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Steak 'n Shake mocks Five Guys over burger prices after viral Liberty Meal post

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:42:50 -0400

Steak 'n Shake announced its month-long Liberty Meal deal to celebrate America's 250th birthday — and used the occasion to taunt a competitor.

"$17.76 for two Liberty Meals — all July long!" the burger chain wrote on X. "A Liberty Meal includes a double grass-fed Steakburger, beef tallow fries and a Patriot Milkshake. Can't touch this, Mr. Five Guys..."

The post garnered 1.5 million views and nearly 1,000 comments.

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"Yo @FiveGuys, how will y'all respond?" wrote one X user.

"They don't need to respond. Five Guys food is so much better," replied another.

"They respond by being good and filling," wrote someone else. "Both companies will satisfy one's individual hunger for $17.76."

Other comments expressed excitement about the Liberty Meal, with praise from customers who had already tried it and disappointment from would-be customers who lamented the lack of nearby Steak 'n Shake locations.

"Love the July deal, we will be stopping by the new @SteaknShake location in Royal Oak, MI for this!" one X user wrote.

"That's a great deal!" commented someone else. "Going to Steak 'n Shake with my kids this week."

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"Um, I know where we are eating for lunch tomorrow! Yum!" said another person.

"If you had a store near me, we would be absolutely getting this meal ASAP!" wrote another.

"My son and I enjoyed our Liberty Meal yesterday. Thanks for the treat!" another X user wrote.

"We enjoyed this tonight! Bravo!" someone else commented.

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Some X users were less than impressed with the price.

"Wait that's a sale price?" someone wrote. "What's the regular price? That looks like a McDonald's double cheeseburger. Pretty weak for close to 20 bucks."

Another user said $9 for a burger and fries was outrageous (the deal also includes a milkshake), and another person responded, "What century are you from?"

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"That's easily $40 at Five Guys," remarked another X user.

"You would need a home-equity loan for that at Five Guys," wrote someone else.

"Yeah, but there are 12 Five Guys in Philly, and zero of you," another person wrote, joining several X commenters who said they wished there were more Steak 'n Shake restaurants to patronize.

After closing about 200 restaurants between 2018 and 2025, Steak 'n Shake has been undergoing a broader turnaround effort, QSR Magazine reported last year.

A March post from Steak 'n Shake announcing that its Patriot Shake, topped with patriotic sprinkles and a dark-chocolate Statue of Liberty, would be priced at $2.50 for the rest of the year went viral, as Fox News Digital reported.

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Five Guys has not publicly responded to Steak 'n Shake's post. The burger chain is currently promoting its limited-time blackberry milkshake.

Fox News Digital reached out to Steak 'n Shake and Five Guys for comment.

Former Team USA star wants to see red card rule change after Folarin Balogun controversy

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:37:35 -0400

John Harkes, a member of the 1994 USMNT World Cup squad, was at Levi's Stadium on Wednesday night and had the same reaction as just about everybody when Folarin Balogun had to leave the game.

"We kept going, 'Wait a minute, that's not a red card,'" Harkes said of his reaction in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"You know, we're in the stadium, and right away I think I was standing there next to my daughter-in-law and our grandson, and then my son and my wife. Both my son and my wife, Cindy and Ian, turned and said, 'That's not a red card.' And I'm like, 'Oh my God,'" he said. "I don't think it was a red card at all, to be honest with you."

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With Balogun's absence, the USMNT had to play with 10 men for the rest of the game. However, a red card results in an automatic suspension for the next game, meaning that one official can alter multiple games with just one decision, even if it is, as Harkes put it, a "50/50" play.

Harkes was "a victim" of something similar in 1994, the last time the United States hosted the World Cup prior to this year. He earned yellow cards in the first and third games, prompting a suspension for the United States' July 4 game against Brazil.

"It crushed me. I kept thinking to myself, this is the best in the world coming together, and you're going to make a player sit out the next game because of yellow card accumulation?" Harkes said.

FIFA RULES LEAVE TEAM USA NO RECOURSE AFTER FOLARIN BALOGUN'S CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD

Soccer certainly is not baseball, where the rules are ever-changing. But if there was one, Harkes would like to see red cards from one game not affect any others.

"That's way above my pay grade, but at the same time, so many people discuss it on a consistent basis. So let's really take a look at this and see: Does it make sense? I don't think it does. Not in a tournament format. I don't think so," he said.

Unfortunately for the U.S., there is nothing anyone can do. Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations reads, "No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code."

"If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match," Article 10.5 states.

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Despite it not looking like Balogun had any ill intent, the United States will have no choice but to find a replacement for someone who has probably been its best player in what is now perhaps the most important game in U.S. soccer history on Monday night.

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Reporter who exited CNN after being at center of costly defamation trial lands at Al Jazeera English

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:37:31 -0400

Alex Marquardt, who exited CNN months after his reporting helped cost the company millions following a defamation trial, has landed a new gig at Al Jazeera English.

"I’m very excited to be joining Al Jazeera @AJEnglish in Washington after years of watching their extraordinary coverage from around the world," Marquardt announced Wednesday on social media.

Marquardt was famously at the center of a high-profile defamation case brought against him and CNN in 2025 by U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young. A Florida jury found that CNN defamed Young and ruled that he could seek punitive damages as a result of a November 2021 report by Marquardt. The report branded Young as a questionable profiteer who exploited "desperate Afghans" trying to flee Afghanistan during the Biden administration's chaotic military withdrawal from the Taliban-run country, implying Young was operating on a "black market."

ALEX MARQUARDT OUT AT CNN AFTER EIGHT YEARS; REPORTER WAS AT CENTER OF COSTLY DEFAMATION TRIAL

The jury had initially awarded Young $5 million in financial and emotional damages before Young and CNN reached an undisclosed settlement, suggesting the network paid Young significantly more money. The jury foreman later told Fox News Digital they were prepared to make CNN pay "somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million to $100 million" in punitive damages.

CNN parted ways with Marquardt roughly five months after the trial, and many of his now-former colleagues told Fox News Digital at the time that it was "obviously" tied to the costly defamation case despite the network declining comment on "personnel matters."

Fox News Digital reached out to Marquardt for comment.

Al Jazeera, which is largely funded by the government of Qatar, launched the English counterpart to Al Jazeera Arabic in 2006. Marquardt will host a daytime show called "This is America" for the outlet.

CNN DEFAMATION TRIAL: LOSING CASE EXPECTED BUT STILL A BAD BRUISE FOR THE NETWORK, INSIDER SAYS

In a post-trial interview, Young said he hadn't forgiven Marquardt, calling him out for remaining defiant on the witness stand at the trial. However, Young seemed to hold no ill will more than a year later when asked about Marquardt’s new gig.

"After a year on the sidelines, I’m glad he landed somewhere. Judging by his Twitter, Al Jazeera might be the only newsroom where his coverage and his opinions actually match," Young told Fox News Digital.

Marquardt’s announcement was met with congratulatory messages from several of his former CNN colleagues.

CNN DEFAMATION TRIAL: PLAINTIFF ACCUSES NETWORK OF FAKING CRITICAL PHONE CALL FOR ‘THEATER’

On the witness stand, Marquardt insisted his infamous report was not a "hit piece" on Young and that he was proud of his work.

"I wasn't looking to take anyone down. I didn't take anyone down," Marquardt testified.

CNN issued an on-air apology in March 2022 after Young threatened to take legal action. But throughout the trial, Marquardt and several CNN staffers testified they didn’t feel the apology was necessary. CNN senior vice president Adam Levine admitted to the jurors that the apology was merely a legal decision.

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Nancy Guthrie 'imposter' behind phony ransom notes pleads guilty to federal charges

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:35:17 -0400

The accused "imposter" behind a phony ransom demand in the Nancy Guthrie case pleaded guilty to harassing her family with a phony ransom payment Thursday in a federal court in Tucson, Arizona.

Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, and she vanished from her home in the city's Catalina Foothills neighborhood in the early hours of Feb. 1. The following day, ransom demands were sent to local media — and investigators continue to look into their authenticity.

The FBI quickly deemed messages from Derrick Anthony Callella, a 42-year-old man from Hawthorne, California, as a hoax, and he was arrested within days of Guthrie's suspected abduction and indicted on online harassment charges.

He is expected to receive a sentence of five years on federal probation at a formal sentencing later, according to the Tucson-based KVOA-TV.

FBI SAYS NANCY GUTHRIE ABDUCTION DEMANDS MAY BE ‘LEGITIMATE’ AS CASE STILL PROBED AS KIDNAPPING FOR RANSOM

He was accused of contacting Guthrie's other daughter, Annie Guthrie, and son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, from a spoofed phone number on Feb. 4 and asking, "Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction." He also allegedly placed a nine-second call to the family afterward.

"Through the course of the investigation, it was found that Callella was acting as an imposter, trying to take advantage of the ongoing situation," federal prosecutors said in a statement after the suspect's first court appearance in mid-February.

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According to court documents, investigators have not linked him to a Feb. 2 ransom demand sent to local media and TMZ. They did, however, allegedly link the spoofed number to a Google email account in Callella's name.

EMAILER IN NANCY GUTHRIE CASE CLAIMS TO POSSESS VIDEO OF 'MAIN GUY' WITH SAVANNAH GUTHRIE'S MOTHER

After being read his Miranda rights, Callella allegedly confessed to sending two messages, saying he had found the family's contact information online and had been following news coverage of the case, according to the criminal complaint.

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Then-FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke told reporters about the arrest in a February news briefing but said the FBI was investigating a different ransom demand as potentially having come from the actual abductor.

Callella had been freed on $20,000 after his arrest and was not allowed to apply for a passport.

