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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Conservative Democrat

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

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

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

Many liberals and centrists initially supported him.

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

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

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The Islamist

After consolidating power, Erdoğan began another political transformation.

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

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

That anti-Western turn went beyond rhetoric.

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

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

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

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

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

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The nationalist strongman

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

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

Supporters credit him with transforming Turkey into a regional power.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The NATO dealmaker

Today, Erdoğan finds himself in another political transformation.

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

That rhetoric was once central to Erdoğan's posture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And now look at him."

Growing criticism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's dive in.

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

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

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

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

Trump's FIFA call was such a no-brainer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's talk about the Marlins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carrie and Sophie take us into the week

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

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

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

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

Indefensible. Make Baseball Great Again!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once again, she nailed it.

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

Take us home, Carrie Underwood!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Others focused on Balogun being a birthright citizen.

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

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

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

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

Many others took to social media with thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, told Politico over the course of three interviews that Platner forced her to have sex five years ago, a claim that Platner denied in the story. Additionally, the report says that a man Raciot dated afterward confirmed she had told him about the incident, which was also corroborated by emails between Racicot and her therapist.

"I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told the outlet about the incident, which allegedly took place while the two were intoxicated. "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’"

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

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Over the last few days, multiple Platner events over the 4th of July holiday weekend and Monday were canceled without an official explanation or comment from the campaign, Bangor Daily News reported on Monday, other than one event organizer saying that an event in Gorman was canceled due to Platner "not feeling well."

The news of the canceled events led conservative outlets and pundits to speculate whether there is an underlying reason for the cancellations.

"Graham Platner cancels MULTIPLE scheduled town hall events as progressive allies tease another scandal is about to hit his campaign," the Maine Wire news outlet posted on X. "Augusta town hall for last night - CANCELED Gorham town hall tonight - CANCELED Sanford town hall tonight - CANCELED. There are no other upcoming events listed on his FB page, or on Mobilize."

"Graham Platner no-showed Fourth of July celebrations across Maine," the National Republican Senatorial Committee posted on X in response to the Maine Wire post. "Now, he's canceling everything else. We wouldn't want to be seen in public either… "

"A well-placed source told us that Graham Platner is dropping out of the Maine Senate race this week," the Washington Reporter posted on X. "Note that Platner has yet to release his Q2 fundraising totals, a sign he may have underperformed expectations. "

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

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

Platner has been at the center of multiple controversies since launching his campaign, including infidelity, alleged physical abuse of an ex-girlfriend, a Nazi-linked tattoo, disparaging comments about the military, referring to himself as a "communist", scrutiny over his working-class bonafides, and a variety of inflammatory posts on a deleted Reddit account.

Despite the controversies, Platner has held a polling lead on incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, although a recent Fox News Poll showed only 44% of respondents believing he has "good character" while 47% said he is "too extreme" for the state.

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Now that Platner has won the Democratic primary, the next key date is 5 p.m. on Monday, July 13. Under Maine law, if Platner formally withdraws as the Democratic nominee by that deadline, the Maine Democratic Party can replace him on the general election ballot by selecting a new nominee through its party process, with the replacement required to be chosen by July 27.

If he remains the nominee past the July 13 deadline, the party generally loses its ability to substitute another candidate through the normal replacement process, except in limited circumstances defined under state law.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Correct," Hostin agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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He said his motivation also extended beyond personal bragging rights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warm-weather apparel

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

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

Original price: $14.99

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

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

Original price: $24.98

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

Nike women's Dri-FIT shorts: $50

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bucket hat: $19.99 (33% off)

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

Warm-weather shoes and accessories

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

New Balance men's 520 v9 shoes: $69.99

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

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

Original price: $52.46

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

Skechers women's Go Walk sneakers: $50.37

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

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

Original price: $71

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

Goodr polarized sunglasses: $30

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

Oakley Holbrook sunglasses: $184

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

Walking and running gear

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

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

Original price: $29.99

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

Waterfly crossbody bag: $21.95 (20% off)

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

Waterfly running belt: $18.91 (14% off)

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

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

Original price: $44.99

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

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Running armband: $9.99 (23% off)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump addressed the controversy in the Oval Office.

