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NBA legend Charles Barkley says he won't 'burn every bridge' like Aaron Rodgers as he considers retirement

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:07:47 -0400

Charles Barkley is ready to pull the plug on television soon, and he wants zero part of the Aaron Rodgers farewell playbook.

During an appearance on SiriusXM, the 11-time NBA All-Star and 2006 Hall of Fame inductee laughed off any comparison between his own planned exit and the veteran quarterback's messy final tour.

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"But I tell you what though, I'm not gonna bury everybody going out the door like Aaron," Barkley said, roasting the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer. "I'm not gonna burn every bridge and talk bad about all my exes on my way out the door like he's doing."

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Barkley took aim at Rodgers' appearance on the Not Just Football podcast, where the quarterback focused heavily on his bitter family rift. Between jabs at exes and former teammates, Rodgers rehashed a decade of bad blood with his parents and brothers, Luke and Jordan. That feud went public during Jordan's 2016 stint on The Bachelorette, kicking off years of familial cold-shouldering and skipped family weddings.

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Now in his 25th year on television, Chuck has built a beloved media career through brutal honesty.

Rodgers is currently grinding through his 22nd NFL season and is widely expected to finally hang 'em up once the season wraps.

Barkley's own retirement talk always comes with a massive grain of salt, as media peers routinely doubt whether he will actually follow through after teasing it for the better part of a decade.

AARON RODGERS DOUBLES DOWN ON RETIREMENT PLANS AT STEELERS TRAINING CAMP: 'THIS IS IT'

Still, after a quarter-century in the studio, Barkley insists his exit will be about gratitude, not grudges.

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

'I basically snapped': New Jersey mayor charges at resident during chaotic council meeting

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:42:39 -0400

A New Jersey Republican mayor charged toward a resident during a chaotic township council meeting this week and had to be physically restrained as he shouted threats at the man, dramatic video shows.

Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini, a Republican, rushed toward the resident during Wednesday night's meeting before several people intervened and pulled him away.

The resident, Michael Sawka, is a vocal critic of the mayor, according to WPVI-TV.

"I'm getting you," Bianchini can be heard shouting.

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Video of the meeting shows Bianchini lunging toward Sawka before being restrained by others in attendance.

As he was removed, Bianchini could be heard shouting additional threats at Sawka, including profanity.

Following the meeting, Bianchini admitted that he lost his temper.

"I just basically snapped," Bianchini told WPVI. "I hate to put it this way, but it's a long time coming."

The mayor acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate.

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"I should not have said that," he told the station. "That was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment. I'm not gonna get anybody."

The confrontation happened while a recently fired township employee was addressing the council.

Bianchini and members of his family told WPVI that Sawka and another resident made rude comments toward the mayor's wife and daughter, who were seated in the room.

Sawka can be seen gesturing toward the back of the room before making an obscene gesture toward Bianchini, shortly before the mayor charged at him.

"Was it wrong? Absolutely. Was it justified? Absolutely. And I would do it again if I had to," Bianchini said.

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He added, "Don't attack my family."

Sawka denied making comments directed at Bianchini's family and said he remained seated during the confrontation.

"I'm just sitting there. I never got up. I sat there the whole time. I was calm the whole time," he told WPVI.

Sawka filed a municipal court complaint Thursday seeking assault and terroristic threats charges against Bianchini, according to WPVI.

Police have not said whether they will pursue charges. Fox News Digital has reached out to Pemberton Township police for comment.

The Pemberton Township Democratic Club responded to the confrontation by saying the township deserves leaders who can "stay composed and professional" and urged residents to participate in the upcoming election, in which Bianchini is seeking to retain his position.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the mayor's office for comment.

Illegal alien with former DACA status accused in Iwo Jima statue attack: sources

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:00:14 -0400

The man arrested for allegedly using a sledgehammer to behead a Marine figure on an Iwo Jima monument near Quantico, Virginia, is a Mexican illegal alien and former Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who lost his status this year, federal sources told Fox News.

Miguel Alonso Maldonado Soriano, 27, was charged with felony destruction of property, trespass with intent to damage property and felony injury to a monument.

"This criminal illegal alien’s dream is over: Maldonado Soriano disrespected our brave service members and defaced a beautiful monument that honored their sacrifice," White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement to Fox News. "President Trump has secured our border and is deporting illegal criminals who hate our country and our values. The socialist Democrats want to go back to open borders and flood our communities with dangerous criminal illegal aliens."

According to federal sources, Maldonado Soriano illegally crossed into the U.S. in December 1999. He was granted DACA by the Obama administration in 2014. It was recently extended by the Biden administration in 2024. Maldonado Soriano then lost his DACA status in August 2026 because it was not renewed by the Trump administration.

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Officers with the Prince William County Police Department first responded to the incident at about 10:13 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Maldonado Soriano was allegedly striking the monument with a sledgehammer when officers arrived.

Authorities said Maldonado Soriano was arrested after officers discovered extensive damage to the limestone sculpture, which commemorates one of the most recognizable moments in American military history.

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The damage included the complete removal of one Marine's head, along with damage to other figures depicted raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, according to authorities.

Images of the damaged monument show the figure farthest to the right missing its head, while another Marine has visible gouges across his helmet and face, police told Fox News Digital.

A third figure sustained damage to a bayonet attached to a gun slung over his back. Police estimated the damage would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair.

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The damaged statue is a 9-foot limestone depiction of the iconic World War II flag-raising on Mount Suribachi during the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima.

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It was sculpted by Felix de Weldon, who later created the massive bronze Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

The smaller monument stands near the entrance to Marine Corps Base Quantico near the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Quantico, a major Marine Corps installation in northern Virginia, has served as a center for military training and education for generations.

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In 2001, portions of the installation were listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Quantico Marine Corps Base Historic District, encompassing 122 buildings, two landscapes, a sculpture and a water tower.

Maldonado Soriano is being held without bond, and a court date has not yet been announced.

Bears fans don Mike Ditka's famous mustache as franchise legend honored at first home game since death

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:25:17 -0400

For the first time since he passed away on Oct. 9, the Chicago Bears held a home game at Soldier Field, and it didn’t kick off until they honored their legendary coach on Thursday night.

Ditka, a Pro Football Hall of Famer as a tight end and a beloved Bears coach, died at age 86, and it hit the entire city of Chicago hard.

With their first home game back, it was expected that many Bears faithful would honor their former coach with his signature sweater, glasses and mustache combo.

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In fact, the Bears were handing out fake mustaches for fans to wear during the game – an ode to the most iconic facial hair in the city.

As fans showcased their love for Ditka with their attire and more, a moment of silence was held for him before kickoff.

"Tonight, we remember Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end and coach of the 1985 Super Bowl-champion Chicago Bears. Tough, strong and fearless, ‘Iron Mike’ will always belong to the Bears," the PA announcer said over the speakers.

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Before he led the Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1985, he was a Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys as a player. But he was drafted by the Bears in 1961, becoming the first modern receiving tight end, while also being the first tight end selected to the Hall of Fame.

He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1961, while making five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1961-65. He was also a five-time All-Pro.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," a statement from his family earlier this month read. "While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.

"Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."

After his illustrious playing career came to an end, Ditka worked his way into the head coaching role with the Bears, and he embodied everything the city and fan base was known for: no-nonsense, strong-willed people that showcased toughness and grit no matter the circumstances.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka," the Bears said in a statement. "Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable.

"His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations. We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka."

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Ditka may, sadly, be gone, but his impact on the game, especially in Chicago, will live on forever.

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Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton moved to tears after long-awaited return from Achilles injury

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:18:05 -0400

Nearly 500 days had passed since Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton last played in a regular-season NBA game. On Wednesday, the two-time All-Star made his long-awaited return, scoring 23 points to help Indiana secure a 123-120 season-opening victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Haliburton was sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder went on to win the championship that year.

