https://meenews.co/post/6a4e9a23c2ca79de23657659 A look at what's inside the America 250th time capsule buried in Philadelphia te 2026-07-08T18:42:43.657Z A look at what's inside the America 250th time capsule buried in Philadelphia Something big went down 250 years ago at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The Founders finalized the Declaration of Independence there. But something big also went down at Independence Hall just a few days ago — literally. As in the ground. Congress adopted a resolution mandating burial of a time capsule just a few feet away from Independence Hall to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. And the instructions are clear — do not open until the year 2276, 250 years from now. FLASHBACK: AS AMERICA TURNS 250, HERE'S HOW THE NATION CELEBRATED ITS BIGGEST BIRTHDAYS "Our responsibility is not simply to remember what happened here on these grounds. But to preserve those same ideals of whose generation came before and that will come after us," said Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., who traveled with a coterie of bipartisan lawmakers to Philadelphia for the occasion. Congress met in Philadelphia from 1790 to 1800 before decamping to what is now Washington, DC. In fact, the District of Columbia exists because of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783. That’s when a mob of Continental Army soldiers threatened the security of Independence Hall after the fledgling American government failed to pay them. Alexander Hamilton advocated for what the Constitution describes as a federal "District" to serve as the "seat of government." The primary purpose of the unique federal enclave was to protect the Congress. "The Congressional time capsule is a reflection of our faith in the future of this grand experiment in self-governance," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. "When this capsule is finally opened, those Americans will be as distant from us as we are today from the men who signed their names on our declaration." Each U.S. state and all six of its territories furnished artifacts to bury in the stainless steel time capsule. There were letters from Congressional leaders. Also ones from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and MLB Commission Rob Manfred. Fox asked MLB what Manfred wrote in the letter. But he wouldn’t say. That’s because the missive is intended for those in the future. Manfred’s words will remain a mystery. Much like how the New York Mets can have the second-highest payroll in baseball and remain mired in last place. At least the Mets still won’t be paying Bobby Bonilla in 2276. Three temporal lines intersected for the burial of the time capsule in Philadelphia. Each item represented something from America’s past. The burial was about present day — America’s 250th birthday. But, the ceremony was simultaneously about the future. So imagine for a moment the likes of Thomas Jefferson crossing that green by Independence Hall 250 years ago. Then consider those who journeyed to Philadelphia to tour the National Constitution Center and spy the Liberty Bell for the holiday this year. Finally, propel yourself into the future and envision what that green would look like and who you might encounter in 250 years. The time capsule included some items from one of the most harrowing days in American history: 9/11. THE REVOLUTIONARY LANDMARKS WHERE WASHINGTON, ADAMS AND JEFFERSON CHANGED AMERICA "We have a piece of metal from the Freedom Tower that obviously represents both the struggle initially and what happened on September 11th. But then ultimately, the resilience of rising from the ashes, as America has always done," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. But everyone longed to include something else important to them. "Well, a New York Knicks championship ring would be incredible," said Jeffries. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Penn., represents Independence Mall and the location of the time capsule. He pushed his colleagues to adopt a resolution for lawmakers to meet in Philadelphia for a Joint Session of Congress. But that didn’t happen. However, lawmakers did convene in Philadelphia in 1987 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Constitution. They also traveled to New York for a Joint Session in 2002, one year after the 9/11 attacks. But like Jeffries, Boyle hoped to include whimsical items as well. "Part of me as a Philadelphian wants to say a Philly cheesesteak. But that would not age well over 250 years," said Boyle. "If there could be a piece of Independence Hall as part of the time capsule, I think that that would be wonderful." Here are some of the other contents: Georgia donated a medallion from the Masters Golf Tournament. And, being the home of Coca-Cola, the state also sent along a vintage glass Coke bottle. One of the biggest items in the time capsule was a piece of bone from a North Atlantic Right Whale. It’s listed as one of the most-endangered of the large whale species. It would be a testament to aquatic preservation if the North Atlantic Right Whale is still swimming in 2276. One of the most intriguing items in the collection came from California. The Golden State included an AI prompt from the chatbot Claude. People asked Claude what the country would be like in 250 years. Like Manfred’s letter, what Claude spat back out is lost to the future, sealed in the time capsule. THE LESSON WE CAN LEARN FROM BICENTENNIAL HISTORY IS TO PARTY LIKE IT’S 1976 In 1776, the colonists wore tri-cornered hats and powdered wigs. Those aren’t around anymore. New Mexico’s contributions included bolo ties, culturally important apparel in the American Southwest. One wonders if anyone will still be wearing those in 250 years. To say nothing of any sort of necktie. Lawmakers who traveled to Philadelphia noted that the Founding Fathers were bold. Courageous. And willing to take risks – not knowing we’d still celebrate their actions today. "The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence were signing their death forms. After all, they knew what they faced had they not succeeded," said Boyle. The artifacts in the time capsule represent where America stands. But also suggests where it might go. There’s an Olympic Gold medal, won by an American athlete at the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina earlier this year. And, there’s an Apple iPhone. As important as iPhones are now, people in the future might see little difference between an iPhone and a BlackBerry. Ironically, the biggest enemy of a time capsule is time itself. "Our main takeaway here is that of the longer generation time capsules, water has destroyed most of them. Time has destroyed many others and things get lost or the items inside react," said Michael Berilla with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. "I made time capsules back in high school - maybe you have too - where they just failed miserably." That’s one of the reasons they didn’t include a football in the time capsule. The leather would degrade over time. And you thought "Deflategate" was a big deal. The hope is that the time capsule at Independence Hall doesn’t fail. And, that the country doesn’t fail either. That way, people can gather on the green by Independence Hall and see the treasures we sent them from the past. And as they crack the time capsule open, maybe devour a cheesesteak — if those are still a Philadelphia delicacy in 2276. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e9a10c2ca79de23657650 Trump says 'Iran lies and cheats' as IRGC emerges as dominant force in negotiations with US te 2026-07-08T18:42:24.208Z Trump says 'Iran lies and cheats' as IRGC emerges as dominant force in negotiations with US As President Donald Trump voiced growing frustration Wednesday with Iranian negotiators, accusing them of lying and cheating, the latest escalation has exposed an even more fundamental problem for Washington: whether the officials at the negotiating table have the power to deliver an agreement — or whether anyone in Tehran does. "I don’t know if we’re going to have a deal. We may just do it without a deal," Trump said at the NATO summit in Ankara. "These people, they lie and they cheat." But Trump’s frustration with Iran’s negotiators is only part of the problem. Since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it has become increasingly unclear who in Tehran has the authority to make — and enforce — an agreement. TRUMP SAYS IRAN CEASEFIRE IS 'OVER' AFTER IRANIAN ATTACKS TRIGGER MASSIVE US RESPONSE Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father as supreme leader after the elder Khamenei was killed in the opening U.S.-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. But Mojtaba has not appeared publicly since the attack, and U.S. assessments cited by Reuters have described authority as dispersed among senior Revolutionary Guard commanders and powerful civilian officials. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former IRGC commander who led Iran’s negotiating delegation, has emerged as one of the country’s most powerful surviving political figures. Banafsheh Zand, an Iranian-American journalist and editor of the Iran So Far Away Substack, said power inside the Islamic Republic has fractured since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leaving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as the country’s dominant force. "The person who is negotiating with the U.S. is not necessarily someone who is endorsed by the others," Zand told Fox News Digital. She described Ghalibaf as one power center competing with figures including IRGC commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi, Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani and former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Vahidi controls the IRGC’s overall military structure, while Qaani oversees its external operations and relationships with Iran-aligned armed groups across the region. Zarif, by contrast, remains closely identified with the more accommodationist political camp that previously championed negotiations and sanctions relief. "The hardliners, in terms of their political presence, have also been pushed aside," Zand said. "So really, it’s the IRGC. And within the IRGC, whoever signs the deal is not necessarily signing on behalf of everybody else. They’re signing on behalf of themselves." Her assessment reflects a central problem facing Washington: Iran’s negotiators, political institutions and military commanders may not share the same interpretation of what was agreed — or the same willingness to implement it. US CLAWS BACK KEY CONCESSION TO IRAN AFTER FRESH ATTACKS ON COMMERCIAL SHIPS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ Yet Trump’s declaration does not necessarily mean diplomacy has been permanently abandoned. Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that the clearest evidence would be the restoration of the U.S. blockade, the introduction of additional military forces or a new round of major economic sanctions. Otherwise, he said, Trump may continue operating in the "gray zone" between negotiations and open war while keeping his options available. The more difficult question is why Tehran would jeopardize sanctions relief and risk overwhelming American firepower when its military has already been severely degraded. Ben Taleblu said Iran’s leaders appear to believe escalation is essential to the survival of the Islamic Republic. "This is a regime that is weaker, but lethal, and less capable, but more confident," he said. Iran’s leadership believes its adversaries have vulnerable economic and military interests throughout the Gulf, he added, while the regime itself is more willing to accept destruction. "Their survival and their military success and their political success runs through more, not less, escalation," he said. Lisa Daftari, foreign policy analyst and the editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk, agrees the escalation is deliberate, aimed at turning regional instability into leverage. "By targeting commercial shipping and Arab states, the regime is signaling that it can hold global energy flows and America’s regional partners hostage to extract leverage, distract from its domestic crisis, and test U.S. red lines," Daftari told Fox News Digital. She said Tehran is betting that Washington and its Arab partners will be unwilling to sustain another war and will ultimately back down first. "The regime’s core weapon is time," Daftari said. "By escalating in the Persian Gulf and attacking ships and Arab states, they are creating rolling crises that raise the cost of confronting them while they consolidate power at home." Daftari argued that the strategy reflects the Islamic Republic’s longstanding character rather than a temporary response to pressure. TRUMP ENTERS FINAL NATO SUMMIT DAY AS UKRAINE, DEFENSE SPENDING TAKE CENTER STAGE "This regime was never designed to be reformed or softened," she said. "What they are showing us now is exactly who they intend to remain: a hardline, revolutionary regime determined to stay in power." But determining how that strategy is translated into action is more complicated. Authority in Tehran appears divided, raising questions about who is directing the escalation and whether the officials negotiating with Washington can commit the broader security establishment. That division is already visible in the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. A Middle Eastern source familiar with the issue told Fox News Digital that Tehran and Washington are operating from fundamentally different readings of Clause five of the memorandum. The publicly released text says Iran will use its "best efforts" to arrange safe commercial passage through the strait without charge for 60 days, while removing military and technical obstacles and conducting demining operations. It does not expressly state that foreign vessels must obtain Iran’s approval or use routes designated by Tehran. According to the source, Iran interprets that language as giving it responsibility — and therefore authority — to coordinate shipping and determine the routes vessels use during the interim period. Washington’s interpretation is that Iran agreed to lift its maritime blockade and fully reopen the international waterway. When the two sides have different interpretations of a single page, how do they intend to write a treaty, the source said. Iran views control over passage through the Strait of Hormuz as one of its last major sources of leverage over the United States, Gulf governments and the global economy, the source said, "That is the heart of the matter." Taken together, the experts’ assessments suggest Tehran is unlikely to face a simple choice between surrendering to Trump’s pressure and returning to negotiations. Ben Taleblu said the regime believes its survival depends on "more, not less, escalation," while Daftari said it is deliberately "playing out the clock" by creating repeated regional crises. That raises the prospect that, even if Iranian officials return to the table, the IRGC could continue targeting commercial shipping, U.S. interests and American allies to preserve its leverage and strengthen its position inside Iran. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e99fcc2ca79de23657647 England's Jordan Henderson undergoes surgery after suffering fracture while celebrating win over Mexico te 2026-07-08T18:42:04.754Z England's Jordan Henderson undergoes surgery after suffering fracture while celebrating win over Mexico English soccer player Jordan Henderson has shared an update after suffering a freak arm injury while celebrating his team's World Cup Round of 16 win over Mexico. Henderson tried to hop over the advertising boards after England topped Mexico 3-2 at Mexico City Stadium in one of the best matches of the World Cup. However, his hand slipped off the top of the boards, and he hit the deck hard and awkwardly. The fall left Henderson with a fractured wrist. ENGLAND'S JORDAN HENDERSON OFFICIALLY RULED OUT AFTER FREAK FALL CAUSES FRACTURE, OPTS FOR SURGERY It was revealed earlier this week that Henderson had opted for surgery, ruling him out of England's quarterfinal against Norway and the remainder of the tournament. On Wednesday, he provided an update that he had undergone surgery in Kansas City, which is where the Three Lions have been based through this World Cup. Here's to hoping Henderson is on the mend, because this is a brutal way to get your World Cup cut short. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM There are few things in sports as brutal as getting injured while celebrating. It's the ultimate high, followed by the ultimate, ego-bruising low. And it's not like Henderson was doing anything stupid, like trying to dunk the ball over the crossbar or wow the crowd with James Brown splits. He was just trying to hop over the advertising boards, something he has probably done hundreds of times. But all it took was for one of those boards to be a tad slippery, and that was all she wrote. Next thing you know, he's being taken off on a stretcher... for a fractured wrist. That's a rough way to go out, and it could've happened to anyone. That's the curse of winning, though. You never hear about someone getting injured in the moments after suffering a soul-crushing defeat. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e99e9c2ca79de2365763e 'The View' co-host hits Democrats over 'botched' vetting of Platner te 2026-07-08T18:41:45.290Z 'The View' co-host hits Democrats over 'botched' vetting of Platner "The View" co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin dug into the Democratic Party over the "botched" vetting of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Wednesday as he remains embroiled in several scandals, including sexual abuse allegations. Co-host Sunny Hostin said that Platner needed to get out of the race because Democrats needed to flip the Senate. "I’m just struck by how Dems botched this so badly though, because, to your point, the path to Dems taking the Senate, I think, always ran through Maine," Griffin said.  "That was always going to be one of the important pickup seats. They had six years to recruit against Susan Collins and to vet somebody and to look into their past statements, to look into the tattoos that they might have. I mean, listen, Texas just nominated a lunatic in Ken Paxton, so it’s not like the other party isn’t guilty of this as well. But when the stakes are so high, and when the path to the Senate runs through this, how were they not able to find this?" she asked. PLATNER’S THREE-DAY VETTING JOB COMES BACK TO HAUNT DEMS AS RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS SENATE BID She continued, "And this is where I think consultants did know. I think that a lot of people who are making a lot of money around him knew. There were whispers, now there's reports, but that he had issues with women and people kept saying, ‘No, no, no, look away,’" Griffin said. Whoopi Goldberg argued people knew about Platner and said the hosts had discussed it. "You know what, I don’t know — given what’s happened just in our world right now, how the country — who’s in charge of it, I think people held their nose and said, ‘I’m going to take a step,’" she said. Goldberg said people vote for flawed candidates despite allegations such as these. FORGET CORRUPTION: FROM GRAHAM PLATNER TO KEN PAXTON, BOTH PARTIES EMBRACE THE POLITICS OF HYPOCRISY The hosts agreed as Griffin argued that the parties weren't vetting based on character. The co-hosts have had several debates about Platner, during which Hostin has called him a racist, a homophobe and an antisemite, but said she would support him anyway, due to the state of the country. During a back-and-forth on the show on Tuesday, Hostin was confronted by Griffin over whether she would feel comfortable voting for him if she lived in Maine. Hostin focused her criticism on the Republican Party, arguing they couldn't claim the moral high ground. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "I said it, if I lived in Maine I would have, you know, plugged my nose and would have voted for him anyway. I think we are in a time of existential crisis in this country and I think Republicans fall in line. They don’t fall in love. Democrats want to fall in love and not fall in line. The Republican Party — the bar is so very low — I can’t believe that they want to try to assume the moral high ground of the Republican Party," she said. She did not say whether she would feel comfortable voting for Platner if she lived in Maine amid the new allegations of sexual abuse on Tuesday, though all the hosts agreed he should exit the race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e99c2c2ca79de2365762d Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear Demands Health Update on Mitch McConnell te 2026-07-08T18:41:06.377Z Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear Demands Health Update on Mitch McConnell Senator Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized since June 14. Speculation about his health has spread in recent days. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e99aec2ca79de23657624 As Cease-Fire Frays, Trump Faces a Muddled War and Unpalatable Options te 2026-07-08T18:40:46.921Z As Cease-Fire Frays, Trump Faces a Muddled War and Unpalatable Options The president appears to be confronting the consequences of a cease-fire deal cobbled together in haste, with little movement toward resolving the key issues driving the conflict. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e9996c2ca79de23657608 Google Photos adds a new AI ‘Video Remix’ tool te 2026-07-08T18:40:22.350Z Google Photos adds a new AI ‘Video Remix’ tool The feature can do things like apply cinematic relighting to brighten up a dark clip, swap out a plain background for something fun, or add artistic styles to videos. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e9778c2ca79de236575d8 NAU ROUNDUP: Women's soccer hires Jason Navas as director of goalkeepers te 2026-07-08T18:31:20.483Z NAU ROUNDUP: Women's soccer hires Jason Navas as director of goalkeepers Navas joins NAU women's soccer after time at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e9764c2ca79de236575b2 Mike Rowe says history shows why Americans keep rejecting socialism te 2026-07-08T18:31:00.007Z Mike Rowe says history shows why Americans keep rejecting socialism Americans who say they aren't proud of the United States may need a refresher on the nation's history or a visit to other countries, Mike Rowe told Fox News Digital on America's 250th anniversary. Rowe, founder of the skilled-trades nonprofit mikeroweWORKS, narrator of "Deadliest Catch" and host of "Dirty Jobs," said celebrities should avoid dispensing political advice but argued history shows why socialism has repeatedly fallen out of favor. Asked about a Gallup poll showing only 53% of Americans are very proud of the U.S., Rowe said that while he’s no "mind reader," his first thought was "if you're not proud of the country, then it's possible you might not be up-to-speed on where the country came from and how the country evolved, or maybe how the rest of the countries and the world function." WORLD CUP SOCCER FANS ARE DISCOVERING AMERICA’S GREATNESS. IT’S TIME AMERICANS DID, TOO "Nobody wants a lecture or a sermon or a history lesson, but it's hard to appreciate who and what we are today unless you really remember who and what we were two-hundred-and-fifty-one years ago (in 1775) -- back when the American Dream was really just a dream." Rowe said the constant stream of bad news makes it easy to draw short-term conclusions about the country, but America's founding offers a longer historical perspective. NEWT GINGRICH: THE DECLARATION STILL TERRIFIES SOCIALISTS AND TYRANTS, HERE AND ABROAD Rowe said the Founders effectively signed their own "death warrant" when they declared independence from Great Britain in pursuit of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." "That's what the American dream was. It [became reality] in 1783 when we signed the Treaty of Paris… We're living in the American reality. And it's not perfect. It will always be a work in progress – but to look at the country and say, ‘ah, I'm not that impressed’, I would suggest maybe visit some other countries and look back at our own history and reimagine your worldview." Given recent wins by socialist politicians in New York, New Jersey, Colorado and elsewhere, Rowe said that "history is a wheel" that always spins. DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM IS SWEEPING THE NATION. VOTERS SHOULD BE ALARMED "Personally, I rack my brain to think of all the instances where socialism paid off. I got nothing, man." Ideas that are out of favor suddenly return to the fore, and then fade again as people experience their own history in their own time, he said. While the best political ideas won’t always win short-term, they ultimately wash out in the end, he said, pointing to history as a guide to why "we kicked [socialism] to the curb every time it reared its head." When asked his suggestions to Republicans in combating socialism or Democrats in managing their new schism, Rowe quipped that he knows "one thing the country absolutely, positively doesn’t need." "My opinion on any of that crap," he said. "I would be so far out of my lane to mouth off like that. We've got enough celebrities and enough public figures with enough opinions on telling both parties what to do." "I've got a lane. The lane right now is mikeroweWORKS and BuildFreedom. And in that lane are hundreds of thousands of great jobs that are wide-open… And I mean that sincerely to anybody on the left, anybody on the right," he said. mikeroweWORKS and BuildFreedom are "so aggressively uninterested in your politics," Rowe said, focusing instead on work ethic and a willingness to learn skills that are in demand. In regard to his focus on blue-collar work and warnings that the Artificial Intelligence revolution is endangering it, Rowe said of AI pioneers like Elon Musk that he won’t bet against the mogul or his work. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER "Three-quarters of the country is uneasy with AI... but the people building this infrastructure are talking about a $10 trillion investment in our future." Rowe said Americans have a habit of becoming suspicious of the very industries and technologies they eventually depend on. Still, he remained confident that the country's democratic process and spirit of innovation will prevail. "We're going to argue like hell," he said, "and in the end, hopefully somebody somewhere in this town will be talking about these same things 250 years from now." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e9750c2ca79de236575a9 Pro-Palestinian Egypt coach loses it at sight of Israeli flag after all-time World Cup collapse te 2026-07-08T18:30:40.554Z Pro-Palestinian Egypt coach loses it at sight of Israeli flag after all-time World Cup collapse After watching his team complete one of the biggest collapses in World Cup history, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan only made matters worse. Egypt was up 2-0 but allowed three goals in the final 20 minutes against Argentina to get eliminated in the Round of 16 in devastating fashion. As he was leaving the pitch, Hassan, who has openly supported Palestine throughout the World Cup, appeared to spot two Argentinian fans holding an Israeli flag. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Hassan and another coach appeared irate at the fans, pointing at them from the field and appearing to mimic a spit in their direction. Hassan then got in the face of a photographer capturing the moment, while another coach appeared to drop an F-bomb toward the fans. After Egypt's win over Australia in the Round of 32 over the weekend, Hassan waved a Palestinian flag on the field. Following their victory via penalty kicks, Hassan said he was dedicating Egypt's win to the "good and noble" Egyptian and Palestinian people. "My heart and soul are with them," he said after that match. "I dedicate this victory to the Palestinians. May Allah grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs." "If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human," Hassan added earlier this week. CHRISTIAN PULISIC'S 'REST' COMMENT AFTER WORLD CUP EXIT DRAWS STRONG REACTIONS FROM USA SOCCER LEGENDS A video from last month's Iran-New Zealand World Cup game at SoFi Stadium outside Los Angeles appeared to show a man's Israeli flag getting confiscated, while adjacent Palestinian flags were able to remain in the stands. The man with the Israeli flag told Fox News Digital after the incident that he was also told by security that the "head of FIFA didn't care about" the Palestinian flag behind him, "and they only cared about my flag in particular." "They said they don't have a problem with their flags, and they only have an issue with ours," he said, citing a double standard. "They had no marching orders in order to take their flag, or anyone else's flag. It was pretty embarrassing... "They said they don't have a problem with their flags, and they only have an issue with ours," he added. "They had no marching orders in order to take their flag, or anyone else's flag. It was pretty embarrassing." FIFA rule 4.2.23 states that World Cup attendees must only use flags "in a festive and friendly manner." FIFA also prohibits "materials" that are of "political...nature." However, the Associated Press notes that FIFA said it is permitted to display the Palestinian flag at the World Cup. OutKick's Jon Root contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e9533c2ca79de2365756e Obamacare premiums likely to surge again next year te 2026-07-08T18:21:39.375Z Obamacare premiums likely to surge again next year A man gets a checkup at a mobile health clinic in Parlier, Calif. A new report details preliminary Obamacare insurer premium rate increases. (Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local) Health insurance premiums are likely to grow more expensive next year for those who buy Marketplace plans, after increases this year. Affordable Care Act Marketplace insurers are proposing a median premium increase of 14% for 2027, which would be a double-digit hike for the second year in a row, according to a new analysis of preliminary rate filings. Insurers must submit their requested premium changes to state regulators by July 15, per Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services deadlines. Rates should be finalized later this summer. Released Wednesday by the Peterson Center on Healthcare and healthcare research group KFF, the analysis looked at proposed rate changes among 77 Marketplace insurers across 16 states and Washington, D.C., that have made proposed rates publicly available. Those are Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington state. The majority of insurers across those states are proposing a median ACA Marketplace premium increase between 10% and 20%, while 20 insurers are requesting premium increases of more than 20%. None included in the analysis proposed a decrease in premiums.  Along with the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies, insurers are also citing rising healthcare costs and changes in federal regulations as reasons behind the increases. At the end of last year, enhanced premium tax credits expired, leading to more out-of-pocket costs for some people enrolled in Marketplace plans. Premiums increased especially for those with incomes at 400% or more of the federal poverty level — or roughly $63,000 for a single person — who completely lost subsidies. That caused many healthier enrollees to leave the Marketplace, leaving behind enrollees who are more expensive to cover, according to KFF. While the proposed increases are lower than last year’s median nationwide proposed rate change of 18% — the finalized change was 20% — it’s the second-highest requested change since 2018, according to the report. ACA Marketplace enrollments have seen a steep drop, with 2.6 million fewer Americans on the rolls in February compared with the same time last year, The Associated Press reported. Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein can be reached at nhassanein@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Arizona Mirror, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e951fc2ca79de2365754f Biden’s tariff holiday could leave China footing a massive bill in payback push te 2026-07-08T18:21:19.405Z Biden’s tariff holiday could leave China footing a massive bill in payback push FIRST ON FOX: Ohio’s two Republican senators say that Chinese companies avoided paying billions of dollars in taxes through a Biden-era tariff pause that has since been declared unlawful.  Now, they’re demanding that the Department of Homeland Security send the bill to China. In 2022, the Biden administration issued a temporary pause on tariffs for solar panels originating in Southeast Asia, many of which contained components manufactured by Chinese corporations. The United States Court of International Trade, in August 2025, found the law used by the Biden administration to initiate the pause could not be applied to solar panels, thus making it unlawful. "China has a strategy. They have state-subsidized business sectors, solar panels being one of them, in which they want to flood the global market, put everyone out of business, and then you're completely reliant on China for generation of energy that is connected to your electric grid, which can create instability around the globe," Sen. Jon Husted told Fox News Digital in an interview Tuesday. "They want dominance. They want to weaken America. They want to weaken the rest of the world by subsidizing these solar companies." CHAD WOLF: AMERICA CANNOT IGNORE CHINA’S ECONOMIC ATTACK ON US INDUSTRY Husted and fellow Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno, in a letter sent to the Department of Homeland Security in May, argue that Chinese solar companies should be forced to pay back the import duties they avoided under the Biden administration's now-vacated tariff pause. "This moratorium served as a unilateral tariff giveaway that benefited Chinese solar manufacturers operating through third-country routes to circumvent existing anti-dumping duty orders and rip the American economy out of billions of dollars," the senators wrote. "The total unpaid duties represent billions of dollars owed to the U.S. Treasury — the vast majority by Chinese state-backed companies that exploited the moratorium to flood the U.S. market with artificially cheap solar products." "These products are not only second rate but pose a risk to our nation’s national security and domestic manufacturing capabilities," they added. The four countries covered by the tariff pause, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, are home to Chinese solar manufacturers that have been accused of attempting to get around U.S. trade laws. They represented 84% of solar panel imports to the United States in late 2023.  Husted told Fox News Digital in a video interview Tuesday that he believes Chinese companies owe the United States $67 billion in tariff payments stemming from the voided moratorium. TIM SHEEHY EXPOSES A 'SCARY' SHIPBUILDING COLLAPSE THAT LEAVES THE US VULNERABLE TO CHINA Chinese solar manufacturing has long been a flashpoint for controversy. China hawks, for instance, contend that importing too many Chinese solar panels could make the American energy grid dependent on Chinese manufacturing, giving Beijing leverage over the United States. On the other side of the spectrum, human rights activists have criticized the Chinese solar industry over its alleged ties to forced Uyghur labor. The Biden administration initiated the tariff pause in 2022 because it feared an ongoing federal investigation into whether China-linked solar products were circumventing U.S. antidumping laws by routing products through Southeast Asia would freeze the solar supply chain, delay clean-energy projects and worsen electricity-reliability risks. THE WEST STILL DOESN’T GRASP THE DANGER OF CHINA’S RARE EARTH ENDGAME Husted and Moreno claimed that Customs and Border Protection, which operates under DHS, conducted an internal review that found that "not a single entry admitted under the moratorium legitimately qualified for relief." Their letter claims that CBP has "statutory authority" to "issue retroactive bills of duty plus interest." "Look, the Department of Homeland Security has identified that this was an illegal move to avoid the tariffs that these Chinese state-backed companies owe," Husted told Fox News Digital. "So we definitely have enforcement mechanisms to do that. I believe we solidly have the ability at the Department of Homeland Security to enforce the law, to hold these companies accountable and to make them pay the tariffs that are due." A DHS spokesperson confirmed that the agency had received the senator's letters but declined to comment on whether it would follow through with their recommendations. "We appreciate Senators Husted and Moreno and their determination to shed light on the Biden Administration’s solar tariff moratorium," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "We look forward to working with the senators on this crucial issue. DHS responds to official correspondence through official channels."  The duo of senators is requesting that CBP publicly release its internal review, that it issue retroactive bills to the companies that benefited from the tariff pause and that the agency publicly release how much each importer owes. "Enforcing these obligations is a matter of fairness, rule of law, and the credibility of U.S. trade enforcement," the letter reads. "One thing should be made clear – The United States will enforce trade laws and counter CCP efforts to flood our markets with cheap products that were supported by the Biden Administration’s Green New Scam agenda." Fox News Digital reached out to Biden's office for additional comment Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e950bc2ca79de23657546 SEE IT: Scandal-plagued Dem called police officers 'abusive a--holes' in resurfaced tweet te 2026-07-08T18:20:59.951Z SEE IT: Scandal-plagued Dem called police officers 'abusive a--holes' in resurfaced tweet FIRST ON FOX: A scandal-plagued Democratic congressional candidate who previously claimed the U.S. has "an abusive cop problem" suggested in a resurfaced tweet that half of the police officers he has interacted with are "abusive a—holes." In a since-deleted 2017 post on what was then Twitter, Bobby Pulido, a Latin music star who is now running for Congress as a Democrat in a critical South Texas swing district, wrote, "I’ve had many incidents with cops." He said he was pulled over in Mississippi for swerving out of his lane and that one of the officers pulled a gun on him after asking for his identification. In a follow-up tweet, still viewable on X, Pulido suggested that the officers "really wanted to search my jag for money." "Bull f------ s---," he wrote, adding, "Half of the ones [police officers] have been courteous (even when ticketing me) the others, abusive a—holes." DEM SENATE HOPEFUL UNDER FIRE FOR RESURFACED COMMENTS CALLING COPS 'OPPORTUNISTIC COWARDS' That same day, Pulido also tweeted that "Not all cops abuse power, but many do." In reference to an Arizona police officer being acquitted of second-degree murder after a fatal shooting in 2017, Pulido wrote, "The fact that he was found not guilty makes me question the validity of our justice system." Pulido is running to unseat Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz in Texas Congressional District 15. As a former Tejano music star running in a heavily Hispanic district, Pulido poses a serious threat to De La Cruz’s seat because of his strong name recognition. However, his campaign thus far has been marred by controversy, including facing scrutiny over his relationship with longtime bandmate and convicted child sex offender Frankie Caballero. He has also been criticized for saying that "white nationalists" are joining immigration enforcement to "hunt people down." Pulido’s campaign has dismissed both matters as "lies" and "desperate attacks." In another resurfaced post from 2018, Pulido wrote that "we have an abusive cop problem." His post referenced a video of an El Paso police officer appearing to point his firearm at a mob of children who seemed to be attempting to interfere with an arrest. In the same thread, Pulido wrote, "I long for the day when we teach our children how to behave even when a cop is way out of line. He should be punished legally and to the fullest, not by abhorrent curse words from children." A year later, Pulido wrote that "unfortunately, many people including some judges and police when given power, turn into monsters." He added, "Human nature?" TALARICO CAMPAIGNS WITH SURGEON WHO OPERATED ON TRANSGENDER MINORS: ‘WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING’ In response to the resurfaced tweets, Zach Kraft, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, accused Pulido of smearing law enforcement. "Pedophile protecting Pulido has displayed a disturbing pattern of befriending criminals while smearing the brave men and women of law enforcement," Kraft told Fox News Digital. Kraft ripped into Pulido, calling him the Spanish word for "rotten," and predicting that South Texans "will reject this creep because, unlike Bobby 'Podrido,' they want sex predators in jail, not performing at middle schools." Fox News Digital reached out to Pulido and the Democratic National Committee for comment. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Beyond these comments, Pulido has also faced scrutiny for claiming that President Donald Trump and Republicans' immigration enforcement agenda is motivated by the "theory of White replacement." "When President Trump ran, he ran on getting rid of the bad guys. They lied to us," Pulido said. "It’s race. It’s always down to race. And I hate to say this, because I hate to inflame it, but I’m going to call it out because that is what it is. Look, when they have this theory of White replacement, they’re saying, ‘Oh, no, no, if it weren’t for this and this and crime,’ they’ll throw in all these other things to dance around the true issue," he said. "Which is there’s too many Brown and Black people, which they’re saying they’re just going to stay the same and be poor." Pulido noted during the interview, "I do not want to demonize law enforcement." However, he expressed that when it comes to immigration enforcement, "a lot of the people that are joining, not all of them, okay, there’s a lot of White nationalists that want to join because they want to go hunt down people, right, they’re yahoos." EXPERT WHO FLED CUBA WARNS OF ‘VICIOUS CYCLE’ THAT WILL LEAD TO ‘COMMUNISTS IN DOUBLE DIGITS’ IN CONGRESS After De La Cruz’s campaign accused Pulido of smearing Border Patrol officers, a spokesperson for his campaign told Fox News Digital that "these desperate attacks prove one thing, the GOP establishment is in full panic mode because Mentirosa [Spanish for 'liar'] Monica De La Cruz is running a dumpster fire of a campaign and they know they're going to lose." The spokesperson said that Pulido "has been a lifelong supporter of our law enforcement" and added that "South Texas knows that and they're going to make it loud and clear in November." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e94f8c2ca79de2365753d Trump explains why he's flying old Air Force One back to DC te 2026-07-08T18:20:40.500Z Trump explains why he's flying old Air Force One back to DC President Donald Trump addressed speculation about the dangers of flying home from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, amid Iranian threats, saying he is not flying home on the new Air Force One because the aircraft is being sent to the United Kingdom. "It's flying to Europe, to one of the big bases," Trump said. "Two or three of the big bases where we can show it to the people. And we'll be going home by normal methods." Trump said the aircraft would stop at "a couple of bases," including one in particular, "so the soldiers can see it, because it's truly magnificent." NEW AIR FORCE ONE TAKES FLIGHT AS TRUMP UNVEILS REVAMPED PRESIDENTIAL AIRCRAFT In a Truth Social post earlier Wednesday, Trump said the new aircraft was being sent to Mildenhall Air Force Base in the United Kingdom to honor U.S. troops. "To honor our brave men and women of the Military, we are sending the brand new, and truly spectacular, Air Force One to Mildenhall Air Force Base, in the United Kingdom, to give them a chance to tour the Aircraft — Everybody is so excited, and we thought that they should be the first," Trump wrote. "For old time’s sake, we’ll be taking the former Air Force One, from Turkey to Mildenhall, a short trip that is totally worth doing in order to give our Great Military Heroes a chance to appreciate our beautiful new addition to the Air Force Fleet!" he added. TRUMP SAYS NATO FAILED TWO KEY TESTS DURING HIGH-STAKES TURKEY SUMMIT: 'NOT HAPPY' Trump was pressed during a news conference about speculation that he was leaving Turkey on the older presidential aircraft due to possible threats from Iran. "Well, I speak about it a lot because, you know, the life of a president is very dangerous," Trump said, adding that he is "No. 1 on the kill list for Iran. "They're lovely people. I'm No. 1." TRUMP FACES UNPRECEDENTED THIRD ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT Trump, the target of at least three assassination attempts, has frequently addressed the danger of being the leader of the free world, noting the mortality rate is "5.2%" for U.S. presidents. "You know what a race car driver is? One tenth of 1%," Trump continued. "A bull rider – that looks pretty dangerous to me – it's one tenth of 1%. "You should have told me," the president said. "You're an excellent reporter. You should have told me that years ago, maybe I wouldn't have run. It's a very dangerous profession." Trump added he "really care" about the threats or danger, "because I’m doing my job." "I like being No. 1 on TikTok better," Trump said, "but I’m No. 1 on the list for killing." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e92dac2ca79de236574ec 'Sopranos' creator David Chase warns censorship under Trump is a 'hop, skip and a jump' away te 2026-07-08T18:11:38.505Z 'Sopranos' creator David Chase warns censorship under Trump is a 'hop, skip and a jump' away "The Sopranos" creator David Chase warned in a new interview that political censorship in Hollywood could be on the horizon under President Donald Trump. "Since Trump, I’ve been concerned it’s only a little big or a hop, skip and a jump up to censorship," Chase told Variety while discussing upcoming projects this week at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic. Chase, who created the Emmy-winning HBO mob drama that ran from 1999 to 2007, made the remark while discussing "Project: MKUltra," an HBO series he is developing about the CIA's Cold War-era mind control program, and a separate independent film he said would also deal with the drug LSD. ISSA RAE SAYS DEI HAS BECOME A 'BAD WORD' IN HOLLYWOOD AS EXECUTIVES OF COLOR 'TIPTOE' TO KEEP JOBS The writer said he was not especially concerned about conspiracy theorists or right-wing commentators online driving backlash to the project, but about a future in which artists face political restrictions on what they can say. Chase said he was concerned about creatives "being told you can’t say that, and you can’t do that." Chase agreed when Variety asked if his concerns amounted to fears of a modern-day Hays Code, the Hollywood censorship system that once dictated what could appear in films. 'THE VIEW' EASED UP ON POLITICAL CANDIDATE BOOKINGS AMID FCC INQUIRY, REPORT SAYS "Exactly," Chase said. Chase compared his political concerns to his earlier years working in network television, when he said strict rules controlled even minor details of what could be shown on screen. "I used to work on network television, and you couldn’t have a person burp on camera, you couldn’t show the toilet bowl, the gun going off, the person getting shot," Chase said. "It was rules, rules, rules. And those are minor things. When you get to the political stuff, that concerns me." LARRY DAVID BRISTLED AT SOME OF BARACK OBAMA'S CREATIVE NOTES ON NEW COMEDY COLLABORATION, DIRECTOR SAYS Chase's comments came as he returned to the international spotlight at Karlovy Vary, where festival organizers said he was appearing for an industry talk about the legacy of "The Sopranos," streaming, financing, authorship and the importance of creative risks. He also told Variety that he is independently working on a feature film "that deals with LSD," saying the story involves "a young woman" who's a college DJ. The film would mark Chase's first directorial feature since "Not Fade Away," his 2012 coming-of-age drama. He also co-wrote and produced the 2021 "Sopranos" prequel film, "The Many Saints of Newark." Trump signed an executive order on his first day back in office titled, "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship," saying it was federal policy to protect constitutionally protected speech and prevent government officials from abridging Americans’ First Amendment rights. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e92c7c2ca79de236574e3 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding aftermath takes wild turn as alleged trash goes up for sale te 2026-07-08T18:11:19.049Z Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding aftermath takes wild turn as alleged trash goes up for sale Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce pulled off one of the most secretive celebrity weddings in recent memory, but that hasn't stopped new details from spilling into the spotlight. From former NFL stars questioning why they didn't make the guest list to reports of late-night pizza deliveries, Chanel handbag giveaways and sellers trying to cash in on alleged wedding trash, the couple's celebration has continued to make headlines long after the last dance. Swift and Kelce married on July 3 in front of 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden, a representative for the pop star told Fox News Digital. The two opted not to have a traditional wedding party, instead choosing to have Swift's brother as her "Man of Honor" and Kelce's brother as his "Best Man." TAYLOR SWIFT AND TRAVIS KELCE'S WEDDING LEAKS SNOWBALL AS GUESTS REVEAL INSIDE DETAILS Even with a star-studded guest list, the newlyweds couldn't invite everyone. After Kelce and Swift's highly anticipated wedding, two former NFL players called out the Kansas City Chiefs tight end for leaving them off the exclusive guest list. Will Compton and Taylor Lewan believe they should have been invited to the wedding. Compton claimed he was "kinda flabbergasted" the two weren't invited during an appearance on "Wake Up Barstool." "Is this a personal shot that Will and I are taking?" Lewan later questioned during their show, "Bussin' With The Boys." "Yo, we’re boys; I’ve known you for over 10 years," he added. "We text and call each other. I’m gonna take the high road, but I’m just thinking, dude, I’m clearly doing something wrong in our friendship, clearly something wrong. … There’s clearly a blind spot I’m not seeing." WATCH: NEW DETAILS EMERGE ON TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS KELCE'S MADISON SQUARE GARDEN WEDDING While many were dying to witness Swift and Kelce's love story, some A-listers declined their invitation. "I don't go to weddings or funerals," Charles Barkley said during an appearance on "Unfiltered with Ricky Bo & Bill Colarulo." "But I did get an invite, and I politely declined because I thought it was going to be a crap show." "I love Travis and Jason, and I’ve only met Taylor one time, but yeah, I did get an invite," he explained. "But I said, that’s just too much. I just want to hang out and play golf, and I don’t want to dress up and all that other stuff. But I appreciate the invitation. It was pretty special." James Taylor, the inspiration behind the pop star's name, revealed he turned down an invite to a wedding at Madison Square Garden while performing his annual show at Tanglewood's Koussevitzky Music Shed on July 3, according to The Berkshire Eagle. "I do want to wish the couple all happiness and smooth sailing and strength when it can't be smooth," he said, according to a video shared on social media. TV host Ryan Seacrest's work also got in the way. The "American Idol" host revealed he reluctantly skipped the couple's wedding after a scheduling conflict left him with "no choice" during his radio show on Monday. Seacrest said he even mapped out the logistics before throwing in the towel. "I couldn't have done both," he said. "And the actual wedding was in the afternoon. I went through the minutes." RYAN SEACREST REVEALS WHY HE BACKED OUT OF TAYLOR SWIFT AND TRAVIS KELCE'S WEDDING AT THE LAST MINUTE Swift and Kelce prioritized privacy throughout the celebration, taking steps to keep the ceremony and reception out of the public eye. People reported guests were asked to place their phones in individual locked glass boxes upon arrival, with each person receiving a key to access their devices later. The couple also shielded the event from outside view by covering Madison Square Garden's windows with drapes. Guests remained inside their vehicles as they drove into an enclosed arrival tent, where they exited their cars before being privately escorted into the venue. Swift and Kelce's wedding may have been a tightly guarded affair, but that hasn't stopped enterprising sellers from trying to cash in. The website New York City Garbage is selling items it claims were collected outside Madison Square Garden following the couple's July 3 wedding celebration, according to TMZ. Among the listings are $25 pieces of fabric, soda can tabs and even a single AirPod — all described as trash found on nearby New York City streets around the time of the event. The unusual memorabilia doesn't stop there. One seller has also listed a bag of air allegedly collected inside Madison Square Garden during the wedding for a staggering $49,999.99. While the eye-popping price tag may seem far-fetched, TMZ reported the listing had already drawn more than 200 views. Swift's representative revealed to Fox News Digital that the couple's wedding ceremony looks were designed by Jonathan Anderson of Christian Dior Haute Couture. The happy couple both wore white, and the "Life of a Showgirl" singer accessorized with Cartier. "It was a joy to work with her. We became very good friends," Anderson told WWD. "It’s an emotional thing doing someone’s wedding." Swift's bridal look was the first couture wedding dress designed by Anderson for an A-list celebrity. Throughout the reception, guests played games to win raffle tickets, two guests told NBC News. They could use the raffle tickets they won to try to win different prizes, including designer handbags and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, similar to the car the two rode in on their first public date in 2023. Kansas City Chiefs player Drue Tranquill's wife, Jackie, shared a photo of a black Chanel bag with a winning raffle ticket on her Instagram. The pink raffle ticket featured the T&T logo and read "winner." Pop star Avril Lavigne also snagged a Chanel bag, according to Page Six Hollywood. Advertisement  Even details from inside the tightly guarded celebration proved difficult to pin down. Daily Mail reported the champagne ran dry "really early." However, celebrity gossip group Deuxmoi disputed that report. "We’re told there was no champagne shortage and that cases were reportedly left over at the end of the night," a post on Instagram read. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Swift and Kelce made sure guests who stayed well into the night were taken care of. Reports claimed the couple ordered more than 100 pizzas from New York City's Mama’s TOO! The Upper West Side pizzeria is known for gourmet and classic toppings. The order included nearly every type of pizza made by Mama's TOO!, according to Us Weekly. Guests enjoyed the pizzeria's house pie, classic pepperoni, the Angry Nonna and more. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e92b3c2ca79de236574da Explosive report finds $230M in alleged K-12 education fraud amid Trump's crackdown: 'Especially hideous' te 2026-07-08T18:10:59.595Z Explosive report finds $230M in alleged K-12 education fraud amid Trump's crackdown: 'Especially hideous' FIRST ON FOX: A coalition of state financial officers said it uncovered roughly $225 million in alleged fraud across America’s schools over the past six years, identifying nearly 90 cases involving embezzlement, fake invoices, inflated enrollment, bid-rigging and kickbacks. In a new report obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital, the State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF) and Open the Books analyzed every Education Department Office of Inspector General (OIG) Semiannual Report to Congress issued between Oct. 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026, revealing alleged fraud across 24 states and Puerto Rico. "All fraud is harmful, but defrauding education dollars meant to help kids learn and succeed is especially hideous," SFOF CEO OJ Oleka said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "The findings in this report should alarm every family, teacher, and civic leader, especially since they only scratch the surface of the problem. The state financial officers courageously tracking every school dollar abused historically have had a bloated federal education bureaucracy only make their job harder." THE WAR ON FRAUD IS HERE, AND VICE PRESIDENT VANCE IS LEADING IT FROM THE FRONT The findings come as the Trump administration prioritizes cracking down on government fraud, with Vice President JD Vance leading a nationwide "War on Fraud," raising fresh questions about oversight of federal education spending. About $67 million was ordered to be repaid through court rulings or settlements, though it's unclear how much has actually been recovered. Oleka said the report is a reminder that state oversight has "never mattered more." Only three of the nation's 20 largest federally funded school districts appeared in OIG records, according to the report. The remaining 17 were absent, while federal investigations targeted dozens of smaller districts, charter schools, online schools and education programs, highlighting potential gaps in federal oversight. "With that in mind, stronger oversight of federal education dollars is more than some bureaucratic exercise — it is an economic and moral imperative," the report said. "Families deserve assurance that the public institutions meant to serve their children are not being looted by the very officials entrusted to lead them." Open the Books CEO John Hart said the alleged fraud "hits us where it hurts most," because it shortchanges "America's future leaders," adding that in one case, the per-student fraud loss was enough to fund a semester at a charter school. "These schemes within public schools arguably hit us where it hurts most: America’s future leaders," Hart said. "Every dollar wasted on fraud never makes it to the classroom where it’s urgently needed. Student outcomes will continue to suffer until we clean up both fraud and administrative overhead." The report's largest cases included allegations that two now-closed Indiana online charter schools received $44 million in excess funding by inflating enrollment and that a Puerto Rico tutoring company obtained $24 million by billing for services never provided. In Florida, a Broward County Public Schools information officer allegedly steered $17 million in contracts to a friend's business, bypassing competitive bidding while personally profiting from the deals. RED-STATE AUDITOR REPORTS 'EXPLOSION' OF FRAUD TIPS AS HE TARGETS STATE EMPLOYEES 'RACKING UP' TAXPAYER WASTE In Texas, former Houston Independent School District Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby and contractor Anthony Hutchison allegedly orchestrated a fraud scheme of more than $6 million, involving school construction and grounds maintenance contracts in exchange for cash bribes and hundreds of thousands of dollars in home renovations. A federal jury found Busby and Hutchison guilty of conspiracy, bribery, filing false tax returns, and witness tampering, with Hutchison also convicted on seven wire fraud counts, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas. HISD Superintendent Mike Miles said the district's problems are "no longer the case," following reforms launched in June 2023. But the report argued the alleged fraud carried a direct cost for students in smaller school districts and that the true cost is likely even higher because not all fraud is detected, investigated or prosecuted. California accounted for two of the report's most costly cases. Students at the now-closed Community Preparatory Academy charter school lost about $9,090 per student after the school's head used $3 million in taxpayer funds for personal travel, restaurants, online shopping and private school tuition for her children, according to the report. In Magnolia School District, students lost about $3,553 per student after a former fiscal services director allegedly embezzled nearly $16.7 million to buy a luxury home, car and designer goods. LOS ANGELES SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT ALBERTO CARVALHO RESIGNS AMID FBI PROBE Additionally, students in West Virginia's Boone County Schools lost about $1,096 per student after a former maintenance director stole $3.4 million through fraudulent invoices for janitorial and custodial supplies that were never delivered, using the proceeds to buy vehicles, equipment and make improvements to his home. The report also cited Chicago Public Schools, which agreed to return about $1 million in federal grant funding after an OIG review found the district could not adequately verify student eligibility for an Indian Education grant program. Fox News Digital reached out to Broward County Public Schools, Chicago Public Schools, Magnolia School District and Boone County Schools for comment. Alleigh Marré, executive director of the American Parents Coalition, said the report "highlights parents' worst fears." "This is why parents need to have a seat at the table to ensure their children are receiving the best education possible and schools are not wasting taxpayer dollars on noneducation-based materials," Marré said. The report concluded that "every step must be taken to unwind the enormous bureaucracy and spending" by returning education to the state and local level. "Not only is that in keeping with the founders’ vision for a limited Executive Branch, but state and local officials are much better equipped to understand the needs of their communities, find efficiencies, innovate for better student outcomes and keep foxes out of the proverbial henhouse," the report said. Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Education and the White House Fraud Task Force for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e928cc2ca79de236574ca Judge Orders $5 Million Trump Judgment be Released to E. Jean Carroll te 2026-07-08T18:10:20.687Z Judge Orders $5 Million Trump Judgment be Released to E. Jean Carroll The writer E. Jean Carroll had asked a federal judge to order the president to pay the judgment after a jury found he sexually abused and defamed her. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8e08c2ca79de236573f3 Lynn Evans Hatton te 2026-07-08T17:51:04.026Z Lynn Evans Hatton Lynn Evans Hatton, 74, of Holbrook, entered eternal rest on June 27, 2026. He was born on Nov. 20, 1951, in Mesa, to Les and Jan Hatton.       Lynn spent his childhood on his family’s farm in Mesa with his younger siblings, John and Leslie. When the family later moved to Oklahoma, Lynn remained in Arizona, the state he loved and proudly called home. After graduating from high school, he served his country during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he became a certified plumber and founded Canyon Creek Plumbing, earning the respect of customers through his skill, integrity, and strong work ethic.       In 2003, Lynn married Gloria Hatton, and together they shared 33 years of faith, love, and cherished memories. A longtime Holbrook resident, Lynn faithfully served at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church as a finance council member, Memorial Garden Committee volunteer, eucharistic minister, and the church’s trusted plumber whenever repairs were needed.       Known for his gift of conversation and genuine interest in others, Lynn never met a stranger. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, Pappy, brother, uncle, and friend whose legacy of faith, service, kindness, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. Screenshot The post Lynn Evans Hatton first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8ddec2ca79de236573aa Why this CEO thinks video games make better training data than the internet te 2026-07-08T17:50:22.558Z Why this CEO thinks video games make better training data than the internet When it comes to achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), large language models just don’t have what it takes. Models like ChatGPT and Claude are great at text, but they’re less skilled at understanding how things actually move through space and time — an essential skill for producing intell Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8be6c2ca79de236572a2 Hero in birthday suit grabs his hose and saves two homes from Fourth of July smoldering firework fire te 2026-07-08T17:41:58.350Z Hero in birthday suit grabs his hose and saves two homes from Fourth of July smoldering firework fire What makes a hero? Is it someone who wears their underwear on the outside of their clothes like Superman? Not necessarily. In fact, clothing isn't even required. A hero is defined by their courage and selflessness. Do they risk heading for the shorts drawer or do they run outside completely naked after being woken up in the middle of the night to news of a fire? A Sumner, Washington man didn't bother heading for a pair of shorts. His neighbor woke him up in the early morning hours of July 5, he saw the flames between their homes, and his Navy training kicked in. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! A smoldering firework from the Fourth of July festivities had caught fire in Wesley Howard's neighbor's garbage can. He knew that immediate action was required and ran outside in his birthday suit. With his hose in his hand, he started fighting the fire as it spread through his fence and made its way to his home. His quick action, burned his toes on hot embers, KIRO reported. It also "likely saved both homes." BROOKLYN BRIDGE CATCHES FIRE AMID NYC FIREWORKS DISPLAY AS TRUMP HAILS IT IN DC SPEECH "I was dead asleep in the bedrooms and when I came running out to the top of the stairs to see what was going on, I could see out the window right here between two houses that it was just glowing bright orange," the naked hero told the local outlet. "I saw it was a raging fire as much as I could see. So I had two options: run back in the bedroom and get some shorts or run straight downstairs outside, grab a hose and start fire fighting. So that’s what I did." Howard had found a pair of shorts and put them on by the time police and firefighters arrived on the scene. He had saved the day. Like every hero, this clothesless crusader had a message to share on how to prevent this from happening to you: douse your fireworks. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8bd2c2ca79de23657299 McConnell faces fresh calls to come clean about health issues te 2026-07-08T17:41:38.896Z McConnell faces fresh calls to come clean about health issues Kentucky’s top elected official wants Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to come clean about his health. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, called on the ailing lawmaker to reveal his condition to constituents in a letter sent to the 84-year-old on Wednesday. He wrote that over the last few weeks, "Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and wellbeing and ability to hold office in the United States Senate." MCCONNELL'S WIFE, ELAINE CHAO, SAW NO NEED FOR 'IMMEDIATE RETURN' FROM CHINA AS FORMER GOP LEADER HOSPITALIZED "As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health," Beshear wrote. "As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent." "I believe this requires clear communication about one's ability to serve," he continued. "We wish you a safe and speedy recovery." McConnell’s office did not immediately return a request for comment. MCCONNELL WAS FOUND 'UNCONSCIOUS' IN HOME LAST MONTH AS CONDITION REMAINS UNKNOWN McConnell has been absent from the Senate, which is currently in recess, for the last three weeks. He was first hospitalized for an unknown condition in early June. Since then, his office has kept details of his health and a timetable for his return close to the vest.  The only public insight into his condition has come from leaked emergency dispatch audio from a June 14 call the day McConnell was sent to the hospital, which revealed the longtime Senate Republican was "unconscious" and may have suffered a heart attack. Over time and with a lack of clarity on the lawmaker’s health, the rumor mill has been running at full speed online, speculating about the exact nature of his condition. HOUSE DEM URGES TRANSPARENCY BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS AFTER GOP COLLEAGUE REVEALS REASON FOR EXTENDED ABSENCE Laura Loomer, a conservative commentator, claimed that a "high-level source close to the White House" said McConnell was "brain-dead" and that the lawmaker "isn’t ever coming back." Meanwhile, McConnell's wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, traveled to China shortly after his hospitalization and remained there until this week. Her office cited that McConnell’s health "did not warrant an immediate return to the U.S." While the fog around his condition thickened, McConnell did speak with top Senate Republicans. Both Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said that they had spoken with McConnell at length about the Graham Platner scandal, happenings in the Senate and the recent decisions at the Supreme Court. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8bbfc2ca79de23657290 Former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan avoids jail time for obstructing arrest of illegal immigrant te 2026-07-08T17:41:19.442Z Former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan avoids jail time for obstructing arrest of illegal immigrant Former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan was ordered Wednesday to pay a $5,000 fine for obstructing the arrest of an illegal immigrant at a courthouse, but she will not serve any prison time. Dugan, 67, was convicted of felony obstruction last year after federal agents attempted to serve a warrant to Eduardo Flores-Ruiz on April 18, 2025. She was acquitted of concealing an individual to prevent arrest, a misdemeanor. She faced up to five years in prison.  Prosecutors had asked that Dugan be sentenced to between 15 and 21 months.  DEM JUDGE IN HOT SEAT AFTER DHS EXPOSES 'WHOLE NEW LEVEL' OF ACTIVISM, SHELTERING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT Dugan addressed the case against her on Wednesday just before U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman imposed her sentence, defending her actions and announcing she intends to "return to public service."  "My acts that day were consistent with community concerns at the courthouse," Dugan said. "My judicial acts were not done with any malicious intent or to advance any personal interests." "Since the government’s arrest of me, I was forced to retire… In January, I resigned from my office, so the constituents would have a judge in my branch to begin the year," she added. "I have been cast as a scaffold and as a hero. I am neither. I am a public servant who was just trying to do my job. Your honor, I will not let those minutes on April 18, 2025 define my life’s work. It is my intent to return to public service." In January, Dugan resigned from the Milwaukee County circuit judgeship amid threats of impeachment from Republican state lawmakers, who labeled her an activist judge. Before her sentencing, several people testified on her behalf.  "Hannah models what it means to be Christian," said Rev. Gregory J. O'Meara, a Jesuit priest, lawyer and law professor who met Dugan at the University of Wisconsin's law school. "We’ve made arrangements to hold service for her privately because she’s been hassled. I do not think there is a need for further punishment, deterrence, retribution or reform." Janine Geske, a law professor at Marquette University, said Dugan's life wasn't "completely defined by her work." "She has been punished by being handcuffed… by being in the media… all she loves to do is share with others," Geske said. "She has lost her profession and her income and she’s here humbly to ask you to give her the opportunity to return to the community." HOUSE CONSERVATIVES RALLY BEHIND PUSH TO IMPEACH JUDGE BOASBERG OVER ROLE IN TRUMP INVESTIGATION On the day of the incident, ICE agents appeared at the Milwaukee County courthouse after learning Flores-Ruiz, 31, had re-entered the United States illegally and was scheduled to appear before Dugan for a hearing in a state battery case.  Upon learning ICE agents were in the building, Dugan confronted them outside her courtroom, arguing their administrative warrant was insufficient to arrest Flores-Ruiz. She told the agents to go to the chief judge's office down the hall and then directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to leave her courtroom through a back door, federal prosecutors said.  Flores-Ruiz was spotted moments later by the agents, who followed him outside and arrested him after a brief foot chase. Dugan's lawyers argued that she was shielded from prosecution because of her position as a judge. However, Adelman rejected the argument.  "What judges around the country are looking at this case and saying, ‘Yes, Sign me up?’ There won’t be a crime wave of judges defying ICE. No judges have acted similarly," Dugan's defense attorney Steve Biskupic said Wednesday in court.  Prosecutors said Dugan violated her oath as a judge, putting the lives of law enforcement officers and the public at risk, while Republican lawmakers cast her as an activist judge.  Dugan was arrested by the FBI weeks after the confrontation with ICE and led outside in handcuffs. Flores-Ruiz has since been deported. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8b98c2ca79de23657266 OpenAI releases new voice models for more natural live conversations te 2026-07-08T17:40:40.014Z OpenAI releases new voice models for more natural live conversations OpenAI says its new voice mode can speak and listen at the same time, a key ability for live translation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8b84c2ca79de23657251 Loft Cinema caps Pride Month with "Paris Is Burning" te 2026-07-08T17:40:20.566Z Loft Cinema caps Pride Month with "Paris Is Burning" The Loft Cinema closed out Pride Month last week with a 35th anniversary screening of "Paris Is Burning," the last of 24 events the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation hosted this June to celebrate and, as organizers put it, resist the erasure of the LGBTQ community. For many in the sold-out crowd, the screening was both a celebration of a landmark film and a reminder of how much the community it captured still has to fight for. Prior to the June 30 screening, Loft Cinema Program Director Jeff Yanc and others talked about the history of the film and its impact on filmmaking and the LGBTQ community. "We're celebrating the 35th anniversary of the year 1991, which was the year that is credited with launching the new queer cinema movement of the early 90s. This was a time that just kind of erupted in all of these really great queer-themed films, independent films that brought queer voices and filmmakers and stories to the culture and to cinema," Yanc told attendees. "It was also a time before Netflix, before streaming, so all of these movies played in movie theaters. They even played in mall movie theaters. Shocking." Loft Development Director Ethan Cox said he's a lifelong fan of the movie, recalling its original theatrical release. "I remember when this came out. It's just getting to see all of these beautiful, incredible people up on the screen that you don't usually get to see. So, I was really happy that we were bringing it back," Cox said. "I think that while there's a lot of things that have evolved around attitudes towards transgender folks, I think that we still seem so stuck." Share Tucson Spotlight with a friend. Every signup earns you a raffle entry to win a gift card to a local Tucson favorite. Four winners drawn August 1. Erik Simonson, associate director of development at the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, poss next to the Loft Cinema marquee after the June 30 screening. Marlon Bedoy / Tucson Spotlight. When Cox and others began talking about Pride Month and how to amplify the good work being done in the community, partnering with SAAF was an obvious choice. "They're the ones leading the charge in a lot of LGBTQ issues in town," he said. "To me, this is why the Loft exists. This is not something you're going to get at a Harkins or an AMC. So much of the work we do is building a community." Erik Simonson, associate director of development at SAAF, talked about his upbringing and the way the movie impacted his life and helped guide him to his current role. "I think it's a really important piece of documentary film that really resonated with me because of the experiences I had growing up, which were completely different from the folks that are a part of this documentary," Simonson said. "I came out to my parents when I was super young and I was probably six. I've never been more loved or accepted by two individuals in my entire life. And they continued to support me even as I grew older." When Simonson began attending school, he noticed that many of his peers who identified as gay had not had the same experience. "It was very much something you did not talk about," he said. "When I started seeing it happen in my community, with my fellow students, kids getting kicked out of their home, couch surfing, living with friends, trying to survive because their families had rejected them. It really had an impact on my desire to be a part of raising awareness." While times have changed, there's still plenty of work to be done, Simonson said. "Unfortunately, I don't think it's changed enough. We still struggle with stigma and youth on their own, youth on the street, young people getting kicked out of their homes and being rejected. So it's still the same story," he said. "Our biggest struggle right now is with the federal funding based on what's happening with our federal government. We had a severe cut last spring and now we're facing another major cut through (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) coming up this fall. That's going to majorly impact the amount of prevention services we're able to provide to our community and to Arizona." Cosmo Brusa Belini and Dara Saam have both seen "Paris Is Burning" several times, saying the themes still ring true today. Marlon Bedoy / Tucson Spotlight. SAAF is trying to bridge the gap with foundation money and other ways to generate funding, with Simonson telling attendees that raising awareness is a big reason the group hosted so many Pride-related events. "We did 24 events from May 30th, which was a pre-Pride weekend event with Lookout Arizona, and that led right into all of our community partnerships and Bisbee Pride and Out West and a drag brunch," he said. "We wanted to be very thoughtful about how we approached Pride because of the way that things are going in our government at the moment. It feels like we're being erased and we wanted to be as loud as we could and tried to celebrate as much as possible during Pride month so that we can keep it and it's not going to go away. We're not we're not going to let it go away." After the screening, many attendees gathered in the lobby and on the patio to talk about the film, the community it created and its impact. "I watched it for the first time when I was sixteen, when I got a Criterion subscription for the first time," said Daar Sam, who was watching the film for the fifth time. "I really didn't like documentaries that much and then I would watch this and it was so colorful, and all the lamps in the movie were really amazing. There's such a good use of narration, it's the most beautiful film ever." Sam, who identifies as cisgender heterosexual, said the movie resonates every time. "There's something so strong about the queer community in this film that seems much deeper like roots than a lot of things. I guess in Tucson it's not the same because New York City is its own vibrant hub but I think this is something you can just chalk up to the advent of social media and the fragmentation of society in the 21st century," Sam said. "I know it feels like we've regressed from having these really deep communities that are born out of poverty and it sucks." Cosmo Brusa Zabbelini, who was watching the film for the third time, said the movie's themes still ring true. "I don't know if there's much progress. Everyone's broke, probably (more so) now. So much of what happens throughout the film is in the context of poverty and bigotry, as well. I don't know if it's much better, I think people are more aware of it," Zabbelini said. "Even when Jeff was announcing the film, he was talking about how when this screened in movie theatres and now films are streaming. There isn't that much of a community aspect for queer art. There isn't stuff that's hitting the mainstream that's actually transgressive like this film." Sam echoed those sentiments, pointing to Gregg Araki's newest film, "I Want Your Sex." The Loft is the only theater in Southern Arizona set to screen the film. Ana Quinones, Victor Bostick, Benjamin Speer and Tyler Bator all closed out Pride Month at teh 35th anniversary screening of "Paris Is Burning." Marlon Bedoy / Tucson Spotlight. For many attendees, seeing the film on the big screen for the first time was a whole new experience. "That was a beautiful movie to watch on a big screen," said Ana Quinones. "It was good hearing everybody's reactions and kind of experiencing that with people. I wish I knew the people that were there, but for now this is good." Victor Bostick appreciated that the film provided attendees with an inside look into what might be an unfamiliar space. "I think because there are so many current issues that are still brought up in the movie, it's really refreshing to understand (that) people are getting a glimpse into a life that maybe it's not something they might see everyday," Bostick said. "For people to see it and get that explanation of what it's like to be in someone else's shoes, I think it's really special." Attendee Tyler Bator said the movie reminded him that despite how it can feel, progress has been made. "We've come so far in the past (35) years since the movie came out. But in ways, we've also lost a lot when it comes to community," Bator said. "It was nice to be able to see what rights we've been afforded in the past 30 years but it's (also about) what do we need to bring back from that time and it really is the community we need to bring back, our friends, and the way that we interact with each other." For attendee Benjamin Speer, the film marked how far he'd come personally. "The first time I watched it was on my iPad, I was in the 10th grade, and I didn't know any queer people. I didn't know any trans people," Speer said. "I feel like I've come a long way since seeing it for the first time." Marlon Bedoy is a Pima Community College student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact him at marl.star.nn@gmail.com. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e892cc2ca79de2365720d Incumbent cash advantage disappears in tightest House races, including Az's CD 6 te 2026-07-08T17:30:20.451Z Incumbent cash advantage disappears in tightest House races, including Az's CD 6 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e874bc2ca79de236571dc FGSLL All-Stars Roundup: 10s lose in extra-inning walk-off to open state tournament te 2026-07-08T17:22:19.495Z FGSLL All-Stars Roundup: 10s lose in extra-inning walk-off to open state tournament The FGSLL 10s look to rebound after suffering a loss in extra innings to begin the Arizona State Softball Little League Tournament in Avondale. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8737c2ca79de236571b7 Spencer Pratt gets Oval Office face time with Trump, top White House brass before patriotic pledge te 2026-07-08T17:21:59.014Z Spencer Pratt gets Oval Office face time with Trump, top White House brass before patriotic pledge Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt met with President Donald Trump Monday in the Oval Office while in Washington, D.C., a senior administration official confirmed to Fox News Digital. "I will never stop fighting for my community," Pratt captioned the photo of the meeting on X. Pratt posted a photo of the meeting on X showing himself and his son seated with an unidentified man and who appeared to be White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles at the Resolute Desk across from Trump. The meeting took place before Trump departed to Turkey to attend the NATO summit. SPENCER PRATT'S UNEXPECTED POLITICAL RISE FROM MTV VILLAIN TO KAREN BASS CHALLENGER The former reality TV star drew national attention with a surprise bid for Los Angeles mayor, challenging incumbent Karen Bass but ultimately falling short. Pratt met with "lots of people" while at the White House, the official added. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and Pratt’s team for additional comment. Pratt  announced Tuesday he is launching The WAR Foundation, an organization focused on fighting political corruption through media campaigns, investigative research, and public education. The foundation says it aims to promote transparency, accountability, and what it describes as restoring "common sense" while opposing socialism in government and cultural institutions. TRUMP SAYS HE HOPES SPENCER PRATT DOES WELL IN LA MAYORAL RACE, BLASTS CALIFORNIA'S 'RIGGED' ELECTIONS Trump endorsed Pratt in May, urging California voters to support his campaign. Pratt’s Oval Office meeting came right after Independence Day, when he went viral for slamming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Fourth of July comments. Mamdani took the opportunity to criticize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Elon Musk and what he described as the "arena of supremacy" in the United States. "As we mark 250 years, what do we see?" Mamdani said in part. "We see a city of contradictions within a nation of contradictions." "Notice how the communists always attack your history," Pratt said of Mamdani in the viral response video. He filmed his response beside his RV on the site where his home burned down in the Los Angeles Palisades fire – a key reason for his bid for mayor. He sported a T-shirt reading, "the anti-socialists social club" in the video. "The communist destroys your history so he can take your home and rebuild it in his image. That’s why it is your patriotic duty to celebrate today unashamed. It’s ok to love America, not only is it ok to love America, it’s necessary to love America. We are the only bulwark against tyranny on this earth," said Pratt in part. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8723c2ca79de236571ae Foster Griffin and the Nationals offer sharp baseball betting value in Houston Astros series finale te 2026-07-08T17:21:39.556Z Foster Griffin and the Nationals offer sharp baseball betting value in Houston Astros series finale This has been a very streaky baseball betting season for me. I know there are times that I've struggled, but in those moments, the key is to limit the damage. When you're winning, as we have been over the last week, you want to reinvest your money and maybe even up the unit size. The key, though, is not to get crazy. Don't empty the bankroll just because you're on a hot streak. I feel confident in today's play, but I'm still not going to over-invest in the position. Let's break down what we should bet on in the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals matchup. The Houston Astros are still hanging around. I suppose they are probably right where they are supposed to be. Looking at the Astros roster, it isn't terrible, but it isn't great, either. They certainly have some bright spots, and injuries have impacted them. However, the team is still just two games under .500 and has a real possibility of making a run for a division that no one seems to want to win. I expect them to make some moves at the trade deadline, as they've been aggressive in multiple seasons. ASTROS STAR CARLOS CORREA OUT FOR THE SEASON AFTER TEARING ANKLE TENDON DURING BATTING PRACTICE The team could probably use some extra arms for their rotation, as well as some extra hitting. Their team turns to Spencer Arrighetti today, who has had a nice campaign to this point. He is 7-4 for the season with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. If he can control the ball, he is very tough to beat. He has allowed 38 walks this season and 58 hits over 78 innings pitched. He has been worse on the road by a full run, and almost 75% of his walks have come on the road. Perhaps the craziest part of his season is that June was terrible for him. He has 14 starts - in the nine outside of June, he has allowed eight earned runs. In five June starts, he allowed 25 earned runs. The Washington Nationals are ahead of schedule. I don't exactly expect the team to make a postseason run, but for a team that was expected to be among the worst in MLB, I have to give them some credit. They are above .500, and this could be a great year for their young players to experience the playoff push. That's a big deal for a young club, but they need to find a way to keep the momentum going not only this season, but next year as well. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS It will be interesting to see if they keep every asset they have on the club. For example, Foster Griffin, today's starter, is 30 years old, but is 9-2 for the season, has a 2.87 ERA, and a 1.04 WHIP. This is by far the best season of his career, but is he a late bloomer, or is this a flash in the pan? Perhaps this is just that he finally got an opportunity and nailed it. He was very good in Japan, so maybe he figured things out. He only has a one-year deal, so a big contract could be coming, which might prompt the Nationals to trade him. He's been great and has an opportunity to continue to be awesome. Both teams are looking to get a win in this series. The Nationals took the opener in a high-scoring game, winning 12-11. In yesterday's game, the Astros got their revenge and won 6-3. The wind is blowing out at the ballpark today, so I do expect it to be slightly high scoring once again. I'm not really sure I want to take on the total considering it is at 9.5, but I do lean to the over. Both of these pitchers have their benefits, but I think the problem is that Arrighetti hasn't been quite as crisp on the road. Griffin has been a great pitcher regardless of where he is pitching, and I think we still get a good value on him. Give me the Nationals to win today as we back Griffin once again. For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8710c2ca79de236571a5 Trump says NATO failed two key tests during high-stakes Turkey summit: 'Not happy' te 2026-07-08T17:21:20.102Z Trump says NATO failed two key tests during high-stakes Turkey summit: 'Not happy' President Donald Trump claimed that NATO failed two key tests as he lambasted the international cooperative on the national stage during a high-stakes summit in Ankara, Turkey on Wednesday. "I'm not happy with NATO because of what they did with Greenland, and I'm not happy with NATO because of the fact they didn't want to help us with the No. 1 state sponsor of terror — that's Iran," the 47th president told reporters. "They were unwilling to help us." "But I was really testing," Trump revealed. "I wanted to see if they would be there." DENMARK VOWS TO DEFEND GREENLAND AFTER TRUMP REITERATES US SHOULD CONTROL TERRITORY Trump has been eyeing an acquisition of Greenland, the autonomous island territory that is backed in defense, foreign affairs and monetary policy by Denmark. Greenlanders are officially citizens of Denmark. The president has proposed purchasing Greenland from Denmark multiple times, and insisted Tuesday at the summit in Turkey that the territory is critical to global security and that it "should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark." As China and Russia expand their presence in the region, Trump has continuously said that acquiring the territory, which plays a critical role in U.S. missile warning systems and Arctic defense, is a necessity. "We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States," Trump said. Now, Trump claims that his idea to acquire the territory was actually a test of NATO to see if world leaders would support the U.S. in that effort. TRUMP MAKES FRESH GREENLAND PLAY AFTER XI TALKS AS CHINA’S ARCTIC AMBITIONS LOOM Trump claimed that Danish leadership has not been helpful to Greenland and its people. "Denmark doesn't spend money to really help Greenland, but it's an important part for the United States. And it's surrounded by China ships and Russian ships," he said. TRUMP SAYS IRAN CEASEFIRE IS 'OVER' AFTER IRANIAN ATTACKS TRIGGER MASSIVE US RESPONSE Danish leaders have repeatedly insisted that Greenland is not for sale, and took a more forceful stance against Trump on Tuesday. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, once again, that the territory is "not for sale." She also insisted that Denmark is "ready to defend every inch of NATO including our own territory." "We hope that all, including all allies, will respect the Greenland people's right for self-determination," she continued. "And we are sovereign states and we need everybody to respect our territorial integrity and our sovereignty." Trump has long been critical of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), specifically accusing member nations of mooching of the United States, which spends nearly $1 trillion per year on defense. Germany spends the second-most on defense out of all the allied nations, but the total is only one-tenth of what the U.S. spends. Most recently, Trump demanded each NATO member nation spend 5% of their respective GDPs on defense. The president has also previously threatened to leave the alliance, claiming it is not beneficial to the U.S. Meanwhile, the war with Iran lingers on after Trump declared Tuesday that the tentative ceasefire with the Middle Eastern nation is "over." He called Iran "scum" and "evil" after the U.S. launched new strikes. Previously, a much-maligned memorandum of understanding was put in place to de-escalate the war, which critics said conceded too much to the Iranians. Trump lost his patience with Tehran after they launched attacks on trade vessels in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week, and called negotiations with the country a "waste of time." Fox News Digital's Eric Mack, Morgan Phillips and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e86e9c2ca79de2365718e ICE agent fatally shoots Houston man who agency says tried to run over officer te 2026-07-08T17:20:41.188Z ICE agent fatally shoots Houston man who agency says tried to run over officer Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e86d5c2ca79de23657172 Meta wants its AI glasses to seem less creepy. Its AI strategy says otherwise. te 2026-07-08T17:20:21.230Z Meta wants its AI glasses to seem less creepy. Its AI strategy says otherwise. Meta is adding a new safeguard to stop people from secretly recording others with its AI glasses. But the update comes as the company continues to expand how much personal data its AI products collect and use. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e847cc2ca79de23657127 Judge Hannah C. Dugan Faces Fine But No Prison Time te 2026-07-08T17:10:20.974Z Judge Hannah C. Dugan Faces Fine But No Prison Time The former Wisconsin judge, Hannah C. Dugan, was accused of ushering an undocumented immigrant out a side door as federal agents waited for him near her Milwaukee courtroom. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8268c2ca79de236570f9 Why Phoenix chose not to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches te 2026-07-08T17:01:28.298Z Why Phoenix chose not to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches PHOENIX — As fans fill stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Phoenix is watching from the sidelines. The Valley was once in contention to host matches but withdrew from the bidding process after civic leaders concluded FIFA’s financial requirements outweighed the projected economic benefits. “Representatives of local municipalities, the tourism community and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) spent much time deliberating on a potential 2026 FIFA World Cup bid, including attending a conference for potential host communities and going through many steps of the official bid process,” AZSTA president and CEO Tom Sadler said in a news release. “Simply put, the hosting model and potential funding commitment did not work for this community. The estimated cost of hosting this event could have been far greater than a Super Bowl – but with less of a return for the state’s tourism industry. As a community, we had no doubt that we could execute the logistics, but we must be fiscally responsible when pursuing mega sporting events. Given what we know now, we feel confident that Valley leaders made the right call in 2017.” Sports business consultant Rob Yowell, who has spent more than three decades working in the sports industry and advised Phoenix on major sporting events, said the decision came after a thorough review of FIFA’s hosting requirements. “When those bids were out, FIFA supplied everyone with a wish list and an understanding of the things you were going to have to pay for while FIFA was going to keep a lot of the revenue,” Yowell said. According to Yowell, host cities would have been responsible for infrastructure improvements, security, accommodations for FIFA officials and creating a “clean stadium,” a requirement that removes or covers sponsorships that conflict with FIFA’s commercial partners. Phoenix officials evaluated the bid the same way they consider other major sporting events the city has hosted, including the Super Bowl, the NCAA Men’s Final Four and the College Football Playoff national championship, comparing the projected costs with the anticipated economic impact. “The financial commitment ultimately didn’t outweigh the revenue,” Yowell said. “At the end of the day, it was going to cost more to host than what we were going to make.” Yowell said many people mistakenly believe Phoenix lost its bid. Instead, he said the city voluntarily ended its pursuit after reviewing FIFA’s financial expectations. “We were selected,” Yowell said. “We just didn’t continue with the process.” Although hosting the World Cup could have generated international exposure and tourism in the heat of Arizona’s summer, Phoenix has continued to focus on attracting events that align with the region’s long-term strategy. “Our job isn’t to chase every event,” said Jay Parry, president and CEO of President & CEO of the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance. “It’s to pursue events that create lasting value for Arizona.” Parry said the Valley has built a reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events, hosting multiple Super Bowls, the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the College Football Playoff national championship and, most recently, the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four. Rather than measuring success by landing a single event, Parry said Arizona has focused on building a year-round sports economy that benefits tourism, local businesses and residents. Yowell said that strategy reflects the reality of FIFA’s bidding process. While larger markets such as Los Angeles, Dallas and New York can more easily absorb the governing body’s financial requirements, Phoenix determined the return on investment did not justify the cost. Even without hosting World Cup matches, both Yowell and Parry said Phoenix remains positioned to pursue future marquee sporting events that fit the region’s long-term economic goals. The post Why Phoenix chose not to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e807dc2ca79de2365706c Candice Bergen dishes on dates with Donald Trump and Henry Kissinger te 2026-07-08T16:53:17.669Z Candice Bergen dishes on dates with Donald Trump and Henry Kissinger Before Donald Trump became president and Henry Kissinger shaped U.S. foreign policy, actress Candice Bergen crossed paths with both men on a more personal level. During an episode of Ted Danson's "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" podcast, the 80-year-old actress opened up about her past dates with influential figures at different moments in her life. "One date, very short date," Bergen described her meetup with Trump, who allegedly showed up in a maroon limousine, wearing a matching suit, vest and patent leather boots. CANDICE BERGEN TAKES JAB AT JD VANCE DURING 2024 EMMYS USING 'MURPHY BROWN' REFERENCE TED DANSON’S MEDICAL WAKE-UP CALL: WHY THE TV ICON SAYS HE NO LONGER GETS A ‘FREE PASS’ "Without any editorializing, I've heard you say, 'I was home by 9,'" Danson said. "Yeah, it was short," Bergen said with a smirk. This isn't the first time Bergen has been candid about her time with Trump. In 2018, Bergen spoke about the date with Stephen Colbert, explaining that she was a student at the University of Pennsylvania at the time. "I was about 18," she said. "Trump and I are about the same age. Or as he would point out, I'm about six months older." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS One year prior, Bergen told Harry Connick Jr. that Trump was "a nice-looking guy." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "I mean, he was. And I was in college, and it’s where he was going to be going to college … It was like a blind date. He called me in the dorm. I was bored," she explained. Of his date with Bergen, Trump previously told the Boston Globe, "She was so beautiful. She was dating guys from Paris, France, who were 35 years old, the whole thing. I did make the move. And I must say she had the good sense to say, ‘Absolutely not.'" After her college days, Bergen also spent time with Kissinger — whom she met through her parents. "I think he picked me up to go to Bob Evans' house for dinner, and he was lovely," Bergen told Danson. "Henry was great company, and he was smart, beyond smart, and had great manners. He was lovely company." During a 2018 appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," after recounting both dates, Bergen admitted Kissinger was the "better" date. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e806ac2ca79de23657063 Teachers who celebrated Charlie Kirk's assassination now cash in with taxpayer-funded settlements te 2026-07-08T16:52:58.215Z Teachers who celebrated Charlie Kirk's assassination now cash in with taxpayer-funded settlements Public universities and school districts have agreed to pay more than $2.7 million to educators disciplined over social media posts about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including a $1.9 million settlement approved last week, as lawsuits alleging First Amendment violations continue to mount. NBC News reported Friday that public records show at least five educators have reached settlements with their employers over the past year totaling more than $2.7 million, with a newly approved agreement accounting for the largest share. Former University of Tennessee professor Tamar Shirinian is set to receive $1.9 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the school of violating her constitutional rights after officials sought to discipline her over social media posts criticizing Kirk following his assassination. CHARLIE KIRK'S PARENTS, WIDOW TO ATTEND TYLER ROBINSON'S PRELIMINARY HEARING NEXT WEEK Knox News reported on June 29 that the University of Tennessee System Board of Trustees approved a $1.9 million settlement for Shirinian after she called Kirk, who was assassinated Sept. 10 during his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University, a "disgusting psychopath." Shirinian was put on administrative leave following a social media post where she had said in part, "The world is better off without him in it," and added, "His kids are better off living in a world without a disgusting psychopath like him and his wife, well, she’s a sick f--- for marrying him so I dont [sic] care about her feelings." She later apologized and said it was "insensitive" and "uncharacteristic of me as a person." Shirinian was fired on Feb. 11. She will not be reinstated, Knox News reported. NEW YORKER SUING ICE AFTER OFFICERS WENT TO HIS HOME TO WARN HIM OVER CRITICISM OF AGENCY Another university faculty member, Suzanne Swierc, formerly the director of health promotion and advocacy at Ball State University in Indiana, received a $225,000 settlement from the school after she was let go for a private Facebook post about Kirk. In the post, Swierc wrote, in part, "If you think Charlie Kirk was a wonderful person, we can't be friends." She also said his death was "a tragedy" for his family, but also "a reflection of the violence, fear, and hatred he sowed." Another professor, Darren Michael, got a $500,000 settlement and was reinstated at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee after he was fired for sharing a post about Kirk. Michael, an associate professor of acting and directing at APSU since 2007, was fired on Sept. 12, 2025, for resharing a social media post following Kirk’s killing. The post included a headline quoting Kirk’s 2023 remarks that gun-related deaths were "unfortunately" worth it to protect the Second Amendment. FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS BLUE STATE'S LAW PROHIBITING ICE AGENTS FROM WEARING MASKS ON THE JOB Joshua Bregy, a climate scientist at Clemson University, was reinstated in a settlement after he was let go for a post critical of Kirk that also condemned violence. Bregy shared but later deleted a post that said, "I’ll never advocate for violence in any form, but it sounds to me like karma is sometimes swift and ironic," which was included in full in the lawsuit, the South Carolina Daily Gazette reported. "As Kirk said, ‘play certain games, win certain prizes.’" NBC News reported that the "reinstatement was a public term of the agreement, but there were also undisclosed private terms, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, which represented Bregy." A high school teacher, Melisa Crook, settled with the Creston Community School District in Iowa for $145,000 and her full benefits after a post about Kirk. In a Sept. 10, 2025, comment made responding to a family member’s Facebook post about Kirk's assassination, Crook wrote, "He is a terrible human being … terrible. I do not wish death on anyone, but him not being here is a blessing." She later apologized on Facebook and said she did "not wish anyone death." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Candice Hale, a former professor at the University of Alabama, has reportedly reached a settlement with the school, AL.com reported Tuesday, for comments she made following Kirk's assassination last year. In her social media post, Hale reportedly said, "I don’t give a damn about evil racist, fascist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, mediocre, white men who claim to be Christian and then do everything Christ would not do on Earth." Her settlement with the University of Alabama is for an unspecified amount of money, AL.com reported. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the University of Tennessee System said, "We do not have a comment outside what was publicly said in the board meeting on June 29. A link to that meeting can be found here." A spokesperson for Austin Peay State University confirmed to Fox News Digital that Michael was reinstated to his full, tenured position on Dec. 30, 2025, has returned to teaching, and is being paid a one-time settlement payment of $500,000. David King of Tennessee Law Group, Michael's counsel, told Fox News Digital in a statement, "Professor Michael has been returned to his fully tenured position at Austin Peay State University following the settlement of his case with APSU. He is also the current Chair of the APSU faculty Senate." "We are seeing attempts now in our legislature to erode tenure protection for faculty in our Tennessee colleges and universities to be able to terminate employment easier to satisfy the elected officials who want to continue to suppress free speech and free thought in our educational institutions," King added. "The battle continues to stop the thought patrol in our state." Fox News Digital attempted to reach Shirinian, Swierc, Ball State University, Clemson University, Bregy, Creston High School, Crook, University of Alabama and Hale for comment. Fox News Digital’s Kristine Parks contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8056c2ca79de2365705a Rosie O'Donnell fumes over Trump's involvement with FIFA after US star's red card: 'It's sickening' te 2026-07-08T16:52:38.766Z Rosie O'Donnell fumes over Trump's involvement with FIFA after US star's red card: 'It's sickening' Rosie O’Donnell is once again upset with President Donald Trump. This time, it’s about the World Cup. O’Donnell, 64, was livid that Trump reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask the organization to review the decision to give U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun a red card. The red card meant Balogun would have been suspended for the team’s knockout match against Belgium on Monday, but FIFA decided to suspend the one-game ban after Trump’s call. "The fact that he called up FIFA and had the penalty revoked for the American team and America was like, ‘Yeah, that’s good! I didn’t think it was a red card anyway!’ Well, you’re not the freakin’ ref! You don’t get to decide!" O’Donnell told Variety. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE "Since when does he get to make and change the rules, the goalposts, whatever metaphor you want to use, and everyone just sits by and shrugs their shoulders? There’s so much (corruption) that we don’t even notice it." O’Donnell said she was "horrified" by Trump’s reaching out to FIFA. She also condemned the USMNT’s coach, Mauricio Pochettino, and Balogun for not self-imposing a suspension once FIFA postponed theirs. "The fact that (Balogun) did not say, ‘I will not play this game,’ and the fact that the coach of the American team did not say, ‘This is not how we win,’ and that everyone was just like, ‘Well, whatever!’ I was horrified," O’Donnell said. "I’m horrified that he is able to get away with pretty much everything, and it’s sickening." O'Donnell was one of many media figures who melted down over Trump's involvement with the decision. Trump addressed the controversy in the Oval Office on Monday. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE "All I did was, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul," the president said. "And again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything that would be different. "I think it’s a terrible… if they wouldn’t allow a top player, maybe the best, maybe among the best on the team, to play, I think it would have had a big stain. I relayed it. I didn’t tell him what to do. I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision because, No. 1, it wasn’t a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players." Trump said he took issue with the initial red card that was assessed to Balogun in the first place. "If you would have taken him out, I think it would have really stained this incredible championship," Trump continued. "We gotta have our best players and Belgium, Belgium’s got a great team by the way. We have our best players and they have to have their best. If we win or we lose, it’s fair. Otherwise, let’s say we lost to them, then we lost the game. It would be a terrible thing. I think they made a really brilliant decision. "I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine. The referee’s decision to red card, I didn’t know what the hell a red card was and when I found out I said, ‘You gotta be kidding.’… I said, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of power, that’s terrible.’ And then I looked at his past and it wasn’t so great." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM While Balogun was able to play, the USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium on Monday night, ending their World Cup run in the Round of 16. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8043c2ca79de23657051 Fierce Trump critic makes stunning admission on defense spending: ‘He has won the argument’ te 2026-07-08T16:52:19.302Z Fierce Trump critic makes stunning admission on defense spending: ‘He has won the argument’ Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that President Donald Trump has "won the argument" on NATO defense spending, crediting years of U.S. pressure with prompting Canada and European allies to take on a greater share of the alliance's security burden. Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Carney said he spoke with Trump before the gathering and told him that NATO members increasingly recognize the need to boost military spending amid continued security threats from Russia. "It's not just that he's winning the argument — he's won the argument," Carney told reporters. "Countries realize they need to take more responsibility. They see the direct threats." Carney said Trump's long-standing push for allies to spend more on defense is producing results. "The president is looking for a shift of the burden within NATO. That's appropriate," Carney said. "That is happening. It is gaining momentum." The remarks mark a notable shift in tone from Carney, who has frequently criticized Trump over trade, tariffs and U.S.-Canada relations. Since taking office, the Canadian prime minister repeatedly has criticized Trump over his tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.  During his victory speech in March 2025, Carney accused Trump of putting "unjustified tariffs" on Canada and declared, "He's attacking Canadian families, workers and businesses and we cannot let him succeed and we won't."  He also vowed to maintain retaliatory tariffs until "the Americans show us respect." Despite those differences, Carney acknowledged that Trump's yearslong campaign to pressure NATO allies into increasing defense spending has succeeded. Carney said he relayed that message directly to Trump during a phone call Sunday before both leaders arrived at the summit. "The president is here and he's in a good mood," Carney said. At the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, alliance leaders agreed to a new goal of spending 5% of GDP on defense and security by 2035—more than doubling the alliance's longstanding 2% benchmark. The pledge followed years of Trump criticizing NATO members for relying too heavily on the U.S., warning that allies were not paying their fair share and at times threatening to pull the U.S. out of the alliance if European nations failed to significantly increase defense spending.  But the alliance has no formal mechanism to force countries to comply. Instead, Trump has increasingly sought to use U.S. economic leverage to pressure allies that fall short. On Wednesday, Trump singled out Spain after Madrid refused to commit to the alliance's 5% target, calling it "a terrible partner in NATO" and urging the U.S. to cut off trade and tourism with the country. Spain has argued it can meet NATO's military capability requirements while spending roughly 2.1% of GDP on defense. Larger nations like Britain and France also have pledged to move toward the 5% target, but both currently spend well below that level, raising questions about how aggressively the Trump administration will pressure other major allies to accelerate their defense spending. NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker told reporters July 1 that the Trump administration was considering countermeasures for countries that fail to meet their 5% target.  NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed Carney's assessment, saying Trump had accomplished what multiple U.S. presidents had sought for decades. "President Trump has been able to finally get done what, since Eisenhower, American presidents tried to do, which was to equalize defence spending between Europe and the United States," Rutte said during opening remarks. Canada has announced a series of new defense investments this week, including a submarine procurement program, an agreement to use Telesat's Lightspeed satellite constellation for secure Arctic military communications, and an approximately $800 million contract for Joint Strike Missiles for Canada's future fighter aircraft. Carney said Canada was spending about 1.4% of its gross domestic product on defense when his government took office and is on track to reach 4% before the end of the decade under NATO's accounting standards. The comments come after years of Trump arguing that NATO members were relying too heavily on the United States for their defense and should contribute a larger share toward the alliance's collective security. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e802fc2ca79de23657048 Tennessee conductor fired after telling July 4 passengers America is greatest country, critics should 'leave' te 2026-07-08T16:51:59.845Z Tennessee conductor fired after telling July 4 passengers America is greatest country, critics should 'leave' A Tennessee transit agency apologized and fired a part-time railway conductor after video spread online showing him celebrating Independence Day by calling the United States "the greatest country on the face of the planet" and telling anyone who disagreed they could leave. Local ABC affiliate WTVC NewsChannel 9 reported Monday that the part-time conductor was fired after a TikTok video posted by Nathan Scherer captured him saying, "To the very, very few Americans in here, happy Independence Day. To the rest of you, welcome to the greatest country on the face of the planet, and if you disagree, you can leave." In the video, a person can be heard responding, "Shut up." The part-time conductor was identified as Jack Peterson. MAMDANI BLASTS ICE AGENTS, ELON MUSK AND 'SUPREMACY' IN AMERICA 250 SPEECH AHEAD OF JULY 4 WEEKEND The Incline Railway, which first opened in 1887, is owned and operated by the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) and is a part of Lookout Mountain Attractions, was given the video and News 9 reported that a director at the Incline Railway "met with the employee that day and immediately fired him." In a statement shared by News 9, the company confirmed Peterson's dismissal. Scott Wilson, CARTA's chief of staff, was quoted as saying, "I want to apologize directly to the passengers who experienced this, and to everyone who has seen the video and felt its sting. It should never have happened." WISCONSIN TEACHER FIRED AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA POST ADVOCATING TO 'MAKE AMERICANS GREAT ASSASSINS AGAIN' Wilson added, "We have zero tolerance for language that demeans or excludes anyone who rides with us. For 131 years, the Incline Railway has welcomed visitors from Chattanooga and from around the world. Every passenger who boards our railway deserves to feel respected and welcome, and we are committed to making sure that is always the case." In a statement to Fox News Digital, Wilson said, "The role of the conductor on Chattanooga's iconic Incline Railway is to welcome visitors from around the world to our Scenic City, seat them safely, and play an audio recording about the railway's history. Instead of following protocol — and common decency — this new, seasonal employee used the microphone to make assumptions about the citizenship status of our visitors and their disposition toward our great country. We certainly agree this is the greatest country on the face of the planet, especially in this 250th anniversary year of the Declaration of Independence. But rudeness toward our guests is the exact opposite of the conductor's role, and he was dismissed with cause the same day. We deeply apologize for this incident, especially because it departs so profoundly from the welcoming character of Chattanoogans." Wilson continued, "This incident happened during a holiday weekend while CARTA’s CEO was traveling to celebrate Independence Day with family. Upon his return, our CEO, who is committed to workforce development and investing in employees, has reached out to Mr. Peterson and will meet with him to have an open dialogue about the impact and intention of his words, and to determine if there is a path forward for reemployment in some capacity. The story of America is one of continued improvement, and we are hopeful we can demonstrate that with this employee in this unfortunate situation." He added that Peterson "was dismissed under Section 14 of CARTA's Code of Conduct — 'conduct unbecoming a CARTA employee' — along with the standards in Section 5 of our Employee Handbook, 'Public Contacts by Employees,' which requires that all operators be pleasant and courteous in speech and manner and states plainly that discourteous treatment of others will not be tolerated and may result in discharge." "A conductor's duties are to safely seat every passenger, deliver the safety and welcome announcements, and then play the pre-recorded script that tells the history of the Incline Railway," Wilson said. "The announcement system exists for safety and hospitality; it’s not an opportunity to share personal views." Wilson said the decision to terminate Peterson was based on his conduct toward passengers on Saturday, that CARTA received complaints from riders, as well as a video from a customer Friday afternoon, and that Peterson's "remarks were inconsistent with both the organization’s values and customer service standards." "People travel from every state and around the world to ride North America's steepest funicular," Wilson said. "Welcoming every guest warmly isn't a political statement — it's Southern hospitality and also a good business principle, and in Chattanooga those have always been the same thing." In a statement to Fox News Digital, Peterson said, "I think that CARTA as a company has a lot of thinking to do when it comes to supporting this country. I do not believe my firing was a correct or just one. My personal thought is, what has this country come to when someone can get fired on Independence Day for a patriotic statement." Peterson said he started a GoFundMe due to the support he has received since the incident went viral. BLACK CROWES FACE BACKLASH AFTER CHRIS ROBINSON SHUTS DOWN USA CHANT AND CALLS FANS 'IGNORANT' Fox News Digital reached out to Scherer, who posted the TikTok, for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e801cc2ca79de2365703f Barrett, Kagan to make rare Capitol Hill appearance as Supreme Court seeks more security amid threats te 2026-07-08T16:51:40.389Z Barrett, Kagan to make rare Capitol Hill appearance as Supreme Court seeks more security amid threats Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are set to make a rare appearance on Capitol Hill next week, where they will testify on the Supreme Court's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. Their appearance before the House Appropriations subcommittee comes just weeks after the Supreme Court concluded a highly consequential term, delivering major wins for President Donald Trump, including expanding his executive authority, while also ruling against key parts of his agenda, including his executive order restricting birthright citizenship and his Liberation Day tariffs. Barrett, who is part of the conservative supermajority, voted against Trump's use of the executive order. The last time Supreme Court justices testified before Congress was in 2019, when Kagan, a member of the Court's liberal wing, and Justice Samuel Alito, a member of its conservative majority, appeared to discuss the Supreme Court's fiscal year 2020 budget request. MORNING GLORY: THE SUPREME COURT OFFICIALLY CLOSES THE BOOKS ON ANOTHER TERM In next year's budget, the Supreme Court is requesting a $20.5 million increase, with $14.6 million earmarked to strengthen security protections for justices and an additional $2 million to cover security costs at the justices' homes. The funding increase would cover the cost of staffing an additional 25 full-time Supreme Court Police officers. In total, the Supreme Court is requesting a budget of $228 million for the 2027 fiscal year. The request for additional security funding comes after Congress approved a $30 million increase for the Supreme Court's security budget in January, which is expected to last through September 2028. At the time of the additional funding approval, the U.S. Marshals Service, which is tasked with protecting the Supreme Court, had tracked 166 threats against federal judges since Oct. 1. The year before, more than 560 threats were made against judges. "We just want to make sure nothing happens to any of our justices," House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., said at the time. SUPREME COURT FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES REVEAL CONCERT TICKETS FROM BAD BUNNY'S LABEL, MILLIONS IN BOOK PAYMENTS The U.S. Marshals Service began providing 24/7 security at the justices' private residences in May 2022 after the leak of the draft Dobbs opinion, which foreshadowed the Supreme Court's decision ending the constitutional right to abortion. The protection remained in place after the attempted assassination attempt against Justice Brett Kavanaugh outside his Maryland home the following month. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER And in May, Barrett was the target of an apparent swatting incident after a false report of gunshots at her Virginia home prompted a police response. Authorities quickly determined the call was a hoax after coordinating with the Supreme Court Police officers assigned to protect the residence. Last year, authorities also investigated a bomb threat targeting Barrett's sister at her South Carolina home. The reported pipe bomb in her mailbox was also determined to be a hoax. While justices have long been subjected to death threats, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his 2024 year-end report that threats against federal judges have more than tripled over the past decade. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated more than 1,000 serious threats during the previous five years. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e8008c2ca79de23657036 Trump asks Supreme Court for rehearing over $5M E Jean Carroll civil judgment te 2026-07-08T16:51:20.934Z Trump asks Supreme Court for rehearing over $5M E Jean Carroll civil judgment President Donald Trump’s lawyers asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision rejecting his appeal of the $5 million civil judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll, a request filed after the justices turned away the case last week. The court denied Trump’s petition June 29 without taking up the case, leaving in place the judgment tied to a 2023 jury verdict that found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and defaming her. Trump has denied Carroll’s allegations. In the rehearing petition, Trump’s lawyers argue the court should reopen the case because he plans to file a separate Supreme Court appeal in another Carroll defamation case that they say will raise presidential immunity questions. TRUMP SAYS HE WILL 'CONTINUE THE FIGHT' AFTER SUPREME COURT DECLINES TO REVIEW CARROLL ABUSE VERDICT They asked the justices to "grant rehearing" or hold the petition while the related case proceeds. "Petitioner President Donald J. Trump respectfully petitions for rehearing of this Court’s June 29, 2026 order denying his petition for a writ of certiorari," the Michael Martinich-Sauter filing read. "Rehearing is warranted because President Trump will imminently file a petition for a writ of certiorari in Carroll v. Trump, No. 24-644 (2d Cir.) ("Carroll I"), which will present vital questions concerning Presidential immunity for official statements. "Those questions are likely to bear on the proper disposition of Trump v. Carroll, No. 25-573 ("Carroll II"), due to the fact that Respondent improperly introduced and relied on those same official Presidential statements at trial in Carroll II. See Trump v. United States, 603 U.S. 593, 630-32 (2024). "The Court should grant rehearing, and either grant the petition in this case, or hold it pending the disposition of the petition in Carroll I." MORNING GLORY: THE SUPREME COURT OFFICIALLY CLOSES THE BOOKS ON ANOTHER TERM The request faces steep odds. Supreme Court rules limit rehearing petitions after the denial of certiorari to intervening circumstances with a substantial or controlling effect, or other substantial grounds not previously presented. The Supreme Court docket shows Trump’s first rehearing filing was not accepted Monday because a correction was needed. The corrected petition was submitted Wednesday. The court has not yet ruled on the rehearing request. READ THE REHEARING PETITION -- APP USERS, CLICK HERE: A decision could come later this month, perhaps as soon as July 20. Fox News' Shannon Bream and William Mears contributed to this report Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7ff5c2ca79de2365702d WATCH: Surfaced videos of Dem Senate candidate backing 'defund the police' contradict recent denials te 2026-07-08T16:51:01.482Z WATCH: Surfaced videos of Dem Senate candidate backing 'defund the police' contradict recent denials The front-runner in Michigan’s messy Democratic primary has repeatedly said he never called for defunding the police, but unearthed interviews and video from years earlier tell a different story.  Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for the Democratic nomination in Michigan against Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., has been adamant throughout his push for the Senate that he never wanted to strip tax dollars from police departments, going so far as to say he deleted old tweets embracing the ideology. But in a video for the University of Michigan published five years ago titled, "Systemic Racism as a Public Health Issue," El-Sayed argued that funding police and their use of force was a facet of systemic racism and constituted a public health issue. DEMOCRATS' CIVIL WAR HEADS TO MICHIGAN, WHERE PROGRESSIVES FACE BIGGEST TEST YET IN HIGH-STAKES SENATE SHOWDOWN "Why are we investing so much in people with guns and less in people with the means of being able to invest in young folks, empower folks through their livelihoods, and empower them to live their best lives?" El-Sayed questioned. "Do police really need to use guns? Do we need as much of a police force?" he continued. "And so, if we ask ourselves about how we spend money in the public, where that money goes, where it comes from, we need to make a lot better decisions about investing in the things that root out poverty, rather than investing in policing poverty."  The video follows a report from CNN that found during the height of the "defund the police" movement in 2020, El-Sayed leaned into it. During an interview with Detroit Public Radio from June 2020, El-Sayed argued that he never directly called to "defund the police," but he contended that the principles behind the movement were difficult to express online in a tweet. MICHIGAN SENATE CANDIDATE CONFRONTED REPEATEDLY OVER ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO EXIST, DEFUNDING THE POLICE "So, you’ll note, I didn’t say ‘defund the police,’ I just described what needed to be done," El-Sayed said. "And I do think we need to be really focused on describing or explaining rather than sort of hedging on one side or the other behind a hashtag." "Defunding the police is disinvesting in the means of incarcerating someone or killing them on the streets and investing more in the means of educating and empowering and engaging communities with the means of being able to take on systemic poverty that we’ve allowed to fester in too many communities." El-Sayed tried to pitch his stance as "refunding" the police to ensure taxpayer dollars don’t flow to "buy war materiel to wage war in our streets." "What we call that is, to me, less important than what we do on the problems on the ground," he said at the time. DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE CALLED FOR MASS RELEASE OF CRIMINALS DURING PRISON ABOLITION WEBINAR Roxie Richner, a campaign spokesperson for El-Sayed, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that he worked closely with law enforcement during his time as director of Health, Human, and Veterans Services for Wayne County, Michigan, and that "as hands-on experience always allows, his perspective has become more nuanced." "One simple word has never been enough to fully explain the reforms we need for a challenge as complex as our criminal legal system," she said. "Just as he did in Wayne County in 2023, Abdul believes we need to improve law enforcement recruitment, retention, and retirement funding so that law enforcement officers come from the communities they serve," Richner continued. "He also believes we must reject militarized policing, pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and opt for community violence intervention, behavioral health response, and improvements in public health to reduce violence and protect the lives of communities and law enforcement alike." Still, El-Sayed has sought to clean up his position on the matter as he runs ahead in one of the most consequential races of the 2026 midterm cycle.  He and Stevens are vying to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., for a seat Republicans are hungry to flip. And more broadly, El-Sayed is part of the progressive wave that is flooding into the Democratic Party, sporting endorsements from progressive heavyweights like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. The candidate, however, can't seem to shake off his posts and interviews from years ago despite this support. Just last week during an interview with CNN’s Kasie Hunt, El-Sayed was pressed on his old posts and shot back that he "deleted all the tweets, because I didn’t want them to be taken out of context like this." He chalked up the issue to "clickbait in D.C." "I think this debate about 2020 and the ways that tweets are going to play are really nice on CNN if you want to get clicks," El-Sayed said. "They’re not that effective, and nobody really asks me about them on the streets or in communities in Michigan." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7fcec2ca79de23657016 Submit voter guide arguments on proposition to raise Pima County's spending limit te 2026-07-08T16:50:22.572Z Submit voter guide arguments on proposition to raise Pima County's spending limit Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7d9bc2ca79de23656fbd Forest Service clears pathway for South 32's Hermosa Mine te 2026-07-08T16:40:59.990Z Forest Service clears pathway for South 32's Hermosa Mine Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7d88c2ca79de23656fb4 5 candidates running for 2 seats on TUSD Governing Board te 2026-07-08T16:40:40.362Z 5 candidates running for 2 seats on TUSD Governing Board Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7d74c2ca79de23656f94 Oro Valley voters to pick new mayor, council members te 2026-07-08T16:40:20.576Z Oro Valley voters to pick new mayor, council members Oro Valley voters will decide the town's next mayor, three town council seats and the future of a 10-year community plan when they head to the polls this election season. Mayor Joe Winfield is not seeking reelection, leaving residents to choose between former Pima County Sheriff and assistant county administrator Mark Napier and current Oro Valley Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett. Town council candidates include Rosa Dailey, Chris DeSimone, Jake Herrington, Rhonda Pina and Matt Wood. Candidates receiving a majority of votes cast in the primary will be declared elected. Candidates receiving the highest number of votes, but less than a majority, will advance to the Nov. 4 general election, up to twice the number of remaining positions to be filled. Voters will also decide in November whether to approve the town's 10-year OV Path Forward Plan, which includes goals involving public safety, arts, sustainability, finances, development and transportation. Tucson Spotlight asked all nine candidates their positions on surveillance and the border, the controversial Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve project and OV Path Forward. Barrett, DeSimone, Dailey, Pina and Wood did not respond. Your membership pays emerging journalists to cover Southern Arizona the way it deserves. Mark Napier previously served as the Pima County Sheriff and worked as an assistant county administrator. He's now running for Mayor of Oro Valley. Courtesy of Mark Napier for Mayor. Mark Napier Napier previously served as Pima County Sheriff from 2016 to 2020, losing his bid for reelection to current Sheriff Chris Nanos. He went onto work as chief of staff for the Cochise County Sheriff's Department for a short period of time before he was hired as an assistant county administrator to lead Pima County's emergency communications and elections department in 2021. He retired the following year, after Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher eliminated the county's assistant county administrator positions, shifting some of her top staffers to senior advisor positions. Napier's campaign has emphasized his previous law enforcement and government experience and the middle ground for town growth he hopes will be sustainable. Napier said he supports the OV Path Forward plan, noting that it was crafted with resident input and calling it "a valuable roadmap to our future." Napier acknowledged the concerns expressed by community members and his opponent regarding the use of surveillance technology in the town, but said he believes this type of technology is a good thing for the town. "Clearly, there are privacy concerns with respect to these cameras," Napier said of the controversial Flock Safety cameras used by Oro Valley police and other agencies. "That being said, they are a valuable tool for law enforcement and I trust the OVPD to use them in an appropriate and legal manner. We should be guarded with our relationship with all outside law enforcement vendors to ensure that those relationships only serve the best interests of the town and all our residents." Napier shares the concern of many residents that the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve pond was an "eyesore" and that restoration was the right move, albeit an imperfect one. "I believe the restoration of the pond is likely the best bad solution to the lack of foresight given to the transition from the golf course to open space," Napier said. "This project should be very carefully monitored to ensure it remains on budget and is completed in a reasonable time period." Napier said the town should not have waited until an election year to take action, with the town council originally approving the plan to restore the pond last April. Jake Herrington is one of five candidates running for Oro Valley Town Council seats. Candidates receiving a majority of votes cast in the primary will be declared elected. Candidates receiving the highest number of votes, but less than a majority, will advance to the general election. Courtesy of Jake for Oro Valley. Jake Herrington Herrington has worked in sectors including real estate, construction and infrastructure management, and served as chair of Oro Valley's planning and zoning commission. Herrington outlined fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic growth, infrastructure maintenance and transparent government as his priorities, saying he opposes any increases in taxes and would prefer to see revenue increase through development. He expressed support for the OV Path Forward plan and encouraged resident engagement in its implementation, but said he would have liked to see more emphasis on a number of issues, including economic growth, business recruitment and long-term fiscal stability. "Oro Valley cannot simply wait for employers and businesses to come to us," Herrington said. "We must actively market our community, recruit quality employers, support local businesses, fill vacant commercial spaces, and attract investment that strengthens our tax base without increasing taxes on residents." Herrington said he supports the continued use of Flock Safety technology, but with reservations, transparency and assurances about how the technology will be used. He'd also like the public to have access to the information that's collected, the way it's collected and who else is accessing it. "Public safety remains one of Oro Valley's greatest strengths, and I believe technology can play an important role in helping law enforcement prevent and solve crimes," he said. "Tools such as license plate recognition cameras can be valuable when used appropriately and with proper oversight. At the same time, residents deserve confidence that their privacy and constitutional rights are protected." Herrington said the town should regularly assess the effectiveness and safeguards of this technology to ensure the benefits outweigh the cost. He also believes the Vistoso Trails project, like all public projects, should be evaluated for long-term maintenance obligations, saying his preferred approach for restoration would be to carefully listen to stakeholders and facts to evaluate decisions based on the evidence. "Since the project has already been approved and substantial investments have been made, the focus now should be on ensuring the best possible outcome for residents while maintaining transparency throughout the process," Herrington said. "Going forward, I believe the Town should provide regular public updates regarding project costs, environmental testing results, water usage, maintenance requirements, and long-term operational impacts. Residents deserve clear information and accountability." 💡 The primary election is July 21. Early voting began June 24, with a mail ballot deadline of July 14. Pima County voters can register, check their registration or request a mail ballot at recorder.pima.gov. Ian Stash is University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist in Tucson. Contact him at ianjgs16@gmail.com. Allison Kuester is a student at Northwestern University and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at allisonkuester2029@u.northwestern.edu. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7b58c2ca79de23656f49 Platner ripped cheaters as ‘garbage’ in unearthed posts before his own early-marriage sexting scandal te 2026-07-08T16:31:20.015Z Platner ripped cheaters as ‘garbage’ in unearthed posts before his own early-marriage sexting scandal Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner repeatedly criticized a lawmaker on Reddit for cheating on his wife years before his campaign confirmed he sent sexually explicit messages to women early in his marriage.  On four occasions between 2018 and 2019, Platner claimed that, while he was working as a bartender in D.C., former GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter had confided in him that he was sleeping with women who were not his wife. Platner called Hunter a "real piece of sh-t" and a "garbage person" because of that. Platner himself, however, sent sexually explicit messages to women who were not his wife early in his marriage, his campaign confirmed. The Senate candidate also maintained an account on the messenger app Kik, where his profile image was a picture of him topless wearing nothing but a towel. HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION The sexually explicit messages were first revealed by Genevieve McDonald, Platner’s former political director, who said that Platner’s wife had told her that he had exchanged sexual messages with up to 12 women. The Platner campaign, however, countered that he had only been communicating with as many as six women, and that their conversations were not ongoing. "I confided deeply personal details about my marriage to someone I considered a friend. In the months since, I have had to watch as she spread malicious gossip to anyone who would take her call," Platner’s wife said in the statement. "I trusted this person with the most private chapter of our lives — the early days of our marriage before any campaign was on our mind — and I am deeply hurt by her betrayal and the invasion of our privacy." PLATNER IN THE HOT SEAT AS MAINE VOTERS RIP HIS 'HORRIBLE' COMMENTS AMID REDDIT SCANDAL Back in 2019, Platner, who married his wife in 2023, had harsh language to describe Hunter’s alleged extramarital conduct. "Real piece of sh-t," Platner wrote of Hunter in a December 2019 post. "Used to come into a DC bar I worked at, get wasted and brag about all the chicks he was slaying who weren’t his wife. I’ve got a pretty flexible moral compass when it comes to those things, but he was just the epitome of the frat bro officer douchebag." PLATNER CAMPAIGN PUTTING 'THUMB ON SCALE' TO INFLUENCE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT, MAINE DEM ALLEGES In another post, Platner called Hunter a "garbage person" who "loved to brag about all the women he was f-cking who weren’t his wife." He also criticized Hunter for heavy drinking, a problem one of Platner’s ex-girlfriends alleges that he faced as well. Hunter was indicted in 2018 on charges that he converted more than $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses and falsified campaign finance records. Prosecutors later alleged that some of Hunter’s campaign spending was tied to extramarital affairs. He pleaded guilty in 2020 and was sentenced to 11 months in prison, but avoided serving his sentence after President Donald Trump pardoned him later that year. Platner, who has since been accused of rape by a different ex-girlfriend –  an allegation he denies –  is facing calls to drop out of the Maine Senate race as major Democrats rescind their endorsement of him. Democrats have until July 13 to replace him with another candidate, a fact Platner is reportedly using as leverage to name a successor. The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Wednesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7b30c2ca79de23656f22 Prime Intellect raises $130M Series A to help enterprises build their own AI agents te 2026-07-08T16:30:40.079Z Prime Intellect raises $130M Series A to help enterprises build their own AI agents The round, led by Radical Ventures, values the two-year old startup at $1 billion. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7b1cc2ca79de23656f19 Crypto VC firm Paradigm raises $1.2B to invest in ‘technical frontier’ startups te 2026-07-08T16:30:20.628Z Crypto VC firm Paradigm raises $1.2B to invest in ‘technical frontier’ startups Paradigm, the VC firm founded in 2018 to back crypto startups, raised a $1.2 billion Fund III. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7939c2ca79de23656ee0 Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' enters rare Billboard territory after 12 weeks ruling the Hot 100 te 2026-07-08T16:22:17.699Z Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' enters rare Billboard territory after 12 weeks ruling the Hot 100 Ella Langley can't stop cooking the charts. The "Nicotine" singer isn't just a massive hit with OutKick readers. She's become the most famous in the country music world, and probably a top three or four star overall. Her rise over the past couple years has been nothing short of spectacular to watch unfold. Now, in 2026 she's taking things to a new level, including dominating the ACMs. Langley's generational run isn't slowing down. COUNTRY MUSIC STAR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH SPICY SWIMSUIT PHOTO Billboard announced this week that Langley mega-hit "Choosin' Texas" (a hit with the Ella Fellas) has stayed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 straight weeks. Only 25 other songs have pulled off the accomplishment dating back to 1958, and only four songs have a longer run in the number one spot. COUNTRY SUPERSTAR ELLA LANGLEY PULLS OFF INCREDIBLE CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENT ON THE MUSIC CHARTS It goes to show that Langley isn't just dominating at an absurd level, but she's here to stay. Langley doesn't just make great music. She also shares an incredibly close connection with her fans, in large part due to how authentic and open she is. For example, she regularly goes viral with comments about her Christian faith, including the comments below: It's going to be a lot of fun to watch Langley's rise continue. She's in for a big second half of 2026. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7926c2ca79de23656ed7 WATCH: Americans rip 'disgusting' Dems forced to split with Platner amid rape allegation te 2026-07-08T16:21:58.246Z WATCH: Americans rip 'disgusting' Dems forced to split with Platner amid rape allegation America 250 State Fair attendees questioned why Democrats waited until a rape allegation emerged to abandon U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, arguing the party ignored a string of earlier controversies before finally calling on the Maine candidate to drop out. "The Democratic Party has a lifespan that's not much longer," Nancy from Tennessee told Fox News Digital. "They realize — party's sinking, and one of the ways to keep it from sinking is get the dead weight off the ship and he is a piece of dead weight," she added. After a woman Platner previously dated, Jenny Rapricot, accused the Democrat of rape in two bombshell Monday reports, members of the party finally began to rescind their support for the progressive Senate candidate from Maine. Bob from Maryland speculated of Democrats, "I think they're so worried about not getting the House or Senate back, or the presidency, they'd do anything." SEE IT: MAINE VOTERS SOUND OFF ON PLATNER'S DIVISIVE CAMPAIGN AS CRUCIAL PRIMARY NEARS: 'HE'S A DISGRACE' Rapricot told CNN and Politico about her allegation of rape against Platner. She claims that in 2021 he trespassed into her home intoxicated and forced himself on her — despite her repeatedly demanding he stop. If that bombshell allegation wasn't enough, within 24 hours of the reports becoming public, the Washington Post published Lyndsey Fifield's accusations that Platner, whom she also dated, would remove condoms during sex in a "sneaky way." Rapricot's allegation was the tipping point for prominent Democrats who stuck by Platner through months of controversy and allegations surfacing during his campaign for U.S. Senate. From a Nazi-linked tattoo, to abusive partner allegations, to a slew of lewd Reddit posts ranging from comments about masturbating in portable toilets to mocking a wounded U.S. soldier — this appeared to be the final straw for the party after a long-winded campaign full of scandals. PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER "What happened to believe all women?" Karen from Maryland said, pushing back on a phrase often used by Democrats when it comes to allegations of sexual misconduct. "It's disgusting how they let this guy go so long." She continued, "It just makes you sick to your stomach." "This latest scandal should sink him," Rory from North Carolina predicted. "He should not be eligible to be in Congress based on the things in the past, and especially this current lady coming out against him." Sandy from Virginia argued Platner's rise reflected broader voter frustration with the political establishment. "We're seeing people rebelling against what they're seeing happening in their lives right now," Sandy told Fox News Digital. "And so they're looking for something else. And a lot of the things he said resonated with the people in Maine." Another attendee argued that "normal Democrats" will not support Platner and the other far-left progressive candidates running for Congress in the upcoming election. "With the rise of the DSA, coupled with him, the normal Democrats simply are not going to tolerate it," Nancy said. "Everybody's had it." TOP DEMOCRATIC SENATE HOPEFULS TURN ON PLATNER AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION Nearly every attendee Fox News Digital interviewed at the Great American State Fair amid the fallout of the rape allegation said Platner should drop out, with one Republican voter saying he'd rather see the candidate remain in the race because it would make Democrats easier to beat. "In my opinion, I think he should stay in the race," Fred from Texas said. "It’ll be easier for us to beat him." Democrats' calls for Platner to withdraw come days before Maine's July 13 deadline for replacing him on the general election ballot in November. If he exits before 5 p.m. on Sunday, state Democrats would have until July 27 to choose a replacement. Platner's campaign said Monday he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7912c2ca79de23656ece Trump admin uncovers 7,100% surge in Medicare transplant claims, says anti-fraud crackdown blocked millions te 2026-07-08T16:21:38.796Z Trump admin uncovers 7,100% surge in Medicare transplant claims, says anti-fraud crackdown blocked millions FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration revealed new figures that show a drastic 7,100% spike in Medicare claims for tissue and organ transplants in just six years as the task force led by Vice President JD Vance continues to crack down on fraud across the country. The staggering increase in claims occurred between 2019 and 2025, surging from $200 million to $14.4 billion, prompting the anti-fraud task force and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify potentially fraudulent claims and deny 96% of claims made since March. The CMS, which is led by Administrator Mehmet Oz, identified 4,200 suspicious claims for tissue and organ transplants, known as allografts, totaling $224 million in charges through May of this year. DR OZ WARNS MEDICARE SCAMMERS ARE STEALING BILLIONS — AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COULD BE NEXT The agency also found alleged fraudulent claims for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which includes wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and other essential equipment. The agency says that payments have been suspended to 102 suppliers and revoked billing privileges for an additional 725 suppliers. "In just six months, the task force has effectively wiped out Durable Medical Equipment fraud in America," a spokesperson for Vance’s office told Fox News Digital. "After the Vice President and Dr. Oz announced a moratorium on new DME companies, paired with aggressive enforcement actions by DOJ and HHS, this kind of fraud has effectively ended." The suppliers who were suspected of fraud and had payments suspended represented 8.6% of all Medicare-funded Durable Medical Equipment in 2025. DR OZ SAYS 800 HOSPICE PROVIDERS SUSPENDED IN CALIFORNIA OVER ALLEGED $1B MEDICARE FRAUD SCHEME Fox News Digital learned from sources at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that fraud was identified for suppliers who filed claims for equipment that was not necessary or ordered, filed claims for equipment more complex or expensive than ordered and claims for equipment that was never delivered. "Thanks to the whole-of-government approach spearheaded by the White House Anti-Fraud Task Force, we stopped nearly $220 million in fraudulent skin substitute claims and suspended or revoked billing privileges for over 800 DME suppliers," Oz told Fox News Digital in a statement. "We are keeping our promise to the American people: we will root out corruption, protect vulnerable patients, and hold every bad actor accountable." Vance is scheduled to join Oz at a news conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, highlighting the efforts made by the anti-fraud task force. OPINION: I'M OHIO'S STATE AUDITOR — MEDICAID FRAUD IS NOT JUST A WASHINGTON PROBLEM In May, the Justice Department charged 15 individuals in Minnesota, finding more than $90 million in alleged fraudulent claims tied to multiple state-funded assistance programs. The task force and the DOJ announced a massive takedown of two of the largest Medicaid fraud cases in Minnesota state history, as well as the largest autism fraud scheme ever charged by the federal government," Vance said in a message on X at the time. "Our message is simple: if you’re committing fraud, we will find you, and we won’t rest until justice is served." President Donald Trump established the task force through an executive order in May. He appointed Vance to lead the task force, and a number of agencies and departments have been involved in the effort to crack down on fraud across the country. "Vice President JD Vance and Republicans are doing a great job hunting down Fraud in the various States," Trump posted on Truth Social in June. "Billions of Dollars is being found, and we've just started!" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e78ebc2ca79de23656ec1 Family of Man Fatally Shot by ICE Agent Calls for Independent Inquiry te 2026-07-08T16:20:59.874Z Family of Man Fatally Shot by ICE Agent Calls for Independent Inquiry The man killed, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was mourned by his sons as a father, husband and business owner, and said he was shot inside his car. Details of the encounter remain unclear. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e78d8c2ca79de23656eb8 Navy Identifies Sailor Lost in Arabian Sea Helicopter Crash te 2026-07-08T16:20:40.417Z Navy Identifies Sailor Lost in Arabian Sea Helicopter Crash Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards was declared missing after what the Navy said was an emergency water landing during a routine patrol. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e78c4c2ca79de23656e96 Another massive data breach exposed millions of driver’s license numbers te 2026-07-08T16:20:20.472Z Another massive data breach exposed millions of driver’s license numbers The cyberattack targeting a U.S. insurance giant is the largest known breach of driver's license numbers so far in 2026. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e76bbc2ca79de23656e4e Karmelo Anthony blasts judge in new filing over handling of murder trial te 2026-07-08T16:11:39.180Z Karmelo Anthony blasts judge in new filing over handling of murder trial Karmelo Anthony's new legal team is accusing the judge who presided over his murder trial of bias and arguing courtroom restrictions violated his constitutional right to a public trial in a pair of post-conviction motions seeking to overturn his conviction. According to court filings reviewed by FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Anthony's defense team asks that Collin County Judge John Roach recuse himself from all remaining post-trial proceedings while also requesting a new trial based on what the defense describes as constitutional and legal errors during Anthony's prosecution. Anthony, 19, was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after fatally stabbing him during an altercation at a Frisco track meet. A Collin County jury sentenced him to 35 years in prison. STEPHEN A. SMITH SAYS 'KARMELO ANTHONY MURDERED AUSTIN METCALF' The motions are the first major filings by Anthony's new legal team, led by attorney Russell Wilson, who previously agreed to represent Anthony pro bono during the appeals process. Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson's office for comment. A representative said Wilson is not commenting on the case at this time. In a news release obtained by FOX 4, the defense said it filed a verified motion to recuse Roach, arguing his public comments following the trial created the appearance that he could not impartially rule on Anthony's post-trial motions. AUSTIN METCALF'S FATHER ACCUSES MEDIA PUNDITS OF TRYING TO MONETIZE HIS SON'S DEATH 'FOR CLICKS' According to the motion, Roach told reporters after the verdict that the jury "got it right" and defended several of his rulings during the trial, including his decision to dismiss three Black prospective jurors and his handling of courtroom access. The defense argues those statements create an appearance that the judge cannot fairly consider Anthony's request for a new trial. The accompanying 63-page motion for a new trial focuses on alleged constitutional violations rather than Anthony's guilt or innocence. LISTEN: AUSTIN METCALF FAMILY FACING THREATS, FINANCIAL STRAIN AS KARMELO ANTHONY FUNDRAISING DRAWS SCRUTINY Among its central claims, the defense argues Anthony's Sixth Amendment right to a public trial was violated because cameras were barred from the courtroom and only 27 seats were available to members of the public during the proceedings. The attorneys also argue prosecutors failed to honor an off-the-record evidentiary agreement regarding character and extraneous-act evidence, forcing Anthony to choose between testifying and exposing himself to prejudicial information. The motion further challenges the jury instructions, claiming they made it more difficult for jurors to fully consider Anthony's self-defense argument. The defense contends the cumulative effect of those alleged errors deprived Anthony of a fair trial and warrants a new one. Following the trial, Roach defended his decision to prohibit cameras from the courtroom, telling Fox News at the time, the restrictions were intended to protect the judicial process, witnesses and jurors while promising greater transparency after the proceedings concluded. Under Texas law, Roach is expected to refer the recusal motion to a regional administrative judge, who will decide whether a hearing on the request is necessary. Fox News Digital requested copies of the filings from the Collin County Deputy County Administrator and separately sought comment from Roach's office. Neither immediately responded. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e76a7c2ca79de23656e45 Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis reveals he wasn't reading defenses for majority of 2025 season te 2026-07-08T16:11:19.721Z Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis reveals he wasn't reading defenses for majority of 2025 season With Big 12 Media Days in full swing in Frisco, Texas, members of the media are loading up on content to help keep fans satiated during these final weeks before the start of the 2026 season. One program in particular that never disappoints in that regard is the Colorado Buffaloes, and with a head coach as bombastic as Deion Sanders, it's easy to see why. But oddly enough, it wasn't Neon Deion who provided the most intriguing quote of the afternoon on Tuesday. DEION SANDERS DECLARES HE'S CANCER-FREE, ADDRESSES INCONTINENCE AHEAD OF COLORADO FOOTBALL SEASON That honor went to Colorado quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis. The former five-star signal caller from Georgia went through a long and winding recruiting process before ending up in Boulder for the 2025 season, and while most of his freshman year saw him backing up starter Kaidon Salter, Lewis did see some action in a handful of games. The results were mixed, with a 4:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio highlighting the good while an 0-2 record and 55% completion percentage showing plenty of room for growth. WOULD YOU WANT YOUR COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACH POSING FOR VANITY FAIR? What was eyebrow-raising, though, was Lewis' response to what he's looking to improve on the most from last season to this one. "I'm actually looking at the defenses now," Lewis said. "Last year we (weren't) really looking at defenses much, just kind of high school free-balling, just out there playing football." There's a good chance he didn't actually mean that they weren't studying defenses in the film room at Colorado. CURT CIGNETTI WAS SO FOCUSED THIS OFFSEASON, HE TURNED DOWN ALL EXTERNAL REQUESTS: 'I'M 95% FOOTBALL' After all, Lewis was a true freshman who wasn't even old enough to vote at the start of last season, so it's possible he just meant that he was a little overwhelmed at times on the field. That's not how large swathes of the internet interpreted his answer, though, and in the modern media age of sports, perception is often reality. If Lewis meant what he said, that's a horrible look for Coach Prime and the Colorado staff as a whole. The Buffaloes went 3-9 last year, regressing from their nine-win season in 2024 after losing talented players like Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Jimmy Horn Jr. In fairness, Deion did bring in a new offensive coordinator in Brennan Marion, whom many believe is one of the brightest offensive minds in the sport thanks to his innovative "Go-Go" scheme during his time at UNLV, so perhaps the problem has been addressed. Only time will tell, but for a program that puts as much emphasis on flash, sizzle, and presentation as Prime's Buffaloes do, this is a damning quote that demonstrates a lack of preparation. Again, this quote could have been entirely misconstrued, but sometimes the results on the field speak for themselves. It will be interesting to see what a year of preparation as well as the partnership with Marion does for Lewis' development. He has all the tools, now he just needs to put it together. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7694c2ca79de23656e3c Apple AI security update proves hackers move fast te 2026-07-08T16:11:00.282Z Apple AI security update proves hackers move fast A security update rarely feels dramatic. You see the alert, promise yourself you will install it later and then go right back to whatever you were doing. This time, Apple is giving you a stronger reason to pay attention. Apple released iOS 26.5.2, iPadOS 26.5.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 on June 29, 2026. The updates include security fixes for vulnerabilities tied to the kernel, WebKit and WebRTC. Apple says these fixes were first made available through the iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6 and macOS Tahoe 26.6 betas before being pushed out early to everyone. That is the part that should make you pause. Apple usually rolls many security fixes into larger software updates. This time, the company moved faster. AI IS NOW POWERING CYBERATTACKS, MICROSOFT WARNS Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Apple reportedly accelerated the updates because artificial intelligence can help speed the creation of malicious hacking tools. Once a fix appears in a beta, attackers may be able to study it, reverse-engineer the weakness and move faster than before. Apple said there was no evidence that the newly patched vulnerabilities had been exploited. Still, the company wanted to shrink the time between when fixes were first visible and when they reached your devices. That is a major shift. It suggests Apple sees AI as a force that changes the timing of security. A flaw that once gave defenders more breathing room may now become a race. Apple's iOS 26.5.2 and iPadOS 26.5.2 notes list fixes for iPhone 11 and later, along with several supported iPad models. The security content includes kernel vulnerabilities that could let an app crash the system, corrupt kernel memory or leak sensitive kernel state. The update also fixes multiple WebKit issues. WebKit powers Safari and web content inside many apps. Some of these flaws involved malicious web content that could lead to crashes, memory corruption, data leaks or sandbox escapes. Apple also fixed WebRTC issues that could be triggered by malicious web content and lead to Safari or process crashes. For Mac, Apple lists macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 as the current release. If your Mac runs macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia, Apple also lists Safari 26.5.2 as a June 29, 2026, security release. AI can help legitimate researchers find bugs faster. That is good when the work leads to stronger software and responsible disclosure. However, the same general capability can also help bad actors move faster. A criminal does not need to understand every line of code if an AI tool can help summarize a patch, compare software changes or suggest where a weakness may be hiding. That is why Apple's move is important. It shows that big tech companies may need to release security fixes sooner and more often, even when those updates do not include flashy new features. The wider AI world adds pressure here. Frontier AI companies have released or tested systems with stronger coding and cybersecurity capabilities. Some models are available only through limited previews, approved access or extra safeguards because of their potential cyber use. Similar efforts are also emerging outside the United States. Several international AI labs and security companies now promote models designed to find vulnerabilities, analyze code and assist cyber defense. The takeaway for you isn’t that AI is automatically bad. The real point is speed. Security teams, attackers and AI tools are now moving on a shorter clock. Before you update, plug in your device and connect to Wi-Fi. You may also want to back up your iPhone or iPad first. Then do this: Open Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. After the update finishes, go back to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Make sure automatic updates are turned on. Apple also lets your device automatically install system file updates that improve security without changing the full software version. If you do not see the update right away, check again later. Apple releases updates in stages, and your device also needs enough battery and storage. On a Mac, start with a backup. Then click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update . Choose Update Now if macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 appears. Next, check your background update settings. On macOS Tahoe 26 or later, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update . Click the More Info button next to Automatic Updates and make sure Install system data files and security updates is turned on. If your Mac runs Sonoma or Sequoia, look for Safari 26.5.2 in Software Update as well. That Safari update may be the protection your Mac needs if you are not on Tahoe. BEWARE OF HACKERS SHOWING UP PRETENDING TO BE IT You may see more security updates that feel sudden or small. That can be annoying, especially when you are busy or your device needs to restart. Still, these updates are becoming more important. Apple is reacting to a world where AI can help shorten the time between a public fix and a possible attack. So, when your iPhone, iPad or Mac asks you to update, do not treat it like background noise. The update may be closing a door someone else is already trying to find. Installing the Apple AI security update is the best first move. After that, tighten a few habits that make attacks harder. Your operating system is only part of the security picture. Outdated apps can still create risk, especially if they handle messages, web links, photos, files or account logins. Open the App Store and install available updates regularly. Be careful with links in texts, emails and social media messages. WebKit and browser flaws are a reminder that malicious web content can be part of an attack. When in doubt, open the official app or website yourself instead of tapping a link. Use strong, unique passwords for every account and store them in a password manager. Then turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. If one password gets exposed, you do not want it opening the door to your email, bank or Apple account. Use strong antivirus protection on your Mac and other connected devices. It can help catch malicious files, phishing attempts and suspicious activity before they do damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com. Back up your iPhone, iPad and Mac before problems hit. A recent backup can help you recover faster if an update fails, your device gets stolen or malware locks you out of important files. CyberGuy's guide to backing up your devices walks you through ways to protect your files using cloud storage, an external drive or both. Use a personal data removal service to reduce how much of your personal information is floating around online. Data brokers and people-search sites can expose your name, address, phone number and relatives. Scammers can use those details to make phishing messages feel more believable. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com. Apple's early security release shows how fast the cyber threat landscape is changing. The company says there is no evidence these newly patched flaws were exploited, but it still moved the fixes out before the wider 26.6 release. That tells me the old habit of waiting weeks to update is getting riskier. AI can help defenders, but it can also help criminals study weaknesses faster. My advice is direct: update your Apple devices now, turn on automatic security updates and stop putting off patches that protect the phone and computer you use every day. Do you think AI will make your devices safer because companies can find flaws faster, or more vulnerable because hackers can move faster too? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e766dc2ca79de23656e2f Family of Man Fatally Shot by ICE Agent Calls for Independent Inquiry te 2026-07-08T16:10:21.357Z Family of Man Fatally Shot by ICE Agent Calls for Independent Inquiry The man killed, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was mourned by his sons as a father, husband and business owner, and said he was shot inside his car. Details of the encounter remain unclear. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e743ec2ca79de23656dcd MARK PENN: Democrats ignored every warning sign in Graham Platner’s Senate disaster te 2026-07-08T16:01:02.020Z MARK PENN: Democrats ignored every warning sign in Graham Platner’s Senate disaster Federalist No. 62, written by James Madison, outlines the nature of the Senate and the qualifications of senators — they were older, more removed from politics, with six-year staggered terms, and meant to cool the hot-tempered passions of the House of Representatives. Guess Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner and the party organizers didn’t read that one. They are recruiting senators with exactly the opposite qualifications — inexperienced, reckless, flamboyant and unstable. Platner was unqualified from Day One — he had zero life accomplishments of any note, his political viewpoints were extreme, and he had no understanding of the complex issues that a senator would need to be effective. No matter — Democratic leaders showered him with support as a new kind of TikTok Democrat. And that is typically what the left is recruiting and selling to its voters. HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION Since no responsible, mature, experienced candidate would be for far-left ideas like socialism, open borders and abolishing prisons, they need to recruit completely inexperienced cutouts like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who smile, speak forcefully and stir the passions of young voters with radical ideas on social media. The Platner nomination fits this new mold. Brash, willing to say anything, completely unqualified. It’s the opposite of how the founders conceived of senators, but exactly what the left wants to install into the Senate so they can be the useful idiots they need elected by uninformed voters. But right at the beginning, there were questions, beginning with a Nazi tattoo.  Along with the tattoo were extreme anti-Israel views, which by themselves would not be antisemitic, but when combined with the tattoo, strongly suggested views that verged on antisemitism. Yet they seemed almost to be considered qualifying rather than disqualifying. The enthusiasm for Platner among Democratic primary voters was so strong that the sitting, experienced governor of the state ended her own campaign. EMOTION AND FEELINGS: HOW DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS' CONGRESSIONAL INSURGENCY COULD COME BACK TO BITE THEM Antisemitism is anti-Americanism, and no tent of any party should be big enough to make room for it — candidates like Graham Platner should be disqualified right at the beginning. Sporting a Nazi tattoo, along with all the online comments, from backing communism to demeaning women, should have been enough for Democratic leaders to just say no to this candidacy from the beginning, but the left-wing Democratic primary machine these days is powerful enough to nominate virtually anyone for any position and get the rest of the peanut gallery to go along and provide cover. In contrast to Platner, Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins is the epitome of what it should mean to be a senator — she is thoughtful, experienced, works hard on behalf of her state, and has frequently stood up against her party on major votes. She was being depicted by the Democrats as a conservative thug, dismissing her real record. EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE The rest of the story is history now — The New York Times ran an "exposé" about Platner’s issues with women in a manner that seemed to give him a pass and downplay the accusations, which came from a Republican-leaning woman. Democrats yawned at it all until the rape allegation from a Democrat came out in the last few days, finally causing the 40 major Democratic endorsers to back off the Nazi-tattooed candidate. But it is a disgrace for the Democratic Party that it ever endorsed someone with this kind of obvious bad character and lack of qualifications for one of the most important offices in the nation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION It calls into question all of their endorsements and the process of selecting candidates who not only can get votes, but who have the qualities envisioned for senators. Failing to put up qualified candidates eventually will hollow out the whole institution of the Senate and turn it into the partisan chamber the founders hoped to avoid. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM MARK PENN Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e742ac2ca79de23656dc4 Joy Behar cornered by 'The View' producer on frustration with Trump supporters amid Platner scandal te 2026-07-08T16:00:42.548Z Joy Behar cornered by 'The View' producer on frustration with Trump supporters amid Platner scandal "The View" co-host Joy Behar was cornered by the show's producer, Brian Teta, on Tuesday over her frustration with voters who supported President Donald Trump amid Graham Platner's latest scandal as he faces mounting calls to exit the race. Behar brought up the late Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy during the "Behind the Table" podcast, hosted by Teta, and said, "Teddy Kennedy had that had that whole thing with Chappaquiddick, and yet people still wanted him in Congress. Why? Because he voted correctly." "Unfortunately, this is the world we live in," she added. 'THE VIEW' EASED UP ON POLITICAL CANDIDATE BOOKINGS AMID FCC INQUIRY, REPORT SAYS Teta pushed back, saying, "Just to be fair about it though, because for years on this show, you and others have said, you were frustrated with people that turned a blind eye to things that you think that Donald Trump did wrong." Behar acknowledged her feelings toward Trump voters, as Teta noted people voted for him anyway. "And that made you crazy, so by that context, because people were voting for him because they wanted the Supreme Court to go a separate way, or they wanted tax cuts," he said. Behar noted that it was a "difficult situation." EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE During a conversation on "The View" in 2016, Behar made a similar point, using Kennedy as an example as the co-hosts at the time discussed former President Bill Clinton. "Chappaquiddick," she said. "I mean, a girl drowns and he abandons her and she drowned and women still voted for Teddy Kennedy. Why? Because he voted for women's rights. That's why. That's the bottom line of it in my opinion. I mean, I don't like either one of them, to tell you the truth, Teddy or Bill. They're both dogs as far as I'm concerned. But I still will vote for Bill Clinton because he votes in my favor." As the Platner controversy unfolded, co-host Sunny Hostin stood by her initial position that she would support Platner over Collins because she believed that the country was in an existential crisis and Democrats needed to take back the Senate. She said she would support him in June despite calling him a racist, a homophobe and an antisemite. During the show on Tuesday, Alyssa Farah Griffin confronted Hostin on whether or not she would still feel comfortable voting for Platner. Co-host Sara Haines said people just voting for him or supporting him due to his party affiliation were the problem. Hostin then said she was the problem. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "Because I was one of those people and I said it, if I lived in Maine I would have, you know, plugged my nose and would have voted for him anyway. I think we are in a time of existential crisis in this country and I think Republicans fall in line. They don’t fall in love. Democrats want to fall in love and not fall in line. The Republican Party, the bar is so very low, I can’t believe that they want to try to assume the moral high ground of the Republican Party," she said. Hostin cited the confirmation of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and controversies surrounding his confirmation to his Cabinet position. She argued members of the GOP could not take the moral high ground on the issue of Platner, but never answered Griffin's question about whether she felt comfortable voting for him. Hostin eventually said that Platner should exit the race, in agreement with all the co-hosts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e7211c2ca79de23656d63 Top Dem admits Trump ‘wisely’ made critical demand to NATO allies: ‘Love and hate relationship’ te 2026-07-08T15:51:45.193Z Top Dem admits Trump ‘wisely’ made critical demand to NATO allies: ‘Love and hate relationship’ A top Democratic senator admitted on CBS News that he believes President Donald Trump "wisely" made the critical demand to NATO allies to spend more on defense. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who is in Turkey this week as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation to NATO, spoke with CBS News when an anchor laughingly asked him about Trump’s "strange relationship with NATO over his push for them to spend more on security." The anchor asked Durbin, "Where does this relationship go from here?" In response, Durbin described Trump’s relationship with NATO as a "back-and-forth, love-and-hate relationship." He went on to say that "the president has, I think, wisely asked for our NATO allies, there are 32 members of NATO, to spend more of their own money to protect themselves." "That’s not an unreasonable ask," he added. TRUMP ENTERS FINAL NATO SUMMIT DAY AS UKRAINE, DEFENSE SPENDING TAKE CENTER STAGE Durbin, who has served in the Senate for nearly 30 years, is the minority whip and ranking member of the influential Judiciary Committee. He is in Ankara, Turkey's capital, as part of a congressional delegation led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., to the 2026 NATO Summit. Trump is also attending the summit, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. Durbin did not spend all his time praising the president. Speaking from Ankara, he went on to say that "there have been things that happened during his second presidency which raised the question of our commitment to the future of NATO." "I believe in it; that’s why I’m here. And I’ve found that of the delegates that are here from all over the region, part of NATO, that they believe, as I do, that we’re a safer world with the NATO alliance. We have been since 1945." TRUMP BETS ON FORMER NATO TROUBLEMAKER AS TURKEY'S STRATEGIC VALUE SURGES He added that the summit "will be an opportunity for us to convince the president, if we have to, to move forward with this relationship." Before traveling to Turkey for the summit, Trump vented his frustration about NATO, writing in a social media post that "the United States spends more money on NATO than any other country, by far, to protect them, without getting any benefit from so doing: U.S. 999 Billion Dollars, United Kingdom, 90.5 Billion Dollars, France, 66.5 Billion Dollars, Italy, 48.8 Billion Dollars, Poland, 44.3 Billion Dollars. Others, including Germany, are MUCH LOWER. (2014-2025) Ridiculous!" A NATO release stated that the "cut-off date for information used in this report was 3 June 2025" and that "figures for 2024 and 2025 are estimates." It listed estimated 2025 U.S. defense spending at $980 billion, the United Kingdom's at $90.508 billion, France's at $66.531 billion, Italy's at $48.8 billion and Poland's at $44.314 billion. TRUMP CALLS OUT NATO AHEAD OF SUMMIT, CALLING IT 'RIDICULOUS' FOR US TO PERSIST ON 'ONE SIDED PATH' In another post, Trump said it is "ridiculous for the U.S.A. to continue along this one sided path when the relationship is not reciprocal. They were not there for us!!!" The president's comments came after NATO leaders backed a new defense spending benchmark calling on allies to invest 5% of gross domestic product in defense and defense-related expenditures. Fox News Digital's Alex Nitzberg and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e71fdc2ca79de23656d5a Frantic search underway for crew after Boeing 737 wreckage found by officials te 2026-07-08T15:51:25.737Z Frantic search underway for crew after Boeing 737 wreckage found by officials Officials in Pakistan are scrambling after a cargo plane with five crew members went missing on Tuesday evening, prompting an urgent search. The Boeing 737, operated by K2 Airways, was on a cargo flight en route to Karachi, Pakistan, when it disappeared around 9:21 p.m. local time, The Associated Press reported. The flight, K2 Airways Flight 1732, had departed from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates earlier that day. DELTA FLIGHT FORCED TO DIVERT AFTER PASSENGER GOES INTO LABOR AND DELIVERS BABY MIDAIR Just minutes before contact was lost, the crew reported a "navigation system problem." Radar data later showed the aircraft rapidly descending before contact was lost. Radar and radio contact was lost roughly 155 nautical miles west of Karachi, officials said. According to aviation databases Airfleets.net and Planespotters.net, the aircraft was a roughly 27-year-old Boeing 737-400 freighter, registration AP-BOI. It was K2 Airways' only aircraft. On Wednesday, officials announced that some wreckage was recovered 53 miles south of Ormara, but no crew members were found, according to Reuters. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Speaking to local outlet ARY News, aviation expert Imran Aslam said the flight's rapid descent was unusual. He noted that even if an aircraft suffers an engine failure, it would typically continue gliding rather than immediately fall from the sky. "I still cannot understand how the plane went down so abruptly instead of gliding," he said, per the AP. Pakistani officials said search-and-rescue operations are underway in the Arabian Sea after military and civilian authorities were activated in response to the disappearance. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS The PNS Zulfiqar, a frigate of the Pakistan Navy, was quickly diverted to the area of the disappearance, and the Pakistan Air Force had also deployed aircraft to assist the search. A Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft departed from Turbat, about 270 miles west of Karachi, to assist. According to K2 Airways' website, the airline was established in 2018, and its inaugural Boeing 737-400SF aircraft arrived in Karachi on July 1, 2024. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The airline's purpose is to "connect businesses by providing safe, efficient, and innovative air cargo," its website says. "We aim to expand our fleet and operations, further solidifying our position as a leader in Pakistan’s aviation," says the site. Fox News Digital reached out to K2 Airways and Boeing for comment. The Associated Press contributed reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e71eac2ca79de23656d51 Donald Trump Jr says evidence in Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing 'more cut and dry' than he thought te 2026-07-08T15:51:06.282Z Donald Trump Jr says evidence in Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing 'more cut and dry' than he thought Donald Trump Jr. said Tuesday that evidence presented during the preliminary hearing for the man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was "much more cut and dry" than he expected, saying newly released surveillance video and witness testimony left little doubt in his mind about the prosecution's case. "Once this hard evidence was laid out to me in a courtroom before my very eyes, [and] seeing the reaction of the defense, this thing is much more cut and dry than I would have ever even imagined," Trump Jr. told "America's Newsroom." The president's eldest son expressed confidence that suspect Tyler Robinson will be found guilty once the case has concluded, saying the outcome is "very clear." TYLER ROBINSON'S AND LANCE TWIGGS' DNA BOTH ALLEGEDLY FOUND ON KEY EVIDENCE IN CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION Robinson's preliminary hearing began Monday and is expected to take all week.  Prosecutors must establish probable cause in order for the judge to green-light the path to trial on a slew of charges, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty. Robinson is accused of fatally shooting the 31-year-old Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 last year. Trump Jr. attended the hearing to show support for Kirk's legacy as well as Kirk's widow, Erika, and his parents. ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON FIGHTS BACK AS PROSECUTORS' SPRAWLING CASE COMES INTO FOCUS He told Fox News he wanted to see the evidence firsthand after declining to publicly weigh in on speculation surrounding the case. "It was just important to be there. It's a legacy that really needs to be preserved," he said. "The impact that Charlie had on so many Americans, on so many youth, is, frankly, generational. It could have been so much more, but it was important to be there and to see the actual facts laid out." Fox News' Michael Ruiz and Olivianna Calmes contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e71bcc2ca79de23656d2c These AI startups are growing revenue at faster and faster rates te 2026-07-08T15:50:20.464Z These AI startups are growing revenue at faster and faster rates There are a lot of fast-growing AI startups, but some are growing even faster, they say. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e6f7ec2ca79de23656b51 Danny McBride says ditching LA was the best move for his career and family te 2026-07-08T15:40:46.190Z Danny McBride says ditching LA was the best move for his career and family Actor Danny McBride is exposing the real reason he opted to ditch Los Angeles. On a new episode of Rich Roll's podcast, Roll asked him about his decision to move his family out of the "bubble" of L.A. to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2017. McBride, who's created and starred in shows like "Eastbound & Down" and "The Righteous Gemstones," explained that part of the reason he likes living where he does now is that it offers him more creative freedom. "When we were shooting 'Eastbound,' we were shooting in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the idea that there was not a direct flight, at that time, from L.A. to North Carolina, we noticed that the executives never came to set," McBride said. "We're like, 'Oh, we just gotta choose cities that it's not easy to get to from L.A., and then we'll have more freedom.'" 'THE THORN BIRDS' STAR RACHEL WARD TRADED 'EMPTY' HOLLYWOOD FOR FARM LIFE IN AUSTRALIA McBride also said that another plus to living in Charleston is that his children – he and his wife, Gia Ruiz, share son Declan, 14, and daughter Ava, 10 – aren't as involved with social media as they may have been living in Los Angeles. "In my house, I try to limit my kids having access to all this stuff," he said. "I just try to be present in their lives. So, if they're listening to anybody's take on the world, hopefully it's mine and my wife's, and not a stranger online." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "I think maybe that's part of the benefit of being in Charleston is like, we live on a creek and the kids in our neighborhood are into fishing, and they're into, you know, getting out in the water," he shared. "And I don't know … it's not as pervasive there, I guess." McBride told Roll, who is an author, athlete and a plant-based nutritionalist, that his life changed when he had his kids. "It was really easy to do this job when I didn't have kids," he admitted, explaining that he used to "give all my time to the job." "And then once kids came around, it started to be like, 'I don't want to give that much time to this. I want to get the result, but I have other jobs now too. I want to be there for these kids. I want to be a good partner for my wife. I don't want to push all these things off just because I'm making a TV show.'" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "I have to find the balance of it," McBride said. What works for McBride is starting his day way before his kids wake up.  "And then by the time the kids go awake, I already have started something that's got my mind working, that has me excited. I can sit down and be present for those guys and get them to school, and I drop ‘em off, then I come back home and I jam more," McBride said. "I just try to find the time that works that doesn’t make me sequestered off while the rest of life is happening and I'm hammering away nonsense and d--- jokes." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e6d5ec2ca79de236556b3 GOP senator accuses NYT of sitting on bombshell allegation to protect Schumer, Dems te 2026-07-08T15:31:42.159Z GOP senator accuses NYT of sitting on bombshell allegation to protect Schumer, Dems FIRST ON FOX: A top Senate Republican accused both The New York Times and high-level Senate Democrats of working together to delay publishing allegations against Maine Senate Democratic candidate Graham Platner until they could do maximum damage. Stories and allegations against Platner have been piling up for nearly a year, inflicting incremental damage to his candidacy with each report published. It started with the unearthed footage of him dancing intoxicated, sporting a tattoo of Nazi iconography on his chest last Fall, and culminated this week in a bombshell report that Platner allegedly raped his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot. But it was a story from The New York Times in June that sowed deep doubts among Democrats in Washington, D.C., about his candidacy. NEW YORK TIMES UNDER SCRUTINY OVER GRAHAM PLATNER COVERAGE AS ACCUSERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST PAPER Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., who chairs Senate the Republicans’ campaign apparatus, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and the media outlet of working together to sit on that bombshell story against Platner to buy time to replace him. "We should have seen this information long ago," Scott said. "But what they've done is they've made a decision to keep him in the race as long as possible so that they had more time to make the necessary change to try to hold onto that power and, frankly, gain power in Maine." "Whether or not Chuck Schumer wanted this candidate or not, the fact of the matter is the Democratic Party decided that this was the hill they were all willing to die on," he continued. KINGMAKER MAMDANI CALLS ON PLATNER TO 'DROP OUT OF THE RACE' AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION Scott was referring to The Times report in which multiple women that Platner had relationships with, including Racicot, alleged that he knew about his Nazi tattoo well before reports surfaced that he denied, that he displayed "unsettling behavior" with women and was an intimidating presence with flashes of violence. The Times denied Scott’s claims. "The Senator’s speculation is flatly untrue," Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander told Fox News Digital. That same story sparks an emergency meeting with Democratic high command, Platner’s top supporters in the Senate and the Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., to determine if more damning information was set to come out. SANDERS BREAKS SILENCE ON PLATNER, CALLS ON SCANDAL-PLAGUED PROGRESSIVE TO 'STEP ASIDE' A source familiar told Fox News Digital that the DSCC "had no involvement" in the story. Schumer did not respond to a request for comment. Still, Scott contended that the story and alleged collusion were "critical pieces of the puzzle," particularly in the aftermath of Platner’s latest scandal that has seen his entire base of support among Democratic lawmakers and organizations virtually melt away overnight. And, he charged that their sudden dismissal of Platner was indicative of their desire to beat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to regain power in the upper chamber after months of accepting allegation after allegation. "Those allegations and realities have been real and true the entire time that Democrats knew it," Scott said. "And what makes it worse is that you say they're all lining up to get away from him now, but they all lined up to support him earlier." "And what that tells me is that their primary objective is power over principle, and politics over policy," he continued. "They are more interested in stealing the power so they can control the public." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e6d4ac2ca79de236555ed Deadly illegal immigrant truck crash exposed failures on the road and at the border: key senator te 2026-07-08T15:31:22.385Z Deadly illegal immigrant truck crash exposed failures on the road and at the border: key senator The crash that killed a Pennsylvania state trooper, allegedly caused by an illegal immigrant truck driver, exposed failures at the intersection of highway safety and immigration enforcement, the architect of Pennsylvania's move-over law said. Michael Bon, a 33-year-old Haitian national who entered the U.S. under former President Joe Biden's mass parole program, according to the Department of Homeland Security, was arrested after his big rig plowed into Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira Jr. on Interstate 81. State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Gettysburg, whose district encompasses a large swath of Interstate 81's heavily truck-trafficked corridor, said his law was meant to prevent tragedies like this, many of which have happened in or near his district. Mastriano said Bon's immigration status made the tragedy doubly preventable. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TRUCK DRIVER CHARGED IN DEATH OF TROOPER WHO MOVED HOME TO CARE FOR MOM WITH CANCER Mastriano said his move-over law came about in 2019 as one of his first efforts after being elected to the legislature. "I heard from Tom Bricker, a tow truck operator at Abe’s Towing out of Chambersburg," he said. "He told me all the close calls he's had, all the friends of his that have been killed or injured by people crashing into the tow trucks … especially on 81, since that goes through our area." VIRGINIA BUS CRASH THAT KILLED FIVE INVOLVED DRIVER WHO DOESN'T SPEAK ENGLISH, SEAN DUFFY SAYS After Bricker visited Mastriano, tow trucker Tyler Laudenslager was struck and killed on Interstate 81 west of Lebanon, prompting his move-over legislation, which Democratic then-Gov. Tom Wolf signed. Since then, Pennsylvania motorists have been required to move over for tow trucks and other emergency vehicles or slow to a safe speed, something Bon allegedly did not do when he struck Pahira's cruiser. "Trooper Michael should be alive today, had the federal government enforce their own laws protecting the border, making sure only people coming in legally can be on the roads," he said, noting the nexus of his law and immigration enforcement policies. ‘GHOSTS’ ON FLORIDA HIGHWAYS: ROADSIDE STINGS SNARE 249 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, OFFICERS WARN MANY MORE HIDING Another Mastriano bill passed in 2022 allows tow trucks to use police-issued blue lights while stopped to get motorists to pay attention. The senator said it came about after meeting with Bricker and other tow truck drivers and learned of a pilot program of the sort in the Midwest. Mastriano said Bon, who had been living in Brockton, Massachusetts, and was issued a CDL by the Bay State's Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), drifted out of his lane when he struck Pahira, as the trooper was conducting an unrelated commercial-vehicle inspection south of Frackville. With Massachusetts and Pennsylvania among the states that have faced cases involving CDLs issued to immigrants in the country illegally, Mastriano said states have authority to address motor vehicle policy. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration previously faulted DHS, whose agency maintains the SAVE registry that identifies a noncitizen's immigration status, which PennDOT uses to determine licensure eligibility. When asked about states like Pennsylvania faulting the federal government in part for the problem, Mastriano said the "finger-pointing" must stop. "Josh Shapiro, please fix this, you have a lot of power here in Pennsylvania and you're the governor and so exercise that power ask your secretary of transportation to update records to make sure anyone receiving CDL licenses is somebody who's here legally and understands the language and can control a vehicle," he said. "A lot of mistakes were done and people need to be held responsible and to just shift the blame now to the federal government for a state government problem is just wrong," he said. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania both defended their licensing systems, telling Fox News Digital they relied on the federal SAVE database to verify Bon's eligibility. "This defendant should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," a Healey administration RMV spokesperson said, echoing the Shapiro administration's defense of the federal SAVE database and noting it is federally operated. "Every non-U.S. citizen who applies for a commercial learner’s permit or driver’s license in Pennsylvania must provide proof of identity and ... lawful presence in the United States, which is verified with the federal SAVE database, administered by [USCIS]," Shapiro spokeswoman Rosie Lapowsky said. Under Massachusetts’ procedure, Bon would have been rejected upon any attempted renewal for 2027, a source familiar with Beacon Hill’s policies said. When asked, as a state lawmaker, what the federal government can do about states where these cases have become common, Mastriano said respecting federalism, the idea that states have semi-autonomy, is important but can make it "tough" to manage. Mastriano pointed to the federal government's use of highway funding to encourage state compliance with the 55-mph speed limit during the 1970s gasoline crisis. The same strategy could be used today, he suggested. Referring to the Eisenhower Interstate and Defense Highways Act’s inclusion of "defense" concerns, Mastriano said resources could also be allocated by Washington to improve highways based on their linkage between military outposts. In the case of Interstate 81, where Pahira and many others have been killed, he noted that Letterkenny Army Depot in his district, the U.S. Army War College and Tobyhanna Army Depot are located along it, which he said could spur funding for more lanes and better conditions. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Lapowsky noted PennDOT has paused all issuances of such licenses following a Sept. 29, 2025 federal order. Since Bon's crash, another illegal immigrant has been arrested after authorities said he struck and killed a motorist changing a flat tire on Interstate 80 in Illinois. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e6d36c2ca79de2365550c Back Toronto Blue Jays Dylan Cease against Logan Webb in a low-scoring Giants pitching matchup te 2026-07-08T15:31:02.736Z Back Toronto Blue Jays Dylan Cease against Logan Webb in a low-scoring Giants pitching matchup We escaped with a win yesterday as the Miami Marlins pulled off the victory in extra innings. It was a bit of a frustrating one because the Marlins were winning 4-2 after five innings, and then the bullpen allowed three earned runs in the top of the eighth. The Marlins came right back and tied it up before winning in 10 innings. It would've been nice to not have to sweat, but I won't complain about a win. We are flying across the country to take on a different series. The Toronto Blue Jays are a team that I've discussed quite a bit this year. Before the season began, my biggest question was how they would respond to the adversity of losing a heartbreaking World Series. It is hard enough to just get to the playoffs, and now they are fighting to get back there. Last year they were one of the best teams in baseball, and, at least on paper, they should've been better. At 43-49, there is a lot of work to be done for Toronto this season. Sometimes it seems like the issue is their pitching staff, but their team is 12th in the Majors in ERA. Their batting average is 17th, but they are 27th in runs scored, so my guess is they are getting opportunities, but not cashing in. It can be hard to pitch with limited run support. However, one of their offseason additions who have made an impact this year has done a good job of it. Today, Dylan Cease takes the mound, and he brings a 5-4 record, 2.79 ERA, and a 1.18 WHIP. He turned in one of his best performances of the season in his last outing. He went seven strong innings, allowing just three hits, while striking out nine. We've known it for a long time — when Cease is on, he is elite. But there are times when he can't find the zone and falls apart. He has faced the Giants a bunch of times during his time with San Francisco. They are 21-for-82 against him, but no one with more than 10 at-bats is batting over .300. The San Francisco Giants are a team that is one to watch around the trade deadline. I really like their lineup, but for whatever reason, it just hasn't clicked for them. They are only slightly ahead of the Blue Jays in terms of runs scored this year. Their pitching staff, however, has been only 22nd in the league. I'm sure there are a ton of teams out there looking to add pitching to their roster, but there are a few arms on the Giants that you'd really aggressively pursue. The bats might be on the move, but that's only if the Giants decide it is time to try a rebuild of sorts. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS The one person who would bring the biggest return, should he be listed as an option, is today's starter, Logan Webb. I haven't even heard rumors that they are considering it, but he might be the most coveted starter outside Tarik Skubal if available. Webb has been solid once again this season, going 5-6 for the year, with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Webb has been slightly better at home with a 3.33 ERA and has been fantastic during the day with a 1.70 ERA. He was absolutely rocked in his last outing, but it was in Coors Field, so it is a bit difficult to know how much of that was poor mechanics versus the environment. Blue Jays hitters have done well against Webb with a .333 batting average over 51 at-bats. This should be one of the best pitching matchups on the slate for today. That usually means low scoring is in store. These two starters are both capable of throwing complete-game shutouts or going at least seven innings with few runs allowed. The listed total also indicates the books feel that way as well. Couple that with the two teams not scoring a ton of runs. The under makes a lot of sense, but there is little room for error. Instead, I think the Blue Jays are the play today. Cease has been very strong lately, and I think that his success against the Giants in the past should help. Webb has been solid against the Blue Jays, but they've been a bit more consistent against him, and in a tight game like this, I will back the Blue Jays to get the win. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e6d23c2ca79de23655461 Leftist California group pushes to add 'Black English' to schools' multilingual education program te 2026-07-08T15:30:43.286Z Leftist California group pushes to add 'Black English' to schools' multilingual education program A group of radical left-wing groups in California are pushing for schools to add Black vernacular into a Golden State program that pushes multilingualism for kids. Black Californians United for Early Care and Education (BlackECE) is a "collaborative partnership of organizations committed to advancing language justice for Black children in early childhood education." Those groups include Californians Together, Catalyst California and Early Edge. A co-founder of the umbrella group said she was teased a kid for "talking white" and doesn't want Black children, like her son, to feel "shame" for the way they speak. CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL BATTLES NEWSOM'S STATE LAW ORDERING IT TO CHANGE 'INDIANS' MASCOT "The workgroup brings together BlackECE, Californians Together, Catalyst California, and Early Edge to challenge harmful language hierarchies and affirm Black English as a legitimate, rule-governed language rooted in Black history, culture, and community," according to the coalition's website. BlackECE's 10-point policy framework also includes reparations. Ashley Williams, a co-founder of the BlackECE, spoke with PBS about the importance of the group's work. "I don’t want my son to walk into any room and feel like his voice is not valued or his perspective can’t be heard because he’s not saying it in one way or the other," she told the outlet. "But with that comes a lot of shame and embarrassment because you’re being constantly corrected when you’re still in a moment when you’re just learning language." "Black English" is a broad term used to describe the way African Americans speak, according to ScienceDirect. The most common defined form of "Black English" is African American Vernacular English [AAVE], characterized as a "systematic dialect spoken by many African Americans, characterized by specific phonological, syntactical, and lexical features, including word-final consonant cluster simplification, invariant 'be' for habitual meaning, and multiple negation." BlackECE insists that the dialect is not slang or broken English, and provides some real life examples of AAVE. "She be working," is one example listed on the website. "They happy" and "bes' friend" are among others. "We talk about multilinguals, but we don’t include Black children who may be African-American English speakers," Xigrid Soto-Boykin, an early childhood language expert at Arizona State University, told PBS. "We completely miss this subgroup of children that could also benefit from their language backgrounds to be sustained, but also to be leveraged for their own learning." NEW YORK TIMES CALLS UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA'S 'TEST-BLIND' ADMISSIONS POLICY A 'TERRIBLE' MISTAKE California — a state where more than half of children under the age of five live in homes where another language besides English is spoken — implemented a program called "Promoting Equitable Early Learning and Care For Dual Language Learners" in 2020. The program "declares biliteracy as a state goal and strongly promotes multilingual proficiency for all children, beginning in early childhood." It focuses on policies that "reflect a dramatic shift in public sentiment away from a focus on English only and to a focus that values bilingualism as an asset and a strength." BlackECE says "Black English" should be added to that California program. Williams recalled being teased for "talking white" by family members, and complained that her teachers were "adamant about proper English," which she said made her feel insecure. "Really at the heart of this, it’s about affirming our identity and our culture and our humanity and not having to perform as something you’re not just to be accepted in a room," she reportedly said. "We know that with being deemed multilingual learners, there’s resources, there’s supports, there’s teacher training. And we’re saying, ‘Yes, and we belong in that conversation too.’ Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e68d2c2ca79de23654f27 States try new measures to get chronically absent students back to class te 2026-07-08T15:12:18.388Z States try new measures to get chronically absent students back to class A student reads at his desk in Oregon. The state and at least five others enacted laws this year aiming to reduce chronic absenteeism. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) This year, at least six states enacted laws trying to reduce the number of students chronically absent from school. The measures include requiring monitoring of absences and publicly releasing data, developing new guidance on the best ways to address the problem and increasing punishments for parents and guardians of chronically absent students.  Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days in an academic year, which equates to about 18 days or two days per month.  A Utah law signed in March creates a student attendance monitoring system and requires the identification of at-risk students. Parents of students in grades 1-6 will receive a notice of violation after five truancies. If parents don’t meet with school officials to address the truancy, they could face a class B misdemeanor.  Oregon’s new law requires every school district and public charter school to compile data about the students who regularly attend class or are chronically absent, which will be made publicly available by the state’s Department of Education. Vermont’s new law overhauls how the state defines and handles chronic absenteeism and truancy. Chronic absenteeism will remain categorized as 10% or more days of missed attendance. Truancy is classified as 20 or more unexcused absences within a school year. If a student is considered truant and school-based interventions haven’t improved attendance, the law allows the state’s attorney to fine parents a maximum of $1,000 or to file a court petition against the parents.  Additionally, by July 2027, the state’s Agency of Education must develop a model policy on chronic absenteeism and truancy, including guidance on excusing absences, addressing absenteeism among students with disabilities and considering how bullying and hazing could impact a student’s attendance. Under a new Tennessee law, a student transferring during the school year will have the number of unexcused absences reported to their next school, and any future unexcused absences will be added on a cumulative record. And it removes the five-hour limit on the amount of community service a judge may order for the parent or guardian of a student with five or more unexcused absences during a school year. Under a sweeping K-12 education legislative package enacted this year in Mississippi, the state is required to fund one attendance officer per 4,000 compulsory‑school‑aged children.  And a recent New Jersey law establishes a chronic absenteeism task force, which will develop recommendations on the best way to address the problem. According to FutureEd, a think tank at Georgetown University, lawmakers filed more than 70 bills across 24 states this legislative session about chronic absenteeism.  Of the 44 states and Washington, D.C., that have released 2024-25 attendance data, most states showed improvement, FutureEd found. But Colorado, Oklahoma, Mississippi, New Mexico and the district reported a rise in missed school days. And no state has fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, it said.  According to its most recent data, the U.S. Department of Education says the national rate of chronic absenteeism reached about 31% in 2021-22 and fell to 28% in 2022-23.  Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Arizona Mirror, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e68bec2ca79de23654f09 Squad member calls DHS 'greatest threat to our safety' after ICE-involved shooting te 2026-07-08T15:11:58.414Z Squad member calls DHS 'greatest threat to our safety' after ICE-involved shooting One leftist lawmaker is ramping up her attacks on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after an immigration officer fatally shot an illegal alien during an enforcement operation in Houston on Tuesday. Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., declared DHS the "greatest threat to our safety" in a social media post, arguing that Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who allegedly resisted arrest during an attempted traffic stop, was the agency’s latest victim. DHS said Salgado Araujo was shot in self-defense after he allegedly attempted to run over a federal agent with his vehicle, prompting the officer to open fire. "The greatest threat to our safety is DHS," Ramirez, a Chicago-based lawmaker who has called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), wrote Tuesday. "CBP and ICE continue to violently attack our neighbors and trample the rights of our residents." ICE SAYS OFFICER SHOT AND KILLED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO TRIED TO RAM HIM WITH CAR IN HOUSTON Democrats have recently taken a hard line against DHS — a sprawling agency that oversees everything from the Secret Service to the Coast Guard and TSA — over its immigration enforcement and border security functions. Top Democrats refused to fund the department earlier this year following the Trump administration’s controversial Minneapolis immigration enforcement surge that led to the killing of two Americans by federal officers. The party's hardball tactics led to the longest partial government shutdown in history and later prompted Republicans to pass a second "big beautiful bill" that funded ICE and CBP for the rest of President Donald Trump’s term. Ramirez did not mention DHS’ statement that Salgado Araujo allegedly evaded arrest while federal authorities attempted to pull him over or that he was not authorized to be in the country. "From information we are receiving, he rammed an ICE law enforcement vehicle, refused to follow multiple verbal commands, and weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer, resulting in our officer firing his weapon in self-defense," DHS wrote in a statement. "The driver was struck, and emergency services were immediately contacted," the department continued. "The driver was transported to the hospital where he passed away from his injuries." ILLEGAL ALIEN ON THE RUN AFTER ALLEGEDLY RAMMING ICE VEHICLE IN PENNSYLVANIA, PROMPTING AGENT TO FIRE WEAPON A spokesperson for Ramirez did not immediately respond to a request for comment on DHS’s account. DHS said the department’s Office of Inspector General is probing the shooting. The FBI’s Houston Office launched a separate investigation into the "potential assault" of the ICE officer, according to DHS’ statement. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, who represents the Magnolia Park neighborhood where Salgado Araujo was shot, issued a more measured statement. "ICE has released an initial account, but the facts must be independently and thoroughly investigated, including the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force," Garcia wrote on social media. "All available footage, communications, and other evidence should be preserved and reviewed as part of a full and impartial investigation." Ramirez, who is associated with the far-left cohort known as the Squad, also called on the Republican-controlled House to pass her Melt ICE Act, which would effectively defund the agency while laying out a timeline to shutter all immigration detention facilities and releasing detained illegal aliens. The legislation is sponsored by fellow Squad members, Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Summer Lee, D-Pa., Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn. It has no clear path to passage amid widespread opposition from Republicans and likely from some Democrats. Ramirez’s ICE abolition advocacy comes as she has not commented on a spate of illegal aliens with criminal backgrounds who were arrested in her home state of Illinois in June. Federal agents recently arrested Venezuelan national Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti, who allegedly assisted in a 2024 mass shooting involving Tren de Aragua members at a house party in Chicago. Last month, authorities also detained Noe Moreno-Salazar, an illegal alien from Mexico, in St. Charles, Ill. He was previously convicted of sexual abuse and aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon, among other offenses, according to DHS. Ramirez also did not appear to comment on the March killing of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman by a Venezuelan illegal alien in Chicago — an incident that sparked outrage over the perpetrator's previous arrest. Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e68aac2ca79de23654f00 Chefs name America's best fast-food fried chicken and biscuits — and one chain stands above the rest te 2026-07-08T15:11:38.961Z Chefs name America's best fast-food fried chicken and biscuits — and one chain stands above the rest When it comes to fast-food fried chicken and biscuits, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is the clear winner, professional chefs say. Allrecipes asked five chefs to judge fast-food restaurants on their fried chicken and biscuits. They based their votes on the chicken's crispiness, long-lasting crunch, minimal greasiness and ample seasoning. For the biscuits, the chefs looked for a rich buttery flavor, flaky layers and a tender texture. POPEYES BRINGS CHICKEN TENDER TOWER TO MONTAUK'S SURF LODGE THIS SUMMER "I'm always looking for a crispy, craggy coating that stays crunchy even after sitting for a few minutes," New Jersey-based recipe developer Jeanette Donnarumma told Allrecipes. "It shouldn't immediately turn soggy in the box." Flour, rather than batter, is key to achieving more crunch, added Iowa-based chef Dominic Iannarelli. "It is fried chicken, so some grease is expected," Texas-based cookbook author Kelly Jaggers said. "But if it runs down my hands, that's a miss." The chefs agreed that good fried chicken should stand on its own, rather than relying on dipping sauces. Instead, the seasoning should be the star. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "I want juicy meat with actual seasoning throughout, not chicken that leans entirely on dipping sauce for flavor," Donnarumma said. "The best fast-food fried chicken is well-seasoned and salty enough to make you immediately reach for another piece." Dry biscuits can ruin an otherwise great meal, Donnarumma said, calling them "one of the biggest disappointments at a restaurant." Biscuits should be sturdy enough to hold up to honey, butter and sauces, she said, but tender enough to "melt" into the chicken. Popeyes was the near-unanimous choice among the chefs. Bojangles and KFC earned honorable mentions for their fried chicken and biscuits. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS "[Popeyes'] chicken still has one of the crispiest coatings in fast food, the seasoning is bold, and the biscuits have that rich, buttery quality people crave," Donnarumma said. "It's one of the few fast-food meals that still feels genuinely craveable years later." Jaggers praised Popeyes for embracing its "bold seasoning and texture" with the chicken. It's also never too greasy, she added. "It tastes brined and is extremely flavorful and never dry," MacKenzie Schultz, a sous chef in Des Moines, Iowa, told Allrecipes. The chefs also praised Popeyes' biscuits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Todd Wilbur, a Las Vegas-based recipe developer and cookbook author, said the chicken at Bojangles is "nearly as good as Popeyes," but Popeyes has one of the best biscuit recipes, "so this chain is an all-around winner." Popeyes marinates its chicken for at least 12 hours in the restaurant's signature blend of Louisiana seasonings, according to the fast-food chain's website. "Every piece of our chicken is freshly hand-battered and then breaded and fried up special for y'all," the website states. Several Reddit threads discussing Popeyes biscuits praised them, though many commenters expressed a preference for the biscuits from Church's Texas Chicken. "When [Popeyes' biscuits] are hot, they are amazing, when they are cold, they are hockey pucks. I feel like that's the same for most biscuits though," one Redditor wrote. Another Redditor recommended wrapping the biscuit in a damp paper towel and microwaving it to restore its moistness. Fox News Digital reached out to Popeyes for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e6897c2ca79de23654ef7 Sen John Kennedy warns Democrats face a 'reckoning' over Graham Platner's refusal to drop out of Maine race te 2026-07-08T15:11:19.504Z Sen John Kennedy warns Democrats face a 'reckoning' over Graham Platner's refusal to drop out of Maine race Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., believes Democrats are headed for a "reckoning," pointing to embattled Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner's refusal to bow to mounting calls from his own party to abandon his campaign amid bombshell sexual misconduct allegations. "A reckoning is coming for the Democratic Party," Kennedy said Tuesday night during a "Hannity" appearance. "Most of my colleagues in the United States Senate know better. They could see this about Mr. Platner. The guy's a clown, he can't even juggle. He's a 'Saturday Night Live' skit, but once the Hamas wing of the party nominated him, it became raw-gut politics." TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' Kennedy argued Democrats ignored what he described as warning signs about Platner because they were focused on winning the seat, adding that the controversy now threatens to engulf the party. "The selfish part of me says, 'Run, Graham, run. I'll send you a campaign contribution.' But the part of me that wants America's future to be better than our present or our past knows that this guy is just, he's a predator. He is a predator, and you don't want him anywhere near power," he said. EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE The Louisiana senator's remarks come as Platner faces calls to back out of the high-stakes race against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.  Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who previously campaigned for the Maine progressive, have rescinded their endorsements or called for an end to his campaign in light of a rape allegation by Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, who previously dated the scandal-plagued candidate. A second allegation rattled Platner's campaign on Tuesday, when his ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield accused him of removing condoms during sex after she explicitly directed him to wear them. Platner's campaign has denied both allegations. His campaign reportedly told The Washington Post that Fifield's latest allegations were "categorically false and politically motivated." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e6884c2ca79de23654eee Trump says US will let Ukraine make Patriot missiles in major policy shift te 2026-07-08T15:11:00.081Z Trump says US will let Ukraine make Patriot missiles in major policy shift President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. will give Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, a move that could mark a significant shift from supplying Kyiv with American-made weapons to helping Ukraine produce them itself. Trump made the comments while meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Kyiv continues to press Western allies for additional air defense capabilities to counter Russian missile and drone attacks. Trump's announcement comes as Patriot interceptors have become one of Ukraine's most urgent military needs. The U.S.-made Patriot system is widely regarded as Ukraine's most capable defense against Russian ballistic missile attacks and has played a central role in protecting Kyiv and other critical infrastructure. TRUMP ENTERS FINAL NATO SUMMIT DAY AS UKRAINE, DEFENSE SPENDING TAKE CENTER STAGE Asked whether he would allow Patriot interceptors to be made in Europe and whether he was comfortable licensing the technology, Trump said the two leaders would discuss it. "We're going to talk about that," Trump said. "Look, it's a defensive weapon, which I like better than an offensive weapon. It's the best."  Minutes later, Trump went further, saying the U.S. would give Ukraine a license to make Patriots. "We're going to give a license to you to make patriots," Trump said. "That's pretty cool. Right? This way you can't complain that we're not giving them enough. I'd say make them yourself."  TRUMP COULD HAND PRIZED STEALTH JETS TO NATO ALLY ONCE SEEN AS ALLIANCE HEADACHE "We haven't informed the company of that yet, but that'll that'll work out all right," he added. "You know, I'm sure they'll be thrilled, but, you know, they'll be able to do it. You'll be able to figure that out."  Ukrainian officials have warned that supplies of Patriot interceptors have fallen to dangerously low levels, leaving the country increasingly vulnerable as Russia intensifies missile strikes. Zelenskyy arrived at the NATO summit seeking additional Patriot interceptors from allies while also pressing for longer-term solutions to expand production, arguing that current manufacturing cannot keep pace with Russia's growing missile campaign. It was not immediately clear whether Trump was referring to Patriot interceptor missiles, the broader Patriot air defense system, or production in Ukraine, Europe or both. Trump’s comment that the administration had not yet informed the company also raised questions about how far along the licensing plan is and what role RTX, the defense contractor that manufactures Patriot systems, would play in any future arrangement. The Patriot system has been one of Ukraine’s most sought-after air defense platforms as Russia continues launching missile and drone barrages against Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure and military targets. Any effort to expand Patriot production would face significant industrial hurdles.  RTX serves as the prime contractor for the Patriot air defense system, manufacturing its radars, launchers and the PAC-2 GEM-T interceptor, while Lockheed Martin builds the newer PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor, which is designed to defeat ballistic missiles. The interceptors are among the world's most sophisticated air defense weapons, relying on hundreds of specialized suppliers and complex manufacturing processes. Fox News Digital has reached out to RTX and Lockheed Martin for comment. Defense officials and industry executives have said it can take more than two years to produce a Patriot interceptor, underscoring why the U.S. and its allies have struggled to replenish stockpiles as demand has surged amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e685cc2ca79de23654ec9 Solo GP Ashley Smith announces second $25M fund to back startups in AI, security and more te 2026-07-08T15:10:20.635Z Solo GP Ashley Smith announces second $25M fund to back startups in AI, security and more Vermilion Cliffs Ventures announced Wednesday the close of a $25 million Fund II. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e662dc2ca79de23654e7f Christian Pulisic's 'rest' comment after World Cup exit draws strong reactions from USA soccer legends te 2026-07-08T15:01:01.386Z Christian Pulisic's 'rest' comment after World Cup exit draws strong reactions from USA soccer legends Entering the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the darling of the United States Men's National Team, the public has done a 180 on Christian Pulisic. The 27-year-old AC Milan star has been the face of USA soccer since at least the turn of the decade, but the fact is that he was a major disappointment throughout the tournament. Sure, it did not help that he re-aggravated a calf injury in the opener, which led to him missing the equivalent of roughly two full games, but even when he was on the pitch, he did not make much of a difference. Pulisic then rolled his ankle in the Round of 16 and was subbed out in the second half. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Following the match, Pulisic said he could now "get some rest," which did not go over well with Americans. That prompted USMNT legend Tim Howard to give him some obvious advice. "I hope for his sake he isn’t on social media for the foreseeable future," he said on his "Unfiltered Soccer" podcast with Landon Donovan, followed by a cryptic comment. "He deserves a rest. Go on holiday.... What I would say about him is when someone shows you who they are, you believe them. I think he’s a nice footballer. I still think he’s the best player on the team. Outside of that, you’d have to ask me very direct questions to which I could give you very direct answers," he said. Carli Lloyd, a former United States Women's National Team star, was also critical of Pulisic. BELGIUM EMBARRASSES TEAM USA BEFORE BREAKING OUT TRUMP'S SIGNATURE DANCE CELEBRATION AFTER FOURTH GOAL "You rest when your playing career is over. Period." Prior to the World Cup, Pulisic said the event was "just another big tournament," which also prompted backlash. After the loss, Pulisic said he was "disappointed" in himself but thought he and his team did "good things." "I felt really good this summer with the guys and I thought my level was high," Pulisic said. "Yeah, it's disappointing. I didn't quite have the moments I was hoping to and to try to help us to really push and get over this next step of beating a really good team." Pulisic has just one goal in nine career World Cup games. He will be 31 by the time the next World Cup rolls around in 2030 in Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e6619c2ca79de23654e76 Denmark vows to defend Greenland after Trump reiterates US should control territory te 2026-07-08T15:00:41.939Z Denmark vows to defend Greenland after Trump reiterates US should control territory Greenland is "not for sale," Denmark’s prime minister said Wednesday, vowing to defend the Danish territory after President Donald Trump again said the United States should control the Arctic island for NATO defense. Denmark is "ready to defend every inch of NATO including our own territory," Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, adding she would call on NATO allies to honor their commitment to defend each other. "We hope that all, including all allies, will respect the Greenland people's right for self-determination," she continued. "And we are sovereign states and we need everybody to respect our territorial integrity and our sovereignty. "Greenland is of course not for sale." TRUMP MAKES FRESH GREENLAND PLAY AFTER XI TALKS AS CHINA’S ARCTIC AMBITIONS LOOM Trump continues to stress Greenland "is very important" for the U.S. but not for Denmark, declaring, "We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States." Also, Denmark is coming up short in its support for Greenland, which remains a strategic target for both Russia and China. "That's what hurt my relationship with NATO," Trump said Tuesday of the refusal to grant his request for annexation of the strategic land. "Denmark doesn't spend money to really help Greenland, but it's an important part for the United States. And it's surrounded by China ships and Russian ships." GREENLAND TALKS ON ‘GOOD TRAJECTORY,’ WHITE HOUSE SAYS AMID TRUMP TAKEOVER PUSH For global security, Greenland "should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark," Trump added. "They wouldn't go along with it," Trump lamented. "And with all the money we spend to help them with Russia. And we don't have to spend any money, we could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe because, as you probably noticed, Europe is a very different place than it was 20 years ago. A lot different." Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally. Trump’s push for U.S. control has repeatedly angered Danish and Greenlandic officials, who have insisted the island’s future should be decided by its people. Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir also weighed in Wednesday, saying Greenland’s people "do not wish to be a part of the United States" and urging NATO leaders to stay focused on Russia. TRUMP CALLS OUT NATO AHEAD OF SUMMIT, CALLING IT 'RIDICULOUS' FOR US TO PERSIST ON 'ONE SIDED PATH' The dispute injected a tense territorial confrontation into a summit already shaped by Trump’s demands that allies spend more on defense and take greater responsibility for Europe’s security as the U.S. shifts its focus. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte sought to emphasize the alliance’s recent defense spending increases, telling Trump that European allies and Canada had made major new commitments. "I would argue that without you in this chair, this would not have happened," Rutte told Trump. "Grab the win. It’s there." Trump, however, continued criticizing allies over both Greenland and Iran, where he ordered overnight U.S. strikes after attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Rutte backed the U.S. strikes, telling Trump they were "absolutely necessary." The NATO summit is also expected to address Ukraine’s war against Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressing allies for deeper support and renewed consideration of Ukraine’s bid to join the alliance. But Trump’s comments on Greenland underscored a growing challenge for NATO leaders: projecting unity against outside threats while managing disputes inside the alliance itself. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e63e8c2ca79de23654e10 Burlington officially opens in Flagstaff at Varsity Shopping Center te 2026-07-08T14:51:20.895Z Burlington officially opens in Flagstaff at Varsity Shopping Center In January, the company confirmed it planned to take over the space previously occupied by Joann following its closure last year due to the company's bankruptcy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e63d4c2ca79de23654dea FIRST ON FOX: Pressure mounts on YMCA to ditch transgender policies after Supreme Court Title IX ruling te 2026-07-08T14:51:00.415Z FIRST ON FOX: Pressure mounts on YMCA to ditch transgender policies after Supreme Court Title IX ruling FIRST ON FOX: The YMCA is facing renewed pressure to change its policies on transgender access to sex-segregated locker rooms, sports teams and overnight accommodations after the American Parents Coalition (APC) argued the organization's rules conflict with the Supreme Court's recent Title IX rulings. The coalition argued the nonprofit, which operates about 2,600 locations nationwide and receives more than $600 million annually in government funding, should update its policies to align with the Supreme Court's interpretation of Title IX because it accepts taxpayer funding. In a letter sent this week to YMCA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick and the organization's board of directors, APC urged the organization to revise its policies governing sports, bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations following the Supreme Court's June 30 decisions in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox. In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states can limit women's and girls' sports to biological females and that Title IX's use of the word "sex" refers to biological sex. CONSERVATIVES HAIL JUSTICE THOMAS FOR 'TRUTH BOMB' ABOUT RULING PROTECTING WOMEN'S SPORTS "The Supreme Court has drawn an unmistakable line by reaffirming that Title IX's protections are rooted in biological sex," American Parents Coalition Executive Director Alleigh Marré said in a statement. "The YMCA has ignored parents' concerns for far too long while maintaining policies that undermine the privacy, safety, and fairness Title IX was enacted to protect. The Court's decisions should serve as a wake-up call for every federally funded institution." The coalition is calling on YMCA leadership to rescind policies allowing biological males to participate in female sports or access female-only bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations, publish updated policies recognizing sex-based protections for women and girls, and publicly affirm the organization's commitment to complying with Title IX. "The Supreme Court has now made clear that biological sex is the legally operative distinction under Title IX," the letter states. "The YMCA faces a choice. It can restore policies that protect women and girls, rebuild parents' trust, and align its practices with the law as interpreted by the highest court in the land." BIDEN OFFICIALS CIRCUMVENTED COURT ORDER IN TITLE IX CASES, INCLUDING MALES IN GIRLS’ SPORTS, DOCS SHOW The letter marks the latest step in APC's yearlong campaign targeting the YMCA's transgender inclusion policies. Last year, the organization filed Title IX complaints with the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development, alleging the YMCA's policies violated federal civil rights law. It also asked Congress to investigate the YMCA's use of federal funding. APC argues that although the Supreme Court's recent rulings focused on women's sports, the Court's reasoning extends to other sex-separated spaces. The group contends YMCA policies allowing individuals to use bathrooms, locker rooms, overnight accommodations and participate on sports teams according to their gender identity are inconsistent with the Court's interpretation of Title IX. The coalition also alleges the YMCA removed or revised webpages describing some of its gender identity policies after they received public scrutiny while leaving the underlying policies unchanged. APC further claims some YMCA camps continue allowing counselors to stay in cabins that correspond with their gender identity rather than their biological sex. TRUMP CABINET MEMBER SCRAPS OBAMA-ERA GENDER IDENTITY HOUSING RULE, CITES ‘BIOLOGICAL REALITY’ A Fox News Digital review found several local YMCA associations, including the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Lakeland Hills YMCA in New Jersey and the Gateway Region YMCA, maintain policies allowing members to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER The renewed criticism comes a month after controversy at a San Francisco YMCA drew national attention. After months of complaints from some members regarding a transgender woman using the women's locker room at the Stonestown branch, the facility adopted updated locker room guidelines emphasizing that nudity should be "discreet, limited, and brief" while instructing members to respect others' privacy and personal space. The revised rules addressed conduct inside the locker room but did not change the YMCA's policy allowing transgender members to access facilities consistent with their gender identity. The YMCA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on APC's allegations or whether it plans to review its policies following the Supreme Court's decisions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e63acc2ca79de23654dc0 Apple to produce Made in America wireless chips with Broadcom te 2026-07-08T14:50:20.997Z Apple to produce Made in America wireless chips with Broadcom Apple has signed a $30 billion+ multiyear deal with Broadcom to design and produce more than 15 billion U.S.-made custom wireless connectivity chips for Apple products. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e5f23c2ca79de23654ce8 Insane country music concert brawl goes viral after fans fight during Gavin Adcock show te 2026-07-08T14:30:59.739Z Insane country music concert brawl goes viral after fans fight during Gavin Adcock show Some fans at a Gavin Adcock concert found themselves in an all-out brawl. Gavin Adcock is one of the fastest rising stars in the country music world, and his style is pretty in-your-face and over the top. His music is certainly a lot of fun. It's perfect for a rowdy cookout with the boys. However, I think it's safe to say some people took the party a bit too far. MORGAN WALLEN FAN GOES VIRAL KICKING A PHONE OUT OF SOMEONE'S HAND AS SHE'S BEING ESCORTED OUT IN HANDCUFFS The "Last One To Know" singer was performing at The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Alabama over the weekend, according to Whiskey Riff, and all hell broke loose. Video footage going viral online shows a group of guys in the stands beating the living daylights out of each other like it was a UFC fight. COUNTRY MUSIC STAR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH SPICY SWIMSUIT PHOTO One man was pinned on the stairs and appeared to have his head repeatedly bashed. The footage is, in all honesty, a little scary. You can watch the absolute anarchy unfold by swiping over in the Instagram post below. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I will never understand why people pay their hard-earned money to attend a concert or sporting event and then behave in this fashion. It's mind-boggling to me. If I'm shelling out a lot of cash for a special event, you better believe I'm not doing anything other than soaking it all in. Instead, these guys decided throwing punches and trying to inflict maximum damage was a good idea. Simply insane behavior. What do you think about the footage? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e5f10c2ca79de23654cdf Platner told rape victims to ‘take some responsibility’ and avoid being assaulted in vulgar resurfaced post te 2026-07-08T14:30:40.293Z Platner told rape victims to ‘take some responsibility’ and avoid being assaulted in vulgar resurfaced post Graham Platner, Maine’s embattled Democratic Senate nominee who stands accused of rape, made a Reddit post in 2013 where he criticized victims of rape. "Holy f-ck, how about people just take some responsibility for themselves and not get so f---ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don't mean to?" Platner wrote in 2013, responding to another user who expressed disappointment that women couldn’t get intoxicated without fearing sexual assault. "Men and women, you make a choice to consume enough of a substance to lose your self control. So if you don't want to be in a comprising [sic.] situation, act like an adult for f---s sake," Platner continued. "Rape is a real thing, if you're so worried about it to buy Kevlar underwear you'd think you might not get blacked out f---ed up around people you aren't comfortable with." EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE Jenny Racicot, Platner’s former girlfriend, accused him of raping her in late 2021, saying he broke into her home while intoxicated and forced her to have sex despite her objections. Platner has denied the allegation, which Politico first reported July 6. "I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told Politico. "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’" "One of the reasons I didn’t come forward sooner was, the huge moral conflict that I had between supporting his politics, but not supporting him as a person," she continued. NEW YORK TIMES UNDER SCRUTINY OVER GRAHAM PLATNER COVERAGE AS ACCUSERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST PAPER Lyndsey Fifield, also one of Platner’s ex-girlfriends, corroborated the claim that Platner abused alcohol, telling the New York Times in June he "too often self medicated with alcohol, and was a far from perfect boyfriend." She also accused Platner of emotional abuse and intimidation, allegations he denies as well. "You can’t be that way in private and not have it translate into how you would govern or how you would legislate," Fifield said. "It terrifies me to think of him having any type of power politically, because what is he going to do with the women in his office?" HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION Platner has so far resisted calls to drop out of the Senate race despite a number of high-profile Democrats rescinding their endorsements. Platner must withdraw by July 13 for Democrats to be able to select a replacement candidate by July 27.  If Platner does decide to stay in the race, a different Reddit post where he criticized Republicans for supporting candidates accused of sexual assault could come back to haunt him. "Ah yes, the old ‘I’ll vote for the sexual predator/corrupt candidate scheme because he’s a Republican’ game," Platner wrote in 2018, responding to a now deleted post on a firearms subreddit. The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Wednesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e5cbac2ca79de23654c75 15-year-old exits Wimbledon junior draw after racket-throwing incident ends first-round match te 2026-07-08T14:20:42.600Z 15-year-old exits Wimbledon junior draw after racket-throwing incident ends first-round match A 15-year-old women’s singles competitor at Wimbledon learned quite the lesson during play on Monday. Tantrums will not be tolerated. Ida Wobker, from Germany, was disqualified from the Wimbledon junior tournament after throwing her racket on the ground, which bounced into the stands. The decision was confirmed by the All England Club on Sunday. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The incident occurred during the second set of the first round match between Wobker and her opponent on Saturday. SERENA WILLIAMS DROPS WIMBLEDON COMEBACK MATCH TO 20-YEAR-OLD MAYA JOINT AFTER FOUR-YEAR ABSENCE Maria Valentina Pop, of Romania, had dominated the first set, 6-0, and with things deadlocked in the second set at 5-5, Wobker hit a backhanded shot out of bounds. Showing clear frustration for the error, Wobker threw her racket, and though she might not have intended to do so, it flew into the stands. It’s unclear if it struck any spectators, but there were a bunch in the lower levels where the racket landed. Wobker was quick to go over and apologize for her grave mistake, but officials paused the match and deliberated over the punishment. In the end, Wobker was given a code violation for her behavior on the grass, and Pop was rewarded the automatic bid into the next round of the women’s junior singles tournament. She would later lose to Daniella Britton in that second round match. Wobker addressed the incident on her Instagram Stories on Saturday night, writing that, "S--- happens, you learn from it!," according to The Sun. The International Tennis Federation rules have clear direction on what to do when a racket is thrown in Wobker’s manner, stating that a player "shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet" during a tournament. Officials stepped in, and as Wobker said, she’s going to learn from the situation. It wasn’t her best effort on the court before the moment of frustration, committing 11 double faults during services and 44 unforced errors. But, at just 15 years old, Wobker is ranked 24th in the International Tennis Federation’s junior world rankings, meaning she has a lot of career left in her to channel her frustration on the court. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e5a9bc2ca79de23654bc2 Republican lawmakers press WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to protect Caitlin Clark te 2026-07-08T14:11:39.879Z Republican lawmakers press WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to protect Caitlin Clark The criticism of WNBA officiating has now reached Capitol Hill. Just days after Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark publicly called on the league to do a better job protecting its players, a group of Republican lawmakers is demanding answers from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE In a letter led by Rep. August Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, and co-signed by a dozen members of Congress — including lawmakers from Indiana — the group argued that the WNBA has failed to adequately protect its biggest star from repeated unnecessary physical play. "Caitlin Clark is transforming women's sports," the letter began. "She has inspired a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics and has become one of the most influential figures in the history of women's basketball." The lawmakers also point to Clark's impact on the league's popularity. "She is also the face of your league," they wrote. "Clark has significantly increased fan interest, driven record television ratings, and attracted new corporate sponsors for the WNBA." From there, though, the letter turns sharply toward the league's handling of on-court physicality. "Unfortunately, what they too often witness is not simply aggressive competition, but repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence," the lawmakers wrote. The letter specifically referenced several incidents involving Clark. "Clark has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat during games," it stated. "These incidents go far beyond routine physical play, yet the WNBA and its officiating have too often failed to address these unacceptable incidents and hold players accountable." The "struck in the throat" reference stemmed from Clark's June 24 game against the Phoenix Mercury, when officials reviewed contact from Alyssa Thomas during a loose-ball scramble but declined to assess a flagrant foul. Days later, the league upgraded the play to a Flagrant 2 and suspended Thomas for one game. Clark later said she believed officials missed the call in real time. "I did think it was a flagrant foul," Clark said. She added: "It's kind of been a discussion for three years now, and I think we really need to do a better job protecting the people in this league. I've been involved in a few of those plays, but there's been plenty of others across the league that haven't been called. You go back postgame or whatever it is, teams submit clips and nothing changes. I think overall the league has to do better." CAITLIN CLARK CALLS FOR FULL-TIME WNBA REFEREES AS OFFICIATING FAILURES MOUNT IN 2026 The congressional letter went a step further, arguing Engelbert has a responsibility to ensure every player competes "in a safe and professional environment." "As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation," the lawmakers wrote. "If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws." The letter concluded by urging the league to take stronger action. "The league has an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generation of female athletes to pursue athletics, but that opportunity is undermined when its brightest stars are not adequately protected," the letter reads. "Your fans deserve better, and so do the young girls who look to the WNBA as a model for excellence, sportsmanship, and opportunity." The timing comes as the WNBA continues to face mounting criticism over its officiating despite an offseason overhaul intended to improve consistency and player safety. Engelbert formed a task force of coaches and executives before the season to address concerns over excessive physicality and freedom of movement. But nearly two months into the year, coaches, players and front-office personnel around the league continue to voice frustration with inconsistent whistles, missed calls and what many believe is a lack of accountability. Apparently, that officiating task force still has some work to do. And everyone is noticing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e5a88c2ca79de23654bb9 Officers in Maryland respond to reported assault, discover guns and unusual group of animals te 2026-07-08T14:11:20.422Z Officers in Maryland respond to reported assault, discover guns and unusual group of animals An alleged assault in Maryland led to an unusual discovery after deputies arrested a landlord accused of threatening his tenants at gunpoint and found an alligator, a caiman, a snake, an emu and six handguns on the property, authorities said. Sir Leander Evans Gamble, 57, of Waldorf, was arrested July 3 after deputies responded to a reported assault involving a firearm at a property on Penjack Place, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office. Investigators said Gamble confronted three people renting a trailer on his property, physically assaulted them and then retrieved a handgun from his residence. He allegedly pointed the weapon at the victims and threatened to harm them before deputies took him into custody at the scene. MARCELLUS WILEY'S WIFE CLAIMS EX-NFL STAR THREATENED TO KILL HER BEFORE FOURTH OF JULY DOMESTIC BATTERY ARREST Police identified the victims as a woman, her 28-year-old son and the son's girlfriend, who was eight months pregnant at the time of the incident, FOX5 DC reported. The woman told the station she had been left traumatized and financially strained after the confrontation. Authorities executed a search warrant at Gamble's residence and recovered six handguns, the sheriff's office said. The investigation took another turn when Charles County Animal Control officers responding to the scene found multiple animals allegedly being kept in neglectful conditions, including an alligator, a caiman, a snake, an emu, dogs, cats and pigs. FLORIDA WOMAN MAULED TO DEATH BY DOGS THAT HAD ALLEGEDLY TERRORIZED NEIGHBORHOOD, OWNER CHARGED IN KILLING "Charles County Animal Control officers determined the animals were being kept in conditions that did not comply with Maryland animal cruelty statutes," Jennifer L. Harris, chief of media services for the Charles County Government, said in a statement to the outlet. All the animals were removed from the property, Harris said, adding that Animal Control's investigation into their welfare remains active. The renters also alleged that a dog named Carter died after Gamble failed to provide air conditioning in the trailer, according to FOX 5. Animal Control has not confirmed the dog's cause of death. Gamble was charged with aggravated assault, and authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. He was being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e5a60c2ca79de23654b94 Blue Origin reportedly raising $10B at $130B valuation te 2026-07-08T14:10:40.996Z Blue Origin reportedly raising $10B at $130B valuation Blue Origin is raising $10 billion at a $130 billion pre-money valuation from Coatue Asset Management, Bezos himself and other big-name investors, the New York Times reported. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e5a4dc2ca79de23654b8b Venus Aerospace raises $90M Series B to build a new kind of rocket engine te 2026-07-08T14:10:21.552Z Venus Aerospace raises $90M Series B to build a new kind of rocket engine Build a new kind of rocket engine, and the world will beat a path to your door. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e55c6c2ca79de23654a6b From traffic infractions to arrests: A look at Lake Havasu City candidates te 2026-07-08T13:51:02.609Z From traffic infractions to arrests: A look at Lake Havasu City candidates A mayoral candidate’s arrest that never led to charges, a pending civil lawsuit and a handful of minor traffic violations surfaced in a Today’s News-Herald review of recent public records involving Lake Havasu City candidates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e55b2c2ca79de23654a61 Lake Havasu City candidate Q&A: Do mayor and council seats need clearer limits in Lake Havasu City? te 2026-07-08T13:50:42.645Z Lake Havasu City candidate Q&A: Do mayor and council seats need clearer limits in Lake Havasu City? As early voting for the 2026 primary election is underway, Today’s News-Herald is asking Lake Havasu City Council candidates one question each week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e4ee5c2ca79de23653f72 Golf influencer Paige Spiranac stuns the internet with her latest content, an 18-handicap shines & BOOM! te 2026-07-08T13:21:41.161Z Golf influencer Paige Spiranac stuns the internet with her latest content, an 18-handicap shines & BOOM! I hope you guys are ready for a Wednesday Screencaps that includes an amateur athletic performance unlike anything you have seen this year. I'm talking a performance that you have never seen out of Tiger Woods. All of you remember that I teased a golf video that was made while I was Up North at Garland Golf Resort in Lewiston, Michigan. Let me set this up by reminding you that this video was shot after I'd played somewhere around 152-154 holes of golf over five days. The USGA GHIN has me at an 18 handicap. It was 105 degrees with the humidity. The air wasn't moving. I'm talking a complete heat dome over my head. My 2026 Thursday Night Mowing League polo was completely soaked with beer, transfusions, and other toxicants. And then I pulled off this video -- all single takes; no mulligans; no do-overs to make this look good for Facebook; no antics like these Facebook golf bros pull by fluffing balls in the rough -- that my kids might think is pretty cool 20 years from now. Hopefully. I'll pat myself on the back over this one. The most impressive part is that I didn't have to tell Garland social media manager Aubrey that I wanted to do another take. Some are even calling me One Take Kinsey. Special thanks to Garland staff, including head pro Shane Riley. I introduced myself to Shane at the resort's tiki bar on Sunday and he immediately INSISTED I would be guest starring on Tee Shot Tuesday. Shane didn't even give me a chance to say 'no.' He stalked me. I felt like a piece of meat, but he had faith in my abilities. The last guy I wanted to disappoint was Shane. That's the beauty of Garland. The people. Is Garland going to wow you with 200-foot drops on par 3s? Nope. Does it have the massive sweeping holes created out of ski resort valleys? Nope. But this resort has the best people in the golf hospitality business that we've found. Trust me, we've been absolutely hosed by golf resorts. Two trips were completely ruined by one scumbag golf resort that I've sworn off. Our faith in Up North was restored by Garland GM Dave Sanderson and his staff. They have to hustle to keep up with the shiny resorts with those picturesque par 3s. From Dave, Shane, Michelle the Cart Girl, Lisa the Cart Girl, Rob the Starter, Social Media Aubrey, Kristin the Crazy Waitress and on and on, I can't say enough about these folks. Garland is like going to a friend's house to party and play 100 holes of golf. AFTER BLOWOUT LOSS TO BELGIUM, MANY ARE WONDERING IF TEAM USA IS BETTER OR WORSE THAN IT WAS A DECADE AGO *Disclaimer: I paid for my trip! #notsponsored like some of these golf influencers. (Shane did give me the hat to wear for Tee Shot Tuesday because I was wearing a competitor's hat and that wouldn't be great for marketing.) 📩 Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com Send photos, stories, tips, rants—whatever you've got. 📰 Screencaps Page: 👉 Read the latest Screencaps ▶️ YouTube: Screencaps with Joe Kinsey Subscribe for videos, rants, and behind-the-scenes. 🐦 Twitter/X: @JoeKinseyexp Tag me or drop a DM. 📸 Instagram: @OutKickScreencaps You guys need to start tagging me on content you're seeing. 📘 Facebook Page: Screencaps on Facebook 👥 Facebook Group: Join the Screencaps Community 📬 Mail (Thursday Night Mowing League): 27072 Carronade Dr, Unit A 155 Perrysburg, OH 43551 🗞️ Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe here 14U baseball tournament UPDATE Survive and advance is the name of the game. The No. 15 seed is still alive after a 7-4 victory via three strong innings out of my No. 3 starter and one inning out of our No. 1 to close the door and keep our hopes alive. For those of you keeping track at home, that's now five straight wins. Opponents haven't scored double-digits on us since June 13. After an absolutely miserable start to the season where I was starting to question my love for the game, my faith has been restored. The boys are engaged, puffing out their chests and the confidence level is through the roof. I have kids barreling balls like I've never seen out of them. This season turned around when us coaches (there are two of us unlike travel ball teams that need six dads in the dugout) challenged the boys to take ownership of their season. It was up to them and they've responded. Up next: No. 2 seed Genoa. I think they're like 14-2. I'm guessing they created one all-star team made up of kids who also play travel on weekends. They've run-ruled a bunch of teams, but I'm going to throw my ace and Screencaps Jr. at them and see what happens. Maybe they run out their No. 4 starter to save pitching and we catch them off-guard. Remember when the U.S. beat the Russians? Kinsey: Yes, Jase, some people believe that. Then there are the rest of us who watched as Balogun was a non-factor because the guys who are supposed to get the ball to him aren't great and our defense is led by a woke bartender. Trump's team stood up for the soccer program. That's smart leadership. – Mark in Tucson says there's a soccer academy here that will toughen U.S. soccer players: You don’t need Argentina to make kids suffer at soccer camp: Have you ever heard of Casa Grande, Arizona? It’s midway between Tucson and Phoenix. It’s HOT, it’s isolated, it’s in the middle of the desert, and it would probably suffice if you wanted to toughen up kids. The Barça Residency Academy USA is there, and due to the affiliation with FC Barcelona, presumably they’re serious about soccer. But the backstory of the resort is incredible: The "resort" used to be the spring training headquarters of the San Francisco Giants. It was built in 1959, then became popular with Hollywood, with John Wayne spending enough time there that the restaurant is named after him. The Giants left for Scottsdale in 1980, and the resort pivoted and even closed for a while. It’s now a fancy soccer academy. It’s still open, and feels like a time capsule. It’s jarring to see all the pictures of sports and entertainment legends that adorn the walls, and a bunch of kids in soccer gear hanging around, all in the middle of nowhere. That said, the food is surprisingly good. The baseball diamonds in the picture are now soccer fields, but the baseball bat shaped pool is still there, and it all still looks pretty much the same. Thank you for your daily dose of sanity. Kinsey: Yeah, but I want our teens to feel what it's like to be desperate like the Argentinian boys. I want them to feel what it's like to have an Argentinian baby mama to feed on a soccer contract. I need some of our white boys to come back as Argentinian hood rats. Our boys are already pampered. I need them to stay way from Arizona resorts. Just when you're about to settle in for the dog days of summer, Paige comes along and dumps out new bikini content. The world's No. 1 ranked golf influencer, as named by the OutKick Culture Department, just gets it. Nobody knows the game like this woman. – Beer Guy Neil in Cleveland emails: Hey Joe, thanks for the shout out on do hard things. I don't know where I came across this tradition. It's known as the Glacier View car launch and is real Americans launching driver-less beaters from a bluff to a beach. There's a lot of filler to fast forward thru, but if you love carnage and chaos, you're one of us. There's gotta be an Alaskan screencap reader that can give a boots on the ground report. The lefties would lose their mind watching this! Wyn in Colorado wants to know if this rig is TNML approved. 100%. Remember, being a member of the TNML isn't about who can be the biggest Billy Badass in the sport. It's about taking pride in property and community. If mowing in an AC cab with Def Leppard pumping in your ears helps get the job done, then go for it. ############## And with that, I'm out this morning. I have a day of work to put in. Watch my golf video. Critique it. Tell me how good that 40-foot downhill putt was. Compliment my mental game. Go have a great day. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e4ed1c2ca79de23653f69 Katie Couric couldn't remember the year or the president during frightening brain episode te 2026-07-08T13:21:21.706Z Katie Couric couldn't remember the year or the president during frightening brain episode Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27. In a post on Substack titled "The Day I’ll Never Remember," she detailed a sudden episode that left her unable to recall the current month, year and president. "I thought it was 2024. And I believed Joe Biden was president," she wrote. ONE WALKING HABIT COULD SIGNAL A HEALTHIER BRAIN AFTER 80, SCIENTISTS SAY The event occurred while Couric was attending the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado, during which she participated in two public panels — one on AI and one on journalism — both of which she cannot remember at all. "I have no idea what we talked about, or of what occurred when the panels ended," she said. John Molner — Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels — also shared his account. After the event, someone told Molner that Katie wasn’t feeling well. When he reached her, an EMT and a doctor were tending to her. "I could tell something was off," he wrote. "It could have been altitude sickness, but Katie was definitely not all there." WOMAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER'S REGAINED SPEECH AND MEMORIES AFTER TAKING MAGIC MUSHROOMS At the hospital, when Couric struggled to recall the year, the president and her grandchildren’s names, doctors began checking for a stroke. An MRI revealed no signs of stroke, which was a relief, but "Katie’s ‘fog’ became a lot more apparent," Molner wrote. "She repeatedly asked me the same questions: ‘What was I doing before we got to the hospital?’ ‘Why am I at the hospital?’" Couric was ultimately diagnosed with transient global amnesia, a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss that prevents a person from forming new memories and may also erase some recent memories, according to Mayo Clinic. It is not caused by a stroke, seizure or head injury, and it usually resolves completely within 24 hours. "[It’s] just a very weird neural episode that’s pretty uncommon and, at least in most cases, is a ‘one and done’ experience," Molner said. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Couric said she finally began feeling "like herself" again around 9 p.m., and went to sleep at 2 a.m. As TGA leaves a "permanent gap in memory" for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a "big, black hole." Data shows that approximately three to eight people per 100,000 will have an episode of transient global amnesia, with people 50 years of age and older at higher risk. The specific cause of TGA is not known, but some experts believe it stems from a "temporary dysfunction in the brain’s hippocampus — the area responsible for creating new memories," Couric shared. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "Doctors believe this is driven by brief interruptions in blood or oxygen flow, or microscopic spasm in the blood vessels." Episodes could potentially be triggered by intense physical exertion, emotional distress, extreme temperature changes or migraines, experts say. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Approximately 15% of patients will have a recurrence 10 years later. "Why did this happen to me? Was the altitude an issue? Was I dehydrated? Tired? Stressed? The literature doesn’t seem to indicate that these are contributing factors, but the cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself," Couric wrote. "All I know is that those hours will be forever lost. Someone described it as my brain failing to hit the ‘record button.’" "While this was a freaky occurrence, it could have been much more serious. So ultimately, I’m relieved — even though several hours of a Saturday in June will always be missing for me." Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e4ebec2ca79de23653f60 Manhattan building stabilized, some evacuations lifted after collapse feared te 2026-07-08T13:21:02.258Z Manhattan building stabilized, some evacuations lifted after collapse feared A 37-story Manhattan high-rise that sparked fears of a possible collapse and forced widespread evacuations in one of New York City's busiest neighborhoods was stabilized late Tuesday, allowing officials to lift some evacuation orders. Officials said residents were allowed to return to several of the seven buildings evacuated earlier in the day after inspectors found no additional movement in the damaged structure. "We've been monitoring the building for many hours and have not seen any movement," New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said during a Tuesday evening news conference. The scare began Tuesday morning after workers discovered buckling structural columns inside the former Pfizer headquarters, a 1970s-era office tower being converted into more than 1,600 luxury apartments. MANHATTAN HIGH-RISE EVACUATED AS OFFICIALS WARN OF POTENTIAL COLLAPSE Firefighters responded around 8 a.m., prompting the evacuation of nearby buildings, including a school, diplomatic offices and hotels in the bustling Midtown corridor near Grand Central Terminal. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the situation "extremely serious" as engineers conducted floor-by-floor inspections of the building. US UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR QUAKE-HIT NATION, CITING DISASTER RISKS AND VIOLENT CRIME By Tuesday evening, contractors had begun shoring up the damaged area after city officials determined the damaged columns were no longer shifting, though repair work is expected to continue and could disrupt the surrounding area. Fire Chief John Esposito said officials were concerned about the possibility of a localized structural failure rather than the entire steel-framed building collapsing. A visibly bent column on the 21st floor, along with cracks and sagging floors, prompted the extensive precautionary response. Nathan Berman, founder of developer MetroLoft, told The Wall Street Journal that additional weight from the project's upper-floor expansion likely contributed to the damage, though he insisted the building itself remains structurally sound. "Ninety-five percent of the building, the structure is sound and intact," Berman told the newspaper. "There is no way that this corner of a small extension all of a sudden topples this building." Berman added that investigators are still trying to determine why the two columns buckled. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e4eaac2ca79de23653f57 Erika Kirk comforts a stranger in tears during hearing for husband's accused assassin Tyler Robinson te 2026-07-08T13:20:42.802Z Erika Kirk comforts a stranger in tears during hearing for husband's accused assassin Tyler Robinson PROVO, Utah — In an emotional moment in the gallery during the second day of a preliminary hearing for Charlie Kirk's accused assassin Tyler Robinson in a Utah courthouse Tuesday, the victim's widow Erika Kirk reached forward to hand a tissue to a crying woman in the row in front of her. Over the course of the hearing, the Kirk family has been given permission to come and go to avoid painful testimony. At one point Tuesday, as defense attorney Richard Novak cross-examined the case's lead investigator, David Hull, the Kirk family left the room as the testimony turned to the fatal gunshot. TYLER ROBINSON'S AND LANCE TWIGG'S DNA BOTH ALLEGEDLY FOUND ON KEY EVIDENCE IN CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION They returned about 10 minutes later when the topic had changed, with Erika Kirk leaning on her mother-in-law, Kathy Kirk. CHARLIE KIRK'S FAMILY COMES FACE TO FACE WITH ACCUSED ASSASSIN FOR FIRST TIME As they took their seats, Erika Kirk leaned forward and handed a tissues to a woman, Denae Branch, who was seated in the row ahead of her. "I went thinking I was going to support Erika, and at one point I turn around, and I see her just holding on to her sweet mother-in-law, and I like, kind of lose it and start crying," Branch said in a teary video on Instagram explaining the encounter. "Next thing I know, I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I turn back, and Erika is handing me one of her tissues." Branch and three of her friends were already in line to get into the courthouse around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON FIGHTS BACK AS PROSECUTORS' SPRAWLING CASE COMES INTO FOCUS They told Fox News Digital they had arrived at midnight after they came too late Monday morning to get one of the 14 seats available to the public in the Fourth District Courthouse in Provo. Branch and her friends said they were attending the Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, when Kirk was shot and killed. They were strangers at the time, but met through a support group for survivors and witnesses in the months that followed the assassination. Prior to the hearing, two women in their group were asked to remove or cover up their Turning Point USA T-shirts to comply with the court's decorum order, which bans messages of support for other side in the case. "She didn't know that I was there for her," Branch said in her video. "We weren't allowed to wear anything to tell her that we were there for her...But that's just who Erika is. She's good." She declined to be interviewed on camera. "I hope she feels my prayers for her," she said in her Instagram post. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e4c7bc2ca79de23653efe Elk Ridge shifts focus to adding providers as transition from North Country continues te 2026-07-08T13:11:23.014Z Elk Ridge shifts focus to adding providers as transition from North Country continues North Country began the transition to Elk Ridge after it was transferred to the ownership of Tucson-based El Rio Health at the beginning of April. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e4c66c2ca79de23653ed7 One year after deadly Texas floods, Hill Country proves grief can't wash away grit te 2026-07-08T13:11:02.013Z One year after deadly Texas floods, Hill Country proves grief can't wash away grit A year ago this summer, on July 4, floodwaters rose in the dark in the Texas Hill Country and did not stop. By morning, 139 people across the Hill Country were gone: 119 of them in Kerr County. Many were neighbors and friends; others had come to experience its beauty. Like so many families across our community, my life was changed forever by the flood, and the anniversary we mark this month is deeply personal. A year later, there are empty seats at dinner tables. There are families marking anniversaries they never wanted to face. There are roads, camps, homes and riverbanks that carry memories none of us can forget. REMEMBERING TEXAS HILL COUNTRY: 1 YEAR SINCE THE HEARTBREAKING FLOODING DISASTER For so many of us, it has been a season of grief as well as a season of recovery. We have spent the year since learning that a disaster happens in an instant, and recovery is much longer; it takes everything you have, for as long as you have it to give. In the first days, Texas did what Texas does. Neighbors pulled neighbors out of the water. Ordinary people became heroes. Continuing the legacy of disaster relief, organizations like Fox Corporation helped amplify the needs of the Texas Hill Country across its entire portfolio by engaging viewers across the country. In just one week, those viewers contributed more than $7 million to the Community Foundation. Those gifts, alongside the generosity of thousands of other donors, have helped families return home, supported businesses, expanded access to mental health services and strengthened communities across Kerr County. That generosity became the foundation for the yearlong rebuilding and recovery effort that followed. Recovery is a family carrying boxes back into a house that smelled like river mud six months ago. It is a woman unlocking the shop her father opened and standing there for a moment before the first customer walks in. It is a child who can finally sleep through a thunderstorm because a trained clinician worked with him, week after week. Across the Hill Country, families, volunteers, nonprofits, churches, businesses, government agencies, mental health counselors and ordinary residents have spent the last year doing the slow work of recovery. FLASHBACK: FOX CORPORATION LAUNCHES RELIEF CAMPAIGN FOLLOWING DEVASTATING TEXAS FLOODS Today, most flood-affected families are back in permanent housing, and more return home every month. Businesses have reopened and are optimistic. Some community gathering places have been restored and more will be completed in the months ahead. Little League games are being played again. New trees are being planted where the river stripped away decades of growth. Recovery is also showing up in places beyond what is being rebuilt. Local sales tax collections have risen in each of the past nine months — a reminder that when families are able to stay, rebuild and return home, local businesses and the broader economy benefit as well. TRINITY UNIVERSITY COACH MOURNS ‘KIND SPIRIT’ OF 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WHO DIED AT CAMP MYSTIC The flood wrecked what you could see. It also did damage you cannot see. Thousands of Hill Country residents, as well as people across Texas, have accessed counseling, grief support, trauma-informed care and mental health resources since the flood.  Grief does not recede like floodwaters. One year later, families are still doing the difficult, private work of healing that does not fit neatly into an application or government assistance program. We have treated that work with the same urgency we bring to rebuilding a home. A community that fixes its buildings and forgets its people has not fully come home. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION It is also true that not everyone is home. Not every question has been answered. Not everyone feels recovery has treated them fairly. A disaster of this scale leaves hard feelings alongside hard losses. Our community's recovery is not measured by whether everyone agrees, but by whether we keep showing up for one another anyway. One year out, progress is visible. People are home. People are healing. The community is strengthening. The work is not finished, and it will not be finished soon. But the Hill Country is moving forward because people have remained committed. Some came from next door, from across Texas and from across the country. Together, they reminded us that even in our darkest moments, we were not alone. What has amazed me most is the strength of local people — not the ones who arrived for a week, but the ones who are still here now. The ones who rebuilt homes, coached Little League, or simply showed up to work when showing up was its own act of courage. This community held together because so many people refused to let it fall apart. That is not a small thing; it is everything. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e4c3ec2ca79de23653eb0 Venus Williams-backed WeWard can now lock your apps until you hit your steps te 2026-07-08T13:10:22.596Z Venus Williams-backed WeWard can now lock your apps until you hit your steps With funding from tennis star and angel investor Venus Williams, the French app WeWard says that it increases walking time by almost 25%. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e47f5c2ca79de23653ccd Our View: A record number of vetoes points to a broken process te 2026-07-08T12:52:05.605Z Our View: A record number of vetoes points to a broken process Arizona's legislative session ended with a familiar scene. Governor Katie Hobbs signed dozens of bills into law and vetoed dozens more. In June she signed 72 bills and vetoed 88. A few days later, she signed another 51 bills. That… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e47e1c2ca79de23653cc4 Conor Sen: This demographic cliff is reshaping universities. Cities are next te 2026-07-08T12:51:45.634Z Conor Sen: This demographic cliff is reshaping universities. Cities are next An undergraduate enrollment shortfall at Syracuse University is the latest sign that long-forecast demographic pressures are taking their toll on large and well-known institutions, too. Syracuse laid blame on the declining numbers of high-school graduates and international students — problems… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e47cdc2ca79de23653cba Nature Notes | Funny, furry and feathered te 2026-07-08T12:51:25.673Z Nature Notes | Funny, furry and feathered Nature can inspire in us feelings of wonder, joy, and myriad other emotions. Sometimes, things that we see in nature can inspire a laugh. Perhaps we see something that reminds us of people we know- or even ourselves. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e454ac2ca79de23653c24 Platner campaign putting 'thumb on scale' to influence possible replacement, Maine Dem alleges te 2026-07-08T12:40:42.594Z Platner campaign putting 'thumb on scale' to influence possible replacement, Maine Dem alleges The Maine Democratic Party issued a stern warning to U.S. Senate primary winner Graham Platner, telling him and his campaign that they have "no role" in choosing his replacement. Platner has not yet withdrawn from the race, and is still the state's Democrat nominee for U.S. Senate, despite mounting pressure from state and national Democrats to drop out after a woman who previously dated him accused him of sexual assault in a Politico report published Monday. Platner has denied the allegations, but said he is looking at "the best path forward," as he understood the political fallout the accusation would create. "The Maine Democratic Party has been working around the clock to develop a process to replace our U.S. Senate nominee that is open, inclusive, transparent, and fair," state party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a video posted to X amid myriad newly surfaced allegations levied against Platner with less than a week before the deadline to lock in the candidate to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. "The integrity of this process is just as important as the outcome, and we are committed to ensuring that Democrats across our state can have confidence in both," Murphy-Anderson continued. "Unfortunately, Graham Platner's team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of what this process looks like. We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner's team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like." WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IF PLATNER DROPS OUT? HERE'S WHO COULD REPLACE HIM ON THE BALLOT AND HOW IT WOULD WORK Amid the fight with the Maine party leaders, an official for the Platner campaign said it "has reached out to the party to try and understand what this process would look like" and "at no point has the campaign tried to ‘put its finger on the scale.’" The official added that thousands of Maine residents voted and volunteered for Platner and they should play a role in the decision. "While Graham wouldn’t want to be a part of the process, he would want to make sure the voters and volunteers make this decision — not the political establishment," the statement said. GRAHAM PLATNER'S CHANCES OF DROPPING OUT SKYROCKET TO 94% AFTER PARTY REVOLT: KALSHI Fox News Digital has made multiple attempts to reach out to Platner's campaign for further comment, and also reached out to the Maine Democratic Party. EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE Maine Democratic Party leaders called on Platner to withdraw Monday, saying "multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner" and that the party "stands with women and survivors." The party noted that no replacement process can begin unless Platner suspends his campaig, while stating that "in no scenario is there a legal possibility for a nominee to be selected by an individual campaign." "The sooner this process can begin, the more time we will have to administer an intentional and inclusive process for Mainers and Democrats," the party said. "We are entrusted with deciding who represents our values and who carries our banner," the party said. "That responsibility requires judgment, leadership, and a willingness to act when circumstances demand it." The timing is critical. According to the Maine Democratic Party, the deadline set by the secretary of state for a nominee to withdraw is July 13, and the deadline for a new nominee to be submitted is July 27. If Platner does not withdraw by the July 13 deadline, Democrats would not have the option to name a replacement. Names of potential replacements floated in media reports include former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah, the former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The race is one of Democrats' top pickup opportunities as they seek to defeat Collins, a five-term Republican incumbent, and regain control of the Senate. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e42f0c2ca79de23653afa Geno Auriemma makes unfathomably stupid comments about Caitlin Clark, but the WNBA mean girls will love them te 2026-07-08T12:30:40.601Z Geno Auriemma makes unfathomably stupid comments about Caitlin Clark, but the WNBA mean girls will love them I know it's late, but I've got a late submission for the "Dumbest Caitlin Clark Take Of The Year" award. I can still submit it? Good! Let's all welcome legendary UConn Women's basketball coach, Geno Auriemma, to the clubhouse. He'll be your new leader in just a minute. It's been nearly two weeks since Alyssa Thomas shoved Clark to the floor and did everything but choke her and use her as a doormat, and the discourse is as fiery as ever. Naturally, the whole thing has turned into a discussion about Thomas receiving online hate, because that's just how these things go in 2026. DAN DAKICH RIPS ALYSSA THOMAS AFTER CAITLIN CLARK HIT, SAYS WNBA STARS DODGE BLAME AGAIN As for Clark ... she still hasn't played since that game, although rumor has it she'll be back in the lineup as soon as tonight against the Los Angeles Sparks. Auriemma went on the "Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch" to discuss all things basketball, including, of course, Caitlin Clark. And he offered a couple SCORCHING takes. "This was not something created by her," Auriemma said. "It was created about her by all the people in America who are delusional that think one player who's not Wemby is going to come in and transform the league. It's that whole s---storm of, 'This is Jesus coming down to save the WNBA. "Now, maybe there was a transformation in terms of how much attention is being paid. Yes. How much the league is valued? Yes. But it's not like when Tiger [Woods] came into the PGA Tour. He changed the PGA Tour forever. Why? Well, there was so much money that came to the PGA Tour, but in addition, he won every tournament. So that's the big difference." Yeah ... Geno Auriemma is completely wrong here. I'm not sure he's ever been more wrong in his life. Pat Summitt famously described him as "a smart-a-- who would take negative attention over no attention at all," and I'm thinking she nailed it. Caitlin Clark is 100% the Tiger Woods of the WNBA. Frankly, she's the Larry Bird of the WNBA, but we'll go with Tiger right now because that's who Geno used. Auriemma using money as a reason why she's not Tiger is laughable. The WNBA was basically broke before Caitlin Clark entered the league. It wasn't profitable, at all. It was bleeding money every year, and being held together by the NBA. Nobody watched. Nobody went. Nobody talked about the WNBA pre-Caitlin Clark. Believe me, I've been in this business for a long time. It was an afterthought. And then Clark came in as this mythical player from Iowa, and everything changed. People showed up. People watched. People paid money to see Caitlin Clark. That's not my opinion, by the way. Those are facts. Before Clark entered the league as a rookie in 2024, there was one WNBA game in 15 years with over 1 million viewers. One. A Sparks-Mercury game back in 2008. Since Clark's arrival, there have been at least 59 games with over 1 million viewers. During her first season in Indiana, the Fever alone had 21. Do you understand how insane those numbers are? It's all because of Caitlin Clark. Tiger Woods had the same impact on golf, the only difference is, the sport wasn't dying when he won at Augusta in 1997. He just made it cool again. Really, really, really cool. Now, Tiger has won and Caitlin Clark hasn't. Geno said that, and he's right. Basketball is a team game and golf is completely about the individual, so I'm not quite sure that comparison works. But, I won't argue it. He can have that one, I guess? I will, however, argue that money aspect of it. The pre-Clark CBA, which expired after last season, rose team salary caps by nearly $6 million, rose maximum salaries from around $249k to $1.4 million, and the average player salary roughly quadrupled. Quadrupled. There are now charter flights for every team in the league. That wasn't the case before Caitlin Clark, as silly as that sounds. Now, why do you think the post-Clark CBA looks so much different than the pre-Clark CBA, Geno? Because Caitlin Clark came into the league and literally made it watchable. She made it profitable. Which is why the rest of the league absolutely hating her and trying to hurt her every other game is so unfathomable. She made these girls rich. She set them up for life. And all they do is try to crush her. According to Auriemma, though, that's just par for the course. "And so instead of it becoming Caitlin Clark gets fouled hard … no s---, every first-round draft pick gets fouled hard," he added. "Not every foul is a good foul. Not every foul is a bad foul, but there are fouls that are flagrant. But that's all they are. They are not a referendum on America, which is what the whole goddamn thing has become." Yep. Nothing to see here. Totally normal stuff, Geno! Incredible. Man, I miss Pat Summitt. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3ea2c2ca79de23653a63 🚧 Havasu Tip List | Apparent misspellings on SARA Park signage te 2026-07-08T12:12:18.695Z 🚧 Havasu Tip List | Apparent misspellings on SARA Park signage Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3e8ec2ca79de23653a3e Las Vegas prices squeeze everyday travelers as popular city embraces expensive makeover te 2026-07-08T12:11:58.217Z Las Vegas prices squeeze everyday travelers as popular city embraces expensive makeover Las Vegas was once a playground for everyday travelers.  Now, many visitors are finding the price of admission harder to justify as the city leans harder into luxury hotels, celebrity-chef restaurants, stadium weekends and costly events, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. For budget-minded travelers, the new Vegas can feel like a city of upcharges.  GHOST-TOWN CASINOS NEAR LAS VEGAS GET STUNNING RESCUE AFTER FAMILY FINDS LAST-MINUTE BUYER A $26 minibar bottle of water at Aria, for example, sparked social media outrage in 2025. It became shorthand for the frustration that visitors are being "nickel and dimed" at every turn, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the blog "View from the Wing." In 2025, Las Vegas visitation fell to 38.5 million, down 7.5% from 2024, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). In 2024, visitors generated a record $55.1 billion in direct spending. "Las Vegas has been an evolving tourism epicenter since its hotel and casino inception in the early 1900s," luxury travel expert Whytney Rawls told Fox News Digital. RICK HARRISON OF 'PAWN STARS' SAYS GAMBLING ISN'T DYING EVEN AS LAS VEGAS POKER ROOMS CLOSE ONE BY ONE "What was once a railroad stop in the middle of the desert has turned into one of the world's most talked-about destinations," said Rawls, who is based in Florida. There is a new demographic. In 2024, 64% of visitors earned $100,000 or more, according to the LVCVA.  By 2025, the market was even higher: Data showed 44% of visitors earned $150,000 or more, News 3 Las Vegas reported. "Gaming was once the dominant revenue driver," said Rawls. "Today, a much larger share comes from premium room rates, luxury dining, nightlife, entertainment, retail, and large-scale events." LAS VEGAS TOURISM PLUMMETS AS OFFICIALS CONSIDER $6M PLAN TO WIN BACK CANADIAN VISITORS The sticker shock is especially visible at the table.  Joël Robuchon inside MGM Grand lists a degustation menu starting at $525, as detailed in Stubborn Seed's Las Vegas Price Breakdown. Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace features a 9-to-10-course Krug Chef's Table experience for $1,000 per person, according to Open Table. At Papi Steak at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the $1,000 Beef Case features a 55-ounce Australian wagyu tomahawk, Business Insider reported. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "Vegas has evolved and is [today] more a premium lifestyle and entertainment market," Rawls said. The newer resorts reflect this change. Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened in December 2023 with 3,644 rooms, 36 bars and restaurants, Eater Vegas reported. On the Strip, gaming accounted for 26.1% of total casino revenue in 2025, while hotel rooms made up 33.5%, data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board indicated. So why focus on volume when another type of clientele will spend more? Rawls asked. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS "Luxury travel is booming, and Vegas is right at the forefront, currently experiencing what many describe as a multi-billion-dollar luxury renaissance," Rawls said. Rawls noted a marked difference between muted designs compared with neon colors once associated with the Strip. "With this shift, they are refining their target audience as rates continue to climb," she said of Vegas venues. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The city is "catering to a more luxurious market rather than the budget-friendly party stop it was even 20 years ago," she added. Sphere posted $420.5 million in 2024 concert gross, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Official Las Vegas Grand Prix hospitality products list packages starting at $10,902, with other options starting at $25,997, inclusive of taxes and fees. There are cheaper versions of Vegas. But it is a tiered city now, according to The Wall Street Journal.  Everyone can get in — but the best rooms and tables are less attainable, the same source noted. Andrea Margolis of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3e7ac2ca79de23653a35 Christopher Nolan faces growing backlash over 'Odyssey' casting, historical accuracy as screenings canceled te 2026-07-08T12:11:38.760Z Christopher Nolan faces growing backlash over 'Odyssey' casting, historical accuracy as screenings canceled Christopher Nolan is in hot water for choices he made regarding his upcoming movie. The Academy Award-winning director is receiving backlash for many of his decisions in the making of the film, including casting choices, historical inaccuracies throughout and use of modern dialogue. "Christopher Nolan has cancelled all screenings of The Odyssey with movie influencers," one X user wrote. "He is only allowing approved critics to see it in advance. He is waving the surrender flag. They know they have a financial disaster on their hands." Much of the criticism comes from his choice to cast Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, as Homer describes the character as having "white arms" in the book. Social media users have pointed out that Nyong'o's African roots and darker complexion contradict this description of the character. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN'S 'THE ODYSSEY' GETS OVERWHELMINGLY NEGATIVE REACTIONS AFTER CONTROVERSIAL CASTING CHOICES Also causing controversy, is his decision to cast transgender actor Elliot Page as Sinus, a great warrior who fought alongside Odysseus during the Trojan War, as well as rapper Travis Scott as an unknown male character in the epic tale. "All Christopher Nolan had to do was deliver a visually stunning take on a classic — and he’d have had a huge hit," one X user wrote. "Instead, he decided to ruin it with questionable modifications. Some say he bowed to the woke crowd. Others say he is the woke crowd and was trying to make a statement. Regardless… go woke, go broke." "I was ready to pay for Chris Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ the second I heard about it. Then the casting dropped," another user wrote. "And just like that, I knew he’s no longer a serious filmmaker. Because if he were, he wouldn’t let diversity mandates destroy his work… he blackified crucial Greek characters on purpose… I won’t be paying to see it." Elon Musk even got in on the action, commenting, "how pathetic," of the original post. Others have taken issue with the fact that no actors of Greek or Mediterranean decent were cast in the film. "I’m very supportive of Chris’s intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling. Our cast is representative of the world. I’m not spending my time thinking of a defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not," Nyong'o told Elle in May in defense of the film. "It’s quite something to be a part of 'The Odyssey,' because it is so grand. It spans worlds. So that’s why the cast is what it is. We’re occupying the epic narrative of our time." Nolan responded to the criticism surrounding his decision to cast Scott, telling Time Magazine in May he cast him because he wanted to pay tribute to "the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap." He later spoke about his process when taking on a story that audiences are already very familiar with on Amy Poehler's podcast, "Good Hang," saying he realized while making "Batman" trilogy that "what people want from you is your most sincere attempt to do justice to the material," but that it also "has to be your own interpretation." "Certainly, I as a filmmaker respond to that in other people," he said. "If I go see a movie and I realize that people have loved this and have really tried to to give you an experience and tried to put something across in the way that they really believe is great, uh, I think I think people cut you a lot of slack for that cuz yes, you cannot compete with people's own imaginings when they read a text." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Others were able to look past the casting, but took issue with the many historical inaccuracies in the film, with one X user pointing out the style of Damon's helmet and armor were incorrect for the time period, with another saying the "Period armor is more Roman than Greece." "Nolan makes utterly bizarre, anachronistic, ahistorical, aesthetic choices for his 'Odyssey,' comic book armor, viking ships, diverse cast," one X users wrote. "If he's playing this fast and loose with history, material culture, ethnography, etc... what're the odds he isn't monkeying with the myth?" "I agree about bad casting, but the choice to use modern language in the dialogue is the most egregious problem," one X user wrote. "Why on earth did Nolan think that was a good idea?" One particular example of the use of modern dialogue, is when Tom Holland, who plays Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, refers to his father as dad. While many were upset by multiple aspects of the film, others were not as bothered by the inaccuracies in casting, dialogue or costumes. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "Despite all the controversy, I’m going to watch The Odyssey," one X user wrote. "I love Homer’s works. I’m curious to see what Christopher Nolan does with them." Another added, "Nolan wanted to do Odyssey, so he did it. Oppenheimer was great art? Why does it require ‘value’ to be made, all art is the artist’s interpretation in itself." The movie, also starring Zendaya as Athena, Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Charlize Theron as Calypso and many other big stars, is set to premiere in theaters on Friday, July 17. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3e67c2ca79de23653a2c WATCH: South Carolina block party thugs with machine gun, spear charged in mob attack on officers, police say te 2026-07-08T12:11:19.304Z WATCH: South Carolina block party thugs with machine gun, spear charged in mob attack on officers, police say A chaotic Fourth of July block party in North Charleston, South Carolina, that erupted into gunfire, involved a machine gun and spear, and erupted with an assault on police officers has now resulted in charges against six people, including four juveniles, authorities announced. The North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) announced charges against six people and identified two adults who have been charged in connection with the July 4 incident in the Chicora-Cherokee community. The juveniles face charges ranging from third-degree assault by mob, assault on a police officer while resisting arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a machine gun and breach of peace. NORTH CHARLESTON OFFICER ATTACKED BY CROWD IN VIRAL VIDEO AFTER GUNFIRE ERUPTS AT BLOCK PARTY Because they are juveniles, police did not release their identities. Authorities also arrested 19-year-old Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell, of North Charleston, who is charged with possession of a machine gun, and 18-year-old Sa'Mya Adriana Collette Weaver, who is charged with breach of peace and assault on a police officer while resisting arrest. 🚨 Know something we should investigate? 📩 stepheny.price@fox.com 📸 IG: @fndstephprice 🎥 X: @StephenyPrice Your tip could lead to our next story. Police said the investigation remains active, and additional arrests and charges are possible. The confrontation unfolded after officers responded to a city-permitted neighborhood block party in the Chicora-Cherokee community at about 8:30 p.m. on July 4. RALEIGH MAYOR CONSIDERS YOUTH CURFEW FOLLOWING TEEN TAKEOVER, VIOLENT JULY 4TH WEEKEND Earlier that day, police leadership met with event organizers to discuss traffic and parking plans to ensure emergency vehicles could safely access the area if needed. Officers initially received reports of people firing fireworks toward passing vehicles before learning that several attendees had begun discharging firearms, according to police. BOSTON COP PELTED BY MOB AS DIRT BIKE SUSPECT ESCAPES IN WILD VIRAL VIDEO: ‘HE WAS ALL ALONE’ Authorities said officers repeatedly announced that the event had ended and instructed attendees to leave in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Despite those efforts, multiple fights broke out and additional gunshots were fired, prompting officers to exit their patrol vehicles to separate those involved and restore order. During the response, officers recovered multiple firearms, including what investigators described as a machine gun, as well as a makeshift spear. FOLLOW US ON X Police said multiple officers were assaulted during the incident, with two female officers suffering minor injuries. Following the incident, the department said, "Attacks on law enforcement are unacceptable and those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Viral video from the scene shows a female officer attempting to detain a woman when several people rush in, pull the officer to the ground and begin striking her. Another officer intervenes, deploying what appears to be a stun gun before helping restrain individuals involved in the attack. CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS Police have not said whether any of the recovered firearms were discharged during the incident or whether the makeshift spear was used in the assaults. Authorities said no civilians reported injuries. The North Charleston Police Department thanked members of the community who assisted officers during the violence, as well as responding agencies including the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, Charleston Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. GET BREAKING NEWS ALERTS Investigators continue to examine the shootings and other criminal activity connected to the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the North Charleston Police Department through its CRIMEWATCH app. Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3e53c2ca79de23653a23 WWE legend highlights 'freaking deep' talent across pro wrestling te 2026-07-08T12:10:59.849Z WWE legend highlights 'freaking deep' talent across pro wrestling The pro wrestling landscape is so vast, nobody can really watch all of it. The main companies like WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) run shows up to four times per week. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) runs a show on Thursday nights and Major League Wrestling (MLW) runs its flagship show Saturdays on YouTube. That’s without mentioning the international programs and independent shows being streamed during the week as well. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield named a handful of wrestlers that fans should really watch over the course of their viewing experience in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "I saw ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey in AEW who is just an incredible talent. Josh Alexander’s the same," he said. "There’s a guy, Will Allday, down in Texas who works on the independents. I watched him down there. Every time he walks out, he ignites the local crowd – to my knowledge, no TV experience. I think there’s a lot of young talent." Bradshaw, who spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of his partnership with BZZR, touted the amount of talent that is performing all over pro wrestling and contrasted it with his own era. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "I’ve never seen more talent in all over wrestling. Back when we had the Attitude Era, we had a really loaded roster. WCW had a really loaded roster. The independents didn’t have a loaded roster," he said. "They just kinda picked and choose. "Now, you go to these independent shows and these guys are fantastic. I guess it’s the training. It’s the amount of schools they have. The amount of learning that they can get. You look at now for wrestling, there’s so much freaking talent and it’s so freaking deep. It’s unbelievable the place the business is in right now." Pro wrestling is more popular than it ever was with men and women being able to garner interest despite not being at one of the top promotions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3e2bc2ca79de236539fc Former OpenAI exec Kevin Weil is now on the board of Stoke Space te 2026-07-08T12:10:19.917Z Former OpenAI exec Kevin Weil is now on the board of Stoke Space Kevin Weil's new role at Stoke Space suggests reusable rockets are the next hot thing in Silicon Valley. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3bedc2ca79de2365399d Major airline roasts passengers who jump up right after landing, igniting fierce backlash te 2026-07-08T12:00:45.021Z Major airline roasts passengers who jump up right after landing, igniting fierce backlash Southwest Airlines has reignited one of air travel's biggest etiquette debates after joking in a social media post that passengers who stand up immediately after landing "won't get off the plane faster." "You 👏 won't 👏 get 👏 off 👏 the 👏 plane 👏 faster 👏 by 👏 standing 👏 up 👏 .001 👏 seconds 👏 after 👏 the 👏 seatbelt 👏 sign 👏 turns 👏 off 👏," the airline recently wrote on Threads, using the emojis exactly as shown.  The post quickly revived a familiar debate among travelers.  STANDING UP RIGHT AFTER PLANE LANDS FUELS VIRAL DEBATE ABOUT AIR TRAVEL ETIQUETTE Some say they view the habit as inconsiderate — while others say standing helps them stretch, retrieve their carry-on bags and prepare to deplane. The comments section quickly filled up as travelers revealed why they stand as soon as the seatbelt sign turns off. Many insisted it's less about rushing off the plane and more about comfort and being ready to leave the aircraft as soon as they can. "Maybe👏🏻I👏🏻need👏🏻to👏🏻stretch👏🏻my👏🏻legs👏🏻after👏🏻sitting👏🏻in👏🏻your👏🏻cramped👏🏻plane👏🏻," one user said. "It’s 👏not 👏 about 👏 getting 👏 off 👏 the 👏 plane 👏 fast," another user wrote. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert based in Texas, previously told Fox News Digital that passengers who stand immediately after landing have become a source of frustration for many other travelers. "With long flights, people are anxious to stand up and stretch their legs," Gottsman said. "They also want to get their suitcases out of the bins and be prepared to efficiently walk out of their aisle." Problems arise, she said, when passengers step into the aisle too early, block others or encroach on the limited personal space inside the cabin. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "Moving into the aisle and trying to push is a definite etiquette faux pas," Gottsman said. "For safety reasons, it's best to remain seated unless there is room to comfortably move about." Flight attendants should handle the situation to help keep the deplaning process orderly, Gottsman added. Fox News Digital reached out to Southwest Airlines for comment. Many commenters said standing after landing is not the issue. They argued that passengers should wait their turn and avoid pushing ahead of others. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "I stand up immediately and politely grab my stuff and get ready to deplane," one commenter wrote. "I don't push in front of people and try not to be in others' way. I wait for rows in front of me to get off. People who take the time gathering their belongings hold up others and the flight," the commenter continued. "I find it a form of respect for other passengers and flight attendants," the commenter added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3739c2ca79de236538cf John Fetterman defends Trump supporters, condemns fellow Democrats' 'f--- Trump' strategy te 2026-07-08T11:40:41.813Z John Fetterman defends Trump supporters, condemns fellow Democrats' 'f--- Trump' strategy Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who has broken with far-left Democrats numerous times, spoke out on Tuesday’s episode of the "Impaulsive" podcast about how his party needs to change its strategy. Fetterman lamented the modern state of politics as a polarized mess between two parties engaged in a "race to the bottom." He, however, made the case that he is working to serve Americans as a Democratic Party senator in a state that ultimately voted for President Donald Trump’s reelection in 2024. "Some Democrats now are actually running on the ‘f--- Trump' - I mean literally that's in some of their commercials, you know, honestly," he said. He went on to criticize the idea of tarring one’s political opposition as "fascists," warning, "And this idea—and if you call someone on their side as, like, ‘they're fascists,’ then that means that people that I know and I love that voted for him, you know, that must be—they are fascists. And they are not. These are good people. They love our country no less than they do. It's just having different views and, you know, trying to find a way forward in a deeply divided country." JOHN FETTERMAN’S FALL FROM HERO TO HERETIC EXPOSES DEMOCRATS’ HARD LEFT TURN "I refuse to do that," he said of political tribalism and name-calling. "People forgot that we're all Americans and we actually need each other." He went on to recall how he "took so much s---" for being invited to dinner with Trump in 2025. "I was excited. I was like, 'Hey, great. We have an invitation. Sure. I can't wait. This will be great.' You know, I love to have conversations," Fetterman said. This bipartisan outreach from Trump , he said, has no equivalent in the Democratic Party . WHY TRUMP, GOP ARE COURTING JOHN FETTERMAN, WHO INSISTS HE’LL REMAIN A DEMOCRAT "There's no Democrats reaching across the aisle right now," he said, summarizing the Democrats’ messaging as "You want to pay your bills, F--- Trump, and burn it down." The reality, he said, is more complicated, in that "I don't just represent, you know, Democrats. I represent all 13 million Pennsylvanians." Toward the end of the episode, he concluded by calling for a better level of political discourse. "The Democrats are angry at me because more and more the Democratic Party, the base really wants more 'F--- Trump' kind of a thing," he said. "So, my votes are -- my values are reflected in the votes. But overall, I'll be an example that can people say, 'Well, at least they'll do it in a respectful way' and be a reasonable or a common-sense thing in the middle of the insanity here." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e34f5c2ca79de23653890 Lake Havasu City candidate Q&A | Term limits and time commitments te 2026-07-08T11:31:01.410Z Lake Havasu City candidate Q&A | Term limits and time commitments As early voting for the 2026 primary election is underway, Today’s News-Herald is asking Lake Havasu City Council candidates one question each week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e34e0c2ca79de23653869 WWE star Sami Zayn cuts emotional promo following title loss to CM Punk: 'That mother----er' te 2026-07-08T11:30:40.935Z WWE star Sami Zayn cuts emotional promo following title loss to CM Punk: 'That mother----er' WWE star Sami Zayn was irate after CM Punk made a dramatic return to "Monday Night Raw" in Chicago and defeated him for the undisputed championship. Zayn was supposed to have a match with Cody Rhodes before Gunther took out the "American Nightmare" when the show began. Zayn thought he was going to have an off night before he was told there was a replacement for Rhodes. Punk made his entrance to a raucous crowd and defeated Zayn in the main event. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL As Zayn walked to the backstage area, he cut an emotional promo. "I have a question," Zayn began. "How is it that after 24 years after crawling and inching for every little inch to get the WWE championship, after I finally get it, nine days after I get it, that piece of s--- can walk back in here after not being here for months, for months, and waltz right in and get it? Get a chance? That mother----er. He has no business. No business." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Zayn broke down in tears as he came to the realization that his short title run was finished. Rhodes booked himself a triple-threat match at Night of Champions to prove that he was better than both Zayn and Gunther. He miscalculated Zayn’s wrestling aptitude and was pinned clean at the premium live event. Rhodes climbed back to the No. 1 contender spot last week on "Friday Night SmackDown" when he defeated Jey Uso. But he didn’t get a chance to re-enter the match due to Gunther’s beatdown. With less than a month before SummerSlam, Punk appears to be the one to walk into U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis with the Undisputed WWE Championship around his waist. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e329dc2ca79de2365380e Stephen King deletes post hoping Graham Platner doesn't drop out, clarifies 'not defending' him te 2026-07-08T11:21:01.868Z Stephen King deletes post hoping Graham Platner doesn't drop out, clarifies 'not defending' him Stephen King deleted a post that appeared to support Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner following sexual assault allegations on Monday. he author added that if Platner "committed rape, he should bow out." Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, told Politico over the course of three interviews that Platner entered her home uninvited and forced her to have sex despite her telling him to stop several times in 2021, a claim that Platner denied in the story. Racicot also described Platner as "almost blackout drunk" during the incident. Since the story's release, numerous prominent Democratic figures have called on Platner to suspend his campaign, including allies like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. However, "The Shining" author initially wrote that he hoped that Platner "doesn't" drop out of the race. GRAHAM PLATNER'S MOST PROMINENT PRESS ALLIES ABANDON HIM AS RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS MAINE SENATE RACE "Graham Platner may drop out. (I hope he doesn’t, but.) Meanwhile, the Abuser in Chief just keeps on keepin’ on," King wrote. Though King deleted the post, he continued to write about Platner. "Tell you what--if you knew the whole truth about everyone in the Senate and House of Reps, those chambers would be dead empty. Jesus said, 'Let him without sin cast the first stone,'" King wrote. That post drew outrage from social media users disturbed at King appearing to dismiss a rape allegation. PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER After drawing criticism, King later clarified, "Not defending Grah [sic] Platner. If he committed rape, he should bow out. Just making a comparison." King's follow-up post continued to receive backlash as people considered the post an attempt to walk back the controversial post. "After severe backlash from clearly defending Graham Platner, Stephen King now thinks rape is bad and Platner should drop out," political commentator Kevin Dalton said. Journalist Paul D. Thacker wrote, "This is me comparing what you're saying now to what you said defending Graham Platner." "Remember, King is ok with The Nazi Totenkopf tattoo Graham having Rape fantasies His Sexting & predator platform activity," podcast host Alec Lace wrote, referencing Platner's past political scandals. FORMER OBAMA AIDES SAY PLATNER SHOULD STEP ASIDE, WAS DISHONEST ABOUT HIS PAST Fox News Digital reached out to King for comment. Platner's scandal emerged as Democrats seek to defeat incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. If Platner suspends his campaign before 5 p.m. next Monday, July 13, the Maine Democratic Party will be able to replace him on the general election ballot with another candidate from the party, whom they would need to select by July 27. So far, Platner has said that his campaign will take "time to reflect on the best path forward" but has not indicated that he will step down. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e328ac2ca79de23653805 Trump says tentative Iran ceasefire is 'over' and more top headlines te 2026-07-08T11:20:42.405Z Trump says tentative Iran ceasefire is 'over' and more top headlines 1. US retaliates with 80 targets hit as Strait of Hormuz tensions erupt again — follow our LIVE COVERAGE 2. Tyler Robinson, Lance Twiggs' DNA found on key evidence in Charlie Kirk assassination  3. Graham Platner slammed with new allegation day after bombshell rape accusation DEMS' DILEMMA — Far-left hopeful who wants ICE abolished could hand Trump a crucial Senate seat. Continue reading … TOP HEAVY — Developer reveals what may have caused Manhattan tower structural failure: report. Continue reading … WINGS OF HONOR — Missing Navy commander identified after helicopter emergency water landing at sea. Continue reading … BODY OF EVIDENCE — Boaters’ grisly find leads cops to alleged body-dumping plot by family. Continue reading … ROAD SAFETY LAW — College soccer goalkeeper dead after immigrant driver rear-ended his car, troopers say. Continue reading … -- BALLOT BLITZ — Australian resident charged after allegedly voting in US federal elections. Continue reading … CITIZENSHIP FOR SALE — 'American citizenship is not for sale,' governor warns after maternity ad surfaces. Continue reading … FINAL BOARDING — Trump admin to open migrant holding facility near nation's biggest deportation hub. Continue reading … AMPLE WARNING — Dem senator faces heat after dropping second candidate accused of misconduct. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   AMERICAN HISTORY — Nikole Hannah-Jones says reparations admit the 'entire existence' of the US is a crime. Continue reading … CAMPAIGN CRISIS — Far-left podcaster slams media for 'politically assassinating' Graham Platner. Continue reading … LEFT WING SHIFT — Gavin Newsom joins growing list of Democrats embracing socialist candidates. Continue reading … BROADCAST BATTLE — ABC pushes back on FCC amid 'The View' probe, citing First Amendment rights. Continue reading … PASTOR COREY BROOKS — Stephen A. Smith saw three white Lakers and exposed a glaring liberal double standard. Continue reading … JONATHAN TURLEY — Kennedy Center ruling gets Trump's name right but repairs badly wrong. 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Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3091c2ca79de2365352d EXCLUSIVE: FBI adds alleged COVID fraudster accused of taking $5M from kids' meal program to Most Wanted list te 2026-07-08T11:12:17.704Z EXCLUSIVE: FBI adds alleged COVID fraudster accused of taking $5M from kids' meal program to Most Wanted list EXCLUSIVE: The FBI is adding Fahad Mohamed Nur to its Most Wanted Fraudsters List, accusing the Minnesota businessman of allegedly stealing more than $5 million that was intended to feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nur has been on the run since 2022 and is wanted for his alleged role in a fraud scheme that exploited Minnesota's Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the FBI. The bureau alleges he owned a vendor and purported food supplier that received more than $5 million in fraudulent program funds by submitting fake invoices before laundering the proceeds. The Bureau believes Nur has ties to Somalia and may currently be living there. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Nur's arrest and conviction. OWNER OF DAYCARE IN VIRAL NICK SHIRLEY VIDEO CHARGED IN $4.6M DAYCARE FRAUD SCHEME, PROSECUTORS SAY Nur is the latest addition to the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters List, which officials say has already resulted in the arrests of two fugitives within weeks of its launch. "Under President Trump's and Vice President Vance's leadership with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, the FBI's historic 'Most Wanted Fraudsters list' has already seen tremendous success – with two subjects brought to justice in a matter of weeks, apprehended out of Somalia and the Philippines," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Patel said the early arrests demonstrate that the FBI is aggressively pursuing fugitives accused of stealing from American taxpayers. FBI ADDS 2 FUGITIVES TO 'MOST WANTED FRAUDSTERS' LIST AMID HISTORIC $6.5B HEALTHCARE TAKEDOWN: PATEL "Our newest subject – Fahad Mohamed Nur – has been on the run since 2022 for allegedly stealing over $5 million from a child nutrition program in Minnesota." Patel added: "Collectively, the Task Force has already uncovered more than $13 billion in fraud, and the rapid success of the Most Wanted Fraudsters List should show all Americans that this FBI will [be] at the forefront pursuing the worst of the worst who stole from hardworking American taxpayers." DR OZ WARNS MEDICARE SCAMMERS ARE STEALING BILLIONS — AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COULD BE NEXT Federal officials say the investigation is part of a broader government effort targeting pandemic-era fraud. "The Department’s robust partnership with the FBI and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud has already delivered historic results. That partnership grows even stronger today with the addition of this latest subject to the Most Wanted Fraudsters list," said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "President Trump has made it clear: Fraudsters no longer have a safe haven in America. Law enforcement will continue to use every tool at its disposal to bring those who steal from American taxpayers to justice." The White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, has already uncovered more than $13 billion in fraud, according to the FBI. Anyone with information about Nur's whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, their local FBI office, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e307ec2ca79de23653511 New Jersey pro wrestling promotion bringing the fight to the beach te 2026-07-08T11:11:58.247Z New Jersey pro wrestling promotion bringing the fight to the beach Pro wrestling is often known for its storyline-driven entertainment coupled with hard-hitting and high-flying action in the ring that leads to a crescendo that makes fans feel some kind of emotion. The major companies each try to drive to that moment. Sometimes, a unique venue adds to the excitement of a show, especially for smaller independent pro wrestling companies who are trying to engage an audience for a few hours at a time. On July 14, Fight Factory Wrestling is going back to the beach for The War on the Shore 3. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL The event will take place near Martell’s Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, bringing professional wrestling to the beach. Joey Janela, Ben Bishop, Jack Vaughn, Richard Holliday, Steve Maclin, Jay Lethal, Sent 2 Slauter, Lady Frost, Allie Katch, Steph De Lander and others are among those billed to be in matches for the event. Dave Sturchio, one of the minds behind Fight Factory Wrestling with Chris Payne, talked to Fox News Digital about getting started in the sport. He said him and Payne initially got started wrestling in 2012 but as time went on, the two went their own way. The two came back together in 2024 to do the "Fight Factory Podcast." He said Payne had aspirations to do a wrestling show on the beach – akin to World Championship Wrestling’s Bash at the Beach. Sturchio said he called Payne to follow through on doing a beach show despite some apprehension about getting involved into the creative side of the sport. Sturchio said when he first approached the venue about the event, there was a little hesitation, but when he came back with a plan, the venue agreed. "As the buzz started to develop and build over prepping for the show, I said to Payne, ‘I don’t know if this is a one off. I think that we have something here,’" Sturchio said. "And Payne and I, we’ve been in the industry since 2012, we’re life-long fans, I’m already an entrepreneur at heart, so how can I take my entrepreneurial stuff for the last three-four years of being my own boss, how do I spin this into becoming a pro wrestling promoter?" Sturchio said that teaming with Payne allowed for the stars to align and to give each other a shot at building something great. He said the response from the first War on the Shore in 2024 was "overwhelming." "We were like, this is actually kind of crazy. People are actually jones-ing for some wrestling in the summer. Typically, when you go to a VFW or your gymnasiums, independent wrestling kind of takes off and they don’t run as much in the summer because it’s hot. So, I said, if anything, nobody is going to run against us and unfortunately for us, we were put on a Tuesday night and we were like, ‘Jesus Christ, there’s no way anybody is going to show up on a Tuesday.’ CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Turns out, nobody is really doing anything on a Tuesday. It was very easy to book the wrestlers in that regard because nobody else had anything going on. … First year was great. I think the best testament that we got was we booked Matt Cardona to be one of our featured guests on the first one and that’s when he tore his pec. So, he was out of action for a little while but he promised us that he would still show up." Sturchio said Cardona was blown away and thought he and Payne had been running shows for a while. "If you’re going to blow away Matt Cardona, I think we got something. It was off to the races, man," he added. Now, Sturchio and Payne are set to put on their third War on the Shore in New Jersey and the card couldn’t be more interesting. "This year, we really stacked the deck," he told Fox News Digital. "Some professional wrestling shows you go to on the independents, there are those lulls. Matches where you’re like, ‘Oh, they’re giving this guy a chance over here and they’re gonna give this guy a chance over there.’ "This year, I told Payne, look, based off of everybody that we’ve booked so far, for me, and some independent wrestlers don’t want to hear this, we’re trying to build a roster, build a core roster. Meaning, if we used you before and you’ve done good work, we’re gonna use you again. Instead of saying, hey, random guy over here, who I don’t know who you are, but let’s give you a shot. So we’re trying to build stories and there are a lot of stories that are culminating." Sturchio pointed to a number of matches that fans should be eager to see. One specifically is the reformation of The Heavenly Bodies tag team with Justin and Mark Corino. "Those guys are reuniting for the first time in seven years," he said. "They’re friends of mine, I came up with them. They were my first tag team opponents and I’ve known these guys forever and they’re near and dear to my heart." Lady Frost will be in action against De Lander and Katch. Bishop defends the Fight Factory Premier Championship against Holliday and Vaughn. Janela will take on Jay Lethal for the first time ever and the event will feature a rumble and a tiki totem on a pole, which will act as Fight Factory Wrestling’s "Money in the Bank" type of gimmick. "The card is stacked. I’m very excited about all of it. There’s not one lull," Sturchio said. "We’re just going to roll right through and I think it’s going to be one of those nights that we remember for a very, very long time." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e306ac2ca79de23653508 One walking habit could signal a healthier brain after 80, scientists say te 2026-07-08T11:11:38.791Z One walking habit could signal a healthier brain after 80, scientists say Older adults identified as "super movers" are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers. That’s according to a recent study led by Stony Brook Medicine in New York, which evaluated the cognitive function of 4,000 adults 80 and over who participated in multiple aging and longevity studies over several years. Among this group, 6% to 10% were classified as super movers, which means they walk at a much faster pace than others of the same age and gender — at speeds comparable to people three decades younger. COMMON VITAMIN MAY INFLUENCE BRAIN AGING IN WAYS SCIENTISTS DIDN'T EXPECT The super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed. The findings were published in the journal Neurology on June 16. "The study reinforces that mobility and brain health are closely connected," lead study author Dr. Joe Verghese, MD, neurologist at Stony Brook Medicine, told Fox News Digital. "This suggests that preserving mobility may be an important marker of healthy brain aging and resilience." 'LONGEVITY GENE' MAY PROTECT THE BRAIN FROM ALZHEIMER'S BY BOOSTING DNA REPAIR, STUDY FINDS The most intriguing finding, according to Verghese, was that super movers maintained cognitive function despite having similar dementia-related brain changes as their peers. In postmortem brain analysis, there was no difference in dementia-related pathologies between the super movers and the slower walkers, the study stated. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "This suggests they may possess resilience mechanisms that help preserve brain function even in the presence of age-related changes," he said. "Understanding these resilience factors could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy brain aging." As the study was observational, there were some limitations, and it does not prove that walking faster prevents dementia, the researchers noted. "Other factors, such as cardiovascular health, physical fitness or genetics, may also contribute to both faster walking and better cognitive outcomes," Verghese said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER This study adds to growing evidence that what's good for the heart and muscles also benefits the brain, he noted, adding that "staying physically active remains one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support healthy aging." "The broader message is that physical activity is important at any age," Verghese said. "Walking is an easy step-up point because you don't need any special equipment. You can do it inside or outdoors, and you can do it on a regular basis. You can walk with a dog, you can walk with a friend." Any activity is beneficial if it's done regularly and with the right intensity, he added. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Rather than just trying to walk faster, the neurologist recommends that seniors focus on maintaining mobility through regular physical activity, strength training, balance exercises and good cardiovascular health. "Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment," Verghese noted. Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking. This can be achieved by walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or about 20 to 25 minutes most days. Another option is to engage in shorter sessions that add up over the day. "You have to do it within your health limitations and medical conditions," Verghese advised. "So if there are any medical concerns, I would get your physician to clear you before starting exercise." The good thing about walking, he added, is that you can start at a slow pace and then gradually build up to a brisker pace. "And then adding on strength and balance training, whatever age you are, I think is also important." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3057c2ca79de236534ff SEN TODD YOUNG: The hidden danger China’s ships could bring to our shores te 2026-07-08T11:11:19.336Z SEN TODD YOUNG: The hidden danger China’s ships could bring to our shores Chinese vessels carry appliances, clothing, and household goods to our ports. But what if they also brought, without notice, missile launchers concealed in shipping containers? This is not merely a hypothetical question, but a possibility America’s leaders must prepare for. As technology evolves, enterprising nations are getting creative about how to project power far away from their borders and shores. Just last year, Ukraine destroyed a third of Russia’s strategic-bomber force even though those aircraft were kept on protected bases deep in the heart of Russian territory. How? They hid swarms of drones inside shipping containers carried on trucks and infiltrated Russia’s domestic transportation networks. Russia was clearly unprepared for a clever adversary to exploit its highways. AMERICA'S POWER GRID, FOOD SUPPLY AND MORE ARE UNDER THREAT FROM DRONES The impact to Russia’s military power was striking, but the attack also exposed to the world the vulnerabilities inherent in everyday commerce. That development should prompt American officials to consider what risks we face here in the United States. As a maritime nation protected by two oceans and friendly countries to our north and south, we’ve grown accustomed to a high level of safety. But we are also a major destination of global shipping, bringing most of the goods that we purchase every day to our shores. A large percentage of those ships coming in and out of our ports are owned and operated by Chinese firms with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This creates acute risk. TIM SHEEHY EXPOSES A 'SCARY' SHIPBUILDING COLLAPSE THAT LEAVES THE US VULNERABLE TO CHINA Naval analysts confirm China is retrofitting cargo ships with deadly weapons – long range strike and surface-to-air missiles, drone launching systems, as well as radar and tracking systems. What if one of these ships arrived in Houston, home to America’s largest port in terms of tonnage and one of the country’s economic hubs? The "best" case scenario: our Intelligence Community would detect the weapons, enabling the Coast Guard to intercept and seize the Chinese ship. However, this could potentially require shutting down the port and halting trade and LNG exports worth billions. TRUMP PLAN FOR FOREIGN SHIPBUILDERS COULD CREATE 540,000 JOBS AND EXPAND US FLEET The far more alarming possibility: the armed Chinese cargo carriers slip into the Port of Houston undetected and launch devastating attacks on the port, destroying vital infrastructure and killing hundreds, and possibly many more. The Port of Houston is home to the world’s largest petrochemical complexes and a quarter of America’s refining capacity. The explosions caused by a Chinese attack on the port would send clouds of carcinogens into the air and over nearby communities. Meanwhile, America’s energy supply would be devastated, causing painful shortages and draining the economy of millions of dollars a day. This disaster could play out at any of our other major ports – Los Angeles, our hub for trans-Pacific trade, or Norfolk, Virginia, the East Coast’s deepest harbor and home to America’s largest naval base. Neither of these situations are inevitable, but we must act now to rebuild America’s rusted Maritime Industrial Base and end our reliance on Chinese-flagged vessels. That is why I am working with congressional colleagues and the Trump administration to make American ships again. The U.S. was once home to the world’s largest commercial fleet, numbering nearly 4,000 ships. But in the years following World War II, priorities shifted and international competition increased. Today, the United States manufactures a handful of commercial vessels per year while China builds over a thousand. In total, the U.S. has fewer than 100 oceangoing commercial vessels. China has nearly 6,000, the largest fleet in the world. This imbalance is a tremendous risk, giving China control over global supply chains, economic levers to constrain American policy options, and, at worst, countless opportunities every day to sneak weapons into our cities. What commercial shipping fleet we have is in disrepair. Our sealift capacity is diminished. America is in danger. I am leading a bipartisan coalition in Congress that clearly sees the grave risks to our people and economy. We are working to achieve a revival of American shipbuilding. To accomplish this, we have written the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure and Security Act, or SHIPS Act. The bill, which I introduced in the Senate last year, will launch a new fleet of American-made ships. The SHIPS Act will encourage the construction of new ships and shipyards through tax incentives. It will deliver deregulation and permitting reform to reduce costs and speed the delivery of new vessels. It also will modernize training programs at our maritime academies and recruit a new generation of mariners. And the bill will establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund to finance these programs, plus an expansion of the U.S.-flagged international fleet to 250 ships by 2035. We have a strong champion in President Trump, whose Maritime Action Plan is consistent with our bill, mobilizing the whole of government to restore America’s maritime dominance. China is retrofitting its commercial ships into covert warships. The evidence is clear. So too is the risk of allowing these vessels to dominate global trade and fill our ports because we have no ships of our own. But we have a plan to protect our ports and people, to build and launch a new fleet, manned by Americans mariners, flying the Stars and Stripes. Congress should pass the SHIPS Act without delay. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3043c2ca79de236534f6 More than 400K New York City children enrolled in failing public schools: report te 2026-07-08T11:10:59.880Z More than 400K New York City children enrolled in failing public schools: report More than 900 New York City public schools do not have a majority of students passing state reading and math tests, according to a scathing new report. That means more than 400,000 of New York City’s public school children are enrolled in institutions where fewer than half of the students passed math, reading, or both on state exams. "Despite New York City’s international reputation as an economic power and cultural influencer, the city’s public school system, funded at twice the average rate of other American school districts, has struggled for decades to deliver results that at best are mediocre," researchers at Success Academy, a New York City-based charter school network, wrote in the report. According to the findings, 906 schools—representing nearly half of all public schools across the five boroughs—saw fewer than half of their students pass state math or reading exams last year. TEXAS’ LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT SEES TEST SCORES SOAR AFTER STATE TAKEOVER DESPITE RACISM CLAIMS "Those 906 schools enroll 409,379 students: 43 percent of all NYC public school children. In 503 of those schools, the majority of students failed both math and reading," the researchers added. The Success Academy report comes after the New York State Education Department (NYSED) released 2024-2025 test score data for grades 3–8, claiming that the assessment results showed "meaningful signs of improvement." The state’s official report card indicated that 57% of third-through-eighth graders were deemed proficient in math, while 53% met proficiency standards in English Language Arts (ELA). Critics point to the city's massive educational budget relative to its performance. New York City spent approximately $40 billion on public education for the 2024 fiscal year, which translates to a nation-leading $36,293 per pupil in the district — roughly double the national average. The report sharply criticized city officials' allocation of those resources. GOV SANDERS REVEALS 'MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH' ON EDUCATION AS RED STATE POSITIONS ITSELF AS 'BLUEPRINT' FOR NATION "The city is now committed to billions more to fund a class-size mandate that the evidence does not support, while propping up hundreds of vacant schools that drain resources at a premium rate with no return," the report states. "Meanwhile, the students most harmed by this failure attend the same schools that have been failing since before many of them were born." Success Academy claims that these specific findings have never been assembled before. Representatives for the charter network told Fox News Digital that their staff spent months analyzing primary public records, including NYSED accountability data dating back to 2012, alongside NYC school quality reports, expenditure files, and standardized test results. Compounding the city's academic hurdles is a persistent truancy crisis. Approximately 35% of all New York City public school students — roughly 300,000 children — were flagged as "chronically absent" during the school year, meaning they missed at least 10% of required school days, according to the report. LINDA MCMAHON: PARENTS TOLD ME SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS LESS RED TAPE, STRONGER RESULTS The NYSED sent Fox News Digital the following statement responding to Success Academy's findings.  "It is the New York State Education Department’s responsibility to meet schools where they are so that every student - regardless of zip code - has an opportunity to succeed.  Success Academy’s report is a vehicle to detract from its attempts to circumvent the New York City charter cap and promote its academic achievements by comparing one limited data sample to another," a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The Department’s assessment and accountability data has always been available to the public, the spokesperson added. "NYSED has continually modified its reporting tools and data presentations to improve accessibility and usability for families, educators, and community stakeholders through the school report card which is publicly available on the NYSED website," the official continued. "These enhancements were designed to make complex information more understandable and meaningful. Additionally, the report fails to acknowledge that there was no assessment data in 2020 and significantly limited data in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic." An NYC Public Schools official also responded to Success Academy's report, arguing that the report "is riddled with misdirections, misinformation and allegations not based in fact." "At New York City Public Schools, we have the privilege and responsibility of educating every child who comes through our doors — students new to our city, learning English for the first time, students with disabilities who haven’t received the care they need elsewhere, and students struggling in their classes, who need a teacher who refuses to give up on them," a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The official went on to say, "We are proud of the gains that have been made in reading and math across schools and demographics this past year, the strides that have been made in preparing students for success after graduation and the head start we are delivering for thousands of children across the city through universal child care. This is the true honest work that school leaders and educators in every borough are doing every day, and we are proud to stand by them."  Earlier in the year, Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz touted her network's own academic metrics. Success Academy ranked first in New York State for math proficiency in grades 3–8 in recent state exams, with a 96% pass rate. The K-12 charter network also placed second statewide in ELA with a 92% pass rate, trailing the affluent Scarsdale Union Free School District by just a single percentage point.  Moskowitz told Fox News Digital that researchers intentionally reviewed the performance metrics of every school in the city to provide a comprehensive baseline comparison against other districts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e3030c2ca79de236534ed Judge orders Nancy Guthrie ransom imposter into inpatient treatment before sentencing te 2026-07-08T11:10:40.430Z Judge orders Nancy Guthrie ransom imposter into inpatient treatment before sentencing A federal judge has ordered the California man who pleaded guilty to sending phony ransom messages to the family of missing Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie to enter inpatient substance abuse treatment while awaiting sentencing, according to federal court records. Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Catalina Foothills home outside Tucson on Feb. 1. The following day, local media outlets received ransom demands that investigators continue to examine as potentially legitimate. Derrick Anthony Callella, 42, was arrested days after Guthrie's disappearance after the FBI determined he had sent fraudulent ransom messages to members of her family. FBI SAYS NANCY GUTHRIE ABDUCTION DEMANDS MAY BE ‘LEGITIMATE’ AS CASE STILL PROBED AS KIDNAPPING FOR RANSOM Callella later pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment using a telecommunications device and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 10 by U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker. Federal investigators have said Callella was not responsible for an earlier ransom demand sent to local media. The FBI has said that demand remains under investigation as authorities continue investigating Guthrie's disappearance as a kidnapping-for-ransom case. The amended release conditions require Callella to reside at an inpatient substance use treatment facility or halfway house, comply with all program requirements and contribute toward the cost of treatment as directed by the U.S. Pretrial Services Division. NANCY GUTHRIE RANSOM NOTES DON'T MATCH SUSPECT'S BEHAVIOR, PROFILER SAYS: 'I DON'T BELIEVE THEY'RE REAL' The order also authorizes the U.S. Marshals Service to remove Callella from the program and place him in temporary custody if he fails to comply with treatment requirements. Upon completing the program, he may reside at a home approved by the U.S. Pretrial Services Division. Fox News Digital has reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona seeking additional information about why the court modified Callella's release conditions. According to the plea agreement, Callella admitted sending spoofed ransom messages to Guthrie's daughter, Annie Guthrie, and son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, from a spoofed phone number asking, "Did you get the bitcoin? We're waiting on our end for the transaction[.]" SAVANNAH GUTHRIE PLEADS FOR TIPS AS RANSOM NOTE CLAIMS MOM IS DEAD: 'SOMEBODY KNOWS SOMETHING' Prosecutors said Callella later placed a brief phone call to a member of Guthrie's family seeking information about the investigation. Court records state investigators traced the spoofed Voice over Internet Protocol account used to send the messages to an email address registered to Callella. After waiving his Miranda rights, Callella admitted using the account to send the texts and told investigators he had obtained the family's contact information from a website while following television coverage of Guthrie's disappearance. Prosecutors said he wanted to see whether the family would respond. Callella is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 10. He faces up to two years in prison on each count, fines of up to $250,000 per count and up to one year of supervised release. Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2df2c2ca79de2365344c From tipping to etiquette, here's why buffets aren't as great as lot of people seem to think te 2026-07-08T11:01:06.332Z From tipping to etiquette, here's why buffets aren't as great as lot of people seem to think It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to air some of our biggest grievances in a brand new edition of The Gripe Report. This week, we’re talking buffets. My wife and I recently hit up a buffet, and while it was good, it just reminded me of why I’m not big on buffets. They're still better than potlucks, though. I hate those. This was a German buffet, which meant there was an abundance of various wursts and schnitzels, and if you felt so inclined, you could sit there and shovel spätzle into your dumb face until you auf den boden kotzen. It was a good time, and I liked the German band that was playing (no Rammstein or Kraftwerk covers, though; bummer), but it reminded me of the many problems I have with buffets in general. THE '1776 DIET': WHAT AMERICANS REALLY ATE DURING THE NATION'S FOUNDING So, seeing as I do a column dedicated to complaints, I figured this was the perfect place to get it all out. Anytime I end up at a buffet, I always sit there wondering whether or not it’s a good deal. You usually end up paying a premium for the right to go on a culinary excursion using spoons and tongs that every other sicko in the restaurant touched, but you can only eat as much as you can eat. Personally, I wouldn’t want to pay to feel like complete and utter s---, so half the time I feel like I leave buffets thinking, "I probably could’ve just gotten a sandwich for like half the price and been fine." Now, part of what I do enjoy about buffets is that it gives you carte blanche to test drive some grub you would never order under any circumstances. Sometimes you find a diamond in the proverbial buffet rough, but more often than not, you’re paying for the privilege of trying something and being like, "yeah, that’s alright," and then never eating it again for the rest of your life. I think my biggest beef with buffets is that they do not present most foods under ideal conditions, because very few items, if any, are at their pinnacle of deliciousness when sitting out under a lightbulb for an extended period of time. Sure, some things can handle this. Macaroni and cheese can usually survive under these circumstances, but a lot of meats end up getting dried out because they sit there for half the day drinking in heat and oxygen. There’s a reason food tastes best straight off the grill or straight out of the oven. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE In fact, I normally steer clear of fish at buffets, and went in for salmon (which was actually great) because I saw the fraulein behind the bar put out a brand new filet with my own two eyes. It’s sometimes worth hovering like a creep waiting for one tray to get kicked and then swoop in for the fresh stuff. I know in a sit-down restaurant the food is still usually going to hang out in the back under a heat lamp for a little bit too, but not nearly for as long, and without other lunatics digging it apart with spoons and tongs and spatulas. This is why if ever there’s a meal during which I’m most likely to hit a buffet for, it’s breakfast. I think that it’s without question the meal best suited to hanging out in chafing dishes while digging through it. Lots of breakfast fare is easy to scoop or can be snagged with a quick, accurate set of tongs, and it has a more robust shelf life than its lunch and dinner counterparts. One thing that, for some reason, we can’t all get on the same page on is buffet etiquette. Obviously, there has to be some level of decorum, lest the buffet break out into a Three Stooges-esque food fight. I think the tricky thing is that, in my opinion, buffets are all about reading the room, which is very tough for some people. Generally speaking, in my maiden trip to the buffet, I always start at the end as the buffet gods intended. That way I can do a reconnaissance lap to adjust my salad and roll intake accordingly. However, I do not believe you have to start at the end. I think you can — and should — just jump into the buffet… within reason. Here’s an example: say you want some biscuits and gravy, which are located in the middle of the buffet. There’s nothing but free real estate around the biscuits and gravy (which is how you know this is a hypothetical), but there’s a line at the beginning of the buffet. It’s ridiculous to think that you should go stand in line and wade past French toast sticks, eggs, and Cap’N Crunch you have no interest in to get your biscuits and gravy, so just look both ways like you’re crossing the street and grab them, and get out of the way. But, if there’s a group going through the line and approaching the biscuits and gravy, approach with caution. My rule of thumb is jump in, so long as you do not disrupt the flow of someone who is traveling the length of the buffet as intended. Tipping is always a touchy subject, but I think we need to talk about how this works with buffets. It was my understanding that you tipped the server for, y’know, serving you. But at most buffets, the server brings you drinks (I’ve been to some where they don’t even do that) and clears your spent plates. That’s not nothing… but is that 20% worthy if that’s what you throw down for a full-service waiter or waitress? I don’t mean to be that guy, but I did way more legwork when it came to getting food to the table than they did. I balanced a cup of coffee, a bowl of fruit, a plate with an omelette and home fries, and then a little sidecar plate of bacon and sausage while navigating a bustling dining room. How about tipping me? Plus, the bill is often considerably more per person compared to exercising some restraint and just getting an entree. I feel the same way about restaurants where you cook your own food. I’ve never gotten those. I get that it’s supposed to be about the "experience," but you can do that at home for considerably less. … That’s it for this week! Be sure to send in your gripes for a future edition of The Gripe Report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2ddec2ca79de23653443 Former acting DHS secretary warns Chinese criminal organizations are infiltrating America's hemp industry te 2026-07-08T11:00:46.882Z Former acting DHS secretary warns Chinese criminal organizations are infiltrating America's hemp industry Former acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf sent a letter to House lawmakers Tuesday urging them to investigate the "growing role that Chinese-linked actors and foreign criminal organizations are playing in the proliferation of hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products and illegal marijuana operations" in the U.S., which he says are "putting our youth and adults at risk."  The message addressed to Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. — the chairman and ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, respectively — states that "Beyond the serious public health implications, there is mounting evidence that this issue also presents a significant national security concern."  "What began as a narrowly tailored effort to legalize industrial hemp and non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD) products has evolved into a dangerous and unregulated market for high-potency THC hemp products that are being sold across the country with little to no oversight," Wolf wrote. "These products are frequently marketed as gummies, candies, beverages and vapes, often packaged and promoted in ways that appeal to children. They lack acceptable age restrictions, labeling requirements and safety standards."  Wolf cited a warning from the White House’s 2026 National Drug Control Strategy, which described how "the marijuana trade in the United States is no longer a scattered, low-level problem; it has been co-opted and industrialized by sophisticated, transnational criminal organizations, particularly those with ties to China." CHAD WOLF: CLOSE THE BACKDOOR DRUG PIPELINE THAT'S EMBOLDENING ENEMIES AND HARMING THE PUBLIC "These groups systematically exploit states where marijuana has been legalized under state law, leveraging these markets and lax regulations to establish massive, unlicensed cultivation operations. A stark illustration of this is Oklahoma, where law enforcement estimates that Chinese criminal groups run more than 80% of the state's thousands of marijuana and hemp farms," the National Drug Control Strategy document says.  "These operations are not just agricultural; they are hubs of poly-crime involving human trafficking of exploited laborers, sophisticated money laundering, and the use of dangerous, unregistered pesticides that threaten public health and the environment," it adds.  DOJ CHARGES SEVEN CHINESE NATIONALS IN MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR MARIJUANA TRAFFICKING RING Wolf referenced how China "has been linked to the export of fentanyl, synthetic narcotics and illicit supply chain materials that have devastated American communities" and that "the intoxicating THC hemp market now risks becoming another avenue through which Chinese-linked actors exploit regulatory loopholes and weak enforcement mechanisms to profit at the expense of the health and safety of the American people." "Congress acted last year, with bipartisan support and President Trump’s signature, to close loopholes involving intoxicating THC hemp products and restore the original intent of federal hemp legislation," he said in the letter. "However, efforts are now underway to weaken, delay or roll back those protections before they fully take effect. This would not only undermine public health and law enforcement objectives, but could further embolden foreign criminal actors seeking to exploit the American marketplace and harm American families."  He concluded the letter by asking the committee to "investigate China’s involvement in the intoxicating THC hemp supply chain, including financing, chemical manufacturing, illegal cultivation operations, money laundering activity and ties to the array of criminal organizations operating within the United States." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2ba8c2ca79de236533f7 America 250 attendees fire back at critics of Trump's July 4 speech: 'What we needed to hear' te 2026-07-08T10:51:20.166Z America 250 attendees fire back at critics of Trump's July 4 speech: 'What we needed to hear' Two days after President Donald Trump's Fourth of July address, attendees at the Great American State Fair told Fox News Digital they saw the speech as patriotic, not partisan. "He's talking about taking down communism," David from New Jersey said. "That's the definition of our whole country. Built on capitalism, that's our whole country. If that's what he was talking about, I don't think that's political at all. It's just about the freedom that we have here. If it wasn't for that, we wouldn't be here." Thousands of Americans packed the National Mall on Saturday to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, touring exhibits from all 50 states despite sweltering heat and severe thunderstorms that temporarily paused celebrations. TRUMP SET TO DELIVER 'HISTORIC' SPEECH CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY Hours later, President Donald Trump delivered his 37-minute address, honoring veterans and the nation's founding while declaring that "no dream in history is bigger" than the American experiment and adding, "We don't want communists in our country," before a record-setting fireworks display. Despite hitting on major historical themes and railing against communism, critics quickly accused Trump of being divisive and delivering a partisan July 4 speech over the weekend. Matt from Florida said that while others may have disliked Trump's speech, he saw it as a tribute to veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. "It's really nice to see him share the stage instead of just giving a speech and going away like most presidents do," he said. "It was just nice to actually see him treat the whole thing as a giant event as opposed to just a limelight on himself." MEDIA ATTACKS DONALD TRUMP'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, CLAIMING IT 'SULLIED' AMERICA 250 Ed and Linda from Ohio said they missed Trump's speech while waiting for the fireworks, but Ed said he supports the president "100 percent," while Linda added, "You should be able to rise above your political opinion and still enjoy the country's Fourth of July." Doug and Karen from Texas said they approved of President Trump's message. "It wasn't too political, it was what we needed to hear," Doug said. "It was good," Karen added. "People need to hear it." LEE GREENWOOD SAYS HE'S 'VERY PROUD' TO STAND NEXT TO TRUMP DURING AMERICA'S 250TH CELEBRATION Kim from Michigan called July 4 "a political holiday," saying people will always find something to criticize. "Throughout our history, it's been about our politics and what we stand for as a people, and what we believe in and what we're willing to fight for," she said. Priya from California said politics naturally belongs in a Fourth of July speech, adding that America must change course "from a very negative direction that the country has gone." "I think there's an intricate part that politics play obviously in the 250 years that we have been a nation," she said. "For it to last another 250 and hopefully beyond, we have to pay attention to that. We have to understand the political climate and what it's going to take for this nation to last and be prosperous." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2b94c2ca79de236533de Are airline miles still worth it? te 2026-07-08T10:51:00.710Z Are airline miles still worth it? Airline miles used to feel like a secret travel weapon. You saved them, watched the award chart and then pounced when the right seat opened up. Now? You may search for a flight and see a price so ridiculous that it makes you want to close the laptop. That is exactly why I sat down with David Fleming, a travel rewards consultant known online as The Miles Guy. His job is helping travelers squeeze more value out of airline miles, hotel points and credit card rewards without getting fooled into bad redemptions. FAKE BOOKING.COM TRAVEL CREDIT SCAM TARGETS TRAVELERS And here is the big takeaway: airline miles can still be valuable, but the old tricks no longer work the same way. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Years ago, many airlines used fixed award charts. That made it easier to know what a flight should cost in points. Now, that predictability is mostly gone. "The airlines and their frequent flier programs went to something called dynamic pricing, which basically ties the cost of the ticket to the number of points you use," Fleming told me during our conversation on the CyberGuy Report podcast. He gave one eye-popping example. Air France Flying Blue business class from Los Angeles to Paris used to show up for around 67,500 points one way. Now, on some days, that same type of redemption can balloon to an outrageous level. "Some days you're now seeing them for 700,000 points one way," Fleming said. "Which is bananas." That is the kind of number that should make you pause before clicking "book." If you want a broader refresher on how travel rewards work, CyberGuy's guide on how to rack up points and miles for travel is a helpful read at CyberGuy.com. If you have any wiggle room in your schedule, use it before you spend your miles. "The key really is to book your trip around your flights," Fleming said. "Find the dates that have the best mileage redemptions available, and book those and let that be your guide." That may sound annoying if you already picked your vacation dates. However, shifting by a day or two, or flying from a different airport, can save you a huge number of points. This approach works best when you are traveling alone or with one other person. It gets harder with kids, school schedules, work calendars and family obligations. Still, even a little flexibility can help. The goal is to stop treating every mileage price as a good deal just because it uses points instead of cash. One of my best strategies is to book a refundable cash ticket as insurance while watching for mileage seats. Here is how it works. You book a refundable fare, so you know you can get where you need to go. Then you keep checking for award seats. If a better mileage redemption becomes available, you can cancel the refundable ticket and book with points. Fleming said that strategy still has value, even though it worked better before dynamic pricing became so common. "If you book a refundable ticket, you know if something does open up, you always can cancel that refundable ticket, get your money back, and book the mileage ticket," Fleming said. There is another version of the same idea. If a good mileage ticket doesn't appear, you can look for a cheaper, nonrefundable cash fare closer to the trip. Then you cancel the refundable ticket and buy the cheaper fare instead. It takes effort, but it gives you options. Paid upgrades can be hit-or-miss. Still, Fleming says asking at the counter or gate can sometimes pay off. "You might have to be a little proactive and ask the gate agent or the person at the ticket counter, 'Hey, do you have any upgrades available? And if yes, how much are they?'" Fleming said. He shared the story of a friend who was flying economy on a transatlantic flight. At the counter, the airline offered him a business class upgrade for $140. If he had bought that upgrade online earlier, it would have cost more than $1,200. That will not happen every time. Airlines may have no seats, no deal or no interest in discounting the upgrade. Even so, the question costs nothing. Ask politely at check-in, at the ticket counter or at the gate: "Are there any paid upgrades available, and what would the cost be?" You can always say no. This may be the hardest part for many travelers. Sometimes the smartest move is to keep your miles. Fleming uses a rough benchmark of about 2 cents per point. So, if 100,000 points would cover a ticket that costs about $2,000, that can be a fair deal. "On average, you might say that a point is worth $0.02," Fleming said. "I just kind of set the goal at $0.02 a point." However, if an airline wants 100,000 points for a $500 ticket, you may want to pay cash and keep the points for something better. That is where people get burned. They see "free flight" and forget that points have value. Those points took spending, flying or credit card bonuses to earn. Burning them on a weak redemption can cost you later. Airline miles and hotel points can both be easy to waste. Before you redeem either one, compare the points or miles price with the cash rate. That helps you see whether you are getting strong value. One tool CyberGuy has covered before is Awayz. It can help you compare cash prices with award pricing so you can decide when to use points, miles or cash. Its hotel search can be especially helpful if you have rewards spread across programs like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, Accor, Choice or Wyndham. Awayz can also help you look for award availability and spot better dates. That can save time when you are planning a trip with flexible travel dates. Still, treat any travel search tool as a starting point. Prices and award availability can change fast. Before you transfer points or book, confirm the final price, taxes, fees, cancellation rules and availability directly with the airline, hotel or loyalty program. BOOKING A SUMMER TRIP? HERE'S WHAT YOU'RE GIVING SCAMMERS You cannot use your rewards well if you do not know what you have. Fleming says that starts with keeping your travel accounts organized. "I created a spreadsheet which basically lists my program, American Airlines, my account number, my password, when the points expire and how many points I have," Fleming said. "Then you know what you have to work with." I use a phone contact called "Travel Profile." In that contact card, I store airline, hotel and rental car loyalty numbers in alphabetical order. So, when I am checking into a hotel or renting a car, I can quickly find the right number. Here is how to set one up: One important warning: do not store passwords in this contact card. Use it for loyalty numbers only. Keep account passwords in a secure password manager instead. The trade-off is that a phone contact will not show your current point balances or expiration dates. That is where a spreadsheet or password manager can help, especially if you have dozens of travel accounts. Some airline miles no longer expire. Fleming noted that United MileagePlus miles and Delta SkyMiles do not expire. However, other programs still have expiration rules. Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, now uses a single 24-month validity period for miles, with qualifying activity able to extend that date. That means you should check each program before assuming your miles are safe forever. Also, do not ignore small balances. A few thousand points may not buy a long-haul ticket, but they may help with a hotel night, upgrade or short flight later. I asked Fleming whether airline status still means anything. His answer was blunt. "Unless you have the top tier status, I don't think so," Fleming said. I get it. There was a time when top-level status could feel special, especially when flights were delayed or canceled. You could call a dedicated number, find the right person at the airport and sometimes get real help getting where you needed to go. That still happens, but it feels less dependable than it used to. Planes are packed, upgrades are harder to clear and airlines often sell premium seats instead of handing them to loyal flyers. Status can still help with free bags, preferred seats and priority support. However, I would not chase it blindly unless the perks still match how often you fly and what you are spending to get them. One of my favorite travel apps right now is Flighty. It tracks your aircraft before it becomes your flight, which can give you an early warning when trouble is starting to build. For example, your plane may still be in another city with several flights to complete before it ever gets to you. If one of those earlier flights gets delayed, Flighty can often show the ripple effect before the airline sends an official alert. Flighty can send real-time alerts for delays, gate changes and cancellations. You can also track a flight right inside the Messages app on your iPhone. Send yourself, or someone else, the airline name and flight number , such as Delta 1234 or American 456. You can also try the airline code and number, such as DL1234 or AA456. Once the flight number appears underlined, tap it and select Preview Flight. You should see details such as flight status, departure time, arrival time, terminal, gate and baggage claim when available. One low-tech trick I still swear by is carrying a UK plug adapter. Some airplane outlets get loose from heavy use, especially with standard U.S. plugs. A UK adapter may fit more securely in certain universal airplane outlets, but it will not work on every aircraft or every seat. Also, treat it as an adapter, not a voltage converter, and use it only with chargers that support the power range printed on the charger. Airline miles and hotel points have real value. That makes them attractive to hackers. A thief who breaks into a loyalty account can drain your miles, book travel or sell access before you notice. Since many people rarely check old airline and hotel accounts, fraud can sit there longer than it should. CyberGuy has covered how hackers can hijack travel rewards programs and drain miles. To protect yourself, use strong, unique passwords for every travel account and store them in a secure password manager. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) when available and review your balances often. You should also keep strong antivirus software on your devices to help block malicious links, phishing pages and other threats that can lead to account theft. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com. Also, consider using a data removal service to reduce how much personal information is floating around online, since scammers can use exposed details to make travel-related phishing messages look more believable. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com. Finally, be careful with any email claiming your miles are expiring or offering a too-good-to-be-true travel deal. Go directly to the airline or hotel site instead of clicking links in surprise messages. Travel credit cards can still unlock value, but only if the perks match how you actually travel. If you fly one airline often, a co-branded card may help with bags, boarding or award discounts. If you want flexibility, a transferable points card may give you more options across different airlines and hotel partners. Before you chase a welcome bonus, read the annual fee, spending requirement and redemption rules. A giant bonus can lose its appeal if you have to overspend to earn it. CyberGuy's best airline credit cards guide at cyberguy.com/ can help you compare travel cards, perks and earning structures before you apply. 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 Airline miles are still worth collecting, but you have to be more careful than ever about how you spend them. Dynamic pricing means the same seat can cost a reasonable number of points one day and an outrageous number another day. That is why flexibility, research and patience can make such a big difference. Before you redeem, compare the cash price against the point price. If the value looks weak, save your miles and buy the ticket instead. Also, organize your loyalty accounts now, not when you are standing at a rental car counter or rushing through an airport. A spreadsheet, secure password manager or travel profile in your phone can keep your rewards from becoming a pile of forgotten numbers. And next time you fly, ask about paid upgrades. You may get nothing. Or you may hear a price that makes the whole trip feel like you beat the system. For more of my conversation with David "The Miles Guy" Fleming, you can watch the full podcast episode at CyberGuy.com. Do you still think airline miles are worth chasing, or have airlines made the rewards game too confusing to trust? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2b81c2ca79de236533d5 Rams' Alaric Jackson catches surprising break despite damning allegations involving pregnant girlfriend te 2026-07-08T10:50:41.259Z Rams' Alaric Jackson catches surprising break despite damning allegations involving pregnant girlfriend Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Alaric Jackson has dodged criminal charges, but his NFL career remains in serious jeopardy. Just weeks after his late-night domestic violence arrest, the 27-year-old left tackle is walking away without facing a single charge. According to the New York Post, prosecutors have declined to pursue the case stemming from Jackson's June 9 arrest in Los Angeles. ATTORNEY FOR DENVER BRONCOS DEFENDER JONATHON COOPER PLAYS RACE CARD IN DOMESTIC ABUSE CASE While the District Attorney's Office previously declined to file felony charges, the city attorney has now passed on misdemeanor charges as well. The Post also reported that Jackson's pregnant girlfriend voluntarily dismissed her temporary restraining order. According to police, the dispute began after Jackson believed she was secretly recording him on her cell phone. During an alleged struggle over the device, Jackson allegedly left scratch marks on her arm. He was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and later released on $50,000 bond. Jackson, who signed a three-year, $57 million contract extension last year, allegedly became enraged over being recorded without his consent. The allegation drew comparisons to Jackson's previous NFL suspension for secretly recording a woman during a sexual encounter without her consent. That incident led to a federal lawsuit that was settled and dismissed in April. JETS' GENO SMITH UNDER ACTIVE INVESTIGATION IN FLORIDA FOR ALLEGED ASSAULT AT HIS HOME: POLICE Even though prosecutors declined to pursue charges, the NFL operates under its own Personal Conduct Policy and is conducting an independent investigation. Because the league does not need a criminal conviction to impose discipline, Jackson could still face a suspension before the season kicks off. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2929c2ca79de2365337a Team USA issues statement in English and Spanish after disastrous World Cup exit te 2026-07-08T10:40:41.375Z Team USA issues statement in English and Spanish after disastrous World Cup exit It's not an exaggeration to say that the U.S. men's national team's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was shocking. Not just because of the result, which was a deserving win for the Belgian team, but because of how poorly the USMNT played. Former players, coaches and analysts have all, correctly, blasted the team's poor effort, lack of fundamentals and inexcusable mistakes. The loss not only ended their run and put an abrupt halt to the momentum the team had built up, but it once again threw into question the entire US Soccer development program and the player pool. Starting 38-year-old Tim Ream at center back against Belgium's world-class strikers always looked like a mismatch. And boy, it didn't take long for those concerns to be validated. AFTER BLOWOUT LOSS TO BELGIUM, MANY ARE WONDERING IF TEAM USA IS BETTER OR WORSE THAN IT WAS A DECADE AGO For fans who saw visions of the quarterfinals, or perhaps an even deeper run, it was a stark reminder of how far US soccer has to go to be truly elite. And the team addressed those obvious concerns in their post-cup statement. Which, confusingly, was also posted in Spanish. "Dear America, We believed," the statement says. "So did you. When we asked, 'Why not us?' you answered. You filled stadiums. You brought the game into your homes, bars, parks and communities across the country. Every time our players stepped onto the field, they carried your support with them. Wearing the crest is a privilege, and hearing your voices throughout this tournament is something we will never forget. "We'll learn from this. We'll get better to compete with the world's best. And we'll keep doing the work because that's what this team and this country expects of us. To every kid who watched this team and dreams of wearing this crest one day: keep playing or start playing today. We'll be cheering for you. Keep believing. Keep showing up." TOP FIVE MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM TEAM USA'S MAGICAL 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP RUN The statement continues by explaining that the team and program intend to "make sure" that everyone who wants to play soccer, can. "Support your local soccer teams, they need their community. We'll keep doing the work to make sure every child who wants to play can do so. That means more places to play, more great coaches, referees and mentors, and a game that's welcoming, affordable and fun for everyone. There's a home for everyone in soccer. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in this team. Thank you for believing in the future of soccer in this country. "Country roads, take us home. We'll see you there." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM It's interesting that the statement goes so far as to address the U.S.' problem with pay-to-play youth soccer. While many, including former USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, have spoken about the difference in the development of young players in the U.S. and Europe, for example, it's a tacit acknowledgment that the players coming out of the U.S. are not good enough or prepared well enough. Most of the stars on the current roster, such as Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun, were trained in Europe. Tillman joined Bayern Munich's youth system in 2015 and Balogun was trained in Arsenal's youth program. But that's a much broader, structural issue that will take years and concerted effort to reform, which is why mentioning it in a post-World Cup statement is so odd and so telling. Many fans were upset that the U.S. Men's National Team posted this statement in Spanish too. But even more upsetting? That they went out in humiliating fashion against a team that should have been a reasonable matchup. And that there are years of growth and talent building required, by their own admission, to compete with the Belgiums of the world, let alone Spain or France. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e26e3c2ca79de236532e4 Golf legend Annika Sorenstam credits Caitlin Clark with bringing a new demographic to women's golf te 2026-07-08T10:30:59.550Z Golf legend Annika Sorenstam credits Caitlin Clark with bringing a new demographic to women's golf While some in the WNBA may not recognize it, LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam certainly does: Caitlin Clark is great for women’s sports. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Sorenstam talked about how Clark has helped bring a new demographic into golf. "She's obviously very popular. She brings a new demographic to the game, and when she's there playing the pro-am, I mean we have a lot of people attending and wanting her autograph. Following her and every shot, and she's just great for women's sports and we love to have her a part of it," Sorenstam told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Sorenstam is playing in the American Century Championship on Friday and is one of the contenders to win the tournament. Clark cannot play in the celebrity golf tournament because of the WNBA schedule, but believes Clark would do well. Clark has played in the ANNIKA Pro-Am, and Sorenstam has been impressed with her game. LPGA LEGEND ANNIKA SORENSTAM SAYS LIV GOLF INTERRUPTED THE GAME OF GOLF, FORCED PGA TOUR TO MAKE CHANGES "I think she would do quite well (at the American Century Championship.) I mean, she's quite an athlete, as you know. That's kind of stating the obvious. But she loves golf. She's played golf for many years, and I know every time she gets a chance, she goes to the course," Sorenstam told Fox News Digital. Sorenstam is one of the favorites to win the tournament. Sorenstam, who won 72 LPGA Tour tournaments, including 10 majors, during her illustrious career, will raise awareness for the Annika Foundation. "We try to empower and advance young women through the game of golf, but also in life, different life skills, and it's been really rewarding and satisfying to see how far women's golf has come and how many of these young women are pursuing their dreams. It's been a lot of fun, and just watching the difference we're making in these young women's life," Sorenstam said. With the Stableford scoring format, Sorenstam talked about needing to be more aggressive, and pursue more birdies and eagles. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e26d0c2ca79de236532db 2026 Genesis Scottish Open betting preview at The Renaissance Club, featuring outright picks and top-5/10 bets te 2026-07-08T10:30:40.102Z 2026 Genesis Scottish Open betting preview at The Renaissance Club, featuring outright picks and top-5/10 bets The 2026 Genesis Scottish Open returns to The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, this week, serving as the ultimate links golf tune-up. Co-sanctioned by the PGA TOUR, and DP World Tour, this elite event brings together a powerhouse international field right before the year's final major championship. Tom Doak's modern coastal design relies heavily on unpredictable winds, deep pot bunkers and massive, undulating greens to protect par. Reigning champion Chris Gotterup looks to defend his title after holding off a heavyweight leaderboard to win at 15-under here last year. To get reps for next week's 154th Open Championship, LIV Tour players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton join the three major champions this season, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 2 Rory McIlroy, in a stacked field. PGA STAR SAHITH THEEGALA'S FIANCÉE FEUDS WITH SPORTSCENTER HOST OVER 'UNCOMFORTABLE' INTERACTION For the record, I'm risking 2.17 units (u) on outrights and 2u on top-5 and top-10 bets for the Scottish Open. Here are my horses for the course at The Renaissance Club and my "one-and-done" pick for this week. The following odds are based on my previous bets on the golfers listed below. Subject to change. 🇸🇪 Ludvig Åberg +2464 at Polymarket (0.81u) and Top-10 with ties +228 at Kalshi (0.75u) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Tyrrell Hatton +3633 at Polymarket (0.55u) and Top-10 with ties +312 at Kalshi (0.5u) 🇩🇰 Nicolai Højgaard +5163 at Polymarket (0.39u) and Top-5 with ties +770 at DraftKings (0.25u) 🇺🇸 Jake Knapp +9245 (0.22u) and Top-10 with ties +624 (0.25u), both at Kalshi 🇪🇸 Eugenio Chacarra +10000 at DraftKings (0.2u) and Top-10 with ties +656 at Kalshi (0.25u) The golf betting world clowns on Ludvig because of all his Sunday collapses this year. Yet, if you don’t harp on that, he is having an objectively good season, has great course history, and is due for a win. Åberg has six T8-or-better finishes this year, including T5 at THE PLAYERS Championship and T4 at the PGA Championship. He tied for eighth at last year’s Scottish Open and tied for fourth two years ago, gaining strokes across the board (driving, approach, around-the-green, and putting) in both. The Renaissance Club is a "bomber’s paradise," and Ludvig is a top-five driver of the golf ball in the world. Plus, he ranks second on the PGA TOUR this season in approach shots from 200+ yards. Lastly, his odds at Bookmaker are +1755, which is significant because that’s a sharp sportsbook for golf betting. So, since Åberg’s odds at Bookmaker are lower than the legalized U.S. sportsbooks', he must be taking sharp action. One of the best links golfers in the world, Hatton has 14 professional wins, including one on the PGA TOUR, two on the LIV Tour and eight on the DP World Tour, and has won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland three times. LPGA LEGEND ANNIKA SORENSTAM SAYS LIV GOLF INTERRUPTED THE GAME OF GOLF, FORCED PGA TOUR TO MAKE CHANGES He is playing well entering the Scottish Open, winning his last start on the LIV Tour in Andalucia, Spain, and cashing a top-20 bet for me by finishing T7 at the 2026 U.S. Open last month. Hatton did miss the cut at the 2026 PGA Championship, but he finished T3 at The Masters, T16 at the 153rd Open Championship and T4 at last year’s U.S. Open in his four previous majors. Tyrrell has gained strokes tee-to-green (driving, approach and around-the-green) in seven consecutive majors and finished T6 in his last Scottish Open in 2023 while gaining strokes across the board. The Dane gave me a "weekend sweat" at last year’s Scottish Open by finishing T4. Højgaard tied for sixth in the 2023 Scottish Open and has gained strokes on the field with his irons in three straight visits to The Renaissance Club, per DataGolf.com. After a strong start to his season, Nicolai fell off with three straight missed cuts at the Memorial, RBC Canadian Open and U.S. Open before tying for 14th in his last start at the Travelers. Højgaard’s best finishes this year were T2 in the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow and second at the Texas Children’s Houston Open at Memorial Park. Those are good comp courses to The Renaissance Club: Quail Hollow is another driver-heavy course and Doak, who designed this place, also renovated Memorial Park. That said, the top of last year’s Scottish Open leaderboard was bombers, and Nicolai pummels the ball off-the-tee, ranking fourth on the PGA TOUR this year in driving distance. Like Åberg, Højgaard’s Bookmaker odds (+3511) are much shorter than his odds at the U.S. sportsbooks. Before his last three starts — T74 (RBC Heritage), missed cut (U.S. Open) and T55 (Travelers Championship) — Knapp was having one of the best seasons on the PGA TOUR. He had seven T11-or-better finishes in his first eight events of the year, featuring a sixth at The Genesis Invitational and an 11th at The Masters. Knapp finished T22 in his first Scottish Open last year despite gaining the fifth-fewest strokes on approach that week, thanks to picking up nearly 11 strokes putting and 3.35 strokes with his driver. With that in mind, Knapp is a good fit for this course. Putting and driving are the two most important skills for The Renaissance Club, and he ranks second in putting on the PGA this season and seventh in Club Head Speed. Maybe his season has been ruined by injury, or maybe Knapp will bounce back and finish the year strong. At these odds, with how well his game fits The Renaissance Club, I’m willing to find it. He was Ludvig’s rival in college and the second-ranked amateur in the world, but their careers went in separate directions when Åberg joined the PGA TOUR out of college and Chacarra took the money and signed with the LIV Tour. Chacarra won once on the LIV Tour in three years, then joined the DP World Tour full-time in 2025, where he has won three times, including twice in his last three starts entering the Scottish Open. The Spaniard is another dominant driver and ranks 10th on the DP World Tour this season in driving distance. Most casual golf fans don’t know much about Chacarra because he plays in Europe, but he’s got the talent to win any tournament in the world and has the chance to prove that in this co-sanctioned event between the two biggest tours in golf. Mayo Cup season standings: 4,444th with $4,919,969 It would make sense to pick either the winner of last week's John Deere Classic, Chris Gotterup, or Wyndham Clark, who is on a heater with two recent wins, including his second U.S. Open. Plus, Gotterup and Clark have shorter betting odds than Hatton; hence the market gives them more win equity. But I'm not betting those guys, and I don't want to use some for one-and-done if I don't have an outright bet on them. I already used Åberg for the RBC Heritage, where he tied for fourth and added $823,333 to my Mayo Cup earnings. Finally, I'm saving Jon Rahm, the third-betting favorite, for The 154th Open Championship next week. _____________________________ Follow me on X @Geoffery-Clark, and check out my "OutKick Bets Podcast" for more betting content and random rants. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e24b5c2ca79de23653286 Gen Z eats nearly twice as many snacks as boomers, with experts warning they're replacing real meals te 2026-07-08T10:21:41.370Z Gen Z eats nearly twice as many snacks as boomers, with experts warning they're replacing real meals Americans may love to snack, but younger adults appear to be taking the habit to another level, according to a new European survey that highlights broader shifts in eating habits. The survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by European Mushrooms and reported by news agency SWNS, found that Gen Z respondents consumed an average of 81 snacks each month, nearly twice as many as baby boomers, who averaged 45. Experts say the findings reflect a broader trend in how younger adults approach meals, with convenience increasingly replacing traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner. DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE Many of those snacks, however, are not the healthiest choices. Eight in 10 respondents said they eat foods such as chips, cookies and chocolate every week.  Many also reported feeling sluggish, bloated or fatigued afterward. Among those who noticed negative effects, 91% said they experienced an energy crash. For many, that slump arrives during the afternoon. Researchers found the average "crash time" was 3:06 p.m., with tiredness, boredom and low energy among the most common reasons people reached for another snack. California-based food policy expert and author Darin Detwiler, who was not involved in the survey, told Fox News Digital that today's snacking habits reflect broader changes in how people consume food. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "The bigger story is that the definition of a 'meal' has changed," Detwiler said. Many younger adults no longer organize their day around traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner, Detwiler said. Instead, protein bars, smoothies, frozen meals and packaged foods increasingly serve as meal replacements rather than simply snacks. Convenience is one of the biggest drivers behind that shift, with younger consumers balancing busy schedules, tighter budgets and the need for quick, ready-to-eat options, Detwiler said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "The real question is not whether Gen Z snacks more," he said. "The better question is whether those snacks are adding nutrition or replacing nutrition." That shift may also help explain why Gen Z is embracing snacks over traditional meals. The survey found 41% of Gen Z respondents said they prefer snacks to full meals, compared with 31% of all respondents. More than one-third also said having snacks to look forward to throughout the day gives them something to anticipate. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Despite those habits, many respondents said they would actually prefer healthier options. Carrie Ruxton, an England-based dietitian, told SWNS that making smarter snack choices can help people avoid the afternoon energy slump. "Timing snacks properly can help prevent energy crashes and boost essential nutrients," Ruxton said. Blood sugar levels naturally fall a few hours after eating, which can contribute to fatigue, brain fog and reduced concentration, she said. "Snacking cleverly can help stabilize energy and prevent those dips," Ruxton said. The goal isn't to stop snacking altogether but to make more thoughtful choices that provide longer-lasting energy throughout the day, Ruxton said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e24a1c2ca79de2365327a Dem Senate hopeful pocketed massive taxpayer-funded cash while skipping hundreds of votes te 2026-07-08T10:21:21.916Z Dem Senate hopeful pocketed massive taxpayer-funded cash while skipping hundreds of votes FIRST ON FOX: Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, a state legislator and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, has taken over $20,000 in per diem payments while missing more than half of his 2026 votes, records reveal. From Jan. 12, 2026, through May 3, he missed 261 of the chamber’s votes, accounting for nearly 60% of his votes. The absences, some of which were clustered around campaign events and spanned several high-profile bills, suggest Turek has struggled to balance his role as a legislator and candidate as he wages an uphill battle to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa., who is retiring. Throughout his campaign, Turek has framed himself as a classic example of the American underdog story, having overcome being born paralyzed from the waist down to play basketball for the U.S. in the Paralympic Games, winning championships in 2016 and 2020. DEMOCRATS TURN TO PARALYMPIAN IN BID TO FLIP KEY GOP-HELD SENATE SEAT As a candidate for Senate, Turek has pledged to defend the government programs that made his journey possible. "I wouldn’t have gotten that far without VA health coverage from my dad’s service, free summer lunch programs when my parents were struggling and the local AEA that made sure I had access to a good education," Turek said in a campaign video. Despite a powerful message that has drawn national attention, Turek has struggled to raise capital for his campaign, having accumulated $3.4 million from July 2025 through the end of May, according to FEC records. The sum is on the lower end of campaign contributions for a campaign to flip an empty Senate seat. By comparison, Sherrod Brown, a former U.S. senator trying to reclaim his seat in Ohio, has raised nearly $26 million since last November. Records show that Turek skipped critical votes to raise campaign cash across the country — while at the same time maxing out the daily $201 tax-free per diem that Iowa offers its legislators to cover costs of the job. For Turek, that amount reached $20,100, according to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives. Legislators in Iowa may collect the per diem 100 times per legislative session, according to state law. DEMOCRATS TURN TO PARALYMPIAN IN BID TO FLIP KEY GOP-HELD SENATE SEAT He missed a set of 12 votes while, between March 25 and March 31, raising $43,000 in donations from residents of Southern California. Campaign payments for hotels in Los Angeles suggest Turek’s campaign had been in the area at the time. Among the twelve, Turek was absent for a vote on a rural health and medical licensing bill. In another similar case, Turek raised $36,500 from donors in Washington, D.C., between February 17 through March 23, missing 16 votes during that time, including consideration of an educational standards bill. During that time, campaign expenses suggest he was there in person. In one such entry, his campaign reported hosting an event at 800 Maine Ave, paying $250 for an "event venue rental." At one point in March, Turek missed 30 consecutive votes. In response to an inquiry from Fox News Digital, Turek’s campaign pointed out that the pattern isn’t unique to him and that other candidates — including Turek’s Republican challenger, Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa — also miss votes to fundraise. "Just last week, Ashley Hinson skipped votes on the annual defense funding bill to attend a ritzy D.C. fundraiser. Meanwhile, Josh Turek is ranked one of Iowa’s most bipartisan and effective lawmakers and has regularly worked with Republicans to cut taxes for Iowa families and keep dangerous criminals off the streets," a spokesperson for his campaign said. Hinson was absent for a portion of the 2027 defense bill markup while at a fundraiser on June 24. "While Josh continues his ‘go everywhere’ approach to meet directly with Iowans, Ashley Hinson has not held a single town hall since launching her campaign while repeatedly voting to hurt Iowa families," the spokesperson added. TRUMP-ENDORSED HINSON SECURES IOWA SENATE NOMINATION AS DEMOCRATS EYE GOP SEAT Hinson's campaign responded by noting that she has a 98.8% lifetime voting record since her election to the House of Representatives in 2020 while also lambasting Turek's record. "Not only did Josh Turek skip the vote to fund the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs while fundraising with a Schumer-aligned Super PAC, he also skipped votes on the Iowa Farm Bill, rural health funding, child abuse investigations, and, in 2023, gender transition procedures for minors. Josh Turek is an absentee legislator who doesn’t deserve the promotion he’s trying to get," Billy Fuerst, Hinson's campaign communications director, said in a statement. Turek convincingly defeated Iowa Democratic Sen. Zach Wahls in the party primary earlier this month. He will face off against Hinson in the state’s Nov. 3 general election. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e248ec2ca79de23653271 Trump demands end to trade with key US ally, calls it a 'wasted cause' te 2026-07-08T10:21:02.460Z Trump demands end to trade with key US ally, calls it a 'wasted cause' President Donald Trump threatened Wednesday to end U.S. trade with Spain after criticizing the NATO ally for refusing to commit to the alliance's new defense spending target. Speaking during the NATO summit, Trump repeatedly singled out Spain, calling the country a "wasted cause" and urging an end to trade with one of America's European allies. "Spain is a wasted cause," Trump said. "We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore, by the way." Trump went further, saying, "Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits." MOST TRUMP SUPPORTERS STILL BACK NATO DESPITE YEARS OF TRUMP'S CRITICISM, NEW POLL FINDS The president's comments came after NATO leaders backed a new defense spending benchmark calling on allies to invest 5% of gross domestic product in defense and defense-related expenditures. Spain was the lone member of the alliance to publicly reject committing to the full target, instead negotiating flexibility in how it will meet NATO capability goals. Trump argued Spain has benefited from the alliance while failing to contribute its fair share. "They don't participate, they don't pay. I don't want anything to do with Spain," Trump said. He later added, "I don't want to do any more trade with him. All right? Take it immediately. Don't even talk to them." Trump also predicted Spain would eventually seek to restore trade ties with the United States. TRUMP'S PERSONAL FEUDS WITH ALLIES FROM ITALY TO ISRAEL REVEAL HOW PERSONALITY DRIVES HIS FOREIGN POLICY "They're hostile about it, and let's see how hostile they remain when they call up and they, 'Please, please, we want to trade with you, sir,'" Trump said. "They make so much money with us and we're going to see that they make a lot less. I want no business with them." The remarks represent an escalation of Trump's longstanding criticism of NATO allies that spend less on defense.  Throughout both of his administrations, Trump has argued that countries failing to meet alliance spending commitments unfairly rely on the United States for their security. Any effort to significantly restrict trade with Spain, however, could present legal and diplomatic hurdles. Spain is a member of the European Union, which negotiates trade policy as a customs union rather than through separate bilateral trade agreements with individual member states. It was not immediately clear whether Trump was announcing a formal policy or expressing his frustration with Spain's position on NATO spending. The White House had not immediately provided details on whether the administration is considering trade restrictions targeting Spain. The U.S. and Spain maintain a significant trading relationship.  The two countries traded roughly $47 billion in goods in 2025, with the United States exporting about $26 billion worth of goods to Spain and importing about $21 billion from Spain, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Spain exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals, food products and vehicles to the U.S., while the United States exports energy products, machinery, aerospace equipment and chemicals to Spain. Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Spanish embassy for comment. Trump's criticism of Spain also comes after months of growing friction between Washington and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over national security and foreign policy. Earlier in 2026, Sánchez condemned the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran as an "extraordinary mistake" and called for de-escalation, while Spain refused to allow the U.S. to use the jointly operated Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base to support offensive operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury.  Spanish officials argued the strikes lacked international legal backing and said the bases could not be used for unilateral military action. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e247bc2ca79de23653268 Will Cain challenges Stephen A Smith on 'racist' claim about 'White dudes' in the NBA te 2026-07-08T10:20:43.010Z Will Cain challenges Stephen A Smith on 'racist' claim about 'White dudes' in the NBA ESPN host Stephen A. Smith tried to defend his claim that the Los Angeles Lakers could not win a championship built around "three White dudes" during an appearance on Fox News' The Will Cain Show on Tuesday. Cain confronted Smith, calling his remarks about the trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler "racist." "If I came out and said anywhere, anyplace, anytime that a Black quarterback couldn't win the Super Bowl, I'd be wrong, and you would also say, 'Will, that is racist,'" Cain told Smith. "You wouldn't accuse me of being a racist, but you would say that statement is racist. And I can say the same to you now when it comes to basketball." ESPN MUST HOLD STEPHEN A ACCOUNTABLE AFTER DOUBLING DOWN ON RACIST REMARKS ABOUT WHITE BASKETBALL PLAYERS Smith called Cain's characterization "fair" and said he wasn't "offended" by the criticism. Still, he doubled down on his underlying argument. "I'm going to repeat it again: a trio of White players in the NBA has never led a team to a championship," Smith said. "The top three players on a basketball team being White in the NBA has never led an NBA franchise to a championship since the Minneapolis Lakers did it between 1949 and 1955." Cain countered that a trio of Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Cooper Flagg would be more than capable of winning an NBA championship. He also pointed out that Smith's standard is conveniently narrow. Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, two White stars, led the Boston Celtics to three championships in the 1980s. Smith's argument survives only because Hall of Famer Robert Parish, who is Black, happened to be the team's third-best player. At this point, Smith's defense amounts to little more than a technicality. Whenever he's challenged, he argues that he needs to see three White stars lead a team to a championship before he'll believe it's possible. But that's not the claim he originally made. There's a meaningful difference between saying something hasn't happened and saying it cannot happen, as Smith initially did. As OutKick has argued, Smith's reasoning simply doesn't hold up. If a White player can be the best player on a championship team, as Jokic was in 2023, and two White players can anchor a dynasty, as Bird and McHale did, there's no logical basis for claiming three White stars can't win a ring together. The far more reasonable conclusion is that the right trio of White dudes simply hasn't existed yet. SKIP BAYLESS PUSHES BACK ON STEPHEN A.'S CLAIM THAT 'THREE WHITE DUDES' CAN'T WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP TOGETHER For one, it's a numbers game. The NBA is roughly 75 to 80% Black, meaning there are naturally fewer elite White players available to build around. The same logic applies elsewhere. Just because an NFL team has never won a Super Bowl with a Black quarterback, Black head coach, and Black general manager doesn't mean it can't happen. It just means that, because of the racial makeup of those positions, it hasn't. Of course, there is the racial double standard that Cain referenced. If a White commentator argued that a team couldn't win a Super Bowl because its leaders were Black, Smith would be among the first to denounce the comment as racist and call for that person's job. Yet Smith is unlikely to face any repercussions from ESPN despite making what is, by the same standard, a racist argument. Credit to two of Smith's former debate partners, Will Cain and Skip Bayless, for pushing back on his comments about the Lakers' potential trio. Max Kellerman next? (Just joking.) Still, Smith's argument has only grown weaker with each attempt to defend it. Tuesday's interview did nothing to strengthen his case. His comments about the Lakers' new trio remain illogical and, quite frankly, racist. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e22c0c2ca79de23653236 Stephanie Lueras: Seed oils: Looking beyond the hype te 2026-07-08T10:13:20.742Z Stephanie Lueras: Seed oils: Looking beyond the hype Spend any time on social media, and you'll likely come across someone warning that seed oils are "toxic" or the root cause of nearly every modern health problem. On the other hand, you'll also find experts saying there's nothing to… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2282c2ca79de23653207 US urges donors to abandon UNRWA funding as UN defends agency's mission te 2026-07-08T10:12:18.271Z US urges donors to abandon UNRWA funding as UN defends agency's mission The United Nations defended its appeal for countries to keep funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), after the United States argued that donors should stop supporting an agency it claims has been infiltrated by Hamas and instead direct its money toward the Security Council-backed Board of Peace.  Speaking at UNRWA’s annual pledging conference in early July, U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos accused member states of repeating a failed approach and said the agency had become a "subsidiary of Hamas." "Doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result is the definition of insanity," Bartos said. "And yet, here we are again, another annual pledging conference for UNRWA. Same speeches … same condemnation of Israel, same failures to condemn Hamas." HAMAS SAYS IT WILL DISSOLVE GAZA GOVERNMENT, BUT ISRAEL WARNS GROUP STILL SEEKS HEZBOLLAH-STYLE CONTROL Bartos urged governments to stop funding UNRWA schools in Gaza, which he accused of indoctrinating children in hatred of Jews and glorifying terrorism. He also cited allegations that UNRWA employees participated in the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack against Israel. "You can choose to fund incitement, terrorism and stagnation, or you can choose to fund the Board of Peace, giving Gazans a path to peace, prosperity and real, durable change," Bartos said. The Board of Peace is a U.S.-led body created under President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan to oversee transitional governance, reconstruction and long-term development alongside a Palestinian technocratic administration. The administration argues it offers a better alternative to UNRWA by shifting aid away from what it says is a Hamas-infiltrated system and toward accountable governance and economic recovery. Asked by Fox News Digital why U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres was asking countries to put additional money into UNRWA rather than support the Board of Peace, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric defended the agency’s record and mandate. ISRAEL SLAMS UN REPORT AS 'POLITICAL BLOOD LIBEL' FOR ALLEGING DELIBERATE TARGETING OF PALESTINIAN CHILDREN Dujarric said Wednesday that UNRWA officials, including former Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and acting chief Christian Saunders, had taken "strong action" when presented with facts concerning possible infiltration by people aligned with terrorist organizations. "UNRWA doesn’t operate through a sort of immaculate conception," Dujarric said in a press briefing. "It is there because there is a mandate given to it by the General Assembly, and we continue to fulfill that mandate. It has a very important role to play on the humanitarian front." Dujarric added that the Security Council resolution supporting the Board of Peace also calls on the United Nations to deliver humanitarian assistance and lead humanitarian activities in Gaza. "UNRWA is part of that system," he said. The U.S. position contrasted sharply with those of several European governments. At the same pledging event, the United Kingdom announced £23 million in support for UNRWA.  British Ambassador James Kariuki called the agency "indispensable" to providing essential services to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. France also reiterated what its representative described as "full support" for the agency, saying UNRWA continues to provide indispensable assistance despite growing obstacles. France said it had provided €123 million to UNRWA since 2023 and would announce its 2026 contribution soon. INTERNATIONAL ‘DEEP STATE’ PRIME TARGET OF TRUMP-STYLE CANDIDATE FOR UN CHIEF The French representative said allegations against UNRWA had been taken seriously and argued that the agency was implementing recommendations from the Colonna review intended to strengthen neutrality and transparency. France also supported an eventual, gradual transfer of UNRWA’s responsibilities to reform and strengthen Palestinian institutions as part of a broader political settlement. The funding dispute comes as UN Watch is demanding that Guterres waive any immunity enjoyed by Lazzarini, whose term has ended, so national authorities can investigate allegations that he ignored repeated warnings about Hamas infiltration. In a June 30 letter, the Geneva-based watchdog claimed that it had provided Lazzarini and his administration with evidence involving teachers, school principals, union leaders and other employees who allegedly supported or were affiliated with Hamas and other terrorist groups. It argued that the claims create grounds for an independent criminal investigation. Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, told Fox News Digital that his organization told Lazzarini "that there are supporters of terrorism — in some cases, actual members of Hamas — working as teachers, working as school principals," Neuer said, "Not one bad apple, not a few rotten apples, but the problem of support for terrorism … was systematic." Neuer said waiving Lazzarini’s immunity would not amount to a finding of guilt but would allow prosecutors to test the evidence. "The investigation may prove there’s no evidence, and it’s over," Neuer said. "But at least you should waive immunity to allow an investigation. The U.N. said that if anyone was found involved, ‘we will cooperate.’ Now is the test." Asked whether Guterres would consider waiving Lazzarini’s immunity, Dujarric did not answer directly. "As far as I know, UN Watch is not a judicial authority," he said. "We have always, as a matter of principle, cooperated with investigations by national authorities." UN Watch’s letter argues that immunity exists to protect the interests of the United Nations rather than provide a personal benefit to an official, and that it should be waived where it would obstruct justice without harming the organization. Fox News Digital contacted UNRWA for comment but did not receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e226ec2ca79de236531fe Inside Trump's unprecedented battle plan to expand Second Amendment rights through Justice Department te 2026-07-08T10:11:58.815Z Inside Trump's unprecedented battle plan to expand Second Amendment rights through Justice Department Last week, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division took the unusual step of suing California and Virginia over their gun laws, marking what officials say is an unprecedented effort to enforce Second Amendment rights. The Justice Department is pursuing a coordinated legal strategy to expand Second Amendment protections, with Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Harmeet Dhillon telling Fox News Digital the department has launched more than a dozen challenges to firearm restrictions across the country as it seeks to establish broader constitutional precedent. "Since we started the second amendment section last year and even before that we filed over a dozen lawsuits challenging different restrictions in different jurisdictions," Dhillon said, pointing to challenges involving Denver's AR-15 ban, Colorado's large-capacity magazine restrictions, concealed carry permit delays in Los Angeles County, firearm regulations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and gun restrictions in the District of Columbia. "This is a really historic amount of activity from the Department of Justice to protect the Second Amendment," Dhillon told Fox News Digital. "It's never been done before." DOJ TARGETS SPANBERGER, NEWSOM GUN LAWS WITH TWIN LAWSUITS AFTER SCOTUS AFFIRMS SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS Previous administrations, including the Bush administration, defended individual gun rights through Supreme Court filings such as District of Columbia v. Heller, but did not use the Civil Rights Division to file affirmative lawsuits challenging state or local gun laws on Second Amendment grounds. The department's current litigation strategy marks a departure from that approach. Dhillon said the litigation is designed to produce lasting legal precedent rather than simply challenge every firearm restriction enacted by states. DOJ SUES DENVER OVER BAN ON ‘ASSAULT WEAPONS’ AS CITY'S DEM MAYOR SAYS IT 'WILL NOT BE BULLIED' "There are a lot of people out there in the Second Amendment community who would like us to challenge every restriction on guns," she said. "That's really not our approach. We have an approach that tries to make law for the land and that's got some appellate strategy in it." The latest phase of that effort came last week, when the Justice Department filed lawsuits against California and Virginia challenging newly enacted gun restrictions. The filings followed the Supreme Court's recent decision in Wolford v. Lopez, which reaffirmed that the Second Amendment should not be treated as a "second-class right." The Virginia lawsuit challenges Senate Bill 749, which prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer and purchase of certain semiautomatic firearms classified under state law as assault weapons. The California lawsuit targets two separate firearm regulations: a new restriction affecting the sale of Glock-style semiautomatic pistols and the state's longstanding handgun roster system. SPANBERGER'S LATEST 'GUN-GRABBING NONSENSE' PROMPTS ACTION FROM TRUMP DOJ: 'STAY TUNED!' She said the Virginia lawsuit targets the state's assault weapons ban because differing rulings among federal appeals courts make the issue likely to receive Supreme Court review. In California, Dhillon said the Justice Department is focusing on two provisions it believes conflict with Supreme Court precedent: the state's restrictions affecting Glock pistols and its handgun roster requirements, which she argued have prevented Californians from purchasing firearms that are otherwise widely available across the country. The California lawsuit was filed after Attorney General Rob Bonta declined to negotiate with the Justice Department over the state's firearm regulations. Bonta defended the challenged laws as "commonsense handgun design safety laws" intended to reduce accidental shootings and prevent illegal firearm modifications. Gov. Gavin Newsom's office also defended the regulations, arguing California's firearm safety measures have contributed to one of the nation's lowest gun death rates while respecting the rights of lawful gun owners. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Virginia officials similarly defended their law, with Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office saying firearms designed to inflict mass casualties "do not belong in our communities" and that the legislation was intended to protect families, children and law enforcement from gun violence. Dhillon said the Justice Department's actions reflect a broader commitment within the administration to treat the Second Amendment as a core civil right. "This is a pioneering effort by this Department of Justice," she said. "We view the Second Amendment as a very important, indeed fundamental civil right." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e225bc2ca79de236531f5 Kate Middleton refuses to pull Prince William back into Prince Harry's 'circus': expert te 2026-07-08T10:11:39.361Z Kate Middleton refuses to pull Prince William back into Prince Harry's 'circus': expert Kate Middleton has zero interest in trying to make peace during Prince Harry’s chaotic visit to the U.K. The claim was made by multiple royal experts who spoke to Fox News Digital after a source told Us Weekly the Princess of Wales was "trying to convince" her husband, Prince William, to meet with his estranged brother. "Kate is no longer in the business of trying to reunite the brothers," Christopher Andersen, author of "Kate!," told Fox News Digital. "It really is a year of magical thinking when people seriously suggest that the Princess of Wales has the emotional bandwidth to cope with the Sussexes." PRINCE WILLIAM’S ‘RUTHLESS SIDE’ EMERGES AS HE VIEWS PRINCE HARRY AS ‘UNTRUSTWORTHY': EXPERTS "Unfortunately, my sources do not believe Princess Catherine is pushing for Prince William to meet Prince Harry," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard also told Fox News Digital. "She isn’t pushing for a meeting. She is, however, the one royal who could soften things emotionally, hence the reason Princess Catherine, 'the peacemaker,’ keeps rearing her head." "The feeling inside the Wales camp is that Catherine will not allow her family, and especially William, to be sucked back into the Sussex drama," Chard shared. "The Sussex circus of briefings, counter-briefings and public spectacle is seen as tiresome and, frankly, not good for the Wales family’s well-being." Harry's trip to his home country sparked controversy before it even began. WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON HIT ‘FINAL STRAW’ WITH PRINCE HARRY: AUTHOR On July 6, Harry's spokesperson told People magazine that an offer for the Duke of Sussex to stay at Buckingham Palace during his London visit was withdrawn after he had formally accepted it. However, palace sources disputed that account, saying Harry failed to respond by the deadline and that his later acceptance came only after arrangements could no longer be made. Harry had also hoped to bring his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two young children to Britain for the first time since 2022. But after learning the family would receive police protection only while on royal property — and not throughout the visit — it was reported on July 4 that Harry decided they would not accompany him. On July 6, the prince arrived in London alone. He is expected to be in the U.K. through July 11. It's unclear whether he will meet with his father or whether his family will join him later in the week. Russell Myers, royal editor of the Mirror, reported that King Charles "has no plans to alter his diary this week" to see Harry after his son decided not to bring his grandchildren. Myers pointed out that the king, who is still seeking cancer treatment, has only met Prince Archie "a handful of times" when Harry and Meghan lived in the U.K. and has met Princess Lilibet only once, in the summer of 2022. Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "Harry has made a song and dance out of this visit," said Chard. "If reconciliation was truly the goal, you would think he would have flown Meghan, Archie and Lilibet over quietly to see King Charles. A warm family reunion without the leaks or press involvement. Instead, Harry remains a wild card. He’s unpredictable to the establishment." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020, citing what they described as unbearable intrusions by the British press and a lack of support from the palace. Harry has also been denied restoration of taxpayer-funded security by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC). People magazine reported that Harry's team spent several days exploring ways to make the visit safe through enhanced private security arrangements. Palace sources claimed Harry initially declined the invitation to stay at a royal residence before accepting it on Saturday. British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that William has zero interest in reuniting with his brother — and Kate will stand by her husband. "King Charles has always been hopeful regarding a form of reconciliation, while Prince William remains resolute in opposition to any such thawing," said Fordwich. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "Given Prince William’s stance, it is highly unlikely that Princess Catherine has been pressing him for a reconciliation. She, too, suffered from all of Harry’s disclosures in ‘Spare.’ She, along with many, is beyond frustrated at Harry’s shenanigans, given the debacle around his stay." "The trip was a mess before Harry arrived," said royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams. "Princess Catherine would support whatever William decided in dealing with his brother. Looking at the chaos the visit has become, it isn’t difficult to see why William and Catherine are certain to stay out of it. If the Sussexes were sincere, it would be private." Chard stressed that the position of Kensington Palace, which handles the offices of the Prince and Princess of Wales, hasn’t changed. "The optics of a meeting right now are damaging to the institution," she said. "Peace is wanted. But not at the cost of stability." In May, Andersen told Fox News Digital that Kate refused to stop trying to mend William and Harry’s relationship. However, Harry’s remarks about the king’s mortality became the breaking point. Kensington Palace told Fox News Digital it does not comment on books. "She would not give up," said Andersen. "Even after Harry threw William under the bus in his memoir ‘Spare,’ she was willing to keep trying. And the final break came. "The final straw came really shortly after the king was diagnosed with cancer, when Harry [essentially] said, ‘I’d like to mend fences because we just don’t know how long [my father] has to live.’ Well, that kind of statement can be very hurtful to somebody who doesn’t really want to consider their own mortality and is battling cancer." "It was hurtful to Kate as well, I believe," said Andersen. "And, of course, it just ignited this firestorm of speculation about how sick the king really was at this point. And Kate pretty much felt that would be it. "She wasn’t going to try anymore. So she has not. And as a result, there has been no chance of any … As a matter of fact, I don’t think we’re ever going to see them make amends. At least it’s not on the horizon now." In May 2025, Harry told the BBC he wanted to reconcile with his family after losing a court battle over his publicly funded security, which he said led to his father no longer speaking to him. "I would love reconciliation with my family," said the 41-year-old. "There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. I don’t know how much longer my father has." Andersen wrote that Kate, 44, was "disappointed" with Harry, while William, 44, was "apoplectic" with rage over the remarks, a courtier claimed. Andersen also wrote that Kate told William she "was done with Harry." "Princess Catherine is the sweetest, most loving person you could ever know," a Sandringham staffer told Andersen. "But like everyone else, she has her limits." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2247c2ca79de236531ec Brazil parents face prison sentence for homeschooling after court accuses them of 'intellectual neglect' te 2026-07-08T10:11:19.904Z Brazil parents face prison sentence for homeschooling after court accuses them of 'intellectual neglect' A Brazilian court has sentenced a couple to 50 days in prison for "intellectual neglect" after they homeschooled their two daughters without a state-approved curriculum. A São Paulo criminal court ruled against Audato and Ieda Denardi, alleging they had failed to include programs on "gender and sex education" and "tolerance and diversity" in the curriculum for their daughters, aged 15 and 11, Alliance Defending Freedom ("ADF") International said. According to the legal group, the court also ruled that the parents failed to properly integrate their children into Brazilian culture, citing the girls' preference for religious and classical music over popular trap or "sertanejo" (folk) music. WASHINGTON SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR, SEX SHOP OWNER HOST SEX ED EVENT FOR KIDS AS YOUNG AS 9 Isabel Monteiro, the defense attorney representing the family, said the judge made an "ideological decision to convict them" based largely on the older daughter's preference for sacred music over mainstream music that often features explicit lyrics. The Denardis were sentenced to 50 days in prison by a lower court in April. They remain free while appealing the ruling, which is believed to be the first criminal prosecution of its kind in Brazil. The Denardis told Fox News Digital they began homeschooling the girls in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, after realizing their schools were failing to give them a proper education. Idea said the girls thrived in homeschooling, and so she decided to continue educating the girls at home. TEXAS’ LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT SEES TEST SCORES SOAR AFTER STATE TAKEOVER DESPITE RACISM CLAIMS After officially withdrawing their daughters in 2022, state officials began conducting home visits and pressuring them to re-enroll the girls. The couple told Fox News Digital they were surprised by the ruling and never expected to be sentenced to prison for trying to provide a better education for their daughters, who are both accomplished pianists and speak multiple languages. Even the state's own prosecutors urged the court to acquit the parents, concluding after an evaluation by an independent educational psychologist that the girls showed no signs of neglect and were thriving socially and academically. ORTHODOX JEW ASKS SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CASE AFTER CITY ALLEGEDLY TARGETED HIS HOME PRAYER GROUP The Denardis provided more than 3,000 pages of evidence showing they hadn't intellectually abandoned their children, Monteiro said. However, the judge rejected the prosecution's recommendation. According to ADF International, which is providing legal support for the family, the judge accused the parents of "using their daughters as pawns in an ideological struggle, subjecting them to a form of unregulated education, the effectiveness and quality of which lack adequate metrics within the Brazilian legal system, while completely excluding the State’s involvement." The sentence has placed an immense emotional burden on the family, Audato Denardi said. "It has affected a lot... Now we have to sleep and wake up every day thinking about that we can go to prison," he told Fox News Digital, noting that a 50-day sentence would force them away from their jobs and their city. Their biggest concern is what will happen to their children. "That is our biggest problem in all this stuff, because we're going to have to stay 50 days without them and who's going to stay with them?" he said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE The case highlights the legal ambiguity surrounding homeschooling in Brazil. In 2019, the nation's Supreme Court ruled that homeschooling was not unconstitutional but required to be regulated by the legislature. While the House of Representatives passed a regulatory framework bill in 2022, it stalled in the Senate, putting homeschooling families in legal limbo. The family's appeal will be heard by the 7th Criminal Chamber of the Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo, ADF International said. "We are waiting for real justice and the court to give us this acquittal that we think we deserve because the state can't change law [based on] ideology," Audato said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2234c2ca79de236531e3 'That was the last I heard from him': Slain NJ therapist’s neighbor recalls last contact with husband te 2026-07-08T10:11:00.449Z 'That was the last I heard from him': Slain NJ therapist’s neighbor recalls last contact with husband After 35-year-old Brooke Hanlon was found stabbed inside her home in Chester, New Jersey, her husband has not been seen nor heard from in weeks. In fact, one of the few people to speak publicly about the case is her sister, Paige Haggerty. While she first spoke at length exclusively with Fox News Digital about the loss of her sister, Haggerty remained tight-lipped about her brother-in-law. SLAIN NEW JERSEY THERAPIST'S SISTER SAYS FAMILY IS LIVING A 'NIGHTMARE' ONE MONTH LATER Records indicate 36-year-old James "Conor" Hanlon, who goes by Conor, grew up in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Speaking about the possibility of Hanlon being a suspect, Haggerty said, "It's a homicide, and there are a lot of details that my family and I don't know, and a lot that we can't comment on publicly. As much as I'd like to scream from the rooftops about how I feel, I have to protect the integrity of the case." FOX TRUE CRIME IS NOW ON FACEBOOK 📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com 📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv 🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns Investigators responded to the couple's home on June 6 after receiving a 911 call. The Morris County prosecutor's office said, "An examination by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of Brooke's death to be multiple sharp force injuries and the manner of death as homicide." SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER A neighbor of the Hanlons spoke with Fox News Digital and said, "There was a lot of activity out there on the 6th. I'd talked to Conor a few times before. We mostly texted. We've lived here about a year, and he'd text me whenever bears were around." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST He said the pair were texting back and forth about bears in the area days before Brooke's killing. "We were actually doing that just the other day — I think around [June] 2nd — when he reached out because a bear had gotten into his trash. That was the last I heard from him." SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS The neighbor said he texted Conor concerned about all the police activity and said, "I saw a lot of cops out there that Saturday. I texted him, saying, 'Hey man, I saw all the police at your house. If you guys need anything, let me know.' He never responded after that." The prosecutor's office has yet to reveal who called 911 on that day in June, who was inside the home at the time of the discovery, and whether Conor and the couple's baby were present at the time of the murder. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Haggerty said the couple's baby is staying with family, but no other details were immediately available. Court records indicate Conor has no prior arrests or criminal history. He has not been accused of any crime or wrongdoing. Authorities have yet to reveal any information about a suspect or person of interest. MISSOURI MOM OF 5 FATALLY SHOT WHILE BUYING SLUSHIES WITH CHILDREN; POLICE SEARCH FOR GUNMAN "Everything we do now is about preserving her legacy. That's all we really can do. You never think something like this will happen to your family until it does. I never imagined Brooke's life ending in such a violent, tragic way," Haggerty said about her slain sister. There is a reward of up to $1,000 for anyone who can provide information about the case. Fox News Digital made calls to Conor Hanlon that were not immediately returned. It is unclear if he has retained a lawyer. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e2220c2ca79de236531da What happens next if Platner drops out? Here's who could replace him on the ballot and how it would work te 2026-07-08T10:10:40.998Z What happens next if Platner drops out? Here's who could replace him on the ballot and how it would work Several Democrats are speculated to be options to replace Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner on the ballot if he ends his campaign, which many expect him to do following an ex-girlfriend’s allegation of rape on Monday. Under Maine law, if Platner formally withdraws as the Democratic nominee by 5 p.m. on July 13, the Maine Democratic Party can replace him on the general election ballot by selecting a new nominee through its party process, with the replacement required to be chosen by July 27. A handful of Democrats in the state are being discussed as viable options to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner’s campaign, the New York Post reported, is deliberating about potentially dropping out, but that any potential replacement would need to align with the same political platform as Platner. GRAHAM PLATNER'S CHANCES OF DROPPING OUT SKYROCKET TO 94% AFTER PARTY REVOLT: KALSHI Former state Senate President and gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson is a name circulating on social media as someone who could potentially jump into the race a month after his failed primary bid for governor. "This is something I never considered, but if Graham’s stepping away, I am very, very interested and think I’m the best person to replace him," Jackson told the Bangor Daily News on Monday. Jackson, who, like Platner, is backed by Vermont independent Senator Bernie Sanders, came in third in the Democratic gubernatorial primary last month. On Tuesday, the Bangor Daily News reported that Jackson filed paperwork to explore a Senate run, the first potential candidate to do so.  FOX NEWS POLL: MAINE SENATE RACE IS TIGHT, WITH CONCERNS ABOUT BOTH CANDIDATES Democratic Rep. Dan Golden, who represents Maine’s right-leaning and mostly rural 2nd Congressional District since first winning election to the U.S. House in 2018, passed on launching a Senate run last year. Golden, a Marine veteran who served in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, also decided against seeking re-election and is retiring from Congress when his term ends at the beginning of next year. Golden, a moderate, has often been at odds with his party leadership over policy. On Tuesday evening, a Golden spokesperson distanced the congressman from speculation he would run for the seat.  The 56-year-old son of Sen. Angus King and 2026 Democratic gubernatorial candidate who finished at the bottom of the pack in the single digits in last month’s primary is considering a bid for the Senate if Platner exits the race. In a statement to News Center Maine, King said: "Right now, I'm taking time to reflect, spend time with my family, and think carefully about how I can make the greatest contribution to the state I love. I’ve never been motivated by holding office. If I decide to run again in any capacity, it will be because I believe I have something meaningful to offer and because it's the right way to help Maine move forward—not because of the office itself" Mills, the current Democratic governor of the state until her term expires in January, suspended her Senate campaign in April citing anemic fundraising after jumping into the race in October 2025 with the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The 78-year-old governor remained on the ballot in the June primary and received 19.2% of the vote compared to Platner’s 72.1%. EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE Attention is also focused on Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who was a leading contender in the gubernatorial primary. Bellows, the first woman to serve as Maine’s Secretary of State, grabbed national attention during the 2024 election cycle for attempting to remove President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot. "While Graham ignited a powerful movement to challenge the status quo, given the seriousness of the allegations, he needs to step down," Bellows said of Platner in a social media post Monday. Former Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon was the Democratic Senate nominee in the 2020 election. Polls indicated Gideon leading longtime GOP Sen. Susan Collins, but Gideon ended up losing to the incumbent by nine points. Loud, a social worker, finished fourth out of four candidates in the Democratic primary for Maine's 2nd Congressional District earlier this year, finishing with 10% of the vote.  "Paige has filed as a Senate candidate for the 2026 midterm in light of the Platner situation," a spokesperson for Loud said on Tuesday. "In the event Platner drops out, Paige is being proactive in keeping options open for supporters across the state who have voiced a desire for a woman to be considered as the nominee." Dr. Nirav Shah, who came second in Maine's Democratic gubernatorial primary, is also being looked at as a potential Platner replacement. Shah served as director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2019 to early 2023 and steered the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He later served as principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during former President Joe Biden’s administration. "In the past 24 hours, my team and I have received hundreds of encouraging messages, as Graham Platner signaled he will withdraw from Maine’s U.S. Senate race," Shah said in a statement Tuesday. He added that he has been having conversations and evaluating "whether I should enter the Senate race." Shah, who is viewed as more moderate than Platner, emphasized, "I’m not an establishment politician, and I’m not an insider." Wood, who served as chief of staff to then-Rep. Katie Porter of California, last year launched a bid for the Senate in Maine. But as Platner’s political star started to rise, Wood switched his bid to the U.S. House in the race in the state’s 2nd Congressional District to succeed retiring Democratic Rep. Jared Golden. Wood, who vowed to take on the establishment and battle corruption, ended up finishing third in last month’s Democratic primary. "I am continuing conversations with voters across Maine if I should enter an open Senate race," Wood wrote in a social media post on Tuesday. "If my fellow Maine Democrats decide through an open and democratic process that I am the best candidate to defeat Susan Collins, I would be humbled by your trust." Former Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment David Costello was the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine in the 2024 election, coming in a distant third to incumbent independent Sen. Angus King. Costello ran a second straight cycle, coming in a distant third to Platner in last month’s Democratic Senate primary. In a social media post on Tuesday, Costello wrote, "I’m back in, if Graham Platner withdraws," and he touted that he believes he's "the best candidate to defeat Susan Collins." Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban is also considered a potential candidate. A source in Kleban’s camp said the former candidate has been receiving calls and encouragement to run again. State law does not require a new primary election or specify how the replacement must be chosen, leaving the process to the Maine Democratic Party’s internal rules. Party leaders said in a Monday press release that they intend to use an open and inclusive process, though they have not yet announced exactly how a replacement would be selected. Late Tuesday night, the Maine Democrats X account posted a video reacting to the situation. "As you know, the Maine Democratic Party has been working around the [clock] and we are committed to ensuring that Democrats across [Maine] [have a voice in the process]," Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said. "Unfortunately, Graham Platner's team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. [Senate].  We have also reiterated [that the focus] in Maine can [now] focus on defeating Susan Collins this November as soon as Graham Platner formally withdraws from this race." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e166ac2ca79de23652d3b America 250 attendees rally behind Trump's July 4 speech: 'What we needed to hear' te 2026-07-08T09:20:42.056Z America 250 attendees rally behind Trump's July 4 speech: 'What we needed to hear' Two days after President Donald Trump's Fourth of July address, attendees at the Great American State Fair told Fox News Digital they saw the speech as patriotic, not partisan. "He's talking about taking down communism," David from New Jersey said. "That's the definition of our whole country. Built on capitalism, that's our whole country. If that's what he was talking about, I don't think that's political at all. It's just about the freedom that we have here. If it wasn't for that, we wouldn't be here." Thousands of Americans packed the National Mall on Saturday to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, touring exhibits from all 50 states despite sweltering heat and severe thunderstorms that temporarily paused celebrations. TRUMP SET TO DELIVER 'HISTORIC' SPEECH CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY Hours later, President Donald Trump delivered his 37-minute address, honoring veterans and the nation's founding while declaring that "no dream in history is bigger" than the American experiment and adding, "We don't want communists in our country," before a record-setting fireworks display. Matt from Florida said that while others may have disliked Trump's speech, he saw it as a tribute to veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. "It's really nice to see him share the stage instead of just giving a speech and going away like most presidents do," he said. "It was just nice to actually see him treat the whole thing as a giant event as opposed to just a limelight on himself." MEDIA ATTACKS DONALD TRUMP'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, CLAIMING IT 'SULLIED' AMERICA 250 Ed and Linda from Ohio said they missed Trump's speech while waiting for the fireworks, but Ed said he supports the president "100 percent," while Linda added, "You should be able to rise above your political opinion and still enjoy the country's Fourth of July." Doug and Karen from Texas said they approved of President Trump's message. "It wasn't too political, it was what we needed to hear," Doug said. "It was good," Karen added. "People need to hear it." LEE GREENWOOD SAYS HE'S 'VERY PROUD' TO STAND NEXT TO TRUMP DURING AMERICA'S 250TH CELEBRATION Kim from Michigan called July 4 "a political holiday," saying people will always find something to criticize. "Throughout our history, it's been about our politics and what we stand for as a people, and what we believe in and what we're willing to fight for," she said. Priya from California said politics naturally belongs in a Fourth of July speech, adding that America must change course "from a very negative direction that the country has gone." "I think there's an intricate part that politics play obviously in the 250 years that we have been a nation," she said. "For it to last another 250 and hopefully beyond, we have to pay attention to that. We have to understand the political climate and what it's going to take for this nation to last and be prosperous." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e1460c2ca79de23652ccd All hands on deck: The unlikely workforce that can rebuild America’s fleet te 2026-07-08T09:12:00.586Z All hands on deck: The unlikely workforce that can rebuild America’s fleet America's shipbuilding industry is facing a crisis of terrifying proportions. In a recent stark warning, Senator Tim Sheehy exposed just how far we have fallen behind, noting that China is currently building ships 230 times faster than the United States and completing repairs 90% faster. While a depleted military branch like the Army might be rebuilt in a year or two, Sheehy correctly pointed out that resurrecting our maritime industrial base is a much deeper, long-term challenge. Over the last three decades, we have allowed our shipbuilding capabilities to atrophy, trading vital heavy industry and shipyard space for waterfront condos and short-term financial optimization. President Donald Trump took a critical first step to reverse this dangerous trend by signing the Executive Order Restoring America's Maritime Dominance in April 2025. This bold directive demands equally bold, innovative ideas to rapidly develop the next generation of American shipbuilders. To meet this national security imperative and answer the President’s call, we must look to an untapped, yet highly viable, labor pool: the thousands of individuals currently in our state prison systems who are ready to reintegrate into society and contribute to the American Dream. REP GARAMENDI, SEN KELLY: WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE AMERICA A SHIPBUILDING POWER If turning to incarcerated individuals to rebuild our naval capabilities sounds overly radical, we need only look across the Atlantic to see the concept already in action. The United Kingdom has recently recognized that conventional labor markets cannot meet the urgent demands of modern defense manufacturing, and is evaluating plans for prisoners to potentially help build warships to bolster British defenses. Facing their own acute workforce shortages and the pressing need to recapitalize the Royal Navy, British defense planners could tap into the prison population to manufacture essential components for their fleet. Here at home, the proposal is straightforward yet deeply strategic: train inmates in high-demand, highly specialized maritime trades, such as welding, pipefitting, and fabricating, and strategically deploy them to shipyards. By uniting public safety and corrections leaders, the maritime industry, and the workforce sector, we can rapidly field the labor necessary to rebuild our fleet. A coordinated, multi-state effort across regions with established shipbuilding footprints could realistically yield 10,000 new, skilled employees following initial training rounds. This breaks down to an average of just 575 rigorously screened candidates per maritime state, an entirely manageable figure for state correctional agencies. TRUMP TAPS ACTING LABOR SECRETARY KEITH SONDERLING FOR PERMANENT ROLE PENDING SENATE CONFIRMATION Critics may immediately point to security regulations as an insurmountable roadblock, specifically the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Anyone requiring unescorted access to secure areas of a shipyard, which are governed by the Maritime Transportation Security Act, must hold a TWIC card administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Because a criminal record can serve as an interim or permanent disqualifying factor, candidates for this shipbuilding initiative would require a targeted TSA waiver. However, the profound national security and defense implications of restoring our maritime dominance provide the flexibility needed to pilot this program. Ironically, the candidates selected for this initiative would undergo far more rigorous screening, documentation, and continuous supervision by law enforcement than nearly any other group of standard TWIC applicants. To ensure the utmost security and productivity, this initiative must be structured as an elite "honors program" behind prison walls. In partnership with the TSA and the maritime industry, participating prisons would select only the most dedicated, lowest-level offenders to enter these specific training verticals. Correctional agencies would provide the necessary administrative support, helping inmates secure birth certificates, social security cards, and TWIC applications utilizing their earliest possible release dates. CHINA LAUNCHES RARE SUBMARINE BALLISTIC MISSILE AS PACIFIC ALLIES STRENGTHEN DEFENSE TIES BEFORE NATO SUMMIT The logistics of deployment are also imminently solvable. In some locations, a "work detail" model could be established, similar to existing programs where inmates are transported to work on military bases. Furthermore, prisons could partner with scalable training providers and organized labor, such as boilermakers and pipefitters, to ensure that the instruction aligns perfectly with the precise labor needs of major shipyards. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Beyond addressing the sheer arithmetic of our labor shortage, this "second chance hiring" initiative promises profound public safety benefits. By equipping incarcerated individuals with a skilled trade and long-term career options, we will dramatically reduce recidivism and crime in our communities. The prevailing wages earned by these workers will enable them to pay court-ordered restitution and child support, frequently leading to family reunification. Ultimately, this program will remove the crushing anchors of unemployment and poverty that typically burden people with criminal records, transforming them into vital contributors to our national defense. The United States cannot afford to remain complacent while adversaries rapidly outpace our naval capabilities. The maritime workforce shortage is a severe vulnerability, and traditional recruitment methods alone will not close the gap fast enough. As Great Britain is already proving, the workforce we need may be waiting right behind our prison walls. When the maritime industry, correctional leaders, and the federal government convene to eliminate operational barriers, we can forge a solution that is additive to shipyard productivity. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to uplift America and secure our shores. By granting a second chance to those who have earned it through rigorous screening and hard work, we can rebuild our fleet, restore our maritime dominance, and prove that American resilience is as strong as ever. It is time to get to work. We need all hands on deck. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e144dc2ca79de23652cc4 ROBERT MAGINNIS: Trump’s Ankara remarks reveal a grand strategy hiding in plain sight te 2026-07-08T09:11:41.129Z ROBERT MAGINNIS: Trump’s Ankara remarks reveal a grand strategy hiding in plain sight Seated beside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump did more than field reporters’ questions. His remarks ranged across Iran, Ukraine, NATO, Turkey, Greenland and China, touching nearly every front of American strategic interest. To most commentators, the press conference looked like another freewheeling exchange with reporters. To a strategist, it looked like something else entirely: the public emergence of an American grand strategy. I spent years working on strategy and policy at the national level in the Pentagon. Grand strategies rarely announce themselves in formal National Security Strategy documents; more often, they emerge through repeated decisions and presidential statements that gradually expose an underlying logic, and that logic was unusually visible in Ankara this week. TRUMP CALLS OUT NATO AHEAD OF SUMMIT, CALLING IT 'RIDICULOUS' FOR US TO PERSIST ON 'ONE SIDED PATH' Deterrence before diplomacy The first principle is deterrence before diplomacy. Trump's frustration with NATO allies over the Iran war was unmistakable. He told reporters that "Italy turned us down and Germany turned us down and France turned us down," then asked why the United States should keep spending hundreds of billions of dollars on allies who "are not there for us." That was classic Trump, but it was more than a grievance. It revealed how he measures alliances: not by communiqués or polite statements, but by whether allies show up when America acts. In Trump's mind, loyalty is operational, not sentimental. The broader point is sound: Diplomacy without credible power rarely succeeds. Force restores deterrence, deterrence creates leverage, and leverage creates the conditions for negotiation. Tehran, Moscow, Beijing and Pyongyang are all watching whether America still has the will to act. The same logic carried into Trump's discussion of Ukraine. If credible strength creates diplomatic leverage with Iran, he appears to believe it can also help end Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II. Ending wars from strength DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT PRESIDENT TRUMP MAY HAVE SAVED UKRAINE. JUST ASK THE RUSSIANS The second principle is that wars must be concluded from positions of strength rather than managed indefinitely. Trump said he had spoken with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "I think they both want to make a deal," he told reporters, adding that he hoped the war would be settled "hopefully soon." No serious strategist should assume peace is simple, imminent or cost-free. Russia remains the aggressor, and any settlement that rewards conquest would invite more danger, not less. Still, grand strategy seeks outcomes rather than endless commitment; the real question is whether diplomacy is backed by enough leverage to produce a durable and just settlement. Alliances as multipliers, not dependencies The third principle is that alliances must become multipliers, not dependencies. NATO remains indispensable, but no alliance stays healthy if one nation carries a disproportionate share of the burden while others expect permanent American underwriting. That is why NATO's defense-industrial announcements in Ankara matter. European allies sought to show Trump they are turning higher defense spending into real military capability. The Netherlands, for instance, is investing with Britain in new amphibious ships, joining 10 allies to replace aging AWACS aircraft, and leading European production of American Stinger, AMRAAM and PAC-3 missiles. That is more than accounting. It is strategic capacity. The Ukraine war has exposed an uncomfortable reality: Modern wars are won by industrial endurance, not tactics alone. Missiles must be replaced, interceptors manufactured, and production automated for speed rather than headlines. Grand strategy requires factories and the political will to sustain output; defense spending that never becomes deployable combat power is merely a budget line. Geography still shapes strategy The fourth principle is that geography still shapes strategy, even in an age increasingly defined by advanced computing systems, cyber operations and space capabilities. Turkey is a difficult ally, but it is also strategically indispensable, sitting at the crossroads of the Black Sea, the Middle East and NATO's southern flank. That explains Trump's willingness to revisit U.S.-Turkish defense issues. He said the United States is "going to be taking the sanctions off," referring to penalties imposed after Turkey purchased Russia's S-400 system, and called the question of selling Turkey F-35 fighter jets "certainly something we will consider." Turkey's Russian purchase created real security problems, and Israel and Congress both have objections. But the strategic logic is plain: Geography has consequences. The same is true in the Arctic. Trump's renewed Greenland remarks were controversial, but they fit the same pattern. He said Greenland "should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark," arguing Denmark does little for a territory vital to American security. Greenland once anchored America's Cold War shield against Soviet bombers; today, it sits astride Arctic sea routes contested by Russia and eyed by China, making its geography more consequential, not less. Strategic prioritization and the China question Every successful grand strategy requires disciplined prioritization. America cannot do everything everywhere forever. Every carrier strike group, Patriot battery and trained brigade committed in one theater is unavailable somewhere else. Grand strategy is the disciplined ordering of finite national resources. That brings the discussion back to China. As Europe assumes greater responsibility for its own defense, America gains the flexibility to focus on the defining competition of this century: Communist China, which may become the most consequential objective of Trump’s emerging strategic framework. Beijing is fusing machine-learning systems, autonomous platforms, cyber capabilities and advanced manufacturing into a strategy to challenge American leadership. In "Preparing for World War III," I argued that Ukraine, the Middle East, the Arctic, North Korea and China's military rise cannot be viewed in isolation; they are connected demands on finite American power. In "The New AI Cold War," I argued that machine intelligence is becoming the central arena of that competition, and America cannot prevail if it stays overextended while capable allies underinvest in their own defense. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The future balance of power will not be determined by rhetoric alone. It will be shaped by industrial capacity, technological advantage, alliance reliability and national will. Whether one supports President Trump's policies or not, strategists should recognize what is taking shape. Grand strategies rarely announce themselves in a single speech; they emerge through repeated decisions that gradually reveal an underlying logic. Ankara suggested that such a logic now exists: deterrence backed by industrial strength, alliances built on reciprocity, geography respected rather than ignored, and American power organized around the defining competition of this century. America may be witnessing the emergence of a grand strategy before it has been formally written. Grand strategies are not ultimately measured by speeches, summits or press conferences. They are measured by whether they preserve peace, deter aggression, strengthen alliances and secure the nation for the generation that follows.  Ankara offered a glimpse of that strategy. History will determine whether it succeeds. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ROBERT MAGINNIS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e1439c2ca79de23652cbb The CCP’s new ‘unity’ law turns China’s repression into a global threat te 2026-07-08T09:11:21.672Z The CCP’s new ‘unity’ law turns China’s repression into a global threat The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wants to consume. For decades, the regime has systematically targeted anyone who dares to exist outside its rigid ideological mold. Under Xi Jinping, this obsession has reached a fever pitch. We are witnessing a relentless campaign to completely erase the civilizations and freedoms of Uyghurs, Tibetans, Southern Mongolians, and Hong Kongers. Now, the regime has codified this cultural erasure into law. On July 1, 2026, the so-called "Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress" took effect. Do not be deceived by its Orwellian title. This is not about unity; it is an attempt to dismantle civilizations. It is a blueprint for genocide set in stone, designed to flatten every distinctive element of individual identity until nothing remains but forced devotion to the State. This legislation is a totalizing dragnet designed to permanently silence every group under Beijing’s shadow. Beyond Uyghurs and Tibetans, it actively targets the cultural preservation of Southern Mongolians, the basic rights of Hong Kongers, the existence of Falun Gong practitioners, and the survival of independent Chinese interfaith communities who refuse to bow to state-mandated ideological conformity. PENCE COMMENDS TRUMP FOR WINNING FREEDOM OF BEIJING'S ZION CHURCH PASTOR EZRA JIN FROM CHINESE DETENTION Furthermore, this internal erasure is a direct precursor to external aggression. This same totalitarian playbook poses an existential threat to the vibrant democracy of Taiwan and stands as a warning to free societies everywhere. If the world fails to recognize that domestic subjugation is the foundation for global authoritarian expansion, it risks validating a blueprint meant to challenge freedom far beyond Asia. Under this law, for Uyghur girls, refusing to intermarry with Han Chinese can be treated as a criminal act. Education in one’s mother tongue is effectively outlawed, replaced entirely by state-mandated Mandarin. Parents are legally obligated to program their children to "love the CCP," while citizens are incentivized to spy on their neighbors and report any deviation from state-approved thought. For me, this nightmare is not an abstract political concept. It is a bleeding, personal wound. In September 2018, just six days after I spoke out on a panel in Washington, D.C. exposing the reality of China’s concentration camps, the CCP retaliated. They abducted my sister, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, a retired medical professional who has never committed a crime in her life. She was sentenced on baseless, fabricated charges in a secret sham trial. She had just turned sixty-four years old, two weeks ago. For nearly eight agonizing years, my family has been forced to sit and count the days of her wrongful detention, enduring her absence as a direct consequence of my freedom of speech. My sister’s stolen life is the true face of the CCP’s "ethnic unity." Yet, Article 63 carries a global threat to free speech and sovereignty, stating that "Organizations and individuals outside the territory of the P.R.C." who undermine its version of ethnic unity will be pursued. This brazen power grab grants the CCP the absurd right to target anyone, anywhere on Earth. Speak out against genocide or defend basic human rights from Washington, London, or Tokyo, and Beijing now claims the authority to freeze your assets or place a bounty on your head. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Just three months ago, on March 30th, the terrifying reality of China's transnational repression targeted my husband, Abdulhakim Idris, a U.S. citizen and the Executive Director of the Center for Uyghur Studies. He landed in Malaysia for a lawful academic trip to launch the Malay-language edition of his book "Menace: China’s Colonization of the Islamic World and Uyghur Genocide" exposing the CCP’s crimes against Uyghur people. Under intense pressure from the Chinese government, Malaysian authorities seized him. He was detained in an airport detention cell for almost 22 hours, denied sufficient food and water, stripped of his American passport, and finally forced onto a plane back to the United States under escort. If this is what the CCP can orchestrate before Article 63 takes effect, it is deeply alarming how emboldened they will become once they claim a legal pretext to hunt dissidents globally. We have already seen them place bounties on Hong Kong activists using similar extraterritorial clauses. This law will rapidly accelerate that danger, casting a chilling shadow over international academia, journalism, and human rights advocacy. The United Nations High commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, Human Rights experts, and democratic leaders around the world have raised alarm bells over this law, warning that it violates the fundamental tenets of international law and state sovereignty. Condemnation is not enough. On July 1st, the CCP dropped the mask, declaring war on diversity, truth, and global freedom. We cannot wait for the next activist to be extradited or silenced. Democratic governments must act immediately to issue a collective warning to Beijing: we will not tolerate totalitarian laws on our soil, and we will protect our citizens from transnational repression. The world must stand firm, because when something this wicked comes, silence is complicity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e1412c2ca79de23652cb0 A Conservative Role Model for Ending the Fertility Crisis te 2026-07-08T09:10:42.247Z A Conservative Role Model for Ending the Fertility Crisis Emma Waters, pregnant with her third child, is crafting policy to encourage early parenthood. Some think she is pushing an ideology that does not meet reality. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e13fec2ca79de23652c9e The Low-Key Lawyer at the Center of the Search for a Platner Replacement te 2026-07-08T09:10:22.799Z The Low-Key Lawyer at the Center of the Search for a Platner Replacement Charles Dingman, chair of the Maine Democratic Party and a progressive, would play a key role in choosing the state’s Democratic Senate candidate if Graham Platner leaves the race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e125ec2ca79de23652c70 Best Bets: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 te 2026-07-08T09:03:26.249Z Best Bets: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Today Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e124ac2ca79de23652c67 Davis Dam releases for July 8 te 2026-07-08T09:03:06.283Z Davis Dam releases for July 8 Wednesday Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e1236c2ca79de23652c5e Gas prices July 8 te 2026-07-08T09:02:46.313Z Gas prices July 8 National average: $3.80 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e1222c2ca79de23652c55 'Are you ready for it?': Christina Shaw strives to satiate Taylor Swift fans through Legends in Concert tribute in Laughlin te 2026-07-08T09:02:26.346Z 'Are you ready for it?': Christina Shaw strives to satiate Taylor Swift fans through Legends in Concert tribute in Laughlin Pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shattered records as legions of loyal “Swifties” packed 149 shows across the globe from 2023-2024. 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Her Canadian doppelgänger — Donna Huber as Shania Twin —… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e11e6c2ca79de23652c3a Donna Huber as Shania Twin - Shania Twain tribute te 2026-07-08T09:01:26.447Z Donna Huber as Shania Twin - Shania Twain tribute Donna Huber as Shania Twin - Shania Twain tribute Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e0f61c2ca79de23652b71 Trump says Iran ceasefire is 'over' after Iranian attacks trigger massive US response te 2026-07-08T08:50:41.916Z Trump says Iran ceasefire is 'over' after Iranian attacks trigger massive US response President Donald Trump said the tentative ceasefire with Iran is "over" after an intense bombing campaign overnight that followed Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. "For me? I think it's over," Trump told reporters during a meeting with Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the NATO Summit in Ankara Wednesday. "I don't want to deal with them anymore, they're scum." He said talks with Iran could continue, but they're a waste of time. "They're liars, they're cheats. They're sick people." US CLAWS BACK KEY CONCESSION TO IRAN AFTER FRESH ATTACKS ON COMMERCIAL SHIPS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ The comments may signal an end to weeks of talks that followed both sides signing a memorandum of understanding, in which they agreed to allow traffic to resume in the the Strait of Hormuz. But Iran struck at least three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday, and the U.S. military responded with strikes on over 80 targets in Iran. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e0d09c2ca79de23652b0c Dem civil war hits primary debate stage as El-Sayed and Stevens clash: 'What are you hiding?' te 2026-07-08T08:40:41.232Z Dem civil war hits primary debate stage as El-Sayed and Stevens clash: 'What are you hiding?' The high-stakes fight between the left-wing and the center-left establishment for the future of the Democratic Party took center stage Tuesday in battleground Michigan. That's where moderate Rep. Haley Stevens, who is backed by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and the party establishment, faced off in a fiery Senate nomination debate against former Wayne County Health Department Director Abdul El-Sayed, a far-left candidate endorsed by progressive champions Sen. Bernie Sanders I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. The sharpest exchanges centered on campaign money, outside spending and U.S. policy toward Israel, with El-Sayed repeatedly accusing Stevens of benefiting from millions of dollars in outside spending from pro-Israel and corporate-aligned groups. "If you want your politics dictated by AIPAC or Chuck Schumer, then I'm not your guy," El-Sayed said, arguing the Democratic Party would not change if it continued to elect leaders who take money from corporations. Stevens countered by accusing El-Sayed of benefiting from Republican efforts to boost him in the primary. "What my opponent needs to answer is, why is the GOP spending thousands of dollars to prop up his campaign, saying that he will make Mike Rogers the next U.S. senator?" Stevens said. DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE CALLED FOR MASS RELEASE OF CRIMINALS DURING PRISON ABOLITION WEBINAR The showdown came four weeks before Michigan's primary, with the winner taking on former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who is on a glide path to the GOP nomination, in the crucial midterm battle to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. The rare open Senate seat is a top Republican target and is a must-hold for the Democrats as they aim to win back the Senate majority from the GOP, which currently controls the chamber with a slim 53-47 margin. The anti-establishment El-Sayed, who has been sharply critical of Israel, blamed AIPAC's influence in American politics and accused politicians, like Stevens, of being "bought off by AIPAC" on Tuesday night. "So long as our politicians continue to be bought off by AIPAC do not be surprised when we fight wars that are in their best interest," El-Sayed said. LEFT-WING ACTIVISTS HECKLE PRO-ISRAEL DEMOCRAT HALEY STEVENS AT MICHIGAN CONVENTION Stevens, meanwhile, sought to flip El-Sayed’s attacks over outside spending back onto him, pressing the progressive candidate to release his tax returns and accusing him of being less than transparent about who was funding his own campaign and career.  "Well, look, transparency is also important, and this is why I have released my tax returns. My opponent, Abdul, he said that transparency is key, but yet he hasn't released his tax returns," Stevens said. "Abdoul, you talk about getting money out of politics and putting money in people's pockets. But who is putting money in yours? What are you hiding? Stevens, who agreed with El-Sayed on an immediate end to U.S. involvement in Iran, also drew a contrast between herself and her opponent by emphasizing her support for a two-state solution. "The difference between my opponent and myself on this issue is that I believe in a two-state solution," Stevens said. "I can say that Israel has a right to peacefully exist alongside the people of Palestine and in Gaza." Immigration enforcement also became a flashpoint during the debate, with El-Sayed saying ICE needed to be abolished and accusing Stevens of shifting her tone to be more aggressive towards the agency Tuesday night than she has in the past.  Stevens responded by accusing El-Sayed of using "Republican tactics," saying a House vote El-Sayed referenced, claiming Stevens "voted to thank ICE and increase their budget," was a "cynical" move by the GOP to include condemnation for an antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado alongside funding for the federal immigration agency. FOUR MONTHS TO MIDTERMS: 12 RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE MAJORITY "There was a bill on the House floor to condemn an antisemitic terrorist attack that in Boulder, Colorado, that killed an individual and injured a Holocaust survivor. Instead of bringing us together, Republicans put in a cynical point about thanking ICE," Stevens said in response to El-Sayed's claims she is a supporter of ICE. "I am always going to stand up to violence, and I just wish my opponent wouldn't pursue the cynical approaches of Republicans when we do need to be united." On child care, Stevens pointed to expanding grants and paid family leave, while El-Sayed called for making child care "100% free" and paying for it by taxing billionaire wealth. The debate also featured a lengthy exchange on artificial intelligence and data centers. El-Sayed called for stricter federal guardrails, union labor requirements, community benefit agreements and an "FDA for AI's," while Stevens said data centers should be forced to pay utility and water bills, so Michigan families are not stuck with higher costs. Tuesday night's debate was held two days after progressive state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, once the third major Democrat in the primary, suspended her campaign. McMorrow, who has seen her national profile expand in recent years and was running as a progressive in an ideological space between El-Sayed and Stevens, suspended her campaign amid faltering poll numbers and fundraising that weren't keeping pace with her two main rivals. McMorrow pledged to fully support whichever Democrat wins the primary and will ultimately face-off with Rogers, who is running for the Senate for a second straight cycle after losing in 2024 to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin by a razor-thin margin. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Following McMorrow's exit from the race, Stevens praised her fellow Democrat by calling her an "important voice" for policies that benefit Michigan families. Stevens, who has been backed by millions in super PAC spending, including big bucks from Israel-aligned groups, argued that she is the strongest Democratic candidate to win the primary and defeat Rogers in November. El-Sayed praised McMorrow for having the "courage" to challenge what he described as a rigged political system, accusing Democratic Party insiders of spending millions to influence the primary. While he did not name specific groups, his remarks appeared to reference corporate PACs and establishment party leaders such as Schumer. El-Sayed, who, if elected, would make history as the nation's first Muslim senator, is an epidemiologist who unsuccessfully ran for governor as an insurgent candidate in 2018. He has made support for "Medicare-for-all" a major component of his campaign. The far-left candidate has also called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and is a vocal critic of Israel amid its war with Hamas — even characterizing Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide" against Palestinians. And El-Sayed, who served as a top surrogate on Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, has vowed not to accept PAC donations. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Schumer and the party establishment view Stevens as more electable than El-Sayed, who has sparked controversy with his past comments. They worry that El-Sayed as the party's nominee would jeopardize the Democrat-controlled Senate seat by pushing the party too far to the left in a state that President Donald Trump carried two years ago by just over one percentage point. A victory by El-Sayed over Stevens in next month's primary would give the far left a major win on a statewide stage, and likely further boost their momentum in the battle for the Democratic Party's future. On Tuesday night, Stevens leaned into her congressional record, tenure in the Obama administration's U.S. Auto Rescue Task Force, her manufacturing background, and bipartisan efforts in Congress, including work on legislation aimed at blocking Chinese cars from undercutting American automakers.  "We can build affordable cars here in Michigan without having the Chinese come in and eat our lunch. Not on my watch," Stevens said. El-Sayed leaned on being a political outsider who refuses corporate and Super PAC donations, while he pointed to his UAW endorsement and argued that Democrats need to be more aggressive in confronting Wall Street and corporate influence across many areas.  "There's a reason that the UAW has endorsed me in this race," El-Sayed said, arguing that corporations are "a lot more interested in a quarterly bottom line than they are in the long term sustainability of manufacturing." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e05ecc2ca79de236529f2 Hot French startup ZML releases free product to speed inference across lots of AI chips te 2026-07-08T08:10:20.441Z Hot French startup ZML releases free product to speed inference across lots of AI chips ZML, a hot French AI startup endorsed by Turing Award winner Yann LeCun, has now released ZML/LLMD, software that could make running AI less costly. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e03fec2ca79de236529dc Court Rules David Marshall Can Serve As Navajo County Recorder te 2026-07-08T08:02:06.676Z Court Rules David Marshall Can Serve As Navajo County Recorder By Staff Reporter | Navajo County will keep former lawmaker David Marshall as its recorder despite a legal challenge from Attorney General Kris Mayes. On Monday, the Maricopa County Superior Court cleared the former state representative for the 7th Legislative District of any wrongdoing in connection to his assuming the Navajo County recorder position. Marshall stepped down from the legislature in mid-April to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Navajo County’s former recorder, Timothy Jordan. Attorney General Kris Mayes had promptly asked the courts to remove Marshall from the recorder’s office for accepting the appointment within the time period he would have continued to serve his term had he not resigned, citing as justification the Arizona Constitution’s provision barring members of the legislature from holding any other offices or taking employment with state or local governments.  From Article IV, part two, section five of the Arizona Constitution: “No member of the legislature, during the term for which he shall have been elected or appointed shall be eligible to hold any other office or be otherwise employed by the state of Arizona or, any county or incorporated city or town thereof.” Marshall accepted the appointment several days prior to resigning from the legislature, and his legislative term was scheduled to end January 2027. Mayes told Marshall in a demand letter that the Arizona Constitution required lawmakers to wait out their legislative terms prior to holding any other offices or accepting any state or local government employment, regardless of a resignation, citing the finding of an attorney general advisory opinion issued in 1977.  Mayes demanded Marshall resign on threat of legal action in the Arizona Supreme Court. “Because your term as an elected representative will not conclude until January 2027, you are not currently eligible to hold another public office or be otherwise employed by the state or ‘any county … thereof,’” stated Mayes.  Maricopa County Superior Court Judge David McDowell disagreed with Mayes’ interpretation.  McDowell stated in a Monday ruling that only by taking the oath of office for county recorder as an active legislator would Marshall have run afoul of the Arizona Constitution. Marshall’s resignation from the legislature went into effect on April 17; Marshall didn’t take an oath of office to become county recorder until April 21.  Therefore, McDowell said Marshall was not a member of the legislature when he officially assumed the recordership.  McDowell’s finding was consistent with what Marshall’s private attorney, Linley Wilson, claimed in a response letter to Mayes, which cited Arizona Supreme Court precedent drawing a distinction between persons elected to the legislature and members of the legislature.  “The concern is straightforward: a sitting legislator should not be able to use his legislative power to create or enhance an office for his own benefit, trade votes for positions, or otherwise exploit his seat for personal gain,” stated Wilson. “It appears that no Arizona court has ever held that a legislator who resigned before assuming another appointed office was subject to ouster through a quo warranto action or any other legal proceeding. To our knowledge, every reported case in which ouster resulted involved a public officer who failed to resign or failed to cure a disqualification before assuming office.” AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Court Rules David Marshall Can Serve As Navajo County Recorder first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e03eac2ca79de236529ca GOP Attorney General Candidate Warren Petersen Joins Lawsuit To Defend Citizen-Only Voting te 2026-07-08T08:01:46.186Z GOP Attorney General Candidate Warren Petersen Joins Lawsuit To Defend Citizen-Only Voting By Staff Reporter | Senate President and Republican candidate for attorney general Warren Petersen (LD14) has joined a court fight to ensure only citizens vote in elections. Petersen filed an amicus brief alongside House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) in a case where progressive advocates are challenging the Trump administration’s effort to centralize citizen data across multiple agencies in the name of voter identification verification and even immigration enforcement.  