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Boston Red Sox 15-game winning streak finally comes to an end, one short of setting franchise record

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:35:26 -0400

Just a few weeks ago, the Boston Red Sox were one of Major League Baseball's biggest disappointments.

Despite their hefty payroll and a roster filled with stars and exciting young prospects, injuries had ravaged much of the team's depth through the first half of the season. Entering July, the Red Sox were dead last in the American League East at 37-48. They had the third-worst record in the AL as a whole, were 14 games out of first place and seemed posed to become sellers at the trade deadline. As recently as June 21, they had just an 8.4% chance of reaching the postseason, per FanGraphs.

Then, history.

RED SOX COME BACK FROM THE DEAD, MOVE INTO POSTSEASON CONTENTION WITH REMARKABLE 14-GAME WIN STREAK

Even without key players like Garrett Crochet, Trevor Story and Roman Anthony, the Red Sox entered a day-night doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday having won 14 games in a row. Sure enough, they jumped out to a four-run lead they never relinquished, with the game fittingly ending on a great defensive play by shortstop Tsung-Che Chung.

That 15th consecutive win tied a franchise record set 80 years ago, and became just the eighth winning streak of 15 or more since 1961. And the first since the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021.

"You keep stacking one win over another, and then you get close, and once you get within three or four, they start to feel like playoff games because you want to get there," infielder Caleb Durbin this week, per MLB.com. "But yeah, then you look back at it, and think about where you're doing it and how long this franchise has existed. It's pretty incredible."

RED SOX HAD A NIGHTMARE TRAVEL DAY FOR THE AGES, YET STILL FOUND A WAY TO BEAT THE METS IN NEW YORK

Wednesday night's game provided a golden opportunity to set a new franchise record with 16 in a row. Still at Fenway Park and facing a struggling Orioles team. But the Orioles turned the tables, scoring four runs of their own in the top of the first. Jonathan Rodriguez's double off the Green Monster helped force Eduardo Rivera from the game in the first inning.

The Red Sox couldn't get anything going offensively though, falling 5-1 and coming up just short of even more history.

Still, what an incredible achievement. It not only turned their season around but also upended the American League East and postseason races. They went from being buried and seemingly out of the playoff picture before July to not losing a game from July 1 through July 22.

Before the loss in the night game, Boston's postseason probability had soared to 67% thanks to taking over sole possession of the third wild card spot in the AL. Remarkably, after the win in the day game, they moved to within six games of first in the AL East. Though the Rays win and Boston's loss made it seven entering Thursday.

From sellers to... buyers?

Crochet is hoping to return by the playoffs, but even with Ranger Suárez returning soon, Boston would love to acquire more starting pitching. Roman Anthony has yet to start swinging after tearing a ligament in his finger, and Trevor Story is still a ways away, meaning Boston could use offense too.

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All that raises the question, how have they done so much winning with all the injuries? A combination of timely hitting, quality pitching and, of course, luck. Boston has the best team ERA in baseball in July, and an .877 OPS with runners in scoring position over the same timeframe. That'll work.

15 games in a row is remarkable, especially with those injuries. And Red Sox fans can now dream of getting Anthony, Story and Suarez back for a playoff run. With Crochet looming if they get there. Not too shabby, considering where they were entering July.

Piker tells Mamdani to ‘shut the f--- up’ over cautious messaging, claims mayor needs to be more 'bold'

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:05:21 -0400

Far-left streamer Hasan Piker told New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to "shut the f--- up" and urged progressives to present their policies more boldly during an interview released Wednesday on Zeteo's "We're Not Kidding" podcast in Washington, D.C.

"I just listened to his new New York Times conversation where The New York Times asked him, like, ‘If you had unlimited money, what would you do?’" Piker said. "He’s like, ‘Exactly the same policies I’m implementing.’ I’m like, ‘Shut the f--- up, dude.’"

Piker's criticism came during a broader discussion with Zeteo founder Mehdi Hasan about whether left-wing politicians are too concerned with optics and too willing to retreat when their positions draw criticism.

MAMDANI CALLS OUT DEMOCRATIC PARTY AS 'WELL-PAID CONSULTANTS AND BIG MONEY INTERESTS'

Piker said politicians, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., risk appearing uncommitted to their positions when they sound hesitant or defensive.

"If you come across as, like, even a little worried or even a little defensive, then people respond to that with, ‘Oh, maybe she doesn’t believe this either,’" Piker said.

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The Twitch streamer continued that line of criticism of Ocasio-Cortez, saying she's embraced ambitious policies but sometimes focuses too heavily on public perception.

"The way she carries herself, I think, is a little bit too, like, optics-driven, too liberal and too optics-driven," Piker said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

FLASHBACK: MAMDANI'S HISTORY OF DODGING QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE HE STANDS ON KEY ISSUES

Piker contrasted Ocasio-Cortez with Mamdani, whom he praised for combining progressive policies with language capable of reaching liberal and less traditional audiences.

"I think Zohran has done a pretty good job of merging those two worlds where he speaks the language of liberalism," Piker said.

Hasan asked whether Piker wanted the interview to end with him telling one of his political allies to "shut the f--- up." Piker stressed that his frustration did not represent a break with Mamdani.

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"I mean, come on," Piker said. "I love the guy. I have my disagreements with him from time to time."

Piker later accepted Hasan’s revised description of the approach he wanted from progressive politicians.

"Bold, brave and unapologetic," Piker said.

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Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu addresses absence from WNBA 3-point contest: 'Never officially got invited'

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:45:21 -0400

The lineup for this year’s WNBA All-Star 3-point contest has been a talking point in the sports world since it was announced.

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu was among the most notable players absent from the annual competition.

Ionescu addressed the speculation ahead of Wednesday’s Liberty-Sky matchup, pushing back against reports that she chose not to participate in this weekend’s WNBA 3-point contest in Chicago.

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"I can't decline an offer I never got officially invited to. So, was pretty surprised to see that. Never got invited," the defending 3-point contest champion told reporters pregame.

Caitlin Clark and Kayla McBride were also among the high-profile stars who reportedly declined invitations to the competition.

"Whether it's against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try and beat my record, every single time I've gone out," said Ionescu, who has won the 3-point contest twice, highlighted by her record-setting 37-point performance in 2023.

"I just kind of wanted to set the record straight," she continued. "Like that was just false, but I'm really excited for the participants in it, and obviously there's going to be a new winner. So, I'm excited to see who wins."

Ionescu later referenced her previous 3-point showdown with Stephen Curry when asked a follow-up about the issue.

"Maybe I'll do it with Steph again at NBA All-Star and get a really nice official invite," she said.

The confirmed list of 3-point contest participants includes Dallas' Azzi Fudd, Atlanta's Rhyne Howard, Golden State's Janelle Salaün, Portland's Bridget Carleton, Toronto's Marina Mabrey and Seattle's Natisha Hiedeman. Howard and Mabrey are the only players in that group with prior 3-point contest experience at All-Star weekend.

Earlier this week, Ionescu refuted a report that she had opted out of this year’s festivities, commenting "lies" under a since-deleted Bleacher Report Instagram post. McBride also weighed in via social media, saying her agent had texted her about the event in the 48 hours before her Instagram story post, but no formal invitation ever came.

"Posting things like I'm afraid of shooting smoke is weird and if you didn't hear it from me prob shouldn't believe it," McBride wrote. "We should focus on the great shooters in it already!!! Because there's some killas in there."

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Despite dealing with an ankle injury early this season, Ionescu entered Wednesday night’s game averaging 13.8 points in 14 games.

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

Bear caught on camera perched atop New Mexico utility pole before reportedly suffering fatal electrocution

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:35:09 -0400

A bear that climbed to the top of a utility pole in rural New Mexico became the subject of a viral video this week before reportedly later dying after the unusual encounter.

The video, recorded Monday near Gladstone, New Mexico, roughly 170 miles east of Santa Fe, shows the bear precariously perched on the crossarm of the utility pole while panting and trying to maintain its balance high above the ground.

The U.S. Department of the Interior shared the video Wednesday, joking, "We appreciate the enthusiasm for American Energy Dominance, but this isn't what we meant."

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER STAYS ICE-COLD AS MASSIVE BROWN BEAR WALKS RIGHT UP TO HIS CAMERA

The Department of the Interior and the New Mexico Department of Wildlife did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The footage, verified by Storyful, also includes audio from a 911 caller reporting the unusual sight.

"I'm calling to report a bear on top of a light pole," the caller tells a dispatcher.

WOMAN STALKED BY CHARGING BEAR ON MORNING DOG WALK CAPTURES TERRIFYING ENCOUNTER ON CAMERA

The dispatcher responded that state officials had already been notified but said tranquilizing the animal while it remained atop the pole could have caused it to fall.