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

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

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

He also took issue with the call itself.

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

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

Belgium’s appeal was dismissed later Monday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRONX MAN CONVICTED OF RUNNING SECRET CHINESE POLICE STATION IN MANHATTAN USED TO MONITOR DISSIDENTS

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

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

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

MARCO RUBIO SAYS US WILL PUSH CHINA TO TAKE A MORE 'ACTIVE ROLE' IN IRAN NEGOTIATIONS AHEAD OF TRUMP-XI SUMMIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The RBFA responded after the decision was made.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW A 93-YEAR-OLD SOCCER REFEREE CREDITS WARTIME RATIONS AND DISCIPLINE FOR HIS LONGEVITY

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

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

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

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

DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE

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

Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson for comment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are lab-grown diamonds real?

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

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

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

Best places to buy lab-grown diamond jewelry

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

Angara

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

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

Original price: $2,229

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

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

Original price: $2,539

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

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

Original price: $2,769

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

With Clarity

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

Diamond and sapphire eternity ring: $1,200

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

Diamond stud earrings: $308 (30% off)

Original price: $440

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

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

Original price: $2,400

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

East-West Emerald Tennis Bracelet: $3,400

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

Brilliant Earth

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

Vera signet ring: $1,550

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

Diamond stud earrings: $1,195

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

Solitaire diamond pendant: $1,095

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

Ritani

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

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

Oringal price: $344

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

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

Original price: $929

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

Quince

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

Diamond bezel tennis bracelet: $1,800

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

Gold princess solitaire diamond studs: $498

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

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Diamond emerald seven-stone band: $698

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ICE makes nationwide arrests of illegal immigrants, murderers, pedophiles in holiday blitz

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:23:26 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Federal immigration authorities had a busy Independence Day weekend, arresting illegal immigrants all over the country, including some with convictions for murder, burglary and child sex crimes, during a holiday sweep.

The arrests came as many Americans were celebrating the nation's 250th birthday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Monday.

"While Americans celebrated the 250th anniversary of the greatest nation on Earth, the brave men and women of ICE were arresting the worst of the worst, including multiple murderers, pedophiles, rapists, kidnappers, drunk drivers, drug traffickers, and other dangerous public safety threats," said DHS acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "Our law enforcement officers work around the clock, even on holidays, to make our communities safer."

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Bis noted that under President Donald Trump, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has hired 12,000 new officers and agents in less than a year, more than doubling the agency's workforce.

"Thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, we have an additional 12,000 ICE officers who will continue delivering on the American people’s mandate to make our nation SAFE AGAIN," she said.

Those arrested over the weekend included Radimir Thompson-Nagle, a Panamanian citizen with criminal convictions for murder and assault in Brooklyn, New York, ICE said.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO KILLED AMERICAN WOMAN OUTSIDE HER HOME WALKS FREE DECADES LATER – THEN INTO ICE CUSTODY

Marcos Rubio-Hernandez, a Mexican citizen, was previously convicted of second-degree murder and kidnapping in Wilson County, North Carolina. Roberto Gutierrez-Diaz, also from Mexico, has convictions for sodomy (victim less than 12 years old), sexual abuse (victim less than 12 years old), attempted rape (domestic violence), and burglary in Louisville, Kentucky.

Francisco Olmedo-Silva, from Mexico, has convictions spanning Oregon, Wyoming and Pennsylvania for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, escaping from custody and robbery.

Pedro Mazorra-Herrera, from Cuba, was convicted of aggravated stalking, resisting an officer with violence, burglary with assault or battery and cocaine possession in Miami, Florida.

Monday's announcement came as the Trump administration continues its deportation campaign targeting criminal illegal immigrants and pushing back on sanctuary jurisdictions.

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"Sanctuary city politicians who put illegal alien criminals over their own citizens are a national security threat," DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin posted Monday on X. "Seven of the 10 safest cities in America cooperate with @ICEgov. Meanwhile, @GovernorVA has created a hotbed of illegal alien criminal activity in her own backyard."