During Wednesday’s on-court postgame interview, the conversation took an emotional turn as Haliburton reflected on his long road back to the hardwood.

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Asked about his performance in the season opener and how much fun he had playing with his teammates, Haliburton became visibly emotional.

"It means a lot to be back out here," Haliburton said as he fought back tears.

"We've got a lot to pick up, the second quarter wasn't good. But, we're battle-tested so we finished this game the right way. Just really proud of this group."

Haliburton added: "... I’m just really thankful to be back out here."

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Haliburton came through in the closing minutes, making a key play that put the Pacers ahead for good after they had trailed by as many as 10 points.

Haliburton was particularly productive in the final quarter Wednesday, scoring 16 of his 23 points in that period.

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The Pacers experienced a significant drop-off without their star guard last season, finishing with just 19 wins. That was a far cry from the team that had come within one victory of winning an NBA championship the year before.

With Haliburton back, Indiana expects to contend in a competitive Eastern Conference. The Pacers host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday for their home opener.

Far-left podcaster calls for 'pistols firing' toward JD Vance, defeating him in 2028

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:52:02 -0400

Podcaster Jennifer Welch called for the defeat of Vice President JD Vance and urged people to keep "pistols firing" toward him, drawing criticism on social media Tuesday.

During a recent segment on the "I’ve Had It" podcast, Welch condemned Vance, arguing that, during his "woke era," he married second lady Usha Vance, an Indian American, and had children but now views his family as a burden as he seeks to portray himself as President Donald Trump's successor as leader of the MAGA movement.

"I don't know what Peter Thiel did to him. I can only imagine," she said of the billionaire megadonor who has been a longtime benefactor of Vance. "You can only imagine.

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"But he came out a complete antichrist-style sociopath," Welch continued.

"And considering that's all Peter Thiel talks about, the antichrist, when he himself acts like one and now his little protégé acts like one. JD Vance thinks two years from now he's going to be president of the United States, and we need to keep firing, pistols firing at all time towards this guy, because he is not fit to be a father.

"He's not fit to be a husband. He's not fit to be a vice president.

"He is a failed drag queen and a pathological liar to his core," she added. "And if he wants to inherit this cult, let him have it. Let him have it. And we will go to the polls and kick their a----."

The segment was widely shared on social media, drawing criticism from commentators.

Political rhetoric invoking violence, even when used metaphorically, has faced heightened scrutiny after the assassination attempts against President Donald Trump and the 2025 killing of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.

Shortly after Kirk’s death in 2025, Welch laughed on her podcast as she shared footage of a "No Kings" protester celebrating Kirk’s death, adding that Democrats needed to cater to such voters going forward.

"So, listen up, Democratic establishment," Welch had said on her podcast. "You can either jump on board with this s---, or we're coming after you in the same way that we come after MAGA. Period."

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Elizabeth Pipko, host of "Made in America with Elizabeth Pipko" and a former Republican National Committee national spokesperson, spoke to Fox News Digital about the viral clip.

"The use of the word 'pistols' and the suggestion that people need to keep firing them at Vice President JD Vance is not just horrific and dangerous. It's the kind of rhetoric that raises serious questions about whether a threat has been made and whether authorities may need to investigate," Pipko said.

"But what makes these comments particularly disturbing is the context surrounding them," she continued. "Normally, when a public figure is condemned for inflammatory language, there's an argument that emotions got the better of them, that their words were taken out of context and that they never intended to suggest violence. Here, the rest of the statement strongly suggests otherwise.

"Jennifer Welch’s words show she knew what she was doing and saying and is proud of that, regardless of any potential risk to the vice president or his family," Pipko added. "And, frankly, I don't know where anyone finds the arrogance or cruelty to tell someone who they don’t know personally that they're unfit to be a husband or a father.

"Political disagreements are one thing. This is vile. You don't have to like JD Vance. You don't have to agree with a single policy he supports," she said.

"But condemning language that invokes violence against him should be the easiest thing in the world. And I sincerely hope that anyone on the left who encounters her or these comments chooses to speak out."

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The White House, Vance’s team and Peter Thiel did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.

World Series champion Mitch Garver retires from baseball at 35

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:42:14 -0400

World Series champion Mitch Garver has announced his retirement from baseball at age 35.

Garver played for the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners during his 10-season major league career. He confirmed his retirement to MLB.com in a text message.

The Albuquerque native spent the first five seasons of his career with the Twins. The catcher and designated hitter won a Silver Slugger Award in 2019 when he hit 31 home runs, drove in 67 runs and posted an impressive .995 OPS.

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In 2022, Garver was traded to the Rangers and became a key contributor to their 2023 World Series championship team. During the 2023 postseason , Garver played in 14 games, hitting .226 with three home runs and 14 RBI.

Following his postseason success, Garver signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Mariners. At the time, it was the richest contract Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto had ever handed out. First baseman Josh Naylor set a new high mark with his five-year, $92.5 million contract last offseason.

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Garver struggled offensively in Seattle compared with his time in Texas and was relegated to a backup role behind catcher Cal Raleigh. Despite no longer being a starter, Garver remained an important clubhouse presence and helped Raleigh during his record-setting 2025 season.

The Mariners released Garver in August, and he signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees but never appeared in a major league game for the team.

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In 701 games, Garver had a career batting average of .229 with 110 home runs and 324 RBI.

Knicks superfans name their newborn 'Knickson Fyve' to honor historic NBA championship run

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:43:11 -0400

The New York Knicks raised their first NBA title banner in 53 years on Tuesday night before tipping off their 2026-27 season, and we were all reminded of just how much this championship meant to the city of New York.

For one family, the championship was so impactful, it inspired the name of their firstborn son.

Yvonne Gonzalez-Bradford and her husband Vance were expecting their son when the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games during the NBA Finals this summer, capping a run of destiny in the best way possible – ending a 53-year title drought for a city that has been waiting forever to celebrate them again.

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The historic moment ultimately led the Bradfords down a path of names, and they settled on one: Knickson Fyve Bradford.

The Bradfords spoke with TODAY.com about the name choice, saying they already had Prestige Wisdom in place if the baby were a boy, and Lady Victoria if it were a girl.

But the Knicks changed everything.

"You know how when something happens so well in your favor, you don’t want to jinx it?" Vance said. "I was just like, ‘Yep! Absolutely. That’s it!"

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Knickson was the first time, but Fyve as the middle name brought together the "Knicks in Five" slogan this fan base rallied around after they defeated the Spurs in five games.

Knickson was born on Aug. 8, weighing a healthy eight pounds, eight ounces. And for Yvonne, he was born on her birthday.

"We wanted to have a very strong and firm name that would lead to a cool life," Vance told the outlet. "Knickson Fyve is definitely our motto, Knickson Fyve forever!"

It’s also worth noting the Bradford family has a strong Knicks connection, with Vance’s mother being a scorekeeper for the 1972-73 Knicks. They went on to win the NBA title that season as well – and it remained the last time New York hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy before this group, led by Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, got the job done.

Brunson spoke to a sold-out, emotional Madison Square Garden crowd on Tuesday night before facing LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers, thanking the crowd and the Knicks fans at home for their support throughout the playoff run.

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Well, he and his teammates have one new supporter who has no choice but to be a Knicks fan for life now that his name is attached to franchise history.

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Teen dies after falling from moving carnival ride as questions mount over safety

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:42:09 -0400

A festive evening in Baja California Sur turned tragic this week when an 18-year-old woman plunged to the ground from an amusement park ride while it was in motion, triggering a criminal investigation and the replacement of the city's civil protection chief, local outlet Expreso reported.

