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ACC Supremacy: Is it really the Miami Hurricanes versus the field for the 2026 season?

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:07:16 -0400

With 2026 ACC Media Days kicking off in earnest Wednesday, the question on everyone's mind is whether anyone can stand in the way of the Miami Hurricanes this season.

The Canes were a Carson Beck interception away from hoisting a national championship trophy on their home turf, and many believe this year's squad has more firepower to work with.

While the games still have to be played and fall camp hasn't even started, there is an overwhelming sense among conference and national media members alike that it will be Miami versus the field in 2026.

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It is worth noting that the Hurricanes still have not won an ACC Championship since joining the conference more than two decades ago, but with the talent head coach Mario Cristobal has assembled, both on this roster and on his coaching staff, this has to be the year they get over the hump in conference play.

Miami returns a litany of playmakers, both homegrown and through the portal, as players like Malachi Toney, Mark Fletcher Jr. and Cooper Barkate will give offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson plenty of weapons to play with.

The man throwing them the ball, Darrian Mensah, comes to Coral Gables by way of the Duke Blue Devils, and at the risk of sounding like a heretic on the streets of South Florida, I believe this is the most talented signal-caller Cristobal has ever had under center while coaching at Miami.

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Yes, Carson Beck is an NFL quarterback and an all-conference selection at two schools, and Cam Ward was literally a unanimous All-American and first overall draft pick, but Mensah has the tools and mentality to make Dawson's offense run like a well-oiled machine, and the embarrassment of riches he will have at his disposal at both wide receiver and running back will be on full display.

The question marks are there, though, particularly along both lines of scrimmage, as the Canes will have to replace both starting tackles and both edge rushers on offense and defense respectively.

If any team can weather that storm (no pun intended, I promise), it's the Hurricanes, whose recruiting prowess in the trenches has set them up nicely to be able to reload after April's draft exodus.

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Former five-star Justin Scott should anchor the interior of the defensive line, and former Missouri edge rusher Damon Wilson was one of the most coveted defensive players in the portal.

As far as teams that can catch Miami, that will be a tough ask.

The Canes always seem to have one or two games they tend to slip up in during conference play, but their league slate looks particularly weak this season, even by ACC standards.

Other than a trip to Notre Dame on Halloween, it's hard to predict a loss for Miami, but keep an eye on that early October game on the road against Clemson.

I may be falling for the banana in the tailpipe routine once again, but I think coach Dabo Swinney has the Tigers poised for a bounce-back year in 2026.

They are the only team that has even sniffed the rarefied air that the Canes are in when it comes to recruiting, and they are less than two years removed from winning the conference and making a College Football Playoff appearance.

Keep an eye on the Tigers as well as SMU, who jumped up and bit Miami last season.

The Mustangs and Hurricanes don't meet in the regular season, but if they do end up squaring off in the ACC title game, I wouldn't be surprised to see head coach Rhett Lashlee giving Cristobal and the Canes fits once again.

There's a reason the Miami Hurricanes will be heavy favorites heading into 2026, as this year finally feels like the season it all clicks for them, which sounds crazy to say about a team that was in the CFP finals less than seven months ago, but it's true.

Firepower on offense, elite coordinators, huge talent advantages on both sides of the ball, and a laughably weak conference schedule should mean the Canes finally win the ACC this coming year.

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Talking season is almost done, then it will be time for Miami to prove it on the field.

Buckle up, Canes fans.

Slain American mother Jamey Carney remembered as 'ray of sunshine' at Ireland funeral

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:03:19 -0400

American mother Jamey Carney was remembered at her funeral as a devoted parent who had built a happy life in Ireland before her life was violently cut short.

Carney, 43, a New York native who moved to Ireland in 2021 with her teenage daughter, was violently beaten and suffocated in her home in Killarney, County Kerry, last week. A Jordanian failed asylum seeker who was living in Ireland and was romantically involved with Carney was arrested in relation to the case in his home country after fleeing Ireland via Istanbul after her death, according to Irish media.

Mourners gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney to pay their final respects during a service celebrating Carney's life. The service was livestreamed, allowing friends and family around the world to join in mourning before a private cremation.

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"Today we don't dwell on Jamey's death, but we dwell on her life," Fr. Kieran O'Brien told mourners.

During the service, O'Brien reflected on Carney's life growing up in New York alongside her sister, Devon, before recalling her "big decision" to move to Killarney—a choice he described as "the best decision of her life."

He said she and her daughter, Michaela, had found a place they proudly called home, with Michaela settling into school and becoming actively involved in Irish sports.

The priest described Carney as a woman whose "joy radiated" from her, saying she had built a close circle of friends after moving to Killarney and found happiness in simple things. He recalled her love of country music, travel, shopping, going to concerts and spending time with friends.

"She was happy in life and she was happy with life because life was good to her," he said.

"But her real love in life was you, Michaela," he added, addressing Carney's daughter.

"We thank God for Jamey's life, remembering at all times her joy, and the ray of sunshine that she brought to all of your lives," he added.

Family members carried a series of personal items to the altar celebrating Carney's life, including photographs of her daughter, Michaela, and her dog, Penny. A cowboy hat symbolizing her love of country music, the passports she and Michaela used to start their new life together in Ireland and an angel statue were also brought forward.

A framed photograph of Carney rested atop her coffin, which was positioned before the altar and draped in a white pall.

As Carney's coffin departed St. Mary's Cathedral following the funeral mass, young members of Dr. Crokes GAA Club formed a guard of honor outside the church. Carney's grieving sister, Devon, wearing a Kerry GAA jersey and clutching a sunflower, was distraught as family members gathered around the hearse.

The service centered on celebrating Carney's life, her family and the community she built in Ireland rather than the disturbing circumstances surrounding her death and subsequent murder investigation.

Detectives believe Carney was killed around 11 p.m. Monday, roughly 14 hours before her 13-year-old daughter discovered her body at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. By then, the man had traveled roughly 200 miles by bus to Dublin Airport and boarded a flight to Istanbul, according to the Irish Independent.

Irish police have yet to publicly identify the person they want to question in the investigation or release his name, photograph or any physical description.

Irish police confirmed to Fox News Digital they were aware "of the arrest of a male in Jordan by the Jordanian authorities," but did not identify the man or confirm he was the person of interest in the investigation. Police also confirmed they "have not made any request to the Jordanian authorities for the arrest of any person at this time."

WATCH: Person of interest detained in murder of US mom in Ireland

MIGRANT WHO FLED IRELAND AFTER AMERICAN MOTHER'S MURDER IS ARRESTED IN JORDAN

Irish media have widely identified the man as the person of interest in the investigation, though Irish police have not publicly confirmed his identity.

Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with Jordan, where the man is being detained, according to the Irish Independent.

Fox News Digital asked Irish police and Ireland's Department of Justice to confirm reports that the man had previously been refused asylum while appealing that decision. Neither agency confirmed the reports.

The man had been living in state-run accommodation for asylum seekers in Killarney before spending increasing amounts of time at Carney's home after they became romantically involved, according to the Irish Mirror.

He first arrived in the United Kingdom before traveling through Northern Ireland and eventually settling in County Kerry, according to the Irish Mirror.

His social media accounts contain posts from the United Kingdom and Turkey in recent years.

Meanwhile, the FBI told Fox News Digital it stands ready to assist Irish authorities if requested.

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"Through our Legal Attaché in London, we have strong, established relationships and stand ready to assist in any way that the Irish government may request," the FBI said in a statement.

The State Department told Fox News Digital it is providing consular assistance to the family.

These school supplies are cheaper online than in stores

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

Back-to-school shopping can get expensive fast, but you don't have to shop in-store to get the most bang for your buck. Many school essentials are actually cheaper online, and we've rounded up the best bargains from Amazon, Staples and Best Buy on everything from JanSport backpacks and graphing calculators to notebooks, pencils and more.

Apple AirPods 4: $99 (23% off)

Original price: $129.99

Save $31 on Apple's AirPods 4 at Amazon, where they're on sale for just $99. The popular earbuds are also discounted at Staples, but they're a bit more expensive at $117. With a more comfortable fit and longer battery life than the previous generation, they're a smart back-to-school buy for those students who will use them all day.

Graphing calculator: $94.99 (14% off)

Original price: $110.85

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

JanSport backpack: $35.85 (10% off)

Original price: $40

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

Sharpies, 12-pack: $12.69 (20% off)

Original price: $15.86

If you're buying Sharpies in bulk for the school year, check Best Buy, where they're currently under $15 for a pack of 12. A similarly-sized pack on Amazon will run you closer to $17.

Pencils, 18-pack: $3.69

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

Pilot pens: $5.53 (52% off)

Original price: $11.49

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

Notebooks, 6-pack: $9.49

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

HP DeskJet printer: $69.99 (22% off)

Original price: $89.99

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

Five Star binder: $17.09 (12% off)

Original price: $19.53

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

Plastic presentation folder: $0.55

If you only need a few folders, Staples offers the best value. Its semi-translucent presentation folders cost just 55 cents each, slightly less than Amazon's comparable multipack, which works out to about 57 cents per folder.

Crayola crayons and markers: $13.20 (12% off)

Original price: $15.22

Amazon comes out ahead again with some of the best prices on Crayola supplies. A two-pack of Crayola crayons costs just $13, while a single-pack at Best Buy is priced at $31. You can also pick up a 12-count of Crayola markers for just $7.

Owala FreeSip water bottle: $24.99

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

Elmer's glue sticks: $7.49 (25% off)

Original price: $9.97

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

Logitech wireless mouse: $22.99

Best Buy has the best price on this Logitech wireless mouse at just $23. The battery lasts up to 18 months, making it a practical pick for school or work. A similar model on Amazon costs about $30, even on sale.

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

Minions backpack: $59.99

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

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

Insurance breach exposes 7M driver's licenses

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:25 -0400

AssuranceAmerica, an auto insurance provider that works through a network of independent agents, has disclosed a data breach affecting nearly 7 million people. The exposed information includes driver's license numbers and other personal details tied to auto insurance customers.