Mullin's remarks came in response to a Fox News Digital story stating that Fairfax County, Virginia, has refused to transfer 615 illegal immigrants to ICE over the past 16 months while turning over just 11. The county designated itself a sanctuary jurisdiction in 2021.

Mark Kelly proudly backs Team Mexico in World Cup after barely mentioning U.S. men's team

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:20:16 -0400

Which team is U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Az) on?

Based on his social media feed, especially on Sunday, it appears Kelly might have a conflict of interest based on how patriotic he was feeling towards Team Mexico in its World Cup match against England.

"Lots of people out in Tucson to watch Mexico take on England. Tucson and La Rosa sure know how to do the World Cup!" Kelly boasted on Twitter where he proudly posted photos of himself wearing a Team Mexico jersey and smiling ear to ear.

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You'll never guess who has barely mentioned the U.S. men's team on Twitter or Facebook.

Yep, Senator Mark Kelly.

Since you're on a roll, you'll also be able to guess who hasn't been to a Team USA watch party, or worn a Team USA jersey to a party, based on his social media feed. You're right again, Mark Kelly. If he has, Kelly sure hasn't bragged about it like he did Sunday when England went into enemy territory and sent the Mexicans on a Cancun vacation with a 3-2 victory.

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Kelly's only mention of Team USA came back on June 25 when he admitted on Twitter to not being a soccer fan. "I watch the NFL, the NBA, a little bit of Major League Baseball, hockey and the UFC, but soccer has never really been my thing," the former astronaut said.

Understandable.

Kelly then went on to say he planned to watch the U.S. men's team "hopefully" beat Turkey.

Hopefully? Talk about lukewarm confidence.

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Ten days later, Kelly shows up to a Team Mexico watch party exuding confidence with that massive smile on his face. Look at how proud and confident Mark was at that party taking selfies and rallying the Mexican fans as they prepared for this historic moment against England.

A U.S. senator who didn't care about soccer, and definitely didn't care about U.S. soccer, was that quick to jump on the Mexican bandwagon. Let that sink in.

ICE renews hunt for El Chapo's last two fugitive sons with massive reward

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:14:42 -0400

"Two down and two to go" blared the new wanted poster targeting the two remaining fugitive sons of infamous Mexican cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman-Loera, who is serving life-plus-30-years in Colorado's federal supermax prison.

On Monday, ICE posted a new wanted poster for two members of "Los Chapitos" — Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, two of El Chapo's sons with his first wife, Alejandrina Maria Salazar-Hernandez.

After El Chapo's final capture in 2016, control of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel shifted to Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. Following Zambada's arrest during the Biden administration, leadership passed to Guzman's four sons.

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Both the Trump administration in the U.S. and the Sheinbaum administration in Mexico have said they are focused on cracking down on cartel's new leadership.

"Two down and two to go with $10 million reward," the wanted poster read, with Xs over the faces of the already captured Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ovidio Guzman Lopez.

The two captured Chapitos are reportedly cooperating with authorities and have not yet been sentenced, but Ivan and Jesus remain "armed and dangerous," according to ICE.

ICE NABS ACCUSED MS-13 KILLER HIDING IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA SUBURB

The two fugitives are charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and operating a continuing criminal enterprise.

Two of Guzman's four sons have already been captured through Operation Take Back America, an initiative seeking the "total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations" in order to protect U.S. communities from violent crime.

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros said in a recent statement that efforts to capture El Chapo’s sons are the latest steps "in our efforts to bring to justice drug lords and other dangerous criminals who poison the American public with illegal and harmful drugs and who otherwise engage in violence and corruption to carry out their and their enterprises’ wide-reaching criminal activities."

US MILITARY KILLS TWO ALLEGED NARCO-TERRORISTS IN LATEST EASTERN PACIFIC STRIKE ON DRUG-TRAFFICKING VESSEL

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In his plea agreement, Guzman Lopez admitted that he and his cartel associates committed violence against law enforcement officials, rival drug traffickers and members of their own organization to protect the Sinaloa Cartel's trafficking operations.

