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Leaked Iran report finds record public anger as regime focuses on holding power

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:06:59 -0400

A confidential report prepared for Iran’s presidency is raising a consequential question for Washington and its allies: Do extraordinary levels of public anger and support for systemic change justify reassessing whether the Islamic Republic may be more vulnerable to regime change than previously believed?

The classified document, titled "What Iran Wants," reportedly found that only 9% of respondents supported maintaining the status quo, with 53% calling for fundamental or structural reforms and more than 19% favoring changing the political system outright.

Taken together, nearly three-quarters of those surveyed reportedly supported either deep structural reform or replacement of the existing system — findings that could strengthen arguments that Iran’s political crisis has moved beyond dissatisfaction with individual leaders or policies.

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IranWire reported on July 13 that it had obtained the document, which was compiled by Ali Rabiei, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s social adviser and a former government spokesman. It was based on polling conducted by the Ara Opinion Research Center in May 2026 and circulated among institutions within Iran’s governing structure in June, according to the outlet.

Miad Maleki, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that the report should prompt a fresh assessment of the potential for political upheaval inside Iran.

"If anything, this research understates the depth of Iranians’ rage," Maleki said. "And that is what makes it remarkable: even a survey prepared for the regime’s own president, by its own pollsters, records anger levels above 63%, well beyond the highest rate Gallup has ever recorded anywhere in the world, alongside 81% struggling to put food on the table and a majority expressing hopelessness."

Maleki cautioned that polling conducted under an authoritarian government cannot be treated as precise because respondents may fear the consequences of expressing opposition.

"In a police state where expressing the wrong opinion can cost you your job, your freedom, or your life, respondents self-censor, which means these findings are best read as a floor, not a ceiling," he said.

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The complete survey methodology was not included in the material obtained by IranWire. The report reportedly did not disclose how respondents were selected, who was questioned or whether the sample reflected Iran’s geographic and demographic makeup.

Its findings therefore cannot be independently verified or treated as definitive measurements of Iranian opinion. The report also cannot establish that dissatisfaction will translate into an organized movement capable of removing the government.

Still, its findings portray multiple pressures converging at once.

Approximately 64% of respondents reported persistent anger, up roughly 12% points from a previous government survey conducted in December 2025. Half reported hopelessness, approximately 48% reported sadness or depression and about 45% reported persistent fear or anxiety, according to IranWire.

Economic distress also appears central to the public anger.

More than 81% experienced severe or partial difficulty obtaining enough food, while 75% struggled to cover medical costs, IranWire reported. Fifty-four percent said their income did not cover current household expenses, and only 8% reported earning enough to save.

Respondents blamed domestic governance more frequently than international pressure. 46.9% cited government inefficiency as the cause of Iran’s economic problems, 26.3% blamed corruption and 20.7% cited foreign sanctions.

IRAN TO EXECUTE FIRST FEMALE PROTESTER TIED TO ANTI-REGIME UNREST

That finding could be especially significant to the regime-change debate because it suggests many Iranians do not primarily blame outside powers for their deteriorating living conditions.

The document also points to a crisis of institutional confidence. Roughly 60% reportedly distrusted major government institutions, while 61.2% negatively assessed officials’ ability to solve Iran’s problems. Distrust of the government, parliament, judiciary and state television remained above 50%, IranWire reported.

The report’s recommendations, however, reportedly centered on managing dissatisfaction rather than addressing demands for systemic change.

Rabiei urged state institutions to better explain the impact of sanctions, moderate the rhetoric used by officials and religious platforms, present a more inclusive image through state television and avoid policies that place the government in direct confrontation with society.

IranWire’s follow-up analysis argued that the recommendations treated Iran’s crisis primarily as a communications and public-perception problem. The report offered few concrete proposals involving institutional accountability, political liberalization or fundamental economic reform, according to the outlet.

Maleki said the findings were consistent with the expanding scale of unrest, citing demonstrations that spread from more than 80 cities in 2017 to more than 200 cities across all 31 provinces this year, alongside what he described as a quadrupling of strikes.

"Iranians have moved from being skeptical of what another revolution might bring to concluding there is no alternative to one, because reform has proven impossible," Maleki said.

Yet the report does not resolve one of the largest obstacles to regime change: The Islamic Republic has spent decades building institutions designed to monitor, deter and violently suppress organized opposition.

"This regime was born of revolution, by revolutionaries," Maleki said. "Preventing and crushing the next one is the one thing they genuinely know how to do."

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He nevertheless argued that further unrest was inevitable.

"So the discontent will translate into renewed protest," Maleki said. "The question is not if, but when, and whether anyone is prepared to stand with the Iranian people when it does."

Don Lemon reveals he's 'totally serious' about considering a presidential run

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:57:33 -0400

Former CNN host Don Lemon revealed he was "totally serious" about considering a presidential run during a podcast on Wednesday and said people kept asking him if he's going to run.

"Can't be Censored" hosts Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong asked Lemon if he had political ambition, to which the ex-CNN host said no, but revealed people had been asking him to and that he was thinking about it.

"I actually think I would be a really good president of the United States," Lemon said.

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"Okay, like you're being serious?" Dhanraj asked.

Lemon said he was being totally serious and was asked what it would take for him to run.

"For the people to want me. What it would take is if I ran a political campaign, a presidential campaign, I would like to run it, and I don't know if this is realistic or not, without having to beg for money. I would like it to be a voter-citizen-driven campaign for as much as it can be. Maybe at some point I might have to take a donation. I would rather not do that, but I would rather the people of the United States to say, 'That's the guy that we want. I'm gonna give him five dollars or $10' or something that doesn't break the bank because I know that the economy is tough," Lemon said.

FOX NEWS POLL: MOST RATE THE ECONOMY NEGATIVELY, INCLUDING HALF OF REPUBLICANS

Lemon criticized President Donald Trump and argued he was "not doing a great job for the working-class people, for the American economy."

The former CNN host said Trump's economic policies only benefited the rich and people who happen to have 401(k)s.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment on Lemon's statements and his possible plans to run for president.

When pressed on whether he's seriously explored what it would take to run and such, Lemon said he's dipped his toe into it.

"I've stuck my toe into it, if you want to put it that way, or I've dabbled, I've talked to people about it, people who have been in politics before, what would it take? When would I have to get in to do it? And I'd have to be really serious about it," he said.

He added, "So as we get closer to 2027 or 2028, I'll see. I'll decide. But I have enough on my hands right now."

Lemon previously floated the idea during an episode of "Pod Save America" in March.

"Do I ever think about it? Yes," Lemon said on "Pod Save America" on March 29. "Could it happen? Yeah, it could happen if the opportunity presented itself, the right opportunity presented itself. Look, if I wanted to, I know people are going to think I'm crazy. This is going to be the headline, and people are going to laugh about it. I think I could be President of the United States. I could definitely run this country better than Donald Trump."

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Lemon said at the time that he did not have any interest in running for office, arguing that it could "ruin" his life and pointing out that White male candidates "get away with" far more than female or minority ones. He also argued that he would have to change his party affiliation from independent to Democrat.

However, he pushed back on the idea that it was impossible for him to consider running.

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"Am I at that point now? No. And I know people are going to say Don Lemon is crazy. But yeah, that's…look, why can't I think about running for office? Why can't I think about being president of the United States when look at what we have?" Lemon said.

He continued, "Did anybody think Barack Obama, as he says, this guy with a funny name is from a mixed background, did anybody ever think that he would become president, that he had that aspiration? I don't have an aspiration to become president, but I do think that I could run this country a lot better than Donald Trump."

‘Today’ show security guard fired after intruder enters unauthorized area, targets Craig Melvin: report

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:22:12 -0400

The security guard who reportedly failed to keep the TODAY show intruder out of the studio has been fired.

Page Six reports intruder suspect Andrew Truelove was able to slip past two security guards with surveillance video capturing the oversight. One guard stepped away while the other "missed the intruder," as he walked in.

Police say Truelove broke into the TODAY show studio in New York City on Thursday searching for Al Roker. The suspect allegedly yelled racial slurs before confronting host Craig Melvin.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE WAS 'SURPRISED AND DISMAYED' BY DOUBTS SHE WOULD RETURN TO 'TODAY' AFTER MOM'S DISAPPEARANCE

NYPD quickly took the suspect into custody. He is now facing two hate crime charges following the aggressive encounter.

Truelove's attorney Lawrence Gerzog confirmed to Fox News Digital that a judge issued a protective order mandating Truelove keep away from both Roker and Melvin.

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Meanwhile, Melvin was back on the anchor desk Friday morning and appeared to be in good spirits. He remained on the show for two hours before secondary hosts stepped in during the show's 9 a.m. hour.

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About 30 minutes into the 7 a.m. hour, Melvin and the team addressed the Thursday security breach.

JUDGE ORDERS NANCY GUTHRIE RANSOM IMPOSTER INTO INPATIENT TREATMENT BEFORE SENTENCING

Melvin said, "We want to take a quick moment to address what happened yesterday. You may have heard that unfortunately an intruder made his way into an unauthorized area here at Studio 1A. Thankfully, he was apprehended quickly, he was placed under arrest. We are cooperating fully with the NYPD as they investigate the matter and we are just very happy that everyone is safe."

LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST

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Melvin also noted he is "safe and sound," following the incident.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE WAS 'SURPRISED AND DISMAYED' BY DOUBTS SHE WOULD RETURN TO 'TODAY' AFTER MOM'S DISAPPEARANCE

Just before Thursday's security breach, Melvin's co-host Savannah Guthrie, announced she would be stepping away from the morning show for a few weeks to film a new 'Wordle' gameshow.

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Friday morning, Guthrie was not on the desk with her co-hosts stating she was taking a "long weekend." Melvin left early Friday for a reported previously planned vacation.

GOT A TIP?

Fox News Digital has reached out to NBC for comment.

Former WWE star set for huge tag match at Awesome Championship Wrestling, talks importance of Soleil character

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:44:34 -0400

Soleil will take to the skies on Saturday night during Awesome Championship Wrestling’s (ACW) Indypendence Day in a tag team match with Dante Casanova as they look to get one over on the duo known as The Righteous.

Sidney Akeem, the former WWE star, is the man behind the mask. It will be his first appearance at ACW since 2025 at Mischief Night when he took on Casanova and AJZ in a triple-threat match. Casanova was the winner of that battle and now gets to team with Soleil.

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He told Fox News Digital he was excited to get an opportunity to take on Vincent and Dutch as they have progressed as one of the top tag teams across pro wrestling, primarily competing in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) on Thursday nights.

"I'm not going to say there's any nerves. I've been in the ring with a lot of great talent in my career," he said. "This is the first time I get to tangle with The Righteous and I'm excited. Actually, I was talking to the brothers not too long ago, telling them how much I enjoy their work and so getting to share the stage in the ring with them is going to be fun.

"It's going to be different because me and Dante Casanova, you know, this came together unexpectedly, but I think we're two guys that are done proving ourselves that we belong in this wrestling world, the ACW locker room. I think we've more than proved that we belong. I think right now it's about making a statement. Making a statement and making an impact and hope this tag team division."

The ability to wear the mask again is an important part for Soleil.

He said he’s been working on the character for several years and tried to introduce it in WWE but it never took off. He was known as Scrypts and Reggie during his time with the company.

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"Yeah, I mean this is the new me and this is also the real me," he explained to Fox News Digital. "Everyone knows Sidney Akeem, former WWE superstar Reggie, NXT star Scrypts, and you know I never quite found my footing of who I really am when I was in WWE and then when I got to the indies I had a great run as Sidney Akeem, but something was missing. Something was missing not only from myself but that connection with the fans all around the world. And so, I've had this character Soleil. … I've been creating it for almost say six years and it never came together because it was just it wasn't the right time and in NXT this is what I wanted Scrypts to be, but it was too many chefs in the kitchen. I did debut this on Ring of Honor but the real debut for Soleil with the music, the jumbotron everything was on ACW.

"So, the fact that I debuted this character, the real me, and on ACW. I think it's only fitting that moving forward. You may see Sidney Akeem again. But it’s Soleil because it’s what I stand for and what it means to not only myself, but so many people around the world. This is a sign of courage of breaking those barriers of the boxes they tried to keep people in. I grew up in a place where you weren't allowed to be a superhero. You weren't allowed to be your true self and so you put these masks on to be other people. Well, this mask is put on to show you who I really am. And it's Soleil, the dark sun who comes from the circus but now making his statemen, his footing in the wrestling world."

Soleil said he wants to express to the audience that it was OK to express who you are as a person. You can be a superhero and fly through the air like he can.

"The wrestling world is big and you can try to target a certain group of people or you can try to target everyone. I found who I want to be a symbol for and it's so many kids around the world that not only look like me, but that go through or went through things that I went through in my life and let them know that it's OK to unlock your inner superhero," he said. "It's OK that you dream big and sometimes a little crazy and outlandish because the world will tell us no. People will tell us no.

"And Soleil is me telling everyone yes. It doesn't matter where you come from or what you've done before or what your reputation might be. There's a superhero inside of everyone. And I want people to understand that I'm not just putting a mask on tas a as a gimmick. I'm putting a mask on because this is truly who I am. I already move like a superhero. And circus people the closest thing to real life superheroes that we have for all of the things that we do. And I said I'm not in the circus anymore, I'm in the wrestling world and wrestling started in the circus. So, this is the story. There's so much deeper than just putting a mask on as a gimmick."

Even as a superhero character, Soleil was not exactly committed to having one tag team’s back who previously had a dangerous experience with The Righteous

At Reckoning in May, The Righteous came out of the back and handcuffed Hale Collins to the cage as Vik Dalishus was getting beat up by Sent 2 Slaughter’s Danny Maff and Shawn Donovan.

The Now and Sent 2 Slaughter will be on opposite sides of the ring again on Saturday as they are participating in a lumberjack match between Tommy Dreamer and Josh Shernoff.

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"I'm also on my own journey and I understand that Dante has now entered into my world, into my journey. We just have to see how the cards are dealt because I can't tell you right now that, yes, I will have this person's back or that person's back," Soleil told Fox News Digital. "We, regardless, of how confident we are, we have a tall task in front of us. The Righteous, they aren't walkovers. We are going into this match believing that we can win, but we can't go in it halfcocked and not focused thinking that, oh, this is just cake-work because it's obviously not one of the best tag teams in this business that we have. So, that's a question that we’re going to have to cross once we get there."

Indypendence Day takes place at the MJN Center on Saturday in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Transgender Maine Senate candidate sparks online frenzy over response to debate question: 'Can't be serious'

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:39:01 -0400

Social media erupted on Thursday night during a Maine Senate debate to determine who will replace former Democratic nominee Graham Platner after one of the candidates highlighted being a songwriter as a qualification for Senate.

"I ran for office several times, didn't win, but I did run and then, I'm a songwriter and then I write my own books," Senate candidate Ashley Webb said on the debate stage when asked, "What qualifications do you have to serve in the U.S. Senate?"

Webb, who is transgender, continued, "I suppose my transparency, I wouldn't lie to people and I wouldn't deceive the people, like, we're being deceived right now, like we get lied to, smoke and mirrors, like what's going on with ICE."

The moment went viral on social media, with many conservatives mocking Webb’s list of qualifications.

MEET THE DEMOCRATS GUNNING TO REPLACE GRAHAM PLATNER IN A CRUCIAL SENATE SHOWDOWN

"Surely you can’t be serious… ," conservative commentator Dave Rubin posted on X.

"I think Susan Collins is going to win," Manhattan Institute Vice President of External Affairs Jesse Arm posted on X.

"You cannot and will not convince me that this is real," author and political commentator Bethany Mandel posted on X.

MAINE DEMOCRATS RECYCLE PLATNER'S FAR-LEFT TALKING POINTS IN SCRAMBLE TO REPLACE DISGRACED EX-NOMINEE

"To be fair, that's more relevant experience than Platner," Washington Examiner senior writer David Harsanyi posted on X.

"Checking in on the Maine Democrat Senate debate to replace Graham Platner," GOP strategist Matt Whitlock posted on X.

" WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN MAINE???!!!" Citizens Alliance CEO Cliff Maloney posted on X.

"The new Maine US Senate primary for Democrats is a total CLOWN CAR! " Florida political reporter Eric Daugherty posted on X.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Webb campaign for comment.

Webb was one of eight candidates on the debate stage over a two-hour period on Thursday night along with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, former congressional staffer Jordan Wood, former state lawmaker Lizzie Dickerson, Maine Beer Co. co-founder Dan Kleban, and former government official David Costello.

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Whichever Democrat is crowned at a Maine Democratic Party convention on July 25, will face off in the midterm elections against longtime GOP Sen. Susan Collins in a high-stakes race that is among roughly a dozen that will determine if Republicans hold their slim Senate majority. A dozen Democrats, who filed with the state party by Wednesday's deadline, are aiming to get on the ballot in the sprint to replace Platner.

Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

This week's best sales: Save up to 82% on HexClad cookware, RTIC coolers and more

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:22:30 -0400

Summer is in full swing, and this week's biggest markdowns include deals on some of the season's most popular essentials. Save 82% on Wayfair Basics cooling sheets, snag a rare deal on a top-rated RTIC cooler for beach days and shop even more standout deals below.

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Shop beach essentials for fun in the sun, from coolers to swim trunks.

RTIC soft cooler bag: $96.75 (Orig. $129)

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FAQs

What brands are having the best sales this week?

FOX-favorite brands like Amazon and Wayfair are rolling out midsummer deals on everything from beach gear to outdoor essentials. This week's standout offers include rare markdowns on an RTIC soft cooler and On running sneakers.

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.

Three of the worst-rated umpires in Major League Baseball have one thing in common

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:27:32 -0400

The second half of the Major League Baseball season resumes tonight around the league, which means our three-day national nightmare without baseball is over.

Whew. We made it. Felt like a lifetime!

The resumption of the season also spells the beginning of the end for three of the worst umpires in the league.

That's right.

For Laz Diaz, Brian O'Nora and CB Bucknor, the second half of this MLB season is their final half ... ever. Three veteran umpires, all retiring at the end of the season.

And, of course, three of the worst-rated umpires in the entire league so far this year.

Take a look:

There has been some bad umpiring in baseball this season

According to the (un)official MLB umpire report card site, umpscorecards.com, Diaz (8), O'Nora (7) and Bucknor (1) have been three of the worst-performing umpires this season. All three have already taken a buyout and will be "retiring" at the end of the year.

Coincidence? Eh. You tell me!

Are they all just so far past their primes, and this is just the proof in the pudding? Perhaps.