Gabriela Rodríguez Tezoco was riding an attraction called "El Péndulo" ("The Pendulum") at the Cabo San Lucas Traditional Fiestas when she was somehow ejected from her seat while the machine was running as onlookers stood nearby.

Emergency personnel, including state investigators and municipal police, rushed to the scene to administer first aid to the young woman, the outlet reported.

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She was evacuated by ambulance to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving, according to local reports.

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce that the young woman who was injured in the incident that occurred in the mechanical attractions area of the Cabo San Lucas Traditional Festivals, and who was immediately transferred for medical attention, lost her life despite the efforts of the health personnel," the Los Cabos city council said in a Spanish statement, according to a translation.

The fatal accident has sparked administrative fallout.

Local officials announced the removal of the head of the Municipal Directorate of Civil Protection and Risk Management, according to Mexican news outlets including Opinión Sonora.

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An interim director was installed to ensure that investigators have unfettered access to the department's files, safety protocols and operational permits, Expreso reported.

Fox News Digital reached out to the local mayor's office, Baja California Sur Public Security and the Los Cabos Transparency Office for additional details.

The Baja California Sur State Attorney General’s Office (PGJE) has launched a formal probe to determine liability, local outlets reported.

Forensic experts in engineering and architecture are currently examining the amusement park ride to verify if it met safety standards, Expreso reported.

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As of the middle of this week, authorities had not named the ride's operators or made any arrests.

In the immediate aftermath of the fall, Los Cabos Mayor Christian Agúndez ordered the total suspension of "El Péndulo" and mandated a preventative safety inspection of all other attractions at the fairground, the same outlet said.

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Speaking to a concert crowd at the festival later that same evening, Agúndez urged the community to rally around the grieving family. He pledged municipal support, local news sources reported.

"Today, with the same spirit with which we come together to celebrate, we must come together to support Gabriela's family. It could have been any one of us. You are not alone," the mayor of Los Cabos said.

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Rodríguez Tezoco was a 2026 high school graduate, according to reports.

Kelly McGreal of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

NYC votes to end nearly 170-year-old horse carriage tradition as Trump blasts ban, drivers threaten lawsuit

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:32:56 -0400

The New York City Council voted Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriages by June 2028, moving to end a nearly 170-year tradition after the death of a teenager in Central Park and prompting threats of legal action from carriage drivers.

The council voted 40-7, with two abstentions, to approve Romanch's Law, named after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died in June after being thrown from a runaway carriage in Central Park.

The legislation would phase out the industry by June 1, 2028, while requiring Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration to develop a transition program for more than 150 active carriage drivers and other workers.

The plan would include job training, career counseling and employment referrals, although financial compensation is not guaranteed.

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President Donald Trump weighed in on the decision Thursday, criticizing the move to eliminate one of New York City's longtime tourist attractions.

"The Horse-drawn Carriage in New York City is a quintessential New York experience. So sad that, for political reasons, we will see it go!" he wrote on Truth Social.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents carriage industry workers, threatened to challenge the ban in federal court and seek a temporary restraining order. Union representatives accused City Council Speaker Julie Menin of failing to adequately consult drivers whose livelihoods are at stake.

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Opponents argued the city had failed to establish a concrete financial plan for drivers and carriage owners. An effort to delay the phaseout until January 2030 failed before the final vote.

Menin defended the legislation Thursday, saying the council had strengthened worker protections and was prepared for a legal fight.

"We're very confident in the legislation. That's why we took the time to work over the summer on the legislation," she said at a news conference.

"We made changes to legislation to beef up worker protection. We are very confident in defending this law and will vigorously defend it. I've already talked to Steve Banks about it and our team, and we will vigorously defend this law."

Animal rights group PETA also celebrated the vote, pledging $50,000 to help carriage horses retire as the industry winds down.

The Central Park Conservancy celebrated the decision, arguing that horse-drawn carriages pose growing safety risks in a park that welcomes roughly 40 million visits annually.

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"In the modern era, carriages pose a serious — and even fatal — safety risk to park visitors, carriage drivers and the horses themselves. Our hearts break for the family of Romanch Mahajan, who stepped into a carriage earlier this summer and never thought he might lose his life," the organization wrote in a press release.

The Conservancy said Mahajan's death was the ninth carriage-related incident in just over a year.

The legislation also includes protections intended to prevent retired carriage horses from being sold for slaughter, while allowing owners to keep their animals.

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The bill now heads to Mamdani, who has expressed support for ending the industry. If signed, it would bring an end to a decades-long political battle over one of New York City's most recognizable tourist attractions.

NFL fines three head coaches $250,000 for their conduct toward officials: report

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:25:25 -0400

Getting angry with officials can cost coaches on the field — and off it, too.

The NFL fined New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn and Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni $250,000 each for their conduct toward officials, according to Sports Illustrated. The fines are being held in abeyance, meaning they could be waived if the coaches demonstrate good behavior, according to the report.

It is unclear whether the fines stemmed from specific incidents or a pattern of conduct by the coaches.

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In Week 4, Vrabel was flagged after expressing his displeasure with an official's call.

"I told him it was a terrible — I’m not going to say effing — call," Vrabel said after the game. "I’ve said that 87 times since I’ve been a head coach. It was nothing derogatory. You’d have to ask him. I think he was a little sensitive."

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Officials have also made headlines this season, as the NFL disciplined two officials for their conduct in Week 5. Line judge Jeff Seeman was fined for apparently cursing at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.

Referee Adrian Hill was suspended for one game for unprofessional conduct toward Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson.

Wilson was pushed into Hill by a Miami Dolphins player after the play was blown dead, knocking the referee to the ground. Wilson offered to help Hill up, but the referee jumped to his feet, pointed at Wilson and yelled at him to get away.

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"That was funny, honestly," Wilson told reporters in the Vikings' locker room, according to ESPN. "I ended up apologizing to him and explained the situation. He was cool about it. He understood what was going on. He just said he didn't want us fighting, me and (Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II). He said he was just trying to break us up."

The NFL hopes to prevent further incidents involving coaches and officials from becoming distractions for the remainder of the season.

Erika Kirk rips 'absurd' 2029 trial timeline for Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:24:52 -0400

Erika Kirk is urging a judge to reject a defense proposal that would push the trial of her husband's accused killer into 2029, asking the court to set a trial date in 2027.

In a new court filing obtained by Fox News, Kirk's legal team blasted the defense's proposed timeline as "grossly out of line" with comparable cases, asking the court to schedule the trial for the earliest practicable date in 2027.

Kirk's team also argued that prolonged delays would deepen the emotional toll on the Kirk family, particularly Charlie Kirk's two young children, and cited a report that Robinson's defense had already cost taxpayers approximately $1.6 million in its first year.

"Every additional day of delay carries the weight of all that Charlie's murder has taken from his family, especially his two young children who were just three and one year old when their father was murdered and would be seven and five years old by the time a verdict is handed down under the Defense's proposed schedule," the filing reads.

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Kirk's attorneys cited Utah law guaranteeing crime victims the right to a speedy disposition of charges without unwarranted delay. They also asked the court to require monthly progress reports or status conferences and to consider the family's interests before granting scheduling extensions.

Tyler Robinson's defense team proposed a tentative trial start date in the third quarter of 2029, arguing that setting a firm date now would create "false precision" and could jeopardize Robinson's constitutional rights in a death penalty case, where, as the defense noted, "death is different."

The defense cited pretrial motions it plans to file through 2029, the volume of evidence still awaiting review and the complexities of jury selection as reasons for the proposed timeline.

"From the point of view of defense counsel, appointment to a capital case brings with it a slew of responsibilities that apply in no other context," the defense memorandum states.

JUDGE ALLOWS CAMERAS IN CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION CASE, DELAYS PRELIMINARY HEARING

Robinson's attorneys argue that they must review evidence related to both guilt and potential sentencing before trial and that additional evidence is still being processed, making it premature to establish a firm trial date.