NANCY GUTHRIE RANSOM NOTES DON'T MATCH SUSPECT'S BEHAVIOR, PROFILER SAYS: 'I DON'T BELIEVE THEY'RE REAL'

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings previously responded to two other ransom demands, that she said back in March she believes could be legitimate.

The identity of whoever sent them remains a mystery, however, and no arrests have been made.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE PLEADS FOR TIPS AS RANSOM NOTE CLAIMS MOM IS DEAD: 'SOMEBODY KNOWS SOMETHING'

"The FBI and its task force partners have received several ransom notes over the course of this investigation," the FBI's Phoenix office said in a statement on Wednesday. "Some have been deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy. Other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such. This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case."

The FBI is assisting in the investigation, the statement added, noting that the Pima County Sheriff's Department remains the lead agency on the case.

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, however, has repeatedly stated that the FBI is leading ransom-related investigations.

"Any questions regarding alleged ransom notes should be directed to the FBI," he said in a statement of his own. "We appreciate the public's continued cooperation and the information provided throughout this investigation. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit an anonymous tip to 88-CRIME."

On Thursday, the sheriff's department deferred comment on Callella's plea to the FBI. The feds did not immediately respond.

North Carolina man armed with flamethrowers, crossbows, 500 rounds arrested outside church: police

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:28:20 -0400

A North Carolina man was arrested outside a church armed with crossbows, two flamethrowers and 500 rounds of ammunition, police said.

The High Point Police Department wrote in a news release that someone called 911 on Sunday to report an "armed person sitting in the parking lot" of Wesley Memorial Church in High Point, North Carolina.

The caller said the man, William S. Milliken III, 44, was armed with a gun and wearing camouflage.

An off-duty officer at the church spotted the suspect immediately and, with help from officers who arrived within minutes, took him into custody.

USPS WORKER ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGED MASS SHOOTING THREAT AGAINST TEXAS PRIDE EVENT, FBI SAYS

After Milliken was arrested, officers searched his truck and found two flamethrowers, two crossbows, over 500 rounds of ammunition, rolls of black duct tape, three knives, oxycodone pills and a carbon dioxide-powered launcher designed to resemble a handgun, police said.

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According to WFMY, court documents also allege that the suspect had a notebook with addresses of churches, schools and public buildings, GPS coordinates, body armor, radios with police scanners, handcuff keys as well as an enlarged map of North Carolina.

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He was charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, impersonating a law enforcement officer and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

Milliken III is being held at the Guilford County Jail, and his bond was set at $250,000.

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High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III said he is thankful the suspect was stopped before anyone was hurt.

"Thanks to the quick action of our officers, a man armed with weapons was taken into custody before anyone was hurt," Cheeks said. "The officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating and helped ensure everyone attending church services could return home safely.

Dallas mayor dismisses claims businesses are losing confidence in downtown as 'a bunch of bull'

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:21:15 -0400

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson pushed back against claims that businesses have lost confidence in the city's downtown, calling the narrative "a bunch of bull" as officials considered incentives tied to a proposed $1.3 billion office tower development in his email newsletter published Tuesday.

Local ABC affiliate WFAA 8 reported that Johnson said Dallas has led in post-pandemic economic recovery, highlighting that it has attracted major business investments, including a new Goldman Sachs campus expected to employ approximately 5,000 people and Frontier Communications' relocation of its headquarters from Connecticut to Dallas, and Morgan Stanley considering an expansion.

"Morgan Stanley choosing Dallas as a new regional hub would be a huge win for the fast-growing Y'all Street sector of the city," Johnson wrote in his email newsletter.

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The article also pointed out that Nasdaq, the Texas Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange are "coming to town."

Johnson acknowledged that Neiman Marcus did close its downtown store, but it still plans to invest in its NorthPark Center location, about 13 minutes from downtown Dallas, and that Fifth Third and the Dallas Mavericks will still be in the city, but not in Downtown.

"FIFA chose Downtown Dallas — over many other interested cities — as the home of its international broadcast center for the World Cup and selected the region to host more matches than any other," Johnson said in the newsletter.

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"Does that sound like a loss of confidence, or does it sound like winning?" he asked. "The truth is that Dallas is safer, stronger, and more vibrant than it was before this Administration inherited a city that had uncompetitive tax rates, increasing crime, and police ranks that had been decimated."

He pointed out, however, that there is still more to be done.

"The work is not finished," Johnson wrote. "The City Council will soon consider asking voters to approve a public safety bond package to give Dallas a police academy worthy of its police department and to shore up the Dallas Police & Fire Pension System to finally resolve a lingering mess that past leaders left behind. This year’s budget also figures to be a challenging one, and it will be important to work closely with the city manager to make appropriate cuts and to ensure that public safety remains the top priority."

In April, Gov. Greg Abbott praised Texas for being named the Best State for Business for the 22nd year in a row by Chief Executive magazine.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson for further comment, and was referred back to his newsletter.

Democrats stay quiet on next steps after Supreme Court transgender sports ruling

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:12:37 -0400

Congressional Democrats are staying mum about their potential next moves after the Supreme Court dealt a blow to transgender athletes, underscoring a politically fraught issue that continues to divide the party ahead of the November midterm elections.

The court ruled Tuesday that states may bar biological males from competing on girls and women's school sports teams, upholding laws in Idaho and West Virginia and effectively preserving similar laws in the 25 other states that restrict participation based on biological sex.

The ruling, which prompted cheers among Republicans, did not interfere with the remaining states that continue to allow biological males on girls and women’s sports teams.

Progressive Democrats sharply criticized the decision, while the vast majority of elected officials in the party did not issue public statements. None, however, appeared to outline any legislative response.

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"I want every trans kid to know that there are people here in Congress fighting for you," Rep. Sarah Jacobs, D-Calif., said in a video posted to social media. "We are going to stand up for all women and girls, which includes trans women and girls."

Jacobs, a junior member of House Democratic leadership and co-chair of the Trans Equality Task Force, did not say whether Democrats would introduce legislation in response to the court’s ruling.

The Congressional Equality Caucus, a Democratic-aligned group advocating for LGBTQ rights, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., also did not outline any legislative response. The Equality Caucus, however, posted a series of comments on social media slamming the decision, including decrying the outcome as "devastating" for transgender athletes.

Fox News Digital reached out to spokespeople for Jacobs, Jeffries and the Congressional Equality Caucus for comment but did not hear back.

The relatively muted response comes as public polling has consistently found broad opposition to transgender athletes in women’s sports, including among Democrats, suggesting that some lawmakers may be out of step with their own voters.

A survey conducted by The New York Times in 2025 found that nearly eight in 10 Americans opposed biological males competing in women’s sports. Roughly 70% of Democrats or those who "lean Democrat" held that view, according to the poll.

Democrats hailing from the centrist side of the party were largely quiet about the court’s ruling.

Few Democratic lawmakers facing competitive re-election challenges from Republicans commented on the court’s decision, a Fox News Digital analysis of Cook Political Report election data found.

Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., who is seeking a third House term in a Republican-leaning district, issued a positive statement following the court’s ruling.

"The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling affirming that states possess the legal authority to maintain separate sports teams based on biological sex," Davis said in a written statement. "Title IX has played a vital role in expanding athletic opportunities for women and girls, and we must continue safeguarding those opportunities."

DEMOCRATS REVOLT OVER 'BIOLOGICAL' WORDING IN WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM BILL

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., a top GOP target in November’s midterm elections and a member of the Equality Caucus, acknowledged Wednesday that the trans rights movement misses some of the "nuance" about women’s sports.

"At those town halls, what I saw was that the people who were the most upset, a lot of them had spent the last 12 years driving their girls to sports practice, and they view their best shot of their student getting a college education as an athletic scholarship," Perez told CNN in an interview. "And, so, when we rush to moralize and be like, 'This is all about love vs. hate,' I think we miss some of the nuance."

The Washington Democrat did not directly state whether she agreed with the court’s ruling.

In the Senate, responses to the decision were few and far between. Requests for comment from several Democratic lawmakers’ offices on whether they would seek to challenge the court’s decision should they regain a majority in the upper chamber went unanswered.

Notably silent on the issue was Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who lauded the Supreme Court's decision upholding birthright citizenship the same day and had posted about attending New York City’s Pride parade days before.

Some of the most vocal supporters of trans rights in the upper chamber did, however, weigh in, vowing to "keep fighting" for transgender athletes.

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., one of the earliest supporters of LGBTQ rights in the Senate, who introduced the Trans Bill of Rights, charged that the court’s decision "again cleared the way for Trump and MAGA Republicans to discriminate against the trans community."

"This decision tears trans athletes from their teams and the sports they love," Markey, who is in a tight bid for re-election against Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said on X. "We will keep fighting. Discrimination and hate will not win."

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., also weighed in, accusing "right-wing extremists and the MAGA movement" of being "determined to single out, target, and harm the trans community."

"My heart is with trans kids and their loved ones," she said on X. "I won’t stop fighting for them."

Two arrested at Costco after alleged fraudulent credit card shopping spree

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:09:01 -0400

Two suspected shoplifters were arrested at a Costco location Sunday after allegedly attempting to use fraudulent credit cards to steal merchandise, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. in South Windsor, Connecticut, the South Windsor Police Department (SWPD) said Monday.

Police said the pair are suspected serial Costco shoplifters and identified them as 35-year-old Brittany A. Howard of the Bronx, New York, and 34-year-old Kasheem M. Williams of Brooklyn.

"Officers responded to Costco (1220 Tamarack Ave) for reports of two shoplifters actively stealing from the store and attempting to pay at the self-checkout with fraudulent credit cards," SWPD said.

WEST COAST STATE SHERIFF'S BAIT BIKE STING SNARES DOZENS OF ALLEGED THIEVES IN JUST MONTHS

According to authorities, store staff had been warned that the same suspects had allegedly attempted a similar scheme at a Costco location in Enfield, roughly a 30-minute drive north.

