Latest & Breaking News | Fox News

Phil Mickelson obtains defamation counsel to absolve 'false rumors' about golf club departure

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 09:33:14 -0400

Phil Mickelson is ready to fight the latest accusations against him that got him booted from his own golf club.

The six-time major champion was accused of making inappropriate contact with a female employee before a round of golf this spring at The Farms Golf Club in the San Diego area.

Mickelson allegedly approached the female employee at the clubhouse and made nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with her.

The employee reported the incident to the club's supervisors after rejecting the alleged advances after Mickelson returned to the golf course.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

However, Mickelson's attorney said video evidence will absolve Mickelson of any wrongdoing.

"There is a great deal of misinformation circulating and, while Phil’s full attention is devoted to a private family health matter, he has retained defamation counsel and is determined to hold accountable any publication or individual trafficking in speculation or false rumors," Mickelson's attorney, Tom Clare, told Golf Digest.

Club officials moved quickly and actually located Mickelson in the middle of his round, confronted him with the accusation on the golf course and told him to leave the premises. Mickelson reportedly left the course before completing his round.

LIV GOLF STILL WAITING ON $400M IN FUNDING, MAY BE FORCED TO CANCEL FINAL TWO EVENTS OF THE SEASON

"Following a staff member report of member misconduct, the Club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club," a statement from the club shared with Golf Digest explained in part.

"The Farms conducts thorough reviews of all reported matters according to California Law and takes appropriate action when warranted, consistent with our commitment to integrity, excellence and accountability. To protect the safety and privacy of our staff and members, we are unable to speak further on this matter. We appreciate your understanding."

Mickelson, a member of LIV Golf, has played in just one of the circuit's nine completed events this season due to an undisclosed "personal health matter" within his family. That lone appearance on LIV came in late March in South Africa, where he finished tied for 48th.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The 55-year-old released a statement April 2, a week ahead of the Masters, explaining that he would not be teeing it up at Augusta National and would be out for "an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter."

He is not entered in next week's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.

OutKick's Mark Harris contributed to this report.

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

Tommy Paul's fiancée enjoys bachelorette party festivities, Grace Boor for bikini season & a homer to the junk

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:36:46 -0400

While Tommy Paul was taking care of business in the first round at Wimbledon, his influencer fiancée Paige Lorenze was doing what she does best, posting content.

This wasn't just any content, this was content from her Nantucket bachelorette party.

Nothing says Screencaps on a Tuesday in late June like an influencer's Nantucket bachelorette party. The party portion of the festivities were shared by the tennis WAG on Monday and, this goes without saying, came after a traditional bachelorette fitting.

You can risk going through with a bachelorette party without a proper fitting, but that's not a risk Paige was willing to take, and you can't really blame her.

This sort of activity prior to the party might seem unnecessary to some of you out there, but that's only because you're the sort of person who doesn't have your own bikini bride collaboration before walking down the aisle.

DANICA PATRICK IMPRESSES THE MAHA CROWD BY TAKING UP TENNIS AS HER NEWEST FITNESS WORKOUT, BAT DOGS & MEAT!

Her sophisticated tastes are going to exceed what you might think is normal. That's perfectly fine. She's chasing greatness and with that comes certain sacrifices. One of those is any sense of a basic "slap a sash on the bride-to-be and have some drinks" bachelorette party.

It's our expectations of how she should prepare to tie the knot that has Paige going above and beyond, not hers. She would love a fun night out with the girls where she could let loose. It's simply not possible. Not in the summer of Taylor Swift's wedding.

A lot of credit goes to Paige here. She hasn’t missed a beat. She took her bachelorette party and turned it into a learning experience for all of us. That's special. Congratulations are in order.

CHIEFS HEIRESS GRACIE HUNT MIGHT HAVE SET A BRIDESMAIDS RECORD, FIGHTING IN THE DOVER PARKING LOT & WINGS!

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

Surf & Turf from CWB

- Steve writes:

Hey SeanJo,

RING GIRL SYDNEY THOMAS DUMPS OUT RED CARPET CONTENT FROM VEGAS, HANNAH BARRON IN THE GYM & COACH O IS BACK

Long time reader, first time emailer. Thanks for toeing the rubber for Joe and team this week - bench strength is a sign of great management and critical for success in any organization!

Love seeing the grilling episodes of our brethren here, so adding some of my own - my version of surf & turf from our vacation condo here in Clearwater Beach, FL. A sliver of the Gulf of America visible in the background, prime filets on the Coyote electric, doing its usual fantastic job (not sponsored but highly recommended!).

As Texans, we’re closely watching this screw worm infestation as it travels north from Mexico, hoping the Department of Agriculture can figure out more effective means to stop it, but already having an impact on beef prices - I paid $60/pound at the local meat market for these bad boys. Wondering if other readers are seeing similar price increases yet?!

Keep up the great work, thanks for all you do.

SeanJo

Hey Steve, thanks for the support and thanks for sending me your meat. I'm happy you decided to get in on the action. I couldn’t tell you if the prices have been impacted in my area. Not because I'm a wealthy guy or anything, but because I do almost none of the grocery shopping, and when I am sent out to pick things up on occasion, I don't pay attention. I never have and it doesn’t look like I ever will.

MACKENZIE CARPENTER COULD BE THE NEXT GREAT NASHVILLE COUNTRY STAR, OILERS FANS GET INTO MASSIVE BRAWL & MEAT!

Thankfully, you don't have to rely on me for an answer. The Screencaps community should have some answers for you. Keep sending me your meat.

Velveeta and PB sandwich update

- CF, a Cornhusker in Kansas, writes:

Hey Sean,

It was a loooong time ago and I honestly don't remember if I ate the velveeta and peanut butter sandwich. I most likely did as I grew up hearing my mom telling me "I was a child of the Depression." She used to rinse out baggies and re-use them. Also, I can't tell you how many empty plastic butter containers were in the cupboard because you never knew when you might need one.

SeanJo

Thanks for the update. If you did eat the Velveeta and peanut butter sandwich, it must not have been that bad. You would think it would be a traumatic experience that you never forget if it was completely disgusting.

NFL WIFE CLAIRE KITTLE CONTINUES HER METEORIC RISE UP THE POP CULTURE RANKINGS, HOME RUN OFF A HEAD & MEAT!

Cheese

- Joe writes:

Regarding the reader and his velveeta/pb sandwich:

For many years,I have been telling anyone who will listen (not very many) that cheese makes any sandwich better- yes, even a PBJ. I have always been a cheese lover and prefer sharp cheddar on mine. I have tried many different varieties: Danish havarti, american, swiss, etc., and encourage y'all to try different ones until you find "your" PBJ/cheese.

New Phone Problems

- Jeff writes:

Sean Jo,

Great job of relieving Joe as always. Awhile back someone was having problems getting the imbeds to open on their phone and someone mentioned how to fix it. I believe it was a phone setting. I just got a new phone, it's an android,, and I am having that same problem. If any reader(s) out can help out I would appreciate it.

Happy 250th America and Happy 4th of July to all!!!!

Please.

- Eric writes:

Can someone please do an article about how the PGA and world golf rankings are a complete joke? They use points from tournaments 3 years old and once a player like Scheffler has amassed them, we have to listen to and read the media continually refer to him as the world #1 or the best player on the planet.. I have news for you.. He’s not.. There are several golfers that are playing better than him right now; and it’s disingenuous to not consider their efforts in current form. I’d say there are 3-4 players that are actually more deserving as we speak.. Ranging from Wyndham Clark , Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood; I’d take any of them on a bet over Scheffler. Then again, it’s the same media pushing the narrative that say the Rams were better than the Seahawks last year after they lost to them 2 out of 3 and the Hawks won the Superbowl..

SeanJo

I can't guarantee that anyone will, but I'll pass it along.

Amazing relief work on Screencaps

- Brandon C writes:

Three items'

1- your Screencaps babes are the best. Love Joe's writing but you just have a more discerning eye on the babe content. Top of the cap to you, sir

2- took a quick trip to the Gulf of America with the wife this week, Clearwater Beach. Wonderful area. Yes, touristy, but not as overrun by price gouging business owners at places like Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach. Love the free state of Florida. Keep it going. While here I got my picture in front of the Hulk Hogan statue, did a jet ski tour, and got $3 Budweiser drafts at a bar across the street from the beach during a Brazil - Japan world cup game, where the bar was apparently a Brazil supporters site. Top notch.

3- as a native Michigander, of course I've spent many a family vacation in Central Florida. But since the algorithms read my location and knew I was in Florida this week, a story popped up about an abandoned and redeveloped theme park Boardwalk and Baseball in Central Florida. I remember going to that on a family vacation and remember two things, they had a baseball themed roller coaster (I think it was the screwball and it was a Corkscrew knockoff) and they also had the most awesome attraction ever invented. They were basically small tanks that you shot tennis balls at other tanks in an arena and tried to score points. You had one person as the driver and the other way the turret gunner. Does anyone remember what these were called? I think my family did 3 or 4 sessions on these things during our one visit - my dad and I absolutely loved them. Wonder where those ended up? Ukraine? Any other abandoned theme parks by the screencap community memory hole? I remember the short lived "Autoland" in Flint that would have been awesome if they had figure out the technology for the Epcot Test Track Chevy ride and the Mall of America roller coaster back then, but alas.

Keep it rolling as we press on to the Nations 250th! I'll be prepping the brisket for my inlaws grill up north Michigan this week.

SeanJo

Thanks for reaching out Brandon. Boardwalk and Baseball sounds very familiar to me. I'll have to ask my parents if we visited that park when I was a kid.

I don’t know if this one is abandoned or not, but I always wondered what happened to a Flintstones amusement park I went to when I was a kid. I think it was in Canada.

Ready for some football

- Phil S in Florida writes:

Good day to you sir! Thank you for toeing (towing?) the rubber for the SC community. We appreciate it. I’m no soccer fan. But I am in love with the videos of people from around the world just being in awe of our everyday lives. This country is the best. Stopping for gas on the way home from work? Some dude from Europe has a video in envy. Too hungover to cook? Brazil found chic fil-a. Gotta just run out and grab a few things? Walmart and Costco are blowing minds. Texas BBQ is reshaping the world. I think it’s time us as Americans unleashed our greatest weapon upon our wonderful guests. Hank Williams JR’s Are you ready for some football. That song would probably solve so many geopolitical problems. Nobody’s going to war with a country that’s ready for some football!

SeanJo

I agree. The World Cup visitors being blown away by all that is America is pure entertainment. I also agree that now that they've experienced a lot of what we have to offer, it's time to drop Hank Jr. on them. I think they're ready for it.

World Cup Fever

- Mark from N.C. sends in:

##########

That's a wrap for Tuesday and that's also a wrap for June. July arrives tomorrow whether you're ready or not. I still have several emails to get through, which I'm going to dedicate some time this afternoon to catch up on. Keep them coming sean.joseph@outkick.com.

Send your meat. Send your bizarre food combinations. Send your abandoned amusement parks. Send it all. You can also follow me on Twitter and over on Instagram if you'd like. Feel free to slide into the DMs.

OUTKICK IS NOW ON THE FOX APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Numbers from:

Stuff You Guys Sent In & Stuff I Like:

Trump's Turkey arms sale proposal sparks congressional questions before NATO summit

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:32:00 -0400

The Trump administration is moving forward with a controversial arms sale worth $700 million to NATO ally Turkey despite apprehension over Ankara’s closeness with Russia and terrorist groups in the Middle East.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the administration notified him of the State Department’s decision to bypass Congress and send Turkey the $700 million in defense articles, mostly fighter jets.