Or, are they all just mailing it in since the end is near? Sort of like we all did when were in our final semesters of our senior years.

Senioritis is a real thing, you know?

Regardless, it's not surprising to see those three make the list, especially Bucknor, who was so unfathomably bad at the beginning of the season it's actually stunning they've allowed him to continue calling games.

Seriously, it was remarkable:

Lordy. Just one of worst calls you'll ever see. Amazing.

Bucknor has the worst accuracy of any umpire in the league (91.33%), while O'Nora and Diaz are both just a shade over 92%. Seven umpires in total have accepted buyouts and will be retiring when the year ends.

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The other four haven't fared much better, by the way:

Lance Barksdale (70th)
Marvin Hudson (52nd)
Tony Randazzo (No games called this season)
Andy Fletcher (74th)

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Not the best, but certainly not the worst.

And yes, everyone's favorite punching bag — Jan Pawol — is currently the third-worst ump this season. Not sure she was offered the buyout, though.

Free tool helps families save money by using food already in their kitchens

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:16:54 -0400

A teenager recently launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered website designed to reduce food waste and help households save money by using what's already in their pantries and refrigerators.

Smit Kothari, 17, of Virginia, said he was inspired to create Grocery Genius after watching his family survey the random ingredients they had at home and have no idea what to make.

"I did some more research, and I found out that many other families have that same exact problem," Kothari told Fox & Friends.

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The website enables users to enter information about the food they already have at home into the app. The AI then generates three recipe ideas, along with nutritional information and money-saving tips.

There are features to help people plan meals and track their nutrients, including calories and macros.

The program is also able to tailor recipes based on dietary restrictions and people's cooking abilities.

Grocery Genius includes a "Smart Pantry" feature that lets people track items and receive alerts before food expires, so they can use it or donate it.

Kothari said he realized two problems – food waste and hunger – correlate.

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"Some people are letting foods expire, they waste it, while many others are starving," he said.

A trip Kothari took to Africa also inspired him to create Grocery Genius.

"I saw lots of impoverished families who struggled with hunger," he said in an interview with Virginia television station WVEC. "I've seen that problem firsthand, and I thought that's a big one that I really wanted to focus on."

The website describes itself as "your kitchen's smartest assistant," offering "everything you need" to "cook smarter." It's free to use and only requires an email address to sign up.

Christopher Tan, president and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, mentored Kothari while he was developing Grocery Genius.

"The beauty of this app is it has so many different applications that could help any number of families in need and any number of families who also give to us," Tan told WVEC.

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"I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten what's in my pantry. If I have an app that can help me track that and remind me to donate food before it goes to waste, all of that can happen through his app."

Grocery Genius won second place in the national Congressional App Challenge, a competition for middle and high school students that encourages them to learn to code and inspires them to pursue careers in computer science."

Kothari, who is a rising senior at Ocean Lakes High School, told Fox & Friends that he plans to continue developing Grocery Genius next year as he goes off to college.

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"I've been getting lots of feedback [from] users, and I want to keep enhancing [it]," he said.

Mets and Phillies stars show concerns about playing in unhealthy air quality: 'Not the greatest idea'

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:10:45 -0400

Major League Baseball's first game after the All-Star break was played in "unhealthy" air conditions.

The Philadelphia Phillies hosted the New York Mets as air quality due to Canadian wildfires reached an index of 196 - other parts of the Northeast and Midwest neared 500, which is considered hazardous.

Due to the air concerns, it was announced at around 4 p.m. ET that the game, originally slated for 7:10 p.m., would be moved up an hour, which apparently was a good idea.

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"I didn't think it was bad until the last couple of innings. Eyes itching, burning a little bit," Mets infielder Brett Baty said. "[Carson] Benge said it felt like you were sitting at a campfire, just close to a campfire, which was pretty good. It's fun, but it didn't feel great playing ball with it, though."

"At the end of the game, it was a little bit more difficult, especially catching," Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez added through an interpreter. "It became more difficult to see at the end."

Mets pitcher Christian Scott said he "felt like I was breathing some metal."

Bryce Harper was a bit more stern, saying while he was mic'd up on the ESPN broadcast during the game that it was "not the greatest idea to come out and play in this type of weather."

Phillies starter Aaron Nola added that the "smoky" conditions were "not ideal."

Both interim managers, Don Mattingly and Andy Green, didn't seem to think the air affected the gameplay too much, but Mattingly and Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh credited umpire Dan Iassogna for constantly checking the air quality and making sure the players were OK.

TRINITY RODMAN SAYS NWSL RECORD-CROWD GAME IN NY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PLAYED AMID POOR AIR

"It felt like it could have [affected the game] at any moment, especially as visibility got tougher," Green said. "Guys managed to see baseballs that I couldn't when they went up in the air as pop-ups. Good thing we have good athletes on the field that can see things. Don't think it ultimately did, from my perspective."

In fact, Marsh said the umpires would check with the players to see if they were OK and not having breathing issues.

"Multiple times," Marsh said. "They were checking with us, asking us players, which was cool to see, if we were good to go. And obviously, we were all ready to go. It was good by them. Wasn’t expecting that."

The Phillies didn't take batting practice outdoors, as Mattingly admitted he wanted to be on the field "as little...as possible."

The Mets and Phillies are actually off on Friday before resuming their series on Saturday, but Mattingly said he did not hear any conversations about moving the game.

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An MLS game in Chicago was postponed on Thursday, as well. It is expected that the air will be better as the days go by, which seems rather important for Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

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Comedian says she delivered a cake with message mocking Lindsey Graham's family to senator's office

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:06:49 -0400

A comedian and social media personality says she delivered a cake bearing a provocative message about the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to the senator's Capitol Hill office, according to posts she shared online.

"I just dropped this cake off at Lindsey Graham's office," Elizabeth Booker Houston wrote in a Tuesday X post. "Congratudolences, Darline! Your brother is burning in hell, and now, you're working for the devil!"

She included a photo of the cake that featured a printed photograph of Graham smiling in a suit and tie.

MEDIA GHOULS, COMMENTATORS ACROSS POLITICAL AISLE MOCK LINDSEY GRAHAM’S DEATH WITH ‘GOOD RIDDANCE’ POSTS

White frosting bordered the cake, with blue icing roses decorating the top left corner and scattered around the edges. Across the top, the cake read, "CONGRATUDOLENCES!"—a play on the words "congratulations" and "condolences."

Some replies to the post were positive, with one person writing, "You’re truly doing god's work," and another saying "Elizabeth, I love you. When I grow up I want to be just like you."

But many replies to Houston’s post were negative, with one person writing, "You really need a different hobby if you were so invested in politics that this is what you resort to. Good thing I wasn't there because you would've been wearing your cake."

CALIFORNIA NURSE UNDER FIRE AFTER POST WISHING DEATH ON TRUMP, LINDSEY GRAHAM

Another person wrote, "It’s funny that you think anyone will see that cake other than the intern who throws it away. Complete waste of time and money," with a clown face emoji.

Someone else said, "Get a life. I wasn’t a fan of Lindsey, but this is ridiculous. Your hatred is rotting [your] brain."

Graham, 71, died Saturday night. An autopsy performed on Sunday suggested that Graham died from aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The news stunned Washington, as Graham was one of the body's most active members and was even scheduled to appear on "Meet the Press" Sunday morning.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM DEAD AT 71 AFTER 'BRIEF AND SUDDEN' ILLNESS, OFFICE SAYS

A statement from Graham’s office read, "The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized, and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death."

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Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, was sworn in on Tuesday to finish the term of her late brother.

Fox News Digital reached out to Graham’s office, Houston, and the United States Capitol Police for comment.

Fun fact: A 476,000-year-old wooden structure predates Homo sapiens

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:25:51 -0400

Scroll through the slideshow and be amazed

Doctor shortages are hurting rural patients. Let pharmacists help them heal

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:00:23 -0400

For many rural patients, getting treated for a sore throat or the flu is needlessly burdensome. It can mean missing work, driving hours, waiting days for an appointment, or ending up in urgent care for a problem that should have been handled quickly. That is what provider shortages look like in practice. Seventy-four million Americans live in areas with health care shortages, and by 2036 the United States could be short by as many as 86,000 physicians. Yet many states still prevent pharmacists, one of the most accessible health care professionals in these communities, from treating minor, protocol-driven conditions. That should change.

Many rural patients live far from a hospital, and even routine care can impose real costs. A parent seeking treatment for a child’s flu or strep throat may have to take an entire day off work just to get a basic prescription. Pharmacists, by contrast, are already located in many of the communities where physician access is limited. A nationwide analysis found that 88.9 percent of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy and 96.5 percent live within 10 miles. For minor conditions, a pharmacy visit can be faster, closer and less expensive than a trip to a doctor’s office, urgent care, or an emergency room.

Pharmacist care can also lower costs for both patients and public programs. When minor illnesses are pushed into urgent care centers, physician offices, or emergency rooms, patients face higher out-of-pocket costs, longer delays and more time spent seeking care.

EXCLUSIVE: HAWLEY PUSHES NEW LEGISLATION TO SAVE RURAL EMERGENCY ROOMS FROM 'BREAKNECK' CLOSURES

Medicare and Medicaid also end up paying more for care that could have been handled safely in a lower-cost setting. A 2024 Washington state study found that care for minor ailments in community pharmacies cost a median of $277.78 less than comparable care in primary care offices, urgent care centers, or emergency departments. Allowing pharmacists to test and treat routine conditions would not solve every cost problem in health care, but it would move simple care out of expensive settings and reserve doctors and hospitals for patients who actually need them.