"It will create unrealistic expectations for the public and the victim's representative, it may cause counsel for both parties to give short shrift to constitutionally required activities, it may rush this Court to deliberate upon and enter rulings on important and complex pretrial motions, and it may jeopardize Mr. Robinson's right to a capital proceeding that has the utmost reliability," the defense states.

While prosecutors expect to be ready for trial by Oct. 4, 2027, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey S. Gray argued that beginning the trial in October would mean proceedings would stretch through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

TYLER ROBINSON ASKS FOR MORE SECRET HEARINGS AFTER LOSING FIGHT OVER CAMERAS IN COURT

"The State therefore proposes that the Court schedule the trial to begin January 31, 2028," the prosecution's memorandum states.

Prosecutors estimate the trial would take approximately 17 weeks, while Robinson's defense team anticipates proceedings lasting six to seven months.

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In September 2026, Robinson, 23, was ordered to stand trial on seven charges, including aggravated murder, in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University Sept. 10, 2025.

Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted.

DOJ opens investigation into Trump ally Corey Lewandowski

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:03:37 -0400

The Justice Department (DOJ) has launched an investigation into longtime Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News.

The probe stems from a criminal referral sent to the Justice Department by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general, marking a legal escalation for the high-profile political figure.

Asked about the inquiry by reporters outside the White House, President Donald Trump said he wants his staff held accountable and that he had "heard something about it."

"All I know is I want my people to be honest," Trump said.

TRUMP'S NEW PRESS SECRETARY OUT OF A JOB JUST DAYS AFTER ROCKY DEBUT

"If they're not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted," Trump warned, adding that dishonesty amounts to "stealing from me as president."

"They are stealing from me. So, I want my people to be honest. And if they're not honest, I'll have my DOJ go and do whatever they have to do."

OBAMA-APPOINTED JUDGE AT CENTER OF TRUMP'S ANTI-WEAPONIZATION FUND CASE HIT WITH MISCONDUCT CLAIM

Lewandowski is a longtime political ally of Trump who previously served as an advisor to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

He also served as Trump's first campaign manager during the 2016 presidential race before being fired that June.

Lewandowski stayed close to Trump, also serving as a senior advisor during his 2020 and 2024 campaigns.

'WORST OF THE WORST' JUDGES ARE SABOTAGING TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION AGENDA, TOP DHS OFFICIAL SAYS

After The Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justice was reviewing allegations of corruption and personal financial gain involving Corey Lewandowski, he said on X that the report was "another example of the kind of anonymous-source, politically driven reporting that Americans have seen time and again."

Lewandowski added he was proud of his work as a volunteer in "advancing this administration's agenda and (remains) confident that the facts and not anonymous accusations will ultimately speak for themselves."

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A representative for Lewandowski told The Wall Street Journal he has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denied any wrongdoing.

Michigan paper declares it won't seek comment from Mike Rogers due to 'lies and bigoted attacks' on El-Sayed

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:00:52 -0400

A Michigan newspaper declared Wednesday it will no longer seek comment from the campaign of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over what it described as his "lies and bigoted attacks" against his Democratic rival, Abdul El-Sayed.

"For the first time in @metrotimes history, we’re no longer seeking comment from a candidate’s campaign because of repeated lies and bigoted attacks," Detroit Metro Times investigative reporter Steve Neavling announced on X.

"That candidate is Mike Rogers, whose campaign keeps targeting Abdul El-Sayed’s Muslim faith."

MIKE ROGERS PRESSES CNN'S DANA BASH ON WHY THE PRESS IS 'EAGER' TO DEFEND ABDUL EL-SAYED

Neavling accused Rogers of lying when the Republican asserted that El-Sayed hasn't disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood, pointing to the Democrat telling a town hall audience member, "Sure, yeah, absolutely" earlier in the week when asked to denounce the organization, and for suggesting El-Sayed believes "America deserved 9/11," a statement made by El-Sayed's prominent supporter, left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.

Neavling also accused Rogers of having "inflated" his counterterrorism résumé, specifically about his role in the operation targeting Osama bin Laden.

"When Metro Times asked about those claims for its Oct. 8 report, Rogers’ campaign declined to answer specific questions. It instead defended his record and repeated an unfounded allegation that El-Sayed received money from terrorist organizations," Neavling wrote in a report.

EL-SAYED, ROGERS CLASH OVER MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD, TRUMP AND GUNS: 5 FIERY DEBATE MOMENTS

Neavling's article "counted the ways" Rogers allegedly lied about El-Sayed on a range of topics.

"Rogers has attacked El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health director, over public safety, women’s health, and Michigan’s auto industry. His own record includes opposing additional police funding, backing proposed cuts to women’s health services, and voting against measures intended to steer work to U.S. manufacturers," Neavling wrote.

During the Democratic Senate primary in July, El-Sayed was questioned about referring to himself as a "physician" because, although he has a medical degree, he is not licensed to practice medicine.

CBS BOSS FUELS LEFT-WING UPROAR AMID REPORT SHE URGED STAFF TO PROBE ALLEGED EL-SAYED, MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD TIES

"His campaign has claimed El-Sayed wants to ban gas-powered vehicles," Neavling continued. "Bridge Michigan found that El-Sayed had supported the Green New Deal’s clean energy goals but had not directly advocated such a ban. During the July primary debate, El-Sayed opposed an electric vehicle mandate and said Michigan should continue producing internal combustion engines while developing EV infrastructure.

"Rogers once promoted the move away from gasoline as an opportunity for Michigan workers," Neavling added. "In an August 2008 message to constituents, he praised the Chevrolet Volt and described a future in which ‘clean, green cars run for hundreds of miles without using gasoline.’"

Neither the Rogers campaign nor the Detroit Metro Times responded to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.

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El-Sayed's denial that neither he nor his family had any ties to the Muslim Brotherhood came under scrutiny last week after social media posts surfaced in which his half-sister alleged that members of their family, including their mother, had been involved with the controversial Islamist group.

Charles Barkley jokingly warns 'Inside the NBA' crew about Shaquille O'Neal's FBI connection

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:00:40 -0400

The NBA season may be only two days old, but Charles Barkley already appears to be in midseason form. During the first hour of Wednesday night’s "NBA Tip-Off" pregame show, Barkley appeared to surprise host Ernie Johnson with an unexpected revelation about Shaquille O’Neal.

Barkley suggested that O’Neal knows FBI Director Kash Patel, delivering the comment so casually that the entire "Inside the NBA" crew broke into laughter.

"Hey, Kenny. Should we be standing this close to Shaq?" Barkley asked.

CHARLES BARKLEY WEIGHS IN ON THE FRICTION IN THE 'MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL' BROADCAST BOOTH

Fellow NBA analyst Kenny Smith responded: "Why is that?"

"He’s been hanging out with Kash Patel," Barkley explained. "That’s dangerous."

"Oh!! Oh! Oh, I didn’t know you were gonna be going there," Johnson said. "But I should have known you would."

"Alright, Chuck," O’Neal replied as he continued to laugh. "Alright, Chuck."

For more than three decades, Ernie Johnson has hosted "Inside the NBA," which originates from a television studio in Atlanta. Two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith joined the show in 1998, Barkley came aboard in 2000 and O’Neal became a permanent fixture in 2011.

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"I got your back, big fella," Barkley said. "We can hang out with who the hell we want to."

Barkley was hinting to Patel’s decision in September to name O’Neal an honorary FBI special agent.

"This session is historic – FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country -Shaq- who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent," Patel wrote on Sept. 17, in a post to X.

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL TROLLS CHARLES BARKLEY DURING HIS LSU MASTER'S DEGREE GRADUATION CEREMONY

During his graduation ceremony, O’Neal joked that Barkley could be his first arrest. "Some of you will go back to your regular jobs, some of you will go to specialized training," O’Neal said in a speech to the graduating class.