"In this case, the State Department did not even attempt to justify its decision. It did not invoke any emergency authority, did not present a written rationale, and for months refused to make a good-faith effort to brief me on implications of the sale for the U.S.-Turkey relationship, Turkey’s continued possession of the Russian S-400 system, and other regional security concerns," Rep. Meeks said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

TURKEY DETAINS OVER 200 SUSPECTS, INCLUDING ALLEGED ISIS MILITANTS, IN SWEEPING RAID AHEAD OF NATO SUMMIT

Turkey signed a deal with Moscow in 2017 to purchase the Russian S-400 air defense system and acquired it in 2019, causing alarm within the NATO alliance. The U.S. and NATO considered the move an intelligence threat that undermines NATO cohesion and readiness.

The S-400 is designed to detect, track, and exploit stealth aircraft like the F-35.

"Turkey’s possession of both the S-400 and the F-35 is so dangerous because the two systems operating in proximity or networking together could give Moscow valuable intelligence for shooting down F-35s flown by Americans and our allies," according to a report from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

The U.S. sanctioned Turkey in 2019 for the purchase and excluded Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet program. Congress also passed a law banning Turkey from the F-35 program while it continues to possess the S-400 air system.

The State Department dismissed concerns about the U.S. arms sales and Turkey’s possession of Russian-made air defense systems.

TRUMP SQUEEZED BETWEEN ISRAEL AND TURKEY AS NETANYAHU, ERDOGAN ESCALATE FEUD

"The President has been clear; Türkiye is a strong member of NATO. Türkiye is a significant contributor to Alliance operations and missions," a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The package is a major boon for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as he prepares to host the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara.

"The US engine sale is critical for Turkey’s most important defense project, the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet. Turkey is developing its own engine, but it won’t be ready for several more years. Without U.S.-made GE engines, KAAN would struggle to move from a prototype to a serially produced combat aircraft," Gonul Tol, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Fox News Digital.

Tol, who’s in Ankara for the NATO summit, said the deal is more meaningful than just a defense sale for President Erdogan, it’s a cornerstone of his foreign policy and a major source of domestic political legitimacy.

"If the aircraft succeeds, Ankara believes it will not only expand Turkey’s defense exports but also strengthen NATO’s overall industrial capacity and reinforce Turkey’s strategic importance within the alliance," Tol said.

President Erdogan, who has a warm relationship and receives frequent praise from President Trump, has continued to aggressively lobby the United States to readmit Turkey to the F-35 program, despite pushback from Congress.

On Monday, four Republican allies of President Trump — Reps. Jimmy Patronis, R-Fla., Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla., and Nicole Malliotakis, R-NY., — released a joint statement over the proposed sales. "As Greek American Members of Congress, we are deeply concerned regarding reports of a proposed military sale of jet engines to Turkey. Turkey continues to be a destabilizing force in the region through its expansive and disputed maritime claims, continued illegal occupation of Cyprus, and rhetorical demonization of Israel."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The statement continued, "The Eastern Mediterranean region holds significant potential to become a beacon of commercial opportunity, energy cooperation, and regional security, an effort we have actively supported through legislation and engagement, but Turkey’s rhetoric and actions increasingly threaten these efforts, key American allies, and regional stability. For example, Turkey's harboring of Hamas and position as the only NATO member to refuse sanctions against Russia is deeply troubling. We are actively engaging with the Administration and House leadership to obtain additional information regarding this reported sale and to express our strong opposition to any prospect of Turkey’s reintegration into the F-35 program without complete compliance with CAATSA requirements," their statement said.

A spokesperson for the Turkish government did not reply to a request for comment.

Poll shows Platner’s oyster-farmer image failing to win over working-class Maine voters

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:22:18 -0400

A poll released this week, in addition to showing a dead heat in the Maine Senate race, suggests that Democratic candidate Graham Platner’s working-class bona fides as an oyster farmer — which he has made a central part of his campaign — aren’t resonating.

Platner currently trails incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins by 21 points, 37% to 58%, with registered voters who do not hold a four-year college degree, according to a New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena poll released on Monday.

Additionally, the poll shows Platner up 37 points with White college-educated voters but trailing Collins by 23 points with White non-college-educated voters.

In the September 2020 New York Times/Siena poll, Collins led Democrat Sara Gideon by just 48%-45% with White non-college-educated voters, a 20-point swing from six years ago in a race Collins won by about nine points statewide.

PLATNER’S ANTI-CORPORATE CRUSADE HITS AWKWARD SNAG AS RECEIPTS TELL ANOTHER STORY

Platner’s sagging support from those without a college degree has prompted some on social media to suggest his messaging to working-class voters as an oyster farmer from rural Maine is falling flat, despite his repeated pledges to fight against "corporate greed" and the billionaire "oligarchy."

Ryan Girdusky, founder of the 1776 Project PAC, posted on X that "Graham is what a college educated person thinks a working-class person is supposed to act like and working-class people can see he's a fraud."

"Blue collar voters can tell he’s not one of them," journalist Melissa Braunstein posted on X.

EXCLUSIVE: COLLINS PITS RECORD BUILT IN MAINE POTATO FIELDS AGAINST PLATNER'S 'ANGRY RHETORIC'

Platner has faced criticism during his campaign for claims about his background as he has long identified himself as an oyster farmer and harbor master, giving a blue-collar tinge to his left-wing campaign, at the same time financial disclosures show that he brings in relatively little money from oyster farming and reports have suggested that Platner receives the majority of his income through veteran’s disability payments, Fox News Digital previously reported.

In his pitch to working-class voters, Platner has also had to overcome his own wealthy background that resulted in him attending private schools, including The Hotchkiss School, an exclusive $75,000-a-year boarding school in Lakeville, Connecticut.

"Mainers know authenticity, and they can spot a pretender from a mile away," Maine Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby told Fox News Digital. "Maine voters aren't looking for a performance, they're looking for someone who understands their lives and will fight for them — that has always been Susan Collins."

THE GROWING LIST OF CONTROVERSIES THREATENING DEMOCRAT GRAHAM PLATNER'S MAINE SENATE BID

The various controversies surrounding Platner, including infidelity, physical abuse of an ex-girlfriend, a Nazi-linked tattoo, disparaging comments about the military and referring to himself as a "communist," appear to have hurt him with voters, as only 44% said he has "good character" while 47% said he is "too extreme" for the state.

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

Still, despite the questions about his background and his controversial statements, Platner’s pitch to voters as a combat veteran who will push back against Trump and the establishment of both parties has helped him to a two-point lead over Collins, according to the New York Times poll, in a race that could decide the balance of power in the U.S. Senate in November.

Fifty-four percent of respondents in the poll said they'd like to see the Democrats win back the Senate majority in the midterms, five points higher than the 49% who are supporting Platner. And Collins is capturing 10% of voters who prefer the Democrats control the Senate.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Warning signs for Collins in the poll include a majority that said they thought the senator would be too supportive of Trump and even some of her own supporters worry that the 73-year-old Collins is too old to be an effective senator.

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

Gorsuch suggests Supreme Court's Trump ruling is opening move against administrative state

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:03:39 -0400

The Supreme Court may have done more Monday than give President Donald Trump new firing power — it may have opened the door to a far broader challenge to the modern administrative state, the sprawling network of federal agencies that many conservatives have long dubbed the "deep state."

In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled Trump could lawfully remove Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, overturning much of the nearly 90-year-old Humphrey's Executor precedent that had protected independent agency officials from at-will dismissal.

While Chief Justice John Roberts' majority opinion held that the FTC's leaders must remain accountable to the president because the agency exercises executive power, Gorsuch argued the ruling raises a broader constitutional question over whether Congress can continue allowing executive agencies to exercise sweeping legislative and judicial powers.

"The fourth branch's powers still exist; they have just been reassigned to the President," Gorsuch wrote in a concurring opinion.

SCOTUS TAKES UP TRUMP’S BID TO FIRE FTC COMMISSIONER AT WILL — A SHOWDOWN THAT COULD TOPPLE 90-YEAR PRECEDENT

That observation could become the next major front in the Supreme Court's ongoing effort to reshape the modern administrative state.

For decades, independent agencies such as the FTC, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Communications Commission and National Labor Relations Board have combined multiple governmental functions under one roof. They investigate alleged violations, write regulations carrying the force of law and adjudicate enforcement actions through administrative proceedings.

With Humphrey's Executor now overruled, those agencies remain intact, but their leadership is subject to presidential control if they exercise executive power. Gorsuch questioned whether Congress can continue delegating broad legislative and judicial authority to agencies that are now unmistakably under presidential supervision.

"The power to write new regulatory crimes still exists," Gorsuch wrote. "The ability to judge disputes in-house remains, but now the house is white."

Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, said Gorsuch's concurrence points toward the next phase of litigation.

CONGRESS EXPANDED THE EXECUTIVE—ONLY FOR TRUMP TO QUASH MUCH OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE

"I think the next step in this type of litigation won't be looking at firings per se, but really trying to make sure all of these administrative agencies actually fall into one of our constitutional buckets," Severino said. "Are they executive agencies or are they legislative or are they judicial? You can't straddle all of this."

She said that while Monday's ruling restored presidential control over executive agencies, it did not resolve whether those same agencies can continue exercising quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers that Congress has delegated over decades.

"There still remains to be more work going back and taking out of these agencies that now are properly under executive control the activities that really aren't fundamentally executive in nature," Severino said.

Haley Proctor, a constitutional law professor at Notre Dame Law School, similarly described Gorsuch's opinion as a roadmap for future legal challenges.

LEGAL CHALLENGES ON ADMINISTRATIVE REACH EXPECTED IN TRUMP'S DEREGULATORY SCHEME, EXPERTS SAY

"I do think what Justice Gorsuch is pointing out is that this is the first step toward rethinking the way in which the administrative state is empowered and structured," Proctor said.

Rather than simply expanding presidential authority, Proctor said the concurrence raises the possibility that Congress may ultimately have to reclaim powers it has delegated to agencies or assign certain responsibilities back to Article III courts.

"If we're concerned about the amount of power that the Federal Trade Commission has, then the next step would be to reconsider giving that power to the Federal Trade Commission because some of the decisions that it's making could be made by Congress instead and some of the decisions that it's making could be made by the courts," she said.

The majority opinion did not resolve those questions. Instead, Roberts limited the Court's holding to presidential removal authority, concluding that the FTC "unquestionably exercises executive power" and therefore its commissioners must remain accountable to the president.

The Court stopped short of deciding how much power Congress can give executive agencies to make rules or resolve disputes, saying questions involving agencies such as the Federal Reserve will have to wait.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

But Gorsuch suggested future cases could go much further, arguing the Constitution provides the tools to dismantle much of the modern administrative state. He pointed to several constitutional doctrines that could be used to sharply limit the power of independent federal agencies and return lawmaking authority to Congress and judicial power to the courts.

"From here, the only sure path is to finish the journey we start today and restore legislative and judicial powers to where they belong: in Congress and the courts," Gorsuch wrote.

World Cup soccer fans are discovering America’s greatness. It’s time Americans did, too

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:03 -0400

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, we received an unexpected gift from millions of World Cup visitors: a fresh reminder of what makes America exceptional.

Tourists from dozens of countries descended on American cities this summer for the World Cup, or FIFA 2026, and what they found shattered everything their media had told them. They had been warned about an angry, divided, dangerous country in irreversible decline. Instead, they found something so ordinary it became extraordinary: a country that looked nothing like the headlines they’d been told to believe.

They found strangers holding doors, police officers posing for photos with kids, neighbors grilling in backyards, firefighters waving tourists over to see their fire engines, packed churches and thriving businesses. Communities celebrating together, not defined by the partisan noise that dominates their televisions back home.

THE USA IS A FIFA WORLD CUP HIT AS VISITORS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE ARE IN LOVE WITH AMERICANA

And they posted all of it to social media. In the process, they created what may be the most effective marketing campaign America never paid for. Millions of visitors documenting, in real time, a version of America that looked nothing like the one portrayed in so many headlines.