Shannon Mullens, who recorded the video, told Storyful she was traveling from Red River, New Mexico, to Oklahoma on Highway 56 when she and her family spotted what they initially believed was a dead bear.

"We really didn't believe what we saw at first, so we turned around to get another look," Mullens said.

HIDDEN DANGER AT POPULAR US NATIONAL PARK FORCES TRAIL CLOSURES AS BEAR SIGHTINGS CLIMB

"At first, we thought that the bear was dead, until we got closer to it, and then we realized that he was still alive."

The bear was electrocuted and died before wildlife officials could safely rescue it, the New York Post reported.

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Wildlife experts say bears can climb utility poles after becoming startled by people, traffic or dogs, treating them much like trees while trying to escape danger.

A similar incident ended differently in Arizona in 2021, when wildlife officials safely rescued a bear that had climbed a utility pole.

Teachers who once dated and share child arrested after classroom argument spiraled into violence: police

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:35:05 -0400

A personal dispute between two teachers who were formerly a couple erupted inside a Miami charter boarding school, ending with both under arrest after investigators say a classroom meeting turned violent.

According to a Miami-Dade Schools Police arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, Terrod Tiyan Torrence, 36, and Odiria Biggins were previously involved in a romantic relationship and share a child together.

A few days before the confrontation, Biggins told investigators Torrence left a handwritten note on her desk asking if they could talk.

She agreed to meet him July 17 inside Classroom 119 at The SEED School of Miami, the affidavit said.

SJSU VOLLEYBALL COACH'S ALLEGED ASSAULT VICTIM SPEAKS OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE ALLEGATIONS SURFACED

What began as a conversation quickly turned physical, according to investigators.

Biggins told police Torrence repeatedly punched her in the left side of the head before slamming her head into a wall, causing her to lose consciousness and collapse to the floor.

MARCELLUS WILEY'S WIFE CLAIMS EX-NFL STAR THREATENED TO KILL HER BEFORE FOURTH OF JULY DOMESTIC BATTERY ARREST

But the confrontation didn't end there, investigators said.

After regaining consciousness, Biggins allegedly walked to her vehicle, grabbed a canister of pepper spray and later tracked Torrence down elsewhere on campus before spraying him, according to Miami ABC affiliate WSVN.

Surveillance video captured Biggins entering a classroom where Torrence was, the outlet reported.

BRING THE BEAR SPRAY TO THE WEDDING — YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU NEED TO USE IT ON A FAMILY MEMBER

Moments later, both emerged with Torrence appearing to struggle walking and suffering visible eye irritation before school staff rushed to help him. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment.

Biggins was arrested Monday and charged with discharging a weapon on school property for allegedly using pepper spray on campus, along with misdemeanor domestic violence battery, according to WSVN. A judge found probable cause and set her bond at $2,000.

Torrence was arrested Tuesday by Miami-Dade Schools Police and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence battery.

Court records show he was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center before appearing before Judge Alicia Garcia Priovolos, who imposed a $2,000 standard bond and a pretrial no-contact order barring him from contacting Biggins. His arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 23.

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It remains unclear what sparked the argument or whether any students witnessed the confrontation.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department and The SEED School of Miami for additional information, including whether either teacher remains employed.

Sophie Cunningham doubles down ahead of Sun game after ESPN profile stirs controversy: 'I said what I said'

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:03:24 -0400

Before Wednesday's game against the Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham doubled down on her call to protect women's sports from biological male competitors, brushing aside recent backlash over her comments.

"I think I said what I said. I think it's kind of common sense," Cunningham told reporters when asked to expand on her views.

WATCH (via @RomeovilleKid / X):

"I'll always believe in that. It's really important to protect children, and that's little girls who are also involved in that category."

SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM MANAGES TO ANGER BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT WITH A SIMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POST

For Cunningham, defending women's sports isn't about politics. It's about protecting female athletes.

"I'm not a very political person, but I do have beliefs. I have morals, and I'll always stand on those," she explained.

She pointed to Title IX as the foundation of women's sports, arguing the law exists to protect opportunities for female athletes. Without those protections, she said, the category loses its purpose.

TRANS ATHLETES DROP LAWSUIT TO GAIN ACCESS TO GIRLS' SPORTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE AFTER SCOTUS RULING

Cunningham also rejected the idea that her position stems from bigotry, saying defending women's sports doesn't mean harboring hatred toward anyone else.

"I extend love, and I don't dislike anyone. I think there is room for absolutely everyone here," she said, adding that she has never expressed hatred toward the trans community.

Her focus, she said, remains on protecting biological women and girls.

TRACK STAR SAYS SHE'S TIRED OF CHRISTIANS BEING CALLED 'BIGOTS' FOR OPPOSING TRANS ATHLETES IN GIRLS' SPORTS

OutKick founder Clay Travis shared the clip on X.

"Love all of this. Well done @sophaller," Travis wrote in part.

He later tagged author J.K. Rowling, writing, "Hey @jk_rowling, want to make sure you see this. Sanity is winning in America."

As for the backlash, Cunningham said she tunes it out.

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"I really don't care," she said regarding the political labels attached to her views. "If I'm gonna live by the love, I'll die by the hate, and that's just not who I am. I beat to my own drum."

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Jack Smith hit with criminal referral as GOP moves testimony fight toward prosecution

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:00:33 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: Former Biden special counsel Jack Smith could face potential criminal prosecution after Republicans accused the ex-prosecutor of misleading Congress about the scope of his investigation into President Donald Trump.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, issued a criminal referral for Smith Wednesday, arguing newly released records contradict Smith's testimony to his committee that he did not obtain or review lawmakers' text messages during his multiple probes into President Donald Trump.

"All individuals have an obligation to comply with a duly authorized congressional inquiry. Mr. Smith, a former public servant, is no different," Jordan wrote in a letter to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday. "Yet his testimony included intentionally false statements designed to obstruct the Committee’s oversight.

"His conduct can only be understood as an effort to thwart the Committee’s inquiry by intentionally making false statements and representations before Congress," Jordan continued, adding that the Justice Department should examine whether Smith's actions warrant criminal charges.

VETERAN DEM BREAKS PARTY LINE AS JACK SMITH SPYING SCANDAL GRIPS CAPITOL HILL

Jordan’s letter accused Smith of making false statements during a December deposition before the House Judiciary Committee. Specifically, Jordan argued that "responses provided by Mr. Smith gave the impression that neither Mr. Smith nor his team had access to the content of members’ privileged text messages."

"We now know this to be false," the letter adds.

The referral comes after Smith faced mounting scrutiny from Republicans over allegedly weaponizing the Justice Department and violating constitutional privacy protections during his investigations into alleged interference during the 2020 election and Trump’s handling of classified documents.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

And Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, blasted Jordan's referral.

"This referral deliberately distorts and misstates the facts, including what questions the Republicans actually asked at Mr. Smith's interview. The Republicans fault Mr. Smith for not reading the minds of congressional investigators and for not volunteering information they didn't ask for. This is absurd. Mr. Smith may be telegenic but he is not telepathic," Raskin said in a statement.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, released documents last week showing Smith's team read the text messages of 44 members of Congress from both parties and White House staff during its investigation.

Targeted lawmakers included Jordan and Grassley in addition to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.; and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.

Trump officials affected included former Vice President Mike Pence, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, FBI Director Kash Patel and Ivanka Trump, among others in the president's orbit during his first term.

BIDEN SPECIAL COUNSEL’S 'RUNAWAY TRAIN’ SCOOPED UP SENSITIVE LAWMAKER INFO: 'ABUSE OF POWER'

Grassley's office also found that Smith's team appeared to violate investigative protocols by accessing text messages that had not been reviewed by a "filter team," a safeguard designed to prevent investigators from accessing privileged information, according to the documents.

When Smith was asked by congressional investigators if he examined the contents of lawmakers’ text messages during his probe, he said, "no."

He told the House Judiciary Committee his team only sought telephone toll records.

"Toll records were sought for historical telephone routing information, collected after calls had taken place, identifying the incoming and outgoing call numbers, the time of the calls and their duration," Smith testified in December. "Toll records do not include the content of calls."

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The Justice Department told Fox News Digital when reached for comment, "The Department can confirm receipt of the criminal referral from the House Judiciary Committee and will investigate all evidence of criminal conduct."

Trump salutes 'great heroes' as he attends dignified transfer of US service members killed in Jordan, Iraq

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:40:32 -0400

President Donald Trump on Wednesday saluted the flag-draped caskets of four U.S. service members recently killed in action in Jordan and Iraq while attended a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

Trump stood alongside Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as they paid tribute to 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York; and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, who were killed in Jordan, and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who was killed in Iraq.

Trump told reporters ahead of the ceremony the service members were "great heroes."