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"Some of you will go do what I do, be undercover. Well, I was undercover… But I just wanna say I appreciate you guys so much. Congratulations. I am not here for this; I am here for you… And if you see Charles Barkley, arrest him."

Parker McCollum recalls how a snapping ZYN can nearly spooked his biggest whitetail buck ever

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:57:26 -0400

Parker McCollum has spent years chasing big whitetail bucks with his bow. And when the opportunity of a lifetime finally presented itself earlier this month, he almost blew it … because of a can of ZYN.

The country star joined OutKick OutDoors this week and enthusiastically recounted the story of a massive buck he harvested in northern Oklahoma on just the second day of archery season.

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"I've been bowhunting for so long, and to finally have that kind of encounter with that caliber of a deer was just my 'finally' moment," McCollum said. "So rare for that to go down the way it did."

The funny part is that he wasn't even particularly excited about this buck when he'd seen it on his trail cameras. There were a couple of other deer in the area that had really caught his attention.

But trail-camera photos apparently didn't do this particular buck justice.

McCollum was sitting in his stand on Oct. 2 when the deer suddenly appeared directly beneath him. Unfortunately, the singer happened to be reaching for a ZYN at that exact moment.

"This mature, heavy-horned deer walks right underneath my stand, and I was putting a ZYN in," he recalled. "I was closing the can right as I saw him."

Watch Parker McCollum's entire interview with OutKick OutDoors here:

The buck heard the plastic can snap shut and stopped.

"I'm like, oh no," McCollum recalled. "Thinking, you know, he's about to bust ass out of here."

Fortunately, the buck didn't bolt. But the ZYN incident wasn't the only thing that threatened to derail McCollum's hunt. What followed were several nerve-racking minutes of trying to get into position for a shot without spooking the deer.

At one point, he even managed to hit his elbow against the tree while drawing his bow.

"I'm feeling it. My heart's racing. The whole deal is going," McCollum said. "And in my mind, I'm like, 'This is the encounter you have been waiting for.'"

COUNTRY STAR ELLA LANGLEY ONLY WANTS ONE THING — AND IT'S A BIG, 'BEEFY' WHITETAIL BUCK

Fortunately for McCollum, the story has a happy ending. He made a clean shot and recovered a buck that turned out to be even more impressive than he'd imagined.

"I've never shot a deer that I underestimated that much and was surprised by that much," he said. "It was phenomenal."

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And while McCollum is heading overseas with Cody Johnson this weekend for his first UK and Ireland tour, he's already counting down the days until he can get back in the stand.

Here's hoping he can keep that ZYN can quiet next time.

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Netflix faces turmoil as Greta Gerwig's $280 million 'Narnia' movie looks headed for disaster

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:42:00 -0400

Hollywood just can't help itself.

The entertainment industry has been in turmoil recently, thanks to a string of inconsistencies. While there have been notable outliers, films that were both critically and commercially successful, there's a much longer list of movies that have failed.

Disney's "The Marvels" was a financial disaster, as was "Madame Web," "The Flash," "Lightyear," the atrocious live-action "Snow White" movie, and of course, 2026's "Supergirl."

'SUPERGIRL' SUFFERS CATASTROPHIC 73% DROP, GETS OBLITERATED AT BOX OFFICE BY PATRIOTIC 'YOUNG WASHINGTON'

Massive financial losses. A dramatic decrease in audience trust and consumer interest in many entertainment industry projects. There are varying reasons for each, but most have one thing in common: Hollywood doesn't understand audiences or the material they're making, and they're committed to putting their political beliefs and ideology above competence.

Based on the early returns from one of Netflix's biggest and most expensive projects, the once-dominant streaming service is soon to release one of its own. And as with many other Hollywood mistakes, it was easily avoidable.

Several years ago, in 2023, news broke that Netflix hired director Greta Gerwig to make at least two films based on the legendary C.S. Lewis book series, "The Chronicles of Narnia." This announcement came after Gerwig's latest film, "Barbie," became a box office phenomenon during and after the "Barbenheimer" weekend.

Filming on "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew" started in 2025 and wrapped up in time for the first trailer to hit the internet this October ahead of a 2027 theatrical release. To say that the first trailer has been poorly received would be a dramatic understatement.

Several sites have reported that browser extensions showing YouTube "dislikes" found that it's racked up over 65,000 such ratings, though there have been positive reactions too. A quick watch of the preview, and some background on Gerwig and her take on "Narnia" explains why.

First, the trailer itself looks, well, awful. Special effects and visuals look like something out of a Marvel movie, overblown, obviously fake, and far too modern for the world that most fans of the book series imagine. To drive home the point that this would be for "modern audiences," the studio and creative team chose Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" to play over the visuals. Nothing says: "A story written in the 1950s set at the turn of the century and during the early years of World War II in the late 1930's-early 1940s," like Led Zeppelin.

Second, Gerwig's preferred version of the story seems to purposefully remove the underlying meaning of it, of Lewis' work and the religious influence behind it. In an interview published in 2018, for example, Gerwig said that while she goes to church, she's "uncomfortable" with "Jesus is my lord and savior" talk, adding that she finds it "creepy."

Lewis, of course, famously converted to Christianity and the Narnia stories contain obvious Christian imagery and symbolism. Including the character of "Aslan," a representation of Jesus Christ. Aslan in this film will be voiced by Meryl Streep, a confusing choice, to say the least. Then the trailer depicted The Eagle and Child, the pub where Lewis and author J.R.R. Tolkien met to discuss writing and their stories, being destroyed by the villain in the film. Some interpreted that as a purposeful nod to the audience that this wouldn't be a faithful retelling of the story.

And why would it be, when Gerwig's filmography is littered with one specific ideology: feminism.

The message of Gerwig's "Barbie" had as much subtlety as throwing a brick through a window. The real world is an oppressive patriarchy, while the Kens taking over in the Barbie world is an abject disaster that must be fixed by the Barbies returning to rule their fictional world.

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Her adaptation of "Little Women" was similarly obvious in its goals, eschewing Jo's marriage from the novel because Gerwig thought it better represented Louisa May Alcott's vision.

There's nothing wrong with Gerwig making films that align with her worldview. The issue is that the Narnia story doesn't, and as we've seen over time, forcing ideology into movies where it doesn't belong simply does not work. While she's maintained that she's a devoted, life-long fan of the stories and Lewis himself, the trailer looked like it came from someone who's never thought about them, let alone understood them. Even worse for Netflix? They gave her a reported $250 million budget, at least, to make it.

At the time, Gerwig was the hottest filmmaker in the business, thanks to the runaway financial success of "Barbie." But throwing that much money at a director who wants to put a modern ideological spin on every movie she makes? It's insane.

And it's clear that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has seen the writing on the wall.

While there are likely other factors at work beyond just "Narnia" being a potential financial failure, Netflix this week went on a stunning spree of removing top film executives. After a decade there, Sarandos fired Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria. Then Dan Lin, their now-former head of film, and his top lieutenant, Doug Belgrad.

Netflix is famously ruthless, but these are not decisions made on the spur of the moment, and it hints at broader problems within their film division. Years of poor quality content and politically motivated projects have taken their toll on subscriber growth. Problems that would only be exacerbated if "Narnia" flops.

It's been rumored that the film was subjected to extensive reshoots after dismal test scores at screenings over the summer. Rumors that seem likely to be true, given Netflix pushed the release date back from late 2026 to February 2027. Hardly a time for a blockbuster, $250 million+ movie. Now the first trailer's been greeted with a surge of negative reactions and disappointment. As it always would, given Gerwig's specific penchant for storytelling and inability to remove her own biases. Fittingly, Gerwig discussed the movie with of all people, Stephen Colbert, at a recent exclusive IMAX preview.