The company said it detected suspicious activity on March 17, 2026, after malicious activity targeted one of its employees one day earlier. Investigators later found that an unauthorized third party accessed parts of AssuranceAmerica's IT environment and copied certain data files.

According to an Indiana Attorney General breach listing, the incident affected 6,998,886 people. A California Attorney General notice also says AssuranceAmerica began notifying affected individuals after completing its file review on June 15, 2026.

AssuranceAmerica sells auto, renters and commercial auto insurance through independent agents. So even if the company name does not sound familiar, your information could still be involved if your policy, quote, claim or driver details passed through its systems.

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What happened in the AssuranceAmerica data breach

AssuranceAmerica said the breach started with malicious activity that targeted one employee. The company did not explain exactly how the employee was targeted. However, it said it later disabled compromised credentials and unauthorized sessions.

That detail should get your attention. Many breaches start with one stolen login, one convincing message or one infected device. Once attackers get inside, they can move quickly and look for files worth stealing.

In this case, AssuranceAmerica said an unauthorized third party copied certain data files from its IT environment. The company then reviewed those files to identify affected individuals.

What information was exposed in the AssuranceAmerica breach

AssuranceAmerica said the stolen files contained names plus one or more other types of personal information. That information may include contact details, auto insurance policy or account information, driver or vehicle information, claims-related information and driver's license numbers. The California notice also says some files may have included Tax ID information and/or Social Security numbers.

That mix can create real risk. A scammer with your name, license number and insurance details may sound much more convincing. They could pretend to be from your insurer, a repair shop, a claims department or a state agency. This follows other identity-document breaches, including the Texas data breach that hit 3 million license customers. Once driver's license numbers leak, the risk can last much longer than a stolen credit card number.

How AssuranceAmerica responded to the breach

AssuranceAmerica said it took affected server devices offline and hired external forensic specialists to investigate. The company also said it reset passwords, deployed enhanced monitoring and threat detection tools and gave employees more cybersecurity instruction. It also notified law enforcement.

AssuranceAmerica is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring for affected individuals. That can help spot some suspicious activity. However, you still need to watch your insurance account, financial accounts and mail.

Why the AssuranceAmerica breach puts drivers at risk

A driver's license number can help an imposter build a more believable scam. Insurance information can make that scam feel personal.

For example, a caller may mention your policy, your vehicle or a claim. Then they may ask you to "verify" more information. That is where the damage can grow.

Also, stolen breach data can be matched with public records and data broker profiles. That can give criminals a fuller picture of your life. We have seen the same pattern in scams tied to travel accounts, phone accounts and other breaches, including the Booking.com breach that exposed traveler data to scams.

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Ways to stay safe after the AssuranceAmerica data breach

If you receive a notice or think your information may be involved, take these steps now to make the stolen data harder to use.

1) Read the breach notice closely

If you receive a notice from AssuranceAmerica, read it carefully. Check what information the company says may have been exposed in your case. Do not assume every affected person had the same data stolen. Some people may have had driver's license numbers exposed. Others may also have had Tax ID information or Social Security numbers involved.

2) Use the credit monitoring offer safely

AssuranceAmerica says it is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring. Use the instructions in the official notice. Be careful with emails or texts that claim to offer enrollment links. Scammers often copy real breach language to trick you.

3) Freeze your credit

A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. You need to place a freeze separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free, and you can lift it when you need to apply for credit.

4) Add a fraud alert

A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps before opening credit in your name. You can place a fraud alert with one credit bureau, and that bureau should notify the others. This adds another layer of protection if your personal information was exposed.

5) Watch your insurance account

Log in to your insurance account and check for changes you do not recognize. Look for unfamiliar claims, new contact details or strange policy updates. If something looks wrong, call the company using a number from your policy documents.

6) Protect your devices from malware

Credential theft often starts with malware, a bad link or a fake download. Strong antivirus software can help block malicious files and phishing links before they cause damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

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7) Clean up your online personal data

Breached data becomes more useful when scammers can match it with your address, relatives, phone number or public records. A data removal service can help reduce what data brokers display about you. That will not undo a breach, but it can make you a harder target. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

8) Be suspicious of insurance-related calls

If someone calls about your policy, claim or payment, slow down. Do not share verification codes. Do not confirm sensitive details during an unexpected call. Instead, hang up and call the company back through an official number.

9) Check your DMV options

If your driver's license number was exposed, review your state DMV's fraud guidance. Some states may offer replacement options or identity theft guidance. The rules vary, so check directly with your state agency.

10) Use a password manager

Create strong, unique passwords for your insurance account, email and financial apps. A password manager can also help you spot fake login pages. If it will not autofill, you may be on a scam site. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com.

11) Turn on two-factor authentication

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your insurance account, email and financial accounts when available. Use an authenticator app when you can. Text codes are better than nothing, but scammers often target them.

Kurt's key takeaways

The AssuranceAmerica data breach is a reminder that your driver's license number has become a high-value target. You may not be able to control how every company stores your information. However, you can make stolen data harder to use. Start with your credit. Then check your insurance account and watch for imposters who know just enough to sound convincing. Also, clean up the personal data already floating around online. The bigger issue is trust. Companies ask for sensitive information because they need it to do business. When that information leaks, you are the one left checking statements, freezing credit and worrying about what comes next.

What should a company owe you when it loses the ID number you use to prove who you are? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Why defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks could struggle to match last season's 14-3 record

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:56:31 -0400

When baseball season started, I went in-depth on every single baseball team before Opening Day. I gave a betting preview and discussed the additions for each team. Believe it or not, we are about two months away from the beginning of the football season. So, I am going to do that for each one of the NFL teams. I’ll start based on records from last year, and we will begin with the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks.

Last Year

The discussion around Sam Darnold’s career completely shifted. Two years ago, he was looked at as a bust. Now he will forever live as a Super Bowl champion. Seattle beat the Patriots 29-13 in one of the more boring Super Bowl games in recent memory. Getting to the Super Bowl was a difficult path – at least in the NFC Championship Game. The Seahawks had to survive a back-and-forth battle against the Rams and won the game 31-27. They destroyed the 49ers in a comical game. Basically, from kickoff on, they embarrassed San Francisco, winning 41-6. Overall, the team went 14-3 and looked like the best team in football.

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Offseason Additions and Subtractions

One of the bigger subtractions was Kenneth Walker III going to the Chiefs. Walker was the Super Bowl MVP, but there are other good running backs available in their room. They did lose some key pieces of their defense as well. Perhaps the one that will be the hardest to replace is Klint Kubiak, who is now the Raiders' head coach. They did extend some key pieces, though. They extended Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Charles Cross, and Derick Hall.

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Roster

I think it is hard to count out a team that has Sam Darnold and Smith-Njigba. Zach Charbonnet, who was injured in the playoffs, is now the primary back for the Seahawks. Even without Kubiak, they should still have a solid offense with their wide receiver corps. Smith-Njigba could be a top-three wide receiver (again), Cooper Kupp is one of the best veterans available, and Shaheed is a very strong third receiver. AJ Barner is also a solid tight end option, even though he is not one of the top options in the league. This defense was stronger than expected last season. They lost some pieces, so I do think they will be a bit worse, but still have many of their key players.

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Betting Outlook

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The line on the Seahawks has dropped them from 14 wins to just 10.5 as their team total. I wouldn’t be overly surprised if the Seahawks do take a step back. Winning again after the Super Bowl is tough. The Rams are better, the 49ers are probably better, and even the Cardinals should be better. So, naturally, the Rams will take a step back. I don’t love the under 10.5, but I certainly won’t play the over. At -225, the Seahawks to make the playoffs have also lost value. If I had to play something, I would go under 10.5 as I have them at 10 wins, but this is one I’d stay off of.

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

Country star cancels two weeks of concerts after father dies suddenly

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:40:45 -0400

Country music star Zach John King is mourning the sudden loss of his father.

On Tuesday, the 29-year-old artist took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news.

"Friday my dad suddenly went home to Jesus," he wrote alongside a series of photos of himself with his father. "He was our family’s rock. My best friend. The greatest man I will ever know. John King was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, friend, and follower of Jesus you’ll only find once in a lifetime. Those that knew him knew his eyes were never fixed on this weary world. It used to frustrate me how joyful he could be even in the worst moment of life. In his own words, that joy came from ‘the hope I have in Jesus.’"

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"In the literal blink of an eye Friday, he was home with Jesus where his soul longed to be," he continued. "We wanted 25 more years with him and that pain will cut deep for the rest of my life. However, if there were ever a moment to be sure my dad is waiting for me in the very place all of our souls long for, it would be now."

"I am canceling the next two weeks of shows to grieve with my family," he added. "After that, Imma do what my dad would want me to do and get back to work. I’ll leave y’all with what he said every morning even when I didn’t want to hear it … ‘today is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.’"

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"I love you dad. I’ll see you soon."

Close friends and fans were quick to share their respects.

"I’m sorry Zach… praying for you and your family," Ella Langley commented.

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"Wow man I’m so so sorry. I know you’ve got an army around you but you also have the Lake’s lifting yall up as well. What a beautiful thing to be able to say of your dad. Leaving a legacy," Christian songwriter Brandon Lake added.

King has spent the summer on tour with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Riley Green and Thomas Rhett, while gearing up to headline his "Get to Drinkin' Tour" this fall.

The Georgia native is among several artists who have recently canceled scheduled performances due to personal circumstances.

Last year, country star Cody Johnson canceled all of his remaining 2025 tour dates after doctors discovered a ruptured eardrum that required immediate surgery.

"It is with a very heavy heart I have to share the remainder of this year’s concert performances will not be able to happen," Johnson wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. "While battling a severe upper respiratory and sinus infection, I burst my eardrum. The severity of the rupture means I must undergo immediate surgery."

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Johnson said it wasn't "possible" for him to continue performing.

"The healing process will take many weeks, and it is not possible for me to sing during this time. Without the surgery my downtime could be months," he added. "I pray for full healing so I can get well and return to doing what I love. Thank you COJO Nation for the love and support now, and always."