"We're going to honor them. And it’s one of the hardest things to do — for me, it's one of the hardest things to do as a president. But it has to be done," Trump added.

US SOLDIER KILLED IN JORDAN ATTACK REMEMBERED AS LIVING ‘LIFE OF COURAGE AND SELFLESSNESS’

"All I'm going to say is we love you. We love your child," Trump said when asked if he had a message for the families. "And that's what they are to them. They're their children. There's no games, no nothing. That's their child. And all you could do is throw out your heart."

Feehan’s parents, Stephen and Shari, told KUTV Tuesday, "No parents could have asked for a better son, and carrying your legacy forward is now our purpose.

"To that end, we're building a scholarship in his name — one meant to open doors to education for those who serve or hope to. We're starting it with his death gratuity, and we welcome anyone moved to give."

RUBIO ACCUSES IRAN OF FLYING IRGC PERSONNEL INTO YEMEN AS HOUTHI THREAT ESCALATES

U.S. Central Command said over the weekend that the service members were killed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan as CENTCOM and partner forces "defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks."

Swinton was killed while troops attempted to destroy a downed Iranian attack drone Sunday at an air base in Iraq.

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Both incidents remain under investigation.

Fox News’ Eric Mack and Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.

Survivor of Hamas terror attack in Israel slams Mamdani over 'dangerous' video about Netanyahu

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:40:07 -0400

A survivor of the Nova music festival terrorist attack by Hamas pushed back against a video released by Zohran Mamdani calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal," saying the New York City mayor’s comments were "dangerous."

Mazal Tazazo made the remark in a video shared on X by radio host Jason Rantz, one day after Mamdani said Netanyahu was "the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people."

In Mamdani’s message, he said he agreed with the International Criminal Court that "Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and tried for his crimes" and urged the federal government to carry out an arrest warrant if Netanyahu visits New York City in September for the U.N. General Assembly.

MAMDANI GOES BACK ON CAMPAIGN PROMISE, SAYS NYC CAN’T ARREST NETANYAHU

"I was shocked today when I saw that video. It's so dangerous," Tazazo said.

"What's happening there is not genocide. People died. Yes, this is a war. It's very sad. But why? Because the terrorists hide behind their people," she continued, referencing statements from the Israel Defense Forces that Hamas uses civilian buildings as cover for their military activity.

"If you want to really want to understand what's going on here, so come," she added. "I'm Mazal Tazazo, nice to meet you, survivor of the Nova. You can come to Israel, nobody gonna arrest you, OK? You can come to Israel and hear my story and hear the story of Israel and go around the place."

Rantz wrote on X that Tazazo "absolutely unloaded on Zohran Mamdani for threatening to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu."

NEW YORK DEMOCRAT HOPES MAMDANI WON’T BE ‘ARRESTING ANYONE’ AFTER RECENT NETANYAHU COMMENTS

Mamdani said in his own video posted on X Tuesday that "my administration has reviewed every avenue available under applicable law to determine whether New York City could execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant if Benjamin Netanyahu came here.

"It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant. The federal government, however, does, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant.

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"He is responsible for the killing of more than 73,000 people, for the maiming of tens of thousands of children, as those who survive undergo amputation without anesthesia, for the targeting of neonatal hospitals and maternity care centers, denying newborns even the chance to live, for the countless people he starved as he blocked food and humanitarian aid from reaching them," Mamdani also claimed about Netanyahu.

Oakland baseball team will host 'historic' 'family-friendly' marijuana-themed game day

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:35:13 -0400

The Oakland Ballers, an independent professional baseball team in Oakland, California, says it will host a "family-friendly" cannabis game night July 31.

The team is partnering with Oaksterdam University, the nation's first cannabis college, for the event on "Grateful Dead Night."

The team will temporarily rebrand as the "Oaksterdam Blazers" and wear uniforms featuring the moniker.

"The game marks a historic first in professional baseball as the Ballers become the first professional team to partner with and celebrate the legal cannabis industry during a live game," the team wrote in a press announcement in June.

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The event originally began as an April Fools' Day joke, the team said, but enthusiastic fan response drove leadership to turn the stunt into reality.

According to the organization, the July 31 event will be "safe, inclusive and age-appropriate." Adults 21 and older are invited to board a tour bus at 10 a.m. PT to visit a local dispensary and participate in a lounge crawl featuring Oakland-certified cannabis businesses.

"More than a party bus, the experience will highlight the entrepreneurs, advocates and community leaders who fought to build Oakland’s legal cannabis industry and continue to shape its future today. For those looking to experience the full day, this is the place to start," the team said.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES TAP DRAG QUEEN AS GUEST SPLASHER IN KID-FRIENDLY BIRD BATH ZONE FOR PRIDE NIGHT

The Ballers emphasized that while the lounge crawl is strictly for adults, the goal at the ballpark is to create an environment that remains suitable for families.

"Any content activations connected to the cannabis industry will be opt-in and require 21+ verification," the team added.

Oaksterdam University also promoted the event on its website, calling it the "first family-friendly cannabis industry event in America."

BILL MAHER, WOODY HARRELSON SOUND OFF ON CALIFORNIA BUSINESS CLIMATE, SAY STATE DESERVES TO BE 'S--- ON'

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Although the event is being billed as a historic first, other professional sports teams have formally partnered with cannabis industries in the past. In 2024, the Portland Pickles became the first U.S. sports team to sell THC products at a live sporting event, according to the team.

MLB also became the first major professional sports league to sign a sponsorship agreement with a CBD company in 2022.

The Oakland Ballers did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment.

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The event highlights the California city's long history at the center of the marijuana legalization movement.

California became the first U.S. state to legalize pot for medical use in 1996. In 2004, Oakland made history by becoming the first U.S. city to formally permit and regulate medical cannabis dispensaries.

In 2016, California voters legalized recreational marijuana use for adults statewide through Proposition 64.

Far-left 'Squad' Dems mix up Jewish colleagues in botched attack — then get burned by their own votes

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:30:51 -0400

A social media attack by two far-left House Democrats on moderate Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., backfired after one confused him with another Jewish Democrat named Josh, and a New Jersey centrist used their votes for Ukraine aid to turn the exchange back on them.

The clash erupted after Gottheimer criticized the growing influence of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party.

"The DSA are not Democrats. They’re socialists, who want to hijack the Democratic Party," he wrote in an X post Monday.

DEMOCRATIC INFIGHTING GROWS AS CONGRESSWOMAN EXPOSES ‘DISRESPECTFUL’ WELCOME OF SOCIALISTS INTO ‘BIG TENT’

"The Democrats have a big tent. That’s our strength. We embrace a range of ideas — but there’s no room for anti-American bomb-throwers who oppose our ideas, values, & leaders."

The next day, Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., fired back by accusing him of being among the Democrats who "sign bombs and vote to drop them," apparently confusing Gottheimer with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Shapiro, not Gottheimer, signed an artillery shell bound for Ukraine during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 2024 visit to Pennsylvania, Fox News Digital reported in September 2024.

"You know that’s the other Jewish guy named Josh, right?" Gottheimer said in response to Lee.

"Squad" Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., then jumped in to defend Lee, writing that Shapiro had signed "the bombs you voted to be dropped."

HOUSE DEMOCRATS FRACTURE BADLY OVER MASSIE AMENDMENT TO CUT $3.3B IN U.S. AID TO ISRAEL

Neither Omar nor Lee identified a specific vote, but Gottheimer turned the accusation back on both lawmakers by pointing out that they had voted for a $60.8 billion Ukraine aid package before Shapiro signed the Ukraine-bound artillery shell.

"Ilhan, you know who else voted for it?" Gottheimer said in response, including a screenshot of the "Official House Roll Call" for the April 2024 vote on H.R. 8035. "You."

The exchange comes as Gottheimer has increasingly accused his own party of applying a double standard to antisemitism. In a May New York Times opinion piece, the Jewish congressman argued that Democrats routinely condemn antisemitism from the political right but are too often silent when it emerges from the far left, calling the disparity a "glaring double standard."

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That intraparty divide has also widened over support for Israel.

According to the official House roll call, Lee and Omar were among 103 Democrats who voted last week for a failed amendment from Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., that would have prohibited funds in the underlying bill from being used for Israel and reduced the foreign military financing account by $3.3 billion. Gottheimer voted against the amendment.

Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Gottheimer, Lee and Omar for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.

Las Vegas Grand Prix, F1 parent company are reportedly set to pay fans millions over 2023 drain cover incident

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:15:47 -0400

One of the most memorable moments of the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend didn't happen during the race or even qualifying.

It came in the first practice session of the weekend, when then-Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz hit a drain cover, causing serious damage to his car's floor and energy store, while also damaging then-Alpine driver Esteban Ocon's car.