Responding officers later discovered 28 stolen financial documents, all under different names, inside the suspects’ vehicle, along with goods believed to have been stolen from the other Costco location, police said.

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After the suspects were taken into custody, authorities said both individuals were found to have active out-of-state warrants.

Williams had an extraditable warrant out of Suffolk County, New York, on multiple charges including burglary, strangulation and assault.

Howard was found to have an extraditable warrant out of Hudson County, New Jersey, on credit card theft charges.

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Both suspects now face additional charges, including 28 counts of payment card theft, larceny, identity theft and conspiracy.

Police said the pair were held on $250,000 surety bonds and were scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court Monday morning.

Alex Ovechkin signs a one-year deal to return for another NHL season with the Capitals

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:54:15 -0400

One of the biggest stories at the tail end of the NHL regular season had to do with whether or not we were witnessing the end of Alexander Ovechkin's legendary career.

Well, taking some time to think it over, it appears that the Great 8, the league's all-time leading goal-scorer, is coming back for at least one more season.

The team announced on Thursday that Ovechkin had re-upped with the team on a one-year deal, with a wildly team-friendly $1 million in salary plus a $4.75 million games-played bonus (set at 10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. According to Puckpedia, that equates to a $4,250,000 cap hit.

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Not bad for a player of Ovechkin's caliber.

"I’m back!" said Ovechkin in a press release. "Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision. I’m healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I’m excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win. See you in September, DC!"

We all kind of saw this coming, right?

NHL STAR JONATHAN TOEWS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER 16-YEAR CAREER AND THREE STANLEY CUPS

I mean, I think the moment Ovie waved off the Pittsburgh Penguins when they wanted to shake his hand after potentially his last game against them was a clue that he wasn't ready to hang up his smoked visor and yellow laces.

Another clue is the numbers. They don't lie.

Granted, no one but Ovechkin himself knows how his almost 41-year-old body is holding up, but he's still producing at an impressive level.

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While last year was a down year compared to the year before, Ovechkin still appeared in all 82 games and potted 64 points, with 32 goals and 32 assists.

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He can still play, which is wild when you consider how he plays. It's not like he takes it easy or shies away from physicality.

One last detail about this deal is that it sees Ovechkin taking a 50% pay cut. That's big, as it gives the Caps more wiggle room to make some of the moves they have this summer, including bringing in the likes of Boone Jenner and Alex Tuch.

The best practical picnic items for your Fourth of July celebration

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:05:44 -0400

Heading out for a picnic before the America 250 fireworks show? Prepare now with essentials that can help make the day more comfortable. From patriotic picnic blankets to Coleman coolers and bug zappers, these finds help create the perfect picnic setup for your celebration.

Latest deals

Grilling tool set: $39.99 (33% off)
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50: $13.86 (27% off)
Coleman vintage cooler: $149.99 (25% off)
Beach tent: $39.99 (20% off)
OFF! CleanFeel bug spray: $11.99 (17% off)
Golf cornhole game set: $99.95 (17% off)
Extra-large picnic and beach blanket: $24.98 (14% off)

Coleman camping chair: $31.84

This Coleman chair hits all the marks — it's easy to carry, folds up in seconds and is affordable. Best of all, it has a four-can cooler on the side that gives you ready access to your drinks.

GCI Outdoor rocker camping chair: $79.99

Unwind while enjoying the Fourth of July festivities in this GCI Outdoor rocker. The easy-fold technology lets you pack up quickly, and a built-in cupholder securely holds your favorite drinks.

American flag picnic blanket: $29.99

This folding picnic blanket features a bold red, white and blue pattern and is large enough for the whole family during America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The waterproof design makes cleanup a breeze. Just shake it off before folding it into the compact carrying case.

Good Chop x Blackstone bundle

Good Chop has partnered with Blackstone to offer a free griddle when you sign up for the meat subscription service and complete three orders. You also get $50 off across those first three boxes. With this deal, you can pick from more than 100 meat and seafood cuts for your Fourth of July cookout, and you get a Blackstone to cook them on, no matter where you're celebrating.

Yeti Roadie hard cooler: $250

If you plan to enjoy the Fourth of July outside, a Yeti Roadie keeps food and drinks ice-cold while saving you trunk space. The taller build and thick strap help you carry the cooler long distances.

Coleman Oasis instant pop-up canopy tent: $145.79 (32% off)

Original price: $214.99

Find the shade you need to enjoy your picnic with Coleman's instant pop-up canopy tent. A simple press of a button expands the legs in seconds. Once up, the canopy offers UPF 50+ protection and 100 square feet of covered space.

Coleman 100-quart rolling cooler: $82.99 (25% off)

Original price: $109.99

A Coleman rolling cooler fits enough ice, food and drinks for the whole family. The pull-friendly handle gives you a secure hold, while the back wheels roll smoothly over rocks, sand and gravel. When the lid is shut, the cooler doubles as an extra seat and can hold up to 250 pounds.

JBL Go 4 waterproof Bluetooth speaker: $39.95 (20% off)

Original price: $49.95

JBL's Go 4 speaker packs a bold sound into a small package. It's lightweight enough to clip to your backpack, yet still delivers powerful bass for an immersive listening experience. The waterproof build lets you continue your session even when it rains.

Outdoor bug zapper: $39.99

The last thing you want to deal with at your Fourth of July picnic is bugs. Bring along this outdoor bug zapper from Amazon. It clears pests within a half-acre area, and a slide-out tray allows for a quick, mess-free cleanup.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable grill: $249.99 (41% off)

Original price: $424.99

At 41% off, Coleman's RoadTrip grill is one of the steepest markdowns on this list and includes a lightweight, foldable build and two all-terrain wheels. With up to 20,000 BTUs of cooking power, you can cook burgers, chicken and hot dogs for everyone at the picnic.

24-piece plate, bowl and cup set: $23.99 (14% off)

Original price: $27.99

This 24-piece flatware set has enough bowls, plates and drink cups for six people. At $24, it's a bargain compared to tableware that needs frequent replacing. Throw them in the dishwasher for a quick cleanup when you get home.

Digital meat thermometer: $13.99 (30% off)

Original price: $19.99

Use this digital thermometer to ensure everyone gets their burger cooked to their preferred temperature. The one-second read helps you take food off the grill at exactly the right time, and with its waterproof design, you won't have to worry about damage.

Stanley Quencher ProTour tumbler: $45

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11-year-old dies from rabies after bat landed on his face while he was sleeping

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:43:55 -0400

An 11-year-old boy died of a rabies infection in Ontario, Canada, according to a medical journal article published Monday.

The Canadian Medical Association Journal did not identify the boy or his family but wrote that he was first brought to a hospital weeks after an encounter with a bat.

"The patient’s family reported that, during a visit to a cottage in northern Ontario 19 days before symptom onset, the boy had been awoken by a bat on his nose and mouth. He had swatted the bat off his face; his father had caught the bat in a cooking pot and released it outside," CMAJ wrote.

MEASLES-INFECTED TRAVELER MAY HAVE EXPOSED PASSENGERS AT LAX AND NEARBY HOTEL, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN

"The child had no visible lesions on his face, and his parents did not consider that the bat had behaved erratically. Therefore, they did not seek medical assessment," the journal noted.

The boy was ultimately admitted to a hospital 20 days after the encounter with the bat, when his parents brought him to an emergency room. He was first sent home but then brought back the following morning and admitted to the hospital.

Doctors noted that the boy's condition "rapidly worsened" by the evening, but he spent more than two weeks in the hospital before dying.

MEASLES-INFECTED TRAVELER MAY HAVE EXPOSED PASSENGERS AT LAX AND NEARBY HOTEL, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN

"By day 5 of admission, his brainstem reflexes were absent. Life-sustaining therapies were withdrawn on day 17 of admission, and he died peacefully with his family at his bedside," the journal article said.

Doctors who authored the article warned that any direct human contact with a bat, even in the absence of a visible bite or scratch, should be discussed with public health authorities.

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Rabies is almost always fatal in humans if not treated quickly with postexposure prophylaxis, or PEP. The treatment is nearly always successful if administered promptly after exposure.

Iran warns ships of 'forceful response' as US-backed Hormuz route challenges Tehran's grip

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:33 -0400

Iran warned Thursday that any commercial vessel failing to follow routes approved by Tehran through the Strait of Hormuz would face a "forceful response," the clearest indication yet that the Islamic Republic intends to assert greater control over one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

"Any failure to comply, deviation from the designated route, or disregard for the navigation protocols of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with an immediate and forceful response from the armed forces, endangering the security of the violating vessels," Iran's military command said in a statement to Iranian state media.

"Any disruptive action in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a threat to Iran’s national sovereignty and will be met with a rapid and decisive action," the warning stated.

The threat comes as the United States and regional partners work to shift more commercial traffic toward a southern shipping corridor hugging Oman's coastline — an alternative route designed to move vessels farther from Iran's immediate reach and weaken one of Tehran's greatest strategic advantages.

Former military commanders told Fox News Digital the timing is no coincidence.

"The southern route creates a route they can't toll or control," retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery said. "They felt it necessary to attack it."

SHIPPING GIANT WARNS STRAIT OF HORMUZ CHAOS IS 'NEW NORMAL' AS TEHRAN SHIFTS 4M BARRELS

Under the memorandum of understanding reached after the ceasefire, Iran agreed to use its "best efforts" to ensure safe, toll-free commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days while the two sides negotiate a broader agreement over the waterway's future administration.

For decades, Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has given it influence well beyond its borders. But that advantage is increasingly under pressure as Gulf states invest in pipelines that bypass Hormuz and the United States and Oman expand use of the southern corridor.