Trump's 'third world' travel ban could become permanent if firebrand Republican lawmaker gets her way

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:32:28 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: One House Republican is moving forward with efforts to codify President Donald Trump's sweeping travel ban on "third-world" countries.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., will introduce legislation Wednesday that would bar people from 39 countries across the Caribbean, Middle East and Africa from entering the United States, Fox News Digital has learned.

Mace's bill, titled the Third World Immigration Moratorium Act, would also block entry for individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents.

The South Carolina lawmaker argued her legislation, which mirrors the list of countries facing full or partial bans under the Trump administration, is necessary because many immigrants from the affected countries have failed to assimilate into American life.

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"For too long, Washington has looked the other way while bad actors exploited every gap in our system and American families paid the price. Those days are over," Mace said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital on her upcoming legislation. "If you import the third world, you will become the third world."

"This bill makes crystal clear: entry into the United States is a privilege, not a right," she continued. "We make absolutely no apologies for defending it."

Countries that would face travel restrictions are Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The proposal comes after the Trump administration resurrected a travel ban on 12 countries in June 2025 after an Egyptian national was charged with carrying out a deadly firebombing attack in Boulder, Colo., on demonstrators calling for the release of hostages in Gaza.

Trump later moved to expand the list by more than double after an Afghan national fatally shot 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, and severely injured U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 25, in Washington, D.C., in November.

The president argued the move was necessary to protect national security and guard against visa overstays after both perpetrators were in the country illegally after overstaying their visas.

Many of the countries on the travel ban list are among the poorest in the world and have struggled with instability and terrorism.

Iran and Cuba — both longtime U.S. adversaries — are also among the countries targeted by the proposal.

Mace's legislation would exempt several categories of travelers, including lawful permanent residents, dual nationals using passports from countries not subject to the restrictions, diplomats, NATO personnel, athletes participating in major international competitions, special immigrant visa recipients who assisted U.S. forces, and some people fleeing ethnic or religious persecution in Iran.

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Under Mace’s bill, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary would possess the authority to grant case-by-case waivers if admitting an individual is determined to be in the nation's "critical interest."

But the legislation is likely to face an uphill battle in the House amid expected opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who support legal immigration from several of the countries on her list.

Earlier this year, a handful of Republicans joined Democrats in voting to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians despite the Trump administration's opposition. Some Republicans have also defended legal immigration for people from Cuba, Venezuela and other countries subject to the travel ban and often used as proxies of other foreign powers.

Mace previously introduced legislation that would bar naturalized citizens from serving in most of the federal government, including in Congress and as federal judges.

Wednesday’s legislation comes as Mace weighs her political future.

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The Republican firebrand is serving the final months of her House term after losing her bid for South Carolina governor earlier this year.

She has floated running in a fast-approaching primary election to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly late Saturday evening.

Weightlifter accused of collecting $100K in disability while showing off in the gym online

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:27:55 -0400

A Long Island man has been accused of collecting disability payments while simultaneously competing in weightlifting competitions, and posting fitness content to social media, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday.

Raymond Phillips, 40, was arrested this month after an investigation found that he allegedly collected more than $100,000 in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) from 2021 to 2024, according to a statement from the attorney general's office.

In a press release announcing the charges, the attorney general’s office included three photos from 2023 that appeared to show Phillips bench pressing and squatting.

Phillips was able to receive disability payments by claiming a weightlifting injury prevented him from working, the attorney general's office said.

WATCH: DR. OZ SAYS NEWSOM, OTHER BLUE STATES HAVE TURNED MEDICAID FRAUD INTO A 'FEATURE'

"Raymond Phillips shamelessly collected benefits meant for disabled New Yorkers while boasting his weightlifting achievements on social media," James said in a statement. "My office has no tolerance for fraudsters who cheat the system and steal from programs that are a lifeline for New Yorkers in need."

According to the attorney general's office, Phillips filed paperwork with the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) in August 2018 claiming he injured his dominant arm that June from weightlifting.

FTC CHIEF ACCUSES DEMOCRATS OF 'TRYING TO PROTECT THE FRAUDSTERS' BY WITHHOLDING DATA FROM TRUMP ADMIN

In that paperwork, Phillips said he had undergone surgery, could not perform rudimentary tasks without help and was dealing with extreme pain, the attorney general's office said.

In May 2021, Phillips' claim was approved by the federal government and for the next three years, he received payments, according to prosecutors.

During that time, Phillips allegedly posted several videos and photos of himself weightlifting on Facebook and Instagram. His social media accounts have since been deleted.

FBI ADDS 2 FUGITIVES TO 'MOST WANTED FRAUDSTERS' LIST AMID HISTORIC $6.5B HEALTHCARE TAKEDOWN: PATEL

Conor Washington, special agent in charge at the SSA Office of Inspector General, also accused Phillips of continuing to work as a personal trainer while collecting disability payments.

Phillips was charged in a three-count indictment, charging him with second degree grand larceny and two counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree.

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If he is convicted of grand larceny, he'll face a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Fox News Digital reached out to Phillips' defense attorney for comment.

Pro wrestling's most viral stars end NJ beach showcase with 'Curtain Call' as one is rumored to be WWE bound

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:11:06 -0400

There’s only one cure for a hot summer day in New Jersey – the beach.

Fight Factory Wrestling brought the sun, the cool ocean breeze and the excitement to the Jersey Shore on Tuesday night when it hosted The War on the Shore 3 at Martell’s Tiki Bar at Point Pleasant Beach.

Hundreds of fans brought their beach chairs, grabbed a cool beverage and watched a massive card featuring rising stars on the independent scene and familiar great do battle with some championships on the line as well as future opportunities for those big matches.

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

The final co-main event of the evening featured what was described as "ContentMania" among three pro wrestlers who have made incredible waves on social media. "Big Trouble" Ben Bishop was looking to defend the Fight Factory Premier Championship against the "Most Marketable" Richard Holliday and "The Veteran" Jack Vaughn.

Holliday made clear from the jump that no one was exempt from his "Signature Move," hitting it on Bishop early in the brawl. As the match wore on, Holliday and Bishop paid tribute to WWE star Matt Cardona, once known "Indy God," and performed some of his moves in the ring.

Unfortunately, at one point, the referee was knocked out. The championship match turned into a free-for-all with everyone trying to get their licks in before the official woke out of his slumber. Holliday seemed to be in control when Tommy Invincible’s music hit. "ContentMania" could not be without Invincible, who has a comparable following to those in the match.

Invincible would take out Holliday before the referee got back in gear. Bishop would turn his attention to Vaughn, eventually pinning him for the victory.

The focus was on Holliday after the match. Amid rumors of his impending WWE move, he left his boots in the ring following a match at Game Changer Wrestling over the weekend. Would he do the same in Point Pleasant Beach?

Instead, Holliday, Bishop, Vaughn and Invincible performed another wrestling trope. They took a page out of the playbook of WWE legends Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Shawn Michaels and performed their own version of the infamous "Curtain Call."

The act, which was done at a house show in 1996, saw Triple H, Nash, Hall and Michaels break character and embrace. By that time, Nash and Hall were about to change the game and jump to World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Triple H has said that’s when he believed the Attitude Era in professional wrestling really started.

For the men in the ring on Tuesday night, they received an ovation as well. However, Invincible wasn’t exempt from the "Signature Move." Holliday hit it one more time and the group walked to the back.

Holliday’s future is bright and there’s still plenty of dates left on his independent schedule this month. But he did seem to give the subtle hint that he could be NXT bound soon.

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Premier Women’s Championship

The other co-main event featured three of some of the hardest-hitting women’s wrestlers the sport has to offer. Lady Frost was defending her Fight Factory Wrestling Premier Women’s Championship against Steph De Lander and Allie Katch.

Each competitor was giving it their all with brutalizing chops, tough suplexes and going above and beyond to try to win that championship.

The match went outside of the ring in its latter stages. Frost brought De Lander and Katch near the entrance where a purple SUV was parked. She went to the top of the vehicle and nailed a moonsault on her competitors. The move got the crowd going. Katch recovered and made her way back to the ring.

But Frost had some business to take care of with De Lander. Frost trudged through the sand and allowed De Lander, an Australian native, to get in touch with the Atlantic Ocean. She whipped De Lander into the water, submerging her competitor completely. De Lander was stifled and Frost made her way back to the ring area.

Frost eventually pinned Katch to retain the championship.

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The War on the Shore 3 match results:

Sent 2 Slaughter def. The Heavenly Bodies to retain the Fight Factory Premier Tag Team Championship.
Ken Dixon won the Tiki Title Totem over Steve Maclin, Jordan Oliver and Marcus Mathers.
Rachel Ley and Kristin Blaze def. Emily Jaye and Dani Mo.
FBI def. Made in a six-man tag team match.
Jay Lethal def. Joey Janela.
TJ Marconi won the Sink or Swim battle royal.
Steve Gibiki retains the Fight Factory Openweight Championship over Alex Hammerstone.

Police say Canadian woman slapped teen over Trump and ICE clothing before ICE detained her

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:09:04 -0400

A Canadian woman living in New Jersey is now facing charges after being accused of attacking a teen wearing pants that displayed "Trump" and "ICE" on the boardwalk.

According to a report from NJ.com, Kaitlyn E. Tracey, 33, allegedly "slapped the victim across her face and body."

It happened after police say she approached the group of teens while recording them on her phone on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk.

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

Tracey reportedly did not jive with the group's "patriotic colored sweatpants with political wording," police said.

The Point Pleasant Beach Police Department said it happened Friday night, July 3, during the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend; surveillance video captured her allegedly "striking the juvenile female, once to the body and once to the face, with an open hand."

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She then ran off from the scene. Days later, Tracey was arrested on charges following an investigation into the case.

FBI ARRESTS PROTESTER WHO THREATENED TO KILL ICE OFFICER'S FAMILY AT NJ DETENTION CENTER PROTEST, BLANCHE SAYS

Police confirm Tracey is facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, harassment, and obstruction.

