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Fox Hollow coroner reveals why he doubts suspected serial killer acted alone in hunt for answers

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 07:00:40 -0400

Nearly 30 years after thousands of human bones and bone fragments were unearthed at the sprawling estate of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister, new questions are being raised about the mystery of what really happened at Fox Hollow Farm.

The coroner leading the renewed investigation claims a key figure in the case has not been fully forthcoming with investigators.

"I have had an opportunity to speak with Mark Goodyear a couple of times," Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison told Fox News Digital.

FOX HOLLOW FARM SERIAL KILLER'S 10TH VICTIM IDENTIFIED: CORONER

"The first question I would ask him is, ‘Are you ready to be honest with me?’ Because in the conversations we’ve had, he’s not been honest. I’ve asked him questions that I knew the answer to, and he didn’t pass that test. So for me to sit down with Mark Goodyear, he’s going to have to be willing to be honest in this conversation. I don’t have time to sit down with somebody that tells lies, untruths."

Jellison appears in the ABC News Studios true crime documentary "Return to Fox Hollow: New Victims, Darker Secrets," which explores new theories about potential accomplices, overlooked evidence and witness accounts in the case of Baumeister, a suspected serial killer believed to have murdered numerous men in Indiana. It's a follow-up to the 2025 docuseries "The Fox Hollow Murders: Playground of a Serial Killer."

Jellison said he wants to determine whether Goodyear knows something that could help investigators identify the remaining victims and determine how they died.

Goodyear has never been charged with any crime related to the case and has repeatedly denied any involvement in the disappearances.

"If we move forward in that conversation, certainly I want to know any information I can gather to help identify these remains," said Jellison. "Were you familiar with anybody? Things that would focus more around identification and how these people died."

"Mark Goodyear knows a lot about this case," Jellison said.

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Jellison also shared that Goodyear knew many people through gay nightclubs and could help investigators identify some of the remains.

Goodyear, who participated in the first docuseries, has described himself as Baumeister's only known survivor. The film detailed how investigators believed Baumeister may have filmed his victims with a secret camera hidden in an air vent in his basement. Goodyear said he was forced to watch some of the tapes in 1994. He said the video was so "bad" it made him scream.

"It was like having a camera right up against something," Goodyear said. "You're not going to be able to tell what's going on, but the minute you got a flash of what was going on, it made you scream."

The previous documentary examined how Goodyear's account of his relationship and encounters with Baumeister has changed over the years. At the time, Jellison told Fox News Digital it was unlikely those tapes, if they exist, would ever be recovered.

Fox News Digital reached out to Goodyear for comment but did not receive a response.

Goodyear initially agreed to another interview for the follow-up documentary but did not appear for the scheduled interview, according to the film.

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About 10,000 burned and broken human bones and bone fragments were recovered from the 18-acre estate that once belonged to Baumeister. Before investigators could arrest him in 1996, Baumeister was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Ontario, Canada. He was 49.

Investigators believe Baumeister frequented gay bars in Indianapolis, lured men to his home while his family was away, killed them there and disposed of their remains on the property.

Baumeister's son discovered a human skull in the woods at Fox Hollow Farm in 1994, but, according to reports, investigators did not search the property until June 1996.

Goodyear said he first encountered Baumeister at an Indianapolis gay bar in 1994, where Baumeister introduced himself as "Brian." Goodyear later told investigators that he went home with Baumeister and described what he said was a disturbing sexual encounter.

Goodyear's account eventually helped advance the investigation. After encountering Baumeister again the following year, Goodyear helped investigators obtain information that led them to identify Baumeister.

While Jellison has questioned Goodyear's account, he also made clear in the documentary that Goodyear was not a suspect.

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"There are very strong indications there is another suspect, and it wasn’t Mark Goodyear," Jellison said in the film.

Jellison said there are still more than 9,000 bones and bone fragments yet to be examined. Investigators believe at least 25 people fell victim to Baumeister, according to WRTV.

The scope and placement of the remains have also raised another question for Jellison: whether Baumeister could have carried out the crimes alone.

"I was always convinced that there was more than one," Jellison said. "There were a lot of people that lost their lives in this incident, and just the placement of the evidence alone. How does one man pull this crime off? And how does one man get ... deceased individuals from his residence to potentially 200 yards through very dense woods? I think it would've been a very difficult task."

Jellison is determined to put names to the unidentified victims. He believes some families may still be unaware that a loved one vanished or that the person's remains may have ended up at Fox Hollow Farm.

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Jellison compared the scale of the investigation to the recovery effort at the World Trade Center.

"Some of these folks did not have close family connections, and they were somewhat marginalized," he explained. "So there may be families out there not even knowing that their loved one went missing, much less consider that person was a victim at Fox Hollow."

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"Thirty years have passed since these remains have been recovered," he reflected. "So potentially, mom and dad could be deceased, and maybe they had no brother or sister. So we’re reaching out further down the lineage to cousins. And a cousin may not even know that they had a family member that even went missing."

Jellison said identifying the Fox Hollow victims presents a unique challenge.

He contrasted the case with the World Trade Center investigation, where records and missing-person reports gave investigators a clearer idea of who they were looking for. At Fox Hollow, investigators started with remains but few clues about their identities.

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"I really believe that this investigation is more complicated in some ways than the World Trade Center," he said. "With Fox Hollow, we’ve recovered these remains, but we have no idea who it is that we’re looking for."

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Jellison is urging anyone who believes a missing loved one could be connected to the case to contact his office. After the original documentary aired, his office received approximately 500 emails, phone calls, text messages and social media messages, Jellison said.

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"Come forward," he said. "If you don’t know what to do or you don’t know who to call, call me. I’ll get you going in the right direction."

Trump’s tougher round-two birthright citizenship strategy hinges on key legal distinction, experts say

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 07:00:39 -0400

Conservative legal experts say President Donald Trump’s latest attempts to narrow birthright citizenship and crack down on birth tourism may have stronger legal footing than his first effort.

After the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in June that children born in the United States to parents who are unlawfully or temporarily present are citizens at birth under the 14th Amendment, Trump issued two new executive orders taking narrower approaches to citizenship and birth tourism.

The first, signed Aug. 6, directs federal agencies to withhold documents recognizing citizenship from certain children born when neither parent is a U.S. citizen, including some whose parents are members of designated foreign terrorist organizations, foreign-government employees or participants in transactions or fraud intended to obtain birthright citizenship.

Experts from the Manhattan Institute, America First Legal and the America First Policy Institute, all right-of-center organizations, argued that Trump’s new order is narrower than his first and is built around longstanding exceptions to birthright citizenship that they believe could apply here.

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDERS TARGETING BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP, BIRTH TOURISM AFTER SUPREME COURT SETBACK

"The Supreme Court has long recognized that there are exceptions to the 14th Amendment's birthright citizenship clause for the aliens who are considered children of invading armies or the children of ambassadors," America First Policy Institute senior fellow Chad Mizelle, who previously served as the Justice Department’s chief of staff, told Fox News Digital. "So in a situation where you have a terrorist here contrary to the laws of the United States … who is looking to do harm … That has long been recognized by the Supreme Court, and basically going back to the history of our country, as recognized exceptions to any sort of claim of birthright citizenship."

United States v. Wong Kim Ark, decided by the Supreme Court in 1898, recognized exceptions to birthright citizenship for children of diplomats and children of alien enemies born during a hostile occupation. Trump’s order argues that members of foreign terrorist organizations can fall within that enemy exception.

TRUMP BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP FIGHT COMES ROARING BACK WITH ‘INVADERS’ PLAY AFTER KAVANAUGH ROADMAP

"The Supreme Court ruled that you can't restrict birthright citizenship to kids of people in the country temporarily or illegally," Manhattan Institute director of constitutional studies Ilya Shapiro told Fox News Digital. "But what the new executive order does is it goes to one of the classic exceptions to birthrights citizenship, two of the classic exceptions, those who owe an allegiance to a foreign government, meaning employed by a foreign governing diplomats otherwise, and those who are invaders of foreign armies and terrorists, members of foreign organizations hostile to America, certainly qualify in that category."

David Bier, the director of immigration studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, however, argued that the president’s attempt to redefine what constitutes an alien enemy without going through Congress puts the administration on legally shaky ground.

"Congress ultimately establishes what it means to be subject to U.S. jurisdiction," Bier told Fox News Digital. "There's this very limited exception for accredited diplomats and everyone else in the United States is subject to U.S. laws so the idea that the president himself on his own authority can decide who is subject U. S. jurisdiction and U.S. laws is really a radical expansion and assertion of executive power and really would be unprecedented in the history of the United States."

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"I really do think this case is testing a different proposition from the earlier case," Bier added, explaining that the issue at hand has more to do with executive power than birthright citizenship. "And I think it's a lot more questionable as well."

Amanda Frost, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, pointed out that United States v. Wong Kim Ark specifies that only children of enemies "occupying" some portion of the country are barred from citizenship at birth, meaning that Trump’s order would not apply to terrorists simply residing within the country. She said the Trump administration could potentially expand who is legally defined as a diplomat to preclude more people from birthright citizenship, but explained such a move would make it difficult to prosecute individuals for criminal offenses, a concern shared by Bier.

Frost and Bier both believe the new executive order should be ruled unconstitutional.

Some have floated the issue of standing as a potential problem for those looking to challenge Trump's order. Legal standing requires plaintiffs to show they suffered or imminently face a concrete injury caused by the defendant that a court can remedy.

"It's going to be interesting to see who actually does have standing to challenge this order," America First Legal co-founder and president Gene Hamilton told Fox News Digital. "Is there somebody who thinks that they're going to swept up in the definition of a foreign terrorist organization? And if so, it would be kind of fun to see them try to sue the government or have someone sue on their behalf."

Trump’s new order is already facing legal resistance.

TRUMP TO ASK SUPREME COURT TO REHEAR BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP CASE AFTER 'INSANE DECISION'

The same groups who challenged his initial order are now arguing that his new one unlawfully creates exceptions to birthright citizenship that conflict with the Supreme Court’s June ruling. The order remains on the books but is not scheduled to take effect until Sept. 6, with a Maryland judge scheduled to hear an injunction request Aug. 28 and a related motion still pending in New Hampshire.

Issued on the same day as the first new executive order, the second order directed the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to deny travel visas to or pursue removal actions against individuals believed to be in the country for the purposes of birth tourism. Birth tourism is a process through which noncitizens enter the United States while pregnant and give birth in order to secure citizenship for their child.