Visitors went viral marveling at the everyday abundance America offers. They posted videos gushing over free refills and ice water that just shows up at the table – no charge, no questions asked. At Buc-ee's, which foreign tourists treated like a national monument, they marveled at the spotless restrooms, brisket sandwiches and seemingly endless abundance. At Waffle House at one in the morning, they treated it like a Michelin-starred restaurant. At Costco and Walmart, where entire aisles are devoted to a single product category. At Bass Pro Shops, which more than a few tourists genuinely mistook for a theme park.

The reaction wasn't isolated. Across social media and international news coverage, visitors kept reaching the same conclusion. British visitors made headlines with a blunt admission that has since gone viral: "We were wrong about Americans." Reuters documented visitor after visitor leaving with a fundamentally changed view of the United States. Axios captured the moment tourists discovered free chips and salsa and nearly lost their minds.

BRITISH WORLD CUP FANS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF AMERICAN HOT DOGS DURING THE TOURNAMENT, BUY A BOND BIKE & MEAT!

It would be easy to laugh at all of this, but we should be paying very close attention to what’s actually happening here.

These visitors aren’t amazed by free refills; they’re amazed by what free refills represent. They’re seeing, for the first time and with fresh eyes, the product of 250 years of freedom, capitalism, hard work and the most audacious political experiment in human history.

A grocery store with 50 cereal options isn’t normal globally. Air conditioning in nearly every building isn’t normal globally. Endless consumer choice, convenience on demand, food available at any hour, none of it is normal. We’ve simply lived here long enough to forget that and have taken much of America’s abundance for granted.

AMERICA DIDN’T GIVE ELON MUSK A TRILLION DOLLARS. HE EARNED EVERY PENNY

America produces roughly one-quarter of the world's economic output while representing only about 4% of its population. That didn't happen by accident. It happened because generations of Americans were free to build, invent, take risks and create. The abundance visitors are marveling at today, from endless grocery aisles to air-conditioned stores and everyday conveniences, is the product of 250 years of freedom, innovation and opportunity.

Yet the abundance wasn't what surprised visitors most. What surprised them even more was the people.

If you judge this country solely by social media or cable news, even as an American, you might think we despise one another. Yet millions of World Cup visitors traveling city by city and state by state have discovered a very different America, one filled with generous, welcoming and open-hearted people.

They found the America the headlines miss. The real one. And perhaps that's why so many visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for America than some Americans themselves.

And perhaps the most revealing part of this story isn't what visitors think about America. It's what their enthusiasm reveals about us. As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, only 53% of Americans say they are very or extremely proud to be American.

Too many Americans have been talked into embarrassment about their own country. They've absorbed a relentless message that America is systemically broken, historically irredeemable and structurally cruel. World Cup visitors have something many Americans lack: a point of comparison. They've seen other systems, other countries, and other realities.

And their verdict is not close.

The lesson from all of this is simple. The things Americans often take for granted: abundance, opportunity, safety, innovation, generosity and freedom, remain extraordinary to much of the world. Not because America is perfect, but because America is free. And freedom, given 250 years and a people willing to work for it, to fight for it, produces something the rest of the world travels thousands of miles just to witness.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

They came to watch soccer, but they stayed to remind us of who we are.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Happy 250th, America.

The world still sees America's greatness. It's past time we did too.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JILLIAN KING

Pope Leo pleads with breakaway Catholic group not to commit 'sin of extreme gravity'

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:25:01 -0400

Pope Leo XIV issued an extraordinary last-minute plea Tuesday to a breakaway traditionalist Catholic group to abandon plans to consecrate four bishops without Vatican approval, warning the move was a "sin of extreme gravity" and could deepen a decades-old split with the Church.

In a letter addressed to the Rev. Davide Pagliarani, leader of the Society of St. Pius X, Leo urged the group to reconsider before Wednesday's planned ceremony in Econe, Switzerland, saying it would place the bishops involved outside the Church’s communion.

"I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please turn back!" the pope wrote.

POPE LEO SENDS UNMISTAKABLE MESSAGE ON IMMIGRANTS DURING VISIT HONORING AMERICA'S FIRST SAINT

Under church law, consecrating bishops without papal approval is considered a schismatic act and carries automatic excommunication for both the bishops being ordained and the bishop performing the ceremony.

"I urge you to consider carefully the spiritual good of the faithful, because the schismatic act you are about to undertake would deprive them of the licit, and in some cases, even valid reception of the sacraments," Leo wrote.

The dispute marks the first major challenge of Leo's pontificate. Since becoming pope, the American-born pontiff has emphasized healing divisions within the Church, including tensions with traditionalist Catholics who favor the old Latin Mass.

POPE LEO XIV JOKES YOUNG SPANIARDS WOULD PICK BAD BUNNY OVER HIM DURING MADRID VISIT THIS WEEKEND

The Society of St. Pius X was founded after the Second Vatican Council, rejecting many of the church's reforms, including allowing Mass to be celebrated in local languages instead of Latin. The group has long argued that it is preserving authentic Catholic teaching.

The society defended its decision to consecrate four new bishops, saying there is a "state of necessity" requiring it to provide bishops for its faithful.

The planned ceremony echoes a similar confrontation in 1988, when the group's founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, consecrated four bishops without papal approval. The Vatican responded by excommunicating Lefebvre and the newly ordained bishops, though those excommunications were lifted in 2009 as part of an effort to restore relations.

Despite years of dialogue with the Vatican, the SSPX remains outside the church's formal structure.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The society has continued to expand in recent decades, reporting hundreds of priests, seminarians and religious members across dozens of countries, making it one of the largest traditionalist movements operating outside the Catholic Church's official authority.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Reds' Dane Myers carted off field after crashing into wall making acrobatic catch vs Brewers

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:21:29 -0400

Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers needed to be carted off the field after a play that could be a candidate for "Catch of the Year" turned scary after he crashed into the fence in Milwaukee on Monday night.

Milwaukee Brewers veteran Andrew Vaughn smashed a ball to center field in the bottom of the fourth inning, and Myers got a great jump as he started to track the ball.

As he sprinted toward the gap, Myers reached up and made an acrobatic catch, but he lost his balance and was too close to the wall when he collided with the fence at top speed. It was a miracle he even held on to the ball considering the collision, but it clearly took a toll.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Myers, writhing in pain on the warning track, was bent over when his fellow outfielders came over to tend to him, while the Reds training staff started the sprint out onto the field.

Myers was holding his right shoulder, though his collision was head-on with the fence. Trainers looked at Myers for some time, as the crowd was hushed in hopes he would walk away from this somehow.

REDS ROOKIE TYLER CALLIHAN BREAKS ARM CRASHING INTO WALL WHILE TRYING TO MAKE DIVING CATCH

Eventually, a cart came out and Myers rose to his feet with some assistance as the crowd gave him a round of applause for sacrificing his body for his team. TJ Friedl ended up taking his spot in center field.

Myers was taken to a local hospital in Milwaukee for further testing, and it was a good sign that initial X-rays came back negative, according to manager Terry Francona following the Reds' 5-3 loss to the Brewers. Francona wouldn't go into specifics on what ailment Myers may be dealing with.

Myers, a 30-year-old Columbus, Texas, native, is in his first season with the Reds, where he serves as a bench outfielder.

He has played in 63 games this season, owning a .256/.358/.385 slash line with a .742 OPS, three homers and 14 RBI across 117 at-bats.

Prior to his time in Cincinnati, Myers made his big league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2023, playing 22 games that year and hitting .269 over 67 at-bats. He spent the next two seasons with the Marlins, though his longest tenure in MLB came in 2025 when he played 106 games and hit .235/.291/.326 with six home runs and 31 RBI with Miami.

Unfortunately for the Reds, they were unable to get the win for Myers in the end. Joey Ortiz's two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning broke the 3-3 tie at the time in this NL Central bout, which capped a comeback that also saw Brice Turang, who starred for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic, smash a solo home run to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The Reds were up 1-0 at the time of Myers' injury.

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

Stephen A Smith warns Democrats embracing socialism is 'handing the presidency to the GOP'

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:20:46 -0400

Stephen A. Smith emphasized how socialism could threaten the Democratic Party's presidential goals for 2028 if it embraces democratic socialist candidates like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

During his "Straight Shooter" show on Monday, Smith reacted to Mamdani's claims on ABC News that a democratic socialist "can get elected anywhere across this country for any position."

Though Smith agreed with Mamdani on concerns about the wealth gap and the working class, he bristled at the idea of the Democratic Party pushing socialism.

AOC ISSUES WARNING TO HER FELLOW DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENTS IN THE WAKE OF SOCIALISTS WINNING BIG IN NYC

"I am not a socialist, nor do I aspire to see socialism in the United States of America," Smith said. "I don't know anywhere in the world where true socialism has worked. I don't see it. I don't know where communism has worked."

Smith added that Mamdani's socialist policies are unlikely to appeal to many voters outside New York City and could risk damaging the Democratic Party's broader reach.

"If he's coming, what does that mean for the rest of America? Because I got questions. Where has socialism ever succeeded? If so, tell us where that is. How is it going to succeed in New York? How are you going to sell that in a capitalistic society? You might do it in New York with young voters. What about the people in the suburbs? What about them? You really, really think this kind of message is going to resonate with them?" Smith asked.

STEPHEN A SMITH QUESTIONS WEALTH OF BILL CLINTON AND BARACK OBAMA, SAYS AMERICANS SHOULD PROSPER FIRST

He continued, "If it resonates within the Democratic Party, but it doesn't have a snowball's chance of resonating in a general election, then you're basically handing the presidency to the GOP as well. That's what you're doing because the party, the Democratic Party, will have been perceived as being fragmented. That's what I'm seeing when I see Zohran Mamdani. That's what I'm looking at, and that's what I see when I see his ascension taking fold before our very eyes."

At the end of his show, Smith revealed that Mamdani "was supposed to be coming on" the show but has yet to appear to discuss the issues. Despite his concerns, Smith acknowledged that it was important to pay attention to Mamdani's rise in popularity.

BILL MAHER TEARS INTO SOCIALISM AND BEGS DEMOCRATS TO EMBRACE MODERATE CANDIDATES

"That wealth gap is real, y'all. It's very, very real. There are two Americas in this country, no matter what way we slice it. The haves and the have-nots. And there's a lot more have-nots than haves, which is why Zohran Mamdani is relevant, if not more so. So think about that," Smith said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's office and the Democratic Socialists of America for comment.

Mamdani's original comments came after Mamdani-backed candidates Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier won Democratic congressional primaries in New York, with Lander and Chevalier defeating incumbent Democrats. Other socialist candidates have also launched primary campaigns throughout the country.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Far-left group calls out New York officials for taking too long to issue reparations as 'disservice' to Blacks

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:57 -0400

A prominent civil rights organization is calling out New York officials for extending the timeline on a highly anticipated state report investigating slavery reparations remedies.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) on Friday slammed the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies after a provision embedded in the newly passed state budget pushed the release of its final report back an additional two years — moving the deadline to 2029.

"The state’s decision to spend an additional three years before it takes any action to address these harms raises a lot of questions about when Black New Yorkers will receive reparations," said Chantelle Williams, the NYCLU’s assistant director of the Racial Justice Center, pointing to the total time elapsed since the commission's inception.

TRUMP ADMIN VOWS TO STOP REPARATIONS PROGRAMS, ACCUSES OFFICIALS OF 'VIRTUE SIGNALING' TO GET 'VOTES'

"Meanwhile, the impact of discrimination continues to harm Black individuals and communities across the state. This delay is not just a bureaucratic inconvenience. It is a disservice to those who have suffered the profound and lasting consequences of inequality," Williams added.