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Fox News Digital reached out to ICE and DHS for additional comment and information on the mission to capture the two at-large Chapitos.

FLASHBACK: As America turns 250, here's how the nation celebrated its biggest birthdays

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:12:31 -0400

America's milestone anniversaries have given generations of Americans an opportunity to reflect on the nation's history, values and progress.

From the Centennial in 1876 to the Bicentennial in 1976, celebrations have had parades, fireworks, historical reenactments, speeches and other patriotic traditions honoring the Declaration of Independence and the nation's founding in 1776.

As Americans celebrated the country's 250th anniversary on July 4, those traditions carried into the semiquincentennial with the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, President Donald Trump's address marking the occasion, military flyovers, performances by the U.S. Army Band and a Guinness World Record-breaking fireworks display with more than 850,000 fireworks.

Fox News Digital looks back at the nation's biggest birthday celebrations.

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

1826: America's Jubilee (50th Anniversary)

The nation's first major milestone came in 1826, marking 50 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

Communities across the country organized celebrations and leaders in Washington, D.C., invited former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two of the last surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, to attend, but both declined due to poor health, according to the National Archives Foundation. However, history took an extraordinary turn when Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, just hours apart.

Many Americans saw Jefferson and Adams' deaths as a remarkable coincidence that added to the symbolism of Independence Day. A memorial service honoring Jefferson and Adams was held in Washington, D.C., while dinners, patriotic events and other commemorations helped establish the tradition of celebrating America's birthday.

1876: Centennial (100th Anniversary)

The nation celebrated its 100th anniversary in Philadelphia with the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the nation's first official World's Fair, which highlighted America's post-Civil War industrial growth and introduced millions of visitors to groundbreaking new technologies.

The six-month exposition attracted nearly 10 million visitors from around the world to see international arts, cultures and technologies on display, according to the National Archives.

The exposition featured Machinery Hall, where visitors saw new inventions, including Alexander Graham Bell's first telephone and Thomas Alva Edison's automatic telegraph. The fair also had a Women's Pavilion that highlighted the scientific and artistic achievements of women during the suffrage movement.

THE REVOLUTIONARY LANDMARKS WHERE WASHINGTON, ADAMS AND JEFFERSON CHANGED AMERICA

President Ulysses S. Grant approved sending the original Declaration of Independence to Philadelphia for display at the Centennial Exposition, according to the National Archives. Concerns over the document's deteriorating condition later prompted efforts to preserve the nation's founding document.

1926: Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary)

Fifty years later, Philadelphia again hosted a World's Fair to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition featured historical recreations and patriotic attractions celebrating the nation's founding. Organizers built an 80-foot replica of the Liberty Bell illuminated by 26,000 light bulbs that became one of the exposition's signature attractions, according to The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia.

THE LESSON WE CAN LEARN FROM BICENTENNIAL HISTORY IS TO PARTY LIKE IT’S 1976

Although organizers projected 30 million visitors, fewer than 5 million paid admissions were recorded, and the exposition closed with enormous debts, according to Smithsonian magazine and The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia.

1976: Bicentennial (200th Anniversary)

America's 200th birthday arrived during a period of recovery following the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.

Philadelphia's bid to host a Bicentennial World's Fair was canceled in 1972, leaving the city's Bicentennial commemoration to move forward as national organizers encouraged celebrations across the country, according to the Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia.

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About 66,000 recognized events were held across the country, according to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Signature celebrations included Operation Sail, which brought more than 200 tall ships to New York Harbor, and the American Freedom Train, which traveled more than 25,000 miles across the country carrying historic artifacts, documents and works of art.

Democrats' civil war heads to Michigan where progressives face biggest test yet in high-stakes Senate showdown

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:09:24 -0400

The high-stakes fight between the left-wing and the center-left establishment for the future of the Democratic Party is moving to a much larger stage.

After victories by far-left and socialist candidates in dark blue congressional districts in New York City and Colorado the past two weeks drew national attention, the spotlight now shifts to battleground Michigan.