Hamilton described this second order as being on "sound, solid legal footing."

"It relies and invokes Section 215(a) of the INA to impose conditions and delegates authority of the Secretary of State … to ensure that we are not granting visas and allowing people to remain on visas who may be engaged in birth tourism," he explained. "It is the sovereign right and province of all governments across the world, and certainly the United States is no different, to determine who should be able to receive a visa and who shouldn't. There's no entitlement to a visa. There's no constitutional right to a visa."

SEN ERIC SCHMITT SEEKS TO END BIRTH TOURISM, REVOKE CITIZENSHIP FOR BABIES OF FOREIGN DIPLOMATS

Critics also argue that the administration already had tools to combat birth tourism. Since 2020, State Department rules have directed consular officers to deny visitor visas when they have reason to believe an applicant’s primary purpose is traveling to the United States to give birth and obtain citizenship for the child.

"No new executive orders are required for the federal government to go after birth tourism operators or deny fraudulent visa applications," Center for American Progress senior director of immigration policy Debu Gandhi told Fox News Digital. "Americans should take note that from day one, the Trump administration has tried to evade the Constitution's clear and unequivocal language on citizenship and unilaterally decide who is born an American."

If the administration’s latest effort fails, supporters of further limits on birthright citizenship could turn to Congress or pursue a constitutional amendment, which would require approval by three-fourths of the states.

Shapiro says that the administration is on "solid ground" but noted that "if they had proceeded originally in this more targeted, narrower way" then the Supreme Court may not have ruled against them originally.

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The White House did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

GOV JEFF LANDRY: SpaceX bets on Louisiana as America’s next frontier takes off in the South

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 07:00:16 -0400

For generations, Americans looked west when they thought about opportunity. Today, they should look south.

Louisiana has always powered America. We fueled the nation with energy, fed it through our farms and ports, built ships that defended it, and manufactured the products that helped it grow.

Now, we are helping lead America’s next frontier: space.

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With SpaceX choosing Louisiana for its newest chapter, our state is taking its place at the center of the economic and technological race that will define the 21st century. This is more than a win for Louisiana. It is a win for America.

For many years, Louisiana saw transformative investments land somewhere else. We watched other states attract the industries of the future while too many of our own left in search of opportunity.

Not anymore.

SpaceX did not choose Louisiana by accident.

THE RED-STATE WINNERS IN THE CLIMB TO BECOME AMERICA’S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

It chose Louisiana because we made a deliberate decision to compete.

Over the past two years, we have cut taxes, reduced bureaucracy, modernized economic development, strengthened workforce training, and created an environment where major employers know they can build and succeed.

THIS RED STATE HANDS REPUBLICANS FRESH AMMUNITION IN THE FIGHT OVER AMERICA'S ECONOMIC FUTURE

The results speak for themselves.

Louisiana has secured more than $250 billion in announced private investment. Meta is building one of the largest artificial intelligence data centers in history in North Louisiana. Hyundai Steel is investing billions in advanced manufacturing along our River. And Louisiana continues to solidify its position as America’s energy powerhouse through transformative LNG investments — including Woodside’s $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG project, Venture Global’s $18 billion expansion, and Commonwealth LNG’s $13 billion facility.

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Together, these projects are creating thousands of jobs, strengthening American energy security, and cementing Louisiana’s role as a global energy leader.

Louisiana is not betting its future on a single industry. We are building an economy that leads in energy, manufacturing, technology, and now aerospace.

INNOVATION IS KEY TO AMERICA STAYING A SUPERPOWER. BUT IT IS MISSING AN ESSENTIAL PIECE

SpaceX is the latest chapter in that story.

Some will see rockets. I see what they make possible.

ONE OF THE WORLD'S HOTTEST INDUSTRIES IS SPARKING A BLUE-COLLAR JOBS BOOM

I see high-paying jobs for Louisiana workers. I see engineers, welders, electricians, fabricators, software developers, and skilled tradespeople building the future right here. I see students who once believed they had to leave Louisiana to pursue careers in technology and innovation realizing they can build those careers at home. I see communities gaining investment, growth, and optimism. Most importantly, I see Louisiana becoming a state that attracts talent instead of exporting it.

That matters because the greatest challenge facing our state has never been a lack of resources. It has been a lack of opportunity.

For decades, Louisiana was known for what we were losing. Today, we are becoming known for what we are gaining.

The proof is already visible.

Louisiana recently recorded population growth for the second consecutive year. Young adults accounted for most of that growth. Our labor force participation rate recorded one of the largest increases in America as thousands more Louisianians entered or reentered the workforce.

People are choosing Louisiana again.

SpaceX did not create that momentum.

It confirms it.

This project joins a growing list of investments that send the same message to the country and the world: Louisiana is open for business, ready to compete, and prepared to win.

For too long, Louisiana was told to think smaller. We were told the industries of the future belonged somewhere else.

SpaceX proves otherwise.

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The same state that helped America reach the moon through generations of aerospace manufacturing is now helping shape the future of space exploration itself. That should make every Louisianian proud.

More importantly, it should make every American optimistic.

Because when companies choose to build in Louisiana, they are choosing to build in America.

The future of American energy, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and now space exploration is being written in places willing to compete for it. Louisiana is competing.

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Louisiana is winning.

And if SpaceX’s decision proves anything, it is that America's next frontier runs straight through Louisiana.

Appeals court delivers unsettling ruling — and says Supreme Court left it no choice

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:00:45 -0400

A federal appeals court says decades-old Supreme Court precedent forced it to protect the in-home possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, as judges warned that rapidly advancing technology has complicated legal lines drawn nearly 25 years ago.

The ruling exposes a widening gap between Supreme Court precedent and rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. The Seventh Circuit said it was bound by a 2002 Supreme Court decision that rejected restrictions on sexually explicit depictions of fictional children when no actual child was involved in their creation. But two judges warned that modern AI can now generate images virtually indistinguishable from material depicting the abuse of real children.

"Indeed, in Free Speech Coalition, the Supreme Court addressed the scope of First Amendment protections for virtual CSAM, but that was nearly twenty-five years ago, and the image-generation technology available today was likely unimaginable back then," Judge John Lee wrote. "Given the relentless advancement in artificial intelligence models, we have some concerns about the lines these cases draw, but we are not free to redraw them ourselves."

WORKER AT SWANKY COUNTRY CLUB ACCUSED OF USING AI TO CREATE EXPLICIT PHOTOS OF TEEN: POLICE

The Seventh Circuit affirmed a lower court’s dismissal of one of four charges against Steven Anderegg, who investigators said had hundreds of AI-generated sexually explicit images depicting children on devices seized from his Wisconsin home.

Anderegg was charged with producing and distributing the AI-generated material, transferring it to a minor under 16, and possessing it. A federal district court dismissed only the possession charge on First Amendment grounds, leaving the other three charges intact.

The Justice Department appealed that dismissal, arguing that the government should be permitted to prohibit possession of obscene virtual child sexual abuse material even when no actual child was involved in its creation. But the Seventh Circuit sided with the lower court.

The government generally cannot criminalize the private possession of obscene material inside someone's home, but it can prohibit possession of child sexual abuse material involving real children because its creation exploits actual victims.

However, the Supreme Court complicated that distinction in 2002 when it struck down restrictions covering sexually explicit images of fictional children created without using actual minors. The justices reasoned that the government's overriding interest in protecting children from exploitation did not apply in the same way when no real child was involved.

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Hans von Spakovsky, a senior fellow with Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital that the appeals court "had no choice but to uphold the dismissal under the First Amendment" because of the Supreme Court's ruling.

But von Spakovsky agreed with the concurrence by Lee and Judge Joshua Kolar, who warned the Supreme Court that the rapid growth of AI technology could require the justices to revisit precedent.

"Unforunately, AI-generated images are now virtualy indistinguishable from the real thing and some of these images be created based on real child sexual abuse material," von Spavosky said. "Technology may have overtaken and overwhelmed the reasoning used in those prior decisions."

NEW YORK MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND LAW REGULATING AI-POWERED COMMERCIALS

The Supreme Court previously ruled in Free Speech Coalition that taking images of real children and "morphing" them into sexually explicit poses would not be protected under its ruling on the possession of child sexual abuse material depicting fictional children because the practice involves the interests of real children.

Justice Department lawyers have warned that the rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse material could bog down investigators trying to identify real victims, as increasingly realistic artificial images become harder to distinguish from depictions of actual abuse.

HAWLEY CHAMPIONS GUARD ACT AS HEARTBROKEN FAMILIES SAY AI CHATBOTS ALLEGEDLY PUSHED TEENS TO SELF-HARM

Judges Lee and Kolar raised another concern in their concurrence, citing research that found hundreds of child sexual abuse material images in a major dataset used to train image-generating AI. The judges suggested that could create a link between AI-generated material and the exploitation of real children, though they stressed that the government did not raise the issue in this case and that the record was insufficient to resolve it.

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Justice Clarence Thomas anticipated the dilemma more than two decades ago, warning in the Supreme Court’s 2002 ruling that advancing technology could eventually make virtual depictions indistinguishable from child sexual abuse material involving real victims.

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"If technological advances thwart prosecution of ‘unlawful speech,’ the Government may well have a compelling interest in barring or otherwise regulating some narrow category of ‘lawful speech’" to enforce laws against material produced through the abuse of real children, Thomas wrote.

Jewish AG’s convention boycott exposes deepening Israel fault line among Michigan Democrats

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:00:42 -0400

LANSING, MI - Michigan Democrats gather Saturday in the battleground state's capital city to hold their 2026 state nominating convention amid controversy over recent antisemitic harassment and open hostility within the party over U.S. support for Israel.

Democratic Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Jewish, recently announced she wouldn't attend the confab due to security concerns, after anti-Israel party activists shouted down pro-Israel speakers, including Rep. Haley Stevens, at a prior convention in April.

This weekend's convention comes as a growing number of Democrats push for cutting military aid to Israel, amidst the Israeli government's ongoing war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

The convention is also being held just a few weeks after Abdul El-Sayed, a vocal critic of Israel who describes their military actions as "genocide," narrowly edged Stevens to win the Democratic Senate nomination for a crucial seat the Democrats must hold in the midterm elections.

DEMOCRATIC MICHIGAN AG ACCUSES HER PARTY OF 'ABSOLUTELY NOT' DOING ENOUGH TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM

"I don’t feel safe going. I feel like my presence isn’t going to be welcome. I don’t want to get chased around. I don’t want to get harassed. I don’t want to get yelled and screamed at. I don’t want to get booed off the stage, irrespective of what I’m saying," Nessel said during a roundtable discussion last month. "I believe that if I go, that is what will happen because it’s been happening to me."