The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies, a nine-member panel composed of scholars and community leaders, recently concluded a series of statewide public hearings. The final hearing, titled "From Extraction to Repair: Closing the Racial Wealth Gap," took place in Harlem at the end of May.

The commission was born out of legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in late 2023, which established a panel to examine the state's historical ties to the institution of slavery, subsequent Jim Crow-era policies, and modern economic disparities like redlining. The body was tasked with compiling those findings into a formal report proposing recommendations for financial compensation and policy changes.

However, state leaders agreed to stall the inquiry. Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, D-Nassau County, who helped draft the original legislation, acknowledged that the extension was requested to navigate a changing national landscape, citing the erosion of voting protections and conservative legal challenges against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Additionally, the new budget measure shields the commissioners from personal legal exposure if they face lawsuits over their official findings.

TRUMP ADMIN WANTS TO STOP ILLINOIS CITY'S REPARATIONS EFFORT FOR 'SIMPLY HANDING OUT MONEY BASED ON RACE'

Williams believes that rushing the final findings would be a mistake, but emphasizes that the clock is ticking for impacted communities.

"The reparations report from the state commission – whenever it’s finally released – will undoubtedly provide ample evidence of past and present harm to Black New Yorkers," Williams said. "Will the legislature respond to the report’s findings with clear, measurable actions to help repair historic wrongs? That’s an open question, and the answer will depend on lawmakers’ political will."

"New York has studied, exposed, and documented injustices committed against Black Americans. Now state leaders must decide whether they are ready to truly make amends for those harms," she continued.

The Empire State is part of a broader wave of states and local municipalities exploring local reparative structures. Some localities have pushed forward regardless; the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, made headlines by distributing $25,000 grants to eligible Black residents to address historic housing discrimination.

Williams' comments come as the NYCLU itself faces fierce criticism from grassroots reparations advocates who take issue with the organization's overarching philosophy.

At a public hearing held at Hempstead High School on Long Island, Susan Gottehrer, the Director of the Nassau County Chapter of the NYCLU, defended a broad approach to any state-level restitution framework.

"These government policies have affected Black New Yorkers regardless of lineage. Excluding a subset of Black Americans would leave a significant portion of documented racial injustice completely unexamined," Gottehrer testified.

OAKLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT VOWED REPARATIONS FOR BLACK STUDENTS, YET OUTCOMES APPEAR STAGNANT AFTER 5 YEARS

That stance drew immediate backlash from members of the U.S. Freedmen Project, an advocacy group present at the hearing. Lineage advocates argue that reparations should be strictly reserved for ancestral Black Americans—specifically the direct descendants of individuals enslaved in the United States.

Activists with the Freedmen Project argued that the left-leaning NYCLU and its local chapters do not represent the specific legal and historical interests of foundational Black Americans by trying to include modern Black immigrants under the same compensatory umbrella.

The testimony gathered from these tense public forums will be weighed alongside historical data as the commission continues its work ahead of its revised multi-year deadline.

The NYCLU did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Taylor Swift's empire tops $2 billion as wedding frenzy fuels global obsession

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:44 -0400

Taylor Swift's biggest wedding gift may already be sitting in her bank account.

Before the superstar prepared to say "I do," she built an estimated $2 billion empire that branding experts said transformed her from a hitmaker into one of the most powerful businesses in entertainment.

"At this point, Taylor Swift's brand is so dominant and so deeply tied to her creative output that marriage is only going to add a new dimension to an empire that is already running on all cylinders," reputation management expert Evan Nierman told Fox News Digital.

"The buzz and speculation around her wedding have made it a global media event long before it even happens, and that level of cultural gravity tells you everything about where her brand stands heading into the next chapter," Nierman, founder & CEO of crisis PR firm Red Banyan, added.

TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS KELCE WEDDING BETTING FRENZY REVEALS ONE OVERWHELMING PREDICTION

Reports of Swift and Travis Kelce's rumored July 3 wedding intensified last week after The New York Times reported Swift had rented Madison Square Garden for a multiday celebration.

The couple's potential July 3 wedding would come weeks after Forbes announced the global pop star had surpassed a net worth of $2 billion after becoming a billionaire in 2023. Swift's fortune included roughly $800 million earned directly from her music and touring along with a $600 million music catalog, according to the outlet.

The "Life of a Showgirl" singer's massive fortune didn't happen by accident, branding experts said. Instead, they pointed to years of relentless touring, strategic business moves and an unmatched connection with fans that turned the singer into a global powerhouse.

"Taylor Swift is the apex predator of the entertainment industry," branding expert Doug Eldridge told Fox News Digital.

"She is the first artist to earn one billion dollars from a world tour and while the ticket prices often started at four figures, the reality is she was an absolute road warrior – she put in the work, and was willing to grind on that tour," Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, added. "When it comes to her billion dollar valuation, she earned it. It was grit, not grift."

TRAVIS KELCE'S DAD CALLS TAYLOR SWIFT 'THE GIRL NEXT DOOR' AS WEDDING SPECULATION REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

While Swift's record-breaking tour fueled her fortune, experts said her billion-dollar success extends far beyond ticket sales.

"The music catalog is a massive asset, but it would only be worth a fraction of what it is today without the power of the Taylor Swift brand behind it," Nierman said. "Her ability to fill stadiums, command global attention and elevate every album release into a cultural event is what turned a great body of work into a $2 billion empire."

Nierman said that brand wouldn't have reached its current value without one key ingredient: the unwavering loyalty of Swift's fans.

"The Swifties are the single most valuable fanbase in entertainment because they’ve turned loyalty into an economic engine that generates revenue at a historic scale," he explained. "The ‘Eras Tour’ generated over $2 billion in ticket sales and experts estimate fans spent billions more on travel, merchandise and experiences around those shows, which is the kind of consumer spending power that most major corporations would kill for."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Former CBS executive Derek Reisfield said Swift has turned fan loyalty into something few artists ever achieve: complete control over her business.

"Swift is calling the shots," he explained. "She essentially is a Fortune 1000 CEO. It is driven by the music, but Swift seems to have a knack for creating significant revenue streams on top of the music. The loyalty and emotional investment of her fans helps her do that."

Reisfield credited Swift's genuine connection with fans for helping her sustain one of entertainment's most powerful brands.

"Taylor Swift has an extremely strong brand. She is an incredible musician and performer, and she has bonded with her fans in a powerful and unique way," the co-founder and founding chairman of MarketWatch told Fox News Digital. "She has an authenticity that is genuine that drives a powerful connection with her audiences."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Looking ahead, experts said a wedding would likely mark another evolution of the Swift brand rather than a departure from it.

"Will marriage affect her brand? I think in only positive ways," Reisfield said. "Her relationship with Travis Kelce seems to be part of her story now. Kids won't affect her brand either. They will probably only enhance her brand in the short to medium term."

Eldridge predicted that whatever comes next for Swift personally will likely translate into business success.

"It’ll be one of two things: source material for her next 'good girl, done wrong' album, or a logical evolution of teen, to young adult, to finding her own, real-life Prince Charming," the PR expert noted. "In either case, it will generate eyeballs, interest, and investment. In other words, Swift will cash in."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Heartbroken father blasts ‘broken’ system that let family massacre take his children before they could reunite

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:13 -0400

A father is grieving the loss of his four young children following an alleged murder-suicide poisoning plot.

Speaking with Fox News Digital, the children's father, Brady Harmon, said nothing could have prepared him for the shocking and devastating news. He said, "There is no preparation. It's horrendous."

The children's grandmother is suspected of poisoning the four children and their mother before taking her own life in Mechanicville, New York, police said during a Thursday news conference.

"There is recovered evidence inside the apartment that indicates intentional poisoning with numerous prescriptions and over-the-counter medication," said Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt.

WOMAN LINKED TO TRANSGENDER ZIZIAN CULT CHARGED WITH ARRANGING HER PARENTS' MURDERS ON HER 30TH BIRTHDAY

📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com

📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv

🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns

He added that during an autopsy examination it was discovered that one of the child victims may have "suffered fatal sharp force injuries."

FOLLOW US ON X

Investigators made their grim discovery during a welfare check at the home on Tuesday, June 23.

MPD named those found dead:

Amy Steadman, 64
Sarah Myers, 44
Harper Harmon, 13
Hudson Harmon, 11
Gavin Harmon, 10
Gracelynn Harmon, 10

GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL

During the news conference, police named Steadman as the children's grandmother. Rabbitt said investigators found a "handwritten note" that may link her to the deaths.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS

He also said causes of death are pending additional investigation and toxicology testing.

Before the young victims were found dead, Harmon, who lives in Utah, told Fox News Digital he was planning on taking his children back to Utah with him for the summer. He never had the chance.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

He was fighting an ongoing custody battle with the children's mother, Myers, he said. He also told Fox News Digital he had concerns about the children's safety and well-being before the tragedy.

His worst fears became realized.

"The system is broken, it takes way too long to get anything done. I spent six and a half years fighting to be able to have access to my kids," he said.

While the murder investigation continues, Harmon said, "My concern right now is being able to bring my kids home, and have them away from those two monsters that did this to them."

Discoveries that reshaped what historians knew about America's Founding Fathers

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:08 -0400

The Founding Fathers left behind extensive writings, but new discoveries continue to deepen historians' understanding of America's most influential figures.

Advances in archaeology, DNA analysis and archival research have uncovered forgotten documents, artifacts and other evidence from the nation's earliest years.

Over the past century, discoveries have offered fresh insight into America's founders, changing how historians understand their lives and legacies, as detailed below.

ANCIENT ROMAN'S 'MISHAP' LEADS TO RARE JEWELRY DISCOVERY IN BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE

Thomas Jefferson & Sally Hemings

According to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (TJF), Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, fathered at least six children with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman at Monticello.

Though it was rumored during his lifetime that Jefferson fathered children with one of the enslaved women, it wasn't until a landmark 1998 DNA study that historians found scientific evidence that appears to support the claim.

EXCAVATORS DISCOVER PREHISTORIC VILLAGE BENEATH FUTURE GOLF COURSE: 'REMARKABLE JOURNEY'

Hemings was brought to Paris from 1787 to 1789 to work as a servant and maid for Jefferson's household.

"While in Paris, where enslaved people could petition for their freedom, she negotiated with Jefferson to return to enslavement at Monticello in exchange for 'extraordinary privileges' for herself and freedom for her unborn children," the TJF states on its website.

"Decades later, Jefferson freed all of Sally Hemings’s children ... [he] did not grant freedom to any other enslaved family unit."

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH STRANGE HEAD DEPICTING ROMAN GOD BENEATH CATHOLIC BASILICA

After reviewing documentary, scientific, statistical and oral history evidence, the Foundation concluded that Jefferson most likely fathered Hemings' children, a position now widely accepted by mainstream historians.

Not all historians agree with that assessment, however.

After reviewing historical evidence, the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society concluded that Hemings "was only a minor figure in Thomas Jefferson's life and that it is very unlikely he fathered any of her children," according to the TJF website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

"This committee also suggested in its report, issued in April 2001 and revised in 2011, that Jefferson's younger brother Randolph (1755-1815) was more likely the father of at least some of Sally Hemings's children," the website adds.

George Washington's distillery

In 1999, archaeologists at Mount Vernon uncovered the remains of George Washington's long-lost whiskey distillery — revealing that the first president operated what had become the largest commercial distillery in the U.S. by the time he died in 1799.

Historians had long known that Washington operated a distillery through surviving records, but the archaeological excavation revealed the scale and sophistication of the operation.

The facility was "one of the largest, highest producing operations in the area," Mount Vernon's website says.

"The evidence also highlights the fact that this distillery was operating at an industrial scale, compared to the one or two still farmer-distillers common in the 18th and early 19th centuries," the site adds.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

During the excavation, archaeologists uncovered stone foundations, teacups, drinking glasses and evidence of the distillery's copper stills and boilers, which helped researchers reconstruct how the massive operation functioned.