States do not need to guess whether pharmacists can prescribe safely; there are already examples to learn from. Virginia allows pharmacists, under statewide protocols, to test and initiate treatment for COVID-19, urinary tract infections (UTIs), influenza and strep throat. Iowa protocols allow pharmacists to dispense antivirals or antibiotics for influenza and strep throat. These models show that pharmacist prescribing does not have to mean open-ended prescribing authority. It can be limited to defined conditions, objective tests, clear treatment rules and referral requirements.

TRUMP SAYS $50B RURAL HEALTH PLAN FUNDED BY CUTTING MEDICAID 'WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE'

Pharmacists’ scope of practice does not need to be expanded dramatically to help patients. COVID-19, flu, strep throat, uncomplicated UTIs and other common conditions can often be handled through standardized protocols. In many cases, the patient could be tested, treated and receive the necessary medicine in the same pharmacy visit. The reform would simply allow pharmacists to resolve a limited set of minor conditions that can be handled safely onsite.

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This is not a substitute for doctors, and it should not be treated as one. Pharmacists should refer complex cases, red flag symptoms, recurring problems, high-risk patients, and young children when more in-depth medical care is needed. Letting pharmacists handle routine care would make it easier for patients to get basic treatment while freeing doctors to focus on more complicated cases.

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As the health care system becomes more strained, states should regulate intelligently: protect patient safety without blocking access to routine care. Pharmacists should not be sidelined when they can safely handle minor, protocol-driven conditions. Modernizing scope-of-practice laws would give patients faster access to basic treatment, reduce unnecessary pressure on physicians, and lower the cost of care by keeping minor illnesses out of more expensive settings.

Company of 'Squad' member's husband lands $2B contract from blue state for new courthouse

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:49:04 -0400

A company where the husband of Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., is a partner was selected for a nearly $2 billion deal to build a new courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts — a decision now being challenged in court by rejected bidders who allege conflicts of interest tainted the process.

Conan Harris, who has been married to the Massachusetts Democrat for more than a decade, is a partner with John Barros in CoJo Real Estate, which is part of the Liberty Junction team selected in early July for the 40-year courthouse lease, according to the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs allege Barros’ role as interim executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) created a conflict of interest because several members of that agency’s board also serve on the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, the state agency that selected Liberty Junction.

The lawsuit also described Harris as having "deep conflicts," but its most detailed allegations center on Barros' leadership role at the MCCA, another state agency.

‘CONFLICT OF INTEREST’: JUDGE WHO AXED TRUMP NAME FROM DC LANDMARK TIED TO ANTI-TRUMP CONSPIRACY THEORY

Pressley, a member of the "Squad," was not accused of any wrongdoing by the plaintiffs, and there is no evidence she was involved in the bidding process to rebuild the aging Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse.

Records show the bidding process formally began June 30, 2025, when DCAMM released its request for proposals for the Springfield courthouse project.

The plaintiffs argued that when Barros became the head of the MCCA on Jan. 14, 2026, he did not disclose his participation in the courthouse bidding process to the State Ethics Commission.

The lawsuit also said the Liberty Junction proposal was not updated to indicate that Barros had been appointed to a leading role on the MCCA.

RED-STATE AUDITOR REPORTS 'EXPLOSION' OF FRAUD TIPS AS HE TARGETS STATE EMPLOYEES 'RACKING UP' TAXPAYER WASTE

Massachusetts law generally bars state employees from having a direct or indirect financial interest in state contracts, unless they qualify for an exemption, such as by making required disclosures to the State Ethics Commission and not participating in the contracting agency’s work.

Fox News Digital reached out to Barros and Harris for comment.

Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, defended the bidding process in a statement to reporters this week, saying that the city of Springfield deserves a new courthouse and calling the current building "sick."

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"This was a competitive procurement process. It was a competitive bid, and the project that was chosen was the one that cost the taxpayers the least. I stand up for taxpayers. I’m all about supporting whatever is going to cost the taxpayers the least amount of money, as somebody who wants to protect taxpayer dollars," Healey said on Wednesday, according to WWLP-TV.

The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance told the Boston Herald on Tuesday that the Healey administration should "immediately pause this deal, release the relevant procurement records, conflict disclosures, scoring documents, and communications, and allow these allegations to be fully reviewed."

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

Shooting near ICE detention facility in Aurora, Colorado, leaves 1 injured, person detained

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:30:32 -0400

One person has been detained after a woman was injured in a shooting near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Aurora, Colorado, police said.

A police spokesperson told Fox News the incident happened Thursday night and left the woman with injuries that were not life-threatening. A man was detained following the shooting, which did not happen inside the facility, they added.

Andrea Loya, the executive director of Casa de Paz — a local nonprofit that helps those released from the ICE detention facility reunite with their loved ones — told The Denver Post the shooting happened after the conclusion of a weekly protest outside the building.

MAMDANI BASHES ICE AFTER CHAOTIC PROTEST LEADS TO ARRESTS: ‘CRUEL AND INHUMANE’

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further comment.

Loya told the newspaper that a staff member who was on a call with advocates reported hearing screams after learning of the shooting around 7:40 p.m. local time.

An Aurora police spokesperson also told The Denver Post that the person who was detained for questioning is "potentially a suspect."

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

The shooting happened near the 3100 block of Nome Street, according to the newspaper.

It comes as the FBI is also investigating gunfire that riddled the windows of an Arizona ICE center earlier this week.

Video from FOX 10 Phoenix showed the damage after one or more unidentified people fired multiple rounds at the building.

The FBI's Phoenix Field Office said it is investigating that shooting, which happened Tuesday afternoon at the Enforcement and Removal Operations building on North Central Avenue in Phoenix.

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No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been announced as of Friday morning.

Fox News’ Natalie Chuck, Jasmine Baehr and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Gavin Adcock drops new single 'The Day I Hang It Up' and country music fans are fired up

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:21:41 -0400

Gavin Adcock has country music fans fired up after releasing a new single.

Adcock has become one of the fastest rising stars in the country music genre due to his blend of party vibes and outlaw style.

Mostly, his music is simply just a lot of fun. It's perfect for hanging out around a grill with your buddies or a rowdy party.

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR ANNOUNCES MAJOR CAREER NEWS, FIRES UP FANS WITH VIRAL VIDEO FOR NEW ALBUM

Now, he's dropped another great track.

Gavin Adcock releases new song "The Day I Hang It Up."

The talented singer released "The Day I Hang It Up" for fans early Friday after recently teasing it on his Instagram page.

Expectations were high.

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR RILEY GREEN FIRES UP FANS WITH EPIC NEW SUMMER JAM 'THINK AS YOU DRUNK'

Expectations are now met.

It's clear that this song from Adock is going to be another major hit. Give it a listen below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

It didn't take long at all for people in the comments on YouTube to flood in with reactions to Adcock's latest single.

One fan wrote, "Did not disappoint!!!!!! Happy Friday!"

Another added, "Glad I stayed up drinking some beer to listen to this man, y'all can agree."

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A third commented, "This definitely lived up to the hype."

It certainly appears that Adcock, once again, has given his fans a song that is here to stay, and I fully expect to hear it all summer long. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

State Department fires back after Walz doubles down on pardon of convicted child rapist

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:12:33 -0400

After Democrat Tim Walz doubled down on his move to pardon a foreign child rapist prior to his deportation, the State Department took another swing at the Minnesota governor in an escalating back-and-forth.

The Minnesota Board of Pardons, comprised of Walz, state Attorney General Keith Ellison and state Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, granted clemency to Laotian national Tou Lue Vang, 42, on June 10. Vang was scheduled to be deported from the United States before the pardon.

"Governor Walz’s pardon of a convicted foreign sex offender was a grave and unconscionable betrayal of the very people he is supposed to defend," State Department Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson told Fox News Digital.

WALZ, MINNESOTA BOARD OF PARDONS CLEARS CONVICTED ILLEGAL ALIEN CHILD SEX OFFENDER FACING DEPORTATION

"Walz’s plot to sacrifice the safety of Americans on the altar of open borders was thwarted by Secretary Rubio. Now this foreign criminal will never harm another American," he continued.

Vang was convicted for repeatedly raping a 10-year-old girl between 2002 and 2004, and told authorities after he was arrested that "it is a cultural thing... to marry and have sex with girls as young as 12."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked Vang's visa earlier this month, and he was deported back to Laos.

Walz defended the clemency move in a Tuesday press conference, contending that deportation of a convicted child rapist did not make the U.S. safer.

"Did that make us any safer?" Walz questioned. "Did that make the children that are left behind any more stable? Did it improve the idea that we can’t all be judged by our worst day?"

TIM WALZ OFFERS STRANGE DEFENSE FOR PARDONING CONVICTED CHILD RAPIST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DEPORTED

Still, Walz admitted that Vang's crimes were "horrific."

The State Department raked Walz over the coals for downplaying Vang's crimes.

"Walz sides with foreign criminals. Secretary Rubio sides with the American people," Johnson told Fox News Digital of the governor's remarks. "Walz wants open borders. This administration ended the era of mass migration. Walz endangered the American people. Secretary Rubio protected them."