Nearly half of inbound commercial traffic through the Strait is already using the Omani route, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward. New data from maritime analytics firm Kpler also showed overall traffic rebounding after U.S.–Iran strikes briefly disrupted shipping, with 45 vessel crossings recorded Wednesday, up from 34 the previous day. Of those, 21 transited via the Omani route, compared with 11 using the Iranian route.

After Iran attacked vessels using the corridor, the U.S. responded with strikes on Iranian military targets tied to maritime operations. Iran retaliated with attacks on U.S. facilities and regional partners before President Donald Trump announced both sides had agreed to halt further strikes and pursue negotiations. But even as talks resumed in Doha this week, Iran continued to insist it has the authority to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how far apart the two sides remain.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released a statement Wednesday about meeting with military leaders from throughout the Middle East, where they "underscored their shared commitment to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz."

"Hormuz is defined under Iran’s command, not CENTCOM," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in a post on X. "A military summit in Bahrain cannot establish legal order and security for the Persian Gulf."

"The Strait of Hormuz is open and ships are transiting at higher levels," a senior administration official told Fox News Digital Thursday. "President Trump has been clear that Iran cannot toll the Strait of Hormuz, which is an international waterway, and active conversations at high levels continue on all aspects of the MOU."

CENTCOM could not immediately be reached for a response.

Former Navy Fifth Fleet commander, Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, said Iran's objective isn't necessarily to halt shipping altogether.

"The IRGC has been trying to make it commercially unworkable," Donegan told Fox News Digital, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "These attacks on shipping to me aren't random. They're strategy."

Rather than closing the strait outright, Donegan said, Iran only needs to keep insurance premiums high enough that commercial shipping companies remain reluctant to return.

"Their strategy is to enforce their control of the straits," he said, by driving up insurance costs while continuing to "test the U.S. resolve."

VANCE REJECTS CLAIMS TRUMP-IRAN DEAL ECHOES OBAMA-ERA LOGIC AS HAWKS RAISE ALARM

The question now is whether Iran can translate that military pressure into lasting influence over the strait.

Under the memorandum of understanding negotiated after the ceasefire, Iran, Oman and the Gulf littoral states are expected to negotiate the strait's "future administration and maritime services" while commercial traffic moves toll-free for 60 days.

Trump has insisted on social media that there will be "NO TOLLS" after the negotiating period expires, even though the memorandum itself does not explicitly guarantee that outcome. Asked about the discrepancy, Trump argued that "common sense" and the threat of renewed U.S. military action would keep Iran from interfering with commercial traffic.

Iran, however, has signaled a different vision. An IRGC-linked news outlet portrayed last-minute revisions to the agreement — including language governing the strait's future administration and the temporary toll provision — as negotiating victories for Tehran.

America's Gulf partners have made equally clear they are not interested in rewriting the status quo.

"The management of the strait was working fine before the conflict," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said. "Why should we now, as a result of a conflict, accept some novel arrangement?"

The disagreement reflects competing visions of what Iran's role in the strait looks like once the fighting ends.

Former Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker said the negotiations reflect Iran's effort to emerge from the conflict with "a new status quo in the Persian Gulf."

But preserving leverage over the strait is about more than commercial shipping.

"Iran is trying to basically step into that void," said Clionadh Raleigh, executive director of the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project.

Raleigh argued the conflict has left Gulf governments questioning whether "the U.S. is a partner that's unreliable," creating an opportunity for Tehran to argue that Gulf security should increasingly be managed by countries in the region rather than by Washington.

Those doubts are already reshaping regional strategy.

"They're seeking to really develop their own defense posture," Raleigh said. "And they're also seeking alternative means for them to continue trade."

Those efforts have been underway for years, but the latest conflict has accelerated them.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the East-West Pipeline linking Gulf oil fields to the Red Sea, while the United Arab Emirates has expanded export capacity through Fujairah, allowing crude exports to bypass Hormuz altogether.

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Every barrel that leaves the Gulf without transiting the strait — and every ship that safely uses the southern corridor — chips away at the leverage Iran has historically derived from one of the world's most important maritime choke points.

If those alternatives continue to expand, Iran's ability to wield the strait as a strategic pressure point could gradually diminish even if Hormuz itself remains one of the world's most vital energy corridors.

Red-state senator drops hammer on Dem mayor over new 'woke' DEI ordinance while violent crime surges

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:30:10 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, is demanding answers from Cincinnati’s mayor over a newly enacted city ordinance reorganizing procurement under a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement, arguing taxpayers should not be funding what he calls an expanding DEI bureaucracy that is potentially illegal.

"Taxpayers should never foot the bill for woke DEI policies or initiatives," Moreno wrote in a letter to Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval on Thursday that was obtained by Fox News Digital. "Cincinnati's taxpayers deserve a government that rewards competence and merit, not politically driven quotas or preferences based on race or ethnicity."

At the heart of the issue is a city ordinance approved by the Cincinnati City Council in June that creates a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement, which Moreno argues expands the city's DEI bureaucracy and could inject DEI considerations into the contracting process. According to city documents cited by Moreno, the restructuring would make the city's contracting process more efficient while preserving its focus on DEI.

In the letter, which was also sent to the Justice Department, Moreno said the ordinance comes amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on DEI programs across the federal government and argued it "completely ignores" the Justice Department guidance warning against engaging in "unlawful discrimination."

DOJ DANGLES MASSIVE SIGNING BONUSES FOR LAWYERS READY TO FIGHT ‘LAWLESS’ CITIES FAR BEYOND DC

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has made eliminating DEI initiatives a priority, signing executive orders to eliminate DEI programs and end DEI-related hiring and training practices, as well as directing agencies to review recipients of federal funding.

"The days of choosing public contract winners based on excellence are back," Moreno wrote, adding that "the City of Cincinnati must be a better steward of public funds."

SEATTLE COUNCIL MEMBER TOUTS ‘BLACK BUDGET,’ CALLS FOR BLACK RESIDENTS TO FORM ‘MOST POWERFUL POLITICAL PARTY’

Pointing to the city’s explanation of the ordinance, Moreno said that the city intends to continue incorporating DEI in its contracting process.

"Amazingly, your office even admits it in its explanation: ‘The goal of this restructuring is not to reduce the city's focus on inclusion. Instead, it is intended to strengthen it,’" Moreno wrote. "Ohioans deserve to know that their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are awarded to individuals and businesses based on merit, not race or ethnicity," Moreno wrote.

INTERNAL EMAILS EXPOSE HOW JULY 4TH BASH IS BEING DERAILED BY DEM-RUN COUNTY: 'OFFENSIVE'

Moreno asked Pureval to respond within five business days with the exact amount of federal funding the city received during fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, the projected cost of the ordinance and an outline of the process the new department will use when reviewing applications and awarding city contracts.

Moreno also requested information on how Cincinnati is planning to comply with the Justice Department's guidance and its recent law enforcement staffing data, adding that the city should prioritize addressing its $30 million budget deficit and public safety challenges instead of expanding DEI initiatives.

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"Additionally, the adoption of this Ordinance represents a gross misallocation of resources at a time when the city faces a surge in violent crime, including multiple recent homicides, a mass shooting, and a persistent law enforcement recruitment crisis that undermines public safety," Moreno wrote. "Instead of fueling divisive social experiments, these public funds should be redirected to protecting Cincinnatians and restoring order to Ohio's streets."

Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Pureval's office for comment.

Obama judge hands progressives a win over anti-Trump '86 47' message amid rising threats

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:28:49 -0400

An Obama-appointed federal judge has issued a final ruling allowing an anti-Trump "86 47" flag to be flown, delivering a win to a progressive activist group as the National Mall remains a hot zone for vandalism and threats against President Donald Trump.

Progressive group Accountability Now USA flew the flag near the National Mall, and alleged that the National Park Service (NPS) violated their First Amendment rights by threatening to revoke their permit. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington, D.C., ruled on Monday that the flag is protected political speech.

The administration has previously interpreted the number "86" as a political threat, pointing to its common use in the restaurant industry to mean removing or refusing service, while 47 appears to refer to Trump as the 47th U.S. president.

"This opinion is from an Obama-appointed judge. Flying a flag that is a threat to the Office of the President of the United States should not be permitted under any administration," a Department of Interior spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "In what world have we lost all decency to demand that any threat against the President be taken very seriously?"

OBAMA JUDGE CLEARS LEFT-WING GROUP TO FLY OMINOUS FLAG AIMED AT TRUMP ON HIS OWN TURF

"[Its] '8647' flag... is not a true threat to the President or incitement of violence," Moss said in his ruling.

The group also displayed two flags accusing President Trump of sexually assaulting a minor. Moss ruled that those displays are "not legally obscene" and therefore remain protected by the First Amendment.

Moss was appointed to the federal bench by former President Barack Obama after previously serving in former President Bill Clinton ’s Justice Department. He has also contributed to and volunteered for Democratic candidates and causes.

OBAMA JUDGE CLEARS LEFT-WING GROUP TO FLY OMINOUS FLAG AIMED AT TRUMP ON HIS OWN TURF

The judge noted in a previous order on the case that "a true threat to the life or safety of the President would undoubtedly outweigh the interest of the public or the speaker in continuing to urge that unlawful conduct."

The dispute over the nature of the messaging comes amid heightened administration scrutiny of "86 47" messages after the giant numbers appeared to be etched into the grass between the Washington Monument and the World War II memorial last month.

OFFICIALS ASK FOR HELP IDENTIFYING PERSON IN REFLECTING POOL DAMAGE INVESTIGATION

Grass samples were also collected for testing and examination in the area by investigators.

America’s 250th birthday brings major events to the nation’s capital as D.C. braces for massive crowds, tight security, road closures and heightened law enforcement presence.