Tracey, who is a Canadian citizen, came to the U.S. in 2024 with a passport, the report says.

On Tuesday, a man claiming to be Tracey's husband posted a tearful plea on social media regarding the incident.

NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR, DEMOCRATIC SENATOR SPEND MEMORIAL DAY PROTESTING ICE FACILITY

In the video he said, "Yesterday July 13, my wife was detained by ICE and brought to Delaney Hall in North New Jersey."

A search of the ICE detainee locator confirms Tracey is in ICE custody at the Delaney Hall facility.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE for comment.

When reached by Fox News Digital, Tracey's attorney, Francis Hodgsen, declined to comment.

Jimmy Kimmel guest host makes crude jokes about Lindsay Graham, sister replacing him as senator

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:08:17 -0400

Comedian Ike Barinholtz made some crude jokes about the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Tuesday and his sister replacing him in the Senate while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show.

"But the big political story today is that we officially have a replacement for Lindsey Graham in the Senate," he said. "And it's Lindsey Graham's sister, which is very confusing because I always thought Lindsey Graham was Lindsey Graham's sister."

Graham's sister, Darline Graham, was sworn in on Tuesday to take over her brother's Senate seat and became the first female senator from South Carolina.

LINDSEY GRAHAM'S SISTER CARRIES ON LATE SENATOR'S WORK, BECOMING SOUTH CAROLINA'S FIRST FEMALE SENATOR

"Darline Graham Nordone, she was sworn in this afternoon on Capitol Hill and will finish her brother's term in office," Barinholtz added. "And Darlene said she'll work very hard over the next several months to support the president and she pledges to suck his t--- even harder than her brother did."

Fox News Digital reached out to the office of the late Sen. Graham for comment.

Barinholtz also joked that he liked that Graham was being replaced by his sister and said he was going to follow suit.

"In fact, I'm going to use it myself. I hereby decree that in the event I am unable to fill my duties here at the Jimmy Kimmel show, the remainder of my term as guest host will be served out by my sister, Ikena Barinholtz," he said, as he panned to a clip of him dressed as a woman in the audience.

JIMMY KIMMEL GUEST HOST JOKES ABOUT ABOUT LINDSEY GRAHAM'S DEATH AND SHOW GETTING 'PULLED OFF THE AIR AGAIN'

During "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Monday, Barinholtz also joked about the late South Carolina senator's death, and included a quip about Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

"What a crazy weekend," Barinholtz said. "Mitch McConnell is alive, Lindsey Graham is dead. There's so many opportunities to get Jimmy's show pulled off the air again. They’re gonna pull it off!"

He appeared to be referring to Kimmel’s brief suspension after he had joked about the death of conservative activist and TPUSA co-founder Charlie Kirk after he was assassinated last year.

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Graham, 71, died Saturday night. An autopsy performed on Sunday said Graham died from an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

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McConnell has been absent from the Senate for weeks following a health scare. On Sunday, just hours after Graham's death, McConnell revealed details about his nearly month-long hospital stay, saying in a statement, "My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumors or hemorrhages."

After joking about McConnell’s health Monday night, Barinholtz sarcastically remarked, "In all seriousness, though, I do want to extend well-wishes to Sen. McConnell. I hope you get the quality healthcare you've fought so hard to deny everyone else. Pulling for you, Mitch!"

Billy Joel says aging musicians who keep making records past their prime 'dilute their legacy'

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:03:52 -0400

Billy Joel believes in leaving on a high note.

The five-time Grammy winner said he stopped writing music after his 1993 album "River of Dreams" because he felt like "I was done."

"I didn’t want to lock myself in a cave and devote myself like a monk to writing anymore. I had done it 12 times," he told music producer Rick Beato in an interview posted to YouTube on Monday.

The "Uptown Girl" singer added that he also had a wife, ex Christie Brinkley, and a young daughter — his oldest, Alexa — at the time. Joel and Brinkley divorced in 1994.

RINGO STARR REVEALS THE ONE HUMBLE RITUAL THE BEATLES REFUSED TO QUIT EVEN AT THE HEIGHT OF FAME

He said he realized the Beatles made 12 albums and "that was just enough for me."

"And I decided I was not going to do it anymore because I’ve heard artists who keep putting out records and they really… they dilute their legacy," he added. "Maybe they’re not as good as they used to be, or they’re not as motivated as they were, but it ends up trailing off. I didn’t want to go like that."

The "Piano Man" singer didn’t name any of the aging artists he had in mind.

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He admitted that "it’s not easy to do" after Beato said he respected his decision to let his past music stand for itself.

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"Saying ‘no’ sometimes is really hard to do," he said, adding that, however, he did do an album of classical piano pieces afterward.

"That’s where I wanted to go. I was ready to do that," he said. "I didn’t want to just keep beating a dead horse and keep being played because I was Billy Joel. I wanted it to be good, and I recognized that I didn’t have the same motivation I used to have, so I said, ‘Stop. Don’t kill it.’"

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Ryan Reynolds stars as shot-down Navy pilot rescued by ex-KGB agent in Apple TV+’s ‘Mayday’

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:01:08 -0400

Apple TV's new movie "Mayday" looks awesome.

Basic info:

Streaming platform: Apple TV
Plot: Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh team up in "Mayday," a genre-bending, action-packed buddy comedy that flips the spy thriller on its head. When hotshot U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy "Assassin" Kelly (Reynolds) is sent on a top-secret mission into Russian territory at the height of the Cold War, the operation implodes, leaving him stranded behind enemy lines. Discovered by Nikolai Ustinov (Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent with a penchant for American culture, Troy thinks he’s toast — but could an unlikely alliance between the two lead to Troy’s rescue and a bond neither saw coming?
Cast: Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh.
Release date: September 4, 2026

NETFLIX RELEASES BONE-CHILLING PREVIEW FOR NEW THRILLER SERIES 'I WILL FIND YOU' STARRING SAM WORTHINGTON

'Mayday' trailer released.

Apple TV released the trailer for "Mayday" on Tuesday, and it took no time at all for it to start making waves online.

It's not hard to understand why. A Cold War action-comedy with Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh is absolutely going to draw serious interest.

Judging from the trailer, fans are in for a very fun time with "Mayday."

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Check out the preview starring Reynolds and Branagh below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

A Cold War action-comedy with Ryan Reynolds playing a shot down American pilot evading capture in the Soviet Union?

Say no more. I'm absolutely sold, and I love the fact the Soviet guy who finds him loves the USA. Realistic? Not at all, but it is a fun concept.

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It's also a further sign that there's been a serious vibe shift in entertainment away from slop and towards stuff that is actually entertaining.

You can catch "Mayday" on Apple TV starting September 4th. Make sure to let me know your thoughts on the trailer at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Ice-T drops marriage advice after more than 20 years with Coco Austin

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:26 -0400

Ice-T is dropping marriage advice that has allowed him to stay happily married to Coco Austin for 20 years.

Ice-T and Jon Heder are co-starring on the FOX celebrity competition series "Nation's Dumbest," hosted by Jack Whitehall. At the press event, Ice-T spoke to Fox News Digital about maintaining his marriage.

"I think in a relationship, I think you just have to do what got you guys started. You know, when you first started dating, you can't get rid of date night," Ice-T, whose legal name is Tracy Lauren Marrow, said.

"Life comes in, drama, stress, but you got to return to that moment as much as you can. And then talk a lot. You know? Never let a problem fester. If there's a problem, let's get it out. Let's talk about it quick. Don't let it sit.

JESSIE JAMES DECKER ON WHY HER MARRIAGE TO ERIC DECKER HASN'T LOST ITS SPARK AFTER FOUR KIDS

"Don't be mad at me for like a month about something I didn't even know got you mad," Ice-T continued before adding, "Jon's been married for a while too. He understands."

Heder then chimed in with a proactive reason for Ice-T's successful relationship.

"But I think the secret for you is also expanding," Heder added.

"Yeah, expand. I expand. If I don't expand right, you know, women need expansion," Ice-T concluded.

WATCH: Ice-T drops marriage advice after 20 years with Coco Austin

Ice-T and Coco have been married since 2002. They share their 10-year-old daughter, Chanel Nicole Marrow.

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Heder married his wife, Kirsten the same year as Ice-T and Coco. Kirsten and Jon share four kids.

"Nation's Dumbest" is FOX's new celebrity competition series that puts a comedic twist on the traditional game show format. Hosted by Whitehall, the series challenges 12 celebrities to return to "summer school," where they compete in a mix of classroom-inspired trivia, physical games and school-themed challenges.

But unlike most competition shows, the objective isn't to win — it's to be eliminated. Each week, the contestant who performs the best "graduates" from the competition, while those who struggle remain in the game. In the end, the last celebrity standing earns the title no one wants: "The Nation's Dumbest."

Ice-T told Fox News Digital that there is still one question from the series that haunts him.

"Yeah, 'how do you spell guarantee?' I mean, I know how to spell guarantee, starts G-U, and I don't know, I was standing on a ledge," Ice-T said.

WATCH: Ice-T shares question that still haunts him from 'Nation's Dumbest'

He continued, "You know, in the moment, your brain is scrambled. And I knew how to spell it, and spelled it wrong."

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The inaugural cast includes Ice-T, Heder, Hilaria Baldwin, Carmen Electra, Anthony Michael Hall, Chase Hudson, Elle King, Matt Leinart, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Steve-O, JoJo Siwa and Andrew Yang.

The format, which has found success internationally, blends pop quizzes, report cards, recess-inspired games and "final exams" with Whitehall's signature humor. FOX has described the series as a fresh take on celebrity competition television, designed to deliver laughs by turning the usual goal of winning completely upside down.

The series premieres Wednesday, July 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX and streams the next day on Hulu.

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Alabama sheriff details gruesome murders of veteran and wife inside their own home

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:57:16 -0400

A military veteran along with his wife were both gruesomely killed during a burglary in Alabama, according to officials.

A 46-year-old man was arrested after allegedly killing a husband and wife found dead at their Reform, Alabama, home Sunday, the Pickens County Sheriff's Office said. Justin Elrod and his wife, Lena Elrod, were discovered dead at 12:15 a.m. following reports of a burglary. George Birmingham faces charges in their deaths, officials said.