The session was red-flagged and eventually canceled, delaying the second practice session by hours as crews worked to repair the circuit and ensure the other drain covers were secure.

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This delay led to thousands of fans leaving before the next session could get underway.

So, not long after, attorney Steve Dimopoulos filed a class action lawsuit saying that attempts to make good on the situation were not enough.

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According to The Las Vegas Review Journal, court documents revealed that a federal judge agreed and gave preliminary approval for a settlement with LVGP and its parent company Liberty Media Corp. of just over $3 million, which is slated to get final approval in November.

"The settlement establishes a $3.05 million common fund for holders of approximately 32,000 eligible tickets," Dimopoulos said in a statement to The New York Post. "Individual payments will vary depending on ticket type, participation rates, attorney’s fees, costs and administrative expenses."

Of course, the amount of money each person gets will depend on how many claimants there are. But you do the math: if all 32,000 eligible folks decide they want in, it would leave you with enough to buy a hat at the next Las Vegas GP if you're lucky.

One of the cheap hats.

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Fortunately, the race went off without a hitch in the three years that it has been held. It's now set to be a part of the F1 schedule through 2037.

The drain incident caused further controversy in 2023 when the damage caused to Carlos Sainz's Ferrari required a new engine, resulting in a ten-place grid penalty. That came as the Scuderia was in a tight battle with Mercedes for second place in the championship standings.

EXCLUSIVE: Woman who stole $1.7M meant for hurricane victims gets prison time as DHS cracks down on FEMA fraud

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:15:20 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: A Pennsylvania woman who defrauded the federal government out of $1.7 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds in the wake of Hurricane Ida was sentenced to five years in prison, the Justice Department said Wednesday as the Trump administration continues its effort to crack down on fraud.

Jasmine Williams, 34, of Plymouth Meeting, pleaded guilty last year to 32 charges ranging from fraud related to a major disaster declaration to wire fraud and mail fraud.

"Under the leadership of President [Donald] Trump and Secretary [Markwayne] Mullin, FEMA is rooting out fraud in disaster aid," Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis exclusively told Fox News Digital.

"We are protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure disaster assistance goes to those who truly need it," Bis continued. "Anyone who tries to steal from survivors will be caught and held accountable."

MINNESOTA OF THE CARIBBEAN? TRUMP ADMIN FREEZES VACATION HOT SPOT’S FUNDS OVER ALLEGED HURRICANE-AID ABUSES

President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration in September 2021 after the remnants of Hurricane Ida struck much of the eastern portion of the state.

Officials said Williams solicited participants in her scheme — renters, homeowners or the homeless — and submitted fraudulent documents to FEMA on behalf of almost 200 others, including fraudulent leases, letters from landlords, utility bills, earning statements and home repair estimates.

She recruited the participants over social media, advertising that she could assist them in applying for FEMA benefits, prosecutors said.

TRUMP SAYS ANTI-FRAUD EFFORTS ARE UNCOVERING BILLIONS IN WASTE, CLAIMS SAVINGS COULD BALANCE BUDGET

As part of the fraud, she requested half of the payout for herself, amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When one person involved in the scheme didn’t pay her, Williams posted that person's personal information on social media, officials said.

She also posted a video criticizing the person for not paying the 50% Williams charged.

Williams additionally used social media to solicit images of damaged homes to submit in support of her fraudulent applications, federal prosecutors said.

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In fiscal year 2025, FEMA identified more than 1,700 fraud cases.

Jon Stewart presses Mamdani on where he breaks with fellow democratic socialists on prisons and borders

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:00:02 -0400

Talk show host Jon Stewart asked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani where he disagrees with fellow democratic socialists who are rising in the Democratic Party during Wednesday's episode of his podcast, "The Weekly Show."

Stewart, who has long been a fixture of centrist Democratic Party politics, noted on his show that times have changed in that "now democratic socialism is considered the hottest trend in the Democratic Party, and there's grassroots energy and all. And these democratic socialist candidates are popping up, and you're having to answer for every one of their policy positions.

"Look, maybe I'm an old man or a s--- lib or whatever they want to call me," Stewart said. "If someone says we're going to abolish all prisons and borders, like I do go, ‘I don't think that's a good idea.’

"Like, it feels like order and security is also a progressive value. Why shouldn't people in neighborhoods with less resources have the same safety and security that neighborhoods with lots of resources?"

SOCIALISM’S RISE INSIDE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOW THREATENS THE AMERICAN DREAM

He then proceeded to ask Mamdani, "So are there tenets of those that are kind of following in the wake of Zohran Mamdani's success that you're not comfortable with or that give you pause?"

Mamdani replied, "If you have more than one socialist in a room and there isn't disagreement, then you don't have more than one socialist in a room."

Mamdani went on to say he is comfortable with such discussions, so long as they are productive.

"Well, I'm comfortable with disagreement, and I'm comfortable with disagreement that doesn't end the conversation entirely because I think what motivates a lot of people is, ‘How do you deliver public safety?" Mamdani said.

"And the thing that I've said time and again is, ‘We cannot have New Yorkers choose between safety and justice.’

DEM REP HENRY CUELLAR REJECTS DSA AGENDA, SAYS SOCIALISTS ARE TRYING TO 'USE' DEMOCRATIC PARTY

"And, yes, I am, you know, doing the work with our police department, and we have been able to deliver the lowest number of murders and shootings in recorded history," Mamdani touted. "And, at the same time, I'm doing the work to close down Riker's Island and ensure that we are actually building the four smaller borough-based jails that brings an end to a horrible chapter in New York City history."

Mamdani went on to agree that one’s safety should not depend on how upscale their neighborhood is.

"I think, to your point, you know, when we're thinking about safety, there cannot be a hierarchy of safety where you experience it more or less depending on where you live in our city or how much money is in your pocket," Mamdani said.

"And there also can't be a definition of safety that is purely after the fact, meaning how you respond to violence. We also have to do the work of investing so that we prevent violence."

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Gisele Bündchen celebrates birthday in leopard-print bikini as she reflects on gratitude

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:38:42 -0400

Gisele Bündchen is celebrating her birthday in style.

The Brazilian supermodel took to Instagram to celebrate her 46th birthday with a series of photos, including one of her lounging in a leopard-print bikini.

"Thank you all for the love and birthday wishes. I feel so grateful for this new cycle that is beginning and for all the adventures that lie ahead," she captioned the post. "May the love and kindness you share return to each of you a thousandfold. ❤️✨"

In the photo, Bündchen smiles as she lounges on a green lounge chair and holds and white balloons.

SYDNEY SWEENEY SHARES BIKINI AND UNDERWEAR PHOTOS IN INSTAGRAM DUMP FROM AUSTRALIA TRIP

Other photos in the post showed the mom of three looking up at the sun with her hand on her chest and her eyes closed and shot of her birthday cake, which was in the shape of a heart.

Her husband, Joaquim Valente, showed her some love in the comments section, writing, "👏🎉✨❤️🥳."

Others joined in to wish Bündchen a happy birthday, with one writing, "Hope you had the happiest birthday 🎂 🎉," and another adding, "Happy birthday my beautiful angel🎉🥳🪽." Fellow supermodel, Heidi Klum also sent her well wishes, writing, "Happy Birthday G🐐❤️."

The celebratory post comes just a few days after Bündchen shared photos from her recent family getaway to Tahiti, which included snaps of her older children Benjamin Rein, 16, and Vivian Lake, 13, whom she shares with ex-husband Tom Brady, 48, and rare photos of her with her youngest child who she shares with Valente.

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She and Valente announced they were expecting their first child together in October 2024, with outlets reporting their son was born in February 2025.

After the birth of their son, Bündchen and Valente tied the knot during a private ceremony in Surfside, Florida, in December 2025.

Just last month, the model shared a series of photos of Valente spending time with all three of her children in honor of Father's Day, calling him "an incredible role model" in the caption.

"Happy Father’s Day @joaquimvalente !Thank you for leading by example, and for the values you embody, love, humility, integrity, discipline, kindness and consistency," she wrote. "You are an incredible role model. We are all so grateful for you, and we love you so much."

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Israeli UN envoy blasts Mamdani as 'clown' over call to arrest Netanyahu: 'It's a stunt'

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:35:05 -0400

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations on Wednesday blasted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a "clown" for demanding federal authorities arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when Netanyahu arrives in the city.

Danny Danon’s remarks came after Mamdani accused Netanyahu of being a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide" against Palestinians while calling on the federal government to execute an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the Israeli leader.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan in September.

NETANYAHU FIRES BACK AT NYC MAYOR MAMDANI'S VOW TO ENFORCE 'BOGUS ARREST WARRANT'

"Those baseless remarks about harassing the prime minister — it's a joke, and he's a clown," Danon told Fox News Digital Wednesday.