Trump will attend the "Salute to America" event on July 4th. His remarks are expected to begin around 9 p.m. ET, prior to a massive fireworks display on the National Mall that has been touted by the administration as the largest in history.

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In April, there was an assassination attempt against Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, where a shooter attempted to break into the ballroom. The fallout from the latest attempt comes as the anniversary of the Butler, Pa., rally approaches on July 13.

A bullet came close to ending Trump's life that day in 2024 after it grazed his ear. And just two months later, another attempt on his life occurred when a man with a rifle was arrested in Southern Florida after he stuck a rifle through the bushes where Trump was golfing that day.

Meanwhile, the National Mall has garnered special attention this year following a string of vandalism against the Reflecting Pool and monuments. The pattern emerged after Trump ordered a restoration and repainting of the reflecting pool, which was then met with "razor-blade cuts" to its lining, according to the White House.

TNA Wrestling begins Knockouts TV Championship tournament with several familiar faces vying for title

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:26:30 -0400

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) announced Sunday at Slammiversary a tournament would take place to crown the first Knockouts TV champion.

TNA legend Traci Brooks addressed the Boston crowd with the news of the new championship hitting the women’s division.

She said a 16-woman tournament would begin on "Impact" Thursday. The belt would also be defended exclusively on the television show.

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

The bracket features some fresh faces to TNA, some of whom wrestling fans may be familiar with.

Indi Hartwell vs. Vicki Venuto, Harley Hudson vs. Thea Hail, Elayna Black vs. Wendy Choo and M by Elegance vs. Rosemary on the left side of the bracket. Jade Stone vs. Alisha Edwards, Jody Threat vs. Gabby Forza, Mara Sadè vs. Tasha Steelz and Heather by Elegance vs. Allie are on the other side.

The winner of the tournament will begin her first reign as Knockouts TV champion.

The first matches will air on AMC Thursday night at 9 ET.

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Heather by Elegance will take on Allie. The two met at Slammiversary for the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship, which Allie and Rosemary won over Heather and M by Elegance. In the second match, Sadè takes on Steelz.

"Impact" is also expected to feature matches between Leon Slater and Eddie Edwards, Ryan Nemeth vs. KC Navarro and an X Division Championship No. 1 contenders match with Fabian Aichner, Mr. Elegance, BDE, Rich Swann and Home Town Man.

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New TNA world champion Nic Nemeth, TNA women’s champion Xia Brookside and Ricky Sosa are expected to address the crowd as well.

Phil Mickelson's team rips reporter for story about alleged troubling transgressions: 'Drive-by shooting'

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:24:15 -0400

Earlier this month, Skratch published a story that accused Phil Mickelson of showing a nude photo of himself to a fellow golfer's wife amid other original reports that he had been expelled from a golf club due to alleged misconduct with a female employee.

The five-time major champion obtained defamation counsel to absolve the "false rumors" about his golf club departure, which turned out to be his own voluntary resignation.

Days later, though, the Skratch story spoke to Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of pro golfer Pat, who said Mickelson showed her a picture of himself nude with an erection and flexing his bicep and said she could come to his bedroom after her then-husband fell asleep. Skratch also interviewed other sources for its story who hinted at potential infidelity by Mickelson amid abrupt endings of memberships at other golf clubs.

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A rep for Mickelson, though, said the reporter is perhaps infamous for a "drive-by shooting" style of "anonymously-sourced" stories.

"The clear implication (of the story) is that Mr. Mickelson was forced out of multiple golf clubs. He wasn't. Mr. Mickelson has never been expelled from a golf club. His membership has never been revoked by a golf club," the statement says.

The statement also ripped Shipnuck for citing a source in which Mickelson's wife, Amy, played a role in his departures from clubs.

PHIL MICKELSON ACCUSED OF SHOWING NUDE PHOTO TO PRO GOLFER'S EX-WIFE: 'COME SEE ME'

"That is false. Mr. Mickelson has never been forced by his wife or by any golf club to surrender his membership. Those decisions were his alone..." the statement said. "Instead, the source's personal assumption about her involvement is presented as fact, and that unsupported speculation has since been repeated by other media outlets as though it were established truth. It is not."

Mickelson's spokeswoman also ripped Shipnuck for reporting that a source told him Mickelson would give his phone to "a young man in the pro shop and pay him $500 to drive around the course," so his wife would believe he was playing golf while "tracking his phone" as he had his "secret rendezvous."

"How does the member know all of this? 'The kid from the pro shop told me,'" the story reads.

"Shipnuck attempts to portray an ordinary 'Find My' family feature, used by millions of families every day, as something sinister. It wasn't. Anonymous speculation is presented as meaningful insight when it is nothing more than unsupported opinion," Mickelson's spokeswoman said.

The statement does not deny the allegation that Mickelson showed Ashley Perez a photo of himself but does confirm he "apologize[d] for his conduct." However, that "should not be misconstrued as an admission of every allegation made against him," the spokeswoman said. "Responsible journalism does not amplify the most sensational characterization of a disputed event while minimizing the fact that the allegation itself was challenged."

The statement also warned of potential "corporate" bias, as Skratch was founded by the PGA Tour, and Mickelson has since defected to LIV Golf.

"Taken together, these reporting failures expose an article that prioritizes a compelling, click-bait narrative over an accurate one. Anonymous speculation is elevated over firsthand knowledge. Implication is used where facts fall short. Private family members are falsely drawn into public narratives without evidence. Context that undermines sensational allegations is minimized. Readers are left with conclusions the reporting itself never actually establishes," the statement concludes.

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"Credibility is not earned by publishing the most provocative narrative. It is earned through transparency, verification, and a clear distinction between fact, inference, and speculation. Those standards protect readers just as much as they protect the people being written about. Readers should demand more. Journalism should, too."

Mickelson has played in only one LIV event this year and no majors as he attends to a "personal health matter."

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Anti-Israel demonstrator sentenced to year in jail for manslaughter during 2023 protests

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:18:25 -0400

An anti-Israel protester who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of a pro-Israel demonstrator in California was sentenced to one year in county jail this week.

Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji, 53, had an altercation with Paul Kessler, 69, in 2023 where he hit Kessler in the head with a megaphone. Kessler then fell backward and struck his head again and later died of his injuries in the hospital.

The incident took place against the backdrop of Israel-Hamas war tensions and concerns about antisemitism rising in the United States and more broadly. Alnaji was initially facing up to four years in prison in the case as he fought the charges against him, but the expected sentence was shortened when he pleaded guilty in May.

Prosecutors in the case argued the one-year sentence is not enough, saying he should have been committed to state prison and received a longer period of confinement.

MOHAMED SABRY SOLIMAN TO PLEAD GUILTY IN DEADLY FIREBOMBING OF PRO-ISRAEL RALLY IN BOULDER, COLORADO

"Mr. Kessler lost his life in a violent attack that took him from his family and his wife of 43 years," Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said in a statement. "Given the circumstances of this case and the death that resulted, we believe a state prison commitment was the appropriate and just sentence."

Kessler's widow wrote a victim impact statement that said, in part, "There are no words to describe the pain of losing a husband in such a sudden and violent way."

MOHAMED SABRY SOLIMAN TO PLEAD GUILTY IN DEADLY FIREBOMBING OF PRO-ISRAEL RALLY IN BOULDER, COLORADO

"The grief is relentless. The silence in our house, the absence of his voice, his companionship, his love and the future we had planned together are losses I carry with me every day," she continued, according to the district attorney's office.

Jonathan Oswaks, a friend of Kessler's who was at the rally with him when the incident took place, spoke to the Jewish Journal when news of Alnaji's expected sentence was released, calling it "deeply frustrating."

"I’m not a lawyer, but the way this was handled raises serious questions for me. It sends a troubling message about accountability," he told the outlet.

PRO-ISRAEL DEMOCRAT CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR HECKLED AT TRANS MARCH OVER GAZA, ‘WE F---ING HATE YOU’

Oswaks recounted moments from the event in his interview with the outlet, noting how the pro-Palestinian protesters vastly outnumbered them that day. He said after the pair had split up, people began approaching him and stood inches from his face yelling into his ear and using a megaphone.

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"When I tell you I had never experienced that level of hate in my life, I hadn’t," he said. "I told them to get out of my space. They backed off briefly, then started again. I made it clear they needed to stay away, and eventually they did."

Fox News' Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.

Mystery parasite leaves Americans battling ‘explosive' illness as CDC investigates

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:18:13 -0400

Federal health officials are attempting to track down the source of a microscopic parasite that triggers prolonged gastrointestinal illness, as domestic cases begin to climb for the summer season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 145 cases of cyclosporiasis across 17 states as of mid-June 2026, all linked to infections acquired in the U.S.

The culprit is Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite known to cause cyclosporiasis.

DEADLY ‘FOX TAPEWORM’ LINKED TO LETHAL DISEASE DETECTED IN WEST COAST WILDLIFE

The hallmark symptom of the infection is watery, often "explosive" diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.

Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.

The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.

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Cases have cropped up in states ranging from Texas to Alaska. New York has been hit the hardest so far, reporting between 31 and 80 cases, followed by Texas and Illinois, which have each reported between 11 and 30 cases.

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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. Out of the 145 confirmed cases, 20 patients have required hospitalization, per the CDC.

No deaths have yet been reported. Patients range from 5 to 86 years old, though the median age is 42, and women make up 61% of the reported cases, data shows.

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The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multi-state clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.

"There is currently no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking all cases," the CDC noted in its surveillance report.

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The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

Fox News AI Newsletter: American manufacturer says AI is creating jobs, not replacing them

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:17:27 -0400

Welcome to Fox News' Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

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

- A missing kitten rode under a car hood. AI brought her home

- Trump says Taiwan is doubling the size of chipmaking plant in Arizona

DOMESTIC OUTPUT: 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.