Birmingham was arrested on charges of one count of capital murder, two counts of murder, one count of burglary and additional drug-related charges.

FLORIDA MEN INDICTED IN ARMED HOME INVASION WHERE SUSPECT POSED AS UTILITY WORKER, 13-YEAR-OLD ZIP-TIED: DOJ

Court records indicate Birmingham was accused of killing Lena Elrod with an electric saw and stabbed or struck Justin Elrod in the head with a metallic object.

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The sheriff's office said Birmingham was accused of killing the husband and wife before the burglary inside their home.

According to WBRC, a motive hasn't been established, but authorities said Birmingham was an "acquaintance" of the Elrods.

SLAIN NJ MOTHER 911 CALL MADE BY HER HUSBAND HAS FORENSIC EXPERT WARNING ONE MISTAKE COULD DERAIL FOCUS

Aliceville Mayor Terrence Windham described Justin Elrod as a hard worker who was humble.

"He was a very humble guy, and he was the last person that I would think that something like this would happen to," Windham said. "He survived the military, survived working in the prison, and now, this situation, it just makes it even worse."

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Jason Burns, who worked with Justin Elrod at a federal prison, said he's still at a loss that his friend was killed.

NFL STAR'S BROTHER CHARGED WITH MURDER OF MOTHER AFTER POLICE FOUND HIM SELF-BARRICADED NEAR BODY

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"About every five minutes," Burns said. "About every five minutes, I’m having that moment."

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"We ask everyone to continue keeping the victims’ families, those affected by this tragedy, and the responding first responders in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the sheriff's office said.

Stephen Miller says Iranian officials are 'desperate' to strike a deal with Trump after escalation

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:49:28 -0400

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said Tuesday that some Iranian officials are "desperate" to strike a deal with the Trump administration amid renewed strikes and escalating U.S. pressure on Tehran.

"There are elements in the country, in the government, that are desperate to make a deal with the United States," Miller said.

"And we entered into an agreement that the Iranians violated, they attacked commercial shipping through this strait, and President Trump made clear: 'You do not cross the United States, you do not violate an agreement with the United States. You do not break your word with President Trump or America, and you attack shipping in violation of that agreement, and you will pay a hellish price,' and that is what has happened," he added.

TRUMP SAYS IRAN CEASEFIRE IS 'OVER' AFTER IRANIAN ATTACKS TRIGGER MASSIVE US RESPONSE

Miller's remarks come as the Trump administration has resumed strikes against Iran following the collapse of a ceasefire that the White House says Iran violated by attacking commercial shipping.

Miller argued Tehran had grown accustomed to testing previous U.S. leaders without facing consequences but said Iranian leaders "made one vital mistake" by assuming they could do the same under Trump.

"They forgot that Donald Trump is the president of the United States," Miller said.

TRUMP HAS 3 CHOICES TO DEFINE VICTORY IF HE WANTS TO BEAT IRAN. NONE OF THEM ARE EASY

"One way or another, whether it be through bombing, whether it be through the blockade, whether it be through economic strangulation, whether it be through global pressure brought to bear, any or all of these things, one way or another, this country, this regime, will ultimately be forced to change its ways."

Miller later said the administration believes the apparent divisions inside Iran are evidence that the president's strategy is succeeding.

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"For 47 years, there wasn't an inch of daylight. There wasn't any crack," Miller said. "Now you have this giant canyon-sized fissure as the country is fighting amongst itself for its future."

Miller reiterated the administration's objective of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, arguing that the regime must abandon its nuclear ambitions before lasting peace can be achieved.

Spend less time cleaning your pool this summer with Beatbot robot cleaners — up to 42% off

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:34:41 -0400

Before you dive into the pool this summer, make sure it's ready for swimming. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or throwing a World Cup party, let a Beatbot robot pool vacuum handle the cleaning. Models are now up to 42% off.

Choose the entry-level iSkim to clean every corner of smaller pools, or step up to the Sora 30, which runs for up to five hours while collecting debris. For larger pools, the AquaSense 2 Ultra scrubs floors, walls and even the surface. Beatbot also offers a 3% discount for seniors and military personnel.

AquaSense 2 Ultra: $2,199 (30% off)

Original price: $3,150

Keep your pool clean all summer with the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra, which scrubs floors, walls and the waterline in a single cleaning cycle. Use the companion app to monitor the robot, check your pool's water quality and choose from multiple cleaning modes. AI-powered navigation maps your pool for thorough coverage, then the robot returns to the surface for easy retrieval. Save $951 before the sale ends.

Sora 30: $689 (31% off)

Original price: $999

Tackle leaves, dirt and other debris with the Beatbot Sora 30, which cleans everything from shallow platforms to walls and the waterline. Save $300 while the 30% discount lasts. Its five-hour runtime and 5-liter debris tank help it finish the job in a single cleaning cycle. When it's done, the robot returns to the surface, so you don't have to jump in to retrieve it.

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

Beatbot iSkim: $319 (36% off)

Original price: $499

Go with the Beatbot iSkim if you're looking for an affordable way to automate pool cleaning. Now more than $100 off, this entry-level model features a 9-liter filter basket that holds more debris between cleanings, a built-in solar panel that helps keep the battery charged and all-terrain wheels that reach pool sides and corners. A full charge delivers up to 28 hours of runtime, making it a great fit for most residential pools.

You can also shop Beatbot's full lineup of pool vacuums here, or stop its Amazon storefront here.

How the 'long march' through the institutions led to socialist takeover of Dem Party: 'Need to wake up'

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:41:58 -0400

The rise of socialist candidates across the United States has reignited a long-running debate over how far left the Democratic Party has shifted, with political veterans from both parties telling Fox News Digital the movement's success is the product of decades of ideological change that started with cultural institutions and that failing to confront it could have profound consequences for the country's future.

"Yuri Bezmenov, a KGB defector, warned of ‘great brainwashing’ schemes to undermine America and the West some 40 years ago," New York City Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, who grew up in Soviet Ukraine, told Fox News Digital.

"What we’re seeing now is anything but ‘grassroots’; it’s the effect of decades-long campaigns to subvert American thought and way of life."

That campaign, some experts argue, is the underlying reason behind the rise of socialist candidates like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the candidates he backed for Congress last month, as well as Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, and the various other candidates who embrace socialist ideology.

THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS ARE NO LONGER ON THE FRINGE

"Marxist schemes slowly mainstreamed once-fringe ideas like ‘America is systematically racist,’ or ‘all cops are bastards,’ and ‘capitalism is evil,’" Vernikov explained. "The biggest culprits are the education system, which is increasingly beholden to radicalized teachers’ unions, and moderate Democrat politicians who have refused to challenge – and in most cases embraced – their radical, anti-West peers. The next thing you know, we have a socialist mayor committed to the destruction of our value system and three of his cronies on their way to Congress."

Mike Gonzalez, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation who fled communist Cuba in the 1970s, told Fox News Digital the path to this point over the last several decades was blazed by the "long march through the institutions" where the "cultural left took over the K-12 school system, higher education, art houses, media, entertainment, and museums."

NEWT GINGRICH: THE DECLARATION STILL TERRIFIES SOCIALISTS AND TYRANTS, HERE AND ABROAD

Gonzalez, co-author of the book "NextGen Marxism: What It Is and How to Combat It," pointed to a sweeping new White House report that concluded the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History (NMAH) has become a taxpayer-backed institution of "ideological capture" and "extreme political activism."

"People think America is exceptional because it is rich and powerful, which completely misunderstands American exceptionalism and the concept of exceptionalism. American exceptionalism is not at all about America being free, rich and powerful," Gonzalez said.

"On the contrary, America is rich and powerful because of America’s exceptional nature. And that has nothing to do with being rich and powerful. It has to do with the fact that America derived its sovereignty from the concept of natural rights. They stopped demanding their rights as Englishmen and turned around and started demanding their rights as men under the concept of natural rights — that they have these rights that are endowed by the Creator with natural rights, and that these rights are eternal. Nobody has taught Mamdani this. Instead, they have taught Mamdani to hate America — that America is structurally oppressive and systemically racist — and that has been the message of these institutions."

SOCIALISTS LAUNCH RADICAL PLATFORM TO ABOLISH THE US SENATE IN BID TO FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORM AMERICA

As concerns about the growth of socialism and communism grow, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is adopting and rolling out an updated platform that cuts at the heart of what many conservatives view as America’s constitutional framework and public-safety system, including calls to abolish the U.S. Senate, replace the Electoral College, defund police departments and abolish prisons.

Gonzalez told Fox News Digital that if he had to put a date on when the left’s cultural takeover began to explode, it would be the 1980s.

"It started in earnest in the '80s because the members of the New Left that had been terrorists, like the Weather Underground and the Black Panthers and so forth, they come out of hiding and they start taking over the teaching profession," Gonzalez explained.

"They go into cultural areas and by the late '80s, you have the doctrine of critical race theory, before that, you have critical legal theory and that takes over the law schools and then it gravitates to all faculties, and then it comes to the Ivy walls in the second decade of the 21st century with Obama, Obama creates the environment for it."

Much has been made in recent months about the disappearance of "moderates" within the Democratic Party and some attribute that to what Gonzalez referred to as the "decimation" of moderate Democrats in red and purple districts during the Obama years.

Obama, who moved in many of the same Chicago political and civic circles as former Weather Underground co-founder Bill Ayers during his early political career, is often accused by conservatives of opening the door to the far-left of the party with his rhetoric and big government policies like Obamacare. During Obama's eight years in office, Democrats lost more than 1,000 elected offices nationwide, including 63 House seats, 12 Senate seats, 12 governorships, and roughly 940 state legislative seats, in one of the party's most severe down-ballot declines in modern history.

During Obama's presidency, as moderate Democrats were losing elected offices across the country, several high-profile left-wing movements emerged, including Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter. The country also witnessed widespread protests, and, in some cities, riots, following high-profile police shootings, including the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, after the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown.