"Research suggests that George Washington was one of the most innovative and enterprising farmers in America’s history," Mount Vernon's website says.

"This entrepreneurial spirit can be seen in such exhibits as the 16-sided treading barn, the gristmill and the distillery."

Thomas Jefferson's Declaration draft

In 1947, historian Julian P. Boyd discovered a previously unknown draft of the Declaration of Independence among Jefferson's papers.

The Library of Congress's website describes the draft as "brief, but critically important," noting that it predated the famous "Rough Draught" Jefferson later produced.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Comparing the older fragment and the "Rough Draught," the historian found that Jefferson revised his language more extensively than previously documented.

The fragment also gave historians a clearer picture of the drafting process, helping them trace Jefferson's edits alongside revisions made by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Congress before the Declaration's adoption.

"Heavily edited in Jefferson's clear, precise hand, the fragment proved to be a key component in unraveling the story of the writing of the Declaration," the website notes.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"The existence of the fragment confirmed the view of those historians, who had argued that a heavily edited draft must have preceded the copy Jefferson had endorsed as the original rough draft."

Heel Turn: The fall of Rhodes, Will Ospreay's loyalties, King Oba and more from pro wrestling

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:51:06 -0400

It was a weekend to celebrate Sami Zayn.

Zayn, after more than a decade on the WWE main roster, finally won a world title when he pinned Cody Rhodes during their triple-threat match with Gunther at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. Zayn didn’t need any shenanigans or distractions from the outside. He pinned the "American Nightmare" and prompted a massive frenzy in Riyadh.

The triumph of Zayn now begs the question of what Rhodes does from here.

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

Busted Open pointed out that it had been a while since Rhodes lost without distractions or interference.

It just underscores the reign Rhodes has had over the WWE since he returned to the company at WrestleMania 38.

It’s been a strange 10 months or so for Rhodes. He defeated John Cena last August to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship. He dropped the title to Drew McInyre in January and then won it back nearly two months later. He held the title through WrestleMania 42 when he defeated Randy Orton in Night 1. He took the liberty of booking the Night of Champions triple threat himself to leave no doubt as to who the best WWE star is.

Perhaps, a little shortsighted. Zayn is on top of the mountain and Rhodes is left stunned looking up at one of the men he counted out the most.

Zayn spoke to Fox News Digital before he won the championship at Night of Champions. He said he believed the win could be a "cultural moment."

"I think it’s kinda one of those things that would kinda be hard to process. I truly don’t know. I don’t know how the fans would react," he said. "I hope they would enjoy it but you never know because my character right now is a little polarizing – I truly don’t know. But I don’t know. I think there’s a lot of like cultural and historical kind of significance that would kinda maybe hit me after the fact.

"From a sentimental point of view, for sure, I think it would be kind of awesome. I think it would be a big cultural moment, actually. I don’t think about it. I kind of dismiss it a lot at this point because we come to Saudi a lot. A lot has been made of the fact that I’m Arab or I’m Muslim or whatever. But growing up, that was not the case. It was not like this was a common thing or something that you could ever even dream. I couldn’t have dreamt that this would happen. So, yeah, that would be a pretty big deal I think."

As Zayn begins the culture change, Rhodes’ biggest fans will look to see where he goes from here.

Will Ospreay – officially a Death Rider?

Will Ospreay came away with the victory over Swerve Strickland in the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament on Sunday night at Forbidden Door. He will earn a title shot against the AEW world champion at All In.

As the pro wrestling world celebrates Ospreay’s opportunity at All In, the looming shadow of The Death Riders grew substantially. Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, Pac, Yuta Wheeler and Marina Shafir were in Ospreay’s corner as he put away Strickland. They celebrated with him and Alex Windsor in the ring.

While it seemed like Ospreay kept The Death Riders at an arm’s distance, an alliance appeared to form for real. He used Moxley’s moves to beat Strickland. Moxley and Castagnoli put him on their shoulders. Those who were skeptical of Ospreay, clapped for him.

Ospreay and Windsor walked back up the ramp while The Death Riders exited through the crowd. Whatever develops next is going to be really interesting. Will either side be able to trust each other with two months before All In.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

King Oba’s reign

Oba Femi defeated Jey Uso to win the King of the Ring Tournament. He earned a shot at a world title of his choosing because he won.

Femi was defiant as he was interviewed in the ring following his victory.

"It feels so good to go from ‘The Ruler’ to being the king," Femi said in his post-match promo. "Jey Uso did not understand what he was up against tonight. He thought he was just fighting one man. You might be able to beat one man but you can’t beat fate and you can’t beat destiny and most importantly, you can’t beat me.

"I am the ruler, the destroyer, the bringer of war, the mountain that you cannot climb, the mountain that you cannot conquer, the one-of-one, the beast slayer, the one, the chosen one, the king of the ring, Oba Femi!"

The bigger question is how Femi will be booked moving forward. He will likely turn his attention to Roman Reigns, the world heavyweight champion who has cast his dominion over the Raw roster. It would be the best way to go for Femi.

But, there’s a beast of a shadow looming behind him.

Femi’s rivalry with Brock Lesnar is not over just yet. Lesnar didn’t interfere in Femi’s match against Uso. Pro wrestling fans likely hope that the final match will take place at SummerSlam. It would be an incredible end if that’s the case.

It would also beg the question of whether Femi does two matches at SummerSlam. Could he handle Lesnar and Reigns in one weekend? What about in one day? Femi has a rocket strapped to his back, that’s for sure.

Jonathan Gresham talks PRODUCE

Pro wrestling star Jonathan Gresham talked to Fox News Digital about his latest endeavor in the sport. Gresham and Abe will participate in a new wrestling series presented by Orange Crush. The event is called "PRODUCE Volume 1: The Octopus." It will take place at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, New York, at 8 p.m. ET.

He’s also listed as a co-producer for the event.

"The one thing I think – attention to detail and consistency over time," Gresham told Fox News Digital when asked what fans can expect from the event. "I think that’s something that is missing in modern wrestling and that’s something that’s something Adam and I talk about quite a bit."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Title changes at TNA Slammiversary

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) saw several championships change hands at Slammiversary. Nic Nemeth won the TNA World Championship, Xia Brookside won the TNA Knockouts Championship, Rosemary and Allie captured the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship and The Hardys captured the TNA World Tag Team Championship.

Plus, there was a major announcement of a new title coming to the roster. TNA announced the formation of the Knockouts TV Championship, which would be defended exclusively on "Impact."

TNA's Slammiversary show was extremely solid given the discourse about the company over the last week. The next few big events could become must-watch shows.

News and notes from the pro wrestling world last week:

WWE announced a double show on Aug. 30. NXT Heatwave and Lucha Libre AAA will take place at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. Tickets go on sale for all on July 8.
Uhaa Nation debuted at Slammiversary as part of Mustafa Ali's open challenge for the TNA International Championship. However, Ali was able to fend Nation and Rich Swann off in a triple-threat match.
Kendal Grey became the new NXT women's champion at The Great American Bash. She defeated Lola Vice to win the title.
A new WWE ID champion was crowned. Max Abrams defeated Chazz "Starboy" Hall.
Nikkita Lyons defeated Wendy Choo to become the new WWE Evolve women’s champion.
Major League Wrestling announced during "MLW Fusion" it was in the midst of a "contract dispute" with Bishop Dyer – one half of the tag team champions.

National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) announced it will air "Powerrr" on Tubi.
WWE star Nattie Neidhart is returning to the National Wrestling Alliance for NWA 78 on July 25.
Trevor Murdoch was thought to have been retiring from pro wrestling after an illustrious career. But he swerved everyone and called the fans "idiots." He mocked everyone for thinking that he would retire. He dubbed himself "King Trevor Murdoch I."

House GOP's SAVE Act rescue plan hits resistance from conservative holdouts

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:46:12 -0400

House Republican leaders are making another bid to salvage the stalled SAVE America Act after a conservative revolt froze floor action last week, but GOP lawmakers behind the blockade are withholding support for the plan.

The House Rules Committee on Monday approved a rule in an 8-4 vote that would merge an annual defense policy bill with the Trump-backed election measure in a rare procedural maneuver before sending the package to the Senate.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the panel who was among the conservatives last week that backed the SAVE-related floor blockade, did not vote.

Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla. — the leader of the lower chamber's SAVE protest — argued the procedural tactic would fail to force Senate action, instead calling for a SAVE America Act amendment to be added to the defense bill.

'AS LONG AS IT TAKES': TRUMP ALLIES FREEZE HOUSE FLOOR TO PRESSURE SENATE ON VOTER ID BILL

"The only way to ensure the Senate passes this is to make sure it’s in the bill text of the NDAA, meaning that my amendment(s) must be made an order," the Florida Republican wrote on X. "I’m not trying to be difficult, but this is what 80% of Americans want and what we promised the American people, so I stand by my decision."

Johnson’s proposal comes after the conservative holdouts rejected his appeal to enact parts of the SAVE America Act in another ‘Big Beautiful Bill" last week.

Given House Republicans' slim majority, the speaker will likely need their support to pass a rule later Tuesday teeing up the chamber's version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Because procedural votes are typically party-line, he can afford to lose only a handful of GOP defections.

Tuesday’s vote will also advance a spending bill funding the State Department and other foreign operations for fiscal year 2027 and a resolution commemorating the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Republicans now refer to as the Working Families Tax Cuts.

If Republican leadership fails to advance the legislative items, the House floor would effectively be frozen and lawmakers could return home early ahead of the July 4 recess.

Johnson warned Monday that continuing the floor blockade would be a "self-defeating" approach.

"It doesn't make any sense," Johnson told reporters. "We have to move forward with legislation and that's what I'll be telling them all."

'IT'S A MESS': GOP TURNS ON HOUSE CONSERVATIVES AS VOTER ID BLOCKADE STALLS TRUMP'S AGENDA

But Luna indicated her reluctance to unlock the House floor until she receives assurances on the SAVE America Act’s fate in the Senate.

"But to, you know, say that we're holding up the process. This is legislating," Luna told reporters Monday, standing next to Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., who has also joined the SAVE protest. "If people elected us to just come up here and vote in line with what the party wants, then it would be a whole lot different."

Democrats, who would like to see the rules package fail, argued the GOP holdouts should not listen to Republican leadership because their proposal would be dead on arrival in the Senate.

"Let me be clear, the Senate will just strip the SAVE Act out," Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said during the Rules Committee debate Monday. "They've already said that merging it with the NDAA bill doesn't prevent that. Nothing in this rule will prevent that."

"There is a 0% chance SAVE ends up in the NDAA because of this rule today," he continued. "So this is a ‘cover-your-behind’ maneuver, if you will."

Under the rule approved Monday, the procedural maneuver would facilitate the SAVE America Act's attachment to the NDAA without requiring lawmakers to vote on it again.

Leadership did not choose a version of the election bill including all the president’s SAVE America Act priorities, such as curtailing mail-in voting and banning men in women’s sports and child sex change procedures. Johnson has yet to ask House Republicans to consider the comprehensive measure, and it is unclear whether a crackdown on mail-in ballots could clear the chamber.

Johnson’s SAVE America Act gambit comes as House Republicans appear to have little leverage to force the bill through the Senate, where GOP leaders say it lacks the votes to pass. The election measure has struggled to win unified Republican support, let alone the 60 votes needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Trump sharply criticized five alleged holdouts — Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Susan Collins, R-Maine, Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. — in a Truth Social post Monday, arguing the cohort "must vote to SAVE OUR COUNTRY."

"There can be no more excuses!" he wrote.

Juan Soto's misread turns routine single into Little League home run as Mets' woes continue

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:33:05 -0400

Just how bad are things going for the 2026 New York Mets?