"Everyone knows it's a show. It's a stunt," Danon added. "A mayor should be dealing with the homeless people, the garbage in New York, and leave foreign affairs to the people in Washington who are elected to do it. He should take care of the security of the people in New York, especially the Jewish community, which is seeing the rise of antisemitism. That is his first responsibility."

The YouTube channel for the New York City Mayor's Office released a video July 21, "Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal."

"Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people," Mamdani said, repeating comments he made in an interview with The New York Times.

Mamdani leveled a series of allegations against the Israeli leader, claiming he was "responsible for the killing of more than 73,000 people, for the maiming of tens of thousands of children, as those who survive undergo amputation without anesthesia."

He also accused Netanyahu of targeting neonatal hospitals and maternity care centers and alleged that he blocked food and humanitarian aid.

CNN LEGAL ANALYST CALLS OUT 'UTTERLY RIDICULOUS' CLAIM BY MAMDANI ABOUT NETANYAHU ARREST

"Just last month, the U.N. confirmed that Palestinian children continue to be deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli armed forces, more than eight months after the so-called ceasefire," Mamdani said.

"All as we, as Americans, pay for the bombs that do the killing. There is a reason the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest."

Danon pushed back sharply against the mayor's accusations.

"There is a lot of humanitarian aid coming into Gaza every day," Danon argued.

"Nobody speaks about those issues anymore, but he wants to resume spreading blood libels, promoting the claims of genocide, starvation and all those lies that were spread by him, by his wife and by other people during the war.

"He wants to go back to this situation, but today there are no humanitarian issues in Gaza," Danon added.

"Mamdani continues to promote those blood libels against Israel and against the Jews."

Mamdani also said that City Hall cannot act on the warrant unilaterally.

"It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant. The federal government, however, does, and I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant," Mamdani said.

"Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large."

MAMDANI’S ‘DERANGED’ ISRAEL TAKE RESURFACES AS HE TARGETS NETANYAHU

Israeli officials strongly deny all charges. Netanyahu’s office has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction, labeling it "a kangaroo court that has no jurisdiction over Americans or Israelis."

"People are smart; they know there's no legal basis for his remarks," Danon said. "The U.S. is not part of the ICC. There is no warrant that is actually effective against the prime minister in the U.S. So it's a political stunt."

"We have serious issues to deal with — the war with Iran and other critical matters.

"The prime minister is not actually dealing with Mamdani's remarks at all. He said it very clearly: He intends to come and speak at the U.N.

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"Prime Minister Netanyahu will come to New York and will speak in the General Assembly," Danon said. "The only thing the mayor can do is come to the U.N., grab a seat, listen to the Prime Minister and maybe learn something from his speech.

"Last year, Mayor Adams came to the prime minister's speech," Danon noted. "A local leader can come and hear. That's the only thing he can do."

Burger King makes major changes after thousands of customers sounded off

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:33:59 -0400

Visitors to Burger King may soon notice several changes inspired by updates that customers of the fast-food chain said they wanted.

"Earlier this year, we opened our phone lines and invited people to share their honest feedback, and they did," a Burger King representative told Fox News Digital.

"One of the biggest takeaways was that our guests want to feel welcomed when they walk in, know their order will be made the way they asked and have confidence that if something isn't right, we'll make it right."

BURGER KING FANS SWEAR A SIMPLE TRICK GETS YOU A FRESHER WHOPPER, BUT NOT EVERYONE IS CONVINCED

Burger King said the initiative generated thousands of customer phone calls and text messages.

Four months later, the company is introducing two strategies aimed at improving customer service and order accuracy.

The Your Way Champion is a "reimagined restaurant manager role designed to empower restaurant leaders and put the guest experience first," Burger King announced in a news release. The champion will wear a dedicated uniform and serve as a point person for customers, overseeing order customization and satisfaction.

The Whopper Guarantee promises that if a Whopper, Burger King's signature hamburger, doesn't meet a customer's expectations, "the brand will not only continue to remake it on the spot, but they'll offer the guest's next Whopper free of charge," redeemable with a QR code.

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"This is about bringing 'Have It Your Way' to life in every restaurant, every day," Burger King told Fox News Digital.

"The Your Way Champion puts hospitality front and center, while the Whopper Guarantee gives guests confidence we'll stand behind our flagship product being served just the way they want it. Together, they're about earning trust one visit at a time."

Burger King's announcement of the changes drew varied reactions from social media users.

"Listening to your guests and acting on their feedback is what builds long-term loyalty," one user wrote on LinkedIn. "Excited to see Burger King continuing to invest in both the guest experience and the restaurant teams that make it happen every day!"

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"Love to see a brand that actually listens to its guests," another wrote on the platform. "The 'Your Way Champion' role + Whopper Guarantee is a brilliant move. This is how you raise the bar in QSR [quick service restaurants]. Excited to experience it!"

"Shout out to a couple of champions," a Facebook user wrote of a recent experience at a Burger King in Canada.

"I don't think I have ever seen two people enjoy doing their job and looking after the customers as I did. Aalisha and Erwin were both happy, personable and an absolute delight to observe while I sat in this super clean restaurant. I have been in the hospitality business for over 20 years and am hard to impress ... but they did it. Well done."

A couple of other social media users expressed disappointment, claiming Burger King is prioritizing its customers over its employees.

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"Burger King is the worst place to work for," one person wrote on LinkedIn. "I've been there seven and a half years, and I'm a breakfast coordinator. I make $16.35 an hour, and they refuse to give me a raise, which is bull crap."

"We don't make that much and work way too hard to be doing all that," someone else wrote on Instagram. "I've noticed this company really likes their customers more than their own employees. It's sad."

Several other commenters chimed in on specific menu items they have missed or would like to be brought back or changed. Many users expressed love for the Whopper, which Burger King describes as "America's favorite burger" and "the brand's most beloved item."

"Actually, I don't care about the service, I just really like the Whopper!" someone wrote on Facebook.

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Burger King will continue gathering feedback and using it to "turn those insights into meaningful improvements across our restaurants," the chain told Fox News Digital.

CDC reveals massive behind-the-scenes public health operation that kept FIFA World Cup fans safe

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:31:07 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: The World Cup tested not only the players on the pitch, but the Trump administration's large public health operation to safeguard the public as fans from all over the world moved across the United States.

Amid the fandom, as 11 American cities hosted 39 teams and 78 matches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) operated largely behind the scenes to detect emerging threats and to respond to public health emergencies.

"Readiness is not only measured by how we respond to emergencies, but by the work we do every day to prevent them," acting CDC Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"The FIFA World Cup demonstrated the strength of CDC’s partnerships, preparedness and commitment to protecting the health of every community we serve."

CONGO TEAM MUST ISOLATE TO ENTER UNITED STATES FOR WORLD CUP AMID EBOLA OUTBREAK

In total, the FIFA World Cup hosted 48 teams across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with more than 5 million tickets sold.

An estimated 6.5 million fans from around the world converged in the three host countries, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and, possibly, germs. Overlapping with Independence Day celebrations, large gatherings were common, as well as the backdrop of concurrent international disease activity, including the Ebola and Hantavirus outbreaks.

Infectious disease can easily spread in large crowds, and experts were already looking at wastewater, a possible uptick in hospital visits and social media for any signs of a potential outbreak.

Diseases like measles are always a top concern. As of July 16, there were 2,260 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., according to the CDC.

"The matches drew the world's attention. The work that kept them healthy did not — and that was the point," the CDC said in a news release Sunday.

FBI BOSS KASH PATEL DETAILS HOW AGENCY AND PARTNERS SECURED RECORD-SHATTERING FIFA WORLD CUP

The CDC's effort included a World Cup data dashboard that provided health departments with real-time data on disease trends across multiple cities as fans and teams traveled throughout the tournament, as well as around-the-clock health operations at U.S. ports of entry in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to monitor international passengers.

The agency also deployed its experts to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, wastewater surveillance and preparedness planning in host cities.

In all, the agency coordinated across a broad network, including multiple CDC divisions, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force.

WHITE HOUSE ADDRESSES GROWING PARASITE OUTBREAK AFTER MORE THAN 400 AMERICANS SICKENED

In March, the CDC released guidance providing health officials with a framework for preparing for a broad range of threats, including biological, chemical, radiologic/nuclear, environmental and mass casualty incidents.

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The guidance encouraged every jurisdiction to approach the tournament through a risk-based lens, recognizing that travel between venues connects communities far beyond the host cities.

The tournament is over, but the work is not. The same preparedness, surveillance and partnerships that supported the World Cup are part of CDC's readiness and response mission every day of the year, continuing through the close of the activation on July 31 and well beyond.