How did the Democratic Party go from pragmatic bipartisan leaders in the 1980s and 1990s to the schism between socialists and moderates that exists today? Gonzalez suggested patriotism is the underlying issue.

"I would go back to pre-Bill Clinton," Gonzalez said when asked about the last time the Democratic Party had leaders who could stand up to the socialist wing. "I would say Tip O'Neill, and Dick Gephardt, these are people that I strongly disagreed with when I was alive back then, I disagreed with them on Central American policy, but they loved the flag, they loved America, they loved capitalism. Tip O'Neill would not have put up with Mamdani's balderdash on collectivism or seizing the means of production."

A Gallup poll released in late June found Americans' national pride has fallen to its lowest level in the survey's 25-year history, with just 53% saying they are "extremely" or "very" proud to be American. The survey also found a sharp partisan divide: 93% of Republicans said they were extremely or very proud to be American, compared to 27% of Democrats, continuing a trend of widening differences in national pride between the two parties.

Veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf told Fox News Digital the political divide in the United States now essentially boils down to two groups: those who love the country and those who don’t.

EXPERT WHO FLED CUBA WARNS OF ‘VICIOUS CYCLE’ THAT WILL LEAD TO ‘COMMUNISTS IN DOUBLE DIGITS’ IN CONGRESS

"If you hate this country, it doesn't matter whether you are a Republican or a Democrat," Sheinkopf said. "If someone hates the country, you have an obligation to do whatever you can to stop them. And the people telling you they hate this country mean they hate its residents as well. They hate differences, they hate multi-ethnic societies, they hate Western democracy, and they're going to do whatever they can to stop it. If you look at the DSA website, it's pretty clear."

As far as what can be done to reverse the spread of communist ideology within the Democratic Party, Sheinkopf said Democrats need to "engage in real partisanship as opposed to blabathons" while focusing less on President Donald Trump and more on engaging with "programmatic arguments" on substantive issues.

"Low turnouts benefit the enemy, the enemy are the enemies of democracy and people have to stop thinking about it as Republican or Democrat," Sheinkopf said, referencing the low turnouts in places like New York City, where socialists have seen major victories.

Sheinkopf explained that in addition to the failures of leadership within the Democratic Party, his generation did a "crappy job" warning their children of the dangers of socialism, and instead installed the "religion called social justice."

"What it is, is the beginning of the fall of Western civilization by its disruption and that's the idiocy that people fail to understand," Sheinkopf said.

A Fox News poll released in March found a record 38% of registered voters said it would be a good thing for the United States to move away from capitalism and toward socialism, up from 32% in 2022 and just 18% when the question was first asked in 2010, underscoring a growing openness to socialist ideas even as a majority of voters still oppose such a shift.

Communist and socialist organizations have also become increasingly visible at high-profile demonstrations over the past year. During May Day protests in Minneapolis this spring, members of Communist Party USA and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization marched alongside other activist groups carrying communist and socialist banners while participants called for a "revolution" and displayed anti-capitalist messaging, Fox News Digital extensively reported.

Similar scenes have played out at demonstrations in New York City, where communist organizations have openly distributed literature, displayed communist flags and promoted Marxist ideology at larger anti-Trump protests.

The political shift has gotten the attention of President Trump, who earlier this month in a speech at Mount Rushmore described communism as "the greatest threat" facing the United States.

"It is the greatest threat to our country, including World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or even 9/11," Trump said. "We're not going to let this happen to us. Believe me, we're not letting it happen, because communism is the enemy of free people."

Historians estimate communist regimes, many of which described themselves as socialist states, in the Soviet Union, China, Cambodia and elsewhere were responsible for the deaths of more than 100 million people during the 20th century through executions, forced labor, famine and political repression.

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"This needs to be taken very seriously," Gonzalez told Fox News Digital. "Mamdani tells you about collectivism, that's one of the ways you know he's a communist, he doesn't tell you what follows collectivism, the gulags follow collectivism and Marx himself tells you why the gulags follow collectivism."

"Marx in the manifesto says when you take people's property away, they get awfully angry and they're gonna fight back and you're gonna need, ‘despotic inroads.’ This is what the English translation of the German says, despotic inroads. In other words, you're going to need to be repressive. And that's gulags. And that follows collectivism. America needs to understand there is a specter haunting America, and it's communism. They need to wake up to this."

Trump reverses DHS policy, orders ICE to resume vehicle stops after one-day pause

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:40:28 -0400

The day after the Department of Homeland Security announced a pause on ICE vehicle stops, President Donald Trump instructed the agency to reverse course on what he called "one of ICE's most important and effective Crime Fighting tools."

In a social media post, Trump wrote, "We CANNOT give up one of ICE's most important and effective Crime fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!"

The president reasoned that the announced DHS policy shift would be "playing right into the criminal’s [sic] hands."

"The Radical Left Dumocrats would like to see this done, but it won’t happen on my watch," he wrote. Addressing federal agents directly, he then said, "ICE, be judicious, fair and smart, and go back and do your very important job."

ICE AGENTS INSTRUCTED TO END MOST VEHICLE STOPS IN MAJOR POLICY SHIFT

The White House confirmed with Fox News that the president had overturned the pause on vehicle stops. This comes after multiple ICE sources confirmed with Fox News on Tuesday that agents were being instructed nationwide to cease most vehicle stops, a major shift in the agency’s immigration enforcement operations.

According to the sources, agents were instructed to end all vehicle stops except for targets considered to be the most egregious with serious or violent criminal histories. The pause was said to be indefinite and was to remain in effect until DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin had approved new vehicle stop training, and it had been implemented to agents in the field.

The pause followed two individuals being fatally shot by ICE agents during vehicle stops in Maine and Texas within the span of one week.

One senior ICE source remarked to Fox News that the change is "horrible but needs to happen."

ICE SAYS OFFICER SHOT AND KILLED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO TRIED TO RAM HIM WITH CAR IN HOUSTON

Trump, however, appears to feel differently.

"The men and women of ICE are doing a GREAT job, one that has to be done. CRIME IS WAY DOWN IN AMERICA, in many cases with numbers that haven’t been seen in decades," he wrote.

He said that former President Joe Biden, who he referred to as "Sleepy Joe Biden," allowed 25 million people into the country, many of whom he said were "unchecked and unvetted."

"Many were Criminals, and we have to get them out. In order to do this, we must be strong, tough, and smart," he wrote.

ICE OFFICER HAILED AS HERO AFTER SAVING DRIVER INJURED IN MISSOURI CRASH

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To the ICE agents operating across the country, Trump wrote, "Keep those Crime Stat Records coming!" and "Remember, you are loved and respected in America."

The statement was reposted by DHS.

Fox News' Alexis McAdams contributed to this report.

Biden book launch backfires as critics mock ‘autopen’ president into oblivion

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:37:00 -0400

Former President Joe Biden’s announcement of a forthcoming memoir drew swift mockery from conservatives Wednesday, with critics reviving questions about his health, age and use of an autopen during his presidency.

"This guy couldn't even sign his own name. He's not writing books. LMAO," wrote former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt on X.

"Politicians write books to launder money. Nobody wants to read this, but the corrupt NGOs he provided for as President will buy up 100K copies and burn 'em to hold up their end of the bribes,’" the former reality TV star added.

EX-DEM INSIDER REVEALS SHE WILL EXPOSE DEMOCRATS WHO COVERED UP BIDEN'S COGNITIVE DECLINE IN NEW BOOK

Biden's memoir, "Promise Me, America," will chronicle his presidency and reveal the "deeply agonizing calculation" behind his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, according to a press release announcing the book. The memoir is set to come out on Nov. 17, about two weeks after the midterms.

Biden announced the book in a video posted to X Wednesday. He added that he has been receiving treatment for his cancer diagnosis and that it has been going "really well."

"It's about the challenges we face as a nation and about the decisions I made and why I made them, leading the country through co rebuilding our economy and restoring our democracy after the attack on January 6th, ending our nation's longest war in Afghanistan, strengthening NATO and supporting Ukraine," Biden said.

SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS AFTER JILL BIDEN REVEALS SHE WAS 'FRIGHTENED' WATCHING JOE'S DISASTROUS DEBATE

Social media users swiftly mocked Biden’s announcement.

"The first lie of Joe Biden’s book launch: ‘I’ve written a book,’" wrote conservative communicator Steve Guest.

"Could you imagine if this guy was halfway through his second term. it’s still insane to me that so many people lied about this man’s health to hold onto power," wrote The Brand Brief’s Nathan Brand on X.

JAKE TAPPER DISPUTES JILL BIDEN'S CLAIM SHE FEARED FOR HUSBAND'S HEALTH AT CNN DEBATE

"Joe Biden couldn’t sign his own pardons. Now he’s ‘written’ a book, which Democrats forced him to release after the midterms so he wouldn’t be in the news to remind people how bad he was," wrote Outkick founder Clay Travis. "Who in the world is buying this book?"

"Who do we think wrote this book," questioned Daily Wire editor-in-chief Brent Scher.

"Did the autopen write this too," Missouri Republican Rep. Jason Smith questioned.

"Auto pen," Republican candidate for Congress in Florida Mark Kaye wrote simply.

Many X users responded to the video announcement with the photo in the Presidential Walk of Fame that shows an image of an autopen marking Biden’s name.

President Donald Trump replaced Biden’s portrait with the device previously used by the commander in chief to sign important orders, including pardons.

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Trump has railed against Biden’s use of the autopen, claiming the former president didn’t know what documents he was signing and that thousands of pardons were void. Trump and other Republicans have questioned Biden’s mental acuity while in office.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Office of Joe Biden and the White House for comment.

Family stopped alleged child kidnapper as police say staffing shortage delayed response up to 40 minutes

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:35:59 -0400

Portland police say a staffing shortage contributed to a 30- to 40-minute response to an alleged attempted kidnapping of a 7-year-old tourist at a downtown waterfront park over the weekend, with newly released police data showing the city typically has about 59 patrol officers on the streets at any given time.