EXPOSED DOCS REVEAL WHY TIM WALZ BOARD AWARDED REPEAT CHILD RAPIST PARDON: ‘NO FUTURE’

Upon last week's announcement that the State Department had skirted Walz's pardon and deported Vang anyway, Rubio scolded Walz for granting Vang clemency in the first place.

"Americans should never have to live in fear that foreign sex predators — shielded from deportation by their own elected officials — could endanger them or their children," he told Fox News Digital

"That's why I terminated his legal status in the United States," he continued. "Vang has now been removed from our country and will never pose a threat to any American ever again."

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At the time of Vang's pardon, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) feared that the move would shield the criminal illegal alien from deportation.

"Governor Tim Walz's decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting," DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said at the time.

"These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his Minnesota sanctuary politicians are protecting."

Controversial ICE tactic actually reduces unintended 'collateral' arrests: federal agent

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:55:59 -0400

Following a week of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle stops making national headlines, a federal special agent working in deportations revealed why vehicle stops are a "very important" part of the agency’s operations.

After the second ICE officer-involved shooting in a week took place in Maine on Monday, agents nationwide were given guidance to pause vehicle stops until further notice. That guidance, however, was overruled by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, who called vehicle stops "one of ICE's most important and effective Crime Fighting tools."

Though controversial, the agent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said vehicle stops are actually the preferred tactic for many officers, because they are safer for both law enforcement and the subject than home apprehensions, and they allow more time to identify the target than street apprehensions.

Perhaps most notably, while vehicle stops have been widely criticized, the agent explained that they decrease "collateral" arrests, which they said are the apprehension of illegal immigrants who were not the target of the operation but were "at the wrong place at the right time."

"[Vehicle stops] lead to a higher success rate in apprehending the target that they [ICE officers] are looking for and not getting the collateral. The collateral is the person that we’re not looking for, but we encounter, and they deem them as having no legal presence and/or illegal; therefore, they are going to have an admin arrest done on them."

ICE RESUMES NATIONWIDE TRAFFIC STOPS UNDER NEW POLICY REQUIRING BODY CAMERAS

The agent said vehicle stops are a "daily" part of ICE’s operations. They described the stops as a critical "tool in the toolbox" for federal officers working on deportation operations.

Simon Hankinson, a senior research fellow on border security and immigration at the Heritage Foundation, explained that vehicle stops have become increasingly "crucial" due to growing operational risks.

"When you have to go to someone's house, we've seen how difficult that can be if they don't want you in. You need warrants, and if you're breaking down doors, chances of somebody getting hurt are significantly higher," he said.

"What they're trying to do is find people and take them into custody in the calmest, quietest, safest manner possible," Hankinson continued. "So, ideal is when local law enforcement and police presence will honor ICE detainers, and they'll hand them over at prisons when they're finished their sentence or their hearing or whatever it is. But when they release particularly violent criminals into the city, they will go to ground, they'll hide, they'll hide in places where they're hard to find. And so, it is easier to stop them in their vehicle when they are going from A to B than it is to try to pick them up in a building with doors that are locked."

At the same time, Hankinson called out groups using the possibility of danger in these operations to push for an end to all enforcement operations.

DOJ ACCUSES MARYLAND OF 'ACTIVE AND DELIBERATE EFFORT' TO PREVENT DEPORTATIONS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: LAWSUIT

"They will pretend that what they really want is safety and that they just don’t want anybody getting hurt. But if you scratch the surface, you realize that's not actually their goal. If we were able to carry out deportations in 100% perfect safety and security, they would still oppose it."

In a social media post this week, 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."

Addressing federal agents directly, he then said, "ICE, be judicious, fair and smart, and go back and do your very important job."

The agent said that Trump’s reversal was a "huge" boost for ICE officers. The agent also noted that despite the reversal, new training on vehicle stops and how to respond to dangerous situations is already being administered to many officers operating in the field. They said that, especially given the increase in often adversarial public attention, they would "welcome" even more training for officers on vehicle stops.

"Any time you take a tool out of the toolbox, it is going to create challenges for [agents] to do their job in a more efficient way," the agent said.

HARRIS CALLS FOR ICE PROBE AFTER MAINE SHOOTING AMID RENEWED 'BORDER CZAR' CRITICISM

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"In other words, if I'm encountering them on a sidewalk, and they see me, and they can get in the car and leave, that's what they're going to do. And I don't have any recourse, or our team will not have a recourse to go after him and stop him," the agent said. "We'd have to hope he stops or, God forbid, he crashes into something and causes property and/or bodily harm to someone else, a third party."

"I don’t want to hurt anyone; I really don’t," they said. "I think any sane person would be in agreement with me to say, ‘Hey, let's look at how we can do this safer for everybody.'"

Popular golf influencer reveals wild story of fan who got her autograph tattooed on his arm

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:55:31 -0400

As I sit down to pump out this edition of Friday Screencaps with Canadian wildfire smoke hovering overhead at levels that will remind you of a VFW in the 1980s before smoking bans, I'm left wondering just how far fans are willing to go to show celebrities that they're maniacs.

Take the story that Paige Spiranac told in her latest YouTube video where she plays nine holes with golf influencer Sara Winter, who once represented Canada at Miss Universe. "I've had people get tattoos of my name before," Paigeviews revealed. "I was at an event and this guy comes up to me and he goes, 'Uh, just sign my arm. I'm going to go get it tattooed right now.' I'm like, 'No, you're not.' And I'm like, you're just going to you're it's going to be on you forever for the rest of your life. And he I signed my name on the inner of his arm."

An hour later, the guy returned with Paige's autograph tatted to his arm.

LIV MORGAN BROUGHT HER WWE TITLE BELT WITH HER TO THE ESPYS & SOMEHOW EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT IS HER OUTFIT

True story: Years ago, there was a guy who was known online for getting brand logos tattooed on his head. I believe his name was Billy Gibby. He wanted to get a tattoo of the logo for the website I founded, Busted Coverage, on his head. Billy was famous for selling space on his body as a billboard.

This was during my crazier days on the Internet. Pre-kids. When I say the Internet was the Wild Wild West, I mean it. Those of you who are in your 50s clearly remember it was nuts. Not dudes wearing molded fake breasts and stuff like that, but guys willing to tat logos on their heads for money. And Internet sites willing to pull crazy stunts.

I can't remember what Billy was charging, but it was something ridiculously low like $50-$75.

At the time, I wasn't married, but, thankfully, Mrs. Screencaps was in my life. She said I could never live with myself if that logo was on that guy's head. I told Billy I had to pass.

And she was right. Now, all these years later, I can rest easy knowing that guy doesn't have a prison tat on his head because of me.

As for Paige, it's just an autograph. No biggie.

📩 Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com Send photos, stories, tips, rants—whatever you've got.

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– Lee in Tampa provides the latest example: Watch the "terrifying" ABC World News Today video of the Blue Angels with a low pass over beachgoers in Pensacola and then watch the Twitter video of the ABC Pensacola affiliate's report. It's like two completely different events.

ABC report is dour and foreboding. The local affiliate was uplifting and fun.

Then watch the third video below. You can see how much the people enjoyed the low flyover.

ABC is anti-Navy. LOL

https://www.tiktok.com/@emeraldcoastkayakfishing/video/7662904823569845518

Kinsey: The key here is to watch the first two videos, especially where the local news reporter interviews people on the beach. But, first, watch how ABC News portrays the event. Watch what they do to the video of the people being interviewed. Simply disgusting.

– Justin in Sherwood Park, Alberta is back to provide more analysis on his home country: Where to start on the wildfires up here… as you may have noticed, Canada has a bit of boreal forest, so you’d think that we’d have policies in place to mitigate the risk of fires. You’d be wrong, of course, because we stopped doing preventative measures like controlled burns & clearing away of underbrush because (1) the federal government didn’t want tourists to look at controlled burn sites & think Canada was ugly & (2) they cut the budget for fire prevention. Here are some more tidbits:

· During the Jasper fire of 2024, it was found that the federal government (it’s a national park, so they have authority, not the province of Alberta) installed fire hydrants that had a different thread pattern than normal, so when the fire department went to hook up their standard hoses to the hydrants, they wouldn’t fit.

· Bombardier, a Canadian company, produces the CL215/415, the world’s leading water bomber. This airplane has proven to be very effective in suppressing forest fires, & the vast majority of us agree that we should have tons of these things at the ready for fire season. However, the federal & provincial governments would rather send $Billions to Ukraine & other countries for no apparent reason than to do something to stop fires in their own country.

· Finally, there’s the reason behind all these fires. Yes, doubtless that many are sparked by lightning or other naturally occurring things, but a fair number of arsonists have been arrested over the past few years for deliberately starting them. In fact, if you look at some maps that show where a number of fires started, you’ll notice that they’re all really close to logging roads – not in the middle of nowhere. That suggests that someone or something is wanting these fires to happen…

· Why, do you ask, would that be? Well, it’s easier to advance your policies of carbon tax pricing & environmental laws when you can point to a bunch of smoke in the air & say "see, this is why we need to fight climate change! Our world is burning!". This same thing is happening in California, with Newsom trying to blame everyone other than himself.

– Jack V. says: Lot of the wildfires in Canada are due to the vast amounts of standing dead timber caused by beetle kill. Lot of debate about the cause of the beetle explosion (lack of moisture, decades of not allowing fires, etc..). Still lots of dead wood to burn so buckle up for a few more years.