Big things brewing off the field in Tampa thanks to Jake Browning's wife & her plans to upgrade her fit checks

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:30:40 -0400

What an offseason it has been for Stephanie Niles. After leaving it all on the field for her last fit check as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, she has landed with a new team and added a new ring.

That's right, with Jake Browning signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the two of them tying the knot, it's been a busy few months for the couple as they prepare for the quarterback's eighth season in the NFL.

But the practice squad girlfriend turned backup quarterback fiancée has big plans for the upcoming season after officially becoming an NFL wife. Now that she's introduced herself at the local country club, she's getting to work.

OLIVIA CULPO PULLS A VETERAN MOVE BY WISHING CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY A HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH STRING BIKINI PICS

Mrs. Browning is giving her closet an upgrade this season and has already started working on her outfit for the Buccaneers home opener. She's going big or settling for a T-shirt from the team shop.

Her obsession began, she admits, with the viral bodysuit she wore a couple of years ago in Cincinnati. Ever since that moment, she's been preparing as if she's a starter and made the most of every opportunity.

That's taken Stephanie Browning to a new level when it comes to her approach to her game day fits. Her ideas have surpassed simply putting her trust in an "alarming little amount of thread."

She announced on Wednesday that she's learning to sew and the rest of the league has officially been put on notice.

RAMS' SEAN MCVAY AND HIS MODEL WIFE PUT THE REST OF THE NFL ON NOTICE WITH NOTHING BUT SWIMSUITS ON

What a veteran move. When you feel like you've done all you can with your current skill set, you add some more skills.

That's how you make it off the practice squad and onto a roster. That's how you land a backup role and start some games when the starter goes down.

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I don't want to toot my own horn here, but I hit the nail on the head with the "big things brewing off the field in Tampa" proclamation. If you're new to the league or haven’t found your footing yet, take notes.

A well-timed viral moment can only take you so far. You have to be prepared for what comes next, and Stephanie Browning has taken it all in stride.

Newsom turns to Hunter Biden’s high-powered ex-lawyer as federal scrutiny closes in on his family, allies

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:13:09 -0400

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, have turned to Hunter Biden’s former attorney as federal investigators scrutinize financial and nonprofit matters involving the first partner and a separate federal fraud case has ensnared the governor’s former chief of staff.

The hiring of prominent Washington defense lawyer Abbe Lowell, whose recent clients have included high-profile figures who have clashed with Trump, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former President Joe Biden’s son, comes as Newsom dismisses the scrutiny as a politically motivated "fishing expedition" aimed at one of President Donald Trump’s most visible Democratic opponents.

In a news conference Tuesday, the California governor confirmed he had obtained Lowell's counsel.

GAVIN NEWSOM CLAIMS TRUMP ORDERED DOJ PROBE TARGETING HIM AND HIS WIFE

Lowell, a veteran white-collar defense attorney who served as House Democrats’ chief minority counsel during former President Bill Clinton’s impeachment, has represented a bipartisan roster of political heavyweights over his decades-long career.

His past clients include Hunter Biden, Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, former Democratic Sens. Bob Menendez and John Edwards and an employee of longtime Trump ally Tom Barrack.

More recently, Lowell has represented several prominent figures who say they have been targeted by the Trump administration, including Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, former Department of Homeland Security official Miles Taylor and whistleblower attorney Mark Zaid.

Lowell did not respond to Fox News Digital's questions in time for publication.

At least two criminal investigations connected to Newsom’s family and political orbit have been handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, according to CalMatters. Citing a Justice Department source familiar with the matter, the outlet reported that both originated with whistleblowers and people in Sacramento.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEWSOM-LINKED CHARITIES REPORTEDLY CAUGHT IN DOJ’S SIGHTS

One inquiry reportedly involves tax-related scrutiny involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom and financial arrangements connected to her nonprofit and filmmaking work. The other centered on former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson, who later pleaded guilty in a separate federal fraud case that prosecutors say grew out of an investigation launched during the Biden administration.

The Los Angeles Times reported that nonprofits and a for-profit production company founded by Siebel Newsom are at the center of the federal scrutiny into her charity and business finances. The Justice Department and FBI have not commented publicly on the investigation, according to the Times. The Justice Department did not respond to Fox News Digital’s questions in time for publication.

Among the organizations identified by the Times is the Representation Project, a nonprofit that federal tax records show has paid Siebel Newsom more than $1.9 million in compensation. The nonprofit also awarded roughly $2.2 million in contracts to Girls Club Entertainment, a for-profit production company separately owned by Siebel Newsom.

CRUZ PUSHES BILL TO HOLD TAX-EXEMPT SPONSORS ACCOUNTABLE AS DOJ PROBES SINGHAM NETWORK

The Times also identified the California Partners Project, another nonprofit founded by Siebel Newsom. State disclosures reviewed by the outlet show it has received nearly $5.1 million in "behested payments" reported by the governor since 2020. Behested payments are donations made at an elected official’s request for charitable, legislative or governmental purposes rather than contributions to the official’s political campaign.

Newsom and his wife have maintained that the current Justice Department is weaponizing investigations in retaliation for the pair's criticism of Trump and his national political profile. However, in an interview last week with MS NOW, Siebel Newsom was asked about the origin of the probes and said she did not know the details.

Newsom's office did not respond to Fox News Digital's questions about whether he has been contacted by any federal investigators in relation to these cases or any others. However, Newsom did tell KCRA-3 in California during a news conference Tuesday he believes it is just a matter of time until he does.

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"It's inevitable, come on," Newsom said when asked about any contact from federal investigators. "Look at who we're dealing with."

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House, which referred all questions to the Justice Department.

Campus conflict exposed at the core of SJSU's messy fight vs Trump admin over volleyball scandal

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:06:57 -0400

EXCLUSIVE: Since the start of 2026, San Jose State University (SJSU) has had a donor ask to be removed from a key list in protest, a parade of pro-trans activists shout demands at administrators in an organized meeting, and assault allegations surface against its head volleyball coach.

Fox News Digital has obtained exclusive video and documents from independent verified sources, and emails via a public records request that reveal a university paralyzed and divided over its 2024 volleyball scandal involving Blaire Fleming and Brooke Slusser.

INSIDE THE FALLOUT OF THE SJSU VOLLEYBALL SCANDAL: ‘THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM’

SJSU and the California State University system (CSU) are currently waging a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration to assert the school followed the law in its handling of the scandal, and to reject the findings of a federal investigation.

The lawsuit may set a national precedent for Title IX enforcement for public universities going forward, as SJSU faces internal and external friction.

The Trans Town Hall

On Feb. 26, a town hall was held in the SJSU engineering building.

A copy of an invitation obtained by Fox News Digital included the title "Trans Gender Rights Town Hall with SJSU Administration" in big, bold all-caps letters. The subject to be discussed was SJSU's response to the Trump administration's resolution proposal.

"Please come to a Town Hall with SJSU’s President and top administration, and tell them they must stand up for our transgender students," it wrote.

A sign-up form said that SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson would be in attendance. But she was not there, as seen in footage of the meeting provided to Fox News Digital from an independent verified source.

Just two administrators were seen in attendance.

One by one, pro-trans activists came up to a lectern and unleashed emotionally charged rants, often directed at the two administrators. At one point, one of the speakers expressed being "glad" that the meeting was being recorded, so it could be sent to Teniente-Matson later. A separate video camera was seen recording the event, in the obtained footage.

Harsh orders were delivered to the two administrators there to tell their superiors not to accept the resolution agreement.

"It is about protecting all of the oppressed communities here on campus, doing more than lip service, and doing your job of going to the CSU and saying, 'We will not capitulate to violent transphobic demands or any other oppressive demands that come from this heinous, heinous current administration at all!'" one person exclaimed.

At one point in the meeting, a speaker declared, "It is your job to get in the room with Cynthia to make sure that she conveys all of this information to the relevant people. This isn’t a compromise. We’re talking about people’s human rights. We’re talking about enforcing segregation on our campus. That’s not something we can capitulate to. That’s not something negotiable."

Teniente-Matson's absence at the meeting was a frequent point of outrage for multiple speakers.

One of them shouted, "We heard from administration, ‘We’re doing our best. We’re doing what we can with the cards we’ve been given.’ Bull f—ing s—. Bulls—. No. Uh-uh ... Your best isn’t f—ing adequate. Like, just point blank. You can do the best. You can say it’s your best. It’s not adequate. People are harmed. People are scared."

Another cried, "45 minutes. They handed over 45 minutes for this issue, 45 minutes. And they didn’t even give us 45. They gave us zero because two of these seats are f—ing empty right now. They didn’t even show up. Gave a bulls— email about two hours before the event started."

