimate that every gallon of Mexican beer generates about $26.27 in economic value. About $19.42 of that — roughly 74% — goes to U.S. businesses and workers through distribution, retail, transportation, marketing, taxes and other domestic economic activity. By comparison, leading domestic beers generate about $15.76 in total value per gallon.

Ozgo said tariffs would ultimately force brewers to either absorb the added costs, reduce investment, or pass the costs on to consumers through higher prices.

"Either the company itself has to eat the cost of the tariff, or they pass the cost to the consumer," he said. "Either outcome isn't very good."

The report also argues that moving production of Mexican beer to the United States could undermine the brands' authenticity and value, pointing to Anheuser-Busch InBev's decision to move production of Beck's beer from Germany to Missouri, which led to consumer litigation after the company continued marketing the beer as German.

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It also notes that Constellation Brands, which imports Corona, Modelo and Pacifico, operates under a Justice Department consent decree requiring those brands to be produced in Mexico.

"Consumers really, really value authenticity," Ozgo said. "When you move an import into the United States and you continue to market it as an import, you end up losing value."

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The Trump administration has argued more broadly that tariffs are intended to encourage domestic manufacturing and strengthen American industry, though officials have not specifically outlined a final policy regarding Mexican beer imports.

The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Read the full report:

Automatic tip or service charge? New state law requires restaurants to tell diners before they order

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:05 -0400

People dining out in Florida should see fewer surprises when their check arrives beginning July 1. A new state law requires restaurants to clearly disclose mandatory fees and service charges before customers even place their orders.

The updated law expands existing requirements beyond automatic tips to cover a broader category of an "operations charge" — including service charges, credit card surcharges, delivery fees and other mandatory charges added to a customer's bill, excluding taxes.

Restaurants that impose those charges must disclose the amount or percentage of the fee and explain its purpose on menus, websites, mobile ordering platforms and, when applicable, written contracts. The information also must appear on customers' bills, according to details of the law.

CUSTOMERS HIT WITH AUTOMATIC 20% GRATUITIES AS RESTAURANTS COMBAT TIPPING CONFUSION

The change is meant to give diners a clearer understanding of what they'll pay ahead of time.

"Restaurants today are navigating rising costs and evolving customer expectations, particularly around tipping and service charges," Ashley Chambers, communications director at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, told Fox News Digital.

"We support increasing transparency around restaurant charges, and we believe it can enhance trust and understanding between restaurants and their guests — provided it is implemented in a way that is clear for consumers and practical for operators."

Eric Douglas, a partner with BOL Hospitality Group, which operates several South Florida restaurants, said transparency benefits both restaurants and diners.

"Anything that's good for the customer is good for us," Douglas said. "We're in the customer service business at the end of the day. We want to make sure there's transparency with any charges that we might have."

AMERICANS ARE FED UP WITH TIPPING CULTURE, YET MANY STILL SHELL OUT 20% AT RESTAURANTS

His group plans to implement an 18% service charge at one of its restaurants, Douglas said, with all proceeds going directly to employees. He believes restaurants should be equally clear if any portion of a service charge is used for operational expenses.

"If I'm going to be charged a service charge, and it's not going to be used 100% toward the staff, I think I deserve to know where it's going," he said.

Douglas said automatic gratuities also serve a practical purpose for larger parties, helping to ensure servers are fairly compensated for the additional coordination and service those tables require.

Not every restaurant relies on service charges.

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Vicki Parmelee, owner of Jumby Bay Island Grill in Jupiter, said her restaurant has long favored building costs into menu prices rather than adding fees at the end of a meal.

"We have always been straightforward with our guests at Jumby Bay Island Grill in regard to what they are paying for," Parmelee said. "A diner should not have to decipher the bill at the end of the meal with extra fees. Transparency is always much more appreciated."

While she supports being upfront with customers, Parmelee said she worries the new law could unintentionally leave some diners wondering whether restaurants have been misleading them.

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"I think this new law will unfortunately confuse diners, as they now may assume they have been being 'duped' in some way when they dine out," she said.

Instead of adding service charges to offset rising costs, restaurants should simply price menu items accordingly, said Parmelee.

"If expenses have increased for the restaurant, the menu prices should accurately reflect 28–35% food and beverage cost, not an added service charge," she said. "It's an honest way to present pricing to our customers and still make a marginal profit."

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Parmelee said she has encountered restaurants that replace traditional tipping with mandatory service charges, a practice she believes often creates confusion for both diners and employees.

"I would never adopt this fee structure," she said. "Tipping is voluntary and earned by the staff."

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The new law in Florida does not prohibit restaurants from adding mandatory service charges or automatic gratuities.

Rather, it requires food service establishments with "an operations charge to provide specified notice" and requires "bills and receipts to contain certain information," according to the law's language.

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Automatic tip or service charge? New state law requires restaurants to tell diners before they order