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"Narnia" might turn out to be better than expected. Maybe the Streep casting as Aslan won't be the distraction many feared. Maybe Gerwig didn't pour her predictable beliefs into a story that can't accommodate them. Or the off-putting fever dream visuals might be less prevalent than the trailer makes them look.

But given the test screenings, her track record and the visuals, it's hard to give her the benefit of the doubt. If audiences don't either, it'll be the latest in a long series of predictable financial failures from Hollywood. And as always, it's their own fault.

Are the Miami Hurricanes about to start the surge of college football teams going independent?

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:41:52 -0400

As is so often the case with modern college football, it seems like the decision to move to a 24-team College Football Playoff was made without thinking through potential long-term side effects.

While the endless search for more money throughout the sport is justifiable, given the increasing costs of fielding a competitive coaching staff and roster, the conferences that pushed the 24-team format through may not have fully considered the obvious implications. One of which is the necessary end of conference championship games.

In decades past, winning the Big Ten, ACC or SEC meant something. Both for the teams and their fanbases, and for poll voters who helped determine bowl selections. But in this new era, with a massive tournament field, if conference championships are meaningless, it raises a number of other questions. Namely, why should conferences even exist?

THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF IS SACRIFICING ITS SOUL TO BE AN ATM FOR CONFERENCES WITH EXPANSION TO 24 TEAMS

Theoretically, conferences are designed to create regional groupings, making travel and scheduling easier. In reality, as the modern ACC and Big Ten have demonstrated, they now exist mostly to make negotiating group media rights easier. There's no reason for UCLA and Rutgers to be in the same conference, other than a collective desire to increase their media value. Or Stanford and the Miami Hurricanes.

But with the 24-team playoff in place, a whole new world of possibilities could now be available. Chief among them, independence and the advantages that it offers. Why share television revenue with other schools? Why essentially give away your flexibility with scheduling? Notre Dame has more flexibility than anyone, and their schedule in 2026 gives them a tremendous leg up in the race for a 12-team playoff over, say, SEC teams playing much tougher opponents week in and week out.

In a new interview with Yahoo Sports! and Ross Dellenger, University of Miami president Joe Echevarria was very forthcoming about his interest in leaving the ACC and the potential opportunity to go independent.

"We are proud members of the ACC," he told Dellenger. "If the economics were even, we wouldn't be having any of these conversations. Thing is, we sit in the second tier. It's a reason we don't get a vote on the 24-team playoff and the Big Ten and SEC do."

One provision in the endlessly shifting Protect College Sports Act would prevent teams from switching conferences without going independent for several years. Echevarria strongly prefers that provision removed, to put it mildly, "You cannot lock us into a conference," he explained.

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The Big Ten and SEC already shell out around $25 million more per team than the ACC does, which could increase significantly in just a few years when those conferences are able to negotiate new deals. If the ACC continues to fall behind, it could put Miami at a major competitive disadvantage relative to peer institutions. So would the Hurricanes go independent? Echevarria didn't shy away from the possibility, through brought up that it presents challenges for other, non-football sports.

"If we have to go independent, I like our chances because we are a national brand," he said. "I wouldn't like to do that because scheduling [other sports] is really tough. It's great for football but what about track, volleyball and the golf team?"

Still, as we've seen, conferences have been willing to figure out scheduling challenges in other sports. USC plays Penn State in other, non-football sports, even though it makes little sense and comes with immense travel difficulties. Miami now has a conference rivalry with the Cal Bears. If streaming services, television networks, or other sports broadcasters are willing to shell out more money for television rights for independent programs, and conference championships are now meaningless, what's to stop big brands from Miami from following Notre Dame's example?

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And if they start the trend, how many others will follow?

Would programs like Alabama, Georgia and Texas bolt as opposed to sentencing themselves to the rigors of an SEC schedule for little reward? Or Ohio State and Michigan? Or USC?

As always, once conference realignment started, it seemed inevitable that the future would some sort of breakaway college football league. 64 teams, or whatever the number is, of the top programs competing against each other, ensuring that most games would pair a relatively big name against another. Which would mean a smaller playoff again, a far more popular configuration with fans anyway, and the potential for even more media revenue thanks to higher-profile matchups. With Group of Six teams left behind.

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Once again, the desire to push relentlessly ahead toward more revenue might backfire for the major conferences, as teams like Miami question the need to remain in the ACC. Though it would be ironic if the 24-team playoff winds up being the straw that broke the camel's back when it comes to maintaining the conference structure.

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That's modern college football for you.

Bills safety CJ Gardner-Johnson's suspension upheld for 'inexcusable' spitting incident, NFL announces

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:37:03 -0400

Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson's one-game suspension for spitting at an opponent was upheld, the NFL announced Thursday.

The Bills have a bye in Week 7, so Gardner-Johnson will miss the team’s Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Appeals hearing officer Jordy Nelson heard the appeal.

Bills head coach Joe Brady called Gardner-Johnson's actions inexcusable.

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"It’s hard enough to win enough in this league with 48 guys, much less 47. He knows that that can’t happen, it’s inexcusable, that’s not the standard that we’re going to have and play with. He’s addressed it, it’s been addressed," Brady told reporters on Monday.

"Those are the things that can’t happen on a football field. We want to toe the line in everything we do but we can’t cross the line."

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Brady said Gardner-Johnson would remain in the starting lineup when he returns in Week 9. The 28-year-old was ejected from the game after spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum and tight end Brock Bowers just before halftime.

Gardner-Johnson told reporters he would accept the consequences and needed to better control his emotions.

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The Bills also had safety Sam Franklin Jr. suspended for spitting toward a player during the team’s win Sunday. Franklin denied the allegations in a social media post.

"Not a dirty play what so ever! Will always defend myself though. Still won't spit on anyone," Franklin posted on his Instagram Story Wednesday.

Ilhan Omar is not the Minnesota congresswoman’s 'real name': sources

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:54:03 -0400

Ilhan Omar is not the "real name" of the Minnesota congresswoman, Fox News Digital has learned.

Her real name is Ilhan Nur Said Elmi, according to two people familiar with the ongoing investigation into the Somali-born congresswoman, including a law enforcement source.

And if proven in court that Omar has lived her "entire life under an alias," a former Minnesota federal immigration judge tells Fox News Digital that every single form she ever filled out could be "called into question."

On Wednesday, U.S. District Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro filed a motion seeking to prevent the federal search warrant for the congresswoman’s home from being unsealed, which was requested by several media outlets. The motion says the federal government is not yet finished executing the search warrant, and that it shouldn’t be unsealed yet.

"Before the Court are three Applications to unseal ex parte materials and proceedings related to a federal search warrant for the personal residence in the District of Columbia of Congresswoman Ilhan Nur Said Elmi, a/k/a Ilhan Abdullahi Omar…" the motion begins.

"That's not her real name," one source said when asked why the motion used the "a/k/a Ilhan Adbullahi Omar" language.

After publication, a spokesperson from Omar's office provided a statement to Fox News Digital disputing the report.

"This is completely false. Ilhan Omar is her real name," the spokesperson said, followed by an attack on Fox News.

In a second statement, Omar's spokesperson referenced Wednesday night's interview on MS NOW, where Omar answered questions about whether she ever married her brother.

"Rep. Omar has repeatedly and unequivocally denied this baseless, disgusting conspiracy theory. She denied it again on MS NOW—and when pressed yet again, responded sarcastically." the spokesperson said. She called those questions a "desperate smear to distract from designed to distract from Trump’s failed presidency and two years of Republican failure in Congress."

The spokesperson said it's "disgraceful that the media continues to give this lie oxygen."

Fox News Digital first reported in the midst of the search of the lawmaker's Washington, D.C. residence that federal investigators are probing whether she or her father committed fraud when filling out her immigration paperwork.