Responding, the Michigan Democratic Party said it is "committed to ensuring party-hosted events are safe and secure environments for all attendees."

"We reject antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hateful conduct. We are working diligently with stakeholders, elected officials, and party membership to prepare for our August convention and look forward to welcoming Michigan Democrats to the Lansing Center on August 29," state party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman said in a statement.

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Joan Lowenstein, endorsement chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, told Fox News Digital she hasn't "talked to anybody who thinks they will be unsafe at this convention."

But Lowenstein, who also sits on the Michigan Democratic Party Central Committee, added, "Some people think it will be unpleasant and why should they bother."

But other Jewish Democrats in Michigan are very concerned.

"People are traumatized from the previous convention. Many people I talked to, many super progressive people, are really traumatized by the way they were treated, and the way Haley Stevens was booed, and the way other candidates were treated," Rabbi Asher Lopatin told Fox News Digital last week.

Lopatin, who was interviewed after joining Republican Senate nominee former Rep. Mike Rogers at a campaign event to unveil Democrats supporting Rogers, referred to Nessel's decision not to attend the convention and said "it just shows how terrible these extremists are that they're intimidating even the attorney general of our state."

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But Lopatin emphasized, "We got to be strong. We got to be proud. We got to be courageous. The Jewish community cannot cower."

Stacy Gittleman, a lifelong Democrat who is supportive of Israel, attended the April convention.

"I saw more Palestinian flags than American flags on the floor," Gittleman, a writer who published her observations at the convention on substack, told Fox News Digital this week.

Gittleman said the jeers and what she highlighted as a "lack of decorum and disrespect" were signs to her of "how far left our party is drifting."

The convention is being held as some Jewish leaders in Michigan are circulating an open letter urging Jewish Democrats and independents in the state to sign their names in support of Rogers. The news was first reported last week by the Jewish Insider and confirmed by Fox News Digital.

"This is sort of a do-or-die moment," a person involved with the letter who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely told Fox News Digital. "There are many lifelong Democrats who are feeling homeless. ... It’s not just a leftward drift but has turned into an anti-Jewish drift as well."

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Lowenstein, who doesn't support the petition, said those behind the letter "feel it’s an existential issue, and I think that represents a lot of people. And, so, they have to do what they have to do."

"It’s sort of 50/50," she added. "Half the people I talk to say, ‘I could never vote for Abdul El-Sayed because of things he’s said about Israel and, consequentially, the Jewish community. And the other 50% say ‘it is so important for Jews as Americans to have an Democratic Senate that I could never vote for Mike Rogers.'"

Rogers and El-Sayed are running to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. The race is among a dozen that will determine if the Democrats win back the Senate majority from the GOP.

Rogers, in an interview last week with Fox News Digital, reiterated that he's not asking Democratic voters to become Republicans. And he highlighted concerns he's heard from Democratic Jewish voters in Michigan.

THESE 12 MIDTERM RACES WILL DECIDE WHICH PARTY CONTROLS THE SENATE

"I've talked to two young women who were at University of Michigan who were afraid to walk to class. They couldn't display their Star of David. To say that they're afraid is probably an understatement," he said.

Rogers said "the violent rhetoric ... is going to make a difference" in the general election.

El-Sayed is a former Wayne County Health Department director who, if elected in November, would make history as the nation's first Muslim senator. The epidemiologist who unsuccessfully ran for governor as an insurgent candidate in 2018 has made support for Medicare for all a major component of his campaign and has also called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

But it's El-Sayed's stance and comments on Israel that have angered some Jewish people in Michigan, a state that also has a large Arab and Muslim population.

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El-Sayed used the word "bloodthirsty" to characterize Israel's military moves in Gaza in an MS NOW interview this month. He has argued against unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel, as have other progressive politicians. And El-Sayed has repeatedly declined to directly answer whether Israel has the right to exist.

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But El-Sayed, after winning the Senate nomination, emphasized, "I stand in solidarity with my Jewish sisters and brothers, and we can condemn antisemitism. And, at the same time, we can be talking about how we bring people together, and we can be talking about everybody's pain.

"My commitment to Jewish safety is the same as my commitment to the safety of my own kids. We have a responsibility to take on antisemitism in all of its forms, wherever we see it."

Lynette Hooker’s husband Brian rummages through trash on California streets months after wife’s disappearance

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:00:29 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Months after his wife Lynette Hooker went missing, Brian Hooker has been living a calm and seemingly unbothered life in northern California.

Hooker, 58, was spotted by Fox News Digital outside a home in Citrus Heights, which is about 15 miles northeast of Sacramento.

Lynette, originally from Michigan, disappeared while the couple was on a sailboat vacation in the Bahamas in April.

LYNETTE HOOKER'S MOM ALLEGES BRIAN HOOKER LIED ABOUT DAUGHTER'S DISAPPEARANCE, CLAIMS 'FOUL PLAY'

Her daughter and the rest of her family have been waiting for any answers in her disappearance.

Brian has not been accused of any crime or wrongdoing. He was initially detained and questioned then released from Bahamian custody in April.

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HUSBAND OF MISSING AMERICAN WOMAN WILL REMAIN IN BAHAMAS AFTER JAIL RELEASE, ATTORNEY SAYS

The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service is the lead agency investigating Lynette's disappearance. Hooker told investigators Lynette fell from a dinghy while the couple was making their way back to their sailboat, Soulmate, that fateful evening.

Four months later, he was seen last weekend walking dogs, taking walks, enjoying a cup of coffee in a garage, and even stopping to sift through neighborhood trash items on the side of the street.

NEW VIDEO SHOWS COAST GUARD'S BAHAMAS HUNT AS TEAM DIVES INTO FORENSICS EXAM OF SEIZED LYNETTE HOOKER DINGHY

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He may be staying with a family member.

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Hooker was snapped wearing a brown hat and khaki shorts while walking two small dogs.

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Cameras also captured him sifting through people's trash on the side of a neighborhood street picking up items and walking away with them.

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Hooker also appeared to be enjoying a cup of coffee inside his garage wearing a graphic tee that reads "Hellfire Club" from the show "Stranger Things."

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He was also seen walking out of a store with his Marine Corps tattoo on full display.

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When Fox News Digital asked about the recent sighting of Hooker, Darlene Hamlett, Lynette's mother, simply said, "I just want the truth to be told and justice for my daughter Lynette."

FRIEND OF BRIAN HOOKER SPEAKS OUT, QUESTIONS DISAPPEARANCE OF WOMAN IN BAHAMAS MYSTERY

Fox News Digital has reached out to Hooker's attorney, Matthew Borgula.

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Comedian finds the secret to surviving boomer parents: Put them in your act

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:00:17 -0400

"How much do you weigh?"

This question, asked of comedian Jared Freid by his father while on vacation in Delray Beach, Florida, became the inspiration for his new hour of stand-up covering family, body issues, adulthood and the strange closeness between millennials and their boomer parents.

He also justifies why, at 41 years old, he chooses to remain on the family cellphone plan.

Aptly titled "Family Plan," Freid's second special will drop on Netflix Sept. 1. The comic is known for giving dating advice on his long-running podcasts, "The JTrain Podcast" and "U Up?" and most recently in his new book, "Walking Red Flag."

Freid sat down with Fox News Digital to talk about his new special and unpack his parental relationships, from some of his "most horrific memories" involving his mother arguing with other moms over beach chairs to the grave realization that he has the exact same body as his father.

For all his jesting complaints about his loud, Jewish family, Freid described them as "the main driver" of his material. Frustration is where a lot of his jokes originate, he said, and few people frustrate him with as much precision as his own kin.

"We [millennials] have a weird relationship, that's okay to acknowledge, with our parents," Freid said.

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"Millennials are incredibly insecure and notice everything. Boomers are incredibly confident and unaware. And what a horrible combination," the comedian said.

"Millennials might be living in hell on earth, considering that combination. Our parents are the most confident and unaware generation, and we have to deal with them every day and we love them," he continued.

"So that takes an incredible amount of restraint and empathy from our end, because the enraging part about parents is they're always 10% right."

Freid, who clarified that he uses the word "boomer" with love, made the case that millennials have a uniquely intertwined relationship with their parents, in part because many millennials are worse off financially than the generation before them, which comes with certain entanglements (like staying on the family phone plan or attending a family vacation paid for by mom and dad).

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He said "Family Plan" is exactly the type of comedy he wants to do: an hour of material, unified by the through-line of the Freid family beach trip, that people can watch with their own families, be it their parents or "that cousin that they go and smoke weed with during Thanksgiving."

That approach has already shaped his next hour. Freid said his current material grew from another parental indignity: his father offering him Ozempic at dinner.

"Should I be embarrassed to leave the house? Do I look that horrific that you have to offer me your prescription medication?" Freid wondered.

Rather than repeat the jokes from "Family Plan" — Freid made it clear that his parents provide no shortage of material — he will try to repeat its form, starting with a moment of anger and letting it expand into something larger.

I'll be your mirror

The specifics of the set are his, but the emotional dynamic is widely recognizable, and fans have told him so.

"People would come up to me and go, 'That's my parents! You're talking about my dad, that's my mom. My parents ask me about my weight and are obsessed with my body and I'm on the family plan.'"

Beyond merely cracking jokes at boomers' expense, Freid aims to create a humorous mirror that allows audiences to recognize their own loved ones. He is careful about where he points the joke.

"I only talk about myself," he said. "I want to make fun of people I know and love."

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His material seems to resonate especially powerfully with Jewish crowds.

"I have Jews come up to me, and they go, 'Does anyone else get it?' And I'm like, 'You were in the room, everyone was laughing!'" he said.

"Being Jewish, to me, is a culture of discussion and love and empathy and [getting] annoyed, and all of those things. And that's all in this... I do believe stand-up is our Jewish sport, you know? We created the art form. When I do shows for Jews, I'm representing the whole culture."

The boomer-parent material is contemporary, but Freid sees himself working inside a much older tradition of turning aggravation into laughter. And it doesn't stop at his own family.

The Atkins Diet

Freid performs an extended bit in "Family Plan" roasting Rob Lowe for serving as the face of Atkins, a pairing he found especially absurd as someone who has struggled with body issues himself.

"There is nothing as transparent as we're gonna put Rob Lowe in our commercial so that chubby me will believe that if I eat Atkins foods, I can become Rob Lowe," Freid told Fox News Digital.