DIGITAL RESCUE: Ame thought Lucy might be hiding upstairs. The family's kitten had missed dinner, which felt odd. Still, cats hide. They nap in strange places. Sometimes, they ignore everyone.

MANUFACTURING PUSH: President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that Taiwan is doubling the size of the chipmaking plants under construction in Arizona, adding that it could help the U.S. share of the chip market rise to 50% by the end of his term.

LICENSED TO AI: The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on two of Anthropic's latest artificial intelligence models after the company worked with the Commerce Department on a national security review, according to statements released Tuesday.

SHIFTING GEARS: Ford has rehired experienced human engineers to help address the shortcomings of artificial intelligence (AI) tools meant to tackle quality issues in the automaker's production processes.

PULSE CHECK: A routine heart test may be hiding a warning sign that doctors have missed for years. That is the big takeaway from new UC Berkeley research published in Nature. Researchers trained an artificial intelligence model to study ECGs, also called EKGs, and look for patterns tied to sudden cardiac death.

NEW ERA: A new report is pushing back on artificial intelligence "doomsday" fears, arguing the technology could unleash one of the biggest productivity booms in American history — unless Washington slows it down with premature regulation.

REIN IN GLOOM: A Nobel Prize-winning economist has warned that persistent predictions of artificial intelligence destroying the job market could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Robert Shiller, who shared the 2013 Nobel Prize in economics for his work on asset prices, wrote a guest essay on Monday in The New York Times that argued the panic over AI is not a new sociological phenomenon.

RAMAGEDDON ARRIVES: Apple has started charging more for some of its products, and AI is one of the big reasons why. The increases apply to select iPads and MacBooks, along with HomePod speakers and Apple TV devices. Apple's own store pages now show higher prices on several models than earlier launch materials listed. The iPhone was not included in this round, but analysts warn that may not last.

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

Best tech deals of the week: Save up to 77% on Apple, Bose, Jackery and more

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:00:34 -0500

Score big savings this Fourth of July weekend with a curated list of the best tech deals, including discounts of up to 77% on select items. Top picks include cooling fans for $80 off, a smart robot vacuum for nearly 60% off and Apple's AirPods 4 for just $99. We update this list every week, but these deals won't last long, so shop your favorites before they're gone.

Best-selling tech deals this week

From popular headphones to portable tire inflators, these items rank among our readers' favorites.

Lefant LiDAR smart robot vacuum and mop (59% off)

Save $190 on this powerful robot vacuum with technology that helps it detect and navigate around furniture and cords. You can even switch between vacuum and mop modes without swapping units.

AstroAI L7 portable tire inflator (45% off)

The compact, cordless design of this portable tire inflator makes it easy to stash in your glove box, and it can have you back on the road in just minutes. Grab the air compressor now for just $23.

Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 portable power station (40% off)

This power station can keep a Wi-Fi router running for up to 105 hours. It packs 2,048 watt-hours of battery capacity and 4,000 watts of AC output, plus it can fully recharge in about an hour using solar power.

Wall charger outlet extender (23% off)

Turn one wall outlet into multiple charging points for phones and small electronics with this extender. It's a simple fix for tight spaces, like kitchen counters, where plug-in space is limited.

Travel power strip (19% off)

Power up to seven devices at once with this power strip. It features three AC outlets, four USB ports and a cord that wraps neatly around the outside for easier packing.

Apple AirTags (2nd Generation), 4-pack (10% off)

Get a four-pack of Apple AirTags — now priced at a 30-day low. Slip one into your luggage or add one to your wallet, then track it anytime through Apple's Find My network.

Deals we love

Big-name brands like Apple and Anker are offering some of the best tech deals we’ve seen this week.

Bose QuietComfort headphones: $179 (Orig. $359)

Score Bose's QuietComfort headphones now for half off, matching their lowest price of the year. Quiet Mode and Aware Mode let you toggle between full noise cancellation and awareness. The headphones deliver up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, making them ideal for all-day use.

Apple AirPods 4: $99 (Orig. $129)

The AirPods 4 offer a comfortable fit and quick-press controls for music and calls. You can switch between Personalized Spatial Audio and Voice Isolation for a customized listening experience. The earbuds provide up to 5 hours of battery life on a single charge and up to 30 hours total with the charging case.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station: $459 (Orig. $829)

The Jackery Explorer 1,000 v2 weighs nearly 24 pounds but still packs enough power to keep large appliances running. It comes with multiple charging ports, such as USB-C, USB-A, a DC car port and three AC outlets. The power station can return to 100% battery in just one hour using emergency charging through the Jackery app.

Anker Prime 3-in-1 charging station: $159.99 (Orig. $229.99)

Power up to three devices at once with Anker's Prime charging station. It can charge an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in just 22 minutes, while the touchscreen displays real-time wattage, temperature and charging status for each device. Built-in cooling technology helps prevent your electronics from overheating.

Toshiba 50-Inch C350 4K TV: $159.99 (Orig. $299.99)

The Toshiba C350 Series runs Fire TV out of the box, with streaming apps and Alexa voice control built right in. Create up to six user profiles, so everyone in the household can save their own presets and favorite apps.

Best refurbished tech deals

Save even more with refurbished tech from Sony, Apple, JBL and more.

Disclaimer: All refurbished products are cleaned, restored and tested to meet quality standards. Warranties typically range from 90 days to a year, depending on the seller.

Apple MacBook Pro (2020): $399.99 (Orig. $1,799)

Apple's MacBook Pro (2020) packs a high-performance processor that helps you multitask, and it's 77% off — the biggest discount in this roundup. The 13.3-inch Retina display still delivers sharp visuals for everyday browsing, even if it's not as bright or fast as the latest model. You can work on the go too, thanks to all-day battery life.

JBL Clip 5 speaker: $39.99 (Orig. $79.99)

The JBL Clip 5 portable speaker delivers rich bass, clips onto a backpack and runs for up to 12 hours on a single charge. It's waterproof and dustproof, making it an ideal companion for the backyard, beach or your next vacation. Grab this open-box option while it's under $50.

ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024): $149.99 (Orig. $369.99)

Right now, you can snag a durable, business-ready laptop for a fraction of its original price with this refurbished 2024 Chromebook CM30. It comes with 8GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, helping it handle everyday productivity and multitasking with ease.

Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds: $149.99 (Orig. $299.99)

Right now, you can score Sony's WF-1000XM5 earbuds at half off the original price. Commuters and frequent fliers will appreciate the noise cancellation, but anyone can enjoy their rich, crystal-clear audio quality.

Apple iPad (2021): $154.99 (Orig. $299.99)

The 9th Gen iPad comes with an A13 chip that delivers fast performance for streaming, gaming and everyday activities. The True Tone display automatically adjusts to the color temperature of the room, so you can watch movies comfortably in any light. It's worth upgrading to this refurbished version while it's still $145 off.

Deals ending soon

Grab these limited-time tech deals before they're gone.

Bose SoundLink Flex speaker (2nd Gen): $99 (Orig $139)

For a speaker that can go with you anywhere, the Bose SoundLink Flex speaker is an excellent choice. The deep bass creates an immersive sound without the need for headphones, and it offers 12 hours of battery life in a small package. Play your tunes from up to 30 feet away thanks to its strong Bluetooth connection.

Blink Outdoor 4, 5-pack: $104.99 (Orig. $299.99)

This five-pack of Blink's outdoor cameras can cover the perimeter of your house with 1080p HD video. Motion detection automatically sends an alert to your smartphone, and the 2-year battery life gives you around-the-clock peace of mind. You can even use two-way audio through the Blink app.

Portable charging bank: $21.83 (Orig. $35.79)

Top off your phone or earbuds on your travels with this portable power bank. It has enough capacity for multiple device charges, and the built-in USB-A, Type-C, iOS and Micro-USB cables mean there's one less accessory to pack.

Insignia 55-inch F50 Series LED 4K TV: $179.99 (Orig. $349.99)

The Insignia F50 Series runs Fire TV out of the box, so streaming apps and Alexa voice control are built right in. Its immersive DTS Virtual-X sound format also creates a three-dimensional sound experience, so there's no need to buy additional speakers or a soundbar.

Heat wave survival essentials

Grab discounts on portable air conditioners and cooling handheld fans.

Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo fan: $99.99 (Orig. $179.99)

Get $80 off Shark's FlexBreeze HydroGo and stay cool during the upcoming heat wave with this cordless misting fan. It easily switches between indoor and outdoor use, and the mist attachment extends cooling relief up to 70 feet.

Handheld portable fan: $14.44 (Orig. $21.99)

Cool yourself down with this portable handheld fan, now just $14. Multiple speed settings let you choose anything from a light breeze to powerful airflow, while the built-in cooling plate can reach temperatures as low as 60 degrees. The fan runs for up to 20 hours on a full charge.

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

Portable air conditioner: $339.98 (Orig. $399.99)

Using a dual compressor, this portable AC cools spaces up to 600 square feet. Built-in wheels let you move it from room to room, while its quiet Sleep Mode makes it a smart pick for bedrooms.

Top tech sales from FOX News Deals favorites

Amazon: Get up to 77% off phones, TVs and other home tech during Fourth of July weekend deals

Best Buy: Shop TVs up to 45% off and more tech deals during the brand's Fourth of July sale

Lenovo: Save up to 41% off on ThinkPad laptops

Jackery: Find up to 60% off power stations and other essentials during the 4th of July sale.

Electrolux: Deals on appliances are up to 30% off for the Fourth of July

Sonos: Save hundreds on bundles of speakers, headphones, soundbars and more

FAQs

What tech brands or stores have the best deals this week?