– Travel Ball Hardo Chris B. in Houston chimes in: I don't know anything about your wildfire smoke other than it ain't good for ya. We get the Saharan dust, but at least it doesn't smell and makes sunsets pretty. Consider spending a few extra bucks and buying some better than usual air filters for your house.

– Brad in Cleveland shares just how bad it is out there: We're getting inundated by the smoke here in Cleveland, as well. Our air quality - and Toledo's too - is worse than Kampala, Uganda!

If it smelled like a campfire, that would be one thing. This smells like bad pipe tobacco.

Nobody is on the streets. I went to the BMV today, and it was a ghost town. I got a new DL and license tag and was out in 15 minutes!

– Dawgs fan Sam says: Pickleball - my 1 time playing was a work team building event. One play the ball fell mostly between my partner and I. He said he couldn't get to it, so I started to take a swing. My legs crossed up, and now I'm doing a slow motion (in my brain) fall towards the net. I hit my head on the net pole. Land on my side, with my hand in a fist between the rib cage and hard concrete. So, headache, punched all air out of me, and rib cage felling like I broke a bone or two. That pain lasted for six months. No thanks.

Bowling - I have always seen weekend rates higher than weekday rates. Its just now hey have a computer to do the adjusting automatically. What I don't like is they are replacing the traditional pin setters with strings/plastic cords attached to the pins. Just evil and you can tell that those lines are impacting how the pins fall. No thanks.

Kinsey: Hold up, real bowling alleys are holding up pins with plastic cords? Can anyone else confirm this? I live in what is considered a bowling hotbed and I've never heard of such a thing.

– Jake in Charlottesville, VA checks in: When the inevitable happens, and the purchases they made with highly leveraged debt go bust, remember these moments when the PE Bros come begging for a bailout. I was slightly sympathetic during the mortgage meltdown because the government was forcing some of those banks to give loans to people they shouldn't have. Not the next time around. These PE bros taking over youth sports, pest control companies, bowling alleys, you name it: they're doing it to themselves.

– It's all now making sense for Guy G. in western New York: I knew something was up, when I started getting 2 or more emails a day from Lucky Strike. Don’t know how my professional email address ended up on their email list, but there it is.

– Mark T. in Florida adds perspective on Screencaps Jr.'s friends wanting to turn our pool into Panama Beach 1989: Pool rules apply to everyone. Somebody gets injured or a freak accident happens; Screencaps Jr's. friends' parents will have you in court. Gotta take a hardline approach unfortunately; and emphasize this isn't Fort Lauderdale spring break on steroids. At 12-14; they are old enough to understand the game; part of parenting.

Drop the hammer rules wise; otherwise you'll have soon to be teen age girls in your pool that you can't supervise. Parenting is a tough game; but you've got to protect the Screencaps empire. Set the rules and expectations and monitor appropriately.......

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And that should do it this morning on another action-packed edition. I have to say, for being the slowest sports week of the year, this has been a great week for Screencaps. It felt like a vintage week. We had the pool situation, then the smoke and now here we are with Maine providing us with comic relief.

That's a great week. I hope all of you have a great weekend doing, well, not much other than enjoying life. Take care.

Tom Brady draws inspiration after meeting with Make-A-Wish teen heart transplant recipient at Fanatics Fest

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:49:11 -0400

Eli Griffith sat in a green room in the bowels of the Javits Center in Manhattan on the first day of Fanatics Fest waiting anxiously alongside his family.

The Griffith family – father Joe, mother Jamie, and sister Ava – had been waiting all day for Eli to meet his favorite athlete, the one whose name rested atop their Michigan Wolverines and New England Patriots jerseys.

Tom Brady.

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Fox News Digital was able to speak with Eli and his family prior to meeting Brady as part of Fanatics and Make-A-Wish’s partnership, which continues to deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments. Eli was "totally" nervous after being asked about meeting his idol, but he also felt like there is a "mutual connection" due to their roots in Ann Arbor, Michigan – where Brady’s stardom rose with the Wolverines before reaching the "G.O.A.T" status Eli pointed out in the NFL.

"As the day has been going, it’s just more and more surreal. It’s like this is the time it’s happening, and I just imagine him walking in the door," Eli said.

TOM BRADY SENDS CLEAR MESSAGE TO RAIDERS ROOKIE FERNANDO MENDOZA: EARN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

The moment finally came where Brady opened that door, and the family shared the quality time together they’ve been looking forward to all day.

Brady caught up with Fox News Digital after the meeting, where Eli, who’s already showing his journalist chops in high school, had some questions to ask the legendary quarterback.

"He didn’t want to be a journalist. He said, ‘I am a journalist!’ I said, ‘Absolutely, you keep going,’" Brady said, smiling. "He had seven questions for me, and a lot of fun ones. He definitely put a lot of time and thought into it, and he asked a lot of good questions. A few of them I’ve never been asked before."

A candid interview, some autographs, and having a catch with the whole family, Brady made Eli’s wish come true in the best way. But the Griffith family should know that Eli’s story serves as inspiration for Brady as well.

"When I was a player, we did a lot of it around football training camp and we had a lot of great wishes over the years," Brady explained. "Just love being able to impact people’s lives in a positive way. A lot of these people are dealt with challenging situations – families and kids. But they have the brightest spirts and the biggest hearts, and it’s just amazing to meet them, draw inspiration. They think they’re drawing inspiration from us – I think it actually goes the other way."

At 14, Eli was diagnosed with an unusual heart condition. He had a dilated cardiomyopathy on one side of his heart, and ventricular non-compaction on the other side. It was a rare genetic mutation that went undetected until he was a teenager.

As a result, Eli needed a heart transplant at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.

During his time in the hospital, Brady was shown a picture of Eli with a bunch of trading cards from his Michigan days spread across his chest, which Brady called "pretty awesome."

And while Brady was an inspiration, so was the entire Wolverines football team as Eli and his family battled through their situation.

"The Michigan football team actually stepped up a lot when he was in the hospital. Players came and visited him," Joe Griffith said. "Charles Woodson gave a shoutout. We had a connection somehow through Jim Harbaugh, and we got a phone message from Harbaugh as well as the punter from the Chargers [JK Scott]. In the [Michigan] locker room, the players did a little voice message to Eli. All of this, kept his spirits high. Kept us excited about things, like after he had surgery, these three freshmen were going to come from the team and visit him afterwards. The whole thing had a lot of ups and downs, but relative to experiences a lot of people have, our lows were not as low as they could’ve been."

It was the ultimate high for the Griffith family as they spent time with Brady, but it only continued on the Fanatics Fest floor after their introduction. Eli was right next to Brady tossing out trading card packs at CardVault by Tom Brady, while they all had a front-row seat to Brady dunking one of his favorite teammates of all-time, Rob Gronkowski, in a dunk tank filled with Raising Cane’s sauce.

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The experience of a lifetime for a family that has been through struggle, but never wavered in spirit and hope.

"There’s a lot of people digging deep in life, and we all face our own unique challenges and he’s a great kid. What a great spirit," Brady said.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Spend less time cleaning your pool this summer with Beatbot robot cleaners — up to 36% 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 36% 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.

Squad Dem in the hot seat after spending spree at luxury hotels: 'Champagne socialist'

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:27 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: A far-left "Squad" Democrat is facing scrutiny after spending thousands of dollars in donor cash at lavish hotels nearly 2,000 miles away from her home district, a Fox News Digital review of FEC records found.

"Squad" Rep. Ilhan Omar’s, D-Minn., campaign dropped over $6K on high-end hotels and private transportation between April and June, including payments to a Ritz-Carlton resort in Palm Springs, a hotel with sweeping views from the Hollywood Sign to downtown Los Angeles, and a luxury stay in the heart of Times Square, the congresswoman's latest financial filings show.

The payments, covering April 1 through June 30, included $2,131.90 to W New York in Times Square, $1,613.23 to The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, $1,143 to Blacklane Transportation, $926.80 to Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs and $682.41 to the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings.

Overall, the campaign reported more than $28,000 in travel expenses and more than $23,000 in food, beverage and catering expenses during the three-month filing period.

SCHUMER DODGES QUESTIONS AFTER BOMBSHELL REPORT ALLEGES DEM SENATOR HAD RELATIONSHIPS WITH HOUSE STAFFERS

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage bills itself as a luxury Palm Springs resort overlooking the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains, with an exclusive Club Lounge, dedicated concierge service, spa, salon, fitness center, main pool, adults-only Vista Pool and whirlpool.

Meanwhile, the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood promotes a rooftop pool and lounge with sweeping views from the Hollywood Sign to downtown Los Angeles. Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs describes itself as a boutique desert hotel with two pools, a stargazing deck, a nightclub, a spa and rooms with vinyl turntables and "organic mattresses," and W New York in Times Square advertises panoramic city views, suites, a cocktail bar with DJ sets, in-room dining and on-property restaurants.

Blacklane, the luxury transportation service Omar paid for in Q2, markets itself as a professional chauffeur service with business and first-class vehicle options, including Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Cadillac models. Her campaign has previously spent over $5,000 on the car service since joining Congress.

Fox News Digital reached out to Omar's representatives for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.

"Ilhan Omar is just another champagne socialist who wines and dines at luxury resorts while supporting policies that would make her constituents live in squalor," Natalie Baldassarre, the national press secretary at the Republican National Committee, told Fox News Digital.