Then he actually met Lowe.

Freid encountered the actor at a Netflix golf tournament and nervously introduced himself, explaining that he had been doing a joke about him onstage every night for two years.

Lowe immediately knew which one.

"Atkins?" Freid recalled him saying. "I heard about the bit. I heard it's hilarious. Can't wait to see it."

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"I melted," Freid said.

The moment forced Freid to live up to his own self-imposed standards of conduct.

"I only make fun of people I could meet," he said.

'Stand-up is the love of my life.' (Don't tell his girlfriend.)

Freid made it this far on his own terms. He said Hollywood never regarded him as an obvious star.

"No one was going to come knock on my door to say, 'Jared, you got the goods. You're so good looking, we need to put you on TV.'"

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That forced him to build direct relationships with audiences through podcasts, social media, books and touring. He's been pursuing stand-up for 16 years, describing it as the love of his life. Everything else has been in service of making it into a career.

"That's why I do a lot. You know, two podcasts, and the book, and stand-up. It's always been like a little bit of a desperation," Freid laughed.

The comic graduated from Penn State with a degree in economics before moving to New York City. He thought he would sell insurance and annuities, but it wasn't for him.

The best part of his day was writing emails, he said. Specifically, he enjoyed making friends and colleagues laugh on group email threads or over Google Chat.

"It made me feel amazing, so I was like, 'How do I do that all the time? How do I take that drug?' And that turned into me doing open mics and sketch class and improv class and eventually, you know, becoming a comedian."

Nobody has it figured out

Freid, known for dishing dating advice, has this year entered a relationship of his own.

Asked if his position as a prominent voice in the online dating discussion creates any pressure to have his own situation figured out, Freid replied simply, "No."

"I don't think good advice comes from people who have it figured out. I think good advice come from vulnerability and admitting your faults," he explained.

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The instinct to carve his own path and be authentic carries over from his comedy philosophy into his dating work and new book, which he named after himself.

"It's called 'Walking Red Flag' because I'm the red flag. I'm not trying to be a hero. I'm telling you how I felt, the emotional things I was going through, because I am 10% away from any guy someone's dating."

He warned against trusting people who market themselves as finished products.

"If anyone says they've figured it out, they're a liar trying to make money off you."

For better or worse, Freid has people in his life who have no problem pointing out his perceived flaws.

There's no stopping Jewish mothers

For all the frustration Freid mines from his family, he doesn’t seem particularly interested in escaping it.

Asked what advice he would give Jewish mothers whose sons have started dating, Freid laughed off the premise.

"They're not going to listen to me," he said.

"Keep bothering your sons. Keep giving them crap. They love you for it," Freid continued. "It actually calms them."

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He described the familiar barrage from his own mother: When are you coming home? When are you leaving? Why are you eating that? Eat, you haven’t eaten anything. Stop eating. Take. Eat. Drink. What are you drinking for? You drive so fast. You drive like an old lady.

For Freid, that running commentary is less a nuisance to be solved than a kind of family soundtrack.

"That is like a Jewish man’s white noise machine," he joked.

Fortunately, it is also an endless source of material.

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After 16 years in stand-up, Freid has learned that the people who can get under his skin most effectively are often the same people who make for his best stories. His parents may never stop asking questions, offering opinions or telling him what he should be doing differently.

At this point, Freid probably wouldn’t want them to.

Crackdown on critical tech could open Americans to a new national security threat

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Americans' sensitive information could increasingly be processed overseas if restrictions on artificial intelligence data centers slow construction in the U.S., a data privacy advocate and industry executive warned.

The warning comes as states and local governments weigh new restrictions on the rapidly expanding data center industry amid concerns over electricity costs, grid reliability and other impacts on surrounding communities.

Brittany Kaiser, CEO of Alpha Compute, said state moratoriums and restrictions on new data centers could push American companies to seek computing capacity in other countries as demand from AI continues to surge.

"One of my top concerns as a top data protection and privacy advocate is that with data center moratoriums being passed in the United States that it will force Americans and American companies to send our data to be processed abroad in other countries," Kaiser told Fox News Digital.

"American companies are going to still run their AI," she added. "They're still going to be purchasing data center space in other countries, and it means our sensitive information will be sent abroad and shared with companies and organizations that might not have America's best interests at heart."

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Data centers are large facilities filled with servers and computing equipment that process, store and transmit information behind many everyday technologies. They support everything from email, social media and internet searches to online banking, streaming services and AI platforms. As demand for AI grows, companies are building increasingly powerful data centers that require vast amounts of electricity, advanced chips and high-speed network connections.

Kaiser said the facilities have become critical infrastructure for the digital economy, making decisions about where they are built and who controls the data they handle a matter of growing economic and national security concern.

Artificial intelligence, however, requires significantly more computing power, fueling a rapid expansion of data center construction across the country.

That growth has sparked pushback in some communities over concerns about electricity costs, water consumption, noise and environmental impacts. Kaiser acknowledged those concerns and said companies should be subject to "common sense regulation" designed to protect communities.

"Not all companies are doing it [building data centers] in the same way," she said. "Some are more responsible than others."

Kaiser said responsible developments can use closed-loop water cooling systems and generate power independently rather than increasing demand on the existing electrical grid.

Alpha Compute, she said, is pursuing projects designed to operate "off-grid, behind the meter," meaning the facilities would generate their own power rather than relying on electricity supplied through the local grid. Kaiser said that approach is intended to prevent the massive energy demands of data centers from straining existing infrastructure or contributing to higher electricity costs for nearby residents.

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The company is developing a project in Pennsylvania, where Gov. Josh Shapiro recently imposed new requirements on large data center developments. Kaiser said Alpha Compute plans to comply with the regulations and welcomed provisions promoting cleaner energy.

Pennsylvania is among a growing number of states confronting the rapid expansion of data centers. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has pushed data centers to provide more of their own power and shoulder infrastructure costs as development accelerates across the state.

Other governors have gone further. Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul imposed a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers as states grapple with concerns over electricity costs, grid reliability and the pace of development.

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But she cautioned that policies that significantly restrict domestic development could have broader consequences for America's position in the global AI race.

"Compute power has now become nearly a utility," Kaiser said, comparing the need for domestic computing infrastructure to energy independence.

"We want to have the right to compute," she said. "We want to be able to process data within our own borders as a national security priority, but also for our own intellectual property to make sure we're not sending our data abroad."

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Kaiser has launched a campaign called "Right to Compute," advocating for domestic data center development alongside sustainability standards and regulation.

"We should have the right to both energy independence as well as compute power," she said, "so that Americans and American companies can process all of our sensitive data within our own borders."

'We have not slowed down': Minnesota not out of the woods on massive fraud scandal, expert warns

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 05:00:53 -0400

Despite Minnesota’s fraud scandal exploding onto the national scene and costing taxpayers billions, there are growing concerns that the state has still not done what’s necessary to root out the problem.

"We have not slowed down, there is no sense in which the fraud has been stopped in Minnesota," Bill Glahn, a policy fellow at the Center of the American Experiment, told Fox News Digital.

Glahn has been warning on social media that Minnesota’s rapid growth in provisional assisted-living licenses, most for small facilities, may be outpacing state oversight. In a recent article, Glahn explained the state’s licensing database showed 364 new facilities with provisional licenses popping up over the past year and called for a 90-day moratorium on new licenses while officials investigate.

"We have something along the order of 2,500 of these licensed across the state, but about 20% of them, around three, 400 of them have just been started in the last year," Glahn explained.

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"I'm not sure if there's a real underlying driver in the demographics or the demand for these facilities, but it's odd that we have these assisted living facilities linked to Medicaid fraud, at the same time, the Minnesota Department of Health is approving more than one a day. More than one new facility gets approved every single day, 365 days a year. And I don't think anybody is really giving any thought to, hey, maybe some of this is not on the up and up."

Glahn also pointed to a recent criminal complaint filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office against Salman Ahmed Elmi, who was charged Aug. 17 with eight felony theft offenses tied to alleged Medicaid billing fraud, as evidence that fraud is still taking place.

The criminal complaint also details alleged ties among the Medicaid-funded businesses, properties previously used to provide commercial sex services and people investigators say were part of a sex-trafficking organization.

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"This is two scandals in one," Glahn said. "You have a commercial sex operation, actual brothels, housed in what were later licensed as assisted-living facilities under the Medicaid program."

Elmi previously received an award from the state for being an "Outstanding Refugee."

"Elmi’s case alone makes clear that this is not old news," Glahn said. "This particular fraud was going on just a couple of months ago."

Glahn argued that the latest allegations point to a deeper problem within the state agencies responsible for vetting providers and monitoring taxpayer-funded programs which haven’t been properly addressed.

"Personnel is policy," Glahn said. "There isn’t a regulatory mindset under the Walz administration. There isn’t the mindset that we need to trust but verify."

While Minnesota officials and lawmakers have taken some fraud-prevention steps since the fraud scandal erupted onto the national scene, Glahn stressed that the reforms do not address what he sees as the central issue: a lack of accountability for those who failed to identify the schemes earlier

"Walz has never cleaned house, he’s never fired anybody for not detecting the fraud or not prosecuting the fraud," Glahn said. "It’s the same people doing the same thing, and that culture has never changed."

For Glahn, the messaging should start at the top.

"They're just operating as business as usual," Glahn said. "We don't have anybody who's currently in office, currently in charge of state government, at least in the executive branch, who's doing anything substantive to address the fraud. It's just amazing how we see these reports every day, and we have Tim Walz traveling the country, traveling elsewhere. He's a lame duck. He doesn't seem to have any interest in closing out this chapter of his legacy with any kind of victory on the fraud front."

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In addition to the perception that not enough accountability has been taken for the scandal, Walz's Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is running for Senate while Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar is running for governor despite both being in positions of power during the duration of time the fraud scandal festered.

"Amy Klobuchar has come out with her multi-point plan of how she's gonna fight fraud once she gets in office, if she gets elected in November," Glahn explained. "I don't know why we couldn't implement this stuff today. She's called for a top-to-bottom audit of state government. She's got another few data points that perhaps were legislative proposals that didn't get passed. Tim Walz could call a special session. We could be in session on Monday, passing an anti-fraud agenda, but there's nothing. So I guess he just fundamentally doesn't have an interest in the subject."

Fox News Digital reached out to Walz's office, Klobuchar's campaign and the Minnesota Department of Health for comment but did not receive a response.