Investigators obtained the elected official’s DNA and seized her personal phone and passport during the Oct. 12 pre-dawn raid.

FEDERAL AGENTS SEIZE PHONE OF REP ILHAN OMAR IN RAID TIED TO IMMIGRATION FRAUD PROBE

Omar’s sister, Sahra Noor, was questioned by federal investigators last week in relation to the probe, Fox News Digital exclusively reported.

Conservative personality Will Chamberlain first posted the motion on X speculating that the "DOJ believes [Omar] is present in the United States under a false identity."

Fox News Digital has now learned from multiple sources familiar with the investigation that Omar is not the congresswoman’s birth name.

REP ILHAN OMAR'S IMMIGRATION HISTORY FACES NEW SCRUTINY AS FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS SUBPOENA RELATIVES

Omar has publicly confirmed that she does not have a birth certificate.

In an official U.S. House biography, her birthday is listed as Oct. 14, 1982, and states that she was born in Mogadishu, Somalia. She says she came to the U.S. with her family as refugees fleeing war-torn Somalia in 1995, when she was a minor.

Omar has not been charged with a crime, and materials presented by prosecutors are only allegations.

Attorneys for the embattled congresswoman did not return Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Nathan Hansen, a former federal immigration judge from Minnesota, listed the extent to which the supposed name change could impact the case against the congresswoman.

"You think of all the types of documents somebody like her might have filled out," he said. "There'd be federal student loan and student aid applications, maybe federal housing related applications, maybe public assistance applications, passport applications, passport information and driver's license information, Real I.D. information [and] voting information."

ILHAN OMAR'S TURBULENT WEEK EXPLAINED: THE DUELING PROBES THAT THREW THE SOMALI-BORN PROGRESSIVE INTO CHAOS

He said if someone has lived their entire lives under an alias, there are many criminal charges that could be levied.

"Sometimes they might say that that would be a wire fraud charge, they always add that one," said Hansen. "And that's pretty broad. But, you know, a lot of these documents are sworn under penalty of perjury."

"If this is not, like, a real legal name, it's got some legal backing to it that every type of government form she's filled out in her entire existence might be called into question," Hansen said.

ILHAN OMAR SHOULD BE JAILED, DEPORTED IF CITIZENSHIP FRAUD PROVEN, TOP HOUSE REPUBLICAN SAYS

The representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House, has long faced allegations that she married her brother for immigration purposes.

In 2009, she legally married a man named Ahmed Nur Said Elmi. The pair split in 2017. The following year, she was elected to Congress. In 2020, she married her third husband, political consultant Tim Mynett.

In Omar's first public interview since the raid on her home, she sat down with MS NOW’s Chris Hayes. During that interview, she once again denied those allegations, calling them "insane."

ILHAN OMAR BELIEVES TRUMP RAID ON HOME WAS MEANT TO 'INTIMIDATE AND SCARE PEOPLE' FROM VOTING

"You’re not related to him at all?" Hayes asked. "There’s not some weird kernel of truth…?"

"Not to my knowledge," she replied.

In the wake of the raid, Omar has accused President Donald Trump and his administration of targeting her politically.

"This raid by Trump’s DHS is an outrageous abuse of power and an unprecedented escalation in the weaponization of federal law enforcement to target political enemies," she said in a statement on X.

HOMAN SAYS ILHAN OMAR COULD BE STRIPPED OF NATURALIZATION, DEPORTED IF IMMIGRATION FRAUD IS PROVEN

"For a decade, Donald Trump has relentlessly targeted Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with inflammatory rhetoric, repeatedly putting a target on her back," the post continued. "Now, those attacks have escalated to a pointless federal raid. The Congresswoman has done nothing wrong. No president should be able to use the power of the federal government to intimidate his political enemies."

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Fox News Digital reached out to a spokesperson for Omar, but did not hear back at time of publication.

Judge orders Trump to give deposition for his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against BBC

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:16:11 -0400

A judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition as part of his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett said Trump must give his deposition by Dec. 11 unless the discovery deadline is extended beyond Dec. 18.

This followed complaints by the BBC's legal counsel about the delay in the deposition after Trump had canceled a previously scheduled deposition for Oct. 16.

TRUMP THREATENED BY JUDGE WITH SANCTIONS IF HE DOESN’T SIT FOR DEPOSITION IN $10 BILLION BBC DEFAMATION SUIT

"The formerly respected and now disgraced BBC defamed President Trump by intentionally, maliciously and deceptively doctoring his speech in a brazen attempt to interfere in the 2024 presidential election," a spokesperson for Trump's legal team told Fox News Digital.

"The BBC has a long pattern of deceiving its audience in coverage of President Trump, all in service of its own leftist political agenda. President Trump’s powerhouse lawsuit is holding the BBC accountable for its defamation and reckless election interference just as he has held other fake news mainstream media responsible for their wrongdoing."

A spokesperson for the BBC declined to comment.

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The BBC previously filed a motion to compel Trump’s deposition. The BBC had said it understood that Trump’s deposition requires "additional planning," and he "accepted the obligations of civil litigation" when he chose to file the lawsuit.

Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC late last year for its 2024 "Panorama" documentary that distorted his remarks to supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. Critics claim the documentary was misleading because it omitted Trump's call for supporters to protest peacefully, splicing together separate portions of a lengthy address to give a wrong impression.

"We're going to walk down to the Capitol. And I'll be there with you. And we fight — we fight like hell," the documentary showed Trump saying.

In reality, Trump said, "We're going to walk down to the Capitol. And we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and we're probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them, because you'll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong."

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It wasn't until 54 minutes later that Trump called on his supporters to "fight like hell" for election integrity.

The BBC previously issued an apology for the erroneous edit and said it had pulled the program from its platforms. Despite the apology, the broadcaster has insisted the mistake is not enough for a defamation claim.

The controversy led to the resignations of BBC News CEO Deborah Turness and BBC Director-General Tim Davie.

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Fox News Digital's Brian Flood contributed to this report.

Social media is not digging the Steelers' Paris travel plans ahead of their game in Paris

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:12:05 -0400

The NFL is gearing up for the next international game on its annual slate, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints battling it out at Stade de France.

Of course, there has been some criticism of this plan, as France is experiencing some pretty nasty civil unrest at the moment, but the game will go ahead, with the Saints having been in the country for a few days already.

The Steelers? Well, people are already questioning their travel plans a little bit.

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According to reports, the Steelers plan to take a red-eye to France that will depart on Thursday night.

Now, there are plenty of reasons why they might want to do this. It allows for more game prep at home; plus, with all the uncertainty around the game, there's a case to be made that it's less disruptive to players' sleep habits, and it makes some sense to hang around to make sure it's all going to happen.

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But...

We did get an example of why it might work better to go abroad earlier rather than later.

The Los Angeles Rams were goofed on for their decision to fly to Melbourne, Australia very close to game time, with some blaming it for their big loss to a San Francisco 49ers team that had been down under so long, they were starting to develop a taste for Vegemite.

Of course, in hindsight, the Rams aren't quite the worldbeaters we all thought before the season, but that travel schedule couldn't have helped matters.

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While a red-eye to France isn't as brutal as a red-eye to Australia, travel is exhausting, and many people on social media were quick to point that out.

So who is going to end up being right on this one? The early-to-the-party Saints, or the fashionably late (compared to the Saints) Steelers?

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We'll find out when the game kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

Paul Finebaum says ESPN banned him from shows after telling OutKick he might run for office

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:09:59 -0400

Paul Finebaum says ESPN did, indeed, sideline him after an interview with OutKick last year.