ILHAN OMAR'S ALLEGED TIES TO MINNESOTA FRAUD SCHEME IN SPOTLIGHT

Omar is not the only high-profile democratic socialist to face scrutiny over campaign spending. Fox News Digital previously reported that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign spent more than $53,000 on luxury hotels in 2025, including spending on a venue rental at a Bad Bunny concert in Puerto Rico, even as critics accused her of hypocrisy over her rhetoric on gentrification and working-class politics.

More recently, Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a far-left socialist, has come under fire for similar "champagne socialism" accusations after his tax returns showed his income was 10 times the median income in his state.

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The spending scrutiny for Omar comes as she is already facing renewed scrutiny over her finances. Fox News Digital previously reported that Omar revised a disclosure that had listed millions of dollars in assets tied to her and her husband down to, at most, $125,000,

Her campaign has also previously faced questions over millions of dollars paid to her husband Tim Mynett’s consulting firm during the 2020 cycle.

Who is Andy Burnham? The Trump critic set to become the UK's next prime minister

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:58:59 -0400

Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor who has frequently criticized President Donald Trump, is poised to become the United Kingdom's next prime minister after emerging as the only candidate to replace outgoing Labour leader Keir Starmer.

Burnham, 56, was formally confirmed as the ruling Labour Party's leader on Friday and will be appointed prime minister by King Charles III next week.

Britain’s parliamentary system allows the governing party to replace its leader — and therefore the prime minister — without holding a national election. The next nationwide election does not have to be held until 2029.

KEIR STARMER REPORTEDLY CONSIDERING STEPPING DOWN AS PM AND COULD ANNOUNCE TIMETABLE FOR DEPARTURE

Burnham’s rapid path to Downing Street is drawing criticism from political opponents and foreign policy analysts who say he has not faced the scrutiny that would normally accompany either a competitive party leadership race or a general election campaign.

"Andy Burnham is the least scrutinized incoming U.K. Prime Minister of recent times," Alan Mendoza, executive director of the London-based Henry Jackson Society, told Fox News Digital.

"He has faced neither a general election nor an internal party leadership debate in order to establish his positions for wider consumption," Mendoza said. "He wasn’t even a candidate at the last general election."

Burnham did, however, win 54.8% of the vote in June’s Makerfield parliamentary by-election, defeating Reform UK’s candidate and returning to the House of Commons after nearly a decade away. Before returning to Parliament, he had been directly elected mayor of Greater Manchester three times.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage argued in a previous interview with Fox News Digital that Burnham should seek a new national mandate.

"The public are tired of the game of musical chairs that’s been taking place in 10 Downing Street over the last decade," Farage said.

NIGEL FARAGE RESIGNING FROM UK PARLIAMENT

"Mr. Burnham will come in, he will have no mandate," he added. "I don’t even know what his policies are. Literally, I don’t. So, I think for all of those reasons, there ought to be a general election and a fresh mandate."

Farage made the comments before resigning his parliamentary seat this month to trigger an Aug. 13 by-election in Clacton, where he plans to run again. Farage said he wanted voters to judge him amid parliamentary scrutiny over allegations involving gifts from wealthy supporters. He has denied wrongdoing. Police are separately investigating donations made to Reform UK, but no arrests have been announced.

Who is Andy Burnham?

Burnham grew up in north-west England between Liverpool and Manchester. The son of a British Telecom engineer and a receptionist, he joined the Labour Party as a teenager, studied at Cambridge University and was first elected to Parliament in 2001, according to The Associated Press.

He rose through Labour’s ranks during the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and served in several senior positions, including as culture secretary and health secretary.

Burnham ran unsuccessfully for the Labour leadership in 2010 and again in 2015. He left Parliament in 2017 after winning election as mayor of Greater Manchester, a regional position he used to build a national political profile.

As mayor, Burnham promoted greater regional control over transportation and public services. His administration brought Greater Manchester’s fragmented bus system under public control as part of the Bee Network, a regional transportation project that became one of his signature achievements.

He also became closely associated with the campaign for accountability over the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster, in which 97 Liverpool soccer fans were killed. Burnham supported victims’ families in their long-running effort to expose police failures and rebut false accusations originally directed at supporters.

MEET 'COUNT BINFACE,' THE TRASH CAN-CLAD COMEDIAN CHALLENGING NIGEL FARAGE

What has Andy Burnham said about President Trump?

Burnham has repeatedly criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of contributing to global instability while warning that Britain risks importing the polarization of American politics. In a 2025 interview with The London Economic, Burnham compared Trump’s return to office to the turmoil caused in Britain by former Prime Minister Liz Truss.

"The instability that Liz Truss brought to Britain, I think Trump is bringing to the U.S. and the world," Burnham said in the interview. He also described several of Trump’s decisions, including his approach to the Russia-Ukraine war, as "out of order."

Burnham’s criticism of Trump dates back to the president’s first election in 2016. After Trump’s victory, Burnham described some of his rhetoric as "deeply troubling" but argued that politicians on the left should examine why working-class voters had turned to him rather than simply blaming the electorate.

"We have to look closer to home," Burnham said, according to The Guardian.

His language became sharper following the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. As the attack unfolded, Burnham wrote on X that "any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now."

More recently, during his Makerfield parliamentary campaign, Burnham warned that Britain was moving toward "the politics of the United States of America," which he described as "a polarized, poisonous politics where people in communities don’t work together anymore."

KING CHARLES FOLLOWS QUEEN ELIZABETH'S PLAYBOOK WITH A TWIST DURING TRUMP STATE VISIT: EXPERT

Despite those attacks, Burnham has stopped short of advocating a rupture with Washington. According to Time, he supported Starmer’s effort to maintain a working relationship with Trump, while arguing that Britain must be prepared to disagree with the United States.

"Obviously, the relationship is important to the U.K., but not to the point where we just go along with anything they say," Burnham said.

Trump has already responded dismissively to the likely incoming British leader. Asked in June what he knew about Burnham, Trump said, "I don’t know, I think I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a town." Trump added that he had heard Burnham was "extremely liberal" and suggested that he would oppose expanded North Sea oil drilling, before declaring that "the U.K. is dying," according ton Reuters.

What are Andy Burnham’s political views?

Burnham is generally regarded as being to the left of Starmer. He has said he wants to take what he calls "Manchesterism" nationwide, describing an approach that places "people and place before party" and transfers greater attention and authority from London to regions that have historically received less investment.

He has emphasized infrastructure, housing, transportation and regional economic development, while arguing against what he calls "trickle-down economics." The Associated Press reported that his priorities have also included vocational education, youth employment, lower energy bills and cheaper rail travel.

Mendoza said that Burnham’s past positions and recent statements suggest he would move the British government further to the left.

"What we can be certain of is that he will be looking to impose a fairly radical left-wing agenda for the country based on his past beliefs and recent pronouncements," Mendoza said.

"In no particular order, these include introduction of wealth taxes, changes to the electoral system, a vast expansion of social housing and attacks on hitherto allies of the U.K. like Israel."

FROM LONDON SYNAGOGUES TO NEW YORK PRESCHOOLS — ANTISEMITIC ATTACKS ESCALATING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC

Burnham has sought to counter concerns about his limited recent national security experience.

He has pledged continuity in Britain’s commitments to NATO, its nuclear deterrent, the United States and Ukraine, according to The Associated Press.

He has also called for Britain to rebuild its military capabilities and domestic defense industry in response to what he described as an increasingly dangerous international environment.

On the war in Gaza, Burnham has criticized Labour’s earlier response and argued that the party was too slow to call for a ceasefire. The Associated Press reported that he has raised the possibility of additional sanctions and trade restrictions involving goods linked to Israeli settlements. Burnham has also condemned Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack against Israel.

Burnham has not served in Britain’s national government since 2010 and spent almost a decade outside Parliament, meaning his record is far more developed on domestic and regional policy than on current foreign policy and national security questions.

When could Britain hold a general election?

Burnham would not be required to call an immediate general election. Labour won a large parliamentary majority under Starmer in July 2024, allowing the party to remain in power until 2029 unless Burnham decides to seek an earlier mandate.

Mendoza predicted that Burnham could attempt to capitalize on the momentum surrounding his arrival at Downing Street.

"As he is never likelier to be more popular than on day one of his premiership, we should also be on the watch for his calling of an early general election in order to capitalize on this unique moment," Mendoza said.

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Burnham would inherit an economy facing weak growth, pressure on public finances, strained health and welfare services and continuing concern over the cost of living.

He would also become Britain’s seventh prime minister in just over a decade, reflecting the rapid political turnover at Downing Street since the country’s 2016 vote to leave the European Union.

The 20 weirdest things you can buy on Amazon right now

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:55:26 -0400

Amazon isn't just for everyday essentials — it's also packed with quirky products you never knew you needed. From clever finger chopsticks and a blanket that transforms you into a shark to a weirdly useful squirrel picnic table, these unexpected finds are as funny as they are surprisingly useful.

Toilet golf game: $11.19 (30% off)

Original price: $15.99

Bring the golf course to your bathroom with this hilarious toilet golf game. The set comes with a putting green, golf balls, a putter and even a "Do Not Disturb" door hanger.

Squirrel picnic table: $15.99 (30% off)

Original price: $22.99

If you're wondering why a squirrel needs its own picnic table, you're not alone. It turns out this quirky find doubles as a backyard feeder. Simply fill the tabletop with nuts or seeds and watch squirrels stop by for what looks surprisingly like a miniature picnic.