The League of Women Voters (LWV) and several of their local chapters, along with the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and five citizens, sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Social Security Administration (SSA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Attorney General’s Office over the data centralization last September. These advocacy groups and private citizens claim the Trump administration’s data pooling violates the 1974 Privacy Act. Judge Sparkle Sooknanan with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia agreed with them in a ruling last month. The federal government has filed for a stay of judgment pending appeal.  Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08), announced his intent to file articles of impeachment against Sooknanan for the ruling, which he claimed was an overreach and weaponization of the judiciary against the executive. “[This ruling] was a blatant and unlawful subversion of the President’s executive authority and a direct assault on election integrity,” stated Hamadeh. “Judges who weaponize their bench to interfere with the President’s constitutional duties must be held accountable. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan’s egregious overreaching ruling blocking President Trump’s common-sense effort to verify the citizenship of those who want to vote in our elections was the final straw. It was a blatant and unlawful subversion of the President’s executive authority and… pic.twitter.com/ezoLJJhiba — Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) July 7, 2026 Petersen argued in their amicus brief that Arizona law relies on the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to process voter registration and government benefit inquiries.  The lawmakers cited the Purcell principle, a precedent established in the 2006 Supreme Court ruling involving former Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell that declares that the courts should avoid ruling to change election rules too close to an election.  Petersen and Montenegro argued voter confidence in Arizona and other states would be jeopardized if the court declined to withhold enforcement of its ruling while the appeal was underway. Other states impacted by the district court ruling hindering SAVE usage for elections, as well as immigration enforcement, include Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio.  “Making changes to an important election-integrity system at this late stage in the election season creates unnecessary confusion for election officials and the public,” stated the brief. “This court’s order altered an election-related process in the middle of elections around the nation and thus harms the states’ interest in maintaining voters’ confidence in the electoral process.” Their brief also argued that the ruling would fly in the face of federalism, the mechanism on which states rely to exercise their laws.  Today, I filed an amicus brief in the DC district court supporting DHS’s efforts to ensure that only citizens are voting in our elections. It may not surprise you that the ACLU is in opposition. pic.twitter.com/63JC2MJP1U — Warren Petersen (@votewarren) July 6, 2026 Attorney General Kris Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes have stood opposed to the Trump administration’s data centralization and voter verification efforts as alleged breaches of privacy. Today, Judge Susan Brnovich's dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit demanding our voter registration rolls. @AZSecretary and I will continue to defend the privacy of voters against federal overreach. Press Release: https://t.co/YHeEcOZEZM pic.twitter.com/nqIbeVbDHN — AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) April 28, 2026 AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post GOP Attorney General Candidate Warren Petersen Joins Lawsuit To Defend Citizen-Only Voting first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e03d5c2ca79de236529c1 Settlement Ends ESA Curriculum Fight Sparked By Kris Mayes te 2026-07-08T08:01:25.707Z Settlement Ends ESA Curriculum Fight Sparked By Kris Mayes By Matthew Holloway | Arizona families using the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program will no longer be required to submit curriculum documentation when purchasing general educational supplemental materials, such as basic school supplies, under a settlement agreement announced by the Goldwater Institute. The agreement resolves a lawsuit brought by ESA parent Velia Aguirre against the State of Arizona, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), and Superintendent Tom Horne over the documentation requirements. The settlement, which took effect July 1, states that ESA families “shall not be required to submit a specific curriculum document” when purchasing items identified as “general educational supplemental materials” in the 2025–2026 ESA Handbook. After pushing this bureaucratic abomination for 2 years, the office of Attorney General Kris Mayes has walked back its unlawful demands. No more permission slips needed to buy pencils and children's books: Happy Independence Day, ESA families!https://t.co/QrIDzTaL5M — Matt Beienburg (@MBeienburg) July 2, 2026 The dispute began after Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office sent a 2024 letter to the ADE opening a public monies investigation into ESA spending approvals. The Attorney General’s Office said at the time that ADE guidance appeared to allow expenses beyond the statutory framework for the ESA program, including the approval of supplementary materials without documentation demonstrating a curricular connection. In the letter, Mayes’ office asked the ADE to “promptly cease approving supplementary material expenses without the requisite documentation of a curriculum nexus,” and requested information on ESA spending for supplementary materials, curriculum materials, and textbooks from the 2019–2020 school year through the 2023–2024 school year. The Goldwater Institute, which represented Aguirre, said in a September 2024 press release that the directive forced parents to justify purchases of basic school supplies and educational books. Goldwater said Aguirre had purchases such as “Where the Red Fern Grows,” a periodic table poster, and pencils rejected for failing to satisfy the curriculum documentation requirement. Arizona law allows ESA funds to be used for several categories of educational expenses, including tuition at qualified schools, textbooks, tutoring, curricula, and supplementary materials. The law defines “curriculum” as “a course of study for content areas or grade levels, including any supplemental materials required or recommended by the curriculum, approved by the department.” After Mayes’ 2024 letter, the ADE posted guidance stating that supplementary materials, including common school supplies such as pencils, paper, glue, and crayons, required curriculum support. The ADE’s ESA support page stated that items previously allowed without curriculum documentation “now do require a curriculum.” Goldwater filed suit in September 2024 on behalf of Aguirre and Rosemary McAtee, arguing that the documentation requirement imposed new burdens on families buying ordinary educational materials. Goldwater said at the time that parents were being required to show that each purchase was explicitly called for in a curriculum, including items such as pencils, erasers, flashcards, and children’s books. Under the settlement, ESA families purchasing general educational supplemental materials must attest that the items are intended to support a curriculum or course of study for the qualified student and are not being purchased for another purpose. The agreement also requires ESA holders to indicate the curriculum or course of study the materials support by selecting categories such as reading or grammar, social studies, science, mathematics, physical education, art, vocational instruction, or other. The agreement states that the ADE will not require a specific curriculum document as a prerequisite for approval or processing of general educational supplemental material purchases. It also provides that the ADE may require an ESA holder to enter the name of the curriculum or course of study in a text box when selecting “Other,” once technologically feasible or no later than the second quarter of fiscal year 2027. The settlement does not eliminate the ADE’s oversight authority. Rather, it states that nothing limits the ADE’s ability to review or audit individual expenditures or ESA accounts, disallow expenses, seek repayment, or report an ESA holder to the Attorney General’s Office for investigation of fraud, misuse of funds, or unlawful expenditures. The agreement also preserves the Attorney General’s authority to investigate or enforce the law in cases involving fraud, misuse of funds, or unlawful expenditures, and to request information in specific cases where there is a reasonable basis to believe a violation occurred. The State disputed in the settlement agreement that the ADE enforced the alleged documentation policy and maintained that the ADE has the authority and obligation to confirm that ESA expenditures are allowable under statute and rules. The parties agreed to resolve the case to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of further litigation. Goldwater characterized the settlement as a victory for ESA families. “ESA holders shall not be required to submit a specific curriculum document when purchasing items identified as ‘general educational supplemental materials’ in the 2025–2026 ESA Handbook,” Goldwater wrote, quoting the settlement agreement. The organization said the change means families will no longer have to provide individualized curriculum documentation for ordinary educational purchases such as pencils and children’s books. In a press release on July 2, Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute, summarized the legal victory: “This means no more manufactured paperwork from parents simply to appease the bureaucratic whims of politicians. No more wasted hours explaining why hundreds of individual items, like pencils or children’s literature, are necessary for a child’s education. “Instead, parents will simply acknowledge via a single check box for a purchase order or reimbursement request that the purchases are intended to support the course of study for an ESA student. What was once the needless compounding of minutes into hours to comply with the attorney general’s demands will now be two clicks of a mouse.” The parties agreed to file a stipulation dismissing the case with prejudice within 10 days of executing the settlement. Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com. The post Settlement Ends ESA Curriculum Fight Sparked By Kris Mayes first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4e03aac2ca79de23652995 Trump enters final NATO summit day as Ukraine, defense spending take center stage te 2026-07-08T08:00:42.705Z Trump enters final NATO summit day as Ukraine, defense spending take center stage President Donald Trump enters the final day of the NATO summit Wednesday as alliance leaders seek to project unity on defense spending, support for Ukraine and the future of transatlantic security following a series of headline-making announcements and bilateral meetings during the opening day of the gathering. Trump will join fellow NATO leaders for the summit's only plenary session before holding bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. He is expected to conclude the summit with a press conference before departing Ankara, Turkey, for Washington. The final day comes after Trump used Tuesday's bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to announce the United States would lift sanctions on Turkey, saying, "We don't sanction friends." Trump also signaled he is prepared to move forward with the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Ankara despite years of U.S. opposition stemming from Turkey's purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. TRUMP COULD HAND PRIZED STEALTH JETS TO NATO ALLY ONCE SEEN AS ALLIANCE HEADACHE Wednesday's agenda is expected to focus on the alliance's efforts to strengthen collective defense as members continue implementing higher defense spending commitments and coordinate support for Ukraine more than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion. Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy will be among the day's most closely watched events as Kyiv continues pressing allies for military assistance and air defense capabilities while seeking to maintain Western backing for its war effort against Russia. Kyiv has warned it is running critically low on Patriot interceptor missiles, which Ukrainian officials describe as the country's most effective defense against Russia's ballistic missile attacks. Ukrainian officials said none of the ballistic missiles launched during a massive barrage this week could be intercepted because of dwindling supplies. UKRAINE’S BATTLEFIELD IS TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF NATO Ahead of the summit, Ukrainian officials appealed to nearly 40 partner nations to immediately transfer Patriot interceptors from their existing stockpiles while longer-term production catches up. Kyiv also has secured European backing for hundreds of Patriot missiles financed by Germany, though many of those deliveries are not expected for months or years, underscoring Ukraine's push for allies to bridge the gap with existing inventories. Trump also is expected to meet with Syrian President al-Sharaa, whose government has sought closer engagement with Washington following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime, a shift that has reshaped the security landscape in the Middle East and created new opportunities for U.S.-Turkish cooperation. Trump is expected to cap the summit with a press conference outlining the administration's priorities for the alliance and any agreements reached during the two-day gathering before departing Turkey Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday's discussions also are expected to focus on how allies turn 2025's landmark commitment to spend 5% of gross domestic product on defense and defense-related investments into tangible military capabilities.  NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged member nations to present "clear, concrete and credible plans" for meeting the target, arguing the alliance must accelerate the production of weapons, ammunition and military infrastructure to deter Russia. The final day also follows another round of criticism from Trump aimed at European allies. Speaking Tuesday, the president again questioned whether NATO members were doing enough to support the United States and suggested he could withdraw U.S. troops from Europe as he renewed his push for U.S. control of Greenland. "With all the money we spend to help them with Russia … we don't have to spend any money. We could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe," Trump said. He also complained that despite America's investment in European security, "you would think they'd be very willing to do something to help us, and they really weren't." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dff23c2ca79de23652731 City approves neglect ordinance te 2026-07-08T07:41:23.491Z City approves neglect ordinance The Phoenix City Council approved updates to the city’s dog restraint or “tethering” ordinance during its June 17 meeting, strengthening requirements for the humane restraint of dogs and adding protections during extreme weather conditions. Under the revised ordinance. it is unlawful to confine a dog on private property using a tether, trolley or similar device unless the animal is under the direct supervision or visual observation of its owner or handler. The minimum allowable length of any restraint is six feet; an owner shall not restrain a dog outside by use of a choke collar or pinch collar or any time during extreme weather conditions; and restraints must not unreasonably limit a dog’s movement, prevent access to food, water, shade, dry ground or adequate shelter. Residents can report suspected animal neglect through the City of Phoenix Animal Neglect Online Reporting Portal. Click on the “About Us” link and “Units and Divisions” at www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/police. Anyone observing an animal in immediate distress should call 911. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dff10c2ca79de23652728 Summer (dining) in the city te 2026-07-08T07:41:04.040Z Summer (dining) in the city Summer in Phoenix may be hot, but it does have its perks, including dining deals at Valley restaurants. Here are just a few spots to sip, dine and save this season. At The Mexicano’s two Valley locations, guests can enjoy the return of Street Taco Summer. Available all day every Tuesday and Thursday in the bar area, the promotion features $2 street tacos filled with options like carnitas, chicken tinga, beef and Americano-style grilled steak, offering a flavorful and budget-friendly way to experience the restaurant’s signature Mexican flavors. Visit www.themexicano.com for details. Eat Up Drive In in Arcadia is helping guests stay cool this summer with its daily “Hydration Happy Hour,” offering half-off all beverages from 3 to 5 p.m. every day. Guests can sip and save on refreshing favorites, including lemonade, frozen lemonade, iced tea, and Arnold Palmers, making it an easy and affordable way to beat the Arizona heat. Find more information at www.eatupdrivein.com. Finally, Over Easy is making summer lunches more affordable with its Weekday Social, available Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy $12 lunch items, $2 off select appetizers and $5 mimosas, brunch punch and Salty Dogs. Diners can also take advantage of discounted bites, making it easy to enjoy brunch favorites without breaking the bank. Learn more at www.eatatovereasy.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dfa34c2ca79de23652642 AI chip maker SambaNova raises $1B at $11B valuation, 5 months after last mega round te 2026-07-08T07:20:20.786Z AI chip maker SambaNova raises $1B at $11B valuation, 5 months after last mega round AI chip maker SambaNova has raised at an $11B valuation months after Intel was rumored to be trying to buy it for about $1.6 billion. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dd4ccc2ca79de23651e91 Tyler Robinson's and Lance Twiggs' DNA both allegedly found on key evidence in Charlie Kirk's assassination te 2026-07-08T04:40:44.238Z Tyler Robinson's and Lance Twiggs' DNA both allegedly found on key evidence in Charlie Kirk's assassination PROVO, Utah — A towel and screwdriver recovered during the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination allegedly had his suspected killer Tyler Robinson’s DNA on it — along with that of his former lover and roommate, Lance Twiggs. Robinson, 23, allegedly used the towel to conceal the suspected murder weapon in the woods near Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. He is accused of fatally shooting the 31-year-old Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at the school that day. CHARLIE KIRK'S FAMILY COMES FACE TO FACE WITH ACCUSED ASSASSIN FOR FIRST TIME It’s unclear what the screwdriver was for, but police testified at Robinson’s preliminary hearing this week that they found it near an alleged sniper’s perch overlooking the TPUSA event. Both Twiggs and Robinson provided buccal swabs to law enforcement that were used to build their full DNA profiles. Robinson's preliminary hearing began Monday and is expected to take all week. Prosecutors must establish probable cause in order for the judge to green light the path to trial on a slew of charges, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty. UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY SCRAPS CONTROVERSIAL COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER WHO CRITICIZED CHARLIE KIRK AFTER HIS MURDER David Hull, of the Utah Department of Public Safety, returned to the witness stand Tuesday morning as prosecutors played surveillance video they allege shows Robinson making his way around campus before and after the shooting, as well as coming and going in his Dodge Challenger. The second witness of the day, Sgt. Jennifer Faumuina with the State Bureau of Investigations, led the evidence response team processing the scenes at UVU after the shooting. Faumuina testified that her team recovered a screwdriver from the campus’ Losee Center rooftop, where Robinson is alleged to have fired the shot that killed Kirk. She also testified that her team recovered the suspected murder weapon, a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle wrapped in a dark-colored towel nearby. It had been retrofitted to fire .30-06 rounds, consistent with the caliber of bullet fragments recovered during Kirk’s autopsy.  Faumuina testified that both the towel and the screwdriver had DNA consistent with the same two males — Robinson and Twiggs. In a handwritten note and text messages, Robinson is alleged to have confessed to the crime to Twiggs, who lived with him at the time and is cooperating with investigators. Twiggs has not been charged with a crime, and the alleged presence of his DNA on the evidence is expected to strengthen the case against Robinson. CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING, TYLER ROBINSON CHARGED Later Tuesday, FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker testified that Robinson is likely the majority donor in mixed DNA samples found on both items. Twiggs is believed to be the minority contributor on both. Prosecutor Ryan McBride objected multiple times during Bakker’s lengthy questioning from defense attorney Michael Burt, arguing that the defense went well "beyond the scope of determining probable cause." At one point, Judge Tony Graf Jr. asked how far he intended to go in a line of questioning, to which Burt responded he had one more question before moving on. CHARLIE KIRK'S PARENTS, WIDOW TO ATTEND TYLER ROBINSON'S PRELIMINARY HEARING NEXT WEEK "I’ll hold them to that," McBride said, prompting laughter inside the courtroom. As the DNA questioning dragged on for much of the afternoon, Erika Kirk at one point shook her head as she listened to Burt grilling Bakker.  Observers in the gallery, including Erika Kirk, intently watched as Bakker explained a graph displaying specific DNA markers. Kirk leaned forward and tilted her head as she listened to testimony. Robinson was also listening and fidgeting. A member of Robinson’s family yawned. Kirk’s father occasionally took notes. Robinson has not yet entered a plea. If prosecutors prevail in establishing probable cause, which experts say is widely expected, he would be asked to do so. "Barring the prosecutor somehow forgetting how to get to the courthouse, there's no realistic chance the state fails to establish probable cause," Maryland attorney Randolph Rice, who represented the family of Rachel Morin, told Fox News Digital Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dcdc0c2ca79de23651d91 US Navy identifies sailor lost in Arabian Sea after helicopter's emergency water landing te 2026-07-08T04:10:40.109Z US Navy identifies sailor lost in Arabian Sea after helicopter's emergency water landing The U.S. Navy on Tuesday identified Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards as the sailor lost at sea after an MH-60S helicopter made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea last week. Edwards, the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5), went missing after the helicopter assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush made an emergency water landing on July 1, according to the Navy. Three of the helicopter's four crew members were successfully recovered, but the Navy suspended its search for the missing sailor on Sunday. NAVY SUSPENDS SEARCH FOR SAILOR WHO WENT MISSING WHEN HELICOPTER WENT DOWN IN ARABIAN SEA According to the Navy, the search for Edwards lasted more than 102 hours and covered more than 14,000 square miles. "The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Carrier Strike Group 10 team are with the Edwards family," Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, said in a statement. "While we are far from home, our heartfelt support remains at your side," Cimicata continued. "Gabe’s legacy as a husband, father, friend and fearless leader will never be forgotten. We are thankful to each who carry a unique and indelible part of Gabe’s memory with us as we continue this important mission." US MARINE MISSING OFF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST AFTER TRAINING EXERCISE; SEARCH SHIFTS TO RECOVERY Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said he has directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain. "I am deeply grateful to every sailor and airman who took part in the search and who continue to support his family, friends, and shipmates," Cao said in a statement. Edwards, a native of Oakland, Oregon, graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 before earning his Wings of Gold as a Navy helicopter pilot in 2008, according to the Navy. He assumed command of HSC-5 in July 2025. HOW IRAN ATTACKS ARE FORCING THE PENTAGON TO RETHINK ITS DECADES-OLD MIDDLE EAST BASE STRATEGY Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and two children, the Navy said. "We are profoundly grateful to every Sailor, aviator, and Airman who devoted countless hours, extraordinary skill, and unwavering determination in the effort to bring Gabe home," Rebecca Edwards said in a statement. "Gabe has dedicated his life to serving his country with honor, courage, and commitment," she continued. "He led with humility, integrity, and compassion, always putting his people before himself. To those who served alongside him, he was a respected leader and mentor. To our family, he is the love of my life, an extraordinary father to his children, and the foundation of our home. His greatest joy was always his family." During his career, Edwards logged more than 2,000 flight hours in multiple Navy helicopter platforms and had been selected for promotion to captain, according to the Navy. HSC-5 is currently deployed to the Middle East aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. The Navy said mental health professionals, chaplains and other support personnel are assisting members of the squadron and the ship's crew. The Navy said the cause of the incident remains under investigation and that there is no indication the emergency water landing resulted from hostile action. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dc6b9c2ca79de23651c91 Heap prevails at Arizona Supreme Court as justices reject Maricopa supervisors’ election duty grab te 2026-07-08T03:40:41.371Z Heap prevails at Arizona Supreme Court as justices reject Maricopa supervisors’ election duty grab Justin Heap at an August 2024 rally for Donald Trump in Glendale. (Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0) The Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap in the ongoing fight between him and the county board of supervisors over election duties.  In a unanimous order, the state’s highest court vacated a June ruling from the Arizona Court of Appeals, and reinstated injunctions put in place in April that required the board of supervisors to “fund all necessary expenses of the Recorder.”  GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE Since Heap took office in January 2025, the Republican recorder and the Republican-controlled Maricopa County Board of Supervisors have battled over who was responsible for which election duties.  Arizona law divides election duties between county boards and recorders, generally giving county supervisors control over election day voting, and recorders control over early voting.  After Heap won the 2024 Republican primary for Maricopa County Recorder, and before the general election that he was considered likely to win, the board of supervisors signed an agreement with Heap’s predecessor to shift the recorder’s IT department to be under the board’s control. Heap is allied with election deniers who promote baseless conspiracies about elections in Arizona and nationwide, and as a legislator he backed sweeping changes to state law based on those evidence-free claims that President Donald Trump and other Republicans lost their elections because of fraud and other malfeasance. Heap terminated that agreement shortly after he took office, and has been feuding with the Board of Supervisors since then. In June 2025, he sued the board over their election duties dispute.  “Today’s unanimous decision is a decisive victory for the rule of law,” Heap said in a statement following Tuesday’s ruling. In Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney’s April order, he directed the Board of Supervisors to return “IT staff, servers, databases, software, websites, and equipment” that were controlled by the recorder before the October 2024 agreement or to immediately fund their replacement.  Blaney also blocked the supervisors from undertaking duties that are prescribed to the recorder by law. The supervisors sought to delay that order, and Blaney denied it.  In June, Heap asked the court to hold the Board of Supervisors in contempt for failing to comply with Blaney’s orders.  In the meantime, the supervisors sought a stay of Blaney’s orders from the Arizona Court of Appeals, writing that it was too close to the July 21 primary election, with the poll worker manual already finalized to purchase new election equipment or to change protocols.  The supervisors argued based on past case law that changes so soon before the primary would pose the “dangers of burdening elections workers and complicating the voting experience.”  In a divided decision, the appeals court agreed, and issued a stay of Blaney’s orders.  Heap appealed that decision to the Arizona Supreme Court, which rejected the board of supervisors’ argument that, because it controls the funding for early voting, it can allocate that funding to the Maricopa County Elections Director to perform early voting duties.  Chief Justice Ann Timmer wrote that based on past case law, “the Board cannot use budgetary authority to usurp an independently elected officer’s statutory functions.” The high court opted to vacate the appeals court stay, and to reinstate Blaney’s order, with changes outlined in a 12-point interim operational protocol that Heap had earlier proposed to ensure that the primary election isn’t impacted.  “To the extent issues can be resolved without disrupting procedures that are actually ongoing in the primary election process, the Court wishes to do so,” Timmer wrote.  Heap celebrated his win.  “My office is ready to implement the Court’s order and deliver secure, lawful, and professional elections for the people of Maricopa County,” he wrote in the statement.  In a joint statement, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Kate Brophy McGee and Vice Chairwoman Debbie Lesko said they were disappointed in the ruling. They added that the board and Heap had just reached consensus with Heap on Monday evening, following two days of mediation that had earlier been ordered by the Arizona Supreme Court.  “Our primary concern has always been, and remains, Maricopa County’s 2.6 million voters,” they wrote. “The Board will follow the law and abide by the court’s decision, and we look forward to Recorder Heap’s plans in terms of how he intends to exercise his newfound authority to administer lawful, high-quality elections this year and beyond.” YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dc44ec2ca79de23651bfd Haley Stevens Goes on Attack Against Abdul El-Sayed at Michigan Senate Debate te 2026-07-08T03:30:22.001Z Haley Stevens Goes on Attack Against Abdul El-Sayed at Michigan Senate Debate At their first one-on-one debate in a top Senate race, Representative Haley Stevens accused her progressive rival, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, of being too focused on publicity as he called her a tool of corporate interests. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dbf9dc2ca79de23651b16 Dozens Face Felony Charges After Raid of Beagle Research Facility te 2026-07-08T03:10:21.022Z Dozens Face Felony Charges After Raid of Beagle Research Facility The charges for most of the people carry sentences of up to 12.5 years in prison, officials said, and the police have recommended more charges for a separate attempt in April. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4db8a9c2ca79de23651928 US Soccer officials barred by FIFA from Belgium World Cup match over apparent protocol violations: report te 2026-07-08T02:40:41.360Z US Soccer officials barred by FIFA from Belgium World Cup match over apparent protocol violations: report FIFA issued suspensions to at least two key members of the U.S. Soccer Federation ahead of Monday's World Cup matchup with Belgium, according to multiple reports. ESPN reported that team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation Vice President of Security Frank Pannell were the two staff members barred from the match. The U.S. went on to suffer a 4-1 loss to Belgium, ending its 2026 World Cup run. The tournament's governing body did not provide a reason for the suspensions. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM ESPN, citing sources, also reported that the suspensions were likely tied to incidents that occurred during Team USA's victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week in the Round of 32. The alleged violations involved FIFA match protocols and individuals possibly entering restricted areas. There were no known physical altercations. USA ADVANCES IN WORLD CUP AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA After joining the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2015, Zapatka was named team administrative manager in 2020. While U.S. Soccer did not reveal why the suspensions were imposed, it stressed Tuesday that they were not connected to the appeal process surrounding star striker Folarin Balogun's one-match red-card suspension. Belgium challenged FIFA's decision to lift Balogun's suspension, but the governing body ultimately stood by its original ruling, allowing Team USA's forward to take the field. President Donald Trump said Monday that he watched the controversial play and later called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the red card. "I spoke with Gianni," Trump told reporters at the White House. "All I did was, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul," the president said. "And again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled." With the victory over the U.S., Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Spain on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4daf4ac2ca79de23651767 Egyptian players, coaches complain about controversial calls in loss to Argentina: 'Rigged game' te 2026-07-08T02:00:42.921Z Egyptian players, coaches complain about controversial calls in loss to Argentina: 'Rigged game' The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been a tremendous success, on and off the field. Visiting fans have raved about the experience of coming to the United States and enjoying the country's hospitality. The host venues across the country have been widely praised for exceptional amenities and outstanding atmospheres. But even the most successful tournament isn't without controversy. The largest, through the first few rounds, was Folarin Balogun's red card. The card shown to Balogun in the US Men's National Team match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was given based on misapplication of VAR rules. Then FIFA postponed his one-game suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium in the round of 16. European fans, commentators, and their soccer federation, went ballistic. But even they pale in comparison to the allegations being thrown around by players and coaches from the Egyptian team after their shocking 3-2 loss to Argentina and Lionel Messi on Tuesday afternoon. TOM BRADY COMPARES ARGENTINA'S DRAMATIC WORLD CUP RALLY TO PATRIOTS' SUPER BOWL COMEBACK Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan spoke to the media after the match, and did not hold back with his criticism of the officiating. "We haven’t seen respect or fair play," Hassan said. "A penalty was ruled out, and a second [incident] that should have been checked for a penalty for us was not even checked by the VAR. A second goal was remarkably, for whatever reason, disallowed." "I want to put it in beautiful words and say, ‘Hard luck,’ but we have been treated unfairly, and it has been an injustice," he continued. Egypt had a 1-0 lead, and seemed to take a 2-0 lead, only for the second goal to be disallowed after a VAR review determined that a foul had occurred around 20 seconds beforehand on the other side of the pitch. Egypt did score again, but the 2-0 scoreline might have instead been 3-0, making the incredible Argentina comeback even more unlikely. Then there were several other questionable calls, including a potential penalty that could have been given after a foul on star Mohamed Salah. "We looked better than the reigning champions — better in everything — but the result was influenced by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it," Hassan also told reporters. "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running. "In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champion received support at every level." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "There seems to have been pressure on the Argentinian side on the referee that has brought about this outcome," he added. "Life is unfair. The world is unfair. OK, but why isn’t there any fairness in sports? I’m not convinced by this outcome and by the way things unfolded in this match." Forward Mostafa Ziko said something similar, saying his Egyptian team was "hard done" by the referee. "We were hard done by [the referee] today, and everyone saw that. I won't talk about something like this. We were winning 2-0. After the 2-0 result, everything went against us and worked against us. I don't even know why the second goal was disallowed, I don't see any reason for it. But we must look for a solution so that a second goal doesn't come. He wanted to disallow the third one too, but thank God, God didn't grant him success." "It was a rigged game," Ziko said. "It wasn’t our fault. That referee… it seems like this match was rigged. We were winning 2-0, and he kept coming at us. Congratulations to Argentina on another World Cup, it seems." It's a near-certainty that FIFA is happy that Messi and Argentina are through to the quarterfinals. Messi remains arguably the biggest star on the international stage, and interest and viewership will be higher as long as he and his team are in the tournament. But that doesn't mean the match was "rigged." The VAR review to disallow Egypt's second goal did seem misplaced, though some of the other contentious calls were the type of borderline decisions that could go either way. The most important variable that none of the Egyptian players or their coach want to acknowledge, though, is that had they wanted to win, they could simply not have allowed three goals in 25 minutes. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dad09c2ca79de23651704 Gaven Frank Martinez te 2026-07-08T01:51:05.661Z Gaven Frank Martinez Gaven Frank “Buster” Martinez passed away on July 2, 2026, at the age of 75. Buster was born on Dec. 10, 1950, in Holbrook, to Gavin and Sally Martinez. He attended Holbrook High School and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army. He was commander of the American Legion, Post 37.       He is survived by his children, Sandra Oberriter (Mark), Sheri Martinez, Ron Martinez (Sonia) and Timothy Martinez (Fantasy); and by his beloved grandchildren, Jared Martinez, Alaya Vizcaya (Daniel), Marcus Oberriter, Gabriel Martinez, Gavino Martinez, Angelo Martinez, Orlando Martinez, Ron Martinez Jr., Elijah Ollarsaba, Orlando Ollarsaba, Isayah Martinez, Felicity Martinez, Constance Martinez, Cayleigha Kennedy, Auhnalisia Martinez and Azaria Martinez; and two great-grandchildren, Naomi Vizcaya and Elias Martinez.       He was preceded in death by his parents, Sally and Gavin Martinez; his brother, Ricky Martinez; his sister, Eileen Martinez; and his beloved grandson, Gavino Martinez.       A Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. and Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, following a military burial will be held at Holbrook cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at the American Legion. The post Gaven Frank Martinez first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4dace0c2ca79de236516bf Top Maine Democrat Says Platner Will Have ‘No Role’ in Picking Next Nominee te 2026-07-08T01:50:24.706Z Top Maine Democrat Says Platner Will Have ‘No Role’ in Picking Next Nominee A top state party official said that Graham Platner’s team had “repeatedly” tried to “put their thumb on the scale,” but he would not influence how the party chose a new Senate candidate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4daa98c2ca79de23651661 Royals implode with 3 errors as Mets' Carson Benge scores Little League home run to open game vs KC te 2026-07-08T01:40:40.194Z Royals implode with 3 errors as Mets' Carson Benge scores Little League home run to open game vs KC The Kansas City Royals turned an ordinary ground ball into a royal disaster Tuesday night against the New York Mets, producing one of the strangest scoring sequences of the MLB season. Even the struggling Mets had to be thinking, "We'll take it." With runners on first and second, Mets outfielder Carson Benge hit a slow chopper back toward the mound and, seconds later, was jogging across home plate after the Royals committed three errors on the same play in a meltdown that gifted New York an early three-run lead. NEW REPORT SUGGESTS THE NEW YORK METS ARE OPEN TO TRADING FRANCISCO LINDOR AMID DISASTROUS SEASON Royals pitcher Seth Lugo fielded the ball, but his off-balance throw to first sailed wide of first baseman Jac Caglianone for the game's first error, allowing Benge to reach safely. There's more ... WATCH: Caglianone recovered the ball and tried to throw out Benge as he raced toward third, but his throw sailed past the bag and into foul territory. And more ... As Benge rounded third and headed for home, third baseman Nick Loftin's relay throw also got away, allowing him to complete his trip around the bases. Kansas City committed three errors on one play and spotted the Mets three unearned runs before recording the third out of the inning. METS FIRE CARLOS MENDOZA AMID NIGHTMARE SEASON DESPITE HAVING BASEBALL'S LARGEST $330M PAYROLL Instead of making the Mets earn an early lead, the Royals practically handed them one with mistake after mistake. The Mets gladly accepted the gift, jumping ahead 3-0 before Kansas City ever came to the plate. You can survive one error. Even two. Most teams lose with these kinds of sequences. But by the fifth, the Royals stormed back, tying the game at 9-9. Mets gonna Mets. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4da5fdc2ca79de23651574 Abbott orders probe after Texas hospital advertises 'birth packages' in Mexico: 'Citizenship is not for sale' te 2026-07-08T01:21:01.242Z Abbott orders probe after Texas hospital advertises 'birth packages' in Mexico: 'Citizenship is not for sale' Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into a Texas hospital Tuesday after it confirmed to Fox News that it advertised Spanish-language "Birth Packages in South Texas" on billboards in Mexico promoting childbirth services to pregnant foreign nationals near the U.S.-Mexico border. Mission Regional Medical Center confirmed to Fox News that it was responsible for the advertising campaign, which promoted deliveries starting at $3,950 for a natural birth and $5,525 for a C-section, and directed viewers to a website, havemybabyinTEXAS.com, which has since been taken offline. The billboards also displayed a telephone number beginning with "001," the country code used to place calls to the United States from Mexico. 'WEAPONS OF MASS REPRODUCTION': WATCHDOG UNVEILS ACTION PLAN TO CURB BIRTH TOURISM AFTER SUPREME COURT RULING "The marketing materials regarding maternity services are no longer in use due to any unintended misunderstanding," a hospital spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News. "We do not support or facilitate any unlawful activity and work to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations." The spokesperson said the campaign included two billboards located within approximately 5 miles of the hospital near a U.S.-Mexico border crossing. The hospital said both billboards and the website were removed Monday after images began circulating on social media. The spokesperson also said the campaign began in 2021 but did not specify when the billboards were installed. Abbott on Tuesday directed Texas Health and Human Services Commission Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth to investigate Mission Regional Medical Center for potential violations of state law and contractual obligations. REPUBLICAN ACCUSES SCOTUS OF BETRAYING US, PUSHES BILL RESTRICTING BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP, PREGNANT VISITORS Images of the billboard circulated on social media before the hospital said it removed the advertisements Monday. "'Birth tourism' is an illegal practice that exploits the extraordinary hospitality that the United States and Texas offer to millions of foreign travelers each year," Abbott wrote in a July 7 letter obtained by Fox News. "Unfortunately, thousands of foreign travelers come to the United States under false pretenses to give birth and secure citizenship for their children." TRUMP SUFFERS MAJOR SUPREME COURT DEFEAT AS JUSTICES UPHOLD BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP Abbott directed HHSC to "immediately and thoroughly investigate" the hospital and said any violations should be referred to the Texas Attorney General for civil enforcement and to the appropriate district or county attorney for potential criminal prosecution. "American citizenship is not for sale and Texas will not permit our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism," Abbott wrote. The governor also said he plans to work with the Texas Legislature during its next session "to strengthen state law and eliminate birth tourism in Texas." "Unfortunately, birth tourism operations are not a new phenomenon," Kyle Brosnan, general counsel of the Oversight Project, told Fox News Digital in a statement. "The Supreme Court’s egregiously wrong decision in the birthright citizenship case is going to open the floodgates to the birth tourism industry. Our country is much more than a pile of magic dirt. The only answer to these type of practices are criminal investigations and the mass deportation of illegal aliens." Mission Regional Medical Center also said it intends to cooperate with state officials. "We intend to work cooperatively and transparently with local and state officials," the hospital said in a statement obtained by Fox News. "Our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient who seeks our services." The investigation comes as President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to limit automatic birthright citizenship for some children born in the United States remains the subject of ongoing legal challenges. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4da5e9c2ca79de2365156b Noncitizen accused of falsely claiming US citizenship before casting federal ballots te 2026-07-08T01:20:41.773Z Noncitizen accused of falsely claiming US citizenship before casting federal ballots A lawful permanent resident from Australia was arrested after she allegedly illegally voted in federal elections in Louisiana, according to officials. Denise Nataly Migliore, 51, was charged in a four-count indictment last month with making false statements in order to register to vote and illegal voting in an election, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana said. In October 2022 and October 2024, she knowingly made false claims about her U.S. citizenship to register to vote in a federal election, prosecutors said. DHS DIRECTS ICE TO DEPORT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO VOTE IN AMERICAN ELECTIONS UNDER NEW DIRECTIVE In November of each of those years, she allegedly cast ballots after falsely certifying that she was a U.S. citizen and eligible to vote. Migliore was ineligible to vote because she was not a U.S. citizen. On July 1, Homeland Security Investigations arrested Migliore at the federal courthouse in New Orleans following an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "This alien from Australia now faces federal charges for falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen and illegally casting ballots in two elections," Acting Assistant DHS Secretary of Public Affairs Lauren Bis said in a statement. "Her arrest and charges are the result of the hard work of the men and women of ICE law enforcement and our federal partners." "Our message to aliens who vote in American elections is clear: we will find you, arrest you, and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation. Only Americans should be electing American leaders," she continued. NONCITIZEN EX-KANSAS MAYOR PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY VOTING MULTIPLE TIMES If convicted, Migliore faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4da3a5c2ca79de23651496 1619 Project creator claims paying reparations would be admission that US existence is a 'crime' te 2026-07-08T01:11:01.420Z 1619 Project creator claims paying reparations would be admission that US existence is a 'crime' Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator of the controversial 1619 Project, recently argued that paying reparations for slavery would serve as an admission that the "entire existence of the United States" is a crime. "Paying reparations is an admission of the crime," Hannah-Jones stated last week. "But it’s not an admission of the crime of a handful of bad apples or a few years of bad policy. It is the crime of the entire existence of the United States." Hannah-Jones’ comments came during an interview with the left-leaning media outlet The Meteor. The conversation, hosted by Brittany Packnett Cunningham, centered on the legacy of slavery and the push for reparations as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER CLAIMS BLACK AMERICANS WILL STOP VOTING IF THEY DON'T GET REPARATIONS The journalist, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2020 for her work on the 1619 Project, argued that America’s history is so deeply rooted in slavery that simply removing monuments would not suffice. "You could never knock down all the statues to enslavers, or you have to remove all the monuments on the Mall in Washington," she said. "Slavery predates the founding of our country by 150 years." The New York Times' 1619 Project is a long-form collaboration that seeks to "reframe the country's history" by bringing slavery and racism to the forefront of the national narrative. While praised by liberals, the project has faced intense scrutiny and pushback from prominent historians who have publicly disputed its factual accuracy, particularly its claims regarding the motivations behind the American Revolution. BIDEN-APPOINTED JUDGE ORDERS TRUMP TO RESTORE SLAVERY, CLIMATE CHANGE REFERENCES AT NATIONAL PARKS Despite the criticism, the 1619 Project's theories of American history were later developed into an educational curriculum with the help of the Pulitzer Center. According to the nonprofit, hundreds of schools have received copies of The New York Times Magazine issue, and over 4,000 educators have used its resources — a move that has sparked fierce backlash from parents and conservative lawmakers across the country fighting critical race theory (CRT). During the interview, the Howard University journalism professor cited the American education system's approach to teaching about slavery as a driving force behind the recent conservative pushback against Juneteenth and CRT. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4da37ec2ca79de23651487 Suspect Interacted With Charlie Kirk’s Group Before Killing, Prosecutors Say te 2026-07-08T01:10:22.517Z Suspect Interacted With Charlie Kirk’s Group Before Killing, Prosecutors Say In a hearing, prosecutors used videos to trace the steps of the man they accuse of assassinating Mr. Kirk, while defense lawyers tried to poke holes in DNA evidence. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4da128c2ca79de23651403 Suspect Interacted With Charlie Kirk’s Group Before Killing, Prosecutors Say te 2026-07-08T01:00:24.798Z Suspect Interacted With Charlie Kirk’s Group Before Killing, Prosecutors Say In a hearing, prosecutors used videos to trace the steps of the man they accuse of assassinating Mr. Kirk, while defense lawyers tried to poke holes in DNA evidence. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d9a5cc2ca79de2365129e DAVID BLACKMON: America’s Energy Dominance: The Fruit Of Freedom On Our 250th te 2026-07-08T00:31:24.553Z DAVID BLACKMON: America’s Energy Dominance: The Fruit Of Freedom On Our 250th By David Blackmon | As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, one of the finest blessings our Founders gave our nation stands out with particular clarity: the system of free enterprise. That system did not merely enable liberty and prosperity in the abstract. It unleashed the human ingenuity, risk-taking, and capital allocation that turned America into the world’s unrivaled energy superpower. From the coal age that fueled the Industrial Revolution, through the oil age that powered the 20th century, to the LNG age we now dominate, American free enterprise has repeatedly delivered technological leadership and abundance. No central planner designed these revolutions.  Entrepreneurs, engineers, and investors did, operating in a system that rewards results above political connections. Today that legacy is unmistakable. The United States leads the world by a wide margin in the production of both oil and natural gas. We have also become the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, shipping reliable energy to allies across Europe and Asia who once relied on less friendly suppliers. While some critics like to call this an accident of geology, they’re wrong. America’s LNG dominance is the direct result of the shale revolution, advanced drilling techniques, and a policy environment that, when properly structured, lets markets work. America once held a similar commanding position in nuclear power. We built the world’s first commercial reactor and led in reactor technology for decades. Then came the 1979 Three Mile Island incident. Irrational fears, amplified by media and activists, led to a bureaucratic paralysis in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission which stalled new construction for two generations. Promising projects died in paperwork as existing plants faced endless regulatory hurdles. America fell behind while other nations pressed forward. Today, that era is ending. The Trump administration is delivering a major push to revitalize America’s nuclear power industry. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have announced major project milestones in recent weeks, including new loan programs to support large-scale reactors and breakthroughs on advanced designs such as microreactors that have already achieved criticality. These steps signal a return to regulatory sanity and a recognition that abundant, reliable, carbon-free baseload power is essential for both economic growth and national security. Wind and solar have also established a robust presence on every major U.S. regional grid. These intermittent sources now deliver meaningful power to homes and businesses when the weather cooperates. American companies and workers have built real expertise and infrastructure in these sectors. Yet the United States remains far behind China in manufacturing scale and deployment speed, and subservient to the Chinese Communist Party for the raw materials that make them work. As Secretary Wright posted on X this week, the massive Biden-era subsidies that distorted markets and enriched foreign supply chains begin phasing out this month. That transition will test the true competitiveness of these technologies without artificial support. Their future contribution will depend on genuine cost reductions and technological improvement, not ever-rising subsidies from taxpayers and ratepayers. America’s dominant position across fossil fuels, its returning strength in nuclear power, and its established role in renewables together form an unmatched energy portfolio. This abundance has been no small factor in making the United States the world’s dominant geopolitical power. Reliable, affordable energy underpins manufacturing resurgence, data-center growth, and an enduring military edge that deters adversaries. It keeps our economy the envy of the world, with lower energy costs than most competitors and the flexibility to adapt to new demands. Most importantly, energy dominance sustains the God-endowed freedoms our Founders secured. Cheap, reliable power frees families from energy poverty. It powers the innovations that improve daily life. It supports the industries that create the jobs and wealth that let individuals and communities flourish according to their own lights rather than government dictates. On this 250th anniversary, we should give thanks not only for the Declaration of Independence and the visionaries who created it, but for the practical system of ordered liberty that turned a resource-rich continent into the engine of global progress. Free enterprise did not merely discover America’s energy wealth. It developed it, refined it, and continues to expand it. That is a blessing worth celebrating not just this weekend, but every day. God Bless America. Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation. David Blackmon is a contributor to The Daily Caller News Foundation, an energy writer, and consultant based in Texas. He spent 40 years in the oil and gas business, where he specialized in public policy and communications. The post DAVID BLACKMON: America’s Energy Dominance: The Fruit Of Freedom On Our 250th first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d9a32c2ca79de23651269 Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham team up on a California beach for some 'much needed r&r' te 2026-07-08T00:30:42.063Z Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham team up on a California beach for some 'much needed r&r' Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull, the two self-described Indiana Fever mermaids, teamed up on Monday on a California beach for some "much needed r&r." If you know ball like I know ball, you know these two aren't going to miss an opportunity for a bikini day off. They're not going to be bullied out of having fun off the court by anyone. That includes their superstar teammate Caitlin Clark. She tried and she failed to bully them. She would much rather see Sophie and Lexie focus on basketball than on tanning. But that's not how these two roll. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! They have proven they can play their part on the court while enjoying themselves off of it. So they spent one of their days off before taking on the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night at Manhattan Beach. They got their much-needed rest and relaxation. They got some content for social media. And they worked on their tans, which will pay off in the tunnel pregame. SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM TURNED HEADS OFF THE COURT BEFORE DOMINATING ANGEL REESE, SPURS-KNICKS TICKET PRICE & SABAN! That's a successful day off in my book. As I said when I questioned Clark going after these two last spring, they can do both. They ball, and they can tan. Love it or hate it, it's part of the game. Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull get it. They're going to continue to ignore the haters on and off the roster. Why wouldn't they? It's been working. The brand deals are there. They're growing the game, and they're contributing members of a 12-8 team, which is good enough to be two and a half games back of the top team in the WNBA. Let's not forget the wise teachings of Deion Sanders, "Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good. Play good, they pay good." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d9817c2ca79de2365121c CRIT celebrates Fourth of July with sports tournaments te 2026-07-08T00:21:43.917Z CRIT celebrates Fourth of July with sports tournaments The Colorado River Indian Tribes Special Diabetes Project – Recreation Program celebrated the Fourth of July with sporting activities. These included a horseshoe tournament on July 4, a 3-on-3 coed basketball tournament July 2 at Irataba Hall, and a coed… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d97d9c2ca79de236511ea New explosive allegation rocks Platner campaign still reeling from rape accusation te 2026-07-08T00:20:41.971Z New explosive allegation rocks Platner campaign still reeling from rape accusation Embattled U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner was hit with a second explosive allegation of sexual impropriety only about 24 hours after he was accused of rape — all while a major campaign decision deadline looms. In a new report published by The Washington Post, the candidate from Maine was accused of removing condoms during sex with his ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield after she explicitly directed him to wear them. "He would pull condoms off," she told The Washington Post. "He would do it in a sneaky way. He wouldn’t tell me." NEW YORK TIMES UNDER SCRUTINY OVER GRAHAM PLATNER COVERAGE AS ACCUSERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST PAPER Fifield, 41, previously accused Platner of physical misconduct during their relationship, saying that he sometimes grabbed her hard enough to leave marks on her body, and that one time he twisted her arm around her back, pushed her into a bedroom and held the door shut until she "calmed down." Those concerns were largely dismissed by Platner's supporters, who characterized Fifield, who used to work at The Heritage Foundation, of being a conservative operative. "I confronted him both during and after [sex] because he knew that I was not on birth control and how dangerous that was," she told The Post, who said that Fifield made the allegations in a previous interview with the outlet, but strictly off the record. ‘HE HATED WOMEN’: EXPLOSIVE ABUSE, NEW NAZI TATTOO ALLEGATIONS FROM EXES ROCK PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN "He would act like cute about it, like ‘Oh sneaky me,'" she said, according to the report. In a statement to The Washington Post, the Platner campaign reportedly said that Fifield's latest allegations were "categorically false and politically motivated." Platner is running to oust Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins. Monday, the oyster farmer, whose campaign has been dogged by scandal since last year, was accused of rape by another woman. PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER Jenny Racicot, 41, told POLITICO that Platner drunkenly entered her home while they were on-again, off-again romantic partners in 2021, and raped her. She claimed that he ejaculated inside her after she told him to stop multiple times. "I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told the outlet, which she said took place while Platner was "almost blackout drunk" in Washington, D.C. "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’" Platner categorically denied those allegations, too, in a video released in the immediate aftermath of the publication of the POLITICO story. He said his campaign was taking time to assess possible next steps, as a major deadline in the race looms. Platner must withdraw from the race by 5:00 p.m. on next Monday, July 13, if another Democratic candidate, who would be chosen by the party, is to replace him before the November general election. Monday evening into Tuesday, a litany of previous supporters dropped their endorsements of Platner and called for him to drop out of the race, including progressive Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., two of his most ardent backers. "Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault," Warren said in a statement Monday night. TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' "Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable. With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race." "I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine," Sanders said in a statement midday Tuesday. "In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside." Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign for comment. Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d9594c2ca79de23651175 Far-left Platner supporter melts down after new scandal, accuses media of 'politically assassinating' him te 2026-07-08T00:11:00.431Z Far-left Platner supporter melts down after new scandal, accuses media of 'politically assassinating' him A far-left podcaster slammed the mainstream media in an X post on Tuesday, accusing outlets of "politically assassinating" embattled Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Maine Graham Platner. "The Young Turks" CEO and founder Cenk Uygur, an influential political commentator, posted the accusation one day after Politico published allegations made by Jenny Racicot, who dated Platner. Racicot told Politico that in 2021, Platner drunkenly came into her home and forced her to have sex with him against her will. Platner denied the allegations in a video released by his campaign Monday, calling them "troubling, serious and false." "Any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false," Platner said. He added that, in light of what he described as the "inaccuracy of the reporting," his campaign was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward." HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION The allegations marked the latest crisis for Platner's campaign, which has faced multiple controversies involving allegations from former partners and scrutiny over other aspects of his past. Despite Platner's denial, the latest allegations sparked major political backlash as Democrats began rescinding their endorsements of the Maine oysterman, with some calling on him to drop out of the race. Platner rose to prominence by positioning himself as an anti-establishment progressive, campaigning against corporate PACs and U.S. support for Israel. Uygur, who has long used his platform to champion left-wing insurgent candidates, continued to defend Platner even as the controversies surrounding his campaign mounted. Uygur went on to warn the Democratic Party against replacing Platner with candidates who are pro-Israel and in favor of corporate PACs. "If he drops out and Democratic Party tries to give us two candidates who are both for Israel and corporate pacs [SIC], they'll face a revolt like they've never seen. Days of [bulls---] false choices are over," Uygur wrote. The controversial podcaster said that he wants a candidate that is "even more against corporate pacs [SIC], more against Israel, more against the establishment, more against corruption, more against the status quo." NEW YORK TIMES UNDER SCRUTINY OVER GRAHAM PLATNER COVERAGE AS ACCUSERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST PAPER In a subsequent post, Uygur warned that those who supported Platner would also face "character assassinations." "Next the character assassins will move on to smearing anyone who supported Platner. They'll try guilt by association, to eliminate more opponents of the establishment. This is how these thugs operate and pick off outsiders one by one. Meanwhile, no one looks into the insiders," he wrote. He also predicted that the media's "next target" would likely be an anti-Israel outsider. Uygur has repeatedly argued that Democrats and the media targeted Platner because of the candidate's opposition to Israel. Since April, he has accused Democrats of targeting Platner over his views on the war in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel. Last month, he said on X that Platner's critics "work for Israel" and that the Democrats who were attacking the Maine candidate were "ordered to do so by their handlers." The post came just one day after The New York Times published allegations by Racicot and other women who previously dated Platner. Although the Times also interviewed women who spoke positively about Platner, the allegations by Racicot and the others became the focus of the scandal. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE One of the women interviewed by the Times, Lyndsey Fifield, shed light on a controversy that plagued Platner's campaign in its early days. Platner had a tattoo of a Nazi symbol known as a "Totenkopf" on his chest, though he claimed that he did not know its origin until it became a campaign issue. However, Fifield told the Times that Platner had referred to it as "my Totenkopf," and that he taught her the word for the symbol. While the allegations reported by the Times last month did not appear to shift support among Platner's backers, the accusations that surfaced Monday prompted several prominent Democrats to distance themselves from him. Among them were Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., as well as Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. Though he did not explicitly withdraw his endorsement, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said in a post on X that he had spoken with Platner and "recommended that he step aside." Platner has not dropped out of the race, but said in a video released Monday that his campaign was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d9580c2ca79de2365116c Donovan Mitchell signs massive $273M Cavaliers extension as LeBron James return speculation grows te 2026-07-08T00:10:40.982Z Donovan Mitchell signs massive $273M Cavaliers extension as LeBron James return speculation grows Donovan Mitchell got quite the payday from the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, as he agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension, which includes a full trade kicker and player option for the 2030-31 season. While Mitchell could’ve waited one more year to get a potential five-year, $353 million deal, the 29-year-old wasted no time signing an extension on the first day he was eligible to do so this summer. It’s hard for Cleveland not to want to build their team around Mitchell now and for the foreseeable future. He has been an All-Star seven straight seasons, which includes three with the Utah Jazz prior to his trade to Cleveland during the 2022 offseason. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM He has averaged 26.7 points across four seasons with the Cavaliers, including 27.9 this past season, and has made an All-NBA team in three of his four years. Mitchell also noted having "unfinished business" after the team got swept by the future NBA-champion New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Mitchell was heading into the 2026-27 season on the last guaranteed season of his previous contract before a 2027 player option kicked in. CAVS NEED LEBRON JAMES 'TO RETURN HOME TO SAVE THE DAY,' ESPN STAR STEPHEN A SMITH SAYS Now, the bigger question for the Cavaliers: Does Mitchell’s contract extension hurt, or help, their chances of yet another reunion with LeBron James? The 41-year-old has made it clear he will be playing elsewhere for the 2026-27 NBA season, marking the end of his eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers. James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, hasn’t indicated where he might be heading, but reports have indicated his agent, Rich Paul, is actively looking at specific teams. Among them is the Cavaliers, as the man from Akron, Ohio has played a significant role in the franchise’s history, including an NBA title in 2016. If this is James' final NBA run, why not do it where it all began, where he returned after his successful stint with the Miami Heat, and where he can close the book on a one-of-a-kind career? However, other teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors have been rumored and debated about. But, of course, salary cap is a big deal for NBA teams, and staying within the parameters. While a Cavaliers fan could view Mitchell’s max extension as a bad thing for James to land back in Cleveland, it is not believed to affect their chances at signing him. And for James’ NBA title chances, the Cavaliers did reach the Eastern Conference Finals, and the 41-year-old wouldn’t have to be the center of attention in terms of offensive playmaking. Mitchell and Evan Mobley can lead the way there, while Jarrett Allen protects the rim down low. The Cavaliers and James Harden, whom they acquired before the trade deadline last season, are reportedly negotiating a team-friendly deal as well to keep their salary cap at bay. Whether the big fish will be landed, bringing "The Chosen One" back to his roots one last time, remains to be seen. Mitchell has left no doubt, though, where his future lies in the NBA, as he will look to get that unfinished business squared away in Cleveland. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d93cdc2ca79de23651126 Big 12 media days: ASU using World Cup experience as showcase for Union Jack Classic in London te 2026-07-08T00:03:25.500Z Big 12 media days: ASU using World Cup experience as showcase for Union Jack Classic in London Cronkite News offers an audio version of this story using an automated voice created by AI. Errors in pronunciation, pacing and intonation may occur. If you notice an error please contact cronkitenews@asu.edu. FRISCO, Texas – When Mikel Merino buried Spain’s winner against Portugal into the corner of the net, half of the Arizona State football team’s leadership council completely missed it. They were too busy doing the wave. A day before Big 12 media days, the Sun Devils’ Tillman Leadership Council, a group of seven players voted in by their teammates, sat together inside AT&T Stadium in Dallas watching Spain and Portugal in the World Cup.  Tight end Khamari Anderson admitted, “I didn’t know anything about soccer. I never watched a soccer game.”  Running back Kyson Brown said he didn’t realize “how many people fed into that sport,” and was stunned that fans “were standing up and singing the entire time.” The players believe the atmosphere will mirror what awaits them in London as they participate in the Union Jack Classic on Sept. 19. “I’m glad to be able to introduce American football to them,” Anderson said. “Hopefully, the same type of fans will be there.” Offensive lineman Jalen Klemm, who has fought back from a stroke to become one of ASU’s most respected voices, called it “a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity.”  Defensive back Montana Warren, who grew up in East Texas, said, “You could’ve told me this 12 years ago, I’d be like, ‘You’re lying. Ain’t no way.’” Coach Kenny Dillingham, who had never been to a World Cup, took in the spectacle alongside the leaders of his squad. “College football is about experiences for guys,” Dillingham said. “For them to be able to experience that, that’s a bucket‑list item. I never dreamed I would go to a World Cup. Sometimes when things are meant to be, they’re meant to be.” The World Cup trip became the unexpected center of ASU’s media days presence, serving as a shared experience to which players kept returning. Brown said he learned “you can’t take your eyes off the game; something can happen in an instant.”  Anderson, meanwhile, said seeing Ronaldo’s final World Cup game was “crazy,” adding, “I was shocked by it; I didn’t know anything about soccer.” Defensive lineman C.J. Fite, one of ASU’s most respected veterans, called it “one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life,” and admitted he missed the goal because he was mid‑wave.  “I just started screaming,” he said.  Another respected veteran, linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu, reflected on the experience.  “That was amazing,” he said. “I’ve only ever played the video game, but just to see the game in person, it was definitely different and definitely something that I would love to go back to.” Dillingham said the nonstop pace of the game struck him most. “The game never stops. There’s three breaks in the entire game. To feel the flow of the game just go, it’s such a different feel than football.” Warren, who has never left the country, touched on his mindset for the upcoming bout against Kansas. “I’m going to be scared, but it’s going to be fun,” he said. “The love I got for football should be shared in other parts of the world. Wish we did it sooner.” Defensive back Lyrik Rawls, the only newcomer voted into the leadership council, will face his former team in London.  “Every time I see a post about it, somebody sends it to me,” he said. “It’s been good vibes.” Dillingham underscored the opportunity presented to them. “It’s still about 18‑ to 22‑year‑olds and their experience,” he said. “Sending 105 college kids to London to experience something they may never experience again, that’s a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity.” ASU’s facilities push Off the field, ASU is undergoing one of the most aggressive facility overhauls in the conference. Sun Devils athletic director Graham Rossini said, “We’re under the hood on about as much as you can be right now,” noting renovations to Mountain America Stadium’s south lodge (“about 400 seats refreshed”), new north end zone boxes (“34 boxes right by the Tillman statue”) and the multi‑phase rebuild of Desert Financial Arena. “It’s 50 years old,” Rossini said. “It needs a lot of TLC.” He added that ASU is “catching up in a lot of respects” and “elevating in a lot of respects,” emphasizing that physical spaces “matter for driving a better game day” and “matter for coaching and teaching and development at a high level.” Dillingham echoed that urgency. “You just asked a coach if he’s content, right? Obviously the answer is no,” he said. “We’ll never be content. We’re building a new indoor facility that’s going to be one of the best in the country.” As ASU tries to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of college recruiting, new facilities are a step in a needed direction as the school strives for a return to the top of the conference.  Yormark’s global ambitions Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark didn’t mince words regarding the league’s direction. “We have global ambitions as a conference,” he said. “There’s a lot of interest in Europe for what we do.” He noted that 14% of Big 12 athletes are international and six of the 16 schools have campuses outside the U.S. The London game fits well into that strategy as the conference looks to gain a foothold overseas. Rossini said Kansas joined the Union Jack Classic after stadium renovations forced them to explore alternatives.  “Let’s make it a conference game,” he said. “Let’s make it a Big 12 showcase for the globe.” Another hot topic was expansion. Yormark addressed College Football Playoff expansion in particular, saying, “We need more access. I’m a firm believer in that.”  He also acknowledged the league’s desire to push toward a 24‑team model. Texas Tech, Brendan Sorsby and Joey McGuire’s perspective Yormark declined to address the Brendan Sorsby controversy. The Texas Tech transfer quarterback admitted to placing thousands of sports wagers, including bets on his own team while at Indiana.  Although a judge temporarily overturned his NCAA ban and Texas Tech’s administration – including athletic director Kirby Hocutt and coach Joey McGuire – publicly defended the decision to allow Sorsby to remain with the team, intense backlash and a subsequent lawsuit from the Big 12 caused Sorsby to abandon his appeal and leave the program “Today is not the time to address that issue,” Yormark said. McGuire felt otherwise, acknowledging the situation directly. “One thing I truly believe is to bring a team together, shared success is part of it, but shared adversity brings you even closer,” he said. “The last couple months we’ve gone through some adversity.” McGuire said veterans such as Ben Roberts and Sheridan Wilson kept the locker room steady.  “If you walked into our building every single day, you wouldn’t know anything was going on,” he said. McGuire met repeatedly with his captains to navigate the situation.  “They’ve been incredible,” he said. “I’m really fortunate we’ve got a strong leadership group.” When asked whether Tech’s public support of Sorsby came at a personal cost to his reputation, McGuire made light of the topic. “That’s a great question,” he said. “My peers supported me. Eric Morris called me the first day any news broke. Kalani Sitake said the same thing. Kenny Dillingham made a joke in a group text and then called me and said, ‘I was kidding.’” He said his concern was for athletic director Kirby Hocutt and president Lawrence Schovanec. “They went through a lot.” McGuire emphasized that his communication focused on Tech’s alumni and boosters. “Those are the ones I concern myself with,” he said. “making sure they understand where we were coming from.” He also used the moment to advocate for restoring Texas rivalries. “Spot the ball, we’re ready to go right now,” he said. “Texas and Texas Tech are supposed to play. Texas and Texas A&M are supposed to play. If you’re a Texan, why would we go outside the state to play nonconference games?” Pat Tillman Leadership Council Every player representing ASU at Big 12 media days is a part of the Pat Tillman Leadership Council. Warren explained the council’s purpose better than anyone. “It’s almost an extension of your head coach,” he said. “Coaches talk every single day; you can tune it out. For your program to take a big jump, you need players in the locker room, during workouts, outside the locker room, being an extension of your head coach. Right now, some of our coaches are on vacation; we’re the coaches right now.” Dillingham gave full credit to the players that make up the group. “I don’t do much. They do most of it,” he said. “This is a player‑run program.” Fite said leadership became easier once he leaned fully into his faith. “My strength comes from the Lord, all the weight lifted off my shoulders,” he said. Rawls said being the only newcomer voted in meant “I was doing something right for the guys to want to follow behind me.” Anderson said the council’s strength is its connection with the rest of the team. “We don’t just yell at people,” he said. “We build relationships.” For a program trying to regain its footing in the wake of key changes, a steady group of player-chosen leaders is crucial, and it’s clear that this group is held in high regard. Return of Prime Time  Colorado coach Deion Sanders arrived at Big 12 media days radiating the same magnetism that has made him one of the sport’s most polarizing and irresistible figures. “My younger self would be proud,” Sanders said, reflecting on the cancer battle that left him gaunt and weakened throughout 2025. “Last year, I was fighting a battle called cancer. I was probably 15 pounds down, looking like Eddie Cain. I had on the sweatsuit under my suit because I was so thin.” Then he leaned forward, grinning. “Now I’m here with full strength, full energy,” he said. “I got that swagger back. I got that dog back. I’m back, baby.” Sanders said he’s up to 204 pounds with his “legs slightly forward,” and can’t wait to get back on the sideline.  “I cannot wait to get back to camp. I cannot wait to see the kids. I’m excited about this season and the expectations there are.” In typical Prime fashion, those expectations aren’t modest. Sanders took the college football world by storm in his second season at Colorado, posting a 9-4 record in 2024, but the Buffaloes slipped to 3-9 last season. “Oh, we better win,” Sanders said. “That’s gonna be the surprise. We’re gonna win. I love what I got. I love what I see.” He backed up that claim, giving praise to his coaching staff and the squad he oversees.  “This is the best coaching staff that I’ve had in my coaching career,” Sanders said. “I’m excited about the young men. I’m excited about everything we have on this roster because I feel like we have the team to win.” He also dismissed Colorado’s absence from the preseason All‑Big 12 team. “We don’t care about what people say,” he said. “Just because our guys were snubbed off a poll that’s probably not going to be consistent with the end of the season. We don’t give a darn.” Sanders said his players know exactly who they are, and he won’t let outside voices define them. “If my kids and my coaches and our staff don’t understand who they are, we have a problem,” he said. “They’re not going to allow you to identify who we are.” Sanders also spoke about how modern college football has forced him to evolve. “As a coach, it has taught me tremendous patience,” he said. “A lot of young men want to benefit from the game financially. A lot of young men want to benefit because they love the game. You’ve got to really understand there are two sides to this coin.” He said his five children keep him “hip” to modern trends, and his faith keeps him grounded. “That’s the only way I can rock steady,” Sanders said. “You guys blow with the wind. I have a God who’s been so darn good to me. I don’t allow anyone out there to tell me who I am.” With health concerns behind him, Sanders remains primed to be one of college football’s most compelling figures once more this upcoming season. The post Big 12 media days: ASU using World Cup experience as showcase for Union Jack Classic in London appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d938fc2ca79de23651115 Transgender student drops challenge against Arizona’s school sports prohibition te 2026-07-08T00:02:23.027Z Transgender student drops challenge against Arizona’s school sports prohibition Key Points: Attorney Rachel Berg drops lawsuit over Arizona’s transgender sports law Berg believes a blanket ban is illegal, despite Supreme Court ruling Republican lawmakers propose tightening the 2022 law on the November ballot An attorney is dropping her challenge against an Arizona law prohibiting the participation of transgender girls in girls’ sports.  Rachel Berg said Tuesday she still believes that Arizona’s blanket ban is illegal, even following last week’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding similar restrictions in Idaho and West Virginia. She said there are issues in the case here which were not addressed by the nation’s high court. But Berg told Capitol Media Services that the one remaining plaintiff in the case — a transgender girl headed to high school after attending Kyrene Aprende Middle School in the Kyrene Elementary School District — has decided that she is done pursuing her claim. “This case was filed over three years ago,” Berg said. And she said that this kind of multi-year federal lawsuit “can be particularly grueling for young people.” “So our client has decided for personal reasons that she does not want to continue with the litigation,” Berg said. State schools chief Tom Horne hailed the decision as “a victory for girl athletes and for common sense.” “There had been numerous articles about girls who worked hard on their sports, hoping to make the team, or even get a college scholarship or compete for the Olympics,” Horne said in a prepared statement. “Then they had to compete with a biological boy who was bigger, stronger and faster from birth.” All that, he said, resulted in “shattered dreams” when they could not compete. “They no longer need to fear those outcomes,” Horne said. Berg, however, said she believes there is still a legal path forward should any other transgender girl choose to try to participate in girls’ sports. In its ruling last week, the nation’s high court upheld laws in the other two states limiting participation in girls’ sports to those born biologically female. The justices said those kinds of statutes do not violate equal protection requirements. Arizona approved a similar law in 2022. In this case, however, Berg, an attorney with the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, did not challenge the law itself. Instead, she argued that the statute here could not be applied to the individual plaintiffs — there originally were two — because they had either not gone through puberty or were taking puberty blockers. That, Berg argued, meant they had no inherent advantage over those who were born female. U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Zipps agreed, ordering the state and the schools to allow them to play. One attended The Gregory School in Tucson but dropped out of the case after she graduated, leaving only the plaintiff who had attended Aprende Middle School. That decision was upheld in 2024 by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals which concluded that Horne, a defendant in the case, had not provided legitimate reasons to say the 2022 law must be applied and that the two transgender girls must be excluded from girls’ sports. Then came last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision about the Idaho and West Virginia laws — and, Berg said, the request by her client to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” meaning, strictly speaking, it could be refiled. “This isn’t the last word on this issue,” Berg said. “There’s still pathways forward to challenge these types of laws that the Supreme Court didn’t address.” One of those issues not mentioned by the Supreme Court is whether such laws violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. Berg has said that transgender girls suffer from “gender dysphoria,” a disconnect between how individuals identify themselves and the gender they are assigned at birth. Horne, however, has scoffed at those claims. He said that every transgender person could be found to be dealing with gender dysphoria. And the schools chief said the justices would never allow such a claim to overturn their basic ruling saying that states are free under that law to define “sex” as “biological sex,” meaning the sex assigned at birth — and not in the broader sense of how athletes identify themselves. Berg said there are other potential claims, though she did not disclose what they are. Any new or renewed lawsuit also might have to deal with a changed law in Arizona. Republican lawmakers have put a measure on the November ballot to tighten up some of what is in the 2022 law, as well as add new restrictions on things like allowing transgender girls — identified in the proposal as those born biologically male — to use bathrooms and locker rooms reserved for girls. The post Transgender student drops challenge against Arizona’s school sports prohibition first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d937ac2ca79de236510f0 Tennis legend Martina Navratilova calls for SJSU to dismiss volleyball coach amid allegations: 'Fire his a--!' te 2026-07-08T00:02:02.543Z Tennis legend Martina Navratilova calls for SJSU to dismiss volleyball coach amid allegations: 'Fire his a--!' Women's tennis legend Martina Navratilova has called for San Jose State University (SJSU) to fire volleyball coach Todd Kress after Fox News Digital reported on a letter containing allegations against Kress by a former player that was sent to the school in fall 2024, during the team's highly-publicized transgender athlete scandal. Navratilova re-shared an X post by U.S. women's swimming Olympic gold medalist Nancy Hogshead, criticizing the coach and university. "Fire his a--!" Navratilova wrote in one post. In another, the tennis legend wrote, "This is truly sickening… this coach should have been fired yesterday!" CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Hogshead's original post wrote, "Sex discrimination rarely manifests in just one form," before referencing Kress's alleged handling of female and a trans player during his first two seasons leading the team. Fox News Digital has reached out to SJSU and Kress for a response to Navratilova and Hogshead's comments. Fox News Digital reported Tuesday that in October 2024, the SJSU athletic department received a letter from one of Kress’ former players at Fairfield University from 1998. The letter included allegations that Kress attacked her in a hotel room in 1998. Emails show that SJSU officials acknowledged the receipt of the allegations, thanked the former player for coming forward and apologized for her experiences. Despite this, Kress was never suspended and has continued to serve as the head coach of the women's volleyball team. Fox News Digital was given copies of the emails exchanged between SJSU and the former Fairfield player, from an independently verified source. Fox News Digital has independently verified she played at Fairfield under Kress in the 1998 season, but is not disclosing her name. That first email she sent to SJSU contained the letter with the written allegations against Kress, that was originally sent to Fairfield University. The alleged incident occurred in a hotel after Fairfield’s loss to Clemson in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament in December of that year. She wrote that a teammate asked her to bring her a shirt to Kress’ room. "I told her I wanted no part of his insanity. I was distraught about the loss and wasn’t interested in his drunken insanity, which was commonplace on trips." The former player added that her teammate "promised Todd would not throw water at me or do something juvenile so I reluctantly agreed to bring her the shirt." "... I knocked on the door and Todd answered. He immediately took caramel from a plastic container and smeared it all over my face and hair. He then forcibly threw me on the bed and held me down. I was in shock. He let go of me and then pulled his pants down and put his back side in my face. "Astonished... that is the only word I can think of to describe how I felt in that moment... Todd was drunk. I got up and went for the door. "Todd again grabbed me, picked me up, and threw me into the bathtub where he held me down and threatened to turn on the shower with me laying there to ‘clean the caramel off of my face.’ At this point I was fighting back to get away from him. US WOMEN OLYMPIANS REACT TO HISTORIC SUPREME COURT RULING ON THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN'S SPORTS "Todd let me get out of the tub, laughing, and then he stood in front of the door blocking my exit. Todd told me he would only let me leave if I took a shot of liquor, which I did only to get him to move away from the door. Once he did, I ran for it. He chased me. I got into my room and although he seemed to be in a rage, he turned and calmly walked out," the letter alleges. The former player goes on to allege her teammates "had been drinking with Todd underage." She also claimed she did not report the incident at the time because she "was scared of losing my scholarship and being the reason my teammates lost theirs." On June 9, 2026, Fox News Digital submitted a formal public records request to San Jose State University seeking copies of the Oct. 24, 2024, complaint letter sent to Athletic Director Jeff Konya, the Nov. 1 follow-up email, and the subsequent Nov. 7 correspondence from the university's Title IX office. On June 22, 2026, SJSU’s public records office formally denied the request. In a response issued by university legal counsel J. Leah Castella, the school acknowledged the existence of the records but determined they were not disclosable under the California Public Records Act. "The requested communications implicate substantial privacy interests," the university's response stated. "Disclosure of these records would therefore constitute an invasion of privacy that outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Specifically, these records are being withheld subject to the following exemptions: Personnel Records/Privacy... General Privacy Rights... [and the] Balancing Test. Here, the public interest served by disclosure is minimal and is outweighed by the public interest served against disclosure in protecting substantial and significant privacy rights." Following the records denial, Fox News Digital sent a detailed press inquiry to Kress, Konya, Lim and Castella. The inquiry summarized the exact dates, timestamps and contents of the internal records obtained independently by Fox News Digital, and posed a series of explicit questions to the parties, including requests for Kress' response to the 1998 allegations, details on what specific next steps the Title IX office took following their November 2024 meetings, and whether athletic department officials interviewed current volleyball players regarding their safety. The inquiry also questioned university legal counsel regarding the decision to classify the public interest in these safety warnings as "minimal" while the university is actively engaged in a federal lawsuit defending its Title IX compliance within the volleyball program. Fox News Digital has not sought judicial relief on SJSU’s claim. As of publication time, neither Kress, Konya, nor any legal or communications representatives for San Jose State University have responded to requests for comment. Fox News Digital also reached out to Fairfield University for request for a response to the former player’s letter, but a spokesperson responded, writing, "The university does not comment on former or current personnel matters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d9367c2ca79de236510e7 Dem with White House ambitions ripped after backing two scandal-plagued candidates: 'Troubling' te 2026-07-08T00:01:43.087Z Dem with White House ambitions ripped after backing two scandal-plagued candidates: 'Troubling' Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., who has left the door open to a 2028 presidential run, is facing new questions about his judgment after rescinding support for a second Democratic candidate accused of misconduct involving women. Gallego rescinded his endorsement of Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner on Monday after a rape allegation surfaced. The move comes just months after Gallego was forced to pull his support from Eric Swalwell’s disastrous California gubernatorial bid amid separate allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Both Platner and Swalwell have denied the allegations against them. In a social media post on X announcing he would be withdrawing his support for Platner, Gallego called the accusations against him "troubling and deeply serious." Meanwhile, Lyndsey Fifield, Platner's former girlfriend who has publicly accused Platner of abusive behavior, called out Gallego after the Arizona senator withdrew his Platner endorsement Monday, suggesting Gallego had ample warning signs before finally abandoning the embattled Maine Democrat. DEM SENATOR FACES DOJ PROBE AFTER ALLEGATIONS OF SPENDING CAMPAIGN FUNDS ON LUXURY LIFESTYLE "Mine weren't sufficiently troubling or serious for you, right?" Fifield questioned in response to a social media post on X from Gallego, referring to the accounts of her relationship with Platner provided to the New York Times and published several weeks ago. Fifield’s allegations were included in a June 4 New York Times report examining Platner’s past relationships, in which she alleged that he repeatedly grabbed her hard enough to leave marks, pulled her from a cab by the wrist and, in one incident, twisted her arm behind her back and held her in a room while they were dating several years ago. Fifield told the Times that Platner never hit or punched her, but said the alleged incidents left her shaken and afraid. Platner denied being violent and called the allegations false. Still, Platner drew support from influential Democratic figures before and after the Times report. "Pod Save America" co-host Jon Lovett acknowledged after the June 4 story that the Times had reported allegations that Platner was "intimidating and even physically aggressive with past romantic partners," but argued Democrats had to weigh whether they preferred "a Democratic majority with Graham Platner in the Senate" or a Republican majority with incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.  TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: ‘RED LINE’ Fellow co-host Jon Favreau had previously praised Platner as Democrats’ "best and only chance" to beat Collins and as a "good, decent man who’s struggled and grown and is always trying to do better." "Senator Gallego did the right thing and broke with those individuals when he learned they had betrayed values he proudly fights for," a Gallego spokesperson told Fox News Digital.  But Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., said people like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., needed to apologize for backing Platner, telling Fox News' Laura Ingraham that he "refused" early on to look past the claims.  "What he did, is he effectively broke in her home – he went in her home without her consent, then he came upstairs and assaulted her. She also described that created a dangerous situation for a possible pregnancy because of those circumstances, what he's done," Fetterman said of the latest allegations. DEMS UPHILL CLIMB FOR SENATE MAJORITY JUST GOT A LOT STEEPER WITH LATEST PLATNER ALLEGATION "He was already a dead man walking politically," Fetterman continued. "Even those Pod Save America people who pushed that dirtbag, and they dismissed those things in the New York Times article, maybe they ought to apologize to the women that clearly they didn't believe, or they dismissed." "I know Democrats that have back-to-back endorsed and gone all in on Swalwell and were on the Platner train as well too. So, maybe stop getting in bed with absolute dirtbags – someone like Platner," Fetterman added. A Fox News Digital review of public endorsement announcements and press reports found Gallego was the only sitting member of Congress clearly identified as having endorsed both Swalwell and Platner. Separate state and local affiliates within the SEIU and AFL-CIO labor union networks were involved in each race, but they were not the same endorsing entities. "The allegations against Platner are awful but are also unsurprising to anyone who actually read the NYT catch-and-kill story. The victim strongly implied the allegations there," Former chief counsel to Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, Mike Fragoso, said this week after the latest round of allegations against Platner. The latest allegation came from Jenny Racicot, a Maine Democrat who said she dated Platner on and off from 2019 to 2021 and had previously spoken to the Times for its June story. Racicot alleged in a Monday Politico report that Platner entered her home uninvited in late 2021 after she told him not to come over, was intoxicated, ignored her repeated objections and forced her to have sex. Politico reported that it reviewed text messages and emails with Racicot’s therapist and spoke with people she said she confided in after the alleged assault. Platner has once again denied the allegation as false. HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION Gallego joined several other prominent Democrats after the Politico report in rescinding support for Platner, or calling on him to exit the race, while Democratic operatives face a tight window under Maine election law to replace him if he withdraws. "Gallego's judgment is troubling," Republican Arizona state Senator Warren Peterson said. "Another Gallego endorsement going down in flames." "There is a bizarre pattern of Gallego, who claimed complete ignorance of his friend Eric Swalwell's alleged abusive treatment of women and is now doing the same with Graham Platner," said Fox News Media contributor and George Washington University law professor, Jonathan Turley.  "For Schumer’s PAC, Senatorial, Gallego, the Pod Bros, et al. the only real difference now is polling," said Fragoso in terms of the changing sentiment towards Platner. Meanwhile, conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky took aim at Gallego’s personal history, writing on X, "Ruben Gallego is dropping Graham Platner like he’s a pregnant wife."  The jab comes as Gallego has also faced separate scrutiny in reference to his 2016 divorce from then-wife Kate Gallego, who was pregnant at the time.  Unsealed divorce records reportedly showed that Gallego filed for divorce on Dec. 15, 2016, and that his own motion to seal the case noted Kate Gallego had "not yet been served" but was "likely to give birth any day." In addition to scrutiny over his divorce, Gallego has faced complaints over his campaign spending on family travel, childcare and other personal expenses. A week ago, Politico reported that Gallego used campaign money on family trips to Miami, Saint Barthélemy, Disneyland, Disney World and Chicago. He also used funds to attend the 2023 Super Bowl in Arizona, but the senator insisted that the tickets were a legitimate campaign fundraising expense. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d9340c2ca79de236510c8 Part of Florida’s ‘Stop WOKE’ Law Ruled Illegal by Appeals Court te 2026-07-08T00:01:04.173Z Part of Florida’s ‘Stop WOKE’ Law Ruled Illegal by Appeals Court The law limits teaching on race, gender and other topics. Part of the law related to colleges was struck down. It remains in effect in K-12 schools. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d932cc2ca79de236510bf Judge Orders D.H.S. to Restore 4 States’ Access to Citizenship Data te 2026-07-08T00:00:44.718Z Judge Orders D.H.S. to Restore 4 States’ Access to Citizenship Data The ruling, based on an agreement the Trump administration signed with Florida last year, contradicted an earlier order by a judge in Washington that required the access be suspended. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d9314c2ca79de23651098 Tucson Spotlight election coverage te 2026-07-08T00:00:20.671Z Tucson Spotlight election coverage 💡 The primary election is July 21. Early voting began June 24, with a mail ballot deadline of July 14. Pima County voters can register, check their registration or request a mail ballot at recorder.pima.gov Legislative District 17 House Volk seeks reelection in Arizona House District 17 Democratic Rep. Kevin Volk discusses his reelection campaign for Arizona House District 17, outlining his positions on groundwater regulation, affordable housing and public school funding. Legislative District 20 House Republican write-in Weasel runs in LD20 House race Katherine Weasel is running as a Republican write-in candidate in Arizona’s Legislative District 20 House race, where she will face two Democratic primary winners in November on issues including school vouchers, water and housing. Villegas seeks reelection in Arizona House LD20 race State Rep. Betty Villegas is running for reelection to the Arizona House in Legislative District 20, facing primary challengers as she campaigns on water accountability, housing affordability and opposition to ESA voucher expansion. Legislative District 20 Senate Hernandez on water, ESAs and housing in LD20 State Rep. Alma Hernandez is running for the Arizona Senate in Legislative District 20, facing a Democratic primary challenge from Rocque Perez ahead of the July 21 primary. Perez on schools, water and housing in LD20 Former Tucson City Council member Rocque Perez is facing off against state Rep. Alma Hernandez for the open LD20 Senate seat, arguing that Southern Arizona needs leaders willing to say no to corporate interests and yes to public education. Perez’s deleted posts threaten LD20 primary bid Aggressive 2020 social media posts by Arizona Senate candidate Rocque Perez have resurfaced ahead of the July 21 Democratic primary in Legislative District 20, drawing responses from both Perez and his opponent, state Rep. Alma Hernandez. LD20 Democrats issue statement against Rep. Alma Hernandez The Legislative District 20 Democratic Committee voted to issue a formal statement of concern against state Rep. Alma Hernandez, citing more than 150 votes she cast with Republicans ahead of a July primary against former Tucson council member Rocque Perez. Alma Hernandez faces ballot challenge over unpaid fines State Rep. Alma Hernandez could be removed from the 2026 Arizona ballot after fellow Democrats sued over more than $20,000 in alleged unpaid campaign finance fines. A judge is expected to rule by Thursday. Arizona Rep. Alma Hernandez clashes with UA Democrats The University of Arizona College Democrats are facing threatening messages after state Rep. Alma Hernandez accused the student group of using Israel and Palestine as a political litmus test. Marana Mayor and Council Marana council candidates on data centers, detention Four Marana Town Council candidates weigh in on data center regulations, PFAS contamination and a former prison contracted as an ICE detention center ahead of the July 21 primary. Oro Valley Mayor and Council Coming soon South Tucson Mayor and Council 8 candidates vie for 3 South Tucson Council seats Eight candidates are competing for three seats on the South Tucson City Council in a July 21 primary, with public safety, a budget deficit and surveillance cameras among the central issues in the race. Sierra Vista Mayor Sierra Vista Vice Mayor Flowers eyes top job Sierra Vista Vice Mayor Carolyn Flowers is running for mayor, citing eight years of council experience and a platform focused on veterans, small businesses, water resources and public safety. Rodriguez runs for Sierra Vista mayor on safety platform Sierra Vista City Council member Mark Rodriguez is running for mayor in the Nov. 3 election, campaigning on public safety, government transparency and support for the city’s veterans, small businesses and youth. Misc. LD17, LD20 voters meet candidates face-to-face in Tucson Voters in Legislative Districts 17 and 20 got a rare chance to speak one-on-one with candidates at an informal forum co-hosted by Tucson Spotlight, Arizona Luminaria and Press Forward Southern Arizona. League of Women Voters offers free advocacy workshop The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson is hosting a free “Writing for Impact” workshop June 15 at Nanini Library, covering letters to the editor, contacting elected officials and social media advocacy. Arizona advocates say Prop. 139 hasn’t solved abortion access Reproductive rights advocates, congressional candidate JoAnna Mendoza and state Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton gathered in Tucson to argue that despite Prop. 139’s passage, Arizona women still face significant barriers to abortion access. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8e79c2ca79de23650fdf Chris Broussard says Team USA's World Cup loss to Belgium exposed the gap with soccer's elite te 2026-07-07T23:40:41.388Z Chris Broussard says Team USA's World Cup loss to Belgium exposed the gap with soccer's elite Chris Broussard joined Dan Dakich on Don't @ Me Tuesday morning to break down storylines surrounding the NBA and Team USA's sad collapse at the World Cup. Broussard, co-host on the uber-popular "First Things First," weighed in on Jaylen Brown's value, LeBron James' future and the state of the USMNT. Dakich asked whether the Celtics had grown tired of Brown and the narrative surrounding him. CELTICS AGREE TO SEND JAYLEN BROWN, 2024 FINALS MVP, TO 76ERS IN BLOCKBUSTER NBA TRADE: REPORT "No, I think it more boils down to this," Broussard said. "Dan, analytically, I think he's great. He was on my All-NBA Second Team and fifth on my MVP ballot. But analytically, the numbers have never liked him. "There are 23 active players with five or more All-Star appearances. He's one of them, but he ranks 22nd in career plus-minus and is one of only two, along with DeMar DeRozan, with a negative career plus-minus. Last year against Philadelphia, they were minus-24 with him on the court and plus-six with him off the court." Brou argued that public perception doesn't always align with how NBA front offices evaluate players. "Now, to me, I overlooked that," Broussard continued. "But the Celtics are a very analytically driven front office, as are many teams in the league now. I feel like they don't think Jaylen was as good as the media thought he was and as all the accolades suggested. I think this was largely an analytics-driven decision where they felt like the numbers showed they could be better without him." IT SURE SOUNDS LIKE LEBRON JAMES IS HEADING BACK TO CLEVELAND TO END HIS CAREER WITH THE CAVALIERS Dakich then asked where the NBA's all-time leading scorer will finish his career. While Denver and Minnesota could make sense from a basketball standpoint, Broussard thinks LeBron will return to the Eastern Conference for one final run. "I think it's Cleveland. I think he wants to go home," Broussard predicted. "One of his best friends is in the front office in Cleveland, Brandon Weems, who he grew up with. I think he looks at Cleveland as, one, a place where he has a chance to win. They could win the East, and we've seen the last few years that if you get there, you've got a shot. We saw that with Indiana. "It's also a great place to finish. You talk about the perfect ending for a guy who has traveled around quite a bit. The perfect bow to wrap up this great career would be in Cleveland. If it was strictly basketball, you could make a case for Minnesota or Denver. But why stay in the West? Go to the East, where it's an easier path to the Finals." Broussard also weighed in on the U.S. Men's National Team following its loss to Belgium. While Mauricio Pochettino's arrival fueled optimism, Broussard said the team's recent run created a false sense of progress after victories over lower-ranked opponents. "We've been wall-to-wall soccer on our show," Broussard said. "I said this on the air this morning, Dan. My colleagues and I, and I think a lot of America, got drunk on sports patriotism. I started to think, 'Hey, we're definitely making the quarterfinals, and who knows, we might be able to do something magical.' Yesterday we found out there were levels to this. "We simply got there against a much better team. We had to realize all those teams we beat — Paraguay, the No. 41-ranked team in the world; Australia, No. 27; Turkey, No. 22. Bosnia was No. 64. We stepped up to the big boys against Belgium, No. 9 in the world." For Broussard, the loss served as a reality check, underscoring the gap between the United States and the world's elite soccer nations. "And we found out," Broussard concluded, "Pochettino has been asking, 'Why not us?' Here's why: we're not good enough. We just went up against a better team. By the end, I wasn't even mad because it was like, 'Hey, this is why we generally don't get past the Round of 16.' We're not good enough in soccer, and that's what we saw yesterday." Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8c5dc2ca79de23650f73 DOJ letter threatens Arizona election officials with prosecution as Fontes calls it ‘intimidation’ te 2026-07-07T23:31:41.068Z DOJ letter threatens Arizona election officials with prosecution as Fontes calls it ‘intimidation’ An election worker hands out “I Voted” stickers in Salt Lake City on Election Day in 2024. More than 30 initiatives on ballots across the country this year focus on democracy, including questions on voting rights, election processes, redistricting and similar issues. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday sent a letter to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office threatening to prosecute election officials who knowingly count the ballots of noncitizens or keep them on the voter rolls.  A near-identical letter was sent to more than a dozen other states on Tuesday, ranging from Democrat-led Michigan to deep-red states like Georgia and Tennessee.  The letter sent to Secretary of State Adrian Fontes wasn’t immediately provided to the Arizona Mirror, but a three-page letter to Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon warned that any election official in the state could face criminal charges if they are aware a person is a noncitizen but still allows them to remain registered to vote, accepts their ballots or counts their votes.  “Any election officer, including the chief election officer of the state, who knowingly retains noncitizens on the state’s (statewide voter registration list) or facilitates noncitizens in receiving and casting ballots could be subject to criminal liability,” Dhillon wrote.  Attached to Dhillon’s message, which referenced multiple federal laws detailing punishments for election workers, was a four-page memo outlining the responsibilities of election officials under federal laws like the National Voter Registration Act and the Civil Rights Act. Dhillon requested a response from Fontes’ office within five days explaining how Arizona complies with federal election laws and how the DOJ can assist in meeting those requirements.  In a written statement, Fontes denounced the letter as politically motivated and said it was “insulting” for election workers across the state.    “Arizona election officials have always worked to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote, and we will continue following Arizona law — not directions that come from political rhetoric or intimidation,” he said.  Arizona has required proof of citizenship to register to vote since 2004, when voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure mandating the check to ensure noncitizens were not casting ballots. For nearly two decades, it was the only state in the U.S. with such a requirement. Fontes, a Democrat, has long been at odds with the Trump administration over election security, refusing multiple times to turn over the state’s voter registration logs and arguing that doing so would violate federal and state privacy laws. The DOJ’s letter is the latest effort from the Trump administration to drum up alarm over noncitizen voting, despite the fact that it is vanishingly rare and not a significant issue for the country’s election security. Research shows that when noncitizens do register to vote, it is often due to bureaucratic errors or a misunderstanding about a person’s eligibility. Instead, the Trump administration’s push to keep the focus on the issue is more of a product of its deportation agenda, and its efforts to cast doubts on election security – especially mail-in voting — ahead of this year’s midterms.  Trump’s current priority is passing the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and ban mail in voting across the country. Among the president’s supporters in Arizona, Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap, a Republican, has helped advance the myth of mass noncitizen voting by referring 137 voter registrations for investigation to the county attorney’s office. But the federal database Heap used to identify those voter registrations has created false positives in other states.  Arizona is among the states with the strictest voter registration processes. To vote in state and local elections, Arizonans must show proof of citizenship. The National Voter Registration Act prohibits doing the same for federal elections. During the 2022 election, only 22 allegations of voter fraud were referred for prosecution out of 3.4 million ballots cast — less than 0.001%. In the end, only two cases resulted in a criminal conviction and neither case involved a noncitizen. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8c49c2ca79de23650f53 DHS buys two California migrant detention centers for $1.5B to boost ICE deportation capacity te 2026-07-07T23:31:21.096Z DHS buys two California migrant detention centers for $1.5B to boost ICE deportation capacity The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) purchased two migrant detention centers in California for $1.5 billion, the agency confirmed to Fox News Digital. The sale of the 2,560-bed California City Detention Facility and the 1,994-bed Otay Mesa Detention Center — two of the largest immigrant detention facilities in the Golden State — closed earlier this month, according to a press release from Tennessee-based CoreCivic, the private prison company that sold the facilities. DHS said it used funds from President Donald Trump's spending bill signed last summer to purchase the facilities, as the administration seeks to continue the president's mass deportation agenda. "The Department of Homeland Security purchased the California City Detention Facility and the Otay Mesa Detention Center," a DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "This purchase was made possible by President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill that allowed ICE to expand detention space to fulfill the President’s promise of mass deportations." DHS MOVES ALL DETAINEES OUT OF ‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ’ AMID HURRICANE CONCERNS The facilities will equip the federal government with more resources to carry out Trump's immigration policies without relying on private prison companies, as DHS says California's so-called sanctuary polices attempt to block immigration officials from using private prisons to hold migrants living in the country illegally. "Unlike in states like Florida and Oklahoma, ICE can not rely on local state and county partners for detention space in California," the DHS spokesperson said. "The state’s sanctuary politicians continue to push legislation to outlaw or make private prisons financially infeasible. Now, with federal ownership of these detention centers, which are crucial to ICE’s detention network on the west coast, ICE retains the detention capacity needed to arrest, detain, and remove illegal aliens." CoreCivic said it expects net proceeds to be about $1.1 billion after income taxes and transaction expenses. "We are pleased with the sales of these two mission-critical facilities for the Company’s government partner, which demonstrates the value of the Company’s underlying real estate portfolio, while reflecting our role as a long-term, flexible solutions provider to government," CoreCivic Chief Executive Patrick Swindle said in a statement. "The sale of these facilities at what we believe is a fair valuation provides the Company with significant balance sheet flexibility and positions us well to grow the Company’s businesses and return value to its shareholders, while remaining a dependable partner for government," he added. The company said it expects to continue managing the two facilities under existing management contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, although the terms of the management contracts could be modified to reflect the change in ownership. APPEALS COURT BLOCKS TRUMP ADMIN FROM HOLDING MIGRANTS WITHOUT BOND FOR OVER 90 DAYS The California City facility contract expires in August 2027 and the contract for the Otay Mesa facility, which is located in San Diego, expires in December 2029, with the option to extend for five more years. CoreCivic said it is in discussions with ICE about potentially selling additional detention facilities, although it said those talks are in various stages and cannot provide assurances that those sales will happen. Eight ICE detention facilities are currently operating in California and combine to hold nearly 9,000 people. The newly purchased California City and Otay Mesa facilities have both faced lawsuits by detainees over alleged mistreatment. CoreCivic has denied those allegations. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8c35c2ca79de23650f4a Newsom tells Democrats to be in the 'addition not subtraction' business with socialists te 2026-07-07T23:31:01.643Z Newsom tells Democrats to be in the 'addition not subtraction' business with socialists Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., was the latest prominent Democratic figure on Sunday to embrace candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as socialists dominate primary elections. Newsom told Jack Cocchiarella during a livestream on his YouTube channel that he rejects the idea that socialist candidates are a "threat" to the party, relating it to facing past "purity tests" while running for mayor of San Francisco in 2003. "This is all familiar, and it's very healthy," Newsom said. "I don't think it's unhealthy. So I completely reject this notion. And look, I'm for addition, not subtraction. The Democratic Party needs to be in the addition business if we're going to get back into the majority. Yeah, we need to get our base out there. We got to turn out…I'm not offended by this notion of a big tent." DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSMAN WARNS OF 'DANGEROUS' SOCIALIST AGENDA AFTER FAR-LEFT PRIMARY WINS He continued, "And I think it's important, though, that big tent is a big tent, because there's folks, you know, on this side that don't want folks on that. I think we'd be better off to look at the things that bind us together, the things we have in common. And I know the purity tests are going to get tougher and tougher in the next few years. But I am enthusiastic about the success and the energy and the vibrancy that's happening at the grassroots in this country. I think it's a healthy damn thing." Newsom's comments echoed several other Democratic Party members who have supported welcoming socialist candidates into their "big tent" following a socialist sweep in New York's primary elections. MAMDANI CLAIMS DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS CAN WIN ‘ANYWHERE’ AS DEMOCRATS FEUD OVER PARTY’S FUTURE "We have a big tent party, that's what it says," Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told Fox News Digital last month. "This is a democracy," he continued. "You're going to have lots of perspectives. It's up to the voters to decide, and they did." Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin also told Fox News Digital that he was "all about new leadership" when asked about DSA-backed candidates like Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez defeating incumbent candidates. DEMOCRATIC INFIGHTING GROWS AS CONGRESSWOMAN EXPOSES ‘DISRESPECTFUL’ WELCOME OF SOCIALISTS INTO ‘BIG TENT’ Last month, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., issued a warning to her Democratic colleagues against discouraging socialist candidates. "I actually think the more important advice that I would give would be to my incumbent colleagues — which is you will create a self-fulfilling prophecy by deciding who these young women are before you've met them," Ocasio-Cortez said on MS NOW. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8c0ec2ca79de23650f2c As Israel Loses Support in the U.S., Rahm Emanuel Criticizes Netanyahu te 2026-07-07T23:30:22.737Z As Israel Loses Support in the U.S., Rahm Emanuel Criticizes Netanyahu The former Chicago mayor, a Democrat exploring a 2028 presidential run, is in Tel Aviv calling for an end to unconditional U.S. support of Israel. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8a02c2ca79de23650e71 A beach in Australia is dealing with a serious case of space balls (not the Mel Brooks kind) te 2026-07-07T23:21:38.223Z A beach in Australia is dealing with a serious case of space balls (not the Mel Brooks kind) There was a golden era of stuff washing up on beaches, but the internet has ruined it. Now, you just snap a photo, throw it on Reddit, and within twenty minutes someone is like, "That's a muffler from Volkswagen Rabbit with seaweed stuck to it. Not as much mystery anymore, which is why it was refreshing when an Australian beach found itself coming down with a case of space balls. And no, it wasn't to commemorate Mel Brooks' 100th birthday (Happy belated birthday!) or some guerrilla marketing stunt to drum up excitement for the upcoming film, "Spaceballs: The New One. RARE CANNONBALL EMERGES FROM GROUND AT THE ALAMO, LIKELY UNTOUCHED FOR NEARLY 190 YEARS This week, a few big, metallic balls appeared on a beach in North Queensland, Australia, with Queensland Fire and Rescue warning people to stay away from the mysterious objects. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE "Queensland Fire and Rescue crews are continuing to assist partner agencies following the discovery of several potentially hazardous objects around Forrest Beach in North Queensland," they said on social media. While they're not some kind of alien technology that will unlock the next step in human evolution like the monoliths in "2001: A Space Odyssey," it turns out that these balls are genuinely from space. CAVE DISCOVERY PUSHES BACK EVIDENCE OF HUMAN ANCESTORS USING FIRE TO 1.79M YEARS AGO The Australian Space Agency says that they believe the space balls are actually pressure vessels used in a space launch. "The recovered objects appear to be pressure vessels from a space launch vehicle," a spokesperson told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "The Agency has identified the likely source — objects' location and characteristics are consistent with debris from a foreign rocket body that recently re-entered the atmosphere from orbit." The agency is working with international counterparts to determine whose space balls were washing up on their shores. And if you ever stumble apon space junk and think you're just going to take it home with you and put it on display in your office to impress guests — as has always been my plan "Never touch, move, or recover suspected space debris and assume it to be hazardous — move away and contact emergency services," the agency said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d89eec2ca79de23650e66 Taylor Twellman goes off on Team USA after disastrous 4-1 loss to Belgium: 'Can't miss fundamentals' te 2026-07-07T23:21:18.766Z Taylor Twellman goes off on Team USA after disastrous 4-1 loss to Belgium: 'Can't miss fundamentals' The US Men's National Team entered Monday night's game against Belgium in Seattle with the highest expectations of any U.S. World Cup team in decades. They had a mostly "golden generation" of players in their peaks, like Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, and Sergino Dest. Folarin Balogun, arguably the best striker the US has had in recent memory, was also available for the must-win match after FIFA controversially postponed his red card suspension with some involvement from President Donald Trump. Belgium was widely viewed as a "beatable" opponent. They'd trailed Senegal 2-0 in the 86th minute in the round of 32, before a ferocious, fortunate comeback led to a 3-2 victory deep in extra time after a questionable penalty allowed Youri Tielemans to slot home the winner. Their defense was seen as questionable, at best, and their "golden generation" had aged past their primes. Star forward Jeremy Doku was also out of the starting 11, seemingly giving the US back line an advantage. BELGIUM EMBARRASSES TEAM USA BEFORE BREAKING OUT TRUMP'S SIGNATURE DANCE CELEBRATION AFTER FOURTH GOAL As it turns out, not only did the USMNT not have an advantage, they were hopelessly outplayed and outclassed by an organized, composed, aggressive Belgian attack. They created few good chances, facing a much better defensive structure without Kevin De Bruyne on the pitch. After tying the match on another fantastic free kick from Tillman, they conceded again in less than 70 seconds. There was a humiliating goalkeeper error when Matt Freese kicked the ground instead of the ball, leading to the third goal that effectively put the match away. 4-1 defeat, and little to show for it. All that might be more forgivable, after all, Belgium is still a very good international team, if the USMNT had a clean match and were simply beaten by a better team. But they didn't just get beaten. They embarrassed themselves on the biggest stage they've ever had. Literally. And soccer analyst Taylor Twellman went off on the players and staff for the many, many, inexcusable mistakes. He discussed what happened with Yahoo Sports! "The Cooligans" podcast after the loss, saying the team failed their first "real test." "That was the first real test of the World Cup," he said. "What'd we get? Yeah, I mean, what'd we get? "And listen, we've done stuff, right? We did stuff...[but] you can't make mistakes at the highest level. You can't miss fundamentals. The first two goals from Belgium. They make you want to...it's not an easy watch guys. That's not an easy watch...That's a 50-50 ball inside the 18 that Dest just looks around, lets it bounce. Run through it." He continued, saying that he'd rather have players ready to "run through the wall" instead of being passive or unsure of themselves. AFTER BLOWOUT LOSS TO BELGIUM, MANY ARE WONDERING IF TEAM USA IS BETTER OR WORSE THAN IT WAS A DECADE AGO "And listen, everyone on social media talks about, oh, Sebastian Berhalter this...Give me 10 Sebastian Berhalters," he said. "They'll run through the wall, at least. You cannot forget fundamentals. The little things, that is gonna be, for that group of players, the most difficult pill to swallow. Because when you watch the tape, when you watch, the tape, it's not my experience, I watched it, that's a difficult one to swallow. Those are simple fundamentals and we missed all of them tonight. All of them." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Not much to argue with there. Just look at the lack of defensive effort on Belgium's first goal, in the 10th minute. When the ball goes into the air, there are literally four US players around one Belgian player. Plus three more defenders nearby or in front of the goal. Somehow, that one Belgian player got by all of them, before threading a pass into an unmarked Charles De Ketelaere for the easiest shot of his life. Freese's error was compounded by Ream jumping to try and deflect an open shot on goal by Hans Vanaken, only to mostly whiff and see the ball roll directly into the net. On the second goal, De Ketelaere just outjumped two US defenders, while two other stood around helplessly. These are fundamental problems that cannot happen at this level. Inexcusable, indefensible mistakes. There's a focus on managers and coaching in the international game, when managerial importance pales in comparison to having better players. Right now? The USMNT simply doesn't have enough good ones. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d89dbc2ca79de23650e5d Researchers claim they've created healthier burgers that taste as good as a Big Mac te 2026-07-07T23:20:59.309Z Researchers claim they've created healthier burgers that taste as good as a Big Mac Researchers say they've trained an artificial intelligence (AI) system to create burgers that diners rated as highly as those offered by a world-famous fast-food chain. Stanford University researchers fed 2,216 burger recipes from Food.com into their AI tool, BurgerAI, to generate new burger recipes. Some of the AI-designed burgers matched or outperformed a reconstructed version of McDonald's Big Mac in blind taste tests, the researchers reported in a study published in npj Science of Food. WHY HOMEMADE PRIME RIB CAN BE ‘EVEN BETTER’ THAN AT A STEAKHOUSE, EXPERTS SAY BurgerAI generated a recipe resembling the Big Mac "without explicit supervision."  The researchers noted that the Big Mac "was never part of the initial training data." Instead, the AI arrived at a similar recipe by learning from people's taste preferences. BurgerAI can also tailor burgers to be more nutritious, more environmentally sustainable and more personalized for gender, age and physical activity, according to a Stanford Report news release. "Food choices are some of the most consequential decisions humans make every day," said Vahidullah Tac, a researcher who worked on the project. AMERICA'S FAVORITE FAST-FOOD CHAIN NAMED: MCDONALD'S WINS HEARTS BUT NOT BEST BURGER, SURVEY SAYS "Food was an easy motivator. With one arrow, you can hit two targets — planetary health and personal health. It's a great and impactful research area." Ellen Kuhl, a Stanford professor of mechanical engineering who led the research, said most AI systems "are trained to predict what already exists. "We wanted AI to invent what should exist next," Kuhl added. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS "BurgerAI does not ask, 'What burger is most likely?' It asks, 'What burger best satisfies these important and complex objectives?'" Over 100 diners took part in a blind taste test of the AI burgers prepared by an executive chef at a San Francisco restaurant, the researchers said.  Compared with the Big Mac, BurgerAI's Delicious Burgers scored the same or better in overall liking, flavor and texture, the researchers wrote. "Its mushroom burger achieves an environmental impact score more than an order of magnitude lower; and its bean burger attains nearly twice the nutritional score," the study said. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "We expected some trade-off between sustainability and consumer acceptance," Tac said. "But we found a burger with dramatically lower environmental impact could still compete with one of the world's most successful burgers." Fox News Digital reached out to McDonald's for comment on the findings. Generative AI has the potential to transform many areas beyond food, including pharmaceuticals and product design, the researchers said. "For centuries, food design has been a matter of intuition, experience and trial and error," Kuhl said. "We are beginning to show that AI can transform food design into a quantitative science with applications in other important fields." She added that the burger "is just the beginning." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "We see food as a model system for a much larger vision: AI as a partner in scientific and engineering discovery." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d89c7c2ca79de23650e54 Jana Kramer shows off her toned abs in a bikini during patriotic Fourth of July lake weekend te 2026-07-07T23:20:39.860Z Jana Kramer shows off her toned abs in a bikini during patriotic Fourth of July lake weekend Jana Kramer embraced all-American lake life over the Fourth of July weekend. The country singer shared a look inside her holiday weekend, posting a carousel of lakefront moments with husband Allan Russell, their children and extended family. Kramer captioned the post, "A little 4th of July weekend Photo dump." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS From boating and paddle boarding to jet skiing, swimming and fireworks, the family packed the long weekend with time on the lake. The post opened with Kramer posing on a dock with Russell, a Scottish soccer coach. Kramer showed off her toned figure in a blue bikini top paired with a white crochet cover-up skirt. She completed the patriotic look with layered red, white and blue beaded necklaces adorned with stars, plus sunglasses perched atop her head. JANA KRAMER HAS TAKEN JOBS THAT CHALLENGED HER 'MORAL COMPASS' TO PAY FOR CHILD SUPPORT Russell kept things casual in a gray sleeveless shirt, patterned swim trunks, white slides and an Americana-inspired cowboy hat. The "I Got The Boy" singer also shared a sweet moment with daughter Jolie while paddle boarding on the lake. The mother-daughter duo shared a playful moment on the paddle board, sticking their tongues out at each other while smiling. Kramer wore a brown string bikini while Jolie sported a bright pink-and-turquoise life jacket with a paddle in hand. MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY FIRES UP AMERICANS WITH PATRIOTIC SPEECH FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY 250TH CELEBRATION The Fourth of July weekend festivities also featured a mother-daughter jet ski ride. Kramer and Jolie paused for a quick photo while cruising around the lake aboard a bright yellow jet ski. Both sported pink life jackets as they smiled at the camera. Kramer later cooled off in the water while relaxing on a float. The podcast host wore a pastel pink bikini and a baseball cap as she floated in the lake on blue-and-white inflatable arm floats. One of the kids swam beside her as the family spent the day in the water. The holiday weekend also featured plenty of patriotic family style. In one photo, Jolie, Jace and Roman posed by the lake decked out in red, white and blue. Jolie wore a blue bikini top with striped patriotic pants and an oversized red hat, while Jace and Roman held American flags in matching flag-themed swim trunks. Kramer shares daughter Jolie and son Jace with ex-husband Mike Caussin. She welcomed son Roman with Russell in November 2023. Kramer and Russell tied the knot in July 2024 during a traditional Scottish wedding in Scotland. The holiday weekend marked a meaningful first for Russell's family, who joined the celebrations on the lake. JANA KRAMER SAYS HOLDING ON TO TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS 'DRAINS YOU' UNTIL YOU ‘START LOSING YOURSELF' COMPLETELY During an episode of her "Whine Down" podcast, Kramer said she woke up feeling "a little sad" on the Fourth of July because she missed spending the holiday up north with extended family. "As much as I like, I missed and was sad, and the moment I had like the most incredible fourth It was so much fun," Kramer said. "We have such an amazing little cove of friends and neighbors that we've met." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Kramer said the kids enjoyed time with friends on the lake, while Russell helped put on a fireworks show from the dock. "Alan was down at the dock and lighting the fireworks, and all the neighbors came over and the kids with the sparklers," she said. The singer also reflected on watching Russell's family experience their first Fourth of July celebration. "This is their first Fourth of July they've ever celebrated, so that's the first time they've ever seen it," Kramer said. "I mean there was just fireworks going off everywhere on the lake." Kramer said seeing Russell surrounded by family made the weekend even more special. "I see Alan's heart, like just having his family here, just it makes me so happy," she said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d875ec2ca79de23650dcd U.S. Strikes Iran and Reimposes Sanctions After Tanker Attacks te 2026-07-07T23:10:22.375Z U.S. Strikes Iran and Reimposes Sanctions After Tanker Attacks The military operation came hours after the U.S. Treasury revoked a waiver allowing global sales of Iranian oil. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8555c2ca79de23650d57 A beach in Australia is dealing with a serious case of space balls (not the Mel Brooks kind) te 2026-07-07T23:01:41.799Z A beach in Australia is dealing with a serious case of space balls (not the Mel Brooks kind) There was a golden era of stuff washing up on beaches, but the internet has ruined it. Now, you just snap a photo, throw it on Reddit, and within twenty minutes someone is like, "That's a muffler from Volkswagen Rabbit with seaweed stuck to it. Not as much mystery anymore, which is why it was refreshing when an Australian beach found itself coming down with a case of space balls. And no, it wasn't to commemorate Mel Brooks' 100th birthday (Happy belated birthday!) or some guerrilla marketing stunt to drum up excitement for the upcoming film, "Spaceballs: The New One. RARE CANNONBALL EMERGES FROM GROUND AT THE ALAMO, LIKELY UNTOUCHED FOR NEARLY 190 YEARS This week, a few big, metallic balls appeared on a beach in North Queensland, Australia, with Queensland Fire and Rescue warning people to stay away from the mysterious objects. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE "Queensland Fire and Rescue crews are continuing to assist partner agencies following the discovery of several potentially hazardous objects around Forrest Beach in North Queensland," they said on social media. While they're not some kind of alien technology that will unlock the next step in human evolution like the monoliths in "2001: A Space Odyssey," it turns out that these balls are genuinely from space. CAVE DISCOVERY PUSHES BACK EVIDENCE OF HUMAN ANCESTORS USING FIRE TO 1.79M YEARS AGO The Australian Space Agency says that they believe the space balls are actually pressure vessels used in a space launch. "The recovered objects appear to be pressure vessels from a space launch vehicle," a spokesperson told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "The Agency has identified the likely source — objects' location and characteristics are consistent with debris from a foreign rocket body that recently re-entered the atmosphere from orbit." The agency is working with international counterparts to determine whose space balls were washing up on their shores. And if you ever stumble apon space junk and think you're just going to take it home with you and put it on display in your office to impress guests — as has always been my plan "Never touch, move, or recover suspected space debris and assume it to be hazardous — move away and contact emergency services," the agency said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8542c2ca79de23650d4e New report suggests the New York Mets are open to trading Francisco Lindor amid disastrous season te 2026-07-07T23:01:22.343Z New report suggests the New York Mets are open to trading Francisco Lindor amid disastrous season The 2026 Major League Baseball season is somehow already more than halfway over, and it's been yet another example of the difficulty in predicting baseball outcomes. Case in point? The New York Mets. The Mets are one of baseball's richest teams. Billionaire owner Steve Cohen, after taking control in 2020, committed to building a model organization, combining immense financial resources with established front office success. Starting with the 2022 season, the Mets have spent more on player payroll than any other team in baseball at $1.671 billion. Yes, even more than the Los Angeles Dodgers. METS OWNER STEVE COHEN BACKS TEAM'S ARCHITECT OF BRUTAL SEASON, SAYS TEAM WILL 'LIVE THAT CONTRACT OUT' They gave star shortstop Francisco Lindor a 10-year, $341 million contract before the 2022 season. They signed Max Scherzer to one of the highest average annual value contracts in baseball history. Late in the 2023 season, Cohen hired Dave Stearns from the Milwaukee Brewers to overhaul the front office. Stearns had built the Brewers into a consistent contender, despite the inherent payroll limitations in a small market. Yet as the highest spending team in baseball over the past five seasons, the Mets have just two postseason appearances to show for it. They lost to the Padres in the 2022 wild card series, then to the Dodgers in the 2024 NLCS. In 2023, despite all their money and star power, they went just 75-87 and finished 29 games out of first place. After 2024, Stearns and Cohen added Juan Soto on the most expensive contract in sports history; 15-years and $765 million, with the potential to exceed $800 million. The reward? Missing the playoffs again in 2025 after an 83-79 regular season. METS BRUTAL SEASON COMES TO HEAD WITH 6-ERROR GAME IN DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP, CHANTS FOR FORMER STAR OUT OF ANGER Stearns, instead of running it back in 2026 with a similar roster, went for an overhaul. Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles. Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien. They traded two prospects to Milwaukee for Freddy Peralta, signed closer Devin Williams, brought in Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco after strong seasons, added Luke Weaver, and traded for Luis Robert Jr. How's it worked out? Well, to put it one way, entering Tuesday, the Mets were just ahead of the Colorado Rockies for the worst record in the National League. They've been outscored by 60 runs on the season thus far, sit dead last in the National League East, 15 games behind the Braves, and their odds of reaching the postseason have dropped to just 2%, per FanGraphs. It's a disaster, to put it mildly. A $370 million disaster. And a new report from baseball writer Jon Heyman suggests that the Mets might be ready to blow it up yet again. Heyman posted on X recently that the team's "deadline sale" is likely to start any day. "Time for Mets deadline sale to begin," he wrote. "Everyone but Ewing, Benge, McLean, Scott and Soto should be made available." Several notable names are missing from that list: namely, Bichette, Robert Jr., Peralta, Williams, and of course, Francisco Lindor. Those are some big players. And dealing any or all of them would be a stunning admission of a prolifically failed plan. Then there's the other side of it; how much value do these players even have? Bichette has been a below average hitter this season, and is owed $84 million over the next two seasons, all but guaranteed now with his player option. Lindor has missed most of the year with injury, but has been below average himself thus far. Robert, too, has missed most of the season and has been unimpressive when healthy. But there are few true sellers, and if the Mets really do make their stars available, there might be a team or two willing to take on a portion of those salaries in order to potentially separate from their competitors. Cohen has previously said he doesn't want Lindor going anywhere. Though he might be thinking that, after spending billions without much reward, a full tear down is the only path forward. Lindor, at 32, would bring a decent return, though given his enormous contract, it would likely be less than most fans would expect. Same with Bichette, whose exorbitant salary and player options limit his appeal. It doesn't take much, though, to dream on those two stars returning to form and making a meaningful difference in reaching the playoffs or making a deep postseason run. Still, it's hard to believe it's come to this. The Mets were supposed to be the East Coast version of the Dodgers; a marriage of high salaries and organizational competence. Instead, they're heading toward yet another October spent at home, and still searching for their first division title since 2015. Money can buy a lot, but as the 2026 Mets demonstrate, it can't buy everything. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d852ec2ca79de23650d45 Sean Payton explored plan to make Bill Belichick Broncos' temporary head coach to reach milestone: report te 2026-07-07T23:01:02.386Z Sean Payton explored plan to make Bill Belichick Broncos' temporary head coach to reach milestone: report Bill Belichick may be the University of North Carolina head football coach, but there was almost a plan to get him back in the NFL thanks to a fellow head coach he has great ties with. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and Bill Belichick go back years. Both served on Bill Parcells' staff, albeit at different times, before crossing paths as NFL head coaches. In a detailed story about Payton and the Broncos’ playoff appearances last season, which ended with an AFC Championship Game loss to Belichick’s old New England Patriots, ESPN reported that Payton had the idea of going to Broncos owner Greg Penner with a plan to hire Belichick as the team’s temporary head coach until he reached 15 wins. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM That exact win total would’ve had Belichick pass the great Don Shula for the all-time coaching wins record. The report indicated that Payton would’ve still been on the staff as the assistant head coach, and once Belichick reached the win total, Payton would take back over as head coach. BILL BELICHICK CONFIRMS FEUD WITH TOM BRADY WAS FICTION, PRAISES HIS QUARTERBACK'S LEADERSHIP FROM DAY ONE Ultimately, Payton didn’t officially make the offer to Penner, deciding it would’ve been too complicated and Belichick would’ve also had to agree on his end. There hasn’t been anything like it in football, but it brings about the question again regarding Belichick’s history in the league, which has been a hot topic since he and the Patriots parted ways. Belichick’s impact on football is second to none, though it became clouded during the most recent Pro Football Hall of Fame voting as he found himself at the center of controversy. Belichick wasn’t a first-ballot Hall of Famer, with the likes of Tom Brady and others dumbfounded by the fact the coach with the second-most wins in history wasn’t getting his bust already made for the halls in Canton, Ohio. But some voters considered the controversy that swirled around Belichick during his time in Foxborough, which included Spygate, and believed he wasn’t worthy of the honor yet. Since he left the NFL, many have wondered whether Belichick would ever pass Shula's win total. That question remained even after he took North Carolina's vacant job, his first as a college head coach. And it still hovers over Belichick’s legacy, especially after his firm stance that he will be seeing his role with the Tar Heels into his second season despite murmurs that he would entertain NFL head coaching vacancies following the 2025 season. As of now, Belichick is content leading the way in Chapel Hill, while Payton aims to get back the Broncos back to the Super Bowl in 2026. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8506c2ca79de23650d29 These Maine Democrats Might Replace Graham Platner in the Senate Race te 2026-07-07T23:00:22.957Z These Maine Democrats Might Replace Graham Platner in the Senate Race Mr. Platner has not yet withdrawn from the race after a rape allegation, but Democrats in the state and nationally are already exploring potential alternatives. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8080c2ca79de23650bee Ryan Seacrest reveals why he backed out of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding at the last minute te 2026-07-07T22:41:04.413Z Ryan Seacrest reveals why he backed out of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding at the last minute A longtime TV personality came painfully close to attending one of Hollywood's most exclusive celebrations before a scheduling conflict derailed his plans. Ryan Seacrest revealed he reluctantly skipped Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding after a scheduling conflict left him with "no choice." "I RSVP’d to go, and then Disney hired me to do the Fourth of July 250 special on the 3rd and the 4th," the radio host confessed Monday during his show, "On Air With Ryan Seacrest." "So I had to cancel." TAYLOR SWIFT AND TRAVIS KELCE'S WEDDING LEAKS SNOWBALL AS GUESTS REVEAL INSIDE DETAILS His co-hosts, Sisanie and Tanya Rad, were shocked to hear about Seacrest's invite after the 51-year-old kept it a secret. Sisanie even joked it was a "waste of an invite." Seacrest defended himself, saying, "I was actually really excited. I was kind of torn." "I'm like how – I tried to do both ... I tried to go to the wedding and prepare for that show, but we started live on the third so I couldn't." The "American Idol" host said he even mapped out the logistics before throwing in the towel. "Trust me, Tanya. I went through the minutes," Seacrest explained. "I couldn't have done both. And the actual wedding was in the afternoon. I went through the minutes." TAYLOR SWIFT AND TRAVIS KELCE'S WEDDING: LEAKED DETAILS REVEAL INSIDE LOOK AS PHOTOS CAPTURE A-LIST DEPARTURES Although he couldn't make it, Seacrest recalled one conversation with the bride that made canceling even harder. "But I was so honored and thrilled to be invited," he said. "And you know the irony was, after I RSVP'd to the wedding, I saw them at dinner at a restaurant, and we talked about the 'event' – because we didn't say it out loud – the 'event' and she said 'Oh, It's going to be so much fun. We're going to have the best time. It's going to go late.' I'm like, 'I cannot wait. I'm so excited.'" Looking back, Seacrest said he was all in from the beginning. "I RSVP'd yes. I saw them a couple of weeks later to confirm," he clarified. "Then I had to cancel. But I had no choice." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Swift and Kelce married on July 3 in front of 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden, a representative for the pop star told Fox News Digital. The two opted not to have a traditional wedding party, instead choosing to have Swift's brother as her "Man of Honor" and Kelce's brother as his "Best Man." Swift's rep revealed the couple's wedding ceremony looks were designed by Jonathan Anderson of Christian Dior Haute Couture. The "Life of a Showgirl" singer accessorized with Cartier. Swift's notoriously private about her relationships, and while their exact timeline is unclear, she was first spotted at a Chiefs game Sept. 24, 2023. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS She revealed in an interview with Time magazine that they actually began dating long before she appeared in the stands. "This all started when Travis very adorably put me on blast on his podcast, which I thought was metal as hell," she said. "We started hanging out right after that. So, we actually had a significant amount of time that no one knew, which I’m grateful for, because we got to get to know each other." "By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d8055c2ca79de23650bb5 Final extension: Startup Battlefield Australia applications now close July 20 te 2026-07-07T22:40:21.409Z Final extension: Startup Battlefield Australia applications now close July 20 If you're building something ambitious, this is a fast track to the people who can move your startup forward. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7e25c2ca79de23650b17 Trump admin plans new ICE holding facility near Louisiana deportation flight hub te 2026-07-07T22:31:01.038Z Trump admin plans new ICE holding facility near Louisiana deportation flight hub The Trump administration plans to open up a new migrant holding facility next to an airport hub in Louisiana, potentially allowing the federal government to speed up deportations of families and unaccompanied children. A holding facility with 528 beds is set to open in Alexandria, Louisiana near the Alexandria International Airport (AEX), according to The Associated Press.  The proximity to the airport is believed to make it easier for federal immigration officials to house illegal immigrants and unaccompanied children during final flight preparations, the outlet reported. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is describing the new Louisiana facility as a "staging area" and not a detention center, saying migrants would only be held there for a few days at most. NEW YORKER SUING ICE AFTER OFFICERS WENT TO HIS HOME TO WARN HIM OVER CRITICISM OF AGENCY "England Airpark is a staging facility for deportations. A staging facility is where illegal aliens await their deportation flight to their destination country or transfer to a detention facility," a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House, which deferred to DHS. Airpark officials at the airfield where the structure is being built said the facility is a "humanitarian effort" for families who are "self-deporting," but immigration advocates say families and unaccompanied children sometimes decide to leave due to pressure or a lack of an understanding of their options, The AP reported. The facility would be stationed next to the nation's largest hub for deportations. More than 4,400 immigration enforcement flights came to and from the Alexandria International Airport last year, according to data from the ICE Flight Monitor, an initiative of Human Rights First. ICE documents say families and children at the facility "are in the legal custody of ICE and can only be released at the direction of ICE." The agency has told contractors that families at the facility should not be referred to as prisoners, detainees or inmates, records show. Contractors were instructed not to utilize bars or cages when transporting families and unaccompanied children. The facility will not be required to take headcounts and should allow families to wear their own clothes, the agency said. Unaccompanied children are typically not taken to facilities overseen by ICE and must instead be placed in the care of state-licensed shelters and foster care programs, which are run by the Office of Refugee Resettlement in the Department of Health and Human Services, but that agency is not involved in the new facility’s operation, a spokesperson at the airfield where the facility is being built told The Associated Press. The facility would be run by a nonprofit arm of LaSalle Corrections, a private prison contractor, according to Ralph Hennessy, executive director of the England Airpark Authority, who said it could be operational as early as next month. "These are people that are volunteering to go back home and they’re going back home as a family unit," Hennessy told The Associated Press. ICE signed a contract late last month to build the facility at the former military base near Alexandria International Airport, Hennessy said. APPEALS COURT BLOCKS TRUMP ADMIN FROM HOLDING MIGRANTS WITHOUT BOND FOR OVER 90 DAYS The facility would operate as a 72-hour holding center for migrants awaiting deportation, records show, according to The Associated Press. LaSalle Corrections runs several private prisons and federal immigration detention centers throughout the south, including the "Louisiana Lockup" inside the state’s maximum-security prison in Angola.  The official contractor for the new ICE holding facility will be the company's nonprofit arm, the LaSalle Family Foundation, but LaSalle Corrections itself will be involved in operating the holding facility and ensuring compliance, according to the company’s chief financial officer, Tim Kurpiewski. Since April, two detainee deaths have been reported at a LaSalle-run ICE facility in the state. Winn Correctional Center was also found last month to have violated standards regarding environmental health and safety, food service, use-of-force, medical care and other concerns, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7dfec2ca79de23650afc Maryland Moves Toward Redistricting Ahead of 2028 te 2026-07-07T22:30:22.135Z Maryland Moves Toward Redistricting Ahead of 2028 Lawmakers at a special legislative session next month will try to pass an amendment to the state constitution that should ensure new congressional maps survive a legal challenge. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7bccc2ca79de23650a43 Skip Bayless pushes back on Stephen A's claim that 'three white dudes' can't win an NBA Championship together te 2026-07-07T22:21:00.170Z Skip Bayless pushes back on Stephen A's claim that 'three white dudes' can't win an NBA Championship together Longtime sports commentator Skip Bayless thinks the newly assembled Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to be very good — even if they're building around three, gasp, white dudes. Bayless posted a video to social media on Monday responding to his former debate partner, Stephen A. Smith, who mocked the Lakers for trying to win with "three white dudes." Smith argued that NBA history shows it takes multiple "black brothers" to win a championship. He doubled down on those comments last week. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "I ain't backing down," Smith said. "In NBA history, when has a team led by three White dudes ever gone to the promised land? Somebody gotta say it." Is that so? Bayless defended Smith, insisting the comments "were not racist," though the premise of Smith's argument is undeniably based on race. Still, Bayless rejected Smith's conclusion. According to Bayless, it isn't about whether a team has three white players. It's about whether it has the right three white players. He believes the Lakers could have exactly that with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. "This isn't a group you can dismiss as just three typical white dudes because there's nothing typical about any of these three," Bayless argued. "Could these Lakers be the third-best team in the Western Conference? Sure, they could. Look at how these three fit together." He concluded, "As right as Stephen A. is about history, it's also possible these three snowflakes have the potential to shatter that mold." The fact that this is even a legitimate sports debate says plenty about the current state of sports media. It also exposes an obvious racial double standard. Imagine a white broadcaster asking whether an NFL team could ever win a Super Bowl with a black quarterback, black head coach and black general manager simply because it hadn't happened before. Stephen A. Smith would almost certainly be among the first demanding consequences for that commentator. ESPN should hold Smith accountable for applying the same racial logic here, but no one expects that to happen. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Smith's argument also falls apart on its own merits. The NBA is roughly 75% to 80% black. Naturally, there are fewer elite white players available to build around. That doesn't mean they don't exist. Nikola Jokic has arguably been the best player in basketball for the better part of six seasons. Luka Doncic is one of the league's premier superstars. Cooper Flagg looks like the NBA's next great young player. Pair Jokic and Doncic with a high-level complementary player like Austin Reaves, and that team would instantly contend for a championship. Jokic already carried Denver to a title in 2023 with far less talent around him than that hypothetical trio would have. The issue isn't that teams cannot win with three white players, as if black players possess some unique championship gene. It's simply that, because of the league's demographics, no franchise has yet assembled three white stars of that caliber at the same time. The same statistical reality explains why the NFL has never produced a Super Bowl-winning trio of a black quarterback, black head coach and black general manager. Representation matters when the pool of candidates is smaller. The notion that race alone determines who can win championships, which is the underlying logic behind Smith's comments, is simply false. Judging athletic potential through a racial lens is, by definition, racial stereotyping. That doesn't necessarily make Stephen A. Smith a racist. More often than not, he comes across as someone willing to say almost anything to dominate the news cycle. That's especially true now that Pat McAfee has overtaken him as ESPN's biggest personality. Smith wanted attention. His routine about the Lakers' "three white dudes" certainly got it. It also made him look like a buffoon. Credit Bayless for pushing back. In today's sports media landscape, there aren't many commentators willing to challenge racial narratives when the target is "white dudes." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7ba4c2ca79de23650a0c Meta rolls out Muse, a new AI image generator te 2026-07-07T22:20:20.750Z Meta rolls out Muse, a new AI image generator The new image-generating model has numerous use cases, including advertising, decorating and creator-based opportunities. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7988c2ca79de23650967 Graham Platner's most prominent press allies abandon him as rape allegation rocks Maine Senate race te 2026-07-07T22:11:20.352Z Graham Platner's most prominent press allies abandon him as rape allegation rocks Maine Senate race Many left-leaning media figures who supported Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner jumped ship on Monday after a rape allegation prompted his most prominent supporters in the press to call for the Democrat to suspend his campaign. Politico published a bombshell report Monday on one of Platner's exes alleging he sexually assaulted her during their relationship. Jenny Racicot claimed that in 2021, a drunk Platner entered her home uninvited and had sex with her despite her repeatedly telling him to stop. She also told CNN that the alleged encounter, which Platner has denied, was the "dictionary definition" of rape. The allegations have promoted an about-face from many high-profile media figures who previously stood by Platner despite Nazi tattoo allegations, accusations of rape fantasies, heavy drinking and a previous New York Times report about "unsettling" behavior towards women. HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION Former Obama staffer and "Pod Save America" co-host Jon Favreau vehemently defended Platner in April. "Graham Platner isn’t just our best and only chance to beat Susan Collins, he’s a good, decent man who’s struggled and grown and is always trying to do better. I hope everyone with reservations takes a little time to get to know the real life version of him, not what the algorithm throws in our faces," Favreau wrote. Favreau pivoted less than three months later, calling for Platner to step aside. "Platner needs to drop out ASAP - these are awful, credible allegations. Said on the pod after the (also credible) June NYT story that his biggest problem going forward would be credibility. It's now abundantly clear that he just hasn't been honest about his past and can't be trusted as a candidate for office. Saving grace is that the party can find a replacement by the 27th as long as he drops by the 13th, which I very much assume he will," he wrote on Monday. Indeed, under Maine law, Platner can be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by 5 p.m. on July 13, with the state party allowed to put forward a replacement by July 27. Far-left commentator Krystal Ball once declared, "Senator Platner cannot arrive soon enough," but had a change of heart. "I agree that Platner should drop out. The allegations are horrible and I see no reason why his accuser would lie. Some things have to be beyond the pale," Ball posted on Monday. The Bulwark founder Sarah Longwell called for Platner to exit the race on Monday, only two months after the anti-Trump publication published a piece suggesting he had a strong chance to be the 2028 Democratic presidential candidate. "Right now, today, I give Graham Platner a 1-in-3 chance to be the next Democratic nominee. For president," Bulwark editor Jonathan V. Last wrote in May.  While Last was not advocating Platner be selected, the anti-Trump site was mocked online for the prognostication, leading Longwell to lash out at critics and claim the site had always been "extremely Platner-skeptical."  Longwell admitted in an interview with Tim Miller that she was motivated to have Platner leave the race in part because she wants Democrats to win the House and Senate in 2026, "and I think as a moral matter, when someone is credibly accused of rape, that's game over."  The Bulwark's X account describes the site as "free of tribal prejudices." HASAN PIKER TURNS ON PLATNER, SAYS HE BELIEVES SEXUAL ASSAULT ACCUSER AND PREDICTS 'CURTAINS' FOR CAMPAIGN New York Times opinion columnist Michelle Goldberg wrote Monday that she "deeply" regrets an earlier column praising Platner. Goldberg, who profiled Platner favorably during his rise in Maine Democratic politics, revisited her assessment in a new column after Platner's former girlfriend accused him of rape. "Last October, when stories about Platner’s tattoo and Reddit posts first broke, I went to Maine to write about him. I tried to convey what I saw: a campaign that was electrifying angry Maine voters. But I deeply regret that, impressed by Platner’s political charisma, I wrote that he was 'nothing like the edgelord caricature I encountered online.' If anything, he seems to be significantly worse," Goldberg wrote. Author Naomi Klein, whose upcoming book is titled "End Times Fascism," apologized to followers on Tuesday for failing to do her "due diligence on Platner before offering high praise for his communication skills." "Enough was out there at the time that I should have been more cautious," Klein wrote. "I'm truly sorry I disappointed folks who trust me to be more careful," she continued. "Most of all I'm sorry to the women who came forward only to be disbelieved and smeared. You deserved better and I feel absolutely gutted." Meanwhile, MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton suggested it was initially hard for Democrats to abandon Platner because his first accuser was "associated with right-wing politics," referring to Lyndsey Fifield. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker also broke with Platner on Monday, saying "the accusations — they are as credible as it is going to get." "This is beyond red flags. This is irredeemable," Piker added during his livestream. In addition to media pundits, high-profile Democrats have called on Platner to leave the race, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. VoteVets, an organization that works to elect Democratic veterans, also withdrew its endorsement of Platner, who served in multiple overseas deployments. Platner has denied the allegations and has not announced his plans, although he said Monday  Fox News Digital’s Adam Pack, Paul Steinhauser, Rachel del Guidice and Jessica Sonkin contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7960c2ca79de23650951 Is Haiti Safe for Haitian Deportees? te 2026-07-07T22:10:40.925Z Is Haiti Safe for Haitian Deportees? Stephen Miller said that Haiti is safe for Haitian deportees. Our White House correspondent Zolan Kanno-Youngs analyzed federal reports that say otherwise. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d794cc2ca79de23650945 Judge Quashes Justice Dept. Subpoena in 2020 Election Inquiry te 2026-07-07T22:10:20.450Z Judge Quashes Justice Dept. Subpoena in 2020 Election Inquiry The ruling cast serious doubts on the department’s efforts to reinvestigate the race, finding that it was too late to bring criminal charges in the case. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7745c2ca79de236508d1 Hochul says Stefanik would've been tougher GOP opponent than Blakeman in surprising swipe at rival te 2026-07-07T22:01:41.584Z Hochul says Stefanik would've been tougher GOP opponent than Blakeman in surprising swipe at rival Democrat New York Gov. Kathy Hochul suggested Rep. Elise Stefanik would have been a tougher Republican opponent than GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman this fall, prompting the Nassau County executive to fire back by comparing the incumbent to Disney villain Cruella de Vil while blasting her record. Hochul made the remarks during an interview with Newsday's editorial board after she was asked whether Stefanik, who publicly considered running for governor before declining, would have been a stronger general election opponent than Blakeman. "Probably. I mean, Bruce is, you know, Bruce," Hochul said. NY GOVERNOR HOPEFUL VOWS SHOWDOWN WITH MAMDANI OVER SOCIALIST AGENDA: ‘I WILL STOP HIM’ The governor said Stefanik's national profile would have changed the dynamics of the race. "She had the ability to raise a lot of money" because of her national following, Hochul said. "It would have been a different race." HOCHUL PRESS OFFICE FEUDS WITH DAVE PORTNOY ON X AS CRITICS ROAST GOVERNOR IN HER OWN REPLIES Hochul added that she still believes she would have defeated Stefanik. "Our polling shows us beating her as well," she said. Blakeman, however, accused Hochul of trying to distract from her record. BILL REPLACING 'MOTHER' AND 'FATHER' WITH GENDER-NEUTRAL TERMS PASSES IN NEW YORK, HEADS TO HOCHUL'S DESK "Cruella de Vil is more likable than Kathy Hochul and her high taxes, high electric bills and soaring health care costs," Blakeman said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital reached out to Stefanik for comment. This story will be updated with any response. Before exiting the race, Fox News Digital reported exclusively that Stefanik had consolidated support from Republican county chairs and party leaders across New York, making her the early front-runner for the GOP nomination. "Elise Stefanik, a fantastic person and Congresswoman from New York State, has just announced she won’t be running for Governor," Trump wrote on Truth Social last December. "Elise is a tremendous talent, regardless of what she does. She will have GREAT success, and I am with her all the way!" Trump ultimately endorsed Blakeman after Stefanik opted against entering the race, helping cement the Nassau County executive as the Republican nominee in an election cycle that has put the president's influence in party primaries on full display. Hochul is seeking a second full four-year term after first taking office in 2021 following former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's resignation. She defeated Republican Lee Zeldin by roughly six percentage points in 2022 despite Republicans posting one of their strongest gubernatorial performances in deep blue New York in years. The next campaign finance filings are due later this month, though Hochul has maintained a significant fundraising advantage over Blakeman. Republicans are hoping public matching funds and outside spending will help narrow the gap as the race ramps up. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7732c2ca79de236508c8 Diversity lottery-admitted truck driver allegedly kills UMass soccer star, spoke no English te 2026-07-07T22:01:22.128Z Diversity lottery-admitted truck driver allegedly kills UMass soccer star, spoke no English An Uzbek commercial truck driver admitted to the United States via a diversity lottery killed a star college soccer goalie in Ohio over the weekend and had to use Google Translate to speak with state troopers who arrived at the deadly scene, sources told Fox News. Bekhzod Asrarov, 42, rammed the back of a vehicle on Interstate 71 in Madison County, resulting in the death of Tobias "Toby" Forsythe, 21, who played goalkeeper for the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. When Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers arrived at the scene, Asrarov, who holds a commercial driver's license (CDL) from Ohio, tried ripping the dash camera from his truck and hid it in his pocket, sources said. VIRGINIA BUS CRASH THAT KILLED FIVE INVOLVED DRIVER WHO DOESN'T SPEAK ENGLISH, DUFFY SAYS Asrarov entered the United States during the Biden administration in 2024 via the diversity visa lottery program. "We cannot let truckers like Asrarov, who can't read our road signs or speak to law enforcement, drive 80,000-pound rigs on America’s highways," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Ohio Department of Transportation. FORMER US ATTORNEY CHARGED WITH FELONY HIT-AND-RUN AFTER HOUSTON CRASH, POLICE SAY Forsythe, an economics major, joined the UMass Lowell River Hawks in 2026 after playing for Ashland University for two seasons and Shawnee State, where he started all 17 games in 2025, the university said in a news release announcing his death. "Our entire athletics department is heartbroken by Toby's passing," said UMass Lowell Athletic Director Lynn Coutts. "Although Toby's time as a River Hawk was cut far too short, he left a meaningful impact and will always be remembered as a cherished member of our UMass Lowell family." UMass Lowell head coach Kyle Zenoni said Forsythe showed up to the pitch every day to compete and improve as a player. "He never looked for shortcuts and never expected anything to be given to him – he simply wanted the opportunity to earn it," Zenoni said. "Our hearts are with Toby’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We will forever be grateful that Toby was part of our River Hawk family and we will honor his memory by carrying forward the example he set." The Trump administration has intensified efforts to revoke the CDLs of immigrant truck drivers who are not proficient in English, calling them a danger to the road. Most recently, a Haitian national who authorities said remained in the U.S. despite being ordered to leave was charged in the death of a Pennsylvania State Police trooper who was conducting a commercial vehicle inspection along Interstate 81 last week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d771ec2ca79de236508bf Bo Derek reveals why she felt like an 'impostor' and walked away from Hollywood despite blockbuster fame te 2026-07-07T22:01:02.678Z Bo Derek reveals why she felt like an 'impostor' and walked away from Hollywood despite blockbuster fame Bo Derek has finally revealed why she decided to walk away from Hollywood despite reaching blockbuster fame. Derek was a guest on Bill Maher's "Club Random" podcast and shared the real reason why she left the industry behind after rising to international fame in the late 70s thank to the movie, "10." Maher thanked Derek for being a guest on his show, since she doesn't normally put herself back into the limelight. "I'm not promoting anything. I'm loving my life. I don't need to go back to work," Derek said. "It's very strange. People don't understand it," Derek began, referring to her decision to walk away from fame. "You know that expression, they would kill to do it, to be famous, to be in movies and not for some of us." ’10’ STAR BO DEREK RECALLS BECOMING AN ICON, FINDING LOVE WITH JOHN CORBETT She continued, "I love retirement. I am so happy in retirement." Derek told Maher that she lives just north of Santa Barbra and has been there since 1981. Elsewhere on the podcast, Maher talked about how Derek was the most beautiful girl in the world for a decade, claiming it must have been gratifying while also being a burden. BROOKE SHIELDS REFLECTS ON BEING MADE A 'SEX SYMBOL' AT A YOUNG AGE AND HOW SHE TURNED THE PAGE ON FAME "It was none of those things," Derek replied. "Like I say, it was just it was just a whirlwind because I had no aspirations to be in films. I had when I did '10,' it was just a fluke that I got the part and I had no agent, no manager, no nothing, no fantasies about being in the movies." Derek went on to explain that she felt "uncomfortable" seeing her face plastered across magazines when she walked down the street. "I was just always uncomfortable with my image, being all over magazines when I walked down the street. And I always felt kind of fake and an impostor at the same time 'cuz I didn't work as an actress," she continued. "Or drive a limo or whatever everybody else did to be in movies." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "You made the right choice there. By the way, you are not missing anything," Maher said. "I'm not missing anything. I don't miss it," Derek replied. Derek was known for her signature braided hairstyle in the "10" and became one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars of the late 1970s and 1980s. Beyond acting, Derek is also an advocate for animal welfare and has been involved in various charitable and conservation efforts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d770bc2ca79de236508b6 Tom Brady compares Argentina's dramatic World Cup rally to Patriots' Super Bowl comeback te 2026-07-07T22:00:43.223Z Tom Brady compares Argentina's dramatic World Cup rally to Patriots' Super Bowl comeback One of the most dramatic matches of the FIFA World Cup unfolded Tuesday afternoon at Atlanta Stadium. After next week's World Cup semifinal, the stadium will shed its tournament identity. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will reclaim its name, and the natural grass installed for the tournament will give way to the artificial turf used for Falcons games before Atlanta hosts the Denver Broncos in a preseason game next month. While the retractable-roof stadium continues to host World Cup drama, its regular tenant knows all too well what it's like to be at the center of football heartbreak. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM More than nine years ago, Tom Brady engineered one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, rallying the New England Patriots from a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Falcons in overtime in Super Bowl LI. Moments after Lionel Messi equalized in the 83rd minute to erase Argentina's two-goal deficit against Egypt, Enzo Fernández completed the comeback with a header as the final minutes ticked off the clock. Brady then took to social media, drawing a comparison to the Patriots 2017 comeback. "Yeah so that might top 28-3," the seven-time Super Bowl winner wrote on X, adding a mind-blown emoji. Egypt got on the board first on Tuesday afternoon, courtesy of Yasser Ibrahim's goal in the 15th minute. His teammate Mostafa Zico followed with a score in the 67th to build Egypt's lead to 2-0. MESSI, ARGENTINA AVOID A SHOCKING UPSET IN WILD KNOCKOUT STAGE MATCH AGAINST CAPE VERDE Messi helped guide Argentina to its first World Cup title in four years, defeating France in a final that was ultimately decided by penalty kicks. Argentina's 3-2 comeback Tuesday booked its place in the quarterfinals, where it will face the winner of Switzerland and Colombia on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. Switzerland and Colombia were scoreless at halftime of their Round of 16 match. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d74b0c2ca79de23650836 ICE Officer Kills a Mexican Man in Houston te 2026-07-07T21:50:40.520Z ICE Officer Kills a Mexican Man in Houston The agency said the man was an “illegal alien” who had tried to run over the agent, though no evidence was immediately offered. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d749dc2ca79de2365081b Utah Moves to Close Teen Treatment Center Accused of Abusing Girls te 2026-07-07T21:50:21.071Z Utah Moves to Close Teen Treatment Center Accused of Abusing Girls Paris Hilton helped lead a campaign to shut down the Provo Canyon School, where she said she was beaten and spat on when she was 17. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d727fc2ca79de236507c1 'F---ING IDIOTS': Top female operatives torch Platner enablers as rape allegation rocks Dem campaign te 2026-07-07T21:41:19.275Z 'F---ING IDIOTS': Top female operatives torch Platner enablers as rape allegation rocks Dem campaign Neera Tanden and Shannon Watts, a pair of top Democratic political operatives, are both calling on Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to step down amid a bombshell rape allegation that emerged on Monday. Tanden, the CEO of the Center for American Progress, a center-left think tank that had deep ties to the Biden and Clinton administrations, has been critical of Platner for months. "I will remain incredibly angry at the people who didn’t vet this candidate, but in life you don’t get the best choices. Unless people show a lot more courage than they have," Tanden said in an X post that was re-upped on Monday. TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' In addition to calling for his removal, Tanden and Watts are also strongly cautioning the party about its next move as the state nears the Nov. 3 general election. Platner, who has fended off stories about a Nazi tattoo, past online comments on race and relational infidelity, came under renewed fire on Monday afternoon when Politico reported that he had allegedly raped his now-former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, while heavily intoxicated after allegedly being told repeatedly to stop. "I thought, here's a man who was drunk and who, by dictionary definition, raped me. And he's blaming drunk women," Racicot said. "So I just felt like that was a very odd take to have on that. And I also feel like with all of the comments that he made about women, sexual assault, rape, even, um, you know, the comments that he had made that was in The New York Times article about, you know, threatening people with rape, like, why does this person have this issue, like scattered throughout their life, throughout their commentary, like it‘s on their mind?" Platner has denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious, and false." The Platner campaign posted a video on X shortly after the Politico story published where Platner again called the allegations "false" and that he was going to "reflect" on the best path forward.  "So, regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner says in the video. "Those were the goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain my goals today." Watts, who has grown in prominence through advocacy with her gun control organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, immediately highlighted the story, criticizing party figures who, in her view, had blown past warning signs about Platner’s behavior. "MAYBE LISTEN TO WOMEN IN THE PARTY YOU F------ IDIOTS!!!!" Watts wrote in a post on X. "Who endorsed him despite the fact that he said bigoted, racist and sexist things online? Despite his Totenkopf tattoo? Despite accusations of domestic assault? Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Ruben Gallego, Martin Heinrich, Ro Khanna. Who am I missing?" Watts added. EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE With the state Democratic Party calling on Platner to step aside, Watts wasted little time setting her sights on a possible replacement. She began striking out against letting someone like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., handpick an alternative. "Bernie Sanders — the worst judge of character in history — hasn’t yet condemned the fatally flawed candidate he forced upon the Dem Party in Maine, likely causing us to lose the Senate. Why? He’s going to try and hold us hostage until we pick his other sh---- candidate," Watts wrote, likely referring to Troy Jackson, another progressive in the state. Notably, Sanders dropped his endorsement of Platner on Tuesday. Jackson, a former Maine Senate president, faces allegations of his own, having reportedly gotten in a physical altercation with a female colleague, according to Progressive Victory, an advocacy group. "So no, we’re not going to pick this f------ guy," Watts wrote in another post, highlighting Progressive Victory’s statement on Jackson. Tanden also hinted at her disapproval at the idea of swapping Platner out with another up-and-coming progressive. "Isn’t the most democratic thing to do here is select the candidate who won the most votes in the Gov’s race? I think they were all pretty good, but that might be the most credible with voters," Tanden wrote. Like Watts, Tanden criticized voices suggesting Jackson might be a suitable alternative. SANDERS BREAKS SILENCE ON PLATNER, CALLS ON SCANDAL-PLAGUED PROGRESSIVE TO 'STEP ASIDE' "Maybe the people who got us into this mess should take a beat on the right path for the future. And I say that with the utmost respect to Ro Khanna," Tanden said, highlighting a post from Khanna highlighting Jackson’s achievements just hours after the news about Platner had broken. Khanna, who had fiercely supported Platner, rescinded his endorsement on Monday along with several other high-profile Democrats, who are calling on Platner to drop out of the race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d726bc2ca79de236507b8 Miami Marlins moneyline bet looks strong as Max Meyer dominates and Bryan Woo struggles on road te 2026-07-07T21:40:59.817Z Miami Marlins moneyline bet looks strong as Max Meyer dominates and Bryan Woo struggles on road I lost the lone baseball play that I had on my card last night as the Diamondbacks destroyed the Padres. Once again, Walker Buehler lost after allowing a bunch of runs. I don't know if this is a blip in his season or if last month was a fluke for his performance this year. I'm looking to avenge myself with a game from a different series as the Mariners take on the Marlins. The Seattle Mariners have a bit of distance from the .500 mark as they are now three games over. While this isn't anything to celebrate, it does give them at least a little bit of positivity to look at for now. This is not a team that anyone was thinking would throw in the towel anyway. They have a great chance to win the division, and with their roster, they should have plenty of potential to win games down the stretch. I also think this rotation is one you don't want to face in the postseason. Before they get to the postseason, they need to find a way to navigate the rest of the season. Tonight, one of those studs from the rotation, Bryan Woo, takes the pill and goes for Seattle. Woo is 7-6 for the season with a 4.17 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. I look closely at those numbers regularly, and I think that Woo is probably due for a very good second half of the season. His WHIP means he doesn't have a ton of traffic on the bases, and he is allowing just one homer every ten innings. Most of his troubles have happened on the road this season. He is 1-6 on the road with a 6.38 ERA, and teams are batting .284 against him compared to .156 at home. His last four road starts have seen him allow four or more earned runs. He has never faced any of the Marlins hitters. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The Miami Marlins are one of the hottest teams in baseball. They have been great since around May 25th. That day started an eight-game winning streak, and they went from 25-29 to now sitting at 47-44. That's a 22-15 stretch, which isn't great, but they have also won five of the past six games they've played. The trade deadline should be interesting to see if the team gets a chance to make a run at the postseason or if the team decides to test the trade market, as this is still part of the rebuilding plan. Their main resource on the trade market is actually not starting tonight — that would be Sandy Alcantara, who will have a lot of interest should the Marlins decide to part ways. Tonight's starter is Max Meyer, who has put together a fantastic season. He is 9-1 for the year with a 2.53 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He has been better at home than on the road, but has struggled a bit in night games. Throughout the season, he has only had two starts in which he has allowed more than four earned runs. Overall, the Mariners are hitting just 3-for-13 against Meyer in their careers. Based mostly on the splits for these two pitchers, there is clearly one better than the other. Woo is a phenomenal pitcher, but his road struggles are so bad, and they've been bad lately. I do think there is a possibility that since the Marlins hitters have never seen him before, they will struggle against Woo the first or second time through. On the other hand, Meyer is one of the better starters in the league this season. He has been very good at limiting the damage and figuring out ways to navigate issues. The Mariners have had some success in limited opportunities against him, but I think Meyer is pitching better than expected this year. Give me the Marlins in this one on the moneyline. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7258c2ca79de236507af Doug Burgum says vandalism of Reflecting Pool started as early as June 9 after Trump announced renewal te 2026-07-07T21:40:40.368Z Doug Burgum says vandalism of Reflecting Pool started as early as June 9 after Trump announced renewal Interior Secretary Doug Burgum spoke with podcast host Katie Miller, wife of President Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller, about how vandalism of the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool goes back to early June. Burgum, who clashed with CNN's Dana Bash about the issue on Sunday, discussed the topic on "The Katie Miller Podcast," released Tuesday. "So, I'm a bit of a conspiracy theorist, so I'm going to ask this question," Miller began. "There's a lot of cameras on the pool. There's lot of National Guard. How did somebody cut it and us not know who cut it?" "We had very few or no cameras at the beginning, because we have cameras all over our monuments," Burgum replied. "The reflecting pool is part of the Lincoln Memorial, but there had never been vandalism on this helpless, harmless reflecting pool before." TRUMP SHARES NEWS OF 'CRYSTAL CLEAR' REFLECTING POOL, CALLS FOR VANDALISM SUSPECT'S ARREST "Until President Trump decided to beautify it," Miller noted. "Yeah, until he decided to beautify it," Burgum agreed. "And then others decided it was a point of attack." However, he noted how the White House has cracked down on such activity. "But we got mobile camera stations and towers in, that captured some of the secondary activity. But we did have some vandalism starting as early as June 9th, which we didn't advertise because we didn't want to have copycats," he revealed. "But we started putting up cameras, we've got better camera coverage today." Miller's full interview with Burgum will be released at 6 p.m. ET. FORMER US OLYMPIAN DAVID HEARN INDICTED IN ALLEGED REFLECTING POOL VANDALISM Amid criticism of Trump's renovations around Washington, D.C., in the lead-up to America's 250th celebration, vandals targeted the National Mall with multiple separate "8647" markings, a blood-written message on the Washington Monument and damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, prompting federal officials to warn of a growing trend. The pattern emerged after President Donald Trump ordered a restoration and repainting of the Reflecting Pool, which was met with protestors leaving multiple "razor-blade cuts" and removing fencing to then toss into the water. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Fox News' Ashley J. DiMella contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d702bc2ca79de236506e4 London Zoo: The wind's tiny passengers te 2026-07-07T21:31:23.163Z London Zoo: The wind's tiny passengers This week's London Zoo column from Karen London. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d7003c2ca79de236506a9 New ruling against mandatory detention is another blow to Trump immigration policy te 2026-07-07T21:30:43.229Z New ruling against mandatory detention is another blow to Trump immigration policy Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d6fecc2ca79de2365066d Meet the Republicans who want to be Arizona’s top election official te 2026-07-07T21:30:20.711Z Meet the Republicans who want to be Arizona’s top election official This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Arizona’s free newsletter here. One is a rule-following election administrator. The other is a bomb-throwing election attorney. That’s the choice voters face in Arizona’s Republican primary for secretary of state. The winner could oversee the high-stakes 2028 presidential race in the state — if they beat Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes this fall. In many ways, Gina Swoboda and Alex Kolodin have similar profiles. Both have battled over minutiae of state laws in court, written election policy, and claim to have the support of President Donald Trump. But the two would take vastly different approaches to the job as the state’s top election official. Gina Swoboda Republican Personal Facebook Campaign X Campaign Instagram Swoboda, the former chair of the Arizona Republican Party, previously worked for the secretary’s office and helped craft election legislation at the state Capitol. She pledges to work with local election officials, candidates, and other stakeholders to make behind-the-scenes technology improvements and run elections reliably and transparently. Alexander Kolodin Republican Campaign Facebook Personal Facebook Campaign X Personal X Campaign Instagram Kolodin, a current member of the Arizona House of Representatives, is a teacher-turned-attorney who says voters don’t trust elections. He has heavily criticized election officials, has described existing election systems as dysfunctional, and says he cares more about the will of voters than the concerns of election officials. The race seems to be getting less attention than the contests for governor, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction. Swoboda and Kolodin spent much of a televised debate on May 14 delving into fine details of election administration and attacking each other’s backgrounds. Another planned debate was cancelled because of scheduling challenges, leaving voters with relatively scant insight into the candidates’ stances on high-profile election issues. Kolodin, who did not agree to an interview for this story, has cast Swoboda as a liberal in disguise. He said in May that she was “carrying water” for Fontes. But Swoboda says Kolodin can’t win a general election and took aim at his legislative connections to the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus. “They don’t negotiate with people,” Swoboda told Votebeat of the Freedom Caucus, adding that Kolodin had a “negative zero” chance of beating Fontes. “They don’t want to get to yes, they don’t want to have a meeting of the minds. They want it their way or no way, and they will break it and just refuse to cooperate.” She said that “would happen to the entire state election process” if Kolodin is elected. Kolodin said in a statement to Votebeat that he was confident in his ability to beat Fontes. “In November, we will defeat him at the ballot box, restoring confidence for all voters, regardless of party, once and for all,” he wrote. How Swoboda, Kolodin would run Arizona elections In Arizona, local officials are in charge of most day-to-day election and voter registration operations in their counties. But whoever wins the secretary’s post will play a critical role in issuing voluntary guidance to election offices and dictating how voting must be run via the state’s Elections Procedures Manual. That rulebook, reissued every two years, has the force of law in Arizona — and both Swoboda and Kolodin have called for changes to it. Swoboda said she would seek to align the manual more closely with state law, noting that Arizona law doesn’t expressly authorize drop boxes for mail ballots. She said she’d push state lawmakers to codify the drop boxes and allocate money to standardize security features for them across counties. “They will still likely exist, but you can’t have anything in the manual that’s not in Title 16,” she said, referring to the chapter of state statute that governs elections and voting. “The secretary of state should not be taking their personal viewpoints in life and just creating laws in the manual where the Legislature hasn’t done so.” She also said the current version of the manual allowed voters to provide either their driver’s license number or their Social Security number to meet the minimum requirements for registration. Swoboda said voters should have to provide their driver’s license number if they have one, which would make it easier for election officials to check registrants’ citizenship status. And she took aim at the manual’s description of activities that might constitute voter intimidation, which currently include “intentionally following individuals delivering ballots to the drop box when such individuals are not within 75 feet of a drop box” and “speaking to or yelling at an individual, without provocation, who that person knows is returning ballots to the drop box and who is within 75 feet of the drop box.” Swoboda said those provisions could infringe on free speech and have “got to go.” Kolodin said in a letter to Fontes last year that his draft manual contained “free speech restrictions,” criticizing the same voter intimidation provisions as Swoboda. Additionally, he accused Fontes of “unauthorized tinkering with voter qualifications.” If a voter turns in a registration form without proof of citizenship, the manual currently directs election officials to attempt to verify their citizenship via state and federal systems before rejecting them — provisions that Kolodin described as “an intrusion on the Legislature’s turf.” “Our voters demand ironclad election integrity to protect the voice of legal voters, not expansive rules that blur the lines and invite more chaos,” Kolodin wrote. He also raised issues with Fontes’ assertion that counties must use tabulation machines for the initial counting of ballots, pointing to a line in state law that states that ballots “may be cast, recorded and counted by voting or marking devices and vote tabulating devices” — not “shall.” “Voters and their local elected officials get to make this decision for their own communities,” he wrote. At the Capitol, Kolodin has supported legislation to ban vote centers, forcing a statewide return to precinct-style voting, in which voters are assigned to a polling place. He has also sponsored bills to prohibit the state attorney general from prosecuting county supervisors who vote against certifying elections, shorten the early voting period, and require voters to confirm their address each election cycle to vote by mail. And he was the lead author of a November ballot measure that would require mail voters to provide ID, among other changes to state election law. Swoboda said that she, too, believes the early voting period should be shortened. Voters, she said, shouldn’t be able to drop off their mail ballots on Election Day. Ideally, she’d like to require counties to provide seven days of in-person early voting and reserve mail ballots for those over the age of 65, voters with disabilities, and people with scheduled surgeries or planned vacations during the voting period. “But that’s up to the voters,” she said, adding that mail voting is wildly popular and that it would take a ballot initiative to significantly change it. “People love it here. People use it here. I’m not interested in taking their choices away unless they themselves wish to limit it.” Later, she said: “There’s a difference between what I think individually and what I think is proper as a secretary of state.” Where Swoboda and Kolodin stand on Arizona and the feds Whoever is elected secretary of state will also decide how far to let the federal government step into the state’s elections. The race is taking place as Trump has made unprecedented calls to nationalize voting. Under his administration, the U.S. Department of Justice has sued Arizona for access to its full, unredacted voter roll, which includes sensitive information such as voters’ full birthdates and Social Security numbers. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has encouraged states to use a revamped, unreliable federal immigration tool to identify noncitizens on the voter roll, despite overwhelming evidence that such illegal voters are rare. Meanwhile, several federal agencies appear to be probing the state’s past elections. So far, Fontes has fought such efforts. He has repeatedly refused to give the federal government an unredacted version of the state’s voter roll. His office has long used the federal immigration tool — called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE — to verify the citizenship of those registering to vote without providing documents proving their status, but it hasn’t used it to attempt to remove voters from the state’s roll en masse. And Fontes has pushed back on federal inquiries into prior elections. Earlier this year, he penned a letter with Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes to county officials, telling them to keep voter data confidential amid probes by the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Swoboda said she would decline to hand over voter information to the Justice Department, absent a court order. She said local officials should retain control over voter list maintenance. “I don’t understand why Republicans, who are constitutional conservatives, think it’s a good idea to put the federal government in charge of who is eligible to vote,” she said. Swoboda previously worked as the executive director of the Voter Reference Foundation, an advocacy group that has raised concerns about voter list maintenance, but stopped short of embracing Trump’s false claims of rigged elections. She praised the updates that federal officials had made to the SAVE system, but said the state should also explore joining EleXa, a new, multistate coalition in which officials compare redacted versions of their voter rolls to look for double voters. Kolodin said in a June 27 radio interview that he would require county recorders to run their full voter lists through the SAVE system. And in an April interview on the same show, Kolodin heavily criticized a court ruling against the Trump administration’s request for Arizona’s unredacted voter rolls, calling the request “common sense.” “I don’t know why anybody would want to be delaying making sure that we only have U.S. citizens on our voter rolls,” Kolodin said. “That makes no sense to me.” As a lawyer, Kolodin previously served as local counsel on a lawsuit claiming “massive, coordinated inter-state election fraud” in 2020. That case was dismissed, along with similar ones filed in other states. Kolodin later faced formal admonishment from the state bar and was assigned five legal ethics classes, including one focused on “meritorious claims and contentions.” Who can actually win? The three polls of the race that have been released so far this year show Kolodin in the lead — sometimes within the margin of error, sometimes not — with huge numbers of undecided voters. The most recent of the group — from NextGen Polling, which surveyed 1,683 likely primary voters last month — put Kolodin at 16% and Swoboda at 11%. Nearly 73% of the electorate said they were undecided. That suggests the race remains wide open. Several of the polls noted that Kolodin’s support was driven by voters who identified as extremely conservative. Those voters are among the most likely to participate in primaries — and at times, Kolodin has appeared to treat his victory as a foregone conclusion, spending precious minutes in interviews and on the debate stage to repeatedly punch at Fontes. But Swoboda is betting that she can draw in rural voters. When she was chair of the state party, she said she built strong connections across farther-flung areas of Arizona. She believes primary voters there are open to her message. “People aren’t going to tell you they’re going to go vote for me,” she said. “They’re just going to go vote for me.” So far, there’s no polling on how Swoboda or Kolodin might fare against Fontes. But NextGen Polling noted its results suggested moderate voters in the primary preferred Swoboda. Swoboda called herself “electable,” adding she wasn’t “a highly polarizing person” likely to alienate independent voters and crossover Democrats. “When there’s a fight to be had, I’m willing to fight,” she said. “But I don’t believe everything is a fight, and I don’t believe that our system is helplessly broken. I do not want to burn it to the ground.” The post Alexander Kolodin appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d6b78c2ca79de236500eb ABC fires back at FCC investigation of 'The View' in new comments calling it a First Amendment violation te 2026-07-07T21:11:20.361Z ABC fires back at FCC investigation of 'The View' in new comments calling it a First Amendment violation ABC doubled down on its defense of "The View" against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday as the agency continues to probe the daytime talk show. The Disney-owned station filed new comments on a petition it initially sent to the FCC in May to have the show be declared a "bona fide" news program. In the months since, the petition has garnered over 77,000 comments defending the show out of concern for government interference. "The commenters are right to be concerned," the comments read. "The First Amendment does not permit the government to sit in an editor’s chair. Yet that is the seat the Commission now proposes to take—deciding which broadcast programs qualify as legitimate news and, for those it finds wanting, compelling them to surrender their airtime to guests they never chose to feature." FCC LAUNCHING PROBE INTO ABC'S 'THE VIEW' AMID CRACKDOWN ON EQUAL TIME FOR CANDIDATES It continued, "Today, the program in the Commission’s sights is 'The View.' The principle in the balance is far larger: whether a federal regulator may override a broadcaster’s editorial judgment about whom to interview—a judgment the Constitution commits to broadcasters and their audiences, not to the state." ABC also asserted that the FCC previously recognized "The View" as a "bona fide" news program in 2002 and that the agency's animosity towards the show is due to President Donald Trump. "What has changed is not the program but the political climate around it. The Commission has trained its attention on daytime and late-night television—programs perceived as unfriendly to the current administration—while leaving untouched the vast landscape of talk radio, where candidates routinely appear without their opponents. A rule pressed against one set of speakers and quietly suspended for another, along lines that track the administration’s political preferences, is not evenhanded regulation. The record here reflects a widespread and well-founded concern that it is not," the comments read. ABC FIRES BACK AT FCC PROBE OF 'THE VIEW,' CALLS OUT AGENCY'S 'CHILLING EFFECT ON FIRST AMENDMENT' The network also opposed the FCC's equal opportunities rule requiring equal time for political candidates in a competitive race during an election season, claiming that it would violate the program's First Amendment rights. "Giving the Commission carte blanche to decide what is bona fide news programming and what is opinion commentary heightens concerns that the Commission will exercise its authority to punish disfavored content and viewpoints. And those problems are exacerbated if the government pretends to have authority to decide who is, and who is not, a 'real' journalist," ABC wrote. In a comment to Fox News Digital, an FCC spokesperson said, "While ABC insists that 'The View' is a 'bona fide news program' under the law, ABC should focus on complying with its public interest obligations, rather than misleading the public about them." ABC LAUNCHES ON-AIR CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING VIEWERS TO SUPPORT ‘THE VIEW’ IN BATTLE WITH TRUMP’S FCC The FCC announced in January that it would be launching an investigation into partisan talk shows like "The View" to provide equal treatment for political candidates. Since the investigation, "The View" has reportedly eased up on booking political guests for the show out of concern of violating the equal opportunities rule. The program has not hosted a politician in a competitive midterm race since Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico in February. His appearance was considered a violation of the rule as he was facing off in a primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett at the time. Though the show has brought on more Republicans in 2026, "The View" has overwhelmingly hosted liberal guests, and its hosts have frequently attacked Trump and other conservatives. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d6b64c2ca79de236500e2 Support your team with these World Cup must-haves, from jerseys to collectibles te 2026-07-07T21:11:00.904Z Support your team with these World Cup must-haves, from jerseys to collectibles We're deep into the World Cup's Round of 16, but there's still time to show your team spirit before the tournament ends. Shop FIFA T-shirts, celebrate your favorite players with collectible figurines and score officially licensed jerseys. READ MORE: How to stream every World Cup match without cable Although the U.S. is no longer in the tournament, you can still show your team spirit with this FIFA-themed merch. Collectors and soccer fans can get 25 official World Cup stickers in this one box. Inside includes national teams, popular players, federation logos, stadiums and more. With more than 10,000 bought in the last month, you can join other fans in celebrating the tournament.  Get your very own FIFA-branded soccer ball for just $25. It has the officially licensed World Cup trophy and 2026 branding throughout. The seamless surface offers a better touch when you're on the pitch and the ball holds its shape during play.  Catch all the matches in this colorful World Cup T-shirt. The back features a bold design highlighting the cities where the tournament is taking place, while the front gives a subtle nod to FIFA. Its lightweight fabric keeps you comfortable all day.   This World Cup marks the final tournament for legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa, making now the perfect time to shop their jerseys and gear from other soccer superstars. Want a classic red, white and blue jersey from Team USA? This Pulisic home jersey is an official release, complete with the star's name and number. It has Dri-FIT technology that wicks away moisture, keeping you cool during outdoor watch parties. If you don't need the authentic version, this replica looks nearly identical and costs only $65. READ MORE: From grills to boots: American-made products worth every penny Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time and remains one of the most recognizable players at the 2026 World Cup. Show your support for Argentina with this replica jersey that easily wicks away sweat. It delivers the same iconic look at a fraction of the price. Celebrate the career of Cristiano Ronaldo with this tribute tee. It highlights some of his most legendary moments on the field throughout the years. Available in more than a dozen colors, it costs less than $20, making it an affordable way to rep one of soccer's all-time greats. READ MORE: The summer walking essentials that make hot days more comfortable, from $10 Ochoa announced his retirement after Mexico's surprising loss to England, so grab this T-shirt to celebrate his incredible career. It's machine-washable and lightweight for all-day comfort. The simple black tee pairs with almost anything, and you can choose from dozens of colors. If you're a fan of Erling Haaland, this mini figurine is for you. It features him in his Manchester City uniform, complete with his signature hairstyle. It's a simple way to cheer on the Norwegian star. For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals France forward Kylian Mbappé is having quite the tournament, so grab his Real Madrid jersey and show your support for one of the sport's biggest stars. The authentic jersey helps wick away moisture to keep you comfortable whether you're at the stadium or cheering from your living room. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d6b3dc2ca79de236500d7 Justice Department Threatens Top Election Officials Over Noncitizen Voting te 2026-07-07T21:10:21.998Z Justice Department Threatens Top Election Officials Over Noncitizen Voting The letters come amid President Trump’s effort to tighten election rules to prevent a problem that doesn’t exist: widespread noncitizen voting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d695fc2ca79de236500a4 Sowing the seeds: The 1994 USMNT laid the groundwork for this 2026 World Cup opportunity te 2026-07-07T21:02:23.694Z Sowing the seeds: The 1994 USMNT laid the groundwork for this 2026 World Cup opportunity PHOENIX – Brian Dunseth grew up in the shadow of the Rose Bowl. Long before he became an MLS defender and, later, a national broadcaster, the Southern California native was just a teenager pressed up against the concrete walls of… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d691fc2ca79de2365006f Tourist's church clothing hack leaves travelers sharply divided over sacred-site etiquette te 2026-07-07T21:01:19.694Z Tourist's church clothing hack leaves travelers sharply divided over sacred-site etiquette A traveler’s church-appropriate outfit hack has viewers weighing in on how far tourists should go to respect local customs abroad. A TikTok video with over 774,000 views to date shows the traveler slipping a long skirt over a shorter dress and wrapping a scarf around her bare shoulders before entering a church in Italy — allowing her to meet common dress requirements without changing her entire outfit. Many churches across Italy ask visitors to cover their shoulders and wear clothing that extends below the knees as a sign of respect. Guests who do not meet the dress code may be denied entry. TAMPA AIRPORT ISSUES PAJAMA BAN, TRIGGERING SOCIAL MEDIA FIRESTORM OVER DRESS CODE CONTROVERSY Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert based in Texas, told Fox News Digital that understanding local customs is an important part of being a respectful traveler. "When it comes to visiting sacred places, either in our country or in another country, dressing respectfully and knowing the rules is an important leadership skill," Gottsman said. "The key is to know the rules in advance, which takes some investigation." Travelers should research cultural expectations before arriving at their destination, she said, noting that customs can vary from dress standards to tipping practices. "Changing or adding layers of clothing to respect local customs is a gesture of kindness, thoughtfulness, decorum and goodwill," she said. "Bottom line is to respect the dress code policy." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The video prompted some energetic discussions among viewers, highlighting a common challenge for tourists visiting Italy during the summer months. Many travelers opt for lightweight, sleeveless clothing to stay cool while sightseeing — making church dress codes an added consideration when planning what to wear. Some commenters praised the traveler for finding a simple solution that allowed her to remain comfortable while still respecting church rules. "It is that simple to be respectful," one commenter wrote. "I carried a pretty scarf with me everywhere I went in Italy, and it was such an easy and stylish way to cover my shoulders," another user wrote. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Others said they had relied on similar tricks for years, including carrying scarves or layering skirts over shorts before visiting churches and other religious sites. Not everyone agreed with the approach. Some commenters questioned whether visitors should have to add layers or change their outfits before entering churches, while others argued travelers should simply dress more conservatively from the start instead of relying on a quick cover-up. "I'm confused. God only had eyes in churches?" one user wrote. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "You can dress modestly to begin with and still look cute," another commenter said. Others defended the practice, saying adapting an outfit for a brief church visit is a small but important gesture of respect for local customs. "I always did this, no questions asked, and watched so many people [become] offended," one commenter wrote. "It's not personal. They literally ask everyone to do it." "Thank you for your respect to other cultures and religions," another user commented. An American traveler who recently visited Italy pointed out something else. Those who stand in long lines to enter the most popular churches at the height of summer travel season may find themselves the focus of aggressive street vendors and mobile sellers, who aggressively push such wares as scarves — and explain to unknowing tourists why the scarves are necessary. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d690cc2ca79de23650066 Platner’s three-day vetting job comes back to haunt Dems as rape allegation rocks Senate bid te 2026-07-07T21:01:00.239Z Platner’s three-day vetting job comes back to haunt Dems as rape allegation rocks Senate bid Democratic operatives reportedly commissioned a brief, low-cost background check on Graham Platner before launching his Senate campaign, a decision that appears to be backfiring as new allegations and controversies engulf the candidate and Democrats call on him to drop out. Candidate vetting, which has become standard practice in high-stakes elections, is a process that often takes several weeks and tens of thousands of dollars to properly complete. Democratic strategist and top Platner staffer Dan Moraff, however, paid just $6,250 for a background check on Platner that took only three days, sources familiar told the Wall Street Journal. Vetting processes are undertaken to help ensure prospective elected officials don’t have personal baggage that could, if discovered, derail their candidacy.  HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION Platner faces a rape allegation from one former girlfriend and separate allegations of abusive behavior from another, all of which he denies. The Maine Senate hopeful has also faced scrutiny over a Nazi-linked tattoo that he got during his time in the Marine Corps, as well as over sexually explicit texts he sent to other women while he was married. While these issues didn’t come up in the brief risk-assessment memo produced for Platner’s campaign, some controversial items that have since been reported did, the Wall Street Journal reported.  SEE IT: MAINE VOTERS SOUND OFF ON PLATNER'S DIVISIVE CAMPAIGN AS CRUCIAL PRIMARY NEARS: 'HE'S A DISGRACE' "The firm sent us a thing and it had some of the posts, but it didn’t have all of them," Moraff told the Wall Street Journal, referencing Platner’s now-deleted Reddit posts. Using the since-deleted Reddit account, Platner denigrated members of the United States armed forces, going as far as to state that one wounded veteran deserved to die due to his conduct under fire. He also made comments alluding to familiarity with prostitution and hard drugs, as well as expressing support for political violence and socialism. Platner has since apologized for the posts, attributing them to psychological trauma incurred during his time in the military as well as the gruff culture he became accustomed to while serving as an infantryman. When asked by the Wall Street Journal what he thought when initially shown the posts, Moraff said that he told Platner "none of this will or should stop you from becoming a US senator." DEMOCRATS ABANDON EMBATTLED CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION IMPLODES SENATE BID "If what the voters wanted were people who were grown in vats and had never done or said anything that they might regret their entire lives, we’d have a very different country," Moraff continued. "Part of our thesis here is that people do not want their candidates grown in vats. They want people who are real human beings and they want people who do not look and sound like the lab grown people who’ve been leading this country off a cliff." A Platner campaign official told the Wall Street Journal that they didn’t have the resources to pay for a more thorough vetting of Platner, claiming that even a more robust background check would not have turned up any additional useful information about him. The background check did not include interviews or require Platner to fill out a questionnaire, according to The Wall Street Journal. While a number of prominent Democrats have rescinded their endorsements of Platner, he has so far resisted calls to drop out of the race. If Platner ends his campaign before July 13, Democrats could find someone to replace him on the ballot. "So, regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner said in a video denying the rape allegation against him on Monday. "Those were the goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain my goals today." The New York Post reported Tuesday, citing sources, that Platner was refusing to drop out unless he could help choose his replacement. The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d68f8c2ca79de2365005d Abigail Spanberger’s Virginia a ‘hotbed’ for illegal immigrant crime, says DHS after latest rape charge te 2026-07-07T21:00:40.790Z Abigail Spanberger’s Virginia a ‘hotbed’ for illegal immigrant crime, says DHS after latest rape charge Following yet another illegal immigrant being charged with violent crimes in Fairfax County, Virginia, the Department of Homeland Security is once again appealing to Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger not to allow the charged individual to be released. In a Tuesday statement, DHS ripped Spanberger on charges of being too soft on illegal immigrant crime, saying that "Under Governor Abigail Spanberger, Virginia has become a hotbed of illegal alien crime." The latest involves Juan Arevalo Mendez, a 46-year-old twice-deported illegal immigrant from El Salvador who has been charged with rape and abduction in Fairfax County. Arevalo Mendez was arrested last week in Prince William County on charges of rape and abduction with intent to sexually assault stemming from an alleged attack in Fairfax County last September, according to DHS. The agency said that Arevalo Mendez originally entered the country legally in 1991, but his status was revoked after his first conviction for destruction of property in 1998. He was deported in 2003, illegally re-entered the U.S., was deported again in 2014, and illegally re-entered again at an unknown date and location. In addition to the illegal re-entries, Arevalo Mendez has a lengthy criminal history that includes multiple convictions for assault, including aggravated assault and assault with a weapon, as well as drug possession, obstructing justice, identity theft and larceny. ICE MAKES NATIONWIDE ARRESTS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, MURDERERS, PEDOPHILES IN HOLIDAY BLITZ The same day he was arrested, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer for Fairfax County officials to hold Arevalo Mendez. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis remarked that "DHS is calling on Governor Abigail Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County to commit to not releasing this dangerous criminal from jail, and to instead turn him over to ICE custody so that we can remove him from our nation and end his crime spree in our country." Bis added that "Virginia sanctuary politicians need to stop playing Russian roulette with American lives and work with ICE law enforcement to keep criminals out of our communities." Allyson Conroy, a spokesperson for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, told Fox News Digital that Arevalo Mendez "remains in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center (ADC)." Conroy noted that "while it is still too early in the process to know the outcome of his case, ICE has been notified of Mendez’s location at the ADC, and they are able to execute their detainer by responding to the ADC and taking Mendez into custody if and when he is ordered released." WATCH: ANGEL MOM TURNS TABLES ON SANCTUARY POLITICIANS WITH BASIC QUESTION ABOUT THEIR PRIORITIES She emphasized that "Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office does not obstruct or prevent ICE from acting on their civil detainers." In its statement, DHS criticized Spanberger for signing an executive order terminating the state’s 287(g) program partnering state and local law enforcement with federal immigration authorities, which it suggested is contributing to the crimes. According to the agency, Fairfax County has been especially hard hit by illegal immigrant crime in recent months. A suburb of Washington, D.C., Fairfax County is Virginia’s largest county by population and has a Democratic prosecutor, Steve Descano, and a Democratic sheriff, Stacey Kincaid. Both have been criticized by local advocacy groups, Virginians for Safe Communities and Victims Rights Reform Council, for their sanctuary-style approach to enforcement. DHS detailed 17 alleged instances of serious crimes by illegal immigrants that took place in Virginia in 2026 alone. Nine out of those 17 cases took place in Fairfax County. In addition to Arevalo Mendez, DHS said that in June ICE also lodged detainers with Fairfax County for Nicaraguan illegal immigrant Moises Domingo Rico Rosales, who was arrested for abduction of person with intent to defile and indecent exposure, and for Cristian Wilfredo Alvarenga Aguilar, an illegal alien charged with abduction, assault, carjacking and robbery. In May, DHS said that ICE arrested Walvin Victor Hugo Garcia after he was released by Fairfax County despite facing charges of raping a child under the age of 13. SANCTUARY COUNTY REFUSED 615 ICE TRANSFER REQUESTS, TURNED OVER JUST 11 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, RECORDS SHOW SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER The month before, ICE arrested Guatemalan illegal immigrant Roni Mendez-Escobar after he was released while charged with possession of child pornography with intent to distribute. That same month, ICE lodged detainers for Salvadoran illegal alien Israel Christopher Flores-Ortiz, who was convicted of nine counts of assault and battery for groping underage girls at a Fairfax County high school; Guatemalan illegal alien Misael Lopez Gomez, who was charged with murder and felony child abuse after allegedly bludgeoning his 3-month-old daughter to death; and two illegal alien murderers, Maldin Anibal Guzman-Videz and Luis Alonzo Sort-Portillo, who were convicted of stabbing a man to death and given plea deals of five years in prison each. In March, ICE also lodged a detainer for Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, an illegal alien from Guatemala, who was charged withsecond degree murderafter allegedly fatally stabbing a man inside his home in Bailey’s Crossroads. Fox News Digital reached out to Spanberger’s office and Descano’s office for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d66dbc2ca79de2364fec9 New ruling against mandatory detention is another blow to Trump immigration policy te 2026-07-07T20:51:39.479Z New ruling against mandatory detention is another blow to Trump immigration policy A resident sits on a bench at Make the Road New York, a community center in Corona, Queens, in New York City. An appeals court ruling against mandatory detention applies to states where many New York immigrants are transferred after arrest. (Photo by Tim Henderson/Stateline) A new appeals court ruling is another blow to the Trump administration’s mandatory detention policy that threatens millions of immigrants with unlimited incarceration without bond if they ever crossed a border illegally.   A sharply divided 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 on July 2 that such immigrants must receive a bond hearing within 90 days.  One of the two judges said 30 days would be a better time limit.  The dissenting judge  said having no bond was appropriate, calling the Trump policy “constitutionally sound.”  The 2025 policy has faced widespread rebellion among federal judges, even Trump appointees, with many of them freeing immigration prisoners and calling the policy unconstitutional. Other appeals courts have also struck it down in a conflict likely to be heard in October by the U.S. Supreme Court.  Last week’s ruling affects three of the states with some of the largest detention centers — Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Immigrants from across the county often  are transferred to those states.  “Since ICE moves people it has detained so quickly and frequently, isolating them from their lawyers, families and support systems, many New Yorkers are held at detention centers in these states,” said Reed Dunlea, a spokesperson for the New York Immigration Coalition.  The American Immigration Council, which was a party in the case, noted that the case turned on three longtime Texas residents with no criminal history and U.S. citizen children, all detained in traffic stops.  The decision “affirms that constitutional rights do not disappear simply because someone is in immigration proceedings,” said Rebecca Cassier, an attorney for the council who argued in the case, in a statement. The Department of Homeland Security, in an unattributed statement to Stateline, said it disagrees with the decision and looks forward to Supreme Court review: “DHS strongly disagrees with the Fifth Circuit panel and is confident in its legal position regarding mandatory detention.” It’s a partial reversal of the same appeals court’s ruling in February that greenlighted limitless detention for some immigrants in those states despite conflicting rulings for other states that struck down the policy as unconstitutional. As of now only the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the detention policy, covering centers in seven states: Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.  One federal court in California struck down the mandatory detention policy nationwide in a class-action lawsuit. The ruling was stayed pending appeal in March but remains in effect in part of California and has often been cited by other state judges in freeing immigration prisoners, according to a Stateline review of recent immigration rulings.  The immigrant detention population peaked in January at an all-time high of more than 70,000 people. It declined to about 60,000 in April as fewer non-criminal immigrants were detained in the wake of controversy and protests over enforcement in Minnesota and other places.  There are some signs that fewer non-criminals are being detained even as arrests have surged in recent days in an attempt by the Trump administration to double the number of arrests to 2,000 a day. The share of immigration arrests that led to detention dropped from 38% last year to 17% between March and May.  Fewer than 30% of immigrants detained in April had criminal convictions, including traffic offenses and immigration crimes. The others had only immigration violations or pending criminal charges.  Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Arizona Mirror, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d66c7c2ca79de2364feaa ICE says officer shot and killed illegal immigrant who tried to ram him with car in Houston te 2026-07-07T20:51:19.510Z ICE says officer shot and killed illegal immigrant who tried to ram him with car in Houston An illegal immigrant was shot and killed in Houston after he tried to ram U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during an operation, the agency said Tuesday. ICE officers were attempting to conduct a traffic stop for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican citizen, at around 6:50 a.m., an ICE spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Araujo tried evading the ICE officers when he "weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer, resulting in our officer firing his weapon in self-defense." ILLEGAL ALIEN ON THE RUN AFTER ALLEGEDLY RAMMING ICE VEHICLE IN PENNSYLVANIA, PROMPTING AGENT TO FIRE WEAPON Araujo was struck and taken to a hospital, where he later died. The FBI is investigating the shooting. On July 1, an ICE agent opened fire on an illegal immigrant who also tried ramming a vehicle into authorities, ICE said. WEST VIRGINIA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MAKING VIOLENT THREATS AGAINST TRUMP, ICE The officers were trying to take Clemente Lara-Hernandez, a Mexican national, into custody when he tried running into an officer and drove the wrong way on a one-way street before crashing into a civilian vehicle. An ICE officer fired a shot, but no one appeared to be injured. Lara-Hernandez remains at large. "Our ICE law enforcement officers are facing a more than 1,300% increase in assaults, a 3,300% increase in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest the worst of the worst," ICE said at the time of the shooting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d66b4c2ca79de2364fea1 Former Cowboys defender Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide at 24, found to have early stage CTE te 2026-07-07T20:51:00.060Z Former Cowboys defender Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide at 24, found to have early stage CTE This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in November 2025 after a high-speed chase with police, was diagnosed with Stage 1 of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a postmortem brain tissue analysis. There are four stages of CTE, with Stage 4 showing the most damage. The Boston University CTE Center diagnosed Kneeland’s brain, and his family released the results through the Concussion & CTE Foundation. Kneeland’s family, including his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, released a statement. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "While this diagnosis does not change the tragedy of his passing, it provides important context about some of the struggles he may have been facing. We share this information to help people understand what NFL and other high contact sport athletes might be struggling with," the family said in a statement through the Concussion & CTE Foundation. "Raising awareness is important to us. We continue to remember Marshawn with compassion for the person he was, rather than defining him by the final moments of his life. One Love." Dr. Ann McKee, the director of the Boston University CTE Center and chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System, said she was not surprised to find CTE in Kneeland's brain. "Unfortunately, I was not surprised to find CTE in the brain of Mr. Kneeland, because we have found this progressive brain disease in nearly half of the athletes we’ve studied who have died before the age of 30," McKee said in a statement through the Concussion & CTE Foundation. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "Thanks to the generosity of our brain donor families, we now better understand the earliest stages of CTE, and it is bringing us closer than ever to diagnosing it during life. My team and I are fully dedicated to finding effective treatments and a cure for CTE." Dr. Chris Nowinski, the CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, noted that Kneeland still had CTE despite playing in an era with concussion protocols and better helmets. "Mr. Kneeland played in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, and yet he still developed CTE," Nowinski said. "We have no reason to believe the current generation is at a lower risk of CTE than previous generations. Concussion protocols do not prevent CTE, because CTE is caused by repeated head impacts, not just concussions. If we want to reduce CTE risk, we must implement CTE prevention protocols and aggressively reduce the number and strength of head impacts at every level of the game." Kneeland began playing tackle football when he was 7-years-old. He played at Western Michigan University before being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. In 18 career games with the Cowboys, Kneeland recorded 26 tackles and one sack. His death came just days after he recorded his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d66a0c2ca79de2364fe98 Erling Haaland's girlfriend celebrates Norway's World Cup run, Biles claps back & Swift-Kelce wedding snubs te 2026-07-07T20:50:40.609Z Erling Haaland's girlfriend celebrates Norway's World Cup run, Biles claps back & Swift-Kelce wedding snubs Well, good news, everybody. We can stop pretending to like soccer. Actually no, I take that back. Even though the USA got brutally bounced by Belgium last night, please make sure to continue watching the World Cup tournament in its entirety on FOX. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE No one will accuse me of not being a team player. A proud company woman. In all seriousness, though, that was a bummer of a game. And I actually had to make a special trip to a bar to see it. Spent money just to watch us get our butts handed to us by the Belgians. See, we had some gnarly thunderstorms over the weekend, and one of them completely fried my WiFi. No internet. Done. Kaput. Not ideal when you work from home. Less ideal when you have YouTube TV. And even less ideal than that on a holiday weekend when it's impossible to get someone out to fix it. I had to watch Joey Chestnut eat 66 hot dogs on my tiny phone screen. Like the pioneers did in the olden days. Anyway, we're back baby. The AT&T guy fixed us up this afternoon — just in time to get you your Tuesday Nightcaps. So take a load off and crack open an ice cold domestic. Let's roll. For a few reasons. The first one is that I think their whole rowing schtick is cool. The second reason is that I love the idea of these horned-helmeted fellas from the freezing cold fjords coming down here and beating the perennial soccer powerhouses of South America and Western Europe. Feels like an underdog story. I don't know enough about soccer to tell you if it actually is an underdog story. And the No. 1 reason I'm rooting for Norway from here on out is that Erling Haaland seems like a real hoot. Another foreigner falling in love with American tradition. We love to see it. Speaking of Haaland, his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, is living her best life during Norway's tournament run. And she, like Erling, is embracing her cowgirl era. "Galskap" means "madness," by the way. And now that I think of it, that's the first Norwegian word I've ever learned. They didn't offer that as an option in high school. The wedding of the century is finally over. Not that you would know it, considering all of social media and every other headline in the New York Post is about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Madison Square Garden nuptials — who went, who didn't, what may or may not have happened, what everyone wore, who caught the bouquet. The answer is Trey Smith's sister, Ashley, by the way. Tay-Tay's bouquet, she said. My goodness. Anyway, one of the other 4 gazillion people who attended the wedding was none other than Simone Biles. And her lesser-known husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens. And by the looks of it, they had a whole professional photo shoot on their way to the event. Sorry, "evenTT." You know what? I don't even blame them. If I spent the thousands of dollars Simone undoubtedly spent on that look, I'd want it documented, too. Since apparently no one was allowed to take photos inside MSG. Except, of course, the professional camera crew filming Travis and Taylor's wedding documentary — coming to a theater near you Spring 2027! Actually, I made that up. But mark my words, it will happen. Taylor is nothing if not a stone-cold capitalist. You've got to respect it. Anyway, upon revelation that Simone attended the wedding, one of her fans commented, "When has Simone Biles and Taylor Swift even spoken to each other? 😂" Biles swiftly (see what I did there?) responded: "remember this, I only show y’all what I want y’all to know." Well OK then! Is it just me or Simone one of those people who takes every little comment as a highly personal attack? I don't know if she and Taylor Swift are friends. I don't particularly care either way. But I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have that exact thought (i.e. - "How on earth is that person even remotely connected to Taylor and Travis?") at least 100 times since seeing some of the people on the guest list. My friend (and elite Fox broadcaster) Kevin Burkhardt even got an invite along with... Dean Blandino?! No offense to those dudes, but that one was a shocker to see on my Instagram feed. Couldn't get KB to give me the deets, either. NDA must have been ironclad. I know, I know. Who am I to say that Taylor and Travis don't have 1,000+ close personal friends? But it really does seem like they just invited a who's who of celebrities and sports industry royalty, regardless of their actual affiliation to the couple. A status symbol wedding. Which means if you didn't get an invite, you really are a nobody. Like me, Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. That's right, the hosts of "Bussin' with the Boys" did not get invited to the Swift-Kelce wedding. And I was certainly surprised by this one. Compton — a Tight End U guy — said he was "flabbergasted" by the snub and took it as a personal shot. And I kind of agree. How did Trey Smith's sister get an invite and Will Compton didn't? Lewan also took it personally and let loose a bit of a scathing rant on the show this morning. "So what you’re telling me is I’m not top 9,500 in Travis’ life?" Lewan asked. "He doesn’t have 9,500 [people] in his phone." Valid points are being made here. Except I think it was 1,000 people, not 10,000 people. Still. Under normal people wedding circumstances, I'd say it's childish to get your knickers in a twist about who get's an invite. After all, normal people have to stick to budgets and space constraints. Having planned my own wedding, I know that all too well. But we're not talking about normal people pinching pennies here. We're talking about kajillionaire celebrities tying the knot in a basketball arena. You mean to tell me close personal friends Taylor Lewan and Will Compton had to stay home while Kristin Cavallari and the Chainsmokers were enjoying lobster and an open bar? Cold, man. It's been a while since I've given a shameless plug for OutKick Outdoors, so let's do that now. FORREST GALANTE SAYS MOST SHARK BITES ARE A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY AS FLORIDA ATTACKS LEAD THE US Recently I had the opportunity to interview Forrest Galante, a wildlife expert, biologist and TV host on Discovery. He has a new "Shark Week" special coming up later this month, so we talked about everything from how not to lose a limb while swimming in the ocean to glow-in-the-dark sharks and his craziest near-death experiences in the wild. Watch the interview here: If you like hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, boating or simply drinking beers on patios, give OutKick Outdoors a follow on Instagram and subscribe to the YouTube channel. I'll appreciate you SO much. Way more than Travis Kelce appreciates Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. Let's open the mailbag. 📩 Email: amber.harding@outkick.com (Send your thoughts, stories, tips, rants and photos of your dog.) 🐦 Twitter/X: @TheAmberHarding 📸 Instagram: @amberharding Another reason you should be following OutKick Outdoors is for my killer travel reviews. Last summer, I wrote about the Apostle Islands along Wisconsin's North Shore. READ: YOU DON'T NEED A KAYAK TO APPRECIATE NORTHERN WISCONSIN'S APOSTLE ISLANDS Terry in North Texas Writes: I wanted to let you know that we made the trip to Madeline Island three weeks ago based upon your outdoor article many months ago. Thank you for that look into such a beautiful area that it met and exceeded expectations. The entire Northern WI area is beautiful and amazingly lightly populated. I have been on several ferries over my time, but I do have to say this was the first ride where I look in my rearview mirror and see a fully loaded 80,000 pound concrete ready mix truck driving onto the ferry. It makes you start wondering where those life jackets are and how cold is that water. Amber: So happy you loved it, Terry! That whole area along Lake Superior — Wisconsin and the UP — is so stunning and underrated. Next week, my husband and I (and our dog) will be making our annual pilgrimage up North to visit his mom in Minocqua, Wisconsin. For the past couple of years, we've also taken a few days to drive up to Superior and do some hiking and adventuring. We've visited the Apostle Islands and the Porcupine Mountains so far. This year, we plan to explore Minnesota's North Shore — staying around Tufte. If anyone reading has some great local recommendations for a dog-friendly, outdoorsy trip, send me an email! OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d6497c2ca79de2364fe15 Former Florida Democratic governor candidate Andrew Gillum arrested on drug charges te 2026-07-07T20:41:59.391Z Former Florida Democratic governor candidate Andrew Gillum arrested on drug charges Former Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee and co-host of the podcast "Native Land" Andrew Gillum was arrested in Alabama last week on charges of drug possession. Gillum, 46, was narrowly defeated by Republican Ron DeSantis in Florida’s 2018 gubernatorial election — losing the race by a mere 34,000 votes, or just 0.4 percent. At the time, he was mayor of Tallahassee and considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, but he has been undone by scandal and personal crises in the years since. The disgraced former candidate was taken into custody in Daphne on Thursday after officers with the Daphne Police Department conducted a traffic stop due to Gillum’s alleged erratic driving, according to a police statement obtained by FOX 13. Gillum, in addition to co-hosting "Native Land" with Angela Rye and Bakari Sellers, is also a former CNN political commentator. INDIANA DEMOCRAT ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY CAMPAIGNING IN NEIGHBORHOOD WHILE ON COCAINE Officers noticed "a glass pipe on the center console of the vehicle" Gillum was allegedly driving, prompting police to perform a search of the car, according to authorities. "Several rolled marijuana cigarettes and three packages of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine were recovered," police said. Immediately following the search, Gillum was booked into the Daphne City Jail on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana, according to documents obtained by FOX 13. BRITNEY SPEARS FORMALLY CHARGED WITH DUI He was later transported to the Baldwin County Correctional Facility and released later the same day, according to jail records. If convicted on the marijuana charge, Gillum could face up to one year behind bars and a fine of $6,000. Gillum previously made headlines in 2020 after he was found inebriated in a Miami Beach hotel with someone who had apparently overdosed on drugs. Later that year, the father of three came out as bisexual. FORMER FLORIDA GOV CHARLIE CRIST IS RUNNING FOR MAYOR OF ST PETE CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE No charges were filed stemming from the Miami Beach incident, but Gillum withdrew from public life shortly after to seek treatment for alcohol abuse and depression. "After conversation with my family and deep reflection, I have made the decision to seek help, guidance, and enter a rehabilitation facility at this time," Gillum said in a written statement. "This has been a wake-up call for me," he added. "Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse." Two years later, Gillum was accused of conspiring with his mentor, Sharon Lettman-Hicks, to misuse campaign funds for personal use. He was acquitted of charges of lying to the FBI, and federal prosecutors subsequently dropped the other charges against him after a mistrial was declared. Fox News Digital reached out to Gillum for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d6483c2ca79de2364fe0c Ohio cold case reportedly solved as man is charged in 1985 hotel murder linked to Georgia Cracker Barrel clue te 2026-07-07T20:41:39.927Z Ohio cold case reportedly solved as man is charged in 1985 hotel murder linked to Georgia Cracker Barrel clue A man suspected of brutally killing a traveling auto parts salesman inside his Holiday Inn hotel room in Ohio more than four decades ago has been charged in the murder, years after the victim's items were found behind a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Georgia, authorities said Monday. Randy Lane McAllister, a 62-year-old Columbus resident, was indicted by a Warren County grand jury for his alleged role in the Oct. 17, 1985, death of John Christopher Warren. He was charged with aggravated murder and murder after investigators resurrected the cold case through forensic evidence. NORTH CAROLINA COLD CASE HEATS UP WITH STEPMOTHER ACCUSED OF KILLING MISSING TEEN Warren was found dead the day after checking into the now-closed Holiday Inn in Middletown, Ohio, just outside Cincinnati, where he was in town for meetings. Detectives surmised the slaying had been a fatal robbery. Investigators said a number of Warren's belongings were missing, including his 1985 Oldsmobile. Days later, those items were discovered behind a Cracker Barrel in Dalton, Georgia, while Warren's car was found in Redington Beach, Florida. "Although detectives at the time followed up on a number of leads, there was not sufficient evidence to move forward on the case," the prosecutor's office said in a statement. DNA FROM CHEWING GUM NAILS LONGTIME SEXUAL PREDATOR DECADES AFTER REIGN OF TERROR: REPORT The murder went unsolved for years until investigators reopened the case in 2019. Several of Warren's belongings recovered from the crime scenes were sent for analysis. That led detectives to McAllister and a now-deceased accomplice, prosecutors said. "This is a case involving extreme violence," Assistant Prosecutor Brian Goodyear told a Warren County court judge during McAllister's first court appearance on Tuesday, Fox 19 Now reported. "The victim was beaten to death and strangled with a ligature. This was a very violent death." McAllister, who has three prior violent felony convictions, including felonious assault and aggravated robbery, has been on the run for 40 years, Goodyear said. The prosecutor's office has not disclosed how Warren's items were connected to McAllister. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d6470c2ca79de2364fdfa Vegas Little League president accused of spending league money on strip clubs and erectile dysfunction meds te 2026-07-07T20:41:20.471Z Vegas Little League president accused of spending league money on strip clubs and erectile dysfunction meds A Las Vegas Little League organization has been rocked by a scandal over alleged misuse of the league's funds. The former board president has been accused of blowing league money on items like strip clubs and erectile dysfunction medication. Those may sound like essential items to some, but you can't lift tens of thousands from a Little League bank account in order to pay for them, as well as other personal purchases. That's what Las Vegas Justice Court Records accuse Steve Rodriguez Prado of doing, reports 8 News Now. The former board president of Central Little League was arrested on charges related to the case on July 2. MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO STEALING OVER $1M IN PPP LOANS FOR SUPPOSED AMATEUR BASKETBALL LEAGUE The outlet reports that he was charged with one count of theft, two counts of forgery, and one count of a convicted person failing to register with local law enforcement within 48 hours. The arrest report alleges that Prado spent close to $65,000 on casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, air travel, strip clubs, ride-shares, video games, car insurance and those previously mentioned erectile dysfunction meds. According to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, the former president made more than 75 Zelle transfers to a business his wife owned which totaled almost $64,000. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Detectives claim they got their hands on a $1,351 strip club receipt that showed a $433 tip after a couple of alleged alcohol purchases. They also claimed that they could account for $294 worth of Blue Chew, an erectile dysfunction medication, and almost $2,000 on casino trips. Robert Fleming, the District 2 Administrator for Nevada Little League, which covers parts of the Las Vegas valley, has some thoughts on the situation. He also has an out-of-the-box idea for the appropriate punishment, assuming the former president is guilty of what he's been charged with, of course. "We were just devastated by the news that the league had had this money embezzled," he told 8 News Now. "It’s a shame that the penalty can’t be like when they used to stone criminals with rocks and stuff like that. That they just can’t have the kids line up and throw baseballs at him." Nobody will go for it, but you have to respect where he's coming from. He's trying to send a message to those who have been trusted not to spend the Little League funds on strip clubs and boner pills. The Central Little League was reportedly left with just $25 in its bank account and almost had to suspend the rest of the season. But the season was saved, and avoided a sad and slightly funny ending, by the donations of several organizations, including the Athletics. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d645dc2ca79de2364fddf Former Obama aides say Platner should step aside, was dishonest about his past te 2026-07-07T20:41:01.016Z Former Obama aides say Platner should step aside, was dishonest about his past Ex-aides to former President Barack Obama, now podcast hosts, sharply turned against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Monday after reports revealed Platner was facing a rape allegation. "The allegations in the story are really bad and troubling," co-host of "Pod Save America" and former Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said.  "They seem credible," he said. "They're backed up by documentation. And so, obviously, the impact politically is not just what's in the story. It's this cumulative impact of a series of articles and allegations about him. And the feeling that he's just not been fully transparent and honest about some of the allegations, like you mentioned." Maine resident Jenny Racicot accused Platner of rape in interviews with Politico and CNN on Monday, alleging the Senate hopeful entered her home uninvited while intoxicated nearly five years ago and forced himself on her. PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER Racicot, who was seeing Platner on-and-off at the time, told Politico she immediately cut ties with him after the alleged assault, saying, "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’" Vietor also responded to a video of Platner responding to the allegations. "My takeaway from that video was that he's going to drop out of the race," he said. "I think he has to drop out of the race." The podcast host acknowledged that Platner had some genuine appeal with voters who were willing to hold their nose and ignore his other controversies. "I think the challenge is going to be, you had all these voters who turned out and voted for Graham Platner despite the Reddit posts, despite the tattoo story and all the other scandals," he said. "They were turning out to signal that they wanted something different and that they were angry at the establishment. And I don't know who in Maine can speak to that anger, but also has been vetted by the party and has been through the political process." KINGMAKER MAMDANI CALLS ON PLATNER TO 'DROP OUT OF THE RACE' AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION He added, "Because, look, as much as Janet Mills's supporters deserve to be angry and deserve the 'I told you so' they're saying today, the problem was that Maine voters were not supporting her — they didn't want to vote for her." Fellow co-host and former Obama speechwriter Jon Lovett agreed, saying, "He has to end the campaign so that we have a chance of defeating Susan Collins. I think the story is horrible. Starting from when you interviewed him about the tattoo, he has not always been transparent about it. That has become increasingly true, that his denials have just not been backed up by what came next." He added that the latest allegations seem believable based on Platner's past history of purported activity and struggles. "Even here in the story, which is deeply reported, backed up by contemporaneous evidence and previous conversations, it comports with what he said, which is that he was drinking a lot, and the story describes him as being drunk, potentially not remembering it the next day," he said. "And so then we have a video of him categorically denying something which it doesn't seem he's really in a position to deny." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Lovett went on to argue that it seems Platner may have ultimately deceived himself. "So he has to withdraw to give us a chance," he said. "And what I took away from watching this video, from reading this story, is it is clear that this is somebody that has not maybe even been honest with himself about what was going on in the dark phases of his life. But that is not for us to deal with in a Senate race that will determine the control of the Senate." Fox News Digital reached out to Platner’s campaign but did not receive immediate reply. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d6449c2ca79de2364fd97 Tattooed arm in Illinois lake leads police to freezer with slain man’s head, neck and torso te 2026-07-07T20:40:41.575Z Tattooed arm in Illinois lake leads police to freezer with slain man’s head, neck and torso An Illinois man fatally stabbed his half-brother during an argument before working with the victim's wife to dismember and hide the remains by freezing the head, neck and torso and dumping the other body parts in a lake, according to authorities. James Adams, 26, and Robin Turner, 62, are charged with concealment of a homicide and dismembering a human body in connection with last month's death of Dalewayne Turner, 38, according to Illinois State Police. On June 28, boaters observed part of a human arm in Lake Mattoon, and investigators later found additional human remains. The remains were later identified as Dalewayne Turner through distinct tattoos on the arm. CHICAGO OFFICERS WOUNDED IN TRAFFIC STOP SHOOTOUT AS HOLIDAY WEEKEND LEAVES 3 DEAD, 16 INJURED Adams and Robin Turner were quickly identified as potential suspects and taken into custody. According to court documents released on Monday, Adams admitted to fatally stabbing his half-brother and the victim's wife failed to contact law enforcement after the killing, Fox 32 reported. Adams had claimed he killed the victim in an act of self-defense, and Robin Turner said the two men were arguing in the living room when Adams stabbed her husband multiple times, the documents said. "The one thing I will say is that I did it, but I did it out of self-defense. I will tell you guys that," James said, according to the documents. The two suspects are accused of taking several steps to conceal the crime, including using bleach to clean the home and mask odors, repainting parts of the house, removing and burning wood paneling in a fire pit and disposing of rugs, the documents said. Robin Turner told investigators that the repainting and remodeling were part of renovation work completed between June 21 and June 30. Some parts of Dalewayne Turner's dismembered body were found in a freezer, investigators said. On Wednesday, investigators searched the home and found a downstairs freezer with what appeared to be a bloodstain dripping from a drain hole, according to court records, Fox 32 reported. Investigators opened the freezer and discovered a torso, neck and head but no limbs. Investigators said the remains were placed in trash bags, weighted down, sealed with duct tape and dumped in Lake Mattoon. But prosecutors said one weighted bag tore apart, allowing the victim's tattooed arm to rise to the water's surface. CHICAGO BLOODSHED LEAVES 3 DEAD, 15 SHOT DAYS AFTER MAYOR JOHNSON LAUNCHES NEW GUN VIOLENCE OFFICE Subsequent searches revealed additional weighted bags containing human remains in the lake, authorities said. The two suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for a detention hearing. A GoFundMe created to cover funeral expenses has raised more than $1,300 as of Tuesday afternoon. "Our brother Dalewayne E. Turner was tragically taken away from us, leaving our family heartbroken," the fundraiser reads. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d622fc2ca79de2364f03e Michael Soroka regains form with Diamondbacks before injury te 2026-07-07T20:31:43.039Z Michael Soroka regains form with Diamondbacks before injury PHOENIX – Michael Soroka looked like the future ace of the Atlanta Braves. Selected 28th overall in the 2015 MLB Draft, the Calgary native quickly climbed the organization’s farm system ladder. In 2017, he was a top-100 prospect and just two years later he was an All-Star, posting a 2.68 ERA while finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting and sixth in Cy Young voting. Soroka appeared poised to anchor a major league rotation for years to come. His rise came to an abrupt halt. A torn right Achilles tendon cut short his 2020 season. Less than a year later, while rehabilitating the injury, Soroka re-tore the same Achilles tendon, delaying his return yet again. Since making his debut in 2018, Soroka has landed on the injured list 11 times, limiting him to just 415.2 innings before this season. “Everything I had to work through with injuries eventually forced me to figure out how to stay on the field,” Soroka said. “Part of that came down to mechanics and my delivery.” Those adjustments have paid off in Arizona. After signing a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks last offseason, Soroka, 28, has enjoyed the best start to a season since his All-Star campaign. Through 15 starts, he is 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA, striking out 79 batters over 82 innings while posting a 1.085 WHIP, his lowest since 2019. Soroka said his time with the Chicago Cubs late last season helped him refine his pitch mix. “The Cubs were able to show me some things I could do with a couple of new pitches,” he said. “I integrated those with the Diamondbacks here and they are definitely working.” Last season, Soroka relied almost exclusively on his four-seam fastball and curveball. This season, while still throwing those two pitches the most, he has utilized a changeup, cutter and sinker more often. Soroka has also lowered his arm angle from 33 degrees to 27, according to Baseball Savant.  “When you feel like the hitter might not know what’s coming, I feel a little bit more comfortable throwing balls completely over the plate,” Soroka told reporters following his June 13 start. “Last year, I think I ran into struggles because I didn’t have those extra pitches. Second, third time around, these guys were seeing the same two (pitches), four-seam, curveball, over and over again.” The results have allowed Soroka to gain the trust of his manager. “He’s been on a great run,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters after Soroka’s June 13 outing. “He’s executing two or three pitches. He can sequence the right way. We can depend on him to go out there and do the things he did.” Soroka has also made an impression on the defense behind him. “He does a great job for us,” Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “He works fast, which we love as defensive players and obviously as an offense too because we can get back to the dugout.” Arenado said Soroka’s tempo keeps the defense engaged. “His pace is just phenomenal,” Arenado said. “He gets a lot of balls on the ground and as a defender you love that because he keeps you locked in and gets you plays.” Arenado also praised Soroka’s presence in the clubhouse. “He’s a phenomenal teammate,” Arenado said. “He’s a great dude, so it’s been really cool to play with him and watch him succeed like he has been.” Earlier in his career, Soroka said much of his success came naturally. Now, that’s not the case. “I’m a completely different pitcher than I was back then,” he said. “In some ways, I was doing it a little bit by accident, not to say I didn’t know what I was doing on the mound, but I didn’t necessarily understand how I was doing it.” Just as Soroka was putting together his strongest season in years, another injury interrupted his momentum. He exited his most recent start on June 19 with a glute injury that is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks, likely keeping him out until shortly after the All-Star break. Lovullo isn’t sure when Soroka can officially return, but is encouraged by his progress.  “That glute injury is fairly asymptomatic, so he’s going to be in his throwing program and building up as fast as he can,” Lovullo told reporters on June 29. “Hopefully it’s not a long period of time before he gets back here, but I don’t have an exact day.” The Diamondbacks will need him to return soon as they fight to stay competitive in the crowded National League playoff race. For Soroka, however, the journey means more than the statistics. “It’s extremely rewarding,” he said. “Going through that entire process and knowing that I’ve made all of these adjustments over the last four years to give myself a chance to do this again is very satisfying.” Still, he knows the comeback is not complete. “Obviously, it’s a long season and we’re not even halfway through yet,” Soroka said. “It’s been a good run, but I know very well that it’s about continuing to do it, not just this year, but hopefully for many years to come.” The post Michael Soroka regains form with Diamondbacks before injury appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d61ddc2ca79de2364effc U.S. Revokes Iran Oil Sanctions Waiver After Attack on Tankers te 2026-07-07T20:30:21.126Z U.S. Revokes Iran Oil Sanctions Waiver After Attack on Tankers A 60-day exemption allowing the sale of Iranian oil was cut short after three tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5fc3c2ca79de2364ef15 USA-Belgium becomes most-watched soccer telecast in US history with staggering viewership numbers te 2026-07-07T20:21:23.240Z USA-Belgium becomes most-watched soccer telecast in US history with staggering viewership numbers The USA-Belgium game made history. The USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle set a viewership record, drawing 30 million viewers and becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history. The peak audience was 36.895 million, from 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET. WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE The USMNT unfortunately did not deliver for the massive audience, as their run came to a close in disheartening fashion. Despite Folarin Balogun’s suspension being overturned, the USMNT could not muster enough offense. Belgium took advantage of the USMNT defensive mistakes, as Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match after a defensive breakdown gave Belgium an early lead. Malik Tillman, who scored on a free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, worked his magic again on another free kick to tie the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute. Tillman’s shot deflected off a defender and found its way into the back of the net, sending the vociferous Seattle crowd into a frenzy. The raucous cheers were short-lived, however, as De Ketelaere scored his second goal shortly after in the 33rd minute to put Belgium back on top, 2-1. FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE The USMNT came out after halftime applying pressure to Belgium, but goalie Matt Freese made a critical mistake that dashed any hopes of a comeback. In the 57th minute, Freese came out of his net to challenge De Ketelaere on a through ball. While Freese arrived first, he could not clear the ball as his foot got caught in the turf. Hans Vanaken seized the opportunity and booted the ball past Freese and a sprawling Tim Ream to give Belgium a 3-1 lead. The USMNT had a couple of opportunities to add another tally and cut the deficit to one, but could not get on the board as they were stifled by Belgium’s defense. Belgium substituted in superstar striker, Romelu Lukaku, and he put the exclamation point on the victory with a goal in stoppage time. Despite the loss, the USMNT’s captured America’s heart and attention over the past few weeks, with the country’s support reflected in the historic ratings. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5fafc2ca79de2364ee73 ‘The Odyssey’ star Matt Damon reveals strict diet choice that 'changed my life' after hidden health issues te 2026-07-07T20:21:03.561Z ‘The Odyssey’ star Matt Damon reveals strict diet choice that 'changed my life' after hidden health issues Matt Damon's dramatic transformation for "The Odyssey" came with an unexpected payoff. The Oscar winner revealed during the latest episode of Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast that he has permanently cut gluten from his diet after discovering how much it had been affecting him, calling the change life-altering as he underwent an intense physical transformation for Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic film, "The Odyssey." "It's just a complete, complete lifestyle change," Damon said of, as Poehler described it, "getting jacked in your 50s." MATT DAMON SAYS HE DROPPED TO 'HIGH SCHOOL' WEIGHT FOR EPIC TRANSFORMATION IN 'THE ODYSSEY' "There's no planning it. Any other time I tried to do something like that, it was always like, well, ‘My time, my workouts’ … and this was like … just put your foot on the gas and that's it. And that's the only way to do it, and eat a little less," he said. Damon added that he cut out gluten, "which changed my life." When Poehler asked whether he still had "any desire" for it, Damon replied, "No, because of what it does to me … I didn't know." Poehler noted that many people in their generation weren't aware of food sensitivities while growing up. MATT DAMON, RALPH FIENNES’ GRUELING WORKOUTS DRAMATICALLY TRANSFORMED THEIR BULKED-UP BODIES Damon agreed, saying, "We didn't talk about it, and I didn't realize the level to which it was affecting me. Like it's completely changed my life these last couple years of not eating it … it's a bummer. I'm a big fan of bread and beer, and pasta and pizza and all that stuff, but … how I feel is just [so much better.]" RUPERT EVERETT CONFESSES 'I RUINED MYSELF' TRYING TO BUILD MUSCLE FOR LEADING MAN ROLES Earlier this year, Damon detailed the grueling regimen he followed to play the legendary Greek hero Odysseus in Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of "The Odyssey." Speaking on Travis and Jason Kelce's "New Heights" podcast, Damon said he dropped to 167 pounds — his lightest weight in decades. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "Yeah, I was in really good shape," Damon said. "I lost a lot of weight." Nolan had a specific vision for the character. "He said he wanted me … lean but strong," Damon explained. The actor said eliminating gluten played a major role in the transformation. "I literally, just because of this other thing I did with my doctor, stopped eating gluten," he said. "I used to walk around between 185 and 200 pounds. And I did that whole movie at 167 pounds." "I haven't been that light since high school," Damon added. "So it was a lot of training and a really strict diet." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Damon also credited working with a personal trainer for helping him stay focused throughout the demanding process. "Trainers are like, 'What are we doing?' And they can kind of do anything," he said. "It's just having kind of a clear goal and setting it." The transformation wasn't the first of Damon's career. For the 1996 war drama "Courage Under Fire," he shed between 40 and 50 pounds in about 100 days — a drastic weight loss he later revealed nearly came with an extreme cost. According to Damon, a doctor warned him he "could have shrunk my heart permanently." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5f9bc2ca79de2364edda WATCH: Mike Waltz tells Cuban delegation 'this is not Havana' during heated UN speech te 2026-07-07T20:20:43.816Z WATCH: Mike Waltz tells Cuban delegation 'this is not Havana' during heated UN speech Cuba’s foreign minister accused the United States of committing an "act of war" by restricting fuel shipments to the island Tuesday, prompting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz to deliver a forceful response blaming Cuba’s communist government for years of blackouts, repression and economic collapse. The confrontation unfolded at the U.N. General Assembly one day after Cuba’s national electrical grid collapsed, leaving nearly 10 million people without power. It was the third nationwide grid failure this year and the eighth since October 2025, Reuters reported. Cuban officials had restored electricity to parts of central Cuba and roughly one-third of Havana by Tuesday morning, although large areas remained offline or faced unstable service, according to Reuters. CUBA PLUNGES INTO THIRD MAJOR BLACKOUT THIS YEAR AS POWER CRISIS WORSENS Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez told delegates that the Trump administration was carrying out a "multidimensional, non-conventional war" against Cuba that had grown "more cruel and ruthless in the last seven months." Rodríguez described U.S. efforts to restrict fuel deliveries as the imposition of "an energy collapse, equivalent to a naval blockade, which is an act of war," according to a UNTV transcript. Waltz rejected the claim that the United States had established a naval blockade around Cuba. "There is no ring of Navy warships, U.S. Navy warships sitting around this island blocking trade or humanitarian aid going into Cuba," Waltz said. "It’s fake. It’s false. It’s a lie. Period." Waltz argued that the real embargo was the one Cuba’s government imposed on its own citizens. HAVANA REGIME IN SUSPENSE AFTER CASTRO INDICTMENT WITH TRUMP PRESSURE ON, SAYS CUBAN-BORN GOP REP. "There’s a lot of talk today of an embargo. And indeed there is one," he said. "It’s the embargo the Cuban regime mercilessly imposes on its own people decade after decade after decade." He called on Havana to "change your ways" and "turn the lights back on for your people," while accusing Cuba’s leaders of ensuring that government compounds and propaganda operations had power even as families worried about spoiled food, hospitals losing electricity and phones running out of charge. Waltz noted that Tuesday’s meeting came days before the fifth anniversary of the July 11, 2021, demonstrations, when thousands of Cubans took to the streets amid shortages of food, medicine and electricity and demanded greater freedom. As Waltz spoke, a member of the Cuban delegation pounded on the table, prompting the ambassador to respond. "This is not Havana. This is the United States of America. This is the United Nations," Waltz said. "And we will speak, we will be heard, and we will not be silenced like your own people. So, pound away." Waltz displayed photographs and read the names of several jailed Cuban artists, musicians and activists, including Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Castillo Pérez and Duannis Dabel León Taboada. MILLIONS LOSE POWER ACROSS CUBA AS TRUMP SANCTIONS CONTINUE TO FUEL ONGOING ENERGY CRISIS "They’re not armed. They’re not violent," Waltz said. "They carry flowers, and write poems and write music. And for that, the regime beats them, detains them and tries to break them." Waltz also said GAESA, Cuba’s military-run conglomerate, controls approximately half of the country’s economy and holds $18 billion in assets. Reuters has reported that estimates of GAESA’s economic reach range from approximately 40% to 70%, while Cuban officials dispute the U.S. government’s $18 billion figure. Waltz said that despite Cuba’s blockade claims, humanitarian assistance had recently arrived from countries including China, Russia, Mexico, Canada and Spain, as well as from the European Union and the United Nations. He also said the United States had provided more than $100 million in aid this year and approximately $500 million annually in commodities. "The answer is simple: because blaming the United States is the only economic plan Havana has left," Waltz said of Cuba’s decision to bring the issue before the General Assembly. CUBA SAYS CIA CHIEF RATCLIFFE MET WITH OFFICIALS IN HAVANA AMID US TENSIONS Before the wider debate, U.S. Representative for U.N. Management and Reform Jeffrey Bartos objected to reopening the agenda item and called for a vote on whether the proceedings should go forward. Bartos said the three-hour meeting would cost approximately $84,000, money he argued could instead provide food, emergency medical supplies and solar lanterns to Cuban families. "Right now, Cuba is in darkness — again," Bartos said. "I urge the Cuban regime: turn the lights back on for your people." Members of the Cuban delegation also interrupted Bartos several times by pounding on the table. Bartos at one point paused and responded, "Keep banging away. It’s very effective," before continuing his remarks. Bartos accused Havana of seeking "another propaganda clip" rather than solutions and pointed to what he said were more than 800 political prisoners held by the government. Independent organizations have produced varying estimates. Human Rights Watch said in April that more than 700 people remained imprisoned for political reasons, while Prisoners Defenders reported more than 1,200 political prisoners in Cuba in the spring of 2026. Cuba denies holding anyone for political reasons. "That is the real Cuban embargo," Bartos said. "It is the embargo the regime imposes on its own people: on speech, on faith, on enterprise, on dissent, on political rights and hope — and now, quite literally, on light." Rodríguez accused the U.S. delegation of offering "worn-out lies" and attempting to prevent the General Assembly from debating the effects of American policy. Cuba’s electricity crisis has been driven by severe fuel shortages and an aging, poorly maintained power system that has struggled to meet demand. The Cuban government primarily blames U.S. restrictions, while Washington attributes the island’s broader economic crisis to communist economic policies, corruption and repression. Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5d7ac2ca79de2364ed3e A year after Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, Arizona Democrats warn coverage losses are mounting te 2026-07-07T20:11:38.596Z A year after Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, Arizona Democrats warn coverage losses are mounting Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5d67c2ca79de2364ed35 Online forum for Pima County treasurer applicants Tuesday night te 2026-07-07T20:11:19.140Z Online forum for Pima County treasurer applicants Tuesday night Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5d53c2ca79de2364ed2c Mayes settles voucher lawsuit that challenged documentation requirements te 2026-07-07T20:10:59.685Z Mayes settles voucher lawsuit that challenged documentation requirements Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5d40c2ca79de2364ed23 Calif. man gets 5 years for assaulting Border Patrol agents in Southern Az te 2026-07-07T20:10:40.230Z Calif. man gets 5 years for assaulting Border Patrol agents in Southern Az Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5d2cc2ca79de2364ed09 Why the rise of open source AI isn’t hurting Anthropic … yet te 2026-07-07T20:10:20.269Z Why the rise of open source AI isn’t hurting Anthropic … yet Open-source models’ success isn’t coming at the expense of frontier labs. Instead, they each seem to capture two phases of the same life-cycle. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5b4dc2ca79de2364ecd0 US claws back key concession to Iran after fresh attacks on commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz te 2026-07-07T20:02:21.147Z US claws back key concession to Iran after fresh attacks on commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz The U.S. is clawing back oil sanctions waivers offered to Iran as part of a framework deal that kicked off a two-month negotiating period after Iran attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz Monday and Tuesday.  A U.S. official confirmed that three commercial vessels were struck by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz between Monday and Tuesday, reigniting tensions after President Donald Trump said the U.S. had given Tehran "a week off" during funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. "As President Trump and the administration have repeatedly affirmed, the MOU in effect with Iran is entirely performance-based. Iran will only reap benefits if they exhibit good behavior," a U.S. official said, confirming the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) would revoke the sanctions waivers.  "Iran’s actions in the Strait were wholly unacceptable to the United States and will be met with consequences. Our negotiators continue to work in good faith towards a final deal," the official continued.  The sanctions relief was part of a memorandum of understanding signed in June that launched a 60-day negotiating period between Washington and Tehran. Under the framework, both sides agreed to halt military operations while pursuing a broader peace agreement, and Iran committed to reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping in exchange for limited economic relief, including oil sanctions waivers. The attacks targeted commercial shipping transiting one of the world's busiest maritime choke points. British maritime authorities confirmed a vessel was struck by a projectile near the coast of Oman Monday, while Iranian state media reported the ship had ignored warnings from Iranian forces. The attack reportedly caused a fire on board, but there were no immediate reports of fatalities. On Tuesday, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that another tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz had been struck by an unidentified projectile. UKMTO said the vessel sustained what was believed to be structural damage but reported no casualties or environmental impact. The agency said it was continuing to investigate the incident and advised vessels transiting the strait to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. WALTZ CALLS OUT IRANIAN DIPLOMAT AT UN FOLLOWING DRONE STRIKES ON BAHRAIN AND KUWAIT The attacks threaten one of the world's most important energy corridors and have already prompted the Trump administration to revoke a key concession offered to Iran under a ceasefire agreement, raising fresh questions about whether the fragile truce can survive long enough for the two sides to negotiate a broader peace deal. Roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making disruptions to commercial shipping a potential risk to global energy markets and U.S. strategic interests. That followed two ships being hit Monday. A U.S. official confirmed one ship hit Monday as the Al Rekayyat, a Qatari liquified natural gas carrier. Iran acknowledged the attack, with state media saying the tanker ignored "repeated warnings" and continued to transit along the southern route of the strait near Oman with U.S. assistance. A second vessel, the Saudi-flagged crude tanker Wedyan, also sustained damage near the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official confirmed. The cause of the damage was not immediately clear, and Fox News Digital has reached out to the vessel's operator, Bahri, and the Saudi Embassy in Washington for comment. The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment. Central Command, which leads military operations in the Middle East, declined to comment.  TRUMP'S MOUNT RUSHMORE ADDRESS FEATURES 28 MINUTES OF ICONIC WORDS, 23 MINUTES OF DAZZLING LIGHT, FIREWORKS The renewed attacks also cast doubt on the Trump administration's diplomatic strategy. Just days earlier, the White House had paused negotiations while Iran observed funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in hopes of resuming talks after the mourning period concluded. Speaking during a Fourth of July address at Mount Rushmore, Trump said Iran was "dying to settle" after months of military pressure and declared the U.S. had given Tehran "a week off for a funeral because we're nice." Trump did not elaborate on what the pause entailed, but U.S. and Iranian officials had delayed negotiations until after the conclusion of Khamenei's multi-day funeral procession, which is scheduled to end with his burial in Mashhad. Monday's attack on commercial shipping raises fresh questions about whether the diplomatic opening Trump described can survive renewed hostilities in one of the world's most strategically important waterways. Iran has insisted it should play a leading role in managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and has sought to collect fees from commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway. The Trump administration has rejected that position, insisting the strait remain open to free international navigation. In recent days, Iran warned that commercial tankers using routes not approved by Iranian authorities would face a "forceful response," and the latest strike comes after multiple attacks on commercial shipping since the U.S.-Iran conflict began earlier this year. The latest attacks are the newest test of the fragile ceasefire established under a memorandum of understanding signed in June that launched a 60-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a broader peace agreement between Washington and Tehran. The accord called for reopening the strait during the negotiations and an end to military operations while the two sides negotiated a final deal. On June 25, Iran attacked the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely with a one-way drone while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes on Iranian missile, drone and coastal radar sites. U.S. Central Command called the attack "a clear violation of the ceasefire." Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had begun to recover in recent days following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, though shipping remained well below historical levels. Ship-tracking firm Kpler reported daily traffic had stabilized at roughly 30 to 60 vessel crossings, down from around 140 per day prior to the U.S. offensive against Iran known as Operation Epic Fury. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5b39c2ca79de2364ecbb Colombia soccer fans invade Vancouver ahead of World Cup Round of 16 clash with Switzerland te 2026-07-07T20:02:01.199Z Colombia soccer fans invade Vancouver ahead of World Cup Round of 16 clash with Switzerland I feel like, perhaps more so than any World Cup I can remember, the stars of the show haven't just been on the pitch; fans have taken a starring role in some of the best videos and images of the tournament. Now Colombian fans are adding themselves to my personal list of tournament all-stars — along with the Tartan Army, any fan who discovered the wonders of Buc-ee's, and that one Mexican fan who dunked his head in a cotton candy machine — with a wild display in Vancouver. Colombia will take on Switzerland in the final match of the Round of 16 on Tuesday afternoon in Vancouver, and boy, is the Colombian fanbase well-represented. BLUE-HAIRED WORLD CUP FAN BREAKS SILENCE AFTER HIS EMOTIONAL REACTION GOES VIRAL They turned up outside the team's hotel, and frankly, I saw shades of Beatlemania. I haven't seen the streets of Vancouver that wild since just after Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. Showing up outside a team's hotel has been a popular tactic this World Cup, but it was usually Mexico's fans showing up outside an opponent's hotel and making life miserable. ENGLAND STUNS MEXICO 3-2 IN INSTANT WORLD CUP CLASSIC, HANDS TEAM FIRST WORLD CUP LOSS AT ESTADIO AZTECA They did whatever they could to make sure Ecuador had trouble getting some shut-eye, and they clobbered England's bus with foam. But this? This is a hotel visit to get your own team fired up, and that's a tactic I don't think we've seen so far. I understand how harassing an opponent in their hotel works, but let's see if Colombian fans have reverse-engineered this phenomenon to get the fellas fired up before they hit the pitch. Expect to see a lot of yellow in the stands when this one gets underway, but the Swiss have thrown neutrality to the wind, and they've got a pretty healthy representation in Vancouver as well. The match gets underway Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET on Fox, with the winner moving on to face Argentina after their shocking, come-from-behind win over Egypt. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5b12c2ca79de2364eca9 Platner Supporters Struggle to Come to Terms With Campaign’s Death Knell te 2026-07-07T20:01:22.262Z Platner Supporters Struggle to Come to Terms With Campaign’s Death Knell Many voters said they expected Graham Platner, the state’s Democratic nominee for Senate, to exit the race after a former girlfriend publicly accused him of sexual assault. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5afec2ca79de2364eca0 Authorities Arrest Members of India-Based Gangs in Sweeping Crackdown te 2026-07-07T20:01:02.356Z Authorities Arrest Members of India-Based Gangs in Sweeping Crackdown The actions were announced in Los Angeles, and most of the new arrests were in California. One of the gangs is accused of assassinating a prominent Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5aeac2ca79de2364ec97 Andrea Shaw, Plaintiff in Anti-Vaccine Suit, Is Charged With Murder of Her Twins te 2026-07-07T20:00:42.840Z Andrea Shaw, Plaintiff in Anti-Vaccine Suit, Is Charged With Murder of Her Twins A lawsuit filed by Children’s Health Defense, an organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claims that vaccines caused the twins’ deaths. But a grand jury in Idaho has indicted her on charges of suffocating them. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5ad6c2ca79de2364ec7e Microsoft joins AI cost-cutting trend by relying more on its own models te 2026-07-07T20:00:22.368Z Microsoft joins AI cost-cutting trend by relying more on its own models Microsoft is the latest Silicon Valley giant to cut back on its AI spending. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d58cbc2ca79de2364ec30 Furious anti-Trump voices cheer US team's crushing World Cup defeat after red card intervention te 2026-07-07T19:51:39.216Z Furious anti-Trump voices cheer US team's crushing World Cup defeat after red card intervention Anti-Trump voices online are celebrating the U.S. soccer team's Monday night World Cup loss to Belgium after President Donald Trump said he intervened with FIFA to help get an American star cleared to play. Folarin Balogun, a player who was integral to the U.S. team's success in the earlier rounds of the tournament, received a red card in a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week after stepping on the ankle of a defender while vying for the ball. Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked the soccer organization to review the red card, which came along with a one-game suspension that would have barred Balogun from playing Monday night. FIFA announced Sunday that Balogun's punishment would be suspended but said that Trump's call had nothing to do with the decision. TRUMP CALLED FIFA PRESIDENT TO REVIEW FOLARIN BALOGUN'S RED CARD AHEAD OF USA-BELGIUM MATCH, SOURCE SAYS After a lackluster performance, the U.S. lost Monday night's match 4-1, leading to celebration among Trump opponents online. "I don't follow soccer, but I hear the men's US team lost to Belgium, and that you know who tried to strong arm the officials to manipulate the outcome by voiding the suspension of that one star player," one person in a Tuesday post said of the notorious left-wing online echo chamber Bluesky. "I'm glad we lost. [F---] our demented moronic 'leader' and [f---] his FIFA goons and [f---] the US [right now], truly." Another user wrote on the same site: "Sad I am to admit it, but I’m glad the [U.S. Men's National Team] lost to Belgium. I could never have supported a US Team that gained victory after Trump played the Refs and attempted to Rig the outcome." "I am glad for [Belgium]," a third user wrote. "Trump put his thumb on the scale and still lost us the game. Karma is truly a b----." MEDIA FIGURES MELT DOWN OVER TRUMP INVOLVEMENT WITH FIFA AS US STAR FOLARIN BALOGUN SET TO PLAY Yet another wrote on the left-wing platform: "So glad the US lost to Belgium after the Orange Baboon tried to cheat." One user claimed that Trump would have taken credit had the team won, which would have been "unbearable," adding, "glad the US lost." BELGIUM EMBARRASSES TEAM USA BEFORE BREAKING OUT TRUMP'S SIGNATURE DANCE CELEBRATION AFTER FOURTH GOAL Others took to social media before the game to proudly declare they were rooting against the American team. Known Trump hater and film director Morgan J. Freeman was chief among them, saying in part on Bluesky, "I’m not rooting for the USA if they are cheating." "I'm an American world cup [sic] fan, but I am now rooting against team USA," another person said. After the U.S. team's crushing defeat this week, it will have to wait four years for a chance at World Cup redemption. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d58b7c2ca79de2364eba9 Dr Oz warns Medicare scammers are stealing billions — and your personal information could be next te 2026-07-07T19:51:19.758Z Dr Oz warns Medicare scammers are stealing billions — and your personal information could be next Medicare fraud is a multibillion-dollar problem that government officials say threatens both taxpayer dollars and Americans’ personal identities. In a July 6 interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., Dr. Mehmet Oz warned that every dollar stolen through Medicare fraud is a dollar taxpayers lose – a problem that has worsened since the COVID pandemic. "If I had to just pick one thing to focus on to make healthcare more affordable in America, I'd go to health fraud and all the waste and abuse that accompanies it," said Oz, who is the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "And just to put this in perspective, we think it's about $100 billion a year." BIG MEDICARE CHANGE SLASHES WEIGHT-LOSS DRUG COSTS FOR ELIGIBLE SENIORS Medicare fraud can include billing for services that were never provided, overcharging for medical equipment, using stolen patient or doctor information, or performing unnecessary procedures, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. As the Trump administration ramped up efforts to combat fraud, CMS reported $41.9 billion in Medicare program integrity savings in 2025, up 59% from $26.3 billion in 2024. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Medicare fraud not only harms the federal budget and steals from taxpayers, but exposes seniors to identity theft, unnecessary care, higher premiums and reduced access, Oz cautioned. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Removing corruption from the healthcare system will have the greatest impact among seniors, since "so much of the fraud is perpetrated against them," the administrator said. "I'm talking about people tricking seniors to give up their Medicare beneficiary numbers, which is like a credit card basically," he said. "These scammers can take those numbers and use them for all kinds of illegitimate purposes." "People are stealing from you by pretending to send you drugs you don't want, wheelchairs you don't need, [and] services you never asked for or don't benefit from," Oz added. To prevent this, he shared his top advice for seniors: Do not give your Medicare beneficiary number to anybody, do not answer questions on a phone call from an unknown person and do not give away personal information. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "These scammers are calling seniors, tricking them, and once they have key information, they can steal it," he said. "And I won't know it and you won't know it." "We want to protect people who need these programs the most," Oz went on. "You do that by making sure scoundrels don't corrupt the systems and steal money out of the till that is designed to help folks in dire straits when they're vulnerable and in need of services." Removing fraud could "double the life expectancy of the trust fund that makes all this possible," Oz predicted. "If you're worried about Medicare being there when you're ready to retire in a couple decades, depending on how old you are, and you're concerned that it might not last because of all the fraud that's hitting it ... you've got a good [reason to] worry," he said. "If we take the fraud out, we could double the life expectancy, which means you, your kids, your kids' kids ... they could all benefit from this beautiful safety net program." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d58a4c2ca79de2364eb19 Talarico campaigns with surgeon who operated on transgender minors: ‘Wolf in sheep’s clothing’ te 2026-07-07T19:51:00.316Z Talarico campaigns with surgeon who operated on transgender minors: ‘Wolf in sheep’s clothing’ Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is facing questions after fundraising with a "female-to-male" top surgeon who previously operated on minors shortly after saying that he does not support sex-change surgeries for children. Talarico, a progressive Democrat, state lawmaker and Presbyterian seminarian, is running a highly competitive race to flip a Texas Senate seat for the first time in decades. He is opposing Republican state attorney general Ken Paxton. The seat is critical to both parties’ hopes of holding a Senate majority this next session. During an appearance on the "Unity Over Division" podcast on June 8, Talarico responded to criticisms that he supports gender transition for minors by stating, "I oppose gender reassignment surgeries for minors." Days later, he participated in an Austin "Pride for Talarico" fundraiser that featured Dr. Dustin Reid, a female-to-male breast surgeon who confirmed with Fox News Digital that he previously operated on minors in "rare" cases prior to Texas banning the practice. He said that he no longer performs these surgeries in line with Texas law. SENATE HOPEFUL SAYS TEXAS HOME TO THE 'BEST DRAG QUEENS IN THE NATION' IN RESURFACED COMMENTS Speaking with Fox News Digital over the phone, Reid confirmed his participation in the event in support of Talarico. He said that "in the past, on a case-by-case basis, I would do that [female-to-male surgeries on minors] but not since they made it illegal in Texas." His practice’s website currently states he "does follow the WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) standards for patients under the age of 18." Reid clarified that, in line with WPATH's guidelines, he previously performed FTM surgeries on minors, saying "it was rare but not completely unheard of." "There were occasions where someone would be under 18 and everyone involved in their care agreed that it was the best decision for this patient. But that was, like I said, rare because, for the most part, I like people to make the decision as an adult." WPATH’s "Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People" state that the association recommends health care professionals suggest "gender-affirming medical or surgical treatments" for adolescents only when said minor meets a set of conditions. These conditions include that the minor "meets the diagnostic criteria of gender incongruence," which is "marked and sustained over time," that the child "demonstrates the emotional and cognitive maturity required to provide informed consent/assent for the treatment," and that "the adolescent’s mental health concerns (if any) that may interfere with diagnostic clarity, capacity to consent, and/or gender-affirming medical treatments have been addressed." WPATH requires minors receiving sex-change surgeries to be "informed of the reproductive effects, including the potential loss of fertility." The guidelines also state that while "in most settings, for minors, the legal guardian is integral to the informed consent process … for unique situations in which an adolescent minor is consenting for their own treatment without parental permission … extra care must be taken to support the adolescent’s informed decision-making." As Texas attorney general, Paxton notably recently joined the state in the Federal Trade Commission’s suit, which alleges that WPATH "falsely asserts that its recommendations are the result of rigorous scientific procedures and expert consensus, even though WPATH disregarded established guideline- development standards, ignored the results of its own evidence reviews, and removed age limits in response to external pressure rather than scientific evidence." TALARICO SAYS HE 'HATES CHRISTIANITY' IN UNEARTHED INTERVIEW WITH TRANSGENDER 'LATINX' THEOLOGIAN Meanwhile, the website for Reid, who practices out of the Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre, says he has "extensive experience in FTM [female-to-male] top surgery." The center’s website features a large picture on the top of its page on FTM surgeries showing a young individual ripping a piece of paper with the word "female." Reid’s personal website features several before and after pictures of surgically removed breasts. The site states that "with over a decade of experience, he is known for delivering masculine, natural-looking results while providing a patient-first experience." The website claims that "patients travel from across Texas and the United States because they trust his exceptional skill—and his empathy." "Our clinic provides an affirming, inclusive environment where your identity and goals are honored," says the website. When asked by Fox News Digital, Reid said he could not recall how many such surgeries he performed. While saying he does not oppose the ban outright, he told Fox News Digital that "a total ban on anything in medicine can be problematic." "For the most part, I think the bar should be higher for gender-affirming care or surgery in minority patients, but it shouldn't be banned because, like I said, there were times where on a case-by-case basis it was the right thing for the patient," he said. While Talarico has recently come out against sex-change surgeries for children, he voted against a bill banning the practice in Texas in 2023. Around the same time, he said the ban on transgender surgeries for minors "infuriates me" and listed it as one of "the most dangerous" bills passed in Texas. In a podcast appearance that same year, Talarico said the ban stemmed from the "Christofascism" movement. In another speech that year, he said that if Jesus visited the Texas legislature, he would say, "Blessed are the trans children who are bullied." SHOCK POLL: TALARICO TIES PAXTON IN TEXAS SENATE RACE, THREATENING GOP STRONGHOLD SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Talarico’s pride fundraiser this June also saw the participation of the Human Rights Campaign’s political action committee, which has endorsed his Senate run. The Human Rights Campaign previously opposed the Texas ban on what it called "evidence-based, life-saving health care for transgender adolescents." Today, the group holds that "medically-necessary health care for Transgender people (called gender-affirming care) is under threat nationwide." Fox News Digital reached out to the Human Rights Campaign for comment. Following his participation in the Austin event, Lone Star Liberty PAC spokesman Gregg Keller criticized Talarico, telling Fox News Digital he "is lying to Texans" by "claiming he doesn't support child genital mutilation surgeries after fighting for them his entire political career." "Talarico is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and his fundraisers last month with radical transvestite surgery activists proves it," said Keller. "They are bankrolling his campaign because they know he still secretly supports their evil agenda of castrating young boys and amputating the healthy body parts of girls." In response, JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Talarico's campaign, reaffirmed that "James opposes gender reassignment surgery for minors." "While billionaire-bought politicians like Ken Paxton spread lies to divide Texans, James will continue to stand up against both political parties to fix this broken, corrupt political system and bring down costs for Texas families," Ennis told Fox News Digital. Meanwhile, Madison Cercy, a spokesperson for Paxton's campaign, asserted that Talarico "is willing to sacrifice common sense at the altar of his extreme ideology, only to turn around and lie to Texans about the positions he has supported his entire career." Referring to Talarico as "Talacreepo," Cercy told Fox News Digital that the Democrat "has a long history of denying biological reality, opposing protections for kids, and standing with the most radical activists in the country who have no regard for child safety." She said that "as Attorney General, Ken Paxton has fought to protect Texas children by defending girls’ sports, taking legal action against those who perform 'transition' procedures for kids, defending parents’ rights, and holding institutions accountable when they put ideology ahead of children’s safety." "The contrast couldn’t be clearer: Sanity vs. Extremism," she added. Fox News Digital also reached out to WPATH for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5890c2ca79de2364ea89 Argentina pull off one of greatest World Cup comebacks ever to avoid massive upset against Egypt te 2026-07-07T19:50:40.854Z Argentina pull off one of greatest World Cup comebacks ever to avoid massive upset against Egypt Miracles exist in the World Cup too. Down 2-0 late in the second half, Argentina scored three goals in less than 15 minutes to come away with an improbable comeback victory to keep its back-to-back hopes alive. Argentina had numerous opportunities in the early going, including a Lionel Messi penalty kick in the first half, but nothing could find the back of the net. Egypt, on the other hand, scored twice on just three shots. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Yasser Ibrahim officially put the defending champs on upset alert by scoring in the 15th minute on a header off a beautiful cross, marking the first time Argentina had trailed in this World Cup. Nearly six minutes later, Messi's left-footed penalty kick was stopped by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who made plenty of other great saves throughout the first half. Messi also had a free kick from just outside the box in the 31st minute, but it went off the post. In the 58th minute, Egypt found the back of the net again, but it was called back due to a foul. However, "ball don't lie," and nine minutes later, Mostafa Ziko scored on an offensive push, putting Egypt up 2-0. Apparently, that was exactly where Argentina wanted Egypt. BELGIUM MANAGER PRAISES CLASSY GESTURE BY FOLARIN BALOGUN AFTER RED CARD CONTROVERSY: 'I REALLY LIKED THAT' Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute on a pass from Messi. Five minutes later, Messi found the back of the net himself after Argentina came away with a loose ball in front of Egypt's net, putting the squad in a frenzy and making him the first person to score in nine consecutive World Cup games. In stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez found Enzo Fernández, who scored with an unsavable header, giving Argentina a 3-2 lead. Egypt's players and staff were not happy from the bench, and numerous cards were handed out. It's the second time in as many games Argentina avoided a massive upset, as it took extra time to squeak by Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Argentina will now face the winner of Colombia and Switzerland, which kicks off at 4 p.m. ET. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5675c2ca79de2364e623 Second land transfer brings the Hopi Tribe closer to fulfillment of 1996 agreement te 2026-07-07T19:41:41.371Z Second land transfer brings the Hopi Tribe closer to fulfillment of 1996 agreement By Shawn White For decades, the high desert south of Interstate 40 near Winslow has been a patchwork. Land the Hopi Tribe has grazed cattle on for generations sits stitched together with parcels the State of Arizona owns, a checkerboard of ownership that has frustrated ranchers, complicated management and stood as an unfinished promise for nearly 30 years. That checkerboard is now being taken apart one filing at a time, and much of the land in question lies in Navajo and Coconino counties. The U.S. Justice Department and the Department of the Interior recently announced they had filed to transfer more than 45,000 acres of Arizona state trust land into federal trust for the Hopi Tribe. It was the second such filing in 18 months, following a first round of more than 20,000 acres in December 2024. Together the two actions cover some 65,000 acres, and they are only part of a larger effort that will ultimately move roughly 110,000 acres of state land into Hopi hands, fulfilling the terms of a settlement Congress passed in 1996. For a region where questions of land, water and sovereignty are never far from the surface, it is one of the most consequential shifts in ownership in a generation. The transfers are being carried out through an unusual legal tool called a “friendly condemnation.” Normally, condemnation is what governments do when they take private property against an owner’s wishes, the kind of eminent domain used to clear a path for a highway. Here it is the opposite, because Arizona has agreed to the process. Condemnation is simply the legal mechanism that lets the state hand over land it holds in trust, which it cannot otherwise give away outright. Under each filing, the Hopi Tribe deposits money with the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona the state, $3.9 million for the first round in 2024 and $8.4 million for this second round. Once the deposit is made, title passes to the United States and the Interior Department immediately places the land into trust for the tribe. The land being transferred is interspersed with property the Hopi already own and have long leased for ranching and eliminating that interspersed ownership is the whole point. “Today’s filing starts the process of eliminating the interspersed ownership that characterizes much of the lands the Hopi Tribe uses for ranching in northeast Arizona,” said Todd Kim, then the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, when the first action was announced. “Arizona will receive just compensation for the land, and the Hopi Tribe will no longer have to deal with checkerboarded ownership, which will help improve its use for ranching and other agriculture activities.” The legal backbone is the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996, which ratified a 1995 agreement resolving one of the longest-running land disputes in the American Southwest, a tangle that ran for decades between the Hopi Tribe, the Navajo Nation and the federal government. That law authorized the Hopi Tribe to acquire up to 500,000 acres of land in northern Arizona to be taken into trust. Over the years the tribe purchased more than 161,000 acres of private land from willing sellers but the state trust parcels woven through those holdings, about 110,000 acres of them, remained in limbo. The current filings are what finally move them. For the state’s chief executive, finishing the job has been a point of pride. “For decades, the State of Arizona has failed to complete the promise enshrined in the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996,” Governor Katie Hobbs said in June. “I’m proud to do what five governors before me did not. When I became governor, I made a pledge to work with tribal communities as partners in governance to create opportunity, security and freedom for every community throughout our state. This historic land transfer will help us do just that by following through on a longstanding promise.” For the Hopi people, the language has been less about policy and more about renewal. “Today is a historic day and a day for celebration for the Hopi Tribe, the promises made to the Hopi Tribe by 1996 Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act are being fulfilled,” said Hopi Chairman Lamar B. Keevama when the June filing was announced. He thanked Hobbs and the state land commissioner by name, then reached for an image drawn from the season. “The Hopi People are in the process of planting their corn,” Keevama said. “I pray that this land reacquisition is a newly planted seed that will provide abundant benefits for the Hopi Tribe. It is fitting that this historic moment coincides with such an important time.” When the first transfer was announced in December 2024, then-Chairman Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma tied it to the Soyal’ang ceremony marking the Hopi new year, calling it “the start of the New Year and the revitalization of life.” Federal officials have framed the transfers as part of a broader commitment to tribal self-determination. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum called the recent transfer, “a significant milestone in fulfilling long-standing commitments to the Hopi Tribe,” adding that placing the land into trust strengthens “the tribe’s ability to steward its resources, expand opportunities for economic development and exercise greater self-governance.” This is not a distant tribal-affairs story. The federal notice formalizing the transfer is titled, in plain terms, for Coconino County and Navajo County, and the parcels sit south of Interstate 40 near Winslow, land many local residents drive past without a second thought. The shift raises practical questions worth watching. State trust land generates revenue for Arizona, much of it earmarked for public schools and land that moves into federal trust comes off the state and county tax and lease rolls. For Hopi ranchers, the change is more immediate. Consolidated ownership means an end to negotiating around a maze of state parcels, and simpler grazing, fencing and water management across land the tribe considers both economically and culturally significant. The transfers are not finished, either, since the 45,000 acres filed in June still leave tens of thousands of acres of state land to go and federal officials say more condemnation actions are anticipated. Combined with the private land the Hopi already hold, officials describe the ultimate goal as bringing more than 270,000 acres into united tribal ownership. The precise figures, for those keeping count, come to 110,759.17 acres of state trust land identified for transfer, with a little over 7,500 acres of subsurface mineral interests carved out. The full price is still coming into focus one filing at a time because the remaining parcels have not yet been appraised and filed in court. What is settled so far is the money already on the table, $3.9 million for the first round and $8.4 million for the second, or about $12.3 million for roughly 65,000 acres, which pencils out to around $185 an acre on the earliest tranche. State and tribal officials have estimated the full consolidation of about 110,000 acres will cost the Hopi more than $20 million by the time the last parcels are valued. Thirty years after the promise was written into federal law, the map of northeastern Arizona is quietly being redrawn, and the next chapter will be filed, like the last two, in a federal courthouse, one deposit at a time. The post Second land transfer brings the Hopi Tribe closer to fulfillment of 1996 agreement first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5661c2ca79de2364e61a Last-minute deal keeps LCMC in Blue Cross network te 2026-07-07T19:41:21.918Z Last-minute deal keeps LCMC in Blue Cross network By Shawn White Little Colorado Medical Center (LCMC) reached a new contract agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield the day before a deadline that would have left the insurer’s regional patients out of network, CEO Travis Udall told community members at Good Morning Winslow, where he also delivered an upbeat update on the hospital’s construction project. The agreement caps weeks of negotiations that came down to the wire. Udall said the hospital pushed for a three-year term rather than the standard five, giving LCMC an earlier opportunity to come back to the table and renegotiate pricing. “After five years, you get farther and farther behind the market cost,” he explained, adding that the hospital will “continue to work for a better situation for us and for our patients” on reimbursements while keeping “continuity with our community and our partnerships.” Attendees thanked Udall and his staff for their work through the negotiations, which he acknowledged were not easy. Asked for his perspective on insurers, Udall pulled back the curtain on challenges rural hospitals face. He said Blue Cross, the region’s largest insurer, has incredible leverage over a hospital like LCMC. He also described industry trends squeezing the hospital. Claims that once paid out reliably in 30 to 40 days are now stretching to 60 or 70, he said, and insurers are denying more claims than ever, forcing the hospital to appeal nearly every one. The staff time required to collect payment has doubled or quadrupled, he estimated. Credentialing has become another bottleneck. When LCMC brings on a new provider, insurance companies are taking longer and longer to authorize them, Udall said, slowing patient care and leaving the hospital treating patients it cannot yet bill for. “Those are the hills that we face within the system,” he said. Still, with Blue Cross being the most common insurance carrier in the region, Udall made clear that keeping the hospital in network was worth the fight and that the shorter contract puts LCMC in a better position the next time it climbs those hills. On a brighter note, Udall shared a 3D video walkthrough of the hospital’s ongoing renovation, which he said is running ahead of schedule with completion anticipated in October. The centerpiece is a permanent, state-of-the-art MRI unit, a promise Udall first made to the community in 2024 when the hospital relied on a mobile MRI trailer that visited only a couple of days a month. At the end of next month, a crane will lower the massive magnet through an opening in the hospital’s wall, which will then be sealed around the machine. The renovated radiology wing is designed as a one-stop shop, Udall said, with CT, ultrasound and MRI all located along a single hallway with its own check-in and waiting area. The new machine features a wider, less claustrophobic bore and a higher weight capacity of about 500 pounds. Asked whether the hospital will offer all types of MRI imaging, after one attendee noted she had to leave northern Arizona for a specialized joint scan, Udall said not initially. The machine itself is capable of everything, he said, but the hospital will build its services over time as staff earn the necessary qualifications. LCMC recently hired an experienced MRI technologist to lead the effort. The project also includes a long-awaited pharmacy rebuild. The current pharmacy is undersized and does not meet state standards, Udall said, operating for years under a grandfather clause that has since expired. The new space will meet all current requirements, including a sterile compounding area with a safety pass-through for medications. “Our pharmacy team is very excited. They’ve been waiting for this for 20 years,” Udall said. The renovation also includes upgrades to the hospital’s fire suppression systems and restrooms. Once construction wraps, the state must reinspect and recertify the facility, the final hurdle before the new services open to patients. The post Last-minute deal keeps LCMC in Blue Cross network first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d564ec2ca79de2364e611 Gas, not coal, to put Cholla Power Plant back into production in 2029 te 2026-07-07T19:41:02.472Z Gas, not coal, to put Cholla Power Plant back into production in 2029 Photo by Shawn White Officials tour Cholla Power Plant in Joseph City. Pictured are (left to right) Navajo County Supervisor Jason Whiting, Navajo County Assessor Michael Montandon, ACC Chairman Nick Myers, Navajo County Supervisor Daryl Seymore, Cholla Operations Manager Dusty Wood and APS Vice President of Generation Johnny Penrod. Photo by Shawn White Coal mills once ground fuel to a talcum powder consistency before it was blown into the boilers. That equipment will be removed and the coal pipes replaced with gas lines as part of the conversion. Photo by Shawn White Cholla Power Plant in Joseph City has sat idle since coal operations ended in March 2025. APS officials announced on July 2 that it plans to convert two of the plant’s units to natural gas, with operations targeted for 2029. By Shawn White Coal isn’t coming back to Cholla but Cholla is coming back. Arizona Public Service announced on July 2 it will convert units 1 and 3 at the Cholla Power Plant in Joseph City from coal to natural gas, restoring roughly 380 megawatts of generation, the same output the two units produced on coal and enough to power about 61,000 homes. Construction is expected to begin in 2028 with operations targeted for 2029. The announcement, which coincided with a site tour attended by APS executives, Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Nick Myers and Navajo County officials, answers the question that has hung over the plant since coal operations ended in March 2025 under a federal regional haze agreement. “As we think about what Arizona needs, it’s dispatchable, it’s renewable, it’s affordable energy for our customers,” said APS Senior Vice President of Operations William Mojica. “And this is a small step towards that, but today it’s a big step.” “Cholla has been an important part of the communities of Joseph City, Holbrook, Navajo County and northeastern Arizona for decades and has been foundational to Arizona’s energy grid,” said APS Vice President of Generation Johnny Penrod. “Repurposing the Cholla Power Plant for natural gas allows us to build on that legacy.” Unit 1, the original unit built in 1962, and Unit 3 will be converted, while Unit 2, retired in 2015, and PacifiCorp’s Unit 4, shut down in 2020, will be decommissioned and removed. The coal infrastructure that defined the site for six decades, including conveyors, silos, coal mills and scrubbers, goes away, but the boilers, turbines and generators stay, with coal pipes swapped for gas lines. Mojica said, “The units don’t know any different on the fuel we’re providing them. We used to feed them with coal. We’re going to feed them with natural gas now. But for the most part, the facility will stay the same.” The decommissioning was planned years ago regardless of the conversion. APS spent the past year with about 25 subject matter experts studying whether the conversion was feasible. What tipped the scales was what’s already there, including water rights sized for all four units, a rail siding, Interstate 40 and one of the most connected switchyards in the region, carrying 500kV, 345kV, 230kV and 69kV lines linking Four Corners and Coronado generating stations. “Cholla has water infrastructure in place, great water supply, next to a transportation corridor,” Penrod said. “We’ve got the railroad with a siding, we’ve got the freeway here. It’s already got steel in the ground. It’s already here and it’s usable. I mean, we were just using it last year.” Building the same capacity from scratch wasn’t a realistic option, Mojica said. “In the market today, to try to bring 380 megawatts in this time frame would be impossible. When you look at supply chain, when you look at land, when you look at everything.” This will be the first coal-to-gas conversion APS has undertaken, but not the contractors. “They’ve done over 25 of them in the US, so this is not the first time it’s being done,” Mojica said, adding that more than 40 planned conversions in the Middle East were halted by war, freeing up contractor and material capacity for the U.S. The economics of the decision trace back to the plant’s closure. As the Tribune reported last July, restoring Cholla to coal compliance would have required an estimated $1.9 billion in emissions equipment and maintenance, with coal’s cost of energy already nearly double that of new gas generation. APS is planning around a 20-to-30-year service life, though Penrod said it could go longer “if it was still affordable for our customers, if it was still needed.” The project also doesn’t foreclose bigger ideas for the site, and asked about nuclear generation at Cholla, Penrod said the conversion “is its own separate stuff… this doesn’t prevent that.” The jobs picture is smaller than the coal era, when the plant employed as many as 400 people. “Probably, by the time everything is said and done (there will be) 35 to 40 full-time jobs here,” Penrod said. “There will be some contractors that come in and go out.” The difference is coal itself. “We had three employees on shift out here, a crew, 24 hours a day, with the coal,” a plant official explained. “With the gas, you don’t need that anymore. You’ll just be up on the pipeline. That is part of your reduction of force when you go to gas.” Construction will support hundreds of jobs, per APS, and a separate 35-mile gas pipeline must be built to feed the plant, a project expected to take four to five years. Officials estimated indirect employment could run five to six times the direct count but said they haven’t fully calculated it. As Navajo County Supervisor Jason Whiting noted, “just by being in operation again, local food, restaurants and things like that will be impacted again.” With APS customers reacting to a current rate increase, officials drew a hard line between those costs and this project. “The rate hike that’s happening now hasn’t encompassed any of these costs. None of the data center stuff, it’s all money spent three and four years ago,” Commissioner Myers said. “Make sure that distinction is out there, because there’s a lot of misinformation about that.” Penrod said affordability drove the evaluation, and on large new loads like data centers he laid out three principles. “One is showing that we have reliability, we’re not going to bring on too many data centers that we jeopardize the reliability of the grid for everyone. Second thing is we’re not going to shift costs. The third is that we’re going to preserve capacity for organic growth in our community.” The plant itself will run differently than it did on coal, shifting from baseload operation to dispatchable generation that ramps up and down as the grid needs it, particularly in the late afternoon when solar fades. “If they need us, they call us, and we go,” Penrod said. “Or if they don’t need us, they call us, and we shut it down, as opposed to, like, a solar field where it’s going to generate when it generates.” The demand behind it all is staggering, with APS expecting a peak around 8,500 megawatts this summer and roughly double that within 10 to 15 years. “It took us 130 years to get to 8,000,” one official said. “We’ll double it in 12 years.” The project does not depend on the proposed Desert Southwest Pipeline. Instead, Cholla will be fed by a new dedicated line of roughly 30 to 35 miles off the existing El Paso system, a 16-to-20-inch pipe replacing the 4-inch line that serves the site today, representing its own significant construction employment for the region. The project now enters formal permitting. “We still have to get an air permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, we’ll be filing that paperwork this month,” Penrod said. “We still have to get a certificate of environmental compliance from the commission.” Visible activity is expected on site starting next year, and APS plans open houses, newsletters and updates at www.aps.com/chollaconversion, with a public community event expected in the coming weeks. For the Joseph City Unified School District, the timing question is urgent. As the Tribune reported in February, the Auditor General’s Office listed JCUSD among the nine highest-risk districts in Arizona, with enrollment down 11% since 2022 and operating reserves collapsed from $888,728 to $20,798. Bryan Fields, who was the JCUSD superintendent at the time told his board in February he was hopeful new industry “can add to the taxing district, particularly if Cholla Power Plant should begin producing power.” A press release provided by APS states the plant “will also provide meaningful tax revenue to the area and help stimulate new economic activity,” but power and full tax value don’t arrive until 2029, while the district’s crunch is now. How a two-unit gas plant will be assessed compared to the old four-unit coal operation remains to be determined. Whiting, who met repeatedly with APS leadership to advocate for the conversion, said the decision “will strengthen our local economy, create jobs and support our schools,” calling it “probably the biggest announcement in Navajo County in over a decade… This is a great day for America, a great day for Navajo County.” For a plant sitting on the side of the interstate and communities waiting for the fate of a large county asset, the next chapter now has a schedule. The post Gas, not coal, to put Cholla Power Plant back into production in 2029 first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d563bc2ca79de2364e608 Winslow Little League All-Stars head to state te 2026-07-07T19:40:43.017Z Winslow Little League All-Stars head to state By K. Conner Last week District 1 Little League held their tournaments with the winners going on to compete in the state tournament. Winslow will be represented with two softball teams. The senior softball Winslow All-Stars received an automatic bid into the state tournament starting at 8 p.m., today (Wednesday), in Cottonwood taking on the winner from District 4. Also joining the senior girls in Cottonwood were the 11U All-Stars. They played in a three-team double elimination with Flagstaff and Page. Winslow received a bye in the round and took on Page who defeated Flagstaff. The Winslow girls would have to take it to extra innings for a close win of 15-14. Flagstaff faced Page to determine who would meet Winslow in the championship game, this time Flagstaff was victorious against Page. Flagstaff brought their 11-year-old team roster, three girls who were originally on the Major All-Stars, which fell to Page in their tournament. The Flagstaff team was looking to force a game two but the Winslow girls were relentless and even though Winslow was down 5 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, they refused to give up and would get runners on base and hit them around. They got within 3 runs when they got their second out. Down to their last out, the Winslow girls dug deep and scored 4 runs, winning the game on a 2-run RBI into center field for the game and championship, with a final score of Winslow 13 and Flagstaff 12. Their tournament will start at 8 p.m. this Friday, July 10, against a team not announced as of press time. The senior All-Star team members include Alana Begay, Shyonn Begay, Maricela Breeze, McKenna DeWitt, Aubrielle Dixon, Erima Faulkner, Leah George, Mia Gishie, Jaya Nells, Cynthia Panana, Saviona Tucker, Sophia Vargas and Miranda Williams. They are coached by Tania Tucker and Anna DeWitt. The 11-year-old All-Star team members include Baylee Alberry, Brooklyn Cole, Mina Colligon, Kylee Curtis, Kylie Eltsosie, Sadie Hancock, McKinsey James, Hudson Kelley, Mariah Monroe, Coral Nelson, Lea’ula Serious and Erijah Todacheenie. They are coached by Jeff Hancock, Casey Hancock and Bo Curtis. The post Winslow Little League All-Stars head to state first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5430c2ca79de2364e068 Fourth of July in Winslow te 2026-07-07T19:32:00.956Z Fourth of July in Winslow Photos by Shawn White Cheri Sahmie, a member of the Winslow Arts Council paints the face of Jayden Bay at the Winslow community picnic hosted by the Winslow Chamber of Commerce. Rose Parks wins Most Patriotic at this year’s cardboard races. Councilmember Darcy McKee also got in on the fun and took a ride in her granddaughter’s boat. Wyatt Lewis took first place at the second annual Winslow Recreation Department’s cardboard boat race . The Winslow Chamber of Commerce board (pictured) sponsored the community picnic. Elizabeth Calnimptewa enjoys a piece of watermelon in the Fourth of July heat at the community picnic. By Shawn White Cardboard boats, face paint, watermelon and fireworks marked Winslow’s Fourth of July as residents turned out for a full day of Independence Day traditions despite the holiday heat. The day got underway at the city’s outdoor pool, where the Winslow Recreation Department held its second annual cardboard boat race. The celebration later moved to the Hayden Walton Sports Complex, where the Winslow Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual community picnic. Families enjoyed free pulled pork sandwiches, games and activities while kids darted through the nearby splash pads to cool off. The day capped off after dark at Emil Nasser Stadium, where the community gathered for free hot dogs and a fireworks show. It was a fitting finale to a full day of hometown tradition. The post Fourth of July in Winslow first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d541dc2ca79de2364e05f Holbrook celebrates the country’s 250th te 2026-07-07T19:31:41.498Z Holbrook celebrates the country’s 250th Photo courtesy of the City of Holbrook Kids gathered at Hunt Park in Holbrook to take part in the annual Fourth of July Parade around the park after decorating their rides. Photo by Talaina Kor It was another spectacular display of fireworks that lit up the sky at the Navajo County Governmental Complex in Holbrook as family and friends gathered to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. Photo courtesy of the City of Holbrook The Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department led the way as the kids line up for the annual parade. Holbrook celebrated July 4, with a kids’ parade, delicious barbecue and a fantastic fireworks display provided by the Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department. The post Holbrook celebrates the country’s 250th first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d540ac2ca79de2364e056 Joseph City celebrates Independence Day te 2026-07-07T19:31:22.042Z Joseph City celebrates Independence Day Photo by Talaina Kor All the communities along the corridor celebrated Independence Day with great fanfare including parades, barbecues, fireworks and of course, solemn appreciation for the sacrifices made to make this day possible. Here’s the flag being raised during the celebration at Tanner Park in Joseph City. Joseph City’s Fourth of July Parade has long featured the kids in the community, who come out in full force to celebrate. Joseph City invites the kids in the community to deck out their rides and take part in the parade. Joseph City Unified School District’s new Superintendent Shannon Harvilla (right) takes a cruise along the parade route on Route 66 in Joseph City. Joseph City is a community rooted deep in its faith with generations of families taking part in Saturday’s parade. There is nothing more American than families coming together to celebrate the Fourth of July. Photos by Talaina Kor It was a fitting ride along historic Route 66 in Joseph City as the country celebrates 250 years, the route celebrates 100. It was a perfect day for a parade, festivities at the park and family gathering in Joseph City for the annual Fourth of July celebration. The day featured a parade, games, great food, a patriotic raising of the flag, and family and friends sharing the day together. The post Joseph City celebrates Independence Day first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d53f6c2ca79de2364e04d Multiple agencies come together to rescue person who fell into manhole te 2026-07-07T19:31:02.598Z Multiple agencies come together to rescue person who fell into manhole Photo courtesy of the Joseph City Fire District Emergency responders from Holbrook, Joseph City and Navajo County came together to rescue a person that fell into a manhole. At approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, the Joseph City Fire Department, Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and Holbrook EMS responded to an area near the TA Travel Plaza, located at 3747 Express Drive for a report of a person that had fallen 10 feet into a manhole and was unresponsive with unknown injuries. The person was able to be extricated from the manhole and was transported by Guardian Air Angel 5 to an area trauma center for treatment. How the incident occurred and identity of the person was not released. Commenting on the incident, JCFD Captain Tyler Rice stated, “This incident showcases the importance of mutual aid agreements and the ability to have ‘special rescue’ capabilities in our rural area. Having the equipment and personnel available made it possible to have no response delay after assistance was requested. It takes many hands to safely complete an incident like this.” The post Multiple agencies come together to rescue person who fell into manhole first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d53cdc2ca79de2364e00e Discord admits AI moderation bug wrongfully banned users over harmless images te 2026-07-07T19:30:21.133Z Discord admits AI moderation bug wrongfully banned users over harmless images Discord has acknowledged that a bug in its AI moderation system mistakenly banned more than 8,000 users over the past two months, after harmless images—including spreadsheets, chessboards, game textures, as well as white and gray transparent backgrounds—were incorrectly flagged as harmful content. T Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d51c2c2ca79de2364dfda Dems uphill climb for Senate majority just got a lot steeper with latest Platner allegation te 2026-07-07T19:21:38.915Z Dems uphill climb for Senate majority just got a lot steeper with latest Platner allegation Democrats have a narrow path to win back the Senate majority from the Republicans in this year's midterm elections. And part of their playbook is flipping Maine — a historically moderate state that votes blue in presidential elections but whose two senators are a Republican and an Independent who caucuses with Democrats. Graham Platner's candidacy is cratering as he faces calls from top Democrats in Maine and across the country to quit his Senate bid a day after Monday's explosive rape allegation emerged against him. And the latest controversy decreases the party's odds of recapturing the Senate in November. "The forced implosion of Graham Platner does not make life any easier" for Democrats, a Republican strategist who works on Senate races told Fox News Digital. DEMOCRATS ABANDON PLATNER AFTER BOMBSHELL ALLEGATIONS Platner, a military combat veteran turned oyster farmer who was, until Monday, backed by top progressives, is the party's nominee in the race against longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in blue-leaning Maine. The showdown is a high-profile, combustible and expensive ballot box battle, and one of a handful that will determine if the GOP holds onto its slim Senate majority in the midterms. If Platner suspends his campaign before 5 p.m. next Monday, July 13, the Maine Democratic Party will be able to replace him on the general election ballot with another candidate from the party, whom they would need to select by July 27. Beating Collins, who is seeking a sixth six-year term in the Senate, won't be easy. Six years ago, public opinion polls indicated the senator was headed to defeat, but Collins defied expectations and won re-election by defeating then-Democratic state House Speaker Sara Gideon by nine points. FOUR MONTHS TILL MIDTERMS: THE 12 RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE MAJORITY Fast-forward to present day and the 73-year-old Collins should be vulnerable, with her party facing a rough political climate fueled in part by persistent inflation and President Donald Trump's approval ratings hovering well into negative territory. But the Platner implosion is a gift to Collins and her party. Republicans quickly took aim at other Democrats on the 2026 ballot and attacked them for previously backing Platner. A veteran Democratic strategist told Fox News Digital the path to take back the majority isn't any easier due to the drama in Maine, but added, "it depends on who replaces Platner." The bombshell in Maine came a day after a political grenade exploded in the Democratic Senate primary in battleground Michigan, when state Sen. Mallory McMorrow suspended her campaign. McMorrow, who has seen her national profile expand in recent years and was running as a progressive in an ideological space between left-wing candidate Abdul El-Sayed and establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens, suspended her campaign amid faltering poll numbers and fundraising that weren't keeping pace with her two main rivals. The Aug. 4 primary showdown between El-Sayed, endorsed by progressive champions Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Stevens, who is backed by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is seen as the biggest battle yet between the far-left and establishment for the future of the Democratic Party. The winner will face off in the midterm elections in November against former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who is on a glide path to the GOP nomination. The winner will succeed retiring Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat.  The seat is a top Republican target and is a must-hold for the Democrats as they aim to win back the Senate majority from the GOP. Schumer and the party establishment, which are spending big bucks to back Stevens, view her as more electable than El-Sayed, who has sparked controversy with his past comments. They worry that El-Sayed as the party's nominee would jeopardize the Democrat-controlled Senate seat by pushing the party too far to the left in a state that Trump carried two years ago by just over one percentage point. With the race in Maine, the only state that then-Vice President Kamala Harris carried in the 2024 presidential election that Senate Republicans are aiming to hold, looking more problematic for the Democrats, the stakes in Michigan also just got a lot higher. Republicans currently control the Senate 53-47, which means the Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the midterms. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER The Democrats' playbook relies on flipping Maine and battleground North Carolina, plus flipping two more seats in red-leaning states like Ohio, Alaska, Iowa, or Texas. At the same time, Democrats need to hold their open seats in Michigan and New Hampshire, and Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff needs to win re-election in the critical red-leaning swing state of Georgia. Besides providing the GOP more political ammunition, the mess in Maine is further inflaming tensions between the far-left and the Democratic establishment. Moderate Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania on Monday night took aim at Sanders, whose early endorsement of Platner last September helped boost the populist Senate candidate. FETTERMAN DEMANDS SANDERS APOLOGIZE FOR BACKING 'PREDATOR' PLATNER "I would really call Bernie Sanders to apologize for pushing this kind of predator more than anyone," Fetterman said Monday on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle." The Republican strategist, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely, said the Democrats' intra-party sniping "is just further complicating their path to the majority." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d51afc2ca79de2364dfd1 NHL team's rough offseason gets worse as franchise legend leaves to coach for arch-rival te 2026-07-07T19:21:19.458Z NHL team's rough offseason gets worse as franchise legend leaves to coach for arch-rival More than one NHL team has had a rough offseason so far, and the Ottawa Senators are among them. The team was forced to deal captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers (keeping him in the Atlantic Division, worse yet) when it became crystal clear that he had no intention of re-signing long-term. Sure, that stings for the fans — but at least they got 40% off of team merch if they traded in a recently-purchased Tkachuk sweater — but now a bona fide franchise legend seems to be heading to a bitter rival. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Daniel Alfredsson is almost inarguably the greatest Ottawa Senator of all-time, with the Hall of Famer playing all but one of his 18 NHL seasons in Ottawa. For the last three seasons, he has been an assistant on the Senators coaching staff, but now he's leaving to join — of all teams — the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that Alfredsson is going to become an associate head coach for the Sens' cross-province rival, and team owner Michael Andlauer formally acknowledged this with a classy statement. VEGAS' JACK EICHEL OFFERS A PERFECT RESPONSE TO GOLDEN KNIGHTS BEING VOTED THE MOST-HATED TEAM IN THE NHL The Leafs made an official announcement of their own. In the early 2000s, the Senators and Leafs played four playoff series in five seasons against each other, with Alfredsson leading the Senators against Toronto teams led by fellow Swede Mats Sundin. Sundin is now an executive advisor to Leafs GM John Chayka, which puts the former rivals on the same side. And for Senators fans? Pain. There are 31 other teams in the league where I think Senators fans would say, "I hate to see Alfie leave, but I wish him the best." The Maple Leafs are not one of them. Still, the NHL schedule is going to be released in about a week, and you can bet that a lot of people will have Toronto's first visit to Ottawa circled on their calendars. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d519cc2ca79de2364dfc8 'Party Rock Anthem' singer dead at 36 te 2026-07-07T19:21:00.005Z 'Party Rock Anthem' singer dead at 36 "Party Rock Anthem" singer Lauren Bennett, who was also a member of the group G.R.L., died in England, the BBC reported. She was 36. Bennett reportedly died on May 29 in Meopham, Kent, roughly one hour outside of London. Coroners scheduled an inquest for October. Circumstances surrounding the British singer's death were not immediately available. VILLAGE PEOPLE LEAD SINGER VICTOR WILLIS DEAD AT 74 Bennett's father, Richard, wrote of "deep disappointment" with the UK's national health system who "failed to treat her appropriately" after Bennett allegedly experienced a "severe reaction" to prescription medication. "It is with a broken heart that I share the loss of my beautiful and talented daughter, @laurenbennett, the love of my life and my pride and joy," Richard shared online. "Lauren was an incredible person and artist: creative, talented, funny, and as humble as she was beautiful." CLIVE DAVIS, MUSIC ICON WHO SIGNED WHITNEY HOUSTON AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD, DEAD AT 94 "She was deeply loved by all who knew her and made a lasting impact on countless lives through her music, her kindness, and the way she made people feel." Richard said that his daughter had "a very special gift" from a young age, and that her achievements in the music industry went "beyond our wildest dreams and continue to make me so proud." "Months before her death, Lauren experienced a severe reaction to a prescribed medication," he continued. "As a family, we all rallied around her and did everything we could to support her. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "We have no suspicions regarding the circumstances of her death, only deep disappointment that, for five months, medical professionals and NHS services failed to treat her appropriately during her time of greatest need." He added, "Her legacy lives on through her daughter, her family, and through the music she leaves behind." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS G.R.L. first confirmed her death in a post shared Monday on Instagram, and wrote, "Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us." "We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved." They added, "Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRLs, Em, Tash, and P." Bennett first found fame singing on LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," a massive dance hit that Billboard once named its fifth most successful song of all time. The music video has more than two billion clicks on YouTube. She joined G.R.L. in 2014 with Paula Van Oppen, Natasha Slayton, Simone Battle, and Emmalyn Estrada, and the group released their most popular song, "Ugly Heart," in 2014. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d5175c2ca79de2364dfb7 Republican Leaders Say They’ve Spoken With Mitch McConnell Since Hospitalization te 2026-07-07T19:20:21.097Z Republican Leaders Say They’ve Spoken With Mitch McConnell Since Hospitalization The top two G.O.P. senators each said they had lengthy phone conversations with Senator Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized for three weeks, as questions mount about his condition. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4f2fc2ca79de2364df6c McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, saw no need for 'immediate return' from China as former GOP leader hospitalized te 2026-07-07T19:10:39.779Z McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, saw no need for 'immediate return' from China as former GOP leader hospitalized Former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao went to China and stayed there, while her husband, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was hospitalized. Though his condition remains a mystery as rumors swirl, a spokesperson for Chao told Fox News Digital that it was not grave enough for her to cancel the trip. "The secretary was on a long-planned trip in China to support her family's philanthropic endeavors," the spokesperson said. "During the trip, she met with a number of people, including the U.S. ambassador. The Senator's health did not warrant an immediate return to the U.S." MCCONNELL WAS FOUND 'UNCONSCIOUS' IN HOME LAST MONTH AS CONDITION REMAINS UNKNOWN Chao has since returned to the U.S. while McConnell has entered his third week of hospitalization. But what exactly his current condition is and a timetable for his return to the Senate have not been made clear. His office is keeping mum on what exactly is going on with the 84-year-old longest-serving Senate Republican leader in history, who is expected to retire at the end of his term this year. Instead, the void has been filled by an online rumor pumping speculation into what exactly is going on with the lawmaker. Laura Loomer, a conservative commentator, claimed that a "high level source close to the White House" said McConnell was "brain dead" and that the lawmaker "isn’t ever coming back." HOUSE DEM URGES TRANSPARENCY BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS AFTER GOP COLLEAGUE REVEALS REASON FOR EXTENDED ABSENCE The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Loomer’s claims. Her claim followed leaked audio from an emergency dispatch from a call on June 14, the day McConnell was sent to the hospital, that revealed that the longtime Senate Republican was "unconscious" and may have suffered a heart attack. When asked about the veracity of Loomer’s claims, McConnell’s office shared with Fox News Digital the same statement it released a week prior. "Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital," a McConnell spokesperson said. "The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session." ‘HE NAMED NAMES’: TRUMP’S SENATE MEETING EXPLODES INTO SHOUTING MATCH OVER IRAN Meanwhile, Senate Republican leaders are working to quash the rumor cycle. Both Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said they were on the phone with McConnell in the last 48 hours — the last time that both top Republicans publicly said they had spoken with McConnell was a handful of days after his hospitalization. A spokesperson for Thune said that the pair spoke by phone on Monday, and that they had "a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security." And Barrasso spokeswoman Kate Noyes said the No. 2 Senate Republican and McConnell spoke at length early Tuesday afternoon. "Their phone call lasted roughly 20 minutes. They caught up about the latest news impacting Senate races, the Graham Platner scandal, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on coordinated spending limits," Noyes said. "They also discussed the Senate’s July work period, including the need to pass the NDAA and confirm President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence," she continued. "Senator McConnell was fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4cd9c2ca79de2364df1c How Graham Platner's campaign unraveled: From Reddit posts to rape allegation te 2026-07-07T19:00:41.602Z How Graham Platner's campaign unraveled: From Reddit posts to rape allegation U.S. Senate Democratic nominee Graham Platner’s campaign is hanging by a thread following a rape allegation from a woman he previously dated, leading his political allies to call for his exit from the race. Jenny Racicot’s rape allegations against Platner are just the latest scandal to rock his campaign, which has been riddled with controversy since October. From sporting a Nazi-linked tattoo on his chest to being accused by ex-girlfriends of being physically abusive, Platner’s campaign has survived, with many of his supporters doubling down in support. But Racicot recounted to both Politico and CNN how, in 2021, Platner, with whom she had an on-again, off-again relationship, barged into her home uninvited and intoxicated. Racicot alleged that, despite her protests, Platner had raped her.  The allegations surfaced less than a week before the deadline for Platner to withdraw from the race, after which the Democratic Party would be able to replace him with another nominee. TOP DEMOCRATIC SENATE HOPEFULS TURN ON PLATNER AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., have all pulled their support for Platner. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who endorsed Platner just 11 days after he launched his campaign and has stood by him through every major controversy, also called on Platner to end his candidacy Tuesday. But Republicans have questioned why Democratic leadership took so long to revoke that support despite all the controversies surrounding him. Here's a timeline of the allegations and controversies surrounding Graham Platner's Senate campaign. Platner's first major controversy erupted on Oct. 16, 2025, after CNN uncovered years of deleted Reddit posts he made between 2009 and 2021. The posts revealed the Democratic Senate candidate once described himself as a "communist," wrote that "all" police were bastards, and argued that many rural white Americans "actually are" racist and unintelligent. Other posts reflected how his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan had reshaped his politics, with Platner writing that America's wars had left him disillusioned and "significantly more left" than when he enlisted. Days later, additional reporting drew scrutiny to other deleted posts, including one in which Platner appeared to downplay concerns about sexual assault. In one post, Platner wrote that people should "take some responsibility for themselves" and avoid becoming so intoxicated that they end up in compromising situations. PLATNER IN THE HOT SEAT AS MAINE VOTERS RIP HIS 'HORRIBLE' COMMENTS AMID REDDIT SCANDAL There are more than 2,000 posts by Platner on Reddit, which The Maine Monitor later compiled into a database. Platner distanced himself from those posts, telling CNN at the time that he was "f------ around the internet" and that he was struggling in his return to civilian life after serving overseas in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. "I don't want people to see me for who I was in my worst Internet comment—or even frankly who I was in my best Internet comment," Platner told CNN. "I don't think any of that is indicative of who I am today, really." At the time the Reddit posts resurfaced, Sanders, and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., stood by Platner. Gallego said Platner had "the right to grow out of his stupidity." "There's a young man who served his country in Afghanistan and Iraq, and he went through some really difficult experiences seeing friends of his killed or whatever, and in spite of all of that he had the courage to run," Sanders said of Platner, who Sanders endorsed just eleven days after launching his campaign. Platner faced another controversy after his campaign, seeking to get ahead of opposition research, released a video on Oct. 21 during an appearance on Pod Save America showing him dancing shirtless at his brother's wedding. The footage revealed a chest tattoo that critics said resembled the Nazi SS Totenkopf, or "Death's Head," symbol, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed questions about his judgment. The image prompted widespread condemnation and renewed questions about his judgment. Platner said he got the tattoo while drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia in 2007 and believed it was simply a skull-and-crossbones design commemorating surviving combat. He said he was unaware of its association with Nazi Germany until the issue surfaced during his Senate campaign, apologized, and initially pledged to have it removed before instead covering it with a Celtic knot tattoo. SEE IT: MAINE VOTERS SOUND OFF ON PLATNER'S DIVISIVE CAMPAIGN AS CRUCIAL PRIMARY NEARS: 'HE'S A DISGRACE' The controversy intensified after subsequent reporting questioned Platner's claim that he had been unaware of the symbol's meaning, citing former acquaintances and past online activity suggesting he may have known its meaning years earlier, a claim Platner rejected. In the aftermath, Sanders brushed off concerns over Platner’s tattoo, arguing there were more important issues. "I'm not overly impressed by a squad of media running around saying, 'What do you think about the tattoo on Graham Platner's chest?'" Sanders told Axios. The New York Times reported on May 30 that Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, had privately informed senior campaign officials that he exchanged sexually explicit messages with other women during the early years of their marriage, raising concerns about the political fallout. Platner was using the app Kik to send messages and photos to women. Former campaign political director Genevieve McDonald said Gertner told her that her husband had been exchanging sexual messages with as many as a dozen women, while another campaign official said the number was lower and that the conduct had ended before the campaign launched. The issue surfaced during an internal vetting process ahead of a high-profile Labor Day rally with Sanders. The discovery prompted outcry from Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who called Platner a "creeper." However, Sanders and Schumer doubled down on their support for Platner, saying they believed he could defeat incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Days after reports about sexually explicit messages surfaced, The New York Times published on June 4, 2026, interviews with six of Platner's former romantic partners, offering sharply different accounts of their relationships with the Democratic Senate candidate. Three women described him as kind, supportive and someone who never made them feel unsafe, but three others painted a far more troubling picture, alleging volatile relationships marked by heavy drinking, infidelity and behavior they found emotionally damaging. Former girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield said Platner sometimes grabbed her hard enough to leave marks and, during one argument, twisted her arm behind her back, pushed her into a bedroom and held the door shut until she "calmed down." Platner denied allegations of physical intimidation, and the Times wrote that it could not corroborate her allegations. In a lengthy X post, Fifield took fire at the New York Times for not adequately verifying her story. She claimed that she gave the reporters five phone numbers, but the Times reported they only reached out to two people. "I actually understand why Democrat leaders didn't take our stories seriously when the Times reported them in June but are taking them seriously now," Fifield wrote on X. "It was by design." "They called the two who I clarified would not know about the abuse but would be able to affirm our relationship timeline, events, etc," Fifield continued. "They simply did not call the other three." Fifield, a longtime GOP operative who dated Platner on and off from 2013 to 2015, faced scrutiny after coming forward with allegations that Platner was abusive. Platner's campaign and Platner himself argued her claims were politically motivated, pointing to her long history of working for Republican causes. Racicot was also interviewed by the Times, and she alluded to the alleged sexual assault that she said occurred in 2021. Racicot said it was the attacks on Fifield which compelled her to step forward and tell Politico the full story of her sexual assault by Graham. When asked about the allegations against Platner, Sanders said at the National Press Club on June 8 that it's a "political smokescreen." "Republican super PACS want to defeat him," said Sanders of Platner, adding, "He is going to be a strong voice against oligarchy." Platner has now lost the support of Democratic Party leaders, who continued to back him despite controversies over his Reddit posts, a sexting scandal and allegations from former partners. But the latest allegation of rape proved to be a breaking point. Platner said on Monday that his campaign is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward." Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign for further comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4aa8c2ca79de2364debd Golfers appear to launch cart off cliff and land in the water at course in Missouri designed by Tiger Woods te 2026-07-07T18:51:20.792Z Golfers appear to launch cart off cliff and land in the water at course in Missouri designed by Tiger Woods A golf cart ended up completely submerged in the water at Payne’s Valley Golf Course after a couple of golfers managed to jump a stone curb and launch themselves over the side of a cliff. The footage from the 19th hole at the Tiger Woods designed course near Branson, Missouri, was posted a few days ago. It speculates that booze may have been a factor, but doesn't say when the golf cart launch occurred. So it's hard to tell whether this was part of the golfers' Fourth of July weekend festivities or not. I do know the Tiger Woods crash jokes write themselves, which is why I don't even need to make one. EPIC GOLF TRIP, GERMAN SOCCER FAN FREDDY STUNNED BY SMALL-TOWN OHIO IN CUP TRAVELS, SOFIA VERGARA STOPS & MEAT Frankly, I consider myself above such foolishness. These two golfers are lucky to be walking around in one piece after this. The two videos that were posted by a witness show the aftermath of the cart going over the side of a cliff, and it drives that point home. In the first video, someone can be seen in the water retrieving items from the cart located at the bottom of "Lunker Lake," which surrounds the 19th hole. In the second one, the witnesses move from the path next to where the golf cart ended up to the top of the hill where it went over the side of the rocky cliff. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There's an opening in the fence that has a stone curb that these two found out does not stop a golf cart. The video shows the top of the submerged golf cart as well as some belongings on the rocks on the side of the cliff. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM You'd have to imagine the space in the fence isn’t going to be there much longer, if it hasn't already been taken care of, given a cart went airborne. On a positive note, that will be something these guys can proudly tell people they were part of. They made a difference. They can take their kids there one day, point, and say, "You see that piece of fence there? That's where my pal and I went flying into the water." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4a95c2ca79de2364de7e Sunny Hostin called out by fellow 'View' co-host for prior support of Platner in tense exchange te 2026-07-07T18:51:01.346Z Sunny Hostin called out by fellow 'View' co-host for prior support of Platner in tense exchange "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin was called out on Tuesday by fellow co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin for instances where she has stood by her initial support for embattled Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner.  During a discussion of the most recent Platner allegations, co-host Sara Haines slammed liberals for backing him because he's a Democrat.  "It is a disgusting time in politics where we decide what we're willing to morally accept based on the jersey you're wearing, and if you are one of those people that was willing to plug your nose, you’re the problem," she said. Hostin then conceded she was "the problem," before turning to the Republican Party. PROGRESSIVE DEMS' FULL-THROATED PLATNER ENDORSEMENTS COME BACK TO HAUNT THEM AFTER RAPE ALLEGATIONS "Because I was one of those people and I said it, if I lived in Maine I would have, you know, plugged my nose and would have voted for him anyway. I think we are in a time of existential crisis in this country and I think Republicans fall in line. They don’t fall in love. Democrats want to fall in love and not fall in line. The Republican Party, the bar is so very low, I can’t believe that they want to try to assume the moral high ground of the Republican Party," she said. Hostin cited the confirmation of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and controversies surrounding his confirmation to his Cabinet position. "In 2017, a woman claimed he had sexually assaulted her after a conference. She reported that assault immediately. She had a sexual assault examination, and he says it was a consensual encounter, and in 2020 he paid her $50,000 to settle the claim yet, yet," Hostin said as Griffin questioned why she wouldn't condemn it across the board. TOP DEMOCRATIC SENATE HOPEFULS TURN ON PLATNER AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION Hostin said the Republican Party confirmed Hegseth. "Well, I'm a Republican right here condemning anyone who's been credibly accused of sexual abuse," Griffin said. Hostin continued to focus on the Republican Party and said the party was protecting convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "You'd be comfortable still voting for Graham Platner if you lived in Maine?" Griffin pressed. Hostin didn't answer the question and said the GOP didn't get to take the moral high ground before co-host Joy Behar jumped into the conversation. Later in the conversation, Hostin said Platner should exit the race, since the party would be able to replace him per Maine law. The ABC talk show also had former GOP lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene on the show on Tuesday. Hostin confronted Greene on a post she deleted on X about one of Platner's accusers. "If you are raped or sexually assaulted, report it immediately. Don’t wait years later until the man runs for office to go to news outlets to tell your story," Greene wrote. "And if you had consensual sex with him years ago, don’t turn it into rape for politics with conflicting stories." Hostin and Greene clashed over the X post, as Hostin questioned why she accused the accuser of "rape for politics." Greene insisted she hadn't and said, "I posted that because I support women who have been raped or sexually assaulted and I want them to have justice. Secondly, don’t wait until they’re running for office. We need to know early on." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Hostin also called out Greene for the remark about having "consensual sex" in the past, and said, "The fact that someone dates people or has had consensual sex with them previously does not mean that they cannot be raped. Married women can be raped. Sex workers can be raped." During an episode of "The View" on June 1, Hostin called Platner a racist, homophobe and an anti-Semite, but said that the Democrats needed to take back Congress. "So he's a liar, a racist, an antisemite. He's a homophobe," she said. "So he has all the things and character does matter. But we have someone that has almost unbridled power in the White House at this point. There are no checks and balances and the only way that we can maybe bring a bit of our democracy back is by having a Congress that functions and that has these checks and balances. And I do think one of the only ways is to win that seat in Maine." During a June 3 episode of the show, Hostin said she would hold her nose and vote for Platner if it meant taking back Congress. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4a81c2ca79de2364ddee Former Democratic mayor of state capital city pleads guilty for role in six-figure real estate bribery scheme te 2026-07-07T18:50:41.886Z Former Democratic mayor of state capital city pleads guilty for role in six-figure real estate bribery scheme Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the former mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy for his role in a six-figure real estate bribery scheme. Lumumba, who served as Jackson's mayor from 2017 to 2025, allegedly accepted tens of thousands of dollars that Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens distributed to him and other city officials after accepting it from FBI agents posing as realtors. Owens, also a Democrat, pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy last week. LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL ACCUSED OF THREATENING LOCAL OFFICIALS IN CRIMINAL INDICTMENT Owens, according to a copy of the criminal indictment obtained by Fox News Digital, funneled over $80,000 in payments to Lumumba, Angelique Lee, the Democratic former vice president of the Jackson City Council, and Sherik Marve Smith, a relative of Owens'. The former district attorney procured the money from two individuals he believed to be real estate developers from Nashville, Tennessee, "in exchange for their agreement to take official action to ensure the approval of the Developers' proposed multi-million-dollar downtown Jackson development project," per the indictment. The developers, however, were actually undercover FBI agents. OHIO BROTHERS WHO POSED AS MIDDLE EASTERN ROYALTY RECEIVE LENGTHY SENTENCE FOR $21M FRAUD SCHEME Owens "solicited and accepted at least $115,000 in cash and promises of future financial benefits from the Developers," according to the indictment. Lumumba accepted $50,000 in the form of campaign contributions knowing they were given in exchange for his blessing on the real estate developments, the indictment alleges. "Lumumba accepted the checks knowing and understanding that the money was from the Developers, and that it was being offered in exchange for official action from Lumumba in favor of the Developers' proposed development project," the indictment read. FORMER INDIANA REP STEPHEN BUYER RECEIVES FULL PARDON FROM TRUMP FOR 2023 INSIDER TRADING CONVICTION Lumumba had originally called the prosecution's charges a political prosecution, The Associated Press reported. He lost his re-election bid in 2025, falling in the city's Democratic primary to eventual winner John Horhn, who is now Jackson's mayor. Lumumba and Owens could face up to five years in prison. Their sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 15. Fox News Digital contacted legal representatives for Lumumba, Owens and Lee and the city of Jackson for further comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4863c2ca79de2364da35 Judge tosses attempted murder case against California dad who allegedly drove family off 300-foot cliff te 2026-07-07T18:41:39.278Z Judge tosses attempted murder case against California dad who allegedly drove family off 300-foot cliff Attempted murder charges against a California radiologist who allegedly intentionally drove his vehicle with his family off a cliff were dismissed Monday. A San Mateo County judge tossed the charges against Dharmesh Patel, 45, following reports from doctors that he was doing well in the mental health program he was initially ordered to complete, FOX San Francisco reported. In July 2024, Patel, who worked in Pasadena, was ordered to complete a two-year mental health diversion program while living at his parents' Belmont home on a GPS monitor. LUIGI MANGIONE BAILS ON PSYCHIATRIC DEFENSE IN UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO ASSASSINATION CASE In January 2023, he was driving his Tesla on the Pacific Coast Highway in San Mateo County when he drove off Devil's Slide in Pacifica, plunging him and his family 300 feet. First responders were forced to cut his family, including Patel's 41-year-old wife, 7-year-old daughter, and 4-year-old son, out of the wreckage. Everyone survived. At the time of the incident, Patel was having delusions driven by the war in Ukraine and the growing fentanyl crisis in the United States, his lawyers argued during a 2024 court hearing. 'GAME OF THRONES' STAR SAYS SHE MISTOOK PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL FOR A PALACE AFTER JOINING WELLNESS CULT Patel’s greatest delusion, according to a psychologist, was his fear that his children could be kidnapped and molested, which appeared somehow connected to his concerns about Jeffrey Epstein. Shortly after the crash, Patel's wife, Neha, said her husband "did it on purpose" and needed a "psych evaluation." In addition, she said her husband was depressed, according to court documents. "He said he was going to drive off the cliff," she said. MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER, RELEASED AFTER ALLEGEDLY FORCING TODDLER INTO CROCODILE ENCLOSURE AT ZOO San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, who opposed Patel’s placement in the diversion program, criticized the decision to dismiss the case. "He got the break of a lifetime," Wagstaffe told the Mercury News. After the ruling, Patel embraced his wife, and they left the courtroom together, the newspaper reported. Fox News Digital has reached out to the district attorney's office and Patel's attorney. Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d484fc2ca79de2364da2c Iran attacks ships in Strait of Hormuz days after Trump gave Tehran 'a week off' for Khamenei funeral te 2026-07-07T18:41:19.823Z Iran attacks ships in Strait of Hormuz days after Trump gave Tehran 'a week off' for Khamenei funeral Iran attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz Monday and Tuesday, reigniting tensions after President Donald Trump said the U.S.  had given Tehran "a week off" during funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. A U.S. official confirmed that three commercial vessels were struck by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz between Monday and Tuesday.  The attacks targeted commercial shipping transiting one of the world's busiest maritime choke points. British maritime authorities confirmed a vessel was struck by a projectile near the coast of Oman Monday, while Iranian state media reported the ship had ignored warnings from Iranian forces. The attack reportedly caused a fire on board but there were no immediate reports of fatalities. On Tuesday, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that another tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz had been struck by an unidentified projectile. UKMTO said the vessel sustained what was believed to be structural damage but reported no casualties or environmental impact. The agency said it was continuing to investigate the incident and advised vessels transiting the strait to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. WALTZ CALLS OUT IRANIAN DIPLOMAT AT UN FOLLOWING DRONE STRIKES ON BAHRAIN AND KUWAIT The attacks threaten one of the world's most important energy corridors and raise fresh questions about whether the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire can survive long enough for the Trump administration to negotiate a broader peace agreement. Roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption to commercial shipping a potential risk to global energy markets and U.S. strategic interests. That followed two ships being hit Monday. A U.S. official confirmed one ship hit Monday as the Al Rekayyat, a Qatari liquified natural gas carrier. Iran acknowledged the attack, with state media saying the tanker ignored "repeated warnings" and continued to transit through the southern route of the strait near Oman with U.S. assistance. A second vessel, the Saudi-flagged crude tanker Wedyan, also sustained damage near the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official confirmed. The cause of the damage was not immediately clear, and Fox News Digital has reached out to the vessel's operator, Bahri, and the Saudi Embassy in Washington for comment. The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment. Central Command, which leads military operations in the Middle East, declined to comment.  TRUMP'S MOUNT RUSHMORE ADDRESS FEATURES 28 MINUTES OF ICONIC WORDS, 23 MINUTES OF DAZZLING LIGHT, FIREWORKS The renewed attacks also cast doubt on the Trump administration's diplomatic strategy. Just days earlier, the White House had paused negotiations while Iran observed funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in hopes of resuming talks after the mourning period concluded. Speaking during a Fourth of July address at Mount Rushmore, Trump said Iran was "dying to settle" after months of military pressure and declared the U.S. had given Tehran "a week off for a funeral because we're nice." Trump did not elaborate on what the pause entailed, but U.S. and Iranian officials had delayed negotiations until after the conclusion of Khamenei's multi-day funeral procession, which is scheduled to end with his burial in Mashhad. Monday's attack on commercial shipping raises fresh questions about whether the diplomatic opening Trump described can survive renewed hostilities in one of the world's most strategically important waterways. Iran has insisted it should play a leading role in managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and has sought to collect fees from commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway. The Trump administration has rejected that position, insisting the strait remain open to free international navigation. In recent days, Iran warned that commercial tankers using routes not approved by Iranian authorities would face a "forceful response," and the latest strike comes after multiple attacks on commercial shipping since the U.S.-Iran conflict began earlier this year. The latest attacks are the newest test of the fragile ceasefire established under a memorandum of understanding signed in June that launched a 60-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a broader peace agreement between Washington and Tehran. The accord called for reopening the strait during the negotiations and an end to military operations while the two sides negotiated a final deal. On June 25, Iran attacked the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely with a one-way drone while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes on Iranian missile, drone and coastal radar sites. U.S. Central Command called the attack "a clear violation of the ceasefire." Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had begun to recover in recent days following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, though shipping remained well below historical levels. Ship-tracking firm Kpler reported daily traffic had stabilized at roughly 30 to 60 vessel crossings, down from around 140 per day prior to the U.S. offensive against Iran known as Operation Epic Fury. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4828c2ca79de2364da0c Figma acquires team behind a vibe coding app te 2026-07-07T18:40:40.400Z Figma acquires team behind a vibe coding app The Y Combinator-backed company started a vibe coding platform and later built an agent creation product. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4814c2ca79de2364da03 Google’s Pixel event is set for August 12 te 2026-07-07T18:40:20.437Z Google’s Pixel event is set for August 12 Google's upcoming event in August will introduce new Pixel devices. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d45f6c2ca79de2364d99c Brazen pickpockets prey on vulnerable tourists as vacation island is swarmed by millions te 2026-07-07T18:31:18.945Z Brazen pickpockets prey on vulnerable tourists as vacation island is swarmed by millions As tourists descend on one of Spain's most popular summer destinations, the familiar problem of pickpocketing has emerged. Multiple viral videos appear to show tourists being targeted by pickpockets in Mallorca, Spain's largest Balearic Island. The incidents occurred near Palma, the capital of Mallorca, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. US UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR QUAKE-HIT NATION, CITING DISASTER RISKS AND VIOLENT CRIME In one video recently published by the Mallorca Daily Bulletin, a group of young pickpockets targeted an elderly couple. In the footage, an older man is seen standing and looking in one direction as the group of young people walks close to him and appears to remove items from his pocket. He was seemingly unaware it was happening. Another video shows two young men appearing to steal a wallet out of an elderly woman's bag as she walked near Palma Cathedral. Along with Ibiza and Menorca, Mallorca is one of Spain's most popular Mediterranean destinations — and it's been struggling with overtourism. US TRAVELERS WARNED AFTER DEADLY RIDES AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS TIED TO BEACH VENDORS The island received around 13.5 million visitors in 2025, Fox News Digital previously reported — a large number for an island that measures roughly 1,400 square miles, slightly smaller than Rhode Island. Older travelers aren't targeted simply because of their age, said Angel Castellanos, a California-based travel expert and host of "The Tour Guy" on YouTube. "Criminals tend to look for people who appear distracted, overloaded with shopping bags, unfamiliar with their surroundings or less able to react quickly," Castellanos told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "The same can be true of travelers who are intoxicated, particularly in nightlife districts where situational awareness is lower." He said that the prevalence of pickpocketing can be attributed, in part, to international tourism rebounding beyond pre-pandemic levels across much of Europe. Castellanos, who says he's visited over 100 countries, has traveled extensively without being pickpocketed, he said. Staying aware of his surroundings has been key, he related. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS "It's because I treat busy tourist areas the same way I would any major city: I enjoy the destination, but I never stop paying attention to where my valuables are," he said. He cited anti-theft cross-body bags and zippered front pockets as crucial ways travelers can protect themselves from pickpockets. He also recommended avoiding placing phones on café tables. Castellanos added that a little situational awareness "goes a long way." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Travelers shouldn't let headlines discourage them from visiting Mallorca," he added. "It's one of Europe's great summer destinations." Jessica Mekles of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d45e3c2ca79de2364d993 Twice-deported illegal immigrant charged with rape as DHS urges Fairfax to honor ICE detainer te 2026-07-07T18:30:59.491Z Twice-deported illegal immigrant charged with rape as DHS urges Fairfax to honor ICE detainer A twice-deported illegal immigrant from El Salvador has been charged with rape and abduction in Northern Virginia, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which is urging Fairfax County officials to honor an ICE detainer and transfer him into federal custody. Juan Arevalo Mendez, 46, was arrested June 30 in Prince William County on charges of rape and abduction with intent to sexually assault stemming from an alleged attack in September 2025, according to DHS. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer the same day, asking Fairfax County officials not to release him from custody. Fairfax County Police told Fox News Digital officers responded Sept. 19, 2025, after a woman reported she had been sexually assaulted about two weeks earlier in the 3800 block of South George Mason Drive in Bailey's Crossroads. Detectives assigned to the department's Sex Crimes Unit investigated the allegations and obtained warrants charging Arevalo Mendez with rape and abduction. TWICE-DEPORTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED WITH FLYING DRONE IN RESTRICTED AIRSPACE DURING FIFA FAN FESTIVAL Juan Arevalo Mendez, a Salvadoran national, was arrested June 30 in Prince William County on rape and abduction charges stemming from an alleged September 2025 assault in Fairfax County, according to police. DHS said ICE lodged a detainer the same day. (Department of Homeland Security) Members of the department's Fugitive Tracking and Apprehension Team arrested Arevalo Mendez in Prince William County on June 30. He is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, police said. According to DHS, Arevalo Mendez first entered the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident in 1991, but that status was revoked following a 1998 conviction for destruction of property. He was deported in 2003, later convicted of illegally reentering the U.S. before being deported again in 2014, and subsequently entered the country illegally a second time at an unknown date and location, the agency said. DHS said Arevalo Mendez has a criminal history dating back to 1998 that includes convictions for assault, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a weapon, aggravated assault with a gun, drug possession, destruction of property, illegal reentry, obstructing justice and making a false report. The agency said he has also been arrested on allegations including identity theft, drug possession and larceny. WATCH: ANGEL MOM TURNS TABLES ON SANCTUARY POLITICIANS WITH BASIC QUESTION ABOUT THEIR PRIORITIES "This criminal illegal alien has been charged with rape and abduction. He has a laundry list of prior convictions for aggravated assault, destruction of property, and drug possession, as well as prior arrests for identity theft and larceny," Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement. "DHS is calling on Governor Abigail Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County to commit to not releasing this dangerous criminal from jail, and to instead turn him over to ICE custody so that we can remove him from our nation and end his crime spree in our country." The arrest comes months after Fairfax County police took Arevalo Mendez into custody following a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 495 while he was wanted on felony abduction charges. Police said officers attempted to stop a vehicle connected to an outstanding felony abduction warrant on Jan. 13, but Arevalo Mendez fled, leading officers on a pursuit before abandoning the vehicle and running into a wooded area, where he was arrested. He was charged with obstruction of justice in addition to facing outstanding warrants for abduction, simple assault, petit larceny, failure to appear and an assault charge from another jurisdiction. THE BORDER IS CLOSED THANKS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP. IN VIRGINIA, THAT DOESN’T MATTER A spokesperson for the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office told Fox News Digital that prosecutors dropped the January abduction and assault case after the woman who reported the incident later said she had been untruthful about the allegations and wanted the charges dismissed. With no third-party witnesses, "there was no path forward to continue with prosecution," the spokesperson said, adding that Arevalo Mendez "was not identified as the suspect in the September incident" that led to the current rape and abduction charges while the January case was pending. DHS said ICE's detainer requests that Fairfax County transfer Arevalo Mendez into federal custody instead of releasing him if he becomes eligible for release from local custody. DHS also pointed to several recent Virginia cases involving immigrants accused or convicted of violent crimes as it argued the state has become a "hotbed of illegal alien crime" under Spanberger. Among the cases cited by the agency, ICE said it recently lodged detainers against Moises Domingo Rico Rosales, a Nicaraguan national charged with abduction with intent to defile and indecent exposure in Annandale; Jose Nahun Aleman Hernandez, a Mexican national charged with molesting a 5-year-old girl in Woodbridge; and Cristian Wilfredo Alvarenga Aguilar, who faces charges including carjacking, abduction, assault and robbery in Herndon. DHS also highlighted the arrests of Misael Lopez Gomez, a Guatemalan national charged with murdering his 3-month-old daughter in Fairfax County, and Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, another Guatemalan national charged with second-degree murder in Bailey's Crossroads. Fox News Digital has reached out to Spanberger's office for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d45bcc2ca79de2364d983 Bernie Sanders Calls on Graham Platner to Drop Senate Bid After Rape Allegation te 2026-07-07T18:30:20.584Z Bernie Sanders Calls on Graham Platner to Drop Senate Bid After Rape Allegation Mr. Sanders was one of the last remaining prominent allies of Graham Platner, the Maine Senate Democratic nominee, to call for him to drop out after a rape allegation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d4364c2ca79de2364d92b Yale Law School Fights to Stop Trump Deal te 2026-07-07T18:20:20.259Z Yale Law School Fights to Stop Trump Deal The university has been in talks to resolve investigations into its admissions practices. The law school’s dean and some faculty have argued a deal could compromise its independence. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3ecac2ca79de2364d833 Deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak sparks concern in major US city: Know the symptoms te 2026-07-07T18:00:42.404Z Deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak sparks concern in major US city: Know the symptoms Amid warnings of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side, health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups. New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan's Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms. As of July 6, the New York City Health Department had confirmed 23 cases and 17 hospitalizations associated with the respiratory infection. No deaths have been reported. NYC HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL PARK AREA Officials are investigating contaminated cooling towers as the likely source. They have emphasized that the illness is not spread person-to-person and is not linked to the city's drinking water. "Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin in a press release. "New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin." Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC. RARE TICK-BORNE VIRUS TURNS DEADLY FAST AS US CASES REACH RECORD HIGH, EXPERTS WARN That can include shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems. When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill. Although human transmission is possible in rare cases, the disease is not typically transmitted among people, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infections can lead to severe pneumonia in older people and those with compromised immune systems, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Stony Brook Children's Hospital on Long Island, New York. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure. "Legionella infections cause symptoms that are similar to other forms of pneumonia — fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain," Handel previously told Fox News Digital. The signs are similar to other types of pneumonia, and include the following: TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted. A medical professional can diagnose the infection with laboratory tests and chest X-rays. The condition is typically treated with antibiotics. In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required for breathing support and IV hydration. Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires’ while staying in a healthcare facility, according to the CDC. "Treatment needs to be early and aggressive," Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an Arizona-based integrative medicine expert, previously told Fox News Digital. "Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment." Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals… but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease," Goodyear said. Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires’ disease.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk. To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires’, Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit, and also emphasizes the need to "aggressively support" chronic pulmonary disease. "Increasing immune support (vitamin D3, vitamin C, Zinc) is required to counter the immune dysfunction associated with advancing age." Obesity is another foundational risk factor for all chronic inflammatory diseases, the doctor added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3ce9c2ca79de2364d677 California high school battles Newsom's state law ordering it to change 'Indians' mascot te 2026-07-07T17:52:41.633Z California high school battles Newsom's state law ordering it to change 'Indians' mascot A high school in Northern California is pushing back on Gov. Gavin Newsom's latest law that forced it to remove its "Indians" mascot on Wednesday. In 2024, Newsom signed into law an extension of the California Racial Mascot Act, which prohibits public schools from using "any derogatory Native American term, as defined, as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname" except for schools operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization or with consent from a federally recognized tribe. The law officially went into effect on Wednesday, leading Marysville High School to retire its "Indians" mascot after nearly 100 years. NEWSOM-BACKED COMMISSION TRANSFERS POPULAR COASTLINE TO INDIGENOUS TRIBES "The Marysville Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees recognizes the deep history and tradition associated with the Indians mascot and acknowledges the strong connection many alumni, students, staff, and community members have to it," Marysville Joint Unified School District Superintendent Jordan Reeves said in a statement last week. Reeves added that the school has met with local tribal representatives to obtain written consent but was unable to secure consent before the law took effect. According to Reeves, tribal leaders have largely chosen to remain neutral on the subject for now. Currently, the school has no plans to replace its mascot and will continue to try to obtain consent for their traditional image. NATIVE AMERICAN GROUP VOWS SUPREME COURT FIGHT OVER WOKE NEW YORK MASCOT BAN "Marysville Joint Unified School District will continue pursuing opportunities to obtain written permission from a local, federally recognized tribe that would allow Marysville High School to retain its historic mascot under the provisions of state law. Marysville High School remains committed to honoring its proud traditions while continuing to serve students and uphold the long-standing values and expectations of the Marysville community," Reeves said. In an interview with The Appeal-Democrat on Wednesday, alumni and school employees disagreed with the idea of removing the mascot and argued that students mostly viewed the image with respect. FEDERAL OFFICIALS DEMAND NEW YORK SCHOOL DISTRICT BRING BACK THUNDERBIRDS MASCOT AFTER CIVIL RIGHTS PROBE "I do remember the Indian Way and how it was built (with) respect and (to) hold your head high," track and field coach and alumnus Marcy Tarr said. "Indians were good leaders." Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office and Reeves for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3cd6c2ca79de2364d66e LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam says LIV Golf interrupted the game of golf, forced PGA Tour to make changes te 2026-07-07T17:52:22.182Z LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam says LIV Golf interrupted the game of golf, forced PGA Tour to make changes With LIV Golf on the brink of extinction, what will its legacy be? Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it will end its financial backing of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, leaving its long-term future hanging in the balance. LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam said LIV Golf did bring some positives to the sport. "I mean overall, I think it had some positives but overall I think, you know, not really changed too much," Sorenstam told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "It certainly interrupted the game of golf," Sorenstam added with a laugh. "I think that's why we're seeing the changes on the PGA Tour." The PGA Tour recently announced sweeping changes to its format, and Sorenstam attributed that to LIV Golf. "I mean they don't see what they had before LIV was sustainable, apparently, and therefore they have changed a lot of things. The purses have gone up which obviously is great for the players." The golf legend said that she loved the money coming into the sport, but didn’t think LIV Golf was set up for long-term success with their business model. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "I do think that in a way, from the outside it's always easy to say, but I don't think anybody thought it was a great business model. There was a lot of money going into the sport, which I welcome, but it didn't seem like there was a you know a great investment. So I think it was hard to just maintain it," Sorenstam told Fox News Digital. "So interesting to see how it folds. This year will be certainly telling. But we're already seeing players jumping ship and there." Sorenstam will play in the American Century Championship from July 10 to 12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. She is one of the favorites to win the tournament. Sorenstam, who won 72 LPGA Tour tournaments, including 10 majors, during her illustrious career, will raise awareness for the Annika Foundation. "We try to empower and advance young women through the game of golf but also in life, different life skills and it's been really rewarding and satisfying to see how far women's golf has come and how many of these young women are pursuing their dreams. It's been a lot of fun, and just watching the difference we're making in these young women's life," Sorenstam said. With the Stableford scoring format, Sorenstam talked about needing to be more aggressive, and pursue more birdies and eagles. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3cc2c2ca79de2364d665 French court clears path for conservative presidential candidate, but house arrest threatens campaign te 2026-07-07T17:52:02.727Z French court clears path for conservative presidential candidate, but house arrest threatens campaign A French appeals court upheld the embezzlement conviction for conservative former presidential candidate Marine Le Pen on Tuesday, but shortened a ban on her running for elected office, clearing her path to run for president in 2027, albeit mandating she wear an ankle monitor for a year. France's Paris Criminal Court originally found Le Pen guilty of embezzlement in 2025, accusing her and other members of her conservative National Rally party of using millions of dollars in E.U. funds to pay aides for domestic French political work. Le Pen denies any wrongdoing. Le Pen was originally sentenced to five years in prison, with two years suspended and three years on house arrest. In the French system, the two suspended years would serve as a warning, while Le Pen would be expected to serve the three years on house arrest. Her sentence also carried a five-year ban from running for political office, barring her from running in France's 2027 presidential election. However, an appeals court ruled Tuesday that Le Pen's sentence would be reduced to three years, with two suspended and the remaining year to be served as house arrest, according to a court statement obtained by Fox News Digital. MUSK SLAMS LE PEN RULING, SAYS IT WILL 'BACKFIRE' LIKE TRUMP'S AS SOME ON GLOBAL RIGHT FACE LEGAL TROUBLES The ruling also shortened her ban from running for office to 45 months, 30 of which are considered to be suspended. Given that the court considered her suspension active starting from initial sentencing in March 2025, the ruling means Le Pen is eligible to run for office effective immediately. However, if she were to decide on a presidential run, she would have to do so while serving the house arrest sentence, a prospect she has already cast doubt on. "If I'm allowed to be a candidate but am effectively prevented from campaigning freely, then you understand that wouldn't be possible," she told French media Wednesday. Le Pen, along with 11 other associates, were found guilty of a litany of crimes related to the misuse of public funds. Le Pen herself was found guilty on charges of misappropriating public funds and complicity in the misappropriations of public funds. "The court found that an organization had been set up to allow the European Parliament to cover the remuneration of parliamentary assistants for National Front (which became Rassemblement National) MEPs, whereas their activities had no connection with the mandate of their MEP and they were actually working for the national political party," a press release from the Paris Court of Appeals read. The release claimed the defendants misappropriated €2.8 million, which the court ordered them to pay it back in restitution. Le Pen, for her part, admitted that some staff paid as EU staffers were relegated to domestic French work, but she claimed it was simply a mistake and not, as alleged, part of a scheme to divert E.U. funds to her National Rally party. 6 POPULIST LEADERS FACING LAWFARE AROUND WORLD Le Pen, according to The Associated Press, immediately went from the courthouse to National Rally headquarters to strategize the party's future plans. She is expected to address the country in a news conference or interview Tuesday night. Her legal team at the courthouse said, "We ⁠are considering the decision as a whole. We will issue a further statement. We are partially satisfied," according to Reuters. Fox News Digital contacted representatives for National Rally and the Paris appeals court for further comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3c9bc2ca79de2364d658 The Accused Is in Court but Conspiracy Theories Still Swirl Around Kirk Case te 2026-07-07T17:51:23.809Z The Accused Is in Court but Conspiracy Theories Still Swirl Around Kirk Case Mr. Kirk’s assassination played out live on the internet, but since then, it has become fodder for fantasy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3c88c2ca79de2364d64f Lawsuit Alleges Trump Administration Gave Iran Details on Asylum Seekers te 2026-07-07T17:51:04.360Z Lawsuit Alleges Trump Administration Gave Iran Details on Asylum Seekers A new lawsuit filed in the District of Columbia states that the administration allowed Iranian officials to “select” which Iranians seeking refuge in the United States would be expelled. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3c74c2ca79de2364d63d Border wall in Big Bend in 'planning stages' as updated map includes 2-mile barrier te 2026-07-07T17:50:44.897Z Border wall in Big Bend in 'planning stages' as updated map includes 2-mile barrier Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3c5cc2ca79de2364d61f Tucson designers turn waste into fashion at art show te 2026-07-07T17:50:20.332Z Tucson designers turn waste into fashion at art show A runway built from reclaimed textiles, chainmail, quilts and crochet became a statement against overconsumption as Tucson tattoo artist and designer Jenny Burghard brought her first fashion show to downtown. The June 27 Creative Revolution fashion show united local artists who use upcycled materials to argue that creativity can be a form of environmental and social resistance. Burghard’s show featured her own work alongside collections from Trash Theory, Slug Slime, Tunhollow Tattoo, Timbertote, Maille by Stefanie and Beautiful Little Things. Burghard is traveling across the country on a tattoo road trip and saw an opportunity to bring together like-minded designers whose work reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability. Burghard, a Chicago native, worked as an English teacher in Madagascar, Costa Rica and Alaska before moving to Tucson and becoming a tattoo artist. Those experiences shaped the philosophy that now guides both her tattooing and her fashion design. “I think there’s a very feminine side of connection to nature,” she said. “In order to reconnect and revive ourselves as a culture, we need to reconnect to nature.” Share Tucson Spotlight with a friend. Every signup earns you a raffle entry to win a gift card to a local Tucson favorite. Four winners drawn August 1. A model walks the runway in designs from Tucson creators who used recycled materials to challenge fast fashion and celebrate creativity. Marlon Bedoy / Tucson Spotlight. Burghard opened the show as a spotlight illuminated the first model. A pole at the center of the runway served as the stage for interludes by dancer Salem, while alternative rock and punk music filled the space. Models worked the runway with theatrical confidence, interacting with the audience through dramatic poses and playful gestures that drew cheers from the crowd. After Charlee of Trash Theory’s collection showcased different ways to transform old T-shirts, she demonstrated for the audience how to create a trendy new look without buying something new. In about two minutes, she transformed a baggy, plain shirt into a stylish piece by cutting a slit down the front and an arch in the back, then tying the newly created openings into an open-backed top for a night out. “My favorite thing is seeing the garments on a human body,” she said after the show. “Wearing it, enjoying it, smiling in it. That’s what gives me joy.” Attendees saw designs ranging from shimmering chainmail and quilts-turned-jackets to tattooed purses, crocheted plastic skirts and Slug Slime by Madeline Allenegui of Outwest Tattoo, which debuted its first fashion collection at the show. “My goal with the brand is to remind people to slow down, to remind people of the abundance of resources that we have,” Allengui said. “We’re constantly bombarded by information around world events, and it can be extremely devastating to a lot of us in a way that leaves us frozen. I think being able to wear something that feels comfortable and can get a message out there that you believe in is an easy way to keep moving that along.” A performer during Jenny Burghard’s fashion show, where local artists combined sustainable design, music and performance art. Marlon Bedoy / Tucson Spotlight. She quoted activist and author Pat Mitchell, sharing legendary folk singer and activist Joan Baez's quote, "action is the antidote to despair." Angeliki Salonikios, who has worked as a biologist for nearly 20 years, served as a guest speaker, telling attendees about her time reintroducing a rare species of falcon and learning to love the hidden biological diversity of the desert. Salonikios said she was “introduced to the extreme disparity of how people choose to live harmoniously with the natural world.” Salonikios admitted to getting tired of fighting to “keep the peace between human advancement and preserving the natural world,” ending her speech by calling on the audience to fight for the environment by calling local representatives, showing up to town meetings opposing data centers or simply bringing reusable grocery bags to the store. To end the show, models walked the runway a final time before each designer shared details about their collections, reminding attendees of the evening’s theme of community over consumption and stressing the importance of rights for the environment, women and LGBTQ+ community members. Designers encouraged attendees to reuse, recycle and renew while being inspired to create. Lily Cottam is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and intern at Tucson Spotlight. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d37e8c2ca79de2364cdc2 Mayes settles voucher lawsuit that challenged documentation requirements  te 2026-07-07T17:31:20.491Z Mayes settles voucher lawsuit that challenged documentation requirements  Photo via Getty Images/iStock Parents who purchase supplementary educational materials through Arizona’s K-12 school voucher program don’t have to prove that those materials were necessary for a specific curriculum being taught to their child, under a new agreement between the attorney general and education department.  In July 2024 Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes told the director of the voucher program, formally known as the Empowerment Scholarship Account program, that he must begin requiring proof that those supplemental materials are curriculum-required. Shortly after that, two ESA parents — represented by the conservative Goldwater Institute, filed a lawsuit to block the requirement  After two years in court, Mayes, the Arizona Department of Education and ESA parent Velia Aguirre on July 1 settled the case, with an agreement to implement related oversight measures in the future. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE In a Monday statement about the settlement, the Goldwater Institute wrote that “Mayes has waved the white flag, ending her illegal effort to use bureaucratic red tape to gum up families’ Empowerment Scholarship Account purchases.” In exchange for the dismissal of the lawsuit, the Arizona Department of Education agreed to require parents to sign an attestation saying that the supplemental educational materials they purchased will be used for their ESA student, and not for any other purpose. The attestation includes a notice that providing false information or falsifying documents can end with suspension or termination of their account.  ESA parents will also be required to provide the Department of Education with information about the curriculum that the supplemental materials will support.  “The Attorney General approved this settlement agreement to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on this lawsuit which was coordinated by the Goldwater Institute and the Arizona Department of Education with the goal of getting a court to bless their view that ESA holders should be able to buy anything they want with taxpayer dollars,” Richie Taylor, spokesman for Mayes, said in a statement to the Arizona Mirror. The ESA program was created in 2012 to provide vouchers for students with disabilities and was later expanded to include students attending poorly performing schools, children in foster care and the kids of military members. The program served about 12,000 students before then-Gov. Doug Ducey and the Republican-led Arizona Legislature implemented a universal expansion in 2022. The program is now available to all of the state’s roughly one million K-12 students, and has an enrollment of more than 100,000 students at an annual cost of about $1 billion. The program works by giving the parents of participating students a debit card that can be used to pay for various educational costs, reimbursing the parents for those costs or allowing parents to make purchases through the ClassWallet virtual marketplace. The costs can include private or parochial school tuition, tutoring, homeschooling supplies — and even savings for college tuition. The universal ESA program has been controversial since it was implemented, with Republican supporters putting their full backing behind it while criticizing calls for more oversight, and Democrats and public education advocates calling for more guardrails for the program.  In a May report, the Arizona Auditor General found the Department of Education’s oversight of the program lacking. In that report, auditors found that ESA money had been spent on unallowed items that were clearly not educational, like a $1,000 generator, $1,666 planter boxes and $1,400 gym equipment. The Goldwater Institute celebrated the settlement as a win for ESA parents.  “This means no more manufactured paperwork from parents and no more wasted hours explaining why hundreds of individual items, like pencils or children’s books, are necessary for a child’s education,” Ryan Mills, spokesman for Goldwater, said in the statement. The Attorney General’s Office argued in a statement that the Department of Education never really required parents to prove that their supplemental purchases were required by a specific curriculum anyway. “The Attorney General supports reform and accountability for the ESA program,” Taylor said in the statement. “This settlement agreement is a step in the right direction and puts an end to a coordinated lawsuit over a policy that the evidence showed ADE never truly implemented or enforced.” Taylor also emphasized that Mayes’ stance on the requirement to provide documentation that materials are curriculum-required has not changed.  “The Attorney General’s position on supplementary materials has always been consistent: ESA holders who purchase supplementary materials using ESA funds must demonstrate that the materials support a curriculum being studied by the specific student associated with the ESA used to make the purchase,” he wrote. “That isn’t a controversial proposition.” Under the settlement, the Department of Education must work with ClassWallet to ask ESA parents to supply the name of the curriculum or course of study that supplemental educational materials support whenever they make purchases through the platform. This change is to be implemented as soon as the technology to do it is in place, and no later than the second quarter of 2027.  In November, voters will likely get to decide whether to place more restrictions on the ESA program or to block those restrictions. A citizens’ initiative aimed at increasing oversight and downsizing the ESA program and a competing measure sent to the ballot by Arizona’s Republican legislative majority that would make the citizens’ initiative moot are both set to be on the November ballot. The legislative referral is already facing a legal challenge, and the citizens’ initiative will likely face one as well. The Goldwater Institute backs the legislature’s competing ballot referral, and is defending it in court.  “Goldwater has defeated Mayes’ two-year crusade to use red tape to make it harder for ESA parents to buy basic school supplies like pencils and books for their kids,” Mills said in the statement.  YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d37d4c2ca79de2364cda1 Michael Rapaport owns up to getting Trump wrong after years of bashing him te 2026-07-07T17:31:00.522Z Michael Rapaport owns up to getting Trump wrong after years of bashing him Michael Rapaport is detailing how his perspective on President Donald Trump changed in the wake of a global crisis. During an episode of Jamie Kennedy's podcast, "Hate To Break It To Ya," the 56-year-old comedian opened up about how his perspective on Trump has evolved over time, including what prompted him to move away from derogatory name-calling and adopt a more respectful tone. "You were mad at Trump. Now you're cool with Trump?" Kennedy asked. HILLARY CLINTON BREAKS WITH DEMOCRATIC CRITICS BY BACKING TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN AS THE 'ONLY GAME IN TOWN' "Yeah," Rapaport responded. "But I have problems, and he's far from not being … infuriating." Rapaport said that after Hamas attacked Israel and abducted hundreds of hostages, his views began to shift. "After Oct. 7, I realized the magnitude and scope of the hostage situation, and it was between cadaver Joe Biden and Trump and Kamala … I knew that the only way that those hostages who were being held for weeks and then months and then a year, I knew that the only chance would be [Trump]." "Why I don't insult him now, and I could insult him and I could be derogatory towards him, is because for me, simply getting the hostages home was enough for me to not ... be disrespectful." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Rapaport, who said he's been to Israel nine times in the past two and a half years, said his advocacy has opened his eyes. "The exposure and the enlightenment and the conversations I had with the hostage families, the reality that I saw, it's worth it for me to not be disrespectful to him because I fought, begged, prayed, pleaded to get the hostages home by any means necessary." He said people have reached out to him, upset that he stopped disparaging Trump, but he invited those people to "carry the torch," because he was no longer interested in slamming the president. "For me, it was enough to get the hostages home and protect Israel's right to exist. Those two things were enough for me. Some people vote on different things, some people want different things, a lot of times you don't get them. But for me, it was enough for me to do that, and it was important enough for me to do that. I respect and know what I've seen, who I've spoken to, the insight that I've had to not be disparaging to him simply for that." "I could still be critical and still be frustrated and have all the things, but … it was important enough for me to no longer carry on like that," he added. Rapaport also told Kennedy that years ago, when he first began publicly insulting Trump, "I wasn't as informed, plugged in, educated as I am about politics, world politics … I think it's great to admit when you were wrong, uninformed, misinformed and spoke out of turn." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER In May, Rapaport said he plans on running against Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is known for his democratic socialist policies, with a "New York City street fight mentality" come 2029. "I never thought that I would even consider running for mayor of New York City, and I will do it with the best intentions. And I won’t do it the way any other political person has ever done it," Rapaport told Chris Cuomo during an appearance on NewsNation. "The only way to beat this guy is to make it and take it with New York City street fight mentality." "There’s no way to out-nice him. There’s no way out-slick him. I think that he’s the greatest bull-crapper in the history of politicians … and that’s saying a lot," he continued. "But New York City needs to do something. We need to plan right now because 2029 is around the corner, and, yes, I’m running for mayor of New York City. And I will only drop out until I feel like there’s somebody who’s more qualified that could actually beat Zohran the moron." "My bark is a lot louder than my bite," he added. "There's no way to out-finesse this guy, out-smile this guy. It has to be a dogfight. It has to be ugly, and that's what I will do in my campaign." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d37adc2ca79de2364cd7b Netflix dabbles in shorter video content with its new set of publisher deals with Variety, others te 2026-07-07T17:30:21.104Z Netflix dabbles in shorter video content with its new set of publisher deals with Variety, others Netflix is bringing 2- to 20-minute videos to its platform through new partnerships with digital publishers, including Rolling Stone and Variety. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d358fc2ca79de2364cd3c Video shows off-duty Florida sheriff's sergeant allegedly assaulting elderly couple at bar te 2026-07-07T17:21:19.522Z Video shows off-duty Florida sheriff's sergeant allegedly assaulting elderly couple at bar An off-duty sergeant with a sheriff's office in central Florida was arrested after police say surveillance video showed him assaulting an older couple in a bar. Jason Stickels, 44, was at Merk's Bar & Grill on Monday afternoon when he "created unwanted contact with a couple seated near the bar," according to a statement from the Volusia Sheriff's Office, where Stickels has been employed since 2004. Mike Chitwood, the Volusia sheriff since 2016, put out a statement criticizing Stickels and apologizing to the couple in the bar. "How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes. Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon," Chitwood said in a social media post. "I apologize for this soon-to-be former Volusia Sheriff's Office sergeant's idiotic behavior today." VIRGINIA OFFICER PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE AFTER MALICIOUS WOUNDING CHARGE TIED TO OFF DUTY INCIDENT Officers with the New Smyrna Beach Police Department responded to a report of a fight at around 4:20 p.m. and arrested Stickels on charges related to the incident, the sheriff's office said. No injuries were reported. "Stickels first battered a 71-year-old woman seated at a table, then battered her 77-year-old husband when he intervened," said the Volusia Sheriff's Office. Surveillance video from the bar released by the sheriff's office showed Stickels standing in between the couple before leaning in close to the woman, who backed away and got up from her chair. The woman later told police that Stickels had tried to kiss her, according to a charging affidavit. AUTHORITIES IDENTIFY WOMAN KILLED IN ALLIGATOR ATTACK WHILE SWIMMING WITH FRIENDS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA The woman's husband got up and confronted Stickels, according to the video and the charging document. Stickels charged and grabbed the husband's throat seconds after a waitress got in the middle of the men, police said. As this was happening, a bystander sitting at a nearby table came from behind and put Stickels into a chokehold, taking him to the ground and subduing him, the video showed. When police arrived, Stickels told the responding officer, "you know who I am," before showing his badge with the sheriff's office, according to the charging document. Following the incident, Stickels was immediately put on administrative leave. He was also forced to surrender his law enforcement equipment pending final discipline, which could mean termination. Stickels was charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older. He was released from jail on Monday after posting a surety bond, according to court records. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d357cc2ca79de2364cd33 Belgium manager praises classy gesture by Folarin Balogun after red card controversy: 'I really liked that' te 2026-07-07T17:21:00.071Z Belgium manager praises classy gesture by Folarin Balogun after red card controversy: 'I really liked that' Folarin Balogun did as he was told — played soccer, because he was allowed to. The day before the U.S. Men's National Team's Round of 16 game against Belgium, which Balogun was originally supposed to miss because of a red card in the prior game, FIFA ruled that he would be eligible. The ruling added on to what was already a huge controversy, as it was argued Balogun should not have been red-carded in the first place. Nonetheless, Balogun was active despite an appeal and strong reaction from Belgium. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM It didn't quite matter, as the U.S. was embarrassed in a 4-1 defeat to Belgium to end its World Cup hopes, but after the game, Balogun approached Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, an interaction Garcia said he greatly appreciated. "He came to talk to me. I really liked that. It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame, and that’s what I told him," Garcia told reporters after the match. "I really appreciate the intention that he came to see me. I appreciate this player." The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, "the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure." BELGIUM EMBARRASSES TEAM USA BEFORE BREAKING OUT TRUMP'S SIGNATURE DANCE CELEBRATION AFTER FOURTH GOAL "If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement," the rule added. President Donald Trump admitted to calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the red card. "All I did was, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul," Trump said. "And again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything that would be different. "I think it’s a terrible… if they wouldn’t allow a top player, maybe the best, maybe among the best on the team, to play, I think it would have had a big stain. I relayed it. I didn’t tell him what to do. I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision because, No. 1, it wasn’t a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players." Despite Trump's efforts, Belgium will face Spain on Friday, as the United States will be back in 2032. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d3555c2ca79de2364cd27 The World Cup Stood as a Break From U.S. Politics. Then Trump Got Involved. te 2026-07-07T17:20:21.160Z The World Cup Stood as a Break From U.S. Politics. Then Trump Got Involved. The president’s call to the head of FIFA underscores that he has yet to find an area of American, or even global, life where he is unwilling to assert himself. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d32fcc2ca79de2364ccab Tucson food truck Special Eats creates inclusive jobs te 2026-07-07T17:10:20.323Z Tucson food truck Special Eats creates inclusive jobs When Special Eats opened in 2022, it set out to address a shortage of employment opportunities for neurodivergent adults and people with developmental disabilities  Four years later, the Tucson food business has grown from 16 employees to 76 and is expanding beyond its original food truck with new concepts and a brick-and-mortar restaurant planned for later this year. Founded by head chef Bill Harmon and co-owner Tamara Varga, Special Eats launched in response to a serious shortage of integrated employment options. Since its launch, the opportunity to work at the food truck has become so popular that there is a waitlist for people wanting to apply. The expansion includes a dessert truck, an upcoming wood-fired pizza truck and a brick-and-mortar restaurant opening later this year, according to Harmon. The growth reflects a shift in the regional vocational landscape. Historically, employment programs for adults with disabilities often relied on fair labor provisions that allowed subminimum wages while limiting participants to repetitive and isolated tasks. Transitioning employees into a standard workplace with equal and competitive pay is fundamental to establishing personal autonomy, said Director Jasmine Laughlin. “This provides them a job opportunity to learn the roles of working,” Laughlin said. “They’re given that opportunity to be able to make a paycheck and feel good about buying their own things they would like. It makes them feel just as one of us.” Tucson Spotlight is free for every reader because donors make it possible. Join them. Special Eats' menu focuses on high-quality, high-demand items, including its new brisket grilled cheese. Courtesy of Special Eats. To prepare for unexpected workplace situations and meet compliance standards, Special Eats trains its management team on specific medical and behavioral protocols. Laughlin said employees may encounter challenges in traditional workplaces, including behavioral needs or medical events such as seizures. She said Special Eats’ staff is trained to recognize and respond to those situations, providing a level of support that many typical workplaces may not be equipped to offer. Balancing business operations with vocational training required a redesign of the traditional commercial kitchen layout. Harmon, a culinary veteran, designed the kitchen infrastructure around routine-based tasks. The strategy included limiting the menu to high-quality, high-demand items like chicken, tacos and gourmet grilled cheese, which earned the organization the title of Tucson’s Best Food Truck in 2025. “I started with a menu that was easy enough for (employees) to cook,” Harmon said. “We simplified it to the point of just a few items so they can get in a routine of knowing how to cook them. We made it as simple as possible while still making it so they have the skills needed to pursue other careers. Some of our staff have gone to get jobs in (other) restaurants.” The operational framework relies on job rotation rather than fixed placements, exposing workers to multiple aspects of the business. “When they come in, they start off picking something that brings out their interest,” Laughlin said. “A lot of times they'll start off on prep, but then they won't end up staying there. They'll end up venturing off to work on the sweets truck, working on the food truck, or maybe they're going on the shopping crew that day. They venture off and do tons of things throughout the day.” Special Eats' signature marketing strategy includes serving every hot order in an individually stylized, hand-drawn paper bag. Isabel Vidrio / Tucson Spotlight. For employees with sensory processing difficulties or hearing impairments, working inside a confined space can trigger anxiety. To accommodate different needs, Special Eats established administrative, technical and artistic jobs outside of the kitchen. One of those roles became the truck’s signature marketing strategy: serving every hot order in an individually stylized, hand-drawn paper bag. “Coloring bags individually gives the orders a bit of flair,” Harmon said. “We do anything to create more jobs.” The structured workplace setting has led to behavioral and communication improvements among staff. According to Laughlin, daily social interactions and a stable environment have helped some initially nonverbal employees reach significant milestones. “We’ve had employees transition to where they are able to speak and communicate without special devices,” Laughlin said. “This becomes home for them. They have a stable environment to thrive in.” While rapid scaling frequently creates operational friction and high turnover in food service, Special Eats’ expansion has remained resilient due to high employee morale and workforce retention. “I've had many employees under me, and we're all pretty good at managing it,” Harmon said. “Everybody that has a job with us wants to work. No one's complaining about being at work.” To follow along on their journey and see their weekly schedule of where they will be serving next, follow Special Eats on Instagram or visit specialeats.org. Isabel Vidrio is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist in Tucson. Contact her at  vidrioi@arizona.edu. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2e74c2ca79de2364cbec Hamas says it will dissolve Gaza government, but Israel warns group still seeks Hezbollah-style control te 2026-07-07T16:51:00.456Z Hamas says it will dissolve Gaza government, but Israel warns group still seeks Hezbollah-style control Hamas announced Monday that it was dissolving the emergency committee overseeing Gaza's civilian government, a move that could clear the way for a new U.S.-backed administration to take over civilian affairs. The proposed body, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), is a U.S.-backed committee intended to oversee civilian affairs in Gaza after the war.  Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a foreign terrorist organization, has ruled Gaza since seizing control of the territory in 2007. The group led the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the war, and Israel has insisted Hamas can have no governing or military role in post-war Gaza. The announcement could therefore become a key test of President Donald Trump’s Gaza framework and broader regional diplomacy. A genuine transfer of power could help advance the establishment of a post-war administration. But Israel and Hamas’ critics say the group is offering to relinquish the burdens of civilian government while retaining its weapons, security apparatus and real influence on the ground. HILLARY CLINTON BREAKS WITH DEMOCRATIC CRITICS BY BACKING TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN AS THE 'ONLY GAME IN TOWN' The Trump-led Board of Peace responded cautiously, saying its assessment would be "guided by actions, not promises." The technocratic committee, which is currently based outside Gaza, has said it is prepared to begin operating once conditions allow. But the announcement did not include a commitment by Hamas to disarm, the central demand from Israel and a core element of Trump’s post-war framework. Alaa Abo Naddi, a Gazan teacher and political activist, said that the committee Hamas is dissolving was never the source of its real authority. "I believe this is simply an attempt by Hamas to buy time," Abo Naddi said. "The real question has always been whether Hamas is willing to give up its weapons and dismantle the armed groups and militias under its control." AJS: I'd move this up to maybe fourth graph.  He said Gaza’s civilian officials have long operated without independent authority and remain subordinate to Hamas’ security apparatus. "In reality, even a low-ranking Hamas security officer can overrule them or have them arrested," he said. "As long as Hamas retains its arms, this looks like an attempt to preserve its control and gain more time." NETANYAHU REJECTS REPORTS OF A RIFT WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP, SAYS THE TWO REMAIN ALIGNED ON IRAN Hadeel Oueis, editor-in-chief of the pan-Arab media outlet Jusoor News, similarly described the announcement as a "performative step" likely encouraged by one of Hamas’ regional backers. Oueis said the move appeared intended to send Trump a message that Hamas had fulfilled its obligations and that Israel was now responsible for blocking the next phase of his plan. "This is just a show and doesn’t change anything on the ground in reality," Oueis told Fox News Digital.  She noted that technical employees are expected to remain in place during the transition, arguing that Hamas would therefore remain the de facto authority unless its security and military structures were removed. Michael Milshtein, head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at Tel Aviv University’s Moshe Dayan Center, also characterized the dissolution as largely symbolic but said its timing could signal a broader diplomatic effort. Milshtein said Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been working with Hamas to develop a compromise that could move the stalled post-war arrangement forward, particularly on the issue of disarmament. Rather than demanding the immediate and complete surrender of Hamas’ weapons, he said the mediators may be pushing for a gradual and partial process that Hamas could accept. "I assess that the step Hamas took today is part of a move coordinated with Turkey, Qatar and Egypt, intended to begin advancing the broader arrangement," Milshtein told Fox News Digital. He said Hamas had effectively thrown the ball into Israel’s court and could now argue that it had agreed to relinquish formal government control. HAMAS INFLUENCE LOOMS OVER GAZA ELECTIONS AS EXPERTS WARN VOTE COULD BACKFIRE Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejected that distinction Tuesday, accusing Hamas of trying to reproduce the model used by Hezbollah in Lebanon, where an armed organization maintains military dominance while civilian institutions handle government services. "They don’t care if others collect the garbage, provide municipal services and administer civilian affairs, if Hamas will remain the dominant military force," Sa’ar said during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Sa’ar said Israel would continue to insist on the "disarmament of Hamas and all other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, and its full demilitarization." Wadephul backed that position, saying Hamas must relinquish both its weapons and its de facto control of Gaza. The United Nations also offered a cautiously positive response.  U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organization had taken note of Hamas’ announcement concerning the dissolution of the Government Emergency Committee and the proposed transfer of administrative responsibilities to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. "We welcome any step that contributes to the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and advances the objectives reflected in relevant Security Council resolutions, including the full implementation of the ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid," Dujarric said. He added that the U.N. continued to support "efforts toward unified Palestinian governance under the Palestinian Authority." Milshtein said the real test would be whether the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza is allowed to enter Gaza, operate independently and exercise genuine authority, while Hamas gives up not only its civilian role but also its security and military control. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2e4dc2ca79de2364cbc6 Hacked, leaked, and held for ransom: The worst breaches of 2026 so far te 2026-07-07T16:50:21.039Z Hacked, leaked, and held for ransom: The worst breaches of 2026 so far From a massive DOGE data breach and the hacking of critical energy and water systems to the hack of an FBI surveillance system, here are the most damaging security incidents and data breaches of 2026. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2c5bc2ca79de2364cba7 Longtime LHUSD Board Member Jo Navaretta leaves behind legacy in Havasu education te 2026-07-07T16:42:03.779Z Longtime LHUSD Board Member Jo Navaretta leaves behind legacy in Havasu education Jo Navaretta, who served 24 years on the Lake Havasu Unified School District Governing Board and was instrumental in bringing Arizona State University to Lake Havasu City in 2012, died Sunday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2c47c2ca79de2364cb7f After blowout loss to Belgium, many are wondering if Team USA is better or worse than it was a decade ago te 2026-07-07T16:41:43.291Z After blowout loss to Belgium, many are wondering if Team USA is better or worse than it was a decade ago Twelve years ago, nearly to the day, members of the U.S. Men's National Team sat in stunned silence on a field in Brazil after losing a heartbreaker to Belgium in the 2014 World Cup. Despite goalkeeper Tim Howard's heroic performance and forward Chris Wondolowski's near miss that would have likely ended the game in regulation, the USMNT were outclassed by a final score of 2-1 in the round of 16. Fast forward to Monday night, and a team of American men that was previously anointed "the golden generation," sat in a similarly stunned fashion after being blitzed by an almost completely different team of Belgians on their home turf in Seattle. BELGIUM EMBARRASSES TEAM USA BEFORE BREAKING OUT TRUMP'S SIGNATURE DANCE CELEBRATION AFTER FOURTH GOAL It begs the question: has anything changed in the last 12 years? I mean, after all, following that loss to Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, many pundits predicted the Americans were on the up and up when it came to soccer, and that a close loss to such a quality opponent meant the USMNT was on the fast track to success. But just three years later, the program bottomed out with an embarrassing loss to Trinidad and Tobago in the last game of the qualifying rounds that kept them out of the 2018 World Cup. USA ADVANCES IN WORLD CUP AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA The 2022 iteration of the USMNT didn't fare much better, gritting their way through the group stages in Qatar before once again bowing out in the round of 16 to a superior European squad (Netherlands). And now we have this result, a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of a Belgian team in the midst of a fading "golden generation" of their own. Superstars like Eden Hazard, Kevin DeBruyne, and Vincent Kompany who were the engines of those Belgian squads from the 2010s were nowhere to be found on Monday night, but the results were still the same - worse, even. USA COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO KICKS POWERADE BOTTLES IN FRUSTRATION AS TEAM'S FIRST HALF DEFENSE LOOKS SHAKY So again, I ask: what changed? It would be reductive to look at just the result against Belgium and say, "nothing," but you would also be removing the previous three weeks of soccer that directly preceded Monday evening's blowout loss. Yes, the team looked out of sorts as if the moment was too big for them. Yes, their best player, Christian Pulisic, was dreadful when his country needed him the most. These things can be true, but what's also true is this is still the most talented team many of us have seen in the Red, White, and Blue in our lifetimes. The 2026 World Cup was the first time the USMNT had won back-to-back games at the world tournament since 1930, and the team won a game in the knockout round for the first time since 2002. This is one of the most prolific offenses America has ever produced, and many of their young stars, like Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun, are only just now entering their primes. In World Cups past, American fans would have prayed for results like the ones they saw against Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It wasn't that long ago where a 0-0 draw against teams of their ilk would have been seen as "getting the job done." Now, this team and this country expects to pick up three points against "inferior" opponents. Go back and look at what pundits were predicting against Paraguay before the start of the World Cup. I can assure you that no one was expecting a 4-1 smackdown. The team and program has a long way to grow still. Nowhere was that more evident than on the pitch in Seattle on Monday. Belgium looked like they belonged in a game of that magnitude, while the USMNT wilted when the spotlight got hot. That has to change, there is no getting around that. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM But while we wipe the taste of that loss from our mouths, let's also look back and appreciate the heights we have reached in the past month. America is expected to win games in the knockout rounds of the World Cup, and that alone is massive progress. We no longer have to sit around and pray for a 1-0 victory where our only goal comes from a corner kick. That's growth. So, to answer the question: yes, the USMNT has gotten better in the last decade. Appreciably so. There's work to be done, but we should also appreciate the work that's already been done. Thanks to the U.S. Men's National Team for a tournament that Americans will never forget. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2c33c2ca79de2364cb76 NYT columnist says she 'deeply' regrets praising Senate hopeful after rape allegation te 2026-07-07T16:41:23.837Z NYT columnist says she 'deeply' regrets praising Senate hopeful after rape allegation New York Times opinion columnist Michelle Goldberg says she "deeply" regrets an earlier column praising Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, writing that a rape allegation against him led her to conclude he appears "significantly worse" than the online criticism she had previously dismissed. Goldberg, who profiled Platner favorably during his rise in Maine Democratic politics, revisited her assessment in a new column after Platner's former girlfriend accused him of rape, an allegation he has denied. "While I’m assigning blame, I shouldn’t leave out myself," Goldberg wrote in the Monday column. PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER "Last October, when stories about Platner’s tattoo and Reddit posts first broke, I went to Maine to write about him. I tried to convey what I saw: a campaign that was electrifying angry Maine voters. But I deeply regret that, impressed by Platner’s political charisma, I wrote that he was 'nothing like the edgelord caricature I encountered online.' If anything, he seems to be significantly worse." On Monday, during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Jenny Racicot, who had previously made allegations against Platner, was asked if she thought Platner had raped her, and she responded, "By definition? Yes, absolutely." Racicot's allegations were first detailed by Politico in a Monday report. She told that outlet over the course of three interviews that Platner forced her to have sex with him against her will in 2021, which Platner has denied. Racicot told Politico that Platner was "almost blackout drunk" when the incident took place. "I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told Politico. "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’" TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' In June, the New York Times published a story featuring allegations against Platner from women who formerly dated him, including Racicot. Even though Racicot addressed her relationship with Platner in the Times article, she did not elaborate on the 2021 incident. Goldberg also singled out Platner's former political director, Genevieve McDonald, writing that McDonald had tried to warn Democrats about him. "She quit when the first Platner scandals emerged and has been increasingly outspoken against him," Goldberg wrote. "Progressive operatives made her seem like a vindictive person eager to curry favor with Maine’s political establishment. In retrospect, she looks much more like someone who took a profound professional risk to do the right thing. I can’t be the only one who regrets not taking her more seriously." EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE She continued, "If there’s a lesson here, it might be about the importance of listening hard to the people telling you what you don’t want to hear. Many Democrats, disgusted by their party’s failure to contain Donald Trump, want representatives as furious as they are, and they no longer trust their leaders to tell them who is electable. That opens space up for outsider candidates who wouldn’t have had a chance a few years ago. It also makes it easier for unfit characters to escape proper vetting." Fox News Digital reached out to Platner for comment. Fox News’ Rachel Wolf contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2c0cc2ca79de2364cb6b Democrats Begin to Clash Over Who Replaces Platner Even Before He Exits te 2026-07-07T16:40:44.925Z Democrats Begin to Clash Over Who Replaces Platner Even Before He Exits Progressives and moderates are gearing up for a fight over an as-yet-undecided process in Maine to name a Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner after a rape accusation. He still wants a say, too. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2bf5c2ca79de2364cb46 Volk seeks reelection in Arizona House District 17 te 2026-07-07T16:40:21.381Z Volk seeks reelection in Arizona House District 17 State Rep. Kevin Volk, a Democrat, is seeking reelection to the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 17, running alongside Democrat Holly Lyon, an Air Force veteran and former math teacher. Republican Rep. Rachel Keshel is seeking another term and is joined on the GOP side by John Winchester, a government relations manager at Arizona State University.  Legislative District 17 wraps around Tucson's north and east sides, stretching from Rincon Valley and Tanque Verde through Oro Valley and Marana to SaddleBrooke in southern Pinal County. Republicans hold a roughly 10 percentage point voter registration advantage in the district, one of the few in the state with split representation in the House.  Volk was elected in 2024, defeating Republican incumbent Cory McGarr as a single-shot candidate and flipping one of the district's two House seats. A Tucson native, Volk taught fifth grade, interned for then-U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, taught English in Mexico on a Fulbright scholarship and later founded a small business developing affordable housing in Tucson. In his first term, he has focused on affordable housing, early childhood education funding and water conservation. Tucson Spotlight asked all the candidates their positions on groundwater regulation, affordable housing and public school funding. Tucson Spotlight is free for every reader because donors make it possible. Join them. Kevin Volk speaks with an attendee of November's VailFest, sponsored by the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce. Courtesy of Kevin Volk for Arizona. Outside of the state's Active Management Areas, groundwater pumping in rural Arizona remains largely unmeasured and unregulated, and the Governor's Water Policy Council has proposed the Rural Groundwater Management Act to bring basic oversight to those areas. "I was born and raised in Southern Arizona and grew up exploring our desert," Volk said. "We know water is a precious resource, and I think it's ridiculous that foreign and out-of-state entities are pumping unlimited groundwater and threatening our water security." Volk pointed to the council's 29 members, who come from across the state and across party lines, and said the Legislature's refusal to consider the bill leaves Arizona in an increasingly vulnerable position. "I think the time to act to protect our water is now," Volk said. "Let's hear that bill, discuss it, work together on it, and protect Arizona water so that it's available for Arizonans first." Housing affordability is another top concern for district voters, with rents rising across the Tucson region and affordable stock in short supply. Volk, who has developed housing through his own small business, said the state should focus less on subsidizing costs and more on lowering the cost of building homes in the first place. He pointed to lower-interest financing for infrastructure and home construction and to streamlining government processes that add time and expense to housing projects. "I've knocked on doors and talked to constituents who have four generations living under one roof due to the lack of affordability," Volk said. "Arizonans, and their kids and grandkids, need more options for housing. We need to increase the supply of homes in a way that is appropriate to our local communities." On education, Volk said Arizona has fallen to 49th in the nation in per-student funding, which he tied to high teacher turnover and the largest average class sizes in the country. "The current legislature has gotten more and more partisan, and that means less and less productive," Volk said. He called the Legislature's failure to renew Proposition 123, the voter-approved measure that directed roughly $300 million a year from the state land trust to public schools before it expired last year, one of its biggest failures. "We need to prioritize renewing this education funding source as a top priority for next year to raise teacher pay and fully fund facilities," Volk said. "That is how our schools will be equipped to best serve Arizona students and their families." Neither party faces a contested primary for the district's two House seats in the July 21 primary. 💡 The primary election is July 21. Early voting began June 24, with a mail ballot deadline of July 14. Pima County voters can register, check their registration or request a mail ballot at recorder.pima.gov Caitlin Schmidt is Editor and Publisher of Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at caitlin@tucsonspotlight.org. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d29c9c2ca79de2364cb0f Progressive Dems' full-throated Platner endorsements come back to haunt them after rape allegations te 2026-07-07T16:31:05.892Z Progressive Dems' full-throated Platner endorsements come back to haunt them after rape allegations After Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner was accused of drunkenly raping a woman, a litany of progressive Democrats are tucking tail and heading for the hills as their ringing endorsements of the continuously embattled candidate come back to haunt them. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said at an April rally that Platner is, "My kind of man." She issued a statement Monday night after allegations emerged that Platner drunkenly raped 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot in 2021. "Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault," Warren's statement said. "Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable. With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race." WATCH: DEM SENATORS EXCUSE PLATNER'S CONDUCT AT CRISIS HUDDLE WITH EMBATTLED MAINE CANDIDATE A spokesperson for Warren did not answer specific questions about whether the senator regretted backing Platner, who has not dropped out of the race as of Tuesday morning, through his numerous prior scandals. Progressives supported Platner despite a months-long series of damning scandals, including the revelation that the candidate had a Nazi-linked tattoo on his chest. He was also exposed for infidelity to his wife, making lewd Reddit comments about masturbating in portable toilets on a now-deleted account and mocking a Purple Heart veteran. He also faced accusations last month of physical misconduct and violence against an ex-girlfriend who was then smeared as a conservative political operative. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has so far been silent on the rape allegations. In a June statement, he said he would "do everything I can to make sure that Graham Platner is the next Senator from the state of Maine." That could now be put to the test. The left-wing commentariat played a massive role in propping Platner up. Fox News Digital reached out to Sanders' office for comment, but did not hear back at time of publishing. TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' Former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor, who now host the "Pod Save America" podcast, were chief among those supporting Platner's rise in the Democratic Party. "Graham Platner isn't just our best and only chance to beat Susan Collins, he's a good, decent man who's struggled and grown and is always trying to do better," Favreau said on X in April, well after the Reddit post and Nazi tattoo scandals. Favreau changed his tune Monday night. "Platner needs to drop out ASAP - these are awful, credible allegations," he posted. "Said on the pod after the (also credible) June NYT story that his biggest problem going forward would be credibility. It's now abundantly clear that he just hasn't been honest about his past and can't be trusted as a candidate for office." Vietor defended Platner after Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., who is Jewish, condemned the candidate's Nazi-linked tattoo and Reddit posts as "disqualifying" in May. SANDERS CAUGHT ON CAMERA SNAPPING AT REPORTER OVER PLATNER’S POSTS: ‘GET A BETTER JOB’ "Have you called or met with him to discuss it?" Vietor asked Auchincloss on X. Vietor had also interviewed Platner after those scandals. But he, too, reversed course on Monday night. "This story is really bad, well-documented and credible, and obviously the right course of action for Platner is to drop out as soon as possible so that Maine democrats can get a replacement on the ballot," he said. Pfeiffer followed suit. "The allegations against Graham Platner are well-documented, very credible, and highly disturbing. He should drop out ASAP," he said, on X. Lovett didn't make a statement, but posted a clip of Monday's episode of "Pod Save America," where despite his apology, Vietor jumped straight back to politics and remarked that he was, "very worried now about the prospect of winning this seat" but said the Democratic Party, "could ultimately be in a stronger place politically." Fox News Digital reached out to Crooked Media, the parent company of "Pod Save America," but did not hear back. PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER Some not only failed to condemn Platner, but instead took offensive positions. "Graham Platner may drop out. (I hope he doesn't, but.) Meanwhile, the Abuser in Chief just keeps on keepin' on," author Stephen King wrote on X, referring to allegations against President Donald Trump over the years. King followed-up with another post claiming everyone in politics in Washington, D.C. is corrupt. "Tell you what--if you knew the whole truth about everyone in the Senate and House of Reps, those chambers would be dead empty. Jesus said, 'Let him without sin cast the first stone.'" Far-left media personality Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks spent much of Monday blaming everyone but Platner for the scandal, including the media and the "Israeli lobby." "Congratulations to national media on politically assassinating Graham Platner," he said in one post. "If he drops out and Democratic Party tries to give us two candidates who are both for Israel and corporate pacs [sic], they'll face a revolt like they've never seen. Days of bull---- false choices are over." Fox News Digital reached out to Uygur. Ryan Grim, formerly of The Intercept, spent ages defending Platner online. "Democrats need people like Platner if they are going to come to terms with the true nature of our country, with what we have done to people at home and abroad, and pull together the coalition needed to heal and reshape it," he said in a June post regarding an opinion piece that promoted Platner. He reported on X Monday night that Platner "lost his base," but did not address the rape allegations or his support for the candidate directly. Grim did not return a Fox News Digital comment request. Others prominent Democrats who abandoned the Platner ship include Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d299ec2ca79de2364caeb Claude Cowork expands to mobile and web te 2026-07-07T16:30:22.376Z Claude Cowork expands to mobile and web Anthropic’s Claude Cowork is now available on web and mobile for Max subscribers. Until now, Cowork largely lived on a user’s laptop. With the update, users can start a task from their desk, get status updates on their phone, and pick up the finished output later — even if their laptop is closed. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2502c2ca79de2364ca33 Kingmaker Mamdani calls on Platner to 'drop out of the race' after rape allegation te 2026-07-07T16:10:42.008Z Kingmaker Mamdani calls on Platner to 'drop out of the race' after rape allegation Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner has lost another high-profile progressive from his corner: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, during a press conference on Tuesday with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, was asked about Platner's race and his own role as an ascendant figure within the Democratic Party after a clean sweep of primary elections where his endorsed candidates toppled Democratic incumbents last month. "I believe that it's time for him to drop out of the race," Mamdani said. "And when it comes to my own endorsements, I've made eight endorsements at the state and federal level. They've all been right here in New York City. I'm incredibly excited at the fact that they won their races, and that's where my focus is for now." PLATNER'S PAPER TIGER PROGRESSIVE COALITION CRUMBLES AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION When further pressed on whether Platner’s campaign would have an impact on the broader progressive movement, Mamdani declined to weigh in. "I think the focus of today should be on the campaign coming to a close, and I think there will be many more days to have conversations about what it means beyond that," he said. DEMOCRATS ABANDON EMBATTLED CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION IMPLODES SENATE BID Mamdani, who never endorsed Platner’s campaign, is the latest progressive to disavow him in an ever-growing list of Democrats across the country rushing to call on him to exit the Maine Senate race after a bombshell report that detailed an alleged rape of an ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot. Notable about Mamdani’s disconnect from Platner are the connections the two share — the growing face of the Democratic Party and the scandal-plagued candidate shared top aides, including Morris Katz, a key strategist in Mamdani’s insurgent mayoral campaign and victory. FETTERMAN DEMANDS BERNIE SANDERS APOLOGIZE FOR BACKING ALLEGED 'PREDATOR' GRAHAM PLATNER IN MAINE SENATE RACE Platner so far has not announced an end to his campaign, but said in a video statement moments after the report dropped that he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to and the goal of defeating Susan Collins." Several progressive candidates running for Senate, who previously kept mum on Platner’s scandals, have demanded he pull the plug on his campaign. Those include James Talarico in Texas and Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan. Nearly all of his congressional endorsements have evaporated, too, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., the chair of Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, calling for him to "immediately withdraw." Notably silent, however, is Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Platner’s staunchest ally and supporter in Washington, D.C., who has campaigned in Maine with him and most recently defended him after another scandal broke last month over his alleged "unsettling" behavior with women. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d2051c2ca79de2364c569 New York Times under scrutiny over Graham Platner coverage as accusers speaks out against paper te 2026-07-07T15:50:41.261Z New York Times under scrutiny over Graham Platner coverage as accusers speaks out against paper The New York Times is facing scrutiny over the growing scandal plaguing Democratic Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner, as some have questioned what its reporters knew, and one of his past accusers insists the paper didn’t work to corroborate her story.  Politico published a bombshell report Monday on one of Platner's exes alleging he sexually assaulted her during their relationship. Jenny Racicot claimed that in 2021, a drunk Platner entered her home uninvited and had sex with her despite her repeatedly telling him to stop. Platner has firmly denied the allegations, which Racicot has said constituted rape.  Racicot was one of the women interviewed in the Times' report last month about Platner's "unsettling" behavior. According to the Times, Racicot described "positive memories" she had with Platner but said he "does not respect women" based on comments he made that had surfaced. The report also appeared to allude to Racicot's sexual assault allegation. DEMOCRATS ABANDON EMBATTLED CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION IMPLODES SENATE BID "Ms. Racicot also said that in 2021 he arrived at her house drunk, after she had asked him not to come over. She declined to elaborate, but said she cut off contact soon after that episode and found his behavior 'reckless' and 'unsettling,'" the Times wrote. That paragraph was buried roughly 70 paragraphs into the exposé, and much of the story focused on the conservative politics of another Platner ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, who had her own allegations of domestic abuse. However, Racicot told Politico that she did tell The New York Times about her assault claim off the record, not that she declined to elaborate. She said she told the Times she didn't want to go public because she didn't wish to be known as a rape victim. "My part of the story was just a read-over," Racicot told Politico about the Times report. "And the story was Lyndsey, and the accusations of her being politically motivated." PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER According to longstanding journalistic practices, anything that's said off the record by a source, and the request is agreed to by a reporter, should not be reported. Yet conservatives on social media are still accusing the Gray Lady of trying to run defense for Platner. "The Times had this. They chose to bury it 30 paragraphs deep under a novel about Lyndsey‘s professional background," writer Bethany Mandel responded.  "Total journalistic malpractice," Mandel continued. "Of course another outlet was going to finish the job that the Times chose to catch and kill." Fifield, who is active in conservative circles, was accused by some left-wing media members of being an unreliable accuser because of her political views. FOX NEWS POLL: MAINE SENATE RACE IS TIGHT, WITH CONCERNS ABOUT BOTH CANDIDATES Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Public Affairs Director Joe Simonson wrote, "It’s not just that the MSM is merely disgracefully partisan — often shirking basic editorial standards for partisan gain — it’s that their colleagues behave like mafia members. They keep their mouths shut when things such as this happen. Can’t ever attack one of their own." The Times was accused of burying the lede, downplaying the allegations of "absolutely disgusting" behavior, and journalist John Daniel Davison even added, "The NYT tried to protect Platner. Which is really the least surprising aspect of this entire thing." Daily Wire top editor Brent Scher called it a "major embarrassment" for the Times.  "Racicot already talked to them, and was so disappointed that she went to @politico and @CNN. Because the NYT made Lyndsey and her politics the story instead of Platner, and let his comms team shape the whole thing," Scher wrote.  GRAHAM PLATNER ACCUSER HITS NYT FOR ALLEGEDLY SOFTENING ALLEGATIONS, SAYS COVERAGE WAS 'GIFT' TO DEMOCRAT Notably, Fifield previously claimed that, in an effort to get her to go on the record, the Times put her in contact with other women who Platner allegedly abused and who the Times said would be in the story. But when the story was published, Fifield wrote, these women were nowhere to be found. "After the story went up I began to ask them… wait, where are the stories from the other women? Where are their accusations of sexual assault? Why am I the focus? Why are there 11 paragraphs dedicated to detailing my work history (more than has been published about Graham’s by far)?" she wrote on X last month.  Fifield continued to unload on the New York Times on Tuesday morning after the Politico report forced many Democrats to abandon the embattled Senate candidate, who has not dropped out of the race to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. "I actually understand why Democrat leaders didn't take our stories seriously when the Times reported them in June but are taking them seriously now. It was by design. The line most shared from the piece was the claim that the Times ‘could not corroborate’ my story despite talking to two of my friends. I gave them the contact information for five friends. They called the two who I clarified would not know about the abuse but would be able to affirm our relationship timeline, events, etc. They simply did not call the other three," Fifield wrote, noting that she provided information for several other people who could confirm her story.  "As the weeks dragged on I stopped trying to give them evidence because the amount I had already given them seemed to overwhelm them and I thought it meant they clearly had more than enough to verify my every claim," she continued. "But tell me again how they ‘could not corroborate.’" One of Fifield's friends came forward, noting that the newspaper's reporters never contacted her.  "I was one of those friends. The Times never contacted me," Emily Zanotti wrote on X. "Other reporters now have. I'm not hard to get ahold [sic] of, by the way." The New York Times did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. "We published accounts provided by several women who were in romantic relationships with Graham Platner. Our story accurately presents each of these accounts as told to our reporters and according to our standards. We stand by our reporting of the accounts from Ms. Fifield and the other women, who provided a revealing look at the behavior of a major candidate for the U.S. Senate," a Times spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital.  Fox News Digital's Robert McGreevy contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d1e20c2ca79de2364c50e Chris Hansen urges parents to teach children about online predators before allowing internet access te 2026-07-07T15:41:20.667Z Chris Hansen urges parents to teach children about online predators before allowing internet access Investigative journalist Chris Hansen issued a stark warning to parents Tuesday, urging them to prepare their children for the dangers of online predators and sextortion before allowing them access to the internet. "Kids hate to be tricked, and you have to tell them there are adults online who like to trick kids. You don't wanna be tricked," he told the "Hang Out With Sean Hannity" podcast. "Don't talk to anybody online who you don't know in real life. Start there." PARENTS PUSH CONGRESS TO ACT ON KIDS' ONLINE SAFETY AFTER JURIES FIND META AND YOUTUBE LIABLE FOR HARM During the latest episode with Sean Hannity, the longtime "To Catch a Predator" host discussed the growing threat of sextortion and recalled conversations with families whose teenage sons were targeted by scammers posing as young women online. Hansen said predators lure boys into sending explicit photos before demanding money and threatening to release the images publicly. "They get caught up in the moment because kids' identity is so tightly tied to their social media presence," Hansen said. TRUMP SIGNS HAWLEY MEASURE ADDING 200 CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATORS IN LARGEST CRACKDOWN EFFORT YET "They can't live with the thought of this getting out there or them being embarrassed, and they end up taking their own lives." Hansen also discussed what parents can do to protect their children online, the warning signs families often miss and why he believes early conversations about internet safety can save lives. He said parents need to have discussions with their children the "very moment" they have access to the digital world. "At the end of the day, it's the parent... and you have to sit down with your child at a very early age, at the... moment they're on the internet," he said. The full interview is available on iHeart, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d1e0dc2ca79de2364c505 World Cup Round of 16 betting guide with Argentina, Colombia and the corners market leading the way te 2026-07-07T15:41:01.217Z World Cup Round of 16 betting guide with Argentina, Colombia and the corners market leading the way Well, that one didn't go the way we wanted, did it? Team USA barely showed up last night as Belgium took them down 4-1. For America, this year will go down as the World Cup in which the team improved, but still has a long way to go. Many will look at this year as a step forward and an impressive run. Others will look at the game against Belgium and say that this team is clearly a step below most of the better countries. No matter how you look at it, I think it was at least a fun watch for all of us. After today, there will only be eight teams remaining in the tournament, and a handful of games remaining in the World Cup. We still have the favorites alive with France already advancing, and Argentina looking to move on today. Argentina has yet to lose a game, but they didn't have a very tough path to this point. They opened the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Algeria and then beat Austria 2-0. Jordan finally scored a goal against them, but still lost 3-1. Their toughest match was against Cape Verde in the previous round. It was a fantasitc game where the small country of 525,000 stayed alive every time Argentina would score. Even in extra time, they matched an Argentina goal. Still, the Argentinians prevailed with a 3-2 win. MESSI, ARGENTINA AVOID A SHOCKING UPSET IN WILD KNOCKOUT STAGE MATCH AGAINST CAPE VERDE Egypt has had a tough route, but they also haven't lost a game. They started the tournament with a draw against Belgium. As we've seen, Belgium is a fairly strong competitor. Then, beat New Zealand 3-1 in the second game, before playing Iran to a draw in the third. In the Round of 32, the team took Australia to a draw before winning via penalty kicks. I think this game sees a lot of attacks from Argentina, but Egypt will probably block a lot of them. This normally leads to corners. I also expect Argentina to block a lot of the Egypt attacks after the tough game against Cape Verde. I think the smart play today is to take the over 8.5 corners for the game. This game should be a little more competitive and difficult for the teams to pull off a victory. Looking back at Switzerland's path to get here, I don't really see all that difficult of a path. They started with a surprising draw against Qatar. Then they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, and they took down Canada 2-1 in the Group Stage. In the Round of 32, they played Algeria and won that game with relative ease. Now they have to take down one of the better teams remaining. EGYPT NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER WAVES PALESTINIAN FLAG AFTER WORLD CUP WIN OVER AUSTRALIA Colombia is looking to advance to the final eight teams in the World Cup with a win today. They didn't have an overly difficult path to get here, either. They beat Uzbekistan easily in the opener, 3-1, and then beat Congo-DR 1-0 in their second game. They played Portugal to a draw in a game that didn't have much impact on their advancement. In the Round of 32, they were able to escape with a 1-0 win over Ghana. I don't expect this to be a high-scoring match, but I do think both teams could score. However, when push comes to shove, I think the right path is to take Colombia to advance at -155. It is a bit pricey, but this protects us in case they go to extra time or penalties. Give me Colombia to advance. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d1df9c2ca79de2364c4fc Prince Harry's UK trip off to rocky start after first major setback te 2026-07-07T15:40:41.764Z Prince Harry's UK trip off to rocky start after first major setback Prince Harry is facing another setback since arriving in the U.K., the latest development in what has already been a turbulent trip. On July 7, the Duke of Sussex lost his yearslong lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday. Harry and six other claimants, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, lost their privacy case against the publisher. The U.K.'s High Court dismissed their claims after finding the claimants had failed to prove their allegations of unlawful information gathering. PALACE AIDES 'DON'T TRUST' PRINCE HARRY ALONE WITH KING CHARLES, EXPERTS SAY The decision comes as Harry is already navigating renewed scrutiny during his latest visit to Britain. "Associated Newspapers welcomes today's judgment, which is an overwhelming victory for the Daily Mail and its journalists, and for a free press generally," a spokesperson for Associated Newspapers said in a statement. "This is a magnificent vindication of the Daily Mail's journalism." "For some of the most outrageous allegations made when the case was launched in a blaze of publicity four years ago — placing bugs in people's cars and homes, listening to calls as they were made and illicitly accessing bank accounts — no credible evidence was ever presented," the statement read. WATCH: KING CHARLES WENT ‘ABOVE AND BEYOND’ FOR PRINCE HARRY: EXPERT "As we said at the time, these allegations were 'lurid' and 'preposterous,' and were a fishing expedition by the claimants and their legal teams in a politically motivated campaign to muzzle the free press. The reputations of our decent and hardworking journalists were terribly impugned, and today they have been exonerated. As the judgment clearly shows, every single article was legitimately sourced." Fox News Digital reached out to Archewell, which oversees the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment. Harry and the other claimants sued over alleged privacy violations dating from the early 1990s through the 2010s. They claimed the U.K. tabloids engaged in the "clear, systematic and sustained use of unlawful information gathering" for two decades, according to attorney David Sherborne. Associated Newspapers denied the allegations, calling them "preposterous." The publisher said the roughly 50 articles at issue were based on legitimate sources, including acquaintances willing to talk about their famous friends. Harry previously said private information attributed to "sources" and "friends" fueled his suspicion that people close to him were leaking details to journalists. "This is a huge setback for Prince Harry, especially since he was the lead claimant among the seven claimants," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. "It is also clear that he did not choose his friends and acquaintances wisely." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "With his visit already mired in chaos, he won’t elicit public sympathy," Fitzwilliams warned. In January, Harry testified in London's High Court that the coverage made him "paranoid beyond belief" and claimed the outlet wanted to "drive me to drugs and drinking to sell more papers." At one point on the witness stand, Harry fought back tears as he spoke about his wife, Meghan Markle. He told the High Court the Daily Mail made Meghan's life "an absolute misery." Harry said the idea that he isn't entitled to a private life is "disgusting," adding that the legal fight has been another "horrible experience" for him and his family. In a witness statement obtained by People magazine, Harry said he decided to pursue legal action after what he described as "vicious" and "sometimes racist" coverage of Meghan following the start of their relationship in 2016. He said the attacks intensified during Meghan's pregnancy and after the birth of their son, Prince Archie. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020, citing intense media scrutiny and a lack of support from the palace. They relocated to California. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The ruling adds to what has already been a turbulent trip to Britain for the Duke of Sussex. On July 6, Harry's spokesperson told People magazine that an offer for the Duke of Sussex to stay at Buckingham Palace during his London visit was withdrawn after he had formally accepted it. However, palace sources disputed that account, saying Harry failed to respond by the deadline and that his later acceptance came only after arrangements could no longer be made. Harry had also hoped to bring his wife and their two young children to Britain for the first time since 2022. But after learning the family would receive police protection only while on royal property — and not throughout the visit — it was reported on July 4 that Harry decided they would not accompany him. On July 6, the prince arrived alone in the U.K. He is expected to be there through July 11. It is unclear whether he will meet with his father or whether his family will join him later in the week. Harry has also been denied restoration of taxpayer-funded security by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC). People magazine reported that Harry's team spent several days exploring ways to make the visit safe through enhanced private security arrangements. Palace sources claimed Harry initially declined the invitation to stay at a royal residence before accepting it on Saturday. Harry has launched a series of lawsuits against the British press in recent years. He and Meghan previously received a symbolic £1, or $1.36, in damages from the Mail on Sunday after winning Meghan’s legal case against the paper for publishing a personal letter she wrote to her father, Thomas Markle, in 2018. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d1bb5c2ca79de2364c49d Selling your home this summer? Your data is already moving te 2026-07-07T15:31:01.544Z Selling your home this summer? Your data is already moving Selling your home can be exciting. It can also feel stressful, especially as you move into your retirement years. The last thing you need is opportunistic criminals circling as you make a major life change. The risk is real. Someone who has just sold a home may have cash on hand or a well-funded bank account. That can make sellers prime targets for fraud, theft and identity scams. There is good news, though. You have options. A few smart steps can help protect you, your family and your hard-earned nest egg. First, let's take a closer look at what gets exposed. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report WHY IDENTITY THEFT COMES BACK FOR THE SAME PEOPLE The moment a deed or property transfer gets recorded, key details can become part of the public record, depending on your state and county. That may include your name, mailing address, property history and, in many places, the sale price. That gives scammers a head start. Based only on public record updates, they can target you when you may have the most to lose and when you are distracted by a move. They may know you recently sold a property, that you are receiving messages from real estate agents, title companies, escrow officers, inspectors and contractors and that your contact details may have changed. But the deed and property records are only part of the problem. A property sale can reveal much more, including: Data brokers collect property information and sell it to real estate investors, marketing companies and lead generation services. For someone between 55 and 70 who is downsizing from a family home to a smaller property, that filing creates a fresh verified data point. That new data can update an entire broker profile automatically, including your new address. Once that happens, the information can spread across people-search sites, marketing databases and broker networks. In some cases, it may reach brokers who sell curated consumer profiles to questionable buyers. In other words, scammers do not have to piece together every record by hand. Data brokers and people-search sites can do the scraping, matching and packaging for them. Scammers may also impersonate your real estate agent, title company or escrow officer near closing. They may send fake wiring instructions or claim payment details have changed at the last minute. Before sending or accepting any transfer, call the title company or closing professional using a phone number you found independently. Do not trust a number inside an unexpected email or text. Also, be suspicious of any last-minute change to wiring instructions. BOOKING A SUMMER TRIP? HERE'S WHAT YOU'RE GIVING SCAMMERS There are two main ways to reduce the risk. You can limit what enters the public record, and you can disrupt the spread of your information once it appears online. You can also do both at the same time. Or, you can replace much of that work with a subscription to a data removal service. LICENSE PLATE CAMERAS AT HOME DEPOT AND LOWE’S SPARK PRIVACY FEARS Getting personal information out of circulation can take a lot of time. There are hundreds of data brokers. Each one may have its own opt-out process, and many can re-list your information within months after a successful removal. That is why I recommend using a data removal service. It can automatically contact data brokers on your behalf, request the removal of your information and keep re-submitting removal requests if your data gets listed again. This service covers 420+ data brokers, including people-search sites, with an Unlimited plan for as many more sites as you need. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com You can also run a free exposure scan to see where your personal information is appearing online. Results typically arrive by email within an hour. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com Selling a home should feel exciting, not risky. However, once your property sale gets recorded, details such as your name, mailing address, property history and, in many places, the sale price can become part of the public record. That information can spread quickly. People-search sites and data brokers can package it with past addresses, phone numbers, relatives and email addresses. That makes it easier for scammers to build a convincing profile on you. The good news is you can reduce your exposure. Ask for your home to be blurred on map services, remove risky listing photos, sign up for county recording alerts and request removals from data broker sites. A data removal service can also send opt-out requests on your behalf and keep checking if your information comes back online. With a little planning, you can protect your privacy and make yourself a much harder target. After selling a home or moving, did you find your personal information online? Tell us what happened and how you handled it. Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d1ba2c2ca79de2364c494 Laysla De Oliveira teases ‘Lioness’ season 3 debut with behind-the-scenes photos te 2026-07-07T15:30:42.039Z Laysla De Oliveira teases ‘Lioness’ season 3 debut with behind-the-scenes photos "Lioness" fans are getting some more looks at the upcoming season. The hit CIA/military series from Taylor Sheridan has been one of the most entertaining shows on TV ever since it premiered in July 2023. The gritty and violent drama shines a light on the world of black ops, and while it's clearly dramatized, the tone of the show is very realistic. TAYLOR SHERIDAN'S HIT CIA/MILITARY SERIES GETS MAJOR UPDATE AHEAD OF NEW SEASON PREMIERE Now, fans are getting a better idea of what's coming. Season three of "Lioness" premieres Aug. 2 on Paramount+, and the buzz and hype around the series is significant. It makes sense. Everything Taylor Sheridan touches turns to entertainment gold, and "Lioness" is among his best works. ALI LARTER DEFENDS TAYLOR SHERIDAN'S WRITING OF FEMALE CHARACTERS, CALLING CRITICISM A 'FALSE NARRATIVE' Well, fans are now getting a look behind the curtain of the new season. Star Laysla De Oliveira jumped on Instagram on Monday to share a photo dump from behind the scenes of season three. Check it out below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. "Lioness" fans will see a lot of familiar faces. The trailer for season three is also absolutely electric. You can check it out below if you haven't already seen it. TAYLOR SHERIDAN SAYS HE DOESN'T CARE WHAT CRITICS THINK, ADMITS TO 'RAGE BAITING' THEM ON PURPOSE Admittedly, I am a huge "Lioness" fan and a huge fan of black ops and special operations. It's almost like Sheridan cooked up the series in a lab for guys like me. The first two seasons were nothing short of excellent. The season two premiere featured one of the best sequences I've ever seen on TV. That's the exact same energy I expect in season three. You can catch "Lioness" season three starting August 2nd on Paramount+. Hit me with your predictions at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d1935c2ca79de2364c3b6 X adds a video editor to encourage creators to post original content, not stolen reposts te 2026-07-07T15:20:21.483Z X adds a video editor to encourage creators to post original content, not stolen reposts X is rolling out a new video editor and recorder for iOS with multilingual captions, green screen effects, and other editing tools. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d17ddc2ca79de2364c373 Texas bakery says it's 'embarrassed' by America, calls MAGA 'a cult' in July 4 message te 2026-07-07T15:14:37.492Z Texas bakery says it's 'embarrassed' by America, calls MAGA 'a cult' in July 4 message A Texas bakery is facing online backlash after publishing a Fourth of July message saying its owners were "embarrassed, afraid, and disappointed" in what the United States has become, while calling the MAGA movement "a cult" and denouncing the Trump administration in explicit terms. In a July 3 Facebook post, Flower Mound-based Hive Bakery wrote, "We expressed not wanting to celebrate the 4th this year, as we’re embarrassed, afraid, and disappointed in what this country has become." "MAGA is adversarial," the bakery continued. "It’s a cult of unintelligent, rabid, immoral sycophants. Those conservatives who still have rational thought have left the MAGA movement. Those who remain and continue to support the most corrupt administration in our nation's history, are here, wishing for our bakery to burn to the ground. Enjoy a little taste of this Americana." MEDIA ATTACKS DONALD TRUMP'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, CLAIMING IT 'SULLIED' AMERICA 250 The post concluded: "We are open tomorrow from 10-6 as we refuse to observe this holiday. F--k this fa$ci$t regime and every single person perpetuating the downfall of our country. Still holding out hope for an AOC revolution." In a video posted on July 4, Hive Bakery said it had received backlash for a post it made a few days prior saying it would not be celebrating the holiday and read many of the comments aloud in the video. Some of the negative comments reposted by Hive Bakery in response included one that said, "Hope your place burns to the ground. You deserve it. Fu---ng leftist." SAN DIEGO TACO CHAIN TARGETED BY BOYCOTT OVER CEO'S ALLEGED TRUMP SUPPORT Another read, "I will celebrate this amazing country because it is still a great place to live. Instead of everyone being so negative, try some kindness. I always say, no one is stopping you from leaving and finding a better place to live." An additional commenter said, "With a post like this, I will never patronize your business, and I will make sure to let my friends and family know your thoughts as well. If you're that embarrassed, pack your s??t and leave. You won't be missed. Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya." But many other comments were supportive of the bakery, with one person replying to the July 3 post writing, " ....tempted to get in the car and drive 12 hours for some Hive goodies...." Another person wrote, "Lol … I just said to my husband where’s hive bakery, let’s go support them… then I saw they are all the way in Texas. That’s way more than 12 hours for me… but go Hive Bakery I stand with you!" SOCIALIST HOUSE HOPEFUL UNDER FIRE FOR PRO-PALESTINIAN JULY 4 MESSAGE A woman who identified herself as a Canadian said, "If I had my passport, I’d go see you and buy a truck load of your fabulous goodies. This looks amazing! Plus love the fact you got balls." Another post on the Fourth of July from the bakery shows iced cookies decorated with an upside-down American flag and the words "UNDER DURESS" on them. Fox News Digital reached out to Hive Bakery for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d17c9c2ca79de2364c2b6 Trump taunts Meloni with fresh photo salvo as NATO summit puts allies face-to-face te 2026-07-07T15:14:17.774Z Trump taunts Meloni with fresh photo salvo as NATO summit puts allies face-to-face President Donald Trump escalated his public feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, further fueling a rift between the two leaders in the lead up to the NATO summit in Turkey this week.  "RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED," Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday alongside a photo of Meloni looking at him. Trump landed in Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday for the NATO summit, where Meloni is also in attendance. The two leaders have long had a warmer relationship than Trump has shared with many other U.S. allies, with Meloni notably the only European leader to attend his 2025 presidential inauguration. A spat began in June, however, after Trump said Meloni "begged" him to take a photo at the G7. Meloni pushed back on the claim.  RUBIO MEETS MELONI AS TRUMP–POPE CLASH CLASH ESCALATES US STRAINS WITH KEY EUROPEAN ALLY "Trump's statements against Meloni speak for themselves," Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Monday while at a Sky TG24 event. "We are convinced that transatlantic relations go far beyond individual statements." The latest exchange followed an earlier flashpoint at the G7 in June, when Trump mocked Meloni’s interest in taking a photo with him.  "She wanted a picture with me so ​badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her," Trump said at the time to La7 TV channel. "She's probably happy I talked to her. I didn't have to talk to her." Meloni fired back: "I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same determination with the enemies of the West and of the United States, whose leaders he instead treats with far greater indulgence." TRUMP'S PERSONAL FEUDS WITH ALLIES FROM ITALY TO ISRAEL REVEAL HOW PERSONALITY DRIVES HIS FOREIGN POLICY "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg," she added. While there is no U.S.-Italy bilateral meeting scheduled in Turkey this week, Trump and Meloni may rub shoulders at the NATO leaders' dinner, plenary sessions, and leaders' gatherings. There have been looming tensions between the two leaders after Meloni distanced herself from the U.S. amid mounting domestic and political pressure over the widening Middle East conflict. Trump also criticized Meloni for failing to assist the U.S. without letting U.S. forces use Italy's landing strips and runways, calling it "a great logistical inconvenience." "She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did NATO, for that matter!)," he wrote. Italy remains a key U.S. security hub in Europe, hosting nearly 13,000 active-duty American troops across six bases as of the end of 2025. A spokesperson for Meloni declined to comment when contacted by Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital also reached out to the White House for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d17b6c2ca79de2364c2a4 Top five memorable moments from Team USA's magical 2026 FIFA World Cup run te 2026-07-07T15:13:58.313Z Top five memorable moments from Team USA's magical 2026 FIFA World Cup run With their 4-1 loss to Belgium late Monday night in Seattle, the World Cup run for the U.S. Men's National Team came to a disappointing end. Although the team's exit was unceremonious, fans shouldn't let that dampen the overall mood from the 2026 tournament, which was, by and large, a rousing success for the USMNT. From a wins, goals, and overall style perspective, this was the best performance by an American men's team at a World Cup in quite some time, and we have to keep that in mind when judging the experience as a whole. LANDON DONOVAN RECALLS LIFE-CHANGING WORLD CUP MOMENT AMID PLAYERS' 'RESPONSIBILITY' OF GROWING GAME IN USA With that, we definitely had our fair share of memorable moments, and I wanted to relive some of the best USMNT memories from this magical run at the World Cup. So wash that bad Belgian taste out of your mouth and indulge me as we take a stroll down memory lane from the past month. Coming into the tournament, many pundits and fans (myself included) were shaky in our confidence regarding this iteration of the USMNT. They didn't exactly enter the tournament on a high note, and their best player, Christian Pulisic, was just coming out of a historic slump. With a World Cup opener against Paraguay looming, a team that had beaten the likes of Brazil and Argentina during qualifiers, many predicted a nail-biter, and a win certainly wasn't guaranteed. That all changed less than seven minutes into the match, when Pulisic split a double team and sent a ball towards the middle of the box, only to have a Paraguayan defender misplay it into the back of the net. GEORGE LUCAS SPOTTED AT USMNT WORLD CUP OPENER WHERE PLAYER NICKNAMED 'JEDI' HELPED DELIVER 4-1 WIN From that point forward, the rout was on, as the USMNT displayed their class with precision passing and free moving offense that looked completely foreign to anything they had shown on the pitch prior to that day. The final score was a resounding 4-1 victory, and the win only looked better with age, as Paraguay went on to defeat Germany in the round of 32 and gave France all they could handle the following game. The victory let everyone know that this USMNT was a legitimate threat to make some noise in the tournament, and had everyone in America ready to believe. Before the start of the 2026 World Cup, few fans outside of some of the more hardcore U.S. supporters knew who Folarin Balogun was. That all changed with his play during this year's tournament as America's lethal striker and top goal scorer. What a performance from Balogun, who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, slotting home three goals and even scoring a few more that were wiped out because of some razor-thin offside margins. Balogun was a joy to watch, and his high-profile red card decision earned him that much more popularity, prompting even President Trump to weigh in on the matter. With Balogun only just recently turning 25, he will be a fixture in this USMNT lineup for years to come, and his star will only continue to grow. Not many people would have predicted the city of Seattle to be the epicenter of American pride, but that's exactly what we got every time the Emerald City hosted the USMNT. Specifically, during their group stage game against the Australians, the USMNT was greeted with one of the most patriotic displays we've ever seen at a soccer game. The mood inside the walls of the stadium were raucous even before the start of the game, but the scene in the streets of the city were just as impressive, if not more so. USMNT STAR CHRISTIAN PULISIC FINALLY ENDS LENGTHY GOAL DROUGHT IN WIN OVER SENEGAL Thousands of fans descended upon the FOX Sports pregame set, prompting host Rob Stone to declare he had "never seen anything like this in American soccer." What makes the moment even sweeter is that a writer for a local Seattle newspaper had predicted fans would be less than enthusiastic about the team given the "political climate." Fans from both sides of the political aisle showed up in droves and showed the Seattle Times the error of their ways, giving us one of the best environments at any soccer game ever held on American soil. There are some songs that will always be associated with a memory. That's just the power of music. But the wild thing about John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is that an entire generation of soccer fans will now associate it with the summer of 2026 and the fun and magic of the World Cup more than five decades after the song's release. The lasting image of the fans and team singing the folk-country number after every win will be burned in the hearts and minds of Americans all across the nation. Hell, it's such a catchy tune that even USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino got in the fun, giving a full-throated rendition to the crowd in Seattle after the team punched their ticket to the knockout rounds against Australia. From now on, anytime someone hears those opening notes being picked on Denver's acoustic guitar, their mind will race back to this summer, when a group of men wearing the Stars and Stripes gave them a World Cup experience they will never forget. Before the start of the knockout rounds, I called midfielder Malik Tillman the "unsung hero" of the USMNT for his flair, passing ability, and for the fact that he always seemed to be in the right place making the right play. You can go ahead and remove that "unsung" prefix and just call him a "hero," because his performances in both of the knockout games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgium were legendary. His freekick goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina may be one of the most memorable set piece goals in USMNT history, and came at a time when the team and country desperately needed it. Down to ten men after a dubious red card got Balogun sent off and nursing a 1-0 lead, Tillman calmly stepped up to the spot just outside the penalty box and buried a looping ball into the back of the net. And when the USMNT went down 1-0 early to Belgium on Monday night, few thought he could create magic two games in a row. Tillman once again proved everyone wrong with yet another magnificent free kick goal that briefly drew America even with the Red Devils. Much like Balogun, Tillman is young (24) and will be with this USMNT for a long time, so I only expect him to get better as he matures in his role with the squad. I doubt few will ever forget his brilliance at the 2026 World Cup, and there's a good chance those two free kicks alone make it so that Tillman will never pay for a drink in America again. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d17a2c2ca79de2364c29b Manhattan high-rise evacuated as officials warn of potential collapse te 2026-07-07T15:13:38.857Z Manhattan high-rise evacuated as officials warn of potential collapse A Midtown Manhattan high-rise office building near Grand Central Terminal was evacuated Tuesday morning after authorities said it was at risk of collapsing. Officials with the New York Fire Department said they received a call at around 8 a.m. about falling bricks in the 200 block of East 42nd Street, The New York Times reported. The building once had offices for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, according to the Times. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d178fc2ca79de2364c292 Upgrade your sleepwear with these Amazon pajama deals, up to 53% off te 2026-07-07T15:13:19.400Z Upgrade your sleepwear with these Amazon pajama deals, up to 53% off Kick back in comfort with Amazon deals on loungewear and pajamas for men and women. Our roundup includes best-sellers like this women's button-down short set that's more than 50% off and this Amazon Essentials men's cotton T-shirt and short set that's on sale for $14. Save on nightgowns, short sets and other breathable pajamas. Original price: $35.99 A FOX reader favorite, this pajama set is more than 50% off, making it a great time to stock up on multiple colors. The button-up top offers a polished look, while the stretchy shorts provide all-night comfort. READ MORE: Save up to 80% on summer essentials, from cooling pajamas to sandals Original price: $24.99 Stay cool on warm nights with this sleeveless pajama set. The lightweight, stretchy fabric offers comfortable movement, while the colorful floral prints add a cheerful touch to your bedtime routine. Original price: $52 Save $26 on this brand-name tank top and boxer pajama set. The cotton-blend fabric with added elastane offers breathable comfort and just the right amount of stretch for lounging or sleeping. Original price: $25.99 Relax in comfort with this Fruit of the Loom pajama set. The relaxed fit and tag-free design help reduce irritation, and it's available in multiple colors and patterns in regular and plus sizes up to 4XL. Original price: $78 Kate Spade's pajama set comes in playful prints, including peaches, flamingos and fruit-inspired patterns. Stretchy bottoms provide all-night comfort, while the button-up top adds a polished touch. Original price: $31.99 Get three nightgowns for just $24. The soft, lightweight fabric is designed for all-night comfort, and the versatile neutral colors make them an easy addition to any sleepwear collection. From bamboo sets to Nautica pajama shorts, these PJs keep you comfortable all night.  Original price: $49.99 Made primarily from viscose derived from bamboo, this pajama set is designed to feel lightweight and breathable. Two side pockets and a chest pocket keep essentials close, while the relaxed fit offers plenty of room to move. READ MORE: Durable men's workwear from $20 — Carhartt, Wrangler and more Original price: $22.80 Score this T-shirt and duck-print shorts pajama set for just $14, matching its lowest price in 90 days. An adjustable drawstring waist lets you customize the fit, and it's available in sizes up to 3XL.  Original price: $37.99 Stay cool on warm nights with these David Archy pajamas. The lightweight waffle-knit fabric is designed to promote airflow and breathable comfort, making them a great choice for summer. Original price: $14.99 The Ekouaer pajama set is versatile enough to wear for lounging, sleeping or light workouts. The soft, stretchy viscose-blend fabric helps keep you comfortable, and it's available in a wide range of colors and patterns to match your style. READ MORE: 4 veteran-owned beard care brands worth trying, plus expert grooming tips Original price: $31.99 This pajama set pairs a breathable V-neck T-shirt with roomy shorts for cool, comfortable sleep. The tag-free neckline helps reduce irritation for even more comfort. For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals Original price: $30 Nautica's pajama shorts feature a classic fit with just the right amount of stretch for all-night comfort. The breathable cotton fabric comes in a variety of plaid patterns to suit your style. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d1768c2ca79de2364c284 Trump Administration Guts Efforts to Prevent Gun Violence, Suppressing Reports te 2026-07-07T15:12:40.494Z Trump Administration Guts Efforts to Prevent Gun Violence, Suppressing Reports As the administration works to expand gun rights, hospitals and community groups have lost funding, and reports on preventing firearm injuries have vanished from government websites. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d16dcc2ca79de2364c218 Chemistry Ventures is raising $500M for its second fund te 2026-07-07T15:10:20.613Z Chemistry Ventures is raising $500M for its second fund Chemistry Ventures, the VC firm launched by Bessemer, Index Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz alums, is raising $500M for its second fund. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d12d1c2ca79de2364c16f States will shape America’s future as nation confronts a pivotal choice te 2026-07-07T14:53:05.872Z States will shape America’s future as nation confronts a pivotal choice (Illustration by Alex Cochran for Stateline) A quarter millennia after its founding, the United States faces a stark choice that will define its future. In the years ahead, the country can continue to follow the path blazed by President Donald Trump, who is attempting to bring states under the authority of a more powerful federal government led by him. Or it can move in a different direction, one where states become a heavier counterweight to an aggressive White House and rebalance the relationship between the states and the federal government. The United States’ foundations are undergoing a significant stress test, experts say, raising questions about whether a radical reconception of the nation lies ahead. The federalism that has helped bind the states — and therefore, the nation — together is fraying, pulled apart by a president who demonstrates little regard for many of the nation’s core principles. “I wonder if we will come to a breaking point in which the institutions of government no longer serve the society in which we live,” said David Adkins, a former Kansas Republican state lawmaker who’s now the executive director and CEO of the Council of State Governments, a national group that represents all three branches of state government.  “And again,” he said, “we will be required to balance personal liberty and freedoms against what powers we want the government to exercise.” While a long line of modern presidents have expanded the powers of their office, Trump has wielded the executive branch as a weapon to punish states and those state leaders he views as enemies. Federal dollars and resources have become a form of leverage he has tried to use to pursue his political aims and deliver the retribution he promised to, if reelected. He is trying to assert an unprecedented level of White House control over state-run elections. How states — and the people — respond will forever shape the nation. As explained in this exhibit in Philadelphia, federalism divides political power between the national government and the states. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline) As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, Stateline has been exploring how the Trump era is transforming the relationship between the states and the federal government. This article is the fourth in an occasional series examining the fraught moment and what evolving — and often deteriorating — state-federal ties mean for the country, now and in the future. As the Trump administration has been aggressively pursuing its agenda on immigration, election restrictions and other issues, Democratic states have been developing playbooks of resistance that could endure even after Trump’s time in office. They have enacted laws aimed at regulating the behavior of federal agents and preventing any attempts to illegally subvert the November midterm elections, for instance. At least eight states have adopted laws limiting masking by law enforcement, according to Prosecutors Alliance Action, a nonprofit advocacy group that supports the legislation. The mask restrictions are in response to the widespread use of masks by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol and other federal agents, as well as anger over the deployment of agents in places such as Minneapolis and Los Angeles. Some states have also taken action to thwart any federal attempt to take over elections, which under the U.S. Constitution are run by the states. Administration officials have refused to rule out sending federal agents or troops to the polls, something already prohibited under federal law except in extremely narrow circumstances. In late May, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that prohibits election officials from providing federal agents with access to voter lists or technology absent a court order. And New Mexico lawmakers earlier this year passed a bill to prohibit troops at polling places. Children interact with a life-size statue of Benjamin Franklin this May inside Signer’s Hall at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The birthplace of the nation, Philadelphia is where the founders signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline) More recently, officials in some states threatened legislation to undercut Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund by taxing payments at 100%. Critics argued that the fund would be used to pay off the president’s allies. The U.S. Department of Justice has said it is backing off plans for the fund amid bipartisan opposition in Congress, but leaders have refused to confirm that in writing and a federal judge has said a lawsuit against the fund can proceed. Collectively, these efforts offer a window into how states are testing ways to push back against the White House. While the Trump administration is challenging some of these measures in court, Democratic state lawmakers have demonstrated that state-level resistance to increasingly aggressive exercises of federal power is possible. “It is incumbent upon state legislators and state governments to protect their people from this incredible overreach and this display of horrors and egregious behaviors we are seeing from the federal government,” said Pennsylvania state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, a Democrat who has been pushing restrictions on ICE. In response to Stateline’s questions for this series, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement: “The Trump Administration faithfully upholds our Constitution and the immortalized American principles of federalism, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.” Rethinking the Constitution Conservatives have long complained that the federal government has grown too large and too powerful. As Democrats fight Trump, some Republicans see an opportunity to forge a new bipartisan consensus in favor of states’ authority. Pennsylvania state Sen. Cris Dush, a Republican, said the federal government has been overreaching since at least Woodrow Wilson’s presidency in the early 20th century. He argues that too many powers have been ceded to the executive branch that belong to legislators.  “And that’s why we have a republic, not a democracy and not a king. It’s not supposed to go with the whims of either the public or whoever the chief executive is, and that’s why you’re now starting to see Democrats get on board with this,” Dush said. “I’m glad to welcome anybody to this party that wants to come, because it’s all about getting the legislative authority back.” Dush supports a convention of the states to draft proposed changes to the Constitution that limit federal power. The idea of calling a convention has long percolated in statehouses, especially among Republicans, but support for the idea appears to have grown in recent years. Quotation The states know what the potential dangers are, and they’re getting better prepared. – Former New Jersey Republican Gov. Christine Todd Whitman Article V of the Constitution requires Congress to call a constitutional convention if two-thirds of state legislatures demand one but sets out few details about how such a gathering would operate. Any amendments proposed by a convention would need to be approved by three-fourths of the states. Several different campaigns are pushing states to demand a convention, including one focused on a balanced budget amendment and another that seeks term limits. Collectively, 28 state legislatures have called for a convention, according to the good government group Common Cause, which opposes a convention. Thirty-six states must call for a convention to trigger one. Former Utah Republican Gov. Gary Herbert speaks at a March conference on federalism in Orem, Utah. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Former Utah Republican Gov. Gary Herbert has pushed for a balanced budget amendment to rein in federal spending and the ballooning national debt for more than 15 years. He said that states must lead the effort because Congress lacks the courage to confront the issue.  “The burgeoning debt is just the result of not having appropriate balance between the state and federal government,” he said. While conservatives and liberals fear a so-called runaway convention that could radically reshape the face of American government, Herbert said those same fears were present 250 years ago as the Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia to reshape the Articles of Confederation into the current Constitution. “Well, the result was pretty good,” he said. “You know, we got this great Constitution everybody says was really a divinely inspired kind of a thing. … The Founding Fathers were brilliant in putting the Constitution together and said, ‘Here’s a role for the federal government, but here’s a larger role even for the states.’” Stitt, the Oklahoma governor, said he wants states to have more control of federal spending. Bypassing Washington, D.C.’s bureaucracy would give states more authority and stewardship over federal taxpayer dollars, he said, forcing states to live within their means and end incentives to freely accept federal dollars rather than lose them to another state. “So we have to change that incentive, and I think that’s a reasonable way to do it,” he said in an interview. “Now, Oklahoma would handle our own roads, bridges, etcetera, and I just think that the incentive would be totally different, and there would truly be 50 laboratories of democracy.” Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his final State of the State Address in February at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. The chair of the bipartisan National Governors Association, Stitt has pushed for a more active role for states rather than the federal government. (Photo by Kyle Phillips for Oklahoma Voice) Stitt is chair of the bipartisan National Governors Association. He’s criticized Trump’s deployment of the National Guard into blue states. But he said presidents of both parties have wielded the growing might of the federal government to influence policies across the country. He pointed to Trump’s efforts to kill already-approved offshore wind energy projects, and he highlighted the Keystone Pipeline extension, which was thwarted by Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden but embraced by Trump. He called those sorts of turnabouts “un-American.” “We’re in a terrible situation if this continues to happen in our country,” he said. “This is like what we’ve made fun of in these Third World countries from dictator to dictator.” Unlike Stitt, critics of a convention of the states fear it could result in a dramatic overhaul of the Constitution that would endanger core liberties and freedoms. And because the Constitution provides few rules for how a convention would work, they worry the process would be susceptible to influence by wealthy interests. Adkins, the Council of State Governments CEO, said a convention of the states could become more likely as state-federal tensions increase. He said states should begin having dispassionate conversations about how they would respond if a convention is called, what it would look like, and who would be in charge. “Those are a lot of questions that we just don’t know about,” Adkins said. “But that’s sort of the ultimate nuclear option for the states in a dysfunctional federal system.” States are ‘better prepared’ Whether a convention of the states ever takes place, the conversation surrounding the idea underscores the depth of frustration with the current state-federal relationship. Last year a Gallup survey found that 62% of Americans believe the federal government has too much power, the highest percentage recorded since 2002. It was also the first time since 2007 that Democrats were more likely than Republicans to say the federal government is too powerful. But what happens once Trump leaves office?Will at least some anger at the federal government dissipate? Trump is a very unpopular president when compared against the past four executives to hold the White House. His disapproval rating stood at 58% on July 2, according to a New York Times daily average of polling on the president. Just 39% of Americans approve of the job he’s doing, down from nearly 50% in the weeks after his inauguration in January 2025. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said the way Trump has pushed the envelope could become a new normal “if the wrong people get elected.” But few people who run for president want to bully states, she said. “They’re not looking to be king. They’re not looking to be a dictator,” Kelly said. “And there is plenty to do just with the responsibilities and the authority that the federal government traditionally has that there’s no need to go that way.” A group of students stands outside Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline) A presidential administration that makes clear it will give states as much leeway as possible as it advances its agenda will go far in rebuilding relationships between the states and the federal government, said former New Jersey Republican Gov. Christine Todd Whitman. But if not, states have learned from the Trump era. “The states know what the potential dangers are,” Whitman said, “and they’re getting better prepared.” In the birthplace of the nation, Philadelphians this spring were gearing up for a raucous Independence Day celebration. But feelings were mixed in this liberal stronghold, said Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, a Democrat who represents parts of Philadelphia. She said Trump misunderstands the distinct powers of the states and is “trampling the American order” by seeking to upend American federalism.  She and other Democrats in the closely divided commonwealth are trying to push back on the federal government through words and deeds. But she said this administration hasn’t soured the excitement and pride in the American experiment. Republican and Democratic lawmakers were eager to participate in special sessions outside of Harrisburg this year in Philadelphia, where the founders signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. “People recognize the challenges of the hour, and they make every effort to engage politically so we can get out of this mess,” she said. “But it doesn’t fully dampen the mood of being grateful for what this country still represents, and the potential that it still has.” States Newsroom reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at jshorman@statesnewsroom.com. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Arizona Mirror, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d12bdc2ca79de2364c14e Trump could hand prized stealth jets to NATO ally once seen as alliance headache te 2026-07-07T14:52:45.902Z Trump could hand prized stealth jets to NATO ally once seen as alliance headache President Donald Trump said Tuesday he plans to lift U.S. sanctions on Turkey and signaled he is prepared to move forward with the long-stalled sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets, marking a dramatic reversal in U.S. policy toward the NATO ally years after Ankara was expelled from the program for its purchase of a Russian missile defense system. Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a bilateral meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, Trump said his administration would remove sanctions imposed on Turkey's defense sector. "I can tell you we're going to be taking the sanctions off, OK?" Trump said. "I don't want him to waste his time answering that question. It's time. We don't sanction friends." TRUMP BETS ON FORMER NATO TROUBLEMAKER AS TURKEY'S STRATEGIC VALUE SURGES Asked whether he would sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey despite existing legal restrictions tied to Ankara's purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, Trump indicated he was open to doing so. "Many people, including the people sitting right here thinks why wouldn't we do that?" Trump said. "Turkey has been in many ways much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal." Pressed on concerns about Turkey's continued possession of the S-400, Trump dismissed them. "I have no concerns about anything." The remarks represent Trump's clearest indication yet that he intends to restore defense ties with Turkey, building on months of efforts to revive military cooperation with one of NATO's largest armed forces after years of strained relations. Turkey was removed from the multinational F-35 program in 2019 after taking delivery of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, prompting Washington to argue that operating the Kremlin-built system alongside America's most advanced stealth fighter could expose sensitive U.S. technology. Congress subsequently imposed sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA. 'WRITTEN IN OUR DNA': POLISH PILOTS WHO REMEMBER SOVIET RULE PREPARE FOR AMERICA'S MOST LETHAL FIGHTER JET Congress long has been one of the biggest obstacles to restoring Turkey's access to the F-35, with bipartisan lawmakers arguing that Ankara should not receive America's most advanced fighter aircraft while it continues to possess the Russian-made S-400 air defense system and pursues policies they say run counter to U.S. interests. Beyond political opposition, the Trump administration also faces legal hurdles.  While the president has authority over sanctions policy, Congress enacted additional restrictions after Turkey's purchase of the S-400. Section 1245 of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act bars the transfer of F-35 aircraft to Turkey unless the executive branch certifies that Ankara has met statutory requirements related to the Russian missile system. In recent days, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers urged Trump not to move forward with an F-35 sale, arguing that doing so without satisfying those legal requirements would violate U.S. law and undermine national security.  Lawmakers also have warned that Turkey's continued possession of the S-400, support for Hamas and tensions with fellow NATO allies Greece and Cyprus raise broader concerns about restoring Ankara's access to the stealth fighter. The Pentagon has maintained that the S-400's sophisticated radar could collect data on the F-35's radar signature and electronic profile during routine operations, potentially allowing Russia to better detect and defeat the aircraft in a future conflict if that information were shared with Moscow. When the Trump administration removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019, the White House said "the F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities."  Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord similarly warned at the time that allowing Turkey to operate both systems would jeopardize the long-term security of the F-35 program because "much of the F-35's strength lies in its stealth capabilities." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d1296c2ca79de2364c136 Why Gen Z is falling in love with film photography te 2026-07-07T14:52:06.998Z Why Gen Z is falling in love with film photography Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d0fd5c2ca79de2364c0bc AI law startup Norm raises $120M, hits unicorn valuation te 2026-07-07T14:40:21.299Z AI law startup Norm raises $120M, hits unicorn valuation AI law startup Norm has raised a $120 million Series C round led by Kholsa Ventures, valuing the startup at $1.2 billion. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d0e0bc2ca79de2364c070 Comedian calls Trump ‘White Obama’ in resurfaced clip, explains why critics keep underestimating his appeal te 2026-07-07T14:32:43.668Z Comedian calls Trump ‘White Obama’ in resurfaced clip, explains why critics keep underestimating his appeal Comedian Josh Johnson compared President Donald Trump’s appeal to former President Barack Obama’s in a resurfaced video clip posted to Facebook by Trevor Noah on July 4, arguing that Trump connects with some White Americans who see themselves as having overcome hardship. The discussion comes from a previously released episode of Noah’s "What Now?" podcast, during which Johnson calls Trump "White Obama" because he speaks to the experience of having overcome hardship that some White people feel is overlooked by society due to their race. "He's Obama for White people who hated the idea of Obama," Johnson said. "That, to me, is why I think people keep underestimating [Trump]." OBAMA BLAMES SPLINTERED MEDIA FOR PREVENTING SUPERSTAR DEMOCRAT FROM RISING UP The comic went on to explain his view that there is a certain narrative "baked into America's understanding of the experience of a Black person," regardless of how true it may be for any given individual. That narrative tells of a triumph over adversity that Johnson suggests is Oscar-worthy: "Your ancestors were slaves, you have to struggle, but you always make it through, and like, you had to avoid crime and drugs and getting somebody pregnant," just to reach the level of a White peer, Johnson said. But today, there are "so many cracks" in that story, according to Johnson. Not only are there Black people who are raised in stable, suburban homes — but there are plenty of White people "who literally are that story, but no one tells it in that way." DAVE CHAPPELLE ADMITS HE SEES WHY TRUMP ‘GETS MAD’ AT CNN OVER AMERICAN PRIDE QUESTION "They're like, 'My great-great-grandparents were these Irish immigrants. They got spit on when they came here...' 'I have a lot of drugs and crime where I'm from...' 'My family was on food stamps,'" the comedian said. "All the stuff like that — as a White person — which is never really talked about. And so then, this person had to overcome a lot just to be next to this other White person, right?" Trump speaks to this experience "the way that Obama spoke to Black people who may or may have not been having that stereotypical experience," said Johnson, making the case that White people don't all understand one another. "White people who are the living embodiment of everything we've been told Black people go through," Johnson said, may take to Trump in a way that he says is "so powerful" as a result. Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d0df8c2ca79de2364c067 Fetterman demands Bernie Sanders apologize for backing alleged 'predator' Graham Platner in Maine Senate race te 2026-07-07T14:32:24.211Z Fetterman demands Bernie Sanders apologize for backing alleged 'predator' Graham Platner in Maine Senate race Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is demanding an apology from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as explosive new sexual assault allegations have rocked Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign. "I would really call Bernie Sanders to apologize for pushing this kind of predator more than anyone," Fetterman said Monday on "The Ingraham Angle." "He helped him [become the Democratic nominee], and now [he should] apologize to the victims, especially the woman that she claimed that he raped her. I don't know why you want to keep pushing these kinds of people." SANDERS CAUGHT ON CAMERA SNAPPING AT REPORTER OVER PLATNER’S POSTS: ‘GET A BETTER JOB’ Platner's Senate hopes are on life support after Jenny Racicot alleged that he sexually assaulted her in interviews with Politico and CNN. Racicot claims the Senate hopeful entered her home uninvited while intoxicated nearly five years ago and forced himself on her despite repeated attempts to get him to stop. Racicot, who was seeing Platner on and off at the time, told Politico she immediately cut ties with him after he allegedly forced her to engage in unprotected sex, saying, "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’" Platner's campaign issued a statement denying Racicot's accusations, adding that he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for his campaign. Democrats, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., swiftly abandoned the embattled Democratic nominee and urged him to drop out of the high-stakes Senate race. Sanders, however, has remained silent and did not return Fox News Digital's prior request for comment.  Fetterman said Sanders should consider "sit[ting] a few out" after bashing his support for "communists." TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' The Pennsylvania Democrat has been critical of Platner for some time, previously questioning his conduct on the Kik platform and pressuring him to make public the messages he allegedly exchanged with women on the platform. Reacting to Racicot's accusations Monday, Fetterman expressed his condolences for any trauma she experienced. "It was very brave for her to come [forward with] this. I'm so sorry for what she's been through," he said. Fox News' Adam Pack contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d0de4c2ca79de2364c05e Fox News leads all news brands in YouTube video views and social engagement for second quarter 2026 te 2026-07-07T14:32:04.250Z Fox News leads all news brands in YouTube video views and social engagement for second quarter 2026 FOX News Media closed out the second quarter of 2026 by delivering 1.4 billion YouTube video views across its portfolio, topping all news brands in the competitive set, according to Emplifi. During the quarter, Fox News garnered 1.4 billion video views, leading its closest competitor MS NOW, who had 763 million views, by more than 300 million views. Fox News more than doubled CNN, which had 511 million views, and topped ABC News' 337 million views, NBC News' 310 million views, and CBS News' 136 million views, combined. FOX News Media has generated 3.3 billion YouTube video views since the start of 2026, with Fox News Channel accounting for 2.5 billion of those views. Fox News surpassed all news brands on YouTube for the seventh straight quarter. FOX NEWS HITS THIRD-HIGHEST YOUTUBE MONTH EVER IN APRIL, NEARLY QUADRUPLING COMPETITORS FOX Business’ YouTube generated 158 million video views throughout the quarter. Fox News also ranked number one in social engagement in the second quarter of 2026, nabbing 269 million social media interactions across Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, according to Emplifi. The network garnered 122 million Facebook interactions, 51.9 million Instagram interactions, 18.2 million X interactions and, according to Comscore Social, 76.8 million TikTok interactions. FOX NEWS DIGITAL POSTS BEST QUARTER EVER WITH 187 MILLION MONTHLY UNIQUE VISITORS IN EARLY 2026 Additionally, Fox News was number one on YouTube during the month of June, delivering 270 million video views. In June, Fox News led MS NOW (245 million views) CNN (153 million), NBC News (113 million), ABC News (112 million) and CBS (36 million). Fox Business continued its reign during June, driving 43 million video views, according to Comscore Social, and earning its spot as the number one business news competitive set for the 56th consecutive month. In May 2026, Fox News also finished the month as the No. 1 news brand on YouTube, with a staggering 338.8 million video views, more than tripling viewership of each of the three broadcast networks. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Fox News beat No. 2 MS NOW by over 100 million views, as the progressive cable outlet finished with 212.8 million. Fox News has been No. 1 among competitive news brands on YouTube with video views every month in 2026. CNN managed 154.1 million video views, while broadcast outlets ABC News (105.7 million), NBC News (82.4 million) and CBS News (37.6 million) fell far behind, with Fox News outdrawing the three combined. Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d096dc2ca79de2364bfad Video shows bomb rock Damascus hotel where French President Macron is staying during Syrian state visit te 2026-07-07T14:13:01.805Z Video shows bomb rock Damascus hotel where French President Macron is staying during Syrian state visit A pair of explosions rocked the Syrian capital of Damascus near the downtown Four Seasons hotel, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during a state visit, Syrian state media reported Tuesday. Eighteen people, including four police officers, were injured by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on Tuesday, Syria's interior ministry reported through state outlet SANA. According to the ministry, both bombs exploded after security forces had discovered them, "while preparations for the disposal operation were underway." BRIEF ALCOHOL BAN IN DAMASCUS SPARKS CONCERNS ABOUT PRESIDENT AL-SHARAA'S VISION FOR SYRIA The bombs were placed inside a car and a garbage can near the hotel where Macron was staying during his visit, the first Syrian state visit by the leader of a Western country since Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa took over for the now-deposed former President Bashar al-Assad in 2025. A spokesman for Élysée Palace said Macron was not in his hotel during the explosions and didn't even hear them. He continued his visit with al-Sharaa, according to both Élysée Palace and SANA. While not commenting on the explosions directly, Macron posted a statement on X shortly after the incident. ISRAEL FORTIFIES BORDER WITH JORDAN AS IRAN SEEKS NEW TERROR PATH "Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria. This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues," he wrote. Syria's Ministry of the Interior confirmed the explosions but stressed that they were outside the security perimeter designated for Macron. "We confirm that the explosion site is outside the security perimeter designated for the French president’s residence. It posed no direct threat to the residence or the official visit program, which is proceeding as planned," the ministry announced through SANA. 'PARCEL BOMB' EXPLODES IN MONACO RESIDENTIAL AREA, LEAVING 2 CRITICALLY INJURED: REPORTS Macron is the first Western leader to meet with al-Sharaa in Damascus since he became the country's president in 2025. Some have criticized Western leaders, including President Donald Trump, who hosted al-Sharaa in the White House in November, for normalizing relations with al-Sharaa given his past as a fighter for the al Qaeda terrorist group. Tuesday's explosions in Damascus were also the second and third major blasts in Damascus in less than a week. On Monday, France's government condemned what it called a "terrorist attack" after an explosive device killed at least nine people in a Damascus cafe on July 2. Syrian authorities are still investigating the attack and have not publicly ascribed it to any group or individual, according to The Washington Post. Fox News Digital contacted the Syrian Foreign Ministry and Élysée Palace for confirmation and further details. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d08cec2ca79de2364bf85 This startup pits dealerships against each other to bid on your used car te 2026-07-07T14:10:22.240Z This startup pits dealerships against each other to bid on your used car Bidbus, which lets dealerships bid on used cars, has raised $15 million in a Series A round that was led by early-stage mobility fund Ibex Investors. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d073fc2ca79de2364bf6d City of Sedona unveils program to get subdivisions ‘Firewise’ status te 2026-07-07T14:03:43.831Z City of Sedona unveils program to get subdivisions ‘Firewise’ status ‘Fire Safe Sedona’ aims to stabilize insurance rates due to region’s higher-risk urban-wildland interface The Community Development Department unveiled its Fire Safe Sedona Program during the City Council meeting on June 23, during which council unanimously supported the program to move forward. “Fi Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d0715c2ca79de2364bf45 Sanders remains quiet as pressure grows for Platner to quit amid rape claim te 2026-07-07T14:03:01.339Z Sanders remains quiet as pressure grows for Platner to quit amid rape claim A bombshell rape allegation has thrown Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign into turmoil, but some of his most progressive supporters in Congress are standing by him. At least three Democratic lawmakers — Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. — have yet to withdraw their support or call on Platner to end his campaign after Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, accused him of rape in interviews with Politico and CNN. Asked by Fox News Digital about Racicot's allegation that Platner in 2021 barged into her home while intoxicated and forced her to have unprotected sex, none of the lawmakers responded by publication time. The muted response marks the latest sign that some progressives are sticking with Platner despite mounting scandals threatening the viability of his Senate bid. DEMOCRATS BREAK WITH SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER, WARN OF 'CIVIL WAR' IN PARTY Some Platner allies have viewed his rise as part of a broader fight over the Democratic Party's direction, with the Senate hopeful embodying a more populist, far-left vision. Maine Democrats rejected Platner's primary rival, Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, who was aligned with the party's establishment, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Mills suspended her campaign weeks before the June primary amid poor polling and fundraising struggles. Other leading leftists, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., quickly rescinded their endorsements of Platner and called on him to exit the race. Similarly, Schumer and Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, which had only endorsed Platner after his June primary victory, demanded the immediate suspension of his campaign. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., who previously called a physical abuse allegation by former Platner girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield "a lot of nothing" in an interview with NOTUS, withdrew his support for Platner on Tuesday following Racicot’s rape accusation. His statement comes as Democrats face mounting scrutiny over their responses to the accusations against Platner, after years of taking a hard line on sexual misconduct allegations. "A lot of people owe apologies to Lyndsey Fifield — most notably Sheldon Whitehouse, who dismissed her allegations on the grounds that she worked for ‘right-wing political operations,’" journalist Josh Barro wrote on social media. Sanders, a leader of the party’s leftist base who campaigned with Platner several times, was notably silent after Racicot’s rape allegation. He continued to support the Senate hopeful after Fifield’s allegations first emerged in early June and similarly during reports that Platner sent sexually explicit text messages to at least half a dozen women while married. "We got a housing crisis. People can’t afford healthcare, they can’t afford groceries, they can’t afford to fill up their gas tanks. And I think it’s important for us to focus on the issues facing working families a little bit more than Graham Platner’s marriage," Sanders told reporters in June in remarks obtained by NBC. Murphy, too, publicly defended Platner after news broke about Platner’s infidelity to his wife, Amy Gertner, who he married in 2023. He continued to embrace the Maine Democrat’s Senate bid after Fifield and other women accused Platner of abuse. SANDERS CAUGHT ON CAMERA SNAPPING AT REPORTER OVER PLATNER’S POSTS: ‘GET A BETTER JOB’ And amid the piling up of controversies, Murphy suggested that Platner still had more character than incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. "Graham Platner is somebody who served our country, he’s served his community; he’s also made mistakes, and he’s admitted that," Murphy said during an interview with CBS News in May. "Character also involves standing up to people who are bankrupting and corrupting this country." "And this race is going to be a contrast between somebody who has put his life on the line for this country, against somebody who is literally empowering the moral hollowing-out of our nation from the White House," he went on. Meanwhile, Van Hollen, a progressive senator with leadership ambitions, went to the mat to defend Platner amid scrutiny over his Nazi-linked tattoo and controversial online posts in which he declared himself a communist, disparaged law enforcement, black people and white rural Americans and mocked a teenage girl's suicide. "He’s been very clear that he went into combat on behalf of the United States, he went through a really rough period, PTSD-type period," Van Hollen told Punchbowl News in April. "He himself said there are lots of things he's done and said that he completely regrets, and I do believe people should have second chances and that people can learn from their mistakes, and I think he's been doing that," he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d0701c2ca79de2364bf3c Stephen A. Smith saw three white Lakers and exposed a glaring liberal double standard te 2026-07-07T14:02:41.713Z Stephen A. Smith saw three white Lakers and exposed a glaring liberal double standard Sometimes I like what television personality, podcast host and sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has to say. Other times, I just shake my head and ask, "What?" This is one of those times. The man recently looked at the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster in the post-LeBron James era and saw that its top three players are White. He decided that their skin color was newsworthy. "This ain't golf," he said. "This ain't baseball. It ain't even soccer." He spoke as if basketball has some sort of pigmentation requirement for getting on the court. He acted as if the gatekeepers messed up by letting three White dudes onto the court. Let’s call this what it is: racism. I’m not being anything but factual. This man looked at three other men and decided the most important thing about them was their skin color. This man also took it upon himself to decide that basketball belongs to Black people. If this isn’t racism, then what is it? STEPHEN A SMITH SHOWS HIS PRIVILEGE BY MOCKING LAKERS' ROSTER FOR HAVING TOO MANY 'WHITE DUDES' All of this is absurd. Race is absurd. Under segregation, White men kept Black people out of all the top leagues because of the color of their skin. Now Stephen A. Smith wants to step into those shoes? Somewhere along the way, we decided there are two sets of rules. Point out that a team has a lot of great Black players, and it's seen as something to be proud of, something to be celebrated as progress. But if you point out that a team has a lot of great White players, suddenly it’s suspicious. It’s something that needs explaining. The best players in the NBA didn't get there because of their race. They got there because they outworked everybody else on the planet who wanted the same thing. Michael Jordan didn't wake up every morning and work on his blackness. His blackness didn’t make him the greatest player to ever walk this earth. It was his talent, his skill, his perseverance, his killer instinct. He trained his jump shot. He trained his footwork. He trained his mind to want it more than the guy across from him. ESPN MUST HOLD STEPHEN A SMITH ACCOUNTABLE AFTER DOUBLING DOWN ON RACIST REMARKS ABOUT WHITE BASKETBALL PLAYERS Same with Larry Bird. He didn't make the Hall of Fame because he was White. His White skin didn’t give him privilege. It didn’t add air to his jump or guide the ball into the basket. See how absurd this notion of race is? He made it because he could see angles on a basketball court that other men couldn't. Talent doesn't check a box. It shows up, or it doesn't. When Stephen A. Smith frames three great players as some kind of anomaly because of their skin color, he's not being bold or honest. He’s showcasing the worst in us. Tribalism. Racism. Division. Entitlement. Yeah, I said it. Smith is teaching us that we should be entitled because we are Black. We are entitled to basketball because we are Black. And this is coming out of the mouth of a man whom I admire. Smith has built a media empire and is banking millions a year. People love him. And yet he betrays all that hard work by teaching our children that Black people are entitled to the NBA court because they are, well, Black. What a horrible message to send to our kids. And here’s the hypocrisy in all of this. If the roles were reversed and, say, Dick Vitale complained that the Golden State Warriors were too White, who would be among the most outraged? Stephen A. Smith. He’s playing both sides, and that is not right. You cannot condemn racism against your own group while excusing it against another. You touch racism, and you lose all moral authority. The only answer is to treat each player as an individual. Those three Lakers who happen to be White are among the best players in the league and absolute ballers. The Lakers hired them because they want to win. They’d hire purple dudes as long as they could win. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION I've spent my life around people from every background you can imagine, and I've never once seen greatness ask permission from someone's skin color. I've seen it ask for discipline. I've seen it ask for sacrifice. I've seen it ask a man to get up before the sun for 10 years straight while nobody was watching and nobody was clapping. That's the price. Race is irrelevant. We are better than this. Our children deserve better than this. And basketball — a game built by men and women of every background who simply wanted to be the best at what they loved — deserves better than being reduced to a scoreboard for somebody's grievance. Talent is colorblind. It's time our commentary caught up. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM COREY BROOKS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d04f6c2ca79de2364be9c Nigel Farage resigning from UK Parliament te 2026-07-07T13:53:58.721Z Nigel Farage resigning from UK Parliament Reform UK leader and British Member of Parliament (MP) Nigel Farage announced he was resigning from Parliament on Tuesday.  Farage claimed he was resigning to force a by-election in his Clacton district and claimed he would run in it. "Today I will resign as a Member of Parliament for Clacton-on-Sea, thereby forcing a by-election, which will happen, I hope in short order," he said in a press conference broadcast from the Reform UK YouTube channel. "This will be a people vs. the establishment by-election. It's a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment, to frankly tell them where to go, and that is why I will be putting my name forward to stand in this by-election," he said.   This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d04e3c2ca79de2364be93 Wild bison headbutting video is a must-watch crazy nature moment now going viral online te 2026-07-07T13:53:39.267Z Wild bison headbutting video is a must-watch crazy nature moment now going viral online Another awesome nature video is going viral. The internet is a wild place full of crazy content, and nature content is right near the top of the list of the best stuff. Whether it's majestic and beautiful or downright terrifying, it's almost always going to make people stop and watch. WOMAN TESTS FATE BY GETTING TOO CLOSE TO A MASSIVE BISON, FACEPLANTS WHILE RUNNING AWAY That now includes an incredible video of some massive bison sparring. The popular Instagram page @goodbullguided, which appears to operate out of Colorado, recently posted a video of two bison smashing heads. When I say these bison are big, trust me when I say that I'm not overselling it. TWO HIKERS CAPTURE TERRIFYING VIDEO OF CHARGING GRIZZLY BEARS AT GLACIER NATIONAL PARK These two are absolute beasts. Give the footage a watch below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. This video should serve as a cautionary warning to all the idiotic tourists who think it's cute to get way too close to these animals. Bison aren't Disney characters. They will send you soaring in the air if they feel threatened. There's not a human on the planet who can win that fight. Seriously, look at the impact power they have against animals their own size. Now, imagine some 165-pound terrorist getting hit with that. It'd be over before it even started. What do you think of the footage? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d04cfc2ca79de2364be8a Graham Platner's chances of dropping out skyrocket to 94% after party revolt: Kalshi te 2026-07-07T13:53:19.811Z Graham Platner's chances of dropping out skyrocket to 94% after party revolt: Kalshi Traders on prediction market Kalshi are piling into wagers that Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner will drop out of the race by next week. The contract on whether Platner will drop out before July 14 soared to 94 cents Tuesday morning from the previous single digits, implying traders now assign a roughly 94% probability to his impending exit. The trading volume, or the total dollar amount wagered on this market, sits just north of $4.4 million.  While prediction markets don't determine political outcomes, the surge in betting reflects a growing belief among traders that Platner's campaign is in serious jeopardy following the latest allegations. Platner is seeking to unseat five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in one of the nation's most closely watched Senate races. THE GROWING LIST OF CONTROVERSIES THREATENING DEMOCRAT GRAHAM PLATNER'S MAINE SENATE BID The market's abrupt swing follows Democrats' rapid break with Platner after a rape allegation was leveled against him on Monday, which immediately triggered calls from across the party for him to suspend his campaign. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., one of Platner's highest-profile backers, rescinded her endorsement after previously saying that he is "my kind of man." "With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race," the progressive senator wrote in a statement. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., also withdrew his backing and called on Platner to exit the race. Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., likewise pulled their support Monday, though Gallego stopped short of urging Platner to suspend his campaign. PLATNER CONTROVERSIES FUEL SPECULATION ABOUT LITTLE-KNOWN MAINE BALLOT REPLACEMENT PROVISION The mounting pressure for an end to his Senate bid began after Maine resident Jenny Racicot accused Platner of raping her nearly five years ago, telling Politico and CNN that he entered her home uninvited while intoxicated and forced himself on her despite her repeated attempts to stop him. Platner denied the allegation, saying in a statement he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for his campaign. The Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer emerged this year as one of the Democratic Party's fastest-rising political figures, drawing national attention for his populist message and outsider image. As his profile has grown, so has scrutiny of his past conduct. In recent months, his campaign has been engulfed by a series of controversies, including the resurfacing of sexually explicit messages, offensive social media posts, a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism and campaign staff turmoil. Despite all this, his odds of remaining in the race after smooth sailing to primary election victory last month remained high. But the most recent rape allegation has reversed that, at least on Kalshi. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d04bcc2ca79de2364be7c Platner's paper tiger progressive coalition crumbles after bombshell rape allegation te 2026-07-07T13:53:00.355Z Platner's paper tiger progressive coalition crumbles after bombshell rape allegation Maine Democratic candidate for Senate, Graham Platner, campaigned on building a growing progressive coalition, but some of the key candidates running across the country have now turned their back on him. Platner’s campaign against Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was rocked on Monday after Politico’s report that the aspiring lawmaker allegedly raped an ex-girlfriend. Within hours of the allegation circulating, several high-profile candidates disavowed him and demanded he exit the race. "The credible allegations against Graham Platner cannot be ignored — he should withdraw from the race immediately," Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico said in a statement. TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' Talarico and other Democratic Senate candidates pitching themselves as progressives, including Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, former Rep. Mary Peltola in Alaska, former Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, all called on Platner to exit the race. "Credible allegations of sexual assault cannot be ignored," El-Sayed said. "Voters in Maine deserve a choice for U.S. Senate that doesn’t force them to make a moral compromise between sexual violence or corporate servitude." But it’s the first time the five Senate hopefuls have publicly admonished Platner after several scandals have dogged his campaign. DEMOCRATS EXTEND PLATNER 'GRACE' DESPITE ABUSE ALLEGATIONS AFTER KAVANAUGH RECKONING Fox News Digital did not immediately hear back from each campaign on why each candidate opted to break with Platner now rather than after previous allegations, including the June report from The New York Times that the Maine candidate exhibited "unsettling" behavior with women that often revolved around alcohol and alleged intimidation. Meanwhile, Platner has yet to withdraw from contention in a contest that Democrats viewed as the key to winning back the Senate. In a video statement released moments after Politico’s report, Platner dismissed the rape allegation but acknowledged the reality it could have on his campaign. EXCLUSIVE: COLLINS PITS RECORD BUILT IN MAINE POTATO FIELDS AGAINST PLATNER'S 'ANGRY RHETORIC' "Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," he said. The clock is ticking for Democrats to figure out their next move — the deadline in Maine for a candidate to drop out is July 13. If Platner does withdraw by then, the Maine Democratic Party, which also disavowed his campaign, has until July 27 to nominate a replacement. And Collins, the political foe that Platner and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., are desperately trying to beat, has stayed an arm's length from the mess across the political spectrum. "These allegations are appalling," Collins said in a statement. "Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d0495c2ca79de2364be65 Mohave County to debut new ballot paper with added security measures in July primary te 2026-07-07T13:52:21.449Z Mohave County to debut new ballot paper with added security measures in July primary Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4d0251c2ca79de2364be1a Team USA looked like a bunch of woke bartenders against Belgium, Swift-Kelce napkin for sale & Dart boat party te 2026-07-07T13:42:41.828Z Team USA looked like a bunch of woke bartenders against Belgium, Swift-Kelce napkin for sale & Dart boat party Where do I even start with this Tuesday edition of Screencaps after one of the most embarrassing sports performances in U.S. history last night in Seattle? What the hell was that? Herb Brooks must've been rolling over in his grave watching Team USA look like they were being terrorized by Belgians. BELGIANS! We literally stood there and got our a--es handed to us by a country with a population of 12 million. Belgium has the same population as OHIO! And we stood there looking like a bunch of chumps. On national TV. On apps around the world. I'm not even some knowledgeable soccer dork, but my eyes know what they were witnessing. That was pathetic. It was so bad that a whopping 78% of those surveyed think the Browns, yes, THE BROWNS, will win a Super Bowl before Team USA wins a World Cup in the next 50 years. To be fair, I should've been more dramatic and made this poll for the next 100 years. BELGIUM EMBARRASSES TEAM USA BEFORE BREAKING OUT TRUMP'S SIGNATURE DANCE CELEBRATION AFTER FOURTH GOAL Based on the talents we're running out there, like 38-year-old Tim Ream, those who participated in the poll, make a good point by choosing the Browns. This country has a guy with a man bun in the goal box who is perfectly fine with getting his a-- lit up by some 125-pound Belgian dork. If Timmy had a problem with it, he wouldn't have been caught in this position. Ream is allegedly 6'1, 180 pounds, and he got absolutely destroyed by a guy who needed to eat a cheeseburger. If there's one positive to come out of this mess, it's that there are so many travel soccer jokes flying around. What we clearly need are more parents in giant SUVs burning vacation days to travel from Cleveland to Nashville to play club league games and then turning around and heading home, but not before playing a Sunday 4 p.m. match against a team in Cincinnati before heading back up I-71 and getting home at 10 p.m. Why aren't there more travel soccer tournaments in Argentina like 12U baseball kids going to Cooperstown? If that's too far, why don't we send out kids to Mexico to play in travel tournaments? Or maybe even Colombia? I'm convinced our kids need to suffer to get better at soccer. I want them swatting flies off their faces in some remote Argentinian village that DOES NOT HAVE A MICROBREWERY, so the travel soccer parents can get loaded after the matches and brag about it on Facebook/Instagram. In fact, I want American youths shipped off to Argentinian soccer camps for 10 weeks each summer. I want them to come back with back alley tats. I want them getting off the plane in Cleveland with finger tats and fake gold chains around their neck while wearing shredded stonewashed jeans. Maybe we end up with a few late-teen soccer players with Argentinian baby mamas. That's just how this will have to go. USA COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO KICKS POWERADE BOTTLES IN FRUSTRATION AS TEAM'S FIRST HALF DEFENSE LOOKS SHAKY ESPN has reported that Argentina is known to use squalid living conditions to toughen up its youth. Look, I'm all for it. Maybe these kids see a couple of dead bodies along the way. If WE want to win a World Cup before the Browns win a Super Bowl, it's going to take a generation of boys who have seen a few things to get the job done. – Patrick D. writes: Mark Kelly is a weirdo, but in all honesty, why should anyone be excited to follow the pathetic U.S. men’s team? They were gifted the knockout round through favorable scheduling, aren’t one of the 16 best teams in the world, and made elementary mistakes in their biggest game in decades. They are an embarrassment. READ: MARK KELLY PROUDLY BACKS TEAM MEXICO IN WORLD CUP AFTER BARELY MENTIONING U.S. MEN'S TEAM If that was USA basketball, you all would be killing them. If that was an NFL team, you’d be killing them. If that was LeBron, you’d be killing him. Instead, you’re giving them a pass because they’re a punch of preppy, Chad white guys or black guys that look like Corbin Bleu. You have to be an idiot to think there will ever be a day that US soccer matters as long as we’re sending 4th or 5th tier athletes to play… Anyway, the moral of the story is, Mark Kelly looks dumb in that Mexico attire, but he’s not dumb for not supporting a team full of straight losers either … – Lib Anthony couldn't wait to send this email: Everything Trump touches turns to… (you know it.  I don’t even have to say it.) 📩 Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com Send photos, stories, tips, rants—whatever you've got. 📰 Screencaps Page: 👉 Read the latest Screencaps ▶️ YouTube: Screencaps with Joe Kinsey Subscribe for videos, rants, and behind-the-scenes. 🐦 Twitter/X: @JoeKinseyexp Tag me or drop a DM. 📸 Instagram: @OutKickScreencaps You guys need to start tagging me on content you're seeing. 📘 Facebook Page: Screencaps on Facebook 👥 Facebook Group: Join the Screencaps Community 📬 Mail (Thursday Night Mowing League): 27072 Carronade Dr, Unit A 155 Perrysburg, OH 43551 🗞️ Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe here Beer Guy Neil in Cleveland emails: By the way, guys, I'm going to start posting some of your longer emails with multiple photos on Facebook because it's so much easier to embed this stuff into Screencaps than post photos that have to be captioned and sized before the photos can be posted here. – Beer Guy Thomas V. in NC spotted this tragic news: Kinsey: I'll admit that I only purchased two cases of the lager since it was introduced. It was really good, but I just don't find myself buying many cases of beer these days. This is also a good reminder that beer consumption continues to decline as Gen Z and younger Millennials prefer to eat a gummie and sit around their apartments playing video games. – Brian M. in CA emails: I hope you've recovered from what sounds like an awesome golf trip! As someone who appreciates the friendly competition and camaraderie of a guys golf trip, I thought you might be interested in a quick history of how one avid golfer and family man led to the creation of 3 groups that collectively just completed 100 destination golf trips! In 1969 my friend's dad started a golf trip that he planned, organized, and led for 50 years before calling it a career in 2019. Over 120 guys attended at least one of his trips but Ted B. was at the helm for all of them, including one to Pebble Beach in the early 70's where they played for only $30. Ted's son started his own group in 1991 and we just completed our 35th (28 for me) going to destinations like Pine Needles, Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, and Gamble Sands among many others. And the third edition was another group started by Ted's grandsons and they just hit their 15th year milestone. At its core each group is brought together by the love of the game of golf and kept together by the friendships these trips build. As you can imagine, the older two trips have said final goodbyes to several members and this year was particularly tough as Ted B. was laid to rest. But this humble man left a lasting legacy born from a simple idea to get the guys together for friendly competition and an abundance of laughs along the way! Keep up the great work Joe. Kinsey: There should be a special wing in the golf hall of fame for those who organize golf trips. What a thankless job. The thought of organizing a bunch of golf degenerates takes a special person who is willing to sacrifice part of his/her life for the enjoyment of others. Ted sounds like a first-ballot guy. – Jim in East Peoria, IL checks in: Great job as always! Loved hearing about your golf trip - sounds like a blast. HUGE kudos to you for proper grammar!!! As in "....AN historic....". Thank you! Been wondering lately if someone changed the rules and I hadn't kept up! So "sad" (HA!!) to see Rapinhoe and the Euro elite snobs getting their panties twisted over FIFA's red card solution. For all those idiots calling this unprecedented, I think I read somewhere that some other real good player - Renaldo (sp?) maybe - got a 3 game suspension taken away a few years ago. Something about a one year probation, and if he didn't get any more red cards this one goes away, or something like that. But, I'm in no way a soccer fan, so might want to fact check that one a bit. Lastly, books on the beach - I've got to admit I'm a bit of a reader, and do indeed actually read books on the beach, at the pool, on the balcony, etc. Mrs. Z and I hit a decent beach (Key West, Marco Island, Aruba, wherever) at least once or twice a year, and I usually take at least 5 with me for the week. Granted, at least one for the plane, and I usually only get all the way through 4, as it's always annoying if I run out of books to read before the trip is over, but I do read. And yes, I do a ton of other stuff too, not just sit and read all day. If I did actually do that I'd need around 10 or 12 books. What authors you may ask? Patterson, Grisham, Silva, Evanovich, Baldacci, etc. Good luck with the baseball tournament! Kinsey: I should clarify, there's an age at which I believe people are faking reading at the beach. If you have an active Instagram account, I feel like 80-90% of active IG users who claim to read books at the beach are complete liars. – Brandon C. in Pinckney, MI was on the move: ##################### That is it this morning. The sun is shining. It's summer, the football season is weeks away and now with soccer over, I turn back to the baseball season. Screencaps Jr.'s team is the No. 15 seed in this week's tournament. Do you believe in miracles? Let's go get after it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cfda1c2ca79de2364bd2a Faster solutions, lower test scores: How AI is eroding math skills te 2026-07-07T13:22:41.628Z Faster solutions, lower test scores: How AI is eroding math skills Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cfd15c2ca79de2364bd12 Hacktivists call out Trump by hacking and defacing US Army websites te 2026-07-07T13:20:21.666Z Hacktivists call out Trump by hacking and defacing US Army websites The U.S. Army has fixed two of its websites that were hacked to display messages calling President Trump a "pedophile" and a "thief." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cf64ec2ca79de2364b9a7 Trump puts brakes on OpenAI’s newest AI model te 2026-07-07T12:51:26.276Z Trump puts brakes on OpenAI’s newest AI model OpenAI's newest AI model is getting a gatekeeper before most people can try it: the U.S. government. The company says GPT-5.6 Sol, its newest flagship model, will start with a limited preview for a small group of trusted partners. OpenAI said it previewed the model's capabilities with the U.S. government ahead of launch and, at the government's request, is starting with a limited group of trusted partners whose participation has been shared with the government before a broader rollout. The model will reportedly be accessible only to customers approved by the Trump administration during this initial preview period. MOST PROMINENT AI CHATBOTS HAVE LIBERAL BIAS, NEW STUDY FINDS That to me is a big shift. Usually, you hear about a new AI model and wonder when you can use it. Now, the bigger question may be who gets access first and how those decisions are made. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report GPT-5.6 Sol is part of OpenAI's new GPT-5.6 lineup, which also includes Terra and Luna. OpenAI describes Sol as its strongest model yet, with improvements in coding, biology and cybersecurity tasks. In its public announcement, OpenAI said GPT-5.6 models will initially be available through the API and Codex to a select group of trusted partners and organizations, with broader availability planned for ChatGPT, Codex and the API soon. As of early July, OpenAI says GPT-5.6 isn’t available in ChatGPT during the preview, and the company has not announced a general-availability date. The cybersecurity part is what has Washington paying close attention. OpenAI says Sol is better at helping people find and fix software vulnerabilities than reliably carrying out full cyberattacks. The company also says Sol does not cross its internal "Cyber Critical" threshold, although it admits benchmark tests cannot predict every possible use when the model is combined with other tools. That is the concern. The same AI that can help a security team fix a software flaw could also give scammers and hackers a head start if the guardrails fail. The Trump administration has been building a new AI cybersecurity framework. A June executive order says advanced AI can strengthen the country, but it also creates national security concerns that require coordination across federal agencies and private companies. The White House fact sheet says the order creates a voluntary framework for covered frontier models. It also says the government may get secure early access for trusted partners, while stating the order does not authorize mandatory licensing, pre-clearance or permits for releasing AI models. That distinction is important. The administration says this is about security. Critics worry it could turn into quiet government control over who gets the newest AI tools first. OpenAI isn’t the only AI company that has faced government pressure over powerful AI models. On June 12, Anthropic said the U.S. government directed it to suspend access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models by foreign nationals. Anthropic said the order forced it to disable the models more broadly so it could comply. CyberGuy previously covered Anthropic's Mythos AI and why its ability to find software vulnerabilities raised big cybersecurity questions. That helps explain why these models became part of the larger debate over AI, cyber risk and who gets access first. Since then, the standoff has changed. The U.S. Commerce Department later lifted export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Anthropic said it would restore access, and Fable 5 was reportedly back online as of July 1. Reports say Anthropic agreed to strengthen safeguards, work with the U.S. government on model-release protocols and report malicious activity tied to the models. Reuters also reported that the restrictions were removed after talks between Anthropic and U.S. officials. That makes the Anthropic episode a useful comparison for OpenAI's limited rollout. In both cases, the issue is no longer only about what an AI model can do. It is also about how quickly powerful AI tools should be released, who should get early access and what role the government should play. OPENAI'S SAM ALTMAN WANTS TO NEGOTIATE A 5% STAKE IN COMPANY FOR US IF COMPETITORS AGREE TO KEY PROVISION Here is the bigger question: how should powerful AI tools be released when they can help protect hospitals, banks and businesses, but could also help the wrong person find security holes faster? Security teams want better tools because they are already stretched thin. Hospitals and healthcare systems, banks, local utilities and critical systems, plus businesses all run on software that can have hidden holes. A stronger AI model could help find those weak spots before criminals exploit them. However, the access question is complicated. Who gets early access? Who gets told to wait? What happens if a small security company needs the same AI tool as a major government contractor? For now, the debate comes down to balancing security, access and accountability as these AI tools move closer to the services you rely on every day. AI tools are getting more capable, and that means scammers will keep using the buzz around them to trick you. Here are the steps to take now. Whenever a major AI product gets attention, impostors follow. Be careful with emails, texts or ads that promise early access to GPT-5.6 Sol, Mythos 5 or any restricted AI model. Go directly to the official company site instead of clicking a link. Strong antivirus software can help protect you from malicious links, phishing sites and downloads that scammers may disguise as AI tools or beta invitations. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com. Use strong, unique passwords for your important accounts. A password manager can help you create and store complex passwords, so you are not reusing the same login across multiple sites. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever it is available. Authentication apps or security keys are stronger than text message codes because they are harder for scammers to intercept. OPENAI TIGHTENS AI RULES FOR TEENS BUT CONCERNS REMAIN Keep your phone, computer, browser and apps updated. Many cyberattacks target known software flaws that already have patches, so updates are one of the easiest ways to close security gaps. Think twice before pasting sensitive information into any AI tool. Avoid uploading Social Security numbers, financial records, medical documents or private company files unless you know exactly how the service handles your data. Scammers can make AI-themed attacks more convincing when they can find your home address, phone number, relatives or workplace online. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information appears on data broker and people-search sites. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com. Scammers love urgency. If an offer claims you need to act fast to get access to a new AI model, treat that as a warning sign. Search for the announcement yourself and verify it from the company's official website. 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. AI has reached a point where Washington wants a closer look before everyone gets access. I understand why cybersecurity officials are paying attention. A model that can spot software flaws could help protect a hospital, a bank or a utility. In the wrong hands, though, that same capability could create new risks. For you, the takeaway is straightforward. AI tools will keep getting more capable, and that can be good news when they help defend your data. However, you still need to protect your accounts, question surprise AI offers and think twice before sharing sensitive information with any new tool. Should powerful AI tools face a security review before public release, or should companies decide when they are ready for everyone to use? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cf3c9c2ca79de2364b943 SJSU was told of decades-old allegations against volleyball coach during controversial 2024 season te 2026-07-07T12:40:41.123Z SJSU was told of decades-old allegations against volleyball coach during controversial 2024 season San Jose State University (SJSU) was told of abuse allegations against volleyball coach, during 2024 trans scandal, but didn’t fire or suspend him. During the volleyball team’s scandal-ridden 2024 season, the athletic department received a letter from one of head coach Todd Kress’s former players. The letter included allegations that Kress attacked her in a hotel room in 1998. Emails show that SJSU officials acknowledged the receipt of the allegations, thanked the former player for coming forward, and apologized for her experiences. Despite this, Kress was never suspended and has continued to serve as the head coach of the women's volleyball team. Fox News Digital was given copies of the emails exchanged between SJSU and the former Fairfield player, from an independently verified source. Fox News Digital has independently verified she played at Fairfield under Kress in the 1998 season, but is not disclosing her name. Fox News Digital submitted a public records request seeking copies of documents with criteria that match the emails exchanged between SJSU and Kress’s former player, but the university formally declined the request, stating "the requested communications implicate substantial privacy interests." Fox News Digital reached out to Kress, SJSU officials and the university’s legal counsel that handled the 2024 exchange with a series of questions, but did not receive a response from any of the parties. SAN FRANCISCO ARCHDIOCESE AGREES TO $395M SETTLEMENT WITH 530 CLERGY ABUSE SURVIVORS The original letter was written by a woman that played for Kress at Fairfield University in the late 90s, and sent to SJSU on Oct. 24, 2024. That first email she sent to SJSU contained the letter with the written allegations against Kress, that was originally sent to Fairfield University. The alleged incident occurred in a hotel after Fairfield’s loss to Clemson in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament in December of that year. She wrote that a teammate asked her to bring her a shirt to Kress’s room. "I told her I wanted no part of his insanity. I was distraught about the loss and wasn’t interested in his drunken insanity, which was commonplace on trips." The former player added that her teammate "promised Todd would not throw water at me or do something juvenile so I reluctantly agreed to bring her the shirt." "I knocked on the door and Todd answered. He immediately took caramel from a plastic container and smeared it all over my face and hair. He then forcibly threw me on the bed and held me down. I was in shock. He let go of me and then pulled his pants down and put his back side in my face. "Astonished...that is the only word I can think of to describe how I felt in that moment... Todd was drunk. I got up and went for the door. "Todd again grabbed me, picked me up, and threw me into the bathtub where he held me down and threatened to turn on the shower with me laying there to ‘clean the caramel off of my face.’ At this point I was fighting back to get away from him. "Todd let me get out of the tub, laughing, and then he stood in front of the door blocking my exit. Todd told me he would only let me leave if I took a shot of liquor, which I did only to get him to move away from the door. Once he did, I ran for it. He chased me. I got into my room and although he seemed to be in a rage, he turned and calmly walked out," the letter alleges. The former player goes on to allege her teammates "had been drinking with Todd underage." She also claimed she did not report the incident at the time because she "was scared of losing my scholarship and being the reason my teammates lost theirs." Then she revealed why she was coming forward more than two decades later. "But what is happening now at SJSU is egregious and he only continues to get more bold with each new school, and the complete improper balance of power seems to drive him. He knows very well that young impressionable female athletes are not in a balanced position," she wrote. The "egregious" conduct she referred to was regarding Kress’s handling of the trans athlete on SJSU’s volleyball team. When that letter was sent to SJSU, Kress was in the middle of leading a Spartans team that was near the top of the Mountain West Conference standings. They got there through a few wins and a lot of forfeits from other teams, as SJSU was at the center of a national media controversy over a transgender player. A female teammate had joined a lawsuit claiming she hadn’t been told of that player’s birth sex before joining the team and living together. Later that day on Oct. 24, 2024, SJSU Athletic Director Jeff Konya responded to the former Fairfield player in an email. INSIDE THE FALLOUT OF THE SJSU VOLLEYBALL SCANDAL: ‘THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM’ "I want to acknowledge that I am in receipt of your correspondence and will share it with the proper authorities on the SJSU campus for additional review," Konya wrote. More than a week later, on Nov. 4, former SJSU interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer Peter Lim reached out to set up a meeting with the former player and her attorney. "Thank you for sharing your concerns about Coach Todd Kress. I am sorry to hear about your experiences. I have reviewed your letter and would like to meet with you to better understand your experiences with Coach Kress. The purpose of the meeting would be to help me assess potential next steps, which may or may not include an investigation into the reported conduct," Lim wrote. Three days after that on Nov. 7, Lim sent another email to the former Fairfield player, thanking her and her attorney for meeting with them. "I am so sorry about your prior experiences with Todd Kress at Fairfield University. I appreciate the time you took to describe those experiences, the impact those experiences continue to have on you, and the safety threat that you believe he presents to SJSU’s volleyball team," Lim wrote. "We are evaluating the information you provided and determining appropriate next steps. If it is okay with the two of you, I would appreciate staying in touch." There was no further correspondence between the two parties after that exchange, Fox News Digital has learned. Kress continued to coach and travel with SJSU’s volleyball team, all the way to the final game of the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas that year, where their season ended to Colorado State. Kress coached the team again in 2025. They fell short of the conference tournament with a losing record in 2025. Kress continues to be the head coach of the women’s volleyball team at SJSU. A U.S. Department of Education (ED) Title IX investigation into SJSU over the transgender scandal determined that the university allegedly made the decision to not suspend or relieve its head volleyball coach during the team's 2024 transgender scandal, despite Title IX-related complaints against the coach. The investigation’s findings made no mention of the former Fairfield player and her letter. However, the investigation did not disclose what those complaints were, and SJSU and the California State University System (CSU) is suing the department to challenge those findings. ED's findings, which were provided by SJSU to Fox News Digital in response to a public records request, suggest the school allegedly considered potential media attention that would arise from taking any action against the coach, and the affect it would have on the team. The findings do not mention the coach by name, but Fox News Digital reasonably believes the figure titled "Coach 2" in the findings to be current SJSU volleyball head coach Todd Kress. The findings specify Coach 2 as the current head coach of the SJSU volleyball team who began his tenure in the 2023, which was the year Kress took over his current position. "Additional notes indicate the decision to not suspend Coach 2 also included the improper consideration: 'If we relieve him . . . [w]e could also spark more media attention. . . .' University records indicate University officials, including the President of the University, agreed to not suspend Coach 2 because they felt his suspension would unduly disrupt the team," the findings state. Kress continues to be the coach at SJSU. He is one of the more accomplished volleyball coaches in NCAA history, currently ranking 21st all-time in NCAA history in wins with 550. But he has only led one winning season for SJSU since arriving in 2023, that being the controversial 2024 campaign with a trans player. SJSU has faced federal sanctions for an unrelated Title IX violations since 2021. That year, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found that the university ignored more than a decade of sexual assault and harassment complaints made by female student-athletes against a former director of sports medicine/head athletic trainer. Beginning in 2009, an athletic trainer subjected female student-athletes to repeated, unwelcome sexual touching under the guise of medical treatment. The DOJ found that SJSU repeatedly mishandled, downplayed, or failed to properly investigate these reports, which ultimately exposed additional student-athletes to harm. To remedy these violations, SJSU agreed to pay a $1.6 million financial settlement to the affected victims and implement sweeping corrective measures. On June 9, 2026, Fox News Digital submitted a formal public records request to San Jose State University seeking copies of the October 24, 2024 complaint letter sent to Athletic Director Konya, the November 1 follow-up email, and the subsequent November 7 correspondence from the university's Title IX office. On June 22, 2026, SJSU’s public records office formally denied the request. In a response issued by university legal counsel J. Leah Castella, the school acknowledged the existence of the records but determined they were not disclosable under the California Public Records Act. "The requested communications implicate substantial privacy interests," the university's response stated. "Disclosure of these records would therefore constitute an invasion of privacy that outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Specifically, these records are being withheld subject to the following exemptions: Personnel Records/Privacy... General Privacy Rights... [and the] Balancing Test. Here, the public interest served by disclosure is minimal and is outweighed by the public interest served against disclosure in protecting substantial and significant privacy rights." Following the records denial, Fox News Digital sent a detailed press inquiry to Kress, Konya, Lim, and Castella. The inquiry summarized the exact dates, timestamps, and contents of the internal records obtained independently by Fox News Digital, and posed a series of explicit questions to the parties, including requests for Kress's response to the 1998 allegations, details on what specific next steps the Title IX office took following their November 2024 meetings, and whether athletic department officials interviewed current volleyball players regarding their safety. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The inquiry also questioned university legal counsel regarding the decision to classify the public interest in these safety warnings as "minimal" while the university is actively engaged in a federal lawsuit defending its Title IX compliance within the volleyball program. Fox News Digital has not sought judicial relief on SJSU’s claim. As of publication time, neither Kress, Konya, nor any legal or communications representatives for San Jose State University have responded to the requests for comment. Fox News Digital also reached out to Fairfield University for request for a response to the former player’s letter, but a spokesperson responded writing, " The university does not comment on former or current personnel matters." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cf184c2ca79de2364b400 'Suits' star Rick Hoffman reveals 'intense' routine behind dramatic physical transformation te 2026-07-07T12:31:00.296Z 'Suits' star Rick Hoffman reveals 'intense' routine behind dramatic physical transformation Rick Hoffman threw fans for a loop in new photos shared online. The "Suits" actor boasted about his radical transformation in a selfie shared with the hashtag, "circling back." Hoffman, 56, posed in front of a mirror for the snap where he noted it had "been a min" since his last update. COUNTRY SINGER DROPS 70 POUNDS, SETS NEW WEIGHT LOSS GOAL AFTER YEARS OF BREATHLESSNESS ON STAGE The "Billions" actor sported a classic white button down shirt with gray slacks in the selfie shared with his million followers. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS In addition to what appeared to be dramatic physical changes, Hoffman also strayed from his usual close-shave and showed off a full head of hair. When one fan asked for his weight loss secrets, Hoffman revealed a few of tips for success. "Intense intermittent fasting and keto diet," he wrote before adding, "no alcohol." He previously disclosed a grown-out hairstyle in a bathroom selfie shared last month. "It just goes to show," Hoffman wrote online. ANNE HATHAWAY'S SECRET DECADE-LONG MEDICAL CONDITION LEFT HER NEARLY BLIND THROUGHOUT HER 30S Earlier this year, the actor discussed a few health-related issues he's suffered through the years. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "At the age of 23, I had the biggest challenge I ever had. I got struck with major anxiety where I would be woken up and I felt like I was jumping out of my skin 24/7 in this nightmare," he said in a March interview. "I was diagnosed with OCD — but this was back in 1993 when nobody really knew what the hell that was — and when you see things from a different perspective like that, where you feel like your world is impending doom around the corner every day, you see the world incredibly differently than other people." He added, "Had I not had that happen, I never would have made it with any career. It was a real quick slingshot through life lesson to really know where you stand on this planet, which is just with everyone else." Hoffman famously worked alongside Meghan Markle while portraying attorney Louis Litt in the legal drama "Suits." "Every season there is some unbelievable conflict that he has to overcome," he told Entertainment Focus in 2016. "Every year it's like 'how the hell am I going to do this as an actor? How the hell am I going to accomplish what they want me to accomplish?' It's scary as hell, challenging as hell and then more times as not rewarding as hell when I feel like I'm proud of what's been done." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cf170c2ca79de2364b3f7 WWE legend clotheslines Biden immigration policy with pro wrestling analogy te 2026-07-07T12:30:40.847Z WWE legend clotheslines Biden immigration policy with pro wrestling analogy A former WWE star took a swipe at the Biden administration’s immigration policy on Monday, using a pro wrestling comparison. Glenn Jacobs, the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, who was known as Kane in the ring, fired off a post on X on Monday. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL "If I were a wrestling promoter and wanted to draw as big a crowd as possible without regard to cost, even if it meant bankruptcy, I'd make admission free and give everyone free unlimited pizza and beer," Jacobs wrote. "And that, my friends, was the Biden Administration's immigration policy." President Donald Trump's stance on immigration helped him win the presidential election in 2024 over Kamala Harris. In May, the Trump administration celebrated a full year of "zero releases" at the southern border. In a news release announcing the decline in releases at the southern border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pointed to broader enforcement statistics showing illegal crossings and apprehensions at levels officials said have not been seen in more than three decades. CBP said Border Patrol recorded 8,943 southwestern border apprehensions in April, 94% lower than the Biden administration’s monthly average, 96% below the December 2023 peak during Biden’s tenure and fewer than the number apprehended in just three days in April 2024. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The 59-year-old Republican politician became the mayor of Knox County in 2018. He won a second term in 2022 and is unable to run for a third term. He’s advocated for voters in his county to vote for Betsy Henderson and Republicans down the ticket when early voting begins later this month. Henderson is going up against Democrat Beau Hawk in the general election. Jacobs compared Hawk to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. "Knox County has its very own Mini Mamdani running to replace me as your next mayor," he wrote in a separate post on X. "The only way he can win is if Republicans take it for granted. Please remember to go vote for Betsy Henderson and Republicans up and down the ticket." Jacobs has been a supporter of Trump and received similar support from the White House in May. Fox News’ Alec Schemmel contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ced16c2ca79de2364b33c Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding leaks snowball as guests reveal inside details te 2026-07-07T12:12:06.428Z Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding leaks snowball as guests reveal inside details Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding guests can't stop spilling details from the couple's star-studded celebration. The loose-lipped guests have revealed everything from Adam Sandler's marriage advice to the couple as their officiant to Swift's personal touches and emotional moments. Swift and Kelce married on July 3 in front of 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden, a representative for the pop star told Fox News Digital. The two opted not to have a traditional wedding party, instead choosing to have Swift's brother as her "Man of Honor" and Kelce's brother as his "Best Man." Swift's rep revealed the couple's wedding ceremony looks were designed by Jonathan Anderson of Christian Dior Haute Couture. The "Life of a Showgirl" singer accessorized with Cartier. While Swift and Kelce kept much of their wedding under wraps, guests have gradually offered fans a glimpse inside the celebration through interviews and social media posts. TAYLOR SWIFT MARRIES TRAVIS KELCE Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared some of the biggest revelations, calling the wedding "spectacular" and praising Swift for orchestrating the celebration. "The wedding was spectacular," he told KSL News. "I know how weddings go, it’s normally not the groom doing the planning. So I give Taylor a lot of credit for putting together just a beautiful venue and wedding and so on. Well planned out." Reid also shared Sandler's memorable marriage advice. "Adam Sandler did the ceremony there, and he mentioned, ‘Kiss her every chance you have.’ In its own simple way, that’s a pretty good message. Kiss her before bed, kiss her before you go to work. It’s hard to argue when you’re kissing somebody. He even mentioned, if you have a small argument, finish it with a kiss and make sure that you work it out." TAYLOR SWIFT'S EMPIRE TOPS $2 BILLION AS WEDDING FRENZY FUELS GLOBAL OBSESSION Swift and Kelce put a personal stamp on their wedding ceremony by writing their own vows, according to "Good Morning America" anchors who attended the star-studded celebration. Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos gushed about the couple's "intimate" secret garden wedding. "They wrote their own vows," Roberts said. "In little books!" Stephanopoulos added. Filmmaker Joseph Kahn offered one of the most detailed firsthand accounts. "Had a wonderful time at Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce’s wedding last night," he wrote on Instagram. "I got to meet Steven Spielberg and the lovely Kate Capshaw and talk filmmaking with the GOAT (lifelong dream achieved)." "What I will say about the wedding was it was so much funnier and emotional than expected, and as big as it was, it also felt very intimate," Kahn added. "And yes, literally everyone was there. I told Lotte many times it was like living in the internet, and AI would crack if it tried to render it. Anyway congratulations Taylor and Travis! Wishing your beautiful family and future family endless happiness!" As guests continued to reveal behind-the-scenes details of the celebration, another closely guarded piece of the wedding also surfaced online: the couple's invitation. TAYLOR SWIFT SHUTS DOWN 'OFFENSIVE' FAN THEORY ABOUT HER CAREER AFTER SHE MARRIES TRAVIS KELCE A photo of the invitation was seemingly shared by Ashish Ferguson — the brother of Kelce’s childhood friend and former personal chef, Kumar Ferguson — in a handful of photos from the July 4 weekend. The photo of the invitation has since been deleted, but not before users grabbed a screenshot. "You’re invited. July 3rd, 2026. Manhattan. Love, Taylor & Travis," the invitation, which was watermarked with Ferguson's name, read. Commenters were quick to point out his mistake. "I guess we forgot about the NDA? You sure they wanted their save the date card out there?" one user wrote. "IS THAT THE INVITATION??? IT'S BEAUTIFUL WTF," another added. "Did Taylor like her leaks? That's a death sentence," one said. Reception details also emerged through guests and attendees.  Ashley Smith, sister of Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith, caught Swift's bouquet. The small bouquet featured Sweet Pea and Queen Anne’s Lace along with light pink flowers. "Celebrated an Enchanting Love S(T&T)ory And somehow…I ended up catching Tay Tay’s bouquet," Ashley wrote on Instagram. "So here’s to believing it’s bringing a lifetime of love, luck, and laughter my way." "Congratulations, Taylor & Travis! Cheers to forever T&T!" LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Country star Maren Morris shared one of the celebration's personalized keepsakes, posting a photo of a white handkerchief. "So it's gonna be forever..." was embroidered onto the white fabric, a nod to Swift's 2014 hit single "Blank Space." Beyond the firsthand social media posts, attendees also shared additional behind-the-scenes details with NBC News, offering a closer look at the couple's reception and entertainment. Guests played games to win raffle tickets, two guests told NBC News. They could use the raffle tickets they won to try to win different prizes — including designer handbags and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, similar to the car the two rode in for their first public date in 2023. The two guests confirmed to the outlet that there were performances by Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks. McCartney played The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand," according to People magazine. "After the ceremony, Taylor’s mom Andrea invited everyone into the reception room where the stage was set up," a source told the outlet. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER In a since-deleted post viewed by Fox News Digital, AMC Theaters CEO Adam Aron wrote extensively about the wedding, saying, "It did not look like Madison Square Garden." "Immediately upon entry, everything… floors, walls, ceilings… was draped in peach and white," he wrote. "Large blown up pictures of Taylor and Travis at each age, year by year from one year-old to late teenager-hood, were on display." He explained that "a small portion of MSG was cordoned off, devoid of any notion that a basketball or hockey game ever shared that space," and "somehow magically, someone created an outdoor garden at a lush countryside retreat. Everything draped off this time in green and white. Real flowers and I think artificial trees welcomed fifteen rows of maybe 75 or so chairs. "They say there were around one thousand attendees, but surprisingly, it all felt intimate and small. Everything was close." Aron recounted that "relaxing and mellow romantic songs" were played before the ceremony began, when "a few violins and cello ushered in the wedding party." According to the CEO, Kelce wore a white tux, while Swift wore "a stunning white wedding dress with a long veiled train." "Then the vows," he continued. "Long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing explorations by each as to how they met, why they want to be with each other for all eternity, the promises they made in joining their much-beloved two whole families (Kelce’s and Swift’s) as one, and committing to their new mutual life together." He also said Swift and Kelce's "profound love" for each other was clear throughout the ceremony. He called their first kiss a "sweep you off your feet kiss." Beyond the surprise performances, personalized touches and reception festivities, the wedding left a lasting impression on Swift and Kelce's loved ones. "They cried, and they laughed, and they danced, and they hugged, and they kissed," Swift's Aunt Robin told LBC News. Even Travis Kelce's mother, Donna Kelce, couldn't hide her excitement about the celebration, though she stopped short of revealing too much. "I really can’t say a heck of a lot except it was magical, man, magical," she said at Macy's Fourth of July celebration. Fox News Digital's Emily Trainham contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ced02c2ca79de2364b333 Cave discovery pushes back evidence of human ancestors using fire to 1.79M years ago te 2026-07-07T12:11:46.970Z Cave discovery pushes back evidence of human ancestors using fire to 1.79M years ago Researchers believe they've uncovered ancient evidence that early human ancestors used fire in an African cave — pushing back the timeline by hundreds of thousands of years. The discovery, made at a cave in South Africa called Wonderwerk Cave, was announced in a June 24 press release from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Wonderwerk Cave is located in South Africa's Kalahari Desert, roughly 90 miles from the Botswana border. ANCIENT HANDPRINTS SUGGEST HUMANS WERE THINKING SYMBOLICALLY THOUSANDS OF YEARS EARLIER THAN SCIENCE TAUGHT At the site, researchers found evidence that early human ancestors used fire in the cave as many as 1.79 million years ago — pushing back the timeline for one of the earliest known records of fire use by hominins. In 2012, researchers at Wonderwerk Cave reported what was then considered the world's oldest known evidence of intentional fire use, dating to about 1 million years ago. In a study published recently in the journal PLOS One, researchers described using a new technique to identify evidence of burning in fossilized bones. At the site, researchers also found evidence of owl pellets being used as fuel, as well as burned animal bones nearly 100 feet inside the cave. WORLD'S OLDEST POISONED ARROWHEADS WERE COATED WITH TOXINS FROM DEADLY ONION-LIKE PLANT, RESEARCHERS SAY "Using a newly developed technique that can detect signs of burning in fossilized bones, researchers identified repeated evidence of fire deep inside the cave," the university said in a statement. "Because these traces were found far beyond the reach of natural wildfires, the findings suggest that early humans were deliberately bringing naturally occurring fire into the cave and keeping it burning." Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment. The university noted that fire gave early humans several survival advantages. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "Fire offered many advantages, including warmth, protection from predators, light after dark, and eventually the ability to cook food," the release added. "Even so, determining when humans first began using fire has remained one of archaeology's most difficult questions." Though it appears early humans were capable of transporting and maintaining fire inside caves, researchers cautioned that this does not mean they could create fire whenever they wanted. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Instead, the findings indicate that they likely collected fire from natural sources, such as lightning strikes or wildfires on the African savanna," the release says. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "According to the researchers, these ancient humans brought fire into the cave on multiple occasions and maintained it for a period before it eventually went out." Liora Kolska Horwitz, a researcher with the National Natural History Collections at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and co-director of the Wonderwerk Cave project, said that evidence of ancient fires is typically "subtle and difficult to detect." "Our study provides new tools for identifying traces of ancient burning and reveals that fire was repeatedly present deep inside Wonderwerk Cave," she said. Kolska Horwitz added, "These discoveries show that early humans were not simply passive observers of natural fires. They were actively engaging with fire and incorporating it into their lives." The discovery follows a similar breakthrough in Barnham, England, reported in 2025. There, researchers uncovered what they said was the earliest evidence of humans deliberately making fire, dating to about 400,000 years ago. Before the Barnham discovery, the earliest known evidence of deliberate fire-making dated to about 50,000 years ago in northern France. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cecbfc2ca79de2364b30e Savi’s app aims to protect consumers from realistic AI scams like kidnappers demanding ransom te 2026-07-07T12:10:39.900Z Savi’s app aims to protect consumers from realistic AI scams like kidnappers demanding ransom The company just raised $7 million in seed funding, and is launching its app for iPhone and Android on Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cecabc2ca79de2364b300 Salt lakes and queer identity anchor this Tucson writer’s new book te 2026-07-07T12:10:19.941Z Salt lakes and queer identity anchor this Tucson writer’s new book The Great Salt Lake that gave Salt Lake City its name, or the Salton Sea, might seem far away from the Sonoran swathes of Tucson. But Tucson author and Arizona Luminaria contributor Caroline Tracey says they can teach us about the region we live in, and about ourselves.  That’s the driving idea behind Tracey’s new book. “Salt Lakes” a surprising history of the way these bodies of water have been understood through history, alongside Tracey’s own journey into her queer identity and finding love.  The environmental history and personal narrative intertwine to create a book that spans both the internal and external landscape of the Tucson-based writer.  After more than a decade of essays and editor conversations circling the topic, Tracey’s book “Salt Lakes” was published this spring. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.  What do you want local readers to get from the book?  This book is called “Salt Lakes,” obviously, and that refers to the type of landform which is kind of like a closed valley, more of a bowl or a basin. We have those in Arizona, and the most recognizable one is the Willcox Playa, which is very close to Tucson. That has the same sort of dynamic I describe in other places in the Southwest: where water pools and collects and you end up with a salt crust. It’s also why it’s so rich in bird life. They kind of create these unusual oases in the landscape.  There were a lot of concepts I found helpful in understanding the history, and maybe the future, of the West. The public trust doctrine was one of them.  The public trust doctrine is, I think, a very important concept. It is the idea that states are responsible for protecting the waterways within their boundaries. It comes originally from ancient Rome, where it was important to protect waterways for navigation and commerce. And that it sort of became part of American law following a court case in Chicago regarding the Lake Michigan waterfront.  It transformed in California where they realized, well maybe the public trust doctrine doesn’t only apply to navigation and commerce but also ecological and recreational values. There was a test case at Mono Lake, and the state supreme court determined that yes in fact the public trust doctrine did apply and it actually sort of superseded privately held water rights.  It became this impressive environmental legislation moment of saying the common good is something that can actually trump private rights. It would be really interesting to try and apply it to stop data centers because I think that you could make the case that the common good water protections are being violated.  Caroline Tracey sits in her home office in Tucson, Arizona on June 16, 2026. Credit: Summer Williams What can the future of salt lakes tell us about the future of the West?  Salt lakes can seem like anomalies in the landscape, but what is really important about them is that they are the end point of a lot of the West’s water systems. When they’re in bad shape that reflects poorly on the rest of the system. Upstream, maybe things aren’t showing their wear and tear quite as much. My own curiosity about salt lakes, seeing these landscapes and wanting to learn more, sent me on the journey to learn a lot about the history of irrigation and water diversion which really sort of turns out to be like the story of how the American west was settled and developed for industry and agriculture.  Salt lakes sort of pretty quickly open out onto much bigger questions about the region.  You write about the role of the Mormon Church in water policy. What surprised you about that connection?  The chapter about Great Salt Lake talks a lot about the history of the Mormon settlement of Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. When I was working at High Country News, covering climate justice, I had a conversation with some colleagues where they were like, “We should cover religion more in the West.” I had this sort of long-standing interest in Great Salt Lake. So, I was like, “Oh, well, I wonder what’s up with the Mormon Church in Great Salt Lake.” It turned out to be really interesting that there were these two groups of environmental activists, one focused on education and one focused more on lobbying and political involvement. I think they understood themselves to be trying to raise environmental awareness in a culture that doesn’t necessarily always promote environmental activism… They had recognized that there was a place for a sort of religious voice. I found that very inspiring because it was a story showing that people don’t have to be complacent. They had a really fascinating vocabulary drawn from their religious beliefs and culture that they would apply to thinking about the landscape around them.  How did thinking about queerness and queer ecology help you understand the natural world?  The book has both a mixture of environmental journalism and personal narrative, and they come together in different ways and different moments in the book. Sometimes they’re sitting next to each other, and sometimes they’re sort of intersecting. One of the concepts I found really beneficial was this idea of queer ecology, which has various applications.  In queerness as a lens on biology, we are not thinking of the male-female reproduction that we’re taught in ninth grade but actually noticing that in the natural world there are all types of reproduction and kinship structures. I was seeing those in salt lakes as I learned about them.  One of the things that people talk about is sort of resonance between queer people being scorned or isolated from society, and [some] landscapes have had a similar experience. There is a vitality and fertility to them, even though it can be scorned or overlooked, it is very much present. It is just a matter of noticing it. An amazing thing about queerness is family is where you find it. In the natural world there are lots of examples of different types of kinship. Like Wilson’s Phalarope, which is a bird that migrates via salt lakes. They have this very unusual family structure where the male is the one who takes care of the nest and the woman takes multiple partners. It’s sort of amazing that in the natural world we accept biodiversity as an unquestionable good and I think it’s also important to see that this sort of diversity of family structures are important in human life too.  I found that to be very true about salt lakes — even though people say like ‘oh, those are sterile and barren and ugly and weird’ they actually have a lot of beauty and a lot of vitality in them. Reading queer theory and talking with queer friends was opening up this whole other possible dimension of future and kinship Does Tucson appear in this book as an unacknowledged character?  When I picture writing the book in my head, I am looking out my desk window onto my yard [in Tucson].  It was a marathon of every day advancing a little bit. I’m basically sitting at my desk — I’m not that good at writing in varied places. And we have hummingbirds out the window and woodpeckers and all the Tucson plants and flora and fauna really accompanied me in the writing of this book.  And for clearing my head: I live pretty close to Casa Video.  The post Salt lakes and queer identity anchor this Tucson writer’s new book appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ce823c2ca79de2364b26e Belgium embarrasses Team USA before breaking out Trump's signature dance celebration after fourth goal te 2026-07-07T11:50:59.999Z Belgium embarrasses Team USA before breaking out Trump's signature dance celebration after fourth goal Well, that was a brutal ending. Team USA's World Cup run came to an emphatic close Monday night in a 4-1 loss to Belgium. But the lasting image wasn't the scoreline. It was Romelu Lukaku breaking out the Trump dance after Belgium's fourth goal. Surrounded by teammates, Lukaku celebrated as Belgium put the finishing touches on Team USA's elimination, right here on American soil. TEAM USA'S WORLD CUP RUN ENDS AS BELGIUM WINS ROUND OF 16 MATCHUP TO ADVANCE OutKick founder Clay Travis told the hard truth about Belgium's well-timed celebration. "Belgium did the Trump dance after their fourth goal against us. I can’t help but respect this trash talk. They whipped us, they get to dance." He's right. If you don't want a European striker clowning you with your own President's signature celebration, don't give up four goals in a knockout match. So, Belgium earned the right to talk trash. USA COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO KICKS POWERADE BOTTLES IN FRUSTRATION AS TEAM'S FIRST HALF DEFENSE LOOKS SHAKY Team USA had all the momentum coming into the Round of 16 matchup against Belgium. President Donald Trump dominated the conversation before kickoff. His influence over FIFA's decision to rescind Folarin Balogun's suspension was hard to overlook, giving the Americans their leading scorer amid critical stakes. It was a win for the Americans and ammunition for everyone else. Belgium rolled Team USA 4-1, and Malik Tillman looked like the only American ready for the moment. Matt Freese struggled mightily in goal, but no disappointment loomed larger than Christian Pulisic. Team USA's captain disappeared when it mattered most, repeatedly giving away possession and failing to provide the spark his team desperately needed. With Pulisic neutralized and Balogun largely held in check, the Americans had no answers. Team USA folded after a hopeful climb to the Round of 16. If Team USA hoped to establish itself among soccer's elite, it came up well short. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ce810c2ca79de2364b265 Stephen King hopes Platner doesn't drop out of Senate race following explosive sexual assault allegation te 2026-07-07T11:50:40.545Z Stephen King hopes Platner doesn't drop out of Senate race following explosive sexual assault allegation Liberal author and famed Maine writer Stephen King is rallying behind embattled Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner on Monday amid growing calls for him to drop out of the race. The political landscape was rocked Monday after a sexual assault allegation surfaced against Platner. Jenny Racicot, one of Platner's exes, claimed to Politico he drunkenly entered her home in 2021 and raped her. Platner denied the accusations. While Platner's future in the Maine Senate race hangs in the balance, the iconic creator of "The Shining" and "It" is hoping he doesn't throw in the towel. EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE "Graham Platner may drop out. (I hope he doesn't, but.) Meanwhile, the Abuser in Chief just keeps on keepin' on," King wrote on X. The author, an outspoken Trump critic, was alluding to the various sexual misconduct allegations leveled against the president, which he has long denied. In a follow-up X post, King added, "Tell you what--if you knew the whole truth about everyone in the Senate and House of Reps, those chambers would be dead empty. Jesus said, ‘Let him without sin cast the first stone.’" HASAN PIKER TURNS ON PLATNER, SAYS HE BELIEVES SEXUAL ASSAULT ACCUSER AND PREDICTS 'CURTAINS' FOR CAMPAIGN Conservative critics railed against King's hot take. "You hope he doesn’t?? WTH is wrong with you?" Washington Post columnist and Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen wrote in response to King. TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' "We all hope he doesn't!" New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz wrote on X.  "I absolutely love it when people show you who they are," conservative personality Fusilli Spock wrote. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS Many are speculating that Platner's exit from the Senate race is imminent, though he did not commit to withdrawing in a video address responding to the allegation. "So, regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner said in the video. "Those were the goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain my goals today." Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign about King's comments. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ce5b8c2ca79de2364b202 Operation Epic Fury fallout looms over Trump’s private talks with NATO allies and more top headlines te 2026-07-07T11:40:40.740Z Operation Epic Fury fallout looms over Trump’s private talks with NATO allies and more top headlines 1. Operation Epic Fury fallout looms over Trump’s private talks with NATO allies  2. Democrats abandon embattled candidate Graham Platner after rape allegation implodes Senate bid 3. Team USA falls to Belgium in World Cup Round of 16  MOMENT OF RECKONING — Judge recoils, accused Charlie Kirk assassin sits still as fatal gunshot rings out in court. Continue reading … REGIME PRAISE — Ex-Warren campaign volunteer spotted praising murderous ex-Iranian leader. Continue reading ... CAROLINA CHAOS — Nine shot as 10,000 teens swarm NC city in social media-fueled ‘takeover.’ Continue reading ... CRASHING DOWN — Big-box roof buckles as shoppers browse aisles in alarming collapse video. Continue reading … HEROIC EFFORT — Faint cries from the woods led a passerby to a scene nobody could have anticipated. Continue reading … -- SWITCHING SIDES — Legal war on Trump’s agenda gains firepower as federal lawyers defect to Democrats. Continue reading … CRUCIAL CONTESTS — Four months to midterms: 12 races that will determine the Senate majority. Continue reading … NUCLEAR RIVALRY — Beijing's underwater nuke test rattles Indo-Pacific allies on eve of NATO summit. Continue reading … ‘HAD ENOUGH’ — Seattle residents pull red card on socialist mayor as street becomes ‘dumping ground.’ Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   TEMPERS FLARE — Mamdani aide reportedly unleashed on execs after 'The View' co-host's antisemite remark. Continue reading … COALITION FRACTURE — Rep Jasmine Crockett unloads on 'White leftists' in fiery party critique. Continue reading … HIGHER LEARNING — NYT calls University of California's 'test-blind' admissions policy a 'terrible' mistake. Continue reading … 'COULD CARE LESS' — Mario Lopez reportedly fires back after Instagram video brands him a MAGA supporter. Continue reading … HUGH HEWITT — Morning Glory: The Supreme Court officially closes the books on another term. Continue reading …  SEN DAVE McCORMICK — Trump Accounts give all Americans a stake in prosperity. Continue reading … -- VALUE BOOST — Major retailers unveil price cuts nationwide as Trump reveals move came at his request. Continue reading … EMERGING EVIDENCE — Common gym supplement could help fight depression, new research suggests. Continue reading … PROTECTIVE EDGE — Experimental vaccine shows promise against deadly intestinal illness. Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on Founding Fathers and vaccine victories. Take the quiz here … Tune in as we examine the renewed push for proof of citizenship in voting and what it could mean for Republicans heading into the midterms. Check it out ... What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…   Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn      Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Entertainment (FOX411) Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi Fox News Go Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Wednesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ce373c2ca79de2364b1ae WWE's Maxxine Dupri helps Austin Theory and Bron Breakker win World Tag Team Championship, seals win with kiss te 2026-07-07T11:30:59.361Z WWE's Maxxine Dupri helps Austin Theory and Bron Breakker win World Tag Team Championship, seals win with kiss Paul Heyman put The Vision on notice ahead of their World Tag Team Championship match against Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins on "Monday Night Raw". The Vision, specifically Austin Theory and Bron Breakker, needed a plan to pick up the big win against The Street Profits (Ford and Dawkins). While it may not have been Theory’s plan, Maxxine Dupri saw an opportunity to show him what she had. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL Logan Paul interfered in the match trying to give Theory and Breakker each an opportunity to use brass knuckles. However, Dawkins got a hold of one set and was staring down Theory as if he was going to use them. Paul tried to get the referee to turn his attention to Dawkins. Instead, the referee was distracted long enough to allow Dupri to get into the ring and give Dawkins a low blow. Theory rolled up Dawkins and pinned him for the win. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Theory, Breakker and Paul started to walk up the entrance ramp to celebrate. Dupri came around the ring and looked at Theory. The two stared each other down before Dupri jumped into Theory’s arms and sealed the victory with a kiss. Heyman called the win a "first step." Dupri has been hanging around Theory for several weeks, even defending Theory to her former team members Otis and Akira Tozawa. Otis and Tozawa looked on as Dupri drove off with The Vision. The Vision are back on top of the tag team division on Raw. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ce35fc2ca79de2364b1a5 CM Punk wins Undisputed WWE Championship in WWE return te 2026-07-07T11:30:39.911Z CM Punk wins Undisputed WWE Championship in WWE return It was supposed to be Sami Zayn defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on "Monday Night Raw." But an attack from Gunther to start the show forced Rhodes off the card as he was left bloodied. WWE officials ruled Rhodes out. Zayn thought he was in a clear but Raw general manager Adam Pearce made clear to him that he will still be defending the title. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL The fans waited with bated breath to see who will walk to the ring to take on Zayn. The crowd hoping, guessing, it would be CM Punk. Lo and behold, the garage door opened up and Punk walked through it. It had been months since the pro wrestling world saw him. He had just lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns and he reminded Rhodes to "stay ready because you never know when a championship opportunity is just gonna fall out of the sky." The sky must have been falling in Chicago and Punk walked in as an automatic challenger. Punk took off his shirt and the match was on. There were questions about how Punk was going to fare against Zayn after having nearly three months off. But he took advantage of the momentum that the crowd gave him. Zayn, however, was showing why he was a champion. Even though he was tossed out of the ring, he got back the advantage in the match with a series of stomps and a double axe handle from the top rope. Both competitors were giving it their all in the main event of the show. Zayn hit Punk with a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Punk wouldn’t stay down. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Punk came back with a bulldog and an elbow drop from the top rope. He then tried to make Zayn tap out with an Anaconda Vice in the middle of the ring. Zayn showed his ring awareness and slipped out of it. Zayn rolled up Punk and nearly pinned him clean. Punk had Zayn on his shoulders for the Go to Sleep. However, Zayn reversed it and hit Punk with his own finisher. But Punk just wouldn’t stay down. Punk avoided a Helluva Kick and hit the exploder suplex into the corner, pulling a move out of Zayn’s playbook. Zayn again hit a Go to Sleep and coupled it with a Blue Thunder Bomb. Still, Punk kicked out of a pin. "CM Punk" chants erupted after the latest kick out. An exasperated Zayn told Punk he was the champion now as he continued to clobber him. Punk, with his lip busted open, hit Zayn with the Helluva Kick and then the Go to Sleep. He pinned Zayn to become the undisputed WWE champion. Zayn’s reign lasted all of nine days. For now, Punk is set to walk into SummerSlam as the champion. His opponent is still yet to be determined. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cdeefc2ca79de2364b0da Flagstaff Event Almanac for July 7 te 2026-07-07T11:11:43.418Z Flagstaff Event Almanac for July 7 July 7 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cdedac2ca79de2364b0b6 JOHN YOO: The left's Supreme Court panic collapses under the weight of the facts te 2026-07-07T11:11:22.939Z JOHN YOO: The left's Supreme Court panic collapses under the weight of the facts The Supreme Court’s rush of decisions last week belies several myths concocted by its leftist critics. Listen to Democratic politicians or read liberal legal commentators, and you would believe that a conservative Supreme Court is marching in lockstep with Donald Trump to impose an extremist agenda on an unwilling American people. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for example, often criticizes what he dubs "the MAGA Supreme Court" for transforming government agencies into "members-only clubs for his golf buddies and cronies." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries decries "the corrupt conservative majority on the Supreme Court appointed by Donald Trump" for taking "a blowtorch" to civil rights laws. Almost every Democratic leader, especially those jockeying for position in the 2028 presidential race, demands that Congress pack the Court in order to correct this alleged bias of the conservative justices. "We [should] talk about the idea of Supreme Court reform, which includes expanding the Supreme Court," 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris said last week. The Supreme Court term that just ended, however, proves the exact opposite. It shows a Court that takes its bearings more from the original understanding of the Constitution, and from an interest in maintaining economic and political stability, than from Donald Trump. GORSUCH SAYS IDEOLOGICAL DIVIDES ON SUPREME COURT COME DOWN TO ‘HOW YOU READ LAW,’ NOT POLITICS In one of the most significant Supreme Court terms this century, Trump may have gained more than he lost. But he has won only when his constitutional positions coincided with the longer-term agenda of the Roberts Court: restoring the separation of powers and federalism, containing the administrative state, ending the use of race by government, and expanding neglected First and Second Amendment rights. But when Trump has sought approval for his more aggressive political policies, he has lost to shifting majorities of conservative and liberal justices. Three of last week’s biggest conservative wins for the Trump administration came because they sailed along the course already set by the Roberts Court. In Trump v. Slaughter, Chief Justice John Roberts declared for a 6-3 majority that the president had the constitutional right to fire, at will, any officer who executes federal law. Quoting the Federalist Papers, the chief justice wrote that the Framers sought "to establish a hierarchy — a ‘Chief Magistrate’ with whom the buck stops, and below him various ‘assistants or deputies’ who ‘derive their offices from his appointment’ and remain ‘subject to his superintendence.’" The power to fire implies the power to command, because the former allows the president to remove any subordinate who refuses to obey instructions. Slaughter ended the independence of administrative agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission at issue, that have wielded vast, virtually unchecked powers for a century. But the justices did not end independent agencies and overrule the 90-year-old precedent of Humphrey’s Executor v. United States to help President Trump. SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN LIMIT ON PARTY CAMPAIGN SPENDING IN COORDINATION WITH CANDIDATES The Roberts Court had started striking down newer, smaller independent agencies more than 15 years ago. Only in 2026 were the justices finally confident enough to eliminate all of them (except for the Federal Reserve Board — more on that later). President Trump was the immediate beneficiary of Slaughter, but the Roberts Court would have decided the case the same way if Kamala Harris had won in 2024. The same dynamic explains another major conservative victory, this one on transgender sports. Trump made a campaign issue out of limiting transgender participation and issued an executive order on "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" upon taking office. In West Virginia v. B.P.J., the Court agreed that transgender athletes did not have a constitutional right to play in sports other than those based on their biological sex at birth. DEMOCRATS STAY QUIET ON NEXT STEPS AFTER SUPREME COURT TRANSGENDER SPORTS RULING Trump may have been on the winning side, but the Court’s attitude toward transgender rights followed its approach to abortion. In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), the Court overruled Roe v. Wade and returned abortion policy to the states. The conservative justices realized that premature entry into the abortion wars had politicized the judiciary and the Constitution. With the new issue of transgender rights, the majority led by Justice Brett Kavanaugh decided to respect the Constitution’s reservation of most domestic policy to the states. Another issue where Trump benefited from the existing direction of the Roberts Court was race. In Louisiana v. Callais, the Court struck down the use of race in congressional redistricting (except in some very limited circumstances). Even though it was outside the normal decennial redistricting period following the census, President Trump pressured friendly states to redraw congressional maps to maximize the number of Republican seats. Lifting the states from the obligation to create districts for minority groups would help Republicans meet that goal. But the Court did not decide Callais to help Republicans or Democrats. Instead, it continued to withdraw the judiciary from the redistricting game — it had forbidden the lower courts from reviewing maps for partisan bias in 2019’s Rucho v. Common Cause. And the Court had barred states from considering race in university admissions in 2023’s Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. Ordering the judiciary to allow states to draw districts as they wished, without regard to race, naturally followed these earlier trends in the Roberts Court’s thinking. This dynamic has repeated itself on other issues as well, ranging from campaign finance to gun rights. But when Trump has advanced weak positions for political advantage, he has lost. In Learning Resources, the Court struck down the administration’s worldwide tariffs because they exceeded the power delegated by Congress during international emergencies. Trump failed to respect the Roberts Court’s larger campaign to limit the delegated power exercised by the administrative state. In Trump v. Barbara, a majority of the justices reaffirmed the birthright citizenship rule that has governed in the United States from colonial times to the present — marred only by the Supreme Court’s own disastrous decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford, denying citizenship to freed and enslaved African Americans. Here, Trump’s radical effort ran headfirst into Chief Justice Roberts’ effort to respect two centuries of constitutional practice and understanding. The same can be said about Trump v. Cook, which rejected Trump’s exercise of the removal power over the Federal Reserve Board. While inconsistent with the logic of Slaughter, the Court announced that it would still preserve the independence of the single agency that needed political independence more than any other and that could trace its historical roots back to the first Bank of the United States, established in 1791. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Trump attacked the Court as harshly as the Democrats did for these decisions. Remarkably, he attacked conservative justices by name after they struck down his worldwide tariffs. Trump called them a "disgrace to our nation" and "disloyal." But the better lesson for Trump is that the Court is neither a partisan ally nor a partisan enemy. Rather, it is pursuing its own ideological course to restore the structural guardrails on federal power, end the government’s use of race, and expand core political liberties. Instead of expecting more partisanship from the Court, Trump would do better to accept more conservative ideas from the Court. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JOHN YOO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cdec7c2ca79de2364b0ad Florida influencer and husband charged after deputies say they left young children alone while drinking te 2026-07-07T11:11:03.483Z Florida influencer and husband charged after deputies say they left young children alone while drinking A Florida real estate investor and influencer and her husband were arrested over the Fourth of July weekend after deputies said they left two young children alone in a Key Largo resort hotel room for up to an hour while they drank alcohol at the pool, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Allison Sirica Cannella, 40, and Brian Nicholas Cannella, 43, both of Delray Beach, were each charged with two felony counts of child neglect, jail records show. Deputies responded to the Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo at about 1:45 p.m. Saturday after hotel employees reported entering a guest room because an unattended baby had been crying for an extended period. TODDLER DECLARED DEAD AFTER NEAR-DROWNING WAS FOUND ALIVE IN HOSPITAL MORGUE HOURS LATER, POLICE SAY Inside, deputies found two young children alone in nursery beds. Investigators said resort employees eventually located the Cannellas at the property's pool, where they had been drinking alcoholic beverages. Security camera footage, witness statements and other evidence indicated the children had been left unattended for approximately 40 minutes to one hour, investigators said. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified, and the children were released into the custody of a family friend until child welfare officials arrived. Authorities said neither child suffered serious injuries. INFLUENCER AND HER LAWYER FATHER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT INVOLVING HER BABY DADDY Both Cannellas were arrested and booked into the Monroe County Jail. Their first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 1. The arrest stands in stark contrast to Allison Cannella's public image, which centers on luxury real estate investing, home renovation and social media. RALEIGH MAYOR CONSIDERS YOUTH CURFEW FOLLOWING TEEN TAKEOVER, VIOLENT JULY 4TH WEEKEND Her private Instagram account highlights luxury real estate, renovation projects and Florida lifestyle content while identifying her as a lawyer and real estate investor. The profile also links to Exhale Vacation Rentals and an online storefront featuring products from her renovation and design projects. Cannella also was featured in "Atlantic Ave Magazine," which highlighted her renovation of luxury Florida vacation rental properties. The publication detailed one waterfront investment project that more than doubled its annual rental revenue after an extensive redesign. Her employer's online biography says Cannella has more than 15 years of real estate and legal experience and has worked on more than $25 billion in real estate and corporate transactions. She serves as senior vice president and general counsel and previously practiced commercial real estate law. Fox News Digital reached out to Allison Cannella, the company where she is employed, Exhale Vacation Rentals and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for additional comment but did not immediately receive responses. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cdeb4c2ca79de2364b0a4 Common gym supplement could help fight depression, new research suggests te 2026-07-07T11:10:44.033Z Common gym supplement could help fight depression, new research suggests Creatine, the common muscle-building supplement, may help improve depression symptoms, new research suggests. A systematic review, published in Genomic Press’ Brain Medicine, found that creatine monohydrate may be beneficial as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder, although the evidence remains preliminary. The Canada-based researchers analyzed data from five randomized controlled trials, evaluating the impact of creatine monohydrate intake on mental health. AMERICANS ARE GIVING UP MULTIVITAMINS FOR A DIFFERENT DAILY HEALTH HABIT, STUDY FINDS Four of the trials studied major depressive disorder, and another looked at bipolar disorder with a current depressive episode. In one trial of women with depression who took 5 grams of creatine per day, plus the antidepressant escitalopram, there was greater improvement after eight weeks. Another study revealed benefit when creatine was added to cognitive behavioral therapy. Other studies involving teen girls found no benefit from a variety of creatine dosages after eight weeks. The bipolar depression study also found no significant improvements when 6 grams of creatine was added to medication after six weeks. COMMON VITAMIN MAY INFLUENCE BRAIN AGING IN WAYS SCIENTISTS DIDN'T EXPECT In a press release, the researchers said previous studies have found that people with mood disorders process creatine differently in the brain. Because creatine helps produce energy, some scientists believe disruptions in this process may contribute to depression. Although creatine has also been associated with boosting dopamine and serotonin, which most antidepressants target, the authors stressed that the link between brain creatine and mood "remains correlational," as depression has "many moving parts." FINDING THE SLEEP 'SWEET SPOT' COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, STUDY SUGGESTS Lead study author Bassam Jeryous Fares, a student in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, commented in a statement that the signal is "interesting, but not a verdict." "Two trials pointed one way and three pointed another," he said. "That is not the kind of evidence on which you change clinical practice. It is the kind that tells you the question is worth further exploration." Nicholas Fabiano, corresponding author and a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa, added in the same press release that creatine "appears to be a safe intervention," noting that side effects were limited to mild stomach pain. "We cannot yet reliably say that creatine helps with depressive symptoms or if the findings are generalizable to everyone," he added as a caveat. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Dr. Thea Gallagher, psychologist and director of wellness programs at NYU Langone, said that although creatine is best known for supporting muscle performance, it also helps the brain produce and use energy. "Researchers believe that some people with depression may have alterations in brain energy metabolism, and creatine could help support these energy-producing pathways," Gallagher, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "There is also emerging evidence that it may influence neurotransmitters and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, although these mechanisms are still being investigated." The research suggests that creatine may be most helpful when combined with established depression treatments rather than as a replacement, Gallagher emphasized. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "This research is encouraging because it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that supporting brain energy metabolism may be another pathway for improving depression symptoms," she said. "It's exciting whenever we identify another potential tool that could complement existing treatments, particularly one that is relatively inexpensive and widely available." The new study is a review of prior research rather than a new clinical trial, which can pose a limitation, the researchers acknowledged, adding that "larger, well-controlled trials are still needed." Gallagher noted that creatine should be considered as a potentially promising addition to treatment, rather than a substitute for psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, regular exercise or healthy sleep habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "While creatine has a strong safety profile for most healthy adults, it's still important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement – particularly if you have kidney disease, are pregnant or have other medical conditions," she advised. For those experiencing signs of depression, Gallagher recommends seeking evidence-based mental healthcare. The doctor noted that depression is a "highly heterogeneous condition, so we still don't know which patients are most likely to benefit or what the optimal treatment approach looks like." Gallagher also cautioned that supplements have been known to generate "early enthusiasm" before larger studies have revealed "more modest effects." "Right now, I'd describe creatine as promising but not definitive," she concluded. "It's an area that deserves continued research, but it's not something people should view as a standalone treatment for depression." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cdc59c2ca79de2364b046 Kaillie Humphries: Identity is not the same as biology. The Supreme Court agrees te 2026-07-07T11:00:41.819Z Kaillie Humphries: Identity is not the same as biology. The Supreme Court agrees As a three-time Olympic gold medalist , five-time world champion and a proud competitor who has dedicated my life to bobsledding, I’ve had the privilege of competing at the highest levels of sport. Representing both Canada and the United States on the world’s biggest stage, I became the first woman to ever win gold medals for two different countries. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of women’s sports to create opportunities, build confidence, and change lives. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! As a professional athlete, my path has been, and will be, written for me. I’ve already experienced immense opportunities that few have — all carried to fruition on the backs of women who came long before me. The Olympics is a world-renowned event. People from all over the world are drawn in to watch the culmination of years—sometimes a lifetime—of work come to life. The world sees the medals around our necks and podium celebrations, but what they don’t see is the moment before the race, knowing that years of preparation will soon come down to a matter of seconds. It’s in those moments I’m reminded how fortunate I am to be there. I didn’t achieve those milestones alone. Every opportunity I’ve had exists because generations of women fought for the chance to compete in their own category. Last week, the Supreme Court upheld that Title IX means exactly what it says: to uphold an exclusive category meant for biological women. Women’s sports were established to exclude men. The exclusivity is what allows girls to earn roster spots, chase championships, secure scholarships, attract sponsorships, and pursue the dreams that girls before Title IX didn’t always get. US WOMEN OLYMPIANS REACT TO HISTORIC SUPREME COURT RULING ON THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN'S SPORTS Sports aren't only measured by gold medals. Even the 10th place spot can determine someone’s future. Even Justice Kavanaugh acknowledged that sports are a zero sum game. Every opportunity won by one competitor is an opportunity another loses. For a lot of girls across the country, their spot was bumped because a man came through and took it away from them — and it’s astonishing that this was allowed to happen in the first place. As athletes, we have a responsibility to protect the legacy of women’s and girls’ sports. Fairness does not mean that there are no boundaries. Fairness means that objectively there is a line that should not be crossed. Equality doesn’t mean that we are all the same in height and speed. It means that women and girls should have equal opportunities within the female category, not a free for all. Sports should never be based on someone's self-proclaimed "gender identity." It should always be based on biology. People have tried to blur the line between the two, but the Supreme Court rightly recognized that they are separate concepts, and that Title IX protects girls because of their biological sex, not because of how someone identifies. That’s why, when the transgender sports issue began, I didn’t sit on the sidelines—I knew that I had to do something. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM This victory was a race of its own. We gathered, we rallied, and we did not stop in the face of the insults and heinous accusations that came our way. Instead, we fought for our rights, just like women did all those years ago. Someday, another little girl will stand at the starting line that she has dreamed of her entire life. She won’t be thinking about the Supreme Court or the legal parameters of Title IX. She’ll be thinking about the race ahead of her. My hope is that that little girl who has a dream to compete—from high school to the Olympic stage—will continue to have the chance to compete in a category created for women—biological females—to test the limits of her own ability, and to discover just how far hard work pays off. Last week’s decision preserves the opportunities that came before me, and if my activism had even a small part in moving the needle on this, that’s a legacy worth leaving. Kaillie Humphries is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and an Independent Women sports ambassador. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd7aac2ca79de2364af60 Extremist streamer declares NYC an Islamic republic with popular terror chant: ‘Mamdani’s New York’ te 2026-07-07T10:40:42.404Z Extremist streamer declares NYC an Islamic republic with popular terror chant: ‘Mamdani’s New York’ A streamer who broadcasts to more than 1 million followers on a popular online platform set off a viral firestorm after invoking Mayor Zohran Mamdani's name as he declared Islam would take over New York City. "Allahu Akbar!" the extremist internet personality Sneako yelled amidst a group of Egypt soccer fans while drums were banged and horns were blown. Egyptian flags waved among the crowd as they chanted along. Sneako, whose real name is Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy, has been described as a provocateur and palled around with the online antisemitic far-right during his rise to social media stardom. Before that, he was all-in on his support for the political far-left and supported the presidential campaign of socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in 2016. He reportedly converted to Islam in 2023. EGYPT NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER WAVES PALESTINIAN FLAG AFTER WORLD CUP WIN OVER AUSTRALIA But Friday night, after Egypt dethroned Australia in the World Cup, he may have made his most controversial splash yet while live broadcasting on the streets of New York City on the video streaming platform Kick. Mockingly wiping tears from his eyes, Sneak said: "Oh no, oh no. F--- you!" "This is the Islamic Republic of New York-istan," he continued. "Islam will be in every household. Inshallah the whole world will be Muslim." "Welcome to Mamdani's New York. You see this city? You see how it looks? Inshallah, your city looks just like this too," he shouted among the crowd. MAMDANI BLASTS ICE AGENTS, ELON MUSK AND 'SUPREMACY' IN AMERICA 250 SPEECH AHEAD OF JULY 4 WEEKEND "Inshallah" is Arabic for "God willing," and "Allahu Akbar" is Arabic for "God is great." Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of New York. The clip of Sneako quickly circulated the web, garnering tens of millions of views across platforms including Instagram and X, while thousands of people slammed him for the pronouncement. PRO-ISRAEL INFLUENCER EMILY AUSTIN SAYS ZOHRAN MAMDANI REACHED OUT TO CO-HOST FIFA EVENT One of the sharpest replies came from Rob O'Neill, the Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden in an early morning raid on the terrorist's compound in 2011. "These guys sound WAY different when you wake them up at 2am," he said. A pair of massive personalities on X, who have a history of bad blood, even teamed up to demand a harsh punishment for the streamer. "Deport him NOW!!!" conspiracy theorist Alex Jones said in reply to the clip, which elicited a response from X owner and former Jones opponent Elon Musk. "Yes," Musk simply replied. When Musk purchased X — then Twitter — and vowed the return of free speech to the platform, Jones had been permanently suspended. At first, Musk was hesitant to reinstate Jones given the Sandy Hook controversy that surrounded the radio show host. Eventually, however, Musk relented. One X user labeled the streamer as a "Disgusting creature." "Send this dude to Iran if he hates America so much," said another. Sneako appeared to cryptically address the controversy in a post of his own on X Sunday night. "Every knee will bow," he posted. "Every tongue confess." On Monday, he took a shot at Musk for echoing Jones' deportation post. "Go back to Africa," he told Musk, who is native to South African. "This is my country." Mamdani's office did not return Fox News Digital's request for comment on Sneako's comments. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd349c2ca79de2364aea7 Four months to midterms: 12 races that will determine the Senate majority te 2026-07-07T10:22:01.664Z Four months to midterms: 12 races that will determine the Senate majority With just under four months to go until this year's midterm elections, a top Senate Republican remains confident of the GOP's chances. Sen. Tim Scott, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, recently told Fox News Digital this spring that he's "incredibly optimistic" the GOP can not only hold but expand its current 53–47 majority in the upper chamber. But his counterpart at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, is equally confident her party can flip control of the Senate, telling Fox News Digital earlier this year she sees "all the makings of a blue wave" heading into November. CRUCIAL SENATE BATTLE ROCKED AFTER MAJOR PLAYER DROPS OUT OF RACE Republicans — as the party currently in power — were already up against traditional political headwinds that lead to a loss of congressional seats during midterm election years. Add to that the challenging climate fueled by persistent inflation, high gas prices tied to what polls show is an unpopular war with Iran and President Donald Trump's underwater approval ratings. It's all a perfect storm that spells unfavorable outcomes for the GOP. But Democrats have problems of their own as they try to win back control of the Senate, including a party brand that public opinion polling indicates is extremely unpopular. Add to that high profile victories in this spring and summer by left-wing and socialist candidates over establishment rivals in Democratic primaries that is giving Republicans extra ammunition to portray all Democrats as extremists, or as Trump calls them, "communists." Here's a look at a dozen competitive Senate seats in play that could potentially flip the balance of power in the chamber. Republicans are defending an open seat in the southeast battleground state, with GOP Sen. Thom Tillis retiring at the end of this year. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The GOP is rallying around former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley, who has Trump's backing after serving alongside the president's daughter-in-law and Fox News host Lara Trump in the lead up to the 2024 election. Democrats, meanwhile, landed their top recruit when former two-term Gov. Roy Cooper launched a Senate campaign last summer. Cooper enjoys tons of name recognition in North Carolina and is 6-0 when it comes to running statewide races. North Carolina voted for Trump for his second term, but the top nonpartisan political handicapper, Cook Political Report, rates the race Lean Democrat, with Inside Elections ranking it as a toss up. Moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins is running for re-election for a sixth six-year term in blue-leaning Maine. Collins is the only Republican senator running for re-election this year in a state that then-Vice President Kamala Harris carried in her 2024 presidential election bid against Trump. And Collins has seen a deterioration of her poll numbers among Mainers from her last re-election six years ago. But the longtime senator, who has been a top DSCC target for multiple election cycles, has proven tough to beat. But she could prevail again as her Democratic challenger, Graham Platner continues to face controversy over his past actions and comments. The Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer is backed by progressive champions Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. Republican groups supporting Collins have been blasting Platner over controversial comments he made over a decade ago on a now deleted Reddit account, a well-publicized Nazi-linked tattoo on his chest, infidelity and allegations of sexual misconduct. The GOP's also aiming to flip an open seat in battleground state of Michigan, where Democrat Sen. Gary Peters is retiring. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, who won the 2024 GOP Senate nomination in Michigan but narrowly lost to Rep. Elissa Slotkin, is making a second straight bid and is the all-but-certain Republican nominee. Democrats are dealing with a titanic two-way fight between center-left Rep. Haley Stevens, who is backed by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and former Wayne County Health Department Director Abdul El-Sayed, a left-wing candidate endorsed by Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. The primary battle, which until Sunday also included progressive state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, has already exposed numerous Democratic Party divisions and provided Rogers, who is backed by Trump, with plenty of ammunition. Michigan's primary will be held on August 4. Democrats scored a major recruiting victory last year when former Sen. Sherrod Brown announced he would challenge Republican Sen. Jon Husted. A former lieutenant governor, Husted was appointed to the Senate a year ago after then-Sen. JD Vance stepped down to serve as vice president to Trump. Ohio, once a premier general election battleground, has turned solidly red over the past decade, and Democrats view Brown as their only competitive candidate in the race to serve the remaining two years of Vance's term. Brown lost re-election in 2024 by roughly four points while Trump carried Ohio by 11 points. The Cook Report and fellow nonpartisan ranker Sabato's Crystal Ball rate the race as a toss up, with Inside Elections ranking it as tilt Republican. Republicans see another flip opportunity in New Hampshire, where a long-held Democratic Senate seat in New England's only swing state is opening thanks to the retirement of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who is the first woman in U.S. history to be elected governor and senator. Four-term Rep. Chris Pappas is expected to capture the Democratic Senate nomination in the state's early September primary. There's a primary race on the Republican side between two former senators seeking a return to Capitol Hill. Former Sen. John E. Sununu, an older brother to former Gov. Chris Sununu, has the backing of the president and has a double-digit lead in public polling. But Trump's first-term ambassador to New Zealand, former Sen. Scott Brown, remains in the race. Democrats were given a big boost in the red-leaning state when former Rep. Mary Peltola announced in February that she would challenge GOP incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. Peltola lost re-election in 2024 in the at-large district that covers the entire state by three points, while Trump carried Alaska by 11 points. Meanwhile, there's a court battle ongoing over the Senate bid by another Dan Sullivan, a former teacher who announced his campaign in May and recently registered as a Republican. Republicans view first-term Sen. Jon Ossoff as the most vulnerable Democrat seeking re-election in 2026. The Peach State is a true battleground swing state. Georgians voted for Joe Biden to be president in the 2020 elections, but then swung red to vote in Trump for a second term in 2024. FRom 2005 until 2020, the state had two Republicans representing them in the U.S. Senate before electing two Democrats to go to Washington, D.C. when Trump's first term ended. Ossoff, first elected in that 2020 race, built a massive war chest while the GOP faced a nasty three-way primary battle for its nomination in the crucial sunbelt battleground state. In November's midterms, Ossoff will face Republican Rep. Mike Collins, who was backed by Trump days ahead of last month's GOP primary runoff election. While a recent Fox News poll indicated Ossoff holding a double digit lead, Republicans plan to run an aggressive campaign against the senator. Republicans are defending an open seat in Iowa, a onetime swing state that's shifted to the right over the past decade. But the GOP rallied around Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is backed by Trump, in the race to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. Hinson, a former local TV news anchor who flipped a Democratic-held seat in 2020, is seen as a rising star in the party. State Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympian, won a contested and expensive Democratic primary over more progressive state Sen. Zach Wahls. State Rep. James Talarico is hoping to become the first Democrat since 1988 to win a U.S. Senate election in right-leaning Texas. Talarico, who hauled in an eye-popping $27 million in fundraising the first three months of this year, defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the March primary to secure the Democratic nomination. The Democrat will face off in November against Trump-backed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.  The MAGA firebrand, carrying plenty of political baggage, ousted longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas in an expensive and combustible GOP nomination battle that went into overtime. The retirement of Democratic Sen. Tina Smith is giving the GOP hopes they can flip the seat in the blue-leaning state. And Republicans landed what they say is a top-tier recruit in former NBC sports reporter turned conservative pundit and activist Michele Tafoya, who is part of a crowded GOP field in next month's primary. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive, is facing off against more moderate Democratic Rep. Angie Craig in the race for their party’s nomination. Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, who as Florida's attorney general was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year to fill the seat once held by now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is on a glide path to the GOP nomination in next month's primary. Moody will likely face off in November against Democratic challenger Alex Vindman, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, whistleblower in the 2019 Trump-Ukraine controversy and brother of Rep. Eugene Vindman. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Polling in recent months suggests a competitive race between Moody and Vindman in right-leaning Florida. Republican incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts, a former governor, is seeking a full six-year term in the Senate representing red-leaning Nebraska. He'll face off in the midterms with former union leader Dan Osborn, an independent candidate who is making his second straight run for the Senate. Democratic nominee and former pharmacy technician Cindy Burbank is likely to drop out of the race and support Osborn in the general election. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd336c2ca79de2364ae9e Why homemade prime rib can be 'even better' than at a steakhouse, experts say te 2026-07-07T10:21:42.206Z Why homemade prime rib can be 'even better' than at a steakhouse, experts say As more Americans look to increase their protein intake, picking up a prime rib roast at the grocery store may seem like an appealing option. The varying sizes of this cut of meat make it notoriously tricky to cook, however. Some experts, though, say home chefs can master the process and produce great prime rib. "There is absolutely no reason prime rib cooked at home can't be as good, even better, than anything you can get at a restaurant," Chicago-based chef "Meathead" Goldwyn, author of "Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling" and a member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame, told Fox News Digital. MEAT-ONLY DIET FOLLOWERS CLAIM DISEASE REVERSAL AS EXPERT SAYS AMERICANS ARE 'THE SICKEST' Professionally prepared prime rib tastes better than homemade for many reasons, according to Tasting Table.  Restaurants typically have more access to higher-end equipment and higher-quality meat, Tasting Table reported. But Jess Pryles, the Texas-based creator of the Hardcore Carnivore line of meat seasonings and tools and a judge on Food Network's forthcoming series, "Pitmasters," told Fox News Digital that USDA Prime cuts are "readily accessible to the public." A 2025 Beef Magazine article reported that the availability of higher-grade meats has increased. USDA Prime, the top grade of beef, which shows "an abundance of marbling — the amount of fat interspersed in the lean meat," is up from 3 to 4% in the early 2000s to 10 to 12% in recent years. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "It all starts with the quality of the meat," Goldwyn said, adding that top-quality beef can be found at the grocery store. "Most [grocers] don't stock top-quality prime rib because it is expensive, and it doesn't sell rapidly," he added. "But most [grocery stores] can special order anything you want and have it in for you in a few days. You can also order top-quality [beef] online from many suppliers." Restaurants also often cook a whole roast and serve it in slices, whereas a home cook is more likely to opt for buying less-expensive individual steaks, which are technically ribeyes, not prime rib, Tasting Table reported.  Restaurants also usually use more seasonings, dry-aging and prep time than the average home cook, Tasting Table reported. "If you submerge your beef in a wet brine, you're making corned beef," Pryles countered. "And your meat is going to turn pale and unappealing in shade." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Once someone chooses a superior cut of meat, everything that comes after is "a matter of technique," Goldwyn said. "We are specialists in barbecue and grilling, but the methods we recommend work perfectly in indoor ovens," Goldwyn said. "Grills are just outdoor ovens with lousy thermostats." Pryles' advice for nailing prime rib at home includes buying the best quality meat you can afford and seasoning it well in advance. "Season it well in advance, ideally the day before, and let it sit uncovered in the fridge so the surface dries out," she said. "That helps you get better browning." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ She also recommends cooking the roast on a rack, "so the airflow can surround the entire piece." "Start things at a lower temp for more even doneness edge to edge, then [finish with] a hot blast at the end if you want to build a crust," she said.  "And, most importantly, pull it before it hits your final temperature, because carryover cooking is real, especially on a large roast. A thermometer is your best friend." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd322c2ca79de2364ae95 Palace aides 'don't trust' Prince Harry alone with King Charles, experts say te 2026-07-07T10:21:22.750Z Palace aides 'don't trust' Prince Harry alone with King Charles, experts say If Prince Harry gets face time with King Charles during his latest drama-filled U.K. trip, don't expect a warm family reunion — palace aides are reportedly expected to tightly script every second to shield the monarch and the crown. "Every interaction will need to be managed, even to the minute, by courtiers and those whose job it is to protect the monarchy," British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "Merely polite meetings are more plausible." "They are far more concerned with the overall institution and continuity than the feelings of any one family member," Fordwich said. "This has been the case for generations. Harry should know better." KING CHARLES HOPES TO REUNITE WITH PRINCE HARRY, BUT QUEEN CAMILLA IS DRAWING ONE FIRM LINE: EXPERTS Fordwich's comments came after Kinsey Schofield, host of YouTube's "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," told Page Six that palace aides must follow a strict protocol if Harry visits his father. "The king's private secretaries are also known to remain on standby, ready to step in if a conversation becomes uncomfortable or a difficult request is made, ending the meeting by reminding the king that his next engagement requires additional travel time and that he needs to leave," Schofield told the outlet. "During meetings, a housemaid or butler serving tea may intentionally linger rather than immediately leave the room," she explained. "It is the king and his courtiers who have carefully strategized how to engage with Prince Harry, often ensuring there are subtle witnesses in the room." WATCH: KING CHARLES WENT ‘ABOVE AND BEYOND’ FOR PRINCE HARRY: EXPERT Harry's trip to his home country sparked controversy before it even began. On July 6, Harry's spokesperson told People magazine that an offer for the Duke of Sussex to stay at Buckingham Palace during his London visit was withdrawn after he had formally accepted it. However, palace sources disputed that account, saying Harry failed to respond by the deadline and that his later acceptance came only after arrangements could no longer be made. Harry had also hoped to bring his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two young children to Britain for the first time since 2022. But after learning the family would receive police protection only while on royal property — and not throughout the visit — it was reported on July 4 that Harry decided they would not accompany him. For more than a week, there were questions about whether Harry would accept his father's invitation to stay at a royal residence during his visit to London. Harry arrived back in his home country on July 6, People reported. He is expected to be there through July 11. It's unclear whether he will meet with his father or whether his family will join him later in the week. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Fox News Digital reached out to Archewell, which oversees the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Buckingham Palace for comment. Schofield told Fox News Digital that palace aides would be on site if the king chooses to meet with his estranged son. "At this point, every meeting between King Charles and Prince Harry carries constitutional implications, not just emotional ones," Schofield told Fox News Digital. "The palace isn't treating these meetings like ordinary family reunions because experience has taught officials that private conversations can quickly become headlines or public relations spin. Ultimately, I believe this is about protecting the institution." "Six years ago, this was a family dispute — today it's an institutional risk assessment," Schofield said. "Once trust is lost, every interaction becomes carefully choreographed because the stakes extend far beyond a father and son. I think Prince Harry has totally blown it this trip, and I'm hearing that the king will not make time for him if he does not bring the children." "The back-and-forth. It tells the royal family that Harry has learned nothing over the last several years," Schofield added. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020, citing what they described as unbearable intrusions by the British press and a lack of support from the palace. Harry has also been denied restoration of taxpayer-funded security by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC). People magazine reported that Harry's team spent several days exploring ways to make the visit safe through enhanced private security arrangements. Palace sources claimed Harry initially declined the invitation to stay at a royal residence before accepting it on Saturday. "Following RAVEC's decision not to provide security for his family, the duke spent last week making alternative security arrangements," Harry's spokesperson told the outlet. "Once those arrangements were in place, he was able to formally accept the offer of accommodation for himself over the weekend." "It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday's judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason. Buckingham Palace has, however, been aware of that judgment since last Thursday. It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment." Fordwich told Fox News Digital that reconciliation between father and son has become difficult because palace aides and other senior royals "don't trust Harry." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams agreed. "The king would like to see his grandchildren and have a relationship with his son," he told Fox News Digital. "However, the contradictory public briefings between the palace and the Sussexes, which are currently making headlines, underline the deep mistrust." Schofield said lingering trust concerns continue to shape how the palace handles any potential meeting between Charles and Harry, with aides concerned that private conversations could become public. "This didn't happen overnight," she said. "The late queen gradually introduced safeguards after concerns that private conversations were finding their way into the public domain. King Charles inherited those protocols because the underlying trust issues never disappeared." "The monarchy operates on discretion," she said. "When that discretion is questioned, the palace responds by creating structure. I'd argue that what we're seeing is not a punishment but the consequence of a relationship in which confidence has been repeatedly tested, especially with the Buckingham Palace back-and-forth." "The presence of aides shouldn't be viewed as palace paranoia," Schofield continued. "When the head of state is meeting with someone whose private conversations have repeatedly become public, witnesses become a sensible precaution." People magazine reported that the situation has become more complicated because a judgment in Harry's case against the publishers of the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday was expected July 7. Palace sources told the outlet the king can't "appear to be compromised" while the legal case is ongoing. "The fear is that the Sussexes want media coverage," Fitzwilliams claimed. "No one has forgotten the Oprah interview, the Netflix series and Harry’s memoir ‘Spare.’" "I also wouldn't underestimate the influence of experienced palace advisors," Schofield said. "Many of them have served through multiple reigns. They aren't making emotional decisions. They're applying lessons learned from decades of constitutional crises." Schofield said that even with palace aides present, she wouldn't rule out Charles and Harry meeting during his visit. She said it will take much more to restore trust on all sides. "The relationship may improve personally over time, but institutionally, I think the safeguards are here to stay," she said. "Trust can be rebuilt, but the palace rarely forgets the lessons that forced it to develop those protocols in the first place." "The saddest reality is that father and son may eventually find peace, but the monarchy is unlikely to return to the level of openness that existed before the breakdown. Some doors reopen. Others simply never swing quite as wide again. And the palace is safer that way." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd30fc2ca79de2364ae8c Legal war on Trump’s agenda gains firepower as federal lawyers defect to Democrats te 2026-07-07T10:21:03.296Z Legal war on Trump’s agenda gains firepower as federal lawyers defect to Democrats Federal lawyers are leaving the Trump administration and landing in Democratic state attorneys general’s offices in large numbers as blue states ramp up their legal fight against the president's second-term agenda, a Fox News Digital review found. Employment data analyzed by the New York Times indicates that more than 10,000 federal attorneys — approximately one fifth of all lawyers employed by the federal government — have left their posts since 2025 began. Of these, a Fox News Digital review identified well over 100 who have since begun working for Democratic attorneys general’s offices, with legal filings showing that some of those lawyers are now involved in cases challenging the Trump administration. Fox News Digital reviewed public LinkedIn profiles, state staff directories, statements from public officials and court filings to identify attorneys who left federal service after January 2025 and later appeared in Democratic attorneys general's offices or relevant litigation records. The review does not establish why any individual attorney left federal service or joined a state office. The true number of federal attorneys who have moved to Democratic attorneys general offices under the second Trump administration is likely higher, given that public LinkedIn accounts are not ubiquitous among federal workers. DEM AGS WARN FEDERAL WORKERS ABOUT TRUMP BUYOUT OFFER: 'AIMED AT DISMANTLING OUR FEDERAL WORKFORCE' "Oregon DOJ is a destination for some of the most talented public servants in the country, including experienced lawyers from the U.S. Department of Justice who are choosing to bring their skills to serve Oregonians at the state level," Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, a Democrat, told Fox News Digital. "They’re already making a difference — on consumer protection, federal overreach cases, criminal justice, environmental protection and on litigation like our National Guard case." As Rayfield alluded to, many of the attorneys who left federal service after January 2025 have since worked directly on cases aimed at combating the Trump administration. Court filings reviewed by Fox News Digital uncovered scores of individuals who previously worked as lawyers under the Trump administration whose names now appear on legal actions taken against it.  These include a lawsuit filed by Massachusetts opposing the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict transgender healthcare for minors, a suit filed by California challenging its termination of research grants, an amicus brief filed by Democratic attorneys general in a case seeking to stop Trump from firing FTC commissioners and multiple cases seeking to rein in the president’s National Guard deployments, among others.  Even those whose names don't directly appear on filings can help Democratic attorneys general challenge major pieces of Trump’s agenda and defend state-level policies contrary to the president's interests. Many of these lawsuits featured multiple teams of lawyers representing a host of different Democratic states. Democratic attorneys general have publicly disclosed that close cooperation between fellow blue states is a key part of their strategy to resist the Trump administration. INSTEAD OF IMPEACHMENT, DEMS ARE USING ARTICLE II CHALLENGES TO IMPEDE TRUMP THIS TIME Speaking to The Guardian in March, Democratic attorneys general disclosed that they have been meeting regularly since 2024 to discuss how they can best resist the Trump administration through joint lawsuits and public engagement. Staff from Democratic attorneys general's offices reportedly communicate daily regarding how they can hold the federal government to account, discussing items such as which state should lead a given case. "I’m really proud to be part of this [attorney general] — and of course, Democratic [attorney general] — coalition that is doing the work every single day to protect our rights, and most importantly, the rule of law," Massachusetts state Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said at a press conference in June 2025. "We can’t take our sight off of that." California’s attorney general, meanwhile, called the cross-state collaboration "critical." Federal lawyers working in the areas of civil rights, immigration, environmental law, public corruption and antitrust were overrepresented among those who left to work for Democratic attorneys general.  Government employees generally fall into two camps: career civil servants who are intended to carry out nonpartisan work on behalf of the government and political appointees who are granted greater leeway to work on explicitly political projects. The attorneys identified in Fox News Digital’s review overwhelmingly appear to have held career, rather than political, federal roles before joining Democratic-led state offices.  Many of the lawyers leaving federal service are taking one, or even two, decades of service with them, constituting a significant transfer of legal talent from the national government to Democratic states. TOP COPS OUT: THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FIRINGS AND FORCED EXITS THAT MADE HISTORY One such lawyer worked in the Justice Department for roughly twenty years, beginning as a legal intern and ultimately rising to the position of assistant general counsel, leading multiple teams of attorneys. Now, after leaving the DOJ in August 2025, the lawyer works as a senior assistant attorney general in Colorado, helping the state fight the Trump administration in disputes over federal grants. They were far from the only high-profile departure under the second Trump administration. Others who jumped ship included, but were not limited to, the assistant chief counsel at the Department of Health and Human Services, the director of transparency at the Department of Homeland Security, multiple U.S. attorneys’ office division chiefs and another near-20-year veteran of the DOJ who now leads the Maryland attorney general’s efforts to hold the Trump administration accountable. 'POLITICAL PROSECUTIONS': REPUBLICAN AGS DEMAND END TO 'LAWFARE' PROSECUTIONS OF PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP "Experienced federal prosecutors and lawyers from the U.S. Department of Justice are choosing state service, choosing Oregon, and choosing to fight for the people here," Rayfield added. "We’re fortunate to have them joining the already incredibly talented, proven team here at the Oregon Department of Justice." A spokeswoman for New Jersey’s attorney general, meanwhile, told Fox News Digital that it recently added multiple members to its leadership team, including its new insurance fraud head, by recruiting federal lawyers.  The timing marks a notable change from the first Trump administration, when some of the same attorneys who have since left then remained in federal service, though the reasons for individual departures vary and are not always publicly known. DEM AGS SUE OVER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LAYOFFS "In the Trump era, the conservative movement has become much less able to attract competent elites. Education polarization is a long-term phenomenon, but Trump's populist style and policy platform has supercharged it, given his disproportionate appeal to the less educated," political commentator Richard Hanania told Fox News Digital. "This matters, because intelligence and experience are important for any administration trying to achieve its goals." "Simply having people who agree with you isn't enough," he added. Bloomberg Law reported in May that the exodus of federal attorneys was seriously harming the Trump administration’s ability to defend its immigration policies, with roughly a third of those in the Office of Immigration Litigation — including many in senior roles with critical expertise — having left since January 2025. DOJ OUTLINES 10 ‘WINS’ UNDER TRUMP, SAYS AGENCY RESTORED AFTER BIDEN ERA The Trump administration, however, denies that its efficiency has been rocked by the mass exit of lawyers. "Even with a thousand fewer prosecutors than the previous administration, this Department has indicted nearly 50,000 more criminals than the previous administration had in the same timeframe," a DOJ spokeswoman told Fox News Digital. "Our country has the lowest murder rate in 125 years, we’ve arrested more than 90 key cartel leaders, captured eight on the FBI’s Top 10 most wanted list, and removed millions of deadly doses of fentanyl from our streets — all on top of achieving a record 24 victories on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket." "These achievements are nothing short of astonishing, and they have all been accomplished even with the supposed ‘exodus’ of anti-Trump prosecutors the media idolize," she added. DUFFY JUST GOT AN ADDITIONAL JOB IN TRUMP'S ADMINISTRATION — AND HE'S NOT THE ONLY ONE WEARING MULTIPLE HATS While more than 10,000 federal attorneys have left government since January 2025, agencies have also hired roughly 3,200 attorneys during that period and the Trump administration has made multiple public pushes to encourage or recruit ideologically aligned lawyers to apply for roles.  The bulk of the lawyers who have left federal service since Trump took office for a second time were at agencies such as the DOJ, the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency. California, Maryland, New York and Colorado were some of their most common destinations after leaving the Trump administration. "Those who were fired from the Department were fired for a reason. Those who resigned or took the fork in the road option likely aligned more with the priorities of President Biden and would naturally leave, which is common during transitions," the DOJ spokeswoman continued. "The Administration gave career employees the fork in the road option to intentionally reduce the size of the government and eliminate unnecessary layers of staff who don’t effectively contribute to the mission of aggressively tackling crime." The White House referred Fox News Digital to a Truth Social post written by President Donald Trump where he claims that many of the lawyers who have departed from his administration were "Radical Left Deep State Lunatics, who are destroying our Country, and Weaponizing Government." "This has allowed DOJ to run more efficiently and hire talented attorneys who wholeheartedly believe in our mission to keep the American people safe," she said. Fox News Digital reached out to every Democratic state attorney general's office for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd2fbc2ca79de2364ae83 Dem senator accused of being 'nowhere to be found' on crucial issue impacting kids in swing state te 2026-07-07T10:20:43.843Z Dem senator accused of being 'nowhere to be found' on crucial issue impacting kids in swing state Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., is being accused by Georgia’s top child welfare official of using vulnerable children and the state's embattled foster care system for campaign credit after releasing a new ad touting his work on the state’s troubled system. Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) Director Candice Broce criticized the new foster care-focused ad released last week as the Georgia Democrat seeks re-election in one of the nation’s most closely watched races. In the ad, titled "Our Kids," Ossoff highlights "a scathing report" and "yearlong bipartisan investigation" alongside Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., into the Georgia foster care system.  Ossoff presents his probe and new legislation as part of his record protecting children and holding the system accountable. However, Broce says the Democrat is overstating his role and turning a serious child welfare issue into a political victory lap. "For five years, I’ve been in the trenches fighting for vulnerable children and foster care reform alongside thousands of DFCS workers. Trust us when we say Jon Ossoff is nowhere to be found," Broce said in a post on X. "Ossoff didn’t get more funding for DFCS after calling us incompetent and resource-strapped. He didn’t secure more federal support for child advocacy centers despite the State’s requests." FOX NEWS POLL: AN EARLY LOOK AT THE GEORGIA SENATE RACE "He didn’t fix federal law putting group homes out of business," she continued. "He hasn’t streamlined adoptions for kids placed with loving families. Jon’s ad sounds great, but his words are meaningless to the men and women in the arena." Ossoff's team fired back, however, calling Broce an "unqualified partisan political hack" and accusing her of "dangerous incompetence." They pointed to Ossoff's oversight work highlighted in the advertisement that Broce criticizes, which the spokesperson said found children in Georgia’s foster care system were likely sex trafficked while in state care, among other issues.  "The Office of the Child Advocate, juvenile court judges, former foster children, nonpartisan advocates, investigative reporting, and Senator Ossoff’s yearlong investigation have laid bare the deep and dangerous dysfunction at DFCS," an Ossoff campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The campaign also cited testimony from juvenile court judges who accused Broce of suggesting that children with special needs be held in juvenile detention while DFCS searched for placements. Broce has denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and arguing they distort a broader discussion about how to keep foster youth with complex behavioral issues, runaway histories and trafficking risks safe amid placement shortages. ONE OF NATION'S LARGEST CHRISTIAN FOSTER AGENCIES WILL NOT ALLOW LGBTQ COUPLES TO ADOPT CHILDREN "Candice Broce is a partisan political hack irresponsibly placed in charge of care for the state’s most vulnerable kids," the Ossoff spokesperson said. "Instead of whining that her dangerous incompetence was made public, she should fix her broken agency." Broce rejected the attacks on her qualifications, pointing to her background as a health care attorney, former chief deputy executive counsel and chief operating officer to Gov. Brian Kemp, and saying roughly 40 state agencies, including DFCS, reported to her in that role.  At the same time, she did not dispute that Georgia’s foster care system has faced serious challenges, but argued Ossoff used those problems for hearings, reports and campaign messaging without delivering meaningful help to fix them. "If you’re going to beat us down, show up with something to make it better," Broce said. "He didn’t do that."  16 CHILDREN FOUND LIVING IN ‘DEPLORABLE’ OHIO HOME CONDITIONS, 4 ARRESTED: ‘PURE EVIL’ Broce said Ossoff could have used his federal role to pursue resources on Medicaid, behavioral health access and placement capacity, rather than simply spotlighting DFCS failures. "What’s actually bipartisan is the over $100 million in state funds we’ve gotten from Republican and Democrat legislators who support the issues we’re tackling and believe we deserve more resources," Broce said. "If he decides today that he actually wants to help us and vulnerable Georgia kids, we’d welcome him with open arms." However, Ossoff's team contests it is not even "Senator Ossoff's job to fix the state agency [Broce] leads" in the first place, and said Broce was whining that "it’s Senator Ossoff’s job to fix the state agency she leads."   "While Sen. Ossoff led oversight, passed an anti-trafficking law, and helped save foster care funding President Trump cut, unqualified partisan hack Broce whines it’s Senator Ossoff’s job to fix the state agency she leads," Ossoff's representatives told Fox News Digital. Broce's criticism of Ossoff included a contrast between his record and that of Georgia’s other U.S. Senator, Democrat Raphael Warnock. Broce called the difference "stark," pointing to Warnock’s community events for vulnerable mothers and children and adoption-related measures as examples of practical support she says Ossoff has not delivered. "Compare his child welfare record to Warnock’s. It’s crystal clear which U.S. Senator from Georgia cares about vulnerable families and kids, and it’s not Jon," Broce said in her X post. Ossoff, who ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination, is seeking a second term in November against Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., who won the Republican nomination after defeating former football coach Derek Dooley in a mid-June GOP runoff election. Warnock will not face reelection again until 2028. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd142c2ca79de2364ae57 Divorce Attorney In Manassas Helps Parents Understand Child Custody Matters te 2026-07-07T10:13:22.709Z Divorce Attorney In Manassas Helps Parents Understand Child Custody Matters Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd12ec2ca79de2364ae4e More Than 30,000 Medical, Nursing, and Undergraduate Students Now Study With This Remote te 2026-07-07T10:13:02.757Z More Than 30,000 Medical, Nursing, and Undergraduate Students Now Study With This Remote Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd11ac2ca79de2364ae45 More Than 30,000 Medical, Nursing, and Undergraduate Students Now Study With This Remote te 2026-07-07T10:12:42.773Z More Than 30,000 Medical, Nursing, and Undergraduate Students Now Study With This Remote Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd106c2ca79de2364ae3c New CCS Cases Tool Launched by StudyCCS That Teaches Step 3 CCS in About an Hour te 2026-07-07T10:12:22.805Z New CCS Cases Tool Launched by StudyCCS That Teaches Step 3 CCS in About an Hour Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd0f2c2ca79de2364ae33 New CCS Cases Tool Launched by StudyCCS That Teaches Step 3 CCS in About an Hour te 2026-07-07T10:12:02.838Z New CCS Cases Tool Launched by StudyCCS That Teaches Step 3 CCS in About an Hour Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd0dec2ca79de2364ae2a New Service Brings Real Hope for Families Battling Addiction and Mental Health Recovery te 2026-07-07T10:11:42.870Z New Service Brings Real Hope for Families Battling Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cd0cac2ca79de2364ae21 New Service Brings Real Hope for Families Battling Addiction and Mental Health Recovery te 2026-07-07T10:11:22.908Z New Service Brings Real Hope for Families Battling Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ccc42c2ca79de2364ad55 FIFA World Cup 2026 Introduces Neuroinclusive Operational Framework to Transform the Global Fan Experience te 2026-07-07T09:52:02.706Z FIFA World Cup 2026 Introduces Neuroinclusive Operational Framework to Transform the Global Fan Experience By: Jhovanna Castro Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ccc2ec2ca79de2364ad4c An affordable new way to get a car without setting foot in a dealership te 2026-07-07T09:51:42.737Z An affordable new way to get a car without setting foot in a dealership (BPT) - Key Takeaways Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4ccc1ac2ca79de2364ad43 An affordable new way to get a car without setting foot in a dealership te 2026-07-07T09:51:22.776Z An affordable new way to get a car without setting foot in a dealership Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc340c2ca79de2364abaf Trump arrives at NATO summit as Iran rift looms above alliance talks te 2026-07-07T09:13:36.966Z Trump arrives at NATO summit as Iran rift looms above alliance talks President Donald Trump is arriving at the Turkey-held NATO summit with fresh frustration toward several European allies for their responses to the U.S.-led operations against Iran, opening a new front in his long-running campaign to pressure the alliance over burden-sharing. The summit, which takes place Tuesday and Wednesday in Ankara, Turkey, is expected to focus on defense spending, Ukraine and NATO's long-term strategy toward Russia.  But it will bring Trump face to face with some of his biggest foes in NATO, including Spain, whose Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called the U.S. war in Iran "illegal, absurd and cruel." U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said Wednesday that Trump remains "disappointed" by allies that declined to allow U.S. forces to use military bases or overflight rights during the operation, as well as by political statements criticizing the strikes. WHY NATO'S DEFENSE SPENDING IMBALANCE LASTED FOR DECADES "The president has expressed disappointment in both a couple of our allies' unwillingness to support us using our bases in their countries," Whitaker said. "And, as importantly, he's also incredibly disappointed in the political statements that came out around the time of the launch of Epic Fury."  The disagreements are expected to loom over a summit where Trump will once again press allies to increase defense spending, while also raising broader questions about whether NATO members are prepared to back the United States during conflicts beyond the alliance's traditional focus on Europe. Trump's frustration has been evident publicly as well.  Ahead of the summit, he said he was attending largely because of his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, while again criticizing some NATO allies over defense spending and questioning their commitment to the alliance. "Except for the fact that it was being held in Turkey by President Erdogan, I don't think I would have gone to it," Trump told reporters at the White House June 24. During the same appearance, he renewed criticism of Spain and other NATO allies over their refusal to support U.S. operations against Iran, declaring, "There's a problem with Spain." Whitaker said the operation also highlighted disparities in military capabilities across the alliance, noting that while some NATO members possess "exquisite capabilities," others lack the capacity to contribute meaningfully to a large-scale U.S.-led military operation. The administration's frustration stems from a series of decisions by European allies during Operation Epic Fury.  The United Kingdom initially declined to allow U.S. forces to launch strikes against Iran from British bases before later reversing course after Iranian attacks escalated. Spain denied the use of its territory and airspace for combat operations while Sánchez publicly criticized the U.S.-led campaign. Italy also sought to distance itself from the operation, insisting U.S. flights from bases on Italian soil were limited to logistical support rather than combat missions, while Germany served as a key logistics hub but stopped short of publicly endorsing the military campaign. European governments defended their positions by citing domestic legal constraints and concerns about being drawn into a wider Middle East conflict. Britain later allowed U.S. strikes after initially withholding approval, while Spain continued opposing the campaign, Italy restricted its support to noncombat operations and Germany limited its role to logistics. EUROPE'S $116B FIGHTER JET 'FAILURE' RAISES FRESH DOUBTS ABOUT ABILITY TO DEFEND ITSELF WITHOUT US Several allies later agreed to support maritime security operations aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but administration officials say the initial reluctance to back the U.S. campaign continues to shape Trump's view heading into the summit. While the Middle East is not expected to dominate the formal agenda, they underscore broader questions Trump is bringing to Turkey about burden-sharing and whether NATO allies are prepared to back the United States beyond the alliance's traditional focus on Europe. The tensions over Iran build on years of Trump's criticism of NATO, which he has repeatedly accused of relying too heavily on the U.S. During both his first and second terms, Trump has questioned whether Washington should continue defending allies that fail to meet spending commitments and has at times floated withdrawing from the alliance altogether. "If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them," Trump said March 6. "If the United States was in trouble and we called them ... you think they're going to come and protect us? They're supposed to. I'm not so sure." Trump is expected to use the summit to press allies to meet NATO's new benchmark of spending 5% of GDP on defense. "The United States spends more money on NATO than any other country, by far, to protect them, without getting any benefit from so doing," he wrote on Truth Social Thursday. Whitaker suggested the administration increasingly views burden-sharing as extending beyond defense budgets alone. "We believe that those that are doing more should get benefits from doing more," he said. Whitaker confirmed the administration was considering countermeasures for allies that don’t meet defense spending goals. He added that countries contributing more could receive advantages ranging from priority in defense procurement to greater engagement with U.S. leaders. While the summit is expected to focus publicly on defense spending, Ukraine and NATO's long-term strategy toward Russia, analysts say the fallout from Operation Epic Fury is likely to shape private conversations between Trump and several European leaders. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Ian Brzezinski said during a press briefing the recent conflict has created "two scorecards on the table" for the summit— NATO's traditional priorities of strengthening deterrence against Russia and Trump's assessment of which allies proved most supportive of the United States during the Iran conflict. "We have low expectations because of the issues not on the agenda, but that are driving the atmospherics," Torey Taussig, director of the Transatlantic Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc32dc2ca79de2364aba6 LIZ PEEK: July Fourth exposed Democrats' big problem with America's silent majority te 2026-07-07T09:13:17.507Z LIZ PEEK: July Fourth exposed Democrats' big problem with America's silent majority July Fourth was a bad day for Democrats. Americans turned out in force to celebrate the birthday of the country they love, applauding the virtues and values that have made the United States an exceptional nation for 250 years. The silent majority, the folks who believe in the essential promise and goodness of this beautiful land, made their voices heard. A recent Cato poll confirmed that sentiment, showing that 86% of respondents are grateful and 79% are proud to be Americans. Moreover, "most also believe America is a land of opportunity (61%), and even more believe the American Dream (74%) is available to them personally." Cato reports that three-quarters of Americans feel positive about the nation’s founding, and 70% believe its founding principles remain relevant today. "In particular, overwhelming majorities believe the U.S. Constitution is important for protecting our rights and freedoms (86%) and for enabling America’s prosperity (82%)." MAMDANI BLASTS ICE AGENTS, ELON MUSK AND 'SUPREMACY' IN AMERICA 250 SPEECH AHEAD OF JULY 4 WEEKEND That sure isn’t what we’ve been hearing from democratic socialist darling Zohran Mamdani, who has, incredibly, become the voice of the Democratic Party. In his Fourth of July speech, the New York City mayor lambasted our "nativist" country as one characterized by "monopolies that dominate every industry," "oligarchs who buy elections" and a "health insurance industry that exploits the sick." Mamdani’s false and cliche-ridden diatribe doesn’t even make sense. In one breath, he excoriates the U.S. as dominated by an exclusive wealthy elite, but in the next, he exults in the "power each of us holds to bring America ever closer to the greatness so many have seen when they looked upon these shores." How can both those things be true? In an "authoritarian" regime, what power? MAMDANI RIPPED FOR CLAIMING VICTORY OVER CAPITALISM AFTER NYC'S MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR TAXPAYER FUNDED BAILOUT The democratic socialist surge, newly led by Mamdani, is real and is terrifying the party establishment. Party leaders New York Sen. Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are running scared as the DSA threatens their political lives. Fifteen House moderates — the kind being wiped out by insurgent leftist newcomers — penned an open letter declaring, "We are capitalist, not socialist," and "We are mainstream, not extreme." They also proclaimed, "We are proud, not ashamed of America." Imagine elected politicians having to make that pronouncement. It’s about time they did. Democrats have only themselves to blame for the rise of the socialist left. They have offered the country nothing but hatred of Donald Trump for over a decade. They have opposed even the most popular policies proposed by the president, like deporting criminals and reducing taxes. They have absurdly blocked investigating and eliminating hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars lost to fraud every year — a problem that even Joe Biden’s administration said required urgent action. They have become the party that champions boys competing in girls’ sports and resists voter ID laws. They have fawned over European governments that have approval ratings below 30% and especially applauded those nations’ green energy policies that have stifled their economies and left them unable to compete for emerging industries like AI. JOSH SHAPIRO WARNS DEMOCRATS FACE ‘BATTLE OVER WHAT WE BELIEVE IN’ AFTER SOCIALIST’S UPSET PRIMARY VICTORIES Democrats’ consistent and mindless opposition to President Trump created a policy vacuum, giving democratic socialists an opportunity to fill that hole with outlandish policies like abolishing prisons and eliminating private property rights. Those are policies the silent majority will not accept, no more than they accepted the woke excesses of the George Floyd and #MeToo protests. The Democratic Socialists of America first showed up as supporters of Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders when he ran for president in 2016. The DSA's membership increased from 6,500 to 8,500 during his campaign; another 13,000 people signed up in the eight months following the election. Democrats should have disavowed the socialist Sanders then, when the DSA movement was tiny, but instead they played to the so-called Bernie Bros, who some thought denied Hillary Clinton the Oval Office by sitting out the election. In 2020, the corrupt hierarchy in charge of the party, along with a compliant media, promoted the big lie that Joe Biden was fit to serve as president. They engineered the defeat of Sanders, who led the early primaries, and forced the nomination of Biden. In recompense, they gave Bernie a seat at the table, allowing him to co-write the party’s platform and thus legitimizing his influence. Riding that newfound acceptance, Sanders’ signature issues, like Medicare for All and taxing the rich, took on new weight, attracting the likes of New York’s Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who became one of two democratic socialists elected to the House of Representatives in 2019. After the bruising defeat in 2024, the party scurried to find a new message and adopted "affordability" as its issue. Democrats crusading to bring down the cost of living are laughable, given that the most expensive places to live in the U.S. are all run by Democrats. What drives costs higher? Burdensome regulations, pro-union labor policies and high taxes, all signature attributes of Democrat-run governments. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Massive government spending — pushing too many dollars into the economy — also drives up inflation. It is no coincidence that during Joe Biden’s presidency, when government spending hit the highest levels relative to the economy since World War II, inflation soared to above 9%. DSA candidates are also running on affordability, but with socialist solutions like providing free buses as well as government-subsidized groceries and child care. So far, they have succeeded mainly in deep-blue districts and with low voter turnout. Ultimately, Mamdani and his ilk will fail, as socialism always has, because it denies the driving human force of self-interest and the wisdom and adaptability of free markets. But Democrats need to take a stand against the noisy radical leftists who will ultimately cost them voters. The movement is driven not only by socialist economic policies, but also by opposition to Israel and by antisemitism. Black Americans and Jews are important Democratic voting blocs; both are already speaking out against DSA candidates. America’s silent majority has rallied to defend our nation in the past; if socialism gains ground, those quiet patriots will do so again. Count on it. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM LIZ PEEK Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc31ac2ca79de2364ab9d WATCH: Ex-Warren campaign volunteer spotted praising murderous ex-Iranian leader te 2026-07-07T09:12:58.050Z WATCH: Ex-Warren campaign volunteer spotted praising murderous ex-Iranian leader A far-left activist who previously helped organize youth support for Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and volunteered for Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s, D-Mass, presidential campaign appeared in an Iranian state media interview praising the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling him the "greatest anti-imperialist leader" of her lifetime. Calla Walsh, who describes herself as a journalist from the U.S. working in Lebanon, made the remarks in an interview aired by Iranian state media PressTV during the outlet's coverage of Khamenei’s funeral. Walsh was previously profiled by Boston Magazine as a young organizer who helped form Students for Markey and "played a pivotal role" in Sen. Markey’s 2020 primary win over then-Rep. Joe Kennedy III, after first volunteering for Sen. Warren’s presidential campaign. "He was a leader to all people in the world who struggle against imperialism, against arrogance, against Zionism, against genocide," Walsh said in the interview. "To me, he was the greatest anti-imperialist leader to live during my lifetime." IRANIANS CHANT ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’ AMID FUNERAL FOR LATE AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI Her comments came with an Iranian flag seen in the backdrop. Public profiles have traced Walsh’s political work through several Massachusetts progressive campaigns. Boston Magazine reported that Walsh later served as communications director for Jordan Meehan, a left-wing Massachusetts state House candidate, and was organizing with Act on Mass while doing digital media work for Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia’s re-election campaign in 2021.  The conservative Capital Research Center's InfluenceWatch, citing Walsh’s LinkedIn, also reported that Walsh was a regional organizer and strategist for Act on Mass from November 2020 to September 2021 and worked as digital director for Mejia in 2021. Walsh has been tied to Michelle Wu’s Boston mayoral bid as well. A New York Times profile identified Walsh as part of the "Markeyverse" network and showed her canvassing for then-Boston mayoral candidate Wu. SECRET SIGNAL CHATS REVEAL HOW ANTI-ICE AGITATORS COORDINATED NEWARK RIOTS Meanwhile, Walsh has previously appeared in Fox News Digital reporting on far-left protest networks. In January, Fox News Digital reported that Walsh shared video of unrest in Minneapolis after the fatal Border Patrol shooting of Alex Pretti and bragged that protesters had trapped "ICE Gestapo" at the scene. The same report noted that Walsh had previously been filmed in Iran shouting, "Death to America! Death to Israel!" The interview from Iran's state media about the Supreme Leader's funeral was published under the headline, "Ayatollah Khamenei’s message of resistance was truly universal: American activist." Press TV summarized Walsh’s remarks as arguing that Khamenei’s legacy extended beyond Iran and the Muslim world and that the massive funeral crowds represented "not only grief but a march of victory." Walsh also framed the recent conflict as a defeat for the United States, saying, "It’s still fair to say that the U.S. has been more humiliated than it has ever been before in its history and has signed away huge concessions to Iran." Fox News Digital reached out to Walsh, as well as to the high-profile Democrats she has worked or campaigned for, but did not receive a response in time for publication. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc306c2ca79de2364ab94 SEN DAVE McCORMICK: Trump Accounts give all Americans a stake in prosperity te 2026-07-07T09:12:38.598Z SEN DAVE McCORMICK: Trump Accounts give all Americans a stake in prosperity Last week, my friend Senator John Fetterman and I stood on a court at the 6th Man Center — a Philadelphia Youth Basketball facility in North Philly — watching dozens of children crowd around their phones grinning. They weren’t watching a video or playing a game. They were looking for investment accounts in their own names — accounts that give them a real stake in America’s future and become available on July 4. Parents can celebrate Independence Day knowing that their children are eligible for a Trump Account: a $1,000 Treasury seed for every child born between 2025 and 2028, and another $250 for children ten and under in lower-income communities, funded not by Washington but by philanthropy. These accounts were created a year ago as part of President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, for which I cast the deciding vote in the Senate. Alongside no tax on tips or overtime and new tax credits for school choice and childcare, these measures are a down payment on the American Dream. They are also proof that we can share American prosperity without sacrificing the free markets and individual liberty on which this country was founded. 'THE VIEW' CO-HOST SUNNY HOSTIN PRAISES TRUMP FOR 'GOOD POLICIES' ON FERTILITY CARE AND CHILD SAVINGS ACCOUNTS Capitalism is the greatest engine of prosperity and human flourishing the world has ever known. No economic system has lifted more people out of poverty, rewarded more work and innovation, or created more opportunity for ordinary people to build better lives. But to preserve that system — and the prosperity it makes possible — more Americans must have a real stake in its success. Today, too many Americans are helping build this country’s future without sharing meaningfully in its upside. Since the global financial crisis, the top one percent’s share of the nation’s wealth has climbed from about 27 percent to 32 percent. That same one percent now owns roughly half of all the stock in America; the bottom half of households owns about one percent. As artificial intelligence and other new technologies transform our economy, this trend will only worsen — it’s both indefensible and politically unsustainable. For decades, Washington’s answer to this dilemma was always the same: stand up a new agency, build a bureaucracy to run it, and redistribute hard-earned money through a system riddled with waste and fraud. It deepened dependence on government, and still the American Dream slipped further out of reach. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act — signed into law last July 4 — chose another road: not redistribution from above, but incentives for Americans to invest directly in one another. A $1,000 seed fund is the first rung of a ladder every American child can climb — and gives parents, family and friends, employers, and philanthropists a vehicle to invest directly in the next generation. That is the magic of tax-advantaged compounding: a $1,000 investment at birth, combined with just $10 added to the account each week, could grow to nearly $400,000 by the time that child reaches my age of 60. Michael and Susan Dell have shown what private investment in the next generation can look like. Their $6.25 billion pledge — enough to seed accounts for 25 million children — is patriotism made concrete: private generosity expanding ownership, opportunity, and a stake in America’s future for millions of children. Many wealthy and patriotic Americans are following suit. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Across the country, six million children have been signed up, but more must follow, including the 1.4 million eligible kids in Pennsylvania. But Trump Accounts are only one part of a larger effort to revitalize the American Dream on our nation’s 250th birthday. The Working Family Tax Cuts Act is also bringing more jobs, more investment, and more opportunity to families across the country. The school-choice scholarship credit, for example, lets Americans direct their own dollars to a child’s education, so families can choose the school that best fits their child’s needs. Abraham Lincoln called us to be dedicated to the unfinished work of liberty. That work continues in every generation. On July 4, as Trump Accounts launch nationwide, we will help make the American Dream more than just an inheritance of words for the next generation, but also a concrete stake in America’s promise. And they give the rest of us a chance to invest in the future of America’s next generation. More will need to be done. But programs such as these — voluntary, guided by incentives, circumventing government bureaucracy, and which provide opportunity, not entitlement — are an excellent starting point. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc2f2c2ca79de2364ab8b MORNING GLORY: The Supreme Court officially closes the books on another term te 2026-07-07T09:12:18.947Z MORNING GLORY: The Supreme Court officially closes the books on another term Teaching Constitutional Law is a joy, not a job — except for the 11th Amendment and the "Dormant Commerce Clause" cases and materials. The law school classroom is also a great vantage point from which to recognize that American constitutional law moves at a very gradual pace — and that this pace is a very good thing for the enduring "rule of law" that Americans enjoy. Every semester since 1996, my students hear that Con Law ought to be their most interesting class of their three years of law school. Every law student is different, of course, and the "Uniform Commercial Cod might float some boats and "Trusts and Estates" can be pretty shocking —people do in fact "throw grandma from the train"— but Con Law impacts every citizen’s life and thus law students ought to care about it as citizens if not as lawyers. In fact, only a relatively small percentage of lawyers will run into issues that relate to the Constitution in the course of their careers. Fewer still will "practice" in the field and only a handful will argue a case involving the country’s highest law before even its lowest courts, much less before the United States Supreme Court. Still, there are many reasons why, come every June or at latest early July, most of the nation’s news media focuses on the decisions flowing out of One First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. As a republic of laws, the nation’s highest court makes decisions impacting every American as we are equal before the law. The most difficult cases it accepts and decides matter to our 330 millions. The news media — legacy and "new" alike — love the storylines. DEMOCRATIC SENATOR CLAIMS GOP 'STOLE' TWO SCOTUS SEATS IN 2016, 2020, CALLS FOR EXPANSION "SCOTUSblog" has thus become an extremely useful gathering place for Court watchers of all sorts, but especially for non-lawyers trying to make sense of the end-of-term rush of decisions. That goes double for laymen trying to figure out if the Court is shifting hard-right or hard-left on many issues or even some. "By several measures, this term was more ideologically divided than the last one," Jake Truscott and Adam Feldman wrote for the SCOTUSblog platform on the first day of this month. "Last term, 15.2% of the court’s decisions were decided by a 6-3 vote, and 9% of all decisions were 6-3 ideological splits. This term, those figures rose significantly, to 28.8% and 22.7%, respectively." So the Court has shifted "rightward" a bit, but of all of its cases resulting in opinions, only a little more than a fifth are decided along the divide of "originalists" v. "living Constitutionalists." (The "originalists" are Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Of those six, Roberts, Barrett and Kavanaugh are often grouped together as "moderates." The "liberal" justices are Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson.) NPR RETRACTS FALSE REPORT CLAIMING JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO IS RETIRING FROM THE SUPREME COURT The Court issued 67 majority opinions this term, though it actually makes hundreds of smaller decisions throughout the Court year that begins in October and ends (usually) as June closes. "The justice-level data reinforces this picture of a court still organized around a conservative center, but not operating in a purely ideological pattern in every major case," Truscott and Feldman wrote. "Roberts and Kavanaugh were in the majority most often this term, each at 95%. Barrett followed at 92%." "[Justice] Jackson remained the justice least often in the majority," they continued. "She was in the majority 67% of the time overall this term and 41% of the time in non-unanimous cases." SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN LIMIT ON PARTY CAMPAIGN SPENDING IN COORDINATION WITH CANDIDATES So the justice widely regarded as the most ideological and the most left-wing was still in the majority in two out of three major cases. That should reassure the non-lawyer that there is no revolution by the robes underway. Because quite a few district court judges issue bolts-from-out-of-the-blue on a regular basis, there is a growing perception of a judiciary that is politicized and highly ideological. That is true of some lower courts. Our highest court, however, is an enormous force for stability in the country that just turned 250 years old. Con Law students learn that the Court generally moves slowly and when it doesn’t — as with the radical Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 which declared unconstitutional every anti-abortion law in the land — it cannot expect the country as a whole to shrug and follow along. The Court will sometimes be a bit ahead of public opinion, but rarely, if ever, can it change the course of politics. When it tries, it opens and/or exacerbates rather than closes deep divisions among the citizenry. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION This year’s most controversial decisions are not actually anywhere near as divisive as Roe or the "Obamacare" decision (2012’s National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius) or Bush v. Gore which effectively decided that election by ending the (seemingly) endless recounting —correctly, by the way, as post-election "audit" after post-election "audit" showed. The most significant of this term’s cases may turn out to be National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, which held that the provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act restricting the amount of money a party can spend in direct coordination with a candidate’s campaign were unconstitutional, thus breathing much-needed life into the two major political parties which need the lift. The "birthright citizenship" case, Trump v. Barbara, drew lots of attention but very little genuine surprise among the population at large. Find me anyone outside of academia and a few think tanks who even knew there was a question about the citizenship of any baby born in America before the abandonment of border enforcement in the Biden years, and I'd be surprised if that person knew the underlying text, history and tradition of the arguments. Like most "big cases," the "importance" of the case will fade even as policy arguments about the actual issue of rational immigration policy continues. Which is itself a triumph for the rule of law. Americans generally accept the Court’s rulings and move on. Contrary to the overheated and indeed absurd "Trump is a fascist" rhetoric, President Trump has always complied with every court decision, even those with which he deeply and loudly disagrees. Such is the authority of the Supreme Court. The Court gets the final say on the "cases and controversies" that divide the country. It has been that way since the Civil War, and we will all be blessed if it stays that way. So push away the alarmists. Ignore the doomsayers. The Supreme Court has gone about its work successfully — again — and will be back at it in October (or earlier if need be.) The "republic of laws not men" carries on. Con Law is still the most interesting course in law school, but its textbooks change very little from year to year. And that is a very, very good thing. Hugh Hewitt is a Fox News contributor and host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show" heard weekday afternoons from 3 PM to 6 PM ET on the Salem Radio Network, and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hugh drives Americans home on the East Coast and to lunch on the West Coast on over 400 affiliates nationwide, and on all the streaming platforms where SNC can be seen. He is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel’s news roundtable, hosted by Bret Baier weekdays at 6pm ET. A son of Ohio and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, Hewitt has been a Professor of Law at Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law since 1996 where he teaches Constitutional Law. Hewitt launched his eponymous radio show from Los Angeles in 1990. Hewitt has frequently appeared on every major national news television network, hosted television shows for PBS and MSNBC, written for every major American paper, has authored a dozen books and moderated a score of Republican candidate debates, most recently the November 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four Republican presidential debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt focuses his radio show and his column on the Constitution, national security, American politics and the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. Hewitt has interviewed tens of thousands of guests from Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump over his 40 years in broadcasting. This column previews the lead story that will drive his radio/ TV show today. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM HUGH HEWITT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc2dfc2ca79de2364ab82 Democrats abandon embattled candidate Graham Platner after rape allegation implodes Senate bid te 2026-07-07T09:11:59.493Z Democrats abandon embattled candidate Graham Platner after rape allegation implodes Senate bid Democrats swiftly turned on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Monday after a rape allegation triggered a full-on revolt among his most prominent supporters, with calls pouring in from across the party for him to suspend his campaign. The mounting defections came after Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, accused Platner of rape in interviews with Politico and CNN, alleging the Senate hopeful entered her home uninvited while intoxicated nearly five years ago and forced himself on her despite repeated attempts to get him to stop. Racicot, who was seeing Platner on and off at the time, told Politico she immediately cut ties with him after he forced her to engage in unprotected sex, saying, "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’" She also told CNN that the alleged encounter was the "dictionary definition" of rape. PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER Platner immediately issued a statement denying Racicot’s account and said he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for his imploding campaign. The vast majority of Democrats signaled Monday they were unwilling to give Platner that opportunity, with many lawmakers racing to issue statements calling on the Senate hopeful to immediately end his campaign. The pleas stretched from Platner's most fervent progressive champions to the party’s establishment wing, most of whom had only recently rallied behind Platner after he won the Democratic primary nomination in June. "There can be no tolerance for sexual assault," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., one of Platner’s most prominent supporters, said in a statement rescinding her endorsement. "With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race." Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who had closely aligned himself with Platner, also withdrew his endorsement and called on him to exit the race after news of the rape allegation circulated. Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., also pulled their support Monday, with Gallego stopping short of calling on Platner to suspend his campaign. FOX NEWS POLL: MAINE SENATE RACE IS TIGHT, WITH CONCERNS ABOUT BOTH CANDIDATES The progressive lawmakers continued to support Platner after Lyndsey Fifield, a former Platner girlfriend, accused the Maine Democrat of abuse in June — an allegation Platner has repeatedly denied as false and politically motivated. Khanna notably traveled to Maine to campaign with Platner the following day after The New York Times first reported Fifield’s accusation. Khanna previously said in multiple interviews that he would disavow Platner if a sexual assault allegation emerged, but told Fox News Digital that the Senate hopeful was "taking accountability" for his past and argued Platner was deserving of redemption. The reaction among establishment Democrats was equally swift, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., publicly demanding that Platner "immediately" suspend his campaign to give the party time to put forward a new nominee. The senior Democrats had only recently endorsed Platner following his June primary win after their preferred pick, Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, ended her campaign amid fundraising struggles. "The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot," the pair wrote in a joint statement Monday. The Schumer-aligned Senate Majority PAC, a top outside spending group focused on electing Democrats to the Senate, also said Monday that it would redirect resources away from Maine as long as Platner remained in the race. TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' The warning comes as Democrats are up against a fast-approaching deadline to replace Platner as the party's nominee. Under Maine law, Platner can be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by 5 p.m. on July 13, with the state party allowed to put forward a replacement by July 27. Democrats view Maine as a top flip opportunity to retake Senate control during November's midterm elections, but Platner's rapidly unraveling campaign could derail those plans. His plethora of scandals — from a former Nazi-linked tattoo to infidelity during his marriage — has sharply divided Democrats as the party seeks to unseat longtime Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Collins on Monday issued a statement calling the rape accusation "appalling" but declined to weigh in on whether Platner should continue in the race. DEM SENATE HOPEFUL UNDER FIRE FOR RESURFACED COMMENTS CALLING COPS 'OPPORTUNISTIC COWARDS' Other lawmakers hailing from the party’s centrist flank, including Sens. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., also publicly urged Platner to end his campaign. Neither had formally endorsed Platner before Monday’s rape allegation broke. Many prominent Maine Democrats also called on Platner to drop his Senate bid on Monday, including Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine and her daughter, former State House Speaker Hannah Pingree, D-Maine, who is the Democratic gubernatorial nominee to succeed Mills. Former Maine public health official Nirav Shah and State Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Maine, who both ran for the open gubernatorial seat and have been floated as potential Platner replacements, also said Monday that he should withdraw his candidacy. Jackson, who campaigned with Platner, was among the candidates that the Senate hopeful endorsed to succeed Mills. A vast swath of left-wing organizations also pulled their support of Platner on Monday. "The allegations reported today are profoundly disturbing and disqualifying," Tiffany Muller, president of the Democratic-affiliated group End Citizen United, said in a statement. "The conduct described is fundamentally inconsistent with the standards we expect from the candidates we support." VoteVets, an organization that works to elect Democratic veterans, also withdrew its endorsement of Platner, who served in multiple overseas deployments. Meanwhile, Our Revolution, a leftist organization founded by former Sanders campaign staffers, called on Platner to leave the race while demanding that his successor share his far-left policy views. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., one of Platner’s few remaining progressive supporters, had not weighed in on the sexual assault allegation as of late Monday evening. A spokesperson for Sanders did not respond to a request for comment. Far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker also broke with Platner on Monday, saying "the accusations — they are as credible as it is going to get." "This is beyond red flags. This is irredeemable," Piker added during his livestream. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc2b8c2ca79de2364ab77 After Courting Black Voters, Trump Downplays Black Unemployment te 2026-07-07T09:11:20.580Z After Courting Black Voters, Trump Downplays Black Unemployment The president has glossed over persistently high unemployment among African Americans, a group he needed to secure a second term. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc2a4c2ca79de2364ab6e Abandoned by Allies, Platner Faces Pressure to End Senate Campaign te 2026-07-07T09:11:00.999Z Abandoned by Allies, Platner Faces Pressure to End Senate Campaign After Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee in Maine, was accused of rape, much of the party and several key supporters turned against him. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc291c2ca79de2364ab65 A Supreme Court Case on AR-15s Could Hinge on Their ‘Common Use’ te 2026-07-07T09:10:41.540Z A Supreme Court Case on AR-15s Could Hinge on Their ‘Common Use’ Last week, the Supreme Court took up challenges to two assault weapons bans. Its decision could seriously limit the government’s ability to ban certain guns. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cc27dc2ca79de2364ab46 The first American autonomous ground vehicles are fighting in Ukraine te 2026-07-07T09:10:21.580Z The first American autonomous ground vehicles are fighting in Ukraine Forterra has deployed more than 100 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cbe24c2ca79de2364aad8 Arizona Chamber Of Commerce Announces New Board Chair te 2026-07-07T08:51:48.018Z Arizona Chamber Of Commerce Announces New Board Chair By Ethan Faverino | The Arizona Chamber of Commerce announced Monica Coury, vice president of external affairs at Arizona Complete Health, as the new chair of its board of directors. Coury officially assumed the role during a ceremonial “passing of the gavel” at the Chamber’s June 26th board meeting, succeeding Ted Geisler, president and CEO of Arizona Public Service (APS), who served as board chair for the past two years. Very excited to welcome @MonicaCouryAZ of @AzCHealthPlan as the new chair of the @AZChamber Board of Directors. Monica has been a valued voice on our board, and we’re excited to have her leadership as we continue advancing policies that matter to Arizona employers. A huge thank… — Arizona Chamber (@AZChamber) July 2, 2026 As board chair, Coury will lead the Arizona Chamber of Commerce’s governing board and help guide its efforts to advance policies aimed at strengthening Arizona’s economy, improving the state’s business climate, and promoting long-term economic growth. “It is an incredible honor to serve as chair of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry,” stated Coury in a press release announcing her new role. “I want to thank my fellow board members for the confidence they’ve placed in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Chamber’s outstanding team.” “The Chamber has long been one of Arizona’s most effective and respected advocates on behalf of the state’s job creators,” Coury added, “and I look forward to building on that legacy as we continue working to make Arizona the best place in the nation to live, work, and do business.” Coury has served on the Chamber’s board for several years, previously chairing its Public Affairs Committee before serving as chair-elect. In her role at Arizona Complete Health, she oversees external affairs for one of the state’s largest health plans and has worked on issues related to healthcare access, workforce development, and economic competitiveness. Arizona Chamber President and CEO Danny Seiden said Coury’s experience and leadership make her well suited to lead the organizations board. “Monica is an exceptional leader whose collaborative approach, strategic vision, and deep commitment to Arizona make her the ideal person to lead our board,” said Seiden. “She understands that a strong economy depends on smart public policy, and she has consistently brought thoughtful leadership and sound judgment to the Chamber. I look forward to working closely with Monica as we continue advancing policies that help Arizona employers create jobs, invest, and grow.” Seiden also recognized Geisler’s service as chairman, crediting him with helping lead the organization through a period marked by legislative successes and continued organizational growth. “Ted has been an outstanding chairman, a trusted partner, and a friend,” Seiden added. “His steady leadership, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to Arizona’s economic future have helped position the Chamber for continued success. We are grateful for his service and look forward to his continued counsel and involvement on our board.” Along with Coury, the Chamber also announced its new slate of board officers, including Jimmy Lindbolm of Willmeng Construction as chair-elect, Don Isaacson of Isaacson Law Firm as vice-chair of audit and finance, and Angela Creedon of Intel as vice-chair of manufacturing Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post Arizona Chamber Of Commerce Announces New Board Chair first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cbe0fc2ca79de2364aacf Hamadeh Introduces Bill Requiring Pentagon Review Of Emerging PTSD Treatments For Veterans te 2026-07-07T08:51:27.537Z Hamadeh Introduces Bill Requiring Pentagon Review Of Emerging PTSD Treatments For Veterans By Ethan Faverino | Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) has introduced legislation directing the Department of Defense to provide Congress with a comprehensive review of emerging clinical research and service-related treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Supporters say the move could help expand future healthcare options for veterans and service members. The Veterans and Service Members PTSD Emerging Treatment Review Act would require the Pentagon to assess emerging PTSD treatments and report its findings to Congress, providing lawmakers with updated information on investigational therapies and ongoing clinical research. “Our service members and veterans deserve every opportunity to access the most effective treatments backed by rigorous scientific research,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “Far too many Americans continue to struggle with treatment-resistant PTSD, contributing to suicide, substance abuse, and challenges transitioning back to civilian life. This legislation ensures Congress and the Department of Defense have the data needed to evaluate emerging research and make informed decisions that prioritize military readiness, force health, and veteran care.” Our servicemembers & veterans deserve every proven, science-backed treatment to beat PTSD, Congressman Hamadeh's 𝘝𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘗𝘛𝘚𝘋 𝘌𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘤𝘵 gives Congress & the Department of War the data… — Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) July 1, 2026 The legislation has received support from researchers involved in Arizona based clinical trials studying emerging PTSD treatments. Dr. Sue Sisley, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Scottsdale Research Institute said, “We appreciate Congressman Hamadeh and his team for this groundbreaking victory. His staff visited our Sonoran Research Institute Lab and saw firsthand what these FDA clinical trials mean for Veterans & First Responders, and what it could mean for transitioning service members in the future. This clinical trial exemplifies the promise behind President Trump’s recent Executive Order, Right to Try, and FDA Expanded Access: helping our nation’s heroes find new hope when existing treatments have failed them.” Arizona is home to what researchers describe as the world’s first FDA- and DEA- approved clinical trial evaluating psilocybin-containing mushrooms in a structured group therapy setting for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD. The study is examining whether the investigational treatment may benefit individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD who have not responded to existing therapies. According to Hamadeh’s office, PTSD continues to affect thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and first responders. While existing therapies have proven effective for many patients, treatment-resistant PTSD remains a significant challenge, affecting long-term health outcomes, family stability, and military readiness. The legislation builds on bipartisan efforts in Congress after similar language was unanimously included in the House Armed Services Committee report accompanying this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. It also aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order 14401 directing federal agencies to accelerate research and regulatory pathways for investigational treatments for serious mental illness. Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post Hamadeh Introduces Bill Requiring Pentagon Review Of Emerging PTSD Treatments For Veterans first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cbdfac2ca79de2364aac6 U.S. Job Growth Slows In June As Labor Force Shrinks te 2026-07-07T08:51:06.553Z U.S. Job Growth Slows In June As Labor Force Shrinks By Ethan Faverino | The U.S. labor market continued to expand in June, but at a significantly slower pace than economists expected, as hiring cooled and fewer Americans participated in the workforce, according to the latest Monthly Employment Update released last week by the Joint Economic Committee. The economy added 57,000 non-farm payroll jobs in June, including 49,000 private-sector jobs and 8,000 government positions. While the national employment rate edged down from 4.3% to 4.2%, the improvement coincided with a 0.3 percentage-point decline in the labor force participation rate to 61.5%, indicating fewer Americans were either working or actively seeking employment. The broader U-6 unemployment rate, which includes underemployment workers and those marginally attached to the labor force, also declined from 8.1% to 7.9%. The June report follows downward revisions to previous employment data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revised May’s job growth downward by 43,000 jobs, reducing the month’s gain from 172,000 to 129,000 jobs. April’s final revision, meanwhile, increased payroll growth by 33,000 jobs to a total gain of 148,000. Among industries, private education and health services led monthly hiring with 69,000 new jobs, followed by professional and business services, which added 36,000 positions. Leisure and hospitality posted the largest decline, shedding 61,000 jobs, while the information sector lost 9,000 positions. Over the past year, private education and health services has remained the nation’s strongest-performing sector, adding 648,000 jobs, followed by leisure and hospitality with 114,000. Federal government employment experienced the steepest annual decline, falling by 258,000 jobs, while financial activities lost 100,000 positions. Despite slower hiring, wages continued to outpace inflation. Average weekly earnings for all private-sector employees increased 3.82% over the past year, while average hourly earnings rose 3.52%. Production and nonsupervisory workers saw annual increases of 3.73% in weekly earnings and 3.42% in hourly earnings. Job Openings Hold Steady Despite Cooling Labor Market Separate data from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey showed labor demand remained relatively stable. Total job openings increased by 9,000 in May to 7.59 million nationwide, with the job openings rate holding steady at 4.6% Leisure and hospitality recorded the largest increase in available positions, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities, while private education and health services posted the largest decline in openings. State-level employment data reflected a mixed picture across the country. Unemployment rates declined in 20 states during May, increased in nine states, and remained unchanged in 22 states and the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia recorded the nation’s highest unemployment rate at 6.1% while South Dakota posted the lowest at 2.1% Payroll employment increased in 38 states and fell in 13 states during May. West Virginia recorded the nation’s largest percentage increase in payroll employment at 1.4% while Montana experienced the largest decline at 0.5%. Arizona continued to rank among the nation’s stronger performing states for job growth despite signs of a slowing labor market. The state added 2,000 net payroll jobs in May after adding 8,100 jobs in April. Over the past 12 months, Arizona has added 21,200 payroll jobs, tying for the 10th nationally in percentage growth of non-farm employment. Arizona’s private sector added 22,900 jobs over the past year, ranking tied for ninth nationally in private-sector payroll growth. Arizona’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.8% in May up from 4.7% the previous month and 4.3% one year earlier. Employment in the state declined by 16,293 during the month and has fallen by more than 66,000 over the past year. The state’s labor force participation rate also weakened, falling from 61% to 60.7% in May, placing Arizona 37th nationally. Nationally, labor force participation remained at 61.8% during May before declining to 61.5% in June. Arizona’s strongest monthly employment gain came in construction, which added 1,300 jobs, and financial activities, which added 700 jobs. State and local government employment declined by 1,000 positions, while professional and business services lost 300 jobs. Over the past year, Arizona’s private education and health services sector led all industries with 16,600 new jobs, followed by professional and business services with 8,100. Financial activities experienced the largest annual decline, losing 4,000 jobs, while federal government employment fell by 3,200 positions. Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post U.S. Job Growth Slows In June As Labor Force Shrinks first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cab4cc2ca79de2364a831 Gelinas closes record sale te 2026-07-07T07:31:24.668Z Gelinas closes record sale A remarkable chapter recently closed in North Central Phoenix with the sale of 5520 N. 4th St. for $5,125,000, establishing a new benchmark for luxury home sales in the North Central Corridor. Janeen Gelinas, associate broker with Compass Arizona, recently closed the record-breaking $5.125 million sale in North Central Phoenix, representing the seller in the significant luxury transaction. The home, originally envisioned and constructed by its owners, represented years of thoughtful planning, exceptional craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the North Central lifestyle. From its striking architectural details and resort-style grounds to its warm and inviting spaces designed for family gatherings, the property became a true legacy residence. Gelinas guided both the marketing strategy and sale of the property. Through strategic pricing, targeted exposure, and a deep understanding of the luxury marketplace, she successfully connected the property with its ideal buyer. The result was a record-setting sale for the North Central Corridor. “While record-breaking sales often generate attention because of the numbers, the story behind this transaction is ultimately about people,” Gelinas said. “The original owners invested years of vision, passion and attention to detail in creating a home that would become a true legacy property. Today, a new family begins the next chapter, creating memories of their own within this exceptional residence, and I am honored to be a trusted advisor in making that happen.” North Central Phoenix continues to be one of the Valley’s most desirable neighborhoods, known for its mature tree-lined streets, custom estates, strong sense of community and proximity to some of Phoenix’s most beloved local destinations, the broker added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4cab38c2ca79de2364a828 Choir seeks new works te 2026-07-07T07:31:04.708Z Choir seeks new works Phoenix Boys Choir announced its Fifth Annual New Works Rising Choral Composition Competition. Composers of all ages and nationalities are invited to submit innovative, imaginative, and accessible choral repertoire for boys and young men. Compositions should reflect the choir’s 2026-27 season theme, “Pathways,” an exploration of growth, transformation and forward motion – both personal and collective. “We are especially interested in works that illuminate how such pathways are shaped by perseverance, mentorship and discipline, and by the ongoing pursuit of purpose, connection, and possibility as we grow into who we are becoming,” choir leadership said on their website. The submission deadline is Aug. 15. Additional information is available online at www.boyschoir.org/newworksrisingcompetition. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c7790c2ca79de23649df9 Charlie Kirk's family comes face to face with accused assassin for first time te 2026-07-07T03:50:40.276Z Charlie Kirk's family comes face to face with accused assassin for first time PROVO, Utah — The family of Charlie Kirk came face to face with his accused assassin for the first time in a Utah courtroom Monday — the first day of what is expected to be a week-long preliminary hearing. Tyler Robinson, 23, was already in the room before members of the media were allowed in at around 8:55 a.m. He was wearing a gray suit, pink shirt and black tie, with his wrists and ankles cuffed. Later in the hearing, when videos of Kirk's shooting death were played for the sides and the judge, he showed no visible response when the sound of the fatal gunshot rang out. Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull was on the stand to introduce several videos, including images of Kirk’s death that were not shown publicly in court but were shown to the judge and attorneys for both sides. Two of them were described as showing the moment a sniper’s bullet struck Kirk in the neck, and they included audio that reporters could hear. CHARLIE KIRK'S PARENTS, WIDOW TO ATTEND TYLER ROBINSON'S PRELIMINARY HEARING NEXT WEEK While Judge Tony Graf Jr. flinched and leaned away from the screen when the shot rang out in one of the videos, Robinson remained still during both. Kirk’s family had already left the courtroom before they were played. They were expected to receive warnings before graphic evidence would be introduced and left twice ahead of mentions of the assassination itself. For much of the rest of the hearing, Erika Kirk and her in-laws, Rob and Kathy Kirk, sat next to one another, watching the proceedings closely, occasionally exchanging looks or glancing down. Other relatives present included Erika's sister, Tonya, and niece and nephew. ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON FIGHTS BACK AS PROSECUTORS' SPRAWLING CASE COMES INTO FOCUS At another point with Kirk's family out of the courtroom, Hull also testified about the autopsy report, which listed Kirk's death as a homicide by a gunshot wound to the neck. During that testimony, Robinson’s mother leaned over to her husband and held her hand on his shoulder.  The Kirks also had some high-profile supporters join them near the front — including Donald Trump Jr., his wife Bettina, and conservative commentators Jack Posobiec and Brandon Tatum. Robinson’s parents, who usually sit in the front row, were in the fourth row Monday with other relatives. ALLEGED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON'S ROOMMATE AND LOVER RECEIVED LIMITED IMMUNITY: PROSECUTORS The first witness of the day was Officer Christopher Bagley, now a member of the Spanish Fork Police Department. He was working at Utah Valley University when Kirk was shot and killed during a Turning Point USA event there on Sept. 10, 2025. He testified that he believed he heard a rifle shot — not a pistol shot — from the direction of the Losee Center. He said he reached that conclusion after seeing an empty handgun holster on the ground amid the early chaos and looking up to find that the Losee Center rooftop had a clear line of sight to where Kirk was speaking. He went to the Losee rooftop, where he found a black and red screwdriver and impressions in the gravel that he described as what looked like a "sniper’s pad." He also said he reviewed surveillance video showing the suspect on top of the roof, and he found footprints in the grass where the suspect dropped down and scuff marks on the roof above them. Defense attorney Kathy Nester only got about 10 minutes of cross-examination in before the recess for lunch, but she asked Bagley if his police report from the day mentioned a direction the shot came from. It didn’t, he said. He also didn't know what happened to the handgun holster. As prosecutors planned to show some UVU surveillance video, Robinson’s defense objected. While Graf had overruled most of their objections throughout the day, he sustained this one on the grounds that the video, due to edits including face blurs, zooms and red circles, had not been properly authenticated and could not be played. The video is expected to be introduced later after prosecutors said they planned to provide an unedited version. Hull was the second of four witnesses prosecutors said they planned to call to the stand Monday. He is expected to resume testimony Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. MT. Other video shown Monday included a vehicle alleged to be Robinson’s coming and going from a house near the UVU campus after midnight on Sept. 11 — about 12 hours after Charlie Kirk’s murder on Sept. 10. As Fox News Digital previously reported, Robinson also allegedly had an encounter with law enforcement in the area hours after the shooting. At some point during the week, the court is expected to hear a previously recorded statement from Robinson's former lover Lance Twiggs, who prosecutors allege received a written confession after the crime. Robinson has not yet entered a plea. He could face the death penalty if convicted of the top charge against him, aggravated murder. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c64bbc2ca79de23649a35 The last show: Behind Tucson’s final Fourth of July fireworks on ‘A’ Mountain te 2026-07-07T02:30:19.745Z The last show: Behind Tucson’s final Fourth of July fireworks on ‘A’ Mountain While people spend the afternoon gathering for Fourth of July celebrations, Kevin Luckenbill and his team of pyrotechnicians are up at the top of “A” Mountain, also known as Sentinel Peak, setting up nearly 1,000 aerial shells. Luckenbill is a head pyrotechnician with Fireworks Production of Arizona, licensed by the Tucson Fire Department to run the city of Tucson’s 29th annual fireworks celebration at “A” Mountain.  As a long-time Tucson resident, he watched the “A” Mountain fireworks show as a kid, but never imagined that 20 years later, he would be the one up there doing it.   “Public records show that this show first started in 1984, when they first started on ‘A’ Mountain, and it’s been a tradition ever since,” Luckenbill says, as his team of pyrotechnicians assemble frames with large tubes around him.  That tradition may look different in years to come, as this may be the final fireworks show as the city plans to move to a drone show for future years, the city stated in a news release. A pyrotechnician with Fireworks Production of Arizona set up for the “A” Mountain fireworks celebration in Tucson on July 4, 2026. Credit: Summer Williams Preparations for the fireworks show began around 1 p.m. as the pyrotechnicians unloaded equipment and set up large racks with black, orange and yellow tubes. They check each rack to ensure they are in a good and stable condition before loading the tubes with different sizes of aerial shells. “The first priority of all us out here is that it’s safety for us, safety for the environment, safety for the surrounding area,” Luckenbill says. Later that evening, the majority of the shells will be ignited by hand to control the pacing of the 25-minute fireworks show. A row of tubes loaded with aerial shells are lines up by a team of pyrotechnicians with Fireworks Production of Arizona for the “A” Mountain fireworks celebration in Tucson on July 4, 2026. Credit: Summer Williams The wildland crew from the Tucson Fire Department scouted out the mountain for several days before the pyrotechnicians began setting up on the fourth.  Marc Lewis, a TFD fire inspector, oversees the show’s preparations to ensure all fire safety measures are being followed and that crews are ready to respond to any incidents.  TFD took measures to be conscious of Buffelgrass, an invasive species that is highly adaptive to fire, and the wind’s direction while the wildland crew is set along the mountain during the show. Tucson Water provided trucks for the crews to spray areas on the mountain where the fireworks’ fallout could land. Another crew member operating a thermal imaging drone looks for spot fires and anyone who may be trespassing on the mountain during the show.   “We like to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, and that may change in the future, but currently that’s what we’re doing,” says Lewis. “The Tucson Fire Department is up here to make sure it’s safe. It’s a city-sponsored event, so it’s our responsibility to ensure fire safety.” A team of pyrotechnicians with Fireworks Production of Arizona set up for the “A” Mountain fireworks celebration while a vehicle from the Tucson Fire Department is parked nearby in Tucson on July 4, 2026. Credit: Summer Williams As the wildland crew prepares to keep “A” Mountain and the surrounding area safe during the city’s official fireworks show, TFD responds to calls and incidents around the city on one of the busiest days for firefighters.  It can be a struggle to get staff in on holidays, says Paul Moore, TFD assistant chief.     TFD is facing a staffing shortage, while call and incident volumes have increased over the past few years, according to the department’s 2025 annual report. This puts pressure on available crews and resources to respond to emergency calls.  “We’ve taken measures to put some trucks in the right places, but it can and will lead to extended response times, so that’s concerning and we take it seriously,” Moore says outside the TFD Headquarters near downtown.  Staffing shortage numbers were higher than average for TFD this holiday, Moore said, and TFD had nine trucks out of service on the Fourth of July out of the 54 vehicles they regularly use.  “We have a saying that, ‘There’s no honor in going to a fire or medical call that could have been prevented,’” Moore says. “So I think the message here is to be safe, be safe with fireworks.” People set off fireworks in a parking lot outside the MSA Annex in Tucson on July 4, 2026. Credit: Summer Williams With the show and fire safety preparations underway and the sun setting, people fill the streets around the MSA Annex in the Mercado District, near the base of “A” Mountain to find a spot to watch the fireworks.  Families set out folding chairs on the sidewalk, kids twirl with sparklers, couples walk hand-in-hand, groups set up blankets in truck beds and trunks, others climb onto the car roof for a better view.  Before the show begins, people set off small fireworks in the parking lot or light bigger ones from the road and vacant lots. The sounds of explosions, music from speakers, laughter and people shouting over the noise fill the streets throughout the evening. A crowd watches the firework show over “A” Mountain in a lot outside the MSA Annex in Tucson on July 4, 2026. Credit: Summer Williams At 9 p.m., the first fireworks explode over “A” Mountain. People cheer as the show goes on in an array of colors and shapes.  As people watch from the streets and lots in the Mercado, wildland firefighters hike around the sides of the mountain, monitoring and putting out spot fires that have caught from the embers.  In between the crackle and booms of the fireworks show, the echo of sirens can be heard in the distance as the fire department responds to calls around the area. Credit: Summer Williams Credit: Summer Williams A couple sitting on their truck watches the fireworks show over “A” Mountain in Tucson on July 4, 2026. Credit: Summer Williams The post The last show: Behind Tucson’s final Fourth of July fireworks on ‘A’ Mountain appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c627ac2ca79de23649a00 England's Jordan Henderson officially ruled out after freak fall causes fracture, opts for surgery te 2026-07-07T02:20:42.768Z England's Jordan Henderson officially ruled out after freak fall causes fracture, opts for surgery A freak mishap Sunday night abruptly ended England midfielder Jordan Henderson's 2026 World Cup. Henderson, 36, spent the match on the bench in England's 3-2 win, but quickly drew attention after falling over an advertising board, leaving him writhing in pain during a moment of victory for England. On Monday, Henderson opted to undergo surgery, bringing an unusual ending to the World Cup campaign of one of England's veteran leaders. ENGLAND PLAYER INJURES WRIST HOPPING OVER AD BOARD DURING TEAM'S WORLD CUP VICTORY CELEBRATION VS MEXICO As the stadium speakers blasted Oasis, Henderson tried to climb over a pitch-side advertising board to celebrate with the traveling supporters. He lost his footing and landed awkwardly on his wrist. WATCH: England captain Harry Kane reacted to Henderson's injury Sunday night after the match. ENGLAND STUNS MEXICO 3-2 IN INSTANT WORLD CUP CLASSIC, HANDS TEAM FIRST WORLD CUP LOSS AT ESTADIO AZTECA "Yeah Hendo just fell over there. I think he's OK. Something to do with his arm," Kane said, unaware of the severity of Henderson's injury at the time. The celebrations quickly turned to concern as medical staff rushed onto the field, administered oxygen, and stretchered Henderson off the pitch. Before the accident, Estadio Azteca hosted a World Cup classic. Jude Bellingham sparked England with a first-half brace before Harry Kane added a penalty. Mexico answered through Julian Quinones and a late Raul Jimenez penalty. ENGLAND STUNS MEXICO 3-2 IN INSTANT WORLD CUP CLASSIC, HANDS TEAM FIRST WORLD CUP LOSS AT ESTADIO AZTECA Henderson watched the thriller from the bench, picking up a yellow card in the 98th minute for his touchline protests. The match fell into chaos when England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card, forcing the Three Lions to desperately hang on. While manager Thomas Tuchel and the squad flew to Kansas City to prepare for a quarterfinal clash against Norway, Henderson remained hospitalized in Mexico City. England next faces Erling Haaland's Norway on Saturday without the suspended Jarell Quansah. Henderson's World Cup had its ups and downs. The last one ended it. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c6021c2ca79de23649980 Team USA's World Cup run ends as Belgium wins Round of 16 matchup to advance te 2026-07-07T02:10:41.337Z Team USA's World Cup run ends as Belgium wins Round of 16 matchup to advance Team USA’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end.  Belgium, in front of a sold-out, U.S.-heavy crowd in Seattle, defeated the USMNT, 4-1, in a match where they took full advantage of their opponent’s mistakes.  Charles De Ketelaere was the man who not only scored just nine minutes into the match for Belgium, but his goal in the 39th minute made Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino kick water bottles on the sideline.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The reason? Malik Tillman, who scored a free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 victory in the Bay Area, took another just in front of Belgium’s box, and it deflected off a Belgian defender and threw off legendary keeper Thibaut Courtois to even the game at one apiece. The momentum was back for the USMNT in that moment in the 37th minute. But once again, shotty defense for the U.S. resulted in an easy goal for De Ketelaere right in front of Matt Freese’s net.  USA COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO KICKS POWERADE BOTTLES IN FRUSTRATION AS TEAM'S FIRST HALF DEFENSE LOOKS SHAKY Freese, though, had a massive error of his own in the second half that crushed the momentum that had conjured up while down one goal. In the 57th minute, a total game-changer came when Freese decided to leave his net while De Ketelaere was chasing the through ball. Freese was first to get there, but as he was trying to clear the ball, his foot got caught in the turf.  In a desperation attempt, he tried to kick it with his right foot, but De Ketelaere got in the way and Hans Vanaken kicked it past Freese and Ream, who couldn’t turn his body around to save it for one of the worst goals allowed by a team at this World Cup.  Overall, it wasn’t Team USA’s best effort in the moment they needed it most in the Round of 16.  To make matters worse, Pochettino was forced to sub out Christian Pulisic, dubbed "Captain America," after a shot attempt resulted in an injury. Pulisic wound up for a kick on his right foot when a Belgian defender stepped in front of him. Instead of kicking the ball, Pulisic belted the back heel of the Belgium defender, and he went down in clear pain.  Pulisic tried to run it off, but with a clear limp, Pochettino sent in Sebastian Berhalter instead.  As for the biggest story of this match, Folarin Balogun, who became available after FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend his red card, wasn’t much of a factor for the team. Belgium did a good job of buttoning up their defense, and Balogun never got a clean look to find the back of the net as he has in past matches.  The U.S. tried desperately to get back into the match, especially when Berhalter just missed getting a ball past Courtois, but it just went wide left. However, Belgium did their defensive duties and refused to allow what Senegal did to them in the round of 32 – a second-half miraculous comeback.  Instead, Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's superstar striker, put a cherry on top of their victory with a stoppage time goal past Freese in the second half. It was quite the statement on a game they dominated throughout.  As you'd expect, it was a sad group for the U.S. following the loss, while Belgium celebrated their spot in the quarterfinals where they will take on Spain later this week.  Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c5e08c2ca79de23649924 A year after Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, Arizona Democrats warn coverage losses are mounting te 2026-07-07T02:01:44.040Z A year after Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, Arizona Democrats warn coverage losses are mounting U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari speaks about the importance of flipping party control at the state and national level to ensure Democrats have a chance to reverse Medicaid cuts in Phoenix on July 6, 2026. Ansari, along with U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton and local community health CEO Mike Renaud, highlighted the negative impacts of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” on Medicaid and SNAP enrollment on the legislation’s one-year anniversary. (Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez/Arizona Mirror) A year after President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to cut taxes and slash spending on healthcare and other programs aimed at helping lower income Americans, Democrats in Arizona are sounding the alarm over its impacts on families in the Grand Canyon State. And the ability of people to access public assistance, they said, will only worsen unless voters award the party a majority in Congress in this year’s elections.  GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE The tax and spending plan cut billions from Medicaid healthcare programs and enshrined stricter eligibility requirements for both state Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food aid to tens of millions of people. In the Grand Canyon State, that led to more than 300,000 people losing SNAP benefits in six months.  U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton called the fiscal plan an “ugly disaster” for Arizonans, and lambasted the refusal of Congressional Republicans to renew healthcare premium tax credits. The Phoenix Democrat blamed the GOP’s unwillingness to bolster public assistance programs for both the state’s plummeting healthcare coverage rates and declining enrollment in SNAP .  A February analysis found that there were 65,881 fewer people enrolled in an Affordable Care Act Plan compared to the same time in 2025. “Sixty-five thousand of our fellow Arizonans had coverage last year and don’t today,” Stanton said. “That means people are skipping basic checkups, skipping prescriptions and praying that they don’t get sick.” That number has since grown to more than 121,000, which health policy experts attribute to rising insurance premiums and the expiration of federal subsidies that previously helped offset that cost. And public health advocates fear even more people will become uninsured as new rules for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s Medicaid plan, kick in next year.  One in four Arizonans rely on AHCCCS to afford their medical care. But new work and income requirements and a complicated documentation process in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” threaten to imperil that coverage for the 1.8 million Arizonans who are enrolled in the program. Changes to what constitutes a fragile medical condition mean that people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy or with substance abuse disorders undergoing treatment will have to prove they can’t work and deserve to continue receiving healthcare coverage.  Mike Renaud, the chief executive officer of Valle del Sol, a local community health center, criticized the new rules and application as burdensome and pointed out that the vast majority of AHCCCS recipients already work or are in college.  “They’re servers, they’re working part-time, they’re working at Home Depot, they’re working 30 hours a week — just enough to get by but not enough to carry high quality insurance,” he said. “AHCCCS is their lifeline.” Renaud shared that many patients have expressed concerns that they may need to forego treatment to meet the new work requirements.  “I’ve talked to hundreds of our own patients who are in treatment programs wondering, ‘Do I have to choose between working now and my health coverage and getting the treatment services I need? And how do I make that choice?’” he said.  Stanton called on congressional Republicans to support an effort to extend premium tax credits for three more years and reverse the Medicaid cuts passed last year. In January, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives successfully passed a three-year extension, with the help of 17 Republicans. But the U.S. Senate has yet to take up the legislation.  Even if both chambers agree to extend the tax credits, however, it’s unlikely that Trump would approve of the plan. Debate over whether to renew the credits last year in exchange for an end to a looming government shutdown put both parties at odds, even as the public overwhelmingly favored an extension.  Stanton said he still believes a bipartisan solution on premium tax credits and medicaid funding is possible. But he conceded that changing party control of Congress would be a more certain resolution.  “We know the odds that we’re up against, but the fact is, they could do it, and we’re encouraging them to do it,” he said. “And then, if and when we win the majority, we’re going to do it.” U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, another Phoenix Democrat, posited that the political pressure facing Republicans at both the state and national levels in the upcoming election could be enough to prompt a legislative shift. While last year’s federal budget increased the number of times Medicaid enrollees must renew their eligibility to twice a year, the GOP-legislative majority in Arizona pushed for and won four annual verifications for AHCCCS recipients.  “Flipping the (Arizona) legislature is so important,” Ansari said. “Fighting back at every level is going to be critical.” YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c5df4c2ca79de23649904 After Donald Trump criticism, Keir Starmer intervened with FIFA ahead of England-Mexico te 2026-07-07T02:01:24.066Z After Donald Trump criticism, Keir Starmer intervened with FIFA ahead of England-Mexico My, my how the tables have turned. When FIFA announced that they'd suspended the red card punishment of US Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun, it set off a firestorm of criticism. European soccer fans, the Belgian national soccer federation, the Union of European Football Associations, and many other commentators were outraged that Balogun's unjust red card had essentially been delayed. Their complaints have been mostly incoherent and illogical, with UEFA's statement in particular being laughably inaccurate. EUROPE IS FURIOUS OVER BALOGUN REPRIEVE BUT FIFA SUSPENDED RED CARD BANS FOR RONALDO AND OTHERS BEFORE THIS "Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition," they said. "Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted. It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension." Notably, UEFA had no complaints when Cristian Ronaldo's three-match red card suspension was postponed by FIFA ahead of the World Cup. Under the exact same rule that was used in Balogun's case. But another critique of the process came from those who said that President Donald Trump's involvement was an unacceptable violation of soccer norms. Essentially, that a politician should not make phone calls to FIFA leadership to question a decision or potentially influence an outcome. British host Piers Morgan was particularly consumed by inaccurate righteous indignation, accusing the USMNT of "cheating" and "not playing by the rules." MEDIA FIGURES MELT DOWN OVER TRUMP INVOLVEMENT WITH FIFA AS US STAR FOLARIN BALOGUN SET TO PLAY Though of course, the USMNT did not cheat, and no rules were violated. But the outrage from the Europeans and their fans over Trump’s involvement has been curiously missing from another revelation that was reported Monday morning: that British Prime Minister Kier Starmer called FIFA to intervene in favor of the England National Team ahead of their match against Mexico. In the days leading up to England-Mexico at the Azteca, there were rumblings that the start time of the match might be moved up several hours to avoid forecast thunderstorms. But, according to British paper The Sun, Starmer directly intervened with FIFA to prevent that from happening. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "The Mexicans were really talking up the storm and were pressing to move the game," a source told The Sun. "But Keir was having none of it and suspected they were trying to derail the England preparations by giving less time to adapt to the altitude, so he put his foot down." Well, well, well! A politician interfering with FIFA in order to benefit his country's national team? Unacceptable! Outrageous! Unfair! Appeal the whole tournament! Obviously, Starmer and England got their way, and held on to beat El Tri 3-2 in a hard fought instant classic. Curiously, though, Piers Morgan and the very angry European fans have had little-to-nothing to say about a politician "putting his foot down" with FIFA. Should England go on to win their quarterfinal or entire tournament, their run will be tainted by this scandal, forever laden with an asterisk over this unacceptable atrocity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c5de0c2ca79de236498fb New Yorker suing ICE after officers went to his home to warn him over criticism of agency te 2026-07-07T02:01:04.610Z New Yorker suing ICE after officers went to his home to warn him over criticism of agency A New York resident is suing after officers went to his home to serve him with a warning after he sent an email criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership over the agency's tactics in immigration raids. David Streever, a U.S. citizen in Rochester, filed the lawsuit on Monday in Washington, D.C., against the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, arguing that officials violated his First Amendment right to speak out against the government, according to the complaint reviewed by Fox News Digital. Streever was on a trip to Finland with his 7-year-old daughter last month when two officers showed up to his home and handed his wife a warning notice informing him that an email he sent months earlier was considered a threat. He had sent an email in January to Todd Lyons, who was the acting director of ICE at the time, after an ICE agent shot and killed U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good during an immigration raid in Minneapolis. ANOTHER NEW YORKER SAYS OFFICERS CONFRONTED HIM AFTER HE CRITICIZED ICE In the email, Streever told Lyons he was "a monstrous human being" who "will never know peace" and will "go down in history as America's Reinhard Heydrich, the butcher," a reference to a Nazi leader. "The way you are protecting the obvious execution in Minnesota, even as we see the videos, will lead to your downfall. Even Trump will turn on you before the end, and you will be a sad, despised man who eats himself alive with shame at your own pathetic weakness," Streever said in the email, according to the complaint. "You will seek to lose yourself, to escape the burden of knowing the truth about yourself. But wherever you go, you will find yourself. You will torment yourself until your last day on Earth," the email added. When officers arrived at his home, Streever's wife answered the door and was handed a "warning notice" explaining that her husband "may be in violation of federal law" for sending his email to ICE's former acting director. The notice, reviewed by Fox News Digital, urges Streever to "promptly remove and/or discontinue" his "behavior," warning that the notice will be "taken into consideration" if he continues to be involved" in "criminal activities." Streever’s wife told the officers he was out of the country but would return to Rochester later that week, according to the lawsuit. But federal officers did not wait and instead attempted to confront him at a New York City hotel after he returned from Finland, although they were turned away by hotel staff. That same night, officers repeatedly called Streever’s phone, leaving voicemails identifying themselves only as Homeland Security Investigations. On their train ride home, Streever told his daughter about the possibility that federal officers might confront him, and the young girl broke down in tears, fearing for her father's safety. Adam Steinbaugh, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression who is representing Streever, argued the email was protected speech under the First Amendment and does not represent a legitimate threat. "If someone is really threatening a government official, you don’t wait five months to act on it," Steinbaugh said in a statement. "The fact that authorities didn’t respond immediately shows that David presented no threat. This pursuit is designed to intimidate lawful speech, pure and simple." Streever said he was shocked that federal officers came to his home to question him over his email. "I cherish our right to speak openly about issues of public concern," Streever said. "I hope others will not be discouraged from peacefully expressing their views, even when those views are critical of the government." "Like many Americans, I was deeply upset after the shootings in Minnesota and I felt compelled to do something," Streever said in an earlier statement. "Writing an email to the head of ICE seemed like the least I could do to express my sense of outrage. I never dreamed it would lead to a knock on my door by federal officers or descending on my hotel in the dark of night." Fox News Digital reached out to DHS and ICE for comment. The lawsuit also names Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, whose office released a statement claiming, "Any allegation DHS and its components are attempting to ‘squash’ free speech is categorically FALSE," according to the Associated Press. The complaint asks the court to order DHS and ICE officials to stop its "coercion and retaliation" against Streever for his protected speech. The warning to Streever was presented the same week poll worker Paigelynne Gonyea, of Syracuse, said two federal officers confronted her at a voting site during New York’s primaries to question her about a social media post she made about Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer who killed Good. MINNESOTA SENATE VOTES TO BAN ICE FROM WEARING MASKS, ALLOW RESIDENTS TO SUE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS Gonyea said she believes the warning to her was because of a post she made in January in which she shared a picture of Ross along with the caption: "I think today is a great day for Jonathan to be indicted." Her post was made after Ross had already been identified by the media. A spokesperson for DHS, Lauren Bis, shared an image of a different social media post from Gonyea in which she said the woman shared Ross’ address, according to the Associated Press, although part of the post was redacted. Bis said in a statement last week that Gonyea "committed a federal crime by posting the address of an ICE law enforcement officer online" and "if you doxx our officers, we will investigate you, and you will be brought to justice." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c5db9c2ca79de236498d5 U.S. Loss Is a Gut Punch, but a Bright Future Remains for Soccer Here te 2026-07-07T02:00:25.199Z U.S. Loss Is a Gut Punch, but a Bright Future Remains for Soccer Here While the team failed to meet the hopes of many fans, this World Cup highlighted the game’s decades-long climb into the national consciousness. What comes next? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c547cc2ca79de23649678 New York Times calls University of California's 'test-blind' admissions policy a 'terrible' mistake te 2026-07-07T01:21:00.731Z New York Times calls University of California's 'test-blind' admissions policy a 'terrible' mistake More than six years after the University of California system’s Board of Regents moved to stop using standardized test scores in undergraduate admissions, The New York Times Editorial Board is urging the UC system to reverse course. In an editorial published Monday, the paper's editorial board called the UC system's decision a "terrible" mistake that left students less prepared for their college coursework. The editorial comes just days before the UC Board of Regents is expected to consider revisiting the policy. The UC system in 2019 put together the Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF), an 18-member committee comprised of professors from across all 10 campuses. The committee was tasked with studying how the UC system used standardized testing scores in its undergraduate admissions. Around a year later, the group released a 225-page report with its findings and recommendations. "The STTF found that standardized test scores aid in predicting important aspects of student success, including undergraduate grade point average (UGPA), retention, and completion," the group's report read. CALIFORNIA BOARD OF REGENTS TO REVIEW SAT/ACT TESTING BAN AFTER 1,400 PROFESSORS WARN OF ‘SEVERE’ MATH GAPS Despite the group's conclusion that the scores played a key role in predicting student performance, the UC system voted in 2020 to no longer consider them, instead opting for a "test blind" approach. This meant that schools in the UC system would not accept test scores, even from students who wanted to send them. The decision came as the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper's editorial board said the results of the "test-blind" approach "have been terrible," noting that last year a faculty group at UC San Diego reported a sharp drop in academic preparation for new students. "Last fall, for example, nearly 12 percent of first-year U.C.S.D. undergraduates were not qualified to take pre-calculus, a low-level class, up from only 0.5 percent in 2020," the Times Editorial Board added. The Times acknowledged that broader education challenges have emerged, such as artificial intelligence, COVID-19 school closures and smartphone distractions, but argued that the decline in preparedness among entering UC students was "larger than the regression elsewhere." The paper said that this underscored the role of the UC system's test-blind policy. TEXAS’ LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT SEES TEST SCORES SOAR AFTER STATE TAKEOVER DESPITE RACISM CLAIMS In response to Fox News Digital's request for comment, a spokesperson for UC pointed to a statement made by UC's Academic Senate Chair Ahmet Palazoglu. "Academic preparedness and student success are significant priorities at the University of California. That’s why the UC faculty Academic Senate is engaged in a comprehensive, data-driven review of how to best assess college readiness and support student success at UC," Palazoglu's statement read. "The review will go well beyond previous work on this subject because much has changed across the education landscape since the UC Board of Regents adopted its test-blind undergraduate admissions policy in 2020. Based on the authority delegated by the Board of Regents, the UC faculty Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) is leading the review of UC’s admissions policies and criteria." The editorial comes as UC faculty members call for the return of standardized testing requirements. Groups of UC faculty members sent two letters urging the university to reverse its test-blind policy. More than 2,300 of UC's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) faculty have signed one letter, while more than 900 UC humanities faculty members signed a similar one. "Obscuring preparation gaps harms both students individually and the University collectively. It offers the appearance of access while undermining the chance of success," the letter from the STEM faculty read. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Despite pleas from professors, the UC system has not moved to reverse its testing policy. Instead, it has decided to form a new committee to review the pros and cons of reinstating the tests. The Times Editorial Board noted that Janet Napolitano, who served as the university president in 2020 and backed the test blind policy, was in favor of bringing back test scores. She told the paper that the test blind policy was "a worthwhile experiment," but the results made it "increasingly clear that the experiment needs to be revisited." The editorial noted that the UC system was not alone when it moved to no longer consider test scores during the pandemic. However, many schools that made the same choice have since reinstated the requirement. Some have remained test-optional, while others have started requiring scores for admission. The list of schools that require students to submit scores includes Harvard, Brown, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and the California Institute of Technology, among others. The Times noted that both the Naval Academy and West Point require test scores. The Times Editorial Board also cited Brown University President Christina Paxson, who argued in a letter that standardized test scores were better predictors of academic performance than high school grades. She admitted that there were valid concerns about the tests and that the question of whether the benefits outweighed the drawbacks remained "empirical." "The university’s trustees, known as the regents, have the final word. When they next meet, on July 14, they should have the courage to admit they made a mistake six years ago and reverse it," the Times Editorial Board argued. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c5469c2ca79de2364966f USA coach Mauricio Pochettino kicks Powerade bottles in frustration as team's first half defense looks shaky te 2026-07-07T01:20:41.282Z USA coach Mauricio Pochettino kicks Powerade bottles in frustration as team's first half defense looks shaky Team USA did not have the first-half start they were hoping for against Belgium in the Round of 16, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino displayed some rightful frustration because of it. Belgium sent a shock to the USA system not even 10 minutes into the match when Charles De Ketelaere tapped in a ball served right in front of Matt Freese’s net and sent a silent murmur over the sold-out Seattle Stadium crowd. But things felt back to normal when Malik Tillman, who scored a free kick in the second half against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, did it again. Tillman buried his shot past legendary Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois thanks to a deflection off one of Belgium’s defenders. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM That was in the 31st minute, but Pochettino’s display of frustration came after the U.S. conceded their second goal just two minutes later. It was De Ketelaere once again, this time leaping over veteran defender Tim Ream and using his head to place the ball in the back of the net. THANKS TO TRUMP, A RESTED TEAM USA HAS THE ULTIMATE EDGE OVER A FURIOUS BELGIUM IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP As Belgium celebrated, Pochettino walked over to his bench and let out his displeasure with what he just witnessed on the pitch with a right boot to the Powerade bottles on the ground. That’s the type of half it was for Team USA, which went into halftime with a lot to go over before the second half begins. While possession was relatively close – Belgium owned it 53% to the USMNT’s 47% -- it was clear the Belgians had the advantage in the offensive end. They finished the half with five shots on goal to just one from the U.S. They also created four big chances, meaning this game could’ve been a lot further away for the U.S. than the scoreboard says at the moment. The USMNT will need better play all around if they wish to move on to the quarterfinals to meet Spain and keep their World Cup title dreams alive. If they can do so, they would become just the second team in U.S. history to get it done, as only the squad in 2002 was able to reach the quarterfinals in this modern FIFA World Cup format. Pochettino may let out more frustrations in the locker room, but it’s clear the manager might have to get clever with Belgium owning the momentum after the first 45 minutes. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4fcdc2ca79de236495a4 Alex Rodriguez lands on his feet once again with another fitness trainer and model after recent breakup te 2026-07-07T01:01:01.866Z Alex Rodriguez lands on his feet once again with another fitness trainer and model after recent breakup Alex Rodriguez has carried lessons from his years of playing baseball into his personal life. Whether it was good or bad, you have to forget your last at-bat when you're preparing for your next one. He didn’t let an engagement to Jennifer Lopez getting called off get him down, and he's not letting the end of his relationship of three-plus years with Canadian fitness instructor Jac Cordeiro get him down either. A-Rod is back out there. In May, Cordeiro said there was "mutual love, care, and deep respect." when discussing the split, which was described as "taking some time apart." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! He was then seen last week out at Michael Rubin's White Party with a then-unknown fit woman sharing a kiss. A beacon of hope, if you will, for other romantics out there who have momentarily taken a detour off course. On Monday, sources had confirmed that A-Rod had landed on his feet once again with the woman he was hanging out with in the Hamptons. According to Page Six, she's a private fitness coach by the name of Meghan Hayden. JENNIFER LOPEZ ADMITS SHE 'WOULD'VE HAD SEX' WITH ENTIRE STAR-STUDDED 90S MOVIE CAST Rodriguez, now 50, still has a type. He enjoys the fitness instructor-model game like no other. A source told the outlet, "They are dating. It’s new. She’s a really nice person from a great family." The source added that they came with others and that the friends with them played defense for Hayden. They said, "There were other girls trying to talk and flirt with him, but the friends at the table nicely redirected them." While it might appear as if the resilient A-Rod works fast, he's not working that fast. Let's give these two some time together. She hasn't even had a chance to be seen courtside at a Minnesota Timberwolves game yet. JENNIFER LOPEZ TAKES BLAME FOR BEN AFFLECK DIVORCE, SAYS SHE NEEDED TO 'FIGURE' HERSELF OUT AFTER SPLIT Let's give her a chance. Along with being a private fitness coach, she's a former Division I athlete who graduated with a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology. So says her website, which also states, "When Meghan isn’t training clients, she’s most likely biking to her next session or modeling on set with household brands like Under Armour & Athleta." That all sounds like someone A-Rod could enjoy hitting the gym with, doesn't it? Good for him. After the relationship news broke, she appeared to confirm it when she posted several pictures from the "White Party '26," including a couple of her with the former Major Leaguer. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4fa5c2ca79de2364957f In CNN Interview, Woman Details Alleged Sexual Assault by Graham Platner te 2026-07-07T01:00:21.942Z In CNN Interview, Woman Details Alleged Sexual Assault by Graham Platner “This is something that I tried for many years to forget,” the woman, Jenny Racicot, said on CNN. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4d74c2ca79de2364952c Popular Florida social media influencer killed in drive-by shooting while inside luxury SUV te 2026-07-07T00:51:00.266Z Popular Florida social media influencer killed in drive-by shooting while inside luxury SUV A popular South Florida influencer was killed in a drive-by triple shooting early Sunday morning, authorities said. Brianna Johnson, 21, who posted under the Instagram handle dreamdoll_brii, was riding in a lime green luxury SUV with two other passengers when gunfire erupted, the Miramar Police Department told Fox News Digital on Monday. Surveillance video reportedly captured the shooting, which unfolded around 5:30 a.m., just hours after the Fourth of July holiday. Johnson was known for sharing lifestyle and beauty content and had nearly 500,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. Her TikTok account, _itgirlbri, had about 388,000 followers, while her Instagram account had roughly 88,800 followers.  FITNESS INFLUENCER STEPHANIE BUTTERMORE DEAD AT 36, FIANCÉ CONFIRMS IN HEARTBREAKING POST According to police, Johnson was traveling in a lime green Lamborghini Urus when the SUV reached an intersection and a white sedan "pulled alongside the driver's side and opened fire, striking three occupants."  Surveillance video obtained by local outlet WSVN appears to show a light-colored sedan following the victims' Lamborghini down the street before gunfire erupts.  Moments later, the Lamborghini was seen drifting through the intersection before crashing into a nearby house as the suspected shooter's vehicle sped away. Police said they were alerted to the shooting after receiving multiple ShotSpotter notifications in the area. Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss described the gunfire as rapid-fire, according to WSVN. Photos circulating social media also appear to show the Lamborghini riddled with a dozen bullet holes along its doors.  HAUNTING NOTE ON VEGAS HOTEL DOOR HINTED AT TRAGEDY BEFORE CHEER MOM, DAUGHTER FOUND DEAD According to WSVN, the three victims had attended a large party at a nearby home before the shooting. Sources told the outlet the group later stopped at a gas station, where a fight allegedly broke out. Investigators believe the victims' luxury SUV was then targeted and followed, according to reports.  Johnson ultimately "succumbed to her injuries," police said. The two other occupants, whose identities have not been released, were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. A woman identifying herself as Johnson's cousin, who goes by Instagram handle pdolly26, shared a series of Instagram Stories mourning her death and identifying the victim as the South Florida influencer.  Numerous fans also began flooding Johnson's social media accounts with messages of condolence.  Police said the shooting remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4d4cc2ca79de236494f0 Netflix invented binge-watching. Now it may have outgrown it. te 2026-07-07T00:50:20.846Z Netflix invented binge-watching. Now it may have outgrown it. A new report suggests Netflix viewers aren’t sticking around for Season 2. The bigger issue may be that binge-watching itself is no longer the advantage it once was. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c48b5c2ca79de2364941f Terrified passengers film Waymo autonomous vehicle driving into live fireworks in San Francisco te 2026-07-07T00:30:45.718Z Terrified passengers film Waymo autonomous vehicle driving into live fireworks in San Francisco Passengers in a Waymo vehicle were terrified as the car drove into lit fireworks in the middle of a San Francisco street during Independence Day celebrations over the weekend. Video footage of the incident shows a group of passengers who were shocked as the driverless car seemingly approaches lit fireworks in the middle of a street as the explosives are about to launch. As the car gets closer, someone on the street appears to warn the vehicle to stop by waving their hand. DELTA FLIGHT STRUCK BY FIREWORKS WHILE LANDING IN CHICAGO ON FOURTH OF JULY, FAA INVESTIGATES "No, no, no, don’t go, don’t go, don’t go," one of the passengers is heard saying off-camera. The autonomous vehicle then passes over the colorful flames and sparks. "Our Waymo just drove into a firework," a passenger says in the clip. ZOOX ROBOTAXI REDESIGN BRINGS BIG RIDER UPGRADES "Are we on fire, dude?" a fellow passenger asks. A Waymo spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the company "is committed to keeping our riders safe and earning the trust of the communities where we operate." "We take situations like this seriously and are committed to evaluating and learning from these events," the statement continued. BROOKLYN BRIDGE CATCHES FIRE AMID NYC FIREWORKS DISPLAY AS TRUMP HAILS IT IN DC SPEECH No injuries were reported to either the passengers or the vehicle, and the company reached out to the riders after their trip. The possession of fireworks, even "Safe and Sane" explosives, is illegal in San Francisco, the city's fire department said. One woman was killed and two other adults and a child were injured Saturday in a separate fireworks explosion, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Elsewhere in San Francisco, some Waymo vehicles were towed when their batteries died after vehicles became stuck in traffic for hours. "Our priority is keeping San Francisco moving safely, especially during major city celebrations," the Waymo spokesperson said. "On the Fourth of July, extreme traffic congestion in northern San Francisco disrupted normal operations for several Waymo vehicles." "In coordination with local authorities and emergency services, our roadside assistance team worked quickly to clear our vehicles from the area," the statement continued. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4451c2ca79de2364933b Jury selection begins in child sex offense case te 2026-07-07T00:12:01.051Z Jury selection begins in child sex offense case Attorneys are preparing for trial of a Lake Havasu City man charged with sex offenses involving a young girl between 2022 and 2024. The alleged victim was 10-12 years old over the interval. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c443dc2ca79de2364932e This lawsuit could upend Nevada water regulation — and cost taxpayers billions te 2026-07-07T00:11:41.088Z This lawsuit could upend Nevada water regulation — and cost taxpayers billions A lawsuit that some say could cripple the state’s top water regulator is headed to trial in a Las Vegas courtroom next week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4428c2ca79de23649309 Platner's latest accuser 'couldn't disagree more' with those who accuse her of being motivated by politics te 2026-07-07T00:11:20.093Z Platner's latest accuser 'couldn't disagree more' with those who accuse her of being motivated by politics A woman who made bombshell allegations against Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is rejecting claims that she came forward for political reasons on Monday. Jenny Racicot told CNN's Jake Tapper that she decided to come forward because she felt that "there are a lot of men in this world relying on the silence of women to be where they are, and I don't want to contribute to that." When Tapper pressed her on the potential blowback from Platner supporters who claim that she was motivated by politics, Racicot said she "couldn't disagree more" with them and that she wrestled with a "huge moral conflict" because she agrees with Platner politically. EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE "I really agree with his politics. I think we need somebody with those political stances and who are willing to do the work," she said. "I see his political videos. They get me fired up as well. I understand why people want someone like him in office, and I felt like me coming forward would essentially, potentially take that away." Despite her allegations, Racicot said she would not necessarily tell people not to vote for Platner. Tapper also noted that Racicot had not used the word "rape" when telling her story and asked whether she believed Platner had raped her, to which she said that "By definition? Yes, absolutely." TOP PLATNER ALLY TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS CAMPAIGN: 'RED LINE' Racicot's detailed allegations were first reported by Politico on Monday. She told that outlet over the course of three interviews that Platner forced her to have sex with him against her will in 2021. Platner has vehemently denied the allegations. Racicot told Politico that Platner was "almost blackout drunk" when the incident took place. "I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told Politico. "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’" When describing the situation to Tapper, Racicot said that during the incident, Platner had moments where he would apologize before going back to "doing what he was doing." DEMOCRATS BREAK WITH SCANDAL-PLAGUED GRAHAM PLATNER, WARN OF 'CIVIL WAR' IN PARTY Platner's campaign released a video after the allegations were published, which the candidate described as "troubling, serious and false." "Any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false," Platner said in the video. He went on to speak about his experiences on the campaign trail before saying that in light of the "inaccuracy of the reporting" his team was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward." Following Politico's reporting, several Democrats rescinded their endorsements of Platner and some called on him to drop out of the Senate race. The Maine Democratic Party issued a statement urging him to withdraw from the race. Platner's campaign has faced multiple controversies, including scrutiny over a tattoo on his chest depicting a Nazi symbol known as a "Totenkopf." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE In June, the New York Times published an article with allegations against Platner made by women who dated him in the past, including Racicot. While Racicot spoke with the Times about her relationship with Platner, she did not go into detail about the 2021 incident. "Racicot also said that in 2021 he arrived at her house drunk, after she had asked him not to come over. She declined to elaborate, but said she cut off contact soon after that episode and found his behavior 'reckless' and 'unsettling,'" the Times reported last month. Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4414c2ca79de23649300 Experimental vaccine shows promise against dangerous intestinal illness te 2026-07-07T00:11:00.635Z Experimental vaccine shows promise against dangerous intestinal illness A decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against one of the world's leading causes of severe digestive illness has reached a milestone, according to new research. Scientists recently developed a technology targeting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a bacterium responsible for millions of diarrheal illnesses each year. The technology has now been licensed to French vaccine manufacturer Valneva for further development. MYSTERY PARASITE LEAVES AMERICANS BATTLING ‘EXPLOSIVE' ILLNESS AS CDC INVESTIGATES The findings come after decades of research led by scientists at the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Research Center (NORCE). One of the most common bacterial causes of severe diarrhea worldwide, ETEC is known to disproportionately affect children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite years of research, there is currently no broadly effective vaccine to prevent the infection, according to the study. The researchers focused on a toxin produced by ETEC that has long been considered one of the biggest obstacles to vaccine development. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES James Fleckenstein, MD, a professor of medicine and molecular microbiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said the findings represent a promising step. "We still have a lot of work to do to translate these findings to an actual vaccine," Fleckenstein, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. "But the approach does look promising in the sense that the proteins elicit strong antibody responses that appear to offer protection against diarrheal illness after the first infection in children in developing countries." If the vaccine eventually reaches patients, researchers hope it could help protect children against some of the most severe forms of diarrheal disease caused by ETEC. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER In the meantime, Fleckenstein said travelers can take steps to reduce their risk of diarrheal illnesses. He recommends avoiding high-risk foods — including meals from street vendors in areas where sanitation may be poor — drinking bottled water in higher-risk regions, and practicing good hand hygiene. Fleckenstein also noted that vaccines are available to protect against typhoid fever, and said travelers should consult their physician before traveling internationally. The research did have some limitations, the researchers noted. The technology is still in development and has not yet been tested as an approved vaccine among the public. While the licensing agreement allows Valneva to continue advancing the research, additional laboratory studies, clinical trials and regulatory review will be required before the vaccine becomes available. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4401c2ca79de236492f7 ‘He is happy with his choice’: Former co-host insists Mario Lopez is a MAGA supporter te 2026-07-07T00:10:41.186Z ‘He is happy with his choice’: Former co-host insists Mario Lopez is a MAGA supporter Actor and TV host Mario Lopez denied that he supported President Donald Trump in a since-deleted Instagram comment, according to a Buzzfeed report last month. The former "Access Hollywood" host commented on a video titled "Exposing Latino MAGA Artists" from last month, which labeled Lopez a "MAGA" supporter based on a past post supporting a UFC fight on the White House lawn, as well as following Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr., and the official POTUS page, according to the June 26 report. The video also highlighted a 2016 interview Lopez did with Trump for "Extra" during Trump's first presidential campaign. MARIO LOPEZ BLASTS GAVIN NEWSOM FOR BEING TOUGHER ON 'SKITTLES' IN CALIFORNIA THAN DRUGS AND HOMELESSNESS However, Lopez allegedly denied supporting Trump politically and claimed that he did not even attend the UFC Freedom 250 fight. "You need to get your facts straight," Lopez wrote. "I’ve interviewed Trump many times when he was on 'The Apprentice.' And I didn’t attend the White House event. I was in DC shooting a PrimeTime special at the time for CBS celebrating a civics competition for kids." Lopez wrote that his original UFC support was in support of his friend, UFC CEO Dana White, and that he "could care less" about politics as a whole. "Like I said, I’m not a political person. Too divisive. I could care less about politics. I care about my family, my community, my culture, and my faith. God bless you and have a nice day, but please don’t spread misinformation," Lopez wrote. HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES CRASH AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY WITH A GRIM HOLIDAY WARNING ABOUT TRUMP On Thursday, Lopez's former "Extra" co-host Tanika Ray added a comment to the original report, claiming that she could "confirm this is true." "It's unfortunate but glad the truth is out maybe it will encourage him to think about it. But then again. He's a capitalist first," Ray wrote. In another comment, she wrote, "He is Mexican and maga and though it's really confusing to me, it's his life. He is happy with his choice. I pray people wake up bc this isn't it." Fox News Digital reached out to Lopez's representatives for comment. NATE BARGATZE FACING CANCELLATION FROM THE LEFT FOR ATTENDING UFC 250 WHITE HOUSE EVENT: 'TEAM FASCISM' The former "Saved by the Bell" actor has remained largely apolitical in his public life but has been open about sharing his Christian faith while working in Hollywood. During his 2016 interview with Trump, Lopez previously described himself as "Latino, happen to also be conservative, a child of Mexican immigrants." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c41abc2ca79de2364927c Here’s the latest. te 2026-07-07T00:00:43.419Z Here’s the latest. Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, called the allegation “false.” He did not say if he would continue his campaign. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a4c4194c2ca79de23649253 The ‘first’ AI-run ransomware attack still needed a human te 2026-07-07T00:00:20.416Z The ‘first’ AI-run ransomware attack still needed a human An AI agent carried out the technical execution of a real-world ransomware attack for the first known time, but new details show a human still chose the victim, set up the infrastructure, and supplied stolen credentials — meaning it wasn't quite the fully autonomous cybercrime debut that last week's Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/home