Just eight days later, on March 6, SJSU and the entire CSU system announced they were suing the federal government to challenge the ED investigation and its findings.

In her announcement of the lawsuit, Teniente-Matson wrote, "Our support for the LGBTQ members of our community, who have experienced threats and harms over the last several years remains unwavering... We’ve heard the fear and anxiety that it has created and recognize that waiting for the university’s response has been difficult at a time already filled with uncertainty."

Administrator inboxes received responses from faculty, students and alumni, with reactions to the news, as seen in public records obtained by Fox News Digital.

"I attended the town hall and heard the students anxiety and pain," one professor wrote to Teniente-Matson. "Thank you for showing the nation how to fight with dignity."

Another SJSU employee sent an email to Vice President of University Advancement Judy Nagai, voicing concerns. That email was then flagged to other administrators.

"It’s worth noting that the university’s communications don’t directly address concerns about fairness and privacy for women," the email wrote. "It’s easy to see how the messaging might come across as ambiguous or even dismissive of women’s rights for some, especially given the strong emphasis on inclusivity for LGBTQ students."

Nagai forwarded that email to Teniente-Matson and other admins and wrote, "[redacted] replied with a lengthy response below. He will likely attend the alumni board meeting."

Nagai later sent out a mass email, advising admins on how to handle individuals with concerns about the lawsuit.

"If you receive any questions, comments, or concerns about this topic from alumni, volunteers, and donors, please connect with [Associate Vice President of Strategy & Campaigns Manaf Mansure] so he can track and assess an appropriate response with guidance from UMC and university leadership," Nagai wrote.

"This includes all forms of communication -- phone calls, emails, texts and mobile messages and in-person conversations."

'Please remove me from your list'

A month before the town hall, and five days before the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced it had determined SJSU violated Title IX, a donor sent an email to the school that was forwarded to Nagai. It was in response to an announcement about the school's dedicated philanthropy partner, The Tower Foundation.

The subject line read "no more giving to SJSU."

"Judy, please remove me from your list. I am totally against trans athletes playing in women’s sports. I am fine with trans people but the women who work so hard to advance their careers in athletics are getting robbed of their chances to rank and be recognized," the donor wrote.

"I was on the Tower Foundation for years and was a supporter. I wrote to the Chair and asked him to let the President know my feelings about this. A separate trans program is fine for me and makes sense. Title IX, in my view was to advance and protect women."

SJSU has addressed the donor's email in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"The University takes very seriously its legal obligations under Title IX. The University has followed and continues to follow the law," the statement wrote.

The email was provided to Fox News Digital in response to a public records request. The identity of the person who sent the email was redacted by SJSU.

Less than a week later on Jan. 28, ED announced that SJSU was found in violation of Title IX after conducting a nearly-year-long investigation into the volleyball scandal. ED gave SJSU an ultimatum to agree to resolve the violation that would have included an apology to players and changes to official program records, but no monetary fines.

But later that same day, SJSU’s Risk Manager Karen Vogler sent an email to a finance colleague, about a potentially different risk.

"It doesn't appear that SJSU will face any fines or monetary penalties as a result of the U.S. Department of Education's investigation. However, claims/litigation may increase given their findings that the Title IX violation goes back to 2022," Vogler wrote.

Facing the fallout

Over the last two weeks, Fox News Digital has reported on decades-old allegations against the coach who oversaw the controversial 2024 team. One of Kress's former players at Fairfield University sent a letter to SJSU in October 2024, near the height of the scandal's national exposure, with a letter that included allegations Kress attacked her in a hotel room in 1998.

The former player made her first public statements on Tuesday, since the allegations first surfaced on July 7 in a Fox News Digital report.

"SJSU has known I feared for the safety of the women in the program since October of 2024 and yet they have allowed Todd to continue to coach and travel with the team," she told Fox News Digital on the condition of anonymity. "I informed both Fairfield and SJSU of my 1998 encounter with Todd after reading accounts of young women on the 2024 SJSU team describing his intimidation, coercive, and manipulative behaviors."

SJSU is in this predicament three years after Slusser was allegedly convinced by Kress to move into an apartment with Fleming.

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The alleged treatment of Slusser, and every other player on those teams from 2022-24, would be codified in ED's 45-page findings were SJSU to agree to the resolution agreement.

But SJSU and CSU are seeking to have the entire investigation vacated, as stated in a copy of their lawsuit obtained by Fox News Digital.

CSU and the federal government filed a joint proposed order on March 27, 2026, that would prevent ED from using its findings to immediately disrupt federal funding.

Meanwhile, Slusser and former SJSU associate head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose continue to wage their own individual lawsuits against the institutions.

Slusser's lawsuit is set to soon receive a decision on motions to dismiss, after a federal judge delayed final ruling on the Title IX charges in the lawsuit until after the recent Supreme Court cases on trans athletes in women's sports. All nine justices in the cases, all nine justices unanimously agreed that federal Title IX law does not prohibit states from maintaining separate sports teams for biological females or from excluding transgender girls and women from women’s and girls' sports teams.

The unanimous interpretation of Title IX could prove to strengthen Slusser's chances of advancing past motions to dismiss, but does not guarantee it.

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Meanwhile, Batie-Smoose is engaged in a wrongful termination lawsuit with SJSU.

Oral arguments for that case are scheduled for Aug. 21.

Travelers unite in powerful moment of silence as fallen US service member returns home

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:57:41 -0400

A powerful display of respect unfolded inside a busy North Carolina airport as strangers united to honor a fallen American service member's final journey home.

Video shared by the White House and many others on social media shows a large group of travelers gathered along the terminal windows at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, many with their hands over their hearts, during the dignified transfer of a fallen service member on the tarmac below.

"BEAUTIFUL MOMENT: Hundreds of Americans at Raleigh-Durham International Airport stood in silence to honor a fallen service member as they returned home," the White House wrote Wednesday in a post on Instagram. "A grateful nation remembers. God bless our troops."

The moving tribute quickly drew an outpouring of emotional reactions online, with many commenters praising the travelers who paused their own journeys to pay their respects.

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"God bless and comfort these families. I am so thankful for their service. The dark will not outshine the light!" one person wrote.

"There is hope for the USA. God bless our fallen heroes," another commenter added.

AS AN ARMY WIDOW, I WILL NEVER FORGET HOW ORDINARY AMERICANS HONORED MY HUSBAND

Others said the tribute left them emotional.

"This brought me to tears," one person wrote.

The United Service Organizations (USO) confirmed to Fox News Digital that its Raleigh-Durham Airport Center Honors Support Team assisted with a dignified transfer at the airport on July 21 but declined to identify the fallen service member.

PENTAGON IDENTIFIES ARMY SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION DURING IRAQ OPERATION

"Out of respect for the service member, the family and military notification procedures, we are unable to provide additional information regarding the individual or the transfer," the USO said.

The organization said its staff and volunteers are prepared to support military families during some of their most difficult moments.

"When a service member makes their final journey home, our staff and volunteers are prepared to provide compassionate support to families and work alongside our military partners to help ensure a dignified transfer and the respectful honoring of our nation’s fallen," the USO said.

The organization added that it works to ease logistical burdens and provide families with a welcoming space and essential services so they can focus on honoring their loved one.

The airport tribute came as the nation mourned four U.S. service members recently killed during the war with Iran.

Earlier Wednesday, the Department of War's Rapid Response account announced that four American service members who "made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation" had been welcomed home during dignified transfer ceremonies.

"Today, we welcomed home four brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation," the account wrote on X. "Their courage will never be forgotten."

FBI Director Kash Patel also paid tribute to the four fallen service members in a post on X.

"We owe the ultimate costs to our American patriots that paid the ultimate price for this country," Patel wrote. "We will never forget."

Patel named 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan, Sgt. Michael Swinton, Sgt. Angel Rampersad and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, adding, "Or their families."

It is not immediately clear whether the White House video from the airport depicts one of those transfers.

The four are among 18 U.S. service members killed during the war with Iran.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon identified Army Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, as one of the latest U.S. service members to die while deployed, announcing he was killed during an operation at Erbil Air Base in Iraq involving a downed Iranian attack drone.

North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley honored Swinton in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

"May God Bless Sgt. Michael Swinton and his family," Whatley said. "North Carolina and the country owe an immeasurable debt to those who have given their lives to protect and preserve the liberties which make America the greatest nation on Earth."

Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., also mourned Swinton and Feehan while pointing to the airport tribute as a reflection of the nation’s gratitude.

"North Carolina and the Fort Bragg community mourn the loss of two remarkable individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," Harris said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Beth and I are praying for the families, friends, and loved ones of Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton and 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan.

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"As today’s beautiful moment at Raleigh-Durham International Airport showed, we will never forget the debt our nation owes these two heroes."