Look no further than the first batter they faced against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night, where a routine base hit turned into a Little League home run. And Juan Soto, the team’s $765 million man, was at the center of the brutal mishap.

The Mets came into this game 35-49, which has been one of the most shocking pre-All-Star-break stories of the season given their spot as the second-highest payroll in MLB this season, only behind the reigning World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Starting a six-game road trip on Monday night in Toronto, the Mets were hoping to get something going in their favor just days after manager Carlos Mendoza was fired. But the game couldn’t have started off worse for New York, and it ultimately hurt them in a 2-1 loss.

George Springer stepped into the batter’s box against Mets starter Sean Manaea when he served a 2-2 pitch to left field – a routine single is all it should’ve been.

WHY ARE THE METS SO BAD? OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES AND A DISJOINTED CLUBHOUSE LEAD TO WORST RECORD IN MLB

However, Soto misread the ball bouncing off the turf completely, choosing to have an aggressive route toward the ball and potentially catch it on the short hop. Instead, the ball went right underneath his glove and started to roll all the way to the left field fence.

Soto was jogging to the ball, while the veteran Springer was booking it around the basepaths. Soto’s decision not to sprint himself was because rookie center fielder A.J. Ewing was in pursuit already. But things only got worse from there.

As Ewing looked up to see where Springer was on the bases, he didn’t field the ball cleanly, rather tossing it back to the fence after trying to scoop it up with his glove.

As a result, Springer was waved around third base. By the time Soto picked the ball up and looked toward the infield, Springer was already around third base to score his Little League home run to the delight of the Rogers Centre crowd.

Errors have been among the pain points for the Mets this season, having the third-most in MLB, only behind the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants. It was just five days ago when the Mets committed six infield errors as they were swept by the Chicago Cubs in a doubleheader.

This moment was one Soto tried to explain postgame.

"When you have an outfield like that, that it bounces a lot, you have to be aware because you can give up extra base hits really easy," Soto told reporters after going 1-for-3 at the plate with a walk in the loss. "So, I would say you got to be aggressive – that was my mindset. Just be aggressive, come through the ball instead of playing it back and let it bounce over my head. But I actually just stopped."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

This is obviously not what owner Steve Cohen and the Mets had in mind when they began the 2026 campaign, but they find themselves in a hole that seems to get deeper with every game, and plays like this only pile on to the disappointment that continues for the team and its fan base.

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

Helicopter reports near miss with RC plane near JFK after JetBlue drone strike

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:29:41 -0400

A helicopter pilot reported he "just almost ran into a gigantic RC airplane" near John F. Kennedy International Airport Monday afternoon, according to newly released air traffic control audio, marking the second aviation safety scare near the airport in a single day.

"A helicopter pilot flying near John F. Kennedy International Airport reported a remote-control airplane flew close to their aircraft," the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.

The sighting came just hours after a separate incident in which a JetBlue pilot reported a possible drone strike while the plane was approaching JFK for landing.

Air traffic control audio obtained by LiveATC captured the helicopter pilot telling controllers the close encounter over the northern portion of Floyd Bennett Field.

When asked whether it appeared to be a drone, the pilot replied it was "just an RC, one of the remote-controlled airplanes, a big one at 500 feet."

JETBLUE FLIGHT REPORTS DRONE STRIKE DURING APPROACH TO NEW YORK AIRPORT: FAA

JFK air traffic control issued a warning to nearby pilots of an unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operating in protected airspace, according to ATIS.guru, which collects live digital messages from airports around the world.

According to the warning, a "red and white" remote-controlled airplane was spotted flying at roughly 4:05 p.m. local time.

It was observed at an altitude of 500 feet, placing it within the typical flight path of low-flying commercial aircraft approaching the airport, according to the ATIS warning.

The aircraft was reported about 1 mile from the Canarsie (CRI) navigation beacon, a key waypoint used by aircraft lining up to land at JFK.

AIR TRAFFIC AUDIO CAPTURES JETBLUE PILOT ALERTING CONTROLLERS: 'WE COLLIDED WITH A DRONE'

The helicopter pilot also told controllers he saw "a couple other ones on the ground" that appeared to be preparing to take off from what he described as an RC flying area near Floyd Bennett Field.

Air traffic controllers told the pilot they would notify NYPD Aviation to investigate the report.

Asked whether the aircraft had struck his helicopter, the pilot responded: "No, I just missed it, but I didn't hit it or anything."

Authorities have not indicated whether the helicopter encounter and the earlier reported drone strike involving the JetBlue flight are connected.

The FAA said it notified local authorities about the report.

Flying a remote-controlled aircraft or drone near a major airport is illegal and poses a serious safety risk to aircraft operating in the area, according to the agency.

Earlier Monday morning, a JetBlue flight reported striking a drone at approximately 3,000 feet roughly 10 miles from JFK, the FAA said.

Air traffic control audio from that incident indicated the object appeared to strike the aircraft above the cockpit.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The flight landed safely, and a post-flight inspection did not reveal any damage to the aircraft, JetBlue said.

The FAA is investigating the reported JetBlue incident.

Supreme Court set to close term with landmark birthright citizenship ruling and more top headlines

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:27:10 -0400

Good morning and welcome to Fox News' morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here's what you need to know to start your day ...

TOP 3

1. Supreme Court to close term with birthright citizenship ruling

2. Socialists take fight west in bid to oust Democratic establishment

3. US, Iran send delegations to Qatar as Tehran denies direct talks

MAJOR HEADLINES

ENERGY SECURITY — Gulf states quietly building ways to bypass Iran's greatest geopolitical weapon. Continue reading …

HOUSE DIVIDED — Fetterman unleashes on 'dirtbag' wing of Dems after far-left victories. Continue reading …

HISTORIC UPSET — Disallowed goal in extra time leads Paraguay over Germany in stunner at FIFA World Cup. Continue reading …

SUMMER MENACE — Deadly tick virus cases explode in US as doctors warn infection happens in minutes. Continue reading …

STAR POWER — HOA threatens American flag fines as homeowners refuse to remove Old Glory. Continue reading …

POLITICS

‘PERVERSION’ — Online fury after viral Seattle Pride videos show nude adults marching next to children. Continue reading …

CIRCLE OF TRUST — Clinton confidant who called Maxwell his 'lover' grilled by Congress over Epstein ties. Continue reading …

COVENANT CRISIS — Trump’s massive GOP faith bloc raises red flag on Iran deal. Continue reading …

SILICON SQUEEZE — AOC targets tech giants for breakup over surging processor costs and AI strain. Continue reading …

Click here for more cartoons…

MEDIA

POLICY PIVOT — Schools quietly remove gender identity pledge from LGBTQ training. Continue reading …

HOT TAKE — Paris deputy mayor blasts Americans on Instagram for France's deadly heat wave. Continue reading …

DEFYING THE ODDS — Savannah Guthrie proved doubters wrong 64 days after her mother's disappearance. Continue reading …

SPEAKING OUT — Meteorologist axed after Instagram rant blasts station's workplace culture. Continue reading …

OPINION

HUGH HEWITT — Senator Susan Collins and the nation’s national defense. Continue reading …

DAN GAINOR — How American engineers unlocked the impossible beneath the Gulf of America. Continue reading …

IN OTHER NEWS

PATRIOTISM BREWED — One of the biggest myths about the Boston Tea Party revealed. Continue reading …

HIDDEN INFESTATION — Man's headaches led doctors to suspect cancer — the real cause was far more bizarre. Continue reading …

BILLIONAIRE BRIDE — Taylor Swift's empire tops $2 billion as wedding frenzy fuels global obsession. Continue reading …

AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on cruise controversies and wedding whispers. Take the quiz here …

LISTEN

Tune in to hear how the World Cup is reshaping global views of the United States and explore the history behind America’s biggest sports moments. Check it out ...

FOX WEATHER

What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…

Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Wednesday.

Probe into 'subversive' anti-AI Singham network is 'enormous,' former Treasury advisor says

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:06 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: Former Treasury senior advisor and chief speechwriter Sam Lyman says the Southern District of New York's investigation into the finances behind the activist network tied to American Marxist businessman Neville Roy Singham marks one of the most significant developments yet in the federal government's scrutiny of the organization and far-left protests in the U.S.

"It's an enormous development because it's one of the first legal actions that's taking a deeper look into this network, which is among the most subversive political networks here in the United States, period," Lyman told Fox News Digital.

Lyman was reacting to Fox News Digital's exclusive report that U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton from the Southern District of New York has opened a grand jury investigation into the finances behind Singham's sprawling activist network.

The former Treasury official, who now serves as head of research at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, released a new report on Monday, first obtained by Fox News Digital, examining the Singham network's role in organizing opposition to artificial intelligence infrastructure and data center development across the country.

DOJ LAUNCHES GRAND JURY PROBE INTO MARXIST MOGUL NEVILLE ROY SINGHAM'S FUNDING OF LEFTIST GROUPS

Researchers conclude that about $23.6 billion in proposed AI and data center investment has been delayed, scaled back or blocked in campaigns where Party for Socialism and Liberation served as "a critical mobilizer in efforts that delayed, scaled back, or blocked the proposed AI infrastructure investment."

"What we've uncovered is that Neville Singham's network, in particular the Party for Socialism and Liberation, has been boots on the ground in dozens of protests across the country targeting data centers," Lyman said.

According to the report, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which has emerged in the past decade as a key political and activist arm of the Singham network, has developed a nationwide organizing operation that has participated in 21 campaigns across 14 states opposing AI infrastructure projects.

The report documents 19 case studies involving cities and counties including: Charlotte, N.C.; Prince George's County, Md.; DeForest, Wisc.; Monterey Park, Calif.; Denver, Co.; Tucson, Ariz.; Athens, Ga.; Durham, N.C.; Madison, Wisc.; New Orleans; Cleveland and other locations.

According to the report, those campaigns resulted in 10 local data center moratoria, one permanent data center ban and four rejected or withdrawn projects. The authors note that the figure likely understates the total impact because several additional campaigns involved projects whose investment values were never publicly disclosed.

REPORT: CHINESE PROPAGANDA, SINGHAM NETWORK, FOREIGN DARK MONEY LINKED TO CAMPAIGNS AGAINST DATA CENTERS

The report argues that while many residents have legitimate concerns over water use, electricity demand and land use, activists linked to the Singham network have built a sophisticated nationwide operation that amplifies those concerns through coordinated organizing, demonstrations and political pressure.

"The American opposition to data centers is real and mostly homegrown," the report states. "But an organized, foreign-aligned party has worked to amplify and convert genuine grievances into actions that slow or degrade America's buildout of data centers."

One of the report's featured examples is Charlotte, N.C., where it says Party for Socialism and Liberation organizers canvassed neighborhoods, circulated petitions and helped organize demonstrations before the City Council unanimously approved a 150-day moratorium on new data centers. According to the report, organizers are now pushing for a permanent ban.

In Prince George's County, Md., researchers say the Party for Socialism and Liberation chapter in Washington, D.C., helped organize town halls, canvass neighborhoods and gather more than 20,000 petition signatures opposing Lerner Enterprises' proposed $5 billion Brightseat Tech Park. County officials later paused data center approvals while reviewing local policy.

SEN. TOM COTTON URGES DOJ TO PROBE CHINESE BID TO 'KNEECAP' AMERICAN AI

The report also highlights DeForest, Wisc., where it says Party for Socialism and Liberation organizers joined local residents opposing Blackstone-backed QTS' proposed $12 billion hyperscale data center campus. Following months of public opposition, village officials declared the proposal "not feasible," leading the developer to withdraw the project.

In Southern California, the report said the Los Angeles chapter of Party for Socialism and Liberation participated in the "No Data Centers SGV" coalition, which organized petitions, public meetings and a ballot initiative culminating in California's first permanent municipal ban on new data centers in Monterey Park. According to the report, the coalition also influenced neighboring cities to adopt additional restrictions or temporary moratoria.