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The Minnesota Department of Human Services told Fox News Digital in a statement that it has rolled out a series of anti-fraud reforms since the fall of 2024, including identifying 14 high-risk services and freezing the enrollment of new providers in those programs. The agency also said it discontinued the Housing Stabilization Services program, began auditing autism-service providers through onsite visits, instituted licensure requirements for autism centers and disenrolled inactive providers.

DHS said it has also expanded pre-payment reviews for providers in 13 high-risk fee-for-service programs and completed revalidation determinations for high-risk providers by the end of May. Since the beginning of 2025, the department said it has stopped payments to 747 Medicaid providers over what it described as credible allegations of fraud and made 824 referrals to law enforcement.

Dem candidate erupts in profane defense of Hasan Piker as party figures distance themselves

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 05:00:16 -0400

The socialist Democrat primed to represent much of America’s birthplace in Congress profanely erupted Thursday at Democrats distancing themselves from far-left streamer Hasan Piker, who once suggested the U.S. deserved the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Northwest Philadelphia, is one of several democratic socialists running in November as some prominent Democrats condemn or distance themselves from Piker over his radical left-wing positions and controversial comments.

"This is what the institutionalists are focusing their efforts on now: Disavowing Hasan Piker," Rabb tweeted Friday.

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"Not White Christian nationalists? Not the broligarchs? Not the AI overlords? Nope, the guy encouraging young people to use their collective political power for good," Rabb wrote.

"F--- that noise."

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In a test of Philadelphia’s socialist-progressive versus establishment divide, Rabb won a four-way primary that included state Sen. Sharif Street, D-North Philadelphia, the son of a former mayor who was endorsed by several mainstream Democrats.

Rabb had already embraced his association with Piker during the primary, appearing with the streamer at an event in West Philadelphia in April.

He told Piker at the time that he would be "slammed for even talking to you" and called such criticism a "double standard because as a Black progressive, I can’t do this: I’m part of the problem or whatever," according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Fox News Digital reached out to Rabb and Piker for comment.

Rabb’s defense puts him at odds with a growing list of prominent Democrats who have condemned Piker.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called Piker’s comments about American Jews "dangerous and anti-Semitic."

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When pressed by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, who is Jewish, Jeffries said, "I’ve just addressed Hasan Piker’s comments as it relates to the Jewish community as forcefully as I can, and I will continue to do that."

On Tuesday, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., called for a vote on a bipartisan resolution condemning Piker and conservative podcaster Candace Owens.

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"Hatred is hatred, period. I said it months ago with Rep. Lawler, and Piker has proved it again," Gottheimer said in a statement.

"Telling millions of followers that Jewish Americans are bringing violence on themselves is blatantly antisemitic and one of the oldest tropes in the book," Gottheimer added.

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Gottheimer declared that anyone campaigning with Piker is "complicit" with him.

Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., also accused Piker this week of "victim-blaming" American Jews and reiterated his earlier description of the streamer as an "unapologetic antisemite."

Schneider warned Democrats risk losing credibility when they condemn controversial figures on the right while "platforming those who espouse hate of any kind" on their own side.

Schneider also took a shot at another socialist-aligned candidate running for high office, saying Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed has "refused" to condemn Piker.

El-Sayed appeared to distance himself from Piker, telling the Michigan Advance that "nobody speaks for this campaign besides me and my campaign spokespeople" as he faced criticism over his association with the Twitch streamer.

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Rabb faces only independent Dennis Mahoney in November in Pennsylvania’s heavily Democratic 3rd Congressional District and is strongly favored to succeed retiring Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Pa.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott moves to cut state funding for AI-powered Flock cameras amid privacy concerns

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:54:04 -0400

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to pause funding Thursday for AI-powered Flock cameras, which have come under scrutiny nationwide amid privacy concerns.

Abbott's office told Fox News Digital that the state was moving to cut off state-agency funding for the cameras, while noting that most funding for them comes from the federal government.

"Almost all Flock cameras in Texas are used by cities, and those cities are increasingly canceling their contracts with Flock," Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement.

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"To the extent that cities get any funding for those cameras, most of it comes from the federal government," Mahaleris continued. "To the extent any funding comes from Texas agencies, those agencies are clarifying that those funds cannot be used for Flock cameras."

Flock Safety is one of the most widely used providers of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Texas. The cameras photograph passing vehicles and record identifying information. Using artificial intelligence, the cameras can detect vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color, as well as features including bumper stickers or dents.

Using the information collected, law enforcement agencies can search records across participating camera networks.

Supporters of the technology argue the cameras can help authorities quickly locate criminal suspects, stolen vehicles or vehicles connected to crimes. Opponents have raised concerns about privacy and data sharing, as well as the potential misuse of information collected by the cameras.

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Abbott's move comes as a growing number of Texas cities and counties reconsider their relationships with Flock, citing concerns over data sharing, privacy and the potential for misuse.

Earlier this week, the Pflugerville City Council voted unanimously to end the city's agreement with Flock, eliminating all 28 camera readers covered by the contract and disabling access to the system, according to the city.

In Hood County, the Commissioners Court also voted to end its relationship with Flock and later unanimously directed that the county's three cameras be disconnected and covered until they can be removed.

Abbott said in a Friday radio interview that cities and counties have begun canceling contracts with Flock Safety amid pressure from residents, according to the Texas Tribune.

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In a statement to Fox News Digital, Flock Safety spokesperson Paris Lewbel defended the technology as an important public safety tool.

"Flock’s technology is an important public safety tool for law enforcement agencies across Texas, helping officers solve serious crimes, find missing people, recover stolen vehicles, and support safer communities," Lewbel said.

"We support thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency, and accountability guardrails that ensure technology is used responsibly while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use effective tools to keep people safe," Lewbel continued.

The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, a Texas state agency created to combat vehicle theft, burglaries and fraud-related motor vehicle crimes, helped state and local agencies install more than 3,000 Flock cameras since 2023, according to the Tribune.

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State grants for the cameras stemmed from a 2023 law that added $1 to vehicle insurance policies across Texas to combat rampant catalytic converter theft. Prior to the law, there had been no discussion in the state Legislature about using the money for Flock cameras, the outlet reported.

Earlier this month, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a Republican, penned an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle urging Abbott to halt new surveillance-technology purchases.

Scrutiny of Flock's technology has also extended beyond Texas.

On Capitol Hill, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is demanding answers from Flock Safety.

"Flock has assembled an unprecedented national surveillance network," Hawley previously told Fox News Digital. "They boast more than 120,000 cameras across 49 states and more than 20 billion vehicle scans every month."

Hawley said he is investigating the company to determine who has access to data collected on hundreds of millions of vehicles.

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Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

Umpire Bill Miller goes 0-for-8 on ABS challenges in Reds' 10-8 win over Cubs at Wrigley Field

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:45:07 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds’ clubhouse was in a celebratory mood after a 10-8 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

The Cubs, however, had little to celebrate after their bullpen struggled to contain Cincinnati’s late-inning surge.

Much of the postgame conversation centered on home plate umpire Bill Miller and a game he will likely want to forget. Miller went 0-for-8 on automated ball-strike system challenges, with every challenged call overturned. The Cubs won five challenges, while the Reds won the remaining three.

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The game’s first overturned call came relatively early in the matinée, when Miller initially ruled Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder’s fastball a ball. A successful ABS challenge confirmed that the pitch landed within the edge of the strike zone.

Miller’s night did not improve from there. Seven more calls were successfully challenged before the final out, with only two of the eight disputed pitches initially ruled strikes.

Four pitches were challenged by Chicago catcher Carson Kelly, while Reds star Jose Trevino successfully challenged two. The remaining two reversals came from the batter’s box, with Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart and Chicago outfielder Seiya Suzuki each winning a challenge.

Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson opted against raising any challenges on Friday, despite leading the majors with 88 successful overturns in 124 attempts.

Miller has previously been at the center of ABS disputes while serving as crew chief for Reds games.

During a Cincinnati game last month, Reds infielder Edwin Arroyo collided with Miller while attempting to field a ground ball in the seventh inning. The collision was at least partially blamed for preventing the Reds from recording the third out and allowing the inning to continue.

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Television cameras then picked up a hot-mic moment from Cincinnati reliever Caleb Ferguson, who directed an expletive-laced tirade at Miller over the umpire’s involvement in the play. Ferguson later apologized.

"It’s just a very unprofessional thing on my part," Ferguson told reporters. "I know these things happen in the game, but I don’t like that I was kind of the centerpiece of what was going on."

According to data compiled by TapToChallenge.com, which tracks the automated ball-strike system, Miller’s 0-for-8 showing Friday in Chicago appears to be the worst by an umpire since MLB introduced the challenge system at the start of the 2026 season.

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Miller’s 70 overturned calls rank ninth among MLB umpires. Hunter Wendelstedt leads the league, followed by Dan Iassogna, Malachi Moore, Lance Barrett and Manny Gonzalez.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever go into FIBA World Cup break with big win over Connecticut

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:45:24 -0400

The WNBA is gearing up to press the pause button for a couple of weeks so players can compete in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, and before they could head to the tournament or on vacation, the Indiana Fever had a date with the Connecticut Sun.

Caitlin Clark and company came into the game looking to continue their momentum after a 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday, while the Sun were hoping to take what would be just their 11th win of the season.

However, despite the rough season, Connecticut came out firing on all cylinders, taking a 28-19 lead over the Fever after the first quarter, an impressive feat on the road.

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Unfortunately for the Sun and fortunately for the Fever, it was the wake-up call the home team needed to turn it on.

The Fever outscored Connecticut 39-15 in the second quarter to flip the script and take a 58-43 lead to the locker room at the half.

While the third quarter wasn't as lopsided as the second, it did feature a highlight-reel assist from Clark to fellow Fever star Kelsey Mitchell.

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That was one of Clark’s 12 assists on the night and two of Mitchell’s 34 points, which moved her into the league lead in total points.

Clark matched that with 34 points of her own, which extended their WNBA record for the most 30-plus-point games for a pair of teammates in a single season, with Friday's performance being their fourth of the year.

The Fever won 111-91, extending their franchise record for 100-plus-point games in a season to 19.

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Just four games remain in the regular season for Indiana. With the break for the FIBA World Cup, their next game will be on Sept. 18, on the road against the Toronto Tempo.

Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa booed by Dolphins fans as Miami pays price for failed relationship

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:07:27 -0400

As reunions go, Tua Tagovailoa’s return to South Florida as an Atlanta Falcon against his former Miami Dolphins teammates was not exactly a happy one.