Shop standout deals on brands like Apple and Anker, including 50% off Bose QuietComfort headphones and a 59% markdown on smart robot vacuum mop. You can also save on a refurbished JBL Clip 5 portable speaker and MacBook Pro.

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.

Zohran Mamdani praised for 'fantastic' question-dodging on presidential eligibility

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:04:34 -0400

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was praised for being "fantastic" at dodging questions by podcast host Jillian Superstar on Wednesday after she asked the socialist mayor if he would run for president if he could.

"If you could run for president, would you?" Superstar asked during her "360 with Jillian" podcast.

Mamdani said he thankfully never had to worry about it, referring to the fact that he was born in Uganda.

MAMDANI GETS ROASTED AFTER TELLING SWELTERING NEW YORKERS TO SET ACS TO 78 DEGREES: 'COMMIE'

"And I think it's hard to think of a better job than this. And I know that you'll hear so many politicians say that. But my point is just like… You wake up in New York City, you go to sleep in New York City. The whole day is in New York City. What more could you want? Yeah, it's just I don't know. It is a dream," he added.

Superstar then said, "You're good. You can teach a master class on dodging questions. That was fantastic."

During an interview with ABC's Jonathan Karl on Sunday, Mamdani was asked whether he supported an amendment to the Constitution to change the rule that candidates for president must be born in the U.S.

"I think the Constitution looks good the way it is," he responded.

FETTERMAN WARNS MAMDANI RISKS 'CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS' BY VOWING TO DEFY SCOTUS IMMIGRATION RULING

Fox News Digital confirmed Wednesday that Mamdani had been speaking with former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mamdani, in an interview on SiriusXM's "The Clay Cane Show" on Wednesday, confirmed the call with Harris.

"The vice president reached out to have a conversation, and we've had a brief conversation. We've been in touch over the last few months, and I really do appreciate her outreach," the mayor said.

The phone call with Mamdani, first reported by Axios, along with other closed-door meetings with progressive groups, suggests Harris is trying to shore up support from factions of the party that didn’t support her during her 2024 run.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

The news comes after several Mamdani-backed socialist candidates swept their primaries in June over establishment Democrats.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The three congressional candidates that he endorsed in the primary — Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier — were all victorious, and are expected to cruise to victory against their Republican opponents in November.

America 250 gear on Amazon: Save up to 60% on hats, garden flags and more

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:44:24 -0400

Ahead of America's semiquincentennial this weekend, Amazon has rolled out deals on America 250 merchandise. We sifted through thousands of offers to find the best patriotic T-shirts, hats, flags, collectibles and other keepsakes to help commemorate the historic milestone.

Trending America 250 deals

Freedom America flag tee: $12.99 (28% off)
Patriotic embroidered baseball cap, 2-pack: $16.99 (15% off)
America 250 foil cup: $13.81 (14% off)
Wooden eagle decor: $12.97 (13% off)
Patriotic USA 250 earrings, 2-pack: $6.99 (13% off)
250th anniversary women's floral American flag shirt: $17.96 (10% off)

America 250 T-shirt: $19.99 (17% off)

Original price: $23.99

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with this cotton T-shirt featuring a classic American flag graphic and the commemorative anniversary dates. The simple design can be worn long after the holiday.

American flag polo: $25.99 (35% off)

Original price: $39.99

Stay comfortable during Fourth of July celebrations in this moisture-wicking polo. A bald eagle and American flag graphic add a patriotic touch, while the wrinkle-resistant, stretchy fabric is designed for all-day wear and easy movement.

Embroidered America 250 hat: $16.14 (5% off)

Original price: $16.99

This patriotic cap is a No. 1 best-seller on Amazon and has a few more robust design elements that make it stand out. Embroidered on the front are symbols of American heritage like the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty and a bald eagle set against a red, white and blue flag. Choose from red, white or navy to add a classic Americana touch to any outfit. It's also available in a two-pack.

Adjustable America 250 hat: $9.99 (9% off)

Original price: $11.99

Prefer a more rugged option? This distressed baseball cap fits the bill perfectly. It comes embroidered with the years 1776 and 2026 with the American flag peeking through the distressing. An adjustable metal buckle provides a customized fit, while a moisture-wicking sweatband helps keep you comfortable in the heat.

America 250th table runner: $3.98 (60% off)

Original price: $9.98

Add a patriotic touch to your table with this America 250 anniversary table runner. Designed to fit most dining tables and kitchen islands, it's an inexpensive way to decorate the nation's milestone birthday at just $4.

Patriotic gift bundle: $19.99 (20% off)

Original price: $24.99

Shopping for a patriot or just want more bang for your buck? This America 250 gift set includes a 3-by-5-foot flag, an embroidered baseball cap and socks that fit men's sizes 6-12 and women's sizes 7 to 13. Just click the coupon box before you check out and get $5 off.

Red, white and blue pin: $5.99 (25% off)

Original price: $7.99

Add this pin to your Fourth of July hats, tees or bags for an extra pop of red, white and blue. Get one or grab packs of 12, 24 or 36 to share with your friends and family.

Stick flags, pack of 6: $6.99 (46% off)

Original price: $12.99

Rain or shine, these wrinkle-resistant, waterproof flags are ready for your Fourth of July festivities. Display them in your yard, line a walkway or wave them proudly at a parade.

America 250 garden flag: $7.99 (20% off)

Original price: $9.99

Even your garden can look patriotic with this America 250 flag. It's double-sided, so you see the American eagle and celebratory design from all angles.

Commemorative Betsy Ross flag: $36.79 (20% off)

Original price: $45.99

Celebrate America 250 with this durable 3-by-5-foot flag, featuring embroidered stars inspired by early U.S. flag designs. Made from fade-resistant nylon with brass grommets for secure display, it's built to withstand the elements while showcasing your American pride. Make sure to clip the coupon before checking out to get the 20% discount.

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

America 250 commemorative flag: $15.98 (20% off)

Original price: $19.98

Show your patriotic spirit with this America 250 anniversary flag, designed to add a festive touch to your yard or garden. The design features a soldier graphic accented with red, white and blue for a bold outdoor display.

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.

Florida AG seeks judge's impeachment after baby drowning COVID insanity acquittal

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:01:00 -0400

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and local lawmakers are seeking to impeach a judge who acquitted a woman on a historic COVID-linked insanity plea.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Miguel de la O acquitted Precious Bland, who was charged with manslaughter and two counts of attempted murder in the first degree after she allegedly drowned her 15-month-old daughter and stabbed her husband and another child.

Bland’s attorneys argued that she suffered a psychotic break caused by COVID-19 and, therefore, was unable to understand the consequences of her actions. According to her defense, Bland was experiencing hallucinations and believed she was being instructed to baptize her family members.

During the 2021 incident, Bland was yelling that "Jesus Christ is coming and COVID is going to kill us all," her husband told police, according to a copy of the arrest report obtained by Fox News Digital.

STORE OWNER HELD WITHOUT BOND FOR 3 YEARS ACQUITTED OF MURDER IN TEEN'S SHOOTING DEATH

"The defendant insisted that everyone needed to be baptized and that she was going to baptize everyone in the bathtub," the report read.

The police report details a harrowing scene where Bland instructed one of the children in the home to retrieve a knife, but the child claimed to not know why.

Bland then allegedly stabbed her husband several times during a struggle, and he "along with his four other children, ran out of the residence in fear for their lives and he contacted the police," the report read.

Bland's older daughter, in an attempt to grab the baby away from the defendant, "sustained a stab wound to her forearm during the struggle," the report continued.

The girl "then ran out of the residence in fear for her life. Officers arrived on the scene, made entry into the residence, and placed the defendant into custody," the report said.

Officers located the baby "face down, unresponsive, inside the bathtub filled with bloody water," according to the report.

De la O sided with the defense, acquitting Bland on all three counts and allowing her to return to her home ahead of a future hearing to decide on her treatment options. Uthmeier called the judge's decision unacceptable.

FEDERAL JUDGE WHO HAD SEX IN CHAMBERS APOLOGIZES TO FORMER CLERK AS IMPEACHMENT PUSH RAMPS UP

"In a bench trial — where the judge made the decision, not a jury — he allowed a woman off on an insanity defense after she drowned her baby. He cited insanity related to COVID. This is unacceptable," Uthmeier told Fox News Digital in an interview.

"I believe we have impeachment provisions in our state constitutions for a reason. The federal government has similar authorities, but we don't see judges getting impeached in modern times. So, I believe this is wrong. We're going to be pushing hard to work with our legislature to hold some of these judges accountable. I believe they're violating their oath and endangering our citizens," Uthmeier told Fox News Digital.

Uthmeier also revealed that he was exploring impeachment options for a number of other judges as well, disclosing to Fox News Digital that he was working with other Florida legislators on the matter.

FEDERAL JUDGE WHO HAD SEX IN CHAMBERS APOLOGIZES TO FORMER CLERK AS IMPEACHMENT PUSH RAMPS UP

"I've already had some Florida legislators reach out, excited to work with me on articles of impeachment, and hopefully get some of these dangerous people off the bench," he told Fox News Digital.

"We have taken a big interest in judges that we believe are exceeding their authority, abusing discretion, or acting in a way that jeopardizes public safety. We've already called for impeachments in a couple of other judicial cases: a judge in Tallahassee who let a convicted child predator go free — a guy where a jury found him guilty of a child sex offense, and he then murdered his 5-year-old stepdaughter. There's a case in Miami where a judge let the defendant out on bail after he shoved rocks in a girl's mouth as she was being raped," Uthmeier explained.

Bland’s attorney, Larry Handfield, said he believed the ruling was the first successful COVID-related insanity defense in the country.

"This was COVID," Handfield told NBC6 South Florida.

"It's a woman who served our country for five years," he said, referring to Bland's five years in the U.S. Navy.