Researchers further cite campaigns in Arizona opposing Amazon's proposed $3.6 billion Project Blue near Tucson and a separate $2 billion AI data center proposal in Chandler, both of which encountered significant setbacks following organized opposition.

The report argues that the campaign against AI infrastructure is only one part of a broader effort by organizations linked to Singham.

"The common thread in all of these nonprofit organizations is that they agitate against American causes — what they call American empire," Lyman said.

NETWORK FUNDED BY PRO-CCP TECH TYCOON TARGETS PALANTIR AMID ANTI-US PROTESTS THAT SUPPORT THE REGIME IN IRAN

"After Oct. 7, these nonprofit networks and their political affiliates were boots on the ground protesting Israel and any action Israel took in Gaza. They did the exact same thing when President Trump took office and started enforcing immigration laws. Now we're seeing the exact same thing take place against the technology industry here in the United States."

As reported by Fox News Digital, nonprofits funded by Singham — including CodePink, Tricontinental, People's Dispatch and Liberation News — have spent years publishing material opposing American AI development and criticizing leading technology companies including Palantir, Google, Amazon and Meta.

Lyman said the network's organizing capacity has made it an increasingly influential political force.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"This network is incredibly good at organizing," he said. "Self-identified socialists in America are incredibly good at getting out the vote, getting their people to protest and getting them to sign petitions."

He argued that the federal investigation by the Justice Department's Southern District of New York reflects growing recognition in Washington, D.C., of Singham's influence.

"Singham essentially is the figurehead who's funding all of this," Lyman said. "It makes sense both from a legal perspective and from a policymaking perspective that the American people are starting to take notice of his subversive activities because they are truly prolific."

The report concludes by calling for greater transparency into the funding behind the Party for Socialism and Liberation and other organizations tied to Singham, arguing that Americans should know who is financing organized campaigns that seek to shape the future of the country's AI infrastructure.

Fox News Digital's Mitch Picasso contributed to this report.

Warehouse robots move packages without human handoff

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:19:15 -0400

A busy warehouse loading dock can be a grind. Trucks pull up. Packages pour in. Workers have to move fast, lift heavy boxes and keep everything flowing before the next trailer arrives. That part of the warehouse has always been one of the hardest places to automate. Every box can be a different size. Freight can shift in transit. Labels may face the wrong way. And when one system finishes a task, the next system still has to know what to do with the package.

Now, Ambi Robotics and Pickle Robot Company say they have linked their robotic systems to help solve that handoff problem. The companies announced a commercial integration that connects Pickle Robot's trailer-unloading robots with Ambi Robotics' AmbiStack pallet-building system. In other words, one robot system unloads mixed freight from a trailer. Then a conveyor moves those cases downstream so another robotic system can scan and stack them for warehouse receiving.

If this works well in large facilities, it points to a future where robots can handle more of the work that happens between a truck and a warehouse floor.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

OHIO ROBOT COP RETIRES AFTER ZERO ARRESTS

How warehouse robots move packages from truck to pallet

The setup starts at the trailer. Pickle Robot's system unloads boxes from trailers or containers. That matters because unloading mixed freight can be exhausting work. It also creates bottlenecks when warehouses do not have enough people on the dock. From there, the packages move by conveyor into AmbiStack. Ambi Robotics designed AmbiStack as a multipurpose stacking system. It reads package information and builds pallets for the next stage of the warehouse process.

The key here is the handoff. Many warehouses already use automation. However, those systems often work in separate lanes. One machine may handle unloading. Another may handle sorting or stacking. Yet the warehouse still needs people or custom engineering to connect the pieces. This collaboration tries to make that connection smoother. The companies say the system can work with existing warehouse infrastructure. That means operators may avoid tearing apart a facility to use it.

Why Physical AI is important for warehouse automation

Physical AI means AI that controls machines doing physical work. That is important here because warehouse robots have to deal with moving boxes, shifting freight, conveyor timing and pallet stability. That creates a very different challenge from software that writes a paragraph or answers a question. A warehouse robot has to react to what sits in front of it. A box can arrive dented. A label can face the wrong way. A pallet can become unstable if the next case goes in the wrong spot.

This Ambi Robotics and Pickle Robot integration shows how that can work inside a warehouse. Pickle Robot handles the trailer unloading. AmbiStack takes over downstream by scanning and stacking cases for receiving. Together, the systems show how specialized robots can connect across a warehouse workflow.

"Warehouse operators shouldn't have to choose between best-in-class technologies and seamless integration," said Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics. "As Physical AI transforms supply chains, interoperability will become increasingly important."

AJ Meyer, founder and CEO of Pickle Robot Company, put the customer demand more directly: "Customers want automation that improves real-world throughput while fitting into existing operations."

AI MAY SPOT DEADLY HEART RISK IN A ROUTINE ECG

Why loading docks can slow warehouse operations

Anyone who has waited on a delayed package knows the supply chain can break down fast. Sometimes the problem starts long before a delivery truck reaches your home. Inbound logistics covers the work that happens when goods arrive at a warehouse. That includes getting boxes off trailers and moving them into the right workflow. It sounds pretty straightforward until you see the reality.

Trailers can be packed unevenly. Boxes can arrive in odd shapes. Warehouse teams also deal with tight schedules and physical strain. That is why loading docks have become such a major focus for automation. If robots can unload freight and pass it into a pallet-building system without constant human intervention, warehouses could move goods faster through one of the most labor-heavy parts of the operation.

How warehouse robots could change jobs

The big question is obvious. What happens to workers? Robots can take over repetitive and physically demanding tasks. That may reduce injuries and help warehouses handle labor shortages. It may also change which jobs companies need most.

Instead of spending a full shift unloading trailers, some workers may monitor the unloading and stacking systems. Others may step in when a package jams, a label fails to scan or a pallet needs human attention.

Still, that shift can feel unsettling. Automation often comes with a promise of safety and efficiency. Workers want to know where they fit in next. That is very important. A robot may move a box, but people still handle judgment calls, customer issues and fast decisions when the workflow changes.

Why retailers want connected warehouse robots now

Retailers and logistics companies feel pressure from several directions. Consumers expect faster shipping. Warehouses face staffing challenges. Meanwhile, e-commerce keeps creating more package volume. That creates a hard math problem. Companies need to move more goods without slowing down at the dock.

This Ambi Robotics and Pickle Robot setup gives warehouse operators another option. Instead of buying one giant system from a single vendor, they can connect specialized robotic tools that handle different parts of the job. That could give operators more flexibility. It could also help them avoid major redesigns, which can be expensive and disruptive. In other words, the robots are getting smarter. They are also starting to work together in more useful ways.

What this means to you

Even if you never set foot in a warehouse, this kind of automation can affect your life. When warehouses move goods more efficiently, stores may restock faster. Online orders may move with fewer delays. Returns may get processed more quickly. There is another side, too. More automation can reshape job roles inside warehouses. That means workers may need new training as companies bring in more robotic systems.

You may also hear fewer excuses when packages run late. If robots help warehouses operate with fewer bottlenecks, retailers may raise expectations for speed even more. That sounds convenient, but it also means the race for faster delivery keeps putting pressure on every part of the supply chain.

Watch the CyberGuy Live replay: Lock Down Your Phone in 30 Minutes

Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com

MOST PROMINENT AI CHATBOTS HAVE LIBERAL BIAS, NEW STUDY FINDS

Kurt's key takeaways

What grabs me here is the handoff. One robot unloads packages from a trailer. Another scans and stacks them for the next part of the warehouse process. That is the piece that could change how loading docks operate. Warehouses are full of little delays that add up fast. If a package sits in the wrong place or waits for a person to move it to the next step, the whole process can slow down. This integration shows how warehouse robots may start taking over more of that middle work between the truck and the warehouse floor. Still, the human side deserves attention. These systems could reduce backbreaking work, which is a good thing. At the same time, they may change what warehouse workers are asked to do. The companies that make that transition clear, fair and useful for workers will be the ones to watch.

If robots can unload the truck, build the pallet and keep the warehouse moving, what job inside the warehouse gets automated next? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com - trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Morocco sends the Netherlands home with dramatic World Cup knockout in penalties

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:14:47 -0400

The World Cup provided a second miraculous moment on Monday night.

The Netherlands, a favorite to win the tournament after years of making long runs, took the lead late in the match when Cody Gakpo took control of a loose ball in the box and sent it into the back of the net. But the lead didn’t last long, as Morocco’s Issa Diop headed one behind the Dutch goalie in stoppage time.

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

Morocco and the Netherlands went to penalties. Morocco’s Ismael Saibari nailed the winning penalty kick to give Morocco the 3-2 win in the stage, advancing the squad to the Round of 16.

"We know when we do everything on the pitch, it’s God that gives something back to us as well," Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said after the match. "We give all the energy that we have on the field. Rahimi’s goal could have not been a goal, but it went in thankfully."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Dutch had reached at least the Round of 16 in the last 11 World Cups, including a quarterfinal appearance in 2022 in Qatar. It was the same year Morocco became the first African team to reach the semifinals.

Morocco will play Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on Saturday. Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.

"I think Morocco has gained everybody’s respect now," Ouahbi said. "I saw (the Netherlands’ style of play) as a form of respect."

It was the latest surprising knockout of the World Cup.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Paraguay defeated Germany after a controversial call to reverse a German goal late in their match.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Scientists discover possible link between 9/11 and accelerated aging

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:00:58 -0400

A study of World Trade Center responders found that PTSD is associated with molecular changes linked to accelerated biological aging and a higher risk of chronic disease.

The study, led by Stony Brook University in New York, could offer new clues to the long-term physical health effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The researchers tested blood samples from 393 WTC responders, collected approximately 18 years after the September 11, 2001, attacks, according to a university press release.

THE 'AGE' OF YOUR BLOOD COULD PREDICT DEMENTIA RISK, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

Out of the sampled responders, 232 were diagnosed with PTSD and 161 were not. Between the two groups, 114 proteins and seven metabolites were significantly different.

In particular, the researchers detected changes in blood markers linked to brain function, immune activity, energy metabolism, protection against cell damage and how cells communicate and repair tissues.

Also reported were signs of accelerated biological aging in multiple organs — including the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs — among responders with PTSD.

COMMON VITAMIN MAY INFLUENCE BRAIN AGING IN WAYS SCIENTISTS DIDN'T EXPECT

These discoveries could help explain why people with long-term PTSD are at greater risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, cognitive decline and other age-related illnesses.

"This study found that chronic PTSD is associated with long-lasting biological changes throughout the body, affecting multiple organs and biological systems decades after their traumatic exposure," lead study author Benjamin Luft, director and principal investigator at the Stony Brook WTC Wellness Program, told Fox News Digital.

The study reinforces the view that PTSD is a "whole-body illness" rather than simply a mental health disorder, he noted.

"Traumatic experiences can produce lasting biological changes that persist for decades," Luft said. "These changes appear to accelerate aspects of biological aging and may increase the risk of many chronic diseases."

FOX NEWS' ERIC SHAWN REVEALS CANCER AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESS FROM 9/11 TOXIC DUST

Several proteins that are critical for healthy brain function were also altered in those with PTSD, the researchers found.

"Many of these proteins play critical roles in helping brain cells communicate with one another, repair damage and maintain healthy connections that support memory and thinking," Luft said.

The study – which was funded in part by the CDC, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and the National Institutes of Health – was published in Nature Communications.

Luft said the findings should be viewed with "cautious optimism."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"The research provides compelling evidence that PTSD is associated with long-lasting biological changes throughout the body, including signs of accelerated aging, altered metabolism and changes in proteins involved in brain health," he said.

"These findings strengthen the growing recognition that PTSD is not simply a mental health disorder, but a condition that can have lasting effects on physical health as well."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, was not involved in the study but called the results "fascinating."