That's where moderate Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., who is backed by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and the establishment; and former Wayne County Health Department Director Abdul El-Sayed, a left-wing candidate endorsed by progressive champions Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.,and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., are colliding in a crucial Senate showdown.

The winner of the Aug. 4, 2026, Democratic primary will face-off in the midterm elections in November against former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who is on a glide path to the GOP nomination. The winner will succeed retiring Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat.

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The seat is a top Republican target and is a must-hold for the Democrats as they aim to win back the Senate majority from the GOP, which currently controls the chamber with a slim, but manageable, 53-47 margin. The leading nonpartisan political handicappers at Cook Political Reporter rate the Senate race in Michigan as a toss-up.

Matt Bennett, one of the leaders at the Third Way, a leading center-left Democratic organization, told Fox News the primary in Michigan "is much more significant" than the intra-party ballot box showdowns the past two weeks in "very, very blue districts" in New York City and Denver.

The showdown in Michigan became a two-way race on Sunday, after progressive state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, once the third major Democrat in the primary, suspended her campaign.

"I may be suspending this campaign, but I am not leaving the fight," McMorrow pledged in a statement Sunday as she ended her Senate bid.

McMorrow, who has seen her national profile expand in recent years and was running as a progressive in an ideological space between El-Sayed and Stevens, suspended her campaign amid faltering poll numbers and fundraising that weren't keeping pace with her two main rivals.

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McMorrow pledged to fully support whichever Democrat wins the primary and will ultimately face-off with Rogers, who is running for the Senate for a second straight cycle after losing in 2024 to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin by a razor-thin margin.

Following McMorrow's announcement, Stevens praised her fellow Democrat by calling her an "important voice" for policies that benefit Michigan families. Stevens then argued that she is the strongest Democratic candidate to win the primary and defeat Rogers in November.

"As we enter the final month of the primary election, I'm excited to continue to make my case to Michiganders why I'm the strongest Democrat to defeat Mike Rogers this November, lower costs, protect manufacturing jobs, and stand up to Trump's abuses of power," she added.

As she runs for the nomination, Stevens has been backed by millions in super PAC spending, including big bucks from Israel-aligned groups.

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In his statement, El-Sayed praised McMorrow for having the "courage" to challenge what he described as a rigged political system, accusing Democratic Party insiders of spending millions to influence the primary. While he did not name specific groups, the remarks appeared to reference corporate PACs and establishment party leaders such as Schumer.

He then invited McMorrow’s supporters to join his progressive movement to combat big money in politics and defeat the political establishment.

"Throughout this campaign, Senator McMorrow showed what it looks like to fight back against politics that rigs the system against too many of us. While we have policy disagreements, I never questioned whether Senator McMorrow would fight for a better America for my daughters and hers," he said.

"The same party insiders she had the courage to challenge have been bullying anyone who opposes their chosen candidate. After spending $30 million to drown Senator McMorrow and me out, they’re now spending even more to attack me. It’s everything we are standing up against."

"I welcome her supporters to our movement to stand up against money in politics, to put money back in pockets, and pass Medicare for All. We cannot allow the establishment to decide our nominee for us."

THESE MIDTERM RACES WILL DETERMINE WHETHER REPUBLICANS HOLD THEIR SENATE MAJORITY

El-Sayed, who, if elected, would make history as the nation's first Muslim senator, is an epidemiologist who unsuccessfully ran for governor as an insurgent candidate in 2018. He has made support for "Medicare-for-all" a major component of his campaign.

The far-left candidate has also called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and is a vocal critic of Israel amid its war with Hamas — even characterizing Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide" against Palestinians.

And El-Sayed, who served as a top surrogate on Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, has vowed not to accept PAC donations.

Schumer and the party establishment view Stevens as more electable than El-Sayed, who has sparked controversy with his past comments. They worry that El-Sayed as the party's nominee would jeopardize the Democrat-controlled Senate seat by pushing the party too far to the left in a state that President Donald Trump carried two years ago by just over one percentage point.