The Portland Police Bureau recently released new staffing and response-time data as officials seek to explain how limited patrol resources affect emergency calls and why response times can vary across the city.

Shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday, Portland police received reports of a naked man running through Tom McCall Waterfront Park, with one caller reporting the suspect had attempted to punch someone. Police previously said no officers were immediately available because they were responding to other emergencies.

NEW 911 AUDIO CAPTURES NEIGHBORS WARNING OF 'FULL-OUT WAR' BEFORE POLICE WERE ATTACKED IN BLOCK PARTY CHAOS

About 12 minutes later, another 911 caller reported the suspect had grabbed a 7-year-old girl and attempted to pull her away from her mother.

Officers ultimately arrested 31-year-old Daniel Vasey after finding him swimming in the nearby Willamette River. He faces charges including attempted kidnapping in the first and second degree, first-degree custodial interference, third-degree assault and harassment.

Investigators said Vasey grabbed the girl's arm while her mother held onto the other arm, lifting the child off the ground during the struggle. The girl's father and several bystanders intervened, punching, slapping and pulling Vasey away before one witness used pepper spray to stop him, according to police.

BOSTON COP PELTED BY MOB AS DIRT BIKE SUSPECT ESCAPES IN WILD VIRAL VIDEO: ‘HE WAS ALL ALONE’

The family, police said, was visiting Portland from out of state.

Officers did not reach the scene for an estimated 30 to 40 minutes after the initial 911 calls because they were tied up responding to a barricaded suspect in Portland's Old Town neighborhood, according to FOX 12 Oregon. During a news conference this week, Deputy Chief Brian Hughes said major incidents can quickly consume available patrol resources.

"We don't have the appropriate amount of police officers to handle the amount of demand for police services," Hughes told reporters.

WILD VIDEO SHOWS INMATES RIOTING INSIDE JAIL AFTER FRUSTRATIONS OVER ACCESS BOIL OVER

Police said officers responding to a barricaded suspect in Portland's Old Town neighborhood were unavailable when roughly a dozen 911 calls began coming in about the naked man at Waterfront Park.

Sgt. Matt Jacobson, of the bureau's Major Crimes Division, said incidents like the barricaded suspect can quickly consume available resources.

"They're resource intensive. And so when you have a draw like that, it really puts a drain on the entire city, not just that precinct," Jacobson told reporters.

Hughes said the bureau was operating with 41 patrol officers across Portland that night, along with 10 officers working overtime, a roughly 24% reduction from planned staffing. He said there are no reserve patrol officers who can be called in immediately when multiple major incidents unfold at once.

NAKED MAN TRIES TO KIDNAP 7-YEAR-OLD TOURIST FROM MOTHER AT PORTLAND PARK, BYSTANDERS INTERVENE

"Unless it's an on-call group of officers like the SWAT team or the traffic team, there's no additional officers that I can just bring in at a moment's notice," Hughes said.

According to the bureau's newly released staffing dashboard, Portland has 809 sworn members, including 572 officers. The bureau says 328 patrol officers are assigned to answer 911 calls across the city's three precincts.

Because patrol officers work rotating schedules, attend court, take leave, complete mandatory training and handle ongoing calls, the bureau estimates about 59 patrol officers are typically working on Portland streets at any given time.

The bureau says officers were dispatched to approximately 221,000 calls for service in 2025, about 605 calls per day, or one every 2.4 minutes.

Officials also released new response-time data showing that delays are driven primarily by calls waiting for an available officer rather than travel time.

According to the bureau, high-priority calls average 19.5 minutes from dispatch to arrival, including about 10.9 minutes waiting for an available officer. Medium-priority calls average 46.7 minutes, while low-priority calls average nearly 95 minutes.

Hughes said officers are often forced to triage calls because there are not enough available patrol units to respond immediately.

"It's just triaging calls as they come in on the street, as opposed to having enough officers to handle each call as they came in," Hughes said.

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The staffing dashboard also shows the bureau has 68 sworn vacancies. Police estimate Portland has about 1.26 sworn officers per 1,000 residents, compared with what the bureau says is a national average of approximately 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Portland Police Bureau seeking additional information about its staffing shortages and response times.

Left-wing interviewer presses Ro Khanna on whether Hamas was justified to attack Israel on October 7

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:16:30 -0400

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., refused to say that any attacks on Israel during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack could be justified despite repeated questioning from a far-left journalist on Tuesday.

The exchange came after Drop Site reporter Jeremy Scahill asked Khanna during a livestream event about the congressman's recent claims that he was detained by armed Israeli settlers while visiting the West Bank last week.

Though Khanna expressed support for ending the Israeli "occupation" of Gaza and accusing Israel of "apartheid" and "genocide,", Scahill took issue with Khanna's reluctance to enact a total arms embargo on Israel.

MIKE HUCKABEE REJECTS RO KHANNA'S ISRAEL VISIT CLAIMS: 'NOT HELD AT GUNPOINT'

"What you're saying is that the accountability then doesn't lie on American policy toward Israel," Scahill told Khanna. "It's sort of something abstract. 'Well, Israeli civilians could die.' Israeli civilians are dying in these attacks because of the apartheid."

Scahill then appeared to argue that the terrorist attacks against Israel could be justified as efforts to "kill Israeli soldiers."

"You know, do Palestinians have a right to kill Israeli soldiers, Congressman? On October 7, when they attacked the military bases in the Gaza envelope, did the Al-Qassam Brigades and Saraya al-Quds have a right to kill Israeli soldiers? Yes or no?" Scahill asked.

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"I mean, I think October 7's attack was a terrorist attack, so I don't justify it," Khanna answered.

Scahill insisted that the "first targets" of the Oct. 7 attacks were "multiple military bases" and asked if there was any justification in attacking them.

"I am not for violence in any way. I mean, I am for making sure that we end the occupation," Khanna began.

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"Do they have a right to do it, Congressman? Do they have a right to attack Israeli soldiers?" Scahill pressed.

"No, I'm not going to say that Hamas had a right to attack Israeli soldiers or kill Israelis. I don't think that advances peace or advances Palestinian statehood," Khanna said.

Khanna defended Israel's right to fight back against Hamas for the attack, though he still accused Israel of being guilty of genocide. However, he continued to face pushback from Scahill for refusing to answer whether Palestinians could be justified in killing Israeli soldiers.

"It's a double standard. You're saying there are ways that Israel should be able to kill Palestinians, but there is never a condition under which Palestinians can attack armed uniformed soldiers of a force that is still considered an occupying force under international law," Scahill said.

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Khanna is one of several Democratic politicians who have criticized Israel since its war against Hamas. Opposition to Israel has since become a top political issue among Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.

A new chapter for America’s 250th: 'J250' initiative puts Jewish contributions in the spotlight

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:15:59 -0400

Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, recently introduced "pro-Semitism," an educational vision centered on celebrating Jewish contributions to America alongside the continued fight against antisemitism.

Kaploun underlined his new push by saying, "the Jewish people are more than the hatred that defines us." His remarks came during America's 250th Birthday Shabbat Dinner, where government officials, Jewish leaders, educators and community members gathered to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.

The evening also served as the launch of the J250 Initiative, a landmark educational project dedicated to advancing public understanding of the profound, foundational role Jewish Americans have played in the American story.

WORLD LEADERS, DIGNITARIES PAY TRIBUTE TO AMERICA ON HISTORIC 250TH BIRTHDAY

The launch comes as the FBI's most recent annual hate crime data shows anti-Jewish incidents reached their highest level since the bureau began tracking the statistics in 1991.

According to the FBI's 2024 Hate Crime Statistics, law enforcement agencies reported 1,938 anti-Jewish hate crime incidents. Although Jews comprise roughly 2% of the U.S. population, they were the targets of nearly 69% of all religion-based hate crimes reported nationwide. Organizers say that while antisemitism must continue to be confronted, educating Americans about Jewish contributions offers another powerful way to combat prejudice.

The J250 Initiative reflects what organizers describe as a shift away from a defensive, reactive approach to combating antisemitism and toward an inspiring, proactive celebration of Jewish contributions throughout American history. They say rather than allowing Jewish identity to be viewed primarily through the lens of persecution, the project highlights what organizers call the nation's "Jewish American Golden Age" by celebrating generations of Jewish patriots, entrepreneurs, scientists, physicians, public servants, soldiers, philanthropists and civic leaders whose contributions have helped shape and strengthen the fabric of the republic since its founding.

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The core mission of J250 is to uncover overlooked stories from the American Revolution through modern American history.

Among the first individuals to be featured are Haym Salomon, the Revolutionary War financier whose support helped sustain Gen. George Washington's army; Francis Salvador, widely recognized as the first Jewish American to die fighting for American independence; and Continental Army officer Solomon Bush. Organizers say these are only a few of the 250 stories that demonstrate the enduring impact Jewish Americans have had on the nation's history and development.

The initiative also highlights more recent Jewish Americans whose contributions helped shape the nation's culture, science, medicine and public life.

As a Jewish immigrant, Irving Berlin arrived in the United States as a child after fleeing persecution and went on to become one of America's most celebrated composers and songwriters. His classics, including "God Bless America," "White Christmas" and "There's No Business Like Show Business,: helped shape the soundtrack of the nation and remain woven into America's cultural identity.

The project also recognizes American Jewish physician Dr. Jonas Salk, whose development of the first successful polio vaccine stands among the greatest medical breakthroughs in history. His discovery saved millions of lives and transformed public health. By choosing not to patent the vaccine, he ensured it could be widely distributed, protecting generations of children from polio worldwide.

THE REVOLUTIONARY LANDMARKS WHERE WASHINGTON, ADAMS AND JEFFERSON CHANGED AMERICA

Another featured Jewish American is baseball legend Sandy Koufax, who rose to become one of the greatest pitchers in history, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to multiple World Series championships and earning three Cy Young Awards. At the height of his career in 1965, Koufax chose to sit out Game 1 of the World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur, a decision that became one of the defining moments in American sports. His decision inspired generations of athletes and became a lasting symbol of integrity, conviction and the freedom to live one's values.