Last September, Finebaum told Clay Travis during a podcast that he was considering leaving ESPN to run for U.S. Senate in Alabama as a Republican, revealing that he had also voted for President Donald Trump in 2024. A week later, Travis reported that ESPN had removed Finebaum from his scheduled television appearances because of the interview.

"Per sources: Disney/ESPN has removed @finebaum from appearing on @ESPN since his @outkick interview expressing interest in running as a Republican for senate in Alabama. ESPN has canceled all network appearances on all shows, including some that have occurred for a decade plus," Travis posted on X.

An ESPN public relations executive disputed the report, despite the obvious fact that Finebaum had disappeared from his usual ESPN television appearances, even following a weekend of major college football upsets.

"This is not true at all. The below is TOTALLY FALSE," ESPN's Bill Hofheimer wrote above Travis' report.

Finebaum sided with Travis' version of events this week.

"Of course, I was sidelined," Finebaum told Awful Announcing when asked about the story. "I’d done the same shows every day for 13 years, and the next thing you know, I’m not on there after a college football weekend."

OutKick asked ESPN for comment Thursday following Finebaum's remarks. The network sent the following statement:

"As we stated last year, Finebaum was never banned."

The dispute is largely a matter of semantics. Finebaum was not booked for his regular appearances on shows like SportsCenter and Get Up the week after his interview with OutKick. He did, however, continue hosting his eponymous show on SEC Network and ESPN Radio. He remained on some ESPN platforms.

The network can also claim it simply chose not to book him for certain television appearances and tried out other personalities in case Finebaum ultimately left the company to run for office. In fact, that is what we hear ESPN told people who inquired at the time.

As a matter of technicality, ESPN did not "ban" Finebaum. However, what is technically true is not always the same as what is obvious.

What appears obvious is that ESPN responded to Finebaum's interview by not booking him on the shows he has spent the past decade appearing on during the college football season.

Further, it would have been understandable for ESPN to take issue with Finebaum making national news about a potential political campaign while still employed by the company. We wouldn't have faulted ESPN for deciding not to use Finebaum on television while he was publicly flirting with a run for office, which he ultimately decided against.

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The issue is the double standard.

Stephen A. Smith has spent years publicly discussing the possibility of running for president as a Democrat. ESPN did not respond by removing him from his regular television appearances or publicly preparing replacements in case he left the company to seek office.

That contrast makes ESPN's handling of Finebaum harder to dismiss as ordinary programming rotation.

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Finally, there is the broader question of how much longer Finebaum will remain at ESPN.

Nearly every football season seems to bring another story about Finebaum potentially leaving the network, whether for political office or a media competitor. At some point, that recurring uncertainty begins to say something about the partnership.

Titans player who got into argument that provoked 'unfortunate' gun incident speaks out

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:03:37 -0400

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Shortly after Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh came to the defense of a released player following a gun-related incident, the other person involved in the altercation did the same.

Offensive lineman JC Latham got into an altercation with Jordan Elliott, and afterward, Elliott retrieved a gun from his car in the parking lot.

Latham was mostly mum on the incident, saying it was "an unfortunate situation."

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"Heat of the moment, s— happens," Latham told reporters on Wednesday.

Despite the wild moment, Latham is hoping for the best for his now-former teammate.

"There ain’t never been no bad blood between us two," Latham said. "We were here over the summer getting treatment. Before that, we hung out whenever we were in the same city together. We actually had never had an argument leading up to it."

Saleh described the incident as a possible cry for help, a notion Latham appeared to agree with.

"I do think mental health is extremely important. That's just one of those situations where you just pray for a guy like that, if you can, reach out to him, hope for the best for him. There's no bad blood. It's nothing personal on my end."

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Saleh passionately defended the 28-year-old.

"I will stand on the table for Jordan's character. Unfortunately, rules are rules with regards to guns on property. And sometimes it's far greater than the knee-jerk reaction of kicking somebody when they're down," Saleh told reporters on Wednesday.

"My message to 31 other teams would be if you need a hell of a run stopping d-tackle that can help you on a playoff run, give me a call. I'll tell you everything you need to know about him. He's a good man. Had a terrible lapse in judgment that I recognized as a call for help more than a criminal act."

"The reason why I think the NFL and the organization did an outstanding job is because this is a man who is a father, a great husband, he's never committed a crime in his entire life, and he pulled a gun in the parking lot. And the first question that I think everyone forgets to ask is why would a great man, a great father, a man who shows up on time every day, works his a-- off every day, contributes the way he's supposed to contribute, is well-liked in the locker room, why did he go off the rails and grab a gun?" Saleh added.

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"And to me, those are small signs of a cry of help if you in terms of obviously there's something greater happening. And I thought the team in the NFL did an outstanding job in regard to pausing and asking those questions and checking every single box with regards to getting him the help that he needs."

Did we create a monster? Arch Manning’s ‘aw shucks’ persona is gone before must-win Ole Miss game

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:00:16 -0400

Did everyone involved in the Arch Manning story create an edgier monster this week ahead of the Longhorns' showdown against Ole Miss on Saturday night?

In the middle of a season that has warranted a lot of questions pertaining to this Texas offense, the story of offensive woes from this Steve Sarkisian-led football team has created more drama than one could have foreseen before the first game in September.

Should it come as a surprise that Texas is currently feeling the pressure as it pertains to making the college football playoffs?

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Absolutely not. The expectations around Austin are to put themselves in a position that could lead to a postseason run.

The problem centers around the fact that this offense has not produced enough with Arch Manning up to this point that would keep them from losing to consecutive unranked opponents.

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Outside of a fourth quarter comeback against Ohio State, there has not been a moment where we looked at this football team and thought that they were living up to expectations.

What are those realistic goals?

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Making it past the CFP quarterfinals and having a shot at competing for a national title with four other teams.

Those aren’t the goals from within the media, but more so centered around the fact that Steve Sarkisian made it abundantly clear that the semifinals were no longer good enough for this Texas football program.

Did we in the media create a monster in Arch Manning? Guess we'll find out ...

Now, during a very important week leading up to the Ole Miss game, with their shot at the CFP essentially on the line, the conversation has drastically shifted even further towards the Longhorns offense and quarterback Arch Manning.

Did we in the media, along with the coaches at Texas, turn this whole ordeal into a massive storyline around Manning?

Did we imply that Arch had taken on the persona of the family legacy that came before him?

I don't know. But what I do know is that the Texas quarterback has looked pretty timid in the pocket for a majority of this season, though it obviously doesn’t fall on just Manning. This is a Sarkisian problem as well, for his interesting and inept play-calling through this point in the season.

So, has the demeanor of Arch changed this week as the volume continues to get louder in Austin?

"I would use the word edgy, and I like it. He’s edgy right now," Steve Sarkisian noted. "And I think that somebody texted me today that we lost the ‘Aw Shucks’ kid and we created something else. I don’t know if we lost him. We created this. We did. All of us. Y’all included. Me. The whole thing, right. Everybody on ESPN, we’ve created this. And so we’ll see what comes out of it.

"But he’s edgy right now. And honestly, I appreciate that about him. At some point, he’s gotta fight back. And the best way for him to fight back is going out and playing really good football with his teammates and enjoy playing football with his teammates. And so I’m looking forward to watching him compete Saturday night."

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Who knows how this outcome will play Saturday night in Austin.

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Will we get the quarterback who looks to play timid at times, or will we see Arch just "let it rip" as he proclaimed this week after the loss to Florida?

I think we all know which passer Texas fans want to see against Ole Miss.

That type of quarterback has essentially been buried deep within the body of Manning over the past two months. But we have all seen the fierce side of Arch before, dating back to last season on multiple occasions.

We have also seen it against Ohio State, with a quarterback that was playing with an aggression on the field that circumvents throughout this football team.

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I guess we're about to find out if we created a monster or not, even if that means Steve Sarkisian can use the outside noise to entice his quarterback into playing with more aggression.