Handfield said she was "living the American dream until COVID came. She didn't ask for COVID."

Uthmeier also said he believed this was one of, if not the, first ruling of its kind.

"I am not aware of this having happened before. I certainly have not read through all of the transcripts from the proceeding, but to me, anybody who drowns their daughter should not be released. To the extent that insanity is going to weigh in on things, I believe it should factor into where you are housed for your incarceration, not give you a ‘get out of jail free’ card where you're just allowed to walk scot-free and put other people in danger. If somebody truly has serious mental defects where they need treatment or help in some way, so be it, but they should get that help behind a barred hospital — some sort of mental institution where they are confined and not able to go free and walk the streets again," Uthmeier said.

The Florida attorney general also said he believed the ruling was part of a "national trend" of federal judges overstepping.

"I think all of us as leaders in this country need to wake up and realize that the impeachment and removal of judges is something under the Constitution that can be pursued. And until we do it — until we reject their abuse of authority — they're going to continue to have credibility when they do these wayward things. So, I'm going to be pushing impeachment very often and loudly over the next year," he concluded.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The court appointed forensic psychologist Dayra Bodan to determine whether Bland’s degree of insanity warranted involuntary hospitalization. Bland is slated to have another hearing on July 6 to determine treatment options.

Fox News Digital contacted Bland's attorney but did not receive a response. The 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where Judge de la O presides, told Fox News Digital "judicial ethics canons do not permit comment on pending cases."

New sodium-ion battery could reshape grid storage

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:06 -0400

A new sodium-ion battery from Chinese battery giant CATL could eventually affect something much closer to home: the power grid that keeps your lights on. CATL has introduced its TENER Sodium Energy Storage System. The company says it is the world's first field-validated sodium-ion energy storage system ready for commercial use.

Think big energy project, not phone upgrade. This battery is built for large storage sites that can support the grid. That kind of storage is getting more attention as electricity demand rises. AI data centers use a lot of power. Heat waves can strain local grids. Solar and wind power also need storage so electricity is available when people need it.

However, CATL has not announced a specific U.S. launch for this system. So, this is more about where grid storage may be headed than what your local utility will install tomorrow.

FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS SEE AI REGULATION AS URGENT, RANK SAFEGUARDS AHEAD OF INNOVATION

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New sodium-ion battery targets grid storage

CATL just launched the TENER Sodium Energy Storage System in Munich, Germany. The company says cumulative shipments should reach 1 gigawatt-hour by the end of 2026. Deliveries in China are expected to start in September 2026. Global deliveries are scheduled to begin in June 2027.

That timeline shows sodium-ion batteries are moving closer to commercial use. The system is designed for stationary storage. In other words, it could help store electricity from solar farms, wind projects or other power sources for later use.

That becomes important when demand jumps during hot afternoons or renewable power drops later in the day.

Sodium-ion battery storage could ease lithium pressure

Most large battery storage projects today use lithium-based systems. Lithium works well, but supply chains can be tight. Prices can also move when demand climbs. CATL says sodium is more than 1,000 times more common than lithium. The company also says sodium is widely distributed around the world.

That could make sodium-ion batteries attractive for grid storage. These batteries do not need to be tiny enough for a phone or light enough for an electric car.

CATL isn’t saying sodium will replace lithium overnight. Instead, the company says sodium and lithium could work together in future energy storage systems.

For you, the larger point is choice. More battery options could help energy companies reduce their dependence on a single material.

AI BOOM: DEMAND FOR DATA CENTERS DRIVES INNOVATION BY ENERGY, TECH INDUSTRIES TO PRODUCE NEW POWER SOURCES

CATL says the battery fits existing systems

One of CATL's bigger claims is that TENER Sodium can fit into existing lithium iron phosphate energy storage platforms. CATL says the system shares the same physical footprint as LFP systems. That could help developers avoid changing enclosures, redesigning projects or repeating certification steps.

The system delivers more than 30 megawatt-hours of rated capacity. CATL says each module weighs about 42 metric tons, or about 46 U.S. tons. The company says only 34 units are needed for a 1-gigawatt-hour storage site. The modular design also supports flexible storage durations of 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours. That gives developers more room to tailor projects based on local power needs.

Sodium-ion battery design can handle tough conditions

Battery storage has to work in places that get brutally hot or freezing cold. CATL says TENER Sodium is designed for better extreme-temperature performance, enhanced safety and lower operating costs. The company also says its battery management system gives the sodium-ion system an additional 20 percent safety margin compared with lithium-ion batteries.

The system also uses a top-discharge airflow design that CATL says reduces heat generation by nearly 30 percent compared with conventional systems. CATL says auxiliary power consumption drops from the industry average of 2 percent to 1 percent.

That could be useful for large grid storage projects, especially in places where heat, storms or heavy power demand can strain local systems. CATL also says TENER Sodium operates at only 65 decibels, which is 10 decibels lower than conventional systems. That could help address local concerns when battery storage sites are built closer to where power is needed.

Sodium-ion battery shipments signal commercial momentum

CATL says TENER Sodium has reached full commercial maturity across technology, production capacity and supply chain readiness. The company says it has worked on sodium-ion battery research and development since 2016. CATL also says it has invested about $1.4 billion, depending on exchange rates, over the past decade.

CATL has expanded sodium-ion production lines at its Fuding base in China. The company says that adds 40 gigawatt-hours of annual capacity. Another planned base in Jining, Shandong, could support 160 gigawatt-hours of sodium-ion battery production capacity. CATL also says it signed a three-year, 60-gigawatt-hour sodium-ion energy storage order with HyperStrong in April 2026. The company described it as the world's largest sodium-ion commercial contract.

Those numbers show CATL is treating sodium-ion storage as a serious commercial product. That said, U.S. adoption is a separate question. American utilities, regulators and developers would still need to weigh cost, performance, supply chain risk and security concerns.

What this means to you

This sodium-ion battery system may never be something you buy directly. However, the technology behind it could still affect how electricity gets stored and delivered. If sodium-ion storage proves reliable, it could give energy companies another way to support the grid. That may become more important as AI data centers increase electricity demand.

Better storage can help utilities use power more efficiently. It can also help balance supply when demand rises quickly. Still, there are limits. A new battery chemistry will not fix old transmission lines, slow permitting or local grid bottlenecks by itself.

The real takeaway is that sodium-ion batteries could become part of the grid storage mix. They are not a magic fix, but they could help energy companies build more flexible storage projects.

Watch the CyberGuy Live replay: Lock Down Your Phone in 30 Minutes

Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com.

Kurt's key takeaways

CATL's new sodium-ion battery may sound like a faraway energy story, especially since there is no announced U.S. rollout yet. Still, it is important because the grid is under growing pressure from AI data centers, extreme weather and the need to store more renewable power. What stands out is the use of sodium, which CATL says is far more common than lithium. If this technology proves reliable in major energy projects, it could give utilities another way to store power and keep the grid steadier when demand spikes.

Would you be comfortable with Chinese-made battery systems supporting part of the U.S. electric grid if they helped make power more reliable? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Lee Greenwood recalls surviving enemy fire in Panama after White House sent him to entertain troops

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:58:39 -0400

Country singer Lee Greenwood recalled being sent to Panama by then-President George H.W. Bush to entertain U.S. troops during the mission against Manuel Noriega, revealing he came under fire before reaching Marines in the jungle.

"I’m going to send you to Panama," Greenwood recalled Bush telling him on the "Hang Out With Sean Hannity" podcast. "Take your band down there. I’ve already taken out the dependents. We’re going to take [Noriega] out... I want you to entertain our troops."

The "God Bless the USA" singer said his band left first by Chinook helicopter, while a courier handed him a letter from Bush for Marines stationed in the jungle.

AARON TIPPIN SAYS PATRIOTISM IS 'VERY STRONG IN AMERICA' AHEAD OF FORT CAMPBELL 4TH OF JULY SHOW

"And a courier had given me a letter from the president to 200 Marines in the jungle," Greenwood said. "So, the band’s gone. I jump in a jeep with a sergeant and we... come under fire and the bullets are whizzing through the jeep."

Greenwood said he was not hit, but the sergeant driving the jeep was wounded.

"[It] took my driver’s finger off right there in the index finger," Greenwood said. "So fortunately, I didn’t get hit. We got to the compound where the Marines were, and I showed them where we were, and they went out, and they took out these guys."

Operation Just Cause began in December 1989 when nearly 26,000 combat troops were deployed in a mission the U.S. Army says was aimed at neutralizing Noriega's forces, restoring elected democratic government and protecting American lives.

Greenwood said the Panama mission came back to him years later when the same driver showed up backstage after a concert in Ohio.

"I said, ‘Is he missing a finger?’" Greenwood said. "He said, ‘Yes.’ I came out, and we hugged each other, you know, for the moment that we could have both been killed."

AMERICA’S NEXT 250 YEARS DEPEND ON PASSING FAITH AND FREEDOM TO OUR CHILDREN

He said the episode was one of many military visits that shaped his career.

"I remember it was 140 degrees in the jungle ... and addressing 150 Marines that are about to go to war," Greenwood said. "It’s been like that all over my career whenever I visit military, and that makes me a very proud patriot."

The interview focused on Greenwood, his wife, Kimberly, and the 40-year-old legacy of "God Bless the USA" ahead of America's 250th anniversary.

Kimberly Greenwood said their relationship began through USO tours and service members.

"Really, our beginning of our relationship started with patriotism and serving our military," she said. "And that’s what we’ve done for our entire time together."

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Greenwood said "God Bless the USA" was written out of love for the country and respect for those who died serving it.

"I’m so proud to know that I wrote it because I love the country," he said. "I didn’t write it for any other purpose."

The full interview is available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.