"As I said in my Senate confirmation hearing, education is the best way to combat antisemitism," Kaploun told Fox News Digital, "Teaching the world about the greatest Jewish contributors to American history gives people the knowledge to counter those who spread hate and lies about the American Jewish community."

The initiative also includes a Jewish American Heritage curriculum, a national social media campaign and a student scholarship competition encouraging young Americans to explore Jewish history through the broader American story.

"Jewish Americans have helped build the America we love today, from the battlefields of the Revolution to the frontiers of modern science," said Arie Lipnick, co-founder of The J250 Foundation. "It is only by renewing these foundational lessons that we can ensure the promise of America burns brightly for the next 250 years."

Kaploun also reflected on his family's immigration to the United States. "My great-great-grandfather immigrated from Galicia in the 1880s. My great-grandfather immigrated to the United States in 1913," he said. "They could have never dreamed that their great or great-great grandson would one day be hosting America's Birthday Shabbat Dinner. But that is exactly the American dream."

He said America's founding ideals of religious liberty, freedom of speech and equal opportunity created an environment in which generations of immigrants, including Jewish Americans, could contribute to the nation's success while remaining faithful to their heritage.

Physician and philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson echoed the evening's themes of unity, gratitude and hope.

"I love America as I love Israel," Adelson told attendees. "We need to hope, we need to love each other. Maybe the next generation will be better and better."

Her remarks reinforced the initiative's message of fostering greater understanding, mutual respect and optimism for the future.

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For organizers, J250 represents more than a historical project. It is an effort to ensure that Jewish history in America is not defined solely through the lens of antisemitism, but through the lens of patriotism, service, sacrifice, innovation, civic leadership and nation-building. The organizers say they hope to reclaim stories that have too often been overlooked and inspire a deeper appreciation for the role Jewish Americans have played in shaping the country over the past 250 years.

"If these last 250 years demanded we create the word 'antisemitism,'" Kaploun said, "let these next 250 years lead us to create a new word in its stead: ‘pro-semitism.’ Being proud to be Jewish, educating the world and respecting one another. That is what it means to be pro-semitic."

Skip the bargain bin: 13 school supplies that pay for themselves

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:06:13 -0400

It's easy to save money on back-to-school basics like pencils and notebooks, but some purchases are worth spending a little more on. A backpack that lasts for years, a TI-84 graphing calculator students can use from high school through college and AirPods for less than $100 can all pay off over time. We rounded up 13 back-to-school buys worth the investment, organized by age group.

Kindergarten supplies

Little ones can be hard on their gear, but these picks will grow with them and actually last.

Kipling Seoul 15-inch backpack: $154

Kipling's signature crinkled nylon backpack is designed to stand up to everyday wear, while the padded shoulder straps help distribute the weight of heavy school supplies. Choose from a variety of kid-friendly colors and prints, then complete the set with a matching lunch bag and pencil case.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet: $189.99

The Fire HD 10 Kids tablet comes with a durable bumper case and a two-year worry-free guarantee, so Amazon will replace it if it breaks during normal use. Parents can manage screen time and age-appropriate content with built-in controls. It also comes with a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription.

OmieBox insulated bento box: $49.95

Pack hot and cold foods in the same lunch container with the OmieBox. The built-in insulated thermos keeps warm foods separate from cold snacks, while the leakproof design helps prevent spills. The removable parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Kipling Minions Monkey keychain: $39

This Kipling monkey clip makes a kindergartner's bag instantly identifiable in a pile of identical backpacks while doubling as a fun, collectible toy they'll get attached to.

High school supplies

High school is where the workload gets real, and these supplies can stand up to longer study sessions.

Apple AirPods 4: $99 (23% off)

Original price: $129

It's rare that Apple products go on sale before the school year, but the AirPods 4 are now on sale for under $100. They pair instantly to an iPhone, iPad and Mac, and have up to 30 hours of battery life to last through several full school days.

Owala FreeSip Sway water bottle: $35.99 (20% off)

Original price: $44.99

This Owala bottle is easy to carry and has a versatile lid that lets you drink from the spout or sip through the straw without tilting your head back. It keeps water cold all day, and the locking lid prevents spills in backpacks.

Honeywell LED desk lamp: $84.98 (20% off)

Original price: $105.99

This Honeywell lamp provides bright, adjustable lighting for homework with customizable brightness and color temperature settings. Students can switch to a warmer lighting setting later in the evening, while the flicker-free LED helps reduce eye strain.

TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator: $139

While less expensive calculators are available, many math teachers build lessons around the exact keystrokes used on graphing calculators like the TI-84 Plus CE. It's approved for the SAT, ACT and AP exams and can last students from Algebra II through college.

College supplies

Shop everything from laptops to bedsheets that students will use throughout all four years of college.

Apple 13-inch MacBook Neo: $689.99

Apple designed the MacBook Neo as an ideal first laptop for students. The chip handles note-taking, research, spreadsheets and streaming, while up to 16 hours of battery life lasts through a full day of classes. At just 2.7 pounds, it's light enough to carry around campus all day.

Rocketbook Fusion Hybrid reusable planner: $31.99

While the price may seem a bit high for a planner, the RocketBook Fusion si worth the investment since it digitizes everything you write down on its reusable paper. You can then scan and upload lists and notes directly to cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote and more. For students who prefer planning on paper instead of their phone, it's an investment they'll actually use.

Sandisk 1TB Extreme portable SSD: $181.29

Backing up important files is one of the easiest ways to avoid losing schoolwork. This rugged, pocket-size SanDisk SSD offers 1TB of storage and backs up files in minutes, giving students plenty of space for notes, assignments and projects throughout college.

Branch ergonomic desk chair: $359

Dorm-issued desk chairs often leave a lot to be desired. This ergonomic Branch chair has adjustable lumbar support, armrests and seat height, while the breathable mesh back helps keep students comfortable through hours of studying.

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Brooklinen Luxury Sateen Twin XL sheet set: $179

A quality sheet set can make a dorm room feel more like home. This Brooklinen set is crafted from long-staple cotton with a sateen weave for a soft feel that's built to withstand years of use and washing.

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.

Tim Walz becomes GOP punchline in sweeping new war on welfare fraud

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:01:22 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Senate Republicans are naming the centerpiece of a 12-figure anti-fraud package after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, arguing his administration's handling of massive welfare fraud schemes made him the symbol of government waste they hope to eliminate.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa., is dropping the legislation just as fraud-exposing journalists, such as Nick Shirley, testify to the Homeland Security Committee about videotaped discoveries in the "Feeding Our Futures" scandal in Minnesota and other similar alleged rackets elsewhere on Wednesday.

The "Welfare Abuse and Laundering Zillions (WALZ) Act" from Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., is at the core of the broader anti-fraud package targeting Minnesota-style violations, COVID fraud, foreign remittance abuse and repeat offenders, and is projected to save taxpayers roughly $240 billion, Fox News Digital learned.

WALZ A NO-SHOW AT KEY FRAUD HEARING DESPITE BEING IN THE BUILDING ON OTHER BUSINESS: GOP LEADER

The WALZ Act requires federal payments be made as reimbursements to states only after a service is proven to have been provided – a process critics say Minnesota failed to police adequately.

It also requires that if a state program receiving federal funding sees a six-month increase in disbursements of more than 10%, the HHS inspector general must investigate that program.

FTC CHIEF ACCUSES DEMOCRATS OF 'TRYING TO PROTECT THE FRAUDSTERS' BY WITHHOLDING DATA FROM TRUMP ADMIN

One of Ernst’s pieces of the package, the Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act, would claw back more than $65 billion in federally-disbursed COVID funds – now six years after the height of the pandemic – to avoid future abuse of those funds.

"While hardworking Americans are struggling to make ends meet, fraudsters are getting away with ripping off $1.4 billion of taxpayer money every single day," Ernst told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

"Government grift and graft is endless, but the public’s patience isn’t and neither is mine. The Senate will have an opportunity to bring this crime spree to an end by passing my Protecting American Taxpayers Act. This bill stops fraud before it happens and takes back the loot that’s already been stolen. As for the scammers, they’re going to the slammer."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Walz for comment on lawmakers using his name.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., also contributed legislation to the package that would extend the statute of limitations for the government to prosecute COVID fraudsters.

Keen-eyed federal employees would also be able to claim monetary rewards from the federal government under the package – as part of the "Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act" from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., that instructs inspectors general to pay out sums to those who uncover fraud or waste.

The anti-fraud package also goes far beyond America’s borders to protect U.S. taxpayers, according to Ernst.

Sen. Tim Sheehy’s, R-Mont., No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act would instruct the State Department to implement a process to discourage NGOs and foreign nations from financially supporting the Taliban, including via U.S.-provided foreign assistance that Washington gives to such groups or governments.

Outside the oft-reported welfare scams and social services fraud operations, the package also brings attention to other ways the federal taxpayer has purportedly been defrauded over the years.

Suspected abuse of remittances – or funds sent by U.S.-resident foreigners to their home countries – has been a thorn in the side of some conservatives for years.

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Part of Ernst’s package also includes a bill from Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, that would require people who send wire transfers and remittances abroad to certify that they are not already on public assistance; essentially protecting the taxpayer from their welfare funds being shifted to other countries.

"For decades, Washington’s failed welfare program rewarded dependency while enabling fraudsters and criminals to exploit the system to take advantage of American taxpayers," Moreno said in a January statement after initially drafting the legislation. "If an individual has enough cash to send money overseas, they have no business taking welfare benefits from hardworking Americans. The abuse ends now."

In Ernst’s package, a proposal by Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., called the Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act, would prevent previously convicted fraudsters from receiving Small Business Administration funds.

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A source familiar with Senate procedure said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., could tee up a vote by filing cloture – ending debate – on the legislative process for the massive package as early as late this week.

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Co-sponsors of the greater anti-fraud package include GOP Sens. David McCormick of Pennsylvania, Charles Grassley of Iowa, Jim Justice of West Virginia, John Kennedy of Louisiana and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming, among several others.

Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.