Dysfunctional is a better word for it.

For six seasons, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins tried to make it work. They failed.

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Tagovailoa was set back by some coaches who didn’t like him and injuries that too often overshadowed him, so he never reached his goal of becoming the face of the franchise.

And the Dolphins never came close to reaching the championship level they expected when they drafted Tagovailoa in the top five in 2020 and paid him like a top-five quarterback in 2024.

The failures resulted in a divorce during the offseason and this exhibition game at Hard Rock Stadium was the first time the couple happened to be at the same place at the same time since the split.

And guess what?

Everybody believes they're better off after the separation.

But no one is at this stage better off after the separation.

DOLPHINS CONSULTANT TROY AIKMAN WILL BE LIMITED IN MNF ROLE LIKE RAIDERS MINORITY OWNER TOM BRADY IS ON FOX

Tagovailoa is trying to earn a starting job with the Falcons and the fact he came into this game without yet having done so speaks to his failing since training camp began.

Because Tagovailoa has basically been competing only against himself while Michael Penix Jr. has been limited in practices as he makes his way back from a 2025 knee surgery.

And, yet, with his only significant competition sidelined and the path to the starting job clear, Tagovailoa hasn't been able to lock the job down.

The Dolphins? They got rid of Tagovailoa this offseason despite the fact he would be costing them some $55 million in salary in 2026 alone. There's another bill coming next year.

The Dolphins were so over this relationship they paid Tagovailoa to go away.

And where has that left them? The Tagovailoa move was part of a systematic divestment from talent in order to "solve the salary cap problem" the previous administration got the franchise into.

MIAMI DOLPHINS ENTER FULL REBUILD WITH MALIK WILLIS AT QUARTERBACK AND JEFF HAFLEY AS HEAD COACH

The Dolphins are now perhaps the least talented team in the NFL as they prepare for a season in which they will be rebuilding for the 1,387th time in the past decade.

So here we were on Friday night: Team Rebuild versus Quarterback Not Good Enough.

The scene played out in front of a sparse crowd at Hard Rock that mustered enough emotion to boo for the quarterback they once believed would win them a championship.

The Sadness Bowl.

And, fittingly, nobody really won.

Tagovailoa played well enough, completing 7 of 8 passes. But it wasn't actually good.

The Dolphins, resting their talent-needy starting defense, fought with backups that will provide substandard depth this season.

And the sparing between a QB who is lacking against backups who are lacking was, well, lacking.

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Tagovailoa completed 3 of 4 passes on his first drive, with the only incompletion on a throwaway. The Falcons scored a touchdown that drive.

But that last paragraph reads more impressively than it looked because the dynamic 43-yard completion from Tagovailoa to Kyle Pitts that highlighted the drive was actually a 4-yard pitch on a screen that the tight end turned into a big run against a scattered defense.

On his second drive, Tagovailoa fumbled the snap from center and the Dolphins recovered. And another drive later, running back Brian Robinson fumbled and, once again, the Miami defense recovered.

So, good on the Miami defense that is going to get steamrolled once the regular-season begins.

And good on Tagovailoa, who still hasn’t done enough to win the Falcons’ starting quarterback job despite facing little healthy competition until this week, when Penix Jr. was fully cleared to practice.

Good on both.

But not really that good.

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Chris Sale turns back clock, hits triple digits and completes gem on emotional night in Braves sweep

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:35:16 -0400

Chris Sale, the 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner, had thrown 97 pitches through eight innings Thursday when he walked the length of the Atlanta Braves’ dugout, found manager Walt Weiss and made his intentions clear.

"This is mine," Sale declared.

The left-hander needed just 12 more pitches to record the final three outs and complete a 1-0 shutout of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in Atlanta. The victory capped a three-game sweep for the NL East-leading Braves, who beat Los Angeles by one run in each game.

At 37, Sale’s standout performance Thursday offered another reminder that he remains among baseball’s best and reinforced his standing in the NL Cy Young Award race alongside Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski.

BREWERS HUMAN HOWITZER JACOB MISIOROWSKI BREAKS HIS OWN RECORD FOR HARDEST PITCH THROWN BY A STARTER

Sale unleashed two of his fastest pitches since 2018 on Thursday, with both being hurled while Shohei Ohtani stood in the batter's box. Sale also record his first complete game since 2019. His ERA now sits at 2.06, which is second in the majors only behind Misiorowski. The Braves ace also extended his streak of starts allowing three runs or fewer to 21.

Ohtani struck out twice against Sale, who finished the night with 11 strikeouts.

"You can make an argument that, as great a career as he's having, he's as good now as he's ever been," Weiss said. "It's mind-boggling."

The last time Sale’s fastball reached triple digits was July 6, 2018, when he was 29 and still pitching for the Boston Red Sox. Boston went on to win the World Series that season, years before Sale would need to undergo Tommy John surgery.

"Anytime you're facing a team like that you just try to put your best foot forward, you know it's going to be a dog fight, you know it's not going to come easy," Sale told "The Pat McAfee Show" on Friday.

Only one Dodgers player managed to reach scoring position while Sale was on the mound.

Videos shared on social media showed Sale’s son reacting as he realized his father would return to the mound for the ninth inning. "The family stuff, it's fun just [because], I'm glad I don't see that stuff until after the game [beacuse] that's just so special," Sale told "The Pat McAfee Show" about the emotional night.

DODGERS' TARIK SKUBAL EXPECTS AN EMOTIONAL REUNION AGAINST TIGERS FRIDAY

Adding to the emotion of the night, Sale took the mound carrying the weight of a personal loss. Before the game, he learned that Ashley Foss, a close family friend, had died of cancer. Foss’ family has managed Sale’s finances through their agency for several years, and the families have grown close over time.

While Sale’s performance took center stage, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was strong for the Dodgers as well. The reigning World Series MVP pitched 6.1 innings, allowing one run on Braves catcher Drake Baldwin’s first-pitch solo homer off a splitter.

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The Braves remain home this weekend, opening a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. The Dodgers, meanwhile, traveled to Detroit for a matchup with the Tigers, with Tarik Skubal facing his former team for the first time since his blockbuster trade to Los Angeles earlier this month.

WATCH: Wanted man escapes cops twice by running onto freeway, then walks into their Panda Express lunch

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:26:28 -0400

A wanted California man who twice escaped officers by running onto a freeway apparently ran out of luck when he unexpectedly walked into a Panda Express where the same officers were eating lunch, police said.

Two attempts. Two escapes onto the freeway. Then came an unexpected third encounter.

Officers with the Monrovia Police Department recognized the man when he entered the restaurant and quickly arrested him, ending a month-long effort to take him into custody on a no-bail felony probation warrant.

WATCH: FELONY SUSPECT'S OCEAN GETAWAY UNRAVELS AFTER 90-MINUTE STANDOFF WITH LIFEGUARDS

Body camera video of the incident shows two officers sitting and eating inside the restaurant before springing into action and taking the suspect, who has not been identified, to the ground.

Police said the man was wanted on a no-bail warrant for a probation violation.

The encounter unfolded July 17, but police released video of the arrest Thursday.

In the video, the suspect asks the officers, "What did I do?"

DEMOCRAT LAWMAKER'S 107 MPH TRAFFIC STOP BRINGS BODYCAM BATTLE FRONT AND CENTER AGAIN

One officer responds, "You've been wanted. You've been running from me for like a month."

Police said officers had previously attempted to arrest the man on two separate occasions while he was out walking. Both times, he allegedly ran onto the freeway and managed to evade them.

The breakthrough came as officers were taking a lunch break at Panda Express when the wanted man "walked right up to them," police said.

"At this point, we're not sure if it was good police work, bad timing, or the irresistible smell of chow mein," the department joked. "Either way, an arrest was made."

The officers apparently didn't let the arrest keep them from finishing lunch.

"And don't worry the officers went back for their food and finished their chow mein," the department said. "Priorities."

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The Monrovia Police Department told Fox News Digital its social media post and accompanying footage constitute its public statement on the incident and that no additional information would be provided at this time.

Enes Kanter Freedom's legal representatives file FOIA request related to Chicago Sky ejection incident

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:05:02 -0400

The America First Policy Institute has launched an investigation into Enes Kanter Freedom’s removal from a Chicago Sky game and his subsequent ban from Wintrust Arena.

AFPI filed a six-page public-records request Friday with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the government entity that owns the arena. The request was submitted on Freedom’s behalf under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

"Enes Freedom exercised his constitutional right as an American when he attended the WNBA game in Chicago," AFPI chief legal affairs officer Leigh Ann O’Neill said in a statement. "Today, we launched an investigation, seeking critical documents that will assist in our efforts to ensure that public entities are held accountable when American’s constitutional rights are trampled."

ENES KANTER FREEDOM EJECTED FROM SKY-FEVER GAME AFTER VERBAL ALTERCATION WITH NATASHA CLOUD

Freedom attended Sunday’s game between the Sky and Indiana Fever wearing a shirt that read, "WOMAN noun. adult human female." Sky guard Natasha Cloud approached Freedom’s courtside seat during a third-quarter timeout, leading to a verbal exchange. Security intervened and escorted Freedom from the arena after he stepped toward the court.

AFPI’s records request seeks to determine who holds authority over access, security and event operations at the publicly owned facility.

The group requested agreements among MPEA, arena operator Oak View Group, the Chicago Sky and the WNBA. It also sought security policies, law-enforcement agreements, records identifying who authorized Freedom’s removal and ban, and documents detailing the arena’s receipt of federal funding.

ENES KANTER FREEDOM SENDS LETTER TO WNBA REQUESTING REVIEW OF SKY EJECTION INCIDENT, FULL TICKET REFUND

MPEA describes itself as a municipal corporation created by the Illinois General Assembly. Its board members are appointed by Illinois’ governor and Chicago’s mayor. The authority owns the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena, which operates through a public-private partnership with DePaul University.

The records request does not itself establish that Freedom’s constitutional rights were violated. AFPI is seeking documents that could help determine whether the conduct of the Sky or arena personnel can be attributed to a public entity.

AFPI asked MPEA to preserve potentially responsive emails, text messages and internal communications while producing records on a rolling basis. No lawsuit has been filed.

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OutKick has reached out to MPEA and the Sky for comment.

Royce White shows up to Indiana Fever game in blonde wig amid WNBA Draft pursuit

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:47:00 -0400

Former NBA player Royce White brought his WNBA Draft campaign directly to an arena Friday night, just days after Enes Kanter Freedom was thrown out of a game. Both White and Freedom have declared for the next WNBA Draft as males.