"This speaks to the complex reality that PTSD is not an isolated psychiatric event due to emotional trauma alone, but that it is also tied in with physical trauma," he told Fox News Digital. "The stress is both emotional and physical, and leads directly to immune dysregulation and aging processes."

"The chronic diseases that resulted from high exposure in the aftermath of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks were conjoined in terms of the impact on physical and emotional well-being, longevity and effects on multiple organ systems, as well as core metabolic and immunological processes," the doctor added.

Study limitations

There were some limitations to the findings, the researchers noted.

"Because all measurements were taken at one point in time, the research can only show an association — not that PTSD directly caused the changes," Luft noted.

"We are currently doing studies in these patients examining multiple time points to see whether the changes in specific proteins and metabolites precede clinical changes."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Also, because the study was done on a unique population – World Trade Center responders who experienced very specific trauma and environmental exposures – the findings may not apply to everyone with PTSD, "such as combat veterans, survivors of abuse or people who experienced other types of trauma."

Women are not well-represented in the study, comprising only 10% of responders.

"Blood tests cannot tell us exactly what is happening inside the brain," Luft said. "Although many of the altered proteins are related to brain function, blood measurements are only an indirect reflection of processes occurring in the brain."

Looking ahead

Additional studies are needed to determine whether these blood markers can predict disease progression or treatment response.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"From a public health and policy perspective, the study reinforces the importance of recognizing PTSD as a chronic medical condition with significant long-term health implications," Luft said.

"Investing in early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and long-term follow-up for trauma survivors, including our first responders and veterans, may improve quality of life while reducing the burden of chronic disease."

Los Angeles schools quietly remove compulsory 'affirm and respect' gender identity pledge from LGBTQ training

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:00:57 -0400

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) will reportedly no longer require educators to agree to "affirm and respect" the "identities" of LGBTQ students, following a legal challenge.

Middle and high school teachers in the district must complete one hour of online cultural competency training every year to support LGBTQ students, according to the California Department of Education. The Liberty Counsel, a non-profit legal organization, revealed that the training mandated teachers to check a box acknowledging the following prompt: "I am aware that LAUSD policy requires me to affirm and respect the identities of all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+."

On Friday, Liberty Counsel announced it had sent a demand letter to LAUSD on June 8, arguing the prompt violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

LOUDOUN COUNTY PARENTS NOT 'SATISFIED' AFTER SCHOOL OFFICIALS TESTIFY ON TRANSGENDER POLICIES

"Federal law protects employees from being compelled to choose between their employment and adherence to their faith," the group wrote to the district.

LAUSD reportedly modified the questionnaire just two days after receiving the letter, according to Liberty Counsel. The updated prompt removes the "affirm and respect" language, instead asking teachers to simply confirm they are "aware" of the district’s nondiscrimination policies regarding LGBTQ students.

In statements released through Liberty Counsel, two LAUSD sixth-grade teachers expressed relief over the change.

JUDGE AWARDED $640K AFTER REFUSING TO OFFICIATE SAME-SEX WEDDINGS

"When LAUSD implemented a mandatory LGBTQ training, I feared losing my job, yet I knew I had to stand firm in my faith and conviction," one teacher said. "What a victory for religious liberty! Thank you, Liberty Counsel, for courageously defending the rights of believers and helping ensure that people of faith can remain true to their convictions in the workplace."

Liberty Counsel Chairman Mat Staver praised the district's swift pivot.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

"The Los Angeles Unified School District did the right thing in changing its training certification language. Federal law is clear that teachers cannot be required to ‘affirm’ a student’s perceived gender identity or use inconsistent pronouns against their personal religious convictions. Title VII ensures that people cannot be forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood," he said in a statement.

LAUSD did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The online training stems from California's "Safe and Supportive Schools Act," originally introduced in 2019. Expansions to the bill passed in 2023 required school districts provide annual training to middle and high school educators to support LGBTQ students.

According to a California Department of Education press release, the state partnered with LGBTQ advocacy organizations, such as the Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign, to develop the online training course, known as PRISM.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Man accused of killing two teens claimed he was carjacked — his own dashcam footage shows otherwise: cops

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:00:19 -0400

The New Jersey man accused of killing two girls told police he was carjacked — but his own dashcam footage showed him driving to the scene, a criminal complaint obtained by Fox News Digital alleges.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17, were riding an electric bike on Sept. 29, 2025 in Cranford, New Jersey, where prosecutors say 18-year-old Vincent Battiloro intentionally mowed them down. He was charged as an adult Friday.

When detectives brought Battiloro to the Cranford Police Department, he told them he had been carjacked earlier that day — before the two teen girls were killed — by an unknown person wearing a red mask and armed with a knife, the criminal complaint alleges.

However, dash camera footage obtained by police allegedly disputes his account.

TEEN MURDER SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY SWATTED VICTIM'S HOME WEEKS BEFORE DEADLY HIT-AND-RUN: LAWYER

"The defendant stated he was driving the Jeep Compass that afternoon when he was carjacked by an unknown individual wearing a red mask and armed with a knife," the complaint states. "Search warrants were executed on the Jeep Compass, and dash camera footage was obtained from the vehicle. The footage from 9/29 showed the defendant getting into and driving the vehicle to the area of Burnside Avenue, where he parked. Shortly thereafter, both victims were seen on the e-bike heading in the opposite direction."

According to police, Battiloro's dash camera video showed him getting inside the Jeep Compass on Sept. 29, 2025, and driving to the area of Burnside Avenue in Cranford, near the home of one of the victims. Shortly after he parked, police said both teen girls were seen on electric bicycles headed in the opposite direction.

TEEN ACCUSED OF KILLING TWO GIRLS IN ALLEGED HIT-AND-RUN WILL BE TRIED AS ADULT AFTER IDENTITY REVEALED

Detectives said Battiloro then made a U-turn in order to follow the victims while he accelerated. The dash camera video then allegedly shows both girls being struck at a "high rate of speed before the vehicle ultimately stopped," according to the complaint.

Afterward, according to the complaint, Battiloro fled the area by foot.

Brent Bramnick, who is representing Niotis’ family, told Fox News Digital they are thankful the case was moved to adult court.

"The decision to try the defendant as an adult is a welcomed sliver of justice. We are grateful to the Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts as well as the community at large for continuing to keep Maria and Isabella’s memories alive," Bramnick said.

SEND US A TIP HERE

Battiloro's identity was previously withheld because he was a minor when allegedly committing the crimes, but his case was transferred to adult court on Friday. He is now charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Bramnick previously told Fox News Digital that the suspect allegedly swatted the family's home in Cranford twice in September. He said both incidents took place between Sept. 1 and Sept. 15 in 2025.

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

After the two incidents, Bramnick said the Niotis family wants to know "what went on?"

"What investigation, if any, went on after all that the family reported and all the information that the police had in their possession. That's the question. So we need those questions answered," Bramnick said. "And that's why we're involved, because we're doing our own investigations to try to get to the bottom of those questions."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Foulla Niotis, Maria's mother, previously told Fox News that the suspect "planned" the attack and thought he was "untouchable" because he had relatives working in law enforcement.

"I want justice for Maria and Isabella. That's what I want," she added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Battiloro's attorney and father for comment.

WWE star dubs New Jersey coastal casino mecca 'saddest' in America

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:18:42 -0400

Atlantic City, New Jersey, is far from the shining casino resort capital of the East Coast that it used to be.

Sure, there are still great hotels and casinos left in the city and the beach, unlike most in New Jersey, is still free. But crime and corruption have changed the perception of the city over the years.

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

WWE star Grayson Waller took advantage of that.

Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk Hall played host to "Monday Night Raw" and a taping of "Friday Night SmackDown." Waller posted a video of himself running on the beach on social media and dubbed the beach town the "saddest city in America."

"I’ve been to a lot in America, but Atlantic City, New Jersey, might just be the saddest," the Australian heel said. "It’s like Las Vegas for people who have given up on life. But it’s Monday morning. Technically, I’m at a beach – an American version of a beach.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"While the rest of the Raw roster is sleeping in, I’m out here getting after it. I don’t want to end up like one of these people who has to vacation in Atlantic City, New Jersey. So sad."

While it might feel like that for some, fellow WWE star Matt Cardona had different memories of Atlantic City.

Cardona performed for Game Changer Wrestling at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City. The promotion would turn the hotel’s ballroom into a wrestling ring and put on some memorable matches on the independent scene.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"Back in Atlantic City tonight for @WWE. Matt Cardona, the man, was born on Long Island. Matt Cardona, the pro wrestler, was born in AC!" he wrote on X.

Latest & Breaking News | Fox News

Phil Mickelson obtains defamation counsel to absolve 'false rumors' about golf club departure

Tommy Paul's fiancée enjoys bachelorette party festivities, Grace Boor for bikini season & a homer to the junk

Surf & Turf from CWB

Velveeta and PB sandwich update

Cheese

New Phone Problems

Please.

Amazing relief work on Screencaps

Ready for some football

World Cup Fever

Numbers from:

Stuff You Guys Sent In & Stuff I Like:

Trump's Turkey arms sale proposal sparks congressional questions before NATO summit

Poll shows Platner’s oyster-farmer image failing to win over working-class Maine voters

Gorsuch suggests Supreme Court's Trump ruling is opening move against administrative state

World Cup soccer fans are discovering America’s greatness. It’s time Americans did, too

Pope Leo pleads with breakaway Catholic group not to commit 'sin of extreme gravity'

Reds' Dane Myers carted off field after crashing into wall making acrobatic catch vs Brewers

Stephen A Smith warns Democrats embracing socialism is 'handing the presidency to the GOP'

Far-left group calls out New York officials for taking too long to issue reparations as 'disservice' to Blacks

Taylor Swift's empire tops $2 billion as wedding frenzy fuels global obsession

Heartbroken father blasts ‘broken’ system that let family massacre take his children before they could reunite

Discoveries that reshaped what historians knew about America's Founding Fathers

Thomas Jefferson & Sally Hemings

George Washington's distillery

Thomas Jefferson's Declaration draft

Heel Turn: The fall of Rhodes, Will Ospreay's loyalties, King Oba and more from pro wrestling

Will Ospreay – officially a Death Rider?

King Oba’s reign

Jonathan Gresham talks PRODUCE

Title changes at TNA Slammiversary

News and notes from the pro wrestling world last week:

House GOP's SAVE Act rescue plan hits resistance from conservative holdouts

Juan Soto's misread turns routine single into Little League home run as Mets' woes continue

Helicopter reports near miss with RC plane near JFK after JetBlue drone strike

Supreme Court set to close term with landmark birthright citizenship ruling and more top headlines

Good morning and welcome to Fox News' morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here's what you need to know to start your day ...

TOP 3

MAJOR HEADLINES

POLITICS

MEDIA

OPINION

IN OTHER NEWS

LISTEN

FOX WEATHER

FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE

Probe into 'subversive' anti-AI Singham network is 'enormous,' former Treasury advisor says

Warehouse robots move packages without human handoff

How warehouse robots move packages from truck to pallet

Why Physical AI is important for warehouse automation

Why loading docks can slow warehouse operations

How warehouse robots could change jobs

Why retailers want connected warehouse robots now

What this means to you

Watch the CyberGuy Live replay: Lock Down Your Phone in 30 Minutes

Kurt's key takeaways

Morocco sends the Netherlands home with dramatic World Cup knockout in penalties

Scientists discover possible link between 9/11 and accelerated aging

Study limitations

Looking ahead

Los Angeles schools quietly remove compulsory 'affirm and respect' gender identity pledge from LGBTQ training

Man accused of killing two teens claimed he was carjacked — his own dashcam footage shows otherwise: cops

WWE star dubs New Jersey coastal casino mecca 'saddest' in America