A victory by El-Sayed over Stevens in next month's primary would give the far left a major win on a statewide stage, and further boost their momentum in the battle for the Democratic Party's future.

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But Bennet warned against placing too much emphasis on the results in Michigan, as he pointed to other factors in the race.

"I don't think that even if El-Sayed wins, that means the national party is moving dramatically to the left, as the left will insist if that happens," he told Fox News Digital. "Some of this is idiosyncratic. There's a huge Arab American population in Michigan. The Israel issue is more resonant there than it is in other places. And candidates matter."

Fox News' Hannah Brennan contributed to this story.

Trump pushed NATO to pay up. Now allies must turn pledges into power

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:07:52 -0400

Declarations are not deterrence. Commitments are not capabilities.

At The Hague last year, NATO Allies made a historic pledge: five percent of GDP annually on core defense and security-related capabilities. It was a declaration that the Free World will rise to the challenges of this century — and a testament to the historic leadership of President Trump. His unwavering determination has secured a surge in Allied defense investment not seen since the founding of NATO.

But as we approach the NATO Summit in Ankara, the Alliance faces its defining test: turning promises into realities on the ground.

TRUMP CALLS OUT NATO AHEAD OF SUMMIT, CALLING IT 'RIDICULOUS' FOR US TO PERSIST ON 'ONE SIDED PATH'

The Burden-Sharing Reckoning

Since 2017, European Allies and Canada have increased defense investment by more than $1.2 trillion. That is real money, and it reflects a real shift in political will. Since the Hague Summit alone, Allies have committed nearly $139 billion — roughly half of it spent on American equipment that the United States alone can produce at scale. Allies currently hold over $60 billion in orders with American defense companies, and that number keeps growing. We build the best equipment in the world, and our friends know it.

Yet the picture remains uneven. Some Allies are shouldering more of the burden than others, and the United States will continue to press every member of this Alliance to honor its commitments. In an era of complex new threats — drone swarms, hybrid attacks, hypersonic missiles — a weak link anywhere degrades collective security everywhere.

PENTAGON SLASHES NATO COMBAT COMMITMENTS AS TRUMP PUSHES EUROPE TO DEFEND ITSELF

The goal, however, is not simply to spend more. It is to shift the conventional defense of Europe to Europeans, with the United States providing critical but more focused support — including our nuclear umbrella. That means an Alliance that is stronger, more lethal, and less dependent on the United States. It means air and missile defense networks built to counter the drone and missile threats that have reshaped the modern battlefield in Ukraine. It means tougher training and more demanding exercises for our combined forces. And it means a NATO that can fight and win with Europeans in the lead.

The Defense Industrial Imperative

The most consequential development in the Alliance today is not happening around conference tables. It is happening on factory floors.

UKRAINE’S BATTLEFIELD IS TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF NATO

We must build more military equipment, build it faster, and out-innovate our adversaries. That requires expanded industrial capacity on both sides of the Atlantic: more partnerships between American defense companies and European industry to develop, produce, and sustain together. It requires more flexible contracting, including the long-term contracts Congress has now authorized, to give American companies the certainty they need to invest in expanded production; and new pathways for our most innovative small businesses to bring best-in-class technology to the Alliance.

This is the virtuous cycle we need. Allied demand drives American production. American production drives Allied capability. Allied capability drives deterrence. And deterrence keeps the peace.

The Summit Ahead

Ankara must be a summit of action. The Hague gave us the mandate; Ankara must give us the momentum — concrete milestones, measurable capability targets, and mechanisms that ensure Allies deliver. President Reagan said peace through strength is not a slogan but a fact of life. We must, like President Trump, see the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. A dangerous world demands a strong America and strong Allies. The United States has been the backbone of NATO, and we will remain a proud, stalwart Ally. But a stronger Europe, armed with real capabilities, is the prerequisite for an Alliance that can defend every inch of NATO territory — as equal Allies, not dependents.

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Our adversaries must look at our capabilities and conclude that the cost of aggression is too high.

That is the NATO we are building. The direction is clear. The commitment is real. Now is the time to act.