White attended the Indiana Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse wearing a long blonde wig, as seen in photos and video obtained by OutKick.

The former first-round NBA pick could be seen inside the arena wearing the wig as the Fever prepared to take on Connecticut. He was greeted with a friendly welcome by fans, as multiple people stopped to shake his hand and take pictures with him.

FORMER NBA PLAYER ROYCE WHITE SAYS HE IS DECLARING FOR NEXT WNBA DRAFT AFTER ENES KANTER ANNOUNCEMENT

When asked by OutKick why he was there, White said, "All hail Queen Roysha, the queen has arrived, it's great to be here... I'm here because Black trans lesbians matter, and we've always mattered, we've always existed... I'm here to participate and scout some of the competition maybe as well."

Freedom’s ejection became a national storyline Sunday night and continued to draw attention after he was banned from future Sky games.

CHICAGO SKY OWNER OPENS UP ON ENES KANTER FREEDOM EJECTION, MAKES ANALOGY TO SHOOTING A GUN

When asked about Freedom's incident and if fans might also see some "fireworks" with White in attendance on Friday, White responded, "I'm just here to spectate. I'm just here to support the WNBA and support the Fever."

Asked what reception he expected from Fever fans Friday, White was unfazed:

"Who cares? It’s life, you get one life to live. You’re born, you breathe, you stop breathing, hopefully you give all glory to God … Who cares what the reaction is?"

His appearance continued the public campaign he launched earlier this month when he announced his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft.

White previously previewed the look on social media.

White formally declared for the draft in a letter sent to the WNBA league office by his attorney, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz. The declaration stated that White identified as a transgender woman and claimed eligibility under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.

The CBA states that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA," but it does not provide a more specific definition based on biological sex or gender identity.

White has made clear that his declaration is intended to pressure the WNBA into explicitly stating whether biological males can compete in the league.

"I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well," White previously told OutKick.

White has also threatened to pursue a discrimination lawsuit if he is not allowed to compete.

Multiple outlets reported this week that White and fellow former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom would not be eligible for the draft. A league source characterized their declarations as "publicity stunts." However, White’s legal team said it had not received a formal determination directly from the WNBA.

"The WNBA should preserve all records in anticipation of litigation," Gaetz wrote on social media.

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White was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft after starring at Iowa State. He appeared in only three NBA games, all with the Sacramento Kings in 2014.

Woman allegedly ejected from roller coaster, suffers serious injuries after dragged along track: reports

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:36:48 -0400

A 60-year-old woman suffered a broken rib, collapsed lung, a traumatic brain injury and a dislocated shoulder that required surgery after she was allegedly ejected from her seat on a Colorado roller coaster and dragged, according to reports and a law firm representing her.

Nicki Parker of Texas was thrown from her seat and dragged for 20 to 30 seconds after she remained strapped into her seat belt as the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort kept going, FOX 31 Denver reported, citing her attorney.

"It was actually wrapped around her and pulled her, and she was dragged along the track as it went down," Trent Ongert of the Bloch Ongert Injury Law told the news station.

MONTANA BOY KILLED AFTER BEING FLUNG FROM CARNIVAL RIDE OPERATING WITH MISSING RESTRAINTS, LAWSUIT ALLEGES

Ongert said Parker’s husband, who was riding behind her at the time, attempted to help her.

"She was lying on the track. He then had to get her out because there was nobody, no way to get to her," he explained. "They’re about 15 to 20 feet off the ground."

Parker remains hospitalized, Ongert said.

A sign posted along the ride says that the "cart will stop and beep" if a seat belt is disconnected.

COLLEGE GRAD REPORTEDLY DIES IN SIX FLAGS ROLLER COASTER INCIDENT AS FAMILY SUES THEME PARK

Colorado’s Division of Oil and Public Safety's Amusement Rides and Devices Program is investigating the incident.

"We can confirm our Division of Oil & Public Safety is investigating an incident that happened on Copper Mountain's Rocky Mountain Coaster on Monday, August 17, 2026," the agency told Fox News Digital.

"One rider was injured in the incident. The Rocky Mountain Coaster is currently closed while the investigation continues. OPS has also told the manufacturer that they need to publish a safety bulletin and share it with all impacted operators.

"A similar ride operating at the Purgatory Resort is also closed pending the outcome of the investigation. Documentation involving the incident will not be made public until the investigation is complete."

JURY AWARDS TEENS $550K AFTER OREGON AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE LEFT THEM HANGING UPSIDE DOWN: REPORT

The roller coaster, which is 5,800 feet long and bills itself as the "2nd longest alpine coaster in North America," remains closed, according to its website.

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"Our thoughts are with the guest, and we wish them a speedy recovery," the resort said in a press release sent to local outlets.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the agency, the resort and Ongert for comment.

Tarik Skubal gets emotional during highly anticipated return to Detroit after blockbuster trade

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:27:06 -0400

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Tigers that brought aboard two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.

Now, just weeks later, the Dodgers rolled into Motor City, and guess who got the start?

… Yes, Tarik Skubal.

TARIK SKUBAL SAYS HE WAS EMOTIONAL LEAVING DETROIT TIGERS FOR LA DODGERS, WOULD LOVE TO RETURN: 'I'M CRYING'

Outfielder Zyhir Hope and right-handed pitchers Brady Smith and River Ryan went the other way in the deal.

Skubal's return to Detroit came at an interesting time as the NL West leaders came into the evening fresh off of three-straight losses to the Atlanta Braves.

So, despite all of the emotions, Skubal had some important work to do on the hill.

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Those emotions briefly got the best of him when the Tigers played a tribute video on the big screen. The right-hander got a little misty-eyed as fans gave him a standing ovation.

Detroit's Drew Anderson went through the first half-inning with a pair of strikeouts early, and with that it was time for Skubal to take the mound at Comerica Park in a Dodgers uniform.

A mix of boos and cheers as he walked out onto the field.

However, before he threw his first pitch, there was a light-hearted moment when Skubal's PitchCom wasn't working right.

The Tigers' second baseman, Gleyber Torres, was the first former teammate Skubal had to face, and it didn't go particularly well as he sent a pitch deep to center field over Dodger Alek Thomas' head for a double.

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However, after that, he notched a pair of strikeouts and got out of the inning without allowing a run.

CBC releases policy change after controversy about refusing to refer to 9/11 as ‘terrorist attacks’

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:51:04 -0400

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation announced an internal policy change Friday, explaining why it had previously told reporters and editors to refrain from describing the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks as "terrorist attacks."

The memo was authored by Basem Boshra, CBC News' senior director of journalistic standards and public trust, and surfaced ahead of the attacks' 25th anniversary. The directive was first reported by Toronto Sun columnist Warren Kinsella, who said it was addressed to CBC News staff.

"Do not refer to the Sept. 11 attacks as terrorist attacks," the memo said.

The memo instead described the events as hijackings that led to passenger jet crashes in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Manhattan. It also said the World Trade Center was destroyed.

AMERICA’S HEARTLAND COMES FACE-TO-FACE WITH 9/11 HISTORY AS 25TH ANNIVERSARY NEARS

CBC released a memo Friday addressing the controversy that erupted as the 25th anniversary of the terror attack, headlined, "How and why CBC News will adjust its 9/11 language guidance."

"CBC News finds itself once again in a swirl of confusion about how our journalists use the words ‘terrorist’ and ‘terrorism,’ this time about the al-Qaeda attacks on New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001," it said.

"The confusion stems from the leak of an excerpt from our internal language guide that was published and amplified by a number of outlets without full context or explanation. It has caused significant concern, anger and hurt for many people who believe CBC News seeks to minimize or obscure the horror of that day and who was behind it," Boshra continued.

"That is the last thing we want to do. And our reporting on 9/11, through thousands of stories over the past 25 years, is an unflinching account of the devastating attacks by al-Qaeda, the hunt and prosecution of those responsible, the thousands of lives that were lost on that day and the incalculable loss and grief experienced by so many others as a result.

"And we intend to mark the forthcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11 with extensive, special coverage that will continue to respectfully and thoughtfully reflect on the monumental nature of this tragedy.

SYRIA OFF US TERROR BLACKLIST AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS AS TRUMP ADMIN CLEARS INVESTMENT HURDLE

"CBC's reporting on terrorism, wherever it occurs, has always been guided by the principle of attribution, and like other major news organizations, it has been our practice for decades," he explained. "The reason for the extreme care around the use of the words ‘terrorist’ and ‘terrorism’ was detailed in this earlier editor's blog.

"But to be clear, CBC News has never said what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, was not terrorism, as some commentators have stated in recent days. We have reported fully and accurately on the reasons and motivations for those attacks as determined by police, governments and an independent commission. We've just made sure to do it with attribution," he said.

"Clarity and understanding are at the heart of our journalism. The leaked excerpt without context or explanation has raised more questions for the public that we must now answer," he said. "After reviewing our current language guidance, we have decided to adjust it to clarify that direct attribution is not required for describing the historic events of 9/11 as terrorism.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

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"We are doing so to remove what has unfortunately (and unintentionally) become an impediment to clarity and public understanding," he concluded. "At the same time, as new acts of politically or ideologically motivated violence occur in our world, we will continue to follow the journalistically sound practice of attributing causes and motivations to officials and experts."

Lt. Col. Michael Schrama, a military judge, on Friday threw out a confession made by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

In his ruling, Schrama wrote that statements made by Mohammed to investigators in 2007 were not given voluntarily, according to the New York Post, complicating what has already been a decades-long wait for the suspected plotter to stand trial.

Earlier this week, Schrama set a trial date for June 2028 for Mohammed and three co-defendants.

Fox News' C.J. Womack and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.

Bryan Kohberger seeks judge’s removal in escalating bid to undo guilty plea

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:02:56 -0400

Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, is asking a court to disqualify the judge in his case and has asked for a change of venue as he attempts to take back his guilty plea.

Motions for both requests were filed Thursday by Kohberger's new court-appointed attorney, Gregory Rauch. The move came after Kohberger was convicted of first-degree murder.

Kohberger has since claimed he is innocent and has blamed his defense team for leading him to make a false confession.

BRYAN KOHBERGER GETS NEW ATTORNEY APPOINTED AFTER HE ASKS COURT FOR POST-CONVICTION RELIEF IN IDAHO MURDERS

The motions are asking for Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler to be disqualified for Kohberger's post-conviction court proceedings and for the hearings to be moved out of Ada County. The motion to disqualify Hippler questions his impartiality.