Fox News Digital's Eric Mack contributed to this report.

Experts reveal how to avoid deadly Legionnaires' disease as NYC outbreak kills 5

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:53:45 -0400

As New York City continues to investigate an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that has claimed multiple lives and sickened dozens of people, doctors say there are ways people can reduce the risk of exposure.

As of July 21, there have been five deaths and 82 diagnoses linked to the Upper East Side outbreak, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Eight patients remain hospitalized.

Health officials said no new cases had been reported in the previous six days, suggesting the source of exposure has likely been eliminated, although the investigation remains ongoing.

NYC LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK KILLS FOURTH VICTIM; 76 CASES REPORTED

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia that is typically spread by tiny water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sources of exposure

Common sources of infection include contaminated building water systems, such as cooling towers (large structures that remove heat from water used in building cooling systems), hot tubs or plumbing. Cases have also been reported on cruise ships and in spas. It is not generally spread from person to person, according to the CDC.

"We get infected when it gets aerosolized in the water droplets, usually, and we breathe those droplets in," Dr. Dana Mordue, associate professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology at New York Medical College, told Fox News Digital.

NYC HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN CENTRAL PARK VISITORS AFTER LEGIONNAIRES’ OUTBREAK GROWS ON UPPER EAST SIDE

"You can also get infected if you have water that's been contaminated, and you aspirate it and swallow it into your lungs, but most often you get it from air droplets that are contaminated from various types of water sources."

Although it is possible to contract Legionnaires’ in the home, outbreaks are almost always linked to exposure to water droplets coming from a water system in a "commercial-type building," according to Mordue.

"The good news is you usually don't get it from the types of cooling systems that we have in our cars or our homes. But if you don't clean your humidifiers, technically any water source can get contaminated with Legionella."

Symptoms and treatment

The most widespread symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches, according to the CDC. Some people may also experience diarrhea, nausea and confusion.

Symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria, although they can appear later. The illness often requires treatment with antibiotics.

"The mortality rate is not particularly high for this disease if you are immune-competent and young and healthy," said Mordue.

Risk is higher for older adults, smokers and people with compromised immune systems, "a lot of the same risk factors you might see for COVID," the doctor noted.

Ways to prevent spread

The CDC shares the following measures to prevent the spread of Legionnaires’ disease.

Maintain building water systems. Comprehensive water management programs can prevent Legionella bacteria from growing in cooling towers, plumbing systems, hot tubs and other building water systems. The CDC estimates that nearly nine in 10 outbreaks could have been prevented with more effective water management.
Clean and disinfect cooling towers. These structures should be routinely cleaned, monitored and disinfected to control bacteria growth, health officials recommend.
Prevent stagnant water. Maintaining proper water flow and flushing any pipes that are infrequently used can help prevent Legionella from multiplying.
Maintain proper water temperature and disinfectant levels. As Legionella is known to grow best in warm water (about 77°F to 113°F), maintaining appropriate temperatures and adequate disinfectant levels helps limit bacterial growth, the CDC says.

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For anyone who may have been exposed and developed symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical care, doctors say. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of severe illness.

"If you have certain risk factors, particularly advanced age, get help as quickly as you can," Mordue advised.

Cole Hauser admits Taylor Sheridan's absence from writers' room created 'challenges' on 'Dutton Ranch'

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:53:10 -0400

Cole Hauser is giving fans a glimpse behind the scenes of "Dutton Ranch" — and it wasn't all smooth riding.

The actor, who reprises his fan-favorite role as Rip Wheeler in the "Yellowstone" spin-off, acknowledged the cast faced an uphill battle after franchise creator Taylor Sheridan stepped away from the show's writers' room during the spin-off’s first season.

"There were challenges, you know?" Hauser told Film Inside NYC. "Not having Taylor [Sheridan] there, for us to really kind of be able to work with these new writers, these new directors, these people... Everything had changed."

ED HARRIS SAYS HE WAS READY TO LEAVE DUTTON RANCH AFTER FEELING MISLED ABOUT HIS ROLE

"The only… normality that we had whatsoever was Carter [played by Finn Little], Christina [director Alexandra Voros] … Kelly and myself," he added.

"Dutton Ranch," which wrapped its first season earlier this month, marked the first series in the "Yellowstone" universe not to be written by Sheridan.

While the franchise creator remained on board as an executive producer, day-to-day creative duties shifted to showrunner Chad Feehan and an entirely new writing staff.

For Hauser, the transition wasn't seamless.

"I enjoy a challenge, it certainly was a challenge," he said. "We worked our a--es off this year... And I don't think a lot of the outside noise or the thought of, like, 'What's the weight of the show?' was really apparent to me at the time."

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Rather than dwell on the expectations surrounding one of television's biggest franchises, Hauser said the cast focused on finding its footing with an unfamiliar creative team.

The actor pointed out that the experience ultimately strengthened the cast.

TAYLOR SHERIDAN’S 'YELLOWSTONE’ FORMULA TURNS COUNTRY STARS INTO SCENE-STEALERS AS MORGAN WADE MAKES HER DEBUT

"It was about putting my head down and working my a-- off with… what I had around me. The writers that we had, the new writers that we had, that we had to figure out on our feet how to really perform and tell a story. So, I'm proud of what we accomplished, and I look forward to doing it again."

Hauser's comments come after speculation surrounding the show's creative direction.

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The franchise faced scrutiny following blunt comments from co-star Ed Harris, who said he was disappointed by how his character, Everett McKinney, was handled during Season 1.

Speaking to Variety, Harris said, "Midway through this first season, I was ready to say, 'Get me the f--- out of here,' to tell you the truth... I didn't feel I was being used... I felt a little bit misled."

Harris claimed he signed on believing Everett would be one of the show's central characters, but felt that promise never materialized.

"Prior to signing on for it, I talked quite a bit about what the season was and what my character was going to do. That I was one of the four main characters. And that wasn't really the case," Harris said, adding that he also was disappointed a scene in which his character sang was ultimately cut from the final edit.

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The Oscar-nominated actor said producers have assured him his role will expand when production resumes.

"We don't start [Season 2] until February," Harris said. "And I'm being told that my character will have a little bit more to do. It just was a little frustrating, to tell you the truth."

Trump gives emotional tribute to fallen Army Lt Tyler Feehan after flying grieving family on Air Force One

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:36:48 -0400

President Donald Trump paid an emotional tribute to fallen Army 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan during an event Wednesday at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, revealing he invited the slain soldier's grieving family aboard Air Force One.

The family was in the crowd after Trump met with them earlier in the day at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

Trump traveled to Georgia after attending the dignified transfer ceremony of four U.S. service members killed in Jordan, including Feehan, and the president met Feehan's parents, Shari and Stephen, and his uncle David.

Speaking to the crowd, Trump recounted learning the family was also headed to Georgia after the ceremony.

TRUMP TAKES INAUGURAL FLIGHT ABOARD NEW AIR FORCE ONE AHEAD OF LIBRARY DEBUT HONORING FAMED OUTDOORSMAN

"I said, 'If you want, I'll give you a ride on Air Force One,'" Trump told the audience. "Today they were on Air Force One, and it's quite nice, I must say."

Trump said the family was "heartbroken" but grateful for the gesture.

"They couldn't believe it," he said. "They live minutes away. We're here today."

ARMY IDS 2 VICTIMS KILLED IN JORDAN AIR BASE ATTACK; TRUMP: IRAN WILL PAY 'MANY TIMES OVER'

Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, was among four U.S. service members killed in Jordan while supporting a U.S. mission. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, was also among those killed. U.S. Central Command announced the deaths Saturday.

Trump said he reviews biographies of fallen service members before each dignified transfer and described Feehan as an exceptional young officer with a promising future.

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"Lieutenant Tyler Feehan ... he was a person that was going all the way," Trump said. "He was going to be a general. He would have been a general very quickly. He was heading in that path."

Trump then thanked Feehan's family, whom he said he got to know during the flight from Dover to Georgia aboard Air Force One.

"But I just want to thank Tyler's mother, Shari; his father, Stephen; and his uncle David. Great people. I got to know them a little bit on the plane and standing there and watching this site," he said.

Calling dignified transfers the most difficult responsibility of the presidency, Trump said he would never forget the family.

"I think it's the toughest thing I do," Trump said. "But to Shari and Stephen and David, we will carry Tyler's memory in our hearts forever. I just want to thank you. It's an honor to have you here today."

The audience responded with sustained applause before Trump addressed Feehan's mother directly.

"Shari, he's looking down right here," Trump said. "He's so proud right now."

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Trump visited Georgia on Wednesday to tout his administration's Trump Accounts initiative, saying the program would help families build long-term savings for their children as part of what he described as America's "Golden Age."