Finger chopsticks: $16.99

This four-piece set of wearable finger chopsticks makes it easy to grab chips, popcorn and other finger foods without a mess. Just place it between your index and middle fingers and get ready to snack while working, reading or scrolling on your phone.

Fish flip-flops: $25.99

Why eat fish when you can wear them? These unisex fish flip-flops are lightweight, cushioned and built with anti-skid soles to help from slipping. Whether heading to the beach or lounging in your backyard, these shoes are comfortable and wonderfully weird.

Hot dog and bun toaster: $27.99

Practical yet peculiar, this retro hot dog and bun toaster cooks two hot dogs and buns at the same time. It's a fun summer pick for a backyard cookout or easy family dinner. Grab it at its lowest price this year, just ahead of barbecue season.

Lobster claw gloves: $13.99

Lobster claws aren’t just for cracking and eating. Whether you’re dressing up as a sea creature or just want to embrace your inner lobster, these high-quality, rubber gloves complete the crustacean persona. They’re oversized, bright red and comfortable enough to wear for hours.

Bacon-shaped bandages: $7.99

Outfit your first-aid kit with these bacon-shaped bandages. The bandages come in a variety of bacon-like designs.

Tape dispenser: $11.95

The Butt Station tape dispenser isn’t your average desk accessory. This plastic figure holds the tape roll as it sits on a toilet, while offering easy-to-grab office supply storage. Lift the figure to stash paper clips inside the bowl, slide your favorite pen into the built-in holder and keep sticky notes in the slot on the back.

Snail headband: $9.99

This snail headband looks silly but is actually quite practical. The soft microfiber fleece and stretchy elastic comfortably hold your hair back while doing makeup or washing your face. With snail antennae sitting on top of your head throughout your routine, you might just laugh out loud in the mirror.

Shocktato game: $34.99

Hot potato with a shocking twist (no really… it shocks you). Toss the spud around with two or more players, and whoever's holding it when the music stops gets zapped. It has three modes — including a music-only option for the less adventurous — and is a hilarious game you'll be addicted to.

Tiny finger hands: $9.99

For the everyday jokester, these tiny finger hands are random yet versatile. This 30-pack features realistic details like nails and palm lines. They are made from a soft, flexible rubber that’s easy to clean and durable.

Yodeling pickle: $12.99

We’ve all thought we could improve our yodeling skills if we had a singing pickle to train us, right? This battery-powered, singing cucumber is the perfect gag gift or an exciting item for your pickle-obsessed friend to add to their collection.

Eyeball sleep mask: $11.99 (20% off)

Original price: $14.99

Cover your eyes with another set of eyes with this silly sleep mask. It comes in various eye colors and styles, and effectively blocks out light to help you sleep better.

Mini inflatable tube guy: $12.99

Bring the car dealership to your desk with a mini inflatable tube guy. This motorized desktop toy is an automatic mood booster and an awesome office companion.

Magnetic-holding hands socks: $14.98

Connect with your bestie with these magnetic-holding hands socks. They feature a unique design with a small magnet on each side, allowing the hands of the socks to "hold hands" when worn together.

Butter toast shoulder bag: $7.99 (11% off)

Original price: $8.99

This quirky bag is designed to look like a slice of buttered toast. Made from a soft, plush material, this crossbody handbag is a playful way to carry your essentials.

Home sauna: $1,550

Traditionally used at the gym or a spa, you can now order your own sauna on Amazon. This at-home model can reach 149 degrees and fits up to three people at a time. Constructed with high-quality, durable wood, it retains heat easily and fits comfortably in the corner of any room.

Snail soap dispenser: $10.99

This snail dispenser dispenses soap, leaving a trail of your favorite sudsy cleanser. Simple to use, just press the shell to get lotion from the snail's mouth.

Shark blanket hoodie: $19.99 (20% off)

Original price: $24.99

Let the day melt away under this cozy shark blanket hoodie. The blanket features a unique design that makes it appear as if a shark is swallowing you.

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

Ostrich travel pillow: $99

Nap comfortably almost anywhere thanks to the unique design of the Ostrich travel pillow. This head-enveloping pillow creates a private, dark and quiet space by covering your eyes and ears.

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.

Asian nation with 1,500-year-old imperial line insists only men can become emperor in policy revision

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:12:11 -0400

Japan’s Parliament voted Friday to enshrine male-only succession for the imperial throne, part of a monarchy that traces its origins back roughly 1,500 years.

Lawmakers did so by revising an Imperial House Law dating back to the 1800s, despite warnings from experts that limiting succession to men in the paternal line will hasten the decline of Japan’s shrinking and aging imperial family, according to the Associated Press.

To address the dwindling number of eligible heirs, the revisions allow distant male relatives to be adopted into the imperial family to father future successors. However, strict rules remain in place limiting the throne to men with royal blood. The changes also allow princesses to retain their royal status after marrying commoners.

The new rules passed by Parliament come as many Japanese had been calling for Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito’s 24-year-old daughter, to be allowed to succeed him — now an impossibility.

IN ATTEMPT TO CONNECT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE, JAPAN'S ROYAL FAMILY DEBUTS ON INSTAGRAM

"The emperor is a symbolic figure, and I don’t see why women cannot serve in the role," Junichiro Tsujimaru, a 78-year-old sushi chain founder, told the AP.

Under current law, the 66-year-old emperor's younger brother is next in line. After that, his 19-year-old nephew, Prince Hisahito, will inherit the throne, and then the emperor's 90-year-old uncle.

Hisahito is the only boy to be born in four decades, and only five of the 16 adults in the imperial family are men.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other conservatives say the male bloodline is the source of the emperor's authority and legitimacy.

SHINZO ABE POSTHUMOUSLY GIFTED HONORS, NOBILITY BY IMPERIAL FAMILY HE DEVOUTLY SUPPORTED

"It’s a declaration to prevent female monarchs … and to defend the male-lineage at all costs," Hideya Kawanishi, a Nagoya University expert on monarchy, told the AP. "They cannot say it’s male chauvinism, so they call it tradition."

Chizuko Ueno, a prominent feminist and sociologist, recently suggested it was ironic that Japan's first female prime minister was the one to ensure male-only succession.

Ueno said the new rules "treat male royals as stallions and put female royals under pressure as ‘childbearing machines’ to produce male offspring."

Japan has had eight empresses descended from the male line in its centuries-long history as a hereditary monarchy. The last woman to reign was Empress Go-Sakuramachi, who sat on the throne from 1762 until 1771, when she abdicated in favor of her nephew.

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Female eligibility for the throne was first eliminated in 1890 under the original Imperial House Law.

That change was carried over into the modern Imperial House Law, enacted in 1947, the same year Japan’s new constitution stripped the emperor of governing authority after the country’s defeat in World War II.

Like Britain’s royal family, Japan’s imperial family remains an important national symbol.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Sophie Cunningham manages to anger both the left and right with a simple social media post

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:02:44 -0400

Sophie Cunningham has done something far more impressive than anything she's ever done on a basketball court.

The Indiana Fever star has managed to upset both the left and the right with one single social media post.

That's right.

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It's almost impossible to do nowadays given how polarizing every issue is. We're all so black and white in 2026. You're either far-left, or far-right. No in-between. No middle ground. No fence-sitting.

So, when you manage to anger both parties with one simple question, you know you've really found the sweet spot.

And that's exactly what Sophie Cunningham did Thursday evening when she took to X and simply asked, "so how do we save our farm land and stop all these dumb data centers?"

Chaos:

Sophie Cunningham asks an innocent question and gets bombarded

Boom! That's it. That's the post that had everyone all fired up over on Elon's app yesterday. So simple, yet so divisive.

That single tweet has over 8 million views, over 4,000 retweets and a staggering 6,000 comments. It is, easily, Sophie Cunningham's most viral post — which is saying something given she is the WNBA's biggest start next to Caitlin Clark.

WNBA STAR SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM CLARIFIES FREE AGENCY COMPLAINT, WANTED HOUSE IN INDIANA TO BRING HER DONKEYS

Again, the impressive thing is how it angered both liberals AND conservatives alike, which shows just how truly dumb this whole AI era is. God, we're stupid.

Let's check in on some of the reaction:

You see? The reactions are all over the place, and all across the board. You've got "Project Liberal" mad at her. You've got Stephen Miller mad at her. You've got regular folks mad at her.

And none of them really say why they're mad, because, truthfully, nobody can really explain a data center. Myself included, by the way.

Data centers are sort of like "the cloud" for iPhones. Can anyone here really explain where something goes in your phone when it's sent to iCloud? No. Of course not. Nobody knows what that is, but we still use it.

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That's what data centers are right now. Are they really that bad for us? Do they really take up space? Are they spying on us? Are they destroying our water? I have no clue. None. Zero.

Sophie Cunningham seems to think they're building them on our great farmland(s). Again, I have no clue if that's true. It probably is, to a degree.

Regardless, Sophie has the internet in a tizzy right now, and it's all because of one simple post that really tapped into the existing divides between rural America, Big Tech influence, government subsidies, and environmental priorities.

And that, folks, is how you keep America on our toes during the dog days of summer.

Well done, Sophie.

PS: some folks commented and said the way to save the farms is to get rid of the golf courses.

I don't think so. Not on my watch. That'll start a second Civil War.