"This motion does not rest upon one adverse ruling, one harsh statement, or the mere fact that the judge who presided over Bryan Kohberger’s criminal case has been assigned to his post-conviction proceeding," the motion states. "It rests upon the extraordinary convergence of all of them."

Although his original criminal trial was relocated to Ada County in 2024 to ensure an impartial jury and adequate resources, his lawyers argue those concerns are irrelevant to a bench proceeding decided solely by a judge.

BRYAN KOHBERGER'S POST-CONVICTION RELIEF BID ENABLED BY FLAWED PLEA DEAL, PSYCHOLOGIST ARGUES

Kohberger, 31, last year pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge for the 2022 stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.

However, Kohberger is now asking to be granted a trial even though he could possibly face the death penalty.

The central pillar of the motion to remove the judge rests on the "constitutional adequacy" of the trial counsel's preparation. Defense lawyers argued the capital trial schedule made it impossible to review the massive amount of evidence in the case.

The defense cautioned the court that forcing it to proceed to trial under those conditions threatened Kohberger’s constitutional right to effective representation.

Hippler rejected the defense’s claims that it was unprepared for trial, accusing it of using the massive volume of discovery as a tactic for delay rather than a genuine concern.

KOHBERGER DEFENSE TEAM SAYS IT IS 'APPALLED' BY FORMER EXPERT'S PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT IDAHO MURDERS CASE

The motion also refers to Hippler's statement during sentencing in which he made pronouncements regarding Kohberger's ability to tell the truth.

"Do we really believe, after all of this, he is capable of speaking the truth?" he said, according to the document.

The judge also called Kohberger a "faceless coward" and the "the worst of the worst."

"Those statements are fundamentally different from believing Kohberger committed terrible crimes or deserved severe punishment," the motion states. "They are forward-looking judgments about his credibility. And credibility may now be at the center of this proceeding."

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The move to change the venue asks the court to relocate the proceeding from Ada County, where Kohberger pleaded guilty and was sentenced, to Latah County, where the murders occurred.

"Transfer is warranted in a case like this where ‘the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change,’" that motion states.

Colorado Avalanche sign defenseman Cale Makar to record-setting eight-year contract extension

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:40:10 -0400

Hockey players are getting absolutely paid this summer, and for the third time in just a few months, there’s a new highest-paid NHLer: Cale Makar.

The Colorado Avalanche announced that they have come to terms on a contract extension with the two-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman, and it's big.

How does eight years, $163.2 million sound?

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That works out to an AAV of $20.4 million per year, an NHL record by a significant margin.

Markar's deal — which kicks in after this season — topped the contract extension that Sharks star Macklin Celebrini signed this summer at five years, $94 million, and an AAV of $18.8 million starting in 2027-28.

SHARKS STAR MACKLIN CELEBRINI JUST MADE AN IMPRESSIVE BIT OF NHL AND VIDEO GAME HISTORY

Celebrini’s contract topped the $18 million-per-season offer sheet the Philadelphia Flyers extended to Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson, which the Ducks matched.

With the league's salary cap continuing to go up, players' salaries will too.

But is it worth giving such a significant portion of a team's payroll to one player?

Well, in Makar's case, it probably is.

There are few players as valuable as a puck-moving, play-making defenseman who's still a solid defender on top of his offensive ability, and when you've got one of Makar's caliber, you do whatever it takes to keep him.

The numbers kind of speak for themselves: 507 points (136G, 371A) in 470 games.

Makar also quarterbacks the Avs' top power-play unit, and while the team was actually only 20th in the league last season by PP%, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better player in that role.

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Of course, the pressure is now on even more than it already was. Makar helped the Avs win one Stanley Cup, but given the big salary, fans are going to expect the team to be a perennial contender and win another one.

Hochul boasts 'I just banned it' as New York outlaws local police partnerships with ICE

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:25:57 -0400

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday on "Morning Joe" that New York banned formal civil immigration enforcement agreements between local law enforcement and ICE because she wants officers focused on local crime.

A DHS spokesperson said in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital that the restriction will force more federal agents into communities as 15 county sheriffs challenge the law in federal court.

"When politicians bar local law enforcement from working with DHS, our law enforcement officers have to have a more visible presence so that we can find and apprehend the criminals let out of jails and back into communities," the DHS spokesperson said.

BORDER CZAR HOMAN VOWS TO 'FLOOD' NEW YORK WITH ICE AGENTS DESPITE HOCHUL'S RESISTANCE

"Seven of the top 10 safest cities in the United States cooperate with ICE. Instead of working with us, Governor Hochul and Attorney General James are choosing to RELEASE violent criminals from their jails directly back into our communities to perpetrate more crimes and create more victims."

DHS cited five New York cases involving noncitizens who it said remained at large or were released despite ICE detainers after arrests or convictions involving attempted murder, rape, assault, weapons charges or child endangerment. ICE later took all five into custody, and one was removed to Mexico, the department said.

Hochul’s office responded to DHS’s criticism Friday in a statement to Fox News Digital, disputing the department’s characterization of the law’s public safety consequences.

"Governor Hochul has been clear: You don't make New York State safer by co-opting local law enforcement to conduct civil immigration enforcement that targets families, children and hardworking individuals," a Hochul spokesperson said.

"A federal court has already upheld New York’s Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, and the state will continue to work with federal and local law enforcement in cracking down on violent offenders while keeping our communities safe and enforcing our laws."

During the interview on "Morning Joe," co-host Willie Geist asked whether ICE could still secure agreements with New York police forces.

DEM GOVERNOR IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER TESTING LIMITS OF AUTHORITY WITH MAJOR MOVE AGAINST ICE

"I just banned it," Hochul said. "It's against the law now in the state of New York to have these agreements."

The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, signed in May, took effect Tuesday. It prohibits state and local entities from entering or remaining in 287(g) agreements, which allow trained local personnel to perform certain federal civil immigration functions under ICE supervision.

Hochul's office said the law does not prevent jails from notifying ICE about potentially deportable people in custody or transferring someone lawfully in custody to the agency, subject to local laws.

Existing corrections law also requires the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to notify federal immigration authorities after receiving a noncitizen into custody, the governor's office said.

NEW YORK SHERIFFS 'MAD AS HELL' AS HOCHUL PUSHES TO BAN KEY LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIP

The federal lawsuit, led by Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault, claims the ban unlawfully overrides independently elected sheriffs’ authority and impairs federally authorized agreements. The state said Rensselaer was the only one of 12 agencies with a 287(g) agreement that had not indicated it would dissolve the pact.

Attorney General Letitia James sued Rensselaer County and its sheriff Thursday, seeking an order terminating the agreement. The action was the first filed by the state’s new Office of Immigrant Trust.

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A federal judge earlier this month denied the Justice Department’s request for a preliminary injunction against the 287(g) ban in a separate case, allowing Tuesday’s deadline to take effect. That litigation remains pending, and the 15 sheriffs have separately requested emergency relief in their new case.

Measles deaths may have been 'fabricated,' RFK Jr claims after coroner raises questions

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:24:44 -0400

Days after Pennsylvania health officials reported two measles deaths, a public dispute has emerged about whether other factors played a role in the fatalities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the two "measles-associated" deaths on Tuesday, noting that both individuals were unvaccinated.

These were the state’s first measles-related deaths in 35 years, according to the release.

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That confirmation came after the county coroner — physician Stephen Diamantoni — said the newborn died shortly after birth from a lacerated spleen and had tested positive for measles acquired before birth, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Diamantoni’s office was still investigating the newborn’s death, and the coroner said he was not aware of the other reported death, Axios reported.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health stated that not all deaths are referred to a coroner under state law.

The DOH says it uses the term "measles-associated" when laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of measles is present, even if a coroner or medical certifier does not identify measles as the immediate cause of death.

Measles can affect the spleen, potentially causing enlargement and, in rare cases, rupture, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst.

Pregnant women, newborns and young infants can face a higher risk of serious measles complications, the doctor noted.

Infants who are too young to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can be especially vulnerable.

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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned whether Pennsylvania officials provided sufficient information to substantiate the two measles-associated deaths.

In a Wednesday post on X, after the coroner’s comments were made public, Kennedy alleged that Pennsylvania had not given the CDC relevant information and suggested the deaths could have been "fabricated."

"The announcement appears to have been premature, and the deaths may even have been altogether fabricated by one of the Governor's hopeful staffers," he wrote. "The Lancaster County Coroner says that it has no record of any measles deaths."

RFK also accused Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his office of "fearmongering, misinformation, finger-pointing and the weaponization of infectious disease fears for political gain."

Meanwhile, at a Tuesday press conference, Shapiro said the deaths showed the "real-life consequences" of misinformation about the measles vaccine.

In a subsequent X post, the governor claimed Kennedy had "stoked confusion amongst parents and others — and the result has been less protection from measles and more cases."

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In response to Kennedy’s comments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also spoke on X about the debate, expressing appreciation for RFK’s efforts to "clarify conflicting information" about the cause of the two reported deaths.

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"CDC is working to determine what actually occurred," the agency wrote. "These discrepancies raise important questions, particularly because the Governor’s Office has not provided CDC with information relevant to the outbreak and has declined our offers of assistance."

"Under President Trump’s and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, CDC will follow the facts and tell the American people the truth."

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen disputed the CDC’s account, saying the two deaths were reported to the agency’s measles response team early Tuesday morning.

In an X post from the Pennsylvania Department of Health account, Bogen said she had reviewed the case investigations and that state epidemiologists had thoroughly investigated both deaths. She confirmed that both individuals tested positive for measles.

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Meanwhile, Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons said he did not believe there was enough evidence to confirm the two deaths were caused by measles, citing information he said he received from the county coroner’s office, according to Local21 News.

What does ‘measles-associated’ mean?

Siegel noted that measles weakens the immune system and increases the risk of pneumonia, which can stem from measles itself or from a secondary bacterial infection.

"If the impact of measles on the immune system or stress on other major organs as a result of the disease leads to death, that would be a measles-associated death," he told Fox News Digital.

When a patient has both measles and another immediate cause of death, several considerations come into play when infectious disease specialists are determining whether the virus was a contributing factor.

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"It has to do with whether the immediate cause of death is from measles itself, as in measles pneumonia, or due to damage to the immune system and secondary infections or other diseases that result," Siegel said.

Lancaster County is at the center of Pennsylvania’s current measles outbreak. As of Friday, the state had reported 424 confirmed cases and 73 hospitalizations.

Fox News Digital reached out to the involved government officials requesting comment.